“Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving” – Psalm 95.2

Cyprus is among the most blessed nations that Pope Benedict XVI had chosen to visit. Thus, it is just proper to be grateful. Not all countries is given the chance to be visited by God’s representative.

On 15 January 1995, Pope John Paul II visited the Philippines and held mass at the Luneta Park to about 4-5 million people who paid him homage, the largest papal crowd ever. According to some people who had been fortunate to attend that mass, they had experienced a very strange feeling when the Pope passed by near them. The Pope had exuded an eternal aura, and they felt as if they had been lifted up from where they were sitting. In his visit, he championed the cause of the youth and this act had awakened the importance of developing the potentials of the young people. And despite his attempted assasination and his sickness, he had projected a serenity from within. So much so that even long after he returned to Vatican City, and even after he died, people still remember and admire him.

Now, his successsor, Pope Benedict XVI is another stalwart icon of christianity and he has been chosen well.

But what is really a Pope? I asked some people what they think about a Pope and about the coming of this particular Pope, but I was so disappointed because I only received a casual answer of “the head of the catholic church”, and “he comes to visit cyprus”. This only means that most people only see the Pope as just a mere head of a church. Who the Pope is and what or whom he represents is not known to a lot of people.

The Pope, being the leader of the Catholic church, is most revered by all members. And I must say that it should not ony be Catholics but all Christians should recognize what a Pope stands for. The Lord Jesus Christ had personally established this Christian leadership when He appointed Peter as head through His very own words: “Peter, you are the Rock, and on this Rock, I will build my church”. Thus, Peter is recognized as the first Pope and the other apostles as the first bishops.

History points out how Peter and the other apostles had established Christianity until Peter was persecuted in Rome during the time of King Nero. Hence, the name of the first church – Roman Catholic – because Christianity was first started in Rome. This is also the reason why the Holy See / Papacy is in Rome because the seat of Christianity is Rome.

Hierarchy in any organization is very crucial in establishing an orderly line of authority, accountability, and responsibility. Jesus Christ, who is the wisest leader, did not just leave His apostles without anybody to guide them. He has already seen the rivalry among His apostles and the self-interests of the others, that’s why He appointed Peter as their leader.

God became man through His son Jesus christ who lived among men. He died but rose again to show us that there is life after death. He returned to His Father but He did not leave us unatttended. He gave us Peter and the other apostles. Today, we have their successors, the Pope and the bishops.

Let us welcome Pope Benedict XVI and uphold what he represents.

12 – Eggs whites, 1 1/2 tsp – Cream of tartar, 1 1/2 cups – Sugar, divided, 1 1/2 tsp – Vanilla, 1 cup – Sifted cake flour, 1/4 tsp – Salt, Fruit or frosting, optional

Oven Temp ~ Preheat ovenIn large bowl, using a mixer beat egg whites with cream of tartar and vanilla at high speed until foamy. Add 3/4 cup of the sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating constantly until sugar is dissolved and whites are glossy and stand in soft peaks.

Sift together flour, remaining sugar and salt. Sift about 1/2 cup of the flour mixture over whites and gently fold just until flour disappears. Repeat, folding in remaining flour mixture 1/2 cup at a time. Pour into ungreased 10 x 3 3/4-inch Angel Food pan. Gently cut through batter with metal spatula.

Bake in preheated oven until top springs back when lightly touched with finger. Invert cake in pan on funnel or bottle neck. Cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours.

With narrow spatula or knife, loosen cake from pan and gently shake onto serving plate.

Serve with strawberries (see below) and whipped cream.

Omit almond extract and increase vanilla to 2 teaspoons. Reduce flour to 2/3 cup and sift in 1/3 cup Cocoa Powder. Prepare batter and bake as above.

Tips:

(Source: http://www.recipes4cakes.com)

2. Slice some fresh strawberries with a little bit of brown sugar (approx. 1 tbsp) and a splash of orange liqueur (approx. 1-2 tbsp), keep refrigerated until ready to use.

