The Filipino CATHOLIC. VOL. 16, NO.11 Spreading the Good News June 13 - July Santakrusan& Flores de Mayo. Sa New York

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1 The Filipino CATHOLIC VOL. 16, NO.11 Spreading the Good News June 13 - July Santakrusan& Flores de Mayo Sa New York

2 Flores de Mayo A Joyful & Memorable Feast For Mama Mary by Mayven Cajucom and Lina Posecion A centuries-old popular spiritual tradition, the May Flower Festival or Flores de Mayo (as fondly called by Filipino Catholics throughout the globe ) is celebrated every month of May, a time of offering flowers in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This tradition dates back during the Spanish era when it was first introduced to Filipinos by the Spaniards. The procession during the May Flower festival which is also known as Santacruzan forms part of the festivity and said to have originated during the time of St. Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, 300 years A.D. Based on various accounts, St. Helena traveled to Mt. Calvary to search for the real Cross of Jesus Christ. She unearthed three crosses and tested each one by making one of her sick servants lie on all three. The cross which made the servant recover from his sickness was identified as that of Jesus Christ. The anniversary date for finding the cross is set on the 3rd of May, hence the Santacruzan festivity. The said Filipino Catholic tradition of commemorating Flores de Mayo and the Santacruzan was handed down from generation to generation and even vigorously pursued until today. In other places of worship, people would simply flock to church, hear mass and offer flowers before the statue of the Virgin Mary. But there are churches and parishes in New York City and in other places in the U.S. where celebrations are widely, actively and joyfully participated by Filipino parishioners. The recent Flores de Mayo activity at Our Lady of Snows in Floral Park, New York on May 20, 2012 was a very special one. While it has been in its 9th year of May Flower Festival celebration, it was considered as the most memorable particularly for Filipino-American Catholics in the said parish for three reasons: 1. That the overall activity was hosted by the OLS Filipino-American Community Ministry; 2. That it was the first time in the history of Our Lady of the Snows that Marian statues and icons took part in the procession, namely: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Czestochova, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Our Lady of Knock, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, Our Lady of Health, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Lourdes and lastly our very own Our Lady of the Snows, which were carried by devotees of different cultural backgrounds. 3. That the celebration includes a solemn high mass which was con-celebrated by three Filipino priests (Fr. Patrick Longalong, the FDA Coordinator of the Diocese of Brooklyn, Fr. Raynald Nacino and a visiting priest from the Philippines, Msgr. Jose Galves), and presided by no less than the Bishop-elect Raymond Chappetto. The Holy Rosary in the church led by Emma Rafol kicked off the event, followed by the procession and the Santacruzan. The said procession started with the Filipino American Banner marshalled by Bill Cadelina, followed by the Ave Maria girls, then the beautiful Sagalas and Reyna de las Flores in their gowns, Crown Bearer, Honor Guard, and the parishioners. It was amazing to see many people flocking together of various ages (young and old alike) and ethnic backgrounds to participate for the said event. This year s Reyna de las Flores is a beautiful young adult, Ms. Reisha Cadelina. Throughout the procession, Rosebelle Cadelina led the singing of certain Marian hymns and prayers together with the devotees carrying with them lighted candles. The steady beat of the guitar accompaniment and the singing of the parishioners made the procession more meaningful. Overall, the procession was well organized and this was coordinated by some of our talented group members: Lou Mosquito and Marie Ilagan. The procession ended inside the church with Monique Ilagan (the Master of Ceremony) supervising the flow of hundreds of people and devotees entering the church for the con-celebrated Holy Mass. The angelic voices of the OLS Himig at Alay Music Ministry directed by Philip Dancel provided the liturgical singing together with its cantors namely, Oscar Villacrucis, Rizalino Calderon and Joyce Pena. The lectors during the mass were Emily Noblesala and Kristian Mosquito. The solemn beautiful liturgical celebration was made possible with the well coordination of Liz Yao and Lina Posecion. After the Holy Mass, the current overall Chairman for the said event, Blessie Noblesala, thanked the priests celebrants, friends, relatives, sponsors and donors for making the celebration an extraordinary one. She invited everyone to a fellowship with a short program which immediately followed after the Holy Mass. There was plenty of food on the table for all hundreds of people to partake in and this was made possible by the group of Praxy de la Rosa, Mia and Al Tan and others who helped them. It was such a big feast day that everyone especially the other nationalities get to taste the native delicacies, as traditionally practiced in our home country, the Philippines. Just like in any Filipino-American celebrations, singing and dancing are always part of the program. For this particular OLS celebration, the program was not only participated by Fil-Am talents at OLS but also by talents from other nearby parishes. Songs were beautifully rendered by Manny, Nancy Morales, Filipino-American Choir, Christina, Alyssa, and Reisha Cadelina. The popular native dances such as : the Tinikling performed by the Mary s Nativity Youth Group; the Subli of the Our Lady of Lourdes Youth and Adult Group, and the Malong-Moslem dance also of Our Lady of Lourdes were of great joy to the crowd and these are all coordinated by Abe Singson and Marie Ilagan. Would you believe, even the decoration used in the fellowship was also special. Thank you to Print Shop and the people who served as the DJs of the event, specifically Romy, Egay and Windel. Flores de Mayo is a festivity which all of us look forward to every year. It has been part of our culture and has already been rooted in our hearts. While we maintain our Filipino culture and heritage wherever we are, we should not also forget most importantly the essence of this festivity. We celebrate Flores de Mayo because we would like to recognize the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in our Catholic faith and so we simply wanted to show our gratefulness and honor her and this should be the center of the celebration. We hope that this culture and faith shall be passed on to our younger generation and shall continue to thrive and prosper for a long time. Page 2 June 13 - July 11, 2012 The Filipino Catholic

3 The Filipino Catholic The Filipino Catholic (BN ), an independent newsmagazine with editorial offices at 453 Hawthorne Ave., Uniondale, NY 11553, is published monthly and distributed free in New York. The Filipino Catholic is staffed by volunteers. Views expressed by the contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the Catholic Church. LETTERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS Contributions from our readers are welcome but subject to approval, editing and condensation. Please include names, addresses and phone numbers on all correspondence. However, unpublished materials cannot all be acknowledged or returned. ADVERTISING AND SUBSCRIPTIONS The Filipino Catholic is funded by the support of advertisers and subscribers. Advertisements do not infer implicit endorsement by the Filipino Catholic. Advertising rates are available upon request. One year subscription is available for a donation of $25 or more. Contributing Writers & Columnists: Rev. Peter James R. Alindogan Fr. Ruben Cammayo Msgr. Ruben Dimaculangan Robert Fernandez Andrea Florendo Erlinda Franco Fr. Mike Lagrimas Fr. Joseph Marabe Araceli Medrano Mario Nieves Maria Pascual Norma Pascual John Primi Fr. Ronald Quijano Sonia S. Salerni Dean Suba Rene Tubilleja Laura Vogel Photography Albert Betito Henry Medrano Rick Santisteban Circulation & Distribution Wendel Javier Jun Makinano Spiritual Director Fr. Joe Cadusale Editor & Publisher Manny Pascual Write us at: The Filipino Catholic P.O. Box 3067 Garden City, NY (516) phone/fax FilCath@optonline.net With God nothing shall be impossible. - Luke 1:37 FROM THE EDITOR Someone said that only the busy man has time for everything. I don t know about you, but I don t quite agree with whoever said that. These past few weeks, my wife and I just couldn t seem to fit everything in our timetable. Publication deadlines, novenarios, preparation for the Santo Nino fiesta, and other miscellaneous projects were just too overwhelming. However, as in the past, God had a way of making things work out for us. He sent the right people at just the right time to help us get through our difficult schedule. And needless to say, there was a sense of gratification after we had finished all of our undertakings. Well, at least for this month. The thirty-first anniversary celebration of our Infant Jesus Prayer Group turned out to be a big success. And we owe that to several people who assisted us in the preparation and management of the fiesta and the 9-day novenarios prior to the event. These people are too numerous to mention, but I d like to name just a special few. To Armely Novenario (this year s Fiesta Coordinator) and husband, Jun; to Jiji Manny Pascual and Robert Shapiro, Zeny and Toots Berroya, Elenita and Cris Vasquez, Rita Stadmeyer, Rogie and Helen Instrella, Eden Gaceta, Julie Noya, Lett Dayao, Sol Sahagun, Mercy Smith and Marie Malvar; to our Spiritual Director Fr. James Dineros; to Miguel and Cel Lizares, parents of precocious John Michael Lizares who had shown a genuine interest in being this year s Santo Nino hermanito. And it goes without saying that Ching Atienza is and has always been our most efficacious emcee. Special thanks also to the Suffolk Santo Nino group, the Himig at Alay Music Ministry of Philip Dancel, Lina Posecion and company of Our Lady of the Snows, the Filipino Catholic Group of Eddie and Pearl Antonio, the de la Isla Family of Our Mother of Perpetual Help group, members of St Raphael Filipino-American Community of East Meadow all of whom proved their friendship and support simply by showing up in spite of their busy schedule. Edith and Ed Biazon, of the Rosedale Choral Ministry, who yearly provide the music for our fiesta seem to be suffering from the same problem Norma and I are having trouble keeping up. But we all agree that keeping busy, especially in the senior stages of our life, is always good. Speaking of good things, during one of our novenarios, we met Fr. Alex Balatbat of the Diocese of Antipolo in the Philippines. He mentioned that there were four seminarians there who badly needed financial help to be able to continue their study for the priesthood. The Infant Jesus Prayer Group of Nassau made an initial donation of $500 to these seminarians. Helping seminarians in the Philippines is one of the major projects of the prayer group. We take our hats off to the other Filipino groups who celebrated a much beloved tradition in the Philippines the Santakrusan or Flores de Mayo. Congratulations to Cely Medrano and her group at Our Lady of Pompei for the extremely successful Santakrusan sa Village. Likewise to the innovative Flores de Mayo at Our Lady of the Snows in Floral Park. And of course to the New Jersey Catholic Action of Mary for the biggest and longest running Santakrusan in the Northeast. Congratulations, too, to Dean Suba recipient of the Teodora Alonzo award (page 15), and to Reuben Seguritan who received a Citation from Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano for his role in the Asian American community in Long Island. (page 27). Lest I forget. Scarlett (my eleven year old granddaughter) recipient of the Presidential Silver Award at her graduation in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (I had to get that in. I am, after all, a proud grandfather.)) Of Faith And Practicality Grandfather s Love like God s It was only when I became a grandfather that I began to realize the true meaning of pure and unadulterated love. It is the kind of intense love that I as a father had felt when I held my daughter in my arms for the very first time. That love did not diminish; it just got muddled with all the concerns of raising her and providing her with a good future. Now as a grandfather to her kids I had none of those concerns that could distract me from giving that same intense love. Like many of us now going through our autumn years, I ve been chided for spoiling my grandkids. But that s the kind of love that comes from grandparents of all generations. It is the kind of love that gives totally, unequivocally and unquestioningly, and without any kind of reservations. It is love that keeps coming and coming, with no end in sight. The return for us grandparents, on the other hand, is a degree of happiness that cannot be described in any material measures. One day while I was driving to work and praying my daily morning thanksgiving with special mention by Rene Tubilleja of the great joy brought to me by my two grandkids, of course I suddenly realized almost with a jolt that God s love for us is really like that of a grandfather s love. God s love is pure, unadulterated, absolute, and to an immeasurable magnitude. It was not easy to completely understand that without a comparison to grandfather s love, even in all the years I spent totally dedicated to Him as an aspirant to the religious life. Now, multiply the grandfather s love to the nth degree and it won t even come close to God s love. He did not just create us and left us to fend for ourselves. He is there constantly watching us, nurturing us and looking after our every moment s need. If we get in trouble it is because we try to get away from that loving attention. When we come back, also because of His loving guidance, the forgiveness is total and absolute. Plus, we get all the goodies we would need to keep on track and be happy. All we need to do, just like our grandchildren is ask for them. As a grandfather, I don t mind banging my head, scraping my knees, or scratching my knuckles, if I have to rush to save them from a fall or to keep them from getting hurt. I don t even mind giving up food that I relish and just about to put in my mouth, if my grandchild asks for it. These are the examples of the hurt that God had to impose on Himself to save us from spiritual destruction. Our very nature as humans, given intelligence and free will but saddled with the imperfections of our material being, tends to move us away from God s plan for us of perfect happiness. This is our original sin. No one else can correct that tendency, except for God Himself to rush in, hurt Himself by getting saddled with our human imperfections, and wrest us away from our downward plunge. That is what Jesus Christ is all about. God became man to save us from sin and to prepare our way back to the Father. His death on the cross was the final subjugation of his imperfect humanness, which then was purified and glorified in the Resurrection. His glorified physical presence can now be multiplied indefinitely so He could really be with each of us in the Eucharist until the end of time. What greater love can there be? This month of June celebrates fathers, and by extension grandfathers, too. Let s call on St. Joseph, with our Blessed Mother and Our Lord Jesus, to take care of all fathers. Let s pray for fathers who in their desire to provide well for their children are sacrificing time that they could have enjoyed playing and cuddling with their kids. Let s especially remember those who are away in the service of our country, and the fathers who are daily putting their lives on the line for our safety and welfare. Let s give thanks for those fathers who actually have the time to spend with their children, and let s pray that they make the most of that time in nurturing and guiding them. Fathers may not be aware of that intense love anymore, but it is just below the surface ready to make itself manifest again. And when they finally turn into grandfathers, then they will savor the joy even more because they will know they have earned it. The Filipino Catholic June 13 - July 11, 2012 Page 3

4 FROM THE PULPIT Right Parts and Right Instructions Once there was a story about a man who ordered a tree house over the internet. When the box arrived, it had printed on the top the words that have become every parent s nightmare: Some assembly required. The man began to assemble the tree house and as he laid out all the parts on the floor, he realized to his dismay that the instructions were for a tree house and the parts he got were for a sail boat. The next day, he sent an angry message to the by Fr. Peter James R. Alindogan company complaining about the mix-up. Back came the reply: We are truly sorry for the mix-up and the inconvenience. However, it might make you feel better to consider the fascinating possibility that somewhere today there is a man out on a lake trying to sail your tree house. The point is clear. When we have to put something together, we need to have the right parts and the right instructions. Jesus had the right instructions when he said, Remain in me as I remain in you. He had the right parts when he said, I am the vine, you are the branches. Jesus is the vine. For as long as we remain attached to him, what we do and who we become will produce a rich harvest. Otherwise, the branch is snapped clean and taken out. Any life that wants to survive has to stay close to its source. Anyone that seeks to exist has to hang around and linger near its foundation. Anybody that needs to live has to abide with Him, who has eternal life. Because we are all rooted in Jesus and because we are all branches of the same tree, nobody is supposed to stand alone, to feel alone or be alone. We are interrelated. Invisible threads of faith are the strongest ties that bind us. God unites relationships among his people. He never breaks them. The instructions therefore are clear. If he is the vine and we are the branches, grape expectation number one is to remain in Jesus. Some people get easily discouraged when the Vinegrower starts pruning them. Relationship with God always reflects the Cross. A religion that makes it easy to exist is not religion at all. A religion that makes our feelings light and does not challenge us with the way we live is not religion at all. A religion that waters down its doctrine and morality is not a religion at all. For the vine to grow, it has to be pruned. And sometimes those prunings are hard to accept. There is also the temptation to be disappointed with our humanity, to be disgusted with things that turned out beyond our expectations, to be frustrated with our sinful nature. However, the bigger disappointment, disgust and frustration happen when we quit and refuse to open ourselves to the grace of God. That was the sin of Judas, who probably forgot that our God is the God of second chances. Abide with Christ, that is grape expectation number one. Grape expectation number two is to let his words remain in us. If we do that, he will grant whatever we ask. Be faithful to his words. Believe in his promise. This was his promise, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. What have we asked from our loving God? Let me guess, because these are also some of the things I also ask from him health and well-being, happiness and safety for my loved ones, and sometimes winning the lottery. Now, suppose the richest person on earth were to grant you whatever you ask, what will you say? Give me some of your money. Or tell me about some secrets on how you made money. Or how about this--can you just adopt me and make me a member of your family? Because if we are part of his family, then his money becomes our money, his secrets to making money become our own. Isn t that the reason we are all here? So that we can live in heaven as members of one family? If you see a man sailing on a tree house, you know why. But, if you want to live in heaven, abide with Jesus. He has the right instructions. He has the right parts. God is Family of Love Mt. 28:16-20 An elderly couple received by mail two ringside tickets for the NBA Finals. The mail was anonymous. They did not know who sent them and they did not understand why they were given such expensive tickets. Nevertheless, they were very glad. They hurriedly left and went to watch the game. They returned home late at night only to find their home ransacked, and their cash, jewels and all valuables gone. They found a note posted on the bedroom door: Now you understand. We cannot say this about the Most Holy by Fr. Mike Lagrimas Trinity. We will never fully understand this most profound and unfathomable mystery. We are grateful, however, that Jesus Christ, the Incarnate God, revealed this mystery to us. Otherwise, we would not have any idea about this sublime truth. Through Jesus Christ, God revealed to us His innermost secret about Himself. God is one, but He is not alone. He is a family of three Divine Persons: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These are three absolutely distinct Persons, but only one God. How did this happen? That is precisely the greatest mystery, which we can never fully fathom with our limited minds. The Catechism of the Catholic Church said: By sending His only Son and the Spirit of Love in the fullness of time, God has revealed His innermost secret: God Himself is an eternal exchange of love, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and He has destined us to share in that exchange. The first thing we should therefore ask is: Why did God tell us about His innermost secret? It is because He is inviting us to a more intimate relationship with Him. In other words, God made Himself known to us so that we can be made sharers in His family of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus, we have all become children of God, and sharers of His divine family. And how do we fully participate in this divine family? There is only one word that can somehow describe God: love. God is love. The only reason why the three Divine Persons, though distinct from each other, are perfectly united as only one God is because God is love. We all know by experience that love always unites. It is the bond that unites us, first and foremost, to God. The Apostle John points this out quite clearly in his first Letter: God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him (1 Jn 4:16b). The only way to become sharers in the divine life of God, the family of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, is to love. In love, we become one with God, and only then do we find complete happiness. Pope Benedict XVI said, All beings are ordered to a dynamic harmony that we can similarly call love. But only in the human person, who is free and can reason, does this dynamism become spiritual, does it become responsible love, in response to God and to one s neighbor through a sincere gift of self. It is in this love that human beings find their truth and happiness. (Angelus, 11 June 2006). Furthermore, if we truly love, not only are we made sharers in the divine family, but we must also become one big human family. The key to our unity as brothers and sisters is love. Again, St. John has this to say: Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another (1 Jn 4:11). If anyone says I love God but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love a brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. This is the commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother (1Jn 4:20-21). And so Saint Paul in his Letter to the Corinthians admonishes: Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you (1 Cor 13:11-12). When we pray the Our Father, we say: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We can attain heaven right here and now if we do the will of God. And the will of God has been expressed by Jesus in his commandment: A new commandment I give unto you: that you love one another as I have loved you. Imagine a world where every one loves each other. There will be no more wars, no more crimes, and no more hungry people. Every one will serve and care for one another. That is heaven even on earth. The solemnity we celebrate this Sunday is a reminder to us that the Most Holy Trinity is not just an unfathomable mystery, which makes us gape in awe and wonder. Neither is it a mere doctrine of faith, which we have to profess and believe in. Rather, it reminds us that the Holy Trinity is the way of life of God. And the best news is that God invites us all to share in this way of life. This way of life is love. It is true that the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is impossible for us to fully understand. But we are not expected to understand this mystery anyway. Rather, we are called to live it. And, in fact, we are expected to live it, for to love is the most vivid mark of every Christian. Jesus said: By this shall all men know you as my disciples: your love for one another. Every time we make the sign of the cross, let us renew our faith in the One God and three Divine Persons. Let us also renew our commitment to live the life of the Trinity by loving one another as His children. Page 4 June 13 - July 11, 2012 The Filipino Catholic

