Message of Thanksgiving

Gratias tibi, Deus, gratias tibi! 

My heart overwhelms with joy when I was informed that the book I wrote "More Precious Than Gold" won the 2013 Jaime Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Award - Liturgy category. As a first time author, and a young one too, the said award is, for me, a manifestation of God's unending love. At the same time, it affirms that what I wrote is recognized by people in authority as a good reference in liturgy and hagiography. This award is a gift from God and a gift for his people.

My apologies goes to the organizers and most especially to the Cardinal-Archbishop of Manila for not being able to attend the awarding ceremony held on August 28, 2013. I was still recovering from my sickness. During that day, and even at the hours of the event, one of my brother-seminarian was brought to the hospital due to serious illness. Honestly, I was on the middle of the bridge whether to go to the event or to be with my brother-seminarian. It was a tough discernment and decision making. I chose to be with my brother-seminarian. He needs me as his older brother and I need hospital care too. My apologies for those who expected my presence. Your kind consideration will surely be appreciated by yours truly.

My deepest gratitude goes to the following people:

- To the late Fr. Anscar Chupungco, OSB, for his unending encouragement he gave me to write the book. I am very sad because he wasn't able to wait for its publication.

- To Br. Jess Matias, OFS, for his patience and love in editing my manuscript. You are truly a father, friend, and inspiration!

- To the priests who encouraged me to follow my dream and the call of Our Lord especially in catechizing the people about the Saints and their relics. Special mention goes to Fr. Aris Sison, Fr. Tim Ofasio, SJ, and Fr. Joel Buenviaje.

- To the Claretian Publications for the trust they gave me and for their unending support to promote and market the book. Thank you Fr. Dennis, Fr. Ed, Ate Madz, Kuya Bob, and all my Claretian Family!

- To the organizers of the Jaime Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards, thank you! Thank you for the time screening More Precious Than Gold. Thank you for allowing yourselves to be inspired by the Holy Spirit to choose this book as this year's winner.

Most of all, I would like to thank the buyers, readers, promoters, and supporters of my book. We won! Let us now achieve to win the gift of holiness inspired by the Saints. Believe that we can be Saints! Thank you and please spread the book “More Precious Than Gold” throughout the world!

Gratias tibi, Deus, gratias tibi!

More Precious Than Gold: Winner of the 2013 Cardinal Sin Book Award

Congratulations, Bro. Dave Ceasar F. Dela Cruz, for winning the 2013 Jaime Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards Liturgy Category for your book "MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD"! Accepting the award for Bro. Dave was Fr. Dennis G., Tamayo, CMF, Executive Director of Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc.



In "MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD", Bro. Dave presents his research on the Saints and their relics. This handbook of information is suited for Catholics and non-Catholics of all ages. It explains the Communion of Saints, what is a Saint, what are relics, what is the process of canonization, as well as liturgical celebrations and devotions. Utilizing Sacred Scriptures, ancient and modern Traditions, Church Teachings and the Liturgy, he offers remarkable answers in the field of Hagiography, the study of Saints.

Grab a copy of this award-winning book at the Claretian Bookstore at 8 Mayumi St., U.P. Village, Diliman, QC. It is also available at religious stores (St. Paul’s) and National Bookstore and Powerbooks Branches nationwide. Please call (02)924-6835 (Bookstore) or (02)921-3984 (for bulk orders).

Book Launching: More Precious Than Gold

Prayers and love!

More Precious Than Gold is available in all National Bookstore and other Catholic Bookstores

Dean Dr. Martin, Fr. Ariston Sison and Fr. Arnel Recinto

The author with Ms. Ilsa Reyes, a renowned author and radio anchor

With Bro Jess Matias, editor and renowned author of books on Padre Pio

Asst. Director Fr. Ed and Director Fr. Dennis of Claretian Communications Foundation

Photos courtesy of Sem. Dinky Nievera of the Diocese of Novaliches

MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD

April 2, 2013

Blessed John Paul II Parish, Eastwood City

Invitation

The Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc.

cordially invites you to a

BOOK LAUNCHING 

of

Date:

April 2, 2013, Tuesday

8th Dies Natalis (Death Anniversary) of Pope Bl. John Paul II

Time:

5:30PM (Solemn Mass)

6:15PM (Book Launching)

Venue:

Blessed John Paul II Parish

c/o Holy Family Chapel, Orchard Rd.,

Eastwood City, Brgy. Bagumbayan,

Quezon City

For inquiries, please contact Ms. Madz N. Arana or Ms. Tess Adora

Tel. No.: (02) 921-3984, 922-0011 ; Fax No.: 921-7429

E-mail: aranamariamagdalena@gmail.com

www.mptg.blogspot.com

* * * * *

"I was especially interested in your book, as we have just consecrated our new chapel in the Cathedral that contains the relic of the tilma of St. Juan Diego. I wish you a very success with it. I agree with you that devotion to the saints and their relics can be an important agent for the new evangelization."

+ Jose H. Gomez

Archbishop of Los Angeles

Dedication

To His Excellency

MOST REV. HONESTO F. ONGTIOCO, D.D.

Bishop of Cubao

(Photo courtesy of Mr. Dinky Nievera)

From the Editor

"We need a book that will help us see properly the Church’s relics in the light of the Christian faith.  We need a book that will help us see properly the relics of the Saints for what they truly are:  the uncompromising assurance of divine guidance of the saints for a generation now lost in a desperate search for God.  We need a book that will help stop the deplorable activities of those who are enriching themselves by taking advantage of the despair of those others who in their fragility, search for God in vain.

I am happy that such a book, the work of my friend Bro. Dave Dela Cruz is now in print."

BRO. JESUS N. MATIAS, OFS

Author, Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry

(Developing the Prayer Habit with Padre Pio)