8

ANNOUNCEMENTS
LITURGICAL SERVICES
SCHEDULE OF MASSES

MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY &

SATURDAY
6:30 AM
WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY
6:30 AM & 6:30 PM
SUNDAY

PARISH
6:00 AM
7:15 AM

8:30 AM

10:00 AM
(CHILDRENS MASS) 4:00 PM
5:15 PM

( YOUTH MASS) 6:30 PM
8:00 PM

LOURDES CHAPEL 8 :00 AM
BCDA 9:30 AM

CYPRESS TOWERS 10:00 AM

Maria Reyna ng mga Apostoles

Phase 2 Brgy. Pinagsama,Taguig City
contact:553-9104
DEVOTIONS/NOVENAS
Mary, Queen of the Apostles every Saturday before Mass
Sacred Heart - Every Friday before Mass
Holy Hour - Every First Friday, 5:30 am
with Benediction
Our Mother of Perpetual Help - Every Wednesday before Mass
Holy Rosary - Everyday before each Mass

ISSUE 3

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF MARIA REYNA NG MGA APOSTOLES PARISH, BRGY. PINAGSAMA TAGUIG CITY Jan-June 2012

VIVA! MARIA!

THE CORONATION OF MARIA, REYNA NG MGA APOSTOLES

BY: MADEL LAVISTA

SERVICES
Confession - Every Wednesday and Friday at 6:15 AM
Baptism -Every Sunday at 11:00 AM
Wedding - Kindly make arrangement with the Parish office at least two
months before the desired date
Sick Call - Anytime
Blessing - By Appointment
Funeral Mass - By Appointment

Mary Queen of Apostles

STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS & DISBURSEMENTS (JAN-MAY 2012)

Fr. Bet with the guest Bishops and priests, Aquino sisters and Tinga Family

It all began with an idea; then

a plan was hatched; later, a
program of action formulated.
May 20, 2012 is indeed a memorable date etched in the history of
MRA Parish. Three celebrations
marked this date: the Solemnity of
the Lords Ascension to Heaven; the
Fiesta celebration in honor of our
patroness, Maria, Reyna ng mga
Apostoles (Mary, Queen of the
Apostles); and her Coronation
within the 10AM concelebrated
Mass. Most Rev. Francisco C.
San Diego, D.D. (Bishop Emeritus of Pasig); Most Rev. Nereo P.
Odchimar, D.D. (Bishop of Tandag,
Surigao and Past President of CBCP);
Most Rev. Diosdado A. Talamayan, D.D. (Archbishop Emeritus of
Tuguegarao); and Most Rev. Teodoro
C. Bacani, D.D. (Bishop Emeritus
of Novaliches) along with priests
from different Dioceses/Parishes
graced the occasion. Main Presider
was Most Rev. Mylo Hubert C. Vergara, D.D. (Bishop of Pasig). Guests
of honor were President Noynoy
Aquinos siblings: Madame Ma.
Elena Ballsy Aquino-Cruz and
Madame Aurora Corazon Pinky
Aquino-Abellada. Other guests
include Congressman Freddie Tinga and family; Madame Menchu
Esteban (Papal award recipi-

Ballsy carries the crown of MRA

ent),
Former
Justice
Dante
Tinga, Barangay Pinagsama Chairwoman Vicvic
Mortel-Balidoy
& Barangay Council; and MRA
benefactors/ sponsors and friends.

(former parish priest of MRA &

now assigned at Holy Rosary Parish) and Rev. Fr. Pedro Enrique
Betbet L. Rabonza IV, JCD (our
current parish priest) in the procession.

Bishopss Homily. Bishop Mylo

mentioned the challenge given by
Jesus to his disciples to go and
proclaim the gospel to every creature. He posed the same challenge
to everyone: How far will you go to
carry out the mission expected of you
by Jesus? He cited that it was also
the 46th year of World Communications Day with the theme Silence
and Word: Path of Evangelization.
He quoted Pope Benedict XVIs
emphasis on the necessity for both
silence and the word in evangelization/dialogue. He underlined that
though both are essential elements,
there should also be time to speak, and
time to listen and to contemplate for
better understanding and for peace.

