The title "Saint"

I received e-mails regarding a calendar where Blessed Pedro Calungsod, whose feast is on April 2, was already declared a "Saint." That is why when you buy this calendar they already made him a Saint. Well, for me, he is, but due to some comments let us do this little catechesis.

After a miracle had been attributed to a Blessed, the Postulator and Vice Postulators will prepare the official report and documents to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. After some time, by the grace of God, the Prefect of the Congregation will present the "alleged" miracle. The pope is the only person who can removed the word "allege" miracle attributed to the Blessed.  At the end of the presentation (audience of the prefect to the pope), the pope needs to approve the miracle. The approval of the miracle means that the Blessed is in heaven and the proof is the miracle attributed through his intercession, and he is now nominated for Canonization.

The pope will now call for a Consistory of Cardinals wherein they will need to vote if the Blessed is worthy to be canonized. Each candidate will be presented to the Venerable Cardinals by the Cardinal-Prefect of the Causes for Saints, who reads to them the life and miracle of the Blessed. At the end, each candidate for Canonization must acquire a majority of votes from the Cardinals.

If the candidate for Canonization won the votes of the Cardinals, the pope, together with the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, will announce (or notify) the Universal Church on the date of the Canonization of the Blessed Servants of God. (In the case of Blessed Pedro, his canonization will be on October 2012.)

At the Canonization ceremony, which is made (normally) during a Eucharistic Celebration, the pope will read after the presentation of the Cardinal-Prefect and Litany of the Saints the formula of Canonization:

(For example, let's use Blessed Josemaria Escriva, in singular case)

“For the honor of the Blessed Trinity, the exaltation of the Catholic faith and the fostering of Christian life, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and our own, after due deliberation and frequent prayers for divine assistance, and having sought the counsel of many of our brethren in the Episcopate, we declare and define that Blessed Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer is a Saint and we enroll him among the Saints, decreeing that he is to be venerated in the whole Church as one of the Saints.”

Let's do a commentary on the formula:

“For the honor of the Blessed Trinity, the exaltation of the Catholic faith and the fostering of Christian life, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and our own, after due deliberation and frequent prayers for divine assistance, and having sought the counsel of many of our brethren in the Episcopate (remember the Cause for Canonization and the Consistory of Cardinals? Yup, this formula tells the truth!), we declare and define (meaning the Church through its pastors) that Blessed Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer is a Saint (for the first time, the pope will use the title to the person) and we enroll him among the Saints (it means that he is now counted among them and is given the rights and privileges of being one), decreeing that he is to be venerated in the whole Church as one of the Saints (one of the the rights and privileges of a Saint is the Universal Veneration of the faithful). ”

At the end, the pope will put the decree in to permanency by making the Sign of the Cross, a very meaningful act that the Canonization of the Saints is not only made by the Church for her good but for the glory of the Holy Trinity. Canonization is a way of glorifying God, glorifying God in his angels and his saints.

The relics are now being brought into procession and enshrine in the sanctuary. The placing of the relics and the tapestry in the Saint Peter's balcony, where the image of the newly Canonized saint/s (though already unveiled), are "signals" for Universal Veneration.

From Msgr. PE Hallet:

Benedict XIV enumerates seven acts as constituting this official cultus. 

(1). All Christians are commanded to regard them as, and call them, saints. 

(2). They are invoked in the public prayers of the Church, and it is forbidden any longer to pray them. 

(3). Churches and altars may be dedicated to God in their honour. 

(4). Mass is offered and Divine Office recited in their honour, and though this Mass may not be prescribed for the universal Church, but only for one or more dioceses, yet it may be said, as a votive Mass, anywhere throughout the Church. 

(5). Feast days are assigned to them. 

(6). Their images are depicted with the aureole or other attributes of sanctity. 

(7). Their relics are publicly honoured.

Canonization is the final and irreformable judgment of the Church, and therefore we are bound, as her dutiful children, to believe that saints duly canonized are in heaven. Beatification, on the contrary, is not a decree for the whole Church, but rather of the nature of a local tolerance, and therefore we are not bound to believe that the beatified are in heaven, although we should be extremely rash not to do so, especially where they have been formally beatified by the Church, and not merely allowed to retain an immemorial cultus.

Welcome Message in Davao

 

(Delivered during the arrival of the relics of Blessed John Paul II. John Paul II College of Davao, December 18, 2011.)

Mamakpak kitang mga nahigugma sa Diyos!

Bisag kigapoy tang gahulat, atong kasingkasing para kay Hesus dili malaayan kay naa kitay inspirasyon si Pope John Paul II. 

Gihigugma kamo ni Pope John Paul II, gihigugma kita ni Pope John Paul II.

