Chronicle of the Apostles of Mary - (January- May 2009)

JANUARY

January 18 the Chief Captain met the members and aspirants of the Miraculous Medal Clan – Jaro, Iloilo.

January 23 Chief Captain Jerwin Aguinaldo and National Sec. Yolly Eileen Gamutan attended Bioethics Convention at St. Louis University in Baguio City organized by the Catholic Physicians Guild of the Philippines. The said event was also attended by some members of ACIM – Asia. After the convention the team was selling books like My Catholic Faith, The Great Heresies and about the Tridentine Latin Mass.

January 30 – February 2 Baguio Mission with Fr. Suelo. The Chief Captain followed up the members of the Lourdes Clan. Also, he met the doctor of St. Louis University Hospital to discuss about the Latin Mass.

FEBRUARY

February 5 – 6 (until noon) The Chief Captain and ACIM Asia Secretary attended the 16th Postgraduate Course in Bioethics at University of Sto. Tomas Manila, which was also attended by medical practitioners and members of religious communities.

February 6 (afternoon) The Chief Captain attended the 4^th Annual Convention of the Bioethics Society of the Philippines at the University of Sto. Tomas College of Medicine with the theme “Upholding Inviolability of Human Life”. Many pro-life health professionals and other religious organizations attended the said convention.

February 7  Fr. Couture said a Mass at 4:00 am assisted by the Chief Captain.  After taking breakfast, some faithful joined Fr. Couture in Zambales to distribute rice and canned goods to the Aetas community. 

February 21 – 29 All clans did the Novena to the Holy Ghost for the 11^th Anniversary of the League.

February 22 Launching of the spiritual bouquet to stop the reproductive health bills in Congress.

February 26  Reproduction of the Spiritual Bouquet Forms

February 27 – March 2 Baguio Mission with Fr. Suelo. The Chief talked again with the doctor at SLU hospital. He also gave a short conference on the End of Man to members of Lourdes Clan and briefed them about the upcoming National Pilgrimage.

MARCH

March 1  11^th Anniversary of the League. The clans did a short pilgrimage, procession or apostolate to commemorate the said occasion.

March 10 – 18 The League offered a novena to St. Joseph for the conversion of souls and for the success of the 8^th National Youth Pilgrimage.

March 18  The Chief Captain arrived in Bohol to prepare the National Pilgrimage, meet the pilgrimage committee, and the members of San Jose Clan.

March 19  The Chief Captain visited the Cathedral of St. Joseph in the Diocese of Tagbilaran.

March 25  Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. All clans did a raffle of good works.

March 28  The Chief Captain gave a conference regarding the 4 temperaments in the municipality of Baclayon in Bohol, which was attended by 15 youth. 

APRIL

April 4  The Chief Captain met the National Treasurer and the Vice Chief Captain in Cebu. They discussed the situation of the youth there in Cebu. Also, they discussed the issue of the lifting of ex-communication of the Society of St. Pius X.

April 5 Psalm Sunday. The Chief Captain attended a Mass in Dagohoy. The Sung Mass was offered by Fr. Ghela. After the Mass, the Chief Captain met the youth there and encouraged them to join the Apostles of Mary.

April 8-12  The members of San Jose Clan, some faithful from Bohol and the Chief Captain traveled to Cebu for the Holy Week Ceremony. On free time they prepared the souvenirs for the pilgrimage. On Black Saturday, they visited eight churches.

 

April 27 The Chief Captain went to the bishop’s residence to set an appointment with the Bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran to discuss the upcoming national pilgrimage and to ask permission from him to allow us to say Mass at the Cathedral and at Loboc Church.

April 29 Fr. Albert Ghela and the Chief Captain spoke to the Bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran regarding the said pilgrimage.

April 30  The permission was released through an official letter from Msgr. Jeffrey Malanog, JCL.

The Roman Catholic Bishop of Tagbilaran

Bishop's Residence, Tagbilaran City, 6300 Bohol, Philippines

PERMISSION

This is to convey the permission granted by Bishop Medroso to JERWIN AGUINALDO, Chief Captain of the Apostles of Mary Catholic Youth League of the Philippines, on the occasion of thier 8th National Youth Pilgrimage on May 7 - 9, 2009 from Tagbilaran City to Carmen, Bohol to visit and come by the different churches along their itinerary. They have come to my office and discussed with me about the purpose of thier visit. Hence, I can attest and vouch for the integrity and veracity of thier activities as group belonging to the Apostles of Mary. Please welcome him and his group whenever they will drop by your parish church.

Given this at the chancery office of the Diocese of Tagbilaran on April 30, 2009

Sgd:

Msgr. Jeffrey P. Malanog, JCL

Vicar General

MAY

May 7- 10        8^th National Youth Pilgrimage. 

The event was attended by more than 350 youth and adults from different parts of the country.

The League wishes to thank all the sponsors who helped in the success of the annual event. Special thanks to the following:

* Mayor Leon Calipusan of Loboc for allowing us to use the Loboc Gym for 2 nights and for safety and security of the pilgrims.

