'We are not orphans of Blessed Mother,' UST priest tells Thomasians

Blessed Mother never leaves Her children in times of war, violence, and persecution.

This is the reminder of the UST parish priest Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P. to Thomasians in his homily during the enthronement mass of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary at the Santísimo Rosario Parish last Sept. 21.

“The world is suffering, because of war, because of violence and persecution, however, we are not orphans, hindi po tayo mga ulila,” he said.

Coronel explained that various challenges were faced by the Santísimo Rosario Parish, but the Blessed Mother never abandoned it.

“After ng World War II, kailangang bumangon, pagkatapos no'n, nariyan po ‘yung challenge ng Vatican II, napakarami palang challenges,” he said. “However, […] hindi iniwan ng Mahal na Birhen ang parokyang ito,”

Amid the challenges in life, there is no reason to stop the celebration of feast, said Coronel.

Coronel cited the scene where the Blessed Mother was at the foot of Jesus Christ, never leaving Her son despite humiliation.

“Mary heard [demeaning] things, she suffered terrible humiliation. [H]owever, Mary did not go away. She didn’t deny her son because he was Her flesh,” he said.

“Sa misteryo ng rosaryo, isang bahagi lang po ang sorrow. Ang buhay po natin mas malaking bahagi ang masaya. [K]aya po tayo nagpipiyesta, kasi hindi po napatid ang biyaya ng Diyos sa atin,” he added.

Before the enthronement mass, a procession was held inside the university.

Thomasians and other parishioners joins the procession in the university. Photo by Christine C. Fabro.

The enthronement of Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario marked the start of festivities of the parish’s 75th founding anniversary with the theme “Ave Maria, Gratia Plena: 75 Years of Unending Grace."

The image of Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario during the procession. Photo by Christine C. Fabro.

Granting plenary indulgence

Coronel announced the Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary which granted plenary indulgence to Santísimo Rosario Parish.

“Para makamit ang plenary indulgence, kailangan […] may sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and ‘yung praying for the Pope, puwede sa sarili mong salita […] for the intention of the Pope,” he said. “In short, [ang] plenary indulgence [ay] ticket to heaven.”

Coronel said the Christian faithful, who are truly penitent and are fulfilled by charity, can acquire plenary indulgence from Sept. 1 Oct. 31. with reports from Joselle Czarina S. Dela Cruz