Melo Touch

Our Church

2010-03-30T15:34:00.006+05:00

“To be connected with the church is to be associated with scoundrels, warmongers, fakes, child-molesters, murderers, adulterers and hypocrites of every description.

It also, at the same time, identifies you with saints and the finest persons of heroic soul of every time, country, race, and gender.

To be a member of the church is to carry the mantle of both the worst sin and the finest heroism of soul because the church always looks exactly as it looked at the original crucifixion, God hung among thieves.”

—Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, O.M.I., “The Holy Longing”

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Healing Wounds

2010-03-28T09:34:00.002+05:00

He was pierced for our offenses...

by His wounds we are healed. Praying for a meaningful and grace filled holy week...
God bless us all.

Goodbye... for now!

2010-03-06T21:22:00.004+05:00

I write these few lines this evening before I finally go to bed--at an unusually early time since I am sure tomorrow will be a long and tiring day. I am joining our other community here in Pakistan starting tomorrow. And I am both happy and sad, excited and anxious as I bid my present community goodbye and move in to my new home. But I am sure that this is yet another invitation for me to trust and to obey. And so I embrace my fears and sadness and put myself in the hands of God.

It might also take a while before I'd be able to blog again. Keep me in your prayers that I may bloom where I am now being 'replanted.' May our good God bless us all!

Twenty Years

2010-03-05T10:52:00.012+05:00

My inbox has been heavy with mails and facebook (FB) notifications these past few days. All of a sudden, I can't keep up with the amount of messages, FB friend requests and threads, comments and responses clogging my inbox. They are from my elementary classmates.

We graduated 20 years ago from St. Anne's Academy in the sleepy and obscure town of Hagonoy in Bulacan. And we want to celebrate this occasion come December of this year.

But since many of us in these past twenty years have relocated due to work, family or ambition among other reasons, we have to track down one by one those who form part of our elementary batch, school year 1989-1990. Well, thanks to facebook, I think so far only 15 remain unaccounted for out of around 55.

I am happy to be seeing my old friends again. Most of them I actually last met on our graduation day in April 1990 because I entered the seminary immediately after grade school. Though I have remained in contact with a few and have from time to time seen others at certain occasions, I am still excited and happy knowing that we are now reconnecting and renewing our ties.

Evertyhing is grace! It has been twenty years of grace. And I can only be grateful to the Lord for all these bountiful blessings--the memory of a wonderful past, our childhood friendships, those years of growth and joys and challenges and this opportunity now to celebrate and recall together those times that we have shared.

It is sad though that I don't have now many pictures to remind me of those care-free and innocent years of our childhood. The regular flood that visits Hagonoy every year has destroyed much of those photos. But as I one by one confirm an FB friend invitation or add another 'new-found' old friend in the net, memories of those wonderful years suddenly flash back--clear as though they are not from 20 years ago.

Bollywood

2010-03-03T08:55:00.013+05:00

It's the Oscar Awards season again and I have not yet seen any film nominated this year in any of the categories. Not even Meryl Streep's Julie/Julia. This is something unusual for me since I enjoy watching movies a lot. But as they also say 'when God closes the door, He surely opens a window.'

I am now, on the other hand, discovering the beauty of Bollywood. It was actually duty and our boys that introduced me to Indian films. Since our boarders watch movies every Saturday evening--which I guess is one of the highlights of their week as well, and I have to 'assist' (i.e. be present with them) them even at this time. Of course, having been so accustomed to Hollywood movie-making, I also had my initial shock and dissatisfaction with Bollywood.

Here, films are generally longer (often more than 2 hours) with songs and dances interspersed within the scenes and dialogues. They also usually have slower phasing in their narration with several (or maybe more than the usual) subplots interacting and affecting the entire storyline. Little by little though, especially when I started picking up familiar Urdu words (Hindi is very related to Urdu) I also began to appreciate Bollywood production. They are rich and fascinating.

I can still count on my fingers the number of Indian films that I have seen--from the classic Lagaan, to the more contemporary Qurban, Paa, Taare Zameen Par to Johnny (which is about Don Bosco), to the more controversial My Name is Khan and of course, my favorite Three Idiots (thanks to Br. Castilino for leading me into this film) among others whose title has now escaped my memory.

Everytime I watch these films, I had to enter as well into a different frame of mind in order to understand and appreciate them better. And since films--art forms, mirror reality, they also provide me with a closer glimpse of their culture, life style, traditions--their ways of perceiving and interpreting the world in which they live in and which I am now trying to be a part of.

Marching On

2010-03-01T17:34:00.010+05:00

We are beginning another month. The weather is changing as well. It's now spring--and Pakistani spring lasts only for around a month they say. Then the long summer sets in.

After experiencing some initial difficulty with winter, I have also adjusted and gone comfortable with it... now temperature is rising again. And that would need another adjustment on my part.I have been here in Pakistan for seven months now. And I consider myself still a new-comer.
With only seven months of experience, I am still struggling to learn the language, eat/enjoy the local food (which is quite spicy), adjust to the weather (that goes very cold in winter and terribly hot in summer), understand the native customs and traditions and overcome homesickness and loneliness that come once in a while.Since I also come from a predominantly Christian country I had to change and adjust some of my mindsets and approaches to doing mission and apostolate especially in this place where Christians are a minority. And this I guess, I am still learning up to now.

Life here is a continuous adjustment, constant learning of new things and nonstop challenge to do things better. There are a lot of risks to being a missionary here. Well, that's certainly true, but I guess that's only one side of the equation--there are also a lot of opportunities to serve, to be happy, to be able to share and to learn and gain new insights from the very people we serve.

My Philippians 2:6-11

2010-02-25T09:09:00.012+05:00

Sometimes it just happens that we are struck by inspiration--touched by the divine and all of a sudden the 'poet' in us emerge. We were praying vespers last Saturday and when we reached the third canticle--Philippians 2: 6-11, I just got so distracted that I had to take a pen and paper and write down some of the lines I am posting here now. I don't know if it makes any sense but let me share it just the same.

This is my personal version of Philippians 2:6-11.

Oh what great love that satisfies;

divine and pure, the love of Christ.

Godly state he sacrificed;

our sinful ways he paid the price.

He chose to dwell and live as man;

lower than the lowliest one.

And unto death a faithful Son;

his cross, his death--salvation won.

We praise your name Oh Jesus Lord,

to whom God's glory is bestowed.

We bend our knees; we bow our head,

we proclaim your love until the end.

Oh what great love that purifies;

divine and deep, the love of Christ,

throughout our life your name we praise

until with you Oh Lord we rise. Amen.

Not a big accomplishment though... but even for this I am grateful. Truly the Lord surprises us in a lot of wonderful ways.

Silent Work of Grace

2010-02-23T15:10:00.008+05:00

Times are tough on this side of the subcontinent. And with war now going on in Afghanistan compounded by volatile local political situation, insecurity due to terrorist threats, high rates of unemployment and increasing prices of basic commodities—our future could even get tougher. Yet in such a difficult and seemingly discouraging situation, we are sustained by the silent and slow yet steady work of grace that we encounter each day. We are witnesses to the unfolding of stories of hope—little miracles and successes that Don Bosco is able to achieve through and in the lives of our students and lay collaborators.

As we journey with the young people of Pakistan and strive to provide them with the opportunity to learn and to live and grow together in harmony and mutual respect despite their differences—in religion, in caste, in tribe and in dialect among others, we see as well their growth, their transformation. These things keep us moving and motivated despite the difficulties and discouragement that we sometimes encounter. Though we look to the future, we work one day at a time; though we hope to reach out to many, we focus on those God has sent us for now.

And as I more and more immerse myself in the mission entrusted to us here, I am also able to better appreciate Don Bosco’s approach. Joy, optimism, reason, loving-kindness, music, sports and above all, Jesus’ message of compassion, forgiveness and understanding possess an irresistible appeal that penetrate into the heart of the young regardless of the faith they profess, the language they speak or the color of their skin.

Pray for us then, Salesians here in Pakistan, and for all our lay mission partners as well as all the young people God sends us that we may continue to dare and to hope and to see, beyond our daily troubles and trials, the work of divine grace, slowly, silently but steadily strengthening us as we forge ahead.

Sabzimandi Monday

2010-02-20T10:42:00.018+05:00

'Sabzimandi' refers to our vegetable market here in Pakistan. 'Sabzia' means vegetables. Since late last year, I have started joining our staff in going to the market for our weekly supply of veggies. Monday is our 'sabzimandi' day.

We usually leave our place early in the morning so we can buy real fresh vegetables and avoid the crowd and the traffic jam.

I always look forward to our Monday market 'tour'... since it is also one of the few times I am able to go out of our compound.

But other than this, the market is a nice place for interacting with people, 'the locals' especially (that means practicing my Urdu as well) and in getting to know a little more about Pakistan's culture and tradition.The sight of vegetables too in various shades and shapes is refreshing especially in the morning. It truly is a nice way of starting the week.

Over time, we have also developed some friendship with our favorite 'dukhandars' or store owners. They know that we come on Mondays and so they wait for us and if we're not in a hurry we also share a cup of tea with them.
It's also a nice way of doing business... and of keeping the loyalty of customers.

We sometimes spend practically the entire Monday morning in the market. Often when we reach home I feel exhausted but I always look forward to returning there again. It seems absurd that one gets refreshed in a place like the vegetable market, more so in Pakistan's sabzimandi, but that's it. Didn't St. Ignatius ask his good Jesuits to meet God in the market place?

Today is Saturday and it would not be long before I'd get to see the market again. And quietly, in the sabzimandi, thank God as well for His gifts of vegetables and fruits, for His grace of nourishment and delicious food and for His many other bountiful blessings.

Lenten Conversion

2010-02-17T08:45:00.002+05:00

Conversion to Christ, believing in the Gospel, ultimately means this: to exit the illusion of self-sufficiency in order to discover and accept one’s own need – the need of others and God, the need of His forgiveness and His friendship. So we understand how faith is altogether different from a natural, good-feeling, obvious fact: humility is required to accept that I need Another to free me from “what is mine,” to give me gratuitously “what is His.”

-Benedict XVI's 2010 Lenten message

Happy (Day of) Religious!

2010-02-03T07:59:00.010+05:00

Today is World Day for Consecrated Life! It's our little feast day and this event provides us with a good opportunity and stimulus to reflect a bit more on our life as consecrated persons. I remember back in the novitiate, we were told that religious life is "Sequela Christi"... a following of Christ. I was so inspired then, so idealistic, so eager to follow Christ. But over the years--with the stress and daily demands of the apostolate, community life and personal concerns the reason behind the following sometimes gets obscured. Problems and work become the focus and not anymore the person I am supposed to follow. And so it's good to be reminded from time to time... to pause a little while and return to focus, to return to Christ.

Really, how much have I been configured to the image of Christ after all these years of being a brother? More than what I have achieved, what I have done, what I have accomplished--this question, I believe is far more important.

Catholic News Service posted this news as well on this occasion-- it's an added encouragement as well to all the brothers. I am reposting parts of it here.

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Pope honors religious; Vatican preparing documents on prayer, brothers

By Cindy Wooden

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Catholics enter religious orders or consecrate themselves as virgins because the love of God is so great that it is worth giving everything for, Pope Benedict XVI said.

Adoring the Eucharist and celebrating evening prayer with religious Feb. 2, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, the pope told them that they are witnesses for others of the realness of God's love and mercy.

The church celebrates World Day for Consecrated Life each year on the feast day.

The pope told the religious that each one of them had drawn near to Christ "as the source of pure and faithful love, a love so great and beautiful that it deserves everything or, rather, more than our all, because an entire life would not be enough to repay that which Christ is and has done for us."

Beyond the thousand things religious do in the church and in the world, he said, "consecrated life is important precisely as a sign of selflessness and love."

Pope Benedict offered special encouragement to religious who feel the weight of never being thanked, those who are aged or infirm and those experiencing difficulties.

Cardinal Franc Rode, prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, told Vatican Radio Feb. 2 that his office was working on two documents: a joint document with the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments on the importance of prayer in the life of religious; and a document highlighting the importance of religious brothers in the church.

"Some people say that today religious men and women pray too little. I don't know if it is true, but I certainly hope not," the cardinal said. "Maybe prayer today is more difficult than in the past, in a time when the rhythm of life was a bit more human and there was not so much stress, not so much noise."

As for the document on brothers, Cardinal Rode said the numbers speak clearly "and something must be done."While the numbers of religious in every category have dropped in the last 50 years, the number of religious brothers has decreased most drastically, he said, citing the example of the Christian Brothers who had 16,000 members in 1965 and have fewer than 5,000 today."

"A lay brother is not -- as one often thinks and most people believe -- someone who was not able to, did not want to or could not, for some reason, become a priest. It is a vocation that has its own reasons and a particular mission in the church," the cardinal said.

Don Bosco Sindabad!

2010-01-31T15:40:00.011+05:00

Since this year's feast of Don Bosco fell on a Sunday--our community celebrated it with our staff, students and guests yesterday, the 30th of January. It turned out to be a simple yet meaningful day of celebration and thanksgiving.
The Archbishop of Lahore graced the occasion as well as other priests and religous from around Lahore area. We were also happy to welcome the family of our staff who came and joined us in this festivity.The day opened with the Holy Mass and then the blessing of our new classrooms and machines. It was shortly followed by a program that gave tribute first to St. John Bosco and then to his institution here in Lahore now on its 10th year. The event was capped by the delicious and generous servings of briani and chicken curry.

It was my first time to celebrate Don Bosco's feast in Pakistan. And I very much felt the love, support and appreciation of people here for the contribution of Don Bosco to the church and society.
And this helped me not only to appreciate God's graciousness in the life and mission of Don Bosco but also to look at my own Salesian vocation as a continuation of the outpouring of blessings from God through Don Bosco on behalf of all young people especially those poor and at-risk. Don Bosco sindabad! May Don Bosco live on-- in the many faithful and committed Salesians (i.e. priests, sisters, brothers, lay) around the world... in me... and in the lives of thousands of young people whom Don Bosco, I am sure now looks at from heaven with so much love and concern.

This last picture contains the lyrics, in Urdu, of our hymn to Don Bosco. "Don Bosco sindabad!"--it says, Long live Don Bosco! It was the continuous shout of all those present yesterday and it may be the best summary of our entire celebration. Don Bosco sindabad--has become a prayer and a statement by the grateful youth of Pakistan.

Salesians

2010-01-24T08:22:00.004+05:00

We are called 'Salesians' because of St. Francis of Sales. Don Bosco wanted us so much to imitate the gentleness, patience, practice of charity and zeal in proclaiming the faith of St. Francis. I hope St. Francis is not yet tired of listening to my prayers--asking him to help me become more patient and gentle especially in dealing with our boys... particularly those not so 'loveable' and not so easy to deal with. Don Bosco must have understood even then how difficult and draining it is sometimes to reach out to, to teach and to train young people--especially boys. And knowing St. Francis--I bet he understands what I am saying here.

Today is his feast day (though we are not going to fully celebrate it today since it falls on a Sunday) and since St. Francis of Sales is also the patron of journalists and writers, it has been a tradition in the church to release the pope's message for World Communication Day on this day. This year, Benedict XVI's message focuses on "The Priest and Pastoral Ministry in a Digital World:New Media at the Service of the Word."

Here's a portion of it: "The development of the new technologies and the larger digital world represents a great resource for humanity as a whole and for every individual, and it can act as a stimulus to encounter and dialogue. But this development likewise represents a great opportunity for believers. No door can or should be closed to those who, in the name of the risen Christ, are committed to drawing near to others. To priests in particular the new media offer ever new and far-reaching pastoral possibilities, encouraging them to embody the universality of the Church's mission, to build a vast and real fellowship, and to testify in today's world to the new life which comes from hearing the Gospel of Jesus, the eternal Son who came among us for our salvation. At the same time, priests must always bear in mind that the ultimate fruitfulness of their ministry comes from Christ himself, encountered and listened to in prayer; proclaimed in preaching and lived witness; and known, loved and celebrated in the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation."

Countdown to DB's Day

2010-01-21T15:11:00.011+05:00

Preparations for the coming feast of Don Bosco on the 31st of this month keep us occupied these days. It's my first time to celebrate Don Bosco ki Id in Pakistan and that adds up to my excitement. Tomorrow, we begin the novena (nine days of preparation) in honor of St. John Bosco. And everyday, other than the usual games and activities, we are setting aside some moments of prayer for particular intentions assigned to each of the novena days.

We offer our first day of prayer for Haiti--for those who are sick, suffering, struggling to survive, for the soul of those who died among them our confreres and students and also for those who are now working in the relief and rescue operations and rebuilding of Haiti.

Here's a little information as well about Don Bosco in Haiti (from Salesian Missions and Intentional Disciples webl og). Alot more news can be found at salesians.org, sdb.org and CNN ireport site.

At the time of the earthquake, there were 66 Salesians in the Vice Province of Haiti. The Salesians worked in six houses that served the poor in a variety of ways: technical education, job training, primary education, food distribution, care of street kids, outreach to the unemployed.

The Salesians in Haiti have reported the death of three of their confreres: Bro. Hubert Sanon, aged 85 (the first local Salesian Brother) and the two young Salesians in formation Atsime Wilfrid, aged 28 and Vibrun Valsaint, 26.

The most tragic news is the death of the Salesian pupils. After a first estimate which was of over 200 youngsters buried under the ruins with some of their teachers, the latest figure has now been out at about 500... The other Salesians in Port-au-Prince are safe and well, although some were injured; some of them have lost family and friends.

KEY POINTS:
SOME OF THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST OF PAP HAVE BEEN LOST, AS THEY WERE IN CLASS AT THE TIME OF THE QUAKE ("National School of Arts and Trades" referred to as ENAM or “Don Bosco Institue” locally in P-A-P. Those who were learning the vocations needed to rebuild were the ones in class and lost. At least 200 and up to 500 students were buried in the rubble of the renowned ENAM school. 200 young women studying to become teachers are believed to have been killed with the building collapsed, or are still buried in the rubble. We have received no word that they have received any search and rescue assistance.

BASIC INFO: In the wake of the earthquake that devastated Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Salesian Missions is working around the clock to pull together emergency response teams and fundraising efforts to assist in the relief efforts. Among those in need of assistance are those at Salesian buildings in the Cité Soleil area of Port-au-Prince. At least 500 students are believed to be buried in the rubble of the compound that houses the renowned "National School of Arts and Trades" and other schools operated by Salesian Missions. Salesian Missions not only operated schools for thousands of students in Port-au-Prince, but services of all kinds for 25,000 of Haiti's poorest children. Funds raised for Haiti relief will go to purchase emergency relief kits, food, tents, bottled water, clothing, medical items and satellite telephones to re-establish communications.

DESCRIPTION OF ENAM/LAKAY: there is a vast Salesian compound: Enam is the high school. LAKAY is the home of the young adult street children program. The first priority is try to re-insert the young adults with their families while receiving guidance and vocational/technical education to enable them to be self sufficient contributing members of society. For those that cannot be united with their families we have a residential program. Fr. Atillo Stra and Bro Hubert served in the LAKAY Program. Also in another section of the compound we have central admisinstration of the Little Schools Program, one of the central elementary schools, a medical clinic, guidance and social service offices, numerous vocational/technical training programs and shops for teens and young adults, as well as well as the main kitchen (23) cooking stations.

Ecology, Secularity and Religious Freedom

2010-01-12T08:38:00.003+05:00

An analysis by Sandro Magister of the Pope's message delivered yesterday to all the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See presents these three main points as the highlight of Benedict XVI's address. Something, I believe, we should also read and ponder upon.

Below are portions of the address(click here for the complete message):

"The causes of the situation which is now evident to everyone are of the moral order, and the question must be faced within the framework of a great programme of education aimed at promoting an effective change of thinking and at creating new lifestyles. The community of believers can and wants to take part in this, but, for it to do so, its public role must be recognized. Sadly, in certain countries, mainly in the West, one increasingly encounters in political and cultural circles, as well in the media, scarce respect and at times hostility, if not scorn, directed towards religion and towards Christianity in particular. It is clear that if relativism is considered an essential element of democracy, one risks viewing secularity solely in the sense of excluding or, more precisely, denying the social importance of religion. But such an approach creates confrontation and division, disturbs peace, harms human ecology and, by rejecting in principle approaches other than its own, finishes in a dead end."

"...There is so much suffering in our world, and human selfishness continues in many ways to harm creation. For this reason, the yearning for salvation which affects all creation is that much more intense and present in the hearts of all men and women, believers and non-believers alike. The Church points out that the response to this aspiration is Christ "the firstborn of all creation, for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created" (Col 1:15-16). Looking to him, I exhort every person of good will to work confidently and generously for the sake of human dignity and freedom. May the light and strength of Jesus help us to respect human ecology, in the knowledge that natural ecology will likewise benefit, since the book of nature is one and indivisible. In this way we will be able to build peace, today and for the sake of generations to come."

Winter Worries

2010-01-11T10:22:00.010+05:00

Cold season is now reaching its peak here in Pakistan. This is my first time to experience winter and I am surely having some difficulties adjusting to it. Last week, I had trouble with my stomach because of 'too much cold' (which also explains my short absence) and up to now I am still trying to adapt to this weather. Hopefully before winter ends I would already be fully adjusted.

But yesterday, despite the cold and 'fear' (real or imagined) of getting sick again, I decided to go out and resume my usual walk around our community. I also visited Mr. Sarfraz and his family who have been inviting me, for several times already since Christmas, for a cup of tea (that's how they usually invite you here to their homes). But instead of staying in their house for the cup of chai (tea with milk and sugar) and mitthai (sweets), we had it in a basti--a farming community some 20km away from our place, where the the family of Mr. Sarfraz--headed by his father Babu Sabir, is now constructing a school for the Christian children in the area. I was able to return here in Don Bosco just in time for vespers. That's almost 7pm. The invitation for a 'cup of tea' lasted for almost the entire afternoon. Yet I was happy I decided to go--the cold did not bother me that much as well, but more importantly I guess was my encounter with the wonderful family of Mr. Sarfraz and Babu Sabir and with some of the people of the basti we visited. I remember them surely in my prayers. Their heart-felt hospitality and sincere friendship definitely warm the heart even in the peak of Pakistan's harsh winter season.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T15:06:00.004+05:00

I came across this beautiful picture of our Lady through Bro. Castilino's site. It is a painting by Morgan Weistling entitled "Kissing the Face of God." I find it most appropriate to post it today as I greet you all at the beginning of year 2010.

As we eagerly start today this new year, the church is entrusting us to Mary, Mother of God. We begin the year with our Lady and we ask her today to stay ever close to us throughout the year and to bring us each day closer to her Son--that we too, just like her, may be able to see, touch and kiss the face of God.

A blessed and prosperous new year to you all!

2009 Anno Domini

2009-12-31T15:57:00.039+05:00

Before moving on to year 2010 let me look back once again to this year which in a couple of hours will be ending. I know it would be impossible to try to blog about how my entire 2009 has been. There have surely been so many things that transpired, so many events that took place, countless people encountered and places visited but allow me to just pick some highlights summarizing each month of 2009.

Joy-filled January

I stayed in Cebu for more than a year... 15 months to be exact while waiting for my missionary visa. It was definitely tiring and boring to wait that long but the 'extended' Christmas celebration in Cebu with the famous Sinulog helped me forget about my troubled and troubling visa and be able to start the year with renewed hope and rekindled dreams.

Fair February

I had a memorable week in Bacolod spent with other practical trainees (brothers) of our congregation's Philippine-south province. It was a time of sharing, praying together and discovering that one is never alone in the journey. From time to time it's also good to compare notes and learn as well from others traveling on the same road.

Memorable March
I finally met Pakistan's ambassador to the Philippines in March. Somehow, I was again given hope of being able to enter Pakistan. People at the embassy were also kind enough to assign me a language instructor who patiently helped me all summer to understand Urdu and Pakistani culture a little bit more.

Amazing April

Summer became a chance for me to reconnect with family. Nieces and Nephews are fast-growing up and summer was a good opportunity to meet them again, catch up on their stories and enjoy their company.
Merry Month of May
May, which is still summer in the Philippines, is usually busy with fiestas (feasts), the traditional Sta. Cruzan and Flores de Mayo. I remember visiting the Pahiyas Festival in Quezon with the brothers of the Postnovitiate.
June
June signaled that summer would soon be over and it would again be time for serious work. And so we decided to go for an outing in a resort in Cebu for the last time just before classes began... It was a nice way to bid summer goodbye.
Jubilant July
July is always a special time for me--as it is on this month that I celebrate my birthday. But this year was extra special for it was also on this month that we welcomed the appointment of our new Fr. Provincial.

Audacious August

August of 2009 will always be etched in my memory as a time of courage and heroism. Cory Aquino died on July 31, the same date that I received the approval of my visa. And while preparing to leave for the missions, I joined my fellow Filipinos in paying our last respects and mourning for the death of a beloved former president. I left the Philippines on August 21 (after attending a mass for Cory and Ninoy) and was warmly welcomed in Pakistan the following day.
Strenuous September

September witnessed my adjustment to my new assignment. It has been a slow, demanding and sometimes discouraging process of entering into another culture. I thought I would not make it.... Hay.

Outstanding October
After encountering some initial difficulties--with food, weather, mentality, language etc., things little by little picked up and I started enjoying life again.

Nippy November

Winter started sometime in November--and it's the first time I am experiencing one actually. It was also time to wrap up the 1st semester. And is there a better way to end the 1st semester than to have a league--in football, cricket and basketball.

Delightful December

Since we're only three now here in the community... it's quite difficult to have the three of us in one picture. This last month has been beautiful. We celebrated Christmas in a totally different fashion but memorable and meaningful just the same.

2009 has not been all roses... there were definitely difficulties and trials that came. But at hindsight, everything seems to fit into place now. I can only be grateful for everything--the good as well as the not so good and not forgetting that 2009 was not just another year that came and is now about to end. 2009 has been another year of the Lord, Anno Domini.

Who knows what is in store for 2010-- but with faith and confidence I look forward to it filled with hope and anticipation because I know there will be lots of surprises coming my way again, because it's 2010 Anno Domini... blest and filled with God's grace.

"For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes."(-Dag Hammarskjold)

Deo gratias!

Christmas Away from Home

2009-12-27T21:43:00.012+05:00

I had always believed that Christmas time is family time. It is a special moment to be enjoyed and shared particularly with people closest to us. And Christmas has always been so with me--a family affair. But not this time.

This year, I had to celebrate it far from home and without the holiday traditions I have gotten accustomed to and away from the warm wishes of friends and dear ones. I surely missed home, the usual greetings and gift-giving, the busy shopping days, the 'simbang gabi' and even Manila's rush-hour traffic jams. And it would be a lie not to admit how I had wished--even for a moment, to be back home last Christmas.

But then, being away from home also afforded me with enough time to reflect, to keep quiet, to pray a bit more than usual and to even find identification with Joseph and Mary who, on that first Christmas day, were also far from home and from the comfort and security of family and friends, but found courage and hope in the new-born Babe of Bethlehem.

Well, I guess, we are never actually alone after all, even when we are far from home, because God is Emmanuel. He is always with us. And Christmas is one of our greatest proof of that!

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I am writing this post just hours before this Sunday ends--it's Holy Family Sunday today. I pray for all our families tonight and entrust them to Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Like them, may each member of every family grow in love, understanding, patience and mutual concern. I remember my very own family as well... grateful to the Lord for giving me the best parents and sister I could ever wish for, I entrust them all to Him and ask Him to keep them ever close to His loving protection especially now that I am far away from home.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T10:16:00.006+05:00

And may the peace, joy and blessing this holy season when we celebrate the coming of our God as man always remain with you and all your dear ones!

"He became what we are, that we might become what He is."

-St. John Chrysostom

Reflecting on the Crib

2009-12-23T09:11:00.013+05:00

I promised last time that I would also post here some images of our charni (crib). And here they are.

Two days to go before Christmas and we're now only three in the house. Our boys and staff have all gone home for their winter break and will be back only after the Epiphany. In short, I have more time now to relax and reflect....

And as I ready myself for Christmas--with the charni in front of me, Pope Benedict XVI's message on the crib is worth reading/reflecting on: "The crib is a school of life where we can learn the secret of true joy. This does not consist in having so many things, but in feeling loved by the Lord, in becoming a gift for others and loving one another.Let us look at the Nativity Scene: the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph do not seem like a very lucky family, they had their first child in the midst of great hardship, and yet are filled with deep joy, because they love each other, help each other and, above all, are certain that in their history God is at work, present in the Infant Jesus. And the shepherds? What reason would they have to rejoice? That baby will not change their condition of poverty and marginalization. But faith helps them to recognize in the 'infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger', the 'sign' of the fulfillment of the promises of God for all men 'whom he loves' (Luke 2,12.14), even for them!” ." This, dear friends is what true joy is; the feeling that our personal and community lives are visited and filled by a great mystery, the mystery of God’s love. We need more than things to rejoice, we need love and truth: we need a God close at hand, who warms our hearts, and responds to our deepest yearnings. This God was manifested in Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary. So that Child, that we put in the manger or cave, is the centre of everything, He is the heart of the world. We pray that every man, like the Virgin Mary, may accept as a centre of their lives the God who became a Child, the source of true joy."

Counting the Days of Advent

2009-12-21T15:04:00.018+05:00

In three days' time the season of preparation for Christmas we call Advent will be over. The time of Advent opened four weeks ago and yesterday was its last Sunday. Accompanying us throughout these days as we excitedly count the passing of each day leading to the great Christmas Solemnity is our simple Advent wreath.

It is a tradition in the church to mark each of the four Sunday/week within this season by lighting a candle that correspond to it. The whole Advent wreath contains several symbolisms in it--represented by the different colors, shapes and objects that form its parts.

And this year, before we remove our wreath to give way to the crib (another tradition in the church during this season), I am posting here some pictures I took with our Advent wreath. Our boys made it, following the traditional symbols of course, but putting as well a little Pakistani touch.

Instead of the usual candles, our boys made use of painted gamle (clay pots) which are very common here. And in keeping with our being a technical school I guess, they installed bulbs to light each of the pots marking the four weeks of Advent. The wreath also took on its Pakistani version since they made use of har (garland) replacing the more commonly used evergreen.

One also took the initiative of explaining to the other boys the symbols and meaning of the Advent wreath by posting a little explanation on the board outside the chapel. (Well, I really don't know if the explanation is correct since it was written in Urdu.)

And even if I wanted so much to keep our Advent wreath intact and in place, I am sure everyone is also already excited to set up the crib for Christmas. Good enough, our camera is ready to at least capture the great work our boys did with our wreath.

Soon, I'll let you also have a look at our crib... it's still under construction as of this posting.

The Day the Bikers Came

2009-12-15T09:43:00.011+05:00

Last week was an altogether different experience for all of us here in Lahore especially for our boys. The buzz and excitement started when Fr. Miguel announced that a Spanish couple would be arriving to visit our place. He added that they are no ordinary couple nor are they ordinary guests since they are coming to Lahore on their bicycles. And that they have been on the road since March or April biking for a cause through Greece, Turkey, Iran, China (among others) and now Pakistan and then India and Nepal. They arrived last Wednesday morning and stayed with us for a couple of days to rest a bit and gear up for the last stretch of their journey. But their presence also became an opportunity for our boys to see things from a different perspective. Not only because they are Spanish and our boys are Pakistanis, but to come on bicycle from another continent, to visit and interact with different people from country to country and to spend some time in our obscure colony in Lahore (instead of the more tourist-friendly setting of the city) was something a bit unimaginable for many if not all of them.

It fascinated them as well to know and to see through the pictures shown on them how big and beautiful our world is. And the stories about this couple's experiences and encounters with other people and about the various places they have visited also openned the minds and curiosity of many of our charges. But over and above all these it was the kindness and interest this 'biking couple' has shown on them that has truly captivated them. It did not take long for our boys to feel at ease in their company. They have immediately sensed their sincerity and genuine concern for them.

The couple left early yesterday morning after staying with us for only a very short time, but when they said goodbye they were no longer simply the 'Spanish biking couple' to our boys. They now know them by name... they call them Sir Emilio and Ms. Maria... new members of our growing family here in a corner of Lahore.

I hope that they also felt at home here in our place among our boys. Their coming surely enriched us in so many ways. We all hope to meet them again someday. But for now, we wish them all the best in their journey and we pray that our Good Lord will always bless them and keep them in the shadow of His loving protection!

*Emilio and Maria also keep a blog where they post/share their experiences as they bike for a cause from country to country and the pictures I posted here are from it.

Goodbye Fr. Lazaro!

2009-12-13T21:47:00.007+05:00

We got the news from the Philippines today that our confrere--Fr. Lazaro Revilla passed away early this morning while he was vacationing in Spain. A couple of weeks ago, he returned to his native place in Burgos, Spain for some break and it was there that our Lord deemed it appropriate to call Him back to His embrace.

I knew he wanted so much to see his relatives and friends. He wanted "to return home..." and he mentioned too the last time we met that "maybe it would even be for the last time." And true enough, it was to be his last. He was 70 years old. He was a missionary, a former Novice Master, Provincial and blogger. And he is now truly finally home.

I will surely miss Fr. Revilla. We stayed together in Don Bosco Makati for only a little more than a year but since we were together at table during meals, I always had the opportunity to talk and listen to him. And it was there that I had the chance to meet him in a more personal way. It was in those simple encounters at table that we were able to share experiences, discuss our views and air our concerns. I was definitely enriched in so many ways by meeting Fr. Lazaro.

I don't know if I had also made any impact on him but before I left Makati this summer, he asked me to help him set up his blog. He said that he wanted "...to use the blog as an instrument of apostolate to the readers, making use of the little energy [he has] ...to work and to do something good for others... [with] an instrument compatible with my age and present physical situation." And he did (he was a fast learner, I should say), all on his own, as his poor health also allowed him.

Thank you Fr. Lazaro! I am sure that soon you will again find ways on how to work and to do something good for others. I guess, where you are now there will be lots of options and possibilities to choose from. See you someday in the Salesian garden you have longed so much to reach!

Christmas Cards

2009-12-07T11:20:00.007+05:00

Who says there are no Christmas greeting cards in Pakistan? Well, I also thought I wouldn't find any. But after a bit of walking around our colony and asking from a few shops, I at last found what I was looking for. And I was even surprised to find beautiful yet not very expensive ones.

And who says sending Christmas cards is already obsolete?

Some may even call it behind the times and passé but I still do send Christmas cards to family and friends. Yes, at this time of electronic mails, facebook and tweeter, I still choose to greet and send my Christmas prayers and wishes via these traditional greeting cards.

The whole process of Christmas card writing-- from selecting the appropriate design and message for each and every person I intend to greet, to buying them and then adding my personal note on each of them and then finally mailing them, entails a lot of effort and time. And that is precisely the reason why I still choose it over the more modern, 'hi-tech' and even faster means now available. The card becomes the product of my personal effort to letting dear ones know how much I love and appreciate them.

Other than this, this whole thing about Christmas cards also helps me prepare myself for Christmas. The different messages I write, the prayers I compose and the thoughts that come as I take time to ready each of the card allow me to enter as well into the spirit and reason behind this celebration and season--and that is because "God so loved the world, He gave us His only Son." And it is my fervent hope too that every card I write may bring clearly this message for Christmas and Christmas cards become truly meaningful only when understood within this perspective.

Re-Sourcing

2009-12-03T09:41:00.019+05:00

Several activities and responsibilities cluttered my schedule these past two weeks. I had to squeeze in so many things within so little time and there simply was not enough moment left to even pause and relax a bit.

We had been busy for some days now installing new equipment for our technical school and learning how to make them work as well. And since the guest-instructors coming from Germany could stay for only about 3 weeks we also had to make sure we get to every lesson fast.

In between these trainings, we also had to prepare, welcome and entertain several visitors--among them the Spanish Ambassador to Pakistan, Bro. Michael from Australia, the two German Engineers that I have already mentioned, Fr. Peter from Quetta, Sis. Ann and Engr. Manny from the Philippines and a lot more. The Filipino community here in Lahore also needed some help last week as they were preparing some Christmas carols for a gathering. And since most of them work on weekdays I had to meet them on a Sunday and work hard on making some notes and pleasant tunes come out even on a day of rest.

These, plus the regular stuff of Urdu lessons, assistance in the dormitory and follow up of the boys' schedule and activities not to mention the usual community and personal responsibilities of cooking, washing dishes, laundry and room upkeep made these past weeks terribly heavy.

It's true that with so many things to attend to time goes by quickly. And it did so. And after two weeks of fast-paced and fully loaded schedule I simply had to stop. I just needed some quiet moments alone. I just had to simply 'be.' And that's exactly what I did yesterday. I took a time off after lunch. I withdrew myself from all the tasks and things that have occupied me these past weeks and stayed in my room and then in the chapel. It was definitely refreshing, renewing and rejuvenating.

I just needed that time and space to re-charge and return to the Source of all the energy and wisdom and zest. And here I am now, back on my feet again... starting another busy day! I guess this is also what Pope Benedict XVI pointed out when he said: "We all experience in daily life having little time for the Lord and little time for ourselves. We end up by being absorbed in "doing." Is it not true that often activity possesses us, that society with its many interests monopolizes our attention? Is it not true that we dedicate much time to amusements and leisure of different kinds? Sometimes things "trap" us." (from his homily on the 1st Sunday of Advent Vespers)

Advent Hope

2009-12-01T12:55:00.005+05:00

From the Angelus message of Benedict XVI last Sunday, the first Sunday of Advent:

“The contemporary world needs hope above all; this is true for developing peoples but especially for developed peoples. Increasingly, we realise that we are in the same boat and that we can save ourselves together. With the collapse of so many false certainties, we are becoming especially aware of how we need reliable hope and that this is found only in Christ, who according to the Letter to the Hebrews Jesus “is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (13:8). The Lord Jesus came in the past, comes in the present, and shall come in the future. He embraces all of time’s dimensions. Because he died and rose, he is the ‘Living’, and whilst he shared our human precariousness, he is always there, offering us God’s stability. He is “flesh” like us, and “rock” like God. Anyone who yearns for freedom, justice, and peace can stand erect and raise his head because in Christ redemption is at hand (cf Lk, 21:28).”

King of Hearts

2009-11-22T08:28:00.011+05:00

When I was in Cebu, I used to go for my regular confession to an elderly confrere who at the end of every sacrament of penance would say: "Jesus, be the King of my heart!" And today, as we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King on this last Sunday of the Liturgcal Year, this short prayer became the very words of my silent thanksgiving as I paused a while after the mass. "Jesus, be the King of my heart!" There are still so many things Jesus need to conquer in my heart and I implore Him to cast His light on them and to bring them under His rule.

Well, that sounds harsh and terrifying too given the background/situation we're now in where to conquer means to spread terror and fear and to rule is synonymous to lording it over. But the Kingship of Jesus is a contradiction, even an incomprehensible folly to some. And given the culture and social structures present in Pakistan, I know that we still need to work a lot around here to let our people see, know and experience the real image of Christ the King. A King whose kingdom reigns not by force but charity and to whom leadership is service, authority is responsibility and sacrifice, power is bent towards the lowest caste, weak and oppressed, governance is based on understanding, honesty and compassion and every rule is measured in love.

Early Bird

2009-11-18T13:19:00.007+05:00

The other day, I welcomed the first Christmas greeting that came this year. Thanks to Fr. Nioret and his community from Don Bosco Dumaguete! Yuletide season has now begun in the Philippines. And I am definitely going to miss it... though I am also looking forward to how we'll be celebrating it here. I am sure that it will also be a wonderful and meaningful experience altogether.

Merry Christmas Frs. Jim-Jim, Nioret & Dodoy!

Creative Minority

2009-11-17T10:17:00.002+05:00

I put here a portion of an interview with Pope Benedict XVI before his visit to Czech Republic. It's in response to the question of how can the church give its contribution to a country that has become so secularized. As I read through the Pope's answers--I felt as if he also had Pakistan in mind... his words also apply to us on this side of the globe.

"I would say that usually it is creative minorities who determine the future, and in this regard the Catholic Church must understand that she is a creative minority who has a heritage of values that are not things of the past, but a very lively and relevant reality. The Church must modernize, she must be present in the public debate, in our struggle for a true concept of freedom and peace. Thus she can contribute in various sectors. I would say that the first is precisely the intellectual dialogue between agnostics and believers. They both need each other: the agnostic cannot be satisfied with not knowing whether God exists or not, but must seek and perceive the great heritage of faith; the Catholic cannot be content with having faith but must seek God even more, and in dialogue with others must re-learn God more deeply. This is the first level: the great intellectual, ethical and human dialogue. Then, in the area of education, the Church has much to do and to give, with regard to formation. In Italy we talk about the problem of the educational emergency. It is a problem common to the whole of the West: here the Church must once again actualize her great legacy, putting it into practice and opening it to the future. A third sector is "Caritas". The Church has always had this as a sign of her identity: to go to the aid of the poor, of being an instrument of charity. Caritas does a great deal in the Czech Republic, in the various communities, in situations of need, and also offers much to suffering humanity on the different continents, thereby setting an example for others of responsibility and of international solidarity, which is also a condition for peace."

Cheering for Pacquiao!

2009-11-15T10:41:00.007+05:00

Though I am not a boxing enthusiast, I still felt the compulsion to watch this morning's main match from the national anthem to the final analysis at the end of the game. It's Pacquiao-Cotto match. And thanks to our Super Sports cable channel--it was shown here free and live from Las Vegas.

Being away from my beloved Philippines, watching Pacquiao play made me feel so near my kababayans whom I am very sure also followed the game intently and intensely. Well, thanks to that Pacquiao magic I felt as if I was home again.

Congratulations Manny! It was another great fight. We are definitely proud of you.

November 11

2009-11-12T08:29:00.011+05:00

Yesterday, we celebrated the anniversary of the 1st missionary expedition of our congregation--November 11, 1875. Don Bosco sent the first group of Salesians headed by Don Cagliero from the basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin, Italy to Patagonia, Argentina. This tradition has continued through the years and I feel so blest that I have been part of this 'family event' as well. I joined the batch of last year and I am now here in Pakistan. Those who were with me in the group are now also in different parts of the globe--in Mongolia and China, Equador, Sierra Leone and other parts of Africa to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands and even to some countries of Europe.

This year, those who form part of the 140th batch of missionaries were also sent from the church of Mary Help of Christians to different parts of the world where they will continue to give witness to the unbounding love of God especially for young people.

Pray for us then that we may be faithful, steadfast and creative in our living out of our Salesian missionary vocation.

Ut unum sint

2009-11-10T10:42:00.006+05:00

From the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum Coetibus... on Anglicans entering into full communion with the Catholic Church.

"The Church, a people gathered into the unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, was instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ, as “a sacrament – a sign and instrument, that is, of communion with God and of unity among all people.” Every division among the baptized in Jesus Christ wounds that which the Church is and that for which the Church exists; in fact, “such division openly contradicts the will of Christ, scandalizes the world, and damages that most holy cause, the preaching the Gospel to every creature.” Precisely for this reason, before shedding his blood for the salvation of the world, the Lord Jesus prayed to the Father for the unity of his disciples.

It is the Holy Spirit, the principle of unity, which establishes the Church as a communion. He is the principle of the unity of the faithful in the teaching of the Apostles, in the breaking of the bread and in prayer. The Church, however, analogous to the mystery of the Incarnate Word, is not only an invisible spiritual communion, but is also visible; in fact, “the society structured with hierarchical organs and the Mystical Body of Christ, the visible society and the spiritual community, the earthly Church and the Church endowed with heavenly riches, are not to be thought of as two realities. On the contrary, they form one complex reality formed from a two-fold element, human and divine.” The communion of the baptized in the teaching of the Apostles and in the breaking of the eucharistic bread is visibly manifested in the bonds of the profession of the faith in its entirety, of the celebration of all of the sacraments instituted by Christ, and of the governance of the College of Bishops united with its head, the Roman Pontiff.

This single Church of Christ, which we profess in the Creed as one, holy, catholic and apostolic “subsists in the Catholic Church, which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the Bishops in communion with him. Nevertheless, many elements of sanctification and of truth are found outside her visible confines. Since these are gifts properly belonging to the Church of Christ, they are forces impelling towards Catholic unity.”

- Benedict XVI

4 November 2009

Religious Freedom

2009-11-10T09:31:00.004+05:00

This article is from a Zenith report on Martin Kugler's response to European court's decision that discourages crucifixes in Italian schools. Mr. Kugler is a historian and expert for the human rights network Christianophobia.eu in Vienna.

"Real religious freedom is not freedom from religion..." Kugler explained that : "The right to religious freedom can only mean its exercise -- not the freedom from confrontation. The meaning of 'freedom of religion' has nothing to do with creating a society that is 'free from religion'... Forcibly removing the symbol of the cross is a violation on the same level as it would be to force atheists to mount this symbol. The blank white wall is also an ideological statement -- especially, if over the previous centuries, it had not been empty. A 'value-neutral' state is fiction, which is often used for propaganda purposes."

Kugler said that decisions like that of the European court actually attack religion, instead of fighting religious intolerance. Furthermore, he affirmed, "one cannot fight political problems by fighting against religion. Anti-religious fundamentalism makes itself an accomplice of religious fundamentalism when it provokes through intolerance," the expert observed. And, "the majority of the affected population would like to retain the cross. It is also a problem of democratic politics, giving priority to individual interests so blatantly." Finally, along the lines of the argument proposed by the Italian government in defense of crucifixes in its classrooms, Kugler said that "the cross is the logo of Europe. It is a religious symbol, but still much more than that."

In an article in Die Presse, Kugler gave further consideration to two elements of the church-state debate. He said talk of a "value-neutral state" is "simply naive and the result of an illusion. [...] rather a joke.[A] value-neutral state? Against fraud and corruption? Against xenophobia and discrimination? Sins against the environment and sexual harassment in the workplace? A state that bans neo-Nazis, allows pornography, favors certain forms of developmental assistance, but others not ... all due to neutral values? Someone is trying to make a fool of us," he observed.The scholar contended that a second point -- the assumption that a public without any presence of religious life or religious symbols would be more 'tolerant' or more appropriate to freedom of conscience than a 'Public Square' which permits or even encourages statements of religious belief -- deserves more consideration. He proposed: "Of course, the atheist parent might feel his or her child being molested by the cross in the classroom. But this is inevitable. I may also feel annoyed when upon entering a post office I catch sight of a photograph of the Austrian federal president whom I have not voted for. [...] Influence, ideological signals, visual presences -- also sexist -- will always exist everywhere. The only question is how and containing what." Kugler contended that in this regard, the state "should intervene only very moderately. And if it does, not by bans that imprison religion into a ghetto."

Sheep to Shepherds

2009-11-06T11:05:00.012+05:00

The image of wild animals turning into gentle lambs and then themselves becoming shepherds is a recurring figure in many of Don Bosco's dreams. And these dreams and visions he eventually witnessed transformed into reality during his life.

As Don Bosco identified his vocation--to be a sign and bearer of God's love for young people especially the poor, abandoned and in need, he also realized that he would need all the help he could get in order for this great endeavor to materialize and bear fruit. And so he invited others to join him--priests and lay people. However, "we know from the history of the first oratory, [that] Don Bosco did not find long-term helpers among his fellow priests, nor did he look for them there... He soon realized that he had to find the 'shepherd' among 'his flock' as Rua, Cagliero, Cerruti, Bonetti called themselves... And to them young as they were he entrusted the great responsibilities for his Congregation as it was coming to birth" (ACTS #404).

After having adjusted here a little and somehow observed the situation we're in, I am becoming more convinced too that for us to be more effective in our apostolate, we have to prepare our own staff, our own instructors and teachers. We have to start them young as Don Bosco did.

Every culture has its defects and limitations and for us to be able to 'purify' this system, we have to be able to create and model the new/alternative environment we are proposing. But this is only possible if there would be a group of people sharing, living and communicating common values, methods, beliefs and vision. And only then will cultural change or transformation occur. Values are caught not taught-- nor are they acquired over night. Time, effort, hard-work, patience will surely be demanded of us. And we should be ready to face them if we want to reach our goals.

Don Bosco once said: "It is to our great advantage that most of our Salesians came to our schools when they were young boys. Unconsciously, our pupils grow up accustomed to a laborious life, they get to know the inner workings of our congrerations and they pick up experience in many tasks... No one has to teach them what to do, because they learned as students... Those who have lived with us will instill our spirit into others (ACTS #404)."

I am sure that the same is true with us here.

Being a Brother

2009-11-03T14:21:00.006+05:00

This post is inspired by a confrere's article about being a Salesian Brother. Encouraged by Brother Donnie's 10 points Why it's Cool to be a Brother I present here my simple reflection on my vocation as a religious brother.

Whenever I introduce myself and say that I am a Salesian Brother-- I also always ready myself for the many questions that usually follow clarifying what it means to be a Salesian Brother. People do wonder why on earth would one not get married nor get rich and look for high paying jobs, then also leave family and home, stay in a religious community and yet not be able to celebrate Mass nor administer the other sacraments. Did they fail their Philosophy and Theology subjects? Are they not qualified? or Have they committed any serious offense? These are simply some of the often raised questions of my intrigued audience.

I always say that I am a brother not that I didn't like to become a priest. My vocational discernment in fact started out in that line. I entered the seminary because I dreamt of becoming a priest. But along the way, I discovered that I am being called to another kind of life. God surely works in mysterious but marvelous ways. And He guides and leads us to where we rightfully belong if only we open ourselves to Him and listen to His voice.

Nobody actually invited me to become a brother. But it was in my daily interactions with our Brothers Salesian that I felt the attraction to become just like them. In particular, it was their silent witness, humble service and joyful presence especially among young people that drew my attention and heightened my desire to become like them.

I guess, the lay or religious brother vocation also fits my likes and interests. I always believe that God meets us where we are and that our vocation grows around our capabilities, skills and potentials as human beings. Grace builds on nature as they say. Being a lay brother, allows me as well to try on those other possibilities and areas waiting to be explored for which ministry may prevent priests from doing. The life of a brother is in continuous dialogue with the world--with its needs and longings, with the advancement and issues in education, technology and industry, with people immersed in the reality of the 'worldly' yet long to have a glimpse of God and eternity.

I find meaning and contentment in my being a brother. There are of course plenty of struggles and difficulties but the choice I made after serious discernment and prayer and which I renew everyday give me that assurance that this is my calling and fidelity to this life will be my way to meet Christ and later hopefully, enter heaven. I am a Salesian Brother.

"I will try to be Don Bosco."

2009-10-30T12:34:00.010+06:00

... with these words, Don Michael Rua set out for Mirabello to start a new Salesian foundation that Don Bosco was entrusting to his care and leadership.

Yesterday, we opened the year-long celebration of the 1ooth Death Anniversary of Don Bosco's 1st successor--Blessed Michael Rua. On this occasion, the Rector Major invited us to reflect on Don Rua's life and examples. He said, "Moved by the special witness given by the first successor of Don Bosco, I invite you this year... to rediscover the importance and the spirit of our Salesian Constitutions and to look again at your personal Plan of Life, with particular reference to Chapter four: that which deals with our mission and is entitled “sent to the young.”

Don Rua has been labeled as "the living Rule" because of his insistence that Salesians live faithfully the constitutions handed on to us by our founder which he believed as "book of life, kernel of the Gospel, hope of our salvation, measure of our perfection, key of heaven... most precious relic of our beloved Don Bosco."

Don Rua's first meeting with Don Bosco took place when he was only 8 years old and "...with a strange gesture... having lost his father, with a broad black band fixed to his jacket by his mother he had stretched out his hand for a medal from Don Bosco. But instead of a medal Don Bosco had given him his left hand while making a sign as though cutting it in half. And he said to him: “Take it, little Michael, take it.” And before those wide-open eyes which gazed on him transfixed, he said six words which were to be the secret of his life: “We two will always go halves.”And slowly the remarkable shared process began between the holy master and the disciple who went halves with him in everything and always."

Today, a hundred years after his death, we are invited to once again look back at his life, which for all of us Salesians, is truly a heroic example of holiness in the spirit of Don Bosco. May Blessed Michael Rua then be our inspiration, help and intercessor as we strive to be like Don Bosco as well where ever we may be.

Missionary Church

2009-10-28T11:40:00.009+06:00

In many places, among them the Philippines, the month of October has been dedicated to the missions. I am certain that prayers have been offered for all missionaries and their ministry. For sure, conferences and symposia have been organized in schools and in parishes to heighten people's awareness of the missionary work of the church. Some parishes even asked the faithful to contribute to a 'second collection' during Mass as a concrete sign of their support for this activity of the church... an indispensible activity in fact. Because the Catholic Church is missionary.

And so before October ends, I thank all those who remembered us and offered their prayers for us and our intentions. In particular, I am deeply touched by the letters sent by some students from St. Louis-Don Bosco School in Dumaguete. Thank you very much!

It is my fervent prayer that as you have shown us your support and appreciation, you may also be open and obedient to the bidding of our Lord who invites all of us to share His Good News and blessings to everyone especially to those most in need. God bless you!

Personal Time

2009-10-26T09:52:00.008+06:00

One of the advice given me by my spiritual director while I was preparing to come here to the missions was to make sure that I also find time for myself. Not only for personal prayer and study, he strongly added, but also for recreation.

It was the same suggestion I got from an experienced missionary I met here upon my arrival: "To survive Pakistan--make sure you allot some time as well to do things that you enjoy." I didn't immediately however feel the importance of this suggestion. I was just too eager to start working and to engage myself in the different activities of our community. But now, a little more than two months since I came, I am more and more realizing its value.

From time to time I just need to have some break and do the things I enjoy. I have to give some time for myself and provide for it some healthy recreation--mountain climbing, visiting historical places, football, hiking and afternoon walks. And at the moment, I am also discovering the recharging power of gardening, kite flying and sketching.

At first, I was feeling a little guilty for withdrawing myself from work and from the community but now I am convinced that these moments I spend for myself are also an investment so I can better serve and more generously give of myself to others.

To the Real World

2009-10-24T11:52:00.015+06:00

Since classes are still suspended, we now have time to do other things which would have been impossible to accomplish if our students were around and regular classes were going on. And so these past days, we busied ourselves with some manual work in the morning--planting, soil cultivation, proper waste management/segragation and a little construction work for our water system/irrigation.

After lunch we're left free with time practically at our disposal usually till 4 or 5PM. And yesterday instead of just staying inside our compound I decided to go out for a walk around our community... which here, we call colony. Our house is located across a usually harsh-smelling nala (creek) adjacent to several clothing companies where most men in the vicinity find employment. Streets leading to and surrounding our place are unpaved and dusty and walking especially under the piercing afternoon sun is not that easy nor enjoyable. But one surely gets rewarded in some other ways by not minding these obstacles.

Everytime I go out of our compound, I get the chance to meet people and come face to face with the reality they live in. I see them in their context and gain ideas regarding their manner of living, ways of dealing with others, their livelihood, source of leisure and many other interesting things which I would definitely fail to see and to appreciate if I simply stay inside the protective walls, well paved pathways and sterilized surroundings of our home.

Praying for Peace

2009-10-21T09:08:00.015+06:00

Over the past couple of weeks, situation here seem to have deteriorated. We have witnessed the attacks of militants in Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Islamabad, Quetta and Lahore that have not only damaged properties and claimed lives but have also spread anxiety and fear among all of us living in Pakistan. Just yesterday, two suicide bombers entered a university in Islamabad and killed around 6 students and injured several others. Classes are suspended now in all levels and in all regions. We are sending our students home after the morning periods and no one knows when will classes resume. As I post this blog, government troops are continuing their offense against militants in the South Warisiztan Area (SWA). And so many people living in the region had to flee for safety.

We may not hear bomb blasting nor see troops fighting from where we are staying, but we feel its effect--there is fear, tension and unease. One never seems to feel secure. Yet inspite all of these we have to live our life as normal as we can, fulfilling our tasks and attending to our daily concerns.

Please join us in praying for peace in Pakistan. I dream not only of our safety but I pray for the resolution of all these conflicts destroying our dreams, our future, everything. Some may say that it's asking for the impossible but I believe in the power of prayer and its capacity to touch and change every man and woman's heart. May the God of peace move us to work for peace!

My Bedtime Prayer

2009-10-12T21:14:00.007+06:00

Two months in Pakistan and little by little the novelty of another day and the surprises of a dawning week don't seem to cause much excitement and to stir anticipation anymore. Urdu lessons have become boring, people are now so familiar and the day's activities by now are simply part of the usual routine. It's been a slow and heavy Monday.

And just when I was about to retire--tired, homesick and bored, that I was deeply touched by the words at vesper's closing prayer.

Stay with us, Lord Jesus, for evening is now here [originally, drawing near]
and be our companion on our way
to set our hearts on fire with new hope.
Help us to recognize your presence among us
in the Scriptures we read and in the breaking of the bread.

And so now, I say again these words, making them my very own prayer as I entrust my night's rest completely to the Lord. I am still tired, homesick and bored but hope-filled to start a brand new day and begin anew tomorrow. Good night.

Why Pakistan?

2009-10-11T12:55:00.012+06:00

Since we are currently working on some government documents necessary for an on-going project in the school, an inspector visited us over the weekend to check and follow up our request. I guess he was surprised when he arrived and found three foreigners working among more than a hundred young Pakistanis. And so at one point during our conversation he was not able to control himself and asked why did we decide to go to this country to work-- and he was more surprised by our answers.

We actually did not choose to go to Pakistan. We all were actually thinking or planning to go to some other place like China, Cambodia, Samoa or Mongolia perhaps when we applied to become missionaries. But then our superiors thought otherwise and sent us to Pakistan. And we simply obeyed.

In the church, we are called missionaries and since all baptized are called to be missionaries, we are differentiated by the term ad gentes (to a foreign people). A missionary is someone 'sent' for a reason, for a particular purpose. And until now, I myself don't know exactly why I should be here in Pakistan except that the Lord wants me to meet Him here. Yes, of all places, in Pakistan: a foreign land, among a people so different from my own and with all the risks it entails. Yet everyday, I am becoming more and more convinced that truly this is His will. Weird and mysterious as it may seem, but who am I to question God's mysterious but magnificent plan.

Pray for us then--missionaries ad gentes that we may always be "humble, steadfast and strong" and ever obedient to the will of Him who sent us.

Rosary and Remembering

2009-10-07T11:39:00.009+06:00

"Mary lived with her eyes fixed on Christ, treasuring his every word: “She kept all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Lk 2:19; cf. 2:51). The memories of Jesus, impressed upon her heart, were always with her, leading her to reflect on the various moments of her life at her Son's side. In a way those memories were to be the “rosary” which she recited uninterruptedly throughout her earthly life."

- from the Apostolic Exhortation Rosarium Virginis Mariae

May everytime we pray the rosary allow us to remember the unfathomable love and compassion of God for us. Together with Mary, may our gaze be always fixed on Jesus. Happy feast of our Lady of the Rosary.

And now, back in Lahore... we're back to the ordinary, routinary and somewhat boring side of life... But this is reality or 'the reality'. And the challenge for me is to "do my ordinary duties extra ordinarily well." This sounds cliche but it's easier said than done--little things with great love!

Still in Quetta

2009-10-02T11:03:00.015+06:00

We arrived last Sunday morning in Quetta and we were welcomed by our confreres at the airport--Frs. Julio and Peter and Br. Eric (who took this picture).
We were very happy to meet the students of our school...and to be dancing among our boys as well... Pakistani style of course.This is in one of the Afghan refugees' school... there are three in the area. I hope to write something about them agle dafah (next time)... They are such a wonderful people, it's a pity that they are caught in this violent situation.
This last picture is taken when we thanked the whole student body, the teachers and staff of the school on Friday morning for making us feel so at home and comfortable during our stay at Don Bosco Learning Center.We're still here actually, we're returning to Lahore on Sunday... In sha Allah.

Little Flower

2009-10-01T10:06:00.005+06:00

October opens with the celebration of a special saint, Therese of the Child Jesus. Her life is a great testament to the beauty of purity and splendor of a life lived for God alone. And how much are we drawn to this saint? She who lived an obscure and ordinary life inside her convent's walls is now also recognized as Doctor of the Church and Patroness of the Missions... a reminder for us all that sanctity is within our reach--that in fact, it is our vocation.

"Love proves itself by deeds, so how am I to show my love? Great deeds are forbidden me. The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love."

Thinking of Home and Kababayans

2009-09-28T23:00:00.007+06:00

These are just some of the shocking images I got after typing the words Flooding/Ondoy in the Philippines (images from Yahoo News and Associated Press).After learning about the news last Sunday morning, I immediately contacted relatives back home especially my sister and cousins in Manila and my mom in Bulacan. They have not been spared from the flood but I am thankful that they are now safe and trying to put things back in order.

Yet, I know that there are still so many of our kababayans out there suffering, mourning and trying to cope with the trauma and devastation this past event brought. I pray for all of them badly affected by this recent calamity. This is the best gift I can now offer.

Trusting in God's loving presence and in the Filipino spirit, I know we shall over come.

Days Off

2009-09-26T20:57:00.007+06:00

We are leaving for Quetta early tomorrow morning to visit our community in that region. We'll be staying there for a week and enjoy the company of our confreres and see as well the work they are doing... and hopefully this will give us some break too from our Urdu language class.

It would already be October by the time we return here in Lahore. I am not sure as well if I'd be able to regularly chronicle our visit or I would have to wait till I am back here before I can write about our experiences. Keep us in your prayers!
Rest assured of our prayers too! Agle hafte melengge (See you next week)!

Wisdom and Peace

2009-09-24T12:44:00.011+06:00

Here's a beautiful Angelus reflection by Pope Benedict XVI given last Sunday, 2o September.

"Today, for the customary Sunday reflection, I will take as my point of departure the passage from the Letter of James that is proposed to us by today’s liturgy (3:16-4:3), and I will pause, in particular, on an expression that is striking for its beauty and contemporary relevance. It has to do with the description of true wisdom that the Apostle contrasts with false wisdom. While the latter is "worldly, material and diabolical, and is recognized by the fact that it provokes jealousies, arguments, disorder and every kind of evil deed" (cf. 3:16), on the contrary "[true] wisdom, which comes from above is first of all pure, then peaceful, meek, docile, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere" (3:17). A list of seven qualities, according to the biblical custom, from which perfection of authentic wisdom comes along with the positive effects that it produces. As first and principal quality, almost the premise for the others, St. James sets down "purity," that is, sanctity, the transparent reflection -- so to say -- of God in the human soul. And, like God, from whom it comes, wisdom does not need to impose itself by force, because it has the invincible vigor of truth and love, that affirms itself. That is why it is peaceful, meek and docile; it does not need to be partial, nor does it need to lie; it is indulgent and generous, it is recognized by the good fruits that it bears in abundance.

Why not stop every once in a while to contemplate the beauty of this wisdom? Why not draw from this unpolluted source of God’s love the wisdom of the heart, which cleanses us from the filth of lies and egoism? This holds true for everyone, but, in the first place, for those who are called to be promoters and "weavers" of peace in religious and civil communities, in social and political relations and in international relations. In our day -- perhaps also because of certain dynamics proper to mass society -- one often sees a lack of respect for truth and the word together with a widespread tendency to aggressiveness, hatred and vendettas. "The fruit of justice is sown in peace by those who make peace," St. James writes (3:18). But to "do" works of peace we need to "be" men of peace, entering the school of "the wisdom that comes from above," to assimilate its qualities and produce its effects. If everyone, in his own circle, succeeds in rejecting the lies and violence in intentions, in words and in actions, carefully cultivating sentiments of respect, understanding and esteem for others, perhaps it would not resolve every daily problem, but we could face them more serenely and effectively."

Taking Language Seriously

2009-09-24T12:39:00.004+06:00

"Language is not a mere instrument for understanding, but an irreplaceable medium of comparison and an indispensable factor for personalization and communion without which it is difficult to give the faith substance and, above all else, to give body to a Church. "

-Cardinal Angelo Scola

Football

2009-09-23T14:23:00.009+06:00

Football has been an inseparable part of my Salesian life. I was introduced to this game the moment I entered Don Bosco Pampanga twenty years ago. Though it is not really a condition for becoming a Salesian nor does it spell fidelity and contentment in one's vocation, but I would say that it is a potent and useful tool in being able to carry out our mission among young people.

I have seen it work from Pampanga to Pakistan, among seminarians and streetkids, whether they are ordinary highschool boys or youth-at-risk or young professionals. Sports somehow bridges the gap that comes with age or position or cultural background. It allows us to be more in touch with the young, their world and concerns. And in being able to play with them in the field or in the court, we are able to meet them as well right where they are at home and most natural/uninhibited. Don Bosco also saw in these recreational activities their value and importance: "By being loved in the things they like, through taking part in their youthful interest, they are led to see love in those things too which they find less attractive such as discipline, study and self denial... one who knows he is loved, loves in return, and one who loves can obtain anything especially from the young."

Our Meeting Point

2009-09-20T13:10:00.009+06:00

"The place of prayer is dear to both Christians and Muslims as an oasis in which one meets with the Merciful God along the walk towards eternal life and with one's brothers and sisters in the bond of religion."

- John Paul II (at Damascus, 2001)

Taken from Oasis International Foundation

As we are introduced into the various works that Don Bosco supports here in Pakistan, we are also being made aware of the different realities around us within which these tasks are to be accomplished. And one of these is the reality that as Christians, we belong to the minority. And that dialogue with people of other religion is important to our life and work here in this part of the globe.

They say that there are around four areas that we can explore and where dialogue can take place-- (1) daily interaction; (2) service; (3) value formation and (4) theological discussions. And for us, Salesians, given our capacity and work at present, we do our best to meet our brothers and sisters of other faith especially in our daily interaction with them and in the service of education, particularly in technology and industry.

There are many challenges along the way. I am just starting to discover them and I hope not to be overwhelmed. For now, I simply strive to follow the advice of those more experienced missionaries I have encountered: Be patient, happy and open-minded!

Initial Cultural Encounters

2009-09-18T11:03:00.012+06:00

Language makes culture works... it is its blood that keeps it alive. And I am more and more realizing the implication and impact of this in my life at present. As I little by little insert my self in the running of our hostel and school work, I am also discovering the necessity of not only speaking the language but of also being able to enter into its world and meaning system. And that, I am sure, will take more time (around 20 years maybe?).

I have been here in Lahore for a month now and I can already communicate using simple sentences. I can introduce myself as well and start simple conversations (you may call them--elementary!). I now understand a little Urdu for as long as the speaker wouldn't talk so fast and use complicated sentence constructions and vocabularies (definitely, elementary!).

Well, even names are not quite easy to remember now. Back in the Philippines, I used to be good at memorizing names but now, I can hardly recall who's who, since their names sound alien to me as well. From James to Peter to Mark... we now have Yacob, Patras and Marqas or Yuhanna for John. Common names in Manila like Bong, Ding or Allan are not so common here and instead--Tahaseen, Sukkil, Annil, Annik, Asif or Seeshan are the more famous ones.

I sometimes get tired and exhausted from all these language classes that we have. But I know that it's the only way to better understand and be better understood by those around me. There's so much more I need to learn--expressions and nuances both in the language and in the life/norm of the people with whom I am living now. And I have to accept too that I will always be an outsider... but I am hoping that at least by knowing the language, somehow, someday I'd be able to enter a little bit more into their culture.

Dear Ate

2009-09-17T10:51:00.009+06:00

From far away, I send my prayer and greeting to my sister who today is celebrating her birthday. I thank our Good Lord for His gift of a sister... she's the only one I have. And I thank God too for she's the one I got.

We may not agree on several things and argue on still a lot more other concerns, yet we have learned to accept and appreciate our differences and contrasting opinions over the years. I wouldn't call her the best sister there is in the world. She is 'not yet' for sure. But I know that she is always trying to better herself each day-- improving herself and working on to becoming the best person God calls her to be.

I have always been inspired by her--her drive for excellence, her concern for others and determination to reach the goals she has set for herself. And so now, though we may be hundreds of thousands of miles away, I join her in celebrating this day. And I pray that our Lord will continually bless her with His choicest blessings and surprise her with His wonderful gifts. We will always be proud of you Ate! Maraming salamat sa lahat!

Nagmamahal,
Mel

Mother Teresa

2009-09-05T17:35:00.009+06:00

Today is the memorial of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997).

Our community joined the Missionaries of Charity sisters in the celebration of the Eucharist this morning at their convent also here in Lahore.

And as we reflect on the life and examples of Mother Teresa, the words of the theologian Henri de Lubac seem to capture the path taken by this great woman of our time. Lubac said, "Real religion is a life that is hidden in the heart but there is nothing about it that involves a selfish turning in on oneself."

Week 2

2009-09-04T21:16:00.006+06:00

This day marks my second week here in Lahore. So far things are turning out well for me. I am not sure though if this is all because I am still in my 'honeymoon stage' or because I have truly found another home here in this place.

I enjoy the early morning and afternoon walks around the compound, the many wonderful encounters and handshaking with both students and staff, our daily language course with ustad sahib Zafir and of course the many meaningful encounters with each confrere in the community from lauds and meditation, to the preparation of every meal, to discussions on various topics ranging from football to interreligious dialogue to french onion soup and breakfast menu.

On this 2nd week of my stay here in Pakistan, I am simply grateful to the Lord for making me feel at ease and at home in a foreign place among people who seemingly are different too.

On this 2nd week of my stay here, I am just happy at being able to celebrate the things we all have in common and to appreciate as well those where we find differences and even contradictions.

On this 2nd week of my stay here, I look forward to more coming weeks of growth, celebration, appreciation and encounters with people and their faith and culture. And in all these realize more and more that truly we are all equal in the eyes of God.

De Gustibus...

2009-08-30T20:32:00.006+06:00

...non disputandum est.

I have nothing against peoples' taste and preference when it comes to food. I also enjoy eating and trying out different cuisines. But food became a major area of concern before I came here in Lahore.

Though I am not generally choosy with food--I take whatever is served at table and my stomach digests pretty well too, I just didn't like them spicy. And talk about spicy dishes in Pakistan, I am sure you'll have them in abundance.

But my taste buds didn't suffer much from this gustatory transition and so far I have not eaten anything that has left my esophagus in flames. Thanks to our rector who, even before our arrival has already instructed our cooks to lessen on the spices. The presence too of another Filipino confrere in the community, who also eagerly cooks from time to time, has put my culinary fears to rest.

For now, I just want to keep our food as they are. But I am also looking forward to that day when I would be ready to take in that extra hot and spicy.

Consoled by God's Unchanging Love

2009-08-27T15:13:00.007+06:00

As we were ending our prayers last night, I was particularly consoled and inspired by that part of the closing prayer which says: "Lord, watch over us by day and night. In the midst of life's countless changes strengthen us with your never-changing love."

I have been here in Pakistan for almost a week now. I still feel disoriented and I am still adjusting to so many things. I guess, after a week... I am beginning to settle down as well and in the process realize too how different my world has now become. Yet in the midst of all these difficulties, changes, re-orientation, re-learning and so on, one thing remains for sure. One thing is constant and consistent--the love of God. And this thought gives me so much courage and hope.

From Pakistan

2009-08-23T13:54:00.003+06:00

I have not been able to blog for a week since I've been busy preparing for my new assignment here in Pakistan. And today, I am already here and am now writing my first entry in Pakistan. We arrived in Islamabad yesterday morning after an 8 hour flight from Manila and then Bangkok. Then we took another plane that brought us to Lahore, our final destination. We arrived at Don Bosco School and were welcomed by our students and staff at around noontime.

I really still don't have much to share. We're still settling down. But it is with gratitude that I look back at those months I spent waiting for my visa. The waiting has definitely helped me prepare for this work I am about to start.
I also don't think it will be difficult to adjust--people here are warm and welcoming. The confreres too are very accommodating. In due time, we will also know our specific duties and responsibilities. For now, we are simply asked to observe, adjust and feel at home.
Welcome to Pakistan!
Continue supporting us with you prayers.

Birth and Death

2009-08-16T09:13:00.011+06:00

Celebrating Birth...
Today is the birthday of Don Bosco. It's his 194th birthday. To highlight this event, Fr. Pascual Chavez, the head of the Salesian Society of St. John Bosco, gave this challenge to the Salesians and to young people: “Human history, including its darker and more tragic pages, or those which have thrown God`s existence into doubt, speaks throughout of God`s ongoing love in so many people who have been involved, in His name, in efforts of justice, peace, civilization, humanity and salvation, amongst whom Don Bosco, Mother Mazzarello and other Salesian educators and saints... Open your lives up to the great dream that God has for each one of you: holiness!”

Commemorating Death...
Today is also the 4th anniversary of the death of Bro. Roger, the founder of the Taize community. And I feel so blest that I was able to join last night Bros. Ghislain, Andreas and Andre, Taize brothers who are currently staying here with us in our community, in a simple prayer experience they organized for our migrant youth. Though the prayer was an introduction for the boys regarding Taize prayer--Bro. Ghislain also mentioned in his short talk that it's also meant to celebrate the Assumption of Mary and also to commemorate the death of Bro. Roger.

I thank the brothers for the invitation. I was truly enriched by the prayer experience. Here's a short prayer written by Bro. Roger that we also used last night: "Jesus, light of our hearts, since you rose from the dead, you have never stopped coming to us. Whatever point we may be at, you are always waiting for us. Ang you tell us: Come to me, you who are burdened and you will be satisfied."

My Assumption Reflection

2009-08-15T08:28:00.013+06:00

Today is the Solemnity of the Assumption of our Lady to heaven body and soul. This feast was proclaimed a dogma or an important teaching of the Catholic Church through the Apostolic Constitution Munificentissimus Deus in 1950 by Pope Pius XII.

"Comparable to the dogmatic history of the Immaculate Conception was the background to the belief in Mary’s bodily assumption… the celebration of this feast dates back around the year 582-602 following the Patristic tradition. But it is only in 1950 that this dogma was formally declared by Pius XII. The Solemnity of the Assumption of our Lady is one of the three major feasts of Mary in the Latin Church."
(information taken from: Catholic Catechism by Hardon, 1975)

What then is the message of this feast for us? Does it still have any relevance at all?

I strongly believe that this feast is a celebration of hope and of triumph. "Our sufferings here on earth are incomparable to the joys of heaven" as St. Paul wrote. The Lord blesses those who remain faithful and steadfast in their faith. And Mary received today her gift for her fidelity and faith. In the many difficulties and trials that lie ahead, I am holding on to this conviction... that the love of our Lord in the end will triumph and overcome every evil and pain and suffering in this world.

May we never forget to look up when we are so down... so that we may be reminded that all these will pass away!

Late Post on St. Clare

2009-08-13T06:33:00.012+06:00

Several reasons have made me a devotee of St. Clare: she was born on July 16 (which happens to be my birthday too), I grew up listening to my grandmother's stories of this beloved saint, I was fascinated, as a child, by those cloistered nuns we were visiting in Quezon City during the rainy days of August, the simplicity of her life and her dedication and faith in the Lord that made her leave everything is definitely remarkable. These are only some of the reasons why I have always considered St. Clare a favorite.

Last August 11, though I was not able to go to Katipunan in Quezon City to attend mass in her monastery, I honored her in my own little way and remembered to pray to her during the Eucharistic celebration that I participated in.

She has always been linked to St. Francis of Assisi, who became God's instrument in inspiring and guiding her in her discernment and later, in living out the vocation the Lord has prepared for her. I can just imagine the love and respect Francis and Clare had for each other. I truly believe that holiness is contagious and we see this in history--Francis of Sales and Jane de Chantal, Vincent and Louise, Teresa and John. How blest are they who find true spiritual friends.

Here are some pictures I took when I had the chance to visit Assisi. I learned that she was the first Abbess of the monastery at San Damiano. It was also there that she died in August 11, 1253. This place now is a clear testament to the simplicity and poverty lived and taught by St. Clare.

Though often depicted in paintings as gentle, very feminine and seemingly submissive--St. Clare was actually a very strong woman who fought for her calling amidst threat and force even from her own family.

Below is a picture of the church dedicated in her honor where her relics are also enshrined (top picture). I remember that when I knelt to pray in front of her remains, I thanked the Lord for the gift of being able to see Assisi and stay and pray there too. I also asked God, through the intercession of St. Clare, that I may be able to fully appreciate who I am and be in touch with what I truly need so that I may let go of all those other things that are not essential.

Doubts and Discomfort in Leaving Dumangas

2009-08-08T14:28:00.006+06:00

I only got to spend exactly seven days in Dumangas, Iloilo. I thought I would stay longer but things did not turn out as I expected. My visa arrived last August 1. I was notified on August 2 and by August 4, I was on my way back here in Makati to follow up my papers and have a short vacation with my family before I finally leave for Pakistan. I have actually been waiting for this 'go-signal' for more than a year now... yet it came when I least expected it and when I was not anymore excited about it.

After some days of adjustments in Dumangas--living among the street children/marginalized youth, I was starting to feel at home and comfortable. I started planning as well as to how I could better be of help to those boys. But my stay in Iloilo ended so soon. God seems to have other plans. It is not clear to me yet. I still don't know exactly what it is He wants me to learn and realize. I left Iloilo with a heavy heart.

But again, in the end, I know that He is In-charge and I only have to obey. And this moment of difficulty brings to my mind again that beautiful prayer: Lord, grant me the courage to change the things that I can change; the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; and the wisdom to know the difference.

Paalam po, Tita Cory!

2009-08-05T08:22:00.007+06:00

Corazon C. Aquino
22 January, 1933-1 August 2009

Thank you for making us proud to be Filipinos.
May you now rest in the peace of God whom you so loved and honored.
Maraming salamat po!

Finding a New Home

2009-07-29T07:59:00.007+06:00

I am now here in my new community in Don Bosco Boys' Home in Dumangas, Iloilo. I arrived yesterday morning after a 12-hour boat trip from Cebu. I was welcomed at the port by a confrere and some of our scholars and was immediately treated to a sumptuous breakfast of pancit molo and puto.

Now, 24 hours after coming over... I have already fixed my things, met with some of our staff and brought the boys to their school (they are enrolled in the nearby public school). And I must admit also that I am now missing Cebu: the faces and places that have all become familiar after my more than a year of stay there. But duty and obedience have now sent me here and so I also welcome this new opportunity to encounter new friends, learn new things and find another 'home' and 'family' here in Iloilo.

I guess this is one of the gifts given to us religious--we may have given up our home and family and friends but the Lord, who is never out-done in generosity, gives us more than what we have actually given up.

May the Lord bless all those wonderful people I left in Lawaan. May the Lord give me as well an open heart and mind to welcome those He will send me to serve here in Iloilo.

Moving on

2009-07-25T07:44:00.008+06:00

Next week I am scheduled to transfer from my present assignment here in Don Bosco Lawaan to our community in Dumangas, Iloilo. This is not part of the plan. I have never even imagined that I'd be staying this long in Cebu. I have been here for almost 14 months now. I should have been in Pakistan long ago. Yet now, Providence is leading me instead to another place.

This assignment is entirely foreign to me--I don't speak Ilonggo; I haven't seen yet the place; and I don't even know that well the confreres with whom I will be working with until God-knows-when. And I am also brazing myself to the type of work I will be handling in that totally unknown place. I will be living and dealing with street children... difficult children. And I admit, I am not prepared for it. The past years that I have been a Salesian I have only stayed inside the protective walls of our formation houses--in Canlubang and here now in Cebu. I was only away and 'unprotected' for some months when I worked in Don Bosco Makati where the situation isn't really far from the seminary environment.

I have fears. I now doubt. I am worried and anxious. How will I survive? How will I make it? And more thoughts of failure and uncertainties flood my imagination. Yet at the heart of these fears of failing and falling and fainting is that gentle and assuring voice inside my heart comforting me, telling me: "Do not be afraid. I am with you till the end of time." Now I rest my case. I cease entertaining my doubts. Courage after all is not the absence of fear but the capacity to forge ahead, to move on even in their midst.

Joey Velasco in Cebu

2009-07-20T05:04:00.009+06:00

Joey Velasco's artwork Hapag ng Pag-asa and its accompanying book They Have Jesus have become powerful reminders and challenges for us to find and to reach out to our brothers and sisters particularly those left in the margins of society. Those we often consider lost, least, last and lowest.

Over the years, Joey has created other equally compelling works that not only reflect the harsh realities of life but have also moved and brought people to action.

Starting July 31, 2009 at SM and then on August 7 at Ayala and August 14 at Casa Gorordo, some of the works by this artist/heartist will be exhibited here in Cebu. This event is sponsored by the Salesians of the South Philippine Province for the benefit of our apostolate among the poor and marginalized youth. Please do come and be part and be touched by this event.

Visit Joey's Site

Lazy Sunday Morning

2009-07-19T12:12:00.005+06:00

After a very tiring and busy week--with the installation of our new Fr. Provincial, Mass animation at the Carmelite Monastery, Fr. Rector's birthday bash back to back with our Community Day fellowship and of course, my own birthday celebration, I decided to just go slow this morning. I still woke up at the usual 5:30am rising time, prayed lauds and joined in the 6:30 celebration of the Eucharist followed by breakfast. Then, I spent the rest of the morning reading and listening to Bach's cello suites and Saint-Saens' The Swan. The weather cooperated too in my low key mood--rain started to pour at around 9 and it's just gray and gloomy all around. By lunch time I felt recharged and energized.

And now, as another day is about to end and another week is waiting to start, I am just thankful to the Lord for all His choicest gifts and bountiful graces--for the beautiful music, inspiring nature, warm friendship and nourishing lazy Sunday morning. Now I feel ready to face the challenges of a new day... of a fresh week ahead. As one of my favorite authors (the diplomat) Dag Hammarskjold said: "For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes."

Caritas in Veritate

2009-07-08T07:39:00.003+06:00

"Love — caritas — is an extraordinary force which leads people to opt for courageous and generous engagement in the field of justice and peace. It is a force that has its origin in God, Eternal Love and Absolute Truth. Each person finds his good by adherence to God's plan for him, in order to realize it fully: in this plan, he finds his truth, and through adherence to this truth he becomes free (cf. Jn 8:22). To defend the truth, to articulate it with humility and conviction, and to bear witness to it in life are therefore exacting and indispensable forms of charity."

- Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate
released 7 July 2009

Read the complete Encyclical

On Cardinal Newman

2009-07-06T05:35:00.010+06:00

Lead, Kindly Light, amidst th' encircling gloom
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home --
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene -- one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor pray'd that Thou
Shouldst lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path, but now
Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.

So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on,
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone;
And with the morn those angel faces smile
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.

I first encountered this poem back in high school as part of our lesson in English literature. And it has even become more meaningful over the years as I also encounter not only life's 'encircling gloom' but also the immeasurable power of that 'Kind Light.'

These lines were written in 1833, when as a young priest, John Newman (1801-1890) became sick while in Italy and was unable to travel for almost three weeks. He narrated this story in his own words, saying:

"Before starting from my inn, I sat down on my bed and began to sob bitterly. My servant, who had acted as my nurse, asked what ailed me. I could only answer, "I have a work to do in England." I was aching to get home, yet for want of a vessel I was kept at Palermo for three weeks. I began to visit the churches, and they calmed my impatience, though I did not attend any services. At last I got off in an orange boat, bound for Marseilles. We were becalmed for whole week in the Straits of Bonifacio, and it was there that I wrote the lines, Lead, Kindly Light, which have since become so well known."

Cardinal Newman's beatification has already been approved by Rome. He'll soon be among our new 'blessed.' May his life and examples continue to inspire and encourage us who are still 'far from [our heavenly] home.'

A Billion Hungry People

2009-07-02T15:23:00.026+06:00

According to the report published by the United Nations Food Officials last June 2009, world hunger has reached its 1 billion mark this year.

READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE

I got this e-mail more than two years ago... I don't know how accurate it is (or has it ever been) but it's worth reading/viewing. I am sorry I also don't know who made it and/or where it originally came from. But I thank the author/maker of this article/email just the same.

Italy: The Manzo family of Sicily
Food expenditure for one week: 214.36 Euros or $260.11 Germany: The Melander family of Bargteheide
Food expenditure for one week: 375.39 Euros or $500.07

United States: The Revis family of North Carolina (Sure hope most American families eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and less junk food than this family.)
Food expenditure for one week $341.98 Mexico: The Casales family of Cuernavaca
Food expenditure for one week: 1,862.78 Mexican Pesos or $189.09
Poland: The Sobczynscy family of Konstancin-Jeziorna
Food expenditure for one week: 582.48 Zlotys or $151.27
Egypt: The Ahmed family of Cairo
Food expenditure for one week: 387.85 Egyptian Pounds or $68.53
Ecuador : The Ayme family of Tingo
Food expenditure for one week: $31.55Bhutan: The Namgay family of Shingkhey Village
Food expenditure for one week: 224.93 ngultrum or $5.03
Chad: The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp Food expenditure for one week: 685 CFA Francs or $1.23

About FIS*

2009-07-02T09:08:00.007+06:00

We joined our other confreres in the province for vespers yesterday at Don Bosco Technology Center in Labangon, Cebu City and welcomed the announcement of the new provincial of the FIS Province--Rev. Fr. George Militante, SDB.
In the 'goodnight talk' cum acceptance speech that Fr. George gave right after prayers, he recalled the conversation that transpired between him and the rector major, Fr. Pascual Chavez, sometime last Saturday. Fr. George said that he was not able to say much when asked by Fr. Pascual to become the new FIS Provincial, except--"Yes, yes, yes... I accept in faith. Thank you for your trust. I will do my best."

Thanks Fr. George for your generosity!
Rest assured of our prayers, support and availability.

*FIS stands for Filipinne Sud/Philippine South Province (of the Salesian Society of St. John Bosco)

Quiet Time

2009-07-02T06:52:00.009+06:00

It's now July... and how quickly the previous month came and went by. I hardly noticed the fleeting days of June. Tempus fugit! And how swiftly it has flown. And now that another lunar cycle is starting, I feel both blest and grateful for having been given the opportunity to "go to a lonely place" even for a short while.

I spent the last weekend of June at the Cenacle Sisters' retreat house here in Cebu. Though my original purpose was simply to have some quiet time in preparation for my departure for the missions, the Lord has surprised and gifted me with a lot of other insights and inspirations I never expected I would discover nor encounter. Thanks to my superiors for the permission and thanks to Sr. Perry for the guidance and warm hospitality throughout these retreat days.

Everything is grace--and even persons who have dedicated themselves to God sometimes forget this reality... I am speaking from experience-- and so the need to pause even for a while, to quiet down is definitely essential, basic if only to remind us of this fundamental truth... if only to bring us back to our senses. Everything is God's grace. He is the Boss and He is in control. And that's enough--more than enough for me.

Patay na nga ba si MJ?

2009-06-26T05:09:00.012+06:00

Kahit gaano pa natin maaalala si Michael Jackson naging bahagi pa rin ang kanyang musika ng aking magandang nakaraan. At ngayong wala na siya mananatili pa rin ang kanyang musika at sining sa aking alaala.

I was just starting to learn how to count with my fingers and to sing my ABC when his album 'Thriller' was released. By the time I reached grade 1 most of our presentations in class and items during programs in school were MJ inspired--Billie Jean, Thriller, Beat it, Baby Be Mine (I hope I remember them right). Even when I was already inside the seminary where certain forms and styles of music were classified as 'worldly' and were therefore banned, we were still allowed to listen and sing cuts from MJ's latest collection at that time-'Dangerous.' Our superiors were even happy we could sing Heal the World and Man in the Mirror.

And though lately, Michael Jackson's reputation has been questioned and series of scandals have tarnished his name and taken toll on his career, I will still surely remember him as one of those great artists of my younger years. Life ends no matter how strongly we hold onto it. Everything after all is in the hands of God.

May the King of Kings, in all His goodness and compassion have mercy on the soul of the 'King of Pop.'

Blogger Ako

2009-06-25T15:17:00.013+06:00

Si Trina ay isang mag-aaral sa isang malaking kolehiyo sa Maynila. Nagpadala siya sa akin ng isang email kamakailan lamang kalakip ang ilang mga katanungang may kaugnayan sa aking pagba-blog. Bahagi raw ng kanyang maikling pananaliksik sa Sikolohiyang Pilipino ang mga tanung na kanyang ipinadala. Medyo mahaba-haba ang listahan ng mga gusto niyang malaman-- bakit daw ako pumasok sa ganitong gawain, ano raw ang nararamdaman ko 'pag ginagawa ko ito, kailan daw ako nagsimula, sino ang nag-ganyak na magblog ako at marami pang ibang mga bagay na interesado siyang malaman.

Pero may isang tanong na medyo napa-isip ako: Ano daw ang kadalasang nilalaman ng mga ipinapaskil ko? Sa una akala ko ay madali lamang sagutin ang tanong na ito-- e di kahit anong nakakatawag ng atensyon ko. Pero sa aking pagbabalik-tanaw sa halos dalawang taon ko nang ginugol para maitaguyod ang blog na ito, nakita kong may tatlong pangunahing mga bagay pala kung saan maaari kong ikategorya ang aking mga isinulat:
1. Personal na mga kuru-kuro at pagninilay halaw sa aking araw-araw na karanasan;
2. Mga bagay hinggil sa relihiyon, pananampalataya at ispiritwalidad;
3. Mga paksang may kinalaman sa bayan, pamahalaan at pulitika; at
4. Mga bagay na may kaugnayan sa edukasyon, sining at kultura

Maari ko ring sabihin na ito ang mga nakaka-TOUCH o may malakas na epekto at dating sa akin. Kapag mga paksang ito na ang pinag-uusapan, hindi ko maialis na hindi ako maging interesado at magbigay ng opinyon.

Salamat kay Trina dahil kahit papaano, nakatulong siyang masuri ko ang aking blog at ang maikli kong kasaysayan ng pagsusulat dito. Sana rin ay nakatulong ako sa kanya... Hindi ko alam kung hanggang kailan ako magsusulat dito pero sa patuloy kong pagbabahagi ng aking mga maikling sulatin--alam kong ako rin mismo ang unang nakikinabang--nailalabas ko ang aking saloobin, naipapahayag ko ang aking isipan at damdamin.

Kaya sa huli niyang tanong kung nakakatulong ba ito sa akin-- isang malakas at matinding OO ang sagot ko.

New Day

2009-06-24T05:19:00.010+06:00

Morning now wipes away the sadness of the night. The dawn drives out all gloom and darkness that for a while silenced the world. The first streaks of light now banish all trace of bitterness and angst. This is a new day--bringing color and life; awaking those still in slumber; warming those frozen by the evening's cold touch; announcing a new start... and a renewed hope to all. This is a new day indeed!

Missing Another Father's Day

2009-06-22T05:06:00.014+06:00

I don't remember ever having the chance to celebrate Father's Day with my own father. I guess I was too young to express my gratitude and to make this day special for him when he was still around. He passed away 23 years ago when I was only 8 years old and since then this special day honoring fathers has remained just like any other day for me.

But lately, as I look back, I also realize that though I have lost my biological father at a young age, the Lord has been generous in giving me 'father-figures' at different stages of my life...

My maternal grandfather-Amang (as we fondly called him) came home immediately after my dad passed away giving me enough support and encouragement as I was trying to discover my potentials and getting to know the world around me. Then as I was entering the 'sturm und drang' stage of adolescence, I found mentors, examples and friends in the Salesian fathers and brothers who provided me with ample space, time and guidance to grow and know myself better. I will always be grateful as well to a professor whom I encountered as I was searching for my place in this world and looking for answers to my questions about life, career and commitment.

I thank all of them and pray for them who have nurtured and cared for me in many creative and inspiring ways. I am grateful to God too for giving them to me; for becoming my 'fathers' and for helping me discover how beautifully amazing life could be.

Happy Father's Day!

'Two Words'... A beautiful song

2009-06-15T05:33:00.009+06:00

I came across this song while checking on Lea's videos
on youtube... I was captivated by the lyrics and the melody
the first time I heard it. And though it's really intended
as a wedding song, she sang it in her wedding in fact,
I guess the message of love and commitment it expresses
captures the heart of everyone--from parents to lovers...
even to religious brothers like me.

'Two Words' by Ms. Lea Salonga
In a while, in a word,
Every moment now returns.
For a while, seen or heard,
How each memory softly burns.
Facing you who brings me new tomorrows,
I thank God for yesterdays,
How they led me to this very hour,
How they led me to this place...

Every touch, every smile,
You have given me in care.
Keep in heart, always I'll,
Now be treasuring everywhere.
And if life should come to just one question,
Do I hold each moment true?
No trace of sadness,
Always with gladness...
'I DO...'

(instrumental)
Now a song that speaks of now and ever,
Beckons me to someone new,
Unexpected, unexplored, unseen,
Filled with promise coming through.
In a while, in a word,
You and I forever chained,
Love so clear, never blurred,
Has me feeling wondrous, strange,
And if life should come to just one question,
Do I face each moment true?
No trace of sadness, always with gladness,
'I DO...'

Never with sadness...
Always with gladness...
'I...DO....'

Corpus Christi

2009-06-14T14:33:00.013+06:00

"...Dividing (dividere), sharing (condividere) brings about unity. Through sharing, communion is created. In the broken bread, the Lord distributes himself. The gesture of breaking also alludes mysteriously to his death, to the love that extends even to death. He distributes himself, the true “bread for the life of the world” (cf. Jn 6:51). The nourishment that man needs in his deepest self is communion with God himself. Giving thanks and praise, Jesus transforms the bread, he no longer gives earthly bread, but communion with himself. This transformation, though, seeks to be the start of the transformation of the world – into a world of resurrection, a world of God. Yes, it is about transformation – of the new man and the new world that find their origin in the bread that is consecrated, transformed, transubstantiated." (From the Holy Thursday, 2009 homily of Benedict XVI)

This interpretation of this song--composed by St. Thomas Aquinas (i.e lyrics/music by C. Frank) as commissioned by Pope Urban IV in the 13th century upon the proclamation of this Feast of the Corpus Christi, seems to represent the solemn feast we celebrate today--the merging of the classic and the pop, Pavarotti and Sting. The Eucharist too is the union of seemingly two opposites, the Eternal with the material, the Heavenly with the earthly.

May we be transformed by this food we eat--making us more and more like Him!

Remembering St. Anthony

2009-06-13T11:00:00.009+06:00

St. Anthony of Padua was among the very first Catholic saints that I came to know as a child. It was because my mom often asked for his intercession whenever she lost or misplaced some of her things. And true enough, after storming heaven with her prayers with the help of St. Anthony she would find whatever it was that she's looking for. My personal devotion to this saint developed as I also grew (not only in age but also in wisdom, I hope). And I realized that behind the person I have often associated with lost things was a man truly in love with the Lord...Through his intercession, may we grow in our love of the Lord. And may we ever become united with Him--in words, thoughts and actions. St. Anthony of Padua, pray for us!

Pilipinas

2009-06-12T07:16:00.008+06:00

Mas lalung higit na kailangan ngayon ng ating Bayan ng panalangin at pakikisangkot mula sa atin...

Tutuparin ko ang mga tungkulin ng isang mamamayang makabayan at masunurin sa batas.
Paglilingkuran ko ang aking bayan nang walang pag-iimbot at ng buong katapatan.
Sisikapin kong maging isang tunay na Pilipino sa isip, sa salita, at sa gawa.

Note from the creator of this MTV:
* This rendition of Lupang Hinirang is intended for reflection. It is not meant to replace the official anthem normally played as a march.

Recently a talented and nationally known film director, Mae Paner, crafted a new and moving version of our national anthem. This unusual audio visual presentation of "Lupang Hinirang"* has been shown many times in various events and has consistently touched the hearts and minds of viewers to the point of tears of awakening and gratefulness.

Because of its consistent positive impact, PAGASA and Ehem! have decided to make this version of "Lupang Hinirang" available nationwide as a reflection piece to trigger a deeper awareness of oneself in relation to the country and encourage the emergence of positive images of the Philippine future. This new partnership of Ehem! with PAGASA is an addition to the existing anti-corruption initiatives of the Society of Jesus. For PAGASA it is a profound convergence with a "like-hearted" initiative grounded in authentic integrity, towards a massive ripple effect of truth-living towards nation building. Check: www.pagasa.net.ph. and Lupang hinirang

Bidding Summer Goodbye

2009-06-10T15:53:00.010+06:00

I somehow formally bade goodbye to summer last Saturday-6 June, when we went out for an outing in a beach somewhere here in Cebu. I made sure I enjoyed the day--swimming both in the pool and the beach, strolling along the sea shore or simply relaxing in our rented hut. That was my way of letting go of summer 2009 and welcoming a new school year. Another chapter has just ended... 5 months have already been spent, and a new phase is now commencing.

Since Monday, we've been preparing for the arrival of our seminarians. We've tidied up the dorm and study hall, fixed the shoe rack and clothes line and labeled each of the cabinets and tables with the seminarians' names and made sure that every nook and cranny is set for their coming.

This afternoon, when I checked the dorm and study hall, I found that most of the old-timers are back from vacation. Tomorrow, we are expecting 26 new comers to join us here in the seminary. We'll have around 53 aspirants and prenovices this school year plus 4 novices and 10 of us Salesians. We are going to be 67 in our community.

I guess, there's no more stopping now for this new academic and formative year 2009-2010. All the best for the coming year!

Questionable, Objectionable Con-Ass

2009-06-07T15:56:00.006+06:00

Here are portions of the latest statement of the CBCP on the issue of amending our constitutions now through Con-Ass. I couldn't find the complete article in the net. I got this one only through Inquirer's news: "Church calls for protests."

“As we had said for the 2007 election, we say it again: Let the 2010 election push through and not be postponed. If there should be Charter change, let it be after 2010 and via a constitutional convention whose delegates are democratically elected by the people...”

“Therefore, we appeal to the House of Representatives not to pursue House Resolution 1109 convening themselves into a constituent assembly...”

“We appeal to members of civil society who wish to publicly protest against HR 1109 to go on with their plan of mobilization to protect the common good and national interest.

“Express it in a peaceful nonviolent way in order that we may not fall into the trap that will necessitate martial law again. Learn the lesson from the past.”

“We then ask the question which needs to be asked again: Do the proposed shifts provide for greater decentralization that effectively devolves powers and enables civil society groups to participate more in governance?”

“We believe that at the bottom of our political chaos is a crisis of moral values, a crisis of truth and justice, of unity and solidarity for the sake of the common good and genuine peace.”

B16 Reaching out

2009-06-07T09:34:00.009+06:00

Several attempts have been made by Pope Benedict XVI to reach out to as many people as possible, well, I guess, to as many young people in particular. He may not be as charismatic as the late John Paul II but our present pope definitely also has a lot to share to all of us. I may not be an expert in this field but I find his reflections and writings and messages profound and full of new and inspiring insights.

Well, last May 24, the 43rd celebration of World Day of Communications, he launched his site Pope2u.net where we can have more access to his messages and writings in much modern ways and this included Facebook and iPhone applications and even a WikiCath which facilitates our reading of his reflections. Then, several months ago, he also launched his own Youtube channel that taps both Vatican TV and radio, the more traditional mass media, in bringing his message to an even greater number of listeners/viewers.

This year, in his message for the World Day of Communications, a special part was directed specifically to young people who are generally the users of these new technologies, he said:
"...Be sure to announce the Gospel to your contemporaries with enthusiasm. You know their fears and their hopes, their aspirations and their disappointments: the greatest gift you can give to them is to share with them the "Good News" of a God who became man, who suffered, died and rose again to save all people. Human hearts are yearning for a world where love endures, where gifts are shared, where unity is built, where freedom finds meaning in truth, and where identity is found in respectful communion. Our faith can respond to these expectations: may you become its heralds! The Pope accompanies you with his prayers and his blessing..." (click here for the complete message)

I hope that more and more, we can utilize all these modern means of social communications in building bridges, connecting to people and touching lives and spreading Christ's message of peace, love and unity. Our Pope is inviting us and leading us there... may we wholeheartedly follow.

Gift of Gratitude

2009-06-06T05:58:00.004+06:00

“Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.”

—John Milton (1608-1674); poet

Boredom, 'Only You' and Personal Well-being

2009-06-05T18:37:00.008+06:00

This may come as a surprise to a lot of friends... I was also surprised to find myself hooked in this soap opera. I never expected too that I would one day come to this. Yeah--it's been more than a month now that I have been following up and catching up on every episode of this telenovela entitled 'Only You' (Filipino remake). But since it's in conflict with our community schedule, I am watching it via youtube (thanks to this technology and salamat din kay antookin) usually the day after.

It all started out of boredom (am I just trying to justify myself now?). When I spent summer in Don Bosco Makati studying Urdu and welding during the day, I was actually left free in the evening. Tired from the day's tasks and wanting for something to help me relax, I began watching TV. At first I was tuning in to CNN, BBC, Discovery, Nat Geo, EWTN then one night in April, I just checked out local channels and there stumbled upon this newly launched soap (it started last April 27). And the rest is history.

Addict na ba ako? I don't know. But I find this show relatively less stressful and melodramatic than the other teleseryes aired in our local channels. The phasing is also faster than the other. The acting is excellent and well executed (hindi OA at externalized). I was happy to see stage actors Irma Adlawan and Arnold Reyes too sharing scenes with Angel, Sam and Diet (Melo, Ikaw ba 'yan?).

So I admit it. I am an 'Only You' fan. hehehehehe So what? I am enjoying every bit of it... and it's some thing I look forward to each day (among other things of course). And I guess it will just be okay to remain a fan of this soap as long as I am still able to fulfill my duties properly and attend to my other obligations here in the community. Besides, it also contributes to my well-being and happiness. hehehehehehe
What do you think?

A Day for CARPER Bill

2009-06-05T07:57:00.018+06:00

CARPER (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program with Reforms) bill or Senate Bill 2666 and House Bill 4077

The passage of this bill is just the start of the long work for and with our farmers towards the proper distribution of the land they rightfully own. Let us remain vigilant and awake--ever ready to support and help them in their struggle!

The following article is part of Monsod's "Where CARP Failed," Philippine Daily Inquirer: 23 May 2009. Read the complete article.

Why June? Because, as the reader will remember, the original CARP, which was to have been completed in 10 years (by 1998) was not completed, and so it was funded for another 10 years, to June 2008. And it was still not completed, thanks to a combination of under-funding on the part of the legislature, lack of commitment on the part of the executive, and dilatory tactics on the part of landowners.

Then there was an extension for another six months to December 2008, after which there was another six-month extension—to June 2009—the articulated objective being to give time to the legislators to improve the CARP so that it can be successfully completed (thus the term Carper). What is significant is that over this last six-month period, all compulsory land acquisition activities were suspended—thanks in part to a very powerful landowner-led lobby (led by the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s brother-in-law, Iggy Arroyo, and her son Mikey Arroyo; but a great many congressmen and senators are themselves landowners or own and control corporations that own land) whose main aim is to stop completely any more compulsory land acquisition or at least to postpone it indefinitely.

Arrayed against the landowners are the farmers who have been waiting for their land not just since 1988, but long before then as promised by government leaders as far back as Manuel Quezon. This time, the farmers are supported by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), by labor organizations like the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), by various agriculture-based NGOs, by student organizations notably those from Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines, by other civic-social organizations.

If the issue were to be resolved by numbers alone, there can be no doubt that the advocates of completing agrarian reform as provided by the Constitution would win hands down. But political and financial muscles are major factors, and right now, they trump the numbers.

Click here for more CARPER articles.

Aung San Suu Kyi

2009-05-21T14:37:00.007+06:00

"Please use your liberty to promote ours."
-Aung San Suu Kyi

"Ms. Suu Kyi's case matters, not onlybeacause she is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate... her situation is representative of the suffering of the 47 million people of Burma under an authoritarian and inept junta. There are few regimes in the world as illegitemate and cruel as Gen. Than Shwe's. When the world fails to stand up for Ms. Suu Kyi, it fails the oppressed Burmese people." (lifted from J.L. Mercado's article: Pitch Dark/Inquirer 21 May 2009).

More on A's & D's

2009-05-20T09:11:00.004+06:00

This is an excerpt from an article by Elizabeth Lev of Zenith, entitled:
More to Rome Than Angels and Demons; a True Story
History's Subservience to Theories

So how does one deal with the demons among the angels? For one, avoid feeding controversy about the film.

Howard is narrating Church history on its own turf. His characters are but temporal tourists in the Eternal City; they say one thing, the city itself says something completely different.

Dan Brown’s plot device of the Path of Illumination, a line traced by renegade scientists through the city via the art of Bernini, is but a cheap tinsel-town repackaging of the itinerary of Salvation forged through Rome by 2,000 years of popes, martyrs and pilgrims.

Dan Brown’s Illuminati, meaning the enlightened ones, are but a flickering match in the face of Christ, the Light. The movie concerns itself with shedding light on a mystery tale; Rome illuminates the mystery of the Incarnation. If man had not encountered God through the person of Jesus Christ there would be no great patrimony of art to be so lovingly filmed by Ron Howard.

Now, the author, actors and director deflect all criticism with the disclaimer that it is just a work of fiction, reminding people that no one is forced to see the film. But that only works so far. What if the storyline went like this: A group of Jewish extremists fake the Holocaust as a ploy to obtain a home state. For the past 60 years they have been torturing and killing anyone who knows the truth. Poignant filming of the Concentration Camps is countered by statements from the handsome protagonist that nothing really happened here; it was all made up.

No “just fiction” disclaimer would justify the hurt caused by such a story. The question becomes how much an artist is accountable for the psychological damage wrought by his work. When Caravaggio’s works were too upsetting or offensive to people, they were pulled from the public arena.

Furthermore, every time Dan Brown refers to his “research,” I frankly have to stifle laughter. His mistakes are so glaring and sloppy that one wonders how he managed to write a paper to complete his work for a Bachelors of Arts degree.

But sadly enough, Brown has relied on nonfiction writers to construct his conspiracy theories.

Ron Howard mentioned to me that the book had “changed the way he viewed history,” and on another occasion, Tom Hanks said he had prepared for the role by reading the same book.

But this nonfiction "history book," preceded by a disclaimer that it is not intended for scholars, has barely a footnote in its 296 pages of distortions and sensationalism. The account jumps from one end of Europe to another as if the entire continent moved in lock step through history. As critical distinctions are brushed aside, sweeping stereotypical statements make it clear where Professor Robert Langdon gets his taste for unsubstantiated pontificating.

“Angels and Demons” offers an interesting opportunity. While viewers reel at the breathtaking art and majesty of the Eternal City, there is a golden moment for Catholics to tell Rome’s real story, which is more fascinating than any fiction.

Angels & Demons-Facts & Fiction

2009-05-19T13:41:00.009+06:00

Got this article from Yahoo Movies. It's written by Matt McDaniel.

Dan Brown writes novels. Fiction. It says so right on the spine of the books. And yet he's able to weave enough historical details into his flights of fancy that it's nearly impossible to tell what he uncovered in through exhaustive research, and what he just made up.

"Angels & Demons," the new movie based on Brown's first Robert Langdon novel, just opened at the top of the box office charts around the world. But like "The Da Vinci Code" before it, viewers came out of the theater wondering just what in the story was real. While many of the story elements are rooted in historical truths, most of the specifics are straight out of Dan Brown's imagination.

THE ILLUMINATI
A shadowy organization known as "The Illuminati" did meet in secret with the goal of overthrowing a religious figurehead. But it was actually established in Germany in 1776, not in Italy nearly two centuries earlier as stated in "Angels & Demons." Their intention was to overthrow the Catholic monarchy of the Kingdom of Bavaria and replace it with a secular republic. Contrary to the movie, its members were mostly bureaucrats and lawyers, with few if any scientists in the mix. And their ranks certainly didn't include the great sculptor Bernini, who died in 1680. The police uncovered their plans, their leader fled the country, and the Illuminati died out by 1790.

ANTIMATTER
CERN (Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire) is the world's largest particle physics laboratory, where the World Wide Web began and where the Large Hadron Collider is set to start smashing protons this summer. And they have produced antimatter; in fact, they do so on a regular basis. But CERN officials say that in the last 20 years, they have produced about 10 billionths of a gram. Collectively, that would be about as explosive as a firecracker. For a weapon as destructive as a nuclear bomb, you'd need a half a gram of antimatter, which would take about 2 billion years to manufacture.

THE PATH OF ILLUMINATION
In the book and movie, Robert Langdon deduces that Bernini left clues to the directions to the Illuminati's secret meeting place in Rome within his statues. Inscribed in "Diagramma," a secret text by Galileo (invented by Brown), is a poem by John Milton (actually Brown) that holds the instructions to finding the path. There are four signposts, corresponding to the four natural elements, and the poem concludes with the line "Let angels guide you on your lofty quest." Brown gets some details right and many others wrong about each of the four stops.

"EARTH" - Chigi Chapel
In the St. Maria del Popolo Church, you will find the Chigi Chapel, which was designed by the Renaissance master Raphael. Within the chapel there are two marble pyramids, and there are two statues by Bernini. There is also a "demon's hole," which is sealed now, but does lead to an underground crypt. One of the statues, "Habbakuk and the Angel," does feature an angelic figure pointing in a south-westerly direction towards the Vatican. Of the four "Altars of Science" laid out by Brown, this one is the closest to reality as presented in the book and movie.

"AIR" - St. Peter's Square
Around the obelisk in the center of the square is the "Wind Rose," a circle of 16 elliptical marble reliefs -- not just one as in the book -- labeled with the names of the directions of the wind. Langdon interprets the marker labeled "West/Ponente" as his guide of where to go next. One problem: Bernini designed St. Peter's Square, but not these markers, which were added around 1852, over 170 years after his death.

"FIRE" - The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa
The church of Santa Maria della Vittoria does lie to the west of St. Peter's Square, and inside you will find Bernini's masterpiece "The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa." That's about where the similarities to reality end. The statue wasn't moved to the church because of Vatican protests; it has always been there. Also, the church is much smaller in reality than what is shown in the movie. Nearly all of the interiors in the movie were built on soundstages in Los Angeles. Most notably, the angel on the statue holds an arrow, and Langdon follows the point of the arrow southwest to his next location. But in reality, the angel's arrow points northeast.

"WATER" - The Fountain of the Four Rivers
Langdon arrives at the Piazza Navona, site of Bernini's "Fountain of the Four Rivers," just in time to see the Illuminati killer drive up in his van and dump his final kidnapped cardinal into the water. But vehicles are blocked from driving in the piazza, and the fountain is not much more than a foot deep. And there are no air hoses along to bottom to produce bubbles (or keep a bound clergyman alive underwater). Langdon uses the dove on the obelisk that rises out of the fountain to point his way, and again it's pointing in the wrong direction.

THE CHURCH OF ILLUMINATION
The trail leads Langdon to the Castel Sant'Angelo, the circular structure built originally as a mausoleum and used by the Church as a fortress and prison. A statue (not by Bernini) of an angel stands at the top, pointing his sword downwards to where the villain hides. Of course, the still-existing jail cells where he held the cardinals are a feature of the tour that services hundreds of visitors a day, which might have been a giveaway. At least in the movie they correct Brown's mistake in the novel. He places the passageway from the Castel to the Vatican as being underground, and in the film you see Langdon run along the top of the wall between the two.

"Angels & Demons," both the novel and the movie, take great liberties with the truth to tell their story. And why shouldn't they, really? Brown prefaces his book by writing, "References to all works of art, tombs, tunnels, and architecture in Rome are entirely factual." He might be stretching the truth as much there as anywhere else in the book. Still, the book sold millions of copies, and the movie is raking in cash. But if you're in Rome and would like to follow the Path of Illumination for yourself, you can take the Official Angels and Demons Tour. You won't unravel a centuries-old mystery, but you will see some amazing and timeless works of art.

Age doesn't matter

2009-05-13T21:08:00.010+06:00

Well, we have a new blogger among us and he just turned 70 years old last May 7. I wanted so much to write about his blog as early as last week especially on the occasion of his birthday but commitments and other responsibilities hindered me from being able to do so.

Thanks to Bro. Donnie who was able to advertise Fr. Lazaro Revilla's blog. It's entitled Reflections on Daily Life. Please visit it soon.

Sad to say, Fr. Lazaro has been in and out of the hospital these past days and so he has not been able to update his blog as well. So, please include him also in your prayers that he may not only regain his strength soon but that he may also again return to blogging... and be able to "use the blog as an instrument of apostolate to the readers, making use of the little energy I have to work and to do something for others. This is an instrument compatible with my age and present physical situation. I hope to do a bit of good with my reflections. You never repent for doing good."

Get well soon Fr. Lazaro and welcome to the blogging world.
See you around...

Sisters in Christ, Sisters in Charism

2009-05-13T19:52:00.016+06:00

I wouldn't want this day to pass without remembering the saint whose feast we celebrate today. Though lately, this day has been strongly linked to our Lady of Fatima (originally celebrated on October 13--and maybe because of the devotion of the late Pope JP2 especially after his failed-assasination to our Lady under this title), we actually also commemorate today St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello (1837-1881). She is the co-foundress, together with Don Bosco, of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians or commonly called as the Salesian Sisters. They are our counter-part in short.

Her biographies tell us that she was a simple, hard-working peasant girl who was also active in church early on in her life. In fact, even before she met Don Bosco in October of 1864, she was already the leader of a religious group in her town in Mornese (in Alessandria, Italy). But what is striking about this meeting between Don Bosco and her was that she recognized that "Don Bosco is a saint. I can feel it." (Whew-- I wonder what other people feel when they see us?)

Don Bosco eventually chose her to lead the new congregation of women he was intending to found--"to do for girls what the Salesian priests and brothers were already doing for the boys." And with simplicity, wisdom and joy, Mother Mazzarello fulfilled this vocation God has gifted her.

She died on May 14, 1881, was beatified in 1938 and canonized in 1951. Today, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) is among the biggest congregation of women in the Catholic church. We pray that they will remain faithful to the charism Mother Mazzarello and Don Bosco handed on to them. May the Spirit always fill them with love, compassion and joy as they fulfill the mission they have in the church. God bless the Salesians Sisters!

The following pictures were taken when I had been graced to visit important places in the life of St. Mary Domenica Mazzarrello.

Happy Mothers' Day

2009-05-10T07:19:00.005+06:00

I find this story truly heart-warming... Mothers are definitely one of our most important sources of guidance and support. Am praying for all of them today, particularly those in difficulty and those most in need of prayer, help and encouragement. In a special way I offer my own mother my heart-felt gratitude and prayer of good health, happiness and peace.

A Mother's Tear...
"Why are you crying?" he asked his Mom. "Because I'm a mother" she told him. "I don't understand," he said. His mom just hugged him to her and said, "You never will."
Later the little boy asked his father why Mother seemed to cry for no reason. "All mothers cry for no reason," was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why mothers cry. One night, he had a dream. In his dream, he called God on the telephone. When God came to the phone the man asked, "God, why do mothers cry so easily?"

God answered him, "My son, you see, when I made mothers, I knew they had to be special. I made their shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort. I gave them an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times come from their children and mates. I gave them a hardiness that allows them to keep going when everyone else gives up, and to take care of their families through sickness and fatigue without complaining. I gave them the sensitivity to love their children under all circumstances, even when their child has hurt them very badly. This same sensitivity helps them to make a child's boo-boo feel better and helps them share a teenager's anxieties and fears. I gave them a tear to shed. It's theirs, exclusively, to use whenever needed. It's their only weakness. It is a tear for mankind."

Happy Mothers' Day!

St. Dominic Savio

2009-05-05T20:34:00.010+06:00

May 6 is the feast of one of the youngest Saints of the Catholic church, Dominic Savio. He died when he was barely 15 years old. He was a student of Don Bosco who wanted so much to become a priest and a saint.

Two important sayings seem to summarize the life of this young saint--"serve the Lord with joy" and "do your ordinary duties extraordinarily well." Something we can also follow.

When he received his first Holy Communion he made some resolutions, among them: 1) I will go to Mass regularly; 2) I will frequent the Sacrament of Reconciliation; 3) Jesus and Mary will be my best friends; and 4) Death rather than sin.

St. Dominic's sanctity is an assurance and a reminder that "all of us are called by God to holiness" and that our age does not really matter (as the cliche goes). The length of our life on earth does not dictate the quality and the impact our existence will bring to others and to this world. In fact, Dominic lived a very short and simple and obscure life. But the Lord truly humbles the proud and lifts up the lowly.

May the life and examples of Dominic Savio be our inspiration, whether we are young or old. Let's us pray to him that we too may declare with conviction-- DEATH RATHER THAN SIN!

Happy feast day to one and all!

Religious Professions

2009-05-05T20:09:00.004+06:00

Today, May 6, 2009, Feast of St. Dominic Savio, marks the 5th anniversary of our religious profession. We were eleven in our batch who made the promise to the Lord "to live obedient, poor and chaste" and to strive to "become signs and bearers of God's love especially for the poor and abandoned youth." Some of us are now studying in our theologate in Parañaque preparing for the priesthood while others are still in practical training/regency, like me--one in Bacolod and two in the missions (where I also hope to go soon).Several other batches celebrate this day with us, when the Lord, in His goodness and mercy called us and consecrated us to Himself, unfaithful and undeserving we maybe of following him through the religious life.

Please pray for all of us--that we may persevere and remain faithful, that we may become loving and compassionate and visible signs of God's presence in our world today. In a very special way, please pray for Bros. John Paul, Marc Wil, Juvelan, Ramil, Sammy and Adnan who are making their first religious profession today at 9 in the morning in Don Bosco Chapel in Lawaan, Talisay City, Cebu.

Shepherds

2009-05-03T05:06:00.004+06:00

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday and sometimes it is also called Vocation Sunday. Very often, we still speak of vocation only as within the context of priestly and religious life but in fact all of us baptized are called by God to follow and love him. We all have our own vocations.

And whether we are in parishes, inside our homes and offices, in convents, schools and workplaces--we are invited by the Lord to care for our brothers and sisters in need, to be shepherds just like Jesus, our perfect model and example.

And so today, I pray that we all will be able to live faithfully and creatively our specific calling so as to fully contribute to the happiness and wellbeing of the entire church--God's family, our bigger family here on earth.

Language Learning

2009-04-30T12:33:00.010+06:00

I attended my last formal Urdu lesson this morning. Though I am still very far from being good at this complicated language, I have already overcome the first hurdles of learning a new language like memorizing the alphabet, practicing my writing and doing a little reading.

I was first introduced to Urdu a year ago when I learned that I would be sent to Pakistan as a missionary and stay there for some years (Please pray for my visa!). Since then, I began my own personal readings and studies. However, last March 25, I started attending a formal language course supervised by a real Pakistani instructor somewhere in Makati.

And learning Urdu made me feel like I was back in kidergarten or prep again. It wasn't easy(--new letters, new way of writing, new vocabularies, new syntax, pronunciation, new way of thinking etc. etc) and sometimes discouraging. But thanks to the patience and encouragement of my dedicated teacher--a Pakistani Franciscan brother, despite the initial difficulties, I can truly say that I learned and improved a lot... and I finished the course.

I am well aware though that what I now know is really only the basic--it's still a long way before I can really communicate meaningfully in Urdu. The responsibility however now rests on me whether I will make use of what I've learned and really conscientiuosly devout time and effort to deepening and improving my knowledge of this new tongue. And I also hope to be in Pakistan soon--because I believe that there's no better way to learn Urdu than be with people who speak Urdu.

Know more about Urdu.

Don Bosco's Pilgrim Relic

2009-04-30T12:11:00.005+06:00

January 31, 2009, feast of St. John Bosco saw the start of the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Salesian Congregation which will culminate this December 2009. In line, with this event and the upcoming 200th anniversary of the birth of Don Bosco on 2015, the Rector Major began last week (April 24) from Turin, Italy the pilgrimage of the relic of Don Bosco--from there (where the congragation actually started) it will be brought to 130 countries where the Salesians are now working.

We are expecting to welcome it here in the Philippines on December 2010.

---------------------------
The Salesian News Agency (ANS) covered the event and reported that:

"Lazio (in Italy) is the first stage where it will stay for two months before crossing the Ocean on the way to Chile and Argentina for a journey lasting over two years.

The purpose of this pilgrimage has been explained by the Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chávez Villanueva like this: “After the success of the pilgrimage of the relic of St Dominic Savio and after the expressions of appreciation which reached us, I thought how beautiful and important it would be for our dear Don Bosco to go to all the countries where we are working, and to give so many young people and their families the opportunity of feeling him close to them.”

“The pilgrimage,” the Rector Major added – “reminds us of the 26th General Chapter in which we had the experience of returning to Don Bosco in order to start afresh from him, and in that way to create a history of salvation and holiness. Today, Don Bosco, the finest gift that Italy has given to the youngsters of the world, wants to go to where his children, the young, the real light and hope for the future are.”

Invitation to Catechists & Youth Ministers

2009-04-27T20:29:00.007+06:00

From 6 to 8 May 2009, the Salesians of the Philippine North Province (FIN) is once again organizing the John Paul II Catechetics and Youth Ministry Conference to be held in Don Bosco Technical Institute, Makati City. This year the theme focuses on the role of Sacred Scriptures and the examples of St. Paul in the lives and mission of every Catechist and Youth Minister.

Registration is still going for this 3-day event.
Visit http://jp2scym.com/ for more information.

We are the Catholic Church

2009-04-25T12:09:00.004+06:00

Catholics come home!

I came to know about this video while reading Ms. Amy Welborn's site.
See more of their videos in youtube.