500YOC MASS NOVENA - Immaculate Conception Church

35 Mountain Avenue,Somerville NJ 08876

25 July, 2021

Description

Weekly Sunday Mass Novena at different parishes in the Diocese of Metuchen to celebrate 500 years of Philippine Christianization. Excerpt of Pope Francis’ homily during Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on March 14, 2021 for the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines. "Dear brothers and sisters, five hundred years have passed since the Christian message first arrived in the Philippines. You received the joy of the Gospel: the good news that God so loved us that he gave his Son for us. And this joy is evident in your people. We see it in your eyes, on your faces, in your songs and in your prayers. In the joy with which you bring your faith to other lands. I have often said that here in Rome Filipino women are “smugglers” of faith! Because wherever they go to work, they sow the faith. It is part of your genes, a blessed “infectiousness” that I urge you to preserve. Keeping bringing the faith, the good news you received five hundred years ago, to others. I want to thank you, then, for the joy you bring to the whole world and to our Christian communities. I think, as I mentioned, of the many beautiful experiences in families here in Rome – but also throughout the world – where your discreet and hardworking presence became a testimony of faith. In the footsteps of Mary and Joseph, for God loves to bring the joy of faith through humble, hidden, courageous and persevering service. On this very important anniversary for God’s holy people in the Philippines, I also want to urge you to persevere in the work of evangelization – not proselytism, which is something else. The Christian proclamation that you have received needs constantly to be brought to others. The Gospel message of God’s closeness cries out to be expressed in love for our brothers and sisters. God desires that no one perish. For this reason, he asks the Church to care for those who are hurting and living on the fringes of life. God so loves us that he gives himself to us, and the Church has this same mission. The Church is called not to judge but to welcome; not to make demands, but to sow seeds; not to condemn, but to bring Christ who is our salvation. I know that this is the pastoral program of your Church: a missionary commitment that involves everyone and reaches everyone. Never be discouraged as you walk this path. Never be afraid to proclaim the Gospel, to serve and to love. With your joy, you will help people to say of the Church too: “she so loved the world!” How beautiful and attractive is a Church that loves the world without judging, a Church that gives herself to the world. May it be so, dear brothers and sisters, in the Philippines and in every part of the earth." a] For full text of Pope Francis' Homily: https://500yoc.com/full-text-pope-francis-homily-during-mass-for-the-500th-anniversary-of-the-evangelization-of-the-philippines/------------------- REGISTRATION INSTRUCTION Due to limited seating, registration is required for in-person Mass attendance. For the same household or group registration, one person can register but must select the number of persons attending. The person registering will be responsible in the event there is a need for contact tracing. The person registering will be responsible to find a replacement to fill up space in case of a cancellation in the group. Families of the same household may sit together. Please follow social distancing and other safety protocols established by the host Church. 1) Open a browser in computer or mobile device and type https://diometuchenfa.eventbrite.com 2) Click on Church/Mass you want to attend. 3) Click on register (green button). 4) In "Registration for In-Person Mass Attendance" section, click on “1” drop down box and select number of person attending. Click on register (red button). NOTE: ONE TICKET is required PER PERSON. 5) Enter your first and last name, a VALID email address, and telephone. Click register (red button) 6) Repeat steps 2-5 for other mass you wish to attend in person. 7) Check your email for registration confirmation. b] CBCP Pastoral Letter for 2021 Year of Missio Ad Gentes: https://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/becoming-jesus-missionary-disciples/; Most Reverend ROMULO G. VALLES, D.D. - Archbishop of Davao, President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines; 29 November 2020