Sharing the fruits of contemplation

It’s nice to be back! July has been a very busy month for me that I wasn’t able to write a single article for this column. Last month also saw a dramatic rise in temperature in the UK (27-30oC). It was like way back home; the only difference is that I feel less tolerable of the hot (and oftentimes) humid weather. You have to take a shower at least twice a day, not to mention watering the lawn and plants in the garden.

I am not complaining though! It’s a time to go out and enjoy the sunshine. One advantage of this is that our compost will be ready for use by autumn.

As I write this, I see a different story in our country with some regions in Luzon inundated with water.

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PGMA herself is seeing a foreboding typhoon on her position – an impeachment case has already been referred to the Justice Committee in the House of Representatives. Whether the case will prosper in the obviously Malacañang-controlled Lower House or not is one thing that we should all keep an eye on.

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August 8 marks the feast of St Dominic of Guzman, founder of the Order of Preachers. Most, if not all, of my student life has been spent under the aegis of the Dominicans. There is one popular motto among Dominicans that fascinates me: Contemplare et contemplate aliis tradere. (Latin for 'To contemplate and to share the fruits of contemplation'.). St Dominic was a known preacher who fought the heresies (false teachings) of his time. His eloquent preaching, no doubt, were the efforts of his serious contemplation.

When Mike asked me the slogan for my column I did not hesitate to choose this motto. I may not be a professed Dominican, but I surely one of the many fruits of the Dominicans’ contemplation. Through this column I hope and pray that I may unceasingly share that fruit in me, at the same time, continuously contemplate and share my thoughts with you.

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Many happy returns to Rafael Abrera who's celebrating his birthday this coming weekend. Raf-raf, as he's fondly called, is the son of Ronald & Rachel Abrera, one of our many kababayans here in Nottingham.

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Birthday wishes also goes to Rommel Viray (5 August), Tito Boylit Samaniego (6 August), and Ninang Baby Valdes-Lejano (9 August.