Surprised by Charity

And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (Lk 1:43)

I had a similar expression when Msgr David Forde knocked on my door 21 years ago.  He explained that it was his practice - as parish priest- to visit new members of his flock. (Luckily I was at home and tidied up!) We talked about the Holy Week celebrations in the parish, the religious practices at home, etc. He was surprised to find out that in a big parish in the Philippines, there would be nine Masses on a Sunday! He encouraged me to participate further in the life of the parish. A few months later, I became a Mass reader. He took time to proofread and supported the publishing of the "Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of St Joseph" (sevensorrowsandsevenjoysofstjoseph2015print version.pdf) in the parish and beyond.

There were other instances when Monsignor surprised me.

In one Mass where I was about to read the Prayer of the Faithful, he asked people to pray for Filipinos affected by the eruption of Mayon Volcano. I felt ashamed because, until that Mass, I never knew of this tragedy in our country despite having a Filipino channel in my telly.

On another occasion, as I was finishing my prayers in front of St Joseph's statue, he approached me to say that he would like me to become a foundation governor at St Margaret Clitherow Primary School. I was about to say no, but Monsignor assured me that I can do it.
When he was assigned to Holy Cross Parish (Hucknall) and later retired, I kept in touch with him via e-mail. Sometimes I also assisted him when he provided cover for our parish priest.

I was still in the US when I received an e-mail from him offering his sincere sympathy on the recent death of my father. He also told me that he will say Mass for the happy repose of Papa's soul. I don't recall informing him of Papa's demise. His message and prayers were much appreciated by the family. This was Msgr Forde's last surprise to me.

Like the Blessed Mother whose visit to the hill country of Judea surprised her cousin Elizabeth,  Msgr Forde's actions surprised me. I believe that Monsignor mirrored the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He made such moves because his heart, like that of Mary's, was filled with charity.  And when the heart is filled with charity, that charity is meant to be given away, to be shared. And what a surprise those good deeds are especially for those who cannot repay them such as "the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind..." (Lk 14:13).

Msgr Forde, many thanks for those surprising moments. Your gestures have affirmed my faith and strengthened my hope. I'm pretty much sure that others have a similar experience. Rest assured that we will continue your legacy. May Jesus the Eternal High Priest along with the Blessed Mother, angels, and saints welcome you into His kingdom. We love you!

Consecration to St Joseph

The last public Mass I attended was on the Solemnity of St Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church. I felt it was ironic that the penultimate public Mass in England before the lockdown happened when the Church celebrates the feast of her patron. Be it as it may, Fr John Martin, our parish priest encouraged us to "go joyfully glorifying the Lord by your life".  The lock down meant homeschooling for Chiara and working from home for me. Nidz, the bravest of us three, is a front liner in the health service.

Previous to the lock down, I received from the post the book "Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father" by Fr Donald Calloway, MIC. I learned about it from social media. I listened to the talk of Fr Calloway and decided to order the book, after all, St Joseph is my patron. He's the saint I fondly call Tay (short for Tatay or Itay, the Tagalog word for father). The book was published at a very appropriate year - 2020 marks the 150th anniversary when Pope Pius IX declared St Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church.

The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 focuses on a 33-day preparation where, on each day, a short invocation on the Litany of St Joseph is explained. Part 2 showcases the wonders of this beloved saint as written by saints, mystics, popes, and other devotees. Part 3 features various prayers to St Joseph, including acts of consecration to him.

Statue of St Joseph (a gift from my former teacher and colleague, Prof Maribel G Nonato)

Initially I planned to do the 33 day devotion on 30th March (to finish on 1st May, feast of St Joseph the Worker) on my own. The lock down changed that! I talked to my wife about the devotion and asked her what if we do this as a family? She agreed with me. And so, for 33 nights, we gathered in front of an altar with a statue of St Joseph and read through the book. Chiara was our main reader. She told me how she enjoyed doing it as well as learning a lot from St Joseph. I felt the same way too! It was refreshing to revisit the Church's teachings on this great man, testimonies from people who looked up to him as their spiritual father, and the Seven Sorrows and Joys of St Joseph. I once wrote about this devotion and Fr Calloway's book serves as some sort of affirmation to my own work.

There were also some stories there that I vaguely or never knew before such as the Holy House of Loreto, the Santo Anello (holy ring), the Miraculous Staircase, St Joseph's Holy Cloak, how Pope Pius IX eventually declared St Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church in 1870, and the bishop whose testimony moved Pope John XXIII to include St Joseph in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I).

The author also wrote his thoughts, backed up by good and strong references, whether St Joseph was an old man or not when he became engaged to Mary. I am glad that this was included. Personally, I am not a fan of St Joseph being depicted as an aged dad, but as a young man. We laughed when Fr Calloway quoted the saintly Mother Angelica: "Old men don't walk to Egypt". 

When we were reflecting on St Joseph as "Patron of the Dying", it brought back memories of St Joseph de Gagalangin Parish Church (where I was baptised). Back in the day, the main altar had a huge and beautiful painting of the dying St Joseph. To his right stood Jesus holding St Joseph's forehead with His left hand (I think the Lord's right hand was raised in blessing). To St Joseph's left was Mary in tears. In the foreground were two angels and a vase with lilies. On top of the painting were two cherubs and an inscription: "Mahal na Poong San Jose, ipanalangin mo kami" (Dear lord St Joseph, pray for us). Unfortunately, the painting is now gone when the altar was renovated in 1985.  The reflection reaffirmed too my belief that one of the gifts of devotion to St Joseph is a peaceful death. My late grandmother Pilar passed away peacefully. She was a devotee of St Joseph.

Learning more about St Joseph made me, or should I say made us three, love him more. And from that love comes a desire to imitate him further so we could serve Jesus whom he served faithfully and lovingly. 

I am very grateful for joining in this 33-day preparation with my family. The lockdown may have shut our churches, but it made our home a domestic Church indeed. The journey with Tay Joseph continues! If you want to know more about St Joseph and how he could be your spiritual father, I strongly recommend that you buy this book. 

St Joseph, our spiritual father, pray for us!

A Model Parishioner

If I remember it correctly, it was March 12, 1996 when Barangay 170, our barangay, welcomed La Muerte de San Jose (The Death of St Joseph) statue. During those times, the statue would stay overnight in the barangay before it is brought back to church and then moved to another barangay. This was part of the parish's 9-day preparation to celebrate the Solemnity of St Joseph on March 19.  The statue stayed in the porch of the Barangay Chairman's house facing Rotonda (roundabout). 

That evening, I joined my mother and other residents in saying prayers before the revered statue. I wasn't able to stay overnight because I have my thesis oral defense the following day.

The next day, as I was waiting for a jeepney in Rotonda, I walked past where the statue was located. No one was keeping vigil before the statue, except Tita Laling. She was dozing off. I approached and asked for her blessing. She told me that she was looking after the statue. I felt bad leaving her alone, but I explained to her my defense that afternoon and she understood. Days later, she was a proud aunt singing my praises for successfully completing my defense.

This was not the only instance that I saw Tita Laling's dedication to the Church. In my early teens, I would join her in attending Mass during first Saturdays. Together with her confreres in the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI), she would serve as one of the collectors during Mass. She was also active in the Catholic Women's League (CWL). There were no airs and graces in Tita Laling. She used to tell me that all she wants was to serve. 

She would greet parishioners regardless if they were clergy or laity, presidents of parish organizations or ordinary members. I think, her humility and benevolence has made her earn the respect of her peers. I was happy when she became Regent of DMI (1986-87) and President of CWL (early 2000s). She wasn't bothered with the role she has to perform in church. For me, she was a model parishioner. 

A few days ago, the parish lost one of its humble members. It happened at a time when churches have suspended public celebration of the Mass and closed its doors due to the Coronavirus. Indeed, it is a challenging time for all of us who look forward to receive the Eucharist at least every weekend. It is a time of tribulation for those of us who see the parish as "home next to home". It's tempting to lose faith, isn't it? When these things come to mind, I think of Tita Laling alone in the presence of La Muerte de San Jose. Amidst the hustle and bustle in Rotonda 24 years ago, there was my aunt, at peace in the presence of the statue of the dying St Joseph being consoled by Jesus and Mary. 

Tita Laling, thank you for being such a loving aunt to me and my siblings. You have been such a strong pillar for the Christian community of Gagalangin. Pray that we will remain steadfast in faith. Rest now in God's healing presence, united with Mary Immaculate and St Joseph! We love you.

To my cousins, nephews, nieces, and their families, my heart goes out to you during this time of sorrow.

The Fourth K

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

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

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

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

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

***

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

Silence

I woke up last Sunday without my voice. I don't why or how it happened.  I struggled to talk. I couldn't sing during the Mass. During our night prayers, it was only Chiara singing the Salve Regina. When I went to work the following day, our team leader wondered why I was silent.  Someone called and I have to pick up the phone. Luckily, the conversation wasn't that complicated. I didn't go to work for three days.

I slowly gained my voice as the days go although it's still husky (and couldn't sing!) as I write this. In a way, I accepted my 'silence' as a Lenten penance.  As a member of the Apostleship of Prayer, I offered it for the Sacred Heart of Jesus' intentions and those of the Holy Father. On the bright side, silence meant that I could focus on what I am doing be it at home or at work.  It also meant to listen attentively to the one you communicate with, otherwise you'll end up asking (read: talking) for more. Silence also provided a way for me to be careful with the words I say, to speak with tact. 

But there is more than these to silence.  Hidalgo Del Arrabal, one of our contributors in the web, wrote this last year:

Tanging sa katahimikan

Diyos nakikipagtalastasan;

Tanging sa mapagkumbaba

Poon nagbibigay-biyaya.

Purihin ka, O San Jose

Pinakinggan mo ang mensahe

Mag-inang sa Ama nagbuhat

Pinangalagaan mong tapat!

(Only through silence

Does God communicate;

Only to the humble

Does He give grace.

Praise you, O Saint Joseph

You listened to the message

Mary and her Child who came from the Father

You faithfully looked after!)

It's nearly the feast of St Joseph. This humble carpenter from Nazareth was known as a silent worker, someone who would prefer to work in the background.  Both the poor in the Philippines and the religious worldwide (2015 is a special year for both groups of people) can draw inspiration from St Joseph. 

For the poor whose abject condition has silenced them to the whims of the powers-that-be, this great saint comes as an example of complete trust in the Lord and working diligently. St Joseph lived in poverty too, but didn't buy into any shortcuts or 'instants' (instant rich, instant ginhawa, etc.).  

For the religious, St Joseph is a very good example of following the evangelical counsels - poverty, chastity, and obedience. Through their faithful witness to these three vows, they offer the world something different, something of more value, something that isn't just a fad, but has lasting character.

May St Joseph's silence inspire us in our Lenten journey to become more attentive to that message which God is conveying us. May his silence transform us into faithful stewards looking after those who were entrusted to us - family, community, environment, the poor and needy.

Mabuhay si San Jose!

***

It's Mother's Day (or Mothering Sunday) here in the UK tomorrow. My fervent prayers and best wishes to all moms, especially to my wife and to my mother, on their special day.  May St Joseph watch over you. May his silence encourage you to keep up the good work and become more open to God's grace. Happy Mother's Day!

Thy Will Be Done

"Hanapin mo ang kalooban ng Diyos. Sabihin mo lagi 'Panginoon, ituro mo sa akin ang kalooban Mo'". (Search for the will of God. Always say, 'Lord teach me Your will') These were the words I would often hear from Lola Piling during my teenage years.  For some time, I would just let the words pass from one ear to another. Like any teenagers, I wanted to gain that independence, to seek my will and not someone else's. Such was my stubbornness that I didn't even bother to ask her what God's will is.  

One time, Ms. Melba Silvela, our Religion teacher in 4th year high school, asked us to write an essay. I can't remember now what the topic was all about, but I wrote something like it was God's will that something bad has happened (An earthquake perhaps? Mind you, there was an earthquake that hit Luzon that year).  Nanay Bang, as I now call this beloved teacher, read my paper aloud and corrected me. She said it wasn't God's will that calamities happen. Rather God permitted them to happen. So from then on, I learned that God's will isn't the same as God's permission; particularly that God won't will for His creation to be destroyed.

I continued to ask my peers (rather than my superiors). One classmate Fernando Lopez (not the former Vice President!) who once was a seminarian told me that God's will is in His 10 commandments. Later in college, when I was studying Ethics, I learned that to know God's will is to read the Scriptures. Finally, another ex-seminarian, told me that God's will can be discovered when you are at peace with your decisions.

We've often prayed "Thy will be done" without fully understanding nor sincerely seeking for it.  However, as a parent now myself, I realize the huge responsibility of raising my child as a good Christian. I dread the day Chiara might ask me what it is and I'll find myself dribbling my answer like a basketball. Worse, I might set a bad example to her (and to others). 

During Lola's final phone call to me and my siblings in Manila about 15 years ago, her last words to me were "Always communicate with God." What a perfect way to know the Lord's will than to communicate with Him!  

Lent gives us all that opportunity to have a hard look at our stubborn selves.  Is our will working? If not, then it's definitely time to try someone else's; someone who is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:9). We may not find it straightaway and be perplexed like St Joseph when he discovered his future wife to be with child. But if we are humble and open like this son of David, we will soon discover what God really wants.

God's will may seem to be undrinkable like the cup of suffering that Jesus referred to in His agony in the garden (Matthew 26:39), but let us trust the Father the way Jesus did. Didn't Christ say that "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work." (John 4:34)?

Going back to Lola, she was a devotee of St Joseph. Her favorite color is green which is one of St Joe's symbolic color (the other being yellow). But beyond the green attire she wore, I found in her persona the true essence of being a devotee of this great saint: obedience to God's will.

Happy 100th birthday, Lola Piling! Thank you for your unfailing love and motherly guidance. Thank you for putting up with such a hard-headed grandson. Thank you for always reminding me with what matters most in being a Christian, in being a person.  Keep on inspiring us, keep on praying for us that our hearts too may always say "Thy will be done"!  Rest in God's abiding peace. I love you!

Ears to Hear With

Since the third Sunday of Advent, the manger scene (or Belen) has already been put up in our parish sans the Holy Family, shepherds, and kings; only cows, donkeys, and of course the manger.  Last Sunday, just a few steps from the Belen were papier mache figures of Mary, Joseph, and an angel. All three have their distinctive costumes - Mary wearing a veil, Joseph also wears a veil and has a beard and moustache, and the angel has wings and a halo. They didn't have faces though. What caught my attention was that one of Joseph's ears could be easily seen.  I am not sure if this was done on purpose, but it just gave a link to another event I attended the day before.

The day before we went to church, our rosary group held its annual Christmas Party celebration. For this year, members - young ones and once - were asked to wear a cartoon character costume. Chiara and Nidz were Princess Anna and Queen Elsa (from the Disney's "Frozen") respectively, while I was Superman.  

Others 'portrayed' Snow White, Woody, and Prince Charming, to name a few. This was the first time we did this in observance of our fifth anniversary this year. In my welcome remarks, I told my colleagues that Christmas is indeed for the children, and for the child at heart.  Hence, our attempt to capture that 'child in us' via our costumes.

But what if we fail to capture that child in us?  Beyond the costumes and glitter, I think it is necessary for us to listen. Going back to Joseph's papier mache in church (or to his ear to be more specific), we would recall how this unassuming man lent his ear to God's word. By listening to God, he became enlightened (i.e. that his future wife is bearing God's Son), by becoming enlightened he obeyed (i.e. he took Mary as his wife), and by obeying he cooperated with God's plan (i.e. he nurtured Jesus, our Savior). 

Listening is key to welcoming Christmas.  Jose Mari Chan tells (or sings) us more about this in this beautiful Christmas carol:

As we celebrate Christmas, may we also have the ears to hear God's word with so that we too may recapture that child in us - a child who trusts God wholeheartedly, a child who treats others fairly, a child who humbles himself to wash someone else's feet, a child willing to make sacrifices for the good of others, a child like that newborn King lying on the manger, the very reason for Christmas.

From all of us here in anluwage.com, I wish you all a Blessed Christmas!

When the Donkey Gets the Spotlight

Part of our vacation in California this Christmas was to participate in the Maytinis celebration in Chula Vista on December 14, 2013.  Kawit natives who have migrated to South California have brought with them cherished home town traditions such as the Maytinis. It is the annual Christmas Eve celebration in Kawit having as its main feature the Panunuluyan - Mary and Joseph's unfruitful search for a place where to give birth to Jesus.  The lyrics of the Panunuluyan are sung by its perfomers - Joseph, Mary, the kaseros (landlords), and the angel.

Chiara was invited by my first cousin Mr. Robert "Manong Bob" Shroder to perform as one of the angels who will sing the "Coros Villancicos" (a Spanish Christmas carol) on stage.  Manong Bob has been the Musical Director of the Maytinis since he moved to the States.  Prior to that, he held the same position in Kawit, Cavite which he inherited from our grandfather the late Augusto “Lolo Gusing” Samaniego Sr.

Months before out trip, I taught the song to my unica hija. It was a bit challenging for both of us because this was her first time to sing in Spanish.  I was amazed that she learned the song quickly!

During the rehearsal at the Rancho del Rey Middle School, I brought Chiara to Mrs. Aida ‘Ti Aida’ Bautista, the Artistic Director.    Ti Aida told me and Chiara to take our seats and she'll call Chiara when it's her time to practice.  While seated I felt that something would happen.  I just don't know what.

Manong Bob arrived shortly and had a chat with Ti Aida.  I was sat next to my uncle Augusto Samaniego Jr. when my cousin called me in front. He asked if I could perform as Joseph because the person who was supposed to do it has been unable to do so.  At first I was hesitant, but through my cousin's prodding and encouragement, I finally gave my fiat.  Ti Aida handed me a copy of the script and introduced me to Miss Ashley Zaveyan who will be performing as Mary.  Ashley was very supportive and easy to work with. I learned that she has been doing this role for a few years already.  

Our rehearsal began.  Although I have learned the tune since I was a boy - thanks to Manong Bob's mom and my aunt, the late Mommy Rosie (who used to be the Cantora Mayor of the Maytinis in Kawit) - I haven't learned how to syllabicate the lyrics properly. Manong Bob patiently guided me. Ashley suggested that I use a pen to highlight lyrics on my script.  After the practice, I asked St. Joseph's help that I may do justice to the role.  I also read through the script and highlighted lyrics where the stress is required.

Then came the big day.  The school auditorium was teeming with life. Manong Bob was already rehearsing with the band when I arrived.  He later asked me and Ashley if we could have a final dry run.  As there were still some song numbers performed before the Maytinis, I sat in one corner internalizing my role.  My wife helped me out with my costume.  A few people approached me to give words of encouragement or appreciation.  I also met some relatives or friends whom I have not seen for ages.  Hours later, it was show time!  

It was a humbling experience to ask for shelter and then to be turned down by the kaseros.  I was about to shed tears.  After being rejected, the angel led me and my partner to a stable. There, we would be in front of a statue of the Baby Jesus.  I fixed my gaze on that statue, thanking the Lord for being born for us and for guiding all performers in this event.  I couldn't see Chiara from where I was located - she was actually just a few steps from me. However, I could hear her wonderful voice and that made me one such proud dad!

Christmas came with a surprise for me.  Portraying the role of my patron saint was too lofty for me. I prefer to be Joseph's donkey (or his toolbox).   During the Mass on the 4th Sunday of Advent (Dec. 22), the priest mentioned in his homily that we should not be afraid, but believe and trust God (just like Joseph and Mary) in any undertaking He calls us. During the Mass on the feast of the Holy Family (Dec. 29), our parish priest mentioned Joseph's openness and humility to do God's will. Regardless if we are donkeys or whatever names we call ourselves, God believes us! Let's get rid of what holds us back from serving Him. To Him be the glory!

I'm thankful for my family, Manong Bob, Ti Aida, Ashley, and other co-performers for their support to me and Chiara.  This would surely be an event we'll treasure in our hearts forever.

Thank you too Mommy Rosie and Lolo Gusing.  Through the exposure they have provided when I was a boy, they have prepared me for this role.  May God bless their kind souls.  Long live Maytinis!

***

Christmas is a time to be with the family.  We have been blessed this year to have spend it with my mother, my uncle Augusto and his family, and Manong Bob and his family.  The last time I saw my uncle was 15 years ago and we spent a considerable number of enjoyable and fun days in their home in San Diego.  Chiara told me before she went to sleep how she misses them, especially my cousins Zyrille and Melanie Samaniego.  I share the same feeling. I look forward to be reunited with them soon.

I'm also grateful for Jackie and Ernie Rapada and family who have welcomed us in their place in Long Beach and who have taken us to various places during our holiday.  Thanks too to Mama Cora Rapada (Ernie's mom) and family as well as Lyn and Noel Domanguera and family who were our hosts in Las Vegas.  

May God bless you all!  Till we meet again!

***

Happy Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!  May all families possess Jesus' unconditional love and humility, Mary's strong faith, and Joseph's reliable obedience!

Alay sa Mahal na Poong San Jose

Looking at this stampita-like photo above, one is by the glorious and fatherly gaze of St Joseph. This is actually the photo of the statue of St Joseph and the Holy Child which is located at the main altar of Gagalangin Church.

A few weeks ago, as we did our family shopping, I saw a little boy with long curly brown hair and blue eyes.  He was staring at me and later at Chiara.  I suddenly remembered the Holy Child in that church where I was baptized. I told this to Allan Dabu during one of our chats in Facebook. He told me that the Holy Child wants me to go home and visit Him.

Allan later recalled his visit to Manila this March.  The statue is in a sad state.  Ensconced ("Nakakulong" was Allan's exact description) in an urn made of glass, it has not been brought down for ages - even during town fiesta for the traditional prusisyon.   The statue has been damaged and parish leaders thought it best not to taken it down lest the damage gets worse.  Allan told Mang Mandy Cabarloc, the Sacristan Mayor, that the statue would deteriorate further because of the heat (I call it glasshouse effect!).  For Allan, proper restoration is needed asap.  Unfortunately,  as my good friend wrote "it seems that nobody is paying attention".

Just to give you an idea, here's a photo taken in last year's Fiesta celebration.  To your right you'll partially see a replica statue of St Joseph - this is now being used during processions.  The original is on the retablo just above the tabernacle and beneath the huge crucifix (partially seen).

Since its early beginnings, perhaps when Gagalangin was still a visita, our community already had this statue.  One priest once jokingly asked why our St Joseph was punggok (midget).  Small as the statue may be, it is a precious gem, a silent witness to Gagalangin's highs and lows.  So much so that when the parish had a bigger church in the late 50s, the statue was never changed!

To hear that this treasure is endangered is quite disturbing.  The desecration of La Muerte de San Jose (Death of St Joseph) statue way back in 1997 was something that cut a number of parishioners to the heart.  Ditto what happened to the statue of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in 2003.  Although it would be impossible for thieves to lay their hands on the original statue, still the need to look after it is very important.  I add my voice to that of Allan's.  Restore the statue to its former glory!

Preserving or, in the case of our Patron's statue, restoring it and other similar valuable objects ensures that we have something to pass on to our children and our children's children.  Othewise, our claim as parishioners/members of mandated organizations/devotees of St Joseph/etc. would be a farce. We are not far from the Israelites of old who live in beautiful houses while the Ark of the Covenant resided in a tent during the time of King David!

The Parish really needs to take the statue's condition seriously.  A fund raising to restore the statue is a step forward.  Another that comes to my mind, again and again, is the setting up a Cultural Heritage Committee which will spearhead activities that aims at preserving and enriching events, customs and traditions, and protects treasures (e.g. buildings, statues, etc.). This Committee can be complemented by a Gagalangin Historical Society which encompasses other aspects of our town outside the confines of religion.

During fiestas, we traditionally decorate streets with arches and banderitas. On these arches, there's an inscription which states Alay sa Mahal na Poong San Jose (This is offered to St Joseph).  Let's have a heart for our Patron, to whom we frequently pray "kami nawa'y laging kupkupin ng langit" (May we always be protected by heaven).

Maligayang pista, Gagalangin! Mabuhay si San Jose!

***  



Words couldn't express my disgust at how Erap got elected as Mayor of the (once) ever loyal and distinguished City of Manila.  (Fellow Gagalanginenos in Facebook were cursing!)It wasn't that long ago when he was booted out of power, tried, and found guilty.  Although I respect the voice of the people - badly informed as it may be- I just feel how people never learn from the past. That we have lost the sense of sin or the sense of justice.   That we have settled with the Puwede na yan mentality. 

I am also aghast with the likes of the unrepentant Marcoses being back into power as well as those candidates who don't have the qualification to be elected in a particular post. Take for example Nancy Binay, a 20 year old OJT, who obviously rode on the political cloud, I meant clout of her politician parents. Look too at the Ejercito half-brothers having seats at the upper chamber.  Has public service become a family business?

George Santayana once said "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it".  History and heritage go hand-in-hand.  If we don't value both, we'll surely lose the soul of the nation.  We'll go to the dogs!

 

Jesus' Alter Ego

When Chiara looks at the statue or image of the Holy Family, she would identify its three members as “Baby Jesus, Mary, and Jesus”. Calling Joseph as ‘Jesus’ by a 4 year old kid is understandable - she might have been confused with other statues of Jesus depicted as a man rather than an infant.  Apart from that, during Jesus' time men wore long hairs and don't shave - Joseph and Jesus would then look identical. I am pretty much sure that St Joseph won’t mind being mistaken as Jesus (without claiming to be Jesus).

Reading on the scarce information we have in Sacred Scriptures on this lovely man, we see him as someone who worked behind the scenes. Someone who would defer his place for others.

In the Gospel reading during Ash Wednesday, Jesus cautioned his followers not to imitate the Pharisees who love to hog the limelight. I think the Lord was thinking of how his foster father conducted his life when He criticised the Pharisees.

We’re nearing Holy Week and during these past few weeks of Lent we have prayed, fasted, abstained, gave alms, and performed other spiritual exercises. Ideally, through these exercises there is a 'dying to one's self' that should happen. Most of the time though, it’s easier to fall into the trap of being showy than dying to one's self because it’s human nature to crave for popularity and recognition, to choose one's 'survival' over 'death'.

As we celebrate St Joseph’s feast day on the 19th, let’s ask that he would continuously inspire and intercede for us so that:

1.) in prayer, we may truly experience God and by doing so, we would reveal more His loving gaze and sweet smile to all;

2.) in our sacrifices, we may depend more on God's providence than our own and therefore become more humble and trusting in Him;

3.) in our acts of charity, we may see the Lord in others and identify ourselves as mere stewards of His blessings.

In a nutshell, may our lives be eclipsed by that of Jesus so we may be truly known as His alter ego, His other selves!

***

 

Habemus Papam! I was about to have my dinner that fateful night of March 13 when I checked my Facebook account and saw a picture of the Sistine Chapel’s chimney emitting white smoke. I rushed to the living room and asked Chiara if I could switch to the news channel. The girl obliged (after some lambing) and I waited patiently for the announcement from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.

Everyone seemed to have held their breath while Cardinal Tauran announced who the new pope is. Chiara was getting impatient and wanted me to switch back to Cartoonito. Her mom told her that this was a once in a lifetime moment. She complied.

As I heard the word ‘Bergoglio’ I applauded! A few days after Benedict XVI resigned, I had a chat with an Italian work colleague about who are the Italian papabili (papal contenders). He told me that we need someone from Latin America. I floated the name of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (then Archbishop of Buenos Aires). He agreed with me. Though aged 76, he comes across as a strong and able leader. Yet what touched me about this man was his humility and openness to people. His first words were: "Buonasera" (Good evening) which elicited an applause from his audience and even a similar greeting from my daughter. The pope, surprisingly didn't introduced himself as 'pope' but as 'bishop' - indeed the Pope is Bishop of Rome and as such  is primus inter pares (first among equals) in the college of bishops. I'm glad he introduced himself as such and I have that impression that he values the collegiality of bishops which has been 'bypassed' by the previous administration. Also, in his first Urbi et Orbi message, he is telling the people - ordained and lay alike - that we're all in the Church and should work together.

What touched me was when he asked people to pray, first for his predecessor, and then for himself, before he gave his first blessing as Supreme Pontiff.  Won't it be a good idea if priests ask their congregation to pray for them before he gives the Blessing in the Mass?

By choosing the name Francis (after that of St Francis of Assisi), he seems to be telling us that his papacy would embrace the values of this great and revolutionary saint: poverty, peace, and ecology.

I note that he will be inaugurated on the Solemnity of St Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church. Let's all pray for Pope Francis that like St Joseph, he will be open to the Holy Spirit's guidance as he leads, nurtures, and revitalise the Church.

Viva il Papa Francesco!

My Reservations on the Pasyon

This Lenten Season, and most especially when it’s Holy Week, chanting of the Pasyon (“a verse narrative about the life and suffering of Jesus Christ”, according to WikiPilipinas) will pervade the air in most areas in the Philippines.


I have had many cherished memories of the Pasyon in Kawit, Cavite. When I was 7 or 8 years old, my late aunt used to tag me along to the kubol (chapel) in Barangay Wakas. Having been exposed to that pious practice, I began chanting by myself at the age of 9. Years went by that I was chanting side-by-side with my aunt. I continued to do so in Manila until I left for the UK.

Some cousins used to make fun of me because of being makamatanda (old fashioned), but I took to heart what my aunt said “Bokasyon mo iyan!” (That’s your vocation.) Sadly, there is no opportunity to hold a pabasa here in the UK.

