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In this book, Benj and Fely share their horrendous experience of financial
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The Boss
Enjoy Your
Wealth
B
efore anything else, please read this verse carefully:
“Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and
the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil
— this is a gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:18).
Did you pick up the line where God also gives us “the ability to
enjoy them”?
I know some people who have money but can’t enjoy them for various
reasons. Some feel guilty that they’re blessed because they feel they don’t
deserve it.
But God wants you to enjoy His blessings.
This will bring balance into your life. And these little rewards will add
motivation for you to continue to work to increase your income — because
you want these little pleasures to continue. I encourage people to set aside
five percent of their income to do what they enjoy. This includes vacations,
movies, restaurants, etc.
Write down a “Joy List.” Some of them are very inexpensive.
My Joy List is very simple. Let me share with you those at the top of my
list:
I love having dates with my wife, my sons, my family (my sisters,
nephews, nieces)…
I like taking my family for vacations — beach, mountain, etc.
I also love sitting by myself in a quiet café, with a hot cup of coffee
on the table (that I sometimes don’t even drink but just like to smell),
reading and writing.
I also like sitting on the shore, staring at the sea and sky, and
drinking in all that beauty. And if I’m able to read and write amidst
that backdrop, I’m in heaven. If you notice, the activities in my
Joy List don’t have to be very expensive.
Once, my wife and I dated in a hotel lobby — and just drank
juice. (I ordered, she didn’t. Ha,ha!) We talked for two hours.
As I write this piece, my family will be taking a little
vacation in a friend’s farm.
It’s amazing how much joy you can squeeze out of that
five percent!
As long as you’re generous to God’s work, tithing to your
spiritual family that supports your faith walk, and generous to
the poor, enjoy your wealth without guilt.
I am a young Pinoy nurse here in Australia. I am an avid Kerygma magazine is distributed in our school
reader of Kerygma magazine and Shepherd’s Voice monthly and, to be honest, I’ve been hooked! I
books. I am truly inspired by your stories and articles. read Kerygma from cover to cover. Why? Because
More power and God bless you all. Looking forward every word gives me inspiration and motivation.
to more issues of Kerygma magazine and books from Every page brings new hope. Every article has a
Shepherd’s Voice. little something for every area of my life. It makes
me laugh and cry at the same time. It nourishes
Paula Ramon and feeds my soul. It inspires me. And most of all, it
Australia strengthens my faith in God.
Thus, I would like to take this opportunity to
Hello, Kerygma! May God continue to bless your staff say a big thanks to the Kerygma family. I believe
and mission. I pray that you won’t get tired of doing this God is using you in a very wonderful way to inspire
ministry because you are an instrument of God’s love others and to draw us closer to Him. I look forward
and miracles to many lives, including mine. Your stories to many more stories of hope and love.
give me hope and your articles teach me how to live a God bless and more power.
better life.
Thank you, Kerygma! God bless. Thaddeus Austin Villegas
St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur
Shiela Azcarlon Bantay, Ilocos Sur
Antipolo, Rizal
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T
his morning, I had breakfast at my can destroy a person at the speed of light. The Lie justified that if I told the truth,
mother-in-law’s house where I saw Say something now to discredit a person, Mommy would ground me. But the Voice
something on the dining table that and even without proof, it morphs into persisted, “The truth shall set you free.”
was current and archaic at the same truth the more viral it becomes. Truth is By the time I was a few yards away
time. It was a newspaper. I haven’t no longer what’s real but what garners the from the house, I had made up my
seen or read those since we had our own most likes or shares. mind to tell the truth no matter what
home six years ago. I have to admit it can get confusing the consequences were. I entered the
On the front page was the latest at times, even for a truth hound like me house ready for Mommy’s sermon and
House inquiry where convicts pinned who digs up back stories and opposing punishment until I realized she wasn’t
down an incumbent senator for allegedly opinions to ferret out the facts. Often, home. All that moral push and pull was
financing her senatorial bid from drug things are not what they seem. God teaching me the value of standing by
money. Since I had already heard their I learned the value of abiding by the the truth no matter what the cost. And it
testimonies live on TV the day before, I truth as a young Christian. I was a tween did set me free!
didn’t read anything on the front page that just beginning to enjoy hanging out with It was a lesson I will carry with me for
I didn’t already know. friends when my mom threatened to the rest of my life.
Before the age of live TV broadcasts ground me for staying out too late at the In our constantly changing world of
and the Internet, the neighborhood park. She wanted me home moral ambiguity, truth has a tendency to
newspaper was the source before sunset, or else. become archaic. Obsolete. Unnecessary.
Rissa’s outfit courtesy of Elite Garments/Ensembles.
of the freshest news. As One summer day, I had too much That’s why we all the more need to anchor
a writer, I know all the fun playing volleyball at the park. ourselves in the Truth. This Truth is a
hard work that goes The sun was beginning to set but a compass that keeps us heading towards
into a story — from few more minutes wouldn’t hurt, I the right direction when many voices coax
reporting to writing thought. Before I knew it, dusk had us to go this way or that.
to editing to layout turned to night. I was hurrying home This Truth, my friends, has a name. He
and proofreading — on foot as darkness blanketed is unchanging yet ever fresh. He died but
before it appears on the streets. forever lives. And although some may have
the front page. Only The resident spin brazenly claimed they were more popular
then can it scatter doctor in my head went than Him, His flock continues to grow
the truth or untruth to work to cover up for centuries after He established it.
of a matter. The my misdemeanor. But a Anchor your life on Him and you’ll
power of the pen Voice would counter the never be wrong for long.
is unleashed to excuses I was making
demolish or build up. “The truth shall set Teach me your way, O Lord, that I
up an idea, issue you free.” It was a Bible may walk in your truth… (Psalm
or even a person’s passage that I had 86:11)
reputation. begun to read daily.
But today, you E-mail Rissa at justbreatherissa@gmail.com
or follow her on Facebook.
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SPECIAL
SECTION
DEPARTMENTS 21 Intro to the Teaching
Series
2 Mailroom Be a Wealth Champion:
6 DAILY PAUSE Knock Down Your
8 New You Biggest Financial
9 Real Stuff Problems
COLUMNS 10 KFAM INSIDER The Single 24 Teaching Believe in Your
Men Before and After Capacity to Make Money
the Jeremiah Experience (Especially When You
3 Just Breathe Truth Has a
13 Dear K Need it More)
Name
15 FEAST SNAPSHOTS KCON: 28 Testimony Building
38 WEALTH & WISDOM
A Decade of Spreading Houses, Building
Behavioral Economics
Inspiration Success
Tips for Your Holiday
17 It Happened To Dream the 30 Teaching How to Death-
Shopping
Impossible and to Live Proof Your Wealth
39 Health & Home Stress and
It 34 Testimony Millionaires
THE BO FILES Disease Connection
36 K-TECHISM Revisiting the in Heaven
41 SEASONS Love? Ano ‘yun?
1 THE BOSS Enjoy Your Holy Doors
Nakakain ba ‘yun?!
Wealth 43 CATHOLIC SOUL Church of
47 ONE LAST STORY
48 POINT OF CONTACT Miracles Every Step of
the Poor
the Way
45 K PREACHER What Would
Jesus Do?
founder and publisher BO SANCHEZ • editor-in-chief RISSA SINGSON KAWPENG • managing editor TESS V. ATIENZA • asst. managing editor MAYMAY R. SALVOSA
• creative director MIKE CORTES • asst. layout artist LEAH KIM RECTO • graphics director REY DE GUZMAN • staff writers MARJORIE DUTERTE, DINA PECAñA,
KRIZELLE TALLADEN • contributing writer ELEONORE TEO • photographer DANIEL SORIANO • columnists ROSE FRES FAUSTO, NIKO CAPUCION, DIDOY LUBATON,
MONCHING BUENO, EDGARDO DE VERA • production asst. ANGIE ESPUERTA
chairman of the board and CEO BO SANCHEZ • president HERMIE R. MORELOS • vice-president for corporate services WENG CEQUEÑA • assistant vice-president
for production RISSA KAWPENG • production manager TESS V. ATIENZA • sales director JOSEPH MARTINEZ • marketing manager KRISTINE MUTUC • digital
operations KARREN RENZ SEñA
Kerygma. A Greek word meaning “Proclamation of the Gospel.” It is a Catholic inspirational magazine. It aims to be an evangelistic tool for all nations, providing
Scriptural, practical and orthodox teachings to Catholics, particularly those in the Catholic Renewal, as an alternative to present-day magazines. It is also
committed to fostering the renewal and unity of the whole Christian people. Philippine copyright Shepherd’s Voice Publications, Inc. 2016. No part of this
magazine may be reproduced without permission. Published monthly by Shepherd’s Voice Publications, Inc., whose editorial and business offices are located
at 60 Chicago St., Cubao, 1109 Quezon City. Tel.: (632) 725-9999, 411-7874, 725-1190, 470-4091 and 881-3082 (Production Department). Fax: 727-5615. E-mail:
editsvp@shepherdsvoice.com.ph. Website: www.kerygmabooks.com
Daily Pause with Pope Francis
1 2 3
“God loves us the way we are, and “Don’t be ashamed to bring
no sin, fault or mistake of ours everything to the Lord in
makes Him change His mind. As confession, especially your “Great compassion guides Jesus’
far as Jesus is concerned — as the weaknesses, your struggles and actions.”
Gospel shows — no one is unworthy your sins. He will surprise you
of, or far from, His thoughts. No one with His forgiveness and His
is insignificant.” peace.”
7 8 9
“The powerful word of Jesus can make “It will do us good to pray every morning: “Say a firm ‘no’ to the narcotic
us rise again and can bring about in ‘Lord, I thank You for loving me; I am sure
of success at any cost and the
us too the passage from death to life. that You love me. Help me to be in love
with my own life! Not with my faults that
sedative of worrying only about
His word revives us, gives us hope, yourself and your own comfort.”
need to be corrected, but with life itself,
refreshes weary hearts, opens us to a
which is a great gift, for it is a time to love
vision of the world and of life which
and to be loved.’”
transcends suffering and death.
13 14 15
“This is our real ‘stature’, our spiritual “Those who choose to model
“Jesus looks at you, He heals you with identity: We are God’s beloved their entire life on Jesus no longer
His mercy, He says to you: ‘Arise!’ and children, always. So you can see choose their own places. They
your heart is new.” that not to accept ourselves, to live go where they are sent, in ready
glumly, to be negative, means not to response to the One who calls.”
recognize our deepest identity.”
19 20 21
“I understood more than ever before “God wants to enter your homes,
“The life of Jesus’ closest disciples, the value of remembrance, not only as to dwell in your daily lives: in your
which is what we are called to be, is the recollection of past events, but as studies, your first years of work,
shaped by concrete love. A love, in monition and responsibility for today your friendships and affections,
and tomorrow, so that the seeds of your hopes and dreams. How
other words, marked by service and
hatred and of violence do not take root in
availability.” greatly He desires that you bring all
25 26 27
the furrows of history.”
these to Him in prayer!”
10 11 12
“We have been created in God’s
own image; Jesus has taken upon
“In Jesus’ merciful care, God meets Himself our humanity and His heart
His people, in Him all of God’s grace “God is always ‘cheering us on’; He is our will never be separated from us; the
appears and will continue to appear biggest fan.” Holy Spirit wants to dwell within us.
to mankind.” We have been called to be happy
forever with God!”
16 17 18
“As Jesus told Saint Faustina,
“Because, precisely in this world He is happy when we tell Him
at war, fraternity is needed, everything: He is not bored with our
“Mercy is a journey that starts in the
closeness is needed, dialogue lives, which He already knows; He
heart and ends in the hands, namely
is needed, friendship is needed. waits for us to tell Him even about
in the works of mercy.”
This is the sign of hope: when the events of our day (cf. Diary, 6
there is fraternity.” September 1937).”
22 23 24
“This is the secret of joy: not to stifle “I immediately thought of the cruelty “We are all called to experience the joy
a healthy curiosity, but to take a risk, that is similar today: everywhere that flows from encountering Jesus, to
because life is not meant to be tucked throughout the world, this world that vanquish our egoism, to step out of our
away. When it comes to Jesus, we cannot is ill with cruelty, with pain, with war, own comfort and to have the courage
sit around waiting with arms folded; with hatred, with sadness. And for this to reach all the peripheries in need
He offers us life — we can’t respond by of the light of the Gospel (cf. Evangelii
reason I continually ask you to pray:
28 29
thinking about it or ‘texting’ a few words!” Gaudium, n. 20).”
30
that the Lord give us peace!”
tube.
scoop out the remaining lipstick from the
POMELO
4. Maintain your leather shoes. It’s best to have your shoes lined with
rubber. Because they’re susceptible to moisture, they last longer if you don’t
wear them two days in a row.
5. Make lists. Do this before going to the store and stick to it to prevent
impulsive shopping.
6. Cook in bulk. Make bulk servings of your favorite food and store it in the
freezer. Just heat a smaller portion when you need a quick meal.
7. Go dark. Turn the lights off during the day or when you are outside the
room to save energy and money in paying the electric bill. Invest also on LED
and CFL bulbs which use less electricity and have much longer lives than
normal incandescent bulbs.
Source: http://www.rd.com/
8 Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016
Real Stuff
Saints-at-a-Glance
Saint Engelbert
Feast Day: November 7 | Birth: around 1185 | Death: 1225
Saint Engelbert was born into a royal family in Germany. He was excommunicated by the pope due to his
worldly living and getting involved in the conflict between two archbishops. He was reinstated in 1208 after
his submission to the pope and joined the crusade against the Albigenses in 1212 to atone for his sin. He
became the archbishop of Cologne in 1217 and was considered a friend of the clergy and a helper of the poor.
He also became the tutor and guardian to Henry VII who became the next king. He tried to protect the nuns
of Essen from his oppressive cousin, Count Frederick of Isenberg, but the latter had him killed at Gevelsberg.
His body was placed in an old cathedral in Cologne and a convent of nuns was built at the place of his death.
Sources:
http://www.catholic.org/, http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/
Photo by: By Sir Gawain - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5037146
Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 9
Kfam Insider
T
he Singles Ministries of The Feast Bluewave Marikina (FBM) and The
Feast Sta. Lucia (FSL) joined forces in an outreach program to the
Jeremiah 33:6-7 Foundation in Pasig City on June 26, 2016, as part of
their monthly big Light Group (LG) meeting. Jeremiah is one of the
mercy ministries of the Light of Jesus Family (LOJF), which serves and
shelters child victims of sexual abuse.
Ronald Escorpiso, the ministry head who had been there several times
By Krizelle R. Talladen before, thought of this outreach as an alternative to the usual LG where the
Photos by Krizelle R. Talladen singles would sit down together and share insights and experiences. He also
and Grace B. Madriñan wanted his fellow singles to be blessed with the experience of spending time
with the children in Jeremiah. Fortunately, they didn’t just feel blessed. They
were inspired, especially the men. Here’s why.
Shattered Expectations
Some admitted that they were surprised when they arrived
at Jeremiah. They didn’t think that it would look like a normal
house inside a village. They thought that it was a secluded
institution. They were also surprised that one of those who
opened the gate was a happy young girl who had a smile on her
face and welcomed them warmly. This happy young girl turned
out to be one of the children that the foundation was taking
care of.
The single men also thought that the girls would all
be frowning, sad and aloof. But when they went out of the
house and into the garage, they were smiling, respectful and
confident when they introduced themselves. When the program
and games started, the children were all excited, happy
and energized. They even prepared several dance numbers,
including folk and modern dances, for the Singles Ministry.
Laughter and positive energy filled the small garage of the
house despite the gloomy and rainy weather outside.
spreading inspiration
KCON: A decade of
By Krizelle R. Talladen
K
erygma Conference theme “Awaken the Miracle in You,” Bo event with seven plenary talks, 20
(KCON), the largest Sanchez, LOJF Founder, shared to 7,000 streams, and 63 classes expounding on
Catholic inspirational participants that becoming like Jesus is the the theme, “Be Empowered.” Twenty
and learning event in the greatest miracle. thousand people gathered that year.
Philippines, celebrates its From PhilSports Arena, the next KCON KCON 2014 had three venues: PICC,
10th anniversary this month. What with the theme “Dream Big, Win Big” moved SMX Convention Center and Mall of Asia
better way to celebrate this than to to a bigger venue — the Araneta Coliseum. (MOA) Arena. For the first time, KCON
look back on how it started. It was filled with close to 10,000 attendees. Grand Feast happened twice — morning
KCON has two main goals: to and afternoon — to accommodate
provide a learning event that would More Streams, Dates and Venues thousands of participants at MOA Arena.
make people live life to the fullest In 2010, Kerygma Conference offered new Last year’s KCON faced one of the
by experiencing God’s love and for streams such as Leadership, Marriage, decade’s toughest challenges when
new people to get to know Light of Singles, Youth, Faith and Inner Restoration the schedule was shortened to only
Jesus Family (LOJF) more. There are which were all connected to the theme two days due to the APEC Summit in
people from all walks of life who didn’t “Restoration.” The local KCON in Cebu and the Philippines. It didn’t discourage
know anything about LOJF until they Davao also began in the same year. thousands of attendees from “Coming
attended the Kerygma Conference. The first KCON held in two separate Home,” the theme of KCON 2015.
venues started in 2011 with the theme This year, be ready to move “Forward”
The First Three Years “Glory to Glory.” from November 17 to 20 for another four
KCON started as a two-day event held With the theme “Champions, Arise,” Bo days of worship, praise, learning and
at PhilSports Arena in 2007. With the exhorted that KCON 2012 would be like the transformation.
theme “You Have the Power,” 5,000 Emmaus journey of two disciples where
attendees gathered for the Holy Mass, Jesus would reveal Himself to the 18,000 All for Him
worship, plenary talks, entertainment participants. Since its first decade and no doubt, even
and healing service. beyond, KCON continues to inspire
KCON 2008 was also held in From Seventh to 10th Year people, touch lives, and spread God’s
PhilSports Arena. In line with the In 2013, KCON expanded into a four-day unbounded love — for His greater glory.
a career that would not only provide me financial stability but one survived unimaginable atrocities, such as the
that I knew would bring me the life-long fulfillment I had yearned grieving mothers of the Srebrenica Massacre or
for. And lastly, He gave me the most important piece that made my the bombing of schools in Gaza where innocent
life complete — He gave me Jill, my incredible wife who selflessly children and women had sought refuge, I can
put aside her own aspirations to singlehandedly raise Zig in a foreign honestly say this job has humbled me. Seeing
country and to be the backbone and the center of what we have how death and pain are part of the daily lives of
achieved together. others, there are times when I cannot sleep at night
Like I said, it wasn’t easy. My first position at the United Nations because I think of Zig and the kind of world we may
was working as a library assistant at the Dag Hammarskjold Library in leave behind for our children.
charge of stacking books at the third basement archives. I used to joke So many horrors exist from the lack of
that I prayed a lot during that time because I was on the same level as tolerance and greed for power. Or perhaps it’s
the subway. I worried that the rumbling of the passing trains would simply human nature to prove that we are right and
cause the books to fall on top of me. My job was also contractual and others are wrong to the point that we’re willing to
my extensions ranged from two months to a mere four-day working sacrifice lives in the process. It takes a great amount
contract. At anytime, they could let me go and I would have been of strength not to lose faith in humanity and to
jobless trying to raise a family in New York. We were living paycheck wonder what we have gotten ourselves into. But if
to paycheck at the time. But I guess, when we chase our dreams my work in the United Nations has taught me one
wholeheartedly, we are willing to hurdle through any challenge that it thing, it’s that being a source of hope is motivation
may take to realize it. enough to keep pushing forward. Even if we cannot
achieve world peace in this lifetime or our efforts
The Bigger Dream may seem futile, the fact that my job entails us to
Five years later, I am now the personal assistant to the right hand become a light in the face of darkness gives me
of the Secretary General of the United Nations. As I am responsible great pride in my work.
for making sure that all his speeches, talking points and briefing And one day, if the United Nations ever meets
materials are complete, I’ve been present in 23 of his official trips all its objectives and we are no longer needed, I will
and have visited over 66 countries in a span of four years. Despite happily lose my job without complaint. Because
the 22-hour work schedule while traveling and functioning on two that means that I have witnessed another dream
hours of sleep at times, this career has surpassed all my expectations. come true — to see people using their faith to build
It’s been a surreal experience — from being in the same room as and not break relationships. It means we have
some of the world’s most influential leaders to exposing myself to come to understand that regardless of the shape or
the unique and profound cultures of places whose names I have form our belief takes, there will always be room for
trouble pronouncing. And after witnessing the stories of people who God, for goodwill and for hope.
