FRANCISFEST 2015 - santuariodesanantonio.files.wordpress.com

September 20, 2015 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2015 Year of the Poor - Mercy and Compassion
www.ssaparish.com Forbes Park, Makati

FrancisFest 2015 Reminders FrancisFest 2015

Masses Moved to Parish Center SANTUARIO DE SAN ANTONIO PARISH
To give way to FrancisFest 2015, all masses will be
held at the Parish Center from September 30, 2015 to Celebrating its 40th (Ruby) Anniversary as a Parish
October 02, 2015. First Friday Mass on Oct. 2 will be at
5:00 p. m. Please be guided accordingly. in partnership with

First Philippine Holdings Corp.

presents

FRANCISFEST 2015
featuring

CECILE BUENCAMINO LICAD

Pianist
With the ABS-CBN
PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
GERARD SALONGA, Conductor

Sponsors by: For the benefit of Santuario de San Antonio Parish
Foundation’s outreach and charity programs
at

Santuario de San Antonio Parish Church
Friday, October 2, 2015, 7:00 PM

Francisfest 2015 Ticket Committee Guidelines It’s coming . . . It’s coming! Our much awaited annual musical
celebration of the feast of St. Francis, our beloved patron saint
1. No ticket, no entry. will take place on Friday, October 2 at the Santuario de San
2. Seat reservation is not allowed. Antonio Parish Church. It promises to be a truly magnificent
3. Caregivers and bodyguards must have a ticket to enter concert!
No less than the world acclaimed pianist Cecile Buencamino
the Church. Licad is going to treat us to a wonderful night of music that St.
4. 50% discount for students (valid school ID must be Francis loved so well. Accompanying her is the noted ABS-CBN
Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Maestro Gerard Salonga.
presented) The proceeds of this concert will go to the outreach and charity
5. Professional ushers will be present to guide guests. programs of Santuario de San Antonio Parish Foundation, Inc.
6. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. It is such a worthy cause that we hope you will help us to realize
7. Church doors close at 7:00 p.m. our goal. So if you haven’t gotten your tickets yet please do
so immediately at the parish office or any of the committee
FrancisFest 2015 Donations & Sponsorships members.
Your generous donation will be greatly appreciated. So you, too,
Individual Donations and Corporate Sponsorships are still can be like St. Francis – a Man of Mercy and Compassion. See
accepted. For more details, please call the Parish Office you there!
at 843-8830 up to 35.

Santuario de San Antonio Parish Center Office • Tel. nos. 8438830-31

Parish Bulletin

SUNDAY that we called as disciples of Jesus is RANDOM THOUGHTS
GOSPEL REFLECTION to be at the service of others, especially
by Fr. Efren Jimenez, OFM children and all others who are Voices from yesterday and today…
vulnerable, marginalized and otherwise By: Peachy Maramba
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time forgotten. Servanthood orients our
relationship with others, for when our
desires are out of order, as James writes,
our relationships become disordered:
“Those conflicts and disputes among
you, where do they come from? Do they
not come from your cravings that are at
war within you?”