5 FAMILY and CULTURE Nuptial Theology of Blessed John Paul II (Fourth in a series on the Conference on Nuptial Theology of Blessed John Paul II, Diocese of Bacolod, Feb , 2012 PART IV A. John Paul II s Theological Anthropology Blessed John Paul II, in his Catechesis on Human Love according to the Original Divine Plan (Theology of the Body), presented his vision of adequate Christian anthropology which is the key in understanding the authentic meaning of the human person, sexuality, marriage and family. It consists of three parts: (1) Mystery of Creation - Man and Woman (Original Man), (2) Mystery of Inequity Adultery of the Heart (Historical Man), and (3) Mystery of Redemption Jesus Christ and the Church: Marriage and Family (Eschatological Man). a. Mystery of Creation: Man and Woman (Original Man) The response of Jesus to the question on divorce by the Pharisees (Mk. 10:2-12) may be the key to understand fully the meaning of man s blessedness and God s original plan for man and woman. Some Pharisees came and put him to the test with this question, Is it right for a husband to divorce his wife? He replied, What law did Moses give you? They answered, Moses allowed us to write a certificate of dismissal in order to divorce. Then Jesus said to them, Moses wrote this law for you, because you are stubborn. But in the beginning of creation God made them male and female and because of this, man has to leave father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one body. So they are no longer two but one body. Therefore let no one separate what God has joined (Mk. 10: 2-12). Divorce is an act of repudiation or legal dismissal of one s spouse like in the case of adultery (Dt. 22: 13-29). Imagine if one grows up in a neighbourhood where couples are all divorcee? Those who are trying to be faithful will be rendered out of touch with reality since divorce becomes already a subculture. Once it is legalized, it will just be seemingly good for few years, perhaps just to get rid of domestic violence, but its effect will be tremendous. People can just break their marriage vows without valid grounds at all, as long as both parties will just agree to separate out of convenience. What is then its psycho-emotional effect on their children? People keep on looking for alternative relationship, but western experience has proven, divorce is not a cure for troubled marriages, it kills them! Jesus knows well that his accusers are not interested at all about the marriage but just to test him. He cites the main reason: stubbornness or hardness of heart which is usually manifested through disbelief or doubt in God s providence. Man listens more to his personal cravings rather than his conscience. Jesus affirms the sanctity of marriage as a divine institution by pointing to man s awareness the original plan of God for man and woman: But in the beginning of creation... He highlights the value of marriage as a divinely revealed truth that no one can separate what God has joined. Thus, marriage is indissoluble. Let us reflect now on the meaning of In the beginning to better understand this truth. The Book of Genesis provides us two creation accounts - Gn. 1:1-2:4a by Priestly Tradition, written around 450BC, depicting the post-babylonian Exile; and Gn. 2:4b-25 by Yahwistic Tradition, written around 1000BC, indicative of a well-developed society through the united monarchy under the reign of David and then Solomon. The Temple which enshrines the Ark of the Covenant occupies a central role which unites all the social institutions. It is the sign of God s dwelling with his people, without it there will be no Jewish nation. The first creation account (Gn. 1:1-2:4a)is a poem which speaks on how God created the world in seven days: Day 1 - Creation of Time, Day 2 - Vertical Space, Day 3 - Horizontal Space, Day 4 - Bigger and Smaller Lights, Day 5 - Plants, Day 6 - Animals and Man, and Day 7 - Sabbath (God rested). God created the world by his powerful Word, Let there be light (Gn. 1:3). As he uttered his creative Word, he establishes His first rule for the universe, the law of order and harmony. The crowning glory of his masterpiece is the figure of Man (Ps. 8:3-6) who receives the breath of life, created according to his Image and Likeness (Gn. 1:26-27). Being an image signifies that man is a copy or blue print of God himself. In order that he will not play like God, he is made according to his likeness which connotes dependence of his providence. Man is not at all self-sufficient for he needs God in his daily life. God imparts his blessing to man which connotes fruitfulness. God appoints him to become a steward of his creation (Gn. 1:28-31 and Sir. 17:1-3). Thus, man himself is a micro-universe: as there is order and harmony in the external world, the same reality is present in man s internal world. Lastly, Sabbath (Rest) is a moment of cessation from work but a time dedicated to the Lord and it functions in the text as synonymous with the Temple. The Temple was destroyed and the Jews were sent into exile in the land of Babylon ( BC). Since there was no sacred place to worship God, they worshipped Him through sacred time, Sabbath. Synagogue worship developed during this period, together with the devotion to the Scripture and the practice of circumcision, the Jews were able to preserve their national identity against paganism. The second creation account (Gn. 2:4b-25) depicts on how man and woman live in Eden, the place of delight, symbolic of God s presence. This creation narrative reflects the Golden Age of Jewish society where all institutions and sciences are fully developed: monarchy, religion, culture and arts, judiciary, legislature, trade and industry, military, agriculture, astronomy, pottery, geography, anatomy, medicine, sports and music, literature and arts, education, family, and more. Out of their economic abundance, the Y author explains it through powerful symbolisms in the form of myth and legends, to impart an important message. God blesses his people and fulfills his promises: Descendants (Genesis), Relationship (Exodus) and Land flowing with milk and honey (Deuteronomy). John Paul II s Familiaris Consortio cites this profound truth about man, his dignity as God s image and likeness and his vocation to love. God created man in His own image and likeness, calling him to existence through and for love. God is love and in Himself He lives a mystery of personal loving communion. Creating the human race in His own image and continually keeping it in being, God inscribed by: Fr. Ronald S. Quijano, SThD in the humanity of man and woman the vocation, and thus the capacity and responsibility, of love and communion. Love is therefore the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being (Familiaris Consortio, 11). As an Imago Dei and called to Love, it is fundamental for man to posses the gift of freedom, to choose on what is good and reject on what is evil (Gn. 2: You may eat You are not to eat ). What makes marriage valid is through the couple s free consent. It requires a higher degree of maturity (intellect and will) to commit one s life totally to his/ her spouse. To understand fully this reality, he must have the self knowledge or awareness (Gn. 2:18 to be alone ). To know means holistic or intimate relationship with the person. John Paul II calls it as the Original Solitude. Man is in moments of discernment, contemplating while waiting for someone who can bring a sense of fulfillment in life. Yet not a single animal satisfied the longing of his heart, so God paraded all the animals and man gave them names (Gn. 2:19). To give names means he has authority over the animals. God made him sleep (Heb. tardema: in deep slumber), a partial return to the state of non-being. Since man did not know how he was created by God, so he would not also know how God will create the woman (Gn. 2:21). Thus, creative power belongs to God alone. God created the woman out of the rib he took from man (Gn. 2:22). The rib according to the ancient near east tradition signifies the quality-life. The woman (Heb. ishah) has been given this gift for she will be a partner (Heb. ezer kenegdo: helpmate) of man (Heb. ish) in God s work of creation. The woman is taken from the side of man, from his rib. Why not from his head and not from his feet? If she is taken from his head, she will just be treated like robot always following the dictates of her husband. If she is taken from his feet, her rights will just be trampled by her husband. Instead she is taken from his rib near his heart so that she will be loved forever by him. John Paul II in his Theology of the Body illustrates the value of original experience of man through his reflection on human love based on divine revelation. The gift of original unity of man and woman is not just about friendship or solidarity, but by human integration. Both man and woman have been gifted with body and soul, intellect and free will to properly discern their actions (original solitude). Through self-awareness, they become aware of who they are, where they come from, and where they are going. As human persons, being masculine and feminine, both man and woman have sexual difference. It finds expression of themselves through belongingness and reciprocal love. Both of them are capable of communion of persons characterized by sincere offering of total gift of self to the other in mutual love. They are called to a life of fruitfulness, understood in this context as openness for human life. The presence of a child is a sign of God s blessing and it perpetuates the name of his/her parents. The family is meant to build up God s community. Moreover, they are tasked to become responsible stewards of God s creation by preserving its integrity. They shall use the resources of this world wisely and be transparent not only through material things but also in relationship. As noted, there is order and harmony in the external structures of God s creation, the same order and harmony are also present in man s internal structures. God is like a great artist who desires nothing but perfection or beauty for his masterpiece. When the man woke up from his deep slumber, he uttered his solemn recognition of the woman (Gn. 2: 23 a bone of my bones, a flesh of my flesh ) emphasizing that his partner does not only possess human life, but also a human person. Maturity of persons is essential to covenantal relationship for it is a permanent commitment which demands unity, fidelity and fruitfulness. God establishes marriage as a divine institution for man and woman (Gn. 2:24 a man shall leave and cling to his wife, and they become one flesh ). This is an ancient formula for wedding celebration adopted by the Jews from their neighbouring civilization. Marriage as a covenant is described as a sacred act of leaving one s parents and joining of hands with one s beloved. Reflecting on the dynamics of courtship of man and woman, a mystery is taking place: God himself is the one introducing or bringing the woman to the man which is re-enacted by the bridal entourage in Church during the wedding rites. In conjugal love, they become one flesh (Heb. bashar ehad), characterized by dual unity, a union which is permanent accompanied by the assurance of God s blessing. The narrative concludes with a remark on nakedness of man and woman (Gn. 2:25 both of them were naked but they were not ashamed ). Nakedness in this context means giftedness. Man and woman are not ashamed, for both are gifts to one another. To be naked means Adam and Eve are free and transparent. Thus, they are capable of totally offering their gift of self in a reciprocal and faithful love. Such is the original experience and blessedness of Adam and Eve that they can even hear the voice of God and walk with him in the garden in a broad daylight. Adam and Eve are naked, yet they are not ashamed, for they are meant as mutual gifts to one another (original nakedness). To sum up the first and second creation accounts in Genesis, each presents the nobility of marriage as a divine institution, a covenant which demands fidelity on the part of the spouses and serves as a living thread that unites all social institutions of the nation, and an assurance of God s blessing to his people. It has two important purposes during this period: for procreation of children and for human integration (the two shall become one flesh) or communion of persons. Thus, marriage and family are meant for the building up of God s community. If man can trace his roots from original grace, then, how did he fall into the state of original sin? How did it affect his sense of communion with the woman and God? (to be continued next month) The Filipino Catholic June 13 - July 11, 2012 Page 5

6 TAGALOG Halaga ng Banal na Isatlo sa ating Buhay Ang Banal na Isatlo ay isang makabathalang hiwaga tungkol sa kaibuturan ng isang buod na Bathala na may tatlong pamukha- Ama, Anak, at Hininga. Sa marami pangyayari ito ay ipinahayag ng Poong Jesus sa kanyang buhay sa harap ng kanyang mga alagad: Una, nang si Jesus ay bininyagan sa ilog Jordan ni Johannes upang tuparin ang lahat na katarungan, by Rev. Ruben Cammayo mangyari bumaba ang Hininga ng Bathala at pumanaog sa anyong kalapati at humantong kay Jesus, at isang tinig mula sa langit ang narinig na nagsasabi- ito ang aking anak, na sa kanya ako ay lubos na nalulugod. Kaya sa simula pa lang ng paglilingkod ng Anak ng Bathala sa bayan at madla, nasaksihan na kaagad ang tinig ng Ama, at ang anyong kalapati ng Banal na Hininga sa Salita na naging laman. Ito ay tunay na isang makabathalang saksi sa Anak ng tao at gayundin sa Anak ng Bathala, na naganap sa kasaysayan ng tao doon sa lupain ng Judea at Galilea at paligid. Ikalwa, nang inanyayahan ni Jesus ang kanyang tatlong alagad- sina Petrus, Jacobus/James, Johannes, doon sa bundok Tabor, mangyari si Jesus ay nagpanibagonganyo. Ang kanyang mukha ay nagningning tulad ng araw, at ang kanyang mga damit ay naging puti tulad ng liwanag, at pagkatapos lumitaw sa harap nila sina Moses at Elijah na naguusap kay Jesus... Pagkatapos isang makislap na ulap ang sumaklob sa kanila, at mula sa ulap isang tinig na nagwiwika- ito ang aking anak, na sa kanya ako ay lubos na nalulugod, pakinggan ninyo siya. Kaya sa gitna ng Butihimbalita ni Jesus na Kristo ayon kay banal Mattheus, ipinakita muli ng mananampalatayang manunulat ang tatlong makabathalang pamukha- ang nagbagonganyong Anak, ang makislap na ulap, at ang tinig na nagwiwika. Itong tatlong mahiwagang pangyayari ng panibagonganyo ay mga paalala sa mga alagad tungkol sa kapangyarihan ng iisang Bathala na may tatlong pamukha, at ang pangalwang makabathalang pamukha ay muling nagpakita ng kanyang katangian at kakayanan, upang huwag mawalan ng pagasa ang kanyang mga alagad, sa kabila ng malagim na hula ng paghihirap at kamatayan ng Anak ng tao, kahit na bang ipahihintulot ni Jesus ang kanyang kamatayan, subalit bubuhayin niyang muli ang kanyang sarili sa ikatlong araw. Kaya maging mapanatag ang mga alagad ni Kristo sa kabila ng ligalig, sindak, at dusa sa lupa, sapagkat ginapi ni Jesus ang kamatayan, at sinagip niya tayo sa kasalanan tungo sa buhay na ganap at masagana at magpakailanman sa piling ng Maylikha, Manunubos at Mangaaliw. At ang ikatlong pahayag ni Jesus na Kristo tungkol sa Banal na Isatlo sa pananaw ni banal Mattheus ay matatagpuan sa huling kabanata ng aklatnang si Jesus ay magbigay ng makabathalang pamansag at pautos sa kanyang labingisang alagad na apostol bago siya hinango patungo sa kalangitan. Sa ganitong pangyayari inilahad ni maluwalhating Jesus ang kanyang buong kapangyarihan ng langit at lupa, at kapagdakay sinabihan niya sila na humayo, na turuan ang lahat na mga bansa, binibinyagan nila sila sa ngalan ng Ama, at ng Anak, at ng Banal na Hininga, tinuturuan nila sila na tupdin ang lahat na anumang na iniutos niya sa kanila: at tingnan na siya ay laging kasama sila sa lahat na mga araw, hanggang sa katuparan ng panahon. Maraming ipinahayag na mga katotohanan sa talatang ito, subalit sa usapin na Banal na Isatlo, makikita natin ang banggit na tatlong makabathalang pamukha- Ama, Anak, at Banal na Hiniinga. At makikita rin ang isang katagang- sa ngalan, at hindi sa katagang- sa mga pangalan, na ibig sabihin, ay iisang buod na ito ay makabathala, likas na iisang Bathala. Sa karaniwang makataong usapin, kapag tatlo ang pamukha ng tao, tatlo rin ang buod nito. Subalit hindi ganyan ang tatlong makabathalang pamukha, sapagkat sila ay nananatiling isang buod- ayon sa tanang bigkas ng Poong Jesus. Kaya nariyan ang hiwaga, na Hindi lubos matarok ng makataong isipan, subalit sa abotkaya ng makataong isipan, ito ay humantong sa hangganan ng dahilan at panalita. Kung kaya sa lawak, dipa, antas, taas ng makabathalang karunungan, ang ating makataong karunungan ay di lubos na matatalos at di lubos na matatanto ang yaong dinilikhang Karunungan ng Maylikha. Ang isang kagandahan nitong makabathalang hiwaga ng Banal na Isatlo ay ganito: tayo ay nagkakaroon ng lapit at lapat sa simula at bukal ng buhay, pagmahal, at dulugan, yaon ay si Ama, si Anak, at si Banal na Hininga. Tayo ay maaaring lumapit sa isa o sa tatlo nang sabayan. Tayo ay nagkakaroon ng lagusan ng makataong kaganapan, at dungawan sa makabathalang kamahalan, kaluwalhatian at kaganapan. Tayo ay nagkakaroon ng palataya, pagasa, at pagmahal bunga ng Salita na naging laman, at siya nga ay naging tao, tulad natin sa lahat ng bagay, maliban lamang sa kasalanan. Kaya siya ang gitna at putong ng kalikhaan dulot ng Maykapal na Maygawa ng langit at lupa, ang huwaran ng sangkatauhan, ang simula at katapusan. Ayon sa mapanambang pagdiwang naman, ang tanda ng pagkurus ay nagpapahayag ng dakilang paglahad ng isang Makakristo sa hiwaga at himala at kahangahangang Banal na Isatlo, at gayundin ng Paglaman at Pagingtao ng Anak ng Bathala na nagkaroon ng kaganapan sa kamatayan at muling pagkabuhay ng ating Manunubos, Poon at Hinirang na si Jesus. Marami na ang mga saksi sa pahayag ng Poong Jesus. Lumago at lumalago ang kaban ng palataya na nasa Simbahan na itinatag Jesus na Kristo sa pangangasiwa ni banal Petrus at ng Banal na Hininga. Tulag ng mahal na binibining inang Maria, ang mga mananampalatayang Makakristo ay nakikinig sa tinig, at himig, at pintig ng Salita ng Bathala, na nakasulat at binibigkas ng mga sugo ng Kristo at Simbahan. Tayo rin ay kusang kumapit sa magpakailanmang buhay dulot ng Anak ng Bathala at Anak ni Maria. Si Kristo Jesus, sa pagsugo ng Isa pang Paracletus, o Manananggol at Mangaaliw at Manglilinaw at Manguunawa, ay nagbukas ng panibagong yugto ng tao. At yaon ay ang panahon ng Banal na Hininga sa Simbahan, na umuunlad sa Salita ng Bathala, at lumalakas sa Katawan at Dugo ni Kristo, tungo sa daigdig na naghihintay ng Butihimbalita ng Kaligtasan. Tunay na sa daigdig na ito, ang bukas at bakas ng isang hiwaga ng iisang makabathalang buod ng Bathala, na may tatlong makabathalang pamukha, ay walang tigil sa pagdaloy ng batas, salita at biyaya sa Kaligtasan ng sangkatauhan hanggang sa muling pagbalik ni Kristo Jesus, dala makabathalang hatol ng makatarungang hukom ng mga patay at buhay. Hayaan natin samakatuwid na gabayan tayo ng Banal na Isatlo. Si Ama ay laging nagaanyaya sa atin na lumikha rin tayo ng mabuti at makatarungan sa daigdig na kanyang nilikha, sa saan tayo ay may pananagutan bilang mga kaagabay, kabalikat, kaggawad ng Maylikha. Si Anak na Jesus na Kristo ay laging tumatawag sa atin sa kanyang Salita at mga Pabanal, upang tayo ay makapagpuri nang marapat at maayos batay sa ipinahayag niya sa kanyang mga apostol at sa Simbahan puspos ng Banal na Hininga. Si Banal na Hininga ang nagdadala sa mga alagad saanman sa daigdig upang ipagbunyi si Kristo na inatasan ng Ama upang tubusin ang tao sa kasalanan, at bigyan tayo ng bagong buhay sa kaharian ng kanyang Anak. Kilala natin ang katuruan ng Daan, Katotohanan, at Buhay na si Jesus na Kristo, wika ni banal Johannes. Ko ala natin na sa bahay at pamamahay ng palataya ng Simbahan, nariyan ang haligi at saligan ng katotohanan, wika ni banal apostol Paulus kay Timotheus. Kaya wala na ng dahilan ang tao na di sumunod kay Kristo, na namatay at muling nabuhay. Tanging yabang, ganid, galit, tigas, bulag, sala, atbp. ang magbibigay ng pahamak sa kaluluwang lumalaban kay Kristo. Subalit ang mayroong bunga, gawa, galing, lakas, handog atbp. ng Banal na Hiininga, ay nagtatayo ng bahay at kaharian ng Bathala sa buhay ng mga tao na may mabubuting kalooban. Mabuhay ang katawan ni Kristo sa Kanyang mga mananampalataya. Magkamalaytaong Makakristo sila! Mabiyaya po! At magbiyaya! Page 6 June 13 - July 11, 2012 The Filipino Catholic

7 Syanga Naman! TAGALOG Msgr. Ruben M. Dimaculangan 1. June Bride syndrome. Maraming mga nobya na gustong magpakasal sa buwan ng Hunyo para mabansagang sila ay isang June Bride. Siguro, ang layon nila ay upang swertehin. Hmmmm. Hindi ako si Kuya Kim, pero dapat nyong malaman kung bakit nauso sa Europa ang June Bride. Dalawa ang dahilan: a) Kapag nagpakasal kasi sila sa June, tamang-tama na nakapanganak na sila sa Marso o Abril (spring) at meron na silang sapat na lakas para maging available sa anihan (tag-lagas, sa buwan ng Nobyembre). b) Ang pangalawang dahilan kung bakit magandang magpakasal daw sa Hunyo ay sapagkat matapos ang mahabang taglamig (winter), ang buwan ng Hunyo ay panahon ng paglabas sa kanilang lungga, pakikipag-sosyal at pagsasaya. Ginagamit nila ang panahon upang maligo sa mga dagat at baths. Maganda raw itaon ang kasal sa panahon na sila ay mabango sa tulong ng langis at samyo ng katas ng mga bulaklak. Ngayong nalaman na ninyo ang ugat ng June Bride sa Europa, magpapakasal pa rin ba kayo sa buwan ng Hunyo? Kung hindi, alam ko na ang naiisip ninyo. Gusto ninyong sumama sa bagong craze ngayon: ang magpakasal sa , i.e., sa darating na December 12, Pero hwag magmadali kahit kung ito ay last trip. Di na baleng di makahabol sa last trip kung ang biyahe palang yaon ay deadly trip (nakamamatay na pagkakapatid o pagkakatilapid). Ha ha ha ha ha. Syanga naman. 2. Weeeeeeeee! Para sa mga kababayan naming nasa ibang bansa, FYI (for your information), meron na namang bagong colloquial lingo tayo. Kailangan ninyong malaman ito para madali kayong maka-insert sa mga usapan kapag bumisita kayo dito sa Pinas. Ito ay ang weeeee! Ibig sabihin ay Tell it to the marines! Heto ang mga sample dialogues na pwedeng sagutin ng Weeeee! kung isi-situate natin sa kapanahunan ni Jesus. Example: a. Kailangang batuhin sa liwasang-bayan ang babaeng ito na nakikiapid dahil sa siya ay makasalanan! (Sagot ni Jesus: Weeeee! Ang walang kasalanan sa inyo ang siyang unang bumato). b. Sabi ni Pedro: Lord, over my dead body. Bago ka nila dakpin ay magdaraan muna sila sa ibabaw ng aking bangkay. (Sagot ni Jesus: Weeeee! Sinasabi ko sa iyo, itatatwa mo ako ng tatlong beses pagtilaok ng manok ). c. Sabi ni Hudas: Pambihira naman itong si Jesus, bakit hinahayaan niyang busan ng masamang babaeng ito ng pabango ang kanyang mga paa. Buti pang sinabi ni Jesus na ibigay na lang sa mga mahihirap ang napagbilhan ng babaeng ito ng pabango. (Sagot ni Jesus: Weeee! ). Ang problema ko naman ngayon, hindi ko masasabi sa inyo kung saan nag-ugat ang expression na weeeee dahil hindi ko alam. (Sagot ng mga bumabasa ng Syanga Naman : Waaaaaa!). Syanga naman. 3. Mga natutunan ko sa impeachment trial para sa Chief Justice. a) una sa lahat ay nadagdagan ang alam ko sa parliamentary procedure; b) Ipinakita din ng trial na para bumigat ang halaga ng salita mo, dapat mong singitan ang argumento mo na ika ay nagtapos sa UP o Ateneo; c) Kapag hahatulan na ang nasasakdal, matapos mapakinggan ang lahat na sinabi ng mga witnesses at senator judges, mabuti pa kung minsan na tanungin na lang ang mga referee ng basketbol, ang mga driver ng mga hindi kolorum na tricycle para malaman ang fair na hatol. Kakaiba ng mga abogado, hindi kaya ng mga referees at tricycle driver na kalikutin ang batas para mapalabas sa bandang huli na ang itim ay puti or vice versa; d) Sa pagtalino ng tao, sa pagdami ng kanyang pinag-aralan sa batas at achievements, hindi niya pansin na pwedeng mawala sa kanya ang common sense para makita kaagad ang pagkakaiba ng tama sa mali; e) Natutunan ko rin sa trial na hindi lang pala sa comedy bars applicable ang kasabihang talo ang pikon ; f) Sa trial, aking napagtanto na yaong multa at pagkapiit ay isang kaparusahan. Pero parang mas matindi ang kaparusahan, ayon na rin kay Rep. Chiz Escudero, na mai-detain kang magdamag na pinuputakte ni Ate Miriam ng litaniyang, Gago, gago, gago! Ha ha ha ha ha. Syanga naman. 4. It s hard to be humble when you come from Ateneo/UP. Hmmmmmmmmm. Nasaksihan natin ito hindi lang sa mga senator-judges kundi sa mga komentarista rin sa TV. Lalo sigurong mas-mahirap maging humble kung pagkatapos ng Ateneo ay nag-further studies ang alumnus o napadapo (o nagseminar) sa Harvard. Sa halip na hmmmmmmmm ay hmmmmmmmp! Buti na lang at hindi requirement sa langit ang magtapos ako sa Ateneo/UP. Aba, kanila na ang lupa, kanila pa rin ang langit. Pwede ba yun? Kung requirement yun, mapipilitan akong sabihin: Aba, noong 1986 ay isang buwan at kalahati akong nag-seminar sa compound ng Ateneo. Hahahaha. O kaya, Bago ako naging pari, ang nagpa-retreat sa amin ay isang Jesuit. Hahahaha muli. Ganon din, Marami akong kaibigang Jesuits na naging kasundo at ka-debate sa iba t-ibang issues nang ako ay nasa New York, etc. Ha ha ha ha. Syanga naman. 5. RH Bill muli. Ngayong natapos na ang limang buwang isyu tungkol sa impeachment trial, pwede na namang kalikutin ang mga policies at batas para maisampa ang RH Bill. Sa pagdaan ng panahon, nakausod ang pro-rh forces na mapag-usapan ito at least sa plenary ng Kongreso at Senado. Dati rati, sa kalye lang, sa mga sulok at corridors ito pinag-uusapan. Nakumbinsi rin ng mga pro-rh na magsalita si Presidente P noy na siya ay pro-rh. Pero hindi siya makalayo nang husto sa gusto niya dahil dapat niyang igalang ang kasarinlan ng legislature. Pangalawa, kahit ang mga supporters niya ay divided tungkol sa RH. Sa kabilang dako, si Rep. Sonny Belmonte, Speaker ng House of Representatives, ay pro-rh. Pero medyo atubili siyang pagbotohan kaagad ito sa Kongreso dahil baka mabasag ang kanyang coalition. Bagaman, lagi pa rin siyang naghahanap ng tamang pagkakataon. Sa Senado, sina Ponce Enrile at Tito Sotto, ay laban sa RH. Sa ngayon, kay dami raw ng like-minded politicians, kasama ng tv/ movie personalities, journalists, LGBT groups, foreign pharmaceutical companies, NGO s na humihimok sa masa na pumabor sa RH Bill. Ang palusot nilang placard na bitbit para sa kanilang legislative strategy, public information, mass mobilizations ay freedom of choice, maternal and child care, contraception as better option than abortion ; at, bandwagon na lahat ng Katolikong bansa ay pro-rh na. Ang ipinagtataka ko lamang, bakit kaya kahit anong talino at galing ng mga pro- RH, bihira sa kanila ang dumating sa conviction na kapag nagsasalita ang Santo Papa at ang buong Simbahang katolika, hindi siya nagsasalita sa punto de vista lamang ng doktrina ng Simbahan. Ang totoo, nagsasalita ang Papa sa ngalan ng mga naging biktima sa 179 na bansa kung saan ang Holy See ay may diplomatic relations at embassy at kung saan matapos maisabatas ang RH sa kanilang bayan, ay nagsisisi ngayon dahil sa irreversible damage sa development (in the true sense of the word) na dala ng demographic winter, divorce-contraceptive-abortion mentality at anti-life/ family mentality. Syanga naman. 6. Schoolday blues. Muli, ngayong nagbubukasan na muli ang mga iskwelahan, paaalalahanan ko na naman ang mga estudyante dito sa Pinas na huwag patalo sa schoolday blues. Kailangan nating lumago. Kakambal ng paglago ang sakripisyo (pain of growth). Kahit natapos na ang maliligayang araw ng bakasyon, meron ding partikular na ligayang dulot ang iskwelahan. Sabi ng isang pari, meron daw siyang kakilalang kabataan sa isang nayon ng kanyang parokya. Nahirati sa pagkita sa pagda-drive ng tricycle. Tinamad na siyang pumasok. Ngayon, naipilit niyang maging at least mukhang asensado rin siya. Nasa lungsod na siya ng Lipa. Pero driver pa rin. Syanga naman. 7. World Communications Day. Kagaya nang dati, nang nakalipas na pagdiriwang ng pag-akyat ng Panginoong Jesukristo sa langit (Ascension Sunday), ipinagdiwang din natin ang ika-46 na World Communications Day. Sa Kanyang pag-alis, sa atin ipinasa ni Kristo ang baton na i-communicate ang pagmamahal at pagliligtas ng Diyos. At nakaka-intriga. Kung kailan World Communications Day, saka naman ang theme ng pagdiriwang ay tungkol sa halaga ng katahimikan. Siguro, patunay lang ito na merong pregnant, strategic at productive silence. Dapat lang tandaan na kung totoo ang strategy na less talk, less mistake mag-ingat din naman tayo sa pagiging masyadong tahimik kung ayaw nating magkasala ng sinful silence. Syanga naman. ADVERTISE in The Filipino Catholic Call (516) for Rates The Filipino Catholic June 13 - July 11, 2012 Page 7

