SANTO NINO DE AGOSTO, 2012

FIESTA DEL SANTO NINO' DE AGOSTO (Aug. 16, 2012)

 This is the 12th year of the celebration of the Santo Nino de Agosto. This year's theme is TO GOD BE THE GLORY. The feast of the Holy Infant Child is observed in January but devotees found also a better idea to unite the many groups of the Sto Nino devotees spread throughout the parishes of Illinois this month.
This year 18 groups of devotees participated. They are Devotees of 1) Zamboanga del Norte (2)St. Lambert of Skokie )3)Divine Mercy of Transfiguration (4)Prayer Group of South Dupage (5)San Lorenzo Ruiz Group (6)St. Matthias Legion of Mary (7)Holy Name Cathedral (8)Sto. Nino of the Midwest (9) Prayer Group of St. Peter, Skokie (10)Couple for Christ (11)Most Holy Innocent Group (12) FACC/Rizal Center (13) Rosary Crusade/Our Lady of Fatima (14) Mother Cabrini Prayer Group (15) Legion Of Mary/Our Lady of Ransom (16) Society of the Beloved Disciple of St. Matthias (17) Our Lady of Fatima Prayer Group (18) Sto Nino del Ciudad de Zamboanga.

On its souvenir program, Luz Ong, the perennial Hermana Mayor (for 12 years) echoed a Thank You to ALL, Friends and Benefactors of the organization, devotees. The Spiritual Director and founder Rev. Leoncio S. Santiago began his message with dry humor written on a tombstone that reads, "It's always something." that the statement applies to death or to life. And he went on to question whether there is a time when "something" will no longer bother us. That he said is yes according to Jesus. That time is the time of glory which is timeless and eternally secured. Any interruption to our joys, to our peace of mind, to our smooth relationship with others is a reminder of the cross, the cross which sits on the top of the globe in the hand of the Santo Nino. They are intimations of God's glory, the only glory that endures, and the glory that we can share if we live in union with God. To God be the glory!

Meanwhile, Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago, wrote,  "Religious celebrations are a time for remembering and giving thanks for God's blessings that come to us through the hands of the child Jesus.

"The Gov. of Illinois, Pat Quinn, said, "The annual celebration is also a great opportunity to show unity and to meet with others of your faith and heritage.

"The Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, said, " Sto. Nino de Agosto has been a great institute of support to innumerable people. This annual event is a special opportunity to recognize and celebrate your unity and religious cultural heritage.

"And lastly, from Consul General, Leo M Herrera-Lim our consulate general of the Philippines in Chicago has this to say,"...This spirituality and selflessness are ideals of our Christian faith and values. Indeed, devotion to faith influence all aspects of the Filipinos' way of life. The Philippines, our homeland, is truly blessed that its people have remained true to the faith. Viva Santo Nino!"

 An important addendum, was the presence of Fr. Jerome Moras of Carmel Nivas, Holy Infant Church, Londa- 591 301 Belgium Dist., Karnataka State, India. He has stayed in Prague for 10 years. He is a healing priest.

The festivities were well attended and the procession from around the blocks of St. Matthias Church told the success story.

" The Miracle of Multiplication of Bread " By Fr. Peter Fernandes,sfx

In our world, million of hungry faces are wondering about, hoping for the miracle of the multiplication of bread. We wonder, why so much hunger and thirst Did the Maker of this world miscalculate the resources?

Many such questions baffle the minds of the believers and non-believers likewise. Therefore,should we surmise that a benevolent God permitted such atrocities on His creatures? Many are content to deny the existence of God in the face of sorrow and pain, with false assumption that if God truly existed, this world would have been a happy place.

However, they are comfortable to dwell in the big homes, and embrace the consumerist life style without a thought or care for the suffering human beings. Why blame God, whom you cannot see and touch, but would not lift a finger to help the fellow human being. The miracle of multiplication of bread happens every day through God's abundance.

However, there is not enough for the greed of men, which is the cause of hunger and thirst for millions of people around the world. It is a shame, for the modern man to boost of advancement in technology and communication, and leave behind millions of people, who are left to fend for himself to fetch just a piece of bread for the day.

Although, the images are visible, our hearts are cold to reach out, but we blame God:why not repeat the miracle of multiplication of bread.

Eucharist is the celebration of God sharing His very life with us to nourish our body and spirit. The miracle of the Eucharist is an invitation for all the disciples to multiply the loaves through our works of charity, struggle for justice, and detachment from the material things. Indeed, God wants to work this miracle every day, but He needs our cooperation, and willingness to share of our selves, while imitating His Son Jesus. You and I are called to be the bread for the hungry, and water for the thirsty...!

God's love for his creatures is so profound and deep, which we will never be able to fathom. Through the suffering and death of His Son Jesus, God made it amply clear to us that He is willing to empty Himself totally for our sake. He stands with us when we face trials and tribulations; He suffers with us when we feel helpless... He walks with us through the journey of life, without miss a step. He accompanies us not as one who is powerless, but who loves us purely and sincerely.

Therefore, open your eyes of faith and recognize the Lord in the breaking of the bread.

Satisfy My soul...! By Fr.Peter Fernandes,sfx

     Who can truly satisfy my soul? This question rings in the heart of every person that walk on the face of the earth. In fact, a man makes an effort to satisfy the soul, but often, fails to find a right answer. "I searched for thee... in vain things, but I could not find thee. Late have I found thee my God. Now I know, that my heart is made for thee, and it is restless, until it rest in thee.
    St. Augustine learned that it is an imperative to lean on God if you are  to satisfy your soul.
    The history of humankind bespeaks of the tragedy he faces when his search for satisfaction ends in disappointment. The irony is that history continues to repeat this misfortune, bringing in more tears and grief. What is still more tragic than an individual's dissatisfaction  is that the stubborness of human heart makes it so difficult to recognize its failure, to amend its ways, and  to find ways to overcome predicaments with correct methods. Sadly, mankind tends to linger on the ordinary mire, rather than to rise above to the sublime life only God can offer.
     The Prophet Elijah performed a mighty miracle  in the presence of King Ahab, the prophets of Baal, and the people of Israel, when he challenged the prophets of Baal, and proved them wrong. There is only one God -Yahweh - in Israel. Through this mighty deed , the prophet wanted to bring home a message  to the King and to  the people of Israel that they should not fear but rather trust in God. Queen  Jezebel rejected that message, and she sought to kill Elijah. This is the story of humankind, which often opts to  kills the very thing that satisfies our souls.
     Similar is the attitude of the people toward Jesus, who truly is the bread of life. Besides witnessing the awesome power of Jesus, and being miraculously fed, they still were not ready to place their life or faith in Jesus. On the contrary, they began to question His authority and authenticity. The modern secular culture reflects the same attitudes of indifference and doubt. The secular culture endorses consumerism and hedonism as the means to satisfy the soul, but these truly poison our souls. The secular culture's message mislead the people, and hordes of people fall prey to their traps.
    Who can satisfy my soul? Jesus assures us, " I am the bread of life.Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood" will never feel hungry again or thirst. Therefore, why distance  ourselves for the Lord, who truly satisfies our soul? We have to recognize the gift of God in His son Jesus, repent of our sins - the stubbornness of heart, and allow Jesus to inter into our lives. When we do this we can be  assured that we will be greeted with peace and joy the world cannot offer.

Hudyaka 2012 With Gov. Lando Yebes

Hudyaka 2012 Aug 11, 2012. Saturday.

Bunker Hill Forest Preserve, Chicago, Illinois teemed with ZANORTEANS (people from the province of Zamboanga del Norte, the Philippines in America) to celebrate the province's annual festival- Hudyaka. This was a festivity started by  Governor Lando Yebes and was responsible also for Zamboanga del Norte to be popularly known as ZANORTE.

Gov. Lando Yebes, Board Member, Alan Ranillo, and another staff member were present to witness the different activities performed by the ZANORTEANS in Illinois through their organization, ZAMNAI.

Participants of ZAMNAI's HUDYAKA 2012 were all ZANORTEANS of the different associations ranging from towns to schools, to civics. They were all united, unique, and uproarious. A pride of Mindanao.

And, Gov Lando Yebes intimated to me in a chat that this ZAMNAI HUDYAKA activity was highly commendable especially the preservation of the province's culture and tradition. The governor added that someday, the coming generation will be proud that they, too, have roots and branches from ZANORTE.