December 14, 2014 3rd Sunday of Advent Forbes Park, Makati www.ssaparish.com ECHOES OF GOD’S LOVE A Book Launching ovember 30, 2014, Saturday, marked a milestone in the life of SSAP guest - priest, Fr. Robert Manansala, OFM. He launched his first book,Echoes of God’s Love N(Homilies for Liturgical Cycle B) at the packed St. Room. The room was filled with parishioners, , seminarians, family and friends, who came to show their love and support for Fr. Robert. Echoes of God’s Love is a compilation of homilies for the Sundays and major Solemnities and Feastdays for the Liturgical Year Cycle B, which started with the first Sunday of Advent. Echoes of God’s Love is meant for spiritual reading to accompany us in our spiritual journey towards God. It speaks to the heart about the amazing love of God. Further, it challenges us to respond to His love by the way we live and love. Despite Fr. Robert’s hectic schedule, he was able to complete the book and launch it in time for Advent. Fr. Robert heart-warmingly thanked the people who have supported him to see this dream of his turn into reality.

Fr. Robert happily signing purchased copies of The official launch of the book were led by parishioners Mrs. Petrona Lim and Nanette his book. Jalandoni. Assisting them were Ambassadors Howard Dee and Francisco del Rosario. All proceeds of the book sale and donations have been pledged for the Library Upgrade and Renovation project of the Our Lady of Angels Seminary-College. Interested parties may contact Bernadette Andulte at the office or visit the parish bookstore. This article was written with contributions from Jaja Ledesma and Fr. Robert Manansala, OFM. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2014 at 10:30 AM

Parishioners Petrona Lim and Nanette Jalandoni led the cutting of ribbon of the first copy of “Echoes of God’s Love.” Assisting them were Ambassadors Petrona Lim proudly unveils the book as Nanette Howard Dee and Francisco del Rosario. Jalandoni looks on.

Fr. Robert giving a few words during the book launching. Parish Bulletin days? Hopefully not just the material SUNDAY GOSPEL frills and perks of the season, such as REFLECTION the Christmas bonus, the 13th month By Fr. Jesús Galindo, OFM payment, gifts, vacation, extra food, etc. There must be better and deeper reasons for joy. (One of the first gifts I got this Christmas is a book entitled, “14,000 Things to Be Happy about.”)

Today’s Mass readings help us discover the true joy of the season. In the gospel we meet , a powerful voice and a powerful witness to Christ. People were drawn to him because of his austere lifestyle. RANDOM THOUGHTS He made a difference. As somebody Voices from yesterday and today… once said, “Do not give an explanation By: Peachy Maramba of your faith unless they ask you; but Third Sunday of Advent B live in such a way that they will ask ST. MARY DI ROSA: Rejoice in the Lord Always you.” Hopefully we will arouse interest Founder of Handmaids of for being forgiving, generous, and Charity A visiting tourist left his hotel room honest in business and in politics. 1818 – 1855 on a Sunday morning, looking for a church. He approached a policeman John the Baptist was thought to be December 15 and asked him for directions to the the Christ, or perhaps , or the Mary di Rosa may not be well known nearest church. He thanked the Prophet. However, he did not take among the congregation of religious policeman for the information and advantage of the people’s mistaken women but she is better known as the was about to walk off when he turned opinion about him. He knew his role founder of the Handmaids of Charity. and asked, “Chief, why have you and stuck to it. He was not the light, recommended that particular church? but only a witness to the light. He Born on November 6, 1813 into a It looks like a church. There gave Christ the place of honor. That’s wealthy family at , Mary