ni John Philip Rada
GINANAP ang Advent Recollection sa ating parokya sa gabi ng 30 Nobyembre 2013. Si Fr. Pong del Rosario ang paring tagapangaral sa recollection na dinaluhan ng mga miyembro ng iba’t ibang organisasyon at mga parokyano.
Ayon kay Fr. Pong, ang adbyento ay panahon ng pananahi-mik, pananalangin at pagtitimpi. Ang adbyento ay panahon din ng paghihintay nang may pananampalataya at pag-asa sa pagkilos ng Diyos sa ating buhay sa kabila ng ating kahinaan. Higit sa lahat, panahon din ito ng paghihintay sa pag-ibig nang may pananabik at pagpapakumbaba.
Namuno din si Fr. Pong sa pagdasal ng bayan sa Espiritu Santo para sa nominasyon ng mga bubuo sa bagong PPC, na ginanap pagkatapos ng recollection.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
BALITANG PAROKYA | Kasalang Simbahan, Tagumpay
ni Rhea Jomadiao
MATAGUMPAY na naidaos ang taunang Kasalang Simba-han sa ating parokya noong 16 Nobyembre 2013.
Sa suporta ni Fr. Pong del Rosario at pangunguna ng Family and Life Ministry na kinabibilangan ng Marriage Encounter Prayer Community at Couples for Christ, 13 pares ng mag-asawa ang naipakasal sa ating simbahan.
“Sulit ang pagod at pagsisikap namin sapagkat nakita namin ang kaligayahan ng mga ikinasal, hiling naming mag-asawa na sa mga susunod na taon ay dumami pa ang nais makatanggap ng biyaya ng kasal mula sa Panginoon,” sabi nina Lito at Wilma Mistiola, ang mga coordinator ng nasabing ministry.
MATAGUMPAY na naidaos ang taunang Kasalang Simba-han sa ating parokya noong 16 Nobyembre 2013.
Sa suporta ni Fr. Pong del Rosario at pangunguna ng Family and Life Ministry na kinabibilangan ng Marriage Encounter Prayer Community at Couples for Christ, 13 pares ng mag-asawa ang naipakasal sa ating simbahan.
“Sulit ang pagod at pagsisikap namin sapagkat nakita namin ang kaligayahan ng mga ikinasal, hiling naming mag-asawa na sa mga susunod na taon ay dumami pa ang nais makatanggap ng biyaya ng kasal mula sa Panginoon,” sabi nina Lito at Wilma Mistiola, ang mga coordinator ng nasabing ministry.
Monday, March 24, 2014
BALITANG PAROKYA | Konsiyerto Ginanap para sa Ika-10 Anibersaryo ng Diyosesis ng Cubao
ni Dianne Orendain
Upang ipagdiwang ang ika-10 taong anibersaryo ng Diyosesis ng Cubao, isang konsiyerto ang ginanap sa Blue Eagle Gym ng Ateneo de Manila University noong 25 Nobyembre 2013. Dinaluhan ang nasabing konsiyerto ng mga parokyano mula sa iba’t ibang simbahan, kasama na rito ang may 80 katao mula sa ating parokya. Tampok sa konsiyertong ito ang pagtatanghal ng mga kaparian ng ating Diyosesis kabilang si Bishop Honesto Ongtioco. Sa temang “From Roots to Fruits,” inilahad ng programa ang pag-usbong at paglago ng Diyosesis sa pananampalataya sa loob ng limang bahagi: Panimula, Pangarap, Pagpapastol, Pagkalinga, at Panalangin. May ipinalabas na maikling video sa bawat bahagi. Labis na ikinatuwa ng mga manonood ang ipinakitang angking talento sa pagkanta at pagsayaw ng kaparian, at mga kilalang mananayaw na The Manuevers at mang-aawit tulad nina Dulce, Four Tenors, Isay Alvarez, Robert Seña, Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir at ang Korong ng 50 na tao na nagmula sa iba’t ibang parokya ng diyosesis.
Ang di-malimutang konsyerto ay naging pagkakataon din upang matulungan ang mga nasalanta ng lindol at ng bagyong Yolanda sa kabisayaan. Sa buong haba ng konsyerto, nag-am-bag ang mga manonood ng salapi at relief goods. Umabot ang nilikom na salapi sa halagang 1.3 milyong piso. Naglaan din ng tahimik na panalangin para sa lahat ng naapektuhan ng kalamidad.
Upang ipagdiwang ang ika-10 taong anibersaryo ng Diyosesis ng Cubao, isang konsiyerto ang ginanap sa Blue Eagle Gym ng Ateneo de Manila University noong 25 Nobyembre 2013. Dinaluhan ang nasabing konsiyerto ng mga parokyano mula sa iba’t ibang simbahan, kasama na rito ang may 80 katao mula sa ating parokya. Tampok sa konsiyertong ito ang pagtatanghal ng mga kaparian ng ating Diyosesis kabilang si Bishop Honesto Ongtioco. Sa temang “From Roots to Fruits,” inilahad ng programa ang pag-usbong at paglago ng Diyosesis sa pananampalataya sa loob ng limang bahagi: Panimula, Pangarap, Pagpapastol, Pagkalinga, at Panalangin. May ipinalabas na maikling video sa bawat bahagi. Labis na ikinatuwa ng mga manonood ang ipinakitang angking talento sa pagkanta at pagsayaw ng kaparian, at mga kilalang mananayaw na The Manuevers at mang-aawit tulad nina Dulce, Four Tenors, Isay Alvarez, Robert Seña, Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir at ang Korong ng 50 na tao na nagmula sa iba’t ibang parokya ng diyosesis.
Ang di-malimutang konsyerto ay naging pagkakataon din upang matulungan ang mga nasalanta ng lindol at ng bagyong Yolanda sa kabisayaan. Sa buong haba ng konsyerto, nag-am-bag ang mga manonood ng salapi at relief goods. Umabot ang nilikom na salapi sa halagang 1.3 milyong piso. Naglaan din ng tahimik na panalangin para sa lahat ng naapektuhan ng kalamidad.
DIWA NG PAROKYA | One Act
by Gail Quintos
My dearest friend,
Do something nice for a stranger every day.
Compliment your neighbor about her hair.
Smile at a passer-by at the station.
Give your seat on the bus to an old man.
Hold the elevator for the late worker in your building.
Give your extra coins to that poor boy on the road.
Open the door for the rich businessman as he leaves work.
Greet the taxi driver a good day.
Let that man step ahead of you in the line at that restaurant you love.
Return that woman’s wallet when she drops it.
Say a prayer for the old man you saw all alone in the alley.
And when you’re feeling down as you pass by me on the street on this fine morning
(Not that you know me, or that you would give me a second thought)
Please, my dear friend. Give me the chance to help you too.
My dearest friend,
Do something nice for a stranger every day.
Compliment your neighbor about her hair.
Smile at a passer-by at the station.
Give your seat on the bus to an old man.
Hold the elevator for the late worker in your building.
Give your extra coins to that poor boy on the road.
Open the door for the rich businessman as he leaves work.
Greet the taxi driver a good day.
Let that man step ahead of you in the line at that restaurant you love.
Return that woman’s wallet when she drops it.
Say a prayer for the old man you saw all alone in the alley.
And when you’re feeling down as you pass by me on the street on this fine morning
(Not that you know me, or that you would give me a second thought)
Please, my dear friend. Give me the chance to help you too.
DIWA NG PAROKYA | Pasko ay Pag-ibig
ni Terry Magnaye
Naamoy ko na Pasko sa paligid
Ang dapyo ng hangin ay mahalumigmig
Hinahaplos-haplos balat mong makinis
Ang ibinabadya Pasko’y nalalapit.
Sa loob at labas ng mga tahanan
Sa mga pader, halamanan at durungawan
Ang ilaw dagitab, nagpapaligsahan
Kumikindatkindat, kumakaway-kaway.
Ligaya ang dulot ng Sanggol sa Belen
Mayaman o Dukha, may isang hangarin
Ang likas na buting nasa puso natin
Nagbuhat sa Diyos nang tayo’y lalangin.
Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa lahat.
Naamoy ko na Pasko sa paligid
Ang dapyo ng hangin ay mahalumigmig
Hinahaplos-haplos balat mong makinis
Ang ibinabadya Pasko’y nalalapit.
Sa loob at labas ng mga tahanan
Sa mga pader, halamanan at durungawan
Ang ilaw dagitab, nagpapaligsahan
Kumikindatkindat, kumakaway-kaway.
