The Word & Life Publications (WLP) is an apostolic enterprise of Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) for the production and propagation of catechetical materials for evangelization in the Philippines. WLP will mark its 25th year on July 16 with thanksgiving activities. Fr. Larry Tan, SDB, the marketing manager, said, “It is time to give thanks to God and to all those who have journeyed with us through the years. It is certainly a milestone worth its while.”

WLP was established in June 1989 by Fr. Salvatore Putzu, SDB, who had come to the Philippines in November 1979. His constant concern has been to help Filipinos know the Bible and the teachings of the Church better, and to put them into practice. Hence, “word” and “life.”

WLP’s publications and activities have received numerous prestigious awards, especially from Asian Catholic Publishers, Inc., which declared WLP Publisher of the Year in 1995; and from the Catholic Mass Media Awards, which proclaimed Word & Life mag Best Youth Magazine in 2004 and 2013.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, WLP will offer a thanksgiving Mass July 16, 2 p.m., at St. John Bosco Parish Church, Makati. Soon after the Eucharistic celebration, to be presided by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Soc Villegas, who’s also president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, the organizers will fête all the employees, supporters, benefactors and friends of WLP.

For more information and promos, like WLP on Facebook Word & Life Publications. Visit www.wordandlife.org; tel. 8945402/5241.

Blessed Pavoni Center

Education of poor youth and the formation of their religious vocation are the goals of the Italian community of Blessed Ludovico Pavoni Center in Antipolo, along Sumulong Highway, where a tent church also stands awaiting construction of a more permanent building soon.

Fr. Odair Novais, FMI (Sons of Mary Immaculate-Pavonians) is the superior of the new center. The Brazilian priest was assigned here in the Philippines in September 2007 to set up the first Pavonian in Asia. The priest had been looking for a home to set up the center, and found it in 2012 at Agnesville, Mambugan,  Antipolo City.

The opening of the tent church was graced by Antipolo Bishop Gabriel Reyes.

Last May, the support team of Father Odair from Alta Vista Viillage, QC, visited the center which currently has 16 young seminarians. Father Odair is assisted by Bro. Guido from Italy and Bro. Marcos Dias from Brazil. Those interested in the Pavonian religious mission or in helping build the church may call  6471148.

Venerable Francesco Marcucci

The Pious Worker Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in the Philippines, Italy and Brazil  will celebrate the feast of their founder, Venerable Francesco Antonio Marcucci, on July 12 with Holy Masses and vigil in the adoration chapel.

Passing away on July 12, 1798, Marcucci has left an immense spiritual heritage and a great example of a life consecrated to Mary Immaculate and to the Church. He was so devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary that, at age of 21, he had the clear intuition of the Divine Will that he should found a congregation of women to honor the Immaculate Conception.

Although he was involved in a number of ministries, especially for the poor, he devoted himself to the formation and education of women.

His congregation has been in the Philippines for 25 years, and carrying out apostolate in education in three communities in Quezon City, Calaca, Batangas and Dagupan, Pangasinan.

The Sacred Congregation for the Causes of  Saints is investigating the alleged miraculous healing of Simonetta Frignani, who suffered from peritonitis  after a Cesarean operation. In Italy and Brazil, there is an association called Friends of Marcucci. On June 29, Pope Francis, after the prayer of the Angelus on St. Peter’s Square, greeted the Italian  members of the group and so for the first time, the name of Venerable Marcucci was proclaimed.

“We want to invite and encourage all readers to pray for his beatification, especially this coming July 12 on his 216th death anniversary,” said Sr. Adele Toccaceli, the superior in the Philippines. “Those who will receive blessings and graces through his intercession, please inform Sr. Ma. Paola Giobbi, postulator. ([email protected]). Those who want to know more about this magnificent evangelizer and educator, please visit www.monsignormarcucci.com.”

For prayer cards, write to me c/o Phil. Daily Inquirer on Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City.  Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for easier mailing.

Memorial Mass

The Msgr. Nico Bautista Educational Scholarship  Foundation will hold a Memorial Mass on July 12, 6 p.m., at Magallanes Church. Jay Gervasio, president of the foundation, would like to thank board members for helping 200 young people obtain an education since 1991 by sending them to Don Bosco Technical Vocational Education & Training Center (TVET Center) in Makati and Don Bosco Pugad.

Body Talk Access

Canadian Karla Kadlec will talk about how to cure common colds and diseases without use of medicines in The Body Talk Access at Gabaldon Room of Club Filipino on July 11, 5:30 p.m. The event is organized by Philippine College for the Advancement of Medicine. Call tel. 5025944 or text 0917-8333828.

Cebu’s Santo Niño visits Laoag

The Sto. Niño de Cebu is visiting the parishes of the Diocese of Laoag until July 8.  Visit is arranged by Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos  and Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas.