THE HERALD Newsletter of Christ the King Parish Greenmeadows Avenue, Quezon City (Diocese of Cubao, ) april-June 2017

CTK Celebrates and Roses Fatima Centennial for Flores de Mayo What’s Inside Pilgrimage to Fatima Shrine & Candlelight CTK’s Flores de Mayo season kicked off last May 1 with daily Flores de Mayo Front Page ...... masses. Lay organizations, PPC 1 CTK Celebrates Fama Centennial ministries, and villages had been tapped 1 Rosaries and Roses for Flores de Mayo to sponsor one of the 31 daily afternoon 1 CTK Quiz Team Cops First Place masses. The May 1 mass also included the incensation of the image of the Message ...... Blessed Virgin Mary. 2 From Our Parish Priest Stewardship ...... 3 Year of the Poor: Fishing Boats Turnover This May 13 marks the 100th year 4 Clemente: Stewardship as Engine of BECs anniversary, or centennial, of the irst of several Apparitions of Our Lady of Ladies of Charity ...... 5 Livelihood Course 1: Home Care Provider Fatima, in Fatima, Portugal. In May 1917, 5 Livelihood Course 2: Housekeeping in the midst of World War I, Pope 6 Rice Distribuon at Krus na Ligas Benedict XV, after repeated but forlorn appeals for world peace, made a direct Worship Ministry ...... appeal to Mary to intercede for peace in 7 Basic Orientaon for New Altar Servers the world. The response was Mary’s irst 26 Second LeComs General Assembly appearance at Fatima just a week later, Offering of red and white roses to the on May 13, to the three shepherd Virgin Mary for the entire month of May Parish Pastoral Council ...... children - Lucia dos Santos, Francisco 8 PPC Offers ‘Coffee Aer Church’ Marto, and Jacinto Marto. The Formaon Ministry ...... appearances would continue every 13th 8 Start of 19th Annotaon Parish Retreat of the month until October 13th. continued on page 25 Lenten & Easter News ...... 9 Way of the Cross in the Villages 10 Kumpisalang Bayan CTK Bible Quiz Team 11 Bp Raul Marrez Leads EMHC Recollecon 12 CTK Organizes Laguna Churches Pilgrimage Cops First Place in 15 ‘Kordero ng Diyos’ Play Staged at CTK Vicariate Bible Quiz 16 Palm Sunday at Christ the King 19 CTK Celebrates 24 Hours For the Lord Contest These were all held at 5:20 pm at the 17 Holy Week & Easter Triduum Acvies Chapel, except for May 1 itself and 20 Lenten Recollecon for Drivers & Househelp the weekend masses which were at 22 Easter Pilgrimage to Eastern Europe the Main Church. Exceptions to the St. Ignaus & Buklod ng Panginoon 5:20 pm start time were Sundays 20 St. Ignaus Renovates Chapel (since there’s the 5 pm mass) and 23 Pilgrimage to Pampanga Churches for BnP First Friday (May 5, with the Holy Hour of Adoration at 5 pm) when it Catechecal Ministry ...... starts at 4:20 pm. The evenings 24 Month-long Catechism Classes for Libis Kids We congratulate Christ the King Parish’s started off with praying the Chaplet Fama Centennial ...... Bible Quiz team, composed of Trix to the Divine Mercy, followed by the 25 Pilgrimage to Fama Shrine & Procession Delena, Peter Banico, and Sheryl Coronel Holy , then lower offering of 26 Marian Talk by Bp Raul on Fama Apparions for garnering irst place in our Lady of long-stemmed roses, and, inally, Family and Life Ministry ...... Perpetual Help Vicariate (which has mass at 6 pm. seven parishes) quiz contest held last 27 Marriage Vocaon Program Quarter II 2017 May 6. 28 Mothers’ Day Blessings on Mothers Day The trio will be representing the OLHP Youth Ministry ...... 21 Easter Egg Hunt for CTK’s Tiny Tots Vicariate, together with 2nd placer 28 2017 PREX Youth Weekend Batch 23 Transiguration Parish, at the Cubao Diocese level bible quiz competition, to Ditas Tuazon, left, and Ellen Manansala, be held on July 22. right, doing rosary and chaplet duties May 6 Message From Our Parish Priest JUBILEE OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA

Last May 13, 2017 Pope Francis anchor, let us ix our hope on that humanity, seated in heaven was in Fatima, Portugal to lead the at the right hand of the Father (cf. Eph 2:6). May this hope celebration of the 100th guide our lives! It is a hope that sustains us always, to our Anniversary of the apparitions of dying breath. Our Blessed Mother Mary in Fatima to three shepherd children, Conirmed in this hope, we have gathered here to give thanks Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. He for the countless graces bestowed over these past hundred presided the Mass and the Rites of years. All of them passed beneath the mantle of light that Canonization of Blesseds Francisco Our Lady has spread over the four corners of the earth, and Jacinta Marto, cousins of Lucia beginning with this land of Portugal, so rich in hope. We can dos Santos who is also on the way take as our examples Saint Francisco and Saint Jacinta, to sainthood. Coming to Fatima, whom the Virgin Mary introduced into the immense ocean of Pope Francis calls himself as a God’s light and taught to adore him. That was the source of pilgrim of peace and hope and calls Fr. Bong Tupino III their strength in overcoming opposition and suffering. God’s all to pray for the world as the presence became constant in their lives, as is evident from Blessed Mother has asked the three children. In this edition their insistent prayers for sinners and their desire to remain of The Herald I share with you Pope Francis' homily for the ever near “the hidden Jesus” in the tabernacle. Feast of Our Lady of Fatima and Canonization of Blessed Francisco and Blessed Jacinta: In her Memoirs (III, 6), Sister Lucia quotes Jacinta who had just been granted a vision: “Do you not see all those streets, “[There] appeared in heaven a woman clothed with the sun”. all those paths and ields full of people crying out for food, So the seer of Patmos tells us in the Book of Revelation yet have nothing to eat? And the Holy Father in a church, (12:1), adding that she was about to give birth to a son. praying before the ? And all those Then, in the Gospel, we hear Jesus say to his disciple, “Here is people praying with him?” Thank you, brothers and sisters, your mother” (Jn 19:27). We have a Mother! “So beautiful a for being here with me! I could not fail to come here to Lady”, as the seers of Fatima said to one another as they venerate the Virgin Mary and to entrust to her all her sons returned home on that blessed day of 13 March a hundred and daughters. Under her mantle they are not lost; from her years ago. That evening, Jacinta could not restrain herself embrace will come the hope and the peace that they require, and told the secret to her mother: “Today I saw Our Lady”. and that I implore for all my brothers and sisters in baptism They had seen the Mother of Heaven. Many others sought to and in our human family, especially the sick and the disabled, share that vision, but… they did not see her. The Virgin prisoners and the unemployed, the poor and the abandoned. Mother did not come here so that we could see her. We will Dear brothers and sisters, let us pray to God with the hope have all eternity for that, provided, of course, that we go to that others will hear us; and let us speak to others with the heaven. certainty that God will help us. Our Lady foretold, and warned us about, a way of life that is godless and indeed profanes God in his creatures. Such a life Indeed, God created us to be a source of hope for others, a – frequently proposed and imposed – risks leading to hell. true and attainable hope, in accordance with each person’s Mary came to remind us that God’s light dwells within us and state of life. In “asking” and “demanding” of each of us the protects us, for, as we heard in the irst reading, “the child [of fulillment of the duties of our proper state (Letters of Sister the woman] was snatched away and taken to God” (Rev Lucia, 28 February 1943), God effects a general mobilization 12:5). In Lucia’s account, the three chosen children found against the indifference that chills the heart and worsens our themselves surrounded by God’s light as it radiated from Our myopia. We do not want to be a stillborn hope! Life can Lady. She enveloped them in the mantle of Light that God survive only because of the generosity of other lives. “Unless had given her. According to the belief and experience of a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a many pilgrims, if not of all, Fatima is more than anything this single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (Jn 12:24). mantle of Light that protects us, here as in almost no other The Lord, who always goes before us, said this and did this. place on earth. We need but take refuge under the protection Whenever we experience the cross, he has already of the Virgin Mary and to ask her, as the experienced it before us. We do not mount the cross to ind teaches: “show unto us… Jesus”. Jesus. Instead it was he who, in his self-abasement, descended even to the cross, in order to ind us, to dispel the Dear pilgrims, we have a Mother. Clinging to her like darkness of evil within us, and to bring us back to the light. children, we live in the hope that rests on Jesus. As we heard in the second reading, “those who receive the abundance of With Mary’s protection, may we be for our world sentinels of the grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise the dawn, contemplating the true face of Jesus the Saviour, dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ” (Rom resplendent at Easter. Thus may we rediscover the young 5:17). When Jesus ascended to heaven, he brought to the and beautiful face of the Church, which shines forth when Heavenly Father our humanity, which he assumed in the she is missionary, welcoming, free, faithful, poor in means womb of the Virgin Mary and will never forsake. Like an and rich in love.

2 STEWARDSHIP CTK Turns Over 14 Fishing Boats for Pawa, Capiz Fisherfolk via San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Last March 2, 2017, in a simple turnover Tolentino Parish as the beneiciary. program at the Parish Church of San Nicolas de Tolentino in barangay Pawa in The Parish of San Nicolas de Tolentino is Panay, Capiz, the Christ the King parish located in Barangay Pawa, Panay, Capiz, a representatives - Henry Tañedo and small coastal community of around 50 Peter Banico of EMHC, and Ben and isher families dependent on ishing for Linda Famador of the Stewardship its primary livelihood. Helping the Committee - with parish priest Fr. Jocel isherfolks acquire their own ishing Fara-on as witness, formally gave away boats would dramatically increase the 14 iberglass boats with outboard chances of a successful livelihood motors to 14 lucky Pawa isher families. program for their families. CTK entrusted Father Jocel to identify 20 local isher families as the Above, new motors unboxed. Below, fishing irst beneiciaries of ishing boats are ready for launch. boats. As a further screen, those identiied would have to be church-going.

