AS priest, I, of course, receive frequent requests to bless different items—tokens of devotion like rosary beads, stampitas, or bikes and cars, and of course, houses. I always welcome these occasions because they can only show that people still have some traces of piety despite...
WE have to remember that this is our ideal condition to be in. We may have to do some battling, we may feel angered and agitated for a number of reasons, we may be hounded by fears, doubts and worries, but let’s see to it...
RECENT reports have it that cases of mental health issues are increasing. That should not be a surprise, given the current situation we are in. I can imagine that there must be quite a number of people sinking in states of frustration, disappointment, sadness, depression,...
AS we all know by now, this is how most classes are conducted these days. Students are given modules and they are expected to study them mainly on their own. And whatever classes the teachers have to give, they are done online. This, of course, requires...
Excerpts from the Homily of Archbishop Romulo Valles during his Livestreaming Mass for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, last March 19, 2021 at the Archbishop’s Residence Chapel, F. Torres St., Davao City. Brothers and sisters, we are happy as people of faith that...
INSPIRED by an old love song, The Nearness of You, this essay seeks to encourage all of us to develop a strong, deep sense of the nearness of God in our life. Like in that love song, it should not just be the “pale moon”...
Although many cannot still be present physically in the church during this Holy Week 2021 due to restrictions of health protocols, this year is better than last year for some reasons. First, we are a bit prepared this year than last year. After the urgent decision...
On Palm Sunday, we display, not wave, our palms. No, the gospels do not say, the people welcome Jesus entering Jerusalem by waving palms. Instead of waving, they display the palms on the ground for Jesus’s riding ass to walk on (Mark 11, 8). This has...
THIS should be made clear to all of us. We are meant to be happy, not only from time to time, but all time. Impossible? Of course, it will be impossible if we rely mainly if not solely on our own powers. But that’s not...
WE are not, of course, mere plants and animals whose periods of hibernation are periods of sheer inactivity. But with our current situation where we are made to restrict our movements and are asked to stay home, we should somehow learn the art of a...