FeastdayCelebration

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of the Santo Niño of Bulusan

January 8, 2011Mandaluyong City, Philippines

Nais Kong maghasik ng kapayapan sa buong daigdigan sa pagkakataong ito. Para naman magkaroon kayo ng kapanatagan

ng kalooban at katiwasayan ng kaisipan. Mahaba na rin naman ang panahon na inyong pinagdaanan na puno ng hilahil at pagdurusa.

Gusto ko naman na matikman ninyo at madama ang kaginhawahan ng buhay bago man lang dumating ang wakas ng panahon — na maging masaya, masigla at puno ng buhay ang bawat isa sa Aking

mananampalataya sa pamamagitan ng biyayang materyal at spiritual na mula sa Amin.

Ganito ko kayo kamahal. At nais Kong suklian ang inyong mga sakrispisyo at dasal para maunawaan ninyo na hinding hindi ko kayo

kinakalimutan. Gusto Kong sa takdang panahon ay makapiling ko kayo sa Aking kaharian sa kalangitan.

FeastdayMessage

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Nonoy PoEnero 8, 2011

33rd Feastday Messagesb

Sa ika- 33 taong anibersaryo ng Kapistahan ni Nonoy Po, hangad ko na ang lahat ng mananampalataya ay magkaroon ng katiwasayan at kaligayahan sa kanilang buhay sampu ng kanilang pamilya.

Ang sabi nga ni Nonoy Po, ang isang matiwasay na pamilya ay puspos ng ligaya at ningning ang buhay. Nawa’y gawing sentro ng inyong buhay ang Dakilang Lumikha sa buong taon nang sa gayon ay matiyak na maganda inyong tatahakin ng may gabay mula sa Mahal na Ama.

Magdasal at ialay sa Kanila ang inyong mga problema sa buhay para maging magaan ang mga ito. Patuloy na manalangin at humingi ng awa para makamit ninyo ang minimithing kaligayahan at kaligtasan.

Maligayang kapistahan sa lahat ng deboto ni Nonoy Po.

Nanay Gloria Flordeliza

Greetings to all faithful devotees of Nonoy Po, the Sto. Nino of Bulusan, as we celebrate His 33rd Feastday!

We are truly blessed in having Nonoy Po in our lives during the past so many years. He has showered us with all the blessings and protection we badly need in our journey here on earth.

As we gather today to pay homage and tribute to our Nonoy Po, we are showing our loyalty, trust and faithfulness to the Omnipotent One.

Happy Fiesta. Viva Sto. Nino!

Bienvenido Dimson

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Nonoy PoEnero 8, 2011

Mayor’s Messageb

I am elated to honor the Celebration of the 33rd Feastday of Santo Niño “NONOY PO” of Bulusan on January 2011. As an annual holy event, I am certain that this year’s gathering will highlight faith, hope and love as the spectrum of humanity in our drive to pay tribute to the young messiah.

The young Jesus Christ reminds us of the youthful moments that we have in the early stage of our life. The Santo Niño remains our holy symbol of purity and innocence. Unscathed of prejudices and injustice, the Sto. Niño serves as our guide in all our endeavor and in our desire to better serve the underprivileged, more particularly, our youth sector who will all soon shape our future. The wonders of our faith has always put us in a secured zone, truly protected by the Almighty.

Our journey to life is lightened by the rays of trust and devotion. Our faith to God will remain steady as we aspire for the salvation of souls. The Sto. Niño of Bulusan has never put us in crucial moment, if so, the Young Messiah always finds a way to carry our burden even during his early life. Let us live life according to the will of God while we put premiums in serving our fellowmen without hitches and judgment.

May the Santo Niño be with us all the time.

BENJAMIN C. ABALOS, JR.City Mayor

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ARTICLES

I have been previlleged to underwrite Nonoy Po’s feastday messages on the yearly Souvenir Program for the past 25 years. For me this is a special task granted by the Omnipotent God to convey His messages to all His devotees.

Now, on its 33rd Feastday anniversary, I am presenting a review of His messages for the past years. I realised it would be interesting to find out. Had there been changes? What is common in all His messages. Are His promises the same today and yesteryears? What are His teachings to us 20 years ago? 15 years ago?10 and 5 years ago?

In 1995, Nonoy Po said we have to be thankful on the uneasy peace prevailing in our surrounding. In the midst of all these, He advised us to love one another and pray for everyone. Hold on to your faith and stay under the mantle of Their protection to reach the Heaven when the times comes.

There is no difference on His message in 2005. Typhoons, earthquakes, fires, floods and other natural calamities are bitter ways to wreck havoc and end thousand of lives. Nonoy Po said to survive on this catastrophe, the faitful should strengthen their spiritual life by praying and keeping faith on Them. Always think that only in God where one could find everlasting peace and happiness. Just last year, Nonoy Po reiterated the virtues to have in order to have peace. He is hoping that after we have experienced the wrath of flood and typoon, it brings about love to our neighbors, softness in our hearts, deep contrition and being sorry for our sins.

May this be our guide in our spiritual growth. Be humble and be understanding to have a harmonious relationship with everyone. f

Nonoy Po’s Message is no Different Today Compared to Ten Years Agoby Rudy Eusebio

Just in time before Christmas last December 2010, the Little Shrine of the Sto. Niño of Bulusan announced its Christmas outreach for the year. The project was called Bulusan’s Christmas Shoebox project – a gift-giving program patterned after Samaritan Purse’s Operation Christmas Child project in which shoeboxes with gifts from all over the world are collected to be given to the needy. The outreach program with the tagline “Pack a gift and a make a child happy this Christmas”, encouraged Bulusan parishioners to donate toiletries and school supplies gift wrapped inside old shoe boxes. The beneficiary for this project was the Unang Hakbang Foundation in Mandaluyong City. The organization is engaged in helping street kids and out-of-school youth by providing them with training and basic education. Gifts collected from the Bulusan’s Christmas Shoebox project will be given to these kids which will aid them in their schooling.

Weeks after the announcement, boxes containing notebooks, coloring books, pencils, crayons and other school supplies from different families and individuals came pouring in at the church. Others also donated old clothes and toiletries for the kids. It was inspiring to know that families in Bulusan also involved their children to take part in the said activity.

And last January 3, 2010, representatives from the Bulusan church went to the Unang Hakbang Foundation to give the gifts collected from the project. The school supplies collected from the said activity can help

more than 30 kids under the supervision of the foundation. The Bulusan Christmas Shoebox project was a success and we are hoping to continue this program in the following years. f

Bulusan’s Christmas shoebox project

(top photos) The Christmas shoebox gifts and school supplies.

(Right photo) Representatives from the Bulusan church with the

coordinators of Unang Hakbang Foundation during the gift giving.

To all those who took part in this endeavor and to all those who gave their shoebox gifts: Thank you very much! Indeed, you have made a child

happy with your gifts and donations. God Bless you and your families.

On the occasion of the 33rd Feastday Anniversary of the Sto. Niño of Bulusan, we are featuring the Lord of Pardon (LOP) Ministry which is considered to be the center of the Bulusan Mission. Today, there are about hundred of perdon groups all over the Philippines. There are mission groups in Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Ilo-Ilo, Bacolod, Cebu, Cagayan, Bicol and groups in the National Capital Region. The images of the Sto. Niño, the Crucifix and the Blessed Virgin Mary have been brought to homes inspiring families to recite the mysteries of the Holy Rosary daily. Aside from the LOP groups in the Philippines, the perdon was also brought overseas in countries like the USA, Canada, Middle East and Hong Kong to bring the mission closer to our kababayans abroad.

To fully appreciate how a typical perdon group started their mission, we are featuring two groups in the Greater Manila established more than 10 years apart - the LOP group in Barangka Drive in Mandaluyong (est. 1980 by Col. Cornelio Valencia) and the LOP group in BF Resort, Las Piñas (est. in 1994 by Mr. Nes Benito). We try to look back at the challenges they have encountered and the blessings and aspirations they received as they carry on with the mission. We are also featuring the history of the LOP group in Los Angeles, California as recounted by Ms. Aida Montecalvo Lammatao, the overall-coordinator of the LOP Los Angeles Chapter Prayer Groups.

Lord ofPardon

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When was your LOP group established? Who are the founders/coordinators of your group?

Feb 3, 1980; Cornelio and Adelaida Valencia; the family and neighbors – Sister Melba Sinoy, Lily Junsay, Mr. and Mrs. Nestor and Lourdes Aguilar, the Martinez family, etc.

How did your Perdon group start?“When I was about to retire from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, going home I would usually pass by the street near Bulusan. Whenever I passed that area, the wheels would feel as if they were turning and directing themselves towards the Bulusan shrine. So we visited the shrine, and this inspired us.” – Cornelio

“We also went to Ultra one day long ago, because of a mission being held by Sister Gloria. My wife and I were seated in the upper area of the gymnasium. We were sitting side by side and there was a mass. When the mass reached the ‘Santo Santo’ part of the mass, I saw the body of Sister Gloria start to turn violet and it became bigger and bigger – it then resembled the Nazareth of Quiapo. Then we knew we had to start.” – Cornelio

What were the challenges your group encountered in the propagation of the mission?We encountered a lack of singers; and many in the community were busy. Also, some neighbors were not receptive and some were of another religion.

How did you face/overcome these challenges?We overcame these challenges – and continue to face them – with continuous prayers and by continuing to show them the goodness that comes from the Lord of Pardon.

What were the changes/blessings that happened in your life after accepting to propagate the Lord of Pardon mission?“There have been a lot of blessings. For example our being strong is a blessing, considering we are quite old. When we get sick, we recover early.” – Adelaida

“I was confined in V. Luna on the seventh floor one time. One early morning, I was looking out the window and I witnessed the sun literally dancing. It was moving up and down, left and right. I looked several times, to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating. But it really was happening. After that incident, other people also told me that they saw the same thing occurring from the QC City Hall.” – Cornelio

Are there any inspirational stories that happened to any of the members of your Perdon group aside from your own personal experiences?One day, Cornelio – along with his brothers Ignacio, Magno, Ben, and Lorenzo – went to Quezon, their hometown, to follow up their property title. They found that the title had been transferred spuriously from Maximo, their father, to another party. It was transferred without their knowledge. The land was fertile and productive, having been planted with oranges, lanzones, papaya, cacao, and coconut trees. But they found that this had been transferred to another relative – and was apparently switched with another less productive land; one that did not have any fruit bearing trees.

The title was apparently accomplished two years before the brothers found out. Now the brothers realized why the other party kept giving fillers that the property was theirs. They kept insinuating that they owned the property. They learned that two years prior that the other party had hired and paid a fraudulent lawyer to switch the title. The brothers complained to the Registry of Deeds in Tayabas. The Registry replied that they needed to produce at least fifteen documents. Gathering fifteen documents is tedious and is rather expensive to do. We decided to pray for guidance.

Before returning to Manila, they decided to have lunch at Antigua restaurant, a restaurant with an old world motif. While seated, an old man in a buri hat and a clean white shirt and dark pants approached Cornelio, asking for alms. He gave him alms without saying anything. Suddenly, to their surprise, the old man started blessing them, constantly making the sign of the cross before leaving. Cornelio decided to follow him outside L

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The LOP Barangka Perdon Group in its early years. (inset photo) The first members of the prayer group.

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because he felt a sense of familiarity. However, the man was gone. Nevertheless, the familiar face haunted his mind. After lunch, before leaving the province for real, they returned to the Registry of Deeds. This time, they came upon a much simpler solution on how to rightfully get their land back.

Once in Manila, Cornelio realized who the mysterious man resembled. He stared at the face of the Lord of Pardon and realized that it bore a very strong resemblance to the man with the buri hat. He told his brothers the story and they rushed back to Tayabas to find that the land was finally recovered – the brothers had obtained what was rightfully theirs, and all thanks to the intervention of Our Lord of Pardon. The two other parties who tried to take the land passed away a few years after.

Aside from propagating the Lord of Pardon mission by teaching and inspiring others how to pray the rosary, does your group have any special activities that contribute to your community? (i.e. outreach activities, youth programs, annual Christmas parties etc.)

“On the first year of Perdon, my children, Arlyn, Nonong, and Codel would teach the people how to pray the rosary everyday. Arlyn also liked to teach the younger children other things besides religious matters . Arlyn and Coradel at times hold field trips for the children to visit Museo Pambata.” – Adelaida

What are your future plans for your Perdon group? Will you still continue the mission?“We would very much like to continue the mission but because we are already old, it will all depend on the will of the Lord.” – Adelaida

What is your message to the other members of the Lord of Pardon Mission/devotees of the Sto. Niño?Please continue to propagate the Lord of Pardon at maraming biyaya ang matatanggap. Don’t regret the time you spend serving the Lord of Pardon.

Describe your LOP experience in one sentence.Sto. Nino is alive and is continuously helping our family. f

1) A very rare souvenir group photo of the LOP Barangka group taken during the 1980’s. 2) The Valencia family. 3) Barangka group anniversary with Tatay Nick and Nanay Gloria. 4) The young members of the Barangka LOP group. 5) A Christmas party for kids held at the Valencia residence. 6) During the early years of the mission in Barangka, Arlyn and Coradel (daughters of Mr. & Mrs. Valencia) would at times hold field trips for the children of their group to visit Museo Pambata 7) The LOP Barangka group coordinators: Mr. Cornelio and Mrs. Adelaida Valencia.

“Continue to propagate the Lord of Pardon at maraming biyaya ang matatanggap. Don’t regret the

time you spend serving the Lord of Pardon.”

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When was your LOP group established? Who are the founders/coordinators of your group?

Our LOP group started on May 1994. The core members are my Family: my wife, Nona; our daughters, Lon, Wynne, Willa and Nessie; my mother, Dolores and my mother- in- law, Victoria (Turing). The family of Eddie and Cely Orea has supported us all throughout the years that we have been doing this mission. The organizers of the Lord of Pardon Sta. Ana group through the initiative of my Tita Dory have also assisted us in the early stage of our mission.

How did your Perdon group start?

The day before my father died, three significant events happened. These events are the following: a) While in the hospital my father continuously prayed the rosary. He fervently prayed asking God for forgiveness. He asked a sign from God, to let him know that he was already forgiven. While he was praying a sign was shown to him - rays of lightbeam appeared on the walls of his hospital room. He was glad. For him it meant that GOD has already listened to his prayer. b) The next morning after my father saw the sign, he asked us to get permission from the doctors to release him from the hospital. He asked us to bring him to the Little Shrine

of the Sto. Niño (Nonoy Po) of Bulusan in Mandaluyong. He told me that he

doesn’t need all the medications from the hospital, and all he

wanted was to be at the church. After signing the waiver form at the hospital, the doctor allowed my father to be released. When we got the chance to talk to Nonoy

Po, he again begged for forgiveness for all of his sins.

c) While in the hospital, my father requested us to pray as a family. He told us that we should support the Bulusan mission because he believed that the mission is “true”. This is one of his last wishes that I remembered very well, and this convinced me that I must accept and start the LOP mission at our place in BF Resort, Las Piñas.

What were the challenges your group encountered in the propagation of the mission?

With the help of Nonoy Po, my family and I are thankful that we haven’t encountered any difficulty or challenges in propagating the LOP mission in our area.

What were the changes/blessings that happened in your life after accepting to propagate the Lord of Pardon mission?

For me, the greatest grace we received from the mission was the privilege to serve God. Our group was given the rare opportunity to serve Him by propagating the LOP mission. The mission has given us peace of mind and has instilled in us the values of contentment and humility. It also taught us to know by heart that God and only God can provide. The mission also allowed us to always pray as a family.

Are there any inspirational stories that happened to any of the members of your Perdon group aside from your own personal experiences?

Most of the families where the LOP mission was brought into their homes have many inspiring stories to tell. Most of these stories are like: Prayers being granted, passing exams, being successful in looking for jobs, and being healed from their sickness. Others were also given the rare chance to experience incidents such as hearing a child play when the LOP images were brought into their homes, some got the chance to smell wonderful and undesirable scent during the Perdon, while others experienced seeing oil from the image of Jesus on his feet and forehead.

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PThe LOP BF Resort, Las Piñas groupw/ Rev. Father Francis Mary and Nanay Gloria during one of the group’s anniversary.

Aside from propagating the Lord of Pardon mission by teaching and inspiring others how to pray the rosary, does your group have any special activities that contribute to your community? (i.e. outreach activities, youth programs, annual Christmas parties etc.)

We don’t have any special activity. As Nonoy Po has instructed us, our obligation was to bring the LOP images to every interested family. Instruct the family with proper prayers to be done. We are only instruments used by Him to reach out to every willing family looking for God’s graces. Our sincere and obedient heart is offered to the receiving family and the next shall be taken care by God himself.

What are your future plans for your group? Will you still continue the mission?

Expansion of the group depends on God. God knows best. He knows our capacity and our limitations. In due time, if He allows, our group will grow according to His plans.

What is your message to the other members of the Lord of Pardon Mission/devotees of the Sto. Niño?

We do not have a set of rules or policies for the member of the group. To join is on a voluntary basis and what is required is one’s willingness to serve and to pray properly and fervently.I believe that the LOP mission is guided by Nonoy Po himself. We cannot plan on our own to start a new mission. Nonoy Po assigns and acceptance is our free will.

Describe your LOP experience in one sentence.

Serving the Lord through the LOP mission is a privilege not every on can have. If given this rare opportunity, the more we should be prayerful and ask for God’s grace that we can always be acceptable to Him as his servant. Serving Nonoy Po is the greatest experience in life. f

1) The Benito Family: (L-R) Nes, Wyne, Nona, Nessie and Willa (not in photo: Lon) 2) The LOP images (Sto. Niño, Crucifix, & Mama Mary) of the BF Resort, Las Piñas group 3) Another souvenir photo during one of the group’s LOP anniversary 4) A family photo of the Benito family with Bro. Nes’ mother, Dolores and mother-in-law, Victoria. 5) Relatives and Family of Bro. Nes Benito who are also members of the LOP mission.

