Bishop Soc Villegas is shown delivering the homily during the Mass last Nov. 2, 2001 at the St. Pancratius Church in La Loma

FOR the second consecutive year, the PRAYER WARRIORS OF THE HOLY SOULS (PWHS) has spearheaded the nationwide commemoration of the faithful departed. This year, there were three major activities for the month of November:

The first activity was held on Friday, Nov. 2, 2001 with the Eucharistic Celebration held at the St. Pancratius Church in La Loma, Grace Park, Caloocan City. The main celebrant in the Concelebrated Mass was His Excellency, Bishop Socrates B. Villegas, Auxiliary Bishop of Manila. He was joined by Fr. Jojo Zerrudo, Spiritual Director of the PWHS, and Msgr. Navarro. The parish group, headed by Baby Calderon, Dominga Reyes, Tess Abad and Efren Leaño, ensured the smooth flow of the activities. Fr. Medardo Ong, Parish priest of St. Pancratius Church, provided over-all coordination in the parish. Other members of the parish group are LCG, MGB, SME, Apostolic Prayers, CWL, Holy Name Society and Altar Servers.

The second activity was the launching of a 9-day novena prayers for the holy souls from Nov. 2 to Nov. 10, 2001. This was heartily endorsed by His Eminence, Jaime L. Cardinal Sin in a message encouraging the faithful "to promote and make use of this devotion." The same novena was disseminated by the PWHS to all the Bishops in the country with a request that said novena be endorsed to the parishes under their respective dioceses.

Both activities were covered by NBN-Channel 4 and Radio Veritas.

PWHS Core Group members and others pose with Bishop Soc Villegas after the Nov. 2 Mass. L to R, front row: Violette Ramiro, Mitchie G. Monfort, Chita G. Monfort, PWHS Spiritual Director Fr. jojo Zerrudo, Bishop Soc, Cong. Narciso D. Monfort, Chi Cruz, Beth Magat, Tess Paz. L to R, 2nd row: Vic Sevilla, Dohdo Tanbonliong, Chit Cailles, Susan Paredes, Menchie Dioquino, Edna Agustin, Eleanor Mendoza, Tilding Tuyor; L to R, 3rd row: Purita Rellera, Ter Maloles, PWHS National Coordinator Carlos Oda, and Jun Magat

The third activity, which was held on the 9th day of the novena prayers (Nov. 10), was a one-day recollection for the PWHS members, friends, and anyone interested to attend. This was held at the Worship Hall of the SPIRIT OF LOVE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY at the Manila Seedling Bank. The talks were conducted by Fr. Jojo Zerrudo, preceded by a "Praise and Worship" led by Violet Ramiro, elder of the St. Paul’s Contemplative Community. The beautiful songs were provided by the choir of St. Paul’s Contemplative Community led by Dina Marie Reyes. Bro. Vic Sevilla Jr. conducted the workshop and sharing portion in the afternoon. The activity ended with the celebration of the Eucharistic Mass presided over by Fr. Fidel Magno.

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