"Mi rallegro molto con te per questa tua interessante opera."

-Mons. Guido Marini

Papal Master of Ceremonies

On "More Precious Than Gold" 

(A Catechesis on the Veneration of the Saints and Their Relics)

"Many thanks for the book, your book. It’ll be a great pleasure to read it, and I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from it, especially from the more theological parts. May it be read by many, and may it contribute to a greater devotion to our Saints and a more profound veneration of them through their relics, not to mention the proper care of the relics themselves."

-Fr. Marc Lindeijer, SJ

Assistant to the Postulator General 

Society of Jesus

General Curia, Rome

Br. Dave contributes some writings in the new book
Heralds of the Great King

Br. Dave and Ms. Ilsa Reyes

On September 13, 2013, during the 34th Manila International Book Fair at SMX, SM Mall of Asia, Br. Jess Matias, OFS, editor of More Precious Than Gold, launched his new book "Heralds of the Great King" (The Lives of the Capuchin Franciscan Saints) under St. Paul's Publications. Together with him, Ms. Ilsa Reyes, a good-friend of MPTG, also launched her new book entitled "Healing through our Eucharistic Lord," under the same publishing company. Br. Dave grabbed the chance to be present during this important event in the life of his two inspirations. 

These two new books and MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD are available in all St. Paul's outlet nationwide.

Best Book in Liturgy - Jaime Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards 2013

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).

The 17th Philippine Academic Book Fair

Don't forget to buy your copy!