Please Pray for the Sick

The ninth chapter of Mark’s gospel is Meldy Cojuangco Edric Co Little Known Facts About St. Francis
alive with visionary wonders. It begins Connie Gomez Peter Soo
with the narrative of the transfiguration Marilou Arteficio Chito San Jose Part 3
in which Peter, James and John behold Ma. Pilar Oledan Ron Jacobs And so Francis and his companions on
Christ with new eyes – yet Jesus orders Iggy Clavecilla Nancy Imperial their return from Rome continued their
them not to tell anyone what they have Cecille Reynoso Johnny Lopez life as itinerant preachers, sleeping
seen – Jesus is teaching the disciples Maxima ‘Amah’ Sy Lisa Alvendia in abandoned churches and leper
about the coming passion, but they are Aurora Gonzalez Letty Ligon houses, possessing no property and
fearful and fail to see what he means. Tommy Dy Buncio Norma J. Carlos begging for their food whenever they
Naning Bagabaldo Sony Lopez Gonzalez could not obtain it by honest labor.
Meanwhile in Capernaum, they Remedios Maceda Berris Shaina Budhrani
are arguing on the way about who Cedric Castro Gia Gonzalez Actually there was no need for their
among them will be the greatest! But Pilar del Gallego Orlando Bernardo rule which was little more an ideal than
this is normal, isn’t it?” I don’t want to Nena Jalandoni Rolando Sotaso a rule in the traditional sense. It was
a basketball player, I want to be the Victoriano Chung Cecilio Hidalgo just a papal sanction for them – now
greatest basketball player!” and we also Erlinda Miranda-Oledan Victorina Leus officially called the “fratres minores” or
think of other ambitions of life when we Zwei Lopez Gadi Iya Ocampo minors – to live in evangelical poverty
want to succeed greatly, and it does not Shallouh Bancil Bernadette Gozali and what a poverty it was!
seem problematic to want to fulfil one’s Swinnerton Guillermo Profeta Different from the poverty of other
human abilities and gifts to the best of Tony Boy Floirendo Jr. Dra. Ofelia Adapon religious orders that while accepting
our abilities. Francisco Tankiang Soledad T. Consing their novices’s renouncement of
Cynthia Arms David Lu personal possession, the order itself
So what is the problem with arguing, Felicisimo Alcantara If you want a name didn’t; Franciscan poverty was a
“I am not just one of the twelve, I am the Rosario de Leon Tobias added or deleted, contact new concept. It required them to
greatest apostle?” Gloria Syjuco Bernadette at the Parish own but one tunic and no books
Here Jesus is presenting to his apostles Raffy Chan office tel. nos. 8438830-32. (too expensive). It forbade travel on
a spiritual world in which greatness horseback (travel of the rich) as well
is measured not by human striving or as the comfort of their own home. The
boundless ambition but by servanthood. rude crude wooden houses of the friars
This is a gift and an ability that does not were called loca (places) not convents
rely on pre-eminence or superiority, but and were considered not homes but
on presence for those in need. merely stopovers or places of transit.
Thus poverty encompassed not only
Notice the text moves swiftly from the individual members but the whole
passion prediction through teaching order itself.
about servanthood to receiving a child
in Jesus’ name. It is a movement from turn to page 3
death through confronted ambition to a
new insight into what it means to be a
follower of Jesus. And it is the child in
Jesus’ arms who incarnates this lovely
truth about discipleship. In taking the
child, Jesus incarnates his teaching. In
his reception of the child Jesus models
openness, vulnerability and humility to
which we are invited. The deep wisdom
of God is at work here, for we are all
children of God, dependent at all points
in our lives on the service of others in
varying and different ways. To recognize
2

September 20, 2015

Random Thoughts...from page 2 The ABC’s of Catholic
No wonder Francis decided to call Doctrine
his motley group “lesser brethren” so
that they would always be poor and by Lianne Tiu
humble folk subject to all seeking to
do the lowly menial things despised by
others.
As if this discomfort was not enough
the first friars and the ones that came
after them not only abstained from
eating and drinking for long periods
but kept long vigils, endured bitter
cold and performed manual labor that
taxed their bodies to the very extreme.
They chose to wear the roughest and
harshest hair shirts hiding them from
view under their tunic.
Money was to be avoided at all
cost as it was the symbol of man’s
enslavement to the false values of the Abortion remains a grave and all priests will be allowed to absolve
serious wrong. those who have committed abortion
world and the cause of envy, hatred Abortion is one of the greatest evils in the and who, with contrite heart, ask for
and war. In fact, it was the exact world. In fact, a Catholic is automatically forgiveness. News went viral regarding
opposite of love and peace. excommunicated (even without the this, and some even mentioned that the
Yet while these Franciscans were Church’s intervention) the moment he/ Pope has shown “more understanding”
poor in body and material possessions she commits abortion. The mother who regarding abortion. We have to be clear
they were unbelievably rich in their asks for the abortion, the father who that the Pope’s gesture does not mean
lightness of heart and gladness of pays for it, and anyone who encourages that abortion has become a lesser evil.
spirit that thus enabled them to endure the woman to do it - besides being guilty The Pontiff wrote that because of
of mortal sin - are excommunicated for the contraceptive mentality of our
without a complaint or grumble for their deliberately and knowingly committing time, many people are unaware of the
chosen harsh life style. this sin. This includes doctors and extreme harm of what they are doing;
To them perfect joy was enduring nurses who perform the abortion. Their such as when they take contraceptive
all the hardships in life patiently and crime is even more heinous because pills which are abortifacient, or when
without dismay. Thus the spirit of they are the ones who kill the baby. they fail to realize that life begins at the
simplicity and gladness animated the moment of fertilization. He is also aware
followers of Francis who gradually To be excommunicated does not of those women who felt that they had
grew and grew that in barely ten years mean that one is banned from church no other option and were pressured to
after they obtained papal sanction or he/she is not a Catholic anymore. undergo an abortion. The Holy Father’s
for their Rule, the original dozen now It means that the excommunicant is compassion toward those who suffer
numbered three thousand all trying still obligated to attend Mass but is the scar of abortion, however, does not
to live up to Francis’s ideal of a “new deprived of all the sacraments (except stop him from being firm to the Church’s
the sacrament of confession). He/she
people, small, special unlike their cannot receive Holy Communion or be sacred teachings. Abortion remains a
former selves in life and words, content confirmed until he goes to confession grave and serious wrong.
only to have God.” and the excommunication is lifted by a
As for Francis he kept on preaching competent authority (the local bishop (The Faith Explained Today by Fr. Joe
the word of God before thousands or priests to whom the bishop has Babendreier; “Understanding Pope
bringing his message of peace. Now delegated this power). Francis’ gesture rightly “ by Archbishop
that word had gotten around that he Socrates Villegas; Pope Francis’
had not only been received by the Pope Francis recently declared Year of Mercy Letter; “Catholicism:
Pope but given his approval – the Dec. 8, 2015 (Feast of the Immaculate Excommunication and Other Penalties”
status of Francis suddenly changed. Conception) to Nov. 20, 2016 (Feast of For Dummies)
the Sacred Heart) as the Extraordinary
Now there was a clamor for him to Jubilee Year of Mercy. During this year,
preach in the different churches even
in the cathedral itself.!
Though his rundown tunic was torn
and patched, his appearance pitiful and
his face unbeautiful, his words rang
out dissolving the hatred of ancient
grudges and restoring peace through
reconciliation. He hardly ever slept
and he generously shared whatever
little he possessed.
(Next week Part 3)

3

Parish Bulletin

FrancisFest 2015 Beneficiaries - THE PRISON MINISTRY

Caring for “the least, the last, and the lost…”

The Prison Ministry is one of the important ministries of the panalangin, sa oras at panahon sa pagbisita, kami man

Single Young Adults (SYA) of Santuario de San Antonio. ay walang dalaw, itinuturing namin kayong kapamilya.

This Ministry provides important spiritual activities for Salamat sa inyong taos pusong pagtulong at pagkalinga
the inmates of the Makati City Jail such as Masses, sa aming mga nasa loob. - Melba, Inmate MCJ

Recollections, and weekly Catechism classes, fiesta In January, 2015 our ministry added Taguig City Jail, a

celebrations of St. Anthony and St. Francis, a Christmas facility that serves about one thousand inmates and where

Party and gift-giving, Flores de Mayo; social activities such conditions are worse than those encountered at the MCJ.

as cooking contests, Movie nights, Futsal and Zumba. We There are 20 cells for males and four cells for females. A

also sponsor a Medical and Dental Mission which helps small cell of about 40 sqm accommodates as many as 40
in the physical well-being of the inmates.All this is made to 50 inmates who use triple-deck makeshift beds. This

possible by SYA volunteers and donors in coordination TCJ compound has only one bathroom which is shared

with the Parish. by all for showers and laundry chores. The limited space

The Prison Ministry has been warmly received by the and facilities are not suitable for Catechism classes,

inmates as well as by the Administration of the Makati Masses and other important activities. The jail has no
City Jail. From the mere giving of Christmas gifts of visiting area, so visitors are cramped in the corridors of the

toiletries and food, we have managed to serve them in cells. It was raining last Christmas when our Parish Priest

more substantial ways. We helped them build a Chapel Fr. Reu Galoy celebrated Christmas Mass in a small

in 2013. This Chapel serves as the venue for many covered area in the jail compound, so many inmates and

activities, the most meaningful of which is perhaps the volunteers had to stand in the rain.

weekly Catechism class held every Monday at 6-7 pm. We are currently finalizing plans to build a Multi-Faith
Around a hundred inmates are taught the basics of our Chapel at the Taguig City Jail which will serve as the venue

