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HRP takes a stand, says "Yes to Life, No to Killings"

HRP takes a stand, says “Yes to Life, No to Killings”

HRP makes a stand: YES to life; NO to killings (Photo: Renz Cunanan) Holy Rosary Parish has broken its silence amidst the ‘shockwave of abuse and violence’ happening in our country these days through a Prayer Walk for Life which was participated by thousands of people from the religious, academic, and private sectors. The prayer rally held last February 11 started with a procession from three…

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Rev. Fr. Reagan Barrameda is the newest priest in the Archdiocese of San Fernando.

Holy Rosary Parish has a new priest to help serve in its community.

The Archdiocese of San Fernando has assigned Rev. Fr. Reagan Barrameda as one of Holy Rosary Parish’s parochial vicars effective November 14, 2016 until May 2019. The announcement was made during the solemn presbyteral ordination of Fr. Barrameda held last November 14 at the Sta. Catalina Alexandria Parish in Arayat, Pampanga.

Although it was not the first time that one of Arayat’s sons have been ordained as a priest, the said ceremony was still one for the books as it showcased an inspirational tale as to how one’s thirst for Christ can be quenched by being faithful to His desires.

Often commended for his youthful looks and kind disposition, Fr. Barrameda was joined by hundreds during his ordination rite. Parishioners from Holy Rosary Parish, Christ the King Parish, among others were also present to take part during the celebration.

The ordination rite was officiated by Most Reverend Florentino Lavarias, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, who reminded Among Reagan to be obedient as Jesus was at every point in his journey. The archbishop also advised him not to be afraid of seeking counsel and assistance from his brother priests whenever he needs guidance.

Prior to his ordination as a priest, Rev. Fr. Reagan Barrameda already assisted in the activities of the Holy Rosary Parish community as a deacon.

Rev. Fr. Reagan Barrameda assigned as HRP Parochial Vicar Holy Rosary Parish has a new priest to help serve in its community. The Archdiocese of San Fernando has assigned Rev.

Angeleños celebrate Fiestang La Naval

VIVA! The image of La Naval de Angeles gets ready for the Grand Procession. (Photo: Bruno Tiotuico) In a nutshell, this year’s Fiestang La Naval, which fell on October 9, can be described in two words: grand and solemn. Since its first celebration in 1830, the feast day of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary La Naval de Angeles has been faithfully commemorated by its devotees, making it one of the city’s…

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HRP enthrones La Naval de Angeles

MARY: Mother and Queen (Photo: HRP Media Group) First, there was solemn silence, then there was awe as the faithful watched Our Lady, La Naval de Angeles slowly approach the altar. With a spotlight focused on the image, all eyes were on the Blessed Mother. Filled with anticipation, everyone cheered and waved their handkerchiefs in the air, when Our Lady was enthroned– put in her rightful place…

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#Enthronement #la naval de angeles #Virgin Mary

Holy Rosary Parish returns an old practice

One Church, One Family. (Photo: Renz Cunanan) As a response to the directive of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, Holy Rosary Parish has instructed its parishioners starting August 13, to return to the practice of “kneeling after the Consecration until after the Great Amen during the Eucharistic celebration“. The congregation is then expected to stand for the…

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PAMPANGA CLERGY. Priests from the Archdiocese of San Fernando pose for the picture-taking during the Clergy Day celebration at Holy Rosary Parish.

They are superheroes dressed in chasubles and stoles, not in capes and leather suits. They are superheroes who respond to spiritual emergencies, not just to physical ones. They are superheroes through divine calling, not through mutation or advanced technology.

These superheroes are our priests.And as the Archdiocese of San Fernando celebrated Clergy Day, our Amongs were reminded of the noble (and at times, hefty) work that they do for the flock they were tasked to shepherd.

In honor of Saint John Baptiste Marie Vianney, patron of priests, the said celebration was a way for the mighty members of the Pampanga clergy to come together and celebrate each other.

