T VOL I ISSUE 3 DECEMBER 2013

ROSARY AND HARMONY

CONVERGE FOR MARYGeraldine Barrio The Parish Liturgical Music Ministry (SPPLMM) staged the Marian Concert in honor of the Blessed Mary held at Saint Polycarp Parish church last October 26, 2013. Dubbed as “Awit Parangal kay Maria”, parishioners the image of Mama Mary starting from the entrance of and members of various parish organizations flocked the church up to the altar. Rev. Fr. Renie Oliver along to witness a spectacular event showcasing the talents with seminarians from San Pablo Theological Forma- of the members of SPPLMM. This is not just an ordinary tion House sang “One Thing I Ask” and “Cantiga A La concert though, since it also offered a catechesis on Virhen” for the Invocation. The grand choir sang the the . Apostle’s Creed, Our Father and Hail Mary, solemnly to start the concert. The show started with a short video presenting an old accustomed procession, then a live procession of Catechetical Information about the mysteries of the Rosary were presented through videos that gave the WHAT’S continue on page 3 INSIDE?

page 6 page 8 Catholic Meet the new Featured Social Media parochial Server Summit vicar page 9 takes journey from Faith to Hope Bro. RJ Malanao

Last November 22, 2013, Most Rev. Bishop Buenaventura Malayo Famadico, DD led a mass in the gymnasium of Liceo de San Pablo to mark the end of the Year of Faith and to formally openPar the new - liturgical year which is the Year of Hope in preparation for the 50th anniversary of the of San Pablo. Despite the sultry weather and occasional rainfall,ish hundreds of people flocked to St. Peter’s College Sem- inary in San Pablo City on the eve of Friday, to take part in this epic celebration.

Delegates who came from different ministries to- gether with Rev. Fr. Nico Corvera left on the midday of Friday, and travelled roughly 45km to partake and rep- resent St. Polycarp Parish in the said event. Amongst those who participated in the celebration were , , and other religious congregations together with the laity from different parishes of the Diocese of San Pablo.

The celebration began with a prayer and glorification, enduring strong Torch procession together with the gust of wind and occasional rainfall which image of St. Paul and the image of was interpreted by other delegates as the Diocesan of Our Lady of God’s way of blessing the assembly. Guadalupe in Pagsanjan towards Rev. Monignor Melchor Barcenas led the the gymnasium of Liceo de San delegates as they joyfully shouted Viva! Pablo. Armed with , candles, Viva San Pablo and Viva el Virgen Maria!. umbrella, and insurmountable faith, Upon reaching the gymnasium, the entire the company trudged forward in assembly was greeted by animated songs and dance presentations from the youth ministry of the St. Paul the First Hermit Cathedral and other youth ministries from different parishes. The enthronement of the image of and St. Paul took place imme- diately after the procession. After the enthronement, the assembly had dinner together inside the gymnasi- um in the spirit of AGAPE.

Most Rev. Bishop Buenaventura Malayo Famadico, DD led the celebration of the Holy Eucharist done at the twilight of Friday. He encouraged the assembly to pray more reverently as we welcome the new liturgi- cal year which is the Year of Hope. It is noticeable in most of the delegates the physical weariness due to the strenuous activities that have preceded during the course of the day, but the most evident characteristic which dominated every participant is the happiness and the feeling of being blessed for witnessing and partaking in the closing and opening of our Liturgical Parish servers of St. Polycarp Parish with Rev. Fr. Nico Corvera year. during the Torch Procession. [photo by Bro. RJ ]

2 VOL I ISSUE 3 DECEMBER 2013 PCM Celebrates Catechetical Week Benedict Bueno

The Parish Catechetical Ministry held its annual Cat- echetical Day last September 27, 2013 coinciding with the commemoration of the Feast of the First Filipino Saint, St. Lorenzo Ruiz In the afternoon, elementary students battled it out Rev. Fr. Renie Oliver presided over the Eucharistic for the Catechetical Drawing Contest. Students from Celebration. In his homily, He reminded the youth in Cabuyao Central School won the event. attendance to draw inspiration from the catechists who offer their life in the service of the Lord, much like Sis. Beth Martinez, head of the Parish Catechetical how St. Lorenzo Ruiz pronounced his faith throughout Ministry, summed up this year’s event as truly a bless- his existence. ed one with the rains serving as shower of blessings from above. She said that she was overwhelmed by Despite heavy rains, catechists, students, and parish- the support of the parish and the parishion- ioners flocked the procession highlighting the image of ers. St. Lorenzo Ruiz. Through the event, catechists were able to show The catechists led the ceremonial release of bal- their continued commitment towards spreading the loons attended by students from different schools both teachings of the Lord in this Year of Faith, Sis. Beth private and public. added. “Fidelity to the Gospel, Fidelity to Christ” is the theme for this year’s celebration of the Parish Cat- echetical Day.

