i wonder why
i came to Zamboanga city
to stumble on a Jesuit's vignette
not to Cebu, Davao or Dumaguete
i wonder why
i didn't stay long in Manila
to witness the sunset at the bay
or tell seminarians the life's story
i wonder why
medicine didn't ease my longing
nor accounting or engineering
but the wonders of letters,
the magic of syllables,
the majesty of words
and i still wonder
and i pause to ponder
to teach, to learn, or to gather
Friday, March 09, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
9AM 2/26/12 Sunday
Priest: Fr. Carlos
Lector: Greg
Your ways ,O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant.(Ps 25:4-5...
Officiating the mass at 9 AM was Fr. Carlos and I was the lector. And this Sunday, after the 11 AM mass, there was a birthday party lunch at the Church's basement for our pastor Fr. Peter Fernandez, tendered by the parishioners of St.Timothy parish.
Stewardship was manifested as parishioners flocked to the Church for prayer, for the celebration and for parish activity participation. Truly the parishioners' time, talent and treasure were displayed.
Priest: Fr. Carlos
Lector: Greg
Your ways ,O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant.(Ps 25:4-5...
Officiating the mass at 9 AM was Fr. Carlos and I was the lector. And this Sunday, after the 11 AM mass, there was a birthday party lunch at the Church's basement for our pastor Fr. Peter Fernandez, tendered by the parishioners of St.Timothy parish.
Stewardship was manifested as parishioners flocked to the Church for prayer, for the celebration and for parish activity participation. Truly the parishioners' time, talent and treasure were displayed.
2/25/12,Saturday(I attended this meeting with Sol Anderson of Transfiguration Church
Filipino Ministry: Parish Leaders Vicariate II & III Meeting /9:30AM -3PM
Archbishop Quigley Center, 835 N rush St. Chicago, IL 60611
AM
9:20 Coffee
9:30 Opening Prayer
AGENDA
9:40 WELCOME
Overview & purpose of consultation meeting: What we inten to accomplish.
Overview of process.(Process will be used in each vicariate consultation meeting.)
Driving forces leading toward need for consultation. Implications.
10:00 Feedback sources: Bishops,deans,pastors,agencies,parish leaders & community.
Critical needs:We will apply the process in our discussion of each item(30 min each)
1.Simbang Gabi concerns include parish-based and other sponsor groups:
.9-day schedule needed: novena schedule;fundraising:mass collections;mass stipends;liturgy formation;choirs and music liturgy;planning;cardinal's mass on Dec 23
Filipino Ministry: Parish Leaders Vicariate II & III Meeting /9:30AM -3PM
Archbishop Quigley Center, 835 N rush St. Chicago, IL 60611
AM
9:20 Coffee
9:30 Opening Prayer
AGENDA
9:40 WELCOME
Overview & purpose of consultation meeting: What we inten to accomplish.
Overview of process.(Process will be used in each vicariate consultation meeting.)
Driving forces leading toward need for consultation. Implications.
10:00 Feedback sources: Bishops,deans,pastors,agencies,parish leaders & community.
Critical needs:We will apply the process in our discussion of each item(30 min each)
1.Simbang Gabi concerns include parish-based and other sponsor groups:
.9-day schedule needed: novena schedule;fundraising:mass collections;mass stipends;liturgy formation;choirs and music liturgy;planning;cardinal's mass on Dec 23
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Monday, February 06, 2012
At St. Jude's Chapel
He is imprisoned in the tabernacle
for our salvation.
Silence. Meditate. Listen.
He is there in the tabernacle
watching and listening to us -
in the silence of our heart
in the abundance of our thoughts.
He is there!
Speak to Him in the sanctum of your silence;
Whisper to Him and listen to the echo of your desires.
He is there: ready to lift you,
to carry you, to meet your needs.
Make Him a part of you, a part of us.
He is imprisoned in the tabernacle
for our salvation.
Silence. Meditate. Listen.
He is there in the tabernacle
watching and listening to us -
in the silence of our heart
in the abundance of our thoughts.
He is there!
Speak to Him in the sanctum of your silence;
Whisper to Him and listen to the echo of your desires.
He is there: ready to lift you,
to carry you, to meet your needs.
Make Him a part of you, a part of us.
Waterfall on the Wall
Water, air, light -
the essentials of life.
In an outpatient hospital lobby, I walk tall.
I witness a therapeutic experience
as I gaze at the waterfall on the wall
cascading to the flower garden
of white blooming orchids,
on the new found Eden.
The illuminating electric bulbs appealed;
the writing on the wall that read
"Only say the Word and I shall be healed."
Water of damnation or salvation,
air for existence or suffocation;
light for power or for extinction?
Water, air, light -
the essentials of life.
In an outpatient hospital lobby, I walk tall.
I witness a therapeutic experience
as I gaze at the waterfall on the wall
cascading to the flower garden
of white blooming orchids,
on the new found Eden.
