Вы находитесь на странице: 1из 95

FRONT BACK

COVER
Filipino Ministry Logo – It’s Meaning
The LOGO of the Filipino Ministry - DSB is rich in
symbolism and meaning. Let us unpack what they convey to
the Christian communities at large:

• ►HUMAN IMAGES: There are six human figures.


The number six represents the six vicariates (Hemet, High
Desert, Low Desert, Riverside, San Bernardino and West-
End) in the Diocese of San Bernardino which are distributed
to the two counties that comprise the diocese: San Bernardino The first LOGO was designed by MICHAEL
and Riverside. The human images are the Filipinos residing AZUL, a parishioner of Holy Family Parish in
in the 6 vicariates. They are close to one another to convey the Hesperia in 1994.
unity that they signify, and that through their unity, a harmonious immersion to their respective
parishes will be smoothly accomplish.
►BAMBOO CROSS: This represents the flexibility of the Filipinos, that where they settled, they
always blossom in their faith. The bamboo can be used as tributaries where water will flow to give life
to arid lands; likewise the Filipinos, firm as they are, they have a loving heart that feels the cries and
needs of others; they become life-givers.
• ►WHITE CLOTH HANGING ON THE CROSS: The white cloth represents resurrection, and
this is the vision of the Filipinos, that wherever they are they can always live the resurrection as life-
givers. This white cloth reminds Filipinos that their faith is embedded in the resurrection of Jesus.
►SHIP AND SAIL: The ship represents the County of Riverside and the sail represent the County of
San Bernardino, which comprises the diocese.

►FILIPINO FLAG: This conveys the roots of the


Filipinos. Their rich religious traditions and cultures are
elements that will enrich the dynamics of life of the place
where they are planted. The flag reminds Filipinos in the
Diocese of San Bernardino to help enrich and strengthen the
faith of the larger Church community by promoting the
Gospel values of MAKA-DIYOS (PRO-GOD), MAKA-
TAO (PRO-PEOPLE), MAKA-BAYAN (PATRIOTIC),
MAKA-BUHAY (PRO-LIFE) and MAKA-KALIKASAN
(FOR INTEGRITY OF CREATION).
The present LOGO of Filipino
The flag was added within the meaning of the first logo; Ministry-DSB
designed by Joe Rafols, parishioner of St. John the
Evangelist in 2008.
Filipino Ministry Prayer
Before You, Oh Lord our God, we pray with deep faith
that as we journey towards the realization of your dream
and fulfill our mission, may we realize the diocesan vision and
thrust.

We pray, that we, the Filipino Faithful of the diocese of San


Bernardino, through the guidance of our Blessed Mother Mary,
may share equal dignity with the larger Church community
and called to be one body, united with our bishops Gerard and
Rutilloas well as our priests in the worshipping, evangelizing and
serving Filipino Ministry.

Fill our hearts with hope that we may become a community


of disciples and stewards of Jesus Christ from whom we have
the mission of making His gospel alive in our diocese and in the
world.

We pray that by promoting His gospel values of maka-Diyos (pro


God), makatao (Pro people), Makabayan (Patriotic) Makabuhay( for
life)at makalikasan (for the integrity of creation), we may help to
shape a society with greater respect for human life, economic
and environmental justice, cultural diversity, and
global solidarity and build a Church where the Kingdom of God
reigns.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ Amen


Diocese of San Bernardino

OFFICE OF THE EPISCOPAL VICARS

July 2, 2008

Dear Holy People of God:

As a FILIPINO MINISTRY of the Diocese of San Bernardino (FILM-DSB), we have come a


long but memorable journey. Allow me to use the episodes of the Transfiguration of Jesus to
help us unpack three movements of our momentous journey to the mountaintop:

First, “Jesus took Peter, James and John and led them up a high mountain apart by
themselves…and he transfigured before them.” This journey to the mountain top is an
image of COMPANIONSHIP. Second, “Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, ‘Rabbi, it
is good that we are here. Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and
one for Elijah’”. This is a picture of a HOME. Third, “This is my beloved Son. Listen
to him.” This is a moment of WITNESSING.

COMPANIONSHIP, HOME and WITNESSING are images where Jesus wants the FILM-DSB
to walk with him, not only to the mountaintop, but more significantly in our involvement in our
communities, parishes and in the diocese. COMPANIONSHIP opens the door of our hearts to
see Jesus’ vision of an intimate HOME where humanity is touched by the love of God, and
impels us to be WITNESSES of the gospel.

As members of FILM-DSB, let us be proactive companions in building the Kingdom of God


(our HOME); hence, let us be prophetic witnesses in promoting the Gospel values of MAKA-
DIYOS (PRO-GOD), MAKA-TAO (PRO-PEOPLE), MAKA-BAYAN (PATRIOTIC), and
MAKA-KALIKASAN (FOR INTEGRITY OF CREATION).

In our Lady of La Salette,

Rev. Romeo N. Selección, MS


Episcopal Vicar
San Bernardino Pastoral Region
Diocese of San Bernardino

1201 East Highland Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92404


Telephone (909) 475-5115 Fax (909) 475-5109 E-mail: episcopalvicar@sbdiocese.org
MSGR. TOM WALLACE
PICTURE/
MESSAGE
Diocese of San Bernardino
OFFICE OF THE VICE CHANCELLOR
Oficina de la Vicecanciller

May of 2008

My Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Filipino Ministry,

Several years ago we planted a tree in front of our house in a place that would
provide the most shade. Our tree has grown so much that it now provides not only
the shade we wanted, but a home for birds that bring joyful songs and a place for the
neighborhood children to play.

I’ve seen the same growth take place in your ministry. In only fifteen years you have
not only established strong roots in our diocese, but have brought us much richness
and joy in sharing your culture. Maraming Salamat Po!

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. May you continue to grow in faith and
in unity, and may the fruits of your efforts bring you ever closer to our Lord.

Sincerely,

Maria H. Echeverria
Vice Chancellor
Director of Apostolic and Ethnic Affairs

1201 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino, California 92404-4607


Phone: (909) 475-5140 Fax: (909) 475-5343
Email: mecheverria@sbdiocese.org
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body
you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in
you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as
you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to
God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of
the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Col 3:15-17).

Fifteen years may not be considered a significant period of time in the eyes
of historians, but fifteen years of ministry in a young diocese such as the
Diocese of San Bernardino, is an accomplished journey calling for celebration
and thanksgiving.

From a humble beginning in 1993, the Filipino Ministry in the Diocese of San
Bernardino has witnessed a tremendous growth and is now present at 28
parishes throughout the diocese. For this, let us give thanks to the Lord.

We give thanks to God for the many gifts, individual and communal, the
Filipino Ministry-DSB has brought to our diocese, especially the gifts Catholic
devotions and popular religiosity, the gifts of faith through the exemplary
and courageous life of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the gifts of joyful songs and dances
that raise our hearts to God through the celebrations of Simbang Gabi and
the feast of Santo Nino.

As director of the Office of Asian Pacific Islander Ministry, I am honored to


be part of this historical celebration. Let’s us remember our past to
continuously give thanks to our Lord and let us move forward to commit
ourselves to the building of the Kingdom of God through our local church of
San Bernardino, embracing, living and spreading the Good News of Jesus
Christ so that people lives are filled with hope. Let’s us bring the gift of
harmony and unity in the midst of chaos and diversity.

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary FilMin-DSB! Let’s move on! On to


our next fifteen years, loving and serving God and one another.

Sincerely in Christ,

Sr. Theresa Phan, LHC


Director, Office of Asian Pacific Islander Ministry - DSB
August 22, 2008

Dear Friends and Compatriots (MGA KABABAYAN),

Long live! Mabuhay! Viva los Filipinos!

Congratulations and warm greetings to All…Maalab na pagbati sa lahat…..

2008, we celebrate our Fifteen years of presence as Filipino Ministry in the


Diocese of San Bernardino. I, together with the first leaders of this Ministry,
can’t help but be grateful to God for the graces He has bestowed upon us in
this diocese. Let us give thanks with grateful heart to Bishop Gerald R.
Barnes who guide us through these years and to the many people whom God
has used to nourish and nurture this ministry.

Together with the different ethnic communities, we consider ourselves as


little stones that provide solid foundation to this diocese. There’s a wit that
says, “There are three kinds of people in this world, those who make things
happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder, what
happened.” We are grateful that the past and present leaders are completely
committed, actively involved and continue to share their time, talent and
treasure that makes the ministry vibrant and responsive to the people.
In the grand design of building the church of God, each one is like a small
piece of stone with a talent to contribute. Each one of us has flaws yet
indispensable in the building of the kingdom. You have contributed to the
building of the Body of Christ; continue to be a Welcoming/Hospitable,
Faith Sharing, and Reconciling and Collaborative community. God bless
and Keep up……

_________________________________
Rev. Art Joseph Monzon-Balagat
Out-going President, USFCMC
United States Filipino Catholic Ministries Council
Filipino Ministry, National Consultant to USCCB/PCMR
Office of the Asian and Pacific Islander Ministry
1201 E. Highland Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92404
www.filministry.com
e-mail: FilipinoMin-DSB@att.net

May 3, 2008

Warmest greetings of Peace and Joy of Christ!

As we celebrate 15th year anniversary of FILIPINO MINISTRY, it is a occasion to thank


God for the graces that ministry has received, for the growth it has experienced, for the
opportunity to minister and for the call of stewardship. It is also a period to remember
and thank those people who have been part of the ministry and share their time, talents
and treasures to the ministry. To God and to our fellow ministers, let us say together:
MARAMING SALAMAT PO!

Celebrating our anniversary is a moment for us to gather and share the blessings and
dreams as well as the richness of our experiences. Let us bring then our family and
community members to gather around the Table of God’s love and Goodness and from
there we may draw strength and abundant blessings. HALINA! MAGSALO SA HAPAG.

This celebration of our Quicinera of Filipino ministry in the diocese, let us take this
period to look forward and to renew our commitment. As a people of God may we
become the bearers and doers of the Gospel values of MAKADIYOS, MAKATAO,
MAKABAYAN MAKABUHAY AT MAKA-KALIKASAN (Pro-God, pro-people,
Patriotic, for the culture of life, for the integrity of creation. Let us continue to journey
towards the Kingdom of God where justice, peace, unity and integrity of creation reign.
MABUHAY!

Congratulations! Happy anniversary! Thank you! God bless you!

In Christ through Our Lady,

Fr. Antonio G. Abuan, MS


Diocesan Director
Fil-Min DSB
Office of the Asian and Pacific Islander Ministry
1201 E. Highland Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92404
www.filministry.com
e-mail: FilipinoMin-DSB@att.net
May 3, 2008

Mga Kababayan,

Greetings and congratulations!

We began our joyful 15th year celebration as a diocesan ministry – freely expressing our Filipino
Catholic faith, traditions and culture- with a candlelight procession of the images of Our Lady of Peace
and Good Voyage, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Blessed Pedro Calungsod and Venerable Mother Ignacia del
Espiritu Santo. We highlighted the day with a Eucharistic Celebration and, thereafter, a dinner/dance
fellowship. Throughout the history of the Filipino Ministry – DSB you have generously supported its
programs and activities by sharing your time, talent and treasure.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee and the Standing Committees, thank
you…

Thank you for promoting formation and providing assistance and guidance in the organizational
development of a Filipino Ministry at the parish level;

Thank you for assisting in the pastoral care and service to the Filipino community, particularly the poor
and the oppressed, through parish and diocesan programs;

Thank you for facilitating adult, young adult and youth evangelization by using formation and catechesis
relevant to our Filipino religiosity, spirituality and culture;

Thank you for fostering the Filipino faith communities in accordance with the Filipino family values and
meaningful worship while promoting dialogues and solidarity with other cultures;

Thank you for promoting the vocations of priesthood, deaconate, religious life and lay ministries; and

Thank you for promoting international solidarity with other ethnic communities and nationals in the larger
Church community.

May God’s love, peace and joy be with you always.

Naida C. Castro
Chairperson
Dear Sisters and Brothers, Friends in the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino!

Greetings of the Lord’s Peace to you all!

As we celebrate the 15th Founding Anniversary of the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San
Bernardino, the National Alliance of Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) in the United States of
America send you solidarity greetings of gratitude, joy and inspiration!

We thank you for keeping the faith alive in this new land that many of you call your very own
home. We know that this faith is rooted in our experience and culture as a people of the
Philippines, varied in our regional expressions and yet one in its national identity. We know that
this faith is alive in our devotions to the different images of Jesus Christ and of the Blessed
Mother Mary, the saints who help us in the different seasons of our life and livelihood (San
Isidro Labrador, San Roque, etc), in our family and extended family values, in our sense of being
a community first before we are individuals, as shown in the “bayanihan” spirit, in our basic
orientation to the holy, as in our concepts of “bahala na (Bathala na)” , “pagkakasala at
kaparusahan”, and in our being “maka-tao at maka-Diyos, maka-Buhay, makabayan at
makakalikasan”!

We rejoice with you in keeping our identity integrated into the US Church and society. By this
integration, we are enriched by this new home and by this multi-ethnic society just as we give of
ourselves to contribute to their richness. But what polishes us together, in this sharing of
strength and weaknesses, is our faith in Jesus Christ, alive in each of us, present in our society, in
our being Church, and known most especially among those who are most in need!

With you we are inspired to open up to the future, in a great experience of being a World
Church, a pilgrim church on earth that serves the full realization of God’s Kingdom. That is why
we must always link ourselves with the people back home in the Philippines, and with the other
countries of origin of fellow immigrants because the history of this country and our own
respective country-histories have always had profound relationships in times of war and peace, in
the struggles for justice and truth, for freedom and liberation.

We look forward to a continuing partnership with you in the Filipino Ministry as we live out our
faith together in the loving service of our brothers and sisters.

Fraternally yours,

Fr. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC


President
National Alliance for Filipino Concerns
FR. DENNIS LEGASPI
PICTURE/
MESSAGE
FILIPINO MINISTRY, DIOCESE OF SAN BERNARDINO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2006 - 2009

Rev. Arturo Monzon-Balagat Rev. Antonio G. Abuan, MS Rev. Dennis Legaspi


Maria Echevaria, Sr. Theresa Phan, L.H.C.
Ex-Officio Director Spiritual Director
Ex-Officio Ex-Officio
Pastor, St. Anthony-San Jacinto Pastor, Our Lady Of The Administrator, St.
Vice Chancellor and Director, Asian-Pacific
National Apostolate , USCCB Desert Elisabeth of Hungary
Director of Apostolic & Ethnic Islander Ministry, Diocese
Apple Valley Desert Hot Springs
Affairs, Diocese of San Of San Bernardino
Bernardino

Naida Castro Nini Dyogi Vicky De La Cruz Rudy Soliman


Merci Littaua Treasurer
Chairperson Vice Chairperson Representative
St. George St. Thomas The Apostle Secretary Blessed John XXIII
Sacred Heart High Desert
Fontana Riverside Fontana Our Lady of the Desert
Redlands
Apple Valley

Lourdes De Jesus Bing Johnson Vangie Fernandez Beth Managan Frank Lansang
Alternate Representative Representative Alternate Representative Representative Alternate Representative
High Desert San Bernardino San Bernardino West End A West End A
Holy Family Hesperia St. Adelaide St. Adelaide St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton
Highland Highland Ontario Ontario

Louie David Owett Cabildo Ariel S. Jamisola Manny Alidio


Vic Eslava
Representative Alternate Representative Alternate Representative Representative
Representative
West End B West End B Hemet Low Desert
Hemet
St. Peter & St. Paul Sacred Heart St. Anthony Blessed Kateri
St. Christopher
Alta Loma Rancho Cucamonga San Jacinto Beaumont
Moreno Valey

Tess Alidio Jose F. Rafols Benjie Lungay


Alternate Representative Representative Alternate Representative
Low Desert Riverside Riverside
Blessed Kateri St. John The Evaangelist St. Catherine Of Alexandria
Beaumont Riverside Riverside
FILIPINO MINISTRY, DIOCESE OF SAN BERNARDINO
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
2006 - 2009

Rev. Antonio G. Abuan, MS Rev. Dennis Legaspi Naida Castro Nini Dyogi
Director Spiritual Director Chairperson Vice Chairerson
Pastor, Our Lady Of The Desert Administrator, St. Elisabeth of St. George St. Thomas The Apostle
Apple Valley Hungary Fontana Riverside
Desert Hot Springs

Merci Littaua Vicky De La Cruz Rev. Ben Alforque, MSC,VF Romy Enriquez Nel Rabe
Secretary Treasurer Member-At-Large Member-At-Large Member-At-Large
Sacred Heart Blessed John XXIII Vicar Forane-Riverside Vicariate Ministry Formation Institute, St. Peter & St. Paul Alta
Rancho Cucamonga Fontana Parochial Vicar, St. Catherine of Diocese of San Bernardino Loma
Alexandria – Riverside
President, National Alliance of
Filipino Concerns (NAFCON)

STANDING COMMITTEES

Joe & Cely Rafols June & Techie Bitanga Nini Dyogi Chabs Aranez
Coordinators Coordinators Worship Coordinator
Family Life Youth & Young Adult Temporary Coordinator Evangelization
St. John The Evaangelist St. Catherine of Alexandria St. Peter & St. Paul
Riverside Temecula Alta Loma

Owett Cabildo Robert Clamor


Coordinator Coordinator
Stewardship & Finance Social Concern
Sacred Heart St. George
FILIPINO MINISTRY, DIOCESE OF SAN BERNARDINO
FILIPINO PRIESTS, DEACON AND SISTERS

Rev. Antonio G. Abuan, MS Rev. Benjamin Alforque, Rev. Arturo Monzon-Balagat Rev. Frederick Costales, MS Rev. Msgr. Cesar Encinares
Pastor, Our Lady Of The MSC Pastor, St. Anthony Parochial Vicar Chaplain
Desert - Apple Valley Vicar Forane San Jacinto St. Christopher Loma Linda University
St. Catherine of Alexandria Moreno Valley Medical Center
Riverside Loma Linda

Rev. Ignacio Estrada S.V.D. Rev. Nick Gito, MSC. Rev. Jose R. Goopio, S.V.D. Rev. Arian G. Intal, MS
Rev. Joven Junio, MS
Chaplain St. Catherine of Alexandria Director Our Lady of the Desert
Pastor
San Bernardino Community Riverside Divine Word Missionaries Apple Valley
St. Christopher
Hospital Riverside
Moreno Valley

Rev. Enrique Lapuebla, MS Rev. Dennis Legaspi Rev. James Oropel Rev. Generoso T. Sabio, MSC
Rev. Emilio Reyes, SVD
Chaplain Administrator Holy Innocents Pastor
Director
Riverside County Regional St. Elisabeth of Hungary Victorville St. Catherine of Alexandria
Divine Word Misionaries
Medical Center Desert Hot Springs Riverside
Riverside

Rev. Romeo N. Seleccion, MS Rev. Cristobal Subosa, F.I. Rev. Msgr. Antonio G. Sudario Rev. Briccio Tamorro, SVD Donnie Geaga
Episcopal Vicar Sacred Heart Chaplain Provincial Superior Deacon
Diocese of San Bernardino Rancho Cucamonga St. Bernardine Medical Center Divine Word Missionaries St. Peter & St. Paul
San Bernardino Riverside Alta Loma

Sr. Nina Achacoso, MSM Sr. Angelita Bacleon, MSM Sr. Lily Salilin, MSM
MAJOR EVENTS

Filipino Clergy Concerts

Class No. 1, Marriage Encounter sponsored by the Family LifeCommittee held at NAPCO Convocation, Washington, DC,
St. Catherine of Alexandria-Riverside, May 31-June 1, 2008. June 30 – July 3, 2006

Simbang Gabi Closing celebrations held at St. Catherine of Alexandria,


Riverside, December 23, 2008.

