SOLEMNITY OF STS. PETER AND PAUL

Seventh Sunday After Pentecost Falls under the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul. The Church celebrates the feasts of these two great saints considered to be as pillars of the Church. Both were Apostles and and Martyrs. Shown here is the Painting of St. Peter by Francesco del Cossa. On the left end is the Byzantine carving of St. Paul.

St. Peter is called the Prince of the Apostles, and the First Pope of the Church. In the Scripture we find that Christ made the first call to Simon Peter and his companions while they were fishing on the lake. "And Jesus walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother , casting a net into the sea (for they were fishers). And he saith to them: Come ye after me, and I will make you to be fishers of men." Matthew 4:18-19 (Douay-Rheims Version). An avid follower of Jesus Christ. His name was changed from Simon to Cephas (Peter) which means "rock". His confession that Jesus was the Messiah, Son of God and Savior of Israel earned Him the Lord's favor and thereby he was given the charged to be chief of the Apostles. Christ in ordaining Him spoke thus: "Thou art Peter and upon this rock I willbuild my Church and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it." St. John the evangelist gave us a very beautiful account of how Our Lord charged Peter with the care of the Church. "Feed my lambs", "Feed my Sheep". During Christ's passion, Satan has desired to sift Peter away, But Christ prayed for Peter that he may be strengthened, and charged him to strengthen the brethren. Indeed St. Peter died a martyr for the faith. Tradition had it that when he was crucified he made the request that he be crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to be crucified in the same way that the Lord was crucified. St. Peter, Chief of the Apostles, Vicar of Christ, Supreme Pontiff, Martyr and Saint, pray for us, and pray for our unity here on earth. Amen.

St. Paul was known as the Apostle to the Gentiles. At first he was a persecutor of the Christians. A devout Pharisee and Jew, St. Paul persecuted the primitive Church. Hailing them to judges and jailing them. But on the way to Damascus, Christ appeared to him in a vision, asking him "Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?" Paul replied, "who are you Lord?"... "I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you persecutes..." From Damascus St. Paul was converted and was instrumental in the spread of Christianity among the Gentiles. He died as a martyr during the reign of Emperor Nero. Through his effort the Christian faith was spread to the gentile nations. He struggled and resisted the Judaizers who were aiming to impose circumcision and the Mosaic ritual law among the gentiles. In the Council of Jerusalem, he argued for these proposals.

Prayer:

Lord Almighty Father, through your Son Jesus our Lord, you have provided us with the inspiration and fruits of the labors of these two apostles and pillars of the Church. May we be strengthened by the faith and teachings of these apostles. May their example inspire the faithful to obey their Bishops and for Bishops too to exercise their duties as teachers, evangelizers and a good administrators of their Churches. Most especially we pray for unity and the healing of Schism between the East and the West and may all those who separated from the Church return to the fold of St. Peter, so that there will be one body and one spirit. We pray for our Pope Benedict XVI that all the Bishops will obey the Holy Father especially with regard to the apostolic letter Summurom Pontificum. We pray for union of the Orthodox Churches with the Mother of all Churches, the Church of Rome. We ask this in Christ name. Amen.

TLM at the 4th National Convention of Diocesan Chancellors

Photos and Narration by Gerald Cenir [Posted with Permission]

The 4th National Convention of Diocesan Chancellors, that started yesterday, June 24th 2008, began with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered according to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite with Msgr. Moises Andrade, chancellor of the Diocese of Malolos, as celebrant. As the servers prepared the plenary hall of Pius XII Catholic Center, Msgr. Andrade gave a short cathecisis and explained briefly the different parts of the Traditional Mass to his fellow chancellors and guests. The chancellors and guests followed the Traditional Mass, from beginning to end, attentively and reverently and even received the Body of our Lord kneeling in adoration and awe.During the second day of the convention, Msgr. Moises Andrade will give a talk on the Holy Father's Apostolic Letter given motu proprio Summorum Pontificum.The 4th National Convention of Diocesan Chancellors is a three day event from June 24 to June 26, 2008 originally in Corregidor Island but moved to Pius XII Catholic Center in UN Avenue Manila due to high waves.

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour

On June 27, 2008, the Church will celebrate the feast of Our Lady known under the title: Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Among Eastern Christians this icon is known as Our Lady of the Passion, owing to the symbolism of the Icon. On both side of Mary and Jesus are the two ministering Archangels, On the Left side is St. Michael carrying the spear/lance and crown of thorns. On the right side is St. Gabriel Carrying the Cross. It was slo called Mother of the Passion because in the icon the boy Christ clings o her mother for safety and comfort. upon seeing the instruments of torture that would serve his sacrifice. Hence we too have Mary as Our shelter. A refuge in time of need. This icon is very much venerated here in the Philippines and almost every church and home has this icon on display.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

The Redemptorist Church in Dumaguete City whose main point of veneration is the icon of Our Lady.

The Interior of the Shrine

Countdown for the FSSPX - Rome Agreement Begins

Let us earnstly pray that the Lord will touch the hearts of the FSSPX Chapter to favorably agree to the conditions set forth by the Holy See for its regularization. The Holy See like a mother seeks to unite her children. More of this story can be found on New Liturgical Movement.

A Prayer for Peace

The Crucified Christ

At the height of typhoon "Frank" the Ship M/V Princes of the Stars sunk off Sibuyan Island near the Central Philippine Province of Romblon. Several Hundreds of people are feared dead. A peace time tragedy in the Maritime history of the Philippines. Let us offer our prayers for the repose of the souls of those who perished in this tragic accident. Let us pray for spiritual comfort for the grieving and fast recovery of survivors. When we attend Mass let us include this as one of our intentions.

"...they who had fallen asleep with godliness, had great grace laid up for them. It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead..." (2 Machabees 12;45-46 Challoner-Douay Version).

Tabaco Honors Its Patron Saint with Fireworks

Video Recording by Dr. Herbert as recorded on a mobile phone.

Fireworks display on the eve of the Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist, patron saint of the City of Tabaco. St. John the Baptist, your intercession and prayers had helped the Franciscan Missionaries evangelize this province four hundred years ago, continue to shower us with the fruits of your intercession and prayers. Amen. Viva El Senor!

Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist

Photos and Narration by Dr. herbert R.

How can I fail to give tribute to the greatest Prophet of all St. John the Baptist? The Church solemnly celebrates the birth of St. John the Baptist. Christ Himself said that there is no other prophet born of a woman greater than St. John the Baptist. When the disciples of John began to defect to Christ, and once this was told to the Baptizer, he was heard to say "I must decrease and he [Christ] must increase". What a statement! truly a statement of a Man destined to be great in the Kingdom of God. For Christ Himself said that they that humble themselves shall be great in the Kingdom of Heaven. The connection betwen John and Jesus was established by prophecy. When Mary visited Elizabeth, while in her womb, John showed his excitement by rejoicing. So too his mother Elizabeth showed her love and respect for the great Theotokus, the Mother of Our Lord. Whenever, I recite the Holy Rosary I could not fail to remember that Elizabeth and John were both closely tied to the Mystery of the Incarnation.

St. John the Baptist pray for us. St. Elizabeth, pray for us.

The Image of St. John the Baptist as Venerated in the Centuries Old Parish Church Dedicated in his honor in Tabaco City, Albay, in the Philippines

Several years ago, this old image of John the Baptist occupied the Central Reredo / Altar. This was usually the arrangement of pre-Vatican altars, even in the 70s the image remained in the main Sanctuary. But in the early 90s a newly assigned parish priest decided to renovate the Church. As to what liturgical principles they followed... I simply cannot comprehend. They demolished the high altar and replaced it with an oversized ach that did not match the ancient architechture and at the sametime seems useless and impractical. They also removed the Image of St. John and placed it on this side altar. But nonetheless even if relegated on the side altar, the voice of John the Baptist still resound with..."I must decrease and he must increase...".

The front View of the Centuries Old Church of John the Baptist

St. John was characterized by his simplicity and devotion to doing the will of God. He was indeed a precursor. he did not perform any miracle, but many hearts in the house of Israel were restored through penance and as symbolized by his baptism. Both John and Jesus showed obedience to the Father. When Jesus submitted Himself to John's Baptism, John protested and said that why should he baptized the Lord. But Jesus told him that they have to fulfill the will of God. Very beautiful lessons. My heart leaps for oy every time I meditate on this subjects. Adam and Eve fell because of pride but here the Lord and the Saints earned salvation by obeying the will of God.

The Belfry

When I was a child I was enthralled by the sounds of the bells from this tower. I remember the thunderous sound it would give and the other lesser bells joining the mother bell. During angelus it would ring and the passers by would stop by to pause for the Angelus (alas today this practice is no longer seen). My late grand mother use to attend the early morning Mass and these bells usually are the ones that woke us up. A children we were trained to wake up early. Today our city will celebrate the feast of St. John the Baptist.

Prayer

Lord Almighty, you have sent your servant John the Baptist to prepare the way of the Lord. Just as he has lived exemplifying your virtues and love for the Kingdom of God, may we also be permeated with that virtue that animated your ervant John the Baptist. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

St. John the Baptist pray for our City of Tabaco and deliver us from calamities, poverty, famine and hunger. Amen.

6th Sunday after Pentecost

Sixth Sunday After Pentecost Reminds us of the Importance of Baptism and the Eucharist. Easter and pentecost reminds us of these two great Sacraments by which the Almighty Father, through His Son Jesus Christ, restored us to the State of Grace, removing the stain of original sin which has clouded God's image in us because of pride and disobedience. Furthermore the Eucharist reminds us too that we are still a pilgrim called to be in the Kingdom of God. The Eucharist sustains us in this journey. It is also a pledge of God's salvation for us. For though we do not yet posses the Kingdom in actuality but He demonstrates to us that by giving us His Flesh to eat that we are to live and believe that the Kingdom of God is ours because we have received Him who is our reddemer and Savior. On the other hand the Eucharist is also an expression of Christ's love for His Church. He demonstrated this not only by means of Sacrifice but by offering His Flesh and Blood for us to be our food and drink. Eating and Drinking demontrates unity betwen the one who eats and the one eaten. What a perfect demonstration of Charity!

St. Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles (by El Greco)

His Letter to the Corinthians He has given us a short passage, but very vivid indeed on how we are suppose to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord.

The Lectio for Today is taken from Letter of St. Paul to the Romans 6:3-11 in this passage of the scriptures, the apostle explains to us that Baptism symbolizes our death to the life of sin. Just as died for us, we too who have been redeemed must die to sin. We cannot call ourselves Christians unless we die to our sin. When Jesus said to Mary Magdalene, "Go and Sin no more..." simple lines from the words of Our Lord but it summarizes the Baptismal Grace we ought to receive. Thus every Sunday when we profess the Creed, when holy water is sprinkled and when caldes are lighted we are reminded constantly of the our Baprismal promises. By virtue of our Baptism we are made into Priests, kings and Prophets. Indeed, a Royal and Kingly Nation, set to be apart from the rest to proclaim the Glorious Will and love of God.

The Gospel Reading is taken from The Gospel According to St. Mark 8:1-9 the gospel reading today reminds us of the Compassion of Christ. he saw the crowds as if they were sheep without a Shephered. The flock was wondering looking for a shephered, they are hungry and bruised. Christ's heart was touched, filled with compassion He gave them bread. So in the Eucharist when we come, we encounter Christ our Lord, full of compassion for us. Full of love. he knows that we have struggled through out the day and that by receiving Him in the Sacrament we are told to take refuge and comfort. Thus one practical lesson for us is to be preprare. There are prayers we need to recite and meditations to do before we receive the Eucharist. By doing these practical exercises, it prepares us, sets our minds and prepares our hearts to benefit from this gift. It is a oy and consolation to receive the bread of angels, the real manna from heaven, as we waith for the day when we shall be in the eternal banquet in the kingdom of the Lamb. Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world have mercy on us. Lord I am not worthy that you should come under my roof but only say thine word and I shall be healed.

Fr. Z. has a beutiful explanation as to why the early Fathers of the Church included the centurion's statement in the Canon of the Mass. You may visit his site by following the link.

Prayer: Lord Almighty Father, we are indeed duly bound to thank you because of the gift you have given to us through your only begotten Son, by whom we also obtained our adaptions as Children of God. We thank you for the Grace you bestow on us by means of Baptism and the Holy Eucharist, by these you resores us to your grace and sanctifying grace so that we can recover the innocence of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Thank you Lord, we pray in Jesus name Amen.

Remembering Dumaguete City

I was reminded of my visit to Dumaguete City three years ago in 2006 when I presented a paper on the National Conference of the Anthropological Society of the Philippines (UGAT) held at Silliman University. During intervals and free time I took the time to visit the Cathedral Church of Dumaguete. This church is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria.

The Image of St. Catherine depicted with the Wheel used to show the manner of torture she endured as a martyr.

The Dumaguete Cathedral

The Tower. This is the Old Belfry that used as look out during the 18th Century. Today the people of Dumaguete are proud of this symbol.

The main Altar of the Cathedral

Prayer:

St. Catherine, you endured martyrdom and suffereing to show your love and obedience to Christ. You purchase with your blood the pearl of Great Price. May we like you obey our Lord and stand as witnesses for Christ, for the truth and for the saving work of Christ. Amen.

St. Catherine, Pray for us.

Fifth Sunday After Pentecost

Narration by Dr. Herbert R.

Photos Courtesy of Fr. Abe Arganiosa, CRS.
Chaplain, Aemilianum College, Sorsogon City, Philippines

On a fine Sunday Morning our little group at the Aemilianum College in Sorsogon City assisted in the Traditional Latin Mass.

The Entrance Procession

Preparing the Altar: The Priest lays the Corporal on the Altar

The Alleluia

The Faithful Diligently Following Through the Missal. Take note that the Chapel does not have kneelers only benches. The faithful have to kneel on the marble floor. The Altar servers also complained that their knees were aching. This is understandable because they are used to the Novus Ordo Mass, were kneeling are done only at short intervals.

The Recitation of the Leonine Prayers

Church of St. Raphael the Archangel

This is the Church of St. Raphael the Archangel located in the Port Area of Legazpi. The Pastor is the Most Reverend Lucilo B. Quiambao, D.D. Titular Bishop of Nabala, Auxilliary Bishop of Legazpi. Currently the Bishop is the Administrator of the Diocese of Legazpi. Recently he made news by prohibiting masses to be said for Ka Beltran. Emphasizing provisions of Canon Law and Church regulations. We should support him for his Christian courage to stand for the faith and custom of the Church. We should pray that we should have more Bishops who should stand for truth and for the Church. Dear Bishop we support you and we pray that the Lord will give you more strength and that other Bishops will also emulate your courage.

Parish Church of St. Raphael the Archangel, Port District, Legazpi City Under the silvery glow of the Afternoon Sun, Viewed from the Rizal Park

Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines

The Belfry of the Church. Take note of the Bells. Unfortunately seldom do we hear these bells anymore. Has it fallen into disrepair?

Penaranda Street is Legazpi's Old Shopping District, it is still popular today. But with expansion in different parts of the City there are competing centers for commercial activity.

The Belfry as seen from a side street

Aemilianum College Inc. (ACI): Home to Bicol's Only TLM Apostolate

The Newly Renovated Facade of Aemilianum College Home of the Traditional Latin Mass Apostolate in Bicol. Missa Cantata is every Sunday 10:00 a.m. at the St. Jerome Emiliani Chapel of Aemilianum College. The first TLM Low Mass was first celebrated in February of 2008. The Somascan Superiors of this House has allowed for the Celebration of this Mas. The former Superior, Fr. Richard Germanetto has granted permission for the TLM. In fact he was instrumental in providing a prime time Sunday schedule for the TLM. We still have many things to prepare such as priests vestments, vessels and candlesticks. And above all Order of the Mass Booklets for the faithful assisting in this mass.

Aemilianum College, Sorsogon City, In the Province of Sorsogon approximately 600 Kilometers from Manila

The Roof Top of the College Building Commands a Majestic View of the Bulusan Mountains

The Transmission Towers of ACI-TV5 and the Radio Station. Aemilianum TV Serves the People of God in Sorsogon in the Teaching and Pastoral Ministry of the Somascans in the Province.

A Tribute to One of the Catholic Church's Most Beloved Saint

June 13, 2008

Feast of St. Anthony of Padua

Doctor of the Church, Confessor

St. Anthony of Padua

The statue above is one of my collections. I covered it with glass frame in order to protect the image from grime and dirt.

I cannot fail to give tribute to one of my favorite saints. I do not know much about St. Anthony but I always feel a love for this Saint. I always feel that whenever I have needs I can always turn to this Saint to be my prayer warrior. As a child I was fascinated by stories and legends told about St. Anthony. My late grandmother Maria (May she rest in Peace) related to us a bed time story many years back. With my childish imagination I ask my grandmother why St. Anthony is depicted as holding a child and who the child was. My grandmother told us that one time when St. Anthony was about to enter a Church, he read a sign on the door post that says "only those with children could enter this church". The saint, because of his great devotion for the Mass wanted to enter the church badly, but since he was a friar bound by the vow of chastity he can never have a child by himself. By a miracle the Child Jesus appeared to St. Anthony and told him to take him. So St. Anthony was able to enter the Church. Well, that was a pure childish legend but I was impressed. The love for the saint wasplnted in my simple consciousness. But as I grew older and matured, I almost forgot St. Anthony, but of late he has been manifesting his favor to me. I have asked for many things and St. Anthony was always ready to answer my petitions.

