The greatest reason to be joyful

Fray Anthony Irineo, OAR•December 16, 2017

Joining a pilgrimage is an enriching experience but one of its hitches is that a cover from a pilgrim site to another would be draining. The good thing is that every after two hours, the bus would halt at a gas station or a restaurant for its obligatory rest. After few hours of traveling, upon spotting the road sign, “You are now entering (name of the tourist spot)” or ” (name of the place) is just 5 kilometers ahead,” the feeling of dullness becomes an excitement. Others begin to be awake. Some would clap their hands, or scream, or make a cheerful sound, or render a sign of joy because the long-awaited place is just at hand.

That mindfulness of anticipation is quite similar to what we celebrate this Third Sunday of Advent, the Gaudete Sunday. ‘Gaudete,’ that is, rejoice! It is a time to be joyful because the coming of the Lord (His birthday, Christmas) is near!

What are our reasons to be joyful? It could be an answered prayer, a recovery from sickness, a good harvest, for having passed an examination, for being hired for a job, for having won a contest, etc. In the First Reading (Is 61:1-2a, 10-11), Isaiah tells us of his reasons: “(…) for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation and wrapped me in a mantle of justice (…).” In the Psalm, the psalmist says: “(…) for he has looked upon his lowly servant (…), he has done great things for me (…), he has mercy on those who fear him (…), he has filled the hungry with good things (…), he has remembered his promise of mercy. In the Second Reading (1 Thes 5:16-24), St. Paul expresses, “to rejoice always. Pray without ceasing, (…) give thanks (…).” However, in the Gospel (Jn 1:6-8, 19-28), to be joyful is “(…) for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.”

We have compelling grounds to be happy, to be joyful, to be thankful! Another cause is the event – Christmas! The readings attest that this must be the greatest reason: not the event but the Person, Jesus Christ Himself! The First Reading declares “I rejoice heartily in the LORD, in my God is the joy of my soul.” The Psalm echoes the same song of rejoicing: “My soul rejoices in my God; (..) my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” The Second Reading testifies to “rejoice always (…) for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

Brethren, above all our good reasons for rejoicing, particularly in this season is God. That’s why, John the Baptist is joyful, too for having testified for Him: “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” In the opening of the Gospel according to John, the Evangelist speaks of “the Word” (the Logos) who “was with God” and He “was God” (Jn 1:1). In verse 14, he reveals “the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us (…).” The Logos became flesh (sarx) and “we saw His glory (…) the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14). He is the real reason and the source of our joy to Whom John the Baptist gives testimony.

As we prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord by participating in the Simbang Gabi, Misa de Gallo, Advent recollection, spiritual exercises, Lectio Divina, charitable works, among others, may we value more the most significant reason for our happiness – the Person of Jesus, our Emmanuel. He continues to lovingly journey with us until we all arrive in the kingdom of the Father. May the sharing of our material blessings to poor ones, the aged, the imprisoned; the exchanging gifts; the partying with barkadas, classmates, officemates; the visiting of family and relatives, etc. are genuine manifestations of our deep faith and real joy within and among us.

Fray Anthony P. Irineo, OAR

Fray Anthony Irineo, OAR

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< 2023 >

May

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	1 All day May 1, 2023 DAY OF THE RELIGIOUS BROTHERS ENCOUNTERS IN FORMATION Via Zoom Conferencing Inclusive Dates: May 1-15, 2023 (Attention: Friars assigned in the seminaries and vocation promoters) BIRTHDAY Sis. Evelyn Leongas, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (2010-2023) Fray Mark Ryan Prado DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Mamerta Filipino, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	2 All day May 2, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Monica Legaspi, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Teresita Castro, SAR (Urbiztondo Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (2009-2023) Fray Jose Prudencio Castillo Fray Hector Gonzales Fray Giovanni Gil Magbojos Fray Alexus Mansueto Fray Joseph Cyprian Panaligan Fray Jess Marco Sanchez (2015-2023) Fray Virgilio Calalang, Jr. Fray Julius James Tinapao Fray Cristito Rey Tepace DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Margarita Ponce, AR +Sis. Eulalia Kabajar, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	3 All day May 3, 2023 PART 2 (COLLOQUIA ON OAR CHARISM) via Zoom Conferencing / Sponsored by REAP BIRTHDAY Fray Roland Cepe Fray Invenzor Melgazo Sr. Myrna Gimena, AR Sis. Alejandra Arnaiz, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Jovencia Savilla, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Bro. Samuel Pascua, SAR (Cebu Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Felicitas Lucinario, AR +Sis. Lourdes Tupas, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)	4 All day May 4, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR VOCATIONS BIRTHDAY Sis. Elvira Ignacio, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Lydia Rivera, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Jasmin Parreño, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1991-2023) Fray Sixto Bitangjol Fray Reynaldo Jaranilla Fray Antonio Zabala, Jr. (2008-2023) Fray Ken Oliver Lao DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Maria Abellanosa, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Bro. Remedio Alugar, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	5 All day May 5, 2023 BIRTHDAY Br. Don Carlos Fernandez (postulant) Sr. Araceli de Vera, AR Sis. Dalia Santos, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Myrna Montejo, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Bro. Danielito David Diesta, SAR (Manila Chapter) Ronald Capulong (RAY-Urbiztondo)	6 All day May 6, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Bendicta Rodriguez, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Ma. Libbie Badenas (Brooke’s Point Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Angustias del Divino Amor, AR
7 All day May 7, 2023 5TH SUNDAY OF EASTER BIRTHDAY Fray Leopoldo Estioko Bro. Elmar Malvar, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Julieta Liagao, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Urbana Panit, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Nathaniel Jade Riego (RAY-Cavite) Lourdes Isabella Corpuz (RAY-Cebu)	8 All day May 8, 2023 PRIOR GENERAL’S FRATERNAL VISIT TO PANAMA Inclusive Dates: May 8-23 BIRTHDAY Most Rev. Reynaldo Evangelista, D.D. (Diocese of Imus) Fray Dionisio Cachero Bro. Wilson Sy, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Victoria Baluran, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Erlinda Reyes, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Gloria Arroyo, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Fe Violeta Taring, SAR (Valencia Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Norberto Vingson, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	9 All day May 9, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Teresita Caballero, SAR (Baguio Chapter) Sis. Alain Gallego, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Gina Fernandez, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Kenneleen Slam Alvarado (RAY-Talisay) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Fortunato de la Rosa, SAR (Miranila Chapter) +Bro. Alfredo Panelo, SAR (Baguio Chapter) +Sis. Isabel Ursal, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	10 All day May 10, 2023-May 11, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Elisa Cañete, AR DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Rodolfo Dayag, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Andrea Sonsona, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	11 All day May 11, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Sylvia Selda, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Lonie Silang, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Soledad Pacita Requiena, SAR (Cebu Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Restituta Torres, AR +Sis. Emerencia Espeña, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Letecia Alemania, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Luz Kilayko, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	12 All day May 12, 2023 417TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARRIVAL OF PIONEER RECOLLECTS IN THE PHILIPPINES (1606-2023) BIRTHDAY Fray Joseph Granada Sis. Lilibeth Layumas, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Josefina Lanase, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Sis. Erlinda Blancia, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Sis. Loreta De Castro, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Lido Cerna (RAY-Miranila) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (2007-2023) Fray James Castelo Fray Ralph Laureen Ciceron Fray Invenzor Melgazo Fray Nestor Raras Fray Rellyric Delos Santos DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Eduviges de la Virgen del Carmen, AR +Sr. Amanda de la Virgen del Carmen, AR +Sr. Paz Reandelar, AR +Bro. Manuel Magalona, SAR (Manila Chapter)	13 12:22 PM May 13, 2023 8TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY (2015-2023) OF RECOLETOS DE TAMBO COMMUNITY PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION OF FR. ROBERTO CARLOS ALVARADO RAMÍREZ, OAR (Province of San Nicolas de Tolentino) EPISCOPAL ORDINATION OF MOST REV. BOB JOHN KOROMA, D.D. (new Bishop of Makeni, Sierra Leone) BIRTHDAY Fray Jayferson Baldelovar Sr. Ma. Gracelda Bendoval, AR Sr. Loraine Lechago, OAR (Bacolod Monastery) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Aurora Sison, SAR (Miranila Chapter) +Sis. Lucrecia de la Cerna, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
14 All day May 14, 2023 6TH SUNDAY OF EASTER INSTALLATION OF MOST REV. BOB JOHN KOROMA AS BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF MAKENI (Sierra Leone) BIRTHDAY Sis. Lina Guevara, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Nicolasa del Espiritu Santo, AR +Sr. Escolastica Calsado, AR +Sr. Natalia Paunil, AR +Mo. Ma. Bibiana Vendiola, AR +Sis. Bonifacia Ancajas, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	15 All day May 15, 2023 PATRONAL FIESTA – SAN ISIDRO LABRADOR PARISH, CASIAN ISLAND, TAYTAY, PALAWAN BIRTHDAY Bro. Isidore Vincent Adolfo, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sis. Mildred Mutia, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter) Sis. Corazon Treyes, SAR (Talisay Chapter) Ma. Señora Agbuya (RAY-Urbiztondo) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Gertrudes del Espiritu Santo, AR +Sis. Remedios Querubin, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Belen Rigonan, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Rosario Amores, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Concordia Dalugdugan, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)	16 All day May 16, 2023 14TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY (2009-2023) OF RECOLETOS DE CASIAN COMMUNITY BIRTHDAY Sis. Marilou Labrador, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Gracia Pil, AR +Sis. Ma. Aurora Hong, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)	17 All day May 17, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Trezsia Agpaoa, AR Sis. Glenda Arañez, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Margarita Parro (Miranila Chapter) Mark Lorenzo Negre (RAY-Talisay) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Lucina Cabili, AR +Sis. Gliceria Enriquez, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Clarita Matanoza, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	18 All day May 18, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sis. Precilla Loor, SAR (Cavite Chapter) Sis. Erlinda Mababangloob, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Mildred Carlos, SAR (Inagawan Chapter) Ella Jabagat (RAY-Talisay) Rose Ann Dag-um (RAY-Provincialate) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Prudencia Martinez, AR	19 All day May 19, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK BIRTHDAY Br. Nigel Cabigon (aspirant) Sr. Ma. Cecilia Bongcawel, AR Bro. Sergio Javillo, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Lolita Caabay, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter) En Sueno (RAY-Miranila) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Paula de la Purisima Concepcion, AR +Sis. Juliet Tano, SAR (Valencia Chapter)	20 All day May 20, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Don Besana Sis. Evelyn Abutin, SAR (Miranila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Dolores Cañeda, AR +Sis. Andrea Rabillas, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
21 All day May 21, 2023 ASCENSION FIESTA – OUR LADY OF PEACE AND GOOD VOYAGE PARISH, TONDO BIRTHDAY Br. Christian Joseph Codilla (aspirant) Sr. Victoria Sandiego, AR Sr. Sulpicia Geronimo, AR Sr. Cynthia Camuta, AR Sis. Virginia Cosca, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Vicenta Abanggan, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Mary Ann Cayabyab (RAY-Urbiztondo) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Francisco Pacabis, SAR (Laray Chapter) +Sis. Celerina Velarde, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	22 All day May 22, 2023 SECTION FOR VOCATIONS MINISTRY SUMMER WORKSHOP FOR LVPs Inclusive Dates: May 22-23 Venue: University of Negros-Occidental, Bacolod City BIRTHDAY Br. Alvin Laserna Jr. (postulant) Sr. Ma. Emy Catalonia, OAR Sr. Ma. Quiteria Ragundiaz, OAR Sis. Encarnacion Campomanes, SAR (Cebu Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Potenciana Gomez, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Estela Taburada, SAR (Manila Chapter)	23 All day May 23, 2023 PRIOR GENERAL’S FRATERNAL VISIT TO CUBA Inclusive dates: May 23-30 BIRTHDAY Bro. Antonio Diesta, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Desideria Quinto, SAR (Cavite Chapter) Sis. Epetecia Tonggoy, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Alita Garcia, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Carmelina Villasor, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Anna Cristina Sta. Marina, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Marites Regala (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Elizabeth Guzman, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) Bro. Fernando Antonio Francisco, SAR (Miranila Chapter / Trial) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Caridad de la Virgen del Rosario, AR +Sis. Eva Sy, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	24 All day May 24, 2023 DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH IN CHINA USG (UNION OF SUPERIORS GENERAL) ASSEMBLY Rome / May 24-26 BIRTHDAY Sr. Justina de Leon, AR Sr. Vicenta Climacosa, AR Bro. Jose Ely Honrado, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Christine Salabsab (RAY-Laray) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1986-2023) Fray Eduardo Celiz, Jr. Fray Emilio Edgardo Quilatan DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Dulcessima Arellano, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	25 All day May 25, 2023 61st ANNIVERSARY OF UNO-R, BACOLOD 38th FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY (1985-2023) OF THE RECOLETOS DE MIRANILA COMMUNITY BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Nicholasa Sabado, AR Sr. Christine Gay Peñarejo, AR Sis. Milagros Santos, SAR (Urbiztondo Chapter) Sis. Annabella Buhayan, SAR (Laray Chapter / Trial) Ella Aiza Jabagat (RAY-Talisay) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Auxiliadora Somosot, AR +Sis. Virginia Auman, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	26 All day May 26, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Avelina Tatel, AR Sis. Leah Espacio, SAR (Talisay Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Angustias Librea, AR +Bro. Norberto Tancino, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Camila Puyat, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Dolores Nipales, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	27 All day May 27, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Alfreda Lobitaña, AR Sis. Menchie Bautista, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Corazon Miranda, SAR (Cavite Chapter) Sis. Erlinda de Guzman, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Sis. Milagros Comahig, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Jocelyn Nengasca, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Julita Asubar, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Maila de Rivera (Baguio Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Albina Panelo, SAR (Baguio Chapter)
28 All day May 28, 2023 PENTECOST 57th WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS Theme: Speak with the heart ‘The truth in love’ (Eph 4:15) PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE MISSIONS WORLD DAY OF HUNGER CARES, BAGUIO: TRANSITIO ET FORMATIO / COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES 2:00 PM BIRTHDAY Sr. Emilia Buenaseda, AR Sis. Delia Española, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Jean Blanco, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Carmen Bolaños, AR +Sis. Esmeralda Degamo, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	29 All day May 29, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Salome Paderogo, AR Sis. Elsa Claver, SAR (Talisay Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ma. Leontina Mira, AR	30 All day May 30, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Cristituto Rey Tepace Sis. Josefina Parentela, SAR (Manila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Teresita Salada, AR	31 All day May 31, 2023 FEAST OF THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY PATRONAL FIESTA OF OUR LADY OF THE VISITATION PARISH (Pasibi East, Urbiztondo, Pangasinan) Fiesta Mass: 5:00 p.m. Presider & Homilist: Most Rev. Socrates Villegas, D.D. Other Activities: 8:00 a.m.: First Communion 9:00 a.m.: Sport Fest: Basketball and Volleyball (Recoletos Friars vs Lingayen-Dagupan Clergy; OAR Seminarians vs Parish Youth) 4:00 p.m.: Procession of Sagalas 7:00 p.m.: Street dancing BIRTHDAY Br. Nestor Lloren Jr. (postulant) Sis. Priscilla Salazar, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Almario de la Cerna, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

The greatest reason to be joyful

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Fray Anthony Irineo, OAR

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