(A Calbayognon) Filipino priest in Sierra Leone won’t leave Ebola-stricken people

Filipino priest in Sierra Leone won’t leave Ebola-stricken people
By Jennifer Allegado

Fr. Anthony Patrick Santianez, flanked by two Sierra Leone faithfuls, decides to stay with his parishioners despite the threat of Ebola virus. FILE PHOTO/CBCP NEWS/Inquirer Photo

CALBAYOG CITY, Philippines — Relatives of Anthony Patrick Santianez, a missionary priest in Sierra Leone, say they fear for his health and even his life as he has insisted on staying on with his parishioners in the Ebola-stricken West African country.

The priest’s elder sister, Flerdeliza Santianez-Gaviola, who resides in Barangay (village) San Joaquin in this city, said their family worries about him but they have strong faith and believe God would protect him. (read more . . . )

Calbayog Chalet Inaugurated

Calbayognons investing in their hometown. Mayor Ronald Aquino as he took time to pose with some members of the Morallos and Remigio families. The occasion was the inauguration of the Calbayog Chalet. The structure is the first two units of the apartment complex which the Remigio family intends to put up in the sprawling Remigio property in Brgy, Balud, Calbayog City. In photo with Mayor Aquino are Ruby Remigio-Morallos, CKC President Bro. Ariel Manga, ofm, Fernando Mancol, City Budget Officer Geronides Mancol, Melvin Morallos, Oscar Morallos and Fr. Ronnie Asuero, ofm.

more images from the Kutay islet

Here are some more pictures which I took at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Kutay Islet in Barangay Malajog.

The place is set to be blessed this coming Saturday, September 4, 2010 at 8:00 o'clock in the morning.

The Stations of the Cross at Kutay islet

Let me give you some more pictures which I took at Kutay Islet in Malajog. We are still looking for the name of the place, maybe we will later call it a shrine, monument or whatever. Anyway, work is being done to prepare the place for the blessing which will happen in two weeks' time.

On their toes are Jun and Nati Oben who, together with their generous friends came up with this 'big' project. Lately, the site has become popular with soon-to-weds as a venue for their pre-nuptial pictorials. And no need to mention about the beautiful sunsets that one can observe in the area.

This is also worth visiting (especially) during Holy Week with the 14 stations of the cross and other religious images in place. Let me warn you though, it's not easy getting through those steep steps at the islet.

Here are my pictures of the 14 stations of the cross.

work at the Kutay islet

We were with Jun Oben and Asner Dean at Kutay islet (in Malajog) today. Workers were busy putting on some finishing touches in preparation for its blessing which is set on September 4, 2010.

The main attraction of the place is the (more-than-life-size) image of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. Also in the area are the 14 stations of the cross, the Nativity Scene, the Archangels and the Resurrected Christ.

Bishop Isabelo Abarquez will lead the blessing. Invited to lead the ribbon-cutting are Rev. Fr. Roland Cajegas, Congressman Mel Sarmiento, Mayor Reynaldo Uy, and Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino, among others.

Here are some pictures I managed to take at the site.

from the 2009 Fiesta Souvenir Program

THE BIRTH OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD
By Emma Y. Fortuna

Thy birth, Virgin Mother of God,
heralded joy to all the world.
For from thou hast risen the Sun of justice,
Christ our God.

All information about the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, her parentage, her nativity, or her childhood comes from the early tradition of the Church, recorded in the middle of the second century (about 175 A.D) in the apocryphal book, called – the Protoevangelium of St. James.

From the Protoevangelium of St. James we learn that the parents of Blessed Virgin Mary, Joachim and Anna, were righteous and that they greatly devoted their entire lives to God. Her father was a descendant of King David, while her mother came from the priestly line of Aaron. They lived to a ripe old age but never had children. This grieved them so much because in the Old Testament when God blessed His chosen people, He always promised to bless them with numerous offspring. Among the Jews, childlessness was considered as a sign of God’s rejection, a great punishment for one’s sin and a “public disgrace” (Luke 1:25). Thus, Joachim and Anna continued to petition God to send them children. They prayed and fasted that God would grant their desire for a child.

