Showing posts with label Parish of St. Francis of Assisi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parish of St. Francis of Assisi. Show all posts

Monday, June 1, 2015

Meycauayan has a rich religious culture. As it basically gives home to one of the oldest churches in the country founded by the Franciscans, the town's reputation as a core of Catholicism in Bulacan cannot be set aside. The moment the Franciscans landed in Bahay Pari on the late 16th century and planted the seed of faith among the people, this place had indeed marked its name on the history of Bulacan.

Having given this kind of introduction, I have presented a concrete justification as to why I am so proud that I am a parishioner and a server in the Parish of St. Francis of Assisi. As one of the oldest churches in Bulacan, it then follows that the parish boasts of incredible traditions which had been in practice for so long - until modernization of society took over and cultures were either forgotten or lost.

I've always believed that history is an essential formula to a successful community, and this applies to our religious beliefs as well. In order to bring in more people to the church, it is important to instill that sense of pride among them. And how do we do that? By making them see what had been in practice through actually reliving the past.

That is exactly why the Committee on Church Cultural Heritage of the parish is tirelessly working to bring back the glory that was once ours. We continuously spearhead projects that would enlighten people today of the incredible truth that Meycauayan still has something beautiful in it. We make sure that all our projects would lead to the achievement of one ultimate goal: to convince everyone that Meycauayan - amidst all the political issues and controversies - is still worth it.

The recently concluded Flores de Mayo had probably been one of the most eye-opening events we've ever handled. There were challenges, conflicts, problems, but all of those are nothing compared to the kind of appreciation we receive from the people. Hearing compliments of how smooth the flow was (albeit the annoying problems in the beginning) and how organized it had been, I couldn't help but feel so flattered.

No, it's not because I'm one of the head organizers of the month-long event. The pride honestly comes from the fact that all the stress, heartaches, disappointments, and all else had actually paved way to the possibility of making a difference. Witnessing people appreciating what everyone did was an enough indication that religious traditions can be relived, and the community can once again participate.

I know it's not going to be easy continuing what we have started, but we at CCCH will take it step by step. Judging from the plans laid out on me last night, we're going to be aggressive in pushing our cause. 

Because we all know that it's about time we bring back what's rightfully Meycauayan's.





Bringing Back the Glory of Meycauayan

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

It was by far one of the most tiring Holy Week experience ever. What I thought will be a laid-back one turned out to be one of the most exhausting. I am already working so I didn't have enough time to ready myself for what was to come; and so I got tired.

But as this is one of the most tiring, this is basically the most rewarding. No joke there. This Lenten Season is definitely my most favorite.


I'm not gonna talk about what I did during the past few days; but I'm gonna hope that I can put into words all the emotions I felt when I was seeing each moment happen through the lenses of the camera I used. I fervently pray that whatever transpired within me during those days, I can share with all of you without missing out on anything.

While I'm thinking of terminologies to use, my mind just concluded that all in all, this experience was like a brand new experience. Although I've been doing this kind of service for the past few years, it is only this time that I felt like I know what I'm doing.

You see, when you know what you're doing something for, its essence becomes exponential. That's what happened. When the week opened on Palm Sunday, I knew that for the first time in my life as the parish photographer, I'm gonna be totally serious.

And I guess that's the most important learning. I think that's what made everything extra special. Knowing my purpose granted me that sense of fulfillment, that sense of completeness - that despite the physical, emotional and mental stress we've all gone through, our willingness to use this talent to serve the Lord prevailed.

Thinking about it, there is only one reason why I got through it: I offered everything for the glory of His name. Prior to all events, I always whisper a prayer, asking God to give me strength and let me maximize my talent so I can use it to honor Him.

And judging from the reception of the people and the sense of joy within me right now, I knew He heard me.


As for my Lenten reflection, there was not one moment during the Holy Week that I didn't feel overwhelmed. Superstitions might dictate that we should not feel cheerful during these days because Jesus was suffering, but I believe otherwise. If there's anything to feel, I believe it has to be joy.

