JUBILEE CHURCHES IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA - NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE SACRED HEART

The National Shrine of the Sacred Heart is officially designated by His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop of Manila as one of the Jubilee Churches in the Year of 2025, Jubilee of Hope.

WLECOME TO THE PILGRIM CHURCH: NSSH

In this Year of Faith, the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Makati City is hereby declared as a Pilgrim Church. Having been declared as such; pilgrims, devotees and the faithful who piously visits the Shrine have the opportunity to avail of a Plenary Indulgence as special graces. 

To acquire a Plenary Indulgence, it is necessary to fulfill the following three conditions: Sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion and Prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father. 

It is most fitting that Holy Communion be received and the Prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father be said on the same day as the visit. The condition of praying for the intentions of the Holy Father is fully satisfied by reciting The Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

Come visit the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart as often as you can to obtain as many indulgences and Graces as possible. See you all there.

HUMBLE SERVANT OF THE SACRED HEART: FR. FERNANDO SUAREZ

FR. FERNANDO SUAREZ WITH FR. VICTOR APACIBLE CONCELEBRATING THE FEAST OF THE SOLEMNITY OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS ON JULY 1, 2011 AT NSSH

When it was announced that Fr. Fernando Suarez would be the main celebrant of the July 1, 2011 6:00 PM Mass of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart at the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart, I knew it was an answered prayer that was long overdue.

My first encounter of Fr. Fernando was in 2007 in one of his earlier healing Masses in MonteMaria Batangas; where I had the privilege of getting to be acquainted of his Healing Ministry when he was still relatively unknown as the humble healer.

"TRUST IS WHAT WE NEED TO LEARN FROM HIS MEEK AND HUMBLE HEART."

Previously, I had known him to be a faithful Sacred Heart devotee, and this he confirmed in tonight’s Homily through an anecdote he related as to the origin of the Sacred Heart Devotion. Sister Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French Visitandine nun at the convent of Paray-le-Monial consulted Father de la Colombiere regarding the Sacred Heart visions and intentions revealed to her by our Lord Jesus Christ.

So to test the authenticity of her revelations, Fr. Colombiere instructed her to ask Jesus what his most recent sins were. To which the merciful Jesus replied, “I have already forgotten your sins.” He recognized these to be actions as emanating of the Spirit of God and consecrated himself to the Sacred Heart and directed Sister Margaret Mary to write down her account and to circulate it throughout France and England. And this was how the Sacred Heart devotion flourished from Europe to spread throughout the entire world.

Fr. Fernando says, “When I visited the Chapel of Visitation in Paray-le-Monial in France, I fully appreciated the relevance and importance of the Sacred Heart Devotion to me. This same portrait of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with outstretched hands offering His Most Sacred Heart as a refuge to the burdens and trials of daily life is truly an invitation for the weary to entrust all their cares upon Him. This is because Jesus loves us so much that He cares for us.”

"THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS IS THE MOST POWERFUL FORM OF PRAYER FOR HEALING."

He stresses, “I am not the healer, Jesus Christ is the Divine Healer, I am only God’s human instrument. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the most powerful form of prayer for healing. When the Blessed Host is raised; this is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, happy are those who are called to partake of the Supper. Then you respond, Lord, I am not worthy to receive You, but if You only say the Word, then I shall be healed."

"Do not underestimate the power of the Word. Depending on how one uses it, words can heal or destroy a person. So if one has nothing better to say of somebody, better not to say anything at all for the words that pass judgment on others may be the same judgment to be rendered on that very person.”

Fr. Fernando continues, “Life is full of various problems and worries. It is a normal process of daily living to have many problems, as its purpose is to teach us and to become learning constructive experiences for us. These are also necessary to inculcate in us that we need to cling to God and that He is always there to cast all of our worries upon Him."

"When my mind is greatly troubled and beset by so many worries, I call to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and pray to cast all of my worries and fears to Him. Lord, I can’t take this anymore so I let you take care of these for me. Trust is what we need to learn from His meek and humble Heart. So don’t be afraid, to always call on God, because He knows your situation even without you telling Him so. We only need to come to Him, trust in Him and ask from Him.”

"IT IS A LONG FULFILLED WISH THAT I CELEBRATE MASS TODAY ON THE FEAST OF THE SOLEMNITY OF THE SACRED HEART HERE AT THE NATIONAL SHRINE."

“Being an ardent devotee of the Sacred Heart, I have long wanted to celebrate Mass here at the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart and it is a long fulfilled wish that I celebrate it most especially today on the Feast of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart.” explains Fr. Suarez.

It has been over four years since I last attended a healing Mass of Fr. Fernando in MonteMaria Batangas. So much has happened since then including the major relocation of the original MonteMaria project from Batangas to their presently owned 33-hectare San Miguel property in Barangay Amuyong, Alfonso, Metro Tagaytay. The new permanent site requires extensive development such as infrastructure installation of the Oratory of the Blessed Virgin Mary and massive facilities enhancements such that financial assistance, contributions and pledges/donations to their MMP Charitable Organization (Mary Mother of the Poor) are a welcome alternative.

My lasting impression of Fr. Fernando Suarez is that of a humble healer. He is characterized by his friendliness and naturally warm-relations, joviality and simplicity, but his outstanding traits are his humility and genuine sincerity to serve. Today, he impresses me more as a humble servant of the Sacred Heart. This man’s heart is truly sincere in his desire to serve others that he has no pretenses of acknowledging where his healing power comes from. He does not tire of sharing his healing gift to others even when it requires so much of his own private time, to the point of self-exhaustion.

