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12th FOUNDATION DAY MESSAGE OF BISHOP TAGLE:.
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His Excellency, Bishop Chito Tagle, of the Diocese of Imus, Cavite, delivering the homily last July 30, 2004 at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Gen. Trias, Cavite during the 12th Foundation Day celebration of the PWHS |
Those practical words of exhortation (see homily) were said by a well-respected and sought-after Bishop of the Church known for his erudite qualities and gems of advice. Around 450 members of the PRAYER WARRIORS of the HOLY SOULS (PWHS) and parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Gen. Trias, Cavite, were treated to a half-day celebration of the PWHS 12th Foundation Day, which was highlighted by a concelebrated mass led by His Excellency, Bishop Chito Tagle, (of the Diocese of Imus, Cavite) and joined by Parish Priest Fr. Virgilio S. Mendoza. PWHS Spiritual Director, Fr. Jojo Zerrudo, Fr. Marty Dimaranan and Fr. Claro Sumague.
The main speaker was PWHS Spiritual Director Fr. Jojo Zerrudo, who gave two talks, focussing on the existence of Purgatory and the need for purification as referred to in the Bible. Bishop Chito Tagle further emphasized in his homily that we should not wait until one dies before undergoing the process of purification needed before one can face his Creator. He also stressed the need to strive to be purified even while one is still alive.
Dohdo Tanbonliong was the moderator while Jun Vibandor expounded on the structure of the PWHS as an apostolate and as an organization. Both are PWHS core group members.
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| Fr. Jojo Zerrudo, PWHS Spiritual Director, is shown here with some of the 450 or so attendees of the PWHS 12th Foundation Day Celebration |
The venue is replete with historical events, where the town is said to have been founded on December 13, 1748. Gen. Trias in Cavite was then known as Hacienda de San Francisco de Malabon and one of its owners was a Spanish countess named Doņa Maria Josefa de Yrrizari y Ursua, Condesa de Lizarraga. Being a generous benefactress of the Church, she was buried at the Church of San Francisco de Malabon, now known as the St. Francis of Assisi Parish.
Fr. Virgilio Saenz-Mendoza the very accomplished and energetic parish priest of St. Francis of Assisi is also an acknowledged historian, and from him, one can get a lot of insights of the histories of both town and parish.
It was in the town of San Francisco de Malabon (now known as Gen. Trias) that the first uprising in Cavite occurred (known as "The First Cry of Cavite"), and it was in the parish of San Francisco de Malabon that the "Himno Nacional de Filipinos", composed by Don Juan Felipe, was first practised by the band of the Church known as "Banda Matanda". Eventually, the band was requested to play the Himno in Kawit, Cavite by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, for the declaration of independence.
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| The band of the San Francisco de Malabon and the choir of St. Francis of Assisi Parish |
During the 12th Foundation Day Celebration of the PWHS last July 30, 2004, the "descendants" of this band, played the "Rosario Cantada" at the start of the celebrations, then provided the band-music during the concelebrated mass. One very extraordinary, interesting and delightful part of the mass, unique only to this historic parish, is the offertory procession. During this
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| Fr. Virgilio Saenz-Mendoza, parish priest of St. Francis of Assisi, giving his welcome remarks |
time, participants are made to line up near the main entrance of the church. Then led by the local ladies in their long attire, as the band plays the catchy tune "Sta. Clarang Pinung-Pino", the offertory participants dance their way to the altar, bringing their respective offerings.
The very gracious hosts, led by Fr. Vir Mendoza and PWHS area coordinator Araceli Grepo ensured that there was food for the early comers, and that no one went home hungry. The reception area was efficiently manned by the local ladies dressed in lovely native attire led by Araceli Grepo, adding an elegant air to the event. "Ate Cely" is part of the history of both the town and the church. Her husband the late Teofilo C. Grepo, was the mayor of Gen. Trias for 22 years. Ate Cely continues to be active in the town indirectly (her nephew is the town mayor), and she is one of the pillars in the parish of St. Francis of Assisi.
The historic church, recently restored under the able guidance of Fr. Vir, was dressed like a regal and majestic lady, adorned with fresh, beautifully arranged flowers, showcasing its unique statutes and icons for one and all to see, appreciate, and venerate.
This is the first time that PWHS celebrated the Foundation Day outside Manila. From the looks of things, it may be really a good move to celebrate it in different venues every year. Thanks to Fr. Vir and to Araceli Grepo. They have proven that it can be done, and done beautifully, and fruitfully!
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| Beaming faces are sported by one and all after lunch at the parish convent of Fr. Virgilio Mendoza (Middle, with eye glasses); others in photo are: Araceli Grepo, PWHS area coordinator (in Filipina dress), Fr. Jojo Zerrudo, and PWHS core group members. |
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