PLSOL Lenten Pilgrimage 2014

The Parish of the Last Supper of Our Lord (PLSOL) of the Diocese of Paranaque, had a successful Lenten Pilgrimage last Saturday, March 22, 2014. Led by our parish priest, Rev. Fr. Angel Sanchez, more than 300 parishioners participated in this year's Visita Iglesia in seven (7) Pilgrim Churches of Bataan. 

Our trip also included a trip to Mount Samat National Shrine or Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valour), a historical shrine located near the summit of Mount Samat in the town of Pilar, Province of Bataan, in the Republic of the Philippines. The memorial shrine complex was built to honor and remember the gallantry of Filipino and American soldiers who fought during World War II. Consisting of a Colonnade and the large memorial cross, the park was commissioned in 1966 by then president Ferdinand Marcos, himself a war veteran, for the 25th Anniversary of WWII. The White Memorial Cross stands as a remembrance to the soldiers who fought and lost their lives in the Battle of Bataan. The shrine complex also includes a war museum with a wide array of collections from paintings of the Philippine Heroes, to armaments used by the Filipino, American and Japanese forces during the battle.

1. St. Catherine of Siena, Samal Bataan (Holy Mass, 1st and 2nd Station)

It is the most intact “convent” of all Bataan’s churches. The parish was entrusted to the Dominicans in 1596. The church was destroyed during the Dutch invasion and the Philippine Revolution. Dutch invaders attacked in April 1647. But the local garrison of Pampanga under the command of Alejo Aguas repelled the Dutch forces. The church and the convent were ruined during the invasion. In 1896, the church was burned by the Katipuneros to drive out their enemies in the convent. The church and convent was rebuilt in 1903.

2. St. Dominic de Guzman Parish, Abucay Bataan (3rd and 4th Station)

Abucay Church is a National Historic Landmark. The spiritual ministration of Abucay was entrusted to the Dominicans in 1588. It is significant because a fierce battle between the Dutch invaders and the Kapampangan defenders was fought in the area surrounding the church on June 23, 1647. Nearly two hundred Kapampangans were put to death, and fory others, together with Spanish alcalde mayor and two Dominican priests, were taken prisoners to Batavia (Jakarta). The printing press of Tomas Pinpin operated in Abucay.

3. St. Joseph Cathedral, Balanga Bataan (5th and 6th Station)

Balanga became independent parish in 1739. The Balanga Cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Balanga Bataan. Unfortunately, they layered the façade with new bricks thereby altering the character of the church.

4. Our Lady of the Pillar Parish, Pilar Bataan (7th and 8th Station)

Pilar Church is another well-preserved adobe church structure of Bataan with its belfry located on top of the main façade. Pilar Church was made an independent vicariate on March 10, 1801.

5. St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Orion Bataan (9th and 10th station)

The best preserved “retablo” in the province of Bataan. The marker outside the church mentions that Orion became independent from Abucay in 1667. The church was damaged during the 1852 earthquake and repaired in 1854. Cayetano Arellano, the first Filipino chief justice is from Orion. Francisco Balagtas, author of Florante at Laura, also lived in the town from 1842 to 1862.

6. Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Orani Bataan (11th and 12th Station)

The “Nuestra Señora del Santo Rosario de Orani” Church was also declared as a “Dambana ng Paglalakbay” (Pilgrim Shrine) on August 22, 2004 by then Bishop of Balanga and now Archbishop of Lingayen Socrates B. Villegas. The Roman Catholic Church of Orani, declared as an independent parish on April 21, 1714. The church houses the miraculous image of “La Virgen Milagrosa de Orani” and beside the church a museum dedicated for the patroness collection of jewels and dresses.

7. St. Peter Verona Parish, Hermosa Bataan (13th and 14th Station)

Long ago, the people of Hermosa who live near the river found a boat with a statue of a saint inside it. They found out that it was St. Peter of Verona and this is the reason why the said saint became the patron of this community. The image of St. Peter of Verona is very unusual since this is the only image of a saint with a large knife stuck to his head symbolizing his martyrdom.

