Volume 3 Issue 2 Apr 2023 - Aug 2023
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240 children receive First Communion Joyce Padilla
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he Our Lady of Hope Parish (OLHP) conducted the First Communion with a record of 240 parish and school-based communicants last June 11, 2023. It was held at the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Chapel (OLMHRC) SM North EDSA, the very first activity to be carried out in the chapel. With Sis. Baby Padilla at the helm, the catechists of the OLHP held seminars for three days to prepare the children. On the first day, they taught the communicants the relevance of the Sacraments, the Sacramental protocols, as well as the mass flow and appropriate responses.
During the homily, FRA focused on the Eucharist: that it is not just a mere symbol, but the true body and blood of Christ, our Salvation and path to eternal life.
NEWS
Diocese of Cubao recognizes MBG’s Libay and Baby as Diamond awardees
HIGHLIGHTS Page 10 ▶ OLHP Pilgrims visit the Diocese of San Pablo, Laguna
During the second day, the children were then gifted with the Sacrament of Penance where God absolved their sins through Rev. Fr. Frederic Rocha and Rev. Fr. Marti Sandino Espenido. The third day was spent for general practice to ensure an organized and solemn mass.
FEATURES
The Hopeful Leadership
The First Communion mass was officiated by the OLMHR Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Raymond Joseph Arre (FRA). Some of the communicants were chosen to serve as Lectors.
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A communicant receiving the Holy Eucharist from Fr. Dick Rocha
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NEWS
OLHP community celebrates Flores de Mayo Judith Regine Santos
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he Our Lady of Hope Parish celebrated one of the most beautiful festivals observed by the Catholic community last May, the Flores de Mayo. Throughout the month, different organizations and ministries paid their tribute. They devoted themselves to the Blessed Virgin every day at 5:30 p.m. by praying the Holy Rosary with Litany, followed by the flower offering at 6 p.m. The Sunday flower offering was scheduled after the 9 a.m. mass, and on Saturdays, Mayflower Catechesis was given to the youth at 4:30 p.m. Sis. Eva Rosimo of the Association of Our Lady of Hope (AOLH) led the catechism for the children with the theme “Banal na Birheng Maria: Ina Ko, Ina ng Diyos, Ina nating Lahat” last May 20, 2023. The program’s objective is for the children to have a deeper
Sagala Participants with Rev. Fr. Marti Espenido, after the procession
understanding and instill the Blessed Mother’s virtues. A total of 112 children attended the said formation activity, and rosary bracelets were given after to spread the devotion. To conclude the month-long celebration, a Grand Alay was held on May 27, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. The program started with the Holy Rosary and Litany prayer led by the parish child lectors, followed by the Rite of
the Crowning of Our Lady presided by Rev. Marti Espenido, former parochial vicar of OLHP. It continued with the procession and Sagala, which was joined by the parishioners, mainly children and youth, who represented the different titles of Mary in the Holy Rosary. Upon reaching the church vicinity, the participants proceeded to the Grand Flower Offering while Marian songs were played in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mother.
MBG’s Libay and Baby, recognized as Diamond awardees Reginald Dickson Dequilla
“Shine bright like a diamond.”
J Sis. Baby and Sis. Libay, pose with their plaques on the MBG Flag
Recipients of the Diamond Service Award of the Diocese of Cubao’s Mother Butler Guild (MBG) with Bishop Nes and Fr. Marvin
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ust as one of Rihanna’s bestselling singles of all time goes, two of the OLHP’s servant leaders received the prestigious Diamond Service Award of the Diocese of Cubao’s Mother Butler Guild (MBG) last July 28 at the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish, West Triangle, Quezon City. A total of 25 awardees were chosen from amongst the Parish MBG of the Diocese. The two awardees from OLHP are Sis. Liberty “Libay” B. Maningas, 61 and Sis. Amelia “Baby” P. Ronquillo,75. Sis. Libay is the current coordinator of the OLHP’s Mother Butler Guild, a ministry composed of laywomen who provide, maintain, and care for the sacred items necessary for liturgical celebrations, like vestments and sacred vessels.
Meanwhile, Sis. Baby, an active member for 22 years, has dedicated her service as a way of making holy in her way of life. She added, “Malaki pong karangalan na ako ay nakatanggap ng ganitong gantimpala, dahil ito ay walang kasing halagang pagsisilbi sa Diyos.” Cubao’s Bishop Honesto “Nes” Ongtioco and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Marvin Pajarillaga, priest coordinator of MBG-Cubao graced the event with a celebration of the Holy Mass. “Ang MBG ang nagpapaalala sa atin ng pagmamahal at paglilingkod sa Diyos, nagbibigay galak at tuwa sa bawat tao” - Bishop Nes said as he thanked all the members of the organization.