Are you stuck in life? What’s keeping you from moving forward? Do you want to be free from fear,
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Special Section
Introduction
Be a Wealth Champion:
Knock Down Your Biggest Financial Problems
By Bo Sanchez
L
ast year, I was in Palawan for our Truly Rich Club
Superconference. It’s my annual four-day event
for entrepreneurs as well as those who want to
become one.
At the start of the conference, I was shocked
when a young woman came up to me and said,
“Brother Bo, I’m not an entrepreneur. I’m a domestic helper from
Hong Kong.”
I couldn’t believe my ears. In my mind, I was asking, “How can
this girl afford the Superconference?” I knew she spent serious
money to buy the conference ticket, the plane tickets from Hong
Kong to Manila and from Manila to Palawan.
A
By Bo Sanchez
ll my life, I defined myself as a C-student. My night classes. I told him I wasn’t qualified
most sublime goal in school was to get a because I wasn’t a college graduate. But
passing grade of 75. Why? Because that when the dean of the school talked to me
was my self-concept. I never saw myself and learned of my volunteer work, he said I
as academic, studious or intelligent. could take the course if I wanted to. They’d
That wasn’t me. just keep my Masters diploma until I finished
But something happened along my college degree.
the way. On my third year in college, In the Theology classes, I was
I had to quit to work full-time for surrounded by priests, nuns and
a community project. One day, seminarians, and my mind was challenged.
someone asked me if I wanted But my paradigm shift took place after
to take up post-graduate my first exam. Our professor wrote down on
studies in Theology as the blackboard the five students who topped
Building Houses,
Building Success
T
ogether let’s conspire and inspire to make our dreams come true for the glory
of God.”
I live by this principle. As I grow more in my finances and knowledge, I
realize that God opens opportunities for us to prosper.
Humble Beginnings
I used to live in a squatters’ area beside creeks where six people tried to fit
in a 20-square-meter “house.” Because our location was prone to flooding,
we transferred from one house to another more than 15 times in a span of
20 years.
By Maves Angeles
When I got married, my husband and his brother inherited a property which could be
used for development. During those times, I earned money by buying and selling properties
of other people. But I didn’t want to interfere with their land discussion because I was afraid
of what other people would say. We were also facing financial challenges. We didn’t have
sufficient cash because we spent nearly P1 million for taxes alone, plus all the expenses for
paying debts, illegal settlers who lived in the area, and incidental legal procedures.
Eventually, I decided to give them a helping hand out of love. I came up with a good
business plan where we could maximize their property — building and selling townhouses.
I am neither an engineer nor an architect, but eventually, we established our name in the
industry by successfully building and selling townhouses. Indeed, God opens opportunities for
our prosperity.
But I knew I had to grow more.
1. Integrity
We are one with Truly Rich Club founder Bo Sanchez’s
financial literacy mission. My partners and I have known each
other for a long time now through the Platinum Wealth Circle.
We travel together attending the Superconference every year
as speakers and facilitators. We all have our own thriving
businesses in real estate. Most of all, we all have our own way
of serving the Lord.
2. Skill set
Ruth Ang’s expertise is in managing dormitories. Nica Masilang
Maves enjoys working with her team. More than being
is into bedspacing and I am into brokering, buying, building business partners, they are friends.
and selling townhouses.
Today, we are all licensed brokers. Janica and I are Licensed
Appraisers, not to mention Janica ranked top seven in
the Real Estate Appraisers Licensure Examination.
We continue to attend different real estate
seminars and conferences locally and abroad to
develop our skills.
How to Death-Proof
Your Wealth
By Bo Sanchez
Hi!
I know a lot of people who travel often.
I know a lot of people who take lots of holidays and vacations in different parts of the world — Hong Kong, Bangkok, US,
Europe — but they never consider taking a holy pilgrimage to Israel.
Friend, why not take a trip to the Holy Land and experience profound spiritual blessing?
I’m leading a holy pilgrimage to Israel on February 10, 2017.
And I’d love you to join me.
You can walk where Jesus walked.
We’ll go to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, Galilee, where Jesus preached Calvary where Jesus was crucified — and so many
other incredible places.
The first time I was in Israel was when I was 16 years old.
Since then, I’ve gone back over and over again.
It’s always a joy to see the actual places that you read in the Bible. It’s like the Bible coming alive — in technicolor — before
your eyes.
I’ll be bringing with me a friend priest.
He’ll celebrate Mass with us every day.
I’ll also be bringing with me my fellow leaders.
It’ll be a ball!
We’ll have lots of fun, I can assure you.
Even now, I’m praying for all those who’ll go with me (I call them pilgrims). May God give my pilgrims a deeper spiritual
connection!
May the Lord inspire my pilgrims to new directions in their life. May my pilgrims discover their mission and embrace it more
fully, through this pilgrimage.
I see a pilgrimage as a long holy retreat.
Except that instead of staying in one place, we’re constantly moving. We’re moving towards God.
If you want to join me and be my pilgrim, e-mail Beckie at beaconlightevents+pilgrimage@gmail.com now. Once the details of
the pilgrimage are set, we’ll e-mail the details to you.
See you soon!
Bo Sanchez
PS. Muslims go to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. I think Christians can take a pilgrimage once in their lifetime too. I’m personally
inviting you to join me to Israel on February 10, 2017. For details, e-mail Beckie at beaconlightevents+pilgrimage@gmail.com now.
PS2. Why Do I Call It “Receive Your Miracle” Pilgrimage? Because that’s my earnest prayer for you. That as you seek God in the
Pilgrimage, your heart will open wider to receive His great miracle for your life. For details, e-mail Beckie at beaconlightevents+pilgrimage@
gmail.com now.
