St. Lorenzo Ruiz of Manila

Today is the feast day of St. Lorenzo Ruiz of Manila. The first Filipino Saint.

Beloved SAN LORENZO RUIZ DE MANILA, confronted with death, you proclaimed your readiness to die a thousand times for your Christian faith. Today the whole world admires your courage. We feel particularly proud of you as our brother. And we pray: You, a family man, protect our families. Keep them united in love. You, who bore your sufferings with patience and resignation, intercede for the sick of mind and body; help them to receive the grace of God’s miraculous healing. You, who died in a foreign country, take care of Filipinos living and working in this country and in other parts of the world. You, an example of Christian fortitude, sustain our faith and make it spread and grow strong all around us. You, the Philippines’ first saint, be the country’s special protector. Unite us as one people; help us to work in harmony for development and progress; and give us peace. AMEN.

(State your intentions). San Lorenzo Ruiz, pray for us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA MARY!

Today marks the Nativity of Mary, the most Holy Mother of Jesus. She was chosen to be the Mother of our Saviour, born without sin. She is full of Grace as She is the Mediatrix and Co-Redemptrix of All Graces.










(St. Anne with her daughter Mary)

A beautiful song for you my Mother and the Mother of us all. Thank you for "YES". If not for you the Divine Plan of the Most High will bever come true. You are the model of all mothers. We praise you for patience, for your understanding, for your care, for your love and above all for giving us the graces necessary for our being. We thank you Heavenly Mother despite our shortcomings and failure you never fail to love us and to show us how compassionate you are for the Divine Plan of God, for the Salvation of Mankind. Mother Mary, my Mother, as we celebrate your birthday today, may you help humanity end all war, may all sick be showered with God's love, may the lonely find warmth in your love, may the lost find their way, may the hungry be fed, may there peace all over the world and may your Most Immaculate Heart triumph all over the world.

Eve of Mother Mary's Birthday

Today is the Eve of Mama Mary's birthday. As a preparation, while working, I searched over youtube "Marian Song Playlist". I found many and played to at least two. Very nice songs, very inspirational. What about you? Have you ever thought of offering or at least doing something for our Blessed Mother?
Hey! I got a tip. She does not need any material things nor expensive gifts. What she needs is a simple 6 letter word. Yes, 6 letter word with no money involved. Only a little bit of your time, effort and above all your love for her, your very special love for her. Do you have an idea what it is? This also mean a boquet of roses since it has been said that roses or should I say, spiritual roses, comes out of your mouth and angels get it to make it as crowns of roses for Mother Mary.
It is called th -- R-O-S-A-R-Y.
Have you offered your rosary to Her?

Now Showing: Famous Catholic Converts

I found this on YouTube. This is worth sharing.



The Prayer of St. Francis

Memorare: a powerful prayer of intercession for our Blessed Mother

In honor of the feast of Our Lady of Carmel, I would like to share this very beautiful prayer to our Blessed Mother.

Memorize this by heart and say it with trust.



Remember, O Most Gracious Virgin Mary,

that never was it known that anyone who fled to Thy protection,

implored Thy help or sought Thine intercession,

was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence,

I fly unto Thee, O Virgin of Virgins, my Mother;

to Thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate,

despise not my petitions,

but in Thy mercy, hear and answer me.

Amen.

Now Showing: Faustina (with English Subtitle)

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Now Showing: The Little Flower of Jesus - St. Therese of Lesuiex

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Persecution of Former Muslims to Christianity

I found this video while surfing the net. Let us please pray for all our Muslim brothers and sisters for guidance and understanding. May the Lord have mercy on them. Just as the Lord said "Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing".
To my fellow brothers and sister who are victims of these persecutions, may you find strength in the Lord. May the blood of God's Martyrs be your inspiration. May Mary, our Mother be your comfort.

Prayer to Blessed John Paull II

O Blessed Trinity, we thank you for having graced the church with Pope John Paul II and for allowing the tenderness of your fatherly care, the glory of the cross of Christ, and the splendor of the Holy Spirit, to shine through him. Trusting fully in your infinite mercy and in the maternal intercession of Mary, he has given us a living image of Jesus the Good Shepherd, and has shown us that holiness is the necessary measure of ordinary Christian life and is the way of achieving eternal communion with you. Grant us, by his intercession, and according to your will, the graces we implore, hoping that he will soon be numbered among your saints. Amen.

*official prayer to ask favor through the intercession of Pope John Paull II*

If you your request is granted through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II, please let the Cause of Pope John Paul II know through this address:

   Vicariato di Roma
   Piazza S. Giovanni in Laterano, 6/a
   00184 Roma, ITALY



HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Happy Mother's Day to all Mother's out there! I would like to thank all mother's who waited for 9 long months bearing a child. Who had sleepless nights taking care of their sick child. Taking time tutoring their child, preparing them for the future. Being the wings beneath the wings of their child. Accepting their flaws and failures. Willing to give their life to their child.

Once again, I would like to share this very touching story about a love of a mother:
http://aloysiusgonzaga-ph.blogspot.com/search/label/Love%20of%20a%20mother

The Vatican - A Virtual Tour

It has always been my dream to visit the Holy City, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistene Chapel. This is the Central governing body of the Catholic Church and sovereign entity recognized by international law. This is the world's smallest city or as I refer it, the city within a city. I have always dreamt of having an audience with the Pope. Touring the Basilica, going to the Sistine Chapel and be amazed with the paintings. Unfortunately, the time is not yet now. In God's time I might have the chance to visit the said city. For now, let me content myself with a virtual tour of the Vatican City.

Here is a link for your own virtual tour of the basilicas and the papal chapels. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did: http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_pietro/vr_tour/index-en.htm

Novena to the Divine Mercy

I am on my 4th day Novena to the Divine Mercy. I got hold of the booklet of the Divine Mercy some many years ago when I was young. I got it from my grandmother. Everytime my grandfather is confined in the hospital due to pulmonary problems, that booklet was my companion (aside from the rosary and many other novenaries). I've read it from cover to cover. The promises of saying the Novena to the Divine Mercy is so unfathomable. It shows that the Mercy of God works is unmeasurable. One sentence that really struck me is "souls that spread the honor of my Mercy, I shield through their entire life as a tender mother her infant and at the hour of death I will not be a judge for them but a Merciful Saviour". Ain't that a great promise! The feast of the Divine Mercy is the Sunday after Easter, this happens to be May 1 this year, also the day Pope John Paul II will be cannonized.

Before writing this entry I googled "Divine Mercy" and found this:

Divine Mercy Chaplet excerpts from the Diary of Sister Faustina:

687 Say unceasingly the Divine Mercy Chaplet that I have thought you. Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death. Priests will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation. Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy. I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those souls who trust in My mercy.






1541 My daughter, encourage souls to say the Divine Mercy Chaplet which I have given to you. It pleases Me to grant everything they ask of Me by saying the chaplet. When hardened sinners say it, I will fill their souls with peace, and the hour of their death will be a happy one.






1541 Write that when they say this Divine Mercy Chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person, not as the just Judge but as a merciful Saviour.






1731 Through the chaplet you will obtain everything, if what you ask for is compatible with My Will.

Holy Wednesday 2011 - Facebook!

I have been addicted to Cityville, a social game in the social networking site Facebook. as the Holy Week approached, I told my reflecting. In this modern world, what would I sacrifice? a lot of things was coming to my mind until I realized, I have been spending a lot of time in from of my computer playing Cityville. At first I was hesitant since I cannot let my "neighbors" surpass my level. Should give it up or not... thinking... thinking... thinking. At last, I made my decision, I will not only give up playing my favorite game on Facebook but I will not be opening my Facebook account starting Holy Monday and yes I did it! Until now I haven't accessed my facebook account, played Cityville or even opening up my personal email account. And since I am working at home, I am also offering the sacrifice of going to my office for the good of the account that I am handling. May this Holy Week be fruitful and I am excited since I will not be working on the Holy Thursday and the Good Friday. May everything be alright.

Holy Tuesday - Blessed John Paul II

On the Holy Tuesday, a very nice news I heard from T.V., my favorite Pope will be beatified! Very fresh from my memory the chantting of the people in St. Peter's Square "Santo Subito!" At last God has heard His people's voice!

