The
Vol. 7, No. 2 Issue
PARACLETE The little paper that feeds on prayer
Parish of the Holy Spirit, BF Homes, Quezon City
June 2014
One Anniversary Twin Baptisms WE ACCORD EQUAL significance to our parish priest’s birthday and sacerdotal anniversary. More so to the latter to appreciate the mutual spiritual growth his ordination and our confidence in him engendered and continue to generate whenever we attend or serve at his Mass, exchange pleasantries and commune with him presiding in meetings of spiritual import. It was not a surprise, therefore, that, on May 18, a Sunday, more than two hundred fifty parishioners from the Holy Spirit Parish and her subchapels at Sto. Niño, New Intramuros and North Susana Executive Villages practically filled the rafters of the newlyrenovated BF Clubhouse to celebrate with Fr. Bobot his 29th anniversary since he was consecrated as a clergy. The horde included friends from parishes where he was previously assigned all of whom beamed upon the sight of not only their former pastor but familiar faces as well. Without a doubt, the air was rife with tense excitement and that was all the
cue PPC Chair Thelma Ponferrada of black and white, the formal needed to declare the celebration’s and fun theme of the occasion. start by asking the honoree to bless As the food and the sounds settled, volunteer groups performed dance numbers interspersed with congratulatory spiels from the likes of Ramon Rodriguez, Founder of Padre Pio Shrine, where Fr. Bobot serves as Director, and former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. The latter recalled that an earlier Thanksgiving Mass was concelebrated by Bishops Antonio Tobias of Novaliches and Leonardo Monrozo of Tagbilaran and ventured that it would not be far-fetched that the tandem concelebrants might be hinting at a third bishop in the person of the honoree. -------------PREX AND THE Legion of Mary paired up to produce two proud products of heroic, saintly lay empowerment. At the Easter Vigil Mass, Cirilo Artus, Jr. received the banquet before inviting everyone to the sumptuous buffet. Most of the Sacrament of Baptism while in Continued on page 8 the attendees were in various shades
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Editorial
The Paraclete
Color Them Purple
CRYSTAL-CLEAR.COM, a provider of high-quality gemstones and crystals, describes purple as the color of good judgment. It is the color of people seeking spiritual fulfillment, a good color to use in meditation. Peace of mind, it claims, is attained by surrounding oneself with it. In the online poetry site wildpoetryforum, posts by prose and poetry enthusiasts are critiqued using the three-color appraisal system: red for no critique, violet for light critique and green for heavy critique. The superb pieces of seasoned contributors do not preclude the poetic musings of even the mediocre among wanna-be bards. Rather, they encourage one to keep improving his craft. PREX has spawned one graduate too many. Some walked the talk, the others took their time for the Holy Spirit to touch them more deeply and the rest probably assumed a lukewarm attitude but do not take the experience for granted nonetheless. For in the course of this paper’s conversations with them, they offered insights neither entirely exultant nor fallibly frustrating. The following testimonies are from works in progress whose names have been withheld to protect their privacies and respect their resolve: Kuya Cris: “I was loath to criticism in the past. Now I welcome comments, constructive or in-my-face, for the mutual benefit of commenter and commented. I’ve also learned to be uncritical and keep my opinions to myself.” Ate Ida: “At Mass, I listen to the readings intently because I do not read the bible as a habit and hearing it makes a greater imprint in my mind. I heed the homily knowing it is the meat of the Mass. I serve because it feeds my hunger and thirst for food and drink no solid or liquid can satisfy.” Kuya Oscar: “I close my eyes when I sing the “Our Father” that I may not see what I used to ‘look for:’ some child or other making noises, running around unsupervised; pew-mates talking, even laughing at their chat; some reading the bible or saying the rosary while Mass progresses.” Ate Manda: “I strike my breast three times to feel the weight of my faults. I turn around to greet people “Peace” like I bother for I really mean it. I strike my breast again the same number of times to beg the Lamb
June 2014
