Barely a month before June 3, the youth of San Lorenzo busied themselves again for yet another tedious task — preparation for the recently held Youth Camp at Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban, Quezon. This included raising P30,000 for the projected expenses. Luckily for them, classes had not yet opened, so, almost everyday, groups of five or more trooped to parishioners’ houses to pick-up recyclables, sort them and sell them to raise some money. They also ventured into washing cars.
Weeks before the Formation and Youth Camp, I can honestly say that, being with these young men and women, they, who persevered under the heat of the sun and gathered recyclables while getting wet in the rain, had already started their formation. They were being formed, in more ways than one – through perseverance, hard work, cooperation, unity, the value of money, teamwork, responsibility and generosity. And all of these paid off! They raised more or less P8,000 — a big amount that helped meet the P30,000, aside from the donations and payments.
I am very proud of them because they persevered and they worked very hard. In the end they got their reward. With Father Luke opening the Youth Camp and blessing them as they travelled to and returned from Lucban, with the youth advisers who were our parents for the day, with the trekking up the 290-or-so steps to reach the summit of Kamay ni Hesus, to the multiplication of food that was more than enough for everyone, to the teambuilding activities at Batis Aramin Resort, it was the culmination of a beautiful summer formation for the youth. What better reward could anyone ask for?
It was the 28th of May, the last Saturday of the month and though the rains poured relentlessly throughout the day, people were hoping against hope that somehow the sky would clear up. It did not.
Nonetheless, the parish workers came with flowers and floral foam to deck up the carroza hoping that the rains would stop in time for the Marian procession that evening. Dr. Alice Go and her husband had the carroza towed to the nearest vulcanizing shop to have its tires inflated. Kuya Danny tested the generator and prepared the four sulos of the carroza. The day before, another rainy day, Ate Shirley Ruiz put up the arch at the side of the altar and came loaded with white flowers and greens and proceeded to create a most lovely arch, befitting the beautiful statue of the Blessed Mother. By 5:00PM, the rains continued to pour and Kuya Cesar decided to invoke Plan B—the procession will be confined inside the church to be followed by the floral offering.
Notwithstanding the weather, the sagalas came, all 62 of them, some with consorts. Everyone was in church for the anticipated mass. Just before the mass ended, given the instructions by Fr. Luke that “lalabas ang procession”, the lay ministers and some parishioners scrambled to prepare the carroza for the procession. Mama Mary would not let the weather rain on her parade. And indeed the show went on.
It was a beautiful procession headed by the altar servers, eight young children from the Marian catechism class holding AVE MARIA placards prepared by Kuya Vic and Ate Cristy Vianzon, followed by the sagalas & consorts, all coifed and dressed to the nines. Mama Mary’s carroza brought up the rear. The elderly stayed in the church, waiting for its return. Despite the foreboding rain, the procession wended its way through most of the areas of the parish. When the procession finally reached the church, a long procession of flower-bearing girls and boys, ladies and gents, some on wheelchairs, laid their offerings before the Blessed Virgin. Mary received her floral crown from Ate Kate Geronimo and Ate Roseann Garcia while Ate Cora Pangyarihan sang the Memorare. It was very touching! The Flores de Mayo ended with a prayer and final blessing by Fr. Luke.
Soon after, the arch and Mary’s statue became an instant ‘tourist’ destination as hordes of sagalas, their families and other parishioners surrounded the Virgin for their photo ops. The frenzy ended with light sandwiches and snacks. It was another eventful evening at SLRP.
Last Friday, May 13, was the start of this year's Alay Lakad kay Maria, the Youth's annual pilgrimage to Antipolo. But this time there was a break from tradition as the walk started from the EDSA Shrine instead of from the parish itself. All participants converged in Ortigas with those coming from the parish being transported to Ortigas courtesy of Germalin Enterprises, the Zenits and some PPC members.
