Thank you, Inda for giving me life and taking care of me.
I love you and wish you the best!
KALUGURAN DAKA!
Category Faith & Religion
Paper Cranes
Another Story from my Email
There was once this guy who is very much in love with his girl.
This romantic guy folded 1,000 pieces of paper cranes as a gift to his girl.
His future didn’t seem too bright, they were very happy together. Until one day, his girl told him she was going to Paris and will never come back. She also told him that she cannot visualize any future for the both of them, so they went their own ways there and then…
Heartbroken, the guy agreed. But when he regained his confidence, he worked hard day and night, slogging his body and mind just to make something out of himself.
Finally with all the hard work and the help of friends, this guy had set up his own company …You never fail until you stop trying. One rainy day, while this guy was driving, he saw an elderly couple sharing an umbrella in the rain walking to some destination. Even with the umbrella, they were still drenched. It didn’t take him long to realize They were his girl’s parents.
With a heart in getting back at them, he drove slowly beside the couple, wanting them to spot him in his luxury sedan. He wanted them to know that he wasn’t the same any more; he had his own company, car, condo, etc…He made it!
What he saw next confused him, the couple was walking towards a cemetery, and so he got out of his car and followed…
and he saw his girl, a photograph of her smiling sweetly as ever at him from her tombstone and he saw his paper cranes right beside her…
Her parents saw him. He asked them why this had happened. They explained, she did not leave for France at all.
She was ill with cancer. She had believed that he will make it someday, but she did not want to be his obstacle… therefore she had chosen to leave him.
Just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to, doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have. She had wanted her parents to put his paper cranes beside her, because, if the day comes when fate brings him to her again… he can take some of those back with him…
Once you have loved, you will always love. For what’s in your mind may escape but what’s in your heart will remain forever. The guy just wept… The worst way to miss someone is to be sitting right beside her knowing you can’t have her, see her or be with her ever again……… hope you understand.
Find time to realize that there is one person who means so much to you, for you might wake up one morning losing that person who you thought meant nothing to you.
Author Unknown
7 – Ups!
7 – Ups!
Wake Up!
Decide to have a good day.
“Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalms 118:24
Dress Up!
The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is
an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.
Man looks at outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7
Shut Up!
Say nice things and learn to listen.
God gave us two ears and one mouth so He must have
meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.
“He who guards his lips guards his soul.” Proverbs 13:3
“Gossip betrays confidence; avoid men who talk too much.” Proverbs 20:19
“Listen to advice, accept instruction and in the end, you will be wise.”
Proverbs 19:20
Stand Up!
Stand up for what you believe in. As the saying goes,
stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.
“Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time,
we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good . . .”
Galatians 6:9-10
Look Up!
Look up to the Lord.
“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13
Reach Up!
Reach up for something higher.
Always try to better today than you were yesterday.
“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye
when you have a log in your own?”
Matthew 7:3
Lift Up!
Lift up your prayers.
“Do not worry about anything; instead pray about everything.”
Philippians 4:6
Hope these “7-Ups” lift your day!
Be sure to pass them on.
“When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on Him,
He will lift you up and make your life significant!”
James 4:10
http://i788.photobucket.com/albums/yy170/rgleason_bucket/dove.gif
THAT’S GOD!
Have you ever been just sitting there and all of a sudden,
you feel like doing something nice for someone you care for?
THAT’S GOD!
He talks to you through the Holy Spirit.
Have you ever been down and out and nobody seems
to be around for you to talk to?
THAT’S GOD!
He wants you to talk to Him.
Have you ever been thinking about someone that you
haven’t seen in a long time and then, the next thing
you know, you see them or receive a phone call from them?
THAT’S GOD!
There is no such thing as “coincidence.”
Have you ever received something wonderful that you didn’t
even ask for, like money in the mail, a debt that had mysteriously
been cleared, or a coupon to a department store where you had
just seen something you wanted but couldn’t afford?
THAT’S GOD!
He knows the desires of your heart.
Have you ever been in a situation and you had no clue
how it is going to get better, but now you look back on it?
THAT’S GOD!
He passes us through tribulation to see a brighter day.
In all we do, if we remember to give total thanks to God,
our blessings will continue to be multiplied…
And I count you among my greatest blessings!
Thinking of you and hope it brightens your day!
And I will send showers, showers of blessings,
which will come just when they are needed.
Ezekiel 34:26 (NLT)
Photo Sources:
Hello, God. . .Please answer my call
Hello, God. . .
|
I want to ask you please to keep Give me faith, Dear God, to face I thank you, God, for being home Your number, God, is the only one So thank-you, God, for listening |
~ Author Unknown ~
Kindness Pays
I received this in my email and thought of sharing it here for inspiration.
One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry.
He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk.
He drank it slowly, and then asked, “How much do I owe you?” “You don’t owe me anything,” she replied . “Mother has taught us never to accept payment for a kindness.” He said… “Then I thank you from my heart.”
As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt; stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.
Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard
Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor’s gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life.Kelly was called in for the consultation. When e heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes.
From that day he gave special attention to the case. After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room.
She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally, she looked, and something caught ; her attention on the side as She read these words…
“Paid in full with one glass of milk.” (Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly.
Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: “Thank You, GOD, that Your love has spread abroad through human hearts and hands.”
The story may be true or not – But it is nice to feel kindness…It somehow deepen your faith and thank God for people Like Dr. Kelly.
What is the significance of the “Year of Faith” for us Catholics in the Philippines?
The Year of Faith is a challenge to all the catholic faithful all over the world but more so to us Filipino Catholics. It is a time to rediscover our faith deeply. Faith is the lifelong companion that makes it possible to perceive, ever anew, the marvels that God works for us. Intent on gathering the signs of the times in the present of history, faith commits every one of us to become a living sign of the presence of the Risen Lord in the world.” Faith is both a personal and a communal act: it is a gift from God that is lived in the communion of the Church and must be communicated to the world
The fundamental beliefs of the Christian religion are summarized in the Nicene Creed. For Catholics, they are detailed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Based on the promises of Christ in the Gospels, the Church believes that it is continually guided by the Holy Spirit and so protected infallibly from falling into doctrinal error. The Catholic Church teaches that the Holy Spirit reveals God’s truth through Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium.
Sacred Scripture consists of the 73 book Catholic Bible. This is made up of the 46 books found in the ancient Greek version of the Old Testament—known as the Septuagint and the 27 New Testament writings first found in the Codex Vaticanus Graecus1209 and listed in Athanasius’ Thirty-Ninth Festal Letter. Sacred Tradition consists of those teachings believed by the Church to have been handed down since the time of the Apostles. Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition are collectively known as the “deposit of faith” (depositum fidei). These are in turn interpreted by the Magisterium (from magister, Latin for “teacher”), the Church’s teaching authority, which is exercised by the Pope and the College of Bishops in union with the Pope, the bishop of Rome.
The Catholic Church is Trinitarian and defines its mission as spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity. Catholic worship is highly liturgical, focusing on the Mass or Divine Liturgy during which the sacrament of the Eucharist is celebrated. The Catholic Church practices closed communion and only baptized members of the Church in a state of grace are ordinarily permitted to receive the Eucharist
The Church holds the Blessed Virgin Mary, as mother of Jesus Christ, in special regard and has defined four specific Marian dogmatic teachings, namely her Immaculate Conception without original sin, her status as the Mother of God, her perpetual virginity and her bodily Assumption into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. Numerous Marian devotions are also practiced
The Catholic Church is firm and maintains its stand on homosexuality and same sex marriages, ordination of women priest, artificial contraception and abortion, divorce and the sanctity of marriage.