Often declaring that he is only an instrument of the Divine Healer, he actualizes it. Every time I see how the people call on him, running to him and desperately wanting to touch even just the hem of his priestly garment, I am reminded of Jesus, the Divine Healer. We are just like the bleeding woman who needs to have enough faith in Jesus Christ to accomplish our own healing, as He would say to us “By your faith, you are healed.”

HUMBLE SERVANT OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS AND IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

Toward the end of the Thanksgiving Prayer, Fr. Fernando sat in front of us and the people nearby were all reaching with their hands to touch him at different parts of his sides and shoulder. He realizes how so much the people wanted to relate to him so he turned to us and started to touch everyone within his sight. I can sense his natural fondness and affection for these devotees who were anticipating healing miracles from him.

At that very moment, seeing Fr. Fernando in that very same situation, I now clearly understood what Jesus Christ’s situation was like when everyone crowded and wanted to come near Him to ask for a miracle. It is not easy being a servant of the people when the desire to serve doesn’t emanate sincerely from one’s heart.

The Divine Love that emanates from the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a selfless and honorable act of service whose only intention is to propagate love of others without expecting anything in return. Tonight, I have witnessed this similar trait in Fr. Fernando Suarez; the humble servant of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

We continuously pray to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for Fr. Fernando Suarez and his congregation for the continued fulfillment of his MonteMaria project, his Healing Ministry and the Ministry of the Poor.

PRAISE BE TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS AND IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY!

EDWIN L. YAP

Makati City, Philippines

FROM DEVOTEES TO LOVERS OF THE SACRED HEART

"COME TO ME, ALL YOU WHO LABOR AND
ARE BURDENED, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST."

I invite you to contemplate on the Image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the main altar of the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart. You will see an Image of His Heart held by His left hand. The right hand pointing to His Heart. The Heart has a crown of thorns around it. On the top of the Heart is a flame, burning as a torch with a Cross. Blood drips from the Heart where the thorns pierce it. The face of Jesus shows no agony. You sense a peace and calm in it.

The CROWN OF THORNS shows how we pierce His heart with our terrible sins and betrayal. Our sins make His Heart bleed as each sin drives the thorns deeper. Yet His Love burns for us. The BURNING FLAME of His True Love for us is never extinguished. It burns brightly. His Sacred Heart reveals the true faithfulness of His Love, a Love without end. The CROSS symbolizes His death and resurrection, showing us that Jesus is with us in our suffering and pain; that He reaches out to give us the hope and love we need to survive life's trials and cruelties. This Paschal Mystery embedded in His Sacred heart is the ultimate proof of His Great Love for us. It is an invitation to our own "resurrection". It is what drives us to give and feel love the same way.

His Heart is never drained of blood and the flame of love never dies. Just as you can tie the Image of the Sacred heart to His Crucifixion, so too can you tie it to the Holy Eucharist. He gives us Himself, whole and entire in the Eucharist: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. His True Presence is never diminished nor divided, It is given the same, whole and entire, to each one who receives Him.

His Heart symbolizes the deepest core of God's Love reflected in Christ's words and actions in all of Scripture. His outstretched Hand INVITES us to go to His wounded Heart to ask for forgiveness for our sins and start anew.

We, as followers of Christ, are called to love as He loves us. We do not love perfectly as He loves us, but we strive for perfection. We fall short of loving Him and one another many times in our life. We turn our back on Him and one another. We break love and block relationships for love to build on. Married couples stop working at love and let it fail and end in separation. Girlfriends and boyfriends fall in and out of love turning relationships on and off so easily. For many people, love is seen as a convenience and not sacrificial as True Love found in Christ. The Love of Jesus knows no limits. He never turns His Love on or off like the flip of a switch but keeps it burning brightly no matter how many times we turn Him off.

If we are called to love one another with the love of Christ, then we first have to accept Christ's love for us, allowing our hearts to be set aflame with His Love. Then the love we share from Him will never fade.

As we celebrate a meaningful SOLEMNITY OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS, may our great devotion, as devotees, makes is lovers of Jesus Christ and one another; FROM DEVOTEES TO LOVERS. We cannot enter heaven as a devotee; only as a LOVER of Jesus and one another. Let us strive to make our hearts like His, burning with passion and compassion for each other, and "supplied by" God's Love, nurture an ability to give love that fills all the emptiness in the world.

A JOYFUL FEAST OF HIS LOVE TO ONE AND ALL!

Rev. Fr. Victor Y. Apacible
Rector/Parish Priest
NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE SACRED HEART

NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE SACRED HEART: JUBILEE SHRINE

NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE SACRED HEART

JUBILEE SHRINE

As of October 2, 2009, First Friday of the month, the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart was declared a JUBILEE SHRINE, officiated by the Archbishop of Manila; Cardinal Gaudencio B. Rosales at a concelebrated Mass at 7:30 that morning.

The honor is granted to this Church for being a National Shrine of the Sacred Heart, this year being declared a Year of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, plus being the Year of the Priests (150th death anniversary of St. John Vianney, Cure of Ars - Parish Priest of Ars).

To gain the plenary indulgence, all who visit the Shrine must be in the state of grace, receive Holy Communion, and say the following prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father (Pope Benedict XVI) and Priests: Apostles Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and the invocations: Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us; Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us; St. John Marie Vianney, Pray for us.

The indulgences obtained may be for oneself or passed on to our beloved dead. More detailed information on how to obtain plenary indulgences can be read here.

NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE SACRED HEART: SANCTUARY OF PLENARY INDULGENCE

In this very special Year of the Priests and the Year of Consecration to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary; faithful Catholics, Christians and Devotees of the Two Most Holy Hearts have a very special reason to rejoice.

