CHRISTMAS 2023 Issue
The
Christmas 2023 Issue
The Paraclete
1
Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon
PARACLETE Parish of the Holy Spirit, BF Homes, Quezon City
December 2023
Mary as God’s First Influencer By Angeli Francis S. Rivera
Mary and St. Joseph provided the environment for Jesus to mature in relation to himself, God, and POPE FRANCIS CALLED Mary “God’s first society (cf. Luke 2:52). influencer,” alongside St. John Bosco, the “Influencer of the Young,” and Blessed Carlo If Mary is the first influencer of God, then Acutis, the “Catholic Influence,” in his concluding legionaries, in their own capacity, can establish remarks at the World Youth Day on January 26, God’s “dwelling” even in digital spaces. Although 2019 in Panama. Although the first two saints are no document is written yet that would become a not literal digital influencers, they are influencers precedence for creating digital tents in cyberspace in terms of holiness and service. The legionary (with the exemption of Pope Francis’ Christus system is by no means indifferent to holiness Vivit, or apostolic exhortation to Young People), and service, for the Legion of Mary’s object is the the legionary system is a perfect model for its glory of God through the holiness of its members distinct characteristics: developed by prayer and active cooperation” First, the legionary system is fruitful. The legionary (Chapter 2, Object of the Legion). system is patterned after the master-apprentice Mary herself is the spirit of the Legion and its model, where the apprentice accompanies the apostolic life (Chapter 3, Spirit of the Legion). teacher at work. The apprentice does not parrot Her humility and obedience crown her numerous but can develop his/her talents even if he/she virtues above all. From the Hebrew etymology, ob- differs from the master in status and profession. audire (to listen and to follow), biblical obedience This shows the fruitfulness of the Gospel in any emphasizes the importance of listening before context and the ability of the lay apostolate to better acting upon what is heard. In the Annunciation people and institutions in response to “God’s story, Mary was found to ask, “How shall this active work in human history” (Lumen Gentium, be? Since I have no husband” (Luke 1:38), which no. 9). Through and with Mary, legionaries can pointed out that she listened well and openly make the Gospel values incarnate in any culture stated her thoughts before giving her sweet fiat and order them to the common good of the society in confidence to God. Although “blessed among and for the greater glory of God (Chapter 10, The women,” (Luke 1:40) Mary did not exalt herself Legionary Apostolate, no. 2). above others. God alone is the object of her praise, and her humility has become the model of Second, the legionary system is disciplined “effective legionary action” (Chapter 6, The Duty and orderly. The legionary life is a lifestyle of of Legionaries Towards Mary, no. 2). Her divine perseverance and growth. From weekly attendance motherhood attested to this virtue. Just as every to the ordering of items in the agenda, the parent’s duty is to raise their children in a healthy “methodical” approach ties every legionary to the environment that guarantees their holistic growth, local Church he/she serves and, as a consequence,
The Paraclete
2
shares in the activity of Christ by virtue of membership to his Mystical Body (Chapter 9, The Legionary and the Mystical Body of Christ, no.1). It is worthy to note that Mary increases “Jesus” just as how any parent would describe his/her children. She tells the servants at the Wedding at Cana to follow whatever Jesus commands them (cf. John 2:5) and leads the disciples in praying for the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 2) to come upon them. Her merits are not her own but connected to Christ. She is “full of grace” (cf. Luke 1:28), hence, her strong intercession.
CHRISTMAS 2023 Issue
(Chapter 11, Scheme of the Legion, no. 2), legionaries, through practical demonstration of Mary, can perfect a Christian lifestyle that is creative, with respect to their unique gifts, and practical, given their capacities. Legionaries are even more efficient in ordinary circumstances, like home, school, and work. When Mary heard of her cousin Elizabeth about to give birth, she “made haste” (Luke 1:39), and left to accompany her. Lastly, the legionary system has a preference for the poor and the youth. The Blessed Mother is God’s anawim. Hence, it is only right that in the same spirit, legionaries are to have a preference for the poor and the young. According to the Instrumentum Laboris of the Synod on Synodality, the poor and the young are the main targets of the new way of being Church. The “intensely ordered” legionary system and its indifference to providing material relief say much about Christian perfection through “faith, love of Mary, self-sacrifice, fraternity, prayerfulness, prudence, patience, obedience, humility, gladness, and apostolic spirit” (Chapter 11, Scheme of the Legion, no.2) over “having.”
Third, the legionary system creates humble and obedient citizens of God and society. It is every legionary’s duty to “make Mary known.” By this, Mary’s virtues of humility and obedience become second skin or nature, thus making “gentle and unassuming” legionaries who become efficient in whatever God-given capacity and circumstance. Legionaries abide by her fiat, “I am the Lord’s servant” (Luke 1:38), and credit all their successes - even the postponed ones to God’s greater glory. Furthermore, Mary and Joseph’s humble status does not hinder giving the child Jesus what He needs to prepare Him for His public ministry. By becoming obedient to them, Jesus became obedient to His nature (human and (Editor’s note: These distinct characteristics of the experimental knowledge), to His parents (mental legionary system form a star, which the author resilience), and to God (spiritual maturity). calls “st-ell-a-r,” [disambiguation] or the legionary Fourth, the legionary system is creative and way of becoming God’s influencer wherever they practical. Given its “intensely ordered system” may be.) TP
Medical Bulletin
By Dr. Remedios F. Coronel
ing moderate exercises, getting enough sleep, and keeping ourselves warm.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS ARE here. We can feel already the cooler mornings, so that we should brace ourselves so as not to suffer from illnesses What are the common diseases that we are batduring the cold season. Let us try to enhance our tling now in our community/country aside from immunity system by eating a balanced diet, do- the Covid - 19 infection? Continued on page 9
CHRISTMAS 2023 Issue
The Paraclete
Let us Rejoice in the Coming of the Savior
3
By Fr. Abe P. Arganiosa Dear People God of the Holy Spirit Parish, BF Homes, Q.C. AS WE ENTER the Advent Season, and the incoming Solemnity of Christmas, let us sing with our ancestors: “Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just: let the earth be opened, and bud forth a Savior” [Is 45:8 DRB]. Christmas is the best day of the year, the best season of each year. There is joyfulness everywhere. The season simply brings out the best in us either in music, the arts, fashion and, most of all, in prayer and worship. The reason for so much rejoicing must be one and only: Jesus, the Lord. Our God has come down from heaven to be with us. God has dwelt among us (Jn 1:1-14). Just imagine how great an honor it is to know that God is one with us [cf. Mt 1:23]. He experienced to have a family, to walk on earth, and breathe the same air that we do. He knew how it is to be happy and how it is to be wounded. He became exactly like us in all things except sin [cf. 2 Cor 5:21/ Heb 4:15]. Let us then be filled with gratitude to God for loving us so much to the point that He shared our frailty and poverty (Phil 2:6-11). With the ancient prophets and the Psalmist, let us proclaim: Give thanks to the Lord, for His great love is without end, for His mercy endures forever [Ps 136:1]. The Nativity of the Messiah also gives us hope that there is a way out of our sins because we have a Savior. There is a way out of our poverty because God is with us. There is a way out of our vices because God transforms us. There is a way to eternal life because Jesus redeems us. No matter how grave our sins and problems, the love of God is greater than them all, because where sin abounds, the grace of God abounds even more [cf. Rom 5:20]. All we need to do is to believe in Him, call Him, and let Him be born in our hearts. By accepting Jesus, and allowing him inside our life, He is being born within us. Since the Lord gave us the greatest gift: “The Gift of Himself,” let us also do the same. We live this spirit of Christmas when we share our food with one another, especially with the hungry, and our blessings with those we love and even the needy. Our eating, singing, playing, partying together are our ways of loving God because, whatever we do to the least of our brothers and sisters, we do it for Him [cf. Mt 25:40]. A blessed Merry Christmas to one and all! (N.B. Fr. Abe was our immediate past Parochial Vicar. He has been transferred to the Cathedral Shrine of the Parish of the Good Shepherd. He was Ordained to the Order of Priesthood on December 28, 2000 by then Bishop of Malolos, the Most Rev. Rolando Tria Tirona, D.D., at Sto. Rosario Parish in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan. On the 28th of December 2023, he shall celebrate the 23rd Anniversary of his Priesthood. Let us remember him in our prayers.) TP
