Holding the Hands of our Mother

(This was the reflection I shared during the Rosary recitation at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Parish on 25 October 2025.)

During our pilgrimage to Rome last summer, the first jubilee church we visited was the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which was a few steps away from Roma Termini. As we made our way to the front pew, the Rosary was being recited in Italian.

The leader said Ave, O Maria, piena di grazia. Il Signore e con te. Tu sei benedetta fra le donne e benedetto e il fruto del tuo seno, Gesu.

Most in church responded, Santa Maria, Madre di Dio, prega per noi peccatori adesso e nell'ora della nostra morte. Amen.

To my suprise, some responded, Santa Maria, Madre de Dios, ruega por nosotros pecadores ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte. Amen.

As for my family, we said, Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

We initially intended to spend just a few minutes in that church before moving to another, but the experience was so powerful that we stayed until the Rosary was over. It was as though Mama Mary was gathering all her children from all walks of life to pray - some of them may have a strong faith, others may be going through some challenges in life, still others losing hope, etc. 

Here in our community, this gathering of Mary's children has also been observed over the past Saturdays of October. On the first Saturday, the Poor Clare sisters led the Rosary, meditating on the Joyful Mysteries. On the second Saturday, Our Lady's Prayer Group represented by Jean Durkin led in meditating on the Luminous Mysteries. On the third Saturday, the Legion of Mary represented by Georgina Nakafero led in meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries. Tonight, the Filipino Rosary Crusade represented by Kryysz, Kristine, and Kyrstin led in meditating on the Glorious Mysteries.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan in the Philippines encouraged people to pray the Rosary and bring it wherever they go. He suggested holding on to it, even if we are unable to pray it, as though holding the hands of the Blessed Mother. I am not surprised with the good archbishop's suggestion. He studied at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran which has a long standing devotion to the Holy Rosary.

In the image of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, we see the baby Jesus looking at the tools of His future Passion and Death. However, we could also see how firmly His hands are holding His Mother's hands. That should also be how we must hold Mama Mary's hands!

Contrary to what Mary-bashers say against the Rosary, this devotion is Christo-centric. All the mysteries show the life of Jesus. Jesus is the main actor; Mary is a supporting actress. Indeed, Mary identifies herself as the handmaid of the Lord (Lk 1:38). 

St John Marie Vianney, who struggled in his studies that he was almost not ordained, has a strong devotion to Mary. He said, "Let us live as the Blessed Virgin lived: loving God only, desiring God only, trying to please God only in all that we do". Doing so, we could truly mean what we say: "To you our God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be glory and praise for ever and ever. Amen" (Jubilee Prayer).

October is almost over, but let us continue to pray the Rosary and bring it wherever we go. Pope Leo told how his parents committed themselves to pray the Rosary daily and how their devotion influenced his vocation and ministry. The Rosary offers graces that the Lord would generously pour on us. So let us keep on praying the Rosary!

Expatriates

Having a community of expatriates has many advantages. On top of the list is having a support system. It's no joke living in another country by yourself. Belonging to a group of fellow Pinoys would make you feel that someone's on your side.

There are, however, some challenges that Filipino associations abroad face. 

First and foremost, personal commitments such as family or work.  It is unfortunate that there are less opportunities in our country which makes a huge number of our countrymen migrate to greener pastures. The demands of family life are intertwined with the demands of our job. Expatriates went abroad because they want to provide a better life and future for their family.  This is quite understandable. Family comes first, the rest are second. If one member has to attend to their family's needs and is unable to support a community event, surely someone (from the same community) will be able to pitch in. Such acts of kindness would help a community to thrive.

There are other challenges which have to be avoided at all costs. Remember the seven deadly sins (see http://pbsa3.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/overtaken.html)? 

Take pride for example. Imagine if community members are paimportante (self-important), if gatherings become avenues to show off (from clothes to gadgets to cars), if people have a sense of entitlement (e.g. "I am your leader, you must follow my orders.", "I have been a member of this group for the past so and so years so I deserve to be given an award."), how can the community thrive?

Or how about envy? A kababayan had a great achievement and his colleagues alleged he cheated. An expatriate had a job promotion and his kababayans pull him down. A member was appointed to a committee and some label him as "the favorite". You may have heard about stories of Pinoys being deported because they don't have the necessary papers. Unfortunately, the people who often tip them off to the authorities are fellow Pinoys.


I remember a few months ago how the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), a non-profit organization focused on promoting Filipino culture through orchestral music was besmirched, not by another nationality, but (of all people) a Filipino (read: https://memebuster.net/maharlika-lied-about-funds-raised-by-faso/).


And here's what FASO has to say: http://fasofoundation.org/statement-of-the-filipino-american-symphony-orchestra-faso/


I am not writing this because Bob Shroder, FASO's Musical Director and Conductor, is my first cousin, but because of the evil done against the group out of envy. If it's not envy, I don't know what else to describe it.  If envy abounds, how can the community survive?

And sloth? There are members who will do their best for the good of the community. There are others who won't bother to lend a helping hand at all. Strangely, you'll see some of these when it comes to parties. Surprisingly, these are the members who often moan. If sloth is in the air, how can the community pull through?

St Pio of Pietrelcina once said "The Rosary is the weapon for these times". Against pride, we are offered Christ and Our Lady's humility. Against envy, charity. Against sloth, zeal for souls. If our communities are in peril of being affected or are affected by any of these deadly sins, now is the time to find those beads hanging around one's statues, gathering dust through the years. Now is the time to reflect on the Rosary's mysteries which contain "...everything that is true, everything that is noble, everything that is good and pure, everything that we love and honor, and everything that can be thought virtuous or worthy of praise." (Phil 4:8). 

Now is the time to pray the Rosary!

Living Rosary

August 25, 2015. The second day of my second visit to the Big Apple. It was a hot day in New York. After having breakfast, my younger brother Gio and I made our way from Queens to Manhattan via train and then headed to Staten Island via ferry to see our dad.  I told my wife that on our way, I would like to visit the Shrine of St Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born citizen of the US to become saint, which was just across the ferry station.

We intended to take the 10:30 am ferry ride and ran as fast as we could, but a member of staff has signaled that the gates are closed.  The next ferry will be in the next 30 minutes. Perhaps this was a sign to visit the shrine across the street!

I have seen the façade of this church during my first visit to New York in 2012, but didn't have the chance to enter it.  The church is actually dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary.  How did it become a shrine of St Elizabeth? The church is actually located on what used to be the saint's house.  On one corner of this small church, one could find a statue of St Elizabeth as well as paintings depicting her life story.

Gio and I went to a pew and spent a few minutes in prayer. Then, I approached the main altar to marvel at the stained glass featuring some important events in the life of St Elizabeth. To the right of the main altar is a statue of Our Lady and the Child Jesus. I approached this too and said a prayer to the Blessed Mother. I took a photo of the statue and wondered, how come the Virgin nor the Lord is not holding a rosary? Surely, if this is the statue of Our Lady of the Rosary then there should be a rosary similar to statues like that of Our Lady of Fatima or Our Lady of La Naval or Our Lady of Manaoag?

A few weeks back, on the Eve of the Assumption of Mary, Cardinal Chito Tagle of Manila, said "Magpractice na tayo ng langit dito sa lupa. Practice makes perfect. Gusto natin ng langit, magpractice na dito. Eh ang langit ay never-ending communion with Jesus. Practice na ngayon! Sige na! katulad ni Maria: joyous, sorrowful, luminous, glorious, always with Jesus".

Reflecting on what the good cardinal said, could it be that the statue is telling me - and all other devotees - to become Mary's living rosary, to mirror the various mysteries wherein both Mother and Child were united? I'm sure if we do so, we would be able to convince more people to appreciate this devotion, to love Mary, and ultimately to love Jesus.

October is just around the corner, that month dedicated to the recitation of the Holy Rosary. As we once again observe this revered devotion, as we lovingly repeat the Hail Mary, let our hearts say to Our Lady "Yes, Mama Mary we would like to become your rosary. Help us to reflect your virtues. Help us to be like you, constantly united with Jesus in spite of what life throws at us".

Blessed Paul VI

When I was a kid in Tondo, there used to be a free clinic along Cavite and Fidel Streets named after Pope Paul VI, the first pope to have visited the Philippines way back in 1970; the pope who has just been beatified almost a week ago by Pope Francis. As it was located across the street from where our grandparents lived, we would usually play in front of this clinic (famously called 'Pope Paul') - it was situated facing the east so it provides enough of a shade in the afternoon when the sun is at its peak. Inside the clinic, one could see a photo of a European cleric in full regalia with his right hand raised up in blessing (similar to the photo above). If I am not mistaken, the clinic was erected in memory of this pope who visited the poor of Tondo during that historic papal visit. Sadly, the clinic is now defunct.

We recently had two popes being canonized: John XIII and John Paul II. I guess Paul VI would pale in comparison with the two. Some even commented that he was the forgotten pope.  Being a 'Paul VI baby' since I was born during his pontificate, part of his accomplishments was to reopen Vatican Council II with priorities on a better understanding of the Catholic Church, Church reforms, advancing the unity of Christians, and dialogue with the world. 

Such priorities have turned the Church upside down. Gone were the days when Catholics and their siblings from other Christian denominations such as the Orthodox and Protestants were isolated from one another.  Pope Paul VI also sought a dialogue with the world - Christians and non-Christians alike, everyone!  A Euro-centric Church has become a Church of the world! 

In his visit to the Philippines, it was said that after seeing a poor family in their home, he as badly shaken (Read: http://opinion.inquirer.net/74108/forgotten-pope). The kind of poverty in the slums of the Philippines were a far, far, far cry from its European counterpart!

When I was in college, part of our curriculum was to study the Church's social teachings. "Populorum Progressio", which this pope wrote in 1967, comes to mind. In this encyclical, he called for an economy that serves mankind and not a privileged few. It also discussed people's right to just wages, security of employment, joining a union, etc.

He was also a Marian devotee, writing three encyclicals in honor of the Virgin Mary: "Mense Maio" (1965) where described Mary as the way to Christ; "Christi Matri" (1966) where he recommened the Rosary in light of the Vietnam War and the dangers of atomic conflicts; and "Marialis Cultus" (1974) where he promoted Marian devotions especially the Angelus and the Rosary. At the conclusion of Vatican Council II, he named Mary "Mother of the Church".

Pope Paul also effected reforms in the Roman Curia, introduced Synod of Bishops as a way for the Pope to consult his brother bishops on various topics (the recently concluded Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family is an example), did away with the Vatican army and the papal tiara (I look forward to see his tiara which he donated to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC.), and revised the Mass (i.e. The New Order of Mass).

Like anyone of us, he wasn't spared from controversy.  It seems to me that his accomplishments mentioned above have been overshadowed by "Humanae Vitae" which he wrote and for which he is best remembered. In this encyclical, he reaffirmed Church's traditional view on marriage and marital relations and a continued condemnation on artificial birth control. Some actions too of his successors like Benedict XVI have undone what he has introduced such as resurrecting from the lumang baul the 1962 edition of the Mass and calling it the "Extraordinary Form" while the other one as the "Ordinary Form". 

Pope Paul VI (and the charity clinic in Tondo named after him) may have been long forgotten, but Pope Francis' beatification of this humble pontiff seems an opportunity for us all to revisit who this man was and how his ministry, teachings, and reforms are still relevant in our times.

Blessed Paul VI, pray for us!

Intertwined Lives

We were about to say the Rosary one weekend, when Chiara asked her Mom if she could use the Rosary beads. Nidz obliged and gave her the beads - the same ones which were given her by a Poor Clare nun years ago.  As I gaze at how Nidz taught Chiara how to use the beads, I suddenly recalled my own experience of saying this beautiful prayer with my own mother.

The earliest I could remember was when I was in my second grade. She would ask me to recite with her the Rosary in front of a statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the living room of our house. If I'm not mistaken it was October.  I would begrudgingly kneel next to her and recite the prayers like a robot or worse, like a broken record.  Getting bored , I would mischievously move away from her until I could make my way to the staircase nearby. Almost. Until I got caught by her slipper flying in my direction!

I think I didn't try to escape the next time around.  

Mama has always been a devotee of the Rosary. During our student days, as we kids start to wake up and proceed to our morning rituals, the radio is already tuned in to the Rosary recitation.  In the mid-90s, out of the blue, Mama was tapped by a former neighbor to succeed her in looking after the Block Rosary Group in our barangay.  Little did we know that this would open for both of us an opportunity to serve the community through the Rosary.  In October 1997, just a few months since being elected a barangay councilor, I led our barangay in reciting the Rosary in selected homes every evening. I coordinated this annual event for a few years. Up to this day, this devotion is still being observed.

Looking back, I realize that the last years I spent at home before migrating to the UK were devoted to the Rosary. Mama was there all along to support me. There were no flying slippers during those times, I promise you, but there were moments when she would gently call my attention to the mistakes I have done and encouraged me to correct these straightaway. Apart from that, I have often sought her counsel.

Thank you, Mama for sharing with me the Rosary.  Our lives have been intertwined by this beautiful devotion.  A devotion that has seen us through the many joyful, luminous, sorrowful, and glorious chapters in our family. Indeed, through the Rosary we are always looked after by the Virgin Mary. There is no escape from her maternal gaze and protection.

As you celebrate your special day, may you be continuously blessed by our good Lord with long life, good health, and sound wisdom. Keep up this good devotion, entrusting yourself to the Blessed Mother's reliable care and constant intercession. 

Happy 60th birthday, 'ma!  Hope you have a wonderful time. We love you!

Saan Ka Man Naroroon

Devotion to the Faithful Departed (a.k.a. Holy Souls) has been embedded in our faith as Catholic Christians. We offer Masses and other prayers for the dead. We visit our loved ones' graves on special occasions.  For Catholic Pinoys, Todos los Santos (All Saints' Day), is a spectacle as we flock to cemeteries to pay tribute to the dead in a festive way.

I recall the many childhood years when my late aunt Mommy Rosie Samaniego would tag me along to 2 religious events devoted to the dead.  The first one is the Rosario Cantada, an old practice in Kawit, Cavite which some families would offer for their dead on occasions such as the pasiyam (Novena for the dead) or 40 days.  (This practice per se is not only held for the dead.  The outgoing Ina, during those days, would have the Rosario Cantada in her house on the night before she and the Ama turn over their responsibilities to their successors.) 

As the name suggests, Mommy and her fellow cantoras (lady singers) would chant the Rosary.  Musical accompaniment is provided by Lolo Gusing and his colleagues.  I don't recall exactly the lyrics, but I have a gut feeling that they were in Latin.  Due to migration abroad and/or death of singers or musicians, I think this devotion became defunct. I wish this could be revived.

Another act of piety which Mommy used to do was to sing during the Funeral Masses in Kawit. Her favourite song was "Saan Ka Man Naroroon" (Wherever You Are), a Tagalog kundiman (love song) composed by National Artist Levi Celerio.  This song was sung during Communion or when people are placing flowers on the casket, as what has been the practice before the burial.  Mommy would change the word sinta from time to time.  If the dead is an elder male, she would use the word "Itay" or "Ama". If it is an elder female, it is "Inay" or "Ina".  There were, as far as I could remember, two funerals when Mommy didn't sing it: during the Mass for Tito Carling (her younger brother) and Lolo Gusing.

Apart from this beautiful song, I was also exposed to the beauty of Kawit's liturgy for the dead such as the priest welcoming the dead and their bereaved at the door of the church, the incensing of the casket, and (during the late Msgr Hernando Godoy's time) the chanting of Requiem aeternam (Eternal rest). I learned the responses by heart so much so that during Mommy's wake, I managed to respond to Msgr Godoy's Latin prayers. 

I was told that there were other good practices for the dead (such as the priest joining the procession to the church and to the cemetery) that used to be in vogue, but have been put in the back burner.  I'm thankful that Mommy showed me what remains of such wonderful tradition.

After the Mass, we would join the rest of the mourners to the cemetery in Barangay Wakas on foot.  There was one incident that I won't forget one time we attended a funeral.  The neighbourhood barber passed away.  During the interment, it rained that the cemetery was muddy.  I saw some kids bigger than me stepped on a big slab of stone. So I followed them. Because of our weight, the slab broke!  Meanwhile,the sepultureros (gravediggers) were looking for a slab that was needed to seal the grave.  They have already cemented 2 together. Suddenly, someone noticed us stepping on the missing slab!  Mommy was so embarrassed and apologised profusely for our naughtiness.

In the family bereavements, Mommy wasn't the weepy type of person.  Though I may have seen her shed and wipe a tear, she exuded confidence and strength of character.  I've also seen her comfort those who are mourning, not thinking so much of her own grief.

Watching the videos that Manong Bob (her only son) took during her last moments on earth, she faced death with calmness and grace drawn from the Risen Lord Jesus. 

Saan ka man naroon, Mommy, thank you for being such a good example of how we should be devoted to those who have gone before us.  May we also show them the love and gratitude you have rendered them.

Here's a tribute to you on your birth anniversary this November 11. May you rest in peace!

Rosary with Chiara

In observance of Rosary month, we have been reciting the Rosary at home. On certain evenings, we join our Rosary Group's recitation in selected homes.

There have been certain nights that it's only me and Chiara saying the Rosary as Nidz is on night duty.  While praying the Rosary with my daughter, I have to briefly explain to her each of the mysteries.  I try my best to be creative when saying the mysteries. For example, instead of just saying "The first Sorrowful Mystery is the Agony in the Garden", I say "The first Sorrowful Mystery, Jesus agonized in the Garden".  Listening to stories on how Jesus was born, or died on the cross, or rose from the dead she would express surprise, shock, or wonder. She would constantly ask "Why?". Rather than be irked at her curiosity, I would patiently and enthusiastically explain the mystery to her.  Having this conversation with my daughter made me rediscover my faith.  It brought me back to the time that I was a child again, of being taught how to say this beautiful devotion and being introduced to its various mysteries. 

As the little girl was gradually introduced to the devotion, she got keen to be the leader, saying a number of prayers such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory.  At the close of the Rosary, we sing Salve Regina.  I am pleased that she can already sing this song in spite of her tender age (I learned to sing it at 11/12 years old!). She may not yet utter some of the lyrics and prayers properly, but with guidance and encouragement she will be able to do it well soon.

For me, it is good to pray the Rosary with a child. I cannot rush saying the Hail Marys. I am yanked out of my comfort zone to pause and think. By doing so, I can relate with the mysteries. I can relate with God. 

Mary's Artist

Praying the Rosary, especially in October, reminds me of my late maternal grandfather Augusto "Lolo Gusing" Samaniego Sr.  As written in a previous article ages ago, he used to be the Musical Director of a number of religious celebrations in Kawit, Cavite.  

Lolo Gusing was a devotee of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.  When he was still alive, he used to attend the Novena and Mass held at the parish church every Wednesday evenings.  When I was studying at the parochial school, I would usually attend Mass in the morning, just before going to school.  One time, I attended the evening Mass and sat next to him.  

Apart from the Novena, he was also a devotee of the Rosary.  When I lived at his house, I would pray the Rosary with him, Lola Loleng, and other relatives every evening in October.  Being used to say the Rosary in English, I gradually learned to recite it in Tagalog.  Credit goes to my Lolo for teaching me "Aba Po Santa Mariang Hari" (Hail Holy Queen). Even when his health was starting to deteriorate, he would participate in the Block Rosary devotion.

My grandfather wasn't the imposing type of person.  I liked the way he 'walked the talk: leading us not by force, but by persuasion; sowing the seeds of faith gently into our hearts; speaking the truth in love (cf. Eph 4:15).  I have never heard him raise a voice nor utter a curse. When he wants to call your attention, he will just call your name once. 

I consider him as Our Lady's musician because of the many musical services he played and led in honour of Mary. The Panunuluyan, Maytinis' main attraction, depicts Mary and Joseph's search for an inn.  The Coros Villancicos also makes reference to Mary (i.e. "Corred vuestras offrendas, llevad las a Maria"; "Lahat tayo'y mag-alay sa Diyos at kay Maria").  Ditto the Regina Caeli  that's sung during the Salubong in Easter and the Rosario Cantada.

I'm sure the Blessed Mother didn't fail to take notice of this.  Lolo Gusing received the grace to be born to eternal life in October, the month of the Holy Rosary.  Furthermore, he passed away on a Wednesday, Mother of Perpetual Help's day, and the feast of St Luke the Evangelist (Oct 18), a fellow Marian devotee and fellow artist (musicians, writers, painters are classified as artists).

Thank you, Lolo Gusing, for affirming our faith by your gentle guidance, humble witnessing, and sincere love.  May you enjoy the Beatific Vision, playing great music in praise of Heaven and Earth's Queen and our Mother.  We love you!

***

My heart goes out to our kababayans in Cebu, Bohol, and other neighbouring places that were hit by an earthquake yesterday.  Apart from the lives that were lost, I also lament the destruction of several centuries-old churches such as the Basilica Minore de Sto Niño de Cebu.  We entrust to the Lord of Nature all victims of this catastrophe and ask for His mercy and guidance so that from the rubble, people and communities would rise again.  Let us hold on to Mama Mary and her Rosary!

Mama's Best Lesson

During our Rosary devotion a few nights ago, the topic for our sharing was on the best lesson in life taught to us by our mothers.  This topic was inspired by the role that Mary played as Mother of Jesus, who became Man to be our Saviour.

For me, the best lesson I learned from my mother is to practice humility.  As a kid, she would always remind me to refrain from being mapagmalaki  (haughty).  As concrete examples of humility, she exhorted me to acknowledge a debt of gratitude to those who have helped me, to treat others, regardless of their shortcomings, with diplomasya (respect), to be open to correction (and other lessons imparted by experience and people), and to be thankful for whatever God has given me.

There were instances that I took humility to the extreme (i.e. self-pity) and she cautioned me not to go that way otherwise it would be impossible for me to overcome any trials that is thrown my way.

This Year of Faith, we are called to revisit and rekindle on what we believe in.  It is good to take that moment to have another look at the tenets of our faith.  Why do we believe in one God? Is Jesus really present in the form of bread and wine at the words of Consecration?  How come Mary was immaculately conceived in her mother's womb? Why confess your sins to a priest who is also human like us? Is there life after death? These and many questions on our faith abound.  And yet, we have faith.  I'm sure that faith is sustained by humility.  For how can we adhere to these truths if we are full of ourselves, if we are not open, if we are proud? Indeed, as St Augustine once said "Humility must accompany all our actions, must be with us everywhere; for as soon as we glory in our good works they are of no further value to our advancement in virtue". 

Ma, thank you for teaching me the virtue of humility.  I must admit that there are still moments when it's much easier for me to be proud than to be humble. And yet, I've seen the sad and bad consequences of my mistakes as well as the good fruits of being down to earth.  I will keep on doing as you have taught me so that I would be worthy of God's favour. 

Happy Birthday, 'ma! May Jesus, who is meek and humble of heart, grant you a long, healthy, and holy life. May Mama Mary continue to watch over you so you may reflect her motherly love to us, your children and grandchildren. 

Love, kisses, and prayers from your first baby :)

Giving Thanks Like Mary

Ang puso ko’y nagpupuri, nagpupuri sa Panginoon; nagagalak ang aking espiritu sa ‘king Tagapagligtas

These were the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary when she expressed her thanksgiving to God for all the wonderful things He has done for her.

Today, we echo those words as we thank God for the grace to have reached our first year anniversary as a community devoted to the Rosary of Our Lady.

It has been said that “Gratitude is the heart’s memory”. Like Mary, we too recall the previous year when we began our devotion. We unveiled our devotion in this very house 12 months ago with 10 families agreeing to welcome the statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary into their homes where we could pray the rosary together on certain evenings.

Through those prayer gatherings, our bond as a group got stronger and stronger. Through those prayer gatherings, we continued what we have been taught when we were in our home country and by doing so, became ‘missionaries’ of the Rosary in the UK!

This year, we are glad that from 10 families, we have grown into 15! From the Bestwood and Daybrook Areas, we have included Old Basford which is why we now call our group as Filipino Rosary Crusade – Nottingham North. We thank the ‘Original 10’ for once again taking part in this year’s devotion. We welcome our 5 new member families into our fold. We look forward to working with you all to make this project a success.

And we also now have a comprehensive prayer booklet which includes songs, reflections on the various mysteries of the Rosary, etc.

As we celebrate our First Foundation Anniversary, let us keep ourselves humble and rooted in God like Mama Mary. Let us always bear in mind that it was by His grace and His grace alone that we are able to achieve these and many more blessings that would come our way.

Full of hope, let us keep our hearts open to the inspiration of God so we could continue this beautiful devotion and become a light for a world that is in need of it.

Finally, let us always be united under the maternal protection of Mary so that like her, we may also be instruments of the Lord’s mercy for all.

Happy 1st Anniversary!

(The above article was the message I delivered during the Filipino Rosary Crusade - Nottingham North's 1st anniversary celebration held on 1st October 2010.)

Election Triduum Part 2

Yesterday, we recalled the Lord’s Agony in the Garden as we started our three-day prayer for the Philippine elections. Today, being a Saturday, we bring to mind the Joyful Mysteries; my reflection will be on the Nativity of Our Lord.

Although not based in the Philippines anymore, I would imagine the campaign to be truly lively with banderitas, streamers, musical bands, food, and campaign jingles. My mom told me that these jingles were quite appealing to my nephews and niece that they could sing it every now and then. This is how the campaign is conducted – only in our country!

Contrary to how the campaigns were conducted, Jesus was born unnoticed. There were no camera men, security aides, or servants to witness His birth. There was only Mary, Joseph, the lowly stable and its usual occupants, and shepherds. Indeed it was such a silent and holy night.

Lest we be drowned in all these campaign noises, it’s important to remain sober and discerning. Otherwise we will be choosing leaders who look pogi on the outside, but lack substance on the inside. With the miting de avance over, it's an opportune time now to reflect on what these candidates' platform of government and their track record. We all need that space and silence so we could really sieve through our options, check if our decision is in accordance with God's will, and finally make a decision.

I have always believed that like Mary, we too are bearers of Christ every time we receive Him in Holy Communion, in the proclamation of God’s Word, and in our personal and private prayers. Yet like Mary, we shouldn’t be happy with simply keeping Our Lord for ourselves. We need to share Him, we have to ‘give birth to Him’ in our family, in our workplace, in our society. It is only when we share Him that we could really claim to be His followers.

Two days left before Election Day. Are we ready to ‘give birth’ to Our Lord when we cast our ballots? Are we ready to choose the leaders who are genuinely attuned to the Lord’s plans? Are we ready to uphold the election’s sacredness? Are we ready to stand up for the truth which is a reflection of Jesus who is The Truth?

Jesus has also been called Emmanuel which means “God is with us”. He is our God who is involved in our lives! Like Him let us take an active role in this election. Why not be a volunteer in the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting? Let us ensure that people would truly realize and feel Jesus' presence in this event. If we do that, we could bring back that smile that our countrymen have longed for. A smile that only Jesus can bring!

Prayer:

Father, You sent Your Son to remind us that You are with us. May we allow His presence to be felt and His message to be heard, especially during these challenging times. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Election Triduum Part 1

Since 1st May, I have been praying the Rosary as a novena for the national and local elections in the Philippines. As I am on the last three days of my novena, let me share with you the reflections I have made on some of the mysteries of the Rosary. Today, being a Friday, let’s focus on Sorrowful Mysteries particularly on the Lord’s agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.

It was perhaps Jesus’ longest night. After His Last Supper with His apostles, He prayed in a garden. He was already starting to feel the pain, loneliness, and death that were forthcoming. He was in angst that He sweated in blood! His famous words were “Father, if it is possible, let this cup of suffering pass me by. But not as I will it, but as you will it.”

Our country has been in agony for many, many years already. Nothing much has changed. Promises made in the previous elections were broken. Leaders have caused innumerable scandals. Justice has been delayed or worse denied. Poverty is all over the place.

Voters are in some sort of agony too in choosing who to vote. There have been many candidates vying for the same position. Still others feel apathetic towards this political exercise to the point of not even participating at all. And still some are being bribed or threatened not to vote.

Like Jesus, let us not lose heart in what we ought to do for our country. With 100% trust in His Father, He accepted that ‘cup of suffering’ (i.e. His passion and death on the cross) so as to save us all. With 100% trust in the same Father, let us also drink from that ‘cup of suffering’ called election by casting our vote according to our conscience, by actively safeguarding it, and by not being beholden to the 3 Gs – guns, goons, and gold. If we do so, we would have joined Christ in saving our country from the maladies it is now experiencing.

It is not an easy task, but mind you: God is a faithful God who will be with us even when the forces of evil seem to take hold of everything in our country.

As we recall the Sorrowful Mysteries today, let our prayer be:

Father, we know it may not be too easy to do Your will. Full of trust in You, we will carry on. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Dream Come True

I once told my wife of my dream of organizing the Rosary devotion among Filipinos in Nottingham, similar to the Block Rosary we had at home. She shared in my aspiration. That dream took two years to be realized though.

27th June 2009, feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, I had a chat with my friend and kumpare Ronald Abrera about my plan which he showed interest in. I began to do some brainstorming, some reflection, and some prayers.

One summer afternoon in July, as we paid Jackie Rapada a visit, I intimated my dream to Precy Lagman, an experienced organiser of our annual Christmas party and other events. Ate Precy liked the idea and assured me of her support by starting to contact other Pinoys. Originally we planned to have the Rosary across the whole of Nottingham, but felt it was too ambitious. We had another meeting with other interested kababayans and, looking at the interest we have gathered, found that we could have the devotion in the Bestwood and Daybrook Areas of the city. Participating families’ availabilities were ironed out and towards the end of the same month the timetable was finalized.

An image of the Immaculate Heart Mary that will be brought from one home to another was purchased from the Poor Clare Sisters Repository in Bulwell along with rosaries, a candle, and prayer leaflets. Luckily I (and other parishioners) managed to track down Fr Paul, who was having tea that time, and asked him to bless the religious articles bought.

1st October came and that dream started to unravel before my eyes. People gathered to pray at the Lagman and Rapada Residence. At a 3 or 4 night-intervals the image of Our Lady (along with a Crucifix from the Lagmans) was transferred to another house. As of this writing, we are already on our 7th house! As you can see, each home and the happenings thereof have been featured as news items in our web of which we are receiving a number of positive feedbacks on the group’s devotion. Our parish newsletter has also included this as part of its announcements for two weeks in a row.

October is nearly complete. We still have 2 homes left before we have our Closing Event on the 31st. Yet as early as now I am very, very grateful to the Lord for blessing this dream. Thanks too to Mama Mary whose unrelenting guidance was there from Day 1.

Credit also goes to my own family for their support and for the 9 families and other kababayans whose faith, resiliency, patience, understanding, cooperation, and zeal have contributed in more ways than one to make this devotion vibrant and successful. I look forward to next year working with these wonderful people, attracting more members, and propagating much better this devotion to Our Lady.

Kristina, my youngest sister, once commented how touched she was to see how we Pinoys have been supportive of one another. Through the Rosary devotion, we have made ourselves rooted in prayer. And having that foundation, I believe, we would be more able to reach out to others - the way the Lord would want it to be. In the process, others would truly recognize us as Mary’s sons and daughters.

Ave Maria!

Arriba In My Veins

I note that you used to study in Letran. What has Letran impressed on you? - Placido Penitente

During Anluwage's heydays in Gagalangin, I couldn't relate with my colleagues whenever they talk about school - most of them studied in the local high schools. I studied elsewhere, at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran where my Dad and his brothers studied.

Letran has impressed quite alot on me. First is the devotion to the Holy Rosary. When I was in sixth grade (I was then a transferee from Kawit, Cavite.), our class adviser Ms Carmelita Lopez used to check if we all got our rosaries. The rosary forms part of our school uniform. Ms Lopez's style of checking was 'name and shame'. Every row has a leader who'll do the checking and then report to the whole class by saying "I'm happy to tell you that all my classmates are in complete uniform." It's when the "I'm sorry to tell you..." that makes the reporting interesting. Once the teacher hears these words, she'll ask who's got incomplete uniform and what is it that's missing, e.g. rosary, ID, black leather shoes, etc. Till now I make it a point to have my rosary on my breast pocket.

Another is team work, for example cleaning the room to organizing activities for the class and for the whole department. I can never forget the times when we have a drama in Filipino and English and some of us have to play the female roles - during that time Letran elementary and high school departments catered exclusively for boys.

I almost didn't become a Letranite when I constantly failed in the Math entrance exam. Thanks goes to my late grandmother who patiently taught me prior to my last exam, which happened on my birthday ages ago. I later found myself in a school that isn't only known for being sports-minded but is also excellent in the academics like Mathematics. Through the numerous Mathematics I was taught - Algebra, Basic/Analytic Geometry, and Trigonometry - I was able to love this subject which would later form part of my Chemistry degree.

There are still some more lessons I've learned from Letran from building friendships to meeting students of the opposite sex, from helping each other to learn the subject to deciding what course to take in college.

For all that Letran has done for me, I can only sing the following lines from the Alma Mater Hymn:

Orgullosos de ti y tu historia
Nuestras almas desde hoy juraran:
Conquistar por tu honor nuevas glorias
Y jamas olvidarte, Letran!

(We are proud of you and your history
Our souls pledge from now on:
To conquer new glories for your honor
And never forget you, Letran!)

***

This week, I’ve go two loved ones who have celebrated or are celebrating their natal days and I’m taking this opportunity to greet them:

Nicola, my younger sister (Nov 8) – when she was born I was so excited to see her that I missed the school service and hit my head accidentally twice. When I started teaching in UST, she was already a Med Tech student there. Her college was just 1 floor beneath ours so I was able to keep an eye on her. I miss you so much, dear sister. Hope you’ll have your dreams fulfilled and, at the same time, we’ll see you soon.

Bob, my first cousin (Nov 15) – because I didn’t have any older brother to look up to, he is definitely and rightfully called “Ang Manong ni Manong”. I have worked side-by-side with him when he was Musical Director of the “Panunuluyan” as well as the “Hosanna” and “Salubong” events in Kawit, Cavite. Thanks for the confidence you have given me, cousin. Looking forward to see “Heritage” a part of every Filipino home.