OFS St. Anthony of Padua Fraternity - Las Piñas

01/05/2026

01/05/2026

Glimpse from the Permanent Profession of Bro. Jon Escoto, OFS and Bro Edwin Jimenez, OFS / May 1, 2026 / Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Joseph Bamboo Organ Church

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Jon Escoto
Shirley Paraiso Ofs
Maria Shiela Brielle
Ave Maria

01/05/2026

MAY 2 I FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH IN HONOR OF IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

01/05/2026

MAY 2 I MEMORIAL OF ST. ATHANASIUS
Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Athanasius led a tumultuous but dedicated life of service to the Church. He was the great champion of the faith against the widespread heresy of A***nism, the teaching by Arius that Jesus was not truly divine. The vigor of his writings earned him the title of doctor of the Church.
Born of a Christian family in Alexandria, Egypt, and given a classical education, Athanasius became secretary to Alexander, the bishop of Alexandria, entered the priesthood and was eventually named bishop himself. His predecessor, Alexander, had been an outspoken critic of a new movement growing in the East—A***nism.
When Athanasius assumed his role as bishop of Alexandria, he continued the fight against A***nism. At first, it seemed that the battle would be easily won and that A***nism would be condemned. Such, however, did not prove to be the case. The Council of Tyre was called and for several reasons that are still unclear, the Emperor Constantine exiled Athanasius to northern Gaul. This was to be the first in a series of travels and exiles reminiscent of the life of Saint Paul.
After Constantine died, his son restored Athanasius as bishop. This lasted only a year, however, for he was deposed once again by a coalition of A***n bishops. Athanasius took his case to Rome, and Pope Julius I called a synod to review the case and other related matters.
Five times Athanasius was exiled for his defense of the doctrine of Christ’s divinity. During one period of his life, he enjoyed 10 years of relative peace—reading, writing, and promoting the Christian life along the lines of the monastic ideal to which he was greatly devoted. His dogmatic and historical writings are almost all polemic, directed against every aspect of A***nism.
Among his ascetical writings, his Life of St. Anthony achieved astonishing popularity and contributed greatly to the establishment of monastic life throughout the Western Christian world.

ST. ATHANASIUS, Pray for us.

01/05/2026

Warmest and heartfelt congratulations to our newly professed brothers, Bro. Jon Escoto, OFS and Bro. Edwin Jimenez, OFS, of the Order of Franciscan Secular – St. Anthony of Padua Fraternity at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Joseph (Bamboo Organ Parish), Las Piñas City!

Your profession, held today, May 1, 2026, on the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, is a beautiful testament to your commitment to live the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Anthony of Padua. May the example of St. Joseph the Worker inspire your dedication to service, humility, and the promotion of Christ’s peace in our parish community.

Pax et Bonum! May the Lord bless you abundantly as you begin this new chapter of your vocation.

30/04/2026

MAY 1 I FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH IN HONOR OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS

30/04/2026

MAY 1 I FEAST OF LA VIRGEN DIVINA PASTORA
"Queen of the Central Plains"

In the historic province of Nueva Ecija, located in the Central Luzon Region, where agriculture and commerce are thriving and played an important role in the Philippine Revolution as one of the provinces that revolted against the Spanish regime for the cause of Independence, the faith is still much alive and well in the province because of its devotion to the Mother of God that the people inherited to their forefathers for centuries. In almost every church in the province, one can see a unique image of the Blessed Mother known as La Virgen Divina Pastora where she has been acclaimed as the Queen of Nueva Ecija for years.

The Divina Pastora for centuries, since her arrival, has manifested to the people of Gapan and later the whole province with miracles that she earned a special place in the heart of everyone in the province and the whole of Central Luzon she was also known as “The Queen of the Central Plains”.

The Apparitions of the Divina Pastora date back in 1703 when Fray Isidro of the Capuchin Order in Seville Spain while meditating on Jesus as the Good Shepherd, saw the Blessed Virgin as the Divine Shepherdess on June 24, 1703, with the following description: “In the center and under the shade of a tree, the most holy Virgin seated in a rock, radiating from her face divine love and tenderness. The red tunic, but covered the bust to the knees, and wore a girdle at the waist. A blue mantle, penciled to the left shoulder, will envelop the environment of her body, and to the right on her back, she wears the straw hat, and next to the right hand will appear the staff. In her right hand on a lamb that is placed in her lap. Some sheep will surround the Virgin, forming her flock and all in their mouths will carry roses, symbolic of the “Ave Maria” with which they venerate her.”

The Friar also saw St. Michael the Archangel fighting Satan who is depicted as a wolf who runs after the sheep who went to the Virgin. The first image of the Divina Pastora was first commissioned to the artist Alonso Miguel de Tovar of the Escuela Pictórica Sevillana months later and on September 8, 1703, during the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin, the painting was exposed and a procession took place later. Miracles were later reported through the intercession of the Virgin as the Divina Pastora. Years later, Francisco Antonio Ruiz Gijón, sculpted the first life-sized image of the Divina Pastora. The devotion and the apparition received Papal Approval from Pope Pius VI on August 1, 1795.

The devotion to the La Divina Pastora became widely popular in Seville, later it spread out throughout Spain and several replicas of the Virgin were commissioned and venerated in their own localities. With the strong popularity of the devotion, the Capuchins brought along with them the devotion to the Divina Pastora to different Spanish colonies from Mexico, Latin America, and the Philippines.

In our country, the center of devotion to the Divina Pastora is located in her National Shrine in Gapan, Nueva Ecija where the devotion flourished over the centuries. In most books about the history of different venerated Marian images in the Philippines, almost all of them stated that it was brought by the Augustinian Missionaries on an unknown date and got lost for some time yet years later, they found the image on the trunks of the callos tree as if she is watching over the shepherds of the place. Despite the perpetuated popular belief of her arrival, there was an actual account of how the image arrived in the country.

The origin of the Divina Pastora in the country began in the late 1700s, the same period where devotion in Spain was thriving. It was through a dream that the Virgin appeared to Doña Juana Valmonte, daughter of the influential Don Bartolome Valmonte who was then the Gobernadorcillo of Gapan and also known as the overseer of their family farm in Barrio Callos, now part of Peñarada which is adjacent to Gapan.

In the dream, the Virgin asked Doña Juana to fetch an image of her from Spain and be transported to her land. Perplexed, she immediately asked her father for the meaning of her dream, her father in turn asked her daughter to ask their friar friend (probably their confessor as well) for his advice on what she should do next. Immediately, she went to Intramuros to seek guidance from the family’s friar friend regarding her dream. The friar, listened intently to her narration of her dream and then recalled the devotion to the Divina Pastora and related its history and popularity. It was then that she was convinced that this was the sign that she hoped for and she resolved to have an image of the Divina Pastora from Seville and chose her as the Patroness of the family’s farm in Nueva Ecija. With the necessary arrangements made for this providential purchase, the image (the original image) arrived months later via Manila – Acapulco Galleon Trade and received the image in Intramuros and took the beautiful petite image with her back home.

The wooden image was first enshrined in their family home in Gapan, then later transferred to their farmhouse and prayed for an abundant harvest, the Virgin in turn generously granted them these graces from her Son that led to the tradition of celebrating her feast day every First of May – which is the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the Marian month of May.

LA VIRGEN DIVINA PASTORA, Pray for us.

30/04/2026

MAY 1 I FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER

"May Day" has long been dedicated to labor and the working man. It falls on the first day of the month that is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pope Pius XII expressed the hope that this feast would accentuate the dignity of labor and would bring a spiritual dimension to labor unions. It is eminently fitting that St. Joseph, a working man who became the foster-father of Christ and patron of the universal Church, should be honored on this day.

The texts of the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours provide a catechetical synthesis of the significance of human labor seen in the light of faith. The Opening Prayer states that God, the creator and ruler of the universe, has called men and women in every age to develop and use their talents for the good of others. The Office of Readings, taken from the document of the Second Vatican Council on the Church in the modern world, develops this idea. In every type of labor we are obeying the command of God given in Genesis 2:15 and repeated in the responsory for the Office of Readings. The responsory for the Canticle of Zechariah says that "St. Joseph faithfully practiced the carpenter's trade. He is a shining example for all workers." Then, in the second part of the Opening Prayer, we ask that we may do the work that God has asked of us and come to the rewards he has promised. In the Prayer after Communion we ask: "May our lives manifest your love; may we rejoice for ever in your peace."

The liturgy for this feast vindicates the right to work, and this is a message that needs to be heard and heeded in our modern society. In many of the documents issued by Pope John XXIII, Pope Paul VI, the Second Vatican Council and Pope John Paul II, reference is made to the Christian spirit that should permeate one's work, after the example of St. Joseph. In addition to this, there is a special dignity and value to the work done in caring for the family. The Office of Readings contains an excerpt from the Vatican II document on the modern world: "Where men and women, in the course of gaining a livelihood for themselves and their families, offer appropriate service to society, they can be confident that their personal efforts promote the work of the Creator, confer benefits on their fellowmen, and help to realize God's plan in history" (no. 34).
—Excerpted from Saints of the Roman Calendar by Enzo Lodi

ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER, Pray for us.

29/04/2026

May God's protection and care be with you forever.
May you experience God's love and compassion.
May you get a taste of His goodness.
May each and every day of yours be lightened up by His glory.
May you constantly feel His loving and tender touch
and may you sense His never-dying love for you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sis. Yolanda , OFS 🎊🎉🎂🎁
Pax et Bonum!

29/04/2026

APRIL 30 I MEMORIAL OF BL. BENEDICT OF URBINO
Priest, OFM Cap.

Blessed Benedict of Urbino, also known as Benedetto da Urbino, Benito of Urbino, and born as Marco Passionei on 13 September 1560, was the seventh of eleven children born to Domenico Passionei and Maddalena Cibo, who belonged to the Italian nobility. Sadly, Marco became an orphan at a young age and was plagued by frail health throughout his life.

Despite these challenges, Marco was determined to pursue his education and excelled in his studies. He attended the University of Perugia and later the University of Padua, where he graduated with degrees in civil and canon law in 1582. His academic accomplishments laid the foundation for a successful career.

Marco began his professional journey as a clerk to Cardinal Giovanni Girolamo Albani in Rome, Italy. However, as a young man, he felt a strong call to religious life. Despite the opposition from his family, who wanted him to pursue a secular career, and his own poor health, which led to rejections from several religious communities, he persevered.

On 1 May 1584, at the age of 24, Marco succeeded in joining the Franciscan Capuchin friars at the convent of Santa Caterina. He made his profession in 1585, taking the name Benedict of Urbino. Following his ordination as a priest in 1590, he dedicated his life to serving God and others.

Father Benedict's passion for helping the poor and fostering unity within the Church led him to work alongside Saint Lawrence of Brindisi in Austria and Bohemia starting from 1600. Together, they tirelessly reached out to those in need, providing assistance and support to the less fortunate. Additionally, they focused on reconciling Hussites and Lutherans with the Catholic Church, aiming to restore unity among Christians.

Although Father Benedict's fragile health often forced him to take breaks, he persisted in his mission for many years, leading an ascetic life of penance. His unwavering dedication to charity, mercy, and the promotion of unity earned him great respect within the Church.

On 30 April 1625, Father Benedict passed away in Fossombrone, Pesaro-Urbino, Italy, due to complications following surgery. His selfless life of service and exemplary virtues led to his veneration by the Catholic Church. Pope Pius VI recognized his heroic virtues on 24 February 1798, and Pope Pius IX beatified him on 10 February 1867.

Although information regarding his specific representations is unavailable, the memory of Blessed Benedict of Urbino lives on through the celebration of his feast day on 30 April. His extraordinary life serves as an inspiration and a testimony to the power of faith, perseverance, and dedication to the service of God and humanity.

BL. BENEDICT OF URBINO, Pray for us.

29/04/2026

APRIL 30 I MEMORIAL OF ST. JOSEPH BENEDICT COTTOLENGO
Founder and OFS

Saint Joseph Benedict Cottolengo, also known as Giuseppe Benedetto Cottolengo, was born on May 3, 1786, in Bra, Cuneo, Piedmont region, Italy. He came from a middle-class family and displayed a strong sense of faith from a young age. After completing his studies at the seminary in Turin, Italy, Joseph was ordained a priest in 1811. Initially, Joseph treated his priesthood more as a career rather than a vocation. However, this perspective started to change one fateful night when he was called to the bedside of a poor, sick woman in labor. Despite her urgent need for medical attention, the woman had been turned away everywhere due to her inability to pay. Joseph stayed with her throughout her painful ordeal, offering spiritual solace and administering the sacraments. He baptized her newborn daughter, who tragically passed away alongside the mother. This traumatic event deeply affected Joseph and caused a significant shift in his understanding of his calling as a priest. In 1827, Joseph founded a small shelter in Turin for the sick and homeless. Initially renting a room, he filled it with beds and sought assistance from both male and female volunteers. The demand for their services grew rapidly, and Joseph received support from the Brothers of Saint Vincent and the Vincentian Sisters. However, during a cholera outbreak in 1831, the local authorities closed down the hospice, fearing it was a source of the illness. Not discouraged by this setback, Giuseppe relocated his operation to the Valdocco area of Turin in 1832 and named the shelter the Little House of Divine Providence (Piccola Casa). Under Joseph's leadership, the Casa expanded significantly, becoming a complex that included asylums, orphanages, hospitals, schools, workshops, chapels, almshouses, and various programs to aid the poor, sick, and needy. The entire community relied almost entirely on alms and Joseph's unwavering trust in Providence. He refused offers of state assistance, yet the Casa never lacked for anything. Saint Joseph Benedict Cottolengo founded fourteen communities to serve the residents of the Little House of Divine Providence. These communities included the Daughters of Compassion, Daughters of the Good Shepherd, Hermits of the Holy Rosary, and Priests of the Holy Trinity. Even until a few days before his death, Joseph directed the operation of the Casa. He passed away on April 30, 1842, in Chieri, Turin, Italy, due to typhus. Joseph's legacy lived on as the Casa continued to serve thousands of people daily, even after his death. Today, the institution remains a testament to his faith and dedication to the most vulnerable in society. Saint Joseph Benedict Cottolengo's tireless work and selflessness were recognized by Pope Leo XIII, who proclaimed his heroic virtues on February 10, 1901. Pope Benedict XV beatified him on April 29, 1917, and Pope Pius XI later canonized him on March 19, 1934. Although Saint Joseph Benedict Cottolengo does not have a specific patronage, his life and work continue to inspire Christian charity and devotion. His feast day is celebrated on April 30, with some calendars also recognizing it on April 29. Saint Joseph Benedict Cottolengo's dedication to the care of the poor and his unwavering trust in Divine Providence make him a model of selflessness and faith for the Catholic faithful.

ST. JOSEPH BENEDICT COTTOLENGO, Pray for us.

28/04/2026

APRIL 29 I MEMORIAL OF ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA
Virgin and Doctor of the Church

Saint Catherine of Siena, also known as Caterina Benincasa, Catharine of Siena, or Katharine of Siena, was born on March 25, 1347, in Siena, Tuscany, Italy. She was the youngest of 24 children, and her father worked as a wool-dyer. At the age of seven, Catherine had a visionary experience where Jesus appeared to her alongside the apostles Peter, Paul, and John. During this encounter, Jesus blessed her and she consecrated herself to Him. This early divine encounter deeply influenced Catherine's life and spiritual journey. As Catherine grew older, her parents arranged marriages for her, following the cultural norms of the time. However, she strongly resisted these plans and instead decided to enter religious life. At the age of 15, Catherine became a Dominican tertiary and dedicated her time to serving the poor and sick, which attracted many others to join in her mission. Throughout her life, Catherine had numerous mystical experiences and visions. One of the most significant occurred when she received a vision in which she was mystically married to Christ, and the Infant Christ presented her with a wedding ring. These visions further propelled her into a life of deep spirituality and commitment to Christ. Catherine also felt a calling to become involved in public life. She acted as a counselor and correspondent to Pope Gregory XI and Pope Urban VI, providing them with spiritual advice and guidance during challenging times in the Church. Her contributions to papal affairs earned her the respect and admiration of the pontiffs. In 1375, Catherine received the stigmata, experiencing the wounds of Christ on her own body. This mystical sign further solidified her reputation as a holy woman and dedicated servant of God. During her life, Catherine lived in Avignon, France, in 1376 and later moved to Rome, Italy, in 1378. She continued her works of charity and spiritual guidance until her death. Catherine passed away on April 29, 1380, in Rome, from a mysterious and painful illness that appeared suddenly and remained undiagnosed. She was buried in the Dominican church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome. Soon after her death, a funerary monument was erected in 1380 by her confessor, Blessed Raymond of Capua. In 1430, her relics were re-enshrined, and in 1466, they were placed at the high altar of the church. In July 1461, Pope Pius II canonized Catherine, recognizing her exceptional holiness and sanctity. Centuries later, on October 4, 1970, she was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church. Saint Catherine of Siena is often depicted in art carrying symbols associated with her life and spirituality, including a cross, crown of thorns, heart, lily, ring, and stigmata. She is venerated as the patron saint against bodily ills, fire, illness, miscarriages, sexual temptation, sickness, temptations, fire prevention, firefighters, nurses, nursing services, people ridiculed for their piety, sick people, Theta Phi Alpha sorority, Europe, Italy, Allentown (Pennsylvania, USA) diocese, Gamboma (Congo) diocese, Macau (China) diocese, Siena (Italy), and Varazze (Italy). The life of Saint Catherine of Siena continues to inspire and guide people worldwide in their faith, dedication to God, and compassionate service to others.

ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA, Pray for us.