Blessed Pedro's canonization will be on October 21, 2012

HEALING WITH THE SAINTS

"You give us an example to follow in the lives of your Saints, 

assistance by their intercession, and a bond of fraternal love 

in the communion of grace."

(Praefatio I de Sanctis)

Story of Healing 

One day Santarello was positioned, as usual, near the door of the cloister, begging for alms. As usual, a large crowd had gathered, waiting for Padre Pio to emerge and enter the church. As Pio passed by, Santarello cried out, "Padre Pio, give me a blessing!"

Without stopping, Pio looked at him and said, ''Throwaway your crutches!"

Stunned, Santarello did not move. This time Padre Pio stopped and shouted, "I said, 'Throwaway your crutches!' " Then, without another word, Pio entered the church to say Mass.

In front of dozens of people, Santarello threw his crutches away, and for the first time in his life, began to walk on his deformed feet to the utter astonishment of his fellow townspeople, who but a few minutes before had seen him lurching about, as always, on his knees.

Gift of Reliquaries from John Paul II College of Davao

First Class Relic of Blessed John Paul II (1)

First Class Relic of Blessed John Paul II (2)

Relics of Blessed John Paul II at the altar of Saint Joseph

Relic of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus

Relic of Blessed Ivan Merz

The altar of the Oratory of Jesus

Visit of Blessed John Paul II’s Relics: A Gift to the Church in Davao

Visit of Blessed John Paul II’s Relics: A Gift to the Church in Davao

By Carlos B. Babiano

Clergy, religious and the lay faithful of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Davao welcomed the relics of Blessed John Paul II last December 18, 2011, the Fourth Sunday of Advent. These were brought from Manila by Br. Dave Ceasar Dela Cruz, director of the Confraternity of Catholic Saints and vice-postulator for the cause of canonization of Blsd. Ivan Merz. The relics comprise of particles from the blood of Blessed John Paul II, two of his rosaries, signatures (some which date back during his ministry as Cardinal-Archbishop of Krakow), pieces of his cassock, his skullcap, a chalice (replica of the Holy Grail of Valencia), and missalettes of papal masses during his time and, the most recent ones, of his beatification on May 1, 2011, presided by His Holiness Benedict XVI and the Thanksgiving Mass the following day presided by Vatican Secretary of State Card. Tarcisio Bertone. Other relics include a rock from the cave of the Nativity in Bethlehem, a strand from a mantle of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a particle from the staff of St. Joseph, relics of St. John the Baptist, Sts. Elizabeth and Zechariah, Sts. Joachim and Ann, the 12 apostles, selected early Christian martyrs, and first and second class relics of Blessed Ivan Merz.

From Davao International Airport the relics were transported to the chapel of the John Paul II College, Ecoland Drive, Matina, Davao City, assisted by its president, Mr. Ernesto Evangilista and family (Mr. Evangilista was recently awarded by Pope Benedict XVI the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice for his support to the clergy and programs of the Archdiocese of Davao). These were welcomed through a Solemn Mass at 8:00pm (Philippine Standard Time) presided by Davao Auxiliary Bishop George Rimando. During the homily, Bishop Rimando shared this reflection, “The visit of the relics of Blessed John Paul II and other saints here in Davao is a reminder that we have friends in heaven whom we could ask for help especially in this time of calamity in Northern Mindanao (in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities).” The massive floods caused by the typhoon Washi (local name “Sendong”) occurred during the same day the relics arrived in Davao City.

The visit of the relics were also considered as the second time Blessed John Paul II visited Davao City. The first was on February 20, 1981, for a Eucharistic Celebration and a meeting with representatives of Muslim communities.

Eucharistic Celebrations are offered in the chapel of the above mentioned college from the evening of December 18 up to its last night on January 7, 2012, sponsored by various parishes around the Archdiocese of Davao. Likewise, these parishes and other ecclesial movements in and outside the archdiocese take turns in spending vigils in front of the relics. According to visitors’ logbooks, the number of pilgrims and devotees who come to venerate Blessed John Paul II’s relics were counted a total of 1000, including those unregistered due to the long lines of people who come to visit daily. The chapel is also open for 24 hours from the day of the arrival up to the January 8 closing.

Last Tuesday, January 3, 2012, Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla presided over a Solemn Mass for the Sick at 7:00pm (PST) before a large group of faithful gathered in the grounds of John Paul II College. Blessed John Paul II’s skullcap, particles of his blood, a piece of his cassock were exposed for the Mass. The chalice which is the Holy Grail’s replica was used twice during the visit, first by Bp. Rimando last Dec. 18, and on this Eucharist presided by Archbishop Capalla. The archbishop stated in his homily, “The visit of the relics (of John Paul II and other saints) is a gift to the Church and faithful of Davao.” This is also a reiteration of archdiocesan circulars issued November 26 and December 31, 2011.

On Sunday, January 8, the Solemnity of the Epiphany, a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration will be presided by Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla at 5:00am (PST) concluding an overnight vigil of the youth of the archdiocese.

Blessed John Paul II and Blessed Ivan in Davao

 BEATO at John Paul II College of Davao from December 18, 2011 to January 8, 2012

People venerate the Relics of Blessed John Paul II, Blessed Ivan Merz, and other relics.

Relic of Blessed Ivan Merz

Giving away prayer cards of Blessed Ivan Merz

During the healing Mass presided by the Archbishop

Thousand of people came for veneration

Bro. Dave Dela Cruz, CCS with Archbishop Fernando Capalla of Davao

Bro. Dave with Auxiliary Bishop George Rimando with the relic of Blessed John Paul II

Relics of Blessed Pedro Calungsod

After the approval of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on the miracle attributed to Blessed Pedro Calungsod, lay catechist and martyr from the Visayas, he will join other six blessed Servants of God on the Canonization that will be scheduled next year 2012 (either during the Easter Season or October, Mission Sunday). 

Due to this great historical event in the life of the Philippine Church, the Confraternity of Catholic Saints are now preparing three important relics (or memorabilia) of our future second Saint. These are:

1. Cloth touched to the Bolo that killed Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores and Blessed Pedro Calungsod

2. Sand from the sea-shore where it is believed that the body of the two martyrs were thrown.

(these two special relics are gifts from the Archdiocese of Agana and was brought personally by the Vicar General and Rector of the Cathedral where the original bolo is kept.)

3. A second-class relic (ex indumentis) of Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores.

The miracle through Blessed Pedro's intercession was healing of  a woman from Leyte. Click here for the full story,

Blessed Pedro Calungsod, pray for us!

Christmas Message

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

To the Brothers, Lay Cooperators, Scholars, and Friends of the Confraternity, may the joy and peace of the Incarnate Word be our cause of joy this season.

For this year, the Confraternity served well different communities and apostolate. We remained silent, as what God did – he came to the world in silence , as a sign of humility. We do not need noise to be known to others and to the world, for it is Christ who must be the star of our ministries. We pray and persevere that we remain this way: Silent and Humble, but our presence are felt by the good and holy work we do, so that others may see God in us.

We had a great year and the Confraternity serves not only as herald of the Gospel but of Holiness, true to our charism, by our presence and assistance during the beatification of Blessed John Paul II. As of now, the relics of our beloved pope are in Davao. Many people there are continuously inspired to be holy by his presence, thanks to the eternal graces that God showers upon us through the intercession of Blessed John Paul.

Now, on this special season, we do not need general changes. But we need to renew: renew our vows, our commitment, and our love for the Babe born in the manger. His humility and silence will be our source of holiness and effectiveness in our apostolate.

May the Brothers be more committed to live their vows and serve well their brothers and sisters. May the Lay Cooperators live well our charism so that in their own best ways they may communicate through their words and actions the Holiness which our Holy Mother Church desired. May the Scholars study well, for you cannot be good apostles of holiness in the future if you do not earn any educational degree. And for all of us, together with our friends, always remain obedient, loyal, and faithful to God, to Holy Mother Church, and to our charism of spreading the Gospel and promoting Holiness in the state where we serve.

May Jesus be our reward at the end.

With Brother Lloyd, our cofounder, I remain

Your Brother,

Dave, CCS

December 19, 2011

Davao City