Fourteen Stations of the Cross in stained glass done by Bicol artist Pancho Piano have been installed in Isla Pequeña in Subic Bay, Zambales. To be built on top of the island will be the Memorial of the Triumphant Ascension of Jesus Christ.
The island is an ideal place for spiritual retreat, pilgrimage and meditation this Holy Week. The island provides an atmosphere of serenity conducive to prayer and meditation. Each station is accurately represented and illustrated in accordance with the Passion of Jesus Christ.
A newly constructed multipurpose hall can be used for retreats and other group functions.
What one can find
Isla Pequeña is the site of Triumph of the Ascending Jesus Christ Chapel along with the Ascending Jesus Christ brass sculpture, amphitheater, Stations of the Cross, Trail of Light Stations, Blessed Mother & Child Museum, Retreat House and Meditation Gardens.
A cornerstone with the engraved names of the people who sponsored, donated, served and helped build the purposeful Ascending Jesus Christ Memorial will soon be installed.
Bequest Foundation
Bequest, Spiritual, Educational & Cultural Foundation, Inc. is a duly organized and registered nonstock, nonprofit organization in the Philippines and New Jersey. It is composed of lay people involved in Christian formation and charity work. It was established primarily to build a memorial and promote the devotion to the Triumph of the Ascencion of Jesus Christ.
Everyone can be a part of the foundation’s mission in many ways. People can be pilgrimage organizers and mobilize local and foreign individuals or groups for tours, pilgrimage and visits to the memorial site.
They can also be mission heads who establish and develop a group of people in the devotion to the Ascension; organize charitable activities, fund-raisers, seminars, retreats and prayer vigils; sponsor (either as individuals, corporate entity, a family or group) the building of the chapel, statue or any of the project components.
They may donate in cash or in kind (materials, equipment, services, expertise) to the project.
For inquiries, text Joey Hizon, executive director, at 0927-4796168.
Manila Cathedral
The joyous news is that the Basilica Minore of the Immaculate Conception, popularly known as Manila Cathedral, which has been closed for two years for repairs and renovation, will reopen on April 9, with a concelebrated Mass to be officiated by Archbishop of Manila Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle at 6 p.m.
The news has been revealed by the board of trustees of the Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica Foundation.
The foundation is composed of Cardinal Tagle, chairperson; former Ambassador to the Holy See Henrietta de Villa, vice chair; former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, president; and members Marixi Prieto, Cecille Oppen, Letty Syquia, Danny Dolor, Cecille Alvarez, Auxiliary Bishop Bernardino Cortez, Mary Ann Chan, Susan Cheung, Msgr. Nestor Cerbo, Fr. Albert Flores and Fr. Domingo Asuncion.
Tierra Maria in Lipa to honor new saints
Tony and Chona Montinola of Tierra Maria Estate in Barangay Anilao, Lipa, are inviting devotees of Blessed John Paul II and Blessed John XXIII to activities that will honor them on April 27, Divine Mercy Sunday and the date of their canonization by Pope Francis.
Thanksgiving Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Emeritus Benjamin J. Almoneda of Daet at 4 p.m.
Canonization rites, as covered by EWTN from the Vatican, will be broadcast live in the garden of the estate. Please bring umbrellas.
Holy Week activities
All are invited for prayer and reflection in the quiet garden setting of Tierra Maria
Estate on April 14-16 when the Community Stations of the Cross will be recited at
4:30 p.m.
A priest will be available for confessions.
Tierra Maria Estates Subd. is in Brgy. Anilao, Lipa City; tel. (043) 7563819, 0905-3423999.
‘Salubong’ in Navotas
The “Cristo Resucitado” belonging to the Pascual clan of Navotas, Rizal, will meet the Sorrowful Mother in front of San José de Navotas Church after the former is brought there in a procession from Sto. Niño Chapel at 12 midnight on April 20.
Parish priest is Fr. Constantino Conti.
The icon is passed on from generation to generation. The present custodian is Amador “Sonny” Alvendia, grandson of Francisca Pascual vda. de Pahati, mother of Sonny’s mother, the late Esperanza Pahati de Alvendia, founder of Jade Vine Restaurant.
Healing Mass
Fr. Rolly Agustin, parish priest of St. Andrew Cathedral in La Huerta, Parañaque, has invited Fr. Diwane Cacao to hold a healing Mass on April 12, 12 noon, as part of the Lenten activities of the parish.
The public is invited.
