Monday, December 12, 2011

Archbishop Tagle's Homily on the day the of his Canonical Possession of the Primatial See of Manila

The Official Photo of Most Rev. Luis Antonio Tagle, DD
Archbishop of Manila
Homily of His Excellency Most Reverend Luis Antonio G. Tagle, DD
Metropolitan Archbishop of Manila

My dear friends, sisters and brothers in the Lord,

We are in the holy season of Advent, a time to prepare for the coming of the Messiah through prayer, penance and good works. A few days ago a friend told me that my coming into the Archdiocese of Manila as its 32nd Archbishop is truly Advent. “You are the one who is to come,” he declared. The remark made me laugh. It also made me think. Is this occasion really about me? I know many people are asking “who is this new archbishop of Manila? What is he like? What are his vision and plans?” But like John the Baptist I am inviting you to focus on the One mightier than all of us, Jesus Christ, the Risen One and the True Shepherd of the Church. My Episcopal motto says it plainly, “Dominus Est! It is the Lord!”

This exclamation is drawn from the Risen Christ’s appearance to some of his disciples at the Sea Tiberias as recounted in John 21. In a retreat that I facilitated as a priest, this episode impressed me deeply. Although it tells of a Resurrection appearance, it is indeed an Advent experience. The Risen Lord comes to his disciples. He reveals who he truly is.

Seven disciples went out fishing. Five of them are named: Simon Peter the recognized head of the band of the Twelve who denied Jesus, Thomas who doubted the testimony of his companions about Jesus’ appearance to them, Nathanael who questioned if anything good could come from Nazareth, the sons of Zebedee known for their ambition to get the seats of honour in Jesus’ kingdom, and two who remain unnamed. Doubters and unknowns, they represent the Church at its infancy. Simon Peter planned to go out fishing and the rest joined him. Together they were the fragile Church embarking on its mission. Into the vast waters of mission they traveled together.

But that whole night they caught nothing. Tired and distraught they returned to shore. They probably did not notice the early morning light. It was still night for them. Standing on the shore was a man they did not know. He asked if they had caught anything to eat. That question could sound provocative to a group that had laboured all night without success. If I were one of the disciples, I would have retorted, “Hey don’t you see that our boats are empty? Don’t you see? Are you blind or are you insulting us?” But the disciples were probably so tired to argue with him. Then the stranger issued a surprising command to cast the net over the right side of the boat. He also promised they would find something. They followed him and had a catch so bountiful they could not pull it in. This stranger was not blind after all. He saw where the fishes were. What the disciples of doubters and unknowns did not see, he saw clearly.

At this moment the disciple whom Jesus loved exclaimed, “It is the Lord.” The eyes of the beloved disciple were opened. His stare moved from the catch to the loving presence in their midst. This man is not a stranger. He is the loving Lord. The long dark night is over. Morning has come. It is the Lord!

This simple story teaches me valuable lessons about the missions of the Church and my ministry as a bishop. First of all, the mission of the Church should be wholly directed by the Lord who is always present as Shepherd and guide. Human efforts should continue but unless the Lord directs the catch, we labour in vain. We know that the Lord guards His Church. He keeps watch with us on those long nights of confusion and helplessness in mission. When in spite of our good intentions and efforts there are still multitude of hungry people we cannot feed, homeless people we cannot shelter, battered women and children we cannot protect, cases of corruption and injustice that we cannot remedy, the long night of the disciples in the middle of the sea continues in us. Then we grow in compassion towards our neighbors whose lives seem to be a never ending dark night. But in our weariness the Lord comes. Advent never ends. He is the shepherd promised in the first reading from Ezekiel. He will come to his sheep where they are scattered when it is cloudy and dark. He is near. He is Emmanuel. But we need to hear his voice and to follow hi direction. We need to see realities with His eyes. We need faith. Without faith fueled by love, we cannot truly be a missionary Church of Jesus Christ. It is only by the vision provided by faith that the Church could meaningfully casts its nets in the vast seas of the world and history. They may be murky to human eyes, but the Lord sees where the fishes are. The new evangelization requires putting in the mind and eyes of the Lord again, a transformation coming from prayer. Then we see differently. A child, especially the unborn is no longer seen as a burden but a gift, the youth are not a problem but a promise, women are not objects but persons, labourers are not machines but partners, the poor are not a nuisance but our jewels, and the creation is not an object of manipulation but a sign of God’s sustaining love. These and many more comprise the Church’s miraculous harvest from the seas of mission of only we see with the eyes of Christ. Whenever we see as the Lord does, there is hope!