He died for us and salvation came in the form of His death on the cross. If that kind of love won't move you, I don't know what else will. Once again, I might be overreacting but it's true when I say that there are several moments when I was attending masses that I actually teared up. I actually cried.

I feel ashamed because I'm a sinner, but that doesn't mean God's ashamed of me as well. And that is exactly why I was crying: because despite of my sins, I am loved.


The Holy Week of 2015 had brought changes to my spiritual life. It cleansed my thoughts and redirected my journey. Although I couldn't remember every words said by the priests during their sermons or I might have not prayed that much during processions, I will never forget how these days made me feel.

And I hope... I hope I wasn't the only one who felt that way. ♥





Holy Week 2015: What It Made Me Feel

Thursday, September 25, 2014

So my hands are currently full.

I'm working on the 2nd and 3rd chapter of the book. I need to be a good and hardworking daughter today because it's my mom's 64th birthday. And I need to atleast try to squeeze some three hours off my today's schedule to see Rurouni Kenshin with my brother.

But that doesn't mean I'm not going to pay attention to the highlight of my day: IT'S THE FIRST DAY OF THE NOVENA FOR ST. FRANCIS' FEAST DAY.

Last night was so hectic. Everyone was at the office, doing last minute preparations. The programme I designed arrived late so it made everyone feel panicky. Thank God, we managed to finish everything and I got to do teasers even, so it was all good.

When I woke up this morning, I really was feeling queasy, but in a good way. Maybe mixed with pressure, but still in a good way. I'm excited, even. I'm excited because after a long time, I'm gonna be able to hold a camera and take shots of the happenings around my favorite sanctuary.

To be honest, I'm kinda feeling nervous with this whole ordeal. The mass and novena was handled by Kuya Robby this morning so I'm hoping that the pictures will be uploaded soon, and then I'm gonna take charge with the poster making contest which will happen this afternoon. It's not something major for me to stay long, but I kinda need to be there still. Probably before going to the cinemas?

Another thing that quite makes me a little anxious is the fact that I might no longer know how to take proper pictures. Yes, I've worked as an amateur photographer for the book but I'm afraid that focusing on layout designs had robbed me my ability to actually see beauty in raw designs. Hopefully! And I hope Lu is still friendly with me!

Okay. So it has turned 8 and I need to get some things work done downstairs. I'm gonna clean the house and then move onto working for the book and then off to the church and then the cinemas.

Alright!

#PSFADuties: D-9

Saturday, September 13, 2014

I intended to blog about the preparations for the Solemnity of St. Francis of Assisi but I ended up writing the first entry just now. Loser much?

Okay. So first of all, the idea of keeping this blog (or maybe its readers, if there is one) actually came up when Yuxing unnie told me that I should start writing about good things. And right now, there's no better thing than the upcoming event in our town.

Every year, we take time off our busy schedules to make ourselves a lot busier to prepare for the feast day of our saint. Historically wise, we have all the right to do that because our church is actually the first church established by the Franciscans in Bulacan. There's a great history, proven by artifacts and religious evidences, and perhaps I'm going to discuss about that soon.

Going back: this year's the first time our new parish priest will be celebrating with us so it was planned to be grandiose and groundbreaking. Preparations have begun around three weeks ago, with me doing the designs for the official logo, programme, and souvenirs.

Right now, I have just finished the tarpaulin designs for the banners and schedules and I'm ought to submit it later this afternoon. The designs weren't much. It wasn't something I can really be proud of but it shows how I'm finally improving. Somehow, I got to stick with my initial plan which is to come up with a design that could basically gain attention from passers-by. I used the colors blue, yellow and other festive shades to exude liveliness and excitement, and maybe it's because I designed it, but seeing the design pretty much hypes me up.

I was given a three-day break by Kuya Luis so I can focus on the parish activities. I intend to finish whatever that's needed so that come Monday, I can give my full attention to the coffee table book we're trying to complete before September 28th.

On the 20th, the fiesta will officially begin with Lakbayan, a custom which was started to commemorate the story of the parish's establishment. It's a motorcade I've always been looking forward to because I get to do my job as the photographer while on a motorcade.

Speaking of photographer.... Can someone remind me to meet my team? We have a new addition anyway. Well, someone who volunteered to help, and frankly speaking, I'm kinda skeptical about his presence.

Oh well, I just need to be professional and put more attention to what I'm actually doing than who I'm doing it with, right? Tina's there to talk to him anyway. So yeah, good luck.

#SanKikoFiestaPreps Entry No. 1: Designs

Sunday, July 27, 2014

When I lost my job, I expected myself to drown in misery. The directions I was trying to create for my life suddenly vanished and I wouldn't deny the depression I went through. It was horrible. It was so stifling that I spent sleepless nights. But I should have known that it wouldn't last long. A week, I spent nursing the negative emotions.

But God had plans for me, clearly. Beautiful plans, they are.

Just a few days after my birthday, I had this urge to go to church to help my friends there. I thought it would just be to pass time, but eventually it turned into a gorgeous distraction. An event was organized and being a part of it, I became so busy.

After the momentous celebration, I thought there would be nothing more to do. I was readying myself already to going back to that pit of self-pity and frustration when I received a call from Kuya Luis, the bishop's secretary from the Diocese of Malolos. I was asked if I they could hire me for a huge diocesan project which they will start on this month, as a layout artist. I immediately said yes.

No, it's not just about the fact that I will earn from this. It's the fact that through this project, I'll get to do several things I actually dreamed of doing, and still get paid. First, I get to know more about the history of the Catholic faith in Bulacan. Second, I get to go around the important places and churches in my province with other photographers. Third, I get to take part on a project that aims to promulgate the beauty of Catholicism in my place, and promote the cultural and historical value of these religious venues. Exciting, right?


We have had our meetings twice already, and I'm excited. Kuya Marvin said we're gonna start on August 2 and I guess I'll be very busy that time. I just wish I won't get employed yet because I really want to finish this. We have a week to do everything, after all. I wish my job, if ever I deserve the position on the bank I applied in, can wait.

As I try to imagine myself working on this, I feel extremely grateful already. I mean, this chance does not come to just anyone. It's a privilege, more than an opportunity; and I feel very blessed that I got to meet people who will help me find my way to this kind of profession. It's just overwhelming sometimes; and fun, most times.

But I guess, that's normal when I'm where I really belong. ♥

Where I Belong

Monday, July 14, 2014

It wasn't the first event we did under the new administration. But why did it feel like so? I have personally heard the plans and witnessed the preparations; and actively took part on it, and enjoyed. so much.

 ALL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI.

Everything wasn't easy though. It made me question and realize a lot of things about myself, my life, my faith, and the people that surrounds me. Easy to say, I discovered what I need to discover and now I'm learning how to act on it accordingly.

But whenever I think of how much I have developed as a person and how much my faith and devotion was strengthened, all the pain I've went through for the past few days dissolve. The wounds brought by sharp words and unnecessary actions heal instantly. I become better.

I still can't forget how it made me feel when the Holy Mass began yesterday. I was at the back end of the church, just behind the bishop. I was holding his iPad Mini for documentation and suddenly, I just felt like trembling. As they walked to the altar, I stood there, with my hands shaking and tears welling up in my eyes. As Koro ni San Francisco accentuates the solemnity of the event with their orchestra-like arrangements, I had goosebumps. The church was packed. Almost everyone of the most important people were there.

I've never felt like in my 12 years of service.

Forgetting about my disappointments, that very moment I just felt like everything was perfect. Our dream of bringing back the glory of the Catholic Faith in Meycauayan had started and I just can't help but cry at how everything paid off. It was a rough start eight months ago, remember? And now, we've taken one step to victory. And I'm glad.

To be very honest, it will still be difficult from this point on. But I know it will be easier somehow. Because as I feel, we won't be working by ourselves anymore. There will be real help from people whose hearts the parish had managed to touch through their hard work and dedication in bringing back the glory we lost; people who managed to rediscover the magnificence of their roots in Meycauayan.

St. Francis of Assisi, bless us.


First Step to Glory

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