An enduring institution for 155 years! It is the oldest Catholic Church still in use in Houston today, making it the mother of all Houston parishes. The brick used for construction was purchased from the old courthouse, while the half-block lot was bought for $2,000 by the Bishop of Galveston in 1866.
This church has only had 8 pastors since its inception, with each pastor serving an average of 20 years and this church is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places.
The Transfiguration fresco was installed in 1894. Five parishes were formed from the Annunciation.
I prayed the Rosary inside the Chapel of the Apparitions next to the Holmoak tree where Our Lady appeared before Lucia and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta on the 13th of May 1917. Her last apparition was on Oct. 13, where 70,000 folks were present.
Pope Francis visited with the youth here in August 2023 where close to a million came. Today, about a thousand prayed the Rosary, including me, and hundreds lined up to light candles, some holding dozens to be lit.
I prayed for healing miracles for a relative and a good friend to recover from cancer.
Here we are in front of the altar of the Basilica of the Holy Trinity with crucifix and the Virgin Mary (Immaculate Heart of Mary) statue.
Would you believe this? A convergence of purposes of both hubby and mine: @Enrique to complete his 45-day Camino del Norte pilgrimage and my unintended journey to Portugal.
Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. I lighted a candle for the total measure of health and wellness for @rina.bentajado with no side effects for her treatment to enjoy more thriving years of healthy living and working. I lighted also for my family, my sisters, for their continued health and wellness, as well as my grandchildren and children. Thank you po Lord and Our Lady of Fatima.
I also prayed for global peace, especially between Russia and Ukraine as in the Holy Land and for the Philippines’ West Philippine Seas. Salamat Po Panginoon – nothing can stand in Your Almighty righteous just pathway.
Thank you very much for a beautiful 24 hours thus far reunion with my hubby @enriquedlz may You Lord blessed us with more quality years of soulful journeys towards Your Home, and perhaps not quite soon until we witness the college years of our grandchildren.
“St. John’s Seminary recently hosted a remarkable fundraising event that left an indelible mark on the Catholic community. The night was a testament to the unity of purpose, with exquisite food and abundant spirits, celebrating four outstanding members of the community, including Reverend Father Rodel Balagtas, whose longstanding commitment has been an inspiration. Yet, the true heart of the evening lay in its mission – to annually raise funds for the seminarians. These future spiritual leaders were at the forefront of our thoughts, a reminder that generosity and faith go hand in hand. In this brief, memorable gathering, we witnessed the beauty of giving, the power of community, and the enduring spirit of faith. St. John’s Seminary continues to shine as a beacon of hope and growth for the Church, thanks to events like this and the dedicated individuals who make it all possible.”-@ MikoZuñiga
“Congratulations Fr Rodel! Well deserved. It’s high time the Archdiocese of LA recognize it has a Jewel in the Church!” – Fr. Camilo Pacanza
“Thank you ! Beyond proud .. congratulations to our brother priest whose wisdom, humility and love for God and His wonderful works inspired so many. May God’s abundant grace guide Him and all his fellow priest brothers to their sacred journey as “fishers of men ” All for the glory of God!”- Rina Bentajado
“It was an inspirational evening to have our dear friend, Fr. Rodel Balagtas’ story be told in the open. From humble beginnings as a Filipino immigrant, initially working as a banker and rising to become a distinguished religious leader of Catholic Los Angeles and beyond. Benel and I are privileged to have been part of this showcase of strength, resilience, engagement and immersive involvement. What an amazing night towards making a life of difference!” – Benel Se-Liban and Cris Liban
“Fr. Rodel is a priest who cares about people, what they live, their longings and their sufferings. He is always concerned about his brother priests. He feels the pain of others. He leads through inspiring others.”-@Msgr. Lorenzo Miranda
“Congratulations to Fr. Rodel. He earned and deserved this accolade.” – Cora Oriel
“Last night was my first time at the event, a fundraiser for St. John’s Seminary. I had, at one point, considered entering the priesthood after having done a retreat at that serene locale in high school. The fact that so many Filipinos, about a quarter of those in attendance, came to support Fr. Rodel for an award in his honor reflects on his sincerity and reverence as a priest and community UNITER. It seemed as if all of Incarnation was there to express their gratitude for the work he has done and leadership he has demonstrated. We are very blessed to have Fr. Rodel as a spiritual leader. -@Ted Benito
What a beautiful evening, hours only the overcast skies threatened to give us rains. A bit drizzled and it felt quite cold with two gas heaters in the far distance for the sponsors and bishops.
What a meritorious group of selfless servants, one dubbed the Pope of East LA whose church will be celebrating 100 years and half of its existence is under his pastoral leadership.
Another manages the foundation whose assets have grown to close to a billion dollars.
Another was involved in serving several parishes and even in the formation of seminarians to become future priests, whose pastoral practice has endeared him to over 250 in attendance in six parishes, and a warm, inclusive heart for all parishioners. As he read his speech, he was cheered on by his parish.
Last year’s attendance attracted 660, this year in 2023, the attendance topped 960 folks and a gross of $750,000. The last million dollar gross fundraiser I attended was at a legal services non-profit, where a car was auctioned and raffle tickets sold at $100 a piece.
A wonderful orchestra played in the background and with enough volume as not to drown out the sounds of conversations.
Equally inspiring was to see few dozen Filipino priests in attendance. I felt like I belonged to many tables as these priests welcomed me to join them for photos. What a warm welcoming crowd!
Catering was done by Triny’s table with a healthy menu: beef wellington, green beans, scalloped potatoes and apple slices on a tart shell with chocolate drizzled top.
We made fun of the coffee as we requested three times a hot refill. By the fourth time, even the waiter said, “nearly hot.” We attempted to lighten the situation with a joke of getting a digital photo of a gas flame and heating the coffee on top and using the battery powered candle on the table.
All in all, the ambiance, the emcee, the music, the food made for a well organized gala. If only the coffee was hot or that more gas heaters to warm up more tables.
The program was impressive and awardees included: Rev. Dr. Fr. Rodel G. Balagtas, Most Rev. Timothy Freyer, D.D., Rev. Msgr. John Moretta and Kathy Anderson.
I requested the acceptance speech of Fr. Rodel G.Balagtas which I found inspiring and substantive. Here it is:
“Distinguished guests, beloved friends, and fellow servants of God,
Tonight, I stand before you with profound gratitude in my heart, for the incredible honor and privilege of serving our Lord and His people as a priest for the past 32 years. It has been a journey that has filled my soul with immeasurable joy and purpose.
Reflecting upon these years, I am in awe of the multitude of divine opportunities that have been bestowed upon me. It is with sheer gratitude that I recall the countless moments I have shared in the lives of God’s people, in the tapestry of parishes across the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. From bustling urban communities to serene rural landscapes, from close-knit suburban neighborhoods to vibrant multicultural enclaves—I have experienced the incredible beauty and diversity of God’s creation through the people I have been blessed to serve.
But my journey did not stop there. For five transformative years, I had the honor of imparting knowledge and shaping futures as a formator and faculty member at St. John’s Seminary. Focusing on the sacred arts of homiletics and pastoral ministry, I witnessed the blossoming of young seminarians, preparing them to carry the light of Christ into a world yearning for hope and salvation.
As a Filipino priest it fills my heart with great pride and humility to serve as the priest-liaison for the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Tonight, I am overwhelmed with joy seeing our Filipino Catholic Community so beautifully represented at this gala. To my esteemed fellow Filipino priests of our archdiocese, whom I had the privilege of serving as their president—I stand here in solidarity with you, grateful for our shared mission and heritage.
Parish ministry has always been my love, my passion, the very essence of my calling. Thus, it is with absolute delight that I embrace my current pastoral role at Incarnation Church in the splendid city of Glendale. To my cherished staff members and devoted parishioners, who grace us with their presence tonight, I extend my deepest appreciation for your unwavering support and dedication. And let us not forget the cherished memories forged during my time as pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in East Hollywood, as well as the early years of my priesthood at St. Martha’s Church in Valinda-West Covina area, St. Augustine in Culver City, St. Joseph the Worker in Canoga Park and St. John Neumann in Santa Maria. These chapters have left an indelible mark upon my soul.
In this moment, I find it fitting to express my heartfelt gratitude to Archbishop Gomez, Cardinal Roger Mahony who ordained me, other bishops, the esteemed seminary faculty, the visionary board members, and my fellow alumni and students. Your recognition as a distinguished alumnus of St. John’s Seminary carries a weight that I cannot put into words. I humbly accept this honor on behalf of all those who have shaped and guided me on this sacred journey. Together, we embrace the mission of awakening hearts and fostering true discipleship.
It is impossible to speak of blessing without acknowledging the immense love and support of my dear family—a family that is deeply rooted in the Catholic faith. To my eight siblings, my ten nephews and nieces, and the abundance of little grand nephews, thank you for being the pillars of strength and inspiration in my life. I am reminded of our dear parents, now resting in God’s eternal embrace, who nurtured values of self-sacrifice, hard work, humility, simplicity, honesty, and integrity. My mother, a beacon of knowledge as a public-school teacher, and my father, a steadfast servant of his country as a member of the U.S. Navy—they shaped my values and ignited the fire within me to serve others.
Today, I stand before you as a product of determination and faith, sharing my journey that led me to the sacred halls of St. John’s Seminary. In 1987, six years after I migrated to the United States to reunite with my family, I embarked on a path that would shape the very core of my being.
My years of seminary formation in the Philippines, coupled with work experience in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, provided me with a strong foundation for the theological education that awaited me at St. John’s. These were years that not only equipped me with knowledge but also instilled in me a spirit of openness, inclusivity, and engagement with the modern world. Inspired by the ideals of the Second Vatican Council, I was taught to adapt, grow, and embrace the challenges of our time while standing firm on the timeless values that guide us.
It was during this time that my passion for pastoral ministry and preaching began to take root. The experiences I gained, particularly in working with the underprivileged, ignited a fire within me that continues to burn bright today. We live in a world that desperately needs compassionate hearts, willing to serve and bring hope to those who need it most.
Through my seminary formation, I came to understand the importance of grounding my pastoral work in prayer, family support, friendships, effective leadership, and continuous education. These pillars serve as the bedrock of my vocation, enabling me to navigate the complexities of ministry with resilience and unwavering dedication.
As I stand here tonight, in my long years of ministry within the cherished Archdiocese of Los Angeles, I cannot ignore the calling that reverberates within my soul. The calling to ignite the flame of the priestly vocation among our youth. Like a beacon in the darkness, I am compelled to respond to this urging of the spirit. Our communities are yearning for more individuals willing to serve as priests and religious men and women, to uplift and heal amidst these challenging times.
But let us not forget the power of collaboration. Together, we can weave a tapestry of faith that transcends the boundaries of clergy and laity. By embracing the gifts bestowed upon every baptized individual, we can labor side by side, priests and laypeople alike, to create vibrant parishes and an archdiocese that radiates love and devotion to our dear God.
In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. Your support, encouragement, and presence have anchored me throughout my journey. With humility and deep gratitude, I say, “Maraming Salamat!” Thank you for believing in the power of vocations, for investing in the future, and for joining hands in creating a world filled with compassion, love, and unwavering faith.
May the fire within us continue to burn brightly as we leave this place today, inspired to make a difference and carry the torch of hope wherever we go.”
Back story: I was a lapsed Catholic for decades. Then, I met Fr. Rodel G. Balagtas at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in East Hollywood. Since 2008, we have become good friends and I consider him my spiritual mentor. Through the years, he has introduced me to his siblings and their families, his fellow friends/priests whom I have interviewed for feature stories in Asian Journal.
It is a positive professional relationship where he continues to share prayers, spirituality books, his pilgrimage trips and over good food that includes my spouse and his cycling friend, Msgr. Lorenzo Miranda and at times birthday club friends.
In turn, I have introduced him to community folks and he has supported many Filipino American concerts and plays about immigrants. I find him to be warm, accessible, trustworthy who shares his unwavering deep faith with us, including movies and films to watch about faith.
Inside the Cathedral, I cried for I remembered the long drive, the sacrifices he made as a pastor, as a son visiting his ailing father, the centennial renovation of Immaculate Heart, writing and publishing a book of his homilies, taking children’s choir to competition in the Midwest, NY and Rome to meet the Pope.
It seems his life journey reveals the triumphs of his gentle humanity but also his “expansive heart with indescribable sweetness of love” as Pope Francis said about the Benedictine nuns, and in Fr. Rodel’s heart, for all parishioners in different churches he has served at – tonight, 260 of us showed up to tell him how we all love him and wish him well for we all know he deserves God’s favor through the Archdiocese of LA under Archbishop Jose Gomez and Bishop Alex Aclan, who we all flocked around for a photo as if a celebrity was here with us.
Warm-hearted priests and bishops are equally received with warm hearts of parishioners who will stretch themselves to serve the churches they belong.
It was the year 431 A.D. when the Council of Fathers proclaimed Mary, the Mother of the Lord Jesus as the Mother of the Church, such that her humanity is our humanity – Sister Bernadette.
This is Pope Francis’ homily, excerpted in part here. I attended the livestreamed mass in the Vatican in Rome on January 1, 2023.
By incarnation, he united with us humans and loved us with as human heart. That is what God did, being born of Mary. God does not love in words, but in deeds, from within the human flesh.
In Mary, the Word became flesh, a heart that beats for each of us. Many tomes have been written and accompanied the rhythm of our days. For me, it was #iylagranola making, walking and supporting a neighborhood coffee shop.
During the day, draws God into our lives, in all languages. [Over 300 spoken in Los Angeles alone]. The Mother of God hears us and responds to our petitions. In a word, Mary gives us hope, just like this earth needs rain. [So, it did in LA].The key to hope is Mary. In how we pray Holy Mother of God, pray for us sinners – a prayer sounded all over the world several times a day in different languages.
May the Lord lift up His countenance in you and peace be yours. God wants to enter our hearts and our world, guided by the shepherds, perhaps poor and uncouth, the first to recognize God in us. They went and they saw – to go and to see.
To go – the gospel says they went with haste. They could have waited till dawn, or sunrise, but went with haste. First important things, no delay, work with haste. If we are to invite God – recognize the moment, take the risk! Where do I want to go? Who is it that I can help? They are waiting for your help. The shepherds are summoning us to get involved, to dirty our hands, the humility of service, the acts of courage in caring for others.
To see. What is important they saw him. They saw the Child – to adore, to welcome, to contemplate and to see.
Let us dedicate and see what matters – God, our brothers and our sisters, our neighbors. Are we attracted in awe to others or to the keyboard in false tranquility? To take time to listen to our elders, discover our roots – capable to see folks next door, visit our neighbors?
Let’s learn to see and understand with our hearts to see others – to conquer the tiredness, the false peace of seduction to materialism, let us invoke her, the Madonna – the Holy Mother of God!
Reflections: it sounded beautiful to hear the prayers of the faithful in French, Chinese, Ukrainian, Russian, and African languages.
To go and to see, to hear another is what I strive to be, and more consistently for my #princess2015la to fill up her love tank.
To be fully present for family, friends and neighbors. Happy New Year 2023 – may we love more and act righteously!
Why righteous – to engage our hearts and brains and Spirit to connect more, without offending another. To be conscious of every word uttered and act in haste to go and to see!
At first, the thousands seemed like a spectacle, something to look at. Not anymore! After several masses at the Indian chapel where Juan Diego experienced the four apparitions from Our Lady of Guadalupe, seeing the ruins of the first and second churches built, and walking up the 186 steps to the top of Tepeyac Hill, I see and feel deeply the reverence, the love and boldly expressive cultural and family practices of the thousands of Mexicans gathered at the Guadalupe public square.
I stopped seven times, assisted by Celina, a 77yo teacher, and grants administrator from Juneau, Alaska, now retired at New Mexico who inspired me to take on that hill. Honestly, I made a vow to myself to practice “Faith, not Fear.” Each time I could not breathe, Edgar, a 45yo documentarian of the Marian pilgrimage and called a “miracle baby” by his loving mother, Rosa, would say, “Take my elbow. We can stop, but only a minute.” That gave me so much hope. When I couldn’t breathe, I prayed to Our Lady of Guadalupe for strength.
She did. Two nights, I slept with that tilma, so rested and amazingly, no muscular aches and pains.
I remember my vacation and camping trips with my family, the unusual complainer who wanted to rearrange the realities she was faced with. I recall the patience, love, consideration my husband and children showed me.
I was in tears to see Our Lady of Guadalupe surrounded by several waterfalls and venerated by Indians on their knees. That scene plus the Museum where thousands of messages of gratitude were exhibited to thank the healing of thousands by Our Lady. I went to confession and I was bawling with tears and after, I felt so light and joyful.
Saying a million thank yous will never be enough to realize how God truly loves us to give His beloved son, and gifting us the Holy Spirit.
Another mantra I practiced was to not be defensive and not to react, as a personal default response. Instead, observe, ask and immerse.
It paid off as my last acts while travelling was to take Regina, an 88 year old pilgrim with me and got her an uber, while she waited at the hotel lobby and she looked forward to being in her bed. At first my uber wouldn’t work and a very kind Korean driver taught me to update and scroll the app. I greeted him with Annyanghaseo, thank you in Korean. Regina got home in 15 minutes.
Famished, I was drawn to eat chips and salsa. I had my last $5 but instead, I gave it as tip to the shuttle driver, Kiona who was very kind to me and Regina at 1030 pm, after our flight.
Here is where I learned patience, faith and perseverance are the virtues to get to what you need. Love is always the answer.
It was so nice to be greeted by my husband and my very sweet #princess2015la. Their hugs and a clean home and a dinner made by hubby made me feel at home!
Thank you so much to #qtstoursandtravels and #frjoelbugas , pastor of San Ignacio Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the best spiritual director of 2022 Marian and 2019 Marian pilgrimages, attested to by several of his former and current parishioners.
With each pilgrimage, I grow in faith to see and feel more sparkling souls.
