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Feast of the Immaculate Conception December 8

A feast called the Conception of Mary arose in the Eastern Church in the seventh century. It came to the West in the eighth century. In the eleventh century it received its present name, the Immaculate Conception. In the eighteenth century it became a feast of the universal Church.

In 1854, Pius IX solemnly proclaimed: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin.”

It took a long time for this doctrine to develop. While many Fathers and Doctors of the Church considered Mary the greatest and holiest of the saints, they often had difficulty in seeing Mary as sinless—either at her conception or throughout her life. This is one of the Church teachings that arose more from the piety of the faithful than from the insights of brilliant theologians. Even such champions of Mary as Bernard and Thomas Aquinas could not see theological justification for this teaching.

Two Franciscans, William of Ware and Blessed John Duns Scotus, helped develop the theology. They point out that Mary’s Immaculate Conception enhances Jesus’ redemptive work. Other members of the human race are cleansed from original sin after birth. In Mary, Jesus’ work was so powerful as to prevent original sin at the outset.

Comment:In Luke 1:28 the angel Gabriel, speaking on God’s behalf, addresses Mary as “full of grace” (or “highly favored”). In that context this phrase means that Mary is receiving all the special divine help necessary for the task ahead. However, the Church grows in understanding with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit led the Church, especially non-theologians, to the insight that Mary had to be the most perfect work of God next to the Incarnation. Or rather, Mary’s intimate association with the Incarnation called for the special involvement of God in Mary’s whole life. The logic of piety helped God’s people to believe that Mary was full of grace and free of sin from the first moment of her existence. Moreover, this great privilege of Mary is the highlight of all that God has done in Jesus. Rightly understood, the incomparable holiness of Mary shows forth the incomparable goodness of God.

http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1223

Happy Feast Day Kabankalan City!

Jesus asked, “What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Matthew 16:26a). The words were repeated to a young teacher of philosophy who had a highly promising career in academics, with success and a life of prestige and honor before him.

Francis Xavier, 24 at the time, and living and teaching in Paris, did not heed these words at once. They came from a good friend, Ignatius of Loyola, whose tireless persuasion finally won the young man to Christ. Francis then made the spiritual exercises under the direction of Ignatius, and in 1534 joined his little community (the infant Society of Jesus). Together at Montmartre they vowed poverty, chastity and apostolic service according to the directions of the pope.

From Venice, where he was ordained priest in 1537, Francis Xavier went on to Lisbon and from there sailed to the East Indies, landing at Goa, on the west coast of India. For the next 10 years he labored to bring the faith to such widely scattered peoples as the Hindus, the Malayans and the Japanese. He spent much of that time in India, and served as provincial of the newly established Jesuit province of India.

Wherever he went, he lived with the poorest people, sharing their food and rough accommodations. He spent countless hours ministering to the sick and the poor, particularly to lepers. Very often he had no time to sleep or even to say his breviary but, as we know from his letters, he was filled always with joy.

Francis went through the islands of Malaysia, then up to Japan. He learned enough Japanese to preach to simple folk, to instruct and to baptize, and to establish missions for those who were to follow him. From Japan he had dreams of going to China, but this plan was never realized. Before reaching the mainland he died. His remains are enshrined in the Church of Good Jesus in Goa.

http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1218

Life

When God created the dog, He said: "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years."

The dog said: "That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?"

So God agreed.

Next, God created the monkey and said: "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span." The monkey said: "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?"

And God agreed.

God then created the cow and said: "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years."

The cow said: "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?"

And God agreed again.

Finally, God created man and said: "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years." But man said: "Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?"

"Okay," said God, "You asked for it."

So that is why the first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grand-children. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you.

http://www.kabankalanon.com/profiles/blogs/3241215:BlogPost:51980

Happy Feast Day Columban Fathers!

ST. COLUMBAN Feast: November 23

This great missionary abbot founded monastic centers in France, Switzerland, and Italy that became centers of evangelization and learning for the whole area. He was a monk of the monastery of Bangor in north Ireland, founded by St. Comgall, one of the notable monastic founders of Ireland. At Bangor, sanctity and scholarship were prized, and St. Columban became a teacher in the monastic school there. He was born in Leinster, and after a youthful struggle he lived at Cluain Inis for a time. After thirty years at Bangor, he received Comgall's permission to spread the Gospel on the continent of Europe, and taking twelve companions with him he settled in Gaul where the devastation of the barbarian invasions had completely disrupted civil and religious life. Invited by the Merovingian King Childebert, he founded a monastic center in Burgundy at Annegray and two others at Luxeuil and Fontaines. From these three monasteries over two hundred foundations were made, and Columban composed for these monasteries two monastic rules.

With the zeal of a prophet, he attacked the immoral court life of the Merovingian kings, the lax local clergy, and introduced to the continent the Irish penitential system, which became the basis for private confession. Reproving a local king for his immoral life, Columban was expelled from Burgundy, traversed France and Germany, leaving disciples behind to found monasteries, and crossed the Alps to found his most famous monastery at Bobbio in Italy.

He was a firm opponent of Arianism, wrote letters to popes on the religious issues of the day, and left a legacy of writings that deeply influenced the monasticism that came after him.

He impressed his contemporaries as a giant of a man in mind and spirit, who revived religion on the continent and prepared the way for the Carolingian renaissance. He died at Bobbio on November 23, 615, and is buried in the crypt of St. Columban's Church there.

The St. Columban's Missionary Society took its name from him, recognizing in him a missionary genius with a uniquely Irish spirit.

Thought for the Day: St. Columban suffered for his outspokenness in the face of moral corruption and public depravity. He was exiled, but his words were remembered years later and many of his warnings heeded. He preached the word of Christ fearlessly and was not afraid of the anger of kings. It is the kind of Christian courage we should have.

From 'The Catholic One Year Bible': . . . God called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were less than nothing; now you are God's own. Once you knew very little of God's kindness; now your very lives have been changed by it.—1 Peter 2:9-10

Taken from "The One Year Book of Saints" by Rev. Clifford Stevens published by Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division, Our Sunday Visitor, Inc., Huntington, IN 46750.

http://www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/COLUMBAN.htm

Columban Partners' Prayer Meeting

OCTOBER 25, 2009 – Sixteen Columban Partners in Mission from the different parishes of the Diocese of Kabankalan, together with Fr. Brian Gore and six Columban seminarians, gathered at San Columbano, Himamaylan City for a prayer meeting.

During the meeting, the group reminisced the history and works of the Columban Missionaries in the island of Negros. The group shared how the Columbans touched and transformed their lives.

The seminarians were greatly inspired and encouraged as they listened to the heart-warming real-life stories of the people who worked and lived with the Columbans in Negros. The seminarians were also assured that there are people who continuously work and pray for the Columban mission and vocation in the island.

A fellowship lunch followed and more stories were shared. After the meal, Fr. Gore toured the group around the renovated San Columbano Compound. The new looks of San Columbano makes it more comfortable and conducive for retreats, seminars, recollections and gatherings. Located near the famous beach resorts in the province, San Columbano also provides the same ambiance its neighboring resorts offer.

The group bade farewell to each other and with the undying missionary zeal instilled by the Columban Missionaries, they returned to their respective parishes to continue their missions.

Feast of the Little Flower

St. Therese of Liseux
"The Little Flower"

(Feast day:October 1)

Therese Martin was the last of nine children born to Louis and Zelie Martin on January 2, 1873, in Alencon France. However, only five of these children lived to reach adulthood. Precocious and sensitive, Therese needed much attention. Her mother died when she was 4 years old. As a result, her father and sisters babied young Therese. She had a spirit that wanted everything.

At the age of 14, on Christmas Eve in 1886, Therese had a conversion that transformed her life. From then on, her powerful energy and sensitive spirit were turned toward love, instead of keeping herself happy. At 15, she entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux to give her whole life to God. She took the religious name Sister Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. Living a hidden, simple life of prayer, she was gifted with great intimacy with God. Through sickness and dark nights of doubt and fear, she remained faithful to God, rooted in his merciful love. After a long struggle with tuberculosis, she died on September 30, 1897, at the age of 24. Her last words were the story of her life: "My God, I love You!"

The world came to know Therese through her autobiography, Story of a Soul. She described her life as a "little way of spiritual childhood." She lived each day with an unshakeable confidence in God's love. "What matters in life," she wrote, "is not great deeds, but great love." She lived and taught a spirituality of attending to everyone and everything well and with love. She believed that just as a child becomes enamored with what is before her, we should also have a childlike focus and totally attentive love. Therese's spirituality is of doing the ordinary, with extraordinary love.

Therese saw the seasons as reflecting the seasons of God's love affair with us. She loved flowers and saw herself as the "little flower of Jesus," who gave glory to God by just being her beautiful little self among all the other flowers in God's garden. Because of this beautiful analogy, the title "little flower" remained with St. Therese.

Her inspiration and powerful presence from heaven touched many people very quickly. She was canonized by Pope Pius XI on May 17, 1925. Had she lived, she would have been only 52 years old when she was declared a Saint.

"My mission - to make God loved - will begin after my death," she said. "I will spend my heaven doing good on earth. I will let fall a shower of roses." Roses have been described and experienced as Saint Therese's signature. Countless millions have been touched by her intercession and imitate her "little way." She has been acclaimed "the greatest saint of modern times." In 1997, Pope John Paul II declared St. Therese a Doctor of the Church - the only Doctor of his pontificate - in tribute to the powerful way her spirituality has influenced people all over the world.

http://www.littleflower.org/

Saint Therese is the inspiration of the Little Way Group, the core group of the COmmission on Mission of the Diocese of Kabankalan.

October the Month of the Holy Rosary

October and the Rosary

Tradition holds that October has been celebrated as the month of the rosary since 1571, and the victory of the Catholic League (an alliance of Spain, Venice, the Papal States, Genoa, Savoy, and Malta) over the forces of the Ottoman Empire who were seeking to take over Italy in an effort to move into the heart of Europe. It was October 7, 1571 when the battle was fought and the Catholic League was able to overcome the Ottoman forces.

Prior to the ships sailing off towards battle, Pope Pius V prayed the rosary, asking for Our Lady’s intercession in victory, and every man on board carried a rosary. For this reason, as soon as the men returned from the battle, the good pope declared a feast day for Our Lady of Victory. A rosary procession was offered in St. Peter’s square after the victory and in time the whole month became associated with the rosary, rather than just one day. Pope Pius XIII officially established October as the Month of the Rosary in the 1884.

http://www.aquinasandmore.com/index.cfm/title/October-and-the-Rosary/FuseAction/store.displayArticle/article/145/

Feast Day of the Archangels

Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

Angels—messengers from God—appear frequently in Scripture, but only Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are named.

Michael appears in Daniel's vision as "the great prince" who defends Israel against its enemies; in the Book of Revelation, he leads God's armies to final victory over the forces of evil. Devotion to Michael is the oldest angelic devotion, rising in the East in the fourth century. The Church in the West began to observe a feast honoring Michael and the angels in the fifth century.

Gabriel also makes an appearance in Daniel's visions, announcing Michael's role in God's plan. His best-known appearance is an encounter with a young Jewish girl named Mary, who consents to bear the Messiah.

Raphael's activity is confined to the Old Testament story of Tobit. There he appears to guide Tobit's son Tobiah through a series of fantastic adventures which lead to a threefold happy ending: Tobiah's marriage to Sarah, the healing of Tobit's blindness and the restoration of the family fortune.

The memorials of Gabriel (March 24) and Raphael (October 24) were added to the Roman calendar in 1921. The 1970 revision of the calendar joined their feasts to Michael's. Each of these archangels performs a different mission in Scripture: Michael protects; Gabriel announces; Raphael guides. Earlier belief that inexplicable events were due to the actions of spiritual beings has given way to a scientific world-view and a different sense of cause and effect. Yet believers still experience God's protection, communication and guidance in ways which defy description. We cannot dismiss angels too lightly.

http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1153

Child Labor Provokes Boycott of Philippine Exports

The United States has called for a boycott of a dozen Philippine exports because of the widespread use of child labor in agriculture, tobacco, pig raising, fireworks and the making of child pornography. The United States Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), acting under the US Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 and 2008, says some Philippines exports should be boycotted by US customers.

This is a devastating blow to the Philippine economy and should never have happened but it is a powerful argument for the promotion and adoption of Fair Trade criteria. The US Department of Labor report covers 58 countries worldwide and the Philippines is among the offenders. The report is an indication of the international outrage at and concern for the plight of hundreds of thousands of exploited Filipino children. The Philippine Department of Labor (DOLE) says it is doing all it can to stop the abuse. Many of the Filipino ruling elite living in obscene luxury apparently have no knowledge of or interest in the plight of the children.