The Paraclete
4
CHRISTMAS 2023 Issue
Christmas With Our Kasambahays By Milagros Mendoza HOW TIME FLIES! The Legion of Mary continuously thinks up of projects to help our Holy Spirit Parish. In August of this year, it relaunched the Kasambahay Program (Kasama sa Bahay, Kasama sa Buhay), which was waylaid by the pandemic for three years. The program restarted with an initial 22 participants and religiously sustained every first Sunday of the month. On December 3, the Legionaries and their dear homeworkers will celebrate a joint Christmas Party at the Spiritus Hall. The program could not have happened more fortuitously. During the wake of the late Rev. Fr. Mario Sanchez, HSParish Priest, my husband Domeng and I witnessed the joyful camaraderie
of our fellow legionaries at the refectory assembly line and decided to return to active duty. Not only that, at the first meeting we attended since our long hiatus, we volunteered to handle the sessions of the relaunched program. Since then, the Kasambahays have been immersed in the importance of the Eucharist, our relationship with Jesus, and the constituencies of the rosary. No monthly meeting is complete without the Kasambahays praying the rosary at its onset. We also made sure that these loyal home managers were taught the basic prayers that comprised our lady’s roses. We told stories supported by fitting visuals highlighting each mystery so that the weekend warriors were able to know Continued on page 5
Seven Powerful Lessons Contributed by Domingo Mendoza
approach to life, suggesting that having less paradoxically leads to more. With fewer (From the book “Goodbye, Things: The New possessions, you have more time, energy, and Japanese Minimalism” by Fumio Sasaki) freedom to pursue your passions and experience 1. True happiness comes from within, not from life to the fullest. material possessions. Sasaki argues that the pursuit of material possessions often leads to 5. Gratitude is essential. Cultivating a sense of stress, anxiety, and a sense of emptiness. True gratitude for the things you do have is a powerful happiness, he suggests, comes from cultivating antidote to the materialistic mindset. By focusing meaningful relationships, pursuing passions, and on what you appreciate, you can reduce cravings living in alignment with one’s values. for more and find contentment in the present moment. 2. Minimalism is not about deprivation; it’s about intentionality. Minimalism is not about living 6. Minimalism is a journey, not a destination. an austere, stripped-down existence. It’s about Sasaki emphasizes that minimalism is an ongoing making conscious choices about what you bring process of refinement and simplification. It’s not into your life and what you leave behind. It’s about achieving a perfect state of minimalism; it’s about curating a space that reflects your values about continuously evaluating your relationship and priorities. with your possessions and making conscious choices that align with your values. 3. Decluttering is a liberating experience. Letting go of excess belongings can be a deeply liberating 7. Minimalism is a personal journey. Minimalism experience. It can free up your physical space, is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The degree of mental energy, and emotional baggage. It can minimalism you choose is a personal decision, allow you to focus on what truly matters. (Editor’s based on your own values, preferences, and note: And can make you and the receivers of your circumstances. What matters most is that you are excess blessed and happy.) intentional about your choices and creating a life that is authentic and fulfilling to you. TP 4. Less is more. Sasaki advocates for a minimalist
CHRISTMAS 2023 Issue
The Paraclete
5
Christmas with ..., from page 4
