Pentecost Novena

Holy Spirit Novena Prayers

Novena to the Holy Spirit Day 1

Charity

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.

Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Charity within us.

The great charity of all the the host of Saints is only made possible by your power, Oh Divine Spirit. Increase in me, the virtue of charity that I may love as God loves with the selflessness of the Saints.

Amen.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord,

Amen.

Novena to the Holy Spirit Day 2

Joy

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.

Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Joy within us.

All of the Saints are marked with an uncompromisable Joy in times of trial, difficulty and pain. Give us, Oh Holy Spirit, the Joy that surpasses all understanding that we may live as a witness to Your love and fidelity!

Amen.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord,

Amen.

Novena to the Holy Spirit Day 3

Peace

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.

Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Peace within us.

The Saints were tempted, attacked and accused by the devil who is the destroyer of peace. When we are accused by the devil, come to our aid as our Advocate and give us Peace that lasts through all trials!

Amen.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord,

Amen.

Novena to the Holy Spirit Day 4

Patience

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.

Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Patience within us.

Oh Holy Spirit, you give lavishly to those who ask. Please give us the patience of the Saints who are now with you in heaven. Help us to endure everything with an eternal patience that is only possible with your help.

Amen.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord,

Amen.

Novena to the Holy Spirit Day 5

Kindness

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.

Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Kindness within us.

Jesus approached sinners with immense kindness. Holy Paraclete, please treat us humble sinners with the same kindness and give us the ability to treat all others with that kindness as well.

Amen.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord,

Amen.

Novena to the Holy Spirit Day 6

Faithfulness

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.

Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Faithfulness within us.

You, oh Lord, are ever faithful. You are faithful until the end. Though we are weak and distracted, please give us the grace to be faithful to You as you are to us!

Amen.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord,

Amen.

Novena to the Holy Spirit Day 7

Gentleness

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.

Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Gentleness within us.

Despite the gravity of our sins, oh Lord you treat us with Gentleness. Dear Holy Spirit, give us your power to treat all in our lives with the Gentleness of the Saints.

Amen.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord,

Amen.

Novena to the Holy Spirit Day 8

Self-Control

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.

Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Self-Control within us.

Your Martyrs had the overwhelming self-control to go joyfully to a painful death without shrinking from the opportunity to join You in heaven. Give us this self-control to have command over our emotions and desires that we may serve You more fully.

Amen.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord,

Amen.

Novena to the Holy Spirit Day 9

Goodness

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.

Oh Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Goodness within us.

We want to be like your Saints in heaven. Holy Spirit, renew us by your power with your Goodness that we may bring the Good News to the world.

Amen.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord,

Amen.

ABS-CBN Barangayan Kapamilya next destination this summer of 2016: Isla Balaton!

Away from the hustle of the busiest urban centers in Naga, situated at the heart of the remote coastal barangays and islands in North Coastal Lagonoy, is the first and only island Parish in the Archdiocese of Caceres: The Our Lady of Peñafrancia Parish, in Balaton, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, Philippines.https://goo.gl/HmwGss

Idyllic. Inviting. Nature-blessed. The place is a magnet for travelers looking for the requisite three R's. Reflection, Rest and Recreation. A fourth R is, like it or not, an added challenge, Remote.

The pilgrimage to Balaton Parish is an exercise of faith and endurance, more than anything else.

From the capital city of Naga, Camarines Sur, one takes the van or the local jeep en route to the Port of Tamban, Tinambac. Two hours later, the road trip ends where the sea voyage by motorized boat begins.

The once-a-day commute by “lantsa”, as it is traditionally called, leaves at 9:00 A.M.

On board or top load, the boat passes through sparsely populated yet scenic coastal communities in another two hours, more or less.

After coasting along that portion of the Pacific Ocean, one reaches the island to catch a first glimpse of the grey and green roofed structure that now the gentle “Ina”, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, in her Parish home away from Naga.

The view is exhilarating. A refreshing breather that makes the long journey worth all the hassle. (Kindly just click the play button of the video)

The Parish Church is architecturally designed with a Neo-Gothic influence in its overall structure.

Come and join us all here in Isla Balaton: The next destination of ABS-CBN Barangayan Kapamilya this summer of 2016!

See you all here in Isla Balaton!

