The Making 0f Eca Mamaco
Nostalgia. My brother Chito's notes on the Eca Mamaco MTV:
6 years ago, July 2006, when the FBB reunion planning committee was conceiving of a theme for the forthcoming 31st Bautista-Bautista-Carrillo Family reunion in December, the idea of not forgetting the Bautista roots was seeded by KoTon and Teresa to Tita Tessie.
KoTon’s concept dwelt on looking at the future through the past which Teresa translated in words “E mu cacalinguan, Bautista ca.”
The idea eventually evolved as a song presentation using the original Pampango lyrics of ”E ca mamaco”, popularly believed to be composed by Lolo Felix Bautista. To put life to the song, Tessa visualized an audio video presentation featuring family members’ old and contemporary photos against the soundtrack of the familiar Pampango folk music.
Encouraged by the general excitement and acceptance, Teresa initiated the planning and production of an MTV funding the creation of a musical bed, minus one and a dummy soundtrack.
Initially assessed by the oldies Tita Betts and Tita Tessie even Ate Corrie, inputs on the raw output were provided centering on the correct syntax, pronunciation and structure. As further enhancements were made, old photos were collected coming mainly from the files of Tita Tessie, the Razon’s and even the Vergara’s and the Carrillo’s. Contemporary photos were grabbed from the files of Mayo Bautista and other younger photographers.
As the line producer of the project, Tessa working with husband Raul laid in the final soundtrack and oversaw the appropriate use and transition of the visuals. Tita Tessie saw it appropriate to end the presentation with Tatat and even provided a bookmark with Tatat’s picture as a material for digital scanning.
3 December 2006, in the air conditioned social hall of the Carrillo’s at the Don Enriquez Subdivision in Quezon City watched by about 200 relatives, “E Ca Mamaco” was premiered and warmly received by relatives and friends. Using technology, the video was privately circulated all over the world to share the message of not forgetting one’s roots, that of a Bautista. (It was on the same reunion when we launched Tita Nette's book Dear Pamangkin. to immortalize her letters to her pamangkins.)
Because of the association of the MTV with Teresa and the use of her voice in the raw outputs, it has created an urban myth that she sang the soundtrack. We leave it at that, a myth.
In the 37th Bautista-Bautista-Carrillo reunion hosted by the FBB at the Bel Air Multipurpose Hall in Makati, “E Ca Mamaco” in its original edit was aired to close the glorious family reunion as requested by the birthday celebrant Tita Tessie.
Six years after its premiere, “E Ca Mamaco” still evokes the same message but with a deeper appreciation for its intention because so many milestone events have happened and a stronger call of bonding is needed. The presentation reminds us that the Bautista will endure because “E mu cacalinguan, Bautista ca.”
Thanks to all who helped make it happen. Maligayang Pasko!
http://tochsarchives.blogspot.com/2012/12/e-ca-mamaco.htm
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Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Eca Mamaco
Nostalgia. A video of our Bautista Family, by sister Tessa and Eca Mamaco sung by her. Nice to see Lolos, Lolas, Titos, Titas, cousins. I spy 10 photos of me of yore; siempre, kapatad ang gumawa, our photos were accessible. An updated one with other families' photos will be made. So send your photos now (easy to do now); K. Chito can keep them for Tessa.
http://tochsarchives.blogspot.com/2012/12/e-ca-mamaco.html
Nostalgia. A video of our Bautista Family, by sister Tessa and Eca Mamaco sung by her. Nice to see Lolos, Lolas, Titos, Titas, cousins. I spy 10 photos of me of yore; siempre, kapatad ang gumawa, our photos were accessible. An updated one with other families' photos will be made. So send your photos now (easy to do now); K. Chito can keep them for Tessa.
http://tochsarchives.blogspot.com/2012/12/e-ca-mamaco.html
Monday, December 10, 2012
Mangan Tamu: Recipes of Love
A feature on the family's cookbook, Mangan Tamu, 2012 by Ms. Ballesteros,
Lifelong Learners. Carmelita C. Ballesteros
Mangan Tamu: Recipes of Love
What does Mangan Tamu mean? Is it a Japanese manga (comics)? Why would my friend Tish, a noncomics person, give me a manga?
