MANILA, Philippines - The Ermita district will celebrate the fiesta of Nuestra Señora de Guia, patroness of seafarers and travelers, on May 19. The miraculous image was discovered by a Spanish soldier on May 19, 1571 at where the church is located now. This brings to 473 years that the Virgin has been venerated. Fr. Sanny de Claro, parish priest and rector, will lead devotees in the celebration.

Holy Masses have been scheduled for 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 11 a.m., l2 noon and 6 p.m. ?Bota de flores? is at 5:30 p.m. and fiesta Mass is at 6 p.m. Devotees who are seeking help for their safe travel abroad and who are applying for visas go to the Virgin to pray.

Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales declared the church the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Virgin two years ago testifying to the many miracles that God has wrought through her intercession. Tony Adriano, president of the parish pastoral council, told me that he will bring the pilgrim image to Rome and enthrone it at the Collegio di Filipino where priests are staying while they study in Rome.

This year?s ?hermana mayor? is Vicky Vizcarra-Amalingan.

Her daughters who were ?capitanas? when they were growing up are helping her in this family project. Cathy Nazareno-Rivilla (?capitana? in l983) is the general coordinator, while her brother Atty. Philip Nazareno is the program coordinator. Architect Anthony Nazareno is in charge of the physical arrangements with the help of sister Marivic Nazareno (?capitana? in l999). Another sister Rita Nazareno (?capitana? in l989) will fly from London for the fiesta.

Working together to make the fiesta successful is the family?s little way of thanking Our Lady of Guidance for all the help and comfort she has accorded the family all these years that they have been turning to her.

New ?capitanas?

The two eldest grandchildren of Vicky Amalingan and the late Tony Nazareno are the ?capitanas for the ?Bota de Flores.? They are Isabela Francesca Rivilla, l6, daughter of Cathy and Dicky Rivilla; and Maria Guia Peralta Nazareno, l6, daughter of Ana Peralta and Atty. Philip Nazareno. They will lead in the offering of flowers during the ?bota flores? at 5:30 pm.

The procession after the 6 p.m. Mass will bring the carroza of the Nuestra Señora de Guia around the streets of Ermita. Playing are the Philippine Navy Band, Manila City Hall Band and Bate Bate Band.

Good news

It only takes an oil crisis to convince the government to approve the operation of E-Jeepneys along major thoroughfares, according to Robert Puckett, president of Solar Electronic Company. A member of GRIPP (Green Renewable Independent Power Producer) and Greenpeace, Puckett said that after 10 months, the Dept. of Transportation and Communication approved the operation of electric-powered jeepneys. This will make jeepney drivers happy for the burden of buying gasoline at high prices will be diminished. For inquiries, call 72448l2/ 7264322.

Pro-life

We are happy to inform you that Pro-Life Philippines Foundation, Inc. will conduct a teen sexuality training seminar to train teachers, counselors, catechists, parents, lay leaders and others to teach and counsel teenagers on issues relating to human sexuality, marriage, family planning and population education in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church. The seminar will be held May 28-30, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Bahay Ugnayan, Good Shepherd Convent Compound, 1043 Aurora Blvd., Quezon City. Seminar fee is P1,200. Call 9112911/ 4228877; e-mail life@prolife.org.ph

Angel voices

The Children?s Choir, composed of graders from Malate Catholic School, Rafael Palma Elementary School, Aurora Quezon Elementary School and Gotamco Elementary School will sing during the 10:30 a.m. and 12 noon Sunday Masses at the Harrison Plaza chapel. Stacey Escano, 6, sang the Responsorial Psalm on Mother?s Day while Justin Oclarit rendered ?Duyan? after the Mass. Sr. Pilar Racela, a daily Massgoer, told me that the children need choir uniforms. To help, drop by and ask how you can help.

Ministry of presence

Edgar Lozano texted that two nuns of the Daughters of St. Francis of Assisi in Baybay, Leyte came to the Philippines many years ago to bring the order here. Sisters Denise Stolinski and Mary Pauk Fautsch are both 80 years old and yet are still active playing the piano and praying. Edgar calls it ?ministry of presence.? They have been nuns for 61 years. The order?s founder Mother Theresia Bonzel?s cause for canonization is being considered by the Vatican.

Student needs help

Dennis James Jalandoni will be second year in computer science if he had the money to enroll at the Asian College of Science and Technology in Dumaguete City. Determined to finish his education, he is pleading to readers to please help him. Text 09l8-3292369.

Marian seminar

Our Lady of La Naval is one of the topics of the Marian seminar on May 25, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Manresa retreat house, 926 Banawe St. Call Sr. Luz Uzabal at 7428729. Take summer tutoring in Spanish. You will feel good knowing a foreign language. Text 0929-6848273.