Moral Lesson:

The Almighty Father and Our Lord has shown great favor to St. Anthony, thats why those who seek the intercession of the Saint obtain their wishes. This because St. Anthony has shown His great love, devotion and service to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He desired martyrdom, but instead God made Him a great preacher. His humility and owas his outstanding characteristic. He was not like the proud theologian who brag about his erudition but he was humbl and preached the gospel in all its simplicty. So much so that like St. Paul he would say that it was not by human wisdom that he preached the gospel but by power and action.

Prayer:

Dear St. Anthony, your humility and love for the Gospel and your love for the Lord has earned you the pearl of great price. Help us by your intercession that while on earth we may strive to do the will of the Lord. May we heartily seek the daily martyrdom for the will of God so that we may earn the Pearl of Great Price. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning now and forever. Amen.

Fourth Sunday After Pentecost TLM Sorsogon City

Narration by Dr. Herbert

Photos Courtesy of Fr. Abraham Arganiosa, CRS

The TLM Community at the Amaelianum College Chapel in Sorsogon City

This is the TLM community posing for a photo with Fr. Abe. Lets pray that the community will grow. I have heard that last First Friday they did have a solemn benediction in the College Chapel and a vigil from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 mid night. I live in Tabaco City some 40 kilometers away and with my responsibilities in the University I cannot attend to this religious exercises. But every Sunday I make it possible to be around. I have volunteered to train and teach the altar servers of Fr. Abe so that as time goes on they will be used to assist in this mass. I always believe that adherence to the rubrics of the Mass according to the 1962 Missal is important for the proper execution of the Rite. Correctness in the observance of the rubrics enhances the beauty of the Rite. One thing I appreciate in the TLM is that aside from being a Rite and a prayer, it is also a work of art. It enhances the higher sensibilities of humans and just like an icon it transport the consciousness of the worshiper to the world of the Divine. May God bless Amaelianum College, may He prosper his work among the Somascans and may He show His great favor for this TLM apostolate, which at the moment is the only one available here in the entire Bicol Region.

The Leonine Prayers

The Recitation of the Leonine Prayers enhances the devotion of the People. Although there were singing in the Mass (missa cantata) Fr. Abe decided to recite the Leonine Prayers. Help us pray that the Lord will send an organist and vocalist in this TLM apostolate. If you have missalette / booklets to spare please donate them to our TLM so that the faithful attending this mass will have something to folow through. We do not have a wireless microphone thats why Fr. Abe says mass without a microphone. Since the existing microphoe has a wire and it will be inconvenient for him to use it since his hands will be busy with the missal and the elements of the Sacrament.

Entrance Procession

Fr. Abe Arganiosa and the Two Seminarians from the Alliance of Two Hearts who Volunteered their Services to as Acolytes. This is their first time to serve as acolytes for the Tridentine Mass, although they are used to serving at the Latin Novus Ordo Mass in their Seminary. The Alliance of The Hearts are known for their deep love and devotion to the Eucharist. They are in Sorsogon for a visit to their third order community. They found the Tridentine Rite fascinating although they seem to struggle also with the rubrics, since the movements and positions are more stringent in the TLM compared to the Novus Ordo.

"Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof, but only say thine word and I shall be healed..."

Every communion time we are reminded of the Humility of the Centurion. Marvelous line from the scripture, immortalized in the Mass. The words of the Centurion, expressing humility and faith has found immortality in the Mass. God is our Father He is good and He loves the humble person. Pride was the main reason why the human race fell from grace, humility is the vehicle by which God will restore the human race to His Sanctifying Grace. "For God resists the proud but but gives grace to the humble." Amen.

PP Benedict XVI Meets Southeast Asian Bishops

Vatican City

Pope Benedict Addressed the Bishops from Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore as they paid their ad limina Visit to the Holy See. In the speech addressed by the Pope, his Holiness has underscored the important role played by S.E. Asian Bishops in the evangelization of this part of the world. His Holiness encouraged the Bishops recalling the year to be dedicated to St. Paul, that great apostle to the gentiles. The Bishops were encouraged to pursue inter - religious dialogue so that by their good example the Law of God written in their hearts of all men may be made more manifest by the preaching of the gospel of Christ. The Pope also cautioned the Bishop to be careful that their good intentions and good advocacies will not be confused or mixed up with the values of the enlightenment. The exhortation was also given that tells the Bishops to work vigourously for the welfare of their priests, to address the trend of materialism and relativism and to reject the idea that would exclude religion from public sphere.

The address of the Holy Father can be read from Zenit.

Sub-Region of Southeast Asia

Prayer:

Eternal Father, we raise our eyes to you in supplication for this vast region of Southeast Asia. We pray that through the intercession of St. Francis Xavier, the faith of Jesus Christ will spread in this region and that the diverse culture of peoples in these areas will know Christ and His Gospel. Strengthen your laborers on the field. Send us Good and Holy Bishops, priests and religous who are embued with missionary enthusiasm. Strengthen them when they are under trial and provide them the good opportunity to sow the seeds of the faith even in the most difficult situation. There are countries where there is no freedom of religion and where the practice of the faith is restricted, we pray that under this circumstances you will come to the aid of your little flock. We ask this in the name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Mary, Help of All Christians, Pray for us!

Who said that Recreation and Religion Can't Mix?

This morning our faculty members went on our annual Rest and Recreation. We stayed on this theme park. Wonderful indeed. The water on the pool is natural spring water and free flowing. Cool and refreshing surrounded by hills and mountains. There are several layer of pools. Aside from the motif there was also a religious flavor to the theme park. I surveyed this station of the Cross in this park. Although I noticed that the stations used was the newer version and not the Traditional Version. But nonetheless we can't blame the owners of this park, it is simply the information availble to them. But the religious theme of the resort is indeed remarkable and inspiring. I discovered three grottoes dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and also one huge image of the risen Christ.

The Apostle to the Far East

I have been sharing about my past visits to Indonesia and Malaysia, and I was reminded of a great Saint - Francis Xavier, Apostle to the Far East. He left his footprints in Eastern Indonesia, Malacca, India and Japan. Planting Churches and spreading the Word of God.

The Casket of St. Francis Xavier in the Cathedral of Bom Jesus in Goa, India

St. Francis Xavier, by your zeal for the Word of God, in imitation of St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Francis, and The Lord Jesus Christ, you courageously shared the word of God to the people of the East. Pray for the Church and pray for us that we may become true witness of your salvation and that without doubt let us preach the truth of Christ and draw all men to Him, who died on the Cross and now lives forever. St. Francis Xavier, Pray for us. Amen.

At the Cross Roads...Penang Malaysia

The Year of St. Paul as declared by Pope Benedict XVI reminds us of the vast continent of Asia of which our country, the Philippines belong. Just as we were grateful to the Spaniards for bringing the Word of God in this country, we now ask ourselves, how can we make ourselves a blessings for the peoples of this vast continent. I was reminded of my visit to Penang, Malaysia two years ago. Penang is an Island-State in West Malaysia. Majority of its people are Chinese, although there are a number of Indians and Malays. But they consider themselves Malaysians regardless of race and creed. Islam is the State Religion of Malaysia.

While in Penang I decided to visit a Church. Relying on the internet information I got, I decided to visit McAlister Road in Georgetown. I asked the Taxi Driver to take me to McAlister. The driver asked me if I am from the Philippines. I replied by asking him a question - I said "what made you think that I am a Filipino...?" he replied "lots of Filipinos here want to visit McAlister, because there is a Catholic Church there where they hold their prayers." Indeed, our overseas Filipinos are becoming proclaimers of the Word of God in their own little way. Let us invoke the prayers and intercessions of St. Francis Xavier.

Catholic Convent School in Penang

Gurney Hotel, ASAIHIL Conference on Sustainable Development

Burmese Temple in Penang

The young men here in the picture are Novice Monks. Actually they are temporary monks. In Burmese Buddhism young boys and young men are encouraged to enter the monastery even on a short term basis. I chatted with these young men. They were very friendly and accommodating they toured us around their temple complex. The Lady with us is the President of the Far Eastern University in Manila.

St. Paul's Church

The Sprawling Campus of University Sainz Malaysia

YMCA Penang. I stayed in this Hostel. Affordable, comfortable, and friendly staff.

This is the YMCA in Penang, Malaysia. This is a Non-Denominational Christian Hostel. The staff are mostly ethnic Indians and Chinese. They offer lodging to individuals and groups. I made my reservation here through their website prior to my visit. And they were indeed very efficient in the delivery of their services.

Ferry Boats that connects Butterworth in the Mainland with the Island of Penang

Way back in 1983 I used to have a pen friend from Butterworth. After so many years without contact with him, I decided to look for his address. But unluckily for me much has changed and he was no longer residing in the address he use to have. Taxi is quite expensive in this island. Perhaps because almost every one has a car. Buses are few.

City Government of Georgetown, Capital of Penang

Chancery of the Diocese of Penang

Another View of the Chancery