Well, after a closer look at the book’s cover, I realized that it’s a cook book. “Mangan” is pronounced with the Filipino /ng/ sound as in “ngayon” which means today. The sentence, “Mangan Tamu,” is the Kapampangan equivalent of “Let’s eat.”
My family and I flipped through the pages of the book and found ourselves smiling, chuckling, laughing and enjoying the stories behind the recipes.
Compiled and edited by Gigi Bautista-Rapadas and Tish Bautista (2012), it is a tribute to their aunt, Noli H. Bautista. The back cover says, “The kitchen was her haven and all of us who tasted her food tasted heaven.”
Although Noli, fondly called Tatat by her nieces and nephews, never married, she gave birth to several generations of food-lovers and kitchen wizards in the Bautista extended family. She always told them that the magic ingredient is LOVE.
Bound by the enduring ties of family, the Bautistas around the world contributed recipes learned from Tatat as well as from other family members and friends. Here’s a sampling:
MORISQUETA TOSTADA a LA TATA PAUL. I’m putting this ahead of Tatat’s recipe because it captures the spirit of the book and Tatat’s legacy. Contributor Ditos Capati writes, “…I couldn’t give any measurements as these are all tantiya-tantiya and just gut feel. So sorry, cannot say kung ilan ang ano!”
Ingredients: Leftover rice refrigerated overnight, Leftover pork chop or barbecue or fried chicken chopped in small bits, Eggs, Chopped garlic, Salt, Oil (Purico then).
Procedure: 1) Soak the refrigerated rice in water while at the same time breaking it up with your hands so the rice grains get all separated. Drain the water afterwards and dry. 2) Heat up the oil with the chopped garlic and when brown, pour all the rice mixing it until almost dry.
3) Now dump in all the pork or bbq or chicken. Break eggs over the rice and mix them in. Don’t bother scrambling them as they will end up scrambled anyway. 4) Keep mixing until the rice is fully fried and voila! Kanin na, may ulam pa!
ESCABECHE A LA TATAT. This is from the affectionate recollection of Lorni Capati-Dillon.
Ingredients: Fish, garlic, onions, ginger, sugar, vinegar, salt, cornstarch, red or green bell pepper.
Procedure (verbatim from Tatat): 1) Fry fish a little (not fully cooked). Set aside. 2) In a pan, guisa (sauté) bawang (garlic), sibuyas (onions sliced big), ginger and a little water. 3) Add sugar, vinegar, salt and cornstarch. 4) Add fish, let boil. 5) A few minutes before being fully cooked, add sliced pepper (red or green).
DRINK OF THE GODS. Actually, this is a nontraditional recipe. It comes with a heart-warming, funny, and nostalgic anecdote written by Ditos Capati.
Tata Nilo loved spending time with his nephews back in Pampanga in the 1950s. The sharpest sharpshooter in the neighborhood, he was adored by his nephews. They loved Tata Nilo because unlike their parents, he didn’t make them take a bath. He would take them hunting birds, then he and the boys would grill birds as well as hito and bulig for lunch.
One day, Tata Nilo took them boys to a sugar cane field where a carabao was pulling huge gears to draw juice from sugar cane. The juice was being cooked in a cauldron to make raw sugar. Thick and black, raw sugar looked absolutely revolting.
Tata Nilo asked for bamboo glasses, had them filled with raw sugar, then told the boys to try it. Fearless cowboys that they were, they downed the enemy in one gulp. It was the sweetest drink with a divine sweetness beyond words. It’s the drink of the gods!
DOREEN FERNANDEZ’S LECHE FLAN. Doreen Fernandez, the food guru, was also a literature professor. She and Tish Bautista were visiting lecturers at the Ohio University in Ohio, USA in 1983. Tish, like other international visiting lecturers, was invited to showcase a native dish during a party for students.
Tish writes, “Doreen knew I had a fear of kitchens and so she taught me the simplest recipe she knew – the recipe below.”
Ingredients: 1/4 cup sugar to caramelize, 1 regular-sized can evaporated milk, 3 eggs, 3/4 cup sugar.
Procedure: 1) put 1/4 cup sugar in big leche flan llanera and caramelize directly on burner. Do not stir with a spoon. Just swirl and slide back and forth over the fire until it turns amber. Watch carefully as this burns easily. Let cool. Caramel should harden.
2) Beat eggs slightly in a bowl, just to break the yolks. Add milk and sugar and stir gently, just until combined. Tip: do not use a mixer for this, otherwise bubbles will form. 3) Pour mix into a llanera – make sure caramel has completely cooled and hardened before doing this. Cover with aluminum foil.
4) Steam leche flan over boiling water for about 40 minutes. To check for doneness, remove foil cover and gently shake llanera. Flan should be firm. 5) Cool leche flan completely before serving. Run a knife around the edges and then invert onto your serving plate. Caramel should coat top of flan and run down the sides.
SPAGHETTI IN A JIFFY OF TITA AGGIE. When maids take a day off, the kids are drafted for kitchen duty so they would learn how to cook. But some simply don’t like cooking. What happens when the maids are not around and no one among the teenage kids know how to cook?
Fortunately, there’s Tita Aggie whose recipe below is a real lifesaver. It can be done in 10 minutes and it tastes so good you would eat your plates clean.
Ingredients: 1 box of spaghetti, a big can of tomato sauce, a can of Libby’s Corned Beef, and Tita Aggie’s magic hands.
Procedure: 1) Boil the spaghetti until pliant enough. 2) At the same time, heat the pan with the tomato sauce in it. 3) Mix in the corned beef and stir to perfection. 4) Pour the spaghetti into the pan and stir them all together.
Mangan Tamu is a simple cook book with no pretensions to culinary perfection. The loving, honest, down-to-earth, and funny anecdotes thrown generously into the recipes turn them into priceless ‘value meals.’
For comments or inquiries, please e-mail Dr. Ma. Lourdes S. Bautista
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Memorial Day, 2012
Something I wrote in 2010, reposting.
MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012
Memorial Day is a day to remember and honour those who died in service for the United States of America. It was originally called Decoration Day. It was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on 30 May 1868. Flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Small American flags are placed at the graves of our veterans. Congress made the day into a three-day weekend with the National Holiday Act of 1971. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873.
Moina Michaelin 1915, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields," wrote a poem:
We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.
Ms. Michaelin founded the National Poppy Movement, where red poppies are worn on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. In 1922 the Veterans of Foreign Wars became the first veterans' organization to nationally sell poppies. The VFW ladies provide the red poppy flowers to all naturalized US citizens; remember having received yours during your oath taking?
Memorial Day is also celebrated to remember all those who have passed on, not just the departed veterans. In the Philippines, our beloved dead is remembered during All Souls' Day on 2 November which follows All Saints' Day on November 1, which commemorates the departed saints. This is a long weekend, when families go to the cemeteries, to their provinces, where their beloved ones' graves are cleaned, painted, bedecked with flowers; candles are lit, prayers are said, and parties celebrated by the graveside(!)
The "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on December 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, all Americans are asked "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."
Our freedom is not free, let us remember and honour those who have died that we may have freedom.
Eternal rest grant unto them O, Lord, and may Perpetual Light shine upon them.
Most of information was gleaned from: http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html
MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012
Memorial Day is a day to remember and honour those who died in service for the United States of America. It was originally called Decoration Day. It was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on 30 May 1868. Flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Small American flags are placed at the graves of our veterans. Congress made the day into a three-day weekend with the National Holiday Act of 1971. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873.
Moina Michaelin 1915, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields," wrote a poem:
We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.
Ms. Michaelin founded the National Poppy Movement, where red poppies are worn on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. In 1922 the Veterans of Foreign Wars became the first veterans' organization to nationally sell poppies. The VFW ladies provide the red poppy flowers to all naturalized US citizens; remember having received yours during your oath taking?
