In December 2017, a generous Malate parishioner gave the Columbans complimentary tickets to watch Ballet Philippines perform "The Nutcracker" at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
O Most Holy Virgin Mary,
Queen of the most holy Rosary,
you were pleased to appear to the children of Fatima
and reveal a glorious message.
We implore you,
inspire in our hearts a fervent love
for the recitation of the Rosary.
By meditating on the mysteries of the redemption
that are recalled therein
God our creator,
we come before You
and lift up in prayer all mothers,
grandmothers, stepmothers and mothers to be
who gave the gift of life.
We give you thanks for their presence,
talents and gifts which they share in our church,
society and world.
May all mothers know of Your loving
and gentle presence
O God, give me Your Holy Spirit,
to enlighten me, to correct me
and to guide me in the way of Your commandments
and in all perfection,
the while I look for the happiness of heaven,
where we shall glorify You for ever and ever.
Amen.
All praise to You, O God, this night
For all the blessings of the light;
Keep us, we pray, O King of kings,
Beneath Your own almighty wings.
Forgive us, Lord, through Christ your Son,
Whatever wrong this day we've done;
Your peace give to the world, O Lord,
That we might live in one accord.
You govern your creation, O God,
and bring it to perfection by the work of our hands.
Hear the prayers of your people who ask for work
that will enhance their human dignity
and promote the upbuilding of your kingdom.
Enable them to provide for those confided to their care
for the betterment of human life.
We ask this blessing in the name of Jesus
Every family in Kachin State in northeastern Myanmar, formerly Burma, seems to be affected by drug and alcohol addiction. For over 60 years this area has known only war as the Kachin Independence army and the Burmese military battle for control of this resource rich state. As in all military conflicts, it is the ordinary poor people who suffer most as they struggle to make a living.
Dear Lord, as my life declines
and my energies decrease,
more than ever
hold me by Your Power,
that I may not offend You,
but daily increase in Your Love.
Give me strength to work in Your Service
till the last day of my life.
Help me to ever have
an increasing dread of venial sin,
or whatever would cause
Ever glorious and blessed Mary,
Queen of Virgins,
Mother of Mercy,
hope and comfort of dejected and desolate souls,
through that sword of sorrow
which pierced your tender heart
while your only Son,
Christ Jesus, our Lord,
suffered death on the cross;
through that tenderness
and pure love He had for you,
grieving in your grief,
Protecting children from harm is the primary duty of all adults, yet millions of children are hurt and abused in the world these days. Here at the Preda Foundation in the Philippines my mission and that of the 50 Filipino professionals who work at Preda is to protect and provide healing for them to overcome the trauma they suffered.