A further background check however revealed that some individuals had undesirable behaviors and habits, e.g., drinking, gambling, etc. so In 2015, to celebrate the Year of the Poor the list was whittled down and Christ the King Parish’s 10th to 15. There was one withdrawal so only Anniversary of being a Stewardship 14 boats were turned over. Parish, Christ the King Parish embarked them not to use the boat for illegal o n a v e r y a m b i t i o u s p r o g r a m Peter Banico shared his insights. “Each of activities, speciically on dynamite ‘Stewardship: Mission and Gift: Reaching us had a chance to address the ishing or cyanide ishing. As this was a beneiciaries and their families. Each talk gift from CTK parishioners, they were focused on the subject of God’s gifts and not allowed to sell or pawn off the boats how it should be used. We reminded or motors. We expected that each one of them would be an active parishioner of San Nicolas de Tolentino. And as a way of giving back, they were expected to donate to a fund that Fr. Joel would oversee which would be dipped into for emergency fuel, unscheduled Fr. Jocel blesses the boats before turnover maintenance, boat replacement, or acquisition of additional boats for newer families. At that point, Father Jocel emphasized that the isher families should approach the parish irst whenever they were in need, instead of going to money lenders who charged exorbitant rates.” Father Jocel started the turnover ceremony with a prayer and blessing of the bancas and their 5.6 hp motors. All out in the Year of the Poor’. The program boats had markings painted across them included 10 outreach projects for the Above, Linda Famador administering the “Stewardship: A Way of Life” on the drawing of lots. Below, Peter Banico and poor based on the Catholic Teaching on Henry Tanedo do the ceremonial turnover. front-side of the boat and “Christ the the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy. King Parish, Greenmeadows, Quezon City” on the back-side. Each boat and Each outreach project was managed by motor were numbered from 1 to 15. To an organization designated by the Parish ensure fairness, beneiciaries drew lots Pastoral Council. The Eucharistic to determine which boat and motor they Ministers of Holy Communion, or EMHC, received (one to 15), with the drawing of then headed by Henry Tañedo, was lots presided over by Ben & Linda tasked to oversee the outreach project Famador. The physical turnover of each for the Fisherfolk, with barangay Pawa, boat and motor was handled in turn by represented by the San Nicolas de Henry and Peter. 3 STEWARDSHIP Stewardship Committee Sponsors Spirituality of Stewardship Talk re BECs ‘Using Stewardship as Building responsible for each other, and share Blocks for BEC’ was the topic of the spiritual and material concerns aside ABOUT THE SPEAKER Stewardship Talk by Joey Clemente of from the Word of God and the the Socio-Pastoral Institute last Eucharist. Jose Luis Clemente is the Execuve March 11 at the Parish Pastoral Director of the Socio-Pastoral Council meeting, as part of the He discussed the vision of the Instute, or SPI. Founded in 1980 by a continuing orientation for CTK’s PPC ‘Renewed Church’ in the Philippines, on matters related to BECs and the which is, a church of the poor. This small group of priests and religious theme of ‘Parish as Communion of vision is being driven effectively by who shared a common vision of social Communities’. the movement to foster Basic jusce and transformaon, SPI is a Ecclesial Communities, or BECS. faith-based NGO in the Philippines that works with Catholic communies Clemente took pains to differentiate and local churches, NGOs, and mul- between spirituality, that is, what we faith groups to promote total human feel inside us, vs. religiosity, or what development through a socio-pastoral we show and do. To him, and to SPI, formaon program that includes the ‘Spirituality of Stewardship’ is spirituality, community organizing, about being grateful for the blessings and social change. received, feeling responsible for fellow brethren, and being generous SPI’s board members have included with our time, talents, and treasure. He quoted Cardinal Orlando Beltran Brother Armin Luistro, former DEPED Quevedo, archbishop of Cotabato and secretary, Bishop Broderick Pabillo DD, newly-ordained cardinal, who said, Sr. Maluz Mijarez OSA, and Fr. Amado ‘the spirituality of discipleship and Picardal, a BES stalwart who we stewardship is the engine or soul of featured in the last issue of the CTK the BEC’. Herald. In the past, Clemente worked as a director, producer, and Clemente then spent a bit more time cameraman with Alternave Horizons talking about the ‘Church of the Poor’ and Asia Visions, non-mainstream and how we could individually and alternave media organizaons that collectively push forward the vision document and advance people’s of the new church of Christ. He Joey Clemente began his talk by iniaves for polical reform and talking through the deinition of emphasized that the various BECs, which echoed Fr. Amado stewardship programs should good governance. Picardal’s deinition which in itself include the active and creative echoed the PCP deinition - small participation of the poor if we are to Towards this vision, SPI today gatherings of Christians ministered move closer to the realization of PCP promotes the Spirituality of to regularly by local lay leaders. II’s vision of the Philippine Church as Stewardship and the building of Members know each other by name, a “community of disciples, a Church disaster-resilient communies to local feel that they belong and are of the Poor.” churches, various NGOs and renewal movements, and other faith groups. Hence, much of its socio-pastoral work and community-building focus is with poor communies in the southern Philippines, e.g., Zamboanga, Cotabato, etc. The various health campaigns, adult educaon, feeding programs, women’s programs, interfaith work, etc. are framed as elements of the stewardship mission.

SPI regularly works with the poorest local Catholic parishes and dioceses to help them become stewardship churches, which is oen a challenge since most Catholics in far-flung sites hold fast to a faith muddled by pagan folklore, historical supersons, and magic-supernatural.

4 SOCIAL SERVICES & DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY: LOC 32 Ladies of Charity Graduates Get This Time It’s Diplomas f or Home Care Provider Livelihood Course Housekeeping March 31 saw 32 livelihood scholars- Last April 4, hot on the heels of the Home graduates of Ladies of Charity-CTK Care Provider livelihood training that Chapter (LOC) formally receive their ended just the week before, the Ladies of diplomas in the Home Care Provider Charity - CTK Chapter, started another course. livelihood project, this time in barangays Masagana and Matandang Balara in The 32 livelihood trainees came from Project 4. With the blessing of Fr. Bong two barangays of Project 4, namely, Tupino, LOC launched its Housekeeping Tagumpay and Dioquino Zobel. Project 4 livelihood course that would last from also includes the Escopa barangays, Blue Above right, Dr. Mia Ramos, lead trainer of April 4 till June 29. As with the previous the livelihood course, with two of the Ridge, Bagumbuhay, Bayanihan, Marilag, Dioquino Zobel kagawads. Below, Gilda livelihood course, this Housekeeping Masagana, Milagrosa, and Maria Clara. Pimentel of the QC Dept. of Social Service course is scheduled Tuesdays to Fridays, Department of Ms. Tonette Arizabal, LOC treasurer and Social Service, gave also acting chairman of LOC’s Livelihood the inspirational talk to the new graduates. In her talk, she committed to arranging on-the- job training (OJT) and preparing them to take the national certiication NC2 given by TESDA. That certiication would allow the graduates to be employed and work abroad. Above, LOC Treasurer and Livelihood Committee in-charge Tonette Arizabal; below, LOC VP Diana Gozum Fr. Bong Tupino graced the event and Committee, opened the event. LOC vice congratulated the graduates, at the same president Diana Gozum spoke on behalf time challenging them to take full of LOC, since president Fe Pery was advantage of the opportunity that had indisposed. Tonette also acknowledged been given to them. After giving out the the contribution of Dr. Mia Ramos of diplomas, snacks and refreshments 8 am to 12 nn. Ladies of Charity project Quezon City’s Department of Social followed. chairman is Teri Floro, assisted by Beth Service who actually conducted the Monedero. Advisers are Tonette Arizabal The three-month course, Home Care training. Among the VIPs were several and Deng Cordero Tan. They coordinated Provider, consisted of: vital signs ‘kagawads’ from both Tagumpay and with barangay captain Juliet L. Ginete. Dioquino Zobel. monitoring, health care servicing, basic And as usual, LOC asked TESDA for nursing, and home care provisioning. It trainer assistance, in the person of Ms. Gilda Pimentel, Chief of the started in January 2017 and ended in Geraldine Garrac. Manpower Development Ofice in QC’s late March. Sessions were half days from Tuesdays to Fridays, 20 girls and 4 boys have signed up for for a total of nearly 200 the course. If the past is an indicator, training hours. most of the 24 will ind jobs, some of them leaving for abroad, since TESDA LOC provided free certiication is valid for work abroad uniforms and starter requirements. k i t s , a s i d e f r o m providing the training Aside from senior home care and for free. The trainer Dr. housekeeping, past courses had included Ramos was given a - food & beverage, bread & pastry Above, Fr. Bong Tupino addressing the graduates. Below, posing with token honorarium. making, electrical installation, massage, LOC officers, L to R, Lulu Martinez, Beth Monedero, Josie Mallari, The Ladies of Charity Diana Gozum, Tonette Arizabal, and Mila Bangco. On the floor, soap making, cosmetology, and bar rightmost, LOC coordinator Maritess Turingan. is the tending. implementation arm for CTK’s Social Services Development Ministry, tasked with organizing livelihood projects and funded from t he Pa rish Pastoral Council budget. Participants of the TESDA Housekeeping course 5 SOCIAL SERVICES & DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY: LOC Ladies of Charity Distribute Rice at Krus na Ligas

