THE HERALD Newsletter of Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows Avenue, Quezon City (Diocese of Cubao, Philippines) January-march 2017 New BEC Animator Ash Wednesday Falls Roles for PPC Lay on March 1; 2017 What’s Inside Lenten Season Begins Coordinators Front Page ...... In back-to-back dinner 1 BEC Animator Roles for PPC Coordinators 1 Lenten Season Begins: Ash Wednesday meetings, Fr. Bong Tupino 1 CTK Parishioners Joins CBCP’s Walk for Life announced to the village coordinators last Message ...... Thursday February 23 2 From Our Parish Priest and to the mandated Parish as Communion of Communies organizations and 3 BEC Animator Roles for PPC Coordinators renewal movement heads last Friday 4 Parish Pastoral Council Briefing on BECs February 24 (photo below) that couples 4 Fr. Kroeger on Parish as Community of Bert and Marie Anne Santos, PPC Lay Missionary Disciples Coordinator, and couples Henry and 5 Fr. Picardal on BECs as Agents of Communion, Parcipaon and Mission Joyce Tañedo, PPC Assistant Lay 6 Orientaon for BEC Teams of OLHP Vicariate Coordinator, would henceforth take on March 1, Ash Wednesday, opened the the roles of ‘animators’ for the two 2017 Lenten Season, a season of Parish Pastoral Council ...... groups, respectively. fasting, prayer and alms-giving. Ash 7 CTK Hosts 1st Assembly of Pastoral Councils Wednesday is one of the most popular 24 Treasurer’s Report on Uses of Funds for 2016 With focus on Basic Ecclesial and important holy days in the Communities, or BECs, he challenged the liturgical calendar and it takes place 46 Lectors & Commentators ...... animators and their constituents who days before Easter Sunday (40 days not 8 General Assembly of Lectors & Commentators attended the meetings to identify counting the Sundays). It comes from 9 Last Round of Lectors Commissioning activities and measures that would move the ancient Jewish tradition of penance Parish Liturgical News ...... their neighborhoods (for the village continued on page 12 12 Way of the Cross Fridays at CTK Main Church 13 Bible Enthronement Sunday 13 First Monday Mass at the Crypt 14 World Day of the Sick and Fr. Larry Tan 14 Blessing of Throats on Feast of St. Blaise 15 Feast of the Presentaon of the Lord 15 Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes

Legion of Mary ...... 16 How Do You Pray 2000 Hail Mary's 16 Spotlight on Mary’s Legionnaires

Parish Events ...... 17 Fr. Bong Tupino Celebrates Birthday With CTK Parishioners Fr. Bong Tupino introduces the Tañedos, assistant Lay Coordinator couple, as Animator to the heads of the CTK mandated organizations and renewal movements, February 24 17 Fr. Herbie Santos’ 1st Ordinaon Anniversary continued on page 3 18 Bishop Raul’s 79th Birthday 27 Lopezes Take On Ministry for the Elderly 19 Buklod ng Panginoon in St. Ignaus CTK Parishioners Join CBCP’s Walk for Life 20 We Meet Sr. Leopolda Ledesma of Fama Fama 100th Anniversary ...... Thousands of Catholics, including over 21 A Million Roses for the World Reaches Fama 50 parishioners from Christ the King 22 Fama Shrine Prepares Full-Year Calendar 23 Sr. Lucia’s Road to Sainthood Parish Greenmeadows, joined a three- 23 Pope To Go on Pilgrimage to Fama in May hour pre-dawn march with church 24 The Fama Prayers leaders around the Quirino Grandstand 24 Indulgences During the Centennial parade grounds in Rizal Park, Manila last Stewardship Commiee ...... February 18 in one of the largest shows 25 Commiee’s 2016 Financial Report of opposition to President Rodrigo 25 Fr. Francis Lucas on Parish as Haven for the Wounded Heart Duterte's deadly crackdown against 26 Mirasols Take Over Stewardship Commiee illegal drugs and attempts to revive the 27 Meet the Other Members of the Commiee death penalty. 20 of the 50-strong CTK Music Ministry ...... contingent gathered as early as 3 am and 28 Meet Our Choirs: Chorus Paulinus illed up a tour bus from JKL Tours. CTK 28 Meet Our Choirs: Novo Concertante Manila continued on page 10 Message From Our Parish Priest

rock, “his shroud a wedding garment, his feet between earth and REPENT! air in dance.” Do you believe that? That Christ is alive, more gloriously alive than when he walked the rugged roads of When we received the ashes last Ash Wednesday to mark the beginning of the Lenten Season, the Palestine, that “he dances still”? Do you believe that, with Christ priest and the ministers said, "Repent and risen, death no longer has power over you, will hold you captive no believe in the Gospel." As we start our lenten more than a swift moment, that you too will dance around death, journey, I invite you to reflect on this summons will rise to a life beyond your wildest dreams? Do you believe that by the Church. To facilitate your reflecon I wish you are already risen with Christ, because his life courses through to share with you an excerpt from a homily wrien in the eighes by one of my favorite you like another bloodstream? preachers, Walter J. Burghardt, SJ. Fr Burghardt was a great theologian, writer and a well-known Only if you do can Lent be life for you. For what is it to repent in preacher. He died in 2008 at the age of 94. He Lent? I turn more and more completely to a living Christ. I adopt was a Jesuit for 77 years. “the attitude which Christ Jesus had” (Phil 2:5), the Christ who "Repentance has a rich biblical history. At times it means that you gave up the glory of his yesterday and chose a cross. I refuse to regret something; you are sorry for what you have done; you feel imprison myself in the past, all the more deadly for being so remorse and you do penance. David regrets that he has bedded comforting. I give up not some bauble or trinket, not body fat or Bathsheba and murdered her husband. The prodigal son confesses the Pub, but that damnable concentration on myself where the that he has lived riotously, wallowed in sex. Peter weeps because days and nights rotate around me, around my delights and my he has denied his Lord. All of these repented of something. worries, my dreams and my frustrations, my love life or lack of it, my heartburn or my hemorrhoids. But the word carries a still more basic idea; “repent” has a more positive thrust. That idea emerges from the Old Testament Mark's Gospel is instructive here: not simply “Repent” but “Repent prophets. They knew the liturgies of repentance. The people and believe in the Good News” (Mk 1:15). Believe in life - Christ’s fasted; they wore sackcloth and ashes; they shrieked and sobbed life and your life, life here and hereafter, life now and for ever. If publicly; they cut themselves; they confessed their faults aloud; you want to repent, live! Come alive! they recited the sins that scarred Israel’s history. Yesterday is sin. Yesterday is St. Paul’s anguished cry: “I am carnal, But the prophets were unhappy with this. These were external sold under sin. I do not understand my own actions. For I do not symbols of repentance; little or nothing was happening inside. The do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. . . .I know that love of repentant Israel, we read in Hosea. “is like the dew that nothing good dwells within me. . . . I can will what is right, but I goes early away” (Hosea 6:4). Real repentance is a change of mind cannot do it” (Rom 7:14-18). Yesterday is the frightening igure of and heart; repentance means new attitudes, fresh patterns of Sin you have just seen dancing before Death: “I manure the dreams behavior. “Rend your hearts,” says the Lord. “and not your of the young and wait for a harvest of betrayal.” garments” (Joel 2:13). To repent is to turn, to be converted. The If yesterday is sin, today is love. For love alone is the solution to sinner turns from sin to God, the lukewarm heats up. Not merely sin. Not soap-opera love, not the deadly lust of “Dallas”; but the by sharing in community ritual; a man or woman is totally love that keeps all God’s commandments, the love that is not changed, has a new attitude towards Yahweh, abandons hardened crushed by a cross, the love that dies for the other, the love that is habits. What God wants is not sacriice but steadfast love, not so stronger than death. Such was the love of Christ, the cruciied love much burnt offerings as knowing God in love (cf. Hosea 6:6). that took away the Sin of the World. Such, increasingly, must be Such profound repentance is powerfully symbolized in Hosea our love, if we are ever to break out of a self that stiles, smothers, (chap. 2). Israel is like a faithless wife who has gone after all suffocates, if we are not to tack without end on some unreal “Love manner of lovers. But she changes. She not only rejects her past Boat.” If you want to repent, love! Love someone else! life; she returns to her husband, Yahweh. Her life from here on in is Yesterday is fate. Yesterday is your horoscope, the position of the to be shaped of idelity and love. stars when you were born. Yesterday is the Stoic telling you your For Jesus, too, repentance is a total turning. He describes it as consolation lies in being swept along with the universe. Yesterday becoming like a child (Mt 18:3). You repudiate your past and begin is theologians chirping merrily that some of you are predestined to a new life. be damned and there isn’t a damn thing you can do about it. Yesterday is the hopeless igure of Fate you have just seen draining This brings us to the Christian stress. It stems, of course, from the men and women “empty of struggle, their faces whitening into biblical background; it involves turning to the Lord but with resignation.” several urgent emphases. For us, repentance means refusing to live in yesterday. Yesterday is death and sin and fate; today is life and If yesterday is fate, today is freedom. Not only our power to make love and freedom. choices, the fundamental freedom to construct our human existence. More importantly, Jesus Christ is shaping you and me to Yesterday is death. Yesterday is the plaint of the Psalmist: “O the freedom that was supremely his. Not license to do whatever Lord . . . in death there is no remembrance of thee; in Sheol [the we want. Rather, freedom from a fourfold slavery: the sin that place of the dead] who can give thee praise?” (Ps 6:4-5). Yesterday diminishes our humanness and keeps us from realizing ourselves; is Job begging God: “Let me alone, that I may ind a little comfort the thousand and one laws that strangle religion; the self that before I go whence I shall not return, to the land of gloom and glues our eyes and hearts to this earth’s values; the “night” of deep darkness” (Job 10:20-21). death into which (with Dylan Thomas) we do “not gentle.” If you want to repent, go free! Open yourself to God in free obedience, If yesterday is death, today is life. For today is Christ risen from the open yourself to others in uncompelled love!" 2 parish as communion of communities continued from page 1 New BEC Animator Roles for PPC Lay Coordinator and Assistant Lay Coordinator coordinators) and their prayer cells and In the February 24 organization heads’ ‣ naonal, and internaonal level; who work teams (for the movements and meeting, for example, Fr. Bong asked founded; why was it founded; how many organizations) closer to the ideal proile several questions to relect upon. members at the parish, naonal and of the Basic Ecclesial Community. internaonal level; what acvies are What do I see as the mission of our being undertaken at parish, naonal and ‣ internaonal level. Fr. Bong explained that he really cannot organizaon? ind the time to regularly meet, guide, ‣ How can we concreze in our and advice the village coordinators and ‣ How well do I know my organizaon? For organizaon the call of the Church to be example, when was it founded, at parish, the orgs and movements as they plan a Communion of Communies? their activities and projects in this Year of the Parish. Hence, he is ‘deputizing’ the Santoses and the Tañedos to act as ‘animators’. So last February 23, Fr. Bong once again introduced Bert and Marie Anne Santos in their new role to the village coordinators and the next night, February 24, he introduced Henry and Joyce Tañedo in their new role to the mandated organizations and renewal movements.

Represented at the February 23 get- together were: Arcadia by Fe Flores; Acropolis by Anne del Rosario; Above, Fr. Bong convenes the village coordinators to announce Bert and Marie Anne Santos as his animator designate, February 23. Below, before the heads of mandated organizations and renewal Corinthian Hills by Paul and Dinah Uy; movements, he announces Henry and Joyce Tañedo as animator for the orgs and movements, February Corinthian Garden by Fe Pery and Linda 24. Guanzon; Enclave by Joey Sto. Domingo; Greenmeadows 1 by Eileen de Leon and Dulce Barreto; St. Ignatius by Baby Banal and Lulay dela Cruz; and White Plains by Mel Novales and Diana Gozum.

Represented at the February 24 meeting were: Adoracion Nocturna Filipina by Rudy Tecson; Apostleship of Prayer represented by treasurer Armine Tagaysay; Buklod ng Panginoon by new head Mancita Pabillo and Evelyn Sumbillo; Catholic Women’s League by Kim Cua; Christian Family Movement by representatives of head couple Leo and How can we foster in our organizaon May Nitorreda, namely: Julie Morales and ‣ the necessary involvement and couple Michelle and Edwin Bernardo; parcipaon in the parish? Knights of Columbus by Boy Angeles; Legion of Mary by Mila del Fonso and ‣ What is my dream for our organizaon Ruby Borja; and Life in the Spirit Prayer vis-à-vis its relaonship with our Parish Group (LSSPG) by Margie San Juan. Not Community as well as with the Diocese represented were Couples for Christ of Cubao? (headed by Eddie and Cecille Salonga), As a result of these kick-off meetings, Diwanihan Kristiyano (headed by Mon the village coordinators and the and Loung Cuartero, although since DK mandated orgs and renewal was part of the Pagibig sa Diyos prayer movements should expect see much community which had the Tañedos as more of Fr. Bong’s representatives at head elders, in effect, the Tañedos stood their regular monthly meetings as well in for DK) and Ladies of Charity (headed as being called to ‘large group’ by Fe Pery). meetings.

3 parish as communion of communities Fr. Bong Briefs Parish Pastoral Council on Basic Ecclesial Communities

At the regular monthly Parish Pastoral “BECs as Agents of Communion, Council meeting last February 11, Fr. Participation and Mission’. Bong Tupino took center stage to talk about Basic Ecclesial Communities, as At the end of the discussion on the his contribution to providing the two papers, Fr. Bong Tupino gave needed basic BEC orientation and the PPC members an assignment – training to CTK’s PPC. He talked to think through what BEC-related through two important articles: one by initiatives might be relevant for the James H. Kroeger of the Maryknoll CTK villages, the mandated Missionaries who also teaches at the organizations, and the various Loyola School of Theology, on “The ministries. He asked them to Parish as Community of Missionary consider street masses and bible Disciples” and the other by Amado L. studies, for example, which had Picardal, a Redemptorist with the been brought up to him by other Congregation of the Holy Redeemer, on parishioners.

Summary of James Kroeger’s “The Parish: A Community of Missionary Disciples”

We seek to answer the basic quesons: How can our parishes Fr. Kroeger then presents a long list of concrete iniaves that a embody and concreze Pope Francis’ call for the missionary parish could select from and implement to foster its growth as a renewal of the enre Church? How does the parish become an ‘missionary parish’. He encourages the local parish community to agent of missionary evangelizaon? add acvies and iniaves that will transform them into a ‘missionary parish’ and an ‘evangelizing community’. First, evangelizaon requires a comprehensive vision. • Develop and sustain connuing programs of “faith formaon”. Chrisan presence and • Train the lay leaders, catechists and dedicated youth on how to witness to life, i.e., living in evangelize effecvely and invest in evangelizaon resources harmony, living lives of and materials. integrity, fulfilling community dues, etc., by ordinary parish • Promote a culture of “vocaons” where, through homilies and members is a primal, concrete ministry formaon, parishioners are encouraged to view and praccal means of themselves as missionary disciples called by God to either holy effecve evangelizaon; in marriage, the priesthood, or religious life. this way, the Good News is • Foster a reverent sacramental parish life, with emphasis on the taken to the highways and Eucharist and Eucharisc Adoraon. byways of daily human acvity. Living as good • Encourage regular charitable and social outreach acvies so neighbors naturally means a that parishioners, in the role of missionary disciples, can get c o m m i t m e n t t o s o c i a l engaged and serve the needy. development and human • Consider forming “discipleship circles” where members love liberaon, e.g., serving the one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, whether these be most unfortunate, witnessing to jusce, peace building, promong bible study groups, charismac prayer gatherings, outreach educaon and good health, advocang good governance, social acon teams, etc. addressing social problems. Aside from living the faith, there is sll the tradional role of explicit Gospel proclamaon and catechesis. • Encourage the growth of the BEC movement in the parish This includes preaching, catechesis on Chrisan life, teaching the • Get as many laity involved, in as many kinds of leadership roles content of the faith – in a nutshell, “telling the Jesus story”. The and services, e.g., lay leaders, catechists, youth evangelizers, issue is finding out the various groups that are not being reached by etc. the current parish evangelizaon programs. Finally, evangelizaon • Survey the most pressing needs of the various groups that includes a liturgical life of faith, prayer and contemplaon. Holy make up the parish – and don’t limit the survey to Chrisans. men and women who are on fire with love of Christ is a non- Then based on the findings iniate ‘reach-out’ teams to help negoable condion for evangelizers. address the idenfied pressing social needs. There is now a new view of evangelizaon. Previously when • Search for praccal ways to foster neighborly relaonships with evangelizaon was linked to explicit Gospel proclamaon and followers of non-Catholic faith communies in the parish and sacramental life, laity found it difficult to define how they fit into perhaps undertake partnerships for outreach projects. the mission. Today, Catholic evangelizaon engages the enre church and all states of life, whether lay, religious, ordained, Acvely seek to make the parish a ‘joyful, welcoming and friendly married, single. community. Joyful evangelizers get their message heard. 4 parish as communion of communities Explaining the Year Summary of Amado Picardal’s “BECs: Agents of the Parish Logo of Communion, Participation and Mission” The CBCP pastoral exhortaon “On the Era of New Evangelizaon’ described the focus this year: “our focus will be the building of a parish that is truly a faith community immersed in the lives of its people.” Key to this end is the forming and-or revitalizing of Basic Ecclesial Communies in every parish as agents of communion, parcipaon and mission, with the acve parcipaon of other faith communies, lay organizaons, movements, and associaons, or LOMAs.

Fr. Picardal defines BECs thus: as local communies of Catholic Chrisans in the neighborhoods and villages within The circles of people whose hands are the geographic parish. The members intertwined symbolize the communion are close to one another, know each within the BECs. These communities are other by name, and relate to each other linked together by the outline of the as friends, brothers and sisters in the cross which signiies the parish as priestly, prophec and kingly people, as a Lord – kapuso, kapamilya, kaibigan, communion of communities. It also Church of the poor, a Church that is kapitbahay. They gather regularly to includes other faith communities and share the Word of God and live it in their renewed, finds expression in Basic organizations that are in the parish that Ecclesial Communies. daily life, to pray and celebrate their – although trans-parochial in nature- are faith. They are united to their pastors but called to actively take part in the life of St. John Paul II described BECs as part of are ministered to regularly by lay leaders. the parish and BECs. The outline of the the overall effort to decentralize the They share their resources, share their cross also symbolizes the vertical and parish community. They take root in less material and spiritual concerns, and find horizontal dimension of communion – ways to help and serve one another and privileged and rural areas and become a catalyst of Chrisan life, of care for the communion with the Triune God and those who are poor and address their poor and neglected, and of commitment with each other. The bread and chalice at problems. They have a strong sense of to the transformaon of society. Within the center symbolize the Eucharist which belongingness and responsibility for one is the sacrament and celebration of this another. them, the individual Chrisan experiences community and therefore communion. The bible which is also at the center symbolizes the Word of God BECs do not have a standard shape or senses that he or she is playing an acve that is shared and proclaimed which is form. They come in various shapes and role and is therefore encouraged to the source of faith and basis of sizes – chapel-centered; family groups share in the common task. communion and which nourishes and within a chapel-centered community; or build up communion. The sunrays family groups without chapel. Whatever The ideal BECs first carry out their their form, BECs are characterized by a mission within the parish, starng in symbolize the light of Christ that shines genuine expression of communion. The their own neighborhood, in the barangay in the life of the members of parish and members are united by shared faith and or village, before going to the these communities. peripheries in the parish and reach out genuine humanity, celebrated in the The theme: “Forming BECs that are breaking of bread, concretely expressed to those who are bapzed but not agents of communion, participation and in the sharing of material goods. Which evangelized, those who are nominal or mission” is a call to action for all the is why humble celebraons and table seasonal Catholics, those who are members of the parish, the BECs and the fellowships at BECs with simple common alienated from the Church. trans-parochial faith communities and meals are more meaningful than fiesta organizations to work together to build celebraons – because they truly express Many BECs have not yet realized the the life of communion, unity, friendship, vision of a renewed Church; hence the up the BECs where communion is sharing and parcipaon among the task of the clergy and lay faithful to experienced and that actively participate members. revitalize the BECs so that they truly in the prophetic mission of become ‘agents of communion, evangelization, in sanctiication and The vision of the Church as communion, parcipaon and mission’, or, as Pope liturgical celebration, and in the mission parcipaon and mission, the Church as Francis referred to them, ‘communies of social transformation and making the priestly, prophec and kingly people, as a of missionary disciples’. kingdom of God – a kingdom of justice, peace, harmony and freedom – a reality. 5 basic ecclesial communities CTK BEC Team Attends Basic BEC Orientation Seminar at OLHP Vicariate by Tiny Perfecto, St. Ignatius BEC Coordinator The Our Lady of Perpetual Help organizing BECs. the CBCP will be rolling out more Vicariate, which includes Christ the training modules in line with the BEC King Parish, held the BEC Basic As host of the seminar, Our Lady of theme. In addition, some of the Orientation Seminar for the various Perpetual Help parish provided the coordinators, including Tiny Perfecto, parish BEC leaders in the vicariate at venue and introduced regular had been involved in the preparation of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish ‘energizers’, under the direction of Sr. 10-minute BEC awareness modules as last January 28. The CTK delegation Ophelia, the parish’s BEC coordinator, members of the ‘BEC sa Sampung Minuto’, or BSM team. Soon, the full suite of 10-minute modules will be made available to the parishes and they will be free to pick and choose.

Tiny Perfecto was philosophical when asked if accelerating the BECs in the CTK context was doable. “Journeying with the BEC communities towards a parish that is a true communion of communities cannot be done overnight. There are still skills that need to be learned, especially on how to effectively ‘connect’ with others in the community. We also have the added challenge of the gated communities,” Tiny mused. She continued, “The task of the current leaders is to prepare the ield, sow the Ching Botero, Jo Piyaw, and Tiny Perfecto with the other CTK delegates to the vicariate’s Basic seeds, and let God do the rest. When BEC Orientation. Below, Msgr. Jun Bogaoan opens the seminar at their Parish hall. everything falls into place, the consisted of four youth leaders from to liven up the training. CTK impossible can become possible.” the Libis community and ive BEC coordinator Tiny leaders from Libis that included Ching Perfecto enjoyed the Botero, Libis BEC Coordinator, Jo original song Piyaw, Libis assistant BEC coordinator, composition, ‘Mag and Tiny Perfecto, BEC coordinator for BEC Tayo’ with its St Ignatius Village. Hosting the catchy tune and delegations was Msgr. Jun Bogaoan, lyrics, composed by BEC priest minister of OLPH vicariate an OLHP BEC and current parish priest of OLPH. member. In fact, Tiny liked the song Aside from imparting BEC concepts, so much that when the other objective of the vicariate- she was asked to do level training was to search for high- the closing prayer at potential leaders who could be future the end of the day, orientation speakers to handle the she requested that basic orientation talks to the various everyone sing the pamayanans, kawans, etc. within the ‘Mag BEC Tayo’. “I OLPH vicariate or even to other hope that the song vicariates if the need arose. can catch on at CTK The BEC Basic Orientation Seminar – or alternatively, had been originally designed for ive that CTK comes up days but was modiied to it into just with its own catchy one day, consisting of: 1, the whys of BEC song and shares BEC, i.e., how BEC came to be a thrust it with other of the Philippine Church; 2, BEC parishes,” said Tiny. spirituality; 3, BEC leadership; 4, the ABCs of BEC, with emphasis on the The BEC reps were four hallmarks of BEC; and 5, also informed that 7 parish pastoral council CTK Hosts OLHP Vicariate’s First Quarter Assembly for PPCs

The Christ the King Parish Social Hall Veritas “Alay Kay Inang Maria”. He tossed around a number of points for was the venue last February 6 for the the PPC members of the different Our Mother of Perpetual Help Vicariate’s At the outset, Fr. Omer revealed the parishes to ponder on: (CTK is one of the parishes in the topics for the four vicariate, along with Our Lady of quarterly Perpetual Help–Cubao, Our Lady of assemblies. This Miraculous Medal, Transiguration of our quarter’s talk Lord, Nativity of Our Lord, St. John Paul would be on the II–Eastwood, and San Roque– parish. The Bagumbayan) irst general assembly for second would be PPCs. about the servant leaders of Communion; third on the Structures of Participation; and fourth on the vicariate – how to achieve the mission of parish communion. ‣ At the parish level: How can the Fr. Omer proceeded to deine the parish PPCs help their parish priests “parish”. He said “the parish is a with their immense responsibilities? community of Christ’s faithful, What renewal programs should the established in the diocese by the Bishop, parish adopt? whose pastoral care is entrusted to the parish priest as its pastor. It is in the parish that the Church is experienced on a regular basis. He made the critical point that the parish is “territorial”, that is, embracing all the faithful within its geographic conines. To illustrate more clearly, Fr. Omer presented the organization chart with the parish priest atop the three-layer structure of pastoral ministries-groups and the parish communities. The parish priest’s mission is abundantly clear – Welcoming the Parish Pastoral Council pastoral care as the bishop’s representative, ministering to the members of the seven different parishes community. As such, he needs to know was CTK’s own Fr. Bong Tupino, who the faithful entrusted to his care. But spoke on behalf of the designated in- charge Fr. Arnel Recinto. Fr. Bong was there is a problem: most parishes have a quite pleased that all the parishes were large number of parishioners, numbering in the thousands of families. ‣ At the community level: Is there a represented, with at least one table per need to review the parish parish. To be expected, Christ the King- It is the parish communities, or the boundaries? For example, did it Greenmeadows had the largest “pamayanans” which legitimizes the make sense that one side of the delegation, completely illing up three “territorial” deinition of ‘parish’. And street belongs to one parish and the tables. thirdly are the pastoral ministries which other side belonged to another? Is constitute the pipeline through which there a need to create quasi-parishes After the dinner, which was pastoral programs low to the parish out of big parishes? And how do we complimented on by nearly all the communities. These ministries nourish reach out to the peripheries? visitors, Fr. Bong introduced the lecturer ecclesial life, fulilling the works of for the evening, Fr. Omer Prieto, from the Diocese of Cubao and a member of its Christ. ‣ At the ministry level: Are the Pastoral Team. At the same time, he is the Fr. Omer clariied to the vicariate ministries truly nourishing the parish community? And are the parish priest of St. Anthony of Padua gathering that Church renewal as a Parish. He also specializes in giving mandate was not optional, and that the organizations aligned with the Marian talks, conducting cenacles and ‘renewed’ Church’ must be relected in ministries collaborating in the retreats for both clergy and lay, and has a the parish. If not yet, the parish must mission? How can the parishes in the weekly radio program, “Yes Father” at become truly a faith community vicariate share strategies and thus help one another? DWAD and a monthly slot at Radio immersed in the lives of its people. 6 WORSHIP MINISTRY First General Assembly for CTK Lectors & Commentators