Lenten Reflections, Divine Word Retreat


Center, Riverside May 14 – May 15, 2008
NAPCO Exhibits at the Religious
Discovering and Re -discovering Congress, Anaheim Convention
The Philippines Center
2008 Bishop Barnes Annual Dinner Celebrations

2005 World Youth Day, Cologne, Germany

Filipino Ministry Contingent to the Flores De


Mayo Festival in Orange Show, San
Bernardino
Winners of the Cherokee Raffles awarded during the Simbang Gabi
Kickoff held at St. Ann Church, San Bernardino on December 15, 1995.

Simbang Gabi Workshops, November


Simbang Gabi Kickoff held at St. Ann Church, San Bernardino on December 15, 1995.
3, 2007 held at St. Catherine, Riverside
Diocesan Filipino Ministry San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir,
Liturgical Dancers-September 30, 2006, St. George,
Ontario

General Assembly, November 10, 2007 held at Sacred Heart, Rancho


Cucamonga

April 30, 2005 First Invitational Choral Song


Festival. St. George, Ontario

Filipino Ministry 15th Anniversary, May 3, 2008 held at St. George,


Ontario

Directory Editorial Board, July 12, 2008


NAFCON Meeting, December 5, 2007 held at St. George, Ontario
held at St. John the Evangelist, Riverside
History Of The Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino
Fifteen Years of Service and an organizational set-up consisting of the:
In the Pastoral Care of the Filipino Community A. General Assembly, the highest consultative body of the
Filipino Ministry, responsible for reviewing, deliberating and
Filipino Ministry – Diocese of San Bernardino amending the Constitution and By-Laws subject to the
approval of the Board of Directors.
We, the Church of San Bernardino, are a community of believers
in Jesus Christ, called to impact family, neighborhood and society B. The Board of Directors, the highest policy-making body of
with the Gospel so that people’s lives are filled with hope. (Mission the Filipino Ministry, deliberating on policies, actions, or
Statement - Diocese of San Bernardino) issues pertaining to the Filipino Ministry, acting on matters
received from the General Assembly and serving as an
In 1985 Pope John Paul II, in his address on World Migrant’s Day,
Advisory Body to the Bishops of the Diocese, as well as
insist that “the immigrant members of the Church, while freely
resource group for pastors and other Diocesan bodies
exercising their rights and duties and being in full ecclesial
among the Filipino communities
communion in the particular churches, feel themselves Christians
and brothers towards all, must be able to remain completely C. The Executive Committee, exercising the general
themselves as far as language, culture, liturgy and spirituality, and supervision and implementation of the day-to day affairs of
particular traditions are concerned.” the Filipino Ministry, working with and through the Standing
Committees: Worship and Prayer,
In the late 1980’s Filipinos in the Diocese of San Bernardino were
Evangelization/Education/Formation, Christian Service,
able to express their Filipino faith, religiosity and culture through
Stewardship and Finance, Family Life and Youth.
various devotional groups (i.e., Rosary, Santo Niño, Lord of
Pardon, Our Lady of Fatima, etc.) in gatherings homes. In April On November 7, 1994, the Constitution and By-Laws was adopted
1991 Most Rev. Phillip Straling, Bishop of the Diocese of San with Fr. Balagat as the first Director appointed by Bishop Barnes and
Bernardino, and Msgr. Peter Luque, Vicar of Ethnic Affairs, began with Jessie Cristobal elected as the first Chairperson and with an
the outreach to the Filipino community together with Filipino Fr. Advisory Board consisting of the following officers and members:
Sofronio Aranda and lay leaders Santiago “Santi” and Virgie
Ex-Officio Members (4)
Garospe, who were parishioners of St. Paul the Apostle – Chino
Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes, Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar of Ethnic
Hills.
Affairs
In January 1992 Msgr. Luque was succeeded by then Auxiliary Fr. Arturo J. Balagat, Director of Filipino Ministry
Bishop Gerald R. Barnes. With the arrival of Fr. Arturo J. Monzon- Fr. Romeo N. Seleccion, MS, Priest Liaison
Balagat in November 1992 and, thereafter, the Missionaries of the Santiago B. Gorospe, Lay Coordinator
La Salette Fr. Maurice Cardinal and Fr. Romeo Seleccion,
Filipino Representatives (8)
outreach to the Filipino community continued to flourish. Filipinos
Jessie Cristobal, Chairperson of the Board and Youth Committee
came together for the celebrations of diocesan Simbang Gabi
Aurora Heminger, Vice-Chairperson and Chair for Education
Novenas. Fr. Balagat, Fr. Seleccion and the Garospes continued
Zuming Hermosura, Secretary
tapping the Filipino Cursillistas and members of devotional groups,
Mar Tigno, Treasurer
which became the grassroots of the formation toward the
Romeo Villar, Chairperson, Christian Service Committee
development of a formal diocesan Filipino Ministry.
Romeo de Guzman, Chairperson, Worship and Prayer Committee
On April 7, 1993, a group of Filipino leaders gathered for a Godofreda B. Sumalangcay, Chairperson, Stewardship (Finance)
consultation, headed by Bishop Barnes, at Sacred Heart Parish in Committee
Etiwanda, now Rancho Cucamonga. The consultation was Lydia Samaniego, Member, Worship and Prayer Committee
designed to solicit input for planning and setting of the goals for a Non-Filipino Representatives (3)
diocesan Filipino Ministry. During the consultation process Bishop Fr. Tim Keppel, Pastor, Resurrection Church, Fontana
Barnes recognized and commented on the gifts Filipinos bring - Sr. Teresa Gomez, Director, Hispanic Ministry
our faith, our service and our rich religious culture and practices – Thomas R. Lenert, Chairperson, Family Life Committee
to the diocese. He asked the following questions for reflection:
Ms. Cristobal chaired the Filipino Ministry – DSB until 1997. From
1. What are the issues and needs facing the Filipino 1997 – 1998 the position of Chairperson was vacant. Among the
Catholic community in the diocese of San Bernardino? activities during this period were:
2. What are the gifts and talents the Filipino Catholic • December 1994, First Diocesan Fund Raising Campaign; first
community possess to address these need? prize: Jeep Cherokee; over $100,000.00 were raised of which
3. What are the obstacles present within the Filipino 40% was shared with participating parishes.
Catholic community that interferes with addressing these • May 28, 1995, Santacruzan ’95, A Filipino Cultural Celebration;
needs? Officer in-charge and co-chair: Dr. Freda B. Sumalangcay,
4. What are the hopes and expectations of the Filipino Stewardhip and Finance Committee Chairperson; Venue:
community from the diocese of San Bernardino? International Pavilion, National Orange Show, San Bernardino.

An Ad Hoc Committee was formed with Fr. Balagat as the • September 30, 1995, First Pastoral Conference in honor of St.
convener and Mr. Garospe as the lay contact person. The Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino Saint; Coordinators: Mon and Len
ensuing dialogues, including vicariate meetings in the West End, Robrigado, Ontario Vicariate Coordinators; Emcee: Salvador N.
Riverside, San Bernardino and Victorville, gave birth to the Filipino Calumno, Jr., Ontario Vicariate Representative; Venue: St.
Ministry – Diocese of San Bernardino. The result of the grassroots George – Ontario.
consultation was compiled by Fr. Seleccion and, thereafter, • May 30, 1997, Papuri at Pasasalamat (Praise and Thanksgiving)
presented to Bishop Barnes and to the General Assembly for – A Showcase of Philippine Sacred Music for Sacraments &
ratification on January 15, 1994, at St. Anne Church in San Other Celebrations; sponsored by the Filipino Ministry of the
Bernardino. West End Vicariate in collaboration with the Jesuit Music Ministry
On October 13, 1994, Bishop Barnes signed the Constitution and and Bukas Palad Choir; Venue: Our Lady of the Desert – Apple
By-Laws of the Filipino Ministry – DSB, with its Mission Statement, Valley.
Purpose, Goals and Objectives (see Constitution and By-Laws) • September 27, 1998, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz Celebration
History Of The Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino
Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes; Venue: St. Josie Dumdum, Renew 2000 Coordinator, St. Paul the Apostle –
George – Ontario. Chino Hills; Presenter – Filipino Culture and Religiosity: Irma
Isip, Consultant, Asian and Pacific Islander Perspectives,
• November 15, 1998, a task force was formed to look into the
Archdiocese of Los Angeles; Presenter – Hispanic Culture and
Banal na Pag-aaral (BNP); the task force, which comprised of
Religiosity: Sr. Cecilia Calva, Hispanic Affairs and Encuentro
priests and parish leaders whose parishes are close to the
Coordinator, DSB; Presenter – Native American Culture and
BNP headquarter and a lawyer, met regularly with Fr. Balagat;
Religiosity: Dean Frank Alaniz; Presenter – Vietnamese Culture
Result: Bishop Gerald Barnes issued statements on February
and Religiosity: Sr. Theresa Phan, LHC, Director, Asian-Pacific
10, 1999, and December 8, 2005, banning the BNP in the
Islander Ministry-DSB; Presenter-Korean Culture and Religiosity:
Diocese of San Bernardino.
Peter Chung, Korean Community Diocesan Liaison; Presenter –
• December 13, 1998, Simbang Gabi Kick-off Celebration and Tongan Culture and Religiosity: Sr. Clare Tavo, OSH, Tongan
Cursillo Thanksgiving Mass; Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Community Diocesan Liaison; Presenter – African-American
Gerald R. Barnes; Theme: Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Culture and Religiosity: Rev. Richard McGee, CR, Vicar for
the Diocese and Preparing for the Third Millennium; the African-American Community; and Presenter- Synthesis: Rev.
Filipino Ministry West End Vicariate Choir, Hispanic, Romy Seleccion, MS, Pastor of Our Lady of the Desert – Apple
Vietnamese and Korean choirs collaborated in providing the Valley; Venue: St. Margaret Mary – Chino.
music for the combined multicultural celebration, which was
preceded by a grand ultreya of the Filipino Cursillo Movement; • June 24, 2000, Commissioning of the Board Officers and
Venue: St. George – Ontario. Members during Ugnayan 2000: Chairperson Willie Bugaoan;
In 1999, Willie Bugaoan was elected as the second Chairperson. Youth Coordinator Jose Crespo,
In 2003 Msgr. Cesar “Ching” Encinares replaced Fr. Balagat. Ms. Evangelization/Education/Formation Coordinator Naida Castro;
Bugaoan chaired the ministry through the end of 2003. During this Christian Service Coordinator Bernadette “Chabs” Aranez;
period Fr. Antonio G. Abuan was also appointed by Auxiliary Stewardship and Finance Coordinator Etchell Alfonso; Family
Bishop Dennis O’Neil as the Chaplain to the Filipino Cursillo in Life Coordinators Jose and Cely Rafols; and Worship and Payer
Christianity Movement. Among the activities were: Coordinator Amy Foulkes.

• May 8 - 9, 1999, Philippines Boys Choir Concert, a • October 7, 2000, Rev. Arturo Joseph Monzon-Balagat’s 25th
fundraising of the Ministry of Sisters of Social Services in the Priestly Ordination Anniversary Celebration to honor his many
Philippines for the educational fund of the choir members was accomplishments, particularly his pastoral care of the Filipino
supported by the Filipino Ministry – DSB; very poor but Catholics in the diocese and beyond; attended by Msgr. Gerald
musically gifted members of the choirs were 8- 15 year old M. Lopez, STL , V.G., many diocesan Filipino priests and 350
young men from the farm of Bukidnon. Filipino Ministry members of the diocese; Venue: Hilton Hotel –
Ontario.
• August 29, 1999 to February 2000, Theology Formation
Program for the Filipino Ministry leaders, a program of the • December 9, 2000, Most Rev. Gerald Richard Barnes’ Silver
Parish Ministry Formation Program (PMFP) for the Filipino Jubilee of Priesthood Mass; thereafter a commemorative book of
Catholics offered by the Ministry Formation Institute (MFI) to the Bishop’s 25 years of priesthood was presented by Willie
develop and assist leaders of the diocesan and parish Filipino Bugaoan, chairperson of the Commemorative Book, and Tess
Ministries, prayer/devotional groups and movements. Faicol, and one of the lead writers of the book.
• October 29, 1999, First Simbang Gabi Workshop in • December 15, 2000, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off Celebration; Main
collaboration with the Office of Worship; Presenters: Les Celebrant: Most Rev. Gerald Barnes; Venue: St. Adelaide –
Rangel Santos, Liturgy and Music director from Archdiocese Highland. January 2001, Rev. Arturo J. Monzon-Balagat was
of Los Angeles, and Kathleen Estrella, Music Director – DSB; appointed chairperson of the United States Filipino Catholic
Venue: Pastoral Center. Ministries Council (USFCMC), an organization of Filipino
ministries nationwide; Fr. Balagat replaced Fr. Joe Arong.
• September 25, 1999, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz Celebration;
Main Celebrant: Rev. Romy Seleccion, Parochial Vicar of St.
• February 18, 2001, A Study Day on the Church in Asia, with a
Christopher – Moreno Valley and Director of the Asian and
Special Focus on the Philippine Church; Presenter: (then) Rev.
Pacific Islander Ministry - DSB at the time; Our Lady of
Luis Antonio Tagle, Diocese of Imus, Cavite, Philippines; Venue:
Lourdes Parish - Montclair.
Pastoral Center – San Bernardino.
• December 11, 1999, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off Mass; Main
Celebrant: Rev. Romy Seleccion; Choir: Good News Chorale; • April 7, 2001, First Diocesan Lenten Day of Prayer; all-day
Venue: St. Paul the Apostle – Chino Hills. retreat attended by 200 participants; Retreat Director: Fr. Ramon
Cortez; Music provided by the El Shaddai Music Ministry of St.
• April 13, 2000, Vocations Dinner with His Excellency Gerald George – Fontana; Valimer Jansen interpreted part of Genesis in
R. Barnes. A night for Filipino families from the different song; Passion play by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Ontario
vicariates to hear vocation stories; attended by 250 adults and parishioners; Venue: Sacred Heart – Rancho Cucamonga.
children; Venue: Pastoral Center.
• June 3, 2001, Asian-Pacific Encuentro sponsored by the Asian-
• April 13, 2000, Vocations Dinner with His Excellency Gerald Pacific Islander Ministry; Keynote Speaker and Eucharistic
R. Barnes. A night for Filipino families from the different Celebrant: Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes; Music and Liturgical
vicariates to hear vocation stories; attended by 250 adults and Dance by El Shaddai Ministry of St. George – Fontana; three
children; Venue: Pastoral Center. other parishes provided cultural dance numbers; Venue: Venue:
• June 24, 2000, UGNAYAN 2000 (ENCUENTRO 2000) – Iba’t- St. Margaret Mary – Chino.
ibang Mukha sa Tahanan ng Diyos (Many Faces in God’s • June 16, 2001, Workshop on Introduction to Music Ministry - A
House); Keynote Speaker: Very Rev. Steve Porter, Vicar prerequisite class for the Simbang Gabi Refresher Workshop
Forane, West-End Vicariate; Respondent – Reflection on the and for Music Ministry Certification by the Office of Worship;
Many Faces in God’s House – Encuentro 2000: Elizabeth designed for Filipinos and everyone involved with music ministry
Manangan, Ethnic Coordinator, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton – in the multicultural assemblies; Presenters: Kathleen Estrella
Ontario; Respondents – Reflection on the Jubiliee 2000: and Sr. Theresa Gomez; Venue: St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton –
Ligaya Butts, Member, Diocesan Jubilee Committee and Ontario.
History Of The Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino
• June 22, 2001, Simbang Gabi Refresher Workshop; of Migrants and Refugees, USCCB; Venue: Pastoral Center –
Presenter: Kathleen Estrella; Venue: St. Catherine of DSB. September 2003, Atty. Francis Papica, representing
Alexandria - Rialto. Southern California in the Philippines, received the Bayaning
Filipino Award, a project of Philippines ABS-CBN Broadcasting
• September 21, 2001, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz Celebration; Main Corporation to promote the values of the Filipino people. Atty
Celebrant: Most. Rev. Dennis O’Neil; Choir: Good New Chorale; Papica, a parishioner of St. Paul the Apostle – Chino Hills, was
Venue: St. Christopher - Moreno Valley. December 15, 2001, nominated by the Filipino Ministry – DSB in collaboration with
Simbang Gabi Kick-Off Celebration; a multicultural UGAT Foundation’s Director Fr. Nilo Tanalega, SJ.
celebration; Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Dennis O’Neil; Fr. • September 28, 2003, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz; Main
Charles Schultz, STD, Pastor; Venue: St. Elizabeth Ann Celebrant: Rev. Art Balagat: Venue: St. George- Ontario.
Seton - Ontario.
December 14, 2003, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off; Theme: Filling
December 23, 2001, Simbang Gabi Closing Liturgy; Main Lives with Hope; Main Celebrant: Msgr. Gerardo Lopez, STL,
Celebrant: Fr. Ramon P. Cortez; Venue: Our Lady of Mt. Vicar General, and homilist Rev. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC;
Carmel – Rancho Cucamonga. Venue: St. George – Fontana.

