Santuario

The Official Newsletter of the Santuario de San Vicente de Paul

January to March 2012 Issue

Prayerful Greetings to one and all! Santuario Chimes is back to life again but with a new form and character. What used to be mainly a newsletter has now taken the form of a magazine. We wish to communicate more updated and relevant information and reflections related to our life and mission as a community aimed at contributing to our ongoing formation and transformation as Christians. The old life giving way to new life is at the heart of the mystery we celebrate this Holy Week. Jesus vision of a new lifea new worldin the Reign of God was the central focus of his mission. Those who were threatened by his call to change and transformation made him pay the price for his commitment in his passion and death on the cross. Jesus death is the triumph of the power of his loveof his self-givingover his persecutors greed and sinfulness. His resurrectionnew life and transformationis the final word that proclaims his victory over suffering and death. The Paschal Mystery of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus demonstrates the drama of the fundamental reality of human existence. The experience of human suffering and death to oneself is a condition to have a more meaningful life driven by love. The one who loves becomes life-giving when s/he is willing to die to oneself. A person who remains attached to himself, his old ways, especially of sin, of greed, and of attachment to human-made security, would not be willing to enter into the difficult and painful process of transformation and would therefore deprive himself of the glorious experience of the resurrection. Only s/he who gains the wisdom and the courage to die to oneself in love would have the merit of new life in Christ. It is our prayer that the Santuario as a community becomes a beacon light of hope, especially for people who suffer in the margins of society. This can become possible when each of us would not be afraid to reenact in our lives the paschal mystery of Jesus which St. Vincent de Paul understood and lived out in his life and mission, reason why his love in self-giving had given way to the life for the poor. Have a Holy Week and a Happy Easter! Fr. Roland Tuazon, CM Administrator, Santuario De San Vicente De Paul stations of the cross Santo Entierro Fasting Mass of the Lords Supper Almsgiving and charity Siete palabras Palm Sunday Procession Pabasa Holy Mass Easter Vigil Meditating on Christs death and Resurrection Visitas Iglesias Penitent Sincere sorrow for sins Christ worshippers Reflecting in parish Palaspas Abstinence from meat Liturgy of the Light Altar of Repose ipray or or or or or or or or or or or or or or or or or or or or or stations during the trip? San Miguel? frisbee? hamburgers and cold drinks? dropping two 5 peso coins at the offertory Basket? seven sticks of cigarettes? PSP 2 and PSP 3? parties? movies and DVDs? endless videos? watching concerts of popular bands? chilling out with barkada? party animal? sand, sea and sun? sun-worshippers? swimming in Bora? beach volleyball? lobsters, Norwegian salmon , scallops, crabs? bonfire on the beach? Altar of the internet? Iplay?

Today, April 1, 2012, Palm Sunday officially starts the Holy Week which Filipinos who know a smattering of Spanish refer to as semana santa. Its purely Tagalog name, mahal na araw, hits it right where it matters because the Holy Week consists of days that are expensive, i.e. days of great value. How else will you call such a time when God is rich in mercy, because of the great love He had for us even when we were dead in our transgressions? We only have to recall Mel Gibsons film The Passion of the Christ to realize the pain and ignominy suffered by Christ on that first Good Friday. Viewers reported how the movies footage tugged at their heart and how they all felt really sorry for their sins but how long did this last? Before long, they were back to their old selves and when Holy Week came around the next year, they were not among the people who remembered how He loved us to His death. Instead, they were doing the opposite. This year, think through how you intend to spend the Holy Week. Look at this list and see which choice you will make. Will it be . . .

Remember your choice will make a difference not only here in this world but in the next.

