Thoughts on Purgatory

It's November once again, the month of the Holy Souls. For us Catholics, it is that time of year when we pray for the souls of our departed loved ones, especially those in purgatory. While other faiths reject the existence of purgatory, our faith teaches us that the Holy Souls are "still imperfectly purified...After death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1030).  The following thoughts on purgatory crossed my mind yesterday.

St Catherine of Genoa: "[I]f a soul were brought to see God when it had still a trifle of which to purge itself, a great injury would be done it...a great happiness is granted to the Holy Souls that grows as they draw nearer God."

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: "I would go so far as to say that if there was no purgatory, then we would have to invent it, for who would dare say of himself that he was able to stand directly before God. And yet we don't want to be, to use an image from Scripture,'a pot that turned out wrong', that has to be thrown away; we want to be able to be put right. Purgatory basically means that God can put the pieces back together again."

Venerable Fulton Sheen: "Purgatory is a place not only where the Love of God tempers the Justice of God, but also where the love of man tempers the injustice of man, for it enables hearts who are left behind to break the barriers of time and death, to convert unspoken words into prayers, unburned incense into sacrifice, unoffered flowers into alms, and undone acts of kindness into help for eternal life...Purgatory, then, enables us to atone for our ingratitude because through our prayers, mortifications, and sacrifices, it makes it possible to bring joy and consolation to the ones we love. Love is stronger than death and hence there should be love for those who have gone before us. We are the offspring of their life, the gathered fruit of their labour, the solicitude of their hearts."

Bearing these words of wisdom in mind whilst also remembering the faithful departed in my moments of silence, I am convinced that purgatory does exist because, as Jesus once said, "It is my Father's will that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me and that I should raise it up on the last day" (Jn 6:39). Furthermore, it exists to show our unbroken link with those who have passed away, be they family, friends, or strangers. It is an avenue for us to make amends while there is still time.

***

As I write this, we celebrate the feast day of St Martin De Porres, a Dominican lay brother who, according to historical accounts, bilocated at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila when he never left his convent in Lima, Peru. St Martin is the Patron Saint of our section in Third Year High School.

Last month, Andres Rico Gonzales Jr (aka Bong Gonzales), a classmate in that section passed away. Bong was my classmate from first to third year. During our third year, Bong and I worked in a number of school projects. Being residents of Tondo, it wasn't difficult for us to work together. One project was conducting an interview with a Civil Servant and publishing a term paper their role in the National Census and Statistics Office. We bagged an award for that. A jolly person, his naughtiness often earned the ire of some of our teachers. One time, while Ms Myrna Javiniar (our Class Adviser and Chemistry teacher) was speaking to a colleague outside the room, Bong stood up and danced (without music, mind you!). We were quite entertained, so Bong kept on dancing. Unfortunately, the teacher caught him without him noticing it. Bong was sent home earlier than scheduled (It was our last lesson for the day). 

During our Junior-Senior Prom, we had a light moment dancing with other classmates who didn't have a date during that occasion. The last time I saw Bong was in the church of Gagalangin in 2002; he introduced me his family and instructed his kids to ask for my blessing (Mano po). In spite of not seeing each other for ages, we kept in touch through Facebook. In one of our last conversations, he told me that he bought a house in Gagalangin, near where my sister lives. I looked forward to pay him a visit, I told him. When I heard that he was ill, I got in touch and shared with him a prayer. "Thanks Manong", were his last words to me.

Looking through his posts in social media when he was still around, I have seen how supportive Bong was of his family, how proud he was of the achievements of his son who, like him, had a knack for Mathematics. My heart goes out to them in this time of bereavement.

May God bless your happy and loving soul, Bong. Be at peace now, brother, reunited with our other deceased classmates in Third Year-St Martin De Porres (Michael Corotan Charles Nabaza, and Cristino Pagdonzolan Jr), departed batch mates (Richard David, Jonathan De la Llana, Miguel Enriquez, Joselito Roxas, etc.), late teachers (Ms Myrna Javiniar, Ms Irene Ambagan, Mrs Charito Ramos, Mr Ruperto Sarmiento, etc), and fallen knights of Letran!