“The greatest grace we received from the mission was the privilege to serve God. Our group was given the rare

opportunity to serve Him by propagating the LOP mission .”

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The Los Angeles Chapter of Our Lord of Pardon has been in existence for 22 years. Aida Montecalvo Lammatao (a Nonoy Po devotee since 1981 in Manila, Philippines) opened the mission in January, 1988, a just few months after she came from New Jersey. In June, 1988, she was joined by Triniday Lugtu and Ellen Cristales. Later on, she was joined by Zenaida Sevilla, Iva Kvesic, and Celia Tadle. For five years, they were together as one group. In June, 1994, due to the high demand from families requesting for the Holy Images of the Santo Nino, Lord of Pardon, and Our Blessed Mother Mary, the Los Angeles Lord of Pardon Mission Group had to split-up into three satellite groups to meet the need.

Ellen and Jun Cristales, became the coordinator of the Greater Los Angeles Group assisted by Zeny Sevilla and Bella Bustamante. While Trinidad Lugtu became the coordinator of North Hollywood / Sun Valley Group assisted by Marie Lugtu and the opening of this prayer group was celebrated with a Mass by Monsignor Manny Manahan in March,1994. Then Rollie and Celia Tadle became the coordinator of the West Covina / Pomona Group assisted by Eber and Rose Ramos. Aida M. Lammatao became the overall coordinator of the three satellite groups. Other devotees of these groups were Cherry

Roque, Pete and Ging Cadabes, and in June, 1996, Ronnie and Yedda Ronquillo

came from New York and joined the groups.

The three satellite groups of the Los Angeles Chapter have come a long way and have survived in this journey of faith. Because of prayer, this ministry (Bulusan Mission)

which propagate the devotion of Our Lord of Pardon every

Saturday / Sunday to sponsoring

families still endures. Each group supports each other, helps and coordinates their activities for the Lord of Pardon Ministry and help the needy. The Los Angeles Groups are just growing in numbers and they are especially thankful for our dedicated devotees of Nonoy Po.

By the guidance of the Holy Spirit and with the grace and love of Our Heavenly Father, through Nonoy Po, the Christ Child of Bulusan and with the Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph, each one shall be able to serve God through this ministry which everyone has chosen to undertake, and working together in harmony, unity and love. Yearly, the satellite groups have a Thanksgiving Mass and Christmas party on the second Saturday of December. Father Paul Mayor, S.V.D., celebrates the Holy Mass for the group.

Devotees and many families have memorable stories to share such as, wonderful experiences of miraculous healing, family relationships being mended and healed, success in home buying, material gains / financial problems resolved and attainment of inner peace and contentment. And the most important of all is becoming personally and intimately closer with our Almighty God through prayer and sacrifice. We are reminded when Sammy Regacho published the book, “The Mysterious Ways of the Santo Nino” and asked Nonoy Po what His vision and His mission was. Nonoy Po simply said, “MY VISION IS TO BRING GENUINE PEACE FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD THROUGH PRAYERS AND DEVOTION TO ALMIGHT GOD. AS FOR MY MISSION,” He continues, “IT IS TO ENRICH THE SPIRITUAL LIVES OF THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD THROUGHTHE PROPAGATION OF, AND CONSTANT PRAYER DEVOTION TO THE LORD OF PARDON, BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, AND THE HOLY INFANT JESUS. MY MISSION IS FOR PEOPLE TO PRAY. AND PRAYERS FOR PETITION ARE EFFECTIVE WHEN YOU FAST, GIVE ALMS, HAVE A REPENTING HEART, AND FULL OF FAITH IN US.”May we reflect and remember these words in our hearts.

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“May the unity of our prayers make us peacemakers and bring the peace of Christ to our families, our communities and our world.”

It was in the year 2002 when I was acquainted to be a part of our Blessed Lord of Pardon North Hollywood / Sun Valley Prayer Group. My duty during that time was to give my wife Helen every Saturday a ride to attend the weekly prayer group and picke her up when the activity is over. As I have been doing that for months, it dawned on me, and I decided that I might as well be an active participant and that changed my perspective in life. Ever since, Nonoy Po is part of our lives and will be forever…

It was a very spiritual fulfillment and the satisfaction we experienced then and now. It gives us comfort and peace of mind in every decision we make knowing someone else is guiding and looking after us. We were able to make it through the rigors of life because of our devotion to Nonoy Po. We feel we were blessed in doing so at home and at work. Thank you Nonoy Po for everything and for more blessings to come.

This commitment to the Lord of Pardon came about due to our friendship with our late active member, Mercy Posadas. Since then, our devotion and loyalty to our Lord of Pardon is indeed our top priority and nothing else. Our schedules in life are work around the commitment to Nonoy Po.

May we all be blessed in this holy endeavor.

Allow me to encourage each one and unwaveringly focus on the Mission entrusted to us by Nonoy Po, the Christ Child of Bulusan, the Prince of Peace, in the propagation of the weekly devotional prayers to families and friends. Together, let us honor and pray to the Blessed Mother, the Bearer of God’s grace, the Queen of Peace. Let us also pray to the Holy Spirit that He may help us all look beyond the barriers of our differences to the unity that all are called to share. May the unity of our prayers make us peacemakers and bring the peace of Christ to our families, our communities and our world. May Our Lady show us that peace is the fruit of faith, conversion and love. And in the words of Pope Paul VI on peace, “If we wish to have peace, we must give it a soul. The soul of peace is love.”

