Cardinal Tagle's Christmas Message 2017

My dear Brothers and Sisters in the Archdiocese of Manila,

All over the world, Christmas greetings express a wish that the person or community may experience joy on Christmas: Have a Merry Christmas! A Happy Christmas to you! Maligayang Pasko! Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Joy is at the heart of the Christmas event.

The angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary of Nazareth was, “Rejoice, favored one!” (Luke 1:28). Responding to Elizabeth’s profuse praise of her, Mary said, “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” (Luke 1:47). The angel that visited the shepherds declared, “I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord” (Luke 20-11). The Magi “were overjoyed at seeing the star and on entering the house they saw the Child with Mary his Mother” (Matthew 2:10-11). The first Christmas was an explosion of extraordinary joy in the world because in a simple, quiet but real way, the Savior has come – as one of us, a brother among us. He came not to destroy us to but to make us whole. Jesus’ pure goodness and genuine kindness bring joy to those who need God’s healing.

The joy of Christmas is about Jesus’ goodness and kindness that we manifest to one another. During Christmas, we try to make other people happy; and we are happy when we see them happy. We find creative ways of making the sick, orphan, prisoner, widow, hungry, homeless, and victims of violence and natural disasters feel they are important and loved. Seeing their smiles, we are moved to tears. As we give joy, we receive joy in return. Let us imagine a world where those simple acts of Christmas kindness and goodness generate a new culture when done repeatedly even outside the Christmas season. My wish is that we develop and spread a culture of Christian joy beyond Christmas. This culture embodies the enduring joy of Jesus’ coming contrary to the false joys or thrills that excite us temporarily:

The joy of saving peoples’ lives, rather than the thrill of destroying them,
The joy of sharing possessions, rather than the thrill of accumulating them,
The joy of denying oneself, rather than the thrill of getting ahead of others,
The joy of forgiving, rather than the thrill of retaliating,
The joy of accepting people, rather than the thrill of isolating them.

We witnessed this joy among the drug dependents who had completed the Sanlakbay Parish drug rehabilitation program, their families, the barangay officials, the police and volunteers. We saw this joy in our Moslem brothers and sisters who had protected Christians from persecution in Marawi and joy in the Christians who had experienced heroic love from those who differed from them. We marvel at the joyful strains produced by the bell orchestra composed of poor girls who study at the Sisters of Mary Girlstown and we eagerly await the joyful music from the street kids of Tulay ng Kabataan who are learning how to play the violin. Let us nurture a culture of joy, not a culture of anger, bitterness and violence. We need good will that produces acts of kindness and goodness. “Ang pag-ibig ang siyang maghari. Araw-araw ay magiging Pasko lagi.” Maligaya at mabiyayang Pasko sa inyong lahat. Luwalhati sa Dios sa kaitaasan at sa lupa’y kapayapaan sa mga taong may mabuting kalooban!

+ Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle
23 December 2017

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December 2017 Mass Schedules

EDSA Shrine December Activities

1.December 4-6 (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) - Community Advent Recollection after the 5:30 PM mass.
2.December 8 (Friday) - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Schedule of Masses:
6:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:15 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM
Procession follows right after the 4:30 PM mass

3. December 15 (Friday) - 28th Anniversary of Edsa Shrine
Anniversary Mass - 12:15 PM and 5:30 PM
December 6-14 Novena in preparation for the Anniversary. ( All Masses )
4. Simbang Gabi
December 15-23, Anticipated (7:00 PM)
December 16-24, Dawn Masses (4:15 AM & 5:30 AM)
5.Dec. 24 (Sunday) - Christmas Eve
Vigil Masses - 6:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Nativity of the Lord (Midnight Mass) 9:00PM
6. December 25 (Monday) - Christmas Day, Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord
Sunday Masses Schedule
8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:15 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM
7. December 31 (Sunday) - New Year's Eve
Vigil Masses - 6:00 PM & 7:30 PM (Midnight Mass) 9:00PM
8.January 1, 2018 (Monday) - New Year's Day, Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:15 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM

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The EDSA Shrine Gazette Issue No. 2

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Homily: Lord, Heal Our Land Mass

FORGIVE US AND HEAL OUR LAND

November 5, 2017

EDSA Shrine


Sa bawat pag-aalay ng Misa ay paulit-ulit nating naririnig ang mga salita ng Panginoon na binibigkas ng pari “Ito ang aking dugo na ibubuhos para sa inyo”. Sa pagbubuhos ng kanyang dugo, itinuturo ng Panginoon ang tunay na kapangyarihan. Ang tuktok ng pag-ibig ay ang pag-aalay ng buhay para sa minamahal.


Leadership is for service. Service is dying that others may live.


Kapag bumuhos ang dugo ng Panginoon, bumubuhos ang pagpapala at biyaya. Ito lamang ang pagbubuhos dugo na may bungang biyaya. Kapag ibinuhos ng tao ang dugo ng kanyang kapwa, wala itong dulot na biyaya kundi sumpa at parusa. Nang unang dumanak ang dugo ng kapatid dahil sa pagpatay ng sariling kadugo, sabi ng Panginoon “Ang tinig ng dugo ng iyong kapatid ay dumadaing sa akin mula sa lupa” (Gen.4:10).


