“You are blessed Siervas.” The seminarians of the Holy Rosary Preparatory Seminary joined the Siervas de Maria, Ministras de los Enfermos (Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick) on August 15 in the occasion of their 172nd foundation anniversary on the Solemnity of the Assumption. Together with the sisters-siervas and with their confraternity, mass was celebrated after which, breakfast was served with chocolates. Fr. Erwin Blasa, acting seminary rector for the formation year 2023-2024, emphasized in his homily the blessings of being a servant of Mary. He said, “Like Mary, you are blessed. and your blessings are embedded in your name, in your identity. You are blessed because God chose you in MARY; You are blessed because you said ‘yes’ to be Mary’s SERVANTS. You are blessed because you MINISTER hope, health, and healing to the sick, the sad, and those who are suffering.” Fr. Blasa closes with the words of St. John Paul II to the Siervas in 2002 chapter in Rome, “What distinguishes you is your care for the sick in their homes. When you visit homes, Mary visits homes with you.” During the Eucharistic celebration, the sisters made a renewal of their profession. Mother Blanca Ortiz, the community superior gladly expressed, “We sisters are filled with gratefulness and joy as we celebrate our foundation anniversary. We pray that God will continue to grant us more vocations.” The Siervas de Maria is an inspiration for the seminarians being called, saying ‘yes,’ and willing to be channels of God’s hope. The celebration ended with the seminarians’ visit to the sisters’ clinic-hospital where Mo. Blanca assured medical assistance to the seminary community. Siervas de Maria Ministras de Infermos (SDeM) or Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick is a congregation based in Lagonoy, Camarines Sur. Their free health services are offered through their clinics, their ministry to mothers and their families through their birthing home, and their outreach to the sick through home visitations since 2001.

By Myrna Bermudo “We are there twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, we are on call 24/7 for the patients, “ said Sr. Rechille Atole, SdeM, of the Siervas De Maria (Servants of Mary) in Lagonoy. “ We always think of what we can give to the patients to alleviate their pain and suffering. We care for them with joy and with so much patience to allow them to feel God’s healing. We are always smiling for the patients so that they will feel that God is full of love and mercy and will not abandon them.” Siervas de Maria Ministras de los Enfermos (SDeM) or Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick, is a congregation based in Lagonoy, Camarines Sur. They run the Sta. Maria Soledad Birthing Home and Health Care Facility located in Zone 1 Dahat, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur. Although their apostolate is based in this town, they serve patients who come from other parts of Bicol to seek their medical services. Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick is a congregation founded in Spain in 1851 by Saint Maria Soledad Torres. They continue to live the spirit of their founder in their ministry to the sick and the dying. Sr. Rechille Atole, SdeM said that “we see the presence of Jesus in every patient we visit and care for. We consider ourselves as angels of love. We visit the poor dying patients in far barangays. We do it with love, simplicity and humility always with the help of Mary, under the title, Kagalingan ng mga Maysakit.” They have free health services offered through their clinics, they minister to mothers and their families through their birthing home, and they reach out to the sick through home visitations since 2001. They are often called sisters to the barrios because they walk across streams and climb mountains just to reach those who are sick. “We are ministers to the sick for free. Most of our patients belong to the poorest of the poor, the least and the vulnerable. The birthing clinic is open 24 hours for mothers and for those who need to be assisted in their last moments, or, the dying. We rely on divine providence thus, payments are not accepted. In-kind donations are okay. We accept any in-kind donation from our poor patients, they would bring camote, string beans, banana and other vegetables,“ Sr. Chona Bejo, SdeM, said. “ We also help patients gain spiritual healing more than physical healing.” They are inviting young ladies to join their ministry to the sick.”I would like to encourage the youth of today to be sensitive to the needs of the poor, to give time for silence, be conscious of the cry of the poor in our time. This can only happen if one is attentive to silence. Through this, you will know what the Lord is trying to trying to tell you what to do,” Sr. Rechille Atole, SdeM, said. The congregation’s health services include medical missions, building houses for the poorest of the poor, 24 hours birthing clinic, newborn screening, hearing test, X- ray, HIV test screening, medical consultation, ultrasound, pedia consultation, free laboratory tests. These services are announced in their social media account- Siervas De Maria Lagonoy. Medical missions were conducted this month of July together with Doctors of Phileos from Spain. July 17- barangay Sta. Maria, Presentacion; July 18- San Sebastián; July 19- Sabang, San Jose; July 20-21 in Bocogan, North Lagonoy and July 24-27 in Dahat, Lagonoy.

