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Octave of Christmas
Parish Capital Campaign
Patrick, Saint
Peter's Pence Collection
Pentecost
Pledge of Allegiance
Pope's Election
Resurrection of Jesus the Christ
Rosary
Rose of Lima, Saint
Rose of Lima: Patroness of Philippines
Sacred Triduum
Santa Claus
Solomon's Temple
Trinity
World Youth Day
Valentine, Saint
Voting

Why do we celebrate an Octave of Christmas?

Catholics really like to celebrate. When Easter comes around, we extend the celebration for fifty days until the Feast of Pentecost. In the same way, because of its importance, the Church extends the celebration of Christmas to cover a period of eight days. This period is known as an octave, which comes from the Latin octavus, which means "eighth."

Therefore, Christmas Day and the seven days that follow are part of the Octave of Christmas. The seven days include the following:

* The Sunday after Christmas is the feast of the Holy Family. The gospel recounts Jesus' childhood, and the other readings concern the virtues of family life.

* December 26 is the feast of St. Stephen, the first Martyr (Although, in 2004, the 26th falls on a Sunday and Sundays take precidence over saints' feast days, since Sunday is the Lord's Day).

* December 27 is the feast of St. John, the apostle and evangelist. On this Day, we recognize who is the Christ Child: "The Word of God made Flesh" (John 1)

* December 28 is the feast of the Holy Innocents: The first born who were killed by Herod in his attempt to destroy the Christ child.

* December 29, 30, and 31 are days within the octave of Christmas.

* January 1, the eighth day after Christmas, is the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. This day also honors the holy Name of Jesus. Luke (2:21) tells us that on the Eighth Day, the Lord was circumcised (according to the Law in the Book of Leviticus) and was given the name, JESUS.

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Who was Saint Patrick?

Known as the Apostle of Ireland, Patrick was kidnapped in the Britain around age 16, and shipped to Ireland as a slave. During his time there, he had a dream in which he was commanded to return to Britain; seeing it as a sign, he escaped.

Later, he became a priest, then a bishop, and was sent to Ireland to evangelize the people. There are many legends associated with St. Patrick. Perhaps, one of the strongest is his use of the Shamrock to teach the people of Ireland about the Holy Trinity. Patrick said, “Just as this shamrock has three leafs but still is one, we worship three Persons – the Father, Son and Holy Spirit - who is but One God.”

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What is the Peter's Pence Collection
and how is it used?

The practice of providing material support to those charged with preaching the Gospel, thus enabling them to devote themselves completely to their apostolic mission and to care for those in greatest need, is as old as Christianity itself (cf. Acts 4:34, 11:29).
By the end of the eighth century the Anglo-Saxons felt so closely linked to the Bishop of Rome that they decided to send a regular annual contribution to the Holy Father. It was thus that the Denarius Sancti Petri (Alms of Saint Peter) originated and spread throughout Europe.

Like other practices of its kind, this custom underwent many changes in the course of the centuries, until in 1871 Pope Pius IX gave it his approval in the Encyclical Letter Saepe Venerabilis (5 August 1871).

At present the collection is taken up throughout the Catholic world either on 29 June, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, or on the Sunday closest to this Solemnity

As the Pastor of the Universal Church, the Holy Father is also concerned for the material needs of poor Dioceses, Religious Institutes and members of the faithful in serious difficulty: the poor, children, the elderly, the marginalized, victims of war and natural disasters, special grants to Bishops and Dioceses in need, Catholic education, aid to refugees and migrants, etc.

Offerings made by the faithful to the Holy Father are used for the works of the Church, for humanitarian work and social development work, as well as for the support of the activities of the Holy See.

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Apart From the Bible, How do we Know
Jesus Rose From the Dead?

We know that the Epistles, Letters, and Gospels found in the New Testament share the story that Jesus rose from the dead. This is a primary Infallible Truth as recorded by Sacred Scripture. However, for those who may find it difficult to accept these written documents (Divinely inspired texts for believers and pure mythical writings for those who do not believe), it is important to look to other documents:

1) Clement of Rome (Among the first Popes) in 80 AD wrote to the Corinthians and shared with them that the Father made Jesus Christ first among us, "by raising Him from the dead." This earliest document, written at the time of the New Testament writers is just one example of what the early Christians believed and proclaimed.

