FAMILY MATTERS Christmas Bumper

24 Hour Rosary for Fr. Peyton's Bday

We are celebrating Fr. Peyton's 101st bday anniversary with a 24 Hour Rosary Prayer for the success of Fr. Peyton's Cause and the Year for Priests. (Remember, we made this a twin activity for Fr. Pat's Centenary) We are hoping that the 9th of Janaury will ring with families, group and individuals praying the rosary with these intentions every hour on the hour: Several have already signed up and we are hoping to complete the cycle soon.

Tribute to Tita Gennie: Kailan Pa Man

The following comes from one of the most active Guilds and a close friend of Tita Gennie. George has wonderful memories of our dear Tita Gen and he composed this poem for her.

KAILAN PA MAN

by George Olympia

FRC Marinduque

Kailan pa man

Ikaw ang aasahan

Kailan pa man

Ikaw ang siyang lakas

Ang tanging tanggulan

Anuman ang dumaan

Ika'y ilaw sa landas

Panatag ka sa puso kong lumbay

Panatag sa kawalang kulay

Ang tanging larawan ng buhay

Katapa't mo sa akin ay di mapapantayan.

Nasan ka?

Bagama't nagkukulang ako

Nasaan ka?

Sa sangang daan kinapapatungan ko

Kailan man

O Diyos!Pag-ibig Mo

Kaluluwa'y ligtas dahil sa Iyo

Kailan man buhay ay iyong inilaan

Upang maligtas ka

Sa aking kapahamakan

Kailan pa man

O Diyos! Kailan pa man

Tribute to Tita Gennie

Let me take a few moments to dedicate this space for some personal thoughts. Yesterday morning, I was greeted by the saddest text message from Tess and Rachel:

"Pls pray for Tita Gennie. She passed away today"

I can never place Tita Gennie's face on a lifeless body.
I can never see this world or imagine life without her. She has taught us to appreciate every person no matter what because in her eyes a person is always good and beautiful. She saw souls when we saw men.

She has been the mother we have rested upon when our hearts were heavy.
She has been a friend we leaned on when our knees were tired.
She has been the mentor who inspired us to be humble and simple while striving for greatness and perfection.

There is a lump in my throat that has been stuck in my chest every since I heard the news that our beloved Tita Gennie has left this world to lay rest in the bosom of her beloved Blessed mother.

But in the deepest recesses of my soul, I know that Tita Gennie is happy and happily looking at us.

She will always, like a gentle mother and firm leader, be watching from afar. Trusting that she has taught enough, proud that we will continue her dedication and love.

Do not stand there in my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond that glintz on the snow.
I am the sunlight on the rippened grains.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush.
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in the circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand there in my grave and cry.
I am not there. I did not die.


I will not say goodbye for now... but thank you for everything.

Family Weekend in San Pablo, Laguna

From the north to the south ... next stop of the Family Weekend Actviity was at the picturesque town of San Pablo Laguna in the lovely parish of the Holy Family. Mommy Salonga, the ever active head of the FRC unit, gracefully arrange everything to perfection.

This time, we had the opportunity to bring Fr. Roque D'Costa, FRC's Executive Director, and Fr. Devadoss., who gamely shared valuable lessons on family prayer and the rosary.

The kids were given a chance to express their creativity as they interpreted FRC's battlecry: The family that prays together stays together.

A rosary-making activity was held for the moms who were present. With FRC's very own Rachel Bajamonde and Carlos Labiana, the group tediously threaded one bead after another and knotted them with delicate and patient hands. More importantly, they commited to do one rosary each a week and give them to FRC for distribution to communities and families.

The dads, not to be outdone provided the entertment for the activity. Their heart and passion swelled with their voices as they rendered church songs to love song much to everyone's delight.

The best part, however, was the agape... where family spirit, sharing and unity and good food flowed abudantly.

Family Weekend On Tour

In keeping the spirit of our founder alive and in support the Cause of his Beatification and Canonization, we launched series of weekend activities to promote his battle cry. Since there are enough organizations working for Metro Manila, all the activitiies will be held in the provinces and outskirts of the city.

