Maka-matanda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eternal Rest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tita Laling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul in the Eyes of Piling

Way back in 1996, I conducted an interview with my Lola Piling on Lolo Paul’s life and times. The interview was intended for a project which unfortunately didn’t materialize. As we continue to celebrate this year Lolo Paul’s Birth Centennial, I thought of publishing this interview with the woman who has provided me with first hand accounts of my grandfather, the driving force behind Lolo Paul. In a way this is a tribute to her – 8th March 2011 is her 96th birth anniversary.

Pietro S Albano (PSA): Where and when were you married?

Pilar Valdes-Albano (PVA): At St Rita Chapel, Taft Avenue, Manila (under Ermita Catholic Church); April 2, 1938.

St Rita Chapel was a part of St Rita Hall, a dormitory for men under the Maryknoll Fathers (at that time by Rev Frs Robert Sheridan and Austin Hannon) where Paul stayed and spent his bachelorhood. The Chapel and Hall are located across the Philippine Normal School (now University). You can find out who is in this building now.

PSA: Where did you first live?

PVA: After our wedding we stayed in an apartment along Rosa Maria, a callejon (alley) of Cabildo Street in Intramuros, Manila. We were still students then: Paul was an Intern at the San Juan de Dios Hospital (this used to be located where Lyceum now stands) and I came from UP and transferred for my senior year in Medicine in UST graduating in 1940.

During my internship, I was pregnant with my first child and son (Paulino Jr; a.k.a. Sonny) so we transferred to a bigger apartment in San Jose Street also in Intramuros, Manila.

PSA: When did you transfer to Gagalangin?

PVA: In 1940. After our son was baptized on December 13, 1939, we invested our money in buying a lot and building a house in Gagalangin subdivision through Mr Augusto Pasemano, the agent. After my graduation, we transferred and had the house blessed, which was still under construction. Fr Fidel Albano, my brother-in-law, introduced us to the Parish Priest of St Joseph Parish, Fr Pedro Pajarillo, endorsing us to him for his guidance in our lives especially spiritual, moral, and material needs. This started our lives and pledge of service, love, and loyalty and developed a deeper relationship not only with our parish priest, but to our neighborhood and community as well.

PSA: When was St Rita Hospital established?

PVA: Our life started also with the practice of our professions. Being both doctors, although my husband was reluctant for me to practice, we immediately started our practice, put up a small drug store and named it St Rita Dispensary in honor of our patron saint, St Rita of Cascia, the patron of impossible cases. We could not compete with the then existing medical practitioners who were very much our senior in age.

We gave free consultations. News spread far and near and the patients coming were more than enough to keep us busy during the day and even in the night. My husband restricted me to answer house calls so as to do both my duties as mother and physician at the same time. For this reason, we bought delivery room sets and instruments and completed our needs as necessity arises and as much as our finances could afford.

Then 1941 came. The World War II broke out which was both a big drawback in the progress of our lives and at the same time a blessing because it gave us opportunity to serve our neighbors as well as people who evacuated in Gagalangin which is located on the northern suburbs of Manila and in fact a part of Tondo where we find the ‘poorest of the poor’ in our midst.

The nucleus of St Rita Hospital truly started at the time we started our medical practice. Slowly, but surely with the blessing of God through the intercession of St Rita, [we] expanded and thanks to all the patients who patronized us. Even before the war we had 2 to 12 hospital beds for emergency both for children and adults especially deliveries so that we added Maternity with the Clinic and Dispensary. So finally in 1950 we got our license as hospital. The growth, expansion, and improvements continued.

PSA: How about the School of Midwifery?

PVA: After the war, statistics on census registered heavy Infant Mortality due to unsanitary instruments used during deliveries by unlicensed midwives or ‘hilots’. This inspired us to put up the School of Midwifery in 1957 and sensing the necessity of our country for better health care. We employed qualified professors and clinical instructors and activated all departments to operate both the Hospital and Schools (The School-now College – of Nursing as well as the Primary and Secondary Schools were opened a few years later. This conglomeration was named Scout Ramon V Albano Memorial Colleges in remembrance of their fifth son who died with his fellow scouts in an airplane crash on their way to a World Jamboree in 1963. This was renamed St Rita Hospital College of Nursing and School of Midwifery in 1990. ) according to standards as required both by the Departments of Health and Education.