• February 14, 2002, St. Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance; to December 23, 2003, Simbang Gabi Closing Liturgy; Main
raise funds for World Youth Day 2002 participants; Special Celebrant: Rev. Art Balagat; followed by the Filipino Priests in
Guests: Most Rev. Dennis P. O’Neil and Msgr. Gerald M. Concert; Venue: St. George – Ontario.
Lopez; Venue: St. George – Ontario. On March 4, 2004, Filipino Ministry – DSB Director Msgr. Encinares
• March 6 - 7, 2002, Youth Symposium; a two-day symposium called for an Ad Hoc Committee at the Pastoral Center to: 1) Assess,
centered on the ministry to and with youth; attended by Youth evaluate and plan for the future of the Filipino Ministry – DSB; 2)
Committee Chairperson Jose Crespo; chairperson of the Conduct a survey to determine the presence and involvement of
Commemorative Book; Venue: Pastoral Center. Filipinos within the parishes in the Diocese of San Bernardino; and 3)
Review the draft of the proposed revisions to the Filipino Ministry –
• April 27, 2002, Link an Evening with the San Bernardino DSB’s Constitution and By-Laws. During this period, the
Youth - Dinner Dance to raise funds for22 scholars of XVII Evangelization and Worship Committees had the following
World Youth Day in Toronto, Canada; St. George – Ontario. evangelization and liturgical activities:
• July 18 – 28, 2002, World Youth Day 2002; Willie Bugaoan • March 12, 2004, Lenten Reflection - Reclaiming the Passion,
and Naida Castro accompanied a group of youth, young Death & Resurrection of Jesus In Our Times, A Reflection of our
adults, parents and diocesan seminarians; Venue: Toronto, Lord’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection According to St.
Canada. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke and St. John; Presenter: Fr.
• September 21, 2002, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz Celebration; Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC; Venue: St. George – Ontario.
Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Dennis O’Neil; Venue: Catherine • May 1, 2004, Conversing and Connecting from the Heart Part I,
of Alexandria - Temecula. a discussions and study Filipino American youth between the
• October 12, 2002, Multicultural Family Day – Unity in ages of 14 and 19 years old; attended by 75 parents and 60
Diversity; an all day event sponsored by the Hispanic Affairs, Filipino American teen-agers; Purpose: to conduct an in-depth
Asian Pacific Islander Ministry, Assembly for Catholics of look on the Filipino American family dynamics and psychologies
African Descent, Native American Ministry, Office of Social to help better understand the cultural and value conflicts
Concerns and Office of Worship; the Filipino community encountered by Filipino immigrants and our American born
contributed in the liturgy and entertainment, lunch and children at home, school and church settings; Facilitators: Dr.
cultural exhibitions; Venue: Aquinas High School. Jocelyn Pacleb, PHD, a lecturer of Asian American Studies and
Filipina/o American Studies from CSU, Fullerton and Project
• October 25, 2002, Simbang Gabi 2002 Formation Workshop leaders Theresa Palang, MBA, and Grace Lacsamana, MA, from
held at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. The Simbang Gabi St. Christopher Church, Moreno Valley; a survey questionnaire
workshop challenged participants to prepare liturgies that are with a focus on Parent and Youth Background Information,
authentically Filipino and liturgies that provide opportunities to Filipino Cultural Values and Practices, Communication and
bring other cultural groups together with the Filipino in this Issues and Concerns of Filipino American Families specially
celebration. The workshop was presented by Kathleen designed for the study by Dr. Pacleb was used; Venue: St.
Estrella, a musician from the Diocese of San Bernardino. Christopher – Moreno Valley.
September 21, 2002, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz Celebration; • June 19, 2004, Conversing and Connecting from the Heart Part
Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Dennis O’Neil; Venue: St. II; Keynote Speakers: Dr. Patricia Heras, a clinical and
Catherine of Alexandria – Temecula. consulting psychologist who has done extensive research
• December 15, 2002, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off, Main Celebrant: studies on Filipino American youths in San Diego and Texas and
Most Rev. Dennis O’Neil; Venue: St. Catherine - Rialto. Fr. Art Balagat,the national chairman of the United States
February 14, 2003, St. Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dance; to Filipino Catholic Ministries Council (USFCMC) and pastor of St.
raise funds for WYD 2005 participants; St. George – Ontario. George, Ontario; Venue: St. George – Ontario.
• April 2, 2003, Focus group discussion of the Women’s • July 2004 – The quantitative study summary of the Filipino
Commission, a commission on status of women in church and American youth and parent survey was submitted to the Office of
in society attended by Willie Bugaoan, Naida Castro and Asian Pacific Islander Ministry (APIM) Office by Dr. Jocelyn
Merci Littaua; Venue: Pastoral Center. Pacleb, PHD, with an eighty- page narrative interpretation by
Theresa Palang, a sociologist and Grace Lacsamana, a child
• May 31, 2003, Asian-Pacific Presence: Harmony in Faith; in psychologist; APIM Office provided the primary grant used for
collaboration with The Ministry Formation Institute, Asian- the six-month study; additional external funding came from the
Pacific Islander Ministry and the Office of Worship; Keynote business community.
Speaker: Fr. Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB, Professor at the
Pontifical Liturgical Institute in Rome; Presenter: Cecile • September 3 and 4, 2004, First National Convocation of the
Motus, Coordinator of Ethnic Affairs, Office of Pastoral Care United States Filipino Catholic Ministries Council (USFCMC) in
History Of The Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino
collaboration with the Office of the Pastoral Care of • June 11, 2005, a Day of Reflection - Meeting God in Our
Migrants and Refugees (PCMR)/Migration and Refugee Transition Times. Presenter: Fr. Dennis Legaspi; Venue: St.
Services (MRS) of the United States Conference of George – Ontario.
Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Filipino Ministry – • June 26, 2005, a Memorial Tribute to His Eminence Jaime
DSB; Theme: The Filipino Ministry: Enriching the Life Cardinal Sin; main celebrant Fr. Ben E. Alforque, MSC; Venue:
and Mission of the United States Catholic Church; St. George – Ontario.
USFCMC President: Fr. Arturo Joseph Monzon- • From August 10 – 24, 2005, World Youth Day; Fr. Art Balagat,
Balagat; Venue: St. George – Ontario. Fr. Ben Alforque, MSC, Alex and Naida Castro, and Jose and
• September 28, 2004, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz; Main Cely Rafols accompanied a group of youth and young adults (36
Celebrant: ; Venue: Our Lady of Lourdes – Montclair. participants); Venue: Dioceses of Limburg and Cologne in
Germany.
• October 23, 2004, A Day of Recollection on Faithful
Citizenship; Speakers: Episcopal Vicar of San Bernardino • September 24, 2005, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz; Main
Very Rev. Bob Miller; Director of the Office of Social Concerns Celebrant: Most Rev. Rutilio del Riego; Venue: St. Thomas the
Jeanette Arnquist; Educator of Philosophy and Theology Tom Apostle – Riverside.
Lenert; Sponsored by the United States Filipino Catholic
Ministries (USFCMC) and the Filipino Ministry – DSB in • September 16, 2005, First Coordinator of Ministries Formation
collaboration with the Office of the Asian-Pacific Islander Program (CMFP) Graduation; seven Filipino leaders, including
Ministry and the Office of Social Concerns, Diocese of San the first Filipino deacon of this diocese, Deacon Donnie Geaga,
Bernardino. and his wife, Charet, completed the CMFP; Main Celebrant:
Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes; Venue: Holy Rosary Cathedral.
• November 2004, Simbang Gabi Workshop;
Presenters/Facilitators: Fr. Dennis Legaspi and Kathleen • October 8, 2005, Thanksgiving Mass; Main Celebrant Very Rev.
Estrella; Venue: St. Edward – Corona. Robert L. Miller; Homilist: Fr. Ben E. Alforque, MSC; Venue: St.
• December 11, 2004, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off; Theme: Elizabeth Ann Seaton – Ontario.
Celebrating the Eucharist - Harmony in Faith, Unity in • On November 5, 2005, first session of the Simbang Gabi
Diversity: Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Gerald Barnes: Venue: Workshop; Presenters/Facilitators: Fr. Ben E. Alforque, MSC, Sr.
Resurrection Church – Fontana. Angie Bacleon, and Naida Castro; Diocesan Simbang Gabi
Coordinator: Merci Littaua; Venue: St. Martha – Murrieta.
• December 23, 2004, Simbang Gabi Closing; Main Celebrant:
Msgr. Tom Wallace, Episcopal Vicar, Riverside region; • November 11, 2005, second session of the Simbang Gabi
Venue: St. Christopher – Moreno Valley. Workshop; Presenters/Facilitators: Naida Castro and Sr. Angie
Bacleon assisted by Fr. Fred Costales, MS; Simbang Gabi
In the latter part of 2004, in the absence of an active Advisory Coordinator: Merci Littaua; Venue: St. Paul the Apostle – Chino
Board and an active Executive Committee, Msgr. Encinares Hills.
organized a Care Taker Committee (CTC) and delegated the • November 19, 2005, the CTC continued its review of the
responsibility for the Filipino Ministry – DSB to the CTC. Members Constitution and By-Laws and made corrections/amendments to
of the CTC included: Fr. Arturo (Art) Monzon-Balagat; Fr. Antonio clarify and further improve its presentation. Fr. Gem Bandivas,
(Tony) Abuan, MS; Fr. Benjamin (Ben) E. Alforque, MSC; Romy J.C.L., Office of Canonical Services, and Bobby Tuazon, Visiting
Enriquez; Merci Littaua; and Naida C. Castro. Professor from the University of the Philippines, assisted in the
review and revision.
• From February 2005 through May 2006, the CTC reviewed
and revised the Constitution and By-laws, as well as • December 1 – 4, 2005, USFCMC National Meeting; Fr. Art
continued to assess and discuss preliminary plans on how to Balagat (President – USFCMC); Fr. Ben E. Alforque, MSC,
direct, organize, and implement various activities during the Merci Littaua, and Naida C. Castro represented the Filipino
period of transition. Among the activities during this critical Ministry – DSB in the USFCMC National Meeting; Fr. Ben was
period of transition were: one of the speakers at this meeting; Venue: Northampton, PA.

• February 15, 2005, first CTC meeting; discussed preliminary • December 10, 2005, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off; Diocesan Theme:
plans on how to direct, organize, and implement the various The Eucharist: Celebrating Many Faces in God’s House; Main
activities of the Filipino Ministry - DSB during the period of Celebrant: Msgr. Tom Wallace, EV; Venue: St. Martha –
evaluation and transition of leadership. Murrieta. December 23, 2005, Simbang Gabi Closing Liturgy;
Main Celebrant: Very Rev. Robert L. Miller; Venue: Our Lady of
March 28, 2005, second CTC meeting; among the major the Desert - Apple Valley.
topics of discussion: Constitution and By-Laws of the Filipino
Ministry – DSB and an immediate plan for assessment, • During the year, Parish and Vicariate Meetings with various
evaluation and planning. Parish Filipino Ministries were held at Mt. Carmel – Rancho
Cucamonga, Sacred Heart – Rancho Cucamonga, St. Adelaide
• April 9, 2005, General Meeting; Fr. Tony presented the interim – Highland, and St. Christopher – Moreno Valley.
structure of Filipino Ministry – DSB and introduced the
leadership under the CTC; Venue: St. George – Ontario. • January 15, 2006, First Choral Festival of the Cavite Clergy in
Concert; co-sponsored by the National Asian and Pacific
April 30, 2005, First Invitational Choral Song Festival - a Catholic Organization of Southern California (NAPCO So. Cal);
Tribute to St. George’s 100 Year Anniversary; co-sponsored funds raised benefited the Diocese of Imus and NAPCO So Cal
by the United States Filipino Ministries Council (USFCMC); (30%); Venue: St. George – Ontario.
proceeds benefited the Junipero Serra House of Formation
and the Office of Vocations, DSB; Coordinator: Fr. Gem • February 16, 2006, Second Choral Festival of the Cavite Clergy
Bandivas; Venue: St. George – Ontario. in Concert; co-sponsored by the NAPCO So. Cal; funds raised
benefited the Diocese of Imus and NAPCO So Cal (30%);
June 6, 2005, General Meeting of Filipino Ministry Parish Venue: St. Catherine of Alexandria – Riverside
Leaders; Fr. Tony presented the draft of the proposed
Constitution and By-Laws; Venue: St. George – Ontario. • March 11, 2006, Lenten Reflection - Stewardship: the Challenge
History Of The Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino
of the paschal Mystery to U.S. Christians in Our Time; to the Philippines, to promote multicultural diversity and harmony
Presenter: Very Rev. Ben E. Alforque, MSC, VF, Riverside as richness in the Diocese of San
Vicariate; co-sponsored by the National Asian Pacific Catholic Bernardino.The program exposed the youth and young adults to
Organization (NAPCO); Venue: St. George – Ontario. urban anrural communities in Manila, Cavite, Agusan del Sur
and Surigao del Norte. It included a four-day stay with the
Upon approval of the Vice-Chancellor and Director of Pastoral and Lumads (an indigenous community) at the San Luis Lumad
Ethnic Affairs Maria Echeverria and the Director of the Asian and Community High School in Agusan del Sur, a three-day stay at
Pacific Islander Ministry Sr. Theresa Phan, the CTC called for a the beautiful white-sand beach resort in Siargao Island, Surigao
General Assembly at St. George – Ontario on May 20, 2006. With del Norte, a visit at the Urios University in Butuan, as well
Ms. Echeverria and Sr. Theresa present, the proposed as sightseeing and shopping in Manila, Quezon City and Cebu.
amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws were presented and The pioneers of the program were: Eddie Banuelos (St. George -
ratified. Ontario); Roman, Alexander and Monica Castro (St. George -
Fontana); Richelle Argenal (St. George - Fontana); and Jomer
Fr. Antonio G. Abuan, MS became the third Director and Fr. Laurenaria (Cavite, Philippines). The pioneers were
Dennis Legaspi as the Spiritual Director; other officers of the accompanied by Alex and Naida Castro (St. George - Fontana),
Executive Committee were respectively elected with Naida C. Felicitas Cenica (Cavite, Philippines) and Lorna Balatay (Manila,
Castro and Nini Dyogi as Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson, Philippines). Fr. Benjamin E. Alforque. MSC and the Sisters of
respectively; Merci Littaua as Secretary; and Vicki dela Cruz as Missionaries of the Assumption served as guides and facilitators
Treasurer. Fr. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC and Romy Enriquez of the program.
were selected and approved by the Board as Members-at-Large of
the Executive Committee. June 9 – July 3, 2006, officers and members or the Executive
Committee and Board of Directors supported and attended the
The following Vicariate Representatives and Alternates were first National Asian Pacific Catholic Convocation (NAPCC)
nominated and approved to represent the vicariates to the Board: sponsored by the National Asian Pacific Catholic Organization
Ralph Millare and Wil Vita – Representative and Alternate (NAPCO) in Arlington, VA. Among the presenters were: Fr.
Representative, Hemet Vicariate; Fred Capinpin and Jose Rafols – Arturo Monzon-Balagat, President of the NAPCO, and Very Rev.
Representative and Alternate Representative, Riverside Vicariate; Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC, VF.
Rudy Soliman and Lou de Jesus – Representative and Alternate
Representative, High Desert Vicariate; Beth Manangan – • August 5, 2006, the Executive Committee held a Strategic
Representative, West-End A Vicariate; Louie David and Owette Planning Meeting to organize its plan of developing short- and
Cabildo – Representative and Alternate Representative, West End long-term goals and finalize the program for the series of Goal
B Vicariate; Manny and Tess Alidio – Representative and Setting Workshops.
Alternate Representative Low Desert Vicariate; and Bing Johnson
and Vangie Fernandez – Representative and Alternate
During the first Board Meeting on August 9, 2006, at the Pastoral
Representative, San Bernardino Vicariate.
Center, among the topics discussed were issues/concerns regarding
The following were nominated and approved as Coordinators of Filipino Ministries at the parish level, including existence and
the Standing Committees: Jose and Cely Rafols – Famiy Life, monitoring of various Filipino religious organizations and movements,
Edwin and Rowena Gabriel – Youth and Young Adult, Helen Seno forming Vicariate leadership teams, strengthening parish Filipino
– Worship, Sr. Niña Achocoso and Minda Ramos – Ministries, lay parish leader consultation meetings, parish and
Evangelization, Frank Lansang – Social Concerns and Owette vicariate visitation meetings, E-Newsletter, Filipino Ministry – DSB
Cabildo – Temporalities (Finance). Office and Staff; Commissioning of Officers and Members of the
The first Executive Committee meeting was on July 24, 2006, at Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Standing Committee,
St. Catherine of Alexandria – Riverside; among the subject and various upcoming events.
matters discussed at the meeting include strengthening of Parish On November 19, 2006, at the combined Thanksgiving Luncheon
Filipino Ministry, Filipino Ministry - DSB's E-Newsletter; and the and Board Meeting, the Executive Committee presented to the Board
probability of a Filipino Ministry - DSB Office and a part time staff
of Directors the One-Year (2006 – 2007) Plan of Action of the Filipino
at the Pastoral Center. Keeping in mind the importance of
communication,consultation, collaboration, connection and Ministry – DSB. The 2006 -2007 Plan of Action for review and
coordination with the Filipino Catholic community, the Executive approval.
Committee continued to work on the Pastoral Plan, reviewing the
The Plan of Action, as approved, included the specific goals and
history of the Filipino Ministry – DSB, observing and identifying
religious and cultural practices and affiliations, as well as inquiring objectives of the Executive Committee and the various activities
into and identifying the different facets and needs of the Filipino planned by each Standing Committee based on committee objectives
Catholics, such as: (described in the Constitution and By-Laws) as follows:
• How can we reach out to those who have not yet heard of
our ministry? Executive Committee
• How can we nurture those who are already involved in Goal 1. To organize the Filipino Community
our ministry?
Objectives:
• How can we bring back those who have left our ministry
and parish community? 1. To strengthen Filipino Ministries in the Diocese of San
Bernardino;
In carrying out the mission, purpose, goals and objectives of the 2. To expand Filipino Ministry in the Diocese;
Filipino Ministry – DSB, the officers and members of the Board, 3. To consolidate the existing parishes into clusters/vicariates;
Executive and Standing Committees moved forward with the 4. To network with various Filipino communities/organizations
following activities prior to the first Board Meeting: locally, nationally and internationally; and
• From June 21 - June 30, 2006, the Filipino Ministry - DSB 5. To support and oversee the plans and activities of the
Standing Committees: Family Life, Youth and Young Adult,
sponsored a youth and young adult exposure program,
Worship, Evangelization and Temporalities (Finance)
Discovering and Rediscovering the Filipino Roots - A Journey Committees (see below).
History Of The Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino
Goal 2. To facilitate evangelization by using formation & students and learned the indigenous peoples’ struggles for
catechesis relevant to Filipino Culture, etc. cultural identity, their claim for ancestral land and domain
and their struggle for integrity of creation.
Objectives:
• Fine white sand beaches in General Luna, San Luis,
1. To set up curriculum intended for Filipino Communities Surigao del Norte (aka Surfing Capital of the Philippines);
and religious organizations; the group enjoyed boating, swimming, and snorkling.
• Meeting with the children the unsung heroes of the
2. To promote or provide Filipino educational development; Philippines, Cebu City – group learned the struggles and
and fate of the marginalized and their fight for human dignity and
liberty.
3. To establish internal leadership and education program.
April 26, 2007, Asian-Pacific Youth Day; in collaboration with the
Among the activities accomplished through each Standing Asian and Pacific Ministry – DSB; Venue: St. George - Ontario.
Committee according to the committee objectives are as follows:
May 31, 2008, Priestly Ordination; in collaboration with the
Family Life Committee Office of Vocations – DSB; Venue: St. Paul the Apostle - Chino
Hills.
• February 24, 2007, Reconciling Differences – How to Resolve Worship Committee
Conflicts in Families, Church, & Organizations; Presenter:
Msgr. Cesar “Ching” Encinares; Venue: St. Thomas the September 30, 2006, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino
Apostle - Riverside. April 11, 2008, Asian-Pacific Islander Saint; Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Rutillo del Riego; con-
Dinner with Bishop Barnes; in collaboration with the Asian- celebrants Fr. Alex Castillo, Fr. Gem Bandivas, Fr. Oscar
Pacific Islander Ministry – DSB; Venue: St. George, Ontario. Reynoso, Fr. Tony Abuan, Fr. Romy Seleccion, Fr. Gerald
Vidad, Fr. Ronald Guzman, Fr. Fred Costales, Fr. Chris Subosa,
• May 3, 2008, Dinner/Dance Reception in celebration of the Fr. Dennis Legaspi and Msgr. Cesar Encinares. Officers and
15th anniversary of the Filipino Ministry – DSB in collaboration members of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee
with the Youth and Young Adults, Evangelization and Social were commissioned during the Mass; Venue; St. George –
Concerns Committees; Venue: St. George - Ontario. Ontario.