Nagalantaw siya kanato sa kalangitan, para mangamuyo para sa katawhan. Pope John Paul II niya imong mga deboto, nangamuyo nga imo kaming ipangadye. Pangadye e kami ug tudloi kami mga ihatag among tibuok nga kasingkasing, panghunahun a ug kalag para regalo kang Hesus sa iyang adlaw nga natawhan. Daghang salamat sa pagduaw nimo sa Davao.

Christmas... What can I give?

“What can I give to the king?” The best gift we can give to our king is a good liturgical celebration. To have this good liturgy we must be humble in following the norms. Saint Josemaria said: “We will never have genuine joy if we do not really try to imitate Jesus. Like him we must be humble.” Christmas is a season to reflect on the mystery of God becoming Man, “do you see where God's greatness is hidden? In a manger, in swaddling clothes, in a stable.” The mystery is humility! The holy humility that leads to our salvation! 

The same we must do, give the best liturgy to manifests the sacred mysteries, the mystery of God's humble desire to become Man so that the God-Man may save men. “To remind a Christian that his life is meaningless unless he obeys God's will does not mean separating him from other men,” follow the liturgical norms - for it is a way of humility - you follow God. Many people will not understand you, even your parish priest, but this is our job, our ministry, our life. We cannot cheat of one’s birthday, we must be honest and true. Therefore, I again invite you: the best gift we can give to our king on his birthday is none other than a good liturgical celebration. The fruits of good liturgical celebration are genuine act of Humility and of Christian Charity...

December 18, 2011 - 4th Sunday of Advent

Historical Development

Notes from Fr. A.J. Chupungco, OSB

Adventus (Greek parousia): in the language of pagan worship it signified the yearly visit of the gods to their respective temples in order to sojourn with their worshipers. Adventus was accompanied by a festival in honor of the deities. 

In early Christian usage, including the liturgy (cf. Gregorian-Hadrian Sacramentary): Advent was understood as the coming of the Son of God in human flesh at the incarnation as well as his return in glory at the end of time.  By his incarnation the Son of God sojourned with us: Et Verbum caro factum est, et habitavit in nobis (And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. John 1:14). At his ascension he has returned to the Father, but he left a promise to return: “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). 

According to the General Norms for the Liturgical year and Calendar (no. 39): “Advent has a twofold character: as a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ’s first coming to us is remembered; as a season when that remembrance directs the mind and heart to await Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time.  Advent is thus a period for devout and joyful expectation [of the two comings of Christ]”.

In the 4^th-century Gaul and Spain: the Advent Season consisted of three weeks in preparation for the feast of the Epiphany on January 6.  In 6^th-century Rome the season of Advent consisted of six weeks (later reduced by Pope Gregory I to four weeks). Note that in the 6^th century the season of Advent was not yet connected with the feast of Christmas and hence was not regarded as a preparation for Christmas but for the second coming at the end of time.

In the 9^th century Rome adopted the Gallican and Spanish practice.  This meant:

a. The Roman Advent became also a season to prepare for Christmas, just as Lent prepared for Easter.

b. The season of Advent began to be marked with ascetical and penitential elements like fasting and almsgiving. This explains why the liturgical color of Advent is violet like that of Lent, moderate use of ornamentations, no musical instruments except to accompany the singing, and no Gloria. Rose is used on the third Sunday called “Gaudete” (the first word of the Entrance Antiphon for this Sunday) in imitation of the fourth Sunday for Lent called “Laetare”.

c. Note however that Advent retains a joyful character (in spite of the seemingly Lenten expressions) by the use of Alleluia and joyful melodies. Gregorian chant has some wonderfully joyful and musically dramatic antiphons at this season. 17th –19th century Advent songs are joyful like: O come, o come Emmanuel, On Jordan’s Bank, O come, Divine Messiah. Some liturgists recommend the use of violet with bluer hues.

John Paul II in Davao

December 11, 2011 - 3rd Sunday of Advent

Simbang Gabi

Simbang Gabi, Misa de Gallo, Aguinaldo Masses, whatever you want it to be called, this nine mornings starting from December 16 to 24 is a “Filipino style” preparation for the coming of the Lord.

The Simbang Gabi, according to the Philippine Ordo, is described as: Masses in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary DURING ADVENT (Missa Rorate Caeli).

In the spirit of the season one may lawfully use in these Masses the weekday lectionary, The Gloria is sung in these Masses and white vestment is used even on Sunday.

Clarifications

1. The Simbang Gabi is a Votive Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary DURING ADVENT. Therefore, prayers must be taken from the common of Our Lady in Advent and not the prayers for the advent weekday.