of God for mercy and peace. For me and my fellows.” Kuya Karlo: “I sing not only because I love to but I also want the others to hear my ordinary voice and be encouraged to let their ordinariness be heard, and not be a source of embarrassment.” Ate Dahlia: “I no longer join idle chit-chat when attending meetings because while the exchange starts casually enough, they usually end up into a personal attack on the absent, a gross injustice to those who cannot defend themselves.” Kuya Pin: “Until I became a lay minister, I thought Mass servers were overacting and superfluous. Now, celebrating Christ’s paschal mystery takes me to a place almost like peace.” Ate Grace: “This person is the epitome of everything good, holy and ideal about the church. My faith is affirmed by this person’s oblivious example.” Kuya Manny: “I used to take things for granted. It’s only recently that I’m able to appreciate the vacant lots in the area and God’s gifts. Our help get banana leaves there (to use for ironing) and vegetables that grow wild as extenders for the dishes that she cooks.” They admit they have only begun what is an unmistakably long journey. So beg the indulgence of those who have already assumed a peak higher than their quest to pray for their continued guidance that they, too, might reach the zenith of piety. As light as their color is, it is also hoped that it transforms into a resplendent red, yet never a garish green. TP
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The Paraclete
June 2014
A(l)-lel-(u)-i-(ah!) Aleli Francis S. Rivera
The Angels of Salubong IN THE WEE hours of the morning of April 20, 2014, vibrant energy was already palpable as well-prepared, very behaved and angelic-looking children queued themselves up in anticipation of the meeting of Christ and Mary. This after a long week of recollecting the passion and death of the Lord which nut-shelled the Lenten Season. The Salubong kids or “Angels” were willing children from toddler to pre-school ages volunteered by their parents and supervised by Gelly Fernandez of the Legion of Mary. The kids, in their immaculate white dresses with matching wings, epitomize the choir of angels in heaven. Along with the churchgoers, they performed the traditional rite of the Salubong: a procession of the images of Jesus and
Mary from two opposite streets of BF Homes; Mother and Son meeting in the parish grounds; and an “angel” lifting the veil of the Blessed Mother, still clothed in mourning black. Unveiling Mary’s face indicates the end of Mary’s laments and the start of rejoicing for the Risen Lord - the onset of Easter! We, as an Easter people, make a big, blesssed deal of the Lord’s Resurrection. The Salubong Angels sang their hearts out with matching animation to the tune of Reyna ng Langit, a song exalting Mary as Queen of Heaven and rejoicing because her Son, Jesus, has risen from the dead. The “cherubims” also rendered the song “The Lord He died for the Kingdom,” which essayed Jesus’ sacrifice to save humankind from
sin towards salvation. The children showed to all and sundry the simple act of celebrating the Resurrection and Easter by showering the parish grounds with fresh rose petals. These little bundles of joy imbued the quiet air with overwhelming energy. The discipline they exhibited moved the audience as they sang and danced in synchrony with the melody and one another. Easter Mass followed thereafter. The Angels were up front guiding the images of Jesus and Mary towards the altar. At the end of the Mass, much to the delight of the crowd, they segued into “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” with spectacular animation. TP
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The Paraclete
Ev-Angeli-um
June 2014
Angeli Francis S. Rivera
Happy Fiesta NOVENA MASS. CONFIRMATION. FELLOWSHIP. These were the activities that highlighted the Holy Spirit Parish’s 34th Pentecost Feast. June 7-8, 2014 were the dates chosen for the celebration. The novena Masses began nine days from June 7 and culminated with a high Mass on June 8 at 7 in the morning. Confirmation
blessed the food afterwards. While the crowd feasted on the food, the winsome threesome of Tess Fernandez, Aida Aguinaldo and Ate Myrna Dupayo wowed them with a folk dance. Later, it was the the BF Homes’ Sunshine Committee’s turn to render their Pachata number. Pista sa Nayon The parishioners of the Immaculate Young and old parishioners Concepcion Chapel of North attended the Pista sa Nayon (a Susana Executive village would not be ignored and presented a Muslim to the satisfaction that we receive from Christ through His Spirit. He reminded us to open our hearts to the free breath of the Spirit so that we may be strengthened in fulfilling our mission to bring all human persons closer to Him.