• May 31 – June 1, 2008, Marriage Encounter; Facilitator: Fr. October 28, 2006, first session of Simbang Gabi Workshop;
Nick Gito, MSC; Venue: St. Catherine of Alexandria - Presenter/Facilitator: Fr. Dennis; 47 parish leaders in
Riverside. attendance; Venue: Sacred Heart Church - Rancho Cucamonga.

Youth and Young Adult Committee • November 11, 2006, second session of Simbang Gabi
Workshop; Presenters/Facilitators: Fr. Benjamin E. Alforque,
• April 21, 2007, Asian-Pacific Youth Day – Bridging the Gap; MSC and Naida Castro; 40 parish leaders in attendance; Venue:
sponsored by the Asian and Pacific Islander Ministry; St. Edward – Corona.
Eucharistic Celebrant: Very Rev. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC;
Venue: St. George, Ontario. June 18 – July 3, 2007, • December 9, 2006, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off; Diocesan Theme:
Discovering and Re-Discovering the Philippines, a Philippine Stewardship; Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes;
Exposure Program introducing Filipino-Americans and their Venue: Sacred Heart - Rancho Cucamonga.
friends to Philippine history, culture and present-day • December 23, 2006, Closing Sambaing Gabi Celebration; Main
realities – the survival of the poor and the struggles of the Celebrant: Most Rev. Retile Del Diego; Venue: Corpus Christi -
marginalized for justice, peace, and integrity of creation; Corona.
participants visited/toured and interviewed the Filipino people
in the following areas: • January 21, 2007, Welcoming Christ in the Migrant – Mass; in
collaboration with the Office of Social Concerns and Asian-
• Don Roberto’s Winery, Imus, Cavite – produces
Pacific Islander Ministry; Venue: Our Lady of the Rosary
sweet and dry mango wine and coffee wine from
Cathedral, San Bernardino.
Philippine yellow and green mangoes, and coffee.
• General Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine, Kawit, Cavite – home of the • May 13, 2007, Misa Ng Bayan, - dedicated to an honest, orderly,
first Philippine President. & peaceful (HOPE) election in the Philippines; Main Celebrant:
Very Rev. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC; Venue: St. Christopher -
Moreno Valley.
• Isla Puting Bato, Tondo, Manila – where our
participants had an overnight stay with the • May 25, 2007, Priestly Ordination of Fr. James Oropel – first
community over the breakwaters of Manila Bay. Filipino priest ordained in the DSB; Filipino Ministry – DSB
assisted the Office of Vocations in organizing the reception and
• House of Congress, Quezon City – for a briefing on program after the ordination; Venue: Sacred Heart, Rancho
Philippine Government. Cucamonga.
• September 29, 2007, Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz – First Filipino
• CENPEG (Center for People Empowerment in
Saint; Main Celebrant: Rev. Romy Seleccion; Venue: St.
Government) – UP, Diliman, Quezon City –a non-
Catherine of Alexandria - Temecula.
profit organization. Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac – where
farmers were massacred in their struggle to own the • December 15, 2007, Simbang Gabi Kick-Off; the strengths,
land they till. weaknesses, opportunities, and threats faced by each
• Fr. Saturnino Urios University, Butuan City, Agusan committee; to determine/discern concrete concerns, response
del Norte – participants were introduced to the and tasks; and to develop a one-year program of action; Venue:
university life, programs, and the “American Dream” St. Thomas the Apostle – Riverside.
of the young
December 23, 2007, Simbang Gabi Closing; Main Celebrant:
• Filipinos. Llumad Community High School, Agusan Msgr. Tom Wallace, Episcopal Vicar of the Riverside Region;
del Sur – the group enjoyed a two-day stay with the Venue: St. Catherine of Alexandria - Riverside
History Of The Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino
• January 13, 2008, 2nd Annual National Migration Mass: From February 14, 2008, Convocation of Filipino Devotions, Prayer
Many, One Family of God; sponsored by the Office of Social Groups and Movements; in collaboration with the Office of
Concerns and the Asian and Pacific Islander Ministry – DSB; MariaEcheverria, Vice-Chancellor and Director of Apostolic and
Main Celebrant: Most Rev. Rutilio del Riego; Venue: Holy Ethnic Affairs; Emcee: June Bitanga; Speakers: Fr. Tony Abuan,
Rosary Cathedral – San Bernardino.. MS; Fr. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC; Naida Castro, MSLM;
Maria Echeverria; and Fr. Dennis Legaspi; Venue: St. George –
• May 3, 2008, Eucharistic Celebration of the 15th Anniversary Ontario.
of the Filipino Ministry – DSB and candlelight procession of
the images of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Our • March 14 – 15, 2008, Lenten Day of Prayer and Reflection:
Lady of Antipolo), San Lorenzo Ruiz, Blessed Pedro Spirituality of Christian Leadership; Emcee: Nini Dyogi, Vice
Calungsod and Venerable Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo; Chairperson, Filipino Ministry - DSB; Speakers: Fr. Tony Abuan,
Main Celebrant: Fr. Romy Seleccion, MS; Venue: St. George MS, Director, Filipino Ministry - DSB; Sr. Nina Achocoso, MSM,
– Ontario. Coordinator, English Religious Program, St. Anthony – San
Jacinto; Fr. Ben E. Alforque, MSC, Educator and Biblical
• June 14, 2008, Misa Para sa Inang Bayan – A Theologian; Naida C. Castro, MSLM, Chairperson, Filipino
Celebration of Philippine Independence Day; Presider: Ministry - DSB; Maria Echeverria, Vice Chancellor and Director
Fr. Manuel dela Cruz, MS, Provincial Superior of the La of the Apostolic and Ethnic Affairs – DSB; Fr. Dennis Legaspi,
Salettes; Homilist: Fr. Romy Seleccion; con-celebrants: Spiritual Director, Filipino Ministry – DSB; and Cecile Motus,
Fr. Jose Goopio, SVD, and Fr. Fred Costales, MS; Assistant Director, Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church;
Venue: St. Christopher – Moreno Valley. Venue: Divine Word Retreat House – Riverside.

Evangelization Committee May 23 – May 27, 2008, Asian Theology Conference and
Consultative Meeting on Asian and Pacific Ministries; the
members of the Board representing the Filipino Ministry – DSB
• August 11, 2006, Session I of the Goal Setting Workshop,
were Fr. Arturo Balagat, Fr. Antonio G. Abuan, MS, Naida C.
Pastoral Planning Process; Presenter/Facilitator: Fr. Benjamin
Castro, and Merci Littaua, together with Social Concerns
E. Alforque, MSC; Venue: Sacred Heart - Rancho
Committee Member Maria Sanchez. Ms. Castro reported on the
Cucamonga. The objectives of the workshop were:
activities of the Filipino Ministry – DSB and gave a copy of the
• To establish a working plan of action for each committee; documentary “Discovering and Re-discovering the Philippines to
• To have ammon understanding and collaborative Cecile Motus, Assistant Director of the Secretariat of Cultural
ministry; Diversity in the Church, Asian and Ethnic Affairs, USCCB;
To learn and practice the process of firming up in the Venue: Tucson, AZ.
organization of committees on the
parish/vicariate/diocesan level; Social Concerns Committee
• To come up with a working paper that will help us in the • June 2006, provided financial assistance to benefit the victims of
ministry; the mudslides in Leyte.
• To create a collaborative ministry; and • March 12 – 14, 2007, Ecumenical Conference on Human Rights
• To consult with the participants in responding to the needs of in the Philippines; attended by Fr. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC
our communities. On August 25, 2006, Session 2 of the Goal and Naida Castro as representatives from Filipino Ministry –
Setting Workshop; Facilitators: Fr. Benjamin E. Alforque and DSB; Venue: Washington, DC.
Fr. Dennis Legaspi; thereafter Standing Committee • March 21 – 25, 2007, Permanent People’s Tribunal – attended
Coordinators held committee meetings to analyze by Fr. Art Balagat as representative from Filipino Ministry – DSB;
the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats faced Venue:The Hague, Netherlands.
by each committee; to determine/discern concrete concerns,
response and tasks; and to develop a one-year program of • April 28, 2007, “AHA! GANITO NA NGA BA?” The Catholic
action; Venue: St. Thomas the Apostle – Riverside. Social Teachings and the Philippine Realities: Challenge to U.S.
Catholics; Presenters: VERNE SCHWEIGER, Office of Social
• On October 13, 2006, Session 3 of the Goal Setting Concerns, DSB and MARIE HILAO-ENRIQUEZ, Secretary
Workshop; Committee coordinators reported on the results of General – KARAPATAN (Human Rights Organization in the
their discussions; Venue: St. Catherine of Alexandria - Philippines); Venue: St. George - Ontario.
Riverside.
• July 15 – 20, 2007, Social Concerns Summer Institute; Filipino
• November 25, 2006, Lenten Reflection - “Are You the One Ministry – DSB represented by Social Concerns Coordinator
Who is to Come or Shall We Wait for Another? (A Biblico- Frank Lansang; Venue: Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Theological Reflection on Jesus: the Image of the Steward);
Presenter: Fr. Benjamin E. Alforque, MSC; Venue: St. George • August 10, 2007, Forum: Analysis and Prospects of
– Fontana. Contemporary Philippine Society; Guest Speaker: Marie Hilao-
Enriquez, Secretary General – KARAPATAN, an alliance of
• March 4, 2007, A Lenten Reflection – Filipino Perspective, in human rights organizations in the Philippines committed to the
collaboration with the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of defense of people’s rights and civil liberties, supporting the
Los Angeles; Presenter: Most Rev. Antonio Luis “Chito” struggles of oppressed Filipinos for justice and genuine peace
Tagle, Bishop, Diocese of Imus, Cavite, Philippines; Venue: and development; Venue: St. George – Ontario. February 9,
The Holy Spirit Church - Fountain Valley. 2008, Bishops’ Dinner; funded six representatives in solidarity
• March 30, 2007, A Lenten Recollection; Fr. Dennis Legaspi; with the fund raising campaigns of our Bishops; Venue:
Venue: Pastoral Center. Riverside Convention Center.
• October 13, 2007, first session of Simbang Gabi Workshop; • February 9, 2008, provided financial assistance to the
Presenter: Fr. Cristobal Subosa; Venue: St. Peter & St. Paul – diocese.for the victims of the fire that spread in the mountain
Alta Loma. resorts of San Bernardino County.

• October 27, 2007, second session of Simbang Gabi • April 18, 2009, provided financial assistance to KARAPATAN, a
non-government organization in the Philippines, to provide
Workshop; Presenters: Deacon Donnie Geaga and Grethel
scholarships for the children of desperciados (victims of human
Cabison; Venue: St. Catherine of Alexandria - Riverside.
History Of The Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino
rights violations) in the Philippines. • Promoting the vocations of priesthood, deaconate, religious life
and lay ministries; and
• April 8, 2008, provided financial assistance to Tulong Sa
Inang Bayan to assist in the search for Jonas Burgos, a victim
of human rights violations in the Philippines April 24, 2008, • Promoting international solidarity with other ethnic communities
provided financial assistance to support Iraqi Catholic youth and nationals in the larger Church community. Our Present and
and young adults attending World Youth Day 2008. Future Needs and Continuing Challenges

• April 29, 2008, supported 25 Filipino youth to attend the 2008 • On-going education/formation of our people: a graduated
Asian-Pacific Youth Day ; Venue: St. George – Ontario. curriculum.