Lastly: “Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for us much as ye know your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” - 1 Corinthians 15.58

We love you Nonoy Po and we love you, Nanay Gloria.Peace and love to one and all. God bless.Happy Fiesta every one! f

Aida Montecalvo LammataoOverall Coordinator LOP Los Angeles Chapter Prayer Groups

Our Lord of Pardon Experience by Manny Lopez and Helen Duenas

The LOP North Hollywood - Sun Valley Prayer groupLOP mission groups in Los Angeles

Her sole ambition in life was very simple - to put up his own beauty parlor and become a successful beautician so she could help her husband raise their own family. But she was

poor and did not have any business connection that could make her realize her dreams. And so she only resorted to prayers in the hope that God would one day hear her wishes. She was just an ordinary girl who grew up in Real, Calamba in Laguna with his brother, the famed Geronimo Aclan who heroically flew with then Lieutenant Villamor during World War II. His brother would always see to it that she leads the evening prayer daily in their house. And with this regimen, Gloria would always go to St. Raphael church to attend the daily mass.

These routine continued during her married life. Oftentimes, she would go to the church in Santa Cruz, Manila to attend the mass. After, she would pass through Carriedo Street on the way to Quiapo to recite the rosary after hearing another mass. These according to her have full of inspirations because she thought she have had encounters with some mysteries. For example, she recounted that once there was a tall but simple man who followed him in one of her walks in Manila churches. The man asked her one peso from her for which she easily gave. The same episode also happened to her when during one Wednesday while she was attending mass at Our Mother of Perpetual Help church in Baclaran, a simple but neatly dressed woman asked one peso from her for which she also gave out.

One day, one of her children got sick. Disturbed about payment for his son’s hospitalization and healing, she still resorted to prayers when a woman told her that she has the power to heal. And so the next years were filled with both temporal and spiritual abundance.

Gloria Aclan Flordeliza or Nanay Gloria or just Gloria to many followers accepted the vocation of introducing and propagating the Lord of Pardon mission most especially for those that are not easily reached out by the Catholic church. She won in the lottery for which she started her spiritual mission upon the direction of “Nonoy” whom she believed is the Holy Infant Jesus. She built a small chapel in her house. When the mission grew, Ben Dimson, a devotee, volunteered with some other followers to build the Little Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus.

Upon the guidance of the spirit, she introduced the Lord of Pardon in many parts of the world for over 40 years. From England on the North to the “land down under” in south, she has accomplished her works with joy and vigor even if she has to leave her then growing family. Then from Jordan and United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the

east to as far as Canada and United States of America on the west, she has faced all the challenges of bearing the pains of the mission. Travelling to Rome, she was able to meet the Holy Father were she humbly kissed his ring. Her joy also pumped out when she travelled to the Holy Land that was sponsored by the believers of the Lord of Pardon mission. All travels were her gift from the Infant Jesus.

But what she liked most was the opportunity to serve in her home country. From Tuguegarao, Cagayan in the North down to Basilan in south, Gloria braved all natural and spiritual terrain. And for over forty years of mission, she also applied over hundreds of thousands times ginger juices into the eyes of many to cure them of their diseases.

In many times, she was asked to donate the church in Bulusan and to yield her mission to the Catholic Church. Instead of being discouraged, she continued her healing mission and sustained visiting the poor people including those that are in prison, school and poor communities to teach them how to pray the Rosary, Lord of Pardon, and the Chaplet of the Holy Infant Jesus. At the Little Shrine of Santo Nino in Bulusan, Gloria managed its maintenance, the recitation of the mass including the benediction every first Tuesdays and Fridays, feast days celebrations of the Holy Child every January and the Holy Week.

One early dawn, while preparing to pray the Holy Rosary, along with some believers, Gloria was able to hear spirits praying the rosary in this manner, “…Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us all now and at the hour of our death, amen.” Nonoy confirmed what she heard. Hence, the same petition line is being uttered to this day by the believers during the recitation of the rosary in Bulusan daily every 7pm and 4:30 am or in any Lord of Pardon mission here and abroad.

Certainly, Gloria did not invent her spiritual mission. But because of her fervent prayers for her worldly desires, she was instead directed to make the souls of many beautiful and pleasing to the Lord with her own style of fervent prayers by the Spirit who introduced himself as Santo Niño or “Nonoy” . The devotees believed him as the Holy Infant Jesus through his material and spiritual manifestations. f

A Story ofPrayerful Life

NANAY GLORIA AND THE LOP MISSION

By Sammy Regacho

“Certainly, Gloria did not invent her spiritual mission . But because of her fervent

prayers for her worldly desires, she was instead directed to make the souls of many

beautiful and pleasing to the Lord...”

NANAY GLORIA AND THE LOP MISSION

NANAY GLORIA in Photos. 1) Nanay Gloria used to be a cantora in their church singing hymns during mass 2) A portrait of Nanay Gloria 3) Nanay Gloria during her mission trip in Paris 4) Nanay Gloria with Aida Lamatao during her mission trip in the United States 5) Holy Thursday celebration at the church in Bulusan 6) Nanay Gloria, together with the Bulusan group guested in Joe Quiriño’s talk show “Take It Away” during the 1980s 7) The Bulusan group with Nanay Gloria bringing the LOP images to a host family 8) Nanay Gloria joined the Tarlac group in one festday celebrations of the Sto. Niño 9) One of the LOP mission trips in Dumaguete City 10) Nanay Gloria with some of the LOP members in the United States 11) Nanay Gloria with the image of the Sto. Niño of the LOP Dubai group 12) A pilgrimage trip in Europe 13) One of the first LOP missions in the 1970s 14) A mass being celebrated in the small chapel in Bulusan Nanay Gloria built after winning the lottery 15) Mr. and Mrs. Larry Martinez with Nanay Gloria during the feastday celebration in Bulusan 16) Nanay Gloria’s healing 17) Nanay Gloria during the anniversary of the LOP Bicol group in 2009 18) As part of her church ministry, Nanay Gloria used to be a part of the church choir in her teenage years 19) Nanay Gloria with the original image of the Sto. Niño of Bulusan 20) Nanay Gloria with his son Junior when they visited the statue of the our Lady of the Island in New york City 21) Nanay Gloria leads the choir during LOP missions 22) Nanay Gloria was the first recipient of the Order of Getsemanhe award in the year 2003 for being the foundress of the LOP mission group worldwide.