Related post:

PLSOL Lenten Pilgrimage 2013

Youth Lenten Pilgrimage 2013

ST. JAMES ALABANG PILGRIM WALK

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA MARY!

In celebration of the Feast of the Birth of Blessed Virgin Mary, a 10kms., eight (8) grottos' ST. JAMES ALABANG PILGRIM WALK, was held inside Ayala Alabang Village. Led by Msgr. Albert Venus, parish priest of St. James the Great Parish. September 8, 2013.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selfie shot with Msgr. Albert

Statue of St. James the Great, in front of the Parish
Church, Ayala Alabang Village.

More on St. James the Great Parish Church

The Relics of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (January 2, 1873 – September 30, 1897), or Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, born Marie-Françoise-Thérèse Martin, was a French Carmelite nun. She is also known as "The Little Flower of Jesus" or simply, "The Little Flower". (from wiki - Admin)

The beautiful reliquary of St. Therese - containing some of her bones.
Taken inside the St. Andrew Cathedral.

(Text below was written and prepared by Deity Lim - Admin)

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For the third Philippine visit of the pilgrim relics of Saint Therese of Lisieux, who we also refer to as Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, the Diocese of Paranaque is blessed to have her at the St. Andrew Cathedral, La Huerta, Paranaque City from April 5, 2013 until the morning of April 7, 2013.

A farewell mass  was held at 5:30 AM today, officiated by St. Andrew Cathedral’s parish priest, Rev. Fr. Rolly Agustin, and his homily focused on her life and how it relates to the Year of Faith which the Catholic Church is presently observing.   Declared by Pope John Paul II in 1997 as 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, her life of faith is what all Catholics should follow.  A LIFE OF FAITH is anchored on: BELIEFS as catechized by the Catholic Church, TRUST that it is the truth, and OBEDIENCE to follow.  This is what the expression of faith should be.

The homily also focused on God’s love for us through his DIVINE MERCY for all humanity.  In return, we need to open ourselves up to FORGIVENESS, RECONCILIATION and HEALING.

Rev. Fr. Rolly Agustin during his homily.

What was amazing is what Rev. Fr. Rolly mentioned, that both of her parents have been beatified, and all her siblings are on their way to beatification as well.  Saint Therese and her family led a holy life.

Life of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus:

Therese Martin was the last of nine children born to Louis and Zelle Martin on January 2, 1873, in Alencon, France.  However, only five of these children lived to reach adulthood.  Precocius 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.  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 Soul”.  She described her life as a “little way of spiritual childhood”.  She lived each day with an unshakable confidence in God’s love.  “What matters in life,” she wrote, “is not great deeds, but great love.”  Therese 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 saind of modern times.”  In 1997, Pope John Paull II declared St. Therese a Doctor of the Church – the only Doctor his pontificate – in tribute to the powerful way her spirituality has influenced people all over the world.

Prayer to Saint Therese of the Child Jesus

Glorious Saint Therese, whom Almighty God has raised up to aid and counsel mankind, I implore your Miraculous Intercession.  So powerful are you in obtaining every need of body and soul.  Our Holy Mother Church proclaims you a “Prodigy of Miracles … the Greatest Saint of Modern Times.”  Now I frequently beseech you to answer my petition (mention specifics here) and to carry out your promises of spending Heaven doing good upon the earth … of letting fall from Heaven a Shower of Roses.  Henceforth, dear Little Flower, I will fulfil your plea “to be made known everywhere” and I will never cease to lead others to Jesus through you.  Amen.

Update from The Philippine Star newspaper

For all devotees of Saint Therese who were unable to visit her at St. Andrew, her relics is set to arrive at the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Newport Boulevard, Pasay City (near Resorts World), at 5:30PM on April 11.  Here are the schedules:

April 11 - 5:30PM – Mass (to be presided by Bishop Leopoldo S. Tumulak). Veneration will follow until 10PM

April 13 – 6:00PM – anticipated Sunday Mass. Candlelight procession along the Villamor community.

