YouFra - Cabuyao

18/01/2026

𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟖 I Feast of the Santo Niño

“𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘯, 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘶𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯. 𝘞𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯.” (Matthew 18:3–4)

The Feast of the Santo Niño reminds us that God chose to come to us not in power or riches, but in the small and gentle form of a Child. In the Philippines, our deep devotion to the Holy Child reflects a faith that is simple, trusting, and joyful—like the hearts of children who run to their Father without fear.

In the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, Jesus teaches that greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who become like children: humble, dependent, and sincere in love (Mt 18:3–4). When we gaze upon the image of the Santo Niño, we are invited to lay down our pride and return to this childlike spirit—one that believes even in darkness, hopes even in trials, and loves without condition.

Jesus also reminds us not to despise the little ones, for they are precious in the eyes of the Father (Mt 18:10). In honoring the Santo Niño, we are called to protect life, uplift the poor, and care for the weak, seeing Christ Himself in every small and vulnerable person.

May this feast renew in us a faith that is humble, a love that is gentle, and a trust that is firm—so that, like the Santo Niño, we may carry God’s presence into the world through simplicity and compassion.

Viva Pit Señor!👑💖

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬: The Holy Bible (NRSV) - Matthew 18:1–5, 10, Catechism of the Catholic Church (nos. 525–526 & 2785, Lumen Gentium (no.8)

10/01/2026

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐊𝐔𝐘𝐀 𝐆𝐈𝐋𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐓! 🎂💖

On this special day, the YouFra – Cabuyao community joyfully greets you, John Gilbert Manzo with hearts full of gratitude and appreciation.

Thank you for your faithful service as an Altar Server and as a Lector & Commentator. Your dedication to the ministry and to the Church is a beautiful witness of humility, commitment, and love for God’s people. Through your voice and your service at the altar, you help bring the Word of God to life and inspire many to grow deeper in faith.

As you celebrate another year of life, we entrust you to the loving intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Clare of Assisi. May their examples of simplicity, joyful service, deep prayer, and total trust in God inspire you to continue walking faithfully in your vocation and mission.

May the Lord bless you with good health, strength, and unending joy. May He continue to guide your steps, deepen your faith, and reward you for your generosity in serving Him and the community.

𝑶𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒃𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒅𝒂𝒚, 𝑲𝒖𝒚𝒂 𝑮𝒊𝒍𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒕! 𝑴𝒂𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒃𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒆, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑮𝒐𝒅’𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆. 🥰✨

08/01/2026

January 9 I 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐞 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐨

Every January 9, the Filipino faithful gather in great numbers to celebrate the National Feast of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno, one of the most profound expressions of popular piety in the Philippines. Centered at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo, Manila, this feast commemorates the Traslación—the solemn procession of the life-sized image of the Black Nazarene, depicting Christ carrying the Cross on His way to Calvary.

The image, carved in dark wood and brought to the Philippines from Mexico in the early 17th century, has become a powerful symbol of Christ’s solidarity with the suffering and struggling. Millions of devotees participate in the annual procession, walking barefoot, pulling the carriage, and striving to touch the image or its ropes. These acts of devotion express deep faith, repentance, thanksgiving, and trust in God’s mercy. For many Filipinos, the Black Nazarene is not a distant Christ, but a Lord who walks with them in poverty, illness, injustice, and daily trials.

The devotion to Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno reflects the Filipino understanding of faith as lived and embodied—a faith that embraces sacrifice, endurance, and hope. It reminds the faithful that following Christ means carrying one’s cross with love and perseverance, confident that suffering united with Christ leads to new life and resurrection.

As Franciscan Youth of Cabuyao, we look to Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno as our model of humble love and self-giving service. In His slow and painful walk to Calvary, we see a Christ who chooses to remain close to the poor, the wounded, and the forgotten. He teaches us that true strength is found in humility and that real greatness is shown in love that endures.

May this feast inspire us, especially the youth, to carry our own crosses with faith and joy, to walk alongside those who suffer, and to follow Jesus in simplicity, compassion, and peace—just as Saint Francis of Assisi taught. With Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno, may we continue our journey as instruments of hope and reconciliation in our community.

𝑽𝒊𝒗𝒂 𝑷𝒐𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝑱𝒆𝒔𝒖𝒔 𝑵𝒂𝒛𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒐!

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬: Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno (Quiapo Church), Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Catechism of the Catholic Church (nos. 618, 1674–1676), Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (P*P II), Holy Bible (Matthew 16:24 & Isaiah 53:3–5)

02/01/2026

January 2 I 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 & 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐍𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐞𝐧, 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐬 & 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡

𝑺𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 (c. 330–379)

Saint Basil the Great was born into a deeply Christian family in Caesarea of Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey). Several members of his family are saints, including his brother Saint Gregory of Nyssa and his sister Saint Macrina the Younger, which already hints at the remarkable spiritual environment that shaped his life.