Midwifery and Nursing students needed certain number of deliveries as requirement for them to graduate and for this reason we offered free delivery with donation and to pay for the delivery room and medicines used. Most of the patients claimed to be indigent and would donate as low as PHP 5.00 for a 2-3 days stay. Some just deliver and leave their babies in the Hospital. Soon the number of children left at ages ranging from new born to 6 years old totalled 30. I saw the necessity for them to learn more by employing a teacher teaching them praying, singing, writing, reading, and even dancing. By this time my children were growing and did not like the idea of so many children if we brought them in our house. My husband and I decided to give them back to their parents. They were happy to have them back now grown-up and healthy. [They also] signed promissory notes to pay or donate to the Hospital, but not even one came back even just to say ‘Thank you’. Some were given for adoption especially those who were childless and who ended successful too.

PSA: [And the] Sarrat Rural Bank?

PVA: [It] was formed and managed to help the people in the rural areas in our towns and province [in Ilocos Norte] in line with the government’s projects.

PSA: What were some of the activities in the [St Joseph de Gagalangin] Parish which you spearheaded or sponsored?

PVA: In the 1950s the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus (KC) was automatically the Parish Council President. When the KC Council 3913 of St Joseph Parish separated from the Manila Council 1000, Fr Pajarillo appointed me as President of the Parish Council. The Parish of St Joseph by that time had already organized most of the Catholic organizations except the Legion of Mary. I proposed a fund raising for all the organizations to have funds of their own as we were already planning for the construction of the new church. We mobilized the parish through these organizations to tap all private individuals and all businesses inside Gagalangin. The construction was given to Engr Eduardo A Santiago who also constructed the Immaculate Conception Academy (of Manila) and trailing them our St Rita Hospital for our expansions.

PSA: What were Lolo Paul’s hobbies?

PVA: Regularly he played tennis and swimming. Almost every other day he goes to Villa Pilarita (in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan) about 1 ½ drive from our home. [It’s] where almost every Sunday we stay for the day – our family and often with friends.

PSA: Did he die peacefully?

PVA: Since we got married we made a devotion to hear Holy Mass and receive Holy Communion everyday with special devotions on our First Fridays and First Saturdays – going to Confession at least once or twice a month. We were in New York staying at the house of Alex (fourth son) and Peachie – about 5 small blocks to the church. It was Monday morning (19th November 1984) and we walked as usual to St Rita Church, our parish [church]. We prayed the Rosary in going and again on coming home. This time he delayed our prayer and he wanted to talk so our topic was death. I mentioned the death of the father of St John Bosco who died in church on First Friday and others. Then we prayed the Rosary to finish before we reached home.

I cooked our lunch while he took a bath. We had lunch and while I was cleaning the dishes he went to watch the TV. It was about 1:00pm. Later I joined him. Soon he complained of itchy sensation at his back and requested me to scratch his back. Then he complained of dizziness as if the house was whirling. I helped him to stand and told him to lie on the floor. I called for Alex to get his blood pressure. He came and requested me to call 911 and his brothers. I know he was having an attack so I called everybody running to and fro from the telephone and his sides. Alex could not get his blood pressure so I shouted prayers towards his ears (“The Act of Contrition” and “Jesus, Mary, Joseph”). The 911 team arrived and when I saw his ECG straight I called Msgr Andrews, our pastor. They came one by one in succession – Meddy (first daughter), Heidi (daughter-in-law), Msgr Andrews, another truck of 911, then Sonny (first son) and other doctors.

It was after 3:00pm when they pronounced him gone(The death certificate actually records 1:30pm as Lolo Paul’s time of death.). I went up to get a candle and on the floor I picked up a picture of Christ; at the back [of which it says] ‘Safely Home’. I could not cry, but shouted, “Thy will be done, O Lord.”

The funeral parlor arrived and took him. Then so many people arrived so we have to start our prayers. With the approaching thanksgiving [Day], no viewing was scheduled until Friday – Saturday – Sunday and on Monday November 26 he was buried after the Mass of Resurrection where Fr Robert Sheridan officiated and gave the Homily.

‘Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.’

My Model

This coming 19th November, it would be 25 years since my Lolo Paul’s passing away. My siblings and I had the misfortune of not being able to see him for the last time – he died and was buried in New York. A few months before that, he was in the Philippines and even managed to travel from Tondo to Cavite to see us. When I saw him (and my aunt and cousins) waiting outside the house, his first words were “Hindi na kayo dumalaw sa akin…” (You didn’t come again to visit me…) He said those in a gentle voice, not reprimanding. I feel the sentence was incomplete, but didn’t press him for that. We both knew that he came to Cavite that blessed Sunday because he missed us. I never saw him that happy to see us.

