Enjoying Wonderful World: Jesus

Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts

January 15, 2015

Pope Francis arrives in Manila

Pope Francis arrived in the Philippines, on Thursday afternoon, the second and last stop in his week-long Asia tour for a state and pastoral visit from January 15 to 19 amid one of the biggest security operations in the country's history.

His Holiness Pope Francis visit to the Philippines is to send a message of mercy and compassion to millions of poor Filipinos, including those hit by one of the strongest typhoons to ever hit land.

Here are the beautiful photos I saw in many facebook pages, and some I screenshot in TV coverages during Pope Francis arrival.

(Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

Pope Francis arrives at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.

(Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

All people cheered excitedly as the 78-year-old pontiff Pope Francis peered out several times from the window of a plane that brought him to Villamor Air Base in the Philippines.

Upon arrival, he was received by President Benigno S. Aquino III, and a papal delegation. (via @govPH)

The Pope was all smiles even as the wind blew away his skullcap after he stepped out of the plane.

(Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno Aquino III personally welcomed the Pope.

The two then stood on the ceremonial dais for the papal anthem and the Philippine national anthem.

His Holiness Pope Francis, accompanied by President Benigno S. Aquino III, receives a bouquet of flowers during the arrival ceremony at the 250th PAW of the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Thursday afternoon (January 15, 2015). (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

After the playing of the Philippine and Vatican national anthems, the Pope greeted by 10-year-old orphan Mark Angelo Balbero and Lanie Ortilla, 9, Francis hugged hugged and blessed the two children, who gave him bouquets of white and yellow flowers.

Church officials, Cabinet members and two children were among the first people to greet Pope Francis upon his arrival in the Philippines Thursday.

Pope Francis shook hands with 12 members of the Aquino Cabinet and 12 leaders of the Catholic Church.

The Pope gladly meeting again, hugged and exchanged pleasantries with Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle who was part of the conclave that elected him Pope.

(Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

More than 1,200 devotees from the Diocese of Paranaque dancing outside the plane, and around 1,500 schoolchildren welcomed the Pope with lively dances, waving white cloths, and red, white and blue umbrellas to form the Philippine flag. Their shirts were printed with the message "Mabuhay (Welcome) Pope Francis!"

Pope Francis boards the "Popemobile." January 15, 2015

His Holiness Pope Francis takes leave of President Benigno S. Aquino III and boards the Papal Mobile after the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Thursday afternoon (January 15, 2015). (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

The Nunciature where Pope Francis will be staying during his trip to Manila. (Photo by Jim Guiao Punzalan, Manila Bulletin)

Thousands of people lined the streets of the Manila on Thursday, waving flags, cheering, jumped, clapped and singing, greeted shout, cheer, shed tears of joy to welcome Pope Francis on his first visit to Asia's largest Catholic nation.

The Pope will bring a message of compassion to millions of poor Filipinos suffering from the effects of corruption and decades-old insurgencies, as well as the problems faced by millions of impoverished and the families of the 10 million-12 million Filipino migrant workers overseas.

He will visit the central province of Leyte, which is still struggling to recover from Typhoon Haiyan that killed 6,300 people in 2013.

About two million people are expected to attend an open-air mass on Saturday at Tacloban City airport, almost completely destroyed by Haiyan.

On His first day here in the country, watching the TV coverages and seeing him smile and greet people, I feel the spirit of the Lord, I feel Jesus in Him - a true servant , with Mercy and Compassion.

Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

Hail to Pope Francis for giving the Philippines his utmost attention!

April 20, 2014

Happy Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday is one of the most festive events worldwide. It commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death. The day symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and his triumph over the grave.

The holiday known around the world as Easter Sunday usually brings pleasant images, greetings, quotes, family gatherings, egg hunts, and visits from the Easter bunny.

The seven days before Easter Sunday is referred to as Holy Week, or the Passover season. These days are set aside to commemorate the brief life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

"Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"

Thankful and we think about the new life that we have in Jesus.

