The Kannawidan foundation of Ilocos Norte tendered a dinner in honor of Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, the first Ilocano cardinal, recently.
The evening with “Apo Orly,” as Cardinal Quevedo is fondly called by the faithful, became an occasion for Ilocano natives like myself to gather in prayerful and joyful fellowship.
Headed by Betty Factora Meritt, Kannawidan promotes the culture and heritage of the Ilocanos.
The evening started with the Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Cardinal Quevedo; followed by dinner and the testimonial program.
The San Nicolas de Tolentino Choir provided entertainment. The choral group participated in the evening’s ceremonies through the help of Vice Mayor Alfredo Valdez of San Nicolas.
Max Edralin told us about the cardinal’s childhood in Sarrat, his joining the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), and his ordination as a priest after finishing theological studies at the Catholic University in Washington, DC.
The cardinal’s elder sister, Nellie Quevedo Bassig, informed the audience that he was delivered by a “hilot” on March 11, 1939, in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.
Midwife Nana Isang wrapped the placenta in newspaper and told those inside the birth room that she would go to Laoag River and throw there the bundle because, as she said in Ilocano, “Gamin iyanudto daytoy iti karayan iti adayo; gamin daytoy nga ubing adayo iti mapanan na.” (“Because the river will bring the bundle far because this baby will reach far places.”)
The disclosure made the audience gasp and clap.
Among them were Rolly and Roxane de la Cuesta, Don and Ogie Alviar, and Stella Peña Denoga, second cousin of Apo Orly.
Fr. Danny Laeda, parish priest of San Nicolas de Tolentino Church, called Cardinal Quevedo his idol.
When Apo Orly was archbishop of Nueva Segovia, Father Laeda taught at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology. He remembered the prelate walking a kilometer from the Archbishop’s Palace to the seminary to meet his classes.
Brigittine Monks elect Ilocano head
The Conventual Chapter of the Brigittine Monks in Portland, Oregon, has elected Rev. Bro. Bernard Ner Suguitan, OSsS, as prior and supreme moderator. The religious brother is an Ilocano from Laoag, Ilocos Norte. He was baptized “Andrew,” but he chose “Bernard” when he made his religious profession.
In addition, Archbishop Alexander K. Sample of Portland in Oregon declared Suguitan as canonically elected prior of the Priory Sui Iuris of Our Lady of Consolation of the Brigittine Monks, the Order of the Most Holy Savior.
Church on Ticao Island
Not much is known about the churches of the Diocese of Masbate. One such church is the Holy Cross Parish in San Jacinto on Ticao Island.
Newly installed in the main altar is the 4×4-m stained-glass rendition of the Crucifix of Jesus by Bicol artist Pancho Piano.
Parish priest is Fr. Pablito Bendivil Jr.
The people of Masbate are deeply religious. I first visited Masbate when its bishop was Joel Baylon (now the bishop of Albay).
The restoration of the St. Anthony de Padua Cathedral in Masbate City was initiated by Bishop Baylon with the help of Rose Ong and Tony Medina.
Msgr. Claro Valdez Caluya, an Ilocano, is rector of the St. Anthony High School Seminary and executive director of Caritas Masbate.
‘7 Last Words’ on IBC 13
Make Mine Creative Productions is holding “The 7 Last Words, Year 27” on April 18, Good Friday, 12 noon to 3 p.m., on IBC Channel 13.
Invited homilists are Fr. Anton CT Pascual (1st Word); Fr. Albert Adison (2nd); Fr. Javy Alpasa, SJ (3rd); Fr. Erick Santos (4th); Fr. Allan Samonte (5th); Fr. Arlo Yap, SVD (6th), and Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle (7th).
Theme of the reflections on the final words of Christ is “Choose to be brave: The laity are called to be saints, and sent forth as heroes.”
Produced with Fortune Life Insurance Co., Fortune Care, Eternal Plans Inc., Baguio Oil, Gibson Shoes and Lualan Metalcraft Inc., the program is hosted by Fr. Larry Faraon. Ces de la Cruz and Lance Javier are cohosts. Director is Meng R. Canlas, writer, Catherine M. Chua, and associate producer, Ana Lisa San Luis.
‘Siete Palabras’ on GMA 7, Radyo Veritas
The Order of Preachers, more popularly known as Dominicans, will hold their own traditional “Sieta Palabras” at Santo Domingo Church also on April 18, 12 noon-3 p.m.
The program will air live on GMA 7 on Good Friday. It will be heard on Radyo Veritas 846.
Live online streaming will be via www.opphil.org.
Since 2014 has been proclaimed the Year of the Laity, one of the speakers will be a layman, radio personality Jun “Dr. Love” Banaag of DZMM, who will give his reflections on the Fifth Word: “I Thirst” (John 19:28). He is a member of the Dominican Third Order.
Meanwhile, Fr. Carmelo Arada of the Most Holy Trinity Parish in Balik-Balik, will preach on the Fourth Word: “Woman, behold your son: behold your mother” (John 19:26-27).
Father Arada is a member of the Dominican Clerical Fraternity.
“We acknowledge that not only Dominican friars can preach during Siete Palabras,” said Fr. Christopher Jeffrey Aytona, OP, assistant director of the Dominican Province of the Philippines’ Institute of Preaching.
Other preachers are Fr. Enrico Gonzales, OP; Fr. Roman Santos, OP; Fr. Paul Julius Factora, OP; Fr. Rodel Aligan, OP, and Rev. John Stephen Besa, OP.
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, will give a special message.
St. Expeditus fiesta
Since the feast of St. Expeditus (April 19) fell on Black Saturday, The Society of St. Expeditus will hold the celebration of the feast on April 22, Easter Tuesday, 12 noon, at St. Andrew Cathedral in La Huerta, Parañaque. Fr. Diwane Cacao will hold a healing Mass, concelebrated by Fr. Rolly Agustin, parish priest. The public is invited.
