May 1 will be a special day for the people of Bulacan when the Arma Christi Relics are brought to the Bisita ng Mahal na Señor in Barrio Luwasan, Turo, Bocaue, for veneration, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

May 1 is the feast of the Mahal na Señor. (Call the Living Rosary member Cora de Guzman at 0449- 201154).

The visit is a project of the Universal Living Rosary of St. Philomena.

“Arma Christi” means “Weapons of Christ.” In May 2011, a male devotee of St. Philomena and a member of the Universal Living Rosary was miraculously cured of a serious ailment after making a novena to St. Philomena.

In gratitude, the patient went to the Sanctuary of Saint Philomena in Mugnano del Cardinale in Italy to thank the saint for his miraculous cure.

In Rome, he visited several churches, including one where the Arma Christi Relics (Relics of the Birth, Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ) were kept for public veneration. It was under the custody of a religious congregation of nuns.

Observing that the relics were not given much attention by the faithful, he thought of asking the Sisters if he could bring the relics to the Philippines where they would be better venerated, “No way,” the nuns said.

Not losing hope, he prayed to St Philomena for her intercession. Through much prayers and negotiations with the Sisters, he received an e-mail on Jan. 10,  birthday of St. Philomena, informing him that the Council had approved his request.

The Holy Relics were brought to the Philippines by a sister of the Congregation last Feb 6. The custodians are two members of the Living Rosary of St. Philomena of the Apostolate of the Work of the Saints under the guidance of Fr. Dennis Paez, SDB.

To request for public veneration of the Sacred Relics in parish churches, please e-mail the Apostolate at theworkofthesaints@gmail. com.

Pastoral Liturgical Renewal

Rev. Fr. Benny B. Tuazon , parish priest of St. Anthony de Padua Church in Singalong,  launched the “Pastoral Liturgical Renewal” last August to encourage lay spirituality.

This project was handled by the Education Ministry of the Parish Pastoral Council. The talks have been held every last Saturday of the month.

On April 28, Msgr. Sabino Vengco, Jr will talk about “Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.” On May 26, Fr. Anton Pascual will tackle “Ministries in the Church.”

Program starts at 7 p.m., according to Nancy Zabala of the education ministry committee. The talks are covered by TV Maria.

Manaoag fiesta

The Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Manaoag marks two fiestas: the third Wednesday after Easter Sunday and Oct. 7, feast of the Holy Rosary.

Devotees will drive to Manaoag on April 25, and attend the hourly Masses starting at 5 a.m., light candles and attend the afternoon procession.

Fashion designer Aureo Alonzo designed the Virgin Mary’s fiesta vestment that was donated by Alberto and Angelita Pua of Baguio.  We Ilokanos call the Virgin Mary “Apo Baket.”

‘Spirit of May Rocks’ concert

The new board of trustees of the College of the Holy Spirit Alumni Foundation with Sabsy Sy Palanca (HS ’68) as president is holding a dinner dance to gather schoolmates in a spirit of fellowship to involve them in a fundraising scheme to support the school’ s centennial in 2013. “Spirit of May Rocks” will be held on May 5, 6 p.m., at the North Greenhills Clubhouse on Johnson Street.

“Spirit of May Rocks” will include dinner, raffle prizes and the dance party to the music of the 8Track band which specializes in retro music. Tickets are selling at P1,500. (Call Cora Parco at the CHSAF alumni office at 7355986, e-mail at [email protected]; or contact your class representatives).

Quota in Cebu

Thirty-five years in the Philippines, Quota International, with the Manila club as the pioneer, has been making a difference in the lives of people through service and friendship.

There are now 19 Quota Clubs in the Philippines, comprising Quota International’s District 41. Quota clubs in the 14 countries where Quota serves are very focused in their service objectives “for disadvantaged women and children, and for the hearing-impaired.”

Led by district governor Emilie Simon and her team, with Quota International of Metro Cebu as host, Quota’s 18th District Conference will be held April 26-28 at Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, Cebu City, and will be graced by international president Chris Tracey-Patte and PIP Beris Pritchard.