To Rev. Fr. Peter Necesario - the Parish Priest
To Nanay Teresita Ardines and Tatay Benedicto Ardines - my foster parents
To Tay Noel and Ma'am Belen
To Brod Val and Ma'am Leizyl
To Rev. Jose de Dios III - the assigned deacon
and to all friends and parishioners of Sto. Niño Parish, Guba, Cebu City

       From the bottom of my heart, "DAGHAN KAAYONG SALAMAT sa pag-atiman, sa pagpangga ug sa mga maanindot nga kasinati-an nga inyong gipadayag..." (Thank you very much for the care, love and memorable experiences that you have extended).
 






 Let me repeat my simple message to our foster parents in Brgy. Adlaon, Cebu City (By the way, this is the area of our pastoral weekend exposure.) "Brgy. A.D.L.A.O.N., - Angay Dili Limtan! Why? because of their Accommodation, the Opportunities and to the Nice environment and people.
Let me also refresh and reconstruct my message to all the parishioners of Guba parish. "The parish here in GUBA, Cebu City will always be part of my vocation, particularly my path towards priesthood because of the G-oodness that you have shown everytime we meet and gather; also because of the U-nexpected incidents or experiences that I have encountered; and because of the B-lessings that I have received withwhich I am so grateful for; lastly, because you are all A-mazing. :-) More power to all your endeavors and future plans for the growth of the parish. God Bless you all! Hasta la vista!"

P.S. For the 2 pictures, thank you Rev. Joe.

Chapter 6: Virtual Community is Real Community

The chapter mentions about what is really happening to this present age. Upon reading the said chapter, I cannot but associate such descriptions of virtual community and real community to what I know as virtual reality. If I get it correctly, it is indeed something real because it is really an existing fact and something really true. On one hand, I cannot deny the fact that I appreciate such advancement or development of the communication process. This advanced way of communicating really benefits so many individuals all around the globe. This simply shows that how far human intelligence can reach. 

On the other hand, I must be cautious enough in using such means of communication. These advancements, I believe, might also control one’s life that is, to become more dependent on this “virtual-real community.” It is always the best way that each person must be more conscious in using these developments of communication. Let each person be aware of both the advantages and disadvantages of the virtual reality. Lastly, in every advancement of human intelligence like the virtual community, to God be the glory.

What can you say about Pope Francis' visit?

January 15 -19, 2015 is the scheduled date of Pope Francis’ Visit in the Philippines. Like the rest of the Filipinos, I too, am excited of this visit. I cannot but be grateful for this one’s in a lifetime event. I believe that the organizers of this visit are 99.9 % ready for the coming of the Pope. I also believe that the necessary things are already set like the Pope’s transportation from one venue to another, the Pope’s accommodation, etc. I sense that even the government of Manila and the Philippine National Police are already prepared for the coming of the Pope. I also hear some news that the Archdiocese of Palo especially the people of Tacloban City are almost done with the necessary preparations and very much eager to see Pope Francis.
These physical or external and visible preparations for the Pope’s visit are undeniably well-prepared and now ready to cater His Holiness Pope Francis. How about one’s internal or spiritual preparations for the Pope’s visit? The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the Philippines or CBCP, I believe, gives the Filipino people a theme about this visit. The theme is on mercy and compassion. At this point, let me suggest that while still waiting for the Pope, let this theme guide our spiritual preparations. It is not yet too late because mas vale tarde que nunca. Let’s make it a point that in this visit, one must see his/her inner life and his/her relationship with the Lord. I believe that this is what His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle wants to stress in this visit in relation to the reminder of Pope Francis that let Jesus Christ be the center of this visit. To comply with these necessary preparations both physical and spiritual is not for the sake of compliance but for something greater. For me, it is for one’s well-being in order to become a better faithful follower of Christ and lastly, for God’s greater glory here on earth, especially in the Philippines.

WELCOME TO THE PHILIPPINES and Mabuhay ka, Santo Padre!

Pope's Call to Serve the Poor

 

‘Francis effect’

Over 40 youth leaders from Cebu had the “overwhelming experience” of seeing Pope Francis at the University of Santo Tomas grounds last Jan. 18.

Overwhelmed by their experience of seeing Pope Francis during the “Youth Encounter” at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, at least 40 youth leaders from different Cebu towns have vowed to work doubly hard in their respective parishes.

Oddrey Devibar, 19, from the St. Raphael the Archangel Parish in Aloguinsan, midwestern Cebu, plans to organize a soup kitchen for street children.