The day started with a Eucharistic Celebration at Holy Rosary Parish with Most. Rev. Florentino Lavarias, DD, Archbishop of San Fernando as the presider. Concelebrants included Most Rev. Paciano B. Aniceto, DD, Bishop Emeritus of San Fernando, and the silver and golden jubilarians of the archdiocese.

During the homily, Rev. Fr. Lyndon Valenton shared his fondness of superheroes and how he sees his brother-priests as superheroes in their own rights through the various sacrifices they are willing to take for the welfare of the people.

The highlight of the Eucharistic celebration was the awarding of tokens of appreciation and the tribute to the jubilarians in the Archdiocese of San Fernando.

The celebration continued with a simple fellowship, kumustahan, entertainment, lunch, and of course picture-taking. The priests then headed to the Holy Angel University gymnasium to have fun and to bond with the games that were prepared for them.

For the laity (such as I), seeing all our priests gathered in one place is such a surreal experience. Hearing them exchange stories and jokes and witnessing them perform various antics will really make one view them in a new light: that aside from being superheroes of the Church, they are actually ordinary people just like us. And this makes them all the more blessed.

Saint John Baptiste Marie Vianney, pray for us. (Photo: Jaybie Cruz)

(Photo: Jaybie Cruz)

Shepherd of Shepherds. (Photo: Jatbie Cruz)

Pampanga Clergy. (Photo: jaybie Cruz)

Priests as Superheroes They are superheroes dressed in chasubles and stoles, not in capes and leather suits. They are superheroes who respond to spiritual emergencies, not just to physical ones.

#clergy day

More than a commemoration, Holy Week is a spiritual journey of faith with Jesus. (Photo: Loyd Tiatco)

More than just a commemoration, Holy Week is a spiritual experience, a journey of faith as we walk with Jesus to the Cross. It is the depiction of the events that happened about 2,000 years ago, but still very much relevant until the present: a sacrifice that was lovingly taken so that we may be free from sin.

Traditionally, the Holy Week starts on Palm Sunday and carries on until Black Saturday. It began with Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and concluded with His lonely trek to Calvary, and ultimately led to His empty tomb.

Just like the many Catholics worldwide, Holy Rosary Parish also took part in this holiest of all the weeks in the Christian calendar. The parish had conducted various activities and liturgical services to commemorate the passion and death of Christ. This year, the said activities and services were anchored on simplicity to provide a more spiritual and profound experience to the parishioners. With the theme, Amazing Grace in the Family: Ang Yaman ng Pamilya, HRP focused on the importance of the family in our society.

PALM SUNDAY

Triumphant Entry to Jerusalem. (Photo: HRP Media Group)

Despite the early call time, the Kapampangan faithful still attended the 4 am celebration for Palm Sunday. Meeting at the Apu Shrine for the reenactment of Jesus’ triumphant entry to Jerusalem, the faithful then had a procession going to the Holy Rosary Parish.

All dressed in red, which was the day’s recommended liturgical color, people stood in line waving their palms, waiting for the priests to bless them. As expected, the parish was again full to the brim with the number of people who attended the masses for the whole day.

HOLY MONDAY – HOLY WEDNESDAY

Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are designated days of Recollection for the parishioners. Centered around the theme, the different talks and activities organized for these days focused on the role of the family in the society and how each family can become an agent of change for the betterment of the community.

Rev. Fr. Nilo Tanalege, SJ of the UGAT Foundation was the speaker during Holy Monday. His talk was about the amazing grace that is the family. Husband and wife tandem, Meng and Beth Pusung discussed about keeping the family whole and holy on Holy Tuesday. Holy Wednesday saw a different kind of recollection through the presentation of Ang Martit: A Dance Drama on the Martyrdom of the first Filipino saint, Lorenzo Ruiz.

(For another article about Ang Martir, click here.)

Parishioners also graced the parish on Holy Tuesday for the Cumpisalan ning Balen wherein confessions were held from morning to afternoon.

Ing Dalan ning Cruz was also conducted at 4 AM during Holy Wednesday wherein the faithful held the traditional Stations of the Cross along the street.

MAUNDY THURSDAY

HRP’s Altar of Repose (Photo: Jaybie Cruz)

The Paschal Triduum started on Maundy Thursday with the traditional celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. The highlight of the liturgical ceremony was the washing of the feet spearheaded by Rev. Fr. Francis Dizon, parish priest. People representing various sectors of the society were chosen for this particular endeavor. From a former inmate to parish’s cook, the laity was reminded about Christ’s humility when He washed the feet of His disciples despite being their teacher.

The altar of repose was also showcased wherein pictures of families were shown in cognizance of the Year of Eucharist and the Family. The said altar became the highlight of the day’s celebration as hundreds (or even thousands of people) graced the parish for their Visita Iglesia.

GOOD FRIDAY

The day started with the Veneration of the Cross which was celebrated at 3:00 PM, followed by the Good Friday procession and the veneration of Apung Mamacalulu later in the evening.

What was amazing for this day was the huge turnout of people who participated in the procession. Easily numbering to the thousands, armed with their candles and their prayers, the Kapampangan faithful filled the streets of Angeles City. Notwithstanding the threat of rain and the long and tiring walk around the city, people stayed until the end of the procession when the image of Apung Mamacalulu was returned inside the church for its veneration.

It is during these times that one is left with awe upon seeing the strong devotion of the people when the media presents going to a vacation as a more convenient choice instead.

BLACK SATURDAY

Christ has Risen! (Photo: Renz Cunanan)

Coming full circle, the celebration of Holy Week is concluded during the Easter Vigil and Salubong on Black Saturday.

The Easter Vigil included the blessing of fire and baptismal water. It also included the adult baptism of former INC members. The faithful also renewed their baptismal vows during the said liturgical service.

A procession from HRP going to Nepo Quadrangle happened afterwards for the annual Salubong, where the image of the Risen Christ meets the image of the grieving Blessed Mother.

It was another grace-filled experience upon witnessing the steadfast faith of the people who attended the said events. Who would say that devotion in the city is not possible after all?

Nothing but candles lighted the church during the start of the Easter Vigil. (Photo: Jaybie Cruz)

R. Gan

03.29.16

Walk to the Cross: A Holy Week Journey More than just a commemoration, Holy Week is a spiritual experience, a journey of faith as we walk with Jesus to the Cross.

#catholic church #catholic devotion #catholic faith #holy week #holy week in the philippines

What have you done for Christ?

This is the type of question that one is inclined to ask after watching the dance-drama presentation on the martyrdom of the first Filipino saint, Lorenzo Ruiz, which was shown last March 23 at the Sto. Rosario Heritage District.

San Lorenzo Ruiz’ famous last words, “I am a Catholic, and do wholeheartedly accept death for God. Had I a thousand lives, all these to Him I shall offer“, surely reverberated through the hearts and minds of those who attended the said show.

Directed by Peter De Vera of Sinukwan Kapampangan, the dance-drama is a Holy Wednesday recollection offering of the Holy Rosary Parish to its parishioners. With the hope of inspiring the Kapampangan Catholics to be steadfast in their faith, the life of our first Filipino saint was an appropriate example as to how each of us can offer our lives to Christ and His people especially now in the time of social media and religious extremism.

Wonderfully set in front of the Holy Rosary Parish, the audience was treated with amazing performances from volunteers coming from the HRP, various schools, and Sinukwan Kapampangan. From the different dance presentations, we discovered the life of San Lorenzo Ruiz, especially his martyrdom for refusing to succumb to the demands of the Japanese who tortured him to make him renounce his Christianity.

The night was full of different emotions– from happiness to excitement to shock and anger– as brought about by the awe-inspiring performance of the actors in the dance-drama. Members of the audience were seen laughing with the light scenes, shocked and furious during the torture scenes, and teary-eyed during the final scene when San Lorenzo Ruiz was met by the Blessed Mother and later on declared as a saint.

With only a month of practice, the cast and crew of the show really deserve a pat on the back for a job well done.

In the end, the most important thing is that we have learned a thing or two on how to become better followers of Christ– as inspired by the life of San Lorenzo Ruiz.

So again, what have you done for Christ lately?

(This dance-drama is made possible by the partnership of Holy Rosary Parish, Sinukwan Kapampangan, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Angeles City Tourism Office.)

For more pictures, click:

HRP Media Group album

Definitely Filipino’s album

R. Gan

03.29.16

Ang Martir: A Dance-Drama Recollection What have you done for Christ? This is the type of question that one is inclined to ask after watching the dance-drama presentation on the martyrdom of the first Filipino saint, Lorenzo Ruiz, which was shown last March 23 at the Sto.

#dance drama #Holy Rosary Parish #lorenzo ruiz #san lorenzo ruiz

Jubilee Year of Mercy: Be Merciful Like the Father

With the aim of “enabling the faithful to touch the grandeur of God’s mercy with their own hands” [MV 17], the 24 Hours for the Lord initiative was celebrated by the Holy Rosary Parish, together with all other parishes in the world, last March 4-5, 2016.

The Vatican has stated that the central theme for this year’s initiative is to draw people around the world to the mercy of God. The focus once again is on the importance of prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Activities, which were interspersed throughout the day, included the Stations of the Cross, Holy Mass, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic Adoration, film viewing, BFAST session, Youth Vigil and Benediction to name a few. The entire parish community was in full force as they took turns during the 24-hour activity.

The highlight was the Sacrament of Reconciliation which was made readily available for the faithful. Through confession, priests are considered to be the “channels of mercy and the concrete signs of the constancy of Divine Love that pardons and saves” [MV 17].

Just as what Pope Francis lamented on his homily, sin has impoverished and isolated us—it is a blindness of the spirit which has prevented us from seeing what is most important, from fixing our gaze on the love that gives us life. Sin has caused us to be blind and indifferent to what is good.

In the end, we are all called to return to Christ so “He may return our sight”. In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, we are called to be compassionate and to be merciful like the Father—to be loving and forgiving of all our brothers and sisters despite injuries and misunderstandings. It is not an easy task, but one that requires a much-needed sacrifice to be Christ-like, in these times of discord and ego-bound society.

May this initiative make us realize not only to devote 24 hours for the Lord, but the rest of the 365 days that God has blessed us with.

All photos courtesy of Holy Rosary Parish.

– R. Gan (03.08.16)

24 Hours for the Lord: Be Merciful Like the Father With the aim of “enabling the faithful to touch the grandeur of God’s mercy with their own hands…

Remembering Roan

GOD’S ANGEL: Roan Franciscus Ramirez is now among God’s angels in heaven. Every day, he would be seen hearing mass at Holy Rosary Parish– at least twice: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Then, wearing his big smile, he would be greeting people and approach them like a close friend. With his childlike curiosity, he would be asking all sorts of questions, ranging from the priest of the…

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#eulogy #Roan Ramirez

Among Meng is greeted by parishioners from his new assignment, Holy Cross Parish, Sapangbato

Among Kris is sandwiched by HRP volunteers to show their gratitude for his service to the parish. (Photo: Reynaldo Palo)

The life of a priest is that of constant hellos and goodbyes, and looking at the long history of Holy Rosary Parish, a lot of priests already came and went, all leaving their mark on the parish community.

As Holy Rosary Parish enters into the new year, it is with profound gratitude that the community said ‘til we meet again‘ to 2 of its former parochial vicars: Rev. Fr. Elmer Salonga and Rev. Fr. Lord Kristoffer Beltran.

Both priests had served the parish for about three years, with responsibilities ranging from administering various liturgical services to looking over the different ministries and administrative offices of HRP.

Among Meng

Among Meng greets the public as the newly-installed parish of Holy Cross Parish.

Archbishop Lavarias led Among Meng’s installation as parish priest of Holy Cross Parish.

Rev. Fr. Elmer Salonga or Among Meng’s first assignment was as chaplain of Holy Angel University. He was also later on appointed as a parochial vicar and assisted the Parish Ministerial Office.

Among Meng is known for his light and bubbly personality. He is someone known for his witty remarks that brighten up anybody’s mood.

He was installed as the parish priest of Holy Cross Parish, Sapangbato, Angeles City last December 31, 2015. His appointment is effective until May 26, 2019.

Among Kris

Among Kris is presented as the administrator of Christ, Light of the Nations Parish. (Photo: Red David Red)

Archbishop Dong installs Among Kris as administrator of Christ, Light of the Nations Parish. ((Photo: Red David Red)

Rev. Fr. Lord Kristoffer Beltran has been the secretary of Archbishop Emeritus Paciano Aniceto prior to his appointment as parochial vicar of Holy Rosary Parish.

As parochial vicar, Among Kris helped in handling the affairs of the parish’s administrative offices. Through the years, Among Kris has been known for his generosity and eye for details.

Last January 6, Among Kris was installed as the parish administrator of Christ, Light of the Nations Parish, Porac, Pampanga. He will serve the said parish until May 31, 2016.

Both priests were also given a festive welcome by the faithful from their respective parishes, complete with marching bands and people waving flags.

The Holy Rosary community was also in full-force as they accompanied the priests to their parishes. The pamanyatad was somehow the community’s way of showing Among Meng and Among Kris that they will always be sweetly remembered and forever cherished.

Thank You’s

Priests do come and go, but their unselfish service to the community will never leave people’s memories and hearts.

Indeed, Among Meng and Among Kris are well-loved by the HRP community because of the passion, dedication, and love that they have shared to all of us– and for that we are forever thankful.

Salamat pu, Among!

Ryan Elbert Gan

01.08.16

HRP says thank you to Among Meng, Among Kris The life of a priest is that of constant hellos and goodbyes, and looking at the long history of Holy Rosary Parish, a lot of priests already came and went, all leaving their mark on the parish community.

Bishop Ambo takes on new role as shepherd of the Diocese of Kalookan

It was a day full of various rites and ceremonies, but through it all, one thing should be made clear: it is Christ who should be celebrated and not the man who is just His representative. “Hindi ako si Kristo. Ako si Ambo. “Ambo” ang itawag ninyo sa akin…because that it is how I would like to be known. I am not the Word, I am just a stand from which the Word of God is proclaimed.“, greeted…

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HRP welcomes its new parish priest

Rev. Fr. Francis Dizon swears in as the new parish priest of Holy Rosary Parish (Photo: JB Cruz) As the year comes to an end, Holy Rosary Parish starts a new chapter in its story. A sea of red and white graced the parish on December 28 as Rev. Fr. Francis Dizon was installed as HRP’s new parish priest. Archbishop Dong Lavarias led the installation ceremonies while Rev. Fr. Dino Albert…

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Day 1 of 9: HRP starts the Simbang Gabi

Day 1 of 9: Holy Rosary Parish celebrates the first of nine masses preceding the Christmas season. (Photo: Sr. May Cano) Not even the force of Typhoon Nona can stop the Kapampangan faithful from attending the first day of Simbang Gabi as the Catholic Church eagerly awaits for the Christmas season. Despite the persistent rain, Holy Rosary Parish was still filled to the brim with Catholics whose…

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#catholic faith #misa de gallo #simbang gabi

From Sheep to Shepherd

Rev. Fr. Dudley Villanueva bows before the congregation to ask them to pray for him. The journey has come full circle as the sheep has now become a shepherd. Today marks another milestone for Holy Rosary Parish as its former altar server was ordained into the priesthood and eventually appointed as HRP’s new parochial vicar. Reverend Father Dudley Villanueva is the newest addition to the…

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Holy Image of Jesus in the Holy Sepulcher (Photo: Apu Shrine Media Group)

In what is considered as a first in our parish, the Traslacion of Apung Mamacalulu was held at dawn—accompanied by the moonlight and the cold breeze.

The traslacion—the transfer of the image of Apung Mamacalulu from its shrine to the parish—is a practice that started last year. This time, to add to its penitential character, it was conducted at 4:00 am. Despite the time, devotees did not let this hinder them as they devoutly attended the said ceremony.

Devotees of Apung Mamacalulu did not let the early time setting hinder them from giving thanksgiving and reverence to Apu. (Photo: AMG)

The traslacion started at the Apung Mamacalulu Shrine, with Rev. Fr. Jun Dragon leading the stational mass . A procession followed afterwards wherein the image of Apu was set to be enthroned at Pisambang Maragul. Bishop Pablo David, parish priest of Holy Rosary, welcomed the image and proceeded with the Enthronement Rites. Rev. Marcelo David from New Jersey also concelebrated during the Holy Mass.

Rev. Fr. Jun Dragon led the Stational Mass held at the Apu Shrine. (Photo: AMG)

Bishop David spearheaded the Enthronment Rites of Apung Mamacalulu at Holy Rosary Parish. (Photo: AMG)

Some parishioners commented that the entire rite somehow felt like Lent as the image of the dead Christ invokes feelings of sacrifice and repentance—emotions usually associated with Holy Week.

Compared to last year, there were also more devotees who participated in the celebration. The early morning setting was also said to have contributed to the solemnity of the event, with the parishioners showing their reverence and thanksgiving to Apu through their participation. The traslacion also marks the start of the Quinario Masses leading to the Apung Mamacalulu Fiesta set on October 30.

Apung Mamacalulu is carried to the altar for the Enthronement Rites. (Photo: Jaybie Cruz)

And as the first ray of sunlight peeked through the land, those who have joined in this celebration were once again reminded of the ultimate sacrifice of God: that is the sending of His only begotten Son to save mankind from sin.

Ryan Elbert Gan (10.25.15)

(with additional info from Jet Sagun)

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In what is considered as a first in our parish, the Traslacion of Apung Mamacalulu was held at dawn—accompanied by the moonlight and the cold breeze.

#Apung Mamacalulu #catholic devotion #Holy Rosary Parish

A veil of mixed emotions– happiness, pride, loneliness, uncertainty– enveloped the Holy Rosary Parish today as Vatican announced the new appointment of Bishop Pablo Virgilio David to the Kalookan Diocese.

As soon as the announcement was made at 6 PM (local time), people used social media to air out their reactions. While a lot of people were happy for the Bishop, it cannot be denied that there were also some who were saddened by the news, especially parishioners of Holy Rosary Parish who were able to work directly or indirectly with the bishop.

Bishop Ambo, as he is fondly called, has been the parish priest of Holy Rosary Parish since 2008. Bishop David is known for his intelligence and for his various advocacies which include caring for the environment and the promotion of the Bible among Catholics. He has also introduced and implemented a lot of changes not only in the parish but in the community as well.

Facebook became alive with people posting their precious memories with Among Ambo, some even changing their profile pictures. A number, on the other hand, expressed their sentiments through their comments. Here are some samples:

#gallery-0-5 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-5 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-5 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-5 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

For the link about the official announcement, click the link:

Philippines: Bishop appointed for Caloocan Diocese

Netizens React on Bishop Ambo’s New Appointment A veil of mixed emotions-- happiness, pride, loneliness, uncertainty-- enveloped the Holy Rosary Parish today as Vatican announced the new appointment of Bishop Pablo Virgilio David to the Kalookan Diocese.

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