On Blessed Pope Paul VI

The beatification of Pope Paul VI is a grace as we celebrate World Missions Sunday and the closing of the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family. Being a pope in a troublesome time for the Church where morals have been degrading, values distorted, doctrine in a wave of confusion, and secularism on the loose, he held firmly on his mottos: "Cum Ipso in Monte" (with Him on the Mount) and "In Nomine Domini" (In the Name of the Lord). He traversed the road even if it is steep and rocky knowing that Christ does not abandon his side as he concluded the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council all for the glory of the One God.

With him we are reminded of the very challenge and mission of the Church. Evangelization is not for a chosen few who are gifted in speech and rhetorics; it is for everyone. The Church has a mission and precisely by this that it makes Her a missionary. She is a missionary Church that seeks to touch the lives of all the baptized as well as those in the outskirts of the faith. "Cum ipso in monte" he reminds us. Let us go through this mountain; let us go through this mission; let us go with Christ who leads us all. "In Nomine Domini" he tells us. Let us journey together in Christ; let us journey for His glory; let us journey as a people baptized in His Name.

The photo is a commemorative medal during the Pontificate of Pope Paul VI in 1975 where the Ordinary Jubilee of Rome was celebrated. The general theme was "Reconciliation" as depicted on the engravings of two brothers reconciled with one another. How lovely it is that the words "Ut unum sint" arcs above them- that they may be one. It was also the last words of his predecessor, Pope John XXIII (who was canonized earlier) on his death bed.

Beati Pauli VI, ora pro nobis!

Remembering the Canonization of Sts. Arnold and Joseph, SVD

The statues of Sts. Arnold and Joseph in front of the Holy Spirit Chapel of the Divine Word Seminary
in Tagaytay City. A pose with SVD classmates, Bros. Harley and Raymond.

In October 5, 2003, the late Pope John Paul II canonized two important figures in the life of a missionary church, Sts. Arnold Janssen and Joseph Freinademetz, who planted the seed to found the Society of Divine Word (SVD).

We recall a part of the Pope's homily on the august celebration on this their anniversary:
"Their lives show clearly that the proclamation of the Gospel 'is the primary service which the Church can render to every individual and to all humanity' (Redemptoris Missio, n. 2). These new Saints teach us that evangelization always involves an explicit proclamation of Christ in addition to contributing to human advancement that has sometimes even proven dangerous, as the experience of so many missionaries shows... The priority of missionary institutes is the mission "ad gentes", which must come before any other social or humanitarian commitment, however necessary."

Ina

A replica image of Ina visiting the different diocesan seminaries in Tagaytay City.

Resuene vibrante el himno de amor
Que entona tu pueblo con grata y emoción
Patrona del Bicol, Gran Madre de Dios
Se siempre la Reina de Nuestra Región

Viva la Virgen Maria!

It was an unexpected visit; a blessing indeed. During the Mass said in Bicol language I couldn't help but recall the time we had Bicolano Mass in the parish a UPLB. I'm not Bicolano but have so many friends who are whom I remembered as I kissed Ina's mantilla.

Double Celebration

An image of the Child Mary in time for her birthday!

16" image of the Virgencita personally designed and made from Paete, Laguna.

La Virgencita Nina Maria.

I placed her in the sacristy in preparation for the Sunday blessing. People who walked inside noticed how the image was lovely and beautiful but most of them asked, "How is this?" Most thought it was a Sto. Nino but looked like a young girl. I told them, "This is the child Mary, la Nina Maria."

A year ago my godfather sent me a pendant of the Bambina from Italy. I kept it without knowing when to use it. Upon the arrival of this image, I remembered about the pendant and now it accents her.

It was also a very nice gift that I was allowed to go home and with my batchmates, serve in my home parish on the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, our birthdays.

Devotion teaching mercy

Are you familiar with this scapular?

Yes I know what you are thinking. My grandmother and a bunch of old ladies in church wear these.

I remember when I was young I used to play around my aunt's house and there I saw these red ribbons with unusual markings at the end. Back then I didn't know that they were scapulars and so I played with it trying to figure out what were those. After some time they got entangled. When my aunt and grandmother saw their scapulars were entangled, they reprimanded me for my actions. Of course I felt bad and that marked my heart so bad that I said when I have money I will buy them replacements. They said the scapulars they wear during Mass were expensive. But growing up I learned they just cost P40.00.

The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus reminds us of that infinite love of our Lord for all humanity. His heart is surrounded by the crown of thorns that continues to pierce it so badly that it bleeds. Even at the climax of salvation at the top of Calvary as Jesus laid breathless on the cross, as He shed His precious blood for the remission of sin, still today people continue to persecute His heart because of sin.

Transformation is a Priestly Theology

"UNDERSTAND what you do, IMITATE what you celebrate, and CONFORM your life to the mystery of the Lord's Cross."

These beautiful admonitions are said by the presiding bishop to the ordinandus while handing over the chalice and the paten. It is an exhortation to the celebration of the sacraments especially the Mass. It is not only worship to God but a life-changing act that transforms not only the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ but that the whole of one's self may be an offering, an oblation, together with the whole people of God transformed into the image and likeness of Christ, the head of the Church, His Body.

How beautiful are these words that struck my heart upon hearing them today. Ever since I have been attending ordinations (in Filipino), I couldn't remember these words but hearing them in english caught my attention. Wow, how beautiful! What rich theology! What very meaningful words that those ordained to the sacred order of priesthood receive!

Parish Marian Recollection: Blessed With A Burden

The following reflection was delivered in the Parish Church of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, UPLB, on May 21, 2014 in coordination with the recollection talk of Rev. Fr. Luis Tolentino on John Paul II's Redemptoris Mater. The Parish Marian Recollection.

Servers carrying banners of Mary's titles stand before the image of Our Lady of Smiles
as people sing the Salve Regina after the Marian Procession on May 31, 2014
at the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, UP Los Banos.

BLESSED WITH A BURDEN

When Pope John XXIII opened the Second Vatican Council in 1962, there was a debate whether the council should have a separate document on Mary. There were discussion until two groups were to present their position papers: the group that is approve of having a document and the other which is opposed. The cardinals chose Cardinal Rufino Santos of the Philippines to defend the side of those having a separate document. A Filipino. Because there is no one who loves the Blessed Mother more than Filipinos, kaya nga tayo nabansagang Pueblo amante de Maria- Bayang Sumisinta kay Maria.

One time I was watching a movie and then here comes the father saying to her daughter, “YOU ARE BLESSED WITH A BURDEN.” That time I was so struck by what was said that I wasn’t able to focus on the rest of the movie anymore but started pondering what the line meant- YOU ARE BLESSED WITH A BURDEN.

Jesus said, “Come to me and I will give you rest. Take my yoke for my burden is easy and light.”

When we speak of burdens, hindi ito bastang mga pasanin natin na mahirap, pasakit, etc. These can be any loads in our lives: our work, our job, our commitments, our family, ang mga asawa ninyo, anak, etc. Those are your DAILY BURDENS. When Jesus said ‘Come follow me’ He didn’t say “Oh this life will be easy.” There is still a burden however it is only easier and lighter. How? Because you know that in all things that you will be doing, He is with you!

Being a student is a blessing. Studying is a burden. Being a mother is a blessing. Weaning a child and waking up in the middle of the night is a burden. But following the Lord isn’t always easy. Sabi nga, “Following the Lord is not easy, but worth it.” Man’s cooperation is needed to sustain this relationship. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

It’s like this dear brothers and sisters, Pagnilayan natin ito sa mata ng ating debosyon sa Mahal na Birheng Maria. Take for example the wearing of the brown scapular. It has promises and one of those is salvation from hell. But it doesn't mean if you just wear it you're good. No. It entails a responsibility of doing good, and praying the rosary daily! The scapular is a blessing, yet it gives you a burden to do something. See? My dear brothers and sisters that is precisely a Blessing to you which is a burden. The fact that you are wearing a scapular means you are enrolled to the school of the Blessed Virgin Mary that expects you to pray the rosary daily.

 

The First Parish Marian Exhibit opened in STCJP for the whole month of May.
The image of the Immaculada Concepcion under the title Nuestra Senora de las Agua Santa
of Los Banos welcomes visitors. At the back stands the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Mary was blessed with the burden of being the Mother of the Redeemer. She was blessed among women. Her role shines in the history of salvation. Ung mismong pag-OO niya sa Diyos ay pag-OO sa isang mabigat na gawain at tungkulin. Hindi ito ung bastang pagiging ina, ngunit pagiging Ina ng Diyos, Ina ni Hesus at sa paanan ng krus makikita natin palalawakin pa ito sa pagiging Ina ng Sanlibutan, Ina ng mga Mananampalataya.

Maaring makita natin ang Mahal na Birhen na pinararangalan, inaalayan ng bulaklak, sinusuotan ng magagandang damit, pinuputungan ng korona. Mary is raised in the pedestals of our altars because of her role in the life of Jesus. Ngunit itong pag-tataas sa kanyang dignidad ay hindi dapat maging hadlang para sabihin natin na hindi natin mapapantayan o hindi natin maaabot ang kanyang kinahantungan. Sabi nga ni Sta. Teresita, “SHE IS MORE MOTHER THAN QUEEN.” Binibigyang papuri ngunit sa kabila ng lahat ng ito, ginagampanan niya ang pagiging reyna sa pagiging ina.

 

The Reyna de las Flores on the pedestal prepared to be processed.
She extends her arms as if saying, "Am I not your mother?"

In all the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the most touching for me is the apparition to Blessed Juan Diego. Mary declared, “AM I NOT HERE WHO AM YOUR MOTHER?” It is very touching that she comes to our aid when we are afraid, who brings forth healing when we are broken, who cheers us in our sorrow. She knew all these things because she went through them all. She can feel for all of us.

How can we be like the Blessed Mother? It is by becoming human. Human to one another; human to those in need of humanity. She saw the need at the wedding at Cana so she pleaded to her Son. She knew how it feels to lose someone dear to her yet all she did was ponder them in her heart. She saw the suffering world yet she stood firmly by the weight of the cross. She saw the new day of hope and rejoice in the resurrection. AM I NOT HERE WHO AM YOUR MOTHER? The Motherhood of Mary is God’s blessing to her yet it is her spiritual burden. She did well. Can you?

There are four great Marian hymns which traditionally are sung every change in liturgical season. These songs express the life of Mary in the life of Jesus.

During the Advent and Christmas seasons we have the Alma Redemptoris Mater.

Alma Redemptoris Mater, quæ pervia cæli

Porta manes, et stella maris, succurre cadenti,

Surgere qui curat, populo: tu quæ genuisti,

Natura mirante, tuum sanctum Genitorem

Virgo prius ac posterius, Gabrielis ab ore

Sumens illud Ave, peccatorum miserere.

She sets her role as the Mother of the Redeemer, the Gate from which heaven is opened. Through her yes to the Divine Will during the greeting of Gabriel, it brought forth the dawning of the forgiveness of sins.

In the Lenten observance, Mary’s grief and sorrow also manifests.

Stabat mater dolorosa

juxta Crucem lacrimosa,

dum pendebat Filius.

Cuius animam gementem,

contristatam et dolentem

pertransivit gladius.

The piercings of the nails in the hands and feet of our Lord are like swords that lash through the Virgin’s heart. She too feels sad when we, her earthly children, continue to crucify her Son with our sins.

By the Easter Season she rejoices exultantly with a ringing

Regina cæli, lætare, alleluia:

Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia,

Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia,

Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.

And in the course of our meditation on our pilgrim life on earth, there we sing to her the Salve Regina.

An image of Our Lady of Piat (popularly in the Northern Philippines) lent for the exhibit.

WE ARE BLESSED WITH A BURDEN. This challenges us today to be a community with the Blessed Virgin as our Mother. We are BLESSED TO HAVE A MOTHER, and it is our burden to listen to her and DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU. Ang pagdedebosyon natin sa Mahal na Birhen ay hindi lamang sa panlabas na mga ritwal, ito din ay naghihikawat sa atin at nagsusumamo na gayahin at pakinggan siya.

As you hold your flowers to offer to Mama Mary, think of it as your burdens which God gives you as a blessing.

“Ah Lord, this is my job in the office, a flower, a blessing you send me from heaven. Although I get tired and stressed here, I offer them to your mother, to my mother who will caress me in wearisome moments.”

“Ah Lord, these are my subjects. Ito din po ang aking mga professors, they are your blessings to me as they impart knowledge kahit minsan they do become burdens to my academic life. I offer them to your mother, to my mother who is the Seat of Wisdom.”

“Ah Lord, this is my family- my husband, my wife, my parents, my children, mga kapatid ko. They are my life-time burdens, yet they are blessings. I offer them to your mother, to my mother who is the Queen of the Family.”

“Ah Lord, this is my friend, my bestfriend, my closest friend. This is also the one who have hurt me most. They are burdens as much as they are blessings. I offer the to your mother, to my mother who is our company in this life’s journey.”

“Ah Lord, these are my thanksgivings, the graces I have received. By this flower I am to bring before you, may it be a sign of praise. Thank you for the good health, my financial provisions, my talents and skills, everything that you have given me are blessings. Yet I know that these blessings entail a great burden- the responsibility to use them for your greater glory and the building of your kingdom. I offer them to your mother, to my mother, who sang her heart out: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!”

The Ascent to Carmel

And so my trip to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel pushed through!

It was a Monday when my friend Ronald texted me, "Bro, tuloy pa ba tayo sa Carmel?" We've been planning that for weeks but it always get postponed for some reasons. So I immediately texted Fr.Rich,OCD for a schedule and gave an 8:30AM appointment. It's my first time to commute by bus there, an uncharted place for me. Good thing when I got home from church I heard my brother informing my mom he's going to Ortigas on Wednesday with his girlfriend to Cubao. GREAT!!! I'm joining them.

By the way, my mom didn't know I went there. She's against me being a contemplative. Until now I haven't told her I've been there.

When I arrived in Cubao I met with Ronald who knows the way in QC since he's working there, but it came upon me that it was also his first time to go to the Carmel Shrine. He confessed that he agreed to accompany me because he also wanted to go there as well, just to visit the place. We rode an LRT then he led the way. When we turned to a street I saw a large gate from afar with a signboard "Carmel of St. Therese of the Child Jesus" and a large picture of her. Oh! I got too excited! Sabi ko sa kanya, "See Ronald, St. Therese is really guiding my vocation! And she's here to greet me at the entrance." So we went inside with me shaking excitedly.

Praying in front of the statue of my personal patron
to whom I entrusted my vocation.

When we entered the gate there was this statue of St. Therese on a pedestal greeting. "See! See! She's here for me!" I told him how she greeted me in the entrance of the SPCS lobby when I took my entrance exam. So we went inside and found a porter-like man and I asked where is the office of the vocation director. He said there's no vocation director there but nun! Oh goodness we went in the wrong Carmelite convent! He told us to ride a tricycle just outside the compound and say 4th Street Carmel Parish. Then we just had a short visit in the chapel and.... wow! It's beautiful!

Praying nervously by the sanctuary of the chapel.
The image at the back of the tabernacle
is St. Therese of the Child Jesus
offering roses to the BVM and Jesus.
Roses came from heaven as depicted in the cloth
that drapes from the Cross.

So we walked outside and since the Carmel Parish was near, just on the other street, we just walked our way there. Seeing the vast compound and the huge church, it was breath-taking. Ronald asked me if i'm sure of what i'm doing but whether or not i'm sure, by the looks of the church, he said I'm in good hands (haha). We paid a visit to the Blessed Sacrament and proceeded to the Parish Office where Fr.Rich greeted me in front. He was already waiting for me.

We had an hour talk then afterwards he toured us in the columbary where we searched for a niche of an old friend. We prayed then had lunch. Fr. Rich joined us for lunch then he suggested me go to San Sebastian Parish where the first image of Our Lady of Carmel in the Philippines is housed. So we went there and prayed our mid-day office. Before returning home we passed by the monastery of the Carmel of St. Therese then proceeded on our way.

The San Sebastian Church of the Agustinian Recollects
is made of iron-works from Belgium.
The walls, posts, etc. everything is iron! Amazing.
This is the facade of the Church;
not wood, not cement, its iron right.

The first image of the Nuestra Senora del Carmen brought in the Philippines.

I got to know more about the Carmelite friars. Well I thought they are cloistered men but no! The brothers (who are monks) are but the priests (friars) are active in missions, parishes, BEC's, chaplaincies, etc. I saw that their charism is not only in prayer but also in a strong community. Fr.Rich said he will help me journey through Carmel even though I am journeying also in the diocese. For now he will help me discern for a Carmelite Spiritual Director to guide me.

Fr. Rich Escoto, OCD and myself strike a pose beside the image of Our Lady.

What strikes me most is how he told me that I am not in a win-lose situation. My choices for diocesan or Carmel is not a good-bad decision but both choices are better. They are of equal value. He said I should pray more and let God confuse me more. He stressed cheerfulness as a way to holiness and said that God is just playing with me with these choices because He loves me so much that He is giving me good choices, and better ones. He saw me as an outgoing person and very active so he suggested that I go with the diocesan priesthood but with a Carmelite spirituality (and later on join the Notre Dame de Vie).

It was a very good conversation, an enlightening one. It opened my eyes more that the Carmelite priesthood is not only contemplation but also an active one. It made me love Carmel more but for now it would be good to be in the diocese. After our talk he gave me a stampita each of St. Therese, St. Teresa, and St. John of the Cross. He also asked me to have a personal campaign for Carmel in the diocese.

Burdensome Blessings

"YOU ARE BLESSED WITH A BURDEN" said the father to her blooming daughter in a movie. Many jeered as the line was said and I knew many were indeed struck. How can one see burdens as blessings? Saints did; they say their sufferings as redemptive. In our terms, "nagpapaka-martir." Yet seeing burdens as blessings from above can reshape our views of experiences- Optimism instead of pessimism. But as they say, this is easier to say than to be meant. It is easier to ask, "Can our burdens be blessings?" than answer with an affirmation. Nevertheless, we are consoled and always reminded that God never sends us things we cannot bear. Everything is a blessing, every experience holds a lesson, each person is a gift, and every burden is for our good.

San Pedro Bautista sa Laguna

A monument of

San Pedro Bautista sa Laguna

sinuat ni Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ma. Delfino, M.A.Hist.

Ang mga tinatawag na “Renaissance Men” (mga tao ng 1400’s hanggang 1600’s na bihasa sa Kultura, Agham at Sining dahil sa impluwensiya ng mga unibersidad sa Europa) ay hindi lamang matatagpuan sa Paris, Madrid, London, at Roma. Sila din ay hindi lamang natagpuan sa mga lungsod at korte ng mga hari kundi sa mga hangganan ng mga “colony” mula India, Peru at maging sa Imperyo ng Tsina (Matteo Ricci, SJ).

Ang kultura ng mga “Renaissance Men” ay lumiligid sa mga kabundukan at malalayong mga pulo upang ipadama ang bagong pagtingin sa mundo at ang paglaganap ng kaalaman sa isip ng mga tao. Ang pagsulong ng Agham at Sining sa iba’t ibang kultura at lugar ng mundo ay dala ng mga “Renaisance Men” na may kaloobang Kristiyano.

