Dr. Virgilio Villacorte, this year’s president of the committee preparing the fiesta in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, told me that women who had had difficulty conceiving a child had been helped by the saint.

Novena Masses begin on Jan. l4 and end Jan. 22. Fiesta Mass is on Jan. 23 at 10 a.m.

In the case of Fr. Johann Sebastian who is the one and only son, his mother was able only to conceive when she prayed to San Ildefonso.  Fr. Johann chose to become a priest and he is the parish priest of the quasi-parish of the Holy Eucharist at the foot of the Sierra Madre.

Healing exhibit

A healing exhibit featuring the holy relics, including memorabilia of Blessed John Paul II, from the collections of Dr. and Ms Villacorte, Jorge Allan Tengco, Fr. Jay Lina, Fr. Dennis Santos, Clifford Chua  and Filipino visionary Bro. Carmelo Cortez,  will be held on Jan. 14, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m, at the Multi-Purpose Center beside the San Ildefonso church.

Brother Carmelo will hold a healing session after the 5 p.m. Mass on Jan. 19.  The public is invited to the Novena Masses and healing exhibit (until Jan. 23).

In the collection of Dr. Villacorte are the Olive tree from Gethsemane, relics of St. Anthony de Padua, Blessed Jacinta, Blessed Francisco, St. Padre Pio, and a relic of San Ildefonso.  Sculptured works done by the brothers Willie and Edwin Layug are that of the Last Supper, Scourging at the Pillar, St. Therese of the Child Jesus, St. Luke, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Francis of Assisi, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and San Ildefonso.

Novena Masses

Infanta Bishop Rolando Tria Tirona will begin the nine-day Novena of Masses at San Ildefonso on Jan. 14 at 5 p.m. with La Juventud de la Hermandad de San Ildefonso as sponsors.  Novena Masses from Jan. 14-22 are at 5 p.m.

On Jan. 15 at 8:45 a.m., Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez will celebrate Mass.

Healing Mass is on Jan. 19 at 5 p.m.

Concelebrated Fiesta Mass on Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. will be celebrated by Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros and Bishop Emeritus Cirilo Almario.

Procession around the town is on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m.

Parokya ng Ina ng mga Dukha

Our Lady of the Poor Parish, or Parokya ng Ina ng Mga Dukha in  FB Tenement, Western Bicutan, Taguig celebrates a  Fiesta thanksgiving Mass on Jan. today  at 10:15 a.m. with  Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert C. Vergara as main celebrant.

Parish priest is Fr. Simplicio Roxas.  This will be the 18th parish fiesta since the late Jaime Cardinal Sin canonically erected in 1993.  Theme of the fiesta is: “I am the Virgin of the Poor. Believe in me and I believe in you.”

Pilgrim image of Fatima

Amid world crises, and the struggle to defend the dignity of family and life in our country, the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of our Lady of Fatima is now in   the Philippines until Jan. 25.

Today, she is in Mater Carmeli Monastery in Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac until 2 p.m. Then, she will be at the Cathedral in Lingayen-Dagupan at 4:30 p.m. where she will stay until Jan. 9. Text Fr. Melvin Castro at 0917-5149798 for schedule.

Many testimonies tell us Our Lady of Fatima’s visits are an occasion of tremendous outpouring of grace for our people. Countless miracles happen during Her visits like conversion and renewal. This statue of Our Lady of Fatima is called the International Pilgrim Image because she has visited 100 countries.

Sorrowful Mysteries for Grenada

Grenada in the Americas is also known as the “Island of Spice.” It is one of the world’s largest exporters of nutmeg and mace.  The islands are of volcanic origin with extremely rich soil.  Tourism is its main economic force.

Let us pray the Sorrowful Mysteries for Grenada tomorrow that the tourism industry be mindful of the need to preserve and conserve;   that the family may be respected by all for the contribution it makes to society; that Grenada be spared from  the destruction of powerful  hurricanes.  Let us also pray for the   protection of the island from all threats; and for the young to learn the value of work.