The Great Shepherds: St. John Paul II & St. John XXIII

On April 27, 2014, Divine Mercy Sunday, Pope Francis will canonize two of the greatest Popes of modern History, The Good Pope; Blessed John XXIII and the Pope of the People; Blessed John Paul II.

The Good Pope

Although few people had as great an impact on the 20th century as Pope John XXIII, he avoided the limelight as much as possible. Indeed, one writer has noted that his “ordinariness” seems one of his most remarkable qualities.

The firstborn son of a farming family in Sotto il Monte, near Bergamo in northern Italy, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was always proud of his down-to-earth roots. In Bergamo’s diocesan seminary, he joined the Secular Franciscan Order. After his ordination in 1904, Angelo returned to Rome for canon law studies. He soon worked as his bishop’s secretary, Church history teacher in the seminary, and as publisher of the diocesan paper.

His service as a stretcher-bearer for the Italian army during World War I gave him a firsthand knowledge of war. In 1921 he was made national director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. He also found time to teach patristics at a seminary in the Eternal City.
In 1925 he became a papal diplomat, serving first in Bulgaria, then in Turkey, and finally in France (1944-53). During World War II, he became well acquainted with Orthodox Church leaders. With the help of Germany’s ambassador to Turkey, Archbishop Roncalli helped save an estimated 24,000 Jewish people.

Named a cardinal and appointed patriarch of Venice in 1953, he was finally a residential bishop. A month short of entering his 78th year, he was elected pope, taking the name John after his father and the two patrons of Rome’s cathedral, St. John Lateran. He took his work very seriously but not himself. His wit soon became proverbial, and he began meeting with political and religious leaders from around the world. In 1962 he was deeply involved in efforts to resolve the Cuban missile crisis.

His most famous encyclicals were Mother and Teacher (1961) and Peace on Earth(1963). Pope John XXIII enlarged the membership in the College of Cardinals and made it more international. At his address at the opening of the Second Vatican Council, he criticized the “prophets of doom” who “in these modern times see nothing but prevarication and ruin.” Pope John XXIII set a tone for the Council when he said, “The Church has always opposed... errors. Nowadays, however, the Spouse of Christ prefers to make use of the medicine of mercy rather than that of severity.”

On his deathbed he said: “It is not that the gospel has changed; it is that we have begun to understand it better. Those who have lived as long as I have…were enabled to compare different cultures and traditions, and know that the moment has come to discern the signs of the times, to seize the opportunity and to look far ahead.”

"Good Pope John" died on June 3, 1963. Blessed John Paul II beatified him in 2000

The Pope of the People

Born Karol Józef Wojtyla on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland, Pope John Paul II's early life was marked by great loss. His mother died when he was 9 years old, and his older brother Edmund died when he was 12.

Growing up, John Paul was athletic and enjoyed skiing and swimming. He went to Krakow's Jagiellonian University in 1938 where he showed an interest in theater and poetry. The school was closed the next year by Nazi troops during the German occupation of Poland. Wanting to become a priest, John Paul began studying at a secret seminary run by the archbishop of Krakow. After World War II ended, he finished his religious studies at a Krakow seminary and was ordained in 1946.

John Paul spent two years in Rome where he finished his doctorate in theology. He returned to his native Poland in 1948 and served in several parishes in and around Krakow. John Paul became the bishop of Ombi in 1958 and then the archbishop of Krakow six years later. Considered one of the Catholic Church's leading thinkers, he participated in the Second Vatican Council—sometimes called Vatican II. The council began reviewing church doctrine in 1962, holding several sessions over the course of the next few years. As a member of the council, John Paul helped the church to examine its position in the world. Well regarded for his contributions to the church, John Paul was made a cardinal in 1967 by Pope Paul VI.

In 1978, John Paul made history by becoming the first non-Italian pope in more than four hundred years. As the leader of the Catholic Church, he traveled the world, visiting more than 100 countries to spread his message of faith and peace. But he was close to home when he faced the greatest threat to his life. In 1981, an assassin shot John Paul twice in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. Fortunately, he was able to recover from his injuries and later forgave his attacker.

A vocal advocate for human rights, John Paul often spoke out about suffering in the world. He held strong positions on many topics, including his opposition to capital punishment. A charismatic figure, John Paul used his influence to bring about political change and is credited with the fall of communism in his native Poland. He was not without critics, however. Some have stated that he could be harsh with those who disagreed with him and that he would not compromise his hard-line stance on certain issues, such as contraception.

In his later years, John Paul's health appeared to be failing. At public appearances, he moved slowly and seemed unsteady on his feet. He also visibly trembled at times. One of his doctors also disclosed that John Paul had Parkinson's disease, a brain disorder often characterized by shaking, in 2001. But there was never any official announcement about his illness from the Vatican.

John Paul II died on April 2, 2005, at the age of 84, at his Vatican City residence. More than 3 million people waited in line to say good-bye to their beloved religious leader at St. Peter's Basilica before his funeral on April 8.

On July 5, 2013, waving the usual five-year waiting period, the Vatican announced that the Roman Catholic Church would declare Pope John Paul II a saint, and that the canonization ceremony would likely take place within the next 16 months. The Vatican also stated that Pope John XXIII, who headed the Catholic Church from 1958 until his death in 1963 and convened the Vatican II council, would also be declared a saint.