Jon

"Dapat ginaya ko si Cory (Aquino) noong nagspeech ako!," he quipped as we huddled almost 29 years ago in the Principal's Office during Boys' Day in Letran (Elementary Department). We all laughed.  "OK pala itong si De la Llana!", I told myself.  For a few months back, he came across as a fierce student leader quelling the commotion in our classroom and showing  zero tolerance to one student who was pasaway.

It took another year for us get to know more of each other though.  During break times, he would frequent our classroom to see his friends such as Jose Mari Balugay, Pedro Diaz, and Lamberto “Gary” Ramos. Unknown to me then, Jonathan (a.k.a. Jon or Tobi) also lives in Gagalangin.  In our conversations, I discovered that he was religious and was attending liturgical services in the parish.  About that time, I was already introduced into the Apostleship of Prayer (AP).  Also, a new (and younger) parish priest was assigned in Gagalangin. When asked if he would be interested to join this group, he gave me the affirmative.  Hence, on June 9, 1988 we were both invested with the AP scapular. The following months saw us immersed in the life of the parish through the choir (5:30am Friday, 6:30pm first Friday, and 7:30am Sunday  Masses), Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, collections during the 4pm Sunday Mass, AP meetings in the parish and elsewhere, etc. (not to mention our evening strolls along the quiet streets and alleys near Hermosa Street). Jon later recruited me in the Samahang Birhen ng Medalla Milagrosa and the Cofradia de San Jose. I just realized now that our devotion can be summed up as follows: Jesus, Maria y Josep.

Getting to know the other young members of the AP, we started to congregate at their house along Benita Street. That small band became the core group of the AP-Youth.  By January 1989, in a snap election called for by the AP Elders, AP-Youth had its set of officers: I was elected President; Jon, Vice President. Jon utilised and developed his skills and talents for the good of the group.  At the APY, he also served as PRO, Education Chairman, and President. For years, he designed the altar during APY’s annual pabasa, as well as the altar and carroza decorations for the feasts of the Sacred Heart, Our Lady, and St Joseph. He was also a founding member of the Tanghalang Anluwage serving as its first Artistic Director.

All along, our friendship grew. Apart from being almost every day in church (A teacher once chided “Tulog pa ang Diyos nasa simbahan na kayo!”.), we belong to the same section in second year high school. Jon came across as a humble, generous, broad-minded, thoughtful, and considerate person. One Christmas, someone in the parish gave him 2 leather wallets as gifts for him and I. He waited to see me to ask which color I prefer – one was black and the other, brown. When I chose black, he took the remaining wallet.  Whenever he had plans for the APY, he would make it a point to consult me.  He was the first classmate, friend, and colleague who called me Manong. That went viral – almost all members in the APY and then later in Anluwage have (fondly) called me Manong.

Of course, like any friendship we were not spared from those galit-bati moments typical of any teenager.  What strikes me is how Jon would often make the first step to say sorry. There was one occasion when he and another colleague went to our house. I was then cleaning the living room when he saw me (through the screen door) and said in a rather jolly tune: “Hello. We have come in peace!”. Now, whose heart won’t melt at that gesture? 

Jon was the life of the party.  On my 18^th birthday, I fell ill. Jon, along with Art Reyes, Sis. Mely Co and her daughter Rushelle paid me a visit and had dinner with us.  Amidst lighted candles around the house – blackouts were frequent that year – we had a great time. I felt uplifted!  A few weeks later, APY celebrated its anniversary. There was no planned program, just a simple salu-salo. But here comes Jon dancing and singing while Arnold Vidar played his guitar to the enjoyment of everyone!

Even when we parted ways in college, we still kept in touch. I’m happy to be able to get in touch with him through Friendster and then later in Facebook. He used to write “Stopovers”, an opinion column in the web, and contributed too in “The Nine Gifts” and “The Seven Last Words” projects. Last New Year's Day, when I sent him a message on the web’s 10^th anniversary, he expressed willingness to help. “Just keep me posted”, he told me. 

In his last article in “Stopovers”, Jon wrote “Has it ever occurred in your life that you had an encounter with another person totally not known to you yet has been significant?”.  Looking back, I could unequivocally say yes. Yes I have encountered someone who has been significant, someone who may have walked along the path of life once, but has touched me and others with his warmth, openness, passion, and faith.

Jon, you are that person.  I thank the Lord for that gift of encounter. Thank you for your friendship and love.  It’s hard for me to accept that you are no longer with us.  I felt there’s still more to learn from and work with you. As you have encountered us and treated us as siblings or friends, as someone significant in your life, enjoy now the much sought for encounter with the Lord.  Vaya con Dios, bro!

Mommy Lita

As a teenager, I used to take notice of her as the conductor of the Apostleship of Prayer Choir in Gagalangin Parish.  Their choir usually sings during first Friday (morning and evening Masses) as well as every Friday and Sunday mornings. Their organist was the revered Honorata "Tita Baby" Buenaventura.  

I finally met and introduced myself this lady conductor one Sunday afternoon during the monthly meetings of the Apostleship of Prayer (AP).  We were all sat near the back of what was then the Ultreya Hall of the church.  Sis. Lita Aquino, as she was called,  was reminding some people (who seemed to be choir members) about their practice. She later turned to me and asked if I would be interested to join. I said "Yes", but it took awhile before I really joined them.  During the following AP meeting, she caught sight of me and told me when they would have their rehearsal in church. This time, I made sure I will be there.

Indeed, I turned up and saw her playing the organ while some ladies were singing. I was at first hesitant to approach (I got late as I initially didn't know where to get in as all the doors in the church were closed), but she bid me to come.  The songs they were rehearsing were for the Easter season. As I got nearer them, they were singing this Communion song: Kayo ay muling nabuhay, kayo ay muling nabuhay na si Kristo ang katambal, na si Kristo ang katambal. Isipin ang kalangitan, Kanyang kinaroroonan. Aleluya, aleluya, Siya ay awitan. (Freely: You have risen from the dead, you have risen from the dead with Christ as your companion, with Christ as your companion. Think of heaven where He is. Alleluia, Alleluia. Let us sing to Him.)

I enjoyed being part of the AP Choir. The first time I sang with them was at the choir loft with Tita Baby playing the pipe organ. The experience was overwhelming.  Soon I saw myself joining them during the Flores de Maria (It was May 1988 when I became a choir member.) as well as the other Masses of the week their service is required. I recall the many Fridays of 1988 and 1989 when Jonathan De la Llana and I would wake up earlier than usual to sing at the 5:30am Mass before proceeding to Letran Manila. Sis. Lita, who preferred to be called 'Mommy' by young choir members, made me feel welcome. 

There were also some events outside of Gagalangin that we took part in such as the Thanksgiving Masses presided by the late Jaime Cardinal Sin at the Manila Cathedral during his birthdays. On one of these Masses, Mommy Lita had a break - she played the Cathedral's massive pipe organ!

When I became a choir member, the parish had quite a number of choirs and choir organists. Strangely, during the early 90s, the number of organists dwindled.  Mommy Lita, who was then focused on the AP choir, was tapped to look after other choirs.  She and Tita Baby split the choirs between themselves.  

When I became a lector/commentator, I liaised with Mommy Lita who, as organist, was situated near the commentator's lectern.  One thing I can't forget is when I was serving as commentator during the Monday evening Masses.  I keep an eye on her as she might be signalling that the choir might sing (or not) some parts of the Mass (e.g. Gloria or Sanctus). At times, I would cover for the choir when everyone would go to receive Holy Communion and no one else is there to sing.

Mommy Lita have occasionally provided the musical accompaniment when I sang during parish celebrations.  Nicanor Abelardo's Bituing Marikit comes to mind.  

Apart from music ministry, Mommy Lita was also involved in the Cofradia de San Jose where she served as Secretary for a number of years. She was also a member of the Mother Butler Guild and the Samahang Birhen ng Medalla Milagrosa.

Recently, I heard that she is afflicted with ovarian cancer and is hospitalized.  Yesterday, a friend told me that she won't last that long.  

Mommy Lita, my thoughts are with you at these trying times.  Thank you for giving me the chance to serve the Lord through singing. Thanks for the many happy moments we shared in the parish. Keep up the faith, Mommy! We love you!

A Tribute to the APY

Twenty-four years ago, after a busy yet fulfilled month of May, Gagalangin Parish welcomed the month of June with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 2nd.  For me, it was a special occasion because on that date the Apostleship of Prayer-Youth  (APY) was inaugurated.  Donning a Barong Tagalog complete with the scapular of the Sacred Heart, I together with Angie Tortosa-Manlutac, Jonathan De la Llana, Rizza Evasco, Herminia Castillo, Carolyn Castaneda (now Balkin), Ma.Christina Biado, Maricel Castaneda, and Allan Dabu took our oath as officers of this new youth organization.  This ceremony was followed by the investiture for new members - the only investiture when the entire platform of the sanctuary was filled with members from one end to another.

Let's rewind for awhile.  Previous to that memorable date, there have already been young members of the Apostleship of Prayer (AP) in the parish; some have been there ahead of me.  However, because of their small number that time, it wasn't feasible for them to form an 'independent' group.  Towards the middle of 1988, there was a growing sentiment among a small core group of young members (and prodded by some elders) to have its own organization.  On consensus, I became the core group's leader.  On behalf of this small band, I wrote a letter to Sis. Cely Tortosa who was the AP President at that time.  The letter contained a proposal to form the APY as a separate group.  She didn't approve it at once, but gave us the opportunity to become more exposed to parish activities such as manning some hours looking after the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration (PEA) Chapel, doing collections during the 4pm Sunday Mass, etc.  During these times (I'd consider them as exciting rather than trying!) we learned that years ago, there was an APY in the parish, however it was short lived. (There was a story that our 'forebears' used their meetings as occasions for ligawan.  In a way, we understood how cautious our elders to our request.)

Surprisingly, during the first AP meeting in January 1989, Sis. Cely announced that we can form a new group. As a first step, officers were to be elected.  Nominations came from the elders with the youth only giving their Opo.  I was voted President by viva voce. We got elected, but it was only after 6 months that we were officially installed!  We were still under the wings of the AP Elders! At any rate, this gave us the time and space to recruit more members and become more familiar with parish life, especially the AP's charisma.

Fast forward now.  Right after the group's inauguration, we began to organize monthly meetings following that of the elders'. We also attended the regular meetings for all APYs in the Archdiocese held at the Pope Pius XII Center. For some reason, we didn't immediately attended the regular meetings of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC). It was only in early 1990 and it was because we have a project proposal which was rejected unfortunately.  Nevertheless, that paved the way for us to began sitting there.  Lakasan lang ng loob was what we used to say to each other.

When Fr. Mario Enriquez, then parish priest, mobilized the PPC's WESTY (Worship, Education, Service, Temporalities, and Youth) committees, we appointed chairmen for these committees and have been proactive in being represented in the regular meetings of the PPC's WESTY. So much so that Bro. Eddie Jayo, then Worship Committee Chair, encouraged us to have our own slot every month to look after the PEA Chapel. He was also instrumental for us to hold the Divine Mercy Triduum and Feast day (began in 1991) as well as the Twin Hearts Crusade (statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary are brought from house to house every week to pray the Rosary - started in 1990). The APY was also a 'founding member' of the Tanghalang Anluwage and Ang Pahayagang Anluwage, erstwhile theatre and newsletter of the parish. It was also part of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting when this was launched in 1992.

At the height of these, I stepped down towards the end of 1992 due to a rift with the AP Elders. I thought it best to leave rather than have the group suffer.  It was one of my saddest moments. 

I later reconciled with the AP Elders and kept in touch with my former colleagues in APY.  And although I haven't been active in the group I still continue to say the Morning Offering till this day and do my best to live the spirituality of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Above all, I keep on cultivating a life of prayer.

Happy birthday, APY! To have reached 24 years of service in the parish is something to be grateful for.  Keep yourselves animated by the Sacred Heart of our Lord so you could remain attentive to His message, be steadfast in faith, and reach out to more souls. As the song goes "In Him alone is our strength"! Ad multos annos!