Easter Bible verses help us to meditate on the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

These verses help us to focus on the risen Christ and bring us hope for our eternal home in Heaven.

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe in this?" John 11:25-26

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Co 1:18

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3

"Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." Romans 6:8-11

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Co 15:55-57

"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isa 53:4-5

"Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died---more than that, who was raised to life-- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Romans 8:34

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and become obedient to death --- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Php 2: 5-11

January 8, 2014

"Viva Señor Jesus Nazareno!" Feast of Black Nazarene 2014

"Viva Señor Jesus Nazareno!"

The Feast of Black Nazarene, annual event every January 9th. It commemorates the 'Traslación' or Passage of life-sized, dark wooden statue of Jesus Christ through procession or transfer of the image to its present shrine in Quiapo Church, Manila.

Highlight of the celebration is the grand procession of sea of devotees from Quirino Grandstand at seven in the morning.

(Photo: Jim Guiao Punzalan)

The organizers said that an estimate of 12 million people are expected to join the activities for the Feast of Black Nazarene.

MMDA releases Feast of Black Nazarene 2014 procession route, traffic rerouting scheme. Since the procession will not pass through the usual route, McArthur Bridge, which the Department of Public Works and Highways said is only fit to handle 20 tons or 10,000 people at any given time, the procession is expected to last 10 to 12 hours.

Here's a map detailing the parade route of the annual procession for the Feast of Black Nazarene 2014:

Parade route Feast of Black Nazarene 2014

Route from Quirino Grandstand (Luneta), right Katigbak Drive thru P. Burgos, left Taft Ave.(P.Burgos) thru McArthur Bridge, right Palanca, thru under Quezon Bridge, left Quezon Blvd., right Fraternal, right Vergara, left Duque de Alba, left Castillejos, left farnecio, right Arlegui, left Nepomuceno, left Aguila, right Carcer, right Hidalgo thru Plaza Del Carmen, left Bilibid Viejo thru Puyat, left Guzman, right Hidalgo, left Barbosa, right Globo de Oro thru under Quezon Bridge, right Palanca, right Villalobos thru Plaza Miranda to Quiapo Church.

Here are the Traffic Re-routing scheme for Feast of Black Nazarene 2014:

1. All vehicles coming from northern part of Manila intending to utilize the stretch of Bonifacio Drive (for Port Area offices) or right to A. Soriano to Magallanes Drive, right to P. Burgos, go straight to Lagusnilad to Taft Ave.

2. All vehicles coming from Taft Avenue northbound shall turn right at A. Villegas (Arroceros), right at Quezon Bridge to point of destination.

3. All vehicles coming from southern part of Manila intending to utilize the northbound of Roxas Blvd. from T. M. Kalaw to P. Burgos shall turn right to T.M. Kalaw to point of destination.

4. All vehicles coming from Quezon City using the stretch of Espana shall turn right P. Campa, left Andalucia, right Fuguso, left T. Mapua to point of destination.

5. All PUJ’s/light vehicles coming from Espana intending to proceed to South Pier Zone take the usual route using Quezon Bridge.

6. All vehicles coming from Divisoria intending to utilize the stretch of C. Recto Avenue shall turn left to T. Alonzo, right at Furguso, right at Andalucia to point of destination.

7. All vehicles coming from Legarda shall turn right Recto or left Mendiola to point of destination.

8. All heavy vehicles/cargo trucks coming from the south shall take Pres. Osmena, right Pres. Quirino to Nagtahan via A.H. Lacson to Capulong (vice-versa).

Some notes from MMDA:

1. All motorist intending to proceed to North of Manila or South of Manila shall advise to utilized the stretch of Lacson to Nagtahan (vice-versa) or to utilized the stretch of Road 10 to Roxas Blvd. (vice-versa) to point of destination.

2. All buses coming from southern part of Manila (Laguna and Cavite) utilizing Taft Ave. are not allowed to enter from 7:00 AM to 12:00 NN and allowed only up to Pres. Quirino as their turning point. #mmda

THE Manila City Council has declared January 9, the Feast of the Black Nazarene, a special non-working holiday in the city.