8 AWIT NI KA NALDO Korona Peter James R. Alindogan Iba t ibang klase ang korona. May korona sa mga taong buhay. At may korona naman sa patay. May koronang nakapatong sa ulo. At may korona namang sa bunganga lamang ng tao nakatago bantay sa mga ngiping bulok at hadlang sa pustiso. Korona rin ang tawag sa nakapaligid sa araw at nakikita ito kung nagkakaroon ng kabuuang eklipse. Ang bayan sa California, ang serbesa, at ang pinatalsik sa Pilipinas na punong mahistrado. Lahat sila Corona. Iba t ibang tipo ng korona naman ang isinasaad ng Bibliya. May koronang ginto, may korona ng kaluwalhatian at may korona naman ng pandaraya. Si Haring David, si Mordecai at ang Panginoong Hesus ay minsang naisulat na nagtataglay ng koronang ginto. Si Haring Solomon ay minsang nagkuwento tungkol sa korona ng kaluwalhatian at ang mga huwad na propeta naman ang may suot ng korona ng pandaraya. Isinasaad pa sa Banal na Aklat ang korona ng kapurihan, ang korona ng kagalakan, at ang korona ng pagkamakatarungan. Dalawang korona rin ang alam ko--korona na suot ng mga hari at koronang tinik na suot ng tunay na Hari. Ang una ay gawa ng karangyaan, ang pangalawa ay bigay ng katotohanan. Ang una ay papuri sa isang tao, ang pangalawa ay papuri sa lahat ng tao. Ang una ay nagtatapos sa hukay, ang pangalawa naman ay nagbibigay ng buhay. Kinakailangang makita ng karamihan ang katungkulan, kapangyarihan at lakas ng isang hari. Isang korona ang tanda nito. Napakababa ng tuhod para maging himlayan. Alanganin naman sa balikat. Kaya t ang tuktok ang ginawang karapatdapat. Sa ulo. Isang aralin din na nagpapakita na habang tuwid ang may suot nito ay hindi mahuhulog ang korona. Ngunit iba ang nangyari sa tunay na Hari ang Panginoong Hesus. Kinakailangang makita ng karamihan na siya y hinamak, hiniya at inalipusta. Sugatan na ang tuhod at di na maaaring himlayan. Taglay na ng kanyang balikat ang krus ng kahirapan. Koronang tinik ang ipinatong sa kanyang ulong matuwid. Matumba man at yumuko, ang korona ay hindi mahuhulog. Dahil sa tinik na sa laman ay nakadikit. Dahil sa tinik na sa ulo ay kumakapit. Iba t ibang klase ang korona. May koronang gawa sa metal. At may koronang palamuti naman ay mga bulaklak. May koronang nakikita ng mga mata. At may koronang naikukubli ng luha. Ngunit ang mahalaga sa lahat ng ito ay ang koronang hindi nakikita at hindi naikukubli, hindi nakapatong at hindi nakausli. Sa libro ng Apocalipsis ito ay isinaad na siyang ibibigay sa mga taong tapat hanggang kamatayan. Ang korona ng buhay. Kapuwa Namin (flip side of the Our Father) by Fr. Alexander Balatbat Ama namin, sumasalangit Ka. Sambahin ang ngalan Mo. Mapasaamin ang kaharian Mo. Sundin ang loob Mo Dito sa lupa, para nang sa langit. Bigyan Mo kami ngayon ng aming kakanin sa araw araw At patawarin Mo kami sa aming mga sala, Para nang pagpapatawad namin Sa mga nagkakasala sa amin. At huwag Mo kaming ipahintulot sa tukso, At iadya Mo kami sa lahat ng masama. Sapagkat Iyo ang kaharian, at kapangyarihan, At ang kadakilaan, magpakailanman. Amen. Kapuwa namin na naririto sa lupa Ano nga ba ang pangalan mo? Sumasaaming diwa ang kahirapan mo Binabagabag ang loob ko Bakit hamak ka sa lupa Gayong anak ka rin naman ng Amang nasa langit Bigyan mo kami ngayon ng kakayahang magbahagi Ng kapirasong makakain sa araw araw At patawarin mo ang pagkamanhid ng damdamin Sa mga katiwaliang napapakinabangan namin Huwag mo kaming ipahintulot sa tukso ng paglimot Kundi makilala ka bilang tunay na kapatid. Sapagkat iisa ang ating Ama na pinagmumulan ang kadakilaan, katotohanan, katarungan, kapayapaan at pagmamahal Ngayon at kaylan man. Amen. Sunday June 30, pm procession 2:30 pm novena 3 pm Mass Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church th Street South Ozone Park New York Page 8 June 13 - July 11, 2012 The Filipino Catholic

9 Rey Lauron TAGALOG Awit ni Ka Naldo La Vie en Rose (Ang Buhay ay Parang Rosas ng bantog na Edith Piaf) Quand il me prend dans ses bras Il me parle tous bas, je vois la vie en rose, Il me dit des mots dʼamour des mots de tous les jours Et ca ma fait quelche chose, Il est entre dans mon coeur une part de bonheur Dont je connais la cause, Cʼest lui pour moi, moi pour lui dans la vie Il me lʼa dit, lʼa jure pour la vie, Et des que je lʼapercois alors je sens en moi Mon coeur qui bat. Nang ako ay anyayahan sa bisig niya ay akayin Tinig niya na kay baba, buhay rosas ang kahambing Bukang bibig ay pagibig araw araw ay wikain Tila baga isang bagay, halintulad at kahambing. Siya mandin ay sa akin at ako ay sa kanya rin Habang buhay aariin yaon ang salawikain Minsan man lamang matunghan ay kaagad ang damdamin Tumitibok ang puso ko, tumitibok-tibok pa rin. Isa manding dalagita, pinanganak ay bulag na Kahimaʼt batang-bata pa, iniwan ng amaʼt ina Kung kaya ngaʼt inaruga niyong nagwawalang tia Kahit dilim man ng gabi bata ay kasama-sama. Anupangaʼt tanging dasal at dalangin araw-araw Sa bayan na pintakasi Santa Teresang kay banal Yaong tanging kagalingan ng pamangking minamahal Nawa siyaʼy makakita ang balanaʼy matunghayan. Anupanga at sa tindi, taimtim ng pagdarasal Na kasabay pa ang tulo ng luha ng dumaratal Ay ano nga at himala siyang dulot ng Maykapal Sa dasal kay Teresita niyong Lisieux niyang bayan. Ay ano ngaʼt nagliwanag paligid at sanglibutan Ang tindi ng kadiliman ay naglaho at naparam Bagkus walang hanggang ilaw, liwanag ng kalangitan Ang dulot sa dalagita, lumaki sa kadiliman. Kahit mandin ang gawain ay mababa ang liparin Dahil sa ang kalagayan niyong mahal na pamangkin Kung kaya ngaʼt kahit saan ang bata ay kalikarin Ma-araw man o ma-dilim sa paghanap ng kakanin. Isang araw ang inain hayon na ngaʼt dumaraing Umiiyak, dumaraing sa mabait na pamangkin Ay tunay nga aking giliw, hindi ko na maaatim Ang mabuhay ng gayari na mababa ang liparin. Ngayon manding naglalakad ʻdi na akay at kaladkad Bagkus kasama sa paghanap ng pagkain hanggang bukas Hanngga manding isang araw, limos hindi na natanggap Ang winika ng tiyahin sa bata na naglalakad Ikaw mandin ay umawit sa madla na nasa harap Baka sakali ay maawa saka sa atin maglingap. At tayo ay lilimusan at makaraos sa hirap At kung lubusang palarin ikaw naman ay sisikat. Allons enfants de la patrie le jour de gloire est arrive. Halina o manga anak ng bayan kong nililingap Sapagkat ang luwalhati niyong araw ay naganap Siya mandin ang inawit sa madla na nasa harap. Ito manding abang lingkod kapagdakaʼy nahagulhol Sa nagisngan na pagawit sa Marseillaise na patungkol Laluna at Aix en Provence ay ang bayan ng apostol Na Santiagong misyonero, Magdalena ang humabol. Yaong bata sa pagawit ay mayroon namang tinig Kaya tunay nagaligid ang tao sa pakikinig Mandiʼy tampol ng paghanga sa kay Ineng na marikit Kaya tuloy manga pilak sa kanya ay inihagis. Ito manding abang ingkod na may aba yaong loob Dahil nuon ngang bata pa ay gayunding napaulot Sa pagawit sa piyestahan na kasamaʼy inang irog Na nagpilit na ang anak ang pagawit ay mahandog. Ito namang masunuring anak, kay baba ng loob Ay kaagad na nagisip, ano kayang itatampok Upang higit na marapat sa pagawit ʻdi man bantog Upang ang matamoʼy limos higit pa sa nilolob. Ang kaagad naisipan na ihandog sa kabayan Upang silaʼy lumigaya sa awit na pakikinggan Ay ang awit ng ina rin ng anak ay natutuhan Na hinasa at sinanay sa tawag nga ng tanghalan. Mayroon ngang paligsahan ibaʼt iba na handaan Higit lahat ay ang tawag ng guro ng paaralan Binyagan at piyestahan, baysanan at kaarawan Harana sa durungawan, si Rey Lauron ay batikan. Sa High School man ng Christ the King Yaong madreʼ umiyak din Kahit man daw sa Switzerland yaong bayang simulain Hindi man daw natatalos yaong buod ng awitin Subali at yaong himig sa luha ay lipos mandin. Ang totoong pahiwatig nuong unang maulinig Sa tanghalan ay inawit sa Zarzuela ng pagibig Sa lupa na sinilangan ng banyaga ay ginipit Dahil niyong kasakiman at paghasik ng ligalig. Kung kaya sa mananakop yaoʼy sadyang inihandog Kahit mandin pailalim hindi hayag pagtaguyod Kunwaʼy awit ng pagirog sa dalagang maalindog Ay huwag kaʼt yaon palay sa banyagaʼy pagbatikos. Subali at namumuno bagaman at narahuyo Sa awitan ng pagsuyo naka-amoy naka-tanto Niyong ibang niluluto sa dula ay inihalo Upang bayang nasiphayo ang himagsik ay lumago Anupanagʼt nang masukol sa pakanang may patungkol Kaaagad ay sinalikop sa kulungan ibinuhol Ang tanghalan ay napinid himagsikan ay naputol Siyam na daan at isa, kasaysayan na pumurol. Yaong kano ay naghari kung tawagin ay Commonwealth Puerto Rico ʻdi kawangis, puerto pobre ang sinapit. Nang malaon ay sumilang yaong munting paghimagsik Yaong awit na Bayan Ko siyang naging paksang himig. Upang bayan ay maligtas, manag-uliʼy karangyaan Anupangaʼt ang karamay sa pag-alsaʼy pagdarasal Kaakibat ang simbahan sa manga punoʼy may alay Ng bulaklak at ng yaman sa pagsamba sa simbahan. Heto manding abang lingkod wariʼy siyang nakasukob Sa manga awit na handog sa simbahaʼy dinudulot Sa paglamay, pagdarasal sa simbahaʼy dumaratal Kahilingan ay ang awit nitong lingkod niyong bayan. Nang sa Paris ay umawit ng awit na makabayan Ayon sa palatuntunan ng Sorbonne na Pamantasan Bawat bansaʼy mailunsad ng padalang magaaral Itong lingkod yaong handog ay Mon Pays niyong bayan. Nuon manding mahandugan, anyaya ng karangyaan Niyong maganak sa Saint Cloud, mangaawit yaong angkan Bantog na anak ng Gounod, mangaawit sa simbahan Sikat na Ave Maria siyang katha niyong angkan. Kaya mandin itong lingkod, nang pagawit mahilingan Ang kaagad na inawit ay ang awit niyong bayan Subalit bago ang lahat ay ang awit niyong angkan Siyang handog nitong lingkod, Ave Maria ang ngalan. Nang mabanda sa Nuweba York at sa Katedral mapaloob Upang ilang daang tinig ay marinig na nabuklod Yaong awit na Bayan Ko bandang huliʼy itinampok Kaya yumaong Kardinal yaring lingkod ay hinagod. The Filipino Catholic June 13 - July 11, 2012 Page 9

10 The Essentials Essentials of aofchristian Spirituality: The a Christian Spirituality: The Non-negotiable Pillars of the Spiritual The Four Non-negotiable Pillars of the Spiritual Life: Prayer (keeping the commandments) Fasting (living a life of joy) Prayer (keeping the commandments) Fasting (living a life of joy) Almsgiving Life: Almsgiving (justice as well as charity) (justice as well as charity) Prayer Justice Mellowness of heart Community involvement * ty Go to Joseph IMBALANCES Private Prayer and Private Morality but lacking in Justice Social Justice - but lacking in private prayer and private morality Private prayer and private morality and social justice but lacking mellowness of heart and spirit Private prayer and private morality, social justice, mellowness of heart but lack of involvement within a concrete community by Fr. Joseph Marabe A. PRIVATE PRAYER AND PRIVATE MORALITY 1) Prayer in secret 2) If anyone loves me, he or she will keep my commandments. We cannot pretend to be loving if we are not keeping the commandments. If we refuse to take seriously the first pillar of the spiritual life, we will continue to go through the motions, but we will be unable to inspire and pass on our faith. There are real dangers privatization of spirinot about Jesus and I. pretend to be loving if Keeping the command- in overtuality. It is We cannot we are not ments. Prayer and Vigilance. C. Mellowness of Heart * Spirituality is about being grateful * Not only doing the right thing but doing from the right motivation - Philantrophy = manipulative - Die for others = selfish grandiosity - Warrior for truth = always in conflict TRANSFORM THE WORLD NOT THROUGH ANGER OR GUILT BUT THROUGH FRIENDSHIP, WIDE THINKING, CREATIVITY, HEALTHY LEISURE, GRATEFUL HEART Elder Son: keeping all commandments and house duties; bitterness Younger Brother infidelity, recklessness; repentance Father compassion William Stafford: Following the wrong god home, we will miss the Star. Page 10 June 13 - July 11, 2012 The Filipino Catholic B. SOCIAL JUSTICE The call to do justice as an integral part of relating to God is already strong in the scriptures. Anawim Yahweh We will go to heaven or to hell on the basis of giving or not food, water, clothing, shelter, and justice to the poor. * liberation theology * social encyclicals * preferential option for the poor When we make spirituality essentially a privatized thing cut off from the poor and the demands for justice, it soon degenerates into mere private therapy, an art for, or worse still, an unhealthy clique D. Community Six Dimensions of conversions 1) Religious; 2) Theistic; 3) Christological; 4) Ecclesial; 5) Moral; 6) Intellectual We are called to be in a historical community. We will be saved not as individuals but as a community John If you say you love God and hate your neighbor, you are a liar. Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism selfenlightenment Christianity/Judaism communitarian; People of God

11 Work (H-1B) Visa for Nurses I have been receiving many inquiries regarding nurses trying to obtain H-1B work visas. Their common question is: Can a nurse with BSN degree and NYS RN license be able to obtain a work (H-1B) visa in the United States of America? Back on September 1, 1995, the H-1A Nursing Program for nurses ended. It has not been extended. There was an H-1C Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act in 1999 that established the H-1C program to reduce the shortage of qualified nurses in hospitals located in health professional shortage areas. This program ended on December 21, So, what is the present status of the nonimmigrant visa for nurses? Today, work (H-1B) visa petitions for registered nurses are adjudicated by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) on the basis of the statutory definition of a specialty occupation as found in the law with respect to the minimum requirement for the position of staff nurse. Healthcare facilities (hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes, etc.) hire nurses with Associate Diploma in Nursing, or Associate Degree in Applied Science and who passed the RN Licensure (NCLEX). In the case of Vintage Health Resources, Inc. (involving individual H-1B petition by several Filipino nurses) that was decided by the U.S. Court of Appeals, for the Fifth Circuit, the court affirmed the decision of the District Judge of the Eastern District of Louisiana. The case originated with the denial by U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Services (USINS) of the H-1B petitions, stating therein that Vintage failed to establish that the nurses worked in a specialty occupation. The District Court affirmed the decision of the INS Administrative Appeals Unit that originally upheld the denial by the USINS. In substance, the reason for the denial was that the occupation must be one in which the attainment of a bachelor s degree or higher is the minimum for entry into that occupation. The US INS memorandum dated 11/27/2002 clarified that while typical RNs generally do not meet the requirements for H-1B classification, aliens in certain specialized RN occupations are more likely than typical RNs be eligible for H-1B status. The memo further stated that in order to qualify for an RN position as H-1B, the petitioning employer can meet the existing regulatory requirements by showing that: 1). Bachelor s degree or higher degree (or its equivalent) is normally the minimum requirement for entry into the position; 2) Degree requirement is common to the industry for parallel nursing positions; 3) Employer normally requires a degree or its equivalent for the position; or 4) Nature of the position s duties is so specialized and complex that the knowledge required to perform the duties is usually associated with the attainment of a bachelor s or higher degree We are looking for someone like you! Legal Critique by Ferdinand G. Suba, Esq. (or its equivalent). If the petitioner is able to demonstrate and justify that the nurses being sponsored are practicing in a specialized area of nursing which might have different degree requirements than that of staff nursing, the USCIS might consider a different view, and the work (H-1B) visa petitions can be approved. Examples: Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Nurse Anesthetists, Directors in various nursing positions generally require as a minimum requirement of a bachelor s degree and in most cases, even require a higher degree, i.e. Master s Degree because the nature of these positions is so specialized and complex that the knowledge required to perform the duties and responsibilities is usually associated with the attainment of a bachelor s or higher degree (or its equivalent). If, after all the explanations in this article, there are still questions in your mind, feel free to your questions and this writer will make further clarification. Please be warned: Those desperate to come to America to work as H-1B nurses, beware of placement agencies who promise work (H-1B) visas because most, if not all have not delivered successfully. Editor s Note: FERDINAND G. SUBA has been practicing law since He was a former professor at the Far Eastern University where he taught Corporation and Partnership Law, Negotiable Instruments Law, Taxation, and Constitution. He was a member of the editorial board of the Ateneo Law Journal and Ateneo Law Bulletin. He was a recipient of the Philippine Presidential Award as Best Parliamentarian. For more information, you may e- him at SUBALAW@AOL. 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12 Birhen ng Antipolo Eighth Diocesan Feast Day Celebration at St. Robert Bellarmine Church in Bayside The eighth Diocesan Feast Day Celebration of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyag or the Birhen ng Antipolo was held last May 19 at St. Robert Bellarmine Church in Bayside, Queens. Main celebrant was Msgr. Jose Antonio Galvez, Episcopal Vicar of the Diocese of Malolos in the Philippines. Concelebrating with him were priests in neighboring areas, among them: Fr. Ray Nacino, Fr. Sancho Garrote, Fr. Godofredo Felicitas, Fr. Josh Hugo and Fr. Jovy Carongay. The affair started with the recitation of the rosary followed the solemn procession on the streets surrounding the church after which was the Eucharistic Celebration. Fellowship was held at the church s auditorium highlighted by Filipino dishes and a cultural program. Main celebrant: Rev. Msgr. Jose Antonio Galvez, STD, VE Episcopal Vicar Diocese of Malolos Josie Nover reads Prayers of the Faith. Ching Allas welcomes guests at the reception. Devotees venerate Our Lady of Antipolo. Members of Our Lady of Lourdes Filipino Dance Group entertain guests with a cultural dance. Dancers are Joanna Esteban, Luzviminda Salud, Frances Jacinto, Marilyn Ocama, Lettie Lopez, Esther Dimaano, Gigi Baylon and Rose Torrayo. Page 12 June 13 - July 11, 2012 The Filipino Catholic