Catholic social teaching emphasizes support for the sick, the poor and the afflicted through the corporal works of mercy. The Catholic Church is the largest non-government provider of education and medical services in the world. Catholic spiritual teaching emphasizes spread of the Gospel message and growth in spiritual discipline through the spiritual works of mercy. Church teaching calls for a preferential option for the poor while canon law prescribes that “The Christian faithful are also obliged to promote social justice and, mindful of the precept of the Lord, to assist the poor.
The Church enumerates “corporal works of mercy” and “spiritual works of mercy” as follows:
The Year of Faith should be designed to aid in the joyous rediscovery of the faith and its renewed transmission. The goal of inviting all of the members of the Church to work so that this Year may be a special time in which we, as Christians, may share that which is most dear to us: Christ Jesus, the Redeemer of mankind, Universal King, “leader and perfecter of faith” (Hb 12: 2).
This is very significant for the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines. The Catholics have to reiterate and do everything in the name of the Lord to stop the Reproductive Health Bill more popularly known as “RH Bill”. Some congressmen and senators are pushing for the passing of the bill stating that over-population is the main reason for the increasing rates in poverty and mortality of mothers and their newborn babies. In order to provide poor families with education and access to modern contraception as well as providing a sex education students as early as grade 5 or at the age of 10 to prevent teen pregnancies and spread of HIV/Aids or other sexually transmitted diseases.
First and foremost, I will give my view on this matter based on observation and facts regardless of faith and belief. It is a fact that the Philippines is not over populated. Yes, I agree that the people need to be educated but not particularly on sex and contraception. The government must concentrate on literacy program and teaching moral and family values to its citizenry instead of spending on contraception and reproductive health education as they say. There are more issues needing immediate attention and solutions. Besides Reproductive Health Bill can be incorporated in the national health bills and programs. Unless, there are hidden agendas or motives for those who are sponsoring and pushing for the passing of the bill. And that’s what we have to be vigilant about. This could be another source of graft and corruption.
Second, On responsible parenthood – Who do you say responsible parents are? Parents or individuals who think and access on contraceptive in order to properly space their children or limit the number of children in the family? It can be true in some cases. But these families belong to the average and the educated. Not the poor and the illiterate in the remote places. How do you propose to educate them? Do you guarantee to be there or at least be able to send representatives to guide, assist, and provide them health care most of the time if not all the time they need to use those contraceptives? I don’t think so. Educating the poor takes time, patience and resources. It should start on basic education not jumping on the sex and contraception. You might even be misconstrued and make them feel being coerced to use contraceptives before they can exercise the only freedom they have.
Third, On early sex education in schools – Why do we need to worry about sex education on elementary students and take away the rights from suppose to be responsible parents? In the Philippines, wherein the family is the basic institution – it is the duty and responsibility of parents to educate and guide their children on family life and the dignity of human person.
Now, I am going to point this out base on my catholic faith. You don’t have to agree but this my belief, my faith and what and how I live by. I am not a fanatical Catholic but I try my best to live and adhere to the teachings and doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. I believe that the CBCP has every right to defend and speak out its stance on the matter of Reproductive Health Bill because it opposes the Social teachings and doctrine of the Catholic Church. The CBCP is talking and appealing to the members, believers and faithful of the catholic church not to other sectors or religious groups who are responsible for own principles and belief.
The head of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines, Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle opposes the Reproductive Health Bill, along with abortion and contraception. Because 81% of Filipinos are Catholics, the Catholic Church exerts a strong influence in public and moral life. Its staunch opposition to the bill has drawn the controversy among non-Catholics and Catholics alike who support the bill whereby many invoke the principle of separation of church and state
Fr. Joaquin Bernas, S.J, one of the drafters of the Philippine Constitution and a prominent lawyer and writer, explained that the concept of separation of church and state is directed towards the state, rather than the church, as it is a political concept. Technically it means “non-establishment of religion”, as the Constitution stated that “No law shall be passed respecting an establishment of religion …” It means that the state should be guided by the principle that it should support no specific religion. This means that government funding should not be allocated for building churches or mosques, and not favor any particular religion. The church cannot meddle in matters of the state, and should focus on religious matters, not political matters.
