An announcement was sent to us at the apologetics online discussion group I belong to regarding another TLM to be held in Makati next month, the 9th of August. The Makati TLM community had previously organised a Mass of the Extraordinary Form just recently, with Fr. Elijah Pantorilla as celebrant.

For the August 9 TLM:

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Wishing you and your loved ones all the best from the Mary Help of Christians Healing and Deliverance Ministry. May Mary, our Blessed Mother, bring you closer to her Son, Jesus, and may He give you peace, comfort, and healing.

Join us and experience the Tridentine Latin Mass which our Pope has encouraged all the faithful to assist.

August 9 (sat) @ 3:00pm – Missionaries of the Child Jesus Chapel
Estrella cor. Amapola Sts., Makati City
(beside Colegio de Sta. Rosa, in the area of Rockwell)

For those who would like to go for confession please arrive at the venue by 2:00 p.m.  Please invite your family and friends. God bless.

Yesterday was a day of jubilation for Opus Dei members and friends alike as it was the day that Bishop Echeverria had made his first stopover from Sydney Australia’s recently concluded World Youth Day celebration. The whole event was held at the SMX Convention Centre beside SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. The hallway doors were opened at 1:00 PM, and as expected, many flocked to the said venue all so to have a glimpse of the second Prelate of Opus Dei. The catechetical talk started at 4:30 PM (with the Father punctually arriving at 4:15 from his courtesy calls) and culminated around 5:30PM.

I thought I was so late when at last I stepped foot within MOA’s vicinity at perhaps 12:45, as I had duly anticipated large crowds to gather around in every corner. Of course being a truly less-than-punctual individual most of the time, I knew that my habitual tardiness would ruin my very own enjoyment of this once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. This certain epiphany of sorts sent chills down my spine and spurred me to walk even faster just so to be first in line, especially when I came to witness throngs of people excitedly trickling towards the chic auditorium’s facade (hey, I had to be first in line for reservation purposes!). As I stood waiting for some of my companions, I noticed that numerous “booths” were set-up at the entrance; and since I rarely do have keen eye for freebies, I never did understand where those St. Josemaria Escriva and Opus Dei flyers came from (silly me and my bespectacled eyes) until I got to view from a distance a table where ushers were handing out such materials. I got to look around once more–this time around my left–and beheld strings of books for sale in one area. Many of such were by Opus Dei’s Sinag-Tala; but a handful were also by American-based Ignatius Press, that publisher of highly-recommended theological and devotional masterpieces. While looking from the distance, a friend arrived and we exchanged pleasantries. Meanwhile, it was at this juncture that the attendees were now permitted to enter the hallways. We took our seats near the front (we had “white” tickets so we had to occupy those chairs draped in white) and reserved some for our other companions. However we resolved to return outside just so as we can take pictures of almost EVERYTHING so we did. And while I was back taking a look at the stacks of religious books for sale I was caught by surprise as I eventually was standing face-to-face with one of my most-coveted Ignatius favourites:

Can you blame me for being a little child-like? ;p

UA&P also had their own niche in the gathering and I spotted some of their students handing out information booklets about their University. And of course, I asked two of what they could give me My next stop was to get some more of Opus Dei info handbooks to give to some people I had in mind.

We forgot to drop by the second floor to eat, though. So much for missing free food Doesn’t matter as the food was not free after all

Radios were also being sold as it had been advised that everyone must possess FM transistors with them as translations in both English & Filipino of the Prelate’s talk would be available.

An emcee began making his routines onstage prior to the Prelate’s arrival and some video presentations of Bp. Echeverria’s past travels to various countries were shown. At around 4:00PM the Philippine Madrigal Singers crooned their prepared introductory pieces featuring local Filipino folksongs. And at last, after a long wait, the Bishop arrived and such a heartwarming welcome was accorded him. He stood in a very dignified but humble manner on stage and spoke in Spanish on his memories of St. Josemaria Escriva, the lack of love in the world, and what must every Christian do to be forerunners of the Lord’s Kingdom. He also shared anecdotes as well as very important teachings on the how imperative it is to assist at Mass as well as that of frequenting the Sacraments: with such as our shields against the temptations of this world. Moreover, he also stressed on developing the interior life with constant prayer that everyone may be a living witness of Christ in the world coupled with more prayers for those discerning vocations to the religious life. After such enlightening counsels, an open forum was held to serve those willing to pose certain queries to the current Opus Dei Father.

