Mga Happenings sa Village
November 2008
By: AA Medrano
FPM 20th Anniversary
Twenty years serving the Filipino migrants under the auspices of the Scalabrinian Fathers.
The Filipino Pastoral Ministry of Our Lady of Pompei celebrated its 20th anniversary with the Thanksgiving Mass and Reception on Sunday October 26. Msgr. Romy Montero, Director of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry was the main celebrant of the Mass. The concelebrants were Fr. John Massari, cs, Pastor, Fr. Walter Tonelotto, cs representing the Scalabrinian Fathers, Fr. Mike Lagrimas and the homilist was Fr. Leo Capeding from New Orleans.
The celebration started with the procession of the banners representing the different programs and activities of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry followed by the images of the different devotions initiated at Pompei. The coordinators and hermano mayores of the different groups participated in the procession. The family of Nanding and Marilyn Castillo and Ramon and Chit Laurencio, the long time members of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry led the procession.
The 20th anniversary of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry (FPM) and the Laksambayan night was sponsored by the Friends, volunteers and staff of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry and the October birthday celebrants We are grateful to all of you who helped and supported the FPM to reach this milestone especially to the Scalabrinian Fathers, Fr. John Massari, cs, Pastor of Our Lady of Pompe, Fr. Walter Tonelotto, cs – Local Superior, Fr. Matthew Didone, cs - Provincial Superior, Fr. Joseph Fugolo, cs. Archbishop Jose S. Palma, D.D., SthD of Palo Leyte, Most Rev. Isabelo C.Abarquez, D.D. - Bishop of Calbayog, The Sison Family, Nick Libramonte – SLRAA, Bobby Villanueva & Family, and Fr. Mike Lagrimas.
The Filipino apostolate at Pompei started when the late Fr. Bobby Sison, the Founding Director was transferred to Manhattan from Long Island in the summer of 1987 to work for the Scalabrinian Fathers on their program for the migrants. With the approval and support of the then Provincial Superior, Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, c.s., Fr. Bobby continued his program and activities for the Filipinos that he started in Long Island when he moved to Pompei Church. One year later, he launched the Filipino Pastoral Ministry on October 26, 1988 with the first Mother of Perpetual Help Novena and Mass in New York. He was the FPM director until his untimely death in November 20, 2003. The seed which he planted has by now become a large and fruitful tree. And now we are enjoying the fruits of his labor twenty years later. What started as a vision has indeed become a reality.
The FPM continues to serve the Filipino community through its programs and activities under the leadership of Fr. Romy Montero, the FPM director and with the help of Fr. Mike Lagrimas who voluntary gave his time and service to the Filipino Pastoral Ministry.
2008 Laksambayan Awardee
Congratulations to Bro. Michael LaMantia, cs. who was awarded the Laksambayan Award for his loyalty and dedication to the Filipino Pastoral Ministry and to the Filipinos. His invaluable support to all the activities and programs of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry at Pompei for 20 years endear him to the Filipinos. Bro. Michael is member of the Missionaries of St. Charles congregation and Pompei church has been his home for over 35 years. He is Italian-American but will always be a part of the FPM family.
The Laksambayan Award(Lakas ng Sumasambang Sambayanan) is awarded by the Filipino Pastoral Ministry of Our Lady of Pompei to Filipinos/ Americans who made outstanding contribution for the welfare and spiritual development of the Filipino community through voluntary work.
FPM Founders Day
A Mass of Remembrance and Thanksgiving will be offered on Sunday November 23 during the 3:00 P.M. Filipino Mass at Our Lady of Pompei Church to commemorate the 5th death anniversary of Fr. Bobby b. Sison, Founding Director of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry.
The EUCHARIST Seminar
The Filipino Pastoral Ministry of Our Lady of Pompei invites you to attend the Seminar about the Eucharist. Fr. Mike Lagrimas, associate pastor of St. Teresa Church will conduct the seminar on November 15, 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. at Our Lady of Pompei Conference Room. If you would like to participate, please call the Filipino Pastoral Ministry office 212 727 0214 for reservation.