By Tere Esmeralda - Medina The Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair (BFGTF), an annual fair of the Archdiocese of Caceres held during the Peňafrancia fiesta is set to happen from September 7 to 18, 2023. This was announced by Rev. Fr. Marcel Emmanuel DP. Real, project director. This is the 13th BFGTF to be conducted since 2010, the celebration of tercentenary of the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. 2010 was also the year that the City of Naga and the Province of Camarines Sur were declared pilgrimage capitals of the Bicol Region through Proclamation No. 33 , s2010 by President Benigno S. Aquino III. Caritas - Caceres (Naga), Inc., the Social Action Commission of the Archdiocese of Caceres and the Department of Trade and Industry Camarines Sur (DTI) are the lead organizers of the BFGTF. In 2020 the organizers abided with the IATF restrictions due to the COVID 19 pandemic. In 2021, when physical gatherings were tolerated, a scaled-down fair was conducted. It was in 2022 that a full physical trade fair was conducted. The BFGTF was conceived as a revival of the agricultural trade fairs which was first conducted in September 1857 by the Bishop of Caceres, Francisco Gainza, OP, who organized the numerous peddlers and devotees who conglomerated in the city during the September feast of Our Lady of Peňafrancia. The fair was fittingly revived during the tercentenary celebration in 2010. In the present context, the BFGTF seeks to help alleviate poverty in the Archdiocesan jurisdiction and its environs through entrepreneurship and solidarity that promotes integral human development. The Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair, as a feature of the Peñafrancia festivities, is in response to the need of Bicolano entrepreneurs for more opportunities for growth and sustainability. This year, the BFGTF will feature local micro small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) in the Bicol provinces as well small entrepreneurs from other parts of the country. Several local governments in the province of Camarines Sur have likewise expressed their support by featuring MSMEs from their municipalities. The fair will feature handicrafts, processed foods, novelty items, furniture and other items crafted by local entrepreneurs. Also to be featured are nightly cultural events, trainings, coverage of Traslacion and Fluvial processions. On September 18, Caceres Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona shall conclude the 12-day fair with a Eucharistic celebration. It will be followed by a program with giving of awards and raffle prizes. The Department of Trade and Industry (Camarines Sur) led by Provincial Director Jay Percival Ablan, the Department of Agriculture (DA) RFO-5’s Regional Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla, the governor of Camarines Sur headed by Gov. Vicencio Miguel Villafuerte, the Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI) headed by Ramon Simon L. Dy as major sponsors contribute to the synergy of the trade fair. This year’s theme is “Kaiba si Maria asin si Cristo sa pagnegosyo asin pag asenso.”

Siena College Tigaon turns 75 years with the theme, “Sarabay sa Pagbaklay asin Pagrumdom sa Pagselebrar kan ika-75 taon nin Katolikong Edukasyon”, the school community of Siena College Tigaon headed by the Dominican Sisters of Siena celebrated its Diamond Jubilee last April 28-29, 2023. An Eucharistic celebration was graced with the presence of the Archbishop of Caceres, His Excellency, Rolando Octavus J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD. Likewise, alumni-priests concelebrated in the said Mass namely, Ernesto Arceo, OP, the president of UST-Legazpi, Fr. Butch Bombase OP and Fr Enrico Paglinawan, and some other priest alumni and collaborators. Sisters from Dominican congregation and the whole community of Sienna College were also present. The Archbishop exhorted in his homily the importance of education which allows the learners to grow together as one community. He highlighted as well to remember the historical past of the school with much gratitude, to rejoice and celebrate the blessings shared in it and to experience renewal of the school’s ideals, mission and vision. With this, he challenged the congregation to renew its passion for truth by providing a Catholic, Dominican and Sienan education. Sis. Emily Lalantacon, OP, the School President, offered her gratefulness for those who took part in their celebration. "Siena College Tigaon certainly belongs to the past but dreamers as we are," said Sr Agnes Cardiño, OP, BED principal. She continued, "we believe that our school somehow needs to be brought to the present. From its very humble beginning in 1948, SCT has grown leaps and bounds and now on its 75th Diamond Jubilee. Indeed, we all have to thank God for the blessings He poured on us for the past 75 years. Salamat sa Dios! Dios mabalos!" Siena College Tigaon has been a school partner of the Archdiocese for long years in forming children and youth by providing Catholic education. -Fr. Dexter Peñaflor