Ligaya ang dulot ng Sanggol sa Belen
Mayaman o Dukha, may isang hangarin
Ang likas na buting nasa puso natin
Nagbuhat sa Diyos nang tayo’y lalangin.
Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa lahat.
PARISH PRIEST'S CORNER | Si Kristong Kapiling ang Tunay na Pasko
ni Fr. Pong Del Rosario
Tuloy ang Pasko!
Hindi dahil tayo’y manhid at walang pakialam sa mga kaganapan at pinagdaraanan ng ating mga kababayan. Tuloy ang Pasko. Ito’y sa kabila ng ating kahirapan at mga pagsubok na sinisikap pagtagumpayan.
Ang Pasko ay hindi tungkol sa regalo at bonus. Ang Pasko ay hindi tungkol sa mamantika at makukulay na pagkain at kasuotan. Ang Pasko ay hindi tungkol sa walang habas na paggasta at pamimili. ANG PASKO AY SI KRISTO SA ATING PILING!
“Ubi caritas et amo, Deus ibi est. Ubi caritas et amo, Christus ibi est.” Kung saan may pag-ibig at pagmamalasakitan, naroon ang Diyos umiiral at nararamdaman. Sa kabila ng matinding dagok at pagkasubasob na naranasan natin gawa ng kararaang mga kalamidad, ang ating mga puso’y hindi natinag. Ang dangal at tatag natin bilang bayan ay lalo lamang nag-ugat at tumibay. Mas malakas at makapangyarihan kaysa sa lindol at nangangalit na hangin at alon ang daluyong ng PAG-IBIG, PAGBABAYANIHAN, PAGMAMALASAKIT, PAGDADAMAYAN at PAG-UUGNAYAN na bumalot sa buong bayan natin mula mismo sa ating lahat: mga bayan-bayan at lalawigan, mga diosesis, parokya, iba’t ibang samahan, mga baranggay, pamilya, eskwelahan, opisina, mga sangay ng pamahalaan, kapulisan at mga kawal, mga OFW, factory at office workers, mga drivers, mga tindero’t tindera, mga bata’t matanda, at maging sa lahat ng panig at sulok ng daigdig. Kung saan may pag-ibig...NAROROON ang Diyos!
Maagang dumating ang kapaskuhan sa ating piling!
Naririto na’t buhay na buhay si Kristo sa ating piling!
Tuloy ang Pasko!
Hindi dahil tayo’y manhid at walang pakialam sa mga kaganapan at pinagdaraanan ng ating mga kababayan. Tuloy ang Pasko. Ito’y sa kabila ng ating kahirapan at mga pagsubok na sinisikap pagtagumpayan.
Ang Pasko ay hindi tungkol sa regalo at bonus. Ang Pasko ay hindi tungkol sa mamantika at makukulay na pagkain at kasuotan. Ang Pasko ay hindi tungkol sa walang habas na paggasta at pamimili. ANG PASKO AY SI KRISTO SA ATING PILING!
“Ubi caritas et amo, Deus ibi est. Ubi caritas et amo, Christus ibi est.” Kung saan may pag-ibig at pagmamalasakitan, naroon ang Diyos umiiral at nararamdaman. Sa kabila ng matinding dagok at pagkasubasob na naranasan natin gawa ng kararaang mga kalamidad, ang ating mga puso’y hindi natinag. Ang dangal at tatag natin bilang bayan ay lalo lamang nag-ugat at tumibay. Mas malakas at makapangyarihan kaysa sa lindol at nangangalit na hangin at alon ang daluyong ng PAG-IBIG, PAGBABAYANIHAN, PAGMAMALASAKIT, PAGDADAMAYAN at PAG-UUGNAYAN na bumalot sa buong bayan natin mula mismo sa ating lahat: mga bayan-bayan at lalawigan, mga diosesis, parokya, iba’t ibang samahan, mga baranggay, pamilya, eskwelahan, opisina, mga sangay ng pamahalaan, kapulisan at mga kawal, mga OFW, factory at office workers, mga drivers, mga tindero’t tindera, mga bata’t matanda, at maging sa lahat ng panig at sulok ng daigdig. Kung saan may pag-ibig...NAROROON ang Diyos!
Maagang dumating ang kapaskuhan sa ating piling!