Pope Benedict the XVI endorses the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” by Blessed Pope John Paul 2, as the guide and basis for evangelization and preaching of the faith. And we all know his stands on the Social and moral issues – including artificial contraceptives and abortion.
In Blessed Pope John Paul 2’s own words:
- It is not a question of being severe
- I could not refuse to tell the truth about men according to the gospel
- The church proclaims the value of human life
- Its sacredness and its enviable nature
- If we consider the dignity of human being as a person
- It is clear that sexuality cannot be separated from law
- Reality can never change without the spiritual conception of the individual
- That requires everyone to realize his/her own dignity
- In the union of two souls and two bodies
- There must be mutual devotion and respect
- It needs a man and a woman to take responsibility for their relationship
- And to defend the purity of love and sexuality
- If someone is really in love
- He or she would not allow that love to spread death
- Easy solutions don’t help a man to be himself, to respect himself
- If he is not capable of these, He won’t be capable of loving and respecting others
- The church cares deeply about people’s pain and confusion
- We don’t deal in abstract concept
- But in the profound meaning of life and man
- The materialistic world is not the whole world
- The choice itself is not enough
- The respect on human life does not depend on anyone’s choice
- Nobody can choose imposing the rules of the rich on poor people
In 1995 World Youth Day – the 2nd visit of Pope John Paul 2 in the Philippines, more than 5 million Filipino Catholics was there to welcome and witness and hear his message. It was a wonderful moment, a Catholic Christian Celebration, a victorious moment, tears of joy, celebrating the Eucharist in unity with the SEE of ROME … Where are they now? Why don’t they speak out and express their support for the Roman Catholic Church against the passing of RH Bill?
Are we really one and united with the doctrines of faith and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church?
Are we one of those self-confessed or self-professed Catholics who do not have time to spare to go to confession and attend the mass and join the celebration of the Eucharist?
Are you one of those who are religious and regularly attending the mass but does not care what happens around him and the sufferings and challenges of his fellowmen?
Are you a reluctant catholic who lives just like the way you want and comfortable defying the teachings of the Catholic Church living an immoral life?
Are you a catholic who is being influenced by modernization, technology, development and contradicting the stand of the Catholic Church on moral issues?
What is your Stand?
I am a Catholic. I believe and adhere to the doctrine and teaching of the Roman Catholic Church.
I believe that God has the sole right and decision as to who will be born, live, survive or die. If God wills for babies to be born from parents anywhere and anytime – no amount of contraceptives, law or science can stop it from happening. If He wills to lessen the population, He has his ways.
Sources:
The Declaration of the “YEAR OF FAITH” by Pope Benedict XVI
Year of Faith starts on October 11, 201 and will conclude on November 24, 2013. It marks two very important anniversaries in the Catholic Church: 1st: The 50th Anniversary of the Opening of the “Second Vatican Council (Oct. 11th-1962 to Dec 8th-1965)” and 2nd: The 20th Anniversary of the publication of “The Catechism of the Catholic Church (October 11-1992)” by Blessed Pope John Paul II.
Why does this matter?
Because it is a Fantastic way of knowing what the Catholic Church teaches. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is the explanation of Faith divided into 4 broad sections: what we believe, how we worship, how we live and how we pray.
The Pope urges us to profess, celebrate and be witness to our faith. He is aware of the fact and instances that the Catholic Church being ridiculed, criticized, persecuted and continually branded as the fake religion by other sectors more than ever.
But how can we profess and defend our faith? How can we celebrate and be witnesses to the truth, beauty and joys of our faith?