Last April 25, 2017, the Ladies of Charity At Holy Cross Parish, the Ladies of went ahead with their quarterly rice Charity members distributed on behalf distribution, this time at Holy Cross of Christ the King Parish 400 packs of Parish in the historic Krus na Ligas ive-kilo premium rice to each of the district of Diliman. This follows the last families selected by the local PPC group quarter’s January rice distribution at San created by Fr. Marvin and tasked with Isidro Labrador Parish. It’s also the selecting the poorest of the poor who second time the Ladies of Charity deserved the rice donations. Most of the distributed rice in Krus na Ligas - the recipients were heard to say, ‘Malaking irst time was approximately the same bagay as amin ito’. This sentiment was time last year, although Fr. Marvin echoed by Fr. Marvin who exclaimed, ‘I’m Pajarillaga, Holy Cross’ parish priest, had very grateful to the Ladies of Charity.’ been pleading for an even more frequent visitation. Present at the rice distribution were LOCs Fe Pery, president; Jessie Fajardo; Rice distribution as a Ladies of Charity Malu Cataldi; Emy Ti; Dolor Enriquez; project has been ongoing since 2015. Narching Malatuba; Eden dela Cruz; Recipients had included Libis, Eileen de Leon; Tessie Saulog; Terry Bagumbayan, Lady of Miraculous Medal Floro; and Beth Monedero. Fr. Marvin parish in Project 4, Lady of Perpetual started with praying the Our Father. Help in Cubao, Sta. Rita de Cascia, Parish Krus Na Ligas once served as a shelter of the Risen Lord, and San Isidro for Philippine hero Andres Bonifacio who Labrador parish, all part of the Cubao sought refuge from the 1896 Balintawak diocese. In fact, Fr. Arvi Bello of San mayhem. With Balara, it eventually Isidro Labrador parish has been the most became the Katipunan headquarters. frequent parish recipient with three Krus Na Ligas thus became a site of visits. struggle towards national independence and freedom from colonial arrests. How In previous quarters, Ladies of Charity it got its name maybe ascribed to the would raise funds, approximately crossed-branch poison ivy or ligas tree P72,000 per distribution, to be able to that thrived in this chapel's location. purchase the rice but at the end of 2016 during the budget planning session, Fr. Bong agreed with the Social Services & Development Ministry and Ladies of Charity that the Lingap & Lolas program would be taken away as a PPC- subsidized project and in its place, Christ the King’s Parish Pastoral Council would begin to fund the rice distribution. When the program irst began, LOC distributed only 2 kilos each to only 100 families, which then increased to 250 families but this has nearly doubled to 400 families per quarterly distribution, and from only 2 kilos to 5 kilos. 6 WORSHIP MINISTRY: ALTAR SERVERS Basic Orientation Seminar for Altar Servers pm at St. John Hall C. Louie Laudico continues to discuss other relevant topics with the group, such as the New Roman Missal, Incensing Protocols and Procedures, etc. Other plans of the Altar Server Ministry include interaction with altar servers in the diocese, meet-and-greet boys of their age in minor seminaries, etc. Louie went through the following topics: March 4: ‣ Ideal Profile of Server at the Altar ‣ Altar Server’s Role in the Liturgy ‣ ‘Liturgical Time’ and ‘Liturgical Season’ ‣ Liturgical Seng & Colors The Basic Formation for New Altar well. This schedule parallels those for March 18: Servers was held over three Saturdays - EMHCs and Lectors & Commentators, ‣ Sacred Objects and Vestments March 4, March 18, and March 25 - from where new recruits attend their diocesan ‣ Parts of the Mass and Their Meaning 1 2 to 4:00 pm. Boys who had already formation session slightly ahead of the received their First Holy Communion renewal session for active or ongoing March 25 were qualiied to join. All sessions were participants. The young boys will then ‣ Parts of the Mass and Their Meaning 2 held at St. John Hall C. Louie Laudico, have their Commissioning Rite of the For teaching aid, Louie uses ‘The former PPC president and currently New Altar Servers on May 27, a Saturday. Sacrament of the Eucharist, Catechesis & Vocation Ministry and Altar Server At the Commissioning, all new altar Rite’ published by the Sons of Holy Mary Ministry in-charge, led all three sessions. servers receive a book on the Sacrament Immaculate, as well as ‘Serving at the of the Eucharist as well as a rosary. In Altar: A Manual for Altar Servers’ by Rev. Attending the Saturday sessions were: preparation, the boys’ parents have Fr. Jason Laguerta. Charles Caluste, Josito Gonzales, Johan accompanied their children to the Evangelista, Andre Angeles, Kristian recommended tailor to have their Canlas, Raymond Santos, Miguel sultanas made. Bermejo, and Jaime Cua. Raymond and Jaime study at Xavier, Charles studies at All altar servers meet as a group every PCSHS, and the rest study at Ateneo. second Saturday every other month at 2 Charles is in Grade 7, Kristian in Grade 6, Above left, Noel teaching Miguel and Charles how to walk and ring the bell at the same time. Raymond and Jaime in Grade 5, Josito in Above right, Noel teaching Andre finer points of positioning the chalice at the altar. Below from L, top row: Sacristan Mayor Noel Miro, Kristian Canlas, Charles Caluste, Miguel Bermeo and Grade 4, and Johan and Andre are in Louie Laudico. lower row, from L: Jaime Cua, Josito Gonzales, Raymond Santos, and Andre Angeles. Grade 3.

Having completed the basic formation part of the requirements, the boys then attended the Diocesan Formation for New Altar Servers, scheduled for April 28 whole day, from 7 am to 4 pm.

But from April 1 onwards, for two months, the new recruits will be asked to serve in actual Sunday masses, assisting other experienced altar servers. Senior altar servers Noel Miro, Jay Gascon and Menggoy Sasi have been providing practical training to the boys on the weekend of April 22 and 23 on how to walk and ring the bell properly, how to bring the chalice to the altar with reverence, helping the priest during the offertory procession, when to ring the bell, etc.

The Renewal for active altar servers will be held later, on May 10, 7 am to 4 pm as

7 PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL Parish Pastoral Council Offers ‘Coffee After Church’ Every Sunday after the 9 am mass at tent was donated by CTK regulars’ Christ the King Parish Church since husband and wife team of Abet and March 5, parishioners have been greeted Pinky Antonio. and treated with coffee and snacks in the front garden lawn. More recently, Fely and put up a white board under the tent for posting of The ‘Coffee After Church’ Program, a weekly activities, to show churchgoers brainchild of Parish Pastoral Council how active the parish is. They will also secretary couple David and Fely Ong, The second ‘Coffee After Church’, March 12, give out forms in the coming Sundays for continues to be supported by different sponsored by Greenwich Pizza churchgoers who might be interested in parishioners and groups. The irst time it was held, March 5, the treats were courtesy of Dunkin’ Donuts. Last March 12, pizza slices were courtesy of Greenwich pizza chain’s General Manager Albert Cuadrante, current head of the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, or EMHCs. The next week brought Red Ribbon. The most recent one last Palm Sunday, April 9, was courtesy of French Baker’s Johnlu Koa, a The April 9 ‘Coffee After Church’, sponsored by Johnlu Koa and French Baker

The very first ‘Coffee After Church’, March 5 joining any of the various ministries and mandated organizations.

The PPC oficers have urged the PPC members to sign up as volunteers for the coming Sundays, and the PPC members parishioner. In addition, other have responded enthusiastically. PPC parishioners had been bringing biscuits, regulars have included, aside from David crackers, turon, and other snacks, aside and Fely Ong and Bert and Marie Anne from the coffee and juices provided by Santos, Amelia Alba, Sheryl Coronel, the snack sponsor or the Ongs. The large Irene Robles, Paul Uy, Reggie Nolido, Loung Cuartero, Girlie Alampay, Maan del Rosario, Wins Mirasol, Margie San Juan, Ben and Linda Famador, Jeanette Cagurangan, Anna Lagman, Tiny Perfecto, Dulce Barretto, Eileen de Leon, and several others. The primary objectives of the ‘Coffee After Church’ are - for PPC members to get to know more of the regular parishioners and and get them engaged The April 2 ‘Coffee After Church’ in an atmosphere of fellowship and camaraderie; introduce the Parish Pastoral Council members to the 9 am mass parishioners; allow parishioners to get to know the other parishioners; and for PPC members to share past and upcoming parish activities, convince them to join a mandated organization or ministry, and encourage parishioners to give ideas, comments, criticisms, and continued on page 11 8 Way of the Cross in the Villages from March 7 to April 6

As part of its Lenten activities, Christ the St. Ignatius last March 23 Acropolis last March 9 King Parish held the Way of the Cross every Tuesdays and Thursdays at the different villages that make up the parish.

The schedule was as follows: March 7 at Greenmeadows 1; March 9 at Acropolis; March 16 at White Plains; March 21 at Corinthian Hills; March 23 at St. Ignatius; March 28 at Corinthian Gardens & Greenwich; March 30 at Arcadia; April 4 at Enclave, Ivory Court & GM 3; and April 6 at Libis. GreenMeadows 1 last March 7

Arcadia’s board of directors extended its thanks to all the families and staff who participated in the Inter Village Way of the Cross last March 30. Fr. Bong Tupino thanked village coordinators Fe Flores and Lita Sembrano and the other organizers for a wonderful community White Plains last March 16 gathering, made even more memorable since it was Arcadia’s irst time to complete the 14 stations. Fe Flores enthusiastically exclaimed, ‘We look forward to doing it again in the coming years.’ Arcadia last March 30

9 FORMATION MINISTRY 19th Annotation Parish Retreat Kumpisalang Bayan March 18 was the date for the 19th third week focuses on Jesus’ death, while The Holy Week penitential service and Annotation Parish Retreat, organized by the fourth week of the Spiritual Exercises confessions, or Kumpisalang Bayan, was Formation Ministry head Joey Galvez for dwells on his resurrection. The objective held over three full evenings, from April the CTK lectors and commentators, for is to recognize God’s goodness as it 10, Holy Monday, to April 12, Holy other ministries and organizations, as permeates through all creation - and to Wednesday. Following the 6 pm masses well as parishioners who got to read the express gratitude for this goodness. on Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday, announcements. The mini-retreat, also there was a short Penitential Rite with known as the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius had been a sinner but upon his Examination of Conscience. Then the Ignatius, was two hours long, from 10 am ‘conversion’, he became the embodiment of gratitude. So guided by the 19th assigned priests, numbering four on day to 12 nn. The retreat leader was Fr. 1 and six by day 3, took their positions in Bobby Buenconsejo SJ who talked on the annotation, we strive to give thanks - for all the things on earth that had been the two confessional boxes at the back of topic ‘Principle and Foundation’. The the church, at the front on both sides of intent is that this would the be the irst created for us; for a world created out of in a four-part retreat series. love; for the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The gratitude is best expressed by the prayer of the grateful heart: Take Lord and receive all I have and possess You have given all to me; To you, Lord , I return it. Everything is yours; Do with it what you will The end state is when our deepest desire becomes - to praise, reverence, and serve God. When everything we do is for God’s

the altar, and at the front side corners to hear the individual confessions. Although confessions were supposed to last till only 8 pm, for all three days, the Kumpisalang Bayan ran over time, up to past 9 pm on two of the three days.