Thanksgiving Vigil Mass
The Filipino Pastoral Ministry of Our Lady of Pompei celebrates the pre-thanksgiving day celebration with the Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help and Thanksgiving Vigil Mass on November 26 Wednesday, 6:30 P.M. Potluck dinner will follow after the Mass. For more info, please call the office of the FPM 212 727 0214.
9 Fridays Novena Mass to Poon Hesus Nazareno
Starting on Friday November 7 and every Friday thereafter at 6:30 P.M., there will be novena Mass at Our Lady of Pompei church in preparation for the feast day celebration of the Poon Hesus Nazareno on January 4, 2009.
Please come and join us every Friday at Our Lady of Pompei Church in Manhattan and on the feast day. Mr. Jun Makinano is the incoming Hermano Mayor. For more info: call the FPM office, Msgr. Romy Montero 212 727 0214 or Ed Pascual.
Feast day of San Andres Apostol
The Samahang San Andres Apostol of Norzagaray, Bulacan invites you to the feast day celebration honoring their patron saint on November 30 Sunday at Our Lady of Pompei Church in Manhattan. The Thanksgiving Mass will start at 3:00 PM with the reception to follow at the Fr. Demo Hall of Our Lady of Pompei.
Please come and bring your friends. For more info, please contact the president, Maxie Chavez 914 874 7762, Josie Dizon 718 343 6410, Marisa Fojas 917 837 4195. Semi-formal attire required.
San Lorenzo Ruiz Center 5th Anniversary
The San Lorenzo Ruiz Center in Jamaica, Queens will celebrate its 5th anniversary with a Mass of Thanksgiving on December 8, 2008 at 7:30 P.M. The celebration will include the installation of candidates for the Knight of San Lorenzo Ruiz. Please come and join us for this event.
SLM Seminar on Migration
Fr. Walter Tonelotto, cs will conduct a formation seminar for members of the Scalabrinian Lay Movement starting on November 4, the feast day memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, the patron saint of the Scalabrinian Fathers. Fr. Walter will talk about migration. The seminar will continue every first Tuesday of the month. Mass and Prayer Service to San Lorenzo Ruiz and Blessed John B. Scalabrini at 7:30 PM will precede the seminar. Those who are interested to attend, please come to the San Lorenzo Ruiz Scalabrini Center in Jamaica every Tuesday.
Simbang Gabi sa Katedral (SGSK) Update
Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, Inc (SGSK) steering committee is gearing up for the “Pasko Noon at Ngayon” Simbang Gabi celebration on Saturday December 6, 6:30 P.M.at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in New York City.
Tickets are not required to attend however, some seats are reserved for SGSK donors and sponsors.
This year’s theme is the “Parol”. Parish groups, social and religious organization are encourage to join the Parade of Parol preceding the Mass. Please contact the SGSK Youth Committee to register your Parol and the Parol bearer.
A cultural presentation is immediately following the Mass. An evening featuring great songs of Christmas performed by great artist and singers – Fatima Soriano (blind singer & healer) Alexis Perlas, Ronald Seludo and the Bayanihan Club of Union Singers, Erwin Argonza Music director. A Mariachi Band will also perform.
2000 Hail Mary’s & The Procession
All day rosary on Saturday, December 6 from 7:00 AM. in front of the exposed Blessed Sacrament in the Cathedral High School Gym culminating with the procession of the Marian devotees and “Our Lady of Manhattan” joining the Simbang Gabi celebration at Patricks Cathedral. Procession will start from the Cathedral High School at 1011 First Ave. and 56 St. to 5th Ave and 50th Street. Assembly time is 4:30 P.M.
For out- of- town participants, please register your group for procession assembly or bus parking location with Aida Gamolo, coordinator of the Marian procession (917) 816 0530 or e-mail to alg@bestweb.net or the SGSK Steering Committee.