Rosary and Harmony...

audience a more profound knowledge about the Rosary. Set of songs were sung by different choirs in between the mysteries to give them time to reflect and truly understand what the rosary is all about.

Other performances that night were from Rev. Fr. Renie and Rev. Fr. Nico. While playing the guitar they sung “Who Am I?” with the seminarians. To wind up the program, SPPLMM grand choir ren- dered the songs “Inang Mahal” and “Salamat Ma- ria” that held the audience captivated.

Rev. Fr. Marce Ramos was the director of the con- cert.

SPPLMM grand choir in the finale of the Rosary Concert.[photo by Glenn Halos ]

Joven Nevalga

www.stpolycarp.com [email protected] Parishioners Venerate Mary Geraldine Barrio “A coronation that is fit for a queen.”

This is how parishioners described the ceremony of La Cofradia Del Santisimo Rosario de Cabuyao as she was enthroned and given honor last October 12, 2013.

La Cofradia Association, headed by Bro. Boyet Paguia, hosted the event. It was indeed a grand cele- bration giving honor to our Mother. Prior to the main occasion there was a nine-day novena as a prepa- ration to the main event that started last October 3, 2013.

Fr. Renie Oliver and Fr. Marce Ramos concelebrated the mass. Members of the association clad in their gorgeous Filipiniana dress were present, including the current Her- and Hermana Mr. and Mrs. Benhur & Nancy Ignacio. The past, present and future Hermano’s and Hermana’s of La Cofradia Association. The reading of the history of La [photo by SP Power Media ] Cofradia, awarding, and signing were made after the communion. Dr. Tony and Vicky Dictado were hailed as the next Hermano and Hermana. A dinner sponsored by Mr. & Mrs Ignacio followed at the Bulwagan San Policarpo. Marian Exhibit Joy Lemence

As part of the celebration of the Rosary Month, the Parish Pastoral Council held an exhibit of various Marian images last October 5-13, 2013 at Bulwagan San Policarpo. A Eucharistic celebration marked the opening of the exhibit, followed by the ribbon-cut- ting and blessing.

Parishioners came to catch a glimpse of the re- vered images of Mother Mary. They were delighted to see the images bearing labels and descriptions. Some of the images were from organizations and families in Cabuyao and nearby localities.

Several images of the Blessed Virgin Mary as displayed in the Marian Exhibit.[photo by SP Power Media ]

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SP Youth shine in Vicariate Sportsfest News in Brief Clarissa Jane Boquiron Members of the St. Polycarp Parish Youth Ministry Parishioners aid joined the Annual Vicariate Sportfest last September 21, 2013 at the Diocesan Shrine of St. Vincent Ferrer Yolanda victims Mamatid, Cabuyao City. Geraldine Barrio

Participants were divided into four teams namely Parishioners of St. Polycarp Parish extended their Yellow, Blue, Green, and Red team. Our youth’s from effort in helping the victims of super typhoon Yolanda St. Polycarp Parish teamed up with youth’s from St. (Haiyan). The parish was able to raise a little less than the Worker Parish and Mary Help of Christians Two hundred thousand pesos of donation coming Quasi-Parish in Southville to form the Yellow Team. All from different people and organizations. The said teams battled it out in seven sports disciplines. amount of money will be given directly to Diocese of Palo, Leyte for the aid and assistance on the casual- The Blue team captured the coveted Mr. and Ms. ties and victims of the typhoon. Sportsfest title.