13 What s in a name? Juliet asked Romeo in Shakespeare s play. A rose called by any other name would smell as sweet. Any father -- whether we call him Dad, Papa, Daddy, Pop, Papi or Tatay is the same man who gave us life and calls us his son or daughter. The concept of father has different variations -- stepfather, godfather, father-inlaw, grandfather, etc. all incorporating the by Mario M. Nieves basic ingredient of fatherhood, a child. As defined in the dictionary, a father is one who has begotten a child. Thus, a stepfather has a stepchild, a godfather has a godson or goddaughter, a father-in-law has a son- or daughter-in law, etc. The title of Father, as used by a priest, implies that the church minister assumes the responsibilities of a father, with the Catholic faithful as children under his spiritual care. Another meaning of father is one who originates, therefore an originator. Thus the early leaders of the church were the Apostolic Fathers; the political leaders who signed the Declaration of Independence and framed the U.S. Constitution were the Founding Fathers; the earliest proponents of an institution are called the fathers of that institution. Hence, we call Herodotus the Father of History, and Hippocrates the Father of Western Medicine. And don t we call Satan the Father of Lies because he caused the original sin to be committed? Imperfect Father, Imperfect Son We should probably put the blame on the Father of Lies for the imperfections in the father-child relationship in the world. Under ordinary circumstances, the father is the life-giver and provider; the child is the obedient dependent. The son or daughter expects support and the father expects obedience. The Fourth Commandment says Honor thy father and thy mother, but this is being transgressed by some, if not a lot of, children. Take a look at the event in Texas sometime in A 23-year old man was having an argument with his grandmother. His 58-year old father intervened. Soon, father and son were arguing, until the argument turned violent. The son punched the father in the head and face and kicked him hard in the abdomen. The father died of massive injuries. A reverse situation occurred in July 2011, in another town in Texas. An 18-year old son was high on drugs so the father scolded him. The teen raised a knife and the 43 year-old father, in self-defense or anger, shot the son in the head, killing him. Whatever happened to the close-knit family ties? What seems to be missing? In the Name of the Father MY POINT OF VIEW Love between Father and Son We have defined a father as one who has begotten a child, an originator. In St. Paul s letter to the Hebrews, quoting Psalm 2:5, God said of Jesus: You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Therefore God proclaimed himself as Father, who created all things, visible and invisible, in love and in wisdom. And he loves the son and has put everything into his hands (John 3:35). In the New Testament, God is called Father 245 times. In contrast, Islam rejects a personal God. To Muslims, Allah is a powerful, uniquely singular creator to be worshipped and not to be cordially regarded as a father. Jesus oftentimes explained his relationship with the Father to his apostles in these words: I and the Father are one ; I am in the Father and the Father is in me; whoever has seen me has seen the Father ; No one comes to the Father except through me. In John s Gospel (15:15) Jesus transmits his relationship with God the Father to his apostles, by saying No longer do I call you slaves I call you friends, for all things that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. Then in Matthew s gospel he taught them the Lord s Prayer, the Our Father, permitting them to call God as Father. Whatever You Ask in My Name St. Paul affirms to the Romans that You have received the spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry, Abba! Father! The Spirit himself testifies that we are children of God, and if children, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. Those were gratifying words to the apostles, which were transmitted to the first Christians, then to the present church. The thing that seems to be missing from the human family now appears to be filled when Christ bequeathed to us his relationship with God the Father. At the Last Supper he made this request to God: Holy Father, keep them in your name which you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them. Then Jesus promised: Whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me (John 16:23). Mother s Day, Father s Day We celebrated Mother s Day on May 13th. May has been designated as the Month of Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Father s Day is celebrated on June 17th. It would not be inappropriate to designate June as God the Father s Month, if not officially, at least spiritually. Staten Island Walkers Group Celebrate Joint Birthdays A group of seniors who regularly walk at the Staten Island Mall jointly celebrated their birthdays on May 5, 2012 at the St. Paul s Church auditorium. The birthday celebrants were (left to right): Willy Apo, Vener Santos, Sonny Fruto, Nick Feliciano, Rudy Malabanan, Bert Eleazar, Pete Decena, Liza Apo, Ceny Gomez, Zeny Flores, Being de la Paz, Dr. Ely Lagmay, Shirley Garcia, and Dr. Manny Lagmay (inset). The Filipino Catholic June 13 - July 11, 2012 Page 13

14 FACES PLACES & by Ate Norma ADRIAN MATIAS (center) turned 6 recently and celebrated his birthday at the International Buffet Restaurant with family and friends. Party was given by mom and dad, Genelyn and Franco. Adrian is the grandson of Elenita and Cris Vasquez, active members of the Infant Jesus Prayer Group of Nassau. ARYANNA MATIAS s (inset) second birthday was held at a restaurant in Westbury, Long Island. Among the senior citizens who attended the children s party were (clockwise from left) Dr. Joe Reblando, Toots Berroya, Lett Dayao, Riza Stadmeyer, Zeny Berroya, Armely Novenario, Norma P., Jun Novenario, Rocky Singson, Eden Gaceta, Elenita Vasquez and Beng Reblando. Right: Carmen Intal, seated, celebrated her 84 birthday last April 20. Celebrating with her are Karen Clemente, Arsenio Clemente and Mina Clemente. MAMA CARMEN IS 84 YEARS OLD Seek ye the Kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. -- Luke 12:31 SCARLETT CALEB QUINN ETHAN ALLISON Page 14 June 13 - July 11, 2012 The Filipino Catholic

15 FACES & PLACES SUBA GARNERS TOP AWARD Our columnist, Ferdinand G. Suba, Esq. was awarded the Doña Teodora Alonzo Award, the highest award given to an individual who has provided tremendous influence and invaluable contribution to the teachers association and to the growth of education as a whole. The awarding ceremony took place on May 12, 2012 at the Astoria Manor in Astoria, New York. In the picture: Atty. Ferdinand G. Suba receiving the award from Phil. Consul General to New York, Ambassador Mario L. de Leon. Below: Msgr. Raymond Chappetto (seated center) was presented a certificate of appreciation by members of the Himig at Alay Music Ministry recently. Msgr. Chappetto is leaving his post as pastor of Our Lady of the Snows parish in Floral Park. He will be installed as Bishop of Brooklyn on July 11, Young entertainer Sidney Elloso delighted guests during a performance at Our Lady of the Snows Flores de Mayo party. The Filipino Catholic June 13 - July 11, 2012 Page 15

16 FACES & PLACES Paaralang Pinoy, the Filipino Diocesan Apostolate in Queens, NY, took part in the Annual Independence Day Parade in New York City last June 3. PAARALANG PINOY at PIDC Independence Day Parade Below: Novenario of the Santo Niño at the home of Jun and Armely Novenario in preparation for the 31st Anniversary Celebration of the Infant Jesus Prayer Group of Nassau last June 10. SCARLETT PASCUAL, 11 years old, received the Silver President Award during her graduation at DaVinci School in Colorado Springs. She s shown above with her Dad Mark, Mom Laurie and brothers Caleb and Quinn. Volunteers and staff of Pilipino Pastoral Ministry of Our Lady of Pompei who put together and managed this year s very successful Santakrusan sa Village in New York City. Page 16 June 13 - July 11, 2012 The Filipino Catholic

17 The Second Vatican Council: 50 Years After by Rev. Fr. J. Victor Maynigo-Arenas, STD Fifty years have now passed since the Second Vatican Council, probably the most important religious event in the 20 th century, took place in Rome, Italy. The year was October 11, On the occasion of its 50th anniversary this year, there will no doubt be many articles/studies written about it, symposia and panel discussions organized to reflect on its legacy. Certainly, it is worthwhile to revisit and to look back on this historic mega-event and reflect once again on the importance and the impact it had on the life and mission of the Church and how it changed the way we think of ourselves both as individuals and as Church. The inspiration of Vatican II Most of us are probably too young to remember this religious event but those who do will recall the great excitement and enthusiasm when it was first announced by Pope John XXXIII, now Blessed Pope John. When Pope John was elected pope to succeed Pope Pius XII who died in October 1958, he was in the twilight years of his life. Many thought that he would merely be a transition pope and would not make a dent on the life of the church. But only a few months after his ascension into the papacy, he made an announcement that surprised the whole world, including those in the Church hierarchy. He made known his plan to convene an ecumenical Council and the raison d etre of the Council would be, as he called it, aggiornamento, an Italian word for renewal or updating. When asked why and how in the world the idea of a Council came to him, his simple response was that it came to him as an inspiration. Still, many in the church were skeptical about the idea. A few surmised that the Council would only put a rubber stamp on the status quo. As preparations for the convening of the great Council were underway, there were hopes and fears, doubts and questions about the forthcoming event. Pope John put them all to rest when finally, on October 11, 1962, he opened the Council expressing hope and optimism and encouraged all to pray that the Council would be another Pentecost in which the Holy Spirit would pour out His gifts upon the Church as She seeks to bring out the glorious light of the gospel of Christ into a world that hungers for meaning and renewal. When the Council opened, in attendance were bishops from all continents of the world, about 2500 of them. It was truly an ecumenical Council in every sense of the word, so unlike the previous Councils. Also present were several theologians called the experts ( periti, in Latin) to assist the bishops in their discussions and a number of representatives from the Orthodox, Protestant, non-christians religions who were invited as observers. Pope John XXXIII shared his vision of aggiornamento but he would not see it come to its full fruition because a few months after the Council began, he died. However, his successor, Pope Paul VI would see it through and guide it to its happy conclusion. Finally, on December 8, 1965, on the feast of the Blessed Mother s Immaculate Conception, the Second Vatican II formally came to an end. But its spirit, its impact and ripple effect on the Church and on Christians everywhere was just about to be felt. THE ACHIEVEMENT OF VATICAN II It would be too simplistic to say that the main achievement of Vatican II can be deduced from the 16 major documents produced. True, these documents contain major and fresh insights into teachings of the Church touching on practically every aspect of the Church s life and mission, from its life of worship, basic beliefs and doctrines to its relationship with other Churches and non-christian religions and the whole secular world in general. Libraries are filled to overflowing with thousands of books that offer commentaries and studies on these major documents of the Council and to this day, students of the Council continue to bring out the old as well as the new insights from this Pentecostal event. What have we learned from the Council as a Church and as individual Catholics? The question is raised to invite serious reflection and discussion on this historic event. I would like to offer to the Filipino Catholic readers some of my own reflections with particular focus on the role and vocation of the laity in the Church as envisioned by the Council. My special interest in the role and development of the lay person in the Church is inspired partly by the fact that the very first Filipino saint ever canonized is a lay person, St. Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila, and the second one soon to be raised to the altar of the Church is also a lay person, Blessed Pedro Calungsod, both of whom have given heroic witness by their lives and martyrdom to their Catholic Faith. These two Filipino saints have not only put their country on the Catholic map but also demonstrate that the Filipino laity have come of age, have reached a high level of faith maturity. Their saintly example will hopefully encourage and pave the way for other Filipinos, priests and lay alike, to dedicate themselves generously to Christ and the Church. THE LAY PERSON Vatican II redefined the role and vocation of the laity and in many different ways, affirmed the dignity of the lay state. Beyond that, I believe, the Council gave the laity a sense of empowerment. Let me use a popular paradigm or metaphor that brings out clearly this new understanding of the role and status of the lay person in the Church. One paradigm or model of the Church is that of a pyramid in which the laity is seen at the bottom of the pyramid and the hierarchy, i. e. the priests, bishops and the pope were placed at the top. This model was the dominant one before Vatican II. The lay person himself/herself, when speaking of the Church would refer to it as sila meaning, the priests, bishops and religious. The lay person was down under the ecclesiastical structure and his mission was perceived as a mandate from and a participation in the apostolate of the hierarchy. The other model is the concentric circle model in which the lay person is seen as being within the circle, with the hierarchy of priests and bishops in the inner circle. This is the model embraced and taught by Vatican II. Interestingly, the lay person in this model is seen, not as under the hierarchy but as belonging to the whole. He/she then can speak of the Church as tayo or atin. This is clearly evident in the major document on the Church entitled Lumen Gentium (Latin) or Light of Peoples (English translation). In this document, the Church is understood first of all, as the People of God. This major shift in emphasis on the Church has profound ramifications on the role and vocation of the laity. It also makes them major players in the mission of the church, not simply participants in the apostolate of the hierarchy. The Council teaches that all baptized Christians share a true equality with regard to the dignity and to the activity common to all the faithful for the building up of the Body of Christ (LG.32). The Council points to baptism in which all are made one in Christ as the common matrix of our shared dignity and vocation. THE VOCATION AND MISSION OF THE LAITY IN VATICAN II The document on the Church (LG) states: By reason of their special vocation it belongs to the laity to seek the kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and directing them according to God s will. They live in a world, that is, they are engaged in each and every work and business of the earth and in the ordinary circumstances of social and family life which as it were constitutes their very existence (no. 31). These few lines are charged with meaning for the lay person and define for him/her his/her vocation and mission. It reminds them of their dignity as children of God and of the special gifts and charisms given to them by the Holy Spirit in Holy Baptism. This teaching also presents a twofold challenge for the laity: first, they are to take up leadership and responsibility in the secular sphere through their engagement in its affairs. Commissioned by Christ in baptism and as active members of His Mystical Body, they are to live out the demands of their discipleship in the world they live. Second, they are called to direct the affairs of the world according to God s will. They are to achieve this through the witness of their lives and their fidelity to the gospel values as they make every effort to advance the work of the Church and the common good. Many lay people have taken this challenge seriously and have indeed advanced the work of the Church through their efforts to bring the gospel of Christ into their lives. It is worthwhile to note that since the conclusion of the Council, there have emerged in the Church new movements inspired and led by and for the lay people. These lay movements prospered and grew with the guidance and approval of Church authority. Just to mention a few: The Neo-Catechumenate founded in 1967 by Kiki Arguello and Carmen Hernandez, Spanish lay persons to promote renewal initiated by Vatican II. There is also the Community of St. Egidio, founded in Rome in 1968 by a group of high school students led by Andrea Riccardi, devoted to common prayer inspired by the Bible and work on behalf of the poor, the elderly, homeless and those with AIDS. It is also committed to ecumenical and interfaith reconciliation and is involved in efforts to promote peace to troubled parts of the world. It is similar in spirituality to the FOCOLARE movement founded in 1943 by another lay person named Chiara Lubich who died just four years ago. Other religious movements that have been given new life after the Council were the Cursillo Movement, founded in Spain in 1949, the Legion of Mary founded by Frank Duff in Ireland, the Christian Family Movement, a lay couples social action movement founded by Patrick and Patricia Crowley, the Marriage Encounter, the Couples for Christ and some others. But there is one particular religious lay movement that emerged as an offshoot of Vatican II that deserves special attention and it is the Basic Ecclesial Community or Small Christian Community. It is better known by its original Spanish name communidades ecclesiales de base. It is the by-product of Liberation Theology which began in Latin America. These small Christian communities are Scripture-centered reflection and action groups among the poor. They represent efforts to put Liberation theology into practice in their outreach to the poor and the powerless. Technically, these basic ecclesial communities or groups are Eucharistic communities within the Church. Their members pray together, minister to one another inside and outside their groups, and work together to promote justice and charity. In Brazil alone, there are about 80,000 such communities. Who knows how many more there are in the rest of the Latin American continent where Liberation Theology has flourished. In the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao, the focus of the Church s evangelization program has been centered on the formation of such small ecclesial communities. These small groups seem to have been proven to be effective avenues for empowering the laity and giving them sense of being Church. In the Synod of Bishops in 1985, the bishops themselves had taken cognizance of the existence of such communities and hailed them as a cause for great hope for the life of the Church. THE CHALLENGE IN THE POLITICAL SPHERE In today s world, there is one critical area of life where the lay person is called to provide moral leadership and that is the area of politics. This is a crucial issue facing many Catholics today who find their basic beliefs being challenged and even contradicted. How is the lay person to act and to bring his/her faith to bear on political issues? This is for each and every Christian to address in his/her particular situation and circumstance in life. There is obviously a great need for discernment and education for the lay person to be aware of the issues at hand and a corresponding obligation to work to inform his/her conscience. Some of the issues are complicated and multi-faceted. However, where life issues are (turn to page 19) The Filipino Catholic June 13 - July 11, 2012 Page 17

18 Fil-Am Graduates with Honors at Brown University by Contessa Rita Borbon JEAN HAZEL MENDOZA New York - Filipino American Jean Hazel Mendoza, 22, graduated in May 2012 from Ivy League Brown University and she is ready to embrace new challenges. Jean graduated with honors in English and biology. Her intellectual, social, and emotional skills have been honed greatly by Brown University. Hard work is her passion. She had an internship at National Geographic Society in Washington, DC. She was a committed teaching assistant who taught beginning Tagalog to students at Brown. In the fall, Jean will be pursuing a master s degree at Johns Hopkins University. She is confident and ready to soar to fulfill her dreams. Her college scholarship played a vital role that enabled her to finish college. Union 1199 had awarded her with cash awards every year when she was in college. Mendoza has a strong foundation in academic excellence. She was a gifted student and attended high school for the gifted at Hunter College High School in New York. She also loves to read, travel, and cook. When Jean was in college, she traveled to Italy to study the Italian language and immerse herself in its culture. She will visit the Philippines this summer with her family. Jean immigrated to New York when she was seven years old with her supportive parents - Joe and Cecilia Mendoza. She has one brother, JR, and two sisters, Jocel and Joyce. Her parents describe Jean as very loving, studious, appreciative, and respectful. With her skills, intellectual capability and amiable personality, Jean is sure to soon fulfill her dream of becoming a science journalist. BOOK LAUNCHING LEADERSHIP AWARD FOR THE BROWN CLUB OF D.C. A Filipino Priest s New York Diaries is new book by Fr. Erno Diaz Father Erno Diaz held the launching of his latest book entitled A Filipino Priest s New York Diaries on June 10, 2012 after the 12 noon Sunday Mass at St. Margaret Mary s Church hall, 560 Lincoln Ave., in Staten Island. The book was published by the UST Publishing House. The outside back cover has the following description of the book: On the heels of his previous book titled On the Road with San Lorenzo where he chronicled his work promoting San Lorenzo Fr. Erno Diaz Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, in the United States, Father Erno comes up with this book that tells a story of his own life as a priest from the Philippines doing pastoral work in parishes in New York and New Jersey - his thirty years of ministry that is both fraught with joy and fulfillment and tinged with trials and heartaches. America is a land of plentiful pastoral possibilities as it has become the melting pot for the people of the world who have come to its shores with their own cultures, values and traditions. This is where Father Erno has planted himself and bloomed, so to say, as he tried to savor the various physical and pastoral landscapes of this great city with its colorful history and unique temperament, its awesome skyline and its legendary great white way. Jill Ulep Javier (shown on the right), current Co-President of the Brown Club of Washington D.C posed with 2 other officers Zachary Langway Vice-President and Diana Jefferey former Co-President after receiving the 2011 Leadership Award for the Brown Club of D.C from Brown University s Brown Alumni Association ( BAA). Brown University is an Ivy League institution located in Providence, Rhode Island. The Brown Club of D.C was recognized for their innovative programs and hard work on behalf of Brown. As the BAA states, there has been no better-managed Brown Club as the Brown Club of D.C and the club has set an example for all to follow. Jill is also a current board member of BAA s Asian/Asian-American Alumni Alliance. Starting this summer, she will be a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Candidate attending the daytime (full time) program at Duke University, Fuqua School of Business and will also be pursuing the Health Sector Management Certificate with the MBA. A former Research Associate/Project Manager at United BioSource Corporation in Bethesda, Maryland Jill joined the company right after graduating from Brown University in 2007 with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. Jill and her parents, Wendel and Dr. Carmencita Ulep-Javier are active parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Queens Village, New York. Page 18 June 13 - July 11, 2012 The Filipino Catholic

19 COME, JOIN OUR FILIPINO MASS Every First Sunday of the month at The Shrine of Our Lady of the Island Eastport, Long Island, New York Mass in Tagalog at 1:30 p.m. preceded by Rosary in Tagalog FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL: Primo & Tessie Carlos (631) Infant Jesus Prayer Group of Nassau Manny & Norma Pascual (516) Nita Vasquez (516) Jiji Shapiro (516) Zeny Berroya (516) Eden Gaceta (516) Helen & Peter Buni Good Samaritan Prayer Group (631) Directions: Head east on LIE, then take exit 70 South on Port Jefferson-Westhampton (Capt. Daniel Roe Hwy - Route 111). Drive for a couple of miles, then turn right to Eastport Manor Rd. and follow the signs to the Shrine. Visit the Shrine s website at: We treat a range of conditions Orthopedic injuries Sports injuries Muscle imbalance Post Surgical Rehab Arthritis Osteoporosis Neurologidcal Disorders Spinal Care Geriatric Care Vestibular & Balance Disorders Restorative Physical Therapy Wellness &Flexibility Mobility Recovery Helping you get back to life Trained Professionals evaluate your rehabilitation needs. Specialized Treatment Programs developed for your individual needs. One-On-One Physical Therapy helping you get back to life. Enriquito (Henry) Ebuna, PT Owner and Physical Therapist (516) S. Ocean Avenue Freeport, New York Guiradelco Philippine-Oriental Restaurant & Grocery Authentic Philippine Cuisine Home style Cooking Philippine and Oriental Food Vatican II... from page 17 involved, it is absolutely essential that the laity understand where their vote should go. These moral issues are fundamental and of paramount value which cannot be ignored. To simply say: I am a Republican or a Democrat and so, I vote accordingly, is disingenuous and unintelligent. In the noisy world of politics where one hears so many conflicting voices, it is often difficult to listen and hear the voice of God. What the lay person can do and should do is to remove him/herself from the media bombardment and other noise around him/her and make time to reflect and bring his/her political decisions to God. This can only happen if the lay person also learns to fall down on his/her knees in prayer. CONCLUSION Between vision and reality, often there is a huge gap. What we are seeing today, fifty years after Vatican II, is a vision still unfolding albeit slowly and coming to reality the fullness of which will be seen by future generations still to come. We can trust the Holy Spirit to continue guiding the Church in its efforts towards aggiornamento. The Church after all, is an institution always in need of reform (semper reformanda), a people on a pilgrimage of faith, not perfect but always in need of renewal, of aggiornamento. The spirit of Vatican II will live on. 324 Post Avenue Westbury, NY (516) Emma Yuson Proprietor The Filipino Catholic June 13 - July 11, 2012 Page 19

20 The Gospel Truth The mission of the Catholic Charismatic is to foster the dynamic grace of baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5) which empowered the members of the early church at Pentecost by: 1. Proclaiming the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the love of the Father in the power of the Holy Spirit which leads to the renewal of the grace and culture of Pentecost. 2. Encouraging the awareness and the experience of the full role of the Holy Spirit among Catholic Charismatic Renewal groups and ministries with the goal of reminding the Church to be fully conscious of this role. This action of the Holy Spirit leads to: a. Experiencing union with God b. Inner transformation, leading to personal holiness c. Ministry empowered by the charisms for by Rev. Joe Cadusale evangelization and service d. Building communities that witness to a renewed Catholic life. But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8) Come, Holy Spirit fill the heart of the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. The Holy Spirit is the promised gift of Jesus to the Church. (See John14:16-17). The Acts of the Apostles tells how that promise was fulfilled: When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. And suddenly out of the sky came a sound like a strong rushing wind and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. There appeared tongues as if of fire which parted and came to rest upon each of them. (Acts 2:1-2) On the Feast of the Baptism in the Lord in 2008, Pope Benedict declared, Christ s entire mission is summed up in this: to baptize us in the Holy Spirit. Last June 1-2 of this year, the National Charismatic Conference was held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, to celebrate 45 years of charismatic renewal. Since the birth of the Charismatic Renewal in 1967 the Renewal has spread throughout the Church and is an integral part of Catholic life in every country. A new Pentecost, a living experience of the Person, Presence, and Power of the Holy Spirit is being stirred in the Church. For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7) Fr. Joe s Bible Study Classes For more information, please call: (718) Most Precious Blood Charismatic Prayer Community Most Precious Blood Church th Street Long Island City, NY Head Servant: Nenett Barbilla nd Tuesday 7:30 PM El Shaddai Prayer Community Most Precious Blood Church th Street Long Island City, NY Head Servant: Amerito Gerodias th Sunday 3:00 PM Light Of Christ Prayer Group St. Nicholas of Tolentine Goethals Avenue Jamaica, NY Head Servant: Cookie Fernandez Last Thursday 7:30 PM Family of Christ Prayer Community Presentation Church 8819 Parsons Blvd., Jamaica, NY Head Servant: Margie Fontanilla st Tuesday 7:30 PM Haitian Community th Place Hollis, NY Head: Alberte Madame Delatur rd Tuesday 7:30 PM Filipino Catholic 453 Hawthorne Avenue Uniondale, NY Coordinator: Dr. Norma Pascual Last Monday 8:00 PM Handmaid of the Lord/CFC Foothill Ave., A-38 Hollis, NY Head Servant: Dolly Pawal Last Sunday 6:30 PM Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Queens Blvd. Forest Hills, NY Head Servant: Nellie Milite nd Friday 7:30 PM Fil. Community Our Lady of Angels 2860 Webb Ave., Bronx, NY Head Servant: Josette Camino nd Saturday 7:30 PM Divine Mercy/Lady of Victories 2217 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ Head Servant: Tess Alvarez 4 th Friday 7:00 PM St. John Prayer Community 272 Boyd Ave Jersey City, NJ Head Servant: Purita Vasquez rd Monday 7:00 PM St. Nicholas Prayer Group 122 Ferry St. Jersey City, NJ Head Servant: Elsa Leonida st Sunday 6:30 PM Puissance Divine D Amore 820 Wallace Ave Baldwin, NY Head Servant: Yvrose Saint-Urban nd Thursday 7:30 PM Home Bound Bible Study St. Rose of Lima 269 Parkville Ave Coordinator: Violeta Robbins st Saturday 2:00 PM The Vine & the Branches IncarnationPrayer Group th St., Queens Village, NY Head Servant: Ofelia Villar rd Friday 7:00 PM Family of God th Rd Flushing, NY Coordinator: Perla Leonardo (718) nd Friday, 9:00 PM The Lord s Flock Prayer Group 281 Bradley Ave., Staten Island, NY Coordinator: Myrna Leyson rd Saturday 8:00 PM Filipino Community Our Lady of the Angelus th St., Rego Park, NY Coordinator: Ofelia Concepcion (718) nd Monday 7:30 PM St Martin de Porres Ministry Range St., Bellrose, NY Coordinator: Sylvia David (718) rd Thursday 8:00 PM St. Anne Prayer Group 3545 Kennedy Blvd Jersey City, NJ Coordinator: Tina Edelmann (201) th Friday 7:30 p.m. Dominican Nuns Corpus Christi Monastery 1230 Lafayette Ave., Bronx, NY Coordinator: Sr. Maria Pia Last Saturday, 9 AM Let s study the Come Holy Spirit, Come. (Continued from last month) CATECHISM by Sonia S. Salerni VI. THE HOPE OF THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH 1042 At the end of time, the Kingdom of God will come in its fullness. After the universal judgment, the righteous will reign for ever with Christ, glorified in body and soul. The universe itself will be renewed: The Church... will receive her perfection only in the glory of heaven, when will come the time of the renewal of all things. At that time, together with the human race, the universe itself, which is so closely related to man and which attains its destiny through Him, will be perfectly re-established in Christ Sacred Scripture calls this mysterious renewal, which will transform humanity and the world, new heavens and a new earth. It will be the definitive realization of God s plan to bring under a single head all things in [Christ], things in heaven and things on earth In this new universe, the heavenly Jerusalem, God will have His dwelling among men. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away For man, this consummation will be the final realization of the unity of the human race, which God willed from creation and of which the pilgrim Church has been in the nature of sacrament. Those who are united with Christ will form the community of the redeemed, the holy city of God, the Bride, the wife of the Lamb. She will not be wounded any longer by sin, stains, self-love, that destroy or wound the earthly community. The beatific vision, in which God opens Himself in an inexhaustible way to the elect, will be the ever-flowing well-spring of happiness, peace, and mutual communion For the cosmos, Revelation affirms the profound common destiny of the material world and man: For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God... in hope because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay... We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies The visible universe, then, is itself destined to be transformed, so that the world itself, restored to its original state, facing no further obstacles, should be at the service of the just, sharing their glorification in the risen Jesus Christ We know neither the moment of the consummation of the earth and of man, nor the way in which the universe will be transformed. The form of this world, distorted by sin, is passing away, and we are taught that God is preparing a new dwelling and a new earth in which righteousness dwells, in which happiness will fill and surpass all the desires of peace arising in the hearts of men Far from diminishing our concern to develop this earth, the expectancy of a new earth should spur us on, for it is here that the body of a new human family grows, foreshadowing in some way the age which is to come. That is why, although we must be careful to distinguish earthly progress clearly from the increase of the kingdom of Christ, such progress is of vital concern to the kingdom of God, insofar as it can contribute to the better ordering of human society When we have spread on earth the fruits of our nature and our enterprise... according to the command of the Lord and in His Spirit, we will find them once again, cleansed this time from the stain of sin, illuminated and transfigured, when Christ presents to His Father an eternal and universal kingdom. God will then be all in all in eternal life: True and subsistent life consists in this: the Father, through the Son and in the Holy Spirit, pouring out His heavenly gifts on all things without exception. Thanks to His mercy, we too, men that we are, have received the inalienable promise of eternal life. IN BRIEF 1051 Every man receives his eternal recompense in his immortal soul from the moment of his death in a particular judgment by Christ, the judge of the living and the dead We believe that the souls of all who die in Christ s grace... are the People of God beyond death. On the day of resurrection, death will be definitively conquered, when these souls will be reunited with their bodies 1053 We believe that the multitude of those gathered around Jesus and Mary in Paradise forms the Church of heaven, where in eternal blessedness they see God as He is and where they are also, to various degrees, associated with the holy angels in the divine governance exercised by Christ in glory, by interceding for us and helping our weakness by their fraternal concern 1054 Those who die in God s grace and friendship imperfectly purified, although they are assured of their eternal salvation, undergo a purification after death, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of God By virtue of the communion of saints, the Church commends the dead to God s mercy and offers her prayers, especially the holy sacrifice of the Eucharist, on their behalf Following the example of Christ, the Church warns the faithful of the sad and lamentable reality of eternal death, also called hell Hell s principal punishment consists of eternal separation from God in whom alone man can have the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs The Church prays that no one should be lost: Lord, let me never be parted from you. If it is true that no one can save himself, it is also true that God desires all men to be saved (1 Tim 2:4), and that for Him all things are possible The holy Roman Church firmly believes and confesses that on the Day of Judgment all men will appear in their own bodies before Christ s tribunal to render an account of their own deeds (Council of Lyons II [1274]: DS 859; cf. DS 1549) At the end of time, the Kingdom of God will come in its fullness. Then the just will reign with Christ for ever, glorified in body and soul, and the material universe itself will be transformed. God will then be all in all (1 Cor 15:28), in eternal life. (to be continued next month) Page 20 June 13 - July 11, 2012 The Filipino Catholic