Priesthood “is never a career. You are ordained not to be functionaries, not to be professionals. You are ordained to be servants, to be even slaves. You are ordained to radiate the image of Jesus, the suffering servant,” Caceres Archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD, told eight men on their priestly ordination and one seminarian for the diaconate for the Archdiocese of Caceres. “Always be a servant. The gift given to you is the best gift the Lord has given to a person. But this does not in any way make you to become a master. You are to serve, not to be served. You will be forever servants of Jesus, servant of the church, servants of the poor,” Tirona exhorted the deacons April 15 during his homily at the ordination mass at Our Lady of Peñafrancia Basilica Minore and National Shrine. The newly ordained priests are : Fr. Aljan C. Galvez; Fr. Emarson M. Hermoso; Fr. John Lino G. Labrador; Fr. Dominique C. Llaguno; Fr. John Dexter P. Penaflor; Fr. Joshua O. Sanchez; and Fr. Jessel B. Sarmiento; and the new deacon is Rev. Michael Angelo Escriba. During the Solemn Celebration, the send-off Rite for new Missionary Priests was also held, as well as the Oath of Incardination to the Archdiocese of Rev. Fr. Henry Lozano. Archbishop Tirona expressed gratitude to parents and guardians: “Thank you for offering your sons to serve the Church. Today is the day that God answers your prayers, sacrifices, supplications and encouragement to your sons. Today you will witness the ordination of your son together with the Christian community.” Citing tremendous blessings because the ordination occurs on a Saturday of the octave of Easter, the Archbishop reminded the new priests that the message of the Risen Lord still rings in our hearts. “Let us give joy to our communities. We are all energised. We are men and women of Easter. We become new persons with new hearts, new persons with your actions,” he added. The Archbishop also urged the ordinands to reject entitlement. “Priesthood does not give us the power to be entitled to anything at all. If there is anything we are entitled to, it is to imitate Jesus. Never abuse the goodness of people. They will call you now, Father, they will ask you to bless them, say “Amen” to you. They will be so concerned about you. And the devil easily wants us to enjoy these prerogatives. Then it will be easy to abuse the generosity and kindness of people. Learn to be detached from all honours, from all treasures. Always obey what Peter said to the lame man: “Silver and gold I have none but I have I give you: Jesus Christ, the Lord.” “Be like Jesus, the High Priest,” the Archbishop said. “Jesus, the model high priest, was aware of His calling and responded through obedience, through sacrifice, and total self -offering.” Present during the ordination were Daet Bishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, DD; Rev. Msgr. Rodel Cajot, VG, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Caceres and rector of Peñafrancia Basilica; Fr. Napoleon Sipalay, Jr. OP, Vice Rector of University of Sto. Tomas, Pontifical Theological Seminary; Fr. Joey Gonzaga, rector of the Holy Rosary Major Seminary; Seminary formators, parents, seminarians, classmates and friends of the ordinands. By Myrna S. Bermudo

My beloved brother priests! Once again I impart to you my fraternal message of encouragement, support and above all prayers as we begin to celebrate the memorable events that led to our redemption: The Paschal Mystery. In the midst of our many liturgical concerns and preparations, let us not overlook our personal spiritual preparations that will help deepen our liturgical actions and prayers. In the busy days of Holy Week, let there be a sanctuary in our hearts where we can be alone with the Alone. Let us not be too engrossed or focused on the ‘liturgical success’ of our Holy week celebrations, but be more priestly concerned in leading our flock to a more meaningful and spirit-filled days of devotions, prayers and recollection. As brothers in Jesus, let us pray for each other, for our presbyterium, that our Holy Week celebrations mirror in our prayers and actions the face of the Crucified Jesus and the Glory of His Resurrection. With our Blessed Mother, faithfully standing at the foot of the cross, inspire and guide us to stay firm in Jesus, and to stay ever close with our faithful to whom we are called to serve. With my fraternal embrace, prayers and blessings. +ROLANDO J. TRIA TIRONA, OCD, DD Archbishop of Caceres

