Sunday, September 14, 2014

Grand welcome awaits Pope.

Manila, Philippines, October 23, 2014 - Pope Francis, head of the Worldwide Roman Catholic Church and Vatican City State, arrives today from Rome, Italy for a five-day pastoral and state visit aimed at strengthening the Filipino people's Christian faith and improving relations between the Church and the Aquino Government.

President Benigno Aquino III, during his regular press briefing, said he will discuss with the Pope key issues affecting Church-Government relations, including the Charter change, the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, the tension against China over the Scarborough Shoal, the Development Acceleration Program (DAP) and Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam of businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, the rehabilitation after the Zamboanga siege to the onslaught Yolanda caused in Visayas and the recent typhoon “Glenda” in Luzon last July, the P316-million Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds scam, P6.6 billion housing scam of Delfin Lee's Globe Asiatique (GA), P728 million fertilizer fund scam, the construction of major infrastructure projects, the crime rate in Metro Manila including robbery holdups, the high-profile killings: the killing of champion race car driver Enzo Pastor in Quezon City, Metro Manila and Crown Regency Hotel owner Richard King in Davao City, Davao del Sur last June 12, the gang rape and killing of 26-year-old Anria Galang Espiritu in Calumpit, Bulacan last August 18 and 7-year-old Myla Rosales in Barangay 845, Pandacan, Manila last September 6, the onslaught of typhoon Glenda, the 100 million population mark, the legal issues in DOTC such as: the rehabilitation of MRT-3, the awarding of the LRT-1 south extension project and P1.4-billion common station legal fiasco.

Mr. Aquino also assured that the Pope will be well-secured during his entire visit. Some 20,000 security personnel from various law enforcement agencies have mobilized for the visit.

The President said his talks with the Pontiff will very brief. But, Mr. Aquino hinted that the talks will ensure improvement relations between the Church and the Government.

Some 1,500 people will also be on hand to welcome the Pope. Upon the Pope's arrival, the President will deliver his welcome remarks, after which the Pontiff will deliver a message to the Filipino People.

Tomorrow, the Holy Father will make a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III at Malacanang's Music Room, to be followed by a one-on-one meeting between the two leaders. A Private audience with the First Family follows.

On Saturday, October 25, the Holy Father will officiate at the Celebration of The Holy Eucharist at the Philippine International Convention Center in celebration of the 420th Anniversary of the Elevation of Manila as a Metropolitan See and the Creation of Episcopal Sees of Cebu, Nueva Caceres and Nueva Segovia. He will then proceed to the Arzobispado de Manila for a Private Lunch with the Members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

At 4:30 P.M., the Holy Father will attend the Sapphire Jubilee annual founding anniversary celebration of Radio Veritas Asia and 36th Catholic Mass Media Awards at the Philippine International Convention Center Plenary Hall. He will then proceed to Luneta to attend the Vigil.

