If not for Fr. Stephen Simangan, military chaplain of the Philippine Coast Guard in Manila, I would not have known that we have 132 priests assigned as chaplains to various military jurisdictions all over the country. They celebrate Masses on Sundays, hold baptisms, celebrate the sacrament of matrimony and listen to Confessions of soldiers, especially during Holy Week.
It was more of a surprise when I learned that the Military Ordinariate headed by Bishop Leopoldo Tumulak marked its 25th with its first Diocesan Synod on July 18-22 at the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Villamor Airbase. Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales concelebrated with the Papal Delegate, nine bishops and 148 priests.
Synod liturgical booklet
The cover of the Synod liturgical booklet shows Mary above looking down on the soldiers, with the motto “Journeying together in the life and mission of the Church.”
Sem. Jake Aniwasal Bilbao and Sem. Marlo Rich Tan Lacsarom designed the cover through the guidance of Fr. Arthur Buensuceso Orense.
The Holy Eucharist is at the center, into which Mary looks intently on as the Mother of the Church.
The various jurisdictions are represented by their respective logos: the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Air Force (PAF), Philippine Navy (PN), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Pope Benedict XVI sent his apostolic blessing to the synod, particularly to the priests, so that they may be filled with the grace to take care of the spiritual needs of those given to their care.
St. John Mary Vianney
St. John Mary Vianney Parish in Brgy. Cembo, Makati City, celebrates July 26 to Aug. 4 the feast of its patron saint, St. Jean-Marie Vianney (1786-1859), also the patron saint of parish priests, confessors and penitents.
Cardinal Rosales will officiate the Concelebrated Mass Aug. 4, 6 p.m. The parish is nine years old. Fr. James S. Marquez is parish priest.
The church is undergoing a much-needed renovation and needs the support of generous people to complete the work. For more information, call 8815078.
Ermita Church
Fr. Sanny de Claro will officiate the People’s Mass in honor of St. John Mary Vianney on Aug. 7, 10 a.m. in Ermita Church. Triduum of Masses is Aug. 4-6, 6 p.m. The public is invited.
It was St. John Mary Vianney who reminded us that without the priest, there would be no Holy Mass and the celebration of the Sacraments.
St. Philomena, patron of youth
A number of bishops will celebrate the Novena Masses to St. Philomena, Aug. 2-10, 6 p.m., and her fiesta on Aug. 11 at the Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Malac St., Masambong, QC.
The bishops and themes of the Masses: Ipil Bishop Julius Tonel (Aug. 2; theme: “St. Philomena, brilliant light of holiness”); Bangued Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian (Aug. 3; “Philomena, marvel of fortitude”); Infanta Bishop-Prelate Rolando Tria Tirona (Aug. 4; “St. Philomena, temple of perfect humility”); Maasin Bishop Precioso Cantillas (Aug. 5: “St. Philomena, martyr of purity”); Tarlac Bishop Florentino Cinense (Aug. 6; “St. Philomena, perfect in virtue and wisdom”); Daet Bishop Gilbert Garcera (Aug. 7; “St. Philomena, faithful and obedient to the Roman Catholic Church”; procession at 3:30 p.m.); Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez (Aug. 8; “ St. Philomena, filled with the purest charity”); Naval Bishop Filomeno Bactol (Biliran Island; Aug. 9; “St. Philomena, shining model of prayer”); Palo Archbishop Emeritus Pedro Dean (Aug. 10: “St. Philomena, mirror of patience in suffering”; Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after the Mass).
Fr. Clod Bagabaldo, parish priest, will concelebrate in every Mass and will read testimonies of miracles wrought by God through the intercession of the saint.
Other Masses
Fiesta Masses: 6 a.m., by Msgr. Sabino Vengco Jr. (Filipino); 9 a.m. (English), Fr. Eli Mata, SVD, Shrine of the Divine Word; 12 noon (English), Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes; 4 p.m. (English), Fr. Orlando Aceron, OP, spiritual director of the Universal Living Rosary Association of St. Philomena; 6:30 p.m. (English), Fr. Michell Joe Zerrudo, spiritual director of the Living Rosary Association.
Our Lady of Mercy
The people of Bahay Pare in Candaba, Pampanga, would celebrate the Mercedarian Festival commemorating the apparition of Our Lady of Mercy on Aug. 2, 1218, to Sts. Peter Nolasco, Raymond Peñafort and James of Aragon, giving them her scapular that would save them from the Moors who were killing Christians.
The Kapampangans call her “Apung Nuestra de Merce,” but the young people simply call her “Nuestra.”
In their processions carrying the Virgin in a carroza from barangay chapel to chapel, the youth would shout “Viva Nuestra.”
“Nuestra” would take care of all their needs like healing, financial difficulties, relationship problems and more, even if the Mercedarian festival is no more.
Holy Land pilgrimage
Fr. Faustino Mora who inspires us with his moving homilies in Ermita Church is leading a group of pilgrims to the Holy Land, Egypt and Jordan in November.
During these troubled times, we need to seek Jesus in places where He lived and preach. Text 0917-8350810 or call 5214965 or fax 5214022.