2) Letter of Barnabus (80-110 AD): This letter shows the faith of this early Christian who said that Jesus "suffered so that he might destroy death and demonstrate the resurrection from the dead..."

3) Saint Ignatius of Antioch (Martyred- 110 AD) wrote to the Trallians about Jesus, "who was truly raised from the dead when His Father raised Him up."

These are just a few of the many letters written at the time of the early Christians.

In addition to these letters, consider another important fact that strengthens the Christian claim for the Resurrection of the Lord. Each of the Apostles, including Paul, suffered persecution. Many were killed. These early martyrs did not shrink from persecution, torture and death, because they saw the Risen Lord. They saw and believed. If they did not see the risen Lord, then someone would have certainly testified to the fact that it was all a hoax. Instead, each apostle was martyred (burned alive, skinned alive, thrown to the lions, beheaded, crucified, etc.). When a disciple of Jesus saw another disciple killed in this way, unless they believed in the resurrection, they would have certainly confessed that the resurrection story was made up. Instead, they went to death, one by one, over the course of years, proclaiming what they saw.

Finally, what is recorded in history (in the Bible or in other texts) cannot replace what is written on the heart. Believers in the Resurrection today do not need proof. They believe because the Risen Lord is alive in their spiritual lives. The old adage is true: "For those who do not believe, no proof is possible. For those who believe, no proof is necessary."

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Who is Saint Rose of Lima?

St. Rose of Lima is the patroness of Latin America and the Philippines. She is also the patroness of our parish in Chula Vista. When she was born in Lima, Peru, she was named Isabel. But, because she was so beautiful, she received the name, Rose. Rose did not want to be admired, for her heart had been given to Jesus. She refused to get married, even when her parents begged her to date. She wanted to be "married" to Jesus alone.

When she was ready to die, she said: "Lord, increase my sufferings, and with them increase Your love in my heart."

Many miracles followed her death. She was beatified by Clement IX, in 1667, and canonized in 1671 by Clement X, the first American to be so honoured. Her feast is celebrated 30 August in Peru, but around the world, it is celebrated on August 23rd. She is represented wearing a crown of roses.

For a more indepth look at the Story of St. Rose, make a novena

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Why is St. Rose of Lima the Patroness of the Philippines?

St. Rose Statue, Manila Cathedral
Why and when Saint Rose of Lima Peru was named patroness of the Philippine islands is not clear. A few events in the history of the Archdiocese of Manila help to shed some light on this mystery:

• All of the Americas and the Philippine Islands were under Spanish rule. The Church in Spain sent Dominicans to both Lima and Manila within a few years of each other (1570s) to formerly establish dioceses.

• The Manila Cathedral was destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt a number of times. The fourth cathedral was blessed and dedicated in 1671, the year that Pope Clement X declared Rose of Lima a Saint.

• After more devastating earthquakes, The Archbishop of Manila hired an architect from Italy and appointed an obrero major (manager), Don Estevan Roxas y Melo for the Cathedral reconstruction around 1730. Don Estevan Roxas y Melo was a native of Lima, Peru. The new Cathedral, was dedicated in 1760.

• Many Cathedrals have been built since that time and the present cathedral (now a Basilica) showcases the statue of St. Rose of Lima, Patronesses of the Philippines.

The influence of the Spaniards, the Dominicans (St. Rose was Third-Order Dominican), the Canonization of St. Rose in the same year of the blessing of the 1671 cathedral, and the that the major supervisor of the 1730 reconstruction was from Lima all point to “the why” and roughly “the when” St. Rose was named patroness of the Philippines.

For a more indepth look at the Story of St. Rose, make a novena

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Who is Santa Claus?

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in Patara, a village in what is now Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance was said to have healing powers which fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day.

Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.

One story tells of a poor man with three daughters. In those days a young woman's father had to offer prospective husbands something of value—a dowry. The larger the dowry, the better the chance that a young woman would find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry. This poor man's daughters, without dowries, were therefore destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home-providing the needed dowries. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. Sometimes the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. That is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one of the symbols for St. Nicholas. And so St. Nicholas is a gift-giver.