Secondly, we need to follow the Lord in our mission not singly but together as the disciples did. Mission is an ecclesial event. We will be together in failure, in listening to the Spirit, in beholding the God’s miracles, and in hauling the nets to shore. As it was then, so it is today. The ordained, the religious and the lay faithful, including non-Catholic Christians are called to one mission, though in various states of life and with a diversity of gifts. When we take different boats and even compete against each other to get the better portion of the catch for our own teams, we are not engaging in mission. Divisiveness and destructive competition will only help sink the boat. Let us look to the one Shepherd who gathers his sheep instead of scattering them. It is the Lord!

Finally, let us turn to the beloved disciple, the disciple whom Jesus loved. He was the one who recognized the Lord who had loved them by laying down his life on the cross and now as the Risen On who could turn nights of despair into dawns of hope by the power of His word. We realize that the beloved disciple does not occupy any known rank among the disciples. Peter was clearly the leader and spokesperson of the group. This episode teaches me that merely assuming the position of Archbishop of Manila does not guarantee that I will recognize the Lord. If I am not careful it might even blind me to the Lord and others. It is rather by being a humble disciple content with love of Jesus that I would see the advent of him whose love propels us to mission. Notice that at this moment the beloved disciple taught Peter. Later Jesus would ask Peter three time if he loved him more than the others. Love makes one a true shepherd, not position. I pray that my Episcopal ministry and all ministries in the Church may be rooted in humble and loving discipleship. I tell myself as though it were the Lord telling me, “Chito, do not think you have become great because of your new position. Be great rather in being a beloved and loving disciple of the Lord.”

The narrative we have reflecting on serves as a good description of the mission of the Church: Discerning the Lord’s presence, following his word, celebrating his love and proclaiming “It is the Lord.” The Church cannot stop proclaiming the Word of God as the second reading says. In season and out of season, we direct people to the person of the Lord. Even if it an inconvenient truth that we are proclaiming, it is always the Lord. “Love your enemies” is inconvenient. “Share what you have with the poor” is inconvenient. “Bless your prosecutors” is inconvenient. But through these inconvenient words, the Lord comes. He speaks. He brings true light.

As I embark on my new ministry as Archbishop of Manila, I feel deeply united with the many beloved disciples who have taught me to recognize the Lord: my loving parents Manuel and Milagros and brother Manuel Jr. They have always provided a haven of love and commitment for me; my aunts, uncles, cousins, and clan who never fail to nurture me; my self-less and caring teachers and mentors in St. Andrew’s School, the Ateneo de Manila University, the Loyola School of Theology, the Catholic University of America and San Jose Seminary; the dedicated people of the commissions that I have been a part of in the CBCP, the FABC, and the Vatican; my former students, seminarians, the religious and the poor who have taught me to be more sensitive to the presence of Jesus who calls me to mission. Your love has enabled me to see the Lord. Thank you. I remember in a special way Bishop Artemio Casas, Bishop Felix Perez, Bishop Manuel Sobrevinas, the clergy, the religious, the seminarians and the lay faithful of the Diocese of Imus. You have loved me. You have directed me to the Lord. Please remember me as loving you.

Now I face my new mission in this great Archdiocese of Manila that is rich in tradition, culture, history and religiosity. I tremble before the love that calls me to lead the people to the Lord. But my poor sinful person finds rest in Him who is the Church’s true Shepherd. I am also consoled to know that we would be building on the legacy of loving service of 31 bishops, notably those of the recent past: Archbishop Gabriele Reyes, Cardinal Rufino Santos, Cardinal Jaime Sin and my immediate predecessor, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales. As I look at the clergy, the religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese, I feel humbled. There is much that I will learn from you. Teach me. Be patient with me. Let us love one other at all times. Extend your love to all, especially the poor and to the Churches in Asia. As one Church we will journey together even if the night is long and wearisome. We will welcome the ever new dawn who is the Lord, the light and shepherd of the Church. Everyday will be an advent of the Lord.

We are strengthened by the maternal love of Mary who 480 years ago appeared to the lowly Juan Diego in Guadalupe. She is the Advent woman who comes to the poor; she walks with them in dark paths; she brings hope. We rejoice to hear again her words to Juan Diego, as though addressed to us, “Do not let anything afflict you and do not be afraid of any illness or accident or pain. Am I not your mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Do you need anything else? Do I not hold you in the folds of my mantle, there where my arms meet together and I can keep you close?” To you dear Mother I entrust the Church of Manila, the Church in the Philippines, the Churches in Asia, the entire Church and my Episcopal ministry. You come to us, as I have experienced so many times. Bring Jesus to us. Take us to Jesus. In the never ending advent of life and mission, help us to see your Son coming to us as our loving Shepherd to dispel all fear. We hope for the day when the Church and the whole creation would joyfully declare with one voice, “It is the Lord!” Amen.


Canonical Possession
12 December 2011
Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
(Manila Cathedral) Intramuros, Manila

The Five-finger Prayer


1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a 'sweet duty.' 

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers.They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in  pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them. 

5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, 'The least shall be the greatest among you.' Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for 
yourself more effectively.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Quiapo Church Live Streaming



Live Streaming does not substitute for the mass. Parishioners still have to attend masses in their Churches. Live streaming was setup for those who, due to their illness, could not go to Mass; or those who, due to their location, do not have Churches to go to. Those who already went to mass may also view the live streaming, especially devotees, to nourish their faith and devotion.

 

Schedule of Live Streaming

Daily Mass: 12:15pm

Fridays:  4:00am to 12:15pm (every hour) - Mass
             3:00pm (Holy Hour)
             4:00pm to 8:00pm (every hour)
             9:00pm - Benediction

Saturdays: 5:00 to 7:00pm (every hour) - Mass

Sundays: 5:00am to 12:15pm (every hour) - Mass
             3:00pm (Children's Mass) Misa Pro Populo - Mass
             4:00pm - 7:00pm - Mass
             8:00pm - Benediction

Simbang Gabi Masses -(Anticipated 9:00pm from Dec. 15 - 23)  Dec 16-25 at 4:00am and 5:00am 

Coat of Arms of Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle, DD


The coat of arms of His Excellency Most Reverend Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Archbishop of Manila, has two sides. The left side represents the coat of arms of the Archdiocese of Manila. The right side represents the personal coat of arms of the Archbishop.


On the upper left (red) side, the tower of Castille portrays the Almighty God, He who is called in Psalm 60, “My shelter, a strong tower against the enemy.” The three windows in the figure of the tower signify the Three Divine Persons. To its right is a Crescent, the symbol of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the Archdiocese of Manila.


On the lower left (blue) side, a sea lion engarde holding a pilgrim’s cross on its right represents the origin of Christianity through the evangelization of the Philippines by the Spaniards and the Philippines’ role in Christianizing the Orient. Manila played a key role in the development of faith for the whole of the Philippine archipelago. The sea lion itself is the symbol of the Philippines.


On the right, which represents the coat of arms of the Archbishop, there are three levels.


The top level contains the image of the Good Shepherd. It tells of the centrality of Jesus in the Episcopal ministry of the Archbishop. He who directs the catch of fish is also the Shepherd who goes before his sheep (Jn 10:4) and lays down his life for them (Jn 10:15). The figure also calls to mind the diocesan seminary of Imus, Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol, that the Archbishop served cumulatively for twenty-two years as rector.


In the top level, there is also an open Bible. The living Word is the ultimate rule of life and service of the Archbishop. He pays tribute to all those who taught him to love the Word of God, especially his family, teachers, students, and the poor. It also stands for his ministry as a theology teacher, a servant of the Word. But more than just being a teacher of the Word, the Archbishop hopes to live by Jesus, the Incarnate Word, so that through his person and service, many may come to know, love and serve the Living Lord.


On the middle and the bottom levels are symbols of two persons who, upon discerning the will of God, made Jesus the center of their lives. The middle level depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom the Archbishop is devoted under her title of Our Lady of the Pillar, patroness of the Cathedral Parish and Diocese of Imus. The bottom level refers to St. Joseph, the just man and worker, to whom the town of Imus and the Archbishop is devoted. He is the patron San Jose Seminary where he underwent priestly formation.

The motto of the Archbishop is taken from John 21:7, “It is the Lord” (Dominus Est!). Following Peter’s initiative, the disciples went fishing but that night caught nothing. When the risen Lord, unrecognized by them, directed their fishing, they had a bountiful catch. Thereupon the beloved disciple said, “It is the Lord!” The motto conveys the Archbishop’s conviction that the Lord must direct his mission. So he entrusts the care of the Archdiocese to Him. The Archbishop’s modest role is to discern His voice, to follow his bidding, and to end every fruitful endeavour in a loving prayer and of recognition and adoration of the Lord.

source: rcam.org

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

The Quadricentennial Visit of La Naval to UST

La Naval enthroned at the UST Parish Church
December 6, 2011 


A prayerful atmosphere enveloped the campus of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila upon the arrival of the image of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary – La Naval de Manila. This particular visit of the original image is very meaningful because UST is celebrating its 400 years of unending grace. This further underscores the love story between UST and La Naval. 

