What a beautiful, relaxing, engaging Christmas gathering with my family: husband, children, partners, nephew, niece, and grandchildren with stories to share, and plenty of food offerings like portugese tarts, chinese chicken salad, and top of the line excellent sotanghon, lucenachon, branzino, tofu mushrooms (a hit), calamansi pie, smoked chicken from Kuya Lord and Manila Inasal LA ‘s eggplant omelet, lumpiang gulay, and lumpiang shanghai as appetizers. My daughter and niece prepared the artsy charcuterie board, and daughter baked the portugese nata tarts.
Thank you to these top quality food vendors. I am very very grateful to LordMaynard Llera whose day off today was spent for this catering order. Kuya Lord, the vegetarians loved your grilled tofu mushrooms, they kept coming back.
Thank you also to @Manila Inasal LA whose delivery was on time and again great food offerings.
So so pleased that my children and niece and nephew loved the entrees. Conversations were about travels, more travels and quality of life. It is always good to be with one’s own family,. Two weeks of not seeing the grandchildren whom I have so missed made me so happy.
Christmas Day 2023 Fr. Brian Castaneda St. Brendan’s
It started with a question to Leo Nobleza , what time is mass, he responded and gave 1130 a.m. as the time he and his friends from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Los Angeles are singing.
I was welcomed by Albert Lao who explained the ceiling of this 100yo church came from the hull of a boat. He went further and shared his photo. I was warmly ushered to my seat.
The choir was exceptional – they even had drums, trumpet, violin, guitar. They sang in harmony with two sopranos leading.
Still I recall the magnificence of 36-member choir of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church – Los Angeles led by an exceptional, motivating Pete Avendano whose influence via one text can congregate all the best musicians, far and near, including two flutist, a cellist, violinist and the best pianist, Allan Sims, during Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas ‘s tenure with Fr. Camilo Pacanza with an outstanding altar.
Here the large Nativity scene, not miniature at all, but life like is attracting many families to have their photos taken before and after the mass with engaging solicitous volunteers offering to take group photos.
I loved the homily and shared that with Fr. Brian Castaneda who asked if I was taking notes. I said, yes, and I videotaped the poem that you read, “When Animals Talk,” by Rusty Calhoun. Almost immediately, he handed me a copy of the poem that he read, plus his notes. Wow, what a trusting priest!
He shared the significance of the animals: sheep – purity; donkey – humility, service and dedication; cow – reminds us of Jesus’s sacrifice; camel – that we are on a journey; elephant – strength and intelligence; lion – strength and courage.
“Notice in this manger, lion and lamb are lying together, in harmony.
Angels sung Glory to God in the highest, our God-hero, Prince of Peace became one of us, much more than angels, Shepherds, wise men, even animals were transformed – lion and lamb lay together.
Lion and lamb will lay together, elephant and lamb with crippled leg by the Manger, all were welcome.
When animals talk, by Rusty Calhoun
The story is told about the night The baby was born in stable The animals gathered around the child Admiring Him in the cradle.
Because they worshipped that little baby, And sang their praises yo Him God has granted them one night a year They can talk with the seraphim.
Late at night, on Christmas Eve In every stable and barn, The critters gather in Jesus’ name Warm and safe from harm.
At the stroke of midnight, a miracle! Lowinh and braying takes form As words of love and praise come forth And the creatures voices transform
Into lovely, sweet, and comforting sounds As they utter worshipful words No one’s left out, there are sheep and elk Coyotes,cougars and birds.
The Angels sing and play their latest. The drummer boy thumps his drum. The horses nicker an “Agnus Dei” And all the animals come
To lend their voices in adoration At the birth of the blessed child And teach us gentle lessons In tones both sweet and mild.
“O Holy Night,” the mother ewe beats As she snuggles her little lamb, While benediction is offered up By a majestic curly horned ram.
Voices ring out from the top of the lofts. Across the meadows and plains, A chorus of joyful, heavenly notes.
The Christ Child’s Glory proclaimed.
As if on cue, a dog runs to the altar before Eucharist.
No matter who we are, we are called to come to adore him. Created in his image and likeness, hearts made new, come let us adore him.
The choir sang “Come Let Us Adore Him.”