21 THE TRINITARIAN DOCTRINE by Deacon Rolando V. Nolasco This past Sunday, we celebrated the Church s teaching of the oneness of God in three distinct divine Persons -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Trinitarian doctrine which stands at the very core of Christian faith summarizes the basic truth that God s promised salvation was accomplished through our Lord Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. This doctrinal formulation about the nature of God is the source of all other mysteries of the faith. It has remained to be a difficulty in totally understanding the teaching. It will continue to be a big challenge for our Church to try to unveil to the best of its ability some aspect of the mystery for the laity to understand better. Looking back from the very beginning of our Church history, the search for answers to the many misconceptions brought forth, we can truly appreciate the tremendous the efforts of the early Church Fathers in defense of its authentic teachings. In my catechetical task, many of the teenagers have asked me why there are two Creeds that we use in the liturgical celebration. This is the result to the Church s response to challenges posed by the many who seem to have further caused confusion specifically on the Son who is taught to be fully divine and fully human. The Trinitarian doctrine emerged in the fourth century, due largely to the efforts of the early Church Fathers like Athanasius and the Cappadocians - Basil, Gregory of Nazianzens and Gregory of Nyssa. This is in response to the doctrinal challenge of Arius (ca ), a Libyan theologian where heretical teachings sparked a Trinitarian controversies. He taught that the Son was not God, but was created by the Father. Much later, Nestorius questioned the title given to Mary as the Mother of God (Theotokos) because of this claim. He suggested that she be called simply as mother of Christ, meaning Christotokos. Excommunicated by a council of Egyptian and Libyan bishops, he travelled to Palestine and Syria and found support for his teaching among prominent leaders such as Eusebius of Ceasarea and Eusebius of Nicomedia. The teaching now called Arianism spread and lead to such controversy that Emperor Constantine intervened and convened the ecumenical council in Nicea in 325. The council rejected Arius teaching; in turn he accepted the formulation of faith which is now called the Nicene Creed which the Church continues to profess ever since that time. This is a bit longer than the Apostles Creed because it addressed the issue raised by Arius and his followers. The difficulty revolves around the orthodox Trinitarian theology that teaches the oneness of God while maintaining three real relations in God. In order to conform to the oneness of God, an extreme form of Monarchianism, called Sabellianism in the East and Patripassianism in the West denies any real distinction of the divine Persons. They hold that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were merely modes of manifestation, aspects or energies of the one divine Person who exercises three distinct functions such as creation, salvation and sanctification. Hence, the German theologian, Adolf von Harnack classified them as Modalist Monarchianism. They maintained that in Jesus, the Father was incarnate, suffered and died on the cross hence the name: Patripassianism. This seems to be a contradiction to what the Lord Jesus professed of Him being sent by the Father. It also contradicts to our understanding that God has no beginning and an end. To continue to assert this teaching is to make the great sacrifice of the Lord Jesus on the cross was a futile exercise and a mockery of what has been faithfully passed onto us. The other heresy was Dynamic Monarchianism, also called Adoptionist preserved the God s monarchy by denying that the Son was the name anything divine - it was merely a designation of a man Jesus, after His receipt of the divine power at baptism. This denies the divinity of the Son of God because of their claim that Jesus was merely a human being adopted into His stature as God s Son. With this denial of the divinity of Christ, salvation then was never achieved because no human being has the power to save. The Trinitarian doctrine is not revealed in either of the Old and New Testament. The essential elements of what eventually became the doctrine are contained in the Sacred Scriptures. We recall from the Book of Genesis of the creation narrative where God had spoken words to accomplish the tasks. Of this, St. John in his gospel account wrote in the beginning about the Word who was with God and was God. He affirmed that through God s Word (Logos), everything was created. Meantime the wind which means ruah hovered over the chaotic and turbulent waters. At Jesus baptism at the Jordan River, the voice of the Father was heard acclaiming his being well-pleased with His beloved Son. This same event was also recorded at Jesus transfiguration. As Jesus came out, a dove hovered over His head. Instructing His disciples to bring the Good News to the entire world, Jesus specifically ordered them to baptize everyone in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. St. Boniface, a seventh century bishop and martyr compared the Church to a ship battered by the many challenges of the world. In his writing, he recalled how the great early Fathers of the Church steered it by defending and remaining faithful to its authentic teachings and doctrines. He said that it is never our duty to abandon this ship, the Bride of Christ in spite of the many storms that the world brings during its voyage. Taking the lead of these great early Fathers of the Church, we are expected to help steer this vessel until is safely reaches its destination. We need to listen only to the real and authentic teachers of the faith just as now that many political leaders have joined the bandwagon of destroying the sacrament of holy matrimony simply to merit support for them to remain in power. We witness today how our Church leaders stand solid in their antagonism for the same sex union. Our current national leader even used God s love as his cheap alibi for his flip-flopping support to this ungodly stand. SACRAMENTALS Wedding Rings How would you measure love? What would your answer be? Take a moment for your answer before reading on. The answer that we are looking for is, sacrifice. Wedding rings is one symbol of that sacrifice. A man works and receives money for his labor. He then takes that money and buys a ring for his bride to be. He gives up part of his life working for that ring. The ring is a symbol of his commitment of giving his entire life for her. Hence, the ring is put on her finger. During the wedding ceremony the priest blesses the ring. Part of the blessing is: Make by Scapular John holy, + O Lord this ring which we bless+ in your name, so that she who is to wear it may be true to the husband in all things, and may abide in your peace and in accordance with your will, living always in love given and returned, through Christ our Lord. It is then sprinkled with Holy Water. The woman we see is called to respond to that sacrifice that her husband is making to her. Many times the man receives a wedding ring from his bride to be. That too, is a symbol of her sacrifice of love her to him. The priest s blessing for both rings is basically the same. The only difference is that it is worded to include the husband and wife. When the blessing is over, the rings become a sacramental. A sacramental you may recall is an object that the priest s prayers are put on it by the power of the Church. This power stems from Jesus Christ. Each priest can trace back, by apostolic succession of Bishops by the imposition of hands on them, this supernatural power back to Jesus Christ. The blessing then is a prayer for the sacramental. That blessing gives us the grace to respond and fulfill those prayers. Many times we may need to remind ourselves of the blessing on the wedding rings that are there for us. Yet, at times we may need to ask God for the grace to fulfill the blessing that is there for us. Some of us, like the Prodigal Son mentioned in the Gospel of St Luke (15:11-32) walked away from our Father s graces and is so doing lost every thing. But we see in this Gospel the son came to his senses and returned to his father. The father moved with compassion ran up to receive his son and hugged and kissed him. The father at once gave him a robe, a ring on his hand, shoes and a fatted calf to eat. It is interesting to note that only the ring would endure. The robe and shoes would wear away and the fatted calf would be eaten in one evening. The ring is a symbol of many other things. Some of these are: a continuous circle of love with out a beginning or an end. In the book of Apocalypse, (1:8) God said, I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. God is both a beginning and an end... like a circle symbolizing a ring of God s Love. It s also a symbol of: commitment, endurance, fidelity, patience and forgiveness. One does well to ask the patron saint of love, St. Valentine, to intercede for us for all our desires of wanting to give and receive love and to fall more and more in love with others and with God. The wedding ring is a powerful sacramental to use for this and other prayer requests such as healing and giving thanks. The wedding ring is one of the few sacramentals whose intentions it is to help join two people to be come one, (Gen 2:24) and to help them be committed to the highest form of love, which is giving themselves completely to each other for new life. Their marriage symbolizes the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph whom we should follow as an example. The meaning of the exchange of rings is so beautifully represented in Ephesians 5: The ring by itself is just a circular band that you can see through. But placing it on the finger it now surrounds the finger which represents the man surrounding the whole bride. It now means as St Paul said in Ephesians: Wives be subject to their husbands, as to the Lord. This means that wives are subject in all things that is to be open to all the gifts that the husband wants to give her. St Paul explains this here by stating, the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the Church. And the Church is subject Christ. St. Paul said to the husbands, Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved His Church and delivered Himself up for it. Therefore the ultimate gift of the wife being be subject to their husband is receiving the husbands Christ like love. The question now becomes, what is ultimate sacrifice for measuring love? Think about it first before continuing on. The answer is, laying down one s life for another. (John 15:13) This, we see is what Jesus did for us. In so doing, by His sacrifice and responding to it in so many ways, we are joined together with Jesus unconditional love for us. This allows us to lay down our life for another. The grace of the blessing of our wedding rings was purchased by the Blood of Jesus that He shed for us. We do well to regularly kiss our wedding ring to acknowledge the gift of Jesus and our spouse s love to us. This growing love, like the ring, continues round and round, with no end. For additional information on sacramentals or for a Free 2 Audio Tape Cassette on Developing Your Child s Self Esteem contact us at: Dove Tales, PO Box 3623, Easton, PA Phone Please include $5.00 for shipping and handling. The Filipino Catholic June 13 - July 11, 2012 Page 21

22 Happenings by AA Medrano Something to be THANKFUL FOR... even the heavens were celebrating with us during the 22nd Flores de Mayo and Santakrusan honoring Mama Mary. Praise the Lord, Alleluia! When the Santakrusan procession was winding down, and we got closer going back to the church, the people witnessed the dancing sun. Maricar Tangonan, who witnessed the dancing sun, related the following story: Miracle of the Sun: Onlookers standing in the middle of the street claimed the sun was dancing. I looked and it was just its blinding light. I wouldn t last two seconds looking at its brilliance. A bit guilty of mocking them at first, I wondered why these people s eyes didn t hurt as they stared in awe at the sun. And then I looked again... my skepticism melted away. MY EXPERIENCE: The sun appeared dull and had an opaque disc on top of it that allowed a few (select) people to look at it for several minutes without hurting their eyes. Around the disc is a rim of bright light from which different colors emanated. It appeared to be spinning... slowly at first, then gathered speed. Clouds mysteriously moved away from the heavenly spectacle as if they were stage curtains drawn by an unseen hand. Reyna Elena Kimberly Gilmore and escort. Reyna de las Flores Alyssa Lujares crowns the Blessed Mother. Another successful celebration of the Flores de Mayo and Santakrusan sa Village as the Filipino Pastoral Ministry hosted the 22 nd annual celebration at Our Lady of Pompei Church. The miracle of the dancing sun on Carmine Street after the procession will mean differently for everybody. But we are certain that Mama Mary approved of the celebration in her honor. Our congratulations to the Hermana Mayor Corazon del Mar and to all her friends, the volunteers, members and staff of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry who assisted the Hermana Mayor in the preparation to make this celebration a successful and memorable one. Every year is a challenge but we all persevere. Special mention to Chit Laurencio - the Sagala Coordinator whose dedication in the search for participants every year made it easier for the FPM to continue this annual event. The Assembly of the Sagalas started at 12:00 pm. A light lunch was served to all who came early for the celebration. After lunch, Susan Gamallo started the formation of the Sagalas assisted by Annie Swanson, Ed Pascual and Bobby Villanueva. The Sagalas and all the participants were all in the church for the Mass at 3:00 P.M. Liza de los Santos led the prayer to Santo Nino for the 7 th Sunday Novena before the Mass begun. Msgr. Romulo Montero was the main celebrant of the Mass assisted by Fr. Rey Domagas of Our Lady of Victory Church as concelebrant and homilist. Bro. Michael LaMantia was the master ceremonies with help of the altar servers Seminarians Reynor Santiago, Kevin Villanueva, Adam Rodriguez and John Sangalang. The lectors were Nelia Cloma, Cely Medrano and Bobby Villanueva. The Our Lady of Pompei Filipino Choir led by Sally Alonso provided the music in the Mass. Ronnie Rigos accompanied the choir with his guitar and Bernard de Leon on the piano. The ushers and marshals helped in the orderly proceedings in the church and in the procession Crowning and Offering of Flowers Msgr. Romy Montero officiated the Crowning Ceremony of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The coronation is the culmination of the weekly Sunday flower offering to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Kimberly Gilmore, the Reina Elena started the ceremony by placing the crown of Santo Nino assisted by the Xavier Tristan Montenegro, the Constantino. Danica Datiles, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary followed with the offering of the golden Rosary to the Blessed Virgin Mary while the choir sang Inang Minamahal. And the Image of the Virgin Mary was crowned by the Reina de las Flores, Alyssa Lujares with a crown made out of fresh flowers. Flores de Mayo Hermanita Kayla Guese led the offering of flowers with all children - the angels, the flower boys and girls, rosary bearers while the OLP Filipino Choir sang Dios Te Salve. Msgr. Montero concluded the ceremony with the incensation and led the Salve Regina. Santakrusan sa Village Procession The Sagalas wore elegant gowns with sash bearing the litany of the Virgin Mary as they proudly marched in the streets with umbrellas decorated with flowers, some elaborately, others were simple but beautiful that added color to the festivity. Thanks to the Hermana Mayor, Cora del Mar for providing the umbrellas. Leading the procession were the SPGNY Sinulog Dancers of Pompei wearing their traditional patadyong, each carrying their Santo Nino images and danced the Sinulog to the beat of the drum by Jun Makinano. Red Mike Marching Band led Marian marching songs in the procession. We are grateful to those who helped in controlling traffic to ensure the safety of the Santakrusan participants. A reception followed after the Procession The Fr. Demo Hall was teeming with people for the reception. Before the dinner was served, the participants of the 2012 Santakrusan sa Village were introduced for formal Page 22 June 13 - July 11, 2012 The Filipino Catholic

23 ON SCHEDULE Masses, novenas, fiestas and other important religious celebrations. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. -- Ps 118:24 Sagalas under flower laden umbrellas along NYC street. Village onlookers watch Sinulog dancers. presentation and group picture in the stage while Red Mike Marching Band played. The Hermana Mayor, Cora del Mar thanked everybody for their help and support for the successful Flores de Mayo and Santakrusan sa Village after the presentation. And of course the celebration will not be complete without the music and line dancing. Thank you to All who helped make the 2012 Flores de Mayo and Santakrusan sa Village of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry a successful and memorial event. Salamat po sa inyong patuloy na pagtangkilik sa mga programa ng Filipino Pastoral Ministry. Maraming Salamat Po! SANTO NINO FIESTA June 17, 2012, Sunday 3:00 P.M. for the 29 th Annual Santo Nino Fiesta sa Village sponsored by the Santo Nino Prayer Groups of New York (SPG-NY) Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island and Brooklyn. Norma de Jesus, the coordinator of the SPG-NY Brooklyn chapter and Hermana Mayor of this year s Santo Nino Fiesta celebration at Our Lady of Pompei. Come on Sunday for the FATHERS DAY Celebration Blessing of all Fathers; Blessing of Children, Blessing of Santo Nino Images, Kainan, Kantahan, Sayawan at iba! FIESTA OF MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP June 20, Wednesday 6:00 P.M. for the 24 th annual feast day celebration of the BACLARAN SA VILLAGE in honor of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Susan Gamallo and family is this year s Hermana Mayor. Please come and join us every Wednesday at 6:15 P.M for the Rosary and Novena Mass. NOVENA MASS SAN BARTHOLOMEW The Novena Masses in honor of the St. Bartholomew, Patron Saint of Catbalogan, Samar sponsored by Katbaloganons, USA: July 7 28, Saturdays 6:30 P.M. Our Lady of Pompei Church, 25 Carmine St. New York NY Hermana Mayor - Maruja Honrado and 2012 President - Andy Villarin. Philippine Independence Day Parade The Filipino Pastoral Ministry joined the 114 th Philippine Independence Day Parade celebration in New York City on Sunday June 3. The members, friends, volunteers and staff of the FPM proudly paraded with many of our kababayans to show our true FILI- PINO identity. It was a very successful event for us Filipinos as thousands gathered along Madison Avenue to celebrate. Congratulations to Dr. Prospero Lim, the Grand Marshal and to Fe Martinez, PIDCI President for spearheading the big celebration. Mabuhay! Happy birthday to All the Month of May celebrators: Nanding Castillo, Floro Gomez, Helen Macatulad, Azucena Ferrer, Ramon Laurencio, Alejandro Jacala, Rudy Riego, Kladys Glenn Lascano, Dennis Papa, Rene Gacho, Rosemarie Borgonia, Jareth Bona, Dan Papa, Laulhati Acuna, Sam Barreto, Ed Resurreccion, Robert Jose Tan, Germilina F. Cruz, Raze, Mary Ann Menendez, Isabel Gonzales, Boni & Zeny Papa, Bonifacio de la Cruz, Danielle Papa, Remy Esquivias, Cristita Garcia, Edna Viscondi, Ellen Monteirde, Leonora Figueroa, Nery Pascual, Rhaiza Marie, Ligaya Gregoire, Joy Maniquez, Annabelle & Kyle Minoza, Rudy Jimena, Estela Cueto, Fr. George Atok, SDB. JUNE 2012 EVENTS June 17, :30 PM - Filipino Mass St. Joan of Arc Church, th Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY (Every 3rd Sunday of the Month) 1:30 PM - Filipino Mass Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, st Street, Ozone Park, NY (Every 3rd Sunday of the Month) 2:30 PM - Filipino Mass Guardian Angel Church, 2978 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY (Every 3rd Sunday of the Month) 5:00 PM - Filipino Mass St. Bartolomew Church, Ithaca Street, Elmhurst, NY (Every 3rd Sunday of the Month) June 21, :30 PM - Filipino Mass Our Lady of Mercy Church, Kessel St., Forest Hills, NY (Every 4th Saturday of the Month) June 24, :00 PM - Filipino Mass Corpus Christi Church, st Street, Woodside, NY (Every 4th Sunday of the Month) 2:00 PM - Filipino Mass St. Agatha Church, th Street, Brooklyn, NY (Every 4th Sunday of the Month) 5:00 PM - Filipino Mass Most Precious Blood Church, (Basement) th Street, Long Island City, NY June 28, :00 PM - Healing Mass Immaculate Conception Church, Corner 29th Street & Ditmars Blvd., Astoria, NY (Every 4th Thursday of the Month) June 30, :00 PM Fiesta of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Fiesta sa Baclaran Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, th Street South Ozone Park, NY JULY 2012 EVENTS July 1, :15 PM - Filipino Mass St. Patrick Church, th Street, LIC, NY (Every 1st Sunday of the Month) 2:00 PM - Filipino Mass Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 1315 E. 28th Street, Brooklyn, NY (Every 1st Sunday of the Month) 1:30 PM - Filipino Mass Our Lady of the Island Eastport, Long Island Long Island Expressway, Exit 70 (Every 1st Sunday of the month) July 6, :30 PM - Filipino Mass First Friday Sponsored by FDA and Apostleship of Prayer St. Jude Church 1677 Canarsie Road, Brooklyn, NY (Every 1st Friday of the Month) July 7, :15 PM - Filipino Mass St. Brigid Church, 409 Linden Street, Brooklyn, NY (Every 1st Saturday of the Month) 7:00 PM - Filipino Mass Presentation Church, Parsons Blvd., Jamaica, NY (Every 1st Saturday of the Month) July 8, :00 PM - Filipino Mass Incarnation Church, by Gene Salle Francis Lewis Blvd. Queens Village, NY (Every 2nd Sunday of the Month) 2:00 PM - Filipino Mass St. Rose of Lima Church 269 Parkville Avenue, Brooklyn, NY (Every 2nd Sunday of the Month) 2:00 PM - Filipino Mass Church of Holy Child Jesus th Avenue, Richmond Hill, NY (Every 2nd Sunday of the Month) 5:00 PM - Filipino Mass Mary s Nativity Church 4602 Parsons Blvd., Flushing, NY (Every 2nd Sunday of the Month) July 14, :00 PM - Filipino Mass Immaculate Conception Church, Corner 29th Street & Ditmars Blvd., Astoria, NY (Every 2nd Saturday of the Month) July 15, :30 PM - Filipino Mass St. Joan of Arc Church, th Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY (Every 3rd Sunday of the Month) 1:30 PM - Filipino Mass Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, st Street, Ozone Park, NY (Every 3rd Sunday of the Month) 2:30 PM - Filipino Mass Guardian Angel Church, 2978 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY (Every 3rd Sunday of the Month) 5:00 PM - Filipino Mass St. Bartolomew Church, Ithaca Street, Elmhurst, NY (Every 3rd Sunday of the Month) July 22, :00 PM - Filipino Mass Corpus Christi Church, st Street, Woodside, NY (Every 4th Sunday of the Month) 2:00 PM - Filipino Mass St. Agatha Church, th Street, Brooklyn, NY (Every 4th Sunday of the Month) 5:00 PM - Filipino Mass Most Precious Blood Church, (Basement) th Street, Long Island City, NY July 26, :00 PM - Healing Mass Immaculate Conception Church, Corner 29th Street & Ditmars Blvd., Astoria, NY (Every 4th Thursday of the Month) July 28, :30 PM - Filipino Mass Our Lady of Mercy Church, Kessel St., Forest Hills, NY (Every 4th Saturday of the Month) July 29, :00 PM Filipino Mass Our Lady of Miracles Church 757 East 86th Sreet Brooklyn, NY Filipino Mass every Sunday - 5:00 PM at the Most Precious Blood Church (Basement), th Street, Long Island City, NY Novena to Mother Perpetual Help at 7:00 PM every Wednesday at St. Patrick Church, th Street, LIC, NY The Filipino Catholic June 13 - July 11, 2012 Page 23

24 St. Martin de Porres Prayer and Healing Ministry You are the most blessed of all women, and blessed is the child you will bear. -- Luke 1:42 May 2012 Activities On May 26, members of St. Martin de Porres Healing Ministry led by Sister Josephine Garcia Dichoso (founder), together with the parishioners, honored our Blessed Virgin Mary through flower offerings and coronation of the images of the Blessed Mother during the 5pm Mass at Holy Rosary Church at 444 East 119th St. NY, New York. During the offertory, Rev. Fr. Abel G. Alvarez, OSA, blessed the crown of roses offered by Zyra Cadiz followed by all the parishioners offering fresh colorful roses to the Blessed Mother. SCHEDULE Prayer Healing Service by Sister Josephine G. Dichoso follows immediately after 5 PM mass every Saturday at Holy Rosary Church East 119th Street, New York, NY Page 24 June 13 - July 11, 2012 The Filipino Catholic

25 Saints by Erlinda Franco, SFO St. John the Baptist Feast Day- June 24 (Nativity), August 29 (beheading) St. John the Baptist was a prophet, preacher, forerunner, and martyr. Tradition places the home and birthplace of the Baptist near the village of Jerusalem, where a Franciscan church is called St. John in the Mountains. John is regarded as a prophet in Christianity, Islam, the Baha i Faith, and Mandaeism. The Gospel of Luke includes an account of John s infancy, introducing him as son of Zechariah, an old man, and his wife Elizabeth, who was barren. His birth was foretold by the angel Gabriel to Zechariah while performing his functions as a priest in the temple. In the Gospel of Luke, John anticipated a messianic figure who would be greater than himself. Jesus is the one whose coming John foretold. Christians commonly refer to John as the precursor or forerunner of Jesus. John is identified with the prophet Elijah and is described by the Gospel of Luke as a relative of Jesus. Some of Jesus early followers had previously been followers of John. The Gospel of Luke states that Jesus was conceived when Elizabeth was about six months pregnant. When her cousin Mary came to tell her of the news, Elizabeth s unborn child, jumped for joy in her womb. Zechariah lost his speech because he doubted the prophesy of the angel Gabriel, and was restored at the time that he had to give his son the name of John. Four canonical gospels relate John s preaching and baptizing in the Jordan River. He was the one who recognized Jesus as the Messiah and baptized Him. The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus and a voice from heaven told him He was God s Son. The Gospel of John does not record John s baptizing Jesus, but John introduces Jesus to his disciples as the Lamb of God. Thirty years after the birth of Jesus, John began his mission on the banks of the Jordan River. His work was to prepare the way and announce the coming of the long-expected Messiah, the redeemer, in whom all flesh would see the salvation of God. In the Gospel accounts of John s death, Herod had John imprisoned for denouncing his marriage, and John was later beheaded. John had condemned Herod for marrying Herodias, the former wife of his brother Philip, in violation of Old Testament Law. Later Herodias daughter Salome danced before Herod, who offered a favor in return. Herodias told her to ask for the head of John the Baptist, to be delivered to her on a plate. No prophet had risen greater than John the Baptist and his sanctification before his birth up to his martyrdom under King Herod is set down in the Holy Scriptures. He always had a chief place in veneration given by the church to the heroic servants of God. While the feasts of other saints are celebrated on the days of their death, when their final victory is won, the birthday of St. John the Baptist is set as his feast day, since he was born free of original sin. We also have Mary Immaculate whose feast we celebrate on her birthday. Thus we have the two greatest saints, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, and John the Baptist whose feasts are celebrated on their birthdays. PRAYER: God, You raised up St. John the Baptist to prepare a perfect people for Christ. Fill Your people with the joy of possessing Your grace and direct the minds of all the faithful in the way of peace and salvation. Amen. Source: Wikipedia and Lives of the Saints REAL ESTATE Time to Downsize? by Robert Fernandez You may have heard the Filipino rhyme You start with two and ends with two. Marriage, pregnancy, birth, school, college, children s weddings, grandchildren, retirement, etc. The cycle of life continues right in front of our own eyes and next time you know you had become a couple of empty nesters living in a big home. You know what that means continuing to pay high taxes, large maintenance costs heat, electric, landscaping, repairs, etc. If you re retired, then you may have limited cash flow from one or more of the following: pension, social security, annuities, investments, etc. You want to stretch the retirement funds since no one knows exactly how long you ll live. The prudent person will spend less during retirement years so an option is to downsize move to a smaller but comfortable living space with less cost to maintain. What are the options upon retirement? Move to a condo or co-op whether regular or adult community Move to another state or country where living expenses are lower, possibly even no state income tax Move to a smaller residential home in the same general area Move to a government (county or town) senior co-op housing Move to an apartment thus avoiding all home maintenance costs except electric. The landlord will take care of repairs and maintenance. Move in with relatives or family preferably, in a mother-daughter setup Move to an assisted living facility The above are not inclusive, but one gets an idea about the possibilities depending upon one s health, financial condition, circumstances and lifestyle. Robert L. Fernandez, Seniors Real Estate Specialist & Notary Public is Broker / Owner of Realty Network in East Meadow, New York. He can be reached at or by Robert@RealtyNetworkNY.com. Prayer to Saint Martin De Porres St. Martin de Porres, you always had sympathy for the poor and those who were suffering. I need your help and now ask for it with great confidence in your goodness and power. The favor you received from God encourage us now to ask your intercession. We ask you most humbly to befriend us and assist us from your place in heaven. When you were here on earth you spent your life loving God and your neighbor. Now that you live in the presence of God, intercede for us and beg the Divine Physician to give us health of soul and body. Amen. JCC SECOND MONTH Virgin Mary, we pray for families; first for our own, then for those of our friends and neighbors. We entrust them all to your care; those who are happy and prospering, those who are in plain and suffering and all who are having difficulties and failures. Those spouses who are living a difficult marriage need your help now. Oh! And the children! Protect the poor little ones living in troubled families. Be a mother to the children of homes broken by divorce and separation. From the depths of our hearts we pray for this special intention Remember the day you mourned your spouse, St. Joseph. Please console all those who now must live with an empty place at their side. Support grandparents in their old age. Be close to old people who are abandoned to their loneliness. Our Lady of the Cape, bless fathers and mothers, that they may find happiness and fulfillment in their love for each other and for their children. JCC The Filipino Catholic June 13 - July 11, 2012 Page 25

26 Noelette Tours, LLC 206 Parrott Rd., West Nyack, NY Tel NOELETTE or or Fax Web: NOTE: Itinerary and schedules may change based on local conditions Price based on a minimum of 25 pax. Rivercruise On The Waterways of RUSSIA from St. Petersburg to Moscow Fr Chris Panlilio (Spiritual Chaplain) Sep 9-21, 2012 $2,499 + tax from JFK Highlights: Moscow, Kremlin, Red Square, Subway Tour, Kishi Island, Yaroslavl, Hermitage Museum, All meals on board the cruise ship (excluding drinks). Captain s Welcome & Farewell cocktail and dinner. Guided City Tour in Moscow and St. Petersburg Entrance to the Kremlin and Hermitage Museum The Beauty of South America (BRAZIL, ARGENTINA, PERU) Fr Mike Semana (Spiritual Chaplain) Sep 13 24, 2012 $3,999 + tax from JFK Highlights: Brazil: Rio, Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Buenos Ares: Tigre River Delta, Tango Show Peru: Sacred Valley, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Lima: St Rose of Lima, St Martin De Pores, HOLY LAND and TURKEY Fr Lines Dela Cruz (Spiritual Chaplain) FATIMA, AVILA, LOYOLA LOURDES, AVIGNON NEVER, LISIEUX, PARIS Msgr Edward Weber (Spiritual Chaplain) Sep 26 Oct 6, 2012 $2,999 + tax from JFK Highlights: Istanbul, St Sofia, Grand Bazaar, Ephesus, Izmir, House of Mary, St John, Ephesus, Tiberias, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Dead Sea, Jordan River, Mt Carmel, Via Dolorosa Oct 8-21, 2012 $3,499 + tax from EWR Highlights: Lisbon City tour, Santarem (Eucharistic Miracle) Fatima Basilica, Aljustrel, Capelinha Alba, St. Teresa s Convent, Avila, Segovia, Burgos, Loyola, FATIMA, LOURDES, MADRID, NICE, FLORENCE, ASSISI, ROME (AND CANONIZATION OF NEW SAINTS) Fr Choi Datar (Spiritual Chaplain) Oct 11-24, 2012 $3,399 + tax from EWR Highlights: Lisbon City tour, Santarem, Fatima, Aljustrel, Capelinha; Avila,,Zaragoza, Lourdes, Boly Mill, Bath; Nice; Florence and Pisa Assisi, St. Claire s; Rome, Vatican Museum, St Peter s Basilica ITALY MEDJUGORJE - FATIMA (AND CANONIZATION OF NEW SAINTS) Oct 19 30, 2012 (12 days) $2,799* + tax from Newark Fr Paul Ramen (Spiritual Chaplain) Highlights: Rome, Basilicas, Vatican, Papal Blessing, Vatican Museum Medjugorje: St James, Cenacolo, Apparition Hill, Cross Mountain, Florence, Cascia, Seinna, and Fatima Page 26 June 13 - July 11, 2012 The Filipino Catholic

27 Catholic Action of Mary holds 34th Santakrusan The Catholic Action of Mary (CAM) celebrated it s 34th Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo last May 27 in Jersey City, New Jersey. CAM s celebration is the largest and longest running Santacruzan and Flores De Mayo in the Northeast, USA. More than 5,000 people celebrated in the downtown Jersey City Filipino community. The festivities this year included a street fair complete with flea market type vendors, food concessions, booths for non-profit organizations, businesses, sponsors and all day games, prizes and activities for all. The highlight of the day was mass at St. Mary s Church. The Religious Procession and the traditional celebration of the Santacruzan with the Hermanos and Hermanas Mayores, the Reynas and Sagalas followed immediately after the mass. This year s Hermanos and Hermanas Mayores are Gerry Austria, Diwata Escalante Macuja, Rolando Macuja, Gloria Palomar Olega, Drs. Elma Castillo & Rodrigo Castillo and Dr. Constantino Gulmatico, Jr. The Hermanos and Hermanas Left: CAM s officers and advisers. Above: the Sagalas of the Catholic Action of Mary Santakrusan. Seguritan honored at Nassau Asian-American Day Reuben Securitan, Esq. was awarded a Citation Certifficate for his role and contribution to the Asian American Community in Nassau. The awards ceremony was held during the Asian-American Heritage Day last May 18 at the Nassau Executive and Legislative Building. Right photo shows Seguritan with Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano (left) and other Nassau officials. Below: The Filipino- American Community including the Ilocano Association, the Infant Jesus Prayer Group amd the Bible Study Group who attended the ceremony. SUBSCRIBE NOW to The Filipino Catholic The only Filipino Catholic newspaper in the Tri-State area is available in churches, prayer groups and most places where Filipinos congregate. Spiritual and inspirational in nature, it brings into focus what is most important to Filipinos: their faith in and love of God. Every issue is packed with articles that educate, inform and entertain. Its pages are filled with stories and pictures that inspire. The Filipino Catholic... an expression of our faith and of our people. Don t miss a single issue! Have The Filipino Catholic delivered to your home. Fill out the form below and send it to us, now! Yes! I want to subscribe to The Filipino Catholic for one year. Enclosed is my check/money order for $25 (to cover postage & handling only). Two-year subscription: $40. I enclose $ for year(s) subscription to the Filipino Catholic. Name Address Apt. # City State Zip Telephone Please make checks payable and mail to: The Filipino Catholic P.O. Box 3067, Garden City, NY The Filipino Catholic June 13 - July 11, 2012 Page 27

28 L DY and Her Children Pilgrimages Cordially invite you to her annual pilgrimage The Holy Land $ 1, Price includes: Breakfast and dinner Professional Tour Guide All seightseeing All entrance fees Medical insurance (Travel insurance optional) November 10-18, 2012 Holy Land Only November 18-21, 2012 Post extension to Jordan ( Mt. Nebo, Amman and Petra ) $470 - minimum of 10 passengers Spiritual Director Rev. John J. Oldfield, OAR assisted by Fr. Rolando Yadao THE UPPER ROOM Land only double occupancy. If passengers fall below 15 add $ per person RESERVATION FORM $ 2,045 00* Land and Air double occupancy. Plus tax approximately $ Price increase is due to the merger of Continetal and United. Not Included: Expenses of personal nature Travel insurance rates: Ages up to 60 - $148.00: over sixty $ should be paid upon registration together with your deposits. Gratuities to the Dining Room (Suggested $1.00 daily) Gratuities to the Chambermaids (Suggested $1.00 daily) Gratuities to the Tour Manager $7.00 per person per day Gratuities to the Driver $3.00 per day per person per day Gratuities to the Local Guides $ 5.00 per person per day Note : Please give these funds to our Finance person at the Airport on departure day. (Please send the whole page) Name / Names Address Telephone Number Address Attach copy of passports Birthday / Birthdays Group Leader Insurance Announcements for the 2013 Holy Land Pilgrimages All our pilgrimages are dedicated to our Spiritual Director, Rev. John J. Oldfield, OAR, on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of his Priestly Ordination July 8-15, 2013 under the Spiritual Direction of Fr. Pierre Adrien. October 21-29, 2013 Land only $ 1, Spiritual Director to be announced. Please call for air ticket rate by November 23, November 18-26, 2013 Land only $ 1, Accommodations at the Notre Dame Residence owned by the Vatican and Ginosar**** in the Galilee. Spiritual Director, to be announced. Please call for air ticket rates by December 20, 2012 For Information and Reservation: Evelyn evelynbuenafe@gmail.com Page 28 June 13 - July 11, 2012 The Filipino Catholic