APOSTOLIC PENITENTIARY

Prot.N.550/09/I

DECREE

The Apostolic Penitentiary, by the faculties granted to it by the Supreme Pontiff, grants a plenary indulgence, with the usual conditions (Sacramental Confession, reception of the Eucharist, and prayer for the Supreme Pontiff's intentions) properly fulfilled, to the Christian faithful, truly penitent, on whatever day it is earned, if in the form of a pilgrimage, they piously visit the Manila National Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart,

And there, in accord with the spiritual purpose of the Year of the Priest established by Pope Benedict XVI, they devoutly perform some sacred act, or at least in keeping with the amount of time, they should piously reflect, offering prayers for the priests of the Church to the eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ, so that He may sanctify them and do so according to His Heart, ending with the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and invocations to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Holy Cure of Ars.

Valid through the entire Year of the Priest. Anything contrary is not withstanding.

Given in Rome, from the Office of the Apostolic Penitentiary, 29 August, in the year of the Lord's Incarnation, 2009.

By order of His Eminence

Signed Officially
JOANNES FRANCISCUS GIROTTI, O.F.M. Conv.
Titular Bishop of Metensis, Regens

What is the definition of indulgence? Here is the Catholic Encyclopedia definition of indulgence:

The word indulgence (Latin indulgentia, from indulgeo, to be kind or tender) originally meant kindness or favor; in post-classic Latin it came to mean the remission of a tax or debt. In Roman Law and in the Vulgate of the Old Testament (Isaiah 61:1); it was used to express release from captivity or punishment. In theological language also the word is sometimes employed in its primary sense to signify the kindness and mercy of God. But in the special sense in which it is here considered, an indulgence is a remission of the temporal punishment due to sin, the guilt of which has been forgiven. Among the equivalent terms used in antiquity were pax, remissio, donatio, condonatio.

An indulgence is the extra-sacramental remission of the temporal punishment due, in God's justice, to sin that has been forgiven, which remission is granted by the Church in the exercise of the power of the keys, through the application of the superabundant merits of Christ and of the Saints, and for some just and reasonable motives.

The most important distinction, however, is that between plenary indulgence and partial. By a plenary indulgence is meant the remission of the entire temporal punishment due to sin so that no further expiation is required in Purgatory. A partial indulgence commutes only a certain portion of the penalty; and this portion is determined in accordance with the penitential discipline of the early Church.


Briefly summarizing, for one to fully avail of the benefits of this Special Decree of Plenary Indulgence as hereby granted, the following conditions must be satisfied:

1. The usual conditions of Sacramental Confession, Reception of the Eucharist, and Prayer for the Supreme Pontiff's intentions are properly fulfilled.

2. The Christian faithful is truly penitent.

3. They piously visit the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart and within they devoutly perform some sacred act, or spend some amount of time, piously reflecting and offering prayers for the Priests of the Church.

4. They finally end their reflection with the Lord's Prayer, the Apostles Creed, with invocations to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Holy Cure of Ars (St. John Marie Vianney).

Recitation of Prayers:

Apostles Creed, I believe in God . . .
Our Father (For the intentions of the Pope)
Hail Mary (For all Priests)
Glory Be . . .

Conclude with these invocations:

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us;
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us;
St. John Marie Vianney, Pray for us.

5. Finally this plenary indulgence to be valid may be earned on any day within the entire Year of the Priest with a specific instruction that anything contrary is not withstanding.

Through the granting of this plenary indulgence, the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary are pouring out these Graces of Divine Mercy from their Two Most Holy Hearts by extending their invitation to each and every one of us to avail of God's Supreme Mercy; and actively participate in His Divine Plan of eternal salvation for humankind.


For those intending to go on a group pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart, please arrange your tour schedules prior to visit dates with Ms. Tess Cando at Phone 632-8956331 and Telefax 632-8996340. The complete address of the Manila National Shrine of the Sacred Heart is at Sacred Heart Street corner Kamagong, San Antonio Village, Makati City, Philippines.

DECEMBER 2008 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE SACRED HEART

DECEMBER 2008 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

Nov 20-Dec 7 (Saturday-Sunday)
6:00 PM Novena Masses to the Immaculate Conception


5 - Friday First Friday Devotion
Whole Day Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Veneration of the Relic of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
7:00 PM Additional First Friday Mass
7:30-8:30 PM Vigil in Reparation to the Sacred Heart

6 - Saturday
9:00 AM Mass Wedding

8 - Monday
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Holy Day of Obligation
Morning Masses - 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30 AM
Noon/Evening Masses - 12:15, 6:00, 7:00 and 7:30 PM
Parish-wide Procession after 6:00 PM Mass

12 - Friday
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
6:00 PM Feast Day Mass

13 - Saturday
8:00 AM to 12:00 NN Advent Recollection on "Paghahari ng Diyos sa Sambayanan"
by Fr. Romy Castro, SVD at Layforce Chapel, San Carlos Seminary. Free Admission
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Free Legal Consultation / SSS Civil Registration Assistance
6:00 PM Youth Mass with Special Blessing

14 - Sunday
7:00 AM Mass for the Elderly, with Special Blessing.