Isa sa mg maituturing na “Renaissance Man” ay ang Misyonerong Pransiskano sa Katagalugan, si San Pedro Bautista.

 Hindi lamang siya naging misyonero na naghahatid ng Pangalan ni Hesus at ng Mabuting Balita sa mga naninirahan sa Luzon. Alagad din siya ng Sining at Agham. Dahil dumating siya sa Pilipinas mula sa Espanya noong 42 taon gulang na siya, naranasan na niyang maging Propesor ng Pilosopiya sa Merida, Predikador sa Katedral ng Toledo at isang magaling sa larangan ng Musika, ang lahat ng kakayahang napagdaanan ay nagamit sa paglilingkod sa tao.

Bukod pa sa pagtatatag ng mga Pamayanan ng Longos at Pakil sa Laguna sa pamamagitan ng pag-uutos ng pag-iipon ng mga tao “bajo las campanas” (sa ilalim ng mga kampana), nagawa pa rin ni San Pedro Bautista na magturo ng musikang pang-simbahan sa mga bata, mga koro at musikero sa Santa Ana, Manila at sa Lumban, Laguna. Nagkaroon ng pagsasanay sa pag-awit at paggamit ng mga instrumento ng musika sa humigit na 400 katao sa Lumbang upang iparating ang mga bagong mga kumposisyon na naging produkto ng musika ng “Renaissance” sa Europa.

Sa tulong pa ng isang kapwa-misyonerong Pransiskano [na si Fray Francisco de Gata] na may alam sa agham ng Medisina at Kimiko, natuklasan niya ang mapang-hilom na katangian ng mainit na tubig sa Los Baños, Laguna. Dahil dito napatatag ang Hospital ng Aguas Santa sa naturang bayan bilang paggamit ng mainit na tubig sa paglunas sa mga karamdaman. Ang pagtuklas ng likas na yaman sa pamamagitan ng Agham ay isa sa mga kinikilalang katangian ng “Renaissance” sa paglaganap ng kaalaman tungkol sa ating daigdig.

Noong siya ay manungkulan bilang Pinuno ng mga Pansiskano sa Pilipinas, hindi lamang siya nag-tayo ng mga gusaling bato para sa mga simbahan, kumbento at lugar ng “retiro”. Sinikap din niyang dalawin ang bawat misyonerong Pransiskano sa bawat lugar – mula Bulacan hahnngang Sorsogon – bilang pagpapakita ng kanyang malasakit at pagdamay. Ang kanyang pagiging “Renaissance Man” ay nakita hindi lamang sa mga pang-labas na gawain kundi sa isang puso at gawi na magkasabay na maka- Diyos at maka-tao.

Bagamat 9 na taon lang ang inilagi niya sa Pilipinas, naging malalim ang iniwan niyang alaala bago pa siya naging martir sa bansang Hapon at Santo ng simbahang Katoliko. Ipinagdiriwangang ang alaala ni San Pedro Bautista sa Liturhiya ng Simbahan tuwing Ika-6 ng Pebrero kasama si San Pedro Miki at iba pang mga Martir ng Hapon.

It is always a JOY to be of service

First of all, I want to make a confession. On his election to the papacy, I said I'm still for Pope Benedict. But maybe, somehow, the Holy Spirit is indeed at work. Now I'm beginning to see the light and wisdom on his pontificate.

Now I understand what Pope Francis wants every time he calls for Christians to be missionaries. The Church as the Body of Christ should not be confined in the pillars of the worship building but should extend its participation in homes, on the streets, in the market, and in the whole structure of society. We believers should go out of our comfort zones to reach out in order to effectively proclaim the Gospel message. We are reminded of the great Pentecost account when the apostles went out of their room in hiding and courageously spoke of the resurrection. Pope Francis wants a Church which literally journeys and is authentically on a pilgrimage towards the Holy City of God. He wants Church that permeates within the daily life experiences of man.

The key element for a fruitful mission is joy. His Apostolic Exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium" deals extensively in this Christian joy which must envelope both the mission and the missionary. But it is more than mere joy. It is a MISSIONARY JOY (21). This exhortation is the response from the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization convoked on October 2013. His opening words clearly gives the whole structure and point of his exhortation:

"THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus." (1)

It brings us back to the call of the disciples towards the resurrection encounter; the encounter with Jesus, true God and true man, who reveals His victory. This is the heart of the Gospel message to which the apostle Paul also exemplifies: "if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain" (cf. 1 Cor. 15:1-20). This is the joy that sprang from within and out of the hearts of the women who saw the empty tomb and immediately went to announce what they have seen.

During these times we think of missionary work as reserved for the religious. We easily equate it with going to remote places, to indigenous people, to the natives, and those who do not know Christ. But that is only one aspect of the larger scheme of missionary work to which every Christian, by virtue of their baptism, should take part. It is more than defending the existence of God or explaining the faith, but on how we are able to show what we believe in. Put words into action. It is wonderful to recalls how many of the Gentiles and the Romans admired the early believers- they were living in love. It was not through reading or preaching (in many instances) but more on the witnessing of these Christians that many were converted and added to their group.

The world is in need of active witnesses- those who are ready to stand up and live their identity as Christians, followers of Christ. The world is in need of pastors who are willing to be among their flock. In the words of Pope Francis, those who would "smell like sheep" and be one with their community. The world is in need not of superficial leaders as if separated from them but one who is able to relate and experience their own living. The world is in need of more men and women committed to works of charity. These people who have the desire to do apostolic works out of their love from their brothers and sisters and not for selfish motives. The world is in need of young people ready to be signs of contradictions in an industry mired by individuality, consumerism, and indifference.

"Many places are experiencing a dearth of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. This is often due to the lack of contagious apostolic fervour in communities which results in a cooling of enthusiasm and attractiveness. Wherever there is life, fervous and a desire to bring Christ to others, genuine vocations will arise." (107)

It is also noteworthy that Pope Francis has special affection to the poor and need. This should also be out attitude. The Church is of and for the poor. We should not forget this for in their eyes are the mirrors of reality. They reflect the poverty of the manger, of the Lord's life, and the suffering He endured. The Church's poverty is a sign of her need and dependence on the Lord's sustenance. They should not be left out in this journey. They are a significant part, whether objects of evangelization or agents of this proclamation.

 "Our faith in Christ, who became poor, and was always close to the poor and the outcast, is the basic of our concern for the integral development of society's most neglected members. Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor, and for enabling them to be fully a part of society... The old question always returns: 'How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods, and sees a brother and sister in need and yet refuses to help?' (1 Jn 3:17)." (186,187)

Service for the Lord is not a duty. It is more than an obligation. It entails a commitment. There is freedom. The joy of proclaiming the Gospel should not be a burden but rather a pure spirit of zeal and courageousness. It is borne out of love. The more joy we carry, the lighter our journey would be. It will always be a joy in the service of God and others.

It is only fitting that this exhortation was released on the occasion of the closing of the Year of Faith previously declared by his predecessor, Benedict XVI. It was a grace-filled year and moment to reflect and recall our faith. Now, it is time to go out and live it.

Viva Pit Senor!

A porcelain image of the Holy Child from Prague

On this feast of the Holy Child Jesus (Sto. Nino), we Filipinos are reminded of how an image of a small child once conquered the hearts of our natives to convert to Christianity. The image of the Child Jesus so famous in every Filipino home is a reminder of the roots of our faith, one that stands the test of time and continues to prevail even in the midst of any calamity that try to destroy the church. God's way of captivating our hearts is no match to any sword. His is not by force but of love and compassion.

This feast proper to Filipinos specifically recalls to mind the devotion of two carmelite saints, Sts. Terese of Avila and Therese of Lisieux. St. Teresa of Avila was known of carrying a small statue of the Child Jesus around her when she was founding monasteries. One day she saw a child by the stairs. The child asked who she was and in reply said "I am Teresa of Jesus." Returning the question as to who the child was, she received a reply, "I am Jesus of Teresa." Similarly, St. Therese took to her special devotion that of the Infant Jesus. She is very much known of her spiritual way of childhood.

How much have we been inspired as children of God to imitate His meekness? Let us not be afraid to approach the Father who knows perfectly well what we need. May the Holy Child Jesus bless us and our country.

I remember a reflection made by a good friend, Bro.Marwil Llasos, O.P., in which he once commented on my Facebook page; it is worth quoting here:

Filipino Catholics are among the most ardent devotees of the Christ Child. Historically, the Christianization of the Philippines started with the giving of the image of the Sto. Niño de Cebu to Reyna Juana by the Spanish Agustinian friars. Thus, the Sto. Niño has been the enduring symbol of our Catholicism in these Islands. Many places all over the country celebrate the feast of the Christ Child will unparalleled revelry. These festivities showcase Filipino culture – a masterful blend of indigenous and Hispanic culture. Always colorful, creative and yes, extravagant. 

I have often reflected on why Filipino Catholics are so attached to the Sto. Niño. I think our devotion reflects our natural affection for the child – makabata. Here we see that the RH Bill has no place in authentic Filipino culture, psyche and spirituality. We love children. 

Also, our devotion to the Sto. Niño shows our inner selves. If you want to peer deeper into the Filipino soul, you will always find a child. This childlikeness is truly the hallmark of the Filipino spirit. A child is one who is trusting – perhaps this explains our “bahala na” mentality. This trait is not fatalism, but a sense of childlike confidence to God our Father. “Bahala na” literally means “let God.” In the face of almost insuperable difficulties, we still have attitude to “offer it up” to God. 

A child is one who is contented with simple joys. Filipinos are among the happiest people. This is a paradox – for how can a suffering people manage to smile and to laugh. Only the child in us explains this. 

I used to find the various images of the Sto. Niño distasteful – Sto. Niñong Palaboy, Pulis, Basketbolista, Abogado, Magsasaka, Bumbero, name it! There are just so many depictions of the Infant Jesus. He is black as in Cebu, He is white as in Tondo. How can we make sense out this surfeit of Sto. Niños? 

Upon deeper reflection, I realize that our folk piety in naming the Sto. Niño different names and dressing Him up in multifarious costumes and attire reflect a profound yet very basic theology. The theology of the Incarnation. 

The depictions of the Sto. Niño is our way of expressing the Incarnation – that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn. 1:14). Our God is Emmanuel – God with us. If that is so, Jesus Christ belongs to every race. He is black, white, yellow, red and brown. Depicting Him with the same color of our skin is our way of claiming Him as our own. He is one of us. 

No culture, no race and no profession or vocation can exclusively appropriate Christ. That’s why we see the Sto. Niño as the Bumbero, Abogado, Pulis, Basketbolista – yes, even Palaboy. He belongs to us all – and we do have a claim on Him, on His love, on His attention, and most especially the salvation that He alone can give. The Sto. Niño shows the universality of our redemption. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28). We are all on the same level, all of us are saved in the same way – by the blood of Christ; and we all are entitled to the same privileges as sons and daughters of the Father. 

But of course the image, statue or icon of the Christ Child is there to help us raise our minds to higher realities. That the same Sto. Niño is also the Nazareno (Mt. 2:23), the Savior who suffered, died and was risen for us. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8). As we now contemplate the Christ Child, let us be like Him who “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Lk. 2:51).

Viva Pit Senor Sto. Nino! Viva! Viva! Viva Sto. Nino!

In omnibus amare et servire Domino!