Catholic faith, stressing the mercy and compassion of for spiritual activities, Holy Mass and outreach programs,

God.Through these weekly sessions we have gotten to as well as a convenient place for seminars and other

know the inmates personally. As we share of ourselves, meetings. The construction of this important MultiFaith

they too share their innermost feelings…. their fears, Chapel will cost an estimated P1 Million.
uncertainties and longings. As weeks and months go by There is so much our Ministry would like to do.
we witness how God is at work in their lives. They now Unfortunately, our Prison Ministry is not a very popular

greet with smiles, not sad and gloomy faces. The inmates ministry and can only count on a small group of dedicated

also enjoy Movie Nights, cooking sessions, Futsal and Volunteers mainly because of security issues and individual

Zumba. These activities give them a “sense of freedom.” preferences which draw many to other ministries.

Watching their enthusiasm and laughter brings great joy to We would like to appeal to you and to your generous

our Volunteers. hearts. Please support FrancisFest 2015, our Parish’s main

All look forward to Christmas and we make it a point fund-raising activity! Funds raised are used for the benefit

to visit them on Christmas Eve,bringing gifts and food for of Santuario de San Antonio Parish Foundation’s outreach

Noche Buena. This is perhaps the day the inmates miss and charity programs. A part of the funds raised will help

their families the most, as quite a number of them have not fund the building of the Multi-Faith Purpose Chapel, a
been visited by their families. They still dress their best, priority project of our Prison Ministry. We therefore look
perhaps in anticipation. Sharing God’s peace, hope, joy forward to the success of this year’s festivities with your

and love we get the following “Mahal pala kami ng Diyos. invaluable help. Our much-awaited FrancisFest Concert

Pinadala Niya kayo para magturo at ipakita at ipadama which takes place on Friday, October 2 will feature our

sa amin ang pagmamahal ng Diyos. Salamat sa mga world-acclaimed pianist Cecile B. Licad, with the popular

sabon, shampoo, toothpaste at pagkain sa bawat bisita ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of
ninyo. Higit sa lahat, maraming salamat sa inyong mga Gerald Salonga.

4

September 20, 2015

FrancisFest 2015

Donors as of September 16, 2015
“Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall enjoy everything.”

PLATINUM BENEFACTOR
Mrs. Carrie Bautista & Friends
Dr. Alfonso Bengzon Anonymous
GOLD Luisa Liboro Mr. & Mrs. Xavier Loinaz
Mrs. Imelda Cojuangco Mr. & Mrs. Aquiles Lopez Rosie O. Valencia &
Mrs. Amelita D. Guevara Henrietta Santos
ANFLOCOR Group of Companies Mr. & Mrs. Jose Elpidio I. Valencia, M.D.+
Consul & Madame
Vivant Energy Corp. Concepcion & Family
Josephine K. Razon Mr. Felix Ang Miguel Guerrero
Manny & Baby Javelosa Emmanuel O. Bautista
SILVER Mrs. Aurora Villanueva Mr. Jose Hizon
Assumption High School Dr. Chit Montoya
Madrigal de Leon
Batch 81 Foundation Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Mckenzie Foundation Inc.
Maria Carolina Macasaet Vicente Ayllon
Bobby & Tessie Rodriguez Raya Bautista
W.V. Coscolluela & Associates Jose Mari Chan
Gotuaco Del Rosario Anonymous
CCD
Insurance Brokers, Inc.

Susana AS Madrigal DONORS
Justice & Mrs. Manuel M. Lazaro
Kanlaon Development Corporation Angelita Lilles Gervel Inc.
Atty. Ricardo J. Romulo Dr. & Mrs. Chimo Cheng
Maria Dulce C. Fernandez Mrs. Ester Cumagon Mr. & Mrs. Steven Chan
Mr. & Mrs. George Young Jr. Alzaville Realty Corp. Rommel & Byron Bernardez
Mr. & Mrs. Ruth de Dios Judge & Mrs. Cesar Cruz
BRONZE Mr. Bienvenido A. Tan, Jr.
Asuncion S. Jalandoni & Family Mr. & Mrs. Manuel Carmona
Carlos, Mariza & Miguel del Rosario Alfredo Ching Mr. & Mrs. Jovencio F. Cinco
Friends of St. Anthony Paulo & Pilar Lorenz Teresita Ojeda Luz
Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Cu Mr. & Mrs. Resty Tiangco Mr. & Mrs. Manny Dizon
Heirs of Aurelio & Imelda Dayrit Lulu Castañeda Victoriano & Debbie Chung
Atty. Avelino V. Cruz
PATRON Ambassador and Mrs. and Family
Urdaneta Village Association
Nellie Bengzon Menchu Bautista Jesus P. Tambunting Atty. & Mrs. Teodoro Regala
Richburg Corporation Catherine Lim
Anonymous Menchu Concepcion Coro Bernardo Lourdes Goquingco
Carmelita Samson Mr. & Mrs. Ramon Manaloto
Clarissa Gonzalez Mr. & Mrs. Rufino Tiangco
Mr. & Mrs. Edgar Coronel Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Ocampo
Anonymous

Bernardo & Barbara CASA Montessori

Lichaytoo Internationale, Inc. CORPORATE SPONSORS

B.A. Securities Inc. Liberty Foundation

Imelda Marcos Juliette Gomez-Romualdez

Lorna Perez Laurel Atty. & Mrs. Jaime Blanco, Jr.
Danny Dolor Purification Santiago

First Cabanatuan Pure Value Resources Corp.

Venture Corporation Randy & Cecile Limjoco

Family of the late Steve Lopez Anonymous

Anonymous Anonymous

Mr. & Mrs. Rene Tanseco Mr. & Mrs. David Consunji Mr. & Mrs. Macario Te Monark Equipment Corp.

Family of Liam Lian

5

Parish Bulletin

CALENDAR OF MINISTRIES FOR THE WEEK 19-Sep-15 WEDDING BANNS
Karis Liam Johann 12-Oct-15 24-Oct-15 30-Nov-15
SUNDAY - SEPT. 20 THURSDAY - SEPT. 24 Napa & Maria Isabel Marlon Ong Olivan Agustin Peñero Uykim Jr Jose Ong Dyhianto Jr &
* 8:00AM - Thrift Shop * 8:00AM - Thrift Shop Francesca Jalbuena, Manila Maria Anjelyn V. Jocson
* 8:00AM - SYA Weekend * 9:00AM - Health Care Ministry Visitation at Metropolitan Cathedral- & Angela Cecilia G. & Ruby Gayle Lien Vy 10-Dec-15
Basilica, Beaterio cor. Nibungco, Lady of All Juan Paolo Tumacder &
* 9:00AM - CCD Sunday Religion Class Rizal Medical Center, Pasig City Cabildo St. Intramuros, Nations, Bali, Indonesia 24-Oct-15 Margaret Ann C. Bacani
* 4:00PM - CORO Practice * 3:00PM - FrancisFest 2015 Weekly meeting Manila David Joseph A. Consunji 14-Dec-15
* 7:00PM - SYA Prayer meeting 20-Sep-15 16-Oct-15 & Loraine C. Abueg Ken Martin Silva Gardiola
MONDAY - SEPT. 21 Wayne Patrick Hsu & Christian R. Hernandez & & Lara Venisse Marcelo
Sandra T. Go Meryl Adiel M. Timbol 31-Oct-15 Gardiola
* 8:00AM -Thrift Shop FRIDAY - SEPT. 25 21-Sep-15 Oscar B. Tomas II & Mary 17-Dec-15
* 3:00PM - OFS Formation * 8:00AM - Thrift Shop Soi Kitaguchi & Catherine Kevin Michael Bordey
*11:00AM - Adoration Chapel Monthly mass Andal 18-Oct-15 Jane Y. Cagampang Ramos & Monica Ariones
25-Sep-15 Edward Andrew E. Sioson
TUESDAY - SEPT. 22 * 2:00PM - Health Care Ministry Dancercise Cyrus Angelo Alon Eustaquio & Richelle Razo 06-Nov-15 19-Dec-15
* 8:00AM - Thrift Shop “Open to All Parishioners” Castillo & April Nerona Jason Ervin Lao Yap &
* 9:00AM - CWL FREE Clinic * 7:00PM - Household Help Charismatic Prayer Cubillan Verzosa Juan Carlos Sabido Samantha Nichol Ng Paz,
26-Sep-15 Marcalain & Nina Paula Shrine of St. Therese
* 9:00AM - JPIC Hospital Ministry PGH meeting Michael Timothy Joseph 08-Nov-15 Ortiz Amores Villamor Airbase, Pasay
Visitation * 8:00PM - SYA Payday prayer meeting Filart Hernandez & Ingrid City
* 2:00PM - Health Care Ministry Dancercise * 9:00PM - Tig-Awit Choir Practice Rivera Chavez Alvin Ong Ang & 23-Dec-15
27-Sep-15 Marianne Regina Techico 07-Nov-15 Dan Erlou Serrano &
“Open to All Parishioners” Mikhail Lew Perez Ver Dy Jay Robert Ilagan de Roxas Ramon Concayda Esguerra
* 4:00PM - Marian Cenacle Group Prayer SATURDAY -SEPT. 26 & Giselle Marie Santos 28-Dec-15
Meeting * 8:00AM - Thrift Shop Tioleco & Anna Corina Mercado Mark Angelo C. Sanchez &
07-Oct-15 14-Nov-15 dela Cruz Roxanne Kyle S. Jover
* 4:00PM - VOSA Choir Practice Ashok Kumar Parmanand Charles Andrew O. 30-Dec-15
WEDNESDAY - SEPT. 23 * 4:00PM - LUKE 18 Prayer meeting & Ma. Cristina Enriquez Manly & Queen Castillo 11-Nov-15 Carl Michael N. Manglo &
07-Oct-15 Alandy Dy Vincent Joseph Verzosa Sharmaine Joyce Hiponia
* 8:00AM - Thrift Shop Henry Angelo Sy Go III & Corpus & Ma. Zairah Jane 16-Jan-15
* 4:00PM - CCD Religion Class Hazel Agnes Surposa Uy Arnaud Michel Stephane
10-Oct-15 15-Nov-15 Castelo Guillemot & Judy Alice
Francis Jorge Allorina David Ignacio C. Estacio & Uy Repol
BIRTHDAYS Yamaguchi & Margaux Bryna Joan M. Guevarra 20-Nov-15 16-Jan-15
21-Sep-15 Bong Villasor Lorraine de Leon 27-Sep-15 Muriel Estrella Jose Martin Capistrano
Imelda Cojuangco Mike Julian Alicia Cinco Kevin Limjoco 11-Oct-15 Bryan Sinclair Magno & Antuñez & Katherine
Marilou Guingona Marian Nuguid Franz Christian Uy Pe & 17-Oct-15 Kristine Alipio Awing Marco Del Villar, Our
Nena O’Pallick Claudine Tambuatco Roselyn Ducay Hazel Go Garcia Jackson Peralta & Candice Lady of the Most Holy
Ricardo Luis 24-Sep-15 Julieta Claparols Amb. Mercy Tuason Rosary, Malay, Aklan
Lagdameo Somerie Cue Noel Yogyog For corrections and Grace Ching Nocom 22-Nov-15
Carlo Arteficio additions to this list, Jenard Kenrick King
Denise Cuyegkeng Aida Sotto Victor Anastacio contact Susan at the 18-Oct-15 Mendoza & Jeanne Pauline
23-Sep-15 Ernie Pantangco parish office.
Ed Krohn JR Arteficio 26-Sep-15 Edward Anthony Eustaquio Lim Go
Paquito Buenaseda & Richelle R. Verzosa
Grace David Emmy Rufino Edward Tankiang 23-Nov-15
Mia Leonor Javier Gomez
Sedfrey Abella 21-Nov-15 Matthew Aaron Vail &
Gabriel Ramirez & Diana Jade Ann Serafin
25-Sep-15 Camille Samson Maria Natalia Domingo
Marites Tantoco Tara Cue
Jesus Vergara Danny Sotto Pineda 23-Nov-15
James Wong Juan Antonio M. Maningat
22-Oct-15 & Ana Patricia K. Cortes
Erwin Cirujales Oclarit &
Felise Isabel Jose Jiao 28-Nov-15
AN INVITATION TO ALL MARRIED COUPLES Andrew P. Agunod Jr
The Parish is hosting a FREE SEMINAR on the Sacrament of Marriage for 23-Oct-15 & Margarita Christina
all Catholic married couples, sponsored by the Family Life Ministry, on 26 John Yoichi L. Uy & M. Ruiz
September from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at the Saint Peter and Saint Bernardine Katrina Jane M. Suarez
conference rooms on the ground floor of the Parish Convento.