Blessing of the Crown. Upon reaching the sanctuary, Bishop Mylo

consecrated the crown with a
prayer that the community will
deepen their collective faith in
Jesus (King of kings) and be faithful and obedient sons/ daughters of
the Blessed Virgin Mary. Afterwards,
Mesdames Ballsy Aquino-Cruz
and
Pinky
Aquino-Abellada
solemnly put the crown and halo of
our patroness, Maria, Reyna ng mga
Apostoles. Simultaneous ringing of
bells, sound of fireworks, animated
band music, enthusiastic singing
of the MRA hymn, and thunderous
applause signaled the jubilation and
rejoicing of the whole community.

Grand Procession of the Crown.

After the homily, the grand
entrance and procession of Marys
crown (with her halo) ensued.
Twenty five candles carried by guests
accompanied the Aquino sisters in the
procession to the sanctuary. Equally symbolic was the inclusion of
Rev. Fr. Orlindo Orlin F. Ordoa

Appreciation Speech. Noting that

this was her first time in MRAP,
Madame Ballsy thanked the parish community for the warm welcome and reception. She shared that
it was her mother, former President
Cory Aquino, who instilled in them
the unwavering faith in God and
love for the Blessed Virgin Mary
contd to page 6...

PARISH NEWS

contd from page 1...

... including praying of the rosary

daily. She thanked Fr. Betbet for the
invitation for the coronation, saying
Anything for Mary.
Acknowledgments. Fr. Betbet expressed his gratitude for the Guests
of Honor, the Bishops and priests, the
benefactors and sponsors of the parish and everyone who were present in
the celebration. He referred to Madame Ballsy as his personal choice
for the coronation rite because he is
aware of her prayerfulness and high
regard for the Virgin Mary. In ending, he also acknowledged the support of the Parish Pastoral Council,
the various ministries, and parishioners with a shout of Viva, Maria,
Reyna ng mga Apostoles!
MRA Hymn. The official hymn of
MRA in honor of our patroness, Maria Reyna ng mga Apostoles, was
sang with fervor by the grand choir
throughout the Mass during the en-

trance, the procession of the crown,

the coronation, and the recessional.
The march speaks about the role of
Mary as Queen of the Apostles and
our fervent prayer for her guidance
with a haunting refrain:
O Maria, Reyna ng mga Apostol
Dinggin mo ang bayang sumusunod
sayo
Na kasama mong nagpupuri sa Diyos
nang buong puso.

A Date of Firsts. May 20 this year

is earmarked as a date of firsts for
the community a day of profound exultation and thanksgiving, a poignant experience for all present in the
celebration. The coronation of the
image of Mary is a befitting homage
of the Church for her role in the salvific mission of her Son. Her title as
Queen of heaven and earth is a sharing in the honor given to Jesus.
VIVA, MARIA!!!

BINYAGAN SA PINAGSAMA
NI: STEVE R. VILLACORTA

Ritwal ng Pagbibiyag

Mga magulang, ninong
at ninang, may obligasyon kayo sa
Diyos at sa bayan ng Diyos upang
lumaki ang mga bata na may takot
sa Diyos. Ito ang pahayag ni Reb.
Padre Pedro Enrique Rabonza IV,
JCD, sa Binyagang Bayan na ginanap noong Mayo 13, 2012 sa Maria
Reyna ng mga Apostoles Parish. Ang
mensaheng ito ang nagbigay kahulugan sa gampanin ng mga nabanggit

sa kanilang paggabay sa mga bata

matapos ang binyag.
Ang Binyagang Bayan ay proyektong
alay ni Justice Dante Tinga sa mga
residente ng Barangay Pinagsama
para sa kapistahan ni Maria, Reyna
ng mga Apostoles. Ito ay nilahukan
ng 112 na mga bata na may edad
anim pababa. Bago nagsimula ang
binyag ay nagbigay muna ng oryentasyon sa mga magulang, ninong at
ninang si Gng. Zenaida Libadisos,
ang katekista ng parokya. Samantala, ,kasama ring nagbinyag sina
Rev. Fr. Gennis Bernal, Rev.Fr. Elads
Lesada, at Rev.Fr. Ben Elopre.

Binigyang-diin ni Fr. Betbet
na hindi dahilan ang pagiging kapos
sa buhay upang hindi maging Kristiyano. Sa huli ay pinayuhan niya ang
mga magulang na maging mabuting
halimbawa sa mga bata.

MRAP ANNUAL RETREAT

Maria Reyna ng mga Apostoles Parish held its annual retreat
at Maryridge Healing and Renewal
House of the Good Shepherd Sisters
in Tagaytay City last February 17-18,
2012.