The Yellow Team emerged victorious in basketball and volleyball and was declared champions. The Parish observes solemnity Green Team won the second place. of Christ the King Geraldine Barrio Parish holds This year’s celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the King was held at Saint Bartholomew Chapel, South Kumpisalang Bayan Marinig Cabuyao City Laguna last November 23, 2013. Geraldine Barrio As preparation for the upcoming Advent Season, Parishioners from Poblacion and nearby barangays “Kumpisalang Bayan” was held at the parish last attended the mass at 6:00 pm officiated by Rev. Fr. November 20, 2013. Rev. Fr. Renie Oliver presided the Renie Oliver. Overnight vigil followed right after the mass. mass were different religious organization take turns for the vigil. The dawn procession took place at 4:00 am. Rev. Fr. Nico Corvera facilitated the advent recol- lection. This allowed the parishioners to ponder and The Solemnity of Christ the King marked the end of reflect before receiving the sacrament of confession. the Liturgical Calendar. Just like previous Kumpisalang Bayan, many parishion- ers heed the call of penance and repentance. SP Youth joins inaugural Diocesan Youth Day Geraldine Barrio San Pablo Youth Commission (SPYC) held the first ever Diocesan Youth Day in Laguna at Saint ’s College, Binan City.

An estimate of more than one thousand youth leaders and ministers from four ecclesiastical districts of the Diocese gathered in this one of a kind youth activity. As the theme dubbed “FaitHope : Faith Endures ; A glimpse of Hope”, the talks and sessions focused on Faith, Hope and Love.

This is in accordance with the Closing of the Year of Faith and Opening of the Year of Hope.

www.stpolycarp.com [email protected] GO AND LET’S BE DISCI Having been given an for this year’s summit was introduced. Msgr. Paul Tighe, the opportunity to attend Pontifical Council for Social Media, came up on stage and a rare gathering of so- greeted all the participants with his warm smile which mirrors cial media enthusiasts his excitement to speak before the Filipino netizens. is indeed great and unforgettable. In his talk, he emphasized that we are currently living through a radical transformation of the media and the DAY 1 church is focused on understanding the “newness” of the November 23, 2013, culture of digital communications. Gigi, Ate Apple, and I met as early as 5:15 Before he wrapped up his sharing, he further mentioned AM at the bus termi- that if we wish to spread the Good News to our brothers and nal in Balibago, Sta sisters in the “digital continent” we must first learn the “Lan- Rosa to attend for the guage” that they understand. first time the Catholic Social Media Summit After the short break, Msgr Pedro “ Pepe” Quitorio III, Version 2.0 in Colegio Director of CBCP Media Office, talked about the “Digital de San Juan de Letran Transmission of Faith: What it means to be a Catholic online”. in Intramuros, . The highlight of his sharing was the role of modern catholic Although tired and in spreading the Word of God and anything that strengthens preoccupied with a the foundation of faith through the responsible use of social lot of things at work, media. He added that in spite of the little attention that the we did our best to be part of the said event for we believe Bible passage shared on the social site gets, we must contin- that being a member of the media organization of the ue to pursue our efforts until it becomes viral to all netizens. parish we must equipped ourselves with knowledge on BREAKOUT SESSIONS IN THE AFTERNOON how we are going to execute our tasks and responsibilities In the afternoon, all the participants were asked to effectively. choose two sets of sessions they’d attend to. The three of us chose Breakout B and D. Both will be held at the Letran We reached the venue at around 6:50 AM, just right in Auditorium. time for the arrival and registration of all the participants. Thank God that we never had any problem in confirming There were four (4) fifteen-minute talks for each breakout. our early registration and getting our seminar kits. After few Once all the speakers were finished, there was an allotted minutes all of us were instructed to proceed to the gym ten minutes for the open forum or question and answer and find a place where we could seat comfortably while portion. This gave the participants an opportunity to clarify listening to the invited speakers for the plenary sessions. anything or ask the speaker’s view regarding an important issue related the topic which he or she discussed. THE PROGRAM PROPER Like a usual seminar or conference, it started with the BREAKOUT SESSION B singing of our National Anthem followed by a doxology The first speaker for Breakout B was Fr. Xavier Alpasa, SJ, and a prayer. After the greetings of the organizers and ac- an Educator and a Social Media enthusiast. His topic was knowledgement of the participants, the keynote speaker “The #Hashtag Revolution”. Fr. Xavier shared how the power of social media earned the attention of the public regarding the problem of the farmers that led them to have a dialog with President NoyNoy Aquino. This proved that the internet could be the most powerful weapon to fight for the right of the less privileged and make their voiced be heard.

