The miraculous image of Sto. Niño de Pandacan (believed to be 400 years old) will be brought to Tacloban, Leyte, by 100 pilgrims, including the Buling Buling dance group.
On May 27, the pilgrims will pay a courtesy call on Palo Archbishop John F. Du. Msgr. Alex Opiniano, parish priest of the Shrine of Sto. Niño de Tacloban, will welcome the pilgrims.
‘Salubong’
In the afternoon, there will be a “Salubong” in which the two images—Santo Niño de Pandacan and Santo Niño de Tacloban—will be brought to the plaza of the parish where the “Balyuan” of Tacloban and the “Buling Buling ” of Pandacan will dance to honor the Christ Child.
Opiniano said the pilgrim visit is “symbolic of our journey in our faith and is a reminder of the message of the Holy Child we love.”
Pandacan lay volunteer Marlene Advincula said the visit is partly intended to share the culture of Pandacan, the spirituality of the Pandaqueños and their devotion to the Sto. Niño.
On May 28, the pilgrims will head to Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Ormoc City.
San Isidro Labrador
Naic, Cavite, has a unique celebration on May 15, the fiesta of San Isidro Labrador, patron of farmers. In a festival called “Bihisaka,” according to Fr. Orlie Jimenez, parish priest, carabaos and other farm animals are dressed up and paraded around the town as a way of thanking God for a bountiful harvest.
This year, the festival will take place on May 11, 3 p.m., in front of the church in Barangay San Roque.
St. Joseph Church
Physician Salve Olalia and her husband, surgeon William Olalia of UST Hospital, and friends, have for the past six years been trying to build the St. Joseph Church in Cabalantian, Bacolor, in Pampanga to replace the one buried by lahar in 1991.
Architect Yolanda David Reyes is designing the rehabilitation. Now on its seventh year, donors and friends have not given up helping. But more funds are needed to finish the dome, so Masses could be celebrated there by Fr. Jess Manabat, parish priest. Right now, Masses are being said in the temporary chapel.
Generous readers who want to help can text Dr. Salve Olalia at 0918-9056108.
Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament
Eighteen years ago, 18 women residing in Villa Verde V in Pasig got together to build the Chapel of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament in their village.
Aurora Eizmendi, head of the group, told me they did it without the help of their husbands. The architecture was by Nathaniel von Einsiedel, the interior design by Dolly Quimbo Perez.
Masses are celebrated at 6:30 a.m. every day. Feast day falls on May 11, with Mass by Fr. Mariano Baranda, parish priest of Santa Rosa de Lima Church which has jurisdiction over the chapel.
Blessings to the ladies
Blessings to you, ladies, with good health and long life for building the chapel of Our Lady: Aurora Eizmendi, Rachel T. Atilano, Rose Mary P. Blancaflor, Remedios D. Caraet, Corazon V. Castillo, Ma. Cristina F. del Rosario, Matilde C. Gillego, Nenita G. Infortuno, Rosario L. Lazaro, Ma. Antonia C. Liamzon, Leoncia Manantan, Concepcion D. Rojas, Ma. Socorro M. Sarmiento, Cecilia C. Say, Rocio Soriano, Herminia C. Sotto, Lucila H. Velasco and Jesusa M. Ynares. Thanks to the 5th Valle Verde Homeowners Association Inc. for its generous support.
Servant of God Dora del Hoyo
Since the time my friend Susan Laureola told me about Servant of God Dora del Hoyo, the housekeeper of Opus Dei headquarters on 75 Viale Bruno Bouzzi in Rome, I became attached to the late person, praying to her for my household needs. Here is a prayer for the cause of her beatification which might help you, too.
“O God, who called Dora to carry out the same tasks as our Lady did in Nazareth, help me to find you in the events of my day, and to spread that same family warmth which Dora spread in her joyful and generous work, inspired by St. Josemaria. Be pleased to glorify your servant Dora and to grant me, by her intercession, this favor I ask of you (here make your request). Amen. (Say Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.)
Dora del Hoyo Alonso was born on Jan. 11, 1914, in Boca de Huergano, Leon, Spain. Her parents were exemplary Catholics and brought her up as a good child of God.
In Bilbao on March 14, 1946, she asked for admission to Opus Dei. She was outstanding for her devotion to the Blessed Eucharist, the Blessed Lady and St. Joseph, and a trusting recourse to her Guardian Angel. On Dec. 17, 1946, at St. Josemaria’s invitation, she moved to Rome, where she remained for the rest of her life.
Dora died on Jan. 10, 2004. Her mortal remains are buried in the crypt of Our Lady of Peace, the Prelatic Church of Opus Dei, at 75 Viale Bruno Buozzi, Rome.
Those who need prayer cards can write me c/o Philippine Daily Inquirer, Chino Roces Ave., Makati. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Those who obtain favors through Dora’s intercession can write the Opus Dei Prelature, 22 Cunningham Road, Dalkey, Co Dublin; or e-mail info@opusdei.ie