The Confraternity of Catholic Saints

HEALING WITH THE SAINTS

2012-02-07T04:17:00.000-08:00

"You give us an example to follow in the lives of your Saints,

assistance by their intercession, and a bond of fraternal love

in the communion of grace."

(Praefatio I de Sanctis)

Storyof Healing

Oneday Santarello was positioned, as usual, near the door of the cloister, beggingfor alms. As usual, a large crowd had gathered, waiting for Padre Pio to emergeand enter the church. As Pio passed by, Santarello cried out, "Padre Pio, give me a blessing!"

Withoutstopping, Pio looked at him and said, ''Throwaway yourcrutches!"

Stunned,Santarello did not move. This time Padre Pio stopped and shouted, "I said, 'Throwaway yourcrutches!' " Then, without another word, Pio entered thechurch to say Mass.

Infront of dozens of people, Santarello threw his crutches away, and for thefirst time in his life, began to walk on his deformed feet to the utterastonishment of his fellow townspeople, who but a few minutes before had seenhim lurching about, as always, on his knees.

Gift of Reliquaries from John Paul II College of Davao

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First Class Relic of Blessed John Paul II (1)

First Class Relic of Blessed John Paul II (2)

Relics of Blessed John Paul II at the altar of Saint Joseph

Relic of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus

Relic of Blessed Ivan Merz

The altar of the Oratory of Jesus

Visit of Blessed John Paul II’s Relics: A Gift to the Church in Davao

2012-01-04T22:26:00.000-08:00

Visit of Blessed John Paul II’s Relics: A Gift to theChurch in Davao

By Carlos B.Babiano

Clergy, religious and the lay faithful of the RomanCatholic Archdiocese of Davao welcomed the relics of Blessed John Paul II lastDecember 18, 2011, the Fourth Sunday of Advent. These were brought from Manilaby Br. Dave Ceasar Dela Cruz, director of the Confraternity of Catholic Saintsand vice-postulator for the cause of canonization of Blsd. Ivan Merz. Therelics comprise of particles from the blood of Blessed John Paul II, two of hisrosaries, signatures (some which date back during his ministry asCardinal-Archbishop of Krakow), pieces of his cassock, his skullcap, a chalice(replica of the Holy Grail of Valencia), and missalettes of papal masses duringhis time and, the most recent ones, of his beatification on May 1, 2011,presided by His Holiness Benedict XVI and the Thanksgiving Mass the followingday presided by Vatican Secretary of State Card. Tarcisio Bertone. Other relicsinclude a rock from the cave of the Nativity in Bethlehem, a strand from amantle of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a particle from the staff of St. Joseph,relics of St. John the Baptist, Sts. Elizabeth and Zechariah, Sts. Joachim andAnn, the 12 apostles, selected early Christian martyrs, and first and secondclass relics of Blessed Ivan Merz.

From Davao International Airport the relics weretransported to the chapel of the John Paul II College, Ecoland Drive, Matina, DavaoCity, assisted by its president, Mr. Ernesto Evangilista and family (Mr.Evangilista was recently awarded by Pope Benedict XVI the Cross Pro Ecclesia etPontifice for his support to the clergy and programs of the Archdiocese ofDavao). These were welcomed through a Solemn Mass at 8:00pm (PhilippineStandard Time) presided by Davao Auxiliary Bishop George Rimando. During thehomily, Bishop Rimando shared this reflection, “The visit of the relics ofBlessed John Paul II and other saints here in Davao is a reminder that we havefriends in heaven whom we could ask for help especially in this time ofcalamity in Northern Mindanao (in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities).” Themassive floods caused by the typhoon Washi (local name “Sendong”) occurred duringthe same day the relics arrived in Davao City.

The visit of the relics were also considered as the secondtime Blessed John Paul II visited Davao City. The first was on February 20, 1981,for a Eucharistic Celebration and a meeting with representatives of Muslimcommunities.

Eucharistic Celebrations are offered in the chapel of theabove mentioned college from the evening of December 18 up to its last night onJanuary 7, 2012, sponsored by various parishes around the Archdiocese of Davao.Likewise, these parishes and other ecclesial movements in and outside thearchdiocese take turns in spending vigils in front of the relics. According to visitors’logbooks, the number of pilgrims and devotees who come to venerate Blessed JohnPaul II’s relics were counted a total of 1000, including those unregistered dueto the long lines of people who come to visit daily. The chapel is also open for24 hours from the day of the arrival up to the January 8 closing.

Last Tuesday, January 3, 2012, Davao Archbishop FernandoCapalla presided over a Solemn Mass for the Sick at 7:00pm (PST) before a largegroup of faithful gathered in the grounds of John Paul II College. Blessed JohnPaul II’s skullcap, particles of his blood, a piece of his cassock were exposedfor the Mass. The chalice which is the Holy Grail’s replica was used twiceduring the visit, first by Bp. Rimando last Dec. 18, and on this Eucharistpresided by Archbishop Capalla. The archbishop stated in his homily, “The visitof the relics (of John Paul II and other saints) is a gift to the Church andfaithful of Davao.” This is also a reiteration of archdiocesan circulars issuedNovember 26 and December 31, 2011.

On Sunday, January 8, the Solemnity of the Epiphany, aSolemn Eucharistic Celebration will be presided by Davao Archbishop FernandoCapalla at 5:00am (PST) concluding an overnight vigil of the youth of thearchdiocese.

Blessed John Paul II and Blessed Ivan in Davao

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BEATO at John Paul II College of Davao from December 18, 2011 to January 8, 2012

People venerate the Relics of Blessed John Paul II, Blessed Ivan Merz, and other relics.

Relic of Blessed Ivan Merz

Giving away prayer cards of Blessed Ivan Merz

During the healing Mass presided by the Archbishop


Thousand of people came for veneration

Bro. Dave Dela Cruz, CCS with Archbishop Fernando Capalla of Davao

Bro. Dave with Auxiliary Bishop George Rimando with the relic of Blessed John Paul II

Relics of Blessed Pedro Calungsod

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After the approval of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on the miracle attributed to Blessed Pedro Calungsod, lay catechist and martyr from the Visayas, he will join other six blessed Servants of God on the Canonization that will be scheduled next year 2012 (either during the Easter Season or October, Mission Sunday).

Due to this great historical event in the life of the Philippine Church, the Confraternity of Catholic Saints are now preparing three important relics (or memorabilia) of our future second Saint. These are:

1. Cloth touched to the Bolo that killed Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores and Blessed Pedro Calungsod

2. Sand from the sea-shore where it is believed that the body of the two martyrs were thrown.

(these two special relics are gifts from the Archdiocese of Agana and was brought personally by the Vicar General and Rector of the Cathedral where the original bolo is kept.)

3. A second-class relic (ex indumentis) of Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores.

The miracle through Blessed Pedro's intercession was healing of a woman from Leyte. Click here for the full story,

Blessed Pedro Calungsod, pray for us!

Christmas Message

2011-12-27T21:08:00.001-08:00

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

To the Brothers, Lay Cooperators, Scholars, and Friendsof the Confraternity, may the joy and peace of the Incarnate Word be our causeof joy this season.

For this year, the Confraternity served well differentcommunities and apostolate. We remained silent, as what God did – he came tothe world in silence , as a sign of humility. We do not need noise to be knownto others and to the world, for it is Christ who must be the star of ourministries. We pray and persevere that we remain this way: Silent and Humble,but our presence are felt by the good and holy work we do, so that others maysee God in us.

We had a great year and the Confraternity serves not onlyas herald of the Gospel but of Holiness, true to our charism, by our presenceand assistance during the beatification of Blessed John Paul II. As of now, therelics of our beloved pope are in Davao. Many people there are continuously inspiredto be holy by his presence, thanks to the eternal graces that God showers uponus through the intercession of Blessed John Paul.

Now, on this special season, we do not need generalchanges. But we need to renew: renew our vows, our commitment, and our love forthe Babe born in the manger. His humility and silence will be our source ofholiness and effectiveness in our apostolate.

May the Brothers be more committed to live their vows andserve well their brothers and sisters. May the Lay Cooperators live well our charismso that in their own best ways they may communicate through their words andactions the Holiness which our Holy Mother Church desired. May the Scholarsstudy well, for you cannot be good apostles of holiness in the future if you donot earn any educational degree. And for all of us, together with our friends, alwaysremain obedient, loyal, and faithful to God, to Holy Mother Church, and to ourcharism of spreading the Gospel and promoting Holiness in the state where weserve.

May Jesus be our reward at the end.

With Brother Lloyd, our cofounder, I remain

Your Brother,

Dave, CCS

December 19, 2011

Davao City

John Paul II in Davao

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November 20, 2011 - Christ the King Sunday (by Frt. Lloyd Elauria, OFM)

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Who is this King that the saints follow? What kind of King is he?

God as the Shepherd King

The readings present to us this King as a shepherd. This shepherd brings his sheep into one fold: taking them out of danger, feed, nourish, lead, and provides rest for the sheep; giving them justice and peace that they longed for which the sheep didn’t found on their leaders. God is being manifested not only as a shepherd, but also as a guide, protector, and provider as the psalm shows us.

The Reign of the Resurrected Christ

Christ, being the first born of the dead, has the right and the authority to reign over us. Christ’s resurrection is an affirmation from God that Jesus came from God. The resurrection of Jesus makes him the first-born thus making him pre-eminent among all people. Resurrection also empowers Christ to destroy his enemies, especially death. Believers of Christ will come to be like him: they will be resurrected and will be able to defeat all enemies. Christ’s reign is basically submission to the will of the Father. We cannot understand his kingship without having faith in Christ’s resurrection and obedience to the will of the Father.

Christ, the King and Judge

In the end of times, Christ will come in glory with his angels to judge the world. After all the goodness that the Lord has shown to the humanity, he will judge the world. It invites all of us to accept the reality that everything will come to an end and that everything that we do has its own consequence. We should amend our lives and make our paths straight while there is time.

The Saints: How they followed Christ the King

Surely, most of us will say because they lived an exemplary life while they were still here on earth and some of them gave up their lives in defense of their faith, chastity, and love of their neighbor. But what is the best answer that the Gospel provides us? The answer is that what we do to the least of our brothers (and sisters), we did it, not only for, but we did it to God. Aside from our pious acts/works like novenas, rosaries, walking in bended knees from the door of a church up to the altar, we should not forget that we should concretize or put into context or action our being a Christian by serving our least brothers and sisters. In serving the least of our brothers and sisters, we should keep in mind that they will not become mere objects of our good deeds but it is Christ our King that we serve. It is only possible if we can only see the Face of Christ in them.

Challenges

By virtue of our baptism, we share in the kingly ministry of Christ. We are challenged to be like Christ in performing his kingship by being a servant to all which was expressed in his active ministry of teaching, preaching, healing, and forgiving; which means we are tasked to make the person whole again: restoring people to themselves and bringing them back to God. As a king, we should not limit our ministry to those who are near to us but we should extend and seek for the lost sheep of the flock, those whom the society calls as the poor and the oppressed. We are also challenged to take another look on ourselves as being too much “legalist” on our religion. We should remember that the laws should give life to the person and not to take it away from him/her, and lead people to live in dignity and freedom, and give meaning to their sufferings and pains.

Let us ask ourselves once again on how we practice our authority and our kingship (servanthood) in our family, place, work, church, and community/society?

(Special thanks to Fr. Cielo Almazan, OFM, for his Bible Study Guide for the Solemnity of Christ the King)

November 5 - Feast for Holy Relics

2011-11-04T19:39:00.001-07:00

A FEAST FOR HOLY RELICS

Dave CeasarFrancisco Dela Cruz

In the calendar of the ExtraordinaryForm and in Tradition of the Holy Roman Church the 5^th day ofNovember is a feast not of a person or people but of their remains, the feastof the Holy Relics. Let us not be confused because other dioceses or religiouscommunities celebrate it in other days. But usually, it is celebrated withinthe Octave of the Solemnity of All Saints.

TheologicalFoundation

In the liturgical calendar theChurch commemorates the events and titles of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary,the life and holiness of the Angels, Apostles, Martyrs, Pastors, Doctors of theChurch, Virgins, Holy Men and Women. Likewise, the Church celebrates thedignity of dedicated houses of worship. But why have a celebration for holyrelics?

The cult of the saints which startedin the early times of the Church is a way for those who are living to rememberthe heroic act of a martyr, until the Church accepted non-martyrs forveneration. The honor (dulia) due tothe Saints is celebrated on the day of their Dies Natalis (birth in heaven). Early Christians celebrate these bycelebrating the Eucharist and visiting their tombs.

Sacred Scriptures remind us that ourbody is created by God, sanctified with the breath of life, and nourished byhis words. Our body, because it is the reflection of God’s goodness – made inhis image and likeness - and temple of the Holy Spirit- is sacred (Cf. Gen.1:26; 1 Cor. 6:19-20).

Furthermore, our baptism sanctifiesthe body and soul, freeing us from original sin and opens it to sanctifyinggraces. Amidst of sin and weaknesses of our body, the sacrament ofreconciliation rejuvenates our body and soul and is strengthened by the Word ofGod and the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist.

Death is the consequence of sin (Cf.Rom. 6:23). But because of Christ death on the cross, his rising restored ourlife and death became a reward for Christians. As what Saint Teresa of Avilasaid: “To see God we must die,” and her spiritual daughter, Saint Therese ofthe Child Jesus, enriched the beauty of death as entry “to eternal life.” TheChristian is rewarded by seeing and being with God and to be in company withChrist forever.

The soul, in God’s mercy we trust,is at peace. The body is given honor with Christian burial: the body, evenwithout life, is owned by God and is still sacred. This is why we give wakes, FuneralMasses, blessings, and celebrating the death anniversary at the tomb. The body,decomposed or incorrupt, is still God’s creation, and will always remind us ofthe person who was made one with Christ on earth.

Theologyof the Body

The Gospel narrates to us that afterthe death of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of the Lordto be laid in peace in a tomb. Romans and Jews are people who have a deep respectfor the dead. Joseph, moved with faith and trust in the resurrection, gave aworthy burial for the dead body of the Lord on the cross and, with others around,gave what is due: pure linen, perfume, etc. Christians, both during the time ofthe apostles and the early Church, did the same giving respect for the body aswhat they did with Stephen the first martyr, the apostles, and early martyrs.

One wonderful account during theearly Church was on the martyrdom of Saint Polycarp wherein Christians gatheredhis remains, which is the translation of relics,“And so we afterwards took up his boneswhich are more valuable than precious stones and finer than refined gold, andlaid them in a suitable place.”

The said accountwas a proof on how we must respect our body, living and dead. Respect for theremains is a Christian act because it is a way of respecting and treasuringGod’s gift, the gift of the body.

At the start of this paper, Imentioned, and will always remind the readers, that our body is sacred becauseit is God’s gift and creation, and is sanctified by the Sacraments. These arealso the reasons why we place the mortal remains of our departed ones insidebeautiful and dignified coffins, letting him/her wear the best clothes, andputting flowers and candles around. The same with the relics of the saints, weplace them in an adorned theca (the round metal container) and in a reliquary,placing them in a dignified place for veneration.

Bones, ashes, and even personalobjects owned by the person whom we loved are taken care well to show ourrespect and love for our beloved. Much more, we care of these because God worksin the person and the material objects became instruments to help him/her be holy.This is the reason why we venerate the relics of the saints: to render theSaints what is due to them and, through this practice, to render more praiseand adoration to their creator God.

AFeast for Holy Men and Women

“TheSaints have been traditionally honored in the Church,” (SC11) almost everyday: from optional and obligatory memorials to feasts and the solemnities,especially on November 1.

Before the Second Vatican Council,in the Calendar of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite and in the MissaleRomanum of 1962, there was a feast dedicated for the Relics of the Saintsnamely: “SacrarumReliquiarum quæ in ecclesiis diœcesis asservantur.”It wasplaced on November 5, within the octave of All Saints’ Day, and is attributedto Saint Pope Pius X, because before there were other dates, depending on thelocal Church to celebrate this wonderful feast but he united these observancesinto one day.

Due to the renewal of liturgy bothin texts and rites, most especially on the liturgical calendar, the feast ofHoly Relics was set aside but never abrogated.

Some dioceses, especially in Europe,and monasteries and canonries still celebrate the Feast of Holy Relics. SaintNorbert once said: “Youmust have a great veneration for the relics of the Saints, for they are moreprecious than all the treasures of the world. Should you possess any inyour house, consider them as the guardians of your home and your heart.”

We could consider the Saints’presence in homes as intercessors, friends, and also guardians. The Church isthe home of the Family of God, and when a Church possesses relics of Saints, itis a visible sign of the unity of the Church: Triumphant, Militant, andSuffering. Furthermore, as we honor the relics of the Saints, we are reminded ofGod as our creator, that the human body is sacred, and we are called to besaints.

Pastoral Suggestion

“The Saints have been traditionally honored in the Church,and their authentic relics and images held in veneration,” (SC11) itis nice to ask pastors of souls to continue the tradition of the Church by celebratingthe Feast of Holy Relics - ususantiquior.

In Rome, especially in the SaintPeter’s Basilica, and in other Churches they place the relics in a reliquarynear or within the sanctuary (for Ordinary Form)[1].It is not a veneration of the dead for no one dies in Christian faith: all ofus are living because God is our life. We venerate the saints who live in God’skingdom and blessing God in his saints.

For us here in the orient, it willbe a pastoral and spiritually enriching moment for our faithful to let them beaware with the treasures of our Church – the relics of the saints – and to helpthem see our future glory: sainthood. A catechesim on the cult and the relicsof the saints is to be given as a preparation for this wonderful feastday.

In the Ordinary Form, becausethere’s no proper for the feast SacrarumReliquiarum, we could use the votive Mass for All Saints, following thereadings on November 1. And for the Extraordinary Form, the proper is used.

Reflection

Auge in nobis, Dómine, resurrectiónis fidem,

qui in Sanctórum tuórum relíquiis mirabília operáris:

et fac nos immortális glóriæ partícipes,

cujus in eórum cinéribus pígnora venerámur.

Per Dóminum.

(MissaleRomanum, 1962)

Lord, increase our faith in theresurrection;

who in the relics of your saints workwonders:

make us partakers of your eternal glory,

the reward of the ashes which wevenerate.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ.

(PersonalTranslation)

Venerating the relics of the saintsis not a cult of the dead but of the living. There is resurrection, and webelieve in it. The resurrection of the body is a truth of our faith which weneed to believe everyday so that we may be inspired to avoid sin and do holyworks.

Holiness is attained in two ways:care for the body so that the soul may be secured, and nourishment of the soul inorder that the body may be strengthened. We need to be inspired. We need holymen and women to inspire us to holiness.

Caring for the relics is a way ofstrengthening the dignity and sanctity of the body that God has given us.Desecration of the relics is a sacrilege not only towards the saints, but alsoto the Body of Christ – where we are all part.

Let us rejoice in the holy men andwomen of every time and place. May their prayers bring us God’s forgiveness andlove, and help us to be worthy to enter eternal glory (Preface for All Saints),the reward of the holy people. Amen.

Bibliography

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church

2. Compendium on the Catechism of the CatholicChurch

3. Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy,Vatican II

4. 1962 Missale Romanum

5. Roman Martyrology

[1] A reliquary must not be placed upon the altar or set into the tableof the altar; it must be placed beneath the table of the altar, as the designof the altar permits (Rite of Dedication of a Church and an Altar, 5).

THE FEAST OF HOLY RELICS

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THE FEAST OF HOLY RELICS

Dom Prosper Gueranger, OSB

Death prepares us for heaven

Had we angels' eyes, we shouldsee the earth as a vast field sown with seed for the resurrection. The death ofAbel opened the first furrow, and, ever since, the sowing has gone onunceasingly the wide world over. This land of labour and of suffering, whattreasures it already holds laid up in its bosom! And what a harvest for heaven,when the Sun of justice, suddenly darting forth His rays, shall cause to springup as suddenly from the soil the elect ears ripe for glory! No wonder that theChurch herself blesses and superintends the laying of the precious grain in theearth.

The Glory of the Saints

But the Church is not contentto be always sowing. Sometimes, as though impatient of delay, she raises fromthe ground the chosen seed she had sown therein. Her infallible discernmentpreserves her from error; and, disengaging from the soil the immortal germ, sheforestalls the glory of the future. She encloses the treasure in gold orprecious stuffs, carries it in triumph, invites the multitudes to come andreverence it; or she raises new temples to the name of the blessed ones, andassigns him the highest honour of reposing under the altar, whereon she offersto God the tremendous Sacrifice.

'Let your charity understand,'explains St. Augustine (DiscorsoCCCXVIII su santo Stefano, V): 'it is not to Stephen we raise an altarin this place; but of Stephen's relics we make an altar to God. God loves thesealtars; and if you ask the reason: "Precious in the sight of the Lord isthe death of His saints" (Psalm 115: 15). In obedience to God theinvisible soul has quitted its visible dwelling. But God preserves thisdwelling; He is glorified by the honour we pay to this lifeless flesh; and,clothing it with the might of His divinity, He gives it the power of workingmiracles' (Discorso CCLXXV su sanVincenzo, martire, II). Hence the origin of pilgrimages to the shrinesof the saints.

'Christian people,' says St.Gregory of Nyssa, 'wherefore are you assembled here? A tomb has no attractions;nay, the sight of its contents inspires horror. Yet, see what eagerness toapproach this sepulchre! So great an object of desire is it, that a littlepiece of dust from around it is esteemed a gift of great price. As to beholdingthe remains it conceals, that is a rare favour and a enviable one, as those cantestify who enjoy the privilege: they embrace the holy body as though it wereyet alive, they press their lips and their eyes upon it, shedding tears of loveand devotion. What emperor ever received such honor? (Su san Teodoro Martire).

'Emperors!' rejoins St. JohnChrysostom; 'as the porters at their gates, such have they become with regardto poor fishermen. The son of the great Constantine deemed he could not pay ahigher honour to his father, than to procure him a place of sepulture in theporch of the fisherman of Galilee.' (Comm.della Seconda ai Cor. Om. XXVI). And again, concluding his commentary onSt. Paul's admirable Epistle to the Romans, the golden-mouthed Doctor exclaims:'And now, who will grant me to prostrate myself at Paul's sepulchre, tocontemplate the ashes of that body which, suffering for us, filled up what waswanting in the sufferings of Christ? The dust of that mouth which spoke boldlybefore kings, and, showing what Paul was, revealed the Lord of Paul? The dustof that heart, truly the heart of the world, more lofty than the heavens, morevast than the universe, as much the heart of Christ as of Paul, and whereinmight be read the book of grace graven by the Holy Spirit? Oh! that I might seethe remains of the hands which wrote those Epistles; of those eyes which werestruck with blindness and recovered their sight for our salvation; of the feetwhich traversed the whole earth! Yes: I would fain contemplate the tomb whererepose these instruments of justice and of light, these members of Christ, thistemple of the Holy Ghost. O venerable body, which, together with that of Peter,protects Rome more securely than all ramparts!' (Omelia XXXII)

Church’s teaching on relics

The Council of Trent onrelics: "Veneration ought to be shown by the faithful to the bodies of themartyrs and other saints, who live with Jesus Christ. For they were His livingmembers and the temples of the Holy Ghost; He will raise them up again toeternal life and glory; and through them God grants many blessings to mankind."

"Considering the unequal distribution of relics throughout theworld, Rome has not fixed one universal feast for the essentially local cultusof these precious remains. She leaves the particular churches free to consulttheir own convenience (Concilio di Nicea II, c. VII), reserving it to herself to bless andsanction the choice of each." (Concilio di Trento, Sess. XXV)

Celebrating All Saints' Day

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The Confraternity of Catholic Saints will celebrate All Saints' Day with a Eucharistic Celebration and Solemn Lauds and Vespers at the CCS Directorate in Marikina City on November 1, 2011.

On this occasion, upon the request of Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao, the relics of Blessed John Paul II visited the Saint Joseph's Convent today, October 31, and Carmel of Saint Therese in Gilmore this evening until November 2, 2011, 5:00PM.

We thank the Reverend Prioresses of the said monastic communities and His Excellency Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, D.D., Bishop of Cubao.

SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS - November 1

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SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS

Dave Ceasar Francisco Dela Cruz

November is marked by the secular as“Halloween.” Yes it is hallowed; it is holy, because we celebrate the Holy Godwho work in holy people of different age, status, and time. We honor the holypeople, specifically known and general, whom we love and venerate. We honor allthe Saints, a manifestation that ourChurch is truly a "Mother of the Saints, an image of the EternalCity"

Introduction

Since time and beginning, God callseach of his beloved to follow him. We marked them as patriarchs, priests,prophets, kings, and those who followed the will of God in the Old Testament.They are features of the consecrated and chosen people[1]– the Israelites - during that time.

In the New Testament, Jesus calledtwelve men to be his disciples, an invitation to be holy by serving with him toproclaim God’s kingdom and conversion. It was the disciples who heard, andfirst challenge to live and believe the beatitudes, the teachings of Our Lord,and, most especially, witness and follow the way of love of Jesus – hispassion, death, and resurrection.

After the glorious ascension ofJesus into heaven, now, the apostles were gifted by the power of the HolySpirit on Pentecost day. They were strong and confident, with love andhumility, proclaiming the Gospel to different races. They chose helpers –disciples, who were inspired by the life of Jesus, and who wish to continue toMessianic mission of Our Lord continued by the apostles. The Word of God and inthe Breaking of the Bread, many were fed with the spirit of Jesus and to liveaccording to the will of God – a blessed life. This was manifested when Stephen, one of the first deacons, offered hislife out of love for God and faith in Jesus Christ.[2]

The Book of Revelation is one of thebest sources where we can see how these holy people are rewarded by the Lord,faithful to his promise in the beatitudes. In the book also we can read how thepeople of God, the holy people, celebrate the victory of Christ’s paschal mystery.[3]

Veneration ofMartyrs

During the fourth century, early Christiansvenerate the martyrs of our faith. They celebrate it on their Dies Natalis (day of birth in heaven).Due to numerous martyrs that offered their life on one day, they celebrate themas a group. The Church as a mother, doesn’t want one of her children beabandoned or set aside. In Antioch, the Sunday after Pentecost was the firstdocumented testimony that Christians venerate the martyrs in one day. Thehomilies of our Church Fathers like St. John Chrysostom and St. Ephrem of Syriatestify to the said celebration.

Due to holy men and women who arenot martyrs, the Church also needs to accommodate them in the liturgicalcalendar. In the year 411, the Chaldean Christians have a day in the liturgicalcalendar called “Commemoration of Confessors” which is on Friday after Easter.

First AllSaints’ Day

May 13, 609 or 610, Pope Boniface IVconsecrated a Church, the Pantheon. The Pantheon is a famous place because thisis where the Romans worship all their gods. When Christianity hover over Rome,some of the palaces and mansion wereturned into places of worship. The Pantheon was dedicated under the titular Sancta Maria adMartyres(Holy Mary and all Martyrs). The day of the dedicatio Sanctae Mariae adMartyres became the first date of celebrating all Holy Men and Women in theRoman Church.

During the pontificate of PopeGregory III (731-741) he consecrated a chapel in Saint Peter’s Basilicadedicated to all the Saints on November 1. This is a chapel reserve for therelics holy apostles and of all saints, martyrs and confessors. From then on,November 1 became the feast of All Saints setting aside May 13.

At the Frankish empire there was acelebration for the Festival of All Saints. On 835AD, it was made a holy day of obligation in the whole Frankishempire, and then made universal by Pope Gregory IV. Pope Sixtus IV add anOctave, where the feast of Holy Relics falls for celebration.

The Solemnity ofAll Saints

Since the liturgical era of theCouncil of Trent until Vatican II, November 1 was untouchable and has the levelof a Solemnity (with Gloria, Second Reading, and Credo). The celebration todayechoes the preface of All Saints: “Today, we keep the festival of your holycity, the heavenly Jerusalem, our mother.”

November 1 is a holy day ofobligation in some countries, though it is not a holy day of obligation in ourcountry it is still a holiday.

For Filipinos, we must set a notionthat November 1 is a celebration of All Saints, the living holy men and womenof every time and place who are in heaven. It is a day of great reminder forall of us that we are all called to be saints.

Pastors must have a heart to leadtheir flock in understanding this wonderful celebration of our Church and ourfaith. Catechism on the role of the saints in our lives must be given. Muchmore, ways and exercises of holiness is timing for this season like: SolemnEucharistic Celebration, Confession, Retreat and Recollection, Work of Charity,etc.

During this day, the community musthave a local festival of All Saints like the exposition and veneration of therelics of the saints, presentation of the lives and works of the saints, andmany more.

PastoralSuggestion

During the Liturgy of the Hoursand/or Eucharistic Celebration on the solemnity of All Saints on November 1, orif the local community wishes to honor them through a votive mass for AllSaints, the relics of the saints or blessed can be exposed publicly forveneration of the faithful so that through this celebration they may invoketheir help that we, who honor them, be holy and with their prayers bring us theforgiveness and love of God.[4]

Reflection

Pope Benedict XVI gave a wonderfulhomily on All Saints day: “This, then, is the meaning of today's Solemnity:looking at the shining example of the Saints to reawaken within us the greatlonging to be like them; happy to live near God, in his light, in the greatfamily of God's friends. Being a Saint means living close to God, to live inhis family. And this is the vocation of us all, vigorously reaffirmed by theSecond Vatican Council and solemnly proposed today for our attention.

[1]Cf. Dt. 7: 6

[2]Ac. 7: 60

[3]Cf. Rev. 19: 1-5

[4]Opening Prayer on the Solemnity of All Saints

8th Foundation Anniversay

2011-09-30T16:53:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 8TH ANNIVERSARY, DEAR CONFRATERNITY OF CATHOLIC SAINTS!

We just had a solemn lauds and Eucharistic Celebration at the Oratory. Thank you to the people who attended and always support the mission of CCS!

"We thank the Confraternity of Catholic Saints of the Diocese of Cubao for its noble mission of making the saints known, promoting devotion to them, and even making relics of saints available for the faithful’s veneration. May your programs and activities inspire our people to live holy lives in imitation of the saints so that one day we, too, may enjoy with them the vision of seeing God face to face."

-Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, Archbishop of Manila

From the Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan

2011-07-17T02:48:00.000-07:00

On this happy occasion of the opening of the "Treasures of our Faith" by the Confraternity of Catholic Saints, I convey to you my fraternal greetings and invoke my pastoral blessings!

I pray that this occasion will strengthen even more the bonds of communion that link us to one another. The mission of promoting unity and sustaining community spirit is central to the mission of the Lord and the Church. The mission of the Church is the mission of Jesus Christ "that all may be one."

As I pray for you, I also pray for the world around us and the society to which we belong. I pray even more that as our community spirit is rekindled by this occasion, our society may also benefit from our unity. We live for others. We live for the life of the world. We live in unity so that the world may become a better place through our presence in it.

May the God of unity be with you! May we all find unity in our diversity! May the world see us and exclaim "See those Christians, how they love one another!"

From the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Dagupan City, June 18, 2011.

+SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS
Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan

From the Cardinal-Archbishop of Manila

2011-07-11T23:23:00.000-07:00

Holiness is the vocation of every follower of Christ. The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church reminds us that all the faithful, whatever their condition or state – though each in his own way – are called by the Lord to that perfection of sanctity by which the Father himself is perfect (Lumen Gentium, 11). We are all called to be holy. We are all called to be saints. A spiritual writer once said, the greatest sorrow in one’s life is not to become a saint.

The Church, by canonizing some of the faithful, recognizes in them the power of the Spirit of holiness and proposes them as models and intercessors. Through the saints, the holiness and glory of God is revealed. In the saints, we are given the proof that sanctity is possible.

We thank the Confraternity of Catholic Saints of the Diocese of Cubao for its noble mission of making the saints known, promoting devotion to them, and even making relics of saints available for the faithful’s veneration. May your programs and activities inspire our people to live holy lives in imitation of the saints so that one day we, too, may enjoy with them the vision of seeing God face to face.

God bless you always!

(Signed)

+GAUDENCIO B. CARDINAL ROSALES
Archbishop of Manila

Arzobispado de Manila
29 June 2011

Invitation

2011-06-22T06:33:00.000-07:00

The relics of Blessed John Paul II are publicly exposed for veneration at the Santa Teresita del Nino Jesus Parish, 43 Kanlaon, Quezon City (near Welcome Rotonda) from June 22-24, 2011.

Send-off Mass will be on Saturday, June 24, 2011, 7:00AM at the Church parking area before going to San Isidro Labrador Parish, Nangka, Marikina City.

From the Archdiocese of Washington

2011-06-21T08:13:00.000-07:00

I would like to commend you and the members of your apostolate for all that you do in service to Christ and to His Church.

In living out the mission of the New Evangelization to which Blessed Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI have called the Church, it is so important that people come to know and love the saints who have reflected the presence of Jesus Christ through their own individual journeys, struggles, gifts, and vocations. Such knowledge and love of our heroic brothers and sisters in the faith can only lead one closer to the knowledge and love of Our Lord.

Amidst all of the challenges that the Church faces, we certainly can find comfort and courage in the intercession of the saints who surround us as a "great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1).

During this season of Pentecost, may the Holy Spirit guide the work of the Confraternity of Catholic Saints in bearing witness to the Gospel of Our Lord.

Sincerely in Christ,

Reverend William D. Byrne
Secretary for Pastoral Ministry and Social Concerns
Archdiocese of Washington

Invitation

2011-06-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

Announcement

2011-06-01T05:51:00.000-07:00

The relics of Blessed John Paul II will visit the AsiaPro Cooperative in Pasig City on
June 3, 2011, during their First Friday Mass.

For veneration of relics of outsiders must inform and seek permission
of proper authorities of the said company.

2011-05-20T03:34:00.000-07:00

Invitation

2011-05-20T02:57:00.000-07:00

Invitation

2011-05-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

Invitation

2011-05-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

May 10, 2011, Happy Feastday of Blessed Ivan!

2011-05-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FEASTDAY OF BLESSED IVAN MERZ!

"At the school of the liturgy, the source and summit of the Church’s life,Ivan Merz grew to the fullness of Christian maturity and became one of the principal promotors of the liturgical renewal in his country." -Bl. John Paul II

SCHEDULE
Oratory of Jesus, the Eternal High Priest

SOLEMN LAUDS, 6:00PM

(followed by veneration of the relics)

PRAYER VIGIL FOR LIFE, 10:00PM

Relics of the Pope

2011-04-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

The Confraternity of Catholic Saints, a registered prayer group and promoter for the sainthood of Blessed John Paul II, has recently allowed that the relics kept by the Director, which were personal gifts for him, to be invited into different parishes, religious and civil communities, schools, and hospitals for public veneration of the faithful.

The Director, Prof. Dave Ceasar Dela Cruz, CCS, kept in to his custody for personal devotion and now given to the CCS the following relics:

A large piece of cassock of the Pope
Two rosaries given personally by the Pope
Saved papal seal of JPII’s pontificate
Three different relics cards with a piece of the Pope’s cassock
Pieces of altar, kneeler, and chair used by the Pope
Olive branch used by the Pope during one of his Mass in Croatia
Greeting card given by the Pope during one Easter
Picture of the Pope with two small pieces of his death-bed sheet

For invitations, you may address your letters, approved by your respective parish priest/chaplains, and send it to: ccsphilippines@gmail.com

Some conditions are requested to make to visit of the relics of the Pope more organize.