The second speaker was Fr. Vitaliano “ Chito” Dimaranan, a Selesian, blogger and educator. His talks entitled” Battling the Trolls (Healing through Technology) focused on promot- ing peace though social media. Here, he shared ways on how to fight for one’s faith without offending or maligning other religions. For him, every netizen could create a silent battle by continuing to share through the social sites his be- liefs without insulting other’s faith or principles.

6 VOL I ISSUE 3 DECEMBER 2013 PLES OF ALL NETIZENS As an active blogger, he said that he personally main- In the end, she added that through social media commu- tains three blogs where he posts his reflections on Sunday nication, we can make others love God, love themselves in liturgical readings. a healthy way, love their neighbours and love the church. And all of these are possible if we do the 3 P’s- Pray, Plan The third impact was delivered by Ms. Bob Lopez, Head and Proclaim. of the Training Department of Communication Foundation Asia. Her lecture entitled “Social Media and Peace” was The third impact session was delivered by Bro. Edwin related that of Fr. Chito in one way or another. She empha- Lopez, a strategic communicator. It was entitled” Impact of sized that interreligious dialogues can be done in a very the Internet on Minority Language”. Here, he stressed the im- respectful manner. She even shared some photos from the portance of “simplicity in language” and the use of images sessions and trainings that she conducted which showed in communication. His talk encouraged audience participa- how Catholic, Muslims and those who belong to other sect tion for he provided some mind exercises that are somehow worked harmoniously in a group for one common aim, to related to his topic. express their faith in a very creative and meaningful way. The last session for breakout D was “ Defending The fourth impact session was given by Miss Noreen Mary on Social Media” and it was discussed by Atty Marwil Bautista, a Social Entrepreneur. In her topic entitled” Social Llasos, a Marian Apologist, Lay Evangelist and a Catechist. Entrepreneurship on Social Media”, she shared how she and The bottom-line of his talk was in his final statement “ If you her friends started to launch the EcoIngenuity Inc., a social love Jesus you must also love Mary, love everyone whom He enterprise that aims to raise the competitiveness of Philippine loves.” indigenous materials and communities that produce them through global design brands. DAY 2 She also shared some slides that featured how she and November 24, 2013 her group helped the out-of-school youth and single moth- The second day of the summit started with a prayer for ers earn a living by making quality bags out of water lily. Christ the King. After that, Fr. Stephen Cuyos, MSC, Linux and Free and Open Source Advocate, started his lecture enti- BREAKOUT SESSION D tled” Making Disciples of All Netizens: What it Means to Be an Right after the breakout session D, the first speaker was Online Missionary of God (OMG). In his talk, he showed some introduced. He was a renowned journalist and a Twitter sample photos taken by the participants of the seminars that enthusiast, Mr Joey Villarama. His topic entitled “Journalism he facilitated which featured symbols that express the love in140 Characters”. There, he shared tips on how to be a for God. good and responsible netizen journalist. Some of these tips are: Be concise with one’s message, tweet the truth, be “ In order to be a good netizen, we must Listen, Love and charitable, tap the good within one’s self and be commit- Lead” this was the statement that wrapped up this talk. ted: take a stand. The summit concluded with a concelebrated Mass in At the end of his sharing he urged everyone to take the honour of Christ the King presided by Msgr. Paul Tighe. challenge: “Emulate Christ, the model communicator”. After the mass, the organizer gave a chasuble to Msgr. He further reminded the participants that Jesus was the Paul Tighe as a token and a remembrance. first to have an account on Twitter because he was the one who first said” Come, FOLLOW ME.” Everyone was given an opportunity to have souvenir pho- “Igniting the Catholic Media Communication” was the tos with the keynote speaker after the certificates of attend- title of the topic discussed by Sis IlsaSales Reyes, and the authorMarketing of ance were awarded to the attendees. the books entitled “Affirmation and Healing Treasure” and “Inner Child Treasure” and the executive editor and column- At around 12:15 in the afternoon, though tired, everyone ist for Believe Magazine. In her sharing, she highlighted the went home with the smile on their faces. importance of observing the SMCRE model in performing the new methods of evangelization. SMCRE stands for: S- Ms. Chai Lavina shares some insights from her dia- Source (who is talking or the speaker?); M- Message (What ry regarding the events which transpired during the do you want to say?); C- Channel (How do you want to say Catholic Social Media Summit V 2.0 held last Novem- it?); R- Receiver (To whom are going to say it?) and E- Effect ber 23-24, 2013 at Colegio De San Juan De Letran (Results of what you have said). Manila.

