Felmar’s World of Anecdotes

"The Shrine Shines! "

This is what I overheard when one of our parishioners came here for the Holy Mass. She was so awed by the Christmas ambience of the our beloved chapel.

Today, our parishioners which we now call our mission partners, have more reasons to celebrate. Christ the King chapel is now the Shrine of the Divine Word!

Bishop Ongtioco of the Diocese of Cubao was joined by 38 SVDs in the inauguration of the Shrine of the Divine Word. Thousands of mission partners also attended the celebration.

Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD will be the first Shrine administrator. Ms. Sony Sison, on the other hand, will lead the pastoral council of lay leaders.

The main feast of the Shrine is March 25 (Annunciation).  Added to that, the two principal feasts of the Shrine will be Solemnity of Christ the King and Christmas Day.

Fr. Paul Jaucian, SVD said that it is the very first Shrine of the Divine Word in the whole SVD world. He said that we SVDs owed much to our mission partners since they were the reason why the chapel is now a Shrine of the Divine Word.

It will cover the areas of Kristong Hari, Kalusugan and parts of Barangay Obrero. Fr. Bong Bongayan, SVD expressed his Christmas greetings from the Sacred Heart Parish since the Shrine is under the Sacred Heart Parish of Kamuning, which by the way, is also under the supervision of the Divine Word Missionaries.

By January, there will be significant changes in the Shrine. The Novena to St. Jude will be introduced. It will be during Thursdays at 6:00 in the evening. New mass schedule is also posted:

morning:

6:00 am

7:00 am

8:00 am

9:00 am

10:00 am

11:30 am

afternoon:

4:00 pm

5:00 pm

6:00 pm

7:30 pm

weekdays and saturdays: 6:30 pm and 6:00 am

This is all for your guidance…

WWW,

fiel, svd

Merry Christmas! i really intend to write this blog on this special day of the year, December 25. See, I will be leaving tomorrow (Dec. 26) for Davao and i have not yet prepared all the things that I have to bring for my 6-day stay with my family. This is so for the reason that it would be more sentimental to write on this day since all people have the feel of the season. Ah, it’s Christmas Day!

During the start of the Christmas vacation, several seminarians stayed for few days here for our carolling. Gosh, we went around metropolitan manila and sang all our hearts out from B.I.R to LTO to subdivisions to charismatic communities. Oh, what a life! We wowed our audience with our Boomtarat-tarat dance!

It was fun. Yeah, but it was not only fun. It was also filled with interesting memories. Talk about a guard who shouted at us. Some houses did not ask us to sing - they just gave us gifts. We also had to bravely eat what the host offered us — coke in all houses, could you beat that? There was a lady who showed us the picture of then little child Tony Pernia (the superior general of the SVD worldwide) since they were classmates.

Another guard did not allow us to get inside a subdivision. As expected, we were not able to catch up with the Holy Mass where we were scheduled to sing. We ended up going from one house to the other — and it was raining!

Nais kong magpasalamat sa lahat ng sumama sa carolling. We were able to raise 70, 436.50. I am very happy to journey with you guys and it was really worth our effort. Mabuhay tayo!

The castle lost the grand voices in its corridors and dorms when ALL the seminarians had left. Only that corner in the second floor could make a little sound — Fr. Glenn and Fr. Nards opening and closing their doors. But it was not of a lonely atmosphere. It was more of a sight inviting one to contemplate the reason of the season.

The Christmas party with the priests and brothers’ community was one of the things I really looked forward to. The community spirit was all around! There was gift-giving, bingo, prizes, grand dinner…

but more than these things, I felt the camarederie among conferes: Villa people came to join us; Fr. Tagura,Fr. Yoyo, Fr. Donato and the other formators danced boomtarat-tarat with me; Pastoral team serenading us…Student priests singing to us silent Night in other languages… ohh, it was a sight to behold…and I loved my confreres all the more for that!!!

for the gallery of Christmas in Christ the King, visit my website at:

http://fielsvd.tripod.com/id15.html

Please do not forget to sign in my guestboook…

WWW,

fiel, svd

Dear Friends,

This is the list of those who were lucky to be included in the Dean’s List. I primarily blogged this for my SVD bros. Dahil madami ang napasama sa Dean’s List, I preferred to write the top ten plus yong iba pang SVDs na napasama. Reactions/comments are highly appreciated:

SECOND YEAR:

1.Fallar, Jayson (OC) - 91

2. Sotomil, Peter (OMI) - 90.5

3. Ordillos, Dennis (SVD) - 90.5

4. Amancio, Rey (OMI) - 89.87

5. Taeza, Louise (SVD) - 89.11

6. Dacillo, Mhel (CSsR) - 89

7. Andamon, Arnel (FDCC) - 88.91

8. Ebrada, Carlo (CSsR) - 88.75

9. Ramilo, Henry (SVD) - 88.73

10. Abila, Jerome (CSsR) - 88.62

14. Ferraren, Mark (SVD)

16. Taeza, Lindsey (SVD)

17. Pangilinan, Michael (SVD)

THIRD YEAR:

1. Barcelona, Ron (SVD) - 90.86

2. Sotto, Jules (SVD) - 89.89

3. Bernabe, JM (SVD) - 89.17

4. Custudio, Roberto (SVD) - 89.03

5. Macaraig, Marlo (SVD) - 88.68

6. Rosales, Paolo (SVD) - 88.62

7. Bello, Kim (OMI) - 88.58

8. De Guzman, Jojo (Diocese of Tuguegarao) - 88.53

9. Cabaluna, Denver (SVD) - 88.48

10. Calda, Don (SVD) - 88.45

11. Ferrera, Tristan (SVD)

14. Cango, Hazer (SVD)

17. Donoso, Gemar (SVD)

18. Anicoche, BJ (SVD)

FOURTH YEAR

1. Gallardo, Gilbert (MCCJ) -91.8

2. Albarina, Moises (MCCJ) - 91.6

3. Valleser, Marjon (SVD) - 90.44

4. Atalli, Geothessa (MSCS) - 90.41

5. Ursal, Artis (SVD) - 90.33

6. Sarjon, Maksimus (CS) - 90.22

7. Magsipoc, John (OM) - 90.09

8. De Guzman, John (CSsR) - 90

9. Go, Michael (OSA) - 89.5

10. Quirog, Ralph (FDCC) - 89.48

11. Precioso,  Renson (SVD)

12 Rangpas, Joringel (SVD)

13. Cahilgan, Julius (SVD)

15. Sanchez, Janer (SVD)

18. Pinalgan, Philander (SVD)

19. Aldaba, Jonas (SVD)

26. Gonzales, Gerson (SVD)

28. Cabando, Lord-jim (SVD)

Congratulations and Merry Christmas!

WWW,

fiel, svd  

"The big difference between politicians and common state people is that politicians look forward to the next elections while the common people of the state look forward to the next generation"

This is one of the statements I heard during the Watch and Pray rally in Luneta last Sunday, December 17, 2006.

The event was well attended.

I was fortunate to be given passes despite my last-minute-decision to accompany my professor SVD friend.

Here is the official statement regarding Charter Change.

Character more than Charter Change: CEAP Official Statement on charter change

Character more than Charter Change

The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) is against the present moves to change the Philippine Constitution. 

We would have been open to a Constitutional Convention.  But with the recent acts in the House of Representatives – making itself a Constituent Assembly without regard for the Senate or the nation as a whole – even if the decision is now to have a Constitutional Convention instead, we feel that the better move is to postpone the changing of the Constitution.  It is not that we think the Constitution is perfect.  It is not.  It needs changes.  But the way things are going, we believe that suspicions of vested interests of our legislators would be minimized or avoided if, for now, we just bracket off these moves on Charter change.

CHARACTER, more than Charter, change is needed. 

Change our charter, and what would we really achieve if we do not also change our character? A Constitution  may be the fundamental law of the land, but if we do not also follow the fundamental promptings of our conscience, what will we really have changed?

To be sure, character development is a lifetime task and challenge. And if that is all we do, it may be argued, then we may never get to change our Constitution at all.  We agree.  But if there is also no desired change in what we believe and how we behave, then Charter Change no matter how beautiful it may seem to be, will not really lead to the betterment of our nation.

We decry the act of the House of Representatives in making itself the Constituent Assembly.  We can grant that our legislators may have good intentions. But the impression given by their act is simply arrogance of power and lack of delicadeza.   We commend them if, having realized not just the political consequences of their decision but also its moral implications, they now call for a constitutional convention.  But we suggest that they and, indeed, we — all lay aside even the thought of changing our Charter now. 