Memorial Day is also celebrated to remember all those who have passed on, not just the departed veterans. In the Philippines, our beloved dead is remembered during All Souls' Day on 2 November which follows All Saints' Day on November 1, which commemorates the departed saints. This is a long weekend, when families go to the cemeteries, to their provinces, where their beloved ones' graves are cleaned, painted, bedecked with flowers; candles are lit, prayers are said, and parties celebrated by the graveside(!)
The "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on December 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, all Americans are asked "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."
Our freedom is not free, let us remember and honour those who have died that we may have freedom.
Eternal rest grant unto them O, Lord, and may Perpetual Light shine upon them.
Most of information was gleaned from: http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Guia, etc. Fitness Classes, May 2012
"Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be..."
Robert Browning (1812-1889)
Yoga with Guia:
United Medical Park: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12 noon.
Wheaton Franciscan Wellness Center, WFWC: 8 a.m. Fridays.
Fusion Dance & Fitness:
Tuesdays, 5:30 pm.
Saturdays, 9:15 a.m.
Zumba:
WFWC: Tuesdays, 3:45 - 4:30 p.m.
Landmark Commons: Wednesdays, 5:45 pm - 7 p.m. and Sundays, 2-3:30 p.m.
YWCA: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m.
United Medical Park: Fridays, 5:30 p.m.
BodyWell for Seniors:
WFWC, Mondays, 10:30 a.m.
What a coincidence!
co·in·ci·dence [koh-in-si-duhns] noun 1. a striking occurrence of two or more events at one time apparently by mere chance (Dictionary.com)
What a coincidence! I just have to document, less I forget.
After waiting in line at Walgreens, I was finally at the pharmacy counter, picking up an eye ointment for hubby Claro Palma. At the same time, I hear the drive through clerk repeating the drive thru customer's request of picking up the same eye ointment for Carlo Palma. I did wonder if that was Claro out there. My pharmacy aide asks me if the drive through customer is my husband, so I take a peek, but it is not Claro. It was Mr. Carlo Palma, our girls' Spanish teacher! We were in Walgreens at the same time, being served at the same time, I at the counter, he at the drive through, picking up the same medication, for 2 individuals having similar names!
I have my Powerball ticket for tonight.
How about you? Any goose bump inducing coincidental, serendipitous experience?
What a coincidence! I just have to document, less I forget.
After waiting in line at Walgreens, I was finally at the pharmacy counter, picking up an eye ointment for hubby Claro Palma. At the same time, I hear the drive through clerk repeating the drive thru customer's request of picking up the same eye ointment for Carlo Palma. I did wonder if that was Claro out there. My pharmacy aide asks me if the drive through customer is my husband, so I take a peek, but it is not Claro. It was Mr. Carlo Palma, our girls' Spanish teacher! We were in Walgreens at the same time, being served at the same time, I at the counter, he at the drive through, picking up the same medication, for 2 individuals having similar names!
I have my Powerball ticket for tonight.
How about you? Any goose bump inducing coincidental, serendipitous experience?
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Easter Vigil, April 8, 2012
I attended my very first Easter Vigil ever as an adult this Easter. Our Razon family did not attend vigils, except when we were part of the ceremony, because of its length, but we did go to Easter Sunday mass. I remember being one of the angels taking off Mama Mary's veil, under Sr. Felici's helm at our Cathedral in Tuguegarao. Same here in the US with our young family then, we went to Easter Sunday masses with the girls in their pretty Easter dresses. This Easter was special, attending my very first ever Easter Vigil with friends, S, J, C, B, and F. at the Queen of Peace with Father Jose.
The Easter Vigil, albeit long, is beautiful and a meaningful service. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the end of Lent. It is composed of (1) The Service of Light, (2) Liturgy of the Word, (3) Liturgy of Baptism, (4) Liturgy of the Eucharist. We went to QoP because it started earlier at 7 p.m.; whereas our home parish of St. Edwards, started at 8 p.m. However, QoP, because it is bilingual, finished the service in 2 hours and 30 minutes, whilst SE completed theirs in 2 hours;-). I tried hard to practice being in the moment during the readings as my mind was wandering off, and thankfully, the Holy Spirit was there to guide, and the service was made more meaningful and touching for me.
