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