The annual retreat is a requirement for Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion
(EMHC), Lectors and Commentators
Ministry (LCM) and Mother Butler
Guild (MBG). Representatives from
the Music Ministry, Apostolado ng

TRIBO SAN TADEO

WINS
LUKLUKAN FESTIVAL
2012
BY: JOSIE S. BUENAVISTA

SPIN A WHEEL: CHOOSE

YOUR FAVORITE COLOR
BY: STEVE R. VILLACORTA

It was a triumph for Tribo San

Tadeo, the pride of HHSG community, as they bagged the title
Luklukan Festival Champion
last May 19, 2012. The Pinagsama
streets were filled with loud chants
and cheers in celebration of Luklukan Festival with the theme
Halina Indakan na, Manalangin,
Makiisa sa Kapistahan ni Maria
sa ating Parokya. All Damayan
participants, representing their
respective Saints, danced with enthusiasm. The final stop was held
at the Phase 2 covered court where
they astounded the audience with
their performances.
The winners are as follows:
Champion:
Tribo San Tadeo (HHSG)
1st runner-up:
Tribo San Andres(BCDA),
2nd runner-up:
Tribo San Mateo
(Damayan 9 and 10)
Special Awards:
Best in Costume: Tribo San Tadeo
Most Number of Participants :
Tribo San Tadeo
Most Disciplined:
Tribo Santiago.

As the clich goes, life is colourful. Indeed. Each
of us has different stories and each story contains a colourful episode, from light to dark, name it, we have it.
Our life can be as light as the blue sky because there is
happiness and hope. It can also be as dark as the black ink
of a pen because of the pain we encounter in the cycle of
life. Try to look at the things around and point a colour

that first caught your attention.

Last February 28 of this year, the Iglesia Ni Kristos evangelical mission at the Quirino Grandstand created headlines in print, radio, and television. In that event, our dear
Fr.Betbet pleasantly noticed that the participants were
all wearing white. With the estimated 2M participants
donned in WHITE , it was a sight to behold.

Drawing inspiration from there, the following
Sunday, March 4, 2012, Fr.Betbet encouraged the parishioners of Maria Reyna ng mga Apostoles to wear WHITE
when attending the Sunday Mass. According to him, if
mass goers come in white, the unity in the community
of God is evidently manifested.

A beautiful suggestion that drew varied reactions. Well, that is life; there will always be negative and
positive reactions. It may seem impossible , but come to
think of it. If the estimated 2M people did wear white for
the whole day of February 28, what can hinder us from
doing the same? And mind you, it is only when you attend Mass for one hour. We may never measure the faith
of each and every one of us by wearing white but we can
show that we are united as Catholics, as sons and daughters of God.

Let us leave away those impossibilities. A simple white shirt that we can wear every Sunday will do.
For those who havent tried yet, why? Some already did.
Maria Reyna ng mga Apostoles will be the only Catholic
Church in the country with parishioners who all wear
white if all of us will cooperate.

FATHERS CUP 2012, A SUCCESSFUL FIRST

BY: JAY M. DUHAYLONGSOD

Tribo San Tadeos winning performance

BY: MAE CYPRESS T. DUBLIN

Panalangin and Social Services Development Ministry were also present.

Rev. Fr. Betbet Rabonza, the
Retreat Master, led the servers in their
reflection and spiritual journey which
focused on discipleship and the value
of forgiveness. Fr. Bet shared that the
retreat is a time reserved for God a
time to be attentive to Gods presence,
a time for thanksgiving, to examine
ones life, and time to reconcile.

EDITORIAL

Fr. Bet, giving his talk

It was indeed a successful first shot when our parish decided to host the sports league of Barangay Pinagsama that commenced last April 15. The parade of colorful teams jump started the opening ceremony, followed by
the oath of sportsmanship and the lighting of torch.

Different teams competed for the game of Volleyball, Womens Division only, and Basketball with three
divisions- Midgets, Juniors and Balik-Laro. The games
during eliminations and semi-finals were exciting which
intensified during the championship game for Balik-Laro
in the morning of May 12. A transport strike for the players of Blue team (Nharetoda) overpowered the Red Teams
perfect win record with the final score of 58-52. Eleuterio
Relucio from Blue Team was declared as the MVP.

Later that day, the game of Volleyball was held.
The Red team captained by Farrah Gayo, outplayed the
Black team in 3 out of 5 sets during the finals.

Midgets final Basketball game followed. The
Green team bagged the cup against the Gray team with
the official score of 68-62 with Lucky Relucio of Green as
the MVP.

Basketball competition among the Juniors highlighted the event. The Gray team beat the Violet with final
score of 49-41. John Mark Nepomuceno of Gray snagged

the MVP title.

Trophies, cash prizes and special awards made
the victory sweeter for the winners. The success of the
event was made possible through Fr. Betbet, the Parish
Youth Ministry in cooperation with the Sangguniang
Kabataan, the generosity of Mr. Dominic Uy and Cong.
Freddie Tiga with the help of other sponsors.

The championship day was concluded by an
amusing exhibition game of gays in the game of Basketball.

Fr. Bet poses with the Green team

PARISH NEWS

KARATECHESIS 2012
NI: JOANNA MARIE N. DAVID

Naging matagumpay ang naganap na Karatechesis

2012 na nagsimula noong ika-27 ng Marso hanggang
ika-11 ng Mayo sa Maria Reyna ng mga Apostoles Parish
grounds. Nakilahok ang may humigit kumulang 120 participants na kinabibilangan ng mga bata mula 5 taong gulang hanggang sa mga tatay/nanay na may 41 taong gulang. Layunin ng programang ito na ituro hindi lamang
ang paglinang ng disiplina sa bawat indibidwal, kundi
maging ang pagpapatibay ng pananampalataya. Tunay
nga na naging makabuluhan ang bakasyon ng mga nakiisa sa proyektong ito. Pinangunahan ito ni Rev. Fr. Pedro
Enrique L. Rabonza IV, JCD, ang ating Kura Paroko, sa
tulong ni Rev. Fr. Ben Elopre, kanyang mga kasamahan
sa karate, at mga kabataang lingkod ng parokya na pinamumunuan ni Jay Duhaylongsod. Sa pagtatapos ng Karatechesis ay binigyan ang mga kalahok ng Certificate para
sa kanilang katekismo at ginawaran ng green belt para
naman sa karate.

mga kalahok ng karatechesis

KUMPILANG BAYAN 2012

NI: JOANNA MARIE N. DAVID

KUMPIL: Pagpapatibay ng Pananampalataya
Noong ika-12 ng Mayo ay ginanap ang Kumpilang Bayan sa ating Parokya.. Ang nakumpilan ay umabot sa
bilang na 115. Ang misa ay pinangunahan ng Lubhang
Kagalang-galang Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, Obispo
ng Diyosesis ng Pasig, kasama ang ating Kura Paroko, si
Rev. Fr. Pedro Enrique L. Rabonza IV, JCD.

Sa kanyang homiliya ay binanggit ni Bishop
Vergara na ang kumpil ay isa sa pitong sakramento na
nagpapatibay ng pananampalataya ng mga binyagangKatoliko. Ang pagtugon sa responsibilidad bilang isang
binyagan ay mahalagang tungkulin ng isang Kristiyano
Katoliko upang maging makubuluhan ang kanyang
pamumuhay. Ang ilan sa mga tungkuling ito ay ang
pagbabahagi ng Salita ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng kanilang simpleng gawa at salita, ang hindi paggawa ng
mga bagay na labag sa kalooban ng Diyos, at ang pagiging madasalin. Sa tulong ng Banal na Espiritu, magagampanan ng mga kumpilan ang pagiging huwarang
tagasunod ni Kristo sa kanilang kilos, gawa at pananalita. Pinasalamatan din niya sina Rev. Fr. Betbet at ang
mga Katekistang humubog sa mga kumpilan upang
harapin at magampanan ang kanilang pagiging mabuting Kristiyano-Katoliko.

WRITE: RIGHT NOW

(REGINA APOSTOLORUM WRITING SEMINAR)
BY: SHEILA MARIE R. FORCA

Regina Apostolorum Staff

The Regina Apostolorum newsletter team held
their initial seminar on Writing Skills facilitated by Sis
Madel Lavista last February 8, 2012 at F.A. Room, MRAP.
The seminar was aimed to enhance the knowledge and

capability of the RA team for a more creative and effective writing.

Writing is not as simple as others may think. To
be able to write, one needs to know the steps of the writing process as well as the characteristics of good, effective
writing (and to read a lot!), Good writing is the result of
constant practice, hard work, critical thinking, and passion to write.

As writers, it will help if we keep in mind some
Basic Principles of Bioethics: Beneficence Quality of being kind or charitable (Writing only what is good and just
for all); Non-Maleficence - Not causing harm or evil nor
be capable of doing such acts (Do not write such thoughts
that may hurt someone); Veracity - Being true, honest or
precise (Being truthful in everything we write).