At 8 o'clock on that Friday night, and with the heavens overcast, the organizers were very pleased to see more than a hundred participants, the largest participation so far of pilgrims in this annual event. After the briefing conducted by the PYM, headed by Ate Cora Pangyarihan, Father Luke gave the blessing to all before the participants boarded their vehicles for the ride to EDSA Shrine.
The procession was underway at a little past 10PM, wended its way through Ortigas Ave all the way up to the Cathedral of Antipolo. Along the way, the participants stopped at each of the 20 stations representing the mysteries of the rosary - from the Joyful mysteries, to the Mysteries of the Light, to the Sorrowful mysteries and finally the Glorious mysteries. At each of the stations, a ministry led in the recitation of the rosary. After a 7-hour walk, the pilgrims, tired, hungry, sweating and with bodies aching, reached the cathedral at about 5AM on Saturday morning. This allowed them just a little less than an hour to rest, take a quick catnap and prepare for the 6AM mass which the parish sponsored. Various worship ministries served during the mass which was presided by Father Luke. These were the altar servers, lectors and commentator, lay ministers and the music ministry.
The pilgrimage ended with a hearty breakfast of lugaw followed by a souvenir picture. With the full support of Fr. Luke, the PPC, the PYM and the various ministries, it was a success. Hopefully, next year's pilgrimage will even be a bigger one.
This year's Holy week activities saw the parish being introduced to the Soledad, a solemn procession depicting Mary's search for her crucified Son. This procession immediately followed the Santo Entierro procession. For the SLRP community, the parishioners were eager to join as this was something new for them, something to deepen further their devotion. The LOM spearheaded this year's initial inclusion of the Soledad.
The procession wound its way around Tierra Verde 1 subdivision, with three families offering their homes as kubols where Mary would stop to look for her Son. In the first kubol, the scene depicted the youth, immersed in their "sinful" activities - drugs, alcohol, playing computer games, partying, etc. The second kubol showed married couples engaged in gambling and drinking. In the third kubol, the senior citizens and the old folks were seen gathered together in a "home for the aged" - too old to do much, pre-occupied with their own needs for attention, medication and companionship.
In all of these kubols, Mama Mary would stop and ask "Were you there when they crucified my Son?" to which all groups replied they have not. Then the search continues until Mary reaches the place where she sees the empty cross with only the nails and the crown of thorns at its feet. Here is where she is "meets" her Son or, rather, the painful reminders of what her Son went through.
This is the prelude to the Salubong where Mary, after her search, finally meets her Son, the resurrected Christ, on Easter Sunday.
In the evening of Holy Wednesday, after the 630 pm mass, the parish youth staged a senakulo at the church grounds, a re-enactment of the passion of our Lord. Under the direction of Ate Cora Pangyarihan and with the help of Ate Kate Geronimo, Eman de Guzman and Roseanne Garcia, the youth willingly took up the challenge thrown at them by the PPC head and the youth advisers to make the Senakulo a meaningful and memorable experience. They did not disappoint. From the costumes, to the props, to the individuals manning the lights & sounds, to the performance itself, everyone did their bit to make the Senakulo a success. They proved that determination, hard work & a lot of heart combined with their creative talent always wins.
This year, Father Luke, together with the PPC, started a tradition of paying tribute to special people on the second Sunday of each month. For the month of April, SLRP paid tribute to the graduates of S.Y. 2010-11, including those who passed the Board/Bar Exams as well as those who got their post-graduate degrees.
A special mass was held last April 10 specially to honor these graduates. It began with the traditional march of the graduates five minutes before the Mass as each of the thirteen college graduates and board passers lined up to be presented to the congregation one by one. Proud parents, friends, and fellow parishioners applauded these achievers as their names were called.
Before the Mass ended, they were again presented as they held their lighted candles and stood before the altar. Father Luke, together with the parishioners, prayed over them and wished them well on their new journey in life. With the Grand Choir sharing their God-given talents, who wouldn't feel special that particular day! After the mass, pictures were taken beside the life-sized standee of a graduate at the church entrance.
The celebration did not end there. The SLRP Youth, the program organizers for this special tribute, led the graduates to the Multipurpose Hall for a light snack and a Career Development Talk by our special guest Mr. Arnold David, a veteran Human Resource speaker, who discussed the job market and gave the graduates some good advice and tips. The program ended with tokens for everyone and a new outlook for the graduates as a new chapter in their journey begins.
What better way to prepare for the Lenten season than to go on a Lenten Pilgrimage. This is exactly what Fr. Luke Dobles had in mind when he initiated plans for a Visita Iglesia with the objective of instilling a spirit of prayer and penance during this Lenten season as well as promoting oneness among the members of the SLRP community. It would be the first time that the parish would embark on a big activity like this one.
The plan was set in motion in the February 2011 PPC meeting and with the full support of the Parish Pastoral Council, the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion was tasked to spearhead the activity. The Visita Iglesia was then scheduled on Saturday, April 9, 2011 and the itinerary was identified – Our Lady of the Pillar in Alaminos, Cathedral of St. Paul the Hermit in San Pablo City, Church of San Bartolome Apostol in Nagcarlan, Church of St. John the Baptist in Liliw, St. Maria Magdalena Parish in Magdalena, Church of San Pedro de Alcantara in Pakil, all in Laguna, and the Church of San Ildefonso in Tanay, Rizal. Also included in the itinerary was the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery, the one and only underground cemetery in the Philippines.
One hundred forty-seven participants – of varying age groups, parishioners and pastoral workers alike and even guests from other parishes – joined and were accommodated in three tourist buses. Before departure, Fr. Luke boarded each bus and gave his blessing. On the bus, the trip started with the community praying of the Holy Rosary. A video show of all the church destinations and a short background or history of the churches and their patron saints was presented as an introduction to the places to be visited. To break the monotony of the long travel, there were games and prizes for all, and lots of bonding as well.
The main activities in the churches started with a mass at Our Lady of the Pillar in Alaminos, Laguna and the Community Way of the Cross with the 14 stations divided among the seven churches. Participants also spent some time with their own personal prayer and adoration. The church of St. John the Baptist in Liliw, Laguna graciously offered the use of their auditorium space where the group could take lunch. A photo session was allowed at every stop to record each visit.
It was not only a time of prayer but also a time to appreciate the beauty and antiquity of churches built during the Spanish period. One will note the different styles of architecture and the influence of the Franciscan and Augustinian friars in the design of the structures. Through time, these churches had undergone reconstructions and renovations but were still able to retain their original identity. One will also marvel at the exterior of the churches with façades made either of sand, stone, brick or adobe blocks; the retablos at the altar with their ornate designs; the church pulpit which was a common feature inside the churches and where the priests used to deliver their sermons, and the tall bell towers. Notable was the relic of Our Lady of Turumba in Pakil, the bloodstains of our revolutionary hero Emilio Jacinto in Magdalena, the San Ildefonso Church, the second oldest church in Tanay and already considered a National Cultural Treasure in the Colonial Churches category with its finely carved 200-year old Stations of the Cross, the underground cemetery and its niches where Spanish priests and high officials were buried and which served as a hideout for our revolutionary patriots.
To be able to manage a big group and to visit several places in a span of 15 hours was indeed a feat. Even Fr. Luke made sure that he was able to be with everyone as he hopped from one bus to another. And despite the unforeseen delays caused by traffic, accidents along the way, overlap with other visiting groups, weather changes, everything proceeded smoothly with the flexibility and adjustments made to strictly adhere to the time table originally planned. Everyone was safely home in SLRP as scheduled.
Here are some feedback and comments from some of the participants:
From what I have observed, the Visita Iglesia was a success. As for me, I felt closer to God. I also saw that for everyone this occasion served its purpose for the Lenten season. - Ate Sol Adre, MBG
Ang ganda ng mga simbahan! Sana maulit next year. - Ate Evelyn de Guia, MBG
It was a nice and wonderful experience seeing the Spanish Churches. - Mrs. Danielle Languido, CFC
The Visita Iglesia held last April 9, 2011 was a very fulfilling experience for our family. It was our first time as a family to join a parish activity like this one, and we enjoyed it very much. It was a very well planned activity and the outcome was very systematic and well organized. We also witnessed and experienced as how united the parishioners were. A successful activity like this one should be repeated again next year and our family will surely be present again. - Lagtapon Family, St. Dominic IV
I find the pilgrimage very fruitful and worth recommending. I admired your Logistics-very organized. And to think that you were monitoring a big group, everything ran smoothly. Kudos to your group! God Bless! - Mrs. Joyce Singson, Guest
It was a great experience. Besides that, it gave inspiration for spiritual growth and bonding. Thanks to the SLRP organizers. - Bro. Nguyen Khoa, Dehon Brothers
Excellent! Lots of bonding. – Ate Lulu Visaya, LECOM
Last April 9 Visita Iglesia was the best pilgrimage that I had undertaken. Everything about it was perfect. Congratulations to Fr. Luke, the organizers, the parishioners of San Lorenzo for this once in a lifetime event. -Ms. Marissa Ampil, Tierra Bella
Worth remembering. Once in a lifetime pilgrimage with co-pastoral workers and parishioners. I felt the blessings and indulgences. – Ate Ruby Almazan, Education Commission/BRC
Maayos – pero parang mas matagal yung biyahe kaysa sa yung oras sa simbahan. Talagang na-feel ko yung spirit of prayer. - Ate Claudia Valenzuela, BRC
It was a tiring but an exhilarating experience. More than a spiritual exercise, it was a cultural trip bringing to mind the richness of our culture, as it show cased the beautiful architecture and artwork used by the Spaniards to catechize the Filipinos. Hopefully, the Visita Iglesia further deepened our faith and appreciation of Filipino art. When is the next one? - Leila Vicente
First of all, congratulations to all those who partook in this brilliant idea and most specially to the energetic and conscientious men and women who were truly inspired by the Holy Spirit to plan it so meticulously! While on the trip I can't help but think back to the Team who planned it all. You are truly God sent! It must have been very arduous to organize this endeavor but you pulled it off with flying colors. Thank you so much for this memorable trip. People like you have made it easier for all of us who joined in the Visita to exprience a deepening of our faith. May you all be continously inspired and motivated to move all of the parishoners to a single commitment in finding HIM in all things! - Lydia Vicente
The Visita Iglesia held last April 9, 2011 was a very fulfilling experience for our family. It was our first time as a family to join a parish activity like this one, and we enjoyed it very much. It was a very well planned activity and the outcome was very systematic and well organized. We also witnessed and experienced how united the parishioners were. A successful activity like this one should be repeated next year and our family will surely be present again. - Enalynn Lagtapon
Maganda! I have never been to so many churches. Marami nagsasabi na sana maulit. And for 500 pesos it was cheap! - Buddy Lising
Maganda! MAGANDA! - Ate Fely
It was an exercise on patience, humility & community. People really took care of each other. - Fr. Luke
Maganda! Ang ayos-ayos. Tinanong ko nga si Father kung papaano naorganize ang ganun. - Tess Collado
Bravo! Job well done. Thank you so much to the team. That was so well organized. We look forward for the one next year. God bless you all. - Vic Vianzon
... masaya po ako at talagang marami po akong natutunan na ganon pala kasaya kapag magsama-sama po ang lahat sa Pilgrimage - Raffy Vargas
... ang masasabi ko lang sa oras na iyon ay talagang napakasaya ko po at lahat ng mga taong kasama sa oras na iyon lahat po sila napakabait po talaga lalo na si Father Luke. Marami po talagang akong natutunan. - Grace Salem
...Ang naranasan ko ay masasaya kaming lahat lalo na pag nag-picture taking ang grupo at sa oras ng tanghalian ay sama-sama kaming lahat na kumakain at nagbibigayan ng kanya kanyang baon parang isang buong pamilya. - Emelina Balanial
... Truly the gift of the Holy Spirit sustained us all the way. I was a witness that day to the Lord's promise that when two or three are gathered in His name, there He is in the midst of them. VIVA SLRP and kudos to our shepherd Fr. Luke for a job well done! - Dr. Rose Garcia
April 3, Sunday, on the eve of his 16th Sacerdotal anniversary, Fr. Luke took time out from his busy schedule to be with the people of Cruz Compound for a simple lunch and fellowship. Through the efforts of Ate Claudia Valenzuela and the PPC, this became a reality.
