First Saturday Of 2025
It is the first Saturday of January and the first Saturday of 2025. I continuously observe the first Saturday devotion in reparation to the blasphemies to the Immaculate Heart of Mama Mary. The devotion is only for five first Saturdays; but, I wanted to do it continuously.The devotion have the following elements:
- To go to Confession either on the First Saturday itself or at least one week before or one week after the First Saturday itself.
- To receive Holy Communion on the First Saturday itself (preferably at Holy Mass).
- To pray five decades of the Rosary on the First Saturday itself.
- And to keep Our Lady company for at least fifteen minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, following the praying of the Rosary, on the First Saturday itself.
The conditions of the devotion are:
- That the practice be done on the First Saturday of five consecutive months.
- That the practices be done precisely with the intention of making reparation to Our Lady for the sins of blasphemy and ingratitude against her and her Immaculate Heart.
Blasphemies against the Blessed Virgin include: - those against her Immaculate Conception;
- those against her perpetual virginity;
- those against her Divine maternity and which are carried out by persons refusing at the same time to accept her as the Mother of mankind;
- those which are carried out by persons who try publicly to implant in the hearts of children an indifference, contempt, and even hate for this Immaculate Mother; and
- those which are carried out by persons who insult her directly in her sacred images.
But first, I completed my groceries at The Landmark Supermarket, leaving Edgar, the driver, to bring home the groceries. He will also walk Theo, the dog, upon arriving at the condominium. Hehe!
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| The Landmark Supermarket |
I walked my way to Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel for the confession and to attend the Mass. After the confession, while waiting for the Mass, meditated on the third Glorious Mystery, prayed the Precious Blood chaplet, and joined the rosary as a community.
Speaking of sins (confession), I remembered one video of Monsignor Rossetti. If you are being tempted, we can say:
"In the holy name of Jesus, I reject the evil spirits of [name the temptation]. I reject them; I renounce them; I rebuke them. In Jesus' holy name, I cast them out!"
"In the holy name of Jesus, I reject the evil spirits of [name the temptation]. I reject them; I renounce them; I rebuke them. In Jesus' holy name, I cast them out!"
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| Greenbelt Chapel |
The Mass presider is Fr. Paolo. He started by asking if we have a New Year's resolution. Begin with the end in mind.
For those who have resolutions, it should be S.M.A.R.T. Simple. Measurable. Attainable. Realistic. Time-bound.
Others have a motto or a mantra. For example, "trust the process", "focus forward", "never again <trait>", "less, more" (less talking, more listening; etc.)
Give clarity of our vision. The Devil distorts our vision; thus, we must be discerning.
He shared the prayer of St. Augustine "Let me know You, O You who know me; then shall I know even as I am known."
Pray for the gift of clarity of vision. Pray for the correctness of vision. Pray for control of vision (silence, meditation).
Since Mary Mother of Hope Chapel at The Landmark is one of the Jubilee churches, went there hoping to gain a plenary indulgence. Unfortunately, its inauguration would still be on January 17--meaning that is when its "doors" will be opened.
So, I went to One Ayala for lunch. This time, I tried Secret Recipe. It is also a member of the Bistro Group. Hmm... Maybe it is about time I get the BFF card...?
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| Secret Recipe |
The waitress there recommended the Pan-grilled fish cutlet with lobster sauce (PhP475.00), Fried rice with chicken satay (PhP375.00), Nesi lemak (PhP495.00/PhP895.00), and Grilled mushroom chicken chop (PhP345.00/PhP525.00). Opted for the grilled mushroom chicken chop. Not bad. Also tried their homemade chocolate hazelnut ice cream.
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| Grilled Mushroom Chicken Chop |
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| Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Cream |
Of course, would not miss my Frappuccino fix at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf where I started this blog. Better to remember, my dear, especially the homily. At around 3:30 PM, walked my way back to Greenbelt Chapel for the anticipated Mass. Hope no one is seating in my favorite seat/ pew. LOL
Since the anticipated Mass will celebrate the Epiphany, I commented loudly that I am hoping that they will give away a blessed chalk. The one beside me asked what the chalk is for, so explained to her. Somehow, our topic went to sacramentals. Unfortunately, the way I understood her, she thinks the holy salt and water is like an amulet as it provides protection to her body. She has cancer. I cannot correct her since the Mass would already be starting. Anyway, I gave her an exorcised oil. I also included her in my Mass intention.
At the end of the Mass, she said she would pray for me. I said to her that I already included her in my Mass intention. I explained to her in what portion of the Mass she should be saying her intention, that is, during offertory, right after the prayer of the faithful. The bread and wine are brought to the altar, and the priest begins the preparation and blessing of the gifts. When he uncovers the paten, we can mentally place our intentions on the host. Then the priest says, "Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father."
Fr. Godwin is the Mass presider.
Epiphany is from the word epiphanes meaning appearance.
From the Gospel, it is said that the Gentiles are co-heirs; thus, Jesus is not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles.
The main character of the Gospel is Herod and the three Magi, and both can be described with the three Ds.
- Decision. Both decided to see Jesus, but they have different motives/ intentions. The Magi to pay homage, Herod to kill the child Jesus. The Magi left their comfort zone, Herod remained--finding entails leaving. For reflection: Is our decision made to glorify God or ourselves?
- Discernment. Herod said to the Magi that he, too, wanted to honor the child Jesus. Nothing wrong with the statement of Herod but we must learn to also watch out for the person saying the words/ statement. Learn critical receptivity.
- Direction. The Magi took another route home after seeing Jesus. Encounter with Jesus will change us to be better.
Passed by BPI to withdraw before proceeding home.
Labels: Chromebook, food, frappuccino, grocery, Mass, rosary
posted by ~GFA~ @ 1/04/2025 03:06:00 PM
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