Notable Churches

*Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish (Quezon City) - I was baptized here, very fitting for June babies like me. Catholic faithfuls celebrate a feast in her honor every month of June…

“OurLady of Perpetual Help,” also known as “Our Mother of Perpetual Help” and “… of Succour,” is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our Lady of Perpetual Help seems to send the message, “You can come to me” to anyone in very trying moment. She is widely venerated among Catholic faithfuls.

*Our Lady of Fatima Parish (Makati City) - In my hometown, where I first served as a child and as a Theology student in college. Several important events of my family and close family friends, like weddings, baptisms, confirmation and funerals, were held here …

“Our Lady of Fatima” is another title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary, with respect to her apparitions to three shepherd children at Fátima in Portugal. The title “Our Lady of the Rosary” is also used in reference to the same apparition. The events at Fatima gained particular fame due to their elements of prophecy and eschatology, particularly with regard to possible world war. The reported apparitions at Fatima were officially declared “worthy of belief” by the Catholic Church. It can be claimed that majority of the places of worship in the country are named in her honor.

*Santa Clara de Montefalco Parish (Pasay City) - Where we held ceremonies as Marians, the title given to students and graduates of Saint Mary’s Academy and other Marian institutions. As Marians, we usually participate in Eucharistic celebrations in this parish, wearing our all-white gala uniforms. We also held our grade school and high school graduation ceremonies here…

“Santa Clara de Montefalco,” also called “Saint Clare of the Cross,” was an Augustinian nun and abbess. During her time she had visions of Jesus Christ. She also endured pain and suffering in the rest of her life after the vision. Yet she continued to serve her nuns joyfully as their abbess. Upon her death, a cross was found emblazoned on the flesh above her heart.

*Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus (Manila) - Where I go to pray and hear mass…

Saint Jude Thaddeus is also tagged as the “forgotten saint,” because he is oftentimes confused with Christ’s betrayer-disciple, Judas Iscariot. He is known as the patron desperate cases and lost causes. Those who seek his intercession receive more immediate and clearer answers to their prayers.

*Saint Joseph the Workman Parish (Caloocan) - Where I became a member of Singles for Christ…

“Saint Joseph the Worker (or Workman)” is a title given to Joseph, husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus. Every May 1, Catholic faithfuls celebrate a feast in his honor. This reflects Joseph’s status as what many Christians consider the “patron of workers” and “model of workers.” In addition, he was also proclaimed as the patron of the Universal Church. He is also the unofficial patron against doubt and hesitation, as well as the patron saint of fighting communism, and of a happy death.