Profession of faith by learning the Apostle’s Creed by heart, reading the bible or few paragraphs of the catechism or studying the documents of the Vatican is not enough. We have to go to confession and attend mass and join in the celebration of the Eucharist, and join the church worldwide. We have to live by our faith and be able to share in the evangelization. We must be very proud and brave to show and profess our catholic faith. Evangelization starts in our own home and the family. The parents being able to at least take their kids to the church during the mass even though they still do not understand the full meaning of what and why they have to do such – awaken curiosity and pave the way to discovering by themselves the meaning and significance of the practices.
Let us not just be plain and self-confessed or professed catholic. We must live as “One”. Defend our faith instead of just being passive or mums about certain issues being thrown and accused against the Roman Catholic Church. Defense does not mean by revolt or any form of hostile uprising. We can defend by evangelizing, sharing, commenting on issues, prayer vigils, supporting the causes and programs of the church, helping others, living a Christian life and be example to others.
The Year of Faith is a challenge for us. There are issues now that we can show how we can be united in faith. As our Blessed Pope John Paul II said in his homily during his papal inauguration “Non abbiate paura!” meaning – Do not be afraid.
We are free and we have the right to voice out and stand firm on our faith. We are free and have the right to express our oppositions to issues such as same sex marriages, legalization of abortion, modern and artificial contraception, RH Bill, ordination of women priest and other issues against the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church.
More than ever, we have the responsibility to guard and defend the church. Spread, evangelize and be living witnesses to our faith. We have the right to vote and choose candidates who will rule our nations. Let us unite in the name of our faith in Christ. Ask His Guidance in choosing the right candidates for good governance. Let us go for religious freedom and stop suppression and persecution of the Catholic Church and the faithful.
Do not be afraid! Open, in deed, open wide the doors to Christ! Open to His saving power! Do not be afraid! Christ knows ‘what is inside a person’. Only he knows!
Sources:
San Pedro Calungsod
Pedro Calungsod (1654 – 2 April 1672) was a young Roman Catholic Filipino migrant sacristan and catechist, who along with Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores, suffered religious persecution and martyrdom in Guam for their missionary work in 1672. Through Calungsod and Servitors’ missionary efforts, many native Chamorros converted to Roman Catholicism. Calungsod was beatified on 5 March 2000 by Blessed Pope John Paul II. On 18 February 2012, Pope Benedict XVI officially announced that Calungsod will be canonized on 21 October 2012.
Few details of his early life prior to missionary work and death are known. It is probable that he received basic education at a Jesuit boarding school, mastering the Catechism and learning to communicate in Spanish. He likely honed his skills in drawing, painting, singing, acting, and carpentry as these were necessary in missionary work. Calungsod would have been expected to have some aptitude in serving in the Tridentine Mass (now known as the extraordinary form of the Roman Rite).
The only source of information regarding him is found in the documents on the martyrdom of P. Diego Luis San Vitores, SJ. In these documents we know for sure that Calungsod was Padre Diego’s faithful assistant in the mission, a “catechist”.
He was praised because “he merited the happiness of accompanying the Venerable Padre in his death” (“merecio la dicha de acompanar al Venerable Padre en su muerte”).
Calungsod, then around 14, was among the exemplary young catechists chosen to accompany the Jesuits in their mission to the Ladrones Islands (Islas de los Ladrones or “Isles of Thieves”). In 1668, Calungsod travelled with Spanish Jesuit missionaries to these islands, renamed the Marianas Islands (Las Islas de Mariana) the year before in honor of both the Blessed Virgin Mary and of the Queen Regent of Spain, Maria Ana of Austria, who funded their voyage. Calungsod and San Vitores went to Guam to catechize the native Chamorros.
Missionary life was difficult as provisions did not arrive regularly, the jungles and terrain was difficult to traverse, and the islands were frequently devastated by typhoons. Despite all these, the mission persevered, and was able to convert a significant number of locals.
