This afternoon I officiated the christening of Christine Hazen Amigo, daughter of Edison and Dorie. It was my first time to solemnize the Sacrament of Baptism here in Rome and also my first time to preside over a liturgical celebration inside St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
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Smoking Kills
While we were eating sweets, I noticed this warning on my friend’s cigarette pack. “Il fumo uccide” literally means “smoking kills”. Notice how big the admonition is – it occupies a third of the frontispiece of the cigarette pack. At the back of the pack is another huge warning that says “protect children: don’t let them breathe your smoke”.
Star Wars Spirituality
This evening I went to the Warner Village in Piazza Repubblica to get a glimpse of the stars of Star Wars Episode III. I was actually hoping Natalie Portman (Padmé) would show up but it was fine that Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker) and Anthony Daniels ( C-3PO) were there to grace the premiere of the movie in Rome. What I truly love about the Star Wars films is that it does not only tell you a good story and show you smashing special effects, it also behooves you to ask questions about yourself and about your faith.
Podcast: Two Choirs And A Pope
This podcast features an acappella tune performed live by the U.P. Manila Chorale and a lively melody from the choir of the Filipino Catholic Community of Rotterdam. The message of Pope Benedict XVI during his fourth weekly general audience on 18 May 2005 is also featured in this podcast.
I Have Learned To Mambo
At first I thought it would be grueling. At first I thought the steps would be very complicated. At first I thought that a novice like me would be intimidated by what I had to unlearn and the new commands I had to become skilled at. But yes, I have learned to mambo.
Podcast: Conversation With A Saintmaker
In this podcast I converse with Fr. Raymond Dossman, a French missionary of the Sacred Heart (MSC). He is a saintmaker. We talk about the process of beatification. Who can be beatified? What does it take to be beatified and eventually canonized as saint. This is in view of the recent announcement that the process to beatify Pope John Paul II has begun. And after my conversation with the saintmaker I will play a song by Josh Martin, a Christian rock singer.
Friday the Thirteenth
Friday the 13th is often associated with the morbid, the horrific, the superstitious. There is even a word for it’s phobia – paraskevidekatriaphobia – which means “fear of Friday the 13th.” During dinner I was seated with four MSC confreres and we discussed the significance of this day. What I gathered from our discussion is that May 13th is quite significant in the Catholic world for the following reasons
Podcast Essentials
I consider podcasting as one of today’s most effective tools in sharing personal reflections and in proclaiming God’s liberating message of joy, peace and love online. Here are the hardwares and softwares I use for my podcasts.
Podcast: 3rd Weekly Papal Audience
“Take courage; I have overcome the world!” (Jn 16:33). Pope Benedict XVI quoted this New Testament verse during his third weekly general audience this morning at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. Listen to the podcast for his full message.
A Most Ordinary Day
There was nothing unusual about my day today. And it’s exactly the ordinariness of this day that made me want to thank God.
Follow Fr. Stephen, MSC
- Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
- Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
- Feast of the Sto. Niño (Year B)
- The Epiphany of the Lord (Year B)
- Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God (Year B)