Basil received an excellent education in Caesarea, Constantinople, and Athens, where he became close friends with Gregory Nazianzen. Although gifted intellectually, Basil chose a life rooted in prayer, service, and discipline. Inspired by monastic communities in Egypt and Syria, he founded monasteries in Cappadocia and wrote what would become the Rule of Saint Basil, a foundational guide for Eastern monasticism that emphasized community life, prayer, work, and care for the poor.

In 370, Basil was ordained Bishop of Caesarea. His episcopacy was marked by courageous leadership during the A***n controversy, which denied the full divinity of Christ. Basil vigorously defended the Church’s teaching on the Trinity, particularly the divinity of the Holy Spirit. His theological writings, especially On the Holy Spirit, played a decisive role in shaping orthodox Christian doctrine.

Beyond theology, Basil was renowned for his charity. He established the Basiliad, a vast complex that included a hospital, hospice, and shelter for the poor—an unprecedented social institution for its time. Because of his theological clarity, pastoral zeal, and concern for the marginalized, Basil earned the title “the Great.”

𝑺𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝑵𝒂𝒛𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒛𝒆𝒏 (c. 329–390)

Saint Gregory Nazianzen was born in A***nzus, near Nazianzus in Cappadocia, to a devout Christian family. His father, also named Gregory, later became Bishop of Nazianzus. Like Basil, Gregory pursued advanced studies and met Basil while studying in Athens, forming a lifelong friendship grounded in faith and intellectual pursuit.

Gregory was naturally contemplative and preferred a quiet life of prayer and study. However, out of obedience and love for the Church, he accepted pastoral responsibilities. He was reluctantly ordained a priest and later consecrated a bishop. His most significant contribution came during his time in Constantinople, where A***nism had deeply influenced the Christian community.

Through a series of powerful sermons known as the Theological Orations, Gregory eloquently defended the divinity of Christ and the Holy Spirit, articulating the mystery of the Holy Trinity with exceptional clarity and depth. His preaching helped restore orthodox faith in Constantinople and prepared the way for the First Council of Constantinople (381).

Despite his success, Gregory resigned from his episcopal office, seeking once again a life of solitude. He spent his final years writing poetry and theological reflections. Because of his profound insight into the mystery of God, Gregory is honored as “The Theologian,” a title given to only a few saints in Church history.

Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen are two of the Cappadocian Fathers, alongside Gregory of Nyssa. Together, they were instrumental in defending and clarifying the Church’s teaching on the Trinity during one of Christianity’s most critical doctrinal crises. Their friendship stands as a powerful witness to how holiness, intellect, and genuine companionship can serve the Gospel.

The Church commemorates them together on January 2, recognizing their united contribution to theology, pastoral care, and Christian life.

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬: Catechism of the Catholic Church (nos. 245–256), Butler’s Lives of the Saints by Alban Butler, Basil the Great (On the Holy Spirit), Gregory Nazianzen (Theological Orations), The Roman Martyrology, The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church by F. L. Cross and E. A. Livingstone, The Holy See (vatican.va)

01/01/2026

January 1 I 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, celebrated every January 1, is one of the oldest and most important feasts honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Catholic Church. It falls within the Octave of Christmas, highlighting Mary’s essential role in the mystery of the Incarnation and emphasizing that the Child born at Christmas is truly God made man.

This solemnity proclaims Mary as 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐤𝐨𝐬, a Greek title meaning “𝘎𝘰𝘥-𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘳” or “𝘔𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥.” The title does not suggest that Mary is the origin of God’s divinity but rather affirms a core Christian belief: Jesus Christ is one divine Person with both a human and divine nature. Since Mary is the mother of Jesus, and Jesus is truly God, she is rightly honored as the Mother of God.

The Church formally affirmed this doctrine at the 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 in 431 AD, defending the unity of Christ against teachings that attempted to separate His humanity from His divinity. By honoring Mary as Mother of God, the Church safeguards the truth of who Christ is and deepens our understanding of the Incarnation.

The Gospel reading for this solemnity (Luke 2:16–21) presents Mary as a woman of faith who “𝘬𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵.” She teaches the faithful how to contemplate God’s saving work with humility, trust, and obedience.

January 1 is also observed as the 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑫𝒂𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒓𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑷𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒆, a tradition established by Pope Saint Paul VI in 1967. Placing this intention under Mary’s maternal care reminds the Church that peace begins with Christ and flourishes when humanity welcomes Him, just as Mary did.

Celebrating Mary, Mother of God at the beginning of the civil year invites the faithful to entrust the coming year to her intercession, asking her to lead us closer to her Son. As spiritual Mother of the Church, Mary continues to guide, protect, and pray for all her children as they journey in faith.

“𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐤𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭.” - Luke 2:19

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬: USCCB (Luke 1:43, Luke 2:16–21, Galatians 4:4), Catechism of the Catholic Church (nos. 466 & 495), Message for the First World Day of Peace by Pope Saint Paul VI (1967)

01/01/2026

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊‼️I New Year’s Message from the Minister Provincial

Dear brothers and sisters,

As we enter the New Year, Pope Leo reminds us that “peace is born when hearts are disarmed and dialogue is chosen over division.” Peace does not come from strength imposed or authority asserted, but from hearts made humble — hearts willing to lay down self-importance, to listen, and to be converted. It begins when we acknowledge our limits and entrust ourselves to God and to one another.

As Franciscans—fratres minores—we are called to live peace not as an idea but as a way of being. To be lesser brothers is to choose humility over privilege, relationship over rivalry, and communion over control. Our fraternity is not simply a structure of life; it is our first proclamation of the Gospel and our first place of conversion and accountability. In a world wounded by division, our simple and faithful living together becomes a quiet but powerful sign that reconciliation is truly possible.

Echoing the Holy Father’s call, we walk the path of dialogue, humility, and fraternity, trusting that “only those who choose to walk together can build a future of hope.” As fratres minores, we walk not ahead of others, but beside them—listening, learning, and allowing ourselves to be shaped by the least, the forgotten, and the poor.

May this New Year renew in us the grace to live minority with joy, tenderness, and courage. May we become ever more authentic artisans of peace—beginning with one another, and extending to every sister and brother entrusted to our care.

A grace-filled New Year to you,

Lino Gregorio V. Redoblado, OFM
Minister Provincial

New Year’s Message 2026
from the Minister Provincial

Dear brothers and sisters,

As we enter the New Year, Pope Leo reminds us that “peace is born when hearts are disarmed and dialogue is chosen over division.” Peace does not come from strength imposed or authority asserted, but from hearts made humble — hearts willing to lay down self-importance, to listen, and to be converted. It begins when we acknowledge our limits and entrust ourselves to God and to one another.

As Franciscans—fratres minores—we are called to live peace not as an idea but as a way of being. To be lesser brothers is to choose humility over privilege, relationship over rivalry, and communion over control. Our fraternity is not simply a structure of life; it is our first proclamation of the Gospel and our first place of conversion and accountability. In a world wounded by division, our simple and faithful living together becomes a quiet but powerful sign that reconciliation is truly possible.

Echoing the Holy Father’s call, we walk the path of dialogue, humility, and fraternity, trusting that “only those who choose to walk together can build a future of hope.” As fratres minores, we walk not ahead of others, but beside them—listening, learning, and allowing ourselves to be shaped by the least, the forgotten, and the poor.

May this New Year renew in us the grace to live minority with joy, tenderness, and courage. May we become ever more authentic artisans of peace—beginning with one another, and extending to every sister and brother entrusted to our care.

A grace-filled New Year to you,

Lino Gregorio V Redoblado, OFM
Minister Provincial

01/01/2026

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊‼️I Bishop Marcelino Antonio M. Maralit, Jr's Message for New Year 2026

01/01/2026

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐉𝐀𝐍𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐈𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐘 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐉𝐄𝐒𝐔𝐒

The Catholic Church dedicates the month of January to the Most Holy Name of Jesus to highlight the deep spiritual, biblical, and theological significance of the Name by which the Son of God is known and invoked. This dedication flows naturally from the Church’s liturgical calendar and from centuries of devotion centered on the saving power of Jesus’ Name.

First, the dedication of January is closely connected to the Christmas season. Eight days after Christmas, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord together with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, traditionally observed on January 1. According to Jewish law, it was on this day that the Child was formally given the Name Jesus, as commanded by God through the angel: “𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘏𝘪𝘮 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴” (cf. Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:21). The Name “𝓙𝓮𝓼𝓾𝓼,” meaning “𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬,” reveals His mission from the very beginning—to redeem humanity from sin. By dedicating January to the Holy Name, the Church invites the faithful to contemplate this saving mystery at the start of the new year.

Second, Sacred Scripture testifies to the power and holiness of the Name of Jesus. Saint Paul proclaims that God bestowed on Him “𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦, 𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘥” (Philippians 2:9–10). The Church understands the Name of Jesus not as a mere title, but as a living reality that makes present the Person of Christ Himself. To invoke His Name is to profess faith, to pray, and to place one’s trust in His saving power.

Third, the dedication of January is also rooted in the long tradition of devotion to the Holy Name. Saints such as 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐚 and 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐨 ardently promoted reverence for the Name of Jesus in the 15th century, teaching the faithful to honor it with love, humility, and faith. Their preaching helped spread devotion to the Holy Name throughout the Church, eventually leading to the establishment of a liturgical feast in its honor.

Finally, by dedicating the first month of the year to the Most Holy Name of Jesus, the Church offers a spiritual orientation for the months ahead. It is a reminder that every beginning should be placed under the sovereignty of Christ, whose Name brings hope, healing, and salvation. As the faithful begin a new year, they are encouraged to entrust their lives, plans, and struggles to Jesus, confidently invoking His Holy Name as a source of strength and grace.

In this way, January becomes not only the start of a calendar year but also a renewed call to live, pray, and hope in the Name of Jesus, the Name above all names.

"𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞, 𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐝, 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡"
- Philippians 2:9–10

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬: USCCB (Matthew 1:21, Luke 2:21, Philippians 2:9–10), Catechism of the Catholic Church (nos. 430-435), Biographies of Saint Bernardine of Siena & Saint John Capistrano