Naririto na’t buhay na buhay si Kristo sa ating piling!
COVER STORY | When the Giving Outpored the Raining
by Claude Lucas Despabiladeras
"Outpouring” is a word that aptly describes the extent to which Filipinos and even foreigners responded to the urgent help needed by the countless victims of super typhoon Yolanda. In different parts of the country and the world, many individuals and groups initiated fund-raising activities and relief operations for the sake of those who were devastated in the provinces of Samar and Leyte, where thousands were left dead.
Here in our parish alone, members of ministries and organizations carefully planned ways to join the mission. Instead of holding the usual Christmas parties, some groups channelled their energies instead to donate, gather, and pack relief goods and collect cash donations to be delivered later on to nearby relief operation sites.
This writer chanced upon a small group meeting of the Misang Pambata Staff one Sunday evening at the parish office. Asked how they, as a group, helped out, they said that they did away with their 23rd anniversary bash, for which they had made plans since early July. The money they had earned from their different fundraising activities was meant for said celebration. However, all of them willingly decided to use it to purchase relief items for the Yolanda victims. Others volunteered as re -lief good packers with the Red Cross.
In expressing her feelings about what her group did, Mae Anne Balanag said: “Mas masarap sa pakiramdam na makitang hindi lamang ang aming buong parokya ang aming napasaya kundi mas higit pa dun, dahil mas naging malawak pa ang pagpapasaya na aming nagawa at naipadama sa tulong ng Kristong Hari.”
Then, there’s also Chona Cendaña, a member of the Ministry of Greeters and Collectors, whose commitment to help has been directed to relatives whose homes and rice fields were wiped out in Carigara, Leyte.
She and her nine siblings have each pledged Php 200.00 weekly (Php 2,000.00 total) to provide rice for those 20 relatives who are now temporarily residing at the Quezon City home of her cousin Loida. Likewise, many other relatives abroad have committed to provide for the other food items and personal necessities that their kin need. All of them have agreed to continue giving until such time that their relatives can manage on their own.
Despite the uncertainty, though, of being able to piece their lives back together soon, considering the extent of Yolanda’s damage, the 20 relatives hope to spend this coming Christmas in Carigara.
Loida, who receives all financial donations, has been setting aside some amount intended for the construction of houses for their relatives.
Chona believes that this trial is something that they, as a family, can overcome together. She also thinks that, of course, help must be extended, especially by those who were fortunate to have been spared by the onslaught that was Yolanda. She said, “Kailangang magpasalamat na hindi kami nasalanta, kaya nararapat lang na tayong lahat ay tumulong.”
One parishioner who received help from different people was Marites Cadion, a household staff at a family home near the church. She said that during the first few days after Yolanda struck on November 8, she was waiting nervously for news about the welfare of her children Johanna (3 years old) and John Mark (10 months old), her siblings-in-law Jona and Joey, and mother-in-law, in Burauen, Leyte. Having received no updates about them as the communications systems in Leyte broke down, she said that she had to remain optimistic that all her loved ones were spared.
She then decided to seek financial help from some of her neighbors to whom she tearfully shared her predicament. How overwhelmed she felt as most of the people she approached were very responsive to her plea, handing to her whatever amount they could afford to give. On the other hand, her husband Jonathan, who works as a janitor at a nearby private school, was also able to solicit money from the teachers and other employees there. All in all, they were able to raise about Php 13,000.00.
Now, their two children, Joey and Jona, - all saved! - are here with them in Paltok (Jonathan’s mother decided to remain in Leyte). The two kids and Jona stay with Marites at the home of her employer who welcomed them wholeheartedly. As for Jonathan and his brother Joey, they are renting a small room along
Basa St. across the church. Marites said that from the amount they collected, they could afford to rent that
room for a few months (at Php 1,500.00/month).
That it was not hard to seek help from people was one of the things that really struck Marites. She described her reaction to the generosity she received in two words: “nakakagulat at nakaka-touch.”
Only time will tell how life will unfold for the victims of the recent calamity. But with what we have all witnessed, there is an abundance of good souls who will be ready and willing to give, give, and give to help alleviate the victims’ sufferings. It is a very comforting thought to ponder, especially this Christmas time—when the spirit of giving “outpoured” the raining and suffering.
