Holding the Hands of our Mother

(This was the reflection I shared during the Rosary recitation at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Parish on 25 October 2025.)

During our pilgrimage to Rome last summer, the first jubilee church we visited was the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which was a few steps away from Roma Termini. As we made our way to the front pew, the Rosary was being recited in Italian.

The leader said Ave, O Maria, piena di grazia. Il Signore e con te. Tu sei benedetta fra le donne e benedetto e il fruto del tuo seno, Gesu.

Most in church responded, Santa Maria, Madre di Dio, prega per noi peccatori adesso e nell'ora della nostra morte. Amen.

To my suprise, some responded, Santa Maria, Madre de Dios, ruega por nosotros pecadores ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte. Amen.

As for my family, we said, Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

We initially intended to spend just a few minutes in that church before moving to another, but the experience was so powerful that we stayed until the Rosary was over. It was as though Mama Mary was gathering all her children from all walks of life to pray - some of them may have a strong faith, others may be going through some challenges in life, still others losing hope, etc. 

Here in our community, this gathering of Mary's children has also been observed over the past Saturdays of October. On the first Saturday, the Poor Clare sisters led the Rosary, meditating on the Joyful Mysteries. On the second Saturday, Our Lady's Prayer Group represented by Jean Durkin led in meditating on the Luminous Mysteries. On the third Saturday, the Legion of Mary represented by Georgina Nakafero led in meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries. Tonight, the Filipino Rosary Crusade represented by Kryysz, Kristine, and Kyrstin led in meditating on the Glorious Mysteries.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan in the Philippines encouraged people to pray the Rosary and bring it wherever they go. He suggested holding on to it, even if we are unable to pray it, as though holding the hands of the Blessed Mother. I am not surprised with the good archbishop's suggestion. He studied at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran which has a long standing devotion to the Holy Rosary.

In the image of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, we see the baby Jesus looking at the tools of His future Passion and Death. However, we could also see how firmly His hands are holding His Mother's hands. That should also be how we must hold Mama Mary's hands!

Contrary to what Mary-bashers say against the Rosary, this devotion is Christo-centric. All the mysteries show the life of Jesus. Jesus is the main actor; Mary is a supporting actress. Indeed, Mary identifies herself as the handmaid of the Lord (Lk 1:38). 

St John Marie Vianney, who struggled in his studies that he was almost not ordained, has a strong devotion to Mary. He said, "Let us live as the Blessed Virgin lived: loving God only, desiring God only, trying to please God only in all that we do". Doing so, we could truly mean what we say: "To you our God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be glory and praise for ever and ever. Amen" (Jubilee Prayer).

October is almost over, but let us continue to pray the Rosary and bring it wherever we go. Pope Leo told how his parents committed themselves to pray the Rosary daily and how their devotion influenced his vocation and ministry. The Rosary offers graces that the Lord would generously pour on us. So let us keep on praying the Rosary!

A Sunday with the Pope

Being in Rome, for me, would be incomplete without seeing the Pope.  During our first trip to the Eternal City, we didn't get that chance to see Pope Benedict XVI - we arrived a day after the general audience and then we heard that he was on a pastoral visit in another part of Italy.  

The papacy has been an important part of our Christian faith.  It traces its roots from St Peter the Apostle who was chosen to lead His Church.  Because of his role as our spiritual leader, we Catholics fondly call the Pope as Holy Father.  

February 23, a day after the Consistory.  I woke up at 5:30am. After having a light breakfast, we made our way to St Peter's Basilica.  We met  some aunts and a lone uncle from the Valdes Family along the way. Tia Dulce Valdes-Barangan and I were teasing each other for we came early this time! There was already a queue at the piazza. My uncle and godfather Noel Valdes looked for some relatives who may already be lining up. Chiara went with him.  Just a few minutes and he was waving his hand to us.  People were in a huddle as we all waited for the doors of the church to be open.  Chiara was enjoying her time with her great uncles, great aunts, and other relatives.  Nidz, Jackie, and I were next to another uncle (and godfather) Paulino "Sonny" Albano, Papa's oldest brother, the patriarch of the Valdes-Albano clan.  Ninong Sonny was recalling stories of how he heard about Tito Orly's appointment as a cardinal.  I asked him how we became related with the Cardinal as I thought it was through the Beltran side (Cardinal Quevedo's middle name is Beltran; the same surname as my great great grandmother's when she was still single). My uncle explained that it was through the Edralin-Estavillo side; his grandmother (Hilaria Estavillo-Albano) and the Cardinal's grandmother were cousins.

Men smartly dressed approached all those in the queue to remind them of their tickets.  Some of the guests such as Ninong Sonny and his wife Ninang Noemi had special tickets. They were asked to follow the men as they have reserved seats in the basilica. 

The church doors were now open. People slowly made their way passing through security checks. As we entered the basilica, I was pointing Chiara to some statues and pictures.  Ushers were distributing Mass booklets for all churchgoers.  We chose seats near the aisle to have a good view of the Pope. We were quite near the statue of St Camillus de Lellis, patron saint of Nurses. (Just a few days before this occasion, we visited his mortal remains at the Church of St Mary Magdalene situated near the Pantheon.) Filipinos from Cotabato, Tito Orly's archdiocese, sat next to us. For some reason, I didn't see Papa, my sisters Nicola and Kristina, and some other relatives from where we were. I later managed to see my 2 sisters who were sat near to us.

Cardinals and bishops started to arrive. Tito Orly approached a few of us before making his way to the sacristy. In preparation for the Mass, the Rosary was recited. Each mystery was announced in Italian, English, Spanish, and French. The prayers though were in Latin.  Afterwards, the choir led in singing the Salve Regina.  Chiara, with a prodding from her mom, joined in the singing - this caught the attention of my aunt Ching Valdes-Aran and an Italian woman who were both sat in front of us.  Towards the last few lines of the song, I suddenly remembered Lolo Paul, Lola Piling, and Mommy Rosie - all three taught me how to sing this song. I couldn't sing any more.  I just felt my eyes wet.

Mass followed immediately.  I held my breath as well as Nidz's mobile phone while waiting for Pope Francis walk along the aisle. Altar servers, cardinal-concelebrants, and finally the Holy Father.  Pope Francis came across as a simple man. His green vestments and miter were not as ornate as his predecessor's. These simple apparel were matched by the papal ferula - a silver cross used by Pope Paul VI. As he walked past us, I made the sign of the cross. I felt blessed! 

On the right hand side of the basilica, I could see the statue of St Peter sat on a chair. One of the feet of this statue is worn out because of the many pilgrims touching it. During the Consistory, the statue was dressed like a medieval pope with a tiara and cape.  Personally, I would prefer an undressed statue.  First of all, St Peter would not have dressed like that. Second, let's keep things consistent with Pope Francis' simplicity.

The Mass was in Latin, but the booklet has provided English and Italian translations. (I wish though that the Mass was said in Italian. Ditto the Rosary. Italian, unlike Latin, is a living language.) Some readings and prayers were in other languages. The verses of the Psalm were in English. One of the prayers in the Prayer of the Faithful was in Filipino!  The Pope, having only 1 lung, recited all the presidential prayers.  In spite of that, his homily - although in Italian - was full of power. He spoke about the Holy Spirit, underscoring our calling to listen to Him "...who enlivens the Church".  He also mentioned the importance of holiness in the ministry of a cardinal. Furthermore, he reminded that cardinals enter the Church of Rome and not a royal court. To illustrate his point, he enjoined all cardinals to "...avoid, and help others to avoid, habits and ways of acting typical of a court: intrigue, gossip, cliques, favouritism and partiality". Towards the end of the homily, he asked everyone for prayers "that the College of Cardinals may always be ever more fervent in pastoral charity and filled with holiness, in order to serve the Gospel and to help the Church radiate Christ’s love in our world".

After the Mass, we once again huddled near the aisle again to catch a glimpse of the Pope.  As he got nearer to us, some from the crowd shouted "Papa! Papa! Papa!".  This caught his attention and he smiled! 

We proceeded to the piazza for the Sunday Angelus led by the Pope. We met Nicola there as well as Ninong Sonny and Ninang Noemi. While waiting for the Angelus, Chiara had a photo op with an Asian bishop.

When the clock struck 12, we saw the Pope from a far distance (in a window on the papal apartments).  I think the location where the Holy Father leads this Marian prayer should be changed to make him more nearer the people. Being on a window of the apartment where he doesn't reside still shows trappings of medieval power. Why not the balcony of the basilica?

In his message, the Pope mentioned that "in Jesus Christ we are all children of God!" and that "Those who have received a ministry to lead, preach and administer the Sacraments should not consider themselves as possessing special powers, as masters; rather, they should place themselves at the service of the community, helping it to pursue the path of holiness with joy". He later asked people to assist the new cardinals through their prayers: "Pray for us, that we might be good servants: good servants, not good masters!" All of us together....must offer the witness of a Church that is faithful to Christ, animated by the desire to serve the brethren, and ready to go out with prophetic courage to meet the expectations and spiritual needs of the men and women of our time".

It's almost a year when Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio was elected Pope by his brother cardinals.  His first act was to ask people to pray for him.  Let's renew our support to the Holy Father - he really needs it considering the many challenges he is facing: clergy sexual abuse, role of women in the Church, reform of the Roman Curia, family life, to name a few.

Heartfelt greetings, prayers, and best wishes, Pope Francis on the occasion of the first anniversary of your pontificate!  May the Good Shepherd continue to strengthen you so that you may "Feed my lambs...Take care of my sheep...Feed my sheep" (Jn 21:15-17). Viva il Papa Francesco! Noi ti amiamo!

In Simplicity and Humility

There was already a long queue of guests when we - Nidz, Chiara, our friend Jackie Rapada, her daughter Julia, and I - arrived at the Piazza San Pietro that 22nd of February.  As it turned out, we didn't manage to get inside the basilica where the Ordinary Public Consistory would be held. Having said that, we didn't seem to have lost the opportunity to witness the ceremony where the newly designated cardinals would be formally inducted into the College of Cardinals.  Wide screens and loud speakers were installed at the piazza, not to mention seats.  

While waiting for the ceremony to commence,  some Pinoys approached us to ask if the seats next to us were taken.  We told them that these were available.  We had a small chat with them.  They told us that, after hearing that a fellow countryman has been named a cardinal, they decided to go to St Peter's even if they would be outside the basilica.  We learned that they have been living in Rome for quite some time now.  From our conversation, I also heard how the 'Francis effect' has made its way in Catholic schools.  After Pope Francis' election, these schools which used to be exclusive for Catholics have begun to open its doors to people from other faiths.

During this chat, an announcement was made - first in Italian, then in Spanish, followed by French, and finally in English.  It reminded the people to keep the celebration as solemn as possible and to refrain from applauding while the Holy Father makes his way to the sanctuary. A few minutes later, the consistory began.  From the screen, I could see my uncle Larry gazing at the aisle where the Pope is about to pass. I also saw Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI sat at the front row with other cardinals. He would later remove his skull cap in reverence to his successor who approached and greeted him before going up to the altar.

I felt a bit nervous as I saw black clouds hiding the sun.  I was hoping it won't rain, but it did. Everyone stood and ran to the nearest available shelter - the colonnades.  There we saw a little boy dressed as a pope with his mother.  Everyone who took notice of this child smiled.  Later, we saw another kababayan - Francis Gatdula. I mistook him as a priest because he wore a black shirt with a Roman collar typical of priests. He told me that he hails from Cebu and is a seminarian in Rome. We shared with him our involvement in the parish as well as in the Filipino Rosary Crusade-Nottingham North.  A new friendship took shape.  Learning that Bro Francis is preparing for his diaconal and sacerdotal ordinations next year, we assured him of our prayers.  God willing, we may be able to visit Rome the third time. 

The rain stopped just in time for us to see from the big screen the cardinals receiving the biretta, the ring, and the assignation of the title or deaconry from the Pope.  We gave an applause when Tito Orly received his from the Holy Father. Some people looked at us, perhaps wondering.

At the end of the ceremony, the Salve Regina was sung. Bro Francis and I joined in the singing.  After bidding our newly found friend goodbye, we approached the basilica to meet members of our family who may be on their way out.  As I saw most of them, it was an unending hugs, kisses, kumustahan, introductions, and picture takings.

A few of us - Nidz, Chiara, Jackie, Julia, Papa, Tito Larry and Tita Tessa-  joined the rest of Tito Orly's guests for the lunch at the Pontificio Collegio Filippino, the "Home in Rome" of Filipino secular priests sent by their bishops to pursue further studies at the Eternal City.  A short program preceded the lunch. Speeches were made by Manila Archbishop Cardinal Chito Tagle and Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos.  There was also a song number ("Climb Every Mountain") by Frs. Tom and Jerry from Ilocos. Finally, it was the man of hour's turn to speak. 

Tito Orly told us that although he didn't cry like Cardinal Tagle when he received the biretta from the Pope, he and his fellow prelate cried before leaving the Collegio for the Consistory.  He added how Cardinal Tagle intimated to him that being a cardinal is not about honor, but service.  (Indeed, when Cardinal Chito made his speech he mentioned his appointment as the cardinal-in-charge of the Collegio. This was met by a huge round of applause to which he cautioned us.)  Tito Orly repeatedly asked people for prayers. Towards the end of his speech, he mentioned that before he returned to his seat after being conferred by Pope Francis, he promised the Supreme Pontiff that he will discharge his responsibilities in simplicity and humility.  

Simplicity and humility.  I guess I have witnessed these throughout that blessed day in February. In Tito Orly's openness and approachability (I was touched when Chiara gave her a hug which he reciprocated. Apart from this, I also saw how he engaged himself with the many people who were there at the lunch as well as the reception at the Paul VI Hall.), Chiara and Julia's innocence, the many Pinoys' fervor, the little boy dressed as a pope, Bro Francis' friendliness, Benedict XVI's presence in the Consistory, and Pope Francis' choice of new cardinals and his call for the cardinals' cooperation and communion with him and among themselves.

Simplicity and humility. Virtues we all need to serve God and one another sans the publicity and media hype (Incidentally, media presence was barely felt during the lunch and reception. This could be in keeping with the new cardinal's virtues).  Virtues we need to practice if we are to show Jesus' compassion to all.  Virtues we must constantly put on to "be peacemakers, building peace by our words, our hopes and our prayers" (Pope Francis' Homily during the Consistory).

Happy 75th birthday, Tito Orly, this coming 11th of March! May you continue to be that simple and humble servant that you have always been, ever ready to listen to the Shepherd's voice.  May God, who has constantly called you to serve His people through various ministries in the Church, bless you a hundredfold. Ad multos annos!

***

Tomorrow, 8th of March is Lola Piling's 99th birth anniversary.  Tito Orly once wrote how Lola was supportive to seminarians preparing for the priesthood. He was one of those who received such a support from Lola. I guess she is smiling from above knowing that Tito Orly is now a cardinal!

Happy birthday, Lola Piling! May we continue your legacy of supporting the Church, its shepherds, and would-be shepherds! We love you.

Piazza della Immacolata

It was almost lunch time when we arrived in Rome from a 20-30 minute train ride from Ciampino Airport. It was warm and sunny - one of the changes that we would be experiencing in our trip. Right after checking-in, we changed to more comfortable clothes and didn't lose any moment to visit places.


One of those places was Piazza Mignanelli where a huge column topped by an image of Mary, the Immacolata Concezione (Immaculate Conception), is located and which dominates the piazza. Pope Pius IX, who promulgated the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, blessed this in 1857.

As soon as we approached this piazza, I suddenly remembered what Fr Pompeyo De Mesa, OP, told us his students in one of our sessions in German language. The priest told us that Italians would congregate in a plaza where this image of the Blessed Mother is situated to offer flowers on her feet and send her their flying kisses! "This is the place!" I told myself.

The Virgin is depicted as crowned with 12 stars. There are still old withered flowers that decorate the statue. On the four corners of the column, which is readily visible to people, are statues of Moses, King David, Isaiah, and Ezekiel - all having a link to the Immaculate Conception. King David, for one, is the ancestor of St Joseph, Mary's husband. The Prophet Isaiah foretold that "A virgin will conceive and bear a son.". There were also some incidents in the life of Mary that placed in between the four statues I mentioned. One of them is the Coronation of Our Lady (see photo).

Like Filipino Catholics, our Roman counterparts observe the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception as one of their great events (a.k.a Festa Romana). As told by Fr de Mesa, this coming 8th December they will congregate in Piazza Mignanelli to pay their homage to the Immacolata Concezione led by no less than the Pope himself.

Personally, the Immaculate Conception has a soft spot in my heart. Nidz and I became steady on that blessed 8th day of December years ago! Also, it was at the Manila Cathedral which is dedicated to the Virgin under that wondrous title where we tied the knot in 2002. And now as we approach Christmas, this mystery where Mary was spared of original sin, comes into fore as a reminder to get ready for the Lord.

I have always said that the Blessed Mother never leaves me. I'm glad that she welcomed and accompanied us in Rome in the numerous shrines dedicated in her honour and in this piazza which,in my book, should have been called Piazza della Immacolata .

***

I wish to express my sincerest condolences to the family of the late Erlinda Abesamis-Mallari, a former colleague in the Department of Chemistry, College of Science, UST, who recently passed away after a lingering illness. Ma'am Linda, as we call her, was also a chemistry teacher in Pres Sergio Osmena High School in Gagalangin. She was such a wonderful person. Credit goes to her for catapulting me into the Philippine Association of Chemistry Teachers Board of Directors that fateful day in July 1999. Having been elected I have filled the void caused by having no representative from the oldest university in the Philippines in that prestigious association.

When we were talking, some people would be intrigued when she would say "Doon sa atin" (In our place)when they know that she lives in Kalookan and I in Tondo. I may be a son of Gagalangin, but this lady (who has served that same locality for years) has deemed to consider the town as her own. No one could rob her of that!

Incidentally, I saw her attending Mass in Gagalangin during the feast of the Immaculate Conception many years ago - I was the commentator in that Eucharistic celebration.

May you now enjoy the unending celebration there in heaven, Ma'am Linda, where no sickness or weariness of any kind exists.

***

Greetings to the community of the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Manila (a.k.a. Manila Cathedral) on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the dedication of its present edifice. It has been an honour to be part of this unique community as lector/commentator for five years (1998-2003). The cathedral has a non-parochial status, but it sure does have the distinction of being The Mother church of Manila and of the whole Philippines!

May the Immaculate Virgin continuously intercede for you all!