must be other churches nearby that it: Christ, at the very center of our even at an early age lived a prayer- you could have recommended.” The life, at the center of our Christmas filled and service-oriented life. celebration; not overshadowed by policeman smiled and replied, “I’m Having lost her countess-mother not a churchgoer myself, but I have Santa Claus, not drowned by the when she was only eleven she decided noticed that the people who come glitter of lights and décor, but out- to leave school when she reached 17 out of that church are the happiest- standing and out-shining them all. He years to take over the running of her looking people in town. I thought that is the true source of our joy! father’s household. would be the kind of church you would turn to page 3 like to attend.” [Could it be Santuario In his first letter to the Editorial Team & General Information de San Antonio? Sana.] Thessalonians, St. Paul tells us to Marilou Consing – Editor in Chief “pray without ceasing.” Amid the Jeannie Bitanga – Assistant Editor/Website Administrator Jojo Avila Montenegro – Art & Design Today is Gaudete Sunday or noises of the Christmas caroling and Colorplus Production Group Corp. – Production Rejoice Sunday. Joy is all over the Christmas parties, we must strive to Submit articles, pictures, announcements, notices to: [email protected] texts of today’s Mass: Rejoice in the find some time and place for silence Deadline for submission is every Tuesday of the week. Lord always (entrance antiphon); and prayer in order to keep in touch The Parish Bulletin reserves the right to edit articles for clarity and space. enable us to attain the joys of so with the mystery. It will surely enhance Santuario de San Antonio Pastoral Team great a (opening prayer); the joy of our Christmas celebration. Fr. Reu Jose C. Galoy, OFM – Parish Priest Fr. Baltazar Obico, OFM – Guardian I rejoice heartily in the Lord (first Fr. Efren Jimenez, OFM reading); my soul rejoices in my God Finally, prophet reminds us Fr. Jesus Galindo, OFM – Makati Medical Center Chaplain Fr. Serge Santos, OFM. (responsorial psalm); rejoice always that we must provide reasons for joy Santuario de San Antonio Parish Center Office (second reading). It looks as if the to others. We must be messengers of Tel. nos. 8438830-31 Email: [email protected] Church wants us to take a break from joy: “[The Lord] has sent me to bring Website: www.ssaparish.com our Advent penance—although you glad tidings to the poor!” Definitely, Website email: [email protected] this reading puts our Christmas Foundation website: www.santuariodesanantonio.org wonder if any Advent penance is Parish Pastoral Council really going on, with all the Christmas celebration in focus. Our Christmas Jayme Blanco – President Edmund Lim – Vice President shopping and Christmas parties going will be truly happy and meaningful only Cristina Teehankee – Secretary on! to the extent that we bring happiness to others, and share with others God’s To submit articles/pictures to the Parish Bulletin/Website Please submit photos with your articles, if at all possible. The first question that comes to blessings, just as God the Father has Submit them by email (not in paper form) with photos in .jpg format mind is: Rejoice, why? What about? Do shared with us the most precious and a minimum photo file size of at least 80 KB (800 x 530 pixels). Articles submitted should be a minimum of 150 words and not we have any good reasons to rejoice? gift—his only Son. Sharing is another more than 300 words. What is it that makes us happy these name for Christmas. Email to: [email protected] 2 December 14, 2014 Random Thoughts...from page 2 The ABC’s of Catholic Some people believe that they As if that was not enough to keep can simply say sorry for their sins in her busy Mary, early inclined to a Doctrine the secrecy of their hearts; and God religious life, involved herself in caring by Lianne Tiu forgives. True, such is the case for for the spiritual needs of the female venial sins. In fact there are many employees of her father’s textile mill other ways for them to be forgiven at Acquafredda and his estate at Capriano. Thus she organized retreats without recourse to Confession, such and spiritual missions for them. as by prayer, good works, use of holy water, etc. However, as regards to When a cholera epidemic broke mortal sins, it is the teaching of the out in 1836 Mary immediately offered Church that we must confess all our her services ministering to the victims mortal sins before we can receive in the hospital at Brescia. Though Communion. It is not enough to simply not a trained nurse she nevertheless tell God that we are sorry; we have to focused on the spiritual welfare of her confess them to a priest. This is how patients. God wants it to be done. On Easter Sunday night, Jesus told his apostles: Seeing the plight of indigent and “Whose sins you shall forgive, they abandoned girls she at first supervised Long line for Communion are forgiven them; and whose sins you a workhouse for them. When she saw versus short line for shall retain, they are retained.”(John that they had no place to stay she confession: even set up her own boarding house 20:23) The apostles (and the priests for them. Have you ever observed that almost who would succeed them) would only everyone at Sunday Mass goes to know what sins to forgive or not when Her next project was to start a Holy Communion despite the small the sinner himself would tell them. school for deaf and mute girls which number of Confessions? A priest she eventually turned over to an order commented that either many people We should not be afraid to go of . are ready for or we have to Confession. It is not a horrible many sacrilegious Communions. experience. A priest once said that During Mary’s ten years of social Some people claim that they try to if we want to see the power of this and spiritual work she constantly read live a good and clean life; and they Sacrament, we should try sitting at the theology and studied sacred literature. have nothing to confess. This is hard back of any church during confession. By 1840 she finally decided to found to believe because we are all sinners- We will see sad people going in with a congregation of religious women to the only exceptions are Jesus and his their eyes downward, and cheerful carry on the work she had found so Immaculate Mother. fulfilling and rewarding. Aptly called people walking out with their heads the Handmaids of Charity the order held high. Miracles happen in this was officially approved ten years later. In this Advent season let the story Sacrament. Two years after Mary and 25 of her of this inspire us to be involved sisters took their vows. in the needs of those around us Another priest said that when a especially those who are less fortunate person goes to Confession, he sees a than we are. Let the Crucified Christ saint in the making. Even if the penitent In the revolutionary and political give us the will to serve like Mary. wars that shook Europe in 1948 keeps going back for Confession, Mary and her companions worked She was canonized in 1954. it means he is trying to be a better in a military hospital even going to person. the extent of moving out into the SOURCES of REFERENCE: Butler’s Lives battlefields to immediately care for of the – Vol. IV – pp. 566 – 569; The Holy Eucharist and Confession the wounded where they had fallen. Book of Saints – p. 311; Pocket Dictionary of are two great gifts from God. The It is no wonder that Mary di Rosa is Saints – p. 146; A – p. 240; Communion line may not equal the known as a “forerunner to Florence Illustrated Lives of the Saints – Vol. II pp. 562 Nightingale.” – 563; Saint Companions – pp 475 – 476; The Confession line; as we do not