As the Nativity of Christ approaches, the Shrine of Aranzazu celebrates the Christmas Season joyously preparing for the birth of Jesus through an eclectic variety of programs. Here is a rundown of Parish activities from December’s Advent events to the 1st of January 2024:
PAMASKONG HANDOG || DECEMBER 24 & DECEMBER 28
As a Christmas gift-giving project, The Youth Ministry of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu (DSPNSDA) invites all members of the church to become a symbol of light and hope for the communities facing barriers this holiday season.
To aid the charity, the ministry is currently accepting donations and gifts to benefit children, families, and Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL). To contribute, church-goers must simply pluck a piece of paper from the Christmas Gift Tree situated at the side of the Parish’s entrance, written in which, are the presents to be given. The Youth Ministry also accepts in-kind and cash donations for the project. Further information and inquiries may be directed to DSPNSDA’s Parish Office, Parish Pastoral Council, Parish Youth Ministry Core Members, or the Aranzan Youth Facebook page, which posts updates on the donations received for Pamaskong Handog.
For in-kind donations, the project accepts Food Packs (pasta, spaghetti sauce, cheese, coffee/milk, canned goods), Sweets for Kids (biscuits, candies, tetra pack juice, chocolates), Gifts for 5 to 10-Year-Olds (shoes, clothes, toys, school bag), and Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, detergent soap). The gift donations may be offered during mass, placed at the side of the altar, or brought to the Parish Office during open hours.
Pamaskong Handog for PDL will be held on the 24th of December, to be followed by the main event to be held at 9 AM on the 28th in Aranzazu Hall, Parish Hall, and Room 118-119.
CHRISTMAS EVE MASS || DECEMBER 24
The Christmas Eve mass of 2023 coincides with the 4th Sunday of Advent this liturgical year. The parish will celebrate two masses for the day, one at 8:00 PM and another following at 10:00 PM just two hours later. The latter will be broadcasted live on the Parish’s social media channels.
SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD || DECEMBER 25
The long-awaited Christmas day celebration, and the culmination of Advent’s month-long preparation—The Savior has been born, Jesus Christ. Six masses will be held in celebration: 7:30 AM, and 9:00 AM for the morning, and three more at 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM, and 6:00 PM.
SAMA-SAMANG KASALANG PAMPAROKYA || DECEMBER 30
2023 continues the previous year’s Sama-Samang Kasalang Pamparokya. To be held on the 30th of December at 10:00 AM, registered couples will partake in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony in a collective wedding with many of their peers.
CHURCH DEDICATION ANNIVERSARY || DECEMBER 30
On the 30th of December at 6:00 PM, the DSPNSDA will celebrate a Holy Mass for the anniversary of its church dedication—in which the then-new parish was consecrated by Father Juan Pedro Confalonier in 1716, over 306 years ago.
DSPNSDA CHRISTMAS AND YEAR-END PARTY || DECEMBER 30
To celebrate the Filipino tradition of Christmas Parties, the DSPNSDA will celebrate a Christmas and Year-end party at 7:00 PM to be held at the Nuestra Senora De Aranzazu Parochial School (NSDAPS) Gymnasium.
NEW YEAR’S EVE MASS || DECEMBER 31
Preceding the New Year’s and the turning of the page to the year of our Lord 2024, the Aranzazu Shrine will celebrate two masses at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM respectively.
SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD || JANUARY 1
Exactly one week after Christmas day, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God to honor the Virgin, who had conceived Christ of the Holy Spirit and carried Him to His birth on Christmas. The parish will hold five Holy Masses on the 1st of January of the New-Sprung Year, 2024. Two in the morning period at 7:30 and 9:00 AM, and three more after noon at 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM, and 6:00 PM respectively. (Angelica Ysabelle Capili).