Ang pakiusap na itigil na ang patayan ay panaghoy ng mahigit sampung libong kababayan nating nabaril dahil nanlaban daw o kaya ay binaril ng di makilala. Ito ay hinagpis ng mga ulilang magulang at anak, mga maagang naulilila sa asawa. Ito ay pakiusap mula sa mga matang luhaan at kaloobang sugatan. Tama na po. May test pa ako bukas.


Kapag hindi natin itinigil ang patayan, may sumpang parusa ang bayang pumapatay sa sariling kababayan. Sabi ng Birhen sa Fatima, “Tigilan na ninyo ang pagsuway sa Panginoon sapagkat labis labis na siyang sinasaktan ng mga kasalanan ng tao”.


Ano ang panawagan? Ano ang dapat gawin? Magbalik loob upang maghilom. Repent so healing can begin. Stopping the killing is only one big step. The journey of healing for the values of our nation turned upside down will be a long journey still.


Bayan ng Diyos, bumalik na tayo sa Panginoon. Naligaw na tayo ng landas at pinili natin ang kadiliman kaysa liwanag. Bakit tayo pumapalakpak sa patayan? Pinili natin ang karahasan kaysa kapayapaan. Pinili natin ang magsinungaling kaysa katotohanan. Pinili natin ang pagtawanan ang malaswa sa halip na iwasto. Pinili nating manahimik kaysa makisangkot. Sa maling akalang ito na ang huling baraha, nasubukan na natin lahat ng uri ng pamumuno…kumapit na tayo sa patalim. Ang dating bayan ng mga bayani ay naging bayang walang pakiramdam at walang pakialam. Magsisi ang manhid.


Hindi ito ang Pilipinas. Hindi ganito ang Pilipino! Ang inaawit natin ay “ang mamatay ng dahil sa ‘yo”….hindi “ang pumatay ng dahil sa ‘yo….”


Let us return to the Lord, seek His pardon and promise to reform our lives NOW!


Peace to you brother bishops and priests, let us be the first to repent and turn away from sin. For falling for the lure of comfort and the attraction of convenience, for giving in to the temptation to be powerful and popular rather than be humble and faithful, for our tendency to judge rather than seek unity, for keeping quiet when we should speak and blabbering when what is needed is silence, God forgive us leaders of your Church. Have mercy on us.


Healing for you all civil servants and honorable officials in government in the majority coalition or in the minority opposition, let politics serve the poor. God forgive those of you who use the poor. When party loyalty prevails over love of country we need to repent. Let civility and courtesy prevail over curses and lies. Let the institutions of democracy be revered and safeguarded; let dialogue prevail over the many reasons for division. When mediocrity in social services becomes normal, the poor suffer first. Honorable servants in government in the administration or in the opposition, what will it profit you to gain the world, insure your wife or husband or daughter or son win in the next elections… but lose your soul? Walang gobyernong forever. Walang politikong forever. God lang ang forever. Turn to the Lord and turn away from destructive politics. Peace to you all! We respect you and we call you Honorable. Be worthy of it.


Peace to you in the armed forces and the police. Stop the violence and uphold the law. Seek justice not revenge. Choose to be respected rather than feared. If you have stumbled and waltzed with graft, rise up men and women in uniform. Demand ethical leadership from your officers. Choose integrity not the quick fix. Remember that power belongs to the people not to the weapon holder. Serve your countrymen not the politicians. Edify us through your self-discipline. Return to the Lord and obey God rather than evil men.


Paghihilom sa inyo mga ulila sa EJK na nasa gilid gilid ng lipunan. Kung totoong drug users kayo, tama na at magbago. May pag-asa pa! Kung naulila kayo dahil napagkamalan, dahil nanlaban daw, dahil wala na raw kuwentang tao ang drug user, huwag kayong padala sa simbuyo ng paghihiganti. May awa ang Diyos. Magbagong buhay na tayo kasama ako. Bumalik tayo sa Panginoon. Naghihintay ang Diyos. Ang simbahan ay handang umalalay sa inyo. Do not be afraid to ask pardon. Tell us what help you need.


Peace to you the murdered brethren and victims of extra judicial killings. May the Lord give you peace in His kingdom, that peace that the world failed to give you! May your blood speak to us, disturb us and move us to act to resist violence. No more killings! Pray for our healing. EJK poor souls killed by even morally bankrupt poorer souls, patawarin ninyo kami. Rest in God now.

Peace to you beloved Philippines. Mahal naming bayan. Patawad po sa aming baluktot na pag-iisip, sa kamay na amoy pulbura at pag-iisip na kasinlamig ng baril. Patawad po sa pagpapahalaga muna sa sarili sa halip na sa bayan. Patawad po sa pangungusinti sa pandarambong basta may balato kami. Nakakahiya po. Sorry po Inang Bayan.


We need to repent as a nation. Hamon ni Kian, Tama na po may test pa ako bukas.


Bayan, tama na! May test pa tayo sa Diyos baka mamaya, baka bukas sino ang nakatitiyak kung kailan. Haharap tayo sa Panginoon. Hindi atin ang panahon. Magbago na habang may panahon. Repent now. Time is not ours. Start the healing by repenting now. We cannot heal as a nation by blaming others. We have only ourselves to blame first. Let the healing begin here… in each one here.


Lord forgive us and heal our broken land.***


+SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS

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Red Wednesday

WHAT IS RED WEDNESDAY?

Numerous studies have consistently shown that Christians are the most persecuted faith group in the world. A study by Open Doors, a Christian advocacy group, reveals that the global persecution of Christians has risen for the past four consecutive years. Another study by the Center for New Religions published findings that over 90,000 Christians were murdered in 2016. That is equivalent to one Christian being murdered for the faith every six minutes. Furthermore, the study reveals that half a billion Christians are unable to freely express their faith. These findings affirm the declaration of Pope Francis that there are more Christians suffering today than there were in the early years of Christianity.

Given that our country is predominantly Christian, Filipinos find it difficult to grasp a reality where Christians can be persecuted. Many are not even aware of how difficult it is to practice the Christian faith in some areas of Muslim Mindanao. Since Christianity has been deeply ingrained in the fabric of Philippine society, we seem to have developed a blind spot regarding the nature and scale of Christian persecution in the world today.

For this reason, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the Pontifical charity organization dedicated to serving the needs of persecuted Christian communities worldwide, is launching a Red Wednesday campaign to create awareness among Filipino Christians about the severity of Christian persecution. Red is the color of martyrdom in the Christian faith. The Red Wednesday campaign will shine a light on religious persecution and will honor all Christians who have suffered and died for Christ.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has endorsed the Red Wednesday campaign by inviting all cathedrals, minor basilicas and national & diocesan shrines to illuminate their façade in red. Furthermore, several Catholic universities in Manila have also expressed interest to join the campaign.  On November 22, after the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, a program will be held to discuss the significance of the illumination of the said structures which will then be followed by a communal prayer for persecuted Christians.

In solidarity with Christians who suffer for their faith, ACN invites everyone to make a visible statement by wearing red and, if resources allow, light their own parishes or respective buildings or local monuments in red.

Let Red Wednesday be the start for Filipinos to lend their voice to the global call to uphold religious freedom and advocate for inter-faith harmony. As one global Christian family, may our experssion of solidarity be a witness to the power of love over hate and be a source of strength and comfort for Christians all over the world by sending a message that they are not alone and that we are one with them in fighting for a better world where acceptance, love and respect for each other is the ultimate expression of faith in God.



THE MISSION OF AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED

 Aid to the Church in Need supports Christians wherever they are persecuted, oppressed or suffering material need. Every year the charity responds to more than 5,000 requests for aid from bishops and religious superiors in around 140 countries, including: funding training for seminarians and priests; printing Bibles and religious literature; supporting priests and religious in difficult circumstances; building and restoring churches and chapels; broadcasting religious programmes; and helping refugees.


RED WEDNESDAY AROUND THE WORLD

In November 2016, to promote the latest Religious Freedom in the World report, ACN launched its first-ever Red Wednesday campaign in the United Kingdom. Key buildings, churches and schools were lit in red including Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral, Houses of Parliament, and the University of Oxford.

The Red Wednesday gained regional and international media and internet coverage. The overall feedback was remarkable with parliamentarians, church leaders, other faith groups and teachers appealing to Aid to the Church in Need to make this an annual event, therefore making a commitment to grow this campaign and make this an annual event.

This initiative of the UK office of ACN has since been adopted by other countries. To complement their own respective awareness campaigns for persecuted Christians, famous landmarks around the world were lighted in red including the Fontana De Trevi in Italy, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in France and the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil.


#REDWEDNESDAYPH 2017 CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES and IMPACT


The Red Wednesday Campaign in the Philippines intends to achieve the following objectives:

• Educate and inform Christian communities and the general public including the youth about the nature and scale of Christian persecution.
• Create awareness among Filipino Christians of their membership within a bigger global Christian family and to identify with all persecuted and suffering Christians.
•  Encourage Christians of all ages and traditions to stand up for faith and freedom and the right of Christians to practice their faith without fear or obstructionRaise awareness about Aid to the Church in Need and its mission to help persecuted Christians.
• Encourage support for ACN projects in the Philippines and worldwide
• Work towards the annual commemoration of the Red Wednesday – with a particular focus on youth action and involvement (pending the approval of the CBCP).

   

#RedWednesdayPH brings together Christians and other faith communities in the Philippines in a positive and united vision of religious belief which:

• UPHOLDS the right of individuals to follow their faith and conscience without coercion or reprisals.
• PROMOTES respect and tolerance for those of other religious traditions.
• CONDEMNS acts of violence carried out in the name of religion or by regimes against religion.
• COMMITS to helping victims of persecution.

https://acn-philippines.org/red-wednesday-campaign/

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LORD HEAL OUR LAND

(cf. 2 Chronicles 7:14)

Our brothers and sisters in Christ:

Kian, Carl, Reynaldo…they were young boys, enjoying life, loving sons of parents who doted on them. Now an entire nation knows them by name because their lives have been snuffed out so cruelly, their dreams and aspirations forever consigned to the sad realm of “what could have been but never will be”.

They cannot be statistics, for to reduce them to numbers in an increasing tally is to heap yet more injustice than has already been visited on them. They are only three of so many, awfully many, who have paid the price of what is touted to be the country’s resolute drive against criminality!