St. Clare of Assisi

On the day before Palm Sunday the Santuario de San Vicente de Paul welcomes the relics of St. Clare of Assisi (1194-1253), founder of the Order of Poor Ladies (renamed as the Order of St. Clare and better known as the Poor Clares), writer of their Rule of Life, the first woman to write a monastic rule, and - as Wikipedia points out- the patron saint of television. The visit of St. Clares relics to the Santuario is significant because it was on the Palm Sunday of her 18th year that Clare followed her town mate, Francis of Assisi, and left behind a comfortable life as the eldest daughter of Count Favorino Scifi of Sasso-Russo and his wife Ortolana. Born Chiara Offreducio, Clare was a prayerful child. At 15 she was asked by her parents to marry a young and wealthy man but asked them to wait until she would turn 18 in 1214. But then she had heard Francis preach, and learned from him that she was a chosen soul from God. And so, on that fateful Palm Sunday, Clare left her parental abode for a church which Francis himself had rebuilt - San Damiano. There she was welcomed by him. He cut her hair, dressed her in black, and put a thick veil on her head. There too, Clare was later joined by her sister, Agnes, and much later, by their mother herself a devout woman who had been a pilgrim to Rome, the Holy Land and Santiago de Campostela. `Monjas San Damiano was to be the focal point of the monastic order Clare would establish. She and her sisters lived enclosed lives of manual labor and prayer. much like the nuns of the Monasterio de Santa Clara whom Filipinos know today along Aurora Boulevard in Cubao, Quezon City. For a short period of time Clare and her sisters were directed by St. Francis himself. They were headed by Clare as prioress but in 1216, when she turned 20, she accepted the role of abbess. As such, she received more authority than when she was prioress (defined as a head who still had to follow the orders of the priest heading a community). Like Francis As a prioress Clare sought to follow the vows of Francis, stricter than the Rule of St. Benedict which prelates sought to impose on her order. Thus, she embraced a radical commitment to corporate poverty even if she suffered poor health long before she died. In the Rule she wrote for her community (and in four letters to Agnes of Prague), Clare hewed to the Franciscan theology of joyous poverty in imitation of Christ. This was because she saw Francis as a spiritual father figure and followed his way of life and virtue so much that she was sometimes called alter Franciscus literally, another Francis. Clare took care of Francis during his illnesses at the end of his life until he died in 1226. Outliving him by 27 years, she lived to receive just two days before her death on August 11, 1253 the Papal bull of Innocent IV, Solet annuere, confirming her rule as the governing rule of the Order of Poor Ladies. Just two years after her death, Clare was canonized by Pope Alexander XV on August 15, 1255. And in 1263 just a decade after her death at age 59 the name of the order she founded was officially changed by Pope Urban IV to Order of Saint Clare. In modern times Upon her death, Clares remains were interred at the chapel of San Giorgio while a church to hold them was being built. On October 3, 1260 they were transferred to the Basilica of Saint Clare, and buried beneath its high altar. In 1872 a full six centuries later Clares remains were moved to a shrine in the crypt, where they can be still be seen today. Although her body is no longer claimed to be incorrupt, her skeleton is displayed in Assisi. In 1958, some 700 years after her death, Clare was designated patron saint of television by Pope Pius XII because when she had become too ill to attend Mass, she was reportedly able to see and hear it on the wall of her room. In amplification of this title, a nun of her order, the popular Mother Angelica, founded Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). Perla Aragon-Choudhury

Jesus Way of the Cross: Model of Vincents Total Self-Donation (Vincentian Mysticism) By Fr. Raymond Regua, CM
(This is the summary of a lecture given by Fr. Raymond Regua, CM, during the 2011 Vincentian Lecture Series, Quid Nunc Christus Following Jesus The Way of St. Vincent de Pal, an ongoing formation program of the Santuario, held every third Saturday of the month for devotees of St. Vincent. Interested churchgoers can listen to him again on April 21, 2012.)

Jesus way of the cross is characterized by his different encounters with people all the way to Calvary. These encounters elicited strong conviction, commitment and concrete action from him. Vincents way of serving the poor, whom he sees as Christ personified, (Vincentian Mysticism) elicited also strong conviction, commitment and concrete action from him that led to his total self-donation like Christ. The Icon, Vincent and the beggar Christ, elicits for us the different elements of Vincents total self-donation. In the Icon we see a network of charity: Vincent, Christ and the beggar are giving each other their bread. We first reflect on the journey of Christ on his way to Calvary, his way of the cross. We see the parallel experience of Vincent through the Icon. We identify the different elements characterizing Vincents total self-donation as manifested by the Icon. Jesus way of the cross starts in his agony in the garden of Gethsemane. He is bargaining with the Father but at the end he surrenders his will: Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done. Before Pilate, Jesus is condemned to death. He has to bear his cross. His cross becomes heavier because of his disciples who will deny, betray and depart from him. His acceptance of the will of the Father in bearing his cross comes from his strong conviction to build the kingdom of God, makes him ready to totally offer himself on the cross and manifests his willingness to be led by the Spirit to unfamiliar ground. Seen from the Icon there is a parallel experience of Vincent. He is giving bread to the beggar. Vincent looks intently on the bread, a gesture which suggests that he is an organized man who wants to make sure that the poor has the bread in their hand. He does not want the bread to be wasted. Here we see his strong conviction to really alleviate the suffering of the poor. He wants to build the Kingdom of God, a commitment to the call of the church to transform society. The bread that is being given is in the form of a heart. It only shows that Vincent is not only giving physical bread but he is actually giving his own heart, the core of his person. He is totally giving himself, the true spirit of charity based on Christs total giving of the self on the cross. In charity it is not so much the bread that we give that counts but it is the love that we communicate through our act of giving that matters most. The poor will feel alleviated from their sufferings because we care for them; we share our precious time with them. Vincent is also looking at the begging hand of the poor, a symbol that he is really focused on the act of giving bread to the poor, his response to the call of the spirit and the signs of the time. Vincent allowed himself to be led by the spirit in discerning the will of God revealed in the events of his life and the signs of the times. One of the significant experiences of those people encountered by Christ on the way to Calvary is his offer of forgiveness and reconciliation. Such is the experience of those who have handed him over to be crucified when Christ remarked as he was being ridiculed: Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. His encounter with the two thieves is another instance when Christ says to one: Truly, you will be with me today in Paradise. In Christ, humanity and God are reconciled. It is symbolically manifested in the offering of his body and blood, the Eucharist: This is my bodythis is my blood Here Christ manifests his simplicity, no hidden agenda; no self-interest. He also exudes humility, an acceptance of being an offering for the remission of the sins of humanity. It also shows his charity, his offer of forgiveness in spite of rejection. The Icon captures this forgiveness and reconciliation being offered by Christ. Christ is seen as giving bread to Vincent. He is looking at the face of Vincent offering his bread as if saying: I am the Bread of Life! You need this kind of bread to be united with me and to sustain you in your Charity. In our efforts to effect change in the lives of the poor whom we serve we need to be united and be deeply rooted in Christ in the Eucharist. Christ is also offering his wounded heart (bread in the form of heart) as if telling Vincent: Learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart. He wants Vincent to be sustained in his noble mission in the world.

Our efforts in serving the poor must be sustained by a series of virtues and values witnessed to us by Christ. We need a lifestyle characterized by humility, simplicity, charity and other virtues lived by Christ. Jesus had three falls on his way to Calvary. In these instances Christ had to be strengthened by the people he encountered and in turn he also strengthened them. Seeing his mother Mary in solidarity with his suffering gave him the strength to go all the way to his crucifixion. In turn he strengthened his mother when he said: See I am making all things new, a proclamation of his salvific suffering which Mary shared. During crucifixion he made concrete Marys role when he said: Woman behold your son, which means take care of humanity, a mandate that up to now Mary faithfully accomplishes. His encounter with Veronica manifested his desire to be present with those who were suffering that it led to the imprint of his face. His encounter with the women of Jerusalem consoled them as he encouraged them: Daughters of Jerusalem do not weep for me, weep instead for yourselves and for your children Jesus welcomed the charity offered to him by Simon of Cyrene, when the latter helped him carry his cross. These encounters of Christ elicited reciprocity of support, solidarity with those who are suffering and generosity in the midst of suffering. The Icon also shows the beggar giving bread to Vincent. This is not obvious because Christ represents the beggar. Yet we know by heart that it was the poor who helped Vincent find his way back to God his conversion. Many of us can relate with this experience when we open our hearts to the poor. They may neither give us physical bread which they ask from us. nor gratitude for our goodness, but their situation and ways in life like poverty, humility, simplicity, trust in Divine providence, frugality, patience among others, become the bread that we receive from them. We live and learn from our interactions with them and we are converted by the poor like Vincent. Here the poor becomes central in our life like that of Vincent. Vincents decisions and choices made him always take with consideration the concerns of those who are poor. He was able to collaborate and work with them, together with other people whom he empowered like the CMs, the DCs and the Ladies that brought out the best in him in helping the less fortunate in society. Here Vincent realized that he is being called to work in community, sharing its mission and witnessing to the compassion of Jesus for those who are poor. Finally there was the encounter of Jesus with the Father during his crucifixion. While hanging on the cross, he surrendered everything to the will of the Father breathing his last: Into your hands I commend my Spirit. It was a total surrender to the Father! Finally, in the Icon we see also Vincent giving his bread to Christ. With bowed head he offers his broken bread and his broken heart - his pains, trials and struggles in serving the poor. Isnt it true that in alleviating the plight of the poor, we are likely to be affected, wounded even, by their struggles and miseries? Finding ourselves in this state like Vincent we seek refuge in Christ and put ourselves into His hands. We entrust ourselves to God our Father. We trust his Divine Providence! Christs way of the cross elicited from him his complete surrender to the Father. Likewise, Vincents compassion and service to the poor elicited from him his total self-donation characterized in the following elements portrayed in the Icon: (1) a conviction to build the Kingdom of God, (2) a total giving of the self, the true spirit of charity, (3) responsiveness to the spirit, being ready to be led, (4) rootedness in Christ through the Eucharist, (5) a lifestyle characterized by the virtues of Christ, (6) centrality of the poor, (7) called to work as one in community and (8) trust in Divine Providence.

Let us, my brothers and sisters, cherish the poor as our masters, since Our Lord is in them, and they are in Our Lord. - St Vincent de Paul

Santuario de San Vicente de Pal Vision and Mission: Revisited

Inspired by the charism of St. Vincent de Pal, we, priests, brothers, and lay people of Santuario de San Vicente de Pal, envision ourselves as a community of disciples of Jesus maturing in Christian faith and growing in our commitment in our service of the people of God, especially the poor. Moved by the Spirit, we commit ourselves to strengthen our community in its life of worship, celebration, formation and mission through the following: 1. Provide a prayerful atmosphere and creative liturgies towards deepened spirituality and devotion to St. Vincent de Pal; 2. Develop and conduct integral formation programs towards enrichment of Christian life; 3. Foster a community of dear friends where the youth and the elderly take an active part in its life and mission; 4. Facilitate social services and economic programs with and for the poor, in dynamic partnership with government institutions, non government organizations, and other groups ; 5. Offer premier columbary and personalized service to bereaved families; and 6. Bring to completion the Santuario project and ensure its maintenance. Through the intercession of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, we dedicate ourselves to the realization of our aspirations.

Calendar of Activities
APRIL
Holy Week 1 - Palm Sunday 2 - Holy Monday (Pabasa) 4 - Holy Wednesday (Lenten Recollection and Kumpisalang Bayan) 5 - Holy Thursday (Last Supper, Seder Meal, Vigil; Installation (Lay Ministers) 6 - Good Friday (Siete Palabras, Veneration of the Cross , Stations of the Cross) 7 - Black Saturday (Easter Vigil Salubong) 8 - Easter Sunday (Masses and Egg Hunting) 21 (Sat) Installation (1st batch KoA) - Training of Catechists 22 (Sun) Installation (Catechetical Ministry) 28 (Sat) Santuario Community Outing 29 - Good Shepherd Sunday *Installation (Lay Servers and MOG)

MAY

1 (Tues) - Start of Summer Catechism 6 (Sun) - Sports Fest and Ministry and Organizational Fair 12 (Sat) Launching Mass for VMC (Prop) 20 - Ascension Sunday; Installation (MOW) 27 - Pentecost Sunday; Installation (Music Ministry); Flores de Mayo/Santacruzan

JUNE
9 (Sat) Launching Mass for VMC (Prop) 10 (Sun) Corpus Christi Who would not know Ate Tess/Ms. Tess/Tess from the Santuario office? The one you run to for all your pastoral needs for your ministry and services After 11 months of serving as your Pastoral Coordinator, we now say goodbye to our dear Maritess Matubis, fondly called Ate Tess. As she leaves the grounds of Santuario, she will pursue her call to now pastor the minds and hearts of tweens as she goes back to her teaching profession. To fill her shoes in this service, similarly a teacher, is Glenie H. Golpeo. To the Outgoing, Thank you. To the Incoming, Welcome. To both: God bless.

Long time ago, there was a soul Wandering in the mellow wilderness To ascend to heaven was his goal Yet, he didnt know how to escape from darkness

How to Understand Suffering from Gods View Point (The Story of Job)
Job is a man who is wise, rich, and good. Then

The soul was a victim of war Innocent he was, though full of hatred With a heart carved by scars Longing from anguish to be freed He died when he was eight years old Till a hundred years soon passed and He had traveled the entire world, But still he found no place to run Then he met a kind blind girl Who became his homeless friend. He shared to her what he wanted And the girl cried as she listened Where do you want to go? the girl asked To heaven, the soul replied But how could I be on the Fathers side? She said, Just take off your plaintive mask Heaven is a place where love rules, A dwelling for all awakened souls And if you really wish to be there Then free yourself from wrath and fear. The girl took the hands of the crying soul And said she would take him to heaven. He got so confused as the cold air blew And he saw angels singing as the door opened He couldnt believe what he saw: Someone on a throne for him was waiting Soon he found out that it was God the Father And the girl he had befriended was his guardian angel. German D.M. Vertudez

suddenly terrible things happen to him. His ten children are killed. He loses all his wealth. And he becomes ill with a painful skin disease. Three friends come to visit him, and they try to explain to Job why these bad things have happened. They tell Job that sin has caused his suffering and God is punishing him. Job insists it is not true, but no one believes him. Job becomes very discouraged and angry but he still believes God cares about him, although he doesnt understand why he must suffer so. In the end, God answers Job in a whirlwind, reminding him humans can never understand how great God is. After Job hears God speak, he says, "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." Job has realized that his trust in God should not depend on what happens to him. God tells Job that his friends didn't know what they were talking about. Finally, God restores Job's health, makes him twice as rich as he had been before, and gives him ten more children. This book tells us that God is in control of everything that happens to us. Satan can only do what God allows him to do. And when God allows suffering he has ways of making everything turn out well in the end.
http://acts38-39.hubpages.com/hub/ashort-summary-of-the-book-of-job