Charter Change now is being presented — wrongly –  as the equivalent of institutional reform.  It is not.  And those who are against Charter Change now are being portrayed as against reform.  We are not.  We are FOR reform – but the right ones at the right time.  We are for reforms that really help the poor; changes that strengthen democracy; moves that improve politics as it is practiced today.  If those rushing Charter Change are really sincere about reforms, then let them first reform the electoral system and restore its trustworthiness – starting with a thorough revamp of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).  Make the 2007 elections truly credible.  Then, when the necessary safeguards against self-interest shall have been set, and after a massive education campaign, maybe we can resurrect the plan to change the Constitution.  Until then, let the present Charter stay.

In the schools, colleges, and universities that we run we shall continue teaching our students, aside from the curricula they come to us to follow and learn, love for our country, respect for our laws, and willingness to give our best for God and others, beyond interests of self.

We accept that the call for CHARACTER change must start with us and must always continue.  As we do this, to the nation we pledge our cooperation in everything that is for the good of our people,  and we vow vigilance in preventing what may lead to the nation’s ills.

We watch and pray, as Jesus in the Agony in the Garden told his disciples, so we do not fall into temptation.  We urge our members to pray that we, our legislators, and our nation as a whole may have the humility to ask to be guided by the Holy Spirit and the strength of will to follow His lead. May we not yield to the temptation to make another Constitution for our country but forget to remake the constitution of our hearts.

What we more urgently need to do now is to watch, pray, and work to change — not our Charter but our CHARACTER.

For and on behalf of the Association,          

The CEAP Board of Directors

FR. RODERICK C. SALAZAR, JR., SVD

President/Region 7 Director

Author: Fr. Pres. Roderick C. Salazar, Jr., SVD
16 / December / 2006

It’s already the season of misa de gallo! as we look forward to the coming days,we could not help but really give thanks to the reason for our celebration. "For God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son." (John 3:16)

Christ the King Mission Seminary also prepared well for the coming Christmas Day. There are two schedules for the misa de gallo — one on 8 pm and the other is 4 in the morning.

More than that, we people of the seminary have really something big to look forward this Christmas. The CKMS chapel will officially be recognized as a Shrine. Stay  connected with my blogs for more updates!!!

These  pictures are from our very first misa de gallo, aired on Studio 23 Kabarkada Mo, 5-6 in the morning…

Ate Cherry was the commentator.

Gina was the Psalmist.

They are our Choir-in-Red. Thanks to Ate Nancy!

Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD was the main presider.

I helped in the distribution of holy communion.

The candidates for "nine mornings."

God bless and enjoy your day!

WWW,

fiel,svd

This day, I tried to lie down and think of myself inside the casket. I died at 50 years old. I saw some familiar faces who were mourning over my loss. Perhaps, I had touched their lives so much so that they felt the intense pain of separation. Many could not believe my sudden death in my sleep. I heard one priest said that I could have done more good things.

But their mourning was short-lived. Few moments after, one of the young college seminarians took the microphone and several children came inside the Villa Cristo Rey. The presence of many children did not surprise me at all. It was one of my death wishes that there should be parlor games during my wake. There was flour blowing, sack race, zigzag relay, centipede race, trip to Jerusalem – all for the mourners delight. The banana-eating-in-blindfold and the beer-drinking contest were reserved for the seminarians. It was with the approval of their Prefects. This time, I knew they were all enjoying the sight.

My imagination about my own death did not end there. After my burial, I saw the “great ladder of light.” Alas, it was a sight to behold! There were rays of white surrounding me and before I knew it, I was already before Him.

Then He said to me, “Son you have suffered enough in your 101 years of earthly existence. You have proven your faith. Come share the joy in my heavenly kingdom.”

Then all the choirs of angels sing as they welcome me in the Kingdom of Heaven.

The thought of eternity consoles the shortness of life…

The cool breeze of December tells us that Christmas is already around the corner. While many people are already busy with wrapping gifts and gracing endless parties, I was busy preparing my lessons for my Liturgy Class (I have a class of twenty plus students but two opted for special Wednesday arrangement). I was making a research on liturgical music when these interesting facts caught my attention:

The carol came, not from the church, but from the common people who wished to express feelings that were not expressed in the somber music of a church service. By 14^th century, it became widespread throughout Europe and was also accompanied by dancing, which explains why so many have a lively tune.  During the sixteenth century, to be caught singing a Christmas Carol was a capital offence. It was not until Victoria came to the throne of England in the nineteenth century that caroling once again became popular. Many new carols began to appear and the protestant clergy actually began to teach them to their parishioners.