and appreciate better the lives of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Since the monthly session falls on a Sunday, we also encouraged them to recognize the Eucharist by attending the 4:30 Holy Mass at the end of the fellowship. Not only did we make the Ates familiar with the mysteries corresponding to the days of week but we also educated them on some of the major apparitions of our Lady. At some points in the early stages of the relaunch, rosaries
were given out for the early birds and, at intervals, Game Marshal Sis Pinky introduced dynamics and corresponding prizes to keep the gathering fun, light, and interesting. The bond between our wards and us that the pandemic spirited away for more than three years is stronger than ever. As the Yuletide approaches, more spiritual moments are gleaned from the broadening spectrum of these Marian advocates. TP
Praying Without Ceasing By Geraldine S. Fernandez THE OBLATES OF Mary Immaculate (OMI) is in our neighbor Mapayapa Village I. This was the venue of this year’s enclosed retreat of the legionaries of Our Lady of Annunciation and Tower of Ivory praesidia, which was held last November 26, 2023. The Retreat Masters were Fr. Filadelfo ‘Phil’ Estrella, and Fr. Danilo ‘Danny’ A. Terio, OMI both. Their founder as religious priests is St. Eugene de Mazenod. That’s not one, but two priests, to bless and make the weekend special for the 11 legionaries: Myla, Pinky, Isa, Marites, Mila, Domeng, Daisy, Aurora, Becky, Ham, and myself. Retreats are important for the interior life of legionaries. “The Christian is indeed called to pray with others but he must also isolate himself in his room to pray to his Father in secret; furthermore, according to the teaching of the apostles, he must pray without ceasing’ (Legion Handbook p. 204). Prior to conducting the retreat, the legionaries met for their weekly meeting. They pulled out of the BF Parish premises and did not take long to reach the Oblate Marian Center. Fr. Phil was wearing a Concierge’s hat and had them register before giving their room keys. What followed was a sumptuous dinner and, shortly thereafter, the first input by Fr. Phil. He played an opening prayer song, ‘Immanuel,’ music on piano and cello, which invited us to a prayerful disposition: Oh come, oh come, Immanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appeared Rejoice, rejoice Immanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. An Advent opening so apt that it silenced our hearts to pray. Fr. Phil walked us through the differences between the narratives of the Gospel of Matthew and Luke on the announcement of the birth of Jesus. In Matthew, the focus was on Joseph. The Angel appeared to Joseph and it implied that Jesus was born in the former’s house. ‘When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took his wife into his home. She had no relations with him until she bore a Son and he named Him Jesus.’ Luke talked about Mary. The angel appeared to her. Mary went to Bethlehem where Jesus was born. The angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds, which means the poor. While in Matthew, the Magi represented the affluent, who were guided by a star. Joseph exemplified righteousness when he secretly wanted to leave Mary but did not. He did the right thing and that was to stay with Mary. Mary’s sh’ma (obedience) stayed in the present, attentively living a life of prayer. She had attentiveness that only equaled prayer. Another character Fr. Phil focused on was St. John the Baptist, who personified social justice. We remember that the River Jordan was the last river to cross to the Promised Land. Like St. Joseph, we are called to be righteous because decision-making means to do the right thing. This is an invitation for everyone to live a life of prayer by staying in
6
The Paraclete
the right moment: attuned, attentive to where we are and, like Mary, attentive to God, making every minute a prayer. Our take-home message from Fr. Phil on St. John was to live simply so that others may live, in even the most basic ways such as not wasting food on our plates.
CHRISTMAS 2023 Issue
and resonate with my sister’s stories that gave me reason to believe that we are walking together. Hence, we are able to get back to that road of being a legionary, to walk again, this time, more bonded faithfully than before.