We mourn. The nation must beat its breast in a collective admission of guilt for in our silence and in our inaction, in our diffidence and in our hesitation lie our complicity in their deaths!

We are appalled by the remorselessness by which even the young are executed. The relentless and bloody campaign against drugs that shows no sign of abating impels us your bishops to declare:

In the name of God, stop the killings! May the justice of God come upon those responsible for the killings!

For the good of the country, stop the killings! The toll of “murders under investigation” must stop now.

For the sake of the children and the poor, stop their systematic murders and spreading reign of terror! In memory of those killed, let us start the healing of our bleeding nation.

The healing must begin. Malasakit must be restored. Pakikiramay must be active. Pakikipag kapwa tao must be gained back. The rule of law must prevail.

Because we Christians are heralds of a Gospel of Life there is no way that one can be a faithful Christian, let alone a fervent Catholic, and yet stay safely quiet in the face of these shocking attacks against human life. The very Gospel that the Church was founded to teach is a Gospel of Life. The Church must either be at the forefront of the intense and fervent struggle against a culture of death or the Church betrays Christ.

Saint John Paul II taught many years ago:

Brother kills brother. Like the first fratricide, every murder is a violation of the “spiritual” kinship uniting mankind in one great family, in which all share the same fundamental good: equal personal dignity.…

Cain’s killing of his brother at the very dawn of history is thus a sad witness of how evil spreads with amazing speed: man’s revolt against God in the earthly paradise is followed by the deadly combat of man against man. (EV, 8)

When we label members of our society because of the offenses they commit – or that we impute rightly or wrongly against them – as “unsalvageable”, “irremediable”, “hopelessly perverse” or “irreparably damaged”, then it becomes all the easier for us to consent to their elimination if not to participate outright in their murder. We stand firmly against drugs and the death drugs have caused, but killing is not the solution of the problem.

The mercy of the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine in search of the lost sheep is the only reason why we are still here—awa ng Diyos. The “mandate” to kill the lost sheep is poison for humanity. The wounded need healing, not more blows, and the fallen need our hands to be able to rise again, not our feet to trample on them.

We your bishops call for pakikiramay, pakikipagkapwa-tao and malasakit in action; the action to which we bid you all is utterly Christian. It is the most powerful weapon in our arsenal – the action of prayer.

1. We invite you to offer prayers particularly for those killed in the government’s campaign against drugs, as well as for all victims of violence and the war in Marawi, in our country for a FORTY DAY period, starting SEPTEMBER 23 and ending on NOVEMBER 1. Please offer the rosary daily for the killed and receive Holy Communion as an offering for their souls. May the souls of the killed find rest. Prayer heals us. Prayer helps their souls.

2. Subject to the approval of the diocesan bishops, we appeal for the pealing of church bells at 8:00 pm during the same forty day period in remembrance of the souls of those killed. The ancient pious tradition of De Profundis is worth restoring. Let the bells call us to pray for the dead.

3. One beautiful Filipino custom observed in prayerful remembrance of the dead is the tirik ng kandila sa patay. So we urge our Filipino Catholics, during this same 40 day period, to light candles in front of their homes, in cemeteries, in public places, and particularly, at spots where the victims of the on-going violence have been felled and have lost their lives, while praying for them and for their families. Candle lighting can soothe grieving hearts.

4. Finally, we beg you to contribute to the support and the schooling of the orphaned children of the victims of these murders, or of their siblings, or the support and sustenance of their families. Almsgiving covers many sins. Almsgiving heals.

We intend to offend none but the evil in our midst. We are angry at none but the indifference amongst us. We fight the darkness not with spark of bullets but with the light of Christ. We beg for prayers and we ask for a change of heart in all of us.

Let us turn once more to God, for they who put their trust in bullets and weapons will be confounded. But upon the nation that turns to God and prays, God promises the healing of the land and the calming of the storms that rage in our hearts.

Let the healing begin.

For the Permanent Council of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Intramuros, Manila, September 12, 2017


(SGD)+ SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS
Archbishop of Lingayen Dagupan
President, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines

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A letter from His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle

A letter from His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle will be read in all masses (August 20) after communion.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Archdiocese of Manila,

On August 12-17, 2017, I participated in the meeting of Caritas Latin America held in El Salvador, a country where many people had been killed in a civil war. Until now it still contends with armed groups. In El Salvador, I heard news of the increase of killings in our own country due to an intensified war against illegal drugs. I am inviting you to reflect, pray and act.

First, all Filipinos agree that the menace of illegal drugs is real and destructive. We must face and act upon together, as one people. Unfortunately, it has divided us. Given the complexity of the issues, no single individual, group or institution could claim to have the only right response. We need one other. We cannot disregard each other. Let us invite families, national government agencies, local government units, people’s organizations, schools, faith-based communities, the medical profession, the police and military, recovering addicts etc. to come together, listen to each other and chart a common path. The illegal drug problem should not be reduced to a political or criminal issue. It is a humanitarian concern that affects all of us. The Archdiocese of Manila would be willing to host such multi-sectoral dialogue.

Secondly, to understand the situation better, we need not only statistics but also human stories. Families with members who have been destroyed by illegal drugs must tell their stories. Families with members who have been killed in the drug-war, especially the innocent ones, must be allowed to tell their stories. Drug addicts who have recovered must tell their stories of hope. Let their stories be told, let their human faces be revealed. We knock on the consciences of those manufacturing and selling illegal drugs to stop this activity. We knock on the consciences of those who kill even the helpless, especially those who cover their faces with bonnets, to stop wasting human lives. Recall the words of God to Cain who killed his brother Abel, “Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the soil” (Genesis 4:10). Those with sorrowful hearts and awakened consciences may come to your pastors to tell your stories and we will document them for the wider society. I call on all the parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila to mark the nine days from August 21 (Memorial of St. Pope Pius X) to August 29 (Beheading of St. John the Baptist) as time to offer prayers at all masses for the repose of those who have died in this war, for the strength of their families, for the perseverance of those recovering from addiction and the conversion of killers.

Finally, let us conquer evil with good (Romans 12:21). Let us save the lives of people most vulnerable to drug dependency: the youth, the poor and unemployed. Words of solidarity without tears and acts of compassion are cheap. I enjoin our parishes and vicariates to commit again to the parish-based drug rehabilitation program of the Archdiocese of Manila called Sanlakbay in partnership with the local government and police. I ask the Basic Ecclesial Communities and other organizations of the lay faithful to care for our neighborhoods in coordination with our partners.

“May the Lord bless you and keep you! May the Lord let His face shine upon you and be gracious to you! May the Lord look upon you kindly and grant you peace!” (Numbers 6:24-26)

+Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle
Archbishop of Manila
19 August 2017

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Happy 60th Birthday Your Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle!

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The EDSA Shrine Gazette - April 2017

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Easter Vigil 2017

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Good Friday 2017

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Penitential Walk 2017

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Holy Thursday 2017

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Chrism Mass

Chrism Mass

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The Lenten Season

The Lenten Season

By: Yoly C. Abad

We are presently in the season of Lent.  It started on Ash Wednesday when the priest and other ministers imposed ashes in the form of a cross on our forehead and said “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”  It commenced our 40-day preparation towards Easter.  It is forty because the number forty symbolizes the different salvific events in the Bible.  Sundays in Lent are not counted because each Sunday is regarded a mini-Easter.  We are most familiar with the forty-day and forty-night fasting of Jesus in the wilderness, endured Satan’s temptation and prepared to start his public ministry (Matthew 4:1-11).  The word “Lent” comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “lencten”, which means “spring”.  Since the word Lent means spring, or springtime, it likewise symbolizes change – letting go of our sinful ways and moving towards self-conversion.  The ashes imposed on our forehead signify humility and repentance.  During the season, we focus more on our relationship with the Lord as we contemplate our pilgrimage towards salvation.

The Lenten season is regarded as the biggest celebration during the entire year.  Predominantly Catholic, we Filipinos are highly esteemed to be deeply pious.  Despite the reverent atmosphere, we tend to highlight the season with activities or festivities showcasing Filipino religious devotions and unwaning centuries-old traditions which may continue even in future generations.  Observance of lent in our country is tinted with deep faith and galore more than anywhere else in the world

In recent years, however, because of the advent of technology and for other reasons, we witness an increasing number of people rushing to pack their bags gearing for out-of-town beaches and resorts .  These merrymaking  has replaced the piety of participating in the Pasyon(Passion of Christ in Prayer}, the Visita Iglesia(Church Visits), the Via Crucis(Stations of the Cross) or the Senakulo(Play depicting the life of Christ).  Many have even labored to infuse modifications to make these practices simple and easy.  As a result, the Church is faced with the challenge of celebrating the liturgies in a more creative, dynamic, relevant and meaningful manner in order to lure the Filipino masses especially the young, to participate more actively in this religious rituals.  It also aims to better educate them on the significance of these religious practices in their Catholic faith.

In The Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy of Vatican II, it is stated that, “The two elements which are especially characteristic of Lent – the recalling of baptism or the preparation for it, and penance – should be given emphasis in the liturgy and liturgical catechesis.  It is by means of them that the Church prepare the faithful for the celebration of Easter, while they hear God’s word more frequently and devote more time to prayer.”(no. 106)

The Disciplines of Lent

During the Lenten season, Mother Church calls us to three important spiritual disciplines – Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving.  Prayer plugs us to our Creator, the author of salvation and the fountain of grace.  Silence is a precondition to prayer. It is only in silence when we can confront ourselves and assess our spiritual fitness.  Fasting is self-emptying.  It is entering our desert experience.  It is abstaining or totally letting go of our negative passions for the benefit of other people.  Fasting is a powerful discipline because it is only when we are empty that we can accord a bigger room for God in our hearts.  It is said that the more we get closer to God, the more temptations we undergo.  Many of us have experienced this.  It also happened to Jesus.  After fasting for forty days and forty nights, he was tempted by Satan.  He got closer to His Father and He resisted the temptation.  Fasting also enabled Jesus to eat the real food and that is to do the will of the Father.  Lent is likewise an opportune time to practice the virtue of sharing.  We can do this by getting out of our comfort zone to do acts of mercy.  Helping the poor is a lifetime calling.

The Church, however, instructs us at the beginning of our Lenten journey towards Easter that before we even think of doing them, let us get ourselves straightened first.  Unlike the Pharisees who did them for a show, let us do them for the right reasons:  “Pray to your Father in secret and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.” (Mt 6:6)  “Hide the fact that you are fasting, and your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.” (Mt 6:18) When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your almsgiving may be secret.”(Mt 6:3-4)

In his 2017 Lenten message entitled “The Word is a gift.  Other persons are a gift”, Pope Francis has again reminded us these three disciplines.  He instructed us to be rooted in the Scriptures and lead a life of Gospel values, let go of the sin that blinds us because of our greed for the things of the world which further hinders us to see the face of Christ in the weak and vulnerable.   He ended his message exhorting the faithful to pray for one another so that, by sharing the victory of Christ , we may open our doors to the weak and the poor.  He said, “Then we will be able to experience and share to the full the joy of Easter.”  Let us heed his call!

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Holy Week 2017

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Cardinal Tagle invites faithful to join Penitential Walk for Life

“Let us join Jesus who walked with us humbly, justly, and lovingly. Every step we take is a commitment to the value of life that Jesus offers to all, especially the poor and neglected.” This is the call of Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio G. Tagle in a circular addressed to all priests, religious communities and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Manila as invites his flock to join the Way of the Cross called Penitential Walk for Life on April 14, 2017, Good Friday from 4:30 am to 9:00 am. The Way of the Cross will start its first station at the Plaza Rajah Sulayman in Malate Manila. The last station will be at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) in Intramuros. The Penitential Walk will pass through Roxas Boulevard. Cardinal Tagle also encouraged those who will join the Penitential Walk for Life to bring transistor radio to listen and follow the prayers and meditations aired over Radio Veritas. The Penitential Walk for Life is organized by Radio Veritas846, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Sangguniang Laiko, and the Archdiocese of Manila. In February 18, 2017, thousands of Catholic faithful took part in the “Walk for Life” an initiative of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ Episcopal Commission on the Laity through its lay arm, the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas at the Quirino Parade Grounds in Rizal Park, Manila. Walk for Life was intended  to put forward the advocacy for the care, protection and defense of all human life from conception to natural death, as well as due process for law offenders, humane treatment of criminals and adequate rehabilitation for those involved in drugs. Radio Veritas in partnership with the Archdiocese of Manila and TV Maria first organized the Penitential Walk on April 18, 2014 and April 3, 2015. With themes “Via Crucis for Good Weather” in 2014 and “The Poor in the Experience of Calamities and for Peace” in 2015, both Good Friday Walks are meant for the country’s safety from future calamities. (Jheng Manalang Prado/RCAM-AOC)

http://rcam.org/news/2004-cardinal-tagle-invites-faithful-to-join-penitential-walk-for-life

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Marian Dove, Fly! - San Carlos Seminary

Our Lady of EDSA goes to San Carlos Seminary. We invite everyone to join the "Marian Dove, Fly!" on Saturday, March 18, 3pm at San Carlos Seminary main chapel, in Guadalupe, Makati City... Let is bring the devotion to Our Lady Queen of Peace to where priests-in-process are... Hope to see you there.

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Pastoral Statement on Ash Wednesday

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ASH WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE

March 1, 2017 is ASH WEDNESDAY.
Schedule of Masses: 6:30 AM, 8 AM, 9:30 AM, 11 AM
12:15 PM, 3 PM, 4:30 PM, 6 PM, 7:30 PM
IMPOSITION OF ASHES will be done WITHIN the Mass.

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28th Feast Anniversary of the Our Lady of EDSA Shrine Activities

ANNOUNCEMENT:

In preparation for the 28th Feast Anniversary of the Our Lady of EDSA Shrine, all Masses from February 15-23, 2017 are Novena Masses.

The Mass presiders are:
6:30 A.M. - Rev. Fr. Matthieu Dauchez
12:15 P.M. - Rev. Fr. Lari Abaco
5:30 P.M. - Rev. Fr. George Kochuchakkalackal
7:00 P.M. - Rev. Fr. Arnel Calata Jr.

On February 19, 2017, Sunday the Novena Masses are:
12:15 P.M. - Rev. Fr. Lari Abaco
6:00 P.M. & 7:30 P.M. - Rev. Fr. Charlie

On February 24, 2017, Friday the Feast Day our Masses are as follows:
Morning: 6:30, 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 A.M.
Afternoon: 12:15, 3:00, 4:30, 6:00, 7:30 P.M.
Right after the 4:30 P.M. Mass, there will be a procession. It will be followed by a short program and then our annual Barrio Fiesta.

Everyone is encourage to join in the various activities for the Feast Day of Our Lady of EDSA

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Panalangin para sa Taon ng Parokya

Diyos na bukal ng kabutihan,salamat sa handog mong pagpapanibago,sa pagkakaloob ng mga munting sambayanang  Kristiyano,bilang lugar at pagkakataonupang maisabuhay ng makahuluganang aming pananampalataya.

Nagsusumamo kamina pagkalooban ng higit na alab ng kaloobansa pagsususlong ng munting sambayanang  Kristiyanona magbibigay ng bagong siglasa pagpapanibago ng aming pamilya, kapitbahayan, at parokya.

Kami nawa’y maging tunay na asinna magpapanatili ng pananampalataya,ilaw na nagbibigay ng liwanag sa aming misyon,at lebadura na magpapa-alsa ng pakikilahok.

