Christmas 2008

A blessed Christmas to everyone and many thanks to the people whom I have met this year.

Announcement: Christmas Mass Schedules Extraordinary Form

Come and join us in celebrating the Nativity of our Lord the Extraordinary way: with a sense of the sacred and mystery.

Parish of the Lord of the Divine Mercy
Sikatuna Village, Quezon City
Missa Cantata Midnight Mass December 25, 12:00AM
Missa Cantata Midday Mass 1:30PM
Low Mass Octave days of Christmas 8:00AM except
Missa Cantata Sunday within the Octave 1:30PM

St. Jerome Emiliani and Sta. Susana Parish Church
Ayala Alabang, besides Ayala Town Center
Christmas Carols December 24, 10:30PM
Missa Cantata December 24, 11:00PM
with live telecast via NBN Channel 4
starting at 10:30PM

Upcoming Christmastide Papal Liturgies

Some points of interest in the upcoming Papal Liturgies:

Translation from New Liturgical Movement:

The Midnight Mass will be preceded by a short prayer vigil which concludes with the Kalenda, the Christmas Proclamation, which had heretofore been included in the Mass itself, whereas Msgr. Marini notes that this placement corresponds better to its nature, since the "Roman Martyrology foresees the singing of the Kalenda on the day of the vigil of Christmas at the end of Lauds or of a Little Hour of the Liturgy of Hours".

The Holy Father will not wear cope and mitre for the Urbi et Orbi blessing, but choir dress. To forestall any rash comments, this is not without precedent, as may be seen from the accompanying picture of Pius XII imparing the Urbi et Orbi blessing on Easter 1952. The choice would seem to be connected to the fact that the Pope does not publicly celebrate the Missa in die, and is therefore not vested prior to the blessing. Msgr. Marini explains that it is "a solemn benediction which is not connected to a particular liturgical rite."

After Pontifical Vespers on 31 December there will again be Eucharistic Adoration to signify, in the words of Msgr Marini, "the centrality of adoration in the life of the Church and of the disciples of the Lord."

Pope Benedict will wear a Roman chasuble for the Mass of the Epiphany.

The Mass of the Baptism of the Lord will again be celebrated in the Sistine chapel ad orientem. As Msgr. Marini explains "this means that at some points the Pope will turn towards the Crucified, thus underlining the correct orientation of the Eucharistic celebration. This is not about turning the back to the people, but about assuming the same orientation as the assembly, which precisely looks toward the Crucified."

RH Bill: -"fertility control bill" says bioethics experts

Source: CBCPNews

MANILA -- The much hyped controversial Reproductive Health (RH) Bill 5043, that is being deliberated in Congress, is more of a “pregnancy prevention” or "fertility control bill" than maternal health bill, say bioethics experts.

In a colloquium held November 13 at the Dominican-run University of Santo Tomas (UST) - Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, leaders of the Southeast Asian Center for Bioethics, Medicine's Department of Bioethics, the Bioethics Society of the Philippines, Catholic Physicians' Guild of the Philippines, and the Philippine Nurses Association made a "consensus statement" that opposed the RH Bill in its present form.

The bill cleverly, although erroneously, styles itself as anti-abortion while promoting birth-control methods that are "potentially abortifacient agents," said bioethics experts comprising doctors and other health professionals.

Fr. Fausto Gomez, OP, president of the Southeast Asian Center for Bioethics and a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life of the Holy See, said maternal health problems should be solved not by an "anti-birth policy" but by "means that are socially and economically based."

Gomez added that all the means to be employed should respect the dignity of life and of persons, citing the consensus statement:

"In the pursuit of the authentic common good, let us appreciate the obligation to ensure that no other aims or goals, no matter how pressing, obscure will overshadow our value of and respect for life and the dignity of the person and the family."

"The advocates of the RH bill exaggerate maternal health problems contrary to the government's own statistics that show pregnancy complications are not a leading cause of death among Filipino mothers," UST's student paper, The Varsitarian, reported.

As health professionals, the bioethics members said they are of the same intention in protecting the mother during her reproductive years. "This bill, however, does not address the problems of reproductive health in a holistic manner and focuses mainly on pregnancy prevention," a statement said.

They also criticized that the bill "must consider the rights of others involved, specifically the unborn, and those tasked with their care." The statement also stressed that "the anti-abortion stance of the bill is contradicted by the promotion of contraceptive agents (IUD and hormonal contraceptives) which actually act after fertilization and are potentially abortifacient agents."

The bill is self-contradicting on abortion but advocating methods that hinder conception, said Dr. Josephine Lumitao of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery and UST Hospital, which is a country's premier health service institute.

While the bill denies support for abortion, it promotes hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine devices, which prevent conception, and abortifacients, that destroy the fertilized egg, Lumitao said. She explained that hormonal contraceptives, in the form of a pill, skin patch, or injection -- all widely available in the market -- contain hormones that prevent ovulation, and render the outer layer of the uterus
unfavorable for implantation of the fertilized egg, which leads to its death due to lack of nutrition.

Intrauterine devices, a contraceptive placed inside the uterus, prevent implantation.

"Is it not contradictory if the bill promotes abortifacient methods?"

Pontifical Mass Ordinary Form Ad Orientem Posture

Last December 13, 2008, his Excellency Bishop Angel Hobayan D.D., bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Catarman, celebrated a Pontifical Mass according to the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite in Latin and using the ad orientem/ad apsidem posture at the St. John the Baptist Parish in the City of San Juan, Archdiocese of Manila.

Concelebrating priest was Rev. Father Abraham Arganiosa, C.R.S and Master of Ceremonies is Rev. Father Carlos Estrada, an Opus Dei priest.

The Pontifical Mass was the culminating event of the 2008 Apologetics Seminar and Apologetics Convention organized by the Defensores Fidei Foundation.

A Canonistic Notes on Summorum Pontificum

From the New Liturgical Movement

The first 2008 issue of Liturgisches Jahrbuch ("Liturgical Yearbook") contains some very clear and sound notes from a canonist's perspective on the implications of Summorum Pontificum. This is all the more surprising and gratifying as Liturgisches Jahrbuch is a quarterly edited by the German Liturgical Institute (Deutsches Liturgisches Institut), the centre of German liturgical "officialdom" maintained by the German Bishops' Conference. The article (Liturgisches Jahrbuch 1/2008, p. 3 ff.) is written by Prof. Norbert Lüdecke who teaches Canon Law at the University of Bonn. A summary of the article is given in the current issue of Una Voce Korrespondenz, the quarterly of the German Una Voce association (4/2008, p. 371 ff.), of which a summary appeared, on December 1st, 2008, on the website kath-info.de, which we present to you here in an NLM translation:

1. The bishops may issue "annotations and instructions for the implementation" of the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum, but they may not add "new mandatory content" (cf. the analysis of the "guidelines" of the German Bishops' Conference by Prof. Georg Muschalek).

2. The "guidelines" of the German Bishops' Conference of 27 September 2007 are not binding upon the individual diocesan bishop.

3. The celebration of the Missa sine populo is, except in the case of insurmountable obstacles, to be allowed "at any legitimate place". "Restrictions of the usus antiquior to certain places or times by particular law are (...) inadmissible."

4. In a Missa sine populo (literally translated: "Mass without people") the faithful may participate sua sponte (i.e. without compulsion). They may also advert other faithful to this Holy Mass.

5. For a group, which according to the Motu proprio is a prerequisite for the celebration of a Holy Mass with the people, the number of three persons is sufficient. The diocesan bishop cannot establish a higher minimum number.

6. The parish priest must not discriminate against Masses according to the old use "by keeping them secret or scheduling them at times difficultly accessible".

7. "The Pope has not ordered that the parish priest could meet the request of interested faithful. He has mandated that the parish priest must do so"(Lüdecke).

8. Faithful whose right to Holy Mass in the older use is being denied by the parish priest do not only have the possibility, but the duty to inform the diocesan bishop about this.

9. "Applications" for the traditional liturgy are "not petitions of grace or favour." "Parish priests as well as diocesan bishops are legally held to meet this request" (Lüdecke).

10. The consent of the bishop to a Holy Mass according to the old use instituted by a parish priest according to the desire of faithful is not required.

11. Laypeople as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion and women as altar servers are not allowed in the traditional liturgy.

....

Latest Liturgical Events in the Philippines

By: Carlos Antonio Palad
(Cross-posted from Rorate-Caeli.)

1. Tomorrow, December 13, 2008, Memorial of St. Lucy, His Excellency Bishop Angel Hobayan, the Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Catarman, will offer Holy Mass (Novus Ordo) ad orientem in the San Juan Pinaglabanan church, San Juan, Metro Manila.

The Mass will entirely be in Latin except for the reading, the Gospel and the General Intercessions. The propers will be sung from the Graduale Romanum of 1974.

The fact that this Mass will be offered ad orientem had occasioned some controversy, accounting for my late posting of the news of this coming event.

Bishop Angel Hobayan is one of the strongest supporters in the Philippine hierarchy of Latin in the liturgy. He visited (and gave a homily at) the CIEL International Conference in 2002. He twice offered Pontifical Low Mass (1962 Missal) earlier this year (Ash Wednesday and Laetare Sunday) as well as another Pontifical Novus Ordo Mass (Latin and ad orientem) at Jaleville chapel (Paranaque City, Metro Manila) last September 28, 2008.

2. Low Mass according to the 1962 Missal is now offered everyday from Monday to Friday in Calamba, Laguna (Diocese of San Pablo) by Fr. John Paul M. Villanueva. More details to be posted soon.

3. The Tridentine Latin Mass - St. Jerome community, based in St. Jerome Emiliani Parish (Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, under the Diocese of Paranaque) is announcing that its Christmas Eve Mass according to the 1962 Missal will be televised by the National Broadcasting Network (Channel 4), the Philippines' state TV channel. The live broadcast will begin at 11:00 P.M. of December 24. Details of the Mass will be posted once finalized and certain.

New Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline

¨The Holy Father has accepted the resignation presented by His Eminence Card. Francis Arinze, having reached the age limit, from his position as Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, and has named to succeed him in the same position His Eminence Card. Antonio Cañizares Llovera, up to now Archbishop of Toledo (Spain).¨

Translated Source: Rorate Caeli
Original Source: Holy See Press Office



Photo Credits: Daily Peeps

Father Zerrudo's Sacerdotal Anniversary

On the first Sunday of Advent, 2008, Father Michell Joe Zerrudo on his 15th sacredotal anniversary celebrated a solemn High Mass with Father Joseph Skelton who served as deacon and Msgr Moises Andrade as subdeacon.

Feast of Christ the King (Extraordinary Form)

Father Moises Cabrera of Sta. Perpetua Parish Church Diocese of Cubao celebrated a solemn High Mass in solemnity of Christ the King (old calendar) with Fr. Erwin Dela Cruz as deacon and Fr. Michell Joe Zerrudo as subdeacon at the Parish of the Lord of the Divine Mercy.

Solemnity of Christ the King (Ordinary Form)

Let all of us be reminded that Christ's, our Lord God and our Sovereign King. Therefore all of us, especially those who have positions of influence: parents, elders, teachers, professors, religious formators, catechists, lawyers, politicians, priests, bishops should never ever surrender ourselves to false teachings, false theologies, false bills that would undermine the sovereign authority of our Lord over this world, the same world He redeemed with the price of His Blood, and false teachings, false theologies, false bills that would corrupt His beloved children.

Happy Birthday Shawn Tribe

Happy Birthday to Shawn Tribe, founder and editor of the New Liturgical Movement

Many more years and blessings to come Shawn, for you and your apostolate!

Rosales: RH bill a matter of ethics, not just population

From ABS-CBNnews

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales spoke on Sunday about the controversial House Bill 5043, or the Reproductive Health Bill, and said that the Catholic Church cannot stay on the sidelines on the issue. He said the Church should have a say on the matter since ethics, not just the population, is involved.

View complete story.

ON THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BILL

I REJECT THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BILL

AND

ALL ITS UNDERLYING IDEOLOGIES THAT GOES AGAINST THE TEACHINGS OF THE MAGISTERIUM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

I URGE MY FELLOW CATHOLICS: DO NOT BE DECEIVED!

Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei Website

The Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, under the leadership of Cardinal Castrillon-Hoyos, now have a website http://www.ecclesiadei-pontcommissio.org.

The site is not yet a 100% complete and is in Italian. Versions in English and other languages will hopefully be made available soon.

National Shrine of our Lady of Fatima Missa Cantata Solemn Form

On September 14th 2008, Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Msgr Moises Andrade of the National Shrine of our Lady of Fatima celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass according to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite with a solemn Missa Cantata.

Bishop Gregorio: Traditional Confirmation and Solemn Pontifical High Mass

Photos by Fidel Cenir

A very historic "Summorum Pontificum" weekend for the TLM community and the parishioners of the Parish of the Lord of the Divine Mercy, Diocese of Cubao, Metro Manila Philippines as his lordship Bishop Camilo Gregorio D.D. of the Prelature of Batanes gave the Sacraments of Confirmation and offered a Solemn Pontifical High Mass according to the liturgical books of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.

On the eve of the anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's Summorum Pontificum last September 13, 2008, Bishop Camilo Gregorio D.D. confirmed 16 christians according to the liturgical books of the extraordinary form of the Roman Rite at the Parish of the Lord of the Divine Mercy. The good bishop gave a short catechisis on the sacrament before confecting it the the confirmants. A solemn Mass was offered after the confirmation.





The following day, on the anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's Summorum Pontificum last September 14, 2008, his lordship Bishop Camilo Gregorio, D.D. of the Prelature of Batanes, offered a Solemn Pontifical High Mass in commemoration of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross with Father Michell Jojo Zerrudo, Father Erwin Dela Cruz and Sem. Mark Bunag assisting. The Bishop was served by the altar servers of the parish, from Ecclesia Dei Society of St. Joseph and the Holy Cross Parish.






Our warmest gratitude to Bishop Camilo Gregorio D.D., Father Michell Joe Zerrudo, Father Erwin Dela Cruz and other nameless inviduals who organized and supported the event.

Is the Mass a meal or a sacrifice?

Being brought up in a Catholic family and having studied in a Catholic Institution, I was always taught that the Mass is special and sacred... it is a sacred meal and a sacrifice. But it was only when I attended my first TLM almost 2 years ago that the reality of the nature of the Mass was made clear. Even the most simplest of its forms, the Low Mass, clearly illustrates its sacredness, its mystery and its sacrificial nature. Is it the orientation, silence, the gestures, or the language, or even the priestly vestments? It is no question that these elements I mentioned contributes to the sacredness and sense of mystery to the Mass and perhaps the de-emphasis on the orientation, silence, gestures and language led to the de-emphasis on the sacredness, mystery, solemnity that eventually led to the de-emphasis on its sacrificial nature. What is left is the emphasis, or should I say over emphasis of the meal aspect, over emphasis that "transforms" it into merely a "communal" meal.

A theology of the Mass that is totally centered on "communal" meal aspect makes me ask myself: are we witnessing or partaking a mere breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack with some music and prayers? Are we just eating a mere bread and drinking a mere wine? Or are we witnessing a miracle, the greatest miracle that happens daily...the transformation of bread made by human hands, and wine made of fruit of the vine, into the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Are we meeting some dignitary that we should show some sign of respect, or are we meeting the King of kings and Lord of lords face to face that we should show the greatest signs of reverence that we have? Is it a mere bread, or is it our God and King? What should our actions, our demeanor, our disposition be like in front of our God, our Lord and King who offers His Body and Blood for the sanctification of our souls?

The realization of the meal aspect, will never go away, unless we remove the bread and wine so that we can never communicate. The mere fact that bread and wine is present at Mass to be eaten is a sign and indication that it is a meal but the realization of the sacredness of the meal and the sacredness of sacrificial aspect can easily be hidden or taken away by means of the abuses and banality that had crept into the Mass, by making the priest face the people the entire Mass, by taking away and limiting the silence and gestures, sacred art and architecture, and even vestments that reminds us of the Real Presence of our Lord all in the name of simplification. The realization of the sacredness and sacrificial nature of the Mass, of our Lord's real presence, should in fact move us to show greater signs of respect, that is reverence and adoration towards the Lord by our disposition, our demeanor, gestures, music, sacred art and architecture, vestments, and prayers.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary continue to be our model and guide as she witnessed and united herself in the sacrifice of her beloved Son for the salvation of our souls.

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Mt. Carmel Shrine Parish

Photo by: Fidel C. Cenir

On September 8, 2008, Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the extraordinary form of the Roman Rite was celebrated by Father Michell Joe Zerrudo at the Mt. Carmel Shrine Parish Church in New Manila, Quezon City, Diocese of Cubao assisted by Marian devotees from the Marian Movement of the Laity for the Pristine Church. The beautiful church music (Missa de Angelis) was sung by Dennis Maturan, Mark Robinson Bunag and the St. Augustine Musik. Sr Gloria Candido, OCDS, one of the choir masters of Mt. Carmel Shrine, also assisted in the Mass and joined the choir to honor our Blessed Mother, the Immaculate Conception, Queen of Carmel heavenly music for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday my Queen....my Mama!

Solemn Pontifical High Mass on September 14

Kaisa ng buong Sambayanan ng

ECCLESIA DEI SOCIETY OF ST. JOSEPH
AT NG
PARISH OF THE LORD OF THE DIVINE MERCY

Maamo cor. Madasalin Sts., Sikatuna Village
Quezon City

Kasama ng mga Mananampalataya- Bayan ng Diyos
Mga Kaibigan at Tagapagtangkilik

Samahan po ninyo kami sa Pagdiriwang ng

Banal Na Sakripisyo ng Misa
(Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite)

na pangungunahan ng

Lubhang Kagalang-galang
Obispo Camilo D. Gregorio, D.D.
Obispo ng Prelatura ng Batanes

Bilang tanda ng Papuri at Pasasalamat sa

PAGTATAMPOK SA BANAL NA KRUS NG ATING
PANGINOONG HESUKRISTO

Sa pagdiriwang ng Unang Taong Anibersaryo ng motu propio
“Summorum Pontificum”
ng Kanyang Kabanalan
PAPA BENITO XVI

Ika-14 Setyembre 2008
1:30 ng hapon
Parish of the Lord of the Divine Mercy Church

Umaasa kami sa inyong presensya at pakikiisa

Maraming Salamat Po!

Announcement: Sacrament of Confirmation in the Extraordinary form of the Roman Rite

ANNOUNCEMENT

Sacrament of Confirmation in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman
Rite and Pontifical Votive Low Mass of the Holy Ghost

Requirements:

1. 7 years old above
2. baptized Catholic/baptismal certificate
3. he/she must have already receieved first communion
4. completed catechetical seminar/s

When?
On September 13, 2008 Saturday

Time?
1:30 pm

Where?
Parish of the Lord of the Divine Mercy
Sikatuna Village, QC

Officiating Prelate:
His Lordship
Most Rev. CAMILO GREGORIO, DD
Bishop of Batanes

Who to contact?
PLDM Parish offfice
Mark Robinson Bunag - Coordinator

Traditional Latin Mass in the Philippines

Carlos Antonio Palad created a partial list of Philippine churches that are currently offering the Traditional Latin Mass or Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. His post can be viewed in Rorate Caeli.
Most of these Masses are made possible through Pope Benedict XVI's Summorum Pontificum.


The said list is posted in this blog's sidebar.

Defensores Fidei Apologetics Course

The Defensores Fidei Foundation will be offering an apologetics course every Saturday starting September 6th. All are invited to join to learn more about the faith and defend it when necessary.

• Date : September 6th on (every Saturday except November 1st
• Time : 9 AM to NOON (registration starts at 830)
• Fee : FREE
  
• Where : Mary the Queen Parish (St Ignatius Room) Madison St. San Juan next to Xavier School. Location will switch to Lay Force at San Carlos Seminary Makati starting October until graduation day.
  
• Schedule
• Introduction to apologetics (orientation) September 6
• Church and Magisterium – Marwil - September 13
• Holy Scripture and Tradition - Caloy – September 20
• Papacy – Marwil - September 27
• Sacraments I – Marwil – October 4
• Church History – Carlos – October 11
• Sacraments II – Fr. Abe - October 18
  
• Marian Doctrine – Marwil – October 25
• Christology – Fr. Cayo November 8
  
• Sola Fide and Sola Scriptura – Caloy – November 15
• Local Sects and their Common objection - Marwil – November 22
• Foreign Sects – Ed de Vera – November 29
• Moral Issues – Caloy – December 6
• Graduation, Christmas Party and Holy Mass- December 13

TLM in Mary Help of Christians Chapel (St. John Bosco Parish Makati)

Photos Courtesy of Kyle.

Last July 13 and July 20 the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass according to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite was offered in the Mary Help of Christians Chapel, St. John Bosco Parish, Makati City. Fr. Elijah Pantorilla celebrated the TLM with 40 to 50 people, who mostly are charismatic catholics, assisting.







Congratulations to the organizers and Fr. Elijah Pantorilla, OFM.

Vatican Approves New English Translation For The Order Of Mass

Tip from our friends from The New Liturgical Movement. From USCCB Website:

WASHINGTON— The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has received approval (recognitio) from the Holy See’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments for the new English-language translation of the Order of Mass (Ordo Missae).

This is the first section of the translation of the third edition of the Roman Missal. It includes most of the texts used in every celebration of the Mass, including the responses that will be said by the people.

In its letter, the Congregation pointed out that while the texts are binding, the approval “does not intend that these texts are to be put into use immediately.”

Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prefect of the Congregation, explained the reasons for providing the text at this time. The purpose is to provide “time for the pastoral preparation of priests, deacons and for appropriate catechesis of the lay faithful. It will likewise facilitate the devising of musical settings for parts of the Mass.”

The text is covered by copyright law and the Statutes of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy.

The more significant changes of the people’s parts are:

1. et cum spiritu tuo is rendered as “And with your spirit”
2. In the Confiteor, the text “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault” has been added
3. The Gloria has been translated differently and the structure is different from the present text
4. In the Preface dialogue the translation of “Dignum et justum est” is “It is right and just”
5. The first line of the Sanctus now reads “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts”
6. The response of the people at the Ecce Agnus Dei is “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

At this time, no date is available as to when the entire translation of the Roman Missal will be released.

Once the new Missal is released, we hope that the CBCP will also begin to adapt it.

Private Low Mass at St. Jerome Emiliani, Alabang

Fr. Joseph Skelton will be offering a private low mass today at 4pm. Those who want to assist Fr. Joseph in the Mass may do so.

Revering the hands of a newly ordained priest

Antipolo, May 2008

TLM St. Jerome has a blog!

Thank you to Mr. Elbert Friend for sending this link.

http://tlmstjerome.blogspot.com

A Filipino Medical Student shares his first Latin Mass experience

An excerpt from a very moving post from the blog: Meditations of a Discerning Soul. Thanks to Frank for sending us the link. Emphasis mine.

Domine, non sum dignus....

(...)

Yes, brothers and sisters, if you are fans of the Traditional Roman Rite of 1962, you may recognize this Gospel for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost. What point am I driving to? I am very excited to just type this here: I attended my first Latin Mass this afternoon! Being brought up in the Novus Ordo Mass, I had no idea what a Latin Mass was like until I experienced it this afternoon.

After having spent the previous night at a house of a very close friend, something made me attend Mass in their parish. I then realized that their parish celebrated a Holy Mass in the Extraordinary Form. I made my way to the church, all the while realizing the need for a missal. Good thing a very kindly lady already seated on one of the pews lent hers.

Actually during the start of the rite, I tried to recall all the videos I have watched about the Traditional Rite, and I began to get excited at the fact that I was about to witness everything before my very eyes. The silence was invigorating, inspiring, elevating!

What led my soul to great joy was when I saw the Host and the Chalice elevated, and later the Host coming into my very being in such a special way: kneeling, tongue out, and the priest giving it himself. My inner yearning for such a way of celebrating and assisting at Holy Mass has at last been realized. I can only praise the Lord for such grace!

(...)

* I attended this very beautiful Mass at the Divine Mercy Parish, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City.

Update: TLM in Bicol

Photos and Narration by Dr. Herbert B.

For the First time, on July 20, 2008, the Traditional Latin Mass in Sorsogon City under the auspices of the Somascan Community in Aemilianum College, Sorsogon City, made public the celebration of the TLM. The event was recorded and broadcast over ACITV-5, the local television station operated by the Aemilianum College. For the first time the Traditional Latin Mass in Sorsogon City was broadcast live over television. We were also grateful for the presence of Bro. Mark Robinson Bunag, a Seminarian from the Diocese of Kalookan, Metro Manila, Philippines who willingly served as Cantor and at the same time organist. He helped prepare the students to served as schola cantorum who sang the common parts of the mass such as the Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei. It was indeed surprising that in just a short time the girls who sung the commons were able to get it almost near perfect. Moreover, Bro Mark excellently chanted the Introit, Graduale, and Post-Communion. His presence and the cooperation of the students of the Aemilianum College made this Missa Cantata possible. I took along with me my cousin who is a candidate for transitional deacon, another student and my co-worker Mrs. Gina. The three of them had wonderful comments about the way the Mass proceeded. They were extremely impressed with the music and one thing they said was that they appreciated the solemnity and the punctuated silences of the Traditional Latin Mass less evident in the Novus Ordo. Fr. Abraham Arganiosa, CRS our chaplain have wanted to make this Mass public but at that time he felt not so confident as yet with the rubrics. But Fr. Abe’s progress in learning the old rite is impressive. He is self-taught as far as the rubrics are concerned and has displayed great humility to learn the rubrics. He never allowed hectic schedules and communitarian duties to hamper his willingness to learn the rubrics of the Traditional Roman Rite.




The development of the TLM apostolate in Sorsogon City was indeed a miracle and clearly has the blessings of the Lord. I remember that way back in February it was just Fr. Abe, myself and a couple of persons who were there attending the Mass. We are also grateful to Fr. Richard, CRS the then superior of the House for allowing this mass and it was he who even suggested that it be moved from a Wednesday to a Sunday primetime. Today we are also grateful to Fr. Lino, CRS, the current superior for extending the permission.



As we quietly continue the apostolate we were blessed with the arrival of the Ladies from the Alliance of Two Hearts who volunteered to join the Traditional Latin Mass every Sunday. They also volunteered to clean the church, the altars and helped provide the linens. These Ladies are our “Dorcas”. Fr. Abe fondly calls them “Confradia de San Geronimo”. And today with these ladies, their families and children we have now the “stable group” required by the Summurom Pontificum.



The development of this TLM apostolate is indeed a miracle and a sign of the Goodwill of the Lord. In less than a year progress is being made. I almost despaired of looking for a priest who will be willing to celebrate the Mass. Through the power of blogging and internet networking with fellow Traditionally inclined Catholics Fr. Abe responded to my request and almost by the sheer goodwill of the Lord, there has never been an obstacle. But we realize that in the future there will be tests but we pray and trust in the Lord. Recalling the words of St. Teresa of Avila, “Be afraid of nothing, all things passes away, only the will of the Lord remains.” Thanks be to God for giving us the chance to show the splendor of the Church, the beauty of his temple.



O, Lord my God, where shall we go? You have the words of eternal life!

Visit my blogs:

* The Peace Cafeteria

* Filipino Traditional Catholic

Talk by Father Jocis Syquia

You are cordially invited to a talk on

ANG PAGHAHARI NG DIOS SA KABILA NG
{ESPIRITWAL} na KAPANSANAN

to be delivered by

The Rev. Fr. Jose Francisco Jocis Syquia
Director of the Archdiocese of Manila Office of Exorcism
Assistant Exorcist of the Archdiocese of Manila

this Saturday 19th of July 2008 from 7:30 am to 12nn
at the LayForce Chapel,
San Carlos Seminary Complex, EDSA

His new book, Exorcism, 2nd Edition will be available at the Site.

Padre Pio's Last Mass

Pro-abortion Catholic politicians should be denied Communion, prelate says

From CBCP News

OZAMIZ CITY, July 13, 2008 – Reiterating the Catholic Church stand against abortion Ozamiz Archbishop Jesus A. Dosado, CM said pro-abortion Catholic politicians should be denied Holy Communion until they bring to an end the objective situation of sin.

In a pastoral letter released today, Dosado said a Catholic politician who consistently campaign and vote for permissive abortion should be instructed on Church’s teachings and informed by parish priests that he is not to present himself for Holy Communion until he brings to an end the objective situation of sin or otherwise he will be denied the Eucharist.

Quoting from the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts Declaration “Holy Communion and Divorced, Civilly Remarried Catholics” [2000], number 3-4, the prelate stressed that when these precautionary measures have not had their effect or in which they where not possible, and the person in question, with obstinate persistence, still presents himself to receive the Holy Eucharist, the minister of Holy Communion must refuse to distribute it.

Dosado added that this decision, properly speaking, is not a sanction or a penalty. Nor is the minister of the Holy Communion passing judgment on the person’s subjective guilt, but rather is reacting to the person’s public unworthiness to receive Holy Communion due to an objective situation of sin.

Citing the General Principles of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI), June 2004, titled “Worthiness to Receive Holy Communion” Dosado said taking Communion should be a conscious decision, based on a reasoned judgment regarding one’s worthiness to do so. The practice of indiscriminately presenting oneself to receive Holy Communion merely as a consequence of being present at Mass, is an abuse that
must be corrected.

Dosado stressed not all moral issues have the same moral weight as abortion.

“For example, if a Catholic were to be at odds with the Holy Father on the decision to wage war, he would not for that reason be considered unworthy to present himself to receive Holy Communion. There may be a legitimate diversity of opinion even among Catholics about waging war, but not about abortion,” he added.

The local ordinary said apart from an individual’s judgment about his worthiness to present himself to receive the Holy Eucharist, the minister of Holy Communion may find himself in the situation where he must refuse to distribute Holy Communion to someone, such as in cases of a declared excommunication, a declared interdict, or an obstinate persistence in manifest grave. (Wendell Talibong)

Humanae Vitae

It is in fact justly observed that a conjugal act imposed upon one's partner without regard for his or her condition and lawful desires is not a true act of love, and therefore denies an exigency of right moral order in the relationships between husband and wife. Likewise, if they consider the matter, they must admit that an act of mutual love, which is detrimental to the faculty of propagating life, which God the Creator of all, has implanted in it according to special laws, is in contradiction to both the divine plan, according to whose norm matrimony has been instituted, and the will of the Author of human life. To use this divine gift destroying, even if only partially, its meaning and its purpose is to contradict the nature both of man and of woman and of their most intimate relationship, and therefore it is to contradict also the plan of God and His will. On the other hand, to make use of the gift of conjugal love while respecting the laws of the generative process means to acknowledge oneself not to be the arbiter of the sources of human life, but rather the minister of the design established by the Creator. In fact, just as man does not have unlimited dominion over his body in general, so also, with particular reason, he has no such dominion over his generative faculties as such, because of their intrinsic ordination towards raising up life, of which God is the principle. "Human life is sacred," Pope John XXIII recalled; "from its very inception it reveals the creating hand of God.

...

To justify conjugal acts made intentionally infecund, one cannot invoke as valid reasons the lesser evil, or the fact that such acts would constitute a whole together with the fecund acts already performed or to follow later, and hence would share in one and the same moral goodness. In truth, if it is sometimes licit to tolerate a lesser evil in order to avoid a greater evil or to promote a greater good,¹⁷ it is not licit, even for the gravest reasons, to do evil so that good may follow therefrom;¹⁸ that is, to make into the object of a positive act of the will something which is intrinsically disorder, and hence unworthy of the human person, even when the intention is to safeguard or promote individual, family or social well-being. Consequently it is an error to think that a conjugal act which is deliberately made infecund and so is intrinsically dishonest could be made honest and right by the ensemble of a fecund conjugal life.

....

Upright men can even better convince themselves of the solid grounds on which the teaching of the Church in this field is based, if they care to reflect upon the consequences of methods of artificial birth control. Let them consider, first of all, how wide and easy a road would thus be opened up towards conjugal infidelity and the general lowering of morality. Not much experience is needed in order to know human weakness, and to understand that men -- especially the young, who are so vulnerable on this point -- have need of encouragement to be faithful to the moral law, so that they must not be offered some easy means of eluding its observance. It is also to be feared that the man, growing used to the employment of anti-conceptive practices, may finally lose respect for the woman and, no longer caring for her physical and psychological equilibrium, may come to the point of considering her as a mere instrument of selfish enjoyment, and no longer as his respected and beloved companion.

...

Beloved and venerable brothers in the episcopate, with whom we most intimately share the solicitude of the spiritual good of the People of God, at the conclusion of this encyclical our reverent and affectionate thoughts turn to you. To all of you we extend an urgent invitation. At the head of the priests, your collaborators, and of your faithful, work ardently and incessantly for the safeguarding and the holiness of marriage, so that it may always be lived in its entire human and Christian fullness. Consider this mission as one of your most urgent responsibilities at the present time. As you know, it implies concerted pastoral action in all the fields of human activity, economic, cultural and social; for, in fact, only a simultaneous improvement in these various sectors will make it possible to render the life of parents and of children within their families not only tolerable, but easier and more joyous, to render the living together in human society more fraternal and peaceful, in faithfulness to God's design for the world.

- Pope Paul VI "Humanae Vitae"

Novus Ordo 2.0

An extraordinary man with an extraordinary mission

Mr. Manuel Navoa , leader of Mission Apostolate Workers, was a former death convict but was vindicated 7 years later in 1986 when the Supreme Court judged him to be not guilty of the crime he was convicted of. After becoming a free man once again, he devoted himself to serve those who are in prison. He visit prisons, jails, penal colonies, and military camps, averaging one site a week as a living witness of God's love and mercy especially to those who are imprisoned.

Read the life story of Mr. Manuel Navoa here:

The Story of My Life in Prison and in Death Row

Supreme Court Decision

On June 2, 2008, he was appointed by Ozamis Archbishop Jesus A. Dosado, CM to head the local prison ministry. This story was reported in CBCP News.

Former death convict appointed to prison apostolate

A blogspot was setup recently by volunteers to support the mission of Mr. Manuel Navoa.

http://matt2536.blogspot.com

For donations to support Mr. Manuel Navoa and his prison ministry and apostolate, kindly contact:

Bro. Carlos Oda, Deputy Executive Director, Prayer Warriors of the Holy Souls, Unit A-1, Guevent Building, 52 Libertad St., Mandaluyong City, Phils. With Tel. Nos. (632)531-0394 / (632)531-2757 local 100

More Stories and Photos of TLM St. Jerome

For more stories, photos and information on the TLM Missa Cantata at St. Jerome last Sunday, please visit Fr. Abe's blog at

The Splendor of the Church

Update: TLM at St. Jerome Emiliani Alabang

Mr. Richard Friend, a Filipino-American based in California, has sent us photographs of the first Missa Cantata of St. Jerome Emiliani Parish taken by his father, Mr. Elbert Friend.

Congratulations to Father Grato and everyone who had organized this historic Mass.

TLM Missa Cantata is scheduled every Sundays at 9:30am, St. Jerome Emiliani Parish, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Historic Solemn High Mass Parish of the Lord of the Divine Mercy

Photos by: Ed Ceñir

In commemoration of the Feasts of Ss. Peter and Paul, the TLM community of the Parish of the Lord of the Divine Mercy organized a Missa Solemnis or Solemn High Mass last June 29, 2008. The organizers faced some great obstacles during the last 48 hours before the Mass as the deacon and subdeacon unexpectedly became ill. The Missa Solemnis was saved, thanks be to our Lord Jesus Christ, as Fr. Abe Arganiosa, CRS was available to be part of this historic occasion. Fr. Abe took the role of deacon while seminarian Bro. Mark Bunag filled the role of subdeacon.

My father, as most of us that day, had no experience of any solemn high masses in our whole life could only comment that it was beautiful and the most solemn mass he has ever ever experienced, how much more, he said, if we had formal training.

Congratulations to Fr. Michell Joe Zerrudo, Fr. Abraham Arganiosa CRS, Fr. Froilan Rivera, Fr. Zenki Manabat, Sem. Mark Bunag, Dennis Maturan, Carlos Palad, cantor Felix Valenzuela and other nameless individuals whose help and contribution had a great part in making all this possible.

Our prayers for the quick recovery of Fr. Zenki Manabat and Fr. Froilan Rivera.


BubbleShare: Share photos - Find great Clip Art Images.

TLM at St. Jerome Emiliani Alabang Metro Manila

Excerpts of the Extraordinary Form, now also called the "Gregorian Rite," at St. Jerome Emiliani Parish Church in Alabang, Diocese of Paranaque.



Congratulations to everyone involved in this historic Mass.

St. Jerome TLM Choir Practice

Pray! Pray! Pray!

From Fr. Z's WDTPRS blog.

O God, Who settest straight what has gone astray,
and gatherest together what is scattered,
and keepest what Thou hast gathered together:
we beseech Thee in Thy mercy to pour down on Christian people,
the grace of union with Thee,
that, putting disunion aside and joing themselves to the true shepherd of Thy Church,
they be able to render Thee worthy service.

(Translation from the Roman Catholic Daily Missal – Angelus Press)

Let's all pray for unity.

__________________________________

[Updated 27 June 2008 1056hrs]

One day to go.....

Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio, contra nequitiam et insidias diaboli esto praesidium. Imperet illi Deus, supplices deprecamur: tuque, Princeps militiae caelestis, Satanam aliosque spiritus malignos, qui ad perditionem animarum pervagantur in mundo, divina virtute, in infernum detrude. Amen.

Mass in Honor of St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer

Claire Navarro has shared with us the schedule of Masses in honor of St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer.

I'm sharing here the following schedules:

There will be a Solemn Eucharistic Concelebration in honor of St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer, priest and Founder of Opus Dei

Tomorrow, Thursday, 26 June 2008 at 6:00pm*

at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) Intramuros, Manila

*Priests will be available for confessions starting 5:00pm

There are also Masses in Sto. Domingo Church, Quezon City on the same day with the following schedules:

05:45 am
06:30 am
07:15 am
08:00 am
12:15 pm
6:00 pm

Some more here:

DBP chapel 12:05pm

Bank of Commerce, June 27, 12:15pm

UP diliman chapel, 12:00 nn

Magallanes, 6:30 am

Merville, 6:00 am

Sacred Heart, 7:00 am

St. Andrew, 12:15

Christ the King Church, Main Church in Greenmeadows 7:00 am

Sancte Josemaria Escriva, ora pro nobis!

________________________

[Updated: 26 June 2008 1551hrs]
Schedule of Masses at the Parish of the Lord of the Divine Mercy in honor of St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer:

6:00 am (Ordinary form) and 8:00 am (Extraordinary form)

TLM at the 4th National Convention of Diocesan Chancellors

The 4th National Convention of Diocesan Chancellors, that started yesterday, June 24th 2008, began with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered according to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite with Msgr. Moises Andrade, chancellor of the Diocese of Malolos, as celebrant. As the servers prepared the plenary hall of Pius XII Catholic Center, Msgr. Andrade gave a short cathecisis and explained briefly the different parts of the Traditional Mass to his fellow chancellors and guests. The chancellors and guests followed the Traditional Mass, from beginning to end, attentively and reverently and even received the Body of our Lord kneeling in adoration and awe.

During the second day of the convention, Msgr. Moises Andrade will give a talk on the Holy Father's Apostolic Letter given motu proprio Summorum Pontificum.

The 4th National Convention of Diocesan Chancellors is a three day event from June 24 to June 26, 2008 originally in Corregidor Island but moved to Pius XII Catholic Center in UN Avenue Manila due to high waves.

PLDM June 29 Solemn High Mass Invitation

Solemn High Mass
for the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul

Celebrated by Fr. Michell Joe Zerrudo
with Fr. Froilan Rivera (Deacon)
and Fr. Zenki Manabat (Subdeacon)

Pauline Year, June 29th, 2008 at 1:30 PM
Parish of the Lord of the Divine Mercy
Maamo cor. Madasalin Sts. Sikatuna Village
Quezon City

Announcement: Catechism Orientation Seminar

An invitation for ALL single women who have the commitment to serve.

There is an urgent need for TRUTH at this time and age...

We are summoning all witnesses to the TRUTH -- found in Christ -- and heed His call to Spread the Word!

Join us in the Catechism Orientation Seminar this Saturday, 21 June 2008 at 9:00am - 2:00pm, UA&P, Dining Hall 1

This is a seminar for all Catechists and Catechist wannabees.
Seminar would culminate with a Holy Mass at the Stella Orientis Chapel and will shortly be followed by lunch.

Fee: 150 (inclusive of lunch)

RSVP: Claire Navarro email: clairenavarro@yahoo.com or Tess Vergara +63915-5728293 and email: texmtv@yahoo.com

UPDATE: TLM in Biñan Laguna

The Traditional Latin Mass in Biñan Laguna is now offered to our Lord God regularly every Saturday at noon at the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church. The extraordinary form of the Roman Rite is celebrated by Father JP Villanueva.

Deo Gratias!

Cardinal Castrillon-Hoyos: "Not many parishes - all parishes"

Cardinal Castrillon-Hoyos says that the TLM should be celebrated in "not many parishes - all parishes."

Story by Damian Thompson in the Telegraph here.

110th Anniversary of Philippine Independence

Happy 110th Anniversary of Philippine Independence to all Filipinos around the world!

Request for Prayers: Mr. Richard Villavicencio

My prayers and condolences to the family of Mr. Richard Villavicencio. Richard passed away this morning at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan. Our batchmates from Don Bosco are saddened by the news of his passing and he will surely be missed.

Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace. Amen.

Is Joining the Iglesia ni Cristo a Sin of Apostasy

I found an interesting article in a local apologetics magazine regarding the sin of apostasy (emphasis mine):

The Catholic Church places much importance on the education of conscience because conscience is the primary basis of moral life. She respects then the decision of anybody who decides to become a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo if this is a product of his conscience's dictate. We don't believe that any Catholic who joins the Iglesia ni Cristo becomes a servant of the devil. When such person does this decision on dictates of his conscience (believing truly in the teaching of the Iglesia as the "truth"), then he made a decision pleasing to God and good for his soul. A Catholic who joins the Iglesia ni Cristo, thinking of the economic benefits, or to please a spouse or a husband, is another story. Once God is subordinated to purely human interest, then a person really violates the sacredness of his conscience, committing a serious sin which is apostasy.

I'd like to hear your comments.

Ad Orientem Mass for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

Every 2nd Monday of the month, the Prayer Warriors of the Holy Souls offers the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the holy souls in Purgatory at the side chapel of the Manila Cathedral. This morning at 11am, Father Michell Joe Zerrudo, vested in a black chasuble, offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass according to the Missal of Pope Paul VI, the ordinary form of the Roman Rite, facing the "east" together with congregation using the original stone altar of the chapel. Father Zerrudo was appointed by the late Jaime Cardinal Sin as the Spiritual Director of the PWHS in 1999.



The Prayer Warrior of the Holy Souls aims to create and spread a global awareness on the plight of the holy souls in purgatory through sustainable efforts: to pray for the holy souls; to strengthen the faith and longing for holiness of the Prayer Warriors; and to tap resources to sustain the apostolate.

Father John Paul Villanueva's Anniversary Mass

Photo by: Ed Ceñir

On June 7, 2008, Father John Paul Villanueva celebrated his 28th anniversary as priest by offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass according to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite in Missa Cantata at the San Isidro Labrador Parish in Biñan Laguna. His anniversary Mass was assisted by members of his family, friends and some parishioners. Father JP Villanueva explained to the congregation the relevance of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite and some of the traditional practices that sadly have disappeared in recent times.



Congratulations to Father JP Villanueva! Thanks for being a priest!

St. Jerome Emiliani, Alabang TLM Invitation

The Traditional Latin Mass: The Mass of the Ages…..Times Past, Now and Forever

By Marilou Barnes-Cortes

The Pope wishes that the treasure of the traditional Roman liturgy, celebrated unchanged for centuries and centuries, should be preserved for coming generations. – Heavenly Liturgy, Institute of Christ the King the Sovereign Priest

It’s the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass which the “babyboomers’” grandparents, parents, and some of them have attended up to their adolescent years. Among the clergy, only the retired bishops and priests can recall the rubrics of the Mass they used to celebrate. Nowadays, inexplicably, many young people are becoming attracted to the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM).

...more and more young people, who had never before experienced the profoundness and the beauty of the traditional liturgy, are deeply touched by their first contact with it and everywhere are requesting that permission to celebrate this liturgy in public should be given more generously. – Heavenly Liturgy, Institute of Christ the King the Sovereign Priest

In the Parish of St. Jerome Emiliani and Sta. Susana, its Parish Priest, Fr. Grato Germanetto, CRS, who assisted as an altar server for 25 years in the celebration of the TLM at his hometown in Italy, nurtured a personal wish—that he would one day celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the TLM, which is also referred to as the Extraordinary Form per instructions of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI in his Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum:

Art. 7. If a group of lay faithful, as mentioned in art. 5 §1, has not obtained satisfaction to their requests from the pastor, they should inform the diocesan bishop. The bishop is strongly requested to satisfy their wishes. If he cannot arrange for such celebration to take place, the matter should be referred to the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei.

(Art. 5. §1 In parishes, where there is a stable group of faithful who adhere to the earlier liturgical tradition, the pastor should willingly accept their requests to celebrate the Mass according to the rite of the Roman Missal published in 1962, and ensure that the welfare of these faithful harmonizes with the ordinary pastoral care of the parish, under the guidance of the bishop in accordance with Canon 392, avoiding discord and favoring the unity of the whole Church.)

Art. 8. A bishop who, desirous of satisfying such requests, but who for various reasons is unable to do so, may refer the problem to the Commission Ecclesia Dei to obtain counsel and assistance.

Art. 10. The ordinary of a particular place, if he feels it appropriate, may erect a personal parish in accordance with Canon 518 for celebrations following the ancient form of the Roman rite, or appoint a chaplain, while observing all the norms of law.

The instructions allowed any priest to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass without having to ask permission of his bishop.

Fr. Abe Arganiosa, CRS, met Richard Friend (a Filipino-American based in Riverside County, California) via his blog, The Splendor of the Church. Both have a passion for the beauty and spirituality of the “Mass of the Ages” celebrated during the lifetime of the saints and martyrs of the Catholic Church. Fr. Abe it was who referred Richard to Fr. Grato, aware that for the past five years, Fr. Grato has celebrated the Christmas Eve Novus Ordo in Latin to give solemnity to the occasion and to express union with the traditions of the Church. Richard sent his father, Elbert, to meet and ask Fr. Grato if he would agree to celebrate the TLM at St. Jerome Emiliani.

By celebrating the Old Rite, with all its historical accretions, peculiarities and complexities, I am securely part of an organic link with the beginning of the church, a link to Christ himself. And at a time when most people believe the past is there to be junked, the Church needs this link more than ever. -- By Rev. Dr. M.P.F. Cullinan

Richard came home last March and agreed with Fr. Grato to have the first Traditional Latin Mass to be celebrated south of Manila in the Diocese of Parañaque, on the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 9:30AM, at the Church of the Parish of St. Jerome Emiliani and Sta. Susana.

To date Richard has donated (to the Parish of St. Jerome Emiliani) Roman vestments, a biretta, a 1962 Missale Romano altar missal, training materials, a wireless stick microphone (which can be used for the Novus Ordo), and cassocks for the personal use of Fr. Grato. A set of six 20 inch silver plated candelabras and a matching 42 inch altar cross have been ordered, to be donated by Ambassador Daniel Victoria and his friends. A Missalette on the Order of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the Traditional Latin Rite which has the prayers in both Latin and English and the rubrics in English is being assembled by Gerald Cenir and will be made available to attendees. The Missalette may be used at every celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass. Other altar wares and furniture as well as funding for the altar servers’ vestments are still being solicited from kind benefactors.

Not only the ceremony in itself with its beautiful rubrics, the dignified Latin language, and the profound expression of theological truth is important but, also, other details count when it comes to making every single faithful understand how important the liturgy is for our lives. The vestments, the altar cloth, the candlesticks, the cruets, the garments of the servers, all these and many other items used during the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass have to show that we care to give the Lord only the most beautiful things that we have. For this reason, Christian art at its best plays a significant role in the liturgical mysteries. -- Heavenly Liturgy, Institute of Christ the King the Sovereign Priest

A choir composed of the alumni of the Manila Cathedral Boys’ Choir of the 1950s are rehearsing with noted composer and conductor, Dr. Francisco Feliciano, our choir master. They will sing the Missa de Angelis. A group of altar servers from St. Jerome and Jesus the Divine Healer Parish are currently undergoing training for serving at a TLM which requires them to be able to respond in Latin prayers

A transparochial working committee (Traditional Latin Mass St. Jerome Emiliani) headed by Richard Friend (Chairman), Elbert Friend (Richard’s father who represents him), Marilou Barnes-Cortes (Coordinator of activities), George Balagtas (Choir sponsor), Carlos Palad (Master of Ceremonies, Rubricist, Trainor of Altar Servers), Elaine Friend (Richard’s sister and Acting Treasurer), Dr. Francisco Feliciano (Choir Master), Bernie Asperin (Training resource person), and Sue Gozos (architect, designing the altar rail) are busy with the preparations for the June 29 event. Parishioners of St. Jerome, residents of communities within the area as well as parishioners of the Diocese are welcome to join the working committee to help make this celebration a success. Their Secretariat’s contact info are: Tel. No. 842-5361; Tel/Fax No. 809-1535 (contact person: Elaine Friend); email address: tlmstjerome@gmail.com. You can also volunteer your donations or services with the working committee by meeting up with them at rehearsals held Saturdays at the Church or its basement.

Already, priests have voiced their interest to Fr. Grato on undergoing training in the celebration of the TLM. The vision is to have the celebration of the TLM at St. Jerome Emiliani set the “bar” which would be the standard that has to be met by any priest who would be substituting for Fr. Grato (in his absence) to celebrate the TLM at St. Jerome. This standard holds as well for those who will be trained by TLM St. Jerome. However, for now, everyone is focused on the preparations for the inaugural celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass at St. Jerome Emiliani on June 29.

Three months preparation was found to be too short considering that we started “from scratch”. The saving grace is that Fr. Grato is marvelously fluent in Latin and the rubrics of the TLM has remained fresh in his mind!