A Chinese merchant named Choco began spreading rumors that the baptismal water used by missionaries was poisonous. As some sickly Chamorro infants who were baptized eventually died, many believed the story and held the missionaries responsible. Choco was readily supported by the macanjas (medicine men) and the urritaos (young males) who despised the missionaries.
In their search for a runaway companion named Esteban, Calungsod and San Vitores came to the village of Tumon, Guam on 2 April 1672. There they learnt that the wife of the village chief Mata’pang gave birth to a daughter, and they immediately went to baptize the child. Influenced by the calumnies of Choco, the chief strongly opposed to give Mata’pang some time to calm down, the missionaries gathered the children and some adults of the village at the nearby shore and started chanting with them the tenets of the Catholic religion. They invited Mata’pang to join them, but he shouted back that he was angry with God and was fed up with Christian teachings.
Determined to kill the missionaries, Mata’pang went away and tried to enlist another villager, named Hirao, who was not a Christian. Hirao initially refused, mindful of the missionaries’ kindness towards the natives, but when Mata’pang branded him a coward, he became piqued and capitulated. Meanwhile, during that brief absence of Mata’pang from his hut, San Vitores and Calungsod baptized the baby girl, with the consent of her Christian mother.
When Mata’pang learnt of his daughter’s baptism, he became even more furious. He violently hurled spears first at Pedro, who was able to dodge the spears. Witnesses claim that Calungsod could have escaped the attack, but did not want to leave San Vitores alone. Those who knew Calungsod personally meanwhile believed that he could have defeated the aggressors with weapons; San Vitores however banned his companions to carry arms. Calungsod was hit in the chest by a spear and he fell to the ground, then Hirao immediately charged towards him and finished him off with machete blow to the head. San Vitores absolved Calungsod before he too was killed..
Mata’pang took San Vitores’ crucifix and pounded it with a stone whilst blaspheming God. Both assassins then denuded the corpses of Calungsod and San Vitroes, tied large stones to their feet, brought them out to sea on their proas and threw them into the water.
In the Roman Catholic Church, Calungsod’s martyrdom is called In Odium Fidei or In Hatred of the Faith, referring to the religious persecution endured by the person in evangelization.
Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal blessing the official image of blessed Pedro Calungsod
A year after the martyrdom of San Vitores and Calungsod, a process for beatification was initiated but only for San Vitores. Political and religious turmoil, however, delayed and halted the process. When Hagåtña was preparing for its 20th anniversary as a diocese in 1981, the 1673 beatification cause of Padre Diego Luís de San Vitores was rediscovered in old manuscripts and revived until San Vitores was finally beatified on 6 October 1985. This gave recognition to Calungsod, paving the way for his own beatification.
In 1994, then Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal asked permission from the Vatican to initiate the beatification and canonization cause of Pedro Calungsod. In March 1997, the Sacred Congregation for the Causes of Saints approved the acta of the diocesan beatification process. That same year, Cardinal Vidal appointed Fr Ildebrando Leyson as vice-postulator for the cause, tasked with compiling a Positio Super Martyrio (position regarding the martyrdom) to be scrutinized by the Congregation. The position, which relied heavily on the documentation of San Vitores’ beatification, was completed in 1999.
Blessed John Paul II, wanting to include young Asian laypersons in his first beatification for the Jubilee Year 2000, paid particular attention to the cause of Calungsod. In January 2000, he approved the decree super martyrio (concerning the martyrdom) of Calungsod, setting his beatification for 5 March 2000 at Saint Peter’s Square in Rome.
Regarding Calungsod’s charitable works and virtuous deeds, Pope John Paul II declared:
“…From his childhood, Pedro Calungsod declared himself unwaveringly for Christ and responded generously to his call. Young people today can draw encouragement and strength from the example of Pedro, whose love of Jesus inspired him to devote his teenage years to teaching the faith as a lay catechist. Leaving family and friends behind, Pedro willingly accepted the challenge put to him by Fr. Diego de San Vitores to join him on the Mission to the Chamorros. In a spirit of faith, marked by strong Eucharistic and Marian devotion, Pedro undertook the demanding work asked of him and bravely faced the many obstacles and difficulties he met. In the face of imminent danger, Pedro would not forsake Fr. Diego, but as a “good soldier of Christ” preferred to die at the missionary’s side.” ”
On 19 December 2011, the Holy See officially approved the miracle qualifying Calungsod for sainthood by the Roman Catholic Church. The recognized miracle dates from 2002, when a Leyte woman who was pronounced clinically dead by accredited physicians two hours after a heart attack was revived when a doctor prayed for Calungsod’s intercession.
Cardinal Angelo Amato presided over the declaration ceremony on behalf of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. He later revealed that Pope Benedict XVI approved and signed the official promulgation decrees recognizing the miracles as authentic and worthy of belief. The College of Cardinals were then sent a dossier on the new saints, and they were asked to indicate their approval. On 18 February 2012, after the Consistory for the Creation of Cardinals, Cardinal Amato formally petitioned Pope Benedict XVI to announce the canonization of the new saints.
The Pope set the date for the canonization on 21 October 2012 (World Mission Sunday), 340 years after Calungsod’s death.
After Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, Calungsod will be the second Filipino declared a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. The Roman Martyrology celebrates Calungsod’s feast along with Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores every 2 April.
Sources:
- Wikipedia: Pedro Calungsod
- Pedro Calungsod Bisaya, Prospects of a Teenage Filipino by Msgr. Ildebrando Jesus Alino Leyson
Chaplet of the Divine Mercy And Novena
Chaplet of the Divine Mercy
1. Make the Sign of the Cross
2. Pray the Opening Prayers
After making the Sign of the Cross, pray the following opening prayers. The second prayer is repeated three times:
“You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.”
“O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!” (three times)
3. Pray the Our Father
4. Pray the Hail Mary
5. Say the Apostles’ Creed
6. On the Our Father bead before each decade, pray the following prayer:
“Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. Amen.”
7. On each of the Hail Mary beads in each decade, pray the following prayer:
“For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
8. On each of the next four decades of the Chaplet, repeat steps 6 and 7 (pray the Eternal Father, followed by ten “For the Sake of His Sorrowful Passion”).
9. Pray the Concluding Doxology Three Times
“Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.” (3X)
10. Pray the Closing Prayer
“Eternal God, in Whom mercy is endless, and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us, and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments, we might not despair, nor become despondent, but with great confidence, submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy Itself. Amen.”
Together with the Chaplet, the following prayers are recited for each day.
FIRST DAY
Today bring to Me all mankind, especially all sinners, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me.
PRAYER
Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.
SECOND DAY
Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious, and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind.”
PRAYER
Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service,* that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard — upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.
THIRD DAY
“Today bring to Me all Devout and Faithful Souls, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were a drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness.”
PRAYER
Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.
FOURTH DAY
“Today bring to Me those who do not believe in God and those who do not know Me, I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy.”
PRAYER
Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
FIFTH DAY
“Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion.”
PRAYER
Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son’s Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.
SIXTH DAY
Today bring to Me the Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence.
PRAYER
Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, “Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart.” Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father’s favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
SEVENTH DAY
Today bring to Me the Souls who especially venerate and glorify My Mercy, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death.
PRAYER
Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God:
Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.
EIGHT DAY
“Today bring to Me the Souls who are in the prison of Purgatory, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice.”
PRAYER
Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.
NINTH DAY
“Today bring to Me the Souls who have become Lukewarm, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: ‘Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.’ For them, the last hope of salvation is to run to My Mercy.”
PRAYER
Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love, let these tepid souls who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love, and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen.
LITANIES TO THE DIVINE MERCY
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Jesus Christ hear us, Jesus Christ listen to us.
God Celestial Father, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, You who are One true God, have mercy on us.
