Dec 17, 2022 | NEWS
The Novena before Christmas has started. In the Philippines, this is a special time, celebrated mainly by participating in solemn Holy Masses called “Simbang Gabi”.
Simbang Gabi in the Philippines takes place daily from December 16 to 24. It is celebrated at various times, from 3:00 to 5:00 am local time. On the last day of Simbang Gabi, or Christmas Eve, the service is called Misa de Gallo (meaning “rooster mass”).
This custom of attending Mass in the morning is very popular and also plays an important role in Philippine culture. The tradition dates back to the 17th century and was adapted from Spain.
A well-known folk belief is that if a faithful completes all nine days of Simbang Gabi, God can grant the request made as part of the novena. Perhaps for this reason, during the novena all churches are always full of faithful, despite such an early hour.
Similar to the Spanish tradition of lighting small oil lamps on Christmas Eve, Philippines decorates their homes with colorful star-shaped lanterns. It is believed that they were originally used by the faithful to illuminate the way to the church in the early morning, and also symbolized the Star of Bethlehem. Glowing stars continue to be popular Christmas decorations in the Philippines, as iconic and symbolic as Christmas trees in the West.
Dec 16, 2022 | NEWS
In Nanjota, thanks to the efforts of the sisters and good people, it has been possible to dig a well with water in it. This is a great joy, as water is particularly hard to come by in this area. The well is 180 metres deep. We thank Sister Sophie and all the people who worked on this project. May God be blessed for His grace.
Dec 16, 2022 | DAILY BREAD
Friday of the 3rd week of Advent
Gospel – John 5:33-36
“John was a lamp alight and shining”. And Jesus is the source of this light. Being united to the source of light is the way to keep our light aflame. He was united to the source of light by his testimony to the truth. “…he gave his testimony to the truth”. It’s our testimony to the truth that connects us to the source of light and it’s then we began to shine in the darkness. Our testimony to truth comes when we have true love in us. Our testimony to truth comes when we can enjoy the true love of God in prayer. Our testimony to truth comes when we can see the best in others. Advent is the time to be a light by giving testimony to truth.
Dec 15, 2022 | DAILY BREAD
Thursday of the 3rd week of Advent
Gospel Luke 7:24-30
“Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet”. In the person of John the Baptist, there is someone more than a prophet. He not only announces the Word of God but also prepares the way before the Lord. We must encounter with him to prepare within us the way for the Lord. We must encounter in the wilderness of prayer John the Baptist, not as reed swaying in the breeze but as strong as that not even tempest can sway it. This determination is that keeps us in the path of the Lord. Not swayed by different breezes in life. Not swayed by different temptations. Not swayed by different opinions. But firm in faith and mission. That makes him the messenger of God. Advent is the time to prepare ourselves by determination to stay in the way of the Lord.
Dec 14, 2022 | POSITIVE IMPULSES
Our perspectives and interests create filters through which we see the reality. So, what we see could be different from the actual reality. Upon the filtered reality we try to construct and create our world. But that world could be far away from the reality because it was constructed on the filtered reality. Therefore, it’s important to recognize our filters to see the actual reality.
Don Giorgio
