Spotted during the International Eucharistic Congress

Do you see it?

Thanks to a GULP officer for this contribution.

Speaking of the IEC, I will dissect what those liturgical heresiacs (heretic hierarchs) like Manabat and Fr. Mark Francis have been saying.

And I also heard that a Cardinal-wanna-be made a statement in support of Misa ng Bayang Pilipino, trying to sound so mabango to the Francis-led Vatican.

Something interesting seen in the Manila Cathedral

See it?

Comment below.

This is a RARE sighting.

Grand Scheme of Things

My sources have confirmed the movement of ecclesiastics in the Philippines.

The hopes of another ecclesiastic to follow in the footsteps of his revered teacher are now going down the drain because of the powers at play from the distant corn field near the Valley, a prime lot and center of thinking run by a society of grand schemers.

I expect the movement of a powerful and cheerful and sometimes dramatic cleric to the echelons of power soonest.

The movement of a young up and coming rock star of a cleric to a neighboring mission to that darling of the media is an indication of things to come.

In the grandest scheme of things, was it the Holy Spirit working or the machinations of men who are more concerned of their liberal and careerist agenda?

It is true indeed.

The Church is holy, but its members here on earth are still fallible and mortal men struggling to follow the will of the Lord.

Pray unceasingly.

State of the Catholic Church in the Philippines

This is a screenshot of an entry in FilipiKnow.net from a TPC reader.

This came from an article entitled 9 Philippine Icons and Traditions That May Disappear Soon.

In what could be something providential, this screenshot came into my mailbox just a few minutes after I posted this about the defenders of the Sampaloc Catholic church masquerade ball.

Which leads us to this point ladies and gentlemen...

A secular website hits it right on head when it identified the causes of our dying spirituality.

We pride ourselves to be the home country of one of the most "renowned" liturgist of the Catholic Church yet our Masses have become sources of entertainment, treated as if it were a game show or a theater play.

Our priests get ordained, receiving the special indelible mark on their soul to offer the Holy Sacrifice for the expiation of our sins, to forgive and absolve the sins of the penitent, to baptize and save the soul of an infant, to cast out demons in the name of Christ....but you see the most visible, the noisiest of them all, posing as if they were selling the latest fashion trend....or they think they defend the Church using gutter language, spewing curses left and right and claiming that they cannot be criticized for such a behavior because they are "alter Christus" (you'd find more sewage in his mouth than in the Pasig River, guaranteed!)....or someone who spends more than 45 minutes on his "homily" but is nothing but a hodge podge of made up stories (of fictitious people they met and talked to) or of jokes and songs you almost forgot you are in a Holy Mass and not in another episode of Vice Ganda's videoke stand-up comedy routine...or a priest who flaunts being in an exclusive club while the other part of the country is suffering from the wrath of a super typhoon...

We even have priests who openly support the homosexual agenda! (Watch out for a blog post about another priest who supports the gay agenda.  Tuwang-tuwa ang lola niyo sa SCOTUS decision on same sex "marriage".)

Narcissist priests!  That's what's killing the Church from within.

And add to that spineless bishops who can't even muster the strength to confront a university within his diocese who openly supported the RH Law which is in complete disobedience to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

But when you see this bishop, he chuckles like a Sesame Street character you'd think "Hmm!  Everything seems alright..."

For him it is alright, even if that university continues to lead Catholics away from the Faith from a society of priests and brothers founded to combat heresy.  Hey!  If you can't beat them join them no?

Retired Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop is right.  He said that if all the Catholics in the Philippines would come to Mass on Sundays, all the Mass schedules and all the churches wouldn't be able to accommodate all the faithful coming to worship.

We pride ourselves to be the only Catholic nation in Asia yet we cannot even bring our people into our churches every Sunday.

We pride ourselves to be the only Catholic nation in Asia yet we have allowed the passage of the Reproductive Health Law.

We pride ourselves to be the only Catholic nation in Asia yet we are riddled with corruption in and out of government.

Does it need a regular visit from the Pope to enliven our faith?

Even if the Pope would stay in the Philippines, do we even know if the Katipunan University will stop its relativistic, ok I'll say it, HERETIC teachings?

What does the Catholic Church in the Philippines need?

We need holy priests and it starts at the seminaries.

We need seminarians who are not educated under heretical schools like Maryhill, St. Vincent and all those schools identified by The Pinoy Catholic since 2009.

We need seminarians who want to be ordained not because of the status symbol or fringe benefits of the state of life, but because they want to save souls for Christ.  This means, to BAN these posers, these altar servers FOR LIFE who go around parish after parish, Mass after every Mass, school after school, who carry either a black cassock and surplice, or an alb, and claim to be Master of Ceremonies or instituted acolytes, selling holy cards or relics!  They are a danger to the Faith and they are out there to take advantage of people!

We, the people of God, must do this for ourselves.

We must remain vigilant and active at the same time.

Stop going to Masses of these narcissistic priests!  Stop supporting their causes and instead support priests who are loyal to the Church and to Tradition.

Stop liking or sharing whatever they share in social media.  You are fueling their narcissism.

Stop sending your children to these heretical universities who support Reproductive Health and the LGBT Agenda.  These talk about Tolerance and Acceptance only applies to them and not to those who disagree with them.  They do not tolerate faithful Catholics.  They do not accept Catholics who openly criticize their anti-Catholic agenda.  They silence people who do not agree with them, but are very warm and supportive of anyone who is against the Catholic Church.  Yes, that means you too Miriam College.

I can sum up using the words of the Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen

We deserve the bishops, priests and religious that we have. Why? Because we tolerate the bad ones and do not support the good ones.

If we have so much good bishops and priests out there, why is this happening to the Philippines?

Is this how we teach our kids to pray?

This whole raise your hand thing is getting out of hand.

People would rather fall down on their knees so that others can pray over them but would balk at the idea of receiving Holy Communion, receiving the Lord Himself, on bended knees!

I wouldn't be surprised if someday these folks here end up becoming Evangelical Christians.

I have seen it personally myself with my own relatives.

(Photo from CBCPNews.com)

GULP Alert: Overflowing with deacons!

Suddenly, deacons everywhere!

Women deacons too!

But they are in the choir?!

What is going on???

Nope they are not real deacons.

Someone VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE of the liturgical vesture of the Church thought that they can design something FLASHY and UNIQUE for their choir so they had this forgetting it resembles a vestment reserved for the deacon, a Latin-rite Catholic deacon.

What's wrong in this picture? - HAND RAISING

Feeding the poor?  Definitely not!  Nothing wrong there.  They must be commended and encouraged to continue practicing this Corporal Work of Mercy.

Carry on dear friends!

I see this group every time I am at Quiapo Church.

But what is obvious here is already becoming a "trend" among Pinoy Catholics.

"Praying over the food".

Are we becoming more Protestant than Catholic?

I see more Catholics raising their hands rather than bending their knees (genuflecting) when entering the Church or kneeling during the elevation of the Host/Chalice/Exposition/Benediction.

This is the fault of the charismatic movement.

This is the fault of fashionista priests and clergy.

This is the fault of poor catechism.

ONLY THE ORDAINED RAISE THEIR HANDS.

Laity are not priests!

Put down your hands!

And just pray!

"But TPC! But TPC!  Why can't we pray and raise our hands at the same time?  Wasn't it mentioned in the Bible?"

Yes it was mentioned specifically in the Letter to James.

Is anyone sick among you? He should call for the priests of the Church and have them pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord and the prayer of faith will save the sick person and will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven» (Jas 5:14-15)

But this text is also clear that this is sacramental in nature as the apostle reminded his audience to call the "priests of the Lord".  Not just anyone.  But those who are ordained.

Let us know our role and do it well.

Archdiocese of Manila's website is down

Somebody forgot to renew their contracts, no?

Catholic University does the unthinkable

All to raise money.

This was how these graduates of De la Salle University define having "fun for a worthy cause"

This is the sad state of our "Catholic" universities in the country today, all in the name of "tolerance' and "enlightenment".  Keeping ourselves very open made us people who are so numb to anything bad, evil and immoral.

We have become a laughing stock of secular and non-Catholic universities.

And to their defense comes the head of the De la Salle Alumni Association Services head Bing Capunot who said "I understand that [the public] only saw the photo, but if [they] experienced what happened during the homecoming, [they will realize] it was really just a short portion.".  You can read most of the dumb PR stunt response in this page.

Is this the kind of morality that the La Salle Brothers teach their students?  That public indecent exposure is "OK" if it is just for a "short portion"?

So, logically, we can have these kinds of shows in every Catholic institution of the country for as long as it is just for a "short portion".

We certainly hope that the Brothers will speak out against this kind of stunt.

There are so many ways to raise money for charity.

The "short portion" is unbecoming for a Catholic institution to host!  Admit it, say sorry and stop being a spoiled YELLOW BRAT!

Money for a worthy cause for any means necessary?

Yeah, like what this guy did.

Funeral Mass for the late mother of Kim Chiu

Just because they are Chinese, doesn't mean you will wear red all the time no, dear Fathers?

Red for a funeral Mass?

GULP Alert: Something wrong in the Christ the King procession in Baguio

While we laud the holding of the Christ the King procession, I kept scratching my head after seeing this.

Church law and tradition is very specific on what to do during Christ the King.

And it is having a Eucharistic procession.

Not a procession of the image of Christ the King.

Maybe we can correct this next time huh, Diocese of Baguio?

Dear foul-mouthed apologists....

HA HA HA HA HA HA

That's not me.

I'm just quoting.

Read on!

A reminder about what real apologetic work is all about.


***

MANDALUYONG City, Oct. 14, 2014—A Catholic priest discussed the need for apologists with the brains and the heart for interreligious dialogue. [I know someone who doesn't have the BRAIN and the HEART.]

Talking to members of Catholic Faith Defenders (CFD) on Monday, Oct. 13, Fr. Carlos V. Reyes [pictured below] stated the “circumstances of the time that we are living now require a new generation of apologists”.

Faith and obedience
The priest, himself an apologist “committed to the faith and obedient to the Church”, stressed that aspiring faith defenders must know how to exploit new methods and explore different approaches in defense of Catholicism.

He added that they must defend the faith in its entirety, something that presupposes acceptance of Vatican II.

“Apologetics must encompass the whole content of Church Magisterium and the methods proposed by the Church through which that teaching is disseminated and communicated,” he explained.

An executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)’s Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue (ECID), Reyes shared these changing times call for apologists who can “uphold and teach Catholic dogmas with charity towards all, who seek Christian unity, and who are in dialogue with persons of various convictions”.

He is aware, however, that many Christians, Catholics and Protestants alike, reject interreligious dialogue.

“The strongest argument favoring dialogue is the Trinity. God is a Trinity of Persons and is a perpetual dialogue between Father and Son through the Holy Spirit. If we were created in God’s image and likeness, then we must be coherent with God’s Trinitarian essence,” Reyes said.

The priest laments there are Catholics who, while they have the best of intentions in defending the faith, unconsciously become offenders in the name of that faith. [PULPOL daw kasi. I'm just quoting.  I don't use that word.]

‘Un-christian polemics’
He pointed out, “Dialogue is only possible between two parties who have the spirit of dialogue and mutual respect. I just pray that they may arrive at a point where they see the necessity of dialogue while being civil with them. I will certainly not resort to polemics and name calling. It is un-Christian.” [BOOM!!!!  I don't think it would affect him.  Seriously.  I don't think it would.]

“St. Francis did not go into polemics. Saints who were polemical became saints in spite of being polemical and probably not because of it. Saints like Cyril of Alexandria and Jerome for example. Besides, circumstances are different now,” the priest shared.

