SALUBONG


Introduction
The researchers choose this topic, which is one of the most popular Philippine Religious Traditions in this generation, in order to emphasize the importance of Salubong in the life and faith of the Filipino people. This topic is very connected to the growing faith of the Roman Catholic Christians. This will also give life to the New Testament witness to the resurrection of Jesus-Christ. It is a commemoration of the personal encounter of Mary with the risen Christ, and also to his apostles. This personal encounter with the risen Lord, as Catholics commemorated every year during Easter Sunday (Easter procession), is also of great help by means of personal assessing of ones’ value of faith. Salubong is not literally written in the bible but this will be a mean for the individuals to connect themselves to the New Testament encounter of Jesus’ resurrection. Hence, the Church nurtures the faith of the people through Traditions and tradition.

What is Salubong or Encuentro?
One of the Easter practices unique to the Philippines and other countries influenced by the Spaniards is the celebration of the "salubong". The word refers to the act of meeting someone who is arriving. As the word connotes, the celebration is a reenactment of the first meeting of Christ and his mother, Mary.

This is not written in the Bible, but our natural affinity to our mothers tell us that if there is someone to whom Christ will show himself first after his resurrection, it must be to his mother who loved him so much.

Salubong is when Jesus and Mary meet for the first time. In the Philippines, it is usually done in 3 am or 4 am in the morning. The females and males are separated. The males going with Jesus and females go with Mary. As Jesus and Mary go closer they sing Alleluia. After that they give you the first mass of Easter then you can either go home to celebrate or usually there will be a big celebration.

In the Philippines we have developed a beautiful Easter procession which is called “Salubong or Encuentro”. The Encuentro is a kind of an audio-visual aid which dramatizes the meeting of the risen Lord with His mother Mary. It makes visible how Mary’s deep sorrow is changed into great joy, seeing her Son alive. Although such an encounter between the risen Christ and His mother is nowhere reported in the Gospels, it can rightly be presumed that Mary was among the first witnesses of the resurrection.

Etymology

Salubong is incorporated in the celebration of the Easter Sunday as far as the Philippine context is concern. We already defined from the above descriptions about the meaning of Salubong basing from what we observed in Easter processions here in our country. In this research, it is very important to note the Etymological meaning of the term “Easter” in order for us to be guided.

The word “Easter” is probably derived from Estre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring. The German word Ostern has the same derivation, but most other languages follow the Greek term used by the early Christians: pascha, from the Hebrew pesach (Passover). In Latin, Easter is Festa Paschalia (plural because it is a seven-day feast), which became the basis for the French Paques, the Italian Pasqua, and the Spanish Pascua. It is also related to the Scottish Pask, the Dutch Paschen, the Danish Paaske, and the Swedish Pask.

Obscurity of its Origin

The researchers find some difficulty in searching for the exact origin of the Salubong or Encuentro. However, they use the book of Bernhard Raas, SVD as their source in knowing the origin of salubong or Encuentro.

It is a precious heritage we have received in the Encuentro. The great multitude of the people attending this procession early Sunday morning proves that it has become a part of Filipino culture and is deeply appreciated by the people. Where the Encuentro has its origin is not sure. Also the Indios in Guatemala observe the tradition of the Encuentro, but there it is done on Good Friday and it presents Jesus on His way to Golgotha, meeting His mother Mary and Veronica. The Filipino version of the Encuentro came probably from Spain and via Latin America it reached the Philippines.

Involved Rituals

Allow us to present to you about the story we get from the Kwaresma at Semana Santa 2008 Archive.

Marso 23, 2008. Maagang-maagang gumising ang marami upang makilahok at masaksihan ang Salubong ngayong Linggo ng Pagkabuhay. Ika-4:30 nu ay nagtipon ang mga parokyano sa mga Parokya ng Bancaan, San Roque at Naic. May kani-kanyang seremonya para sa salubong ang bawat parokya ng bayan.

Sa Bancaan, nagtipon ang mga kasama sa karo ng Maria Resureccion sa Bucana Coop. habang sa Labac Bridge naman ang sa karo ng Hesus Resureccion. Naganap ang salubong sa simbahan ng Bancaan.

Sa San Roque naman, nagtipon ang mga kasama ng Maria Resureccion sa Calubcob habang sa Gugo naman nagmula ang mga sumama sa imahe ng Hesus Resureccion. Sa simbahan din naganap ang salubong ng dalawang imahe.

