Balitang Parokya

Blessing of the Hall of Saints

LAST 4 SEPTEMBER 2011, the newly built “Hall of Saints” was blessed by His Excellency Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, D.D., Bishop of Cubao, on the occasion of his first pastoral visit to ROLP. This “Hall of Saints,” located on the leftmost side of the church, in the corridor leading to the Adoration Chapel, houses the statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; Immaculate Conception; Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help; and St. Joseph; as well as the images of God the Father, and the Divine Mercy.

In this newly enclosed sacred space, parishioners are welcome to light candles (sold at P5 each) on the mini steps before the statues and pray. The hall is open anytime, especially during Sunday and weekday Masses.

Medical-Dental Mission 2011

MAHIGIT 300 PAROKYANO ang natugunan sa kanilang mga pangangailangang pangkalasuguan nang isagawa ang Medical-Dental Mission sa Patio Resurrecion noong ika-17 ng Setyembre. Ang taunang proyektong pangkawanggawa na ito ay ipinatupad ng Social Services and Development Ministry (SSDM), sa pangunguna ni Wilma Castor, sa pakikipagtulungan ng Catholic Women’s League (CWL), Munting Simbahang Kapitbahayan (MSK) at ng UST Highschool Batch 1970 sa pakikipagugnayan ni Sis. Evelyn Ramos.

Nagsimula ang gamutan nang 8:00 ng umaga at natapos nang 3:00 ng hapon. Dalawa ang mga volunteer doctor na kasapi ng UST High School Batch 1970, at dalawa naman ang mula sa Paltok na sina Dra. Leonila Sacdalan at Dra. Elena Sacdalan.

Sa kabuuang bilang na 314 parokyanong kanilang nagamot, may 201 na pasyente sa medical, 60 ang sa dental, 53 naman ang sa Dermatology. —Rhea Jomadiao

Blessing of Pets

ANYONE IN FRONT of the church on Sunday, 2 October 2011 would have been mystified by the strange sounds (a cacophony of ‘arfs’, ‘meows’ and ‘tweets’) coming from the inside.

But the racket was actually coming from the Blessing of Pets. This annual event initiated by Fr. Ronald Macale and inspired by St. Francis of Assisi’s impeccable love for animals, has drawn pet owners from all over Paltok to have their pets blessed by their very own Parish Priest. Now on its sixth year, the Parish Youth Ministry spearheaded this event with the theme “Alagang mga Hayop Ituring na Biyaya, Pinagmumulan ng Tuwa”.

Despite the heavy downpour outside the church, it was a very loud and joyous celebration with all the pets interacting with their fellow animals and their respective owners lovingly. After the 3 p.m. Misang Pambata that kicked off the ceremony, other activities lined up were the different Competitions and Awards, a Free Vaccination by the Metropolitan Veterinary Clinic, a photo booth set up by the Multimedia Advocates for Creative Evangelization (MACE), and finally, the Blessing itself.

At the end of the day, the event strengthened the bond of friendship between the pets and their owners, judging from the smile on their faces as they left the church.—Gail Quintos

Living Rosary 2011

Highlighting the communal devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to the Holy Rosary during this October is the Living Rosary, which was held on Saturday, 22 October at 1 pm at ROLP church. Members of the parish organizations and ministries, as well as officers of the Parish Pastoral and Finance Councils represented “beads” forming a human rosary chain and took turns reciting the prayers of their respective “beads.” Members leading the “Our Father” wore red shirts while those leading the “Hail Mary” wore white. This beautiful annual ritual, held on the eve of the Feast of the Holy Rosary (23 October), binds the parish community in prayer for guidance, strength, and protection through the intercession of the Blessed Mother.

Blessed John Paul II: Inspiring Holiness

To mark his appointed feastday on 22 October, a concert-cum-liturgical celebration entitled “Blessed: A Call to Holiness” will be staged at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, 29 October, from 1-6 pm. According to Deedee Siytangco in her article “Remembering Blessed John Paul II” (Manila Bulletin, 9 Oct. 2011), this special event, to echo the spirit of John Paul II’s visit to the same venue in February 1981 during which he urged professionals, the youth and catechists to respond to the call to holiness in the practice of their profession and vocation, will consist of thanksgiving, inspiring messages, and musical performances by those who knew the beloved pontiff. “To Come to Thee “(Venire ad Te), a song especially composed by Ryan Cayabyab and Fr. Manoling Francisco, S.J., for the occasion, will be launched. All ROLP parishioners, especially members of the parish organizations, are invited to attend. Admission is free but tickets will be required upon entry. Tickets are available at the Diocese of Cubao and at the parish office.