September 2016

Welcoming the "BER" months, only in the Philippines

September is the start of the "Ber" months in the Philippines. It is part of the Filipino customs that 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, which is predominantly Christian nation in whole of Asia, has the distinction and the reputation of having the earliest and the longest celebration of Christmas.

The sound of "Ber" months put a smile on the face of every Filipino. It appears that there is "magic" in

the word that symbolizes hope and aspirations that even in the midst of life's struggles there is a time to celebrate the joy of living with sharing and singing. Because in spite of depressing news of Filipinos killed in the relentless drive against drug abuse, Filipinos will find a reason to smile as the cool "Ber" months begin, ushering in the joyous countdown to Christmas.

Expect that very soon, I hope and pray, radio programs will be playing holiday tunes, and tv station will greet the beginning of September with special shows that have Christmas themes already. As day passes from the first day of September, you will see Christmas decorations all around --at home, in the streets, inside shopping malls, and other business establishments. Because when the "Ber" month starts, the store will slowly start to display their Christmas products, like Christmas decor, Christmas lights, lanterns, decorative Santa Claus, etc.

Even the weather joins in, as it is expected that the mornings will get colder in the coming days.

While Filipinos are known for their last-minute shopping, usually after the release of the 13th month pay and Christmas bonuses in mid-December perhaps, 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 about 116 days before Christmas, yet shopping malls start to become busy and crowded with shoppers and onlookers as the "Ber" months progress. This atmosphere is expected to become even more lively and happy when stores are finally decked with holiday attractions.

Amidst all the anticipation and holiday preparation, the

Catholic Church reminds the faithful about the real meaning of the Christmas season: God's love. For He gave His only Son to save humanity. Let us not forget to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Savior. For this is the true meaning, and reason, of Christmas: God loves us!

Ad Jesum per Mariam!

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated every August 15, which falls on Monday this year.

The Feast commemorates the glorious moment when the Blessed Mother was taken up body and soul into the glory of Heaven at the end of her life (a foretaste of our own bodily resurrection at the end of time.) She is the only human being granted this singular privilege as the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because it signifies the Blessed Virgin's passing into eternal life, it is the most important of all Marian feasts.

Pope Pius XII defined the Dogma of the Assumption on November 1, 1950. As a dogma, the Assumption is a required belief of all Catholics; anyone who publicly dissents from the dogma, Pope Pius declared, "has fallen away completely from the divine and Catholic Faith."

Scripture does not give an account of Mary's Assumption into Heaven. But belief that Mary, without dying or shortly after death, has been taken up into Heaven with her body and her soul has been part of the teaching of the Catholic Church since the earliest centuries of Christianity. That early Christian believed in Mary's Assumption is proven in the lack of her relics, empty tomb, and quotes from early Christians.

The Feast of the Assumption gives each of us great hope as we contemplate this one facet of the beautiful woman of faith, our Blessed Mother Mary moves us by example and prayer to grow in God's grace, to be receptive to His will, to convert our lives through sacrifice and penance, and seek the everlasting union in the Heavenly kingdom. This Feast confirms us in the virtue of hope, whereby we seek holiness of life in the midst of our ordinary duties.

Catholics are encouraged to go to Mass on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother, although it is no longer a holy day of obligation in the Church here in the Philippines.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!