Volume 22 | Issue 2 - April 2022

RESURREXIT!

Holy Cross Parish celebrates Easter Sunday 2022 CHRISTUS

Story by: Arabela DV. Arabe +

To celebrate the Easter season, Holy Cross Parish Nabua conducted the annual Pagtunton on Sunday, April 17, 2022, at 4:30 a.m. at the castillo of the church. The Easter angels dressed in their angelic attires removed the Blessed Mother’s

of mourning), signifying that Jesus has risen. Moreover, Pagsalubong processions were held prior to the said event.

The ceremony was led by Elijah Josh Astive, the reigning Easter Angel 2022. Meanwhile, the other Easter Angels who participated in the event were Elijah S. Taburnal, Nazlee S. Beltran, Sabine Bernadette Lisiki E. Haber, Kendice Gracielle T. Saltorio, Katrice Raine Isabelle R. De Villa, Johannah Bless L. Manayon, Kean Kenth P. Basinal, Johan Caleb Breis, Shaun Carlos Messiah B. Ayong, Ace Jairus L. Togores, Samantha Ysabel T. Demetrio, Gabriel Michael B. Obrero, Jordin V. Jance,

Miel Steven N. Aguado, Dia Florentina Laut, and Keon Trevor A. De Leon. Along with these Easter angels are the devotees who came to rejoice the resurrection of Christ.

Furthermore, a livestream of the ceremony was uploaded on the church’s Facebook page under the username Holy Cross Parish, Nabua, Camarines Sur. The broadcast was recorded for people who were unable to attend the ceremony due to pandemic health measures.

Archdiocesan Office for BEC holds an orientation seminar in HCP

The Archdiocesan Office of Basic Ecclesial Communities headed by

Mojica conducted a Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC)

26, 2022 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at

The participants include PPC Executive Officers, BPC chairpersons, vice chairpersons, secretary, treasurer, and Education Committee Chairpersons, and vice chairpersons from the different barangays of the municipality of Nabua. Fr. Mojica discussed the importance

Fr.

and goals of the Basic Ecclesial Communities. He also spoke about the prime objective of the church as well as the Archdiocesan mission.

The orientation seminar came to a close by singing the Basic Ecclesial Communities hymn and a final blessing.

lambong (veil

Rev.

Emmanuel

orientation seminar on March

Holy Cross Parish Church in Nabua, Camarines Sur.

John Rey T. Llabres +

The Official Publication of Holy Cross Parish, Nabua, Camarines Sur

TIME TO REJOICE. Easter Angel 2022 Elijah Josh O. Astive alongside with his father Atty. Josue O. Astive Jr., unveils the black veil of Virgen de Alegria (The Virgin of Joy) at Holy Cross Parish on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022. - RAISA MAE E. RABELAS JERIC Z. FOLIENTE

Infographics by: Mark Francis H. Turiano

HOLINESS AMID PANDEMIC

Holy Cross Parish sticks with Mobile Procession as COVID-19 risk persists

Story by: Danieca T. Sanin +

Nabueños gathered to grieve as one during the mobile procession held by Holy Cross Parish in commemoration of the crucifixion of Christ on Good Friday (Viernes Santo) last April 15, 2022 at 5 p.m. The said activity was held after the Pagsamba sa Cruz conducted at 3 in the afternoon.

Contrary to the traditional manner of procession where people walk, which was practiced before the COVID-19 outbreak, the mobile procession held during this year’s Lenten season used automobiles with devotees and saints on their allotted vehicles driving along in a line up. The ceremony was led by the police mobile, which was followed by the vehicle where the sacristans in charge of Ceriales are designated, which were then followed by the vehicles carrying the saints. Mobile Procession started to became the safe alternative for the traditional way of

the ceremony ever since the pandemic started.

Moreover, the saints included in the mobile procession are namely San Pedro Apostol, San Juan Evangelista, San Bartolome Apostol, San Judas Tadeo, San Felipe, Santo Tomas, San Jose Amrimatea, Santa Marta and Maria Betania, Santa Maria Juana, Santa Maria Jacobe, Santa Maria Cleofe, Santa Maria Salome, Santa Maria Magdalena, Mater Dolorosa, and Santo Entierro, respectively. A prayer is chanted as the saints go along the route, while those who are unable to join due to

Of fighting against misinformation amidst 2022 polls

Volunteers partake

in

PPCRV refresher course

health protocols on COVID-19 spread lighted candles and place saints in front of their homes, watching and waiting for the procession to pass by. The ceremony followed a route which includes, Holy Cross Parish (HCP), San Isidro, San Francisco, Zone 1 Santa Lucia, Philippine National Police (PNP) Nabua Office, San Antonio Diversion Road, Zone 3, San Antonio Poblacion, San Esteban, San Roque, Santiago Old, RAMSAN, Santiago Young, Bagasacan, Lourdes Young, Lourdes Old, Antipolo Young, Zone 3, San Miguel, San Nicolas, San Roque, San Esteban, San

Antonio Poblacio Zone 2, San Juan, San Luis, San Francisco, and back to the church again.