(1) The Service of Light: The Church was dim. We all had candles which were lighted from the Paschal Candle. This is the big, tall candle, from which light is the source for all lights for baptisms, weddings, funerals, confirmations, the Eucharist during the next whole year. The Paschal candle symbolizes Christ, the Light of the World.
(2) Liturgy of the Word: Nine readings, seven Old Testament and two New Testament, were read. These readings espouse the goodness of God, help us reflect on His wonderful works since the beginning of time. The readings were 1) the story of creation, Gen 1:1-2; 2; 2) Abraham and Isaac, Gen 22:1-18; 3) Crossing of the Red Sea, Exodus 14:15–15:1; 4) Isaiah 54:5-14; 5) Isaiah 55:1-11; 6) Baruch 3:9-15.32–4:4; 7) Ezekiel 36:16-17.18-28; 8) Romans 6:3-11; and 9) Gospel reading Mark 16:1-7.
This was the most challenging part for me because my mind wanted to wander off, until the Holy Spirit guided me to be present. The readings were read alternately in English and Spanish. If the reading is in English, then a Spanish summary of the reading is told, and vice versa. I followed the reading and recognized a lot of words during the Spanish reading, with the little Spanish I have retained. We sang praises after each reading. Father Jose, before the start of his homily said, "The homily will be as long as the readings." Laughter filled the church. He translated his Homily in Spanish.
(3) Liturgy of Baptism
Easter water was blessed, the newest member of QoP, Banes was baptised, and we renewed our baptismal vows. Banes, now taking the baptismal name, Joe, was also confirmed.
(4) Liturgy of Eucharist
The Mass is resumed with Easter prayers. The Gloria is said again. The church bells and the organ, silent since Holy Thursday, are sounded again. Holy water is in the fonts again. Father Jose, in his parting words, mentionend that Easter Vigils usually last from 3 to 4 hours, and we finished in two and a half hours (!). So he asked, "Shall we do something else then?" Laughter filled the Church again. Halleluia, the Lord is risen.
Happy Easter to all. Peace, graces, and light.
Source: http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=1043
The Easter Vigil, albeit long, is beautiful and a meaningful service. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the end of Lent. It is composed of (1) The Service of Light, (2) Liturgy of the Word, (3) Liturgy of Baptism, (4) Liturgy of the Eucharist. We went to QoP because it started earlier at 7 p.m.; whereas our home parish of St. Edwards, started at 8 p.m. However, QoP, because it is bilingual, finished the service in 2 hours and 30 minutes, whilst SE completed theirs in 2 hours;-). I tried hard to practice being in the moment during the readings as my mind was wandering off, and thankfully, the Holy Spirit was there to guide, and the service was made more meaningful and touching for me.
(1) The Service of Light: The Church was dim. We all had candles which were lighted from the Paschal Candle. This is the big, tall candle, from which light is the source for all lights for baptisms, weddings, funerals, confirmations, the Eucharist during the next whole year. The Paschal candle symbolizes Christ, the Light of the World.
(2) Liturgy of the Word: Nine readings, seven Old Testament and two New Testament, were read. These readings espouse the goodness of God, help us reflect on His wonderful works since the beginning of time. The readings were 1) the story of creation, Gen 1:1-2; 2; 2) Abraham and Isaac, Gen 22:1-18; 3) Crossing of the Red Sea, Exodus 14:15–15:1; 4) Isaiah 54:5-14; 5) Isaiah 55:1-11; 6) Baruch 3:9-15.32–4:4; 7) Ezekiel 36:16-17.18-28; 8) Romans 6:3-11; and 9) Gospel reading Mark 16:1-7.
This was the most challenging part for me because my mind wanted to wander off, until the Holy Spirit guided me to be present. The readings were read alternately in English and Spanish. If the reading is in English, then a Spanish summary of the reading is told, and vice versa. I followed the reading and recognized a lot of words during the Spanish reading, with the little Spanish I have retained. We sang praises after each reading. Father Jose, before the start of his homily said, "The homily will be as long as the readings." Laughter filled the church. He translated his Homily in Spanish.