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Hatid Pag-asa: Igniting message of Hope Lilia SD. Raflores
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he Local Government of Quezon City accorded a grand welcome to Our Lady of Hope (OLH) during her visit to the Quezon City Hall last May 26. It started with a motorcade from Our Lady of Hope Parish to the QC Hall Quadrangle, from where the andas of OLH was carried by her guards to the mass venue. Fr. Marti Espenido, the former OLH Parochial Vicar, presided over the holy mass, which officials and employees of the Quezon City Hall attended. Fr. Marti elaborately introduced Our Lady of Hope to the mass goers. Novena booklets, stampitas, and Stories of Hope were distributed. The image of Our Lady of Hope stayed at the Quezon City Hall until June 2. Employees of QC Hall, particularly those from the People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB), were very grateful for answered prayers received during her stay in their office.
Our Lady of Hope also visited the SSS Main Office at East Avenue, Quezon City, on May 24-31, and the Quezon City Post Office on June 2-9. Rev. Fr. Adlai Barre, Parish Administrator of San Isidro Labrador Parish Quezon City and in charge of the SSS Chapel, officiated the mass on her departure while employees offered flowers. At the Quezon City Post Office, Postmaster Ma. Magdalena Esconde personally welcomed Our Lady of Hope. Before departure, Bro. Ed Alcoy, a member of AOLH, gave an image of Our Lady of Hope as a token to his former office. Six offices are scheduled to be visited by Our Lady of Hope from August to October 2023. These are the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), PAGASA, DILG, NHA, Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), and the Land Management Bureau (LMB).
OLH receives arrival honors at QC City Hall
VOLUM E 3 | I S S UE NO. 2 SE P T E M B E R 202 3
EDITORIAL BOARD Reginald Dickson Dequilla EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Anne Raever Benavidez ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Samantha Marielle Mojica MANAGING EDITOR
Monica Gatbonton NEWS EDITOR
Ascencion de la Cuesta FEATURES EDITOR
Roelle Perfecto Gopio Arah Jodelle Jamandra Reginald Dickson Dequilla LAYOUT EDITORS
Olwencie de Claro Rose Mascariña Lilia Raflores Judith Regine Santos Joyce Padilla Andrei Bien Ventura Ruther Dagami Nicko Gonzales Elyver Maneja Mark Hendrix Sison
WRITERS / CONTRIBUTORS
Bro. Arnold Divina ADVISER
Rev. Fr. Raymond Joseph Arre PARISH PRIEST
QC Hall staff with Fr. Marti and PPC Coordinator Arnold Divina, poses with OLH
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o l h p . n e w s l e t t e r @g m a i l .c o m 0977 81493 03
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NEWS
OLHP’s new columbarium, nearing completion Reginald Dickson Dequilla
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ERENITAS UPDATE - It is approximately six (6) months since the start of the construction of Serenitas, the newest parish columbarium in the heart of Quezon City. Parishioners look forward to seeing the final resting place of their departed loved ones as it nears completion by October 2023. The columbarium houses 680 niches in total, and accommodates up to 2043 urns. OLHP’s Facilities and Improvement Committee reported light fixtures, benches and all tilework were already installed. Ongoing work includes painting of interiors of niches and walls, and installation of frosted glass, ceiling fans, prayer walls and glass doors for the entrance. Before completion, the parish has sold around 20% of the units. The Parish office accepts by appointment all interested individuals who would want to visit the new columbarium. Furthermore, you may call these numbers 0917-5536057 (look for Bro. Arnold Divina) and 02-89244259 (Parish office telephone number) for any queries. You may also send inquiries through mail
Newly painted walls and niches, Serenitas Columbarium
OLHP PREx batch 89, inilunsad! Elyver Maneja
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uling inilunsad ng Our Lady of Hope Parish ang Parish Renewal Experience Seminar (PREx) sa ika-89 na pagkakataon, noong Mayo 27-28, kasalukuyang taon. Ito’y pinangunahan ng PREx Batch 88. Hindi naging hadlang ang bagyo sa labing walong katao na lumahok sa naturang aktibidad na kinabibilangan ng mga naglilingkod sa simbahan, opisyal ng barangay, manggagawa sa pribadong sektor, at iba pa na may edad 21 gulang pataas. Sa loob ng dalawang araw ay itinuro ng mga panauhing tagapagsalita ang kahalagahan ng pagiging Katolikong
[L-R] Armando Villanueva, Mediatrix Zapanta, Rudy Palma, Asuncion Del Pilar, Myra Malicdem
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Kristiyano. Labing isang paksa ang pinag-usapan at napapaloob dito ang pagbabahagi ng mga personal na karanasan - malungkot man o masaya, kaya hindi maiiwasan ang tawanan at iyakan na may kasama pang kantahan at sayawan na talaga namang nagpapasigla sa programa. Sa pagtatapos ng seminar ay ginanap ang banal na misa. Kasabay nito’y tinanong ang bawat isa kung ano ang masasabi nila sa PREx, at iisa lang ang naging tugon: masaya, naging magaan sa pakiramdam, busog sa ispiritwal (maging sa pisikal), at mas nakikilala nila ang kani-kanilang mga
Attendees listen to Sis. Eva Rosimo’s ingress message
sarili, at ang kahalagahan ng bawat isa sa parokya. Sa araw din na iyon ay ipinakilala ang mga napiling officers ng batch na siya namang magiging punong abala para sa susunod na Batch 90 na pinangunahan nina Bro. Elyver Maneja – Coordinator at Sis. Franze Russele Bilaos bilang Deputy Coordinator. Layunin ng programa na maibalik ang dating alab ng pagmamahal sa Panginoong Diyos, at mahikayat na pabalikin sa loob ng simbahan ang mga katolikong kristiyano.
