Caroling in the Philippines:

Caroling is an enduring and beautiful Filipino Christmas tradition. Once the month of December comes, we see carolers going around singing Christmas carols from house to house spreading the spirit of the season through Christmas songs, traditional and modern versions.

Usually it is the children grouping together and going around house to house in their neighborhood to sing Christmas carols. Among the old time favorites are Jingle Bells, Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Silver Bells. Traditional Filipino Christmas songs add to the festive atmosphere, like Ang Pasko ay Sumapit, Pasko na Naman, Himig Pasko, Payapang Daigdig.

Filpino ingenuity comes naturally with handmade musical instruments made from bottle tops for tambourine, or drums fashioned out from used cans or biscuit tins. The children are happy with whatever amount from the generosity of people is shared with them.

Even adults are into caroling during the Christmas season. Church organizations, clubs, and other adult groups also do their caroling to raise funds. Some of these groups give a letter in advance to inform the date and time of caroling. They usually come with more "professional" musical instruments like the guitar, drums, tambourine, and even portable musical organ. For these groups, it is a wonderful feeling not only to spread the joy of the Yuletide Season but to raise needed funds for their organizations or causes and advocacy.

In my community, a group of chapel volunteers do our annual caroling during the first week of December among our community to raise funds for the annual maintenance and operational expenses of our community chapel. We end up before the start of our Simbang Gabi Masses which at 5 in the morning to have time to prepare for the Simbang Gabi Masses in our chapel.

Christmas carols make the Yuletide Season livelier and more spirited. They remind the people that Christmas is really giving and sharing, which also manifests the Filipino spirit of generosity and magnanimity.

Simbang Gabi  in the Philippines

As our Advent pilgrimage draws near to Christmas Day, Catholics in the Philippines begin their spiritual preparation for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with novena Masses popularly called "Simbang Gabi".

Simbang Gabi or Mass at Dawn is a devotional nine-day novena in honor of the

Blessed Mother in preparation for Christmas. It is a tradition with deep roots in the country's religious culture, and one of the longest and most popular among Filipino traditions in the Philippines. Simbang Gabi expresses the faith of Filipinos who hold the belief that God is ever present in human history, in the simple joys and anxieties of life's humblest activities.

This novena Mass begins on December 16 until 24. Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors shortly before the break of dawn at 4 or 5 in the morning, to welcome the faithful to the Simbang Gabi Mass.

Many urban parishes now celebrate anticipated Simbang Gabi around 8 or 9 in the evening in order to accommodate the needs of people on a great variety of work schedules. Anticipated Simbang Gabi Masses start on December 15 to 23.

Origin

It is said that Simbang Gabi traces its roots in Mexico in 1587. Here in the Philippines it originated in the early days of Spanish rule. This cherished Christmas custom eventually became a distinct feature of Philippine culture.

Christmas Celebration

The changing of times does not break the preservation of celebrating Simbang Gabi in the Philippines. The tradition continuous to our generation, although the celebration incorporates new ways. 

For example, there are colorful lights and lanterns that fill every street leading to the churches. Songs of the season are played to warm the hearts. Families, friends and the faithful in general go to the nearest church to attend the nine-day novena Mass. And shortly after Mass families go back home to feast on various delicacies like bibingka, puto bungbong or a drink of salabat or hot chocolate.

Relevance

Simbang Gabi is not just a tradition that is celebrated because we need to do so. It provides a significant moment to strengthen relationship among family members. More importantly, it is a time when our faith is intensified. It is the time when we feel the presence of the Lord because it is our spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day.

The old Spanish name for the Simbang Gabi is actually "Misa de Aguinaldo". The phrase offers some insight into the meaning of Simbang Gabi. In Spanish "aguinaldo" means a gift. So Misa de Aguinaldo suggests a gift for the Child Jesus on his birthday. Because the observance of Simbang Gabi is somewhat a sacrifice of love as it requires dedication, will power and discipline to get out of bed so early while yet fulfilling all of one's daily duties and obligations.

It is good to be able to complete the nine-day novena Masses. Even if we miss some days, the blessing does not depend on the number of Mass attended. What is important is the disposition of the person who makes some sacrifice of waking up early to attend the Simbang Gabi Mass and receive the Lord's blessing.

