On Music...

"Musical training is a more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inner places of the soul." Plato.

We met this lovable person called Frank Chiswell ,(a senior citizen and sax player), who in our first meeting threw us a question on who wrote the Star Spangled Banner. Little did we know that he is a musician. He is a saxophone player. He said , "take away music and I am dead. " And little did he know that music, I mean really music not noise is a part of my life.

When I was new to this world, I learned to love music through Mother Nature - the melody from the bamboos, love notes of the mayas (rice birds), refrains of the brook, nocturnal scintillating tunes of the crickets, the songs of the wind. I hear music when I throw peebles in the river of my childhood that draws circles of ripples. There are notes etch in the sky as the clouds move rhythmically and finally comforts the thirsty earth.

Music is everywhere. You've got to listen to it. In this world of diverse music from different culture, you just have to change the way you listen to them. What is noise to others, make that music to your ears. And when we sing, the angels listen...

On Values...

The greatest handicap - fear.
Most disagreeable person - the complainer
The best day - today.
Worst bankruptcy-loss of enthusiasm
The easiest thing to do - find fault
Best teacher - one who makes you want to learn
Most useless asset - pride
Greatest need - common sense
The greatest mistake - giving up
Meanest feeling - regret at another's success
The greatest stumbling block -egotism
Best gift - forgiveness
The greatest comfort - work well done
Greatest knowledge - God
Greatest thing in the world - love

From Jim Pierce's "Big Golden Trumpet" published by Charles Hansen Music...
(Courtesy of Frank Chiswell, the sax player patient of my wife, Eve and a friend)

On Stewardship....
By Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx

It is vital to have good stewards for the well-being of the household and the community at large. They execute an important responsibility for the smooth running of society or a firm. If they fail to carry out their duty in a worthy manner, the ripple effects are seen everywhere. This is ordinary knowledge, which we experience day in and day out.

When God created the world, He made men the stewards of his creation. How have we executed this role throughout history? Times past and present speak volumes of our success and failure. There are several edifying figures in our history, who worked tirelessly for the wellbeing of the society and to enhance nature. Today, there are many people who follow in the footsteps of those noble souls to be good stewards.

Our greatest tragedy is the failure of the majority of the people to implement responsibly the task of being the good stewards. The disparity between the rich and the poor is glaring; the same with the nations. No one should go hungry, yet millions die of starvation every year, because we failed in out duty to share the resources equally.

Global warming is being triggered by human greed and selfishness, which threatens our very existence. God trusted the humans, and made us the stewards of His creation. Now, how should we present the accounts of our actions? Should we place before Him all our nuclear weapons, saying: "This is our gift to you!" We produced this masterpiece by letting millions go hungry. These weapons could be used to clear the rest without mercy. What a tragedy!

Should God continue to trust humankind, and entrust His creation in our defiled hands? Jesus came into the world to set men right once again with God, our Creator. He spoke of love of God and love of neighbor, with all our strength, heart, mind and soul. Instead of listening to God's beloved Son and amending our ways, we crucified Him. Could we say that we are good stewards?

Let us repent with sincere sorrow, and take the responsibility seriously to enhance the creation of God as good stewards, and share the resources with the whole of humanity.

On Humility...
(By: Rev. Peter Fernandes, sfx)

Today, the virtue of humility is seen as weakness and failure, especially in our affluent society. A person is humble not because he is truly humble, but because he is unable to compete with the rest of humanity. This is how the modern society looks upon humility.We stand on the opposite side of God, with pride and arrogance.

The race to reach the top is so fierce, that it drains every ounce of our energy, and there is no peace and tranquility. Suicide is a growing phenomenon, especially among the younger generation.We can be on top, and yet, be humble, knowing that everything comes from God. The moment we focus on ourselves rather than God, we loss grip, and the downfall is inevitable.

The author of the book of Ecclessiasties tries to impart wisdom to his people. Do not follow the wind of vanity of vanities. Be gentle in carrying out your business and you will be better loved than a lavish giver. The greater you are, the more you should behave humbly, and then you will find favor with the Lord. For, great though the power of the Lord is, He accepts the homage of the humble.

Jesus is surrounded by prideful people; they love places of honor. There is no cure for the proud man's malady, since an evil growth has taken root in him. Jesus, through the parable brings home a powerful message to those who were filled with pride and self-importance. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.

Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx ( From the Pastor's Desk, St. Timothy Church's Sunday Bulletin)

Miracle Prayer

Lord Jesus, I come before you just as I am. I am sorry for my sins. I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In your Name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce satan, the evil spirits and all their works. I give you my entire self, Lord Jesus, now and forever. I invite you into my life, Jesus. I accept you as my Lord, God and Savior. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul and spirit.

Come Lord Jesus, cover me with your precious blood, and fill me with your Holy spirit. I love You Lord Jesus. I praise Jesus, I thank you Jesus, I shall follow you all the days of my life. Amen Mary my Mother ,Queen of Peace, all Angels and Saints, please help me. Amen

On Reading, Cracking the Millionaire Code by Mark Victor Hansen & Robert G. Allen

A beggar had been sitting by the side of the road for over 30 years. One day a stranger walked by, "Spare some change?" mumbled the beggar, mechanically holding out his old baseball cap. "I have nothing to give you," said the stranger. Then he asked:"What's that you are sitting on?" "Nothing," replied the beggar. "Just an old box. I have been sitting on it for as long as I can remember." "Ever looked inside?" asked the stranger."No," said the beggar. "What's the point? There's nothing in there." "Have a look inside," insisted the stranger. The beggar managed to pry open the lid. With astonishment, disbelief, and elation, he saw that the box was filled with gold. - Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now.

There is that " box of gold" in all of us. We are "sitting on" it. But we have to stand up, use our hands to "pry open the lid." Is it not that faith without work is dead. We have to look for that gold of opportunity unceasingly even if it takes a lifetime.

How? By applying Life Management. According to Nido Qubein (visionay leader & great philanthropist, benefactor and humanitarian) Life management focuses on the activities that you are passionate about. We have time for whatever we are passionate about. I have a 'to-do'
list, but more importantly, I have a 'to-stop'list. I don't read newspaper in the morning; I read self-help, inspirational, and spiritual literature that uplifts me. I take vacations as an investment in memories with my children."

what it takes...

"it takes a minute to find special persons, an hour to appreciate special persons, a day to love them, an entire life to forget them."

"... life is too short my friend; look for that special someone and you'll find that person."

Days sans Jesus are:
Mourndays
Tearsdays
Wastedays
Thirstdays
Fightdays
Shatterdays
Sindays

• It pays to go out to breathe some fresh air. Last Saturday we attended the Santo Nino de Agosto Fiesta. Twenty- one (21) Santo Nino Groups from all over Illinois including one from Wisconsin attended. The celebration with the procession around the block from St. Genevieve Church proved that there is that elusive beauty of unity in a world of diversity. It also showcased the vestige of Spanish religious influence in the Philippines. This is now manifested in the Santo Nino image found in almost every Filipino domiciles all over the world. And even on their vehicles.
• Sunday at Lone Tree Banquet Hall, we found ourselves submerged in the fun and frolics of the young, the music in the christening celebration. I met somebody that brought back wonderful memories of my schooldays.
• It really is healthy to be out of your shell regularly. It is a good living.

Country Life

I love the country with its charm
The varied green vegetables
Cattle grazing away from harm
And food always at your tables.

You can walk and you can smile
Or even cry and loudly shout

The echo could be heard a mile;

A Bamboo with a lovely sprout.

The breath of  tropical dawn;
Admire the happy giggling trees
Slumber in the nature's lawn
And dream of the birds and the bees.

and dream of birds and bees.

Life is what you picture it to be. It all starts in your intention, in your perception, in your mind. Look at this picture Viewers have different creative ideas on this. Now change your concept of this particular picture; the picture stays the same but you created something that may become a poem, an essay or a story.
If this is the real thing, of course, the landscape and seascape change. "When you change the way you look at things; things change.
Looking at this picture for a second, you'll see that there is a great Unseen Painter which we call the Source of Abundance, of Beauty, of Love, of Truth.

Ray's the man...

