Solemnity of Our Lady of the Rosary, La Naval de Manila!
Communio Sanctorum
Black Gold, Black White!!!!
Viva La Virgen de Peñafrancia!!!
INA’s 301st!
Peñafrancia in Manila, 2011
Our Lady of Peñafrancia at St. John Bosco Parish, Makati
CHURCH OF OUR LADY AND THE ENGLISH MARTYRS (OLEM CHURCH), CAMBRIDGE
The Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs (commonly abbreviated OLEM) is the Roman Catholic church of Cambridge. Located near the city center, the church’s spire forms a prominent part of Cambridge’s skyline.
History
The Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs is the result of a vow by Yolande Marie Louise Lyne-Stephens, a former ballet dancer of the Paris Opera and widow of a wealthy banker. On the Feast of the Assumption, she promised to build a church to the Virgin Mary.
The secondary dedication came from Monsignor Christopher Scott, the first Rector, who wished to commemorate the Catholic Martyrs who were executed in England between 1535 and 1681. Over 30 of them had been members of Cambridge University.
Construction of the church was funded entirely by Mrs Lyne-Stephens and began in 1885. The architects were Dunn and Hansom from Newcastle and the builders were Rattee and Kett of Cambridge. The church was completed five years later in 1890.
The church was repaired after being struck by a bomb in 1941 and the interior was rearranged after the Second Vatican Council.
What to See
OLEM is built in the Decorated Gothic style, with a cruciform shape, tower at the crossing, and west bell tower with spire.
The aisle windows were destroyed by the 1941 bomb but have been restored. They depict the sufferings of the English martyrs and portraits of other saints.
The High Altar, used mainly for the Blessed Sacrament since Vatican II, contains the relics of Saints Felix and Constantia.
The Rood was carved locally and dates from 1914. It is of an ancient type: Christ is shown robed as a High Priest and crowned as a King.
The Love Of Jesus (003)
To find out more about the Love Of Jesus, just click HERE.
(Source: leeyounger)
“ How do I celebrate Jesus giving us Himself in the Eucharist? In truth, each of us really needs to ponder that question — for how we answer it may very well determine to what degree are we ready and open to receive Jesus Christ into our lives. The answer that I find most accurate is, in humility and faith, the words of Thomas: “My Lord and My God.
— Bishop Richard Lennon (Cleveland)
(Source: dioceseofcleveland.org, via bishopfeed)
CBCP launches Visita Iglesia Online
‘But CBCP Media Director Msgr. Pedro Quitorio, said the site should not be used as a substitute to the liturgical celebrations done in parishes.’ (cbcpnews.com)
(Source: markgosingtian)
16 Days of Christmas
Yes, I had quite a stretch this time. Double of what the rest had! Because our Epiphany Day on this side of the world was on January 2, people were practically back to the grind on the 9th Day. But, not me.
I chanced upon an online announcement of the visit of Don Bosco’s relic in early December. Around the same time, in one of the first few Advent masses, I remember the priest saying: ‘Ang Pasko ay ang pagpapatawad ng ating mga kasalanan.’ And this is what this post is all about.
File photo :) Feast Day 2007, June 27
I came to see Don Bosco on the 11th Day of Christmas. It was the 1st Wednesday of the year so, I came to Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI) Makati on a beating-the-deadline mode from Baclaran Redemptorists. Then, the usual wait, I thought, as in any pilgrim image visits. But, it turned out to be a totally different experience! There was a process, a preparation for a spiritual journey, so to speak, a real pilgrimage that came as a surprise.
We were directed to the St. John Bosco Hall for what the ushers said would be a briefing of sorts. What they referred to as an orientation, I will always remember as a significant event of my Catholic faith. We were made to understand who Don Bosco was through his acts of kindness and how he lived a holy life even when he was still clothed in mortal flesh. Then, we went to the open grounds/viewing area in time for a very solemn adoration. The minute I saw the relic from afar, I have felt real Divine presence. The exposition of the Blessed Sacrament that followed, believe me, proved what I have captured from the earlier homily.
Now more than ever, I believe in the communion of saints and the forgiveness of our sins!!!
Don Bosco’s 123y/o relic
So moved I was that I wanted another discovery for the 1st Friday. Hence, another pilgrimage. This time, to St. Pio Centre. The little that I know of him is through my mother’s old book relating his stigmata. That was about it. St. Padre Pio as a healer, the beautiful secrets of the place, I just discovered when I got there. I even had to compose a new prayer, impromptu, because I only got to know more of about him in the ‘preparation’ or what I used to call ‘waiting in line’.
After the 5:30 PM mass, there is anointing of the Holy Oil and veneration of his relic and then you go up to his statue and ‘talk’ to him. What’s noticeable is that his hands were formed as if he were to actually hold you.
The statue of St. Padre Pio in Libis
I toured the rest of the centre to find another real pleasant surprise! There was St. Francis Chapel that got me in awe because this was very close to the place I have imagined when I read the story of Marcellino Pan y Vino. For a second, I thought to myself: What could be happening that I am now getting a glimpse of heaven?
Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi at the St. Pio Centre
I took the exit on a different side only to be a wowed by a quick sighting of the Gethsemane Garden. One of ‘em secrets that you can’t keep yourself from telling the world because they’re just so lovely!
It should have ended there but, heaven was just working with me! On the 14th Day was the Philippine premiere of the THREE concert series. I knew I just had to drag someone to CCP to see it. I have been playing their version of ‘Better World’ for over a year now and it has since been my ultimate inspiration for my dream project! Turns out the Ateneo Chamber Singers had a repertoire for one who is in such a journey. Case in point - ‘Umawit Sa Kagalakan’ Success but, not end of story.
The joyous lobby of CCP after TATLO
Dined a bit for a little catching up but, what we had was a retreat. I am told of a lady’s quest to serve the Church that through a simple act of tithing, she has seen God manifest in a hotelier, a random member of her group and a beggar by a train station.
Best of health, wealth, love and success!
‘What a journey it has been’ that I wish it would go on and on. But, on the 16th Day, I got a Cinnamon-flavored, eco-friendly present that meant like the prize to cap it all off. Anyway, where my story almost ended is an anticipation of the Sangley holidays!
Oh, and if there’s one thing, maybe it’s to really celebrate the New Years on your birthday and not the other way around (because there are 90M others doing it ;) I had mine at the Shrine of St. Therese before Christmas, which urged me to really go for the 9-day novena and then, the Sweet 16! Maybe, that’s what Christmas Birthdays are all about!
The columnless Shrine!
‘MAY THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS BE ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS’
Nativity by the bay.
Credit goes to my friends:
Mark Dumlao, who had the ‘event’ posting of Don Bosco when I Walled him a birthday greeting.
Abbie Linsey Rimalos, for the reminder that it was the 1st Wednesday. She’s long been a St. Pio devotee.
Yvette Mendez Magistrado, who advised me about 3rd class relics, exchanged messages with me about the visit; married to a Bosconian!
Marian Gomez for joining me in the almost culmination of this journey that was ‘TATLO: A Choral Celebration’ and for retelling our friend’s stories of a hotelier, a kind Japanese and a beggar by the train station in Sydney.
Sheryll Bano Asuncion, for my Smencil that’s a sweet hint of things to come!
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