"Outpouring” is a word that aptly describes the extent to which Filipinos and even foreigners responded to the urgent help needed by the countless victims of super typhoon Yolanda. In different parts of the country and the world, many individuals and groups initiated fund-raising activities and relief operations for the sake of those who were devastated in the provinces of Samar and Leyte, where thousands were left dead.
Here in our parish alone, members of ministries and organizations carefully planned ways to join the mission. Instead of holding the usual Christmas parties, some groups channelled their energies instead to donate, gather, and pack relief goods and collect cash donations to be delivered later on to nearby relief operation sites.
This writer chanced upon a small group meeting of the Misang Pambata Staff one Sunday evening at the parish office. Asked how they, as a group, helped out, they said that they did away with their 23rd anniversary bash, for which they had made plans since early July. The money they had earned from their different fundraising activities was meant for said celebration. However, all of them willingly decided to use it to purchase relief items for the Yolanda victims. Others volunteered as re -lief good packers with the Red Cross.
In expressing her feelings about what her group did, Mae Anne Balanag said: “Mas masarap sa pakiramdam na makitang hindi lamang ang aming buong parokya ang aming napasaya kundi mas higit pa dun, dahil mas naging malawak pa ang pagpapasaya na aming nagawa at naipadama sa tulong ng Kristong Hari.”
Then, there’s also Chona Cendaña, a member of the Ministry of Greeters and Collectors, whose commitment to help has been directed to relatives whose homes and rice fields were wiped out in Carigara, Leyte.
She and her nine siblings have each pledged Php 200.00 weekly (Php 2,000.00 total) to provide rice for those 20 relatives who are now temporarily residing at the Quezon City home of her cousin Loida. Likewise, many other relatives abroad have committed to provide for the other food items and personal necessities that their kin need. All of them have agreed to continue giving until such time that their relatives can manage on their own.
Despite the uncertainty, though, of being able to piece their lives back together soon, considering the extent of Yolanda’s damage, the 20 relatives hope to spend this coming Christmas in Carigara.
Loida, who receives all financial donations, has been setting aside some amount intended for the construction of houses for their relatives.
Chona believes that this trial is something that they, as a family, can overcome together. She also thinks that, of course, help must be extended, especially by those who were fortunate to have been spared by the onslaught that was Yolanda. She said, “Kailangang magpasalamat na hindi kami nasalanta, kaya nararapat lang na tayong lahat ay tumulong.”
One parishioner who received help from different people was Marites Cadion, a household staff at a family home near the church. She said that during the first few days after Yolanda struck on November 8, she was waiting nervously for news about the welfare of her children Johanna (3 years old) and John Mark (10 months old), her siblings-in-law Jona and Joey, and mother-in-law, in Burauen, Leyte. Having received no updates about them as the communications systems in Leyte broke down, she said that she had to remain optimistic that all her loved ones were spared.
She then decided to seek financial help from some of her neighbors to whom she tearfully shared her predicament. How overwhelmed she felt as most of the people she approached were very responsive to her plea, handing to her whatever amount they could afford to give. On the other hand, her husband Jonathan, who works as a janitor at a nearby private school, was also able to solicit money from the teachers and other employees there. All in all, they were able to raise about Php 13,000.00.
Now, their two children, Joey and Jona, - all saved! - are here with them in Paltok (Jonathan’s mother decided to remain in Leyte). The two kids and Jona stay with Marites at the home of her employer who welcomed them wholeheartedly. As for Jonathan and his brother Joey, they are renting a small room along
Basa St. across the church. Marites said that from the amount they collected, they could afford to rent that
room for a few months (at Php 1,500.00/month).
That it was not hard to seek help from people was one of the things that really struck Marites. She described her reaction to the generosity she received in two words: “nakakagulat at nakaka-touch.”
Only time will tell how life will unfold for the victims of the recent calamity. But with what we have all witnessed, there is an abundance of good souls who will be ready and willing to give, give, and give to help alleviate the victims’ sufferings. It is a very comforting thought to ponder, especially this Christmas time—when the spirit of giving “outpoured” the raining and suffering.
UNAWAIN NATIN | Katesismo sa Bagong Credo: Artikulo 8 hanggang 10
ni Angelli Tugado
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the Prophets.
