Atty. Aurora A. Santiago
Duc in Altum
LOS ANGELES, California. Good news! According to Vatican theologians, a second miracle was attributed to Blessed John Paul II, putting him on the path to sainthood, although Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi would not confirm or deny the report.
To be declared a saint, it requires two “confirmed” miracles. The first miracle attributed to Blessed John Paul II which was necessary for his beatification happened just six months after his death in 2005. It was the healing of a French nun, Sister Marie Simon-Pierre, whose recovery from Parkinson’s disease after praying for the late John Paul II’s “intercession” had no medical explanation.
The second miracle reportedly took place on the day that John Paul II was beatified in St. Peter’s Square on May 01, 2011. The Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints is in charge of examining the records and documents of candidates for sainthoods.
To be officially certified as miracles, healings “must be instantaneous, permanent and with no scientific explanation.” Reports said that “Blessed John Paul II could be formally canonized in October at the close of the year of faith launched by his successor Benedict XVI. It may be remembered that during his funeral in 2005, there was a public clamor from the crowd of mourners present at St. Peter’s Square “Santo Subito!” which means “Sainthood Now!” Pope Benedict XVI immediately authorized the examination of several reported miracles attributed to John Paul II.
***
Pope Francis appointed Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, the 32nd Archbishop of Manila, as the “titular pastor” of San Felice de Cantalice a Centocelle (Church of Saint Felix of Cantalice at Centocelle), seven months after he became a cardinal.
The CBCP News reported that “Cardinals are assigned a ‘titular church’ in the Vatican to formally make them members of the diocesan clergy of Rome and because they elect the Pope, who is officially called ‘the Bishop of Rome’. In the Catholic Church, all Cardinals are installed as pastors of titular churches in Rome. Although not directly involved in the administration of the parish, the cardinal is expected to give advice and support to his titular church.”
The church is referred to as a Centocelle (at Centocelle), derived from the Roman cavalry and their barracks consisting of a hundred lodging rooms dating back to the Roman Empire. It is currently administered by the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin since 1928.
***
The Supreme Court reset the oral argument on the RH Law from June 18 to July 09, 2013. Let us pray for the lawyers of the petitioners that they be guided by the Holy Spirit so that they can ably and expertly dispute the many unconstitutional provisions imbedded in the RH Law. Let us also pray that the Supreme Court justices will be directed by the Holy Spirit in their deliberation so that RH Law will be declared unconstitutional. Let us also seek the intercession of the Blessed Mother so that the sanctity of family, life and marriage shall be protected through the rejection by the Supreme Court of the RH Law. Let us continue with our prayers.
***
In relation to this issue, it is very timely that Pope Francis exhorted in his “Evangelium Vitae Day” or Gospel of Life: “Let us say “Yes” to life and not death. Let us say “Yes” to freedom and not enslavement to the many idols of our time. In a word, let us say “Yes” to the God who is love, life and freedom, and who never disappoints. The Gospel itself leads to life. The notion that rejecting God, will lead to freedom, is mistaken. On the contrary, following the Gospel leads one to a full life.”
The Mass echoes John Paul II’s encyclical “Evangelium Vitae” which state the Church’s position on the support and protection of life in all its stages.
***
Our family thanks with deep gratitude to all our relatives and friends who greeted our Mother, Gloria Angeles Vda. de Santiago, on her 96th birthday. Many thanks to Fr. Alex Amayun who presided over the Thanksgiving Mass during the Birthday Party of Inay. Many thanks also to Bp. Deogracias I?iguez, Jr. and Bp. Francisco de Leon, Fr. Jun Embile, Fr. Rico Ayo and Fr. Robert Ramos for the blessings, prayers, and Masses offered for the Birthday of Inay. You all made Inay very happy and we truly appreciate that. Inay really enjoyed all the love, care and greetings you gave her. God bless you all.
***
Happy Sacerdotal Anniversary to Most Rev. Francisco de Leon, Apostolic Administrator of Kalookan and Auxiliary Bishop of Antipolo.
Happy Birthday to Fr. Nestor Estanislao, Merle Desiderio and Marie Perez of the Diocese of Kalookan.