• The Twelve Days of was written for a very serious purpose. During the time between 1558  to 1829 in England, it was actually a crime to practice the Roman Catholic faith. The Twelve Days of Christmas was written as a catechism song.

1.      The true love = God.

2.      The me = every baptized Christian.

3.      The partridge in a pear tree = Jesus.

4.      Two turtle doves = Old and New Testaments.

5.      Three French hens = the theological virtues faith, hope and charity (or love).

6.      Four calling birds = four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

7.      The five golden rings = the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible.

8.      Six geese a-laying = six days God worked creating the earth. (On the seventh day He rested.)

9.      The seven swans a-swimming =the seven sacraments of the Catholic faith.

10.  The eight maids a-milking  = the eight beatitudes.

11.  Nine ladies dancing = nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

12.  The ten lords a-leaping = Ten Commandments.

13.  The eleven pipers piping =  the eleven faithful disciples.

14.  And the twelve drummers drumming = twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed.

• O Holy Night was written by Adolphe Charles Adam. John Dwight, a Unitarian minister, later translated it into English. The church authorities of the time denounced the hymn for its lack of musical taste and a "total absence of the spirit of religion"! However, it was beloved that the real objection was the fact these two authors were Jewish! On Christmas Eve, 1870, during the Franco-Prussian War, the French and German troops were in opposing trenches. One of the Frenchmen stood and sang O Holy Night in honor of the evening. No Germans fired at him. Instead, one of the Germans reciprocated by singing a German carol.

• Jingle Bells was written in 1857 by J. S. Pierpont and in it’s original form it was not a song we’d teach to our children! It was all about driving around in a flashy vehicle, driving too fast and picking up girls!

• Isaac Watts (1674-1748) wrote poetry based on Psalms. Joy to the World was based on Psalm 98: Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all the earth; make a loud noise and rejoice and sing praise. Many people were upset that he would try to improve on the psalms! Dr. Lowell Mason (1792-1872) placed the poem to music based on The Messiah by Handel. It was originally rejected but has now gone on to be one of our most popular Christmas carols.

More trivia about Christmas on:

http://home.att.net/~yorkrose02/caroling.html

Part of my job description as a Regent of Christ the King Mission Seminary is to be in the TV Mass of ABS-CBN. The credits after the Healing Eucharist every Sunday says that I am the liturgist together with Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD and Fr. Glenn Paul Gomez, SVD. My friends could only see that young and boyish-looking main server beside the Holy Mass presider and they complained why I never bothered to say “hi!” or make a tiger-look stare at the camera. Bwahaha. Yes, I remembered very well that the first time I laughed on cam was during Fr. Bel’s birthday. He was asking the people to greet each other good morning. After which, he asked on-air the people to greet him because it was his birthday. It was a good joke. I was flooded with text messages after asking me to greet him.

This blog contains the lights moments that happened to us during the TV Mass:

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During the Prayers of the Faithful, we were already asking the offerers to line up. One lady caught my sight. Her basket of fruits was very heavy and she seemed to be having difficulty carrying it. “Dahan-dahan lang po.” I told her. In a very solemn procession, she religiously carried the basket and extended her hand to give it to the Mass Presider. Then all of a sudden, lo and behold, the apples fell  and nagpagulung-gulong sa red carpet! Buti na lang di nakunan ng camera.

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One time, mass-goers were jampacked in the studio. We asked the eucharistic ministers to stay on the right side of the altar, instead of their regular place on the other side. During the singing of the “Lamb of God”, the ministers, could nowhere to be seen. To our great surprise, they suddenly appeared right at our side. “Saan po kayo dumaan?” I asked them. “Frats, dumaan  kami sa backstage!”

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Some commentators  were little tense since it would be there first time. Take this one commentator, for example. The theme says “Is There no God Today?” To our great surprise, she exclaimed, “Brothers and sisters, our theme is – There is No God Today!”

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Have a great day!