Priest launches prayer crusade for families

Manila, Philippines - A Jesuit priest and professor of Theology at the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) is seeking support for the international prayer caravan that he launched for the healing of families worldwide.

Fr. Teodulo “Ted” Gonzales, S.J., launched last July 1, the feast of Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the international prayer caravan dubbed “2552 STAR” at the San Jose Seminary Chapel at the AdMU campus. The caravan would culminate in 2012.

“The prayer will be in general for family healing. The people who will pray will whisper their own prayer, in their own language. The 25 is for 25 years of my priesthood; 25 years of family ministry; 52 - there are 52 weeks in a year. 25 is 52 when there is a turning point or conversion. The prayer is for one year. Star? When the wise men were searching for the Messiah, they saw a star which pointed to Jesus, who was at home with Joseph and Mary (a family) and the company of animals (environment),” he said.

“I suppose we are all like STARs for each other. We have the potential to be bearers of light for each other. When we pray for family healing, we are all praying for each other,” he said.

“The STAR means: S for sanctuary so you protect the area so that life will grow; T for treat trouble with care as there are sacrifices, crosses to be carried; A for allow wisdom to shine so we can learn from our most difficult trials; and R for reach for small but strategic steps. According to Mother Teresa, remember even a blind person will smell the fragrance of love,” he added.

Since he was ordained in 1987, Gonzales has been involved in family ministry (for engaged and married couples), through teaching, supervising and counseling.

Holding masteral degrees in Theology and Pastoral Counseling, Gonzales recently completed his PhD in Pastoral Counseling at the Loyola College in Maryland in the United States.

He has also authored two books: “Stories from a Weekend” and “Agimat ni Apo (St. Pauls).”

Gonzales said many Catholics from all over the world have responded via text and the Internet to his call for a concerted prayer for families.

He said friends have started pledging their offerings like 2,500 kilometers of biking for family healing, 25 hours of jogging, and weight loss of 25 pounds, while others have given amounts for the cause.