With the coming fiesta of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the Basilica Minore de San Sebastian in Quiapo on July 16, devotees are praying harder for the return of the stolen ivory head of the image.
Fr. Rommel Rubia, the new parish priest, who calls the Virgin Mary the “Queen of Quiapo,” has a special request: that after all these 38 years, her ivory head, stolen in 1975, could still be returned.
Anyone who knows its whereabouts can call Fr. Rubia at tel. 7348931. May the Holy Spirit enlighten the person who bought the ivory head in 1975 and return it.
Fiesta activities
For this year’s Mt. Carmel fiesta, Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga, will officiate the Concelebrated Mass on July 16 at 5:30 p.m. Hermanos mayores are Jorge Allan Tengco and former Ambassador to the Vatican Henrietta de Villa. Novena Masses will be on July 7-15 at 5:30 p.m.
On July 16, 3:30 p.m., the Angono Singers will perform. The traditional procession will take place after the 5:30 p.m. Mass on July 16.
Sacred Heart shrine
The devotees of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Kamuning have reason to rejoice as their parish has been declared a Diocesan Shrine on June 7, feast of the Sacred Heart.
Fr. Jerome Marquez, rector and parish priest, leads the celebration of the fiesta today. This is 72 years after the cornerstone of the Nueva Parroquia del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus en el Distrito Kamuning, Ciudad Quezon, was laid.
The parish was canonically erected on the first Friday of October 1941. It is under the pastoral care of the Society of the Divine Word.
Leaf paintings of churches
Ongoing until June 17 at the San Agustin Museum is the exhibit of Fernando “Pando” Manipon’s leaf paintings.
Since 2009 when Tropical Storm “Ondoy” struck Manila, Pando has been collecting leaves from trees blown by the wind and has used them as collage to paint churches.
His first exhibit at the Senate was a tremendous success. Images of familiar churches such as Malate Church and Sta. Monica Church in Angat, Bulacan are on exhibit now at the San Agustin Museum.
Martha’s Vineyard’s project
Martha’s Vineyard is working hand in hand with Fr. Anton Pascual, head of Caritas, to give more employment for the poor in Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish in Mandaluyong.
Fr. Eladio Oliver, parish priest, welcomed the assistance. Cora Jacob, who is well-known in the export bag industry, volunteered to teach the housewives how to make bags. Caritas provided the machine while Martha’s provided the place of work in Barangay Barangka. There were 20 women who finished the course and were given graduation certificates.
St. Andrew statue needed
The San Andres Parish in Maramag, Bukidnon needs a life-size statue of St. Andrew the Apostle, according to its new parish priest, Fr. Demetrio Berondo Jr.
The town of Maramag is at the heart of Bukidnon province.
“When I arrived here less than a year ago,” Fr. Nerondo writes, “the parishioners expressed their long dream to change the small statue to a life-size of St. Andrew. That’s why I tried to contact some friends who could help me find donors.”
Fr. Berondo texted Sr. Jacky Clemencio of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration in Baybay, Leyte.
Sister Jacky told the priest to text Edgar Lozano who has been helping bring statues to the convent and the OSF schools.
Kindhearted readers can send their donations to the Banco de Oro peso savings account of Fr. Demetrio Berondo Jr: No. 003210135880 or PSB (Philippine Savings Bank) No. 100-331001000.
Padre Pio’s incorrupt body
The casket of San Pio in Giovanni Rotondo, Italy will be opened again for exclusive viewing this August.
The incorrupt body of the saint was last viewed in 2009. Like a few saints, he also bore the five wounds of Jesus, also known as stigmata; they had been visible in his body for over 50 years.
People around the world with supposed incurable illnesses have been cured through the powerful intercession of Padre Pio.
A pilgrimage tour to Padre Pio’s tomb is set to depart from Manila this Aug. 19. Organized by Adams Travel, the tour will also go to Rome, Assisi, Pisa, Monte Carlo, Nice, Lourdes, Lourdes and Fatima. Call 5223876 or 5211651 or text Anna Ayo at 0908-5919908.
St. Therese relic
The Holy Relic of St. Therese of the Child Jesus will be visiting St. Andrew Parish on Reposo Street, Bel Air, Makati today from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Veneration will take place after the Holy Mass.
St. Therese, the Little Flower, is known for her miraculous intercessions.
Mass of Remembrance
The Prayer warriors of the Holy Souls (PWHS) will hold a Mass of Remembrance tomorrow at 11 a.m. at the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the lower level of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao.
