An Easter to be Grateful for

“Wala na si Papa. (Papa is gone.)”, Marcia (my sister-in-law) told me over the phone when I called her back at about 3:30am on 30 April 2025. “May God rest his soul,” was all I could say. I couldn’t think of what else to say apart from asking what time Papa passed away. I didn’t even talk to Gio, my younger brother, to check on him. After that call, I didn’t go back to bed. I stayed in the living room, praying and asking for forgiveness. I shared some happy moments with Papa in that spot in our home when he visited us in 2017 for Chiara’s First Holy Communion. 

“Wala na si Papa”, I kept on saying like a distressed child to his parent as I prayed in church that day. The sense of loss is starting to make its presence felt. It carries on up to this time and beyond.

A few days ago, our Rosary group led the Via Lucis (Way of Light) in church. As the Way of the Cross showed the many stations of Jesus’ Passion and Death, the Way of Light featured numerous victories of the Risen Lord. As we meditated and moved from one station to another, I felt truly grateful that Jesus rose from the dead. St Paul once wrote that if Jesus did not resurrect then our faith would be futile (cf.1 Cor 15:14). However, my gratefulness is more on a personal note. The void that my family and I have been experiencing with Papa’s death has been filled up by the Lord’s Resurrection. 

By His rising from the dead, our faith has been strengthened that though Papa has passed away, he shall live (cf. Jn 11:25); our hope has been renewed that he will not be lost, but will be raised up by Christ on the last day (cf. Jn 6:39); and our charity has been sustained that in the end God will bring an end to death, mourning, crying, or pain and make all things new (cf. Rev 21:4-5). 

This Easter experience is not only revealed to me by Sacred Scriptures, but also through the encounter with family and friends who reached out during these difficult times. When news got out that Papa has passed away, our closest friends made a surprise visit to check on us. They met Papa previously and have high regard for him. Seeing them and listening to their stories felt like they also lost a loved one. Another friend, while in Manila last summer, attended Papa's inurnment and sent me photos. It's as though as I was there too. Fellow parishioners too, both known and unknown to me, offered a word of condolence or assured me of their prayers. I am touched that the parish considered Papa as though he was part of the community when they announced his passing in the newsletter and included him in the annual Remembering Service in November last year. 

“Wala na si Papa” was what my heart was saying. His response: “rise up to the occasion” (some advice he once told me ages ago). I am reminded of St Francis’ Prayer, to bring love where there is hatred, pardon where there is injury, true faith where there is doubt; hope where there is despair; light where there is darkness. These are the fruits of Easter!

Papa, it has been a year ago since you have passed. No words could describe the irreplaceable loss that we have been experiencing. Yet we continue to hold on to Jesus’ victory over sin and death and to place our complete trust in Him. Thank you for those happy memories we shared together. We miss you a lot. Nevertheless, we will continue to hold on to each other knowing that through love we will get through life. May the Good Shepherd, who came so that all may have life and have it abundantly (cf. Jn 10:10), welcome you to the fresh and green pastures where He will give you repose (cf. Ps 23:2). We love you!

Put One's Foot Down

Decisions, decisions, decisions. A day won't be complete with making a decision. What to wear, what to eat, where to go on weekend, etc.  Sometimes, making a decision is easy. Other times you have to delay, such as when you have to wait for another person's action.  

Take for example checking of students' assignments. Usually, when a student has missed out something like a completed table of results (from an experiment), I will try to get hold of them to give me the missing requirement. I feel it would be unfair if I penalize them straightaway for what might be a minor requirement. Generally, when tracked down, students oblige. 

However, college is on Easter break these past two weeks!

As I look at the enormous pile on my desk and the certain impossibility to chase up students, I have to put my foot down. I proceeded to mark the assignments as they are presented. For some, I felt good because the students have understood and provided what was required of them. For some, I felt bad because the work wasn't up to standards. Feelings aside, at the end of the day, students have to be assessed based of the quality of their work. At the end of the day, the job has to be done.

This hold true too for an editor. Some articles may have been submitted on time, others past the deadline, still others not submitted at all. There are also articles which may need minor cosmetics or major surgery. At the end of the day, articles have to be vetted. At the end of the day, worthwhile ones have to be published.

Putting one's foot down can sometimes be difficult, especially if you are the type of person who wishes to please everyone. In reality, we cannot please everyone. We cannot always please our kids, our students, our colleagues, etc. Putting one's foot down can cause some angst, but it is only temporary. It is actually liberating!

Recently, we just called to mind how one man put His foot down to save us all from sin. By asserting His love for all people, He stirred the hornet's nest among the powerful and influential in Israel and died on the cross to reconcile us with the Father. By taking a firm stand, He crushed the serpent's head (Genesis 3:15). Next time we are tempted to dilly-dally, let us think of Him and ask for the grace to become more assertive as individuals, as a people, as His followers.

United in Christ

Over the past few weeks since February, our web was busy preparing for its annual Holy Week special The Seven Last Words. Priests, nuns, members of religious congregations were invited to write the reflections this year because it's the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons. Members were tapped to do this or that task. As the weeks gradually led to Holy Week, preparations were taking shape and people who knew about it looked forward when it becomes 'live'.

Last week saw us all focused on a lot of religious activities. For our web, it was this time of year again to hold The Seven Last Words. It is heartwarming to see people coming together, contributing in their own special way to make our online devotion a success. Way back in 2005, when this devotion begun in our web, we started with our own members. Over the years, more people from outside have been involved. This, in spite of our distances.

What brought us all together? Perhaps it is our Lenten panata. Or our desire to share the Gospel with others. It could be our way to be more 'online' during Holy Week, For me, what brought us together is actually a 'Who'. It is Christ. As St Paul writes: "But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ" (Eph 2:13).

As we celebrate the great feast of Easter, join us in offering praise to our Risen Lord for making all these happen, for uniting us all. Together, let us bear in mind how Jesus joined us together this Holy Week. Together, let us bring further His Good News to all, Holy Week or not.

Thank you for your unrelenting support. God bless you all.

Happy Easter!

The Fourth K

What could have prevented the two disciples from recognizing the Lord on their way to Emmaus? Perhaps the experience of Jesus' shameful death on the cross was still fresh in their minds. Perhaps the loss of such a good friend and Master was still painful deep inside. 

The experience of these disciples was similar to that of Mary Magdalene when she thought of the Risen Lord as a gardener (John 20:11-18). As Mary Magdalene recognized the Lord when He called her name, the disciples would later recognize their travel companion in the breaking of bread.

The month of May is a time when fiestas occur in many parts of the Philippines. And when we talk about fiestas, the first thing that comes to our minds is sharing a meal with others.  Here in the UK, our group of friends gather for a meal every now and then, especially after our monthly Mass and Novena in the parish. Sharing a meal is an opportune time to the endless three Ks: kumustahan (greeting), kuwentuhan (storytelling), and katuwaan (banter). Sharing a meal breaks loose our stifled spirits, our stressed out minds, our restless hearts. I guess those three Ks were present during that evening meal in Emmaus. And it was made more special, more meaningful because of the fourth K: Kristo (Christ)!

As we share a meal with family, friends, and even strangers, as we share that great meal in church called the Mass, may we recognize the Risen Jesus' presence in our midst and bear witness to that presence wherever we may go.

Talking about the Mass, Pope Francis tells us "There is always a Word of God that gives us guidance when we slip; and through our weariness and disappointments there is always a Bread that is broken that keeps us going on the journey." 

***

May brings to mind two of my heavenly patrons: the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Joseph. May is Mary's month and so we bring her flowers to express our love and gratitude. Interestingly, the first day of this merry month is dedicated to her husband.  For me, it tells us one thing: if we would like to know more about Mary, if we would like to love her, if we would like to follow her footsteps, we have to go to Joseph! If anyone (apart from Jesus) would have known, loved, and followed her it would be St Joe. This year is really special because we will be celebrating the 100th anniversary when Mary appeared in Fatima. In one of those apparitions, St Joseph appeared with the Child Jesus blessing the world. So let's ask St Joseph to help us in becoming good children of Mary, of becoming doers of "whatever Jesus tells us" (cf. John 2:5).

First Salubong in Gagalangin

(2015 marks the 100th birth anniversary of my late grandmother Dr Pilar Valdes-Albano. Part of that celebration is to feature anecdotes in her Facebook group page. Below is the anecdote featured last May 20, her 15th death anniversary.)

As Easter draws to a close this Pentecost Sunday, I cannot fail to recall one summer morning in 1980 when Manong Romy Sanchez, one of our drivers, brought me and my younger brother Gio to Tayuman to collect statues of the Risen Christ and of the Mater Dolorosa (Sorrowful Mother). Upon reaching home, Lola Piling (we lived with our grandparents during that time) had a look at the statues. She had the Virgin Mary’s statue placed in one corner, but had Jesus’ statue returned. Another statue was brought later that day, but this too didn’t satisfy Lola’s taste.

Meanwhile, all of us grandchildren at that time who were staying in Manila, were rehearsing with Fr Loreto Palafox, St Rita Hospital Chaplain, and Tita Tessa Albano. The song was in Latin. Manong Coy Alcantara was chosen to be the soloist. In our young minds, we didn’t have a clue of what we will be doing and why.Everything seemed rushed.

One evening, we all went to Rotonda where a stage was ready. The statue of the Virgin Mary on a float was brought in and Manong Coy had a try of reaching the statue’s head. We left a few minutes later. Still, no idea what we will be doing and why.

The following day, all of us woke up very early and were dressed in white long dress complete with white hairclips! (Don’t ask me why even us boys have to wear clips!) As we took a ride from the house to Rotonda, we saw a young priest speaking with Lolo Paul. It was Msgr Feliciano Santos, the new parish priest.

Rotonda was already full of people. We assembled on the stage. Fr Palafox was nearby as well as Tita Tessa who provided the musical accompaniment. I think Tito Alex too helped with another musical instrument. From Yangco Street, the float of the Virgin Mary came forth. Later, from S. del Rosario Street came a brightly lit float of the Risen Christ. With the floats facing each other, it was time for us to sing: Regina coeli laetare, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! (Queen of heaven rejoice, , alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!). Manong Coy would later remove the black veil of Our Lady’s statue. After our song, an effigy of Judas Iscariot was burned down – I later found out that this was a custom in Ilocos Norte. Then we headed to St Joseph Church for the Easter Sunday Mass.

Years later, I discovered that there was no Salubong – that religious tradition in the Philippines commemorating the Risen Jesus’ encounter with His mother Mary - in Gagalangin before 1980. Which is why Lola would describe to me this event as an ‘emergency’. Perhaps when Msgr Santos assumed pastoral responsibility, he was surprised to find out the absence of a Salubong and requested for one to be held. Lola, during that time, was President of the Catholic Women’s League. She may have been asked for help or she may have volunteered. Either way, she was more than happy to help!

The next Salubongs in Gagalangin didn’t have any Albanos participating as a number of members started to migrate to the States. As we spend our Holy Week in Cavite, my three sisters – Gisela, Nicola, and Kristina –were often performing as angels. Right here in Nottingham, our Filipino Rosary Crusade have our own version of the Salubong. It may not be as lavish as its counterpart at home, but it attempts to evangelize especially our kids and young people who have not been aware of this tradition. Chiara has been one of the kids singing!

Thank you, Lola for introducing us to such a beautiful Easter tradition. May your good example be a source of inspiration for us to remain generous so that, emergency or not, we would be ready to lend a hand to the community. It’s been 15 years since you passed away. Today, as we gather to offer for you the Mass of the Resurrection – that’s how you call a Requiem Mass - may our faith be renewed in Him who triumphed over sin and death. May you be at peace in your personal salubong with the Risen Lord and the Blessed Mother!

Old Twigs Must Go

I mowed the lawn a few hours ago, grabbing the opportunity while the weather is fine.  I watered our hydrangeas. Months ago, during the dead of winter, I pity how these plants looked like. Their green leaves have been soggy like spinach leaves being cooked.  Later on, these leaves wither. So too the flowers.  

Then came spring.  The once 'dead' plants started to come alive. The once lifeless hydrangeas (and other plants) have begun to show their leaves.  However, I noticed that there were still old twigs which we haven't cut in late winter.  Strangely, from the same branch where the twigs are, I've seen new green leaves.  To allow the new leaves to flourish, I cut the old twigs (without touching the areas where there are new leaves).  

In a few hours it's already Easter Sunday, that momentous day when Jesus triumphed over sin and death. When Jesus gave a new meaning to our lives. 

I guess we're like those hydrangeas - once dead in the winter of sin and now alive in the spring of Jesus' Resurrection. I guess we too have those old twigs in us - be it those old habits that won't easily die, events in the past that we couldn't get over with, wounds that seem difficult to heal, or sins.  And yet God, in His mysterious plans and unfathomable wisdom, drew new life, drew new beginning, new opportunities, new us out of the bad and unpleasant in us.

The apostles - Peter especially - felt ashamed when the Risen Lord appeared before them.  Just three days ago, they deserted Him. They felt undeserving of such a kind gesture from their Master.  I'm sure we too have the same feeling.  And yet, Jesus tells us "But be brave! I have defeated the world" (John 16:33).

As we celebrate this great feast of the Church, let us take to heart the Lord's words. Let us get rid of the old unnecessary twigs in our lives to give way to new life, new life in Jesus.

Happy Easter!

***

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you, dear readers for supporting our Holy Week special, The Seven Last Words (TSLW). Way back in 2005, when we begun this online devotion, we never thought we would reach this year.  Next year, God willing,will be TSLW 10th anniversary. Ditto the web's.  

Special thanks go to our 7 reflection writers: Rene Paguntalan, Chris Sumague, Carlo Alexis Malaluan, Anabelle Payod-Balla, Nexus-Renaissance Mina, Fidji Rivera-Sarmiento, and Kristine Tangco. Thank you to Archbishop Socrates Villegas and Grace Madrinan for writing the Prologue and Epilogue respectively;  Allan Dabu for designing our poster; Marou Pahati-Sarne and Beth Eguia for helping us in inviting writers; and last but not least Mike Flores for designing our layout. May God bless you all!

Next year, as it's the Year for Consecrated Life, we're looking for religious men and women to be part of our writers. I know this is too early to ask, but if you know someone who could be of help please let us know. Thanks.

The Demands of Being Faithful

Before dying on the cross, Jesus already told His followers that within three days after His death He will rise again. However, if we read the Gospel accounts of the Lord’s resurrection, His apostles doubted this great mystery. They doubted Christ’s promise, in spite of the stories made by Mary Magdalene and other women who went to the tomb or the disciples whom the Lord walked with on their travel to Emmaus. The apostles lacked faith.

According to Sr. Margaret Atkins, “The biggest obstacle to faith is not the mind but the heart. It is hard to be open-minded enough to entertain the possibility that a man might be raised from the dead. It is harder still to be open-hearted enough to entertain the possibility that in that man, God might be present in the world. That requires a move from bare belief to faith, and the obstacles to faith are formidable.”

The good nun mentions the requirements and demands of faith: a committed willingness to follow the implications of the truth; humility; and courage. When Jesus sent the Holy Spirit upon His followers, they were transformed from being doubtful to faithful. Indeed, they proclaimed the Good News of Christ throughout the world even if it cost them their very lives.

There is a follower of Jesus, in fact we consider her as Christ’s very first follower, who never doubted the Lord’s resurrection. Ever since invited to be part of God’s plan of salvation, she willingly accepted God’s will without looking back, without counting the cost. She humbly and courageously obeyed the Lord. Strangely, she wasn’t mentioned in the Resurrection stories of the 4 Gospels. She is Mary, the mother of Jesus and our mother too.

As we continue to celebrate the great feast of Easter, let’s ask Mary to inspire us in becoming faithful to our Lord in spite of the many distractions and temptations around us. And if there are instances when we have failed, let’s ask for her perpetual help so that we may rise up once more and continue following Jesus.

Restart

I watched Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” on Easter Monday. Mind you, I didn’t choose the day to view it – it’s the TV channel which strangely scheduled that movie after Holy Week! Anyway, one scene caught my attention. It was when the Blessed Virgin Mary met her son on his way to Calvary. As the mother approached her wounded and battered son, he said to her “Mother, I will make all things new!” or words to that effect.

The following weekend, I mowed the lawn since it was sunny. Having completed my task, I started to bring the mower and the electric cord extension back to their storeroom. I struggled to roll back the cord extension as they got so much twisted. It was a hot day and I was due to do some other ‘homework’, that I didn’t have the whole day to untangle the cord. I told myself, “If I leave this for now, I will definitely have to make time to get this sorted soon.” So I stayed put. “Pull this way, pull that way! Oh no, the other way!” I was getting impatient. I was cursing. Suddenly I remembered the word “restart” which, in a way is synonymous with the words Jesus spoke (in that movie) which stunned me.

I suddenly felt the urge to remain calm and focused. I looked at the entangled cord and slowly removed the twist completely! I sighed a relief.

At Eastertime, we are reminded of how Jesus made things new. The once fearful followers became courageous proclaimers. The once divided people were transformed into a community of believers. The once living-in-darkness have come into the light. The once afflicted with hurt and failures have been made whole.

Easter conveys to us that message of hope and of perseverance. If we have failed in the past, now’s the time to rise up and pick up from where we have fallen or even start all over again. If we have not succeeded previously, in spite of our efforts to remain good, now’s the chance for us to have another go at what we are aspiring for. If we have sat on (and even slept on) what we should have done ages ago, now’s the moment to act.

“I will make all things new”, says the Risen Lord. Geared in faith, hope, and charity let’s move on and be that “new creation” which our world, our Church, our society, our family and friends, and our very selves long for!

***

I am happy that the late Pope John Paul II has been beatified recently. I am blessed to have joined millions of Filipinos in welcoming him in his second visit to Manila for the World Youth Day celebration in January 1995. This is the first time I have known someone who lived during my lifetime being beatified. May Blessed John Paul II continuously intercede for the Church in these troubling times!

***

Talking about the recent beatification, I cannot help, but notice how some people have been so particular with titles. One several occasions, I’ve read “Blessed Pope John Paul II”. I had a similar observation when people address another renowned person as “Blessed Mother Teresa (of Calcutta)”. Ditto for “Pope St Pius X”, “St Padre Pio”, etc. Sadly even some calendars have used a similar scheme. With all due respect to holy men and women’s former role in the Church, I think mentioning their role together with their title (i.e. ‘Blessed’ or ‘Saint’) gives wrong impressions such as 1.) that holiness was obtained because of someone’s role in the Church and 2.) that in heaven (where the holy are now) there is a special place or rank for those who were popes or heads of religious congregations, etc.

It would be best to simply address them as “Blessed John Paul II”, “Blessed Teresa of Calcutta”, “Blessed John XXIII”, “St Pius V”,etc. This is how missals and some calendars have presented these holy people. To further help readers as to who these people were, their role in the Church is indicated after the name (e.g. St Pius V, Pope; St Dominic of Guzman, Priest; St Augustine, Doctor of the Church; St Margaret Alacoque, Nun; etc.).

Mind you, St Peter (Jesus’ apostle) was the first pope, but never have we addressed him as Pope St Peter!