The entirety of the event ended with Bishop Echeverria bequeathing to all his blessing as reminiscent of his earlier exhortations of love through prayer. And as he left the stage, oh how I felt my heart surge with zeal that nevermore shall I deign falter in faith.

(N.B. It was forbidden to take snapshots of Bishop Echeverria during the talk proper so all I have with me are images of attendees prior and after the talk. I desired to have participants as my subject to depict on how much people are so enamoured at anything pertaining to God these days in the midst of a very materialstic environment.)

Entering the halls:

Books being sold at the venue:

A table mini-poster of St. Josemaria Escriva:

Upon our arrival at around 1:00PM :

Statue of Mary watching over us all :

About 2:00PM (note that people number a lot more now than in the previous hour)

Panel boards featuring Opus Dei vocational training schools

2:30 PM

The emcee introducing what to expect during the afternoon’s get together with Bp. Echeverria

After the event:

The past two weeks had been busy in the Somascan-run Aemilianum College, Sorsogon as they prepared for a first-ever local TV broadcast of the Extraordinary Form of the Latin Rite (EFLR). At last after some time of preparation, the airwaves was hence filled with the odour of Christ with this most distinguished Mass in commemoration of the Feast of St. Jerome Emiliani. The celebrant was Fr. Abe Arganiosa, CRS of the Somascan congregation with the local TLM communities assisting. Bro. Mark Bunag of our Sikatuna-based community Ecclesia Dei Society of St. Joseph and a seminarian of the Diocese of Kalookan served as cantor and organist.

More details (and pictures ) on this significant event can be found at Fr. Abe’s “Splendor of the Church” blog and Dr. Rosana’s “The Filipino Traditional Catholic”.

St. Anne was the spouse of St. Joachim and the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Tradition held that she was childless and had Mary in her old age. In iconography or sacred art she is usually depicted as teaching the little Mary to read from the Scriptures.

(N.B. The Novus Ordo calendar has both St. Anne and St. Joachim in one feast day.)

INTROIT

COLLECT.–O God, who didst vouchsafe to bestow upon blessed Anne such grace, that she was found worthy to become the mother of her who brought forth Thine only-begotten Son: mercifully grant, that we who celebrate her festival, may be helped by her intercession with Thee. Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ . . .

EPISTLE ¤ Wisdom: Proverbs 31. 10-31
Lesson from the Book of Wisdom.

[Description of all the necessary duties and virtues of the valiant woman.]

Who shall find a valiant woman? Far and from the uttermost coasts is the price of her. The heart of her husband trusteth in her, and he shall have no need of spoils. She will render him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. She hath sought wool and flax, and hath wrought by the counsel of her hands. She is like the merchant’s ship, she bringeth her bread for afar. And she hath risen in the night, and given a prey to her household, and victuals to her maidens. She hath considered a field, and bought it: with the fruit of her hands she hath planted a vineyard. She hath girded her loins with strength, and hath strengthened her arm. She hath tasted and seen that her traffic is good: her lamp shall not be put out in the night. She hath put out her hand to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindle. She hath opened her hand to the needy, and stretched out her hands to the poor. She shall not fear for her house in the cold of snow: for all her domestics are clothed with double garments. She hath made for herself clothing of tapestry: fine linen, and purple is her clothing. Her husband is honorable in the gates, when he sitteth among the senators of the land. She made fine linen and sold it, and delivered a girdle to the Chanaanite. Strength and beauty are her clothing, and she shall laugh in the latter day. She hath opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of the clemency is on her tongue. She hath looked well to the paths of her house, and hath not eaten her bread idle. Her children rose up,and called her blessed: her husband, and he praised her. Many daughters have gathered together riches: thou hast surpassed them all. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: the woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands: and let her works praise her in the gates.

GRADUAL ¤ Ps. 44, 8

GOSPEL ¤ Matthew 13. 44-52
† Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.

[The parables of the hidden treasure, of the pearl of great price and of the net cast into the sea.]

At that time, Jesus spoke to His disciples this parable: The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth the field. Again the Kingdom of Heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls. Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it. Again the Kingdom of Heaven is like to a net cast into the sea, and gathering together all kind of fishes. Which, when it was filled, they drew out, and sitting by the shore, they chose out the good into vessels, but they bad they cast forth. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall go out, and shall separate the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have ye understood all these things? They say to Him: Yes. He said unto them: Therefore every scribe instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven is like to a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new things and old.

OFFERTORY ¤ Ps. 44. 10

SECRET.–Graciously have regard to this sacrifice, we beseech Thee, O Lord: that through the intercession of blessed Anne, who was mother of her who brought forth Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, it may profit us both unto devotion and salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth . . .

PREFACE
The Common Preface

COMMUNION ¤ Ps. 44. 3

POSTCOMMUNION.–We who have been nourished by these heavenly Sacraments, beseech Thee, O Lord our God: that, through the intercession of blessed Anne, whom Thou didst will to be the mother of her who brought forth Thy Son, we may be found worthy to attain to eternal salvation. Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth . . .

St. James the Apostle

Red // Double of the 2nd Class

St. James, known as the Greater, in order to distinguish him from the other Apostle St. James, our Lord’s cousin, was St. John’s brother. With Peter and John, he was one of the witnesses of the Transfiguration, as later he was also of the agony of the garden. He was beheaded in Jerusalem in 42 or 43 on the orders of Herod Agrippa.

INTROIT ¤ Ps. 138. 17

COLLECT–Esto, Domine, plebi tuae sanctificator et custos: ut, Apostoli tui Jacobi munita praesidiis, et conversatione tibi placeat, et secura mente derviat. Per Dominum nostrum…

EPISTLE ¤ I Corinthians 4. 9-15
Lesson from the first Epistle of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians.

[St. Paul describes the treatment the Apostles everywhere endured for Christ's sake.]

Brethren, I think that God hath set forth us apostles the last, as it were men appointed to death: we are made a spectacle to the world, and to Angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ: we are weak, but you are strong: you are honorable, but we without honor. Even unto this hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no fixed abode, and we labor working with our own hands. We are reviled, and we bless: we are persecuted, and we suffer it: we are blasphemed, and we entreat: we are made as the refuse of this world, the offscouring of all even until now. I write not these things to confound you: but I admonish you as my dearest children. For if you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers. For in Christ Jesus by the gospel I have begotten you.

GRADUAL ¤ Ps. 44. 17, 18

GOSPEL ¤ Matthew 20. 20-23
† Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.

[The ambition of the two sons of Zebedee.]

At that time, the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, worshipping, and asking something of Him. Who said to her: What wilt thou? She saith to Him: Say that these my two sons may sit, the one on Thy right hand, and the other on Thy left, in Thy kingdom. And Jesus answering said: you know not what you ask. Can you drink the chalice that I shall drink? They say to Him: We can. He saith to them: My chalice inded you shall drink; but to sit on My right or left hand is not Mine to give to you, but to them for whom it is prepared by My Father.

OFFERTORY ¤ Ps. 18. 5

SECRET.–May the holy martyrdom of the blessed Apostle James, we beseech Thee, O Lord, make acceptable the offerings of Thy people: and, since they have no worth from any merits of ours, may they be well pleasing to Thee by his prayers. Through our Lord Jesus Christ . . .

PREFACE: Preface of the Apostles

COMMUNION ¤ Matthew 19. 28

POSTCOMMUNION–Help us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, through the intercession of Thy blessed Apostle James: on whose feast we have received Thy holy Mysteries with joy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son. . .

The Most Reverend Bishop Javier Echeverria of the Personal Prelature of Opus Dei will give a catechetical talk this coming July 29, 2008, Tuesday at 4:00 in the afternoon. The said gathering as sponsored & accommodated by the local Opus Dei communities will be held at the SMX Convention Centre situated near the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Tickets are free and up for reservation through contacting Opus Dei numeraries or cooperators.

