The Chapel of Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, Quezon City, Philippines

Facade of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Chapel,
Quezon City, Philippines

I just wanted to share my family's experience last Saturday when we had our pilgrimage to the Chapel of Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina in Libis, Quezon City, Philippines.

We planned to go there at 1:00 PM since, under our calculated assumption, many people during that time are still having their Lunches and, therefore, few people will be at the chapel.

We preferred not to join the "rush" of people because with us is my nephew who is suffering from Seizure Disorder and Global Developmental Delay (Please pray for His immediate healing). But due to some unprecedented turn of events, we failed to be there at our appointed time. Instead, we arrived there at 4:30 PM, just in time for the Recitation of the Holy Rosary and, afterwards, the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The Holy Mass was very moving, one can sense the Divine Sacredness of the celebration. After the Holy Mass, we joined the other pilgrims in qeueing up on designated places to be anointed with Holy Oil. The Extraordinary (Lay) Ministers, who were tasked with the Anointing, were not just putting the Holy Oil in our forehead, but sincerely praying over us, one by one.

MODELS OF FAITH

August 10, 2013 - Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr

 Gospel- John 12:24-26

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you,

unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,

it remains just a grain of wheat;

but if it dies, it produces much fruit.

Whoever loves his life loses it,

and whoever hates his life in this world

will preserve it for eternal life.

Whoever serves me must follow me,

and where I am, there also will my servant be.

The Father will honor whoever serves me.”