Church Bells Ring

Let the bells of Simbang Gabi break the pre-dawn silence of the whole land. For the bells of Simbang Gabi offer a message of hope in God, especially at this crucial time when our nation has been devastated by series of calamities, both man-made and natural. 

Let us hope in God, and pray for peace on earth to people of good will.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!

Woman full of God's grace!

The angel Gabriel greeted the young Mary in the annunciation, thus: "Hail, full of grace. The Lord is with you!"

Indeed, Mary is full of God's grace from the very beginning, since she is the only human without the stain of original sin that we inherited from our first parents. Because from the very beginning of creation Mary was chosen by God to be the Mother of his only begotten Son. Thus, from her human womb God the Son became one like us in all things but sin.

Today, September 8 is traditionally celebrated by the Catholic Church as the Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Although it is no longer a day of obligation, Catholics are encouraged to go to Mass to greet Mary, the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Mother too, a Very Happy Birthday!
            

     Happy Birthday, Mama Mary!


"The prayers and readings" in the Mass for this special day "point to the birth of Jesus, which is the 'dawn of our Salvation'". Because the "liturgy wants us to view the birth of Mary in relation to the birth of her Son." (Source: Ordo 2012) For it was Mary's "fiat" (translated, "let it be") that made possible salvation from our sins.

Our Dear Mama Mary, on your birthday, we greet you with the prayer of Hail Holy Queen, in Latin version:


Salve Regina, 
Mater  misericordiae,
Vita, dulcedo, 
et spes nostra, salve

Ad te clamamus, 
exsules filii Evae,
Ad te suspiramus, 
gementes et flentes
in hac lacrimarum valle.

Eia, ergo, advocata nostra, 
illos tuos misericordes oculos 
ad nos converte; et lesum, 
benedictum fructum ventris tui,
nobis post hoc exsilium ostende.

O Clemens; O Pia, 
O Dulcis Virgo Maria!


Mama Mary, please pray for us,
our country, and the whole Church!

Ad Jesum per Mariam!

September 5, 2014: 

Today I woke up with a home-made choco cake from my son, Mico, to celebrate my 6th year "graduation" from the corporate world.

I decided to "retire" earlier than the mandatory age six years ago to enjoy life and my family,

after working for more than three decades of my adult life. I guess my family celebrates that day since I spend more time with them ever since.

Thank You, Lord for the blessing of work, the benefits I earned and continue to enjoy at retirement, and the friends that accompanied me in my journey of life through the corporate world. These are the sweet memories I bring along, as I continue my journey towards life's sunset. Amen.

The "Ber" Months in the Philippines

September 1 is the start of the "ber" months in the Philippines.  It is part of the Filipino customs that at the beginning of the "ber" months, which include September through December, is also the beginning of the holiday season that will lead to Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Thus, the Philippines has the distinction as the only country that starts the holiday season once September comes in. In fact the world's longest Christmas season is celebrated in the Philippines, Asia's predominantly Christian nation.

It is no wonder that since this morning some radio programs begin playing holiday tunes, and tv stations greet the beginning of September with special shows that have Christmas themes already. Even the weather joins in, as it is expected that the mornings will get colder in the coming days.

Despite the hard times, Filipinos have reason to smile as the cool "ber" months begin, ushering in the joyous countdown to Christmas.

While Filipinos are normally known for their last-minute shopping, usually after the release of 13th month pay and Christmas bonuses in mid-December, it is not unusual that many actually begin preparing their lists for holiday shopping and gift-giving as early as the month of September.

It is still 116 days before Christmas as of today, yet shopping malls start to become busy and crowded with shoppers and onlookers as the "ber" months progress. This atmosphere is expected to become more lively and happy when stores are finally decked with holiday attractions.

On top of all the anticipation, the Catholic Church always reminds the faithful about the real meaning of the Christmas season: it is all about love, God's love. For God gave His only Son to save us. That's the true meaning of CHRISTMAS!

Ad Jesum per Mariam!

Feast of John the Baptist

John the Baptist is the Patron of my birth place, Tabaco City in Albary province.

The Church celebrates his Feast on June 24, which is also celebrated as the Fiesta of Tabaco City.

Who is John the Baptist?

He was the son of Zachary, a priest of the Temple of Jerusalem, and Elizabeth, a kinswoman of Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus.

John lived as a hermit in the desert of Judea until about 27 AD. When he was thirty, he began to preach on the banks of the Jordan against the evils of the times and called men to penance and baptism, proclaiming that "the Kingdom of Heave is close at hand!"  He attracted large crowd, and when Christ came to him, John recognized Him as the Messiah and baptized Him, saying to our Lord Jesus, "It is I who need baptism from You." St. John was the last great prophet to herald the birth of Jesus Christ.

Ordinarily, the Church observes the day of a saint's death as his or her feast, because that day marks his or her entrance into heaven. There are two exceptions to this rule, the birthdays of Blessed Mary and of St. John the Baptist. The reason is this: All other persons were stained with original sin at birth, hence, were displeasing to God. But Mary, already in the first moment of her existence, was free from original sin (for which reason even her very conception is commemorated by a special feast), and John was cleansed of original sin in the womb of his mother, when the Blessed Mary pregnant at that time with our Lord Jesus, visited John's mother, Elizabeth.

In the Gospel accounts, King Herod had John the Baptist imprisoned for denouncing his marriage to his brother's wife,Herodias. The King then had John beheaded, and the Feast of his beheading is remember on August 29.

John the Baptist is also considered the patron of tailors (because he made his own garments in the desert), of shepherds (because he spoke of the "Lamb of God"), and of masons. This patronage over masons is traced to his words:

"Make ready the way of the Lord, make straight all his paths.

Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be

brought low. And the crooked shall be made straight, and

the rough ways smooth." (Luke 3,4-6)

We greet Tabaco City a Very Happy Fiesta!

And prayers are always answered.... in God's time.... Thank You, Lord, for the gift of life.....

Life that matters, facing the sunset

There is wisdom in the wise words: Growing old is a blessing that those who died young did not have the chance to enjoy.

Because celebrating life is beautiful, especially as I face the threshold towards life sunset.

In the remaining steps in my journey of life, I choose to travel light and be

happy, becoming more philosophical and reflective about the joy of living. I realize that the greatest treasure in this life is actually living a happy life.

I have learned that happiness is not having what you want; it is really wanting and appreciating what I already have.

So looking at the bright side of life comes easy. Good times become good memories. Bad times become good lessons. I look to the future with serenity and hope... because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.

Yet it is the present that fascinates me still, where I can reflect on life's great lessons, like the wisdom shared by these powerful thoughts:

Whether I am ready or not, someday it will come to an end. That means there will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days for me.

So that all the things I collected through the years, whether treasures or baubles, will just pass to someone else... to my loved ones I hope. But even these will shrivel to irrelevance insofar as I am concerned anyway. Because it will not matter what I owned or what I was owed... when my time is finally up.

Even my grudges, resentments, frustrations will finally disappear; so too my hopes, plans, and to-do list will expire. Everything in my material world will become irrelevant.... someday.

So then what really matters? Well, I search for answers in these inspiring words:

What matters is not what I got, but what I gave and shared...

What matters is not my competence, but my character....

What matters is not my success, if any, but my significance, especially to those dear to me....

What matters is not what I learned but the things and examples that I taught and shared with those who look up to me....

What matters is not how many people I knew, but how many people will feel a lasting loss, when I am gone...

What matters is not my memories, but rather the memories that live in the people who love me....

What matters is my integrity, compassion, sacrifice. Because they can enrich, empower, and encourage others to emulate my examples... if they have any worth to humanity.

Yet I also realize that living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. Neither it is a matter of circumstances, but of deliberate choice.

So I choose and commit myself to live a life that matters, in what remains of my life's journey, as I end my reflection with....

A Serenity Prayer  

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

enjoying one moment at a time;

trusting that the Lord will make all things right

if I surrender to His will;

so that I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with Him

forever and ever in the next.

Thank You, Lord for the gift of life.

Thank You for my life's milestone

I celebrate today, the 9th of May.

Amen.

Moving forward in my journey of life towards the sunset, I have learned that there is really no way to happiness. Because happiness is simply a way of life. And the best thing, I have also learned, that HAPPINESS is free..... at least I think.

The Catholic Church celebrates during the Holy Week the mysteries of salvation accomplished by Christ in the last days of his earthly life. It began last Palm Sunday, with our Lord's messianic entry into Jerusalem, until his blessed Passion and glorious Resurrection.