Years before that final encounter with my paternal grandfather, he wrote me a letter telling me that I am the model for my brother and sisters. I think he wanted me to be aware of the great responsibility I have as the eldest in the brood. I must admit that at a tender age – 8 or 9 years – I took his words seriously. During that time, my father was abroad leaving us 5 children in our mother’s care.

Society has this high expectation on who’s the eldest in the family that one false move and they’re on your case!

How could I be a model for my siblings (and for others)? Perhaps I could pick up some values from my late grandfather:

P – Prayer. Lolo Paul was a man of prayer. He and Lola Piling would start their day with the Holy Mass. He also had devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Rosary, and the Holy Souls. Whenever we travel past a cemetery, he would lead us in praying for the dead. I’m pretty much sure that those souls he prayed for when he was alive have remembered him when it was his turn to be called by God to his true home. I will forever be grateful to Lolo Paul for inculcating in my tender mind then the value of communicating with God as often as I could.

A – Action. Lolo Paul’s actions were rooted in prayer. As a doctor, he always sought guidance from the Divine Healer so he could bring healing to his patients.When he was Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, he spearheaded the traditional Gift-Giving to the poor of Gagalangin Parish held during the Feast of the Epiphany. He and Lola Piling were also the husband and wife team that led the lay faithful of that parish in building a bigger church in the late 50s.

U – Unity. As head of a large family, it was important for him that all members are united for a common goal. When most of the family was still in the Philippines, we would all attend Sunday Mass at the St Rita Hospital Chapel and have breakfast together at his big house – there used to be 2 round tables in the dining area. I was told that when he was still managing the hospital and college he founded, he treated his employees as though they were his own. He also strongly believed in the indissolubility of marriage. Being a dad myself, I have to make sure that my own family would stay intact in spite the many evils besetting families nowadays.

L – Love. Lolo Paul once mentioned that this was the secret of his success. He loved his family very well and devoted his life for their well-being. According to Lola Piling, she found in Lolo Paul “a father, brother, and husband rolled in one”. Having raised 11 children (10 are still alive) can be a daunting task, but because of love he was able to take on the challenge. Indeed, for someone who loves, the difficult becomes doable! And at the end of our lives, we would be judged for how we loved not how much we have in our pockets.

Twenty-five years or so has passed and there have been more people whom I have looked after – siblings, cousins, friends, and now family. I tried my best to be a model for them. I hope I have been a good one. If not, I beg for their indulgence.

May God who once gave Lolo Paul to us, bless his good soul and allow me (and everyone else touched by his words and examples) to continue his legacy while looking forward to that reunion with him in heaven soon.

Tita Connie

By this time most schools in the Philippines would have already honoured their teachers in ways that would range from holding Masses, programmes, and gift givings. I'd like to devote this space to a former colleague in St Rita Hospital and College, the late Connie Navarra-Bautista, who passed away after a lingering illness on 18 January 2009. Ma'am Connie was a Filipino teacher in the High School Department and a Rizal lecturer in the College.

I have known her since childhood. My mom used to be the School Nurse and was based in what is now a property of San Miguel Corporation in Balut, Tondo, Manila. The clinic was very near the High School faculty room. Because of their proximity, it wasn't difficult for those working in the clinic and those in the faculty room to know each other. Due to familiarity, we kids would call these teachers as 'Tita' (Filipino version of 'Aunt'): Tita Connie, Tita Pat (Mrs Cleopatra Bautista, Principal), Tita Carmen (Mrs Carmelita Go, Math teacher), etc.

I later began to work with my 'Titas' when I coordinated religious events in St Rita and, when Tita Pat appointed me to teach Religion in their department (She would later stand down to give way for Ma'am Connie's ascent to the department's headship. For some reason, Ma'am Connie didn't stay there longer.). It was very easy to work with these ladies especially when I have to organise religious events with the high school students like Quiz contests, film showing, Masses, etc. They have developed through the years how to tap manpower where and when it is needed. Though it was a short stint, I have always treasured the experience I have had with them and with the students.

One of the last times I saw Ma'am Connie (For some reason, I called them Ma'am perhaps to stress my respect to them and their profession...), was during my younger sister Gisela's graduation. After that I rarely heard of her especially when the High School was closed and the College followed suit. Until I met Berwin, her son, who was a colleague in Singles for Christ in St Joseph Parish. I have actually been in contact with Berwin for most of the time then as we both were in the field of education and belong to the same household group in Singles. I never thought then that he and Ma'am Connie were related. It was only when we held our meeting at their home that I heard a familiar voice called 'Piet!'. That occasion allowed me to be reunited with her!