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NANAY GLORIA AND THE LOP MISSION

TESTIMONIAL

As a child of Bulusan, I grew up with a different awareness on religion than many people my age, especially here in Los Angeles, California. Sure, it’s easy to reiterate

the story that many members of the Bulusan community know about me: I’m Mary Rose, Chut-chut to most of you; I was born seven months premature with a hole on my head, among many other complications; and it was through my family’s faith in God’s kindness and mercy that I survived. However, reiterating this reality would only shed light once more onto my family’s faith, for I was too young to realize the real meaning of “the gift of life”. So, here is my personal account on my Bulusan experience as a child.

Like many children in the Philippines, I was raised as a Catholic and educated in a Catholic school at Saint Mary’s College, Quezon City. In school, I learned about the Holy Mass, but never about the luya and trance parts of it that are practiced at Bulusan. I soon realized that Bulusan goes beyond the mainstream practices of the Catholic Church, though still grounded on praying that is the very essence of the Perdon. With these three components, I furthered my faith in God on a different level. Though I firmly believed that Jesus is the Almighty Son of God like most people believed, my being introduced to him as Nonoy Po, a young yet powerful boy with miraculous powers, made him accessible to my young heart and mind.

While other children confided secrets, grievances, and memories to their playmates around the neighborhoods and schools, I not only had those same friends but also Nonoy Po. I always felt Nonoy Po’s presence around me, especially when my playmates were gone. I never felt alone. Most children had imaginary friends when growing up, but I knew I had someone who existed, albeit he remained physically unseen most of the time.

At Bulusan, it was another story. Nonoy Po’s physical presence enveloped the trance room there. His voice and scent were my key markers that he was among us. As an adult, I heard less and less of the child-like voice and the sweet, fragrant scent that seemed to whiff out of the room

during the trance. As a child, in contrast, the voice and the fragrance made me feel at home.

I have to confess, I can’t recall witnessing many miracles performed at Bulusan, for I was always moving around with the children there. Though, I saw what seemed to be a miracle that forever remains in my memory. One night after the Holy Mass, I was on a sofa with a young woman who had crutches, I believe she is Mang Abel’s daughter. She evidently cannot walk, but after receiving her luya, Nanay Glo and the woman’s father walked her up and down the length of the place several times. Soon after, she walked without her crutches and went home as if that were the case all along. I was amazed.

With these experiences that are the highlight of my youth, my faith in God is far from the generic “faith” that many people of my generation and American community experience because as an adult, in times of ultimate trouble, I do what I know best to alleviate my suffering: getting down on my knees and communicating with God, the way I was taught at Bulusan through the prayers said during the Perdon. f

“In times of ultimate trouble, I do what I know best to alleviate my

suffering: getting down on my knees and communicating with God, the way

I was taught at Bulusan through the prayers said during the Perdon .”

Bulusanthrough the eyes

By Mary Rose “Chut-Chut” Roque

of a child

Every third week of January, the whole Christendom in the Philippines celebrates the much anticipated feast of the Holy Infant Jesus — popularly known as the Feast of the Sto. Niño. It is a celebration that also commemorates a special event in the history of the Philippines when the Spaniards first introduced Christianity to the natives of Cebu. It is believed that during Ferdinand Magellan’s voyage, he came across the island of Cebu where he met Rajah Humabon and his wife Hara Amihan. They were invited to pledge allegiance with Spain and as part of the colonization, they were baptized into Christianity. As a token of their baptism, an image of the Sto. Niño was given to them and was believed to be the start of the Filipino’s devotion to the Holy Infant Jesus. The Sinulog Festival in Cebu is known to be the most extravagant and lavish celebration of the said festivity but different churches in the country — like the Sto. Niño de Pandacan in Manila and the Little Shrine of the Sto. Niño in Mandaluyong — also celebrate the same feast similar to the Sinulog. Street Dancing and a parade of the images of the Sto. Niño has been a tradition during the event. I was lucky to be part of this yearly tradition at the Little Shrine of the Sto. Niño in Mandaluyong that usually celebrates the feast a week ahead, and I am always amazed with the energy and enthusiasm of the people who attend this holy event as we chant “Viva! Viva! Santo Niño!.”

fiesta2010IN RETROSPECT

By: Martin Bryan Flordeliza

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The CelebrationAt 1:30 PM, the celebration started with a Holy Mass at the Little Shrine of the Sto. Niño. The church was jam-packed with devotees from different parts of the Philippines and abroad who came home just to join the fiesta. After the Holy Mass, the sound of drums and percussion instruments gave off a dancing beat which can be heard from outside the church. The upbeat music signalled the start of the procession, and devotees started to leave the church and queued on the street. The Sto. Niño fiesta calls no age group, because both kids and adults enthusiastically joined the parade carrying their images of the Sto. Niño. Most of the groups from the Philippines even made their mini carosa decorated with fresh flowers and garlands with the image of the Sto. Niño at the middle. As the music continued, devotees started to dance their images to the beat and everyone seemed to be enjoying the festive mood.

The Ati-Atihan and the Pinoy’s creativityDuring the procession, Ati-atihans dressed in colorful and flamboyant costumes gyrated to the beat of the drums. The Ati is a tribe in Panay island practising Animism. Their pagan practice of worshipping their Anito gods or spirits from nature was later made into a Christian practice after they were converted into Christianity by the Spaniards. Today, dancers imitating the original Ati tribes can be seen dancing to tribal music in every Sto. Nino fiesta around the Philippines. This practice has also been a showcase of Pinoy creativity and resourcefulness because it is a challenge among the Ati-Atihan tribes to come up with an extraordinary costume and performance that will stand out from the rest. Best in Costume and Best in Choreography are usually awarded to the best Ati-atihan group with the most stunning performance during the procession.

The flamboyant costumes of the Ati-Atihans, the tribal beat and the street dancing are just added flair to the occasion but what mattered most is the message the Sto. Nino He would like to impart to His devotees – that just like Him we must continue to grow in faith and love for God.

The Sto. NinoAt around 4:30 PM, the devotees are still in high spirit dancing and walking around the outskirts of Mandaluyong. The loud music served as a siren to those in their homes to come out and pay homage to the Sto. Nino. Families brought out their tables and made a make shift altar outside their homes and lighted candles as the procession passed by. Everyone was friendly and some families were kind enough to offer drinking water to tired and exhausted devotees who joined the procession. At the tail end of the procession was the carosa of the Sto. Nino of Bulusan — the Holy Infant looked regal in his red suit and cape. A marching band followed the carosa playing music simply fit for a king. As usual, the procession ended at the chapel as the whole congregation sang the Santo Niño song with much fervor and enthusiasm. To cap off the celebration, an Ati-Atihan dancing competition was held at a nearby basketball court. The best group was awarded with cash prizes and an image of the Sto. Niño.

The Sto. Nino fiesta was indeed a phenomenon. I am amazed how the Filipino’s faith to the Sto. Nino can be infused with merry-making. Maybe, the subtle message that we can obtain from this is that sometimes it is okay to be child-like just like the Santo Nino. His obedience and innocence is something that we must always emulate. I might not make it to the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, but being part of this yearly fiesta in Mandaluyong gave the festivity more meaning. The flamboyant costumes of the Ati-Atihans, the tribal beat and the street dancing are just added flair to the occasion but what mattered most is the message the Sto. Nino He would like to impart to His devotees – that just like Him we must continue to grow in faith and love for God. f

Photos (opposite page). Clockwise from top left: Kids joined the parade with their images of the Sto. Niño, The carosa of the Sto. Niño of Bulusan, Ati-Atihan dancers in their colorful costumes and head pieces, A group of Ati-Atihan dancers used the salakot as props for their performance, A group of devotees from the Philippines joined the procession, The drum and percussion group who performed before during the parade.

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Just like in the previous years, in 2010 the whole Bulusan congregation celebrated various festivities and activities that commemorated special events in the Church calendar such as the annual Sto. Niño feastday celebration, Lenten Season, Flores de Mayo in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Feast of God the Father. But it is only this year that we had the Palm Sunday Mass celebrated at the Sto. Niño of Bulusan Shrine.

We are celebrating these festivities in Bulusan to remind us of God’s undying love for mankind. These celebrations are constant reminders to us to grow in faith and love for God as we commemorate these special events. Our church in Bulusan is a place where we experience God’s love through sharing with one another and by learning the importance of prayer in our lives. We celebrate and commemorate these festivities and activities to move others from misery to happiness through the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

ACTIVITIES

Palm Sunday

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

Blessed is the King of Israel!”- John 12:13

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“The cross was two pieces of dead wood; and a helpless, unresisting Man was nailed to it; yet it was mightier than the world, and triumphed, and

will ever triumph over it.”- Augustus William Hare

Holy Thursday & Good Fridayb

Easter Vigilb“Let the resurrection joy lift us from

loneliness and weakness and despair to strength and beauty and happiness.”

- Floyd W. Tomkins

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GROUPSPardonEvery year different LOP groups in the Philippines and abroad celebrate their LOP anniversary. The Holy Mass is being celebrated as a thanksgiving for another year the Lord of Pardon has been with the group. This is also a time when all the members of the LOP group gather together in gratitude for all the blessings they have received all throughout the year. An AGAPE or Salu-salo is usually being done after the mass as a reminder of sharing one’s blessings with others.

Here are some of the photos gathered in 2010 and in the previous years of groups who celebrated another milestone in their LOP mission. May you continue to carry on with your mission to inspire others as you exercise your faith in service.

A blessed 2011 to all Lord of Pardon Mission groups all over the world!

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PHILIPPINESPardon

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PHOTO # 1-2: LOP Malinao Albay, Bicol group; #3-5 LOP Dipolog group; #6-7 LOP Pampanga group

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PHOTO # 8-9: LOP Pampanga group; #10-11 LOP Abra group; #12 LOP Singalong group; #13 LOP Cagayan de Oro group; #14-16 LOP Heritage Bulacan group

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PHILIPPINESPardon

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PHOTO # 1: LOP Plainview, Mandaluyong group; #2 LOP Dipolog group; #3 LOP Greenhills, San Juan group; #4 LOP Ilo-Ilo group; #5 LOP Zamboanga group; #6 LOP Bulusan group with Father Suarez #7 LOP Biliran group

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USA & CANADAPardon

PHOTO # 1-2: Greater Los Angeles prayer group; #3-4 LOP Los Angeles, California group; #5 LOP Northern New Jersey group; #6 LOP North Hollywood, Sun Valley group; #14-16 LOP Riverside and Moreno Valley, California group

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USA, CANADA & DUBAI

Pardon

Do you want your LOP Group photo to be included in next year’s souvenir program?

Like LOP Bulusan (Official) on Facebook and post your group photo on our wall. Don’t forget to include your group’s name for proper labeling. Also, check out updates on our facebook

page for the digital version of this year’s souvenir program.

Thank you very much.

