“Savoring our Faith”

One meal at a time, Fr. Leo continues to bring Christ’s incarnation to the masses through ‘Grace Before Meals’ (www.GraceBeforeMeals.com)

Posted on: 12th April 2012

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Persistence and prayer have successfully launched OneBillionStories.com in the Philippines; and also the fortitude of Video Missionary David Panlilio. Thanks to his ‘yes’ for this mission on the ‘digital continent’, and the grace of God, David has managed to take a concept for evangelization in the 21st century, and make it a reality. Today’s video from the Philippines is the fruit of trust, which is a key ingredient when working for the Kingdom. Another key ingredient, is a good meal; “Grace Before Meals” with Fr. Leo Patalinghug is a movement within the Church to restore the family unit in villages and cities around the world.

Today’s Story



With the advent of television, radio, ipods, and now google glasses, it is hard to find a quite place these days where a family can simply sit down and enjoy a meal together, without any distractions. Too often the distractions of contemporary society inhibit Catholic families around the world from entering in to healthy relationships with those whom we love most. Fr. Leo, a Catholic priest who teaches at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary, understands this 21st century challenge. And to overcome the challenge, a tasty movement has been born.

This movement is called “Grace Before Meals,” and it aims to invite families around the world to commit to sharing meals with each other as often as possible; and not fast food, but real meals. The OBS team thinks that this mission sounds (and smells) like a great idea! After all, in today’s video, Fr. Leo explains very clearly that ‘the family that eats together, stays together.’ In addition, a meal shared is an opportunity to point a family toward the most important meal any Catholic family will ever eat, the Eucharist. Through the Eucharist, we Catholics participate in the most intimate prayer (and meal) the Catholic faith has to offer. Just as Jesus took the time with the 12 disciples to break bread before his imminent death, so to must Catholics in 2012 carve out that precious time to say ‘grace before meals.’ Allow Fr. Leo to help you get started by clicking on the logo on the left, which will take you to his website full of great information to get your family on the right path.

Tune back in next Thursday for the next installment of OBS Philippines, as we begin to discover the Catholic faith from the 7,107 islands of faith.

OneBillionStories.com Contributor - David Panlilio

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Yesterday’s Story

Readings for 12th April 2012
First: Acts 3:11-26
Psalm: Psalm 8:2ab And 5, 6-7, 8-9
Gospel: Luke 24:35-48

Rosary: Luminous Mysteries
1. Baptism in the River Jordan
2. Wedding Feast at Cana
3. Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
4. Transfiguration
5. Institution of the Eucharist

Eucharist Fr Leo Patalinghug Grace Before Meals