Ang Katuparan

"Ang Katuparan" is a book written by a Eucharistic Minister and a member of KRISMA in Bataan Province, Bro. Ireneo Gutierrez Barlis.

The objective of its author is to establish the church to the people and to  their community as a symbol of the presence of the Lord in each of our lives and to reach out and share the gospel to those who are fortunate to own "The Katuparan" book.

Why did they call it "Katuparan"? It is because the people who have deep connections with Him still wait for Him to do His promises and prophesies written in the Old Testament.

"Ang Katuparan" book has 12 chapters. First, we have Chapter 1 that introduces the people who are able to communicate  with Him, which includes the 12 Apostles (the characteristics and values of each of the apostles are written in the Book), John the Baptist and Mary. This book also mentioned the people who went against the teachings of the Christ during His time, the Pharisees. Moreover, Chapter 2 speaks about the promises and prophesies of the Lord. It also further tours us to the beginning and the making of the gospel, which is said to start  with John the Baptist, then the Birth of Jesus at Books of Matthew and Luke and so on. Chapter 3, on the other hand talks about the gospels from the Book of Mark. All the other remaining chapters from 4-10 discuss about the teachings in the New Testament. They were not only empirical explanations of the gospel from Matthew, Luke, John and The Acts of the Apostles; it also showcases information with regards each of the books and its authors. Chapter 11, furthermore reiterates about the "Katuparan" and KRISMA (KRIStiyanong Magkakapitbahay). KRISMAs primary initiative is to share the importance of prayer and attending the mass, continuous understanding of the gospel of the Lord and to become good examples of family who shares good values not only to the members of the household but the community at large.

Lastly, Chapter 12 illustrates the Map of the Palestine during the time of Jesus.  The story  of Jesus started in Bethlehem but he was raised in Galilea. His teachings reached whole of Samaria, Galilea and Judea. However, His wonderful story and teaching do not end in the vicinity of the map of Palestine, it extends to other countries like the Philippines, where people still await His coming and grant His promises to those who prepared and watched out for His ever loving and forgiving presence.

I would like to quote lines from the book, " Siya'y tinanghal bilang katuparan ng pangako/propesiya ng Lumang Tipan. Wala ng ibang hinihintay. Siya ang Mabuting Balita."

Bro. Ireneo Barlis, the author of "Ang Katuparan", is the first laity who finished Masteral of Arts in Theology (cum laude) in Maryhill School of Theology, Quezon City. He was the Department Chair of Religion Department., OIC Director of Institute of Philosophy and Religion and Residence Director of St. Albertus Magnus Hall of St. Louis University. Despite of his retirement from the following positions, he still help people in need as a Eucharistic Minister and one the members who encourages KRISMA in his community.