The illuminating electric bulbs appealed;
the writing on the wall that read
"Only say the Word and I shall be healed."
Water of damnation or salvation,
air for existence or suffocation;
light for power or for extinction?
Monday, January 02, 2012
Friday, October 21, 2011
Oct 12, 2011
The Visit
October morn dawns a saga
of relatives from Canada.
From far away they came.
Do you recall when you mention
that you were looking for us;
that you have no information
but finally you found us.
And you came with your smile
sweet as young coconut's water;
your laughter could be heard a mile
to comfort a soul that suffer.
Pictures stream down memory lanes.
Zamboanga,Cebu,Manila,airplanes.
The tears, the laughter,
the song of the birds,
the rain, the thunder.
You saw us in our visit
and your yearning keeps
burning on the undying ember.
Your persistence carried you
through uncharted terrain
of Germany, the Middle East, to London,
to Canada,to America.
Thus was your precious presence,
more precious than gold,
and valuable as life itself.
You came with your sister's family
and you occupied the house that
wholeheartedly awaited you
as our home welcomes everybody.
Do you remember, dear relatives,
our first meeting in the town.
The soil knew our feet so active;
the summer of smiles not frown
welcomes our laughter, and we live
to love all that were around.
And you came with all your heart,
with all your hugs,
with all your dreams,
with all your hopes,
with all your pains.
Winter, spring, summer,fall.
The leaves fell. And as they dropped
to the ground our names were written on them
because we like the trees,
we love mother nature's garden
whose flowers filled our lives
with their beauty and fragrance.
Yes, dear relatives you are roses,
giving our lives with joy and kisses.
(Dedicated to: Babylane Rueles & Son, her sister Rosseni & husband Dan Tiongson and her daughter, Monica & husband Percy Madella with son Dj & daughter on their unexpected visit to the Windy city)
The Visit
October morn dawns a saga
of relatives from Canada.
From far away they came.
Do you recall when you mention
that you were looking for us;
that you have no information
but finally you found us.
And you came with your smile
sweet as young coconut's water;
your laughter could be heard a mile
to comfort a soul that suffer.
Pictures stream down memory lanes.
Zamboanga,Cebu,Manila,airplanes.
The tears, the laughter,
the song of the birds,
the rain, the thunder.
You saw us in our visit
and your yearning keeps
burning on the undying ember.
Your persistence carried you
through uncharted terrain
of Germany, the Middle East, to London,
to Canada,to America.
Thus was your precious presence,
more precious than gold,
and valuable as life itself.
You came with your sister's family
and you occupied the house that
wholeheartedly awaited you
as our home welcomes everybody.
Do you remember, dear relatives,
our first meeting in the town.
The soil knew our feet so active;
the summer of smiles not frown
welcomes our laughter, and we live
to love all that were around.
And you came with all your heart,
with all your hugs,
with all your dreams,
with all your hopes,
with all your pains.
Winter, spring, summer,fall.
The leaves fell. And as they dropped
to the ground our names were written on them
because we like the trees,
we love mother nature's garden
whose flowers filled our lives
with their beauty and fragrance.
Yes, dear relatives you are roses,
giving our lives with joy and kisses.
(Dedicated to: Babylane Rueles & Son, her sister Rosseni & husband Dan Tiongson and her daughter, Monica & husband Percy Madella with son Dj & daughter on their unexpected visit to the Windy city)
Sunday, October 09, 2011
Sunday, Oct 9, 2011
1st Reading: Is 25:6-10a, @nd Reading: Phil 4:12-14, 19-20
Gospel: Mt 22:1-14 (or Mt 22:1-10)
All are invited ...
The everlasting love of God is a delight for the soul that abides in His presence. Indeed, all are invited to live and partake of His endless bounty to cherish eternal peace that flows from the Almighty. Although, the invitation is open for all, a free response is paramount to enter God's Kingdom. Therefore, a joyful soul sings aloud, "It is better for me to be in the Lord's Court for one day, than to live a thousand years elsewhere." Are you ready to respond to the call of God?
The empirical experience tells us that because of our ego and pride, not many desire to live in the Court of the Lord. During the time of the prophet Isaiah, people had abandoned the invitation of the Lord, and chose to dwell elsewhere. Subsequently, their lives turned pathetic and wretched, hope dwindled, and sorrow engulfed them. At such a juncture, prophet Isaiah reminds them of the invitation of the Lord for a sumptuous banquet on the mountain of the Lord.
Leaving God out of the public life has crumbled our institutions. Such stance, in time has vitiated the atmosphere to affecting the private lives of the individuals to live in godliness. More and more people choose to dwell elsewhere than to live in the Court of the Lord. It is a tragedy, and a poison for our soul. Presently the society is reaping the fruits of alienation, segregation, depression, abortion, violence, hunger, mistrust, hopelessness and all the evils that have infected our lives.
The celebration of the Eucharist is the remedy for our soul. God became food to satisfy our hunger and thirst. Therefore, there is no other source better than the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ - the celebration of the Eucharist with the faith community, to fill our lives with love, peace and eternal healing from from our Creator. It is imperative for the disciples of Jesus to pay heed to the invitation of the Lord. We have to come before the banquet table of the Lord with thanksgiving and faith as one of Christ.There is no substitute for the celebration.
All are invited... but only few have responded. What can I do to invite my family, friends and neighbors? God wants us to be His voice, as prophet Isaiah became His voice to the people of Israel.Let us dress well for the celebration, to enter into the halls of God's Kingdom with mercy and forgiveness, love, faith and hope.
(by:Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx )
1st Reading: Is 25:6-10a, @nd Reading: Phil 4:12-14, 19-20
Gospel: Mt 22:1-14 (or Mt 22:1-10)
All are invited ...
The everlasting love of God is a delight for the soul that abides in His presence. Indeed, all are invited to live and partake of His endless bounty to cherish eternal peace that flows from the Almighty. Although, the invitation is open for all, a free response is paramount to enter God's Kingdom. Therefore, a joyful soul sings aloud, "It is better for me to be in the Lord's Court for one day, than to live a thousand years elsewhere." Are you ready to respond to the call of God?
The empirical experience tells us that because of our ego and pride, not many desire to live in the Court of the Lord. During the time of the prophet Isaiah, people had abandoned the invitation of the Lord, and chose to dwell elsewhere. Subsequently, their lives turned pathetic and wretched, hope dwindled, and sorrow engulfed them. At such a juncture, prophet Isaiah reminds them of the invitation of the Lord for a sumptuous banquet on the mountain of the Lord.
Leaving God out of the public life has crumbled our institutions. Such stance, in time has vitiated the atmosphere to affecting the private lives of the individuals to live in godliness. More and more people choose to dwell elsewhere than to live in the Court of the Lord. It is a tragedy, and a poison for our soul. Presently the society is reaping the fruits of alienation, segregation, depression, abortion, violence, hunger, mistrust, hopelessness and all the evils that have infected our lives.
The celebration of the Eucharist is the remedy for our soul. God became food to satisfy our hunger and thirst. Therefore, there is no other source better than the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ - the celebration of the Eucharist with the faith community, to fill our lives with love, peace and eternal healing from from our Creator. It is imperative for the disciples of Jesus to pay heed to the invitation of the Lord. We have to come before the banquet table of the Lord with thanksgiving and faith as one of Christ.There is no substitute for the celebration.
All are invited... but only few have responded. What can I do to invite my family, friends and neighbors? God wants us to be His voice, as prophet Isaiah became His voice to the people of Israel.Let us dress well for the celebration, to enter into the halls of God's Kingdom with mercy and forgiveness, love, faith and hope.
(by:Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx )
Beloved
If you part from me my sweet love
and you'll travel another path
I'll be but a misguided dove;
you'll be eating the grapes of wrath.
If you will run away from me
like a rose you'll wither and die;
stay with me to whatever be,
and you'll have no reason to cry.
The minutes and the hours are sweet;
the moon and the stars above are lit;
our sorrows are our joy to greet
the beauty of our blessed life
that lead to the river of grit
in this our world without the strife.
(Greg In. Trabanca)
If you part from me my sweet love
and you'll travel another path
I'll be but a misguided dove;
you'll be eating the grapes of wrath.
If you will run away from me
like a rose you'll wither and die;
stay with me to whatever be,
and you'll have no reason to cry.
The minutes and the hours are sweet;
the moon and the stars above are lit;
our sorrows are our joy to greet
the beauty of our blessed life
that lead to the river of grit
in this our world without the strife.
(Greg In. Trabanca)
You
With you
I am
alive.
Come with knives of hatred
Come with your nagging in tow
Come with complaints between your forehead
and your toe
Come like a summer dawn
to greet the day to sing
the hopes that tomorrow may bring.
Bring them all:
your concerns, your regrets, your sorrow
I'll be there for you.
We are committed on a journey of life;
we are always one
I, the link, you, the missing link.
We shall always be: you and I
on this planet where we live and die.
Life is a bitter melon
and a sweet onion
It is sunshine and rain
It is laughter and pain.
-Greg In. Trabanca
With you
I am
alive.
Come with knives of hatred
Come with your nagging in tow
Come with complaints between your forehead
and your toe
Come like a summer dawn
to greet the day to sing
the hopes that tomorrow may bring.
Bring them all:
your concerns, your regrets, your sorrow
I'll be there for you.
We are committed on a journey of life;
we are always one
I, the link, you, the missing link.
We shall always be: you and I
on this planet where we live and die.
Life is a bitter melon
and a sweet onion
It is sunshine and rain
It is laughter and pain.
-Greg In. Trabanca
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