MANILA, Philippines — Thursday’s feast of the Blessed Mother under the title “Mater Dolorosa” (Our Lady of Sorrows), follows a week after the feast of her nativity last Sept. 8. Celebrated in solemn remembrance of the spiritual martyrdom of Mary, Catholics observe the feast a day after the feast of the Holy Cross to signify the participation of the Virgin Mary in the Passion of Jesus.

According to tradition, Catholics will recite seven Hail Marys while reflecting on the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady namely: 1. The Prophecy of Simeon in the Temple, 2. The Flight into Egypt, 3. The Carrying of the Cross on Mount Calvary, 5. The Crucifixion, 6. The Taking Down from the Cross, and 7. The Burial of Jesus. (Christina Hermoso)

Revocation threat

A senior opposition lawmaker decried Wednesday the threat of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to revoke the franchises of public transport operators who will participate in the transport strike against the rising cost of petroleum products.

Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay said the LTFRB should realize that members of the country’s public transport group have the same right as ordinary Filipinos to express their grievances through peaceful mass action. “The last time I checked, this was a free country and any sector, or individual could speak out and say his piece without fearing censure so long as what he is saying is within the bounds of decency,” she said. (Ben Rosario)

Repatriated

Most have chose to stay behind, but to some, the strife in Syria was a blessing in disguise. A total of 36 additional overseas Filipino workers were repatriated back to the country last Tuesday night and Wednesday as the simmering tension and violence in Syria continues to tear it politically-apart.

Those who availed of the voluntary repatriation however, remained miniscule, compared to the estimated 17,000 number of OFWs there, majority of which are undocumented. (Raymund Antonio)

Tight security

Security will be tight around the premises of University of Santo Tomas on Espana Boulevard in Sampaloc, Manila, to ensure that no untoward incident will take place during and after the holding of the 2011 Bar exams this November. Supreme Court Associate Justice Roberto A. Abad disclosed this in an interview shortly after a legal forum on the new Bar examinations at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Building on Ortigas Ave., Pasig City.

The legal forum, attended by officers and members of the IBP and law deans from various universities and colleges around the country, was organized by the IBP and the Advisory Council of Law Deans as part of National Law Week. Abad, chairman of the 2011 Bar examinations to be held in the four Sundays of November, said they will seek the help of the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation to ensure the safety of bar examinees. (Francis T. Wakefield)

PNP vigilant

The Armed Forces remains on normal alert status in Mindanao in spite of the series of bombing incidents particularly in Cotabato City, a military official said Wednesday. But Col. Arnulfo Burgos, AFP public affairs office (PAO) chief, assured the public the military remains vigilant, adding they are closely coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in keeping security in the region.

Burgos said AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Eduardo SL Oban, Jr. has not issued a directive, but stressed AFP unified commanders are given the discretion in their respective area of jurisdiction on whether or not to raise their alert status. (Elena Aben)