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?”
