BLESSINGS
Deejay
Deejay arrived on February 24th at the FEU-NRMF
Hospital in Fairview to the delight of our clan. The first
son of my youngest child Dennis, Deejay was named his
dad’s junior. He weighed 6.9 lbs, came out very healthy,
and with no signs of previous hospital woes of his mom
Diana during her pregnancy. He looks just like his dad,
cute and chubby. He’s so adorable, and my heart skips a
Deejay arrived on February 24th at the FEU-NRMF
Hospital in Fairview to the delight of our clan. The first
son of my youngest child Dennis, Deejay was named his
dad’s junior. He weighed 6.9 lbs, came out very healthy,
and with no signs of previous hospital woes of his mom
Diana during her pregnancy. He looks just like his dad,
cute and chubby. He’s so adorable, and my heart skips a
By Heidi M. Pascual
In these uncertain times, it’s just fitting to count our blessings and focus on the most
important thing/s in life. For me, as for most people, family tops the list, of course. There
were two important events that happened in my family recently – the ceremonial house
blessings of my children’s homes, and the birth of my youngest grandchild, Deejay. These
events, especially the latter, brought so much happiness to our family.
It is traditional in the Filipino culture to ask a priest, minister, or an elder (depending on
one’s religion) to bless a new home through prayers, incense and sprinkling of holy water.
We followed this tradition by inviting a Catholic priest to come over to my children’s homes
and bless each of them, including their occupants. We also invited some relatives, friends
and neighbors to join us and participate in the ceremony. It is our belief that the more
people participating in the ceremony and praying for the well-being of a family and their
home, the better, for their prayers would more effectively reach the heavens faster, louder
and clearer. The ritual began outside the home of one of my children, with the priest
reciting an introductory prayer by the door, and sprinkling holy water to the entry area. All
participants held a lighted candle and followed the priest’s direction as he moved from the
living room to the dining room and kitchen, the ground-floor restrooms, and the bedrooms
upstairs, plus the balcony. The family members were then gathered in the living room and
the priest offered a prayer for them. This ritual was repeated twice more as the priest
transferred to the homes of my other children. This happy occasion concluded with a feast
for all, consisting of choice native Filipino dishes and desserts.
In these uncertain times, it’s just fitting to count our blessings and focus on the most
important thing/s in life. For me, as for most people, family tops the list, of course. There
were two important events that happened in my family recently – the ceremonial house
blessings of my children’s homes, and the birth of my youngest grandchild, Deejay. These
events, especially the latter, brought so much happiness to our family.
It is traditional in the Filipino culture to ask a priest, minister, or an elder (depending on
one’s religion) to bless a new home through prayers, incense and sprinkling of holy water.
We followed this tradition by inviting a Catholic priest to come over to my children’s homes
and bless each of them, including their occupants. We also invited some relatives, friends
and neighbors to join us and participate in the ceremony. It is our belief that the more
people participating in the ceremony and praying for the well-being of a family and their
home, the better, for their prayers would more effectively reach the heavens faster, louder
and clearer. The ritual began outside the home of one of my children, with the priest
reciting an introductory prayer by the door, and sprinkling holy water to the entry area. All
participants held a lighted candle and followed the priest’s direction as he moved from the
living room to the dining room and kitchen, the ground-floor restrooms, and the bedrooms
upstairs, plus the balcony. The family members were then gathered in the living room and
the priest offered a prayer for them. This ritual was repeated twice more as the priest
transferred to the homes of my other children. This happy occasion concluded with a feast
for all, consisting of choice native Filipino dishes and desserts.
(L-R) A Catholic priest leads the prayer blessing the home of my son, John Henry and his family; the priest
prays for the family; blessing the home of my daughter, Sherry Anne, and her family, with holy water
prays for the family; blessing the home of my daughter, Sherry Anne, and her family, with holy water
Catered food for Pascual &
Baldazo families' members and
guests
Baldazo families' members and
guests
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of my son’s new beginning, a turning point
in his life that hopefully would make him a
good father. There are also indications that
Dennis’ career as a physical therapist is
shaping up fast. Deejay’s presence in my
son’s life is truly an inspiration and a
blessing from above.
in his life that hopefully would make him a
good father. There are also indications that
Dennis’ career as a physical therapist is
shaping up fast. Deejay’s presence in my
son’s life is truly an inspiration and a
blessing from above.
Relatives and friends came over
to participate in the rituals.
to participate in the rituals.
beat each
time I look at
him. This
miracle baby
has become
the symbol
time I look at
him. This
miracle baby
has become
the symbol