- We meet Jesus not in places like temples or shrines but in our hearts when we pray “right”

- True Marian devotion does not end “at Mary’s feet”, rather the BVM leads us from Nazareth through Calvary all the way to heaven by always directing us to Jesus as she did in Cana to “Go and do what He asks you to do” - Marian Shrines like those in Antipolo Lourdes, Fatima, NotreDame, MonteMaria are gateways to Jesus, the Son of Mary; He holds the key to heaven.

- Quoting Matthew 25:31-46 he relates that on the last Judgment, the key to enter heaven will be the compassionate acts of charity that we lovingly extended during our lifetime to God’s poor, the least of His brothers who would all be there at the gates of heaven to welcome us.

- God gives everyone the time and a chance to think of what is good – it is His gift.

- By praying and holding on to Christ and the Blessed Mother we can “make the jump” and translate these good thoughts to good acts – compassionate works of charity. “Isang lundag mula sa mabuting pag-iisip hanggang sa mabuting gawa”

- It is through compassionate charity e.g. by setting aside an area to care for the poor, MonteMaria will not only be a place to pray but a place where one will meet Jesus day by day.

Lord, look upon me with eyes of mercy.  May Your healing Spirit rest upon me.  It is through Your power that I was created.  Since You created me from nothing.  You can certainly recreate me.  Fill me with the healing power of Your spirit.  May Your life-giving powers flow into every cell of my body and into the depths of my soul.  Mend what is broken.  Cast out anything that should not be within me.  Rebuild my brokenness.

Restore my strength for service in Your Kingdom.  Touch my soul with Your compassion for others.  Touch my heart with Your courage and infinite love for all.  Touch my mind with Your wisdom, that my mouth may always proclaim Your praise.  Teach me to reach out to You in my need, and help me to lead others to You by my example.  Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring me health in body and spirit that I may serve You with all my strength.  Amen.

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The official groundbreaking ceremonies of the Oratory of the Blessed Virgin Mary at MonteMaria in Bgy. Amuyong, Alfonso, Metro-Tagaytay were held on January 11, 2011.

The ceremonies started with the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the praying of the Oratio Imperata to protect the sanctity of life and reject a culture of death

A pontifical Eucharistic Celebration followed. His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales of the Archdiocese of Manila was presider with concelebrants : Most Rev. Pedro Arigo, DD of the Diocese of Puerto Princesa, Most Rev. Antonio P. Palang, DD, SVD of Diocese of Occidental Mindoro, the Chancellor of the Diocese of Imus representing the Most Rev Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle, Rev. Fr. Francis Donnelly - Local Superior of the Companions of the Cross (CC), Rev. Fr. Jeffrey Shannon, Rev. Fr. Fernando M. Suarez, Rev. Fr. Ronilo Javines, SDB, Rev. Fr. Hector Baniel, SDP and many other priests.

In his homily Cardinal Rosales shared many beautiful insights on true Marian devotion and how Marian Shrines in Antipolo, Lourdes, Fatima, Notre Dame and Montemaria are gateways to Jesus who holds the key to heaven. Quoting Matthew 25:31-46, he relates that on the Last Judgement we can enter heaven on account of the compassionate acts of charity that we had lovingly done for God’s poor, the least of His brothers who would all be there in heaven’s gates to welcome us.

During the presentation of gifts, MonteMaria’s benefactors and special guests presented symbolic offerings in thanksgiving for this blessed day. Among the offerings are: the time capsule, the day's newspapers, the master plan and deed of donation, rosary bracelets, souvenir programs, supplies for the medical mission, the MonteMaria newsletter and a miniature image of Our Lady of MonteMaria.

In a short talk before the final blessing, Fr. Fernando assured Cardinal Rosales that ministering to the poor remains one of MMPF’s core advocacies. He also allayed some concerns that MonteMaria Oratory may soon turn out like Disney(land) as he cited the piety of a family from Malaysia and others like them who come to the shrine from far and wide simply to pray and be blessed. Fr. Fernando thanked all of MMPF’s benefactors who were present as well as those who couldn’t come but have done so much for the Oratory of the BVM at MonteMaria, most notably the Most Rev Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle of the Diocese of Imus and SMC Chairman, Mr. Eduardo 'Danding M. Cojuangco, Jr.

After the Mass, the assembly of about five thousand people proceeded to the open grounds between the Chapel and the stores for the rest of ground breaking activities: The signing of the deed of donation formalized the acceptance of the 33 hectare donation by the Mary Mother of the Poor Foundation from San Miguel Corporation. While SMC Chairman Mr. Eduardo ‘Danding M. Cojuangco, Jr. signed the document earlier, eleven other signatories were onsite for the signing:

1. His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales
2. The Chancellor of the Diocese of Imus
3. Fr. Francis Donnelly, CC
4. Fr. Fernando M. Suarez
5. Atty Karen M. Cas-Caballa
6. Mrs. Tessie Sy-Coson
7. Mrs. Justa Lee
8. Amb. Jose “Joey” Antonio
9. Mayor Virgilio Varias of Alfonso
10. Mr. Antonio "Jun" Tambunting Jr.
11. Mr. Jose Aliling

After the signing, the signatories gamely donned blue or white hardhats with matching light blue shovels and participated in the ceremonial ground breaking.

Cardinal Rosales and Fr. Fernando then buried the time capsule which contains some of the symbolic offerings presented earlier (e.g. the deed of donation, the master plan, rosary bracelets, souvenir programs, the image of Our Lady of MonteMaria) to capture and seal this special moment and hopefully send it across time to share with future generations. Mr. Greg Monteclaro, the President and CEO of Mary Mother of the Poor Foundation (MMPF) Philippines thanked and invoked God’s continuing blessings on all who made this day possible, specially the technical teams.

A photograph of the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of MonteMaria was unveiled by Cardinal Rosales. A 101 meter statue of Our Lady of MonteMaria, the tallest in the world will be erected as the centerpiece of the Oratory of MonteMaria.

Finally, one hundred eleven blue and white balloons were released to mark the end of the ceremonies. To thank the thousands who came to MonteMaria to celebrate this major milestone of the Oratory of the BVM, and MMPF and generous sponsors treated everyone to lunch.

MonteMaria Groundbreaking Ceremony 11 January 2011 Part 1 of 2

MonteMaria Groundbreaking Ceremony 11 January 2011 Part 2 of 2

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