WHAT IS A STIGMATA?

Any sores, bodily marks, sensations of pain in locations corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus such as the hands, feet, In some cases, rope marks on the wrists have accompanied the wounds on the hands are called Stigmata( wikipedia.org). The stigmata is the spontaneous appearance or manifestations of bloody wounds on a person's body that is similar to that of  Jesus Christ. It is  the wounds made by the nail on hands and feet, the wounds made by the crown of thorns on the head, the scourge marks on the body, the wound made by the lance on the side of the body and the wounds at the wrist made by the cords. Wounds of Stigmatics varies. There are stigmatas that are not just wounds that is circular in shape because of the nails but there are also wounds that have an unusual shape such as a cross. There are cases of a Stigmatist or stigmatic person wherein there are no visible marks but feels the pain and sufferings, these occurrences are  considered as invisible stigmata.  A stigmata may be temporary, within a period of time or even permanent but usually the wounds that appear heals a few hours after its appearance and then re-appear. Stigmatics are often Catholics and are mostly women.
We know that blood have an rusty iron like or stale smell but the blood that ooze from the wounds of a stigmatist have an odor described as an heavenly smell or known as ODOUR OF SANCTITY. The most popular stigmatist of the 20th century was Padre Pio.

Other Known stigmatics were:


GIOVANNI FRANCESCO DI BERNARDONE or known as ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI - Receive his stigmata in 1224. He was the first person who manifests the wounds of the passion of Christ.
St. Catherine di Ricci                                                        
Zlatko Sudac
St. John of God
Marie Rose Ferron
Blessed Lucia Brocadelli of Narni
Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich
Saint Gemma Galgani
Saint Marie of the Incarnation
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina
Saint Rita of Cascia
Marthe Robin
St. Gertrude
St. Lidwine
St. Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi
St. Mary Frances of the Five Wounds
Bl. Angela of Foligno
Anna Maria Taïgi

There were people who said they manifest the wounds of Jesus but thorough investigations made by the Church revealed that their wounds were self inflicted and some of them were diagnosed to have been suffering from a a certain psychological disorder called Munchausen syndrome. People with Munchausen syndrome have an intense desire for attention.  A self inflicted stigmata heals naturally but a true stigmatic's wound would heal after a few hours after it has appeared. Based on the stories of those who bore stigmata, the wounds and the pains usually were present during Thursdays and Fridays. Stigmata sometimes were accompanied by other unexplainable phenomenon such as prophecy. Others can live with just a little amount of food or water such as in the case of St. Catherine of Siena and Angela of Foligno.
 
There are skeptics who  doesn't believe about the mysticism of Stigmata. Some think that there are scientific explanations on this cases such as Psychogenic Purpura. Others said that this things were work of the Evil forces but I believe these things happened miraculously and those who bore stigmata were chosen  by the Creator to be his servant, to be a living proof that God really exist.

OBSERVANCE OF HOLY WEEK IN THE PHILIPPINES

It's Holy Week once again, the time when Catholics do their penance and commemorates the passion and death of Jesus Christ to save mankind. So how exactly do Filipinos celebrate Holy Week?

Starting on Palm Sunday, the day were we commemorate the victorious entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. In the Philippines, during Palm Sunday, sidewalks near the church were full of vendors selling Palaspas or decorated palm leaves. Filipinos go to church early in the morning of Palm Sunday with their Palaspas to be blessed by the officiating priest. After the mass, the blessed palm leaves are placed on the front doors of their homes which they believed is an effective way to ward off bad spirits and spare their homes from being struck by lightning. The palm fronds will be left on their front door until the next Palm Sunday on the following year.

Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday -  During this time of the year, for many Catholics it is a time of prayer and reflection. In many places in the Philippines it is the start their traditional Holy Week  "Pabasa" which literally means reading, it is where the poetic prayer of life to resurrection of Jesus Christ is sung/chanted. It is also locally known as "Pasyon".


Maundy Thursday - the day in observance of the Last Supper. the washing of the feet,  the blessing of the bread and wine which symbolizes the body and blood of Jesus Christ. It is also a tradition in the Philippines during Maundy Thursday to visit 7 different churches which is known as Visita Iglesia. During Visita Iglesia, most Catholics make the 14 stations. There were also diocese who celebrate Chrism Mass during Maundy Thursday. Chrism Mass is an annual gathering of all clergies wherein priests renew the vows which they made when they were ordained. Mass of Chrism was derived from the name of the "consecrated oil" itself. The Oil of Chrism/Holy Chrism/Sanctum Chrisma  is used in the administration of the sacraments of  baptism, confirmations and Holy Orders, in the consecration of things such as altar, paten, bells, chalices, and water for baptism.

On Good Friday Christians commemorates the passion and death of Christ, the seven last words { siete palabras ), the way of the cross (Via Crucis), there are also numerous street processions and stage plays locally known as "Senakulo".
During Good Fridays there were devotees who practice self-flagellation and some do their penance by having themselves crucified. Also on Good Friday, thousands of devotees of the Black Nazarene flock to Quiapo Church to join the morning procession.

Black Saturday - a day of silence and solemnity. Some are busy preparing for events on Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday - This is the end of the 40 day lent.  On Easter Sunday, at pre-dawn, there were 2 different procession which starts from 2 different points. One of them carries the image of the risen Christ and the other one carries the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary which is covered by black veil. The procession will meet at a point where a little girl dressed up as an angel  and was positioned on a high platform awaits to unveil the image of Mary which signifies that Mary has met his risen son. There are also some who have Easter parties for children which involves Easter egg hunting.

                                                                    amulets from Quiapo, Manila

Filipinos are indeed fascinated with talismans/amulets which is locally known as anting-anting. During Lenten Season specially on Good Fridays, those who possess amulets sanctify and recharge its power. They go to certain places such as Mt. Banahaw which is known as the mystic mountain or a   

haven for people search or spirituality.
 

              Mount Banahaw

Many Catholics believe that penance through crucifixion and self-flagellation would save their souls from the fires of hell, although this lenten tradition has been practiced in the Philippines by many Catholics for decades, church officials discouraged extreme corporal mortification. Also the Department of Health have given warning to flagellants for the possibilities of being infected with tetanus.
I agree with the church officials who were against this kind of penance. The observance of Lenten Season should be sacred. Instead of self mortification, why not have their repentance from sins the right way, which I believe is through meditation, fasting and abstinence.




                                                                         flagellants from Pampanga                        

THE FEAST OF THE SANTO NINO

 photo taken from photobucket.com

Like the feast of the Black Nazarene, the feast of Santo Nino ( holy child) is also celebrated every January. The feast of Santo Nino is usually celebrated every third Sunday of January. The Spaniards were the ones who introduced the Santo Nino to the Filipinos. 
When Magellan reached the Philippines in 1521, he introduced Christianity to Filipinos. He convert many Filipinos into Christians. The gift given by Magellan to Hara Amihan, the wife of Rajah Humabon  ( the chieftain of Cebu) on her baptism is a wooden image of child Jesus (Santo Nino). Magellan died a few weeks later in a battle with Lapu-Lapu in Mactan, his men returned to Spain. In 1565, another group of Spaniards arrived in Cebu, Philippines, headed by explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. One of his men, Juan Camus found the image of Santo Nino inside a wooden box.
Santo Nino is the prime of all Christian relics in the Philippines. In fact the image that was found by Juan Camus was enshrined in San Agustin Church in Cebu which is now known as the Minore Basilica del Santo Nino. 
There were many places in the Philippines wherein they celebrate festival in honor of Senor Santo Nino.
The Philippines' biggest and most popular festival in honor of the Senor Santo Nino is the Sinulog Festival in Cebu.

FESTIVALS IN THE PHILIPPINES  IN HONOR OF THE  SANTO NINO;


ATI-ATIHAN Festival -  held annually in Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines. Celebrated on the third Sunday of January.
SINULOG Festival - held annually in Cebu City, Philippines. Celebrated on the third Sunday of January.
DINAGYANG Festival - held annually during the fourth Sunday of January in Iloilo City, Philippines.
BINANOG Festival - held every second Sunday of January in Lambunao, Iloilo.
KABANKALAN SINULOG Festival - in Kabankalan, Negros celebrated annually during second Sunday of January. 
HINIRUGYAW Festival - held every January 30 - February 6 in Calinog, Iloilo.
BANSUDANI Festival - in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro every January 17 to 19.
KINARADTO Festival - celebrated annually in Buenavista, Guimaras every January 16.
KAHIMUNAN Festival - Butuan City, Butuan's version of Sinulog Festival held every January 16.
BATAN ATI-ATI MALAKARA Festival - in Poblacion, Batan Aklan. Celebrated every January 16. 
ALTAVAS STO. NINO Festival - held annually in Poblacion, Altavas, Aklan every January 21-22.
DINAGSA ATI-ATI Festival - Cadiz, Negros Occidental held every January 24-30
BINIRAY Festival - held annually in Romblon, Romblon every January 9.
SANTO NINO Fiesta in Marilao , Bulacan every last Sunday of January. 
TONDO FIESTA -  celebrated every third Sunday of January in Tondo Manila.