15-24 Simbang Gabi (Dec 15 -23) Monday-Saturday at 8:00 PM and on Sunday at 9:00 PM

Mon-Wed Sta. Cruz - 9:00 PM; San Antonio - 9:00 PM
Dawn Masses (Dec 16-24) 4:00 and 5:30 AM
Weekdays - no 6:00 and 6:30 AM Masses
Sunday - no 6:00 AM Mass
Sta Cruz - only 7:30 AM Mass, no 6:30 PM
San Antonio - no 9:00 AM

19 - Friday KUMPISALANG BAYAN - After 6:00 PM Mass

24 - Wednesday
CHRISTMAS EVE MASSES at 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM

25 - Thursday
CHRISTMAS DAY - A BLESSED CHRISTMAS!
Regular Schedule for Sunday Masses
Sta Cruz - 6:30 PM only
San Antonio - No 9:00 AM Mass

28 - Sunday
FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY and Pondo ng Pinoy Day
Special Blessing of Families at all Masses

29 - Monday A Christmas Agape

31 - Wednesday
8:30 PM NEW YEAR'S EVE MASS

Jan 1 - Thursday
NEW YEAR'S DAY - HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Regular Sunday Mass Schedules
Sta Cruz - 6:30 PM Mass only
San Antonio - no 9:00 AM Mass

MY PROVIDENTIAL PROVIDER: SACRED HEART OF JESUS

In 1959 or thereabout, I was studying as a self-supporting student , third year in high school at Feati University in Sta. Cruz, Manila. As I was a working student, I attended classes at night since I had to sustain my daily expenses with a modest income from selling.

During daytime, I persistently went from house to house, door to door, offering to them the statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus or Christ The King for their altar and enthronement in their homes especially the big new ones.

My very first personal encounter with the Devotion of the Sacred Heart was during my third year high school in around 1959 at Feati University. Every First Friday of the month then, the owners of Feati, Don Salvador and Dona Victoria Araneta offered an irresistible incentive to all who would attend First Friday Mass, confess and receive Holy Communion; a free snack of sandwich and a bottle of soft drink thereafter.

I've almost always availed of it because as a Catholic and Christian, I firmly believe in God. At the same time, it was a big deal to have a good meal, which was hard to come by and not easily affordable for me that time. Little did I know that it was the beginning of a lifelong devotion to the Sacred Heart.

After a long while, I realized that I became closer, more inspired, intimately devoted to the Sacred Heart and have started the faithful practice of passionately attending First Friday Masses, Confession, and Holy Communion, as much as humanly possible.

The Sacred Heart is faithfully true to His Promise of sustaining me in my daily necessities, as I was able to finish my high school in Feati, despite tremendous difficulties and unbearable hardships; which I eventually survived by selling the statues of the Sacred Heart and Christ The King.

In January 1967, my girlfriend, Tita Campos who was then working in Citizens Bank in Juan Luna St. near Sta. Cruz Church in Manila and I started to pray the Novena almost every First Friday and even ordinary Fridays at the Sta. Cruz Church during her lunch break. We continued such practice for several months.

Sometime in April 1967, during our Novena prayer with Tita beside me, in front of His statue, I most sincerely and humbly petitioned my urgent request as I told Him, "All throughout my life, I've always been working and fervently praying that my struggles, sufferings, hardships, poverty, hard works and endeavors be rewarded but until that time, He has yet to grant it."

To the Sacred Heart I pleaded, "I fervently and urgently ask you my Lord that You please grant us now the immediate approval of my contract with the Department of Public Works and Communications for the supply of asphalt, which was long pending in Malacanang Palace; since Tita and I would like to get married soon." I was so intense, passionate, emotional and sincere in that desperate moment that tears streamed down from my eyes, I cried openly inside the Church.

Shocking and to my pleasant surprise, on May 23, 1967, the long awaited contract was finally approved by the Office of the President, and thereafter I immediately started implementing my first million peso contract and business. I told Tita, this was indeed a miracle, and an answered prayer.

With the help and grace of the Sacred Heart, Tita and I had a beautiful grand wedding on December 16, 1967 at the Santuario de San Antonio Church in Forbes Park, Makati City. Thereafter, we had our reception at the plush new and swank fine dining restaurant, The Plaza, likewise in Makati.

To show my sincerest appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to the good Lord, I proudly wore my Sacred Heart Scapular during our wedding ceremony inside the Church, as officiated and blessed by Archbishop Reyes. It was then and still is a first and unique memorable experience for me to demonstrate and give sincerest thanks to the Sacred Heart for His kindness.

That particular momentous event of the fulfillment of one of the Sacred Heart's Promises was immortalized in a picture on our wedding album. To this very day, this very same Scapular of the Sacred Heart is still with me about 44 years from the time I acquired it, and was recently blessed by no less than His Eminence, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales at the Archbishop's Palace.

After more than a year and upon completion of the aforesaid contract with the government, Tita and I decided to go back into our small private business, which is the retailing and export of costume jewelries and other Philippine handicrafts which we previously started prior to my asphalt business and even before we got married.

I've always acknowledged the great mercy and kindness the Sacred Heart has so generously given to me and my family. This is the reason why since January 1973 and up to the present time, it has been my annual and continuous commitment to donate rice, milk or other items to the Institutions of Hospicio De San Jose, Monasterio De Sta. Clara, The Missionaries of Charity of Blessed Mother Theresa and The Pink Sisters; twice a year during my birthday in July and Christmas time.

In 1974, I discovered, pioneered and started the export of Puka Shell which became a big boom in the USA, Europe, South America, South Africa, and even Asia. That enabled me to travel around the world to sell Puka Shell and other Philippine handicraft, while my wife Tita took care of the supply and shipment of our products to our importers from different countries.