A resolution passed on first reading by the council said the feast would highlight the “religious significance and cultural importance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene” and that there is truly a need to “preserve, enshrine, and promote its observance, commemoration, and celebration in the City of Manila.”

Councilor DJ Bagatsing who authored the ordinance, said that it is essentially sound for Manila to propose a local holiday on the Feast of Black Nazarene.

“This would give loyal worshippers a better chance of engaging in this sacred tradition,” Councilor DJ Bagatsing added.

The city had earlier announced the suspension of classes on Thursday to spare students from being stranded because of the expected deluge of devotees.

Barefoot devotees will again be allowed in trains, according to the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA). LRT rides will not be free and security inspections will continue. He said the number of LRT commuters doubles during the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

The traditional “pahalik” of the Black Nazarene had already started after the venerated image was transferred to Quirino Grandstand Monday evening.

January 9, 2013

Happy Feast Day of The Black Nazarene

The Black Nazarene/ Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno/
Itim na Nazareno
( http://enjoyingwonderfulworld.blogspot.com/2012/01/feast-of-black-nazarene-january-9-2012.html)

"Viva Señor!" "Viva Señor!"

A huge crowd tries to touch the statue of The Black Nazarene, a life-sized statue of Christ is carried through town by barefooted men yelling, "Viva Señor! "

(Photo: Jim Guiao Punzalan)

On January 9, 2013 - celebration of Feast of Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila. Some 11 million devotees are expected to join the parade set on Wednesday.

(Photo: MGR)

The religious veneration of the Black Nazarene is rooted among Filipinos who identify themselves with the Passion of Jesus Christ. Many devotees of the Black Nazarene relate their poverty and daily struggles to the wounds and tribulations experienced by Jesus, as represented by the image.

Every Friday of the year is locally known as Quiapo Day, and is dedicated to the Black Nazarene, with the novena being held not only in the basilica but in other churches nationwide. Devotees also pay homage by clapping their hands at the end of each mass offered at the shrine.

If you decide to take part in the event, be prepared. Most in the crowd go barefoot as a sign of humility as they follow the statue. A few dozen people a year pass out and must be taken away by ambulance. And there is at least a small risk of being trampled.

Take care everyone and God bless! Happy Feast Day and "Viva Señor!"

January 9, 2012

Feast of Black Nazarene January 9, 2012

The Black Nazarene/
Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno/
Itim na Nazareno

The Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9 2012 will have the procession scheduled to start at 8 a.m. after the Mass but, because of the multitudes of those who attend, it is expected to last for 10 to 12 hours.

A grand Fiesta, this festival centers on the image of the Black Nazarene which was transported by galleon from Mexico to Manila in the 17th century. The festival is marked by an afternoon procession by thousands of devotees.

Around eight million devotees flock in Quiapo every year and wear the color maroon and go barefoot in imitation of Jesus on his way to Mount Calvary.

Last Saturday Malacanang asked devotees of the Black Nazarene to take necessary precautions and refrain from bringing along their children and valuables to ensure an orderly and peaceful celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene Monday, Jan. 9.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte echoed the appeals made by officials of Manila, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to the public against bringing children and their valuables.

"To our elderly devotees, let us also take the necessary precautions," she said.

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim said the Nazarene procession’s route has been cleared of obstructions, potholes, hanging wires and even broken bottles and the like to ensure the safety of the devotees who will be joining the procession barefooted.

Meanwhile, instead of the usual “namamasan,” priests will be the ones to transfer the 40-year-old image of the Black Nazarene from the altar to its “andas” (carriage) Monday.

Monsignor Clemente Ignacio, rector of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, said he will ask the priests to transfer the life-size image of Jesus Christ to prevent chaos during the feast day mass in Luneta.

“The priests will be the ones to carry. This is a first for them,” he said.

