Ad Maoirem De Gloriam

An Unexpected Journey: Finding Light in "Next to Normal

2025-02-28T04:48:00.000-08:00

I’ll be honest musicals were never my thing. I never thought I’d be the type to sit through one, let alone be moved by it. But life has a way of surprising you, especially when someone believes in pushing you out of your comfort zone. So, when Sir Don, our department head, invited me to watch Next to Normal, I decided to take a chance. And wow, am I glad I did.

I walked in blind—no research, no expectations—just an open heart and my favorite mantra: “surprise me.” Sir Don hinted that the play explored a mother’s battle with bipolar disorder and its impact on her family. But nothing could’ve prepared me for the emotional journey that unfolded on that stage.

From the very first note, I was hooked. Nikki Valdez, who played Diana Goodman, gave a performance so raw and real that it left me speechless. Her portrayal of a mother wrestling with grief, loss, and mental illness was breathtaking. And then there was Benidix Ramos (yes, from PBB!) as the enigmatic son—his voice was stunning, his presence unforgettable. The entire cast poured their hearts into every moment, and it showed.

As a first-time musical viewer, I didn’t just *watch* this play—I felt it. Next to Normal isn’t just about mental health; it’s about life. It’s about love, loss, and the messy, beautiful reality of being human. It reminded me that it’s okay not to be okay. That pain is part of life but so is healing. It showed me the power of having people who hold you up when you feel like you’re falling apart.

The play left me with a message I’ll carry forever: Life will throw curveballs, but there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. It’s okay to feel, to grieve, and to heal. And most importantly, it’s okay to ask for help. Mental health matters, and we all deserve to be seen, heard, and supported.

To Sir Don, thank you for this unforgettable experience. You introduced me to a world I never knew I’d love, and for that, I’m so grateful. To the cast of Next to Normal, bravo. You didn’t just perform—you touched hearts and sparked conversations that truly matter.

And to anyone reading this: if you ever get the chance to watch a musical, take it. You might just walk away surprised, inspired, and maybe even a little changed. As for me? I think I’ve caught the musical bug. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Life is full of unexpected moments, and sometimes, those moments remind us of the beauty of being human—of feeling deeply, healing bravely, and finding light even in the darkest places. 💛

A Place That Shaped Me

2025-02-28T04:39:00.000-08:00

Every time I’m in Cebu; I make it a point to visit Colonnade Supermarket in downtown Colon. This place isn’t just a store to me—it’s where my journey into adulthood began. Right after high school, this iconic supermarket gave me my first job. I was a sales associate in charge of the noodles section, and though it might sound simple, it was my first taste of responsibility.

The store back then felt massive, almost like an S&R, with towering shelves I’d climb to stack noodles and pasta, ensuring every display was full and neat. I was hired just three days before Christmas, and the rush of customers was overwhelming. I was new, unsure, and almost quit because it felt like too much. But I stayed. I pushed through the fear, the unfamiliarity, and the challenges.

Colonnade taught me that life outside the classroom is where the real lessons begin. It’s not about memorizing formulas or historical dates—it’s about resilience, determination, and finding your why. This place showed me that to survive in this tough world, you need grit and a clear goal. It taught me to stand firm, to never give up, and to keep going even when things feel impossible.

To this day, the lessons I learned at Colonnade stay with me. It wasn’t just a job—it was the foundation of who I am. Every time I walk through those doors, I’m reminded of where I started and how far I’ve come. This supermarket will always hold a special place in my heart, not just for what it is, but for what it helped me become. 💛

206686: A Number That Shaped My Journey

2025-02-28T04:38:00.000-08:00

When I was given employee number 206686, it wasn’t just a digit—it was a dream come true. I had just been hired at Metro Gaisano, now known as Metro Department Store, Cebu’s most prestigious retail haven. Even as a high school student, I had always admired this iconic store, and now, I was part of its legacy.

My journey began as a bagger at the bustling Metro Supermarket. Every Cebuano knows how chaotic it can get, but I thrived in the energy. I mastered the art of packing groceries, even learning the baggers’ secret of cutting binding straws without scissors. It was humble work, but it taught me discipline and resilience.

After my first contract, I was assigned to the Furniture and Fixture Department on the 6th floor. This was where I discovered my passion for marketing and sales. Metro instilled in me a powerful mantra: “The customer isn’t always right, but they have the right to be treated right.” This became my guiding principle. Whether I was selling a luxurious sofa or a simple plastic stool, I treated every customer with respect and honesty. I learned to look beyond appearances—whether someone wore torn jeans or a designer dress, they deserved the same level of care.

My supervisor, Ms. Dino (code 701), taught me one of the most valuable lessons: “Entertain every customer well, even if they’re just window shopping. When they’re ready to buy, they’ll remember how you made them feel.” And she was right. I consistently hit my daily quota of ₱20,000, and during midnight sales, I even tripled it. The joy of connecting with people and helping them find what they needed fueled me.

Later, I moved to the linen section as a sales associate and warehouse in-charge. Each role added layers to my skills and deepened my love for the retail world. Metro Gaisano didn’t just give me a job—it shaped who I am today. It ignited a fire in me for marketing and sales, a passion that still burns brightly.

Even now, whenever homesickness hits, I find myself drawn to Metro Market Market. The sight of those mint green uniforms and the familiar jingle, “There’s something for you at the Metro,” brings me back to a place that feels like home.

206686 isn’t just a number—it’s a reminder of where I started, the lessons I learned, and the dreams I continue to chase. Metro Gaisano will always be a part of my story, and for that, I am forever grateful.

1st day of the month (Gratitude Journal)

2023-08-01T07:44:00.003-07:00

Wow, can you believe it’s already August 1? That means we’re only four months away from Christmas! 🎄 I’m so excited for the holiday season, but first I want to take a moment to thank God for this amazing day. Here are some of the things I’m grateful for today:

First of all, thank you God for the gift of life. Waking up today is such a blessing and I’m so happy to be alive. You are the source of my joy and strength.
Second, thank you God for the comfortable place I live in and having access to clean water. I was able to take a bath twice today and sleep in a well-ventilated room. I know not everyone has this privilege and I don’t take it for granted. You are the provider of my needs and wants.
Third, thank you God for the blessings you gave me today at work. I and my team were able to finish five job numbers today and hit our daily quota. Thank you, God, for always guiding me in my work and giving me wisdom and skills. You are the leader of my career and success.
Fourth, thank you God for Aaron, who bought some donuts and toasted siopao for our snacks. I’m beyond grateful for his generosity and kindness. He shared his blessings with us and made us happy. You are the giver of good gifts and friendship.

Lord, thank you for your blessings and divine providence. You always surprise me with your grace and love. I’m so happy that I received my monthly commission and was able to pay some debts. Lord, thank you for today and every day. You are the reason for my gratitude and happiness.

Rainy days on Monday... (Gratitude Journal entry 002)

2023-07-31T06:27:00.002-07:00

Today, Monday the 31st of July, was a rainy day here in Makati City, but I did not let that dampen my spirits. I have so many reasons to be grateful for this day and I want to share them with you. First of all, Lord, thank you for the gift of life, for waking me up today is such a big blessing. You have given me another chance to live, love, and serve you and others. Second, thank you for the comfortable place I live in. I was able to take a bath twice today and having access to clean water and having a roof over my head is such a blessing. I know that many people in the world do not have these basic necessities and I do not take them for granted. Third, thank you for my job. I was able to work smoothly and harmoniously with my officemates. I was able to talk to them and have some good laughs. I enjoy what I do and I appreciate the opportunity to earn a living and contribute to society. Fourth, thank you to Aaron for his generosity, for sharing his blessings, and for buying some food for our snacks. He is such a kind and thoughtful person and I am lucky to have him as a friend. Fifth, thank you for all the blessings and graces that you have given me today, Lord. Forgive me for all my shortcomings and thank you for your mercy and love.