One of the oldest stories tells of the townspeople of Myra celebrating the good saint on the eve of St. Nicholas' feast day. A band of Arab pirates from Crete had come into the district. They stole treasures from the Church of Saint Nicholas to take away as booty. As they were leaving town, they snatched a young boy, Basilios, to make into a slave. The emir, or ruler, selected Basilios to be his personal cupbearer, as not knowing the language, Basilios would not understand what the king said to those around him. So, for the next year Basilios waited on the king, bringing his wine in a beautiful golden cup. For Basilios' parents, devastated at the loss of their only child, the year passed slowly, filled with grief. As the next St. Nicholas' feast day approached, Basilios' mother would not join in the festivity, as it was now a day of tragedy. However, she was persuaded to have a simple observance at home-with quiet prayers for Basilios' safekeeping. Meanwhile, as Basilios was fulfilling his tasks serving the emir, he was suddenly whisked up and away. St. Nicholas appeared to the terrified boy, blessed him, and set him down at his home back in Myra. Imagine the joy and wonderment when Basilios amazingly appeared before his parents, still holding the king's golden cup. This is the first story told of St. Nicholas protecting children—which became his primary role in the West.

Another story tells of three theological students, traveling on their way to study in Athens. A wicked innkeeper robbed and murdered them, hiding their remains in a large pickling tub. It so happened that Bishop Nicholas, traveling along the same route, stopped at this very inn. In the night he dreamed of the crime, got up, and summoned the innkeeper. As Nicholas prayed earnestly to God the three boys were restored to life and wholeness. In France the story is told of three small children, wandering in their play until lost, lured, and captured by an evil butcher. St. Nicholas appears and appeals to God to return them to life and to their families. And so St. Nicholas is the patron and protector of children.

Several stories tell of Nicholas and the sea. When he was young, Nicholas sought the holy by making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. There as he walked where Jesus walked, he sought to more deeply experience Jesus' life, passion, and resurrection. Returning by sea, a mighty storm threatened to wreck the ship. Nicholas calmly prayed. The terrified sailors were amazed when the wind and waves suddenly calmed, sparing them all. And so St. Nicholas is the patron of sailors and voyagers.

Other stories tell of Nicholas saving his people from famine, sparing the lives of those innocently accused, and much more. He did many kind and generous deeds in secret, expecting nothing in return. Within a century of his death he was celebrated as a saint. Today he is venerated in the East as wonder, or miracle worker and in the West as patron of a great variety of persons-children, mariners, bankers, pawn-brokers, scholars, orphans, laborers, travelers, merchants, judges, paupers, marriageable maidens, students, children, sailors, victims of judicial mistakes, captives, perfumers, even thieves and murderers! He is known as the friend and protector of all in trouble or need.

Sailors, claiming St. Nicholas as patron, carried stories of his favor and protection far and wide. St. Nicholas chapels were built in many seaports. As his popularity spread during the Middle Ages, he became the patron saint of Apulia (Italy), Sicily, Greece, and Lorraine (France), and many cities in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Russia, Belgium, and the Netherlands (See list). Following his baptism in Constantinople, Vladimir I of Russia brought St. Nicholas' stories and devotion to St. Nicholas to his homeland where Nicholas became the most beloved saint. Nicholas was so widely revered that more than 2,000 churches were named for him, including three hundred in Belgium, thirty-four in Rome, twenty-three in the Netherlands and more than four hundred in England.

Nicholas' tomb in Myra became a popular place of pilgrimage. Because of the many wars and attacks in the region, some Christians were concerned that access to the tomb might become difficult. For both the religious and commercial advantages of a major pilgrimage site, the Italian cities of Venice and Bari vied to get the Nicholas relics. In the spring of 1087, sailors from Bari succeeded in spiriting away the bones, bringing them to Bari, a seaport on the southeast coast of Italy. An impressive church was built over St. Nicholas' crypt and many faithful journeyed to honor the saint who had rescued children, prisoners, sailors, famine victims, and many others through his compassion, generosity, and the countless miracles attributed to his intercession. The Nicholas shrine in Bari was one of medieval Europe's great pilgrimage centers and Nicholas became known as "Saint in Bari." To this day pilgrims and tourists visit Bari's great Basilica di San Nicola.

Through the centuries St. Nicholas has continued to be venerated by Catholics and Orthodox and honored by Protestants. By his example of generosity to those in need, especially children, St. Nicholas continues to be a model for the compassionate life.

Widely celebrated in Europe, St. Nicholas' feast day, December 6th, kept alive the stories of his goodness and generosity. In Germany and Poland, boys dressed as bishops begged alms for the poor—and sometimes for themselves! In the Netherlands and Belgium, St. Nicholas arrived on a steamship from Spain to ride a white horse on his gift-giving rounds. December 6th is still the main day for gift giving and merrymaking in much of Europe. For example, in the Netherlands St. Nicholas' Day is celebrated with the sharing of candies (thrown in the door), chocolate initial letters, small gifts, and riddles. Dutch children leave carrots and hay in their shoes for the horse, hoping St. Nicholas will exchange them for small gifts.

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What is Pentecost?

Pentecost Sunday is a feast on the Christian liturgical calendar that celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and followers of Jesus, fifty days after Easter. It is described in the Book of Acts 2.

Pentecost is also known in English, especially in the Britain, as Whitsun (Whitsunday), from the Old English, as Hwita Sunnandæg, ("White Sunday,") —in reference to the white robes worn by those baptized on the previous Easter.

The name "Pentecost" comes from the Greek word Pentékosté, (fiftieth), and originally referred to the Jewish Shavuot. The Hebrew festival was originally connected with celebrating the first-fruits of the spring grain harvest. The Christian festival celebrated those who received the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost as the 'first fruits' of the redemption paid for in the crucifixion of Jesus.

In the Roman Catholic Church and its Eastern Rites, the feast of Pentecost Sunday is celebrated with the rank of a solemnity (the highest liturgical rank for any feast). Most Christians recognize the event of Pentecost as 'the birth of the Church' (the moment when its foundation was completed).

The Jewish feast of Pentecost, or Shavuot, is also called:

the Feast of Weeks (Deuteronomy 16: 10)
the Feast of Harvest (Exodus 23: 16)
the day of first-fruits (Numbers 28:26)

May the Feast of Pentecost, the Birthday of our Church, be a Spirit filled blessing for you and your loved ones!

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How do I pray the Rosary?

The Rosary is a way to meditate on the life of Christ. Praying inividually or as a family you can meditate on the birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. The rosary has been called a mini Gospel. Because of its repetitive style, the rosary is an easy way to teach your children the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be. Try praying a rosary with your family for nine nights (a novena) in a row. After nine days, you may have developed a habit. Here’s how to pray the rosary, click here.

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How did we get the words "Under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance?

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States originated on Columbus Day, 1892. It contained no reference to Almighty God, until in New York City on April 22, 1951, the Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus adopted a resolution to amend the Pledge of Allegiance as recited at the opening of each of the meetings of the 800 Fourth Degree Assemblies of the Knights of Columbus by the addition of the words "under God" after the words "one nation".

Later, the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus repeated its resolution to make this amendment to the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag general and to send copies of this resolve to the President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, and to each member of both Houses of Congress. From this latter action, many favorable replies were received, and a total of seventeen resolutions were introduced in the House of Representatives to so amend the Pledge of Allegiance as set forth in the Public Law relating the use of the Flag. The resolution introduced by Congressman Louis C. Rabaut of Michigan was adopted by both Houses of Congress, and it was signed by President Eisenhower on Flag Day, June 14, 1954, thereby making official the amendment conceived, sponsored, and put into practice by the Knights of Columbus more than three years before.

We thank the Knights of Columbus for helping America remember that we are a nation "Under God!"

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What did Solomon’s Temple Look Like?

The crowning achievement of Solomon's reign is the building of the Temple which his father, King David, had dreamt about.

King David brought the Ark of the Covenant up to Jerusalem's Mount Moriah -- "the gate of heaven" -- but because he had been a warrior who had blood on his hands, he was not permitted by God to erect the Temple. However, this was left for his son to accomplish, which he did.

The Bible devotes several chapters to the construction of this most important building to the nation of Israel -- the place of communion between the Jewish people and God.

The building of the First Temple was a monumental task. Phoenician craftsmen were employed to build the Temple. Construction began in the fourth year of Solomon's reign and took seven years:

Then King Solomon raised up a labor force out of all Israel - and the labor force was thirty thousand men . . . Solomon selected seventy thousand men to bear burdens, eighty thousand to quarry stone in the mountains, and three thousand six hundred to oversee them. (1 Kings 5:13; 2 Chronicles 2:2).

The stones were hewn from a quarry and brought to the Temple:

And the temple, when it was being built, was built with stone finished at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built. (1 Kings 6:7)

Generous sections of First Kings (Chapters 5-8) and 2 Chronicles (Chapters 1-7) give us great detail about the construction of the Temple, the priesthood and the temple services. A summary is given in 1 Kings 6:

In the four hundred and eightieth year after the people of Israel came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, he began to build the house of the LORD. The house which King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high. The vestibule in front of the nave of the house was twenty cubits long, equal to the width of the house, and ten cubits deep in front of the house. And he made for the house windows with recessed frames. He also built a structure against the wall of the house, running round the walls of the house, both the nave and the inner sanctuary - and he made side chambers all around. The lowest story was five cubits broad, the middle one was six cubits broad and the third was seven cubits broad - for around the outside of the house he made offsets on the wall in order that the supporting beams should not be inserted into the walls of the house. When the house was built, it was with stone prepared at the quarry; so that neither hammer nor ax nor any tool of iron was heard in the temple, while it was being built. The entrance for the lowest story was on the south side of the house; and one went up by stairs to the middle story, and from the middle story to the third. So he built the house, and finished it; and he made the ceiling of the house of beams and planks of cedar. He built the structure against the whole house, each story five cubits high, and it was joined to the house with timbers of cedar.

It tells that the entire Temple both inside and outside, including floors and doors were overlaid with gold. Besides this there were bronze structures such as columns, an immersion tank, and basins. The magnificent structure took seven years to build.

When it was finished, Solomon dedicated the Temple:

"Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain You; how much less this house that I have built? Yet have regard for the prayer of Your servant, and for his supplication, O Lord my God, to listen to the cry and to the prayer, which Your servant prays before You today; that Your eyes may be open toward this house night and day, toward the place of which You have said, 'My name shall be there,' that You may listen to the prayer ... of your people Israel ..." (1 Kings 8:27-29)

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How can we proclaim One God and pray to the
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

Often referred to as the Blessed Trinity, the central Christian mystery and dogma that there is One God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus tells us that the "Father and I are one." We also read in the Gospel of John that the "Word was God and the Word became flesh". The Church shares with us the teaching on this deep mystery. The Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Spirit, the Father is not the Spirit. But the Father is the Only True God, the Son is the only True God, the Spirit is the only True God. Perhaps this diagram will help in understanding this mystery:

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Who was St. Valentine? Valentine lived in the 3rd century and dedicated his life to the Christian community of Terni, becoming also the first bishop of the town. He was known for his deep love and devotion for his people. As was the case for many Christians at the time, Valentine was persecuted and sentenced to death in Rome. He was martyred on the 14th of February. Since then February 14 has become the day dedicated to love and lovers. Although his day has been removed from the Catholic calendars, Valentine’s Day is still recognized as an important day for married couples.

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Why Should I Vote?

All Catholics in the United States are encouraged to share their concerns in society. Our ability to vote is perhaps the most profound way to let our voices be heard. As the Bishops of the United States remind us, "Every voice matters in the public forum. Every voice counts."

Unfortunately, many of us fail to exercise our freedom to vote. Most Catholic adults are not registered to vote and those who are fail to make it to the polls. Sadly, most Americans, Catholic-Americans included, do not know who their local politicians are or what their politicians stand for.

Visit our CIVIC DUTY webpage, updated regularly. It offers helpful articles and suggestions on how to be educated in local, statewide, and national politics. It is also a means to educate voters about Catholic social teachings so that they may go to the polls fully informed.

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What is World Youth Day?

World Youth Day is actually a pilgrimage of young people and a festival of encounter and solidarity. The purpose of World Youth Day is to take up the main concern of Pope John Paul II – a renewal of evangelisation that is also to reach young people. World Youth Day gives young people the opportunity to discover the “young and modern mystery of the church” (John Paul II) through the common experience of pilgrimage, prayer and worship.

In August of 2005, nearly 1 million Young Adults will gather in Cologne to pray, study, and fellowship. Pope Benedict XVI, a native of Germany, is the scheduled presider for the event.

Ten of our own parishioners are planning to attend this spiritual awakening. Please pray for them.

Visit the Vatican Web Page for more information.

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