Monsignor Manuel Gabriel, parish priest and rector of St. Andrew Cathedral, launched last May 31 the feast of the Visitation, the pilgrimage months of June, July and August in honor of Parañaque’s patroness, Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso (Our Lady of Good Events).
A special altar for “Nana Ciso” was built at the left side of the main altar and blessed by Parañaque Bishop Jesse Mercado on Aug. 10.
The tripartite council headed by Dr. Erwin Carabeo, Adelia Lopez and Malyn del Rosario scheduled the devotions every Saturday: Perpetual Novena to Buen Suceso at 6 a.m., 12 noon and 6 p,m.; Mass for the sick at 12 noon every first Saturday and for OFW’s and seafarers every second Saturday. Every third Saturday, the devotions are dedicated to the family, and every fourth Saturday, for the youth
Activities for pilgrims
Special activities have been lined up for groups who will visit St. Andrew’s Cathedral. These include a formal welcome and talk on the history of Buen Suceso, a guided tour of the cathedral, pilgrims’ Mass and a chance to venerate the revered image.
For group reservations or inquiries, call the parish office at 8261760 or 8207178.
History of the devotion
The pilgrimage season aims to revive the centuries-old tradition of visiting St. Andrew’s Church to invoke the help and favor of Nuestra Senora del Buen Suceso.
St. Andrew’s Church, now known as St. Andrew’s Cathedral, was built in 1630 and was among the earliest and most popular places for romeria (pilgrimage) beginning in the 17th century up to the early parts of the 20th century.
The very first recorded miracle of the Buen Suceso took place Aug. 15, 1625, and the beneficiary was a pilgrim from the nearby district of Malate. Doña Maria Amada was brought to the church in a hammock because she was paralyzed from the waist down. After hearing Mass and praying before the altar of the Virgin, her legs regained their strength and she was able to walk back home.
San Antonio de Padua fiesta in Sampaloc
I have always associated the fiesta celebration of St. Anthony de Padua on June 13 to the shrine dedicated to him on Manrique Street in Sampaloc, Manila. People from near and far come to this church, which is rich in history. There are 10 Masses on novena days and 12 Masses on the fiesta itself, June 13, Monday .
Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon will officiate the Concelebrated Mass at 10:45 a.m. Fr. Cielo Almazan, OFM, is parish priest. The other Masses on June 13 are
5:45 a.m., 7 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Shrine of San Antonio de Padua
The devotion to St. Anthony de Padua, popular in Intramuros during Spanish times and before World War II, was observed at the San Francisco Church there. When the war destroyed the church, Fr. Mariano Montero, OFM, a Spanish friar assigned there, came up with the idea of transferring the St. Anthony devotion to Sampaloc, where the rebuilding of Sampaloc’s destroyed church was about to begin.
Father Mariano decided to have the church’s name changed to Shrine of St. Anthony. Finally, in 1947, the rebuilding of the church was completed and it was rededicated to the Franciscan saint. Besides Sampaloc, the district of Singalong celebrates the saint’s fiesta in a church along San Andres Street.
Apostolic Congress on Divine Mercy
Devotees of the Divine Mercy are making travel plans to attend the 2nd World Apostolic Congress on Divine Mercy (Wacom II) in Lagiewniki, Krakow, Oct. 1-4.
Attending from the Philippines are members of Divine Mercy Foundation in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental, headed by Paquita Adaza. Departure from the Philippines is Sept. 27, reaching Vienna first.
Included in the pilgrimage is a visit to Wadowice, birthplace of Blessed John Paul II; a drive to the 14th-century Paulite Monastery at Jasna Gora where the Black Madonna is venerated, and visit to Prague where Mass will be celebrated in the Church of Our Lady of the Victorious. There will also be pilgrimages to other Marian shrines until Oct. 19.
For inquiries, call Adam’s Travel at 5211651 or 5211638, text 0908-5919908. Pilgrims in Mindanao can text Adventure One Travel at 0917-6331495.
New priests in Cagayan Valley
Tuguegarao Archbishop Diosdado Talamayan will ordain the following deacons: Rev. Apolinard Mateo on June 25 at St. James the Apostle Parish in Iguig, Cagayan; Rev. Brien Mark Catabay, St. Dominic de Guzman Parish, Cataggaman; Rev. Lloyd de Leon, July 4 at St. Peter Thelmo Parish, Aparri; and Rev. Kristian Noel Sibbaluca, July 6 at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Baggao, Cagayan. Ordinations are at 9 a.m.
New Rector of Aquinas University
Rev. Fr. Ernesto Arceo, OP, was installed Rector of Aquinas University in Legazpi City on June 7. The appointment was approved by Philippine Dominican Province Prior Provincial Querico T. Pedregosa Jr., OP.
Blessings to you, Father Ernie, and welcome back!
Healing Masses
Fr. Nelson Osorio, OSJ, will hold the following healing Masses: June 16 at 1 p.m. at Nazareno Parish, CM Recto Ave., Cagayan de Oro City; and 6 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Parish in Bulua, CDO; June 17, 1 p.m. at St. Augustine Parish in Valencia City; June 18, 8 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Parish in Wao, Lanao del Sur; and 4 p.m. at San Andres Church in Maramag, Bukidnon.
Visionary Carmelo Cortez
June 12 is the 20th anniversary of the apparition of Our Mother of the Eucharist and Grace to Filipino visionary and healer Carmelo Cortez in 1991, in his Quezon City home. In past anniversaries, Mary appeared to Cortez at the Chapel in San Vicente, Sta. Maria, Bulacan. Religious services on June 12 begin 11 a.m., followed by Holy Mass at 12 noon. The public is invited.