These tips should encourage all aspirants toward
becoming a good and effective writer.
What are you waiting for? Write, right now!

BURULAN PARA SA MGA

NAMAYAPA NG PINAGSAMA
NI: FLORENCE NEIL E. FORCA

Pinasinayahan nila Bishop Mylo Hubert Claudio Vergara at Rev.Fr. Pedro Enrique Rabonza, JDC ang
pagbubukas ng libreng burulan para sa mga namayapang residente ng Barangay Pinagsama noong Ika-11 ng

Pebrero 2012 sa Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel sa HHSG.

Ito ay nilahukan ng mga kagalang-galang na panauhin at
pulitiko na pinangungunahan ni Justice Dante Tinga.

PARISH NEWS

EASTER FOR ALL SEASON

BY: MELVIN B. DE GUZMAN

Easter is the most important celebration in
the liturgical year. It concludes the 40 days of Lent and
starts through the Holy Week from Easter Triduum
(Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday)
including Resurrection Sunday until Pentecost Sunday.
This celebration makes the Catholic religion more
meaningful and alive and can be related to the Department of Tourism trending tag: Catholic traditions; ITS MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES.

Saturday, April 7The celebration of the Easter
Vigil Mass signified that Christ has risen from death and
that he has always remained the Way, the Truth and the
Life. The liturgy begins in total darkness then the lighting/
blessing of the Easter fire is done, followed by the lighting
of the large Paschal candle (symbolic of the Risen Christ).
Presided by Rev. Fr. Betbet Rabonza IV, a procession (from
the grounds into the Church) ensued. A fire dance from
the Liturgical Dancers added impact to the significance
of light. Dramatic readings and singing of psalms by the
Lectors Group and the Music Ministry was a highlight in
the celebration. This part of the service climaxes with the
singing of Papuri sa Diyos simultaneous with the turning on of all lights inside the church, dance from the Liturgical Dancers and fireworks; this was followed by the
singing of the Alleluia and the proclamation of the Gospel.

Greatest Love of All, a song by the late Whitney
Houston, was used by Fr. Betbet during his Homily to
describe the love of Jesus Christ for all of us. Theres no
other greater love than to sacrifice oneself for the sake of
all, he explained as the reason for Jesus Christs death on
the cross. He explained further that the Easter season is
a reminder of Jesus mission to redeem us from our sins
and this means a new life for us. He likewise invited all
parishioners to be part of Salubong the next morning.

Sunday, April 8Its 4 oclock in the morning and
the mood in the streets in Barangay Pinagsama was already
lively, courtesy of the vibrant sounds from the Drum and
Lyre ensemble for the Salubong. The Risen Christ image
was accompanied by the men with the MRA Parish as the
starting point, while the women joined the procession of
the images of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Our Lady of Joy),
and the other Saints (which were the representation of
every Damayan) at the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel. The
procession convened at Phase 2 main road (also the venue
for the Easter Mass). The Salubong re-enacted the initial
meeting of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ after
his resurrection which was vividly executed by the Worship Ministry. A child dressed as an angel removed the
mourning veil of the Blessed Mother, signifying the end of
Marys grieving. Fireworks lighted up the sky and the children (dressed up as angels) danced before the Mass proper.

Rev. Fr. Ramon Monching Dela Cruz assisted
Fr. Betbet in the Mass celebration. In his homily, he said
that he was surprised with the enormous number of parishioners who joined the celebration. He added that Jesus
Christ was pleased already with the kind of devotion the
people have shown. He hoped for the continuous support

of the parishioners in all of the parish programs and to

always believe and apply into ones life the Word of God.
Fr. Betbet expressed his appreciation for everyone
who
assisted/helped
in
making
the
Easter celebration meaningful and
memorable.

Holy Friday Procession

Service of the light as a start of Easter Vigil

HEALING MASS
BY: JONATHAN A. ECHIVERRI

Our sicknesses help us, most of the time, becoming closer to God thru atonement of sins. Often
times, sickness makes us understand the inner value
of life, which is the most valuable gift from God. For
these very reasons, our Parish, Maria Reyna ng mga
Apostoles, during the celebration of the Feast of Our
Lady of Lourdes and World Day of Sick last February 11, 2012, celebrated a Mass for the Sick at 9:00 in
the morning. The mass with anointing of the Holy
Chrism Oil was presided by our Parish Priest, Rev.
Fr. Bet-bet, assisted by Rev. Fr. Monching and Rev.
Fr. Ben. The mass was attended by about 200 parishioners who received the physical and/or spiritual
healing.