PHOTO #8: LOP San Diego, California group; #9 LOP West Covina - Pomona group; #10 LOP Winnipeg, Canada group; #11 LOP Calgary, Canada group; #12 LOP Toronto, Canada group; #13 LOP Dubai, UAE group

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Schedule of Activities

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

1) Nanay Gloria A. Flordeliza, instrument of Nonoy Po, for her selfless dedication and service to the devotees of Nonoy Po so the Mission may prosper and bear fruit and bring people back to God.2) Mr. & Mrs. Larry G. Martinez, Chairman and CEO of Adriana Printing Co., for their charity in printing the yearly feastday Souvenir Program.3) Fr. Francis Mary & Bishop Salvador Dumabok for their dedication in officiating the Holy Mass at the Bulusan Shrine on Tuesdays & Fridays and special occasions.4) Engr. Ben Dimson for being the spokesman of the Bulusan Mission.5) Badong & Anita Camelo for sponsoring the numerous Devotions to the Lord of Pardon in the Bicol Region and other financial support.6) Brig. Gen. Butch and Elsie Maglaya for sponsoring the yearly Ati-Atihan & military bands; and for contributing, editing and coordinating the publication of the Souvenir Program.7) Nes & Nona Benito for the yearly repainting of the Bulusan Shrine and other financial support.8) Sonia Tablan for the lovely clothes of Nonoy Po, Mama Mary and the Sto. Entierro, and for preparing the food every Tuesday and Friday.9) Lito Tablan for taking charge of the lights and sound arrangements at the Bulusan Shrine.10) Marlon Flordeliza for documenting the activities of the Bulusan Mission and coordinating the message and articles for the Souvenir Program.11) Merlie Rodriguez and Minda De Leon for maintaining the cleanliness of the Bulusan Shrine and taking charge of the vestments of the priests.

12) Miguel Gocolay for sponsoring the color separation of the Souvenir Program by KOLORTEK GRAPHICS INC. 890-7605/890-235813) Anita Camelo & Elaine Pagkanlungan for donating the beautiful flowers for the altar on Tuesdays & Fridays and during special occasions.14) Nestor Aguilar, Lito Cañatal, Dan-Dan and Biboy for the all around repair works at the Shrine.15) Sammy Regacho for contributing the article about Nanay Gloria.16) Bulusan Choir for providing the music during Holy Mass accompanied by guitarists Romy Aguilar & Reynald Flordeliza; drummers Marlon Flordeliza, Marc Flordeliza and Marielet Flordeliza, and organist JP Aclan.17) Rudy Eusebio for overseeing the contents of this year’s Souvenir Program and drafting the message of Nonoy Po for this year’s feastday message.18) Morris Umali for his assistance in procuring necessary permits and Mayor Abalos’ feastday message.19) Resty and Susan Endaya for their untiring effort in arranging the altar after the mass and for sponsoring the polishing of the church tiles and marble floors.Other devotees not mentioned who have contributed in one way or another to the success of the Feastday Celebration and all Lord of Pardon groups all over the Philippines and different parts of the globe.

33rd Feastday Celebration of the Sto. Niño of Bulusan

1:00 PM Holy Mass

2:45 PM Feastday Procession and Street Dancing

6:00 PM Ati-Atihan Dance Contest

7:30 PM Awarding of Prizes

We wish to acknowledge the following persons who have unselfishly contributed in one way or another to the success of the 33rd Feastday Celebration of the Sto. Niño of Bulusan.

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Awit kayaSto. Niño1. O Santo Niño mahal naming santoPatron ng bata’t matatandaPurihi’t sambahin ang kanyang ngalanMagalak tayo at masiyahanKung ang hanap ninyo’y kapayapaanPagmamahal ng Amang lumalangLumapit tayo’t tayo’y magpugayPakundangan sa Diyos na maykapal

2. Ang ating puso, Ang ating diwaAting ialay ng kusaSa ating poong DiyosTanging siya’y maygawaSa lahat ng mga bansaMagpasalamat tayo’t manaligSa ating Diyos ng pag-ibigTayo’y umasa na kahit siya’y paslitHinding-hindi ka iwawaglit

Halina’t magsaya, Halina’t umawitSa ating Diyos ng pag-ibigSa ating paghibik tayo’y nanabikAting saksi’y lupa’t langitSa ligaya’t lumbay, sa mundong ibabawAng Santo Niño’y ating taglawO Santo Niño, O Santo Niño Ligaya’t buhay naming kinapalO Santo Niño, O Santo Niño Ligaya’t buhay naming kinapal

(One More time!)

(Repeat last two lines)

y Father in Heaven, how sweet is to know that You are my Father and that I am Your child! Especially when the skies of my soul are cloudy and my cross weighs more heavily, I feel the need to repeat to You; Father, I believe in Your love for me! Yes, I believe that You are a Father to me at every mo-ment of my life, and that I am your child! I believe that You love me with an infinite love! I believe that you are watching over me night and day and that not a hair falls from my head without Your per-mission! I believe that, in Your infinite Wisdom, You know bet-ter than I what is good for me. I believe that, in Your infinite goodness, You make everything to the advantage of those who love You; even un-der the hand of those who strike me I kiss Your hands which heals! I believe, but increase in me faith, hope and love! Teach me always to see Your love as my guide in every event of my life. Teach me to surrender myself to You like a baby in its mother’s arms. Father, you know everything, You see everything, You know me better than I know myself; You can do everything, and You love me! My Father since it is Your wish that we should always turn to you, I come with confidence to ask You, together with Jesus and Mary… (Here request the favor that you desire) or this intention, and uniting myself to their Most Sacred Hearts, I offer You all my prayers, my sacrifices and mortifications, all my actions, and greater faithfulness to my duties.Give me the light, the grace and the power of the Holy Spirit! Strengthen me in this Spirit, that I may never lose Him, never sadden Him and never allow Him to become weaker in me. My Father, I ask this in the name of Jesus, Your Son! And You, Jesus, open Your Heart and place in it my own and, together with Mary’s, offer it to our Divine Father! Obtain for me the grace that I need! Divine Father, call all men to Yourself. Let all the world proclaim your Fatherly goodness and Your divine mercy! Be a tender Father to me and protect me wherever I am, like the apple of Your eye. Make me always a worthy son/daughter; have mercy on me! Divine Father, sweet hope of our souls, may You be know, honored and love by all men! Divine Father, infinite goodness poured out on all peoples, may You be known, honored and loved by all men! Divine Father, beneficent dew of humanity, may you be known, honored and loved by all men!

“Through Him with Him and

in Him”

GODIs my Father

“God the Father’s promise: ‘All those who will call me Father, even if only once, they will not perish. They will be sure of eternal life

with the chosen ones’.”

Little Shrine of the Sto. Niño of Bulusan175 BULUSAN STREET MANDALUYONG CITY, PHILIPPINES