Children work as long as 12 hours a day on banana plantations that are sprayed with deadly pesticides and efforts by church and NGO groups to have them banned have largely been ignored by the powerful politically well-connected tycoons who own most of the export plantations.

While there is much that needs to change, Fair Trade and ethical trading is growing in the country and boosting exports. Philippine Brand and Preda Fair Trade dried mango is what the government should be promoting and customers are buying. They are free of child labor, chemicals and additives and bring great benefits to children and their families. The proceeds help the children of farmers and the victims of abuse.

Fifteen-year-old Amabelle was telling her story and being supported and comforted by Maria, the social worker. This safe haven is PREDA Children’s Home, partially supported by the sale of Preda Fair Trade Dried mangos. Here, she found a safe haven and protection from her sexual abusers and exploiters. She told how she was brought from her rural village, lured with the promise of a job in a posh hotel but instead sold to a sex club. She owed money for transport, food, board and lodging and would be jailed if she refused to pay. She was forced to dance nude while being videotaped. Later she was taken to a cubical at the back of the sex club and raped. The horrific abuse was videotaped to be sold and spread over the internet as child pornography. This is nothing unusual, such child sexual abuse being commonplace here with the complicity of corrupt officials who give operating permits to the sex clubs. The uncontrolled flood of foreign and local sex tourists hungry for sex with minors are the big spenders. They enjoy impunity from investigation, arrest, and prosecution. Between January and August this year almost four million tourists entered the Philippines. How many of them were single males? This is an increase of 4 % over this time last year according to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

According to some critics, the root of the problem is the non-prosecution of the suspects due to corruption, bribery and political influence. However there are too few prosecutors due to low pay, huge case work and the failure of police to investigate, gather and present credible evidence against abusers and traffickers. Meanwhile, the children suffer unbelievable abuse in this modern sex slavery. Foreign governments, the World Bank and Asian Development Bank give millions of taxpayers' money to the Philippine government for so called 'development projects'. Much of it is siphoned off by corrupt officials for lavish living.

But little is given to NGO’s providing safe havens and legal assistance to the countless victims of child sexual exploitation especially done by local and foreign nationals. And at what stage is the prosecution of that suspected pedophile, an official of the World Health Organization caught in the act with small boys in his car in Metro Manila? Unless there is an awakening among Filipinos to defend the rights of exploited children, hundreds of pedophiles and sex tourists will continue to abuse minors with impunity. END

http://www.misyononline.com/misyonforum/?q=node/970#comment-602

Feast of Saint Monica, Mother of Saint Augustine

The circumstances of St. Monica’s life could have made her a nagging wife, a bitter daughter-in-law and a despairing parent, yet she did not give way to any of these temptations. Although she was a Christian, her parents gave her in marriage to a pagan, Patricius, who lived in her hometown of Tagaste in North Africa. Patricius had some redeeming features, but he had a violent temper and was licentious. Monica also had to bear with a cantankerous mother-in-law who lived in her home. Patricius criticized his wife because of her charity and piety, but always respected her. Monica’s prayers and example finally won her husband and mother-in-law to Christianity. Her husband died in 371, one year after his baptism.

Monica had at least three children who survived infancy. The oldest, Augustine, is the most famous. At the time of his father’s death, Augustine was 17 and a rhetoric student in Carthage. Monica was distressed to learn that her son had accepted the Manichean heresy and was living an immoral life. For a while, she refused to let him eat or sleep in her house. Then one night she had a vision that assured her Augustine would return to the faith. From that time on she stayed close to her son, praying and fasting for him. In fact, she often stayed much closer than Augustine wanted.

When he was 29, Augustine decided to go to Rome to teach rhetoric. Monica was determined to go along. One night he told his mother that he was going to the dock to say goodbye to a friend. Instead, he set sail for Rome. Monica was heartbroken when she learned of Augustine’s trick, but she still followed him. She arrived in Rome only to find that he had left for Milan. Although travel was difficult, Monica pursued him to Milan. In Milan, Augustine came under the influence of the bishop, St. Ambrose, who also became Monica’s spiritual director. She accepted his advice in everything and had the humility to give up some practices that had become second nature to her (see Quote, below). Monica became a leader of the devout women in Milan as she had been in Tagaste.