Historic Beatification

2011-01-14T04:23:00.000-08:00

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI with the unanimous decision/vote of Cardinals and members of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints has approved and dated the beatification of the Venerable Servant of God John Paul II on May 1, 2011, at Saint Peter's Basilica.

Happy Birthday Fra. Lloyd F.!

2010-07-24T07:41:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND NAME DAY!!!!

Fra. Lloyd Danielle P. Flores

May God continue to bless you, and your endeavors for a holy life! We love you!

From: your CCS Family

Blessing of Bahay ni Juan

2010-07-11T18:09:00.000-07:00

(Marikina City) Last Saturday, July 10, 2010, the Bahay ni Juan (House of Ivan) was filled with joy and visitors for its blessing. 3 priests and a deacon, Fr. Allan Antonio, Director of Liturgical Music in the Diocese of Malolos, preside of the blessing, Fr. Elpidio Silug, Director of Liturgy of the Diocese of Baguio, Fr. Paulo Gamboa, Liturgist of the Order of Discalced Carmelites in the Philippines, and Rev. Aldrin Alvarado, Liturgist and Asst. Director of Postulants of the Order of Saint Augustine Philippines, concelebrated over the blessing of the house, office for vice postulation, and the oratory.

The Bahay ni Juan will serve as the house and office of the Vice Postulator for the Cause of Canonization of Blessed Ivan Merz and has an oratory that houses the pilgrim image blessed by Pope Benedict XVI and the various relics of Blessed Ivan Merz.

The House is open for visitors who seek spiritual direction, counselling, and prayer time (by appointment) and this will serve as the formation center of the brothers, cooperators, and scholars of the Confraternity of Catholic Saints.

Message from the Vice Postulator

2010-05-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

On this special day dedicated to the “Apostle of the Youth”, Blessed Ivan Merz, I greet the devotees both here in the Philippines and abroad, happy feastday!

It is fitting that the feast of Blessed Ivan is celebrated on the same day we will elect our new national and local officials. Blessed Ivan is not only a saint but a patriot also. Once, he said, “Only a Christian can truly love his country. Loving his country, he mostly loves what is the most valuable in it, and, without doubt, these are the human souls, and in those souls – their immortal lives.” Let Blessed Ivan be a model for our government officials! Let them be a servant of love for God and country, service, and of faith. Blessed Ivan did not only remain patriot during his earthly life. He promised that he will continue it in heaven. Blessed Ivan, pray for us that we may be a nation of love, service, and of faith.

On this day, we award to six young people, who wish to finish their studies, the Blessed Ivan Merz’s Scholarship. My dear young people, be grateful to your spiritual parents both in the U.S.A. and Croatia. As you study well, remember that you being made holy. Not only that, when you study well, you are imitating Blessed Ivan who love God and his country. Our country needs hard and holy workers. Be one of it! Be for God and our nation.

For us devotees, let Blessed Ivan continue to inspire us. His prayers and life will be the guiding light towards Jesus and Mary, in the heavenly kingdom. Let me give you a beautiful prayer that he composed: “Oh, my God, give me strength to love you ardently, to believe in you so firmly, to walk through the places which threaten death without any consideration or fear, innocent like a child who has never heard of stories about fear.”

Let us continue to promote his life and devotion to him. We see the glory of God in his life. May we see him more glorified as he be raised on the altar as a saint soon. Blessed Ivan, pray for us.

May God bless us, through the intercession of Blessed Ivan, and may he lead us to everlasting life! Amen.

Yours in Blessed Ivan,

FRA. DAVE CEASAR F. DELA CRUZ, CCS
Vice Postulator

Feast of Blessed Ivan Merz

2010-05-10T20:52:00.000-07:00

Sanctuary of Transfiguration of our Lord

Holy Cross Parish, Tanza

Navotas City

Parish of Holy Cross, Krus na Ligas

Quezon City

(May 10, 2010) In the Philippines, the feast of Blessed Ivan Merz coincides with the National Elections. This is the first fully-automated elections in the country. Amidst of political campaign and fear of failure of elections, everything came out in peace.

In the diocese of Cubao, the scholars attended the early morning Mass in Transfiguration of our Lord Parish. After the Mass, the awarding of the Blessed Ivan Merz’s Scholarship was held. In the Holy Cross Parish, where the director and moderator of the Confraternity and Vice Postulator of Blessed Ivan Merz stays, Fra. Dave Dela Cruz, CCS, attended the morning Mass together with the parishioners and volunteers of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV is the election watch-dog of the Catholic Church). Since May 1, 2010, prayers cards and catechesis were given to let Blessed Ivan be known to the community and be an intercessor of peaceful elections. Lastly, in the diocese of Kalookan, the brothers in Navotas, led by their superior, Fra. Weldann Panganiban, CCS, attended a Mass in the evening in their parish. Last May 7, 2010, Lloyd Flores, who is an aspirant to the brotherhood, received the Sacrament of Confirmation through His Excellency Most Rev. Deogracias Iñiguez, Bishop of Kalookan. Scholars and some brothers attended that event as part of Blessed Ivan’s novena celebration.

In his message Fra. Dave said, “It is fitting that we celebrate the feast of Blessed Ivan Merz together with the elections of our national and local officials. Let him be a model for them of good leadership, service, and of faith!” He also addressed some words to the scholars: “You my dear young people, be inspired of Blessed Ivan! It is through learning that we become holy and good citizens of our country.”

Now the Filipinos are waiting for the result of the elections. For the Confraternity and the Vice Postulation, it is a start to move again to promote the cause of Blessed Ivan for his canonization.

Blessed Ivan Merz and the Elections

2010-05-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

"I must start leading a new life, regenerate from the spirit of a new knowledge of Catholicism. May God help me, because there is nothing a man can do single-handed."

Tomorrow, May 10, 2010, is the Feast of Blessed Ivan Merz. As we hold our National and Local Elections on the day of his feast, let us pray together for clean and honest elections,using Blessed Ivan's Words:

“Oh God, the best would be if I was already with You, so, please, burn all the parasites of sin that crept into my soul with the flame of your Mercy, so that I can appear before You good and holy; or at least, to be inspired, while leaving, with a holy joy and an extraordinary will”

HAPPY FEAST OF BLESSED IVAN MERZ!

From: the Confraternity of Catholic Saints

Happy Easter!

2010-04-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

Consurgit Christus tumulo,

victor redit de barathro,
tyrannum trudens vinculo
et paradisum reserans.
Alleluia!

Christus resurrexit!

The Cross of Our Lord in Taguiug

2010-04-01T18:20:00.000-07:00

March 28, 2010, the faithful of the Parish-Shrine of Saint Ann in Taguig, Diocese of Pasig, rejoice in the relic of the True Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, donated and entrusted by the Confraternity of Catholic Saints through the Third Order of Saint Dominic headed by Bro. Jun Banaag, OP, and Bro. Carlos Evangelista, Jr., OP. A mass and a liturgical reception were held to welcome the precious relic attended by the director and superior of the Brothers of CCS, Fra. Dave Dela Cruz, CCS. The relic was placed in a beautiful cross-reliquary and was brought to procession after the Mass.

The relic was extracted from its original reliquary after dividing it among friends of Fra. Dave. It came from the Vicariate of Rome and was a gift by a certain family from the Diocese of Malolos. Now, the faithful around the Diocese of Pasig may venerate the precious relic especially during the celebration of the Easter Triduum.

CCS Message for Holy Week 2010

2010-03-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

My dear brothers and sisters in Holiness!

"We must now pass through the first veil and approach the second, turning our eyes towards the Holy of Holies. I will say more: we must sacrifice ourselves to God, each day and in everything we do, accepting all that happens to us for the sake of the Word, imitating his passion by our sufferings, and honoring his blood by shedding our own. we must be ready to be crucified." (St. Gregory Nazianzen)

In the days to come, we shall commemorate once again that saving day, that saving night, in which the Lord Jesus gave his life for us, thus giving more life to our dying souls.

It has been nearly two thousand years already since Christ gave his life for our sake. Lots of generations had passed, martyrs had given their lives, the faithful continued striving hard for holiness...

... and still, it is just the beginning of the story.

As Christians, we continue to live by our beliefs and traditions brought about by the saving death and resurrection of Christ. Something that, for us, means unwavering hope for the despaired, forgiveness for the sinner, salvation for all.

But, let us heed the words of Saint Gregory Nazianzen: We must... be ready to be crucified. Now, more than ever. It is not only enough that we believe, we hear, and we see. As those who were saved, it is our duty to proclaim, and to live what we believe. We must be ready to offer our lives after the pattern of the One who offered his life for us all.

And so, my dear brother and sisters, whatever situation we are undergoing right now, let us always remember that Christ is always with us, guiding us to be ourselves the offering to God. Let us not be discouraged by the events that are degrading our human nature; instead, we must have that unwavering courage to face it, its fruits and consequences, its totality. we must be ready to die, if we know that it was from Holiness, and it would lead to Holiness.

Like the Saints who came before us, we must follow the Way of the Lord, without any ho-hums, and any hesitations. Let us open our eyes to the world, work within it, face everything it might bring, and have faith and hope that the Lord would guide each and everyone of us.

Let us pray for each other, in the spirit of perseverance. May we climb the holy mountain of Death and Crucifixion, hoping that we would reach the peak of the Resurrection, with joy in our hearts. May Mary, the Queen of Sorrows, teach us to bear all sufferings patiently so that one day, we may receive the crown of triumph before the Lord.

With our Director, I am always One with you!
Fra. John Ezekiel Maria,ccs

Canonization Schedule

2010-02-20T02:30:00.000-08:00

Church to Proclaim 6 Saints in October

Including Australian Mary MacKillop

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 19, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI announced today at an ordinary public consistory for the canonisation of blesseds that the Church will proclaim six saints later this year.

The announcement of the Oct. 17 canonizations was a particularly awaited moment in the Holy See, as demonstrated by the presence of 37 cardinals, archbishops and bishops.

Archbishop Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes presented a biographical profile of the six blesseds, and then the Holy Father asked the cardinals, archbishops and bishops present, for their opinion on the canonizations proposed.

After giving their assent, Benedict XVI presided over the prayer for the Church, invoking the presence of the Trinity in the life of the people of God. The invocation ended with the singing of the Our Father.

Those to be canonized include:

-- Blessed Stanislaw Soltys, called Kazimierczyk, professed priest of the Canons Regular of the Lateran, born Sept. 27, 1433 in Kazimierz (Poland) and died in the same place May 3, 1489;

-- Blessed André Bessette (born Alfred), religious of the Congregation of the Holy Cross; born in Saint-Grégoire d'Iberville, Canada, Aug. 9, 1845, and died in Montreal, Canada, Jan. 6, 1937;

-- Blessed Candida Maria of Jesus, baptized Juana Josefa Cipitria y Barriola, founder of the Congregation of Daughters of Jesus, born in the hamlet of Berrospe, Andoain, Guipuzcoa, Spain, on May 31, 1845 and died on August 9, 1912.

-- Blessed Mary of the Cross MacKillop (baptized Mary Helen), founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart; born on January 15, 1842 in Fitzroy, Australia, and died on August 8, 1909 in Sydney, Australia;

-- Blessed Giulia Salzano, founder of the Congregation of the Catechetical Sisters of the Sacred Heart; born Oct. 13, 1846, in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Italy, and died May 17, 1929, in Casoria, Italy;

-- Blessed Camilla Battista da Varano, sister of the Poor Clares and founder of the monastery of St. Clare in Camerino; born April 0, 1458, in Camerino, Italy, and died in the same city May 31, 1524.

