“The Day has come.”…………… Today marks the very first day of the
4-day visit of Pope Francis here in the Philippines. Around 5:45 this
afternoon, the Supreme Pontiff would make his first step in the Philippines. With
the theme, “Mercy and Compassion”, Pope Francis would bring the mercy and
compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ in the lives of every Filipino. “Do not
focus on me, rather focus on Jesus” said the Supreme Pontiff. These words imply nothing but
Jesus. Jesus, as the source of mercy and compassion, truly emanates in each one
of us. This emanation is perfected in today’s visit of the Supreme Pontiff. All
of us are happy indeed on this big event in the history of our Church and of the Philippines. We are all excited and no one can deny it.
Calling to mind on what happened
in Matthew 9:36 when Jesus after, “seeing the people, felt compassion for them,
because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.”
This visit of Pope Francis would answer the longing of each one of us, asking
Jesus’ mercy and compassion for the shortcomings we have committed. Yes,
constant struggles toward sin can become and epitome in striving our best to
make a difference in the eyes of God; being able to show mercy and compassion to
the least of our brothers and sisters in the society.
In his Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis
proclaims that “the Church must be a place of mercy freely given, where
everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good
life of the Gospel” (Evangelii Gaudium, 114). His visit in the Philippines
starting today until January 19, 2015, brings him the challenges to become like
Christ, imitate on His virtues; mercy and compassion. The Filipino people are
now very ready to welcome the Pope that even pagans want to meet and hear words
from the Supreme Pontiff as it was reported yesterday in CBCPnews.ph.
Fr. Andy Sainyakit, a diocesan
priest from the Diocese of Amboina in Makassar, Indonesia and currently living
in the Philippines said in an interview, “The coming of papal visit is the
biggest grace for the Philippines not because of the presence of the pope but
because actually Christ is now visiting us through Him. It is Jesus we meet who
gives us joy and hope, especially to the downtrodden.”
For 4 days, we will be covering
live the activities of the Visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines. I hope the
visit of Pope Francis will become a success. Let us all welcome the “The
People’s Pope”.
VIVA EL PAPA!!! Here is a video clip; an interview with a Seminarian about his thoughts or insights, and feelings about the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis............
The two Popes I knew then who
visited Philippines were Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II, now St.
John Pall II had his visit twice. I just forgot the exact date. Never did I
have the chance to meet him in person, why? Fate did not favour me. The first
time he visited the Philippines was in 1981 and then followed his second visit
in 1995 for the World Youth Day held in Manila, Philippines. It was very
historical then. But, nothing was historical if I met the Pope in person. They
said, “LIBRE ANG MANGARAP”.
When the present Supreme Pontiff
of the Catholic Church announced last November, 2014 his visit in the
Philippines this January 15-19, 2015, I felt like I was again hitting my
forehead with a slingshot. It’s like, OMG..hahha.. I could not make it again
for the third time. Reasons? So many to mention. I believe not this time would
I meet the Pope. Maybe someday, I would still have a chance to meet him. Every
Filipino now is very excited I believe and so do I, even if I am hopeless to
see and talk to him personally. My prayers and hopes for the success of the
visit of Pope Francis in the only Christian country in the Southeast, the
Philippines.
Prior to this said event, the
Philippines has been devastated by the typhoon “Yolanda” which caused many
casualties especially in Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines. The casualties were huge in Bohol province due 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Filipinos were in dire need of our assistance,
medication, food, and shelter. Thanks be to God, many people extended their
arms to help the victims of the said typhoon. The aftermath was enormous. Many
lives were wasted. Many sources of living were sacrificed. Perhaps we Filipinos
have already surrendered in this battle called Life if we do not engaged
ourselves to prayer and trust in the Lord. For some, they become hopeless. But
I believe then, most of them are still hopeful for the power of the Lord to
liberate them from this calamity has become very evident to their own lives. A question is raised by a certain
fellow; do we have to suffer first for the Pope to remember us, Filipinos?
“Mercy and Compassion” is the theme of this year’s Papal Visit. Pope Francis’
awareness of the tragic experience of the Filipinos in Tacloban, Leyte and
Bohol province somehow brings into a realization that “Mercy and Compassion” of
the Lord adheres in the heart of the Filipinos. It resides in the faith of each
Filipino.
It is proven already that Filipinos are always hopeful even if
calamities would come along our journeys. The visit of Pope Francis is a living
testimony that we, amidst difficulties and trials, are able to stand up and
walk for faith; for the service of our brothers and sisters in the community.