The Christ the King lectors and Fr. Bong had been aware that chapel Jesus' Incarnation, and so Christ's human commentator group were invited to goers occasionally ask the lectors or nature. Mark the Evangelist, the author attend the irst General Assembly last commentators what the icons in the of the second gospel account, is Saturday, February 25, the irst of four Divine Mercy Chapel stand for. So he symbolized by a winged lion – a igure of scheduled for the calendar year. As a wanted to make sure the ‘lecoms' were courage and monarchy. The lion also requirement, all of CTK’s 150 lectors- ready to answer. The representation at represents Jesus' resurrection (because commentators are expected to attend at the front of the altar table is called lions were believed to sleep with open least one assembly. ‘Pelican in her Piety’. In ancient Europe, it eyes, a comparison with Christ in the tomb), and Christ as king. Luke the Evangelist, the author of the third gospel account (and the Acts of the Apostles), is symbolized by a winged ox or bull – a igure of sacriice, service and strength. Luke's account begins with the duties of Zacharias in the temple; it represents Jesus' sacriice in His Passion and Cruciixion. The ox signiies that Christians should be prepared to sacriice themselves in following Christ. John the Evangelist, the author of the fourth gospel account, is symbolized by an eagle – a igure of the sky, and believed by Christian scholars to be able to look straight into the sun. John starts with an eternal overview of Jesus the Logos and goes on to describe many things with a "higher" christology than L to R: Lectors-Commentators’ Ministry leaders Mel Novales, Trix Deleña, and Ellen Manansala the other three (synoptic) gospels; it represents Jesus' Ascension, and Christ's Mel Novales, head coordinator for the was believed that the pelican would cut divine nature. This symbolizes that Ministry of Lectors & Commentators its breast open with its beak and feed its Christians should look on eternity within the Worship Ministry, irst young with its own blood if there was without linching as they journey introduced Trix Deleña, assistant not enough food. It represents Jesus’ self- towards their goal of union with God. coordinator, who went through the Lent sacriice and charity. The icon had been and Easter schedule of activities as adopted by early Christians as early as Lastly, Fr. Bong reminded the lecoms that articulated to-date by the Worship the 2nd century and started using it in the Mary icon on the left side of the Ministry head couple Peter and Leila religious texts and images. Miraculous Cruciix of Limpias Banico. (background story of the cruciix was The four Evangelists’ iconography at the covered in the previous issue of the Trix was followed Ellen Manansala, Ambo stand for Mark (upper left), Herald) was speciically Our Lady of Ministry treasurer, who accounted for Matthew (upper right), Luke (lower left), Perpetual Help. The original Byzantine the funds balance to-date from the P500 and John (lower right). Matthew, the icon has been in Rome since 1499. In requested from each lector late last year. author of the irst Gospel account, is 1865, Pope Pius IX appointed the Then it was Mel Novales’ turn as he went symbolized as a winged man or angel. Redemptorist Priests to be custodians through the list of comments and Matthew's gospel starts with Joseph's and missionaries of the icon and the observations made by parishioners genealogy from Abraham; it represents image has become very popular. In the regarding CTK commentators and lectors. He also gave each of the lectors and commentators a copy of the booklet entitled ‘Reading for the Lord’, by Msgr. Antero Sarmiento. Fr. Bong Tupino announced that there would be a nationwide Bible Quiz soon and he wanted a systematic way to identify the most able parishioner that CTK could ield. To assist in selection, he gave a 30-point multiple choice quiz on the Gospel according to Matthew – part 5. He confessed that a few of the questions were really dificult since some of the points are also covered in Mark, Luke or John but the text and phraseology differ. Lectors-commentators doing their best to correctly answer the quiz on the gospel of Matthew 8 WORSHIP MINISTRY First General Assembly . . . cont. Last Round of Commissioning for Eastern Orthodox Church, this artistic iconography is known as the Theotokos CTK Lectors and Commentators of the Passion. The Joseph iconography January 29 saw the second and inal to the right of the cruciix is St. Joseph, Everlasng God, when he read in the Patron of the Universal Church. It was group of lectors and commentators get synagogue at Nazareth, your Son Pope Pius IX, who had a special devotion commissioned at the 6:30 pm Sunday proclaimed the good news of salvaon to St. Joseph, who gave him the title in mass by Fr. Bong Tupino. As he did last for which he would give up his life. 1870 because of his dignity, holiness, and December 4 when the irst group of Bless these Lectors and glory as spouse of the Blessed Virgin and over a hundred lectors-commentators Commentators, as they proclaim your foster father of Jesus Christ. Nineteen were being commissioned, Fr. Bong words of life, strengthen their faith years later, in 1889, Pope Leo XIII issued told the congregation that the lecoms that they may read with convicon an encyclical explaining why St. Joseph is had gone through the renewal seminar, and boldness, and put into pracce the Patron of the Universal Church. attended various formation talks, and what they read. We ask this through were voluntarily recommitting Christ our Lord. Amen. themselves to be proclaimers of God’s Word. And as he did last December 4, Just before the end of the mass, there he asked the congregation to give them was an appeal from the Missionaries of a big hand. The second group of the Poor, who were selling tickets to lectors-commentators, numbering ‘Messiah’, the Jamaican reggae musical around 40, had missed the December 4 of the ‘greatest Truth ever told’.

Fr. Bong explaining the symbology of the icons at the Divine Mercy Chapel

commissioning and this was their last chance to get commissioned for 2017, or else they would have had to sit out 2017. Fr. Bong then asked the lectors and commentators to go to the front for the formal commissioning and blessing. CTK’s parish priest gave the standard prayer of blessing, exclaiming:

Fr. Bong also gave out the two papers that he had irst given out at the Parish Pastoral Council meeting. The irst was by Fr. James H. Kroeger on ‘the parish as a community of missionary disciples’ and the second was by Amado L. Picardal on ‘BECs as agents of communion, participation and mission’. He asked the lectors and commentators to go through them and ask themselves how they can contribute to the propagation of the parish as communion of communities and to the advancement of BECs in the CTK communities. Fr. Bong explained that the ministry of lectors & commentators is the largest ‘BEC community’ in the parish with its 150 members. 9 continued from page 1 CTK Parishioners Join CBCP’s Walk for Life at Luneta

parish cook Adette prepared life,” Archbishop Villegas said before penitentiaries,” Villegas said. He also sandwiches and water for the bus the crowd. “This is mentioned in our called the “Walk for Life” prayer rally a travellers. Constitution. This means that if the “Walk for God.” Filipino people would break away from Police estimated that about 10,000 God and if the Filipino would not Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio people joined the ‘Walk for Life’ march respect life, Cardinal Tagle, who also joined the and prayer rally Saturday starting at then he or she rally, called for strengthening and dawn at the Rizal Park, carrying would be less promoting the culture of non-violent placards that read "Choose life", "No to of a Filipino movements. Echoing Pope Francis’ death penalty", “No to the culture of because it is message for this year’s World Day of death”, “Thou shalt not kill”. inherent in us Peace, Cardinal Tagle called for a Organizers gave a much larger as Filipinos to renewed culture of “active non- estimate of the crowd, citing 20,000 to be pro-God violence” in addressing the country’s as high as 50,000, coming from at least and pro-life.” challenges. He said that non-violence is 21 Catholic dioceses in Luzon and from When asked if not passive as Jesus was a tireless other Christian churches. he was hoping worker of love in action. “But we President believe that we cannot stop violence It was the latest sign of the Roman Duterte also by violence,” said Tagle. “If the Catholic Church's increasing activism would listen response to violence is also violence, against a government crackdown that to the prayer we double the violence.” He called on has left thousands of drug suspects rally’s dead and efforts by pro-Duterte message, the legislators to re-impose capital Catholic punishment as early as March. In early bishops’ February, in its most strongly worded leader said: attack on the crackdown on drug “What I pushers and users, a CBCP pastoral believe is that letter read out at services across the God will listen country said killing people was not the to our answer to traficking of illegal drugs. prayers. If God listens to The Walk for Life, which was organized our requests, by the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, what is there the lay arm of the CBCP’s Episcopal to fear?” Commission on the Laity, was put in motion after the Catholic Church The archbishop said Walk for Life is expressed alarm over the killings of not a protest but “a commitment to the more than 7,000 people so far since sacredness of life given by God. Killing Duterte assumed ofice June 30 of last would not resolve the country's year. More than 2,500 had died in problems and would only result in shootouts during raids and sting rampant aggression. All sins against operations, according to the police. God begin with blasphemy, or trying to destroy the honor of God," Archbishop Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Villegas said. "We cannot teach that Philippines (CBCP) president and killing is wrong by killing those who Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop kill. It also increases the number of Socrates Villegas urged the Filipinos killers," he added. “The public should Catholics to never live in terror, even in have the courage to ight against the face of violence and looming violence. Let us face those who attempts to reinstate the capital threaten us and show our inner punishment. "The sun will soon rise. strength. They cannot scare us There will be hope. Never be afraid of because our faith in God is stronger," darkness. Never live in fear," said he said. “Instead of restoring the death Villegas. “This is standing up for the penalty, cleanse the ranks of the godly tradition that is truly Filipino police, reform the judiciary and because a real Filipino is pro-God, pro- strictly enforce rules in our

10 The CBCP Episcopal Acropolis Village Coordinator Irene Commission on the Laity Robles, Greenmeadows Village Chairman and Manila Coordinator Eileen de Leon, Knights of Auxiliary Bishop Columbus head Boy Angeles, Broderick Pabillo said that the event was an expression of the public’s opposition against the problems in the society that threatens the dignity and sanctity of life including the imposition of death penalty, abortion, the proposed laws on divorce and same-sex unions, and planned distribution of condoms in school. The message, he said, is “that the people are standing up for life and they are against these methods of the Filipino people to help save the death, such as death penalty and extra- lives of those who are facing imminent judicial killings. So I hope that the danger. "While we are here, we have to government will listen to the people,” save the lives of those who are at risk. Pabillo added. We can save their lives when we show concern and love," Tagle said. And an For her part, the Sangguniang Laiko ng even greater cause for concern, he said, Pilipinas National President Zenaida is the indifference of many to these Capistrano said that “Walk for Life” is violence. “It’s sad to see, and not a protest rather, it is an expression sometimes tearful, that it’s becoming of the gratitude for the gift of life that is just a normal thing,” he said. The given by God. Cardinal said the “Walk for Life” rally was intended to “save lives, such as of The event began at 4:30am with Mrs. pregnant women and the unborn child, Capistrano welcoming the participants. those who are hungry, and the youth The slow walk then started at 5:00am. on the street, who must be freed from The short program after the walk the inluence of illegal drugs, abuse, commenced with a Doxology prostitution, pornography, gambling performed by the members of Don and other vices.” Bosco Youth Center in Tondo, Manila, followed by musical presentations Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, head of the from Glee Nette Gaddi and Ooberfuse. Diocese of Cubao to which CTK Bishop Pabillo gave a short belongs, was also in attendance, inspirational talk followed by the together with ive other diocese heads. Panalangin ng Bayan, and Praise and Worship, which was led by the Couples Catechetical Ministry co-head Sheryl With the Walk for Life, the Catholic for Christ Global. Coronel, BEC head Tiny Perfecto, faithful expressed its strong stand for Vocation co-head Louie Laudico, and the value and dignity of human life. The Walk for Life formally ended at Youth Ministry Coordinator Althea The march was a powerful advocacy on around 9:00am, with the CTK Geronilla. The Mirasols also took note care, protection and defense of all parishioners on the chartered bus, led of PPC assistant Jeffrey Dacleson’s human life from conception to natural by Benjie and Wins Mirasol, arriving contribution, who looked out for death, as well as due process for law back at CTK by 11 am. Other members everyone in the CTK group, and offenders, humane treatment of of the Parish Pastoral Council noticed thanked parishioner Nandy Pacheco criminals and adequate rehabilitation in the Luneta crowd included Mustard for treating the bus group to an for those involved in drugs. Seed Ministry head Amelia Alba, Aristocrat’s breakfast. 11 Lenten Season Begins: continued from page 1 Ash Wednesday at Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows and fasting. The practice includes the Gospel." Ashes also symbolize grief, in The Lenten season is one of penance, wearing of ashes on the head, this case, grief that we have sinned and relection, and fasting which prepares symbolizing the dust from which God caused division from God. Writings us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter made us and reminds us that life from the Second-century Church refer to the wearing of ashes as a sign of Sunday, through which we attain passes away on Earth. As the priest or redemption. Oficially, Lent runs from Eucharistic Minister applies the ashes penance. The ashes are made from to a person's forehead, he speaks the blessed palm branches, taken from the Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday words: “Repent, and believe in the previous year's palm Sunday Mass. before the Last Supper of the Lord.

It was ‘full house’ at the CTK main church in all the masses, especially the 12 noon and 7:30 pm masses, with parking areas all illed up, including street side. Fr. Serge Maniba oficiated the 12 noon mass and was assisted with ash giving by a full complement of Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist. CTK Parish Pastoral Council Kicks Off Way of the Cross Fridays For six straight Fridays of Lent and Holy v i l l a g e s - M a rc h 7 Tu e s d ay a t Friday, Christ the King has scheduled the Greenmeadows 1, March 9 Thursday at Way of the Cross at the main church, Acropolis, March 16 Thursday at White right after the 6:00 pm masses, starting Plains, March 21 Tuesday at Corinthian the First Friday of Lent, which is March Hills, March 23 Thursday at St. Ignatius, 3, through March 10, March 17, March March 28 Tuesday at Corinthian Gardens, 24, March 31, April 7, up to Good Friday March 30 Thursday at Arcadia, April 4 on April 14. These Friday Way of the Tuesday for Enclave, Ivory Court and Cross had been assigned to various Greenmeadows 3, and April 6 Thursday mandated organizations, renewal at Libis. movements, and ministries. The March 3 Way of the Cross was led by Tuesdays and Thursdays Way of the Fr. Serge Maniba, with PPC oficers doing Cross had also been scheduled for the the Scripture and Meditation readings for each of the 14 stations.

Top view during March 3 Way of the Cross; below, PPC readers prepare for the readings. Some of the PPC members who did the Way of the Cross readings last March 3, clockwise from top left: Anna Lagman, Leila Banico, Fely Ong, Loung Cuartero, Kim Cua, Bert Santos, Marie Anne Santos, Elise del Rosario, Maan del Rosario, and Alma Yeh. Others included Althea Geronilla, Dulce Barretto, Linda Guanzon and Bing del Rosario.

12 First Monday Mass Bible Enthronement Sunday at the Crypt

th Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows January 29 was Bible Enthronement The family members came forward in regularly conducts a First Monday Sunday at Christ the King and its front of the bible stand, made the sign Mass for the Dead at the CTK Crypt at 4 satellite chapels in the various villages of the cross on the bible they were pm. Last February 6, a irst Monday, Fr. of Corinthian Garden, White Plains, carrying, then the most senior family Ricky Montanez oficiated the mass. In Corinthian Hills, Saint Ignatius and member opened the bible and placed it attendance were several parishioners Acropolis. January 29 was the on the stand. Another member of the whose loved ones were interred or culmination of the National Bible family led the following prayer: ‘inurned’ in the CTK columbary vaults. Week, which began January 23, 2017. A speciic family was The practice of offering the holy Mass identiied beforehand to lead for the repose of the soul of the the enthronement and the deceased originates in the early accompanying prayer. At the th church. The catechism teaches, “From January 29 6 pm mass the beginning the church has honored oficiated by Fr. Bong Tupino, the memory of the dead and offered the enthroners were Malou prayers in suffrage for them, above all Vincoy and family. the eucharistic sacriice, so that, thus puriied, they may attain the beatiic Bible Enthronement is a vision of God”. celebration of the Word of God. It’s a rite which started in the In light of the saving work of Our Lord early part of the Church but Jesus Christ, we believe that when a was lost through the years. person dies, he faces his particular During the Second Vatican judgment and must render an account Council, the meeting of Bishops of his life. If that person has died from all over the world held in fundamentally believing in God and in Rome from 1962 to 1965, the a state of grace, but with venial sins Bible was solemnly enthroned and the hurt caused by sin, then God in every morning at the opening of His divine love and mercy will irst their sessions. Through this purify the soul. After this puriication liturgical ceremony the bishops has been completed, the soul will have reminded themselves that they the holiness and purity needed to could only effectively PREACH share in the beatiic vision in heaven. the Good News if they irst Lord God, we have heard your The faithful here on earth can help LISTENED to God's Word. Since then, words. They give us joy and bring those souls undergoing puriication. in many Church gatherings like light and truth into our lives. Your The Vatican Council II afirmed: “Just Congresses, Conventions Workshops, presence gives us peace in our as we pray for each other and share meetings, retreats and recollections, troubled and divided world. Let each other’s burdens now, the faithful the irst activity would always be the your Word create in our hearts a on earth can offer prayers and Enthronement of the Bible. deep desire for you. Be with us in sacriices to help the departed souls our hearts and homes, in our undergoing puriication, and no better We enthrone the Bible to remind us of community and country. Give us prayer could be offered than that of the the importance of the Bible in our life your Holy Spirit to help us to holy sacriice of the Mass.” as Christians, especially in our life as understand your Word. We proclaimers of the Word. The Word of enthrone now this Holy Bible in God – Jesus, the Divine Word who our midst. Make your Word the became a person like us - is our center of our lives. Make your distinctive mark as workers of a Word inspire all that we think and Catholic Church, who speaks to us say and do. May your Word bind us through his printed word in the Bible. together in unity with each other and with you, today and forever. In all the January 28 (anticipated) and Then the entire congregation is enjoined January 29 masses, the oficiating priest introduced the ceremony by to recite the inal prayer: praying: We promise to respect the Word of God in our midst. We shall read and reflect on it as a family of God. Lord, we are gathered here today Christ the King Parish invites everyone to enthrone this bible for our use May we draw from it inspiraon as a family. You are blessed and the for our decisions, strength for our with loved ones inurned in the CTK source of every blessing. Be with work, and comfort in suffering. crypt to attend the First Monday us now and whenever we use this Jesus, help us to be faithful to our Masses and pray for their departed symbol of our faith, the bible. promise, you who live forever and loved ones. ever.

13 Blessing of Throats Fr. Larry Tan Conducts Healing Service on the Feast of During World Day of the Sick Saint Blaise In celebration of the World Day of the Ministry, headed by Bobby and Margie Saint Blase was the bishop of Sebaste in Sick last February 11, the 7:30 pm San Juan. Mila del Fonso was in charge of Armenia during the fourth century. Very anticipated mass was presided by Fr. priest and reader arrangements. lile is known about his life. According to Larry Tan. After the mass, he conducted various accounts, he was a physician the Healing Service. Parishioners had Pope John Paul II initiated the World Day before becoming a bishop, a ‘physician been encouraged since the week before of the Sick in 1992 to encourage people of souls’. His cult spread throughout the to bring their sick elderly relatives and to pray for those who suffer from illness enre Church in the Middle Ages friends for healing of body, mind and and for their caregivers. The Pope because he was reputed to have spirit. And indeed, a large than usual himself had been diagnosed with miraculously cured a lile boy who percentage of the audience consisted of Parkinson’s a year before, in 1991, and it nearly died because of a fishbone in his the elderly. is considered that his own illness was throat. When Blaise was put in jail in impetus for his designation of the day. Sebastea, the mother of the child whom By 8:15 pm, at the end of the mass, no Blasé had saved came to him and one was moving, a clear sign that nearly World Day of the Sick was irst observed brought two fine wax candles in an everyone had come for the healing on February 11, 1993. February 11 is aempt to dispel the gloom of his service. The parishioners were also the Catholic Feast of Our Lady of darkened cell. Which is why Saint Blaise is oen depicted holding two crossed instructed to line up in two rows in the Lourdes, which a name is given to the candles in his hand. And from the eighth center aisle, then those in front were Virgin Mary in honor of the apparitions century onward, he has been invoked on escorted to form a line on the steps that were seen in and around Lourdes, behalf of the sick, especially those leading to the altar. Fr. Larry went up and France, by young Bernadette Soubirous. afflicted with illnesses of the throat. down the line, praying over each devotee And did you know that Pope Benedict then moving on to the next. When he XVI declared his decision to resign from his post as the Pope on this day in 2013? He cited his failing health as the reason behind his decision.

From the Vatican, Pope Francis announced, ‘On this Twenty-ifth World Day of the Sick, I once more offer my On the day of his feast on the 3rd of prayerful support and February, the blessing of St. Blaise is encouragement to physicians, given: two candles, blessed the day nurses, volunteers and all before on the feast of the Presentaon those consecrated men and of the Lord ("candlemas"), are held in a women committed to serving reached the left or right side, he made his crossed posion by a priest or the lay the sick and those in need. I also minister and the people are touched on way back even as the people who embrace the ecclesial and civil received the healing left their place. the throat with them, one at a me. At institutions working to this end, and the the same me the following blessing is Several parishioners fell backward, into families who take loving care of their given: "Through the intercession of St. the ready supportive hands of the sick. I pray that all may be ever joyous Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, may God Eucharistic Ministers of the Holy signs of the presence of God’s love and deliver you from every disease of the Eucharist volunteers. Technically, they imitate the luminous testimony of so throat and from every other illness." had been ‘Slain in the Spirit’ or ‘Resting many friends of God, including Saint John Then the priest makes the sign of the in the Spirit’. ‘I fell over backwards,’ said of God and Saint Camillus de’ Lellis, the cross over the faithful. This annual one such parishioner. ‘My knees just patrons of hospitals and healthcare blessing of throats is a tradional sign of workers, and Saint Mother Teresa of the struggle against illness in the life of decided they didn’t want to hold me up the Chrisan. and I lay on my back for a minute, fully Calcutta, missionary of God’s love.’ awake but feeling peaceful and refreshed.’ Other comments overheard: ‘The healing service was very touching.’; ‘I felt really empowered by the Holy Spirit after I was prayed with.’; ‘I received a tremendous peace of mind.’ Fr. Bong officiated the February 3, Friday The healing service, held 6 pm mass and at the end of the mass annually every February 11 in led the blessing of throats. Given the celebration of the World Day of large number of parishioners wishing to the Sick, was sponsored by the be blessed, he was assisted in blessing LSS (Life in the Spirit Seminar) dues by Eucharisc Ministers Boy Prayer Group and Healing Angeles and Chito Gomez. 14 Blessing of Candles at the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Memorial of Our The Christ the King Parish faithful take them home and light them Lady of Lourdes Greenmeadows celebrated the Feast of when they need Christ’ intervention such Last February 11, the Catholic world the Presentation of the Lord last as in times of illness or bad weather. celebrated the Memorial of Our Lady February 2, a Thursday. At 5:50 am Fr. Ricky Montañez was the 6 pm mass of Lourdes. We call ‘Message of before the 6 am mass, at 6:50 am before Lourdes’ the gestures and words that the 7 am mass, and at 5:50 pm before the oficiator and he also blessed the candles. well-attended 6 pm mass, all just outside He greeted the congregation as follows: were exchanged between Virgin Mary the Divine Mercy Chapel, the and Bernadee Soubirous, at the Forty days have passed since we congregation gathered for the traditional celebrated the joyful feast of the Groo of Massabielle, during the me Blessing of Candles. Navity of the Lord. Today is the of the eighteen apparions. This blessed day when Jesus was presented In obedience to the Old Law, the Lord message can be heard as: God is love in the Temple by Mary and Joseph. and he loves us as we are. Jesus, the irst-born, was presented in Outwardly, he was fulfilling the Law, the Temple by his Blessed Mother and but in reality he was coming to meet his foster father on the fortieth day after his believing people. Prompted by the his birth. Joseph and Mary brought the Holy Spirit, Simeon and Anna came to Child Jesus into the temple along with a the temple. Enlightened by the same humble sacriice of young pigeons as a spirit, they recognized the Lord and sign of thanksgiving. Jesus’ presentation confessed Him with exultaon. So let signiied God’s entrance to His temple. us also, gathered together by the Holy God-made-man entered His temple, Spirit, proceed to the house of God to presenting Himself to those who were encounter Christ. There we shall find really searching for Him, which included Him and recognize Him in the breaking of the bread, unl he comes again, revealed in glory. In her 16th apparion, when Afterwards, Fr. Ricky blessed everyone’s Bernadee asked her name, the Lady candles and said the following prayer: answered, ““I am the Immaculate Concepon”. Bernadee did not immediately understand what those words meant. Lourdes, France: City of Miraculous Cures Simeon and Anna. God promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. When Simeon saw Jesus, he took the baby in his arms and blessed the Lord and said: "Lord, now let Your servant go in peace according to Your promise, because my eyes have seen Your salvation which you have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the Since the Apparitions, Lourdes had to glory to your people Israel." Also, in the deal with about 7000 cases of Temple was Anna the Prophetess. Anna unexplained cures. 69 cases have been was about eighty-four years old, had Oh God, source and origin of all light recognized as miraculous by the Church been a widow for many years, and spent who on this day showed to the just at this time. As Lourdes earned the her time in the Temple worshiping, man Simeon the Light for revelaon to reputation as the city of the miraculous fasting, and praying. When she saw the the Genles, we humble ask that, in cures, each year, some 80,000 sick or Christ Child she praised God and spoke answer to your people’s prayers, you disabled persons from all over the world of him to all who were awaiting the may be pleased to sancfy with your come to Lourdes to touch the rock of the Messiah. blessing (+)these candles, which we Grotto. In the very early years, the locals are eager to carry in praise of your were so moved by the sick patients from The Presentation of the Lord is also name, so that, treading the path of all over the world that they known as Candlemas day, since the virtue, we may reach that light which spontaneously decided to help. This blessing and procession of candles is never fails. group, who have become known as the included as part of the liturgy. Christ is Hospitaliers, have grown in size over the the light of the nations, the ‘light of the Fr. Ricky then sprinkled the candles with years and can be seen helping in the world’, as well as, in the words of Simeon, holy water, got a lighted candle, and led hostels, at the train station, then at the ‘the light to enlighten the Gentiles’, hence the procession towards the chapel, airport, on the esplanade of the Rosary, the blessing of candles on this day. The announcing, “Let us go forth in peace”. at the Grotto, and at the baths. 15 How Do You Pray 2000 Hail Marys For February and March, the First powerful intercessory prayer. The of Catholics who, under Saturday 2000 Hail Marys were held on gathering prays this private devotion to the leadership of Mary February 4 and March 4, led and Our Lady, asking her for any kind of Immaculate, Mediatrix of coordinated by the Legion of Mary. The favors, and trust that God will grant them All Graces, serve the devotion started, as is usual, at 7:30 am through our Lady’s powerful Church and their and ended at the expected 4:00 pm and intercession. Combined with your faith neighbors on a voluntary was held at St. John A and B Hall, its and sincerity of heart, these are graces or basis in about 170 regular venue. The next sessions for the intentions which our Mother Mary will countries. irst half of the year will be on April 1, intercede for you. May 6, and June 3. In March 1989, the irst The full-day devotion starts with the LoM praesidium was established in Praying 2000 Hail Marys is a very prayer to the Holy Spirit. This is followed Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows by the 15 Mysteries of the with the name ‘Mary Queen of Peace’. Most Holy Rosary. There Just a year later, that praesidium gave are 20 general petitions, birth to a second, the Immaculate Heart with each petition being of Mary’. The Mary Queen of Peace read before 100 Hail praesidium is currently headed by Mila Marys. Every person in del Fonso while the Immaculate Heart of the group gets to lead the Mary praesidium is headed by Ruby prayer of a round of 100 Borja. Hail Marys. The expectation is to inish A key objective is the spread of Marian the 2,000 Hail Marys in 7 Devotion, particularly that of the rosary. to 9 hours. So it’s natural that the Legion of Mary leads the First Saturday Devotion with The Legion of Mary is a 2000 Hail Marys as well as spearhead the lay apostolic association activities of October Rosary Month. Spotlight on Mary’s Legionnaires at CTK

