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?
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
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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