Guest’s reaction to that letter was: There is more than this Catholic Church…Rediscover your faith. Based (sic) it not on the Catholic Church alone…
Thank you, Guest for your comments. I agree that there is indeed a need for me and all of us to rediscover our faith. My involvement in the Catholic Church for many years (from a mere churchgoer to someone who has actively participated in a number of its ministries; e.g. choir, lectors/commentators, parish newsletter, liturgy group, etc) has helped me a lot in rediscovering my faith.
I must admit that it wasn’t a bed of roses all the time – I experienced being maligned and ostracized in one parish community – yet the experience and opportunity made me aware of my faith and shaped me to love more and more the Lord and the Church in spite of its many failures.
The Church is like a family. Though you may not have the freedom to choose who your parents or siblings or relatives would be, it’s there where you’ll first discover life, love, etc. Of course the family itself won’t be able to provide you with everything, but still it is where you are primarily formed and nurtured as a human being.
Like the Catholic Church, some may not have happy memories when they think of family. I had my own fare share of disappointments in mine, but that won’t be reason enough for me to abandon the ship.
There is more than the Catholic Church, yes. Yet I am convinced that my faith will be further nurtured by her - as the community entrusted by God to do so - and her alone!
My involvement in parish life began when I was 11 years old and was living in Kawit, Cavite, thanks to my aunt Lilia Samaniego-Reyes (herself a member of the Apostleship of Prayer, Confraternity of Lourdes, and Lectors/Commentators Group) who encouraged me to go to Mass frequently and participate in the Block Rosary and the Basic Christian Community. I brought that zeal when my family moved back to Gagalangin, Tondo.
Thanks a lot, Tia Lils. May the good Lord bless you on your special day.
Happy birthday on the 30th June!
Birthday greetings also to Tita Luz Lina, President of the Queen of Families Rosary
Group in Barangay 170, Gagalangin, who’s also due to celebrate her birthday on the 30th. Tita Luz is a really kind and friendly neighbour. She helped me get a job in Cargohaus, Inc (owned by her nephew Bert Lina). As a chemist herself, we worked on many projects in that company.
Maraming salamat, Tita Luz! Masaganang blow-out!
If there is one family member who really made me realize what being family is all about, it was my late aunt Rosalina Samaniego whose 12th death anniversary we are commemorating on the 29th June. She was always there for us through thick and thin.
May you enjoy the heavenly reward that God has in store for you, Mommy Rosie! I love you!