Ito ay aming samo’t dalanginsa ngalan ni Kristo na aming Panginoon.Amen.

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Prayer Against Death Penalty

Prayer Against Death Penalty

Leader: Father, source and giver of life, we lift our hearts and voices to you. Help us to build a society that truly chooses life in all situations.

Let our response be: Lord, heal our pain.


For those experiencing pain and anguish because of violence and crime,
Lord, heal our pain.

For perpetrators and victims of atrocities who both struggle with anger and hatred,
Lord, heal our pain.

For our broken world, enchained by the desire for revenge,
Lord, heal our pain.

For our wounded society misled by the illusion that one must take life in order to defend it.
Lord, heal our pain.


Leader: Let us say together: Help us to make peace.


For our country, tempted to accept violent revenge,
Help us to make peace.

For the conviction to recognize and uphold the dignity of all people,
Help us to make peace.

For the wisdom to see poverty, injustice and lack of educational and employment opportunities as likely causes of criminality,
Help us to make peace.

For guidance and compassion in addressing the pain of both victims and perpetrators of wrong-doing. Let hatred overcome you. Help us to reach out to victims of violence so that our enduring love may help heal their wounds.

Holy Spirit, Lord and Giver of Life You strengthen us in the struggle for justice. Help us to work tirelessly against state-sanctioned death and to renew society in truth, justice, love and respect so that violence will cease and peace may prevail. Amen.

O Mary, Mother of Life, protect the Filipino people from the forces of death.

San Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us.

San Pedro Calungsod, pray for us.

http://rcam.org/others/articles/prayer-against-death-penalty-/1930

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CARDINAL TAGLE’S STATEMENT (INVITATION) ON DEATH PENALTY

An Invitation to Reflect, Pray and ActTo the Catholic Faithful in the Archdiocese of Manila(comprising the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasay, and San Juan)


My dear sisters and brothers in Jesus Christ,

Peace be with you! Once again the issue of capital punishment or the death penalty has surfaced in our country. Through the centuries there have existed differing opinions on the authority of the state to administer the death penalty for heinous crimes. In these past years many nations have abandoned the use of the death penalty, including the Philippines. They try instead to find other means to suppress crimes while giving offenders the chance to reform. I would like to share some reasons why recent Catholic teaching opposes the death penalty. I invite you to study and reflect on them as guides for prayer and action.
1. Studies worldwide show that the death penalty has not lessened violent crimes. The threat of punishment by death has not reduced criminality. The best approach is to address positively and comprehensively the roots of crime of which offenders have probably been victims themselves: the loss of moral values, injustice, inequality, poverty, lack of access to food, education, jobs and housing, proliferation of weapons, drugs, pornography, loss of respect for sexuality, and many others. The death penalty has not reduced crime because it does not solve criminality from its roots. To help solve these roots of criminality, the Church and the state need to protect and strengthen the basic unit of society, which is the family.
2. There is a danger that the death penalty might legitimize the use of violence to deal with every wrongdoing. We affirm that victims of crimes need justice and healing. An honest and upright judicial and penal system assures the victims and society of protection and renewal. There is real danger that the death penalty might be applied to an innocent person. We need to reform institutions so they would safeguard justice while preventing the spread of a culture of violence. Penalties are not imposed for vengeance but for the correction of offenders and the good of society. A culture of violence dehumanizes. A culture of justice, integrity, and hope heals. 
3. As Christians we believe that human life is God´s gift. Every human being is created in God´s image and likeness. Every human being is saved by Jesus Christ. This is the reason for forgiveness, hope and salvation. This is the reason why an ethic of life, a culture of life, is inconsistent with abortion, euthanasia, human trafficking, mutilation, and violence against innocent and vulnerable persons. Before God the source of life, we are humble. We cannot pretend to be gods.

I offer these thoughts for your serene study and prayer. If you share these convictions, you should make them known to your elected representatives. I commend you, our Archdiocese, and our beloved country to God who sent Jesus to the world “not to condemn the world but so that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17). We rely on the prayers and protection of Our Mother Mary, our life, our sweetness, and our hope.



(signed)
+ Luis Antonio G. Cardinal TagleArchbishop of Manila
2 February 2017, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple

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Isang Paanyayang Magnilay, Manalangin at Kumilos
Para sa mga Katolikong Mananampalataya ng Arkidiyosesis ng Maynila(na binubuo ng mga lungsod ng Maynila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasay, and San Juan)


Mga minamahal na kapatid kay Hesukristo, Sumainyo ang kapayapaan! Muli na namang hinaharap ng ating bansa ang isyu ng parusang kamatayan. Sa loob ng maraming daang-taon, iba’t iba ang naging mga paniniwala at paninindigan ukol sa kapangyarihan ng estado na ipataw ang parusang kamatayan sa mga nakamumuhing krimen. Sa mga nakaraang taon, maraming mga bansa na ang huminto sa pagpataw ng parusang kamatayan, kabilang ang Pilipinas. Sinikap nilang humanap ng ibang paraan upang supilin ang krimen habang binibigyan ng pagkakataong magbago ang mga nagkasala. Nais kong ibahagi sa inyo ang ilang mga dahilan kung bakit tumututol sa parusang kamatayn ang turo ng Simbahang Katolika sa kasalukuyang panahon. Inaanyayahan ko kayong pag-aralan at pagnilayan ang mga ito bilang gabay sa panalangin at pagkilos.


1. Maraming pag-aaral sa buong mundo ang nagsasaad na hindi nasusugpo ng parusang kamatayan ang mga marahas na krimen. Hindi naman talaga tahasang napipigil ang krimen ng takot sa parusang kamatayan. Ang pinakamabisang paraan ay tugunan sa positibo at komprehensibong pamamaraan ang mga ugat ng krimen: ang kawalang ng pagpapahalagang pagmoral, kawalang katarungan, kawalan ng pagkakapantay-pantay, kahirapan, kakulangan sa pagkain, edukasyon, trabaho at pabahay, ang pamamayagpag ng mga sandata, droga, pornography, kawalan ng paggalang sa seksualidad, at marami pang iba. Marahil biktima rin ng mga ugat na ito ang mga nakagawa ng krimen. Hindi nalulunasan ng parusang kamatayan ang mga krimen sapagkat hindi nito nalulutas ang mga ugat ng krimen. Upang malutas ang mga ugat ng krimen, kailangang pangalagaan at pagtibayin ng Simbahan at ng estado ang pangunahing yunit ng lipunan, ang pamilya.

2. Sa pagsulong sa parusang kamatayan, may panganib na maging katanggap-tanggap ang karahasan bilang tugon sa bawat kasalanan. Marapat at tunay ngang kailangan ng katarungan at paghihilom ng mga biktima ng krimen. Titiyakin ng isang matapat at matuwid na sistemang pang-hukuman at pang-penal na ang biktima at lipunan ay magbigyan ng pagpapanibago at kaligtasan. May malaking panganib na ang parusang kamatayan ay maipataw sa isang inosenteng tao. Kailangan nating panibaguhin ang mga institusyon at sangay ng pamahalaan upang mapangalagaan ang katarungan habang naiiwasan ang paglago ng kultura ng karahasan. Hindi layunin ng parusa ang paghihiganti bagkus ang pagtutuwid sa mga nagkamali at ang ikabubuti ng lipunan. Nanghahamak ng pagkatao ang kultura ng karahasan. Humihilom naman ang kultura ng katarungan, katuwiran, at pag-asa.

3. Bilang mga Kristiyano, naniniwala tayo na ang buhay ng tao ay kaloob mula sa Diyos. Ang bawat tao ay nilikhang kawangis ng Diyos. Ang bawat tao ay tinubos ng dugo ni Kristo. Ito ang mga batayang dahilan ng pagpapatawad, pag-asa at kaligtasan. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit ang paninindigan sa buhay, ang kultura ng buhay, ay taliwas sa abortion, euthanasia, human trafficking, mutilation, at karahasan laban sa mga mahihina at inosenteng tao. Sa harap ng Diyos ang bukal ng buhay, ang tanging nararapat na tugon natin ay pagpapakumbaba. Hindi tayo maaaring magyabang at magpanggap na diyos.


Ihinahain ko ang mga pagninilay na ito para sa inyong pag-aaral at panalangin. Kung ito rin ang inyong pinaninindigan at pinaniniwalaan, ipaalam ninyo ito sa inyong mga kinatawan sa Kongreso.

Ipinagkakatiwala ko kayo, ang ating Arkidiyosesis, at ang ating minamahal na bayan sa ating Panginoong Diyos na nagsugo kay Hesus sa mundo “hindi upang hatulang maparusahan ang mga tao, kundi upang iligtas ang mga ito sa pamamagitan niya” (Juan 3:17). Umaasa tayo sa panalangin at maka-inang pagkalinga ng Mahal na Birheng Maria, ang ating buhay, katamisan, at pag-asa.




(signed)
+ Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle
Arsobispo ng Maynila
Ika-2 ng Pebrero 2017, Kapistahan ng Pagdadala kay Hesus na Panginoon sa Templo


http://rcam.org/news/1933-cardinal-tagles-statement-invitation-on-death-penalty

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Ephesus Love Day Project

The EDSA Shrine – Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA supports the Ephesus Love Day project for the sick, elderly and retired priests. This will be held on 11 February 2017 (Saturday) from 9:00am to 2:00pm at the Villa San Miguel, Shaw Boulevard, Pleasant Hills Mandaluyong City.
EDSA Shrine is currently accepting donations in cash or in kind as we prepare Bags of Toiletries for 75 beneficiaries of Senior priests.
The following Toiletries needed are:
1. Pull-up adult diaper in various sizes (Medium, Large, XL)
2. Mouthwash
3. Bactidol
4. Betadine
5. Bath Soap
6. Alcohol
7. Cotton balls, Cotton Buds
8. Face Towel
9. Detergent Powder
10. Toilet Paper
11. Wet Wipes
12. Toothbrush and Toothpaste. 

In sending your donations, you may contact :
Manny Leyson
EDSA Shrine Secretary
Telephone Number: +63(2) 631-5734 local 100

Or directly bring it over any time of the day on or before 11 February 2017 to the  EDSA Shrine Office

We will appreciate whatever help may be given for the realization of this project for the glory of our Lord through the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA.


“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work!"
- II Corinthians 9:7-8

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