SGSK Halloween Party
The SGSK held a successful SGSK Halloween Costume Party fund raising last Friday October 31 at the St. John Nepomucene Church Hall at 411. E. 66th street and 1st Ave, NY 10065.
The parade of outrageous and fascinating costumes from Zorro, Angels mingled with the witches, pirates, the “Madre Mia”, to superman was the highlight of the celebration. Prizes were given to the best costume won by Fr. Joseph Marabe, JCD as Zorro, best ethnic costume in Chinese outfit won by Msgr. Oscar Aquino. The kids also won special prizes.
There were door prizes and raffle prizes for the lucky winners. There were lots of food. After the party everybody were asked to take home something. BCV provided the lively music. Thank you to Bobby Villanueva and his assistants Gody & Henry for the music.
Congratulations to the SGSK Adhoc-Finance committee led by Cora Rivera who organized this successful event.
SGSK Social Outreach
The SGSK Inc. Social Outreach Program donated $1,500 to accomplish the charitable component of helping our kababayans who need assistance. In a meeting at the Philippine Consulate on October 16, Dr. Lestrino Baquiran representing PEACE (Philippine Economic and Cultural Endowment Foundation) received the check donation from Fr. Joseph G. Marabe, JCD the Chairman of the Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, Inc. (SGSK) to support their artesian well program in the Philippines. A barrio in Masbate will be the beneficiary of the artesian well donated by SGSK, Inc.
SGSK Family Bible Quiz
The Family Bible Quiz is open to families in the Tri-State Area. There are 8 family contestants who signed up. The elimination round is to be held on November 29 at the Meeting room of the Cathedral of St. Patrick. The championship round is on December 5 to be conducted by the Bible Quiz Manila group.
Top prize is a free pilgrimage trip to Maine for a family of four. All the Bible Quiz family contestant will receive certificate of recognition as first time participants. The Bible Quiz will be an annual event to be hosted by SGSK.
For details please contact Lumen Castaneda (201) 659-1545; Linda Bolano (347) 2242996 and Fr. Joseph Marabe, JCD, (212) 753-2261 Ext. 251. Additional information/ details about Simbang Gabi sa Katedral are available at the website: www.simbanggabinyc. com.
October Birthday Celebrants
Happy Birthday to all the Octoberians. Every year the October birthday celebrants always have the privilege to celebrate their birthday during the Filipino Pastoral Ministry Laksambayan Night. This year was special because of the the 20th Anniversary celebration of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry of Pompei. Leading the celebration - Gody Olaso who turned the Big “70”, Henry Medrano, Nancy Hombrebueno, Marilyn Castillo, Justine Villanueva, Joy Gumban, Mimi Rodriguez, Emma Membrere, Angelina Gumban, Cassandra Laurencio, Ricardo Menendez, Beth Gemina, Remy Paglinawan. They received a special birthday blessing from Fr. Romy Montero after the Mass. Happy Birthday to the Filipino Pastoral Ministry and to all the birthday celebrants.
FILIPINO PASTORAL MINISTRY OF POMPEI
Schedule of Activities
Filipino Masses
Every Sunday 3:00 P.M. Misang Pilipino*
Every Wednesday 6:30 P.M. Novena Mass Our Lady of Perpetual Help
November
01 Wed 6:30 PM All Saints Day
02 Thu All Souls Day
07 Fri 6:30 PM 1st Friday Mass & Holy Hour
of 9 Fridays Novena Mass to Poon Hesus Nazareno
08 Sat 6:00 PM Clergy Meeting hosted by the FPM volunteers & staff
15 Sat 7:00 -9PM Seminar – The Eucharist – Fr. Mike Lagrimas
23 Sun 3:00 PM FPM Founder’s Day
26 Wed 6:30 PM Thanksgiving Vigil Mass & Party
27 Thu Thanksgiving Day
30 Sun 3:00 PM November Birthday Celebration
Feast of St. Andrew, The Apostle
Sponsor: Samahang San Andres Apostol of Norsagaray
Fellowship and Free Line / Ballroom dancing every Sunday after the Mass
December
05 Fri 6:30 PM 1st Friday Mass & Holy Hour
Novena/Mass Poon Hesus Nazareno
06 Sat 6:30 PM Simbang Gabi sa Katedral (SGsK) St. Patricks Cathedral
07 Sun 3:00 PM Christmas Triduum
08 Mon Feast of the Immaculate Conception
5th Anniversary of San Lorenzo Ruiz Center
21 Sun 3:00 PM FPM Christmas Party
24 Wed 12:00MN Midnight Mass
25 Thu Christmas Day- Holy Day of Obligation
28 Sun 3:00 PM December Birthday Celebrations
31 Wed 12:00MN FPM New Year’s Eve Party
* Fellowship and Free Line / Ballroom dancing every Sunday after the Mass .