2. By way of exception from the sober character of the Advent liturgy, the said Masses are festive (white vestments, singing of the Gloria, festive ornamentation). But, Christmas Songs must be limited: it can be sung at the recessional and must have a Christian message, excluding commercialized Christmas songs or carols seen on television.

Pastoral Suggestions:

1. To have a more meaningful celebration, High Masses must be limited to show progressive solemnity. This is a way that people may have a more joyful and solemn celebration on Christmas.

2. Faithful to the prayers and readings will help the faithful to distinct the spirit of advent with the theme and tradition of Simbang Gabi. Let it be cleared that the Mass is in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

3. Because Simbang Gabi falls on December 17-24, the “O” Antiphons must be instilled in the Liturgy of the Hours, and, if possible, to the Eucharistic Celebration (as verses for Gospel Acclamation. See Lectionary).

December 8, 2011 - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

"Mary Immaculate, Star of the Morning."

This first line of the song "Mary Immaculate" is one of my favorite statement or, should I say, ejaculation to Our Lady. It is true! Our Lady is the Star of the Morning!

Darkness comes to our life. My life was filled with darkness. As I contemplate on the goodness of God on my life, Mary is always there as the star of my morning. She is always there to light up my darkness. She holds Jesus up-high to be the light, the source of light of her star.

Everyday, I ask Our Lady, "Shine! Shine! Shine my morning star!" And she does! She always shine, because she is a Mother. Mother's knows best! 

To place Mary, Our Lady and Mother, as the star of our light, it takes great confidence to Our Lady and faith to God. Trust our Mother, she will never confound us! She won't! Trust me!

O my Morning Star, how beautiful you are!
You guard my night as a mother guard her child.
Star who awaits the Sun of the new day,
Lead me to Jesus my life, truth, and only way.

Happy Anniversay, SC!

Today, December 4, 2011, is the 48th anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy - Sacrosanctum Concilium.

December 4, 2011 - Second Sunday of Advent

Spirit of Advent

The gospel for the 2^nd Sunday of Advent is an invitation for all of us:

"Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths." (Mark 1:1-8)

Advent has two liturgical spirit: first, Preparation through reconciliation. This theme is highlighted in the gospels of 2^nd and 3^rd Sunday of Advent. This is the reason why parishes hold Communal Penitential Services with Individual Confession and Absolution or Kumpisalang Bayan to prepare our mind, body, and soul – in the state of grace - to celebrate with joy the birthday of our Lord and to receive Christ judgment with love and humility.

Then, on the 17^th of December until the 24^th, including the 4^th Sunday of Advent give the second liturgical spirit of the season, Joyful Expectation. With the Advent characters: Our Lady, Saint Joseph, and the parents of John the Baptist we join them in their joyful expectation for the coming of Our Lord: we remember, we celebrate, and we expect.

To remember the birthday of Jesus is a way for us to imitate the characters of Advent. How well did they prepare for the coming of the Lord? 

Answer: Our Lady’s virtues, Saint Joseph’s fatherly stand, and the humility and silence of Zechariah and Elizabeth are our ways to prepare for the Lord –  to make Christ the center of our lives and reason of our joy.

November 27, 2011 - First Sunday of Advent

(For this year, allow me to present to you little by little the Catechesis I made for the Season of Advent)

Introduction

September 1 in the Philippines is the start of Christmas. Malls set-up their Christmas decors, radios play Christmas songs, houses are getting ready for the season with their Christmas tree and lanterns, and, much more, people are counting days for the great season. Is this just? Is this correct?

Filipinos are Christmas people. We already got the identity as the country that has the longest celebration of Christmas. Because of the spirit that marks our identity, the Season of Advent is just a dot for our calendars, and, even, others have no idea what Advent is all about.

This paper intends to relive the spirit of Christmas, a spirit that is faithful to the Church and to the Roman Rite, but with a touch of being Filipino. How must we understand Advent and Christmas in the context of our culture without setting aside our Roman Catholicism?

The Theology of Advent and Christmas 

"Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.” (Mark 13: 33)

This statement from the Gospel of St. Mark, which we read last first Sunday of Advent, manifest to us two meanings what is Advent all about: (1) a time to be watchful, a time to be alert, and (2) the time of the Lord’s return will come.

The first, “a time to be watchful, a time to be alert,” summoned the gospels of 32^nd, 33^rd and of Christ the King Sunday. We need to be prepared because someone will come. Advent is a time of preparation.

Second, “the time of the Lord’s return will come,” is what we need to prepare for. We need to prepare for two comings: the anniversary of the first coming of Jesus on earth, which we celebrate during Christmas, and his second coming, the parousia which we need prepare now.
 
“Prepare for his coming!” this is what advent is all about.