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

Archbishop Martin Jumoad of Ozamis. CBCP NEWS By CBCP News January 4, 2024 Manila, Philippines Pope Francis has named Archbishop Martin Jumoad of Ozamis as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Pagadian. In this capacity, he serves as the caretaker for the diocese at this time of transition, addressing the pastoral needs of the faithful and keeping things in an orderly way until the new bishop is appointed. The appointment was made on Jan. 3, a day after the sudden death of Bishop Ronald Lunas who served the Mindanao diocese for nearly five years. Lunas passed away on Jan. 2 at a public hospital in the city of Davao, a few days after he underwent a heart bypass operation. The Pagadian diocese said the bishop died from “complications” after the surgery. Jumoad, who has served as Ozamis archbishop since 2016, has asked for prayers for his added duties. “I hope you truly pray for me. Please include me in your daily prayers,” he said. Lunas’ funeral Mass is scheduled for Jan. 11 at the Sto. Niño Cathedral in Pagadian City, where he will be buried beside the church. 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.  

By CBCP News January 3, 2024 Manila, Philippines A stray bullet left a Catholic priest injured just after the northern city of Baguio rang in the new year. The 60-year-old priest was celebrating the new year when a stray bullet suddenly hit his left shoulder at about 12:15 a.m. on Jan. 1. He was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment and was later scheduled for operation on a fractured collarbone. According to DzWT, the diocese’s AM radio station, the priest “is in stable condition”. The report did not identify the priest but noted that he is assigned to a parish in the city’s Irisan district. Authorities investigating the incident said the slug recovered was from a 9-millimeter caliber handgun as they launched a search for the suspect. 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.  

Archbishop Romulo Valles presides over the Requiem Mass for Bishop Ronald Lunas at the chapel of St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary in Davao City, Jan. 2, 2024. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENDA PACANA MILAN By CBCP News January 3, 2024 Manila, Philippines Bishop Ronald “Bong” Lunas’ sudden death shocked the Church, but a prelate close to him revealed that he seemed to have anticipated it. The Pagadian bishop passed away yesterday while recovering from a heart bypass operation at a private hospital in the city of Davao. His diocese said the prelate died of complications after his surgery. He was 57. Speaking at a requiem Mass, Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao opened up about Luna’s death, revealing “that it seems he knew death was coming”. “They told me he prepared for his funeral Mass… he prepared his vestment for that Mass,” Valles said in his homily at the chapel of St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary (REMASE) in Davao City on Tuesday evening. The archbishop also said that Lunas even had a preferred portrait for his wake and funeral. “He was prepared for it,” Valles asserted. Gifted teacher, formator The former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines expressed how “painful” it was for them to lose “a brother who gave us such an extraordinary example of gentleness, compassion and patience”. He also described Lunas as “a very gifted teacher and formator”, who shared his “deep teachings” in a way that “made it easy for us to love the Gospel”. After his further theological studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 1996, Lunas was assigned for several years as professor and dean at REMASE. “We take this sadness with faith and Bishop Bong would like it to be that way,” Valles added. “With this pain and sorrow, the best we can do is to pray.” ‘Young and promising bishop’ Messages of grief and sympathy poured in from various dioceses, and even bishops from outside the country expressed their condolences after Luna’s death was announced. The Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) said that the death of “a young and promising bishop” is a loss not only for the Church in the Philippines “but also for the Church in Asia”. “Sad news as a new year begins,” said Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon and president of FABC in a letter to the CBCP. “The FABC has informed all of the FABC members and has requested prayers and Masses for him,” he said. As chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs), Lunas was among the local Church’s delegates at the FABC general conference in Bangkok in 2022. The bishop’s funeral Mass is scheduled for Jan. 11 at the Sto. Niño Cathedral in Pagadian City, where he will be buried beside the church. 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

