ONCE again, we celebrate this very wonderful Solemnity of the Assumption of our Lady to heaven (August 15), reminding us that like her, we too are meant to be both body and soul in our definitive state of life, hopefully in heaven, at the end...
Another important thing to remember in reading the Bible is that its various books are not organized according to subject matter or chronology. Therefore, it’s not best to start on page one and try to read straight through. Many people who do this find themselves...
(Excerpt from the homily of Most Reverend Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao during the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord and his 25th Episcopal Anniversary on August 6, 2022, San Pedro Cathedral Parish, San Pedro Street, Davao City) Brothers and sisters in the...
Every 15th of August commemorates the belief that when Mary died, her body was “assumed” into heaven to be reunited with her soul, instead of going through the natural process of physical decay upon death. In 1950, Pope Pius XII declared the Assumption of Mary official...
WHERE there is love, there is always zeal, the state of always being driven and bent on pursuing a clear goal. And this was shown by Christ himself, the pattern of our humanity and the savior of our damaged humanity. At one point, he clearly...
IN the gospel, Christ was once asked about marriage and divorce. And it was there that he had to clarify certain misunderstandings the people of that time had about these matters. And he also brought in the issue about celibacy. (cfr. Mt 19,3-12) Human sexuality is...
TO be merciful is a necessity for us. That’s because to be merciful likens us to God himself who created us in his image and likeness. Mercy is the ultimate expression of charity which is the very essence of God himself and is meant also...
CHRIST said it very clearly. If we want to follow him, we should deny ourselves, carry the cross and follow him. (cfr. Mt 16,24) And only then can we be fruitful, both in our spiritual life and our apostolate. This truth of our faith was somehow...
LET’S remember always that God has a special concern for those who have less in life, like the simple and the weak, the sick and disabled, the children and the poor. And it gives him much pain if we would scandalize them, either through our...
WE have to learn to live in the natural world while pursuing our supernatural goal. This aspect of Christian life is somehow highlighted in that gospel episode where Christ talked about his impending passion, death and resurrection, and proceeded to ask Peter if Christ also...