Will You Come and Follow Me?

A week ago, 104 people from across the Diocese of Nottingham were commissioned as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion by Bishop Patrick McKinney at the Cathedral of St Barnabas. Two of those commissioned were from the Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour: Jane Kabiru and yours truly. Deacon Martyn Swaby was there too to represent Fr John Martin and the parish. The cathedral was full of people that day. 

In his homily, Bishop Patrick asked the congregation if anyone could claim to be qualified to become an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. To which he said "No one". Underscoring how the disciples fed the crowd from five loaves of bread and two fish (Lk 9:10-17), the Bishop spoke of the importance of giving to the Lord what one has and He will use it in ministering to His people, the Church. The Homily was followed by the Rite of Commissioning where each of those 104 people received  from the Bishop their scapular and certificate of commissioning. 

After being commissioned, I sat back to my seat and reflected on what the Bishop said. True, no one is worthy or qualified. All that matters is one's willingness to serve. I also thought of what Fr Michael Eastwood, Chairman of the Diocesan Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Commission, told us during our formation way back in September. He spoke about commitment and encouraged us, when waking up in the morning, to offer to Jesus that day and ask Him to help us do what is right, to be faithful, just for that day. He explained that we cannot undo the past nor know what will happen in the future. Hence, the need to be faithful, in the present.

"The Summons" which was sung during the Presentation of Gifts that day sums up that momentous occasion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkuowlcfcOw

In my prayer, I called to mind my late grandparents Paulino and Pilar Albano. Both used to serve as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. Both instilled in me the value of serving at Mass. If they were still alive, they would be celebrating this year their 80th wedding anniversary.

I would like to thank my family, Fr John Martin, Fr Gerry Murphy (former Parish Priest), Deacon Martyn Swaby, John Staniland, and fellow parishioners for their support in my rediscovered ministry. Seven years ago, Fr Murphy recruited me as an extraordinary minister on a temporary basis. However, I was then unable to go forward and be commissioned. I thought that was it. Surprisingly, an opportunity became available last summer. It seems to me that the Lord is calling me once again to this ministry. O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine!

Please remember me and my fellow ministers in your prayers. Thank you.

A Moaner's Prayer

During the past few days, most of the UK have sunny and warm spells.  Most people have been out and about enjoying the sun.  A neighbour, just a few houses from ours, was having a barbecue with his mates, complete with singing and dancing. The one next to us was mowing his lawn at almost 9pm!  Having a glorious weather in this often rainy country is a blessing indeed! Unless you are a moaner!

Years ago, when I was still in university, Mrs Estrella De Leon (my teacher in Logic) told us that when it rains, people would pray "Lord, please let the sun to come out. We cannot manage to be in a wet weather!" When the sun did come out, people would pray "Lord, please send in the rain. It's too hot!" She concluded how baffled God has been because it's difficult to please people.

Are you a moaner? Someone who would easily whine when something happens, regardless if it's just a minor glitch or not? Someone who grumbles in every action another person does or in any blessings the other person has?

The late Fr Erick Santos told this story about moaners' views of their priest: "If the priest is seen to be with people of the same sex, he is gay. If the priest is seen to be with people of the opposite sex, he is a womanizer. If the priest is with the rich, he is an aristocrat. If the priest is with the poor, he is a communist." Similar to Ma'am De Leon's lesson,  Fr Erick concluded that the priest is at a loss at pleasing everyone, most especially the moaners.

During Our Lady's apparition to the three shepherd children at Fatima on 13 July 1917, she taught them this prayer: Oh my Jesus, I offer this for love of You, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Our Lady taught this beautiful prayer when she encouraged the children to make sacrifices. One hundred years since then, this prayer is still relevant. I think it would be a good prayer especially when we are tempted to moan about anything. So the next time we are stuck in traffic, soaked in rain, melting in the sun, running low in cash, or getting impatient with an annoying significant other, let's not rant. Rather, let's say: Oh my Jesus, I offer this for love of You, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Sacrifices can make a difference, be it for yourself or for someone else (moaners included!). Moaning leaves you empty.

***

Talking about sacrifices, there is one person in our lives who have shown us the value of making sacrifices: our fathers.  I would like to tip my cap to all dads out there, especially to my father Mario, on their special day today. Thank you for going the extra mile just to make sure that we have a better future. Thank you for overcoming what seems to be a mountain of challenges. Thank you for the love you have shown us. God bless you all! Cheers!

***

My piece won't be complete without paying tribute to my Lolo Paul whose 106th birth anniversary is celebrated today. His natal day this year coincides with two important celebrations: the Feast of Corpus Christi and Father's Day. He was a lover of the Eucharist - he served as an altar boy when he was young and then later I was blessed to have witnessed him do the readings and lead in the singing in the Mass. My love and devotion to the Mass was because of his and Lola Piling's example. He was a loving father who was no stranger to sacrifices and who faithfully provided for the well being of his family. God bless your kind soul, Lolo Paul! Happy 106th birthday! 

Public Property

Who says that only politicians and showbiz personalities are public properties? I like to think that parents too are public properties.  It becomes evident when our kids (or grand kids, if you have one) pick up what they see us say or do. 

Being fond of classical and traditional Filipino music, I would listen to either of these while driving or at home.  Chiara, who would often hear these, has shown some interest too. I once watched on YouTube Nyoy Volante impersonating Sylvia La Torre in “Your Face Sounds Familiar”, a contest organised by ABS-CBN. Nyoy was singing “Sa Kabukiran” to the glee of my unica hija. She was more delighted when she listened to Sylvia’s own rendition of that famous song (and more).

There is a feeling of satisfaction when she picks up something positive. Conversely, there is disappointment when it’s something negative that she imitates.

One wintry evening, as I was about to fetch Nidz from work, our old car won’t start. Annoyed, I swore three times. Suddenly, Chiara repeated what I said. I felt remorseful after that event. Ditto those moments such as when she asked me  while I was parking somewhere , “Daddy what is that?” and I could not respond because the sign says “No parking”.  I recall what Tita Lilia Reyes would often say “Ipakita mo na sa matanda, huwag lang sa bata”. 

Because our kids ‘own’ us, it comes as a daily challenge to be their role model, to nurture them in a responsible and Christian way. Gone are the days of buhay binata.  These are the times of sharing, of putting the house in order.

I have been involved lately  in a project collecting 100 anecdotes in honor of my Lola Piling  Valdes-Albano whose 100^th birth anniversary is celebrated this year. A few anecdotes that I came across mentioned the Sacred Heart of Jesus to whom Lola was devoted to. She once advised the Apostleship of Prayer members in Gagalangin to say “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee” 33 times (in honor of the number of years the Lord stayed on earth). As the project is due to conclude tomorrow, I felt a rediscovery of this devotion particularly that beautiful prayer. Entrusting everything – my vocation, family, work, etc. – to the Lord’s Sacred Heart is key to become a nurturing father, a good role model.  

To all fathers out there, here’s wishing us all a Happy Father’s Day this Sunday!  May our hearts be like that of Jesus so that our children and others who look up to us may find life and have it to the full (cf. John 10:10).

***

As I write this, I cannot fail to remember Lolo Paul Albano, whose 104^th birth anniversary is commemorated today. One afternoon, many summers ago, as I was playing in their bedroom, I saw him apply something like a roll-on stick on his hair and combed it.  When he left I mimicked my grandfather, however I struggled to comb my hair as smoothly as he did his! The maid has to wash my hair to get rid of Lolo’s pomade! The sticky pomade is all gone, but my Lolo’s memory, his religiosity, devotion to family and service to the community continue to thrive in my veins. Thank you, Lolo Paul! Happy birthday po!

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!

Maka-matanda

Maka-matanda (able to mature). That's how some contemporaries would use to describe me when I was 10 years old or so.  For when schools are closed and kids would often play under the scorching heat of the sun, I was nowhere in the streets. I was in the kubol (chapel) joining my aunt and other elders chanting the Pasyong Mahal (a poem on the life of Jesus sung during Lent). 

In my early teens (and this was when we moved back in Manila), the church would be the only place I would be after school - attending Mass or any pious activity, attending meetings or choir practice, etc.  When I was contemplating on what church group I would like to join, I had in mind the Cofradia de San Jose, an organization composed of adults, mostly elderly men and women in the parish. 

As I progressed in school then to university and later got a job, I became less immersed in church. It was not because I found the devotion boring, but it was because I lacked the time to do what I used to do.  There were 2 instances that seem to be wake up calls for me.  

I was then teaching in UST. Two of my students approached me and frankly told me, "Sir, bakit ang sungit ninyo? Siguro 'di kayo nagsisimba?" (Sir, why are you so ill-tempered? Perhaps you haven't been to church lately?).  (Now these two students knew me as I taught them in a previous semester. Apart from that, I was one of their advisers in the Pax Romana-College of Science chapter.) I was dumbfounded.  Thinking about it, I do go to church every Sunday, but that was it! Soon, I made it an effort to attend daily Mass at the UST Chapel, UST Hospital Chapel, or the neighboring Espiritu Santo Parish Church. 

Just a few years later, we had a speaker in one of our Christian Life Programs at the Singles for Christ in Gagalangin. He shared with us how he would attend daily Mass. After his talk, I approached and praised him for his devotion. I went further by asking him how does he still find time to do it. "Hinihingi 'yan, brod." (You just need to ask for it, brother). 

True, there may be moments when going to church daily would be a tall order, but if we humble ourselves and ask God for the grace to be there, He will give us that chance. In my young mind then, I've seen how this grace operated in the life of my Lolo Paul. In spite of his hectic schedule, he and Lola Piling, would still find time to attend daily Mass at the St Rita Hospital Chapel.  

On one rare occasion, there was an emergency in the hospital (someone due to give birth perhaps) while Mass was being offered. Lolo was called by the nurse.  He left the chapel straightaway. Later, Lola followed him.  I guess this would be understandable especially if there is a patient in need. To ignore this person would be tantamount to ignoring Jesus present in him (Matthew 25:40).

It's Lolo Paul's 30th death anniversary today. Looking back, I am grateful. Grateful for having that chance to be immersed in those forms of devotion, of being up and about in "the Father's business", of being able to mature in the faith. Grateful for having such a loving grandfather who made this possible. Following his good example, may I strive "to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with God" (cf. Micah 6:8).

Rest in God's peace, Lolo Paul! We love you!

Love Like Unto Thine

My Lolo Paul once wrote "Love is my amulet, the secret of my success".  How can I describe his love? 

1. His love nurtured.  Lola Piling used to say that he found in Lolo Paul "a husband, father, and brother rolled in one".  Through the ups and downs in their 46 years of marriage, Lolo Paul was there for Lola Piling (and vice-versa).  Tito Larry once mentioned that in spite of being busy, Lolo Paul would make it a point to ask his kids how they were getting along in school. I got my religiosity from him. He was the consummate family man!

2.  His love knew no bounds.  He took care of 4 of his siblings in their old age. The late Ms Luisa "Tia Lucing" De Jesus said that my grandparents were not discriminatory when people would approach them for help ("Walang sinisino").  Their home was open to everyone.  

3.  His love disciplined.  Elders would tell me that he was a disciplinarian. An infraction is dealt with a corresponding punishment. My younger brother and I, in one of our mischiefs, were not spared from his leather belt!  

Lolo Paul (and Lola Piling) was a devotee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  One of the earliest songs in honor of the Sacred Heart that I heard him sung goes like this:

O Sacred Heart, O Love Divine

Do keep us near to Thee

And make our love so like to Thine

That we may holy be

And make our love so like to Thine.  I am sure that when he sings these lines, my grandfather meant what these say.  He strived to mirror God's love in how he engaged with those around him.  Isn't it that God's love nurtures (Isaiah 49:15; Matthew 9:36; Matthew 6:30-33; John 14:27)? That it welcomes all (Luke 11:15-32; Ephesians 2:4-7; 1 John 4:7-12)? And that  it disciplines (Deuteronomy 8:5; Job 5:17; Hebrews 12:6-11)? 

As of this writing, it's nine days to go before the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Like Lolo Paul, let's ask our Lord to make our love like unto His.  That we may holy be.

Happy 103rd birth anniversary, Lolo Paul! May we continue to put on God's love as we live our vocation, as we walk along the way of peace. We love you.

Something is Going to Happen

Salve, Regina, Mater misericordiæ,vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve.

These are the first lines of a popular Marian song sung at many churches in the Philippines in May. The first time I heard the Salve Regina,  I was a little kid attending Mass at the St Rita Hospital Chapel many summers ago. It was the closing song sung by my late grandparents during May.  While they are making a duet, some attendees would place flowers on the altar table for the Blessed Virgin. 

Since then, every time I hear this song, I have a feeling that something is going to happen. For example, in Gagalangin church (as well as other churches for sure), once the Salve is intoned by the priest, the statue of Mary is incensed. This is followed later by sprinkling holy water to all devotees present.

During our visit to relatives in Staten Island, New York in 2012, my uncles and aunts asked me to say "Grace before Meals". I agreed. For some reason, after the prayer I intoned the Salve. I thought I would be doing a solo, but lo and behold, others gathered especially my uncles sang! Nidz told me that even Chiara was singing. (See, something has happened!) I imagine how our forebears would have smiled at the sight!

When Chiara was still 2-3 years old, I once sang this song to her.  She kept on looking at me and then when I finished she said "Ang galing!" (Excellent). Now, she could sing it on her own! Part of our night prayers for quite some time now is singing this beautiful song. One time my daughter was too tired so I told her just to close her eyes while I sing. I thought of doing this because the Salve is like a goodnight kiss to Mama Mary. As we entrust ourselves (when we were kids) to our earthly mothers as we go to bed, so now we confide ourselves to our heavenly mother. Before you know it, something has happened - another day has dawned. Our mission continues! 

I have always believed that the Blessed Mother has been praying for me, her unworthy son, through and through.  In the many ups and downs of life, I have sought her maternal care and protection and I have never been turned down.

I'm turning 40 on the 20th.  As I look back at those many years - of fruits coupled with thorns, triumphs hand in hand with failures, light constantly challenged by darkness, friends mixed with foes -  I believe that God has plans for me, that something in His own time and fashion is going to happen. Like Mary and her husband Joseph, may I have a heart which is open, humble, thankful, and trustful.

Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genitrix. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi. 

(Pray for us O Holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.)

A Sunday with the Pope

Being in Rome, for me, would be incomplete without seeing the Pope.  During our first trip to the Eternal City, we didn't get that chance to see Pope Benedict XVI - we arrived a day after the general audience and then we heard that he was on a pastoral visit in another part of Italy.  

The papacy has been an important part of our Christian faith.  It traces its roots from St Peter the Apostle who was chosen to lead His Church.  Because of his role as our spiritual leader, we Catholics fondly call the Pope as Holy Father.  

February 23, a day after the Consistory.  I woke up at 5:30am. After having a light breakfast, we made our way to St Peter's Basilica.  We met  some aunts and a lone uncle from the Valdes Family along the way. Tia Dulce Valdes-Barangan and I were teasing each other for we came early this time! There was already a queue at the piazza. My uncle and godfather Noel Valdes looked for some relatives who may already be lining up. Chiara went with him.  Just a few minutes and he was waving his hand to us.  People were in a huddle as we all waited for the doors of the church to be open.  Chiara was enjoying her time with her great uncles, great aunts, and other relatives.  Nidz, Jackie, and I were next to another uncle (and godfather) Paulino "Sonny" Albano, Papa's oldest brother, the patriarch of the Valdes-Albano clan.  Ninong Sonny was recalling stories of how he heard about Tito Orly's appointment as a cardinal.  I asked him how we became related with the Cardinal as I thought it was through the Beltran side (Cardinal Quevedo's middle name is Beltran; the same surname as my great great grandmother's when she was still single). My uncle explained that it was through the Edralin-Estavillo side; his grandmother (Hilaria Estavillo-Albano) and the Cardinal's grandmother were cousins.

Men smartly dressed approached all those in the queue to remind them of their tickets.  Some of the guests such as Ninong Sonny and his wife Ninang Noemi had special tickets. They were asked to follow the men as they have reserved seats in the basilica. 

The church doors were now open. People slowly made their way passing through security checks. As we entered the basilica, I was pointing Chiara to some statues and pictures.  Ushers were distributing Mass booklets for all churchgoers.  We chose seats near the aisle to have a good view of the Pope. We were quite near the statue of St Camillus de Lellis, patron saint of Nurses. (Just a few days before this occasion, we visited his mortal remains at the Church of St Mary Magdalene situated near the Pantheon.) Filipinos from Cotabato, Tito Orly's archdiocese, sat next to us. For some reason, I didn't see Papa, my sisters Nicola and Kristina, and some other relatives from where we were. I later managed to see my 2 sisters who were sat near to us.

Cardinals and bishops started to arrive. Tito Orly approached a few of us before making his way to the sacristy. In preparation for the Mass, the Rosary was recited. Each mystery was announced in Italian, English, Spanish, and French. The prayers though were in Latin.  Afterwards, the choir led in singing the Salve Regina.  Chiara, with a prodding from her mom, joined in the singing - this caught the attention of my aunt Ching Valdes-Aran and an Italian woman who were both sat in front of us.  Towards the last few lines of the song, I suddenly remembered Lolo Paul, Lola Piling, and Mommy Rosie - all three taught me how to sing this song. I couldn't sing any more.  I just felt my eyes wet.

Mass followed immediately.  I held my breath as well as Nidz's mobile phone while waiting for Pope Francis walk along the aisle. Altar servers, cardinal-concelebrants, and finally the Holy Father.  Pope Francis came across as a simple man. His green vestments and miter were not as ornate as his predecessor's. These simple apparel were matched by the papal ferula - a silver cross used by Pope Paul VI. As he walked past us, I made the sign of the cross. I felt blessed! 

On the right hand side of the basilica, I could see the statue of St Peter sat on a chair. One of the feet of this statue is worn out because of the many pilgrims touching it. During the Consistory, the statue was dressed like a medieval pope with a tiara and cape.  Personally, I would prefer an undressed statue.  First of all, St Peter would not have dressed like that. Second, let's keep things consistent with Pope Francis' simplicity.

The Mass was in Latin, but the booklet has provided English and Italian translations. (I wish though that the Mass was said in Italian. Ditto the Rosary. Italian, unlike Latin, is a living language.) Some readings and prayers were in other languages. The verses of the Psalm were in English. One of the prayers in the Prayer of the Faithful was in Filipino!  The Pope, having only 1 lung, recited all the presidential prayers.  In spite of that, his homily - although in Italian - was full of power. He spoke about the Holy Spirit, underscoring our calling to listen to Him "...who enlivens the Church".  He also mentioned the importance of holiness in the ministry of a cardinal. Furthermore, he reminded that cardinals enter the Church of Rome and not a royal court. To illustrate his point, he enjoined all cardinals to "...avoid, and help others to avoid, habits and ways of acting typical of a court: intrigue, gossip, cliques, favouritism and partiality". Towards the end of the homily, he asked everyone for prayers "that the College of Cardinals may always be ever more fervent in pastoral charity and filled with holiness, in order to serve the Gospel and to help the Church radiate Christ’s love in our world".

After the Mass, we once again huddled near the aisle again to catch a glimpse of the Pope.  As he got nearer to us, some from the crowd shouted "Papa! Papa! Papa!".  This caught his attention and he smiled! 

We proceeded to the piazza for the Sunday Angelus led by the Pope. We met Nicola there as well as Ninong Sonny and Ninang Noemi. While waiting for the Angelus, Chiara had a photo op with an Asian bishop.

When the clock struck 12, we saw the Pope from a far distance (in a window on the papal apartments).  I think the location where the Holy Father leads this Marian prayer should be changed to make him more nearer the people. Being on a window of the apartment where he doesn't reside still shows trappings of medieval power. Why not the balcony of the basilica?

In his message, the Pope mentioned that "in Jesus Christ we are all children of God!" and that "Those who have received a ministry to lead, preach and administer the Sacraments should not consider themselves as possessing special powers, as masters; rather, they should place themselves at the service of the community, helping it to pursue the path of holiness with joy". He later asked people to assist the new cardinals through their prayers: "Pray for us, that we might be good servants: good servants, not good masters!" All of us together....must offer the witness of a Church that is faithful to Christ, animated by the desire to serve the brethren, and ready to go out with prophetic courage to meet the expectations and spiritual needs of the men and women of our time".

It's almost a year when Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio was elected Pope by his brother cardinals.  His first act was to ask people to pray for him.  Let's renew our support to the Holy Father - he really needs it considering the many challenges he is facing: clergy sexual abuse, role of women in the Church, reform of the Roman Curia, family life, to name a few.

Heartfelt greetings, prayers, and best wishes, Pope Francis on the occasion of the first anniversary of your pontificate!  May the Good Shepherd continue to strengthen you so that you may "Feed my lambs...Take care of my sheep...Feed my sheep" (Jn 21:15-17). Viva il Papa Francesco! Noi ti amiamo!

Eternal Rest

Travelling to the north of the Philippines with my grandparents and the rest of the clan many years ago, has been informative and instructive for me.  From Manila going to Ilocos Norte, you would easily learn by heart the various provinces that you need to pass through to get to your destination: Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union,  and Ilocos Sur (now this province makes travel time longer as you have to pass through its entire stretch).  You would also see for yourselves the old churches and other edifices, learn which is the capital of which province, etc.  

As devout Catholics, Lolo Paul and Lola Piling would pray the Rosary as part of our journey.  But what made me wonder was that every time we would pass by a cemetery, Lolo Paul, in his booming voice, would utter "Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord".  To which, the rest of us (or at least those who know it) would respond "And let perpetual light shine upon them". "May they rest in peace," Lolo would then say. To which every one would reply "Amen".  You could imagine how many times this "exchange of words" would occur in our itinerary.  

Apart from this practice, I have been tagged along by my grandparents to a number of wakes and have assisted the late Fr Loreto Palafox, St Rita Hospital's Chaplain at that time, in the Mass.  We would also have Masses celebrated by Fr Palafox during All Souls' Day when we visit graves of his siblings at the La Loma Cemetery as well as the cenotaph at the Manila North Cemetery erected in memory of Tito Chito and companion scouts.  

I don't know where exactly my grandfather learned this devotion to the faithful departed, but I would imagine he learned this from his parents or from his older brother, Lolo Padi, whom he would have assisted in Masses for the Dead.    Apart from that, as doctors he and Lola Piling would have often encountered life and death situations. Being religious, they would have that cultivated a spiritual insight on these situations; that life is something to be cherished and shared with others for the glory of God and that death is not the end, but the beginning of life everlasting.

Lola Piling told me that on his last day on earth, Lolo Paul wanted to talk about death while making their way home from church.  Hours later, he would pass away. She told me how she consoled her dying husband, shouting prayers towards his ears.  I am amazed at how strong a woman my grandmother was when my grandfather died. She said "I could not cry, but shouted, “Thy will be done, O Lord".

In our Catechism we are taught of the 7 Corporal and 7 Spiritual Works of Mercy.  One of the Corporal Works is "to bury the dead".  One of the Spiritual Works is "to pray for the living and the dead".  My grandparents have shown, in their own way, how to practice these.  I'm grateful that they have shown me the way.  It gives me hope in what St Augustine once wrote: "Then we will be free and will see, will see and will love, will love and will praise. See, in the end it will be without end".

Lolo Paul, as we remember your 29th Death Anniversary this 19th of November, we implore that the Risen Lord would grant you, as well as Lola Piling and all the faithful departed (particularly those who died in the earthquake and typhoon that hit the Philippines recently), the eternal rest that you have always aspired and prayed for.  May you now enjoy that freedom to see, love, and praise God in His kingdom. We love you!

Tita Laling

When we moved back from Cavite to Tondo in 1986, it didn't take us that long to settle in our new environment. We knew quite a few people in the neighbourhood since we have often been in that place previously. Besides, our grandparents lived in that same village, Barangay 170. One of the people who made us feel welcome are the Esquillo Family, particularly the clan's matriarch, Pilar Estavillo-Esquillo.

Tita Laling, as we fondly call her, is a niece of Lolo Paul.  She, her husband Tito Ponso, and their four children live just a callejon (alley) away from our home.  She used to be a pharmacist at St Rita Hospital while Tito Ponso was the School Dentist. Both have been active parishioners of Gagalangin - Tita Laling was Regent of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate and President of the Catholic Women's League while Tito Ponso is a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a Special Minister of Holy Communion.  They were also affiliated with the Lions Clubs International.

Tita Laling and her family lived a simple life.  I must say that she didn't have any airs whatsoever.  Like my mom, she was another teacher in Humility 101.  Every time we pray the Rosary, I would notice her bowing when the 'Glory to the Father...' is said.  Her gesture struck me, making me realize that if we want to praise and honour God we have to humble ourselves. If we want God to be at the centre of our lives we need to be humble.  I have copied my aunt's example.

She once related to us a story when she participated in a group sharing (in church) and, filled with the Spirit, she said something like "Kapag ibinabababa ako ng ibang tao, itinataas ako ng Diyos." (Whenever people humiliate me, I am being exalted by God).  True, Tita Laling wasn't spared from such situations and yet she never complained.  She sought prayer; she served the community.

Apart from humility, Tita Laling is also known for her generosity.   One time, she saw Mama and told her that she had some rice (a sack perhaps).  "Hati tayo! (Let's share!), she told my mother.   We have always been welcome to their house and vice-versa.  It was fun to be in their house especially when their grandchildren started to increase.  Sometimes, we would offer to look after some of her apos.

During the Barangay election in 1997, she was a proud wife and aunt because both Tito Ponso and I won in the elections as Barangay Kagawad.  In the elections five years later, she was my first phone caller consoling me in my lost.  At first, I didn't show much appreciation for her gesture.  My pride was hurt.  And yet, she repeatedly spoke "Anak (Son), let God's will be done". It took a while before I got in touch with her again. 

When I was about to leave for the UK ten years ago, I phoned her up to say farewell.  I thought she would hang up on me, but no, she was the same loving aunt that I knew of.  So happy was she for me that she went along with Mama, my brother Gio, and my 2 nephews Guian and Luigi to accompany me to the airport.  

Every time I went home, I make it a point to visit her. The last time I did, in 2010, she was ill.  As I approached her bed, she recognised me! I am keen to see her in my next visit soon.

Looking at her life, I could see how God's enduring love guided her through the many ups and downs she has to face.  Indeed, "You cannot put a good (wo)man down"!  

Maligayang happy birthday, Tita Laling!  I'm very grateful for the love, care, and good example you showed us.  You are a source of inspiration for me to remain humble in spite of the many achievements in life; to be generous without counting the cost; to nurture one another since we are one family.  May the good Lord whom you have faithfully served bless you. May Mary, Our Lady of the Pillar, whose feast is celebrated on your natal day, intercede for you. Thank you. We love you!

Tito Chito

As a kid, we were taught who were my parents' siblings. It was quite interesting, especially on my father's side because there at the living room in my grandparents' house hung a family painting, a copy of their family photo taken during Lolo Paul and Lola Piling's 25th wedding anniversary. The painting was our visual aid to learn and memorize the Valdes-Albano siblings!

I have met all my father's siblings, minus Ramon "Tito Chito" Albano, who, I was told died together with 23 other scouts in an air plane crash on July 28, 1963, exactly 50 years ago.  Reading the souvenir programme published during their 25th death anniversary, I learned that before boarding the plane in Bangkok (going to Greece where the 11th World Scout Jamboree was to be held), he sent a postcard to his family in Manila and to his priest uncle in Ilocos Norte.  Little did everyone know that it would be his way of bidding them adieu.

I was in my junior year in Letran Manila (the same age as when Tito Chito died) when we had this recollection somewhere in the north of the metropolis.  During that religious event, the recollection master exhorted us every now and then: Yakapin ninyo sila habang mainit pa (Hug them while they - parents, loved ones, etc.  - are still alive).  The words cut us through the heart and we, boys though we were, kept on sobbing.

Teenage children that we were at that time, we wanted to be independent. We don't want someone else to talk over us. We wanted our every whim granted.  Being independent has its advantages as it allows an individual to think for himself, to be able to make decisions. However, without proper guidance (from above and from those around them), young people end up taking people and things for granted. Worse, we might live l till we're too old!

Yakapin ninyo sila habang mainit pa. Tito Chito, I guess, would have embraced his loved ones on many occasions.  When was the last time we hugged our children, our spouses, our loved ones?

Yakapin ninyo sila habang mainit pa. Tito Chito's thoughtfulness of sending a (final) postcard shows us to seize every opportunity to value the people around us.  When was the last time we said or wrote words like "I love you", "Thank you", "Take care", "Sweet dreams", "God bless you", or (borrowing Tito Chito's closing lines in his postcard) "Love, kisses, and prayers"? 

Yakapin ninyo sila habang mainit pa.   Tito Chito, aware that he was away from his family, assured them in his postcard, that he was OK, that they need not worry.  In this time and age when families become separated due to migration and the like, when was the last time we sent an e-mail, text, etc.  to those away from us just to let them know that we're alright (or not)?

Yakapin ninyo sila habang mainit pa.  In today's Gospel, Jesus taught us to call God "Father".  As such, we are called to love because that is His essence.  In the spirit of the Boy Scout's motto let us be "Laging Handa" (Always ready) to share the love we have experienced from the Lord, before it's too late.

God bless you kind and sweet soul, Tito Chito!

Three Celebrants, One Birthday!

Three people share God's blessing as they celebrate their natal day today, July 25.

First in the list is Laurentino "Tito Larry" Albano, my father's older brother.  Tito Larry is the third child of Lolo Paul and Lola Piling.  An excellent basketball player, he used to be the Coach of the Basketball Team in Letran Manila.  Our family would normally watch the games then to give my uncle and his team moral support.  Little did I know then that I would return to watch similar games years later - as a student of that august institution.  Apart from coaching, he was also the President of the family business.  Because two of his older brothers were in the States, Tito Larry acted as the panganay among his siblings in Manila.  Following the footsteps of Lolo Paul, he became Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus (St Joseph de Gagalangin Parish) for some time; he was also Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council during the late Msgr Feliciano Santos' time.  

I used to hear people call him "Godfather", but until now I'm still in limbo as to how he got this monicker. I asked folks from the States, but it got more murky as another uncle is called the same from their end. There are still those who call him "Tata Larry" (Tata is an Iluko word for 'father').  Indeed, he was looked up as a father by his employees.

Tito Larry's kids - Banjo, Champ, and Leia particularly - were our kalaro  since we all grew up together.  In the early 80s, Tito Larry and later his family moved to the States. Yet, we continue to get in touch through letters, pasalubongs (of which they are very thoughtful), and e-mails. Tito Larry was one of the first in the second generation of Albanos to go 'online'.  I could feel his fatherly guidance and assurance whenever I read his e-mail, regardless if the message were brief or not.  One e-mail I cannot fail to forget was when I thanked him for his kind words upon hearing the news that Chiara was born. His reply? "But of course she (Chiara) is our grand daughter!". I may be sentimental, but his message was really inspiring particularly that we don't have any family members near us when Nidz gave birth.

Cheers to you, dear uncle, on your 70th birthday!  May you continue to grow in God's grace, mirroring His fatherly care to all whom you meet!

***

Second in my list is Sancho "Tito So" Castro.  He is the youngest child of Lolo Tony and Lola Urs.  Like our first honoree, he is also active in church, serving as a Lector/Commentator at the St Mary Magdalene Parish (Kawit, Cavite).  A faculty member at the De la Salle University (Dasmarinas), Tito So is also active in a male chorale group.  We see each other very often in parish celebrations whenever I come home. We also keep ourselves updated from time to time in Facebook.  Tito So as well as his siblings continue to bring the light of Christ to the people of Kawit.

Many happy returns on your special day, beloved Tito! Keep up the good work in the Lord's vast harvest!

***

Last, but not least is Hershey Joy Mauricio-Reyes, the newest member of the Samaniego-Reyes clan, the wife of my first cousin Eldin.  I have not yet met Hershey, but I have in touch with her through social networking. Thanks to her, I was able to send a message to Tita Lilia through Voxer.  I was also able to hear my aunt's voice using the same technology.

Wishing you all the best, Hershey! This year is truly a great year - in January you and Eldin tied the knot; this December you will both be welcoming your bundle of joy! Looking forward to see you all soon! God bless you 3!

A Visit to Lolo and Lola

My family and I visited New York mid-September for a week.  We stayed at my sister Nicola's apartment in Manhattan - my mother also stays with her.  We've visited a number of places in the city which I will write on separately.

On the last leg of our visit, we (together with sisters Nicola and Kristina) went to Staten Island via ferry boat from downtown Manhattan (near Battery Park and the St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church).  Staten Island is where most of Papa's siblings and their families live.  Papa fetched us and one of my sisters told him that we wanted to visit the graveyard of our grandparents Lolo Paul and Lola Piling as well as that of Tita Aning, Papa's first cousin.

Unlike Manhattan, Staten Island seems more relaxed and has a considerable amount of trees and other natural resources. It was a sunny 15th of September. 

Days ago, I was having thoughts of what will I say on my grandparents' grave. Should I introduce Nidz and Chiara to them? Will I sing for them "Salve Regina", a song they once sang? When we arrived at the Moravian Cemetery, Papa tidied up the place as there have been rubbish covering the epitaph. Nicola put some flowers we bought for them. As for me, all my plans evaporated. I couldn't say a thing. Papa started to lead us in prayer and then we stayed for a few minutes just to look at the place and exchange pleasantries with Pilar Vera, a first cousin who came by. Still, I couldn't say a thing. I just gazed at the grave.  Kristina started saying (to my grandparents) "Here is your grandson." I became teary-eyed, but managed to hide it. I simply kissed the epitaph twice - one for Lolo and one for Lola as a sign of my respect, the way I did when they were still alive.

As our relatives were waiting for us in a house nearby, we started to wrap up our visit by having a picture taking (see above).  Chiara, strangely, stood on top of the epitaph. I put my hands on her  to protect her from falling.  The ease and speed of technology brought this picture to another part of the globe. My brother Gio (who's in Singapore) would later tell me that he saw the picture and was asking why I let Chiara stood on the epitaph. My brother felt it seems disrespectful. I told him I don't think so. For me, Chiara standing on top of the epitaph, is a statement that she has Albano roots. That she is a great granddaughter of Paulino and Pilar.

It was my first visit to my grandparents' burial place and I felt their presence. Perhaps that was the reason why I was speechless. It was an emotional occasion.  I'm very grateful for having been there with my wife and child and with other members of the family.  In a way, I felt Lolo and Lola were still alive in the faith that we continue to live, celebrate, and share.The same faith that they once cherished and passed on to us.

May God bless their souls. Amen.