On April 7, Good Friday, at nine o’clock in the morning, a Street Passion Play will take place along the major streets of Naga City, from Oragon Plaza in downtown Naga through the Central Business District 1 (CBD 1) and will culminate at the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Shrine and Parish. The Parish Youth Ministry (PYM) of Our Lady of Peñafrancia Parish will revive the yearly tradition of re-enacting the trial, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on the streets. For Suzette Catubag, chairperson of the parish Committee on Youth, this year’s passion play is significant because it marks the 25th anniversary of the religious activity since it was first presented in 1998. It will bring together all the volunteers who have participated in previous passion plays through the years. Fr. Felipe Culvera, parish priest, said that the street passion play is a yearly activity of PYM. But this was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to pandemic restrictions. In 2020, PYM has prepared for the silver anniversary celebration of the street passion play but the lockdown hampered the plans. In 2022, the play was conducted only in the parish compound or patio. Thus, this year’s presentation is considered the Silver Anniversary celebration of the Street Passion Play. “Children, youth and non-churchgoers are attracted to the play because the heartfelt portrayal of the Bible characters is a very effective way of presenting how Jesus Christ, our Lord, suffered and died for our salvation, “ Fr. Culvera explained. “For some of the PYM members, participating in the play is their “panata”, offering their talents for evangelization work through this medium. They are highly driven and does not give up despite the physical and financial challenges. They have internalized the story of salvation which they are presenting including the roles they are playing. Preparations for this year’s play started as early as February. It includes recollection, orientation and watching the movie Passion of the Christ to help internalize the characters. “The bayanihan spirit comes alive in the parish as various sectors of the community help the PYM in this activity. The parish pastoral council provides food, former PYM members and others donated money for the expenses. Others helped prepare the props and costumes,” Fr. Culvera narrated. “It was the Holy Week of 1996 when the late Fr. Noel Nacario, then an assistant priest, sought the help of Naga College Foundation's Cultural Arts Center led by William Espejo for the preparation and workshop of the cast which was only handful. Costumes and props were also limited, from cardboards, textiles and cloths. But as the years went by, the number of the cast increased and innovations in costumes and props got better. Some of the parishioners and other members of the parish organizations participated in the play to complete the casting,” Ms. Catubag recalled. In every passion play, 80 to 120 persons are involved, including the cast and production crew. Most are members of the OLP-PYM, some are invited from other parishes where the play was also presented. The PYM has been invited to present the play in Pili, Calabanga, Presentacion, Buhi and places outside the Archdiocese of Caceres. Initially, the play was presented within the parish jurisdiction only. This year, the OLP-PYM will have three performances. They will perform with the young people of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Milaor, Camarines Sur on Palm Sunday. On Holy Tuesday, the group will bring the play to the Camarines Sur Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Pamukid, San Fernando, Camarines Sur. Lastly, on April 7, Good Friday, from 9am to 12nn, the Street Passion Play will commence from Oragon Monument near the Naga City People's Mall thru CBD 1 and will proceed to the patio of Our Lady of Peñafrancia Parish. “With these street plays conducted over the years, I could say that there is a positive impact in the cast. Not only had it made our annual Holy Week celebration more meaningful but it definitely made us better persons because of the takeaways we had while being engaged in these activities. The nightly practices also helped strengthen the bonds of friendship. Most of the people who had been actively involved in the street plays had gained lifelong friends. We call ourselves “Mga Aki ni Ina.” This bond that we have not only with Ina but also with the parish and with the pioneering group of the OLP PYM is something that we can always hold onto as we go about our daily lives. It is something that will always keep us grounded and bonded, even if we are separated by distance,” Ms. Catubag shared. -- Myrna Bermudo

The Archdiocese of Caceres through the Caceres Commission on Communications (CCCom) and in partnership with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) once again hosted the annual Media Lenten Recollection on March 25 at the Villa Caceres Hotel with the theme: Listening to the Word, Journeying with the Lord. More or less 40 participants from several media outlets attended the recollection which was livestreamed on the Archdiocese of Caceres official Facebook page. Robert Obiedo of Villa Caceres Hotel and Nilo Aureus of Bicol Mail sponsored the event. Fr. Louie Occiano, CCCom director, said that in a year, it is important for media practitioners to pause and listen once in a while to deepen their spiritual journey. Fr. Roy Raňa, CCCom assistant director, emphasized the goal of the recollection which is to understand fully the teachings of Jesus and practice it in our daily life. He said that when we listen, we understand, and we begin our journey with Jesus. Fr. William M. Parde, the talk giver, gave insightful messages. He said that anything spiritual will remain in the next life, giving emphasis that in every endeavor in this lifetime will not matter because God has the final word in every person’s life. He said it is important to listen to the word of God because listening is essential in human communication. He urged the participants to always listen with their hearts for it is the foundation of a true relationship. “We are called to tune in, to be willing to listen to His covenant of love,” Fr. Parde said. “Without listening, there is no good journalism; the reliability and seriousness of the information is compromised,” he added. In his talk, he gave emphasis on the importance of putting God in the center of one’s life. He said that a person’s journey with Jesus starts when one learns to renounce himself, take up his cross and follow Christ. Fr. Parde added that “love is the condition for following Him, but it is sacrifice that is the proof of that love. Jesus does not ask us to give up living, but to accept a newness and a fullness of life that He gives. We are not the standard against which to gauge everything.” "Recollection allows us to have more time with God and to discover things about ourselves. It shows us what to do next,” he reminded the participants. He said that there will be challenges ahead but to become a disciple of Christ, one is required to give a full time and a long term commitment to follow God’s will. “God did not call us to be a comfortable Christian consumer, silent spectators, or a half asleep, half-hearted halfway follower. He has to be at the heart of our lives,” he concluded. After the meaningful talk and sharing from two participants about their journey with God after listening to His call, the participants prayed the Way of the Cross and joined the anticipated Mass. -- Apol Baldemor

The National Association of Parish PREX Secretariat (NAPPS) conducted a Parish Renewal Experience (PREX) Speakers’ Workshop on March 18 and 19 at the Lay Formation Center, Basilica Complex, Balatas, Naga City. The NAPPS Chair Couple, Alex and Lucille Alindogan, led the workshop together with other speakers who came to Naga. A total of 78 participants from 15 parishes of the Archdiocese of Caceres were mentored during the workshop. From these, there are now 27 PREX speakers who can give talks. “The workshop aimed to train speakers for PREX by reminding them of the purpose of the talks, showing the relationships of the talks, and guiding the participants how to deliver talks,” said Fr. Gerome Pelagio, spiritual director of PREX in Caceres. Various talks to realize the objectives were given for two days. On Day 1, March 18, the talks were: Spiritual Preparation of a PREX Speaker by Dimple Verzosa; Interrelationships of Talks by Beth Perez; Components of a Talk by Chato Realuyo; How to write a Talk by Alex and Lucille Alindogan; How to deliver a Talk by Lucy Mendoza; and Tips in Critiquing by Nolin de Pedro. Workshops on writing of talks and dry runs were conducted. Day 2 was devoted to dry runs after which Matet Reyes shared on Tips in Summing-up and Lucy Mendoza wrapped -up the two-day speakers’ workshop . 58 out of the 92 parishes in the Archdiocese of Caceres has had Parish Renewal Experience. -- Myrna Bermudo (Photo: The facilitators of Parish Renewal Experience Speakers’ Workshop from the National Association of Parish PREX Secretariat were welcomed by the Archdiocese of Caceres PREX Secretariat led by Fr. Gerome Pelagio, spiritual director, at Jimmy and Tang’s Restaurant, Liboton, Naga City on March 17. The workshop was held on March 18-19 at the Lay Formation Center. (Photo by Archdiocesan of Caceres Office of Mission and Evangelization )

Parishioners of San Francisco Parish in Naga City kneel in unison as they recite the antiphon, "Sinasanmba asin onion aw mi Ika, Kagurangnan..." as an expression to revere the cross being carried on the shoulders of a male volunteer from the Barangay San Francisco during the Way of the Cross along the main streets. The Via Crucis, a penitential walk along the streets of the barangay while meditating on the fifteen stations of the cross, is held on Fridays of Lent. Fifteen altars depicting the 15 stations are placed along the road. Fr. Wilfred Almoneda, parish priest, leads the meditation. He is joined by the altar servers, some lay leaders and those who were selected to act as the twelve apostles for the observance of the Lenten season. Via Crucis is also called Stations of the Cross and Via Dolorosa. These names are used to signify either a series of pictures or tableaux representing certain scenes in the Passion of Christ , each corresponding to a particular incident. “For the male volunteers, carrying the wooden cross means to participate and be united with the saving acts of our Savior , Jesus Christ, “ Fr. Almoneda said when asked about the Friday Lenten devotion in the parish. “They also wear a vestment similar to the color of what the Nazarano wears. Ahead of the schedule of the Via Crucis, the barangay calls for volunteers from each of the barangays under the care of the parish: Tinago, Dayangdang and San Francisco. Male volunteers would enlist themselves to carry the wooden cross during the penitential walk. They take turns in carrying the wooden cross . If there are 15 volunteers, each one will carry the wooden cross for the 15 stations; if only three, each will have five stations. Faith is alive among the people, even among men. The parish has only to provide devotional and social action activities where the people can express their faith and devotion,” Fr. Almoneda added. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, “The object of the Stations is to help the people to make in spirit, a pilgrimage to the chief scenes of Christ’s suffering and death. It is carried out by passing from Station to Station, with prayers and meditation on each station.” “Situated in downtown Naga City, commonly called Centro, a place where business activity and distraction burst, the San Francisco Church - the people and the structure - redirects people’s minds back to God. Such a blessing to be a part of this parish, “ Majo Francisco, gushed when, for the first time, she participated in the Way of the Cross in the evening of March 17. The parish “Via Crucis sa barangay” is scheduled on all Fridays of Lent at seven in the evening. While the Way of the Cross inside the parish church is held every Sunday at two in the afternoon. -- Myrna Bermudo

Gikan sa Sambanwá Bicol Missalette, 13 Diciembre 2020 Dakol na mga paagi asin okasyon na an Kagurangnan minadatong sa satuyang buhay. Siya minadatong bilang kusog sa pag-arang na makabangon sa problemang namumugtakan. Siya minadatong bilang biyaya sa mga sacramento na satong inaako na may pagtubod lalung-lalo na an pag-ako Saiya bilang kakanon kan satong kalag sa Eucaristia. Siya minadatong sa iba-ibang lalawgon na nakikisumaro asin nakikidamay sa mga kahandalan na dolot kan nakakagadan na COVID-19. Siya duminatong bilang inspirasyon na makabangon sa tahaw kan kasakitan kan mga tawong nawaran nin harong o kabuhayan nin huli kan mga bagyong uminagi satuya. Siya minadatong sa paagi kan mga tawong daing sawa sa pagtabang tangani sanang mabawasan an satong kahaditan sa buhay. Sa mga circumstancia na marahay o maraot, maogma o mamundo, madiklom o maliwanag, minadatong an Dios. Alagad mas madali para satuya na mamibdiran asin maako an Kagurangnan sa kaogmahan bako sa kamundoan, sa karahayan bako sa kasakitan. Katakod kan saiyang pagdatong iyo an patanid o pagiromdom sa paagi ni San Juan Bautista: “Sa tahaw nindo may saro na dai nindo midbid.” “Duminatong siya sa sadiring harong alagad dai nindo siya inako.” Sa tahaw kaining nagpapadagos na pandemia, ano talaga an hinahanap ta? Baka pagsustener kan satong naluging negosyo alagad pagpasipara kan satong pagtubod, personal na relacion ki Cristo? Baka ganancia o pagbawi kan mga nawara satuya an inaatupag ta alagad kulang sa pagmakulog, pagtabang sa kapwa? Baka gabos sana reklamo alagad mayo man nin konkretong ginigibo o plano? Gusto tang magin viral na “plantito” o “plantita” sa social media alagad dai niato “feel” na magin “Cristito” o “Cristita”. Hagad ta na magmilagro an Dios tolos tolos tanganing padagos nang maglayas an virus alagad habo tang maghaloy sa dai nagimatan na pagtios. Daing patod an mga eksperto sa paghanap nin vaccine sa COVID-19. Erenotan sa pagpasiguro na mabakunahan an sadiring kahimanwa alagad dai puedeng negaran na mas maeenot an may kwarta, an may kuneksyon o an may poder. Poon kaidto sagkod ngonian kadaklan sa satuya hinanahanap si Cristo ki “Elias” o ki “Juan Bautista” asin sa mga circumstancia sanang magaya-gaya. Gusto tang dangogon an tingog ni Cristo na uyon sa sato alagad bongog kita o nagbobongog-bongogan kita sa tingog na Cristo na makulog sa satong boot o pagdangog. Ok sa sato na dangogon an tingog ni Cristo sa simbahan alagad habo tang hinanyogon an tingog kan satong kapwa sa opisina o mismong kapamilya. Gusto tang himateon an suhestiyon kan mga amigo, kaalyado o kabisto alagad dai niato minsan tinatawan nin pagkakataon na magtaram an mga nagkokontra satuya. Gusto tang tanoson an korapsyon, an salang sistema sa gobierno alagad habo tang tanoson an satong ugali asin mga gawe-gawe. Namimiss ta na an mga kurahaw, ribok kan night life, kan bonding o tiripon nin mga magkakakabarkada, an pa-agang pag-surf sa social media alagad daing gayo niato naapreciar an kagayonan kan silencio asin paghorop-horop sa sadiri. Duminatong na an Kagurangnan asin padagos na minadatong sa aroaldaw niatong pagkabuhay. An saiyang pagdatong nagdodolot nin paglaom, kaogmahan, katoninongan, katiwasayan kun siya satong akoon asin mamidbiran sa gabos na klase nin circumstancia kan satong pagkabuhay. Olay ni San Pablo: “Danay kamong mag-ogma, danay na magpamibi, asin gabos na bagay ipagpasalamat nindo sa Dios. Alagad siguro an iba mahapot: Pano man kita mag-ogma sa tahaw kan labi-labing kasakitan? Ano man an ipapasalamat sa Dios sa tahaw nin makuring pagtios? Ano man an kwenta kan oratio imperata sa mga mayo na nin kwarta, ni kabuhayan, nin harong, ni pagkakan? Sa mga dai nin pagtubod ki Cristo Jesus, an pandemiang ini maldisyon, an mga bagyong nag-agi satuya padusa alagad sa mga paratubod asin parasunod ni Jesus an pandemia bakong maldisyon kundi bendisyon, an mga bagyo bakong padusa kundi biyaya! Ining virus, ining mga bagyo, ini gabos na mga pagtios siring sa tingog ni Juan Bautista na nagpapagiromdom asin nag-aagyat satuya: “Magdanay kamong malinig asin daing digta: espiritu, kalag asin hawak; sagkod sa pagdatong ni Jesucristo na satong Kagurangnan.” Puede man baga na magdanay na nagsasarig minsan ngani nagtatakig, toninong asin malinig na puso asin isip minsan pa may COVID. Puede man baga na magdanay sa kabanalan minsan sa tahaw nin mga kahandalan asin katibaadan. Puede man baga na magin matanos minsan nagtitios. Ini an tunay na pag-andam sa panahon niato ngonian! Sa kahurihurihi an gabos na bagay biyaya sa mga danay na nagsasarig sa Dios; na an gabos na nangyayari sa satuya marahay o maraot, maogma o mamundo igwa nin katuyuhan an Dios; na minsan sa makuring kasakitan igwa nin magugunong karahayan! Sa paghuna tang maldisyon saro palan na bendisyon kun poponan niato sa personal na conversion. Ini an pangapodan ni Juan Bautista bako lang ngonian na panahon nin Adviento kundi ining sarong proseso sa pag-ako asin danay na pagmidbid ki Cristo sa gabos na circumstancia kan buhay ta digdi sa daga mientras na kita naghahalat kan saiyang pagdatong bilang mamomoton na hukom sa maabot na panahon. — Rev. Fr. Joey D. Gonzaga, SThD Rector, Holy Rosary Major Seminary Director, Commission on Doctrine

