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.