This activity which we simply named, FRC Family Weekend aims to strengthen the spirituality of the family through art and hands on workshop, video / film showing of the Mysteries, catechesis on the rosary and sharing of insights and reflections among participants.

Our first stop was with the gracious parishoners of Muling Pagkabuhay, Lawa, Meycauyan. (unfortunately their community was one of the badly hit of typhoon Ondoy and yet the first fud raising the made was for the rehabilitatio of their chapels). That Saturday was really memorable. We captured three groups the entire day: the children in the morning for the On-the-Spot postes making, the catechists for the film showing and talk about the rosary and families in the afternoon for the Manifest Mysteries showing and living rosary.

We also took the opportunity to launch a campaign we are doing in support of the Vatican's declaration of the Year for Priests and the celebration of the Centenary of Fr. Peyton, FRC started a rosary campaign that enlists families to pray the rosary daily for priests and for the success of Fr. Peyton’s Beatification. The families who pledge to pray the rosary with these intentions are asked to sign to seal their commitment and are given Pledge Certificates to serve as a reminder of their promise.

Family Rosary's Prayer of Families

The family is the cradle of humanity because the home is where one learns the values of life. In the family, one's culture is shaped. In the family, one learns courage and finds strength to counter cultures that are anti-life and anti-God. May families remain strong and God-centered to face the challenges and temptations of the modern world.

Honor His Memory Continue His Mission

Perhaps the most recognizable contribution Servant of God Fr. Patrick Peyton, CSC gave to this generation is the value of family prayer as summed up by his battlecry: The Family that Prays Together Stays Together; A World At Prayer is A World at Peace. This spells the core of the commemoration of the Centenary of his birthday this year.

Fr. Peyton's 100th birthday kicked-off 2009 with a Rosary Novena from January 1 - 9, with families from different parts of the world coming together to pray with the entire Family Rosary offices, HCFM and the Congregation of Holy Cross.

The FRC office in the Philippines culminated the Rosary Novena with a Holy Mass with Fr. Peyton's friends and supporters and the FRC Units. Bataan Bishop and FRC

advocate Most Rev. Soc Villegas led the Eucharistic Celebration. Joining the Bishop are Fr. Roque D' Costa, CSC, FRC's current Spiritual Director, Fr. Ronald Manabat and Fr. Sid Marinay.

Messages from HCFM President Fr. John Phalan, CSC and Family Rosary International Director Fr. Jim Phalen, CSC which stressed the urgency to bring back prayer in the home and understand the value of the rosary were read by Fr. Roque, CSC and Mrs. Gennie Jota, former Executive Director of FRC - Philippines.

A short video was shown to trace Fr. Peyton's life and mission and link it to the challenge to continue what he started back in the early 1940s.

A simple lunch shared by the FRC board members, staff and Units capped the event.

HCFM and FRC will hold other activities to strengthen family relations, deepen spirituality and prayer life of the family during the next months.

Fr. Peyton Centenary

2009 will be a momentous year for the Family Rosary Crusade as it commemorates the 100th birth anniversary of its founder Servant of God Fr. Patrick Peyton, CSC on January 9, 2009.
The Holy Cross Family Minsitries (HCFM), the umbrella organization of FRC, aims this celebration to be an opportunity to strengthen family prayer and renew spirituality of the home. Family Rosary affiliate offices worldwide have been tasked to organize a rosary novena for families from January 1 - 9 next year. Fr. John Phalan, CSC and HCFM President emphasizes that “this kick-off activity supports Fr. Peyton’s most sacred insight, the goal toward which his whole fascinating life was directed, that is to encourage families to come together daily to pray the rosary, as he saw the many benefits of this simple practice”.
An intention has been designated for each decade and while a special prayer for the beatification of Fr. Peyton will be added at the end of each rosary novena.