In all my endeavors as a businessman and family man, my wife Tita was always there to provide me with unwavering love, trust and support. Truly, the Sacred Heart was kind enough to bless me with a loving wife and mother in the person of Tita as the fulfillment of two of His 12 Promises; which were to give peace to my growing family and bestow abundant blessings upon all our undertakings. I gratefully thank and consecrate my family to His Most Sacred Heart, as we are about to celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary in December 16 of this year.

When I was in Rio De Janeiro in mid 1980's, I made it a point to visit the 7th Wonder of the World-famous huge Shrine of Jesus The Redeemer, and was enthralled and awed to the point of inspiration. Since then, I've always been thinking of the possibility of erecting a Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Philippines with the help of private individuals or groups particularly the Catholic Church. For this Divine Purpose, I've continuously prayed to the Sacred Heart that if this be His Will, then it shall be done accordingly.

Providentially, I was introduced by Fr. Prex Fajardo about a couple of years ago to His Eminence, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and informed him about my proposed Sacred Heart project after the good Cardinal celebrated the Sacred Heart Feast Day Mass at the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Makati City.

In one of my visits with His Eminence at the Archbishop's Palace in Intramuros, he informed me about the arrival of a world-renowned Filipino priest-healer, Fr. Fernando Suarez, based in Ottawa, Canada who was coming to Manila.

Fr. Suarez' ministerial group of Mary Mother of the Poor Order in Canada was to discuss definite plans to build, construct and develop a huge and sprawling pilgrimage worship and tourism-related project for local and foreign tourists and visitors to be built in a scenic mountain island situated near Batangas City, breathtakingly surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.

In May 2007, after the good Cardinal introduced me to Fr. Fernando Suarez, right then and there, we immediately agreed to consider and study my proposed project for establishing the monumental Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus within the same mountain island vicinity where the aforesaid project was envisioned.

Since the location is only about 14 kilometers from Batangas and can be reached easily by car, it will surely be conveniently accessible to many future local and foreign pilgrims and devotees alike.

On July 18, 2007, as Fr. Fernando Suarez returns to Manila, he and I will meet with His Eminence Cardinal Rosales to discuss details of this project. May the Sacred Heart guide me, as I bring along reputable design and engineering advisers to discuss installation plans of the Image of the Sacred Heart and the possibility of starting it soonest.

We are hopeful and confident that with the grace and blessings of the Lord, and through the kind assistance, invaluable prayers of the benevolent Cardinal Rosales, Fr. Suarez and all others who will join and help us in this endeavor, we will be able to push through with this special and important project into a reality.

In the book I recently wrote and which was launched last December 7, 2006, Be Your Own Boss! The Puka King Story, I mentioned clearly and discussed lengthily many of the blessings, help, assistance and fulfilled promises the Sacred Heart of Jesus lovingly bestowed upon me and my family. I shared these stories to bear witness to His great Magnanimity and Infinite Mercy.

Through the unwavering help and guidance of the good Cardinal, I was recently interviewed twice as a resource person at Radio Veritas station in Mr. Mel Acuna's radio program. I've been passionately committed in promoting my book to inspire the youth, students, the overseas foreign workers (OFWS) and their dependents, among others, so as to strongly encourage them to become independent businessmen and energetic entrepreneurs instead of being lifelong passive employees and migrant workers.

Likewise, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Labor are assisting me to promote my book around the world where there are many OFWs, through their embassies, consulates and labor attaches. They have been most helpful in initial communication efforts with Filipino leaders in several countries through their good offices.

To demonstrate my personal commitment, from September 1 to October 24, 2007, I'm going to embark on a working visit to personally inspire and convince our OFWs and their dependents stationed in Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, London, Rome, Milan, and other European cities as well as Riyadh and Dubai.

My ongoing mission is to persuade our OFWs there with the help of our embassies, consulates and labor attaches, to work hard, save and start a business of their own to become self-made entrepreneurs in their home country and become economically self-reliant; instead of being financially dependent on foreigners, working in foreign lands away from home, their family and loved ones.

Most of all, I'm forever grateful for the numerous and abundant blessings bestowed by the Sacred Heart to my family, as my wife and I were able to provide the best possible education to our children, Cristina, Anthony and Howard.

They had finished with flying colors and graduated in three of the best colleges and universities in the United States; Cristina from Boston University, Economics, Cum Laude; Anthony from Boston College, MBA-Finance; and Howard from Rhode Island of School Design, Architecture and Fine Arts, respectively.

It is by the continued blessings of the Sacred Heart that Tita and I were able to simultaneously build a successful family and a modest prosperous business, which we started from scratch from day one of our marriage when the Lord without fail generously rewarded my fervent and persistent prayers.

Truly and honestly, I believe that I could not thank the Sacred Heart of Jesus enough for what He has generously given us, for we will not be where we are now it not because of Him. As I say this to you, as He has done to me, so He will do for you, if you faithfully ask, seek and knock to His Most Sacred Heart.

With the continuing guidance, enlightenment, and assistance coupled with strong faith, determination, invaluable help and prayers of His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and Fr. Fernando Suarez, our friends, supporters and devotees of the Sacred Heart, there is reasonable ground to believe that this valuable and important project in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, His Will shall be done accordingly in His time.

For more information about the inspirational book, BE YOUR OWN BOSS, The Puka King Story, please link to www.pukaking.com and email theprovidence.vitas@gmail.com

HERNANDO M. VITAS
Chairman and CEO
The Providence-Vitas Foundation, Inc.
Author, BE YOUR OWN BOSS! The Puka King Story
The Providence Tower
2471 Leon Guinto St., corner
Estrada St., Malate, Manila
Tel. (632) 524-4714 / (632) 525-9099
Website: www.pukaking.com
E-Mail: theprovidence.vitas@gmail.com

OUR RECTOR'S VISION: A CARING, LOVING AND RESPONSIVE CHURCH

Toward the end of 2001, the appointment of Monsignor Jose Clemente F. Ignacio as the Shrine's fifth and current rector is the most timely and relevant to the growth of the Parish; as it made the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart Church reach out to be closer to the nearby depressed Parish Community.