About 35 confirmands received the sacrament of Confirmation last June 7 at two in the afternoon. The sacrament was conferred by Bishop Antonio Tobias, a faithful pastor through and through. He
began his homily with the basics on Confirmation, stressing its importance to every Christian faithful. He said that our thirst for worldly means does not compare
dinner-get-together) after the 6 pm first Sunday Mass of June 7. Most of the attendees were clad in red – the color depicting the tongues of the Holy Spirit. Zeny Limos of the PPC mastered the ceremonies. The event began with the community singing the hymn Isang Pananampalataya, led by MOW’s Gigi Davide. Fr. Bobot welcomed the multitude and
dance, complete with sarongs and headdress. The crowd went wild with a surprise intermission from Fr. Bobot and buddy PREX 32 graduate Bobby Doller. They gamely leveled up the ethnic Maglalatik. Inevitably, those who were itching to trip the light fantastic were rewarded by Wellness and Fitness Instructor Continued on page 6
June 2014
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The Paraclete
Of Saints and Saintliness Lilia F. Antonio
Maria: Ina sa lahat ng Panahon NOONG AKO AY bata pa, at ang aking pamilya ay nakatira sa isang maliit na baryo sa Quezon City, kinasasabikan naming magkakaibigan ang pagsapit ng Flores de Mayo. Tuwing hapon, nagbabahay-bahay kami at nanghihingi ng sari-saring bulaklak sa mga kapitbahay na ang mga bakod ay nagtitimpalakan sa kulay, bango at ganda ng mga sampagita, santan, gumamela, rosal, buganbilya, ilang-ilang, kalachuchi at iba pa. Sa ganitong pagkakataon, hindi nagkakait ang mga may-ari dahil alam nilang iaalay ang mga bulaklak sa paanan ng Mahal na Birheng Maria pagkatapos ng pagdarasal ng Santo Rosaryo. Sa gabi naman, libre kaming makikain ng pansit, ginatan, lugaw na may manok, at iba’tibang klase ng bibingka na handa ng hermana mayor pagkatapos ng Santacrusan. Mangyari pang kami ang masisipag na katulong sa pagdedekorasyon sa mga arkong gagamitin ng mga sagala, pag-ilaw sa prusisyon gamit ang mga sulong nagpapaitim sa aming ilong, at malakas, paulit-ulit na aawit ng Dios te Salve sa prusisyon. Ang karanasang ito’y karaniwan sa halos lahat ng batang isinilang sa dekada 50 at 60 na tuwing nagugunita ay nagdudulot ng ngiti sa kanilang mga labi. Maputi na ang buhok ko at araw-araw akong kasama ng mga miyembro ng Mother Butler Guild sa pamumuno ng Santo Rosaryo bago ang Misang alas sais ng gabi. Ngayong
buwan ng Mayo, mga sariwang bulaklak ng rosas ang iniaabot nila sa matatanda at batang babae para ialay sa Mahal na Birhen pagkatapos ng Misa tuwing Linggo. Sumasabay rin ako sa Radio Veritas at EWTN sa pagdarasal ng Santo Rosaryo. Ang pagdarasal na ito, na nakagawian ko mula pagkabata, ay nagdudulot sa akin ng malalim na kaligayahan, kapayapaan at lakas sa pagharap sa mga pagsubok bawat araw. Nang atasan ako ni Kuya Ham na sumulat tungkol kay Maria sa buwan ng Mayo, ilang katanungan ang naglaro sa aking isip: Paano nakatutulong ang debosyon kay Maria sa pagpapalalim ng pagkilala kay Hesus at pagpapatatag ng pananampalataya sa Diyos? Anu-ano ang pagdiriwang ng Simbahan na nakalaan kay Maria? Paano malilinang ang malapit na pakikipag-ugnayan sa kanya, ang Ina ni Hesus at Ina nating lahat, hindi lamang tuwing buwan ng Mayo kundi sa bawat araw buong taon? Alinsunod sa Catholic Culture, nagsimulang ialay ng mga mananampalatayang Katoliko ang buwan ng Mayo sa Mahal na Birhen noong ika-17 siglo sa Italya. Taong 1739 nang masaksihan sa Grezzano malapit sa Verona ang isang partikular na anyo ng debosyon sa Mahal na Birhen. Noong 1747, iminungkahi ng Arsobispo ng Genoa ang debosyon kapag Mayo bilang debosyon para sa mga tahanan.
