Fr. Melvin Castro texted last Feb. 18, “Te Deum Laudamus! Blessed Pedro Calungsod will be canonized Oct. 21, 2012 in Rome.”
Calungsod was a Catholic Filipino missionary catechist who suffered martyrdom with Jesuit priest Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores in Guam on April 2, 1672. He will be one of seven “Blessed” who will be raised to the altars by Pope Benedict XVI.
Blessed Calungsod was martyred at the age of 17. He was born in Cebu in 1654. Through the missionary efforts of Calungsod and Father San Vitores, many native Chamorros converted to Roman Catholicism. His image is enthroned in the Cathedral of Guam, facing that of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint who was martyred in Nagasaki in 1637.
Calungsod was beatified on March 5, 2000 by Blessed Pope John Paul II. Representing the Philippine government at that time was former first lady and senator, Dr. Loi Ejercito. Now that he is going to be canonized, his intercessory powers have become more efficacious. I am praying to him all the time.
This early, Adam’s Travel has set Oct. 19 for departure to Rome for those who want to attend the canonization on Oct. 21. Return to Manila is on Oct. 27, except for those who want to extend the trip for a Marian pilgrimage.
Call 5211651 or text Anna at 0908-5919908.
Diocese of Malolos
Focusing on the theme “50 years of Transforming Grace and Unwavering Faith,” the Diocese of Malolos will launch its Jubilee Year on March 9, with a youth vigil at the Basilica Minore of the Immaculate Conception in Malolos at 8 p.m. Organizing this is the Diocesan Commission on Youth. Theme of the March 9 event is “Together, let us make history.”
At 9 p.m. Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros will give his “Witnessing Message “to the youth. At 12 midnight, the Cathedral bells will ring to signal the opening of the Jubilee Door. This will be followed by the “Jubilee Walk” from the Cathedral to the Parish of Santisima Trinidad in Malolos.
Other schedules
On March 10, 9 a.m., Apostolic Nuncio Giuseppe Pinto will officiate in the Concelebrated Pontifical Mass. Homilist is Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle.
The March 10 celebration will also include the solemn canonical coronation of the Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepcion by the Apostolic Nuncio and the Bishop of Malolos.
The different parishes of the diocese will hold simultaneous celebrations on March 11, the 50th anniversary of the diocese. Jubilee Doors will be opened in designated Jubilee Churches. Those who visit these churches will gain a plenary indulgence.
History of diocese
The diocese of Malolos was created on Nov. 25, 1961 through the papal decree “Christum Fidelium” of Pople John XXIII declaring the 572,686 baptized Catholics gathered in 52 parishes within the province of Bulacan, including Valenzuela, run by 88 priests as comprising the Diocese of Malolos.
The first bishop was Bishop Manuel del Rosario. He was followed by Bishop Cirilo Almario, now emeritus. Under then Bishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona and the present Bishop Jose F. Oliveros, the diocese saw growth so that it now has almost three million baptized Catholics scattered in 107 parishes.
‘The Exorcist,’ Volume II
The launching of the book on exorcism by Fr. Jocis Syquia at the Parish Center of the Santuario de San Antonio several years ago made people aware that devil possession was real. It could happen to anyone.
Fr. Jocisis the official exorcist in the Archdiocese of Manila. He launched “Spiritual Exorcism, Vol. II” last Jan. 28 at the Lay Formation Center of San Carlos Seminary.
With foreword by Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle, the book cites more cases where people were possessed or disturbed by unclean spirits. It is available at all St. Paul’s bookstores.
Book supporters
Giving Fr. Jocis support by buying his book were about 300 guests, including Fr. Jocis’s relatives from the United States such as Ramon and Inday Syquia, and cousins Jenny and Cloie.
Other guests were Dr. Jaime Laya, Consuls Mellie Ablaza and Helen Ong, Kay Siazon, Mila How, Marivic Concepcion, Charito Melchor, Alice Briones, Bert and Tess Castro, Justice Fidel and Ms Purissima. Fr. Jocis’ mother Letty Syquia and his aunt Lourdes Bautista are his number-one supporters.
Santa Maria Josefa Home
Inquiries have reached us regarding the Santa Maria Josefa Home for the Elderly along Maytubig Street, Malate. Nine elderly, not four, are being supported by the Sociedad Española de Beneficiencia. Families who cannot take care of their elderly full time are bringing them to the home for board and lodging. Rates are reasonable.
A resident, Rosario Santos, will turn 100 this September. Celia Blanco, 92, is still waiting for relatives to claim her.
Call Mother Maritza at tel. 5253647.
Help for kidney patient
Those who wish to help Merk Anthony Esquillo, 22, undergo dialysis can deposit their donations at the RCBC Masbate wallet card account of his mother Myra R. Esquillo, account no. 6019-7105-1885-1290. This is my second appeal, so that Merk can undergo dialysis. Please help. Thank you for your kindness.
St. Expeditus fiesta
Fr. Rolly Agustin, rector and parish priest of St. Andrew Cathedral in La Huerta, Parañaque, will welcome the devotees of St. Expeditus on April 19, feast day of the saint, with a Holy Mass at 12 noon.
Those who need novenas can write me c/o Philippine Daily Inquirer, Chito Roces Avenue, Makati. Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for easier mailing.