There's a ray of intention in our life. A ray of hope. Of comfort.

He has the audacity to greet a newcomer. This person called Ray. It was at the Butera Store on Division that we exchanged infos on our who,why, what, when and where. That he was connected with Chase and Manhattan Bank. Then we crossed paths on some occasions.
On "The Pathway to Rome", we met, we talked and we dined.

Lately, we met at Rago's on Western Avenue. In a nutshell, we have things in common - frequenting and surfing the internet.

On Retirement...

A priest's homily on the
sojourn from material to
the spiritual was extra-ordinarily unique in the sense that it was the first time I heard it but it was something to deal with. It is retirement at its best 'cuz worry is out of the question. No bills, no more planning of the next day, nada, zip...." as in my Father's place there are many mansions that are prepared for everyone and you have all that you need...

Your Mind and what you think of the world.... (Upon reading The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer )

Your attitude then is paramount. 2 conditions of viewing the world - the positive and the negative. It's + or -. What is inside of you, your thinking will be manifested by the outside. If you want to be connected to the Origin, you have to purify your thinking by taking out the carbon dioxide of hatred and letting in the oxygen of love, kindness and beauty. With these you are in harmony with the Origin/the Creator which is the perfectness of you- the reason why you are on this earth at this point in time. The Creator of the Origin has the intention of your purpose....

7 Faces of Intention: 1) Creativity 2) Kindness 3) Love 4)Beauty 5)Expansion 6)Unlimited Abundance 7)Receptivity.

Love life. Love the beauty of the world with its ugliness. Be grateful that you are reading this; that you have a place in this earth; that you are with a purpose. Ergo, keep in tune to the music that this world gives. Listen to it with sincerity, with passion, with life.

St Timothy Summer Dinner Dance (July 29, 2007)

Was a success. Lots of donated foods, drinks, dancing feet and wonderful music. And the music reverberated thru the church's basement. There were 3 live singers - 2 ladies and a gentleman plus another 2 on the background with their guitars. It was a motley crowd.

St. Timothy was alive with its new pastor, Fr. Peter Fernandes. Of course, there was tanduri chicken , kabobs, pita bread, pancit, chicken tenders, egg rolls, cakes, muffins, salad and fruits.

Visitors loved the live band. A couple almost stayed to the end just to listen to the sparkling voice of Ellen Balmadrid . 'Twas a night well spent.

.. Looking beyond our horizon we recall the glimmer of the past. Once again, the past becomes a pulsating present. Fr. Danny appears in the scene. And talks become gospel truth. Meanwhile, Fr. Pecto with bated breath hurriedly explains the beauty of saying the right thing and not to falter. However, Fr. Carlos' waiting may manifest the reply of tomorrow as Fr. Joseph's patience remain unquestionable. Maybe, the pastor can shed the light. Pastor Nonoy, that is.

Friends and Memories. // Our greatest assets are our friends. True friends. Real friends. Sincere friends. And they fill the pages in the book of memories. They are diamonds. They last. They are forever... Really! Is friendship a lost cause? Surf www.roomwithapew.blogspot.com

On Father's Day

On Father's Day

A father of two (on the left)and a father of the many (on the right) holding the image of the Holy Infant Jesus (Santo Nino) made in Cebu City, Philippines. This Holy Infant Image is a gift for Father Max of Uganda as a token of friendship.

"The family stands on two pillars of which each pillar is vital and essential for the family's growth and stability These two pillars are " Father and Mother". Today - we honor the father for the role in the life of the family.

St. Joseph played a significant and exemplary role in the life of the Holy Family. In his concern to provide for the family, he undertook the trade of a carpenter. When the family was in danger, he guided them to a safe place. When the time came for his family to deliver her firstborn in a foreign land, he turned to beg, without thought or care, for shelter. And, in his personal anguish, when the child was lost in Jerusalem, he neither blamed the mother, nor anybody else, but anxiously searched to find him.

Without the father, the family becomes vulnerable and faces a formidable challenge to cope up with the world. The weak and the fatherless find the world hostile toward them, for the father is the strength to his children and motivating force to overcome difficulties in their lives. Sadly, it is all too often, that only after the father is gone, he is appreciated for the love he gave to his family. Therefore, we have more reason to celebrate Father's day with sincere gratitude to them, for the dedication and many sacrifices.

The first Father's Day was observed on June 19,1910, in Spokane, Washington. At about the same time in various towns and cities across America, other people were beginning to celebrate a "Father's Day". In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Finally, in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's day.
Father's Day has become a day to not only honor the father but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father's day.
Today, let us pray that fathers will always execute their duties to their families with love and fidelity; that all the fathers will look at St Joseph, emulate his life and an exemplary figure to all people, especially to their own children. (Fr. Peter Fernandes,sfx)

June 17,2007 Father's Day.

On this day a reminder on the role of being a man, male figure, father,stepfather, grandfather,

uncle, or a father of the church. Historical dates:

June 19, 1910-ist Father's Day observed in Spokane, Wash. 1924, an idea of national Father's day gained support from Pres. Calvin Coolidge. 1966, Pres. Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation making 3rd sunday of June as Father's Day.

"Honor thy father..."

Filipiniana Night's smile-fraught faces garbed in barong tagalog with the captain of tour ship Carnival Liberty plying the Mediterranean ocean.

Eve Caermare Trabanca aboard the ship Carnival Liberty
as it slices the calm, bluish Mediterranean sea.

The Carnival Liberty ( Panama built) on her maiden voyage cruising the tranquil Mediterranean Sea on regal splendor that started at the port of Civitavecchia, Italy to dock at 7 ports of: (1) Naples, Italy (2)Dubrovnik, Croatia (3) Venice, Italy (4) Messina, Sicily (5) Barcelona, Spain (6) Cannes, France (7) Livorno, Italy.

The Filipiniana Night of the Mediterranean Tour.

Greg, Eve (wife), Zeny Buen (wife of Dr. Willy Buen), Babylane Rueles(cousin) and friend nurse, Fely Arceo.

The ship that maiden voyage us to a Mediterranean tour to ports of Italy, Croatia, Spain and France. Details found on Journey of a Lifetime on the preceding blog.

May 28, 2007: Memorial Day

In time's memory lanes, we remember familiar faces that etch wonderful moments in our lives. These golden moments that awaken our somnolence stare straight to our very core and unfold like a gorgeous panorama.

Yesterday's Dipolognon fiesta celebration attended by a record-breaking crowd from Zamboanga del Norte and beyond at Proesel Park, Lincolnwood, Illinois, USA invigorated me as I met www.Dipolognon 's owner and publisher, Eddie Artajo among others. He was also one of the pioneer officers of ZAMNAI. Details of the celebration are found online on www.dipolognon.com and comment on the resurrected www.ambibo.com.

Rev. Fr. Anthony Pizarro, CICM

May 19, 2007 , Despedida Party in Chicago

DESIDERATA

Go placidly amid the noise & haste, & remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly & clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud & aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater & lesser persons than yourself.

ENJOY YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

EXERCISE CAUTION in your business affairs for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideas; and everywhere LIFE IS FULL OF HEROISM.

BE YOURSELF. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity & disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue & loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees & the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, BE AT PEACE WITH GOD, whatever you conceive HIM to be, and whatever your labors & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. STRIVE TO BE HAPPY!

(Note: This poem is always in Fr. Thony's wallet and has guided him to be admirable, humble and grateful servant of God. His profound obsession is to do something noteworthy maybe write

a book on the goodness of this Life. No wonder he graduated with all A's on his masteral degree which is unprecedented in the school's recorded history.

To Fr. Manny Duterte's Zamboanga del Norte Group he fondly dedicate the above poem. And of Corinthians 13...If I love I conquer everything. )

When marital world collides, the panacea is holding tight to Mother Nature's bosom to feel the comfort of its idyllic panorama ,gorgeous landscape , beautiful flowers and placid,therapeutic waters.

Civilization find its beginning always in a place where there is water. When water is found, progress is not faraway. The Niles. The Tigres-Euphrates Rivers. The Hoover Dam. And Las Vegas glistens and glows in the desert.

Greg, Eve, Viring Ebarle , Sister Ma.Rachel,RVM and Lucy Bernardo (Sister's sister-in-law.)

Viring , Sister , her brother Rico Bernardo & Greg

Brings back memories of Apple Orchards.
White dots are apple flowers soon to become apple fruits ready for the basket to the mouth.

Sister Ma.Rachel, RVM at Chicago Botanic's Japanese garden.

Magnificent 5 in Chicago @ Lake Michigan

Mass of Thanksgiving
10th Anniversary of Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I. as Archbishop of Chicago
May 12, 2007 at Holy Name Cathedral, Archdiocese of Chicago, Illinois

Fr. Peter Fernandes asked me to carry our banner as a representative from St. Timothy parish on the Banner Processional. Beautiful banners of different sizes representing the parishes of the Archdiocese were carried and displayed. The Cathedral was filled up to the brim as faithfuls and devotees from parishes came to witness and took part in the celebration. There were bishops , priests, nuns and lay ministers.

The Mass was a combination of English and Latin. Cardinal George's homily touched on Love and Fear. Jesus talks of Love. "Those who love me will keep my word. " Love is free driven not by fear but by desire and needs focus...And we are afraid of losing love. While fear is associated with loving one another. With love there is a fear of betrayal, of being faithful. Keep love forever; experience it to conquer fear. The Cardinal touched on Mothers' Day and Mothers. That love of mother is constant and it carries commands, reminders. But really it is a sign of Love.

Christ loves us even to the extent of his death but He is always with us in the Eucharist. God is Love! Christ is the center of love. Find the courage to love. And he extols The Blessed Virgin Mary being the Queen of the church. " That was a very good homily.

Botanic garden visit with sister Ma.Rachel, RVM.

Wisdom to Live by ( Taken from my red Daily Reminder, 1980)

***************************************
* Prayer is dialogue with God.
* The best form of spiritual exercise is kneeling.
* Why do we look down on any one, when only God is in the position to do it.
* Telescope heaven through your tears.

* Home is made and where the heart is.
* Give more of self to get more of life.
* The heart sees, what's invisible to the eye
*Everything has its beauty: you have to appreciate it.

* Give more of self to get more of life.
* What we daily do or act or think spells CHARACTER.
* Taking revenge, you become the enemy; in passing over it, you are superior.

Recipe For A Happy New Year
(Found this on my Green Standard Diary)

Take 12 months. Clean them thoroughly of all BITTERNESS, HATE, and JEALOUSY. Make them just as fresh and clean as possible. Now cut each month into 28, 30 or 31 different parts, but don't make up the whole batch at once. Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.

Mix well into each day one part of FAITH, one part of PATIENCE, one part of COURAGE, and one part of sincere WORK. Add to each day one part of HOPE, FAITHFULNESS, GENEROSITY, and KINDNESS. Blend with one part of PRAYER, one part of MEDITATION and one good DEED. Season the whole with a dash of good SPIRITS, a sprinkle of FUN, a pinch of PLAY, and a cupful of good HUMOR.

Pour all of this into a vessel of LOVE. Cook thoroughly over radiant JOY. Garnish with a SMILE, and serve with QUIETNESS, UNSELFISHNESS, AND CHEERFULNESS.

You're bound to have a HAPPY NEW YEAR. And do this recipe every New Year! Promise?

On Relationships (05/06/07)

"It's good to be known as individuals, but great to be known by relationships," wrote Fr. Darow, pastor of St. Hilary Church.

I found this amusing looking back on my unpretentious journey on the rough and smooth streets of the land called Life. All along the way I encountered people of different sizes, shapes, beliefs, habits, attitudes , nationalities and personalities. They all are human, loving, understanding and have unique philosophies in their own perspectives. They have fears. They want to live. They seek adventures.

It was a long journey. Enrolled in 7 schools. Took 6 courses. Finally settled to one with a major which to me is vague. I made it. And I am still a student in the University of Life.

With the above background, I was enthused with the euphoria on the relationships with the world riddled with uncertainties and concerns.

The commencement of the relationships with the Church was a fluke of circumstance . It was the invitation to enter the Seminary; then to the outside of its walls that triggered the close relationship to the Creator. I realized that this valley of laughter and tears is still a beautiful place to live. I saw it in the Botanic Garden. The blooming tulips of myriad varied colors. The silver swans gliding comfortably in the man-made lake. The Japanese garden with its dwarfed trees. The Japanese revered age. Reason why decorative plants and trees are cut or pruned regularly .

Meanwhile, this Sunday's first reading from the Acts narrated the successful first missionary journey of Paul, Barnabas and the members of the church of Antioch reaching a noted conclusion that - God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. Historically, Judaism prided itself as being God's chosen people. And the idea of God offering salvation to the Gentiles ( to us) was still a controversial idea for many Jews.

I felt some sort of satisfaction as I opted the route leading to the Church. I developed friendly relationships with a priest, a bishop and a nun superintendent of RVM schools (who is a doctorate degree holder). With them in close door conversations I discovered that they all possessed humility, down-to-earthness, fondness for things beautiful, gratefulness, the profound love of the Creator and the creatures.

And in the church, I give credence to this relationship to the Almighty and to one another through the Lord -be-with-you's, cheek-kisses to loved ones and shaking of hands, even the Communion. I am still wrestling with the audacity to take this relationship from the "inside" of the church to the "outside" of the street. Not suffice just to believe. I have to live with it. And this faith-relationship must be manifested. That is taking it from the "inside" of the heart and soul to the "outside" of the words and actions.

The relationships did not only extend to a priest, a bishop and a nun superintendent but also on crossing the borders of memberships to devotional groups, the Toastmasters club, the Christophers and the Knights of Columbus . And all these have slowly molded me to a closer relationship to the Supreme Lord and Almighty Savior.

Truly, "it's good to be known as individuals, but great to be known by our relationships."

May 05/07, Saturday

'Twas an activity filled day. Drove Sister Ma. Rachel , RVM superintendent (Northern Mindanao) to Midway Airport (on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois ) for San Fran then to the Philippines.

After the hugs and goodbyes, she left. Her departure was at 10 am. At least, she left a heart in Chicago.

Dropped Rico, her hermano by 59th st. train station. Viring, my sister and I proceeded to 3826 Wesley st. at village of Cicero via Pershing Road for a home care-giving job. Then I was by myself on the '2000 firethorn red SUV Chevy Blazer. I hit 1-55 (Ronald Regan Expressway) and exited to Cass Ave at Darien, Illinois . I met my wife, Eve at Our Lady of Peace Church where a close nurse friend of hers was given a funeral mass. Found old friends and recapped past memories. Back home by 3:30 pm. Tired but rejuvenated fanned by the breeze of comforting chit-chats on bygone moments.

A beginning and an ending. The cycle of existence. Knowledge of life. Survival. Accumulation of wealth, of money, of wisdom . And fading away into oblivion with a hopeful note of life eternal.

"We only meet on moments like this," quipped a friend. Indeed, he hit the nail by the head as in this fast-paced land of "milk and honey" time is precious.

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine ...
you are precious in My eyes, and honored, and I love you." - Isaiah 43:1,4.

*********************************************
As an enthusiast and member of The Christophers, I found this Three Ideals worth printing:

1. EVERYONE HAS A GOD-GIVEN MISSION. You have a job to do in this world that only you can do. A healthy sense of self is directly related to knowing your mission in life.

11. ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Your efforts might seem insignificant to you but they may be all that is needed to overcome great evil. Take courage and follow your heart.

111. POSITIVE, CONSTRUCTIVE ACTION WORKS MIRACLES. Complaining can be a waste of precious time and energy. Be positive. "Its better to light one candle than to curse the darkness." - Father John Catoir, Director of the Christophers.

Ordinary, simple gestures could offer amazing results. And this little acts create large ripples.

Ponder on these:

" Too often we underestimate the power of touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." ---Leo Buscaglia.

"Kindness is the sunshine in which virtue grows." - Robert Green Ingersoll

"Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves." - James M. Barrie.

"I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness or abilities that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now.Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." - William Penn.

Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate." - Albert Schweitzer.

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.
Kindness in giving creates Love." - Tao Te Ching.

Father-Son-Holy Spirit: 3 Divine Persons in 1 God

Beyond human comprehension. An amazing mystery.

God, The Father: Omnipresent (present everywhere) Omnipotent (unlimited & powerful) Omniscient (knowing everything) ,

The creation. Goodness in everything.
Adam & Eve
The garden of Eden.
The Great Fall.
The Satanic victory.
Unlimited Love. Boundless Mercy
The New Eve & New Adam

God, the Son : Redeemer of the World

Virgin Mary.
Magnificat.
The Fiat.
Jesus Christ. Endless Love.
Gethsemane.
The sorrowful passion
Golgotha. Source of Life. Immeasurable mercy.
Death and Resurrection.

The Eucharist.
The Second Coming.
The Union with the Holy, Mighty and Immortal God in Eternity.

Always pray and never be separated from Him as we journey through Life.

Letters of Bishop Zafra

Letters From Bishop Felix S Zafra ( First Bishop of Zamboanga del Norte Diocese )

The Apostolate for Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration
Ubujan District, Tagbilaran City, Philippines 6300

To you, dear in Christ : Greg and Eve

Happy Easter! How are you and the boys? Peace be with you and joy in the RISEN CHRIST!

In response to God's immense love and Divine Mercy (Jn: 3:16) and to His just complaint, "Could you not watch an hour with Me?" (Mt. 26:40). We are humbly and earnestly inviting you to join in the Apostolate for Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration.

The Good Lord grants us 24 hours a day, 168 hours a week "gratis et amore" (free and with love).

Please be generous. Visit Him in the BLESSED SACRAMENT. In your absence a votive light to flicker in the Adoration Chapel will be a pleasing sight and a welcome testimony of your love.

Thank you very much for your kind attention.

Sincerely in JMJT,

Felix S. Zafra
Bishop Emeritus, APEA

******************************************************
Oct 5, 2000

Dear Eve and Greg,

Really I cannot find adequate words. How I wish I could write in letters of gold. These lines are but a feeble expressions of my most heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation of kind accommodation and generous services to this least of Christ's servants. In my inadequacy, I humbly ask St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the powerful intercession of our Lady of the Holy Rosary to let a shower of blessings from God , our loving Father.

May you grow in love for each other and the boys grow to mature as men inspite of the trials in life. Keeping you all in my grateful prayers with every good wish and blessings

Sincerely in JMJT,

+ Bp. Zafra
*********************************************
Oct 13, 2000

Dear Eve and Greg,

Deo Gratias! I arrived home safe and sound. The memories of a wonderful family in Chicago lingers. The sacrifices of their time, car, services and the warm comfort of their home are greatly appreciated.

In my inadequacy to thank you enough, I humbly offer my poor prayers to the Good Lord for His choice and abundant blessing of peace and prosperity upon all the members of the dear family.

From now to December, God willing I'll make efforts to visit Decoy and Peta who has been instrumental in bringing about goodness to the Caermare-Trabanca family.

Wishing you all the best

God's love, Jesus' hug and bless you all,

+ Msgr. Zafra P.S. May I have the address of your sister in Japan?
Bp. Emeritus of Tagbilaran Thanks, Bp. Zafra
*************************************************************

Manila
Jan. 14, 1999

Dear Eve and Greg,

Warm cordial greetings from the Philippines. Thanks be to God, I arrived safe and sound in early morning of Jan. 12, 1996.

Thank you very much for facilitating the visits to various places and for the generous donations I received from our friends.

I was stranded in Cincinnati due to heavy snow and freezing rains. I had the first experience of being in wheel chair from terminal to terminal.

Keeping you in my grateful prayers and wishing you all the best in 1999.

Sincerely in JMJT,

+ Bishop Zafra
*************************************************
Aug. 3, 1998

Dear Eve and Greg,

Due to the precarious health of my dear sister (Nang Naning) I have to postpone my trip to USA. I hope I can make it between Sept. 15 and October 15.

How are you and your young men? How are you enjoying your summer vacation? I hope you are all in good health.

Would you know of Spanish-speaking people who can make use of Holy Hour in Spanish? May I have the address of the new priest Perfecto Vasquez?

Keeping you in my prayers with every good wish and blessing.

Sincerely in JMJT,

+Bp. Zafra

Letter From Fr. Max

04/06/07 2:23:07 pm Central Standard Time

Hi Greg, Hi Eve,

It is nice to hear from you, and thank you very much for the prayers and Easter greetings. I pray that the Risen Lord stays with you each and every day of your life. You are always in my prayers. Please pass on my greetings to all my friends, especially those struggling with illness.

God's blessings, now and always.

Max

The Memorare and Anima Christi

Prayers To Live By

The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come; before you, I stand sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate! Despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me Amen.

Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me; Blood of Christ, inebriate me; Water from the side of Christ, wash me; O good Jesus, hear me; Within your wounds hide me ; Separated from you, let me never be; From the evil one protect me; And close to you bid me; That with your saints, I may be, praising you forever and ever. Amen.

In the Patient's Eyes (02/25/07)

In the Patient's Eyes

When in the patient's eyes tears flowed
I saw a star of hope and more
In the sky, while the waves bellowed
Below dashing to the waiting shore.

Self surrendered to the Power
Of the unseen Motivator
With its bracing April shower
As witnessed by this narrator.

As he welcomed the Word made Flesh
And led it into his sin-stained
Body of his being  made fresh;                                
When mire and mud of sin were drained.                                                                                                  

As the soft breath of dawn proclaimed
The life of day came to be seen;
The song with its lyric acclaimed
And permeated over the glen. 

The psalm of love. Tale of a journey                      
The song of life. An elegy.
A gospel of reality.

The gentle tears from the patient's eye
Galvanized my ministry. And I                  
Was bathed in my humanity.
"Tempus fugit. Memento mori."

(Note)  The Ministry of Care

Two men and a woman. They were Ministers of Care of St. Timothy Church, (which was recently merged with Holy  Child Jesus parish) who were scheduled on a Sunday for the  Catholic patients of the Swedish Covenant Hospital at the corner of California and Foster Avenues in Chicago, Illinois to give Holy Communion. I was one of the men. This poem was inspired by my encounter with a patient who shed tears of joy upon receiving the Holy Communion. This particular patient spoke a few English words but has the genius of Catholicism stamped in his system. This memorable experience flashbacked my seminary days - that a tear literally speaks the profound stirrings of a human soul in the quest for happiness and salvation. (Greg In Trabanca)

02/23/07 First Friday Station of the Cross

This is the day when practicing and devout Catholics observe the Stations of the Cross with prayer, song, and meditation on the 14 stages of Christ's sorrowful passion that culminated in his death on the cross.

The soup was served after the observance.

02/21/07 Ash Wednesday

Memento Morti - Remember death.

From dust thou art to dust thou shalt return! With this reminder, let us remember our point of destination which is vital in our earthly journey. And today, we ask our Creator to grant eternal rest to a dear friend who left this world to return to where he came from.

Use of Ashes

The use of ashes is believed to have its start in the 16th century by Pope Gregory, the Great.It was a sign of humility and mortality as well as for sorrow and repentance as told in the old Testament. A practice of the church by the 10th century was the receiving of ashes on the head as a reminder of mortality and sign of sorrow for sin. Ashes are from the burnt palm. In the Catholic church, the ashes are put on the forehead in the sign of the cross as a reminder of the anointing with oil in baptism. In other places, ashes are scattered on the top of the head.

All Catholics must observe abstinence and fasting.

The 2nd & 3rd degrees

Sunday, Feb. 20/07

The Emergence of a Company

Sat. Feb.20/07
Mass & Blessing of RC LEGACY OF ILLINOIS, INC. 1-847-961-3100 Phone
999 E. Touhy Ave., Suite 170-C Des Plaines, IL 60018 1-847-961-3101 Fax No.

RC LEGACY OF ILLINOIS is a realty and mortgage company with a unique business technique. It has the combination of networking and multi-level marketing plans coupled with financial education, treating those who join not as agents but as businessmen/women making them parts of the company.