Ipinapalagay rin na ang debosyon pag Mayo ay nagsimula sa Roma nang manumpa si Padre Latonia, isang paring Heswita, na ilalaan ang buwan ng Mayo kay Santa Maria para masugpo ang kawalan ng pananampalataya at imoralidad ng mga estudyante sa Unibersidad. Ang debosyon kay Maria sa buwan ng Mayo ay masugid ding inirekomenda ni Pope Pius XII sa kanyang Encyclical on the Sacred Liturgy bilang isa sa kapuri-puring pagsasanay ng kabanalan. Noong 1965 naman, sumulat si Pope Paul VI ng isang maikling kalatas para gamitin ang debosyon sa Buwan ni Maria bilang isang paraan ng pagkakamit ng kapayapaan. Sinabi niyang ang pagbibigay-dangal ng mga Kristiyano kay Birheng Maria ay nakatutulong para magkamit sila ng mga ispiritwal na handog. Noong Mayo 2002, ipinahayag ni Pope John Paul II na: “Ngayo’y sinisimulan natin ang buwang alay sa Mahal na Ina bilang popular na debosyon. Salig sa mahabang tradisyon, patuloy na ipagdiriwang ng mga parokya at mga pamilya ang buwan ng Mayo bilang “Buwan ni Maria” sa pamamagitan ng mga gawaing liturhikal, kateketikal at pastoral.” May tatlong mahahalagang kapistahang alay kay Maria sa buwan ng Mayo: Anibersaryo ng Fatima (Mayo 13), Kapistahan ng Pagrereyna ni Maria (Mayo 31 alinsunod sa Continued on page 8
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Ev-Angeli-um Rea Molina, who never fails to elicit a following to her line dance. Retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide was supposed to deliver an inspirational message but had to be in Tagbilaran so his loving wife, Gigi, proved a fitting speaker-ofthe-house proxy. The message asked what have we done with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and emphasized that, like the Spirit, life is a movement. We are beneficiaries of the Spirit. Fame and fortune do not satisfy us because we have to grow and realize the gifts given us, gifts that we need to build up the body of Christ. His body is a living organism with its members working together and sharing the blessings received from His Spirit, a Spirit to be invoked in order to be called to be saints and sent as heroes. Pananagutan was the song the youth choir concluded the event with. And the night proceeded in fellowship and dancing. Youth Pentecost Gathering “We are young so let’s set the world on fire…” This song by F.U.N. best described the seventy youth parishioners who attended the Youth Pentecost Gathering which took place after the 6 pm Mass of June 8. It was a no-fuss yet entertaining dinner get-together sponsored by the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC). The tandem of PREX graduate and new legionary recruit Norman Inofre and young legionary veteran Rebecca Fernandez hosted the event. Participants came mostly from BF Homes, Granwood Villas and the North Susana Executive Village. Luisa Fernandez of the Junior Legion
The Paraclete
June 2014
Continued from page 4
of Mary led the opening prayer. Fr. Bobot Clemen paired off with yours truly in welcoming the youth. Carrot Salas had everybody on their feet as she did the animation of the worship song “I Will Sing Forever.” Further thawing the already broken ice, everyone participated in the game “Arrange yourself into…” and, in the process, bagged “instant friends” as prizes. Now a familiar figure in parish assemblies, Dance Instructor Rea led the youth in a line dance to the tunes of “Happy” and “Timber.” While chow was being consumed, the hosts entertained the crowd with “Love is an Open Door,” from the Disney movie “”Frozen.” The Youth Choir sang “I Just Wanna be with You,” from another Disney TV movie “High School Musical 3”. Then ensued another game, “Human Bring Me,” that had everyone in stitches. Fr. Bobot and PPC’s Ella Doller couldn’t stop laughing, proof positive of their young hearts. The community stood to sing in
animation another worship song “One.” Towards the event’s end, PPC Chair Thelma Ponferrada distributed a bible each to all the youths present. As in every church event, many were reluctant to let the night go early and chose to stay and dance while fellowshipping or fellowship while dancing. TP
Announcements
A. Schedule of Formation to be conducted by the Novaliches Diocese Worship Commission to be held at the Holy Spirit Parish for: 1) MOW, on July 12, 2014 from 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. 2) EMHC, on July 19, 2014 from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. B. The Parish is conducting PREX Seminar No. 26 on July 26 and 27, 2014. Interested Parishioners may inquire from the Parish Office for further details.
The Paraclete
June 2014
Quotes, Quotes, Quotes
Euffrey Piñera, in her introduction to the guest speaker of the Spirituality Stewardship Launch:
Fr. Bobot Clemen, in his Talk on Holy Week Recollection:
“The cross is a more significant symbol of love than the heart because the latter stops beating while the man on the former never stops loving.”
“Pasensya na po kayo sa nerbyos ko kasi ngayon lang ako nakahawak ng telepono.” (the charming slip
not only launched her flair for extemporaneous speech, it also set the tone for the next speaker’s wit) Fr. Rene Lagaya, in his talk on stewardship:
Fr. Glenn Alipoyo, in one of his homilies:
“What was difficult for us to accept is that He emptied Himself so that we may be filled.”
“An ordinary person’s reaction to a broken glass would be to ask who broke it; a janitor’s would be to sweep the shards.”
Fr. Monching de la Cruz, in his homily on anger:
“Anger begins as an emotional response to the perception that we have been wronged or that some injustice has been committed. The emotion itself is neither good nor bad; it is simply part of being human. Our moral obligation is to use it properly. When we use it in pursuit of justice, it becomes a virtue.”
Mother Mary’s (Wo)Mandate Rest
By Marilou de Vera YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY yearn to see faith in action. They have the inner hunger for the perfect example of a truly Christian living. As they search for authentic models of faith, it is imperative that they are properly guided. By models who have the capacity to live up to a catechesis. One that contains comprehensive yet comprehensible doctrines of the church. Mary is one living catechesis. The role of Mary is indispensible to the teaching of the Church. She has lived a life truly grounded in love for and respect of God’s will. Her profound commitment to embody the teachings of her Son and His church
make her a complete yet uncomplicated way to commune with Christ In response to ever changing times, Mary has responded to human needs and henceforth been recognized through different nomenclatures that heal human suffering and inspire sacrifice. Marian devotions of the church recognize this participation of Mary in helping young people pursue the path of goodness and faith. It might behoove us to ponder on our personal relationship with the holy mother of God enough to offer her worthy loyalty.
Indeed a prayer albeit weird for beneath it lies a desire to return what is due me Not quite the fair retribution they say is harder than what I seek To restore what dignity wants mother of a son forgiveness being offered even to parent by child. For life or dream toppled by love’s lack compels peace when weary goes the soul.
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The Paraclete
June 2014
One Anniversay...
the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Tobias on June 7. One Continued from page 1 anniversary plus twin Baptisms the morning of June 7, a day before and Confirmation equal three the Pentecost Feast, Julie Matos humongously holy cheers! TP and his wife Cristelyn Cabaruso embraced the Catholic faith through a similar Sacrament. Both Kuya Cir and Kuya Julie are recent PREX graduates whose decision was greatly encouraged by the collective catechism of PREX and Legion of Mary stalwarts Ed Santiago and the husband-and-wife team of Dante and Linda Reyes. Kuya Cir, Kuya Julie and Ate Cristelyn also received
Of Saints and Saintliness Continued from page 5
kalendaryo ng 1962), at Pagdalaw ni Birheng Maria sa kanyang pinsang si Elizabeth (Mayo 31). Bukod dito, ang mga Katoliko sa maraming bansa sa daigdig ay nag-aalay ng mga sumusunod na gawain bilang papuri at pagbibigaydangal kay Maria: peregrinasyon o paglalakbay sa mga banal na lugar (Sa Pilipinas, ang madalas
na pinupuntahan ay ang Birhen sa Antipolo at ang Birhen ng Lourdes sa Bulacan), pagdalaw sa mga simbahang inialay sa kanya, pagsasagawa ng mumunting sakripisyo alang-alang sa kanya, at mas masigla, buong puso at samasamang pagdarasal ng rosaryo. Ang lahat ng debosyong ito ay nagtatapos sa isang prusisyon na may kasamang estatwa ni Maria na inililibot sa loob at labas ng simbahan. Gayunman, ang debosyon kay Santa
Maria ay hindi dapat magwakas sa buwan ng Mayo kasabay ng paglagas ng mga bulaklak at pagpatak ng malakas na ulan. Bilang Ina ng Simbahan, Ina ni Hesus at Ina nating lahat, mahalagang patuloy natin siyang maging gabay, modelo at inspirasyon sa pagsisikap na maging tunay na alagad ng Diyos, kapatid ng mga dukha at nangangailangan at matapat na tagasunod sa mga atas ng Espirito Santo. TP
theParaclete Official Newsletter published bimonthly by the Parish Pastoral Council, Parish of the Holy Spirit, Nepomuceno Street, BF Homes, Quezon City Tels. 931-3995; 430-6311 Editor-in-Chief Contributors Adviser
Abraham M. de la Torre Angeli Francis S. Rivera Aleli Francis S. Rivera Rev. Fr. Bobot Clemen