Since the beginning of creation, man is the center because He created him in His image and likeness. God cannot afford to allow us to be separated from Him for He destined us to be united with Him in eternal joy. At Christmas, we celebrate...
IMAGINE the meeting between Mary and Elizabeth, the greatest women of all time, enjoying the greatest dignity, especially Mary! (cfr. Lk 1,39-45) The exchange of greetings between the two can only reflect the highest honor and privilege any human being can enjoy. Mary, already aware of...
THAT was how the Archangel Gabriel addressed Mary. And after a few exchanges of words, the very Son of God was conceived in Mary’s womb after she said that famous response: “Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum.” (Be it done to me according to your word.) The...
BOTH conceptions came about with clear divine intervention involved. Christ’s conception in the womb of Our Lady was completely virginal. That of John the Baptist involved a natural process though the parents were already in a condition where it would have been impossible for them...
THAT gospel episode where Joseph thought of separating from Mary because the latter was found already with child in her womb before they lived together (cfr. Mt 1,18-25) teaches us that despite the big sacrifice involved, we should just follow God’s will and ways even...
ON the second day of Misa de Gallo, December 17, the gospel reading (cfr. Mt 1,1-17) talks about the human genealogy of Christ to show that Christ is truly a man while remaining, of course, as God. A question may be raised—if Christ is truly a...
AMID all the obvious overload we have today in terms of facts and data, opinions and views, ideologies and philosophies, fiction stories and narratives, rapidly evolving innovations, etc., we cannot deny that the search for truth has become a very challenging task. We certainly should not...
In the 1990s, my sala was the first Davao City Regional Trial Court to examine DNA evidence to prove the relationship between two (2) persons. A Japanese husband filed a case to annul his marriage to a Filipina. The husband attached voluminous DNA documents from...
(An excerpt of the homily of the Most Reverend Romulo G. Valles D.D. during the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, University of the Immaculate Conception Fiesta, Dec. 09, 2024 at the San Pedro Cathedral.) What is the grace that we want to receive today…as we celebrate...
Misa de Gallo is one of the most cherished Advent traditions in the Philippines. Historically known as a vigil, it serves as a spiritual preparation for the commemoration of the birth of Jesus. Yet, it is also an opportunity to experience joy as we await...