Prior to his appointment, Msgr. Jose Clemente F. Ignacio or Msgr. Clem as he is fondly referred to, was the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Manila and had come from a 6-year stint as the first Diocesan Parish Priest of St. Anthony Parish and Director of St. Anthony School in Manila. He replaced Bishop Crisostomo Yalung, D.D. who became the Bishop of Antipolo.

The installation of Msgr. Clem by the late Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, D.D. on February 14, 2002 was an auspicious beginning as the Shrine was closing the celebration of its 25th Jubilee Year and was marking the start of its 26th year.

Having a newly renovated Church had taken off the pressures for the need of fund raising concerns, so this enabled him the opportunity to discern what God wanted for this community he was leading into the new Millennium.

Msgr. Clem has always made discernment part of the decision making process in the Community, always stressing that God is present in our everyday lives here and now; today in the people He sends us to help in ministerial work.

Under his guidance, a new vision and mission for the Shrine evolved after an unusual planning meeting where much consultations among the parish leaders took place.

VISION: A CARING, LOVING AND RESPONSIVE CHURCH

MISSION: TO MAKE OUR VISION ALIVE AND FELT
IN OUR MINISTRY AND SERVICE

It was then that the Shrine had moved one step further; from a purely promotion of the devotion to the larger community to active assistance to poor parishes and dioceses which was discerned as an added mission called for by the Sacred Heart of Jesus in difficult times.

Monsignor Clem saw in his mission, the imperative need to imbue the Community with this thrust and mission which he discerned was what God wanted him to do.

After a prayerful planning and discernment process with him, the parish leaders came up with an initial list of concerns and needs of the Community which were: programs for the poor, reach out programs for the poor dioceses and parishes, catechism and formation programs, more active youth participation and increased devotion to the Sacred Heart.

In pursuit of this vision, we have an active Apostolate in place that lives up to what Jesuit theologian Fr. Catalino Arevalo says is the new and authentic message of the Sacred Heart in these times; a compassionate Heart to help heal the wounds and pains of the poor.

Evident in the current programs implemented in the Shrine is the coordinated thrust of dedicated service with preferential option for the poor. Under our Pastor's leadership, the Vision of a Caring, Loving and Responsive Church started to take more flesh with ongoing programs that form part of the Ministries' Work:

A) Assistance to Poor Parishes and Dioceses.

B) Expanded Evangelization Programs in the depressed areas to foster Christian Homes, Families and Communities.

C) A Micro Finance Lending Program for Livelihood for qualified borrowers and livelihood seminars.

D) Wider coverage for the educational assistance program, tutorial and counseling programs for public school children.

E) More Medical and Dental Services.

F) Social Services such as Job Referrals, Balik-Probinsiya Assistance, Jail Apostolate, and Feeding Programs.

G) Housing Assistance for the Poor.

H) An Active Youth Ministry.

I) Children's Ministry.

J) Catechetical Programs for Street Children and Public School Children.

K) Free Legal Counseling Services.

L) Formation Programs.

M) Family Life Ministry

N) Ministry to the Elderly

Truly the Vision and Mission of Msgr. Clem which are already implemented for the Shrine is that which is most closest to the Compassionate Mercy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; who said, "Whatsoever you do to the least of My brethren, you have done it to Me."

We congratulate our dearly beloved Rector Monsignor Jose Clemente F. Ignacio, who recently celebrated his 17th Sacerdotal Anniversary on March 24, 2007.

Stella P. Denoga
Head
Ministry of Prayers and Devotions
Shrine Promotions

JOURNEY OF THE SACRED HEART SHRINE

JOURNEY OF THE SACRED HEART SHRINE

In the Old Testament, the Jewish people wandered in the desert for decades, moving from one land to another until they reached the Promised Land.

In a way, the humble beginnings of the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart can be likened to their experience. The devout community at Barangay San Antonio in Makati City, journeyed for decades, moving and building chapels from one site to another until they found a permanent house of worship.

The story of the Sacred Heart Shrine began in the mid 1950's when a small group of people in Barangay San Antonio was looking for a common place for worship. At that time, San Antonio was a sparsely populated village surrounded by cogon and rice fields. Deeply religious the people celebrated fiestas and held masses in makeshift chapels.

In 1955, the Women's Club of San Antonio put up the first chapel on a vacant lot in Kamagong Street. The San Antonio Village Women's Club was headed by the late Mrs. Leonor Tello and Mrs. Paula P. Pena, and they were assisted by a youth leader, Mr. Eddie Tabhan.

The Chabarel Hall fathers and other priests were invited to say mass for the villagers in that chapel. One of these priests was Jesuit Father Pedro Verceles, who was the national director of the Apostleship of Prayer (AP) that time. AP is an international Catholic organization that actively promotes the devotion to the Sacred Heart.

Fr. Verceles kindled the community's devotion to the Sacred Heart. Eventually, the AP Center 1226 was established in Barangay San Antonio on June 19, 1957.

In 1960, the growing community felt the need to move on to a bigger chapel. Thus, they built a larger one on an idle land also located at Kamagong Street.

Two years later, the community had to transfer again because the owner had to use the property. So the members looked for a more spacious and permanent site for the chapel. They found a suitable land on nearby Dao Street, a 4,000 square meter lot owned by the Ayala Corporation.

