priest

Christ is Risen, alleluia. The celebration of easter commemorates the triumph of Christ over sin and death. The salvation of mankind has reach its fullness in Christ. Though the celebration of Christmas here in Philippines is more jolly than that of Easter, we have to remember that the celebration of Christmas culminates in the celebration of Easter. The parish, for the first time have encourage people to celebrate this event by the Easter egg hunting, it was been first time that the parish have done it, and I hope it will remain as a religious practice of the parishioners. we thank those who donated boiled eggs and water colors for the said event. Blogs commenting Fr. Jessie's post

The St. Augustine Parish has another catholic school beside the diocesan school liceo, the Lipani School situated in Brgy. Masaya. This is run by the Franciscan sisters. They invited me to say the Mass for the recognition of their students. Blogs commenting Fr. Jessie's post

This Good Friday, we started the celebration at 12:00 o'clock with the presentation of the parish youth of the 7 last words in form of skits. At 3:00 pm we have the veneration of the Cross. The Cross reminds us of the salvific plan of God who died for our sins as ransom so that salvation may attain through our Lord Jesus Christ. After the veneration of the Cross which ussually last for one hour and a half to two hours, the traditional Good Friday procession starts immediately after, the heat of summer is at its best. Blogs commenting Fr. Jessie's post

During my diaconal days, I was assigned in St. John the Baptist Parish in Liliw, Laguna. Here are some of my friends who visited me and my parish during this Lenten Season. Blogs commenting Fr. Jessie's post

As the Holy week approaches, many pilgrims came and still coming to the parish for their pilgrimages as part of tradition here in the Philippines in visiting Churches as part of their Lenten Celebration. Fr. Rizaldy Urgena and his parishioners of Nuestra Senora Dela Paz Parish of Binan, Laguna was one of them. I welcome them and give some information about the parish and the patron Saint. This is also one way of spreading the devotion to St. Augustine Blogs commenting Fr. Jessie's post

Holy Thursday is the beginning of the Easter Triduum. The day the priest in union with his own bishop or superior renew the promises or vows they made in their ordination. It is also the day when we commemorate the institution of the Holy Eucharist by our Lord Jesus Christ as one of the primary mission of priests. And this mission should be executed with outmost reverence and for the service of the People of God as clearly seen in the washing of the feet. Jesus is the God who washes feet. This video of Bishop Soc Villegas can add some reflection for this day of Holy Thursday. Blogs commenting Fr. Jessie's post

I have given the parishioners the talk for the Lenten Recollection of the parish. The recollection was centered on the idea of the latest encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI's Spe Salvi "In Hope we are saved". Many also aattended but next time I will use the iron hand. Recollection should be attended especially by the members of the religious organizations of the parish. I will obliged each member to attend next year. It is a promise. Blogs commenting Fr. Jessie's post

Palm Sunday is the start of the holy week, The passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Palm Sunday commemorates two things, the majestic entry of Jesus to the city of Jerusalem and the condemnation of Jesus to the Cross. Jesus enters into Jerusalem this time to fulfill his mission as the Father has sent him to. "Hosanna to the Son of David", the people triumphantly chanted as He entered the holy city. "Son of David" is one of the title used by the Jews to refer to the Messiah. However, the people have only seen him as the political Messiah so when he was brought to the court, they were been easily persuaded by the leaders to put him to death . The same people who chanted "hail to the Messiah" were the same people who cried out "crucify Him". Beware of people who easily praises you, they are the kind of people who will put you down and crucify you. Blogs commenting Fr. Jessie's post

Holy Week is fast approaching and the preparation for the liturgical celebration us already on the go with the help of the parishioners. Here, the parishioners are making 4 huts for the Hossanah before the first Mass in the morning of Sunday. Though all Masses have blessings of palms before each one starts, This is the time where people are invited to attend to experience the triumphant entry of Jesus in Jerusalem. Blogs commenting Fr. Jessie's post

This morning I received a letter from a certain Andrew Long From The Maximus group. I believe a media office of The St. Maximilian Kolbe Congregation. Asking me to post here the review of the book entitled " Reclaiming Our Priestly Character ". Personally, I have not read the book, but, one of the reviewer is Avery Cadinal Dulles of which some of his books passed through my hands. Here is the letter along with the contact person; Dear Father Jessie : We are preparing to enter into the most solemn of weeks— Holy Week ! We have hope that we will emerge on Easter Sunday with renewed love and devotion to Christ and His Church. During this busy preparation time of Lent , have you had time to renew your love and devotion to Christ’s church? Every day, Catholic parish priests juggle an endless series of demands on their time and attention. Do you find yourself getting caught up in the ‘busy-ness’ of your priestly vocation? Help is at hand ! Learn practical ways to fully live yo...

Lenten Season reminds us of the salvific act of God for the whole of humankind. We must remember the love of God for us. We should not also forget the ways the Lord God has given us that salvation not only to Honor him but as a way of life. The following illustration is one way of conveying that message of which this 40 days of preparation for the triumph of love over suffering reminds us. This is the message received from a forwarded message of former seminarian Alvin Rint GodBless ... Let's always trust that everything that happens in our lives be it good or bad has a purpose. Allow God to use the circumstances in your life and mould you into the best person you can be. Remember that He is just beside you, watching and caring. Blogs commenting Fr. Jessie's post

After the hear confession in San Antonio De Padua parish in los Banos (Kumpisalang Bayan), It was passed ten o'clock in the evening Ate Paz and company, my friends from my former parish drop by and invited me to celebrate her natal day. I accepted the invitation because, it is a birthday, it only comes once a year, and as we aged, I feel more to celebrate life especially for someone I am close with. I am not a party goer individual, I prefer to stay at home. As we grow older, there are wisdom that make us change. Life is too precious and is passing, we have to use it properly and wisely. Blogs commenting Fr. Jessie's post

It was been four years and a half that i did not drive for the reason that there is somebody who go along with me, John, who knows how to drive. It s o happen that last thursday, his father died of a heart attack. He has to go home in preparation for the wake and burial . Right after the funeral mass, I decided to the neighboring town Calauan to buy elastomeric paint for the church patio. I was short in estimating the galons to be used for the said place. It was around three in the afternoon when i failed in estimating the right turn in patio exit. it has caused a minor damage but it would have been eluded if I took precautionary cautioned because it was been a long time before i handle the steering wheel. The picture says it all Blogs commenting Fr. Jessie's post