Kasama ng Diyos Ama at Diyos Anak na si Hesus, ang Espiritu Santo ay bumubuo sa Banal na Santatlo. Kaya ang nananalig sa Banal na Espiritu Santo ay nananampalataya na din sa Diyos Ama at Kanyang Anak na si Hesukristo. Kumikilos ang Espiritu, kaalinsabay ng Diyos Ama at Anak, tungo sa ikatutupad ng plano ng ating kaligtasan.
Sa pamamagitan ng Binyag, ang unang sakramento ng pananampalataya, personal na ipinahahayag ng Espiritu Santo sa loob ng Simbahan ang buhay na nagmula sa Ama na ipinagkaloob Niya sa atin sa pamamagitan ng Anak. Ang Espiritu Santo ang unang nagpupukaw sa atin ng pananampalataya at nagdudulot sa atin ng kaalaman tungkol sa Ama at sa Anak. Tuwing sumasangguni ang Simbahan sa Banal na Kasulatan sa Lumang at Bagong Tipan, sinasaliksik nito nais ipahayag ng Espiritu, “sa pamamagitan ng winika ng mga propeta,” tungkol kay Kristo.
Sa Simbahan, ang pamayanang nabubuhay sa pananampalataya, nakikilala ang Espiritu Santo sa mga Banal na Kasulatan, liturhiya, mga pananalangin, mga turo ng Simbahan (magisterium), pagsasaksi ng mga santo, buhay na paglilingkod sa Diyos at kapwa. Ang Banal na Espiritu (o ruah sa wikang Ebreo na nangangahulugang “hangin” o “hininga”) ay kilala din bilang “Paraclete” at sa mga sim-bulo ng tubig, apoy, at kalapati.
Alinsunod sa plano ng ating kaligtasan, hinirang at inihanda si Maria (sa biyaya ng Espiritu Santo kung kaya’t siya ay “napupuno ng grasya”), ng Diyos upang sa pamamagitan niya ay magsimulang manahan ang Kanyang Anak at Espiritu sa sangkatauhan.
I believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
Ang pagiging “isa,” “banal,” “katolika,” at “apostolika” ng Simbahan ang mga katangiang nag-uugnay sa isa’t isa.
Nagkakaisa ang Simbahan sa kanyang pagkilala sa iisang Diyos, pagpapahayag ng iisang pananampalataya, ipinanganak sa iisang Pagbibinyag, binubuo ng iisang Katawan, binibigyang-buhay ng iisang Espiritu, alang alang sa iisang minimithi, na ang katuparan ay ang pagpawi ng mga hidwaan.
Ang simbahan ay banal, kinikilala ng Simbahan ang Banal na Diyos bilang kanyang pinagmulan; si Kristo bilang kanyang katipan at nagpabanal sa kanya; at kabanalan ng Espiritu. Bagama’t binubuo ng mga makasalanan, ang Simbahan ay nananatiling hindi makasalanan. Ang kanyang pagkabanal ay higit na namamalas sa pamamagitan ng mga santo at sa kapurihan ni Maria.
Katoliko ang Simbahan sa pagpapahayag ng pananampalataya. Taglay niya ang lahat ng pamamaraan ng kaligtasan. Isinusugo siya sa buong sangkatauhan, nagwiwika sa lahat ng mga tao, sa lahat ng panahon. Likas sa kanya ang pagiging “misyonero.”
Apostoliko ang Simbahan dahil nakasandig ito sa matibay na pundasyon na itinatag ng 12 apostoles. Pinamumunuan siya ni Kristo sa pamamagitan ni Pedro at ng iba pang mga apostoles, kasama ng lahat ng nagpapatuloy ng misyon ni Hesus—ang Santo Papa at ang Lupon ng mga Obispo.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
Iniugnay ng Panginoong Hesukristo ang kapatawaran ng mga kasalanan sa pananampalataya at pagbibinyag.
Ang pagbibinyag ay ang una at pangunahing sakramento ng pagpapatawad ng mga kasalanan sapagkat tayo ay ipinagkakaisa kay Kristo, na Siyang namatay dahil sa ating mga kasalanan at nabuhay na mag-uli para sa ating kaligtasan, upang “tayo rin ay tumahak sa landas ng bagong buhay.”
Ngunit sa kabila ng biyaya ng pagbibinyag, kailangan pa rin natin ng kaligtasan dahil sa likas nating kahinaan na siyang nagdadala sa atin sa kasamaan.
Kung kaya, higit sa pagbibinyag, kailangan ng Simbahan ang kapangyarihan ng pagpapatawad ng mga kasalanan upang gawaran ng kapatawaran ang lahat ng mga nagsisi. Ang kapatawaran ang siyang nagsisilbing susi upang tanggapin sila sa Kaharian ng Diyos.
Sa pamamagitan ng sakramento ng pangungumpisal, nanunumbalik ang kaugnayan ng bininyagan sa Diyos at sa Simbahan.
Sanggunian: Ang maikling katesismong ito ay hango sa mga inihalaw na ba-hagi mula sa Catechism of the Catholic Church ( mula sa www.vatican.va) na isinalin sa Filipino mula sa wikang Ingles.
Pope Francis Leads Year of Faith Closing
by Jordeene Sheex Lagare
On the occasion of Solemnity of Christ the King, Pope Francis marked the closing of the Year of Faith with a Papal Mass held in St. Peter’s Square on 24 November 2013. Some 250 cardinals, bishops, and priests concelebrated with the Holy Father.
PAPAL SOLEMNIZATION: THE CENTRALITY OF CHRIST
Pope Francis pointed out the centrality of Christ that is reflected in all the Scripture readings, saying that “Christ is at the center, Christ is the center. Christ is the center of creation, Christ is the center of his people, and Christ is the center of history.”
“Christ is the first born of all creation: in him, through him, and for him all things were created. He is the center of all things, he is the beginning: Jesus Christ, the Lord,” the Pope explained.
The Holy Father emphasized the importance of putting Christ at the center of our lives, at the center of human history, and at the center of every individual. He added, “Our thoughts will be Christian thoughts, thoughts of Christ. Our works will be Christian works, works of Christ; and our words will be Christian words, words of Christ.”
He also invited every mass goer gathered in front of the Square to say this prayer sincerely and quietly, “Remember me, Jesus! You can remember me because you are at the center, you are truly in your kingdom!”
During the mass, 50 priests administered confession to the pilgrims. The relics of St. Peter, were placed next to the altar, displayed to the public for the first time. These relics of eight bone fragments are contained in a bronze casket bearing the inscrip-tion, Ex ossibus quae in Arcibasilicae Vaticane Hypogeo inventa Beati Petri Apostoli esse putantur (“found in the Hypogeum of the Vatican Basilica and believed to be of the Blessed Apostle Peter”).
Pope Francis appealed to thousands of pilgrims to donate money for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) before the mass started. The Holy Father distributed copies of his first Apostolic Exhortation, “Evangelii Gaudium”, to 36 representatives of People of God from 18 countries. A blind person, one of the pilgrims, received the copy in CD-ROM format to be able to listen to it.
DIOCESAN CELEBRATIONS: FAITH AMIDST ADVERSITY
The solemnity of the closing of Year of Faith was also celebrated in the different dioceses all over the world. In our very own Diocese of Cubao, parish leaders from different vicariates assembled for a motorcade parade. The parade ended in the Immaculate Conception Catherdral in Lantana, Cubao for the taizé and mass, presided by Diocesan Bishop, Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, D.D.
In his homily Bishop Ongtioco stressed the Filipinos’ “strong faith despite the calamity that hit the country recently.” The entire Mass was very solemn and peaceful, despite the downpour in the middle of the celebration. But the rain stopped just in time for the procession of the Blessed Sacrament.
It will be recalled that the Year of Faith was inaugurated by then Pope Benedict XVI on 11 October 2012, the same date that marked the 50th Anniversary of the Opening of Vatican Council II. The Year of Faith was launched to encourage Catholics to deepen their understanding of faith and share it with others.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines released its Pastoral Exhortation on the Era of New Evangelization to prepare for the 500th anniversary of the arrival of the Gospel in the Philippines.
References:
- http://www.romereports.com/palio/pope-francis-holds-relics-of-st-peter-during-closing-year-of-faith-mass-english-11686html#.UpKyVsSmhRI
- http://www.catholicnewsagen -cy.com/news/pope-concludes-year-of-faith-preaching-centrali -ty-of-christ/
- http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-homily-at-year-of-faith-closing-mass
- http://cbcponline.net/v2/?p=3856
- http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstor y.asp?number=127121
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