The Carillon Bells of the UST Martyrs' Monument
After the destruction of the fifth Santo Domingo Church in Intramuros during the Second World War, the University Chapel became the sanctuary of La Naval for 13 years until a new shrine in Quezon City was built in 1954. Behind the conception of the sixth Santo Domingo Church was architect Jose Maria Zaragoza, an alumnus of UST College of Architecture. Galo Ocampo, a faculty member of UST, designed the stained glass depictions of Our Lady. Furthermore, its bas-reliefs were the works of another University mentor named Francesco Monti whose famous works were the illustration of La Naval procession and the image of St. Dominic, the Holy Father of the Order of Preachers. 

Rev.Fr. Jepoi Arsciwals, OP prayerfully waits for the
safe transfer of the image from the vehicle to the sanctuary.
From Santo Domingo Church, the image was escorted on a motorcade by the Chaplain and Prior of Santo Domingo Convent, Rev. Fr. Giuseppe Pietro Arsciwals, OP, together with the Dominican priests and brothers, diocesan priests, seminarians of UST Central Seminary, religious sisters, UST deans and administrators, the students and the other lay faithful. The resounding carillon bells of the UST Martyrs’ monument welcomed Our Lady while the Rector of the University, Rev. Fr. Rolando dela Rosa, OP awaited at the lobby of the Parish Church. Fr. Rector offered the rosary to Our Lady before it was enthroned. The recitation of the rosary was followed by a Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Rector and a serenade by the students of the UST Conservatory of Music. 

The Arrival of La Naval
More than a century ago, UST played a major role in the canonical coronation of La Naval, the first in the Philippines and in Asia. In 1907, UST took charge of collecting donations for her coronation. Aside from two star brooches, UST took liberty of embellishing the crown with its center jewel adorned with precious colored stones, which embody the different colleges and faculties of the University at that time. These were testified under the deeds of donation signed by the UST rector; secretary-general; deans of Law, Medicine, and Pharmacy; and 36 professors from the Colleges of Law, Pharmacy, and Medicine on Sept. 7, 1907 after the prior of the Santo Domingo Convent received the crown for the canonical coronation. 

La Naval enthroned at UST
In fact, a dedication on the inside brace of the crown states “Real y Pontifica Universidad de Santo Tomas, Manila/ los Professores a su Patrona la Santisima Virgen del Rosario en su Coronacion/ 5 de Octubre de 1907 (The Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, Manila/ the Professors to their Patroness the Most Holy Virgin of the Rosary on her Coronation/ 5 October 1907).” 

The UST Central Seminarians praying vespers
before the image of La Naval
In addition, the dated 1811 crowns of Our Lady and the Infant Christ were said to be commissioned in celebration of the second centennial foundation of the University. These crowns were meticulously crafted with gold, diamonds, jewels from donated brooches and earrings, and a precious natural Oriental pearl. 

The Parade of Colors signals the arrival of La Naval 
Our Lady stayed for an overnight vigil. The blessing of the UST Rosary garden happened the following day (December 7, 2011) before she returned to her shrine. 

A Dominican priest praying
The love story between the University of Santo Tomas and La Naval is a manifestation of God’s providence. UST did not only offer her a space in the sanctuary, donations of diamonds and other gemstones, and talented alumni to build her shrine; but also, it can be said that UST may not have persisted without the devotion to Our Lady. There is, indeed, a strong bond of history and faith that still continues today. 

Our Lady of La Naval, pray for us!







Sources:
The Varsitarian, Vol. LXXIX, No. 5 • November 21, 2007
The Homily of Fr. Rector, December 6, 2011
Chublog on youtube

The "O" Antiphons of Advent


The Liturgy of the Hours during the Advent season is marked by a peculiarity in the antiphons of the Magnificat in the last seven days before Christmas. The Magnificat or the Canticle of Mary (Luke 1:46-55) is part of the structure of the Evening Prayer or Vespers. Preceeding the Magnificat is an antiphon that serves as a responsory and varies depending on the liturgical season. 

