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!

Finally, Rome Sweet Home!

I'm done reading ROME SWEET HOME: Our Journey to Catholicism by Dr. Scott and Kimberly Hahn. Finally I had that drive to read the book.

It was in high school way back 2002 when I was first introduced to Dr. Hahn's theological works. I was given a book entitled Hail, Holy Queen which was one of his best works on the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was left untouched on my desk for some years until I read it. I thought it was very good and since then got fond of reading more of his works. The last one I read was Consuming the Word in 2013, the 15th book authored by him which I have.

My godfather, together with many friends in the Catholic apologetics, recommended I read Rome Sweet Home. The only copy I found was a newsprint from a local bookstore. I was not enticed to read it. I scanned a few pages, took a glimpse at the pictures, then placed it back on shelf. I felt it was boring. After reading many of his works defending the Catholic teaching, it seemed that his conversion story were mere reiterations of the more detailed experiences Dr. Scott Hahn recounts on his other books.

Why just now? My grandmother gave me a copy as a New Year's present. Upon receiving it, I said to myself, "Wow, thanks but I have a copy already." But this one is a new print and it looks cool. I started reading it and in three days, voila! I'm done. Congratulations to me.

Well I hope I'm back to my regular reading habit of finishing at least a book a week. What struck me most in their conversion story is not the process but the realization that many Catholics take for granted the faith they have, the faith we have. How many of us Catholics really know the core of our beliefs? It is not only a matter of believing and dogmatizing the Church and God as if they are mere theological characters but real, real, existing beings that should be known by heart. It is not just knowing Jesus but really getting to His very person and encountering Him. It is not only lining for communion or receiving the sacraments as if ordinary rituals but seeing the meanings behind these symbols and acts of faith. Maybe that is my it is called, the "core", it is the heart (from the Latin cor).

Many of us know the bible, what it is, but not what it contains. We know the books of the bible but we do not know what they really want to tell us. We just often read them as a literary work or as an ordinary book of texts but not opening it in order to open our hearts and minds to a divine reality. Does it really need to be a foreigner to explain things to natives? This question struck me in the reading of their conversion story. Sometimes, if not too often, it needs someone from the outside to show us what our culture is (sociologically speaking). The Catholic faith is so rich in doctrine, in tradition, in scripture, in God's ways, but we do not usually see these because we've grown too lax or too comfortable with what we have. "Oh we're Catholic and we know that the Church holds the truth." but when faced with the question, "Then what truths does you Church teach?" We don't have an answer.

A good way to jumpstart the year 2014. Pope Francis calls for a Church that is active. The Year of Faith that challenged every Catholic to restudy and relearn the core of faith has been fruitful. Now the pontiff is challenging us to go further more, evangelize today. After this, next reading in line is his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium.

5 star for Dr. Scott and Kimberly Hahn's ROME SWEET HOME.

Year-End Review

2013 was one heck of a great year. It brought not only new beginnings and opportunities but a lot more room for personal growth and improvement. This year gave way to a more intensive and integral formation. When a friend of mine asked me one time, "How have you changed for the past year?" I answered this way:

"The formation year made me grow into a more sociable person, one with confidence and a heart for others. I was able to be more sensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others and taking into account their experiences not only mine."

The photo reminds me of the four pillars of seminary formation: Community (Upper right; with John Bartolome, Stevenson Labrague, and Niel Lopez), Academic (Upper left; an article I wrote before), Spiritual (Lower left; as the director for the seminary choir), and Apostolate (Lower right; with the Youth of ICP).

I thank the seminary for molding me according to its four pillars: Community, Academic, Spiritual, and Apostolate aspects. I've learned more to be with others, to bond in brotherhood, to live not in fear before superiors but rather in loving obedience and trust. In this community I learned how to share my resources and to make sacrifices for its betterment. It taught me how to level before others and to know where I position myself in different circumstances.

Academically, I believe I am not that intelligent. I know many things. I like being practical and to use my common sense. I believe there is always room for learning. Although I may say that I've lagged behind my usual reading habit, it is something to be recovered. Getting low grades are not a failure for me but a reminder for others that intelligence is not based on numerical grades but on how we are able to live it. Spiritually, 2013 has left a mark on my soul that demands for more time for serious prayer. There's more to form in terms of discipline and focus. Still, serving God is at the heart of my actions. Lastly, this year leaves a memory in me as I had my first apostolate in one of the small parishes in the diocese. Not only that, it was an experience that reminds me of the words of Pope Francis as he calls for a church that is active and ready to get dirty because of her missionary works.

From the Upper left with Azra Kabiri, a close friend now working at UPLB-IMSP; Upper right with my sibling Chin Pua who has finished his ChemEng course; Lower left with Litoy as we take on a KrispyKreme donut; and Lower right with Cayle who has finished his ElecEng, all from the same university.

2013 has been a good year for family bonding. My brothers were able to finish their college as the youngest of us still copes in his elementary schooling. Reminiscing the moments when I think why I am still studying when my brothers are graduating and planning for a job, my friends are getting married or are taking their MS's, others working and building a career, while I'm stuck in an old seminary building taking another bachelor's degree. It's unlikely for a UP graduate to take another bachelors degree. Yet all these sink in before the year telling that God has plans and we just go with the flow in the river of His grace.

There is always room for growth. Dreams are fulfilled when we take are steps in reaching the stars. The coming 2014 would surely be like the old passing years: full of surprises, opening new opportunities, meeting new friends, stronger bondings, new life directions, etc. We do not just leave behind the past year as if it is something to be forgotten. 2013 has taught me so much and all these are to be treasured. We look at the past with reflection, learning from its lessons and contemplating from its directions. We look at the past as a springboard towards a new and better tomorrow. 2014 enters and we make room for its blessings!

At the Laiya beach in Batangas; a photo with my parents in the Pakil church; with Niel Lopez during the closing celebration of the Year of Faith and a photo opp after a mass in STCJP with Eya Torres and Maja Espinas (old friends from charismatic youth group).

 2013 was a time for inner reflection. It was a journey of self-discovery and a renewed sense of dignity. It was a year of bonding with the family and new friends. Old friends come to meet you and it is refreshing to know that old bonds still exist amidst new people coming in our lives.

Meeting "The Abbot"

It is a rare opportunity that someone gets to meet one of the brilliant minds in the theological sphere of the contemporary period. On November 21, I was fortunate to have met the Rev. Dr. Heinrich Josef Maximilian Heim, O.Cist., Abbot of the Cistercian abbey in Germany. He came to the Philippines to celebrate his 25th sacerdotal anniversary with Rev. Fr. Gabriel Chumacera, O.Cist., who was once a seminary formator and a clergy from the Diocese of San Pablo. He also came to celebrate his thanksgiving as he had his final vows in the Cistercian community.

Fr. Maximilian Heim, O.Cist., was one of the first three recipients of the Ratzinger Prize in Theology.

As the director of the Schola Cantorum, I arranged to songs for his Mass. The abbot was grateful that he told me after the celebration, "Thank you! Wonderful that you used the de Angelis!" I knew that the abbot was not fluent in english so we sang Gregorian chant and some Italian and Spanish propers.

Members of the Schola Cantorum with the Abbot, Fr. Maximilian Heim, O.Cist. and Rev. Fr. Gabriel Chumacera, O.Cist. in the center. The photo was taken at the San Pablo Cathedral.

Greeting the Abbot after his Mass.

 Surprisingly on that very same day, a seminarian knocked on my dormitory room and as I opened it he told me that the rector asked me to assist in the Holy Hour as Fr. Maximilian presides. It is the first time that the abbot would expose the Blessed Sacrament in english and within it pray the Vespers. We prayed for the increase of Religious and Priestly Vocations during the hour of adoration followed by the office.

Fr. Maximilian Heim exposes the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel of the St. Peter's College Seminary.

After the evening hour of prayer, the community was fortunate to have a colloquium with our two Cistercian visitors. They related to us their lives in their religious community and also spiritual sharings. I asked the abbot at the end of the session, "What made you so interested with Pope Benedict XVI  that you were able to write such an extensive work?" With this he told us that the book was not really something he intended to be published. It was his doctoral thesis which the Ignatius Press kindly offered him to be translated in english and published.

The abbot with the philosophy seminarians of St. Peter's College Seminary after the colloquium.

The Rev. Abbot and I discussing about Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) as seminarians tried to have a photo taken with him.

I told the abbot that I am doing my thesis on the philosophy of Relativism wherein I take on John Paul II and Benedict XVI as key luminaries. He said he is interesting and gave me helpful insights.
I hope to meet him before he leaves for Germany and would ask him to autograph my copy of his work.