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Month: April 2021

Pope to launch global prayer marathon for end of pandemic

Individuals, families and communities can take part in reciting the rosary for the whole of May

UCA News | VATICAN CITY

Pope Francis holds an ordination Mass on April 25 at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican to ordain nine priests for his diocese as bishop of Rome. (Photo: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP)

Carol Glatz
Catholic News Service| April 28, 2021

Pope Francis has called for a global prayer marathon for the entire month of May, praying for the end to the pandemic.

“The initiative will involve in a special way all shrines in the world” in promoting the initiative so that individuals, families and communities all take part in reciting the rosary, “to pray for the end of the pandemic,” said the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization in a press release April 21.

“It is the heartfelt desire of the Holy Father that the month of May be dedicated to a prayer marathon dedicated to the theme, ‘from the entire Church an unceasing prayer rises to God,'” it said.

The theme refers to the miraculous event recounted in the Acts of the Apostles (12:1-12) when all the Church prayed for Peter, who was imprisoned until God sent an angel to free him, illustrating how the Christian community comes together to pray in the face of danger and how the Lord listens and performs an unexpected miracle.

Each day in May, there will be a livestream from one of 30 chosen Marian shrines or sanctuaries to guide the prayer at 6pm Rome time (noon EDT) on all Vatican media platforms.

The pope will open the month-long prayer on May 1 and conclude it onMay 31, the council said.

At the Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes in France, prayers will be for all doctors and nurses

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Statement of Overwhelming Support to the Phenomenal Community Pantries

‘With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection
of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all.
There was no needy person among them, for those with property
or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale,
and put them at the feet of the apostles and they were distributed
to each according to need. (Acts 4:33-35)

The Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, (LAIKO) composed of all Church-based National Lay Organizations and Archdiocesan/Diocesan Councils of the Laity in the country, express our unanimous support to the emerging phenomenon called, Community Pantries.

This movement, initiated by kindhearted individuals with the common objective of helping our countrymen who are most in need but with less capabilities, is unprecedented and unequalled during this crucial times of the pandemic.

People with lesser opportunities can somehow hope to survive even for a day, through the overflowing and collective generosity of community residents with much or less to share. Undoubtedly God is inspiring their hearts to, Give us this day our daily bread. (Mt 6:11)

We also give our recognition to everyone who boldly initiated actions in selfless service right from the start of this pandemic: anonymous individuals, movie and TV personalities, churches, groups, movements and private corporations. Moved by God’s love and generosity, they simply acted on what their faith dictates without expecting anything in return. From a single mustard seed it grew and now the fruits benefit everyone.

We encourage all our National Lay Organizations, Archdiocesan/Diocesan Councils of the Laity to extend their unwavering support to these initiatives.  Likewise, let us be alert & vigilant that these community undertakings be protected from forces who plan to divide and thwart whatever gains there is to be reaped.

For the LAIKO Board of Directors,

27 April 2021

Official prayer of the 10th World Meeting of Families released

Pope Francis meets a family during the 9th WMOF in Dublin, Ireland, in August 2018. 

The 10th World Meeting of Families is scheduled for June 22 to 26, 2022 in Rome. The Diocese of Rome and the Vatican Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life have jointly released the official prayer for the Church event.

By Robin Gomes

The theme chosen by Pope Francis for the 10th World Meeting of the Families (WMOF) is, “Family love: a vocation and a path to holiness”, which has been the inspiration of the official prayer for the ecclesial event.

Praying with family, parish, diocese

“Praying is a way to enter into the heart of the Amoris Laetitia Year and the preparation for the event in Rome,” explained Cardinal Joseph Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, in a statement to release the prayer. “Many families and communities,” he said, “have been waiting a long time to be able to set out on their way, at least spiritually, to Rome.”  “Prayer will accompany them and help them to grasp the message of the gathering.”

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First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly scheduled for 25 July

The Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life announces the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly under the theme “I am with you always”.

First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly scheduled for 25 July 

By Vatican News staff writer | April 20, 2021

The First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated on Sunday 25 July, announced the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life in a press release on Tuesday.

The theme chosen by Pope Francis for this inaugural commemoration is “I am with you always” (Mt 28:20). It expresses the closeness of the Lord and the Church to every older person, especially in these challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The theme, “I am with you always” is also “a promise of closeness and hope that young and old can mutually share”, notes the press release. Not only are grandchildren and youths invited to be present in the lives of older people, but older people and grandparents also have a mission of evangelization, proclamation and prayer, and of encouraging young people in their faith.

To further encourage the celebration of the World Day in local churches and associations, the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life will offer pastoral tools from mid-June, which will be available on the website www.amorislaetitia.va

National Consecration of the Philippines to Saint Joseph

National Shrine of St. Joseph, Mandaue City
May 1, 2021, 10:00AM
To be led by: H.E. Most Rev. Jose S. Palma, D.D.

The following are the activities and updates undertaken by the Ad Hoc Committee in the preparation and celebration of the upcoming activity of the National Consecration of the Philippines to Saint Joseph on May 1, 2021.

I.       NINE DAYS OF PREPARATORY CONSECRATION TO SAINT JOSEPH

April 22-30, 2021 | 5:00PM | Premiere at our Shrine’s Facebook Page

The following are invited to share virtually their reflections on the last 9 Topics on the book of Fr. Calloway’s Consecration to St. Joseph – The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father:

Day 1: (Thursday – April 22, 2021)
St. Joseph, Glory of Domestic Life by H.E. BRODERICK S. PABILLO
Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila

Day 2: (Friday – April 23, 2021)
St. Joseph, Guardian of Virgins by H.E. DENNIS C. VILLAROJO
Bishop of the Diocese of Malolos

Day 3: (Saturday – April 24, 2021)
St. Joseph, Pillar of Families by H.E. ALBERTO S. UY
Bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran

Day 4: (Sunday – April 25, 2021)
St. Joseph, Comfort of the Afflicted by H.E. JOHN F. DU
Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Palo

Day 5: (Monday – April 26, 2021)
St. Joseph, Hope of the Sick by H.E. JULITO B. CORTES
Bishop of the Diocese of Dumaguete

Day 6: (Tuesday – April 27, 2021)
St. Joseph, Patron of the Dying by H.E. PRECIOSO D. CANTILLAS
Bishop of the Diocese of Maasin

Day 7: (Wednesday – April 28, 2021)
St. Joseph, Terror of Demons by H.E. PATRICK DANIEL Y. PARCON
Bishop of the Diocese of Talibon

Day 8: (Thursday – April 29, 2021)
St. Joseph, Protector of the Holy Church by H.E. ORLANDO B. CARDINAL QUEVEDO
Archbishop-Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Cotabato

Day 9: (Friday – April 30, 2021)
He Made Him the Lord of His Household and Prince Over All His Possessions
by H.E. MIDYPHIL B. BILLONES
Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cebu

II.      DAY OF THE NATIONAL CONSECRATION OF THE PHILIPPINES TO SAINT JOSEPH

The Holy Mass shall begin at 10:00 AM and will be presided by H.E. Most Rev. Jose S. Palma, Archbishop of Cebu. The Consecration Proper will commence after the Post Communion Prayer together with the presence of Mandaue City Mayor Jonas C. Cortes and Congresswoman Emmarie Dizon as co-consecrators. This will then be followed with the floral offering to Saint Joseph by the 32-Sharers from the Reflections made by the Layko Cebu Committee and a pair of a Father and Son who are pious devotees of Saint Joseph here in the National Shrine.

The Mass for the National Consecration of the Philippines will be cross posted to other media platforms who may request for cross posting and in coordination with Fr. Jonathan Rubin, CCTN and TV Maria and other Facebook Pages.

An Invitation to May 1 Online Forum

Dear Friends,

Solidarity Greetings!

On May 1, the Church People-Workers Solidarity (CWS) and other church people will join millions of working class in commemorating the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labor movement. As church people, we bear witness to the political, economic, and social significance of workers and we affirm our solidarity with them in their struggle for dignified labor.

As our contribution for the May 1 commemoration of the International Workers’ Day, CWS together with Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) are inviting you and your community to attend an ON-LINE FORUM on April 28, 2021 (Wednesday) from 9am-11:30am with the Theme:

“GIFTED in order to GIVE”
St. Joseph as our Inspiration in Mission in Times of Threat and Peril

Part of the program is the discussion of the Catholic Social Teachings on Labor and testimonies from peasants and workers who are experiencing severe economic hardships amidst the pandemic and policies of the government.

Enclosed herewith is the program. Please register online through this link https://forms.gle/EYAkfeZBcqYKsh6RA

For more information, please contact the CWS Secretariat thru email: churchfortheworkers@gmail.com or mobile number 0942.1986.383 (Tony), or 0925. 4889.770 (Noel).

Thank you so much for your continued support.

Sincerely,

In commemoration of May 1, 2021
International Workers’ Day
An Invitation to an ONLINE FORUM

Theme: “GIFTED in order to Give”  
St. Joseph as our Inspiration in Mission in Times of Threat and Peril
Wednesday, April 28, 2021, 9:00 AM- 11:30 AM

PROGRAM

9:00 am Opening Prayer                                             Fr. Noel Gatchalian, SVD

9:05am   Welcome Remarks/ Introduction  

9:15am   Introduction of the Speakers                               Moderator

9:20am Speaker 1: The Significant Contribution of the Iglesia Filipina                                                                 Independiente (IFI) to the Labor Movement
 Prof. Francis A. Gealogo, PhD.
 Department of History
 Ateneo de Manila University

9:50 am Speaker 2: “GIFTED in order to give”. St. Joseph as our inspiration in mission in times of threat and peril”
Rev. Fr. Benjamin Alforque, MSC

10:20am        Testimonies                From Workers and Peasant Sector

10:50 am       Open Forum                Moderator

11:15 am       Call to Action             

11:25am       Closing reflection

Moderator:  Prof. Jerry D. Imbong  of Visayas State University

Please register online through this link https://forms.gle/EYAkfeZBcqYKsh6RA

Conference on COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Click here to watch FaceBook LIVE

The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) together with the Nagkaisa! Labor Coalition, the Church Labor Conference and Kliusang Artikulo Trese, with support from the Danish Trade Union Development Agency (DTDA) will be organizing a two-day National Conference on COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) on the 24th and 28th of April 2021 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm via Zoom. This activity is part of the Project, “Rebuilding Civic Space Intervention II: Capacity Building and Advocacy To Defend Women and Women Workers’ Rights Amidst COVID-19 Crisis”.

The Conference aims to:

  • Provide discussion of COVID-19 restrictions and the infringement of the ICCPR.
  • Identify sectoral impacts of COVID-19 restrictions to women workers in relation to ICCPR.
  • Gather initial inputs for developing policy recommendations for a rights-based and gender-responsive COVID-19 response.

In line with this, we would like to invite the Social Action and Labor Ministries of the Archdiocese of Manila and the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas to participate in the National Conference and to contribute in the discussions.

The FFW was born out of the social teachings of the Church. Thus, as workers’ groups in touch with the Church, this shall also serve as part of our contribution to the festivities around the Consecration of St. Joseph. The Opening Plenary will be on April 24, 2021 at 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Closing Plenary on April 28, 2021, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. There will be nine (9) break-out groups starting on April 24 (1:30 PM to 4:00 PM) and on April 25 and 27, 2021. Kindly refer to program attached below for more details. Participants are encouraged to join the break out groups.

  1. COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in the Transportation Sector and Food Delivery Services – April 24, 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
  2. COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in the Service Sector of Hotel and Restaurant, Banking and Finance, Telecom, Food and Retail, Pharmaceutical Distribution – April 24, 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
  3. COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in the Education Sector – April 24, 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
  4. COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in the Public Sector – April 25, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  5. COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Migrant Workers – April 25, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (PST)
  6. COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in Informal Work and Domestic Work – April 26, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
  7. COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in Agriculture – April 27, 1PM-4PM
  8. COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in Manufacturing and Economic Zones – April 27, 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
  9. COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and the Rights of Workers in Health Care – April 27, 7:00 PM TO 9:00 PM

There is no registration fee for the Conference. We will be providing internet and meal allowance for the participants. Participants should pre-register through this Zoom Registration Link: National Conference on COVID-19 Protocols and Legislations and ICCPR.  We shall send the Registration links to the breakout groups once the participants have identified which one they would join.

For any questions, clarifications, and confirmation, your good office may contact the following: Julius (FFW/ Church Labor Conference) (09178553279|dabigdyul@gmail.com); or Anne (FFW) (09454634361 | annecolina2020@gmail.com.

In solidarity,

(SGD.)  Atty. Jose Sonny G. Matula
National President, Federation of Free Workers
Chairperson, Nagkaisa! Labor Coalition

(SGD.)  Julius Cainglet
Chairperson for Labor Church Labor Conference