‘Every legionary should, if at all possible, make an enclosed retreat once every year. The fruit of retreats We began the second day of the retreat with and recollections is a clearer vision of one’s vocation Sunday Mass, the Feast of Christ the King, at the in life and a brighter willingness to follow it faithfully’ chapel on the second floor. ‘Lord, when did we (Legion Handbook p 205) see you hungry or naked or imprisoned?’ Was the Gospel for those who have acknowledged to see I overlooked dates and almost did not enter them the Lord in the least of God’s children, and did here. But there were angels to remind me: Isa and it unto Him, because it is second to their nature. Myla. They are at the same time sisters from our Fr. Phil went on to say that those who do not Mother in Heaven. There are even more of them in recognize the Lord in the least, their unawareness the prayer room. equals numbness. It was the perfect Mass to affix This retreat also made me start to read ‘The Jesus our being to the King of the Universe. I reflected who I Thought I Knew’ by Fr. Phil. with a short prayer: The prayers in our Tesera concluded our retreat Lord, there are sheep and goats in our hearts. Rid us of to remember. One replete with tears and, before the goats by Your love and grace. You are our Shepherd. May we hear only Your voice. May our love for the and intermingling those, equally shared, bonded least - Lost, Afraid, Empty, Sad, Thirsty - increase us laughter. TP and make us merit Your Kingdom. Our afternoon session was facilitated by Fr. Danny. We were invited to go back to our ‘call’ as legionaries and make a prayer to Jesus. He taught us that transformation happens when we remember who we are. We go beyond our names. We thank God for the gift of memories. We remember our history. And in Baptism, we are made children of God, pilgrims on earth. The Eucharist is Jesus Christ Himself. We began to share our history and how we were chosen to be legionaries of our Blessed Mother. Those roads that were long and winding. Or maybe roads for exchange of ideas - and ideals - as parish servers. Perhaps simply wanting to belong to a community. Through his coaching, we remembered our own mothers who taught us to pray the rosary; those turning points of being tepid to a bold Kuya or Ate; my very own child who convinced me to plunge into the deep; from mourning to morning, and be able to smile again. Even those birthing moments and when husbands are away. Real-life stories of fellow Mary lovers. Tales we thanked the Lord for and His Blessed Mother because they were opportunities to be with Him and with one another. To share with openness, and be accepted,
Fr. Jigs at Camino de Santiago, 19 October 2023. Read about his Camino lessons on page 12 of this Issue.
CHRISTMAS 2023 Issue
The Paraclete
7
The Case for Christ (By Lee Strobel) A Book Review by Roberto Tordesillas I AM SURE that, for a lot of times, many, if not all of us, have received questions from unbelievers regarding our faith, and we have found it difficult to answer them. One of these questions is regarding the Bible, specifically the New Testament, and the question is: How true and reliable are the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John? I came across this book, “The Case for Christ,” written by Lee Strobel. He is an experienced American author and investigative reporter who was trained at Yale Law School. What is more interesting, he considered himself an atheist, and became a Christian after he finished the investigation of the Gospels. He writes as follows: “To me, there was far too much evidence that God was merely a product of wishful thinking, of ancient mythology, of primitive superstition (Sounds familiar?). How could there be a loving God if he consigned people to hell just for not believing in Him? How could miracles contravene the basic laws of nature? Didn’t evolution satisfactorily explain how life originated? Doesn’t scientific reasoning dispel belief in the supernatural?” Wow! These were the same questions I was bombarded with time and time again. I began to wonder whether all atheists have the same questions or are they just all reading the same books and, therefore, coming up with the same conclusions? Lee had confessed that he felt his little knowledge of philosophy and history had provided enough basis and support for his skepticism and unbelief that Jesus is God and that the New Testament is reliable. But he also admitted that maybe he was just afraid to really search for the truth because that could mean having to change his lifestyle. So what prompted him to go all out and do his investigation? I would have never guessed it but it was his wife. Not that his wife nagged him to do it. But it was because his wife had pleasantly become a different woman and, more than that,
a better woman, after she became a Christian. Her character, her attitude, her integrity, and her personal confidence had fascinated Lee. Lee suddenly wanted to know what was about being Christian that made her wife fundamentally change. “Setting aside my self interest and prejudices as best I could, I read books, interviewed experts, asked questions, analyzed history, explored archaeology, studied ancient literature and, for the first time in my life, picked apart the Bible verse by verse. I plunged into the case with more vigor than with any story I had ever pursued. I applied the training I had received at Yale Law School as well as my experience as legal affairs editor of the Chicago Tribune.” After his no-nonsense investigation that took about two years, he was convinced that the four books of the Gospel were solidly credible after having passed the categories of proof which, according to him, were the same classifications that one would encounter in a courtroom. These categories of proof are: The Eyewitness Evidence; The Documentary Evidence; The Corroborating Evidence; The Scientific Evidence; The Rebuttal Evidence; The Identity Evidence; the Psychological Evidence; The Profile Evidence; The Fingerprint Evidence; The Medical Evidence; The Evidence of the Missing Body; The Evidence of Appearances; The Circumstantial Evidence; and the Verdict of History. Of course, even before reading the book, I was already convinced that the Gospel books were true and accurate because they were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. But what amazes me is how the Holy Spirit inspired and guided the Evangelists into writing a book that is credible beyond any doubt. And convinced Lee to write his empirical book, that accounts for the credibility and God-ness of Jesus. TP
8
The Paraclete
CHRISTMAS 2023 Issue
WHEN THE SAINTS WENT MARCHING By Carrot D. Salas THE HOLY SPIRIT Parish Youth Ministry “unveiled” the first ever “March of the Saints,” a religious presentation in observance of All Saints’ Day, held on October 29, 2023. Eleven children gathered and joined a little procession around the parish premises. After which, the children assembled back at the Spiritus Hall in time for the “Show n’ Tell” portion, where they were to tell which saint they were portraying. Each “saint” was given the opportunity to present a fact/trivia about him/her. Prizes were given for the “saint” in best costume. St. Francis of Assisi won for the boys while St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus won for the girls. The activity also gave good recognition for the thousands of saints to date. The Parish looks forward to conducting this culminating activity for the children yearly as a reminder for them of every parishioner’s goal - to be one of the thousands of saints in heaven.
On November 18, The Legion of Mary: Tower of Ivory also conducted the last Children’s Club of the year to discuss the two (2) Filipino saints: San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod. The story of their lives was discussed by one of the LOM members. A video was also played to give the children a better visualization on how these two saints gave up their lives for the sake of their love for God. With the moral that, this season of giving, we do not forget to love and be kind to one another. These saints served as reminders of our faith; hence, the faith we need to keep giving, living, and moving on this Christmas season. Let us learn to believe like how children believe; humble in giving, loving without question. So that, on the possibility of receiving, there is no question of lovelessness either. We hope to entice more children to participate in this activity next year. TP
The Saints portrayed by the children, posing with Fr. Roberto Custodio: (from left to right): St. Louis-Marie de Montfort (patron saint of preachers), St. John Berchmans (patron saint of Altar Servers), San Pedro Calungsod (patron saint of Youth and Altar Servers), St. Francis of Assisi (patron saint of animals, ecologists, merchants), St. Mother Teresa, St. Clare of Assisi (patron saint of embroiderers, eye disorders, television), St. Agatha (patron saint of bellmakers, breast disease, fire prevention, nurses), another St, Francis of Assisi, Blessed Virgin Mary (Mother of God) and St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus (patron saint of aviators, florists, missions).
CHRISTMAS 2023 Issue
The Paraclete
Medical Bulletin, from page 2
DENGUE FEVER Dengue Fever is a mosquito-borne disease transmitted by the Dengue virus (1-4). The principal vector which transmits the dengue virus to humans is the mosquito Aedes Aegypti. This mosquito breeds literally in fresh water from sources like water jars, vases, discarded containers, coconut husks, old tires, and canals in front of our dwellings in which the water becomes stagnant. The mosquito usually inhabits our dwellings and bites during daytime.
9
because they are most vulnerable to the disease. And, Dengue vaccine if available INFLUENZA ( FLU)
This is another viral disease where there is an increase in its incidence or surge in the country. It is an acute upper and/or lower respiratory tract caused by Influenza viruses A and B. The virus is transmitted via droplets or aerosols generated by cough or sneezes acquired from acutely infected persons. Can also be transmitted from hand to hand contact or fomites. Highly and easily transAfter the mosquito bites the person from, say, 2 mitted. to 7 days, the patient experiences a sudden onset of high fever, headache, retro-orbital pain, back One feels fever, headache , sore throat, cough and pain, and a muscle pain called “Breakbone Fever.” muscle pain. Affects usually children and the elThe skin is flushed.The patient may also experi- derly. ence Anorexia, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Recovery from 5-7 days but cough may persist for By this time, the fever will slowly go down. It is 2-3 weeks. Complications may occur in older perduring this time that signs of bleeding may appear sons especially with co-morbidities or those with like Petechiae, which is a bleeding in the skin, Epchronic illnesses like pulmonary diseases (COPD), istaxis or nose bleeding, gum bleeding, and other asthma, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic forms of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. renal disease , strokes and Cancer (undergoing Dengue may be mild or severe especially when treatment), pregnancy and children under 5 years with bleeding or hemorrhage. old. Mortality in older persons with co-morbidities ranged from 5 to 10 times higher if with comI advise that, if fever persists beyond 3 days, it is plication like Pneumonia. time to consult a doctor. Have a blood test, like complete blood count with Platelet count and Treatment Dengue NS1. If the patient has bleeding, bring Anti-viral drug – Oseltamiver tablet him/her to the hospital. NO ANTIBIOTIC unless with complication like What is the treatment for Dengue Fever? pneumonia. Symptomatic - Give Paracetamol for fever and PREVENTION muscle pain. Influenza vaccine once a year. Supportive - Hydrate the patient by making him/her drink plenty of water; Intravenous flu- Personal hygiene - hand washing, proper disposal ids if hospitalized; Platelet or blood transfusion IF of material soiled with respiratory secretions. indicated. Cover your mouth when you cough. No antibiotics, please. Paracetamol to relieve fever. Prevention - Control/eliminate the mosquito. Things to do if with fever, headache and body Clean house surroundings to remove the breeding pains for more than 3 days: places for mosquitoes. 1. Do not self-medicate because infections may have similar manifestations. Use insect repellant. Use protective clothing, especially in children,
(next page...)
10
The Paraclete
2. Consult a doctor for diagnosis - diagnostic test maybe required for more accurate diagnosis.
CHRISTMAS 2023 Issue
5. Most of all, have yourself VACCINATED because VACCINATION saves lives.
3. Diligently take medicines given to you by the doctor.
(Remedios F. Coronel, MD, is a Fellow of the Philippine College of Physicians and the Philippine 4. Do not wait for complications to set in because Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases) it might be too late. TP
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, adult and children catechism, the monthly Kasambahay Program, and assistance and support to various parish activities. We have in our Parish, 2 senior praesidia and 1 junior praesidium. If interested, you may contact one of the following numbers: Our Lady of the Annunciation: Myla V. The Legion of Mary is a lay apostolic association of Catholics who, with the sanction of the Catholic Church, and under the powerful leadership of Mary Immaculate, Mediatrix of all Graces, have formed themselves into a Legion for the service in the warfare which is perpetually being waged by the Church against the forces of evil. The Legion Apostolate: Home-to-home visitation, visitation of the sick in their homes, parish census, campaign for the reception of sacraments, campaign for the enthronement of the Sacred
Custodio 0917-8100922 Tower of Ivory: Carleen Salas 0917-5451231 Mary, Queen of Angels (Junior Praesidium): Valeree Mae V. Custodio 0917-8100922 TP The Paraclete is the official publication of the Parish of the Holy Spirit, BF Homes. We welcome the youth to be part of its pool of writers. We thank our contributors for this Issue.
CHRISTMAS 2023 Issue
The Paraclete
BALIK HANDOG
IN THE NOVALICHES Diocese, the Balik Handog program, under the Commission on Stewardship and Parishes, among others, is encouraged “to adopt generosity and stewardship as a way of life and as witnesses of faith.”
