Christmas 2015 Message

"Mercy is the bridge that connects God and man, opening our hearts to the hope of being loved forever despite our sinfulness.” (Pope Francis)

God’s mercy to His people became more felt when He sent His only Son to become one like us in order to save us. In Jesus, we come to know God as someone who went out of His way to be with His people. Jesus is the embodiment of mercy.  Jesus is mercy!

Over the last 9 days, our web has reflected on the Gospel readings of the day. Capping the daily reflections are suggested gifts of mercy in line with the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Some gifts may seem to be too familiar while others are not. The Jubilee Year of Mercy will be an opportune time for us to know and practice more the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

As we celebrate Jesus’ Birth, may our hearts become more open to the Father’s mercy, especially in the celebration of the sacraments. May our hands become more open to those in need – the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the incarcerated, the sick, the bereaved, the ignorant, the doubtful, etc. May our minds become more broad to respect the views of others.  May our eyes look with compassion on others, including those whom we label as unlovable. May our families and communities become more welcoming to strangers and estranged members alike. May we do the various works of mercy with love! 

Like Jesus, may we become new bridges connecting God with His people particularly those who are in need of His mercy.

In behalf of the web’s Editorial Board and staff, I wish you all a blessed Christmas and a peaceful New Year!

Thank you for all your support. God bless you all!

Warm regards,

Pietro S. Albano

Editor-in-Chief

Be Faithful!

Filipino religiosity would not be complete without the Salubong, that renactment of the encounter between the Risen Christ and His Mother Mary. The Bible didn't mention if anything like that occured, but it seems already obvious that it is no longer necessary to mention it at all.

I enjoyed watching this event as a child and as an adult. My late aunt, who used to organise the repertoire of 'angels' taught me the song Regina Caeli, which these 'angels' would sing during the Salubong. So much have I learnt it that I sang it when it was performed!

Easter dispels that sadness and pain that was felt in Good Friday. Easter breaks away the death that almost stole Our Lord from us. Easter shows us how faithful Jesus was.

If you go back to The Seven Last Words, our Holy Week Special, you would notice that almost all our priests mentioned the need for and importance of faithfulness. In fact, the theme we chose for this year points to the same thing. Fr Ranhilio Aquino wrote in his column in Manila Standard Today that God the Father wasn't glorified with Jesus' bloody death on the cross. How could a loving Father be pleased with that? Even human fathers, no matter how bad they are, couldn't stand seeing their children suffer like that. God was pleased with His Son's faithfulness even to the point of losing His own precious life!

We who have been saved by Jesus's blood should do the same. If we claim Jesus as Savior and King, then we too must imitate Him. Snatched from the hands of Satan, we must now put on the cloak of faithfulness!

As we celebrate the Lord's triumph over sin and death, let us be mindful of our vows as Christians, our vows as spouses/parents, our vows as priests/religious, our vows as leaders of nations and communities. And as we bear these in mind, let us keep ourselves focused on this. Temptations of every sort would come, but let us continuously trust in Christ's abiding presence in us. Let us confide to Mary our Mother.

Fidelity should be part of our criteria in choosing our nation's leaders. If we vote for someone who has proven to be unfaithful - in either public office or private life - then we are putting our country in danger. It's high time we give the Philippines a taste of Easter!

Holy Week has been a time to look back at what Jesus has done for us. It has been a worthwhile time for us at anluwage.com to have done our share in this journey. We thank our seven priests for their generosity in sharing with us their reflection on The Seven Last Words. We also thank all other benefactors and friends - that includes you! - for giving us this chance to be of service. You will all be remembered in our prayers, sacrifices, and good works; particularly in the Holy Mass that will be celebrated for you at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church (Bulwell, Nottingham, UK) on 11 April 2010, Divine Mercy Sunday.

Refreshed by the Lord's Easter blessing, we keep up the good work; we proclaim without fail that He is indeed risen!

May you and your loved ones have a Happy Easter!

On behalf of Tanghalang Anluwage, Inc. I remain

Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord,


Pietro S. Albano
Editor-in-Chief