“I learned that we should really help one another – reach out to the poor, the needy, the sick and the lonely, especially the lost sheep,” she said.

Devibar, a college student, will use her allowance as seed money and plans to tap the  youth  in her parish for the project.

“At least each of us can take care of one or three street children. That’s the initial plan. Some of my fellow youth leaders are busy, so I would encourage my classmates. It would be a simple gathering, have lunch and bring them to Church and hear mass together,” she said.

Dave Christopher Y. Cantillas from the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Youth Coordinating Council in Balamban said that the meeting with Pope Francis challenged them to go out of their comfort zones.

“Upon reflecting on the message of Pope Francis, I learned that as a youth leader, I must have a heart for the poor, the marginalized and the outcasts,” he said.

“Give much importance and care to young people who are left outside of society and who are crying out for help. And the most important is to think well, feel well, and do well especially for the poor, with love,” he added.

Organizing charitable works may have already been part of their plan, but the Pope’s message is making them work harder and faster, he said.

“It would be better not just to have an answer to the physical needs but also spiritually, such as formations and workshops and even livelihood programs  for the out-of-school youth,” Cantillas said.

Bonessa Ann Sotto, 19, youth president of the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish in Matutinao, Badian, was also ready to ask Pope Francis her question: “Papa, I believe that the youth are the hope of the Church. But why is it that the elders of the Church do not support us in the process of molding us as good leaders?”

Sotto said despite not having been close enough to ask the question, it was still an experience of a lifetime.  “Words are not enough to express my overwhelming faith. I feel transformation within me, of becoming a faithful servant. And that I feel more inspired to share and motivated to serve,” she added.

N.B. This is an excerpt of the news article entitled, "Cebu youth leaders moved to action after Pope Francis encounter" written by Michelle Joy L. Padayhag that was published last January 26, 2015 (Monday) @ 6:00 a.m. (http://www.inquirer.net/popeinph/article/50537?c37 retrieved last March 5, 2015)

Thank you very much.

Mass Media's service to the Pope and to the Filipinos

One of the contributors to the great success of Pope Francis' Visit in the Philippines last January 15 - 19, 2015 was the MASS MEDIA. Mass media made it possible for other Filipinos to get in touch with the Pope's activities. By looking at the television screens, Filipinos are being updated about Pope Francis' schedule. To all media partners, who covered the 5-day visit of the Pope, you all deserved a well-applauded appreciation and personally, I salute all of you. Thank you very much! More power to your truthful service! Job well done!

This service being shown by the mass media during the Pope's Visit, which I really appreciated, also depicted another great service. This service was in a form of sacrifice, as I would like to put it. I was convinced that there were shows that were supposed to air on a particular time but unfortunately were cancelled in order to give priority on a live coverage of the Pope's Visit. It is a sacrifice though it may have a less impact. Nevertheless, at least during the Pope's Visit, these media men did not bother to think about ratings. I believed that they also desired to witness personally the Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. Thank you once again to all Media Partners. Mabuhay kayo!
P.S. Please no offense to other networks of mass media. It is a matter of my personal preference to pick up at least the "Big 3." :-)

Diaconate Ordination Servers

These are the servers during the diaconate ordination last December 10, 2014 at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. The said ordination was presided over by His Excellency Most Rev. Jose S. Palma, D.D., the Archbishop of Cebu. By the way, they are my classmates.
I am glad that they show willingness to be one of the servers. I believe that they also feel the same way, just look at their smiles. Thank you brothers for the assistance and continue to be glad everytime this kind of opportunity comes. :-)

THE LAY FAITHFUL

Front row: (left to right) Lilibeth Villaceran, Aling Mahinay, Cathy Cuervo, Arsenia Mandal, Erni Montecillo, Roger Montecillo, Edlyn Llanos, Luke Abrenillo, Amai Paradiang

Second row: (left to right) Lot-lot Bacalla, Joe Mejia (hidden at the back), Miami Ypil, Delia Tinga, Patricia Querubin, Sally Rombla, Fr. Jojo Deligero, Anthony Salas, Fr. Edgar Lumarda, Fr. Dodong Dondoyano, Cres Oliverio, Eddie Durano, Lory Minoza, Pining Abrenillo, Mauring Mariscal, Elsie Lawas and Roger Beduya.

The Laity who continually serve the parish of Compostela! Thank you very much for the assistance that you are extending to the priests and the whole Church. More power and God bless!