A poor coastal Parish along the Pacific wishing for a simple motor boat!

Away from the hustle of the busiest urban centers in Bicol, situated at the heart of the remote coastal barangays and islands in North Coastal Lagonoy, is the first and only island Parish in the Archdiocese of Caceres: The Our Lady of Peñafrancia Parish, in Balaton, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, Philippines. https://goo.gl/HmwGss

Idyllic. Inviting. Nature-blessed. The place is a magnet for travelers looking for the requisite three R's. Reflection, Rest and Recreation. A fourth R is, like it or not, an added challenge, Remote.

The pilgrimage to Balaton Parish is an exercise of faith and endurance, more than anything else.

From the capital city of Naga, Camarines Sur, one takes the van or the local jeep en route to the Port of Tamban, Tinambac. Two hours later, the road trip ends where the sea voyage by motorized boat begins.

The once-a-day commute by “lantsa”, as it is traditionally called, leaves at 9:00 A.M. 

On board or top load, the boat passes through sparsely populated yet scenic coastal communities in another two hours, more or less.

After coasting along that portion of the Pacific Ocean, where wave as high as five meters is a common experience during the north east monsoon season,

one reaches the island to catch a first glimpse of the grey and green roofed structure that now the gentle “Ina”, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, in her Parish home away from Naga.

The view is exhilarating. A refreshing breather that makes the long journey worth all the hassle (Kindly just click the play button of the video).

Canonically erected in 2005 under the direction of the late Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi of the Order of Preachers.

The Parish Church is architecturally designed with a Neo-Gothic influence in its overall structure.

Being a coastal Parish, poverty and accessibility are not the only challenges. The issue of faith is even bigger. For so long a time, the whole area of Balaton Parish, used to be an important seat of the schismatic Aglipayan or Philippine Independent Church. To this day seventy percent of the population is Aglipayan. Hence the need for Catholic Mission work is bigger here.

Since the installation of the current Parish Priest in 2012, the drive to attract more believers to the Catholic fold has become an intensive priority, as it chooses to conduct formations such as the: Basic Ecclessial Communities, Parish Renewal Experience and Youth Formations.

Motor boat is the only means of transportation in going to the coastal/island communities that are under the jurisdiction of the Parish in Balaton.

As much as the current Parish Priest would like to frequently conduct Masses and formations to his flock, it could not be done. The engine and the haul of the old motor boat that the Parish owned could no longer be restored, it sank and was destroyed during a recent typhoon in the area.

Being in a remote coastal Parish, a parish-owned motor boat is obviously an urgent need in order to facilitate efficient service to its Parishioners.

So, their only wish as of this time, is just a SIMPLE Motor boat.

Hence, we invite you to help us to make our dream of a new Parish-owned motor boat a most tangible reality. The total project cost, the engine and the outrigger boat is: 151,700.00 Php(3,186.49 USD).

Through this Parish motor boat, may Our Lady of Peñafrancia's motherly intercession inspire you to generously share your resources for the realization of the dream of this island Parish.

Thank you and God Bless you.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Fr. Mayo Cesar G. Herrera

Parish Priest

Nota Bene: 

 The endorsement letter of the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Caceres

-Should you decide to be of help, you can contact the Parish Priest on his e-mail address which is: mayocesar@yahoo.com

-His mobile phone number is:(+63)9281941745.

-He could also be easily reached through private message on his face book account which is: https://www.facebook.com/mayo.cesar. 

You can also tweet on him on his twitter account which is:https://twitter.com/mayocesar

ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE PROJECT AND REPORTING PROCEDURE

The Parish Priest will oversee the over-all project management. The reports will be noted by the Archbishop of Caceres. The Parish of Our Lady of Penafrancia through its Parish Priest and the Parish Pstoral Council as the proponents of the Project will assume the full responsibility of the project. The Parish shall have its own skipper/boat mechanic that will be directly supervised by the Parish Priest.

MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, SEPARATION

Why is the Catholic Church against divorce?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains: “By its very nature conjugal love requires the inviolable fidelity of the spouses. This is the consequence of the gift of themselves which they make to each other. Love seeks to be definitive; it cannot be an arrangement ‘until further notice.’ The intimate union of marriage, as a mutual giving of two persons, and the good of children, demand total fidelity from the spouses and demand an unbreakable union between them.” (CCC, no. 1646; See also CCC, nos. 1647-1648, 2384)

Marriage is good if both spouses are faithful and true to their marital vows. Marriage is good if husband and wife mutually and exclusively love each other till death. Marriage is good if both spouses attend to each other’s physical, emotional, moral and spiritual needs as well as the needs of their children. Marriage is good if spouses fulfill their conjugal and family obligations. Marriage is good if spouses help each other attain their mutual sanctification, and contribute jointly as a couple and as a family to the glory of God.

The Church is against divorce because it is contrary to the will of God for marriage, namely, the intimate and lasting partnership of love and life between a man and a woman, joined together in the sacrament of marriage, celebrated in the Church. The Church is against divorce because it introduces disorder into the family and society. The Church is against divorce because it brings grave harm to the deserted spouse and children.

Presuming that a Catholic is in favor of enactment of divorce into law, how should we enlighten him/her so that he/she continues to proclaim and live out the sanctity and indissolubility of Catholic marriage? We may ask him/her the following questions: How many divorces may spouses have? How many families may divorces destroy? How many children and spouses may divorces cause to suffer? How many homes may divorces break? Will divorce prevent infidelity, domestic violence, oppression or exploitation of women and children?

Does the Church’s prohibition of divorce mean that she does not care for children and women, who are in most cases the victims of violence, oppression, exploitation or abandonment by men?

While the Church continues to proclaim the truth and beauty of Catholic marriage, she is aware of many difficult situations and conditions that many couples and families find themselves into. Thus, the Church allows or permits physical and legal separation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “there are some situations in which living together becomes practically impossible for a variety of reasons. In such cases the Church permits the physical separation of the couple and their living apart.” (CCC, no. 1649) In this case, even though the common life is broken off, the marriage remains valid. Consequently, separated spouses cannot contract a new marriage.

There are cases, however, in which the crisis in marriage goes back to the fact that one spouse or both were not eligible at the time of wedding or did not fully consent to the marriage. In these and other conditions, the marriage is invalid. After a careful examination by the competent Church’s tribunal, the Church competent authorities can declare that the marriage never existed from the very beginning. The Church does not dissolve marriage but can pronounce nullity of marriage, that is, the declaration that the contracted marriage was null and void from the very beginning. (See CCC, nos. 1628-16290)

Legal separation which the Church permits is not divorce. The Church declaration of nullity is not divorce.

What are these situations which may permit physical, legal separation of spouses?

1. When spouses harm each other

2. When children suffer from intimidation, violence, humiliation, exploitation and lack of involvement from their parents.

Not every difficulty or problem can be a ground for separation of spouses. Faced with grave difficulties, trials and enormous problems experienced by spouses and families, separation should not be the first and only option but reconciliation. 

God bless you all!

Fr. Joey D. Gonzaga

Heneral Luna — a must-watch movie for all Filipinos

By Bong Austero

There are movies that entertain, and there are movies that educate. And then there is the occasional movie that does both. Heneral Luna, which is currently playing in movies nationwide (the number of theaters were reduced after a lackluster first week results, and then subsequently increased as positive word-of-mouth drove audiences to moviehouses during the second week) not only does a superb job of both entertaining and educating in a compelling way—it does a hell of a lot more. In the two occasions that I watched the movie in the last two weeks, the audience broke into spontaneous and sustained applause as the credits rolled, something that rarely happens today, and particularly when it involves a local movie.

There is absolutely no doubt that Heneral Luna is well-crafted movie. It’s a period film, which usually becomes an occasion for nitpicking. The people behind Luna tries hard to keep the production as authentic as possible, but whatever lapses and oversights become overshadowed by the tight storytelling, the outstanding technical elements, and the exceptional performances of the actors. John Arcilla as Antonio Luna inhabits the role like second skin; it’s not engaging in hyperbole to say even his spittle seems deliberately timed.

There are many reasons why Heneral Luna should be required viewing for all Filipinos. It is a movie that engages audiences to challenge many of our appreciation of certain critical and pivotal moments in Philippine history and the roles played, the decisions made, and the actions pursued by the people we collectively refer to as heroes and consequently placed on pedestals. History, after all, is most often reduced to accounts about the courage and valor of the pivotal players of certain epic events during the revolution; the frailties of our heroes and the many tragic stories of conspiracy and betrayal that led to their downfall, are usually presented as footnotes. We’re generally kinder, particularly to people who died during the revolution. Unfortunately, it’s precisely this collective effort to sweep under the rug the many unfortunate and embarrassing events in our history that hobbled and even pulled back our development as a nation that explains our continuing inability to learn from our mistakes.