• April 29, 2008, provided financial assistance in funding • Developing leadership and organizing skills among the new and
projects of the Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace the young. Determining our significant dates for common
celebrations and advocacies.
(EMJP) in the Philippines. June 26, 2008, provided financial
assistance to Iskolar ng Bayan to provide scholarships for five • Identifying Movements of Hope in the country of origin, in Asia-
children in the Philippines. Pacific, in the US Church and Society, local, national and international.
Temporalities (Finance) Committee • Establishing solidarity ties with Movements of Hope through
communication, mutual education and exchange, partnering in
• July 8, 2007, first Filipino Ministry DSB GOLF socio-economic projects and joint advocacy and prophetic
TOURNAMENT; Event Coordinators: Dixon and Jessie actions.
Cristobal; proceeds to benefit various activities of the Filipino
Ministry - DSB, such as humanitarian assistance for natural • Consultation with the youth, starting from the local community
and man-made calamities, Youth and Young Adult level to the national level to evolve their own pastoral program.
Educational/Exposure Programs on Filipino Roots and World • Consultation with children and their parents, starting from the
Youth Day 2008; Venue: Moreno Valley Golf Course. local community level to the national level to evolve a pastoral
July 2008, first Filipino Ministry – DSB Directory; Purpose: To program for children.
commemorate 15 years of service in the Diocese of San Bernardino;
Our Future Programs and Upcoming Major Events
it is a means for the leadership in the Filipino Ministry – DSB to
express its deepest gratitude to the Filipino community for its In addition to our annual diocesan-wide liturgical events and
generous support of the programs and activities of the Filipino reflections during lent and advent seasons, the Filipino Ministry –
Ministry – DSB; the directory will serve as a tool for individuals, DSB continues to develop programs to deepen our understanding
families, parishes and other organizations to outreach and and strengthen our faith, religiosity and culture as Filipino Catholics in
promote intra-and inter-cultural collaboration in the larger the Diocese of San Bernardino. Among our future programs and
Church community. activities include but are not limited to the following:
Since the inception of the diocesan Filipino Ministry to date, the • September 2008, Launching of the Filipino Ministry – DSB’s
Constitution and By-Laws have been amended twice, the latest of Documentary: Discovering and Re-Discovering the Philippines;
which added a third Member-at-Large. Appointed to this position sponsored by the Youth and Young Adult, Social Concerns and
was Nel Rabe of St. Peter and St. Paul in Alta Loma. Also,
Evangelization Committees.
changes in parish, family and/or professional lives of our
volunteers have resulted in new leaderships in the Vicariate and
• November 4 – 20, 2008, A Journey Through Biblical Israel,
Standing Committees. Responding to the needs for new Vicariate
Palestine, Jordan and Egypt - A Biblico-Theological Reflection of
Representatives and Alternates in the Hemet Vicariate were Vic
and in the Holy Land with Fr. Ben E. Alforque, MSC and Fr. Tony
Eslava and Oscar Rull and in the Riverside Vicariate were Jose
G. Abuan, MS; sponsored by the Evangelization and Family Life
Rafols and Benjie Lungay, respectively. Youth and Young Adult
Committees.
Coordinators Edwin and Rowena Gabriel were replaced by
Christina Galit of St. Peter and St. Paul and, thereafter, June and • January 23 – February 6, 2009, Medical Mission and 2009
Techie Bitanga of St. Catherine of Temecula. Evangelization Discovering and Re-Discovering the Philippines: Filipino
Committee Coordinators Sr. Niña Achocoso and Minda Ramos Ministry – DSB at work in Isabela and Mindoro; sponsored by the
were replaced by Bernadette “Chabs” Aranez. When Frank Youth and Young Adult, Social Concerns and Evangelization
Lansang became the Alternate Representative for West-end A Committees.
Vicariate he was replaced by Bernadette “Chabs” Aranez. With
the resignation of Cora Viray on or about January 2008, the
• March 28 – 29, 2009, 2009 Asian and Pacific Pastoral Institute;
Coordinator position for the Worship Committee remains open to
keynote speakers: Most Rev. Oscar A. Solis, Auxiliary Bishop,
date.
Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Chairperson of the
Fifteen years later, here we are. Many of us have actively Subcommittee of Asian and Pacific Affairs and Most Rev.
participated and are involved in parish and diocesan ministries: Dominic Luong, Auxiliary Bishop, Diocese of Orange; in
collaboration with the Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Affairs
• Promoting formation and providing assistance and guidance of the USCCB’s Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church
in the organizational development of a Filipino Ministry at the (CCDC), the Ministry Formation Institute (MFI) – DSB, the Asian
parish level; Assisting in the pastoral care and service to the and Pacific Islander Ministry – DSB, and the Filipino Ministry –
Filipino community particularly the poor and oppressed DSB; Venue: Pastoral Center.
through parish and diocesan programs;

• Facilitating adult, young adult and youth evangelization by (contributors: Fr. Art Balagat, Jessie Cristobal, Willie Bugaoan, Dr.
using formation and catechesis relevant to Filipino culture and Freda Sumalangcay, Josie Dumdum, present Officers and Members
religiosity; of Executive Committee and Coordinators of the Standing
Committees)
• Fostering Filipino faith communities in accordance with
Filipino family values and meaningful worship while promoting
dialogues and solidarity with other cultures;
Constitution And By Laws Of the Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE 3. The whole Filipino Ministry is under the leadership and guidance
FILIPINO MINISTRY OF THE of the Roman Catholic Bishop of San Bernardino, a corporate sole,
DIOCESE OF SAN BERNARDINO integrating it as a non-profit organization.

Mission Statement: Main Office:

We, the Filipino Faithful of the Diocese of San Bernardino, The main office of the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San
sharing equal dignity with the larger Church community and Bernardino for its business transactions is at the Diocesan Pastoral
called to be one body, unite with our Bishops in a worshiping, Center, 1201 East Highland Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92404. It
serving and evangelizing Filipino Ministry. As proactive may also have offices in other places as its business may require and
members of our parish communities, we pledge to use our gifts as the Board of Directors may designate.
and talents for the pursuit of justice, peace, integrity of creation,
and Christian Unity. ARTICLE II
MEMBERSHIPS
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Memberships:
Purpose and Goals:
1. Any Filipino Catholic who resides in the counties of San
The purpose of the Filipino Ministry is to assist the Bishops,
Bernardino and Riverside and who believes in the mission, purpose,
priests and personnel of the Diocese of San Bernardino in their
goals and objectives of the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San
pastoral outreach to the Filipino community in order to facilitate
Bernardino may become a member shall constitute the General
the latter’s inculturation and integration into the larger Church
Assembly.
community. This would allow the Filipino culture and religiosity
to help enrich and strengthen the faith of the larger Church
2. Any non-Filipino Catholic who supports the mission, purpose,
community by promoting the Gospel values of “maka-Diyos”
goals and objectives of the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San
(pro-God), “maka-tao” (pro-people), “maka-Bayan” (patriotic),
Bernardino may also join the organization as associate member.
“maka-buhay” (for life) and “maka-kalikasan” (for the integrity
of creation).
3. Any action or decision made in pursuit of the mission, purpose,
Objectives: goals and objectives of the Filipino Ministry shall require the
approval of the Board of Directors or its designated officers, as the
The objectives of the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San case may be.
Bernardino are:
ARTICLE III
1. To promote formation and provide assistance and guidance in GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
the organizational development of a Filipino Ministry at the
parish level. 1. General Assembly:

2. To assist in the pastoral care and service to the Filipino a. Nature and Composition
community particularly the poor and oppressed through parish
The General Assembly is the highest consultative body of
and diocesan programs;
the Filipino Ministry.
3. To facilitate adult, young adult and youth evangelization by
b. Duties and Responsibilities
using formation and catechesis relevant to Filipino culture and
religiosity; 1) The General Assembly shall review the mission, purpose,
goals and objectives of the Filipino Ministry, as well as
4. To foster Filipino faith communities in accordance with
deliberate on and amend this Constitution and By-Laws
Filipino family values and meaningful worship while promoting
subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.
dialogues and solidarity with other cultures;
2) Resolutions or issues and concerns raised at the General
5. To promote the vocations of priesthood, deaconate, religious
Assembly shall be sent to and received by the Board of
life and lay ministries; and
Directors for action in a consultative and collaborative way.
6. To promote international solidarity with other ethnic To facilitate adult, young adult and youth evangelization by
communities and nationals in the larger Church community. using formation and catechesis relevant to Filipino culture
and religiosity;
Status:
c. Meetings.
1. The Filipino Ministry is a non-profit organization under the
Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino. The General Assembly shall convene regularly once a year
and shall be presided by the Diocesan Director or the
2. The assets and income of this Ministry are earmarked solely for Chairperson of the Filipino Ministry.
the mission, purpose, goals and objectives of the organization.
Therefore, no part of the profits or net income of the Ministry 2. Board Of Directors
shall be used for the benefit of any director, trustee, officer or
a. Duties and Responsibilities
member thereof, or for any private individual.
1) The Board of Directors is a deliberative body on
Constitution And By Laws Of the Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino
1) The Board of Directors is a deliberative body on consecutive absences without prior notice.
policies, actions, or issues pertaining to the Filipino
Ministry and shall action matters received from the e. Vacancies. A seat in the Board of Directors is deemed vacant
General Assembly. or to be filled upon the removal, death, or resignation of a
Director or whenever the number of members authorized by
2) It shall serve as an Advisory Body to the Bishops of the the Constitution and By-Laws is increased by an amendment.
Diocese, as well as resource group for pastors and other The vacancy or new seat shall be filled by appointment of the
Diocesan bodies among Filipino communities. Board or the Bishop of the Diocese with the new member
finishing the term of the predecessor, or by nominations and
3) The Board of Directors shall consist of the following election of the General Assembly, as the case may be.
members, each having one vote:
f. Meetings
i. The Director of Ethnic Affairs, the Director of Asian
and Pacific Islander Ministry, and the Diocesan 1) Regular Meetings. The Board of Directors shall hold its
Director of the Filipino Ministry. These members regular meetings twice a year every six months.
shall assume their seats on the Board by virtue of their
positions in the Diocese of San Bernardino following 2) Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called by the
their appointment by the Bishop of the Diocese. Director of Ethnic Affairs or his/her delegate, the Diocesan
Director or Chairperson.
ii. The Spiritual Director is appointed by the Director of
the Filipino Ministry by virtue of his position amongst 3) Place of Meetings. The regular and special meetings of the
the Diocesan Filipino Clergy. Board shall be held at the main office of the Filipino
Ministry or at any place designated by the Board.
iii. The National Consultant/Filipino Apostolate – USCCB
sits on the Board by virtue of his/her position. 4) Written Notice. A written notice about the date, time, place,
and agenda of the regular meetings shall be sent to every
iv. One representative with one alternate from each member of the Board at least three weeks in advance or at
vicariate as nominated by the General Assembly least three days in the case of special meetings.
subject, however, to the approval by a majority of the
Board of Directors. 5) Binding and Compliance. Every act or decision made by a
majority of the Board of Directors present at the meeting
v. The members of the Board of Directors shall serve a where there is a quorum or is consented to in writing by any
regular term of three years to begin on July 1 of the member is deemed binding to, and shall be complied with,
first year until June 30 of the third year. by all members of the Board and, hence, of the Filipino
Ministry.
vi. The members of the Board of Directors shall elect the
officers of the Board. ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF
b. Duties and Responsibilities DIRECTORS
1) The Board of Directors shall be the highest policy-making
body of the Filipino Ministry. 1. Officers and Members. The officers of the Board of Directors
are the Director of Ethnic Affairs (Ex-Officio), the Director of
2) The Board shall act as the arm of the Bishop of the Asian and Pacific Islander Ministry (Ex-Officio), the National
Diocese in the Ministry among Filipino Catholics within Consultant/Filipino Apostolate – USCCB (Ex-Officio), Diocesan
the Diocese and shall be accountable to them. Director, Spiritual Director, Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson,
Secretary, and Treasurer. The other members of the Board
3) It shall ensure that the needs and aspirations of the Filipino
include a representative from each vicariate.
people are satisfactorily addressed by the Diocese of San
Bernardino. 2. Qualifications. Any member of the Board of Directors can
qualify as an officer of the said Board.
4) It shall supervise the officers, agents and employees of
the Filipino Ministry and ensure that their duties and 3. Ex-Officio Officers. The Director of Ethnic Affairs, the
responsibilities are carried out accordingly. Ministry and Director of Asian and Pacific Islander Ministry, and the
ensure National Consultant/Filipino Apostolate – USCCB shall be
Ex-Officio Officers of the Board of Directors.
5) It shall perform any other duties assigned to them as a
Board or individually under the Constitution and By-Laws. 4. Election of Other Officers. The Chairperson, Vice-
Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected by the
6) It shall register their addresses with the Secretary of the
Board of Directors at their first meeting following the
Ministry where notices of the meetings may be mailed.
formation of the Filipino Ministry. A majority vote shall be
c. Compensation. All the Directors shall serve in the Board necessary to elect each officer. Their election shall be subject to
without pay. the approval of the Bishops of the Diocese or his delegate.

d. Removal. A member of the Board may be removed from 5. Term of Office and Renewal. Except for the Director of
office if he/she is declared of unsound mind by an order of Ethnic Affairs, the Director of Asian and Pacific Islander
the court or convicted of felony, or has incurred three Ministry, and the National Consultant/Filipino Apostolate –
Constitution And By Laws Of the Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino
USCCB, the Term of Office of both appointed and elected 3) To represent the Filipino Ministry in diocesan, regional
officers and members of the Board shall be three years or national functions when the Diocesan Director is
following the fiscal year of the Diocese of San Bernardino. unavailable.
Their term of office is renewable for another three years only
subject to re-appointment or re-election, as the case may be. c. Chairperson. The Chairperson shall preside over meetings
of the Board of Directors and shall perform all other duties
6. Compensation. The officers of the Board of Directors and responsibilities incident to the office as required by the
shall serve their office without pay. Constitution and By-Laws, or which may be assigned to
the Chairperson by the Board.
7. Removal of Officers and Members: The Bishop may
remove officers seating on the Board by virtue of their d. Vice Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson, the
positions. Other officers and members may be removed from Vice-Chairperson shall preside over and conduct meetings
office anytime but for a cause and with due process by a of the Board of Directors and perform other duties and
majority vote of the Board of Directors held in a meeting responsibilities assigned to him/her by the Board.
called for that purpose.
e. Secretary. The Secretary shall:
8. Vacancies: Any elected position in the Board of Directors
shall be deemed vacant upon the death, resignation or removal 1) Certify and keep at the main office of the Ministry the
of the concerned officer or upon failure of the members in any original and/or copy of its Constitution and By-Laws as
election to fill the office. The Board of Directors may declare amended to date;
vacant an office if the officer concerned is declared of unsound
mind by a court order or convicted of a felony or upon receipt 2) Be the Custodian of the records of the Filipino Ministry and
of such officer’s notice to refuse or resign from the position. shall keep at the main office of the Ministry a book of
The vacancies will be filled by a majority vote of the members minutes of all meetings of the Board, recording therein the
in a meeting held for that purpose. time and place of the meetings, how authorized, notice
thereof given, the names of the directors present and the
9. Duties and Responsibilities of the Officers of the proceedings;
Board of Directors:
3) Ensure that all notices are given in accordance with the
a. Diocesan Director: The Diocesan Director must be a Constitution and By-Laws or as may be required by law;
member of the Filipino Clergy in the Diocese of San and make available for inspection, during regular office
Bernardino. The power of crisis intervention shall be vested hours, to any officer the Constitution and By-Laws, as well
in the Diocesan Director. The duties and responsibilities of minutes of the Board meetings.
the Diocesan Director are:
d. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall keep the records of all
1) To implement the mission, purpose, goals and objectives incoming and outgoing funds and shall make regular
of the Filipino Ministry; financial reports to the Board of Directors. The Treasurer
shall also perform all other duties incident to the office and
2) To represent the Filipino Ministry in the vicariate, such other duties and responsibilities as required by the
diocesan, regional and national levels in coordination Constitution and By-Laws, or as may be assigned to the
with the Chairperson of the Board of Directors; Treasurer by the Board.

3) To supervise, oversee and administer the functions of the ARTICLE V


Executive Committee in collaboration with members of COMMITTEES
the said Committee;
1. Executive Committee:
4) To network with the different diocesan bodies;
a. Committee Officers. All the officers of the Board of Directors,
5) To meet periodically with vicariate and parochial leaders; namely, the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary,
and Treasurer, together with the Diocesan Director, Spiritual
Director, and three Members-at-Large shall constitute the
6) To advocate for the Filipino Ministry in the Diocese. Executive Committee.

b. Spiritual Director: The Spiritual Director must be a b. Meetings. The Executive Committee shall hold a regular
member of the Filipino Clergy in the Diocese of San meeting every two months. Upon request by any two members
Bernardino. The duties and responsibilities of the Spiritual of the Executive Committee, it shall also hold special
Director are: meetings, which may include the Coordinators of the Standing
Committees, and/or other representatives. All meetings of the
1) To act as Spiritual Director for the different Filipino Executive Committee shall be presided by the Chairperson or,
devotions movements in coordination with the Diocesan in her/his absence, by the Vice-Chairperson.
counterpart;
c. Duties And Responsibilities. The Executive Committee
2) To liaise with priests of the Diocese and the Filipino shall exercise general supervision of the day-to-day affairs
community, as well as non-Filipino non-Catholic of the Filipino Ministry with the following powers and
communities; and functions:
Constitution And By Laws Of the Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino
1) To administer and manage the affairs of the Filipino ii. To engage Filipino youth and young adults in the life
Ministry through the Standing Committees; and leadership of the Church; and

2) To act on reports, decisions and other actions from the iii. To promote vocations to the priesthood and religious
Board of Directors and Coordinators of the Standing life among the Filipino youth.
Committees; and
3) Worship (Liturgy) Committee:
3) To coordinate and prepare the agenda for all meetings of
the Board of Directors. i. To set guidelines and give common directions for
Filipino celebrations in coordination with the Office
2. Standing Committees. of Worship;

a. The Standing Committees of the Filipino Ministry under ii. To provide a venue for the elderly to avail of the
the leadership and supervision of the Executive Committee Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Filipino language;
are the following: Family Life, Youth and Young Adults,
Worship (Liturgy), Evangelization (Education/Formation), iii. To assist parishes in recruiting able, willing and available
Social Concerns, and Temporalities (Finance) Committees. Filipinos to be trained as parish leaders;
Each Standing Committee shall have five members to be
headed by the Coordinator and shall meet as needed. iv. To help parishes establish small faith communities that
would enrich the religiosity of Filipinos through the
b. The members, as well as the Coordinators of all Standing family and neighborhood groups; and
Committees, shall be appointed by the Executive Committee
and approved by the Board of Directors. v. To help parishes train facilitators and prayer leaders for
neighborhood families, youth and children’s groups.
c. General Responsibilities. The general responsibilities of all
Standing Committees are: 3) Evangelization (Education/Formation) Committee;

1) To collaborate, coordinate and assist other apostolate in i. To provide a venue for pastor/pastoral coordinators and
the Diocese and parishes; parish staffs for a better understanding of Filipino values,
culture, and popular or mass religiosity;
2) To serve as clearing office of plans, policies, and other
matters coming from different committees of parish ii. To organize and conduct seminars, trainings and
organizations, movements, groups, schools and others; workshops on Christian Value-Formation for Filipinos;

3) To create sub-committees for special types of apostolic iii. To collaborate with the Department of Educational
activities; and Services (Diocesan catechetical offices) in order to
develop religious formation among Filipinos; and
4) To represent the Standing Committee in the Executive
Committee meetings. iv. To assist parishes in building small faith communities.
5) Social Concerns (Service) Committee:
d. Specific Duties And Responsibilities. The specific duties
and responsibilities of all Standing Committees are as i. To collaborate and coordinate with the Department of
follows: Community and Social Services and Catholic Charities;

1) Family Life: ii. To engage Filipino youth and young adults in the life
i. To promote the value that the family is the basic unit and leadership of the Church; and
of the Church and of society bearing in mind the need
for maintaining family unity and motivating the iii. To establish solidarity and coalition networks with Asia-
children as our future; Pacific and other ethnic communities; and

ii. To assist families in understanding and resolving iv. To establish international solidarity network.
possible cultural and generational conflicts between
parents and children; 6) Temporalities (Finance) Committee :

iii. To reach out - through prayer and support – to families i. To help tap and train leaders who are able, willing and
experiencing certain types of conflicts; and available to work for stewardship;

iv. To organize Filipino gatherings as a means of sharing, ii. To promote understanding and internalization of
reliving, and deepening family values. stewardship as a way of life among Filipino
communities;
2) Youth and Young Adults Committee:
iii. To conduct fund-raising activities subject to the approval
i. To assist the Ministry withYouth Office in establishing and support of the Board of Directors; and
programs for Filipino youth and young adults,
particularly on leadership training, value formation iv. To oversee the annual budget and come up with a yearly
and cultural appreciation; financial report.
Constitution And By Laws Of the Filipino Ministry, Diocese Of San Bernardino
ARTICLE VIAMENDMENTS
Filipino Ministry Logo –
This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended or repealed by a It’s Meaning
two-third vote of the General Assembly in consultation and
collaboration with - and subject to the approval of the Board of The LOGO of the Filipino Ministry - DSB
Directors, at a regular or special meeting called for that purpose. is rich in symbolism and meaning. Let us
unpack what they convey to the Christian
ARTICLE VII communities at large:
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
► HUMAN IMAGES: There are six human figures. The
1. Authorization of Instruments, Deposits and Funds. The Board number six represents the six vicariates (Hemet, High
of Directors, except as otherwise provided in the Constitution Desert, Low Desert, Riverside, San Bernardino and West-
and By-Laws, may by resolution authorize any officer or End) in the Diocese of San Bernardino which are
representative of the Ministry to enter into any contract and distributed to the two counties that comprise the diocese:
deliver any instrument in the name and on behalf of the San Bernardino and Riverside. The human images are the
Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino, and such Filipinos residing in the 6 vicariates. They are close to one
authority may be general or confined to specific purposes another to convey the unity that they signify, and that
provided, however, that such contract or delivery is expressly through their unity, a harmonious immersion to their
authorized by this Constitution and By-Laws. respective parishes will be smoothly accomplish.

2. Execution of Instruments, Deposits and Funds. Except as ► BAMBOO CROSS: This represents the flexibility of the
otherwise specifically determined by resolution of the Board of Filipinos, that where they settled, they always blossom in
Directors, all checks, drafts, promissory notes, orders for the their faith. The bamboo can be used as tributaries where
payment of money, and other evidence of indebtedness of the water will flow to give life to arid lands; likewise the
Filipino Ministry shall be signed by the Diocesan Director Filipinos, firm as they are, they have a loving heart that
and/or Chairperson of the Board. feels the cries and needs of others; they become life-givers.

3. Deposit of Funds. All funds of the Ministry shall be deposited ► WHITE CLOTH HANGING ON THE CROSS: The
to the credit of the Ministry with the Diocesan Accounting white cloth represents resurrection, and this is the vision of
Office. the Filipinos, that wherever they are they can always live
the resurrection as life-givers. This white cloth reminds
4. Reports and Fiscal Year. The Executive Committee shall Filipinos that their faith is embedded in the resurrection of
prepare a yearly written report, including a financial statement Jesus.
together with a summary of receipts and disbursements to the
Board of Directors, in July of each year. The fiscal year of ► SHIP AND SAIL: The ship represents the County of
the Filipino Ministry shall be from July 1 to June 30. Riverside and the sail represent the County of San
Bernardino, which comprises the diocese.
5. Discretionary and Petty Cash Funds. Use of discretionary and
petty cash funds will follow general accepted accounting
The first LOGO was designed by MICHAEL AZUL, a
practices.
parishioner of Holy Family Parish in
Adopted November 7, 1994. Hesperia in 1994.

First Amendments ratified by the General Assembly on May


20, 2006, and approved by the Board of Directors on August
9, 2006. The present LOGO of the Filipino
Ministry - DSB
Second Amendments ratified by the General Assembly on
November 10, 2007, and approved by the Board on November ► FILIPINO FLAG: This conveys the roots of the Filipinos.
17, 2007. Their rich religious traditions and cultures are elements that
will enrich the dynamics of life of the place where they are
Certification planted. The flag reminds Filipinos in the Diocese of San
Bernardino to help enrich and strengthen the faith of the
I certify that I am the duly elected Secretary of the Filipino larger Church community by promoting the Gospel values
Ministry – Diocese of San Bernardino and that the second of MAKA-DIYOS (PRO-GOD), MAKA-TAO (PRO-
amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws were approved by PEOPLE), MAKA-BAYAN (PATRIOTIC), MAKA-
the Board of Directors at its meeting on November 17, 2007. BUHAY (PRO-LIFE) and MAKA-KALIKASAN (FOR
INTEGRITY OF CREATION).
(signed original on file) 11/17/2007
Merci B. Littaua Date The flag was added within the meaning of the first logo;
Secretary, Filipino Ministry – DSB designed by Joe Rafols, parishioner of St. John the
Evangelist in 2008.
USCCB Fundraising Guidelines
competent authority on the extent to which promises
UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS expressed or implied in the solicitation of funds have
been fulfilled.
Decree of Promulgation
10. Fund-raising reports are to be prepared in scope and
design to meet the particular concerns of those to
Canon 1262 whom the reports are due:
On November 13, 2002, the members of the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops legitimately approved
complementary legislation for the implementation of canon 1262 of a. the governing body and membership of the fund-raising
the Code of Canon Law for the dioceses of the United States. The organization;
action was granted recognitio by the Congregation for Bishops in b. the competent authorities who approved and monitor the
accord with article 82 of the Apostolic Constitution Pastor Bonus fund-raising effort;
and issued by Decree N. 778/2005 of the Congregation for c. the donors to the organization;
Bishops signed by His Eminence Giovanni Battista Cardinal Re, d. the beneficiaries of the funds raised.
Prefect, and His Excellency Most Reverend Francesco Monterisi,
Secretary, and dated May 2, 2007. 11. Annual fund-raising reports are to provide both financial
information and a review of the apostolic work for which the
Wherefore, and in accord with the prescripts of canon 1262, the funds were raised. They are to set forth, at the least, the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops decrees that the amount of money collected, the cost of conducting the fund-
following norms shall govern fund-raising appeals to the faithful for raising effort, and the amount and use of the funds
Church support: disbursed.

Motivation Procedures

1. Fund-raising appeals are to be truthful and forthright, 12. Funds beyond operating expenses are not to be
theologically sound, and should strive to motivate the accumulated or invested by a fund-raising office, but are to
faithful to a greater love of God and neighbor. be turned over to the appropriate office for allocation and
2. Fund-raising efforts are to be for defined needs. investment.
3. The relationship of trust between donor and fund-raiser 13. Special care is to be taken to see that ethical business
requires that relationships are maintained by fund-raisers with suppliers
of goods and services.
14. Contracts between a religious fund-raiser and commercial
a. funds collected be used for their intended purposes; suppliers and consultants are to insure that control over
b. funds collected are not absorbed by excessive fund- materials, designs, money and general operations remain in
raising costs. the hands of the religious fund-raiser.
15. Agreements are not to be made which directly or indirectly
4. Donors are to be informed regarding the use of base payment either to the commercial firm or to the
donated funds and assured that any restrictions on religious fund-raiser on a percentage basis.
the use of the funds by the donor will be honored.

Competent Ecclesiastical Authority Oversight

5. Institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life 16. Competent authority is to ensure that fund-raising
require approval of the respective competent major organizations:
superiors and the diocesan bishop to solicit funds;
diocesan entities require approval of the diocesan bishop a. make available fund-raising reports to benefactors on a
to solicit funds; other Catholic entities and organizations regular basis or upon reasonable request:
require the approval of the diocesan bishop to solicit b. provide their governing bodies with an annual financial
funds. statement prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles and, where size warrants,
6. Approval for fund-raising by the competent authority is to by a certified public accountant.
be given in writing with reference to the purpose for which
the funds are being raised, the time frame, and the
methods to be used in raising them. 17. In response to formal complaints, competent authority is to
promptly investigate charges, remedy abuses and, when
7. Oversight of fund-raising programs is to be maintained by necessary, terminate the fund-raising program.
competent authority through periodic review and, where
necessary, appropriate sanction. As President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I
hereby decree that the effective date of this decree for all the
8. Competent major superiors of institutes of dioceses of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will be
consecrated life and societies of apostolic life are August 15, 2007. Given at the offices of the United States
to submit to the diocesan bishop of the place where Conference of Catholic Bishops in the city of Washington, the District
the fund-raising originates periodic reports on the of Columbia, on the 8th day of June, in the year of our Lord 2007.
fund-raising programs and the apostolic activities
they support. Most Reverend William S. Skylstad
Bishop of Spokane
Accountability President, USCCB
Reverend Monsignor David J. Malloy
9. Fund-raisers are to provide regular reports to General Secretary, USCCB
Apostolic Group Recognition Guidelines
Guidelines for Hosting Diocesan-wide Liturgical • Celebrating Simbang Gabi on a schedule different from the
Celebrations celebration of the community mass during Advent is highly
encouraged to allow local parishioners to complete their
Purpose: It is the intent of the Filipino Ministry – DSB to reach out obligations during Advent and not impose the Filipino culture
and support the different Parish Filipino Ministries throughout the and tradition among the local parishioners.
diocese and provide an opportunity for Parish Filipino Ministries to
host a diocesan-wide liturgical event rooted in the Filipino culture • It would be best to invite local parishioners to see the
and tradition. magnificence of the Simbang Gabi by inviting them to the
celebration that is distinct from the celebration of Advent
I. SCHEDULING OF THE DIOCESAN LITURGY AND masses.
EUCHARISTIC CELEBRANTS (OTHER THAN THE PARISH
PRIEST) D. The Parish Filipino Ministry is willing to collaborate and coordinate
with the Filipino Ministry – DSB in planning the celebration.
A. The Filipino Ministry - DSB shall be responsible for determining E.The Parish Filipino Ministry is willing to involve other Parish Filipino
the host parish and regulating the schedules of diocesan-wide Ministries in the different aspects of the celebration (e.g., choir,
liturgical events that are rooted in the Filipino culture and tradition, programs, etc.).
including but not limited to the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz and
Simbang Gabi celebrations. F. The Parish Filipino Ministry is willing to take care of the major
expenses, including food for the attendees, stipend for the main
B. The Filipino Ministry - DSB will consider the following in celebrant (unless other arrangement is pre-arranged and agreed
approving the request by Parish Filipino Ministries in hosting upon) and decorations in the church and hall.
diocesan-wide liturgical events:
• The Filipino Ministry – DSB is responsible for disseminating
• The Parish Filipino Ministry has not hosted a diocesan the information regarding the celebration, including the black
event during the past three years. and white printing of the flyers and worship aid.
• The Parish Filipino Ministry is not within the same • The Filipino Ministry – DSB will also assist in the solicitation
vicariate as the last host parish. of food donations and financial assistance from other Parish
Filipino Ministries.
C. To encourage unity and solidarity among Parish Filipino
Ministries within the diocese, there shall be one diocesan-wide III. TASK OF THE PARISH FILIPINO MINISTRY
liturgical celebration of the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz, Simbang
Gabi Kick-Off and Simbang Gabi Closing. (Note: Other liturgical A. Before the Celebration
celebrations may be included in the future in response to the • Coordinate with the Filipino Ministry – DSB the following:
pastoral care of the Filipino Catholics in the Diocese of San 1. Planning with the Evangelization and Worship
Bernardino.) Committees the reflection and/or workshops, as
deemed applicable.
• All Parish Filipino Ministries are encouraged to invite 2. Planning of the liturgy with the Worship Committee and
everyone to attend the diocesan-wide celebration. preparing the worship aid.
3. Planning and budgeting with Temporalities (Finance)
• Parishes celebrating the nine-day Simbang Gabi Committee the expenses for the celebration.
Novenas are encouraged to schedule their nine-day 4. Preparation and dissemination of the information (e.g.,
novenas at a time that is not in conflict with the diocesan- flyer, letters of invitation and solicitation, etc.).
wide Simbang Gabi Kick-Off and Closing celebrations 5. Preparation of the venue for worship and
and with the rotational celebrations of Simbang Gabi program/reception.
Masses within the vicariate/cluster.
A. During the Celebration
D. The assigning of priests who will preside in the different parish • Managing the traffic flow and parking lot assignments. Note
Simbang Gabi celebrations is regulated by the Filipino Clergy that some persons who have special roles in the celebration
Group in coordination with the Filipino Ministry – DSB Secretariat. need to have reserve parking near the venue.
This procedure would give the Filipino priests an opportunity to • Directing the people to the venues of worship and reception.
meet and familiarize themselves with the various communities and • Checking if all assigned participants are present and
Parish Filipino Ministries in the Diocese of San Bernardino. informed about their specified role.
E. The Filipino Ministry – DSB is responsible for submitting the
• Make a last minute check with the Presider regarding
Liturgical Planning form to the Bishop’s Office for the diocesan-
announcements, word of thanks, etc. No last minute
wide celebrations.
changes in the liturgy should be made during the day of the
II. QUALIFICATION FOR HOSTING A DIOCESAN-WIDE celebration, unless it’s acknowledged by the Director,
LITURGY Chairperson or the Spiritual Director of the Filipino Ministry –
DSB.
A. The parish must have an organized Parish Filipino Ministry.
B. The parish priest is willing to host the celebration and the B. After the Celebration
reflection/workshop, if any. • Organize the clean-up of the venue.
• Prepare an evaluation of the celebration and submit it to the
C. The parish priest is willing to highlight the Filipino celebration of Secretariat of the Filipino Ministry - DSB. This will be
the event, i.e., the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz and the traditional used to further improve our diocesan level celebrations.
Simbang Gabi. For example:
Filipino Ministry - DSB
• Since Simbang Gabi is a Marian Celebration, the Filipino Rev. 05/30/08
culture and tradition includes the white liturgical color and
the singing of the “Gloria.”
SIMBANG GABI, Its Historical, Theological and Spiritual Underpinnings
SIMBANG- GABI • It is a celebration of stewardship, bringing awareness of
Its Historical, Theological and Spiritual Underpinnings God’s generosity and the origin and end of all things; it is an
act of Thanksgiving.
Originally called Misa De Gallo, Simbang Gabi is a celebration • Above all, Simbang Gabi is a tradition rooted in the faith,
of our journey in faith. It is truly a liturgical expression of our centered on the manger.
spirituality, religiosity and culture. Prior to 1972, Misa de Gallo It is Biblical
was always celebrated at the break of dawn. The constraints • Psalm 108- My heart is ready, O God; I will sing,
of Martial Law, especially its imposition of the curfew hours, sing your praise. Awake my soul; awake lyre and
caused the dawn-masses to be celebrated in the evening, harp. I will awake the dawn.
before midnight; hence, the name: Simbang-Gabi. • Isaiah 9:2 - the people who walk in darkness have
seen a great light.
Longing to celebrate pre-Christmas novenas, Filipino migrants
introduced the Simbang Gabi in their local parishes. To • Job 3:9 -10 – the dawn as “creative”
celebrate Simbang Gabi is to recall the Filipinos’ memory of • Matthew 24:42 -The parable of the ten virgins: Keep
the birth of Jesus, their understanding of the in-breaking of awake therefore, for you do not know on what day
God’s reign and the honor they give the Blessed Mother and your Lord is coming.
her wonderful role in the dawning of the New Times. It is to re- • Romans 13:11-12 – the night is far spent, the day
echo the call to conversion, and to respond to it with draws near.
immediacy and radicalism wherever Filipinos are. • It is Simbang Gabi expresses the faith of Filipinos
who hold the same core belief as all Christians,
The Simbang Gabi Workshops offered by the Filipino Ministry namely, that God is present in human history, even
– DSB’s Evangelization Committee in collaboration with the in the simple joys and anxieties of life's humblest
Worship Committee has, traditionally, been part of preparing activities.
the Filipino community in understanding the historical, It is Eschatological
theological and spiritual underpinnings of the Simbang Gabi • it points us to the coming of our Savior in History
celebrations. During the past five years, participants of the
• Jesus promised that he would come again and the
workshops have developed diocesan and daily Simbang Gabi
Bible tells us that we must be watching and be
themes which resonates the faith of our Universal Church.
prepared for his return.
Two traditions celebrating the event of Jesus Christ’s birth: • It is Ecclesial In the Philippines, the Masses were
held at 4 a.m. to accommodate the farmers who had
• Northern European Churches (i.e., Austria, Belgium,
to be on the fields at dawn and the fishermen who
Germany, Hungary and Poland) celebrated mass daily
are coming home from fishing. In spite of the early
during the four weeks of Advent.
hour, an entire town would be in attendance in some
• Latin Churches (i.e., Mexico and the Philippines) communities, with the local parish priest walking
celebrated nine special daily masses before Christmas, through various towns.
also known as Misa Aurea (golden mass), which ends on It is Marian
Christmas Eve - Misa Aguinaldo (referring to Christ as a
• Simbang Gabi is a nine-day novena to the Blessed
gift).
Mother. The novena begins December 16 and
From the late 16th to early 19th century, the Philippines
culminates with the “Misa de Aguinaldo” on
was a province of the Vice-Royalty of Mexico.
Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior
In 1587, Fray Diego Soria, prior of the Convent of St.
Jesus Christ.
Agustin Acolman, petitioned Pope Sixtus V, who gave
permission to hold Christmastide masses - Misa • White is the liturgical color.
Aurea – in the Philippines. • Gloria is always sung.
Purpose: • It is Eucharistic
• to Christianize Filipino rituals during harvest time • It is a call to communion, where the whole
• Filipino farmers can go to mass before farm work, community celebrates with one another in
and fisher folks after a night of fishing. the one Lord; unity in diversity.
• Celebrated before dawn or early morning, • The Church proclaims with “joy and firm
when the rooster crows (AKA Misa de faith that God is communion, Father, Son
Gallo) announcing the coming of a new and Holy Spirit, unity in distinction, and that
day. he calls all peoples to share in the same
• Popularly known to Filipinos as Simbang Trinitarian communion” (Ecclesia in
Gabi- Evening Mass or Mass at Dawn - America, no. 34) It is a Eucharistic
because the sun has not risen yet. Celebration, affirming the Catholic belief that
Why celebrate Simbang Gabi in the United States of America: the Eucharist is the source and summit of all
prayers.
• It is an expression of our Filipino culture, religiosity and
spirituality. It is a gathering of Filipino families, neighbors, • It focuses on self-giving which Jesus did
and friends, listening to and singing Christmas carols. from birth to death.
• It celebrates the greatest gift of God
• It strengthens the faith of the larger Church community by
to humanity, Jesus, the Word
promoting the Gospel values of “maka-Diyos” (pro-God),
incarnate.
“maka-tao” (pro-people), “maka-bayan” (patriotism),
“maka-buhay” (pro-Life) and “maka-kalikasan (integrity of
(Filipino Ministry – DSB, 2008)
creation).
Diocesan Liturgical Guidelines
Guidelines for Hosting Diocesan-wide Liturgical culture and tradition includes the white liturgical color and the
Celebrations singing of the “Gloria.”

