Introduction to Filipino Catholic Life

Introduction to FCL

• FCL stands for "Filipino Catholic Life".
• It is a way of life centered around the church.
• It emphasizes strong family values based on love and respect.
• It encourages integrating faith into everyday actions through service, fellowship, and cultural and religious traditions.

The FCL Paradigm

• The FCL paradigm is represented by a cross, triangle, circle, and the UPHS logo.
• The cross symbolizes the core values of FCL: Christian Living, Catholic Doctrine, Filipino Character, and Perpetualite in Virtue.
• The cross represents the relationship between God and the Perpetualite (vertical) and the Perpetualite's connection to others (horizontal).

The Icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help

• The icon is a painting commonly used in the Catholic Church depicting Mary, mother of Jesus, with Jesus in her arms.
• It features specific symbols:
  • Mary's Star: Represents Mary as a guiding light to Christ.
  • Mary's Eyes: Reflect compassion and love, emphasizing the mystery of Redemption.
  • Archangel Michael: Holds a lance, sponge, and vessel of vinegar, symbolizing Jesus' crucifixion.
  • Archangel Gabriel: Holds a cross and nails, representing Jesus' suffering and Passion.
  • Mary's Cloak: Red signifies virginity and royalty, blue signifies motherhood and royalty.
  • Mary's Hands & Arms: Show Jesus, with the right hand pointing to the Cross and the left hand presenting Christ.
  • Jesus' Face: Despite his child's body, his face conveys mature wisdom, looking beyond his Passion towards redemption.
  • Jesus' Hands: Clasped with Mary's, symbolizing her participation in the work of Redemption and her conformity to her Son's will.
  • Jesus' Clothes:
    • Green tunic: Humanity and creation.
    • Red sash: Christ's Blood and salvation.
    • Gold cloak: Resurrection.
  • Mary's Face & Mouth: Her small mouth emphasizes silence and contemplation before God.
  • Jesus' Feet & Sandals: The falling sandal symbolizes Jesus' full humanity and the biblical promise of conflict between good and evil.
  • The Gold Background: Represents heaven and divine light, symbolizing the Resurrection and its illumination of the viewer.

The Story of the Icon

• The icon was painted in Crete and brought to Rome in the 15th century.
• It was originally housed in St. Matthew's Church and attributed with miracles.
• The church was destroyed during Napoleon’s campaign.
• The icon was rediscovered by Father Michael Marchi, a Redemptorist, in the 19th century.
• Pope Pius IX entrusted the icon to the Redemptorists.

Devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help

• Devotion to the icon has spread globally since the 19th century.
• It is venerated in shrines across the world, including Boston, New York, Haiti, Brazil, Mexico, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Singapore, and the Philippines.
• Perpetual Novenas (weekly prayers) are held for the faithful to submit petitions and meditate on spirituality.

The Message of the Picture

• The icon conveys the reality of suffering and the triumph of Christ over death.
• The clasping of Mary and Jesus' hands emphasizes the Incarnation.
• Mary's role as a guide to Christ is emphasized, signifying her importance in our salvation.
• Contemplating the icon invites meditation on the mysteries of Christ and deepens the individual's relationship with him.

The Church of Saint Alphonsus on the Esquiline

• The Church of St. Alphonsus is located on Esquiline Hill in Rome.
• Built in the 19th century, it features neo-Gothic architecture.
• It houses the original icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
• It is a major Marian shrine, attracting pilgrims seeking prayer and spiritual connection.

The History of the Icon

• The original icon was brought to Rome by a merchant in the 15th century.
• After numerous events, the icon was entrusted to the Redemptorists in the 19th century.
• Miraculous events are reported to have occurred after its arrival at the Church of St. Alphonsus.

The School Background

• University Philosophy:
  • The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA believes in divine guidance for national development and transformation.
  • It emphasizes the quality of education as crucial for the betterment of society.
  • It promotes teaching, community service, and research.
  • It holds the principle of "Helpers of God" and "Character Building is Nation Building."
• University Vision:
  • To be a premier university in the Philippines.
  • To provide a space for academic, technological, and research excellence.
  • To be a catalyst for human development.
  • To promote Christian values and Catholic doctrine.
  • To produce Filipino "Helpers of God" who are prepared for global participation in various fields.
  • To ensure a future generation cherishes and values a peaceful nation with high quality of life.
• University Mission:
  • To develop Filipino leaders.
  • To graduate dynamic individuals committed to achieving a high quality of life.
  • To form Christ-centered, service-oriented, and research-driven individuals with social concern.
  • To deliver quality education and healthcare.
  • To produce "Helpers of God" who are vital to nation building.

The Board of Directors & School Directors

• The university has a board of directors.
• Several school directors are listed, including:
  • Sir Pacarro (Assistant Principal of SHS)
  • Dr. Julia Reyes (BED of UPHSD; Principal of SHS)