The 19th annotation - sometimes called greater glory, or what Ateneans would An Ignatian Retreat in Daily Life - is a say ‘Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam’ (the version of the Spiritual Exercises Jesuits’ Latin motto), then we become designed for busy people who cannot be ready to give up everything for the away for 30 days to do the Exercises as greater glory of God. We become they were practiced originally. Often, the indifferent, without any attachment, 19th is done in small groups which meet whether to people, things, and even weekly or every other week to receive human conditions such as good health, new material from the leader, discuss wealth, long life, etc. The concept of trust how the Exercises are going for them, was also brought up by Fr. Bobby. When and do some prayer practices, readings, we surrender our life to the Lord, then and meditations together. The 19th we automatically trust God’s will for us. annotation has caught on in parishes because it applies all the material from Finally, Fr. Bobby suggested this exercise Ignatius’s Spiritual Exercises but does it - write down the gifts that God has given over time, for working people. each one of us; then identify the one gift we are most grateful for; then use that Under ‘Principle and Foundation’, the one gift as springboard for our praise irst week is dedicated to the theme of and thanks. As a inal note, he asked ‘sinfulness, mercy and redemption’. The everyone to relect on Psalm 116: what second week will follow Jesus from birth return shall I make for all the good he to his life of teaching and healing. The has done for me? 10 WORSHIP MINISTRY: EMHC Bishop Raul Martirez Leads Lenten Recollection for EMHCs text by Albert Cuadrante Last April 1, 2017, Bishop Raul Martirez considered as the Liturgy of the Word, moments of ‘darkness’, when they were facilitated a Lenten recollection for the where Jesus interprets how the experiencing grief and anxiety, they did Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Scriptures, beginning with Moses, not recognize him, but once they were Communion (EMHCs) and their spouses. referred to Him. The second part of the enlightened and their ‘eyes were opened’, Since this was primarily put together as story, verses 28-32, is clearly the Liturgy the Lord disappears, because we have part of the ongoing formation of the of the Eucharist; where Jesus broke been comforted by the reminder that he EMHCs, it was appropriate that the bread with the disciples. is ever-present even if he is physically overall theme of the recollection was invisible. Today, he is ever-present to us ‘deepening our love for the Eucharist Finally, Bishop Raul shared that, in the in the Eucharist and it is up to us, through Scripture’. For this recollection, story, even if Jesus was physically especially the EMHCs, to ‘open our eyes’ Bishop Raul irst shared an effective present with the disciples during their to recognize Him. method for appreciating the Word of God through Scripture via the acronym ‘WORD’, to stand for Worship, Observe, Relect and Direct. He then walked the attendees through an actual example on how to do this with his discussion and relection on the passage of ‘The Appearance on the Road to Emmaus', Luke 24: 13-35. There are so many things the lay faithful can take away from this story, which many of us have read or heard read in the past. However, for this recollection, Bishop Raul shared a fascinating insight on how this whole story actually followed the sequence of how the Eucharist is celebrated today. The irst part of the story, verses 13-27, can be continued from page 8 Coffee After Church suggestions. Fely and David had also suggested that after each CAC session, PPC members who attended should do a post-mortem to review - who they met and talked to, parishioners’ interests and concerns expressed during the chats, and who seemed open to joining the ministries or organizations.

The CAC experiment will run for the entire second quarter after which the Easter Sunday ‘Coffee After Church’, results and outcomes will be evaluated at sponsored by Johnlu Koa and Chatime one of the monthly PPC meetings to determine if the program should be extended, modiied, or discontinued.

May 21 ‘Coffee After Church’ April 30 ‘Coffee After Church’

11 Christ the King Organizes Laguna Churches Pilgrimage for Lent Last April 2, Christ the King Parish’s image was also donated by rich and Bishop Raul Martirez led a Laguna pious Mexican families. Serious Pilgrimage. The pilgrimage, with 44 restoration took place in 1965 and in passengers in one tour bus, was 1969, the main altar was consecrated, organized by Catholic Travel, Inc. A total with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe carved by Maximo Vicente of .

The facade is a three-level early Renaissance styled with a semicircular arched main entrance, choir loft window Above, the Diocesan Shrine of San Antonio de Padua in Pila. Below, the church’s and a three-story bell tower. A side interiors. in 1581 on the 350th anniversary of the saint’s death, with the church and rectory being completed in 1617. The Franciscans set up the country’s second printing Above, facade of Our Lady of Guadalupe in of seven Laguna churches were visited in Pagsanjan. Below, the main altar, and press in Pila in 1606, printed the irst bottom, the side chapel with the cloak and just one day. These included, in Tagalog dictionary in 1613, and ran the stone relic. sequence: Franciscan Order’s inirmary in Pila. The parish seal depicts St. Anthony holding a ‣ Diocesan Shrine of San Antonio de lily, symbol of purity, in his right hand Padua, Pila and carrying the Child Jesus on his left ‣ Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pagsanjan arm. Known as the ‘miracle worker’ even ‣ St James the Apostle, Paete during his lifetime, St. Anthony is the ‣ St Peter of Alcantara, Pakil most venerated Franciscan saint next to ‣ Sta. Maria Magdalena, Magdalena the founder of the order himself, St. ‣ St John the Baptist, Liliw Francis of Assisi. An interesting side San Bartolome Apostol, Nagcarlan story was of the townspeople ‣ submerging the Pila church bell, cast in 1681, in Laguna de Bay during the The majority of pilgrims were from British invasion of 1762 to avoid it being villages of Christ the King parish - White taken as war spoils. Plains, Acropolis, Greenmeadows, Corinthian Garden, Corinthian Hills, and The church has a three-level facade with St. Ignatius. There was also a smattering classical Doric columns. At the pediment of pilgrims from other places like Valle is a niche reserved for St. Anthony. Verde & Ayala Alabang. Windows of the choir loft can be seen at the second level while niches for the The pilgrim group left CTK at 6 am, statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and chapel houses a replica of the tilma, or visited the irst three churches, stopped the Immaculate Heart of Mary are found for lunch at Villa Socorro Farm in cloak, of the Our Lady of Guadalupe, and at the lowest level. The semicircular a stone relic from Tepeyac Hill, Mexico Pagsanjan, then completed the rest of arched doorway has the Franciscan seal churches in the list. Catholic Travel City in 1531, the site of the apparition of on top. On the right side of the church is the Virgin of Guadalupe. provided a guide who gave the history of the convent, now used as a school the towns and the churches plus an building, while a square based octagonal St. James the Apostle Church in Paete escort who looked after the pilgrims’ bell tower is on the left side. needs and the tour logistics. For each of has a long history of being destroyed the churches visited, Bishop Raul Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Church narrated the biography of the patron in Pagsanjan is the oldest church in the saint of the church. Philippines under the patronship of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose life-size image The Shrine of San Antonio de Padua in of the Lady was contributed by Mexican Pila, Laguna was the irst Antonine Catholics in 1958, to replace the original church in the country, and the irst image from 1688 which was heavily church to be dedicated to St. Anthony of damaged by American and Filipino Padua in all of Asia. Construction started military bombers during WW2. The 1688 continued on next page 12 continued from previous page Pilgrimage to Laguna Churches then rebuilt due mostly to earthquakes - slayer in a central niche of the upper near the church of Pakil. When they irst in 1717, then in 1880, and the last story. The large murals of St. Cristopher headed that way, the wind and current on wood panels inside the church were aided their course, and upon landing, executed by another notable son of they left the heavy image on a rock so Paete, Luciano Dans. they could continue their ishing duties. A group of women found the icon the St. Peter of Alcantara Church in Pakil, following Sunday morning. Although it designated as the Diocesan Shrine of had rained during the night, the canvas Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de was dry. When they tried to take the icon Turumba, was inished in 1767 after 35 away, they could not move it; even the years of construction and is widely strongest among them, Mariangga, could known as the home of the Nuestra not lift it. They quickly told the parish earthquake was in 1937. The church also served as a dungeon and torture house Señora de los Dolores, or the ‘Virgen de priest, who in turn called the sacristans, for the people of Paete during the Turumba’ which was enshrined in the choristers, and churchgoers at Mass to Japanese occupation of the Philippines in church in 1788. The icon of Our Lady is a fetch the image. As they lifted the image, WW2. 9 by 11 inches oil painting on canvas. it gave way. This the people around The face of Mary is contorted by pain begun to sing and dance; the turumba The church is known for its huge and from the dagger plunged into her heart. was born. By order of Pope Pius XII, and exquisite collection of images depicting The image of the Virgin Mary as Our in recognition of the miracles credited to the Passion of Christ, it’s centuries-old Lady of Sorrows is a replica of the image it, the Nuestra Señora de las Antiguas paintings, intricate of Nuestra Señora de las Antiguas from was episcopally crowned by Alejandro Olalia, the Bishop of Lipa, on 23 May retable pieces, and wooden images of 1953. saints, all hand- carved and painted The word ‘turumba’ is from a Filipino by Paetenian locals phrase which translates to ‘tremble in great joy’ and is also understood to that showcase their mastery and skills represent the sound of drumbeats during in woodcarving. a procession. The irst Turumba feast in Unfortunately, some the Lady’s honor was held in September of the earlier 15, 1788. The annual Seven Days of Above, St. Peter of Alcantara in Pakil. Sorrows known as Lupi or Turumba masterpieces had Below, the church’s interiors, and bottom, been destroyed the famed Virgen de Turumba. iestas is reputed to be the longest along with the festival in the country, starting from earlier versions of before Palm Sunday (irst Lupi) all the the church. The way to Pentecost Sunday (7th Lupi). Then on September 15, the town current baroque style of the church celebrates the discovery of the image and has large buttresses the image is taken on a procession on on each side made of adobe bricks and October 19, the town iesta day. other native materials. One interesting The church of Pakil has survived many trivia is that the Paete parish is oficially linked, since February 2016, to the disasters over the centuries, including a Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in great ire in 1851 that destroyed much of Spain by virtue of the Declaration of the town, earthquakes in 1881 and 1937, Spiritual Bond of Afinity. The Spain. The image, and bombings and shell explosions during WW2. After each event where the Compostela cathedral gifted the Paete according to parish with ‘a stone relic from the tomb tradition, belonged image of the Blessed Virgin survived of St. James the Great and a silver to some intact, devotion to her increased medallion that reverently touched the missionaries who tremendously. The church’s facade is remains of the apostle’. The current crossed Laguna de adorned with shields, crosses and angels. Inside, 14 icons are depicted in the main baroque mission church has large Bay in a launch. buttresses on each side to improve its When the launch altar with each icon enclosed in an earthquake resistance. It was made of was shipwrecked, intricately-carved niche with the adobe bricks, a mixture of egg white and some of its relics Archangel Michael towering above. An other native materials. The church has an were washed ashore original painting by 19th century Paete painter Jose Dans, entitled ‘Judicum elaborate baroque style with a fusion of including the icon of the Virgin. One oriental artistry. The intricate retablo Friday morning, some ishermen found Finale’ depicts heaven, purgatory and pieces were made by Paetenian natives. the icon in their nets. Believing it to be a hell. The church's facade is divided by a frieze religious image, they decided to bring it that continues around the adjoining to a parish church. When the men The Santa Maria Magdalena parish church in Magdalena town, irst made belltower. It has bas reliefs of leaves and carried the small painting, they found it lowers and a sculpted image of St. James too heavy. They tried sailing with it in of cogon and wood and constructed in depicted as a Saint James the Moor- many directions, until they brought it 1820 was dedicated to . continued on next page 13 continued from previous page Pilgrimage to Laguna Churches of the Baptism of Jesus by St. John the were donated by the townspeople during Baptist above the wooden door entrance. construction. In 1781, the church was It was irst built out of wood in 1620, partly destroyed by ire so it underwent replaced by a stone church in 1646 reconstruction which gave the Interior of St. John the Baptist in Liliw authorities a chance to add a four storey brick bell tower, a choir loft on three strong arches, an underground cemetery, and elaborately designed tiles. The current design is mostly baroque, and the design of the facade has a Above, Santa Maria Magdalena parish church. semicircular arched main entrance along Below and bottom, our CTK pilgrims pose behind and in front of the altar. Interior of San Bartolome Apostol, Nagcarlan

which was partially destroyed by the 1880 earthquake. It was reconstructed in 1885 but was partially burned in 1898. It also contains stained glass images along with red bricked columns and 3 retablos inished in gold leaf. with semicircular windows and tall The retablo mayor pedestals and columns at the side has 13 niches across entrance. The bell tower carries the four levels housing Franciscan coat of arms and Muslim- statues of saints. inspired crenelations. From the church's entresuelo entrance, There were quite a number of signees a small passageway who did not make the cut-off. As a result, to the left leads to a a second pilgrimage was quickly small chapel with organized for the following Sunday, April the image of San 9. This second pilgrimage had 22 Buenaventura attendees in a smaller van plus a family enclosed in a in a private car. retablo. In 1664, the image of San We asked Bishop Raul Martirez how the Buenaventura wept Laguna pilgrimage was irst conceived. and sweated blood, He answered that Mrs. Jane Dee of of The sandstone church that now stands witnessed by Padre Acropolis and her friends requested him was initiated in 1829, with townspeople Juan Pastor and 120 other Lilit to lead them on a Lenten pilgrimage. forced to pay taxes and quarry sand and townsfolk. The grounds outside the Bishop Raul remembered having visited stones from the river. It was inished in church was designed to promote the Laguna churches some years back 1855 with the bell tower added in 1861. Christian teachings for pilgrims. At the with the Christian Family Movement, or It is said that Philippine revolutionary middle of the patio fronting the church is CFM, so he advised Mrs. Dee’s group to hero Emilio Jacinto sought refuge in the a white statue of the Sacred Heart of contact Catholic Travel. church’s convent in 1898 where his Jesus. It is lanked on both sides by bloodstains were found on its loor after several white statues of different saints. When asked if he had any future plans being wounded in a battle with the The church patio was named Patio de for similar local pilgrimages, Bishop Raul Spaniards at the Maimpis River. Sagrada Familia. said he was thinking of going north next year. St. John the Baptist Parish Church in Built in 1752, San Bartolome Apostol the town of Liliw has a beautiful parish church in Nagcarlan was made Catholic Travel was set up in 1961 by baroque façade adorned with red bricks of multicolored stones and bricks that Ruino Cardinal Santos to service the and adobe, with a white sculpted image travel requirements of the Catholic Church in the country. It’s the Ministry of Pilgrimages of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila and assists the Church, her members, ministries and institutions in its evangelical mission of promoting the Kingdom of God by customizing pilgrimages and offering travel services. Fr. David Concepcion is the current president of the company.

14 Nestor Torre’s ‘Kordero ng Diyos’ Staged at CTK Social Hall by Journeys of Faith More than 10 years ago, Nestor Torre, away all that he holds dear, including his well-known critic, Inquirer columnist, offspring, his health, and his property. As and playwright-director, was moved by Job struggles to understand his situation the theme of Jesus Christ sacriicing his life for the salvation of mankind. He saw that Jesus’ divine nature would understand and accept the need to sacriice himself. But, what about his human nature? Would it be so readily, heroically accepting? Around this dilemma, Mr. Torre conceived the 85-minute play, ‘Kordero ng Diyos’, centered around Christ’s agony in the garden of Gethsemane. The play, produced by Journeys of Faith, the travel agency used extensively by the Diocese Above left, Jesus and his disciples flee persecution. Above right, the devil tempts Jesus. of Cubao for its religious pilgrimages, Below, the Last Supper. was staged last Friday, April 7 at the CTK Social Hall of the CTK Formation Center. To allow Christ to cope with the question of why God, his father, would a l l o w h i m t o suffer and die for the world’s sinners, director Torre made liberal use of lashbacks and and begins a search for the answers to conversations of his dificulties, Jesus begins to the adult Jesus understand that his situation is Job-like. with the young The other episode involves Abraham, boy Jesus and the whom God asks to sacriice his only son teenage Jesus. Isaac. Abraham stood ready to follow Above, the adult Jesus converses with the God’s command but is stopped by the teenage Jesus while the young boy Jesus sits angel at the last second, having proved behind them. Below, John the Baptist ridiculed by the cynical crowd. his devotion and steadfastness. In there is a similar lesson for the adult Jesus.

By play’s end, Jesus has gone through the stages of denial, anger, confusion, resignation, and inally calm acceptance and understanding of the Father’s plan as he hangs nailed to the cross.

The play used less than a dozen actors, The episodes with the young boy Jesus with several playing several parts at allows the adult Jesus to teach him the different times. All were obviously Jesus nailed to the ‘cross’ virtue of patience and acceptance as it professional stage actors with good front of it. The wall also served as an exit related to the wounded bird that had to presence, acting voice, and timing. The as well as changing room. heal before it could once again take audience was particularly appreciative of light. It therefore dawns on the adult the girl playing Mary, the angel, and one Sure, there were the scenes you would Jesus that he himself had to accept that of the faces in the crowd. Ditto with the expect - the last supper, the betrayal by the coming suffering was part of the girl who played the devil, who was shorn Judas, the implied torture by the Roman Father’s plan. With the teenage Jesus of her horns and tail by God in a comic centurions, the inding of Jesus preaching who admits a bit of ignorance to God’s twist as they bet on whether Job would at the temple, the sermon on the mount, plan, the adult Jesus learns that not desert God or not after all his miseries. the miracles, John the Baptist, the everything is easily comprehensible. pharisees’ umbrage, Peter’s loyalty, etc. Nestor Torre also brings in Job, the good Interestingly, there was the barest of But these were secondary to Jesus’ agony and prosperous family man who is beset props, simply a wall painted with a - clearly, it was a different but well- with horrendous disasters that take multi-color tree and two benches in appreciated twist on the Lenten story.

15 Blessing of Palms and Palm Sunday at Christ the King Gospel Dramatization

Much larger crowds Mundo, Aquino, and Manansala were than usual greeted male lectors while the rest were EMHCs all the presiders for speciically assigned to the masses. all the Palm Sunday masses last April 9, For the 7:30 am mass, Fr. Bong Tupino including the blessed the palms at the parking lot in Saturday April 8 front of the Divine Mercy Chapel. At the anticipated masses. forefront of the palm waving were their Fr. Ronald Plomillo year’s twelve apostles. This was followed presided over three by the procession to the main church P a l m S u n d a y where the mass was held. For all the masses, Fr. Bong other masses that followed, the blessing Tupino did two, and of palms was held inside the main Fr. Serge Maniba, church. James Ferry, Fr. Evan Villanueva presided over at least one mass.

By Saturday April 8, palm vendors had already lined up Green Meadows Avenue selling various types of Fr. Ronald Plomillo at April 9 noon mass Fr. Serge Maniba at St. Ignatius palms. Trafic had become dificult since each Palm Sunday narrator. The mass took over an hour. This was congregation was because Palm Sunday of the Lord’s encouraged to Passion was celebrated in two parts - the take on the role of irst part was the commemoration of the Jewish Jesus’ entrance into which ‘crowd’ and join included the Blessing of Palms and the the choir. So there Gospel reading of the Lord’s entrance were two Gospel into Jerusalem. Even with the EMHCs and readings, the deacons participating in the blessing of second being the the palms, it still took quite a while to long cover all the areas of the main church. dramatization, and two homilies. The second part of the liturgical In addition, most celebration on this special day was the of the presiders mass proper, highlighted by the Gospel accommodated Fr. Bong Tupino blesses palms outside the church at 7:30 am mass reading according to Matthew which was the late arrivals the narrative and dramatization of the by having another Passion of the Lord. In the dramatization, blessing of palms at the end of the mass. the 2nd reader, if a male, or an EMHC took on the role of Pilate, the presider Taking on the Pilate role for the main took on Christ’s role, and the church masses were Louie Reyes, Mon commentator read the storyline as Cuartero, Mel Novales, Regie Polancos, Manny Cortez, Albert Cuadrante, Franco del Rosario, Louie Padrinao, Ronnie Nolasco, and Carlo Subido. In the village masses, Pilates included: Joseph Mundo for St. Ignatius, Teng Gerochi and Tony Aquino for White Plains, Jay Aldeguer for Corinthian Gardens, Ernie Manansala for Acropolis. The CTK Main Church was a sea of red last Palm Sunday Del Rosario, Subido, 16 Holy Week & Easter Triduum Activities: from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday It was a very busy Holy Week for Christ Communications and Mass Media. Last disciples. Bread from Figaro’s was the King Parish. Holy Week began, of February 4, Fr. Francis gave a Spirituality actually distributed by the 12 apostles to course, with Palm Sunday. The 7:30 am of Stewardship talk, sponsored by the the parishioners, most of whom took mass was celebrated by parish priest Fr. Stewardship Committee, on the topic of - Bong Tupino, with the blessing of palms the parish as a haven for the wounded at the parking lot in front of the Divine heart. Mercy Chapel, with palm wavers led by the 12 selected ‘apostles’. All the masses On the morning of Holy Thursday, at the were ‘full house’, given the attraction of Cathedral in Holy Week, blessing of palms, and Gospel Lantana, Cubao, Bishop Honesto dramatization on the Passion of the Lord. Ongtioco, together with the diocese’s Palm Sunday is covered in a separate other parish priests, celebrated the article in this Herald issue. annual Chrism Mass. Made of olive oil and perfumes, chrism was consecrated Fr. Francis Lucas facilitates the parish recollection, from Holy Thursday to Holy Saturday Fr. Bong Tupino carrying the Blessed Sacrament and leaving the main church for the Divine Mercy Chapel which served as the Altar of Repose

