The Legacy When I die, give what is left of me to children. If you need to cry, cry for your brothers walking beside you. Put your arms around anyone and give them what you need to give to me. I want to leave you with something, something better than words or sounds. Look for me in people I have known and loved. And if you cannot live without me, then let me live on in your eyes, your mind and your act of kindness. You can love me most by letting hands touch hands and letting go of children that need to be free. Love does not die, people do. So when all that is left of me is love . . . Give me away . . . With Gratitude We would like to express our deepest appreciation for your thoughtfulness and our sincerest gratitude for your love, prayers, and support during this difficult time. You have touched our hearts. -- The Batac Family Mass of Resurrection Mamerta Capistrano Batac May 11, 1942 - May 3, 2008
Transcript
The Legacy
When I die, give what is left of me to children.
If you need to cry, cry for your brothers walking beside you.
Put your arms around anyone and give them what you need to give to me.
I want to leave you with something, something better than words or sounds.
Look for me in people I have known and loved. And if you cannot live without me, then let me live on
in your eyes, your mind and your act of kindness. You can love me most by letting hands touch hands
and letting go of children that need to be free. Love does not die, people do.
So when all that is left of me is love . . . Give me away . . .
With Gratitude We would like to express our deepest appreciation for
your thoughtfulness and our sincerest gratitude for your love, prayers, and support during this difficult
time. You have touched our hearts.
-- The Batac Family
Mass of Resurrection
Mamerta Capistrano Batac
May 11, 1942 - May 3, 2008
The Mass of Resurrection
for Mamerta Capistrano Batac
Thursday, May 8, 2008
9:30 am
St. Joseph Church 8420 Belair Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21236
Main Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Erlito Ebron
Co-Celebrants: Fr. Kevin Schenning Fr. Joseph Bejgrowicz Fr. Rene Mangahas Fr. Louis Olive Fr. Clarito Jundis Deacon Dean Lopata Deacon John Baltus
Greeters:
Theresa Hardee Rowena Ramilo
Ushers: Rodolfo Encomienda Leandro Alhambra
Pallbearers:
Alan Batac Christopher Abadilla Christopher Johnson Reynante Chavez Michael White Romeo Ramilo JR Manalad William Bell
Presentation of Gifts:
Melani Johnson Melisa White Alan Batac Olivia Johnson Cole Johnson Caleb White Sophia Johnson Jordyn White
Remarks and Remembrance:
Melisa White Christopher Johnson
then moved to Houston, Texas in 1979 (Dad was transferred again …), and finally, to Baltimore in 1981 (transferred yet again!). Shortly after arriving in Baltimore, Mom joined the Baltimore V.A. Medical Center, where she would work for 20 years. Mom and Dad raised their family in Baltimore and enjoyed numerous family milestones, such as Dad’s retirements from the Coast Guard and from the State Highway Administration, Mom’s retirement from the V.A. after a 38-year nursing career, Melani’s graduation from Loyola College, Melisa’s graduation from Towson University, Alan’s graduation from the University of Maryland, the weddings of their two daughters and the outstanding athletic career of their son. They frequently visited family and friends all over the U.S. and in the Philippines and hosted COUNTLESS parties at their home.
Mom’s first grandchild, Olivia, was born to Melani and husband, Chris, in 1999. During late 2000, Mom was diagnosed with an advanced stage of ovarian cancer. The diagnosis came a few weeks before Melisa’s wedding, but Mom kept it from the family until after the honeymoon, as she didn’t want to dampen anyone’s spirits during this joyful time. A few weeks after the family returned from the honeymoon (yes, Melisa and her husband, Mike, invited all of us to join them on their honeymoon cruise!!), Mom underwent surgery and started an aggressive series of chemotherapy treatments. Mom’s determination, courage and faith allowed her to overcome the disease and enjoy the birth of her second grandchild, Cole (son of Melani and Chris), in late 2001. After witnessing the birth of her third grandchild, Caleb (son of Melisa and Mike), in late 2002, the disease returned. Mom bravely battled again, undergoing numerous chemotherapy treatments. Two more grandchildren, Sophia (Melani and Chris) and Jordyn (Melisa and Mike) were born during 2005. Mom renewed her battle with the disease during 2006, but was well enough to host first birthday parties for Sophia and Jordyn, a tradition that all of her children and grandchildren have enjoyed. Other highlights have been cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, and Central America, and a vacation to Orlando, Florida with her grandchildren. An important focal point during the past eight years has been Mom’s and Dad’s loyal participation in the Joy in the Spirit Prayer Group. Their friends in this group have provided tremendous support, faith and friendship which have helped them overcome and enjoy the difficult times when fighting her disease. Mom and Dad have traveled with their prayer group friends for pilgrimages to places such as Mexico City and Medugorje, Croatia. Despite Mom’s persistent illness, she and Dad have served as Eucharistic Ministers at St. Joseph’s Parish, St. John’s Evangelist Church and Misa Ng Sanbayan at the Church of the Annunciation. Sadly, the disease returned a fourth time during 2007 and the experimental treatments that were attempted proved ineffective in stopping the disease. Despite the advancing disease, Mom maintained a positive outlook and continued to enjoy her time with family and friends until late April. Mom’s strength, courage and determination are an example for us all.
Mom.....We love you so much!.....You will be in our hearts forever!
With Love, Danny, Melani, Melisa, Alan, Chris, Mike, Olivia, Cole, Caleb, Sophia and Jordyn
Mamerta Abadilla Capistrano was born May 11, 1942, the fifth of nine
children of Dionisio and Constancia Capistrano. She was born at the family home in Barrio Nangka, Tayabas, Quezon Province, Philippines. The family was not wealthy, but what it lacked in material possessions was more than offset by the closeness of a loving family. Mom enjoyed her youth surrounded by six sisters (Tarcela, Bibiana, Nilda, Luz, Anselma and Josefita) and two brothers (Meling and Ireneo). After graduating high school in 1958, Mom left Tayabas and went to Manila to study pre-nursing at Far Eastern University. She then went to Cabanatuan to attend nursing school at the Central Luzon Nursing Association. After much hard work, she graduated in 1963 as a member of the school’s first graduating class. The next three years were spent as a nurse apprentice in Manila and Laguna. In February 1966, Mom was selected as one of only 19 nurses to go to Ontario, Canada to work in various hospitals in the Kingston and Toronto areas. Fortunately for all of us, one of Mom’s fellow nurses had an uncle in the United States Coast Guard, and Mom joined her friend for a visit to Connecticut during the summer of 1966. During that visit, Mom met a handsome, young Coast Guard sailor named Danny. It was love at first sight! Dad became a constant visitor to Ontario whenever he was able to get a break from his Coast Guard responsibilities. For these two years, Mom worked in Kingston and Toronto, while Dad was stationed in New London, Connecticut and Baltimore. Finally, on June 15, 1968, the happy couple was married at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Toronto.
The newlyweds then moved to Elizabeth City, North Carolina where their first daughter, Melani, was born in late 1969. They made lifelong friends, many of whom are here with us today, nearly 40 years later. During this time Mom and Dad filed petitions for their siblings to join them in America and also sent money home to the Philippines to help their families. As a result, all of Mom’s sisters ultimately emigrated to the U.S. Three of them lived with Mom and Dad upon arrival. The young family was relocated to Chesapeake, Virginia in 1971, and then to Norfolk, Virginia and finally to Southern California in 1973, all courtesy of the United States government (Dad was transferred!). Their second daughter, Melisa, was born in 1974 and their son, Alan, was born in 1978. The growing family
OPENING HYMN
AMAZING GRACE
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I am found Was blind but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus afar And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures.
INTRODUCTORY RITES
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit. Amen. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the
fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.
SPRINKLING WITH HOLY WATER
In the water of baptism Mamerta became God’s daughter
together with Christ. With Christ who died on the cross, may Mamerta go with Christ to new life. May she now share with Christ eternal glory.
PLACING OF THE PALL
Mamerta, when you were baptized, you received the new life of
Jesus and you were given the new dignity which you are now proud to bring before the Lord. May the Lord smile at you and welcome you to His eternal life.
OPENING PRAYER
God, to whom mercy and forgiveness belong, hear our prayers
on behalf of your servant Mamerta, whom you have called out of this world; and because she put her hope and trust in you, command that she be carried safely home to heaven and come to enjoy your eternal reward.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
FIRST READING
A Reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; A time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. A time to seek, and a time to lose; A time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to rend, and a time to sew; A time to be silent, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate; A time of war, and a time of peace.
He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts, without men’s ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
RECESSIONAL HYMN
HINDI KITA MALILIMUTAN
(I Will Never Forget You)
Hindi kita malilimutan Hindi kita pababayaan
Nakaukit magpakailanman Sa 'king palad ang 'yong pangalan
Malilimutan ba ng ina Ang anak na galing sa kanya
Sanggol sa kanyang sinapupunan Paano niyang matatalikdan
Ngunit kahit na malimutan Ng ina ang anak niyang tangan
Chorus: Hindi kita malilimutan Kailanma'y di pababayaan
Hindi kita malilimutan Kailanma'y di pababayaan
Hindi kita malilimutan Kailanma'y di pababayaan
Malilimutan ba ng ina Ang anak na galing sa kanya
Sanggol sa kanyang sinapupunan Paano niyang matatalikdan
Ngunit kahit na malimutan Ng ina ang anak niyang tangan
Chorus: Hindi kita malilimutan Kailanma'y di pababayaan
Hindi kita malilimutan Kailanma'y di pababayaan Hindi kita malilimutan
Kailanma'y di pababayaan Hindi kita malilimutan Kailanma'y di
pababayaan
Hindi kita malilimutan Kailanma'y di pababayaan
Hindi kita malilimutan Kailanma'y di... Kailanma'y di... Pababayaan
SAAN KA MAN NAROROON
(Wherever You Are)
Saan ka man naroroon sinta Pag-ibig kong wagas
Ang 'yong nadarama Kailan pa man
Sa iyo'y lilimot Pusong uhaw sa iyong pag-ibig
Saan ka man naroroon sinta Pangarap ko'y ikaw
Pagkat mahal kita Asahan mong sa habang panahon
Ala-ala kita Saan ka man naroroon
Asahan mong sa habang panahon
Ala-ala kita Saan ka man naroroon
CONCLUDING RITE
With faith in Jesus Christ, we must reverently bury the body of
Mamerta. Let us pray with confidence to God, in whose sight all creation lives, that He will raise up in holiness and power the mortal body of our sister and command her soul to be numbered among the blessed.
May God grant her a merciful judgment, deliverance from death, and pardon of sin. May Christ the Good Shepherd carry her home to be at peace with the Father. May she rejoice forever in the presence of the eternal King and in the company of all the Saints.
SONG OF FAREWELL
(to be recited by all while the coffin is being incensed) I know that my redeemer lives: On the last day I shall rise again. And in my flesh I shall see God. I shall see Him myself, face to face; And my own eyes shall behold my Savior. And in my flesh I shall see God. Within my heart this hope I cherish: That in my flesh I shall see God. And in my flesh I shall see God.
May the angels lead you, Mamerta, to paradise. May the martyrs come to welcome you and take you to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem.
And may Almighty God bless you and all of us. In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. In peace let us take Mamerta to her place of rest.
PSALM
Response:
Yahweh, I know you are near,
standing always at my side.
You guard me from the foe,
and you lead me in ways everlasting.
Lord, you have searched my heart,
and you know when I sit and when I stand.
Your hand is upon me protecting me from death,
keeping me from harm.
( Response)
Where can I run from Your love?
If I climb to the heavens You are there;
If I fly to the sunrise or sail beyond the sea,
still I'd find You there.
( Response)
You know my heart and its ways,
you who formed me before I was born
in the secret of darkness before I saw the sun
in my mother's womb.
( Response)
SECOND READING
A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans Brothers and sisters:
If God is for us, who can be against us? He did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, will he not also give us everything else along with him? Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who acquits us. Who will condemn? It is Christ Jesus who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?
No, in all these things, we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor
angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And also with you. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, Lord.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and
after he sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord, Jesus Christ.
This is the Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper.
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.
COMMUNION HYMN
ANIMA CHRISTI
Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Water from the side of Christ, wash me
Passion of Christ, give me strength
Hear me Jesus, hide me in Thy wounds
That I may never leave Thy side
From all the evil that surrounds me, defend me
And when the call of death arrives, bid me come to Thee
That I may praise Thee with Thy saints forever
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Lord God, may the death and resurrection of Christ which we
celebrate in this Eucharist bring our beloved Mamerta the peace of your eternal home. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Amen.
REMARKS OF REMEMBRANCE
Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all
glory and honor is yours Almighty Father, forever and ever.
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen, amen, amen. . .
Jesus taught us to call God our Father, and so we have the
courage to sing:
Our Father, who Art in Heaven
Hallowed be Thy name
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done
On earth, as it is in Heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
Deliver us Lord from every evil, and grant us peace in our day.
In your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ. For the Kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles: “I leave you peace, my peace I give you.” Look not on our sins but on the faith of your Church, and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom, where you live forever and ever.
Amen. The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you. Let us offer each other the sign of peace.
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world
Have mercy on us
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world
Have mercy on us
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world
Grant us peace
HOMILY
PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL
Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and sits at the right hand of the Father where he intercedes for his Church. Confident that God hears the voices of those who trust in the Lord Jesus, we join our prayers to his:
In baptism Mamerta received the light of Christ. Scatter the darkness now and lead her over the waters of death. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer. Our sister Mamerta was nourished at the table of the Savior. Welcome her into the halls of the heavenly banquet. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer. Many friends and members of our families have gone before us and await the kingdom. Grant them an everlasting home with your Son. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Many people die by violence, war, and famine each day. Show your mercy to those who suffer so unjustly these sins against your love, and gather them to the eternal kingdom of peace. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer. Those who trusted in the Lord now sleep in the Lord. Give refreshment, rest, and peace to all whose faith is known to you alone. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer. The family and friends of Mamerta seek comfort and consolation. Heal their pain and dispel the darkness and doubt that come from grief. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer. We are assembled here in faith and confidence to pray for our sister Mamerta. Strengthen our hope so that we may live in the expectation of your Son’s coming. Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer.
Lord God, giver of peace and healer of souls, hear the prayers
of the Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and the voices of your people, whose lives were purchased by the blood of the Lamb. Forgive the sins of all who sleep in Christ and grant them a place in the kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
OFFERTORY HYMN
TAKE AND RECEIVE
Take and receive, O Lord, my liberty
Take all my will, my mind, my memory
All things I hold and all I own are Thine
Thine was the gift, to Thee I all resign
Refrain:
Do Thou direct and govern all and sway
Do what Thou wilt, command, and I obey
Only Thy grace, Thy love on me bestow
These make me rich, all else will I forego.
Repeat Refrain
Blessed are You, Lord God of all creation. Through Your
goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life.
Blessed be God, forever. Blessed are You, Lord God of all creation. Through Your
goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink.
Blessed be God, forever. Lord God, we ask you to receive us and be pleased with the
sacrifice we offer you with humble and contrite hearts. Pray brethren that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God our
Almighty Father. May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands, for the
praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his Church.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord, with all humility we bring this offering. Let this be a
sacrifice of praise, a fitting worship to purify us all and bring Mamerta to eternal life. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Amen.
PREFACE
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give Him thanks and praise. Father all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and
everywhere to give you thanks and praise, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Death is just reward for our sins, yet, when at last we die, your loving kindness calls us back to life in company with Christ, whose victory is our redemption.
Our hearts are joyful, for we have seen your salvation, and now with the angels and saints we praise you forever singing:
