Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish

22/08/2026

TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
August 23, 2026

First Reading:
Isaiah 22:19-23

Thus says the LORD to Shebna, master of the palace:
"I will thrust you from your office
and pull you down from your station.
On that day I will summon my servant
Eliakim, son of Hilkiah;
I will clothe him with your robe,
and gird him with your sash,
and give over to him your authority.
He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem,
and to the house of Judah.
I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim's shoulder;
when he opens, no one shall shut,
when he shuts, no one shall open.
I will fix him like a peg in a sure spot,
to be a place of honor for his family."

Responsorial Psalm:
"Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands."
Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8

Second Reading:
Romans 11:33-36

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!
How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!
For who has known the mind of the Lord
or who has been his counselor?
Or who has given the Lord anything
that he may be repaid?
For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be glory forever. Amen.

Alleluia:
Matthew 16:18

You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

Gospel:
Matthew 16:13-20

Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and
he asked his disciples,
"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"
They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Simon Peter said in reply,
"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Jesus said to him in reply,
"Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah.
For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.
And so I say to you, you are Peter,
and upon this rock I will build my church,
and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
Then he strictly ordered his disciples
to tell no one that he was the Christ.

22/08/2026

21/08/2026

Statement of Sympathy to the Whole Ateneo De Zamboanga University Community from The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zamboanga.

Statement of Sympathy to the Whole Ateneo De Zamboanga University Community

Juntos en Dolor, Firmes en Fe, Unidos por Justicia
(One in Grief, Steadfast in Faith, United for Justice)

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zamboanga stands in solidarity with the Jesuit community, the Ateneo de Zamboanga University family, and all those affected by the tragic shooting incident.

We join the entire ADZU community in profound grief over the loss of young lives and in deep concern for those who have been wounded, traumatized, and deeply affected by this tragedy.

We assure the learners, teachers, personnel, families, and the entire academic community of our prayers, presence, and solidarity as we journey toward healing and recovery. In this painful moment, may no one feel alone. The Catholic faithful of Zamboanga are one with you.

We continue to believe in the power of faith formation and catechesis in nurturing the hearts and minds of our young people and teachers, forming communities rooted in compassion, respect, dialogue, responsibility, and peace. Our schools must remain safe spaces—places where young people can learn, grow, discover their dignity, and become instruments of peace.

As we mourn, we also affirm our commitment to truth, justice, and accountability. The Catholic faithful stand with the victims and their families in seeking a thorough investigation and appropriate accountability. We pray that the authorities may be guided by wisdom, fairness, courage, and a sincere commitment to justice.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”— Psalm 34:18

May the Lord embrace those who mourn, comfort those who are afraid, heal those who are wounded, and strengthen those who carry the weight of this tragedy. May He grant eternal rest to those who have died and consolation and strength to their families.

In this moment of sorrow, we choose prayer over fear, compassion over condemnation, truth over speculation, and justice over vengeance.

We grieve with you. We pray with you. We stand with you.We walk with you toward healing, justice, and peace.

— Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zamboanga

18/08/2026

In this novena, we include in our prayers the safety of our young children in schools and in places where their protection is expected.

18/08/2026

16/08/2026

The Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media will hold its General Assembly on August 21, Friday, at Sacred Heart Center, R.T. Lim Boulevard, with the theme "Amplify: Connected by Faith, Sent to Communicate."

This gathering will unite parish communicators, youth leaders, and ministry representatives to reflect, share, and strengthen the mission of proclaiming the Good News. Guided by the theme, participants will amplify their voices in service of the Church and highlight the vital role of communication in fostering unity and evangelization.

It will be a day of prayer, fellowship, and a celebration of faith, service and joy.

04/08/2026

04/08/2026

02/08/2026

ALTAR SERVERS MONTH 2026

“Amare et Servire” — To Love and To Serve.

Every step toward the altar is a response to Christ’s call. Every act of service, no matter how small, becomes an offering of love to God and His Church.

This Altar Servers Month, we celebrate every server who faithfully answers God’s call with humility, discipline, and love. May our service at the altar continue to inspire others, strengthen our faith, and glorify Christ in all that we do.

Together, let us continue to be living witnesses of faith, hope, and love.


“Whoever serves Me must follow Me.” — John 12:26