The 12 Apostles, above and below. Bottom, Fr. Bong washing and kissing the foot of Apostle Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday saw the Raul Evangelista, assisted by altar servers annual Recollection for Kasambahays Marco Cuadrante & JG Gonzales. and Drivers, a regular Holy Week feature in the parish, given that there are over 3,000 households in the gated villages, each with several maids and stay-in drivers. The event has always been handled by the Catholic Women's League (CWL). There was also annual penitential service and confessions, dubbed Kumpisalang Bayan, that ran from Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday, from 6:45 pm, after the 6 pm daily mass, till the them home to eat with some soup or simple viand. The mass stressed the commandment of brotherly love that Jesus gave after washing the feet of his disciples. The 12 selected apostles, which included John Paul Garcia and Angelito Deuna of Libis, Sharing bread with the parishioners during Reno Magadia and Sonny Garcia of the Last Supper rites Corinthian Gardens, Ramil Chua and Ramnel Santos of Greenmeadows 1, Ole crowds inished, sometimes till 10 pm. by Bishop Ongtioco in the presence of Naval of White Plains, Demsi Mauricio of Both Kasambahay Recollection and the diocese presbyterium. The oils will Kumpisalang Bayan are also covered in be used in the administration of the St. Ignatius, Javi Coromina of Acropolis, separate articles in this Herald. sacraments - baptism, conirmation, Raul Evangelista of Knights of Columbus, Way of the Cross, at the parking area anointing of the sick, holy orders, and fronting the Divine Mercy Chapel The general CTK Holy Week Recollection church dedications - throughout the was held over three days, from Holy diocese for the rest of the year. The Thursday to Holy Saturday, from 9:30 am Chrism mass also manifests the unity of to 11:30 am. Facilitator for all three the priests with their bishop as well as recollection days was Fr. Francis B. Lucas, celebrating the institution of priesthood. currently the President and CEO of the Catholic Media Network and also The Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper at executive secretary of the Catholic 5:30 pm last Holy Thursday inaugurated Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines- the Easter Triduum, and commemorates Episcopal Commission on Social the Last Supper of Jesus with his continued on next page 17 continued from previous page Holy Week and Easter Triduum Catholic countries, the faithful will travel from church to church praying at each church's altar of repose.

Good Friday, the second day of the Paschal Triduum, saw the 2 pm Way of the Cross. Then, at 3 pm, though mass was not celebrated, the Good Friday liturgy began, consisting of the Liturgy of The Service of the Light, above and below, the Word, Veneration of the Cross, and kicks off the Solemn Easter Vigil Holy Communion. Veneration of the Cross The Good Friday service was followed at Jomel Quiroz of Youth Ministry, and 4:30 pm by the procession of the Santo Jayson De Vega of EMHC, took center stage again as Fr. Bong Tupino washed Entierro, literally, ‘holy interment’, and and kissed each disciple’s feet in turn. the Madre Dolorosa. The procession, which wound through Greenmeadows 1 then back to Christ the King church, Fr. Bong then incensed the Blessed started with the Cruciix and Candles, Sacrament and with his humeral veil held and carried it, in formal accompaniment by the CTK Knights of Columbus and under a canopy, to the beautifully adorned Divine Mercy Chapel below the main church, that served as the Altar of Repose. A simple Eucharistic Vigil followed, from 7 pm to midnight, assigned to the CTK villages. The Visita Iglesia period, literally, ‘Seven Churches The procession of the Santo Entierro and Visitation’, oficially began at this time. In Madre Dolorosa through Greenmeadows 1 the Philippines and several other Veronica, escorted by the LeComs and Apostleship of Prayer, then the image of St. Marta, escorted by the CTK Youth and Couples for Christ.

The image of the Santo Entierro was escorted by the band, the Knights of Columbus Honor Guards, Adoration Nocturna and the Catholic Women’s League, plus four of the 12 apostles. Santo Entierro was followed by Mary Magdalene, escorted by the Mother Butler Mission Guild, then the image of St. John the Beloved, escorted by the Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion and Diwanihan Kristiyano. Above, Fr. Bong incenses the carroza of St. John the Beloved. Below, the procession Finally, bringing up the rear of the begins, with the image of St. Marta at the foreground, followed by Mary Magdalene. procession was the image of the Below, after the procession, Fr. Bong Tupino incenses the carroza carrying the image of Sorrowful Mother, or Madre Dolorosa, the Santo Entierro before it’s returned to escorted by the Legion of Mary, Ladies of the main church Charity, Buklod ng Panginoon, and the CTK priests. Upon returning to CTK, The procession carroza of the dead Christ was blessed by Fr. Bong Tupino before bringing the image inside the main church.

then the Acolytes, then the image of St. Peter, escorted by Christian Family Movement members.

This was followed by the image of St. Dance by the Libis Youth continued on next page 18 continued from previous page Holy Week and Easter Triduum

Holy Saturday was another big day for CTK Celebrates ’24 Hours for the Lord’ Christ the King parish with the Solemn Easter Vigil that started at 8 pm. This Following the enthusiasm demonstrated began with the Service of the Light, just by the Catholic faithful during the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis once again outside the main church. This included the Blessing of the Fire and the invited Catholics worldwide to celebrate preparation and lighting of the Paschal ’24 Hours for the Lord’. The 24-hour Candle. The congregation then trooped Vigil, broken up into 24 one-hour in, as Fr. Bong and the other CTK priests chunks, began last March 24, Friday at the Divine Mercy Chapel at 8 am, after went through the Liturgy of the Word, the 7 am mass. It ended with the 6 am which consisted of multiple readings, Above, Msgr. Tony Mortillero doing the even as the church remained in darkness, mass of the following day, Saturday Benediction before the 24th hour, the 6 am Saturday March 25 mass. Below, the last Vigil then followed by the Liturgy of Baptism, March 25, which was, not coincidentally, hour, 6 to 7 am. and inally, the Liturgy of the Eucharist. the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. Before the Salubong at 11:30 pm, the Libis kids entertained the congregation with a dance number. The Feast of the Annunciation commemorates the visit of the archangel The male parishioners marched down Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, during which Greenmeadows Avenue to the Acropolis he informed her that she would be the gate and then accompanied the image of mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. the Risen Christ in the direction of CTK. For the 24 hours, the Blessed Sacrament Gardens, Greenwich, Arcadia & At the same time, the female was exposed. Then, before the 7 am mass Corinthian Hills; Catholic Women’s parishioners marched to the corner of of March 25, the Blessed Sacrament went League; Buklod ng Panginoon; St. Giraffe and Greenmeadows Avenue and through Benediction and Reposition Ignatius; LSS, Healing Ministry & Legion accompanied the image of the Blessed back to the Tabernacle. of Mary; Libis; Mother Butler Mission Mother. The Salubong happened in front Guild; White Plains & Green Meadows; of the CTK Formation Center. An ‘angel, Fr. Bong Tupino requested the different Apostleship of Prayer; Acropolis; played by a Libis young girl, lifted the veil organizations, ministries, and villages to Christian Family Movement & Couples off the face of the Madre Dolorosa. This lead the vigil prayers for each of the 24 for Christ; Diwanihan Kristiyano; Enclave was already past midnight. A festive hours. Assigned to each of the 24 hours & Ivory Court; CTK Youth; and EMHC & atmosphere was enjoyed by everyone, were: Ladies of Charity; Corinthian Knights of Columbus. aided by snacks and music. Easter Sunday masses followed the usual weekend schedules. Making it unique was the Renewal of Baptismal Promises, with the presiders and EMHCs sprinkling holy water on the crowd.

Above, the Risen Christ about to leave the Acropolis gate escorted by male parishioners. Below, the ‘Salubong’ between the Risen Christ and the Blessed Mother, still in veil. Bottom, a girl ‘angel’ lifts the veil from the Blessed Mother’s face.

19 Annual Lenten Recollection for Drivers and Househelp

Christ the King held its annual Lenten recollection for kasambahays and drivers last April 10, Holy Monday, and April 11, Holy Tuesday at St. Luke’s Room, from 9 am to 5 pm. The program was exactly the same for both days.

The recollection was organized by the Catholic Women’s League, or CWL, headed by Kim Cua, with Flor Cabello,

CWL’s education third and last in the afternoon, after the chairperson, and catechetical ‘break’ by catechist Weng Rosario Joson directly Agramon. Weng led the singing and involved in planning rosary praying. The day concluded with and execution. This the Way of the Cross at 3:30 pm and a a n n u a l p r o g r a m mass at 4:15 pm. actually started 17 years ago during the Fr. Serge knew that the audience had time of Monsignor short attention spans so he resorted to a Jaime Mora, Christ the lot of visuals and even videos, such as an King’s irst parish segment from Lion King, which had the priest. main message - ‘don’t forget who you are’. The recollection was facilitated by Fr. Serge For day 1, CWL drew in 38 attendees, all Maniba for both days. of them from the different villages Fr. Serge conducted the nearby - Acropolis, Green Meadows, recollection in three Ivory Court, Enclave, White Plains and St. different sessions - two Ignatius. Day 2 saw 37 attendees. in the morning, and the

village news St. Ignatius Village Association Renovates Chapel text by Agnes de la Cruz

The upgrade was a joint project of patron saint is St. Ignatius de Loyola,” Barangay St. Ignatius, St. Ignatius Village emphasized Agnes dela Cruz, a CTK Association, The Liturgical Committee of regular and a St. Ignatius kagawad. St. Ignatius, plus donations from private homeowners.

“The community effort to St. Ignatius Village recently renovated upgrade our their Community Center cum Chapel, regular village putting up glass sliding doors all around mass venue to make it fully enclosed and installing truly symbolizes air conditioning. Last Palm Sunday, they the oneness of celebrated their irst mass in the our beloved refurbished facility, under the ‘Palm community. Sunday ONE Community’ program. After all, our

20 YOUTH MINISTRY Easter Egg Hunt for CTK’s Tiny Tots 8:30 am. Kids were requested to bring included Camille and Carlo Calimon, their own baskets. Timmy Tolentino, Kyla Hortaleza, Bea Brillantes, Judo Juan, and Benny Dytoc. For the irst hunt held after the 7:30 am mass, there were 13 winners, and for the All the eggs had chocolates but some had second hunt held after the 9 am mass, pieces of paper that indicated an there were 18 winners. They all went additional special prize. Some winners in home happy with various prizes after the fact claimed multiple prizes. fun-illed morning. The organizers hid around 500 eggs per Aside from Youth Ministry coordinator hunt and each hunt lasted for around 10 Althea Geronilla, youth organizers minutes. No entrance fees were required.