On September 30, 2013, Pope Francis announced that the canonizations of Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII would occur on April 27, 2014. The announcement of Pope John Paul II's canonization came after the Vatican revealed that two miracles were attributed to the late pope. After a dying French nun, Sister Marie Simon-Pierre Normand, prayed to Pope John Paul II for during her battle with Parkinson's disease—the same illness that killed the pope—she was cured. The second miracle involved a 50-year-old woman, who claimed that she was cured of a brain aneurysm after a photograph of Pope John Paul II spoke to her.

Prayer to St. John Paul II

Oh, St. John Paul, from the window of heaven, grant us your blessing! Bless the church that you loved and served and guided, courageously leading it along the paths of the world in order to bring Jesus to everyone and everyone to Jesus. Bless the young, who were your great passion. Help them dream again, help them look up high again to find the light that illuminates the paths of life here on earth.

May you bless families, bless each family! You warned of Satan’s assault against this precious and indispensable divine spark that God lit on earth. St. John Paul, with your prayer, may you protect the family and every life that blossoms from the family.

Pray for the whole world, which is still marked by tensions, wars and injustice. You tackled war by invoking dialogue and planting the seeds of love: pray for us so that we may be tireless sowers of peace.

Oh St. John Paul, from heaven’s window, where we see you next to Mary, send God’s blessing down upon us all. Amen.

Prayer to St. John XXIII

Dear Pope John,

Your simplicity and meekness carried the scent of God and sparked in people’s hearts the desire for goodness. You spoke often of the beauty of the family gathered around the table to share bread and faith: pray for us that once again true families would live in our homes.

Without outstretched hands you sowed hope, and you taught us to listen for God’s footsteps as he prepares a new humanity: help us have a healthy optimism of defeating evil with good.

You loved the world with its light and darkness, and you believed that peace is possible: help us be instruments of peace at home and in our communities.

With paternal gentleness you gave all children a caress: you moved the world and reminded us that hands have been given to us not for striking, but for embracing and drying tears.

Pray for us so that we do not limit ourselves to cursing the darkness but that we bring the light, bringing Jesus everywhere and always praying to Mary. Amen.

PRINTABLE PRAYER CARDS CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE BY SAVING THESE PICTURES BELOW:

The Importance of the First Saturday Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

“Look at my Heart, surrounded with thorns with which ungrateful men pierce me at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. You at least, try to console me and announce that I promise to assist at the hour of death, with all the graces necessary for salvation, all those who, on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, shall: go to confession, receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary, and keep me company for fifteen minutes while meditating on the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me.”

–Words of Our Lady of Fatima

The desire for a First Saturday devotion was revealed by the Blessed Virgin Mary to the three children at Fatima in 1917. On December 10, 1925, the Virgin revealed more details about the devotion to Sister Lucia, the only seer still alive, and at that time a cloistered nun. From that time, the devotion has spread throughout the world on the day (Saturday) that the Church has traditionally honored the Blessed Virgin.

The devotion fits on the Catholic tradition to venerate the Virgin Mary particularly on Saturdays, which originated in the scriptural account that, as the Mother of Jesus Christ, her heart was to be pierced with a sword, as prophesied during the presentation of Jesus in the temple; such sword was the bitter sorrow during the Crucifixion of Jesus (which devotees understand as the union of the Immaculate Heart and the Sacred Heart of Jesus -- see Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Apparitions). Such sorrow is particularly bitterly endured on Holy Saturday after Jesus was placed on the Sepulcher (before the Resurrection on Easter). Devotees of Our Lady of Fátima believe that the First Saturdays help to console the sorrows of God, Jesus, and the Virgin Mary for the sins against Her Immaculate Heart that she stressed in her apparition in Lipa in 1948.

When Lúcia Santos experienced the Pontevedra apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, she heard her promise to grant great graces, especially at the hour of death, in particular the salvation of the soul, for the believer who for Five Consecutive First Saturdays of Month (5 Saturdays in 5 months) receives Holy Communion and practices the following exercises as an Act of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Queen of Heaven:

Sacramental confession
The confession can take place days before or even after the Holy Communion is received, but the Holy Communion shall be received with dignity, in a state of Grace, keeping in mind that Jesus is physically present in the Eucharist (Transubstantiation). The Intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary may be kept to oneself; it is not necessary to notify the confessor priest.

To receive Holy Communion
The Holy Communion has to be received within the 24 hours of the first Saturday of the Month. Attendance to Holy Mass is optional. Receiving Holy Communion as part of this devotion must be consciously intended as an Act of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart. The devotee need not tell anyone else, but keep it in mind. To avoid omitting the Intention every Saturday, the General Intention for the devotion of the Act of Reparation can be mentally or outspokenly stated before starting the First Saturdays (or in between).

If a person has a valid reason not to attend Mass (Masses not available on Saturdays, difficult mobilization, other major event), the devotee may consult a priest about receiving Communion privately or on another day with the intention of making this Communion as part of the devotion.

A 5 Decades Rosary is recited
The Rosary must also be recited with the intention of making reparation.

A 15 Minute Meditation is made on the Mysteries of the Rosary

This Meditation should also be done in an Act of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Rosary Meditations can be done on all 15 of the mysteries or fewer but must last for 15 minutes. This meditation is in addition to the recitation of the Rosary. It can be done alone or in a group and with or without the aid of sacred scripture.

The activities of the Five First Saturdays devotions are different from similar devotions on other days in that all should be done with the specific intention in the heart of making reparation to the Blessed Mother for blasphemies against her, her name and her holy initiatives.