I
n his constant invitation to be “merciful like the
Father,” Pope Francis declared the period of
Revisiting
December 8, 2015, Solemnity of the Immaculate
Concepcion to November 20, 2016, Solemnity of
Christ the King, as the Extraordinary Jubilee Year
of Mercy. Pope Francis assigned certain churches as
“Holy Doors” where the faithful can pass through and
the Holy
receive plenary indulgence.
Let’s take a deeper look at the catechism behind
plenary indulgences.
Double Consequences
The Church teaches us that sins have “double
consequences.” The Catechism of the Catholic
Doors
Church (CCC) explains, “Grave sin deprives us of
communion with God and therefore makes us
incapable of eternal life, the privation of which is
called the ‘eternal punishment’ of sin. On the other
hand every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy
attachment to creatures, which must be purified
either here on earth, or after death in the state called
Purgatory. This purification frees one from what is
called the ‘temporal punishment’ of sin” (1472).
This is where the grace of plenary indulgence
comes in. Plenary indulgence refers to the full
pardoning of all temporal (earthly) punishments
for our sins. The Sacrament of Reconciliation
(Confession), on other hand, remits the eternal
punishments of our sins.
Indulgence Explained
The CCC states that, “An indulgence is a remission
before God of the temporal punishment due to sins
whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the
faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under
certain prescribed conditions through the action of
the Church which, as the minister of redemption,
dispenses and applies with authority the treasury
of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints. An
indulgence is partial or plenary... as it removes either
part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin. The
faithful can gain indulgences for themselves or apply
them to the dead” (CCC 1471).
Aside from passing through the Holy Doors, one
must confess, receive the Eucharist, and pray for
the Pope’s intentions to receive indulgence. Plenary
indulgence can be gained once a day.
Continuing Call
On November 20, 2016, all Holy Doors will be closed,
and it may take another 25 years before they will be
opened again. Let’s avail the special grace that this
season offers.
By Maymay R. Salvosa Check out https://catholicpilgrimagesites.
wordpress.com/holy-doors-of-mercy/philippines-
holy-doors/ for the list of Holy Doors in the
Philippines.
Behavioral
Tips on Behavioral
Economics
Economics
Tips for for
Your
Your
Holiday Shopping
I
t’s November and of enumerating the usual holiday shopping tips, I’ll share with
Christmas is just you tips that I gathered from different Behavioral Economics
around the corner. (B.E.) principles. Behavioral Economics is a field of study that
With the longest highlights the effects of psychological, social and emotional
Christmas season aspects in the actual consumer behavior as opposed to
in the world, Filipinos Traditional Economics, which assumes that the consumer is
would probably rank on always rational. Here they are:
top if we plot spending
as a function of income 1. Have a shopping plan. Treat it like a mission with
during this time of the time, strategy and end goal all listed down. Choose your
year. What more, Pinoys shopping venue well to avoid driving from one place to
have long Christmas gift another. Time is a valuable resource.
lists that could rival that 2. Sleep well, eat well. Have a restful sleep at night then
By Rose Fres Fausto of Santa’s! have a good breakfast at a strategic time (not too early
I’m sure you’ve heard of so as not to be hungry after only an hour of shopping).
the usual holiday shopping tips such as: It’s been established in B.E. studies that we tend to make
1. Make a list. irrational decisions when we’re in a “depleted state” (i.e.,
2. Group the recipients and have a budget for each hungry, angry, etc.)
group. 3. Leave the credit card. If you’re not yet disciplined with
3. Start shopping early. the use of your mighty plastic, don’t bring it. The pain
4. Go to Divisoria and enjoy great discounts. of paying is more intense when departing with cash
5. Better yet, give something that you can make. compared to signing those charge slips. What more,
shopping with cash automatically puts a stop when the
Of course, the above are still very useful and I cash supply runs out. But if you want to bring your credit
hope you can do them. I even suggest that your list card just as a “security blanket,” agree on a trigger with
be in an Excel file which you can update every year. your spouse or FQ Buddy, similar to a password that
This way, you have a record of what you have given should be activated by both of you before you can start
the recipient year after year. It would really be nice if using it. I’ll leave that up to your creativity.
you have the luxury of time to make your own gifts, 4. Self-affirmations before shopping. B.E. studies show
shop early, or have the energy to go to Divisoria. that when we remind ourselves of our positive traits
However, the reality is that a lot of us end up before we go shopping, we tend to shop less. Friend, this is
squeezing our Christmas shopping in our busy the very basis of retail therapy. Someone who feels terrible
schedules. We go beyond our budget due to lack would need more stuff to feel better about herself. The
of planning, time and the proper disposition problem with this is that it seems to be the opposite of
conducive to making rational decisions. So instead the meaning of the word therapy (treatment). At best, it’s
continued on page 40...
38 Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016
Health & Home
M
arjorie, a 48-year-old Here’s a powerful equation I learned from
government executive, motivational speaker and author Jack Canfield
is separated from her that we can apply to our health:
husband and has a
strained relationship E+R=O
with her only son. She’s burned out at E stands for Events
work and was recently diagnosed with R stands for Response
breast cancer. She had a masectomy and O stands for Outcome
now feels afraid of her future. She’s at the
lowest point of her life. Events happen spontaneously and we
During our sessions, I asked her to don’t have control of them all the time.
listen to what the events of her life could Response is our reaction, emotion or action
be telling her. Desperate to get well, she towards any event.
changed her lifestyle, upgraded her Outcome is the direct result of events and By Dr. Didoy Lubaton
nutrition and slept more. our actions towards them.
She made peace with her husband Your health is an outcome. If you do not like
and now takes her son out on weekly the current state of your health, don’t blame it on the stress (event). Rather, deal
dates. She surrounded herself with with the stress differently (response) so you can have the outcome you desire.
positive and happy friendships. She For example, we could be surrounded with different stresses at work, like:
also reconnected with God by going to • Pressure to meet quotas
confession and attending Mass regularly • Cluttered work environment
again. She joined the weekly Feasts, too. • Toxic people at work.
She’s still in the process of recovery, But we can choose to react positively to it. We can:
but the healing process is powerful and • Have a “can-do” and “it’s OK” attitude
beautiful. She said that if not for her • Clean up our workspace and files
current situation, she wouldn’t have • Surround ourself with meaningful relationships.
recognized how toxic her life was and By doing this, we influence our stress response to turn into a relaxation
she may not have done any significant response. We are mindful of the stress and manage the stress first in our mind.
action to change her life. Her sickness And what our mind commands, our body will follow.
has become her biggest blessing. Let’s take a pause. Look into your health and life now.
She has regained control of her life Are you in toxic stress?
and is slowly regaining wholeness of What areas in your life do you need to check up on?
health. What action steps do you need to do now to restore balance in your life?
Excerpt from Dr. Didoy’s book, Don’t Let Them Lose You — How to Take Care of Your Health So You
Can Take Care of Others. Available at www.kerygmabooks.com. For health mentoring, e-mail Didoy at
wholenessinyou@gmail.com.
Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 39
continued from page 38...
palliative. But of course, retailers don’t want to use that word. you purchased together with their prices and
5. Dress up well. We always hear the advice to shop in comfy tick off the items done. It will give you a sense of
clothes but please don’t overdo it. You still have to look good accomplishment. If you’re not yet done, plan your
(comfortably so). Why? Salespeople are only human and they next trip and follow the 10 items all over again.
have a tendency to treat well-dressed customers well, and do
the opposite to those who are not. I know a story of someone Holiday gift-giving can be a source of stress.
who was not treated well by the saleslady because she Billions of hard-earned cash seem to be put in
wasn’t properly dressed. To show her financial capability, she oftentimes “useless” gifts that we both give and
exaggerated her purchases on that day. We see two irrational receive. This is why some have made a stand to
behaviors at work here. Unfortunately, the cost was carried boycott the Christmas gift-giving frenzy. But if you
by the customer. feel that it’s a tradition worth continuing, just do your
6. Schedule a break. Hungry stomachs and tired feet make best to enjoy it. Remember, Christmas gift-giving is not
irrational decisions. an “economic exercise.” It’s not all about the utility of
7. Shop alone. We are affected by our companion such that the gifts. It’s a “social exercise.” We belong to a society
when she starts buying stuff that’s not within our budget, that observes certain norms of behavior. It’s a cliché
we might do the same. There’s also pressure to make the because it’s true: In the end, it’s really the thought that
purchase right away if someone’s waiting for us. counts.
8. Stick to the plan. Detours will most probably increase your
purchases, or at the very least, waste your time. FQ Tip: Check your FQ Score. Take the short test on
9. Buy the less expensive items first. There is a B.E. principle http://tinyurl.com/FQTest
called anchoring, which is the human tendency to use the
number first suggested to us as a basis or anchor. So if we’ve Rose Fres Fausto is an investment banker turned full-time homemaker
and now a writer and speaker. She wrote two books, Raising Pinoy
already made a big-ticket purchase at the start, chances are, it Boys and The Retelling of The Richest Man in Babylon (English
would be easier for us to purchase higher-priced goods after. and Filipino versions). She’s also a behavioral economist and Gallup-
10. Record your purchases. Once you get home or as soon Certified Strengths Coach. Follow her on Facebook and You Tube as
as practicable, update your Excel file and input the items FQ Mom, and on IG and Twitter as theFQMom. For questions, e-mail
Rose@FQMom.com or FQMomm@gmail.com.
This book speaks of amazing miracles and numerous blessings the author received
from God. The stories relate how God leads His Beloved in this wonderful
pilgrimage of life from a once rebellious youth to a missionary in China.
Finalist in the
Inspirational category,
2016 Cardinal Sin
Catholic Book Awards
PUBLICATIONS, INC.
Seasons
L
ove, courtship and relationships have. How can you expect to love others if
are some of the most puzzling and you cannot even love yourself? You can only
confusing topics that haunt teens accept, understand, forgive and love others
right now — just like the enigma as much as you accept, understand, forgive
surrounding the mystery girl for and love yourself. Start with yourself.
whom Jacob Sartorious wrote Sweatshirt
and why “Papa” Marlou is so full of 2. Be confident in who God says you are
himself. Young people ask each other beloved. “This is my Beloved Son, in whom
questions like, “Is love really like a rosary, I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This is
full of mysteries?” “When is the right what God the Father said about who Jesus
time to get into a relationship?” “How do was, which, in turn, made Jesus confident
I know when I’m ready for it or not?” But in His identity. It allowed Him to overcome
the ultimate question still remains: What temptations in the desert, perform miracles
is love? Will it really keep us alive? (I’m publicly, and form His first core team of
not even sure if you still know that song. disciples. Well, guess what? You are His
Gosh, I’m getting old!) Let me try and beloved as well. You don’t need to beg By Niko Capucion
answer these questions. for anyone’s approval and earn anyone’s
affirmation.
Love is more than just what you feel.
It is, most importantly, a decision. It’s 3. Find God’s love in every season of your life. “The Lord is close to the
a choice you make in spite of all the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:19). In anything and in everything, God’s plan is
imperfections of the other person. It’s a consistent. It is to turn us into people capable of giving the same love, grace and
decision to go beyond what we feel to mercy as He does. It happens slowly the more we receive His love and give the
give the love that people need. same love to others. At any given moment, God loves us and loves through us.
As we encounter Him in a deeper way, we see that God’s love is everything that
Get ready to love. we’ll ever need.
Before picking which among the best
#breezy and #hokage moves you’ve seen The Ultimate #HokageMove
online that you’ll use to express your love, Are you ready for the ultimate secret weapon? This really blew my mind. It truly is
consider these three moves I’ve learned the ultimate relationship hack I’ve learned: to truly love is to love beyond what you
from the master #hokage Himself, Jesus feel and what you need. Let God take care of your needs. Let God be your comfort,
Christ. acceptance, understanding and forgiveness so that you can become God’s love to
the people around you.
1. Love yourself enough. “Love your It works for me! I’m getting married to my bestfriend soon!
neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).
You cannot give what you do not Niko Capucion is the current Youth Ministry Head and Campus Life Head of Feast Alabang District. Aside
from leading worship in Feast Bellevue, he is also a singer, songwriter and a resource speaker. Drop him a
message at stefannikolai@yahoo.com.
Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 41
You’re Weird and You Know It.
So many people today don’t like themselves.
They’re ashamed of many parts of their life. And they’re actually very nasty to themselves.
They neglect their own needs. They’re addicted to toxic stress every day (which is slow
suicide). They don’t respect their limits, and they stay forever in poisonous relationships.
In this life-changing book, bestselling author and spiritual leader Bo Sanchez offers
the solution: Give yourself permission to be you. Embrace your past, your pains, your
personality, and your purpose. Through this book, you’ll learn to relax more, love yourself
more, and find your place in the world.
www.kerygmabooks.com
www.kerygmabooks.com
Catholic Soul
W
hat is the Church of the for all the people (universal) and above all, as the
Poor? Pope St. John XXIII Church of the Poor.”
first used the term in his Since the earliest times, the Church has
inaugural address to the always had a preferential treatment for the poor,
assemblage of bishops consistent with the Sacred Scriptures from the
at the opening of the Second Vatican Old Testament to the New, prevalent all over the
Council. Among his concerns was for Bible. The Law of Moses decreed aiding the poor
the Council to shed light on the social (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 19:10 and Deuteronomy
conditions of the times. It was the 15:7-9). Almsgiving was extolled. Social injustice
height of the Cold War and the major and neglect of the poor were condemned. Isaiah,
superpowers — the United States of Jeremiah and Ezekiel compared Judah to Sodom
America (USA) and the Union of Soviet and Gomorrah for their indifference and neglect.
Socialist Republics (USSR) — used In biblical context, the poor were the anawim, the
undeveloped countries as allies and needy, oppressed, vulnerable, the lowly in social By Edgardo de Vera
pawns to advance their political agenda stature who were unjustly oppressed in all life’s
at the expense of human rights and aspects, whose only recourse was total dependence on Divine Providence.
impoverishment of people. Christ’s first teaching at the Sermon on the Mount defined the anawim:
Addressing social conditions in “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven,” and gave
the Gospel context has always been it a new dimension: membership in His Kingdom — the Church — which
alongside the Apostolic preaching means embracing spiritual poverty. In His preaching and parables such as
throughout two millennia: almsgiving, the prodigal son, the dishonest steward, the rich man and Lazarus, He warned
care for widows, orphans, poor and of the dangers riches could bring. In the Church’s social teaching, nobody is
infirmed. They are one with the rich before God; man is simply a steward of wealth in this transient material
marginalized and less privileged. The world, owning nothing in this life. Wealth in temporal life is measured in three
beloved Pope spoke of social justice categories: time, talent and treasure. These riches are generously shared with
echoing the crux of his predecessors’ the disenfranchised society in the Church of the Poor.
encyclicals — Leo XIII in Rerum Pope St. John Paul stressed that, “The Church is firmly committed to their
Novarum and Pius XI in Quadregesimo cause, for She considers it Her mission, her service, a proof of fidelity to Christ
Anno, and the Church’s missionary so She can be a Church of the Poor.” He preached that everyone is a gift to one’s
thrust. St. John XXIII remarked, “The neighbor, thus, “Our freedom has a relational dimension; we find fulfillment
Council ought to contribute or help through the gift of self to others.” This is really what comprises the single,
in the diffusion of the social and twofold commandment of love for God and neighbor.
communitarian which is immanent, The Church is a community of the anawim where the wealthy cannot think
inherent to authentic Christianity in of being self-sufficient or the poor hopelessly deficient. Both need each other:
its entirety: only in the manner can The poor need the rich in this life and the rich need the poor in the next.
the Church present Herself as the poor
E-mail Ed at catholicsoul@gmail.com.
Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 43
A FinAnciAl Revolution is HAppening —
Don’t Be leFt BeHinD!
For 18 years, bestselling author and spiritual leader Bo Sanchez has taken on a
controversial journey that has gained him a few enemies. He helps good people
become rich. Some religious critics have called him nasty names for his work.
But this work has freed thousands of people trapped in poverty, debt, greed and
misery. They’re now enjoying financial freedom, generosity
and abundance.
Join him in this exciting journey. Join the financial revolution that’s taking place right
now. Read his newest book, How Good People Like You Can Become Rich, and learn
how you can earn more. Follow these liberating principles and change your financial
destiny — and the destinies of the people you love. Make it happen!
PUBLICATIONS, INC.
www.kerygmabooks.com
K Preacher
O
the man emptied his pockets and handed it to
ne day, my wife and I were the woman. What surprised me more was the
driving along Marcos Highway big smile on the man’s face. He looked as if life
going to SM Masinag. We was so easy and he had an unlimited supply of
stopped at a red light where money that he decided to give everything he
the road inclined upwards. I had with all his heart to someone who didn’t
noticed a man slowly pushing his bike even ask him for help.
and cart filled with kalakal (scrap metal, I felt like someone had slapped my face in
old newspapers and used bottles) shame. I had coins to spare but didn’t give, while
beside our vehicle. The man wore this man, bathing in his sweat and pushing with By Monching Bueno
his shirt around his head because of all his might to make ends meet, gave all he had
the extreme heat. Instead of pedaling to someone who needed it more. I wanted to
his trike, he painstakingly pushed his jump out of my car to have a selfie with the guy
heavy load up the slope. I stared at his and give him all the cash in my wallet but cars behind me honked to signal the
calf muscles as he pushed with all his green light.
strength. I felt sorry for the guy thinking Pope Francis challenged us to move out of our comfort zones and act.
he had to bring his precious cargo so I imagined myself in front of Jesus with that man pushing his bike and cart.
he could put food on the table for his Who would Jesus say loved and served Him more? Me, a preacher, or this man
family. who may or may not even believe in Jesus?
At the same intersection, a This was a wakeup call for me. I thought what I did was right, but at that
woman carrying her almost naked point, I’d rather be loving, kind and generous than be righteous.
baby knocked at our window begging There are a lot of people who suffer and need our love and generosity.
for coins. I usually give some change Giving should never have boundaries. Helping can never be measured. There
to beggars but, at that moment, I are no small or big gestures, no small or big amounts, no small or big words
remembered people telling me not to when it comes to giving.
do so to discourage vagrants off the At the end of the day, ask yourself, have you eased anyone’s burden? Have
streets. She stared at me for almost a you showed anybody some love, even in the smallest of ways?
minute and all I could give her was If you’re in doubt and don’t know what to do, ask yourself this question:
a sad, sorry look. She moved to the What would Jesus do?
next car and the next but got the same
response from the cars behind me. The Monching Bueno is the builder of Feast Marikina-Bluewave and Feast Sta. Lucia.
E-mail him at ramon_bueno@yahoo.com.
Mama Mary will always lead you to Jesus. (She will never rob the glory of Jesus but always point to Him.) She became the first Disciple of
Jesus when she said YES to the Holy Spirit after Angel Gabriel announced to her that she would be carrying Jesus in her womb.
I’ll take you to Lourdes and Fatima — two of the most miraculous places in the planet. In those charming towns, Mary draws us closer to
Jesus in a way that no preacher, evangelist, priest or pastor can.
Just seeing thousands of pilgrims there is an incredible experience that will take your breath away. You’ll feel God’s presence in a very
palpable way. Through the years, many sick people have been healed in the waters of Lourdes.
I’ll also take you to many other beautiful Marian sites in Europe.
Next…
People need heroes. We all do. That’s why people flock to watch Spiderman, Batman and the Avengers. But unlike these “figments of the
imagination,” the Saints are my real-life heroes. They’re the “heavenly cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) surrounding me, inspiring me to run towards
Jesus. I tell myself, “If they can do it, so can I!”
We’ll visit their hometowns and where they did their ministry work. I know you’ll be inspired.
And finally…
If you’re Catholic, I’d like to take you back to your spiritual home: Rome sweet home. Rome is the heart and home of the Catholic Church.
Rome was where thousands of Christians gave their life for Jesus — killed, burned, crucified by cruel emperors. Rome was where St. Peter
— the first Pope — became a martyr for God. Together, we’ll visit the majestic Saint Peter’s Basilica, the most important Catholic church in the world.
In Rome, you’ll go back to your spiritual roots and rediscover the treasures of our Mother Church.
Extra Big Bonus: I’ll be bringing with me my friends and fellow preachers. In every city, we’ll be sharing God’s Word to you, praying with
you and for you.
Join me in this beautiful 14-Day “Travelling Retreat.” We leave on April 18, 2017.
But don’t be mistaken. I assure you we’ll have truckloads of fun, too. The entire pilgrimage will be a transformational experience that you’ll
actually enjoy!
If you want to join me and be my pilgrim, e-mail Beckie at beaconlightevents+pilgrimage@gmail.com now.
Bo Sanchez
PS. For more information on “Come Home” Spiritual Pilgrimage 2017, download the details by sending us an e-mail.
PS2. So sorry, we’re closing the doors by March 10 — because it takes a lot of preparation time. You need to hurry in telling us you’re joining. E-mail
us now.
One last Story
N
othing is impossible for God or for those who believe Love and Concern from Parish Community
in Him.” This is written in the stampita of Sister Mary The surgeon texted me that his earliest available schedule was
Catherine Irigoyen Echegaray, a nun of the Servant of more than a week away. A priest friend and a sister in the Lord
Mary, and a candidate for sainthood. She was one of from the Third Order Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity,
several saints I asked to intercede for my successful helped me get a second opinion. They were hoping the surgery
liver surgery. can be dispensed with in lieu of alternative medicine. However,
a second ultrasound confirmed the urgent need for surgery.
The First Miracle They transferred me to a government hospital in Quezon City
The miracles began in the discovery of a mass in my liver. so I could be nearer in the parish. It also had better laboratory
One Wednesday morning, I woke up with a pain in my side. facilities and a specialist liver surgeon. It was more expensive
Later in the afternoon during our Divine Mercy Marian Cenacle, though, but they promised to help raise funds.
one of our members noticed I was in pain and suggested I see A few counselors from the Light of Jesus Pastoral Center also
her nephew – a nephrologist. The doctor prescribed a whole helped in the finances. I was a bit worried I may not have enough
abdominal ultrasound and painkiller. He suspected kidney stones. resources, so I asked Bo Sanchez, our LOJF founder, for “standby”
Laboratory results showed a mass in my liver. I was to learn financial help just in case I’ll have a problem getting discharged.
later that a mass in the liver is asymptomatic – it doesn’t hurt. No By this time, I wasn’t the only one asking for Sister Mary
wonder it already grew to 17 centimeters. The pain was God’s way Catherine Echegaray’s intercession. I introduced her to my family,
for me to discover the existence of the mass. I was referred to a friends and classmates. I told them that my healing can be the
liver doctor. The size of the mass made her suspect it was cancer. miracle needed for her sainthood. I admit though that I also
She immediately prescribed blood tests and CT scan. I talked to a prayed through several other saints, Mama Mary, and of course
neighbor oncologist, who also suspected cancer. He was honest to Jesus in His Divine Mercy. My prayer was of preparedness and
enough to tell me that there’s an almost nil chance of survival for surrender. Should God still want me here, my answer was yes, I
liver cancer, especially for a mass that big. will continue to live for Him.
Love and Concern from Family, Friends and Co-Prayer Warriors God’s Mercy and Miracle
Members of the Divine Mercy Marian Cenacle bombarded heaven I had my surgery on August 12, 2016. The surgeon cut one-fourth
on my behalf. I prayed a prayer of surrender. God’s grace helped of my liver and gave the specimen for biopsy. Family, friends,
me face death. I assured my siblings and friends that I was ready. and our Divine Mercy Marian Cenacle continued to pray until the
I made it a point to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation result came.
before being confined in a government hospital in Manila for On September 1, while waiting to see my doctor, my friend
biopsy through laparoscopy. My siblings prayed the rosary got a copy of the result and at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, during
nonstop and offered Masses. Friends and Cenacle members prayed the hour of mercy, I read the biopsy result. It was not malignant.
for benign result. But there was a turn of event – a shadow of the God is good! I thank Him for giving me additional years to
miracle. serve Him. Honestly, I felt my colleagues wanted me around
When the surgeon saw my CT scan, he suggested surgery more than I did. And it was one of several affirmations I got from
instead. Whether the mass is cancerous or not, it had to be this experience. At the time when prayers and donations were
removed anyway. The procedure would cost P124,000. I was pouring in, I literally felt the Lord’s embrace telling me how much
rescheduled for confinement as soon He loves me.
as I was ready with blood donors. I felt the bonding through prayers,
concern and love was a greater miracle
Theresians, Let Their Light Shine than the news that it’s not cancer. I
Beth, our high school class don’t know if this “virtual” miracle can
valedictorian arranged my result in the sainthood of Sr. Catherine. I
confinement in the hospital where thank her anyway for her intercessions.
she worked as a doctor. She solicited I also thank St. Philomena, St. Claire of
financial help from our batch through Assisi, St. Pio of Pietrelcina, St. Ezekiel
Facebook, with the help of my best Moreno, San Nicolas de Tolentino St.
Miracles
friend. Joseph, Mama Mary, Jesus in His Divine
The response was overwhelming! Mercy, and family, relatives, classmates,
But more than the funds raised, the parishioners, friends and many others
prayers and concern moved me. It
was so affirming to receive help from
people you’ve not been in touch with
Every Step who love me and prayed for me.
As for me, I will continue living my
life for the Lord. As what the Scriptures
for years. If I had cancer, I would die
a happy death after receiving all the Of The Way say, “So let us not become tired of doing
good; for if we do not give up, the time
love and support. By Cristy Galang will come when we will reap the harvest
(Galatians 6: 9).”
Cristy (R) with Dr. Beth Tianco, her highschool classmate who
became an instrument of God’s miracle to her.
Kerygma NOVEMBER 2016 47
Point of Contact
Father in heaven, we glorify You. Thank You for the talents, resources and opportunities
that You bless us with. Thank You for entrusting us with abilities and opportunities to E-mail your prayer requests to me
grow, learn and prosper. Give us the courage to step out of our comfort zone and work at bosanchez@kerygmafamily.
with Your grace towards success. com or write to me at Shepherd’s
May each of us be an instrument of generosity, sharing the blessings that You have Voice Publications, #60 Chicago
given us with others, especially the poor. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. St., Cubao, Quezon City,
Praying for you, Philippines 1109.