375°, Cake Baking Time ~ 30 – 40 minutes, Pan Type ~ 10 x 3 3/4-inch (Angel Food cake pan)1. Make sure that the bowl you will use for beating the egg whites and the cake pan do not contain traces of any kind of fat (butter or oil), wipe it clean with white vinegar on a kitchen paper.

By Ate Syl – Aglantzia

 Myla is a typical Ilocana. She’s neither that pretty nor that ugly. She doesn’t look her age at 38, stands about 5′1″ on her shapely body with brown sleek skin. She seems to be taking life seriously here in Cyprus for the sake of her children. Like many of us, Sunday is a very special day for Myla. This is the only day where she could relax, unwind the pressures from work at her employer’s house. In short, this is the only day where she could walk free, simply just be by herself. After six long and laborious days in a week, Myla just can’t wait for Sunday to come. By Saturday afternoon she was already cramming to iron out the remaining washed clothes of her Dame Merin so that she can also iron hers, a set of light brown cotton top and trousers make her even look younger and smart. She would pair it with a choco brown sandals. But before she could finally rest to bed, she has to text Carla and Susan where and what time they would meet tomorrow morning. They need to pay 10 and 5 respectively for the pasa load that she passed on their mobile phones five days ago. And she also has to remind Vilma to bring the two pocketbooks that she borrowed t he previous Sunday.

Last Friday was payday (end of the month), Liza must have to pay the 100 that she loaned a month ago including the 10 o/o interest. And yes, she also has to check her two grown up children in the Philippines to know how they are doing. Myla, assured that she’ll send them PHP10,000 as soon as she collects her salary. As she closed her eyes for the night, her mobile phone rung. Joyce, who got a Bangladeshi boyfriend, was inviting her to her birthday party tomorrow at 4pm in her flat. She politely declined. She just wanted to avoid going to such gathering thinking that there maybe other male guests who just out hunting for a girlfriend. No, partying just doesn’t sink in to her systems. Wearing a brown fendi shades, a black D and G ( both cheapy imitations) hung on her right shoulder and shopping bag full of pocketbooks on the other hand, she greeted Gina already sitting on the bench waiting for bus 55 to arrive in ten minutes. Myla have not seen Gina’s close friend Lorna for sometime now, so she asked where she must have been. Mr. Sotiri, the dumped former boyfriend of Lorna, was a 68 year old taxi driver, and is now the current boyfriend of Bridget, another friends of theirs. Bridget must have thought that Mr. Sotiri was still seing Lorna while she’s at work, and so to revenge, she reported her to the immigration. Lorna is now in the Philippines since six months ago.

The church was almost full when Myla arrived. She preferred to stand at the back right end side of the pews so that she could easily sneak out anytime. She ran her eyes through the head sitted in front of her hoping to spot even one or two girls from among those who she needed to collect money from. “SIYA NA NAMAN”! the girl right to her blurted out as she saw the middle- aged short lady climbed up for the first reading. She almost could not be seen anymore as she stands behind the lectern and yet she’s always there every single Mass on every single Sunday. It’s always a delight to listen to Fr. Andrew. He tries to incorporate the gospel with the day – to – day life events in his homily. Just anyone could relate to what he is saying, then cracks his signature wacky giggle “hi.hi.hi..aha!”

Myla clinched her way out just before the final hymn was sung. Then she positioned herself at the corner after ordering a plate of pansit and a tin of coke at Philcy, at half past eleven for lunch and for a short rest of sort. She only had a cup of coffee this morning. Leafing through her notebook of accounts, there are still 3 girls to chase up on telecards for a total of 25 before she could call it a day. Later, she will be joining her cousin at the internet cafe for about an hour before heading straight to Solomous Square to get the 5:20 bus to Latsia. Mr. Christos opened after she rang the bell. His crimpy greying hair shows his age of 57. Dame Merin and daughter were out to a friend’s tea party. Myla headed to check if the kitchen needed some tidying before settling herself in her bedroom. Haayy!! Thank God it’s Sunday, she sighed as she flattened her back on the bed. Tomorrow will again be another day.