The seminar will be given by top luminaries in Catholic instruction such
as distinguished theology professor Dr Jose de Mesa, noted Canon Lawyer
Father Eugene Canete, and Franciscan Seminary formator Fr Andres (Chito)
Ranoa, OFM.

Don’t miss this chance to enrich your marriage, and those of others around
you with the wisdom imparted by these three top speakers. Invite your married
friends to attend with you. Married couples of all ages are welcome to attend.

Lunch and refreshments will be served. Please confirm your attendance by
contacting the Parish office at 843-8830 or 09164402829.

6

September 20, 2015

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7

“The Poor, you will always have with you”

by Letty Jacinto-Lopez

She was waiting in the wings, in the richest of countries, there

dressed in rags, hesitant to will still be the problem of the

approach me, but when I poor, whether they are natives

caught her eye, she put on this or new immigrants escaping a

most disconsolate face and cruel or despondent life.

begged, “Help me. I suffer Do they serve any

from Hypertension and I can’t purpose in the grand scheme

buy my medicine.” of things?

She took out a piece of paper The poor becomes a

containing a prescription, School. They teach us:

“The doctor in our barangay Compassion – opening our

health clinic warned me, ‘Buy hearts to understand and be

this medicine, quantity good moved by their impoverished

for one month, or else, your condition. We extend help,

condition will worsen and lead in kind, through monetary

to cardiac arrest, stroke or means, or making it possible

even death.’” for them to go to school and

I took her aside and replied, be taught. With knowledge

“I can’t give you cash. But, come opportunities that open

see the pharmacy just across new horizons, thus, reducing

from where we are? We can poverty in a positive way;

get your medicine now.” They deepen our Faith

At the pharmacy, I in our merciful God who would

showed the prescription to never abandon them or any of

the lady behind the counter. His children;

“Everything in this paper?” she They challenge us to be

asked. I nodded. “Yes, and kind, teaching us the virtue of

please triple it so that she’d have medicine for the next Humility. Furthermore, God uses His other children as

three months.” His conduit, His bridge to bring comfort and relief to His

The sick woman squirmed and gave me an antsy look. other sons and daughters who are deprived of brotherly

“There you are,” I said. “I hope you’d feel much better, love.

soon.” She couldn’t speak, as if lost for words at the A friend kept complaining about his compadre who fell

sudden surplus of medicine. into hard times. He kept borrowing enormous amounts

The following day, I saw her again. This time, she of money from him. He was eroding his patience and

was standing at the other side of the grounds, still wanted to drop him as a friend. Another compadre set

disheveled and desolate. I stopped and watched her. his mind in perspective. “Isn’t it better that you are in a

She approached an elderly woman, holding the same position to give help rather than beg for help? Which side

prescription in her hand. She was about to reenact her would you rather be? Isn’t a true friend one who holds

rehearsed lines when she saw me from the corner of her your hand in good times and in bad?”

eye. Poof! She was gone. Outside the church grounds, there was a man who

I saw her a couple of times more. Each time, she’d run gingerly appeared, murmuring something inaudible. My

off in a scurry of confusion. husband reached into his pocket and slipped a note to

Was I the great sucker? I sure felt like one. I was even him. He smiled softly and returned to a shady corner.

angry, until I remembered the prayer to the Divine Mercy, “You know why he needs help?” my husband said. “He

“Help me, O Lord, that my heart may be merciful so that lost his nose, his fingers, his toes and maybe, other parts

I myself may feel all the sufferings of my neighbor. I will of his body because of an infectious disease. Do you

refuse my heart to no one. I will be sincere even with think anyone would bother to hire him in his disfigured

those who, I know, will abuse my kindness.” condition even if he is eager to work?”

A point of challenge: How far would you go? How I thought of the parable of Lazarus, the poor man

deep is your faith? covered with sores who waited for scraps from the table

If you see the poor, desperate and needy, do you get of the rich man dressed in purple.

harassed? Do you ignore them? Do you wish that the In the afterlife, Lazarus was brought up to Heaven

Social Welfare would do their job and round them up, out where he received mercy and compassion.

of sight and out of mind? Do you feel pity and extend a Let us learn from the poor.

hand to help out? For how long and how often? They bring a deep sense of value that can never be

In any economy, the poor cannot be eliminated. Even measured in human or worldly terms.