New Vatican Document on Lay Brothers Planned

2010-02-06T15:26:00.001-08:00

Cardinal Rodé Announces Coming Publications

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 4, 2010 (Zenit.org).- The prefect of the Congregation Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life announced plans for two new documents, on lay brothers and liturgical formation of religious.

Cardinal Franc Rodé explained Tuesday, the World Day of Consecrated Life, on Vatican Radio that the figure of the lay brother, members of a religious order who make vows but are not ordained priests, "must be appreciated in the Church."

For this reason, he said, a document on this topic is planned for publication in the fall.

"Recently we reflected on the figure of the lay brother in the religious congregations of brothers and in mixed religious congregations of priests and brothers," the cardinal said. "We have seen that in the last decades the number of lay brothers has decreased a lot."

For example, the Institute of the Brothers of the Christians Schools had some 16,000 members in 1965, and currently have less than 5,000.

Cardinal Rodé noted: "It is a great diminution. Unfortunately, all the congregations of brothers have great difficulties.

"And this also affects the mixed congregations of priests and brothers: The number of brothers has decreased much more than that of priests."

Problem

The prelate asserted, "There is a problem and something must be done."

He observed the absence of documents on this vocation, stating, "We think that one of the reasons for this decrease in vocations of lay brothers is, in fact, a certain lack of attention on the part of the Church to this figure of consecrated Christian as a lay brother."

"We want to prepare a document dedicated specifically to this figure of lay brother, as an autonomous figure, a figure that makes sense in itself, which has its own identity," the cardinal affirmed.

He pointed to the specificity of this call of God, affirming that "a lay brother is not -- as is often thought and as people think -- someone who has not been able, or has not wanted for some reason, to be a priest."

"It is a vocation that has a logic in itself with a particular mission in the Church, and history amply demonstrates this," the prelate stated.

He invited his listeners to reflect on the important function that congregations of brothers have had in the formation and education of young people, with numerous schools and universities in many countries.

"Let us also think of sanctity," Cardinal Rodé said. "Numerous are the brothers who have been canonized, especially brothers of mixed congregations, among them the Capuchins and Jesuits."

Necessity of prayer

The cardinal spoke next about the second document due for publication, which addresses "the absolute need of prayer" and of "liturgical formation" for religious.

"Some say that the men and women religious of today pray too little," he noted.

"Today, in such an agitated world, prayer is, without a doubt, more difficult," the cardinal acknowledged.

For this reason, he continued, "we must stress the absolute necessity of prayer in the spiritual life of a consecrated man or woman."

The prelate explained that the prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, Cardinal Antonio Cañizares, had suggested the preparation of an interdicasterial document.

The proposal was to entrust the first part to the dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and the second, to the dicastery for Divine Worship.

Cardinal Rodé said that this is important "because, on one hand there is a certain ignorance, a certain lack of knowledge and liturgical formation in young men and women religious."

"On the other hand," he added, "there are also liturgical fancies that are not always in good taste, and which do not correspond to the desire and will of the Church and to the spirit of the liturgy itself."

World Day of Consecrated Life

2010-02-02T04:28:00.000-08:00

February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, is also celebrated as the World Day of Consecrated Life.

Let us all be reminded that all of us are called to do the Lord's will through our daily life, while some are called to serve the Lord in a very special way.

As we continue to observe the Year of Holiness, we pray that all the Fraters of CCS, through their consecration, be a living testimony to this reality. We also pray for all our Cooperators, Scholars and Friends that we would all be bearers of the Light of the Lord that would shine out through the darkness of sinfulness and death.

ALL FOR HOLINESS!!!

Photo: The CCS Fraters (With the date of their Consecration): Fra. Francis Teresa Maria,ccs (Oct. 05, 2008), Fra. Tarciso Bonaventura Maria,ccs (Oct. 05, 2008), Fra. Joseph Pio Maria,ccs (Oct. 05, 2008), Fra. John Ezekiel Maria,ccs (Oct. 05, 2008), Fra. Paul Lawrence Maria (May 30, 2009), and Fra. James Michael Maria (May 30, 2009)

Prayer for Priests

2010-01-23T15:23:00.001-08:00

As the whole nation celebrate the National Congress of the Clergy (January 25-29, 2010) at the World Trade Center, Manila, we invite everyone to please include them in your prayers.

The Brothers, Cooperators, and Scholars of the Confraternity of Catholic Saints commit to pray for the priests by using the prayer made by Saint Therese:

O Jesus, Eternal Priest, keep Your priests within the shelter of Your Sacred Heart, where none may touch them. Keep unstained their anointed hands which daily touch Your Sacred Body. Keep unsullied their lips daily purpled with Your Precious Blood. Keep pure and unearthly their hearts sealed with the sublime mark of the priesthood. Let Your holy love surround them and shield them from the world’s contagion. Bless their labors with abundant fruit, and may the souls to whom they minister be their joy and consolation here, and in heaven their beautiful and everlasting crown. Amen.

Message for the Year of Holiness and Year of Mary 2010

2010-01-03T02:20:00.000-08:00

Enero 01, 2010

Mga Kapatid!

Isang Mapayapa, masagana, at Puspos ng Biyaya at kabanalan na Bagong Taon 2010 sa inyo at sa inyong pamilya!

Sa ating pagsisimula sa Taong alay kay Inang Maria ngayong Unang Araw ng Enero, Dakilang Kapistahan ng kanyang Pagiging Ina ng Diyos, hayaan ninyong magbahagi ako ng munting saloobin ukol sa mga bagay na ating tinanggap mula sa kamay ng ating Inang Simbahan.

Minsan sa ating mga buhay, tayo ay nangakong magiging tapat sa ating sinumpaan na magiging banal sa lahat ng oras at pagkakataon. Madalas natin itong nakakalimutan, at dahil sa ating mga abalang araw, hindi natin napapansin na tayo ay nalalayo sa ating mga dapat gawin.

Dahil dito, sa paggabay at tulong ng Espiritu Santo, ay itinatalaga ang taong 2010 bilang “Year of Holiness, Taon ng Kabanalan” at ang taong 2011 bilang “Year of Renewal, Taon ng Pagpapanibago.” Hindi ito ginawa upang magkaroon tayo ng pagkakaabalahan sa CCS, kundi naman, upang maalala natin na tayo, sa kabila ng ating murang edad, ay nakatalaga sa Diyos, upang ihatid ang kanyang kaharian sa lahat, sa harap ng mga pagsubok at paghihirap ng ating mundo sa ngayon. Tungkulin natin itong pagyabungin. Tungkulin natin itong ibahagi. Tungkulin natin itong isabuhay sa lahat ng oras.

Alam natin na hindi natin kakayanin ang mga tungkuling ito sa sariling lakas lamang. Kailangan natin ang tulong at gabay ni Maria, ating Reyna at Ina, upang magampanan ang lahat ng ito. Sa ganitong diwa, atin ring ipinagdiriwang ang Taong 2010 bilang Taon alay kay Maria. Hingin natin ang lakas at diwang Banal ni Maria upang ating maganap ang ating mga sinumpaan sa diwa ng kababaang-loob at pagtalima sa kalooban ng Diyos.

Sa diwa ng pagdiriwang, at tanda ng ating paghahanda at pakikiisa sa mga gawain ng Confraternity, muli nating isasabuhay ang Lingguhang Pagsimba upang mas lalo nating maihanda ang ating mga sarili sa mga magaganap na selebrasyon. Atin rin nawang isabuhay ang ating Prayer Life, bilang indibidwal at bilang komunidad.

Tandaan natin, habang ating ipinagdiriwang ang mga Observasyon na ito, na tayo ay hindi pinabaayaan ng Diyos. Ating ipagpatuloy ang ating mga nasimulan. Let us be holy,.. even if others would not,... even if others cannot,... even if others will not.

Muli, isang mapayapang taon sa inyo! Pagpalain nawa tayo ng Poong Maykapal!

Kasama ninyo sa kabanalan,
FRA. JOHN EZEKIEL MARIA, ccs

Starting the New Year

2009-12-31T17:49:00.000-08:00

Message from the Director

2009-12-31T17:24:00.000-08:00

As the dawn of 2010 is seen little by little, it is a sign of great hope for the world, for our country, for the families and individuals, but most of all for our Confraternity. For six years, we travelled as one community, though diverse in ministry, living as brothers in separate places, and busy with study and work, I could say that no one can hinder us from the love of God and the graces of being a firm Confraternity.

This year 2010, I invite you, my brothers, together with our Scholars and Cooperators, to celebrate this year as a year dedicated to Mary. We look at her, follow her, and entrust all that we are to her. Not only is she the Mother and Queen of All Saints, but she is our Mother, the Mother of the Confraternity of Catholic Saints! With her and through her, we know that everything will be possible – that all of us will be holy. I also want to dedicate two consecutive years as to start a new chapter in our brotherhood’s history, a step of being a religious institute of brothers.

First, I wish to dedicate 2010 as a year of Holiness. We, as brothers, must strive to be holy by all means. It is through our perseverance that the grace of God will be bestowed upon us and our community. We need to commit ourselves more to our mission and our ministry guided and firmed by our vows of obedience, chastity, and poverty. On October 1, 2010, we will gather as a community, as brothers, to report all what have done and to renew our vows and profession. Year 2011 will be a year of Renewal. A renewal that is not only of our own application of our spirituality but also a renewal of what must be done in our Confraternity. At the final quarter of this year, we start the reconstruction of our Constitution and By-laws, we hope that by the year 2011, all is ready and be presented to the Church. We aim that on October 1, 2011, the Confraternity of Catholic Saints will be an established religious institute of brothers.

We know that everything is possible with God that is why we all do this for his greater glory and for our holiness. We again look and cling to our Mother Mary, whom we dedicate our year 2010. Through her, the Confraternity of Catholic Saints will be a beacon of holiness in the world especially in our local Church and in the heart of young people.

“O Mary, Mother and Queen of all Saints, you are the Mother and Queen of the Confraternity of Catholic Saints, pray for us! Guide us! Help us to be faithful to our mission. Help us to be true to our vows. Everything we do and dream be protected by you, and be for the greater glory of God and for our sanctification. Amen.”

In Holiness,

FRA. DAVE CEASAR F. DELA CRUZ, CCS
Director

San Isidro Quasi-Parish

2009-12-27T15:27:00.000-08:00

December 25, 2009, on the evening of Christmas Day, His Excellency Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, D.D., Bishop of Cubao, blessed the new altar of San Isidro Quasi-Parish in Brgy. Pinyahan, Quezon City.

In the beautiful wooden-carved altar is a first class relic, Ex Corpore, of the young martyr-saint, Saint Maria Goretti, courtesy of the Confraternity.

San Isidro Quasi-Parish is the youngest community in the diocese. It was established on May 2006 and is under the pastoral care of Rev. Fr. Nicolas Salamanca.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T03:43:00.000-08:00

"Our Savior is born; let us rejoice!
Sadness should have no place
on the birthday of life."
- Saint Leo the Great
Sermo 1 in Nativitate Domini

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND WE LOVE YOU!

Brothers, Scholars, and Cooperators

Church made history

2009-12-21T13:46:00.001-08:00

For the first time in the Church history, two popes declared 'venerable' in a same day - Pope Pius XII and Pope John Paul II.

Last December 19, 2009, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI received Archbishop Angelo Amato, the prefect for the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and present the candidates for sainthood and beatification. The presentation also includes the proclamation of the title 'venerable' to servants of God, which includes the two pope.

Venerable is a title given to a candidate for sainthood which means that a heroic virtue (outstanding good and christian deeds) is seen on the life and work of the person and worthy to be venerated and imitated. This is also a one step away to beatification; one more miracle attributed to a 'venerable' intercession will lead him to become a 'blessed.'

Now, we do not only call Pius XII and John Paul II 'Pope' or 'Servant of God' but 'Venerable.'

Future Saints and Blessed Servants of God

2009-12-21T13:43:00.000-08:00

VATICAN CITY - Today, 19 December 2009, Pope Benedict XVI received Archbishop Angelo Amato, sdb, prefect of the Congregation of the Causes of the Saints, in a private audience. During that audience, the Holy Father authorized the Congregation to promulgate twenty-one decrees regarding:

- a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed StanisłaW Sołtys [Kazimierczyk], professed priest of the Order of Canons Regular of the Lateran; born on 27 September 1433 in Kazimierz, Lubelskie (Poland) and died there on 03 May 1489; beatified on 18 April 1993;

- a miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Alfred Bessette (in religion: André), professed religious of the Congregation of Holy Cross; born on 09 August 1845 in Saint-Grégoire d'Iberville, Quebec (Canada) and died 06 January 1937 in Montreal, Quebec (Canada); beatified on 23 May 1982;

- a miracle attributed to the intercession of the Blessed Maria ELlen MacKillop (in religion: Mary of the Cross), founder of the Congregation of the Sisters Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart; born on 15 January 1842 in Fitzroy, Melbourne, New South Wales (Australia) and died on 08 August 1909 in Sydney, New South Wales (Australia); beatified on 19 January 1995;

- a miracle attributed to the intercession of the Blessed Giulia Salzano, founder of the Congregation of the Catechist Sisters of the Sacred Heart; born on 13 October 1846 in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Caserta (Italy) and died on 17 May 1929 in Casoria, Naples (Italy); beatified on 29 April 2003;

- a miracle attributed to the intercession of the Blessed CAMILLA da Varano (in religion: BATTISTa), professed religious of the Order of Saint Clare; born on 09 April 1458 in Camerino, Macerata (Italy) and died there on 31 May 1524; confirmation of cult on 07 April 1843; declared venerable on 19 December 2005;

- a miracle attributed to the intercession of the Venerable Servant of God Josep Tous Soler (in religion: JOSEP FROM IGUALADA), professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins and founder of the Congregation of the Capuchin Sisters of the Mother of the Divine Shepherd; born on 31 March 1811 in Igualada, Barcelona (Spain) and died on 27 February 1871 in Barcelona (Spain); declared venerable on 22 December 2008;

- a miracle attributed to the intercession of the Venerable Servant of God FRANCISCO Sánchez Márquez (in religion: Leopoldo FROM ALPANDEIRE), professed religious of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins; born on 24 June 1866 at Alpandeire, Málaga (Spain) and died on 09 February 1956 in Granada (Spain); declared venerable on 15 March 2008;

- a miracle attributed to the intercession of the Venerable Servant of God Manuel Lozano Garrido, layperson of the diocese of Jaén; born on August 9, 1920 in Linares, Jaén (Spain) and died there on 03 November 1971; declared venerable on 17 December 2007;

- a miracle attributed to the intercession of the Venerable Servant of God Teresa Manganiello, secular, of the Third Order of Saint Francis; born on January 1849 in Montefusco, Avellino (Italy) and died there on 03 November 1876; declared venerable on 03 July 2009;

- a miracle attributed to the intercession of the Venerable Servant of God Chiara Badano, laity; born on 29 October 1971 in Sassello, Savona (Italy) and died there on 07 October 1990; declared venerable on 03 July 2008;

- the martyrdom of the Servant of God Jerzy Popiełuszko, priest of the archdiocese of Warsaw; born on 14 September 14, 1947 in Okopy, Podlaskie (Poland) and killed in odium fidei on 20 October 1984 near Włocławek, Pomorskie (Poland);

- the heroic virtues of Blessed JaKOV VARINGEZ (in religion: GIACOMO FROM BITETTO), professed religious of the Order of Friars Minor; born in ca. 1400 in Zadar, Zadarska (Croatia) and died in 27 April 1496 in Bitetto, Bari (Italy);

- the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Pius XII (Eugenio Pacelli), pope; born on 02 March 1876 in Rome (Italy) and died on 09 October 1958 in Castelgandolfo, Rome (Italy);

- the heroic virtues of the Servant of God John Paul II (Karol Wojtyła), pope; born on 18 May 1920 in Wadowice, Małopolskie (Poland) and died on 02 April 2005 in Rome (Italy);

- the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Louis Brisson, priest of the diocese of Troyes; founder, Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales and Oblate Sisters of Saint Francis de Sales; born on 23 June 1817 in Plancy, Aube (France) and died there on 02 February 1908;

- the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Giovanni Quadrio, professed priest of the Salesian Society of Saint John Bosco; born on 28 November 1921 at Vervio, Sondrio (Italy) and died on 23 October 1963 in Turin (Italy);

- the heroic virtues of the Servant of God JOAN Ward (in religion: MARY), founder of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto Sisters) and Congregatio Iesu; born on 23 January 1585 in Mulwith, Yorkshire (England) and died on 30 January 1645 in Hewarth, Yorkshire (England);

- the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Antonia Maria Verna, founder of the Institute of the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception of Ivrea; born on 12 June 1773 in Pasquaro di Rivarolo Canavese, Turin (Italy) and died on 25 December 1838 in Rivarolo Canavese, Turin (Italy);

- the heroic virtues of the Servant of God FRANCESCA Farolfi (in religion: Maria Chiara Serafina OF Jesus), founder of the Missionary Franciscan Clarists of the Blessed Sacrament; born on 07 October 1853 in Tossignano di Imola, Bologna (Italy) and died on 18 June 1917 in Bertinoro, Forlì (Italy);

- the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Maria Angela Alfieri (in religion: EnricHETTa), professed religious of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joan Antida Thouret; born on 23 February 1891 at Borgo Vercelli, Vercelli (Italy) and died on 23 November 1951 in Milan (Italy);

- the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Giunio Tinarelli, layperson of the diocese of Terni-Narni-Amelia; member, Pious Union of the Silent Workers of the Cross; born on 27 May 1912 in Terni (Italy) and died there on 14 January 1956.

From the Pope

2009-11-01T17:18:00.000-08:00

"Dear brothers and sisters, let us thank the Lord for the gift of holiness which shines out in the Church today with unique beauty."

- Pope Benedict XVI
Homily during the Canonization last October 11, 2009

Solemnity of All Saints 2009

2009-11-01T05:31:00.001-08:00

Shots during the whole day celebration of the Solemnity of All Saints
at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, celebrated Mass at 11:00AM and 6:00PM.

Message from the Apostolic Nuncio

2009-11-01T00:43:00.000-07:00

It is a pleasure for me to convey my heartfelt best wishes to the members of the Confraternity of Catholic Saints in the Diocese of Cubao, as they celebrate the Solemnity of All Saint, on 1 November 2009.

The men and women of today, especially the young, need heroes to inspire them to live their lives in the right way. A variety of models and ideals are suggested to us, either in overt or subtle ways, by modern communication technologies.

Many of these models do not offer us true values that can guide us to become the best persons that we can be. On the contrary, often what they present sow confusion, and tend to weaken our determination to live our Christian vocation.

We need true heroes who can guide us to become what in fact we really are - children of God, who are called to be holy and to give witness to the way of the Gospel of love. We need the saints, to whom your Confraternity is devoted, whose lives and virtues give us authentic Christian ideals that you wish to make known to many.

In the name of our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, I greet and bless all of you as you celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints.

Archbishop EDWARD JOSEPH ADAMS
Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines

29 October 2009

The Solemnity of All Saints

2009-10-31T19:58:00.000-07:00

PRAYER TO THE SAINTS

(from The Relics of the Saints in the Liturgy

by Fra. Dave Ceasar F. Dela Cruz, ccs)

O blessed souls, chosen ones, faithful children of God most holy, I praise the Lord for the great work he has done for the world, especially in giving you honor and reward to be with him in his kingdom and to serve as our model of true Christian life. I pray to plese help me to follow God's will, to serve himand the Church, to extend my time, talents, and treasures to those in need, and to be faithful to my baptismal promises. May I always be reminded of my true vocation to be a saint, whatever status of life I have at the present, so that when the time for me comes, I will be with you in God's kindom with Mother Mary, Saint Joseph, and all the angels praising God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit forever and ever.

Amen.

PEVRS 2009

2009-10-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

Public Exposition and Veneration of the Relics of the Saints 2009

2009-10-26T20:51:00.000-07:00

The Confraternity of Catholic Saints and the

Immaculate Conception Cathedral-Parish

invite you to celebrate Mass and to witness the

PUBLIC EXPOSITION AND VENERATION

OF THE RELICS OF THE SAINTS

on November 1, 2009,

The Solemnity of All Saints

at the Cathedral-Parish of the Immaculate Conception

Lantana Street, Cubao, Quezon City

For this year, in-line with the

150th death anniversary of the Cure of Ars

and the Year of the Priests,

the relics of Saint John Mary Vianney

and other priest-saints

will be exposed for your veneration.

Veneration will be before and after every Mass.

New Book of Fra. Dave Dela Cruz

2009-10-20T04:04:00.000-07:00

In every book you buy helps a poor child finish his education...

Benefits goes to the Blessed Ivan Merz's Scholarship Program of the Confraternity of Catholic Saints.

For order and reservation:
09228758785, ccsphilippines@gmail.com

Happy Anniversary!

2009-10-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

On October 5, 2009, the pioneer brothers of the Confraternity will celebrate their first anniversary of perpetual profession as consecrated-lay brothers.

Let us include in our prayers Fraters Dave Ceasar, Lloyd Paul, Weldann Lester, and Matthew that they may be faithful to their profession and mission in proclaiming the Gospel and promoting holiness is possible.

Mabuhay po kayo!

CCS @ 6

2009-09-29T21:50:00.000-07:00

In celebration of the 6th Anniversary of CCS tomorrow, I would like to extend my heartfelt greetings to all the Fraters, Scholars, Cooperators and friends.

The onslaught of Ondoy during the past weekend is truly a tragedy for each and everyone in the community. Everywhere we could see houses and properties submerged in flood and mud. we could see different individuals, living or dead, that had their lives changed within hours of rain and flashflood. Lives were lost, and claimed within a blink of an eye. Lives that were in comfortable stature were forced to go up their roofs due to sudden rise of floodwaters. These, among others, were what we witnessed during the visit of Ondoy in the Philippines during the weekend.

We may ask, Did God really let this happen? We answer, YES. It's God's reminder that in whatever situation, God is trying to tap us, and to open our eyes to the reality that we are not alone in this world, and that there is a deep consequence for our wrongdoings. Take the fact, we owe Mother Nature a lot.

In times like these, everybody is called to be holy, in one way or another. More than prayers, the community is in dire need of our physical resources, and out time and effort. I think this would be the better way to celebrate the Six Years we had in walking in the spirit of the Saints.

With the bayanihan spirit in our veins, I admonish each and everyone within the Confraternity, as a way of thankgiving for the Six Years of Holiness, to get involved, physically and spiritually, in the relief operations for Ondoy Victims.Through this and other programs that the Holy Spirit would inspire us to do, we could really say that Holiness is very possible, in good and bad times. God is with us and never let us down during the good and blessed times; I think it is better for us to extend our hands for the needy in the bad times.

With all my prayers for the Confraternity, I invoke St. Therese and all the Saints for another blessed year ahead of us! Happy Anniversary to one and all!

In Christum,

Fra. John Ezekiel Maria, ccs

Feast of Saint Therese and Anniversary of CCS

2009-09-29T21:48:00.000-07:00

Saint Therese, pray for us and teach us to be holy!

PRAYER FOR THE 6TH ANNIVERSARY OF CCS - October 1, 2009

2009-09-26T20:49:00.001-07:00

CONFRATERNITY OF CATHOLIC SAINTS
6TH ANNIVERSARY PRAYER
October 1, 2009

Loving Father, source of holiness, we thank you through your Son, Jesus Christ, for the gift of another year to serve you and the Church in proclaiming the Gospel and in promoting holiness. Continue to guide, bless, protect, and inspire the Confraternity and its members. May the consecrated brothers be faithful to their profession and give them strength to do their apostolate. May the cooperators continue to support the community in all matters and reward their kindness and generosity. May the scholars be nourished in mind and heart with their studies in academics and of faith. Send more people, especially young men, to serve the world through the Church in the spirituality and service of the Confraternity of Catholic Saints. We are ready to offer our lives and everything we have for your greater glory and for the holiness of the world.

All praise and glory are yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

O Mary, Mother and Queen of all Saints, pray for us and teach us to be holy.

Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, pray for us and teach us to be holy.

Feastday of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

2009-09-05T07:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Feastday Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta!

"Like Jesus we belong to the world living not for ourselves but for others. The joy of the Lord is our strength."

- Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Saint Ignatius of Loyola

2009-08-05T07:49:00.000-07:00

[July 31, 2009, Cubao, Quezon City]

On the occasion of Fr. Raymond Joseph Arre's installation as the new school director of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral School of Cubao, the relics of Saint Ignatius of Loyola were exposed during the Eucharistic Celebration presided by His Excellency Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco, D.D., the local ordinary of the Diocese.

The bone fragments of the saint was placed in a beautiful gothic reliquary and was venerated by those present especially during the celebration which was also the blessing of the new covered court of the school.

A section was named after Saint Ignatius of Loyola in the Elementary Department where a mass was also celebrated by the chaplain, Fr. William Garcia.

Fra. Dave Ceasar Dela Cruz, ccs, Director of CCS and the Campus Minister of the School served as the Master of Ceremonies. He is a graduate of Certificate of Competency in Pastoral Liturgy at Paul VI Institute of Liturgy in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

The Year of Saint Paul: Fruitful and Holy Year

2009-06-29T01:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, June 28, the Diocese of Cubao, through the Parish of Saint Paul the Apostle at Timog Avenue, Quezon City, formally ended the celebration of the year of Saint Paul with Masses and veneration of the relics of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Thanks to the support and warm welcome of Msgr. Domingo Erfe, Parish Priest. The relics will leave the parish after a week and will be returned to the Confraternity.

With this celebration, the relics of Saints Peter and Paul was also exposed and venerated at the Holy Cross Parish, Krus na Ligas, Quezon City, the newest presence of the Confraternity. The relics will be open for veneration until the evening Mass of the Solemnity.

Relics for the Year of Priests and Year of the Two Hearts

2009-06-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

In celebration of the Year of Priests and of the Two Hearts, the Confraternity of Catholic Saints welcomes invitation to parishes, religious communities, seminaries, and schools for public exposition and veneration of the relics of Saint John Vianney, Saint Margaret Alacoque, Saint Claude de Colombiere, and Saint John Eudes. All first class.

For invitation, a formal letter of invitation signed by the parish priest or superior is required and the date of the event. Invitation may be sent through e-mail at ccsphilippines@gmail.com or at P.O. Box 247 Araneta Center Post Office, Cubao, Quezon City 1135 addressed to the Director.

Year for the Priests and the Lay on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

2009-06-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Have Mercy on us! Strengthen your Priests! Guide the Lay!

As the Year of Saint Paul draws to a close this 29th day of June, Monday, the Church is opening to us today, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, two new years for us to relfect on the wonders God has done upon the the Clergy and the Lay. It is fitting for us to have the background of the these two years which has a great impact both on the Clergy as bearers of Christ's Priestly Zeal for the Flock entrusted to them, and the Lay, as effective instruments of change in the Church and the society.

YEAR OF PRAYER FOR THE SANCTIFICATION OF PRIESTS: June 19, 2009-June 19, 2010

The Holy Mother Church calls on her children to pray for the Priests, God's Chosen Ones. In spite of their frailties and problems, they still encourage their flock to draw nearer to God, and be a living example to the faithful to live a holy life. This also marks the 150th Death Anniversary of the Patron Saint of Parish Priests, the Cure d' Ars, St. Jean Marie Vianney. He serves as the true example of a pastor at the service of Christ's flock.
His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, said, "The centrality of Christ leads to a correct valuation of priestly ministry, without which there would be no Eucharist, no mission, not even the Church. It is necessary then, to ensure that 'new structures' or pastoral organisations are not planned for a time in which it will be possible to 'do without' ordained ministry, on the basis of an erroneous interpretation of the promotion of the laity, because this would lay the foundations for a further dilution in priestly ministry, and any supposed 'solutions' would, in fact, dramatically coincide with the real causes of the problems currently affecting the ministry."

YEAR OF THE TWO HEARTS FOR PEACE-BUILDING AND LAY PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL CHANGE: June 19, 2009-June 19, 2010

As the call for responsible citizenship echoes even greater, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called upon the Philippine Church to draw to prayer under the protection of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Especially during these times that we are nearing the events that would shape our destiny as a country.

As Most Rev. Angel Lagdameo, DD, CBCP President, says in his Pastoral Exhortation, "We challenge our Catholic laity, in particular, to take the lead in the task of moral renewal towards a deeper and more lasting change in the Philippine society. We challenge all lay people involved in politics to renounce corruption and bond together in the task of evangelizing politics for effective governance and the pursuit of the common good. We challenge the laity involved in legislation to unite themselves and consciously allow their actions to be guided by the truth of the Gospel and the Christian faith. We urge the Catholic lay people involved in legitimate business to organize themselves and consciously practice their trade with a strong sense of corporate social responsibility informed by the social teachings of the Church. We enjoin all Catholic law enforcers to form associations among themselves that consciously renounce violence, respect basic human rights, and truly work for the preservation of peace and social order. We call upon the Catholic laity involved in social communications and the modern mass media to form networks among themselves that can articulate a genuinely Christian ethics in their practice of their profession. We urge every Catholic lay person to give a concrete expression to Christian discipleship through responsible citizenship."

The Confraternity of Catholic Saints opens its doors to the two celebrations, as we pray that the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, through St. Jean Marie Vianney and all the Saints, may grant us the graces and blessings we need during the observation of the Year of the Priests and the Year of the Two Hearts for Peace-building and lay Participation in Social Change.

Featuring Blessed Ivan at Anluwage.com

2009-06-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

Tanghalang Anluwage, Inc. (TA) has been one of the partners of the Confraternity of Catholic Saints (CCS) in its ministry to bring and promote the Saints, their lives and works, to the people through its web ministry, http://www.anluwage.com/.

A tie between CCS and TA was made since May 2008, wherein the two will collaborate in a project to make articles of the lives of Saints, in the "i.e. (as in mga Examples natin)" section, in their goal to make known the Saints especially the youth, which is Anluwage.com's target readers.

And we are very proud to present for this month the life and works of one of the patron Saints of the Confraternity, Blessed Ivan Merz. Still, a part of the celebrations of his feast last May 10 and also in connection for the 2009 school opening.

Blessed Ivan being an intelligent teacher and student in his time, will be portrayed in the article as a Patron for Students, inspiring everyone to be a good student and to do the ordinary things of life with holiness. This in part of CCS and the Vice Postulation paying tribute to the inspiration of the Scholarship Program, which is now helping a number of deserving students.

The Confraternity continues its commitment to bring the Saints to the people in every possible way it can, especially through the use of new technologies like inforamation and communication technologies (computers, internet). This Saint promoting program will continue to feature the Saints, giving importance to the Filipinos proclaimed as Saints and Blesseds, and also those who are already in the process of beatification and canonization.

A Celebration of "Thank You!"

2009-05-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

The Parents, Scholars, and Fraters

Blessed Ivan's Scholars:
Andre, Nixon, Krizelle, Gabriel, Uriel, Vincent, Jake

[Quezon City, May 30, 2009] As they observed the first year of promulgation of the constitution and by-laws, the Confraternity of Catholic Saints gathered together once again to celebrate this event with a deeper meaning through a recollection held at the Chapel of Saint Joseph of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral School, Cubao, Quezon City.

It started with a morning prayer, calling those present to acclaim the Lord for the gift of a brand new day. After this, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed and the recollection had begun. According to Fra. Francis Teresa, ccs (Dave Dela Cruz), Director of CCS, there are lots of things to thank the Lord for that day. Among those are the gift of generous people, scholars and the gift of knowledge. Next is the gift of friendship, since the recollection was also attended by their parents and friends. It was noted there that parents have a great role in forming the scholars, just like what they did when they give birth to these children. But mostly, was the gift of brotherhood, since that day was also celebrated as the day of consecration of two frater aspirants from Navotas City. In other words, one of the words that must not be taken away from the hearts of everybody present was two words... "Thank You, Salamat Po!!!"

According to Fra. Dave, Holiness is one of the most "hard to do" things in the present time, but it is also the most fruitful, since it would lead all to God's Glory and Bosom; as well, like those who followed the call through their own ways and possibilities, we are also called to Sainthood and Holiness since God implanted on us the seed of Faith on our Baptism. He also shared to those present the four secrets to holiness which every frater, scholar - perhaps everybody - can do for him to achieve total holiness.

The last activity of the day was the Midday Prayer, with the rite of Reception of the Frater Aspirants of CCS. The Frater Aspirants, Fra. Paul Lawrence (Adrian Millena) and Fra. James Michael (Lloyd Danielle Flores), proclaimed their willingness to be a part of the Fraters, and the Director, witnessed by Fra. John Ezekiel,ccs (Weldann Panganiban), their formator, accepted their act of interest. They were received with a round of applause from all those present.

In the same way, scholarship benefits was also given to the CCS Scholars, headed by their president, Scho. Emmanuel Uriel Solmirano, hoping and praying that they would continue in studying hard this coming school year 2009-2010. As of posting time, there are now seven scholars, 6 boys and 1 girl, who would receive the said benefits from the CCS through the Blessed Ivan Merz Scholarship Fund, thanks to their generous and loving sponsors from the U.S.A. and Croatia.

Lunch was served afterwards, giving an end to another fulfilling day in the life of the Confraternity, celebrating holiness, knowledge, and brotherhood.

May 22, 2009

2009-05-21T17:53:00.000-07:00

Memorial of the "Saint of the Impossible Cases"
Saint Rita of Cascia

Celebrating Blessed Ivan's Feast at the Philippines

2009-05-14T05:36:00.001-07:00

As the whole world celebrated the sunday dedicated to Mothers, the Catholic World, especially in Croatia celebrated likewise the feast of one of their greatest heroes and holy man, Blessed Ivan Merz.

Here in the Philippines, the CCS Family observed these two celebrations with great reverence and joy. For this year, the theme of the celebration was "BLESSED IVAN AND MOTHERS", behind the fact that Though Blessed Ivan is a male, we can still feel the Motherly love which he received from his mother and now is given to us (Letter of the Director for the celebration of the Feast of Blessed Ivan, May 10, 2009). Everywhere a member was, he observed this day with a spirit overflowing with thanksgiving and gratitude for the graces he received through the great Blessed.

In Quezon City, the house of the Confraternity, the scholars, led by their President, Scholar Jake Barcelongo, together with Fra. Joseph Pio, ccs had a Mass said in his honor at the Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish. This was also the celebration of the 2nd Anniversary of Blessed Ivan Merz Scholarship Fund. Their hearts were filled with joy because for the past 2 years, they were blessed with gratitude of their sponsors and friends.

In Navotas City, the celebration started last May 08, 2009, with the Confirmation of Fra. Adrian Millena, witnessed by Scholar Uriel Solmirano and Fra. John Ezekiel, ccs. It was a memorable occassion, not only for Adrian, but also for his mother Nerissa, who never thought that CCS would help her in this event of her son's life. On May 10, the day of his feast, the group of Fraters headed by Fra. John Ezekiel, ccs offered a Mass in His honor at Santa Cruz Parish. It was followed by a little snack at the Frater's house. Fra. John was very happy every May 10, because aside from the celebration of the feast of the Blessed, his mother's birthday celebration was also observed on that day. This, according to him, was also the start of their regular sunday attendance to Mass in their parish as a group.

In Bukidnon, where he was staying during the course of the celebration, Fra. Francis Teresa, ccs celebrated this day also with a Mass, with a prayer that the Scholars, now seven, the Cooperators and the Fraters, may continue to grow in wisdom and grace of God, in the light of example of Blessed Ivan.

In his message, we read the Frater Director's words: It is very fitting that the feast of our beloved Ivan is also the day dedicated to our Mothers. Blessed Ivan, human as he is, grew in faith and love because of the faith and love the he learned from his mother. And it was truly a day to remember both Blessed Ivan and our Mothers. In the gospel of that day, we may hear the Lord's words, without me, you are nothing. Indeed, without our mothers, we will never exist; and without God, everything will never exist. Like Blessed Ivan who trusted and continued to cling to God in life and after death, the whole CCS Family continues to pray and work so that they may never be far from the Lord and each other.

May 14, 2009

May 10, 2009

2009-05-09T06:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Feast of Blessed Ivan Merz
and Happy Mothers Day!

Message of the Director for the Feast of Blessed Ivan Merz (2009)

2009-05-09T06:13:00.000-07:00

"BLESSED IVAN AND MOTHERS"

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Happy feast of Blessed Ivan Merz!

I greet all the Fraters, Scholars, and Cooperators of the Confraternity of Catholic Saints, and all the devotees of Blessed Ivan here and abroad! We also extend our joy to the people of Romania where Fr. Bozidar Nagy, SJ, the Postulator of Blessed Ivan, will celebrate the feast of Blessed Ivan.

It is very fitting that the feast of our beloved Ivan is also the day dedicated to our Mothers. Blessed Ivan, human as he is, grew in faith and love because of the faith and love the he learned from his mother.

Though Blessed Ivan is a male, we can still feel the Motherly love which he received from his mother and now is given to us. His love is shown in many ways, like here in the Philippines, Blessed Ivan helps us in his prayers by sending to us two more scholars, who will be sent to school. From five we will now have seven scholars, thanks be to God! We also thank God through Blessed Ivan for leading to us generous people to support the Scholarship Program. Truly, God works in people!

For this year, let us pray through his intercession that we to be an instrument of love which we receive from our own mothers and from the love that Holy Mother Church gives us.

“An earthly love is only a picture of God’s love, a picture of Christ’s love toward the Holy Church and the road to God’s embrace.”

Fra. Dave Ceasar Dela Cruz, ccs
Director and
Vice Postulator
Cause for Canonization of Blessed Ivan Merz

May 10, 2009

Bukidnon, Philippines

Blessed Ivan Merz Scholarship Program

2009-05-06T19:15:00.000-07:00

We welcome our Scholars to the Blessed Ivan Merz Scholarship Program of the Confraternity of Catholic Saints! Giving them our prayers for a fruitful School Year 2009-2010:

Sch. EMMANUEL URIEL SOLMIRANO
Bachelor in Library Science
Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Sch. NIXON DELOS SANTOS
(Incoming) B.S. Information Technology
Asian College of Science and Technology

Sch. JAKE BARCELONGO
(Incoming) B.S. Engineering
Technolgical Institute of the Philippines

Sch. EMMANUEL GABRIEL SOLMIRANO
Junior High School Student
Ramon Magsaysay High School

Sch. MARK VINCENT FLORES
Junior High School Student
National College of Business and Arts

Our new scholars:

Sch. KRIZELLE LAGUERTA
B.S. in Nursing
Manila Doctor's Hospital

Sch. ANDRE MIGUEL BARBA
Freshman High School Student
Immaculate Conception Cathedral School

Easter Greetings from CCS

2009-04-10T18:50:00.000-07:00

Maligayang Pasko
ng Muling Pagkabuhay!

Si Hesukristo'y nabuhay,
Siya'y ating kaliwanagan!

Reflection for Holy Week

2009-04-04T18:56:00.000-07:00

"If I will describe God,
I could say that He is God of rewards."

Reward must not be seen as material objects to make someone happy or satisfied for what he or she did. Rather, reward is a way to make a person feel that he or she is loved and cared for.

There were so many events in the Bible that God gave rewards to people whom He loved and cared: Noah and his family was rewarded with a renewed land; Abraham, who had only one son was rewarded by God with children as many as the stars in the sky; the Israelites from a thousand years of slavery from Egypt were rewarded with a land of their own; and people who believe that Jesus is truly the Son of God, our Savior, are rewarded with Eternal Life. Even until now God gives rewards to us a sign that He loves us, that He cares for us.

During the last days of our present school year, a Grade 4 pupil went to my office and gave me a letter. The letter contains these words “I cannot give you anything, Brother, but I hope this letter will be a way for me to express how much I am thankful for God giving you to us, to our school. Your hard work must be rewarded, that is why I want to say that I love you and I will pray for you always.” It gave me tears not of sadness but of great joy. This is what reward is all about.

The repentant thief, who traditionally is named Dimas, did not knew Jesus well but he believed that the person beside him will surely be a good friend before he dies; it is out of providence that Dimas had the courage to say to Jesus that he is sorry. But that new friend, after hearing Dimas’ confession, at once rewarded him with a gift, a gift of friendship that will last forever: Paradise. Heaven. Kingdom of God. I am sure Jesus gave that reward of Paradise to Dimas to make him feel that in spite of his sins, his weaknesses, his unworthiness, he is still loved and cared by God, the God who is beside him.

I am sure, all of us have a reward from our loving Father who loves us first and who cares for us everyday. Our forty days of journey has ended. Our sacrifices and works of charity - the way of loving God in our human capabilities, will surely be rewarded, a reward that man cannot measure in this world.

Prayer
Dear God, I am not expecting for any reward for I got one, a great and best one, You. Thank you for being there for me always and for giving us Jesus, our Savior and our friend who will be with us till the end. May I be a reward to others by inspiring them to be good and to be your mirror of love and care. Amen.

Reflection of Fra. Dave Ceasar Dela Cruz, ccs, for the Seven Last Words of Jesus at anluwage.com

THE FOURTH DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF SERVANT OF GOD, POPE JOHN PAUL II

2009-04-02T23:30:00.000-07:00

IONNES PAULUS PP. II

May 18, 1920 - April 2, 2005

On the fourth anniversary of commemorating the death of our Holy Father, the Servant of God, Pope John Paul II the Great, the Confraternity of Catholic Saints, being a registered prayer-group of the Cause, joins the world in praying to the Almighty Father the immediate progress of the Cause for his Beatification and Canonization, hoping that soon he will be numbered among the Saints in Heaven.

Let us pray.

PRAYER TO IMPLORE FAVORS
THROUGH THE INTERCESSION

OF THE SERVANT OF GOD

POPE JOHN PAUL II

O Blessed Trinity, we thank you for having graced the church with Pope John Paul II and for allowing the tenderness of your Fatherly care, the glory of the cross of Christ, and the splendor of the Holy Spirit, to shine through him.

Trusting fully in your infinite mercy and in the maternal intercession of Mary, he has given us a living image of Jesus the Good Shepherd, and has shown us that holiness is the necessary measure of ordinary Christian life and is the way of achieving eternal communion with you.

Grant us, by his intercession, and according to your will, the graces we implore, hoping that he will soon be numbered among your saints. Amen.

With ecclesiastical approval

CAMILO CARDINAL RUINI

Vicar General of His Holiness

for the Diocese of Rome

For graces received, contact:

Postulazione della Causa di Beatificazione e Canonizzazione

del Servo di Dio Giovanni Paolo II

Piazza S. Giovanni in Laterano, 6/a - 00184 Roma
or
The Confraternity of Catholic Saints
P.O. Box 247 Araneta Center Post Office
Cubao, Quezon City 1135
Philippines

CCS Graduates

2009-04-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

[April 2, 2009, Cubao, Quezon City] Two scholars of the Confraternity of Catholic Saints graduated from High School. Jake Barcelongo and Nixon Delos Santos, both studying at Juan Sumulong High School in Cubao, received their High School Diploma and will take another step of their life in College. Jake is a 'spiritual child' of two kind benefactors from USA while Nixon is a 'spiritual child' of Croatian-Blessed Ivan Scholarship based in Split, Croatia. Together with the other scholars and Fraters, they celebrated this wonderful and historical moment in the life of the Confraternity. Parents and guardians of the two scholars expressed their gratitude in allowing their children to be part of the CCS' scholarship program.

This is the first year of the Bl. Ivan Scholarship Program and hopefully it will continue in the future through the help of generous people from USA and Croatia.

"This is a miracle of generosity. We pray that more people will be Cooperators to help a larger number of poor young men, who are altar servers, to finish their studies and help in spreading the Gospel and Holiness in the world. The Scholarship Program is a way to make people Holy: Scholars become Christ to the benefactors, and the benefactors become Christ to the Scholars."

- Fra. Dave Ceasar Dela Cruz, ccs

Director

Feast of Saint Joseph

2009-03-19T03:57:00.001-07:00

SAINT JOSEPH,

Protector of the Universal Church,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH,
our beloved Protector of the Universal Church,
with your exemplary life teach us
to be a loving and humble fellow to everyone,
and like you may we become also
an obedient servant of the Lord.
May you intercede us to our Father in Heaven,
and be our protector and guide forever.
AMEN.

The Confraternity of Catholic Saints

HEALING WITH THE SAINTS

Gift of Reliquaries from John Paul II College of Davao

Visit of Blessed John Paul II’s Relics: A Gift to the Church in Davao

Blessed John Paul II and Blessed Ivan in Davao

Relics of Blessed Pedro Calungsod

Christmas Message

John Paul II in Davao

November 20, 2011 - Christ the King Sunday (by Frt. Lloyd Elauria, OFM)

November 5 - Feast for Holy Relics

THE FEAST OF HOLY RELICS

Celebrating All Saints' Day

SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS - November 1

8th Foundation Anniversay

From the Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan

More on JPII Relics

From the Cardinal-Archbishop of Manila

Invitation

From the Archdiocese of Washington

Invitation

Announcement

Invitation

Invitation

Invitation

May 10, 2011, Happy Feastday of Blessed Ivan!

Relics of the Pope

Historic Beatification

Happy Birthday Fra. Lloyd F.!

Blessing of Bahay ni Juan

Message from the Vice Postulator

Feast of Blessed Ivan Merz

Blessed Ivan Merz and the Elections

Happy Easter!

The Cross of Our Lord in Taguiug

CCS Message for Holy Week 2010

Canonization Schedule

Church to Proclaim 6 Saints in October

New Vatican Document on Lay Brothers Planned

World Day of Consecrated Life

Prayer for Priests

Message for the Year of Holiness and Year of Mary 2010

Starting the New Year

Message from the Director

San Isidro Quasi-Parish

Merry Christmas!

Church made history

Future Saints and Blessed Servants of God

From the Pope

Solemnity of All Saints 2009

Message from the Apostolic Nuncio

The Solemnity of All Saints

PEVRS 2009

Public Exposition and Veneration of the Relics of the Saints 2009

New Book of Fra. Dave Dela Cruz

Happy Anniversary!

CCS @ 6

Feast of Saint Therese and Anniversary of CCS

PRAYER FOR THE 6TH ANNIVERSARY OF CCS - October 1, 2009

Feastday of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Saint Ignatius of Loyola

The Year of Saint Paul: Fruitful and Holy Year

Relics for the Year of Priests and Year of the Two Hearts

Year for the Priests and the Lay on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Featuring Blessed Ivan at Anluwage.com

A Celebration of "Thank You!"

May 22, 2009

Celebrating Blessed Ivan's Feast at the Philippines

May 10, 2009

Message of the Director for the Feast of Blessed Ivan Merz (2009)

Blessed Ivan Merz Scholarship Program

Easter Greetings from CCS

Reflection for Holy Week

THE FOURTH DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF SERVANT OF GOD, POPE JOHN PAUL II

CCS Graduates

Feast of Saint Joseph