AS the old year closes, thank the Lord for the happy times we’ve spent with family and friends. We should stop griping about the recession that will hit us next year. Filipino visionary Nora Luna Ilagan assures us: “Don’t worry. God will provide. Mama Mary loves us and she will take care of us”.
One happy occasion I wish to remember is the wedding of a beautiful couple, Ma. Victoria Tengco and Mark Burgos at the Santuario de San Antonio last Dec. 14. It was the first wedding I attended where three bishops and 22 priests concelebrated.
Infanta Bishop Rolando Tria Tirona summed it beautifully when he said: “I am overwhelmed by the awesome expression of love during this wedding. The families and friends of the bridal couple are here to witness the coming together of two people in love”.
Adding to the charm of the wedding was when the couple’s little girl Vicsi walked down the aisle as the flower girl.
We in the Cofradia de la Inmaculada Concepcion—of which Vicky Tengco is the board treasurer—were overwhelmed, as well.
The parents of the couple were beaming with pride and love for their children. They are Engr. Jose and Carmencita Burgos; and Joselito and Amelita Tengco. Happy as well were Cofradia officers Imelda Cojuangco, founding chair; Aurora Eizmendi, president; Danny Dolor, vice chair; and Ado Escudero, board member, who were principal sponsors.
The reception was held at Shangri-La Makati. Mark Burgos’ classmates, members of the Kundirana, sang; so did actor-singer Ogie Alcasid.
Happy Three Kings
Casino Español de Manila, not known to many, has been around since 1863, thus making the club 144 years old. The foundation of the casino was formalized on the 31st of October, 1844, by Governor General Narciso Claveria y Zaldua. It was established as a social, recreational and convention center for the Spanish community in the Philippines. However, it was not long after when it opened its doors to its local comrades thereby fostering closer Spanish-Filipino ties.
Today, Casino Español will celebrate the feast of The Three Kings with the sons of members dressing up as Gaspar, Melchor and Baltazar.
Filipino priests in America
Fr. Erno Diaz, director of the Chapel of San Lorenzo Ruiz in New York, wrote that 24 Filipino priests representing their various dioceses in the United States gathered in Orlando, Florida, last Nov. 18-20 in response to an invitation from California Bishop Oscar Solis.
The event bid to organize a group of Filipino priests with objectives like forming a support network for programs, camaraderie and sharing of resources.
Sto. Niño Academy
The Santo Niño in Malitbog, Southern Leyte was the recipient of the Educational Service Contracting (ESC) Program, a scholarship grant for financially unstable students.
Sister Joellen Ramirez, OSF writes: “Our school is in need of school facilities such as audio, visual and speech laboratory facilities, books for references, sports equipment, additional computers, science laboratory facilities and physics room. To help, please text Sister Joellen at 0927-435-8894.
Who is Jesus?
Mariologist Bro. Doming Deauna says that you cannot know Jesus unless you get to know His mother Mary. Those who wish Bro. Doming to hold talks in their parishes can text him at 0905-352-4386 or call 522-42l5.
Cofradia de Soledad
The members of the Cofradia de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga will visit the San Lorenzo House for the Elderly in Pasay at ll a.m. today. They will bring with them the pilgrim image of the Virgin. The new officers are Ryan Enriquez, president; Marc Dalma, VP external; Norma Peña, secretary; Kenneth Ferrer, recorder; Ronald Trupel, treasurer; Carlo Magno, auditor; and Ronaldo Gamboa, PRO. Spiritual director is Fr. Virgilio Saenz Mendoza. Fr. John Brilliantes is spiritual adviser.
Guadalupe pilgrimage
Adam’s travel is preparing a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico that will leave Manila on Feb. l4, 2009. The trip includes Lima, Peru, where the shrines of St. Martin de Porres and St. Rosa de Lima are located.
The pilgrims will be brought to Rio de Janeiro where they will find the 222 steps up the Corcovado Mountain where Christ the Redeemer stands. Call 52l-l65l or 52l-l638 or text 09l8-908-3676. I wish you all a Blessed New Year.