As it is declared by the Church that this year is the “Year of the Poor”, we
are again reminded of our duties and responsibilities for others. When Jesus
said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for there is the Kingdom of God”,
reflects that each one of us is poor and our being poor brings hope for the
Kingdom of God.
Pope Francis, as we have heard
and read from different sources, shows the example of being “poor”. He really
wants to bring people to Jesus by simply being poor. Being the Cardinal then of
Buenos Aires in Argentina, he preferred to live in a simple apartment nothing
else but living a simple lifestyle, i.e. cooking food for himself, washing
dishes, washing his own clothes, and the like. It is also reported that instead
of taking luxurious cars in going to a meeting or to places of appointments, he
preferred to take trains or buses as the case maybe. The Supreme Pontiff
already showed to us that he is absolutely “poor”. He is always in the service
of the poor.
Finally, this visit of the Supreme
Pontiff would bring nothing to Filipinos but joy; a joy filled with love and
hope, a joy that is down-to-earth, and a joy that is Christ-like. I may
personally have no chance of meeting the Pope but I am with the Filipinos in
expressing my warmest and sincerest thanks to Pope Francis for making our faith
alive again. Part of the schedule of the Pope is his visit to the Pontifical University of Sto. Tomas wherein he will meet the religious leaders and the youth. The youth plays a very important role in the Church; her ministry and evangelization. This visit becomes part of the ‘history’ and it remains in the hearts and lives of every Filipino.
“….All the delegates have
agreed that we wanted this trip to be more than just a tour, but a pilgrimage,
a spiritually enriching activity that will lead us closer to Christ in union
with the Holy Father, “ said Jeremiah Vardeleon, USA Student Council president.
And then many instances I
took place to see a kid taking his mother to buy for him a “tablet”, that is, a
mobile computer with touch screen display, circuitry, and battery in a single
unit. So many instances I witness a student in high school or college using
their cellular phones not in the proper place and time. While teachers are seriously discussing,
students at the back doing “selfies” which are utterly irrelevant to the
discourses. With due respect to the
companies, cellular phones and tablets must be applied with great
responsibility and concern.
Social media by its intent
and use, have nothing but convenience. Not to the extent of abusing its use,
but with responsibility and proper instruction to the many. For some, the
virtual world is not of great importance. People with practical concerns take
this not seriously unless they deliver business transactions. The bottom line
here is that people nowadays are living in a virtual world that even the least
in the society are aware and familiar with the “techy” thing or gadgets like i.e.
cellular phones or tablets or computers.
Virtual communication is
maybe the yearning of every soul in today’s universe. For drawing the best out
of it is the product of everyday inventions and innovations done worldwide.
Throughout the years, the said virtual communication made communication
possible. Its implications for people are tantamount to a milestones of
information and ideas relevant to one’s living. Time and energy may spend, but
the process of communicating is worthwhile for the majority. Yes, it is
time-consuming to those single-handedly experiencing the network page or the
internet world. Merely, for those who are good with this technology are
relaying the message with ease and assurance.
In this virtual world, we
must not forget that it has its own values and purpose. Abuse must be the sole
enemy of a virtual world or communication. People put up easily do
uncharacteristic behavior on the internet. We must avoid and aware of this
pressing issue otherwise we will become a dupe of some kind. In some schools,
particularly in Cebu, there are students who failed to graduate from high
school or in college because of the discovered uncharacteristic behavior in the
net i.e. social networking site. Youth or students of today are the number one
victim of this. Yes, they are very adept in this virtual world and most of the
times they are betrayed by it. Some instances propose that there are also
abuses done by someone in the virtual world by simply posting offended words to
others or cyber bullying as they named it. This is also rampant and need to
reflect upon by us who are also followers of this virtual world or
communication.
Does the main goal of
virtual communication defeat its purpose because of this abusive acts of
individuals?
This question perhaps we ask
because of the fact that we have experienced in today’s world. But the issue
can be solved if proper education is observed and taught by those who are
responsible in the virtual world. The Church is inviting lay faithful and
ordained ministers to make use of the virtual communication with great
responsibility and education. It is very proper not to make its abuses
otherwise the purpose of virtual world will be forfeited or defeated. Experts
have good vision and mission why they created virtual communication. The
problem lies on how people use or develop such avenue of communication. The
Church sees that virtual community can also be a real community given the fact
that the preachers can evangelize others through the use of internet or social
networking sites. It is easy for them to write or post their reflection in the
net so that others could see and read what they want to preach in the virtual
world. In this regard, many people have responded to do such thing to others
and even to the least brothers and sisters in the society. But, then again,
proper education and with sense of responsibility are to be taught by
responsible individuals.