On Sunday, October 26, Pope Francis will celebrate Holy Mass at 6:45 P.M. at the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta for the 36th Anniversary Celebraton of annual founding anniversary celebration of evangelical Christian and Roman Catholic charismatic renewal religious group and movement Jesus is Lord Church.
This will be followed by a meeting with the members of the Federation of Asian Bishop Conference at the San Carlos Seminary Auditorium in Makati City.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
  • 3:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. – Opening Program
  • 4:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. – Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Worship and Healing Services by Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva, Founder, International President and Spiritual Director of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide
  • 6:30 P.M. – 12:00 A.M. – Overnight Vigil with the Pope
Sunday, October 26, 2014
  • 7:30 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. - Gospel Music and Life Testimonies 
  • 11:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. - Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Founder, International President and Spiritual Director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva's 81st Birthday Thank-Offering Salo-Salo 
  • 2:30 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. - El Shaddai Gospel Music Ministry Choir 
  • 3:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. - Helicopter Dropping of Miracle-Vision Handkerchiefs 
  • 3:30 P.M. - 3:35 P.M. - Thanksgiving Prayer for the Birthday Celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Founder, President and Spiritual Director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva and Anniversary Celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide to be led by Bro. Mike Z. Velarde, Founder and Servant-Leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Fellowship Foundation International, Inc. Roman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Religious Movement and release of Miracle-Vision Balloons 
  • 3:35 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. - El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines Gospel Music Ministry Choir 
  • 4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. - Message: Greetings, Special Sharing headed by His Excellency Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay, Sr. and other Special Guests 
  • 5:00 P.M. - 5:05 P.M. - Introduction of Guest of Honor: Bro. Mike Z. Velarde, Founder and Servant-Leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. Roman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Religious Movement 
  • 5:05 P.M. - 5:30 P.M. - Special Message: His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III
  • 5:30 P.M. - 5:32 P.M. - Special Song: "Hindi Kita Malilimutan" 
  • 5:32 P.M. - 6:10 P.M. - Talk - Holy Spirit: Building Community by Bro. Bo Sanchez, Chairman and Presiding Elder, Light of Jesus Community 
  • 6:10 P.M. - 6:20 P.M. - Angelus, Lord's Prayer and Psalm 91 
  • 7:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. - Arrival of the Pilgrim Image of San Lorenzo Ruiz and St. Pedro Calungsod at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park 
  • 7:30 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. - Arrival of Pope Francis from riding of Helicopter from the Helipad of Malacanang Park to the Back of Quirino Grandstand 
  • 7:45 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. - Joyful Worship in preparation for the Eucharistic Celebration: El Shaddai Gospel Music Ministry Manila Choir 
  • 8:00 P.M. - 11:30 P.M. - Eucharistic Celebration officiated by Pope Francis, as Main Celebrant, Bishop of Rome and Leader of Worldwide Roman Catholic Church, and other Roman Catholic Archbishops, Bishops, Deacons, Monsignors, Pastors, Priests Con-celebrating (Offertory: Villanueva Family) 
    • Prayers of the Faithful - Various Guests 
    • Celebration of Sacrament of Matrimony
    • Message: Archbishop Giuseppe PintoApostolic Nunciature of the Holy See to the Philippines 
    • Angelus Message 
    • Angelus Domini Prayer 
    • Farewell Message by the Pope 
    • Final Blessing
    • Message: His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III 
  • 11:30 P.M. - 12:00 A.M. - Special Anniversary Message by Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani, Jr., Bishop-Emeritus, Diocese of Novaliches and Over-all Spiritual Director of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc.
President Aquino and His Family, together with other government and church leaders, will sent off the Pope on the Morning of October 28 at the Old Manila International Airport. The Pope will fly on to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea for the continuation of his four-nation Asian tour.

The Pontiff's five-day visit is actually a fulfillment of a promise he made early last year when he assumed as pope on March 13, 2013 and he planned by announcing he will be in Manila in October.

Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis to the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Australia and Sri Lanka (October 22-31, 2014)

On October 22, 2014, three days after Beatification of Pope Paul VI, the Pope, he is going to Manila for the Papal Visit again. The route: City of Rome, Province of Rome, Italy (Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport) to Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines (at the Old Manila International Airport).

The Pope, who is scheduled to visit Manila from October 23 to 28, 2014

Schedule of the Pontiff
Thursday, October 23
  • 3:00 PM - Arrival (Welcome Ceremonies at the Old Manila International Airport)
Friday, October 24
  • 9:00 A.M. - Courtesy Visit to the His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III at Malacanang Palace
  • 10:45 A.M. - Holy Mass for the International Youth Forum at University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary Chapel
  • 1:15 P.M. - Greetings to Students at University of Santo Tomas Grandstand
Saturday, October 25
  • 9:00 A.M. - Holy Mass for the 420th Anniversary of Elevation of Manila as Metropolitan See and The Creation of the Episcopal Sees of Cebu, Caceres and Nueva Segovia at the Philippine International Convention Center Complex
  • 12:15 P.M. - Lunch with the members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of The Philippines at the Arzobispado de Manila
  • 4:30 P.M. - Silver Jubilee of Radio Veritas Asia at the Philippine International Convention Center Plenary Hall
Jesus is Lord Church 36th Anniversary Overnight Celebration
Saturday, October 25, 2014
  • 3:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. – Opening Program
  • 4:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. – Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Worship and Healing Services by Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva, Founder, International President and Spiritual Director of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide
  • 6:30 P.M. – 12:00 A.M. – Overnight Vigil with the Pope
Sunday, October 26, 2014 (Sunday Family Appointment with El Shaddai)
  • 7:30 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. - Gospel Music and Life Testimonies 
  • 11:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. - Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Founder, International President and Spiritual Director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva's 81st Birthday Thank-Offering Salo-Salo 
  • 2:30 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. - El Shaddai Gospel Music Ministry Choir 
  • 3:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. - Helicopter Dropping of Miracle-Vision Handkerchiefs 
  • 3:30 P.M. - 3:35 P.M. - Thanksgiving Prayer for the Birthday Celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Founder, President and Spiritual Director Bishop Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva and Anniversary Celebration of Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide led by Bro. Mike Z. Velarde, Founder and Servant-Leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. Roman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Religious Movement and release of Miracle-Vision Balloons 
  • 3:35 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. - El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines Gospel Music Ministry Choir 
  • 4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. - Message: Greetings, Special Sharing headed by His Excellency Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay, Sr. and other Special Guests 
  • 5:00 P.M. - 5:05 P.M. - Introduction of Guest of Honor: Bro. Mike Z. Velarde, Founder and Servant-Leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Fellowship Foundation International, Inc. Roman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Religious Movement.
  • 5:05 P.M. - 5:30 P.M. - Special Message: His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III
  • 5:30 P.M. - 5:32 P.M. - Special Song: "Hindi Kita Malilimutan
  • 5:32 P.M. - 6:10 P.M. - Talk - Holy Spirit: Building Community by Bro. Bo Sanchez, Chairman and Presiding Elder, Light of Jesus Community 
  • 6:10 P.M. - 6:20 P.M. - Angelus, Lord's Prayer and Psalm 91 
  • 7:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. - Arrival of the Pilgrim Image of San Lorenzo Ruiz and St. Pedro Calungsod at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park 
  • 7:30 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. - Arrival of Pope Francis from riding of Helicopter from the Helipad of Malacanang Park to the Back of Quirino Grandstand 
  • 7:45 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. - Joyful Worship in preparation for the Eucharistic Celebration: El Shaddai Gospel Music Ministry Manila Choir 
  • 8:00 P.M. - 11:30 P.M. - Eucharistic Celebration officiated by Pope Francis, as Main Celebrant, Bishop of Rome and Leader of Worldwide Roman Catholic Church, and other Roman Catholic Archbishops, Bishops, Cardinals, Deacons, Monsignors, Pastors, Priests Con-celebrating (Offertory: Villanueva Family) 
    • Prayers of the Faithful - Various Guests 
    • Celebration of Sacrament of Matrimony
    • Message: Archbishop Giuseppe PintoApostolic Nunciature of the Holy See to the Philippines 
    • Angelus Message and Prayer 
    • Farewell Message by the Pope 
    • Final Blessing
    • Message: His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III 
  • 11:30 P.M. - 12:00 A.M. - Special Anniversary Message by Bishop Teodoro C. Bacani, Jr., Bishop-Emeritus, Roman Catholic Territorial Diocese of Novaliches and Over-all Spiritual Director of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc.
Monday, October 27, 2014
  • 12:00 A.M. - 12:30 A.M. - Cultural Show and Fireworks Display with El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. Bagumbayan, Taguig City, Metro Manila,  Chapter Gospel Music Ministry Choir
    • Candle-Light with El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines Chapter Gospel Music Ministry Choir
  • 2:30 A.M. - 3:15 A.M. - Documentary about the history of big four largest religious groups: Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry, Jesus is Lord Church and El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. plus photos and video clips of Jesus the Healer from 1986 to 2014, Weekly El Shaddai Gathering from 1992 to 2014
  • 3:15 A.M. - 4:00 A.M. - Candle-Lighting Ceremony in preparation of Healing Message
  • 4:00 A.M. - 7:00 A.M. - Healing Message by Bro. Mike Z. Velarde, Founder and Servant-Leader of El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc.
  • 7:00 A.M. - 8:30 A.M. - Breakfast Salo-Salo
Monday, October 27 (FABC Plenary Assembly 2014)
  • 10:00 A.M. - Meeting with Members of the  Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences (FABC)
  • 12:05 P.M. - Dinner with Members of the FABC and other invited Roman Catholic Territorial Bishops
Pre-papal activities
International Youth Forum set today.

Over 300 delegates from all over the world are expected to attend the opening ceremony of the five-day International Youth Forum today at the University of Santo Tomas.

The Forum will be held at the Continuing Medical Education (CME) Auditorium at the St. Martin de Porres (Medicine) building.

Commencing the Jesus is Lord Church Anniversary Celebration Festival, the IYF delegates will be presented by Eduardo Cardinal Pironio, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

Expected to work on the theme of the anniversary celebration of Jesus is Lord Church: “Peace 10-26-2014”, the IYF will draw so a universal message to the youth of the world it also intends to present to Pope Francis on his arrival. The Pope arrives Thursday.

Representatives to the IYF were selected by their respective episcopal conferences from nations' diverse as South Korea, whose delegation arrived last Thursday, October 14 and France, whose young and seniors pilgrims to Asia’s only predominately Catholic country began planning in yesteday.

“The IYF is the nucleus of the World Youth Day”, said Rev. Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, UST Rector and Rev. Fr. Maximino Marina, O.P., secretary-general, who are expected chairman and executive secretary of the IYF. The WYD last celebrated in Rio de Janerio, Brazil last July 23 to 29, 2013. The IYF has also been descried as a mini-United Nations General Assembly. “[It’s like] a clearing house of relevant issues, reflecting in a formal and prayerful meeting the youth’s search for meaning”, explained Professor Giovanni Fontanilla of the Catholic Youth leader’s conference.

Apart from formulating the Universal Message, the IYF is excepted to come up with resolutions embodying the youth agenda for the succeeding years. They will also share their testimonies and present the Youth Statement and Vision and Commitment to the Church during the Closing Ceremonies on Tuesday, October 21, two days after Beatification of Pope Paul VI.

A Closing address delivered by Eduardo Cardinal Pironio and final celebration are the IYF culminating activities.

Pope Francis will con-celebrate Holy Mass exclusively for the IYF delegates on October 24 at the Central Seminary Chapel.

IYF delegates will be billeted at the UST Central Seminary, a short walk from the venue of the five-day religious forum, the UST CME.

Those who are expected to take part in other WYD activities will be staying in private homes and catholic colleges. A tent city erected by WYD sponsor Jollibee Foods Corporation in Luneta is also awaiting participants.

Many of these delegates will be “adopted” by parishioners for the duration of the five-day Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide Anniversary Celebration Festival from October 22 to 26, 2014.

In an effort to make the JIL celebration a success, DECS Secretary Brother Armin Luistro recently issued a memorandum calling for government officials to each adopt at least two delegates.

Some 200,000 visitors are expected to arrive in Manila in the following days. Luistro noted that since it was unlikely that both public and private facilities could cope with such an influx, government volunteers should take part in the DECS “Share a Hope (adopt JIL members)” program.

The Education Secretary also enjoined government officials and employees in the National Capital Region to send their children are 1 year old and above to the JIL Anniversary celebration.

Aquino proclaims October 23 nation’s Papal Visit Day.

President Benigno Aquino III yesterday declared October 23, 2014 as Papal Visit and authorized government men in Metro Manila to participate in the activities.

In Proclamation Number 520 dated October 20, 2014, the President said the Philippine Government recognizes the United Nations declaration of 2014 as International Year of the Filipino People. The UN first declared an IPY a decade ago and which brought forth a papal tradition of celebrating World Youth Day.

Mr. Aquino said the Pinoy TV aims to bring together people from all over the world to understand various cultures, work together for justice and peace and communicate in unity of message of faith, hope and love to the world.

The President issued the following guidelines to commemorate the celebration of the Jesus is Lord Church Anniversary Celebration:

Everyone is enjoined to actively participate in the most meaningful manner in the celebration of World Youth Day;

All public employees in the National Capitol Region who wish to participate in World Youth Day activities are authorized to do so

Private Sector employers and employee unions or organizations are encouraged to provide arrangements on a voluntary basis for their participation in activities;

Classes in all schools for all levels, both public and private, which are under the supervision of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports in the NCR are suspended from October 20 to 28, 2014 to allow the use of school activities for the Rosary Month activities and to facilitate the participation and mobilization of students in such activities. Schools in the NCR which are not supervised by DECS may issue their respective suspension of classes, as may be necessary, within the period;

Heads of schools outside the Metro Manila are enjoined to make arrangement for their faculties, students, and personnel to participate in the World Youth Day activities and

All National and local government agencies, departments and instrumentalists involved with the activities of World Day and concerned with maintaining peace and order, smooth traffic flow, health services, fire protection, utility services and other emergency services are directed to provide 24-hour continuous regular service on October 23 and for the entire duration of the Papal Visit.