Purpose: It is the intent of the Filipino Ministry – DSB to reach out • Celebrating Simbang Gabi on a schedule different from the
and support the different Parish Filipino Ministries throughout the celebration of the community mass during Advent is highly
diocese and provide an opportunity for Parish Filipino Ministries to encouraged to allow local parishioners to complete their
host a diocesan-wide liturgical event rooted in the Filipino culture obligations during Advent and not impose the Filipino culture
and tradition. and tradition among the local parishioners.

I. SCHEDULING OF THE DIOCESAN LITURGY AND • It would be best to invite local parishioners to see the
EUCHARISTIC CELEBRANTS (OTHER THAN THE PARISH magnificence of the Simbang Gabi by inviting them to the
PRIEST) celebration that is distinct from the celebration of Advent
masses.
A. The Filipino Ministry - DSB shall be responsible for determining
the host parish and cooordinating the schedules of diocesan-wide D. The Parish Filipino Ministry is willing to collaborate and coordinate
liturgical events that are rooted in the Filipino culture and tradition, with the Filipino Ministry – DSB in planning the celebration.
including but not limited to the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz and
Simbang Gabi celebrations. E. The Parish Filipino Ministry is willing to involve other Parish
Filipino Ministries in the different aspects of the celebration (e.g.,
B. The Filipino Ministry - DSB will consider the following in choir, programs, etc.).
approving the request by Parish Filipino Ministries in hosting
diocesan-wide liturgical events: F. The Parish Filipino Ministry is willing to take care of the major
expenses, including food for the attendees, stipend for the main
• The Parish Filipino Ministry has not hosted a diocesan celebrant (unless other arrangement is pre-arranged and agreed
event during the past three years. upon) and decorations in the church and hall.
• The Parish Filipino Ministry is not within the same
vicariate as the last host parish. • The Filipino Ministry – DSB is responsible for disseminating
the information regarding the celebration, including the black
C. To encourage unity and solidarity among Parish Filipino and white printing of the flyers and worship aid.
Ministries within the diocese, there shall be one diocesan-wide
liturgical celebration of the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz, Simbang • The Filipino Ministry – DSB will also assist in the solicitation
Gabi Kick-Off and Simbang Gabi Closing. (Note: Other liturgical of food donations and financial assistance from other Parish
celebrations may be included in the future in response to the Filipino Ministries.
pastoral care of the Filipino Catholics in the Diocese of San
Bernardino.) III. TASK OF THE PARISH FILIPINO MINISTRY

• All Parish Filipino Ministries are encouraged to invite A. Before the Celebration
everyone to attend the diocesan-wide celebration. • Coordinate with the Filipino Ministry – DSB the following:
1. Planning with the Evangelization and Worship
• Parishes celebrating the nine-day Simbang Gabi Committees the reflection and/or workshops, as
Novenas are encouraged to schedule their nine-day deemed applicable.
novenas at a time that is not in conflict with the diocesan- 2. Planning of the liturgy with the Worship Committee and
wide Simbang Gabi Kick-Off and Closing celebrations. preparing the worship aid.
3. Planning and budgeting with Temporalities (Finance)
• The assigning of priests who will preside in the different Committee the expenses for the celebration.
parish Simbang Gabi celebrations is determined and 4. Preparation and dissemination of the information (e.g.,
reviewed by the Filipino Clergy Group and implemented flyer, letters of invitation and solicitation, etc.).
through the Filipino Ministry – DSB Secretariat. This 5. Preparation of the venue for worship and
procedure would give the Filipino priests an opportunity program/reception.
to meet and familiarize themselves with the various
communities and Parish Filipino Ministries in the Diocese A. During the Celebration
of San Bernardino. • Managing the traffic flow and parking lot assignments. Note
that some persons who have special roles in the celebration
D. The Filipino Ministry – DSB is responsible for submitting the Liturgical need to have reserve parking near the venue.
Planning form to the Bishop’s Office for the diocesan-wide celebrations. • Directing the people to the venues of worship and reception.
• Checking if all assigned participants are present and
II. QUALIFICATION FOR HOSTING A DIOCESAN-WIDE informed about their specified role.
LITURGY • Make a last minute check with the Presider regarding
announcements, word of thanks, etc. No last minute
A. The parish must have an organized Parish Filipino Ministry. changes in the liturgy should be made during the day of the
celebration, unless it’s acknowledged by the Director,
B. The parish priest is willing to host the celebration and the Chairperson or the Spiritual Director of the Filipino Ministry –
reflection/workshop, if any. DSB.

C. The parish priest is willing to highlight the Filipino celebration of B. After the Celebration
the event ( i.e., the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz and the traditional • Organize the clean-up of the venue.
Simbang Gabi). • Prepare an evaluation of the celebration and submit it to the
For example:
Secretariat of the Filipino Ministry - DSB. This will be
used to further improve our diocesan level celebrations.
• Since Simbang Gabi is a Marian Celebration, the Filipino
Filipino Ministry - DSB Rev. 05/30/08
Blessed Pedro Calungsod San Lorenzo Ruiz
Blessed Pedro Calungsod San Lorenzo Ruiz
(First Filipino Saint)
Pedro Calungsod, a Visayan native, was born
in 1655. During his boyhood Pedro was Lorenzo Ruiz was born in Binondo, Manila
trained as a catechist in a boarding school run between 1600 and 1610. With a Chinese father
by the Jesuits in the Visayas. He was skilled and a Filipina mother and as an altar boy and
in the arts – carpentry, drawing, painting, sacristan for Dominican priests, Lorenzo learned
acting, singing and oratory, delivering Chinese, Tagalog and Spanish. His fluency and
discourses in Visayan, Spanish and Chamorro. He was an beautiful penmanship enabled him to work as a professional
excellent and brilliant young man. calligrapher, transcribing documents. He was a full member of the
In 1668 young Pedro was chosen to accompany Fr. Diego de San Confraternity of the Holy Rosary under Dominican auspices. He
Vitores and other Jesuit missionaries from the Philippines to the married and had two sons and a daughter.
Ladores Islands to evangelize the native Chamorros. Despite
devastating typhoons, difficult terrain and scarce provisions for Lorenzo’s life took an unexpected turn when he was accused of
the Mission, the missionaries persevered. The Ladores Islands murder. Lorenzo took refuge with the Dominican priests. Nothing is
were later renamed Mariannas Islands by the missionaries in known further about this mishap other than the statement of two
honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and María Ana, the Queen Dominicans that "he was sought by the authorities on account of a
Regent of Spain, who was the benefactress of that Mission. homicide, in which he was present or which was attributed to him."
On June 10, 1636, Lorenzo was allowed to accompany three
The missionaries, blessed with many conversions among the Dominican priests, Antonio Gonzalez, Guillermo Courtet and
Chamorros, caused envy and rivalry with medicine men. In Miguel de Aozaraza, together with Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz, a
particular a Chinese quack named Choco spread rumors of infants Japanese priest and a layman named Lazaro, a leper, on their journey
dying due to the poison in the baptismal water because some to Japan. He was not aware that they were headed to Japan, in spite
sickly Chamorro infants died after baptism. Many Chamorros of a violent persecution there, until they were at sea. Lorenzo could
believed the calumniator and eventually apostatized. The have gone on to Formosa, but, he reported, "I decided to stay with
apostates together with the Macanjas (sorcerers) and the Urritaos the Fathers, because the Spaniards would hang me there." Lorenzo
(young male prostitutes) began persecuting the missionaries. and his companions landed in Okinawa.

On Saturday morning, April 2, 1672, just before the Passion In Japan they were soon found out and arrested. On July 10, 1636,
Sunday of that year, 17 year-old Pedro and Fr. Diego went to the they were taken to Nagasaki - the site of wholesale bloodshed when
village of Tumon to baptize a newborn baby girl. the atomic bomb was dropped and where 50,000 Catholics were
dispersed or killed by persecution. Lorenzo and his companions
The baby’s father Matapang, who was a Christian and friend of were subjected to an inexpressible torture. Having huge quantities
the missionaries, having apostatized angrily refused to have his of water forced down their throats, they were thrust to lie down and
infant daughter baptized. While Matapang was enlisting and long boards were placed on their stomachs. Guards stepped on the
cajoling a non-Christian villager named Hirao to kill Pedro and ends of the boards, violently forcing water to spurt from their
Fr. Diego, Matapang’s Christian wife consented to the baptism. mouths, noses and ears. Fr. Antonio, the superior, died after some
Upon hearing of the baptism, Matapang became aggressive, days. Fr. Vicente and Lazaro broke under torture, which included the
violently throwing his spears to Pedro and Fr. Diego. After insertion of bamboo needles under their fingernails, but were
shunning some spears, Pedro was hit on the chest and fell to the brought back to courage by their companions.
ground. Hirao vigorously attacked Pedro and finished him with a
blow of a cutlass on the head. Fr. Diego was also killed. After the In his moment of crisis, Lorenzo asked the interpreter, "I would like
murder, Matapang took Fr. Diegos’ crucifix pounded it with a to know if, by apostatizing, they will spare my life." In the ensuing
stone while blaspheming God. Matapang and Hirao denuded and hours, however, Lorenzo felt his faith grow strong. He became bold
dragged the bodies of Pedro and Fr. Diego to the edge of the and daring, stating to his interrogators “That I shall never do,
shore, where they tied large stones to the feet of the corpses. because I am a Christian and I shall die for God, and for Him I will
Thereafter, they took the bodies on a proa and threw them into the give many thousands of lives if I had them. And so do with me as
deep. The bodies of Pedro and Fr. Diego were never found. you will please.”

The missionaries remembered Pedro as a young boy with very Lorenzo and his four surviving companions were slowly put to
good dispositions. They recalled that Pedro was a virtuous death. He and his companions were taken to the “Mountain of
catechist and a faithful assistant to Fr. Diego and the Mission. Martyrs” on September 27, 1637. They were tightly bound with
They described Pedro to be a good Catholic whose perseverance semicircular boards fitted around their waists and hung upside down
in the Faith even to the point of martyrdom proved him to be a in pits. Stones were put on top of the boards to increase the pressure
good soldier of Christ (cf. II Tim 2:3). The missionaries declared and slowdown circulation to prevent a speedy death. After three
that Pedro was a fortunate youth, persevering in his service to days, Lorenzo and Lazaro were dead and the three priests, still alive,
God in the mission and the precursor of their superior Fr. Diego were beheaded.
in heaven.
On February 18, 1981, Lorenzo was beatified by Pope John Paul II
On October 6, 1985, Fr. Diego Luís de San Vitores was beatified. during his visit in Manila. On October 18, 1987, Lorenzo was
His beatification paved the way for young Pedro Calungsod and canonized and became the first Filipino saint and martyr.
on March 5, 2000, Pedro was beatified by Pope John Paul II.
(Compiled by the Filipino Ministry - DSB, May 2008)
(Compiled by the Filipino Ministry - DSB, May 2008)
Our Lady Of Peace And Good Voyage
(Our Lady Of Antipolo)

On March 25, 1626, Governor Don Juan Niño de Tabora, on his journey from
Mexico to the Philippines, brought with him a brown image of our Blessed
Virgin Mother on board the galleon, El Almirante. Despite the stormy seas
and a fire on board the El Almirante, the ship arrived safely on July 18, 1626.
Governor Tabora accredited their successful voyage to the image of the
Blessed Virgin. He called for a grandiose celebration with fireworks and
procession from the Church of San Ignacio, the Jesuit Church in Intramuros, up
to the Manila Catholic Cathedral, which became the first house of the Blessed
Virgin's image. The safe voyage of the El Almirante and the following eight
galleons from Acapulco to Manila continued to be attributed to the Blessed
Virgin, earning her the name Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buenviaje (Our Lady
of Peace and Good Voyage).

With the passing of Governor Tabora in 1632, the care for Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage was given to the
Jesuit fathers. At that time the Jesuits were constructing the Church of Antipolo. Tradition has it that the
statute was relocated twice but both were futile as the brown image was always found on the trunk of a tipulo
(breadfruit) tree, which grew in the original site of the old church. The trunk of the tipulo was eventually cut down
and made into a pedestal for the Blessed Virgin, who became known to the residents as the Virgin of Antipolo or
Our Lady of Antipolo. On November 26, 1926, the Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buenviaje was canonically
crowned in Luneta by the Most Rev. Michael J. O’Doherty, Archbishop of Manila.

During the Japanese occupation the Virgin of Antipolo was taken to the mountains of Santolan, now called Angono.
Although there were steep mountain trails the 500 people who were on the journey felt very safe. Subsequently,
the Blessed Virgin was temporarily housed in the Ocampo residence at Quiapo and later transferred to the Quiapo
Church. And finally on October 15, 1945, the Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buenviaje was returned to its original
and permanent sanctuary at the Church of Antipolo. Every year thereafter devotees of the Virgin of Antipolo
commemorate this transfer. They gather at the Quiapo Church to join the "Alay Lakad" from Quiapo to the
Antipolo Cathedral starting at around 8:00 p.m. (30th of April) until dawn of the following day (1st of May).

Chosen by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines as the most symbolic image of Filipinos abroad, a
replica of Our Lady of Antipolo was brought to the United States. On April 15, 1995, the replica was enshrined at
the Chapel for Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception.

(Compiled by the Filipino Ministry – DSB, May 2008)


San Lorenzo Ruiz
(First Filipino Saint)
Lorenzo Ruiz was born in Binondo, Manila between 1600 and 1610. With a
Chinese father and a Filipina mother and as an altar boy and sacristan for
Dominican priests, Lorenzo learned Chinese, Tagalog and Spanish. His fluency and
beautiful penmanship enabled him to work as a professional calligrapher,
transcribing documents. He was a full member of the Confraternity of the Holy
Rosary under Dominican auspices. He married and had two sons and a daughter.

Lorenzo’s life took an unexpected turn when he was accused of murder. Lorenzo
took refuge with the Dominican priests. Nothing is known further about this mishap
other than the statement of two Dominicans that "he was sought by the
authorities on account of a homicide, in which he was present or which was
attributed to him." On June 10, 1636, Lorenzo was allowed to accompany three
Dominican priests, Antonio Gonzalez, Guillermo Courtet and Miguel de Aozaraza,
together with Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz, a Japanese priest and a layman
named Lazaro, a leper, on their journey to Japan. He was not aware that they
were headed to Japan, in spite of a violent persecution there, until they were at sea. Lorenzo could have gone on to
Formosa, but, he reported, "I decided to stay with the Fathers, because the Spaniards would hang me there." Lorenzo
and his companions landed in Okinawa.

In Japan they were soon found out and arrested. On July 10, 1636, they were taken to Nagasaki - the site of
wholesale bloodshed when the atomic bomb was dropped and where 50,000 Catholics were dispersed or killed by
persecution. Lorenzo and his companions were subjected to an inexpressible torture. Having huge quantities of water
forced down their throats, they were thrust to lie down and long boards were placed on their stomachs. Guards
stepped on the ends of the boards, violently forcing water to spurt from their mouths, noses and ears. Fr. Antonio,
the superior, died after some days. Fr. Vicente and Lazaro broke under torture, which included the insertion of
bamboo needles under their fingernails, but were brought back to courage by their companions.

In his moment of crisis, Lorenzo asked the interpreter, "I would like to know if, by apostatizing, they will spare my
life." In the ensuing hours, however, Lorenzo felt his faith grow strong. He became bold and daring, stating to his
interrogators “That I shall never do, because I am a Christian and I shall die for God, and for Him I will give many
thousands of lives if I had them. And so do with me as you will please.”

Lorenzo and his four surviving companions were slowly put to death. He and his companions were taken to the
“Mountain of Martyrs” on September 27, 1637. They were tightly bound with semicircular boards fitted around
their waists and hung upside down in pits. Stones were put on top of the boards to increase the pressure and
slowdown circulation to prevent a speedy death. After three days, Lorenzo and Lazaro were dead and the three
priests, still alive, were beheaded.

On February 18, 1981, Lorenzo was beatified by Pope John Paul II during his visit in Manila. On October 18, 1987,
Lorenzo was canonized and became the first Filipino saint and martyr.

