The Temple of Christ's Body is restored; He is risen, alleluia! Today is the Feast of Feasts!

On this, the holiest day of the entire year, and for the entire Octave of Easter, Latin Catholics greet each other with the words of Luke 24:34, "Surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia!" ("The Lord is risen indeed!"). The person so greeted responds, "Et apparuit Simoni, alleluia!" ("And hath appeared unto Simon!"). Catholics may even answer their telephones with this greeting. An old Ukrainian legend relates that, after His Resurrection, Christ threw Satan into a deep pit, chaining him with twelve iron chains. When Satan has chewed through each of the twelve chains, the end of the world will come. All year long, the Evil One gnaws at the iron, getting to the last link in the last chain -- but too late, for it is Easter, and when the people cry "Christ is risen!" all of Satan's efforts are reversed. When the faithful stop saying the Easter acclamation, the end of time has come...

Throughout the entire Easter Season, the Angelus prayer that is offered, when possible, at the ringing of the Angelus bells, is replaced by the joyous Regina Coeli, which begins, "Queen of Heaven rejoice, alleluia: For He whom you merited to bear, alleluia, Has risen as He said, alleluia."

On this most beautiful of Feasts, the Easter table should be adorned with the best of everything -- the most beautiful china, a pure, white tablecloth, the best possible wine, flowers (especially pussy willow, lilies, and spring bulb flowers), etc., all with the colors white and gold -- symbolizing purity and glory -- and the traditional symbols of Easter predominating. And we should look our best, too; it is common for those who can afford it to buy a new outfit to wear on this day. This custom springs from the idea of "newness" inherent in the entire Season -- the new members of the Church baptized at the Vigil in their new Baptismal albs, the New Law, a new life in Christ.

The Paschal Candle representing the Light of Christ (Lumen Christi) is the centerpiece of the table today and, like the Paschal Candle at church, is relit each day (such as at dinner and during family prayer) until the Feast of the Ascension in 40 days when the Light of the World leaves us to ascend to His Father. The candle should be large and white, and should be surrounded with flowers and the symbols of Easter. It can be carved with the Cross and the numbers for the current year as the church's Paschal Candle was yesterday -- first the Cross, then the Greek letters, then the numbers of the current year as in the diagram below. The cuts can be painted to make them stand out (try gold or deep red paint), and 5 grains of incense can be inserted at the ends and center of the Cross to symbolize the 5 Wounds(some people use cloves in place of incense at home, but if you have 5 grains of incense blessed on the Feast of the Epiphany, all the better) . The words to pray when making the cuts: 

   

While cutting the vertical branch of the Cross:
Christus heri et hódie	Christ yesterday and today.
While cutting the horizontal branch of the Cross:
Princípium et Finis,	the Beginning and the End,
While cutting the Greek letters:
Alpha et Omega.	Alpha and Omega.
While cutting the millenial figure of the year at the upper left quadrant:
Ipsíus sunt témpora	His are the times
While cutting the second figure of the year in the upper right quadrant:
et sæcula.	and ages.
When cutting the decade figure of the year in the lower left quadrant:
Ipsi glória et impérium	To Him be glory and dominion
When cutting the last figure of the year in the lower right quadrant:
per univérsa æternitátis sæcula. Amen.	through all ages of eternity. Amen
When inserting incense for the First Wound:
Per sua sancta vúlnera	By His holy
When inserting incense for the Second Wound:
gloriósa	and glorious wounds
When inserting incense for the Third Wound:
custódiat	may He guard
When inserting incense for the Fourth Wound:
et consérvet nos	and preserve us,
When inserting incense for the Fifth Wound:
Christus Dóminus. Amen.	Christ the Lord. Amen.
As the candle is lit:
Lumen Christi glorióse resurgéntis díssipet ténebras cordis et mentis.	May the light of Christ in glory rising again dispel the darkness of heart and mind.

It was once believed that the flesh of the peacock never corrupts, so peacocks became the classic symbol of immortality. They are an ancient Christian symbol of the Resurrection, and representations of them are found on the tombs of ancient Christians as an expression of their hope to follow Christ in His defeat of death.

Bells are another lovely symbol for the day as they are said to have gone to Rome on Maundy Thursday only to have started returning home at last evening's Easter Vigil to ring joyfully (in France and Belgium, it is these bells, not the Easter bunny, that bring the Easter eggs -- see below).

In the United States, the most common symbol of that glorious resurrection for the entire Easter Season is the lily (lilium longiflorum). Jesus loved lilies!: 

Luke 12:27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they labour not, neither do they spin. But I say to you, not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these.

The lily represents purity, chastity, innocence, and St. Gabriel's trumpet, and is a symbol of Our Lady and used to depict the purity of the Saints, especially SS. Joseph, Francis, Clare, Anthony of Padua, and Catherine of Siena. In America, it has become, too, a symbol of the Resurrection. Legend says that lilies originated with Eve's tears when the first couple was banished from the Garden of Eden. Other legend says that they sprang up from the ground when drops of blood fell to the foot of the Cross. It is interesting that these two legends exist, because Christ, the New Adam, wipes away the tears of the children of Eve who became the children of Mary when Christ gave her to us, through John, from the Cross. Mary herself is symbolized also by another lily, lilium candidum, or the Madonna Lily (or "Annunciation Lily").

Butterflies, too, are an apt symbol of the day's meaning. Beginning life as lowly humble caterpillars, they "entomb" themselves in cocoons only to emerge with jewel-colored wings and the ability to soar. What better symbol of the Resurrection -- except maybe for eggs, which had always been symbols of Spring and were items of wonderment to all -- an inanimate object out of which comes life. For Christians, they became the perfect symbol of the tomb Christ conquered, and Jews used (and used) them on their Passover, too, as the Haggadot specifically calls for it as a symbol of rebirth (this is a rabbinical command, not a Scriptural one).

Another level of symbolism is that the egg represents birth, the Creation, the elements, and the world itself, with the shell representing the firmament, the vault of the sky where the fiery stars lie; the thin membrane symbolizing air; the white symbolizing the waters; and the yolk representing earth. Painted red, eggs are a demonstration that the salvation and re-birth of the world comes through Christ's Blood and Resurrection. Old legend has it that St. Mary Magdalen went to Rome and met with the Emperor Tiberius to tell him about the Resurrection of Jesus. She held out an egg to him as a symbol of this, and he scoffed, saying that a man could no more rise from the dead than that egg that she held could turn scarlet. The egg turned deep red in her hands, and this is the origin of Easter eggs, and the reason why Mary Magdalen is often portrayed holding a scarlet egg.

Because of this legend and all of the egg's symbolism, and because eggs are special because they were once forbidden during Lent, Christians make great use of them on this day, eating them, decorating them, and decorating with them. Red is the classic color to use when dying eggs to be eaten, but other colors are more often used these days (pastels being the most common in the United States). Eggs used only for decorative purposes may have their contents blown out and their shells turned into highly ornamental works of art ("Longshanks" -- King Edward I of England, 1239-1307 -- paid to have 450 eggs decorated with gold leaf to give out to the members of his household). Or the "eggs" may be wooden or ceramic and used to adorn the Easter table. The exquisite pysanky of Eastern Europe, made by subsequent applications of wax and dipping in dyes, are one of Easter's treasures, and the forty-nine ceramic, bejewelled eggs created -- only one or two each year at Eastertime -- for the Russian royal family by master jeweller, Peter Carl Fabergé (1846-1920), are museum pieces. 

Easter eggs that are to be eaten may be blessed by the priest (sometimes on Holy Saturday with the rest of the Easter foods brought to church in a basket, or sometimes after the liturgy today) with the following blessing from the Roman Ritual:

P: Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini		P. Our help is in the Name of the Lord
R: Qui fecit caelum et terra.		R. Who made Heaven and earth
P: Dominus vobiscum.		P. The Lord be with you.
R: Et cum spiritu tuo.		R. And with thy spirit.
Subveniat, quaesumus Domine, tuae benedictionis + gratia, huic Ovorum creaturae: ut cibus salubris fiat fidelibus tuis, in tuarum gratiarum actione sumentibus, ob resurrectionem Domini nostri Jesu Christi, qui tecum vivit et regnat in saecula saeculorum. Amen.		May the grace of Thy blessing, we beseech Thee, O Lord, + come upon these eggs, that they may become a wholesome food for Thy faithful, who gratefully receive them in honor of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth unto endless ages. Amen.

There is yet another tradition involving Easter eggs: at the dinner table, each family member has his own egg. The first person turns to the person next to him and they strike their eggs against each other. When hitting the eggs together, the eggs can only touch rounded end to rounded end; they can't make contact from the side. The person whose egg cracks, which symbolizes the breaking open of Christ's tomb, yells the Easter greeting mentioned above, "Surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia!" ("The Lord is risen indeed!"). The person with the intact egg responds, "Et apparuit Simoni, alleluia!" ("And hath appeared unto Simon!") and then goes to the next person and repeats the egg smashing. And so it goes around the table, with the survivor of each round turning to the next person in line and trying to crack his next opponent's egg. If your egg cracks, you're out. The person who remains at the end with the intact egg will be blessed for the year. 

Holy Saturday

From an ancient homily for Holy Saturday

Something strange is happening -- there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. God has died in the flesh and hell trembles with fear.

He has gone to search for our first parent, as for a lost sheep. Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has gone to free from sorrow the captives Adam and Eve. The Lord approached them bearing the Cross, the weapon that had won him the victory. At the sight of him Adam, the first man he had created, struck his breast in terror and cried out to everyone: 'My Lord be with you all.' Christ answered him: 'And with your spirit.' He took him by the hand and raised him up, saying: 'Awake, o sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.'

I am your God, who for your sake have become your son. Out of love for you and your descendants I now by my own authority command all who are held in bondage to come forth, all who are in darkness to be enlightened, all who are sleeping to arise. I order you, O sleeper, to awake. I did not create you to be held a prisoner in Hell. Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead. Rise up, work of my hands, you who were created in my image. Rise, let us leave this place, for you are in Me and I in you; together we form one person and cannot be separated.

For your sake I, your God, became your son; I, the Lord, took the form of a slave; I, Whose home is above the heavens, descended to the earth and beneath the earth. For your sake, for the sake of man, I became like a man without help, free among the dead. For the sake of you, who left a garden, I was betrayed to the Jews in a garden, and I was crucified in a garden.

See on My Face the spittle I received in order to restore to you the life I once breathed into you. See there the marks of the blows I received in order to refashion your warped nature in my image. On My back see the marks of the scourging I endured to remove the burden of sin that weighs upon your back. See My hands, nailed firmly to a tree, for you who once wickedly stretched out your hand to a tree.

I slept on the cross and a sword pierced My side for you who slept in paradise and brought forth Eve from your side. My side has healed the pain in yours. My sleep will rouse you from your sleep in Hell. The sword that pierced Me has sheathed the sword that was turned against you.

Rise. Let us leave this place. The enemy led you out of the earthly paradise. I will not restore you to that paradise, but will enthrone you in heaven. I forbade you the tree that was only a symbol of life, but see, I who am life itself am now one with you. I appointed cherubim to guard you as slaves are guarded, but now I make them worship you as God. The throne formed by cherubim awaits you, its bearers swift and eager. The bridal chamber is adorned, the banquet is ready, the eternal dwelling places are prepared, the treasure houses of all good things lie open. The kingdom of heaven has been prepared for you from all eternity. 
  

Blessed Mother Teresa and Her Words

A clean heart is a free heart. A free heart can love Christ with an undivided love in chastity, convinced that nothing and nobody will separate it from his love. Purity, chastity, and virginity created a special beauty in Mary that attracted God’s attention. He showed his great love for the world by giving Jesus to her.

There is a terrible hunger for love. We all experience that in our lives - the pain, the loneliness. We must have the courage to recognize it. The poor you may have right in your own family. 

Find them.

Love them. 

Before you speak, it is necessary for you to listen, for God speaks in the silence of the heart.

 Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your own weakness.

Speak tenderly to them. Let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the warmth of your greeting. Always have a cheerful smile. Don't only give your care, but give your heart as well.

The more you have, the more you are occupied, the less you give. But the less you have the more free you are. Poverty for us is a freedom. It is not mortification, a penance. 

It is joyful freedom. There is no television here, no this, no that. But we are perfectly happy. 

 

I pray that you will understand the words of Jesus, “Love one another as I have loved you.” Ask yourself “How has he loved me? Do I really love others in the same way?” Unless this love is among us, we can kill ourselves with work and it will only be work, not love. Work without love is slavery.

 Little things are indeed little, but to be faithful in little things is a great thing.

A sacrifice to be real must cost, must hurt, must empty ourselves. The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, the fruit of service is peace.

Lent Is Around The Corner! by Fr. Ritche Bueza

Ash Wednesday is derived from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance. The ashes used are gathered after the Palm Crosses from the previous year's Palm Sunday are burnt. In the liturgical practice of some churches, the ashes are mixed with the Oil of the Catechumens (one of the sacred oils used to anoint those about to be baptized), though some churches use ordinary oil. This paste is used by the minister who presides at the service to make the sign of the cross, first upon his or her own forehead, and then on those of assembly. The minister recites the words: "Remember ( O man) that you are dust, and to dust you shall return", or " Repent, and believe the Gospel."

The gospel of Ash Wednesday sets the tone of the Lenten Season. In the gospel, we hear Jesus talk about the so-called "three legs" of Lent" namely, Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. The faithful is encouraged to intensify their prayer life. We, the Church, are called to enter into our own forty-day retreat to encounter our God. During these days of prayer, we are invited to look at our own lives to re-evaluate our relationship with God and with one another. As part of prayer, the faithful is encouraged to pray such Lenten devotions as stations of the cross, taize (prayer around the cross), and the daily reflection of the Sacred Scripture. Since it is period of preparation for Easter, the faithful is also called to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Fasting is an important aspect of Lent. Traditionally, all of us are invited to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (that is  to eat only ONE full meal). We are also asked to abstain from meat on all Fridays of Lent. However, fasting does not only pertain to food. We might want to fast from the things that inhibit us from growing in our relationship with God and with one another. Fasting would draw us closer to God.

Almsgiving is often associated with monetary donations, but that is only one of its facets. Remember, almsgiving is an act of charity. Almsgiving can be done in different ways. How? Maybe by helping in our Community Ministry by feeding the hungry, the poor, and the homeless? Maybe by being nice to one another? Maybe by being polite while we are driving? Maybe by reconciling with someone with whom we haven't talked to for a long time? Maybe by visiting the sick members of our family and this faith community? Indeed, there are countless ways we can practice almsgiving during the holy season of Lent.

As we enter Lent on Wednesday, I invite each one of us to look at our own lives. What part of our lives needs change? How about our prayer life? Are we spending ample time in communication with God? Let us remember, Lent is given to us as a time of preparation and reflection. This is a time for us to grow and mature in our faith. This is not a time of somber preparation, but a blissful season to encounter our God.

Finally, I also invite each one of us to include our catechumens and candidates, those who are about to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation, in our prayers. Let us continue to journey with them as they enter their final stage of preparation to the Easter Waters of Baptism.

February 11 Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

On December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in the apostolic constitution Ineffabilis Deus. A little more than three years later, on February 11, 1858, a young lady appeared to Bernadette Soubirous. This began a series of visions. During the apparition on March 25, the lady identified herself with the words: “I am the Immaculate Conception.”Bernadette was a sickly child of poor parents. Their practice of the Catholic faith was scarcely more than lukewarm. Bernadette could pray the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Creed. She also knew the prayer of the Miraculous Medal: “O Mary conceived without sin.” During interrogations Bernadette gave an account of what she saw. It was “something white in the shape of a girl.” She used the word aquero, a dialect term meaning “this thing.” It was “a pretty young girl with a rosary over her arm.” Her white robe was encircled by a blue girdle. She wore a white veil. There was a yellow rose on each foot. A rosary was in her hand. Bernadette was also impressed by the fact that the lady did not use the informal form of address (tu), but the polite form (vous). The humble virgin appeared to a humble girl and treated her with dignity. Through that humble girl, Mary revitalized and continues to revitalize the faith of millions of people. People began to flock to Lourdes from other parts of France and from all over the world. In 1862 Church authorities confirmed the authenticity of the apparitions and authorized the cult of Our Lady of Lourdes for the diocese. The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes became worldwide in 1907.  Comment: Lourdes has become a place of pilgrimage and healing, but even more of faith. Church authorities have recognized over 60 miraculous cures, although there have probably been many more. To people of faith this is not surprising. It is a continuation of Jesus’ healing miracles—now performed at the intercession of his mother. Some would say that the greater miracles are hidden. Many who visit Lourdes return home with renewed faith and a readiness to serve God in their needy brothers and sisters. There still may be people who doubt the apparitions of Lourdes. Perhaps the best that can be said to them are the words that introduce the film Song of Bernadette: “For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not believe, no explanation is possible.” Quote: “Lo! Mary is exempt from stain of sin, Proclaims the Pontiff high; And earth applauding celebrates with joy Her triumph, far and high. Unto a lowly timid maid she shows Her form in beauty fair, And the Immaculate Conception truth Her sacred lips declare.” (Unattributed hymn from the Roman Breviary) PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES O Immaculate Virgin Mary,Mother of Mercy,you are the refuge of sinners,the health of the sick,and the comfort of the afflicted.You know my wants,my troubles, my sufferings.By your appearance at the Grotto of Lourdesyou made it a privileged sanctuarywhere your favors are given to peoplestreaming to it from the whole world.Over the years countless sufferershave obtained the cure for their infirmities -whether of soul, mind, or body.Therefore I come to youwith limitless confidenceto implore your motherly intercession.Obtain, O loving Mother,  the grant of my requests.Through gratitude for Your favors,I will endeavor to imitate Your virtues,that I may one day share in Your glory. Amen.

Why did God create us?

 Why did God create us?

Answer: To know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this life in order to be happy with Him forever in eternity.

Our primary obligation in life is to save our immortal souls by knowing, loving, and serving God. (Catechism)  All else must take second place.

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  Every Catholic has an obligation to grow daily in his knowledge of God in order to more perfectly love and serve Him.  It is impossible to serve God properly without knowing His holy Will.  And we are obligated to serve God, for only thus do we prove our love for Him.
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  A Catholic must use every means available to him to grow in that knowledge, love, and service of God: Holy Mass, the Sacraments, prayer, spiritual reading, penance, etc.
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  An ideal means of fulfilling this obligation of every Catholic is:

 PRAY -- STUDY -- PLAN -- ACT 

under the patronage of Our Holy Mother, Mary Immaculate

Devotion to Mother Mary: Modesty in Dress

As I devote my life to Jesus through Mary, I pledge to appropriate in all manners. Starting with the proper attire. In obedience, I commit myself to wear white, respectable and feminine dress or clothes. As a woman, I am entitled to wear clothes that dignify respect, decency and holiness. Meaning I will wear dresses, skirts and blouses in a conservative way. It has been two weeks that I have been in all white and so far I am loving it. Today I cleaned out my closet of all my colored clothes, pants, shorts and all inappropriate clothing for my devotion. Most of it I will donate to the church nearby and some I will give to friends. This is a big step for me. I love fashion and I love my clothes. I have always received compliments from my outfits. I would proudly say I have very good taste in clothing. But now I am saying "goodbye" to my brand name outfits, to my old self. Now I am welcoming and embracing my new life. A holier life, a life that is getting my closer to God. I believe God called me and I am answering His call. Starting with the obedience to His greatest commandment: " You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind." And so be it....Let God's will be done.


Here is my mom who has been a servant of God all her life. She has been a living example ever since she knew of God. She is my model.  And because she is a living example of a true follower of God, I have become what I am right now. Her faith have saved my soul in so many ways. I am grateful to her and I love her so much. 

I share this so you can join me in my devotion. I encourage you to visit this website to know more about Mary like standards and modesty in dressing. Being an example to others can save a lot of souls. 
http://www.salvemariaregina.info/Modesty.html

Sisterhood of the Traveling Rosary

Growing up my parents especially my mom, brought us up very close to God. We go to church on Sundays in our Sunday dresses. On Wednesdays, we go to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Shrine and pray the Novena and at home everyday we pray the rosary as a family, kneeling before the altar. Now we are all grown up living on our own with our families far away from each other. I miss those days when we almost do anything together as a family. Here in the US I have two sisters with me but still we are far from each other. To keep the family unity in faith. My sisters and I agreed to start the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Rosary." To bring back tradition of the family in prayer. There are standards to follow.  I would like to share them to all of you. Hoping you will also pray the rosary with your family. 

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Rosary

The purpose of this rosary is to spread the gospel of the Lord through the prayer and meditation of the rosary in fulfillment of the mission of Mother Mary and Mahal na Ingkong also known as the Holy Spirit and to strengthen our family’s faith and unity. As  you join this sisterhood, you pledge to perform at your best the following conditions:

The rosary packet contains the picture of Our Lady of All Nations, prayer and a white rosary. The visitation will be for seven days. In seven days you need to.....

1. As soon as you receive it, place the picture of Our Lady of All Nation at your altar. 
2. As you pray the rosary for seven days, use the white traveling rosary with it, recite the Our Lady of Nations prayer every after mystery and the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary after the mysteries.
3. Wear a dress and a veil during the prayer, at best a white one.
4. Light 3 white candles during the prayer. 
5. If possible let the whole family join in prayer.
6. Practice the virtues, confess your sins, do penance, attend the Holy Mass and receive the Holy Communion. 
7. At the end of the seven day visitation, please send the Rosary packet to the next sister. 

• You can share inspiring stories and experiences of the visitation, comments, suggestions and petitions. Enclose it with the packet. 

SIMBANG GABI....An offshoot of Filipino Spirituality and Western Christianity

One cannot fully grasp the meaning of Simbang Gabi without taking into account richness of the Filipino culture. The Simbang Gabi, which is an ancient Filipino tradition, may not make a lot of sense to some. However, for those who are open to multi-cultural challenges, understanding the spirit of Simbang Gabi would be a good start to generate genuine cultural dialogue in the community. 

The belief system of the ancient Filipino culture always upheld the "Otherness" of God as a Spirit, while maintaining the idea that the immortal souls of their ancestors were mediators between human and the divine. It is interesting to note that when the Spanish missionaries introduced Jesus as the God Incarnate -it was warmly received because it did not undermine the basic theological structure of the native belief system, but rather brought it to completion. The truth of the Son of God becomes the definitive manifestation of Bathalang-Maykapal (God the Creator).

For Filipinos, the incarnation of God is the highlight of each liturgical calendar. The act of God to become human is the most crucial event in human history. As such, for Filipinos, Advent must be celebrated not in abstinent disposition but in a festive atmosphere that contrasts the western way of observing it, which is often characterized by sobriety or contemplation. 

Officially, for Filipinos, Christmas begins on the 16th of December - the first day of the Simbang Gabi novena masses that lasts until the 24th of December. Fr. Anscar J. Chupungco, a renowned Filipino liturgist, almost perfectly described this rich tradition when he said that, "For nine consecutive dawns the faithful throughout the country flock to the churches in a festive mood. The Mass itself is anything but sober, contrary to what liturgists normally expect during Advent. The Gloria is sung daily, white vestments are used, flowers decorate the sanctuary, and musical instruments are played. Church bells are rung festively before Mass begins and in some  places a music band goes around town. "

Simbang Gabi is an Aguinaldo Mass that literally means "Gift Mass." The Bathalang Maykapal - the Supreme Being who is the origin of all things, both visible and invisible, deserves human gratitude, the gifts and sacrifices. Such primordial religious consciousness motivates Filipinos to wake up early in the morning for nine consecutive days to attend the Simbang Gabi in honor of the Mother of Jesus. Besides, the Philippines is a very matriarchal society that is culturally inclined to put Mary on the pedestal. 

Furthermore, Simbang Gabi is also known as Misa de Gallo, loosely translated as Roosters' Mass. In pre-industrial age, the crow of roosters served as the natural clock for Filipino farmers who had to till the land before the sun heats up the earth. The first rooster's crow at the crack of dawn, when darkness still cover the earth, alarms the farmers to prepare and rush to a nearby church for the communal celebration of Simbang Gabi.

It is remarkable how the native Filipinos preferred to hold the Simbang Gabi at a time when daylight breaks the darkness of night. Certainly, a creative visual artist could easily configure the aesthetic relevance of such time of day. But theologically, the breaking of dawn reinforces the strong Filipino notion that Jesus is the true light who comes to illumine the world in darkness. In fact, even at night when darkness is thick-- the light of Jesus prevails. Such a strong luminary attribution to Jesus is accentuated by a lighted parol -- a star shaped lantern that is often hanged in a window. For Filipinos, Christmas is incomplete without the lighted parol that stands for Jesus as the Guiding Star. 

Finally, the Simbang Gabi is as unique Filipino expression of faith that took centuries to evolve. It is as offshoot of Filipino spirituality and western Christianity. 

Smiling

The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling. And even more beautiful is, knowing that you are the reason behind it!!! 

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

The biggest entertainment of the week, the latest craze today on XBOX 360, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. . My husband and my son are going crazy about this right now. I'm not much of an XBOX gamer but most popular topic at home is the game. One day I will have to give it a try. I've always been pretty good with games. It must be really fun.  No matter how bad our economy is right now, the sales of this game is just phenomenal, 4.7 Million copies sold on its release. Thanks to gamers, sure helps the economy. And soon we will be hosting an XBOX Call of Duty party at home.

Turn positive facts into positive experiences

Good things keep happening all around us, but much of the time we don't notice them; even when we do, we do, we hardly feel them. Someone is nice to you, you see an admirable quality in yourself, a flower is blooming, you finish a difficult project—and it all just rolls by. Instead, actively look for good news, particularly the little stuff of daily life: the faces of children, the smell of an orange, a memory from a happy vacation, a minor success at work, and so on. Whatever positive facts you find, bring a mindful awareness to them—open up to them and let them affect you. It's like sitting down to a banquet: don't just look at it—dig in!

Proud of ZsaZsa

This blog is dedicated to my niece ZsaZsa. I am very proud of her to  qualify to compete in the 2009 National Short Course Swimming Championships to be held on Nov 27-29 in Laguna.  She will be competing in the 50 and 100 meter breaststroke.  Qualifying for this event means that she is one of the Top 24 swimmers nationwide in her age bracket in the said events.  Imagine she just started swimming 7 months ago.  From here they will get the swimmers for the national training pool preparing for the Youth Olympic Games and the FINA World Youth Swimming Championships. Also in November she will be competing in the Palarong Maynila...She qualified because she is studying in Malate Catholic School in Manila City.  If she wins she can be one of the representative of Manila City in the city events then regional then palarong pambansa...  Please support and pray for zsazsa for the said events............Anybody interested to be a sponsor is very much welcome.

Way to go ZsaZsa. We are so proud of you. We love you!

21 Reasons To Nutritionally Cleanse and Replenish

1. STRENGTHEN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM. Cleansing impurities and flooding the body with high grade essential nutrients supports the immune system. Some studies indicate that a healthy dose of high-grade, absorbable protein may strengthen your immune system by as much as 500%.

2. LOVE YOUR LIVER. A clean, healthy liver supports metabolism and burns fat. A healthy liver promotes normal thyroid function and when the thyroid is healthy, your metabolism and energy levels escalate.

3. SUPPORT HEALTHY BRAIN CHEMISTRY. When your body can effectively absorb and digest fats and protein, it converts these nutrients into healthy brain chemicals. When your brain chemistry is aligned, you will make healthier food selections.

4. RESTORE ANTIOXIDANTS. Toxic compounds created "free radicals" that have the potential to damage cellular DNS. Antioxidants are substances that block free radical formation and destroy already formed free radicals.

5. FREE YOURSELF FROM STRESS. In herbal medicine, adaptogens are  used to help the body "adapt" to imbalances that stress the body externally or internally. Replenishing the body's needed adaptogens assists in the body's own self-regulatory systems, thus reducing stress and it's negative health affects.

6. MAXIMIZE ABSORPTION OF ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS. Maximizing absorption of nutrients helps to fuel the internal body to support all major organ systems including the circulatory, musculoskeletal and neurological systems.

7. AID DIGESTION. Herbs such as suma, peppermint, fennel seed and licorice have been used in many cultures to support and aid in digestion. Peppermint is a nontoxic digestive remedy that can provide relief from gas, bloating, nausea and gastric upset. Peppermint has a calming effect on the smooth muscle of the intestinal tract and is felt to promote the flow of bile from the gallbladder into the small bowel, thus aiding in the digestion of fats.

8. REJUVENATE YOUR CELLS WITH IONIC MINERALS. Minerals are the key to enzyme in our digestive tract. When minerals are present, our intestines allow for ultimate absorption of vitamins and essential nutrients. Modern lifestyles has taken its toll on our digestive/ elimination organs. Ionic (charged) minerals are the most easily absorbed by our body.

9. SUPPORT YOUR VITAL ORGANS. If your body is overwhelmed with impurities, gentle cleansing herbs and essential nutrients can allow it to eliminate impurities through the liver ( the major detoxifying organ of the body), colon, urinary tract, sweat glands, skin pores and the lymphatic system much more effectively.

10. LOSE WEIGHT AND FEEL GREAT. Studies have shown that fat cells can provide the perfect environment for holding onto impurities. This is our body's natural mechanism for protecting itself from dangerous, possibly deadly impurities. Cleansing aids in the body's ability to flush fat and increase metabolism.

11. ELIMINATE UNHEALTHY CRAVINGS. The healthy body will crave healthy things. The unhealthy body will crave unhealthy things. Cleansing and replenishing helps the internal body create an environment that craves good, nutritious food.

12. ENHANCE CELLULAR COMMUNICATION. Our cells want two things: good nutrients and a clean environment in which to communicate. Cleansing helps provide our cells with both.

13. BUILD MUSCLE. Cleansing and then replenishing with pharmaceutical-grade natural organic whey protein provides the body with essential amino acids that are the building blocks for the development of lean, dense muscle.

14. RESTORE NORMAL SUGAR LEVELS. Abnormal sugar levels have been linked to serious health challenges and are often the result of weight gain. Effective weight loss and fueling of the body can aid in the body's ability to restore normal sugar levels.

15. BEAUTIFY THE SKIN. Our skin is the largest organ of our body. Cleansing and replenishing rejuvenates our skin, making it appear younger and more supple.

16. CREATE ABUNDANT ENERGY. Better sleep cycles may be achieved through cleansing to provide the body with stamina, energy and mental clarity throughout the waking hours.

17. BALANCE YOUR HORMONAL SYSTEM. Cleansing and replenishing can help balance hormone levels and lead to a feeling of constant well being, increased stamina and increased sexual drive.

18. SLOW THE EFFECTS OF AGING. Toxins and nutritional deficiency can lead to premature aging on an internal and external level. Cleansing and replenishing helps our cells attack the affects of aging head on. A younger appearance along with incredible energy is often the result!

19. RENEWED DESIRE TO EXERCISE. Often when you cleanse and replenish the body with high-grade essential nutrients you have a renewed sense to start an exercise program. The health benefits of exercise are endless.

20. ENHANCE ELIMINATION. Refined, processed, low fiber foods, animal fats, lack of exercise, dehydration and an ever-increasing level of stress all contribute to an irritable bowel and to sluggish elimination from the intestinal tract. Cellular cleansing and replenishing with fiber rich nutrients allows for better colonic elimination of impurities and is essential in the prevention of intestinal disorders.

21. ULTIMATE QUALITY OF LIFE. Cleansing and refueling the body is a revolutionary approach to optimal health and weight management. "Traditional Diets" are often imbalanced and neither strengthen the immune system nor rid the body of toxins. Imbalanced diets rob the body of essential nutrients and only offer temporary results. Why not embrace a program that helps give your body the right nutrients, the right balance and the ability to once and for all chemically defend itself against the battle of the bulge?

To know more visit: Http://MariaTheresa.Isagenix.com