“San Pedro Calungsod: Ang Batang Martir,” starring Rocco Nacino, will run in 50 theaters in the country during the 39th Metro Manila Film Festival starting Dec. 25.
The movie had premiere showings at SM Megamall on Dec. 17 and at SM Cebu Dec. 19.
Scriptwriter-director Francis Villacorta is confident that the film will attract moviegoers from all walks of life, especially the youth who are looking for a role model.
Thanks to the major support of SM, through Felicidad “Nanang” Sy, the film enjoyed free trailer showings in cinemas and even at SM Appliance Store at Harrison Plaza mall.
‘Dungaw 2014’
Fr. Rommel Rubia, OAR, parish priest of Basilica Minore de San Sebastian, informed us: “There will be an encounter of the two venerated images of Quiapo—Nuestra Señora del Carmen and the Black Nazarene—on Jan. 9 at Plaza del Carmen in Quiapo.”
“The ‘Queen of Quiapo,’” said Father Rubia, “will be brought out to meet the Hesus Nazareno when the procession passes by the basilica during the procession. ”
Calling it “Dungaw 2014,” which means “to mourn” in Ilocano, the encounter will show a grieving Mother meeting her Son who is carrying a heavy Cross on His shoulder.
Merciful Brothers of St. Joseph
St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, plays a very important role in the salvation unfolding before us this Christmas. He brought the pregnant Mary and the unborn Child to the stables (for there was no room in the inn), so the Baby Jesus could be born.
When King Herod threatened to kill the Child Jesus, an Angel told Joseph to bring the Child and His Mother to Egypt.
Inspired by this selfless act of love by Joseph, the new religious community of brothers organized by Bishop José Advincula of San Carlos, Negros Occidental, in January 2010, chose the name Merciful Brothers of St. Joseph.
Bishop Advincula asked Fr. Prex Fajardo, who used to be parish priest of Sto. Niño Chapel in Greenbelt, Makati, to form the group. Its main apostolate is to administer and teach in the diocesan mission schools and care for old and sick priests.
Advincula is archbishop of Capiz.
Seed money
Today the community has convents in Cadiz City in Negros Occidental and in Quiapo, Manila. But the seed money of P96,000 that Father Prex received as gift for celebrating his 25th sacerdotal anniversary on March 23, 2010, was offered to establish the community.
Father Prex received the money through LBC on March 19, 2010, as if St. Joseph was telling the good priest: “Prex, do not worry about your community. I will take care of it.”
Bishop Advincula suggested that the brothers take up courses in Bachelor of Science in Education at Philippine Normal University in Cadiz City. Melanie Manuel offered Father Prex a scholarship for the MBSJ community through the PLDT Gabay Guro Scholarship Program, which would sponsor tuition and allowance.
Temporary place
In May 2010, Father Prex, with Bro. Jun Vecina and Bro. Rey Villaflor and parishioners of Sto. Niño Church in Cadiz City, looked for a temporary place where MBSJ community members could stay.
Fr. Prex wished they could find a suitable place for a religious community like the property of Patricio and Frida Babiera in Barangay Daga.
His wish was granted. St. Joseph was at work again! Would you like to help the community? Please text Father Prex at 0915-6802522.
Friends of St. Nicholas of Bari
Fr. Rene Ruelos, CM, told me St. Nicholas of Bari helped him renovate St. Vincent de Paul Church in San Marcelino, Ermita, Manila, when he was the parish priest.
The roof was leaking and the stained-glass windows were falling apart. He was able to raise funds for the repair and renovation.
In thanksgiving for the saint’s help, Father Rene holds a novena Mass every Monday at 8 a.m. to which devotees come to attend.
In addition, Novena of Masses to celebrate the fiesta on Dec. 6 is held Nov. 28-Dec. 6.
Last Dec. 6, people gathered for the 8 a.m. Mass. Adamson Youth Choir sang and the high school department attended.
It was heartwarming to see the young people; St. Nicholas of Bari is a patron of the youth.
Now, Fr. Rene has formed Friends of St. Nicholas of Bari. Those who want to be members can ask details from Father Rene by texting 0920-5677067.
Happy Birthday, Emmanuel
Greetings to Emmanuel “Noli” Vasquez who celebrated his birthday on Dec. 18. He is the husband of Meng Canlas, producer and director of “Seven Last Words” every Good Friday on Channel 13. It will be the 27th year of the production next year.
“The First Word” will be taped on March 6 at Kawa Kawa National Park in Ligao, Albay, where the Stations of the Cross have been built up the hill.
At least 600,000 pilgrims go up during Holy Week.
Meng Canlas has invited Fr. Albert Adison to preach on “The First Word.”
Happy Christmas to all my readers and a Blessed New Year to you all!