He said being debating harshly with non-Catholics does cause them to stop proselytizing, when it may actually give them more excuse to redouble their efforts at converting others.  [Have you read several posts against this foul mouthed apologist and how he riled up the anger of non-Catholic because of his harsh words?  No one is spared, not even priests are spared.  He thinks highly of himself.  He think that by acting like Eli Soriano, he is doing a good service to the Church.  In fact, this poor old guy sitting behind the computer suddenly found out that this apologist had been bad mouthing me in private chat rooms for no reason at all.  I think it all started with that TopBlogs thing.  He just wants to be on top.  Ratings my boys. Ratings.]

“Mainline Protestants do not proselytize and I think that this is due mainly to our friendship with them. As for us losing the sheep, it is more a question of how we shepherd the flock. The attitude of some priests and Catholics actually drive people away from the Church,” Reyes noted.  [Some priests, hehehe.  Careful Fr. Reyes.  You might be next on his online rants.]

He believes hurt sheep are easier to lure away from the Church, and that a more charitable approach in all aspects of ecclesial life goes a long way.  [Remember that image of Padre Damaso being so foul mouthed in Noli?  Not all priests are portrayed like that by Rizal, like Padre Florentino.  But someone overweight and obnoxious like Padre Damaso really drives people away.  Right, no?]

“People are more receptive to difficult teachings be it dogmatic or moral if the priest or bishop has mass appeal,” said Reyes.

“A better way to put it is: charitable truth and truthful charity,” he added. (Raymond A. Sebastián)

***

How can you bring people to believe in what you believe in if you insult and make fun of them?

How can you make good Catholics out of people you shame?

Apologetics is about defending the Church and bringing the lost sheep back to the one fold.  It is not about coming out of a debate victorious or able to get the last word.  It is about convincing them of the Truth in Charity. 

During the time of my convalescence, I was able to reflect upon what caused by serious ailment.

And so I resolve myself to not get angry back at my critics and to avoid name calling.

And to also shun this away.

I'LL STAY AWAY FROM FAT!

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
 
 

Veils galore!

Is it just me or are South Korean Catholics know the importance of veils more than Pinoy Catholics?

What are your thoughts about this?

Should veils make a comeback in the Philippines?

Official Theme Music for the Papal Visit 2015

"We Are All God's Children" 
Official Theme Song for the 2015 Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines.
Lyrics written and sung by Jamie Rivera with the Hail Mary The Queen Children's Choir Music Composed and arranged by Noel Espenida
Choreography by Landa Juan
Action Video performed by Ligaya ng Panginoon Community - Youth
Video by Dix Perez


***

Straight shooting...

Just street children???

How about the sick, those in prison, those abused in their homes, the victims of calamities who still cannot get any decent shelter from the government, parish employees deprived of their just wages?....Ooops!

"For THE God loves the weak and needy."  THE God????


This papal visit calls us to revisit the Church's teaching on mercy.  CBCP president Archbishop Soc Villegas has these recommendations on how to prepare for the papal visit through this pastoral letter.

We encourage you our dear people to resolve to make an act of mercy every day.

You can reach out to a lonely stranger. You can tell the story of Jesus to a child eager to understand and feel the love of God. You can advise a confused co-worker. You can forgive someone who has wronged you.

You can give food to a hungry beggar. You can contribute to building homes for the typhoon victims. You can visit those in jail or prison. You can visit the charity ward of hospitals, drug rehabilitation centers, homes for the elderly and orphanages. You can condole with the grieving families whose loved ones just died. You can give alms to the poor.

You can show mercy by making it a habit to say “please”, “thank you” or a kind word of appreciation. Refraining from cursing and using hurting words is an act of mercy. Being polite to the children and infants, to the sick and the elderly are great acts of mercy.

As we prepare for the coming of the Pope we are asked to have more access to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and encourage our priests to increase their availability and visibility at the confessional, and turn earnestly to fervent participation in the Eucharistic sacrifice and even spend more time in Eucharistic adoration and to zealously be involved in making our Basic Ecclesial Communities and other faith-communities as venues for mercy and reconciliation. Let us prepare to see the Pope by reviving personal and family prayer. Pope Francis has challenged us to restore family prayer and devotion in our homes.