October 2008
By: AA Medrano
FPM 20th Anniversary
The Filipino Pastoral Ministry of Our Lady of Pompei is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Twenty years serving the Filipino migrants under the auspices of the Scalabrinian Fathers. Preparations is under way for the Thanksgiving Mass and Reception on Sunday October 26. Every year we usually have Laksambayan Dinner Dance but this time we will do it differently. The Thanksgiving Mass will start at 3:00 P.M. and the Reception to follow at the Fr. Demo Hall. Please come and join us on this special celebration.
Photos by Henry
OCTOBER 5 : Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompei
This Sunday was the feast of Our Lady of Rosary of Pompei, the patroness of the Parish. Fr. Rinaldo Vecchiato, cs a Scalabrini Father and former Pastor of Our Lady of Pompei Church in Montreal Canada will be the main celebrant of the Mass. The Solemn Mass started at 12:00 P.M. with the participation of the different ethnic groups that make up the Parish to honor Our Blessed Mother. The Italian, Brazilian and Filipino community Masses were cancelled and instead all the groups celebrated as one community for the Madonna di Pompei. The Rosary and the Supplica both in English and Italian were recited before the Mass. A Marian procession through the streets surrounding the church followed after the Mass. The lively Marian songs played by the band keep up the pace of the procession. The Benediction and the blessing with the relic of Blessed Bartolo Longo concluded the procession.
San Lorenzo Ruiz Fiesta
On September 28, there were simultaneous feast day celebrations in different churches and dioceses in the tri-state area to honor San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila, the first Filipino saint. It is a testament that more Filipino-Americans now embrace the devotion to San Lorenzo Ruiz, our first Filipino saint. The movement initiated by the Blessed Lorenzo Ruiz Association of America, Inc. to make Lorenzo Ruiz known after he was beatified and later after his canonization to propagate the devotion to San Lorenzo Ruiz has been successful.
The San Lorenzo Ruiz Association of America, Inc. (SLRAA) celebrated its 27th annual celebration of the Feast day of San Lorenzo Ruiz at the Immaculate Conception church in Jamaica Queens. The Most Reverend Emilio Z. Marquez, DD, Bishop of Lucena City was the main celebrant with other priests concelebrating: Fr. Jed Sumampong, CP, Msgr. Oscar A. Aquino, JCD, Msgr. Romy Sosing, Fr. Gil Suaybaguio, Fr. Joey Francisco, Fr. Francis Ong, Fr. Ramon Saavedra, Fr. Eugene Solera, Fr. Lito Ebron, Fr. Mario Ramirez, and Fr. Mike Lagrimas, the master of ceremonies.
A celebration was also held at St. Patricks Cathedral in Manhattan, and the Cathedral Basilica of Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey where the Most Reverend Jose S. Palma, DD, SthD, Archbishop of Palo, Leyte was the main celebrant. All the fiesta celebrations were well attended.
