(Excerpt from the Homily of Most Reverend Romulo G. Valles, D.D., on the Blessing of the Replica Image of Maria Bambinella during the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Sta. Ana Shrine Parish, Sta. Ana Ave., Davao City.) I don’t remember...
WE really have to be careful in understanding and interpreting the words of Christ in the gospel, since there are instances when our initial reaction would be that of surprise, disbelief and even of scandal. A sample of these words is when Christ said: “Make friends...
WE have to be more aware and more willing to carry out our Christian duty to evangelize, to go out into the whole world, preaching the Good News, and baptizing people, as Christ himself clearly told his disciples. (cfr. Mk 16,15) Christ, of course, gave us...
WHAT does the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, celebrated on September 15, remind us of? I would say that among other things, it reminds us of how our Lady can teach us how to handle our unavoidable sufferings and sorrows in our life. She is...
ON the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, celebrated on September 14, we are reminded that our redemption can only be achieved through the cross of Christ. That’s where all our sins are forgiven, where God’s mercy is poured on us and the...
“AS he (Christ) drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her…” (Lk 7,12) So goes the gospel...
THAT gospel episode about a centurion who asked some people to approach Christ for him, and to beg on his behalf for the cure of his sick slave (cfr. Lk 7,1-10) teaches us the lesson that we should have a strong faith if we want...
Webster’s dictionary defines catechesis from the Greek word katekhesis meaning oral teaching in the basic principles of any religion and catechism as a set of questions and answers of any religious doctrine. The church knows that a child from birth to age 5 get religious...
(Excerpt from the Homily of Most Reverend Romulo G. Valles, D.D., on the Launching of the Vocation Month at San Pedro Cathedral Parish, September 1, 2022.) It’s quite obvious, tataw kaayo nga nia kita to promote, to campaign for vocations. Number one task is not to...
As we celebrate the Catechetical Month let us be reminded that Saint Anne was the first catechist of Mama Mary. Catechist is defined as a teacher who prepares students for the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Baptism. Their primary role as a...