The irst meeting of the Legion of Mary took place in Dublin, Ireland, in September 1921. Drawing its inspiration from the True Devotion to Mary, as taught by St. Louis Marie de Montfort, and which had a profound inluence on the Founder of the Legion, the Servant of God, Frank Duff, the Legion is at the disposal of the Bishops and Priests for use in the mission of the Church. Evangelization, especially the seeking of conversions to the Church, is a priority for the Legion, hence home visitations. took the Legionnaires on an outreach Most recently, last December 29, the Seeing and serving Christ in the sick and activity to the Servants of Charity, a Libis BEC headed by Ching Botero and Jo marginalised is another vital part of the home for the rejected and abandoned Piyaw teamed up with the Healing legionary apostolate, thus projects like boys with disabilities. The Legionnaires Ministry, which counts several members feeding programs. distributed gift bags and lunch packs. from among the Legionnaires, to bring Fr. Back in November 2015, Fr. Bong Tupino Momoy Borromeo to visit and pray over More regularly, the bedridden elderly Libis residents. legionnaires go on prison visits to Camp Karingal every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. Prison inmates always welcome being able to chat and discuss their personal problems with the LOM volunteers. 16 Fr. Herbie Santos st Celebrates First Fr. Bong Tupino Celebrates 51 Ordination Anniversary by Leila Banico Fr. Herbert ‘Herbie’ Santos, parochial vicar of Birthday with Parishioners Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish, celebrated his irst presbyteral ordination anniversary at Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish in Philam Homes last Wednesday, February 22 at 6 pm. Assisting him in the Eucharistic celebration were none other than Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, Msgr. Dan Sta. Maria, Msgr. Tony Montillero (representing Fr. Bong Tupino and the rest of the CTK clergy), Fr. Vic de Jesus, the San Jose Seminary Rector when Fr. Herbie entered the seminary in 2009, Fr. Gelo Parlan, former Parochial Vicar of Christ the King Greenmeadows Parish, and several other clergy from and outside the diocese of Cubao. It will be recalled that Fr. Herbie, a CTK

parishioner, was ordained last February 22, 2016 the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle, at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao, which was also attended by Archbishop Soc Villegas. Eleven months earlier, in March of 2015, Herbie was ordinated to the Sacred Order of Deacons at Christ the King Church. Reverend Herbie was the irst-ever diocesan deacon (and a few days ago the irst-ever priest) from the parish of Christ the King-Greenmeadows.

Parishioners and friends of Fr Bong never imagine himself a soldier, his from Christ the King and from his grandfather’s wish eventually came previous parishes joined Fr Bong as true - he became a soldier of the he celebrated his 51st birthday last Lord. January 26, 2017. His special day commenced with the Eucharistic Celebration at 7am at the Divine Mercy Chapel, his thanksgiving mass, The attending congregation was touched which was also the Memorial of when Fr. Herbie mentioned and acknowledged the understanding, support Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops. and love from his parents Bert and Marie Anne Santos, the current head Lay His brother-priests, Bishop Raul Coordinator couple for the CTK Parish Martirez, Msgr Tony Mortillero, Msgr Pastoral Council, who also led the offertory Rig de Guzman, Fr Serge Maniba, Fr procession. Other members of the Santos Ricky Montanez, Fr. Allan Samonte & family were also in attendance. Fr Ronald Plomillo, concelebrated the In the reception that followed, Bishop Ness mass with Fr Bong. Ongtioco quipped that the title of the write- up on Fr. Herbie should be ‘He left CTK a He shared during his homily why he parishioner, he came back a priest’. The CTK Parish Pastoral Council was ably represented, was named Jose III. Being the irst aside from Bert and Marie Anne Santos, by son, his father, Jose Jr, told him that Assistant Lay Coordinator couple Henry and his grandfather, Jose Sr, wished him Joyce Tañedo, Secretary couple David and to be a soldier too. Though he Fely Ong, Treasurer couple Bing and Elise del Rosario, and Vocation Ministry couple Louie and Nel Laudico. 17 Bishop Raul Celebrates 79th Birthday Bishop Raul Q. Martirez, former last 15 years. Despite his 79 years of Bishop-Emeritus of San Jose de age, Bishop Raul continues to assist Antique and now retired guest bishop with CTK affairs, celebrating one or at Christ the King Parish th two masses every weekend, Greenmeadows, celebrated his 79 celebrating the occasional daily birthday last February 9.

In a joyous Eucharistic mass at 7 am at the Divine Mercy Chapel, Bishop Raul masses, oficiating at some weddings, celebrated his thanksgiving mass, baptisms, confession sessions, etc. Up assisted by Fr. Bong Tupino, Msgr. Tony to 2015, Bishop Raul also regularly Mortillero, and Fr. Serge Maniba. The acted as Pilgrimage Chaplain for the mass was followed by a breakfast salu- annual European and Holy Land salo. He had so many well-wishers, pilgrimages led by CTK. His unmatched knowledge and deep background into biblical history and pilgrimage geography had made him much sought-after as pilgrimage chaplain. popularity that Bishop Raul was only One thing’s for sure – Bishop Raul’s able to sit down and eat some goto at 9 many parishioner friends can’t wait to am. celebrate his 80th birthday 325 days from now. In 2002, at the age of 65, Bishop Raul took oficial retirement and spent a year with his parents before joining

right out of the chapel door all the way to the entrance of the Formation Center that it took Bishop Raul more than 15 minutes to get to the Formation Center entrance. Then it took him another 25 minutes to make his was to the door of Matthew and Mark rooms were all the tables were occupied, with tables set up even in the hallway. Inside, the parishioners still couldn’t get enough of the super- amiable bishop as he was being tugged this way and that by different groups wishing to have their picture taken with him. He even had two female serenaders. He also had to blow the candles from two different birthday cakes. It was clearly a testimony to his CTK as its resident retired bishop – popularity that Bishop Raul was only and he’s been associated with Christ able to sit down and eat at 9 am. the King Parish Greenmeadows for the

18 village news Buklod ng Panginoon Celebrates the Christmas Season at Barangay St. Ignatius

Buklod ng Panginoon, one of the renewal movements in Christ the King Parish but localized to Barangay St. Ignatius, celebrated the 2016 Christmas season with several projects. One was the Share a Toy, Share a Joy program, to beneit the kids at Libis. Buklod leaders put up a large drop box for the toy donations at their parish center. The Libis kids were later picked up and treated to a Jollibee children’s

St. Ignatius barangay leaders were also very proud that a week before, last December 16, their barangay received two awards from the Quezon City government and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) at the Barangay Seal of Good Housekeeping awarding ceremony. The event was held at the UP Bahay ng Alumni. Barangay St. Ignatius received the awards for ‘Good Financial Housekeeping’ and for ‘Best Practices and Innovations’. Tiny Perfecto was Photos and information provided by Agnes de la Cruz part of the BSI team that received the awards.

party at St. Ignatius.

On December 24th, St. Ignatius, through coordination efforts of Buklod working with the village coordinators, mounted a successful dawn Misa de Gallo, with Fr. Ronald Plomillo as presider. This was followed by a 6 am salu-salo breakfast at the barangay center open terrace. 19 100th anniversary of fatima We Meet Sr. Leopolda Ledesma of Fatima