The celebration began with a special community prayer for Fr. Luke during the 10:00AM Mass. Representatives from various sectors of the parish - the elderly, married couples, parish worker, parish member and the young, offered their special intentions for Fr. Luke's continued well-being and spiritual stewardship of the parish. In turn, he made his silent wishes as he blew the five candles of the representatives.
At 11:30AM, Fr. Luke and some members of the PPC, trooped to Cruz Compound for an afternoon of togetherness, fun and enjoyment. The afternoon began with Father Luke having lunch with families and representatives of Cruz Compound in a native barrio fiesta setting where the food was served on banana leaves and everyone using their hands.
After the hearty lunch, there was a Getting-to-know-Fr. Luke game where the residents participated in. Several multiple choice questions were asked of the contestants about Fr. Luke. Through this fun activity, the people had a chance to get to know more about their parish priest and provided the warm-up to the more serious getting-to-know-Cruz Compound pulong pulong that transpired.
In this short afternoon, Fr. Luke and the PPC were able to get the pulse of the people - their concerns, their aspirations, their thoughts. In turn Fr. Luke imparted the church's concern for the welfare of those in Cruz Compound and the services that the church can offer to them. He hoped that this will be the start of a deeper evangelization in Cruz Compound.
Mr. Cruz, the patriarch of the Cruz clan, gave his response and in it, he expressed his thoughts on the need for more participication of Cruz Compound in the activities of the church and that we all needed each other for the spiritual development of the community. He also asked the support of all to make this a reality.
The afternoon ended with the closing prayer led by Ate Claudia and the blessing from Fr. Luke.
Following the call of the Catholic Church to show solidarity amongst the faithful in sending a strong message opposing the proposed RH Bill, a 50-man delegation from SLRP joined thousands of other Catholics in a rally held last March 25 at the Luneta.
Led by Father Luke and the SSDM, the parish was well represented, with both the young and old, the lay and the religious, officers and workers joining the rally. The delegation left the parish in the early afternoon of March 25 and arrived at the Luneta well ahead of the start of the official activities at 4PM. The group found their place among the many delegations that went to the rally. They settled themselves amongst crowd, rested, took some photos and mingled with the other participants but most importantly, they added their voices to the growing clamor to repudiate the RH Bill. It was a day of unity as the people expressed their voices in upholding life and saying no to the RH Bill. The rally ended with the Holy Mass officiated by the good cardinal of Manila, Gaudencio Rosales.
Amidst the noise of the world, one small voice yearns to be heard. It is a choice many easily shut out and very often taken for granted. It is the voice of life, the voice that some do not wish to hear.
Last March 12, a special mass was celebrated in honor of babies less than a year old, expectant mothers and childless couples who want to have children of their own. This was organized by the members of the Lectors and Commentators (LECOM) Ministry.
Prior to the mass, a video clip was shown on the importance of life and how babies are cruelly aborted. One could also see how many teen pregnancies occur, how many babies were aborted, and how the RH bill, if approved, may affect the country.
The special “guests” for this occasion( which included babies less than a year old, expectant mothers, and couples hoping to have babies) had their pictures taken in front of the church under a make-shift photo booth. A video presentation giving tribute to life was also played thanking parents who made the right choice and had that tiny voice of life be heard. Afterwards, Father Luke blessed the “special guests” and each was given a token of appreciation.
It was a wonderful sight to behold these people, proudly standing in front of the congregation as living testimonies to life – the babies with their mothers, the expectant women, and the couples eagerly awaiting one to call their own. They have made their choice and allowed that little voice to be heard.
As Father Luke had mentioned during the mass: “Aren’t we glad that our mothers gave birth to us?”
Every second Saturday of the month, the church becomes busy with the prayerful devotion of the parish's Legion of Mary organization. The members of the LOM gather in church after the 6:00AM Mass to pray 2000 Hail Marys as their pledge and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Old and young members alike take turns reciting the Rosary. This practice started late last year and continues to this day.
For those who are not initiated, it is a daunting experience to spend practically the whole day praying the Rosary 40 times. But for the devotees, this is their labor of love, a sacrifice and an offering that comes from the heart.
The members of the Apostleship of Prayer, headed by Dra. Lou Sarmiento, together with some members of the Block Rosary Crusade, Legion of Mary, Daughters of Mary Sisters and other SLRP parishioners, went to the National Shrine of the DIVINE MERCY at Sta. Rosa 1, Marilao, Bulacan last March 22, 2011.
This is a yearly activity of the AP - to visit holy churches especially during the Lenten season. This year, it was to the DIVINE MERCY Shrine. Led by Ate Linda Duritan, the group meditated and prayed on the fourteen stations of the Way of the Cross. It was followed by deep reflective prayers in front of the Tabernacle at the Main Altar inside the Church.
After completing the spiritual exercise, the group decided to have a hearty breakfast, merienda and lunch, rolled into one,'Brunch'. Picture-taking, souvenir-buying, completed the visit to the shrine. Although it was only a half-day "mini-pilgrimage”, there was 'complete indulgence' for it made the group closer to one another and above all CLOSER TO GOD!
Last March 19, the SLRP parishioners visited with the inmates of the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City as part of the prison apostolate of the parish. This second visit, again spearheaded by the Social Services and Development Ministry, was fully supported by Fr Luke, the PPC and the Restorative Justice Ministry of the diocese.
This time, 43 joined the apostolate together with Sister Charisse who helped organize the trip. Everyone had to attend the orientation given three days prior to the event. For some, it was their second visit and therefore their second orientation.
Donations from generous donors totalled P21,000, which covered a major portion of the cost of the food and gifts for 100 inmates. They were grateful for the hour given to them to interact with us visitors, sharing with us their blessings as they related the conditions they faced in the CIW.
For our part, seeing the grateful aura of the inmates gave us a feeling of deep fulfillment, thatsomehow we were able to bring Christ to them in our own small way, that by empathizing with them we shared in Christ’s own offering of Himself.
The celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Father Luke capped the visit and everyone was heartened by the message of hope in his homily.
On arrival in the parish, a meeting was held to allow for feedback and evaluation of the visit before partaking of a hearty lunch. Once again the SSDM and the organizers thank all who had given their support not only during the visit itself but even during the preparation and the culminating activities of the mission.
Last March 11, barely a few days into the Lenten Season, the Parish Pastoral Council and the Parish Youth Ministry, together with about 40 members of the youth and some parish elders, gathered around a bonfire for an evening of open discussion revolving mainly on the aspirations of the young people of the parish.
The Youth Forum, as it was called, was an offshoot of post-mortem evaluation of the participation of the youth in parish activities and projects. As an important and growing segment of the parish, the youth in the recent past had been involved in a number of activities and projects where their participation is needed. This has given rise to conflicting commitments and priorities among the different youth groups.
With this year as the Year of the Youth, this forum is a timely response to the Youth's clamor to give focus to their needs as a group and as a vital arm of the parish. With the joint efforts of the PPC, our parish priest and the youth leaders, this youth forum became a reality. The youth were given their day to be heard. They eagerly and candidly expressed their concerns, needs and aspirations which the parish elders appreciatively listened to.
After a long evening of open discussions, the gathering ended at close to midnight with a prayer of hope for the youth and their future in the parish continue to prosper.