The theme of this blog is
“youth evangelizaton”. As future minister of God, it is a challenge for me to
evangelize the youth of today bringing along the advantage of the virtual
communication into their lives as well as the disadvantage. It’s again a matter
of educating them. Youth have become the epitome of an ideal society. But this
society must be founded with good values. All of us are aware that virtual
communication is very relevant sometimes in this radical society. The world
today needs evangelization. Youth have a very important role in virtual
communication where its purpose is always for the betterment of the many. Above all, the role of parents in this trending digital communication is very huge. Dialogue with children is very urgent. In the family, parents must know their roles. In this virtual communication, dialogue with them is very important. It is then that they can inculcate values to them. Hence, real community exists due to constant dialogue with youth, with children, and with people in this trending digital world.
Here is a video clip about "virtual communication" and its usefulness in the virtual communities....
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
CONSTANT FLUX
Dear Baby Jesus,
I
wish this Christmas that Mama would give me a “tab or a cellular phone”.Thank
you baby Jesus.
Love, Dale
A very simple wish for my 5 year-old cousin reflects me
of so many things that I myself am guilty of it sometimes. Suppose a 5 year-old
kid wishing to cause a tab or cellular phone for the intention of making
himself attuned in the “techy-world” is something thought provoking. Why is
that so? I could even think back during my childhood years when I asked about
something, my mother could not afford to buy, she eventually got mad and said,
“AYAW IN TAWON UG PAHALA DIHA KAY POBRE RA TA”. With the rise of technology, new-age
generation of teenagers has also evolved into a world dependent on gadgets,
tablets, cellular telephones, or even taking on computer games and the like. Making
ourselves aware of this globalization makes us also participate in a very
confident fashion or in a very negative approach depending on which we choose
to show ourselves. The really important thing is that we are totally aware of
this style today.
One Sunday afternoon, when I went to Colon Street, Cebu
City and purchased something for myself, I happened to pass by and had my
snacks at Jollibee besides Metro Gaisano. Upon going into the fast food eating
place, four young boys approached me and asked me for a money to buy food. I
hesitated to give money because I doubted if they would buy food to feed
themselves. Instead, I, myself, bought food for them to make certain they would
feed their hungry selves.
Perhaps, we can ask this
question: Who is/are of great importance in this world?
Our duty towards neighbors
must be stressed in this ephemeral world. Recognizing their existence is a
valuable thing to manage. Taking in a purpose summarizes after all their
existence. Truly, it’s a God’s grace. In this present cosmos, we are really
fussy with our priorities. These priorities enable us to forget the “other”
beings of our being. Selfishness and self-interest become facets of the ego.
The duty cannot function because of these. This is very crucial especially in a
society in which the marginalized have become voiceless then. Others would ask,
does God punish them because they have become irresponsible to the resources
God have given them? Yes, we cannot question God, only we can nonetheless
suppose that even in worst case scenarios of people, God is always with us. At
times when we feel hopeless, God makes Himself available for us. All we require
is to approach His Divine will and providence.
Constant flux as it is named. Changes have become
inevitable these days. But, I hope these changes of lifestyle, changes of
interest, and the like would somehow bring in something which is good. That it
also benefits the least or the marginalized in the society. For example, a rich kid would always live in
a very commodious and prosperous life. While the hapless one, experiences,
struggles and problems upon living in this ephemeral world. Why is that so? This
would get us into the “Nativity” scene of our Lord Jesus Christ. He, being the
Son of God, opted to be born poor. He preferred to hold out as a poor person
acquiring the virtues of heaven. The distinguishing factor does not rely on the
status of one individual but his/her strong belief that Jesus was delivered for
the sake of him/her.
The image of baby Jesus in the manger would summarize our thoughts that God so much loved us because He let His son experience human conditions like us except sin. Whatever our status in life, whether rich or poor, able or disable, young or old, skillful or unskillful, and the like, are nothing before Jesus. What matters most is our relationship with Him. What matters most is how we also love our brothers and sisters in the society . How we show mercy and compassion to our least brothers and sisters. They too must be given utmost care and protection. Who is of great importance in this world? The answer is WE..... We are all important in this world. God is so generous to us. We must give what is due to Him. Our good deeds toward our brothers and sisters can be very significant.
Changes in the society have become rampant. I hope that we can still remember these children everyday and this Christmas season.
It is always good to GIVE LOVE ON CHRISTMAS DAY then .....
Monday, November 24, 2014
Christus Magister Noster
“You are a very good pupil.”
These are the words I often picked up from my teacher in Grade 1 then whenever
I answered correctly every activity that we delivered in class. But, those were the times that I could not
acknowledge what was the actual significance of the adjective “good”. Days and
years had passed, I graduated in elementary and in high school, and I got
familiarized with the adjective “good”. I studied philosophy for four years but
then I still wondering why most of the priests were very good formators then. Mind
you, my parents never addressed me as a “good” son probably because both of
them were not habituated to hear praises from their parents during their
childhood years. Though they are teachers and I believe they are good teachers
because their students have a high regard with them. It was passed down to my
generation with the same blueprint of not praising everyone and anyone in the
household. I can show only that they praise their students simply not their
sons and daughter. Hahahaha… Kidding, I have become but this is genuine.
What is really the
meaning of “good”?
I
took a regency program after I finished philosophy in the seminary. When I
engaged in the teaching profession, I found myself capable of turning “good”.
It was because my relationship with the students deepened my faith so much in
the Lord. I took good care of His youth; His students. He entrusted to me His
students to become good and to set a good example to other young people in
today’s world. By all means, what I did was truly evangelization and a mission.
To be with young people with diverse attitudes and family background is always
a challenge and at the same time a spirit-filled experience. Acknowledging
their limitations and accepting their own battles and problems made me a better
person as well. It simply defined my reason and purpose why I was sent to them
as a teacher.
Looking
myself amidst the threat of the modern world brings me to a realization that
life is always a purpose. I may for a time not ready because I am weak when it
comes to qualifications. There are instances in life that you cannot take away
with the notion of low self-esteem. Surroundings that never support a plan make
me weak and lack in comprehension in judgment or appraisal. Why is this
happening to a man who strives hard for others? I make a judgement that God
wants to make us strong in every struggle we have encountered. He wants us to
face them and learn from them so that we will become strong all throughout the
days of our life.
Studying theology completes my quest about saying “good” to
me and to the people around me. My experience with the “good” helps me to
understand better the plan of God for me. I had a good experience in teaching
the youth. I had encountered good people when I was outside the portals of the
seminary. I had good teachers and advisers who really helped me discern my
vocation. Everything in this world is good I believe. But, everything comes
from the ultimate good, Jesus Christ himself. He is the reason why I pursue
theology. He is not just a good teacher but the best teacher who knocks at my
heart and says; PLEASE TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY STUDENTS.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Everyone dreams to become HOLY!
The first
two web logs that I created were products of my own vision and creative
abilities..hahaha... This is my first time to introduce into a BLOGGER's world.
hhahah.. It is an enjoyable activity; creating a blog, publish it so that
friends can know, observe, and comment as well. In this third situation
of mine, though nonetheless a product of my imagination, hahahha.. I somehow
focus on one of the YOUTH ACTIVITIES in the Archdiocese, that is;
VOCATION JAMBOREE...hahahahahahaha..
The Call to HOLINESS is
everybody's BUSINESS. Though not a fitting translation,
but that's it..hhahahhhaha...
Listening to mentors or to elders is an important aspect in life. As the saying goes, "Mother knows best." We must listen to our mothers..hahahha.... or else we get lost.. Young people were listening to the instructions of the speaker about what to do and how the program proceeded.
Reminiscing our youthful days adds ingredients to our spirit.....
Being a friend to everyoneis always an asset of a young man...hahahha
The dream youth buddies....hhahahahahh
Yes, I
was there present in a single-day event
last November 15, 2014. It was held in USJR-Balamban Campus, of the Archdiocese
of Cebu, Philippines. A successful event, though, the mini-Vocation
Jamboree was truly an activity that the Youth loved so much. I became an
eyewitness of some sort and it was an amazing experience because young adults
were very interested in the so-called VOCATION. Though in mind they have
already a hint on what to follow, but a living example is what they are looking
for. They spoke to different members of different Congregations and asked
questions about "vocation". Indeed, they were contented with what
they were experiencing.
Evangelizing
the youth of today is always a heavy challenge for us future priests. As
custodians of God's flock, we must constantly remind ourselves that the future
of the church is in the hands of the Youth. Holding up their activities makes
them recognize that the Church is always their ally. Young adults of today are
truly the prototype of the future Catholic Church.
The Mini-Vocation Jamboree ended with the Eucharistic Celebration
presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu, His Excellency Emilio
"Boy" Bataclan, D.D..
In answering God's call, we respond: HERE, I AM LORD