Christmas Weekday 1st Reading – 1 John 2:29-3:6 If you know that he is just, then know, too, that all who do what is just are born of him. See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we would be called, and would become, the sons of God. Because of this, the world does not know us, for it did not know him. Most beloved, we are now the sons of God. But what we shall be then has not yet appeared. We know that when he does appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And everyone who holds this hope in him, keeps himself holy, just as he also is holy. Everyone who commits a sin, also commits iniquity. For sin is iniquity. And you know that he appeared in order that he might take away our sins. For in him there is no sin. Everyone who abides in him does not sin. For whoever sins has not seen him, and has not known him.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 98:1, 3CD-4, 5-6 R.  All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Sing to the LORD a new song,for he has done wondrous deeds;His right hand has won victory for him,his holy arm. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. All the ends of the earth have seenthe salvation by our God.Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;break into song; sing praise. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,with the harp and melodious song.With trumpets and the sound of the hornsing joyfully before the King, the LORD. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.   Alleluia – John 1:14A, 12A R. Alleluia, alleluia. The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.To those who accepted himhe gave power to become the children of God. R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel – John 1:29-34 John the Baptist saw Jesus coming to him, and he said: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sin of the world. This is he, of whom I said: After me, there comes a man, who is preferred before me: because he was before me. And I knew him not, but that he may be made manifest in Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water. And John gave testimony, saying: I saw the Spirit coming down, as a dove from heaven, and he remained upon him. And I knew him not; but he who sent me to baptize with water, said to me: He upon whom you shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining upon him, he it is that baptizes with the Holy Spirit. And I saw, and I gave testimony, that this is the Son of God. Today's Readings Homilies

Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church 1st Reading – 1 John 2:22-28 Beloved: Who is a liar, other than he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This one is the Antichrist, who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son also has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son, also has the Father. As for you, let what you have heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you have heard from the beginning remains in you, then you, too, shall abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the Promise, which he himself has promised to us: Eternal Life. I have written these things to you, because of those who would seduce you. But as for you, let the Anointing that you have received from him abide in you. And so, you have no need of anyone to teach you. For his Anointing teaches you about everything, and it is the truth, and it is not a lie. And just as his Anointing has taught you, abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him, that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be confounded by him at his coming.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4 R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Sing to the LORD a new song,for he has done wondrous deeds;His right hand has won victory for him,his holy arm. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. The LORD has made his salvation known:in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulnesstoward the house of Israel. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. All the ends of the earth have seenthe salvation by our God.Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;break into song; sing praise. R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.   Alleluia – Hebrews 1:1-2 R. Alleluia, alleluia.In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets;in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel – John 1:19-28 This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to him, so that they might ask him, “Who are you?” And he confessed it and did not deny it; and what he confessed was: “I am not the Christ.” And they questioned him: “Then what are you? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” Therefore, they said to him: “Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am a voice crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ just as

Cardinal Jose Advincula, archbishop of Manila. ERIC PAUL GUANLAO/MANILA CATHEDRAL By CBCP News December 31, 2023 Manila, Philippines The head of Manila’s Roman Catholic Church is bringing in the new year with a call for what he called ‘pilgrimages of prayer’. Cardinal Jose Advincula encouraged the faithful of his archdiocese to return to the core importance of prayer. “I invite you to embark on ‘Pilgrimages of Prayer’ this year,” Advincula said. “Let every ecclesial community go back to the centrality of prayer in our life as missionary disciples of Jesus,” he said. Pope Francis has earlier announced that 2024 will be a “Year of Prayer” in preparation for the Jubilee 2025. The 71-year-old Manila archbishop also urged the continuation of the ‘synodal process of walking together in communion, mission, and participation’ that the archdiocese has initiated. “Let this new year be an occasion for us to review our initiatives in gradually forming ourselves into a synodal Church…,” the cardinal added. “There will be challenges along the way. But we are always assured that He walks with us. And so, we begin our journey, with courage and faith,” he also 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.  

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God 1st Reading – Numbers 6:22-27 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Say to Aaron and his sons: Thus shall you bless the sons of Israel, and you shall say to them: ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord reveal his face to you and take pity on you. May the Lord turn his countenance toward you and grant peace to you.’ And they shall invoke my name over the sons of Israel, and I will bless them.”   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 R. May God bless us in his mercy. May God have pity on us and bless us;may he let his face shine upon us.So may your way be known upon earth;among all nations, your salvation. R. May God bless us in his mercy. May the nations be glad and exultbecause you rule the peoples in equity;the nations on the earth you guide. R. May God bless us in his mercy. May the peoples praise you, O God;may all the peoples praise you!May God bless us,and may all the ends of the earth fear him! R. May God bless us in his mercy.   2nd Reading – Galatians 4:4-7 Brothers and sisters: When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, made of a woman, made under the law: That he might redeem them who were under the law: that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying: Abba, Father. So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God.   Alleluia – Hebrews 1:1-2 R. Alleluia, alleluia.In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets;in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel – Luke 2:16-21 The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1535372364357523" data-ad-slot="3535763984" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"> Today's Readings Homilies

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 1st Reading – Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 For God has honored the father in the sons, and, when seeking the judgment of the mother, he has confirmed it in the children. He who loves God will plead with him on behalf of sins, and will keep himself away from sin, and will be heeded in the prayers of his days. And, like one who stores up treasure, so also is he who honors his mother. He who honors his father will find happiness in his own children, and he will be heeded in the day of his prayer. He who honors his father will live a long life. And he who obeys his father will be a refreshment to his mother. Son, support your father in his old age, and do not grieve him in his life. And if his mind should fail, show kindness; and do not spurn him when you are in your strength. For almsgiving to the father will never be forgotten. firmly planted against the debt of your sins a house raised in justice to you.   Or Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3 The word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying: “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your protector, and your reward is exceedingly great.” And Abram said: “Lord God, what will you give to me? I may go without children. And the son of the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus.” And Abram added: “Yet to me you have not given offspring. And behold, my servant born in my house will be my heir.” And immediately the word of the Lord came to him, saying: “This one will not be your heir. But he who will come from your loins, the same will you have for your heir.” And he brought him outside, and he said to him, “Take in the heavens, and number the stars, if you can.” And he said to him, “So also will your offspring be.” Abram believed God, and it was reputed to him unto justice. The Lord visited Sarah, just as he had promised; and he fulfilled what he had spoken. Sarah conceived and gave birth to a son in her old age, at the time that God had foretold to her. Abraham called the name of his son, whom Sarah bore for him, Isaac.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 R.  Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,who walks in his ways!For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;blessed shall you be, and favored. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vinein the recesses of your home;your children like olive plantsaround your table. R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Behold, thus is the man blessedwho fears the LORD.The LORD bless

Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas 1st Reading – 1 John 2:12-17 I am writing to you, little sons, because your sins are forgiven for the sake of his name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, adolescents, because you have overcome the evil one. I am writing to you, little children, because you have known the Father. I am writing to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. Do not choose to love the world, nor the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the charity of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world is the desire of the flesh, and the desire of the eyes, and the arrogance of a life which is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world is passing away, with its desire. But whoever does the will of God abides unto eternity.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 96:7-8A, 8B-9, 10 R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Give to the LORD, you families of nations,give to the LORD glory and praise;give to the LORD the glory due his name! R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Bring gifts, and enter his courts;worship the LORD in holy attire.Tremble before him, all the earth. R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Say among the nations: The LORD is king.He has made the world firm, not to be moved;he governs the peoples with equity. R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!   Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia.A holy day has dawned upon us.Come, you nations, and adore the Lord.Today a great light has come upon the earth.R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel – Luke 2:36-40 And there was a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher. She was very advanced in years, and she had lived with her husband for seven years from her virginity. And then she was a widow, even to her eighty-fourth year. And without departing from the temple, she was a servant to fasting and prayer, night and day. And entering at the same hour, she confessed to the Lord. And she spoke about him to all who were awaiting the redemption of Israel. And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their city, Nazareth. Now the child grew, and he was strengthened with the fullness of wisdom. And the grace of God was in him. Today's Readings Homilies Love Offering: