On Remembering Friends

     "Our rewards in life will depend on the quality and amount of the contribution we make." "Life is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You won't necessarily get what you want in life but in the long run, you'll usually get what you expect."
 
  Flashback. Summer of '67. Zamboanga City, the City of Flowers. Zamboanga AE College.(AE for Arturo Eustaquio). Plaza Pershing. Zamboanga City was then a peaceful city. It's vibrant with hopeful joy. I love to visit the pier where I drown my doubts, my uncertainties, my pain on the unending friendly and hostile waves rolling to the shore. Etched on the horizon is a promising tomorrow. And, Zamboanga AE College was like a doting father to the children away from home. Students from all over Mindanao in particular and the Visayan and Luzon flocked to Zamboanga City for their educational thirst and hunger. Truly, Zamboanga City is the City of Flowers.

In the summer of 1967, as the president of the ZAEC Summer Student Council, I was given the responsibility to invite the late Mayor Cesar Climaco to be the College of Education Summer Graduating Class guest speaker. As he was not available, instead I requested Mr. Rodolfo Canivel, director of Philippine Muslim College of Jolo, Sulu, who was at that time recruiting teachers to teach in high school and college. That request paved the warm welcome of at least seven instructors to teach at Philippine Muslim College and immediately commenced my teaching odyssey.

I assured Mr. Canivel of those teachers who would be teaching English and Literature, Mathematics, Pilipino, Science, History, Band Leader/Instructor, and School paper Adviser.

Mr. Abubakar, the Mayor of Jolo gave the coming instructors a red carpet welcome accommodation. Reid Tallow was the high school principal. Meanwhile, Baryamin Jubaira, my great pal ( with whom I learned some writing skills), welcomed me by streaming an ad-lib on the only government radio station of Jolo, Sulu. The following week my classmates and schoolmates from the islands surprised me with a welcome visit.                

Baryamin is the son of Ibrahim Jubaira, the first prolific Filipino writer to be known outside of the country, the Philippines Free Press short story awardee for his Uncle Syed's Goat entry, and the Philippines attache' to Kuala Lumpur during Emmanuel Pelaez vice-presidency.                

I loved the Sulu Archipelago with its Muslim and Christian population, lovely islands, and beautiful seascape, the noted durian fruits, fresh fish, and homegrown brewed coffee.  I walked the beach and saw at a distance the house of Princess Tarhata Kiram, who wrote the lyrics of the song Jolo Farewell-. In fact, I still remembered another song which runs like this: In Tawi-Tawi beach I know, the girl I can't forget...

And Simunol island, of Eddie Sappal's writings, of his brother, Abe Sappal ( Karl Dumas ) whose radio voice permeated Zamboanga city's airwaves and captivated young and old listeners. Together with  Abe Sappal, Rommel Corro, and me; we trained a winsome Hadji ( sorry I forgot his name) of the island in public speaking and he won the college intramural speaking contest at ZAEC. Meanwhile, with the expertise and advice of Abe Sappal and Rommel Corro, we won the intercollegiate debate on the topic: That electoral campaign should be limited to 3 months. Education Dept. has the affirmative side whose members were 2 high schools valedictorians ( from Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur and the other from Basilan province and 1 salutatorian (me) from Zamboanga del Norte The first time in ZAEC's history that an Education Dept won over the Law Dept.

 At Jolo's Philippine Muslim College, I met and befriended a kindhearted man whose name escaped my memory. He was the college security guard by day and moonlighting on the government radio by night. He has a terrific tongue for dishing out the Tausog's ballads comparable to the Tagalog's Balagtasan. This muscular friend graduated with his Bachelor's degree at the prestigious University of Sto. Tomas, Manila, the Philippines on a scholarship through his swimming prowess.

Dave Reyes was added to the list of friends. He is a dashing, well-read man who informed me of a soon available teaching position at Claret College of Isabela, Basilan City as Bob (Ulbert Ulama Tugung) is slated to take the bar in Manila. I grabbed the opportunity. I was accepted. Taught English and also as an adviser of the school's paper and a contributor to the Basilan Times.

Ulbert Ulama "Bob" Tugung was a very good friend. He is charismatic, humble, well-loved in Basilan and the islands.  He smiled and waved his hands in a friendly manner among the pedestrians. He was fearless as he held high his honesty, dedication, and sincerity in the whole gamut of his emotion. He was truly a politician.

Those were the days when the Press and Radio or Media were well respected. And this refreshed my memory when I met Mr. Pamaran of the notable and influential Pamaran families of Lamitan of the Basilan province of the Sulu Archipelago. This happened when a classmate in college introduced me to  Mr. Pamaran who (I was not sure) was the mayor or vice-mayor, that I was a journalist and at that juncture, he pleaded not to ruin his political career due to his not accomodating us three townmates for a ride from the wharf to downtown Lamitan. That incident added inches to my height, that a pen is mightier than a sword.        (Greg In Trabanca)

Silence

Poem 101

Silence is the language of the soul.
In your inner silence, you'll feel

the melody of sound which is music
to your very existence.

Let silence finds its vital niche
in your every day life's movements
and you'll know that there is
Someone talking to you.

And you believe.

(04/09/2012)

Beauty of Nature

Park Poem

I elected to walk and not to run
I have to tread slowly for I am lost

As I journey on this beautiful land
My God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.

This I am humbly confessing
I am weak I need Him the more

That my real need is unceasing
I am sinking in the seashore.

I met a man from Korea
Who loved himself and his country
I met a man from Nigeria
Said that wealth has room for many.

The three of us were in the park
To be more fit physically
In the nearby river a duck
Was scouring for food happily.

Hey guys which is then the right way
As you walk in this foreign land?
Be careful not to go astray
And cautious not to go beyond.

(04/09/2012)

I Wonder Why

The Wonder Moment

I wonder why,

It's the city of Zamboanga;
Then about that Jesuit's vignette,
Not on Cebu or Dumaguete?

I wonder why,
I didn't stay long in Manila
To see the sunset on the bay
Or write a seminarian story?

I wonder why, 
Medicine didn't ease my longing
Nor accounting or engineering;

But the fascination of letters,
The novelty of syllables,
The awesome splendor of writers.

And I still wonder
If I write in my intention:
To read, to learn, and to gather
Nuggets buried in oblivion
To scatter for the generation?



(03/09/2012)

Fr. Carlos and I

9AM 2/26/12 Sunday
Priest: Fr. Carlos
Lector: Greg

Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant. (Ps 25:4-5...

Officiating the mass at 9 AM was Fr. Carlos and I was the lector. And this Sunday, after the 11 AM mass, there was a birthday party lunch at the Church's basement for our pastor Fr. Peter Fernandez, tendered by the parishioners of St.Timothy parish.

Stewardship was manifested as parishioners flocked to the Church for prayer, for the celebration and for parish activity participation. Truly the parishioners' time, talent, and treasure were displayed.

Inspiration

Wonderful World

Teach me once more on  how to fly,
To soar up above the skylines
To dream, to hope, and not to cry

Teach me once more to stand, to walk
To run as really fast as I can
And tell them to do and not just talk.

Teach me once more to learn to change
And write it to do the exercise
To scribble words and rearrange

Words that make sense and beautiful
Well-chosen words of prose and poetry
Making our life so wonderful.
(02/21/2012)

The Real Presence

At St. Jude's Chapel

He is imprisoned in the tabernacle
for our salvation.

Silence. Meditate. Listen.

He is there in the tabernacle
watching and listening to us -
in the silence of our heart
in the abundance of our thoughts.

He is there!

Speak to Him in the sanctum of your silence;
Whisper to Him and listen to the echo of your desires.

He is there: ready to lift you,
to carry you, to meet your needs.

Make Him a part of you, a part of us.


(02/06/2012)

The Waterfall

Waterfall on the Wall

Water, air, light -
The essentials of life.

At the outpatient hospital lobby, I walk tall.
I witnessed a therapeutic experience
As I gazed at the waterfall on the wall

Cascading to the flower garden
Of white blooming orchids,
On the newfound Eden.

The illuminating electric bulbs declared;
The writing on the wall that read
"Only say the Word and I shall be healed."

The water of damnation or salvation,
Air for existence or suffocation;
Light for power or for extinction?


(02/06/2012)

Happy New Year 2012

NEW YEAR!
Jan.03,2012

A time to begin
a new way,
a path that leads
to a promising
tomorrow.

The dawn appears,
the bluebird sings
the sun lightens the sky
and a song, a poem
brightens
my day

2012, a New Year
a good year,
a year to gear
a lesson to bear,
for a direction
leading to
an ideal
destination.

A Day in October

Oct 12, 2011
The Visit

October morn dawns a saga
of relatives from Canada.

From far away they came.

Do you recall when you mention
that you were looking for us;
that you have no information
but finally, you found us.

And you came with your smile
sweet as young coconut's water;
your laughter could be heard a mile
to comfort souls that suffer.

Pictures stream down memory lanes:
Zamboanga, Cebu, Manila, airplanes.

The tears, the laughter,
the song of the birds,
the rain, the thunder.

You saw us on our visit
and your yearning keeps
burning on love's undying ember.

Your persistence carried you
through uncharted terrain
of Germany, the Middle East,
London, Canada, and America.

Your precious physical presence,
was more than gold, and valuable
as life itself.

You came with your sister's family
and was gladly welcome in the house
that wholeheartedly awaited
your coming.

Did you remember, dear relatives,
of our first meeting in town?
The soil felt our feet so active;

the summer of smiles and the frown,
the laughter, the tears and we lived
to love all that was around.


And you came with all your heart,
with all your hugs,

with all your dreams,
with all your hopes,
with all your pains.

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall.
The leaves fell. And as they dropped
to the ground, our names were written on them

because we liked the trees,
we loved mother nature's garden
whose flowers filled our lives
with their beauty and fragrance.

Yes, dear relatives, you are roses,
giving our lives with joy and kisses.

(Dedicated to Babylane Rueles & Son, her sister Rosseni & husband Dan Tiongson and her daughter, Monica & husband Percy Madella with son Dj & daughter on their surprise visit to the windy city)

The Invitation

Sunday, Oct 9, 2011
1st Reading: Is 25:6-10a, @nd Reading: Phil 4:12-14, 19-20
Gospel: Mt 22:1-14 (or Mt 22:1-10)

All are invited ...

The everlasting love of God is a delight for the soul that abides in His presence. Indeed, all are invited to live and partake of His endless bounty to cherish eternal peace that flows from the Almighty. Although the invitation is open for all, a free response is paramount to enter God's Kingdom. Therefore, a joyful soul sings aloud, "It is better for me to be in the Lord's Court for one day than to live a thousand years elsewhere." Are you ready to respond to the call of God?

The empirical experience tells us that because of our ego and pride, not many desire to live in the Court of the Lord. During the time of the prophet Isaiah, people had abandoned the invitation of the Lord and chose to dwell elsewhere. Subsequently, their lives turned pathetic and wretched, hope dwindled, and sorrow engulfed them. At such a juncture, prophet Isaiah reminds them of the invitation of the Lord for a sumptuous banquet on the mountain of the Lord.

Leaving God out of public life has crumbled our institutions. Such a stance, in time, has vitiated the atmosphere to affecting the private lives of the individuals to live in godliness. More and more people choose to dwell elsewhere than to live in the Court of the Lord. It is a tragedy and a poison for our soul. Presently the society is reaping the fruits of alienation, segregation, depression, abortion, violence, hunger, mistrust, hopelessness, and all the evils that have infected our lives.

The celebration of the Eucharist is the remedy for our soul. God became food to satisfy our hunger and thirst. Therefore, there is no other source better than the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ - the celebration of the Eucharist with the faith community, to fill our lives with love, peace, and eternal healing from our Creator. It is imperative for the disciples of Jesus to pay heed to the invitation of the Lord. We have to come before the banquet table of the Lord with thanksgiving and faith as one of Christ. There is no substitute for the celebration.

All are invited... but only a few have responded. What can I do to invite my family, friends, and neighbors? God wants us to be His voice, as prophet Isaiah became His voice to the people of Israel. Let us dress well for the celebration, to enter into the halls of God's Kingdom with mercy and forgiveness, love, faith and hope.

(by:Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx )

Endearment

Beloved

If you part from me my sweet love
and you'll travel another path
I'll be but a misguided dove;
you'll be eating the grapes of wrath.

If you will run away from me
like a rose you'll wither and die;
stay with me to whatever be,
and you'll have no reason to cry.

The minutes and the hours are sweet;
the moon and the stars above are lit;
our sorrows are our joy to greet

the beauty of our blessed life
that lead to the river of grit
in this our world without the strife.

The Ponderable of Life (No Other But You)

The Ponderable of Life

Together we will walk in stride 

amidst the din and drabness of life.     

Come with knives of hatred.

Come with the coldness of the snow.

Come with your nagging in tow.
Come with complaints between
your forehead and your toe.

Come like a summer dawn
to greet the day to sing
the hopes and  dreams that the morrow
with happiness may bring.

Send them all:
   your concerns,
     your regrets,
        your sorrows,
I'll be there for you.
with my undying love.

We are engaged on a life's journey;
we are always one
I, the link, you: the missing link.
We shall always be: you and I
on this planet where we live and die.

Life is a bitter melon

and a sweet onion
It is sunshine and rain
It is laughter and pain.

 

Here's a gift ribboned with gratefulness.

(An ode penned for Evangeline Rueles Caermare Trabanca's

birthday - the 3rd day of March.)

Commentary: 

"I can't compete with those words! Your eloquence in writing, Uncle Greg, is beyond... Your poetic prowess is admirable." ( Luvis Adaza Barja - Lim)

The Question?

Sons' Query?

As kids, you may ask a question
On the lovely place, we came from
You may seek for information
Of Paradise's Eve and Adam.

Across the ocean, we told you
Where quails and mayas were happy;
And we were free to hope, to dream
On the land of milk and honey.

From San Pedro's Davao city;
The nights had no shadow of male,
She burned midnight candles to stay,
To be a Florence Nightingale.

That's how we came into this world
Across the rough sea of the bold

Where he trekked from town to city
From courses to ending a course
Learning the truth and the beauty
Seeking the great Almighty Source.


That's how we came into this place
Where not even time can efface.

From tears of the tropical rain
And from Mindanao's fertile soil
Where hopes and dreams were not in vain
Where our courage to journey boil

Towards the two of us
From the wonderful love
That has united us
That in you our hearts throb
What you'll say to us both
You knew more of the world you sought
About the world to you we brought.

And like an earthquake
We shook the earth
That gave you birth
Where the tree of life appears
And you sing the poem of love
In the highest branch without fears
We fly to reach you like a dove.

The Missionary from Goa

The Missionary from Goa

You have left when she needed you.
You have wounded her and hurt her.
But open your eyes to earth's view;
Your service to God forever.

You finally face each other
In the Bread and Wine you have found;
No one can put you asunder
Of your love, so sweet, so profound.

You held on to your dear promise
Etched in the smithy of your being
In your world, the sun will surely rise
To make boys: men of God keep burning.

Someday you will come back to her-
The native land that nurtured you
To weave your story fair and square
For faith, hope, love, and charity to grow.

(By Greg In Trabanca, a parishioner of St. Timothy Church.)

The last Eucharistic celebration at St. Timothy church was presided by Bishop Mark Bartosic with Fr. Jose' Baptista, s.f.x. at 11 a.m. on Jan 31, 2021.  St. Timothy church and St. Henry church merged with St. Margaret Mary which is now the Holy Child Jesus Parish. The Pastoral Staff: Fr. Phi H. Nguyen, pastor, Fr. Arthur Bautista, associate pastor. Meanwhile, Fr Jose' Baptista,s.f.x. is awaiting his assignment.  

What Do I Reap

What do I reap? Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx
1st Reading: Is 5:1-7, 2nd Reading: Phil 4: 6-9
Gospel: Mt 21:33-43

What do I reap? A vital question to ponder and to be answered several times during our life journey, which will give a focus for a life well-lived. Deviation from a purposeful life bears the repercussion of a bitter outcome that creates ripple effects in society. Therefore, we have to ask ourselves, what is the goal for my life? What legacy would I like to leave behind for the benefit of posterity? Each person has something to offer to make this world a better place. Am I doing my part?

If we take a serious glance at the world, we are baffled with reality. It seems evil has the upper hand, and the world is headed in the wrong direction. Hence, we should ask a question. Where have we missed the calling? The precious life not respected, the family unit is threatened, and trust betrayed, justice trampled, love, mocked upon, and mercy and forgiveness is devalued. With such a scenario of the world, what do we reap? On the other hand, what have we sown, to reap?

Despite a gloomy picture of the world, there is a ray of hope and a brighter future. Ultimately, God is in control of the whole universe, and in His time, purification will take place. Meantime, He has assigned the task to His chosen people to light up the world with faithfulness and righteousness, This group of people is a tiny minority, and their task is enormous. The Israelites were called to live in faithfulness to God and live a righteous life by observing His commandments, and benevolence towards the most vulnerable in the society. The Lord complains, "Why do I reap the bitter grapes from my vineyard?"

Today, the Catholic Church is the new Israel. The new people of God have been entrusted with the same task but greater responsibility. The fulfillment of God's promise to the world was unfolded in the death and resurrection of Jesus, His Son. The Church bears witness to this great mystery of our faith. This mystery encompasses the totality of our existence, in which, faithfulness and righteousness, should lead to the life of charity. The Catholic Church is a tiny minority, which continues to be a voice of conscience to the world that devalues the laws of God.

What do I reap? Indeed, those who live the life of God in the Church will certainly bear good fruits of faith, hope, and charity. However, those who live on their own account, and continue to support anti-Church policies, disrespect for life from conception to natural death devalue the marriage as a sacrament between a man and a woman, will also fail to live a life of charity. What kind of grapes will you reap?

Living is Difficult

Obedience ... to God
( Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx )

9/25/11 1st Reading: Ezk 18:25-28
2nd Reading: Phil 2:1-11 (or Phil 2:1-5)

Living is difficult. However, living under obedience is extremely difficult. Only those who can perceive things through the eyes of faith and discern the will of God in every circumstance are able to conduct their lives in obedience. Such living demands great courage, humility, and faith. For most people, it is a struggle to live a life of obedience because of the ego, pride, and selfishness. The resulting disobedience in many cases comes about because those who hold the office of authority abuse their power for similar reasons.

Obedience to God should have been the most natural outcome of our existence. Nevertheless, it is not the case. Why? Is God unjust? could it be that He exercises His authority with partiality and selfish motive? Such an assumption is far from reality. Our disobedience is the direct outcome of our sin of pride and selfishness. The human soul is overshadowed with false hopes and endless possibilities, which causes us to disobey the righteous one.

To end the blame game, Jesus the eternal Son of God, took our form in total obedience to God and even accepted a gruesome death on the cross. Such living baffles the human mind but it is also the cause of our true living. In fact, the command for a life lived in obedience is, "Take up your cross daily and follow me." Should we decide to follow the Lord, we cannot ignore His way of life and at the same time live by His command.

The degradation of the moral fiber of society is the effect of people living directly in contrast to the will of God. The growing number of abortions, same-sex marriages is an abomination that reflects the sick society, which prides itself on opposing the will of God. We, the disciples of Jesus, should awaken from our slumber, and seek to do the will of God in total obedience, which is the true wisdom and fullness of life.

**************************************************************************8
Lectio
* He humbled himself by being obedient to death, death on the cross.
Meditatio
* We are witnesses to the tremendous love of God in Jesus. We have to witness His humility, sacrifice, and total self-giving to others as well.
Oratio
* Let us contemplate the cross - the ultimate sign of God's loving sacrifice.
Actio
* We witness to the cross of Christ if we choose the lowest post or to make a meaningful sacrifice.

Ode To Fr. D

Ode To Fr. D 
(The man with a mission )

In your village, there's a mountain.
In the state, they need love's fountain.

Goa, a place people want to tour;

A small state yet has a unique hold

From the rest: whose customs and culture

Are influenced by the western world.

 

Neon signs brighten a foreign land

Thirst of knowledge from the ocean.

 Come, come back and you will agree.

That this place with coastlines stretching

Along the deep Arabian sea

Gives comfort to their heart's craving.

Come, come back to them.

These people who hunger and thirst

You know them as they call your name
They cry and say, "We need to be nursed!"
And this is not a guessing game.

"Come, come, we need you!

And they say to you, "Your people,
To nourish their body, mind, and soul 

Whom you love so true and noble;

And this is their ultimate goal.

Come, come back to them.

Your people who task to do the search

Are worthy of admiration

Who preserved the century-old churches

And the tropical spice plantations.

Yes, you are the one they desire
With wisdom and knowledge afire;

The people: the heart of your story.

The land with its lovely cashew tree
The taste of the famous Maddi 

Of the swaying coconut tree.

Once a Portuguese colony.

Come and be with them, anyway.

(N.B.) A dedication penned for our friend, Fr. Peter D'Mello, s.f.x. from Goa, an unassuming, versatile man of God with an aura of sanctity. (Greg & Tom Llorente) 09/10/2011) Rev. D'Mello was with Fr. Peter Fernandes, s.f.x. formerly a pastor of St. Timothy Church for some time when he took up his Masteral degree in Administration in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He is back on his native soil in obedience to his Order to make boys men of God.

Holy Blood of Christ

Solemnity of the Most Holy Blood of Christ (6/26/11) Fr. Peter Fernandes,sfx

"I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever." In a unique mode, Jesus wished to live in our midst, to be our nourishment and encouragement on our journey to the Kingdom of God. Through the mystery of the Eucharist, the God of surprises continues to battle the mortals. "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" "This is the bread come down from heaven; not like the bread our ancestors ate: they are dead, but anyone who eats this bread will live forever."

This bread was offered on the altar of the Cross. Indeed, the mystery of the Eucharist is the gift of God to His children - the church. It is the memorial of the Lord's Passover. Therefore, the Eucharist is to be celebrated with faith and thanksgiving.

"All creatures depend on you to feed them through the year: you provide the food they eat, with a generous hand you satisfy their hunger." (Ps. 104,27-28). Without a doubt, God our loving Father takes care of His entire creation, and even more so of men, whom He created in His own image and likeness. It was only right that God would share His very own life with us to restore our fallen image and likeness having been trapped in the pit of sin and disgrace, once again to grace and holiness.

Jesus, who is Christ the Lord, offers Himself as food to us in three ways. We cannot reach the Promised Land without nourishing ourselves with the food that Jesus offers. Jesus comes to us as food through faith; through His word and in the form of bread and wine, which transforms into His own Body and Blood. Therefore our response should be, "Lord to whom shall we go? You have the message of eternal life and we believe; we know that You are the Holy One of God."

Let the Eucharist truly transforms us into the Body of Christ! For when we partake of one bread and one cup, we form one Body of Christ. Let us truly believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist with proper worship and adoration.

Visit: www.therealpresence.org

ZAMNAI Bunker Hill Picnic

Bunker Hill Forest Preserve Remembered

On a crisp, sunny Sunday of the last day of July, a large crowd thronged Grove 4 of the Bunker Hill forest preserve for many activities. It was a record-breaking attendance. It's Hudyaka Illinois 2011, an annual festive celebration of the people from the province of Zamboanga del Norte on the island of Mindanao, Philippines here in Illinois. It is a yearly jovial camaraderie, fellowship, get-together, reunion, chit-chat, and picnic session. Picnic tents dotted the mowed park of Grove 4.

This yearly summer gathering is vital to these province mates to showcase their talents and skills. Friendly competitions emerged in volleyball, tennis, bowling, and dart throwing. And also in dancing and sungka, a hometown game with similar to dama (a prisoner's favorite game) or Chinese checker. In the game of Sungka, players use marbles or pebbles and whoever has the last marble or pebble wins the game. It is fun and like chess, your mind must be as nimble as your hands move. These games were participated by organizations of the towns, the schools, the youth, and business groups within the coastal province of Zamboanga del Norte known in the e-world as ZANORTE and later as the Zamboanga del Norte Association in Illinois ( ZAMNAI).

The ballroom dancing contest and sungka staged on the shed sent standing ovations while wows and aahs filled the air. However, the crowd changed their attention when Volleyball was played under the blistering heat of the July sun.

I met a buddy who was an erstwhile bank manager and is now one of the owners of a home healthcare outfit. He told me that he still can't forget about my remark concerning his nasty smoking habit. He was glad about it and his children reminded him too of that. So, he did his best to stop smoking but he said, he couldn't even if he tried hard to do so. Well, I told him, how about, with my right fingers pointing skyward... prayer? Oh yes, I am doing my morning prayer..." Oh, Jesus through the immaculate heart of Mary, I offer"...That's good, I answered but tried harder, praying the Rosary and at this point, telling him of my devotional prayer to the *Lord of Pardon which was my shield against the devil that's always waiting on our every corner and another weapon, the rosary bead hidden in my pocket. By the way, don't leave home without it.

Before we parted ways, I dug from my pant's left rear pocket my wallet and took the chaplet of the Divine Mercy. There was that unique smile that enveloped his grateful countenance. Yes, a little thing can make a gigantic reward that will last a lifetime.

Note:
*This Lord of Pardon devotion consists of the daily praying of 15 Our Fathers, 15 Hail Marys, and invoking the almighty power and blessings of God, the Father humbly admitting your sinfulness being a sinner then asking the Most Holy VirginMary to intercede for you to her Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Then, ask pardon for your sin and protection from your enemies and that eternal glory be granted to you. Say, "Pardon, oh my God, Pardon me, my offenses, Pardon, Lord, grant me"