STA. MARIA, Bulacan, Nov. 7, 2016 – The Door of Mercy of the Diocesan Shrine of Mary, Mother of Eucharist and Grace in San Vicente closed on Saturday, Nov. 5 as the first in the Diocese of Malolos to do so with other Doors following suit on Nov. 12 and 13 as scheduled.
Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros during the rites of the closing of the Door of Mercy at the Diocesan Shrine of Mary, Mother of Eucharist and Grace in San Vicente, Sta. Maria, Bulacan. (Photo: Neil Joshua D. Roque)
Merciful like the Father
“Let us give thanks to the Lord for letting us experience His love and mercy through Mama Mary – the Mother of Eucharist, Grace and Mercy,” said Bishop Jose Oliveros in a concelebrated Mass with Fr. Fernando Cenon, Fr. Herbert Bacani, and Fr. Hernan Milan to signal the nearing conclusion of the Year of Mercy.
The prelate added: “Continue showing mercy and compassion to our fellowmen in every way we know.”
The bishop also encouraged the faithful to continue responding to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, which aims to rally support for the diocese’ charities and other initiatives that help those in need. “Let us remember that what we do to our least brothers and sisters, we also do to the Lord,” he said in his concluding message.
Prayer for the Sick
Shrine administrator Carmelo Villanueva Cortez, who is known for his “miraculous rose petals” that bear the images of the Crucifixion, of our Blessed Mother, of saints and of angels, led the prayer for the sick after the Mass and the closing of the Door rites.
In an interview, Cortez explained to CBCPNews the importance of learning to love and forgive oneself. “We look for God in different places but His mercy can be found in our hearts,” he said. “Let us continue performing those corporal and spiritual acts of mercy as stated in the Holy Bible.”
The faithful also received certificates with the third class relics of St. John Paul II and Holy Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
A healing Mass and prayer for the sick is held at the shrine every first Saturday of the month at noon. (Myraine Carluen-Policarpio / CBCP News)
