The Cathedral Parish of St. Andrew in Brgy. La Huerta, is the seat of the Diocese of Parañaque, and enshrines the miraculous image of Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso. (Photo: Raymond A. Sebastián)
PARAÑAQUE City, Dec. 12, 2015 – Catholic millennials from the Diocese of Parañaque commit themselves to taking advantage not only of the “avalanche of graces” the yearlong Jubilee of Mercy has to offer, but also to living it out and sharing with others its timeless message of hope and forgiveness.
“As a young practicing Catholic, my plan for this Jubilee Year is to reach out not just to people who are already within the Church, but more especially invite those outside of the fold. I believe this is the right time we encourage them to see God’s Face,” said Michael Dalogdog of Mary Queen of Apostles Parish.
The social studies teacher pointed out this is an opportune moment Catholics could use to set things right in a world that has seen much pain and chaos.
“It [Year of Mercy] comes at a time we all know is in crisis. If we would only turn our hearts to the Divine Mercy, we would all live in God’s peace and love,” he added.
For the entire year, Dalogdog promised to be more merciful to other people by practicing the so-called works of mercy at all times, both spiritual and corporal, and by entrusting everything to the Lord’s Providence.
“I don’t think I have shown enough mercy. I am merciful alright, but it’s lacking,” he explained.
Works of mercy
The spiritual works of mercy Christians are expected to observe are as follows:
- To instruct the ignorant
- To counsel the doubtful
- To admonish sinners
- To bear wrongs patiently
- To forgive offences willingly
- To comfort the afflicted
- To pray for the living and the dead
And the corporal ones are:
- To feed the hungry
- To give drink to the thirsty
- To clothe the naked
- To shelter the homeless
- To visit the sick
- To visit the imprisoned
- To bury the dead
Seeking God’s Mercy
Meanwhile, college instructor Johann Mangussad from Muntinlupa City expressed joy that the Diocese of Parañaque is one with its sister dioceses worldwide in declaring several of its parishes and shrines as “pilgrim churches” by opening a Jubilee Door on Dec. 13, Sunday, until the Solemnity of Corpus Christi 2016.
This means all Catholics, provided they met the necessary conditions, could avail of a plenary indulgence upon passing through this “Holy Door.”
“I can’t help but be happy and proud to hear about the fact that the Diocese of Parañaque actually houses pilgrim churches/parishes of mercy. These parishes will open their doors to pilgrims who seek God’s works of mercy,” he said.
Mangussad is also elated that the participating Parañaque parishes/shrines will administer confessions throughout the day to everyone who wants to make their peace with God.
“As beautiful as these churches are, we are encouraged to take this chance to sincerely seek God’s mercy,” he added, noting that the Church concurrently observes the Advent season.
Pilgrim Churches
According to Fr. Jeff Manlapig, these appointed “pilgrim churches” of the Diocese of Parañaque, which covers Parañaque proper, Muntinlupa, and Las Piñas, are:
- Cathedral Parish of St. Andrew, La Huerta, Parañaque City
- National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Baclaran, Parañaque City
- National Shrine of Mary Help of Christian, Betterliving Subdivision, Parañaque City
- Diocesan Shrine of St. Peregrine Laziosi, Tunasan, Muntinlupa City
- Presentation of the Child Jesus, BF Homes, Parañaque City
- Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Phil Am Subdivision, Las Pinas City
- National Shrine of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal, Sucat, Muntinlupa City
- Shrine of the Five Wounds of the Lord, Moonwalk, Las Piñas City
Although Rebekah Jacobe, a human resource person also from Muntinlupa City, has not yet given the Jubilee much thought, she vowed to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Christmas.
“I haven’t discerned [when] yet, but I will definitely go to confession before Christmas,” she said. (Raymond A. Sebastián / CBCP News)