have Way of the Saints – pp. 318 – 319. to precede every Communion with It is a pity that only 3 years after Confession. What is essential is that if her profession Mary, exhausted from we know we have committed a mortal her tireless labor, died peacefully. It sin, we must go to Confession before is amazing that though Mary was receiving Holy Communion. never in robust health she managed to energetically do all the things she (Reference: “Frequent Confession” by accomplished. Benedict Baur; “My Side of the Confessional: What it is like for a Priest” by Fr. Mike Schmitz; It is said that she had a special devotion to the Crucified Christ who Gloria.tv “The link between the Penitential Rite most likely gave her the fuel to keep & the Gloria” by Fr. Bill Casey) her engine of charity going. 3 Parish Bulletin WEDDING BANNS PREPARATIONS FOR ADVENT 17-Dec-14 17-Jan-15 Leo A. Braganza & J. Bon Kimber Tee Syiaco WITH FR. MAXELL ARANILLA Erlinmay Roxas Talag & Kimberly Ann Lao 19-Dec-14 Chupeco Last Saturday, December 16, Fr. Maxell Aranilla spoke at the parish center Miguel Luis M. Ferrer & 18-Jan-15 Chiara Jaimee C. Fojas Jan Erwin Manalo Veloso for a short Advent talk on “Mercy and Compassion.” He reminded us all 23-Dec-14 & Ma. Christina Gay that the season of Advent is a season for preparation. As many of us get Armando Casibang & Ma. Macasieb Dantes Barbara Tarrosa 23-Jan-15 caught up in the business of the season, we forget that it is also a time to 27-Dec-14 Rio Mark L. Furog & Maria Francesco C. Britanico & Victoria S. Arevalo prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus Christ. In order to do this, he Joanne Marie C. Gotianun, 23-Jan-15 gave us four points to remember, as they correspond to the four weeks St. Emiliani St. Martin Nomorosa Susana Parish, Ayala Merchan & Terecy Joyce of Advent. They are the themes of ‘coming,’ ‘waiting,’‘ beginning’ and Alabang Muntinlupa Pasion Chia ‘indwelling.’ 28-Dec-14 24-Jan-15 Jordan Nerizon Diola & Clarence Paul Aguilar Katherine Ignacio Buhain Canlas & April Joy 28-Dec-14 Rogacion Ocampo First is the ‘coming:’ Advent represents the time that Jesus is coming. In Arturo L. Lazaro Jr & 24-Jan-15 our faith, we live in a state of both memory and anticipation. We are always Maria Carla V. Datu Jose Emmanuel Ernesto B. 29-Dec-14 Sibal & Ma. Cristina Louise looking forward to the coming of Christ, to the time he will visit us again. Syfeuang Maokhamphiou C. Cuerva, Prelature Shrine & Melissa Patricia Bautista of Saint , Brgy. This is something we can hope for because of the memory of his first Ong Poblacion Polillo, Quezon coming. The remembrance of the fulfillment of his promise two thousand 03-Jan-15 25-Jan-15 Deogracias M. Natividad & Daniel Mora Viernes & years ago. Diana Grace V. Lopez Sharmaine Chesna Wu Tan 03-Jan-15 26-Jan-15 Barry Stewart Tay Hui & Jose Carlo Guzman Second is the ‘waiting:’ If someone is going to come, there must be Noelle Jugo Nañagas Enriquez & Shein Pailan 03-Jan-15 30-Jan-15 someone who is waiting. As Christians, we are a people in waiting. Fr. Nicholas Ryan Hansen & Paolo Aguila Bautista & Max suggested to all of us that the quality or the excitement of the waiting Geraldine Moscoso Del Pier Christine Bernabe Rosario Castor will increase only in so much as we love the person who is coming. Think 05-Jan-15 30-Jan-15 of your own anticipation when a husband or a lover is coming home from Adelio A. Amar & Marietta Peter Michael G. Dizon & M. Garay Joanna P. Orbe a long trip. Or when a son or a daughter is coming home from studying 06-Jan-15 07-Feb-15 Carlo William Evangelista Jose Francis Raymund V. away. We await them eagerly because we love them dearly. So it is with Lim & Patricia Kalaw Feria Pantangco & Cheryl Anne the coming of Jesus. 09-Jan-15 Tan Que Dennis Cristoffer Babista 14-Feb-15 Tagaza & Marion Angelle Anthony Bejado & Ordas Rivera Margaret Perez The third is ‘beginning:’ For some of us, we have been through many 10-Jan-15 21-Feb-15 Advents in our lives. Years have past; we’ve seen some things - sometimes Ian De Dios Mikael Sy Coyiuto & Villacrusis & Cherlene Jennica Grace Santiago just the same thing over and over again. Often it can make us tired and Sario Libunao Tañeca weary - too repetitive and commonplace. But Advent marks the start of a 11-JanV 01-Mar-15 Jaime Joseph Trinidad & Eduardo Martin Legasi liturgical year, and as with many ‘beginnings,’ it is a chance to go back to Stephanie Shaw Chua & Vanessa Joan Chua 12-Jan-15 Chan, St. Catholic the foundation, that moment where the story started. Just as a married Eric Ngo Gipit & Anina Church, Pyrmont NSW couple remembers their anniversary - to recall why they chose to love Theresa G. Domalanta Australia 15-Jan-15 14-Mar-15 each other, so Advent reminds us of the beginnings of God’s love for us, Joseph J. Yu & Regina Bradlee Zigfrid Cagampan and our response to that love. Marie L. Alcasid, Our Lady Dungo & Elizabeth Dy of All Nations Parish, Brgy Castañeda Payapa Ilaya, Lemery, 19-Apr-15 Batangas Bon Kimber Tee Syiaco Finally, Advent is about indwelling. As we remember the first time that Jesus 17-Jan-15 & Kimberly Ann Lao came to live among us, Advent is a time for us to make the preparations Ryan March B. Mateo Chupeco & Mary Grace Cindy B. so that when Jesus comes again, our hearts will be ready to receive him. Garces Through our preparations, Jesus can become ‘incarnated’ in our hearts, BIRTHDAYS and truly dwell in and among us. 15-Dec-14 19-Dec-14 Margarita Magsajo Carlos Primo Velayo By Javier Luis Gomez Donna Fernandez Josette Elicano Lugay Timmy Samson Charmaine Ching Jessica Nicole Cuevas Minnie Soriano Lorraine de Santos Finky CALENDAR OF MINISTRIES FOR THE WEEK Christina Paradies 20-Dec-14 SUNDAY-DECEMBER 14 * 4:00PM - Marian Cenacle * 7:30PM - Household Help Vincent Villaflor 16-Dec-14 Gene Afable * 8:00AM - Thrift Shop Group Prayer meeting Charismatic Prayer Meeting Ana Katamrajie Julia Garcia * 9:15AM - CCD Sunday Religion * 9:00AM - TigAwit Choir de Lange Lino Brier Jose Montelibano Class WEDNESDAY - DECEMBER 17 Practice Mon Pantangco 21-Dec-14 * 4:00PM - CORO Practice * 8:00AM - Thrift Shop Lefty Longa Jesus Tambunting * 4:00PM - CCD Religion Class SATURDAY - DECEMBER 20 Tammy Barrera 17-Dec-14 Jay Gonzales MONDAY - DECEMBER 15 * 8:00AM - Thrift Shop Mike Muñoz Rica Afable * 8:00AM - Thrift Shop THURSDAY - DECEMBER 18 *10:00AM - Advent Recollection Simon Villalon 18-Dec-14 * 1:30PM - OFS Formation * 8:00AM - Thrift Shop * 1:00PM - SSAP Employees Jeanne Bautista For corrections and * 9:00AM - Health Care Ministry Christmas Party Melissa Abaya Abaya additions to this list, Patty Santiago contact Susan at the TUESDAY - DECEMBER 16 Visitation at Rizal Medical * 4:00PM - VOSA Choir Practice Ma. Regina Lagdameo parish office. * 8:00AM - Thrift Shop Center, Pasig, City Tonica Manahan * 9:00AM - JPIC Hospital Ministry PGH Visitation FRIDAY - DECEMBER 19 Wedding Anniversaries * 2:00PM - Health Care Ministry * 8:00AM - Thrift Shop Dancersize “Open to All * 2:00PM - Health Care Ministry 17-Dec-14 20-Dec-14 Pete & Rose Sare Jolly & Pechay Gomez Parishioners” Dancersize “Open to all Parishioners” 4 December 14, 2014 Annoucement...from page 8 8 WAYS TO LOVE Atty. Anne Marie Corominas Aida Lopez Bianca, Sandro, & Max They say, Lord, that 8 is the perfect number. Mr. & Mrs. Philip Lim & Buddy & Isa Velayo Tamika & Nicolo Santos Can we TRUST our HEARTS with the 8 Family Hermes & Pedsy Renato & Maritess Enriquez Ways to Love? Mr. & Mrs. Jovencio F. Cinco David & Catherine Sanchez Raisa, Andre, & Diego 1. LISTEN and be SILENT. Don’t & Family Reena & Mike Sanchez Shain Faye Poon interrupt. (Proverbs 18:13) Rainer, Jenny, & Ryan Tiu Leslie Anne & Peter Calimag Ignacio Kahn Joey & Marissa Concepcion Camille & Luigi Reyes Julian, Jadenn & Nasyah 2. SPEAK KINDLY without accusing. Felix, Diana, Michael, Giann, Cesar & Baby Cruz Sivakumar (James 1:19) Derrick & Andrea Chung Sacha & Sabrina Reyes Peter, Tess, & Megan Henry, Judy, Tiffany Kei and Ramon V. Viola Maquera 3. Give and TAKE without sparing. Mitzi Lauren So Robertino Viola Edmund (Proverbs 21:26) Samantha, Martin, & Manuel Chilip Enzo Matthew Sy Louie & Venus Rodriguez Luis Ernesto 4. PRAY and REFLECT without Billie & Gabby Trinidad Binoya Family Rodolfo & Letty See Family ceasing. (Colossians 1:9) Johnny Litton & Family Robert Yu Flora F. Caviles 5. ANSWER POLITELY without Vicky Chan Roy Regala Andre Dumlao arguing. (Proverbs17:1) Seve & Manolo Reyes Chloe Megan Sy Pio Cheng Anonymous Jett Atienza Bobby & Zeny Tanada & 6. SHARE UNSELFISHLY without Wang Family Family pretending. (Ephesians 4:15) Individual Donor Profertia Cabrera Antonia Tan & daughters Aleksi & Baby Boy Karen Tan 7. ENJOY and be CHEERFUL without Avelino & Helen Cruz & Abe N’ Nini Willy & Marie Yu complaint. (Philippians 2:14) Family Enrique & Rhodora Carlos Willa Yu Sandy & Ysabel Agustines Seth Ciudadano Mon & Maricel Pantangco 8. TRUST and HOPE without wavering. (1 Corinthians 13:7) Javier Guerrero Adela Lim Family Franco Pantangco Emma Rioja Gonzales Family Che Que We know, Lord, that there are more to 8 Dinah Tiplan Honorio & Conchita Ty Martin & Samantha Ways to Love. Amen. Obi Laranas Crae Sehwani Pantangco Isabelle & Emily Leber Zari Sehwani Cynthia Lopez-Fuchs Oggel Family Submitted by Clare Quesada Chinggay Almeda-Lopez Lee Family

5 Parish Bulletin

6 December 14, 2014

LEASE / SALE FORBES • DASMA • URDA • SAN LO • BEL AIR • MAGA CONNIE PERIQUET GATMAITAN CYNTHIA GATMAITAN MENCHACA TELS.: 8130875 – 8672227 CELL (0917)8109379 3/F SEDCCO BLDG., RADA ST., LEGASPI VILL., MAKATI CITY

7 ANNOUNCEMENT FOR LIGHT A PAROL (LAP) Brothers and Sisters, The Continuing Catholic Development, or CCD Ministry enrich the lives of many children and families who are has launched LIGHT-A-PAROL. This annual project in great need. Your generosity will touch the hearts of raises funds for our Franciscan Mission Parishes and for many! CCD’s outreach activities. Thank you very much! Now on its 20th year, this project is the only channel of CCD to raise funds for select charitable organizations for List of donors for Light-A-Parol 2014 from December this year such as Binhi, Grace to Be Born, Dream Big 3 to 9 as follows: Filipinas, Marillac Hills, CCD Disaster Fund, other CCD Parish Patron Maia Gonzalez Special Projects, and the Franciscan Mission parishes. Mica Gonzalez Philip Cuazon Jr. Unified Realty Development We would like to request for your generous support Mr. & Mrs. Lucio Co & Family Corporation by purchasing parols which are sold outside the main Mr. & Mrs. Manuel Lazaro entrance during all our weekend masses in December. Parish Benefactor These parols range in price, and as you can see from the Family Donor various sizes hanging in different areas of the church. Manny & Baby Javelosa Jimmy & Benita Tang Jose Mari & Mary Ann Chan & You also have the option to buy a parol as a Christmas Zimma Realty Corporation Family gift, and gift cards are available. Francis Gonzalez Derek & Sofia Corominas de Wit Please visit the tables as you leave. Your support will turn to page 5 The Sanctuary of the Holy Face of Jesus of Manoppello in Asia In 1978, when Sister Schloemer, who spent 20 years of her life studying the Veil, superimposed the Countenance from the Turin Shroud with the Countenance of Manoppello, she found a PERFECT MATCH. The negative of the Dead Christ was fixed on the Turin Shroud, while the positive of the Resurrected Christ was imprinted on the Veil. (picture below)

“Christianity is not a form of culture, or an ideology, or a system of lofty principles or values. Christianity is a Face: Jesus Christ!”

Pope John Paul II, June 4, 2004 (To be continued next week.)