PREx Batch 90 attends the Holy Mass
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OLHP Pilgrims visit Diocese of San Pablo, Laguna Andrei Bien Ventura and Ruther Charles Mathew Dagami
Cathedral Parish of St. Paul, the First Hermit
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ast April 22, 2023, the community of Our Lady of Hope Parish had its Easter Pilgrimage with its theme: “He is Risen.” For Catholics, the pilgrimage means “journey,” a spiritual journey that helps them deepen their faith, feel the absolute love of Christ, and serve as a reminder that He is with us. They gathered at 5 in the morning in front of the Parish Church before proceeding to different parishes in the Diocese of San Pablo, Laguna. Many of the churches visited are considered historical landmarks and once played a significant role in Philippine History that impacted the Christian faith. The first church visited was the La Resurrection Parish in Victoria, Laguna. They were then headed to the Cathedral-Parish of St. Paul, the First Hermit in San Pablo, Laguna. Next in the itinerary is the National Shrine of San Antonio De Padua at Pila, where the Pilgrims had the opportunity to venerate the relic of St. Anthony of Padua.
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National Shrine of San Antonio de Padua At noon, the pilgrims went to San Bartolome Apostol Parish at Nagcarlan, where they celebrated the Holy Mass and had their Lunch break. Afterward, they went to the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe at Pagsanjan, followed by St. James the Apostle Parish in Paete. The last Parish they visited was the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba at Pakil. While visiting those different parishes, the pilgrims prayed Via Lucis and had a photo opportunity at the altar and the church’s facade. The Easter Pilgrimage was full of fun and faith. The trip taught the pilgrims about sacrificing themselves to the Lord, who died on the cross for our sins.
San Bartolome Apostol Parish
Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe - Pagsanjan
San Santiago Apostol Parish
Notre Dame dela Esperanza, Oren por Nosotros. Viva Maria! Parishes visited: *La Resurreccion Parish - Victoria *Cathedral-Parish of St. Paul the First Hermit - San Pablo *National Shrine of St Anthony of Padua - Pila *San Bartolome Parish - Nagcarlan *Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe - Pagsanjan *St James the Great Parish - Paete *Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Turumba - Pakil
Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba
SEPTEMBER 2023
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FEATURES
The Hopeful Leadership
Nicko Gabriel Gonzales
Tough love. These two words encompass the leadership of our Parish Priest, Rev.
Fr. Raymond Joseph Arre (FRA). From the conduct of every Eucharistic Celebration up to the projects and programs initiated by the various parish organizations, a certain level of competence is the standard of expectations set in every endeavor of the parish church. These expectations are put up because of the model of hopeful leadership FRA has projected over the years in the parish. FRA has continuously steered our parish filled with compassion since he was designated as our Parish Administrator in 2019. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, his leadership stood firm as we braced through uncertainties. The parish adapted to the challenges of heightened health protocols and quarantines. He also pioneered initiatives that helped sustain the community’s spiritual and physical needs. In most online materials released by the Social Communications Ministry, FRA actively participated in the online programs. Under his guidance, the parish has seen substantial and lasting changes with numerous structural and ministerial changes. Outside the parish, he also serves as the Superintendent of the Diocese of Cubao Educational System (DOCES). On July 3, 2023, FRA celebrated his 31st presbyteral ordination anniversary through the Eucharist with deacons and priests of the Diocese of Cubao and other guest priests. Coinciding with the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, Most. Rev. Pablo Virgilio David, DD, and Archbishop Charles John Brown, some priest- friends of FRA, sent their regards and greetings through video messages. Fr. Arre remains a beacon of inspiration and hope to all parish and diocese faithful. Indeed, the OLHP community is reminded of his servant leadership and how he transformed the parish community into hopeful stewardship. As Fr. Arre continues to be blessed by the Holy Spirit, we hope he may continue to spread the Word of God full of love, courage, and devotion. In Mary, our Hope, we pray that in the coming years of service that Fr. Arre will dedicate, he will continue to touch many people’s hearts.
A vocation story: “Come follow Me.” Olwencie de Claro
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ur Worship Minister Bro. Neil Peña entered the seminary to fulfill his dream of serving God and the Church by responding to the call of vocation to the priesthood. Vocation comes from the Latin words “vocatio,” which means summons, and “vocare,” which means to call. Vocation is also defined as a way of life. It may appear like a simple call, but deep within, it has a significant meaning to the one trying to live that kind of vocation he/she is called to. This is true for our Worship Minister, Bro. Neil, who has just entered the seminary last July 20. At a very young age, he knew that one day he will serve God at a different level of serving, and that is in the life of a priest. “My ‘call’ started when I was in the fourth grade in my hometown Cabagan, Isabela. I was tasked to read the first reading in our first communion. During the
SINAGTALA VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2
homily, the presider called me in front and asked me what our purpose of attending the mass that day was, and I answered, ‘to receive the body of Christ,’ and he asked me again, ‘What is the body of Christ’ to which I answered ‘the food for the soul.’ After the post-communion prayer, the presider said to the congregation to pray for me that one day I would become a priest. And ever since, family and friends have been asking about it,” he recounts. Bro. Neil pursued his undergraduate studies and even worked in the corporate world for a couple of years, but his desire to serve the Lord has not diminished. He served the Lord as a member of the Ministry of Lectors and Commentators (MLC), where he became the Formation Committee Head, reinforcing the spirituality and vocation of the members through various Formation activities.
Bro. Neil’s official portrait as a seminarian
He was later appointed as the head of the Worship Ministry of OLHP, where he managed and supported all the devotional and liturgical ministries and organizations. This task further ignited his passion to serve the Lord. And now, he followed Jesus’ call to the priesthood. He is a resident seminarian of the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas – Central Seminary. He belongs to the diocesan seminarians of the Diocese of Cubao, our very own. We continue to pray for our Bro. Neil that the journey leading to the fulfillment of his heart’s desire to serve God and the Church be realized with the grace of God, guided by the Holy Spirit. SEPTEMBER 2023
7 Ang Mabuting Katiwala
Anne Raever Benavidez
“God owns everything, we are simply katiwala, stewards, caretakers or managers acting on His behalf” - Fr. Nelson Orqueta
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sa ka ba sa mga nagtatanong kung ano ang Stewardship Program ng ating parokya? Lagpas isang taon na ang nakalilipas nang inilunsad ang programang ito. Inaanyayahan ang lahat na mag-alay kada buwan ng bahagi ng kanilang natatanggap na biyaya mula sa Panginoon. Ito’y upang mapondohan ang iba’t ibang aktibidad at proyekto ng parokya. Pero bakit nga ba dapat pang magbigay ng dagdag alay kung mayroon namang binibigay sa misa? Ayon kay Mother Teresa “If you give what you do not need, it is not giving.” Dapat nating tandaan na ang lahat ay galing sa Diyos at pagaari ng Diyos. Tayo ay mga katiwala lamang at dapat nating gamitin ang ating mga biyayang tinatamasa ayon sa kalooban Niya. Sinabi rin ni Fr. Nelson Orqueta sa kanyang Stewardship Formation Talk na ang pagiging mabuting katiwala ay bahagi
ng pang araw-araw na gawain. Sa lahat ng aspeto ng pamumuhay ay dapat maipakita natin na tayo ay mabuting katiwala na kaloob ng Diyos. Ito ang dapat gumabay sa pamamahala ng ating oras, ng ating talento, at ng ating yaman. Ayon naman kay Fr. Angelo Parlan, ang katiwala ay hindi lamang tagapangalaga ng kung ano ang meron na. Ang tungkulin ng isang mabuting katiwala ay palaguin at lalo pang pagyamanin ang kayamanan sa pamamagitan ng mga bagay na bago. Sa ating parokya, ang pagiging mabuting katiwala ay katumbas ng pagiging mission partners. Kaya’t pakatatandaan na hindi ito abuloy o donasyon. Bagkus, ito ay personal na pakikibahagi sa buhay at misyon ng Simbahan. Ang mga mission partners ay nakatutulong sa iba’t ibang
proyekto tulad ng outreach programs ng parokya. Bawat isang mamamayan ay nakararanas ng iba’t ibang pagsubok at unos. Sa kabila nito, marami pa rin ang nakapagbibigay sa ating simbahan. Datapwat mga makasalanan, tayo ay nakatatanggap pa rin ng walang humpay na biyaya ng Panginoon at atin itong naipapamahagi sa ibang tao. Ito ang tunay na biyaya ng isang mabuting katiwala. Ang pagbibigay ng ating natatamasa sa ating kapwa.
Bakit nga ba ako matatakot mamatay? Rose Mascariña “Nasaan, O kamatayan, ang iyong tagumpay? Nasaan, O kamatayan, ang iyong kapangyarihan?” 1 Corinto 15:55
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aliban sa sakit sa puso, nadiagnosed ako ng Parkinson’s disease, limang taon na ang nakakaraan. Sa paglipas ng panahon, unti-unting lumala ang aking sakit. Nakaramdam ako ng mga paggalaw na hindi ko makontrol, paninigas, kawalan ng balanse at coordination, at pagkakalimot. Sa ngayon nga, mas okay na sa akin ang nakahiga at nagpapahinga. Noong malakas pa ako, matagal akong naging miyembro ng Family Rosary Crusade kasama si Nanay Fenny na sumusubaybay sa aming block rosary. Marami kaming naturuan na magdasal ng Santo Rosario lalo na ang mga kabataang sumasama sa paglilipat habang kumakanta ng “Dear Lady of Fatima”. Masigasig kaming sama-sama sa pagtitinda ng mga raffle tickets para manalo ang SINAGTALA VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2
aming candidate. Tunay na masayang mga alaala ang makapaglingkod sa ating parokya. Isang umaga sa panahon ng Easter, dumalaw si Padre Raymond Arre sa aming tahanan kasama ang ilang mga kaibigan. Nagalak ang aking puso sa napakagandang pagkakataon na waring ang ating Panginoong Hesus ang nasa aking tabi. Malugod niyang pinakinggan ang kwento ng aking buhay at mga kamalian na lubos kong pinagsisisihan. Sa pagpapatawad ng ating Panginoon, isinabay ni Padre ang pagpapahid ng banal na langis sa aking noo at mga kamay, tanda ng isa pang sakramento na ipinararamdam ang pag-ibig at habag kasama ang biyaya ng Espiritu Santo. Matapos nito, naniniwala ako na maaaring ipagkaloob ng Panginoon na gumaling ang aking mga karamdaman. Ngunit
kung hindi man, alam kong balang araw, maaari pa ring bumalik si Padre Raymond upang ipagkaloob muli ang Sakramento ng pagpapahid ng langis sa maysakit. Ilan pa mang oras at araw ang natitira sa aking buhay dito sa mundong ibabaw, nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos, dahil binigyan Niya ako ng mga anak at apong mapagkalinga, mga kaibigang hindi nakakalimot, at mga alaalang masaya kong babaunin sa aking paghimlay. Wala na akong mahihiling pa, kaya’t bakit nga ba ako matatakot na harapin ang kamatayan? Iyan ay isang yugto lamang ng aking buhay na muling magpapatuloy at maghahatid sa akin sa buhay na walang hanggan. Iyan ay dahil mayroon akong Panginoon na muling nabuhay.
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FEATURES
Understanding the Significance of Easter Triduum
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he summit of the Easter celebration and the entire liturgical year is the Easter Triduum, to which we commemorate the “passion, death, and resurrection of Christ.” Within the Triduum, we celebrate the Easter Vigil, considered the mother of all vigils, or the Great Vigil of Easter” which is celebrated with great solemnity, joy, and jubilation. The season of Easter and the following fifty days are to be celebrated as “one feast day, like a great Sunday.” The season of Lent is a time of preparation for Easter. It disposes of the faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery “through reminders of their baptism and penitential practices.” Holy Week is “the remembrance of Christ’s passion, beginning with his messianic entry into Jerusalem.”
Olwencie de Claro liturgy of the Word, the washing of the feet, the liturgy of the Eucharist, the reservation of the Blessed Sacrament on the altar of repose, and the stripping of the altars that depicts the somber environment of the church in preparation for Good Friday. The celebration in honor of the Lord’s passion and death on Good Friday portrays a more somber observance among the days of Holy Week. The afternoon celebration is divided into three parts: the liturgy of the Word, the adoration of the cross, and the reception of communion. The celebration’s highlights are the veneration of the cross and the long procession of the Santo Entiero and the Mater Dolorosa, followed by a vigil to the Santo Entiero inside the church during the night.
Current liturgical books use the modern expression of the Easter Triduum to indicate the period that begins with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. The Easter Triduum, taken as a whole, commemorates the mystery of the death and resurrection of Christ.
Holy Saturday is the day of Christ in the tomb and does not have a proper liturgy. The church recommends that one fast, spend time on prayer, and meditate on the scene of the Lord’s tomb while waiting for his resurrection. The significance of this day is expressed by the texts of the liturgy of the hours.