(3) Liturgy of Baptism
Easter water was blessed, the newest member of QoP, Banes was baptised, and we renewed our baptismal vows. Banes, now taking the baptismal name, Joe, was also confirmed.
(4) Liturgy of Eucharist
The Mass is resumed with Easter prayers. The Gloria is said again. The church bells and the organ, silent since Holy Thursday, are sounded again. Holy water is in the fonts again. Father Jose, in his parting words, mentionend that Easter Vigils usually last from 3 to 4 hours, and we finished in two and a half hours (!). So he asked, "Shall we do something else then?" Laughter filled the Church again. Halleluia, the Lord is risen.
Happy Easter to all. Peace, graces, and light.
Source: http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=1043
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Good Friday 2012.
Good Friday Service. Quite and solemn.
When we were kids, we were admonished to be quiet, reserved, not to laugh, to be sullen. We were told not to listen to the radio (except for the sermons on Jesus' 7 Last Words and the Passion being sung), not to watch TV. Our help also told us not to bathe. We played with our cousins, then were asked to stop at 3 p.m., the time of Christ's death. It seemed like a long Good Friday then.
No Mass is celebrated on Good Friday. A special liturgy which consists of (1) the Passion and Death of Christ according to the Gospel of John is read, (2) a series of intercessory prayers (prayers for special intentions) are offered, and (3) the faithful revere the Cross by coming forward, kneeling, touching and kissing the Cross. We did not have Holy Water nor flowers in the Church this Holy Week.
The procession with Father and Deacon was silent, after which they lay prostrate at the foot of the altar.
The Passion of the Cross was read during Gospel, the Liturgy of the Word. I remember it being sung/chanted in Ybanag, "Passion" (with the accent on the second syllable)..
The Veneration of the Cross was most touching, where we quietly knelt, kissed, touched the cross with the choir singing.
The Good Friday liturgy concluded with the distribution of Holy Communion. The hosts used were consecrated from yesterday's Mass of the Lord's Supper since no Mass was held.
We all departed in silence, with the priests just going straight into sacristy (no Recession). A prayerful day to you.
When we were kids, we were admonished to be quiet, reserved, not to laugh, to be sullen. We were told not to listen to the radio (except for the sermons on Jesus' 7 Last Words and the Passion being sung), not to watch TV. Our help also told us not to bathe. We played with our cousins, then were asked to stop at 3 p.m., the time of Christ's death. It seemed like a long Good Friday then.
No Mass is celebrated on Good Friday. A special liturgy which consists of (1) the Passion and Death of Christ according to the Gospel of John is read, (2) a series of intercessory prayers (prayers for special intentions) are offered, and (3) the faithful revere the Cross by coming forward, kneeling, touching and kissing the Cross. We did not have Holy Water nor flowers in the Church this Holy Week.
The procession with Father and Deacon was silent, after which they lay prostrate at the foot of the altar.
The Passion of the Cross was read during Gospel, the Liturgy of the Word. I remember it being sung/chanted in Ybanag, "Passion" (with the accent on the second syllable)..
The Veneration of the Cross was most touching, where we quietly knelt, kissed, touched the cross with the choir singing.
The Good Friday liturgy concluded with the distribution of Holy Communion. The hosts used were consecrated from yesterday's Mass of the Lord's Supper since no Mass was held.
We all departed in silence, with the priests just going straight into sacristy (no Recession). A prayerful day to you.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Holy Thursday 2012, April 5.
Reposting previous posts on Holy Thursday, with minimal changes.
Holy Thursday 2012, April 5.
Today at sunset of Holy Thursday, Lent ended and the Triduum began. The Triduum is the three days of Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday that commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.
I only went to one Mass, a beautiful, solemn, touching Mass, rich in symbolism and meaning. It is held in the evening because Passover began at sundown. In the Philippines, the Visita Iglesia (Church visits) is practiced, where seven churches are visited. It is said that this practice probably originated in Rome where seven pilgrim churches are visited for penance.
Tonight's Holy Thursday Mass is a celebration of the Lord's Last Supper with His apostles. The beautiful songs sang by our Celebration Singers enhanced the solemnity of the service. Kather Kopacek sang through the Consecration.