Someone e-mailed me that my conversion story page proved to be a mere blank space as soon as it was accessed, except for a php code situated therein. In line with such, I would greatly appreciate if those who cannot successfully read this blog’s entries could e-mail me (or comment to this post) regarding technical problems.

My e-mail: shireyuchan (at) yahoo (dot) com

Thanks very much.

Feastday: July 22

3rd Class-White

Mary Magdalen, the sinner who, St. Luke tells us, was delivered from seven devils, ever remains for the Church the penitent who was transformed by repentance and love of Christ. She formed part of the group of holy women who followed Jesus until the end of His life and she was the first to whom He showed Himself after His resurrection. The liturgy identifies Mary Magdalen with Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus at whose prayer Jesus raised her brother from the dead, after four days in the tomb.

Introit: (Ps. 118[119]:95-96, 1)

Me expectaverunt peccatores ut perderent me: testimonia tua, Domine, intellexi: omnis consummationis vidi finem: latum mandatum tuum nimis. Ps. Beati immaculati in via: qui ambulant in lege Domini. V. Gloria Patri…

(The wicked have waited for me to destory me; I have understood Thy testimonies, O Lord: I have seen an end of all perfection: Thy commandment is exceedingly broad. Ps. Blessed are the undefiled in the way: who walk in the Law of the Lord. V. Glory be…)

Collect:

Beatae Mariae Magdalenae, quaesumus, Domine, sufragiis adjuvemur: cujus precibus exoratus, quatriduanum fratrem Lazarum vivum ab inferis resuscitasi: Qui vivis et regnis…

(May we be helped, Lord, by the prayers of blessed Mary Magdalen, for it was by them that You called back to life from the grave her brother Lazarus four days after his death. You who are God, living and reigning…)

EPISTLE

Song of Songs 3:2-5; 8:6-7

Gradual: (Ps 44[45]:8)

Dilexisti justitiam, et odisti iniquitatem. V. Proptera unxit te Deus tuus, oleo laetitiae.

(Thou has love justice and hated iniquity. V. Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness.)

Alleluia (Ps 44[45]:3)

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Diffusa est gratia in labiis tuis; propterea benedixit te Deus in aeternum. Alleluia.

(Alleluia, alleluia. V. Grace is poured abroad in thy lips: therefore hath God blessed thee for ever. Alleluia.)

GOSPEL:

Luke 7:36-50 (“Rogabat Jesum”)

Offertory: (Ps 44[45]:10)

Filiae regum in honore tuo: adstitit regina a dextris tuis in vestitu deaurato, circumdata varietate.

(The daughters of kings in thy glory: the queen stood on thy right hand in gilded clothing, surrounded with variety.)

Secret:

Munera nostra, quaesumus, Domine, beatae Mariae Magdalenae gloriosa merita tibi reddant accepta: cujus oblationis obsequium uinigenitus Filius tuis clementer suscepit impensum: Qui tecum vivit et regnat…

(May the glorious merits of blessed Mary Magdalen, we pray You, Lord, make these our offerings acceptable to You; for Your only-begotten Son was pleased graciously to accept the humble service she rendered. Who being God, lives and reigns…)

Communion: (Ps 118 [119]:121,122,128)

Feci judicium, et justitiam, Domine, non calumnientur mihi superbi: ad omnia mandata tua dirigebar, omnem viam iniquitatis odio habui.

(I have done judgment and justice, O Lord, let not the proud calumniate me; I was directed to all Thy commandments; I have hated all wicked ways.)

Postcommunion:

Sumpto, quaesumus, Domine, unico ac salutari remedio, Corpore et Sangine tuo pretioso: ab omnibus malis, sanctae Mariae Magdalenae patrociniis eruamur: Qui vivis et regnas…

Having received Lord, the one saving remedy, Your precious Body and Blood, may we, through the intercession of blessed Mary Magdalen, be delivered from all evil. You who are God, living and reigning…

(N.B. Propers are from the Missal of Bl. John XXIII, for the celebration of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite)

I found it rather imperative to post this piece by St. John Chrysostom, it being in direct consonance with last Sunday’s Gospel reading in the Missal of Bl. John XXIII. I got this said reflection through e-mail.

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TRUE HUMILITY

In whatever you do for a fellow-servant, remember that your Master
has done before. Listen and shudder. Never be pleased by your
humility. . .perhaps you laugh at that statement, as if humility
could puff you up. But don’t be surprised if it puffs you up when it
isn’t genuine. How and in what way could it do this? When it is
practiced to gain human favor and not God’s favor. When it is
practiced so that we could be praised and be considered great. For
this is of the devil.

Those who boast because they aren’t boastful please themselves by
their humility and high regard. Have you done any act out of
humility? Don’t be proud of it, otherwise all its merit is lost.

The Pharisee was like this. He was puffed up because he gave his
tithes to the poor, and, as a result, he lost the honor of the deed.
But not so with the tax collector. Nor with Paul who said, “I know
nothing by myself, yet am I not hereby justified.” But in every way
lowers and humbles himself, even when he had arrived at the summit.

When you think about admiring yourself because you are humble,
consider your Master. Remember what He descended into and you won’t
admire or praise yourself anymore.

by St. John Chrysostom

Readings for the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite today focus on virtue, and what our Lord teaches on the laudable characteristics of humility and the consequences of pride.

Tenth Sunday After Pentecost

Green, Semi-double

INTROIT ¤ Ps. 54. 17, 18, 20, 23

COLLECT.–O God, who dost manifest Thine almighty power most chiefly in sparing and showing mercy: multiply upon us Thy mercy: that as we hasten towards Thy promises, Thou mayest make us partakers of the heavenly treasures. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth . . .

EPISTLE ¤ I Cor. 12. 2-11 Lesson from the first Epistle of Blessed Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians. [Our acts are not only supernatural if they proceed from the Holy Ghost; without His aid we are powerless and given to sin; we are not even able to pronounce the Name of Jesus, affirming His divinity, save by His inspiration.] Brethren, You know that, when you were heathens, you went to dumb idols, according as you were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man, speaking by the Spirit of God, saith Anathema to Jesus; and no man can say: The Lord Jesus, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of graces, but the same Spirit; and there are diversities of ministries, but the same Lord; and there are diversities of operations, but the same God, who worketh all in all. And the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man unto profit. To one indeed, by the Spirit, is given the word of wisdom; and to another, the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; to another the grace of healing in the one Spirit; to another, the working of miracles; to another, prophecy; to another, the discerning of spirits; to another, divers kinds of tongues; to another, interpretation of speeches. But all these things one and the same Spirit worketh, dividing to every one according as He will.

GRADUAL ¤ Ps. 16. 8, 2

GOSPEL ¤ Luke 18. 9-14 † Continuation of the holy Gospel according to St. Luke. [Our Lord stigmatizes the pride of the Pharisee which makes him put his trust in himself and which always shows itself in his contempt for others.] At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves as just, and despised others. Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one was a pharisee, and the other a publican. The pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: O God, I give Thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers; as also is this publican. I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican standing afar off would not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven, but struck his breast saying: O God, be merciful to me a sinner.² I say to you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: because every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled: and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

OFFERTORY ¤ Ps. 24. 1, 3

SECRET.–Let the appointed Sacrifices be offered to Thee, O Lord: which Thou hast granted so to be offered to the honor of Thy Name, that they may themselves become healing remedies unto us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost . . .

PREFACE Preface of the Most Holy Trinity

COMMUNION ¤ Ps. 50. 51, 21

POSTCOMMUNION.–We beseech Thee, O Lord, our God, that in Thy goodness Thou wilt not deprive of Thine aid those whom Thou dost not cease to renew with Thy divine Sacraments. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity . . .

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This parable of the Pharisee and his not-so-similar counterpart the Publican raises one question on our being Christians: is our piety just for show or does it constitute a clear disposition of total resignation to God’s will? Humility is the recognition of one’s weaknesses, and the acknowledgement that God is “all in all”: that He, in His infinite power, has the sole jurisdiction on the life of man as well in his drawing near to all things just.