* Philippine Red Cross Bohol Chapter through Jacinto Quimson, RMT, Officer in Charge, for first aid and medical assistance for the entire pilgrimage. We were provided with 3 volunteers and 1 ambulance.

* Philippine Army through Lt. Col. Alfredo Sanchez, Commanding Officer, for the 2 big tents (which could accommodate 50 persons per tent). His men even volunteered to set-up and dismantle the tents.

* PNP Batuan, headed by SPO4 Gamaliel Merlas, Commander, for providing security of the pilgrims during the pilgrimage. They served as traffic marshals.

* PNP Carmen, which provided the same free service to the pilgrims.

* Msgr. Jeffrey Manalog, JCL, Vicar General and Bishop Medroso, Diocese of Tagbilaran, for allowing us to visit and enter different churches and parishes.

* Our gratitude also to the sponsor of the trophies, Mr. Lito Geronimo, who also sponsored last year's trophies.

May 12 – 16    Formation Session. Fr. Ghela served as the chaplain for the formation, assisted by some brothers who were former AoM members.

May 21  The Chief Captain visited the camp of the Philippine Army in Bilar, Bohol to express his gratitude to the commanding officer for their generous support to the national pilgrimage. As thanksgiving, the Chief Captain offered a bottle of wine and the book on the life of President Garcia Moreno to the public relation officer of the Army. Also, he met the school principal of Loboc Central Elementary school to extend his gratitude in behalf of the League.

AoM Joins ACIM-Asia Medical Missions

The members of Apostles of Mary in Manila is joining the Medical Mission conducted by ACIM-Asia. The team is spearheaded by Dr. Roel Cagape, MD from Gensan who has been giving free consultations and check up to patients and victims of Typhoon Ondoy since October 3, 2009. He is accompanied by three French volunteers namely, Maladi, Blandine and Perrine who arrived in the Philippines months ago to help in the activites of ACIM-Asia.
The medical team has served the following barangays: Brgy. Tanong, Marikina; Brgy. Malanday, Marikina; Brgy. Tatalon, Quezon City; Brgy. Tumana, Marikina (2 days).
Next week, the team will go to the following areas with their corresponding schedules:
October 12, MONDAY- Brgy. Bagong Silangan, QC
October 13, TUESDAY- Brgy. Gulod, QC
October 15, THURSDAY- San Mateo, Rizal


For these events, we need volunteers such as doctors, nurses and students to help us in the medical mission. There are hundreds of patients who need our assistance and we need enough manpower to be able to serve as more patients as possible in a day. Due gratitude is given to all those who have been supporting our cause. We shall be publishing the names of the generous people who shared their time and skills with ACIM-Asia in the coming days.

Contact the following for the schedules:

Dr. Roel Cagape- 09213071365
Jerwin Aguinaldo- 09278736352

OLVC Conducts Relief Operation

October 3, 2009- The faithful of Our Lady of Victories Church through the leadership of Fr. Adam Purdy, the church prior, conducted a relief operation to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy in Brgy. Tanong, Marikina. The group distributed canned goods, bottled water, rice, noodles and even rosaries to almost 400 residents of the said place. Members from the Apostles of Mary, Cristeros and Junior Legionaries came the day before to repack the goods and distribute tickets to the residents of Brgy. Tanong. The said team were joined in by members ofKnights of Our Ladythe following day for the distribution.

There is always a spiritual in every activity and just as the priests from OLVC wanted to take the opportunity to spread the influence of Catholicism, Fr. Dolotina and Fr. Suelo baptized at least 15 babies from the same site. We welcome those children to the Christian world and may they grow and remain Catholics!

An Afternoon with the Bishop

Msgr. Tissier de Mallerais visits our Lady of Victories Church to conduct Confirmation to 29 children (20 boys; 9 girls) in November 15, 2009. The ceremony started at 8 AM which was immdediately followed with Pontifical Mass. He was assisted by Frs. Adam Purdy and Roy Dolotina. The AoM was there not only to witness the ceremony but also to serve in the Mass and to sing in the choir.

The Mt. Carmel Clan had their meeting in the afternoon. After the reporting, Fr. Dolotina joined the group to teach them French songs: Je Mets Ma Confiance and another version of Je Vous Salue.

The group learned that Msgr. Mallerais was walking down the school hall so they took the opportunity to meet and talk with him. Then the group sang the French songs which they have just learned. It was a very nice experience for having kissed his hands and have a photo with him.

Msgr. Mallerais smiles for the camera.

 

The clan introduced itself to the Bishop then offered French songs to him. He gave short explanations and story on the songs the clan presented.

 

  

Msgr. Mallerais and the members of Mt. Carmel Clan had a short chitchat. It was short but memorable. He learned that our group was founded by Fr. Marc Vernoy, a French priest.

 

The group, here with Fr. Dolotina, poses with Msgr. Tissier de Mallerais.

Formation Session

May 12-16, 2009- Bohol, Philippines. Youth from the provinces of Bohol, Mambusao, Zamboanga City and Baguio City attended a 5-day formation session after the pilgrimage. It was held in two different venues: in La Paz, Cortes and in Panglao island.

The formation session involved conferences, film showing, outing and of course hearing of the Holy sacrifice of the Mass for the formation and development of the Four Foundations of the League to the participants namely, interior life, study, charity and apostolic action. Below are the speakers with their corresponding topics:

Fr. Albert Ghela- Maturity, Responsibility, Salvation of Soul.
 
Jerwin Aguinaldo- Four Foundations, Law and Apostolate, History of the League, AoM Constitution, Rules and Regulations.

Eleazar Rabon- Catechism on the Holy Mass.

Renalyn- On Marian Modesty.

Br. Andre-Singing and Choir practice.

Br. Theophane- Serving in the Mass.

Br. Isidore-  Devotion to Mary.

A film showing on "The Mission" was also conducted, which was a story about the Jesuit mission in tribal areas that eventually became a Catholic community. While eating, the participants also listened to "Illiad and the Odyssey" by Dr. David Allen White.

Other than listening to a series of conferences, the participants were also given specific tasks as part of their training and formation like cleaning, washing the dishes, preparing the altar for the Mass,etc. As a tradition, a bonfire was set on the last night of the formation session and on the following day, the group went for an outing at Balicasag and Virgin Islands, where they had the chance to see dolphins, who were as eager to see them.

For photos, click HERE.

8th National Traditional Pilgrimage

Bohol, Philippines- The Apostles of Mary hosted for the eighth time the annual pilgrimage to Fatima Shrine in Carmen, Bohol. The event was attended by more than 350 youth and adults from different parts of the country. The said event was even attended by participants from other countries.

It was opened with a Sung Mass at Rizal, Park in Tagbilaran City. The 3-day walk then followed which was interspersed with meals, snacks and rest during the day and conference and presentations during the night. Fr. Conrad Daniels gave a conference on the first night about the Social Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Just like in the past, the group conducted several contests like Folk Song and Marian Song and gave out various awards to deserving groups. The National Baltimore Catechism exam was conducted on the 2nd night.

The League wishes to thank all the sponsors who helped in the success of the annual event. Special thanks to the following:

* Mayor Leon Calipusan of Loboc for allowing us to use the Loboc Gym for 2 nights and for safety and security of the pilgrims.

* Philippine Red Cross Bohol Chapter through Jacinto Quimson, RMT, Officer in Charge, for first aid and medical assistance for the entire pilgrimage. We were provided with 3 volunteers and 1 ambulance.

* Philippine Army through Lt. Col. Alfredo Sanchez, Commanding Officer, for the 2 big tents (which could accommodate 50 persons per tent). His men even volunteered to set-up and dismantle the tents.

* PNP Batuan, headed by SPO4 Gamaliel Merlas, Commander, for providing security of the pilgrims during the pilgrimage. They served as traffic marshals.

* PNP Carmen, which provided the same free service to the pilgrims.

* Msgr. Jeffrey Manalog, JCL, Vicar General and Bishop Medroso, Diocese of Tagbilaran, for allowing us to visit and enter different churches and parishes.

* Our gratitude also to the sponsor of the trophies, Mr. Lito Geronimo, who also sponsored last year's trophies.

A million thanks to all of you and may the Good Lord reward your generosity!

8^th National Youth Pilgrimage

Various contest winners

Baltimore Catechism

15 – 30 years old and 31+

1^st place     Marcel Mompar          96%     Sta. Lucia, Butuan

Prizes: 1962 Daily Missal, Php 7,500.00, Gold Medal and Certificate

2^nd place    Vanessa Gerondio       91.5%  Sta. Lucia, Butuan

Prizes: Php 6,000.00    Silver Medal and Certificates

3^rd place     Cindy Armada             83.5%  Jaro, Iloilo

Prizes: Php 5,000.00    Bronze Medal and Certificate

14 years old and under

1^st place     Jessa Claire Cabusao       95.5%     Sta. Lucia, Butuan

Prizes: Catechism in Picture    Php 2,000.00    Gold Medal and Certificate

Folk Song Contest

1^st prize     San Jose Clan, Bohol

 Prizes: Trophy and Certificate

2^nd place   Sta. Lucia, Butuan

    Prize: Trophy

3^rd place    Miraculous Medal Clan, Jaro, Iloilo
Mt. Carmen Clan, Manila 
Prize: Trophy

Best Costume     Sta. Lucia, Butuan

                          Prize: Certificate
 

Marian Song Contest

1^st prize     San Jose Clan, Bohol

 Prizes: Trophy and Certificate

2^nd prize    Sta. Lucia, Butuan
Prize: Trophy

3^rd prize     AoM & LoM Manila

Prize: Trophy

Minor Awards
Best Group Banner                
          Miraculous Medal Clan, Jaro, Iloilo

          Prize: Certificate

Most Lively Group                
          Sta. Lucia, Butuan

          Prize: Certificate

Most Organized Group         
          Sta. Barbara Clan, Iloilo

          Prize: Certificate

Largest Contingent                
          Jaro, Iloilo

          Prize: Certificate

Congratulations to the winners!

For photos, click on the PHOTO tab (link to Picasa web album).