Santuario and Adamson: Hand in Hand

St. Vincents Little School was organized by Adamson University Associate Vice-President for Academic Af-

The Social Ministry has activities and programs under its wings and is innovating to cater more to people in situations of poverty. Below are some of the programs that are ongoing. 1. St. Vincents Medical and Dental Clinic The Clinic provides FREE medical and dental consultations to our less fortunate brothers and sisters every Sunday from 9am-12nn. It has been operating in its third year now because of the generosity of our volunteer doctors, dentists and nurses and of those who provide medicines and other financial support. Ms. Norma Manalili acts as the clinic coordinator who works with Dra. Teresita Agda and Dra. Mercy Agustin who serve as the principal consultants and heads of this particular ministry. 2. Nutrition and Feeding Program The program is held every Saturday, from 5pm thru 8pm. 150 children from neighboring depressed areas are already registered to the program (to date). This special initiative started and continues because of the generosity of its major sponsors, namely, Lions Club Majestic Heights and Lions Club Cavaliers of Quezon City and Ms Jane Pajarillagas YGGIM Corporation. Santuarios Ministry of Greeters (MOG members) along with the Santuario Staff assist in the implementation of the program. 3. Legal Services Desk The program provides legal assistance to indigent people who are in need of legal guidance. Several lawyers have volunteered to create this initiative. People can avail of this FREE service upon request which could be scheduled on a Sunday, between 10am to 12nn. 4. SantuarioAANI Weekend Bazaar

fairs, Dr. Myrna L. Aes in collaboration with the Santuario Administrator, Fr. Roland Tuazon C.M. The nonformal school aims to provide assistance on academic deficiencies of the children primarily on the subject areas of English, Mathematics, Filipino, History and Values Education. The program is developed as part of the Academic Service Learning in coordination with the Education Department headed by Dr. Florante C. Garcia and Dr. Servillano T. Marquez, Jr., Dean of the College of Education and Liberal Arts. Student Teachers from Adamson University serve as volunteer namely; Jazphare Del Castillo, Liza Loraine Lopez, Diana Melendrez, Russel Patolot, Saudia Rada, Real Sadicon, Reynald Sy, Glenda Marie Turija and Katherine Dimaculangan under the supervision of Dr. Myrna L. Aes who selflessly work to facilitate a remediation plan in teaching the youth. This is to enhance students skills, equip them with the ideals of St. Vincent De Paul and transform them to become responsible individuals. In response to the needs of the students, effective instructions are being offered for each grade level with corresponding appropriate tasks or activities. Further more, this program ensures an environment where children are motivated to share their insights and search for knowledge. Considering that learning is a lifelong process, SVLS highlights the importance of education and pursues its goal in contributing to the betterment of our society.

Held every weekend, Saturday-Sunday, the Bazaar features organic products from indigenous people and farmers directly coming from the farm to the market. The Bazaar also provides seminars to introduce organic farming, agri-business and the like, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture. 5. Computer Literacy Program The program aims to provide FREE basic computer training which includes MS Office, basic computer technology and internet concepts to deserving and indigent students in order to aid them in their school computer classes. The next batch of classes will start on April 21, 2012. Those who are interested may contact the Santuario Office. 6. Scholarship Program The Santurio, in collaboration with St. Vincent Seminary, is supporting three deserving students on a full time basis and two others in a partial way, to pursue two-year vocational course or professional degree in college as they render work or services to the community as studentassistants. We are looking for sponsors who are willing to support this initiative.

A Reflection on Jesus Paschal Mystery

A signage is something that tells us information or points us to some directions or certain behavior. For instance, we may notice the sign SILENCE. What particular areas can we find this sign? Yes, you are right inside the library, in some offices, inside the classroom perhaps; in the disco room? certainly not; in some churches, yes; and for call center agents, inside a quiet room. In this sense, we may say that a particular signage gives us an idea of the identity of the place where it is located. There are many signages we can see around uson the streets, at school gates, company entrance, inside the malls, etc.

Almost similar to a signage is a tag. Normally, a tag is used to distinguish a thing or a person from the others, i.e., it can be a name tag or price tag. Nowadays, I am pretty sure that many of us are familiar with the song Price Tag by Jessie J. Just as the signage, a name or a price tag, somehow, gives us our identity it somehow tells us who you are and what you are. For example, a name tag on my traveling bag tells you that this bag belongs to me. On the other hand, a price tag shows the worth of my bag. In the same manner, Jesus was given a tag too. When he was nailed on the cross a signage was placed on top of him. This signage or tag carries the inscription INRI which stands for Iesu Nazarenus Rex Iudeorum (or simply, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews). Such a tag gives Him his identity and his worththat Jesus Christ is a king and his price is invaluable! This identity of Christ is revealed to us in the season which we are now celebratingthe Season of Lent and the Holy Week commemoration of his passion, death and resurrection. Allow me to share to you my reflection on this. The Season of Lent prepares us for the eventual commemoration of his resurrection. Today, we prayerfully anticipate his rising from the dead through our acts of piety and charity. We join Christ in his suffering through our Lenten observance of fasting and abstinence, recollection and retreats, processions and Stations of the Cross, the celebration of the Eucharist, and the many Holy Week activities. As we do these, may we always remember that the Jesus Paschal Mystery i.e., his passion, death and resurrection exemplifies the true meaning of Jesus Lordship and his being a Savior to us all. Though he himself is the Son of God, he chose to empty himself by embracing suffering and death for our sins. As he was hanging on the cross, feeling the excruciating pain all over his body, he knew for himself that he has the power to free himself on the cross. Yet, Jesus chose to remain faithful to his Father. He remained powerless on the cross! If there is one thing I really love in this image of Christ hanging on the cross is that, it tells me that being faithful to God, the Father, is being powerlesshaving no power from any authority, but simply depending on the grace of God. Indeed, Lent is the time for asking forgiveness from God and our neighbors; a time of contrition and repentance. But, lest we forget, Lent is also a time of letting God be God. This is the sure moment of asking for forgiveness for not letting God be God in our lives and a time of contrition for allowing other gods to direct and influence us. Reflecting deeper on this led me to focus on Jesus kingship and death on the crossan ironic ending for the Son of God (INRI)! What meaning can we get from this image? One famous story is told about the chicken and the pig. One day, a chicken and a pig were walking down the street. As they were walking, they noticed some poor children who looked as if they had not eaten anything for days. Moved with compassion, the chicken said to the pig, I have an idea! Lets give those children a nice breakfast of ham and eggs. The pig contemplated the chickens suggestion and said, Well for you that would involve a small sacrifice; but for me, it would involve my entire life. Just as the pig providing ham for the breakfast of those poor children by giving its life, Jesus came to our world to save us. that in saving us, he knew that it will cost Him his life. As a King, his commitment to us was totalwithout any reservation! On the cross, Jesus reveals his saving act towards his kingdom. Recall the words of the thief crucified just beside Jesus: Remember me when you come into your kingdom, To this, Jesus replied, Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise. These words express the saving act of Christ for someone who really recognizes his messiahship and kingship. So as we continue on reflecting in this season of Lent and on the meaning of Jesus Paschal Mystery, let us always remember that like the pig in the story, our commitment to Christ must be more than a small sacrifice of our time, of our energy, and resourcesthat this total commitment to Jesus means recognizing Christs kingship in our lives for we know that our reward in following him is a share in His kingdom.

Geowen A. Porcincula, CM

My life, my journey
Where do I begin? I am a sinner not a saint. I started my journey when my life was in shambles. I was at breaking point. No matter what I did, no matter what road I trekked on, everything seemed to get more confusing and more difficult. I lost my family. My only companion was booze, smokes, work then booze, smokes and work. As all of these were happening in my life I also got girls into my system. Yet with all the fun and temporary sanity (words I used to describe my escapes), I hungered for sleep, a sleep, a peaceful sleep, where I didnt get tired of sleeping, yet waking up even more tired. I reached far and low, begged for companionship, begged to be heard and be understood. Alas, my back was on a wall. It was too high for me to climb over. I sat down in one corner of my rented room, crying my heart out and blaming myself for everything that had happened to me. I hated myself. I then hungered for a different sleep. I hungered for LOVE As I sat in a dark corner of my consciousness, I saw a light at the end of the tunnel, a glimmering light shone on my heart and seemed to drag me from the darkness, the sinful ways I was accustomed to. I couldnt figure it out, but suddenly I was determined to pursue and understand what that Light was. I mustered all my remaining strength, stood up, took a shower and told myself, I need to find who I am and start to search for this Light. I found myself wondering whom I should talk to or who could really help me. I found myself by the gates of my old school, St. Vincent Seminary. I tried to look for solace and most profoundly, for ANSWERS. At the guardhouse, I looked for two persons, my old buddies, old friends, my Kuyas in the seminary during those days. I was able to talk to my oldest Kuya or Bro, He listened without prejudice, without discrimination, without the usual judgmental look. He listened and gave me advise beyond my comprehension. I was apprehensive yet willing to do what it should take to have a peaceful sleep. He guided me and took me under his arms and showed me the way. The road I am now trudging is not easy. This road is not made of cotton but gravel, muddy and slimy. Yet with the ministry I volunteered for at the Santuario, I have found where the LIGHT is leading me into. Kuya has not abandoned me in my time of need. From then on, I saw what God has planned for me. I have forgiven myself and have striven to be worthy of being part of this community of servers. Now that we are in the season of Lent, I have found myself revisiting my journey. I have taken a look at how it was when I started my journey and reviewed my ways. I now see myself blessed by God. He has given me what I need, not what I want. Now, I know I journey with the people who really care about me as a human being, a friend, a brother. I know that I may still falter but I believe it is because I have something to learn and such realization has made me move forward. God has given me the gifts I needed most: ACCEPTANCE, PEACE, FORGIVENESS. Now I am more optimistic with my life and I know that He is just at my side no matter what happens. He will never leave me. I impart with you one of the lessons I learned way back in the minor years here at St. Vincent, God knows how to bring good out of evil. This is now, AGAIN, my motto. I know God has a plan for everything. KEEP THE FAITH!!!