Balik Handog is a stewardship program. Everything on earth is the Lord’s. We are the Lord’s. Balik Handog follows the theology that everything that we have comes from the Lord and are given to us as mere stewards – we are caretakers merely of what we have (time, talent, treasure); God entrusted to us all these. The Church thus asks us to “give back” as an offering of thanksgiving; we share with others the personal benefits we reap from what had been given to us to take care of. Looking forward, the wholehearted implementation of the Balik Handog program has as one of its objectives the abolition of the Arancel System (fees connected with the Sacrament of Confirmation, Priests’ Assistance at weddings, blessings of and Masses for the Dead in Funerals at home or in churches and chapels within or outside the parishes and the Sacrament of Baptism); In lieu of fixed fees, donations marked for the Support of the Church are accepted. (Circular 2017-01 I ssued
11
by Most. Rev. Antonio R. Tobias, DD). Balik Handog thus invites Parishioners and their families to share with others God’s bountiful blessings or gifts to them. We hope to make this a habit among us, giving back as a way of life. This, however, is entirely voluntary although signing on to be a participant in the Balik Handog program makes one a monthly pledger of a predetermined amount. In the past, from funds generated by the Balik Handog program, the Holy Spirit Parish sponsored scholars from the poor in neighboring Parishes within the Holy Spirit Vicariate. Other outreaches like feeding programs were undertaken and donations were given to charitable institutions. But the participation of parishioners in the program so dwindled that it has become impractical to push through with these activities. With the relaunch of Balik Handog last November 2021, the Parish has gathered enough participants to undertake meaningful activities centering on the Parish itself. The pandemic, in the meantime, has compelled the Balik Handog program to have a Parish-focus to augment meager Mass collections. We encourage Parishioners to participate in this worthwhile and spiritual endeavor. TP
The Holy Spirit Music Ministry pose with Dr. Montet Acoymo after his concert (to raise funds for the painting of the Church) on November 30, 2023. Also in photo are Gigi Davide, PPC Chair, her husband former Chief Justice Hilario Davide and their son Baritone Delster Davide who also rendered a song in the Concert. The fund-raising is continuing.
12
The Paraclete
CHRISTMAS 2023 Issue
Ten Buen Camino Life Lessons WHEN FR. JIGS gave his Recollection Talk last December 6, he engaged his Holy Spirit Parish audience in conversation, as he remembered his month-long trek on the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James in English) which is a network of roads for pilgrims leading to the Shrine of the Apostle James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. He said the route he and fellow pilgrim Rev. Fr. Luciano Felloni chose was the longest. From Camino Francés they walked 787 miles braving climbs, including climbing the Pyrenees mountains that divide France and Spain at an elevation of about 1,400 meters (the same elevation of Baguio City at its highest peak). Along the way they experienced tiredness, hunger, the heat of the sun, cold weather, torrential rains, even fear, but it was clear God was going to bring them to their goal. In all, they walked 36 days from France to Spain. In the Recollection, he spoke of how this journey became a warm, engaging, enriching experience. His talk focused on the ten lessons he learned from this trek. 1. Let God give you your purpose. We all do things with a purpose in mind. God can change that, you will not achieve your purpose, but that does not make you a failure. 2. Take only what is enough (he had just one heavy backpack for the entire journey). Begin every journey contented. Detachment is key to a happier and fuller life. 3. Follow the yellow arrow. The Camino has yellow arrows that lead pilgrims to their destination. Be wary of different signs along the way. Listen to the signs of the times lest you get lost. Look for “God’s markings” and allow them to take you to your destiny. 4. Expect the unexpected. God loves you and, in a spirit of surrender, allow God to bring you pleasant surprises. Keep in mind that variables cannot be controlled. 5. Trust in Divine Providence literally means God has prepared for you provisions in advance. We pray in the ‘Our Father’ that God gives us our “daily” bread and that means we are not asking for a year’s supply of bread. Remember that you can be God’s Divine Providence for others. 6. Enjoy life, walk at your own pace, smell the flowers (or drink some beer!) Enjoy the journey. Your happiness glorifies God – the glory of God is a man fully alive (St. Ireneous). 7. Quoting Fr. Felloni: “Fear is a mental construct.” (Fear is a creation of the mind.) Fear prevents us from living life to the fullest. Fr. Jigs said he started the Camino journey fearing his physical capabilities but he ended up believing he is strong, pushing the limits, and reaching the finish line proves it! 8. Delight in little things for they matter. Surprises come in small packages. Do not focus on the petty for these lead to quarrels and misunderstandings. 9. If you are tired (with your life), look back and see how beautiful (and blessed) your path has been. Recall the significant moments/scenes in your life. 10. Love your feet, for they carry you to your destination. They are your best investment. He cited Isaiah 52:7 – “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, proclaim peace, bring good tidings, proclaim salvation, who say to Zion ‘Your God reigns!’ Ending his Talk, Fr. Jigs said his BEST TAKE on his Camino journey, which he deems as his life’s lesson, is his recovery of something very basic and fundamental, precious and life-changing: he is now more hopeful, more realistic, more patient. He also advised everyone to “be happy for others”. TP