Watching Heneral Luna is like holding a mirror in front of our faces and being confronted with our foibles and follies as a people. This exercise is usually attended by a lot of giggling and defensive laughter, but not while watching Heneral Luna where the sense of rage and anger borne out of realization is almost palpable.

In one scene, Luna successfully sequestered a train to be used to ferry soldiers to the battlefields in Bagbagin and Novaliches; the soldiers could not be accommodated in the train because the officials have already commandeered the train for the pleasure of their families who, naturally got the choice seats. The tempestuous Luna had to throw everyone out lamenting the Filipino’s complete devotion to their families, sometimes to the exclusion and detriment of the country or the common good. This same predilection remains today —I have come across many politicians who, even in public speeches, have intoned the hierarchy of their affections thus: God, Family, Self, and then country. Notice, for example, how we tend to allocate the best seats or the choice arrangements in public occasions for family members of politicians, and how these people eventually prioritize members of their families for political largesse, advantages, and other political benefits—even those who proclaim to be servant leaders and who make a big fuss about how they are all about serving their constituents, the poor, and the underprivileged.

There are many of these powerful scenes that tug at our collective conscience because we know these incidents continue to haunt us today. The utter inability among Aguinaldo’s cabinet members to come to an agreement on critical issues and for dissenters to respect decisions arrived at is something is a continuing malady; in our country, our leaders never concede defeat be it an election, an argument, or an advocacy—they scheme, they filibuster, and when all else fails, they wait for their turn to assume power at which point they insist on revising everything to suit their own interests and agenda. This is why many programs never really get institutionalized—most end up being replaced or revised regardless of the fact that they are working well. The legendary amor propio of people in positions of authority, the tendency to display blind obedience to individuals rather than to a chain of command, the predilection of the ruling elite to dissociate themselves from the situations of the majority of the people and to exist in a social vacuum, the tendency to identify with regional affiliations (Caviteños, Kapampangan, Bicolano) rather than think as Filipinos—all these are painfully illustrated in Heneral Luna. All these, are sadly, maladies that we continue to suffer from as a people.

The best movies are those that affect the audience in a powerful way; either provoke higher-level thinking, or move them into positive action. If we have more movies like Heneral Luna, we’d have more luck empowering our people. It’s easy to blame producers and directors who prefer to churn out inane movies about mistresses and ex-lovers, but the audience is actually not powerless either. If everyone supports Heneral Luna, then more producers and directors will be emboldened to replicate it. So please go and watch Heneral Luna. I promise you it will be really worth it.

Peñafrancia 2015‬

CELEBRATING THE FIESTA OF INA WITH OUR HEARTS

“She kept all these things in her heart.” (Lk. 2:51)


My brothers and sisters in Christ,

We dedicate September as the Month for INA, Nuestra Senora de Penafrancia, which is accentuated by the “one week long festivities”. With our love for INA, we claim as well the title of a “Pilgrim City” as Pueblo Amante de Maria. Now as we come here to pay homage to the Mother of the Lord with the theme: “Living out God’s Mercy and Compassion in the Year of the Poor”, what do we, devotees and pilgrims, do in celebrating this gift of devotion to INA?

As your Spiritual Father and devotee of our Ina, I would like to give the following reminders:

1. BE A PILGRIM. Come as a pilgrim and not solely as a tourist who seeks pleasures but one who desires to encounter the Lord’s presence in places, culture and people. A pilgrim therefore, would manifest his or her longing for a personal encounter with God through the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

2. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING. (1 Thes 5:17). The month of September must not be viewed as a usual ‘busy week’ but as a ‘week for praying’ e.g. personal devotions, procession, receiving of sacraments and attendance to novena masses. Churches and other pilgrim sites are open for public and private manifestation of faith. We are urged during this month to adore the Lord through active participation in the Eucharist, be contrite to the sins committed, give thanks for all the blessings received and ask for continual assistance of INA, Nuestra Senora de Peñafrancia.

3. BE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF MARY. Our life as Catholic is in conformity with the message of the Gospel of Christ and God’s will. Moreover, as a result of our “family-orientedness”, we have INA, our Spiritual Mother who for the whole festivity, must be given due reverence and respect as we manifest our willingness to claim our titles as her sons and daughters.

We call on the special attention of the voyadores who are tasked as models of being Sons of INA, Our Lady of Penafrancia, to have a genuine expression of faith by having a good disposition before every procession such as, prayerful, vigilant and free from intoxication (of alcoholic beverages) so that we may audibly hear Christ who tells us, “Son, behold, your Mother” (Jn 19:27).

4. REVERE THE HOLY PLACES. Apart from the Church, the routes where the procession pass by e.g. Traslacion route – Francia to Cathedral, Cathedral to Danlugan and the Bicol River for the Fluvial procession are considered to be of the sacred places that facilitate the manifestation of the faith and therefore, avenues for public and private prayer.

5. DO GOOD AND DETEST EVIL. (1 Peter 3:11a). Our devotion to Ina must bring us to our growth as a person and as a community. We must promote common good – like offering food and water to pilgrims, helping maintain cleanliness and order in the city, and offering assistance to those who need them. Be cheerful givers and be agents of charity! The festivity is an avenue to impart graces and blessings with the preferential option for the poor. We must detest whatever is contrary to the true devotion to Mary like alcohol intoxication, violence, human trafficking, prostitution and commercialism. We encourage other sectors of our community, like Hotels and Transport sectors and tourism agents to help promote what is noble and good in this time of prayer and devotion.

And so, as we joyfully celebrate the Feast of Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, we entrust ourselves under Her Manto to pray for us, help us, console us and deliver us from all harm. May the Maternal guidance of Ina be our strength as we continue our journey on the path to holiness.

Viva el Divino Rostro!

Viva la Virgen!


In Christ,


+ROLANDO J. TRIA TIRONA, O.C.D., D.D.

Archbishop of Caceres

Would you like to help the coastal Parish of Balaton in their activities this months of May and June, 2015?

Greetings of Peace!

The Parish of Our Lady of Peñafrancia  in Balaton, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, Philippines is a coastal Parish covering eleven coastal/island barangays/villages.

Located in the eastern part of Camarines Sur, Philippines facing the Pacific Ocean.

During the northeast monsoon season, usually during the months of October until March, the sea is usually rough and the waves are huge, thus most of the people are afraid to travel at sea.

That is why during the dry season when the sea is calm, the Parish usually grabs the opportunity in organizing series of activities, that will enhance the spiritual life of the people of God there.

So, this months of May until June, the coastal parish of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Balaton will be having these activities:

1. Barangay Mission to the coastal/island barangays/villages covered by the Parish- This will be headed by two OCD-Carmelite seminarians who are Vietnamese. They are: Br. Joseph Le Van Dong, OCD from Dong Nai, Vietnam, 2nd Year Theology Student at the University of Santo Tomas and Br. John Bosco Nguyen TuChuong, OCD from KhanhHoa, Vietnam, 3rd Year Theology Student at University of Santo Tomas. They will be in Balaton Parish from May 9 to June 9, 2015.

2. Medical, Dental, and Surgical(circumcision) Mission- This will be on May 16, 2015. The target number of recipients are : 200 medical patients, 50 dental patients and 100 circumcision for boys.



3. PREX 7 (Parish Renewal Experience) Outreach in Barangay Sipaco on May 22 to 24.

4. Parish Youth Camp- All the youth leaders coming from the barangays/villages under the jurisdiction of the Parish will gather for a camp. It would be two days of fellowship, renewal and a night of Taize Prayer experience. This would be on June 5 and 6, 2015.

In this connection, may we solicit from your good heart any amount that you could help to defray the expenses of these activities in our Parish.

Should you be willing to support us, you may contact me on my mobile phone which is (+63)9281941745, preferably through text,because the phone signal in Balaton is difficult. You can contact me also on my facebook account which is: mayo.cesar@facebook.com

Thank you very much and may God Bless you always!

Sincerely Yours,


Rev. Fr. Mayo Cesar Gomez Herrera

Parish Priest
Our Lady of Peñafrancia

Balaton, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, 

Philippines