April 14 – 5:00PM – farewell Mass. Tribute program.

April 14 – midnight – departure for Lisieux, France

For information, call 853-6279 local 124.

/Deity Lim


YouTube video -admin:

The beautiful reliquary of St. Therese - containing some of her bones was being carried by EMHC on its way out of St. Andrew Cathedral, for transfer to another church.

Youth Lenten Pilgrimage 2013

The Parish of the Last Supper of Our Lord's Commission on Youth (COY) had a successful Youth Lenten Pilgrimage last Monday, March 25, 2013. The young pilgrims visited a total of 7 churches in Manila and Pasay City. Indeed a spirit filled, great bonding activities of the youth for this Holy Week.

1. National Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus Manila (1st and 2nd Stations).

The present site of St. Jude Parish was donated by Archbishop Rufino J. Santos. The blessing and laying of the cornerstone of the church was held on September 28, 1958. The completed church was blessed on October 23, 1960. The weekly novena to St. Jude started in June 1959 and has been held every Thursday since then. The devotion spread over the years and has become very popular in Metro Manila. Devotees come from far and wide including students, board examination reviewees, office workers, parish and others with all kinds of requests and seemingly hopeless problems.

2. National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels (3rd and 4th Stations)

Rich historical background coupled with the distinction of being the National Shrine dedicated to the Holy Archangels of God. The Parish Church become an important landmark in Manila.

Prayer to St. Michael: 

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into hell satan and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

3. San Agustin Church (5th and 6th Stations)

The Wedding Capital of the Philippines

San Agustin Church is a Roman Catholic church under the auspices of The Order of St. Augustine, located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila.

Originally known as "Iglesia de San Pablo", founded in 1571 is the oldest stone church (built in 1589) in the Philippines. It is administered by the Order of Saint Agustine (Augustinian Friars). Since the time of its foundation, the devotion to Nuestra Senora dela Consolacion y Cirrea is celebrated every Saturday. In this Church - tomb of "El Adelentado Miguel Lopez de Legaspi" Founder of the City of Manila is located in the eastermost chapel of the transept.

4. Nuestra Señora de Guia Parish Church (7th and 8th stations)

Also known as "Our Lady of Guidance", the wooden statue is the oldest Marian image in the Philippines. For more information and photos, please see related post > http://catholicvoicemedia.blogspot.com/2013/03/nuestra-senora-de-guia-wooden-statue-is.html

5. Church of Malate ( 9th and 10th Stations)

The titular patroness of this church is Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, whose statue was brought from Spain in 1624 by Rev. Juan Guevara, O.S.A. The British landed their troops near these shores in 1762 and used the church of Malate for protection for their rear-guard in the capture of Manila. This was greatly damaged by the earthquake of June 3, 1863 and was rebuilt by Rev. Francisco Cuadrado, O.S.A. The Parish  has been under the successive administration of the Augustinians, the secular clergy, the Redemptorists and the Columbans.

6. The Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Church (11th and 12th Stations)

Established 1941 by the Society of St. Paul is located at 2130 F.B. Harrison St., Pasay City, Metro Manila. It celebrates its Patronal Fiesta every first Sunday of May.

7. Archdiocesan Shrine of Jesus, The Way, The Truth and The Life (13th and 14th Stations)

The Shrine of Jesus is a project of the Archbishop of Manila, the late Jaime L. Cardinal Sin, DD whose love for the Youth is of the same fervor and intensity as the Holy Father. The land and the church was donated and built by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sy Sr., of the Shoe Mart Group of Companies. It was consecrated and dedicated on July 9, 1999 by the late Eminence Jaime L. Cardinal Sin, DD; with His Excellency, Archbishop Antonio Franco, DD, the Apostolic Nuncio; His Eminence, Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal, DD Archbishop of Cebu, the Archbishops and Bishops of the Philippines in the presence of a very large number of the faithful specially the youth as witness to this momentous event. On the same day, the first Shrine rector was installed in the person of Rev. Msgr. Roberto C. Canlas. (Text extracted from admin post in their website)