He will be beatified on May 1, 2011, the Divine Mercy Sunday. Coincidence? Maybe not...

Attached is a link that might be of interest. The life of our Blessed Pope.

Holy Monday 2011

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

                                              - Psalm 27:1

Taken from today Psalm Reading. This verse is very inspiration. I am undergoing hardship in my work now. A lot of problems that needs to be solved, a lot of deadline that needs to be met and a lot of explainations that needs to done. Fear is within me. Fear from my superiors, fear of loosing my job, fear of shame. However, as I am on this Year's Holy Week Journey, a very nice message has been given to me on this day. The Lord is my salvation, of whom shall I fear. If the Lord is with me, who can be against me.

What's wrong with me lately?

Whats wrong with me lately? I have been disconnected with the hotline to heaven - Prayer. With all the blessings that God has been giving me and my family lately. I have'nt had said my daily rosary lately which I usually do before I go to sleep. I think I am experiencing a phenomenon called "Spiritual Dryness".

A lot of things can be realized here and I hope these things will stick to my mind and my heart that I will never forget them.

Now Showing - The Life of Saint John Bosco

A movie on the life of St. John Bosco. Hope you'll find inspiration as much as I did.

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A little help Lord... Please

I am so weak with temptations Lord. I am constantly praying that you "reset" me. My Lord, my God how I love thee but I am just so weak. Now I question myself, is my love for You real? Do I really love You? Why do I keep on sinning? Why can't I keep my promises to you? Why have I taken you for granted?

My Lord, my God show your mercy upon my soul. Forgive me my sins. Please equip me with your armor of love and send forth your angels to guide and guard me all the days of my life on earth. Renew me Lord. Make me your own. Amen.

The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy

One of my favorite prayers is The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. I got hold of a booklet on the Life and the very marvelous story and life of St. Faustina Kowalska and on the promises of the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy when I was young, around high school. I just followed the directions written in the booklet and prayed hoping what I did was the right way of saying the Chaplet. In fact, during that time, when I want to be artistic on saying the Chaplet, I sang it (like a Gregorian Chant of some sort), still hoping that it was how it was sang. I watched one episode on EWTN, the whole community praying and singing the Chaplet. I was amazed, without exageration, that the way they sang it was how the way I sang it! (my prayer was heard!) from that day forward I am proud to say that I am a devotee of the Chaplet and I am constatly reciting the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy

I want to share with you on how it is recited:

This is done using the regular rosary beads.

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.

2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:
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.

3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).

4. Conclude with (three times):
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Amen

************************* Jesus, King of Mercy, I trust in You! *********************************

My New Phone - A Nokia C6

My father was issued a service celphone. He is an elected government official. However, he does not know how to use the phone (since it was a touch phone). Unfortunately, last December, it was recalled due to some unavoidable circumstances and he was advised to return the unit. I was using That celphone since I was the only one who knew how to use the unit. I had no choice but to comply. I was sad since it was a very nice phone. Fortunately, I tried calling my service provider and inquired if they are offering a free unit, yes they are offering. I asked if I was qualified, and fortunately, I AM QUALIFIED! Thank God! There was a wide range of celphone units (the free units). I did not like the free units since it does not have a wifi feature. What I need is a unit that can connect to the internet:). I chose a Nokia C6 but I need to shed a few thousand pesos. So this is the phone that I am using now. I really love it!

From December up to this writing, i did not realize that I can update my blog using my phone :) in fact this is what I am using in updating this entry! Another blessing ey! ;)

A Prayer Answered!

I have always prayed that the Lord will give us a business of our own. Something that would involve all the family members and at the same way, could help our unemployed neighbors be productive. Finally, coming straight from my mom's mouth, a company contatacted my dad. Hopefully this is the answered prayer. Hopefully this is for keeps.

Back in 2011

It's been three long months and I have missed to update my journey. Three months and a lot of things has happened. A lot of things to be thankful for, a lot of things to reflect, a lot of realization and a lot of learning. The question is... can i sustain? Hopefully I can. May the sunrise of my life shine throughout and may the light be shared to everyone. Be blessed!