THE ICON of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Rome marks the 150th anniversary of its turnover by Pope Pius IX to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (C.Ss.R), or Redemptorists.
It was on Dec. 11, 1865, when now Blessed Pius IX entrusted the icon to the Redemptorists with the instruction that they spread her devotion around the world. The image is now housed at St. Alphonsus Church on Via Merulana in Rome near the Santa Maria Maggiore papal basilica.
In the Philippines, a replica of the icon is enshrined at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH) in Baclaran, now a famous Marian hub.
Novena Masses started last June 18. Main celebrants were Bishop Jesse E. Mercado of Parañaque; Auxiliary Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo of Manila; Bishop Bernardino C. Cortez of Infanta; Bishop Pedro D. Arigo of Puerto Princesa; Bishop Pablo Virgilio S. David of Caloocan; Bishop Emeritus Deogracias S. Iniguez Jr.; Bishop Honesto F. Ongtioco of Cubao; Bishop Reynaldo G. Evangelista of Imus; Bishop Emeritus Ireneo A. Amantillo, C.Ss.R., of Tandag; and Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle of Manila.
Prayer garden, coffee shop
Perpetual Help Marian devotees are urged to tour the Redemptorist church grounds in Baclaran, especially the new Mosaic Garden of Luntiang Dambana, for meditation and spiritual recharging.
Devotees are also urged to try the coffee and goodies at Carillon Coffee Shop, which serves and helps find more markets for Sinirangan coffee (literally, coffee from the East) produced in Tacloban by “Yolanda” victims.
PCNE closes today
The third Philippine Conference on New Evangelization (PCNE 3) will close today, July 17, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion. Theme is “Awa, Unawa, Gawa: The Filipino Experience of Mercy.”
PCNE was first organized by Cardinal Tagle during the Year of Faith declared by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in 2013. It sought a deeper look at new evangelization for the renewal and strengthening of faith.
The 2016 conference opened July 15 and featured a “Heart-to-Heart” conference in which Cardinal Tagle introduced “Stories of Mercy.”
Mercy jubilee pilgrimage
Radio Veritas (RV) 846, the leading faith-based AM station in the Philippines, will hold the second Veritas Jubilee of Mercy pilgrimage on July 24, 4:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
In observance of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, the Church-run station will again visit the jubilee churches in the Archdiocese of Manila: Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Intramuros; Santuario de Santo Cristo, San Juan City; Archdiocesan Shrine of the Divine Mercy, Mandaluyong City; Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Pasay City; and National Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Makati City.
“As the station aims to help more faithful to go on pilgrimage in this Holy Year to gain the plenary indulgence, Radio Veritas is inviting everyone to join this spiritual journey and perform a specific act of mercy,” said Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual, RV president.
To obtain a plenary indulgence, the faithful must commit to avoid all sins, even venial, sacramentally confess their sins, receive the Holy Communion, and pray for the Pope and his prayer intentions, said Father Pascual.
Pilgrimage fee is P1,200.
Registration is at RV studios at 162 West Ave. and Edsa, Quezon City; tel. 9357931-39, loc. 129.
Relic
In connection with the mercy pilgrimage, RV is exposing for public veneration a first-class relic of Saint Mary Magdalene at the RV Chapel in QC until July 22, her feast day.
Also known as Mary of Magdala, the saint is one of the greatest saints of the Bible and an example of God’s mercy and grace.
She was the first to see the Risen Christ on Easter Sunday, making her the “apostle to the apostles.” She is the patron saint of converts, repentant sinners and the contemplative life.
RV Chapel is exposing the relic and image for public veneration, 6 a.m.-8 p.m. A Eucharistic celebration will be held on June 22, 12 noon.
E-mail announcements to lzulueta@inquirer.com.ph or noelmogate11@gmail.com.