But God, in His divine providence, was actually preparing Joachim and Anna for “great things” (Luke 1:49). He showed them a unique favor, for the child to be born to them was to become the Mother of the Messiah, the promised Savior of the world.

Joachim and Anna had the greatest joy of their lives when an angel appeared to Joachim saying: “Joachim, rejoice! God has heard your prayers and your wife Anna shall conceive and give birth to a daughter, whose nativity will become joy for the entire world.”

And to Anna, the angel Gabriel appeared saying: “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you!” When Mary heard this she was greatly trouble at what the angel said. Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and a bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” …Mary then said, “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:26-38).
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on the 8th of September was not accidental. It was well prepared by God from the very beginning of sacred history. Already in the Garden of Eden, God promised our first parents, Adam and Eve, to send a Savior through the providential Woman, whose “seed will crush the head of the serpent” (Gen. 28:10-17). Her Nativity has taken away not only the “public disgrace” from her parents, but also give joy to all people because she was preordained by God to be the Savior of the world.

The Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived without the stain of sin as a special grace because God selected her to become the mother of His Son (feast of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 8, and declared by Pope Pius IX in 1854 – the dogma of her Immaculate Conception). Her birth was the most wonderful gift God has given to us as a reminder of his all-powerful love for mankind. He gave us his earthly mother, Mary, to comfort and love us the way only a mother can. Through Mary, he sent his only Son to free us from sin and death. This too is one of the many ways God wants us to turn to him through Mary.

Although Sacred Scripture does not record Mary’s birth, she is the subject of much veneration in the Christian faith, particularly the Roman Catholic Church. The feast of her nativity has been celebrated in the church at least since the 8th Century. Orthodox and Anglican Churches also celebrate it on September 8. Her feast is one of the oldest Marian solemnities. At the beginning the feast of her nativity was without any major solemnity. Later, in the seventh century solemn celebration spread out to Rome and throughout the entire West.

When her feast came to be celebrated with greater solemnity, certain liturgical hymns were composed. However, in the eighth and ninth centuries, original hymns were replaced by more meaningful and more elaborate compositions still in use today. The present liturgical hymns of the Byzantine rite, taken from Vespers and Matins, were composed in the eighth century and in the ninth century the monks also composed some hymns. Our local hymnographers in Calbayog: the late Malaquias Nonato and Joe Gomez also composed hymns both in English and in local dialect. The liturgical hymns also exalt Joseph and Mary for their love and devotion, their faith, and unwavering confidence in God.

The people of the City of Calbayog celebrate the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8 with great honor and solemnity. The celebration starts with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass followed by novena prayers and petitions for nine consecutive days. And, in order to bring Christ and the Blessed Mother to the people to remind them of the coming festivities, the venue of each day of the novena is assigned to the different establishments and sectors of society. Funfare also start weeks prior to September 8. There is the ferries wheel, which everyone, young and old enjoy while the business people put on their booths to sell their goods.

At the start of the novena the main altar in the church is well decorated with beautiful flowers, tapestry, and bright lights. Every family no matter how poor they are try to prepare something for someone who might come along for a visit to bring good wishes to the family at this festive occasion. Special and delicious menu are always on the table. Of course the favorite roasted pig “lechon” with its shinny and crispy skin is never overlooked.

Early dawn on fiesta day the band, traditionally called “diana” plays around town to wake people up and remind them that it’s time to start the day with church. Our great, great grandparents and parents always remind us to start the day by attending holy mass. The Pontifical Mass, a solemn mass celebrated by the bishop and concelebrated by other priests from the different parishes is always well attended. It’s so pleasing to see parishioners and guests falling in line during offertory to give in their donation. The procession with the decorated “carroza” of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also well attended.

A colorful parade and street fest coordinated by representatives from the government, private organizations, and schools as well as from the neighboring towns are always looked forward to. The celebration ends with an evening of dinner and dance and it is at this occasion that you’ll meet old friends, classmates, guests, and make new friends. It is a celebration of fellowship, camaraderie and community.

It is very important for all of us to remember that the best way to express our love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary is to receive the holy sacraments (confession and communion) on her feast days. When we receive Holy Communion, we carry Jesus in our hearts, just as Mary carried Him under her immaculate heart for nine months. She is our model for our faith in the way she gave her life totally to God. She teaches us how to love God. We turn to her for help whenever we needed help.

Our religious traditions have very deep spiritual meaning. We must learn to understand and be acquainted with them and try to preserve them!

Preserve our traditions!
____________________

Sources:

The Divine Office Matins (Morning Prayer)
Living Waters, The New Testament in English Version, 4th edition.
Byzantine Leaflet Series, Byzantine Seminary Press, Pittsburgh, PA
Research Collection of Rev. Fr. Cantius J. Kobak, OFM, Franciscan Missionary
Mary Through the Centuries: Her Place in the History of Culture, Jan. 1923, Jaroslav Pelikan
Alone of All Her Sex, The Myth and the Cult of the Virgin Mary, Library of Congress Cataloging Pub. Data, Marina Warner.

from the 2009 Fiesta Souvenir Program

Let me give you an article written by Ms. Anita B. Lazo. Said article was some sort of an introduction for the "Getting to know the Hermanas Mayores" feature of the 2009 Fiesta Souvenir Program.

Christian Discipleship in Action
By Anita Basco Lazo

This year, Calbayog is blessed with three notable women as Hermanas Mayores – 2009 who, without question, personify excellence in their passion for church and community service.

Prima (Emma) Y. Fortuna, Edele R. Alegria and Venancia M. Yangzon have given most of their adult lives to such service worthy of profound admiration.

Upon arrival in the U.S., Emma joined the Calbayog Association of America, Inc. (CAA, Inc) in the Bay Area with Edele. As active members of the Association, both were instrumental in keeping it strong and stable. First in her agenda, Emma changed the election process by drafting its guidelines into what was known as “The Calbayog Association of America, Inc. Election Guide”. In 1980, Emma and Edele began to put together the novena to Our Lady’s Nativity in preparation of our hometown fiesta celebration. Led by Emma, copies of the novena were printed and are being used today during the nine consecutive Saturdays up to the weekend closest to the designated feast day. From this year on through 1989, Emma was commissioned as Eucharistic Minister at St. Barnabas Parish in Alameda while teaching catechism to prepare young children for first communion, an activity she dearly loved and enjoyed. In addition, she joined the Legion of Mary and became secretary and eventually served as president of the Legion’s Junior Praesidium, lasting for about 5 years.

In 1981, Emma became secretary of the CAA, Inc. serving the Association for over 18 years until she was elected president in 2001-2004.

Having taken up residence in Mesa, Arizona with her husband, Felix Fortuna, during the winter months, Emma continues to devote her time as Eucharistic Minister at the Holy Cross Parish Church. Despite the distance, she has consistently been an active participant in the activities and projects of the CAA, Inc., with her election this year as member of the Board of Directors for the incoming term.

Equally deserving of note and esteem is one of our high-achievers Edele R. Alegria. Likewise, she served as president of the Legion of Mary at the St. Barnabas Parish for 4 years and became Director of the Confirmation class in the Parish for 2 years. Edele was also the summer camp nurse for the Fill-Am Youth and for a time became a member of the “Magkakaibigan”, a Filipino pastoral group in the Diocese.

For the most part, Edele has been in the forefront as a leading figure in the CAA, Inc. She was also an active participant in the activities and projects of the Association and had been a member of the Board of Directors until she was elected president from 1997-1999.

Presently, Edele resides in Barangay Binaliw, Tinambacan District with her husband Sam Alegria. She keeps herself busy by working as coordinator of a Supplemental Nutrition Feeding Program for malnourished children, 6-12 years old, a continuing program sponsored by the Commission on Health under the Diocese of Calbayog in Barangay Binaliw. Edele feeds over 200 children five days a week for 6 months at a time. Additionally, she serves as Servant of Basic Ecclesial Community at the Chapel of San Isidro, (Barangay Binaliw) of the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, Tinambacan District and is also the adviser of the Parish Youth Council. Commissioned by the Bishop of Calbayog as Lay Minister at the Chapel of San Isidro, Edele became a coordinator of catechists, as well.

Foremost in church ministry and community work is our beloved Venan M. Yangzon. Her unselfish service on behalf of the Calbyog Parish is undeniably a shining example of Christian fervor. An enthusiastic catechist from 1952-1956, her work began at the Pilot School while attending various catechetical institutes and seminars to further enhance and improve her skills on this most fulfilling gift. As a member of the Children of Mary (COM) Society, Venan took the rank of unit treasurer in 1951-1964 and attended parish and diocesan conventions from 1960-1963. In 1973, she was appointed the Society’s Regional Treasurer. For ten years (1975-1985), she became a member of the Society of Priestly and Religious Vocation (SPRV) and was promoted as vice president in 1986. As organizer of COM units in different parishes, she was also responsible for reorganizing dormant units. In 2008, Venan was elected COM president. Years back in 2003, she was elected as a member of the Calbayog Parish Pastoral Council and soon took on a higher level position as assistant treasurer. From 2008 to the present time, Venan is the Parish Pastoral Council’s Treasurer.

As Calbayognons, our hearts are filled with utmost pride and joy as we ponder on the remarkable achievements of our three hermanas mayores. Indeed, it is with total gratification that we salute these ladies, deserving of recognition they truly deserve for the glory of God.

The Editorial of the 2009 Fiesta Souvenir Program

Renewal of Family and Society, Calbayog Fiesta and Other Thoughts
By Dorie Magbutay - Lee

It was the escape from the frigid winter of Wisconsin to the balmy, sunny days of Arizona in late February that gave my husband, Len and I, the chance to see Emma again and meet her husband, Felix. In their lovely summer home in Mesa, Arizona, we basked not only in the sunshine but also in their hospitality. We had the opportunity to view the paintings of Felix’s that mirrored the beauty and majesty of the mountains, big blue sky and deserts of Arizona.

During this visit and subsequent e-mails, Emma informed me of her being one of the hermanas for the Calbayog City fiesta this year. (The other two co-celebrants are her sisters, Venan, and her friend Edele.) She also asked me if I could write something for the program that they are preparing for the fiesta - either about Calbayog or the theme of the fiesta.

Wow! What could this expatriate of 33 years write about Calbayog? Nothing but of some old memories and experiences as a student and teacher at Christ the King College. So, I turned into looking at the theme of the city fiesta: Towards 2010 and Beyond: Mary and the Eucharist in the Renewal of Family and Society. Not an easy topic either! But there are some personal thoughts of how I would go renewing myself through Mary and Eucharist.

What exactly is renewal, I asked myself and how will I go about this task? Not knowing exactly the mission and structure that the Parish of Our Lady's Nativity set up to accomplish this task transformation, I will go on my own exploration as to how the lives of Mary and Jesus (the Eucharist) can help me develop concrete approaches to help deepen my faith through increasing my understanding of Catholic teachings, the reception of the sacraments, practice of morality and prayer and how to connect and manifest all this in my everyday life, thus achieving renewal personality, and through my own example influence those in my family and other people in the community. A very tall order, indeed!

Living Christ made possible through the reception of the Eucharist is a daunting task. Modeling my life after Mary, the Mother of God, who is full of Divine Grace and free from original sin seems such an impossible task for an ordinary, run-of-the-mill Catholic woman like me! So, what in Mary’s life can help me renew myself?

Thinking of Mary as the embodiment of Divine Grace and Faith in God, the Mother of Jesus Christ, assumed and crowned in heaven, fills me with awe and wonderment but does not invoke any feeling other than that of supplication in time of need and consolation in time of sorrow. I need a more human connection with Mary to realize I can be more connected to her and through her to her Son, Jesus Christ, who comes to us in the Sacrament of Real Presence, the Eucharist.

Very little is known of Mary as a girl. However, we know through the Feast of Annunciation, that the angel Gabriel told her that she is the woman chosen to be the Mother of Jesus. Jesus and Mary: Redeemer and Redeemed! A mystery, but what could I get out of this relationship that I could meditate on and apply it to my own life? Here are some thoughts:

Mary had complete faith in God. Although perplexed that she would carry a Child when she knows no man, she bowed to the Will of God, when she responded, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, Be it done unto me according to thy Word.” How often do I fail to accept events that happen in my life; pray only for the good things in life and the bad things to go away!

Mary had physically experienced being pregnant. Although Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, the God-Man, was born of the Virgin Mary. She must have gone through all the pains of morning sickness, of the sense of bloating, back aches, labor pains, and all this! This I could relate to.

Mary experienced the joys, the fears and agony of being a parent. Just imagine the joy and the pride of seeing a son growing strong and intelligent that He can engage in discussion with the elders in the Temple, the fear and apprehension in going into exile to Egypt for the safety of her newborn baby, the anxiety of looking for a young son who wandered off, the agony of seeing her son accused of a crime, scourged, humiliated, and carrying a cross around town and crucified as a criminal!

Behind all these events Mary had Joseph, a man of faith, betrothed to Mary, (who became pregnant before they were married) who accepted the will of God without question, the man that took care of her and baby Jesus with quiet strength and forbearance. What a man for a husband!

The Eucharist, the mystery that transcends reason, when Jesus Christ offers His own Body and Blood to mankind. I believe and accept this most central of beliefs in my Catholic faith. All things are possible, if God wills it so. Just as Jesus united Himself with Mary in her womb, I take communion, I take in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. As Mary became the Vessel of God, when she became pregnant with Jesus, I receive the Real Presence of Jesus when I partake of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

With these thoughts of Mary and Jesus Christ, is it possible for me to live the life of the Christ? How does one do that?

We verbally profess our faith every time we recite the Creed, but

Unless heart and will be added, they will all be empty forms, mere appearance of piety.
At such a spectacle, the Virgin, borrowing the words of Jesus Christ, would address us with the just reproach: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me”. (Matthew XV, 8).

How do I add my heart and will to my faith? In addition to what the Church expects me to do, I think I could renew and rededicate myself by doing everyday the simple things I do to live my life.

To give thanks to God for each new day as I rise in the morning.
To tell and show my husband, my family and grandchildren how I love them and how they enrich my life.

To speak kindly and do deeds of kindness to everyone I meet daily.
To say thank you and show appreciation to the gentle words and kindness shown to me.

To think ill of no one, to do nothing that will hurt someone.
To use my gifts and talents for my own good and those of others.

To use the gifts of this Earth wisely, consume only enough for me and my family’s needs and converse the rest for the use of others and future generations.
And before I retire for the night, to give thanks to God for the chance to do His will today despite the distractions and difficulties.

And above all, thanks to whoever thought of making the Nativity of Mary, the Feast Day of Calbayog. Of all the Marian Feast days they could choose from, they picked on that we all can relate to – a birthday!

Have a great celebration of Mary’s birthday, people of Calbayog. God bless you all!

A dinner date in SoHo

Dining with the Mayor. After his presentation at the U.N. Side Event on the MDGs, some New York-based Calbayognons invited Mayor Mel Sarmiento to dinner. This was held at Cendrillon, that Filipino fushion resto in fashionable SoHo District.

In the picture with City Mayor are Boy Mancol, Mike & Gwendolyn (the Mayor's friends from New York), Charito Avelino, Loudette Avelino, tita Freda (Ladrero), and Guely & Olga Mancol.