The presentation of the 3 holy oils previously blessed by the Archbishop started the service: the Oil of Chrism (used in confirmation), Oil of the Sick, and Oil of Catechumen (used in baptism and ordination). Father blessed the oils with incense. The burning incense is said to be purifying and sanctifying.
The altar servers rang the bells continuously during the Gloria, as the bells will then be silent until the Easter Vigil. There is no Mass celebrated until Easter.
The washing of feet of 12 apostles was performed after the Homily. In John 13:1-17 Jesus instructs his apostles, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet." We are commanded to serve others humbly according to His example.
At Consecration, where Jesus at the Last Supper, changed bread and wine into His most holy Body and Blood, and offered them in sacrifice to all. The mystery of the Eucharist, the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, is the essence of our belief. The Last Supper was also when Jesus instituted Priesthood.
The Blessed Sacrament was blessed with incense, and the service concluded with a procession around our church. The Blessed Sacrament was brought to the altar of Repose (where the consecrated hosts are kept for Good Friday since Mass is not celebrated that day). A light shone from above, illuminating the Blessed Sacrament at the altar of Repose. The church's altar was later stripped bare. The holy water fonts were empty.
The Church was open till late for Adoration. By staying in prayer with the Lord, we joined others and the disciples who tried, but were unable to stay awake in Jesus’ hour of need.
We all left in silence, contemplative.
Holy Thursday 2012, April 5.
Today at sunset of Holy Thursday, Lent ended and the Triduum began. The Triduum is the three days of Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday that commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.
I only went to one Mass, a beautiful, solemn, touching Mass, rich in symbolism and meaning. It is held in the evening because Passover began at sundown. In the Philippines, the Visita Iglesia (Church visits) is practiced, where seven churches are visited. It is said that this practice probably originated in Rome where seven pilgrim churches are visited for penance.
Tonight's Holy Thursday Mass is a celebration of the Lord's Last Supper with His apostles. The beautiful songs sang by our Celebration Singers enhanced the solemnity of the service. Kather Kopacek sang through the Consecration.
The presentation of the 3 holy oils previously blessed by the Archbishop started the service: the Oil of Chrism (used in confirmation), Oil of the Sick, and Oil of Catechumen (used in baptism and ordination). Father blessed the oils with incense. The burning incense is said to be purifying and sanctifying.
The altar servers rang the bells continuously during the Gloria, as the bells will then be silent until the Easter Vigil. There is no Mass celebrated until Easter.
The washing of feet of 12 apostles was performed after the Homily. In John 13:1-17 Jesus instructs his apostles, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet." We are commanded to serve others humbly according to His example.
At Consecration, where Jesus at the Last Supper, changed bread and wine into His most holy Body and Blood, and offered them in sacrifice to all. The mystery of the Eucharist, the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, is the essence of our belief. The Last Supper was also when Jesus instituted Priesthood.
The Blessed Sacrament was blessed with incense, and the service concluded with a procession around our church. The Blessed Sacrament was brought to the altar of Repose (where the consecrated hosts are kept for Good Friday since Mass is not celebrated that day). A light shone from above, illuminating the Blessed Sacrament at the altar of Repose. The church's altar was later stripped bare. The holy water fonts were empty.
The Church was open till late for Adoration. By staying in prayer with the Lord, we joined others and the disciples who tried, but were unable to stay awake in Jesus’ hour of need.
We all left in silence, contemplative.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Guia, etc. Fitness Classes
"Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be..."
Robert Browning (1812-1889)
Yoga with Guia:
United Medical Park: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12 noon.
Wheaton Franciscan Wellness Center: 8 a.m. Fridays.
Saturday, April 14, 10 a.m.
Fusion Dance & Fitness:
Tuesdays, 5:30 pm.
Saturdays, 9:15 a.m. (no class March 31)
Zumba:
Landmark Commons: Wednesdays, 5:45 pm - 7 p.m.
YWCA: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m.
United Medical Park: Fridays, 5:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 1.5 - 2 hours, 2 pm.
April 7- Landmark Commons
April 21- Fusion Dance & Fitness
April 28- Landmark Commons.
Wheaton Franciscan, March 27, 3:45 p.m.
BodyWell: Wheaton Franciscan, Mondays, 10:30 a.m.
Robert Browning (1812-1889)
Yoga with Guia:
United Medical Park: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12 noon.
Wheaton Franciscan Wellness Center: 8 a.m. Fridays.
Saturday, April 14, 10 a.m.
Fusion Dance & Fitness:
Tuesdays, 5:30 pm.
Saturdays, 9:15 a.m. (no class March 31)
Zumba:
Landmark Commons: Wednesdays, 5:45 pm - 7 p.m.
YWCA: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m.
United Medical Park: Fridays, 5:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 1.5 - 2 hours, 2 pm.
April 7- Landmark Commons
April 21- Fusion Dance & Fitness
April 28- Landmark Commons.
Wheaton Franciscan, March 27, 3:45 p.m.
BodyWell: Wheaton Franciscan, Mondays, 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2012
As we observed Ash Wednesday on February 22, I reread an old essay I wrote in "Guia, etc.", information gleaned from several sources. Reposting as I reflected on that day. A few things were changed.
Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs 40+ days before Easter.
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of forty day liturgical period of prayer and fasting, just as Jesus spent forty days fasting in the desert before his public ministry, where he was unsuccessfully tempted by Satan.
The priest, minister or officiating lay person, marks the forehead of the participant with black ashes in the shape of a cross, which the worshiper retains until it wears off, considered a sign of the faithful. The priest or minister says this as ashes are applied to the forehead,
"Remember that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return."
—Genesis 3:19
I find these words very strong and meaningful, touches me, and try to live my life guided by this powerful message.
Ashes on the foreheads of the faithful is a sign of mourning and repentance to God. Ash Wednesday is observed by fasting, abstinence from meat, and repentance. The ashes used are the previous year's burned Palm Sunday.
The day's gospel talked about inward prayers. “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
For me, having the ashes smeared on my forehead is simply a reminder that the Lenten season has started, a time for prayers, reflection and service. I am reminded of my mortality; and what is important to me.
The Churches that observe Ash Wednesday are Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, and some Baptist denominations.
In the Catholic Church, ashes, being sacramentals, may be given to anyone who wishes to receive them as opposed to Catholic sacraments, which are generally reserved for church members. I am thankful I made it to the Sacred Heart Church tonight. I was ill with the flu last year.
The Lenten season is here, a time of reflection, prayer, and service; contemplating the Lord's 40 days of prayer and fasting before He embarked on His life's work. Let us immerse in it.
Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs 40+ days before Easter.
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of forty day liturgical period of prayer and fasting, just as Jesus spent forty days fasting in the desert before his public ministry, where he was unsuccessfully tempted by Satan.
The priest, minister or officiating lay person, marks the forehead of the participant with black ashes in the shape of a cross, which the worshiper retains until it wears off, considered a sign of the faithful. The priest or minister says this as ashes are applied to the forehead,
"Remember that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return."
—Genesis 3:19
I find these words very strong and meaningful, touches me, and try to live my life guided by this powerful message.
Ashes on the foreheads of the faithful is a sign of mourning and repentance to God. Ash Wednesday is observed by fasting, abstinence from meat, and repentance. The ashes used are the previous year's burned Palm Sunday.
The day's gospel talked about inward prayers. “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
For me, having the ashes smeared on my forehead is simply a reminder that the Lenten season has started, a time for prayers, reflection and service. I am reminded of my mortality; and what is important to me.
The Churches that observe Ash Wednesday are Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, and some Baptist denominations.
In the Catholic Church, ashes, being sacramentals, may be given to anyone who wishes to receive them as opposed to Catholic sacraments, which are generally reserved for church members. I am thankful I made it to the Sacred Heart Church tonight. I was ill with the flu last year.
The Lenten season is here, a time of reflection, prayer, and service; contemplating the Lord's 40 days of prayer and fasting before He embarked on His life's work. Let us immerse in it.
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