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

WELCOME

Welcome to the Walking Pilgrim site where everything you might need for the Catholic faith can be  found here in this simple site. From devotional materials to commentaries, you will find it here. I hope this site can help you to deepen one's faith and live it.