Year 2006 na ilang oras na lang mula ngayon. Ano kayang magandang new year's resolution? Siguro magiging masipag na lang ako para madali kong matupad.
Teka, matagal na pala akong di nakapag-blogs dito ah busy kasi ngayong Christmas season. Ang dami-dami ko sanang kwento na nakakatawa at kapupulutan ng aral... kaya lang tinatatamad ako magsulat. Next year na lang. :)
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Showbiz 2
Pinapanuod ko sa ngayon ang Extra-Challenge sa internet hindi ko alam kung kelan ito pinalabas sa Pinas. Ang episode ay "Promdi" ang mga challengers ay sina Ruffa, Donita at Jasmine Trias. Ang ganda ng setting, iba't-ibang farm sa Batangas; palaisdaan, bukohan, bibehan, pinitak, atbp. Kanina pa ako tawa ng tawa kay Booba okay pala siya eh. Isa pang nakakatawa ay si Jasmine Trias; matagal na siyang sikat pero ngayon ko lang siya napanuod at napakinggan na di kumakanta. Kanina pa siya tili ng tili at cute siyang magtagalog ("konti excited, pero mas takot").
Pero ito talaga ang kwento ko.
Pagkasimba ko kaninang hapon ay inayaya ko ang kaibigan ko na mamasyal sa Federation Square nabalitaan ko kasi naa nagshooting duon kanina ang cast ng OK Fine. Pagkababa ko ng tram may nakita ko isang grupo ng mga asians na nagkokodakan. Pamilyar sa akin yung isang babaeng maliit iyun pala si Nicky Valdez. Si Edu Manzano nandun din. Pero si Bayani ang nilapitan ko sabay mano, kumustahan at picture taking (buti may camera na ang mobile phone). Tapos sabi ko, "Sa'n si Papa Aga?" Yun pala katabi ko lang. Habang kausap ko si Aga, isa lang ang naconfirm ko: lahat pala tayo may ka-look-a-like! O pano ina-antok na ako.
Pero ito talaga ang kwento ko.
Pagkasimba ko kaninang hapon ay inayaya ko ang kaibigan ko na mamasyal sa Federation Square nabalitaan ko kasi naa nagshooting duon kanina ang cast ng OK Fine. Pagkababa ko ng tram may nakita ko isang grupo ng mga asians na nagkokodakan. Pamilyar sa akin yung isang babaeng maliit iyun pala si Nicky Valdez. Si Edu Manzano nandun din. Pero si Bayani ang nilapitan ko sabay mano, kumustahan at picture taking (buti may camera na ang mobile phone). Tapos sabi ko, "Sa'n si Papa Aga?" Yun pala katabi ko lang. Habang kausap ko si Aga, isa lang ang naconfirm ko: lahat pala tayo may ka-look-a-like! O pano ina-antok na ako.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Senti
I went to St. Francis Church in the city to hear Mass this afternoon. After the service I went to Our Lady's chapel to pray. And then I saw a group of Asian teenage girls who were also there praying. I noticed that one of them looks like her -- the object of my affection in highschool. It's been long years now but her memory is still haunting me...(or perhaps entertaining me).
She gave me the greatest happiness as well as the sadness during my highschool life. Looking back, I realised that though it sometimes felt like a wound in my heart, but it didn't matter, because I loved her anyway. Mine was a disordered love because she didn't love me in return.
I discovered in my young life that love wounds us and the wound does not simply disappear. It forms a scar and such scars are lasting signs that can hurt again, but they allow us to go on living a humanly fulfilled life that may be all the more mature because of suffering. So I thank her and am still praying for her, inspite of everything I became a better person and forever be indebted to her for teaching me how to love.
She gave me the greatest happiness as well as the sadness during my highschool life. Looking back, I realised that though it sometimes felt like a wound in my heart, but it didn't matter, because I loved her anyway. Mine was a disordered love because she didn't love me in return.
I discovered in my young life that love wounds us and the wound does not simply disappear. It forms a scar and such scars are lasting signs that can hurt again, but they allow us to go on living a humanly fulfilled life that may be all the more mature because of suffering. So I thank her and am still praying for her, inspite of everything I became a better person and forever be indebted to her for teaching me how to love.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Paalam Kakosa
Paalam kakosa Franzen akala ko ikaw ang mananalo sa Pinoy Big Brother. Maraming natuwa sa iyo at lalo na siguro ang ABS-CBN dahil kumita sila sa iyo. Isang simpleng pasasalamat lang ito sa pag-entertain sa amin sa gitna ng kahirapan ng buhay (at dahil kamukha mo ang isang classmate kong pari na ngayon:). Simple ka at natural. Pasok MTV girls! :)
My First Wedding Homily
Readings: 1 Cor 13:4-7,13 Ps 34,2-3.4-5.6-7.8-9; Mk 10: 6-9
Mystery of Love
Last Wednesday, we came here to this church to have a rehearsal. Unfortunately, we couldn’t have a rehearsal that night because the Church was double-booked. There was a funeral rosary at that time. I think no one would dare to have a wedding rehearsal with a coffin inside the church. Anyway, I was really glad that evening because I had a chance to have a brief interview with Matthew and Holly.
I learnt that they’ve known each other for more than twelve years now. I asked them, “When you first met each other did you fall in love straight away?” They both answered “no”. I thought they would say “yes”.
You know, it really struck me as I drove back home to Carlton, I started to wonder “how love develops between two people?” If Matthew and Holly didn’t feel anything on their first meeting, I wondered what made their love grow deeper. With so many people around why did they choose each other? Why they love each other? Why are they getting married today? Isn’t it a big decision to make a lifetime commitment?
But when I looked at the wedding booklet yesterday I found the answer. There is a quotation from Elizabeth Browning, it says, “I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.”
I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you….
For me these words speak of confidence, contentment, happiness, peace and love. I’m sure this is what Holly and Matthew have found from each other. They both found confidence, contentment, happiness, peace; they found love towards each other. So that today, in this church, they choose freely to publicly declare their love and fidelity firstly before God and second to their loved ones and friends.
Christian marriage
It’s a privilege for all of us here today to witness a significant moment of their lives, as they receive the Sacrament of Christian Marriage. We have here a lovely Christian couple, Holly and Matthew, who will pledge themselves before God as husband and wife, who will live the rest of their lives as one. As Jesus says, the two shall become one flesh.
Christian marriage is special because couples recognise the important role of God in their relationship. Holly and Matthew are both aware that human love isn’t enough if they don’t reserve a place for God in their lives, God who is the source of love.
Matthew and Holly’s faith in Jesus Christ will be manifested before us as they promise each other their love and fidelity in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. By these words, they fulfill the words of Jesus in the Gospel, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh.
So, I invite you my dear friends to join Matthew and Holly, in being aware of the presence of God today in this sacred ceremony, in this beautiful church. The beautiful music and flowers, the presence of our bridesmaids, maid of honor, groomsmen, best man, and our cute flower girl, Olivia; they all make us aware not only of the solemnity of Christian marriage, but also the goodness of God’s creation. As we all responded to the Psalm read to us by Annalise: The earth is full of goodness of the Lord.
Mystery of Love
Last Wednesday, we came here to this church to have a rehearsal. Unfortunately, we couldn’t have a rehearsal that night because the Church was double-booked. There was a funeral rosary at that time. I think no one would dare to have a wedding rehearsal with a coffin inside the church. Anyway, I was really glad that evening because I had a chance to have a brief interview with Matthew and Holly.
I learnt that they’ve known each other for more than twelve years now. I asked them, “When you first met each other did you fall in love straight away?” They both answered “no”. I thought they would say “yes”.
You know, it really struck me as I drove back home to Carlton, I started to wonder “how love develops between two people?” If Matthew and Holly didn’t feel anything on their first meeting, I wondered what made their love grow deeper. With so many people around why did they choose each other? Why they love each other? Why are they getting married today? Isn’t it a big decision to make a lifetime commitment?
But when I looked at the wedding booklet yesterday I found the answer. There is a quotation from Elizabeth Browning, it says, “I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.”
I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you….
For me these words speak of confidence, contentment, happiness, peace and love. I’m sure this is what Holly and Matthew have found from each other. They both found confidence, contentment, happiness, peace; they found love towards each other. So that today, in this church, they choose freely to publicly declare their love and fidelity firstly before God and second to their loved ones and friends.
Christian marriage
It’s a privilege for all of us here today to witness a significant moment of their lives, as they receive the Sacrament of Christian Marriage. We have here a lovely Christian couple, Holly and Matthew, who will pledge themselves before God as husband and wife, who will live the rest of their lives as one. As Jesus says, the two shall become one flesh.
Christian marriage is special because couples recognise the important role of God in their relationship. Holly and Matthew are both aware that human love isn’t enough if they don’t reserve a place for God in their lives, God who is the source of love.
Matthew and Holly’s faith in Jesus Christ will be manifested before us as they promise each other their love and fidelity in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. By these words, they fulfill the words of Jesus in the Gospel, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh.
So, I invite you my dear friends to join Matthew and Holly, in being aware of the presence of God today in this sacred ceremony, in this beautiful church. The beautiful music and flowers, the presence of our bridesmaids, maid of honor, groomsmen, best man, and our cute flower girl, Olivia; they all make us aware not only of the solemnity of Christian marriage, but also the goodness of God’s creation. As we all responded to the Psalm read to us by Annalise: The earth is full of goodness of the Lord.
Christian Love
Sarah read the famous passage about love from First Corinthians. St. Paul was saying to the early Christian community that the most fundamental part of being a Christian is love. His description of love is patient and kind, never jealous, never boastful, not self-seeking. No doubt many couples see this passage as a description of the love they have for each other, but Paul is encouraging them to have this love for everyone.
This passage is very appropriate for Matthew and Holly who love each other, to love each other’s families, to love their co-workers at the Police Force and at the Alfred Hospital, and to love the people who live in their neighborhood.
Prayers
Matthew and Holly, all your love comes first from God, who loved you even before you discovered love. My prayer for you today, is that you return that love you both received. Don’t refuse the opportunities to share it. May it benefit you, your family, your friends and your loved ones. Always remember that Love never fails.
**I can't wait for the photos!
Parang kelan lang ringbearer ako sa kasal ngayon ako na ang nagkakasal. Natatandaan ko pa nung pangalawang beses na nag-ringbearer ako nalate kami ng Ina ko sa kasal. Hindi na kami umabot sa simbahan kaya sa reception na lang. Natatandaan ko pa din nung araw na iyon sa loob ng jeep ako pinalitan ng damit pang-abay ng Ina ko. Nilagyan p niya ako ng polbo ang likod ko mainit kasi. Ito'y habang nanunuod sa akin ang mga pasahero.
Friday, November 11, 2005
May Isang Studyante
Parang natanggalan ako ngayon ng tinik sa dibdib ( o sa talampakan?). Limang minuto lang ang nakakalilipas nang matapos ang oral exams ko sa Canon Law. Labinlimang minuto akong "i-ninterogate" ni Judicial Vicar, at sa loob ng maikling sandali ay kailangan kong ipakita sa kanya na may "alam" ako kahit papaano sa Canon Law. Masaya ako dahil sigurado akong naipasa ko naman ang orals exam na worth 50%, kaya lang e may essay pa na worth 50% din (di ko pa nasisimulan).
Ala-ala mula sa klase ko sa Canon Law...
Tuwing first period ng klase, oras na magsimula ang lecture automatic bumibigat ang mga mata ko at kusa silang pumipikit. Kasabay nito ang pag-lipad ng aking diwa sa mundo ng panaginip. Mararamdaman ko na parang humihinto ang daloy ng dugo sa utak ko. Nag-iiba ang kulay ng ceiling, lamesa, silya at mukha ng katabi ko. Sa madalit salita, hindi ko talaga mapigilan ang makatulog.
Pero gifted yata ako dahil kahit nakakatulog ako sa klase ay nakakapagsulat pa rin ang kamay ko. Tuloy-tuloy ang pagsulat ko kahit ang isip ko ay nasa Pilipinas at nagbabakasyon o nasa loob ng PBB. Kakaiba nga lang kinalalabasan ng sulat ko: shorthand na Arabic.
Nakakaguilty minsan.
Nakakahiya din naman minsan. Isang beses nang bumalik ang diwa ko sa klase ng Canon Law; namulat na lang ako na ang pinang-susulat ko na pala ay ang aking berdeng highlighter!
Ala-ala mula sa klase ko sa Canon Law...
Tuwing first period ng klase, oras na magsimula ang lecture automatic bumibigat ang mga mata ko at kusa silang pumipikit. Kasabay nito ang pag-lipad ng aking diwa sa mundo ng panaginip. Mararamdaman ko na parang humihinto ang daloy ng dugo sa utak ko. Nag-iiba ang kulay ng ceiling, lamesa, silya at mukha ng katabi ko. Sa madalit salita, hindi ko talaga mapigilan ang makatulog.
Pero gifted yata ako dahil kahit nakakatulog ako sa klase ay nakakapagsulat pa rin ang kamay ko. Tuloy-tuloy ang pagsulat ko kahit ang isip ko ay nasa Pilipinas at nagbabakasyon o nasa loob ng PBB. Kakaiba nga lang kinalalabasan ng sulat ko: shorthand na Arabic.
Nakakaguilty minsan.
Nakakahiya din naman minsan. Isang beses nang bumalik ang diwa ko sa klase ng Canon Law; namulat na lang ako na ang pinang-susulat ko na pala ay ang aking berdeng highlighter!
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
First Baptism
Cayden, I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Second Homily
Corpus Christi College
November 3, 2005
Rom 14:7-12; Lk 15:1-10
God’s mercy
We hear in the Gospel today two parables told by Jesus: the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. They are actually followed immediately by the related parable of the Prodigal Son. These three parables in chapter 15 of Luke’s Gospel are commonly called the ‘three parables of God’s mercy.’ However, the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin are short and simple compared to the parable of the prodigal Son.
Jesus spoke these parables as his response to the Pharisees and scribes who were grumbling about his attitude toward the tax collectors and sinners “who were coming to listen to him.” The Pharisees, being righteous as they were, simply couldn’t accept the fact that offering hospitality and sharing meals with the social outcasts are acceptable in the eyes of God.
In the eyes of the Pharisees, associating with sinners is an irreligious and scandalous act. To serve as host at the table for tax collectors is beyond their imagination. They were grumbling because this is exactly what Jesus was doing.
Why is someone like Jesus, who claims to be the Messiah, making friends with sinners whose bad reputations are known to the public? Does he know what he’s doing?
The righteous contempt of the Pharisees shows how much they misunderstood the mercy and compassion of God to sinners.
The Pharisees’ grudging spirit prevents them from understanding that God’s love encompasses everyone, including the tax collectors and sinners. Their self-righteousness blinds them from realising we are all equal in the eyes of God. Since each one of us is a child of God, whether a person is holy or not, God’s mercy is available to them.
This links with St. Paul’s warning in the first reading, “Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”
Joy in finding the lost
The joy of the shepherd and the woman is the description of God’s joy at the repentance of a sinner.
When Jesus told the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, he didn’t intend his audience to look simply at the reaction of the shepherd and the woman when they lost a part of their property. What Jesus emphasized was the joy of finding what was lost.
The shepherd shouts out loud to his friends and neighbours: “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.”
Likewise, the joy of the woman after finding her lost coin outweighs her tireless efforts in searching and sweeping the entire house just to find it. She’s even willing to throw a party for her friends which would cost her a lot of money.
The woman cries out, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.”
Challenge
The challenge of the Gospel for us today is the same challenge which Jesus gave to the Pharisees: Are we willing to celebrate with God and his angels who rejoice each time a repentant sinner comes to Jesus?
Those who find God’s mercy offensive can’t celebrate with the angels when a sinner repents.
“The parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin expose the grudging spirit that prevents us from receiving God’s mercy.
Only those who can celebrate God’s grace to others can experience that mercy themselves.”
November 3, 2005
Rom 14:7-12; Lk 15:1-10
God’s mercy
We hear in the Gospel today two parables told by Jesus: the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. They are actually followed immediately by the related parable of the Prodigal Son. These three parables in chapter 15 of Luke’s Gospel are commonly called the ‘three parables of God’s mercy.’ However, the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin are short and simple compared to the parable of the prodigal Son.
Jesus spoke these parables as his response to the Pharisees and scribes who were grumbling about his attitude toward the tax collectors and sinners “who were coming to listen to him.” The Pharisees, being righteous as they were, simply couldn’t accept the fact that offering hospitality and sharing meals with the social outcasts are acceptable in the eyes of God.
In the eyes of the Pharisees, associating with sinners is an irreligious and scandalous act. To serve as host at the table for tax collectors is beyond their imagination. They were grumbling because this is exactly what Jesus was doing.
Why is someone like Jesus, who claims to be the Messiah, making friends with sinners whose bad reputations are known to the public? Does he know what he’s doing?
The righteous contempt of the Pharisees shows how much they misunderstood the mercy and compassion of God to sinners.
The Pharisees’ grudging spirit prevents them from understanding that God’s love encompasses everyone, including the tax collectors and sinners. Their self-righteousness blinds them from realising we are all equal in the eyes of God. Since each one of us is a child of God, whether a person is holy or not, God’s mercy is available to them.
This links with St. Paul’s warning in the first reading, “Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”
Joy in finding the lost
The joy of the shepherd and the woman is the description of God’s joy at the repentance of a sinner.
When Jesus told the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, he didn’t intend his audience to look simply at the reaction of the shepherd and the woman when they lost a part of their property. What Jesus emphasized was the joy of finding what was lost.
The shepherd shouts out loud to his friends and neighbours: “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.”
Likewise, the joy of the woman after finding her lost coin outweighs her tireless efforts in searching and sweeping the entire house just to find it. She’s even willing to throw a party for her friends which would cost her a lot of money.
The woman cries out, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.”
Challenge
The challenge of the Gospel for us today is the same challenge which Jesus gave to the Pharisees: Are we willing to celebrate with God and his angels who rejoice each time a repentant sinner comes to Jesus?
Those who find God’s mercy offensive can’t celebrate with the angels when a sinner repents.
“The parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin expose the grudging spirit that prevents us from receiving God’s mercy.
Only those who can celebrate God’s grace to others can experience that mercy themselves.”
Sunday, October 16, 2005
My First Homily
Jesus a Man of Integrity
Homily on the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Is 45:1, 4-6; 1 Thes 1:1-5b; Matt 22:15-21)
St. Leo the Great Parish, North Altona
October 15, 2005
Homily on the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Is 45:1, 4-6; 1 Thes 1:1-5b; Matt 22:15-21)
St. Leo the Great Parish, North Altona
October 15, 2005
“Thank You”
“Thanksgiving and Congratulations!” is the theme of the letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians which we hear from the Second Reading.
Together with Silvanus and Timothy, Paul expressed his gratitude and praise for the church of Thessalonika for their faith in God, charitable acts to one another and perseverance and hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
I come here this evening, with a joyful heart like St. Paul’s, to thank and congratulate not the Thessalonians, but you all, the people of North Altona.
Thank you for your support, encouragement and prayers. You know that you have been part of my journey toward my training to the priesthood.
Last Saturday, in St. Patrick’s cathedral, I was ordained as deacon by Archbishop Hart, together with three seminarians for the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Ordination to the diaconate is the final step towards the priesthood. At the ceremony, we committed ourselves to lifelong celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of God. We promised obedience to the Archbishop and to his successors. Most of all, we received the ministry to serve God’s people and to proclaim the Gospel.
Last Monday, I celebrated my fifth year in Australia. It seems only yesterday, when I left my home country, the Philippines, I was then full of uncertainties and doubt whether I made the right decision in joining the seminary here.
Five years ago, my mother accompanied me on my flight to Australia but we were immediately separated as soon as we arrived at the airport because a priest from the seminary picked me up and took me to the seminary in Carlton.
In the evening the priest drove me to the presbytery of Fr. Paul, where I would be staying until the school year began. Unfortunately, Fr. Paul was not home or probably he was just hiding from me!
So we drove back to the seminary, disappointed. I remember the priest was so apologetic to me. It wasn’t a good welcome was it?
After a while, we went back to the presbytery and we got Fr. Paul at last! I remember Fr. Paul welcomed me and gave me a fatherly hug. That was the beginning of my journey in Australia. I am thankful to God that I started the new episode of my life in Australia, with a humble priest and with the generous parishioners of St. Leo’s.
So borrowing the words of St. Paul, I say to you all, “I (we) always mention you in my prayers and thank God for you all, and constantly remember before God our Father how you have shown your faith to me in action.”
“Thanksgiving and Congratulations!” is the theme of the letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians which we hear from the Second Reading.
Together with Silvanus and Timothy, Paul expressed his gratitude and praise for the church of Thessalonika for their faith in God, charitable acts to one another and perseverance and hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
I come here this evening, with a joyful heart like St. Paul’s, to thank and congratulate not the Thessalonians, but you all, the people of North Altona.
Thank you for your support, encouragement and prayers. You know that you have been part of my journey toward my training to the priesthood.
Last Saturday, in St. Patrick’s cathedral, I was ordained as deacon by Archbishop Hart, together with three seminarians for the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Ordination to the diaconate is the final step towards the priesthood. At the ceremony, we committed ourselves to lifelong celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of God. We promised obedience to the Archbishop and to his successors. Most of all, we received the ministry to serve God’s people and to proclaim the Gospel.
Last Monday, I celebrated my fifth year in Australia. It seems only yesterday, when I left my home country, the Philippines, I was then full of uncertainties and doubt whether I made the right decision in joining the seminary here.
Five years ago, my mother accompanied me on my flight to Australia but we were immediately separated as soon as we arrived at the airport because a priest from the seminary picked me up and took me to the seminary in Carlton.
In the evening the priest drove me to the presbytery of Fr. Paul, where I would be staying until the school year began. Unfortunately, Fr. Paul was not home or probably he was just hiding from me!
So we drove back to the seminary, disappointed. I remember the priest was so apologetic to me. It wasn’t a good welcome was it?
After a while, we went back to the presbytery and we got Fr. Paul at last! I remember Fr. Paul welcomed me and gave me a fatherly hug. That was the beginning of my journey in Australia. I am thankful to God that I started the new episode of my life in Australia, with a humble priest and with the generous parishioners of St. Leo’s.
So borrowing the words of St. Paul, I say to you all, “I (we) always mention you in my prayers and thank God for you all, and constantly remember before God our Father how you have shown your faith to me in action.”
The Pharisees
It’s been a week already since my ordination and I still can’t believe that I am now a cleric. I am now a member of the hierarchy of the bishops, priests and deacons. I am now an ordained minister of the Catholic Church. I am now one of the leaders of our religion.
And so when I was reflecting on the Gospel reading today I was warned and alerted not to be like the Pharisees.
In the Gospel, we hear Jesus called the Pharisees and Herodians hypocrites. The word “hypocrite” is a term meaning “an actor” probably a “stage actor” or simply a pretender.
The Pharisees were leaders of sect within Judaism at the time of Jesus. They were known as false interpreters of the Scripture and some were extremely hostile to Jesus.
The Gospel we hear this evening is a classic account of how the Pharisees tried to put down the integrity of Jesus by trapping him in a dilemma. As a tactic the Pharisees first praised Jesus, “Master, we know that you are an honest man and teach the way of God in an honest way.”
After this they asked Jesus, “Tell us your opinion, then. Is it permissible to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
The dilemma is this, if Jesus should answer it was all right to pay tax to the Emperor, Jesus would be ostracized or hated by the common people who saw paying taxes to the Emperor as an offense to Israel. Many Jews saw paying taxes to the emperor as a symbol of political and economic subjugation.
But if Jesus should answer it was against God to pay taxes to the Roman Empire then he would be accused by the Pharisees as an anti-Roman, if not a revolutionary.
Jesus’ clever response put his enemies in silence. He showed them a coin saying, “Whose head is this? Whose name?” The Pharisees replied, “Caesar’s.” He then said his classic response, “Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar – and to God what belongs to God.”
Integrity of Jesus
The issue here is not only about the general principle of the relationship between religion and society, or our legal responsibility to the State and our obligation to give God what belongs to him.
The Gospel today is also inviting us to look at the integrity of Jesus. Jesus, as opposed to the Pharisees, is a man of integrity, honesty and truthfulness.
Jesus wants us to have a sincere heart.
“Deep human relationship, whether in friendship, family, marriage, or any form of commitment, is sustained by goodwill, honesty and sincere heart.”
God wants us to be true to our words. “A hypocrite does not give to God what belongs to God, for God wants a sincere heart. Only an upright heart pleases God.”
We pray in this Mass, asking for God’s help and grace to shape our lives according to the gentle and humble heart of his Son, Jesus, so that like him we may all stand out in our community not as Pharisees but as persons of integrity.
Monday, October 10, 2005
I am Yours
Ah, they now call me "Reverend." I feel so little. I feel unworthy...
"I said, Ah Lord; look, I do not know how to speak; I am a child! But the Lord replied. 'Do not say, and I am a child'. Go now to those to whom I send you and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to protect you - it is the Lord who speaks." (Jer 1:6-7)
Thursday, October 06, 2005
My Dear Diarya*
My Dear Diarya,
Ang mga ginawa ko ngayong araw na ito ay:
Gumising ng 6:05, 6:10, 6:15 at 6:20 ng umaga, naligo at nakaabot sa naman sa 6:45 Morning Prayers. Nagmeditate ng 30 minutes (partly nakatulog “sleeping with the Lord”) sa Gospel reading of the day: “The Lord’s Prayer (Lk 11:1-4). Pinaulit-ulit kong sinasabi sa isip ko “Lord, teach us to pray.” Tapos Misa ng 7:30.
Nagbreakfast ng ‘darak at conditioner’ (tawag ko sa cereals, cornflakes and the like). Habang kumakain ng ‘patuka sa manok’ naki-epal ako sa grupo ng mahihilig sa morning quiz bee sa newspapers. Napanis laway ko. Out of 15 questions isang lang ang nasagot ko naunahan pa ko ng one split second. Tanong: “Notably what soldier was ordered from the Philippines to Australia in 1945?” Answer: Douglas Mac Arthur. Yabang! Yun pa di ko masagot.
9am. Naka-set na ang books, notes, articles at ang pinahiram sa akin na laptop computer na kailangan ko pag-gawa ng assignment essay. Kinakailangan ko kasing lumabas ng kwarto ko dahil kung hindi ay mag-poprocrastinate lang ako (kagaya ng ginagawa ko ngayon).
Around 10 am tinawagan ko ang favorite kong classmate na babae nung highschool na isa ng nurse sa L.A. Halata ang American accent niya habang umoorder ng Piattos, Chippy, pusit at chichirya sa pinsan niya na nasa kabilang linya. Ang cute! Binigyan ko siya ng konting updates tungkol sa classmates namin at ilang contact numbers nila. Sinabi ko na naging crush ko siya nung hs pero di naman siya naniwala at naiba ko naman bigla ang topic.
11.30 nasa recreation room na ako. Nakapatong ang laptop sa table-tennis board at ready na talaga akong magsimula. Dumating si Fr. Fabian para mag-init ng kanyang paboritong niyang Indian cuisine lunch. Lunch time na pala! Dumating din si Anh, 5th year seminarian from Vietnam para magsaing ng rice. Pag-lunch kasi dito sandwich lang pagkain pero solve na dun ang mga Aussies! Matamlay ang mukha ni Anh nang makitang ubos na ang stock ng bigas. Nagvolunteer ako ng kumuha ng bigas dahil gutom na rin ako.
11.45 naglakad ako papunta sa grocery store. May nadaanan akong tindahan ng mga formal dress for men. Tumingin ako ng formal suit. May inirecommend sa akin ang may-ari. Nang itanong ko ang price ay dali-dali akong lumabas. Suit & trousers: $995.00 (multiply by 40 pesos= P39,800!!!)
12:30 pauwi nako bit-bit ang 10 kilos na rice. Maraming ala-ala ang bumalik habang naglalakad ako pauwi. Naalala ko pag-iigib ako ng tubig nuong wala pa kami gripo sa bahay. Naalala ko si Renalyn B., crush ko nung grade 5 na nakakasabay ko minsan sa pagbili ng pandesal, mantika, Maling o itlog sa malapit na sari-sari store tuwing 5:30 ng umaga. Pagbalik ko sa recreation room wala na si Anh. Tinawagan ko siya bakit ang napaka-tagal ko daw. Akala niya sa kitchen lang ako kukuha ng bigas! Buti di siya umiyak. Naalala ko bigla ang Vietnam Rose.
1:05pm nag-internet ako habang inaantay maluto ang sinaing ni Anh. 2:00pm nang matapos akong maglunch. Bumalik ako agad sa kwarto ko—this is the biggest mistake I ever done today. Dahil pag ganitong oras nagiging time-space-war ang kwarto ko. Nagkamalay na lang ako bandang 3:30pm sa dami ng tumatawag phone ko at isang text message na mula kay Pinky.
4:00pm. Hinakot ko na pabalik sa kwarto ko ang laptop at mga books na kailangan ko sana sa pag-gawa ng essay. It’s unbelievable. This can’t be true! (sabi ko sa sarili ko.) Wala akong nagawa.
4:30pm nasa city ako para maghanap ng suit and pants na isusuot para sa kasal ko sa Saturday (actually pag-katapos ng kasal ko). Marami akong pinasok na stores sa Melbourne Central (mall). Nagulat ako may mas mataas pa pala sa unang price nanakita ko kanina— suit lang $1,099 na! (o P43, 960). Ang budget ko ay $200 lang (bigay ng ate ko).
Sa kalalakad ay nakasalubong ko si Tita Heide, kaibigang kong Filipina. Sinamahan niya ako sa paghahanap ng damit ko. Kailangan kong magmadali dahil may evening prayers kami ng 6:00pm. Ang pinakamura ay $349+15 (alteration of trousers)= $360. Pero $150 lang ang binayad ko si Tita Heide na ang the rest. Gift daw niya sa akin. Ang bait niya talaga. Is this part of the hundredfold which Christ was saying about those who have left their family, friends and loved ones for the sake of God’s service?
6pm. Evening prayer. The magnificat anthiphon is “The Almighty has done great things for me; Holy is his name.” Very true indeed!
7:20pm. Tumawag ako sa mga friends ko para iconfirm kung makakarating sila sa kasal ko this Saturday. Habang kausap ko ang isang kaibigan kong Pilipina, narinig ko sa TV nila si Toni Gonzaga. Pinoy Bigbrother na! Si ate Racquel ang hula kong matatanggal this coming Sunday. Sana magtagal muna si Sam sa Bahay ni Kuya dahil alam ko pag napapanuod siya ng mga kaibigan ko sa Pinas ay parang nakikita din nila ako sa TV screen so hindi nila ako gaanong mamiss. (Di naman kumidlat, siguro totoo, hehe.)
8:23pm. I have to stop here now. Wednesday ngayon matagal na akong hindi nakapagnovena kay Mama Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Night Prayer:
“ Lord, give our bodies restful sleep; and let the work we have done today be sown for an eternal harvest. Through Christ our Lord.”
______________
* Ang My Dear Diarya ay kinopya ko sa pamagat ng kwelang blogs ni Mr. Dj. Makamasa ang kanyang kwento at nakakatuwang basahin.
Ang mga ginawa ko ngayong araw na ito ay:
Gumising ng 6:05, 6:10, 6:15 at 6:20 ng umaga, naligo at nakaabot sa naman sa 6:45 Morning Prayers. Nagmeditate ng 30 minutes (partly nakatulog “sleeping with the Lord”) sa Gospel reading of the day: “The Lord’s Prayer (Lk 11:1-4). Pinaulit-ulit kong sinasabi sa isip ko “Lord, teach us to pray.” Tapos Misa ng 7:30.
Nagbreakfast ng ‘darak at conditioner’ (tawag ko sa cereals, cornflakes and the like). Habang kumakain ng ‘patuka sa manok’ naki-epal ako sa grupo ng mahihilig sa morning quiz bee sa newspapers. Napanis laway ko. Out of 15 questions isang lang ang nasagot ko naunahan pa ko ng one split second. Tanong: “Notably what soldier was ordered from the Philippines to Australia in 1945?” Answer: Douglas Mac Arthur. Yabang! Yun pa di ko masagot.
9am. Naka-set na ang books, notes, articles at ang pinahiram sa akin na laptop computer na kailangan ko pag-gawa ng assignment essay. Kinakailangan ko kasing lumabas ng kwarto ko dahil kung hindi ay mag-poprocrastinate lang ako (kagaya ng ginagawa ko ngayon).
Around 10 am tinawagan ko ang favorite kong classmate na babae nung highschool na isa ng nurse sa L.A. Halata ang American accent niya habang umoorder ng Piattos, Chippy, pusit at chichirya sa pinsan niya na nasa kabilang linya. Ang cute! Binigyan ko siya ng konting updates tungkol sa classmates namin at ilang contact numbers nila. Sinabi ko na naging crush ko siya nung hs pero di naman siya naniwala at naiba ko naman bigla ang topic.
11.30 nasa recreation room na ako. Nakapatong ang laptop sa table-tennis board at ready na talaga akong magsimula. Dumating si Fr. Fabian para mag-init ng kanyang paboritong niyang Indian cuisine lunch. Lunch time na pala! Dumating din si Anh, 5th year seminarian from Vietnam para magsaing ng rice. Pag-lunch kasi dito sandwich lang pagkain pero solve na dun ang mga Aussies! Matamlay ang mukha ni Anh nang makitang ubos na ang stock ng bigas. Nagvolunteer ako ng kumuha ng bigas dahil gutom na rin ako.
11.45 naglakad ako papunta sa grocery store. May nadaanan akong tindahan ng mga formal dress for men. Tumingin ako ng formal suit. May inirecommend sa akin ang may-ari. Nang itanong ko ang price ay dali-dali akong lumabas. Suit & trousers: $995.00 (multiply by 40 pesos= P39,800!!!)
12:30 pauwi nako bit-bit ang 10 kilos na rice. Maraming ala-ala ang bumalik habang naglalakad ako pauwi. Naalala ko pag-iigib ako ng tubig nuong wala pa kami gripo sa bahay. Naalala ko si Renalyn B., crush ko nung grade 5 na nakakasabay ko minsan sa pagbili ng pandesal, mantika, Maling o itlog sa malapit na sari-sari store tuwing 5:30 ng umaga. Pagbalik ko sa recreation room wala na si Anh. Tinawagan ko siya bakit ang napaka-tagal ko daw. Akala niya sa kitchen lang ako kukuha ng bigas! Buti di siya umiyak. Naalala ko bigla ang Vietnam Rose.
1:05pm nag-internet ako habang inaantay maluto ang sinaing ni Anh. 2:00pm nang matapos akong maglunch. Bumalik ako agad sa kwarto ko—this is the biggest mistake I ever done today. Dahil pag ganitong oras nagiging time-space-war ang kwarto ko. Nagkamalay na lang ako bandang 3:30pm sa dami ng tumatawag phone ko at isang text message na mula kay Pinky.
4:00pm. Hinakot ko na pabalik sa kwarto ko ang laptop at mga books na kailangan ko sana sa pag-gawa ng essay. It’s unbelievable. This can’t be true! (sabi ko sa sarili ko.) Wala akong nagawa.
4:30pm nasa city ako para maghanap ng suit and pants na isusuot para sa kasal ko sa Saturday (actually pag-katapos ng kasal ko). Marami akong pinasok na stores sa Melbourne Central (mall). Nagulat ako may mas mataas pa pala sa unang price nanakita ko kanina— suit lang $1,099 na! (o P43, 960). Ang budget ko ay $200 lang (bigay ng ate ko).
Sa kalalakad ay nakasalubong ko si Tita Heide, kaibigang kong Filipina. Sinamahan niya ako sa paghahanap ng damit ko. Kailangan kong magmadali dahil may evening prayers kami ng 6:00pm. Ang pinakamura ay $349+15 (alteration of trousers)= $360. Pero $150 lang ang binayad ko si Tita Heide na ang the rest. Gift daw niya sa akin. Ang bait niya talaga. Is this part of the hundredfold which Christ was saying about those who have left their family, friends and loved ones for the sake of God’s service?
6pm. Evening prayer. The magnificat anthiphon is “The Almighty has done great things for me; Holy is his name.” Very true indeed!
7:20pm. Tumawag ako sa mga friends ko para iconfirm kung makakarating sila sa kasal ko this Saturday. Habang kausap ko ang isang kaibigan kong Pilipina, narinig ko sa TV nila si Toni Gonzaga. Pinoy Bigbrother na! Si ate Racquel ang hula kong matatanggal this coming Sunday. Sana magtagal muna si Sam sa Bahay ni Kuya dahil alam ko pag napapanuod siya ng mga kaibigan ko sa Pinas ay parang nakikita din nila ako sa TV screen so hindi nila ako gaanong mamiss. (Di naman kumidlat, siguro totoo, hehe.)
8:23pm. I have to stop here now. Wednesday ngayon matagal na akong hindi nakapagnovena kay Mama Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Night Prayer:
“ Lord, give our bodies restful sleep; and let the work we have done today be sown for an eternal harvest. Through Christ our Lord.”
______________
* Ang My Dear Diarya ay kinopya ko sa pamagat ng kwelang blogs ni Mr. Dj. Makamasa ang kanyang kwento at nakakatuwang basahin.
Love Letter
I composed this entry last 19 August as my written response to one of the seven questions which my Archbishop would ask me on my ordination to the diaconate this coming Saturday.
Strangely enough, after I finished writing my “intention to commitment to celibacy” I remembered the love letters I wrote in high-school and college, when I opened my heart and vulnerability to the object of my love. This is what Christ did when he died and suffered on the Cross in Cavalry 2,000 years ago.
“In the presence of God and the Church, are you resolved, as a sign of your interior dedication to Christ, to remain celibate for the sake of the kingdom and in lifelong service to God and mankind?”
I promise with sincere faith in the presence of God and the Church, that I am resolved to embrace faithfully a lifelong commitment to celibacy. As I publicly take this oath to remain celibate for the rest of my life, I express with full sincerity my interior dedication and personal response to the love of Jesus Christ.
I promise to observe the law of celibacy from the very day of my ordination until the end of my life and I am resolved to faithfully live a lifelong celibacy not only as an expression of my personal commitment to follow Christ, but also as an outward sign of my humble resignation for his service, and deepest desire to make myself available for his people. In particular, I ought to offer myself to God with undivided heart and self-less love and I am willing to serve his Church to the best of my ability for the rest of my life.
I earnestly believe that celibacy is an invitation and a beautiful gift from God. To remain celibate for the sake of the kingdom and in lifelong service to God and humankind is a wonderful opportunity to dwell deeply in the mystery of God’s love. With great joy and thankful heart, I therefore feel privileged to accept wholeheartedly the gift of celibacy which God offers me in this ministry. I am prepared to act in accordance with this lifestyle and more importantly I am resolved to continually enter into a deeper personal relationship with Christ.
As I promise to observe the law of celibacy throughout all my life, I am also aware that celibate life is a very challenging way of life; there will be emptiness, temptation and difficulty that I will encounter in the future. With this in mind, I completely entrust myself to the grace of God through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that I may always remain steadfast in prayer life and faithful in my commitment to celibacy both in deed and word.
Strangely enough, after I finished writing my “intention to commitment to celibacy” I remembered the love letters I wrote in high-school and college, when I opened my heart and vulnerability to the object of my love. This is what Christ did when he died and suffered on the Cross in Cavalry 2,000 years ago.
“In the presence of God and the Church, are you resolved, as a sign of your interior dedication to Christ, to remain celibate for the sake of the kingdom and in lifelong service to God and mankind?”
I promise with sincere faith in the presence of God and the Church, that I am resolved to embrace faithfully a lifelong commitment to celibacy. As I publicly take this oath to remain celibate for the rest of my life, I express with full sincerity my interior dedication and personal response to the love of Jesus Christ.
I promise to observe the law of celibacy from the very day of my ordination until the end of my life and I am resolved to faithfully live a lifelong celibacy not only as an expression of my personal commitment to follow Christ, but also as an outward sign of my humble resignation for his service, and deepest desire to make myself available for his people. In particular, I ought to offer myself to God with undivided heart and self-less love and I am willing to serve his Church to the best of my ability for the rest of my life.
I earnestly believe that celibacy is an invitation and a beautiful gift from God. To remain celibate for the sake of the kingdom and in lifelong service to God and humankind is a wonderful opportunity to dwell deeply in the mystery of God’s love. With great joy and thankful heart, I therefore feel privileged to accept wholeheartedly the gift of celibacy which God offers me in this ministry. I am prepared to act in accordance with this lifestyle and more importantly I am resolved to continually enter into a deeper personal relationship with Christ.
As I promise to observe the law of celibacy throughout all my life, I am also aware that celibate life is a very challenging way of life; there will be emptiness, temptation and difficulty that I will encounter in the future. With this in mind, I completely entrust myself to the grace of God through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that I may always remain steadfast in prayer life and faithful in my commitment to celibacy both in deed and word.
Invitation
With Praise and Thanks to God
You are warmly invited to be present when
Justin Bernard Ford
Kieran Patrick Meade
Thinh Xuan Nguyen
John Joel Vergara
are ordained to the Diaconate
by the Most Reverend Denis J. Hart D.D.
Archbishop of Melbourne
On Saturday October 8th, 2005 at 10.00 am
At Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Albert Street, East Melbourne
Concelebrants are requested to bring white vestments
and to be vested at the Knox Centre by 9.30 am
Refreshments will be served following the ceremony
at Catholic Theological College, 278 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne (cnr Eades St)
Friday, September 23, 2005
Pinoy Bigbrother II
Dude, I will reiterate what I said on my 25 August entry:
....I am afraid that ABS-CBN's Filipino version of Big Brother would turn out instead another scandalous "Big Brothel House" as what had been reportedly seen in Big Brother houses in UK, America and Australia. It's okay to copy what is "in" (eg. reality tv) from Western countries for the sake of entertainment as long as the moral integrity, modesty and Christian values particularly of our young Filipino people are dutifully preserved.
Sobrang lungkot ako ngayon. Sobrang saya na sana ng PBB dahil medyo nakakarelate ako kina Franzen at Jason, at kahit na sobrang discontented pa rin ako sa pag-attend nila sa Misa sa TV. Super worried din ako dude sa bias na comment ng psychologist ng PBB okay lang daw at 'natural' lang na active ang kanilang hormones (kaya nag-kissing scene nina Sam at Chx). Dude reliable ba ang explanation ni doc. Magcocomment ba ang isang psychologist moral sa implication ng human bahavior? Di pa din okay kahit na alam ng lahat na nangyayari ito sa labas. Dude napapanood namin kayo at milyon-milyong kabataang Pinoy. Kaya dude, sobrang control lang po sa sarili.
The Movie Television Review & Classification Board has ordered the suspension of the hit reality show Pinoy Big Brother for exhibiting scenes that the board deemed beyond the parental guidance classification of the show. Pinoy Big Brother will not air on Sunday, September 25, due to the suspension issued by MTRCB.
In an official letter sent to ABS-CBN, MTRCB Chairman Maria Consoliza Laguardia stated that the September 19 (Monday) episode of Pinoy Big Brother contained scenes that were not suitable for TV Broadcast’s PG Rating despite previous verbal warnings issued against the show.
“Despite verbal warnings and instructions to tone down sexually suggestive language, actuations and skimpy clothing and to edit the subject program to fall within the parameters of Parental Guidance “PG” rating for television broadcast, the board has monitored and determined that the episode broadcast on September 19, 2005, to contain scenes, such as but not limited to, kissing scene between housemates Chx and Sam, gyrating dances in skimpy bikini, double entendre dialogue and use of skimpy bikini, to be beyond the parental guidance classification and not suitable for television viewing in violation of Presidential Decree No. 1986 and its implementing rules and regulations,” the order stated. (Full text on http://www.pinoybigbrother.com)
....I am afraid that ABS-CBN's Filipino version of Big Brother would turn out instead another scandalous "Big Brothel House" as what had been reportedly seen in Big Brother houses in UK, America and Australia. It's okay to copy what is "in" (eg. reality tv) from Western countries for the sake of entertainment as long as the moral integrity, modesty and Christian values particularly of our young Filipino people are dutifully preserved.
Sobrang lungkot ako ngayon. Sobrang saya na sana ng PBB dahil medyo nakakarelate ako kina Franzen at Jason, at kahit na sobrang discontented pa rin ako sa pag-attend nila sa Misa sa TV. Super worried din ako dude sa bias na comment ng psychologist ng PBB okay lang daw at 'natural' lang na active ang kanilang hormones (kaya nag-kissing scene nina Sam at Chx). Dude reliable ba ang explanation ni doc. Magcocomment ba ang isang psychologist moral sa implication ng human bahavior? Di pa din okay kahit na alam ng lahat na nangyayari ito sa labas. Dude napapanood namin kayo at milyon-milyong kabataang Pinoy. Kaya dude, sobrang control lang po sa sarili.
The Movie Television Review & Classification Board has ordered the suspension of the hit reality show Pinoy Big Brother for exhibiting scenes that the board deemed beyond the parental guidance classification of the show. Pinoy Big Brother will not air on Sunday, September 25, due to the suspension issued by MTRCB.
In an official letter sent to ABS-CBN, MTRCB Chairman Maria Consoliza Laguardia stated that the September 19 (Monday) episode of Pinoy Big Brother contained scenes that were not suitable for TV Broadcast’s PG Rating despite previous verbal warnings issued against the show.
“Despite verbal warnings and instructions to tone down sexually suggestive language, actuations and skimpy clothing and to edit the subject program to fall within the parameters of Parental Guidance “PG” rating for television broadcast, the board has monitored and determined that the episode broadcast on September 19, 2005, to contain scenes, such as but not limited to, kissing scene between housemates Chx and Sam, gyrating dances in skimpy bikini, double entendre dialogue and use of skimpy bikini, to be beyond the parental guidance classification and not suitable for television viewing in violation of Presidential Decree No. 1986 and its implementing rules and regulations,” the order stated. (Full text on http://www.pinoybigbrother.com)
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Showbiz
Bandang 11:30pm nuong nakaraang Sabado nagtext sa akin ang isang kaibigan ko, "gising ka pa?" Pagkasagot ako tawag agad siya para ipahayag ang mabuting balita, "hulaan mo kung sino kasama ko ngayon buong araw?" Ang sagot ko ay ang mabuti niyang kaaway kaya mali ang sagot ko. "Si Anne Curtis magkasama kami kanina!" Isang beses lang niya sinabi pero gusto niyang mag-echo ito ng paulit-ulit -- "Si Anne Curtis magkasama kami kanina." "Si Anne Curtis magkasama kami kanina.""Si Anne Curtis magkasama kami kanina.""Si Anne Curtis magkasama kami kanina." Nagpunta daw si Anne Curtis kasama ang kapatid niya na mag-aaral dito. Sinamahan daw ng kaibigan ko na mamasyal. "Ba't di mo ako tinawagan? Buong araw akong walang ginagawa!" sabi ko. "Malayo ako eh" alibi niya. "Aalis na siya bukas ng umaga" pag-aassure niya na wala ng tyansa na mameet ang dati kong crush na naging kampanerang kuba.
Nanghihinayang lang ako kasi malaking kawalan para kay Anne Curtis ang 'di niya ako mameet. Nameet ko na siya 2 years ago (May 11, 2003, 11.30am..hehe) kung saan ako lang ang bumati sa kanya. Hindi kasi alam ng mga tao dito a artista siya sa Pinas. Kung saan halos isang oras ko siyang tinitigan. Kung saan nag-group picture taking kami at nasa likod niya ako. Dahil di ko kakilala ang may ari ng camera hanggang ngayon imagination pa rin ang picture namin.
Nanghihinayang lang ako para sa kanya kasi hindi niya ko nameet uli. Kawawa naman siya. Siguro iniisip niya ako ngayon., kawawa naman. Sana naman ay 'di siya gaanong maapektuhan sa pag-limot sa akin ng kaibigan ko.
"Anak, ikaw nga anak, matulog ka na. At ano yan?!? Gabing-gabi eh nagdeday-dreaming ka. Hala tulog na!"
Totoo bang narinig ko ito? Oopps sorry po. Good night..
Nanghihinayang lang ako kasi malaking kawalan para kay Anne Curtis ang 'di niya ako mameet. Nameet ko na siya 2 years ago (May 11, 2003, 11.30am..hehe) kung saan ako lang ang bumati sa kanya. Hindi kasi alam ng mga tao dito a artista siya sa Pinas. Kung saan halos isang oras ko siyang tinitigan. Kung saan nag-group picture taking kami at nasa likod niya ako. Dahil di ko kakilala ang may ari ng camera hanggang ngayon imagination pa rin ang picture namin.
Nanghihinayang lang ako para sa kanya kasi hindi niya ko nameet uli. Kawawa naman siya. Siguro iniisip niya ako ngayon., kawawa naman. Sana naman ay 'di siya gaanong maapektuhan sa pag-limot sa akin ng kaibigan ko.
"Anak, ikaw nga anak, matulog ka na. At ano yan?!? Gabing-gabi eh nagdeday-dreaming ka. Hala tulog na!"
Totoo bang narinig ko ito? Oopps sorry po. Good night..
Friday, September 16, 2005
It's Really Happening
Ilang tulog na lang...
Will you give me your life forever
Will you carry my cross everyday?
Will you walk in the light of my presence?
Will you follow the truth of my ways.
Like the purest of gold in the furnace,
is your love strong enough to endure?
Does your faith carry on through the shadows?
Does it shine in the night for the world?
Will you love me as I have loved you?
Will you live me the darkness as I die?
For the moon and the stars will be gone like the night,
and the sun will be shining on you.
(B. Boniwell)
Will you give me your life forever
Will you carry my cross everyday?
Will you walk in the light of my presence?
Will you follow the truth of my ways.
Like the purest of gold in the furnace,
is your love strong enough to endure?
Does your faith carry on through the shadows?
Does it shine in the night for the world?
Will you love me as I have loved you?
Will you live me the darkness as I die?
For the moon and the stars will be gone like the night,
and the sun will be shining on you.
(B. Boniwell)
Friday, September 09, 2005
Broken Vow 2
The time now is already 1:29AM.
Anyway, I saw this notice in highschool canteen yesterday morning during my pastoral work:
Remember!
NO thank you.
NO welcome.
NO service.
It is always important to show respect.
Fair enough!:)
Anyway, I saw this notice in highschool canteen yesterday morning during my pastoral work:
Remember!
NO thank you.
NO welcome.
NO service.
It is always important to show respect.
Fair enough!:)
Happy Birthday Mama Mary!
Our Lady's birthday celebrates the glorious privilege of her virginal Motherhood, when came the salvation of humankind.
So I sing:
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday
Happy birthday
Happy birthday to you!:)
So I sing:
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday
Happy birthday
Happy birthday to you!:)
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Broken Vow
Sabi ko dati hindi na ako magpupuyat at magka-cram.
Ang oras ngayon ay 12:44 AM, at puro notes pa lang ang nasisimulan sa essay ko.
Boring pa naman mapuyat dito.
...napakatahimik!
Wala man lang tilaok ng manok.
Kaya ako na lang: "ala eh, tik-ta-laok!"
Corny.
Ang oras ngayon ay 12:44 AM, at puro notes pa lang ang nasisimulan sa essay ko.
Boring pa naman mapuyat dito.
...napakatahimik!
Wala man lang tilaok ng manok.
Kaya ako na lang: "ala eh, tik-ta-laok!"
Corny.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Miles Christi
I read today a very inspiring story about a former military man who is now a priest.
I remember in 1999 during our graduation retreat in Baguio I went to the Philippine Military Academy to make an inquiry or if possible I'd like to apply myself immediately. I already made up my mind then that if I would be accepted here, I would definitely leave the seminary! However, when I was asked about my age the officer-in-charge abruptly replied, "Sorry over age ka na!" (I was 21 then).
To console my bleeding heart I bought myself a blue PMA t-shirt, which I really love to wear until now.
Now I understand what God wants me to be is a soldier of Christ.
Click to read the story
I remember in 1999 during our graduation retreat in Baguio I went to the Philippine Military Academy to make an inquiry or if possible I'd like to apply myself immediately. I already made up my mind then that if I would be accepted here, I would definitely leave the seminary! However, when I was asked about my age the officer-in-charge abruptly replied, "Sorry over age ka na!" (I was 21 then).
To console my bleeding heart I bought myself a blue PMA t-shirt, which I really love to wear until now.
Now I understand what God wants me to be is a soldier of Christ.
Click to read the story
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Rock Climbing
Nag-rock climbing ako sa unang pagkakataon. Nakakapanghina pala pag sinabay ang pag-tawa at pag-akyat. May nakapansin kasi na may butas pala ang puwit ng short ko. Pero dahil sa naging inspiration ko ang "Rexona Confidence" commercial naabot ko ang kasing taas ng 3 storey building.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Radio Interview
My voice was heard all over Australia this morning on a national radio network (I was interviewed yesterday). I ask someone to tape it for me because I was at pastoral work when it was broadcast.
When I came home and listened to the tape I was surprised to hear that my two professors in the Philippines were present at the radio station! Msgr. Andy Valera arrived yesterday in Sydney for a short visit commented that "I'm good a student at masipag." Parang di ako yun.
I talked for 10 minutes. I hope I made sense!
When I came home and listened to the tape I was surprised to hear that my two professors in the Philippines were present at the radio station! Msgr. Andy Valera arrived yesterday in Sydney for a short visit commented that "I'm good a student at masipag." Parang di ako yun.
I talked for 10 minutes. I hope I made sense!
Wowowie
Naka-sama ako sa snow trip ng mga Pilipino kamakailan lang. Kasing saya nang paglublob sa ginadgad na yelo ang manuod ng tape recorded ng Wowowie sa bus nuong pauwi na kami. Di ko makalimutan yung isang host na babae. Punong-punong-punong-puno siya ng energy.
Ang mga constestants nuong episode na yon ay mga babaeng buntis ng walong buwan. Walong buntis na mga nasa early twenties ang napili mula sa mahigit 500 buntis na nagpunta sa studio. Nagpagalingan sa pag-uunahan sa pag-pindot ng buzzer at pagsagot ng tama ang walong-hindi-na-hindi-medyo-buntis. Isa lang ang misyon ng bawat isa: ang manalo at makuha ang perang jackpot prize upang makaahon sa kahirapan.
Sa kabila ng kasiyahan, bakas na bakas ang lamlam ng katotohan. Ininterview muna kasi sila. Kinumusta ni Willie (host) ang kanilang mga asawa at tinanong kung anu-ano ang trabaho nila.
Buntis A: Iniwan siya ng tatay ng kanyang ipinag-bubuntis at sumama sa ibang babae.
Buntis B, C, D, E, F & G: Walang trabaho ang asawa.
Buntis H: Tricycle driver ang asawa. Ok na sana. Kaso, pang-pito na ang kanyang ipinagbubuntis!
Kumusta naman kaya ang 500 buntis na di natanggap?
Nakakalungkot..
Mga bosing (kahit bilang ko lang ang nakakakabasa nito), igalang naman natin ang babae. Maging responsable naman sana tayo. I-angat natin sila. Hindi lang sila tao, tulad ng mga nanay natin, babae sila.
Ang mga constestants nuong episode na yon ay mga babaeng buntis ng walong buwan. Walong buntis na mga nasa early twenties ang napili mula sa mahigit 500 buntis na nagpunta sa studio. Nagpagalingan sa pag-uunahan sa pag-pindot ng buzzer at pagsagot ng tama ang walong-hindi-na-hindi-medyo-buntis. Isa lang ang misyon ng bawat isa: ang manalo at makuha ang perang jackpot prize upang makaahon sa kahirapan.
Sa kabila ng kasiyahan, bakas na bakas ang lamlam ng katotohan. Ininterview muna kasi sila. Kinumusta ni Willie (host) ang kanilang mga asawa at tinanong kung anu-ano ang trabaho nila.
Buntis A: Iniwan siya ng tatay ng kanyang ipinag-bubuntis at sumama sa ibang babae.
Buntis B, C, D, E, F & G: Walang trabaho ang asawa.
Buntis H: Tricycle driver ang asawa. Ok na sana. Kaso, pang-pito na ang kanyang ipinagbubuntis!
Kumusta naman kaya ang 500 buntis na di natanggap?
Nakakalungkot..
Mga bosing (kahit bilang ko lang ang nakakakabasa nito), igalang naman natin ang babae. Maging responsable naman sana tayo. I-angat natin sila. Hindi lang sila tao, tulad ng mga nanay natin, babae sila.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
A Short Tribute to Ms. Cyril
Mula nang mabasa ko ang blogs entry niya tungkol sa kanyang Mommy naging regular na akong tagabasa ng kanyang blogs, almost six months na pala yun!
Very fluent siyang magsulat sa Filipino at English. Mabilis siyang mag-isip. Malalim mag-critic. Very articulate at very entertaining kung siya ay mag-kwento. Consistent ang kanyang grammar. Matapang at may conviction ang kanyang pananaw. Cute ang kanyang sense of humor. Hanga ako sa kanya dahil ito ang mga qualities na wala ako.
Parang kilalang-kilala ko na siya kahit di ko pa naman siya namemeet. Nasundan ko ang pag-graduate niya sa UP, pag-apply at pagkatanggap sa kanya sa Inquirer, pagsakay niya sa MRT at taxi, kanyang pananaw sa politics, kanyang love life, ang buhay sa Maynila, ang buhay ng mga ordinaryo at di-ordinaryong Pilipino, at kung anu-ano pa.
Last Saturday, di ko inaasahan na mapapaginipan ko siya, sa unang pagkakataon nameet ko siya ng 'personal'. Nakakatuwa.
Hindi ko sana isusulat ang entry na ito kung di ko lang nabasa ang latest entry niya. 'Di ko alam na paborito din pala niya ang kantang "Anima Christi." (I always say this prayer after Mass or after receiving the Holy Communion.)
Mabuhay ka Cyril!
Very fluent siyang magsulat sa Filipino at English. Mabilis siyang mag-isip. Malalim mag-critic. Very articulate at very entertaining kung siya ay mag-kwento. Consistent ang kanyang grammar. Matapang at may conviction ang kanyang pananaw. Cute ang kanyang sense of humor. Hanga ako sa kanya dahil ito ang mga qualities na wala ako.
Parang kilalang-kilala ko na siya kahit di ko pa naman siya namemeet. Nasundan ko ang pag-graduate niya sa UP, pag-apply at pagkatanggap sa kanya sa Inquirer, pagsakay niya sa MRT at taxi, kanyang pananaw sa politics, kanyang love life, ang buhay sa Maynila, ang buhay ng mga ordinaryo at di-ordinaryong Pilipino, at kung anu-ano pa.
Last Saturday, di ko inaasahan na mapapaginipan ko siya, sa unang pagkakataon nameet ko siya ng 'personal'. Nakakatuwa.
Hindi ko sana isusulat ang entry na ito kung di ko lang nabasa ang latest entry niya. 'Di ko alam na paborito din pala niya ang kantang "Anima Christi." (I always say this prayer after Mass or after receiving the Holy Communion.)
Soul of Christ, sanctify meBody of Christ, save me Water from the side of Christ, wash mePassion of Christ, give me strength Hear me, Jesus Hide me in thy wounds that I may never leave thy side From all the evil that surrounds me, defend me And when the call of death arrives, bid me come to thee That I may praise thee with thy saints, foreverHear me, Jesus Hide me in thy wounds that I may never leave thy side From all the evil that surrounds me, defend me And when the call of death arrives, bid me come to thee That I may praise thee with thy saints, forever.
Mabuhay ka Cyril!
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Pinoy Big Brother
ABS-CBN has launched the long awaited premier of Pinoy Big Brother last August 23. Twelve people are locked up inside the Big Brother House for the next 100 days. As soon as they entered the house they lose their right of privacy; cameras are installed 24/7; they are obliged to wear their radio-mics at all times except when they are asleep or are in the shower or swimming pool.
Here is my personal opinion about this:
As a Catholic country, I suppose these young contestants are Catholic or atleast most of them. I am concerned about the obligation of these young people, if they happen to be Catholic, how could they attend Sunday Masses. It is good that Pinoy Big Brother will provide a doctor, nurse or dentist and psychologist when neccessary, but it didn't appear to me that there will be a priest who will come regularly to nourish the spiritual needs of the Housemates. (I am not trying to be funny here).
Secondly I am afraid that ABS-CBN's Filipino version of Big Brother would turn out instead another scandalous "Big Brothel House" as what had been reportedly seen in Big Brother houses in UK, America and Australia.
It's okay to copy what is "in" (eg. reality tv) from Western countries for the sake of entertainment as long as the moral integrity, modesty and Christian values particularly of our young Filipino people are dutifully preserved.
Here is my personal opinion about this:
As a Catholic country, I suppose these young contestants are Catholic or atleast most of them. I am concerned about the obligation of these young people, if they happen to be Catholic, how could they attend Sunday Masses. It is good that Pinoy Big Brother will provide a doctor, nurse or dentist and psychologist when neccessary, but it didn't appear to me that there will be a priest who will come regularly to nourish the spiritual needs of the Housemates. (I am not trying to be funny here).
Secondly I am afraid that ABS-CBN's Filipino version of Big Brother would turn out instead another scandalous "Big Brothel House" as what had been reportedly seen in Big Brother houses in UK, America and Australia.
It's okay to copy what is "in" (eg. reality tv) from Western countries for the sake of entertainment as long as the moral integrity, modesty and Christian values particularly of our young Filipino people are dutifully preserved.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
WYD 05 Homily to Seminarians
** Here is the homily Benedict XVI addressed to seminarians, attending World Youth Day, in St. Pantaleon's Church last August 19, 2005.
I greet all of you with great affection and gratitude for your festive welcome and particularly for the fact that you have come to this gathering from so many countries the world over. In a special way my heartfelt thanks go to the seminarian, the priest and the bishop who have given us their own personal witness. I am very pleased to have this opportunity to be with you. I had asked that the program of these days in Cologne should include a special meeting with young seminarians, so that the vocational dimension which is always a part of World Youth Day would be even more clearly and strongly evident. Naturally, you are taking part in this experience in your own particular way, since you are seminarians, that is to say, young people devoting an intense period of your lives to seeking Christ and spending time with him in preparation for your important mission in the Church. This is what a seminary is: More than a place, it is a significant time in the life of a follower of Jesus. I can imagine how you yourselves relate to the theme of this Twentieth World Youth Day -- "We Have Come To Worship Him" -- and the entire Gospel account of the Magi from which the theme has been drawn. This passage has a special meaning for you, precisely because you are engaged in discerning and confirming your call to the priesthood. Let us pause and reflect on this theme.
[In French]
Why did the Magi set off from afar to go to Bethlehem? The answer has to do with the mystery of the "star" which they saw "in the East" and which they recognized as the star of the "King of the Jews," that is to say, the sign of the birth of the Messiah (cf. Matthew 2:2). So their journey was inspired by a powerful hope, strengthened and guided by the star, which led them toward the King of the Jews, toward the kingship of God himself. The Magi set out because of a deep desire which prompted them to leave everything and begin a journey. It was as though they had always been waiting for that star. It was as if the journey had always been a part of their destiny, and was finally about to begin. Dear friends, this is the mystery of God's call, the mystery of vocation. It is part of the life of every Christian, but it is particularly evident in those whom Christ asks to leave everything in order to follow him more closely. The seminarian experiences the beauty of that call in a moment of grace which could be defined as "falling in love." His soul is filled with amazement, which makes him ask in prayer: "Lord, why me?" But love knows no "why"; it is a free gift to which one responds with the gift of self.
[In English]
The seminary years are devoted to formation and discernment. Formation, as you well know, has different strands which converge in the unity of the person: It includes human, spiritual and cultural dimensions. Its deepest goal is to bring the student to an intimate knowledge of the God who has revealed his face in Jesus Christ. For this, in-depth study of Sacred Scripture is needed, and also of the faith and life of the Church in which the Scripture dwells as the Word of life. This must all be linked with the questions prompted by our reason and with the broader context of modern life. Such study can at times seem arduous, but it is an indispensable part of our encounter with Christ and our vocation to proclaim him. All this is aimed at shaping a steady and balanced personality, one capable of receiving validly and fulfilling responsibly the priestly mission. The role of formators is decisive: The quality of the presbyterate in a particular Church depends greatly on that of the seminary, and consequently on the quality of those responsible for formation. Dear seminarians, for this very reason we pray today with genuine gratitude for your superiors, professors and educators, who are spiritually present at this meeting. Let us ask the Lord to help them carry out as well as possible the important task entrusted to them. The seminary years are a time of journeying, of exploration, but above all of discovering Christ. It is only when a young man has had a personal experience of Christ that he can truly understand the Lord’s will and consequently his own vocation. The better you know Jesus the more his mystery attracts you. The more you discover him, the more you are moved to seek him. This is a movement of the spirit which lasts throughout life, and which makes the seminary a time of immense promise, a true "springtime."
[In Italian]
When the Magi came to Bethlehem, "going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him" (Matthew 2:11). Here at last was the long-awaited moment -- their encounter with Jesus. "Going into the house": this house in some sense represents the Church. In order to find the Savior, one has to enter the house, which is the Church. During his time in the seminary, a particularly important process of maturation takes place in the consciousness of the young seminarian: he no longer sees the Church "from the outside," but rather, as it were, "from the inside," and he comes to sense that she is his "home," in as much as she is the home of Christ, where "Mary his mother" dwells. It is Mary who shows him Jesus her Son; she introduces him and in a sense enables him to see and touch Jesus, and to take him into his arms. Mary teaches the seminarian to contemplate Jesus with the eyes of the heart and to make Jesus his very life. Each moment of seminary life can be an opportunity for loving experience of the presence of our Lady, who introduces everyone to an encounter with Christ in the silence of meditation, prayer and fraternity. Mary helps us to meet the Lord above all in the celebration of the Eucharist, when, in the Word and in the consecrated Bread, he becomes our daily spiritual nourishment.
[In Spanish]
"They fell down and worshipped him ... and offered him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh" (Matthew 2:11-12). Here is the culmination of the whole journey: encounter becomes adoration; it blossoms into an act of faith and love which acknowledges in Jesus, born of Mary, the Son of God made man. How can we fail to see prefigured in this gesture of the Magi the faith of Simon Peter and of the other Apostles, the faith of Paul and of all the saints, particularly of the many saintly seminarians and priests who have graced the two thousand years of the Church's history? The secret of holiness is friendship with Christ and faithful obedience to his will. Saint Ambrose said: "Christ is everything for us"; and Saint Benedict warned against putting anything before the love of Christ. May Christ be everything for you. Dear seminarians, be the first to offer him what is most precious to you, as Pope John Paul II suggested in his Message for this World Youth Day: the gold of your freedom, the incense of your ardent prayer, the myrrh of your most profound affection (cf. No. 4).
[In German]
The seminary years are a time of preparing for mission. The Magi "departed for their own country" and most certainly bore witness to their encounter with the King of the Jews. You too, after your long, necessary program of seminary formation, will be sent forth as ministers of Christ; indeed, each of you will return as an "alter Christus." On their homeward journey, the Magi surely had to deal with dangers, weariness, disorientation, doubts. … The star was no longer there to guide them! The light was now within them. Their task was to guard and nourish it in the constant memory of Christ, of his Holy Face, of his ineffable Love. Dear seminarians! One day, God willing, by the consecration of the Holy Spirit you too will begin your mission. Remember always the words of Jesus: "Abide in my love" (John 15:9). If you abide in Christ, you will bear much fruit. You have not chosen him, he has chosen you (cf. John 15:16). Here is the secret of your vocation and your mission! It is kept in the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who watches over each one of you with a mother's love. Have recourse to her, often and with confidence. I assure you of my affection and my daily prayers. And I bless all of you from my heart. [Translation of original issued by the Vatican press office]
I greet all of you with great affection and gratitude for your festive welcome and particularly for the fact that you have come to this gathering from so many countries the world over. In a special way my heartfelt thanks go to the seminarian, the priest and the bishop who have given us their own personal witness. I am very pleased to have this opportunity to be with you. I had asked that the program of these days in Cologne should include a special meeting with young seminarians, so that the vocational dimension which is always a part of World Youth Day would be even more clearly and strongly evident. Naturally, you are taking part in this experience in your own particular way, since you are seminarians, that is to say, young people devoting an intense period of your lives to seeking Christ and spending time with him in preparation for your important mission in the Church. This is what a seminary is: More than a place, it is a significant time in the life of a follower of Jesus. I can imagine how you yourselves relate to the theme of this Twentieth World Youth Day -- "We Have Come To Worship Him" -- and the entire Gospel account of the Magi from which the theme has been drawn. This passage has a special meaning for you, precisely because you are engaged in discerning and confirming your call to the priesthood. Let us pause and reflect on this theme.
[In French]
Why did the Magi set off from afar to go to Bethlehem? The answer has to do with the mystery of the "star" which they saw "in the East" and which they recognized as the star of the "King of the Jews," that is to say, the sign of the birth of the Messiah (cf. Matthew 2:2). So their journey was inspired by a powerful hope, strengthened and guided by the star, which led them toward the King of the Jews, toward the kingship of God himself. The Magi set out because of a deep desire which prompted them to leave everything and begin a journey. It was as though they had always been waiting for that star. It was as if the journey had always been a part of their destiny, and was finally about to begin. Dear friends, this is the mystery of God's call, the mystery of vocation. It is part of the life of every Christian, but it is particularly evident in those whom Christ asks to leave everything in order to follow him more closely. The seminarian experiences the beauty of that call in a moment of grace which could be defined as "falling in love." His soul is filled with amazement, which makes him ask in prayer: "Lord, why me?" But love knows no "why"; it is a free gift to which one responds with the gift of self.
[In English]
The seminary years are devoted to formation and discernment. Formation, as you well know, has different strands which converge in the unity of the person: It includes human, spiritual and cultural dimensions. Its deepest goal is to bring the student to an intimate knowledge of the God who has revealed his face in Jesus Christ. For this, in-depth study of Sacred Scripture is needed, and also of the faith and life of the Church in which the Scripture dwells as the Word of life. This must all be linked with the questions prompted by our reason and with the broader context of modern life. Such study can at times seem arduous, but it is an indispensable part of our encounter with Christ and our vocation to proclaim him. All this is aimed at shaping a steady and balanced personality, one capable of receiving validly and fulfilling responsibly the priestly mission. The role of formators is decisive: The quality of the presbyterate in a particular Church depends greatly on that of the seminary, and consequently on the quality of those responsible for formation. Dear seminarians, for this very reason we pray today with genuine gratitude for your superiors, professors and educators, who are spiritually present at this meeting. Let us ask the Lord to help them carry out as well as possible the important task entrusted to them. The seminary years are a time of journeying, of exploration, but above all of discovering Christ. It is only when a young man has had a personal experience of Christ that he can truly understand the Lord’s will and consequently his own vocation. The better you know Jesus the more his mystery attracts you. The more you discover him, the more you are moved to seek him. This is a movement of the spirit which lasts throughout life, and which makes the seminary a time of immense promise, a true "springtime."
[In Italian]
When the Magi came to Bethlehem, "going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him" (Matthew 2:11). Here at last was the long-awaited moment -- their encounter with Jesus. "Going into the house": this house in some sense represents the Church. In order to find the Savior, one has to enter the house, which is the Church. During his time in the seminary, a particularly important process of maturation takes place in the consciousness of the young seminarian: he no longer sees the Church "from the outside," but rather, as it were, "from the inside," and he comes to sense that she is his "home," in as much as she is the home of Christ, where "Mary his mother" dwells. It is Mary who shows him Jesus her Son; she introduces him and in a sense enables him to see and touch Jesus, and to take him into his arms. Mary teaches the seminarian to contemplate Jesus with the eyes of the heart and to make Jesus his very life. Each moment of seminary life can be an opportunity for loving experience of the presence of our Lady, who introduces everyone to an encounter with Christ in the silence of meditation, prayer and fraternity. Mary helps us to meet the Lord above all in the celebration of the Eucharist, when, in the Word and in the consecrated Bread, he becomes our daily spiritual nourishment.
[In Spanish]
"They fell down and worshipped him ... and offered him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh" (Matthew 2:11-12). Here is the culmination of the whole journey: encounter becomes adoration; it blossoms into an act of faith and love which acknowledges in Jesus, born of Mary, the Son of God made man. How can we fail to see prefigured in this gesture of the Magi the faith of Simon Peter and of the other Apostles, the faith of Paul and of all the saints, particularly of the many saintly seminarians and priests who have graced the two thousand years of the Church's history? The secret of holiness is friendship with Christ and faithful obedience to his will. Saint Ambrose said: "Christ is everything for us"; and Saint Benedict warned against putting anything before the love of Christ. May Christ be everything for you. Dear seminarians, be the first to offer him what is most precious to you, as Pope John Paul II suggested in his Message for this World Youth Day: the gold of your freedom, the incense of your ardent prayer, the myrrh of your most profound affection (cf. No. 4).
[In German]
The seminary years are a time of preparing for mission. The Magi "departed for their own country" and most certainly bore witness to their encounter with the King of the Jews. You too, after your long, necessary program of seminary formation, will be sent forth as ministers of Christ; indeed, each of you will return as an "alter Christus." On their homeward journey, the Magi surely had to deal with dangers, weariness, disorientation, doubts. … The star was no longer there to guide them! The light was now within them. Their task was to guard and nourish it in the constant memory of Christ, of his Holy Face, of his ineffable Love. Dear seminarians! One day, God willing, by the consecration of the Holy Spirit you too will begin your mission. Remember always the words of Jesus: "Abide in my love" (John 15:9). If you abide in Christ, you will bear much fruit. You have not chosen him, he has chosen you (cf. John 15:16). Here is the secret of your vocation and your mission! It is kept in the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who watches over each one of you with a mother's love. Have recourse to her, often and with confidence. I assure you of my affection and my daily prayers. And I bless all of you from my heart. [Translation of original issued by the Vatican press office]
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Two Years Ago
Dalawang taon na pala ang lumipas nang isulat ko ito para sa mga ka-batch ko, kaya lang, hanggang ngayon e marami sa kanila ang hindi pa nakabasa nito.
Minsan kaming nangarap mag-karoon ng highschool reunion upang magkasama-samang muli at para patunayan sa isa-isa’t na hindi kailanman makakalimutan ang aming pagkakaibigan nuong high-school.
Oo, natuloy ang reunion namin nuong 23 December 2004. Naalala ko pa ang laging kinakanta dati ni kuya Bodgie sa Batibot: “Nag-katotoo ang naisip ko. Nag-katotoo ang naisip ko. Nag-katotoo ang naisip ko. Nag-katotoo, ang naisip ko.”
Tiyak mauulit itong muli. Malamang December 2006 o January 2007.
Sana.
St. Dominic happy feast day po! Pray for us.
August 8, 2003
Kapistahan ni___?
4:45pm Friday
Sigurado akong natatadaan mo ang Santo ito na ipinanganak sa Calaruega, Spain noong 1770. Ang Santo ay tinuturing na bayani ng Simbahang Katoliko dahil sa kanilang natatanging buhay kabanalan, pananampalataya at pagmamamahal kay Jesus; sila ang patron ng ating buhay Kristiyano na dahil sa kanilang ginawang halimbawa ay nagdulot sa maraming tao na tumalima sa pagmamahal ng Diyos at sa kapwa. Ang Santong tinutukoy ko ngayon ay nag-tapos ng teolohiya sa Palencia at naging canon sa Cathedral ng Osma. Kilala siya sa pagtatanggol ng pananamapalataya ng Simbahan laban sa mapanirang Albigensian heresy o isang doctrina na taliwas sa turo ng Simbahan. Dahil sa kanyang mga turo, halimbawa at kabutihan marami siyang naging taga-sunod na maglingkod sa Diyos na palaganapin sa lahat ng mga bansa ang Mabuting Balita. Tinawag ang kanilang samahan na Order of Preachers. Sina St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Albert the Great, St. Catherine of Siena ay ilan lamang sa mga dakilang bayani ng pananampalataya na naimpluwensiyahan ng ating kaibigang Santo na ipinagdiriwang ngayon.
Nakakalulungkot nga lang dahil may mga kapatid tayong mga Kristyano na hindi binibigyan ng halaga at karangalan ang mga bayani ng Simbahan. Namimis-interpret kasi nila na pag nagdadasal tayo sa Santo o imahe ay sinasamba daw natin sila. Di nila alam na ang mga Santo ay “contact” natin sa itaas dahil kasama na nila si Jesus sa langit. Sila ang modelo ng Kristiyanismo upang tayo ay bumait din at makasunod sa tawag ng Diyos. Kumbaga sa ating kasaysayan, si Ninoy Aquino ang siyang nagbigay inspirasyon at nagpaigting sa maraming Pilipino na labanan ang dictatorship ni Marcos. (Patalastas: Ang beatification nga pala ni Mother Teresa of Calcutta ay sa October 19, magiging isang Blessed na siya, first step niya ito to sainthood. Marami na kasing reports na miracle dahil sa kanyang intercession. Okay lang kasi nuong buhay pa naman siya ay itinuturing na siyang “the living saint of modern time”.)
Medyo nalalayo yata tayo. At parang inaantok ka na. Oo nga pala, ang mga Order of Preachers na kilala sa tawag na Domicans ay nagtayo ng malalaking eskwelahan at unibersidad sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo para sa edukasyon ng mga kabataan at higit sa lahat para ihatid ang Kristiyanong pananampalataya. Mapalad ako’t nakapagtapos ako sa isa sa kanilang paaralan dito sa Pilipinas—kabatch nga kita eh.
Ano kilala mo na ba ang tinutukoy ko? Nakalimutan mo na yata siya mula ng grumadweyt tayo? Siguradong matatandaan mo siya kung ipadidinig ko ito sa iyo: “attention jailers, attention jailers, arrest those people who are not in the path way” o kaya’y, “attention jailers, attention jailers arrest those people who are not dancing.” Pag narinig mo ito at kung wala ka sa path way o kung hindi mo ginagawa ang sibasabing instruction, nako siguradong maghahabulan kayo ng mga CAT Officers, ikukulong ka sa isang classroom at magbabayad ka o kaya ay mag-aantay ka sa tutubos sa iyo ng dalawang Piso para sa iyong kalayan (matapos kang hikain sa katatakbo at kaba). Kikiligin ka naman pag narinig mo sa buong campus ang pangalan ng crush mo matapos mo siyang ipa-greet kay Mr. DJ… “this next song is specially dedicated for Miss__ of II-St. Lorenzo Ruiz from your secret admirer in IV-St. Thomas” (at kikiligin naman ang lahat kapag pinatugtog ni Mr. DJ ang “Endless Love”, “The Actor”, “Will I Survive” o “You Where There”).
Mayamaya’y magugulat ka na lang habang naglalakad ka biglang may dalawa o tatlong taong kakapit sa iyong kamay, pipiringan ng isa ang iyong mga mata habang nararamdaman mo na dinadala ka nila sa isang lugar na hindi mo alam (kaba). Ala kang makita ngunit naririnig mo na paparami ng paparami ang students at mga uzi na nagkakatuwaan sa paligid ninyo. Alam mo nang “na-marriage booth” ka. Lagot. Pero swerte mo pag dilat mo ay siya pala ang crush mo o kaya maganda o gwapo ang ikinasal sa iyo. Siyempre di ka magpapahalata na gustong-gusto mo naman. Subalit malas mo naman kung yung di mo type at hindi kaya-aya ang ikinasal sa iyo tulad ng nangyari sa akin! Asar ka kung sino man ang may pakana nuon. Grabe.
Naalala mo na ba kung bakit natin ginagawa ang mga bagay na iyon at ano ang kaugnayan nito sa ating banal na kaibigan na ipinagdiriwang natin ngayon? Teka, ito medyo kakaiba, siguro ay nabiktima ka rin nito, isipin mo wala kang kamalay-malay na naglalakad sa campus tapos ay bigla na lang may magba-vandal na kiss mark sa braso mo, sa kamay, sa noo o sa pisngi mo dahil natapak ang paa mo sa isang markang bilog sa lupa na pag-aari pala ng isang school club. Dahil tresspassing ka sa kanila kailangang magbayad ka ng 2 piso! Pwedeng business ito.
Pero hindi siyempre papatalo sa creativity ang gimik ng mga KOA o Knights of the Altar, sila ang mga mukhang anghel na sakristan under the supervision of Ma’am Tagalag (proudly to say I was a member). Natatandaan mo ba ang mahabang pila ng mga estudyante sa may Mother Ignacia building? May mga nagtutulakan at nagsisigawan lalu na yung mga girls at freshmen na nanginginig sa takot, ang iba naman ay magkahalong excitement at kaba ang nararamdaman habang inaantay ang group nila na makapasok sa Horror Booth. (Ito secret: isang natatanging ala-ala sa loob ng Horror Booth na ito ang siyang aking naging kasa-kasama saan man ako mag-punta lumipas man ang maraming taon at darating pang panahon. Dahil sa loob ng Horror Booth na ito ko unang naramdaman na pwede pala akong ma-love at first sight. [Senti]. Kung pumasok ka sa Horror Booth namin sigurado kong kilala mo na ang tinutukoy ko, siya ang gumanap na white lady; maganda kasi siya at mahaba ang buhok. Ako naman ay napili na maging isa sa mga aswang hindi ko alam kung bakit.)
Masaya ang lahat dahil walang pasok. Nagkapaligid sa ground ang maraming booths na kulay pula na sponsor ng Coke o Pop Cola. Naglalaban ng basketball ang mga varsity teams ng bawat year levels sa ilalim ng galit na galit na haring araw sa katanghalian tapat. Sa kabilang dako naman sa tabi ng malaking punong mangga at sa tapat ng canteen maliliksing (may malalata din) naglalaro ang volleyball players na pambato ng freshman, sophomore, junior at senior. Sigawan ang mga students at mga teachers lalo na pag magagaling at malalakas mag-spike ang mga players. Kaya lang minsan dahil siguro sa kaba o pressure napapalakas ang service na walang direksyon. Nayayanig at napapagewang tuloy ang nag-iisa nating pizza stand tuwing ito’y tatamaan. Buti na lang at may gasul sa ilalim na nagsilsilbing pabigat nito. Para sa akin at sa ilang kaibigan ko, walang epekto sa amin kung tumumba man o hindi ang tindahan ng pizza, kasi pang butsi, pichi-pichi, sopas o ginatan lang ang kaya ng baon ko. Subalit minsan may araw na lumalabas din ang pagka-sosi ko; bumibili ako ng Pop Cola matching with Pasalubong cup cake (yabang—feeling sikat ka na nun!). Minsan lang iyon!
Masarap maala-ala ang mga panahon na iyon. Lalo na kung araw ng kapistahan ng Patron nating ito. Didiscribe ko muna ang looks niya. Una, shaggy ang buhok niya (shaggy-lid lang may buhok hehe), nuong unang panahon kasi kinakatkat ng ilang mga Kristyano ang buhok nila bilang sacrifice. Ikalawa, nakasuot siya ng cream at black na habit. At ikatlo, kung natatandaan mo ang rebulto niya sa gawing kanan ng stage, katabi ng flagpole, sa tapat ng registrar’s office, may kasama siyang aso na may kagat-kagat na sulo na may apoy. (Akala ko dati kaya alagang aso ng mga madre yun) Ayon daw kasi sa kwento, bago daw isilang ang saint of the day natin ay nanaginip ang nanay niya na ang ipinagdadalangtao daw niya ay hindi tao kundi isang aso na may kagat-kagat na sulo. At nakita ng nanay na ito ang pamahiin na parang susunugin ni doggy ang buong daigdig. (Katakot naman mukhang bangungot yata iyon at hindi panaginip). Buti na lang at hindi inatake sa puso si nanay. Isa pa, nuong binyagan daw siya, ay may nakita naman ang ninang niya na isang nagniningning na star sa nuo niya. Lumipas ang panahon at napagtanto na ang sulo na kagat ng aso (di ko alam kung askal o poodle) at ang liwanag sa nuo niya ay simbolo pala ng kaniyang magiging misyon sa buhay. Tulad ng nabanggit ko sa simula, namuhay siya ng tagasunod ni Jesus; itinuro niya sa mga tao ang lahat ng aral ng Panginoon sa Ebanghelyo. Ang tanging naging hangad ng friend natin ay pag-alabin o maging “on fire” ang bawat puso ng mga tao sa pag-mamahal sa Diyos. Sa wikang Ingles: “This he did by preaching the gospel message, thereby shedding the light of Christ’s teaching in a world darkened by heresy and evil.” Ah, kaya pala may apoy at maningning na star. Magsalamin ka mamaya baka ikaw may star din! Hehe.
Ngayong nadiscribe ko na ang the looks niya at sigurado akong alam mo na kung sino ang tinutukoy ko. Kung ang sagot mo ay si San Isidro Labrador, congratulations! Umuwi ka na at magtanim ng kamote sa bakuran ninyo. Kung si San Lorenzo naman ang sagot mo ulitin mo ang pagtatanim ng kamote. (Biro lang) Kung ang sagot mo ay si St. Dominic Academy, este St. Dominic de Guzman pala. Congrats! Tama ka. Namatay St, Dominc nuong 6 Agosto 1221 sa Bologna ngunit hindi ang kanyang nasimulang adhikain, kahit di man natin naiisip at namamalayan kasama natin siya kahit ngayon dahil graduate tayo sa school niya di ba? Mamaya, bakit hindi mo subukan na magdasal at humingi ng assistance sa kanya ng libre, di ba Dominicans tayo? Paki-tanong na rin tuloy kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng Laudare, Benidicere at Praedicare na nakasulat sa ilalim ng Veritas (iyung patch sa uniform natin at nasa ID din natin). Hindi ko ito nasagot nuong itanong sa quiz nuong first year tayo.
Oo, feast din day ngayon ni St. Dominic, ang kulit-kulit ko kanina pa. Sa isip ko ay kanina pa ko naririnig ang kantang:
Amang Santo Domingo ng kabanal-banalan,
ilaw ka ng sandaigdigan ipinagdiriwang,
Iyong kadakilaan halimbawa ng buhay
Puspos ka ng Poong Diyos,
Gabay nati’t tanglaw
Magalak tayong lahat,
O Santa Iglesya,
Siya’y ipinagdiriwang sa langit at lupa…(nakalimutan ko na ang kasunod)
Isa pang kinakanta natin pag feast day niya ay pa-rap dahil para kang nakikipaghabulan sa madre sa bilis.
Chorus:
Dominic O Dominic
over the land and floods along
and sing a little song
Never looking for rewards
He just talks about the Lord
He just talks about the Lord
Verse:
Grant us now….(nakalimutan ko na pero pa-rap ang verse na ito)
Maraming taon na ang lumipas ng huli natin itong kantahin na sabay sabay tayo sa school. Sa tagal ay nakalimutan ko na ang lyrics. Tulad ng mga ala-ala ko sa high-school, unti-unting lumalabo ang bawat detalye kasama ang mga masasayang nagdaan. May mga pagkakataon na maaalala ko lang pag kinukwento sa akin ng ibang classmate ko. Karaniwan sasabihin nila ”natatandaan mo ba dati nung highschool tayo nang…?” Mahabang kwento kung iisa-isahin ko ang memories ko sa St. Dominic Academy halimbawa: si Sir Llanita (“tatag naman,” sabay kibit balikat), M’ Laniog (“isinga mo!sige..sige”, “wala kang care and concern”, “ano ang iyong bagong kaisipan at bagong karanasan?”), ang Talisay, ang CR, ang punong Mangga, ang Bible Service tuwing Lunes umaga, announcement of the cleanest classroom, katoperhan sa harap ng iyong crush, tuksuhan, selosan, halo-halo sa Ka Elvie, Bambi’s, tagyawat, chin-chun su, pulbos at Good Morning towel, mga proffessional doctors tuwing checkan ng test papers, uniforms kong naninilaw (na laba sa poso), at marami marami pang iba.
Ilan taon na ba ang lumipas? Minsan ba ay nagbabalik tanaw ka din tulad ko? O masyado na tayong busy sa ating career, sa office, sa ating trabaho o sa walang katapusang paghahanap ng trabaho? Siguro ay bising-busy ka sa iyong pamilya, diyata’t kay sarap isipin na may anak ka na pala ngayon o kung di naman ay nagpaplano ka’t nanalangin na magtaguyod ng isang simple at masayang tahanan. O kaya’y busy ka at tila wala ka nang paki-alam sa mundo maliban sa pag-ibig na iyong natagpuan sa iyong boyfriend o girlfriend. O siguro, ikaw din ay tipo ng tao na minsan o kadalasan, pakiramdam mo ay walang katiyakan ang iyong patutunguhan, mukhang malabo ang kinabukasan, napapagod ng mag-isip, nakakaiyak, nakakatakot…mahirap pala ang buhay. Simple lang ang buhay sa high-school.
Nagtatanong ka bakit sila successful at ako ganito pa rin? Nasaan ka man ngayon, at kung ano man ang iyong ginagawa, minsan kailangan nating lumingon upang makita natin ng mas malinaw ang ating patutunguhan, at mahalin kung ano man, at kung ano ang meron tayo ngayon. Kung tama ba o nakabubuti sa atin ang ating ginawa. Hindi ko na alam kung ano pa ang sasabihin ko tingnan mo na lang ito at paki-hanap ang iyong pangalan:
ST. DOMINIC ACADEMY
Pulilan, Bulacan
VI- ST. DOMINIC
School Year 1993-94
Mrs. Theresa Enriquez
BOYS
Acuña, Edgardo Jr. G.
Catriz, Renato S. II
Cristobal, Raymond C.
Cruz, Dante C.
Cueto, Michael J.
dela Cruz, Arnold C.
delos Santos, William A.
Diam, Ricky E.
Diaz, Marxc S.
Enriquez, Roehl C.
Galia, Armando D.
Garcia, Pol Mark A.
Gatuz, Rodel O.
Javillonar, Jaybee I.
Mag-isa, Luciano A.
Martinez, Eugene M.
Morales, Chester B.
Ocampo, Opher John F.
Ongsico, Rex P.
Palomares, Adrian O.
Santos, Alex D.
Santos, Odra Noel E.
Santos, Ronaldo T.
Siapco, Jason J.
Vergara, John Joel E.
Summary: Boys- 25
Girls - 31
Total - 56
GIRLS
Aquino, Angelina M.
Arcega, Consuelo M.
Barcelona, Carina S.
Bernardo, Janelle J.
Buñing, Susan M.
Cruz, Cybelle M.
Cruz, Elenita M.
de Guzman, Nancy M.
delos Santos, Basilisa C.
Dionisio, Maricris S.P.
Duncil, Marciana C.
Gonzales, Racquel S.
Ignacio, Adeliza D.
Joaquin, Evelyn B.
Legaspi, Lady Jennifer M.
Mag-isa, Ma. Monette E.
Navarro, Eilleen Gay F.
Pagtalunan, Olive C.
Pangilinan, Sherill S.
Pascual, Jocelyn T.
Peralta, Ma. Chona V.
Ramos, Maylyn S.
Reyes, Jocelyn V.
Reyes, Maricel A.
Rivo, Susana G.
Salas, Niña Ritzie Q.
Samson, Glory-Vi C.
Santos, Judith G.
Santos, Rachell Z.
Soriaga, Sherryl C.
Yu, Kathyryn S.
VI- ST. ALBERT
Miss. Socorro Laniog
BOYS
Angulo, Marvin M.
Baliton, Conrado Glenn P.
Bate, Francisco I.
Carangan, Ranel A.
Cruz, Bonifacio Jr. D.
Cruz, Francisco Jr. J.
Cruz, Manolito C.
Cruz, Norman C.
Cruz, Pee Jay V.
Cueto, Marvin J.
de Guzman, Reynaldo Jr. C.
dela Cruz, Rogelio S.
Esguerra, Efren S.
Espino, John Rex A.
Gonzales, Sherwin C.
Joson, Joselito C.
Leonardo, Fidel II F.
Lopez, Crisanto m.
Marcos, Ronald, C.
+Mateo, Joel G. (RIP)
Mayuyo, Rodel U.
Mendoza, Chris Reyson R.
Roxas, Noelito A.
Soyangco, Shervy Paul R.
GIRLS
Aguinaldo, Daisy L.
Alvarez, Jennifer B.
Arceo, Jocelyn M.
Caldreon, Lorna G.
Castro, Jane N.
Clemente, Amelia M.
Cordero, Lovely M.
Cruz, Rizza C.
Cruz, Rosemela B.
Domacian, Angelica A.
Esguerra, Ligaya A.
Francisco, Marivic E,
Fuentes, Josephine M.
Gonzales, Marie Rose L.
Hilario, Nedelyn S.
Leonardo, Jayvie B.
Magtalas, Lourdes R.
Manapat, Esperanza S.A.
Manapat, Ma. Theresa B.
Mendoza, Christina, L.
Quijano, Jennifer V.
Reyes, Ma. Jzha D.
Reyes, Norvil A.
Rueda Ma. Milagros T.
Santos, Evelyn C.
Soriaga, Eloisa B.
Tagalag, Maricar S.
Torres, Edna G.
Summary: Boys- 24
Girls - 28
Total - 52
VI – ST. MARTIN
Mrs. Filomena Garcia
BOYS
Abillon, Jonathan M.
Angeles, Oliver N.
Arceo, Nelson S.
Baldevia, Andres C.
Calderon, Agustin Jr. C.
Candelaria, Enrico C.
Cruz, Michael E.
Domingo, Roentjen I.
Esguerra, Aristeo A.
Espino, Efren A.
Hipolito, Abiel C.
Ignacio, Benigno Jr. I.
Isidro, Rodger B.
Leonida, Joseph E.
Marasigan, Derick B.
Mercado, Willie S.
Obcena, Mark S.
Parba, Roberto C.
Rivero, Rio Nemesis B.
Santos, Santos L.
Sulit, Ponciano Jr. S.
Villanueva, Jason B.
Santos, Rico N.
Summary: Boys- 23
Girls - 30
Total - 53
GIRLS
Ambulencia, Solita C.
Batongbacal, Elsa N.
Castro, Cecille L.
Cruz, Ellyn G.
de Lara, Jenny Rose C.
Diaz, Suzette A.
Espiritu, Dinia G.
Esquierdo, Annalyn C.
Garcia, Rita A.
Hipolito, Karen P.
Lebarda, Renee Rose C.
Laderas, Ronalie C.
Lina, Lorenza S.P.
Macaraeg, Analiza G.
Mag-isa, Rufina J.
Mañego, Marichel P.
Maravillo, Ma.Vivian R.
Monares, Ma. Pilar L.
Paraiso, Liwayway P.
Pascual, Salud l.
Payumo, Ana Shella L.
Peralta, Lerelynne C.
Reyes, Trinidad V.
Riveza, Maricris E.
Roque, Noemi E.
San Mateo, Ma. Bammy A.
Tayao, Fortunata E.
Tayao, Maribel G.
Torres, Loreta H.
Sison, Grace
VI – ST. THOMAS
Miss. Cecilia Santos
BOYS
Apostol, Romano A.
Barcelona, Joseph Elmer S.
Cruz, Reden R.
Cruz, Richard S.
Cuizon, Jefferson B.
Cunanan, Chester E.
Dalangin, Marlon E.
Espiritu, Joselino R.
Gabriel, Elmerson C.
Gingco, Hermogenes Jr. B.
Ingal, Robert S.
Malabon, Romeo Jr. B.
Marquez, Ronaldo R.
Mazon, Mark Christ A.
Mendoza, Ian Leo V.
Plamenco, Noel B.
Ramos, Alberto T.
Sanvictores, Nomer J.
Sebastian, Sherwin A.
Tayao, Bernard C.
Povera, Jessie M.
Villanueva, Rowel A.
Summary: Boys- 22
Girls - 30
Total – 52
GIRLS
Abillon, Lorelie C.
Acuña, Virginia C.
Agustin, Evangeline D.
Arceo, Myla H.
Bailon, Pilar C.
Bernardino, Mylene O.
Bernardo, Sherryl S.
Colinayo, Anabelle D.
Damiar, Christina M.
Dimaapi, Rhodora S.
Espiritu, Corazon R.
Espiritu, Felicitas P.
Lim, Alelie V.
Magdato, Norlie E.
Mag-isa, Lariza I.
Mañego, Lennie D.
Mendoza, Jenelita J.
Pascual, Carina H.
Peralta, Marissa T.
Peralta, Mildred H.
Rivera, Maybel N.
San Pedro, Agnes C.
Santiago, Ma. Teresa M.
Santos, Karen Grace M.
Santos, Leslie A.
Santos, Magdalena J.
Santos, Rhodora C.
Tacmo, Ma. Dona D.
Victoria, Jocelyn S.
30. Villanueva, Marife L.
SISTER MA. ELENA DIRA, O.P.
School Head/Principal
Source: Miss. Laniog’s Class Record
SISTER MA. ELENA DIRA, O.P.
School Head/Principal
Source: Miss. Laniog’s Class Record
Parang huminto ang takbo ng oras habang tinitingan ko ang pangalan ng bawat isa. May mga tao na ngayon ko lang muling naalala’t naisip matapos kong mabasa ang pangalan nila. Pero karamihan sa kanila ay kilang-kilala ko, subalit nakakalungkot isipin na ilan ay hindi ko na maalala kung sino (ala kasi dito ang yearbook ko). Isipin mo, bawat isang pangalan ng mga estudyanteng ito ay may kanya-kanyang kwento ng buhay, bawat isa sa mga estudyanteng ito (kaibilang ako) ay may mga magulang, lolo at lola, tito o tita na gumapang, nangutang, at sumuporta upang makatapos tayo ng pag-aaral at makarating saan man tayo naruruon ngayon.
Isipin mo na lang ang mga teachers, advisers, guard, madre, pari, classmates, hardinero, tindera, tagaluto, jeepney at tricycle drivers na dumaan sa buhay natin bilang estudyante upang tayo ay matuto, malaman ang tama at mali, mag-mahal sa kapwa at sa Diyos. Nakalimutan ko na sila dati salamat at ay naalala ko na silang muli-- naalala kong muli ang lahat ng biyaya na aking tinanggap mula sa Diyos. Naalala kong muli na ako dati ay nanalangin, nag-rorosary tuwing umaga, nagnonobena sa Our Lady of Perpetual Help tuwing Miyerkoles, nagdarasal pag may test, long quiz o magrereport sa klase, nagsisimba tuwing Linggo (uulitin ko tuwing Linggo) at piyestang pangilin. Naalala kong naniniwala pala ako sa Diyos at kasa-kasama ko Siya sa aking pag-usad at pagtataya, sa lungkot at ginhawa sa buhay na ito.
Naalala kong minsan ay nakasama natin si Joel Mateo, isang masigla, malakas na basketball player, laging nakatawa, pala-kaibigan at Ex-O sa CAT. Di man natin siya makikita pang muli ay ipina-aalala niya na ang patutunguhan niya ay patutungan din natin. Nawa’y kapiling na niya ngayon ang mga banal na Santo sa langit, sa piling ng Mahal na Ina, ng mga Anghel at ang ating Ama sa Langit.
At naalala ko na kaya pala ako nag-email sa inyo ay para itanong kung gusto ninyong mag-karoon ng Batch 1994 Reunion next year 2004. TEN YEARS na next year after our graduation!!! Siguro ay mas okay sa lahat kung December natin gaganapin. December 26, 2004, Sunday iyon (birthday ni Niña Ritzie Q. Salas). Ayan may date na tayo kulang na lang ay venue, organizers, pag-kain, programs at ang “OO” ninyo.
Kung alam ninyo ang email address ng mga taong nabanggit sa taas pwede ninyong iforward ang message na ito. O itext ninyo sila para mas mabilis. Ang akin ay suggestion lang. TEN YEARS lang naman tayo next year eh. Kalimutan na natin iyon. TEN YEARS LANG NAMAN.
O paano, kailangan natin ang suggestion ng bawat isa, paki-forward na lang kay Pol Mark kung alam ninyo ang email niya, siya ang Presidente natin. Pinadalan ko na siya ng kopya ng batch natin. Maraming salamat kay Ma. Chona (second honor natin, dahil first cousin ko) na nanghiram kay M’Laniog ng class record niya para mapaphoto-copy ang listahan natin.
Okey, ingat kayong lahat at nawa’y magkita-kita tayong lahat sa ating reunion (kasama ng inyong mga baby at asawa).
God bless you all!
Love,
John Joel E. Vergara
IV- St. Dominic
Minsan kaming nangarap mag-karoon ng highschool reunion upang magkasama-samang muli at para patunayan sa isa-isa’t na hindi kailanman makakalimutan ang aming pagkakaibigan nuong high-school.
Oo, natuloy ang reunion namin nuong 23 December 2004. Naalala ko pa ang laging kinakanta dati ni kuya Bodgie sa Batibot: “Nag-katotoo ang naisip ko. Nag-katotoo ang naisip ko. Nag-katotoo ang naisip ko. Nag-katotoo, ang naisip ko.”
Tiyak mauulit itong muli. Malamang December 2006 o January 2007.
Sana.
St. Dominic happy feast day po! Pray for us.
August 8, 2003
Kapistahan ni___?
4:45pm Friday
Sigurado akong natatadaan mo ang Santo ito na ipinanganak sa Calaruega, Spain noong 1770. Ang Santo ay tinuturing na bayani ng Simbahang Katoliko dahil sa kanilang natatanging buhay kabanalan, pananampalataya at pagmamamahal kay Jesus; sila ang patron ng ating buhay Kristiyano na dahil sa kanilang ginawang halimbawa ay nagdulot sa maraming tao na tumalima sa pagmamahal ng Diyos at sa kapwa. Ang Santong tinutukoy ko ngayon ay nag-tapos ng teolohiya sa Palencia at naging canon sa Cathedral ng Osma. Kilala siya sa pagtatanggol ng pananamapalataya ng Simbahan laban sa mapanirang Albigensian heresy o isang doctrina na taliwas sa turo ng Simbahan. Dahil sa kanyang mga turo, halimbawa at kabutihan marami siyang naging taga-sunod na maglingkod sa Diyos na palaganapin sa lahat ng mga bansa ang Mabuting Balita. Tinawag ang kanilang samahan na Order of Preachers. Sina St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Albert the Great, St. Catherine of Siena ay ilan lamang sa mga dakilang bayani ng pananampalataya na naimpluwensiyahan ng ating kaibigang Santo na ipinagdiriwang ngayon.
Nakakalulungkot nga lang dahil may mga kapatid tayong mga Kristyano na hindi binibigyan ng halaga at karangalan ang mga bayani ng Simbahan. Namimis-interpret kasi nila na pag nagdadasal tayo sa Santo o imahe ay sinasamba daw natin sila. Di nila alam na ang mga Santo ay “contact” natin sa itaas dahil kasama na nila si Jesus sa langit. Sila ang modelo ng Kristiyanismo upang tayo ay bumait din at makasunod sa tawag ng Diyos. Kumbaga sa ating kasaysayan, si Ninoy Aquino ang siyang nagbigay inspirasyon at nagpaigting sa maraming Pilipino na labanan ang dictatorship ni Marcos. (Patalastas: Ang beatification nga pala ni Mother Teresa of Calcutta ay sa October 19, magiging isang Blessed na siya, first step niya ito to sainthood. Marami na kasing reports na miracle dahil sa kanyang intercession. Okay lang kasi nuong buhay pa naman siya ay itinuturing na siyang “the living saint of modern time”.)
Medyo nalalayo yata tayo. At parang inaantok ka na. Oo nga pala, ang mga Order of Preachers na kilala sa tawag na Domicans ay nagtayo ng malalaking eskwelahan at unibersidad sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo para sa edukasyon ng mga kabataan at higit sa lahat para ihatid ang Kristiyanong pananampalataya. Mapalad ako’t nakapagtapos ako sa isa sa kanilang paaralan dito sa Pilipinas—kabatch nga kita eh.
Ano kilala mo na ba ang tinutukoy ko? Nakalimutan mo na yata siya mula ng grumadweyt tayo? Siguradong matatandaan mo siya kung ipadidinig ko ito sa iyo: “attention jailers, attention jailers, arrest those people who are not in the path way” o kaya’y, “attention jailers, attention jailers arrest those people who are not dancing.” Pag narinig mo ito at kung wala ka sa path way o kung hindi mo ginagawa ang sibasabing instruction, nako siguradong maghahabulan kayo ng mga CAT Officers, ikukulong ka sa isang classroom at magbabayad ka o kaya ay mag-aantay ka sa tutubos sa iyo ng dalawang Piso para sa iyong kalayan (matapos kang hikain sa katatakbo at kaba). Kikiligin ka naman pag narinig mo sa buong campus ang pangalan ng crush mo matapos mo siyang ipa-greet kay Mr. DJ… “this next song is specially dedicated for Miss__ of II-St. Lorenzo Ruiz from your secret admirer in IV-St. Thomas” (at kikiligin naman ang lahat kapag pinatugtog ni Mr. DJ ang “Endless Love”, “The Actor”, “Will I Survive” o “You Where There”).
Mayamaya’y magugulat ka na lang habang naglalakad ka biglang may dalawa o tatlong taong kakapit sa iyong kamay, pipiringan ng isa ang iyong mga mata habang nararamdaman mo na dinadala ka nila sa isang lugar na hindi mo alam (kaba). Ala kang makita ngunit naririnig mo na paparami ng paparami ang students at mga uzi na nagkakatuwaan sa paligid ninyo. Alam mo nang “na-marriage booth” ka. Lagot. Pero swerte mo pag dilat mo ay siya pala ang crush mo o kaya maganda o gwapo ang ikinasal sa iyo. Siyempre di ka magpapahalata na gustong-gusto mo naman. Subalit malas mo naman kung yung di mo type at hindi kaya-aya ang ikinasal sa iyo tulad ng nangyari sa akin! Asar ka kung sino man ang may pakana nuon. Grabe.
Naalala mo na ba kung bakit natin ginagawa ang mga bagay na iyon at ano ang kaugnayan nito sa ating banal na kaibigan na ipinagdiriwang natin ngayon? Teka, ito medyo kakaiba, siguro ay nabiktima ka rin nito, isipin mo wala kang kamalay-malay na naglalakad sa campus tapos ay bigla na lang may magba-vandal na kiss mark sa braso mo, sa kamay, sa noo o sa pisngi mo dahil natapak ang paa mo sa isang markang bilog sa lupa na pag-aari pala ng isang school club. Dahil tresspassing ka sa kanila kailangang magbayad ka ng 2 piso! Pwedeng business ito.
Pero hindi siyempre papatalo sa creativity ang gimik ng mga KOA o Knights of the Altar, sila ang mga mukhang anghel na sakristan under the supervision of Ma’am Tagalag (proudly to say I was a member). Natatandaan mo ba ang mahabang pila ng mga estudyante sa may Mother Ignacia building? May mga nagtutulakan at nagsisigawan lalu na yung mga girls at freshmen na nanginginig sa takot, ang iba naman ay magkahalong excitement at kaba ang nararamdaman habang inaantay ang group nila na makapasok sa Horror Booth. (Ito secret: isang natatanging ala-ala sa loob ng Horror Booth na ito ang siyang aking naging kasa-kasama saan man ako mag-punta lumipas man ang maraming taon at darating pang panahon. Dahil sa loob ng Horror Booth na ito ko unang naramdaman na pwede pala akong ma-love at first sight. [Senti]. Kung pumasok ka sa Horror Booth namin sigurado kong kilala mo na ang tinutukoy ko, siya ang gumanap na white lady; maganda kasi siya at mahaba ang buhok. Ako naman ay napili na maging isa sa mga aswang hindi ko alam kung bakit.)
Masaya ang lahat dahil walang pasok. Nagkapaligid sa ground ang maraming booths na kulay pula na sponsor ng Coke o Pop Cola. Naglalaban ng basketball ang mga varsity teams ng bawat year levels sa ilalim ng galit na galit na haring araw sa katanghalian tapat. Sa kabilang dako naman sa tabi ng malaking punong mangga at sa tapat ng canteen maliliksing (may malalata din) naglalaro ang volleyball players na pambato ng freshman, sophomore, junior at senior. Sigawan ang mga students at mga teachers lalo na pag magagaling at malalakas mag-spike ang mga players. Kaya lang minsan dahil siguro sa kaba o pressure napapalakas ang service na walang direksyon. Nayayanig at napapagewang tuloy ang nag-iisa nating pizza stand tuwing ito’y tatamaan. Buti na lang at may gasul sa ilalim na nagsilsilbing pabigat nito. Para sa akin at sa ilang kaibigan ko, walang epekto sa amin kung tumumba man o hindi ang tindahan ng pizza, kasi pang butsi, pichi-pichi, sopas o ginatan lang ang kaya ng baon ko. Subalit minsan may araw na lumalabas din ang pagka-sosi ko; bumibili ako ng Pop Cola matching with Pasalubong cup cake (yabang—feeling sikat ka na nun!). Minsan lang iyon!
Masarap maala-ala ang mga panahon na iyon. Lalo na kung araw ng kapistahan ng Patron nating ito. Didiscribe ko muna ang looks niya. Una, shaggy ang buhok niya (shaggy-lid lang may buhok hehe), nuong unang panahon kasi kinakatkat ng ilang mga Kristyano ang buhok nila bilang sacrifice. Ikalawa, nakasuot siya ng cream at black na habit. At ikatlo, kung natatandaan mo ang rebulto niya sa gawing kanan ng stage, katabi ng flagpole, sa tapat ng registrar’s office, may kasama siyang aso na may kagat-kagat na sulo na may apoy. (Akala ko dati kaya alagang aso ng mga madre yun) Ayon daw kasi sa kwento, bago daw isilang ang saint of the day natin ay nanaginip ang nanay niya na ang ipinagdadalangtao daw niya ay hindi tao kundi isang aso na may kagat-kagat na sulo. At nakita ng nanay na ito ang pamahiin na parang susunugin ni doggy ang buong daigdig. (Katakot naman mukhang bangungot yata iyon at hindi panaginip). Buti na lang at hindi inatake sa puso si nanay. Isa pa, nuong binyagan daw siya, ay may nakita naman ang ninang niya na isang nagniningning na star sa nuo niya. Lumipas ang panahon at napagtanto na ang sulo na kagat ng aso (di ko alam kung askal o poodle) at ang liwanag sa nuo niya ay simbolo pala ng kaniyang magiging misyon sa buhay. Tulad ng nabanggit ko sa simula, namuhay siya ng tagasunod ni Jesus; itinuro niya sa mga tao ang lahat ng aral ng Panginoon sa Ebanghelyo. Ang tanging naging hangad ng friend natin ay pag-alabin o maging “on fire” ang bawat puso ng mga tao sa pag-mamahal sa Diyos. Sa wikang Ingles: “This he did by preaching the gospel message, thereby shedding the light of Christ’s teaching in a world darkened by heresy and evil.” Ah, kaya pala may apoy at maningning na star. Magsalamin ka mamaya baka ikaw may star din! Hehe.
Ngayong nadiscribe ko na ang the looks niya at sigurado akong alam mo na kung sino ang tinutukoy ko. Kung ang sagot mo ay si San Isidro Labrador, congratulations! Umuwi ka na at magtanim ng kamote sa bakuran ninyo. Kung si San Lorenzo naman ang sagot mo ulitin mo ang pagtatanim ng kamote. (Biro lang) Kung ang sagot mo ay si St. Dominic Academy, este St. Dominic de Guzman pala. Congrats! Tama ka. Namatay St, Dominc nuong 6 Agosto 1221 sa Bologna ngunit hindi ang kanyang nasimulang adhikain, kahit di man natin naiisip at namamalayan kasama natin siya kahit ngayon dahil graduate tayo sa school niya di ba? Mamaya, bakit hindi mo subukan na magdasal at humingi ng assistance sa kanya ng libre, di ba Dominicans tayo? Paki-tanong na rin tuloy kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng Laudare, Benidicere at Praedicare na nakasulat sa ilalim ng Veritas (iyung patch sa uniform natin at nasa ID din natin). Hindi ko ito nasagot nuong itanong sa quiz nuong first year tayo.
Oo, feast din day ngayon ni St. Dominic, ang kulit-kulit ko kanina pa. Sa isip ko ay kanina pa ko naririnig ang kantang:
Amang Santo Domingo ng kabanal-banalan,
ilaw ka ng sandaigdigan ipinagdiriwang,
Iyong kadakilaan halimbawa ng buhay
Puspos ka ng Poong Diyos,
Gabay nati’t tanglaw
Magalak tayong lahat,
O Santa Iglesya,
Siya’y ipinagdiriwang sa langit at lupa…(nakalimutan ko na ang kasunod)
Isa pang kinakanta natin pag feast day niya ay pa-rap dahil para kang nakikipaghabulan sa madre sa bilis.
Chorus:
Dominic O Dominic
over the land and floods along
and sing a little song
Never looking for rewards
He just talks about the Lord
He just talks about the Lord
Verse:
Grant us now….(nakalimutan ko na pero pa-rap ang verse na ito)
Maraming taon na ang lumipas ng huli natin itong kantahin na sabay sabay tayo sa school. Sa tagal ay nakalimutan ko na ang lyrics. Tulad ng mga ala-ala ko sa high-school, unti-unting lumalabo ang bawat detalye kasama ang mga masasayang nagdaan. May mga pagkakataon na maaalala ko lang pag kinukwento sa akin ng ibang classmate ko. Karaniwan sasabihin nila ”natatandaan mo ba dati nung highschool tayo nang…?” Mahabang kwento kung iisa-isahin ko ang memories ko sa St. Dominic Academy halimbawa: si Sir Llanita (“tatag naman,” sabay kibit balikat), M’ Laniog (“isinga mo!sige..sige”, “wala kang care and concern”, “ano ang iyong bagong kaisipan at bagong karanasan?”), ang Talisay, ang CR, ang punong Mangga, ang Bible Service tuwing Lunes umaga, announcement of the cleanest classroom, katoperhan sa harap ng iyong crush, tuksuhan, selosan, halo-halo sa Ka Elvie, Bambi’s, tagyawat, chin-chun su, pulbos at Good Morning towel, mga proffessional doctors tuwing checkan ng test papers, uniforms kong naninilaw (na laba sa poso), at marami marami pang iba.
Ilan taon na ba ang lumipas? Minsan ba ay nagbabalik tanaw ka din tulad ko? O masyado na tayong busy sa ating career, sa office, sa ating trabaho o sa walang katapusang paghahanap ng trabaho? Siguro ay bising-busy ka sa iyong pamilya, diyata’t kay sarap isipin na may anak ka na pala ngayon o kung di naman ay nagpaplano ka’t nanalangin na magtaguyod ng isang simple at masayang tahanan. O kaya’y busy ka at tila wala ka nang paki-alam sa mundo maliban sa pag-ibig na iyong natagpuan sa iyong boyfriend o girlfriend. O siguro, ikaw din ay tipo ng tao na minsan o kadalasan, pakiramdam mo ay walang katiyakan ang iyong patutunguhan, mukhang malabo ang kinabukasan, napapagod ng mag-isip, nakakaiyak, nakakatakot…mahirap pala ang buhay. Simple lang ang buhay sa high-school.
Nagtatanong ka bakit sila successful at ako ganito pa rin? Nasaan ka man ngayon, at kung ano man ang iyong ginagawa, minsan kailangan nating lumingon upang makita natin ng mas malinaw ang ating patutunguhan, at mahalin kung ano man, at kung ano ang meron tayo ngayon. Kung tama ba o nakabubuti sa atin ang ating ginawa. Hindi ko na alam kung ano pa ang sasabihin ko tingnan mo na lang ito at paki-hanap ang iyong pangalan:
ST. DOMINIC ACADEMY
Pulilan, Bulacan
VI- ST. DOMINIC
School Year 1993-94
Mrs. Theresa Enriquez
BOYS
Acuña, Edgardo Jr. G.
Catriz, Renato S. II
Cristobal, Raymond C.
Cruz, Dante C.
Cueto, Michael J.
dela Cruz, Arnold C.
delos Santos, William A.
Diam, Ricky E.
Diaz, Marxc S.
Enriquez, Roehl C.
Galia, Armando D.
Garcia, Pol Mark A.
Gatuz, Rodel O.
Javillonar, Jaybee I.
Mag-isa, Luciano A.
Martinez, Eugene M.
Morales, Chester B.
Ocampo, Opher John F.
Ongsico, Rex P.
Palomares, Adrian O.
Santos, Alex D.
Santos, Odra Noel E.
Santos, Ronaldo T.
Siapco, Jason J.
Vergara, John Joel E.
Summary: Boys- 25
Girls - 31
Total - 56
GIRLS
Aquino, Angelina M.
Arcega, Consuelo M.
Barcelona, Carina S.
Bernardo, Janelle J.
Buñing, Susan M.
Cruz, Cybelle M.
Cruz, Elenita M.
de Guzman, Nancy M.
delos Santos, Basilisa C.
Dionisio, Maricris S.P.
Duncil, Marciana C.
Gonzales, Racquel S.
Ignacio, Adeliza D.
Joaquin, Evelyn B.
Legaspi, Lady Jennifer M.
Mag-isa, Ma. Monette E.
Navarro, Eilleen Gay F.
Pagtalunan, Olive C.
Pangilinan, Sherill S.
Pascual, Jocelyn T.
Peralta, Ma. Chona V.
Ramos, Maylyn S.
Reyes, Jocelyn V.
Reyes, Maricel A.
Rivo, Susana G.
Salas, Niña Ritzie Q.
Samson, Glory-Vi C.
Santos, Judith G.
Santos, Rachell Z.
Soriaga, Sherryl C.
Yu, Kathyryn S.
VI- ST. ALBERT
Miss. Socorro Laniog
BOYS
Angulo, Marvin M.
Baliton, Conrado Glenn P.
Bate, Francisco I.
Carangan, Ranel A.
Cruz, Bonifacio Jr. D.
Cruz, Francisco Jr. J.
Cruz, Manolito C.
Cruz, Norman C.
Cruz, Pee Jay V.
Cueto, Marvin J.
de Guzman, Reynaldo Jr. C.
dela Cruz, Rogelio S.
Esguerra, Efren S.
Espino, John Rex A.
Gonzales, Sherwin C.
Joson, Joselito C.
Leonardo, Fidel II F.
Lopez, Crisanto m.
Marcos, Ronald, C.
+Mateo, Joel G. (RIP)
Mayuyo, Rodel U.
Mendoza, Chris Reyson R.
Roxas, Noelito A.
Soyangco, Shervy Paul R.
GIRLS
Aguinaldo, Daisy L.
Alvarez, Jennifer B.
Arceo, Jocelyn M.
Caldreon, Lorna G.
Castro, Jane N.
Clemente, Amelia M.
Cordero, Lovely M.
Cruz, Rizza C.
Cruz, Rosemela B.
Domacian, Angelica A.
Esguerra, Ligaya A.
Francisco, Marivic E,
Fuentes, Josephine M.
Gonzales, Marie Rose L.
Hilario, Nedelyn S.
Leonardo, Jayvie B.
Magtalas, Lourdes R.
Manapat, Esperanza S.A.
Manapat, Ma. Theresa B.
Mendoza, Christina, L.
Quijano, Jennifer V.
Reyes, Ma. Jzha D.
Reyes, Norvil A.
Rueda Ma. Milagros T.
Santos, Evelyn C.
Soriaga, Eloisa B.
Tagalag, Maricar S.
Torres, Edna G.
Summary: Boys- 24
Girls - 28
Total - 52
VI – ST. MARTIN
Mrs. Filomena Garcia
BOYS
Abillon, Jonathan M.
Angeles, Oliver N.
Arceo, Nelson S.
Baldevia, Andres C.
Calderon, Agustin Jr. C.
Candelaria, Enrico C.
Cruz, Michael E.
Domingo, Roentjen I.
Esguerra, Aristeo A.
Espino, Efren A.
Hipolito, Abiel C.
Ignacio, Benigno Jr. I.
Isidro, Rodger B.
Leonida, Joseph E.
Marasigan, Derick B.
Mercado, Willie S.
Obcena, Mark S.
Parba, Roberto C.
Rivero, Rio Nemesis B.
Santos, Santos L.
Sulit, Ponciano Jr. S.
Villanueva, Jason B.
Santos, Rico N.
Summary: Boys- 23
Girls - 30
Total - 53
GIRLS
Ambulencia, Solita C.
Batongbacal, Elsa N.
Castro, Cecille L.
Cruz, Ellyn G.
de Lara, Jenny Rose C.
Diaz, Suzette A.
Espiritu, Dinia G.
Esquierdo, Annalyn C.
Garcia, Rita A.
Hipolito, Karen P.
Lebarda, Renee Rose C.
Laderas, Ronalie C.
Lina, Lorenza S.P.
Macaraeg, Analiza G.
Mag-isa, Rufina J.
Mañego, Marichel P.
Maravillo, Ma.Vivian R.
Monares, Ma. Pilar L.
Paraiso, Liwayway P.
Pascual, Salud l.
Payumo, Ana Shella L.
Peralta, Lerelynne C.
Reyes, Trinidad V.
Riveza, Maricris E.
Roque, Noemi E.
San Mateo, Ma. Bammy A.
Tayao, Fortunata E.
Tayao, Maribel G.
Torres, Loreta H.
Sison, Grace
VI – ST. THOMAS
Miss. Cecilia Santos
BOYS
Apostol, Romano A.
Barcelona, Joseph Elmer S.
Cruz, Reden R.
Cruz, Richard S.
Cuizon, Jefferson B.
Cunanan, Chester E.
Dalangin, Marlon E.
Espiritu, Joselino R.
Gabriel, Elmerson C.
Gingco, Hermogenes Jr. B.
Ingal, Robert S.
Malabon, Romeo Jr. B.
Marquez, Ronaldo R.
Mazon, Mark Christ A.
Mendoza, Ian Leo V.
Plamenco, Noel B.
Ramos, Alberto T.
Sanvictores, Nomer J.
Sebastian, Sherwin A.
Tayao, Bernard C.
Povera, Jessie M.
Villanueva, Rowel A.
Summary: Boys- 22
Girls - 30
Total – 52
GIRLS
Abillon, Lorelie C.
Acuña, Virginia C.
Agustin, Evangeline D.
Arceo, Myla H.
Bailon, Pilar C.
Bernardino, Mylene O.
Bernardo, Sherryl S.
Colinayo, Anabelle D.
Damiar, Christina M.
Dimaapi, Rhodora S.
Espiritu, Corazon R.
Espiritu, Felicitas P.
Lim, Alelie V.
Magdato, Norlie E.
Mag-isa, Lariza I.
Mañego, Lennie D.
Mendoza, Jenelita J.
Pascual, Carina H.
Peralta, Marissa T.
Peralta, Mildred H.
Rivera, Maybel N.
San Pedro, Agnes C.
Santiago, Ma. Teresa M.
Santos, Karen Grace M.
Santos, Leslie A.
Santos, Magdalena J.
Santos, Rhodora C.
Tacmo, Ma. Dona D.
Victoria, Jocelyn S.
30. Villanueva, Marife L.
SISTER MA. ELENA DIRA, O.P.
School Head/Principal
Source: Miss. Laniog’s Class Record
SISTER MA. ELENA DIRA, O.P.
School Head/Principal
Source: Miss. Laniog’s Class Record
Parang huminto ang takbo ng oras habang tinitingan ko ang pangalan ng bawat isa. May mga tao na ngayon ko lang muling naalala’t naisip matapos kong mabasa ang pangalan nila. Pero karamihan sa kanila ay kilang-kilala ko, subalit nakakalungkot isipin na ilan ay hindi ko na maalala kung sino (ala kasi dito ang yearbook ko). Isipin mo, bawat isang pangalan ng mga estudyanteng ito ay may kanya-kanyang kwento ng buhay, bawat isa sa mga estudyanteng ito (kaibilang ako) ay may mga magulang, lolo at lola, tito o tita na gumapang, nangutang, at sumuporta upang makatapos tayo ng pag-aaral at makarating saan man tayo naruruon ngayon.
Isipin mo na lang ang mga teachers, advisers, guard, madre, pari, classmates, hardinero, tindera, tagaluto, jeepney at tricycle drivers na dumaan sa buhay natin bilang estudyante upang tayo ay matuto, malaman ang tama at mali, mag-mahal sa kapwa at sa Diyos. Nakalimutan ko na sila dati salamat at ay naalala ko na silang muli-- naalala kong muli ang lahat ng biyaya na aking tinanggap mula sa Diyos. Naalala kong muli na ako dati ay nanalangin, nag-rorosary tuwing umaga, nagnonobena sa Our Lady of Perpetual Help tuwing Miyerkoles, nagdarasal pag may test, long quiz o magrereport sa klase, nagsisimba tuwing Linggo (uulitin ko tuwing Linggo) at piyestang pangilin. Naalala kong naniniwala pala ako sa Diyos at kasa-kasama ko Siya sa aking pag-usad at pagtataya, sa lungkot at ginhawa sa buhay na ito.
Naalala kong minsan ay nakasama natin si Joel Mateo, isang masigla, malakas na basketball player, laging nakatawa, pala-kaibigan at Ex-O sa CAT. Di man natin siya makikita pang muli ay ipina-aalala niya na ang patutunguhan niya ay patutungan din natin. Nawa’y kapiling na niya ngayon ang mga banal na Santo sa langit, sa piling ng Mahal na Ina, ng mga Anghel at ang ating Ama sa Langit.
At naalala ko na kaya pala ako nag-email sa inyo ay para itanong kung gusto ninyong mag-karoon ng Batch 1994 Reunion next year 2004. TEN YEARS na next year after our graduation!!! Siguro ay mas okay sa lahat kung December natin gaganapin. December 26, 2004, Sunday iyon (birthday ni Niña Ritzie Q. Salas). Ayan may date na tayo kulang na lang ay venue, organizers, pag-kain, programs at ang “OO” ninyo.
Kung alam ninyo ang email address ng mga taong nabanggit sa taas pwede ninyong iforward ang message na ito. O itext ninyo sila para mas mabilis. Ang akin ay suggestion lang. TEN YEARS lang naman tayo next year eh. Kalimutan na natin iyon. TEN YEARS LANG NAMAN.
O paano, kailangan natin ang suggestion ng bawat isa, paki-forward na lang kay Pol Mark kung alam ninyo ang email niya, siya ang Presidente natin. Pinadalan ko na siya ng kopya ng batch natin. Maraming salamat kay Ma. Chona (second honor natin, dahil first cousin ko) na nanghiram kay M’Laniog ng class record niya para mapaphoto-copy ang listahan natin.
Okey, ingat kayong lahat at nawa’y magkita-kita tayong lahat sa ating reunion (kasama ng inyong mga baby at asawa).
God bless you all!
Love,
John Joel E. Vergara
IV- St. Dominic
Thursday, August 04, 2005
What's Your Response?
Sakto ang relfection guide ng 365 days with Lord ngayong araw ng ito. Tagos sa puso. Hindi ako agad naka-ilag. Pinatamaan talaga ako.
*Kaw!*(tunog ng baril ni Nicola)
"'The person who is really determined to make something happen finds a way. The person who isn't finds an excuse.' How do you look at the harsh realities of life? Do you see them as challenges that must be overcome or as excuses to run
away?"
*Kaw!*(tunog ng baril ni Nicola)
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Back to the Basic
I received text messages this morning from my friend Elsa which surprisingly made me look at my lifestyle. She said in one of her texts, Nag-enrol kami ni Espie sa gym, sarap ng pinagpapawisan. (I've just started working out in the gym with Espie, it's a great feeling when you really perspire- *pardon me for my lousy translation:( I don't know why this simple message has motivated me to do regulary what I believe I must do daily apart from my fixed schedule.
- Daily recitation of the Rosary.
- One hour physical exercise.
- Swimming. At least once a week.
- Read a good book.
- Going to bed early.
- Be always on time.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Pananagutan
"Walang sinuman ang nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang. Walang sinuman ang namamatay para sarili lamang. Tayong lahat ay may pananagutan sa isa't-isa..."
Itong kanta na ito ay madalas kinakanta sa patay o kaya sa lamay ng patay o parasal sa patay. Kaya naman pag naalala ko kahit tune lang nito e medyo nakakalungkot ang dating. Pero may isang occassion na very appropriate ang religious song na ito.
Hindi lang pang-funeral gig ang "Pananagutan". Last Sunday ko lang ito uli naalala habang nasa mahabang pila ako sa buffet lunch sa John Vianney Seminary sa Waga-Waga. Bandang 10 ng umaga mahigit 100 katao kami na dahan-dahang umuusad patungo sa long table kung saan nakahain ang napakaraming fried eggs, sausages, toast breads, sliced tomatoes at baked beans. Weird, lunch na ito dito kahit alang kanin. Pero ang mas nakakatakot e pare-pareho kaming mga seminarista at mas mas nakakatakot -- lahat kami gutom.
Automatic. Bumalik agad ang masayang-ala-ala-ng-mga-kaklase-ko-sa-Immaculate-Conception-Major-Seminary-sa-Bulacan. Sa ganitong sitwasyon kasi pag nasa harap kami hapag kainan (lalo na pag walang pari), napakahalaga ang alertness at bilis ng kamay sa pag kuha ng food. Survival of the featest! Kung helpless ka na dahil sa may mga naunang dayukdok sa pagkain, para kaming UP Madrigal Choir na sabay sabay sa pag-awit: "Walang sinuman ang nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang. Walang sinuman ang namamatay para sarili lamang."
Iba pa rin ang buhay sa seminaryo sa Pinas. Nakakamiss din pala ang mga kapwa ko dayukdok-- sina Alvin Reyes, Joel Sioson, Pip Silverio, Rafa, Shed, Lando, Fr. Ateng, Indo, Carlo, Gerry, Fr. Sonny, Tonyo, Fr. Badong, Nante, Patrick, atbp (halos lahat yata e).
Nakakamiss kumain ng sama-sama sa isang malaking palanggana sa hating gabi o kumain ng ice cream nang nakakamay, mandukot ng pagkain ng mga pari sa refectory at...oopss, baka mabasa ito ni Msgr. Angel at Fr. Willy! *Lingon lingon*
Itong kanta na ito ay madalas kinakanta sa patay o kaya sa lamay ng patay o parasal sa patay. Kaya naman pag naalala ko kahit tune lang nito e medyo nakakalungkot ang dating. Pero may isang occassion na very appropriate ang religious song na ito.
Hindi lang pang-funeral gig ang "Pananagutan". Last Sunday ko lang ito uli naalala habang nasa mahabang pila ako sa buffet lunch sa John Vianney Seminary sa Waga-Waga. Bandang 10 ng umaga mahigit 100 katao kami na dahan-dahang umuusad patungo sa long table kung saan nakahain ang napakaraming fried eggs, sausages, toast breads, sliced tomatoes at baked beans. Weird, lunch na ito dito kahit alang kanin. Pero ang mas nakakatakot e pare-pareho kaming mga seminarista at mas mas nakakatakot -- lahat kami gutom.
Automatic. Bumalik agad ang masayang-ala-ala-ng-mga-kaklase-ko-sa-Immaculate-Conception-Major-Seminary-sa-Bulacan. Sa ganitong sitwasyon kasi pag nasa harap kami hapag kainan (lalo na pag walang pari), napakahalaga ang alertness at bilis ng kamay sa pag kuha ng food. Survival of the featest! Kung helpless ka na dahil sa may mga naunang dayukdok sa pagkain, para kaming UP Madrigal Choir na sabay sabay sa pag-awit: "Walang sinuman ang nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang. Walang sinuman ang namamatay para sarili lamang."
Iba pa rin ang buhay sa seminaryo sa Pinas. Nakakamiss din pala ang mga kapwa ko dayukdok-- sina Alvin Reyes, Joel Sioson, Pip Silverio, Rafa, Shed, Lando, Fr. Ateng, Indo, Carlo, Gerry, Fr. Sonny, Tonyo, Fr. Badong, Nante, Patrick, atbp (halos lahat yata e).
Nakakamiss kumain ng sama-sama sa isang malaking palanggana sa hating gabi o kumain ng ice cream nang nakakamay, mandukot ng pagkain ng mga pari sa refectory at...oopss, baka mabasa ito ni Msgr. Angel at Fr. Willy! *Lingon lingon*
Monday, August 01, 2005
Poverty in Australia
One of the most serious social concerns of the world today is poverty. When we think of the term ‘poverty’ the image of the poor, hungry, homeless, destitute and underprivileged people immediately come into our mind. Simply in this image we can define poverty as “a condition when people lack the means to satisfy their basic needs.”[1] The reality of poverty is vividly seen in poor countries in Asia, the Middle East, most of Africa, and large parts of South and Central America. People from these parts of the world are the most deficient amongst all as they are exposed to starvation or death; or, if not, “they are those people whose nutrition, housing, and clothing, though adequate to preserve life, do not measure up to the population as a whole.”[2]
For the poor daily life is a vicious cycle of struggle and survival; their access to necessities of life and the quality of their lives are considerably lower than the standard way of living. Their daily existence does not meet the moral norms that “humankind needs to be healthy and fulfilled as well as to be sheltered and adequately fed.”[3] Hence, speaking in a broad sense, poverty is not simply a condition of defined by low level of wealth or income rather “poverty is much about powerlessness and exclusion…it is as much a social, cultural, political and spiritual reality as it is an economic one.”[4]
Given the above general description of what it is be poor, we cannot avoid including the questions of inequality and fairness as consequences of poverty. Looking at the biblical background, we can see clearly that poverty is against the divine plan of God. The book of Genesis sees the world as created for the good of the whole humanity. The created world in all its fruitfulness, goodness and beauty is the place where God wishes to be in relationship with us. God’s creation is made available for the whole humanity to equally share and cultivate. In the book of Genesis, we find that humanity is unique from all things that God has created because humanity, male and female, is created in his image and likeness.[5] This unique identity that has been bestowed upon the humanity not only should make all individuals equal; rather it should ensure that the human dignity of every person must be respected and protected.
On this principle, we find that poverty by its nature is contrary to the divine purpose of God’s creation and causes injustice to human dignity. In the Old Testament, the poor have a special place in God. In the Psalms the poor are described as contrasted with their oppressors[6] and they see themselves as having righteous claim on God.[7] God blesses those who come to defend the poor against those who turn against from them. In the New Testament, Christ, the Son of God, becomes the defender of the poor, as throughout his public ministry, Jesus condemned gross inequalities and injustices. Jesus condemns the failure to fulfill one’s responsibility to help others who are in need. Jesus obliges his followers not to turn their back from the poor.[8] The Gospel is about justice for the poor. When Jesus sent his apostles to their mission he asked them to embraced homelessness and simplicity so that they may live in solidarity with the poor.[9]
It is from the love and compassion of Christ for the poor which demands justice, equity and solidarity that the social teaching of the Church, particularly on the issue of poverty, is founded and developed. We find in the papal teachings further developments of the social teachings on poverty as the Church continues its mission to read the “signs of times.” But other than papal teachings “there has been a wealth of treatises and statements from social thinkers, individual bishops, bishops’ conference and synods of bishops.”[10]
The statements of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference on the issue of poverty since Vatican II testify that there is indeed an enormous wealth of reflection and understanding from the church’s leaders about Christ’s mission to eradicate poverty and defend the poor from their oppressors. The statements of the Australian Bishops during the first decade after the Vatican II (1970-1984) can be summed up as a call of encouragement to alleviate poverty;[11] an appeal for awareness of the country’s responsibility to help the poor nations;[12] and the country’s renewal of commitment in giving aid to the suffering countries.[13] A developed country like Australia, having the privilege of adequate food supply and rich natural resources, has a moral responsibility to act as generously as possible to assist the needs of impoverished countries. It is important to note that the Australian bishops advocated that the aid for developing countries must be based on two main principles: human dignity and social justice.[14]
In the period of 1985-1995 the pastoral statements of the Australian bishops continue the earlier vision on waging war on poverty which entails the education the Australian church in the areas of justice, peace and development. The bishops reiterated their hope for the people to their commitment to justice and development in their personal lives and in their personal goals.[15] They reminded the people that the principle in giving aid was based on a genuine partnership with the poor.[16] The bishops discussed their view on the reality of poverty in Australia such as unemployment, homelessness and the situation amongst Aboriginal people, and looked at the structural causes of many existing forms of disadvantage and deprivation in Australian society.[17]
The Australian bishops’ statements in 1996-2005 depict the reality of poverty apparent in a wealthy country of Australia. At the turn of the third millennium poverty in Australian society reveals itself in the face of homeless children, sole parents, refugees and asylum seekers, and the Aboriginal people.[18] Spiritual poverty as well is prevalent in the modern day Australia in the increasing number of the “unborn children and those struggling with addiction.”[19]
In 1992 the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Conference tackled the issue of poverty and the equal distribution of wealth in Australia by the publication of Common Wealth for the Common Good. This document attempts to apply in the Australian context the idea of the preferential option for the poor. The central message of the bishops’ statements can be summed up in the promotion of solidarity and justice. Solidarity means to “recognise people as social beings with the rights, responsibilities and dignity of interdependent members of very large communities.”[20] It requires a firmness of commitment to the common good and therefore the Australian people must place less value on self-centered individualism. There is an urgency to examine one’s attitude towards acquisition and use of wealth because this always involves social obligations and promotion of justice to people. In this statement the bishops warn, “those of us who are not poor should also review our way of thinking about poor people, try to learn form them and see life through their eyes.”[21]
It is difficult to equate the situation of poverty in Australia with the kind of poverty which is afflicting a Third World country such as the Philippines. There is a wide gap between the standard of living of the poorest people in Australia and millions of Filipinos who dwell in the slums, garbage places, under bridges, and polluted rivers. We can see that poverty in Australia is relative in the poverty in the Philippines in terms of powerlessness, exclusion, the marginalised, and those living ‘in exile’ in one’s own society. Unjust social structures are the main causes of poverty in the country such as corruption, foreign debt problem and also international influence. But besides the products of human actions natural disasters like earthquake, volcanic eruption, flood, typhoon and drought also cause tremendous poverty in the Philippines.
It is not difficult to see the equal significance of the Australian bishops and the Filipino bishops in their vision to eliminate poverty in their own country. The Filipino bishops believe that the role of the Church is to be a sign of hope to poor through the recognition of their human dignity: “Our mission demands that we lift our people of their dehumanizing poverty. We must make it possible for the poor to live in dignity, and in honor, as the children of God. To become the Church of the Poor is our vision.”[22] The bishops in the Philippines follow the same principle of ‘Australian solidarity’: “Together with people of other faiths, we must become one with poor – one people, one nation, one Filipino family.”[23]
The Church has an obligation to proclaim the truth that human suffering due to poverty is not the will of God. In many areas of social problems it is duty of the Church to speak in behalf of the poor. It is important to remember that Jesus Christ himself identifies himself with the poor. Jesus favours and identifies himself with poor, not only to show his compassion to the poor, bur rather to teach them that security cannot be found alone in material wealth but ultimately from the divine providence of God. He gives his own idea of extreme poverty, he says, “foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”[24] And in many occasions Jesus shows his great love and compassion for the poor, the sick, the dying and the underprivileged people of his time. His attitude towards the poor lifts up their human dignity and their position as children of God for “either are they the victim of injustice or they find themselves in position in which they are powerless to resist the oppression of the powerful.”[25] And the role of the Church is to continue this mission. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit the Church will be able to translate Christ’s words and actions into the promotion of love, justice and peace.
[1] Philip W. Goetz, ed., The New Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol 9, (Chichago: University of Chicago Press, 1986), 652.
[2] ibid.
[3] James Childress & John Macquarrie, eds., A New Dictionary of Christian Ethics, (London: SCM Press, 1986), 678.
[4] Australian Episcopal Conference, A New Beginning: Eradicating Poverty in the World (Victoria: Harper Collins), 14.
[5] Gen 1:26.
[6] Ps 72:4.
[7] Ps 86:1-2.
[8] “Give to anyone who asks, and if anyone wants to borrow, do not turn away.” Mt.5:42;10:8.
[9] Mk 6:9.
[10] Thomas Stafford Williams, “Evangelization and the Church’s Social Teaching,” Catholic International 4 (May, 1993), 227.
[11] Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Australian Catholic Bishops Statements Since Vat II, “Poverty and developing nations,” January, 1970, (Homebush: St. Pauls, 1985), 176-177.
[12] ACBS “Food and the Christian Conscience,” November 1975, 179-183.
[13] ACBS “20th Anniversary of Australian Catholic Relief,” May 1994, 186.
[14] ACBC “Support for Australian Catholic Relief,” May 28,1981, 185.
[15] Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference 1985-1995,, “20th Anniversary of Populorum Progressio on the Development of People,” May 6, 1987, (Homebush: St. Pauls), 121.
[16] ACBS, “25th Anniversary of Australian Catholic Relief,” 2 December 1998, 123-125;
[17] ACBS, “Unemployment,” 5 December 1991, 141-144; “Common Wealth for the Common Good,” September 1992, 145-156; and “Australia’s Rural Communities,” 6 December 1994, 157-159.
[18] “A Statement for Social Justice Sunday 1999” 24 Oct 1999.
[19] “Federation: A time to reflect on the past and plan for the future” 11 May 2001.
[20]Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Common Wealth for the Common Good, (Victoria: Collins Dove, 1992), 129.
[21] ibid. p.142.
[22] Catholic Bishop of the Philippines, “Statement of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference on the Plight for the Poor,” 21 July 1991.
[23] Ibid.
[24] Luke 9:58.
[25] Childress & Macquarrie, eds., A New Dictionary of Christian Ethics, 678.
For the poor daily life is a vicious cycle of struggle and survival; their access to necessities of life and the quality of their lives are considerably lower than the standard way of living. Their daily existence does not meet the moral norms that “humankind needs to be healthy and fulfilled as well as to be sheltered and adequately fed.”[3] Hence, speaking in a broad sense, poverty is not simply a condition of defined by low level of wealth or income rather “poverty is much about powerlessness and exclusion…it is as much a social, cultural, political and spiritual reality as it is an economic one.”[4]
Given the above general description of what it is be poor, we cannot avoid including the questions of inequality and fairness as consequences of poverty. Looking at the biblical background, we can see clearly that poverty is against the divine plan of God. The book of Genesis sees the world as created for the good of the whole humanity. The created world in all its fruitfulness, goodness and beauty is the place where God wishes to be in relationship with us. God’s creation is made available for the whole humanity to equally share and cultivate. In the book of Genesis, we find that humanity is unique from all things that God has created because humanity, male and female, is created in his image and likeness.[5] This unique identity that has been bestowed upon the humanity not only should make all individuals equal; rather it should ensure that the human dignity of every person must be respected and protected.
On this principle, we find that poverty by its nature is contrary to the divine purpose of God’s creation and causes injustice to human dignity. In the Old Testament, the poor have a special place in God. In the Psalms the poor are described as contrasted with their oppressors[6] and they see themselves as having righteous claim on God.[7] God blesses those who come to defend the poor against those who turn against from them. In the New Testament, Christ, the Son of God, becomes the defender of the poor, as throughout his public ministry, Jesus condemned gross inequalities and injustices. Jesus condemns the failure to fulfill one’s responsibility to help others who are in need. Jesus obliges his followers not to turn their back from the poor.[8] The Gospel is about justice for the poor. When Jesus sent his apostles to their mission he asked them to embraced homelessness and simplicity so that they may live in solidarity with the poor.[9]
It is from the love and compassion of Christ for the poor which demands justice, equity and solidarity that the social teaching of the Church, particularly on the issue of poverty, is founded and developed. We find in the papal teachings further developments of the social teachings on poverty as the Church continues its mission to read the “signs of times.” But other than papal teachings “there has been a wealth of treatises and statements from social thinkers, individual bishops, bishops’ conference and synods of bishops.”[10]
The statements of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference on the issue of poverty since Vatican II testify that there is indeed an enormous wealth of reflection and understanding from the church’s leaders about Christ’s mission to eradicate poverty and defend the poor from their oppressors. The statements of the Australian Bishops during the first decade after the Vatican II (1970-1984) can be summed up as a call of encouragement to alleviate poverty;[11] an appeal for awareness of the country’s responsibility to help the poor nations;[12] and the country’s renewal of commitment in giving aid to the suffering countries.[13] A developed country like Australia, having the privilege of adequate food supply and rich natural resources, has a moral responsibility to act as generously as possible to assist the needs of impoverished countries. It is important to note that the Australian bishops advocated that the aid for developing countries must be based on two main principles: human dignity and social justice.[14]
In the period of 1985-1995 the pastoral statements of the Australian bishops continue the earlier vision on waging war on poverty which entails the education the Australian church in the areas of justice, peace and development. The bishops reiterated their hope for the people to their commitment to justice and development in their personal lives and in their personal goals.[15] They reminded the people that the principle in giving aid was based on a genuine partnership with the poor.[16] The bishops discussed their view on the reality of poverty in Australia such as unemployment, homelessness and the situation amongst Aboriginal people, and looked at the structural causes of many existing forms of disadvantage and deprivation in Australian society.[17]
The Australian bishops’ statements in 1996-2005 depict the reality of poverty apparent in a wealthy country of Australia. At the turn of the third millennium poverty in Australian society reveals itself in the face of homeless children, sole parents, refugees and asylum seekers, and the Aboriginal people.[18] Spiritual poverty as well is prevalent in the modern day Australia in the increasing number of the “unborn children and those struggling with addiction.”[19]
In 1992 the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Conference tackled the issue of poverty and the equal distribution of wealth in Australia by the publication of Common Wealth for the Common Good. This document attempts to apply in the Australian context the idea of the preferential option for the poor. The central message of the bishops’ statements can be summed up in the promotion of solidarity and justice. Solidarity means to “recognise people as social beings with the rights, responsibilities and dignity of interdependent members of very large communities.”[20] It requires a firmness of commitment to the common good and therefore the Australian people must place less value on self-centered individualism. There is an urgency to examine one’s attitude towards acquisition and use of wealth because this always involves social obligations and promotion of justice to people. In this statement the bishops warn, “those of us who are not poor should also review our way of thinking about poor people, try to learn form them and see life through their eyes.”[21]
It is difficult to equate the situation of poverty in Australia with the kind of poverty which is afflicting a Third World country such as the Philippines. There is a wide gap between the standard of living of the poorest people in Australia and millions of Filipinos who dwell in the slums, garbage places, under bridges, and polluted rivers. We can see that poverty in Australia is relative in the poverty in the Philippines in terms of powerlessness, exclusion, the marginalised, and those living ‘in exile’ in one’s own society. Unjust social structures are the main causes of poverty in the country such as corruption, foreign debt problem and also international influence. But besides the products of human actions natural disasters like earthquake, volcanic eruption, flood, typhoon and drought also cause tremendous poverty in the Philippines.
It is not difficult to see the equal significance of the Australian bishops and the Filipino bishops in their vision to eliminate poverty in their own country. The Filipino bishops believe that the role of the Church is to be a sign of hope to poor through the recognition of their human dignity: “Our mission demands that we lift our people of their dehumanizing poverty. We must make it possible for the poor to live in dignity, and in honor, as the children of God. To become the Church of the Poor is our vision.”[22] The bishops in the Philippines follow the same principle of ‘Australian solidarity’: “Together with people of other faiths, we must become one with poor – one people, one nation, one Filipino family.”[23]
The Church has an obligation to proclaim the truth that human suffering due to poverty is not the will of God. In many areas of social problems it is duty of the Church to speak in behalf of the poor. It is important to remember that Jesus Christ himself identifies himself with the poor. Jesus favours and identifies himself with poor, not only to show his compassion to the poor, bur rather to teach them that security cannot be found alone in material wealth but ultimately from the divine providence of God. He gives his own idea of extreme poverty, he says, “foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”[24] And in many occasions Jesus shows his great love and compassion for the poor, the sick, the dying and the underprivileged people of his time. His attitude towards the poor lifts up their human dignity and their position as children of God for “either are they the victim of injustice or they find themselves in position in which they are powerless to resist the oppression of the powerful.”[25] And the role of the Church is to continue this mission. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit the Church will be able to translate Christ’s words and actions into the promotion of love, justice and peace.
[1] Philip W. Goetz, ed., The New Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol 9, (Chichago: University of Chicago Press, 1986), 652.
[2] ibid.
[3] James Childress & John Macquarrie, eds., A New Dictionary of Christian Ethics, (London: SCM Press, 1986), 678.
[4] Australian Episcopal Conference, A New Beginning: Eradicating Poverty in the World (Victoria: Harper Collins), 14.
[5] Gen 1:26.
[6] Ps 72:4.
[7] Ps 86:1-2.
[8] “Give to anyone who asks, and if anyone wants to borrow, do not turn away.” Mt.5:42;10:8.
[9] Mk 6:9.
[10] Thomas Stafford Williams, “Evangelization and the Church’s Social Teaching,” Catholic International 4 (May, 1993), 227.
[11] Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Australian Catholic Bishops Statements Since Vat II, “Poverty and developing nations,” January, 1970, (Homebush: St. Pauls, 1985), 176-177.
[12] ACBS “Food and the Christian Conscience,” November 1975, 179-183.
[13] ACBS “20th Anniversary of Australian Catholic Relief,” May 1994, 186.
[14] ACBC “Support for Australian Catholic Relief,” May 28,1981, 185.
[15] Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference 1985-1995,, “20th Anniversary of Populorum Progressio on the Development of People,” May 6, 1987, (Homebush: St. Pauls), 121.
[16] ACBS, “25th Anniversary of Australian Catholic Relief,” 2 December 1998, 123-125;
[17] ACBS, “Unemployment,” 5 December 1991, 141-144; “Common Wealth for the Common Good,” September 1992, 145-156; and “Australia’s Rural Communities,” 6 December 1994, 157-159.
[18] “A Statement for Social Justice Sunday 1999” 24 Oct 1999.
[19] “Federation: A time to reflect on the past and plan for the future” 11 May 2001.
[20]Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Common Wealth for the Common Good, (Victoria: Collins Dove, 1992), 129.
[21] ibid. p.142.
[22] Catholic Bishop of the Philippines, “Statement of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference on the Plight for the Poor,” 21 July 1991.
[23] Ibid.
[24] Luke 9:58.
[25] Childress & Macquarrie, eds., A New Dictionary of Christian Ethics, 678.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
See you there
Christ, the true light of us, true morn,
Dispersing far the shades of night,
Light wehereof every light is born,
Pledge of the beatific light,
Though all the night our guardian be
Whose watch no sleep or slumber knows;
Thou be our peace, that stayed on thee
Through darkness we may find repose.
Sleep then our eyes, but never sleep
The watchful heaven-directed heart,
And may thy hand in safety keep
The servants whose desire thou art.
Look on us, thou, and at our side
Our foes and thine repulse afar;
Through every ill the faitful guide
Who in thy blood redeemed are.
While soul within the body clings,
Body and soul defend us, Lord,
Sure in the shadow of thy wings,
Kept in thy lasting watch and ward.
Dispersing far the shades of night,
Light wehereof every light is born,
Pledge of the beatific light,
Though all the night our guardian be
Whose watch no sleep or slumber knows;
Thou be our peace, that stayed on thee
Through darkness we may find repose.
Sleep then our eyes, but never sleep
The watchful heaven-directed heart,
And may thy hand in safety keep
The servants whose desire thou art.
Look on us, thou, and at our side
Our foes and thine repulse afar;
Through every ill the faitful guide
Who in thy blood redeemed are.
While soul within the body clings,
Body and soul defend us, Lord,
Sure in the shadow of thy wings,
Kept in thy lasting watch and ward.
8th Century
Shewring
* Accompany Lord, your daughter Primitiva to the gate of Heaven and may your everlasting light shine upon her. Grant that one day, we soon be reunited with her and with all our loved ones who have left before us in this world. Salamat ate Emma sa mga iniwan mo saming ala-ala. Wala na akong ipaparang tri-cycle pag-uwi mo galing sa amin :(
Shewring
* Accompany Lord, your daughter Primitiva to the gate of Heaven and may your everlasting light shine upon her. Grant that one day, we soon be reunited with her and with all our loved ones who have left before us in this world. Salamat ate Emma sa mga iniwan mo saming ala-ala. Wala na akong ipaparang tri-cycle pag-uwi mo galing sa amin :(
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