Thank You Divine Mercy Catholic Church

I was sick for almost 4 days in fact; when I woke up this morning I was still dizzy. It's Sunday and I don't want to miss the Sunday Mass so; I forced myself to get up and attend the 8AM mass at Merritt Island. I was so touched when the priest announced that there will be a second collection intended for the #Philippines.

As the world saw the helpless typhoon victims asking for food and water, the response of the foreign aid was immediate. It was overwhelming to note that people in foreign countries care and felt the urgency to extend help to my beloved country. Typhoon #Haiyan, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Yolanda has devastated most of the towns and cities in Visayas Region.

My family lives in Northern Mindanao, just south of the Visayas. Though we were spared on this typhoon, my family and relatives were victims of the Typhoon #Sendong in December 17, 2011. 11 of my relatives lived with us for a month. I thought about it during the mass. Though financially I didn't recover, bank's drained. I am thankful that my relatives are safe. God provides for all our material needs. I am thankful to God for keeping my immediate family safe from harm because I can't imagine losing one of them.

As the second collection was gathered, I look at the faces of the parishioners who gladly give a donation and I was teary eyed. Their $ will surely makes a difference in the lives of the typhoon victims. As a Filipino I am forever grateful for their generosity. Thank you parishioners of #DivineMercyCatholicChurch in #MerrittIsland , #Florida .

Choosing Between the Four Main Religions

Many people are looking to get involved with a religion. Religion not only adds meaning and purpose to life, but can also bring you closer together with other people who share your beliefs. Before choosing a church, it is important to understand the four different types of religion. After selecting a religion, you can then choose a specific church, or choose to attend a non-denominational church such as Platt Park Church.

 
Islam

Islam is one of the most disciplined religions, as it is strict in rules and customs. Believers worship Allah, and consider Muhammad their most recent prophet. The Qur’an, Five Pillars, the Hadith, and the fatwas are all essential components of the religion that guide rules and customs. Islam has over one billion followers and is mostly common in Africa, the Middle East, and Western, Eastern, and Southeast Asia.

Buddhism

Buddhism is different from most religions in that it is not centered around a belief in God. Buddhism is centered on the search for a way to end human suffering and is led by a Buddha. There have been many different Buddha, one for every era. Buddhism is based on the Four Noble Truths (teaching of dharma), Karma, the Noble Eightfold Path, and Samsara. Additionally, Buddhists believe in rebirth and strive for Nirvana. The religion also consists of meditation, honoring Buddha, and worshipping at the temple. This religion began in India and is currently also practiced in Southeast Asia, China, and Japan.

Judaism

Judaism began in the Middle East and now has over 12 million followers. It was started by the prophet Moses and uses the religious text the Tannakh (which includes the Torah). Jewish followers believe in God and follow the Laws of God, the Torah, the Oral Laws, and Dietary Laws. They also practice prayer, attend synagogues, and believe in Halakha.

Christianity

Finally, the religion with the most followers worldwide is Christianity. It is a religion centered on God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Like Judaism, this religion began in the Middle East, but then spread across the globe to Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The religion is centered on the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Common Christian customs include prayer, song, and partaking of sacraments. Christianity differs from many other religions in that there are many different sects with differing beliefs. If you choose the Christian religion, you must then focus on choosing which sect to join, or you can choose to attend a non-denominational church such as Platt Park Church.

Mass and Country

Today, our day started so early. At least for me, 8 AM is early on a Sunday and it's dragging my time! Hubby woke me up at 7 AM and we had to get ready to attend mass at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church by 8AM. We came in and noticed that there were so many Filipinos attending the mass today. I like it so far and everyone just smile but, not friendly enough to approach someone and become acquainted. The mass is very solemn and they save a portion of the time paying respect to the country in connection with the Fourth of July. We pray in unison for the people, for the President, for the Congress, for the citizen and for the country. I think that's pretty neat and everyone should be grateful for the FREEDOM which this great country has given us. God bless America and Enjoy your 4th of July celebration!

Holy Redeemer Church in Florida

I am presently burning with gladness! I just came from a Catholic seminar called Life in the Spirit held at the Holy Redeemer School Gym.This is the church that I visited today. The place is gigantic with beautiful landscape. Like many other churches, Holy Redeemer came from a humble beginning too. It started from a chapel owned by a family and by 1912, the first mass was said as it became a church. The need to make a bigger and beautiful church came in reality with the help of Father Nolan.
A period of 9 months construction, November 22, 1973 is the grand opening of the newly constructed Holy Redeemer Church. Look at it now! Amidst the monetary hardships which the parishioners were facing at that time, the church stood so gallantly up to the present.
If you want to become a member of this church, visit the Website or call the number above. The environment of this church is very beautiful and if you have children, this is a nice place to Educate your children.
All photos in this post were snipped from it's own Website: hredeemer.org and if you want to know more about this church, just visit the site or call the phone number listed above.

San Augustine Church in Cagayan de Oro City

I was browsing the net searching for pictures of my city. Then, I found this photo of my church where I usually go to attend mass on Sundays. This is San Augustine Church located in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

When I was about four or five years old, I joined the "Flores de Mayo" where little girls excited to dress as angels and learned some songs. This is the church where I go to.

I was able to sing in this church too as a member of a choir. I became a lector in a wedding ceremony of my friends held in this church also. When I close my eyes right now, I can remember the scent of this church and the nice garden at the back area.

I have so many memories in this church and I missed it a lot.

photo courtesy:wiverne flicker's page

Badly Damaged

One of the badly damaged building by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. This is a very nice Catholic Church located in US Highway 90, Biloxi area. Presently, an ongoing renovation has been done.

Nuestra Senora Virgin Del Rosario

These pictures are all taken by my cousin last Christmas. He is working in this church for so long now and he loves it because the priest who is a resident here is a kind hearted, friendly to the parishioners (old and young) alike and I tell you, gives a good homily too. We call him Fr. Exur Eballe. He made so much effort in building this church.

This is just a closer look of what the decoration looks like in every corner. A group effort of the parishioners.
Decoration on the window area. The church has many of these.
The view from the inside pillars. It is actually a chaplaincy before and just become a church late last year.
This is the altar. The flooring is made of marble as I recall. This is not a big church. The image of the flooded area below this post, this is their church.

The water did actually flow accross the street. The water just landed on the footsteps of this church. Nobody was hurt in this area. The flashflood happen in the morning so people are aware. The President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo visited the area.