When I visited the Philippines in 2006, I once again met her - at St Rita where she was teaching again. She was very happy to see me and commended me for remembering my roots. The last news I have heard of her was rather sad. Mama sent me an e-mail telling me that ma'am Connie has a brain tumour and could no longer move most parts of her body. In a few days, on the feast of the Holy Child, she was gone.

Ma'am Connie was never my teacher, academically that is. I remembered when I was still in St Rita and needed to talk to someone to express my depression with my financial situation then, she lend me her ears. In her serious countenance, she urged me to keep on trying and show those people who look down on me that I could get myself out of my sorry condition. In effect she was teaching me to treat challenges as opportunities to become a much better person.

She was considered a terror teacher. Perhaps being a 'terror' is her way of challenging her students to excel in their studies and, later, in life. I was told that, over the years, she has mellowed. She may have, but I don't think it was to sacrifice every teacher's noble aim: to get the best out of their students. In a way she facilitated too the best out of me.

She has touched my life and the lives of many out there. May she now rest in the presence of the Great Master who told her: "Come, follow me!"

Lolo's Love Song

As a boy, my grandfather would wake me up at 5 in the morning to attend the Mass at nearby St Rita Hospital Chapel. Though still young to understand why I need to attend the Mass and perform other religious duties, I obeyed my elders.

Lolo Paul would do the First Reading while Lola Piling, the Prayer of the Faithful. Both would lead in the singing.

There is one song that they used to sing during Communion. And although some in the family would contradict me, I would say that this was their theme song. It goes like this:

Pag-ibig ang siyang pumukaw
Sa ating puso at kaluluwa
Ang siyang nagdulot sa ating buhay
Ng gintong aral at pag-asa.

Pag-ibig ang siyang buklod natin
Di mapapawi kailanpaman
Sa puso't diwa tayo'y isa lamang
Kahit na tayo'y magkawalay.

Pagkat ang Diyos natin Diyos ng pag-ibig
Magmahalan tayo'y magtulungan
At kung tayo'y bigo ay huwag limutin
Na may Diyos tayong nagmamahal.

Sikapin sa ating pagsuyo
Ating ikalat sa buong mundo
Pag-ibig ni Jesus ang siyang sumakop sa
Mga pusong uhaw sa pagsuyo.


Today, 19th of November, is Lolo Paul's 23rd death anniversary. He loved our grandmother and us so dearly. I am full of gratitude for all the kindness that he has shown me, for introducing me to the Lord whose Body and Blood is offered in the Mass. I won't forget him holding my hand as we walked from the house to the chapel. I hope and pray that he will continue to hold my hand, facing life with love as as he once did.

Lola's Heirloom

It was my day-off yesterday (March 8). I woke up quite early – it seems that my biological clock has been urging me to get up or spring is at hand (Yes!), I don’t know. Later that day I found myself in church attending Mass. Weekday Masses in the parish is attended by a handful of churchgoers (including the Poor Clare nuns whose convent is attached to the church). As I look at my fellow worshippers I noticed that I was the youngest.

I cannot fail to become nostalgic. The scene brought me back to our old house in Cavite Street. At about 5 o’clock in the morning, a voice from the intercom is heard, “Pietro, gising na. Magsisimba tayo.” It was Lolo Paul. Day in and day out he would always wake me up to join him and Lola Piling for the daily Mass at the chapel of St Rita Hospital.

My grandparents have inculcated in my then young mind the value of the Mass and devotion to the saints. My devotion to St Joseph was actually inspired by my grandmother who was a devotee herself. She gave me a stampita with an image of St Joseph busy in his workshop and was being assisted by Our Lord. I was then 5/6 years old. I couldn’t remember what happened to that stampita. One time I mentioned it to her. She replied, in a complaining way, something like “Winawala mo naman eh...” Still she gave me another one, this time it was taken from the image of St Joseph in Gagalangin church. I kept it and when I was sick, I held that stampita and prayed, “Mahal na Poong San Jose, sana gumaling na ako.” Although I cannot say that I got well right there and then, I eventually recovered. I didn’t forget St Joseph since then.

I offered that Mass to thank God for them, especially for Lola Piling whose birthday was remembered that day. She would have been 91 years old if she were alive. Like St Joseph of old, she supported me and my siblings through thick and thin. Now it’s my turn to do the same to others.

***
You might have some stories to tell about your personal experience with St Joseph. Please feel free to send them to us. It would be an appropriate way of thanking him on his solemnity come March 20.