Sa kabayanan, muling inilabas ang mga karo ng San Pedro, San Juan, Sta. Veronica, Maria Magdalena at Salome para sa prusisyon. Ang mga debotong babae ay nagprusisyon kasama ang mga santong nabanggit patungo sa tahanan ng Pamilya Papa sa Zamora upang sunduin ang imahe ng Maria Resureccion. Binaybay nila ang Capt. C. Nazareno, pa-Evangelista at lumagos sa Zamora. Ang mga lalaking deboto naman ay nagprusisyon kasama ang imahe ng Hesus Resureccion. Binaybay nila ang Capt. C. Nazareno, pa-Rizal at humantong pabalik sa liwasan.

Pasado ika-5nu nang magsalubong ang imahe ng Hesus Resureccion at Maria Resurrecion sa mismong plaza. Inihimpil naman ang karo ng ibang santo sa mataas na bahagi ng Poblete--Capt. C. Nazareno.

Bahagi ng seremonya ang pagtula ng isang batang lalaki. Sumasali't sa tula ang pag-awit ng mga batang sila ring nagsi-awit ng Hosana noong Linggo ng Palaspas. Inawit nila ang Alleluia at Regina. Tampok ang dalagang anghel na siyang nanguna sa pag-awit ng Regina. Mula sa likod, dahan-dahang lumakad hanggang sa rampang idinugtong sa entablado ang dalagang anghel. Matapos ang mga pag-awit, inalis na ng dalagang anghel ang itim na belong nakalukob sa imahe ng Maria at pinalitan ito ng puting tela.

Ayon naman sa mga pagsambit sa tula, nagpakawala ng mga kalapating puti, at nagpalipad din ng mga lobo kung saan nakatali ang koronang tinik at mga pako (yari sa styro). May mga lobo rin kung saan nakatali ang belong itim (iba sa belong inalis subalit kumakatawan din sa belong yaon). Bukod pa ang maraming lobong puti at asul na pinalipad din.

Matapos ang seremonya sa plaza, tumugtog ng mga musikong pang-karakol ang banda. Pasayaw na dinala ang mga karo ng Maria at Hesus papasok sa simbahan. Marami sa mga debotong pumuno sa plaza ay napaindak sa karakol. Bukod dito, may mga batang babae rin na sadyang bahagi ng seremonya upang magsayaw sa gitna ng plaza.

Pagdating sa simbahan, bandang ika-6nu, idinaos ang unang misa. Nasundan ang misa pagsapit ng ika-8nu, at isa pang misa pagsapit ng ika-6ng.

Sa ganito, nagwakas ang Semana Santa o Mahal na Araw sa Naic.


Religious Significance of Salubong or Encuentro
In this research, it is very important to note the significance of Salubong in the life of the Filipino people. As we have mentioned earlier, Salubong is very important as Filipino people who nurture their faith to Jesus Christ, the One who is resurrected from the dead. Filipino Catholics believe that the resurrection of Jesus is the culmination of His Paschal Mystery, and through that event he defeats the power of darkness which is death. The researchers believe that what matters most of all these things is faith. The personal encounters of Mary and the apostles with the risen Lord are made present in the Easter procession, and in that event we personally encounter Jesus in our faith.

The Holy Week and Town Fiesta processions tend to become either sincere dramatic enterprises, opportunities for the fulfillment of a vow, or competitive displays. Community solidarity is promoted, but it is by appeal and support, straining action and silent or vocal encouragement, by participants on the one hand, and sidelines on the other. This solidarity between those who march and those who watch is clearly expressed in the lighted candle held on the sidelines, or placed in the windows of homes on the route of the procession.


Salubong or Encuentro as Biblical Catechesis
The researchers mentioned from the above description that the encounter between the risen Christ and His mother Mary is nowhere reported in the Gospels, but they believe (researchers) that Salubong or Encuentro can be a biblical catechesis to interpret the various encounters.

By making use of biblical texts to illustrate and interpret the various encounters it would turn into a biblical catechesis. The scheme of such a “revised Encuentro” would like this:

Station The risen Lord meets His mother the same as now and singing of
“Queen of heaven, rejoice” Station He appears to Peter John 21, 15-17 can be read, and a
song that people can participate
Station He appears to Mary Magdalene The Easter Sequence may be sung
(and afterwards during the mass
Omitted)
Reading of Jn 20, 14-18
Station He appears to the 500 Reading of 1 Cor 15-16 and
Invitation to meet Him now in the
Eucharist.

Salubong or Encuentro as “tradition”
Salubong becomes a Philippine tradition in the context of the whole Catholic Church in the Philippines. It becomes a habit in the faith in which being practiced by all Filipino Catholics everywhere. It is an inherited tradition accepted by the collective mind of the Church. The love and faith of the Filipino Catholics make a Salubong or Encuentro as an inherited tradition still alive. To prove the traditional nature of Salubong or Encuentro, the researchers use the criterion of Sensus Fidei.

Sensus Fidei looks to the present sensitivity found in the whole body of believers. The Holy Spirit guides their instinctive discernment in matters of faith. Sensus Fidei involves the Holy Spirit. This criterion ultimately looks to the Spirit’s impact on the collective mind of the whole Church. It directs us to examine the faith and practice of the whole Church.

The criterion Sensus Fidei looks to the practice of the individual in the present context. It looks to the present collective sensitivity of the whole Church. Salubong is one of the many traditions which can be qualified in this criterion. Meaning, Salubong or Encuentro is qualified in terms of present collective faith, and that is being practiced by all Filipino Roman Catholics under their discernment in the Holy Spirit. It is also very important to include in this study that under the influence of the Holy Spirit, the faith of the Church is being nurtured. The researchers agree that Salubong or Encuentro is very important, and that as far as observation is concern most of the Filipino Catholics join in solidarity with the others during this event. This inherited tradition cannot be taken away in the hearts of the Filipino Catholics. For them, this tradition became part of their life as members of the Body of Christ. The researchers challenge all Filipino Catholics to become active and participative in this tradition of encountering Jesus in a most personal way of expressing faith. Hence, they believe that in participating Filipino Catholics will be able to see the importance of this tradition in the life and faith of the Church.

Assessment and Recommendations

Group Assessment
Salubong has become part of the tradition of the Filipino Catholic Church. It strengthens the faith of the Filipino believers of Jesus as the Son of God who has risen from the dead. It nurtures the individual’s faith and form one to become mature in witnessing to the Gospel values of Christ. Filipino Catholics become the living witnesses of the New Testament resurrection of Jesus Christ. They experience Christ in a most personal way of encountering. The researchers believe that Salubong or Encuentro becomes the instrument of recognizing Him in a most faithful way manner. They mention “faithful way manner” because it involves faith of the individual, and that faith is expressed in many ways particularly in the tradition of Easter procession. Hence, Salubong or Encuentro will lead us towards knowing the meaning of being a Catholic Christian, and their one will be able to appreciate (because he experiences Jesus personally) his own faith in the context of this particular tradition.


Biblical Basis
Salubong is a widespread tradition in the Philippines. The Biblical basis of this tradition is implicit. It is not written whether Mary really met her son Jesus. It is a logical proposition that it is obvious that if Jesus appeared to the other biblical personalities, it is contradictory that He never appeared to His Mother. Honestly speaking no one can rely on this proposition as biblical basis of this tradition. But, it is very surprising why this tradition flourished.

Magisterial Basis

The surprising spread of this cult urged the Magisterium to speak about it. As what is observed before that many people were interested in salubong rather the Eucharistic Celebration. The CBCP responded in 1971 by instructing that Salubong should be incorporated in the mass. The salubong takes the penitential part of the mass. This aims to bring people to love the Eucharist. To accommodate the salubong or to have its place in the liturgy in 1993 the CBCP approved some changes in the Dawn Mass during Easter Sunday. In place of the empty tomb of John as the gospel now it is Luke 27-28: the praise of Mary and all those who hear the Word of God and keep it. All prayers have now a Marian note.

Risen Lord
The tradition really founded on the Risen Lord. It is a festive as well as sacrificial commemoration in resurrection of Jesus. The foundation of this tradition is to make known the glorious resurrection of the Lord. The risen Lord directs the apostles to teach the Good news to the farthest bounds of the world. Salubong is a living Gospel that portrays how Jesus overcomes death by his victoriously rising from the dead.

Apostolicity
There is no known citation of the Church Fathers of this tradition. There is no written record from antiquity that this tradition is exhorted. Looking back on its history, it is said that salubong was developed during the onset of evangelization. It is used by the by the missionaries as an aid for catechesis. As we all know majority of the non-believers are illiterate therefore there is a need for an aid in order for them to understand the resurrection. They found salubong as an excellent tool for these.

Sensus Fidelium
It is precisely in this criterion that this salubong reach to this level of popularity. There is no clear biblical text that supports this tradition yet it make sense to the faithful. They fully believe on the benefits they will received in Salubong. The faith of the believing community causes this tradition to continue up to this moment. The sad thing here in there is some faithful are very fanatic. They believe that the flowers used in the salubong can cause good luck. So they panic in order to get some of these flowers. This is misleading because they are only limited to signs and they do not transcend – to the reality of that signs which is Christ Jesus.

The Vincentian Cannon
This tradition is widespread in the Philippines. Basing at Vincentian Cannon we can consider Salubong as true tradition. All churches in the Philippines celebrate this tradition in the same manner and almost in the same time. This believed by almost all Catholic in the Philippines so by this it can be consider as true tradition.

The Creed
One of the articles of faith is the resurrection. In salubong the resurrection is the center of this. This tradition affirms the proposition of our creed so therefore salubong is not far from the teaching of the Catholic Church.

Recommendations
Salubong is very much relevant to Catholic faith. It has no solid biblical foundation yet its point to the very reality to the life of Christ. It heralds the mystery of the Risen Lord and as a form of Catechesis it follows the mandate of Christ in the Ascension, “Go therefore and make disciples of men.” It cannot be viewed in terms of apostolicity because this tradition develops in the advent of missionary’s evangelization. But, despite of some canonical discrepancy the faithful are drawn towards this tradition. It is the faith that makes it prosper.

The group unanimously approved this practice must be observed. However, there should be modification to this practice. The appearances of Jesus in the Bible should be included. For example His appearance to Mary Magdalene (Jn 20:14-18), the appearance to Peter (Jn 21:15-17) and the appearance to 500 persons as what is read in 1 Cor 15:6. This modification leads salubong to further biblical authenticity. The Eucharistic prayer should not have a Marian Note. It is observed that salubong has Marian character. This is misleading because many would think that we are exhorting Mary than Jesus. It is somewhat contradictory that we are rejoicing to the resurrection of Christ yet our prayers in the liturgy have a Marian touch. The following are the Presidential prayers of the Dawn Mass of Easter Sunday.

CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH

CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH

December 24, 2009 ( C )
HOMILY

Maayong buntag kanatong tanan!

Christmas na gyud unyang gabie mga igsoon. Excited nab a mo? Ang uban guro diri excited ang uban pud dili. Nganong excited kaha? Basin nay dakung noche Buena o inom sa balay o sa mga barkada o kahigalaan. Nganung dili pud kaha excited? Basin walay kwarta nga pang noche Buena?

Mao ba gyud kaha ni ang meaning sa pasko? Inum, kanta, pakals, pabuto etc…hinumduman nato mga igsoon ang unang pasko…asa gani natawo si Jesus? Sa pasungan..bibo ba didto? Naa bai litson didto, kinilaw, kalderita, tanduay, videoke etc…WALA!

Unsa man diay ang naa didto? Diba ang bata nga magluwas kanatong tanan. Ang pasko diay nagpahinumdum kanato nga nakig-uban kanato ang Ginoo…EMMANUEL

Kung nakadumdum mo sa ebanghelyo kadtong martes…Canticle of Mary…miawit siya sa pagdayeg sa Ginoo…karun ang amahan napud ni Juan Bautista ang mipadayag..unsa man diay ang iyang gipadayag ni Zacarias sa ebanghelyo nato karun? Ingon niya, “daygon nato ang Ginoo, ang Dios sa Israel! Kay mianhi siya arun pagtabang sa iyang katawhan ug paghatag kanilag kagawasan…gipaanhi niya kanato ang usa ka gamhanang manluluwas nga kaliwat sa iyang sulugoon nga si David.” Tataw kaayodiri mga igsoon nga ang Dios nakig-uban sa iyang mga katawhan hangtud karun ug sa kahangturan. Unsaon nato pag prove ana nga nakig-uban siya kanato karung panahona? tan awa lang ninyo ang bata sa pasungan ug kanang tawo nga nagbitay diha sa krus.

Naa koy istorya… nay usa ka pari nga giduolan siya sa usa sa manimbahay ug nangutana. Unsa gyud diay ang meaning sa pasko pader? Kanang naa bas a Freedom Park nga gubot ug saba kaayo o kanang naa sa Plaza nga puno sa mga Christmas lights. Ug ang pari nangutana sa iyaha nganong nakapangutana man ka ana? Sa imo diay unsa man gyud diay ang pasko? Ang pasko pader diba mao manang SILENT NIGHT UG HOLY NIGHT. Unsa man diay ang nasa kahilom? Diba silence is the language of God. ug kung nay kahilom diha pud nato masinati ang presensya sa Ginoo. Kita mga katoliko ing-anion unta nato pagsaulog ang pasko. Wa ko nag-ingon nga sayop ang nay handa, inom o videoke. Ang ako lang unta mag gahin tau g panahon sa kahilom diha sa atong kasing2x uban sa atong pamilya. Dili nato kalimtan ang tawo nga nagsaulog sa iyang adlaw nga natawhan. Kinsa maning bday? Diba kang Jesus..busa panahon sa pasko hatagan nato ug regalo ang bday boy dili kita mao noon ang mangayo. Nanghinaot ko nga Makita unta nato ang presensya sa Ginoo karong pasko bisag pit-os kaayo ang kinabuhi.

Naa pakoy usa ka istorya aron sa pagtapos sa akong pag-paambit…nay usa ka pamilya…usa ka gabie ang bana nag overtime sa trabaho u gang mga anak nag overtime pud sa school kay nay project nga humanon. Ang mama rai nabilin sa balay ug siya nag luto sa ilang panihapon. Unya may mitoktok sa ilang pultahan nga hinay kaayo…abi niya ug wala lang…so nagpadayon siya sa pagluto…ug mitoktok na usab…sa iyang pag abri nay duha ka bata nga pobre…gisi2x ilang mga sanina ug walay tsinelas…ang duha ka bata miingon pwede mangayo ug daan nga newspaper maam? Kay ibaligya namu para nay makaon. Sa pagkakita niya sa mga bata naluoy kaayo ang tagbalay. Iya untang gipadayon para maka kaon pero ang duha ka bata nagdumili kay ilang gusto ra mao ra ang mangayo ug daan nga newspaper para makapalit ug pagkaon…apan miingon ang tagbalay kung di mo mosulod wala moy newspaper. Busa misulod sila…gitimplahan sila ug init kaayo nga milo inubanab sa cookies nga lami kaayo arun mamainit. Samtang mibiya sa siya kay magtiwas ug pagluto nakadungog siya sa ilang istorya sa duha ka bata…ingon sa bata kuya dato siguro ni sila no?tan awa gani ilang tasa ug platito kuya pareha ug design..ug ni interrupt ang tagbalay ug gihatag na ang ilang gipangayo. Sa paglakaw na sa mga bata ang isa dato mo maam?ug wala siya makatubag…ug siya miadto sa kusena ug nabantayan dayun niya nga haska iyang plato, kutsara ug tinidor pareha ug design…miadto sa sa sala ug nakita niya nga ang kurtina ug bangko pareha gihapon ug design…miadto sa sa kwarto ug nakita niya ang iyang bedsheets ug karpet nga pareha ug color ug design…siya natandog kaayo sa pagbisita sa mga bata kay ayha pa niya nabantayan unsa kaanindot diay sa iyang balay…miabot ang iyang bana ug mga anak ug natingala sa hugaw sa sala…sa ilang pagkaon gi share sa asawa unsay nahitabo sa iyaha…ug ayha niya nabantayan nga iyang mga anak dalaga ug ulitawo naman diay u gang iyang bana giuban na…usahay sa atong ka busy din a nato mabantayan ang mga ordinaryong butang sa atong palibot…usahay sa atong ka busy sa kinabuhi di napud nato mabantayn ang presensya sa Ginoo…mao kini ang hagit kanato bisag sa ka ordinary sa butang o panghitabo unta kita makakita sa presensya sa Ginoo sa kalipay man o sa kasakit…hinaut pa unta. MERRY CHRISTMAS KANATONG TANAN!

THE ANNUAL JOURNEY OF MY LIFE (2009)

THE ANNUAL JOURNEY OF MY LIFE (2009)


(This is one of the fruits of my reflection as I begin the year 2010. This is actually not in my plan that is why my presentation is not in a chronological order. Perhaps next year I will be able to write my journey of life in order.)



1. I forgot what was the exact date and time that I received the news from our rector that I was able to pass the interview of St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.

2. Recommended by our college formators to pursue theology. Sa wakas Viannista na gyud ko!

3. Graduation day….sa wakas graduate na gyud ko sa akong college formation life.

4. My birthday bash and thanksgiving…it was a happy and gay celebration.

5. It was month of May..The most exciting event of my life kai reporting na sa Vianney..We are 17 in our batch called KALIS and I became the beadle for the Ist semester.

6. CDO tour…met the archbishop of CDO..And went to divine Mercy shrine for the first time.

7. 3 years naku sa akong second calling (MY FIAT)

8. For the first time my mother, father, sister, brother-in-law, and ron2x visited me in the seminary.

9. Happy fiesta…viva San Juan Maria Vianney..

10. SJVTS Alumni Homecoming

11. My first homevisit as theologian (aug.27-30)..There is no place better than home..Bonding with my seaman bestfriend.

12. Fr. Vir became my spiritual director.

13. Intrams sa Vianney…hapit me ma champion…hahahah

14. Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows…I texted my mother what are here sorrows in life…and it was revealed…

15. First semester is over…dipolog excursion…kalami sa mga sea foods..kalimpyo sa lugar…kabuotan sa Montanyo family..kaanindot sa DAKAK…kaputot ni Rizal sa DApitan…

16. Uli na daun sa Bukidnon…ordination of Bonie, Popoy, Chris, Babo and Art…6 more years ako napud dayun…hahahaha

17. Semestral break na gyud…yahoo…dili na gyud ko beadle sa among batch…

18. Rector’s Cup…Champion me sa volleyball…

19. Pista sa among building ug birthday ni Fr.Pops

20. Family day

21. Bukid Majors caroling (Pangantucan/maramag)

22. Christmas break

23. New members of our family: WELCOME TO THE MONTEZO FAMILY…John Rois montezo (aug.18,09), Monique Jestein Reyes (aug.30,09)

24. Dahilayan zipline advebture trip with Quintero brothers.

25. Family reunion

26. HS batch reunion

27. Dec.21-24 (Misa de Gallo) I was the homilist of Amay Cris at the same time his driver and partner…nice experience and exposure…salamat padz…

28. Daghan naghatag ug gifts sa ako…ako pud kay nanghatag…merry xmas

29. Road trip and road test with the Quintero brothers again…

30. Happy New Year!!!welcome 2010

OCTOBER MEMOIRS

OCTOBER MEMOIRS


- A friend of mine texted me in the middle of my study in GREEK…she had a big problem…she wanted to kill herself…because she got pregnant by her first cousin at the same time her boyfriend…they wanted to abort the baby…but I insisted…I hope she was listening to my advice…si Lord nay bahala sa ila..

- Defense of my research study with Fr. Dhems

- “BEING MAKULIT” insistence in praying until God hears it.

- As a seminarian I cannot be like the Pharisees who look good outside but are complete contradiction on the inside.

- DIPOPLOG EXCURSION: 1st day…lunch in Iligan City sa balay nilang Kuya Dhags…it was my first time to eat kinilaw na lahoy, ginataan nga lahoy, etc.basta lahoy man to tanan…hehehe…after lunch Ozamis is the next destination…first time naku sakay ug barge…heheheh…7:30pm abot name sa Dipolog..my first impression sa Dipolog kay peaceful and clean..tolog na daon me sa beach house nilang Montanyo…zzzzzzz

Second day: mass at Cathedral…went to Dapitan where Rizal was exiled..lunch sa Kamayan sponsored by Monyanyo Family napud…hehehehe…next destination was DAKAK…ligo hangtod mahurot ang tubig…hehehehe…dinner sa balay nilang Kuya Dagz…seafoods tanan amo sud-an haskang lamia…hehehehe…u gang mga taga Bukidnon nag hulat na ug bus kay mouli pa sa Malaybalay para sa ordination…abot name Bukidnon…amo batch toa pa sa dipolog nagpadayun ug outing..huhuhuhuhu…hehehehe…

- According to Pope John Paul II: “the family is the place where we discover who we are”

- U.S. Bishops define chastity as: “a virtue that allows us to do what is right, good and truly loving in the areas of relationship and sexuality.”

“chastity is a spiritual power which frees love from selfishness and aggression.”

- Holiness according to saints: “is not primarily a matter of external actions of piety or service but of the interior union of our will to God’s will.”

- According to St. Theresa of Avila: “holiness as wanting what God wants; loving what God loves;desiring what God desires.”

- If greed helped push us into this crisis, then generosity will be necessary to pulls us out.”

MAGNIFICAT

MAGNIFICAT

Lk. 1:46-56

December 22, 2009

4th Week of Advent C

KALEMERA!

Kinsa may kabalo mo kanta ug ‘NOBODY’ by wonder girls? Diba usa mani sa mga sikat nga kanta karun. Bisag di masabtan ang lyrics kay kini Korean song memorize gihapon sa mga tawo. Kadumdum paba mo sa grupo nga F4? Diba nisikat pud to sila sa una ug ma bata man o matigulang kabalo sa kanta ug memorize pa. Ug kinsa man kaninyo diri ang maka memorize sa lyrics nga gihimo ni Maria? Subo pamalandungon mga igsoon nga kita mga katoliko ug devoted kang Maria, ug kusog pa gyud mo claim nga Marian ta pero di maka memorize sa lyrics o wa gyud kabasa sukad pa sa una.

Ug mangutana mo sa ako karun. Alangan brod kaning mga secular nga mga kanta dali ma memorize ug mahibal-an kay pirmi namu madungan sa radyo, fm, cd, ug uban pa. Ug kining kanta ni Maria wa gyud ni ge play sukad sa radyo.

Ug tubagon pud tamo nga igsoon. Kita panahon sa tipok2x uban sa atong mga barkada, pamilya, dili gyud mawala nga manganta ta sa videoke machine muholog pa gyud ug singko…pero ang bibliya dili gyud mauklab aron mo memorize sa Magnificat ni Maria. Nga unta kini naa raman sa balay ug dili pa gyud mogasto.

Busa mga igsoon mao kini atong unang hagit. Hatagan unta nato ug panahon nga mubasa sa mga mensahe diha sa bibliya sama sa paghatag ninyo ug gahin sa pagtan-aw sa tv, radyo, internet, facebook, friendster, celphone, etc..

Sa atong ebangelyo karun si Maria miingon, “NAGDAYEG ANG AKONG KASINGKASING SA GINOO, UG NAGMALIPAYON ANG AKONG KALAG TUNGOD SA DIYOS NGA AKONG MANLULUWAS.” Nganung nakaingon man si Maria ani nga mga pulong? Why man? Ngano? “TUNGOD KAY NAHINUMDUM SIYA KANAKO, NGA IYANG UBOS NGA SULUGOON.”

Si Maria ubos nga sulogoon kay siya usa ka babae. Women during that time was nobody, nobody in the society. They were treated as property or belongings to their husband. Aside from she was a woman: Mary was materially poor. Sa una hangtud karun, ang mga dato ra ang gamhanan ug naay tingog sa katilingban. Busa mao nang naka bungat si Maria aning mga pulonga nga puno sa pagdayeg sa Ginoo. Kay nobody, nobody siya sa katilingban.

Ngano man mga igsoon gapilion sa Ginoo ang mga naa sa ubos, pobre, o walay mga pulos sa katilingban? Sa Old Testament, gipili niya si Moises nga di kabalo mangnolti, si Jeremiah nga bata paman siya, ang 12 ka Apostoles nga ordinaryong mga tawo ug makakasala man to sila, nganung gipili sa Ginoo nga sa pasungan sa maanak…

Ingon sa 1 Cor. 1:27, “gituyo pagpili sa Dios ang giisip sa mga tawo nga walay kapuslanan aron pakaulawan ang mga maalamon ug gipili niya kadtong giisip nga huyang aron pakaulawan ang mga taong gamhanan.”

Si Maria mao atong modelo sa pagdawat kang Kristo sa atong kinabuhi. Magmalipayon unta kiya sa pagdawat nato kaang Kristo sa atong kinabuhi. Ug bisag sa kalisud unta Makita gihapon nato sa atong kinabuhi nga si Kristo anaa sa atong kiliran.

Kung si Maria naka sulti sa iyang gibati pinaagi sa kanta. Kita, kamu, ikaw, ako sa unsa pong pamaagiha man express nato ang kalipay nga si Kristo nakig-uban kanato. Ug unta dili kini taman sa pulong lamang kundili sa buhat Makita pud. Kung tan awon nato atong palibot diri sa Valencia ania napud atong mga bisita nga gapangayo ug limos. Manuktok sa atong balay ug mangayo ug pinaskuhan. Unta kita dili maghinakug sa ila. Unta Makita nila si Kristo pinaagi sa inyong with smile nga paghatag sa pinaskuhan.

Sa pagsaulog sa pasko…dili unta mag matter ang atong kalipay sa atong handa nga gi prepare, nadawat nga bunos, o regalo. Daghang pamaagi sa pagsaulog sa pasko sama sa pagpasalamat sa mga grasya nga nadawat sama sa maayong panglawas, maayong trabaho, kumpleto ug malipayon nga pamilya, ug uban pa. Unta sa atong pagpasalamat Makita nato nga ang Ginoo is with us. Mao unta kini ang sumbanan sa atong kalipay sa pag saulog nato sa pasko. Christmas is a reminder that God love us and save us.

Hinaut pa unta.

Maayong buntag

NOCHE BUENA

                                                                               ‘Noche buena is good night, not good food’

By Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:13:00 12/24/2009
Filed Under: Christmas, Food, Customs & Traditions

MANILA, Philippines—Noche buena: it’s not about food; it’s the celebration of Christ’s birth.

Msgr. Pedro Quitorio, media director of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Wednesday reminded the faithful that the original meaning of noche buena is good night—not good food.

People experiencing difficulties should bear this in mind before they complain of having another sad Christmas.

When times are hard, Christmas becomes more meaningful because people come to realize that they need Christ the Savior, Quitorio said.

He noted how Filipinos get depressed when they are not able to prepare a special feast for noche buena.

“When you equate Christmas with noche buena, you lose the meaning of Christmas,” Quitorio said.

“Christmas is not about noche buena. That’s why Christmas becomes bleak to most people. They say they cannot buy ham, they cannot buy this and that, without realizing that Christmas is not about material things, Christmas is about loving one another,” he said.

It’s not about ham

In the first place, Quitorio stressed, noche buena is not about the feast.

“We have reduced it to ham. [That’s] not noche buena,” he stressed. “Noche buena was actually the traditional midnight Mass [on Christmas Eve]. We celebrate the Eucharist as a banquet. We celebrate the banquet because Jesus was born.”

“[Because] God loved us and sent his own Son to us, that’s noche buena,” Quitorio said.

“Although there are many depressing events, unlike in past Christmases, we celebrate Christ who gave us light in the midst of darkness,” he added.

In fact, Quitorio said, the world was in worse shape when Jesus was born, as most of the world was under the Roman Empire.

Deeper meaning

He said Christ’s birth took on a deeper meaning because it happened in the middle of the night.

“The darkness experienced by the people [then], in the political and social sense, was even darker than what we experience at this time. God sent us light. Maybe it’s not by accident that Jesus was born at night. It happened at night so it becomes more meaningful. You realize you need a Savior, the Good News,” Quitorio explained.

More important than a noche buena feast was goodwill in the family, he said.

“Even if we have a noche buena [feast, but] if we are not in good terms with our family—what’s the good in that? The love that has been born has not been born in the midst of the family. There are those who have a lot of food to eat but their hearts are empty,” Quitorio said.

From the heart

He also said there were ways to celebrate the tradition of Christmas gift-giving with things other than material.

“You give gifts to express what you have. Do not give gifts if it does not come from your heart. Because if it comes from the heart, it will be gladly received even if it’s a paltry gift. A small, lighted candle is a better gift than a car that comes from jueteng (illegal numbers game) or from someone with an evil heart,” Quitorio said.

VISITATION OF MARY

VISITATION OF MARY HOMILY

ADVENT(C)

December 21, 2009

Ang atong Ebangelyo karun nagahisgot sa PAGBISITA ni Maria kang Elizabeth.

Kung ikaw/kamo pagabisitahon sa usa ka higala nga sa madugay na panahon wala namo nag kita, unsa man ang inyong pagabation? Diba kalipay atong mabati sa atong kasing2x. (ex.Reunion,etc.)



Kung ang usa ka dalaga nga babae pagabisitahun sa inyong balay sa inyong uyab diba malipay man mo? Kung kamo mga ginikanan pagabisitahon sa inyong mga anak diba dili masabtan ang pitik sa kalipay na nabati sa sulod sa atong kasing2x?



Sa pagbisita diay adunay dala nga kalipay!



Kung ang atong suad nga higala, anak, uyab, ig-agaw, politico, artista, pari, etc. mobisita sa atong panimalay haskang lipaya gyud nato. Pero pag pobre o manglilimos gani mo tok2x sa atong panimalay. Ambot lang kung malipay ba ta?



Naay duha ka realidad sa atong kinabuhi. Una ang realidad nga kita pagabisitahun. Ug ang realidad nga kita ang mobisita.



Sa panahon sa pasko naa gyuy mobisita kanato. Sama sa atong mga binata, ig-agaw ug uban pa. Unta sa atong paghatag sa pinaskuhan kita malipayon ug mapasalamaton sa Ginoo nga kita nakahatag. Ug unta we go extra mile sa atong pagka mang gihatagun. Dili lang unta dha sa atong cirle of friends kun dili apilon pud nato ang uban nga wa ba belong sa atong cirle of friends.



Gahinan pud nato ug panahon ang pagbisita sa atong mga higala o myembro sa atong pamilya. Si lolo, lola, uncle, aunte, etc. dili sa pagpangayo ug pinaskuhan kundili sa pagbisita ug pangumusta lang kanila. Kana nga buhata dako kaayo ug epekto sa kinabuhi sa tawo.



Pareha ni Maria, wala siya mi bisita kang Elizabeth arun sa pagpahambug sa bata nga iyang gemapdos. Kun dili siya mi bisita arun sa pagtabang kang Elizabeth kay tigulang naman siya nagmapdos. Mary was not only ready to serve God; she was also quick to help others in need.



This Christmas season, it would be very meaningful if, like Mary, we begin to consider how we can provide genuine assistance to others who are less fortunate. Ordinarily, we would like to wonder “unsa kaha akong madawat karung pasko no?” o “kinsa kaha ang makahatag sa ako ug tsada kaayo nga pinaskuhan?”



Ang ebanghelyo nato karun naga hagit kanato nga instead of asking something why not giving something to the less fortunate people. Let us emulate Mary’s example of generous self-giving.



Sa katapusan…si Jesus pirmi naga bisita sa atong kasing2x (ex.Ordinary experiences) arun kita maluwas. Christ was born for us to have eternal life. Unta andam ta pirmi sa iyaang pagbisita. Hinaut pa unta.

Maayong buntag!