It is interesting to note that the so called “O Antiphons” used at Vespers of the last seven days of Advent do not only provide the titles of Christ mentioned in Sacred Scriptures as follows: 
Dec17: O Sapientia (O Wisdom) 
Dec18: O Adonai (O Lord) 
Dec19: O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse) 
Dec20: O Clavis David (O Key of David) 
Dec21: O Oriens (O Radiant Dawn) 
Dec22: O Rex Gentium (O King of the nations) 
Dec23: O Emmanuel (O God is with Us) 

But also provide an acrostic in Latin when the first letters of the titles are taken backwards. "Ero Cras" which is translated as "Tomorrow, I will come" reveals the true meaning of the promise of Advent and provides a response to our longing. The hymn "O come, O come, Emmanuel" (in Latin, Veni Emmanuel) is a lyrical paraphrase of the "O antiphons".


Prophet Isaiah
All begin with an "O" to signify that they are direct address to the Lord (Vocative case in grammar). In the Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayer of the Church, the Church invokes the Lord. It has the purpose of sanctifying the day. Clergy and religious have a canonical obligation to pray the Liturgy of the Hours as official representatives of the Church (CIC 1174 §1)Other members of the Christian faithful are also earnestly invited to participate in the liturgy of the hours as an action of the Church (CIC 1174 §2). May we be sanctified as we pray and hope for the coming Messiah. 


The importance of the "O Antiphons" is two-fold. First, each one is a title for the Messiah. Secondly, each one refers to the prophecy of Isaiah of the coming of the Messiah. Advent encourages us to hold on to the promise that Christ will come back in the fullness of time. It goes beyond the vicissitudes of time.

PAST: We eagerly await for Christmas when we celebrate and long for the day when the “Word became flesh and dwelt among us" ... the first Christmas. 

PRESENT: We eagerly pray that God may remain in our hearts so that we can continue to believe, hope and love as we await for His return. 

FUTURE: We await for His second coming. The season of Advent serves as a reminder both of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting of Christians for Christ's return.

Merry Christmas!




A Very Short Christmas Story

Bro. Paul Cardenas, an Extraordinary minister of the Eucharist of the Diocese of Caloocan has this inspiring story to tell
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Christmas. Billions of people around the world celebrate it annually. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. The Philippines has earned the distinction of having the longest Christmas celebration, and everyone has a story to tell about it. I too would want to share this story which happened seven years ago. 

It was a bright December morning, several weeks before Christmas, and I was out at our front yard. I saw children making rounds, singing carols. Numerous people, from garbage collectors, electricity and telephone bill collection agents, to people from different sects, were roaming around giving envelopes, hoping for a generous donation. But several things bothered me: business was down, and the scenario of not having a bright Christmas hangs over my head. I still haven’t done shopping for gifts, and I haven’t planned what to eat on our ‘Noche Buena’. The Christmas lights and lanterns need to be fixed, or worse, replaced. Things like these gave me a headache.....Christmas.... 


A boy suddenly appeared at the gate. He was thin and wore shabby clothes. He wore no slippers and he was holding a sack. He was a garbage scavenger. He asked if I have some plastic bottles or old newspapers to be sold to the junk shop. Even though I felt a little bit irritated, I was amused and jokingly asked him of what Christmas meant to him. He looked far away but said in a loud and joyous manner “Christmas is grace! Money! There’s plenty of money...because there’s so many garbage!!!” 

I was surprised at his reply. Here I was, worrying and having a hard time while this boy was full of excitement and enthusiasm. I was so out of focus that I forgot the real meaning of Christmas. I equated it with gift-giving, food, more spending, while the boy equated Christmas with GRACE! I felt ashamed. I forgot the most important thing. Christmas is Jesus’ birthday! I forgot the most important message of all. I forgot about L-O-V-E........ 


As I was pondering on it, the boy stood up, starting to leave. I told him to wait, and grabbed the old tin cans, newspapers, plastics and other items I collected and gave it to him for free. He was surprised and was so happy. The sack was full, and I told him to go and sell it immediately. He didn’t bother to thank me but I didn’t mind. In fact, I was thankful, because it took another poor boy again, like the poor baby in the manger, to open my ‘eyes’ to remember the true message of Christmas. 


As a conclusion to this story, let us remember the word of the great lyricist, the late Levi Celerio. We don’t have to wait for Christmas. We don’t have to pass the time to smile, to share, to repent, to forgive and most of all, to love. We can do it every day. And as we celebrate the season of Advent, let us be like the garbage boy, full of excitement and joy as we remember the birth of our God’s only begotten Son, and let us eagerly await for the second coming of our Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. The story doesn’t end here. I know you have a Christmas story to tell. Merry Christmas ----- 

 
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Nota Bene
The boy is now a young man in his 20's, still scavenging, but the author and the boy remain friends....
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