I love the pabasa because it calls to mind the story of Jesus and other people who form part of Salvation History – Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Mary, the apostles, Mary Magdalene, and even the Empress Helena (Sta Elena Emperatris). It’s good to remember what the Lord did for us from Creation to Crucifixion, from Resurrection to Pentecost, from the Founding of the Cross to the Parousia.

I am however uneasy with some stories in the Pasyon. Take for example these lines from the story of the Birth of Mary (“Ang pangananak ni Sta Ana kay Ginoong Sta Maria):

May isa ngang matanda na

Hosep ang pangalan niya,

anak sa tribu ni Huda,

kadugo't kadesendensia

ni David, bunying Propeta.

Ang ama niya't magulang

ay si Eli ang pangalan

matanda't mabuting asal,

loob ay lubhang timtiman

malinis sa kalinisan.

Dili iba at si Hosep

siyang tinangi ng langit

na maging esposong ibig,

ng Birheng Inang marikit

timtima't lubhang mabait.

Siya ngani ang hihirang

pinili sa karamihan

na doroon sa simbahan

bilang kaapu-apuhan

na Patriarka Abraham.

I always believe that St Joseph was a young man when he was married to the Virgin Mary. The depiction of him being an old man in a number of paintings and statues as well as in the Pasyon has been based on the notion that, being an old man, he would not have the sexual urge to touch his wife, that he would be more of a protector of her virginity. No pun intended, but with news of dirty old men being involved in rape and other related crimes, that notion has proved to be invalid. Besides, if Joseph were an old man he won’t be that effective in protecting and providing for his family. He won’t be able to withstand the journey to Bethlehem and to Egypt. He might turn out to be the one being looked after instead!

Pierre-Marie Dumont, Publisher of Magnificat, commented that under the inspiration of St Teresa of Avila ( a staunch devotee of St Joseph in Spain), “…the Spanish school portrays a young and active Joseph, while the other schools most frequently picture him as an insignificant old man. Affirming full faith in the virginity of the Mother of God, the Joseph of El Greco, of Velasquez, and of Zurbaran is a true husband, given by God to his spouse. He is also, to a certain degree, a true father …”

Luckily, the Philippines was a colony of Spain! That’s perhaps why most if not all statues of St Joseph portray him as a young man. Even the plays we have such as the Panunuluyan depict him the same way. It’s unfortunate that this wasn’t carried over in the Pasyon.

Another deplorable story in the Pasyon was on St Joseph’s death (“Ang Pagkamatay ni San Hosep):

Ng malapit nang mangaral

si Hesus sa katauhan

ibig ngang ipatanghal,

ang kaniyang kadiyosan

sa taong makasalanan.

Nguni't ang kasing esposo,

ama sa haka ng tao,

si San Hosep bagang Santo,

natanto rin nga totoo

ang sasapitin ng Berbo.

Kaya nga't nang di makita

ni Hosep ang madlang dusa

ni Hesus na iwi niya,

hiningi nang buong sinta

siya'y mamatay na una.

At hindi nga matitiis

niyong banal na si Hosep

na makita at masilip,

ang madlang hirap at sakit

ni Hesus na kasi't ibig.

Dito sa nasang magaling

ni San Hosep na butihin

agad namang sinunod din,

ng Diyos na maawain

ang kaniyang pita't hiling.

Yaon ang siyang mula na

ng pagkakasakit niya

kinalinga tuwi na,

ni Hesus at ni Maria

si Hosep na mapaninta.

These lines would simply undo the real St Joseph as presented in Sacred Scriptures: courageous, obedient, strong. Furthermore, they present a God who would just grant someone’s plea to bail out. This isn’t God! This is an ATM or a jukebox!

There are still some stories I’d like to tell you, but that’s all from me for now.

In closing, here’s some words of wisdom from St Josemaria Escriva, Founder of Opus Dei and another great devotee of St Joseph:

Joseph loved Jesus as a father loves his son and showed his love by giving him the best he had. Joseph, caring for the child as he had been commanded, made Jesus a craftsman, transmitting his own professional skill to him. So the neighbors of Nazareth will call Jesus both faber and fabri filius: the craftsman and the son of the craftsman. Jesus worked in Joseph’s workshop and by Joseph’s side. What must Joseph have been, how grace must have worked through him, that he should be able to fulfill this task of the human upbringing of the Son of God!

For Jesus must have resembled Joseph: in his way of working, in the features of his character, in his way of speaking. Jesus’ realism, his eye for detail, the way he sat at table and broke bread, his preference for using everyday situations to give doctrine – all this reflects his childhood and the influence of Joseph. (Christ is Passing By, 55)

Have a nice weekend!

Happy Mothers’ Day to all moms this Sunday! (We’re celebrating Mothers’ Day in the UK every 4th Sunday of Lent.)

A Blessed feast day of St Joseph this coming Monday!

Rehabilitation and Protection

Giving a Lenten context to the recent happenings in Japan as well as in New Zealand, the Middle East, and North Africa remind us of the need to rise up from the rubble caused by sin, by our extreme dependence on ourselves. With our integrity lost, with our souls at the brink of death, it’s about time we start to rebuild ourselves. Rebuild ourselves in a sure and strong foundation. Rebuild ourselves in Christ!

With Christ as our foundation, we see more meaning in our Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We offer our prayers for those badly hit by these calamities. Connected with our prayer-life, we fast and abstain from meat (and other pleasures) so we could continuously seek God in our lives. Whatever we give up this Lent, we offer to those who suffer particularly the earthquake victims.

Apart from the need to rehabilitate, we also need protection. Protection from future disasters (I’ve seen a number of people sending e-mail messages or posting a shout out in Facebook asking the Lord to spare our country from such calamities.). As I prayed for Japan, I cannot really help, but pray all the more for my loved ones in nearby Philippines. (I soon realized that I also have some relatives in Japan who lived away from the epicentre, but still felt the tremors.) I’m glad that no tsunami has hit the country, but the fear of radiation is there.

Protection is two-fold. The first is in the hands of competent builders and the government. It’s high time the Philippines take a serious look at our edifices and how these could withstand earthquakes. High standards have to put in place and with it, stricter penalties for those whose buildings are not up to scratch.

The second is in God’s hands. When we have done our best in ensuring that people are safe and prepared ourselves should disasters come, we entrust the rest to God.

Rebuilding and protection are synonymous with St Joseph. During his time, he was a carpenter engaged in construction. He too was a husband and father who was there to defend his family from all harm (I have in mind the Holy Family's flight into Egypt which was actually St Joseph's sorrow and joy that I reflected upon early this morning.)

We pray that St Joseph would inspire us all to help our suffering brothers and sisters across the globe rebuild their lives.

St Joseph knew well the importance of building houses on rock. May he also intercede for all government officials, engineers, and architects that they would design and build safe structures.

We ask too St Joseph’s help that like him, we may also see the wisdom of having one’s life founded on God, of being rooted with our family (in spite being ‘uprooted’ to another country), and of putting our complete trust in His fatherly care when all things fail.

***

My heartfelt congratulations to my cousins Bianca Alcantara, Tara Mendoza, and Leia Albano who would be graduating with a BSc in Nursing on 17 March! Now that you have completed your studies, it’s time to share what you've learned - be it from the formal or the hidden curriculum - with the community. Be a channel of healing and protection to the sick and vulnerable!

Greetings too to Fidji (God-speak writer) and Von Sarmiento for their newborn baby daughter, Norina Graziella (a.k.a. Naya)! Naya is the first daughter in the Rivera-Sarmiento family (to Fidji’s delight!).

May St Joseph pray for you all!

More Pressing Issue

I read with interest an article published in March 2010 issue of the Far East (a magazine of the Columban Missionaries I subscribe to) entitled “What Would You Do?” which featured Chinese Christians’ creativity given the political and religious challenges experienced in their country. Let me mention three out of eight various cases featured.

One example was about a young Catholic mother who was pregnant for the second time. Because China implements ‘one child policy’, the mother is faced with three options: abortion, bribing a sterile woman to say that she is the baby’s mother, or move to Hong Kong. She opted for the last one. The child’s future is secured by having a Hong Kong identity card.

“Not much of a difficulty”, you might say. Well, here’s another one.

There was a young priest serving a community of ‘unofficial’ Catholics (Chinese government has broken ties with the Vatican which resulted in the division of the local Church. ‘Official’ Catholics are those sanctioned by the government and do not recognize the Pope’s authority. ‘Unofficial’ Catholics remain loyal to Rome and have therefore gone underground.). He got a scholarship to study in a neighboring country, but still requires a passport. To obtain one, he has to answer various questions including his profession. If he says he is a priest he will not be allowed to leave. If he states a different job he needs to prove it. He decided to bribe the officials. Catholics refused to lend him as this would mean condoning corruption. However he managed to find the money. He thinks that he has a valid reason for doing this as his aim was “…to better serve the Church”.

“A priest, bribing? That’s impossible! That’s against our faith!” you would complain. Alright, read on.

A bishop was asked by his visitors from Western countries if he will give cash donations to the victims of an earthquake that rocked a province in 2008. He said no, but added that he gave a huge amount of money to the officials. His explanation: “Because one does not the right to short-circuit the authorities in charge!” He added that if he didn’t give money to these officials (whom he accepted to be corrupt), the development of his diocese (e.g. planning permissions) would be doomed. He concedes that “one gives and gives.”

I’m hearing you shouting: “Now you’re talking about a bishop resigned to the existence of evil instead of fighting against it!”

The writer of the article cautions readers not to be easily led into criticizing our Chinese brothers and sisters in the faith. “For many Catholics in China the only way to survive is to be resourceful.”

As we celebrate the Solemnity of St Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, let us keep in our prayers the Church in China that its members would continue to keep that faith alive. Let us also take this occasion as an opportunity to thank the Lord for the gift of faith and for the privilege of professing it without any fear whatsoever. Let this feast also be a time for us all to work together for the Church. Indeed, the problems besetting Catholics in China is one issue that the Church, especially the hierarchy has to deal with. A pressing issue that needs more attention than this new English translation of the Roman Missal!