There you have it, my friends. These are some of the things that made me happy and grateful today. I hope you enjoyed reading about them and that they inspired you to look for the good in your own lives. I also hope that you had a great day as well and that you are looking forward to tomorrow with hope and joy. God bless you all!

July to Remember!

2023-07-31T06:15:00.001-07:00

Wow, what a wonderful month July has been! I am so thankful to God for all the amazing blessings He has showered upon me this month. I had so many memorable experiences that I want to share with you all. First of all, I was able to visit my parents in Cebu from July 14 to 16 and spend some quality time with them and my adorable nieces and nephew. We had so much fun together, playing games, eating delicious food, and catching up on each other’s lives. It was such a joy to see them happy and healthy. Second, I was also able to reunite with my OSD Angels family and have a lovely get-together dinner that was filled with fun, laughter, and a lot of talks till midnight. It was so nice to see my old friends again and reminisce about our good old days. We also shared our current challenges and achievements and supported each other with love and encouragement. Third, I was beyond grateful for the opportunity to visit the grave of my grandparents and loved ones after 12 long years. It was a very emotional moment for me to pay my respects and express my gratitude to them for their influence and legacy in my life. I felt their presence and guidance as I prayed for them and offered them flowers. And last but not least, I was so grateful to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, after 12 long years, I was able to attend her feast day on July 16 and that was the highlight of my short yet memorable visit to Cebu. I felt so blessed and honored to be part of the celebration and witness the beauty and grace of Our Lady. She has always been my protector and intercessor and I thank her for all the miracles she has done for me.

There you have it, my friends. These are some of the reasons why July has been such a special month for me. I hope you enjoyed reading about my adventures and blessings. I also hope that you had a great month as well and that you are looking forward to August with excitement and optimism. God bless you all!

Blessed Sunday (My first Online Gratitude Journal Entry)

2023-07-30T07:55:00.001-07:00

Hello, everyone! I am so excited to share with you that today, July 30, 2023, I have decided to start my online journal. This is something new for me, as I am not really used to writing and journaling, but I was inspired by the homily of reverend Monsignor Santos a while ago. He said that gratitude is the key to happiness and peace and that we should always thank God for the blessings we receive every day.

So, I decided to start my online gratitude journal, where I will jot down all the things that I am grateful for these days and the days ahead. I hope that by doing this, I will be able to appreciate more the goodness of God and the beauty of life.

For my first entry, I want to express my gratitude for the gift of life. I am grateful that I woke up today with a comfortable bed in an air-conditioned room. I am truly blessed knowing that I have a roof over my head and that I took a bath three times today. I am also grateful that I was able to eat the food I love. Lord, thank you for everything!

I am also grateful that I was able to send money for my parents’ medicine and daily needs. I am glad that I can help them in any way I can. Lord, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve them.

Lastly, I am grateful that I was able to give my tithes to the church. Tithing is a way of honoring God with our finances and acknowledging that everything we have comes from Him. Lord, thank you for entrusting me with your resources and teaching me how to be a good steward.

Lord, thank you for today. I am beyond grateful for everything. You are amazing and faithful. You are the source of my joy and strength. You are my everything.

That’s it for now. Thank you for reading my blog post. I hope you enjoyed it and learned something from it. Please feel free to leave your comments and suggestions below. Until next time, stay safe and God bless! 😊

5 things I am grateful for today July 25, 2022

2022-07-25T08:50:00.001-07:00

Grateful for the gift of life, for waking up today, and for the comfortable place I live in, I was able to take a bath twice today.
I am grateful for my job, that I can buy food for my lunch and dinner, and I can pay some debts and buy some things I needed for my room decorations.
I am grateful for Aaron's generosity, he always shares his viand during lunch, and he even bought banana queue and lugaw for our merienda. And I am thankful for his generosity for always consistently sharing his password on Netflix so that I was able to watch my favorite Korean TV show.
I am grateful that Nestor called me thrice today.
Grateful for all the things that you have given me today Lord. Thank you Lord.

Manifesting to a Successful 2022 and beyond!

2022-07-08T21:36:00.001-07:00

Dear Self,

This is the day that I will be jotting all the things that happen to me throughout the day, instead of writing in a diary, I will be writing it online for future reference. This is the start of something new, I have a plan, I want to change who I was, I want to stop procrastinating and I have to start now. I know that universe will help me through God's guidance. I was planning on studying Korean and Japanese and reading many books in order to gain more knowledge. I have a lot of dreams for my life and for my family most especially for my parents. Universe I know you are listening, I am manifesting that the rest of the year will be a prosperous year ahead.

Lord, thank you for everything, Thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for waking me up today, I know you're Divine Providence will always be there. I am grateful for all the things that you have given me in spite of being an unworthy servant. Thank you, Lord, for always reminding me. I love you.

Always,

Winsel

2019-07-04T07:49:00.000-07:00

New episode on Strikta Maldita... (streaming tomorrow June 30,2019) Guys, please hit the subscribe button at hit niyo na din ang notification bell para updated kayo sa mga susunod na episodes ng vlog ko... Please click the link below 👇

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=strikta+maldita

Garnet Gemstone Bracelet for Sale

2017-04-04T06:42:00.000-07:00

Did you know that #Garnet is a stone of health and energy that enhances energy, passion and pleasure. It is said that the only light on Noah’s Ark was provided by a Garnet stone. It helps to move the chi and energy flow within the body, stimulating physical activity. Garnet is a good stone to help with depression, as it brings joy and hope to the wearer and helps lessen the anger directed at oneself. It also cleanses the chakras of negative energy, re-energizing them in the process.

Complement your everyday attire with our limited edition bracelet at a very affordable price! Perfect gift for your loved ones. #LuxuryBracelet #Forsale For order feel free to drop me a message over 09951036511| winsel_@yahoo.com

Chapel of Padre Pio at libis (Mobile Photography)

2017-04-03T08:36:00.002-07:00

I’ve been wanting to see the St. Padre Pio Chapel in Libis, I’ve read, watched and heard a lot about it. I personally don’t know the life of St. Padre Pio so I did some research, then found out that the five wounds of the Lord’s passion appeared in his body, making him the first stigmatized in the history of the Church. As expected, he did a lot of courageous and holy things for the Lord. That’s why he was canonized a Saint by the late Pope John Paul II. To know more about his life, you can visit The Life and Works of St. Pio

There are two entrance in the chapel, so at first I thought we’re not going on the right place. However, it was an L shape chapel so you can enter either one of the doors. Another thing you will notice is a sign that tells the people of the proper dress code. Unlike other churches I’ve been to that has the same signs didn’t implement it the way St. Pio Chapel does.

It was an intimate chapel but was well ventilated and the structure was quite impressive. I felt I was in a chapel in Rome though except that you’ll see Asians around you. We explored the place and found a small chapel inside as well, I had goosebumps looking at Padre Pio ‘s life size image.

At the back of that small chapel is a place where you can light candles and pray your intentions. There is also Love Offering boxes on the sides. For the candles, you just have to look for unlit candles and you can light it up as you pray. It was so far for me the best Candle Chapel I saw in the Philippines.

As you exit the chapel, you will also see a Gethsemane Garden where fountain was built and the statues were placed. I think it is best to see the garden in the morning or afternoon because the place don’t have enough lights at night so you won’t appreciate it that much.

Check out some of the pictures at Padre Pio Church :) This is one of the churches here in our country that I feel so at home and I always go to when I feel alone or I need solace.

Sinulog 2017

2017-04-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

Mobile Photography at Circuit Makati

2017-04-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

Mobile Photography with Dok Tan

2017-04-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

Mobile Photography at Splash Island garden show 2017

2017-04-03T08:07:00.004-07:00

Tips on Mobile Photography.

1. Clean The Lens

2. Set The Focus

3. Adjust Exposure Manually

4. Don’t Use The Zoom

5. Keep Your Camera Steady

6. Use The Rule Of Thirds

7. Use Leading Lines

8. Shoot From Different Perspectives

9. Watch Out For Distracting Backgrounds

10. Take Multiple Shots

11. Use Panorama Mode

12. Don’t Over-Process Your Photos

Unang Hirit sa Tag Init! #Summer2017 #SplashIsland

2017-04-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

• food and drinks are not allowed inside
• food inside are not good and not worth the price
• accessible by car and public transportation (Van at Park square beside Dusit Hotel and SM Makati P120 per pax one way)
• shower rooms - Quite uncomfortable, sharing/ common, crowded & minimal flow of water.
• slides - are fun but u need to carry the inflated donuts (lifesavers) and climb 4 storey bldg to experience the slide/ ride!
• Staff - helpful and accommodating
• i would recommend to rent a Locker instead of huts, it's much cheaper though

- P100 for the whole day with padlock.

Tents with table and chairs are FREE of charge so if your on a budget you can opt on using these.
Open Cabanas/Nipa Hut rates from 1000-1500.
Cabana with ac and lock rate is 3000
Cabana with sala set and bathroom rate is 5000

Official Coatof Arms of Jimeno Family.

2015-02-27T07:18:00.001-08:00

The Pope greets polish pilgrims and recalls Catherine of Siena, patron saint of Europe

2014-04-30T22:16:00.002-07:00

Vatican City, 30 April 2014 (VIS) – Following today's catechesis, Pope Francis greeted, among others, the compatriots of St. John Paul II, whose “witness of faith, hope, charity and trust in Divine Mercy” is, he said, particularly tangible in these days. “May his intercession support the life and good intentions of each one of you, the worries and joys of your loved ones, the development and serene future of the Church in Poland, and of your entire homeland”.

Addressing the young, the sick, and newly-weds, he mentioned that yesterday was the liturgical feast of St. Catherine of Siena, patron of Italy and Europe, and he encouraged the young to “learn from her how to live with the clear conscience of those who do not bend to human compromises”, the sick to be inspired by “her example of strength in the moments of greatest pain”; and young couples to “imitate the solidity of faith of those who trust in God”.

Pope Francis' prayer intentions for May

2014-04-30T22:13:00.002-07:00

Vatican City, 30 April 2014 (VIS) – Pope Francis' universal prayer intention for May is: “That the media may be instruments in the service of truth and peace”.

His intention for evangelisation is: “That Mary, Star of Evangelisation, may guide the Church in proclaiming Christ to all nations”.

Holy Father's calendar for May

2014-04-30T22:11:00.003-07:00

Vatican City, 30 April 2014 (VIS) – The Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff has published the following calendar of liturgical celebrations over which the Holy Father will preside during the month of May:

Sunday 11: Fourth Sunday of Easter. At 9.30 a.m., priestly ordinations at the Vatican Basilica, and Holy Mass.

Sunday 18: Fifth Sunday of Easter. At 4 p.m., pastoral visit to the parish-sanctuary of “Santa Maria del Divino Amore”.

Saturday 24 to Monday 26: Apostolic trip to the Holy Land.

Pope Francis thanks pilgrims, urges them to follow teachings of new saints

2014-04-30T22:09:00.000-07:00

Pope Francis issued a message of thanks on Sunday during his Regina Coeli address, following the canonization Mass of Saints John XXIII and John Paul II.

The Pope thanked all of the pilgrims and the official delegates who traveled to Rome for the occasion. He also thanked the Italian authorities for their generous work and collaboration in preparing for this event.
He greeted the pilgrims from the home dioceses of the new saints—Bergamo and Krakow—exhorting them to “honour the memory of these two holy Popes by following their teachings faithfully”.

He also issued a special greeting “for the sick and the aged, to whom the new saints were particularly close.”

Read the full text of the Pope’s address below:

Dear brothers and sisters,
Before concluding this celebration of faith, I wish to greet and thank all of you!
I thank my brother cardinals and the many bishops and priests from every part of the world.
My appreciation goes to the official delegations from many countries, who came to pay tribute to two pontiffs, who contributed in an indelible way to the cause of human development and to peace. A special thank-you goes to the Italian authorities for their precious collaboration.

With great affection, I greet the pilgrims from the dioceses of Bergamo and Krakow! Dear ones, honour the memory of these two holy Popes by following their teachings faithfully.

I am grateful for all those who, with great generosity, prepared these memorable days: the Diocese of Rome with Cardinal Vallini, the City of Rome and its Mayor Ignazio Marino, the law enforcement officers and various organizations, the associations and the numerous volunteers. Thanks to all!

My greeting goes to all the pilgrims—here in St. Peter’s Square, in adjacent streets and in other locations in Rome—as well as to those who are united to us through radio and television; and thank you to the media directors and personnel, who have given many people the possibility to participate. For the sick and the aged, to whom the new saints were particularly close, I add a special greeting.

And now, we turn in prayer to the Virgin Mary, who Saint John XXIII and Saint John Paul II had loved as her true sons.

credits: http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-thanks-pilgrims-urges-them-to-follow

John XXIII and John Paul II inscribed in the Book Of Saints

2014-04-30T22:05:00.002-07:00

Vatican City, 27 April 2014 (VIS) – Half a million people attended the ceremony held this morning in St. Peter's Square for the canonisation of the “two Pope saints”: John XXIII and John Paul II. Since it was opened to the public at 5 a.m., the square and its environs were filled with faithful from all over the world; Polish pilgrims, however, constituted one of the largest groups. The event was also attended by delegations from over a hundred countries, more than twenty Heads of State and many figures from the world of politics and culture, including the King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain, King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium, Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, the ex-president of the Republic of Poland Lech Walesa, the president of the Argentine parliament Julian Dominguez and the presidents of the European Union, Herman Van Rompuy, and the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso. The celebration was also attended by Floribeth Mora Diaz and Sister Adele Labianca, the carer of Caterina Capitani – the two women who experienced the miracles attributed to John Paul II.

Banners with portraits of the two saints – the same ones used for their respective beatifications – were displayed on the facade of the Basilica. In the square, adorned with more than 30,000 roses from Ecuador, and in Via della Conciliazione, hundreds of thousands of faithful prepared for the celebration by reciting the chaplet of Divine Mercy, intercalated with texts from the magisterium of both pontiffs and preceded by the Hymn to Blessed John XXIII, “Good Shepherd of Christ's flock”. The prayer ended with the Hymn to Blessed John Paul II, “Open the doors to Christ”.

Under intermittent rain, and during litanies invoking the protection of the saints, there began the procession of concelebrating cardinals and bishops who, before taking their places, greeted Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, who also concelebrated alongside the Holy Father. A few minutes after 10 a.m., Pope Francis entered the square and, before proceeding with the rite for the proclamation of the new saints, greeted and embraced the Pope emeritus.

Moments later Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B:, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, accompanied by the postulators, asked Pope Francis to inscribe the names of the two Blessed Popes in the Book of Saints, and the Holy Father pronounced the formula for canonisation:

“For the honour of the Blessed Trinity, the exaltation of the Catholic faith and the increase of the Christian life, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and own own, after due deliberation and frequent prayer for divine assistance, and having sought the counsel of many of our brother Bishops, we declare and define Blessed

John XXIII

John Paul II

be Saints and we enrol them among the Saints, decreeing that they are to be venerated as such by the whole Church.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen”.

This was followed by the presentation to the Pope of the relics of the two saints, which were displayed on the altar throughout the ceremony; these were a phial of the blood of John Paul II, which had been displayed on 1 May 2011, and a piece of skin removed from the body of John XXIII when it was exhumed for his beatification on 3 September 2000.

Following the Gospel reading, the Holy Father pronounced a homily in which he defined St. John XXIII as “the Pope of openness to the Holy Spirit”, and St. John Paul II as “the Pope of the Family”, recalling that “at the heart of this Sunday, which concludes the Octave of Easter and which John Paul II wished to dedicate to Divine Mercy, are the glorious wounds of the risen Jesus”.

“He had already shown those wounds when he first appeared to the Apostles on the very evening of that day following the Sabbath, the day of the resurrection”, he continued. “But Thomas was not there that evening, and when the others told him that they had seen the Lord, he replied that unless he himself saw and touched those wounds, he would not believe. A week later, Jesus appeared once more to the disciples gathered in the Upper Room, and Thomas was present; Jesus turned to him and told him to touch his wounds.

Whereupon that man, so straightforward and accustomed to testing everything personally, knelt before Jesus with the words: 'My Lord and my God!'.

“The wounds of Jesus are a scandal, a stumbling block for faith, yet they are also the test of faith. That is why on the body of the risen Christ the wounds never pass away: they remain, for those wounds are the enduring sign of God’s love for us. They are essential for believing in God. Not for believing that God exists, but for believing that God is love, mercy and faithfulness. Saint Peter, quoting Isaiah, writes to Christians: 'by his wounds you have been healed'.

“John XXIII and John Paul II were not afraid to look upon the wounds of Jesus, to touch his torn hands and his pierced side”, exclaimed Pope Francis. “They were not ashamed of the flesh of Christ, they were not scandalised by him, by his cross; they did not despise the flesh of their brother, because they saw Jesus in every person who suffers and struggles. These were two men of courage, filled with the parrhesia of the Holy Spirit, and they bore witness before the Church and the world to God’s goodness and mercy.

“They were priests, bishops and popes of the twentieth century. They lived through the tragic events of that century, but they were not overwhelmed by them. For them, God was more powerful; faith was more powerful – faith in Jesus Christ the Redeemer of man and the Lord of history; the mercy of God, shown by those five wounds, was more powerful; and more powerful too was the closeness of Mary our Mother.

“In these two men, who looked upon the wounds of Christ and bore witness to his mercy, there dwelt a living hope and an indescribable and glorious joy. The hope and the joy which the risen Christ bestows on his disciples, the hope and the joy which nothing and no one can take from them. The hope and joy of Easter, forged in the crucible of self-denial, self-emptying, utter identification with sinners, even to the point of disgust at the bitterness of that chalice. Such were the hope and the joy which these two holy popes had received as a gift from the risen Lord and which they in turn bestowed in abundance upon the People of God, meriting our eternal gratitude.

“This hope and this joy were palpable in the earliest community of believers, in Jerusalem, as we read in the Acts of the Apostles. It was a community which lived the heart of the Gospel, love and mercy, in simplicity and fraternity.

“This is also the image of the Church which the Second Vatican Council set before us. John XXIII and John Paul II cooperated with the Holy Spirit in renewing and updating the Church in keeping with her pristine features, those features which the saints have given her throughout the centuries. Let us not forget that it is the saints who give direction and growth to the Church. In convening the Council, John XXIII showed an exquisite openness to the Holy Spirit. He let himself be led and he was for the Church a pastor, a servant-leader. This was his great service to the Church; he was the pope of openness to the Spirit.

“In his own service to the People of God, John Paul II was the pope of the family. He himself once said that he wanted to be remembered as the pope of the family. I am particularly happy to point this out as we are in the process of journeying with families towards the Synod on the family. It is surely a journey which, from his place in heaven, he guides and sustains”.

The Holy Father concluded. “May these two new saints and shepherds of God’s people intercede for the Church, so that during this two-year journey toward the Synod she may be open to the Holy Spirit in pastoral service to the family. May both of them teach us not to be scandalised by the wounds of Christ and to enter ever more deeply into the mystery of divine mercy, which always hopes and always forgives, because it always loves”.

St. Peter's Basilica will remain open today from 2 to 10 p.m., to enable pilgrims to venerate the bodies of the two canonised Popes displayed in glass cases, to which the word “Saint” has been added.

credits: http://www.news.va/en/news/john-xxiii-and-john-paul-ii-inscribed-in-the-book

Thanksgiving celebrations in St Peter's Square and at San Carlo al Corso

2014-04-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

John Paul II was ever obedient “to the Gospel of Jesus, and for this, he was loved”. Cardinal Angelo Comastri, Archpriest of the Vatican Basilica, emotionally recalled this, on Monday morning, 28 April, at the Mass of Thanksgiving for the Canonization. Thousands of faithful, many from Poland, filled St Peter's Square for the Mass at which the Cardinal. In his homily the Archpriest recalled the great moments of the Pontificate of Karol Wojtyła.

He began by pointing out various teachings which came out of John Paul II's holiness, especially his courage “to speak openly of faith in Jesus in an age of 'silent apostasy from the satisfied man who lives like God does not exist'”. Cardinal Comastri also spoke of his boldness “in defending the family which is God's plan, written clearly in the book of life”.

The Mass of Thanksgiving for the Canonization of John XXIII was celebrated in the Church of Santi Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso, where Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was ordained a bishop in 1925. Presiding at Mass was Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, Archbishop emeritus of Milan. At the celebration Bishop Beschi of Bergamo read a letter addressed to Pope Francis thanking him for his decision to proclaim the Polish Pope and the Pope from Bergamo saints. “Let us bless the Lord”, he said, “for the gift of the sainthood of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II. The announcement of this gift before the Church and the whole world nourishes the hope which comes from the Gospel and from those who witness him”. At the same time, he added, this announcement “urges us to search – passionately and with profound joy – and to welcome the sowing of the Gospel which happens by way of its witnesses and by nurturing what has been sown in each of our lives, in the specific vocation and mission and in the life of all our communities”.

credits: http://www.news.va/en/news/thanksgiving-celebrations-in-st-peters-square-and

2014-04-30T21:59:00.003-07:00

Blessed John Paul II was the first Roman Pontiff ever to allow the world to scrutinise him so closely in his physical failings. Perhaps the key to this lack of fear in the face of suffering lay in his great faith.

Already in New Zealand back in 1986 he gave us a clue of this firmness in faith while meeting with some of the frailer members of society when he said : " It was the suffering and death of Christ which displayed the works of God most eloquently ".

Five years before he pronounced these words this Polish Pope, once an energetic sportsman brimming with health, had suddenly closed ranks with these frailer members of society.

It's a well- known story, one sprung on us, on a sunny and relaxed Spring afternoon in May 1981. The Pope stands Samson like and agile in his white cassock on a white jeep, in a crowded Saint Peter's Square, athletically reaching out to make physical contact with as many pilgrims as possible, when out of the blue gun shots ring out, he falters, is wounded, is rushed to hospital.

And from his hospital bed he gains first hand knowledge of what it means to be ill, deepening his insight into the effect physical suffering has on the human psyche ..An awareness he expressed half a decade later on this occasion in New Zealand when he also stated : " Perhaps some of you may ask God why you have been singled out for a life that is differen from the lives of ther people but in the Providence of God a different life does not mean a less important life, it does not mean a life with less potential for holiness or for contributing to the well being of the world .."...

John Paul II did not know back then to what extent his own life would be affected by physical suffering, how it would slowly begin to affect his every gesture. How the press would zoom in with their cameras scrutinising his physical failings, from his inability to stoop and kiss the soil of a nation when he travelled, to the shaky hand when he read his speeches and eventually to the incapacity to walk and to correctly pronounce words.
He allowed the world to witness all this, a decision in strong contrast with modern trends where the rule of thumb is to hide all physical failing. The images that reached us brought home how he remained firm in his faith, never faltering in his commitment as head of the Catholic Church.

His was a powerful witness to spiritual and moral strength. One forged perhaps in the early stages of life. He lost his mother at the age of ten, his elder brother just into his teens and was more broadly affected by the harsh scenario affecting him as young man, the wartime experience , the years of concealment and resistance ...