(Compiled by the Filipino Ministry - DSB, May 2008)


Blessed Pedro Calungsod
Pedro Calungsod, a Visayan native, was born in 1655. During his boyhood Pedro
was trained as a catechist in a boarding school run by the Jesuits in the Visayas.
He was skilled in the arts – carpentry, drawing, painting, acting, singing and oratory,
delivering discourses in Visayan, Spanish and Chamorro. He was an excellent and
brilliant young man.
In 1668 young Pedro was chosen to accompany Fr. Diego de San Vitores and
other Jesuit missionaries from the Philippines to the Ladores Islands to
evangelize the native Chamorros. Despite devastating typhoons, difficult terrain
and scarce provisions for the Mission, the missionaries persevered. The Ladores
Islands were later renamed Mariannas Islands by the missionaries in honor of the
Blessed Virgin Mary and María Ana, the Queen Regent of Spain, who was the
benefactress of that Mission.
The missionaries, blessed with many conversions among the Chamorros, caused
envy and rivalry with medicine men. In particular a Chinese quack named Choco

spread rumors of infants dying due to the poison in the baptismal water because some sickly Chamorro infants died
after baptism. Many Chamorros believed the calumniator and eventually apostatized. The apostates together with
the Macanjas (sorcerers) and the Urritaos (young male prostitutes) began persecuting the missionaries.

On Saturday morning, April 2, 1672, just before the Passion Sunday of that year, 17 year-old Pedro and Fr. Diego
went to the village of Tumon to baptize a newborn baby girl.

The baby’s father Matapang, who was a Christian and friend of the missionaries, having apostatized angrily refused to
have his infant daughter baptized. While Matapang was enlisting and cajoling a non-Christian villager named Hirao to
kill Pedro and Fr. Diego, Matapang’s Christian wife consented to the baptism. Upon hearing of the baptism,
Matapang became aggressive, violently throwing his spears to Pedro and Fr. Diego. After shunning some spears,
Pedro was hit on the chest and fell to the ground. Hirao vigorously attacked Pedro and finished him with a blow of a
cutlass on the head. Fr. Diego was also killed. After the murder, Matapang took Fr. Diegos’ crucifix pounded it with a
stone while blaspheming God. Matapang and Hirao denuded and dragged the bodies of Pedro and Fr. Diego to the
edge of the shore, where they tied large stones to the feet of the corpses. Thereafter, they took the bodies on a
proa and threw them into the deep. The bodies of Pedro and Fr. Diego were never found.

The missionaries remembered Pedro as a young boy with very good dispositions. They recalled that Pedro was a
virtuous catechist and a faithful assistant to Fr. Diego and the Mission. They described Pedro to be a good Catholic
whose perseverance in the Faith even to the point of martyrdom proved him to be a good soldier of Christ (cf. II Tim
2:3). The missionaries declared that Pedro was a fortunate youth, persevering in his service to God in the mission
and the precursor of their superior Fr. Diego in heaven.

On October 6, 1985, Fr. Diego Luís de San Vitores was beatified. His beatification paved the way for young Pedro
Calungsod and on March 5, 2000, Pedro was beatified by Pope John Paul II.

(Compiled by the Filipino Ministry - DSB, May 2008)


Mother Ignacia Del Espiritu Santo
Mother Ignacia was the eldest of four children of a Chinese immigrant from Amoy,
China Jusepe Iuco and of a native Filipina María Gerónima. She was born in Manila,
Philippines in 1662 and baptized Ignacia del Espiritu Santo on March 4, 1663, at the
Holy Kings Parian.

Mother Ignacia spent her childhood in Chinese Binondo, Manila. In 1682 instead of
accepting her parent’s request to marry, Ignacia sought spiritual direction from a
Jesuit priest, Fr. Paul Klein, who had arrived in Manila from Bohemia. The priest gave
her the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.

After a period of solitude and prayer, determined to "remain in the service of the Divine
Majesty" and "live by sweat of her brow," Ignacia left home. With only a needle and a
pair of scissors in her possession, she began to live alone in the house located at the
back of the Jesuit College of Manila. Subsequently, she accepted yndias (natives)
who were attracted by her life of prayer and labor and felt called to the religious life but could not be admitted into the
existing congregation at that time. Thus her first community was born and became known as the Beatas de la Compania de
Jesus because they frequently received the sacraments at the Church of St. Ignatius. With the Jesuit fathers as their
spiritual directors and confessors, the community performed many acts of devotion. Together they assisted the Jesuit
Fathers in their retreats by preparing and disposing the retreatants to Spiritual Exercises.

Mother Ignacia centered her life on the suffering of Christ. She tried to imitate him through a life of service and humility,
expressing her spirituality of humble service in her capacity to forgive, to bear wrongs patiently and to correct with
gentleness and meekness. She emphasized charity in the community, dedicating it to the Blessed Mother whose spirit
runs through the rules written for the guidance of the Beatas. Mother Ingnacia strove to be the living image of Mary to
her companions. She exhorted them to make Mary their model in following Jesus.

On July 1, 1726, Mother Ignacia completed the Constitutions of her community and submitted them for approval by the
Fiscal Provisor of Manila. After the approval was given in 1732, Mother Ignacia gave up her responsibility as superior of
the house and lived as an ordinary member until her death. Father Murillo Velarde of the Society of Jesus observed that
Mother Ignacia had no desire to command and control and saw this as a great sign of humility. Fr. Velarde described
Mother Ignacia as a "true valiant woman" who overcame the great difficulties which she met in the foundation from the
beginning to the end. She was "mortified, patient, devout, spiritual, and zealous for the good of souls." Mother Ignacia died
at age 85 after receiving Holy Communion on September 10, 1748, still on her knees at the communion rail. She was
interred at the Church of Saint Ignatius.

Elevation to Venerable

In the early 1980’s Sr. Maria Isabelita Riego de Dios, RVM, began and intensively promoted the cause for the
beatification of Mother Ingnacia del Espiritu Santo. In 1986 then Manila archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin began the
canonical process for Mother Ignacia’s beatification. A miracle was attributed to Mother Ignacia when Victoria Peña-
Utanes, a diabetic, was cured of a left foot infection through the intercession of Mother Ignacia.

On July 6, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI, during a private audience on July 6 with Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, CMF,
prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, authorized the promulgation of decrees, including Mother Ignacia del
Espiritu Santo, among the16 holy men and women who will be elevated to the altars. After almost 259 years, the
Vatican finally declared Mother Ignacia “Venerable.”

On February 1, 2008, Manila Archbishop, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales presided over the promulgation at the Minor
Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Manila.

(Compiled by the Filipino Ministry - DSB, May 2008)


HJM Financial Group
Maasahan, Tapat at Mabait Maglingkod sa inyo.
We provide a free preliminary consultation for these and many other
financial services:

Retirement Planning

Real Estate Exchanges

Trust Advisory Services

Life Insurance & Annuities

Funeral and Final Expense Plans

Revere Mortgage & Cash Flow Planning Hugh J. McDonald, CSA


Ca. Ins. Lic. #OB09971
Estate Planning & Estate Transfer Strategies & Priscilla Reyes McDonald

Tawag agad! 951-699-2055 or 800-877-701-6750 for all your financial service needs.

Attention! Why go to L.A., San Diego and Orange County for Quality Immigration (Legal) Service?
Residents of Oceanside, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Temecula, Murrieta, Sun City, Menifee, Perris,
Moreno Valley, San Jacinto and Riverside County: Call us at (714) 956 8595 or (951) 296 8220
Free Initial and Confidential Consultation!
IMMIGRATION FAMILY Law BUSINESS Formation CONTRACT Drafting
(Family and Employment) (Divorce and Settlement) (C Corporation, L.L.C., and etc.) (Personal and Business Contracts)

Maasahan, Tapat at Mabait Maglingkod!

PONFERRADA LAW OFFICES


B. Karlo M. Ponferrada, ESQ.*
*Licensed, California and Philippine Bar (Active)
Graduated with Honors, Ateneo School of Law, Class 1992
Speaks Fluent English, Tagalog, Waray, Ilonggo, and Cebuano
Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

For Residents of L.A. and other areas:


Meet us at our Anaheim Law Office: EL RANCHO PLAZA, 421 N. Brookhurst Street, Suite 228 B, Anaheim, CA 92586
Holy Family Church
9974 I Ave.
Hesperia, CA 92345
(760) 244-
244-9180
E-mail: lou.j@hfchesperia.org
http://www.hfchesperia.org

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Devotional Prayer


Devotion to the Santo Niño
Every Wednesday at Every Wednesday following
6:30 p.m. the Devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Home of the Famous
Manila Boy Fried Chicken
at Masarap ng
Lutong Kapangpangan

Inland Empire
909/5228236 Rancho Cucamonga Office (Drop-off Special!!)
760/4646862 Palm Spring and La Quinta Agent
951/8457005 JM Asian Market Beaumont Agent
951/8455069 Hemet and Sun City Agent
909/8032488 Fontana and Victorville Agent
951/2646329 Corona and Riverside Agent
951/7697165 Moreno Valley Agent
CONGRATULATIONS & BLESSINGS
ON THE 15th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
OF THE FILIPINO MINISTRY
DIOCESE OF SAN BERNARDINO

Greetings from the Officers & Members


Of the Filipino Ministry of
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha
Catholic Community of Beaumont/Banning
The Filipino Ministry of Saint Francis of Assisi Church
La Quinta 92253
Congratulations to the 15th Year Anniversary of the Filipino
Ministry—DSB. May our good Lord Jesus Christ continue to
bless the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino.

Officers
Head Servant::
Alicia A. Solitaria Devotions
Associate Head Servant:
Honey Luntok-Moore
Secretary:
Joy Del Rosario
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Evangelization & Education: Every Wednesday after the 8:00 AM Mass
Maribon Veloro
Liturgical Services & Worship:
Jelly Luntok-Robertson Our Lady of Fatima
Ways & Means: Every Friday (Block Rosary)
Arlene Malundas
Pastoral Care & Services:
Ula G. Carlos Distributed Easter Baskets
Pastor: With food to the needy families in Mecca
Rev. James McLaughlin VF
Spiritual Director:
Fr. Dennis Legaspi
Office Hours By Appointment
Tel: (951)492-0900
Fax: (951)492-0985

HEMET OB/GYN
2390 E. Florida Ave. Suite 104
Hemet, CA 92544

Renato G. Judalena, M.D. Jacqueline S. Sevilla, M.D


Congratulations on the 15th Year
Anniversary of the Filipino Ministry
- Diocese of San Bernardino!
Rosary makers are wanted. No experience
necessary. Free instructions & materials.
Food, fun, and fellowships. For more infor-
mation, contact Elizabeth Tamayo at
(909)421-7030.

From the Rosary Makers of


Congratulations
to the Filipino Ministry
Blessed John XXIII,
of the Diocese of San
Rialto Center Bernardino!
Mabuhay ang Filipino Ministry,
Happy 15th Year Anniversary & many
more to come. God Bless.
Ed Purcell, President Filipino Club

Filipino Association of San Bernardino County


(Front sitting left to right)
Joe Tacal, James Tuazon, Jarrie Rodriguez-VP, Bing Johnson, Gloria Farshay,
Ed & Maria Purcell—President of Filipino Club
(Front sitting left to right)
Tammy Sturgis, Nevilla Maxwell, Nena Flores, Rene Casaclang, Frank Rodri-
guez, Menchie Bungeang, Hermie De La Pina, Honey & Money Lazo, Letty Cri-
tis, Zarina Gordovez, (not at picture Betty Tuazon)
(This picture was taken last Hawaiian Night, Dinner & Dance)
CONGRATULATIONS!
Best Wishes & Prayers
From
BLESSED JOHN XXIII
FILIPINO COMMUNITY CHOIR
Ramon & Anita Rene & Christy Arthus & Espie

Sotero & Liza Ed & Anne Jun & Paz

Belen Mae & Ella Lari & Liza

Ning & Juliet Zeny

Congratulations to the Filipino Ministry - DSB for


their 15th Year Anniversary!
Zonia Navarra - Soprano, Coordinator
Marion Navarra - Tenor, Lead Guitarist
Karen Nario - Soprano, Music Coordinator
Julie Ann Nario - Alto, Alternate Guitarist
Tony Nario - Tenor
Juliet Nario - Soprano
Josie Dandan - Soprano
Miles Ballesteros - Tenor
JJ Dela Cruz - Guitarist
Vicki Dela Cruz - Alto

From the Himig Filipino Choir of Blessed John XXIII,


Fontana Center, Tel # (909)561-3130
JM Asian Market
800 E. 6th Street
Beaumont, CA 92223
(951)845-7005
Tues - Sat: 10:00 am—7:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am—7:00 pm
Mondays and Holidays: Closed

Welcome to your Filipino store in the Pass Area where


prices are very reasonable. Ang tanging mahal lamang
ay...Kayo! We treat our customers as family and your
satisfaction is guaranteed.
Come, check us out.

Congratulations and Blessings


on the occasion of the 15th year anniversary
Of the Filipino Ministry - DSB
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Excellence in Caring

1665 E. Eighth Street


Beaumont, CA 92223

Phone - (951)845-3125
Fax - (951)769-1582

Mabuhay and Congratulations


to the Filipino Ministry—DSB!

Our Love and Prayers,


Nini, Jason & Melanie Dyogi
More Power to the Filipino Ministry of
the Diocese of San Bernardino and
Congratulations!

Left to Right:
Lisa Barreto, Pat Mislang, Fr. Arlan, Rudy Soliman, Perla Soliman,
Bishop Gerlad Barnes, David Gutierrez, Belen Gementera, Fr. Tony
Abuan (not in picture Malu Cruz and Mario Barreto)

From Our Lady of the Desert Filipino Ministry


From the Queen of Angels Filipino Choir
Rene & Bing Urmanita Don & Xenia Neypez
Maybelle Carbajal Rosalia Stevens
Monet & Jerry Porras Roger & Amy Del Barrio
Marita Quinones & Kids Constancia Faraon
Marites Becker Boyet
Emma Masters
ALLIED REHAB SERVICES, INC.
“Providing Rehabilitative Services to the Skilled Nursing Facility”

ROSALINDA T. JARVINA
President/Administrator

• Physical Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Speech Pathology

21527 Berendo Avenue, Torrance, CA 90502


Tel. (310)618-8286 * Fax (310)618-8455
A Non Emergency Medical Transportation
12234 Chydesdale Dr.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739

(909)899-0157

Fax (909)463-9242
Zozimo & Theresa Malana - Owners

“What you are is God’s gift to you,


What you become is your gift to God.”

Love & Respect Your Elders


Happy 15th Anniversary Filipino
Ministry - DSB!

From the Families of:

Cesa - Sonny, Carrie, Aaron. Flores - Tony, Meredith, Marcus, Madison.


Hunt - Thomas, Judy, Amanda, Emmanuel, Nanay Mira. Jamisola -
Ariel, Alyn, Alexis, Allyson. Majestrado - Quin, Nona, Johnmil, Nany
Vinying. Mast - Darrel & Armida. Yazzi - Andy, Nikki, Sammy.

Saint Anthony’s Parish


San Jacinto, CA
Congratulations to the 15th Year
Anniversary of the Filipino Ministry
Diocese of San Bernardino from...

Diplomate
American Board
of
Family Practice

1264 E. Latham Avenue


Hemet, CA 92543
(De Anza Professional Building)

Tel. (951)658-1112
Happy 15th Anniversary
to the Filipino Ministry
of the Diocese of San
Bernardino!
From the
Lord of Pardon Prayer
Group, Inc.—Riverside &
Moreno Valley Chapter
Congratulations & Mabuhay
to the
15th Anniversary of the Filipino Ministry - DSB
Greetings From
Parishioners of
St. Peter & St. Paul Church
- Pons & Ging - Fred & Vi
-Tony & Ellen - Johnny & Sandy
- Louie & Annie
Congratulations To
The Filipino Ministry
Diocese Of San Bernardino
on their

15th ANNIVERSARY
Happy 15th Anniversary to the
Filipino Ministry of the Diocese of
San Bernardino!

From,
Aida Reyes
Happy 15th Anniversary
to the Filipino Ministry
of the Diocese of San
Bernardino!
From the
Lord of Pardon Prayer
Group, Inc.—Fontana,
Rialto, & Rancho Cucamonga

MIRAVILLA CARE CENTER


Best wishes to the Filipino
Ministry of the Diocese of
San Bernardino.

Congratulations on your
15th Anniversary!

Our Lady of Guadalupe


Church, San Bernardino
More Power to the Filipino
Ministry of the Diocese of
San Bernardino!

Congratulations on your
15th Anniversary!

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel


10079 8th Street
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Events by Jonathan David Inland Empire Directory,
etc. c/o Hermie Natividad

Sanchez/Cristobal Family
St. Peter & St. Paul Parish
St. Peter & St. Paul
Pauline Jubilee
St. Adelaide Catholic
Church
St. Thomas the Apostle
Congratulations
to the
Filipino Ministry—DSB
on their
15th Anniversary!

Juan & Josie Imus


St. Christopher Church Fili-
pino ministry
CONGRATULATIONS
To the Filipino Ministry, DSB
On your 15th Anniversary
Greetings from,
Godofreda B. Sumalangcay, M.D
Pediatrics
1800 N. Western Ave. Suite 202
San Bernardino, Ca 92411
(909) 880-
880-3065
More Blessings and Best Wishes!
Ester M. Rodriguez, DVM
MON - FRI FULL HOSPITAL SERVICE
8:30-12 NOON 1:30-5:00 PM INCLUDING SPAY & NEUTER
SATURDAY 9:00 AM-2:00 PM VACCINATION CLINIC EVERY SAT.

BLUE CROSS ANIMAL HOSPITAL


ESTER M. RODRIGUEZ, DVM

10593 MILLS AVENUE (909) 621-2988


MONTCLAIR, CA 91763 (909) 621-2989

(951) 485-1095

AIRLINE TICKETS

(951) 485-1096
blessed John XXIII Church

Вам также может понравиться