Many are called but few are chosen When a dear friend of mine invited me to take part in the volunteer work to teach the Communications class last July 2011, little did I know that it was the start of the ministry that God has prepared me for. He has called and He has equipped me. He has called and I have responded. Daily, I bask in the joy of Gods divine providence and yet I still get amazed at how, for me, He moves mountains to send me what I need, to pave the way for His path to cross with mine, and to give me my desire to be one with HIS WILL. As I respond to Gods call to be part of the Santuario Pastoral ministry, I look forward to being part of the Santuario family. God has not promised a walk free of trials but He has promised to walk side by side with me every step of the way. I am both honored and humbled to be called to this service. Honored that by name, I have been chosen. Humbled, that I realize there is more to learn about how one can live a life according to His will. Glenie Golpeo

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INTERESTING FACTS
The number 40 is a special number in the Bible: It signifies preparation for something special

It rained 40 days and nights and Noah and his family stayed in their ARK Moses stayed at Mt. Sinai for 40 days (Exodus 24:18) Jonah gave the people of Nineveh 40 days to repent (Jon 3:40) Jesus, before starting His ministry, spent 40 days in the desert to fast and pray (Matt 4:2)

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peace be with you

The symbols on Row A stand for certain letters in the Alphabet on Row B. Use this code to decipher the hidden message...have fun!

Christmas begins with the Lighting of the Christmas Tree , the Simbang Gabi to celebrate the 9 mornings and giving gifts to our poor brethren. A Christmas Party for the children in the Feeding Program

To further our spiritual development, Santuario offered the Adult Catechism which started February 2012 together with the Vincentian Lecture Series

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PRAYER FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE SANTUARIO DE SAN VICENTE DE PAUL

When I first heard the word Santuario the first image that came to my mind was a columbary. In straight and street word usage, para sa patay lang. I never thought that it would be synonymous with service or ministry. Now, when I look at Santuarios imposing structure, I cannot help but feel a deep sense of awe and admiration especially for the people who helped build this massive edifice. After 25 years, I have come back to St. Vincent Seminary and see a more diverse, socially-oriented community. What struck me most was the fact that the walls had been torn down. When I was a seminarian here over two decades ago, we lived within the walls in the spirit of St. Vincent. We seldom had interaction with people outside the walls because of our strict spiritual formation. I can vividly recall giving food once to a sick person who turned out to have leprosy, he at one side of the then glass door and I at the other side. We were young then, yet we understood what St. Vincent stood for and lived for: THE POOR. Looking at the Santuario De San Vicente De Paul, I realize it is not just cement and steel of massive proportions but it is a sanctuary for all especially the poor. No social statutes or financial hierarchy is present here, there is ONLY service. Santuario is not just focused on the spiritual aspect of its being but also serves as the SERVER of the poor. I am one of those people who are lucky enough to take part in Santuarios mission and share what I have to the community. Many say thank you to me but I say THANK YOU to everyone for giving me a chance to serve and follow St. Vincents ways in my own way with guidance and encouragement from the whole community of Santuario de San Vicente De Paul. Roland Esguerra

Loving and merciful Father, we thank you for all the abundant blessings You continue to shower upon us, Your children. We thank You for giving us Your Son Jesus who is our salvation and whose Spirit has inspired us to participate in the building of your Kingdom.

As we respond to the call of Christian discipleship in the way of our patron, St. Vincent de Paul, we ask you to bind us together in your love as a community that is called to witness to your charity especially for the poor, the sick, and the suffering. We also plead to your divine goodness and providence to bless and bring to completion the project we have undertaken to construct a Shrine where we can give you honor and glory and be inspired by the spirit and charism of St. Vincent de Paul.