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper has a festive character and celebrates the institution of the Eucharist, which looks toward the cross and resurrection. At the Last Supper, Jesus anticipated his sacrifice and its ultimate victory. The fundamental moments of the celebration are the
At the Easter Vigil, “the Church awaits Christ’s resurrection and celebrates it in the sacraments” (General Norms no.21). The Easter Vigil is related to Easter Sunday of the Lord’s Resurrection by both celebrations, and it has four parts: the lucernarium or the celebration of light; the liturgy
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of the Word; the celebration of baptism and the blessing of water as well as the renewal of baptismal promises; and the celebration of the Eucharist. By means of the sacramental signs of light, water, bread, and wine explained and made efficacious by the Word of God, the reality of the Lord’s Passover is symbolized and made present so that it may become ours and that we may express it with our lives. The basic symbolism of the Easter Vigil is the “illuminated night,” or the “night over which day has triumphed,” showing by means of ritual signs that the life of grace flows from the death of Christ. The vigil, given its relation to Passover, is nocturnal. Waiting, a characteristic of the vigil, points to the final coming of the Lord. As part of the culminating activities of our Holy Week, right after celebrating the Easter Vigil as we celebrate Easter Sunday, we do our traditional “Salubong” or the Encuentro. This early morning procession takes place at midnight. The meeting of the Resurrected Christ and the sorrowing mother Mary portrays the transition of Mary from a sorrowful to a joyful mother. Our celebration of the Holy Week is indeed meaningful; the conscious and active participation of our parishioners in our different liturgical and para-liturgical are greatly shown. (General Norms for the Liturgical Year and Calendar). L-R: Highlights of the parish’s celebration of the Easter Triduum
SEPTEMBER 2023
9 PREx: A Rediscovery of Faith of PPC Leaders Rona de la Cuesta
PREx, short for Parish Renewal Experience, is a conversion experience - a weekend encounter with the Lord, a rediscovery of our faith, and a strong recall of belonging to the Catholic Church. It is usually held on weekends to renew parishes in the New Evangelization. This spiritual activity is widely integrated with the formation of Catholic parishes all over the country.
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uring the May 11 PPC Executive Committee meeting, Fr. Raymond Joseph L. Arre (FRA) proposed that OLHP PPC leaders, including all the priests in the parish, undergo the PREx seminar regardless of the previous attendance from the past years. He emphasized that PPC leaders should have a shared experience for every member. He stressed that the PREx has always been an essential program of the Formation Ministry for parishes because this is one avenue for getting volunteers from the parish church. The two ½-day-seminar from July 7 to 9, 2023, was specially requested and arranged by FRA with Rev. Fr. Nelson Orqueta, the parish priest of the Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish (OLMMP) in Proj. 4, Q.C., as the sole facilitator for the 11 talks. Fr. Nelson was one of the first priests to have been trained by Fr. Chuck Gallagher, S.J., the originator and author of PREx. He created a parishbased formation that released a joyful sense of belonging and identity as a Catholic. There were 36 PPC leaders plus two priests (FRA and Fr. Dick Rocha, the
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resident guest priest of the parish). Fr. Nelson opened the seminar by imparting to us the purpose of PREx: It aims to continue evangelizing the Catholic teachings and to bring forth a conversion experience and sense of fraternal belonging. He continued that the church is an evangelizer, and to be an evangelizer, one must undergo conversion in the context of reconciliation.
friends, foes, officemates, and significant others who hurt us, did wrong to us, betrayed us, misjudged us, said unkind words to us, those that made us look bad to others and many other hurtful things that made us bitter, resentful, hateful, unloving, and unforgiving that FRA had to absorb in place of all who wronged us. This was a very emotional and draining activity, but knowing that a heavy load was lifted from our As he continued, he explained the shoulders was satisfying. Indeed, importance of the symbols present in reconciliation is coming home to the the PREx seminar: Father. Paschal Candle – symbolizes the presence of the Risen Lord; After every talk, there was an allotted Bible – the Word of God is the life of time for small and big groups to renewal; share. There was no fixed grouping; Crucifix – the symbol of reconciliation. this allowed us to know each one of The vertical dimension means to our ka-PPC brothers/sisters. reconcile with God, and the horizontal size means to reconcile with one All the talks were relevant, inspiring, another and; intriguing, engaging, and thoughtBody of Christ – The community provoking. The parting words of our present in the seminar is the visible parish priest, Fr. Raymond Joseph Body of Christ. He said all these are Arre was a challenge to the PPC intended to deepen our commitment to leaders, “As parish servant leaders, God and one another. what is your next step in response to the PPC Prex seminar?” I hope this The reconciliation activity that Fr. resonates and settles well in the heart Nelson made us do was for FRA to and mind of everyone. represent all those people – family,
SEPTEMBER 2023
HIGHLI A
Natatanging Lingkod-Simbah
Anne Raever Benavidez a
AGOSTO 26, 2023 – Ginawaran ng parangal at pagkilala ang mga lingkod-simbahan bilang pagpupugay sa kanilang kontribusyon sa Parokya ng Mahal na Ina ng Pag-asa. Naging inspirasyon at basehan sa pagpili ang core values ng parokya: panalangin, sakripisyo, pag-asa, habag, paglilingkod, at pagbabahagi.
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atagumpay na idinaos ang Gawad Pag-asa sa auditorium ng Our Lady of Hope Parochial School na dinaluhan ng Lubos na Kagalang-galang Honesto F. Ongtioco, DD, Obispo ng Diyosesis ng Cubao, Reberendo Padre Raymond Joseph Arre, kasalukuyang kura paroko ng Our Lady of Hope Parish, at mga nakalipas na mga kura paroko, Reberendo Padre Arnel F. Recinto at Reberendo Padre Alfredo A. Pascual, Jr. Dumalo rin ang ating resident guest priest Reberendo Padre Frederic C. Rocha, at mga miyembro ng Parish Pastoral Council. Narito ang listahan ng mga nabigyan ng karangalan: • G. Jonathan at Gng. Cristina Limpiada • Gng. Herminigilda Gloria at G. Roberto Gloria+ • Col. Joel at Dra. Norma Torregoza • Gng. Eileen Symaco at G. Eduardo Symaco+ • Dra. Sonia J. Catarroja • Gng. Felicitas G. Dalisay • Gng. Liberty B. Maningas • Bb. Lilia SD. Raflores • Gng. Maria Lourdes P. Tamondong • Gng. Carmen F. Ramos • Gng. Noemi G. Acayan • G. Romeo E. Lañgi • G. Antonio A. Trinidad, Jr.+
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Ang labing pitong (17) awardees ay nakatanggap ng wooden plaque of appreciation, Our Lady of Hope Wood Lamp, Tumbler, at Burlap Bags. SEPTEMBER 2023
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han sa Gabi ng Gawad Pag-asa
at Reginald Dickson Dequilla
Ayon kay Dra. Norma M. Torregoza (dating PPC Chaircouple kasama ang kanyang kabiyak na si Col. Joel A. Torregoza), isang napakalaking karangalan na mapabilang sa mga unang napagkalooban ng Gawad Pag-asa sa taong 2023.
“We had left a legacy in one way or another which had been a part of the formation of our beloved parish.” Sinabi naman ni G. Romeo E. Lañgi (na labing siyam na taon nang nagsisilbi sa parokya), “Hindi pumasok sa aking isipan na mabibigyan ng ganitong pagkilala at parangal sapagkat ginawa ko lamang ang nararapat bilang isang mabuting katiwala ng Kanyang mga biyaya. Sa mga bago pa lamang na tinawag ng ating Panginoong Hesus at ng ating Inang si Maria, ang maipapayo ko lamang ay maging mabuting tagapag-lingkod at darating ang tamang panahon na kayo ay gagantimpalaan ng Kanyang mga biyaya ng hindi ninyo inaasahan sapagkat ang ating Panginoon ay tunay na mapagmahal at higit na mapagbigay.” Pinangunahan ng Parish Pastoral Council Deputy Coordinator Monica Gatbonton, kasama ang Gawad Pag-asa Organizing Committee: Arnold Divina, Evangeline Rosimo, Ascencion de la Cuesta, Judith Santos, Cecille Perias, Olwencie de Claro, at Jerica Santos ang nasabing programa.
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[top photo] Sis. Eileen “Ellen” Symaco, awardee (who came from the U.S.A.) together with Bro. Owen de Claro, and [below photo] Felisa Ambong Alisla (who came from U.K.), receiving the Gawad Pag-asa award from Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, FRA and Bro. Arnold Divina SEPTEMBER 2023
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FEATURES Living and Growing: To Jesus through Mary Anne Raever Benavidez about God. Like Mary, who offered her life to give birth, raise, and lead Jesus to his duties as the Son of God, we, too, should lead the people to live a life close to God.
A Mary: the perfect role model of discipleship
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other of Christ. Queen conceived without Original Sin. Queen of confessors. Queen assumed into heaven. Queen of the Most Holy Rosary. Queen of Peace.
bearer of the Son of Christ. But Mary is a virgin who is not yet married. Can you imagine the humiliation of being pregnant out of wedlock? What if she said no to God’s will?
All these titles belong to Mary, the Mother of God, who is the main subject of the Easter Formation held last May 13, 2023 by our former parochial vicar, Rev. Fr. Marti Espenido, entitled “Ako at Si Maria: Ang Mabuhay ng Katulad ni Maria.”
Despite all this, Mary said yes to God’s will and fully dedicated her life to Christ.
When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, everyone inherited their sin; thus, we all became unworthy. However, Mary was chosen to be the Mother of God. Her womb is to be the first tabernacle. Because of this, she was conceived without original sin. The Lord prepared her to be a worthy
Fr. Marti said that perfect freedom is found in obedience. Freedom is not doing anything we want but focusing only on God. Because of our worldly desires and selfishness, we often sin. These sins act as chains that anchor us to the ground instead of lifting us towards God. Thus, we become slaves not by God’s rules but by our deeds. Fr. Marti reminds us that our life and service is not about us. It is always
May we, the servers of Christ, not do it for ourselves but for the Lord. The former vicar wished that the Blessed Virgin Mary, who ascended into heaven despite being a normal human being, inspired us to do good and be good to other people. He said that the Assumption of Mary is an assurance that ordinary people like us can do it, too. He advised us, as well, that while people may feel bored in saying the rosary, it is a way to meditate and talk to Mary. “The rosary is the secret of Christ; it is the secret for peace.” Through Mary, we achieve this peace. When we talk to Mary, we speak to a mother. The most intense love in the world comes from mothers. Mary, the greatest mother of all, led a life dedicated to Jesus. May we, her children, dedicate our lives to her Son, and may our pastoral practices also lead our neighbors to him.
Fr. Marti Espenido (center) and the Easter Formation attendees on his last parochial event.
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The journey to the Shrine of Hope Rev. Fr. Raymond Joseph Arre
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ope Francis has designated 2025 as another Church Jubilee year. The theme chosen by the Holy Father is directly related to the core value of our parish: Pilgrims of Hope.
We need to understand what a Jubilee Year is. A jubilee is a special holy year of grace and pilgrimage in the Catholic Church. The word “jubilee” is from the Hebrew word jobel, translated as “ram’s horn.” It is used as a trumpet, and its sound signals the start of the jubilee year. This is found in the Book of Leviticus in the Old Testament and tells us that a jubilee is important because it’s a year of liberation like no other. It happens every 25 years. Sometimes, the Pope can declare an extraordinary jubilee year just like the Year of Mercy (2016) or the Year of Faith (2013). Paano maghahanda para sa Taon ng Hubileo 2025 ang ating parokya, Our Lady of Hope? Much needs to be done. Our preparation will be guided by two things. First, we join the preparations based on the instruction given by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization. Second, based on the dreams and needs of our parish as identified by our parish community. A three-year preparation for Jubilee Year 2025 has been given by the Vatican in view of the Jubilee Year 2025. I have tried to incorporate
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them in what I propose we include in our parish plans for the next three years and have given descriptions for each year: Year 1, 2023: Learning Hope. Focus is on studying the documents of Vatican II: Gaudiun et Spes, Sancrosanctum concilium, Lumen Gentium, Dei Verbum. In our parish, we shall focus on new evangelization with emphasis on catechetical, human and spiritual formation paths. These formation pathways will look into the liturgy, the church as the people of God, scripture and the role of the church in the present-day world. Year 2, 2024: Praying Hope. Focus is on prayer and to promote the centrality of prayer, personal and communal. Through prayer, hope finds its beginning, deepening and missioning. Year 3, 2025: Celebrating Hope. The Vatican opens the Jubilee Year with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in December 2025. For us at OLHP, our focus is not just opening our own Jubilee door but deepen the openness of our parish life and continue what we have been doing the last 2 years. Parish jubilee events and activities dedicated to the families, young people, social media
and concern for the poor. We pray that with the deepening of spiritual, pastoral and social concerns advocacy of the parish, we also have uplifted our place of worship, our church building, and be a declared shrine of Hope in the Diocese of Cubao, dedicated to Mary and her apparition as Our Lady of Hope in Pontmain, France. Dahil dito, mahalaga na ang ating parokya ay masinop na maghahanda para sa taon ng Hubileo. Ang gaganapin nating OLHP Parish Action Planning sa November, 2023 ay mahalagang hakbang sa ating mithiing nais marating. Sama-sama at sabay-sabay tayong kikilos at magsusumamo sa Diyos na bigyan tayo ng malinaw na kaisipan, lakas ng loob at pangangatawan at malalim na pang-unawa na habang may buhay ay mayroon pagasa. Nawa’y yakapin natin na ang tunay na lugar ng Pagasa ay hindi sa isang simbahang bato ngunit nasa puso ng bawat mananampalataya na handang isantabi ang kasakiman, kayabangan at karamutan at palitan ng dalisay, taimtim at makabuluhang paglilingkod. Doon makikita ang dambana ng Pagasa ng Diyos.
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