All of this opens to, nourishes, and sustains in our lives the gift of Mercy from the Heart of Jesus! May our Shrines of Divine Mercy be the source of inspiration and strength for our families.

When the Pope comes, he will bring with him the message of the mercy and compassion of God. When he meets us, may he see in us a people touched by the mercy of God, living out the compassion of God, a people truly rich in mercy and compassion and grateful to those who have shown mercy to us especially after various calamities hit our country.

May Mary, Our Mother of Mercy prepare us to meet Jesus in Pope Francis!

So now you can see that Jamie Rivera is just concerned with street children.  Or was she poorly advised on what to write.

Nothing wrong with being concerned with streetkids.  It's just the song lacks depth.  Other acts of mercy can be put in there.  Archbishop Villegas already mentioned it in the pastoral letter.

The only saving grace for this song is the last line of the song.

"And learn what life is really for, it is to love and serve the Lord."

Trina Bellamide's "Tell the World of His Love" and Fr. Carlo Magno's "Only Selfless Love" are classics.  This one....nah.  Just so we can have a song for the papal visit.

Is the Catholic Church in the Philippines wanting for more talents?  Where is the UST Conservatory when you need them?  Sta. Isabel College, St. Scholastica's and St. Paul's have great music programs.

My take, honestly, the lyrics are seeking for more depth.  And the melody, ho-hum.

***

PS:  And honestly, those action songs, are well......



1:28 action is really ugh!

I might get back a trip to the hospital once I see this done in my parish church during Mass.

Liturgical Dancing is NOT ALLOWED at any Mass!

Look at this official correspondence from the Sacred Congregation of Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments.

But it is done at the Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo.

They pilgrims to walk on their knees (lumakad ng paluhod).

But liturgical dancing is ok for them.

Even though the Holy See has specifically forbidden it.

If adults teach young ones to DISOBEY the law, what do you expect these kids would do when they grow up?  Hmmmm?

It's not just a simple liturgical law violation.

This is a moral issue.

Adults teaching children to disobey the law is IMMORAL.

GULP Alert: Praying over is a clerical thing

And lay people are commonly doing it now.  On instructions by the priest.

And the teachers are asked to gather around the table, and everyone is asked to stretch out their hands and pray over the dear teachers.  Everyone, including the children.

Do the kids know what they are doing?

See that young boy there on the left foreground?  Yeah, that expression says it all.

"It was fun!"

See that EMHC at the back?  Feel na feel.

We have tried so hard to clericalize the laity that these sacred actions like the stretching of the hands to pray over someone, to pray with hands raised, palms facing heaven (aka orans posture) during the singing/praying of the Lord's Prayer.

We have trivialized these sacred actions, the expressions of the kids says it all.

"It was fun!"


Note to charismatics:  Look for the most important gifts.  Speaking in tongues like how I have witnessed it in charismatic prayer meetings is not the kind of gift of tongues the Church needs right now.  Speak in different languages to spread the Gospel to all of mankind.  Pray for that gift.

The 51st International Eucharistic Congress and its meaning

A photo from a parish Facebook account

This came from the cheerleading Easter vigil church, Sta. Rita de Cascia, Guiguinto, Bulacan.

Is this what this parish wants the world to see?

Seriously?

Really?

really...

GULP Alert: Acrobatics for the Mass

Or was it cheerleading stuff?

The priest seems so amused with what he saw, no?

So did the girl magically popped out of the Pascal Candle and fell into the waiting arms of the lads?

What was it all about???

Another creativity for the singing of the Gloria?

Those who say that there are no liturgical abuses committed in the Novus Ordo are either in denial, or has been hiding under a bomb shelter thinking we are still in the Cold War or just plain proud public display of IDIOCY.

GULP Alert: Guess what this is.

Clue.

Used during Holy Thursday.

Yes.

No kidding.

As stated in this blog where the photo came from.