​October 25, 2024

Dear brothers and sisters, today we gather to celebrate your ninth anniversary. Traditionally, the ninth year is recognized as the Pottery Jubilee. Just as a potter skillfully shapes raw clay, strengthening it through fire to form a durable vessel, so too has the journey of Theotokos Singers unfolded. Pottery creates containers meant to hold good things, like nourishment and refreshment. With this in mind, let us gratefully reflect on the abundant blessings God, the Master Potter, has poured out on the Theotokos Singers over these nine fruitful years, drawing inspiration from Mary’s example in Sacred Scripture and the personal testimonies of your members.​

"Dear Kuya Jeff, I've been meaning to ask what I should do if the Host accidentally falls to the floor while I'm receiving Communion. Should I pick it up myself, or should I let the priest handle it? I try to live a Eucharistic life by going to confession monthly, receiving Communion weekly, and visiting the Blessed Sacrament regularly. Knowing how to handle situations like this would help me show my respect for Jesus in the Eucharist, so I'd really appreciate your advice. Thanks a lot, and God bless you and your family!" - August M. ​

​A minor seminary is a secondary boarding school specifically established to admit teenage boys who have expressed an interest in pursuing the priesthood. The 1983 Code of Canon Law beautifully expresses the objectives of a minor seminary, stating that it is designed "to protect from the contagion of the world, to train in piety, to imbue with the rudiments of literary studies, and to foster in them the seed of a divine vocation" (Canon 794 §1). Moreover, the Code acknowledges the importance of the minor seminary in the preliminary stages of priestly formation, mandating its establishment and preservation, stipulating that it should offer a comprehensive program of both human and spiritual education (Canon 238 §1). Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary is the Manila Archdiocesan junior and senior high school seminary where the author finished his classical secondary education. The author has been tapped by the seminarians to retell the school's story more times than he can count. It finally dawned on him that this might be because the history of his alma mater is a bit fragmented, like a puzzle with some pieces missing and others that don't quite fit together. This write-up aims to sketch out the history of the minor seminary using published sources and reliable recollections from fellow grateful alumni. It's not a complete history, but it should provide a good starting point for anyone looking to dive deeper into the story of our beloved alma mater.

​"Dear Kuya Jeff, I remember joining your advent pilgrimage in Laguna a couple of years ago. I'm curious about your pilgrimage plans for this upcoming advent, especially with the Pilgrims of Hope jubilee. As a Marian devotee, I've been wanting to visit Our Lady of Lourdes Church in France, but I don't have the budget for Europe. I heard there's a replica of the Lourdes Shrine in Bulacan. Is the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Church in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, a Catholic church? I'd appreciate your thoughts on this and I'm looking forward to journeying with you on another pilgrimage." - Mario Peregrino

by Jeff L. Jacinto, PhD, DHum

​Profound affection to Mary is deeply ingrained in the Filipino consciousness. The Blessed Virgin Mary is honored by various names, with numerous churches and shrines dedicated to her. Various organizations and sodalities have been established to promote devotion to her, and the Angelus Domini and the Rosary are recited daily in many households. Therefore, it's undeniable that we are a nation deeply devoted to Mary, known as "Un Pueblo Amante de Maria."

​Festivals hold a significant place in the hearts of Filipinos, celebrated throughout the year, especially in the summer months. These events embody both the religious and social elements intrinsic to Philippine culture. Primarily religious, they demonstrate our Catholic faith through liturgical and devotional practices. People dress in their finest attire, attend mass, participate in processions with lit candles, sing devotional songs, and pray novenas in honor of the town's Patron Saint, fostering community cohesion as neighbors come together to prepare for the festivities. 

​"Dear Kuya Jeff, I've been following your Facebook posts and have been learning a great deal about our Catholic faith through the Q&A content you share. Recently, my daughter was chosen to sing as one of the angels during the Salubong on Easter Sunday morning in our parish. Despite my Evangelical dad's objection, citing it as un-biblical, I allowed my daughter to participate as she loves to sing and really wanted to be involved. I'm curious about the Catholic practice of the Salubong and whether or not the meeting between Mama Mary and the Risen Lord during the Resurrection really happened. Thank you for your time in addressing my question, and please continue writing—it helps a lot." - Angel Mama