Bangkok, Thailand
For the first time, the feast day celebration in honor of San Lorenzo Ruiz was held in Bangkok at the Parish of Mary Help of Christians on September 28. Fr. Tamayo, Pastor, was the main celebrant and two Filipino priests concelebrated Fr. Agot, SOLT working in Ratchaburi,) and Fr. Pablo, a diocesan priest taking Master's in AIT). The historic event was attended by over 200 Filipinos, Thais and the Philippine Ambassador to Thailand was also present.
The SLRAA- Foreign Mission initiated by Casto O. Changho paved the way for this historic event. In addition, a room named after San Lorenzo Ruiz will be reserved to become the meeting center for activities of the Filipino migrants in Bangkok.
Queens, New York
At the Immaculate Conception Church in Jamaica Queens, the celebration started with the procession led by the Knights of San Lorenzo Ruiz. Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Ealdama led the Rosary during the procession.
In a symbolic gesture to commiserate with the vandalized statue of San Lorenzo Ruiz leaving only the feet attached to the pedestal, the Knights of San Lorenzo Ruiz wore sandals – instead of their shoes for the feast day celebration.
The Most Rev. Emilio Z. Marquez, D.D., Bishop of Lucena, Quezon was the main celebrant of the Mass. He also officiated the installation of the 2008-2009 SLRAA Hermano and Hermana Mayor Mr. & Mrs. Albert and Ampy Medenilla before the start of the Mass. The outgoing SLRAA Hermano and Hermana Mayor Mr. & Mrs. Alex and Edna Dy assisted in the transfer of responsibility.
Other participants in the Mass: Charles & Philip Medenilla, lectors, the Knights of San Lorenzo led the prayers of the faithful, Offertory – the SLRAA Past Hermano & Hermana Mayores offered flowers, Drs. Jorge & Helen Amador offered fruits and Mr. & Mrs. Albert and Ampy Medenilla offered the wine and ciborium. The Prayer to Blessed John B. Scalabrini was led by Dr. & Mrs. Raul and Rose Calicdan. Sally Alonso, Cantor and Ed Burkard was the Music director.
A reception was hosted by the San Lorenzo Ruiz Devotional Group – Jamaica Estates Chapter after the Mass. Congratulations to all for the successful celebration.
Photos by Henry
The Feet of San Lorenzo Ruiz
In a related event, the Most Reverend Jose S. Palma, DD, SthD, the Archbishop of Palo Leyte celebrated the Mass at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Scalabrini (SLRS) Center in Jamaica on Tuesday September 30. The SLRS Center was full of people to welcome the Archbishop. After the Mass, everybody went outside to participate in the blessing and enshrinement of the Feet of San Lorenzo Ruiz officiated by Archbishop Palma.
Archbishop Palma said that San Lorenzo Ruiz was martyred twice when his body was stolen and only the feet was left, a the reminder of the sufferings endured by San Lorenzo. He also expressed his appreciation to the doctors, nurses and volunteers for the Medical Mission of PMAA and the “Rice for the Poor” Humanitarian project of SLRAA in Catbalogan Samar last year.
FPM Pompei Host to Archbishop Palma
We are grateful to all the friends, volunteers and staff of Filipino Pastoral Ministry and Fr. Mike Lagrimas who helped us welcome Archbishop Jose S. Palma, DD, SThD at Pompei especially Maria de Jesus who prepared their breakfast every morning. The Archbishop stayed at Our Lady of Pompei Rectory for three days (Sept 29, 30 Oct 1) after he celebrated the Mass for the feast day of San Lorenzo Ruiz on September 28 sponsored by the Filipino Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ(FAAN). He came with two retired priests Fr. Tony Andre and Fr. Nanding Yu from Leyte. They left on Thursday for Florida.
SGSK Update
Simbang Gabi sa Katedral, Inc (SGSK) steering committee is gearing up for the December 2008 Simbang Gabi sa Katedral with a series of fundraising events. Proceeds generated from these events will be used to fund the December 6 Mass/Concert at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in New York City.
The SGSK will hold a SGSK Halloween Costume Party fund raising on October 31 Friday 7:00 P.M. at the St. Nepomucene Church Hall at 411. E. 66th street and 1st Ave, NY 10065. The Adult admission is $30. Bring your Kids in costumes for trick or treating. Kids entrance are free! Food, Dancing, Games and Prizes for lucky Halloweeners! Mask or costume required for entry.
SGsk is also conducting a FAMILY BIBLE QUIZ which is open to families in the Tri-State Area. Top prize is a free pilgrimage trip for a family of four. For details please contact Lumen Castaneda (201) 659-1545; Linda Bolano (347) 2242996 and Fr. Joseph Marabe, JCD, (212) 753-2261 Ext. 251
Additional information/ details about Simbang Gabi sa Katedral are available at the website: www.simbanggabinyc. com.
BFT 9th Annual Walk Against Poverty
Foot Soldiers joined the 5K Walk against Poverty. The Building Futures Together (BFT) held its yearly fundraiser, the Ninthh Annual Walk for Poverty on Saturday September 20. The 5K (3.1 miles) walk took place at the beautiful Flushing Meadows, Corona Park Queens, New York. Foot Soldiers, participants met at the park under the Unisphere. The Consul General Cecile Rebong and Loudette Avelino, the founder of the BFT led the foot soldiers in the walkathon.
The primary beneficiaries of the funds raised by the Foot Soldiers in BFT’s the 9th annual Walk against Poverty are the communities in the Provinces of Samar, Philippines. The community based programs of help and hope address the multidimensional aspects of poverty: no sources of income, illiteracy and malnourishment and other health issues including drug addiction and aids. If you would like to help, please contact Ms. Loudette Avelino 718 426 9471 or visit their website www.buildingfuturestogether. org.
September Birthday Celebrations
On September 5, the Simbang Gabi sa Katedral Fund Raising – “Dancing with a Star” party was also the celebration of Fr. Joseph Marabe’s birthday. The SGSK Finance ADHOC Committee coordinated the event held at Our Lady of Pompei Fr. Demo Hall. Food, drinks, songs and dances all night long and raffle drawing.
Maxie Chavez & Fr. Joseph Marabe celebrated their birthday on September 2 and the party was held on Sunday, September 7. Nelia Villanueva, Fr. Mike Lagrimas, Glen Dizon held a joint birthday celebration on September 14. Fr. Mike serenaded the guests while they ate the sumptuous food prepared by the birthday host Nelia & Bobby. All the September birthday celebrants hosted a birthday party on September 21 including Kevin Villanueva. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL!
FILIPINO PASTORAL MINISTRY OF POMPEI
Schedule of Activities
Filipino Masses
Every Sunday 3:00 P.M. Misang Pilipino*
Every Wednesday 6:30 P.M. Novena Mass Our Lady of Perpetual Help
October
03 Fri 6:30 PM 1st Friday Mass & Holy Hour
05 Sun 11:30AM Feast of OUR LADY OF POMPEI
17, 18 Fri/Sat Pre 20th FPM Anniversary Overnight Picnic – Upstate NY
26 Sun 3:00 PM 20th Anniversary Day – FILIPINO PASTORAL MINISTRY (Thanksgiving Mass & Reception) Oct Birthday celebration
* Fellowship and Free Line / Ballroom dancing every Sunday after the Mass
November
01 Wed 6:30 PM All Saints Day
02 Thu All Souls Day
07 Fri 6:30 PM 1st Friday Mass & Holy Hour of 9 Fridays Novena Mass to Poon
Hesus Nazareno
23 Sun 3:00 PM FPM Founder’s Day
26 Wed 6:30 PM Thanksgiving Vigil Mass & Party
27 Thu Thanksgiving Day
30 Sun 3:00 PM November Birthday Celebration Feast of St. Andrew -Samahang San
Andres of Norsagaray
· Fellowship and Free Line / Ballroom dancing every Sunday after the Mass
December
05 Fri 6:30 PM 1st Friday Mass & Holy Hour Novena/Mass Poon Hesus Nazareno
06 Sat 6:30 PM Simbang Gabi sa Katedral (SGsK) St. Patricks Cathedral
07 Sun 3:00 PM Christmas Triduum
08 Mon Feast of the Immaculate Conception 5th Anniversary of San Lorenzo Ruiz Center
21 Sun 3:00 PM FPM Christmas Party
24 Wed 12:00MN Midnight Mass
25 Thu Christmas Day- Holy Day of Obligation
28 Sun 3:00 PM December Birthday Celebrations
31 Wed 12:00MN FPM New Year’s Eve Party
* Fellowship and Free Line / Ballroom dancing every Sunday after the Mass
FLORES DE MAYO
By AA MedranoThe May Flower Festival marks the culmination of the children’s flower offering to the Blessed Virgin Mary during the Sunday Masses in the month of May.
The Flores de Mayo is one of the oldest Filipino religious traditions. Variations exist and much of its structure and organization depends upon the imagination and financial capability of the hermanas or sponsor-organizers.
Like the Santakrusan devotion that it also celebrated in the month of May, the Flores de Mayo observance began as form of devotion that was catechetical in nature. Designed to form the minds and touch the hearts of young children, the Flores de Mayo devotion can be an enjoyable form of prayer and religious education for today’s young believer’s.
To keep these customs alive takes real effort and sacrifice for us, but the reward is a deeper awareness of Filipino culture and religious tradition. The Flores de Mayo tradition is a valuable part of the Filipino folk religiosity and culture. May the faithful observance of this May devotion help to shape the minds and hearts of today’s children.
SANTAKRUSAN
By AA MedranoThe Santakrusan is another much-awaited religious festival celebrated during the month of May in almost every barrio and town. In New York, the tradition continues at Our Lady of Pompei Church in Manhattan with its 18th annual FLORES DE MAYO & SANTAKRUSAN SA VILLAGE celebration.
This is a novena procession in which the last Sunday of May becomes a procession of pomp and pageantry.
A Reina Elena characterizing Queen Elena reigns with her consort, representing Emperor Constantine who is joined by the town’s beautiful girls (Sagala) and those coming from the neighboring boroughs, towns and cities.
This festivity commemorates the finding of the Holy Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified, by Queen Helena, the mother of Constantine, the Great Emperor of Rome. The Holy Cross was said to have been buried in the Calvary Hill in Jerusalem. Helen traveled many times to Palestine where she ordered churches built, one near the Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem, and another on the Mount of Ascension near the Holy City.
St. Helena, was venerated as saint from the time she died in 330. Her remains were believed to have been transferred to a vault in Hautvilliers Abbey near Rheims, France. Like Emperor Constantine, St. Helen was a Christian convert.
Photos by Henry
September 2008
By AA MedranoFeast of Our Lady of Nativity
On Sunday August 31, the Filipino Pastoral Ministry hosted the 20th anniversary celebration of the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patroness of Calbayog, Samar at Our Lady of Pompei Church in Manhattan. The Calbayognons and friends celebrated the milestone with excitement as they did twenty years ago.
Msgr. Romulo Montero, Director of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry was the main presider of the Eucharistic celebration. The concelebrants were from Samar - Fr. Carlos Davantes, Fr. William Yabao and Fr. Mike Lagrimas was the homilist. The Mass songs in Tagalog were led by Nancy Hombrebueno and Kim Uy sang the Waray songs.
This year they welcome more kababayans coming from different places to join the happy event. They were treated to a sumptuous food, a variety of folk songs and dances by the FAHSI members and the Rockland group, ballroom and line dancing and the karaoke night.
A waray celebration will not be complete without the traditional “Kuratcha” dance performed by the different prominent members of the group. The funds raised from the “Kuratcha” will be added to the Hermana Mayor’s fund raising project to support the construction of the Immaculate Concepcion Church in Barangay Cantaguic, San Jorge Samar Philippines.
Congratulations to the Hermana Mayor Miguela “Gilly” Mancol and family, Celso and Olga who were in the forefront of the successful 20th anniversary celebration.
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