FRC Philippines will hold a special concelebrated mass on January 10 at the Sta. Maria Gorretti Parish will be held to commemorate Fr. Peyton’s birth, to celebrate his life and works and renew the commitment to continue his mission.
The celebration is aimed to be a year-long event with various support activities underway.

FPG Pagkabuhay Celebrates Month of the Rosary

The FPG Pagkabuhay Chapter in Lawa, Meycauyan, Bulacan, honored the Blessed Mother as they celebrated the month of the rosary. The Guild distributed rosaries and prayer cards to children, held rosary processions in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and talks about Fr. Peyton's life and mission. FPG Pagkabuhay is headed by Danilo dela Cruz.

Conquering Cebu

Last April 28, the Cause of Fr. Peyton team flew to Cebu a series of talks about the life and works of Fr. Patrick Peyton. This was a double-purpose trip as the FRC team also covered the blessing of the Sto. Niño replica image and the pilgrimages of the parishoners of Sto. Niño, Parada in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

The first talk was a long ride to the inner barrio of Tayabas to a group of seminarians of Mary's Little Children Formation Center. The seminarians were simple and warm and surprisingly interested to learn about Fr. Pat's seminarian life.

The community of Mary's Little Children, headed by Msgr. Fredrerick Kriekenbeek, was the next stop.

The program began with the celebration of the Eucharist with Fr. Vic Robles as main celebrant. And was quickly followed by the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The talk was a segue to the healing service that culminated the program. What amazed me is the piety and Christ-centerednes of the community. Faces lit and heads nodded as they heard about Fr. Peyton's many struggles with tuberculosis, raising funds for his project and ultimately bringing the family rosary in every home in around the world.

It was very easy for the community to appreciate Fr. Peyton's effort with the rosary and for the families.

The Cebu trip proved to be very productive as another guild in the Visayas is in the making.

(Inidentally, Msgr. Kriekenbeek, the head of MLC, was one of the witnesses for SOG Fr. Peyton's Rogatory Trial in Manila. He met Fr. Peyton in the 70's as a young seminarian)

2008 Plans

For 2008, all our efforts will be geared to drumming up interest in the life and works of Servant of God, Fr. Patrick Peyton, CSC. We realize that although people may remember the slogan "The Family that Prays together stays" and "A world at prayer is a world at peace", the man behind the idea and the effort to promote the daily family rosary throughout the 50s-80s is barely known. Two project we have lined up for this objective include a 1-minuter video trivias about Fr. Peyton and 30-seconder plugs about the power of the rosary. Hopefully, these will be released and available in VCD and DVD format to the public by mid 2008.

Another Youth Group for the Peyton Guild

The San Roque Youth FRC group was quite impressive. At a very young age they are dynamically involved in the religous welfare of their community, with their president, Paolo Magisa when normally, people their age are more involved in socio-cultural activities and sports. Paolo and his group concluded a rosary rally last month which began as early as 5am . It was a little in between a procession and rally, with images of the Blessed Mother and placards shouting the value of the rosary. It was also during that time the the group adopted the Peyton Guild into their organization. We missed the dawn procession but got to meet some of the members who patiently waited for the inspiration message part of their program, albeit running a little late.

FPG Angat Film Showing

Terence Macalinao, taking over the leadership of the Angat Guild successfully held a film showing night for the St. Paul, the Apostle Parish in Niugan, Angat, Bulacan as part of the parish's Marian festival. The activity aimed to introduce the FPG to the new parish priest and support the reformation and rekindling of the parishoner's faith experience.

Two manifest mysteries were shown: The Secret of the Horse, a translation of the 2nd Sorrowful Mystery that tackles restraint and self-control and The Hero, an adaptation of the 5th Sorrowful Mytery about forgiveness.

NEW Fr. Peyton Guilds

Two more new Fr. Peyton Guild Chapters were formed during the second half of this year. The first group was formed by Rev. Fr. Ronald Manabat, a staunch supporter of the Family Rosary Crusade since his seminary years. After his ordination, he was assigned to a parish in Mindoro and his first order of business was to form an FRC Unit and Fr. Peyton Guild, which he brought along and introduced during the 5th General Assembly this year.