Fr. Brian continued:”knowing all of us have a voice, a place in the Manger, let’s tell Baby Jesus our anxieties, hopes and dreams and concerns..at the foot of the manger.”- Fr. Brian Castaneda, 2023.
The church was packed at 1130am, yesterday at 4pm, it was equally packed and I was told it spilled outdoors. The energy of going back to Church is high!!
One violinist, Andy Tecson shared he played six times during 4th Sunday Advent Mass and three times this Christmas day, the last at 1130am. Imagine the sacrifices of these choir members!
After mass, Fr. Brian lingered to connect with more parishioners.
Somehow, these musicians are extraordinary as they even have energy to come together for a fellowship, a 3 hour lunch with topics on: practicing as choir members to become one, diligence to sustain the voice singing in different churches, fragility of life, institutional philanthropy, university endowment, pathology of care, caregiving, transformation and positive musical leadership of Pete Avendano who made them all grow and excel! – Prosy Delacruz, Dec.25, 2023
I have to admit, 9th day is a challenge. I was tempted to stay home. But the effort to come is lesser than the effort not to come. This 9th day of Simbang Gabi is significant as all 8 prior masses built up to this. After all, one pandemic year, thunderstorms and all, my husband gave me a ride to attend. Today, without rains and just fatigue, this should be a cinch.
I got inside to an empty church, 6pm, except for Les Santos who had an idea of putting the larger than miniature, almost infant size-like, Jesus statue on the Bible. “And the Word became flesh,” and on the biblical page where Christ’s birth is narrated, Les said.
Indeed, new revelations as one attends 9 Simbang Gabi masses, and new words emphasized in our prayers. Perhaps, it is to stoke the flames inside our hearts, to keep still in our inner chapel, as Christ is about to be born and with the Eucharist, occupies our hearts.
Then, Myrna Cunanan-Cruz walked in carrying 2 large poinsettias and she will also be leading some prayers. Everyone is making their own sacrifices, so is Eileen Castaneda welcoming us all.
Fr. Parker Sandoval had given some instructions to Les, and the bell was rung for the entire song, ‘Gloria in Excelsis Deo.’
He started the mass by reminding us that the Invisible Creator of the Universe is made visible. Each significant part of mass ritual, he explained, educating those unknowledgeable of what are these ritual elements.
Homily is excerpted here, which he started with trilingual greetings of English, Tagalog and Spanish. He kept smiling at different parts, as if conveying I get you, I am trying to connect.
“Peace to those whom His favor rests.”
“Year 1223, Greccio, St Francis introduced nativity scene. This developed and grew, from a living nativity then, to now miniature. Some of us even have that miniature nativity scene in our homes.
Story of birth of Jesus in Luke and Matthew – the gospel in miniature, meaning good tidings. History changing news.
Basic message is good news, not good advice. Something happened. God so loved us that He chose to be amongst us, in the flesh, face to face, to take on flesh, meaning Incarnation.
Gospel tells us the announcement who Jesus is, his identity, and by his life and deeds: cures, raises dead to life, forgives, cast out demons, walks on water, multiplies loaves and fish.
Sometimes on his lips, he declares, I am. The son of Man, and who is worship, the Messiah, the King of Israel to rescue his people from exile.
Likewise, from others like St. Peter and Sta. Martha, you are the messiah, St. Thomas after the Resurrection, ‘my lord and my God.’ Gospel is about good deeds of Jesus, who walked amongst us, raised from dead, amongst us.
Two reactions to Who Jesus is: Acceptance and Rejection
Acceptance – crowds see him heal and make miracles, intrigued by him and leave.
Drawn to him, they walk with Jesus, which is full acceptance and give their lives to follow him.
Rejection – they see Jesus is a threat, fought against him and executed him.
This is the good news in miniature. Angel comes to Joseph in a dream, and days after, a child will be born and his name is Emmanuel.
Angel comes to Mary, says he will be the messiah, son of David, son of God. Announcement to shepherds for today, in city of David, a messiah and Lord was born.
Jesus is the Christ, he is the Lord himself, his name literally means The Lord saves, Jesus lives up to his name.
Shepherds fully accepted and went to the Manger, brought him to the temple and Simeon forecasted he will bring the rise and fall of many, the light of the world.
Christmas is the Gospel, the Good News, frees us from evil, power of death, Christmas comes with a choice, when we know who he is, do we accept or reject him?
We are here tonight choosing to keep the mass in Christmas, the real choice is if we keep Christ day in and out, do we choose to put him as the center of our family? If he is the Messiah and Lord, proper response is full acceptance?
This world is a mess, and Jesus comes to save us, the power to do so by the Holy Spirit.
Things change for the better. Sometimes to choose Christ is to give meaning and hope that bad news does not have the last word.
Pledge our allegiance to him, give to him our lives, tonight he is Emmanuel, he comes to us in the guise of bread and wine, we dine on him, to get the good news, not weighed down by the bad news.
Change the World for the better. Christmas is a choice, not just a sentimental holiday. We ask for that grace – to choose Jesus!”-Fr. Parker Sandoval, 2023.
“joy in seeing you all come back.” He thanked “the choir, Les Santos, just nice to recognize you all here, present, prayerful participation and delighted to see you week after week.”
Fr Rodel thanked all ministries – “Muchas Gracias de to-dos, embrace each other in love and peace. Keep the flames of faith alive in your home,” he said.
I am in awe as to how this 16 year initiative that Fr. Rodel started keeps getting more and more folks to attend. For 3 nights, Whites and
other non-Filipinos joined us. It was inspiring that full church attendance is happening.
It started with 12 churches in 2008, it has now grown to 136 churches out of 288 churches in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and 32 churches with 9 days novena masses called Simbang Gabi. Imagine the impact of this holy priest in recreating a faith tradition as a cultural celebration of our deep solem faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, keep the flames of your love for Christ, burning!
Outside, after mass, a long line queued to buy their Filipino favorites for dinner. I for one have benefited from buying from these vendors, especially the well chosen small businesses with quality products.
Thank you to all the leaders and staff members and Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas and associate and invited priests for 9 days of novena masses.-Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, 2023.
After pouring thunderstorms for several nights, the dark clouds cleared up and layers of tulle-like clouds appeared. With colors. White to light hot pink, not quite the intense hot pink sunsets of Costa Rica nor the golden horizons of Manila.
As the sunset gilded the buildings, the art deco-vintage-LA buildings transported me to the earlier days – LA’s glory days of sunlight, temperate temperatures, with some winds. Wishing for a rainbow in the skies, there wasn’t any in my commute, but Yucaipa had its blessings – a rainbow appeared.
Traffic decreased, perhaps all are inside the malls buying last minute gifts for Christmas. That was me 15 years ago until my heart was made fuller, attending Simbang Gabi. Rains were always a part of the 9 days, signaling perhaps the coming down of blessings from above.
Miracles appear and from collective prayers of world peace, we read more facts and more facts about the Holy Land and if war is man-made, men can stop it too, for Christians and other religions are watching for and anticipating the birth of Baby Jesus.
Our officiant today is Fr. Ramon Reyes, a towering figure with a loud, engaging voice, a newly ordained priest who ‘enlivens the church,’ as Fr. Rodel said. Fr. Ramon Reyes is the associate pastor at Incarnation, his homily excerpted below.
“Food sold outside for our tummy but also inside, the words of God that seek our hearts and minds.
Holy is his name…”My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.”
Mary said she recalls the needs of others, so she comes to visit Elizabeth to proclaim God’s mercy and God’s promise, though at present, our world has darkness, pain, suffering, even war.
What are the promises of God? First is Salvation. Second, Confession gives us God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Remember why we celebrate Christmas, what does Christmas mean to you…some say it no longer involves Jesus, just food and gifts.
Yet, Mary, a lowly servant, comes to do God’s will. Mary proclaims this in our hearts – go out to the people, that they might see the Lord in us, just as she did.
We wake up early, we join people standing, and in those moments, we become United with Mary, bringing intentions as we celebrate Christ’ birthday.
Do you celebrate because of food or do you come because Jesus is brought to the altar?
Remember we carry Jesus in us, he came to be human so we can become divine, to bring promises of mercy, love, and salvation.
Why are you thankful for this Christmas? Be thankful for what God has given us, as we are all citizens of heaven, though we speak Tagalog, Ilocano, other languages; bring your 55 padrinos to church.
Zachariah heard the canticle, he sees the light, and proclaims John. We bring forth our bread and wine, made into body and blood of the Lord that we take home in our hearts.”-Fr. Ramon Reyes, 2023
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*Fr. Rodel thanked Fr. Ramon Reyes for his one year and a half service at Incarnation Catholic Church and encouraged the parishioners to enjoy his remaining half of a 3-year tenure, while he encouraged Fr. Ramon to learn more Tagalog. In another year and a half, he moves to another parish with his infectious energy. By then, he will be celebrating Simbang Gabi in trilingual English, Spanish and Tagalog.
Fr. Rodel described the policy of the Archdiocese: new priests are given a tenure of 3 years each in two churches, then as administrator, then a pastor position at the next church. You can see clearly the parish assignments are structured leadership development opportunities for the incoming priests.
The mass ended with more joyful discussions and folks lined up to support the vendors who drove from Fontana, Santa Clarita, Azusa. That’s at least an hour and a half drive each way to be in Glendale.
I talked to some and they enjoy what they do to meet fellow Filipinos and non-Filipinos and sell prepared foods with joy and enjoyment.
“If I come here thinking of how tired I am, how cold it is, I would not last long. But if I meet people and share my passion of cooking and preparing the embotido with love in my hands, as I roll them, I look forward to being here.” These vendors came with tarp to protect the cement floors, portable generators and the very reasonable rental fee help sustain Simbang Gabi, as well as promote these small businesses to the larger community – a win win for all, another entrepreneurial brain child of Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas, who practices diversity in his behaviors:”what is missing in these novena masses, after?”
When I got home, Fr. Ramon’s opening statement was actualized, food for the tummy and words of Mary into our hearts and minds. My husband enjoyed the empanada and taho as well as I shared what transpired that evening. I like that he waits to make sure I am back home, safe. He likened himself to a cat, mystical in his showing his affection to me, compared to our resident dog, Miles who barks when he’s outside and when he greets him and me, clearly expressive, as I am.
For Saturday, Dec. 23, newly installed Bishop Albert Bahhut joins us. All parishioners are invited for an evening of food and music, after.
Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas makes every Simbang Gabi at any church that he is assigned to, into a vibrant tradition of 9 days, with carefully chosen homilists: the core three days of 4, 5, 6 ascending in skill, good to great with depths of spiritual wisdom, linguistic linkages, intimate knowledge of the Bible and theological as well as spirit-enhancing readings, and upbeat cultural relatability.
I have watched him do this – a cultural and faith practice for 9 days before Christmas, that I have followed for 15 years here in the US, and a generational practice introduced to me by my dad, Eleazar, while I was a teenager. Perhaps then it was the wafting smells of puto bungbong and bibingka or the warm hands of my dad holding my hand and now into an alive congregation thriving in what they do for the Lord and each other, embracing new attendees.
Earlier, at beginning of the mass, I overheard Dave, a decorated Caucasian veteran, shared:”I like this Simbang Gabi – it really prepares you to receive Christ,” then he moves his walker, he points his forefinger to me, and with joy:”I know you, your name is Prosy.”
Everyone is seen in this church, as Fr. Rodel takes the time to stop a few seconds to greet some parishioners before mass and even after.
Collective humane humanity indeed thrives in this Church, not as a slogan, but in authentic practice, and I believe it starts with the pastoral leadership of Fr. Rodel and Fr. Ramon, and faithful lay leaders like 90yo Asuncion who is a paragon of solem praying, with smiles and donning fashionable wear; Feliz Samson with a beautiful tenor, on pitch, engaging voice and an upbeat mid-calf length terno; and Thelma Sugay who reads the opening invitation to attend the mass with a multilayered bolero. These small rituals escaped me before, and now I noticed the detailed steps they take time to prepare. Thank you all for what you do plus these opportunities to grow small businesses.
We all are linked through God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and Mama Mary. I dare say the Holy Spirit thrives within!-Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, 2023.
Intermittent rains, a downpour in the morning to early afternoon. I took advantage of the break in the rains to commute to where the mass is, an hour away with traffic. Starting early cuts the commute but increases the wait time. The wait time is a good two hours, one for listening to the choir practice and after a few minutes, they sing with harmony and gusto.
Then, the processional with a family in indigenous costumes, Ramirez I recall. The cling and clang of the bells made for a very boisterous welcome.
It was matched by the exuberance and enthusiasm of Fr. Paolo Garcia. His homily, excerpted below. Writing about it helps to recall the messages but hearing it in-person, seeing the smiles of the pastors and the parishioners lifts up one’s spirit.
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“I apologize for my hoarse voice. I participated in the mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe, I kept shouting ‘Que Viva Cristo Rey’ and said mass at 4am. I lost my voice and it is gradually coming back.
3rd Sunday’s Advent color is rose – as life is a mix of purples and whites; triumphs and sufferings; Good Fridays and Easters.
Season of Advent’s color is purple, the color of penance, difficulty, sadness, confession.
Season of Christmas is white representing hope, joy, peace and love. Joy to the world, yet deep inside for some it is Silent Night.
Recently, I had facetime with my parents who went home to the Philippines. I asked:”How’s life in the Philippines?”
“Airport to Pasay took 2 hours, for a commute that should be 15 min. Life is difficult. There’s so much poverty,” my parents said.
I have been to the Philippines six times now and I like it there, especially the street foods: betamax, kropek, fish balls, kwek kwek with sawsawan. It is a city that never sleeps. You can spend hours praying in a chapel inside a mall if you want free A/C, free air conditioning, to cool off. A mall is where folks are gathered, but not buying, and with a chapel. It is nice to be there, praying for hours.
Folks are happy.
With little that they have, they come faithfully to church. They have their faith, they rely on God for that’s all they can have. There’s a joy, not depending on their life’s circumstances, but God, for God is with them.
In this Advent, there are three anunciations – one to Joseph, Zacharia and Mary – God is with us for all 3 Anunciations. Angel Gabriel says don’t be afraid – these are the two common features of these 3 anunciations.
Visitation
Two lessons to learn during Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth: Don’t be a Maritess, Be an Elizabeth, see the good in people.
‘Blessed are you among women, how is it that Mother of Lord has come to me?’ Elizabeth saw who was inside Mary and recognized Jesus as the baby in her womb leapt for joy. Before we judge others, take time to learn about their dreams, take time to listen to them. Don’t focus on the externals, but the goodness inside others.
It is easy for us sometimes to treat others better than our family, instead be an Elizabeth not a Maritess.
Lesson #2: Mary was pregnant, a teenager, and travelled to give good news, endured the climb to the summit, ‘my soul rejoices.’ Mary was selfless, and remained with Elizabeth for 3 months to help out.
Today, the world wrapped in conflict and pain, inside the Holy Land, Ukraine vs. Russia.
He ends with this story.
Peter Arnett, a New Zealand journalist was in the midst working where a bomb exploded in the town. A man asked for a ride to save an injured girl. They got to the hospital but the girl could not be saved. Arnett tried to comfort the man, thinking he lost his child. He said:”She’s not my child, she’s Palestinian, I am Jewish. I saw her bleeding and I wanted to help her. May we realize someday that we are all family, that we are neighbors.”
Life is a mix of Good Fridays and Resurrections, may the Lord help us to trust:”I will surrender to you. I will always be your handmaid.”-Fr. Paolo Garcia
*Fr. Paolo Garcia is a student of Fr. Rodel. He remembers sitting in Fr. Rodel’s office for hours, conversations on how to become a priest. Fr. Rodel forecasted he would become a good preacher, while he taught at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo. Then, he asked:”Is he not?” The almost full church applauded. He is the director of the Queen of Angels Center, a discernment center for men to become priests.”
My appreciation for how great these homilists are – Fr. Joy Lawrence Santos, Fr. Danny Guinto and Fr. Paolo Garcia! I regret missing Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas’s homily at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Los Angeles as from the grapevine, folks resonated with his inspiring, uplifting homily and the breakfast after.
It was at IHMC that the Archdiocesan – wide cultural celebration of Simbang Gabi was pioneered by Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas. It was here that I was welcomed as a lapsed Catholic. Now, I am not, I bet my mom and dad and eldest sister are happy in heaven watching me brave the rains to attend mass.
The 9 day masses at Ihmc Socal were memorable as great homilists like Fr. John V. Era, Fr. Kenneth Masong, Fr. Anthony Carreon and Fr. Randy Odchigue, all from the Philippines, were special guests. Fr. Camilo Pacanza was also inspiring in decorating the altar with elements from the backyard and using lamps in a very aesthetically pleasing and solemnity-enhancing-vibrant altar. One lingers to just sit and let God in. Trusting him that this too shall pass.
The commute home was met with heavy rains, petered out halfway. It was the way of the heavens to give us both Good Friday and Resurrection, the difficulty and the triumph of attending Simbang Gabi, a continuation of the practice started by my father, Eleazar, now me. I wonder what my lineage would do next? Will they continue with Simbang Gabi? My 16th year of doing SimbangGabi in person and online!-Prosy Delacruz
It was raining cats and dogs. Somehow, I made it. Driving in the rain after is quite difficult given the slick roads and very dim street lights in LA. But, no encampments that hurt my heart and yours. Mayor Karen Bass kept her promise, first year in office, and no encampments on the roads I drove at. I will offer more prayers for her to succeed in catalyzing these formerly unhoused folks to take charge and design their self reliant lives, after getting temporary housing.
I came early and got to observe the choir practice an hour before mass.
Our officiant today is Fr. Danilo Guinto. His homily connected it with prior revelations and anunciations to Mary and Zekeriah and Elizabeth. His homily centered on the Anunciation to Mary, using linguistic linkages. What an excellent homily – Grace before I go out in the rains, again.
“We have Simbang Gabi because you are all here, keeping the tradition alive for the next generation.
Teenage encounter with an angel knowing she’s pregnant, that must have been scary for her and even the parents. Scarier message from the angel that Mary was greatly troubled.
Embarasada – I thought it meant embarrassed. So, I said I am embarasada. Folks laughed as the word means pregnant. It is not possible to be half pregnant, you can only be pregnant or not. Either you are or not. Hence, the better term, is nagdadalang tao in Tagalog.
Teotopus – means God bearer in Greece…
‘Ang buntis,’ meaning nagdadalang tao, buntis sa Diyos, a God bearer as in Greek language.
What is true for Mary, is true for us, we are God bearers, we have Jesus in our hearts, nagdadalang diyos tayo, with and when the Holy Spirit overpowers us.
We can be God bearers. It means Emmanuel, God bearer means God is with us, favoring us as God bearers, journeys with us, as God does not want us to fail. We carry Jesus in our hearts and minds, we give birth to God through our words and actions.
We are most happy during Christmas and for that one day, we give birth to Christ.
Remember, we have Simbang Gabi because you are all here keeping the tradition alive for the next generation.” – Fr. Danilo Guinto
Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas called attention to the couple seated in the first row, driving all the way from Beaumont in San Bernardino, 87 miles, one way, a 2 hour drive. Imagine the sacrifice they make to get to Incarnation Catholic Church every night for 9 days.
As a note, I first attended Simbang Gabi when I was a teenager in Manila at 5am with my dad, Eleazar. Later, a bag snatching kept me from attending. I became a lapsed Catholic.
Fast forward, I started attending Simbang Gabi mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, welcomed by then Pastor Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas in 2008. Fast forward to now, this practice has been 15 years now. During the pandemic, I attended online masses. 2023 is hybrid of online and in person.
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Who is Fr. Danilo Guinto?
“At 57, Deacon Danilo Guinto is the oldest member of the Class of 2018. He thanked the “God of Surprises” for calling him to the priesthood.
One of the “stepping stones” that led him to discern his vocation was time spent feeding the homeless with the Missionaries of Charity.
“I never thought that committing myself to this ministry would eventually lead me to reflect on being called to the priesthood,” said Guinto, who is originally from Manila, the Philippines.
He also credited his special devotion to his guardian angel for helping him answer that call to minister in the City of Angels.
Come June 2, he said he looks forward to serving as “an instrument of mercy.”
“Pope Francis told us that ‘mercy is real; it is the first attribute of God,’ ” Guinto said. “As a priest, I look forward in making mercy real, palpable and present in the lives of the people that I am called to serve.”-Angelus News, 2018
He is now the administrator at St Cyrene. Formerly, a student of Fr Rodel in homiletics at St. John Seminary, he had straight A’s.
True enough, one of the most memorable, meaningful homilies making us relate in English, Tagalog and Greek languages, as well as being proud of our Filipino American community’s consistent 16th year of Pilipino celebration of our culture, centered on faith and 9 days of novena masses before Christmas, called Simbang Gabi.
Lord, I am truly grateful for my kababayan, especialy this beautiful choir and flute playing by Robert Shroder. Maraming Salamat po! Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, 2023