The First Saturdays devotion had already been an established custom in the Catholic Church. This practice greatly resembled the reported request of Mary at the Pontevedra apparitions.

A Comprehensive prayer guide can be downloaded here:

http://www.mediafire.com/download/swfku4pz1stbp4w/THE_1ST_SATURDAY_DEVOTION_IN_HONOR_OF_THE_IMMACULATE_HEART_OF_MARY__GUIDE.pdf

The Via Matris - a tribute to the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady

Devotion to the Mother of Sorrows is as old as the Cross. From the throne of the Cross, the Savior focused the world's attention on His Mother: "Behold Thy Mother!" The Via Crucis and the Via Matris are closely associated. Christ prophesied: "And, if I be lifted up will draw all unto myself." His Mother, standing at the foot of the Cross also draws all unto herself. 

To each devotion, the Way of the Cross and the Way of the Mother, the Church equally applies a plenary indulgence. No argument as to which is greater or more fruitful. Both center on the same subject, but one as seen through the eyes of His Mother. God-inspired Simeon in the temple prophesied about the Child Jesus and laid the direct biblical foundation for the Via Matris, encouraging Christians to contemplate Mary in her sorrows. "And Simeon blessed them and said to May His Mother: 'Behold, this child is destined for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be contradicted. And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.'" 

The Via Matris, depicting the seven main sorrows of Mary is set up in churches and chapels that Christians may mediate, be inspired, and be encouraged while dwelling on Mary's sword-pierced heart.The Franciscans initiated the Way of the Cross, and the Servants of Mary (Servites), founded like the Franciscans in the 13th century, brought the Way of the Mother in its present form before the public. Although the devotion was practiced for centuries in Servite churches, it was not until 1937 when the Sorrowful Mother Novena was established that the devotion became popular across the world.

Jesus Christ Himself revealed to Blessed Veronica of Binasco,  that, He is more pleased in seeing His Mother compassionated than Himself.” He said to her: ‘My daughter, tears shed for My Passion are  dear to Me; but as I loved My Mother Mary with an immense love, the  meditation on the torments which She endured at My death is even 

more agreeable to Me.’ “Wherefore the graces promised by Jesus to those who are devoted  to the dolors of Mary are very great.”

Our Lady lamented to St. Bridget that very few consoled Her by  meditating on Her Sorrows, and “that the greater part of the world  lived in forgetfulness of them: ‘I look around at all who are on earth,  to see if by chance there are any who pity Me, and meditate upon My  Sorrows; and I find that there are very few. Therefore, My daughter, 

though I am forgotten by many, at least do you not forget Me; consider  My anguish, and imitate, as far as you can, My grief.’” For this purpose the Blessed Virgin Herself appeared in the year 1239 to the founder of the Order of the Servites, or servants of Mary,  to ask them to institute a religious order in remembrance of Her sorrows.

At Fatima, in 1916, the Angel of Peace appeared to the three child  seers Lucy, Francisco and Jacinta, and after encouraging them to pray  and teaching them a prayer of adoration, said “ ...The Hearts of Jesus  and Mary are attentive to the voice of your supplications.”

On June 13, 1917, Our Lady, after informing that, “Jesus  wishes to make use of you in order to make Me known and loved”,  Our Lady then said: “He wants to establish in the world devotion to My Immaculate Heart...”

Our Lady’s Sorrows are commemorated twice a year on the  liturgical calendar, September 15, and the Friday before Palm Sunday.  Commemorating the Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary twice a year on the Roman Liturgical Calendar demonstrates how important this  devotion is to Heaven.

A digital booklet of the Via Matris devotional can be downloaded here:

http://www.mediafire.com/download/adojfj6w14f7of2/THE_VIA_MATRIS_WAY_OF_THE_SORROWFUL_MOTHER.pdf

Sisters in Blood, Sisters in Christ: The Talangpaz Sisters

The Talangpaz Sisters are not just blood sisters, but also Sisters for Christ and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Dionisia Talangpaz was born on March 12, 1691 and Cecilia Rosa Talangpaz on July 16, 1693 in Calumpit, Bulacan, Philippines from the union of Don Andres Talangpaz and Dona Isabel Pamintuan. They are the kin of Felipe Songson, a martryr from Pampanga who is one of the companions of St. Pedro Calungsod and Blessed Diego de San Vitores.

Driven by inner strength and union of desires, they both offered themselves to the service of the Lord in twofold way of contemplation and action: thier lives centered in the daily Holy Eucharist, nourished by the filial devotion of the Blessed Mother under the title of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel as they engaged in silent hard work in the sanctuary. Their fidelity did not escape the notice of the OAR Friars of San Sebastian convent headed by Fray Diego de San Jose and the residents of Calumpang. 

In blessed time, the two sisters pleaded to the Friars to don the habit of Mantelatas of the Third Order of St. Augustine which was granted on July 16, 1725. 

In their new life, Mother Dionisia de Sta. Maria and Mother Cecilia Rosa de Jesus, as they were now called, experienced difficulties and trials. They suffered severe interior sufferings which an ordinary heart could not bear. It was only the grace of God that sustained them. yet in humility and silence they bore and lovingly endured them all, telling Fray Diego: Father, it is clear that God and the Most Holy Virgin deigned to test us and purify our souls in the crucible of sorrows. But for now, we must be patient and suffer till Our Lord and His Most Holy Mother will have mercy on us. 

In God's due time, their immense sufferings turned into joy. The trials blew off. They sttled peacefully now in a new house built by the priest, who become their great provider and protector. 

Quite prophetic were the words of Fray Benito de San Pablo, OAR who spoke of them: Living under God's watercourse, these striving Beatas may increase in number in God's due time and cheerfully hover over the branches of the Biblical mustard. 

From the Beaterio de San Sebastian de Calumpang started the growth of the Congregation. The foundation which the Sisters had laid on solid rock continued to flourish and develop even after they were called to their eternal reward-Mother Cecilia Rosa on the 31st of July 1731 and Sor Dionisia on 12th of October 1732. 

The Congregation of the Augustinian recollect Sisters, which originated in 1719, is he fruit of the missionay zeal of the Augustinian Recollect Fathers in the Philippines. It was canonically established as a Religious Congregation on August 19, 1929 and was declared of juridical autonomy by Pope Paul VI on November 20, 1970. 

The cause for their beatification was introduced in Rome through the Sacred Congregation for the Causes of Saints in 1999. 

Prayer for Favors

Merciful God, you have called your servants Dionisia and Cecilia Talangpaz to manifest your grace of humility and fortitude in serving your Church, under the mantle of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Grant this favor (mention your intention) united with the loving supplications of your dear courageous and faithful Mother Dionisia and Mother Cecilia, whose glory and joy in your kingdom we ask you to reveal her holiness and grant her beatification through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen

(One Our Father, One Hail Mary and One Glory Be) 

For all the favors received, kindly report in writing to: 

Beatification Commission

Augustinian Recollect Sisters Motherhouse, St. Rita College

Plaza del Carmen, Quiapo

1001 Manila Philippines 

This Just In: Medjugorje, "NO HOAX" claimed by the Commission

Our Lady of Medjugorje, Queen of Peace

The dossier on the alleged apparitions of the Virgin Mary at Medjugorje has been passed on to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The verdict could be positive albeit partial but no concrete decision has yet been reached.

A verdict on the Medjugorje apparitions is not far off. The Mejugorje inquiry commission which was set up in March 2010 and is chaired by Cardinal Camillo Ruini has concluded its work. Fr. Federico Lombardi confirmed that the commission held its last meeting on Friday and the results of the inquiry will now be examined by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith headed by the Prefect Gerhard Müller.

All the material gathered, the interviews with the seers and many other witnesses, the stories told by the various people involved, expert reports and theological reflections on the messages, has been summarized in one final report and passed on to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for a careful evaluation. The report will be studied alongside other documentation which the Congregation has gathered over the course of the years.

The Commission has focused mainly on the first phase of apparitions. There is apparently no proof of any tricks, hoaxes or abuse of popular credulity. However, it is proving difficult for the Church to form a definitive verdict on the supernatural nature of a phenomenon that is ongoing.

Of the six seers who reported apparitions in June 1981, when they were still children or in their teens, three claim that they still see daily apparitions of the “Queen of Peace” at the same time every afternoon, wherever they happen to be at the time. These seers are: Vicka (who lives in Medjugorje), Marija (who lives in Monza) and Ivan (who lives in the US but returns to his homeland often). A fourth seer, Mirjana, sees an apparition on the second day of each month.

The Visionaries

The large volume of messages going round poses a problem for the Commission. As does the forecasting of supernatural signs and secrets which the seers have refused to share, even with Church authorities.

Some of the Commission’s members have highlighted the need for a change of pace in the provision of pastoral care to millions of faithful who come to Medjugorje from all over the world. The Commission and Cardinal Ruini himself thanks to visits by people close to him have noticed that people really are converting to the faith or returning to the sacraments – what the Church refers to as spiritual fruits –  in a significant way.

But this alone does not a decision on the part of the Church with regard to the supernatural nature of the apparitions. In fact, over the past few months, Prefect Müller has cautioned bishops in the US to keep a close eye on meetings held by Medjugorje seers. These are often public meetings with lots of apparitions on the agenda. During last 14 November’s mass in St. Martha’s House, the Pope very eloquently said that Mary is a Mother "not a postmaster of the post office sending out messages every day." These words were addressed to those who continuously communicate messages and prophesies about the future.

The Bishop of Mostar, Ratko Peric, who also serves Medjugorje, is notoriously sceptical about the phenomenon, as was his predecessor. Then there is the age-long problem of the relations between the diocesan clergy and the Franciscan friars of Herzegovina at the time of the apparitions. A couple of solutions proposed in the recent past,  have been to restore the old diocese of Trebinje  so as to remove Medjugorje from the territory of the Mostar diocese or to create a Marian shrine that would be managed by a rector from another diocese.

- GIACOMO GALEAZZI - ANDREA TORNIELLI

Nuestra Senora del Carmen de San Sebastian, the Queen of Quiapo

Nuestra Senora del Carmen de San Sebastian

 During the Black Nazarene feast last January 9, an almost-forgotten-now-resurrected tradition of "Dungaw" was once again made for it was later discovered in the archives of San Sebastian Church that the said tradition was part of the now iconic Traslacion of the Black Nazarene feast every January 9. 

When the said tradition was commenced, a resounding jubilation was seen in the crowds for the Miraculous images of the Black Nazarene and the Nuestra Senora del Carmen met once again after so many years.

The Newly encarna-ed image

With this in mind,it's about time to introduce and re-introduce Nuestra Senora del Carmen to the people.

The image of Our Lady of Carmel housed at the San Sebastian Church on Plaza del Carmen, depicts the classical theme of the Mother and Child with the signature Carmel scapular in their hands. The title of "Our Lady of Mount Carmel" was given to the Blessed Virgin in honor of the brown scapular given to St. Simon Stock, who organized the Carmelite Order in England. The members were required to wear the brown habit as well as the scapular which became a symbol of Mary's love and protection

The revered statue of the Virgen del Carmen was brought to the Philippines in 1617, by Spanish Recoletos, on their 3rd mission to the country, led by Fray Rodrigo de San Miguel. The sacred statue was  a gift presented by the Discalced Carmelite Sisters of Mexico while their ship was anchored there, en route to Manila. The crew elected the Virgen del Carmen the ‘capitana’ of their ship in their voyage to the Pacific. 

The original image before the theft of mid 1970's

It is interesting to note that the Augustinian Recollects and the Discalced Carmelites were the offspring of the Reformed orders from their parent religious orders, hence this image is a sign of the special bond between these reformed orders who adopted more strict discipline to follow the rules of their perspective parent orders.  

When the Agustinos Recoletos safely arrived, the image was enthroned in a makeshift church that was built in an area called Calumpang, the same place where San Sebastian now stands.

Dungaw

The Cofradia of the Virgen del Carmen was established in 1625, and quickly gained popularity, attracting members not only from Manila but also from nearby provinces like Laguna, Pampanga, Bulacan and Batangas. They were primarily responsible for spreading the devotion to the Virgen del Carmen, with Her feast initially celebrated every January 21. Rome later moved her feast day to July 16 for the universal church.

In 1964, the Mt. Carmel Shrine and the Monastery was built in New Manila, becoming only the second shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel .

The head and hands of the Virgin and the Child Jesus are of ivory, and both wear heavily embroidered vestments in traditional gold and brown colors. Unfortunately, the heads of the Virgin and Jesus were stolen in the mid 1970s, and has not been recovered since. The head of the sacristans, Felipe Dy, head of the sacristan mayores, offered to restore the statue from the generous donations of parishioners. The well-known religious sculptor of Maximo Vicente re-created the missing parts of the original images.

The image before the encarna

The devotion to her was still evidently strong and miracles continued to happen that in 1991, under the Papal Decree issued by Pope Blessed John Paul II, the image was canonically crowned making her the 25th Marian Image in the Philippines to be given such honor. The coronation coincided with the church's Centennial Celebration in 1991.

Through a Presidential Decree in January 14, 1974, the San Sebastian Church was declared a National Historical Landmark and it was later declared a National Treasure by the National Museum on August 20, 2011. In 2018, she will celebrate her Quadricentennial anniversary (400th anniversary) of her arrival to the Philippine shores in 1618.

The Return of the Sto. Nino de La Correa of Betis

MR. TOM JOVEN, WITH THE RECOVERED NINO OF THE VIRGEN DE LA CORREA
Photo from the FB page of Auxiliary Bishop Pablo Virgilio David

A few days after the reported theft of the ivory Nino, the Archdiocesan Commission on Church Heritage (ACCH) of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, announced the successfully recovery of the revered image, with the help of yet another collector and renown ecclesiastical artist, Tom Joven.

Joven, who heads the Parish Pastoral Council of San Guillermo Parish of Bacolor and who also serves as member of the Tangible Heritage Committee of ACCH, reported his find to diocesan church authorities as the image surfaced in the antiques market, days after it was reported to be missing. His network of collector-friends provided him leads that allowed him to track the image in Manila, and which he eventually purchased the ivory parts brought to him discreetly in a plastic bag, minus the wooden body.

Immediately, he notified the church authorities headed by Auxiliary Bishop Pablo Virgilio David and the Pastoral Council of Betis. The acknowledged santo expert offered to restore the image and have it ready for official turnover to diocesan and local church authorities in time for the celebration of the Santo Niño Feast on January 19 (3rd Sunday of January).

The ACCH circular acknowledged with gratitude the role that antique collectors played in the recovery of the Nino—alongside media entities, heritage advocates and netizens who helped spread the word about the theft of this treasured image which is imbued with priceless historical, cultural and spiritual meanings—a special part of the Augustinian legacy in Betis, Pampanga.

This Just In: The Sto. Nino de Betis was found!

At last, he was found!

While the Feast of the Black Nazarene was ongoing and the Novenas in Honor of the Sto. Nino started, the the Sto, Nino de La Correa of Betis, Pampanga was finally found.

More info will be posted on the following days as the facts will be unraveled.

Welcome Back Senor Sto. Nino!

The Forgotten Nuestra Senora da La Salud

Nuestra Senora de La Salud

The principal treasure of Museo recoleto is the dark image of the Blessed Virgin, "Nuestra Señora de la Salud" brought by the first Recollect missionaries to the Philippines in 1606. 

The discalced religious of the great father of the Church, St. Augustine, entered Manila in the year 1606. Although they were the last evangelical workers, their apostolic zeal has extended in rivalry to the first ones, and they have attained abundant results from their labors, in the reduction of the most barbarous islanders, and in the exemplary lives of their reformed religious. 

The first convent in which they lived was the one now called San Juan de Bagongbáyan, outside the walls of the city of Manila. It was established with the title of San Nicolas de Tolentino, which is still preserved (without adminis tration), with the veneration merited, not only by their primacy but by the miraculous image of Nuestra Señora de la Salud [i.e., "our Lady of health"] who is venerated there. 

Later, a convent was erected in due form under the ancient advocacy of St. Nicholas of Tolentino, that saint being today the titular of that most strict province. In that convent, which is inside and near the walls of Manila, there are generally maintained thirty or forty religious. 

They have the reputation of being a community as well regulated as the best in Castilla, and one in which have been known a great number of fathers of holiness and learning. From that convent they go out to perform their laborious ministrations in these islands.

During World War II, most of the Churches in Manila were destroyed, this church is not spared but the image was found intact and was transferred to their Monastery and remained there permanently.

Prayer to Nuestra Senora de La Salud

Virgin, most holy, Mother of the Word Incarnate, Treasurer of graces, and Refuge of sinners, I fly top your motherly affection with lively faith, and I beg of you the grace ever to do the will of God. 

Into your most holy hands I commit the keeping of my heart, asking you for health of soul and body, in the certain hope that you, my most loving Mother, will hear my prayer. 

Into the bosom of your tender mercy, this day, every day of my life, and at the hour of my death, I commend my soul and body. 

To you I entrust all my hopes and consolations, all my trials and miseries, my life and the end of my life, that all my actions may be ordered and disposed according to your will and that of your Divine Son. Amen 

Missing: The Sto. Nino of Our Lady in Pampanga

Nuestra Senora de La Consolacion Y Correa de Betis, Pampanga

The Image of the Sto. Nino from this image
is currently missing

 An Appeal to Cultural Heritage Workers, Antique Collectors and to the Public from the Archdiocesan Commission on Church Heritage - Archdiocese of San Fernando:

The centuries-old, ivory image of the Child Jesus of Betis Church's Virgen de la Correa (see attached photo) was stolen today, 30th of December 2013 before the town fiesta procession.

We appeal to you to be on the look-out for this significant piece of Betis heritage and let us know of possible leads that can help us recover it. 

We appeal to you to be on the look-out for this significant piece of Betis heritage and let us know of possible leads that can help us recover it. 

Betis folks have always been proud and protective of their religious and cultural heritage. The images of Virgen de la Correa and the Child Jesus are among the legacies left by the Augustinian missionaries who established a mission in Betis in 1572. These are properties of Betis Church, as documented in the 1790 Santa Visita de la Iglesia de Betis (Archdiocesan Archives of Manila Box 6.A.3, Folder 9).

If you can offer information about the missing image of the Child Jesus, please contact:

Office of Aux. Bp. Pablo Virgilio S. David 
Cellphone No. 0917-508-0302
Tel. No. (045) 888-63-55 Loc. 2
Email Add: ambo.david@yahoo.com

St. James the Apostle Heritage Foundation, Inc.

Tel. No. (045) 900-00-22

The Memory of Nuestra Senora de la Peregrina

Nuestra Senora de la Peregrina
V.O.T. Shrine, Sampaloc, Manila

For those who visit the V.O.T Church (Venerable Orden Terziera of the Franciscan Order) in Bustillos, Sampaloc, Manila that is dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua would came across to 
this unique image Mary, that of the Immaculate Conception under the aspect of a pilgrim. The Virgin’s head is crowned with a halo of twelve stars. She wears a white vestment and a blue cape. She stands on an orb and crushes beneath her heels the serpent. Her pilgrim advocation is depicted by the straw hat on her head and a wooden staff with a gourd of oil at the tip that she carries.

Our Lady of the Pilgrims recall the 2nd Joyful Mystery, the Visitation. The Virgin’s sojourn from her home at Nazareth to the hill country of Judea - home of her aged cousin Elizabeth and her equally aged husband, Zachariah. She made this tiresome and perilous journey to console and aid the saintly couple who where anticipating the birth of a child – St. John the Baptist.

The feast of the Nuestra Señora de la Peregrina is on the Third Sunday of advent. She is the patroness of the pilgrims, travelers, expectant mothers and childless couples, midwives, sick and health workers. Her image is now lovingly treasured and venerated at St. Anthony Shrine – V.O.T. Church in Bustillos, Sampaloc, Manila.

In 1783, the Franciscan Friars of the Province of San Gregorio Magno transferred the center of the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi ( S.F.O. ) to Sampaloc. And in 1794, allowed the tertiary to build a chapel next to the Parish of Our Lady of Loreto. This was placed under the patronage of Nuestra Señora de la Peregrina and her image was installed in its main altar. This chapel became the scene of religious ceremonies in her honor. The feature of the devotion to Our Lady of Pilgrims was the annual procession which thousands attended.

On July 1880, the Chapel of the Venerable Orden Tercera or Venerable Order of Tertiary was greatly damaged by an earthquake. Rev. Fr. Pedro Flores, OFM started the initial repairs on the chapel. But it was under Rev. Fr. Ramon Cervices, OFM, that a totally new edifice was finished in 1888.

However, this sanctuary to the Blessed Virgin Mary was totally destroyed in the catastrophe of World War II. In the early days of February 1945 – during the Liberation of Manila, V.O.T chapel was gutted by fire. But thanks to the efforts of Rev. Fr. Jose Pamintuan – Parish Priest of Our Lady of Loreto, the image of the Peregrina was saved. For a time it occupied a temporary altar at the Priest’s Residence, sharing it with the miraculous image of Our Lady of Loreto.

After the war, Rev. Fr. Mariano Montero, OFM transferred the image and devotion of St. Anthony of Padua from its temporary refuge at the Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados Parish, Santa Ana, Manila to the ruins of V.O.T. Chapel in Sampaloc.

The new Shrine and Friary was completed and rededicated to St. Anthony of Padua in 1947 by His Eminence Rufino JSantos, D.D., Archbishop of Manila. From then on devotion to St. Anthony of Padua flourished in this new Shrine.

However, instead of allowing the ancient image to fade into oblivion, Fr. Montero gave the Peregrina a majestic throne high above the niche of St. Anthony in the main altar. She occupied this exulted position until the retablo was demolished in 1973 in accordance with the precepts of Vatican II. Rev. Fr. Francisco Reyes, OFM had the image moved to the right side niche near the ambo. In 1980, Rev. Fr.. Batazar Obico, OFM had the image of the Peregrina brought down and the image of Our Lady of Lourdes installed. It was the start of Our Lady of the Pilgrims’ painful exile.

First she was placed in the landing of the stairs of the belfry. Then in the solitary confines of the laundry room. But it was during these deplorable years that Bro. Fernando “Popong” Martinez and Bro. Dennis de Jesus, strove to keep the devotion to her alive. Every June 13 – Feast of St. Anthony, they would contribute their humble resources to bring her image on procession. But even this was discontinued.

During the term of Fr. Wilfredo Benito, OFM as rector of the Shrine (2001-2004), interest in the Nuestra Señora de la Peregrina resurfaced again. With the efforts of John Erwin B. Enriquez, Jesse C. Nell, German I. Malabanan and Juanito Ysrael, they were able to convince the friars to move the ancient image within the friary and allow it to join the procession of St. Anthony. Research made at University of Santo Tomas in España, Manila yielded the much needed documentation to validate the image’s antiquity. This prompted the Saint Anthony OFM Community to consider having the image returned inside the shrine.

The most coveted day arrived on December 8, 2003 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. After 23 years of senseless exile, the Virgen de la Peregrina was re-enthroned in the right side niche. In a simple yet meaningful ceremony, the image was brought to the throne amidst the singing of Salve Regina after which, it was incensed. In his homily during the Holy Mass, Fr. Benito introduced her to the faithful. He eloquently narrated the history of her devotion and encouraged all to have recourse to her. 

Equally devoted to Our Lady of the Pilgrims is Rev. Fr. Albert Marfil, OFM – SFO National Spiritual Director (2001-2007). It was he who recommended that the image no longer join the procession to avoid the 2004 accident on the Virgin’s fingers. It was under his tutelage that the regular cleaning and re-vesting of image was institutionalized. It was his earnest desire to have the image restored to its former beauty.

Currently efforts are being paved to have a Saturday Devotion in Honor of Nuestra Señora de la Peregrina. We therefore enjoin all Marian Devotees to pray for the cause and visit her frequently at St. Anthony Shrine – V.O.T. Church, Bustillos, Sampaloc, Manila. 

The Devotion to Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace

THE APPARITIONS OF OUR LADY, MARY, MEDIATRIX OF ALL GRACE

Lipa City, Philippines

On Sunday, September 12, 1948, Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary, at about five o’clock in the afternoon, a Sister who was taking a walk in the garden, suddenly remarked that a vine shook. As there was no wind at all, it attracted her attention. She approached and heard a woman’s gentle voice that said:

“Fear not, my child. Kiss the ground. Whatever I shall tell you to do, you must do. For fifteen consecutive days come to visit Me here in this spot. Eat some grass, my child.”

The Sister did not see anyone, she only heard the voice.

Next day, Monday, at five o’clock, the Sister returned to the place. She knelt and recited the Hail Mary. She had reached the words “full of grace” when she remarked that the vine was moving. Lo and behold, she saw a Beautiful Lady with her hands clasped on her breast, a golden Rosary hanging on the right hand. She was stooping slightly, her dress was pure white, simple, held at the waist by a narrow cloth belt. Her feet were bare and resting on clouds which were about two feet high from the ground. Her face, of indescribable beauty, was radiant. She was smiling.

“Be faithful to come here, be it rain or sunshine.”,

She said to the Sister. Then the Sister asked her, “Beautiful Lady, who are you?”

“I am your Mother, my little one.”

And having said this, She vanished.

On Tuesday at the same hour, Sister went to the same spot. The Lady was already there waiting for her. Her arms were extended forward as if wishing to enfold her little one in a tender maternal embrace.

“I wish this place to be blessed tomorrow,”

She said. “At what time, my Mother?” asked the Sister.

“Any time your Mother Prioress wants. My child, I forbid you to forget the incidents of these fifteen days.” Then blessing the Sister, she disappeared.

The blessing of the nook in the garden was set for three o’clock in the afternoon of the next day. Carmel’s Chaplain, His Excellency, Bishop Alfredo Ma. Obviar, wearing the rochette and stole, entered the enclosure and the Community followed him to the spot. As the Community drew near, the Lady, visible only to the Sister, appeared with her arms extended; as if to gather all in Her maternal embrace. As soon as the Sister knelt before Her, She said:

“My child, kiss the ground and eat a little grass. Take a piece of paper and pencil and write down what I shall tell you for the Community.”

The following is Her message:

“My daughters: I ask of you to believe in me and to keep this a deep secret among yourselves for the time being.  Love one another as true Sisters. Come often to visit me. Make this a sacred place and respect it. Gather the petals my children. I bless you all.”

Then the Lady vanished and in the place of the apparition, there were petals scattered. The Chaplain proceeded with the blessing of the place after which he gave a short talk to the Community emphasizing the Lady’s message.

At five o’clock the same day, Sister went to the same place and, as on the preceding days, the Apparition was waiting for her.

“I shall ask something from Carmel. I want a statue of Mine to be placed here. Clean this part of your garden so it will be a real place of prayer. You need not tell Me al your Sisters are asking, for I know them.Tell them that they must believe lest they lose grace. I shall always bless the Community, My child.”

On September 16, when Sister reached the spot the Lady in Her usual attitude told her the following: 

“I want a statue of Mine to be place here. I want you to describe Me to your Chaplain because I want it to be as you see Me and as big as the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes that is in the cloister. Tell your Mother Prioress to have the rosary recited by the community here every afternoon during these days. Extend My love to all my daughters. Tell them that I love my daughters in Lipa Carmel; that I shall always be with you all.” 

Then blessing Her little one, She departed.

The following days, the Lady and the Sister met each other on the spot and she spoke to her as a Mother to Her little one. She gave her motherly advise telling her to be obedient, simple and humble. Tell the Community that simplicity and humility are the two virtues She loves so much, so to love and practice them.

One day the Apparition asked from the Community an individual consecration of its members to Herself according to the spirit of Saint Louis Mary Grignion de Monfort.

On the last of the fifteen days, Sunday, September 26th, the Lady repeated Her counsel to Her little one:

“My child, you must love and obey your Mother Prioress. Tell your Sisters to love one another as true Sisters, to practice humility and simplicity, the virtues I love most. Tell them to love and obey their Superiors and not to forget the things I ask. I shall not ask bigger things from you as you expect because you are my little ones. Do not forget to consecrate yourselves to me on October 7.  Be very good. 

I AM MARY, MEDIATRIX OF ALL GRACE. 

I shall always bless the Community morning and evening.” 

Blessing the Sisters, She disappeared.

On September 30, rose petals were strewn in the cells of the monastery. On October 3, the shower fell on the staircase. Occasional showers within the cloisters followed. On November 11, the petals fell outside and were seen by some visitors.

On Friday, November 12, after Mass, the Sister was called to the place of the Apparition, and there on the vine was Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace. Her hands joined on Her breast in an attitude of prayer, She looked tenderly but sadly on Her little one, and on the Community that had followed. Then She said: 

“People believe not my words. Pray my child, pray much because of persecutions. Pray for priests. What I ask here is exactly what I have asked in Fatima. Tell this to the people. They do not believe in Me, nor do they give what I ask. Tell the Sisters that I ask them to pray and help spread my devotion and to make penances for those who do not believe. When people come to pray and ask for graces, let them ask directly from Me and not through you. These things may now be revealed. This is my last apparition in this spot.” 

Blessing Her little one and the Community assembled in the sacred place, Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace vanished. 

In January 1991, the petal showers began again for Sr. Teresita Castillo. Since then, the petal showers have continued and Our Lady has begun to speak to “Sr. Teresing” and has given her messages. Moreover, she has also had showers - of whole roses!

Nihil obstat: Msgr. Nicanor L de Villa

Imprimatur: +Mariano G. Gaviola, D.D.

Archbishop of Lipa

March 21, 1992

A Devotional Booklet can be downloaded here:

http://www.mediafire.com/download/fatw6kie1nufkpq/MEDIATRIX_PRAYER_BOOK.pdf

The First Saturday Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Many people are familiar to the First Friday devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, but surprisingly, few people knew about the The First Saturday Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The desire for a First Saturday devotion was revealed by the Blessed Virgin Mary to the three children at Fatima in 1917. On December 10, 1925, the Virgin revealed more details about the devotion to Sister Lucia, the only seer still alive, and at that time a cloistered nun. From that time, the devotion has spread throughout the world on the day (Saturday) that the Church has traditionally honored the Blessed Virgin. 

“Look at my Heart, surrounded with thorns with which ungrateful men pierce me at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. You at least, try to console me and announce that I promise to assist at the hour of death, with all the graces necessary for salvation, all those who, on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, shall: go to confession, receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary, and keep me company for fifteen minutes while meditating on the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me.”

–Words of Our Lady of Fatima

Promises:

1. The Virgin Mary's assistance at the hour of death with the graces
necessary for salvation for those who practice the devotion.
2. Salvation of souls and peace as a result of promoting the Devotion to the Immaculate Heart. 

Another request of Our Lady of Fatima-one which includes all the others-is that we consecrate ourselves to her Immaculate Heart by  wearing of the Brown Scapular. Sister Lucia has said that all Catholics should wear the Brown Scapular as part of the Fatima message. She said, The Rosary and the Scapular are inseparable.

In 1251, when she gave the Scapular to St. Simon Stock and thereby to the world, the Queen of Heaven stated: Whosoever dies clothed in this shall never suffer eternal fire. Wearing the Scapular serves as a constant reminder of one’s personal consecration to Mary and of the necessity of imitating her virtues and heeding her requests.

A simple prayer guide to this devotion can be downloaded here.

http://www.mediafire.com/download/b1aumillammokgv/PRAYERS+FOR+THE+FIRST+SATURDAY+DEVOTION+TO+THE+IMMACULATE+HEART+OF+MARY.pdf