Gikan sa Sambanwá Bicol Missalette, 08 Diciembre 2020 Satuyang pinagseselebrar ngonian an Solemnidad kan Inmaculada Concepcion ni Santa Mariang Virgen. An banal na pagpangidam ki Maria na dai naolaktan nin kasalan. Siya ipinangidam ni Sta. Ana na daing digta kan kasalan. Ngonian man kafiestahan kan bilog na Pilipinas nin huli ta siya man an Principal na Patrona kan bilog na Pilipinas. Sosog sa istorya ini pinagmukna bilang sarong Dogma sa lindong ni Papa Pio IX kan 1854, pinagsasabi na si Santa Maria biniyayaan kan satong Ama na poon pa sa pagpangidam saiya dai siya kan original na kasalan. Asin nabuhay siya na mayong kasalan. Ini nin huli sa dakulang plano nin Dios na siya magiging Ina kan saiyang bugtong na Aki. An Simbahan nagtutukdo sato na si Maria tinawan nin biyaya na magin ligtas sa anoman na digta asin bunga kan kasalan. Bilang magigin Ina nin Dios, siya pag-eerokan kan ika-duwang persona kan Santissima Trinidad – si Cristo na satong Kagurangnan. Huli ta maninigo lamang na siya mag-erok sa pupunan na daing digta kan kasalan. PAGDANGOG SA MAGAYON NA STORYA KAN AMA Poon sa kapinonan, plano na nin Dios na iligtas an katawohan sa kasalan. Ina an magayon na istorya kan satong Ama na nagpili nin mga katuwang tanganing mag-otob an saiyang plano. Boot niyang ibalik an magayon na relacion nin Dios na naputol huli kan sala ni Adan asin ni Eva. Kadaklan na beses, an marahay na pag-urulay napuputol kun an saro dai nagdadangog. O kaya iba mam an dinadangog. Ini nangyari sa storya ni Adan asin Eva. Imbes na magdangog sinda sa Dios, an dinangog ninda an halas na nagsugot sainda. Dinangog ninda an saindang sadiri, bako an tingog kan Dios. Kun kaya nawara an magayon kuta nang istorya na magdanay sinda sa paraiso. Naputol an maogmang pakipag-olay asin marahay na relacion nin tawo sa Dios. Nag-abot an mga profeta, asin an tawo paulit-ulit na boot makaibahan nin Dios sa saiyang pakipagtipan, alagad habo kan Israel na magdangog sa mga isinugo kan Dios. Paulit-ulit na pinasipara ninda an Dios asin nagsamba sa dios-diosan. Sagkod na ipinadara niya an sarong angel na magbabareta sa sarong babae. An babaeng idto dai sana nagdangog – kundi nagkuyog pa. “Maotob lugod an saimong kabotan,” simbag ni Maria. Huli ta magayon na plano nin Dios para ki Maria, nangyari an pagbabalik kan magayon pakipagtipan kan tawo asin Dios. Sa mahamis na FIAT ni Maria, nanitawo an Tataramon nin Dios. AN PANGAPODAN NA MAGDANGOG SA ESPIRITU Totoo dai niato maarog an kabanalan ni Maria, lalong lalo na an Banal na Pangidam saiya. Gabos kita igwa kan kasalan na original. Kita nagkakasala asin paulit ulit na magkakasala pa. Alagad tandaan niato na an Dios nagpapadara sato nin dakul na tabang tanganing mabawasan niato an satong pagkakahulog sa kasalan. Tinawan kita nin kadonongan asin konsensya tanganing maaraman ta kun ano an tama asin sala. Tinawan kita nin grasya sa mga sacramento, tanganing malindongan kita kan Espiritu na likayan an makakaraot sato. Tinawan kita nin magurang o tugang o amigo o amiga tanganing giyahan kita sa karahayan. Siring kan ehemplo ni Santa Maria – ano daw kun dangogon niato an Dios sa paagi kan mga tabang na itinao niya sa satuya. Dangogon ta an dikta kan satong konsensya, dangogon ta an satong mga magurang asin mga nagmamakulog sa sato. Padagos na nauulit an istorya ni Adan asin Eva sa satong buhay kun an satong dinadangog iyo an satong sadirI asin tinatalikudan niato an tingog kan karahayan asin katotoohan. An okasyon na ini kan Solemnidad kan Inmaculada Concepcion ni Maria Santissima dai ipinapahiling an pagkakaiba niato ki Maria, na siya mayong kasalan asin kita igwang kasalan. An ipinapasabot sato na kaya niatong akoon asin padaguson si Jesus sa satong mga puso sa tahaw kan satong pagkamakasalan. Kaipuhan lang niato an kapakumbabaan asin bukas na puso ni Santa Maria. Yaon siya pirmi sa satuya. Siya an INA niato na danay na nagpapamibi asin nagmamakulog sa satong kasakitan asin inagrangay. Si Santa Maria iyo an satong inspirasyon na ipadagos niato an magayon na istorya nin pagkamoot kan satong Ama sa satong mga kaakian. Bilang sarong nacion na nagpipintakasi kan satong Patrona, mahalaga sa akoon niato si Cristo asin an saiyang INA sa tahaw kan inaagihan niatong pandemia asin kasakitang huli kan mga kalamidad. Sa pag-ako niato sainda, magigin pasil an pagheras an magayon na istorya nin AMA para sa sato gabos. O Birhen na Dai Naolaktan nin Kasalan, ipamibi mo kami. Amen. — Rev. Fr. Luisito A. Occiano Direktor, Caceres Commission on Communications Cura Parroco, Parroquia nin San Bartolome Apostol, Baao, Camarines Sur I-download igdi an Gawe nin Pagconsgra asin Pagdusay sa Inmaculada Concepcion.