Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time 1st Reading – 1 Samuel 1:9-20 Hannah rose after a meal at Shiloh, and presented herself before the LORD; at the time, Eli the priest was sitting on a chair near the doorpost of the LORD’s temple. In her bitterness she prayed to the LORD, weeping copiously, and she made a vow, promising: “O LORD of hosts, if you look with pity on the misery of your handmaid, if you remember me and do not forget me, if you give your handmaid a male child, I will give him to the LORD for as long as he lives; neither wine nor liquor shall he drink, and no razor shall ever touch his head.” As she remained long at prayer before the LORD, Eli watched her mouth, for Hannah was praying silently; though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. Eli, thinking her drunk, said to her, “How long will you make a drunken show of yourself? Sober up from your wine!” “It isn’t that, my lord,” Hannah answered. “I am an unhappy woman. I have had neither wine nor liquor; I was only pouring out my troubles to the LORD. Do not think your handmaid a ne’er-do-well; my prayer has been prompted by my deep sorrow and misery.” Eli said, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” She replied, “Think kindly of your maidservant,” and left. She went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and no longer appeared downcast. Early the next morning they worshiped before the LORD, and then returned to their home in Ramah. When Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, the LORD remembered her. She conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son whom she called Samuel, since she had asked the LORD for him.   Responsorial Psalm – 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8ABCD R.  My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. “My heart exults in the LORD,my horn is exalted in my God.I have swallowed up my enemies;I rejoice in my victory.” R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. “The bows of the mighty are broken,while the tottering gird on strength.The well-fed hire themselves out for bread,while the hungry batten on spoil.The barren wife bears seven sons,while the mother of many languishes.” R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. “The LORD puts to death and gives life;he casts down to the nether world;he raises up again.The LORD makes poor and makes rich;he humbles, he also exalts.” R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior. “He raises the needy from the dust;from the dung heap he lifts up the poor,To seat them with noblesand make a glorious throne their heritage.” R. My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.   Alleluia – 1 Thessalonians 2:13 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Receive the word of God, not as the word of men,but as it truly is, the word of

The image of the Black Nazarene was transferred to the Quirino Grandstand on Jan. 6 in preparation for its annual procession to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 9, 2024. By CBCP News January 8, 2024 Manila, Philippines Manila is again bracing for the return of the anticipated “Traslacion” of the Black Nazarene, known as one of the world’s fervent displays of Catholic faith. On Tuesday, Jan, 9, hundreds of thousands of barefoot devotees are expected to flock the streets for the traditional procession of the four centuries-old wooden statue of the Black Nazarene. Known for its miracles, the depiction of Christ’s suffering as he carries the cross to Calvary is one of the most popular devotion in Asia’s most Catholic nation. For the first time in Traslacion’s history, devotees will witness the image in a glass case for protection against damage. However, a portion of the Nazarene’s cross will be left open for devotees to touch. Fr. Rufino “Jun” Sescon, the rector of Quiapo Church, mentioned that the image’s fragility was one of the reasons behind their decision to enclose it in a laminated tempered glass case, along with banning the climbing of the andas. “Since it is already very old, we cannot predict what could happen if an extraordinary impact happens. It could lead to something worse,” Sescon said. Since the 1990s, the original body of the image has been used in the procession, accompanied by a replica head and hands. The original head, which already has a crack, is currently placed on the altar of Quiapo Church, while the original hands have been kept since they were destroyed. “When the priest (at that time) saw that there were cracks in the head of the image, they decided to separate the parts,” Sescon said. The priest revealed that the original body has already developed cracks due to the annual procession, where some devotees attempt to touch or grab hold of the image atop the andas (carriage). “Through the years, the original body is the one we have been using so it has really sustained some cracks coming from those grabbing it,” he said. Sescon said that if the condition of the original image is put in further danger, one option would be to use a replica for future processions. “The Quiapo Church is considering that in the future, if the condition of the original image will be put in further danger, of course, we have to prioritize the care for the image,” the rector said. “The idea is to gather all the original parts in the church. A replica will, then, be used in the procession. Even the Hijos del Nazareno agree with the idea because they want to protect the image,” he added. Based on historical accounts, the image of the black Christ was brought to the Philippines by the Order of Augustinian Recollects (OAR) in 1606. On the other hand, the annual Traslacion is believed to have begun sometime between 1767 and 1787 as a reenactment of

Jeepney operators, drivers, along with their families and other activist groups, staged a protest in Manila, urging the government to reconsider the deadline for the PUV Modernization Program, Dec. 29, 2023. PRESSONE.PH By CBCP News January 8, 2024 Manila, Philippines The social action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is calling for a “just and inclusive approach” to the government’s public transport modernization program. In a statement released Monday, Caritas Philippines urged the government to consider the well-being of small jeepney operators and drivers while implementing pollution reduction efforts. Its president, Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, stressed the organization’s support for modernizing the public transport system but cautioned against leaving thousands of Filipinos behind. “We welcome the government’s commitment to improve public transportation,” Bagaforo said. “However, we cannot condone a modernization process that disregards the human cost. “We urge the government to ensure a just transition that protects the livelihoods of jeepney operators and drivers, who are the backbone of our transportation system, while also laying the groundwork for a more efficient, interconnected, and cost-effective mass transport network that benefits all,” he said. The Kidapawan bishop emphasized the need for fair compensation and livelihood support for displaced drivers, including access to retraining programs and financial assistance. “These families are not just statistics; they are our neighbors, our brothers and sisters,” he said. “We cannot let them fall through the cracks during this transition.” The national Caritas also advocated for investment in locally-developed, renewable energy-powered vehicles. “We have brilliant Filipino engineers and entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions for clean transportation,” Bagaforo said. “Let’s support them and create a future where our public transport is not only efficient but also sustainable.” The organization also emphasized the importance of preserving the country’s heritage and creative spirit amidst modernization. According to Bagaforo, jeepneys represent much more than a mode of transport; “they embody our rich cultural tapestry.” “We must find solutions that honor our heritage and showcase Filipino ingenuity, while simultaneously building a future-oriented public transport system that addresses the needs of a growing population,” he said. DONATE TO CBCP NEWS CBCPNews is a church-based news agency operated by the Media Office of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.  This apostolate aims at helping the work of the new evangelization through the news media.  This is non-commercial and non-profit.  That being the case, it totally depends on generosity of its readers and supporters. Should you wish to donate kindly press the donate button.  Thank you.  

Feast of The Baptism of the Lord 1st Reading – Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Thus says the LORD: Behold my servant: I will uphold him. My elect: my soul delights in him. I have given my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor have respect to person: neither shall his voice be heard abroad. The bruised reed he shall not break, and smoking flax he shall not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not be sad nor troublesome till he set judgment in the earth: and the islands shall wait for his law. I, the Lord have called you in justice, and taken you by the hand, and preserved you. And I have given you for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles: to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.   Or Isaiah 55:1-11 Thus says the LORD: All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat; come, without paying and without cost, drink wine and milk! Why spend your money for what is not bread, your wages for what fails to satisfy? Heed me, and you shall eat well, you shall delight in rich fare. Come to me heedfully, listen, that you may have life. I will renew with you the everlasting covenant, the benefits assured to David. As I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander of nations, so shall you summon a nation you knew not, and nations that knew you not shall run to you, because of the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, who has glorified you. Seek the LORD while he may be found, call him while he is near. Let the scoundrel forsake his way, and the wicked man his thoughts; let him turn to the LORD for mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. As high as the heavens are above the earth so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts. For just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; my word shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 29:1-2, 3-4, 3, 9-10 R.  The Lord will bless his people with peace. Give to the LORD, you sons of God,give to the LORD glory and praise,Give to the LORD the glory due his name;adore the LORD in holy attire. R. The Lord

The Epiphany of the Lord 1st Reading – Isaiah 60:1-6 Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and a mist the people: but the Lord shall arise upon you and his glory shall be seen upon you. And the Gentiles shall walk in your light, and kings in the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around and see! All these have been gathered together; they have arrived before you. Your sons will arrive from far away, and your daughters will rise up from your side. Then you will see, and you will overflow, and your heart will be amazed and expanded. When the multitude of the sea will have been converted to you, the strength of the nations will approach you. A multitude of camels will inundate you: the dromedaries from Midian and Ephah. All those from Sheba will arrive, carrying gold and frankincense, and announcing praise to the Lord.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13. R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. O God, with your judgment endow the king,and with your justice, the king’s son;He shall govern your people with justiceand your afflicted ones with judgment. R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. Justice shall flower in his days,and profound peace, till the moon be no more.May he rule from sea to sea,and from the River to the ends of the earth. R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts;the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.All kings shall pay him homage,all nations shall serve him. R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out,and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;the lives of the poor he shall save. R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.   2nd Reading – Ephesians 3:2-3A, 5-6 Brothers and sisters: You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, How that, according to revelation, the mystery has been made known to me. Which in other generations was not known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit: That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and co-partners of his promise in Christ Jesus, by the gospel.   Alleluia – Matthew 2:2 R. Alleluia, alleluia.We saw his star at its risingand have come to do him homage.R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel – Matthew 2:1-12 When Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judah, in the days of king Herod, behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying: “Where is he who was born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in

Quiapo Church rector Fr. Rufino “Jun” Sescon Jr speaks during a press conference in Manila on Jan. 4, 2024. PHOTO FROM QUIAPO CHURCH By CBCP News January 5, 2024 Manila, Philippines The head pastor of the Quiapo Church defended the Black Nazarene devotees against some sweeping criticisms hurled against them. The church’s rector, Fr. Jun Sescon, asserted that “no true devotee” would engage in negative actions, especially during the celebration of the Black Nazarene feast. While he acknowledged the presence of “adventurous elements”, he emphasized that a true devotee would never hurt others just to touch the Nazarene statue. “Let us help the devotees get a good name because true devotees are willing and will cooperate,” Sescon said during a press conference on Thursday. “But we can’t discount that not only devotees will come so let’s work and pray together,” he said. This year’s “Traslacion” or procession on Jan. 9 will see the Nazarene image encased in thick tempered and laminated glass for the first time to protect it from damage. Like the previous processions, church and government authorities are expecting at least two million devotees attending one of the nation’s biggest religious events. In the past, devotees ended up hurting one another just to touch the wooden image of Jesus Christ in a massive annual procession. The procession, which usually takes 18 to 22 hours, was suspended at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic for the last three years. With the shorter route this time and new measures in place, organizers are expecting a faster procession. “We can be sure that the procession will be faster if everyone follows the guidelines,” Sescon said. DONATE TO CBCP NEWS CBCPNews is a church-based news agency operated by the Media Office of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.  This apostolate aims at helping the work of the new evangelization through the news media.  This is non-commercial and non-profit.  That being the case, it totally depends on generosity of its readers and supporters. Should you wish to donate kindly press the donate button.  Thank you.  

Christmas Weekday 1st Reading – 1 John 5:5-13 Beloved:Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God! This is the One who came by water and blood: Jesus Christ. Not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit is the One who testifies that the Christ is the Truth. For there are Three who give testimony in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit. And these Three are One. And there are three who give testimony on earth: the Spirit, and the water, and the blood. And these three are one. If we accept the testimony of men, then the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony of God, which is greater: that he has testified about his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God, holds the testimony of God within himself. Whoever does not believe in the Son, makes him a liar, because he does not believe in the testimony which God has testified about his Son. And this is the testimony which God has given to us: Eternal Life. And this Life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son, has Life. Whoever does not have the Son, does not have Life. I am writing this to you, so that you may know that you have Eternal Life: you who believe in the name of the Son of God.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.or:R. Alleluia. Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;praise your God, O Zion.For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;he has blessed your children within you. R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.or:R. Alleluia. He has granted peace in your borders;with the best of wheat he fills you.He sends forth his command to the earth;swiftly runs his word! R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.or:R. Alleluia. He has proclaimed his word to Jacob,his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.He has not done thus for any other nation;his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia. R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.or:R. Alleluia.   Alleluia – SEE Mark 9:6 R. Alleluia, alleluia.6 The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered:This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel – Mark 1:7-11 This is what John the Baptist preached, saying: There comes after me one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I have baptized you with water; but he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit. And it came to pass, in those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And forthwith coming up out of he water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit as a dove descending, and remaining on him. And there came a voice from heaven: You are my beloved Son; in you I am well pleased.   or Luke 3:23-38 When Jesus began his ministry

Devotees touch an image of the Black Nazarene at the Our Lady of Peñafrancia GKK Chapel, situated in the DECA Homes Esperanza in Tigatto, Buhangin, Davao City. JESUS NAZARENO-DAVAO/FACEBOOK By CBCP News January 5, 2024 Davao City A throng of devotees is expected to attend this year’s feast of the Black Nazarene in the southern city of Davao. In preparation for the feast, novena Masses have been held since Jan. 1 at the Our Lady of Peñafrancia GKK Chapel, which is home to a life-sized image of the Black Nazarene, in the city’s Buhangin district. The image was given to the Davao archdiocese by the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or the Quiapo Church in Manila in 2015. The chapel, located inside the DECA Homes Esperanza, is under the canonical jurisdiction of the San Antonio Maria de Liguori Parish, also in Buhangin. On Jan. 6, at 4 p.m., the image will be transferred to San Alfonso Maria de Liguori Parish Church for the continuation of the novena Masses, which will take place every 6 p.m. On the feast day, Jan. 9, the statue will be carried in a procession on its way back to the chapel, where Fiesta Masses will be held at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. “All devotees are encouraged to bring their own personal Nazareno image during the procession and fiesta Mass in order to be blessed by the priests,” the chapel said. DONATE TO CBCP NEWS CBCPNews is a church-based news agency operated by the Media Office of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.  This apostolate aims at helping the work of the new evangelization through the news media.  This is non-commercial and non-profit.  That being the case, it totally depends on generosity of its readers and supporters. Should you wish to donate kindly press the donate button.  Thank you.  

A man walks the Camino de Santiago in Spain. JORGE LUIS OJEDA FLOTA VIA UNSPLASH By Francesca Pollio Fenton Catholic News Agency January 5, 2024 Pilgrims walking the famous Camino de Santiago have reached a new record. In 2023, nearly half a million people from around the world hiked this historic route. According to the statistics released by the pilgrims office, 446,035 pilgrims arrived at the Spanish pilgrimage site. Nearly 200,000 of the pilgrims were from Spain, primarily from the southern region of Andalucia. In terms of foreigners, pilgrims from the United States ranked highest — with 32,063 — followed by Italians with 28,645 and Germans with 24,342. Other countries that ranked high included Portugal, France, the United Kingdom, Mexico, South Korea, Ireland, Australia, and Canada. The major age groups represented were 18- to 45-year-olds, with 10,181 pilgrims, and there were 10,096 pilgrims between 45 and 65 years old. Women pilgrims also outnumbered males. Despite the Camino being a traditional Catholic pilgrimage, 23.3% of those who walked the route completed it for nonreligious reasons. The Camino de Santiago, also known as “The Way of St. James,” is a 1,000-year-old pilgrimage route through Spain, Portugal, and part of southern France that leads to the Cathedral of Santiago located in the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. The cathedral is traditionally held to be the burial place of St. James the Apostle. After the discovery of the relics of St. James the Great in the ninth century, the Camino became a major pilgrimage site from the 10th century onward. The Camino was officially declared one of the “three greatest pilgrimages of Christendom,” along with Jerusalem and the Via Francigena to Rome, in 1492 after the liberation of Granada under the reign of the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. In 1987 it was declared the first Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. DONATE TO CBCP NEWS CBCPNews is a church-based news agency operated by the Media Office of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.  This apostolate aims at helping the work of the new evangelization through the news media.  This is non-commercial and non-profit.  That being the case, it totally depends on generosity of its readers and supporters. Should you wish to donate kindly press the donate button.  Thank you.  

The Quiapo Church revealed the new design of the “andas” or carriage of the Black Nazarene image on Thursday. It is now enclosed in a glass case and will be used in the “Traslacion” on Jan. 9, 2024. By CBCP News January 4, 2024 Manila, Philippines As the traditional procession of the Black Nazarene returns for the first time in three years in Manila, church authorities are implementing measures to keep the solemnity of one of the nation’s biggest religious festivals. It’s not really something new, said Quiapo Church rector Fr. Jun Sescon “but rather a return to the old ways of expressing our devotion.” “After what we’ve been through, the pandemic, this is the time for reset,” Sescon said during a press conference on Thursday. “And our prayer is that, with these learnings, may we celebrate it in orderly, safe, and sacred manner,” he said. One of the notable measures being implemented for the Jan. 9 “Traslacion” or procession from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church is the new design of “andas” or carriage of the life-sized Black Nazarene statue— now encased in “laminated tempered glass”. The parish church earlier announced that climbing onto the carriage is prohibited to ensure the safety of the devotees. Among the devotees, kissing the cross and touching the image are seen as ultimate goals, believed to bring miracles. “The measures we’re implementing now for a solemn and orderly procession have long been desired by parish priests before me and the former mayors and police directors,” Sescon said. As Covid-19 has not totally lost its bases around the country, organizers also encouraged the devotees to keep their face masks on even in outdoor venues. In Quiapo, the parish has decided to maintain one-meter physical distance among the devotees both inside and outside the church during Masses. “We’ll do our best… but we are also willing to adjust if the situation calls for it,” the rector added. Activities at the Quirino Grandstand will start on Jan. 6, and devotees will be allowed to touch the image after the 6pm Mass. Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila will preside over the midnight Mass on Jan. 9, also at the grandstand. The vigil will continue until the procession starts around 6 a.m. Over at the Quiapo Church, Masses will be held every hour from 3 p.m. of Jan. 8 to 11 p.m. of Jan. 9. This year’s procession will also follow a shorter route, similar to the one used in 2020. Mayor Honey Lacuna of Manila said around 12,000 cops will be deployed to secure the activities of the feast. Upon the mayor’s request, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has declared Jan. 9 as a special non-working day in Manila to give way for the Black Nazarene feast. The city will also enforce a ban on firearms, liquor, and firecrackers for the security of Traslacion. Sailing will be prohibited in nearby Manila Bay and along the Pasig River, where coast guard personnel will monitor the bridges that devotees will