Sister Leopolda, nee Barbara May she argued, to not resign ourselves and dificulty in life. And the most Ledesma, curator of the Fatima be indifferent to the evil and sufferings important admonitions of the Virgin Museum and a member of the Oblate around us. It’s a call to prayer, a call to Mary of Fatima to the three children Sisters of the Virgin Mary of Fatima, sacriice, and a call to penance for the and the hundreds of thousands who was on a brief visit to the Philippines. sins of the world. heard their words? Fr. Bong Tupino of Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows invited Sr. Sr. Leopolda differentiated Fatima from 1. Pray, pray very much. The most Leopolda to speak to a select group of Lourdes and the other apparitions – a holy Hearts of Jesus and Mary have parishioners last February 13 before much longer dialogue, almost a designs of mercy on you. Offer she lew back to Fatima, Portugal. The century) with humanity; the inclusion prayers and sacriices constantly to of historical and political view as she the Most High. talked about war and peace as well as Communist Russia; and a strong 2. Make of everything you can a concern for the future that’s not sacriice and offer it to God as an central to the other apparitions. act of reparation for the sins by which He is offended. And in She explained that the 1917 apparition supplication for the conversion of was in the context of World War I. The sinners. You will thus draw down war started in mid 1914 and by May peace upon your country. 2017 had drawn in 32 countries, with the United States oficially declaring 3. Above all, accept and bear with war on Germany one month before the submission the suffering which the apparitions started. And the war would Lord will send you. last a full year and half after the irst set of apparitions. It’s in this historical Of the three, Lucia lived the longest context that Lucia paraphrases the and witnessed the most apparitions. In Virgin Mary to say, ‘Let us thrust our 1925, for example, on December 10, in gaze in the world and what do we see? Pontevedra, Spain, Lucia saw the irst War, hatred, ambitions, plunder, theft, apparition of Our Lady with the Child vengeance, fraud, homicide, Jesus, later prompting the institution of immorality. Men who consider devotion of the First Five Saturdays. On th themselves wise and powerful the 13 of June 1929, in Tuy, Spain, continue to plan other wars, death, Mary came to Lucia to ask for the misery, disgrace, bloodshed. They are consecration of Russia to the drowning the very people they are Immaculate Heart of Mary. ‘The Holy obliged to help and save.’ Father will consecrate Russia to me, and she will be converted, and a period And which is why, Sister Leopolda of peace will be granted to the world.’ emphasized, that it was important that And this vision was manifested during Our Lady appeared to the three the perestroika of Mikhail Gorbachev shepherd children. Through the and the symbolic fall of the Berlin Wall universal agony of war, She was the in 1989. Lucia also expressed one of light, beauty and joy who would bear the most profound Trinitarian witness to the faith. The Virgin Mary doxologies: ‘O Holy Trinity whom I was to be the witness to hope in a time adore and love and to Whom I will sing of despair, a witness to trust in a time eternal praise! In me, You are light, You invitation was most timely considering of mistrust and suspicion, and a are Grace, You are love! I immerse that the entire Catholic world is witness to joy in a time of great myself in You and I dwell in the love of celebrating the Fatima Centennial this Your presence’. And it’s the same Lucia year. who looked back on the apparitions almost a century later and relected She began her one and a half hour talk that ‘the aim of the apparitions was to by stating that in the midst of the make us grow in faith, hope and world’s darkness and despair, the light charity’. of Fatima is the solid ground where Catholics can ind the fundamental Sr. Leopolda also relected on the truths of faith and which remains a assassination attempt on Pope John symbol of hope for the future. Sr. Paul II’s life back in 1May 13, 1981. Leopolda emphasized that one of the John Paul II credited his survival to the most precious spiritual heritage of Lady of Fatima, the date of the Fatima, and the soul of the Fatima assassination attempt coinciding with message, was ‘devotion to the the anniversary of the irst Fatima Immaculate Heart of Mary’. apparition. ‘On that tragic 13th day of 20 100th anniversary of fatima ‘A Million Roses May 1981, one hand pulled the trigger for the World’ and one maternal hand delected the A Chance Encounter bullet.’ On May 13, 1982, exactly a year with Sr. Leopolda delivered at Fatima by Sr. Maria Leopolda Ledesma, Oblate after the attempt, Pope John Paul II of the Virgin Mary of Fatima traveled to Fatima where he met Sr. Lucia for the irst time. On the 15th of December 2012, during the recitation of the Rosary at the Chapel of the Apparitions, at Fatima, Portugal, for the so- called “Reparation Hour”, Fr. James Phalan CSC, director of Family Rosary International, offered “to the Holy Trinity, through the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima, prayers for Peace of more than one million people in the Philippines and around the world”. He made an offering, on behalf of the Filipino people: a book of names of more than 200,000 devotees who formally adhered to the 200-day rosary campaign which ran from October 7, 2011 to May 31, 2012. At the end of her talk, Sr. Leopolda led the audience in singing the Ave de Fatima: Father Lemuel Camacho, a Fil-Am and former nursing supervisor and now a The thirteenth of May in the Cova da Iria newly-ordained priest in the Diocese of Appeared, oh, so brilliant, the Virgin Essex County, New Jersey, USA recounted Maria how he came to the priesthood. During his Ave, Ave, Ave Maria (x2) 2008 pilgrimage to Fama, RN Lemuel, To three lile shepherds Our Lady who had been mulling a late transion to appeared the priesthood, had his hands folded in prayer, looking for a sign - any small signal - The campaign was called “A Million Roses The light of Her grace to her Son’s soul for the World”: praying the Rosary for endeared from the Blessed Mother about his peace in the world, one country at a time, Ave, Ave, Ave Maria (x2) possible call to a priestly vocaon. Down praying for its people. Fr. James, who has The Virgin Maria encircled with Light on bended knee in the Chapel of the been director of the association for almost Our own dearest Mother and Heaven’s Apparions at the Our Lady of Fama six years now, felt such a great privilege to delight Shrine in Portugal, he asked Mary in an celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass at the Ave, Ave, Ave Maria (x2) informal way, “What do you want me to same Chapel in the morning and in the do, Mother?” Then nurse Camacho rose up afternoon, hand over to the Shrine of Our She was asked during the open forum and started walking out of the Chapel of Lady of the Rosary, through one of the where the adopted name Leopolda the Apparions when, at the door, a chaplains of the Shrine, Fr. Manuel Silva, came from. She narrated that on a visit religious sister, whom he had never met, the names of those who, with great fervour to Padua, the Oblate Sisters came unknowingly answered his queson about and trust, have offered the much-loved across St. Leopold Mandic, or St. vocaon by asking him a queson - “Are prayer of the Rosary to Our Blessed you the priest I’ve been waing for?” “No, I Leopold of Castelnuovo, a Croatian Mother. am not,” nurse Camacho told the religious At the end of the Rosary, he proffered Capuchin friar who suffered from sister. When he visited, he was just dressed disabilities that plagued his speech and words of praise and thanksgiving (in in jeans and a nice shirt but the museum Portuguese) for the good outcome of the stunted his growth. Despite this, he curator thought he was a priest. Later on, became extremely popular as a campaign which brought to the hearts of before he le Fama, he asked the many a great desire to start or continue the confessor and spent most of his adult religious sister whom he met at the door Rosary devotion, which Our Blessed life in Padua, Italy. He dreamt why she asked me that queson. She Mother, here, in Fatima, had recommended unceasingly about reuniting the replied, ‘Maybe you got your answer’. The to the shepherd children in 1917. Catholic and the Orthodox churches of nun was Sister Leopolda Ledesma. There Eastern Europe. He became known as in the prayerful majesty of Fama, A small group of Filipinos headed by the an Apostle of Confession and an consul-general of the Philippine Embassy Registered Nurse Camacho took that in Lisbon, Ms. Josena Estrada, participated Apostle of Unity. Her fellow sisters seemingly random incident as the Blessed during the Rosary recitation and presented teased her about taking on his name. Mother’s sign that he should pursue the the offering to Our Lady. With much When the time came for her to priesthood. Shortly aer his return from gratitude for the marvelous graces and nominate a name for herself, she the pilgrimage, the former nursing blessings which our Blessed Mother thought back on the encounter with St. supervisor applied to the Paterson Diocese continues to obtain for Her children, we Leopold, shrugged, and said to herself and in August 2009, Father Camacho began pray that the devotion of the Rosary be ‘why not’. After all, he was even his priestly studies at Immaculate practiced more devoutly and faithfully not shorter than she was, standing at Concepon Seminary at Seton Hall just here in Portugal but throughout the only 4’5”. University, South Orange. whole world. 21 100th anniversary of fatima Fatima Shrine Prepares Full-Year Calendar for Centennial The Shrine of Fatima has a full-year Marian Network, a symposium for the 100 years of contemporary music, by the schedule to celebrate the 2017 rectors of European Marian shrines. organist Antonio Mota, including in the centennial of the apparitions of Our Lady Other training scheduled throughout this p r o g r a m t h e S u i t e M a r i a l e o f of Fatima. Communication elements year includes: a course on the Message of Maleingreau. Filipe Veríssimo will be the include the design of oficial symbol or Fatima explaining the fundamental organist who will present 100 years of logo, a commemorative medal, elements of the apparitions of Cova da sacred music, on July 10. In addition to countdown timer, posters, a centennial Iria, structuring the thematic contents, two works of Marian themes, there will video, plus various merchandising. and outlining theologically the several be a monumental Symphony of the aspects of these Passion of Marcel Dupré, emblematic apparitions; Training for work of the early twentieth century. Trainers on the Fatima Giampaolo Di Rosa, on August 14, will Story and Message, perform a concert which program will be which offers a historical exclusively based on improvisations on itinerary of the event hymns related to Fatima, composed and and of the century of sung for the last 100 years. João Santos, Fatima, a description of the oficial organist of the Shrine of the protagonists of the Fatima, will end the cycle by performing event, a deepening of the a concert on October 9, presenting 100 main theological axes of years of French music of César Franck a the message, and the Messiaen, and including several excerpts most relevant lines of a from 15 Versets sur les Vêpres du cultural analysis of commun des fêtes de la Sainte Vierge. 100 internationally well-known Fatima. personalities will be invited to record Aside from organ and orchestra concerts, short testimonies about Fatima which Several videos and ilms are also in the ‘sacred music’ concerts are also on tap. A will be aired on radio and made available pipeline – the documentary ‘Fatima in concert for choir, piano and accordion on online. Related is an ‘online mural’ of the World’; a ilm on the apparitions of fragments of Memoirs of Sister Lucia will testimonies, where any and all pilgrims the Angel; a documentary on the link of be presented on April 3, 2016. On June of Fatima can make a short video the popes to Fatima; and a documentary 23, the Lisboa Cantat and Orquestra declaration that will be shared on social on the lives of the Shepherds of Fatima. Sinfónica Juvenil choir, under the networks. direction of Christopher Bochmann, The Message of Fatima will also be presents ‘Singing Fatima’, a concert There will be an oficial centennial hymn, manifested in a new ‘catechism wall; a interpreting works of Fr. Joaquim dos which will be the outcome of a music and Fatima prayer-a-day; and several Santos, inspired or dedicated to Fatima. lyrics contest. An oficial itinerary will be planned apps for iPhones and Android The Concert ends with the interpretation prepared for would-be pilgrims, to devices. Publications will include: an of the Ave de Fatima conducted by Yugo include alternative paths, and edition of the Memoirs of Sister Lucia; a Matsumura. There will also be several recommended meditations and prayers book on the songs of Fatima; an a picture children’s and youth choirs who will be at each important point in the itinerary. book. A cultural magazine ‘Fatima XXI’ is performing throughout 2017. Pilgrims who arrive in time for the First also in the works. A second book for Saturday will be presented with a children is also being drawn up, to follow Musical fragments, or talks with program to experience the devotion. the irst children’s book, ‘The Mission of meditative music, have also been Francisco’. shceduled. Traditions of Baroque Sacred Aside from the celebration of the There are several temporary exhibitions Music: Tânia Ralha, Nélia Gonçalves and Apparitions of the Lady of Fatima, on Júlio Dias, is on offer on March 12, 2017; schedule also are celebrations of the planned for 2017, such as the full Vatican manuscripts of Sister Lucia on the 3rd and Mary in our time: Coro Anonymus, Apparitions of the Angel, as well April 9, 2017. The 2017 Easter concert of celebration of the Day of the Shepherds. part of the Secret; the Christ of the Trenches, from the Monastery of Batalha; the Shrine of Fatima features the Since late 2015, conferences had been and Fatima and the Popes. Escolania of Montserrat, one of the scheduled, with the overarching theme of oldestboys’ choirs inEurope. Under the ‘I came that they may have life’. For 2017, The organ of the Basilica of Our Lady of direction of Castelló Llorenc, the choir’s two conferences remain – March 12 the Rosary of Fatima has been recently prestige is internationally recognized; it featuring ‘The Maternal Intercession of reconstructed and will feature in a series is invited to perform all around the the Blessed Virgin Mary’; and April 9 of organ concerts. The opening concert is world. Its abundant discography proves featuring ‘The Marian devotion as set for March 20, through a program of to the artistic quality of the choir. evangelizing dynamism’. different styles, covering nearly 300 Through music, these boys are years of music, emphasizing on the world messengers of peace and beauty; with Possibly the centennial project that will premiere of Hu yeshûphekâ rô'sh the universal language of music and gather the most attention will be the composed by João Pedro Oliveira, based crossing all kinds of borders, they speak International Congress of the Centennial on the irst prophecy of Mary in the book directly to the hearts of those who listen of Fatima 2017. The International of Genesis, and commissioned by the to them. Date: April 23, 2017. Congress takes place from June 21 to 24. Shrine of Fatima for the occasion, as well In that Congress, several dimensions of as the inal improvisation that will be A closing concert has also been planned Fatima will be studied, in an performed based on the theme Ave Maria for October 13, the last day of the 1917 interdisciplinary perspective: Theology, de Fátima. On May 8, there will be a apparitions, featuring the world Sociology, Psychology, Culture, History, concert by organist Antonio Esteireiro, premiere of the works of composers Art, etc. Related to this is the who will explore the German music James Macmillan and Eurico Carrapatoso Mariological Marian International during the nineteenth and twentieth commissioned by the Shrine of Fatima Congress, targeted at academicians of centuries, including some of the great exclusively for the celebration of the Marian schools around the world, organ’s classics of this period, and Ave- Centennial of the Apparitions, to be scheduled from September 6 to 11. Then Maria of Max Reger and Karg-Elert. On performed by the Gulbenkian Orchestra from September 26 to 29 is the European June 5, there will be a concert exploring and Choir. 22 100th anniversary of fatima

Fatima Image in Cebu Pope To Go on Pilgrimage to Fatima on the Centennial Francis will come “in pilgrimage to the Shrine The internaonal trips of the Popes are of Our Lady of Fama from the 12th to the something new that started from the second 13th of May.” half of the tweneth century, with the ponficate of Paul VI (1897-1978), who Pope Francis will be in Fama from the 12th during the last session of the Vacan II to the 13th of May 2017 “in pilgrimage to the Council announced the intenon of offering a Shrine of Our Lady of Fama”. The Golden Rose to Our Lady of the Rosary of informaon was officially communicated to Fama. Since then, Portugal entered in the the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of apostolic visits route right on the fih trip of Fama by the Vacan, which announced this Italian ponff, on the 13th of May 1967, through the Press Room that “on the on the 50th anniversary of the Marian occasion of the centennial of the Apparions apparions, recognized by the Catholic of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Cova da Iria, The international pilgrimage image of Church, in Cova da Iria. the Our Lady of Fatima arrived at the and acknowledging the invitaon of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral as part of President of the Republic of Portugal and of its worldwide tour to mark the 100 the Portuguese bishops, His Holiness Pope years of the Marian apparitions in Francis will go on pilgrimage to the Shrine of Fatima, Portugal, February 9, 2017. The Our Lady of Fama from the 12th to the 13th statue will travel to parishes, of May 2017”. schools, and other venues along the tour in Cebu before being brought to For the bishop of Leiria-Fama, it is a Taiwan on Feb. 15. moment of “great joy” because, during the centennial, through the presence of the Holy Father “we are united to the whole universal church”. “Whenever the Pope pilgrims as the universal pastor, it is the whole church that Note: The diocesan pilgrims with him”, and therefore, “on this phase of the occasion I want to express the joy and Fama transforms itself in the main engine of process for the gladness that the official announcement of the five ponfical trips, aer Pius XII had canonizaon of this pilgrimage of the Holy Father brings to already consecrated the world to the the Portuguese people and to the whole Immaculate Heart of Mary, on the 31st of Sister Lucia de Church in Portugal”. October 1942, in the middle of the Second Jesus (1907-2005), World War. Paul VI wanted to personally one of the three “The Pope wants to make himself a pilgrim come to Fama on the 13th of May 1967, seers of Fama, among the pilgrims of Fama and this is a having decided that the plane that brought ended recently and cause of great joy”, says bishop António him from Rome would land in Monte Real, the collected Marto in a message given to the Press Room and that he would be hosted in the then of the Shrine of Fama. The prelate diocese of Leiria (Leiria-Fama today). material had been underlines also the “responsibility” of the handed to the Shrine for “it’s not about receiving the Holy John Paul II, whom on the 13th of May 1981 Congregaon for Father only as a pilgrim and pastor but had been hit by a bullet in Saint Peter’s the Causes of the receiving the message that he will be Square, on an aempt on his life – came to Saints, in Rome. The inial part of the cause for bringing. “Therefore”, he concludes, “one has Cova da Iria a year aer, thanking publicly the to profit from this pilgrimage for the renewal intercession of Our Lady of Fama in his canonizaon of Sister Lucia began in 2008, three of faith”. recovery. In May 1982, on the anniversary of years aer her death, aer the now emeritus Pope that first aempt on his life, Karol Wojtyla Benedict XVI granted a dispensaon regarding the The rector of the Shrine of Fama also (1920-2005) arrived at Fama to “thank the five-year waing period spulated by Canon Law. underlined “the great joy” with the Divine Providence in this place which the confirmaon of these two dates of Francis’ mother of God chose in such a parcular visit to Cova da Iria. “It’s a great joy because way”. The polish Pope came back in Portugal we know that these days will be of a nine years later: on the 10th of May 1991, The Most Holy Virgin in pilgrimage marked by this fesvity that is the John Paul II celebrated Mass in the Restelo these last times in which we centennial, and on the other hand, because it Stadium and travelled aerwards to Azores marks the presence of a Pope amongst us and Madeira, before coming in the Shrine of live has given a new efficacy and a very loved Pope such as Pope Francis”, Fama, on the 12th and 13th of May. During to the recitation of the states the rector in a declaraon to the Press four days, Saint John Paul II delivered 12 Room of the Shrine. Fr. Carlos Cabecinhas intervenons and sll sent a leer, from Cova Rosary to such an extent reminds that this sasfacon is accompanied da Iria, to the catholic bishops of Europe, that there is no problem, no by a sense of “responsibility for us to who were preparing a special assembly of conveniently prepare ourselves through the synod of the bishops, dedicated to the matter how difficult it is, prayer”. “What is requested from us is the Old Connent. On the 12th and 13th of May whether temporal or above availability to listen to the teachings of the 2000, already with a fragile health, John Paul Holy Father” pointed out the Rector II came back to Portugal to preside to the all spiritual, in the personal underlining that “Francis always has a beaficaon of the lile shepherds Francisco life of each one of us, of our prophec word”. and Jacinta Marto. In the same occasion, the announcement of the publicaon of the third families…of the life of On the 7th of September, last year, during the part of the so-called “Secret of Fama” was meeng of the Portuguese bishops with the made. peoples and nations that Pope on the ad limina visit, Francis showed a cannot be solved by the “deep desire” to visit Fama, by stang: Benedict XVI visited Portugal from the 11th Rosary. There is no problem, “tengo ganas de ir a Fáma (I want to go to to the 14th of May 2010, to mark the tenth Fama)”. And he had already said it as well, anniversary of the beaficaon of Francisco I tell you, no matter how in private, to the bishop of the diocese of and Jacinta Marto, passing in Lisbon, Fama difficult it is, that we cannot Leiria-Fama, in April 2015, that “if God gives and Porto. In 2017 will be the turn of [me] life and health” he would be in Cova da Francisco. As it was with Paul VI, he will resolve by the prayer of the Iria to celebrate the centennial of the concentrate his visit exclusively in Cova da apparions of Fama. Francis will be the Iria, where on the 13th of May the then Holy Rosary. fourth chief of the Catholic Church to visit patriarch-cardinal of Lisbon, bishop Jose – Sister Maria Lucía of Fatima Fama aer Paul VI (1967), John Paul II Policarpo, consecrated the ponficate of the (1982, 1991 and 2000) and Benedict XVI Argennian pope to the Virgin Mary. (2010). 23 100th anniversary of fatima parish pastoral council Indulgence Opportunities D uring the Centennial PPC Treasurer’s Report on The Fatima Prayers Anniversary the Uses of Funds for 2016 The prayers taught to Pope Francis has granted a plenary The Parish Pastoral Council spent a total the children at Fama indulgence opportunity for the 100th of PhP 5,751,622.14 on its various are simple in structure anniversary of the Fatima apparitions and profound in depth. throughout the centennial year, from the programs for 2016. Almost 70% of this To a world poor and 27th of November 2016 till the 26th of amount was allocated to Social and needy in faith and November 2017. There are three ways to Development Service programs which charity, these prayers obtain the indulgence, detailed in a include scholarships, feeding programs, stress ancient truths of our Holy Catholic statement from the Fatima Shrine in outreach to the elderly and prisoners, Church... especially Portugal. medical missions and livelihood concerning the Holy programs, and kasambahay recollection Eucharist and Mary, 1. Make a pilgrimage to the Shrine in Fatima, Portugal. To the faithful who activities. The PPC organizations the Immaculate responsible for execution are the: Mother of God. make a pilgrimage to the Fatima Shrine in Portugal and participate in a Catholic Women's League, Ladies of Pardon Prayer celebration of prayer dedicated to the Charity, Apostleship of Prayer, Buklod ng My God, I believe, I adore, I trust, and I Virgin. In addition, the faithful must Panginoon and Knights of Columbus. love thee! I beg pardon for those who pray the Our Father, recite the Creed do not believe, do not adore, do not and invoke the Mother of God. The Worship Ministry which includes the trust, and do not love thee. 2. Pray before any statue of Our Lady EMHCs, Lectors, Greeters and Collectors, The Angel’s Prayer of Fatima. To the faithful who visit Altar Servers and Choirs accounted for with devotion a statue of Our Lady of 8% of expenses for the on going training With the Blessed Sacrament suspended in the Fatima solemnly exposed for public and preparation of the various servers in air, the angel at Fatima prostrated himself, veneration in any church, oratory or and recited the prayer: the holy mass. This is followed by the proper place during the days of the O most Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Formation Ministry, which embarks on anniversary of the apparitions, the 13th Holy Spirit—I adore thee profoundly. I programs such as talks, recollections and offer thee the most Precious Body, of each month from May to October 2017, and there devoutly participate in bible studies. These and other Ministry Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus expenses are shown below: Christ—present in all the tabernacles some celebration or prayer in honor of of the world—in reparation for the the Virgin Mary. In addition, the faithful outrages, sacrileges, and indifference must pray the Our Father, recite the Social Services & Development Ministry by which He is offended. By the Creed and invoke Our Lady of Fatima. ‣ Catholic Women's League 790,872.52 ininite merits of the Sacred Heart of 3. The elderly and infirm. To the faithful ‣ Ladies of Charity 2,305,726.80 Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of who, because of age, illness or other ‣ Apostleship of Prayer 158,115.00 Mary, I beg the conversion of poor serious cause, are unable to get around, ‣ Buklod ng Panginoon 161,090.80 sinners. may pray in front of a statue of Our ‣ Knights of Columbus 547,200.00 Lady of Fatima and must spiritually Total SSD Ministry 3,963,005.12 Eucharistic Prayer unite themselves to the jubilee This prayer stresses that most beautiful truth celebrations on the days of the Formaon 430,845.81 —that the all-powerful, all-loving God is upon apparitions, the 13th of each month, BEC 59,548.00 the altar at every Catholic Mass. between May and October 2017. They Worship 449,122.50 Youth Ministry 260,236.25 Most Holy Trinity, I adore You! My must also “offer to merciful God with confidence, through Mary, their prayers Catechecal Ministry 8,410.00 God, my God, I love You in the Most and sufferings or the sacrifices they Public Affairs 16,383.00 Blessed Sacrament. make in their own lives.” Vocaon 49,730.00 Sacriice Prayer To obtain the plenary indulgence, the faithful Family & Life 101,828.20 Parish Pastoral Council 209,759.68 Our Lady taught the children a prayer to be must also fulfill the ordinary conditions: go said when they would have something to to Confession and Communion, be interiorly Media 33,344.98 offer up to God... such as some suffering, or an detached from sin, and pray for the Flores de Mayo 169,408.60 act contrary to what they wanted to do but intentions of the Holy Father. Other Ministries 1,788,617.02 which was necessary in order to please God. O my Jesus, it is for love of You, in Grand Total 5,751,622.14 reparation for the offenses committed Counting Down to May 13 The Shrine of Fama just For 2017, budgeted expenses was 15% against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, inaugurated the “mer of and for the conversion of poor the centennial”, which higher than 2016 expenses. It will be counts down to May 13, sinners. 2017, 100 years aer the noted that two new ministries, the one first apparion in Cova da for the Elderly and Mustard Seed had Decade Prayer Iria. The Timer of the Centennial, located in the been added. It is hoped that the Our Lady asked that the following prayer be north top side of the enthusiasm of the ministries as they plan inserted after each decade of the Rosary: Prayer Area of the Shrine of Fama, shows the days, O my Jesus, forgive us our sins; save us hours, minutes and for their 2017 activities can be matched seconds remaining unl by the funds raised by the Stewardship from the ires of hell; lead all souls the centennial of the first into Heaven, especially those who are apparion of Our Lady to Committee this 2017. in most need of thy mercy. the shepherds. 24 stewardship committee Stewardship Committee’s Fr. Lucas on ‘Our Parish: Haven 2016 Financial Report of the Wounded Heart’ The CTK Stewardship Committee God. We are His stewards, who will sponsored its irst Spirituality of take care of everything that He has The Stewardship Committee recently Stewardship talk series for 2017, with given us. released the 2016 inancial highlights Reverend Father Francis B. Lucas. Last covering the stewardship offerings and February 4. The talk was entitled Second, trust. Trust allows us to let go the share turned over to Christ the King’s “Parish: haven of the wounded Heart. of what is seemingly in our control and Parish Pastoral Council for its various Fr. Francis is currently the President to let God do what he is already doing pastoral projects. and CEO of the Catholic Media Network for us. Thus the saying “Let go and let and also executive secretary of the God”. The end result is peace of mind, brought about by acceptance. At the Total Stewardship offerings received in Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on same time, we must be trustworthy 2016 amounted to P9,490,607.00, Social Communications and Mass also. compared to P10,820,321 in 2015. Of Media. He was introduced by OLPH this, P5,400,000 was turned over to the Vicariate Stewardship Lead (and Third, gratitude. This is all about Parish Pastoral Council in regular former CTK Stewardship Committee appreciating the gifts we have been tranches as its share. The PPC used their given and thanking God for all the share for the various parish pastoral blessings. With programs (see separate Herald article on gratitude, we say “I am not trying to these expenses). seek what I don’t have. Rather, I P3,600,000 was turned over to the appreciate what I Diocese of Cubao as its share. This is already have.” With used to support the catechetical greed and envy on instructions in public elementary and the other hand, we high schools, continuous formation for would say “I want seminarians and priests, and helping the more, more, more.” poorer parishes in the Diocese. And fourth, love. As God loves us, we In addition to these two large allotments love God. It is the totaling P9M, there were donations with most basic speciied uses, such as the P62,000 requirement of a intended for San Jose Seminarians. Up to Christian. Fr. Francis March 2016, the Stewardship Committee also explained that still received offerings to cover 'Mission Charity and love are and Gifts', the 2015 program. the same thing; they head) Ben Famador. are interchangeable. We use them all Fr. Francis, a seasoned animated the time in theological context. But if P267,222 was spent on the Committee’s you’re going to move it into a spiritual regular promotional expenses. The speaker, began by deining spirituality. “It’s the sense of connecting to context, that means if you are going to Stewardship Committee started the year love, you are going to have to give of with a cash balance of P1,579,536 something bigger than ourselves, the sense of being alive and yourself. and ended 2016 with a cash balance of interconnected. And often it involves P1,432,772. the continuous struggle to ind It was unfortunate that Fr. Francis ran meaning in our life”, said the speaker. out of time to talk about the 2015 2016 To Catholics in particular, spirituality is generational differences, spirituality as Beginning balance, Jan 1 1,779,471.87 1,579,536.91 totally giving oneself to the Creator. it related to the family, and the parish Offerings Received 10,820,321.00 9,490,607.00 role as a ‘hospital’ for the spiritually Interest Earned & Receipts 19,168.54 56,350.84 Many parishioners think of wounded. Perhaps the Stewardship Committee would consider bringing Total Cash 12,618,961.41 11,126,494.75 stewardship as all about time, talent and treasure. But Fr. Francis clariied him back for the continuation of his Disbursements: that underneath them are the four talk? widely-accepted core stewardship Share CTK Pastoral 5,400,000.00 5,400,000.00 values. Share Cubao Diocese 3,600,000.00 3,600,000.00 Received for Mission & Gifts 1,650,000.00 364,500.00 Received for Seminarians 11,500.00 62,000.00 First, identity, that is, man is made by Received for Other Purposes 23,000.00 and for God, in His image and likeness. Promotional Expenses 354,924.50 267,222.15 Fr. Francis said that the implication is profound - If I am not my own, then all Total Disbursed 11,039,424.50 9,693,722.15 the things that I “own,” and all that I Ending Balance, Dec 31 1,579,536.91 1,432,772.60 have are not mine either. They are lent to me by God; they are given to me by 25 stewardship committee

Leadership Transition: Meet Benjie and Wins Mirasol Couple Benjie and Wins Mirasol formally those programs which have yielded and community development project for took over the reins of the CTK positive results and possibly introduce the Cubao diocese parish workers. The Stewardship Committee as they presided further enhancements to them for couple has also been part of the over the February 4 monthly increased effectiveness. Stewardship Committee since its Stewardship Committee meeting, held at founding in 2005. They have also helped the convent conference room. These include the quarterly Spirituality the Family and Life Ministry in the of Stewardship talks for parishioners, the conduct of the pre-cana Marriage At the meeting, Benjie and Wins Stewardship promoters meetings, Vocation Programs (MVP) and the reviewed with the group the major 2017 Sunday mass promotion of Stewardship Kasalan ng Bayan. plans and programs of Stewardship through First Fruits Sunday, and discussed in the PPC planning meeting stewardship petition in the Prayers of Benjie and Wins have been active last year and the status of the Faithful. In addition to these members of Couples for Christ (CFC) implementation of these programs. Upon programs, new initiatives were discussed since 1998 serving the CTK Chapter in review of results of past programs, and will be reviewed in the next monthly various capacities. Benjie currently priorities were set for continuation of meetings. The aim is to increase serves as one of the founding directors those programs which have yielded awareness of the evangelization for CFC’s “Build My Church” program positive results and possibly introduce components of the stewardship program which assists various parishes construct further enhancements to them for even beyond CTK’s regular mass patrons and rehabilitate chapels throughout the and offerors. country.

Benjie has long been Benjie continues to associated, since Msgr. Mora’s teach at the Ateneo time, as the head of CTK’s School of Music Ministry, scheduling the Management while various choirs, musicians and Wins had just recently retired singers for the ten weekend after 35 years in masses and the 17 daily IBM Philippines and masses (three masses daily now does volunteer Aside from CFC, GK Monday to Saturday) on top of work as a director CTK, Pabahay ng Diocese, Music novenas and other special for the Pasig-Ministry, MVP, etc., Pateros chapter of Benjie and Wins also celebrations. He is also do ‘apostolic’ work currently project director for the Philippine Red with grandkid Kiara Pabahay ng Diocese, a housing Cross. Interviewing the Mirasols re Stewardship in the CTK Parish Q: First, what is the vision for parishioners who have responded regular basis their me and talent to Stewardship in the parish? posively to the treasure poron of promote Stewardship, as a commiee A: The vision is that every CTK parishioner stewardship but it connues to remain a m e m b e r o r a s a S t e w a r d s h i p discerns how best he or she can give back challenge for us in the commiee to get promoter. Please contact us if you have the to the Lord for the blessings received, these regular donors to commit their other calling. whether in parish work, giving of his me, stewardship porons - their me, their talent and treasure, or beyond the church talent - towards the needs of the parish Q: How do you intend to come up with and the community. For those who do wish new Stewardship initiatives for 2017 boundaries and praccing stewardship in and beyond? the home, family, workplace and in all to give beyond treasure, we will match areas of the steward's influence. their interests and talents to the needs and A: We connually pray for guidance from opportunies idenfied by the CTK the Holy Spirit in planning and Q: And how do you assess the ministries and organizaons. implemenng stewardship programs while ‘Stewardship As a Way of Life’ Q: How is the Stewardship Committee geng inspiraon also from the work done program in CTK? currently staffed? Are you open to by many other parishes both here and A: The Stewardship program in Christ the accepting interested parishioners into abroad. We also plan to tap others outside King has grown steadily during the past 10 the Committee? the parish and diocese. For the March years of its existence and has been monthly meeng, for example, the A: Current staffing of the CTK Stewardship Commiee has invited the execuve recognized in the diocese for its decent Commiee remains small but appropriate growth and acve contribuons to the director of the Socio-Pastoral Instute, Mr. for implementaon of its current plans and Jose Clemente, to help the team diocesan plans and programs. At this point, programs. At the moment, we are in the we have to conclude that our work of discern new approaches to promong Stewardship awareness and commitment midst of discussing new iniaves apart stewardship in the community. remains a work-in-progress as we have from the connuaon of old programs that learned that each parish is quite unique in have become fixtures in our annual plans. Q: And lastly, what drives you to take For these new iniaves if we decide to on this new responsibility? its response to its call. pursue, new talents will be required and therefore necessarily new members will be A: We’re simply mindful that God has Q: What’s needed to get to the next recruited. On a long-term basis, the blessed us as a couple with some talents level? recruitment of new members into the core and resources to use in His service and it is A: We need to expand the program offeror group is a vital component in insuring but right that we stretch ourselves to be base to more parishioners sharing their stewardship program connuity and worthy to be given these gis. As have all me, talent and treasure, in the parish and growth in CTK. The commiee is open to the people currently acve in the parish’s beyond. Also, we are grateful to the many all those interested to contribute on a various ministries and organizaons. 26 stewardship committee sunrise ministry Meet the Other M e m b e r s o f t h e Doy & Estrelle Lopez Answer the Call Stewardship for Ministry to Care for the Elderly Committee Angel Viloria was recruited into the CTK parish priest Father Bong Tupino First things irst, the Lopez couple committee by Nick and Mila Pena, who had always argued that CTK parish proposed a new name, the Sunrise irst led the Stewardship Committee. does a decent job of ministering to the Ministry, the rationale being that pre-school children through the senior years are often referred to as Angel is the author of the book ‘Live to Mustard Seed Ministry, to the youth sunset or twilight years, a negative Give’, a little handy booklet that is given to promote stewardship in the parish, through the Youth Ministry and PREX term. Hence, they’ve lipped this on its and ‘Mom's a Stewardess - Stories of Youth, to the families and married head and have decided to call their Stewardship’, published by Claretian couples through the Family & Life ministry ‘Sunrise’. Publications. Her book won the Best Ministry, but there continues to be a Book in Family Life award at the 2009 void as far as ministering to the elderly After discussions with the Ladies of Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards. is concerned. The parish currently has Charity regarding possible physical Angel has more than 25 years of work a few activities that involve senior exercise programs, interviewing experience in the academe and in credit citizens, e.g., EMHC’s giving resident Bishop Raul Martirez, himself rating. She is currently connected with communion at the homes of the a super senior at 79 years old, checking PhilRatings as VP and Head, Credit bedridden in the villages; Ladies of with potential counselors regarding Rating. Charity providing medicines to a lectures on the topic of ‘after midlife’, Candy Florcruz, Committee Secretary, couple of dozen super senior ladies in and making preliminary contact with is an accountant by profession. She is the Libis community; ditto with the an art café, Doy and Estrelle have currently retired after more than 25 occasional healing visits initiated by begun to think of the broad brush years in the banking sector. the Healing Ministry. But the sense is strokes for the ministry, which would that there is still no concerted effort to include, but not be limited to: physical Alex Quizon, Treasurer, has been with the Stewardship program since its address the spiritual, formational, activities such as daily ‘dancercise’, launch in 2005. Alex comes from the educational, emotional, physical and potentially in coordination with the banking sector and since retirement, he communal needs of the elderly in Ladies of Charity; creative endeavors and his wife Carol, have been active in Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows, such as painting sessions and ikebana various organizations in the parish. whether they live in the gated villages lower arranging; formation seminars Jing & Girlie Alampay have served in or in the Libis sitios. related to the spirituality of after different capacities also in the parish midlife years; and fellowship activities, So in late 2016, Fr. Bong appointed Doy such as volunteer work to help the and the couple are currently in charge and Estrelle Lopez, who had just of Public Relations in the PPC. Jing is youth, youth helping the elderly with currently Chairman of Digiscript stepped down as long-running head technology and apps, and regular home Philippines, Inc. whose services include couple for the Family and Life Ministry, visits to those who can’t or won’t leave High Deinition Laser Scanning, Digital to take on the challenge of formally their homes. Heritage Preservation, Pointcloud setting up to minister to the elderly in Processing Solutions, Creative Digital the community. The Lopezes had taken But the Lopezes admit that it’s early Media, As-Built Solutions & Consulting. time off during the irst quarter 2017 beginnings, for example, they haven’t Jing and Girlie and their children have to take a long-needed vacation and yet talked to the Youth Ministry on been active supporters of the CTK PREx have recently come back to share their their youth-related directions. But and PREx Youth program. irst thoughts. what they’ve clearly put in stone is a planning workshop set for March 11 Lino Cortes (not in the picture), First things irst, the Lopez couple and 12 that should result in very Auditor, is the newest member of the speciic plans and projects for 2017. Committee, taking over from Fortune They’ve also tapped other seniors to Cruz, who had recently "retired" from work with them in the new ministry. his role in the stewardship program. Speciically, they’ve tapped Jorge and Lino and his wife are active parish Baby Banal as associate head couple in workers in their village Sunday masses charge of external affairs; Manolo and as lay minister and lector-commentator. Linda Dayrit also as associate head couple. They also brought on board as core group members several Marriage Vocation Program stalwarts, such as Dan and Vinchu Lapid, Louie and Nell Laudico, Benjie and Wins Mirasol, Spanky and Dolly Perez, Nap and Flor Cabello, and Charito Barredo.

Let’s wish the new ministry success as they plan out their directions for 2017.

27 MUSIC MINISTRY Editor's note: In previous issues, we featured the Hangad Music Ministry, the AP-LOC Choir, and Coro Amadeo. In this issue, we feature two more outstanding CTK choirs. Meet the CTK Choirs: Chorus Paulinus

Chorus Paulinus was established in connected with the Archdiocese of San February 10, 1992 at the St. Paul Parish, Francisco, USA. Timog Avenue, Quezon City, from where its original name was derived. ChoPa, as it is For more than 24 years, the choir has fondly called, is well known for its acapella- evolved into a performing music group style, a blending of voices that creates an with a passion for excellence in singing. impeccable sound reflecve of its high ChoPa’s most notable accomplishments choral standards. The group was founded include: by Fr. Arnold Zamora, a singer, composer, ‣ Album releases – Blessed be God, A arranger, conductor and a resident Capella in 1999; Joy of Christmas in 1999, member of the Philippine Madrigal Singers. released in the USA, and Chorus Paulinus Aer, in November 2002 at the Philamlife He also founded the Singing Priests of in San Luis Obispo, 2001, released in the Theater, Manila; Christmas Carolling at Tagbilaran. Today, Fr. Arnold remains the USA, Rockwell, Power Plant; Sperare in October 2015 at the Parish of the Hearts of Jesus & ‣Choral compeon Mary, West Triangle; and St. Therese’s awards – Best Mixed Story of the Soul in November 2015 at the C h o i r a t t h e Clark County Library Performing Arts Concurso Coral de Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Ateneo in 1999; Grand Prize Winner at the UP Los Banos Since its incepon, ChoPa regards itself, Choral Compeon first and foremost, as a church choir and its in 1999, and 1st mission is simply to spread the word of Runner-up at the 1st God through music. Currently headed by Wedding Expo the highly experienced and vocally gied Philippines Choir Compeon in 2003, musical director, Fred de Santos, Chopa regularly serves at the Parish of the Hearts ‣Local and of Jesus and Mary, West Triangle, Christ internaonal the King Parish, Greenmeadows, concerts and singing Corinthian Gardens Clubhouse, Quezon engagements: City, and also at the Chapel of the ChoPa @ 9, USA Tour; Chorus E u c h a r i s c L o r d , S M M e ga m a l l , Paulinus…Ten Years Mandaluyong, Metro Manila. Meet the CTK Choirs: Novo Concertante Manila Novo Concertante Manila is a chamber composions of European masters such as Szymanski Choral Fesval in Murowana choir from Quezon City, Philippines. It was Palestrina, Gesualdo, Monteverdi, Brahms, Goślina, Poland (2014), Strings of Unity in originally formed as a recital choir, and it Mendelssohn, and many others, the Novo Yilan, Taiwan (2014), Glorificamus Te in connues to reinvent itself as it develops Concertante Manila sings interesng folk, Manila, Philippines (2014), the Chinese into one of the Philippines’ most popular and contemporary songs from Choral Music Fesval in Kuala Lumpur outstanding choirs. The choir has been around the world, highlighng music (2010), the 1st Manila Choral Fesval honored with the “Ani ng Dangal” award by wrien by Filipino composers and (2007), the 2nd Internaonal Silent Film the Naonal Commission for Culture and arrangers, such as Francisco Feliciano, Fesval (2008), the Jubilate Choral Fesval the Arts in 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2015, in Lucio San Pedro, Ramon Santos, Ruben in Singapore (2004), the Mundawit, “Madz recognion of Novo’s achievements in Federizon and Eudenice Palaruan. The internaonal choral compeons. choir has premiered many works of its resident composers and arrangers: Ralph Hoffmann, Jay-el V i t e ñ o , J o s h u a Cadelina, and Tinnah de la Rosa, among others.

The choir has performed in numerous Internaonal and local et al” and “A Merry Novo Christmas” choral fesvals such as Choral Fesvals. It was ranked no. 4 in the t h e X I I F e s v a l Top 1000 mixed choirs of the world by the Internazionale Musica Mundi and Interkultur, Germany in Seghizzinregione in 2015. The choir’s repertoire covers music from Udine, Italy (2014), 50th Organ and Choral the Renaissance period to the 21st century, Fesval in Kamien Pomorski, Poland (2014), The Novo Concertante Manila sings at the showcasing the various possibilies of the the 7th Organ Fesval in Szczecin, Poland Christ the King Church in Green Meadows, human voice. Aside from the classic choral (2014), and the 6th Internaonal Edmund Quezon City. 28