The weekdays of this week are dedicated to the celebration of penance. The faithful are also encourage to reflect more deeply on the Passion of our Lord.

The last three days of Holy Week are called the Sacred Paschal Triduum, which begins on Holy Thursday.

Holy Thursday

In the Catholic Church, Holy Thursday (also known as Maundy Thursday) is the

day that we celebrate the Last Supper, at which Jesus instituted the Mass and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. 

During the Mass, the reenactment of the washing of the feet of the twelve disciples is done by the priest celebrant. The group of men whose feet are to be washed should, as much as possible, represent a cross-section of the local community.  The number is traditionally twelve, though there is no exact requirement. 

During the Offertory part of the Mass, the faithful are encouraged to offer gifts in cash or kind for the needy members of the community.

After the distribution of Communion, a ciborium with hosts for Communion on the following day (Good Friday) is left on the altar. Following the prayer after Communion, the Transfer of the Most Blessed Sacrament to the place of repose takes place. It is not allowed to expose the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance or even in a ciborium. The Blessed Sacrament is reposed. It is not allowed to repose the Blessed Sacrament outside the church.

When the celebration has ended, the altar is stripped privately. That means any crosses be covered with red or purple veil. Even lamps should not be lit before images of saints.

The faithful are encouraged to do the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during

the night, just as the disciples stayed with the Lord during his agony on the Mount of Olives before the betrayal of Judas.

For Filipinos, the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is done through the traditional "Visita Iglesia" by families or with group of friends or relatives.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!

Good Friday in the Catholic Church

Good Friday is the second day of our Triduum. It is the day on which we commemorate the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, the act that brought salvation to all.

             

   "It is accomplished," And bowing his head he gave up his spirit. 

               (Jn 19:30)
  

So today, the whole Church, stripped of its ornaments, the altar bare with no cloths, candles nor cross, and the door of the empty tabernacle stands open, mourns the death of our Savior.  

The organ music is silent from Holy Thursday until the Alleluia at the Easter Vigil, as well as bells and other instruments; the only music permitted during this period is unaccompanied chant.

The liturgy in the afternoon consists of three parts:

(a) The Liturgy of the Word

The priest and assisting ministers enter in complete silence, without any singing. They prostrate themselves for a few moments of silent prayer in front of the altar, signifying both the abasement of earthly man, and also the grief and sorrow of the Church.

The Passion account from the Gospel of John is read. (During Holy Week, the Passion is read three times: on Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, and Good Friday.)

(b)  Veneration of the Cross

A cross, either veiled or unveiled, is carried in procession through the Church, and

then venerated by the congregation. We reverently venerate and kiss the wooden cross on which hung the Savior of the world in order to honor the great sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for us.

Adoration or veneration of an image or representation of Christ's cross does not mean we are actually honoring the material image but rather what it represents. In kneeling before the crucifix and kissing it we are paying the highest honor to our Lord's cross as the instrument of our salvation. Because the Cross is inseparable from His sacrifice; in reverencing His Cross we are, in effect, adoring Christ.

Thus we affirm: We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee, because by Thy Holy Cross Thou has redeemed the world.

(c) Holy Communion

The altar is covered with cloth for the Holy Communion part and the ciboria containing the Blessed Sacrament consecrated on Holy Thursday are brought to the altar from the place of reposition.

The Our Father and the Ecce Agnus Dei (This is the Lamb of God) are recited before Holy Communion.

Then the congregation receives Holy Communion.

The Prayer after Communion is said, followed by the final Prayer Over the People.

At the end of the rite, the priest  and people depart in silence, and the altar cloth is removed, leaving the altar bare again except for the Cross and two or more candlesticks.

Seven Last Words:

In some Churches the reflections on the Seven Last Words of Jesus are done prior to the afternoon liturgy.

Day of Fasting and Abstinence:

The Catholic Church treats Good Friday as a day of fast and abstinence. According to Church's rule, fasting is required for ages 18 to 60, and abstinence is from age 14.

The Church mourns in silence:

The rest of the day we keep our meditative silence to mourn the death of our Lord Jesus Christ who saved us from our sins, as we await with joyful expectation his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!