*in You I Trust
Jesus, King of Mercy, you who have redeemed the world*
Jesus, King of Mercy, by whom all things were created.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who have sanctified us.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who have revealed to us the mystery of the Holy Trinity.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who have manifested the Omnipotence of God.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who manifest yourself in the creation of the celestial spirits.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who formed us from nothingness.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who embraces the whole universe.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who gives us eternal life.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who protects us from the punishment we deserved.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who liberates us from the misery of sin.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who grants us justification in the Incarnate Word.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who grants us mercy through your Sacred Wounds.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, which gushes forth from your Sacred Heart.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who gave us the Virgin Mary as Mother of Mercy.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, for which you have suffered your Incarnation, Passion and Death. *
Jesus, King of Mercy, by which you help all, in all places and always.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, by which you filled us with Your Graces.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, the one which you have manifested through the revelations of the Divine Mysteries.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, the one which by which you manifested by the institution of your Holy Church.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who having instituted the Holy Sacraments, opened for us the torrents of Your Graces.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, through which you have bestowed on us the Holy Sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, through which you have bestowed on us the Holy Eucharist and the Priesthood.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who have called us to our Holy Faith.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who manifest it by the conversion of sinners.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who manifest it illuminating the faithful.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who reveal it by the sanctification of the just.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who take the saints to the summit of sanctity.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, the one which gushes forth from Your Holy wounds.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, the one which gushes forth from you Sacred Heart.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who are consolation to the sick and afflicted.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who are the only consolation of afflicted hearts.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who give hope to the souls who are in despair.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who accompany all men, always and everywhere.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who fill us with the torrents of Your Graces.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who are the refuge of the dying.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who are the consolation of the souls in purgatory.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who are the crown of all the Saints.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who are the celestial joy of those who are saved.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who are the inexhaustible fountain of miracles.*
Jesus, King of Mercy, who are the salvation of the whole world.*
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Forgive us Lord.
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, Hear us Lord
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Have mercy on us.
The Mercies of God are greater than all of his works. That is why I will sing the mercies of the Lord forever.
PRAISES TO THE DIVINE MERCY
THE LOVE OF GOD is the flower — Mercy the fruit. Let the doubting soul read these considerations on Divine Mercy and become trusting:
Divine Mercy, gushing forth from the bosom of the Father, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, greatest attribute of God, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, incomprehensible mystery, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, fountain gushing forth from the mystery of the Most Blessed Trinity, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, unfathomed by any intellect, human or angelic, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, from which wells forth all life and happiness, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, better than the heavens, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, source of miracles and wonders, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, encompassing the whole universe, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, descending to earth in the Person of the Incarnate Word, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, which flowed out from the open wound of the Heart of Jesus, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, enclosed in the Heart of Jesus for us, and especially for sinners, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, unfathomed in the institution of the Sacred Host, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, in the founding of the Holy Church, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, in our justification through Jesus Christ, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, accompanying us through our whole life, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, embracing us especially at the hour of death, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, endowing us with immortal life, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, accompanying us every moment of our life, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, shielding us from the fire of hell, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, in the conversion of hardened sinners, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, astonishment for Angels, incomprehensible to Saints, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, unfathomed in all the mysteries of God, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, lifting us out of every misery, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, source of our happiness and joy, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, in calling us forth from nothingness to existence, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, embracing all the works of His hands, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, crown of all God’s handiwork, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, in which we are all immersed, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, sweet relief for anguished hearts, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, only hope of despairing souls, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, repose of hearts, peace amidst fear, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, delight and ecstasy of holy souls, I trust in You
Divine Mercy, inspiring hope against all hope, I trust in You
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.
“O incomprehensible and Limitless Mercy Divine, Who can extol and adore You worthily? Supreme attribute of Almighty God, You are the sweet hope for sinful man. Into one hymn yourselves unite, stars, earth and sea, and in one accord, thankfully and fervently sing of the incomprehensible Divine Mercy”
Philippines: "The beauty within" 