The parish’s Youth Ministry and the CTK Days with the Lord held two easter egg hunts last Easter Sunday, April 16, one after the 7:30 am mass and the other after the 9 am mass. Both were held at the garden area in front of the main church. The fun event was open to kids aged 8 years old and below but they should have registered at either 7 am or

21 Easter Pilgrimage to Eastern Europe with Fr. Bong Tupino

Fr. Bong Tupino was the co-pilgrimage had to buy gloves and muflers and caps - chaplain, along with Fr. Jeffrey Quinetela, it was that cold.” for the April 16 to 29, 2017 edition of ‘Enthralling Eastern Europe’, a ‘Journeys Fr. Bong recalled meeting a photographer of Faith’ pilgrimage tour that took on St. Charles Bridge in Prague who, pilgrims through Poland, Slovakia, when he found out that the group was Hungary, and the Czech Republic. from the Philippines, joked that he knew the country had three seasons. Of course, Poland stops included Warsaw; Lichen Above, Auschwitz concentration camp recently Fr. Bong corrected him and said ‘we only visited by Pope Francis; Below, inside with Poland’s biggest basilica and its Maximillian Kolbe Church in Nowa Huta, near have wet and dry’. To which the Krakow. Bottom, the original image of the icon of the Lady of Sorrows; Divine Mercy at the Lagiewniki convent where photographer also corrected him and Czestochowa, Poland’s spiritual capital Sr. Faustina lived and died. said, ‘No, you have hot, very hot, and very and visited by pilgrims from all over the very hot.’ Fr. Bong also recalled meeting world, with the Black Madonna icon in up with Fr. Simon Stefanowiczk, a the Jasna Gora Monastery; Wadowice, smaller replica of Pope Francis, at the birthplace of St. John Paul II; Wieliczka with the underground salt mine that has a salt chapel; Krakow for the Wawel Castle and Cathedral, as well as St. Mary’s Church; Auschwitz-Birkenau with its Nazi concentration camp and the Convent of Sr. Faustina and the Sisters of Divine Mercy. In Hungary, the tour group visited the small village of Szentendre to with the Church celebrate Sunday mass, then Budapest of our Lady of with its Heroes Square, Parliament, Victories and its Castle Hill, Coronation Church, and Sto Nino de Fishermen’s Bastion. The pilgrimage Praga, Charles visited the Abbey of Pannonhalma before Bridge, St. Vitus crossing through Slovak Republic to see Cathedral with Bratislava before entering Czech Hradcany Castle, Republic. Czech visits included Telc with Golden Lane, its chateau and town square; Cesky Wenceslauss Krumlov with its castle; Lomec; Prague Square and other sights. Above, our Easter pilgrims in front of St. Stephen’s Church in Budapest, Hungary. Below, posing at the Vienna Gate in Budapest’s The tour had an Castle District. Bottom, with Fr. Bong Tupino optional at the Bratislava Old Town Hall square. extension to Russia that included ive extra days in Russia, visiting Moscow and St. Petersburg. Fr. Bong left the tour to come back to Manila before the Russia extension. Those who opted for the extension were joined by another group.

There were 23 participants on the tour, led by tour guide Luigi. The 23 pilgrims included Armine Tagaysay and Ellen Chua of the LeCom and Apostleship of Prayer groups, Gigi Sawit, another CTKLeCom, plus a few other Above, before entering the Wieliczka parishioners from Valle Verde IV. underground salt mine. Below, the group poses in the vast salt cavern with the chapel. What struck Fr. Bong the most on this pilgrimage was how cold it got. “It was so cold - they forecasted temperature to be around 15 degrees centigrade - the hottest it got was six degrees above zero. And to think we were supposed to be sliding into late spring already. Instead, the locals joked that winter was followed by spring then winter again. So we all continued on next page 22 continued from previous page Easter Pilgrimage to Pilgrimage to Pampanga Churches Eastern Europe for Buklod ng Panginoon text by Tiny Perfecto

Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa, a Buklod ng Panginoon, the renewal Buklod ng Panginoon had recently senior priest who loved to tour Filipino movement based in St. Ignatius Village, started to recruit from the younger tour groups around since he had been to now headed by Cita Pabillo who took generation, mostly those serving in the Quiapo Church, San Pablo, Laguna, Villa over from Lulay dela Cruz, held a SIV homeowners association, the Escudero, Marilao, Bulacan and other pilgrimage of Pampanga churches last barangay, as well as those serving as places. April 25. The ambitious itinerary lectors and commentators of Christ the included ive landmark Pampanga King. So the pilgrimage was also churches:

‣ Holy Rosary Parish Church of Angeles, Pampanga ‣ Archdiocesan Shrine of Christ Our Lord of the Holy Sepulchre, also in Angeles, Pampanga ‣ Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando, in San Fernando, Pampanga Above, Fr. Simon in audience with the Philippine group inside the Chapel of the ‣ San Guillermo Parish Church in Bacolor, Mother of God in Czestochowa Pampanga Armine Tagaysay and Ellen Chua had ‣ St. James the Apostle Parish Church in their own stories to tell. Armine was Bes, Guagua, Pampanga personally moved by the Auschwitz experience, especially the bravery and martyrdom of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Conventual Franciscan friar who volunteered to die in place of a stranger in the German death camp of Auschwitz. She also recounted being awed in seeing the original Divine Mercy painting, with Top, our SIV pilgrims inside San Guillermo Parish Church in Bacolor. Above, the outside the Lord outpouring His graces through of San Guillermo Church. Below, the ornate the red and blue rays coming from his interior of St James the Apostle Parish Church in Guagua. Heart, painted the way Sr. Faustina saw the Lord. “That’s when I recalled what Christ said to Faustina,” said Armine. “I have opened my heart as a living fountain of mercy; let all souls draw life from it.” Above, Buklod ng Panginoon in front of the altar of Holy Rosary Parish Church in Ellen Chua, on the other hand, was most Angeles. Below, in front of the altar of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Christ Our Lord of the impressed with the Czestochowa visit to Holy Sepulchre. Bottom, inside the see the Black Madonna, located in the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando. Chapel of the Mother of God, inside the Jasna Gora Monastery. “We were actually able to touch the relic of the Black Madonna located at the back of the altar but we had to reach it walking on our knees. We did this with the help of Fr. organized as a way for the old members Simon.” to get to know the newer recruits and vice versa. “When we reached the place, it was a long walk from the bus park to the Before they left early in the morning, the monastery. And it was a total winter ladies agreed that their ‘pa-baon' verse wonderland - snow everywhere. It was was going to be lifted from Mark 16:15 - very cold, we were freezing to death, and ‘and Jesus appeared to the Eleven and it was all so slippery. In fact, I had to hold said to them: go into the whole world Armine coming from the bus and going and proclaim the gospel to every back to the bus since she couldn’t walk as creature’. easily as I could,” Ellen recounted, laughing. The SIV ‘pilgrims’ had buffet luncheon between churches then had a mid- Journeys of Faith mounts several Catholic afternoon halo-halo snack at Razon’s pilgrimage tours each year and is owned before heading back home. and operated by Willy and Arlina Onglao. 23 CATECHETICAL MINISTRY Flores de Mayo Cathechism Classes for Libis Kids 8-12 Years Old for the Whole Month of May The Catechetical Ministry co-headed by reacquainted with the Holy Rosary and Mejia; Nino Mendoza; Wins Mirasol; Beth Alma Yeh and Sheryl Coronel mounted its central role in the Fatima message. Monedero; Tessie Moran; Fely Ong; the annual Flores de Mayo catechism The following topics made up the Christianne Pasquin; Tiny Perfecto; Many classes for Libis youth, held during the month’s discussions: Salem; Margie San Juan; Joy children’s summer break. Schellenberg; and Paul Uy. 1. Mother Mary and the Rosary The classes had been running daily, 2. Basic Prayers of the Rosary: Apostles’ From the Libis side, we had several during the weekdays, for the entire Creed, Lord’s Prayer, , Glory Be, volunteers, including of course our BEC and Hail Holy Queen coordinators Ching Botero, Jo Piyaw, and Azon de Leon. From the From the Libis 3.The Rosary and the side, we had several volunteers, Year of the Parish including of course our BEC coordinators 4.The Mysteries of Ching Botero, Jo Piyaw, and Azon de the Rosary: Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious

The biggest problem last year was getting enough catechism volunteers. But for this year, many PPC members, and Younger set, above, and older kids, below LeCom and EMHC ministers heeded the call to help. There’s always a fun activity each day Sheryl Coronel and Alma Yeh thank the following for sharing their time and talent in volunteering to teach the children together with them - Leila Banico; Christine Bernardo; Eileen De Leon; Althea Geronilla; Elsbeth Llama; Mina Leon. From the Libis Youth Ministry, our volunteers included Youth month of May, from 1 to 4 pm starting president Paul John Garcia and May 2. The irst hour, 1 to 2 pm, had been members Hans Delmar, Christian devoted to formal catechetical lessons. Acebo, Farida Tolentino, Then the 2 to 4 pm period was devoted Christine Capadocia, Manuel to activities, praying the rosary, and Borja, Eunice Alfonso, Angelo loral offerings. Deuna, Daniel Figuerres, Keith Odeia Botero, and Alby Butol. Last year, the classes drew 90 participants. This year, the Libis village The catechism classes will end on coordinators and Libis Youth organizers May 29, Monday, with a Volunteer catechists Eileen de Leon, above, and Tiny outdid themselves, gathering 101 Perfecto, below, do the first day teaching honors under Eucharistic celebration at 2 pm at the watchful supervision of Catechetical Ministry co-head children, ages 7 to 12. Given the size, Alma Yeh the Divine Mercy Chapel, Alma and Sheryl opted to divide the oficiated by no less than CTK children into two different classes, with parish priest Fr. Bong Tupino, the younger Group A, composed of seven followed by the graduation rites to nine years old, totaling 51, and Group at 3:30 pm at St. Matthew-St. B, consisting of those in the 10 to 12 year Mark Rooms of the Formation age range, totaling 50. Center. As with last year, we expect the hall to be packed with Lessons for this year were deliberately the hundred children and their chosen to commemorate the 100th year parents, mostly mothers, plus of the Fatima apparition, with the some of their siblings. objective of getting the children

24 continued from page 1 CTK Marks Fatima Centennial with Pilgrimage to Fatima Shrine & Candlelight Procession

To celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime Finally, the May 13 occasion, Christ the King Parish mounted evening was capped by a several events. First was the in candlelight procession honor of Our Lady of Fatima that ended with the carroza on May 12, or the eve of the anniversary. carrying the Our Lady of Fatima image traveling For May 13th, the parish organized the from the CTK main pilgrimage to National Shrine of Our church, going inside the Lady of Fatima in Valenzuela, Bulacan. Acropolis Greenmeadows gate, circling the block bounded by Acropolis Drive, Adonis, The pilgrimage was announced starting Andromeda, and April 28 and invited all interested CTK Calypso Avenue before going out the parishioners to sign up. The visit same gate and back to Christ the King. included a viewing of the Fatima The procession was led by Fr. Bong Tupino and PPC Lay Coordinator Couple Bert and Marie Anne Santos. It included the marching band, the altar servers, and over a hundred Fatima devotees. Once back at the main church, Fr. Bong Tupino incensed and blessed the statue of Our Lady of Fatima before thanking all the parishioners who Museum, praying of the rosary, then at participated in the candlelight the main church after the 9:30 am mass, procession. the recitation of the Jubilee prayers in honor of Our Lady of Fatima.

In the afternoon, at 3 pm of the same day, parish organizers had scheduled the screening of the movie The 13th Day, the dramatic retelling of the apparitions in Fatima, held at the Parish Social Hall. As an added treat, parishioners who signed up for seats beforehand were given free popcorn.

Above, Fr. Bong Tupino and PPC Lay Coordinator Couple Bert and Marie Anne Santos chat it up with the centennial mass presider. Below, Fr. Bong leads the pilgrims in reciting the Jubilee Prayers.

25 WORSHIP MINISTRY: LECTORS & COMMENTATORS Bishop Raul’s Marian Talk on the Second LeComs General Assembly Fatima Apparitions The second General Assembly for Lectors community collapses. But once we & Commentators took place last May 6, a accept the assertion that Christ is risen, As part of the CTK celebration of the Saturday. The irst hour was led by the next logical question is - so where is 100th Anniversary of the Apparition of LeCom Coordinator Mel Novales who he? Our Lady of Fatima, Bishop Raul Martirez went through the calendar of activities gave a Marian Talk last May 20 on the for May and June. He reminded the group That’s when Fr. Serge introduced the apparitions. that the two remaining GAs are schedule scripture story of Luke 24: 13 to 35, ‘On for July 26 and October 21 and the the Road to Emmaus', where the two Bishop Raul began with a brief schedule for renewal of current men are joined by a ‘stranger’. They geography and history lesson to set the members is on September 16 in the recount the Easter narrative to the time and place context of the apparitions. afternoon at Lantana, Cubao. He also stranger, who listens intently. As they He noted that in all the events where the reminded the LeComs that at least continue on the journey, a connection Virgin Mary has manifested herself, it is General Assembly and two formation develops, with a hint of friendship almost always to the poor, young, talks need to be attended to qualify again between the stranger and the two illiterate village people, e.g., Juan Diego for next year. devotees, enough for the two men to in Guadalupe, Bernadette in Lourdes, invite the stranger to break bread with Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco in Fatima. them. Their guest "took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them”. When it dawns on them that the stranger is Jesus, he vanishes from their sight.

Fr. Serge emphasized that there are many truths revealed by the story. One, when they return to Jerusalem to tell the apostles about meeting Jesus, they Bishop Raul then went through the three brought the presence of Christ with secrets given by Our Lady of Fatima to them. Two, strangers remain strangers the Children. With the early death of only when fear or prejudice stands in the Jacinta and Francisco, only Lucia lived to way. Otherwise, walls break down and write them down in her memoirs. The strangers become friends. And three, it’s irst had to do with the vision of hell. The Jesus Christ who breaks down those second had to do with the end of World walls between strangers, which means War I, the start of World War II, and the he is here with us. conversion of Russia. The third secret the Fatima children’s vision of Christ on the In conclusion, Fr. Serge reminded the cross with dead nuns and priests around lectors and commentators present last him and a igure in white being killed as Fr. Serge Maniba gave an Easter May 6 that the only way to meet the he tried to climb the hill. The Relection talk for the second half of the Risen Lord is to believe in the Written interpretation was that the igure was General Assembly, focusing on the Word, which is the story of God with his that of St. John Paul II when he was Resurrection. First, he reminded the people. As proclaimers of the ‘Word’, wounded by Mehmet Ali Agca while St. lectors and commentators present that lectors and John Paul II was doing his Vatican Square Christ’s Resurrection is the bedrock of commentators need rounds on his Popemobile on May 13, our Catholic faith. If we do no believe to believe deeply in 1981 - note that it was a Fatima that He rose from the dead, then our what they’re anniversary date. In his meeting with Catholic creed, our code, our cult and our proclaiming. Mehmet where the would-be assassin asked for forgiveness, John Paul II would famously say, ‘Your hand ired the shot. But the Virgin Mary’s hand guided the bullet.’

Bishop Raul ended his talk with the acronym SPAR, which is what Our Lady of Fatima asks of everyone - S for sacriice, P for prayers, A for atonement, and R for reparation. The talk was then followed by the Holy Mass at 11 am.

26 FAMILY AND LIFE MINISTRY Mothers’ Day Blessings to Marriage All Parish Moms Vocation Last May 14, Mother’s Day, Christ the King parish church presiders Program 2Q17 consistently gave recognition to all the mothers in the crowd by asking Last May 13 and 14 weekend, the them near the end of the mass to go Family and Life Ministry of Christ the to the front for special blessings. King Parish, Greenmeadows held its 111th Marriage Vocation Program for 34 soon-to-be-married-in-CTK In his homilies during the May 13 couples. Facilitated by none other Saturday anticipated 7:30 pm mass as well as the May 14 Sunday noon than former Family and Life Ministry mass, Fr. Bong gave special tribute to heads Doy and Estrelle Lopez, the mothers, tying up the story of Our actual originators of the Marriage Lady of Fatima and her admonition - Vocation program, assisted by other ‘do not be afraid’ - to the three veteran couple-sharers, the two-day shepherd children, with the sacriices quarterly seminar was held at the St. made by mothers everywhere, Luke Room at the CTK Formation including in his own case where his Center. mother administered to her ten kids doing homework all at the same time. The Family and Life Ministry is now During the blessing rites, Fr. Bong headed by Regie and Joanne worked his way from left to right Polancos. then back again to sprinkle holy water on the proud moms. At 16 hours long over two weekend days, Christ the King has one of the longest marriage preparation seminars in the Metro area. Readers Interested in more details about the Marriage Vocation Program for the Engaged are encouraged to read the detailed write-up in the April-June 2016 issue of The Herald.

Above, 15 of the 34 couples attending the MVP listen to Dong, the wedding singer, on what songs are allowed by the church. Below, Family & Life Ministry heads Regie and Joanne Polancos discuss strategy with seminar lead couple - and former ministry heads - Doy and Estrelle Lopez

27 YOUTH MINISTRY From the Editors:

Summer Youth PREX at CTK The Herald is the quarterly newsletter text by Bethlehem Opulencia publication of the Christ the King Parish. The CTK Youth Ministry held its Youth who served as their adviser throughout It is published free, and has been since Parish Renewal Experience, from the the preparation for the weekend. As a 1995, through the kindness of former evening of May 19 until the evening of team, they came up with the theme PPC Worship Ministry head Mila San May 21. As in previous years, venue was ‘#lifegoals: Refresh your faith’ as Juan and her printing company The the entire ground loor of the Formation connected with their mission to help the House Printers. Center. This was open to all single youth youth renew their relationship with the Since The Herald comes out only ages 17-30. This organization aims to Lord. quarterly, parishioners are enjoined to bring other people, speciically the check out the parish web site - youth, to renew their relationship with The team leaders invited speakers for christthekingparish.ph - for recent the Lord and to build a stronger the different talks which discussed parish news since most of the news foundation with Him. It is done by various topics about the Catholic faith. articles contained in The Herald irst see holding a 3-day retreat that makes them They also prepared a variety of activities light of day at the website, sometimes disconnect from their distractions, for to compliment the talks and to get to more than a month earlier. them to be able to connect with their know each other better as well as to help feelings, emotions and of course with the them bond not just as an organization For the quarter April to June 2017, the parish highlights were clearly the Lenten preparations, Holy Week, and speciically, the Easter Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. The two other ‘big things’ were the Flores de Mayo set of activities and the Fatima celebrations. We thank the following for their text and-or photo contributions for this issue: ‣ Peter Banico on the fishing boat donaons and Fama film showing ‣ Janelle Pimentel and John Juat on the Laguna pilgrimage led by Bishop Raul Marrez ‣ Tonee Arizabal on the Ladies of Charity’s home care provider livelihood program ‣ Fe Flores for the Way of the Cross at Arcadia Lord. but as a family too. After all the talks and ‣ Louie Laudico for the basic formaon activities, they all gathered to celebrate seminar for altar servers On its last day, May 21st, PREx Youth their accomplishment in a mass presided ‣ Leila Banico for details on the Holy Week, once again produced 11 graduates, who by Fr. Ronald Plomillo where they were Easter Triduum, and Kumpisalang Bayan are oficially the PREx Youth Batch 23. presented to the community and blessed events by the priest. As the new batch has The group was led by the team leaders ‣ Albert Cuadrante on Bishop Raul’s Lenten graduated, the PREx Youth has again recollecon for the EMHC namely Jessica Dela Fuente, Earle Manucom, and Bethlehem Opulencia grown as a community who are sure to ‣ Agnes dela Cruz and Tiny Perfecto for St. stay committed in their goal to bring the Ignaus Chapel renovaon, Way of the together with their assistant team Cross at St. Ignaus, and the Buklod ng leaders Abby Banico, Quino Sto. Domingo youth closer to God and to renew and understand their faith much better. Panginoon pilgrimage to Pampanga and Francis Vidanes with Ernest Quizon churches ‣ Eileen de Leon on the Ladies of Charity’s rice distribuon and housekeeping livelihood program ‣ Althea Geronilla on the Easter egg hunt ‣ Alma Yeh for informaon on the Flores Mayo catechism classes ‣ Fely Ong on Coffee Aer Church and Easter Triduum ‣ Bert Santos on Easter Triduum ‣ Armine Tagaysay and Ellen Chua on the Eastern Europe Pilgrimage ‣ Bethlehem Opulencia and Abby Banico for the arcle and photos of PREx Youth Bing and Elise del Rosario Media In-charge 28