Let the virtue of generosity reign in each one of us and in those you will bring to this church.

Pour your abundant blessings upon our benefactors and all those who have helped pursue our vision for the Shrine. With your divine assistance, nothing is impossible.

We ask this prayer in the name of your Son Jesus, through the intercession of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and our patron, St. Vincent de Paul. Amen.

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LENTEN SEASON SCHEDULE

April 1 (Palm Sunday) 6:00am - Mass 7:00am Solemn Blessing of Palms (Joyful procession) VENUE: Covered Court 7:30am- Mass 8:45am- Blessing of Palms (Church Entrance) 9:00am- Mass 5:45pm- Blessing of Palms (Church Entrance) 6:00pm- Mass April 2 (Holy Monday: PABASA) 6:30am- Mass (Santuario) 8:00am- Start of Pabasa (Venue: Near Giant Christmas Tree and Swing) We wish to invite food donors for the Pabasa April 3 (Holy Tuesday) 7:00pm - 9:00pm- LENTEN RECOLLECTION 7:00pm - Registration 7:30pm - Fellowship-Praise & Worship (MCMC) 8:00pm - TALK (Bro. Chito Jongco) 9:30pm - Prayer Petitions and Love Offerings April 4 (Holy Wednesday) 7:00-9:00pm - KUMPISALANG BAYAN April 5 (Holy Thursday) 5:00pm - Mass of the Lords Supper - Enthronement of the Blessed Sacrament 7:00pm-12:00 midnight Vigil at the Altar of Repose April 6 (Good Friday) 12:30- 2:30pm Siete Palabras 3:00- 5:00pm - Veneration of the Cross & Communion Service 5:00pm- Grand Stations of the Cross April 7 (Black Saturday) 8:00-12:00pm- Easter Vigil Mass (Pls. bring candle) 12:00- Salubong April 8 (Easter Sunday) 7:30am - Mass 9:00am - Mass Easter Egg Hunt follows after the 9:00 am Mass 6:00 pm - Mass

ANNOUNCEMENT
MASS SCHEDULE
SUNDAY MASSES: 6:00amTagalog 7:30amTagalog 9:00 amEnglish 6:00pmTagalog TUESDAY PERPETUAL NOVENA TO ST. VINCENT DE PAL 6:00PMEnglish WEDNESDAY MASS FOR THE DEAD (at the Columbary Lobby 6:00PMEnglish SATURDAY NOVENA FOR THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL 6:30AMTagalog Healing Massevery 1st Saturday of the Month

FROM THE COLUMBARY MARKETING OFFICE: Please be informed that effective April 1, 2012 (Sunday), the status of BLESSED LOUIS JOSEPH FRANCOIS Section would be elevated to a Developed section. Therefore all prices of the said section shall increase based on the price level of a Developed section, and all services attached to it such as inurnment shall already be made available. Remaining units shall also be available for sale as AT NEED section. Please be guided accordingly. Thank you!

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SANTUARIO DE SAN VICENTE DE PAL offers

FR. ROLANDO A. TUAZON, CM
PROJECT DIRECTOR

An Adult Christian Formation

ESPERANZA J. CHEEKEE
EDITOR IN CHIEF

GLENIE H. GOLPEO
RESOURCE COORDINATOR

ROLAND R. ESGUERRA
LAY OUT & GRAPHICS EDITOR WRITERS/CONTRIBUTORS

GEOWEN PORCINCULA, CM PERLA ARAGON-CHOUDHURY GERMAN V.M. VERTRUDEZ MYRNA GENOVATE LITA CRUZ FR. RAYMUND REGUA, CM Our utmost gratitude goes to the VOLUNTEER DOCTORS & DENTISTS and to those who financially support our Pastoral & Social ministry:

Vice Mayor & Mrs. Dodong and Annabelle Bringas Filipino Community in Japan (c/o Fr. Mario Colina, CM & Fr. Thirdie Caballero, CM)

Mr. & Mrs. Aida & Bory Mendoza Dra. Myrna Aes, PhD of Adamson University Ms. Jane Pajarillaga

We thank our DONORS who have recently contributed in the on-going construction of the shrine especially the following:

Mrs. Yolanda Bonoan and family Engr. & Mrs. Antonio Que Ms. Miriam Katigbak Ms. Edna Del Rosario Ms. Victoria Cabral & Dra. Susie Yanga

Ms. Jane Pajarillaga Adamson University Atty. & Mrs. Polo Pantaleon Mr. & Mrs. Ed de La Luna Mr. & Mrs. Antonio Atienza

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