A Vatican Visit in Perspective...by Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx.

Sharing One-Priesthood in Christ!

Indeed, what a moment! The gathering of thousands of priest from around the world in Rome to show solidarity, to pray and witness to sharing of One-Priesthood in Christ in the Catholic Church, under the leadership of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict, the XV1, the Vicar of Christ here on earth. The whole atmosphere filled us with awe and wonder, even in the midst of present crises in the church.

The first two days priests gathered in the Basilica of St. Paul for a meditative talk from Cardinal, followed by Eucharistic adoration. The first talk was on reconciliation. Cardinal reminded over twelve thousand priests gathered together, the need for confession. What would you prefer,"a loving and forgiving embrace from God in the sacrament of confession, or standing alone with self-righteousness-claiming I have no sins? The latter attitude has wide spread, which is a cause for many of our maladies. The prodigal son preferred the embrace of the father, rather than to stay away from Him with pride. It was encouraging to see so many priests standing in line to receive the sacrament of confession.

The second day, the meditation was on the nature of Priesthood. Cardinal Marc Ouelette reminded that the gift of priesthood is for service. At the prayer vigil in the evening at St. Peter's Basilica, five questions were posed to the Holy Father by five priests from five continents. Questions mostly related to priesthood and priestly ministry in the world. Holy Father promptly answered the questions as a theologian and as a pastor.The vigil ended with Eucharistic adoration, benediction and solemn blessing.

In the backdrop of the sex scandal, the Pope in his homily had this to say to all priest. "Had the Year for Priests been a glorification of our individual human performance, it would have been ruined by these events. But for us what happened was precisely the opposite: we grew in gratitude for God's gift, a gift concealed in "earthen vessels" which ever anew, even amid human weakness, makes his love concretely present in this world. So let look upon all that happened as a task which we bring to the future and which makes us acknowledge and love all the more the great gift we have received from God. In this way, his gift becomes a commitment to respond to God's courage and humility by our own courage and our own humility."

I am truly fortunate to be part of this great gathering of the priests on the occasion of the 150th death anniversary of St. John Mary Vianney. This is a first such gathering in the history of the church. This would not have been possible for me to attend, if not for St. Timothy parishioners, who generously contributed to my trip to Rome. In a very special way, I would like to thank Pat Johnson, and the Liturgy Committee who initiated this process. I am humbled by your love, generosity, and faith. Pray for me that I may be able to serve the Lord in a worthy manner, and be a humble servant to His people.

08/13/10, Friday

Lector: Transfiguration Church/ Novena of Jesus of Nazarene ( A Quiapo, Manila style)

Every Friday of the week in the north side of Chicago at Transfiguration Church there is a 7:00 pm Rosary followed by Novena of Jesus of Nazarene then Mass. This is a devotion particularly activated by Filipinos who have taken roots in Illinois. This ethnic group had glued themselves to the true religion which was rammed to them by the Spanish conquestadores and missionaries. This devotion has its origin based at the heart of Manila which is Quiapo.This Quiapo Church which is the hub of human traffic hold masses almost very hour unceasingly due to the influx of Filipinos from all over the Philippines Archipelago ( Visayas and Mindanao) to the capital of the Philippines to study, to work, to visit or to be permanent residents.

This quest for the improvement of life goaded them to seek shelter in the city's progress, and the promise of tempting opportunities in all aspects of human endeavor.
And when their provincial shoes touched the metropolitan pavement, their first instinct is to be grateful for the safe journey leading them to seek a refuge which is no other but the House of God. The people flock where the flow is. Not all are Roman Catholics but they pray to God, nevertheless.

On Wednesdays, the flow veers to Baclaran for the devotion to the Mother of Perpetual Help. Meanwhile on Thursdays, it is St. Jude devotion.

On vanity...

This world is full of that vanity- conceit, excessive pride in oneself.

This is a period of my life that I saw different signs in the walls of time. People young and old paint their bodies, adorn them bodies with diamonds even their tongues.

Near a diamond store in the mall, a man approached me to buy diamond as his wife is a salesperson.I told him that diamonds are forever luxuries what we need are necessities. Look at me, I said to him, I don't have a watch what for when I have a cellphone that tells time and offers me my needs of infos ...

Vanity of vanities.... all is vanity!
(Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx)

This is a beautiful Phrase, but also a hard reality, which challenges the status-quo of our thought process, and the world-view we hold so dearly. Indeed, the empirical world is nothing but, vanity of vanities, all is vanity.Philosopher Heraclitus coined this world's outlook with another startling chapter, " You cannot step in the same river twice." change is constant, and change is here to stay. How do we perceive this reality in our universe? Does it have any effect in the way we conduct our life knowing that we are just pilgrims? These are vital questions to discern wisdom and find true meaning in our existence.

Such a reflection of this beautiful expression allows us to put things into proper perspective. However, if not rooted in God, it could lead to despair and anguish.If the empirical realities constantly change, the supernatural beings exist beyond the realm of change and exist for eternity. the human body is subject to change, the soul belongs to the supernatural realm, and it continually struggles to reunite to the eternal substance. This struggle determines our purification and true holiness.

The author of the book of Ecclesiastes had this thought in mind to impart wisdom, by sighting the profound truth of the empirical reality. "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!" Therefore, do not cling to the worldly things, they will all pass away. It seems grat injustice that a man, who has labored wisely, skillfully, and successfully, must leave what is his own to someone who has not toiled for it all. Therefore, we hsve to learn and use the faculties of the soul-knowledge of first cause and principle (we commonly understand as God) grown in faith, hope and charity.

Fool! This very night the demand will be made, we will have overcome overcome the ignorance; otherwise, ignorance will lead us to eternal darkness. Now is the time to decipher life's code, and live in wisdom-detachment from worldly things, and joyful embrace to the faculties of our soul. St Paul writing to the Christians of Collossae reminds them, "since you have been brought back to true life with Christ, you must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is sitting at God's right hand."

Because we have been imparted with wisdom, we have to work hard to rid everything that belongs only to earthly life: fornication, impurity,guilty passion, evil desires and especially greed, which is the same thing as worshiping false gods. In Christ, we have been stripped of our old self, and put on new self, which will progress towards true knowledge the more it is renewed in the image of its Creator. The philosophers of old sought this wisdom; we sre given it for free in Christ Jesus. Therefore, do not take it for granted, but give God thanks always, and conduct your life with wisdom.

Get on your knees!

Prayer is a powerful weapon, and when used properly, blessings rain down abundantly. Know for sure, even the heart of a hardcore criminal will transform, when touched by the power of prayer. Mahatma Gandhi would say, "Prayer is a key in the morning and lock at night." Therefore, get on your knees and learn to pray with sincere heart and mind, for your Creator is just a prayer away.

There are different forms, methods, dispositions, and literature to connect in prayer, which are vital for our growth in our spiritual and moral life. Jesus takes us to another level of relationship with our Creator, inviting us to engage in a filial relationship with God calling Him "Our Father". The relationship with God, as father-child is a paradigm shift from the whole concept of relating to an unknown deity residing in an unknown place.

The revelation of Jesus and the mystery of our salvation are weaved so beautifully together in order to create a profound relationship with our Eternal God. In Jesus, we have become the children of God and heirs to eternal Life in His Kingdom. Therefore, only Jesus could teach us to pray by calling God,"Our Father."This relationship then leads us to build a just and egalitarian society with brotherhood of men.

The void in our societies is the reflection of the emptiness in the hearts of individual people.Without our knowledge, this vacuum then unleashes a series of unwarranted consequences, which bend our knees, without us realizing the reason for our misfortune. Therefore, it is an imperative to fill the emptiness with true faith in God our Creator. It has no cost, but offered freely to all men of goodwill.

Get down on your knees and pray, for your Creator is just a prayer away. Build a healthy filial relationship with God, Our Father, who cares for us at all times, and loves us unconditionally. He offers forgiveness, and grants us mercy and pardon that we may rejoice in His embrace.Why do you want to miss out on this opportunity, and go about with pride? In humility, bend your knees in prayer, and peace will flow into your heart without measure. Amen. ( Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx.)

A Lector's prayer...

Merciful Father help me to follow;
lead me to Thy eternal meadow
where life-giving and healing water flow
be my Guide, my Light and let me glow.

With you by my side I will walk;
Father be with me like a dove
hovering and watching while I talk
to spread and share the message of Love.

I will follow Thee and Thy ways
so Thou will be with me always
enlighten me, make me not to falter
guide me, be with me, now, here and after.

An Addendum on Hospitality

I grew up in a country where hospitality echoes in the air. We trust everybody. We love to be visited by somebody we don't know. Even in our humbleness and country homeliness we still have the heart to dress a chicken, prepare a meal for the hungry, and a drink made up of a native concoction to quench a thirst.

When I went to college away from my place of birth, I encountered friendly people from all walks of life. There was that reciprocal intent of being accommodating. During my time, I am always welcome by strangers as I always welcome them. I was in a diverse world so to speak, far from my parents, no cell phones, no phone calls rarely a land transportation, mostly on water. And all I have was a prayer injected in my cranium by  Catholic school education and of being hospitable to anyone.

On Hospitality

Indeed, the hospitality shown by people towards others, especially to strangers is a noble act. A friendly welcome breaks the ice of coldness and builds lasting relationships of friendship and trust. The tourism industry thrives because it has created a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in their surrounding, as well as among the workers by greeting all the guests with warmth. All are welcome but at a price. It is artificially created for the sole purpose of profit.

St. Timothy parish (located in the West Rogers Park which is in the north side of Chicago) is composed of different ethnic communities, which is a challenge, as well as being the beauty of a Catholic parish. It was a natural outcome for this community to be hospitable and welcoming. The first Sunday of the month- we call it Hospitality Sunday here at St. Timothy parish- gives us an opportunity to go out of our comfort zone, to associate with others, especially those whom we do not know.

In a desert-like area, where Abraham resided in the land of Canaan, hospitality is sacred even today. A person asking for shelter is never turned away; to do so, would amount to condemning the person to die of hunger and thirst. Abraham would have fulfilled his duty of hospitality towards anyone coming to him, but something in his heart told him that these were no ordinary people. In fact, he soon discovered that they were God's messengers, nay, God himself accompanied by two angels.

In today's gospel (Luke 10:38-42), Luke tells us of the visit of God to another family, this time, not "in the form of man" but truly became a man Jesus. This Jesus desires to come into every person's heart in the form of bread and wine. Therefore, we should be joyful like Abraham and Martha and prepare our hearts with love and gratitude. to receive Him. It is an august moment! Like Mary, we should recognize the gift of eternal presence and listen to the words of wisdom.

Nevertheless, Jesus wishes that we welcome all, especially the poor, the orphans, the widows, the strangers, and the most vulnerable of society in His name. For Jesus said, "Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you have done it unto me." Let us never close our lives to anyone, but welcome people with faith and joy.
( Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx, July 18/2010}

On a Friday afternoon by the Park


On a hot summer afternoon
by the park sitting on a bench
I met Kahn of Pakistan alone.

A man of fourscore years and kind
nipping his life with Marlboro,
politely asked me if I don't mind.

Smoke curls out of four sections
happily, children play and grow
sans the formal introductions.

Bereft of suspicion and strife;
innocence, acceptance, and love
surfaced in the playground of life,

that everybody's music resounds
in any park or stage of life;
and camaraderie abounds.

The mind creates noble ideas;
let the heart speaks of unity,
mercy,compassion,forgiveness.

When the heart speaks; the mind listens
making this world a paradise
rancor will vanish, justice glistens.

My outlook of this high-tech globe
on that afternoon by the park
led me to renew, to get involved.

Yonder on a bench two lovers
enjoy the moment like a lark
and the vision of life hovers.

on bondage...  By: Greg In Trabanca

I still remembered distinctly my first flight to a big world beyond my small world. I have traveled to different places but this one pumped my adrenaline. In the mirror of my mind I could visualize the flashes of my dreams, the pictures of what will be but will it be?

What really clung to the very fiber of me on that day was freedom. I knew what that word meant but I have yet to savor the new beginning, the new changing, the new environment, the new me.

I was on a big plane , Northwest 747. I was blinded by excitement. What I was thinking was nothing but to savor freedom, to be free from the bondage of so many pressures that pester me and like an arrow ready to hit my Achilles heel.

I saw in my horizon looming questions.

Many questions. Will there be answers? Solutions? On this new frontier? I doubt it.

Deluged with these unknown feelings, I was. Now I am free. This territory that I have known through books, radio, and stories from people. Now it is real. I touched it. I felt it. My body tingled.

The years floated by like the birds of prey in the sea of my yearning-to-learn life. I love to learn. Life is full of hidden treasures.To me, learning stops when my new life begins.

Now I learn that I am still in bondage in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Like so many of us from foreign shores, and don't tell me you are not.

When we step the soil of this new found land, we are readily welcome with open arms by the media, the merchants, the advertisers, the car dealers, the real estate agents, the banks, the mortgage companies.They all want us to be in debt; we are chained to the debt bondage. We are not aware of that. And they like that.

Truth and the deadly consequence!

Are we really homeowners? condo-owners? townhome owners? Do we all hold the titles of home, the car? How about the things that gave us instant gratifications - the big TV, the furniture, etc. Are they not paid by checks and credit or debit cards?

That was April 5 of '74 when I glimpsed the beauty of Seattle because I was not sleepless on that trip. That was cool. Only a couple of questions on the port of entry. I passed as I only answered yes or no. I am a few word person. I hate long speeches.

Chicago, here I come. Al Capone. Carl Sandburg. Sears Tower. Daley City. And Chicago is the Windy City.  Later, I found out that the city is really windy and the politicians, too. Am I politically correct?

Freedom or bondage?

Friday, Nov 20, 2009

Reading- Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59

...They celebrated dedication of the altar and and joyfully offered burnt offerings.

Gospel - Luke 19:45-48

Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, "It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves."

On the homily, Fr.Floredo threw the question on why and how we behave on God's dwelling: the temple, a place of worship. That it must not be a place for gossips, but for concentration to God. And it echoed on my conscience that our body is the temple of God as he created us. In like manner, we should give it due reverence by treating it with loving care and not making it a den of worldly dins that drowned our very existence to doom and perdition.

Josef Pieper, a renowned German Catholic philosopher wrote why we need Christ to cleanse the Temple thus: How is an intentional turning away of the will from the very quintessence of all good - toward which the will is inherently oriented by its very nature - even conceivable? How is it possible that the willing person can abuse his freedom so as to decide against the good?... Sin... has its ground of possibility in nothing other than in the fact that man is a creature: "Seen from the point of view of its nature, every spiritual creature has the ability to sin" (Saint Thomas Aquinas) It is because of his creatureliness that man is capable of sinning..."The creature is dark, insofar as it stems from nothing."...But what does "stem from nothing" mean, if not "to be created"! And precisely this - the fact that descent from nothing is inherent in every creature - is the deepest ground for man's capacity for sin, for his posse peccare: such is Thomas' opinion. In other words, not because the will is free, but rather "because the free will comes from nothing, that is why it is inherent to it not to remain in the good by nature." At the same time, of course, Thomas says that such a "bent toward evil" comes to the will "not by virtue of its origin from God, but because of its origin from nothing."
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10/04/09-Wed

Drove Fr.Peter de Mello to the Women's Center at Cicero Ave, south of Foster Ave for a 12:00 noon Mass.We arrived on time. At least 15 people attended; 5 men including the priest. A solemn mass that begun with this prayer: O sweet Jesus, Prisoner of Love in the Most Blessed Sacrament,I adore You profoundly. as I prepare to take part in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, I wish to participate in your redemptive suffering like Simon of Cyrenne, who helped you carry your cross and like your Mother, and the beloved disciple, who suffered silently at the foot of that cross. Most of all give me the heart of the good thief, who realized that he deserved the suffering he was receiving and you did not. Like him, I beg your mercy and implore, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

The communion was of the pre-Vatican II format. I knelt and received the host through the mouth not in the palm of my hand.

After the priest concluded the Mass and the response heard, the priest faced the crucifix at the altar,knelt and said this prayer together with the congregation:

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, while before Your face I humbly kneel; and with burning soul pray and beseech You to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of Faith, Hope and Charity; true contrition for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment; while I contemplate with great love and tender pity Your five wounds, pondering upon them within me: I call to mind the words which David Your prophet said to You,my Jesus, " They have pierced My hands and My feet, they have numbered all my bones."
Then the Prayer to St. Michael:

St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. Restrain him O God, we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the divine power, cast into hell satan and all the evil spirits, who roam about the world seeking the ruins of soul, Amen.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us ( said 3 times )
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us
St Joseph, pray for us
St Jude, pray for us.

After maybe a couple of confessions, Fr. de Mello and I left to go back to St. Timothy Rectory at Washtenaw Ave.

Nov.03/09- Tues.

My Bishop Friend

By: Greg In. Trabanca

When I'm down I remember you
that in our life God is the King.
This we must believe to be true.
Man has end and time is fleeting

I always long for your coming
like a rain welcomed by dry field;
while farmers with their guitars sing
the song of thanks and glad tiding.

Tales of justice dot memories;
Your one-way ticket to the States.
The annual love mission appeal;
travel and the airport ordeal.

I drove. I listened. Your stories
reverberated with humbleness.

You met a country folk that paved
the way to your most desired goal:
that you received more when you gave
to the diocese and sans wall.

You watch your flock as shepherds do;
to get rid of sheep-clothing wolves.
As seminarians come and go;
you are firm with those of the robes.

The lean years sapped your energy
yet helping others let you live.
What you are gives you sanity;
not what you take but how you give.


The land's full of vitality.
The blue hill with white sheep astray.
Tropical breeze kissed wrinkled face
The shepherd is tired along the way.

The borrowed car geared you to nap
dreaming in a hospital's lap.

The call past ten in your wrist watch
awakened a friend that cold night.
The East Coast response you didn't catch;
wrestling on spiritual might.

(A poem dedicated to a humble prelate, Msgr. Felix S. Zafra, the first Bishop of Dipolog City diocese in Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines,who taught me the importance of  prayer and of a perpetual adoration to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.( John 14:13-14) And whatever you ask in my name, I will do so that the Father may be glorified in the son. "If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do so) Msgr. Zafra once walked this wonderful planet and said that above all things we must profoundly put our trust in God. On a related note, by October 30, 2014, a new Bishop will be installed at Dipolog City, Fr. Severo C. Caermare to succeed Bishop Jose' R. Manguiran. Fr. Caermare was born in Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. He will be the first Bishop from Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines and a homegrown priest. He will be incharge of ecclesial province of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines.)

My wife is:Evangeline Caermare Trabanca

Gratefulness

Nov. 02/09 - Monday


Day dawns for a glorious new day
For us to understand God's plan                                        
And to  discover His new way
It is in our hands to  expand.

Are we a human being
Or are we a human doing?
Is it vital to work and sing
Or dance to the Holy rhythm?

We are God's gifts to our Jesus
We are precious and beautiful
He takes care and love all of us
Endless mercy and wonderful.

We must believe, love and adore
Be grateful to Him everyday
With Him there is no better score
He is our Life, the Truth, the Way.

Oct.31/09 - Saturday

"Imagination grows by exercise, and contrary to common belief, is more powerful in the mature than in the young." - Paul McCartney.

The person is right. At this point in my life, I could detect the truth to this statement. It seems that daily visits to the computer add feathers to the wings of imagination and like an eagle soars to unforeseen heights.

Back in my bachelor days in my birthland, I used to be with friends and we let our thoughts scamper and flurry in the fields of dreams. And as we stare at the starry sky, we feel that we are in distant land.

It is free to dream. It is a good to dream.
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Today, after the ICC ( Inheritance Communications Corporation) meeting I attended I went to a Filipino store with a restaurant and a bakery. The cold autumn weather led me to the restroom to pee. When I came out I saw a couple on a table. They were done eating. The friendly wife stood up and was palm reading on a man in a 3-piece attire. I thought he was a manager, sales rep but later when we were engaged in a conversation, the truth surfaced that he is a minister of one of the Christian denominations. As our conversations went on , we touched on the delicate topic of religion.the range of topic was seemingly Bible quotations. Obviously, he was a Bible-believing Christian. He was not minding the 10 commandments but was focusing on only the Two - love God above all things and your neighbor as yourself.

As he was dishing out more on religion, I left the restaurant as I have an errand to do. I bought a coconut milk in a can to be mixed with sweet rice for the All Soul's Day celebration.

Oct. 30/09 - Friday

Nothing is new.

What's new today is no longer new tomorrow. And as the sea is never full so is a person's thirst for knowledge is never satiated.

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God.

" All rivers go to the sea,
yet never does the sea become full.
To the place where they go,
the rivers keep on going.
All speech is labored;
there is nothing man can say.
The eye is not satisfied with seeing
nor is the ear filled with hearing.

What has been, that will be; what has been done, that will be done. Nothing is new under the sun. Even the thing of which we say, "See, this is new!" has already existed in the ages that preceded us. There is no remembrance of the men of old; nor of those to come will there be any remembrance among those who come after them. (Ecclesiastes:1 7-11 )

Oct. 29/09 Thursday

The Fall. Autumn. Change.

I was out in the backyard raking the autumn leaves of Cherry Blossoms, Maple tree, and Ash tree... In our backyard garden, we have a flower terrace-like garden in four layers of irregularly shaped rocks landscaped by a handyman may be, as the garden terrace was already there when we bought this bi-level house 5 years ago. What was amazing was the different flowers dotting it. Now the leaves have fallen. The ground is filled with colors of gold, brown, yellow, and red.

The landscape changed. And I have changed from an obscure town boy to a man, a jack of no trade, journeying into the impossibilities.

Yes, Change! The wheel revolutionizes the world. The computer changed me. From now on this blog site will undergo a change. It is going to emboss memory-prints on the wall of time. Daily on this blog, you'll see quotes that will change our life for the better. As " day by day in every way through the grace of God, we are getting better and better."

The advent of the computer changed my lifestyle. It is what I am at this point in time. Amazing! You bet. And once again I am nimble with my fingers; no longer with the pen.

So dear friends and lovers of life. Stay with me as we journey together in the land, sea, and air of life. Travel is fun. And quotes from great minds will map guide us.

And so we begin...

Oct.27, 2009 - Tuesday

On Inspiration

My Oxford English Mini Dictionary, the world's most trusted dictionary defines the noun inspiration as a sudden brilliant idea or something inspiring. The verb inspires means to stimulate activity; encourage ( a feeling ); cause to feel uplifted.

10/17/09, Saturday

Beautiful, meaningful words are vitamins that enhance your will to live. Always seek for things beautiful. Anything that exudes good smell, pleasing to the eyes, or just simple plain positiveness.

These are beautiful words:

" There is goodness as well as greatness in simplicity not in wealth."
"The greatness of a person lies in his heart, not in his head, that is intellect."

And this:
Learn from the mistakes of others... You can't live long enough to make them all yourselves!.

" A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first and honest people are screwed first." - Chanakya

" The biggest guru-mantra is: Never share your secrets with anybody. It will destroy you."- Chanakya

What I am sharing are not secrets as they are printed in books and the internet. The secret is- putting these WORDS into action making them a part of your life, taking risks, embracing change, and instilling discipline into the sanctum of your being.
Before I forget to keep your life simple and seek peace and don't lose sight of just being simply YOU!

10/09/09, Friday

(J4F CLUB) 1000+ cards Reached

What a relief! At long 7 years past, a dream comes to reality. "Yes, dear, we are there. I want to finish up recording everything that has come in today and we will get the order in."

Thank God. Never be without greeting God, thanking Him for His Love, His Goodness. And for Life, Health, Work/Job, Success, and Failures.

Came across The Art of Forgiving thus:

* The most creative power given to human spirit is the power to heal the wounds of a past it cannot change.

* We do our forgiving alone inside our hearts and minds; what happens to the people we forgive depends on them.

*The first person to benefit from forgiving is the one who forgives.

* Forgiving happens in the three stages: we discover the humanity of the person who wronged us; we surrender our right to get even, and we wish that person well.

*Forgiving is a journey; the deeper the wound, the longer the journey.

* Forgiving does not require us to reunite with the person who broke our trust.

* We do not forgive because we are supposed to; we forgive when we are ready to be healed.

* Waiting for someone to repent before we forgive is to surrender our future to the person who wrongs us.

* Forgiving is not a way to avoid pain but to heal the pain.

* Forgiving someone who breaks trust does not mean that we give him his job back.

* Forgiving is the only way to be fair to ourselves.

* Forgivers are not doormats; to forgive a person is not a signal that we are willing to put up with what he or she does.

* Forgiving is essential; talking about it is optional. When we forgive, we set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner we set free is ourselves.

*When we forgive we walk in stride with our forgiving God.

Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009

7th day of the Novena to our Lady of the Rosary at Jun Ramirez's place in Roselle, Illinois sponsored by the Labasonians of Illinois.

Mass celebrants were: Frs. Manny Recera and Alan Lastimosa.

Friday, Sept.11,2009

My wife and I were invited to The Best of 10, a dinner-dance-concert presented by The Silayan Singers. Place: Meridian Banquets, 1701 Algonquin Rd., Rolling Meadows, Illinois
It's dubbed the best of 10 as this the 10th of this group's existence sharing its music to brighten our world in the gloom. And it did bring joy to aching hearts, rhythm to irregular steps in life's journey, and revival of friendship in oblivion.

Building a Community!

I take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to "The Parish and Family Life Commission," for your dedication, devotion, and determination. The committee for the "Summer Dinner Dance," once again made it a memorable evening for everyone who came for the party. Building a community of faith involves different ideas and many hands. I am pleased to have so many committed parishioners who give of themselves to make it better for all.

As the musical evening was unfolding with excitement, we encountered another electrifying situation. A pipeline from the girl's bathroom broke and flooded the basement, which interrupted the party. Nevertheless, there was no panic, everyone understood the situation, and closed the evening with goodwill. It brought back the memories of the movie "Titanic". People danced to the music 'till water covered the full floor. What a sight to behold! Nobody complained, but left with cheer to return next year for this event.

The best in our community was manifested in this crisis. Most were willing to lend their helping hands. The organizing committee took upon themselves the cleaning and clearing of the water from the basement. They stayed 'till late into the night, and only when everything was taken care of, they left the premises. I am ever grateful to you for making such sacrifices to bring people together to build a community of faith.

The Gospel reminds us of a precious gift, which God our Father offers to us, his people Jesus, His own Son! Through this gift, we are called to form a community of faith and the mystical body of Christ. "I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever, and the bread I shall give is my flesh for the life of the world." This gift of God beckons us to come together, and share our lives with one another.

Sincere gratitude to the "Parish and Family Life Commission" for organizing different events in the parish, to help accomplish the goal of building a community of faith, by sharing your time and talent. With this in mind, letters are being sent out to families to invite other families to strengthen our parish and family life. I wish you the best and God's abundant blessing on each one of you.

-Fr. Peter Fernandez, sfx was inspired to write this on that unforgettable Hawaiian summer night of live music and dancing shoes to the delight of the parish community.

Hudyaka sa Illinois 2009
Sat.Aug 1/09
Proesel Park, Lincolnwood, Illinois

On quest for thirst of hunger...

The Body and Blood of Christ

Only in the Catholic Church is the mystery of the Body and Blood of Christ given the highest veneration, and kept alive in true faith by the command of the Lord, "Do this in my memory." Jesus came on earth to gather God's people together, into one community. It is well said that the gathering of the people around the banquet table creates equality with dignity. Hence, at the Eucharistic table, all are welcome to partake of one bread and of one cup, in order to form One Body of Christ.

Today, we rejoice and give praise to our Lord for having given himself as our own spiritual food and drink in the Holy Eucharist. We Christians celebrate this mystery with great joy and faith, as this is an imperative for our sprititual growwth, and food for the journey. this mystery allows us to contemplate ever better our absolute need of the Eucharist for our Christian life, both as individual and as a community.

However, there are many who do not believe this mystery to be true, and they chose to walk away depressed and discouraged. The account of the two disciples on their way to Emmaus after the death of Jesus, gives us an indication of defeat and loss they were suffering. Nevertheless, these disciples had what it would take to believe. They possessed an openness to God's Spirit. They were blessed to witness the first Eucharistic miracle. At the breaking of the bread they recognize the presence of the Risen Lord.

The Risen Lord is really and truly present in the form of bread and wine. It is neither a total physical presence nor total spiritual presence, but the real presence of the Risen Lord.We believe in faith, and accept it as the perfect gift from God to humanity. "Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood you have no life within you." Jesus offered his life on the cross, as the sacrificial lamb for our redemption. God gave us new life through the life of His Son, Jesus, in the Holy Spirit, which we receive in fullness at the Eucharistic Table.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, and members of the Body of Christ, we are called to transform society. Our mission is to imitate Jesus, who broke himself and spilled his blood to give us life. He invites us to do the same for our brothers and sisters around us. When we truly share our life with others, we help to complete the sacrifice of Jesus to heal the world and establish God's Kingdom here in our midst.

-Fr. Peter Fernandes,sfx, St. Timothy Church, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Salvation through the name of Jesus...

Living in a multi-ethnic community here on Devon Avenue, (north side of Chicago, Illinois)presents a challenge to our claim about Jesus. Is salvation only through the name of Jesus? Or is salvation also available through other sources? This dilemma continues to baffle humanity in its quest to find the truth about the mystery of our existence.

The rulers and elders of the people during the time of the apostles were confused. How is it that such power and wisdom is attached to these simple folks? St. Peter explains, it is by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the one you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus is the greatest miracle, which defies human limitations and comprehensions. Never before, had such an event defined our existence, nor thereafter. therefore, St. Peter concludes, "For of all the names in the world given to men, this is the only one which we can saved."

Human history is filled with religious leaders and mythological figures claiming to be the savior of humankind, but no one could defy nature to claim supremacy over creation like that of Jesus. The teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, surpasses all human wisdom and knowledge. Unlike other leaders, who only point to the truth, but have no truth, Jesus says of Himself, "I am the way, the truth and the life." These words of Jesus accompanied such power as never seen before, "What is easier to say, your sin are forgiven, or to say rise, take up your mat and walk."

Jesus is the Good Shepherd, who lays down his life for his sheep. He desires that all hear his voice and come to his fold, for there can only one flock, and one shepherd. He does not force anyone, but offers his invitation in freedom and love. Unlike the rest of us, who are subject to the power of nature; no one has power over Jesus. He offers his life freely, and with that same freedom he brings it back to life to define our existence, in order to show us the ultimate truth, which will be our path to eternal life.

In the name of Jesus we have salvation. He is the Good Shephed and all of us who are baptized are his flock. He calls us by name and leads us to the eternal fountain. Let us not be baffled by claims from different religions, but be firm in our faith in Jesus, who is our Lord and Savior. Jesus is the only way, the truth and the life. Salvation is only in the name of Jesus.

-Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx. St. Timothy Church, Chicago, Illinois, USA

The Mouthpiece of God!

A call to proclaim the message of God is a privilege with responsibility. However, to fulfill such a mission is a challenge even unto death. Not many dare to hear the voice of God for the fear of losing one's life. It is an irony, God calls people not to take their lives, but to give life and give it in abundance.. The obstinate nature of humankind threatens the prophets of God and those who proclaim his message; it is because God's message often subverts worldly thinking.

Amos was a native of Judah.He was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees. He was sent by God to speak in His Name to the people of Israel - the northern kingdom which had broken away from Judah. Amos is told very bluntly that he is not wanted and is to go back where he came from. Nevertheless, such threats do not deter the zeal of a prophet. Amos was fearless in the face of persecution to bring home the message of God to his people, who were misled by the religious and civil leaders. Such a stance defines the prophetic vocation.

Today, the Catholic Church is the mouthpiece of God to the whole of humanity. The secular culture of our time is misleading humanity to a destructive end. This culture is thriving with false teachings, and pseudo hopes, which many have gladly embraced. More than ever before, the Catholic Church is beckoned to play the prophetic role of instructing people about the gospel of Jesus Christ and His eternal Kingdom. The secular media accuses the church to stay away from public life. However, the Catholic Church cannot and will not bow to such pressure, because it is her nature to be a prophetic voice in the world.

Jesus sends the twelve into the world to proclaim the message of repentance and healing with authority. The same authority is conferred on all the baptized. We are sent into the world to be a leaven of love, peace, faith and hope. How do we live our vocation? When we are questioned and threatened, because we are disciples of Jesus, do we respond like the prophet Amos? Or, have we succumbed to the pressure of this secular culture, which is misleading humanity to a deadly end?

Let us remember, we are the mouthpiece of God, called to proclaim His message of forgiveness, with the hope of glorious reward in his kingdom. "Be not, be afraid", take courage, like the prophet Amos, to live as a friend of God, rather than to seek comfort here on earth, and stand on the opposite side of God.

July 19, /09

ON PRIESTHOOD...AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK! (First in a Two Part Series)

PRIESTHOOD is a gift of God to humanity. It is a divine call with responsibility to the Master and the people the priest is called to serve. In the Old Testament, the gift of the priesthood was restricted to just one tribe of Israel, the tribe of Levi. However, the more often than not the priest failed to lead the people into a deeper covenantal relationship with Yahweh, their God. They were responsible for desecrating the temple of God, by false practice and corruption. The prophets denounced priesthood for their false living, and misleading the people from the true worship of Yahweh, which eventually brought destruction of the community of God, and the kingdom of Israel. Nevertheless, for the chosen people, priesthood continued to be a vital segment of the community even at the time of Jesus, and ever after.

Conversely, priesthood in the New Testament is totally a new dimension and dynamic. The new community of God formed by his son, Jesus, finds a new meaning in priesthood. St. Peter in his letter explains this mystery, "Through his cross and resurrection he freed us from sin and death and called us to the glory that has made us a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set apart." In the words of Jesus to the Samaritan woman, "from now on, people will worship God in spirit and truth." This mystery unfolds in baptism, as we are given His spirit to live in truth.Therefore, every baptized person shares in the priesthood of Christ to offer prayers and supplications.

However, there is another dimension to priesthood, which is the ministerial priesthood. Some are chosen by God from among the common priesthood, to ordain ministers to administer sacraments to his people. Pope Benedict XVI invites, the entire Catholic Church to contemplate the mystery of Priesthood, and to pray earnestly for ordained ministers, during this year dedicated for priests. As we begin this process, we are invited to look at St John Vianney, the patron of priests, on his 150th death anniversary, which is August 4. His simplicity and humility, together with profound love and faith, helped him to overcome human weakness. He became an exemplary priest, and a good shepherd who brought healing and consolation to thousands of people through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The ordained ministers have a special share in the priesthood of Jesus, who totally emptied himself, and in obedience offered the sacrifice of his own self for our redemption, to His Father, our eternal God. Therefore, priesthood is the expression of one's encounter with the Risen Lord, who absolutely emptied Himself in order to enter into His Father's glory. Just like many of us, the apostles followed the Lord to gain power and position in Society, while at the same time, failing to understand the Lord's message and example. During the passion and death of Jesus, their failure magnified. They all abandoned Him, and were terrified of losing their lives. The turning point came when they encountered the Risen Lord, and remembered His command, "Do this in my memory." At last they became powerful witness of the Gospel, and with peace and joy, boldly laid down their lives for their Master. St. Paul's encounter with the Risen Lord on his way to Damascus is the epitome' of priesthood. And a total transformation, "From now on it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me."

The recent sex scandal of the priests rocked the church and almost brought it to its knees in the United States, and elsewhere in the world.We should have always been on our knees. What an irony! We are forced to kneel and learn the lesson with the wrong subject - the failure of priesthood. The failure of the few priests, sullied the priesthood in the eyes of the world, and opened a new venue for people to question the sacrament. Many lay people fell short of distinguishing the difference between the metaphysical nature of the Sacrament and the empirical reality. Sacrament is conferred on an individual. The individual person is not a sacrament. It is true, the failure of an individual priest can cast aspersion and cause scandal. Nonetheless, the nature of the sacrament remains intact because the sacraments are divine. The misfortune of the ordained ministers, more often than not, is that they forget the sacrament conferred on them is to imitate Christ.

-Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx.

26th of July, 2009 Sunday.
ON PRIESTHOOD

After the Order of Melchizedek!

The misfortune of the ordained ministers, more often than not, is that they forget that the sacrament conferred on them is to imitate Christ. Instead they employ the sacrament to accomplish their agenda, and enter into their personal glory.

My life is not about me; it is about Jesus Christ. The vocation of priesthood is to emulate our Master Jesus, who had all the glory one could ever imagine, but relinquished it completely, for our sake to give life, and life in abundance. Priests are given sufficient grace to follow the Lord, but they become vulnerable when they try to gain earthly glory. St. Paul writing to the Corinthians reminds us that he was given a thorn in the flesh to keep from being too elated. He says, "I will all the more gladly boast of my weakness, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong."

In the midst of the sex scandal of the priests, and the growing fear of another serious scandal of priests embezzling parish funds, the call to holiness during this year of the priest is more earnest than ever before. The cardinal invites priests to engage in personal prayers to celebrate the sacraments more worthily and to make Eucharist the center of priestly spirituality. In the same token, the laity is called upon to pray for their priests. Priests are reminded to make sacrifices to grow in their personal holiness, and in a very special way to give part of their salary for charity and missionary work. The call for renewal is a challenge in this secular world, but priests must remember that "My life is not about me, it's about Jesus Christ." Jesus, being the Lord and Master, condescended to washing the feet of his disciple; we are called to do the same. Undoubtedly, priesthood models Christ.

This year is also a year to rejoice, and to give thanks to God the Father, for blessing humanity with so many good priests, who selflessly give their lives for the sake of the gospel and his Kingdom. The most significant aspect of the year that celebrates the Catholic priesthood is the fact that it is intertwined with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Priests bring Jesus Christ to the world. They wholeheartedly celebrate the Sacraments to nourish the lives of the pilgrim people of God. Priests transformed by the Eucharist sincerely reach out. When humanity suffers, priests suffer with them; when injustice prevails priests fight for justice, when the moral fabric of society is in danger priests are the voice of conscience, they feel the hungry, cloth the naked, and they visit the sick and those in prison. Truly, the priesthood is a gift from above, after the order of Melchizedek to be a mediator between God and his people. (To be continued )

-Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx., St. Timothy Church.

July 11, 2009, Saturday.

Birth of Labasonian in Illinois

All routes of Labasonians in Illinois' this Saturday ended at the plush ranch home of Jun Ramirez in Roselle, Illinois. It was an informal, bring your very best, get-together.Jun & his wife Inday nee Villanueva,welcomed them while a retired colonel ( brother-in-law of Jun Ram ) was busy in the backyard roasting 4 large size chickens and the children were busy playing in the newly mowed big suburban lawn.

The balmy, summer suburban air ushered the group to the gazebo, an appropriate venue for the meeting chaired by Melody Wee Carreon. Thus the Labasonian in Illinois was born. And officers were elected. President- Melody W. Carreon, VP- Julius T. Quimbo,Sec- Tresha Nanette A. Chua,Treasurers- Marianita Lagud & Isabel Sabejon,Auditors- Mila L. Gonzal & Israel Orcullo, Muses- Virgie Ebarle, Jessica Brillantes, Marcy D. Maramo, PRO/Social Mgr - Emilio "Jun" Ramirez, Consultants/Advisers- Greg Trabanca, Eve Trabanca, Auring Villanueva, Margie Ramirez, Naty Bolanos, Nene Buctuan.
The following committees were formed: Sports- Kinley Teves, Music- Jun Ramirez & Kinley Teves, Food- Senda Barillo.

The newly formed Group agreed to have a uniform of white T-shirt with a Labasonian word in blue to be created by Jun Ramirez.

Labasonians will join the ZAMNAI HUDYAKA '2009 at Proesel Park, Lincolnwood, Illinois on Aug 1, 2009.

July 10/2009, Friday

http://labason.ning.com

It had been quite a long time that I went blogging. Now, inspiration visits my humble self. I am back to the writing keyboard. This time it's about http://labason.ning.com created and crafted by a son of my schoolmate, Nonoy Daguplo at Ferrer High (Now St. Mary College)in Labason,ZN. He is Gary Gabrielle Recentes Daguplo. I have noticed that names of young people in this lovely, fresh fish,sandy beach town called Labason are more than one ; unlike before that we have only one. And that's it.

Time flies.Technology comes. The world changes its paces. And it's called industrial revolution. The speed of communication is crazy. The universe sinks deeper and deeper into its mystery.

We are not crazy, the world is. And you'll find sane meaning in paradox. " A paradox is an idea that is contrary to popular opinion, something that seems to contradict common sense and yet is true." If you accept paradoxes, you are free from the craziness of this planet. For the rest of your life, follow the route that you believe is "right and good and true" because it make sense to you.

And it truly makes sense when Gary G Recentes Daguplo hatched an idea of uniting Labasonians globally.

"A story is told of a young Egyptian foreman who was supervising the laying of the foundation of one of the pharaoh's pyramids. The foreman was out in the hot sun, encouraging, watching and correcting the work. Whenever he found that the massive stones did not fit perfectly, he would have them realigned until they were just right.

Another foreman watched him, and finally came over to give him advice. " The foundation will all be under the ground. Nobody will see it." he said, shaking his head. "Don't worry about it. Nobody will know."

"I will know," the young foreman replied, continuing his work.

When you do what is right and good and true, you will know, and you will remember. That will give you all the personal meaning you need."

This monumental task that Gary did will be recognized but soon it will join with the dust in the cycles of time. What's salient is WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON. What matters is HOW YOU LIVE. If you live GENUINELY AND GENEROUSLY, who cares what this crazy and chaotic world says or remembers.

Just doing good is okey. This little thing of Gary's website brings a smile, lift the spirit of the Labasonians as they go through their daily grind in the different parts of the globe. Visiting the site brings nostalgia; evokes fun memories that drive worries away, a therapeutic effect physically and spiritually.

The good you do today will be oblivion tomorrow.

Do what is good, any which way.

05/22/09, Friday

Why we need Friends?

If you have reached this far in your life, you'll venture to say that friends are truly a must. What is wealth? - money, palatial home, sleek car, suburbia when no shoulders are there to cry on!

Indeed, we are lured to believe the American dream. Obviously, it is there when we are asleep. But in our waking hours, we are face to face with reality. And what do we need? Wine, women, song! Far from that. We need someone that we can speak the truth quietly and clearly. We need somebody who placidly is with us amid the din, the scare, the diverse face, and phase of this material universe. We want that person who got the sympathy and apathy of the golden rule; that the only element that never changes is change. And the printed words declared that America has now entered a world of change.

We, in a nutshell, need that someone, that somebody, that person to be a Friend.

And I stumbled on this person, who is a child of this universe, no less than the beautiful beach resorts of Bohol, and Rizal's Maria Clara's meaningful feeling of- "Sweet are the hours in one's own land Where all is loved under the sun, Life is the breeze in her fields sweeping, Death is welcome, and love more caring!" And this person has a right to be here, to be called a Friend.

He is my friend, SarCam80@yahoo.com.

04/28/09

LIFE IS A BALLOON - FRAGILE, SLIPPERY. HANDLE IT WITH CARE!
(From an email sent to me. It wasted too much space so, I redesigned it for better reading.)

* Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
* A sharp tongue can cut your own throat.
* If you want your dreams to come true, you must not oversleep.
* Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.
* The best vitamin for making friends --- BI (Be One).
* The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.
* It doesn't say Work and Grow Rich but THINK and grow RICH.
* Ideas won't work unless YOU do.
* One thing you can give and still keep--- is your WORD.
* One thing you can't recycle is wasted TIME.
* The heaviest thing you can carry is a GRUDGE.
* You lie the loudest when YOU lie to yourself.
* If you lack the COURAGE to start, you have already finished.
* Your MIND is a parachute... it functions only when YOU OPEN.
* The 10 Commandments are not multiple choice.
* The pursuit of happiness is the CHASE of a LIFETIME. It is never too late to become
what you might have been.
* LIFE is too short to wake up with regrets, so LOVE the people who treat YOU right.Forget about the ones who don't.
* Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said LIFE would be easy; it just promised, it would be worth it.
* LIFE is like BALLOONS; once you let it go, you might not get them back. Sometimes we get so busy with our own LIVES and PROBLEMS and CONCERNS that we may not even notice that we've let them fly away. Sometimes, we are caught up in who's right and who's wrong that we forget what's right and wrong. Sometimes, we just don't realize what REAL FRIENDSHIP means until it is too late. I don't want to let that happen that I'm going to tie YOU to my HEART (and like a balloon that I hold tight) so I"ll never LOSE YOU!

A Voice from a Colleague (01/31/09)

Today came a profound moment in the pages of my life's history. It started with a long distance call from the West Coast. From one of the COW states; that is California,Oregon and Washington. Very good states to stay as the climate is appealing especially to the not so young ones.

That call was from Manuel Beldua, a colleague, a great and true friend with his loving, supportive wife Cathy. And days of Dipolog School of Fisheries stream in the river of memories. Those days still echo. They are valuable.

01/20/09, Tuesday Obama Inauguration

Today, Barack H. Obama was sworn in and became the 44th president of the greatest nation on earth, the United States of America. "Oh say, can you see by the dawn's early light; watch so proudly...America, the beautiful... sweet land of liberty... of thee I sing" and write these few words that would someday echo in the halls of time and memory.

The whole world watched at the dawning of a new America. From sea to shining sea. From continent to continent. And we watch in our living room, glued to the TV screen.

The inauguration was first in my memory of lots of living presidents and vice presidents and their respective wives present. They were: JimmyCarter and wife Rosalyn, George W. Bush Father) & wife,Barbara, Bill And Hilary Clinton, Vice preisidents: Dan Quayle & wife, Walter Mondale & wife, Al Gore & wife, Tipper.

Our 44th president comes from a rare mold. A breed of the past and the present. A colorful combination. A colorful childhood. A well lived life. A life filled with adventure. And finally settled in the Windy City to take root.

Abraham Lincoln failed several times. Pres. Barack Obama failed as a congressional aspirant, yet eight years later became the first African-American candidate to be elected as the 44th president of America. His winning the election was due to his "highly disciplined, perfectionist political organization." Will that same organization be equally brilliant in the governance?

The future is promising with "yes, we can! amidst the natural disasters and overseas conflagration and conflict." We'll wait and see.

Here I Am!

The voice of the Lord continuously echoes in several forms and means, but those who listen to His voice are few. "Here I am, " is the response from a young man Samuel, who initially did not recognize the voice of the Lord. However, rather than ignore and fall asleep, Samuel was in tune to listen to the voice of God. His running toward Eli several times, gives us the indication of his willingness to respond to the call, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening."

Listening is a very important medium to acquire knowledge in order to grow in wisdom; no science has to verify this. The inner voice of conscience is rarely heard by us, therefore listening with concentration and dedication is a gift of God. Some go to the shore to hear the ocean; others go into the woods to listen to the rhythm of nature. Every voice is calling us to live in peace and harmony, and praise God for His majesty.

Two disciples heard John the Baptist calling out, "Look, there is the Lamb of God." Hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus. Like Samuel, these disciples of John were in tune to listen to the voice of God calling out to them. Blessed is the servant who is vigilant to respond. "Here I am! Speak, Lord your servant is listening." The voice of John the Baptist confirmed the faith of his disciples in Jesus, "We have found the Messiah."

We live in a world buzzing with excitement, noise and chaos. Everyone is shouting from the top of his voice to be heard, but no one is listening. What a tragedy! For the modern world, listening is not a value, but considered as stooping low, which is abhorred by many. The claim to speak and not to listen has infected our society and especially our children, which is abysmal and deplorable. The falling out of the faithful from the congregation is a clear indication of a greater catastrophe to come our way.

"Here I am! Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." A servant model is set by Samuel, which we must emulate in our lives in order to grow in holiness and grace. Disciple means one who listens! We are the disciples of Jesus Christ. Let us listen to Him with concentration and dedication.
(Fr. Peter fernandes, sfx.)

The Baptism of our Lord.

The Sacrament of Baptism is the key that unlocks the spring of Eternal Life. Holy Baptism holds the first place among the sacraments, because it is the gateway of the spiritual life. By it, we are made members of Christ and incorporated with the Church. The word Baptism is derived from the Greek word, bapto, or baptizo, to wash or immerse. It signifies, therefore, that washing is the essential idea of the sacrament.

If the baptism of John was for repentance, then why did Jesus seek baptism from John at the river Jordan? Objectively and subjectively, Jesus had no need of baptism from John; in fact, John was preparing the people to receive Jesus into their lives. However, theologically this is an important moment for humanity as it continues to unfold the mystery of incarnation. Jesus embraced human nature at his birth.Now at baptism, he takes on human frailties, which he will redeem at his death on the cross.

Christ instituted the Sacrament of Baptism to be an efficacious sign of grace and a share of his salvation. He commands His disciples to baptize all in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and declared explicitly the absolute necessity of baptism. "Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy ghost, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.". Therefore, only through the Sacrament of Baptism, the image and likeness of God is restored once again in us , and we are made the children of God and heirs of His Kingdom.

The unfolding of the mystery of incarnation delights the Heavenly Father, "You are my Son, the Beloved; my favor rests on you." This is an affirmation and confirmation of Jesus' ministry oon earth by His Father, and an open invitation for all people to share the glory of his Son. At our baptism, the Heavenly Father embraces each one of us, as His own beloved sons and daughters; since, he perceives the reflection of His Son, Jesus. Needless to say, from baptism on, we are called upon to imitate Christ in our life, and be His reflection to others.
(Fr. Peter Fernandes,sfx)

The Epiphany of the Lord ( Jan. 4, 2009)

The word "Epiphany" is a rather obscure word for most of us. It is a Greek word, meaning"manifestation", that is, the clear appearing of something or of one unknown to us before.What could not be seen and comprehended, finally is manifested in the child Jesus lying in the manger. Thus, the Feast of the Epiphany can be rightly called the feast of our coming to faith in Christ, who is the manifestation of God to the entire human race.

It was an event which Christians of the early church celebrated with great enthusiasm. There was a good reason for it: the wise men were the first non-Jews who believed in Christ, and early Christians, most of whom had been pagans before, saw in the three wise men three of their own people. They praised God for having called not only the Jews, but pagans as well, to the faith.

"Emmanuel- God with us, " was born on Christmas day. However, in time, Jesus will make God present to the people during his public ministry. People were in awe and wonder, they exclaimed, "He speaks as one with authority, unlike our leaders." Many others praised God saying, " A great prophet has arisen in out midst and God has come to visit his people." The life of Jesus was a continuous Epiphany of God. Emmanuel- God with us!

The church has been entrusted with the same mission, to manifest God through its sacramental life and charity. When the world is challenging the mission of the church, we the disciples have to take courage and stands firm to our call to manifest God to the world. There are many among us who have been led astray to betray the faith , and be a counterwitness to this great mystery. Nevertheless, there are many others, who have given their lives to proclaim the faith with their own blood.

Although, we live in an era not conducive for faith and worship, we are called upon, all the more, to make God present through our life of faith and charity. Mother Teresa of Calcutta became a face of God to suffering humanity through her life of prayer, sacrifice and outreach. The Epiphany of God was seen by many in India and the rest of the world that compelled many to discover the Almighty in charity and faith.

The feast of the Epiphany is the celebration of our faith. Therefore, let us come before God with thankfulness and gratitude for the gift of His Son Jesus, who is the manifestation of the Eternal God, and the source of our faith. Let us live our faith in prayer, sacraments, sacrifice and charity.
-Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx.

Jan. 1, 2009* NEW YEAR

Chicago Tribune's Front Headline (12/28/08) :

WET. WARM. WHAT'S NEXT?

DEADLIEST DAY IN GAZA IN DECADES.

The past days Chicago and its surrounding burbs were covered with snow to the point that they became like a white mountain of hard rocks. Now the snow thawed due to the advent of the pouring rain. And now officially 2008 is the wettest year in Chicago history.

Meanwhile, around the world - the Israeli airstrikes that killed hundreds sent Hamas to vow for retaliation.

On the homefront. We were privileged to have visitors from Canada who were from our hometown. Over pan pizza, we dined, talked, reminisced, joked, and laughed.

A Voice in the Wilderness...

Why is this voice crying out in the wilderness? What kind of voice is this that we should give heed? To whom is this voice addressed and why? The leaders of the people were perplexed; hence, they sent emissaries to unwrap the mystery of the voice crying in the wilderness.

John withdrew himself to the wilderness, where he encountered God, who called him to be a voice of conscience to the people, and herald the coming of the Lord. The wilderness is very symbolic place, since there is very little to sustain life and give protection from the wild animals; one must place his life in God's hand. john learned to be humble and depended on God, who sustained him and made him a peophet to be His voice calling out for repentance.

People coming to listen to John realized how futile their life had been - all desolate and arid land. Their examination of conscience led them through the wilderness of their own life. Subsequently, they sought the baptism of repentance in order to allow God to enter into their lives and turn them into a garden of everlasting joy. Those who remained in the conformity of cities and towns missed the opportunity to walk through the wilderness in humility, and find God- the Source of joy and happiness.

The encounter with God is an awe-filled experience, which leads to humility and total surrender. John could have embraced pomp and popularity by claiming that he was the Christ, but he refrained from such ambitions.I am not Christ, not Elijah, or a prophet, but simply a voice crying in the wilderness , he insisted. "I baptize you with water; but there stands among you, unknown to you, the one who is coming after me and I am not fit to undo his sandal-strap."

John, in his journey through the wilderness, totally placed his life in the hands of God, and became a voice of good tydings. The season of advent is an opportunity for us to embark on a similar journey through our own wilderness and seek God's forgiveness and in humility be a voice of cheer this Christmas. Let us not emissaries to find the voice crying in the wilderness, but touch the feet of the Immanuel (God with us) and be a voice yourself, of good tidings .
- by Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx. Gospel - John 1: 6-8, 19-28)

(Sunday, Dec 14, 2008. I was the lector. Reading 1- Isaiah 61: 1-2a, 10-11 & reading 11 - Thessalonians 5:16-24.)

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Dec. 28, 2008 Feast of the Holy Family

HOLY FAMILY!

A good family, better world! Indeed, it is absolutely true that a good family helps to establsih a better society and a peaceful world. Family is the cradle that nourishes life to grow and blossom in the world.It is in the family that we first learn to love, to pray, to forgive and to show concern for others. If we dissect the wor Family we get F ather, A nd, M other, I i, L ove,Y ou. That is, Father And Mother I Love You. What a beautiful definition to contemplate and cherish throughout our life!

Jesus, Mary and Joseph formed a "Holy Family" of Nazareth, which became an icon for all to emulate. The family of Nazareth was centered to God. Therefore, fulfilling the will of God was their utmost priority and concern. Mary bowed her head and said: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word." Joseph welcomed Mary into his home at the words of the Angels, and protected the Mother and the Child from an evil King. Jesus loved his parents and helped them to do "His Father's will" at all times. Family is the creation of God, and sanctified through the sacrament of marriage.

Today, more than ever before, the family unit is facing an enormous challenge to protect it from annihilation, since it faces attach on every front. Marriage is not given proper respect and valued as a sacrament.It is an in thing for couples to live together and have children even before they contemplate getting married. In out time, great percentages of children are born outside wedlock; domestic violence and wife-battery is growing, and the devorce rate is overwhelming. The so called "messiah of our time" seems to have found a solution to restore respect for the family by making same-sex marriage legal. Where are we headed and what is our future?

The world crises are a symptom of a greater malady. The world leaders are just applying ointment to heal the symptoms, not realizing the sickness, which will not be healed with such attitude. All their social, economic and political policies will be ineffective, if they ignore the basic unit of society, "The Family." Jesus, the Son of God came to visit his people to bring joy, peace and healing.

The Holy Family of Nazareth showed us the way, as to how we should build a good and healthy family by doing the will of God at all times, even at the cost of death.

Good family, better world! Every child yearns to dwell in a good and loving family. Why are we afraid to create a healthy atmosphere for our children in our homes?Remember, there cannot be greater joy and happiness, than to return home where you are loved and welcomed. This bliss is contigious, but not tried very often by many. If many of us try, we can make this world a better place and a wonderful home for all of us in which to dwell. The Holy Family of Nazareth is a beacon of hope and a glorious light to dispel the darkness from our world. Let us welcome the Holy Family in our homes and in our hearts. - Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx.

Saying Yes to the Lord....

The adage " Some men are born great, others achieve greatness, while there are still others who have greatness thrust upon them " seems to be quite inadequate when one sees it in a spiritual perspective. The Scriptures would say that we are all born "in His image and likeness" (Gen. 1:26)
Are we not all born great?

The greatness to which we are born needs to be actualized-. And to actualize this greatness we need to surrender our lives unto the Lord. As we go along the journey of life we make numerous choices. We harbor our youthful dreams of doing big things and living in a style that reflects our success. sometimes we make choices that that favor the well-being of others over our own desires. We have said, "yes" when every selfish bone in our bodies was clamoring "No!, I want to do what I want to do!" Today's Scripture readings assure us that when we prefer God's will to our desires, it is indeed a wonderful life. ( Reading 1 - 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a,16; Reading 11- Romans 16:25-27) ( I was the lector on the 11:00 AM mass )

King David had dreams of grandiose building projects. He insisted that the Ark of the Covenant, symbol of God's presence among the Israelites, should be housed in a magnificent temple. And he pictured himself as the right person to get the building job done. However, as so often happens in our lives, God had other plans. He makes it clear to David that there is nothing that a human being could build for Him that would honor Him as much as obedience to the Divine Will. It will be God who will build a house for David, not the other way around. And that house will be a secure line of descendants from which the Messiah will come forth.

Mary was seemingly no different from the other local teenagers. When the angel Gabriel informed her that she would give birth to the Son of God who would receive "the throne of David his father," Mary was understandably perplexed. Her marriage to Joseph, her reputation, her very survival in her hometown, were on the line. However, Mary said "Yes" to the angel's completely improbable message. Whatever the cost to her, she would become the house of God's presence.

Like David, we might have to humbly admit that, that God has called someone else to build the temple and grab the headlines. Our task may be unheralded but it is as important in the eyes of God. And like the Virgin Mary, we give birth to God-with-us by recognizing that we are the temples God chooses to abide in. By saying "Yes" to the often tremendous risks and terrible tensions faith demands, we become birth canals for the Lord. -Fr. Peter Fernandez,sfx.

(Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx. He is the author of A Soul In Flight-Path to Contemplation. It is spiritual poetry that reflects on a life lived in the joy, pain, and overall mystery of God's ever-loving presence.)

Friday, Dec 26, 2008

With my wife, Eve, we watched the DVD of Pope John Paul II - A Statesman of Faith, "As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the world in which we live." Pope John Paul II stood as the most popular pontiff in history, a spiritual compass to almost a billion Catholics worldwide, and a powerful symbol of peace to countless others. Considered an outsider choice for the papacy in 1978, Karol Josef Wojtyla led over 16.7 million people in worship, met nearly 700 heads of state, survived an assassination attempt, and helped facilitate the end of Communism in the Soviet Union.

He is the most traveled pope in the history of the Vatican. His carefree youth in Poland, his human rights activism, his late struggle with Parkinson's disease, his compassion, and his inspiration portray a deeply loved human figure among Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

We watched - The Story of the Twelve Apostles, a chronicle of  Jesus' inner circle of followers whom He gave them the staggering assignment to change the world.

Jesus, a Jew, who was crucified by telling The Truth led an ordinary 12 men to spread the Gospel of Truth.

The Twelve average men (- fishermen, farmers, local magistrates ) dedicated their lives to a prophetic Jewish preacher in the backwaters of the Roman Empire who transformed them into revolutionaries and whose life and teachings as planned by God, eventually changed the world.

Peter denied Christ three times but later became a "Rock", James and John, the fiery-tempered "sons of thunder"; Matthew, the tax collector later murdered by cannibals; Simon the Zealot, the anti-Roman fanatic eventually "cut to pieces" preaching in Spain; and Judas Iscariot, whose betrayal would be paid for with silver and suicide.

This is also about the story of the Twelves's early fear and discouragement at the shock of the Crucifixion, to the final acceptance of the resurrection and their epic mission to spread the Gospel through the known world.

These Twelve died for the Gospel to life.

26 Dec 2008

With friends and relatives we celebrated Christmas 2008 @ 5751 N. Jersey Ave.
We dined, chatted, joked, reminisced. Moments of remembrance.

Christmas 2008 (12/24/25,2008

It's the dawning of a new day. And the past reverberates but tells us that it is the presence of some. Today is the future of others.

My e-mails were numerous. Friends who hibernated for a long time have found a haven to get a rest and spend the while to a moment with friends to say hi and how are you. These are the people that I care about and be with. At this point what really matters is the relationship. It is not the money, the personal possessions accumulated through the years, the degrees added to your resume'. What matters in our journey are memories that we have with people we care about and love. The route that we have taken is essential as they lead us to our destination - the citadel of memories.

I love the way that I have traveled. It is colorful, smooth, rough, rugged, zigzag, and dangerous sometimes. As I look back, a grin in my face appears. the thought of that memories seems like a great escape. And I cherish those moments with people of different sizes, colors, creeds, and habits.

Visitor from Hawaii...

The Surprise Party at Little Quiapo....
10.23.08

Oct 23, 2008- Thursday

Inday and Yoshi Miyahira left for Okinawa, Japan. We sent them off at O'hare Airport.

A Tale of Two Classmates ( Or a Profile of a Man as a Classmate) 

" A good friend has a place in your life, he honors you, respects you, and never deserts you at the approach of danger."

One autumnal night as I punched the desktop computer keys,( was learning how to use a computer) I was unconsciously led to a website that paved the way to my high school Alma Mater's Alumni Association - Ateneo de Zamboanga. And to my great surprise, I saw the email - rogermijares_51@yahoo.com. Our Class' 57 valedictorian is Manuel Mijares.  Why Roger? I thought for a second, Did Manuel change his name or this is only his email address.

Excitement enveloped my being. High school days are here. Wonderful memories inundated my psyche'. Still fresh, the struggles of city life in a different environment away from home. It's sheer work and study from Tetuan on a bicycle, slicing the road on a sunny or rainy day to the city where Ateneo de Zamboanga was located. 

Anyway, I did email him recalling our high school nights. We were on last night high school of the Ateneo de Zamboanga.

And what do you know! He responded through his son who is a bigshot, a retired colonel. Roger Mijares, that is.

The Colonel responded:

Sir Greg,

I am Colonel Roger V. Mijares PA (Ret) the eldest son of your classmate, Manuel Mijares. I registered his name in the OAR ADZU for your Golden Jubilee last December 2007, thus my e-mail address.

Papang is staying with me now. He retired from the government service (DTI) some time ago and celebrated his 82nd birthday last March 18 this year. Mamang is also with me.

He is okay, but have some difficulty in walking due to his arthritis.

Thanks so much for remembering him... I'll inform him tomorrow about your email (it's 11:27 pm now). He's already asleep.

Were you able to attend your Golden Jubilee Homecoming? Are you staying in the Philippines or abroad Sir?

Attached are some pictures of Papang.

Roger. (Thu 16 Oct 2008 11:am)
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( Sat Oct 18, 2008, 2:14 PM) I replied.
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Then Roger emailed back:

Sir Greg,

Greetings from the Mijares Family here in Zamboanga City!

Family breakfast time this morning was filled with excitement for Papang as I informed him of the email you sent him. His face was full of smiles as I mentioned your name to him..."Yes!"He said, "I still remember him!... he was my classmate in the last night high school of Ateneo de Zamboanga...and was our class Salutatorian. He is a very intelligent person..."Further, he said, "Please tell him I am thankful for remembering me by sending an email..."

"As regards to the family, tell him that God is so good to me and my family...for giving me a loving wife Andrea, a retired public high school teacher now; seven (7) wonderful children: Roger - a retired Army colonel, Teresa- a School Nurse at Ateneo de Zamboanga University High School Dept., Bernadette - Chief Nurse in one of the Hospitals in Antipolo City, Rizal, Manuel Jr - a Civil & Geodetic Engineer connected with DPWH Region IX, Jorge - an Insurance Agent, Eliza - a Registered Nurse and Miriam - an Optometrist.

Tonight after dinner (after checking my incoming emails...) I again informed Papang of your latest email. The more he got excited, and immediately answered your queries...He said- "So, he is residing in the US... how nice...Ask him, what was his occupation and where he was working when he retired in 1974 ..."

"As far as I know, the following classmates have already gone with the Lord - Ricardo Rivero, Emerito Reyes & Gumersindo Mendoza...During our Golden Jubilee - only three (3) of us were able to attend, namely: Antonio Lacastesantos, Artemio Santiago and me..."

Lastly, please also inform me that I'm staying with you here in Zone 3, San Roque, Zamboanga City and thank him for including our family in his prayers."

Thanks for the email to Papang.

Roger (Sat 18 Oct 2008 7:24 am)
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The Tale of  Two Classmates

From the Windy City (Chicago) 12:56 am Monday of 2008

Dear Classmate,

I missed the golden Jubilee Homecoming in 2007. And I am far from the Philippines' shore.

(I was an educator in the Philippines before I came to the States in 1974 as an immigrant. In America, I worked as a stockman, Clerk, Assistant Rate Clerk, Assistant Traffic Clerk, Transportation, and Traffic Analyst at J. T. Ryerson Steel Co. I am also an Insurance Broker. I retired four years ago but still actively working as an insurance salesman and busy with the world of the Internet).

After our graduation at the Ateneo de Zamboanga, I went to pursue my studies at the Zamboanga School of Arts & Trades to take up Drafting but it was short-lived. I meandered for a while savoring the tempting sweet city, teen life. Then I took a summer job at the harbor pilot tug boat through the recommendation of Capt. Cervero, a master pilot of the Zamboanga Pilot Association, responsible for docking foreign ships at Zamboanga City pier.

With that earned money, I ventured to Mountain View College, a vegetarian Seventh-Day Adventist School in Bukidnon, the summer capital of the Philippines. I learned lots of things during my one year of stay at that College - 15 kilometers away from the highway. It was a meatless year; no worldly music. Instead, I heard songs of brooks and streams. There was tranquility; there was a religion whose day of rest was Saturday. This college was financed by the  U.S. dollar.

Mountain View College was nestled in vast hectares of farmland dotted by sugarcanes, potatoes, pineapples, corn, rice, soya beans, and green leafy vegetables. The vast tract of land owned by the College consisted of plains and valleys surrounded by streams and creeks. It has a hydroelectric plant that generated electricity and at night the College campus appeared to be a city in the wilderness. The male students were housed in the Boys Dorm while the female students at the Girls Dorm. Rules and regulations were to be observed strictly on - no smoking, no drinking, no meat. Once a student is caught breaking rules, he/she is sent home. Half-day is work; the other half is for studies. I stayed for only a year.

Homeward bound.

Home beckoned me only to be persuaded by our town priest to see the Bishop of Zamboanga City  (during the Boys' Scout World Jamboree in Pasonanca) so I could study at the Jesuit-run San Jose' Seminary in Highway 54 now called EDSA to take up priesthood. Three of us were supposed to go but only two succeeded.

Off we went, not on a plane but on a slow boat to Manila. And we were excited to be met by a Jesuit priest driving a jeep at the Manila pier. We were assigned each a guardian angel- a seminarian who will guide and help answer questions as we were neophytes, so to speak.

I was amazed that after a few days and some examinations I was assigned to a higher English Class while my companion was on English 101.

I learned that these seminarians were devoid of carefree outside teen-age adventures. After dinner, there was a 30- minute break where we met other minor seminarians to chat on any topics under the moon and the stars.

These minor seminarians were totally innocent of the rough and tumble world of the restless, the fearless, and the innocent. I dished out stories of courtships, of serenading, of school dances, of childish pranks and mischiefs like stealing a chicken, sugarcane, mangoes which are a no-no nowadays. They were saintly innocent. I told them that the real outside world is fraught with temptations as the snake of Eden lurks in every corner waiting and wishing. They loved my take. 

These minor seminarians yearned for my presence after dinner to listen to my often exaggerated stories of fun, frolics, escapades, and spur of the moment tales. 

However, the Seminary was not appealing to me. I went calmly outside amidst the glory and promise of a  further study in Rome.  I remembered that opportunities loomed on the horizon of the daring, the gutsy, the persevering, the dreamer. I squarely faced the world of reality.

The itch

There was that longing to come home. It was still the best place even though how humble. I learned to love the soil. I became a farmer but the horizon was limited. Some of my afternoons after a farming break were spent with farmer neighbors playing volleyball and other times hanging with friends, playing basketball, and enjoying the locals' favorite drink the "tuba'". That was comparable to beer and cheaper.

Back to the classroom

Meanwhile, I moved on to blaze the trail of trials and thrills. I went back to the classrooms and this time to drink the aged wine of education. I studied at Zamboanga AE Colleges, befriended announcers, writers, the learned, and lovers of life. They were: radio announcers - Abe Sappal (Carl Dumas over the radio), Romy Enriquez,  writers - Cesar Aquino, Rommel Corro, Barjamin Jubaira (son of Ibrahim Jubaira, a classmate of Emmanuel Pelaez, who made him a Philippine attache' in Kuala Lumpur and the first Filipino short story writer to be known outside the country and the Philippines' Free Press short story awardee),  professors Atty. Romulo Plagata, Mr. Amora, Zoology teacher, and Mr. Labad, Air ROTC instructor. My weekends were spent with them. who were both from Marawi, Lanao. with their favorite kinilaw of rare tuna and cases of soft drinks Coke or Pepsi. We don't go for hard drinks and I loved it.  Mr. Amora was a UST graduate. With them, I learned that I am also a child of this world and I have the right to occupy a space on the planet earth.

A Literary Editor

At  ZAEC's school paper, I was delighted to be a Literary Editor when I wrote a short, short story titled the Valley called Kipit and a free verse poem about a teenager's life. I was sort of academically active during my college years but I don't belong to any Student Activist Group. I am the son of a humble hamlet farmer, the reason why I abstained myself from being connected with these so-called elite students.

Editor-in-Chief of Andres Bonifacio College., Dipolog City

Satisfaction was foreign to my young psyche'. I transferred to Dipolog, the city of Orchids. A luminous star always followed me even in my darkest hours. Its glow directed me out of harm's way. I sat on the chair of an Editor-in-Chief of the Andres Bonifacio College paper after a series of examinations. My school obligations were spared.

Debater and Student Council President

With that experience, I went back to the City of Flowers- Zamboanga city. Once more the Flower of Talent bloomed; its sweetness wafted and permeated the air of La Hermosa, Preciosa Ciudad. I found myself cornered in the College of Education where we won a debating contest against the College of Law which was a first in the history of the College of Education. Usually' it was the College of Law who dominated the intercollegiate debating world. I was also the president of the Summer Class Student Council, the very reason why Mr. Rodolfo Canivel, the director of Philippine Muslim College, Jolo, Sulu offered me to teach in both high school and college. He even asked me to bring teachers to teach the National Language, English Grammer and Literature, History, ( 2 ) Math, Science, and a Bandmaster. I opted to teach English Literature in High School and English in College.

Beyond Expectation

Finally, with the transfers and taking of different courses, I have enough units to complete a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a major in History and a minor in English at Zamboanga AE College.( Courses taken were: AB, Commerce, BSEEd, BSE). These were beyond my wildest expectation.

The Test

Finally, after so many road tests and road maps, I was back in the classrooms. This time it was no longer to listen and take notes but to give exams and dish out words of wisdom. And this ushered me to the cities of Jolo, Basilan, and Dipolog.


The Result

I taught English and Literature at the Philippine Muslim College, Jolo, Sulu. I was an adviser of the Schoolpaper for one year. Basilan City's Claret College of Isabela accepted me to teach English and as an adviser of the Schoolpaper when Ulbert Ulama "Bob" Tugung took the bar exam in Manila. I grasped the opportunity. Bob Tugung, an intelligent person, became a very good friend, almost a brother to me. Those were happy days in Isabela. We were with the press and he taught me the rudiments of writing and the principles of how to win friends and influence people. I have a column in the Basilan Times. Bob Tugung earned an honorable position after the Martial Law and also met his untimely demise. ( I read about it when I was abroad.) My prayer and respect to Bob.

Then the RVM director of Ferrer High School in Labason, ZN convinced me to share my God-given talent with the school. I have a two-year teaching stint with that school. The next move was with the Dipolog School of Fisheries, Dipolog City until the wind of change swept the Philippines after the Martial Law in September of 1972. The die is cast. I have no option but to migrate to America in 1974, through the courtesy of a district school nurse, Evangeline Rueles Caermare who answered the call of Cupid. Along this vein, I acknowledged my indebtedness of gratitude to her. She became my best half. Without her, America would only be a dream.

America is a place of many questions but has all the answers. It welcomes everybody. According to the Filipino writer, Carlos Bulosan, America is in the heart. Indeed, it is! And also, it is on how you look at it as "beauty belongs to the beholder." Dr. Wayne W. Dyer wrote, " Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change. You were intended out of love; you must be love in order to intend."

The student

I am still a student; a man with the desire to learn as Life offers so much to be learned and digested. I am happily married to a Registered Labor and Delivery Nurse and have two sons.
I was a member of the Cursillo and the Charismatic Group. Now, I am active with Church activities as a lay minister, a lector, and a 4rth degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Farewell!

Goodbye my classmate, May you fare well!

Addendum: Thank you Manuel for asking. By the way, extend my regards to the host of our high school graduation party, Artemio Santiago. May God bless his family, to Antonio Lacastesantos and his family my sincere greetings. And to the rest of our classmates, if you ever hear about them or cross path with, I wish them more wonderful birthdays to come. Tell them to email or write to me as Christmas is fast approaching.You are all in our prayer  My wife and I are devotees of the Mother of Perpetual Help, Santo Nino', The Black Nazarene, and  the Lady of Penafrancia.)

Hail Ateneo hail, on to the fray. Once more our foes assail, in the strong array. Once more the blue and white held on high, we sing our battle cry, we do or die. March on, march on, march on to victory. March on, march on, march on with loyalty. To the fight, to the fight to win our loyal strife. Hail...

Sincerely,

Greg

Note: Manuel Mijares was our class Valedictorian and  I was the Salutatorian due to lack of residency. Manuel said in the email through his son Roger, a retired army colonel. " I stll remember him. He was my classmate in the last night high school of Ateneo de Zamboanga and was our class salutatorian.. He is a very intelligent person... Please tell him, I am thankful for remembering me by sending an email."

10/12/08- Sunday
Promises made...

Many make promises, but only few fulfill their pledge. The evidence is crystal clear during the election year. Gullible , we fall the bite of the campaigning politicians so easily, even as we are called upon to exercise our noble duty to cast our vote. No wonder, election fever is griping the citizens, as we are taken for a ride once again with false hopes and promises for a better tomorrow. Despite betrayals, we continue to place our trust! Why?

The prophet Isaiah gives the answer, on behalf of God., to his people who were in distress. An extraordinary promise is being made to wipe out every tear from their eyes and restore their dignity with the eternal hope of salvation. Is this also going to be just another promise to be broken and to shatter their dreams? too many promises had been conked out; consequently, the confidence of the people about their future had turned bleak.

God fulfills His promise in time, in His son Jesus to restore confidence, and a glorious hope for a better tomorrow. This explains why we keep hoping for a superior future, despite continuous betrayals from our leaders. God is our ultimate refuge and anchor, in whom we trust. He makes promises and never fails to fulfill them in His time; to fill our lives with His blessings and grace.

On the holy mountain, the God of hosts will prepare a banquet, and remove the mourning veil by destroying death forever. Jesus, the Son of God and Redeemer prepared the eternal banquet on the Holy Mountain and by His own death on the cross, destroyed death itself though His Resurrection. Promise made, promise fulfilled!

At baptism, we made a promise to God to live as His loving children, with hearts filled with faith, hope and love. Have I kept my promise to God? Or like our secular leaders, have I betrayed God over and over again.We had promise Jesus to share His life with others to restore confidence and to bestow the hope of a glorious future, by our life of faith, love, charity, forgiveness, truthfulness and sacrifices,It is time we come back to our sense and live up to our promises and the call of Jesus our Savior. Promise made... promise should be fulfilled!
-Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx.

10/10/08
Arrival of Visitors from Okinawa, Japan @ the US Naval Base.