ROME, Dec. 17, 2010—The traditional nativity scene that will be put up at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican will feature a set of nine Filipino figures that will complement the traditional figures of the Holy Family.
The Philippine-made statues depict a Filipino family inside a boat pulling a net with a plentiful catch from the sea. Near them, other companions are portrayed playing different indigenous musical instruments. Some baskets, filled with different Philippine tropical fruits, vegetables, fishes and shells, highlighting the bountiful harvest of the earth and the sea, complete the set.
Designed by Davao-based Filipino sculptor, Kublai Ponce-Millan, the sculptures represent different indigenous groups of the Philippines in a festive celebration of faith, music, food and family on the occasion of the birth of Jesus.
Kublai Ponce-Millan began his work in August after Mercedes Tuason, Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See, presented the project to the Governorate of the Vatican City State as part of the launching activities of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Holy See.
“To include the Filipino figures at the Vatican nativity scene will surely be most meaningful for all Filipinos knowing that the solemnity of Christmas is perhaps the most popular celebration among Filipino Catholics”, Tuason said in her letter to Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, President of the Governorate of the Vatican City State.
Delighted with this proposal, Cardinal Lajolo responded that “this gesture would be meaningful for the vast Filipino community in Italy, a hard working community of great faith and family values.”
Under the supervision of the Technical Services of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, around 35 workers began work on the nativity scene in St. Peter’s square in early November.
The work is expected to be finished on December 24, in time for the official opening and blessing that evening. Pope Benedict XVI will participate in the unveiling ceremony from the window of the papal apartments.
Filipinos in Italy are consoled to see their Christian faith recognized and affirmed by the Holy See in this symbolic way. They are grateful for the honor of being placed in the center of Catholicism’s celebration of the birth of Christ this year.
The ongoing construction of the Nativity scene and the Philippine contribution to it can be viewed on YouTube by accessing
venerdì 17 dicembre 2010
domenica 5 dicembre 2010
martedì 30 novembre 2010
Clash among Catholics
note: This is the face of the resistance group in the Philippines, though a minority bloc as of the moment, in an attempt to push the passing of the House Bill 96 or Reproductive Health Bill that would give the go signal to use contraception and even legalization of abortion, if approved to become a law. It is sad to know that these two opposing groups belong to the same family - the Catholic Church. The battle is not yet over. The resistance will return as the Church´s faithful will stand prepared! (Garret Alfonso Ulanimo)
Pro, anti-RH bill clash outside Manila Cathedral
domenica 28 novembre 2010
martedì 16 novembre 2010
Barcelona's Church of the Holy Family
Pontiff calls Sagrada Familia a "catechesis"
BARCELONA, Spain, Nov. 7, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Barcelona's Church of the Holy Family is not only the masterpiece of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926), it's also a catechesis on the life of Christ, says Benedict XVI.
The Pope praised the work of Gaudí today before praying the midday Angelus together with those gathered at the church, and after he presided at the Holy Family's dedication Mass, during which he declared the church a minor basilica.
He noted how "the genius" of Gaudí, "filled with devotion to the Holy Family of Nazareth," and "inspired by the ardour of his Christian faith, succeeded in raising this sanctuary as a hymn of praise to God carved in stone."
"A praise of God," the Pontiff added, "which, as with the birth of Christ, has had as its protagonists the most humble and simple of people."
Benedict XVI said that through Gaudí used his craft to "bring the Gospel to everyone."
"For this reason," the Pope explained, "he conceived of the three porticos of the exterior of the church as a catechesis on the life of Jesus Christ, as a great rosary, which is the prayer of ordinary people, a prayer in which are contemplated the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of our Lord."
The Holy Father also noted the charitable works of the architect, who "designed and financed from his own savings the creation of a school for the children of the workers and of the poorest families of the neighborhood, which was at that time a outlying suburb of Barcelona."
Reflecting on the family, the Pontiff called it the "hope of humanity."
He noted that Christ, "under the watchful care of Joseph and Mary, in the silence of the home of Nazareth, taught us without words of the dignity and the primordial value of marriage and the family."
Benedict XVI said that it is in the family where "life finds its welcome from conception to natural death."
"[Christ] has taught us also that the entire Church, by hearing and putting his word into practice, becomes his family," the Pope added. "And he has exhorted us to be a seed of fraternity which, sown in every heart, nourishes hope."
The Pope praised the work of Gaudí today before praying the midday Angelus together with those gathered at the church, and after he presided at the Holy Family's dedication Mass, during which he declared the church a minor basilica.
He noted how "the genius" of Gaudí, "filled with devotion to the Holy Family of Nazareth," and "inspired by the ardour of his Christian faith, succeeded in raising this sanctuary as a hymn of praise to God carved in stone."
"A praise of God," the Pontiff added, "which, as with the birth of Christ, has had as its protagonists the most humble and simple of people."
Benedict XVI said that through Gaudí used his craft to "bring the Gospel to everyone."
"For this reason," the Pope explained, "he conceived of the three porticos of the exterior of the church as a catechesis on the life of Jesus Christ, as a great rosary, which is the prayer of ordinary people, a prayer in which are contemplated the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of our Lord."
The Holy Father also noted the charitable works of the architect, who "designed and financed from his own savings the creation of a school for the children of the workers and of the poorest families of the neighborhood, which was at that time a outlying suburb of Barcelona."
Reflecting on the family, the Pontiff called it the "hope of humanity."
He noted that Christ, "under the watchful care of Joseph and Mary, in the silence of the home of Nazareth, taught us without words of the dignity and the primordial value of marriage and the family."
Benedict XVI said that it is in the family where "life finds its welcome from conception to natural death."
"[Christ] has taught us also that the entire Church, by hearing and putting his word into practice, becomes his family," the Pope added. "And he has exhorted us to be a seed of fraternity which, sown in every heart, nourishes hope."
Model family in the 2oth century
Pinoy couple featured in Columbia Magazine
MANILA, November 4, 2010—A Filipino couple is on the pages of the November issue of the highly respected Columbia Magazine.
Isidoro Molina of San Pedro Council 4234 in Manila and her wife, Leah, are among the six couples from around the world featured in the magazine which tells stories about marriage and family.
The Molinas, who live in Makati City, have been married for 42 years and have nine children.
In the article, the couple, through Mrs. Molina, provided reflections about falling in love and gave advise for young couples.
“Love oftentimes resists order. Ours was a classic tale of boy meets girl. There seemed to be a magical pull that drew us together. We saw the world through the same eyes and shared the same passion for the arts, music and poetry,” she said.
Marriage is not easy the couple admit to that. There are going to be differences, they said.
“Sometimes storms hit all at once and you’re floundering and helpless. This was how I felt when I realized our marriage was in turmoil. It was about our seventh wedding anniversary that marital troubles hounded us. I was lonely and desperate,” she said.
In marriage, they added, the thing that is needed to work together is God.
“Crying, I looked up to God and prayed. Next, I took charge of what I could control. I took time out to take care of myself and focused on making our relationship more loving and connected.”
The Molinas also revealed how the Knights of Columbus helped them in building a successful marriage and coping up in the “moments of distress.”
“The ties that bind our family were strengthened because of the Knights of Columbus. We began to look beyond ourselves and our own needs to the larger community,” they said.
The one-page article also features a photo of the couple taken in Paris and with the famous Eiffel Tower in the background.
Asked for her reaction to the short feature, Mrs. Molina said: “We are happy and humbled. We feel proud and honored to be featured in that magazine.”
For their heroic openness to children and their witness to their beauty and sanctity of human life, the Molinas was the 3rd runner up in the “2010 International Family of the Year” by the Knights in Columbus. (CBCPNews)
Isidoro Molina of San Pedro Council 4234 in Manila and her wife, Leah, are among the six couples from around the world featured in the magazine which tells stories about marriage and family.
The Molinas, who live in Makati City, have been married for 42 years and have nine children.
In the article, the couple, through Mrs. Molina, provided reflections about falling in love and gave advise for young couples.
“Love oftentimes resists order. Ours was a classic tale of boy meets girl. There seemed to be a magical pull that drew us together. We saw the world through the same eyes and shared the same passion for the arts, music and poetry,” she said.
Marriage is not easy the couple admit to that. There are going to be differences, they said.
“Sometimes storms hit all at once and you’re floundering and helpless. This was how I felt when I realized our marriage was in turmoil. It was about our seventh wedding anniversary that marital troubles hounded us. I was lonely and desperate,” she said.
In marriage, they added, the thing that is needed to work together is God.
“Crying, I looked up to God and prayed. Next, I took charge of what I could control. I took time out to take care of myself and focused on making our relationship more loving and connected.”
The Molinas also revealed how the Knights of Columbus helped them in building a successful marriage and coping up in the “moments of distress.”
“The ties that bind our family were strengthened because of the Knights of Columbus. We began to look beyond ourselves and our own needs to the larger community,” they said.
The one-page article also features a photo of the couple taken in Paris and with the famous Eiffel Tower in the background.
Asked for her reaction to the short feature, Mrs. Molina said: “We are happy and humbled. We feel proud and honored to be featured in that magazine.”
For their heroic openness to children and their witness to their beauty and sanctity of human life, the Molinas was the 3rd runner up in the “2010 International Family of the Year” by the Knights in Columbus. (CBCPNews)
Residents of Pontificio Collegio Filippino Attends Annual Holy Retreat here in Rome
pontificio collegio filippino
annual holy retreat
29 October - 01 November 2010
theme: st. therese and the priests
Prayer for Priests
by St. Therese of Lisieux
by St. Therese of Lisieux
O Jesus, eternal Priest,
keep your priests
within the shelter of Your Sacred Heart,
where none may touch them.
Keep unstained their anointed hands,
which daily touch Your Sacred Body.
Keep unsullied their lips,
daily purpled with your Precious Blood.
Keep pure and unearthly their hearts,
sealed with the sublime mark
where none may touch them.
Keep unstained their anointed hands,
which daily touch Your Sacred Body.
Keep unsullied their lips,
daily purpled with your Precious Blood.
Keep pure and unearthly their hearts,
sealed with the sublime mark
of the priesthood.
Let Your holy love surround them and
shield them from the world's contagion.
Bless their labors with abundant fruit and
may the souls to whom they minister be their joy and
Let Your holy love surround them and
shield them from the world's contagion.
Bless their labors with abundant fruit and
may the souls to whom they minister be their joy and
consolation here and in heaven their beautiful and everlasting crown.
Amen.
A Folllow up Retreat for Filipino Priests
Retreat for diocesan priests to focus on Church laws
MANILA, Oct. 16, 2010—In line with the current concern of Pope Benedict XVI for the life in ministry of priests in these challenging times, Theological Centrum is holding a retreat for diocesan priests to serve as a follow up of the aim of the last year's Year for Priests: “Faithfulness of Christ, faithfulness of the Priest”.
Talks and workshops during the retreat will focus on Church laws and procedures that priests and lay faithful must be aware of to guide the life and ministry of priests.
Held annually for some years now, the retreat for diocesan priests was started by Theological Centrum as part of its program to assist the dioceses in their on-going formation programs for the secular clergy.
This was made possible through the Studium Theologiae Foundation Inc., an initiative of a group of professionals, who were eager to assist priests in their response to the Second Vatican Council's call to facilitate their on-going formation.
The retreat is scheduled on November 15-18, 2010, in Tagaytay Conference Center, in Mendez, Cavite.
Retreat preacher will be Rev. Fr. Daniel Icatlo, J.C.D., a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei.
Together with various pastoral tasks in the Prelature, particularly as Chaplain of Southridge School, Fr. Icatlo also serves as a Judge of the National Appellate Matrimonial Tribunal of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
Aside from the meditations to be given by Fr. Icatlo, there will also be talks by Fr. Francisco Aniban, J.C.D., of the Prelature of Opus Dei.
Fr. Aniban is a Chaplain of Southridge School and also a Judicial Vicar of the Tribunal of First Instance of the Diocese of Antipolo.
Diocesan priests who are in need of few days of quiet and personal reflection are encouraged to avail of this opportunity that would help deepen their spiritual life and ministry.
Priests who have not yet made their retreat for the year 2010 and are interested to join this group, may contact Theological Centrum, 5th Floor, Quad Alpha Centrum Building, 125 Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong, Manila, 1505 Philippines; call Telefax (02) 635 6113 or E-mail: theologicalcentrum@yahoo.com. (Fr. Mickey Cardenas)
Source: http://cbcpnews.com/?q=node/13466
Talks and workshops during the retreat will focus on Church laws and procedures that priests and lay faithful must be aware of to guide the life and ministry of priests.
Held annually for some years now, the retreat for diocesan priests was started by Theological Centrum as part of its program to assist the dioceses in their on-going formation programs for the secular clergy.
This was made possible through the Studium Theologiae Foundation Inc., an initiative of a group of professionals, who were eager to assist priests in their response to the Second Vatican Council's call to facilitate their on-going formation.
The retreat is scheduled on November 15-18, 2010, in Tagaytay Conference Center, in Mendez, Cavite.
Retreat preacher will be Rev. Fr. Daniel Icatlo, J.C.D., a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei.
Together with various pastoral tasks in the Prelature, particularly as Chaplain of Southridge School, Fr. Icatlo also serves as a Judge of the National Appellate Matrimonial Tribunal of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
Aside from the meditations to be given by Fr. Icatlo, there will also be talks by Fr. Francisco Aniban, J.C.D., of the Prelature of Opus Dei.
Fr. Aniban is a Chaplain of Southridge School and also a Judicial Vicar of the Tribunal of First Instance of the Diocese of Antipolo.
Diocesan priests who are in need of few days of quiet and personal reflection are encouraged to avail of this opportunity that would help deepen their spiritual life and ministry.
Priests who have not yet made their retreat for the year 2010 and are interested to join this group, may contact Theological Centrum, 5th Floor, Quad Alpha Centrum Building, 125 Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong, Manila, 1505 Philippines; call Telefax (02) 635 6113 or E-mail: theologicalcentrum@yahoo.com. (Fr. Mickey Cardenas)
Source: http://cbcpnews.com/?q=node/13466
Iscriviti a:
Post (Atom)