“We are requesting the ‘mamamasan’ to wait for the Mass to finish. Don’t rush because the priests are not used to shoving,” Ignacio said in Pilipino.

In the past, the Mass was temporarily interrupted when devotees started climbing the stage to get near the Nazareno image for the procession.

Ignacio said they are hoping that the presence of the priests will help pacify the devotees.

The Quiapo rector appealed anew to the faithful to respect the occasion and Mass. He said devotees need not climb the stage during the Mass as they’ll be given several opportunities to approach the Nazareno such as the “pahalik” (the faithful’ kissing of the feet and hands of the Nazarene image) which will start at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, Manila.

Around eight million devotees are expected to join the annual “traslacion” procession of the Black Nazarene from Luneta to Quiapo Church Monday afternoon.

Traditionally, men are the only ones permitted to hold the ropes pulling the image's carriage, but in recent years female devotees also participated in the procession. People who have touched the Black Nazarene said they have been cured of their diseases, and Catholics come from all over Manila to touch the image in the hopes of a miracle. Towels and handkerchiefs are wipe on the statue in their hope of a miracle they attributed to the "rubbing off". To some devotees it is their annual rites to beg for forgiveness and renewal of their subscription to God’s grace.

December 4, 2011

CHRISTMAS Special : The Meaning of the Advent Wreaths

Most Advent wreaths use three colors – purple, pink, and white. Some nowadays may use blue in place of the purple.

Purple symbolizing repentance and fasting. It is also the color of royalty, demonstrating the anticipation and reception of the coming King celebrated during Advent. Many churches have begun to use blue instead of purple, as a means of distinguishing Advent from Lent.

Pink represents joy or rejoicing and reveals a shift in the season away from repentance and toward celebration.

White representing purity. Christ is the sinless, spotless, pure Savior. Also, those who receive Christ as Savior are washed of their sins and made whiter than snow. It is the color of the center Advent candle.

1st Candle : Purple Candle

THE PROPHECY CANDLE or CANDLE OF HOPE

We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises made to us. Our hope comes from God. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:12-13)

2nd Candle : Purple Candle

THE BETHLEHEM CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF PREPARATION

Preparation means to “get ready”. Help us to be ready to welcome You, O God! ‘A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation.‘

(Luke 3:4-6)

3rd Candle : Pink Candle

THE SHEPHERD CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF JOY

The angels sang a message of Joy! “…and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

(Luke 2:7-15)

4th Candle : Purple Candle

THE ANGEL CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF LOVE

The angles announced the good news of a Savior. God sent his only Son to earth to save us, because he loves us! “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17)

5th Candle : White Candle

“CHRIST CANDLE”

The white candle reminds us that Jesus is the spotless lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins! His birth was for his death, his death was for our birth! “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!‘”

(John 1:29)

“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, ‘Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.’ In reply Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’ ‘How can a man be born when he is old?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.‘”

(John 3:1-8)

October 27, 2011

A Social Network Christmas

This is one of the best clips I've seen in Facebook! I am moved and enjoyed watching about the Nativity, FB style.

This video is an artistic take on how the story of the nativity might have read had a social network existed at the time of Jesus's birth. Follow this historical period as it unfolds as a digital narrative. This vignette is great for highlighting the truths and circumstances of our Savior's birth in a fresh, unique way.

This project is completely relevant to the times we live and yet gives a simple yet clear version of the Christmas story. One of the best on the site. Godly creativity at it's best. One of the most creative videos in some time.

The sweet irony of this piece is that it uses the internet-context of how we share our personal lives, experiences, doubts, fears and joys today to humanize and make relevant an eternal event from 2,000 years ago. At least the Social Network Christmas focuses on the story as real, and it spends some time thinking about the social consequences for Mary and Joseph too. Surely if we’re going to do any outreach beyond the “happy make feel nice” level at Christmas, we need to be telling it as a story that actually happened?

This have the right combination of biblical text and modernisms. Great song behind it , "O Come O Come Emmanuel."

O Come O Come Emmanuel Lyrics

O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel