When Human Love Reaches Perfection: St. Therese, Model of the New Millenium

WHEN HUMAN LOVE REACHES PERFECTION:

Saint Thérèse, Model of the New Millenium

written by Sem. Carl Angelo Pua for the 3rd Visit of the Pilgrim Relics of St. Therese in the Philippines, Diocese of San Pablo

Therese may have lost her mother during childhood
but still found comfort in the arms of the Blessed
Virgin who led her to Her Son.

            Love is repaid by love alone. It is in love that the youngest Doctor of the Church found her vocation in prayer and holiness. Saint Thérèse, at the age of 15, received a papal dispensation to enter the Carmelite Monastery of Lisieux. The ardent love of this nun for Jesus was so pure that her desire to win souls through prayer moved her to the confines of the discalced order. Her departure to the eternal world left many saddened yet inspired millions. She has been a patron of many pontiffs, religious, and lay people. It is interesting that in the canonization process, Benedict XV exempted the cause from the fifty years delay imposed by law and in 1921 promulgated the decree on the heroic quality of the virtues of Sister Thérèse of the Child Jesus. Pius XI, succeeding the Holy See, made her the ‘star of his pontificate.’ It was said that the relics and picture of the Little Flower never left his working office. By May 17, 1925, in the presence of 33 Cardinals and 250 bishops, Thérèse was proclaimed saint. More than 50,000 people attended the ceremony inside the St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome; not mentioning the overwhelming 500,000 more standing outside. Two years later she was declared one of the patrons of foreign missions together with Saint Francis Xavier. The theology of Saint Thérèse, though not explicitly mentioned, was instrumental in the work of the Second Vatican Council: “the return to the word of God, the priority given to the theological virtues (faith, hope, and charity) in everyday life, the Church seen as the Body of Christ, the universal mission, the call of each baptized person to sanctify, fraternal attention paid to those who have different beliefs or who do not believe.”

            There is nothing new with the words of this young saint. Many theologians would say she devised nothing ingenious. However, her way of serving God through little acts of love inspired and touched many hearts to conversion. This love is the very message of Christ as He commanded to love God and neighbor (cf. Mk. 12:30,31) and the calling of every Christian of which is the end of human existence. But what really sets the love of this Little Flower is how she conceives it in simplicity. Love should not need to be grand for God to notice one – the mere heartfelt prayer is already an expression of deep love. She never forgot to pray. She never ran out of something to pray for. Like what she wrote to her sister Celine, “Let us not stop praying; confidence produces miracles… let us not forget souls, but forget ourselves for them.” This love which Saint Thérèse teaches is the very act that the world needs today; a love that is pure and holy, eternal and perfected in God.

The young Therese, burning with the fire
of love, showed how it meant to be a true
follower of Christ even at an early age.

            Why the need for a millennium saint? During the pontificate of the late Pope John Paul II, he ushered the whole Church in entering the new millennium most significantly with the celebration of the Great Jubilee Year 2000. This called forth for a renewed relationship with one another – mending divisions, healing strife, and breaking the chains and yokes of oppression, hatred, and iniquities. Saint Thérèse’s simple message of love is seen as the solution for all these. This attracted the pontiff’s vision of telling the world about God who is love Himself. Through Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection, love reached its climax with a kenosis (a self-emptying). The Little Flower’s devotion to the Child Jesus and the Holy Face expresses both the joy of nativity and the sorrow of Calvary. She teaches that our service and love for the Lord is not limited to moments of success and comfort but in hardships as well. Saint Thérèse knew and felt God’s presence in the most real and authentic manner and her response is that same love. She reciprocated love which emanated from her Master with the same by spending her life doing good on earth: I do not want to rest as long as there are souls to save. But when the angel says: ‘Time is no more’, then I will take my rest. It is a selfless giving of one’s self for the good of others.

            This forms the challenge of devotion to our Millennium Saint: to be transformed by the Divine love, and animated for the service of others. True devotion to a saint entails living-out and imitation of his or her life. Saint Thérèse is our model of simplicity, a way which seems easy yet tough. Saint Thérèse is our model of love, one that emanates from the hearts of the Creator and the created. Saint Thérèse is our millennium saint escorting us to holiness and prepares ourselves to open the door to Christ.

FILIPINOS, Where is your faith?

Image of San Lorenzo;
photo credits to Oliver Oliveros

"I shall die for God, and for Him I would give many thousands of lives if I had them."
-St. Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila, first Filipino Martyr


Would there still be a soul in this world, in this country, burning with the same fervent spirit?

FILIPINOS, LOOK at our protomartyr!
FILIPINOS, RISE up as men of God!
FILIPINOS, DEFEND and LIVE our your faith!

I don't like being used

Have you experienced waking up one morning and suddenly a person you have been treating as a friend just turns out not talking to you anymore? Whether you have or not, it is saddening. It is sad when people make friends, or in proper words, befriend you because they just need something from you. It is injustice to friendship. It is immature. It is selfish.

One aspect of insensitivity is utilitarianism. This attitude lacks the proper virtues necessary to see that each person is not merely an object of one's pleasure but as subjects of relationships. The great John Paul II while still a prelate of Poland once wrote in a book he entitled Love and Responsibility (1960) commented how persons should not be treated as things which we just use and leave away afterwards; sounds like saying, no strings attached. He pointed out that “A person's rightful due is to be treated as an object of love, not as an object for use.” People are meant to be loved and not used.

Care, trust, and love - these are some of the essential parts in keeping a good friendship alive. They are not ideas floating in thin air but attitudes and expressions that needed to be acted upon. The insensitivity of utilitarianism stems from a frightening ego, one that devours even the wholeness of the person. When we allow ourselves to be pampered so much, when we always think we can get what we want, when we feel that all eyes are on us as if we are always the star of the show - this is ego.

This morning His Excellency Bishop Famadico celebrated Mass for us in honor of Sts. Cosmas and Damian. He reiterated the value and essence of having a relationship with Jesus. He repeatedly challenged us to know the Lord through a meditative question, "Who are You, Jesus?" It is a challenge because this question can be answered by academic research, by reading the scriptures, articles, books, etc. but the key to knowing who He really is is through a personal encounter, a relationship. The Bishop also reminded us of our commitment to the Lord. He said, "How could you commit to someone you do not know?" and this ignited our hearts to really encounter the Lord. Friendship is a person to person relationship and unless we know nothing of the other person, we would not have a real commitment because "friendship is not developed from information from others." Lastly he noted that will power to create friendship is not enough, it also requires the grace of God and one's openness and trust.

We meet different people daily and everyone is not expected to be a close friend of us. The challenge is how we look at them and deal with them. A smile is not bad. A simple "Hi!" or "Good morning" would not be a burden.

CBCP NEWS: Leave the 'selfie' mindset, go back to God

A headline in the CBCP's website reads
Leave the 'selfie' mindset, go back to God
Here's a repost of the news:
___________________________________

MANILA, Sept. 23, 2013—An excess of ‘selfie’ photos may not just be a symptom of selfishness, but may show a need to go back to God, a prelate said. 

“We are selfish, this is what we need to do away with. [It's all about] I, me, myself [like] those who keep on taking selfie photos,” Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani, Jr. said in a homily to some 2,000 people gathered to see the international pilgrim image of Our Lady of Fatima, Portugal last Wednesday. 

This kind of mindset is reflected in the social media phenomenon of the ‘selfie’ photo, a self-taken picture made possible by front-facing cameras, according to Bishop Bacani. 

All taking, no giving 

“I joked some people, telling them, ‘You’re all about picture-taking, but never about picture-giving.’ This is the world today, it’s all about taking,” he said. 

In an intended pun, Bacani said this selfishness is evident even in the halls of political power, saying, “If by any chance, you don’t take pictures yourself, you take from the pork barrel instead.” 

According to Bacani, this shows an unnatural self-centeredness in the “smallest to the most powerful” in society — with 90 million selfie photos posted on Instagram alone, this does not seem hard to believe. 

Talking about a topic that seemed to strike a chord with many of the faithful, he said, this phenomenon also reveals a culture that needs God more than ever before. 

“What God wants to say is, ‘Leave your selfishness.’ This is what you need to leave and live in God instead because in God is true peace,” Bacani said during a 9 a.m. mass at the San Fernande De Dilao Parish, Paco in honor of the visit of the Our Lady of Fatima, Portugal image. 

Penance, a return to God 

He explained that this return to God or repentance is part of the message Our Lady gave to three children in Fatima, Portugal in 1917. 

“The original meaning of penance is to return to God,” Bacani said, dispelling widely-held notions that penance is about extreme physical mortifications like self-inflicted pain. 

Together with prayer, penance forms a formula of sorts for lasting peace, he explained. 

The image of Our Lady of Fatima, Portugal is on pilgrimage in the Philippines until December 18, 2013 and is currently in the Diocese of Pasig.

Nuestra Senora dela Merced

Today we celebrated the feast of Our Lady under the title of Nuestra Senora dela Merced (Lady of Mercy). She is also called Our Lady of Ransom. This devotion began in Spain of which She became the principal patroness of Barcelona and in some parts of Italy. It is believed that the Blessed Virgin Mary in white scapular appeared to St. Peter Nolasco and with St. Raymond Penafort., founded the Order of Mercedarians who cared primarily for the oppressed, the chained, and those in prison.

The celebration reminds us of how powerful the prayers of the Blessed Mother are. She care for her sons and daughters whom Jesus entrusted to her, "Woman, behold your son..." What else could Jesus give while hanging on the cross but her own mother, the very last person He had during that time. Yes, Jesus Christ did give His all to us, even to the point of giving up His own mother.

PRAYER

Mary, our Mother of Mercy,

the fullness of God’s own mercy dwells in you.

With the eyes of a mother, look upon your sons.

Intercede for everyone who suffers in body or soul

and for all who are enslaved in mind or spirit.

We give ourselves to you totally-ind, heart and senses.

Keep them and help us always to be a sign of God’s love.

Reveal to us what it means to be yours,

and teach us to live in that same generosity

with which you responded to the grace of Jesus our Redeemer. Amen.

To be Willing is Enough

The image of the Little Flower that stands in
the Parish Church of St. Therese of the Child
Jesus, UP Los Banos.

                     "Our Lord has deigned to explain this mystery to me. He showed me the book of nature, and I understood that every flower created by Him is beautiful, that the brilliance of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not lessen the perfume of the violet or the sweet simplicity of the daisy. I understood that if all the lowly flowers wished to be roses, nature would lose its spring-tide beauty, and the fields would no longer be enameled with lovely hues. And so it is in the world of souls, Our Lord's living garden. He has been pleased to create great Saints who may be compared to the lily and the rose, but He has also created lesser ones, who must be content to be daisies or simple violets flowering at His Feet, and whose mission it is to gladden His Divine Eyes when He deigns to look down on them. And the more gladly they do His Will the greater is their perfection."

- St. Therese of Lisieux, Story of a Soul

When the young Therese wanted to go on missions, she was unable and was prevented because of her poor sickly health. She understood that she cannot do anything and everything she wanted even if those are forms of service for the Lord. In her account she wrote that God was pleased to see even the mere WILLINGNESS to serve. We may not be given the chance to do all we want even if we can but it is that fire in our hearts, the zeal to serve, and the willingness to honor and glorify God that give our desires the benefit. She accepted the fact humbly and turned to prayer for the missions as her contribution. In a letter to her brother missionaries she wrote: "Our Divine Lord asks no sacrifice beyond our strength. At times, it is true, He makes us taste to the full the bitterness of the chalice He puts to our lips. And when He demands the sacrifice of all that is dearest on earth, it is impossible without a very special grace not to cry out as He did during His Agony in the Garden: 'My Father, let this chalice pass from me!' But we must hasten to add: 'Yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt.' It is so consoling to think that Jesus, 'the Strong God,' has felt all our weaknesses and shuddered at the sight of the bitter chalice--that very chalice He had so ardently desired."

Chief Pastor admonishes co-shepherds

Pope Francis addresses 120 new bishops on September 19 urging them to be more pastoral than living a "princely" lifestyle.

A cold, selfish reality: A Throwaway Culture

What has become of this world?

It has grown cold and selfish.

It has become too individualistic that it lost its sense of solidarity; what is left of man is an exultation of his own self blind and deaf from the needs and efforts of others. The world has taught him to live by his own, to do whatever he wants, and to enjoy the world as if everything, even life itself, are in his disposal. He has become the master of himself to the point of enslaving his humanity.

Man has created a worldview of indifference. From "No man is an island" he shifts to an object of solitude. Man becomes his own island. He separated himself from the bond of the mainland, from the solidarity of a community life. How many of us would think that the beggar on the church door is a part of the worshiping community? Home many of us would dare to let in a homeless into our dinner table? How many of us would really care about the misfortunes of others that we watch on television news or hear in radio reports; have we grown too comfortable in our seats just sitting back and feeling relaxed?

We are challenged to us our gifts in building the Kingdom of God. The first reading taken from Ezra (1:1-6) shows how King Cyrus, who inspired by the Lord, ordered the construction of the temple in Jerusalem: "All their neighbors gave them help in every way, with silver, gold, goods, and cattle, and with many precious gifts besides all their free-will offerings." They knew how to give. They knew how to offer help. They knew what it meant to be a community one in faith. They knew how everything they had came from God and how it is only fitting that these be returned and used for His glory.

Our talents, skills, strength, power, and resources are all but from the Lord. We are called to do the same - to use all these for His Kingdom. Blessings are not given to us to flaunt and be proud off. What we have are not to glorify our own abilities and to raise ourselves above others. Jesus in the Gospel (Lk 8:16-18) admonishes us to be light to every one. We should not hinder ourselves from doing what we can for the benefit of the community. We are a part of it. How stern does the Lord tells us, "To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away." When we are rich in whatever, these riches must be offered in order to continually build up the Kingdom. We must share the same light to those who have less that the fire burning in their hearts would inflame more.

Would you go off your pew and turn to the beggar and greet him or her with the sign of peace?
Would you be kind enough to offer a loaf to hungry child in the street after you have fed yourself in communion?
Would you dare defend one hopeless and innocent baby from the brutality of the world?
But the gravest question is not always easily answerable with a yes or no, but one asked with a HOW.

What has become of this world? Pope Francis remarks that this world has become a "throwaway culture." Everything is disposable. Everything is temporary. He noted in his inaugural homily that "Everything has been entrusted to our protection, and all of us are responsible for it." This shows only that we are a part of a whole that should take care of one another and not only of ourselves. It is touching that he adds as he left Brazil during the World Youth Day: "Show by your life, that it is worth giving your time and talents in order to attain high ideals, it is worth recognizing the dignity of each human person, and it is worth taking risks for Christ and the Gospel."

Live like the Little Flower

Browsing a commemorative calendar of the Missionary Catechists of St. Therese which was founded by the late Archbishop of Lipa, Rufino Obviar, I stumbled upon one of his excellency's notes. It wrote:

"Live like the Little Flower, to offer the little things that came to your life,

little displeasures and everything that you could offer to the Lord."

I began meditating and deeply pondered on his words that followed:

"Look at the branches of the mango trees.

They are bent when they are filled with fruits. They are erect when they are empty."

Today starts the novena to St. Therese of the Child Jesus who teaches us the sure way to heaven - a gaze of loving humility. She taught no dogma but lived her life totally out of love. This is why she was declared a Doctor of the Church, the Doctor Amoris (Doctor of Love), and was esteemed as the Millennium Saint. She is a model for our contemporary life where we need love the most. For the next days, we pray to her intercession asking that we too may live as she deed, to follow her example and be truly conformed to the image and likeness of Christ, who gives His total self for love of God and others.

The relics of St. Therese in her 3rd Pilgrim Visit to the Philippines.
My hand, in black cassock and laced surplice, touching her.

NOVENA PRAYER

Dearest Saint Therese of Lisieux, you said that you would spend your time in heaven doing good on earth. Your trust in God was complete. Pray that He may increase my trust in His goodness and mercy as I ask for the following petitions…

(State your intentions)

Pray for me that I, like you, may have great and innocent confidence in the loving promises of our God. Pray that I may live my life in union with God’s plan for me, and one day see the Face of God whom you loved so deeply.

Saint Therese, you were faithful to God up until the moment of your death. Pray for me that I may be faithful to our loving God. May my life bring peace and love to the world through faithful endurance in love for God our savior. Amen.

Following Christ

"Following Christ is not an outward imitation, since it touches man at the very depths of his being. Being a follower of Christ means becoming conformed to him who became a servant even to giving himself on the Cross (cf. Phil 2:5-8)"

-Veritatis Splendor, 21

Facing wayward members like a Mother

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis said the church should approach its members with the face of a patient, merciful and understanding mother, who always forgives her erring children and never ceases to pray that they resume the path of Christian living.

The pope made his remarks Sept. 18 at his weekly public audience in St. Peter's Square, where he elaborated on his previous week's talk on the subject of the "church as mother."

***

"Dear Brothers and Sisters: today I wish to return to the image of the Church as our Mother, by reflecting on all that our earthly mothers do, live and suffer for their children. First, our mothers show us, through their tenderness and love, the correct path to follow in life, so that we may grow into adulthood. So too the Church orients us on the path of life, indicating the way that leads to maturity. Second, our mothers know how and when to accompany us with understanding through life and to help lead us back when we wonder off the right path. The Church also accompanies us in mercy, in understanding, never judging us or closing the door, but offering forgiveness to help us return to the right course. Third, as our mothers never grow tired of interceding for us, no matter our failings, so too the Church stays with us always and, through prayer, puts into the hands of the Lord all our situations, difficulties and needs. And so we see in the Church a good Mother who indicates the path to walk in life, who always accompanies us in patience, mercy and understanding, and who places us in God’s hands."

Panalangin Kay San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila at kasamahang Martir

San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila (in white)
together with other martyrs in Japan.

PANALANGIN KAY SAN LORENZO RUIZ DE MANiLA AT MGA KASAMANG MARTIR
September 19-27

Si San Lorenzo Ruiz ang unang Pilipinong santo at martir. Siya ay isang laykong sakristan at katekista na pumunta sa bansang Hapon. Doon niya sinapit ang kamatayan dala ng pag-uusig sa pananampalataya. Sinasabi na kanyang mga pasakit ay nawika niya, "Sanlibo man aking buhay, bawat isa pa rin ay aking iaalay sa Diyos."


Amang Mapagmahal, ang Iyong Anak na si Hesukristo ay naghandog ng kanyang buhay para sa kaligtasan ng tanan. Kasihan kami ng iyong pag-ibig upang maihandog ang aming buhay para sa iyo at sa aming kapwa tao. Inakay rin ng mapagpala Mong kamay ang iyong mga lingkod na sina San Lorenzo Ruiz at mga kasama sa lupain ng Hapon upang tularan ang sakripisyo ni Kristo at ipamansag ang Mabuting Balita ng Kaligtasan.

Isinasamo namin na sa pamamagitan ng panalangin ng mga banal na martir na kami'y maging matatag sa pananampalataya tulad nila at maging kasangkapan ng pagpapahayag ng mabuting balita sa aming bayan at sa mga bansang nasa paligid namin. Dinggin Mo ang aming kahilingan at ang tanging biyayang aming hinihingi:
(Banggitin ang mga kahilingan)
Kaisa ni San Lorenzo Ruiz at mga kasama, hinihiling namin ito sa pamamagitan ni Hesukristo na aming Panginoon. Amen.

Tragedy on the Shores of the Philippines

In a telegram - signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone - Pope Francis expressed his condolences to Archbishop Jose S. Palma of Cebu for the ferry accident which took place on Friday, 16 August. The tragedy occurred when a ferry collided with a cargo ship near the city of Cebu, the Philippines. In less than half an hour the ferry with 841 people aboard sunk, drowning at least 50 people. The following is the text of the telegram.


His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life resulting from the ferry boat accident off the central port of Cebu. He assures all affected of his closeness in prayer and commends the victims to the loving mercy of Almighty God. The Holy Father invokes divine strength and comfort upon the grieving families, the injured and those involved in the rescue efforts.


***
Taken from L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO, 21 August 2013 (46 No. 34) p.2

Why does God call weak men?

"And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor."

The names of the twelve apostles can be found in the verses of Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:14-19, and Luke 6:13-16. The readings for this week revolves around discipleship. The readings are exhorting how Christians should lead a life of discipleship. Looking at the men whom Jesus called to be his most intimate followers, they were not men of great power and stature, they were not politically minded persons, or even the wealthy ones of the time. There is that recurring question and still is a mystery that is found only in the wisdom of God: Why does God call weak men?

I think this is one of the turning point and foundation of a good follower- that he acknowledges his weakness. This weakness is not the physical weakness that we easily think but a humble character. They are the ones who responded quickly to leave their nets, to lower them when the Master said so, and were strong enough to face radical choices in their lives for the salvation of souls. People who have nothing and no one else to hold on to except God are the ones whom God calls. People who have the willingness to follow, people who are receptive to the voice of the shepherd and not stubborn to insist on their own wants.

To leave our nets is to go out of our comfort zones. It means detaching ourselves from unnecessary things that can hinder us from truly seeing God. When God calls us, it is not to show off ourselves but to give more glory to the One who called. In the darkness, the light shines the brightest. In our weaknesses, there God is the strongest. Saint Paul tells us:

"My grace is sufficient for you for my power is perfect in weakness."

-2 Corinthians 12:9

To Your Patronage, O Holy Mother

Altar of the Blessed Virgin Mary
erected in honor of her nativity at the
St. Peter's College Seminary chapel.

Holy Mother of God;

despise not our petitions in our needs,

but from all dangers deliver us always,

Virgin Glorious and Blessed!

In the Latin liturgical calendar of the Church, three significant births are celebrated with a solemn festivity: 1) the birth of John the Baptist, 2) the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and 3) that of Our Lord Jesus Christ known much as Christmas. These nativities are symbols of Christian journey - one who prepared the way of the coming Word, one who in her fiat (the obedient "Yes" to God's will) humbly carried the Word, an the One who is Incarnate, the Word Himself.

September 8 marks the annual commemoration of the Blessed Virgin's birth. Each year this day is a special one for me as I celebrate my birthday with her as well. This is one of my devotions to Mary that I celebrate it in a prayerful and recollective atmosphere. I see our day as a blessing and an affirmation that Mary's guidance has been with me all throughout my years guiding me and leading the way.

Although her birthday falls on a Sunday this year, it is imperative that the Sunday liturgy takes precedence over the celebration of her nativity. Nevertheless, we had an altar fixed in her honor. On the night of Septemeber 7, we had a harana for her. Seminarians sang their own compositions of Marian songs to give praise to her as the glory of God and model of faith, hope, and love.

This afternoon, a good friend of mine, Sem. Nino Acero from Siniloan, Laguna, handed me a rosary which he personally made (and on the same day!). He told me it was a present for my birthday. Just a trivia, almost every year I receive a white rosary on my birthday and I still have my very first rosary with me in my pocket that I use daily. It was given to me by my godfather when I was in preschool. Going back, upon receiving the my new rosary, I hastily went down to the chapel and placed it on Our Lady's hands together with a stargazer lily that I offer during these time of the year. The flower reminds me of the Blessed Virgin who is the lily of purity, the ornament and glory of Christinity, the flower of heaven which looks upward (the stargazer lily is called the "new cross" because it always looks up to heaven).

The image of the Virgin Mary holding the rosary given to me
by Sem. Nino Acero.

Why do I have such a love and devotion to Mary? For one, I feel close to her ever since I knew we shared the same birth day. Second, because she is for me a model of discipleship.

Knowing Jesus is one thing, but following Him is another. Mary shows me the way to both knowing and following her Son. She does not only lead me to Him but tells me to "do whatever He tells you." Mary inspires me in service. Even though I find myself astray and lost because of my wrong doings, I still find my way back home in the Church because of her. It is from her example that I drove one of my philosophies in life that true greatness comes from a humbles submission to learn from the Master's feet. Mary listened to Jesus and kept and pondered His words in her heart. Mary chose to give up her personal freedom in order to be the Mother of our Lord and from where she found her true liberation. Mary is our guide towards her loving Son. Mary is not only the Mother of Jesus but also Our Mother.

Happy birthday dear Mother!

Happy Birthday Mama Mary!

Greeting Mama Mary a happy birthday!

Pope Francis calls for a day of prayer and fasting

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS CALLING FOR A DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING FOR SYRIA

Today, dear brothers and sisters, I wish to make add my voice to the cry which rises up with increasing anguish from every part of the world, from every people, from the heart of each person, from the one great family which is humanity: it is the cry for peace! It is a cry which declares with force: we want a peaceful world, we want to be men and women of peace, and we want in our society, torn apart by divisions and conflict, that peace break out! War never again! Never again war! Peace is a precious gift, which must be promoted and protected.

There are so many conflicts in this world which cause me great suffering and worry, but in these days my heart is deeply wounded in particular by what is happening in Syria and anguished by the dramatic developments which are looming.

I appeal strongly for peace, an appeal which arises from the deep within me. How much suffering, how much devastation, how much pain has the use of arms carried in its wake in that martyred country, especially among civilians and the unarmed! I think of many children will not see the light of the future! With utmost firmness I condemn the use of chemical weapons: I tell you that those terrible images from recent days are burned into my mind and heart. There is a judgment of God and of history upon our actions which are inescapable! Never has the use of violence brought peace in its wake. War begets war, violence begets violence.

With all my strength, I ask each party in this conflict to listen to the voice of their own conscience, not to close themselves in solely on their own interests, but rather to look at each other as brothers and decisively and courageously to follow the path of encounter and negotiation, and so overcome blind conflict. With similar vigour I exhort the international community to make every effort to promote clear proposals for peace in that countrywithout further delay, a peace based on dialogue and negotiation, for the good of the entire Syrian people.

May no effort be spared in guaranteeing humanitarian assistance to those wounded by this terrible conflict, in particular those forced to flee and the many refugees in nearby countries. May humanitarian workers, charged with the task of alleviating the sufferings of these people, be granted access so as to provide the necessary aid.

What can we do to make peace in the world? As Pope John said, it pertains to each individual to establish new relationships in human society under the mastery and guidance of justice and love (cf. John XXIII, Pacem in Terris, [11 April 1963]: AAS 55, [1963], 301-302).

All men and women of good will are bound by the task of pursuing peace. I make a forceful and urgent call to the entire Catholic Church, and also to every Christian of other confessions, as well as to followers of every religion and to those brothers and sisters who do not believe: peace is a good which overcomes every barrier, because it belongs all of humanity!

I repeat forcefully: it is neither a culture of confrontation nor a culture of conflict which builds harmony within and between peoples, but rather a culture of encounter and a culture of dialogue; this is the only way to peace.

May the plea for peace rise up and touch the heart of everyone so that they may lay down their weapons and be let themselves be led by the desire for peace.

To this end, brothers and sisters, I have decided to proclaim for the whole Church on 7 September next, the vigil of the birth of Mary, Queen of Peace, a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world, and I also invite each person, including our fellow Christians, followers of other religions and all men of good will, to participate, in whatever way they can, in this initiative.

On 7 September, in Saint Peter’s Square, here, from 19:00 until 24:00, we will gather in prayer and in a spirit of penance, invoking God’s great gift of peace upon the beloved nation of Syria and upon each situation of conflict and violence around the world. Humanity needs to see these gestures of peace and to hear words of hope and peace! I ask all the local churches, in addition to fasting, that they gather to pray for this intention.

Let us ask Mary to help us to respond to violence, to conflict and to war, with the power of dialogue, reconciliation and love. She is our mother: may she help us to find peace; all of us are her children! Help us, Mary, to overcome this most difficult moment and to dedicate ourselves each day to building in every situation an authentic culture of encounter and peace. Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us!

Franciscus

Message before the Angelus

September 1, 2013

Can we achieve a "great fraternity"?

"The globalization of indifference must give way to a globalization of fraternity..."

Pope Francis

World Day of Peace 2014

I just thought, can we really achieve such a great fraternity?

"Fraternity" was the key theme of Pope Francis' message during the World Day of Peace. Again here is a voice of Christ's Vicar echoing in the midst of a confusing age resounding for unity among men. Everyone is challenged by a great individualism, a relativistic culture, and skepticism that draws man away from his identity and destiny. This vision towards a great fraternity is a call to rekindle and restore the once fraternal relationship of Christians in the early centuries.

Why was it that the growth of Christianity was spreading rapidly in the early centuries? Ironic it may be, there were more and more converts as more and more blood of martyrs spilled from persecutions. In an age where the Church is very much uncomfortable, there she produces many saints. Faith is lived. That is basically the reason. The heart and the devotion for the Lord is explicitly and apparently alive. Christianity is not a position or a title that one can just abandon when he feels not liking it. It neither is a party (like a political one) nor an organization where one's ideas and needs must jive otherwise he will disband. No. Christianity is not based on feelings or one's personal perspective but a decision to follow. It is a lifestyle.

Christianity is not about doctrines. Over and above all the Church's teachings, the focal point is always a person, that of Jesus Christ. All else are only extensions. What Christianity preach and teach is about a WHO and not a 'what.' Being in the Church is not just being a member but adhering to a Person wherein we submit ourselves in order to adopt a certain lifestyle- the lifestyle of Christ. Jesus taught us to love one another and that is just it. Love summarizes the whole Christian tradition- the love of God and the love of neighbor. Fraternity can only be achieved if we ourselves know how to love, that is, to pardon others in their mishaps, to forgive them in their wrong doings, to pray for them even if they hurt us, to provide for their needs to the extent that we can whether or not we are close to them, and to be a family to those who have none. Love is the summit of all relationships. It must be the root of every action. In the end, we are only to be judged by how we have loved.

So with the question whether we can achieve it or not, I say yes we can. The early disciples and Christian communities had this and that is why they were able to attract more converts. Christians attract more when they are able to emulate Christ through their daily living. Love was that key which many asked, "How could they do such things?" Love amazed the gentiles. Love was the binding force for every Christian. It was love that paved for a great fraternity. Selfishness and personal motives had no room. True enough, Pope Francis also noted that "The culture of personal well-being leads to a loss of the sense of responsibility and fraternal relationships." We need to be sensitive to the needs of others. We need to rekindle a fraternal bond. Yes we can.

What Motivates You?

Back in 2001 when I was graduating in Grade 6, I received my first hardbound book. During those times I wasn't fond of reading, not for lack of good materials but because I was timid to do so. The book ended up on top of my study table collecting dust for almost four years until I finally decided to read it. It was about the Blessed Virgin Mary as found in Sacred Scriptures. It was written by an Evangelical Protestant-convert to Catholicism who now is an acclaimed Catholic biblical theologian in Ohio. To cut the long story short, I’m currently finishing reading my 15^th book by the same author.

What motivated me to take and read that book? What struck me in the head to decide after four years to go ahead and read it? What made my heart beat to love the works of that author?

As another school year opens in the seminary, we are challenged to evaluate and reexamine our motivations. What motivates us? What motivated us in this our chosen vocation? It is a journey towards the inner self where we question our thoughts, our desires, our passion, and our will. Seminarians are always reminded to submit to their formation and to take every moment in and outside the seminary walls as an avenue for growth and maturity. We are like clay in the hands of the Potter. But is this formation a loving gaze of obedience and surrender or a frail and blind observance of rules governing seminary life?

Two of my younger brothers finished their majors in engineering this summer from the same university where I obtained my degree in sociology. At the present moment, they are now reviewing for board examinations. Sooner or later they would be applying for jobs, leave home, establish their own families, and get along with their lives as normal men do. Sometimes I think of the many opportunities the world offers, how I can be useful in many other fields than in the seminary, or how far I may have achieved (by this time I could have finished my Master’s degree, but I’m still taking bachelor’s units in philosophy).

Vocation is a sacred calling. Whether one is called to the ministerial priesthood, to a life of conjugal love, or to a religious and/or celibate life, all are called to sanctity.

Vocation is a gift that is freely sent coupled with divine grace. It is like a seed planted in the hearts of every human being entrusted with determination to cultivate it. Vocation does not grow by itself. It is nourished by one’s cooperation. One cannot give it away or if one gravely turns his back on it, he finds no meaning to his life.

Vocation is strengthened by the prudent practice of virtues and faithful witness to the laws and commandments of God. Freedom does not entail detachment from the law but through a loving obedience of it.

The hand of the Divine Potter is unpredictable but nevertheless perfect. His way of forming the lives of men is not through coercion but through charity. When He said, “Behold, I make all things new” indeed He does. His authority is not mandated but emanates from Himself. Clay may look to be slimy mud but it can be transformed into an elegant decorative vase for a beautiful parish church or the cathedral altar. It may sometimes look dirty but it can be changed into fine jars to store holy water used to bless and cleanse the people of God.

We are always and everywhere challenged to ask ourselves: What is our motivation? Do we see our actions as sacred, as a gift, and as guided by God’s divine law? Do we allow ourselves to be clay before the Potter who would mold and subject us into the fiery heat in order to fortify and toughen us? We always learn from Him Who is the Master, “gentle, meek, and mild” before the will of God. There is no growth until we decide for ourselves and take the first step to it.

The following article is written as an editorial for CLAVES: The Official Publication of the St. Peter's College Seminary Vol. XVII No.3.