There was Mass , Blessing, ribbon cutting, dinner and company business presentation . More than hundred people attended. The owner/founder and big bosses of the parent company RC LEGACY OF CALIFORNIA, INC came. It was a great success and many signed to join.

Feb.13, 2007. Tuesday. More snow.

Feb.12, 2007.Monday. Lincoln's Birthday.

Once again, Chicago was blanketed with snow.

Symptoms of Inner Peace

(Taken from the church's sunday bulletin)

" Be on the lookout for symptoms of inner peace. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to inner peace and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. this could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world."

Some signs and symptoms of inner peace:

* A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.

* An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.

* A loss of interest in judging other people.

* A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.

* A loss of interest in conflict.

* A loss of the ability to worry. (This is very serious symptom.)

* Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation.

* Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.

* Frequent attacks of smiling.

* An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.

* An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

Value of the Holy Mass

Friday:02/09/07

Tremendous Value of the Holy Mass

At the hour of death, the Holy Mass you have heard devoutly will be your greatest consolation.
God forgives you all the venial sins which you are determined to avoid. He forgives you all the unknown sins which you never confessed. the power of Satan over you is diminished.
Every Mass will go with you to Judgment and will plead for pardon for you.
By every Mass, you can diminish the temporal punishment due to your sins, more or less, according to your favor.
By devoutly assisting at the Holy Mass you render the greatest homage possible to the Sacred Humanity of our Lord.
Through the Holy Sacrifice, Our Lord Jesus Christ supplies for many of your negligences and omissions.
By piously hearing the Holy Mass you afford the Souls in Purgatory the greatest possible relief.
One Holy Mass heard during your life will be more beneficial to you than many heard for you after your death.
Through the Holy Mass, you are preserved from many dangers and misfortunes which would otherwise have befallen you. You shorten your Purgatory by every Mass.
During the Holy Mass, you kneel amid a multitude of holy Angels, who are present at the Adorable Sacrifice with reverential awe.
Through Holy Mass, you are blessed in your temporal goods and affairs.
When you hear Holy Mass devoutly, offering it to Almighty God in honor of any particular Saint or Angel, thanking God for the favors bestowed on him, etc.,etc., you afford the Saint or Angel a new degree of honor, joy, and happiness and draw his special love and protection on yourself.
Every time you assist at Holy Mass, besides other intentions, you should offer it in honor of the Saint of the day.
(These quotes are taken from the book THE HIDDEN TREASURE-HOLY MASS by St. Leonard. Imprimatur *Michael Augustine Archbishop of New York Jan. 2, 1890.)

Birth is the beginning...

My wife works at the Hospital in LDR (Labor & Delivey room). She loves her job. She is the first to witness the commencement of life. No better career in the world can offer you comfort than to discover that the alpha of life is within your vision . And within reach is also the omega of existence . In the hospital, that is.

Time flies.

A score and ten years ago, I was in the Land of the Morning, of sunshine and rain , of laughing shores and singing rivers, of coconut palms and green hills. I used to go home late with friends enjoying the blessings and curses of youth. We don't have designated drivers as we walked with our young feet . We were guided by the brilliance of the stars, by the lessons from nature.The night is our friend.

We loved our world with its hopes, its dreams, its promises. We made our life enjoyable, fruitful and lovable. Without our knowledge we envisioned Life as a journey.

Mediterranean Voyage

The Journey of a Lifetime

It was a memorable Mediterranean voyage seeing the world with its awesome beauty in the historical perspective. It was a trip of tourists on a budget scenario.

We flew. We cruised. We indulged in temporary luxury: the unforgettable 7-port, 12-day European vacation on the bluish, placid Mediterranean Sea.

After working all your life, you need a respite; days of wallowing in fun and thinking of only good days, excellent food, and wonderful company in a meditative scenario under the smiling skies, lovely ocean caresses by the amiable breeze, and beautiful people of the Holy, Mighty, Immortal One.

My wife - Evangeline "Eve/Vangie" Rueles Caermare Trabanca, a cousin (Belen) Babylane Rueles) the Buens , Dr. Wilfredo "Willy" and Zenaida, "Zeny" Buen, and I were tourists-passengers who belonged to the FEU-Nursing Alumni Association Group under the auspices of  Tess Manuel's Mundo Travel agency.

This was the maiden voyage of the Carnival Liberty and our first ocean travel across one of the Seven Seas. The cruise ship took us to the ports of  (1.) Naples, Italy (2) Dubrovnik, Croatia (3) Venice, Italy (4) Messina, Sicily (5) Barcelona, Spain (6) Cannes, France and (7) Livorno, Italy.

Before we boarded the queenly look and European-inspired interior Carnival Liberty, we stayed in Rome for 2 nights. We visited the Sistine Chapel; marveled at Michelangelo's work of arts displayed on the ceiling. We walked the Spanish Steps; petrified at St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro) where the greatest church in Christendom, St Peter Basilica stands. We viewed the Vatican - "the smallest state in the world at the center of the largest spiritual kingdom."  However, we missed the Pope's audience but we threw 3 coins in Trevi Fountain and witnessed the glory of Rome in the Pantheon, which is the city's only architecturally intact monument from classical times

While at the Vatican, we experienced that peace in our soul; that there was a Force more powerful than this man-made world. " In the midst of the urban tumult, the Vatican is an island of peace and tranquility- a regal miniature," wrote G.K. Chesterton, an English Catholic writer.

1st Port: Naples, Italy.  A writer once said, " if you see Naples, you are ready to die." Naples, the third most populated city in Italy with a population of over one million sets on the northern edge of one of the most beautiful bays. It is a bustling city alive with colorful street life, numerous narrow and winding alleyways, quaint shops, and restaurants. Neapolitan cuisine is known worldwide for its savory pasta and pizza, its tasty fish and seafood dishes, its superb cheeses including the famous mozzarella cheese. Looming on a distance shaped like a lady basking in the August sun is the Isle of Capri, the playground of the rich and famous.

2nd Port: Dubrovnik, Croatia. It is naturally framed by a mountainous backdrop prides on its wealth of cultural and historical monuments. It is the homeland of the cravats or neckties.

3rd Port: Venice, Italy. Floating in the Adriatic Sea, Venice consists of panoramic islands connected by many canals. Truman Capote (1924-1984) said, "Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs at one go." Like venom, Venice poisoned us breathless with its charming sting. Its waterways dotted by gondolas brought homeland reminiscence of outrigger boats and sailboats. Coming from Mindanao, the southern island of the Philippines, we are reminded of Tawi-Tawi ( of the Sulu Archipelago) where the stilt villages of Sitangkai are known as Venice of the Far East.

4th Port: Messina, Sicily. It is a city of great interest for its arts is surrounded by a region of immense beauty. It is known as the "Gateway to Sicily". It lies under the foothills of the Peloritani Mountains, facing the straight of Messina, which takes its name from the city and is the umbilical cord joining Sicily to the continent.
Messina, as we see today, is a fine modern city, restored to its former splendor by a grid of wide, well-lit avenues, lined by buildings which are strictly earthquake-resistance, in the context of an extremely symmetrical and linear city layout.

5th Port: Barcelona, Spain is a dynamic and innovative Spanish city that unites the traditions of 2,000 years of history and its characteristic propensity for expansion, commerce, and creativity. It prides on its architectural richness, culture, transfor-  mations, organization, and modernity. Cathedral de la Sagrada Familia (Holy Family), its most distinctive landmark vividly depicted the modernist Antonio Gaudi's style. His designs combined stone, iron, and ceramics in a rather commanding and certainly irreverent fashion.

We saw: the Baptistry Chapel with its marble fonts, the chapel of St. Oleguer with its wrought-iron gate darkened by praying hands, and the smoke of devotional candles placed by the people in honor of the Christ of Lepanto which accompanied John of Austria at the Battle of Lepanto. We were guided: to the Ramblas, the soul of the city, "the most beautiful street in the world" according to the famous writer Somerset Maugham.

6th Port: Cannes, France is the venue of the Annual Film Festival and was our 6th port. Then we went to the principality of Monaco of which Monte Carlo is one of its districts and is made famous by the marriage of the pretty Hollywood actress Grace Kelley to Prince Ranier III of the Grimaldi Family that ruled the island. It was in a Monaco Club, that the hotel heiress Paris Hilton met her Greek billionaire shipping heir boyfriend, Paris Latsis ten years ago as a teenager.

In Monaco, we gambled. We lost. But we won that status symbol of being there in the pleasant place of the rich and famous. The guide said that "there is always a time and place for everything, for the principality of Monaco is a land where flowers of peace grow. It is a tiny land, described by French film director - playwright Marcel Pagnol, " where the arts can still live in the shade of the olive tree, close to the Latin Sea, where the authority of one only safeguards the liberty of all."

7th port: Livorno, a major Italian port city is an entry point to the beautiful city of Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, and Pisa - home of the renowned leaning Tower, one of the wonders of the ancient world.

After the last glimpse and pose for posterity, the fun ship Carnival Liberty docked at the port of Civitavecchia, Italy. Then off we went to Leonardo da Vinci's Airport. Arrivederci, Roma!

The journey of a lifetime is replete with wonderful memories......

Sunday. Feb. 4, 2007.

What is the greatest source of hope in your life?

Let us pray...

Merciful Lord, you are our hope, our strength. In the cold winter of our life, we ask thy loving heart to be with us through our discouragement, our unbelief. Because in you alone we find complete assurance. Amen.

Despite the manifestation of success, I felt the sensation of a failure. There is that gnawing feeling of insecurity because I was not born like one of them. Then discouragement enveloped my whole being. I felt trapped with no way out. In short, doubt has taken control of me.

I turned to devotional prayer, to Holy Mass , to motivational books, the Bible, to meditation & being alone thinking of nothing but God and his amazing goodness, to being alone in a harbor or shore watching the waves, or by the the window gazing at the beauty of God's painting on the park.

It's a long, winding, rough , dirt road to discovery. And to say the least, I found it in the sanctum of my being. In the beauty of my attitude.

Lost but not forgotten

Friday. Feb. 2, 2007

Lost but not forgotten...

Somebody has got to do something. It could be small thing. Big thing. Few thing. Many things. Or anything.

A particular person left something. And one of her great many things is a legacy to the world in turmoil. She left this quote:

"No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind of action leads to another. A good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves." - Amelia Earhart.

Amelia Earhart was the first woman to courageously fly solo across the Atlantic on July 1, 1937.
However, on July 2nd her plane mysteriously disappeared. And she just fade out of the skies and never heard from her again.

She disappeared. Lost. But has found a place in the heart of humanity.

I have learned in the Catechism class that there are 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit. They are 1. charity 2. joy 3. peace 4. patience 5. Kindness  6. goodness 7. generosity 8. gentleness 9. faithfulness 10. modesty 11. self-control 12. chastity.

How about sharing these fruits, especially the act of kindness? Tell friends you met to plant trees that bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit so that we can eat the fruit of kindness every day. Remember Johnny, the Appleseed?

Spread the good news! The 7 continents would be filled up with 12 kinds of beautiful trees; trees whose leaves absorb the carbon dioxide of selfishness, anger, war, violence, terrorism, blind obedience, hatred, pride, envy, lust, and sloth.

And by eating the fruits of these trees we will have wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

Monday, Jan 29/07

Just Dream...

Somebody said: " There is no scarcity of opportunity to live your dreams; there is only scarcity of resolve to make it happens."

We dream only to be washed out by the waves of uncertainty. Others dream of riding the waves rolling to the shore of achievement.Reason- These wave riders are happy goal setters. They are fearless and unstoppable.

If you can't ride the waves or walk on water try to dream big dreams. Let this dream motivate you to reach the unreachable, scale the unscalable and if you fall short at least you have achieve something.

And this is a start to the road of achievement. Stay focus. Empower yourself. Win good friends along the way. Believe in your inner capacity of turning that bad-looking emotion to a gorgeous solution.

Just dream. And chase that dare to try as life is the only one you got. Before you'll wake up you are full of life to go on living another day...

Sunday, Jan. 28/2007

Why I write...

I write. When tomorrow arrives
I then read what I have written
And all the memory survives
And never to be forgotten.

I gathered these memories
In the library of my being
That someday in joy and worries
They will be the songs that I'll sing.




What was narrated became a memory to live by. I did that in my younger days before the birth of word processor and the computer.

Now I found out that those forgotten memories provided richness to my insignificant life.
Footprints erased by time lives in memories.

I gathered the sources of these memories through keen observation and great interest on anything desiring human attention. I always have to have a ballpen and a diary-like material that fits the pocket. I have to read widely , constant visits to the internet's domain of dots (.com, .org, .gov, .edu, .net) and listened intently to any person's talk.

Then I write. Of memories. Remember we got nothing in this planet but moments embossed in our memories. Make sure to enjoy every iota of them - your MOMENTS in TIME.

Saturday 1/27/07
ST. TIMOTHY PARISH INTERNATIONAL DINNER

A buffet dinner of different entrees prepared by parishioners who came from different countries namely: Germany, Italy, Ireland, India-Pakistan, Philippines, Mexico,and Central America. The basement of the church was full. The parishioners mostly of golden years together with their children and friends and guests enjoyed the evening. Camaraderie and fellowship glued once again making the parish vibrant and spiritually awake.

This is an annual affair that provides additional revenue besides strengthening the the parish activity.

Friday 1/26/07

Best things Happen When Less Expected!

Unexpectedly, I attended the RC LEGACY OF ILLINOIS,INC kick-off presentation located at 999 E. Touhy Ave, Suite 170 in Desplaines, Illinois. This will be followed by another one on Saturday at 4:00 pm. Many guests are expected to come.

This is a new twist in the Real Estate and Mortgage business where an individual is given his/her God-given personality molding him/her to become an educated businessman/woman and not as a mere agent. As such he/she is a part and owner of the company which will be handed down to the heirs; the reason why it is called RC LEGACY. The parent company is RC LEGACY OF CALIFORNIA, INC. The brain behind this is the owner and realtor Florante Cimafranca of southern California. (R C is the initial of his son named Rante Cimafranca.)Rante's name is honorable and a success in the Real Estate world.His success in southern California tells the story.

RC LEGACY OF ILLINOIS, INC came into reality after 13 months of preparations by the Magnificent Four: Sam Rabor, Gerry Galano, Rocky Mella and Bing Prades. The venue selected was strategically accessible to transportation. The Office is spacious with a conference room and a training room as the company's mission is geared towards financial education. That the individual is paramount therefore he/she must be properly trained and educated in an atmosphere of teamwork: helping each other, giving unselfish devotion, unquestionable integrity and care because when the indvidual succeeds the company grows. It is a 2-way business endeavor and a legacy to reckon with.

If you want to be a part of the company and is ready to learn come and visit RC LEGACY OF ILLINOIS, INC and you'll be treated not as stranger but as a person with : vision, courage, leadership, creativity, ability to stand criticsm and the ability to delay gratification.

"Live for today and plan for tomorrow for we do not grow by knowing all the answers but rather by living with the questions."

The question is: Would you like to train and conduct seminars?

Jan. 21/07
3rd Sunday in Ordinary time.

I was the lector on this Sunday. The first reading was taken from the Book of Nehemiah. I proclaimed it slowly with eye contacts among the congregation so they will mentally picture the fairly complicated and liturgical scene in the narrative being read.

It was about "Ezra the priest who brought the law before the assembly. ( Torah is a Hebrew word meaning "law" or "instruction". In Judaism, the word refers to the 5 books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Sometimes called the "books of the Law", or just"the Law".Also commonly called "the 5 books of Moses" due to Jewish and Christian tradition that Moses was their inspired author... If "the book of the Law of Moses" Ezra reads before the people is a version of the Torah, and if our text contains th accurate historical recollection that Ezra had one, then it is quite likely that the Babylonian exile, despite its many hardships, was a fertile period in the composition and editing of scripture. " ( Workbook for lectors and gospel readers, Year C. 2007 James L. Weaver.)

Today we must rejoice and not be saddened for the Lord is our strength. Today is holy to our Lord.

The 2nd reading was from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians.
It was about the body though one has many parts and all the parts of the body though many are one body, so also is Christ. That is one spirit we were all baptized into one body- whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons- we were all given to drink of one Spirit.

The one body of people called Filipinos is from the Philippines. Although this one group of people (85% Catholics) came from many islands (7,100 islands ) with many dialects (87 local dialects) yet this one Group are united by the devotion, sharing and love of God. Whether they be in the far Far East, Middle East, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Americas, Canada or in the cold, cold region of the earth, Filipinos manifest their great love, profound praise, undying devotion and sans fear evangelization of the religion they are proud of- the Catholic Religion. They show their devotion to the Santo Nino, The Blessed Virgin Mary, and The Saints.

They love their God having a solid foundation that the "existence of God is naturally known, and things naturally are known are self-evident: for the knowledge of them is not attained by inquiry and study". And "since, the desire of man tend naturally to God as to his last end. ..." for as the light of the sun is the principle of all visual perception, so the divine light is the principle of all intellectual cognition." (Of God and His Creatures, Jacques Maritain Center:GC 1.10)

Filipinos are Evangelists

Sunday, Jan.21,2007

My wife and I were invited to attend the "Parangal Kay Sto. Nino by Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago at Dr. Jose Rizal Heritage Center 1332 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, Il 60613.

The Feast of Sto. Nino is a celebration in honor of the Holy Infant Jesus. "Started in 1998, by devotees of Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago, the nine-hour one-day novena has become an annual religious tradition in the Filipino-American community. The text of the novena is similar to that used by the Congregacion del Santissimo Nombre del Nino Jesus in the Philippines."

The celebrant was Rev.Carlos Llagas and Rev. Joselito Coquilla, con-celebrant. Thomily was delivered by Fr. Joey apologizing that he has not prepared for a topic but told the over a hundred Sto. Nino devotees on that very cold Sunday afternoon that we, Filipinos always bring with us 2 cultures- the culture of Godliness and the culture of sharing. That Filipinos scattered all over the globe bring with them their religiosity and devotion. That we are evangelists. We celebrate 2 great Feasts: the Birth of the Child God, the Nino at Christmas and the Death of God-Man at Viernes Santo- the Holy Week.

This Sunday is the celebration of the Sinulog- the praising Of the Holy Infant-the Nino reminding us of 2 words: thermometer ( an instrument for measuring temperature and thermostat ( a device that regulates/controls temperature) We must be in control of the environment, not the other way around.

Fr. Coquilla told the story of "nahulog sa tulay"- (fall from the bridge) when one violated the 10th commandment -thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife. In the confession, the townsmen were told by the priest to just say I fell from the bridge when they violated the 10th commandment of which they were given their corresponding penalties. However, the priest was transferred and a new priest took over. The same scenario came to the confessional vestibule. Now the new priest told them to really fix the bridge before tragic things could happen. When the town mayor did the same confessional overture, the new priest of the town detected something fishy going on. He made a secret personal investigation and found out that there really was no bridge in town." ( Laughter from the devotees )

"The standard of Christian value is freedom, salvation, liberation. As Christians, we must mature to meet Christ in the calvary of our salvation...We must not let the environment lord over us but we must be in total control of ourselves with our commitment to God's laws, with our Godliness and with our being evangelists.

And lastly, we must never forget the powerful novena of childlike confidence to the Sto. Nino, the Holy Infant who said: " Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you through the intercession of Mary, thy most Holy Mother.

We are grateful to our ancestors, to our culture. We are proud to be Filipinos scattered in different countries of the world.

12/30/06, Saturday

A get-together. A December-born birthday celeb. I (12/19/ ), my sister (12/25/ ) and my son,(12/28/ ). For guests we got my sister, her daughter and her daughter's husband and 2 kids- a boy and a girl. The food - beef, poultry, fish, noodles , veggies and rice. Of course, we have the birthday cake and the three blew the candles amid the clicking of the digital camera.

Over conversations ranging from private to public to religious, political and civics, the get-together was memorable.

Goodbye to the old Year and welcome of the New Year ! And we fondly hope it would be promising...

Two Poems

12/26/06
Longing for a Meaning


Melancholy crept in as I gazed
at the hedges surrounding
the garden of my past. I saw
myself, a mere speck of anonymity,
longing for a greater meaning
in this crazy world.

Suddenly...

My eyes welled with tears
and the moon of December wryly smiled.
I was swept into the vortex of poetic verses
and vaunted love songs. Yesterdays' memories
commenced to carve out hollow cavities
compelling me to untangle the
doubts about my existence.

I ambled over to find a spot at the table
so I could have a gulp of turmeric,
black pepper and honey.

****************************
 (12/02/06)

In My world

You stalked into my world like a phantom arrow
targetting straight through the eyes of my soul
in the coldness of a wintry night
so cold it penetrates in the very essence

of my loneliness.

I love you like a poem of an unknown poet
like the mystery of an enchanted mountain
like the gold is hidden in the savage forest

I love you because you came to me
and you are you.

Immaculate Conception...
Magnificat
And the angel Gabriel announced to Mary
that she will bear a son and
He shall be called
Jesus.
The serpentine promise of immortality
in the Garden started the war
of good and evil.

two women: one defiled
the other undefiled.

Thanksgiving '06

We have lots of things to be grateful for - life, health, job, family, friends.
We observed such gratefulness with a turkey, of course. But we first scrambled of the late mass observance by making the fingers do the seeking.We found that 9:30 AM Thanksgiving Mass was suitable for us. Luckily, we were able to at least hear the homily. It was stirring reminder of us mortals: that we failed to recognize the blessings that we received because of our persevering pursuit for the material things
for our wants' sake and not of our needs. The Spanish-English Mass was an experience
and we blended due to our blessed culture. And for that we greatly thank God.

" Everyone wants happiness, no one wants pain, but you can't make a rainbow without a little rain."

A call from a friend...

'Twas quarter to ten when my wife's cell phone rang. " Hello, ... Boy left us...

We hurried. We arrived just on time. Sure friends were there. We prayed.

Life is short and a mystery. We just have to do the best of what was gifted to us.

Installation Mass of Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx

(St. Timothy Parish, Nov. 19, 2006, 10:00 AM )

Prayer & Perseverance.

i saw Manny Pacquiao's fight with Erik Morales , Saturday, Nov. 18,2006 on the HBO, PPV. What impressed me most was his devotion, his religiosity, his independence to God. He knows that his power punch, his agility, his luck are not his. He made the sign of the cross many times. (Me, when i'm driving)- When i wake up or retire at night,leave a place, pass by a church, a cemetery, any holy place or when there's lightning i always make the sign of the cross. i don't know why but it is a habitual practice, a vestige of being a catholic or perhaps a reminder of God's great love for us that He gave his only Son to die for us. A sign of the cross and a prayer is power.)

Another impression, was the great unified support shown by Pinoys. Then the fulfillment of Sarah Geronimo's dream of not only winning a singing contest but making her country folks proud by singing the Philippine National Anthem, in front of a global crowd.

Love of Country

As Filipinos, we should love our country. We should elect a leader that loves our unforshaken land. Manny's put us in the world's attention.

Of Friends

It's wonderful to have friends. They are there when you want them;  sometimes they are not when you direly them.

i have to do something everyday
as little things may form bricks
of ideas that eventually materialize into
a citadel of paragraphs building stories
and stories beyond mortal comprehensions.

and there are angels ever ready to help
and there are angels without wings
and in our mortal world we call them
Friends...

to roam this earth without friends is
like sailing on a sailboat with no wind
driving a sedan devoid of any destination
and driving not walking is your consolation.

Speaking at the Toastmasters' Club

A member called me to attend our club meeting ( I was out of circulation for many meetings because of the day: it's on a Wednesday, and this day is very tight in my schedule), and so I have no recourse but to answer in the affirmative. Then he asked me if I could give a speech and the title of it.

The Power of Power.

i finally found the title. It will be about persuation. Maybe the title could be punch-riddled. And I remembered Mahatma Gandhi who said - " You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be No Result."

Goal Setting

I have to utilize the 5 bricks of goal setting " : 1.Destination 2.Desire 3. Guidance 4, Plan 5. Action.

6 Ps of Success

1, Power 2. Purpose 3. Passion 4. Positiveness 5.Perseverance 6.Personal Empowerment


With the above, I have to do more daily Meditation, Affirmation, and Visualization.
What the heck, we all have fear, but we must muster enough mettle to slay that dragon of fear. And the power of power is within us because my friends just think on this -
26 letters of the alphabet produce m oceans of words
10 numbers, including zero, create zillions.... Amazing!

Greetings from Uganda

Hi Greg,

This is Max and I hope you are doing well. My travels back to Uganda were smooth. It's now shortly over four weeks since I arrived and still do not have an assignment. Hopefully I will get a call from my bishop in the coming days.

I'm currently at home with mother, helping with the house work - and occasionally visiting priest friends and classmates. How is Eve doing? My prayers are with you both; and thanks again for all you did to enable my ministry while I was in Chicago.

Greetings to all my friends in the Novena group. I miss you all and I pray for you everyday. Wish you God's peace, and increased health and strength.

Max

(Note: This is from Fr. Max, a secular priest, from Uganda who came to States for his graduate studies. He stayed for a while at St. Timothy Rectory where I came to know him.)

Why I am here?

And that's The Question!

In my everyday waking moment, a question always pops up. Why am I here? Not a complaint but clarification on the mystery of existence. And the temporary status.

Is it the desiderata? The purpose-driven life? The power of purpose? And why have I the audacity to bring this out of the open?

Recently, I met a person at Home Depot, who understood the beauty of life, of existence, of FAMILY. (Father And Mother I Love You) This person, after paragraphs of conversation, confessed that his parents are from the Philippines who left the country when he was a child. He understood Pilipino and has a heart of his birthplace. Now he is married with 2 children. The family has just moved 6 months ago from Las Vegas. He intimated that Las Vegas is only a place for vacation not to stay, live, raise children. But to retire? It's a no-no. That's his take!

I met another person sporting a southern droll. He was enthusiastic about life. He talked with great pride about what life has offered him. I listened...

And lately, I crossed paths with a religious woman who was happy to talk to my wife and me about God, Jesus, and His most blessed mother Mary. She said she has drifted and was lukewarm to his religious life that she needed a push, a motivation, persons to listen to her agony; that she is willing to listen to, to their enriching, enlightening, enhancing words on prayer, forgiveness, and gratefulness. In fact, she is very devoted to the Holy Infant who is an unfailing partner to her in her triumphs and trials.

The denouement of that shall we say the intimate talk was a question - Why are we born? Why are we here?  

After the Path to Rome was the Road Back Home

During lunch time, we poised our vision to the Chicago Loop where the widely acclaimed Bayanihan Dance Troupe of the Philippines venued. Once again we were sentimental.
Our birth country's history flashed in the colorful live dances and songs performed by the young, the talented Filipinos. Reminding us that Filipinos are lively, lovely and zestful people. Product of European and western cultures. The Cross of religion and the Torch of education and Hollywood. The country that Gen. Douglas McArthur proudly proclaimed his famous " I shall return" promise.

The Philippines is the Pearl of the Orient Seas but the social cancer of graft and corruption exits. We pray that our Mother of Perpetual Help and All Saints will come to her succor.

Path To Rome International Conference - Chicago 2006
Oct.06 - 08, 2006
My wife and I attended. Met friends who were relgion friendly.Truth seekers came from all over the States and abroad. They were all enlightened. We discovered that the Catholic Religion is getting stronger and stronger unexpectedly. We learned that knowledgeable protestants sought shelter to the Catholic Church while the weak and non-knowledgeable Catholics departed from the Universal and True Church- Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church and the GATES of hell shall not prevail...
Path To Rome conference series was held at the Wyndham O'hare Hotel, Oct. 6 to 8, 2006. It is the only international conference of famous converts to the Catholic Church and is sponsored by Miles Jesu.

Speakers were: Msgr.Stuart W. Swetland, STD, who became a Catholic while studying at Oxford. Has B.A. and M.A. in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Oxford; a Div. and M.A. from Mt. Saint Mary's Seminary and S.T.L. and S.T.D. from John Paul 11 Institute for studies on Marriage and Family, Pontifical Lateran University. Currently serves as Director of St. John's Catholic Newman Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and chaplain to Catholic Students at the University of Illinois and Parkland College.
Steven W. Mosher, a convert to Catholicsm is the author of best selling A Mother's Ordeal: One Woman's Fight Against China's One-Child Policy. His other books are: Hegemon: China's Plan to Dominate Asia and the World; China Attacks; China Misperceived: American Illusions and Chinese Reality; Journey to the forbidden China and Broken Earth: The Rural Chinese. Steve is president of the non-profit Population Research Institute and widely recognized as one of the world's leading authorities on the population question.
Deacon Alex Jones, a lifelong Pentecostal who was converted to Catholicsm in 2001. He was the senior minister of 2 churches in the city of Detroit: Zion Congregational church of God in Christ (1975-82), the 2nd oldest Pentecostal church in Michigan, and Marantha Christian Church (1982-2000), an evangelical/charismatic church. While reading the Apostolic Fathers and subsequent church history, he discovered the Church to be charismatic/liturgical, hierarchical and Eucharistic-centered. The more he read, the more he came to conclude that the present day Catholic Church - and the Holy Mass - is the same exact"worship service" from the very early Church.These discoveries lead to a 2-year journey in the Catholic Church that converted 54 members of his previous congregation including 11 members of his own family to the Catholic Church. He has a Masters of Arts in Pastoral Studies and is employed by the Archdiocese of Detroit as the Evangelization Coordinator. Was ordained a Permanent Deacon in the Archdiocese of Detroit on Oct. 1, 2005 and continues to preach with his fiery passion about Christ and the Church.
Michelle McGhan, a young Mormon convert to the Catholic Church after a long search which began in her early twenties. Discovering the fullness of Faith in the Catholic Church she was never persuaded by her family and friends to remain a Mormon but remain firm in her commitment to the Truth. She said,"If God exists, then there are real and absolute triths about Him. Truths that neither we, nor anyone else can change. And, if you take the time to study, you will find, as I did, that those real, unchanging absolute truths are here in the Catholic Church". Michelle is currently a second grade teacher in Arizona.
Mrs. Linda Poindexter,who was converted to the Catholic Church, was raised in the religion of Disciples of Christ until 1959. Then she became a member of the Episcopal religion; became a deacon and then as an Episcopal priest. She was married to John M. Poindexter, Retired Rear Admiral of the United States Navy, who served as National Security Advisor to former President Ronald Reagan. She has traveled throughout the United States, enjoys swimming, tennis,sailing, birdwatching, needlework and reading. She is also a fan of the Baltimore Orioles baseball team.

Oct.2,2006/ Tuesday
Tempus fugit! Time flies.

Pope Paul VI said, "Tell your sons, your nephews, your grandsons; tell the people that the pope loves the Kights of Columbus. The glory of the Knights of Columbus is not based on humanitarian works alone. Even more admirable have been your insistence upon the supremacy of God and your fidelity to the Vicar of Christ. In truth you can call yourselves 'brothers' because you call God your Father and have declared yourselves ready to do his will and serve his cause...the Knights of Columbus an immense force for good."

In the pre-vatican II days, the mass was in Latin. As an altar boy, I have to memorize and mumble the Ad Deum que laitificat juventutem meam... as a response to the priest's Latin intro to begin the mass. Little did I know that I would someday become a member of "the world's largest lay Catholic family service organization. And tonight, I became one of the three new members of "these men they call Knights."

It started with an invitation to attend a meeting.

Myrna approached me and said, "Remo is going to call you as the meeting starts at seven."

"OK, I'll wait for his call." And we drove home.

"You can go, but you better eat first," said my wife as we arrived home.

Tempus fugit! And time flies. I became a member of the First Degree of Knights of Columbus, Father A. Ryan Council No. 5025, this 2nd day of October, 2006.

SAN PEDRO HOSPITAL, DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES CLASS OF '62 REUNION. Related article is : An Afternoon To Remember