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!

'Tis the Season to be Thankful!

As I write this piece, family and friends across the pond are celebrating Thanksgiving Day, an annual national holiday to give thanks for the harvest and for the preceding year.  The Albanos in Staten Island, New York have been holding a football game during this celebration since 2007. 

Apart from the harvest and the blessings of the previous year, the gifts of life and love are to be remembered, celebrated, and be grateful for.  Just a day after this year's Thanksgiving, 2 members of our clan are celebrating their birthday.

First on the list is my uncle and godfather, Dr Paulino "Sonny" V Albano Jr.  Ninong Sonny (picture here on the left with his youngest son Manong Paul and grandson Christopher Paul) is the eldest in his brood.  A successful cardiologist in New York, there is no dull moment with him.  I remember the happy times we've spent during our vacations in Ilocos Norte.  Christmas 1998 was really memorable.  After having breakfast, we were supposed to go straight to Bacarra where then Mayor Pacing Velasco was expecting us. He suddenly decided to change the itinerary as he wanted to see relative who was not in speaking terms with our family.  I felt rather nervous at the prospect of going to their place, but was surprised that we were graciously welcomed for lunch.  After exchanging some pleasantries, Ninong Sonny (who was sat between me and this relative) went straight to the point: he wanted to mend the fence.  I felt relieved - not because of the food (Yes, there were lots of them!), but because of the peace that came forth from that event.

With Lolo Paul and Lola Piling now gone, Ninong Sonny has assumed the patriarchate of the clan.  As he once told me, he is the takbuhan (center) of his siblings as well as his nephews and nieces. Personally, there have been instances in the past when he became our kasangga (protector), standing up for our defence.  

It was nice to see him again during my visit to the States last year.  He expressed satisfaction with how Nidz and I are doing.  Before we bid adieu, he told me how the clan has kept itself together, the way his parents have wanted it.

Many happy returns on your 74th birthday, Ninong Sonny!  Thank you for all your kindness.  Keep up the good work of nurturing our clan.  May the good Lord bless you!  We love you!

Next on the list is my cousin, Alexis Albano (pictured here on the left with her sisters Pinky and Ate  Ritzie and cousins Ate Dia and Ate Mia). Ate Leli, as I would call her, is the second daughter of Tito Alex and Tita Peachie Albano.  When we were kids way back in the early 80s, they were our next door neighbors.  We often played and sometimes fight (Kids that we were then!).  Later they moved back to the States, however we kept in touch with them every now and then. I heard that she studied at the West Point in the mid 90s.  Knowing how prestigious this institution is, I felt proud of my cousin!  The last time I saw her was in 1999. It's a shame that we didn't see each other last year.  

Ate Leli got married this 24th (same day as her Dad's birthday).  I'm sure this event gives more reason for celebration on her natal day.

Wishing you all the best on your birthday, Ate Leli!  Congratulations to you and Jessica as you begin a new life together.  God bless you both! See you soon! 

***

Kudos to Representative Manny Pacquiao for winning the match against Brandon Rios!  There have been many moments when the Philippines is at its low and then you'll hear news of a Pinoy boxer winning!  What a saving moment indeed for Pinoys! This is something to be thankful for!

But what if you hear things such as those politicizing the relief operations for Typhoon Yolanda victims?  Remember those bags with the seal of the Vice President of the Philippines on it?  The VP's excuse: it was his friends' doing. Tell it to the Marines!

Or how about the allegation that the Department of Social Welfare & Development (DSWD) has left relief goods to rot?

Or how about these men, disguised as airport staff at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), who would help tourists and balikbayans move their baggage only to extort money on their hapless victims? I heard that they are protected by airport police.

To these and other people of the same ilk, you deserve our kutos (a knuckle blow on the head)!

***

The Virgin Mary, under the title of Immaculate Conception, is the Patroness of the Philippines. In preparation for her feast day on Monday December 9 (the actual feast is December 8, but because it fell on a Sunday, it's moved on the following day), I would like to invite all Catholic Pinoys to recite at least a decade of the Rosary from Saturday November 30 up to Sunday December 8.  Let's ask her help that our country would rise again from the many challenges it has faced or is currently facing this year.

Erps

The first time I heard about Fr. Ruben J Villote was when I read a magazine an aunt brought home when she visited us.  It was the late 80s and there emerged in the metropolis a Satanic cult which targeted the vulnerable of society, the young people. An article in that magazine featured this menace and Fr. Villote (a.k.a. Fr. Ben or Erps; a colloquial for erpat or father) was one of the resource persons being interviewed. I can't remember what he exactly said.  The only thing I remembered was a photo of a bespectacled man.

 

In a few years' time, I heard about him again through a fellow parishioner, the late Ms. Luisa "Tia Lucing" De Jesus.  Tia Lucing and others from Gagalangin such as Tita Baby Martelino were regular visitors at the Center for Migrant Youth  (CMY) in Cordillera St., Quezon City (It's now located in Fairview).  Fr. Ben was the founder and at that time the center's director. The center, according to the San Jose Seminary website, "offers shelter, school assistance, and pastoral accompaniment for youths from rural areas who migrated to the metropolis".  

 

I got the chance to finally meet the man when Tia Lucing invited me and the AP Youth to join them every second Sunday of the month.

 

Every week, different groups of people would flock to the center to meet Fr. Ben and his wards and bring with them donations such as canned goods, rice, sugar, etc.  We arrived a few minutes before the morning Mass.  Fr. Ben was outside the chapel welcoming people.  Tia Lucing introduced me to him and - surprise, surprise- I discovered that he hailed from Gagalangin! His family's house is located along R. Fernandez St, just next to Our Lady of Piat Clinic. I found out too that he and my uncle Sonny (Dr. Paulino V. Albano Jr.) were schoolmates at the San Jose Seminary. 

 

Before the start of the Mass, Fr. Ben would have a flag ceremony where one of the wards would hoist the Philippine flag and then we'll all sing "Pilipinas kong mahal".  The chapel didn't have pews - all leave their shoes outside and then sit on the mat.  The altar table was as small as a dulang or coffee table with a small chair for the priest to sit on to. He asked me to do the second reading, but before that, he introduced me to everyone as "pamangkin ni Sonny, (ang) kababata ko" (My contemporary Sonny's nephew). 

 

Erps was a soft spoken priest who wasn't in the habit of delivering long homilies. There seems a different flavour of the liturgy every time we attended Mass at the center.  He made it personal, intimate, thought-provoking.  One time, he had sampaguita garlands ready for guests who had celebrations (e.g. birthdays, anniversaries, etc.) at about that time - Tia Lucing got a garland in October as that's when her natal day is remembered.  There was also one Mass when the Gospel was about gratitude and he asked us to tell the person next to us how we appreciated them. I expressed my sincere thanks to the person next to me for her friendship. Guess who it was?  It was Nidz who is now my wife!

 

As we bid CMY adieu, Fr. Ben would tell us "Ikumusta n'yo ako kay Fr. Mar." (Send my regards to Fr. Mar). Fr. Mario "Mar" Enriquez was our parish priest then. (Strangely, Fr. Ben seemed not have been invited to any parish events I know of. Perhaps he was, but was unable to do so because of the demands of his ministry. Puzzling too is that he wasn't recognized by the parish for his efforts. The parish has focused more on awarding its officers, but not those people who have received the light of faith from the parish and shared it unconditionally to the dark alleys where Christ is never heard!)

 

My regular visits to CMY was cut when I stepped down from the APY presidency, but because of my closeness to Tia Lucing, she would keep me updated.  From time to time, I would read Fr. Ben's articles in a popular newspaper.  The last time I talked to him was when I informed him of Lola Piling's death. He was close to my grandparents, my Dad told me.

 

What touched me about Fr. Ben was his love and devotion for the youth who have migrated to the city in search of better opportunities.  More often than not, people leaving home and family (with the notion that Metro Manila is a paradise) end up frustrated, depressed, stuck in the rut.  And it is during these low moments that they become exposed to the menace around them: drugs, prostitution, exploitation, etc. The center is indeed heaven-sent! (Previous to this ministry, he engaged with the poor in his role as parish priest and chaplain.)

 

 Fr. Ben could have opted for a much easier ministry as a priest, but he decided to stay on through thick and thin.  I read that one time there was no food and he went to the prayer room to surrender everything to Divine Providence.  He heard a knock from the door - there were visitors who unexpectedly popped in to share their food! 

 

 

 

He could have chosen to retire and be looked after by his relatives (he had Alzheimer's disease and was confined on a wheel chair), but he preferred to remain with his spiritual children till the end. Like the Good Shepherd who offered His life for the sheep.

 

Thank you, Erps for showing us how to care for the vulnerable, for what Jesus called "the least of my brethren". May you now enjoy the reward He has reserved for those willing "to journey towards the more radical and painful work of renewing the world and restoring all things in Christ so that justice and righteousness may begin to prevail in the New Heaven and the New Earth as a sign of the Second Coming" (taken from Fr. Ben's words when he was interviewed for a magazine's Christmas edition).