Ang Tanging Alay Ko sa Iyo aking Ama (My only offering to you my Father)...

There was a small chapel called Holy Family Chapel located in Novaliches, a small town in Caloocan City, Philippines. This small and humble chapel has been built by the efforts of the families that reside in the subdivision and has been with the community for over 30 years. If I remember correctly I was in high school in the late 80s, on a saturday afternoon, me and my friends through an informal invitation by a pious woman named Myrna Ronsayro, decided to attend a choir practice in this small chapel. We didn't know how to read musical notes, didn't know how to play any instruments, and most definitely, we didn't know how to sing gregorian chants. We came there, not expecting anything, but just wanted to share the little talent that we have. Lo and behold, at the end of the practice, we were officially a member of the music ministry and the rest was history.

Way back then, we were young, naive, we were all young in our faiths, but every Sunday and holy day of obligations, we somehow knew that as we sing our hearts out, we were doing something special, we belong to something really good. And little did we know that every mass, we meet our dear Jesus, along with the choirs of angels and the saints. We didn't know back then how impactful this was in our lives.

For me in particular, this phase in my life planted a seed in me, that forever, joyfully singing to the Lord, no matter how bad my voice is, no matter how imperfect my talent is in playing instruments, my hearts desire is to worship the Lord, no matter what is going on in my life. Being a member of the music ministry brought me closer to Him, despite my failures and sinfulness, and has given me new friends and spiritual families. And that no matter where I go around the world, that seed planted in me to sing my heart out to the Lord will always resonate in me, to proclaim the goodness of the Lord, whether in words, action or in songs.

In the summer of 2010, we (the 2nd generation music ministry) decided to meet again. Sitting in that small chapel on a Sunday brings back memories. That chapel, over the years has weathered a lot of storms and wear and tear. The same musical instruments, speakers and amplifiers were still in use, and so is the projector and the projector screens. During mass the amplifier was acting up. Although there were some minor fixes done, visible signs of water damage can be seen. Every time it rains, a pool of water is collecting inside the chapel. The roof has leaks and ceiling is starting to rot. On the outside, moss carpets are everywhere. On the grotto, you can barely make out the face of our Lady.

Water pools at the altar

Leaks and minor repairs

Water damaged pew

Leaks on the wall

Fan controller

Open access ceiling

Stained projector screen

Warped ceiling

Open ceiling

Our Lady :(

Moss laden grotto

Moss laden side

Water pools here

Our humble little chapel

After seeing all this, moved by our hearts desire to give back to God, the chapel and the community, we decided to launch a fund raising campaign, to restore the dignity of this holy place. Though not a main parish, many souls have been refreshed, comforted and renewed in this little chapel.

We are not aiming to build a cathedral, but by the humility and the grace of God, we would like to offer to our dear Lord Jesus Christ, a chapel worthy of his honor, glory and majesty. A chapel that would lift the hearts of the congregation, so that everytime they go there, they would feel that they are in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ and that the glory of God is manifested in this small chapel.

And so we hope and pray, that if you are somehow moved by this writing, to consider donating to our cause...in any amount that comes from your heart. But most importantly, we ask that you pray for our little offering to our Lord, that He may grant this project to come to fruition.

This is not just our project. This chapel is for everyone, and is for the whole community, and so together with our collective efforts and prayers we can restore dignity to this holy place.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, Have a blessed Christmas. And thank you for reading this blog.

If you would like to donate:

In the Philippines, please contact

Angela Coralejo Parma - 0917-5728565

Jan Ronsayro Gaspar - 0917-5922348

Ianne Salonga - 0916-440-4860

In the US, or anywhere in the world, please email or reply to this blog.

Jesus loves you.