SINULOG PHOTO TAKEN FROM PHOTOBUCKET

The celebration of the feast of the Santo Nino started in Cebu and is now celebrated in many parts of the Philippines. There were hundreds of stories about the miracles of the Santo Nino which made the holy infant close to the hearts of every Filipino. Celebrations features novenas, processions with images of the Santo Nino, tribal dance competitions, fireworks and games for childrens. 

VIVA PIT SENOR SANTO NINO!!!

AN UPDATE ON THE FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE 2011

Right after the mass in Quirino Grandstand that was led by Fr. Anton Pascual, devotees of the Black Nazarene  rushed to the stage of  Quririno Grandstage where the image was enshrined since last Saturday for the "pahalik". Devotees hurriedly climb up the stage for them to be the first to wipe their face towels on the image of the Black Nazarene and be able to grab the rope that will be use to pull the carriage of the Black Nazarene. Father Anton Pascual led the Lord's prayer for the devotees to be pacified. The priest  asked devotees to kneel down.  The cross was even dislodged from the image due to the uncontrollable  male devotees who were excited and can't wait to carry the image. It took a couple of minutes before the image was brought to the "Andas" (carriage).  This was similar to last year's celebration wherein the image was placed on the left side of the stage. Devotees was uncontrollable, they tried to grab the rope and climb the platform where the image is, even though the mass is still going on.
Thanks God there were no reported death in this year's celebration but there were around 700 people who sought medical attention. 
Quirino Grandstand turned out to be like a dumpsite after millions of devotees left the ground to join the " TRANSLACION". Thanks to our MMDA clearing group who were dedicated to their job, who immediately clean the area.
The procession of the Black Nazarene took 16 hours; it started 8am right after the image of the Black Nazarene was placed on the carriage at the Quirino Grandstand and reaches Quiapo Church at 12 midnight.

 Here are some pictures I took in this year's celebration.

 

at the Qurino Grandstand

replicas of the Black Nazarene

 

one of the banner used by a group of devotees

 

ati-atihan who joined the parade at Echague, Manila

 

devotees waiting for the procession

 

MMDA Band

 

vendors around the vicinity of  Sta.Cruz, Manila

waiting for the Black Nazarene

  

 

 volunteers, ambulances and rescue missions

 

 parade along Echague street.

 

 banners at the beginning of the procession

the Black Nazarene

THE FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE 2011

One of the most widely attended feast in the Philippines is the feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila which is annually held every January 9. Millions of devotees from all walks of life come to the Saint John the Baptist Church which is also known as the Basilica Minor of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila to take part in the procession which is called as the TRANSLACION to fulfill their vow to the patron and for their personal wishes to be granted.

There are three occasions every year wherein the life size image of the Black Nazarene was brought out for procession. New Year's day, his feastday which is January 9, and every Good Friday.

HISTORY
The image was brought to Manila, Philippines by an Augustinian Recollect priest In May, 1606 onboard in a galleon from Acapulco, Mexico. It was made by an unknown Mexican carpenter. On its way to the Philippines,  the ship unfortunately caught fire that burnt the image of the Nazarene. The charring of the image made it black thus the name Black Nazarene came from.  The people preserve and give honor to the "Black Nazarene".
The image of the Black Nazarene was initially placed in Bagumbayan, which is known today as the Rizal Park. The image was then transferred to San Nicolas de Tolentino in Intramuros in 1608. It was then the Archbishop of Manila who ordered the transfer of the image of Black Nazerene to the St. John the Baptist church in Quiapo in 1787. The Black Nazarene was once damaged during a procession when
it was accidentally being hit by a stray bullet in its left cheek in 1990's.

There are reports that a lot of devotees who touches the image of the Black Nazarene received miracles.
During the time of the Spaniards, Filipino male devotees were called Cofradia de Santo Cristo Jesus Nazareno. Cofradia started with a group of male devotees who came from well off and financially stabled families. Today, regardless of status in life, male devotees were called as the Hijos del Nazareno Jesus and female devotees were known as the Ladies of the Black Nazarene. 

Devotees who joined the procession walk barefooted as a sign of humility and wears maroon shirt which is the color of the dress of the Black Nazarene. They carry with them a white face towel which they used to wave when they see the Black Nazarene while yelling " VIVA SENOR". 

This year, it will be the 404th feast of the Black Nazarene. It is expected that there will be more devotees who will join the annual procession as January 9 this year falls on a Sunday which is a day for worship. Every year, devotees gradually increase in number because many Filipinos believe that through devotion to the Black Nazarene they will have long life, good health, deliverance from disasters and calamities, peace of mind, joy, and prosperity.

PRAYER TO JESUS OF NAZARENE

O most sweet Jesus Nazarene, My God and Redeemer. who hast trodden the road to Calvary with the weight of the cross on Thy shoulder: look down on me a sinner who is now giving praise to Thy suffering. I also thank Thee for saving through thy meed acceptance of suffering on the cross. 

Forgive me my sins, O good Jesus. I acknowledge my weaknesses and I trust that out of  Thy boundless mercy. Thou wilt wash with Thy blood my innumerable sins. I love thee above all things and I promise to be faithful to thy commandments unto the hour of my death. 

Be with me Lord and guide my steps so that I may reach the end of this earthly journey to the kingdom of heaven, Amen.

HYMN TO THE BLACK NAZARENE

(AWIT SA MAHAL NA POONG NUESTRO PADRE JESUS NAZARENO)

"Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno

Sinasamba ka namin. Pinipintuho ka namin.

Aral mo ang aming buhay at kaligtasan.

Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno

KIligtas mo kami sa kasalanan

Ang Krus mong kinamatayan

Ay sagisag ng aming kaligtasan

Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno

Dinarangal ka namin

Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno

Niluluwalhati ka namin."

THE MORAL LAW OF NATURE: YOU REAP WHAT YOU HAVE SOW

Do you believe in KARMA? Ever heard someone saying " of all people, why would these things happens to me?"


KARMA - or kamma in pali which mean what you do to others is what you get similarly. 
Buddhist, and Hindus were not the only ones who believe in Karma, even Christians do.The bible has something to say about karma. Galatians (chapter 6 verse 7) tells us that " Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A person reaps what he sow". Another is in Matthew (chapter 7 verse 12) 
" ¹²So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." . This verses were also similar to the words of Confucius.

Karma could have been a result of your physical, verbal or mental actions. Does your past life has something to do with the karma you are experiencing in your present life?
There are others who explains that this is the reason why there are individuals who keeps on doing good things but yet faces lots of difficulties in life. There are no individual who can escape the consequences of his actions. It can have a short term or long term effect. 

Read this meaningful quotes:

Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

Truly, indeed that you may feel some sort of happiness being able to see the fall of someone you don't want,  but remember chapter 7 of the letter of Paul to the Galatians that "the lord cannot be mocked." He sees everything you do, be very careful of your words and actions. Good will be returned with good; evil with evil.

WHY DO CATHOLICS MAKES THE SIGN OF THE CROSS?

I am a Christian who belongs to the Roman Catholic religion. I was surprised how making the sign of the cross is being questioned, teased and mocked by some anti-catholics. 
Let us admit the fact that there are also some catholics who were asking the same question about the sign of the cross. so why do catholics make sign of the cross on their foreheads? Why do catholic churches decorated with a cross? Why do catholics make this sign as they administer sacraments?

I would like to share with you what Officials of the church have to says about the sign of the Cross (signum crucis).
There are biblical basis referring as to why catholic are making the sign of the cross. We make this sign, we proclaim the message of salvation purchased by Jesus through the cross. The bible clearly states: " For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing , but to us who are being saved, is the power of God." (1 Cor. 1:18)
The bible also teaches us to be proud of it as the message of the cross is the power of God; read Galatians 6:14
Without which there is no crown for Christians. The cross symbolizes our day to day sufferings. When Peter tried to keep Jesus Christ away from the cross, He called Peter "Satan". So it is clear, Satan is afraid and keeps himself away from the Cross as it is through the Cross that Jesus destroyed the devil's kingdom and saved mankind from the slavery of sin and death.
Cyril of Jerusalem wrote in AD 386: " Let us therefore not be ashamed of the cross of Christ; but though another hide it, do thou openly zeal it upon thy forehead, that the devils may beheld the royal sign and flee trembling far away. Make then this sign at eating, drinking and sitting, at lying down, at rising up, at speaking, at walking: in a word, at every act."
Ephrem of Syria testifies in AD 373: " Make all your actions with the sign of the life giving Cross. Do not go out from the doors of your house till you have signed yourself with the cross. Do not neglect that sign whether in eating and drinking or going to sleep, or in the home or going on a journey. There is no habit to be compared with it. Let it be a protecting wall around all your conduct, and teach it to your children that they may earnestly learn the custom".




I have nothing personal with other sects but my point in posting this article is to share what
Catholics have been taught since early childhood and also share what the Church has to say to defend the Catholic faith.