Furthermore, the Soledad Procession was held at 9 p.m. on the same day. The route began at Holy Cross Parish (HCP) and continued to San Nicolas, San Roque, San Esteban, Zone 2 San Antonio Poblacion, DWEB Station, Barangay Outpost of San Juan, San Luis, Outpost of San Luis, and San Francisco before returning to the church. This ceremony is known as the Mater Dolorosa (Nuestra Senora de la Soledad) night procession, which represents the mother of Jesus’ bereavement.

by: Benedict Kerstan G. Lagrimas and Monina Claire

V. Luzon + READY,

GET SET. A team from Caritas-Caceres Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) volunteers teaches other volunteers from 11 different parishes from the province of Camarines about the Parish PPCRV Organizational Structure and the Moving Forward Action Plan at Holy Cross Parish on April 2 ,2022.

Last April 2, 2022, the three-part program organized by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) reached its end with the slogan, “PPCRV, Handa na ba Lahat”. The sole objective of the event was to help condition eager volunteers from parishes all over the region as the election nears. Volunteers from 11 different parishes from Camarines Sur took part in the program.

The opening went underway with the arrival and registration of the volunteers, with volunteers from the Holy Cross handling said formality. This was followed by an opening prayer and the singing of the national anthem, led by CARITES CACERES ED Michael Ramos, then proceeded with welcoming remarks from Fr. Albert S. Orillo, the Host Parish Priest. The opening ended with the overview of the activity.

The first session started

with the topic of CHAMP and CARTE advocacy, restating to the volunteers the importance of a clean and peaceful election and the dos and don’ts as a volunteer in the upcoming election. The second session covered AMVATT or Accounts Materials Verifiable Audit Trail Team who are also responsible for monitoring and safeguarding all VCM machines, election paraphernalias and accountable materials. Session 3 covered the duties and responsibilities of poll

watchers and all the prohibitions in voting. Session 4 was when the VASK app was presented to the volunteers, introduced as one of the tools that will help the volunteers during their endeavor. The next session talked about the importance of parallel counting and BantayBayan, which is an online web-based system for recording and canvassing of poll results.

The last session of the orientation taught the volunteers about the Parish PPCRV Organizational Structure and the Moving Forward Action Plan, which stated future plans such as an Organizational Meeting

and future orientations and activities such as the sendoff of the volunteers. The orientation ended there with the closing message from a Vicar Forane and a prayer and blessing which led the orientation to a close.

In an interview about the purpose of the orientation, Caritas Caceres ED Michael Ramos says, ‘Aside from voters education, we expect for the volunteers present here to share what they have learned to their respective parishes, so that they can establish the PPCRV per parishes, consisting of volunteers they have trained themselves.’

Story

Carl Matthew N. Gorgonia

A MOTHER'S SOLITUDE. As the Soledad procession ends, Rev. Fr. Albert Orillo blesses the image of Mater Dolorosa (Our Lady of Solitude) last April 15, 2022, at the parish grounds. The procession is practiced in order to commemorate the solitariness of our Beloved Mother after burial of her Son.

- DANNIEL V. MASINDO ANGELIE NATASHA J. ATIAN

FAITH AND OBEDIENCE

Holy Cross Parish Church celebrates St. Joseph’s 150th Anniversary

Story by: Monikka Jeanna E. Rabelas +

On March 19, Holy Cross Parish celebrated the closing of the 150th anniversary

Blessed Virgin Mary.

In line with the celebration, the St. Joseph Association led the Novena after the 6:00 a.m. mass and the Confradia de San Jose led the Novena in honor of St. Joseph before the 5:30 p.m. mass.

The celebration began with a Dawn Mobile Procession with the Image of St. Joseph, which started at around 4:00

a.m. The procession passed through the roads of Poblacion and Brgy. San Jose as they also celebrated their fiesta in their barangay with St. Joseph as their Patron Saint. The celebration was graced by Rev. Fr. Albert S. Orillo, JCL, Parish Priest, who officiated the 6:00 am Holy Mass.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Orillo stressed the

Holy Cross Parish holds its first Lenten Mary Exposition with the theme, “Tangis ni Maria”

Story by: Lordy John L. Prestado +

The Nabua Holy Cross Parish, with the help of volunteer parishioners organized its first Lenten Mary Exposition, showcasing six (6) sorrowful images of Blessed Virgin Mary, which depicts her Sorrows located at the Holy Cross Parish 1578 Function Hall from March 29 to April 6, 2022.

The highlight of the exposition was the images of the Blessed Mother, representing the sorrowful periods in her life, prompted by events in Jesus, her Son’s life; the exhibited images were (1) Nuestra Señora de la Murcia (c/o Britanico Family, (2) Nuestra Señora de Lagrimas (c/o Mr. Dondon Pasion & Family), (3) Nuestra Señora de Lacrimosa (c/o Steven Keith Laganzon), (4) Nuestra Señora de Amargura (c/o Portuguez Family), (5) Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga (c/o Frank Penolio & Family), (6) Nuestra Señora de la Angustia (c/o Mr. Sonny Musa). Along

with those images is the La Sagrada Mortaja, this includes the images of San Jose de Arimatea (c/o Bonita Family), Saint Mary Magdalene (c/o Manlanat-Uvero Family), Sta. Maria Jacobe (c/o Elegado-Bebonia Family), Sta. Maria Ina ni San Juan Marcos, Mater Dolorosa (c/o Biares Family), and St. John the Evangelist (c/o Oñate Family), surrounding the Santo Entierro (c/o Manzano Family).

The exposition was publicly opened through a blessing ceremony for the event and the images on March 29, 2022, presided by

Holy Cross Parish concludes Holy Week

Story by: George A. Angeles Jr. +

characteristics of St. Joseph in an acronym, JOSEPH- as Just, Obedient, Silent, Everlasting Love, Pure Heart, and Holy. Furthermore, the importance of following the example of St. Joseph as a person with faith in God and obedient to the will of God. Even though St. Joseph faced several difficulties; he survived them all because of his faith and obedience to the

Lord. Before the Holy Mass ended, Rev. Fr. Orillo thanked everyone, the Association of St. Joseph and Confradia de San Jose, the barangay officials, several volunteers, anonymous sponsors and donors, and those who participated in the Dawn Mobile Procession and Early Mass.

Rev. Fr. Marciano Nabo Jr. Visitors came daily, showing their utmost appreciation to the event and the images of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

On April 01, 2022, a group of Marian devotees gathered and offered a Novena and ‘Pasion’ as an expression of their devotion to the Blessed Mother.

To faithfully end the Lenten Mary Exposition, a culminating activity was done on the evening of April

Celebration a success

06, starting with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Albert S. Orillo. After the Holy Mass, a Mini Soldedad with the theme, “Harana sa Paghorop-horop kan Pitong Kamundoan ni Maria’’ was then conducted inside the 1578 Function Hall, with devoted parishioners as witnesses for the conclusion of the first ever Marian Exposition at Holy Cross Parish, Nabua, Camarines Sur.

As part of tradition in the Christian church, the Holy Cross Parish had a successful Holy Week to commemorate the journey of Jesus Christ to Mount Calvary, which began a week between Palm Sunday, April 10, and Easter, April 17 on this year.

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion marks the first day of Holy Week.The celebration started with the blessing of palms in the Patio with the children dressed in white who served as Hosana singers and dancers. Devotees have their woven palm fronds (palaspas) blessed by the priest. The ritual of waving palm leaves as the priest approaches the church is a reenactment of Jesus’ entrance to Jerusalem.

Few of the highlights

of the recently concluded Holy Week were: Lenten Recollection on Holy Monday and Tuesday, Mobile Procession on Holy Wednesday, Senakulo on Maundy Thursday, Easter Vigil on Black Saturday, and Pagtonton on Easter Sunday.

Moreover, Tuesday to Friday, every 4:30–5:30pm is the schedule of confessions where the parishioners can experience God’s healing through forgiveness.

of the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the

EASTER EMERGES Rev. Fr. Albert S. Orillo starts the easter vigil in the holy night from lighting the bonfire and reading the rites in blessing the fire along with the knights of the altar on The Holy Cross Parish Patio, on the night of April 16, 2022. CARL MATTHEW N. GORGONIA

SUFFERS OF MARY. Rev. Fr. Jhun Nabo prays over to bless the glorified souls of saints with the event entitled "Tangis ni Maria: A Lenten Mary Exposition" at 1578 Function Hall last March 29, 2022. This exhibit features seven sorrowful pictures of Mary because of the impoverishment that Jesus experienced while being crucified. RAISA MAE E. RABELAS

editorial

CHURCH PUBLICATIONS: LINKING TOOL IN THE MIDST

OF PANDEMIC

In the status quo, it is evident how our community is struggling in information dissemination. Especially amid the ongoing unprecedented global crisis, where there is an abundance of information that makes determining what is factual and what is not difficult.

Not everyone can attend all religious events or church activities, and not everyone has access to technology. That is why the church needs a media outlet that will make written or electronic information or narratives available to people.

A church publication, such as a newspaper, is a type of media source. Publications often cover local news and events; however, they may also cover national or international news. But how does this contribute to the church and its people? What makes it important in general?

Church publication is

OPEN EYE

Hannah H. Dela Cruz

LET THERE BE DOOM

“

very important. To start, let us talk about its vital role in informing the people and the larger community about church events and occurrences. Many religious events are missed by the public or mostly by the people who live outskirts of town because those tasked with informing do not reach a wide enough audience to convey the word. Church publications also have a significant part

in exposing wrongdoing and discovering stories that could otherwise go unnoticed by the public.

To enlighten as well as connect people in a vast community, and develop a deeper relationship with God.

It allows the church to communicate a variety of information to everyone in attendance. It also enables churches to connect with their members as well as non-churchgoers. For example, social media sites such as Facebook provide a free and simple

way to advertise church events and improve their community. Having an owned Facebook page for the church publication strengthens the community outside of Sunday services. Fortunately, given these points, the Holy Cross Parish gathered together a group of writers to start their church publication.

Feeling connected to others is beneficial to us at all times, not only in times of distress. That is why church publications serve to enlighten as well as connect people in a vast community, and develop a deeper relationship with God.

BOARD AND STAFF

God has granted us as stewards to take care of His creations. But as I see today we have defiled the land and robbed it of its beauty. The danger we bring as humans is equitable to that of a disaster to Earth. And the death of this Earth would mean death to us and the death of God’s trust so we must be alarmed.

Recently, NASA climate scientist, Peter Kalmus has trended in various social media platforms due to their protests together with other scientists. But as trends pass and go, the attention to the issue of climate change has once again got tucked away to become the least of the people’s concern. This is not the first time someone warned us about this issue, in fact this issue has

been around since 5 decades ago. Now the question comes down to why up until now we are a far cry from resolving this issue?

Society has evolved to become inclusive and revolutionary. The people have spoken, although selected are heard and fewer are taken seriously.

Editor-in-Chief GEORGE A. ANGELES JR. | Associate Editor JERIC Z. FOLIENTE | Managing Editors MONINA CLAIRE V. LUZON, MONIKKA JEANNA E. RABELAS | Circulation Managers HANNAH H. DELA CRUZ, DANIECA T. SANIN | Art Director ALYSSANDRA YVANE B. RECEPCION | News Editor SUZETTE IVY C. BRAZAN | Opinion Editor DHARLENE KATE M. REDONDO | Feature Editor JOSEPHINE AUSTINE A. LLORIN | Head Layout Artist MARK FRANCIS H. TURIANO | News Writers ARABELA DV. ARABE, ALYSSA JOY R. BERSABE, LORDY JOHN L. PRESTADO, BENEDICT KERSTAN G. LAGRIMAS, JOHN REY T. LLABRES | Editorial Writer ANTHEA FLORENCE B. PORTACIO | Columnist CRISTELLE MAY M. SERMONA, SOPHIA MAGDALENE E. DALANON | Feature Writers HONEYLYN EVETTE V. BAYLON, TISCHIA ANN R. OLIVARES, FRANCINE ANN R. NADAL, CHERRY ANNE H. DE GUZMAN | Cartoonists LARENZ KEN D. VILLANUEVA, IAN JAN B. REYES | Photojournalists ANGELIE NATASHA J. ATIAN, CARL MATTHEW N. GORGONIA, RAISA MAE E. RABELAS | DANNIEL V. MASINDO | Layout Artist MARY JOY T. COSTALES | Copy Readers JOYCE MARIE A. DICHOSON, MARIEL B. CHAVEZ | Contributors AMIRA SARAH R. GARCILLANOSA, JABEZ ALLEN ALISTON | Vice Chairperson of Social Communications Ministry IVAN DAVE F. ECLARINAL | Chairperson, Committee on Social Communications Ministry BEN DARNEL S. CAMPO| Moderator/ PPC Secretary ELEANOR L. REGALADO | Parish Priest REV. FR. ALBERT S. ORILLO, JCL

ERRATUM:

The prevIous one has been issued vol. 20 - issue 1. But upon the review and thorough research, it has been found that that there is vol. 21 that has existed. Thus, the previous issue should have been labeled vol. 22 - issue 1. This issue is vol. 22 - issue 2.

Ian Jan B. Reyes

EDITORIAL

BLOOMFIELD

Cristelle May M. Sermona and Sophia Magdalene E. Dalanon

JINGLE ALL THE WAY

Wiith the election season approaching, candidates begin to appeal to the public with various campaign paraphernalia. Posters, flyers, and lobbying through different social media platforms, all are well accepted by the people.

Dated back in the 1950s, the very first popularized jingle ever was “Mambo Magsaysay”, the official campaign jingle of the late president Ramon Magsaysay. It was made to attract more voters and make his campaign more vibrant. The jingle was composed by Raul Manglapus, emphasizing a disordered Philippines before Magsaysay’s term, truly inviting everyone to vote for him for a better governance. It is a mix of Filipino and English language with catchy phrases and tunes. From then on, campaign jingles are a must for an electoral candidate.

Following the steps of Magsaysay, candidates were urged to make their own creative gimmick as well — from the highest position in the government to the lowest — to get the attention of the public and make them more recognizable.

Ever since the campaign period for the locally-elected positions started in March, many candidates have been traveling across Nabua to make their presence known with their rather unique and loud jingles. However, the downside of this campaign act would be the cause of disturbance among the people due to the loud volume of music. Complaints

are being thrown everywhere as it can be a little too much to the ears. We, as citizens, are also disgruntled by the commotion that these advertisements create. Our peace is disrupted and even sleep is often cut short.

In addition to this, the Holy Cross Parish of Nabua has expressed its concern regarding this issue through their official Facebook page. They issued a request towards the campaign admins and operators to tone down their music whenever they pass by the sacred church or any place of worship, especially when mass or any liturgical celebration is on-going.

We believe that these jingles cause distraction to church-goers who are there to pray earnestly and solemnly. We understand that we all want the best exposure to our respective politicians, but keeping the peace and holiness of the church should also be respected.

our sentiments,” the church pleads. We must be considerate to those who want their time with God in complete serenity.

There’s a reason why the church is adamant with this request. “We want to concentrate on our prayers, and conversation with God,” they stated.

Personally, the church should not have requested such a thing in the first

“We believe that these jingles cause distraction to church-goers who are there to pray earnestly and solemnly. We understand that we all want the best exposure to our respective politicians, but keeping the peace and holiness of the church should also be respected.

“We look for a candidate who has respect for faith and could understand

place. They all have the right to speak out on this topic as their peace and serenity were disturbed. It is common knowledge to regard the church as a high place, so it is by nature that we respect each and every form of it with peace. Hence, we must treat the place as to how it should be treated.

Among those who heard, only a few are alarmed, a few are concerned, and the other few are dismissive. The problem are the people who do not take the climate crisis seriously as one should do.

Whenever this issue is opened up, the private individuals are always the ones being pressured to take action. The encouragement for smaller actions is more promoted rather than solutions that would actually have an impact in reducing the emissions and slowing down the warming of our planet. The idea that smaller actions make a big difference is inflicted in our minds. True enough if private

individuals become more responsible with their emissions it would have an impact but these efforts would remain in vain if big industries would continue to operate in ways that is toxic to the environment. This just goes to show how much the government and capitalists underestimate the magnitude of the problem. Imagine if the government would start supporting scientist’s research projects with aims of finding out alternatives which are more

eco-friendly. There are laws and ordinances in aims of protecting the environment but most the time implementation is not executed seriously. If industries are able to invest in aims of modernization and expanding their businesses, investing in aims of preventing further damage to the global climate and the environment as a whole should also be possible.

Publication is a vital organization in a parish, as it is a disseminating machinery of information to its parishioners. It also serves as a repository of the past, where we can look it back in the future. However, necessary equipment is yet to procure to enhance the journalistic capabilities of its staffers.

Voces, the Official Publication of Holy Cross Parish, is asking for your kindness and generosity to continue this kind of service to our beloved church. Your donation to the organization will forever be cherished and appreciated.

For your monetary support, you may drop it by at the parish office or send it using the PayMaya QR code.

SHEPHERD’S VOICE

Rev. Fr. Albert S. Orillo, JCL

The celebration of Holy Week which culminated in the celebration of Easter which was highlighted by the dramatic Filipino Salubong or encounter of the images of the Risen Christ and Mary whose black veil being removed by a cute Easter Angel—is still fresh and vivid in our memories.

“He is not here; He has risen!” has to be one of the most hopeful and powerful words we love to hear from one of the Easter Angels as we witness the traditional Easter day celebrations.

What is less known, however, are the personal implications such event of the resurrection of Jesus has for all

life would be without the resurrection should spur us to ponder it all the more.

Without the resurrection, none of Jesus’ promises would be trustworthy. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, He should be pitied or scorned, not believed and obeyed. As C. S. Lewis said in “Mere Christianity,” He would have been deceived or a deceiver. But His most amazing promise has come true, so how can we not depend on and live by all the rest of His promises?

We can know that whatever life brings, there is hope beyond the grave. The uncertainty, doubt, and worries if this life will never be able to shake the power of an empty tomb

of us. What difference has the event of Christ’s resurrection and its annual commemoration does for us?

Paul bluntly stated that apart from the resurrection our faith and message are in vain (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). Thinking about how absolutely bleak and pointless any so-called “Christian”

Letter to the Editor

Frejay Andrei D. Julianda

Without the resurrection, there would be no apostolic foundation for the church. Jesus’ resurrection turned scattered deserters back into faithful followers. The astonishing-yet-true news brought to them by the two women who first discovered the empty tomb and later by the risen Lord Jesus Himself brought the scattered disciples back into the fold and emboldened them for witness.

That same resurrection message is still powerful to transform doubters to become disciples today.

We can know that whatever life brings, there is hope beyond the grave. The uncertainty, doubt, and worries of this life will never be able to shake the power of an empty tomb. We often walk around like half-charged phones, not realizing the power source we can tap into. Jesus’ resurrection gives us that power and He makes a way for us to declare freedom to a world that is in sin and bondage.

What I hope and pray for all of you this Easter season is for a fresh awareness of just how powerful the Gospel really is. This message has stood the test of time. It has held up under scrutiny and debate. It has not withered, it has not faded; in fact it is just as alive and vibrant today as it was on the morning the women and the disciples discovered an empty grave. If you acknowledge that the tomb is still empty, it means you must do something with that information. It’s too powerful to contain and hold in. It must be shared!

We see in this country how “religious freedom” is too often weaponized to mean “freedom to discriminate.” How would you envision real religious freedom that respects the lives of LGBTQ people and a woman’s right to lead? What do you think are the proper boundaries of the rights between religion, government and the people?

Response of the Editor

Thank you for sending your letter, and with regard to your question, let us be reminded that religion should promote freedom and help us craft a moral life which embraces humanity, that is elevating the human person. Discriminating gender in order to uphold religious belief is an offense to charity and a violation against others' rights.

While it is true that every individual has the right to religious freedom, it is also true that religious freedom should not be used as a means to discriminate religion and gender. As I emphasize this, I will elaborate on my idea of a true religious freedom in the light of the idea of Emmanuel Kant's ethics based on duty. To realize the real religious freedom, the moral judgement of any person of any religion must be based on good will, that is, one must act not according to any consequences the act will produce, like getting heavenly rewards or avoiding eternal punishment or becoming a good member or adherent of a church, but according to one's sense of moral obligation where the person recognizes by reason that it is the right thing to do.

Thus, if one welcomes and includes any LGBTQ, one knows that respecting the person is what reason dictates as the right thing to do, not for the sake of being known as a good person but for the sake of the acts itself understood by the actor as good. Any person, whether a public servant, a religious leader, an advocate, or any member of the society is bound to his/her duty to uplift humanity-a human race of multi-color and multi-culture, yet one. Hence, the common duty we call as proper boundaries between religion, the government, and the people.

The Editor VOCES

“HE IS NOT HERE; HE HAS RISEN!”

A NEWLY ORDAINED DEACON IN A FLAWED SOCIETY

Story by: Cherry Anne De Guzman and Francine Ann Nadal

A YOUNG MAN FROM THE TOWN OF NABUA WHO WAS REARED WITH PURE LOVE AND DEDICATION TO SERVE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS FINALLY BEEN

Meet Reverend Gem Norries Samar Penetrante, a deacon who was recently ordained at St. Gregory The Great Cathedral last March 25, 2022. He is a 31-year-old man, turning 32 on May 26 from Barangay San Francisco in the town of Nabua, Camarines Sur. He is the only son of Mr. Guillermo Penetrante Jr., who is a retired public-school teacher and Mrs. Nancy Samar Penetrante who is a State College Administrative Officer. His loving parents consider him as a warmhearted son who is full of wisdom and motivation.

A simple attraction to priesthood started when his mom asked him to serve at their local Parish Church. At that time, he was a third-grader at Nabua Central Pilot School. By then, he spent some of his childhood years serving as an Altar Server at the Parish of Holy Cross. Reverend Gem did not neglect his studies despite his commitment to being an altar server. He was, in reality, the former Editor-in-Chief of the Nabua National High School Publication, popularly known as The Pencil. He was steady in his duties as an altar server and as a student, which is why he is recognized as an achiever by many people.

After graduating high school with academic distinction, Reverend Gem continued his studies at University of The Philippines, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Before earning his Bachelor’s Degree, he also applied as a Museum Guide at The Cultural Center of The Philippines and later on took his one month internship at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City. A month after graduating, he applied for a position as a high school teacher at Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan. He spent two incredible years teaching at this university, where he was assigned to the Departments of English, Filipino, and Social Studies.

In an interview with him, Reverend Gem mentioned about his calling. “If you are seriously discerning to become a priest, the most important thing to do is to apply to the seminary. The only way to find out if this is for you, if this is the life for you, is to go there and to check it out for yourself.. otherwise, hindi [magiging] patas. The vocation through the priesthood is not just like a dream, or a profession, it’s neither of the two. It is a vocation. It’s something that you work with with God — it’s a relationship with God. Becoming a priest and becoming a deacon has something to do with discernment. ‘Yong titimbangin mo kung ano ‘yong mabuti sa maraming options. You discern where you feel at peace most of the time. When you feel at peace with an option, that’s where God is leading you. The sure sign for God’s movement and God’s pleading is peace. In my case, I worked outside, I finished college first, I was a teacher and that’s when I realized that after that, this is what I want to do in my life, to be able to give, of course not everybody has the opportunity and the luxury of time to check on their options but I am glad that I was able to look at all the options I had. I think this is where I am most happy and where I could most give my service” Reverend Gem said. At the time he was teaching in Xavier University he got accepted as a candidate at Haggerty House, Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City. A year after he left his position as a high school teacher, he completed his pre-college formation at Holy Rosary Preparatory Seminary where he got an academic excellence award.

At that moment, Reverend Gem said he was so happy about everything about the seminary. That’s why subsequently he studied Bachelor of Arts in Classical Philosophy at Mater Salutis College Seminary in Daraga, Albay. In the year 2016, he already graduated from this class with academic distinction. He continued his track and got admitted at the University of Sto. Tomas Manila where he earned his Bachelor of Sacred Theology and graduated Magna Cum Laude. On the 11th day of June 2021, Reverend Gem was accepted to Aspiracy. In this phase, the purpose of Aspiracy is to assist men in the prayerful consideration

of the question “Is God calling you to be a priest?” Through this active and exclusive discernment program, an Aspirant can discover how God is calling him to give of himself to Christ and His Church. The 3rd day of January 2022, marks the compliance of Reverend Gem as a Novice at the Feast of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara. In this phase, the Novice is preparing to deepen his commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ through the profession of vows in the Congregation, requiring growth in self-awareness and self-acceptance.

The Church aims to form an individual’s well-being for them to adequately serve the church and its people. Spiritual, human, intellectual, and pastoral formation are the four aspects of this. In this journey, there are numerous impediments that may test one’s commitment on becoming a deacon and afterwards a priest. As we interviewed Reverend Gem, he stated the obstacles he encountered on his path. “There are lots of challenges you should overcome bago makarating sa ganito. Kailangang pag-igihan at ibigay ang sarili. There are things outside of yourself that you need to deal with. Say for example right now, we are not being sent as deacons after the ordination into a world which is perfect and silent, we will be sent to a world with sickness, pandemic, and in a world where there is a war between Ukraine and Russia, as well as falsehood that spread throughout our country, beginning with the local election campaigns. I believe, being sent as deacon, is also a battle for truth, for being truthful, to always serve the truth, minister to the truth who is Jesus himself.”

Reverend Gem ended the interview with a gratifying message for the youth in general. Non-verbatim: “For the general youth, I think we have to be more in touch with ourselves. A lot of young people today have a very short attention span, including myself. We are fond of shorter videos, shorter information. In fact a lot of information is at our fingertips. But I think with all the information within our access, we have to get a hold of them and allow them to sit in our hearts. Sometimes, it’s good to put our gadgets aside, to sleep without our phones para ‘di tayo masyadong nagmamadali roon sa maraming alam natin. Kasi ang problema kapag marami tayong alam at wala tayong ginagawa sa alam natin, we’ll become like Pope Francis said, we become museums of things we don’t know what to do about. We know a lot of things but we don’t know what to do with these things. So I think what matters most is to sit with ourselves, know who we are, and know where God is leading us. These are the most important things. At the end of the day, this is what matters”

ORDAINED AS A DEACON THROUGH THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS.

COMMEMORATION IN EVERY HOLY WEEK DAYS

Story by: Francine Ann R. Nadal

the agony and suffering of Christ. This day marks the culmination of Holy Week, during which Christians pay their respects and humility to their Lord Jesus.

Holy week, also known as Mahal na Araw, is the most sacred week in the liturgical year for the Christians. It is the last week of Lent, which includes five days of special significance.

During Holy week, Christians commemorate the story of Jesus Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. However, in the present time, there are still a lot of churchgoers who are uninformed about the stories and highlights behind these important days. Hence, here is a short overview of rites, symbols, and meaning of each day within the holy week.

The first day begins on Palm Sunday, it marks the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. We celebrate it through a procession and the blessing of palm fronds or palaspas. Some of these palm leaves were then taken home by the parishioners to use as sacramentals, while some of them were burned

the next year to serve as ashes for Ash Wednesday. This day serves as a reminder of Jesus’ acceptance into our hearts and willingness to follow him.

Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday or Sheer Thursday, is where Christians commemorate the day on which Jesus Christ performs the ritual of washing of the feet and the Last Supper with his 12 apostles. The washing of feet has come to be interpreted by the Chrisitians as an example of a modest mission of service. During this day,people are reminded to show forgiveness and humility to all as to how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and cleansed their sins.

Next is the Good Friday, where we commemorate Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross at Calvary. Many Christians spend Good Friday in fasting, prayer, repentance, and meditation to remember

The Impostor

by: m.m.

Murk and gloom pervaded over the area late at night. It was Maundy Thursday. Where Jesus and his disciples shared a meal. His last one. And he had misgivings about what is to come. There were murmurs of fright and made-up premonitions of the current event. Some would be terrified of saints clad in violet cloth and the silent ambience this week emanates. Those notions and sentiments are feeble, I surmise.

Opulent cars started swarming in the patio as darkness creeps into the airspace. People garbed in gold and silver proceeded into the church to pray while I continued to mend the ground. It was only a few minutes when they already went inside their car and started driving off. And I thought– do they have only a few problems, few

Following Good Friday is the Black Saturday, also known as Sabado de Gloria, it commemorates the day when Jesus Christ’s body was rested in the tomb after his crucifixion. On this day, Gloria is sung for the first time since Maundy Thursday as preparations for the Easter vigil. Furthermore, the season of fasting and abstinence known as lent comes to an end at midnight on this day, allowing Christians to eat and drink freely.

Holy week then concludes on Easter Sunday, also known as Pascha or Resurrection Sunday. It is the commemoration of the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ from death, three days after he was crucified. During this day, “Salubong”, a traditional Filipino devotion that reenacts the encounter of the resurrected Christ with his Mother is performed. Easter stands as a constant testimony that Jesus is the Christ, the redeeming Lord and Savior.

The events of Holy Week are important as it reminds the Christians about God’s sacrifice of his son, as well as

God’s love for his people. The greatest focus of this week is the Passion or suffering and Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the events that led up to it. This teaches us about Jesus through the last week of his life.

sins to ask forgiveness for, and few to thank for? Sham are those who speak of unworldly horrors when he himself is a bodily, diabolical worshiper. I question: are mere caretakers like me not privileged enough to make time for our faith? I contend, faith is not a privilege.

In the middle of my constant mopping, I whisper my gratitude for life and love. My sighs bear my petition for mercy and succor from the almighty. My tireless deeds earnestly ask for forgiveness. I do not need to falter nor doubt my devotion for only I know that it exists in the overture, the prelude, and the epilogue.