FEATURES
Regina Apostolorum
staff
Editor-in-chief:
Josie S. Buenavista
News Writers
Steve R. Villacorta,
Joanna Marie N. David,
Jay M. Duhaylongsod
Feature Writers:
Melvin B. de Guzman
Maria Cherrielyn C. Joven,
Sheila Marie R. Forca

LET US EMBRACE EACH OTHER LIKE THE GOOD

SHEPHERD!

To embrace does not simply mean to hug
someone, but in its real sense, to embrace means to accept reality and to
adopt. We have to accept Christ in our hearts and we have to adopt his
ways and value. As a Parish community we should be geared towards
being configured in Christ Jesus, our Good Shepherd. He should be the
center around which we are all gathered. It is in this gathering around
Jesus which moves towards him yearning for His embrace. And it is in
this embrace that consequently embrace our brothers and sisters inspite
and despite of who and what they are.

It is my fervent hope and prayer that as we move along as a parish community may we learn to accept and embrace one another. Let us
then be true brothers and sisters to everyone.

ARRIBA MRAP!

LENTEN SEASON

Lent is a forty day season
of preparation for the death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lent
begins on Ash Wednesday - when
ashes are blessed and imposed on
the foreheads as a reminder that
dust thou art to dust returneth.


During lent we follow
Jesus ministry through his suffering
during Holy week. Holy Week which
is also known as Semana Santa
(Spanish translation) is a significant religious festival in the Philippines. Liturgically , Lent ends before
the Evening Prayer is celebrated
(before the Evening Mass of the Lords
Supper on Holy Thursday). However,
Lenten fasting and penance continue until the end of Holy Week, and
all of Holy Week is included in the
traditional 40 day Lenten fast. Holy
Week begins with Palm Sunday, also
called the Sunday of the Passion. It
is the triumphant entrance of Jesus
into Jerusalem where he was welcomed by crowds worshiping him
and laying down palm leaves before
him. The season continues through
Holy Thursday when Jesus returned
to Jerusalem to share the Last supper
with his apostles. He was crucified at
calvary on Friday and was buried on

Photographers:
Albert B. Lavadia,
Florence Neil E. Forca,
Jonathan A. Echiverri
Layout Artist:
Mae Cypress T. Dublin
Contributors:
Sis. Madelyn Lavista
Lesyn Allauigan
Mary Rose C. Fuerte
Advisers:
Rev. Fr. Pedro Enrique Rabonza IV
Sis.Rosario C. Fuerte

Website:
reginaapostolorum.weebly.com/
Twitter:
Regina Apostolorum (@RAnewsletter)

BY: JOSIE BUENAVISTA

the same day. Lenten penance continue until Holy Saturday when he
arose from death after three days.
All of this is done by our Lord
for forgiveness of our sins, and
for life everlasting with Him.
But what is the true essence of lent?

Lent is a season of bending our knees, mending our hearts
and lending our hands to others.
We should always bend our knees
to show our humility to God. Whenever we bend, we are going back to
the roots of where we come from
and where we belong, the ground
or earth itself. We are to humble
ourselves as Jesus humble himself
for us and through this we find
meaning to our lives. Bending thus
makes us see who we really are
and keeps us in touch with reality.
It initiates the process of thinking
about and understanding ourselves.


Bending our knees should
go along with mending our hearts.
Lent is a time to mend our hearts
and thereby our thoughts, our ways,
our relationships and our actions. In
this way lent performs the cleaning
and changing of what is unjust to

the ordinary people of God. Every

individual thus comes under the
responsibility of mending his/her
heart so that Gods just plans are
initiated in the world and continued for the benefit of all. Mending
our hearts then calls for a change
of what we usually call the fast life.
As we bend our knees and mend our
hearts, we should not forget to lend
our hands to the needy. For these
three should go along together.
Lending what we have acquired and
saved and what we have set apart
completes the great lent. By lending
our hands we are able to share our
good destinies to those who have
skewed destinies because of the luxurious lives we live. Our sacrifices is
not a sacrifice but a just sharing of
the resources we have all received
freely and graciously from God

God so loved us, that He
sent His only begotten Son to die
for us, so that our sins maybe forgiven. May this Lenten season help
us to bend, mend and lend for
our brothers and sisters according to the will of God. May God be
always with us as we struggle to
fulfill a meaningful Lenten season.

FEATURES

Ministry Bits:
BY: MELVIN B. DE GUZMAN