Chai Laviña

www.stpolycarp.com [email protected] Life in Vocation A New Priest’s Story of Youth and Vigor

Benedict Bueno

Roadbumps hit Fr. Nico along the way. He was challenged by detractors doubting his ability to finish his vocation. Thru the grace of God, Fr. Nico brought the best out of him. For an aspiring priest that time, challenges are but a part and parcel of vocation. He worked his way up and intensified his dedication, finding himself perfectly right in the path towards becoming a priest.

With the issues confronting the Church today, Fr. Nico shed some light as to how young priests like him should respond to them.

Knowing boundaries is a priority. He shared that a priest must be aware of the consequences of all his acts. He must be in communion with the entire community of priests. Most important of all is prayer. For him, loving the Eucharist is the key. He puts prime From everyday encounter with electric tools and in each and every mass as if it is his last. metal conductors, Fr. Nico Corvera now finds himself in front of the altar and sacred vessels. As a newly-ordained priest, his primary in the parish is to perform duties according to the plans of St. Polycarp Parish’s new parochial vicar finished the parish priest. For his part as parochial vicar, he the course in Dualtech Canlubang and worked for a tends to focus on the Worship and Youth Ministries. prominent semiconductor company before he de- cided to give it all up to become a man of cloth. According to him, the church must cater to every- one, especially the youth. The Church must invest in When he was a child, all he could remember was the youth for they have a special role in the procla- accompanying the “manang na magdarasal” in mation of faith. praying during block rosaries and novenas. But nev- er did he aspire to become a priest at that point. And his words of wisdom for young guns who as- pire to become priests someday? Fr. Nico never realize his calling until he reached second year high school. It all started when he “Perseverance is the key.” served in the parish church as choir member. One’s intention to enter priesthood must be sin- Rev. Fr. Rex Delos Angeles, his parish priest that cere. The priestly vocation is not about grandeur and time, has been instrumental in his decision to enter lavish lifestyle, he added. priesthood. Fr. Nico drew inspiration from him as he lived alongside Fr. Rex when he was still working in Canlubang. From then on, Fr. Rex prepared him until he finally decided to enter St. Peter’s College Seminary.

8 VOL I ISSUE 3 DECEMBER 2013 Featured Server

Called to ServeChai Laviña “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want” This popular line from Psalm 23 serves as the guiding principle in the life of one of the newest members of the Extra Ordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist, Bro. Cesar Gonzalo V. Paguia or “Tito Boyet” for most of the young people in the community. Just like most of the servants in the parish, Bro Boyet started as an ordinary churchgoer during his younger years. Although he grew up in a religious family and received a formal education in a Catholic institution, being a member of any organization in the church never came across his mind. Being a member of one of the most prominent and affluent clans in Cabuyao, Bro. Boyet’s routine in his childhood days was school-home on weekdays and home-church on weekends. His parents were strict and he was not allowed to go out and get along with other kids in the neighbourhood. Most of his friends then were sons and daughters of his parents’ close friends. After school, he and his sister had to be home for the family’s evening prayer. Because he knew by heart the Litany to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he would usually volunteer to lead that part. On Sundays, the family would see to it that they would hear the mass together and each one would receive the Holy Communion. term of Rev.Fr. Juvenal Leonardo after discovering When he entered the University of the some documents which proved that the proceeds for college, his faith and the strong religious views from a parcel of land are dedicated to support the founded by his family and the Canossian sisters had activities in honour of Our Lady of the Most Holy somehow changed. He was influenced by his friends Rosary. to join the fraternity because he believed being a Prior to his membership in La Cofradia, he was member of the frat would give him protection and actively involved in the activities of Guardias de would help him survive the challenges of college life. Honor. Its president, Sis. Moneng Depante, whom Although he was quite busy with his studies, he still he considered as his friend and second mother managed to join his family in hearing Sunday Mass- was a big influence on his personal devotion to the es, but for him it was just a part of his obligation and Blessed Mother. there was no deep devotion. He also said admittedly In 2010, he joined the Lectors and Commenta- that there were also times that he failed to go to the tors Ministry (LCM). He believed that his trainings in church because of school work, parties, and other oratorical contests back when he was a student social activities. equipped him with the skills needed in speaking After college his father wanted him to manage before a huge crowd. When he became part of the their properties in Bulacan which were mostly rice organization, he always prepared himself physically plantation. This was where he could have practiced and spiritually before he stands before the congre- his profession as an agriculturist. Unfortunately, the gation. Although, the first time he read at the ambo, Agrarian Reform Act (during the time of the late Pres- there was mixed emotions. ident Marcos) affected all properties of the Paguias. He was satisfied and happy being an LCM Because of the many blessings that he has received, member, but later on he decided to become a part Bro. Boyet realized that he should give back some- of the Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist. thing to the Lord as a sign of gratitude. In 2009, he The reason behind it was his love for his 95 year -old joined the La Cofradia, an organization composed Yaya Memay. Now that she’s very old, he wants of the devotees of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary to prepare her spiritually when her time on earth (which he is currently the president). It was estab- comes. He said that his “yaya” loyally has served lished as an official parish organization during the the family for 63 years. When Mama Ching died, Bro Boyet treated his yaya as his own mom. Serving the church actively brings him joy and contentment.

www.stpolycarp.com [email protected] Christmas is about Jesus Geraldine Barrio “Beautiful, beautiful, Jesus makes beautiful, Jesus makes beautiful things in my life”

This line from a not so popular song sang by one of the priests in his homily in last year’s .

Catastrophic forces of nature like earthquake in Bohol and super typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas had caused a massive destruction in most part of the re- gion. Thousands of people lost their lives, millions worth of properties and establishments were destroyed. Grief, desperation and uncertainties are eminent all over the place. yuletide season, because their minds are occupied of where will they get their food for the day, or how will Now that Christmas is just around the corner, one they live without their home and other necessities. may have a thought of how will they be able to make their Christmas merry. What would be for them its Celebrating Christmas doesn’t mean to have a meaning this time of desolation? Would they experi- sumptuous meal on the table nor having to wear ence the real meaning of it? new-fangled set of clothes, new toys, or presents. It is not the material things that will bring the true Few days from now we will once again celebrate meaning of the season. But being able to appreci- the nativity of our Savior Jesus Christ. This is the time of ate what we have and be happy and grateful of it the year where each and every one anticipates the regardless how big or small. Because even our Lord festivity and good cheer that it brings. But in most of Jesus Christ was delivered in just a humble manger, the heavily affected areas, survivors are still finding no warm cradle and no fancy baby clothing. Even means to make their lives back to normal. They might our savior experienced the difficulty of life in His very not think of how are they going to commemorate the first hour in this world. But the bliss that His parents felt when He was born brings hope not only to them but to entire humanity, hope that gives them something to look forward to. Hope that give them strength and joy. Called to serve... Christmas is all about Jesus, because Christmas He further added that it also deepens his spiritual de- is Jesus and Jesus is hope. Jesus makes everything votion and relationship with God. His commitment to beautiful in our lives, beautiful that despite the disaster, the church is now his top priority. He checks his sched- problems, and all the negative things that this world ule first before he does his other recreational activities may bring, if only we could find Him and appreciate like going to the mall and playing tennis. His presence in our darkest moments we will witness Bro. Boyet shared that there’s one person in his life that He makes things beautiful for us. that continuously inspires him to continue what he is doing. It is his Ate Pilut. He said that he is very grateful days after he was born at the UST chapel and there to have a very supportive sister like her. He said that stood the image of the Our Lady of La Naval. Few his Ate personally made a set of purificator for him as years ago, when he went back to the place to get birthday . Although she’s currently based in Switzer- his baptismal certificate, he noticed that the image land with her husband Tony, she constantly communi- was still there. That made him realized that the Blessed cates with him through the internet and never fails to Mother has always been there to guide and protect give him pieces of advice. him. When asked what’s the greatest miracle or bless- “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want.” This par- ing he received from the Lord, he said he received ticular bible passage is applicable to anyone just like the greatest blessing in his life when he became the Bro Boyet, it’s never too late to start serving the Lord President of La Cofradia. It’s indeed an honour for him and his church. Realizing that God is a true shepherd because he loves Mama Mary. When he was born, that each baptized Catholic must follow may come to he was too small and premature. His parents were so any point or chapter in someone else’s life. What mat- afraid that he might not survive like his older ters most is how one will respond to His call to serve. who died at the age of three. He was baptized three

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FEDERATION OF TAGALOG SPEAKING HOLDS ITS FIRST EVER MUSIC CONGRESS Catherine Caparas The Federation of Tagalog Speaking Diocesan Directors of Liturgy sub – commission on Liturgi- cal Music hosted the first Music Congress entitled “Hamon sa Bagong Milenyo matapos ang Ginin- tuang Taon ng Sacrosantum Concilium” and was held in San Beda College, Manila. It is a two-day seminar where delegates from different dioceses attended the said event.

The program started with lauds and conferenc- es followed by the talks of speakers who shared their thoughts on norms in the Liturgy & guidelines in wedding and funeral masses. According to Fr. Delegates from the Diocese of San Pablo with Rev. Fr. Renie Leo Mangussad sacred music is a type of music Oliver. [photo by SP Power Media ] that sanctifies the faithful and glorifies God. He “May the music leaders and the congregations added though that we have to know the back- be more aware and learn the norms of music, es- ground of the song and the intention of the com- pecially that of the Liturgical Music.” poser before singing it. Different workshops were as follows: Most Rev. Fr. Deogracias Iniguez who officiated 1.Vocal Techniques and contouring for adult the mass on the first day said on his homily “Ang choir. Liturhiya ang hantungan at pinagbubukalan ng 2. Conducting Techniques and children’s choir papuri sa Diyos” 3. Music Writing Application 4. Gregorian Chant 5. Vocal techniques and contouring for HS choir THE CHRISTMAS STORY 6. Guitar playing The Incarnation 7. Vocal techniques and contouring for children This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His 8. Composition mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be The two-day workshop concluded with a cel- with child through the Holy Spirit. … 20 An angel of the ebration of the Holy Eucharist and awarding of Lord appeared to him [Joseph] in a dream and said, certificates of attendance. “Joseph son of , do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1, NIV) Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a man- The Birth of Jesus ger.” (Luke 2, NIV) And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She The Magi wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a man- After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during ger, because there was no room for them in the inn. the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to (Luke 2, NIV) Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the The Shepherds east and have come to worship him.” … 11 On com- And there were shepherds living out in the fields ing to the house, they saw the child with his mother nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the Then they opened their treasures and presented him glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. (Mat- terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, thew 2, NIV)

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• The English word “Christmas” derives from the old Maruquita Commercial Center English Christes maesse, meaning “Christ’s mass.” Maruiquita Pueblo Dita, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna Tel. No. 049-827-5828 Cell. No. 0926-7396195 • was a real Saint. He lived in Myra in the 300s. Myra is in what’s now Turkey. The German name for Saint Nicholas is Sankt Niklaus NINA JOY Enterprises Blk 5 Lot 12 SouthVille 1 • The “X” in “Xmas” doesn’t take “Christ” out of Brgy. Marinig, Cabuyao City, Laguna “Christmas”. That “X” stems from Greece that is actu- Tel. No. 0923-2155961 / 0918-9468348 ally indicating the Greek letter “Chi”, which is short for the Greek meaning Christ.

• The Candy Cane is one of the most familiar DC#201 OSMENA 87 ST.Enterprises - BRGY. UNO symbols of Christmas. It dates back to 1670 in Europe Tel: (049)53184 but didn’t appear in the U.S. until the 1800s. The treat A MAGAZINE / NEWSTAND - RETAILER we see today, where the shape is Jesus’s hook to shepherd his lambs and the color and stripes hold significance for purity and Christ’s sacrifice, became common in the mid 1900’s • The most popular Christmas Song ever is We Wish FBH Subscription & You a Merry Christmas. The song can be traced back Delivery Services to England, but its author and composer remains Tel: (049)531-2778 unknown. A MAGAZINE / NEWSTAND - RETAILER

Reagan Dedicatoria |Geraldine Barrio l Chai Lavina l Apple Caparas l Editorial Team Jose Alberto Putungan l Benedict Bueno l Joven Nevalga Clarissa Jane Boquiron l Joy Lemence