By Josephine B. Miranda

(Media and Communication Team)

One heart, one soul. A catchy theme for His Holiness’ visit to Cyprus. I am trying to absorb the implication of this phrase, especially when you have to note its indicative plurality. Between the Pope and the entire Christian community, what does that mean? What is its relevance? One heart, one soul. How can it be? How can be the Pope and the people be one at heart and one at soul? Peace. That’s the ready answer. Yet again, are we ready to claim that illusive peace when disorder is commonplace?

As the news of his visit to Cyprus was confirmed, media reports had it that there are fanatical orthodox groups planning for a protest rally at the Ayio Kyriaki Church in Paphos. Another report said that an organization called the Pancyprian Orthodox Christian Movement (PAHOC) had distributed an anti- Pope leaflets written in Greek, in oppose to the up-coming visit to the island, “and harshly criticising Cypriot Bishops and President Christofias for remaining quiet about recent paedophilia scandals within the Catholic Church,” Politis paper reports.

In His Holiness’ visit to Portugal on May 14, 2010, Pope Benedict admitted that the greatest burden the catholic church is facing is not the sin outside, but from within the church itself. In a press release, he said that,

“This we have always known, but today we see it in a really terrifying way. The biggest weight on the church doesn’t come from the enemies outside but is born from sin inside the church…and so the church has a profound need to relearn penance, to accept purification, to learn on the one hand forgiveness but also the necessity of justice, because forgiveness does not substitute justice.”With this statement, it is crystal clear that the top leader of the Catholic Church is no blind to what is happening around and exhausting all the possibilities of a peaceful dialogue aimed at combatting the most pressing problem of unfaithfulness amongst the few church leaders and personalities. Further in Portugal, Pope reminded the Portuguese faithfuls that “Christ’s resurrection was an assurance that no adverse power would be able to destroy the Church. With this assurance, he said, faith was well founded,” “but this faith needs to come alive in each one of us.” The Pope reiterated that “A vast effort at every level is required if every Christian is to be transformed into a witness capable of rendering account to all and at all times of the hope that inspires him. Only Christ can fully satisfy the profound longings of every human heart and give answers to its most pressing questions concerning suffering, injustice and evil, concerning death and the life hereafter.”

The idea that there are quite a number of people who try to point out the negative aspect, that most have only singled out the mistakes of the limited few and blaming the Pope for his inaction is indeed enivitable, thus opposing this visit. Yet the majority of the Catholic Communities, the Maronites, Latin and expatriate Catholics are welcoming not just His Holiness presence but the chance of showing solidarity in the Church founded by the faith on Christ. Let us give way to an article below as published in the Holy Cross Newsletter.:

Good News in the Catholic Church

We are accustomed in our day and age to hearing the scandals, failures and sins of our leaders blasted across the leading news stories of the media. The Catholic Church is no exception to this, especially in these last weeks and months. Our Pope has publicly denounced the scandals and sins of certain priests and pastors of the Church, has vowed that justice will be brought to bear, and has promised that the Catholic Church will do penance for their sins, that have hurt and wounded persons and caused others to lose faith in Christ’s “One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church” on earth. During his recent visit to malta, the Pope met with victims of abuse, and wept with them.

However what the media does not say is that this very small percentage of unfaithful, unworthy pastors does not represent the whole Catholic Church. The media does not mention the thousands of good, faithful priests, who devote their lives to the Church and in fine service to God’s people, local communities and the world at large. It is no small thing that many priests, beloved and highly esteemed, celebrate their 5oth, 60th and even 70th Anniversaries of Priesthood, long years of self-sacrificial giving to the Church and the people, as good pastors and shepherds of the flock of Christ, under Jesus, the True and Good Shepherd of His Church. There are countless servants of the Lord, who have laboured faithfully for many years in distant Missions of the Church, often unknown and unrecognized, who have left their homes, countries, families and positions to follow the call of the Lord, some of whom have been laid down their lives in the footsteps of their Master. Yes, there is a lot of good news in the Catholic Church today, which we seldom hear.

This is the “Year of the Priest,” Let us respect and affirm and pray for our priests, pastors and teachers, as they seek to lead and guide us, as St. Francis admonished us to do. Let us pray for the unfaithful priests, who are now suffering for their past sins and failures, that the Lord will have mercy on them. Let us pray for the victims of abuse, that they may know the gentle, healing touch of Jesus in their lives. May we support and remain loyal to our Church, which is the Body of Christ in the world today. And when the Pope comes to visit us in Cyprus this coming June, may he shed tears of JOY, to be here among us. (A parishioner of the Holy Cross)

Peace in the midst of world’s disorder is cynically entertaining, and yet, challenging. The Pope being the head of the Roman Catholic church and the Sovereign of the Vatican City has carried this most challenging task of upholding peace under any circumstance. This is never an easy task, but in my own understanding, there is a way to make it happen, there is hope to make the church whole again. In this particular pastoral visit, Pope Benedict XVI continues to deliver the message of Christ’ love and encourages the dialogue amongst all the Christians and non Christians for the attainment of peace and reconciliation…to be One Heart, One Soul.

after that horrifying night of her birth, Katrina Joyce is now a nurse, herself caring for others. What a blessing indeed!

(Note: Reposting this article below which is dedicated to the birthday girl Tiny and to Mama. This was first posted here on 20th May 2007 – Archive.)

It is the 20th of May and I am so thankful because many years ago today, I experienced having a kid sister. I was the only girl in the family until Tiny or Katrina Joyce was delivered from my mom’s womb miraculously. Mom had a serious bleeding that Sunday morning that we all panicked as Dad drove us to the old Regional Hospital in Tagum City. There was no resident doctor that day so we drove past Davao City with dextrose attached to the arm of my half-conscious mom.

We reached Davao Medical Center and right then mom was readied for a Ceasarian Section delivery. Around half past 11 in the evening, a very tiny, pale and vulnerable, barely 8 months baby girl came out by normal delivery! Earlier that day I was so scared seeing my bleeding mom gasping for breath as she let her teardrops washed her cheeks silently. I knew and understood that it was unexplainably painful to be in that situation. Somehow, I felt the worst fear ever that I ran to the hospital’s chapel and prayed deeply for the first time in my life!

Placenta flava? I didnt understand what I heard from the doctor or what had implied in those medical words then. What I fully understood was that he asked me if anything wrong happens, whom to save? “The baby or your mom?” What answer a teenager like me then could give to the physician, you think?

For the record I answered “mom”. And hell, it broke my heart. It broke my heart because I dont want to lose ”the baby and the mom”. I still remember that my own eyes were fogged with tears as I ran to the chapel and prayed. I asked God to save both. God was so kind, indeed. Mama Terry was bleeding from the morning and God must have seen how she painstakingly fought to save her baby and herself. And she succeeded!

I still consider it a miracle for a barely 8 months baby girl to try to come out from the womb by normal delivery, despite the preceding agony she and mom went through the whole day! That was the happiest day of my life!

Well, that is the story of the birth of my only sister Tiny. She still is “tiny” to me. She always say that she looked up to me being a strong person. She didnt realize that if there is one thing I could describe as being strong by birth, that is her. Mama Terry was spared from the knife and needle and stitches brought about by CS delivery. Take note that if not seven, it must be nine, not eight months! Tell me, can there be any explanation for the word “miracle?”

Happy birthday Tiny! and to Mama Terry, it is said that mothers are angels on earth. Im hats off for the displayed courage! Happy Mothers’ day!

Pancyprian Games

15^{th April 2010 – Cathrine Beatty has successfully defended her title as the Pancyprian champion during the four-day event beginning 13th – 16th April 2010 at Zenon Athletic Centre in Larnaca. With three fouls and three good throws on the record, she managed to throw her personal best with a distance of 52.40m on her last throw. She represents Cyprus again for the Panhellenic Games, which this year is held in Chalkida, Greece between 3rd – 5th May 2010. The Cyprus team delegation left on Sunday, 2nd May 2010 and returns on 6th May 2010.}

^{Panhellenic Games}

^{4th May 2010 – Cathrine came 2nd on her event with a distance of 49.58m, well below her personal best but very happy with her result. Agapi Proskynitopoulou came first with a distance of 58.08m. Agapi came 5th during the Gymnasiade Doha 2009 with a distance of 50.07m. Prior to their departure for the Panhellenic games, the athlete throwers’ training schedules were disrupted for 4 days due to the freak weather condition in Nicosia, whereby every afternoon it rained and therefore no throwing was possible which was not an ideal preparation for an important competition. Cathrine was training every day for a minimum of two hours from Monday to Friday with a combination of throwing, technique (rhythms) and weight lifting after school hours. She is now ripping the result of her total dedication and commitments for this regime although at times it has not been easy for her and her parents, as she has to combine her other activities (volleyball and piano lessons) as well as studying for her important exams that are coming up very shortly.}

^{4th May 2010}

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Christening

 Wedding

Pope Benedict XVI arrival in Paphos, 4^th June 2010

Preparations for His Holiness’ voyage to Cyprus is now in full swing! For the Filipinos in Paphos, please come and join in welcoming our Holy Father for his arrival in Paphos. This is once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed. The Holy Father will be at the Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa in Paphos at around 15.15h for a short prayer. The Ecumenical Celebration will be held at 15.30h outside the church of Agia Kyriaki.

Para-liturgical programme (starts at 07.30h), Sunday 6^th June 2010

The Para-liturgical programme to entertain the faithfuls before the Holy Mass at 09.30h to be conducted by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday 6^th June 2010 at the Eleftheria Sports stadium in Makedonitissa, Nicosia will start at 07.30h. The Filipino community will be joining other Catholic communities in Cyprus during this event. There will be readings, special prayers and hymns included in the programme. Practise will be held every Sunday at the church garden (grotto) after the second mass at 10.30am for an hour. The two beautiful Tagalog hymns that were approved by the committee are “Ito ang Tinapay ng Buhay�? & “Isang Pagkain, Isang Katawan�?.

Pope in Cyprus official logo

Souvenirs VOLUNTEERS required! We are looking for volunteers to help us in the different booths to be set-up to sell the merchandise (souvenirs) during His Holiness visit to Cyprus, particularly on Sunday 6^th June 2010 at the Eleftheria Stadium in Makedonitissa, Nicosia. There will be t-shirts, hats, mugs, key rings, bookmarkers, etc. for sale. These will be available in the last 10 days before the visit through special selling kiosks / stalls at Holy Cross and Paphos Gate area plus ath the places of Papal events. Also, there will be availability of flags, Vatican and Cypriot, for creating the necessary atmosphere. Prices to be determined by Archbishop Soueif. Please contact Ester at 99-644856 if you can help and for more information.

VOLUNTEERS required! We are looking for volunteers to help us in the different booths to be set-up to sell the merchandise (souvenirs) during His Holiness visit to Cyprus, particularly on Sunday 6 June 2010 at the Eleftheria Stadium in Makedonitissa, Nicosia. There will be t-shirts, hats, mugs, key rings, bookmarkers, etc. for saleThese will be available in the last 10 days before the visit through special selling kiosks / stalls at Holy Cross and Paphos Gate area plus ath the places of Papal events. Also, there will be availability of flags, Vatican and Cypriot, for creating the necessary atmosphere. Prices to be determined by Archbishop Soueif. TicketsPlease note that everybody is required to have a ticket to get in to the stadium and there will be a mandatory security check for everyone. Tickets will be given 15 days prior to the event. Please contact the call centre at 22-313108 for more information.

Please note that everybody is required to have a ticket to get in to the stadium and there will be a mandatory security check for everyone. Tickets will be given 15 days prior to the event. Website and Facebook account:For more information, please check the official website of the Pope’s visit in Cyprus: http://www.papalvisit.org.cy and join “The Pope in Cyprus” group account at Facebook.