The other group is an FRC unit of Lantana, Cubao since the 70s and has decided to adapt the Fr. Peyton Guild into their organization after realizing that its mission and apostolate complement each other. Mrs. Robles, head of the FRC Lantana and now also the Cubao Chapter of the FPG did not hesitate to accept the challenge posted by Fr. Peyton through the Office of the Cause.

Marinduque Celebrates Month of the Rosary

Our good and dedicated friends of the FPG Marinduque chapter are conducting a Parish Block Rosary in honor of the Blessed Virgin. George Olympia, the able and hardworking coordinator and head of the FRG and FRC Chapter organize a weekly transfer of the image of our Lady of the Rosary in every chapter's chapel. The Parish Block Rosary started last September 22 and will end in November.

Fr. Peyton Guild Holds Rally

Fr. Peyton-Guild Angat led by Bro. Melvin Javier, held a rosary rally during the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes at the Our Lady of Carmel Parish in Sabang, Baliuag, Bulacan following the theme “Maria, Huwaran ng Pananampalataya, Pag-Asa at Pag-ibig.

Students and families gathered for the early morning celebration of prayer and Marian devotion as the Guild’s youth members reenforced the same values of family, piety and faithfulness throughout the day. They learned about Servant of God Fr. Patrick Peyton, CSC and the Family Rosary Crusade’s mission in the short video presentation especially prepared for them.
Reverend Ronald Manabat beautifully spoke of the rosary as a family tradition and heirloom in his inspirational talk and in the homily during mass.

Outstanding Guild Members Recognized

The Family Rosary Crusade held its 5th Geneal Assembly last June at the Pope Pius XII Auditorium. Close to 500 delegates from all over the Philippines came particpate in the bi-annual event. This year’s assembly centered on the theme: Rosary My Rosary and included 5 simultaneous worskshop on the rosary and its application and relevance to practical living.

he morning session had Fr. Catalino Arevalo, SJ, Professor Emeritus of the Loyolo School of Theology as Keynote Speaker and Sr. Elizabeth Butay, MCST, Directress of the Bsp. Obviar Evangelization Center as the Testimonial Sharer.

Serving as breaker and intermission, the participants were treated to the first public showing of The Glimpse, a modernday adaptation of the 4th Luminous Mystery.

he afternoon continued with an awarding ceremony wherein outstanding Fr. Peyton Guilds and individual members from 2005 - 2007 were recognized. Individual awardees were Ms. Cynthia Buenaventura, Divine Mercy - Marilao Chapter for her leadership and support during the launching of the Roving Photo Essay in August 2005 and Mr. Melvin Javier, Angat-Chapter for spearheading the Rosary Rally in February 2007. Marinduque Chapter and Novaliches Chapter were recognized for their support of the Closing Ceremonies of the Rogatory Trial of Servant of God Fr. Peyton last November 2006 and for their involvement in the Outdoor Movie showing from 2005-2006, respectively. These awards were FRC’s way of thanking them and inspiring other Guilds and FRC units to actively particpate in other projects in support of the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of Servant of God Fr. Peyton.

The afternoon session gave the participants a chance to interact and reflect during the Workshops. Msgr. Sabino Vengco talk about the Rosary as a School of Faith, Fr. Ronald Manabat dicussed the rosaru as a source of harmony in the relationship, Sr. Eppie Brasil reflected on the rosary as acure for brokenness, Ms. Claudine Zialcita explained how to make the rosary interesting to the younger generation and Fr. Julito Ignacio showed that the rosary is an effective roadmap to business ethics.

The day ended with a concelebrated mass led by Fr. John Phalen, CSC, , International Director of Holy Cross Family Ministries, Fr. Arthur Colgan, CSC, Provincial Superior, Eastern Provinces, Fr. Jaime Phalan, CSC, International Director, Holy Cross Family Ministries and newly ordained Fr. Ronald Manabat.