Bishop Moises Cuevas says clean energy shift is not just a practical solution but a moral imperative https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/catholic-church-oriental-mindoro-solar-shift/

MAMATID, CABUYAO, LAGUNA — Images of San Vicente Ferrer from various chapels, parishes, and shrines across the region were gathered at the Diocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer in Barangay Mamatid for the first-ever San Vicente Ferrer Convention, alongside the Second Grand Vincentian Procession. The gathering took place on May 5, coinciding with the Dominican liturgical feast of Saint Vincent Ferrer and the first anniversary of the shrine’s solemn declaration of spiritual twinning with the Minor Basilica of San Vicente Ferrer in Valencia, Spain.

The event served as a convergence of devotees and religious communities, highlighting shared traditions of devotion to the 14th-century Dominican preacher whose legacy remains widely honored in various parts of the world.

Saint Vincent Ferrer, a Dominican friar from Valencia, Spain, is historically known as a prominent itinerant preacher during the late 14th and early 15th centuries. In Catholic tradition, he is associated with widespread missionary activity across Europe and is credited by believers with numerous miracles, both during his lifetime and after his death. He is often remembered for his calls to repentance, unity within the Church, and moral reform during a period marked by division and crisis in Christendom.

The Diocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer in Mamatid is home to a revered miraculous ivory image of the saint, locally known among devotees as “Lolo Enteng.” For decades, the shrine has become a pilgrimage site for individuals seeking miracles, healing, and spiritual devotion. The steady flow of pilgrims has contributed to its recognition as a significant center of popular devotion in the province.

Last year, the shrine received formal recognition from the Minor Basilica of San Vicente Ferrer in Valencia, Spain, the saint’s birthplace, acknowledging its pastoral care and sustained devotion among Filipino faithful. This relationship was formalized through the recognition of the shrine as the First Spiritual Twin of the Minor Basilica, symbolizing a bond of shared heritage and faith practice. As part of this connection, the Dominican Order in Valencia gifted the Mamatid shrine a piece of Saint Vincent Ferrer’s alb, a liturgical vestment, now regarded as one of the largest known relic of the saint in the Philippines.

Rev. Fr. Gomer Torres, SThL, rector and parish priest of the shrine, expressed hope that the convention and procession would further strengthen devotion to the saint and encourage wider participation from parishes across the country. He also shared plans to build a nationwide network of parishes and devotees dedicated to promoting the life and legacy of San Vicente Ferrer.

The gathering concluded with a renewed emphasis on shared devotion, cultural heritage, and continued collaboration among participating communities.

The Pilgrimage Season 2026 was officially launched on May 12, 2026 at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (Baclaran Church).

Most Rev. Marcelino Antonio M. Maralit, Jr. D.D., Bishop of San Pablo, led the Eucharistic Celebration for the opening of the pilgrimage season which will continue until June 27, 2026, the feast day of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.

The celebration also coincided with the Alphonsian Youth Gathering 2026 organized by the Redemptorist Youth Ministry of Asia-Oceania.

During the celebration, the icon of Mother of Perpetual Help was brought down from the high altar for public veneration.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Jy8tBqd5n_VMcsY05HbFAJaIuX0k3LKk?usp=sharing

Photos by yours truly I give you permission to use my photos.

Devotees at Baclaran Church take part in the Karakol procession, a traditional thanksgiving street dance festival, on Sunday, May 17. | Photos by Rappler

Don’t miss the cast of the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar perform at Rappler Live Jam on Thursday, May 21. @here

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From displacing workers worldwide to aiding in the perpetuation and depersonalization of war, AI is positioned and run in a way that runs counter to aspects of Christian life. Read more here: https://www.rappler.com/technology/features/tech-thoughts-takeaways-from-magnifica-humanitas/

SAN LUIS, Pampanga — The Parish of San Luis Gonzaga officially kicked off its tercentenary celebration of the canonization of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga on Wednesday, June 12.

The kickoff featured the unveiling of the tercentenary logo and the opening of an exhibition showcasing various replicas and images of its patron saint, Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, who is recognized as the patron of youth and people living with AIDS.

The exhibit will run from June 12 to 19, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saint Aloysius was known for choosing religious life instead of following in his father’s footsteps to become the Marquess of Castiglione in Italy. He later devoted himself to caring for victims during a plague epidemic, eventually contracting the disease and dying at the age of 23.

The Parish of San Luis Gonzaga in Pampanga was established in 1734, a few years after the canonization of the then-Blessed Aloysius by Pope Benedict XIII.

Thank you so much for these photos @Deus Albert! 🙏