She continued her prayers for Augustine during his years of instruction. At Easter, 387, St. Ambrose baptized Augustine and several of his friends. Soon after, his party left for Africa. Although no one else was aware of it, Monica knew her life was near the end. She told Augustine, “Son, nothing in this world now affords me delight. I do not know what there is now left for me to do or why I am still here, all my hopes in this world being now fulfilled.” She became ill shortly after and suffered severely for nine days before her death.

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/Saint.aspx?id=1120

Spanish Teresian Lectures on Psychology

Teresian Association (TA) Bacolod celebrated the feast of their founder, Saint Pedro Poveda, on July 28, 2009. As part of their celebration, they facilitated a series of lectures in their residence at Poveda House, 17th Street Lacson, Bacolod City last August 9 and 10. TA members, collaborators, friends and a member of Little Way Group from Kabankalan Diocese participated in the lectures.

Maria Rosa Elosua, a Teresian from Spain, generously shared her invaluable time and expertise in the field of education and psychology. She runs the Department of Basic Psychology at the Universidad de Educacion a Distancia in Spain and a prominent figure in the fields of Psychological Research in Europe. Rosa, as she is fondly called in the association, shared some important aspects of her researches on Cognitive Psychology especially on thinking, comprehension and working memory.

Discussions followed and snacks were served. The talk concluded with the thought that we are intelligent human beings and our knowledge should be shared and applied for the good of the community through the education of our children.

News from the South

Mission directors and collaborators gathered at Elijah Center in Tagbilaran City, Bohol last August 3 - , 2009 for their annual convention with the theme: “Let the Children Come to Me.”

The convention was presided by Fr. Socrates C. Mesiona, MSP the newly appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in the Philippines (see http://www.msp.org.ph/news.do?id=4157).

Sixteen mission directors from the different dioceses in the Philippines participated in the said convention. Kabankalan diocese was represented by Fr. Jose Rembert Rivera, mission director and Fr. Jose Severino Nacional III.

Mother of Life also launched the module on Holy Childhood during the convention.

New Assignments!

The following are the parishes whcih have newly installed parish priests!

• Parish of Binalbagan - Fr. Joel Rubin
• Parish of Aguisan - Fr. Carlos Ybesate
• Chaplaincy of Oringao - Fr. Eryl Agus
• Chaplaincy of Binicuil - Fr. Jose Maria Cadungon
• Parish of La Castellana - Fr. Richard Lachica (Associate parish priest)

Let us fervently pray for our priests:

Most gracious Heavenly Father, We thank you for our faithful priests and bishops, whose spiritual fatherhood and example of fidelity, self-sacrifice, and devotion is so vital to the faith of your people.

May our spiritual fathers be guided by the examples of Saints Peter and Paul, all the Apostles and their saintly successors. Give them valiant faith in the face of confusion and conflict, hope in time of trouble and sorrow, and steadfast love for you, for their families, and for all your people throughout the world. May the light of your Truth shine through their lives and their good works.

Assist all spiritual fathers, that through your Grace they may steadily grow in holiness and in knowledge and understanding of your Truth. May they generously impart this knowledge to those who rely on them.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(http://www.wf-f.org/Priests-prayer.html)

Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney Sunday (August 2)

A man with vision overcomes obstacles and performs deeds that seem impossible. John Vianney was a man with vision: He wanted to become a priest. But he had to overcome his meager formal schooling, which inadequately prepared him for seminary studies.

His failure to comprehend Latin lectures forced him to discontinue. But his vision of being a priest urged him to seek private tutoring. After a lengthy battle with the books, John was ordained.

Situations calling for “impossible” deeds followed him everywhere. As pastor of the parish at Ars, John encountered people who were indifferent and quite comfortable with their style of living. His vision led him through severe fasts and short nights of sleep. (Some devils can only be cast out by prayer and fasting.)

With Catherine Lassagne and Benedicta Lardet, he established La Providence, a home for girls. Only a man of vision could have such trust that God would provide for the spiritual and material needs of all those who came to make La Providence their home. His work as a confessor is John Vianney’s most remarkable accomplishment. In the winter months he was to spend 11 to 12 hours daily reconciling people with God. In the summer months this time was increased to 16 hours. Unless a man was dedicated to his vision of a priestly vocation, he could not have endured this giving of self day after day.

Many people look forward to retirement and taking it easy, doing the things they always wanted to do but never had the time. But John Vianney had no thoughts of retirement. As his fame spread, more hours were consumed in serving God’s people. Even the few hours he would allow himself for sleep were disturbed frequently by the devil.

Who, but a man with vision, could keep going with ever-increasing strength? In 1929, Pope Pius XI named him the patron of parish priests worldwide.

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?id=1097

Filipino Mission Sunday (July 26)

17TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: THE GENEROSITY OF GOD

Jn 6:1-15

THE MULTIPLICATION OF LOAVES is one of the most loved stories in the Sacred Scriptures. We have the exchange of deeds of generosity. God is there as a great provider. Jesus performed the miracle which only shows the generosity of God.

The story is said to be a reflection of an event that happened in the Old Testament. In the second book of Kings, Elisha the prophet was speaking to the people, “For thus, says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and there shall be some left over.’” God performed a miracle by providing the people with food. In both events of the Multiplication of Loaves, we see two important persons who shared. First is the man from Baal-Shalishah and second, the boy in the Gospel. Two generous persons who did not hesitate to give what they have. It is an act of being self-less. Giving the most basic of needs to others speaks of generosity at its best. We remember the widow in the Gospel who gave her all.

Generosity is a virtue that comes from God himself. God gave this to humanity in order for them to reciprocate the gift to God and others. The act of generosity must now spring from the person; it should start from within oneself. In the many instances in life, miracles happen out of generosity. God works on this generosity. Generosity also comes from being grateful and joyful of the gift received. This would be passed forward, or one famous film would say it “pay it forward.”

This Sunday is the celebration of Filipino Mission Sunday. This day we remember the Mission Society of the Philippines (MSP), a missionary society which was founded in 1965 by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CBCP); its foundation was rooted on the values of generosity, gratitude, and joyfulness. We are reminded that our beloved Missionary Society started from humble beginnings. The generous heart of the bishops is instrumental. Their graciousness led to the establishment of the MSP as a continuous concrete act of generosity. The sharing and offering of lives of many of our Filipino Missionaries is a genuine sign that we are indeed thankful to God to the gift of faith received. We thank the Lord by giving back to him our apostolate in the missions. The willingness of missionaries to leave the familiar and comfort confines of one’s country so people of other places can know Jesus comes from the simple act of generosity of God by making our country rich in faith.

Our Church continues to invite us to share the gift of faith to others. I had a foretaste of what it means to bring ones faith to peoples of different cultures. Witnessing to the faith was my concrete experience when I had my Overseas Training Program in the Diocese of Auckland in New Zealand. My experience as a Filipino seminarian abroad taught me that our faith is very much relevant to a world that hungers for God. It is true that many do not believe in God in that part of the world. But I am very much surprised to realize that a much bigger number of people long for God. The unique faith of a Filipino Catholic is a big gift to the Church. Our deep sense of religiosity and piety is invaluable. It has the power to enliven the faith of a dying Church. It makes the faith of others alive.

I am also amazed that together with our faith are our values of respect, patience, resilience, understanding, humility, gentleness and love. These are the same values that St. Paul has taken into consideration in his letter to the Ephesians. Allow me to share an experience. One Sunday morning, inside the church foyer, I was surprised to see a non-Filipino youth from the parish taking the hand of a Kiwi for a blessing. It was a lovely sight. It’s very unusual to see a parishioner making Mano to someone who’s not even Pinoy. It is surprising yet it is very heart warming.

There are countless stories that our missionaries can share about their life of generosity in the missions. Many mission experiences can make us remember that all of these wonder or even unwanted circumstances came from God’s generosity. Our obedience and willingness to share the gift of faith truly rely on the graciousness of God. It is God who continues to inspire us to give ourselves to the mission. We have relied upon God’s generosity since the very day that we were born. We continue and will be wanting of God’s boundless generosity. Who can ever know what God will do next? Our faith and trust in God makes us strong and believe that he will provide us of our need in our respective missions.

We pray for the grace that the generosity we share to others be rewarded. By God, He himself will keep on bestowing upon us His countless blessings. Graces that we do not deserve yet it is there for us to enjoy, may God make us multiply in our good works. We love you Lord, help us become faithful to the mission you have entrusted to us, may our apostolate sow the gift of faith in others and may it bear fruit with many vocations to the missionary priesthood. You are a God of infinite generosity. Amen.

[Sem. MARC LOUIE CALO, MSP MSP Seminary, Tagaytay City} http://www.msp.org.ph/homilies.do?id=4447

The Good Shepherd Sunday (July 19)

A Reflection by Dennis Hankins

http://www.dennishankins.com/2009/05/i-am-good-shepherd-sunday-may-3-2009.html

"Jesus understood the crowds as harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (see Matthew 9:36)

Sheep by their very nature require leadership. Without a shepherd, sheep wander, become disgruntled and disagreeable with each other. Under the care of a shepherd, sheep are content and docile. Such is the meaning of the Twenty-third Psalm: "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me."

What sheep need, and cannot survive without, is a shepherd. A good shepherd knows his sheep by name, and will lead them to good pasture and water. When he calls, the sheep recognize his voice, for in his voice is the assurance of the next meal and of safety in the time of trouble. Most importantly, a good shepherd will never forsake his sheep. If a wolf approaches, it is the shepherd who guides his flock to safety; guarding them with his own life. We have found that Jesus is the Good Shepherd and Guardian of our soul. (see 1 Peter 2:25) Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me.

No less than five times in today's Gospel Jesus speaks of laying down his life. "A good shepherd," Jesus said, "lays down his life for the sheep. The other four statements of Jesus are, "I will lay down my life for the sheep;" "I lay down my life in order to take it up again;" "No one takes it from me, I lay it down on my own;" and lastly, "I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again."

To say Jesus is my shepherd is to say, he is my salvation. There is no salvation through anyone else. No one else has pursued Adam's race with such affection and abandonment. Is there salvation in any other name? Has anyone else offered himself for the salvation of the world? Other than Jesus, do you recall anyone in world history, who spoke to the weariness of humanity, and said, " I am the good shepherd?"

It is for his sheep Jesus laid down his own life. As the good shepherd, it is Jesus who came seeking us, in loving kindness calling our name, because he cares, because he wants us in his fold.

I have seen the loving kindness of this Shepherd: In the face of the priest in the giving of absolution; in the March for Life; in the care of a Mother for her child; in the joyful voice of a child; in the hopeful face of a cancer patient; in the wrinkled faces of the elderly. All around us is the presence of the Good Shepherd; for he is never far away.

As I've experienced more of life, grown a little older, and maybe wiser, I notice more the richness of creation. Because of this, I hope I am more inspiring to those nearest me. The song of the Cardinal and his visits to my backyard bird feeder capture my imagination. Tears come freely while listening to my daughter Bethany caress the strings of her violin with her soul. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

In Christ's name and example, the Church, the sheepfold of the sheep, is a place of welcome and refreshment. Jesus has other sheep who do not yet belong to this fold. No matter the age, the color, or the accent, the Church is a place of safety, of welcome and love.

The work of the Good Shepherd is not finished. So to those who are harassed and helpless and sometimes without hope, we must become the face and voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. If somehow on my face and in my voice someone can recognize Jesus' love, perhaps that person, will find his way back home, to the fold, the Church, where we all belong. And we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Let us pray: Dear Jesus, like a shepherd lead us. Lead us to be more kind, more tender hearted, more loving to those sheep who are scattered and gone astray. Amen."

Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16)

Hermits lived on Mount Carmel near the Fountain of Elijah (northern Israel) in the 12th century. They had a chapel dedicated to Our Lady. By the 13th century they became known as “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” They soon celebrated a special Mass and Office in honor of Mary. In 1726 it became a celebration of the universal Church under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. For centuries the Carmelites have seen themselves as specially related to Mary. Their great saints and theologians have promoted devotion to her and often championed the mystery of her Immaculate Conception.

St. Teresa of Avila (October 15) called Carmel “the Order of the Virgin.” St. John of the Cross (December 14) credited Mary with saving him from drowning as a child, leading him to Carmel and helping him escape from prison. St. Theresa of the Child Jesus believed that Mary cured her from illness. On her First Communion, she dedicated her life to Mary. During the last days of her life she frequently spoke of Mary.

There is a tradition (which may not be historical) that Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock, a leader of the Carmelites, and gave him a scapular, telling him to promote devotion to it. The scapular is a modified version of Mary’s own garment. It symbolizes her special protection and calls the wearers to consecrate themselves to her in a special way. The scapular reminds us of the gospel call to prayer and penance—a call that Mary models in a splendid way.

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.asp?id=1446

Negros Nine will Celebrate Silver Anniversary

On July 3, 2009 the Negros Nine will celebrate the 25th or Silver Anniversary of their release from the Negros Occ. Provincial Jail in Bacolod City.

To mark the occasion, the Kabankalan Diocesan Pastoral Office, the Negros Nine Human Development Foundation and the Columban Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creaton Ministry will sponsor a gathering/Reunion of KK members from all the parishes of the Diocese of Kabankalan on the 2nd of July.

Each parish is invited to send a delegation of up to 20 KK members, especially those who were active during the Martial Law years. The celebration will take place in Kabankalan on Thursday July 2, from 9am to 2pm.

Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Patrick Buzon DD SDB, Bishop of Kabankalan. Preacher will be Msgr. Wilfredo Dejilla of San Carlos Diocese, formerly of Kabankalan parish.

At the gathering, there will be special presentation on the “Martyrs of the Kristianong Katilingban.” It is hoped, that when we have a complete list of those members of the KKs who were tortured, murdered and/or disappeared, a book and/or video will be published to commemorate their sacrifice for the Church and for all of us.

“In the traditional spirit of the KKs, we will ask delegations to be self provisioned. The sponsors will cover all the other expenses. “This will be a occasion for celebrating, remembering and renewing our commitment to building up the strengthening of the KKs in the diocese and so proclaim the reign of God in our world.”

The legal team of the Negros Nine lead by Atty. Frank Cruz is being invited to attend as well as members of the media and friends and supporters from Bacolod. The Negros Nine is not about a number of people but about a vision for our church for the future.*

Contact numbers:
Fr Brian Gore 09202002729
Mr. Lydio (Boy) Mangao 09295728046
Mr. Jerome Seballos 09092293497

http://www.negrosnine.com/news-jun2709

Feast of Saint John the Baptist

John the Baptist was the son of Zachary, a priest of the Temple in Jerusalem, and Elizabeth, a kinswoman of Mary who visited her. He was probably born at Ain-Karim southwest of Jerusalem after the Angel Gabriel had told Zachary that his wife would bear a child even though she was an old woman. He lived as a hermit in the desert of Judea until about A.D. 27. When he was thirty, he began to preach on the banks of the Jordan against the evils of the times and called men to penance and baptism "for the Kingdom of Heaven is close at hand". He attracted large crowds, and when Christ came to him, John recognized Him as the Messiah and baptized Him, saying, "It is I who need baptism from You". When Christ left to preach in Galilee, John continued preaching in the Jordan valley. Fearful of his great power with the people, Herod Antipas, Tetrarch of Perea and Galilee, had him arrested and imprisoned at Machaerus Fortress on the Dead Sea when John denounced his adultrous and incestuous marriage with Herodias, wife of his half brother Philip. John was beheaded at the request of Salome, daughter of Herodias, who asked for his head at the instigation of her mother. John inspired many of his followers to follow Christ when he designated Him "the Lamb of God," among them Andrew and John, who came to know Christ through John's preaching. John is presented in the New Testament as the last of the Old Testament prophets and the precursor of the Messiah. His feast day is June 24th and the feast for his beheading is August 29th.

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=152

Pilgrimage to Saint Paul Parish

Jollibee Joins Flores de Mayo!

May 22, 2009 will always be a memorable experience for the florestas of Baranggay 5 Flores de Mayo Center.

It was a surprising afternoon when Jollibee came to visit Baranggay 5 Flores de Mayo Center. The children were awed by the overwhelming presence of Jollibee. Some of them couldn't believe, some were mesmerized and all were very happy. The laughter was unstoppable. The overwhelming joy was in the air.

Jollibee gave a dance number and the children cheered. Snacks was served, Jolli burgers and softdrinks were distributed and the children ate heartily.

Surely this is a memorable and unforgettable experience for the children.

This activity was facilitated by members of Columban Partners in Mission and members of the Little Way Group.

Our heartfelt gratitude to Jollibee!

Regional Youth Day Photos