In the course of their civic work, the community leaders met Atty. Jose Feria of the Makati League of Good Government; who offered to help request the Ayala Corporation to lease the land where the Church now permanently stands.

The Ayala Corporation agreed to lease the land to the community only if the AP Center would be duly incorporated. The AP members did what they were requested to do. Thus AP Center No. 1226 was incorporated as the San Antonio Village Apostleship of Prayer Center Inc. or SAVAPCI on October 27, 1964. The community designated Jesuit Father Lorenzo Ma. Guerrero. who replaced Fr. Verceles as AP National Director, as their adviser.

With the expressed approval of the Ayala Corporation, the Makati Citizen's League Lessor leased to the SAVAPCI the land where the Shrine stands now on December 29, 1964.
In the next four years, Fr. Guerrero led the community's fund raising efforts for the chapel's construction. Raffles, benefit dinners, bingo socials and rummage sales were held to raise funds. Fr. Guerrero's friends also donated various construction materials.

The chapel's construction took three years to complete. Finally, on December 18, 1971, the Sacred Heart Chapel, borne out of the community's collective effort, was blessed by Bishop Amado Paulino, then Auxiliary Bishop of Manila. The community's persistent search for a permanent home finally ended.


THE COMMUNITY BECOMES A PARISH

Less than a year after the chapel's blessing, some community members petitioned for the conversion of the San Antonio community into a parish. Rufino Cardinal Santos, the Archbishop of Manila, assigned Fr. Nico P. Bautista to prepare the community for the eventual parish conversion on November 8, 1972.

One requirement for the conversion was the transfer of the land's lease from the SAVAPCI to the Archbishop of Manila. Cardinal Santos said this would assure the stability and permanency of the parish.

As history had to run its course and challenge the community for eventual changes from a chapel community to a parochial one, a legal dispute resulted during the transfer. It was a trying time and it divided the community for a while. The Decree of Erection of the Sacred Heart Parish was signed on January 11, 1976 by Archbishop Jaime Sin, who replaced Cardinal Santos as Archbishop of Manila and Fr. Nico was officially appointed as the first Parish Priest.

A few weeks later, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) led by Julio Cardinal Rosales moved for the designation of the parish as the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart.

The canonical inauguration of the Parish, the Shrine and Fr. Nico's installation as its first Parish Priest and Rector took place on February 14, 1976, almost 31 years ago, as of this year.


SHRINE'S EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL TRANSFORMATION


In the past three decades, the Shrine and the Parish have undergone many changes. The physical transformation of the Church is very visible. But one needs to take a closer look into the underlying changes in its programs and character as a community of God which are far more significant.

The first five years of the Parish was a period of organizing and taking root. Fr. Nico was an effective communicator who worked with great zeal in laying the foundation for the parish's ministry programs. He made himself available to the people, especially the poor and the youth, always ready for consultations and in administering the Sacraments.

It was the time when lay organizations, such as the Catholic Women's League, the Legion Mary and the Youth Club, were actively formed. It also marked the parish's initial outreach to non-churchgoers in the community and attempted to foster a sense of family unity among the diverse members of the community.

During those waning years of the Martial Law, people from all walks of life would come to the shrine to hear Fr. Nico's hard-hitting homilies. Fr. Nico served the Shrine for a total of eight years, from 1972-1981. Part of his legacy is the bronze statue of the muscular and smiling image of the Sacred Heart which was once the centerpiece in the Shrine's Altar. This statue is now the centerpiece of a plaza fronting the Church.


STABILIZATION AND GROWTH


For four months in 1981, Msgr. Godofredo Pedernal served as interim rector of the Shrine until Fr. Maximo A. Ocampo was appointed as the second Parish Priest and Rector. Incidentally, Fr. Max was on a break from his parish work in the U.S. when he got the new assignment. He immediately buckled to work and served as the lead architect of what is considered a period of building in the Shrine's history.

As a fitting testament to the permanence of the land on where the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart currently sits, a Deed of Donation was awarded by Don Enrique Zobel of Ayala Land Corporation for the benefit of the Sacred Heart Parish Community; which was accepted by Fr. Max Ocampo, sometime in late 1981.

Fr. Max started his term by putting the Shrine in order; sprucing up its surroundings, paving the grounds, lighting up the area and building a fence around it. Afterwards, he organized the mortuary and turned it into a source of revenue for other renovations and facilities construction.

Fr. Max was of the mindset that if he could help it, he would not ask for contributions or have too many fund drives. It was his thinking that the parishioners should concentrate on their spiritual life without having to constantly raise funds.

Together, with the Parish Pastoral Council headed by Ric Alindayu, Father Max dedicatedly set about working on his vision. First, he built auxiliary chapels and introduced pre-need pledges for its use among the parishioners. With this money, Father Max dutifully:

A) Built the rectory and parish office and the medical-dental clinic to serve the needs of the poor;
B) Undertook the first major total renovation of the Church, working together with the patronage of his "cabalen" the late Mayor Nemesio Yabut; This was blessed by His Eminence Cardinal Sin on June 1985.

C) Enlarged the parish hall after a year or two and added a terrace and the consultation rooms being used by the visiting Sisters;

D) Built the niches alongside the chapels in order to fund the building of a new and bigger Medical and Dental Clinic for the increasing number of patients the clinic was ministering to;

E) Refurbished the old clinic so it could serve as the parish office, while the old office was turned into a Reconciliation Room.

With the help of the architects and builders in the Parish, the Church was made over with a modern and Western look, but projecting a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Fr. Max also put up much needed structures within the Church compound such as the rectory, the medico-dental clinic, the niches, and parish halls.

It was also during the term of Fr. Max when auxiliary chapels were built in Sta. Cruz and San Antonio. Pastoral programs for the poor were also begun.

The Shrine's builder-priest is also a builder of leaders. Fr. Max is also credited for building up a good core of leaders most of whom held positions in various organizations in the district of Makati, such as the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Women's League, Daughters of Mary Immaculate, Legion of Mary, Mother Butler Guild, and other Catholic Charismatic groups.
Fr. Max "constructively" served the Shrine for 18 fruitful years until his retirement in 1999. He splits his time between the Shrine and a parish in the United States.


A NATIONAL CENTER OF DEVOTION

The appointment of Bishop Crisostomo Yalung in 1999 as Shrine Rector and Parish Priest was aptly described as auspicious. Bishop Yalung then held multiple positions at the Archdiocese of Manila and the CBCP.

All through his term, the Shrine became a more prominent pilgrimage site. The Shrine drew waves upon waves of devotees, especially during the Jubilee Year, when it was designated as one of the Seven Jubilee Churches in the Archdiocese of Manila.

The Shrine was also one of the first stops of the Relics of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in its three month stay in the Philippines in the year 2000. Moreover, the Shrine became the center of church activities in the district of Makati.

Bishop Yalung made changes that forged unity among the parishioners from both sub-parishes. During his term, evangelical efforts were also enhanced through innovations on liturgical and related activities. He also pushed for the publication of the weekly newsletter called Heart Works.

Bishop Yalung served the Shrine for only three years. In that short time, more physical improvements in the church structure and in the compound were done to make the Shrine a more comfortable place for worship. This includes the redecoration of the altar, the repair and strengthening of the Church's basic structure, and the retouching of the interiors.

NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE SACRED HEART INTERIORS

The National Shrine of the Sacred Heart is an artistic fusion of post modern
and classic interiors thoughtfully designed to complement elegance,
and accentuate comfort with solemnity of worship.



The centerpiece of the Altar is the hand-painted massive portraiture
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which is in itself, a masterpiece artwork
by a Filipino painter-artist priest, Fr. Armand Tangi, SSP.

The colorful and artistic unique mosaic glass interpretation of the

Sacred Heart of Jesus was also designed by Fr. Armand Tangi,
is now the center of adoration at the Adoration Chapel of the Shrine.

The Altar of Repose located at the left side corner of the Church which

houses the different Saints on their respective occasions.

BECOMING A CHURCH OF THE POOR

Msgr. Jose Clemente Ignacio took over a newly-refurbished Church in 2001 when he replaced Bishop Yalung as the Shrine's Rector and Parish Priest. With the physical improvements of the Church taken cared of, Msgr. Clem then set out to restructure the parish programs to make them more ministerial, action-oriented and geared towards the poor.

Under Msgr. Clem's guidance, a new parish vision and mission came about. The parish is now moving towards the fulfillment of its vision of "a caring, loving and responsive Church." It's mission is to make this vision alive, visible and felt in its journey especially with the Church of the Poor.

The parish is currently carrying out this mission through the scholarship program, the expanded evangelization programs in the depressed areas of the community, a micro lending program, housing assistance for the poor, a more active health care program, and many such other activities.

As concrete proof of the success of the outreach programs, many of the less fortunate members of the community have volunteered and integrated themselves into the parish programs and ministries. Aside from continuously promoting the devotion to the Sacred Heart, the Shrine has also extended it compassion to poor parishes and dioceses in need outside of Metro Manila.

Msgr. Clem's deep abiding love for the poor, the children and the youth has shaped this current chapter in the Shrine's journey of faith. More and more parishioners are following his lead by reaching out to the poor and contributing their share in drawing poor people to the Church.


FORMATION AND RENEWAL

A brief moment in the Shrine's history is the pastorship of Fr. Pericles "Prex" Fajardo. Known for his amiability and availability, he hoped to bring about a better and renewed community of priests. He began the team ministry effort in the Shrine so that the priests could get more involved in the pastoring of the flock.

He also built the Chapel for the priests so that they could deepen their spiritual life and minister better for the parishioners. Fr. Prex also strengthened the ministry for healing and a more vibrant Sacrament of Reconciliation. He encouraged and supported on going formation and spiritual retreats and recollections. His brief but fruitful stay had lasting contributions to the life of the Shrine which Msgr. Clem continued when he came back.



THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

We have traced how the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart came to be, how its story developed in the past 31 years. Now we know how it took form: from the informal gatherings of a small group of deeply religious people that led to the building of a small Chapel; from the community of Sacred Heart Devotees who found the land and pooled their resources to build a bigger Chapel; the somewhat painful transition from a Chapel Community to a Parish; and the growth of the Church, internally and externally, with the coming and going of every Rector and Parish Priest.

The next significant question is: Where is God calling the Shrine's community to go? And some of you might be moved to ask, how can I take part in this journey?

At present, the Shrine is trying to implement the new vision of the Archdiocese of Manila under the leadership of His Excellency Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales, D.D. This vision is not far from where the Shrine is headed. It is also continuing to find fresh ways and meaning to the devotion to the Sacred Heart. It hopes to follow the road to becoming a caring, loving and responsive Church, especially for the materially and spiritually impoverished.

This mission is adapted from the Archdiocese of Manila's greater vision of becoming "a community of persons with the fullness of life." You can make a difference by opening your heart, drawing it closer to God and being a part of this wonderful parish community.