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).