Awaiting in Patience

Every day, my father would send my on Viber some historical facts and puzzles. Yesterday, he sent me this puzzle: 

I hire parsons.

Form one word using all words in the above sentence.

My answer: Parishioners.

Papa gave me a thumbs-up.

Hours before that Viber conversation, Nidz and I were in the shop to buy something. As we were leaving, a familiar face came in. It was Angela Brown, a fellow parishioner. We were all happy to see each other. It's been ages since we saw each other in church and have been missing each other's company. Although very few churches in our diocese have reopened, our parish church hasn't. Services - please God - will resume by the end of September.

Going back to the puzzle, it seems that I was having thoughts of my parish: its liturgical celebrations and devotions, its people, etc. Thank God for technology, we as a community continue to be in touch through our website and social media. Fr John Martin, our parish priest shares with us his daily reflection of the Gospel. The reflection also includes the Mass intention so we are aware and unite in prayer for the person/s being remembered in the Holy Eucharist. Every weekend, he also has a video on the Sunday Gospel in collaboration with other parishioners.

I note that it's St James' feast day today. He once wrote: Now be patient, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. Think of the farmer: how patiently he waits for the precious fruit of the ground until it has had the autumn rains and the spring rains! You too have to be patient; do not lose heart, because the Lord's coming will be soon" (James 5:7-8).

For our parish and other communities having the same predicament, St James' call to be patient is both timely and inspiring. How can we practice this virtue? Fr John wrote: We are called on to be the rich soil in which the seed fell and produced a rich harvest. We are reminded to take a look at ourselves from time to time in order that we can take stock and see what needs to change and what work do we need to do for that change to take place. May be there might be a bit of weeding that needs doing in order for new growth to take place, or we may need watering and nurturing. Whatever it may be we need to do let us not neglect it because if we do it could reduce our faith and separate us from the love of God and we do not want that to happen!. 

As we look forward to our churches reopening soon, let's take to heart Fr John's reflection and do our homework!

***

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and welcome to God's big family my nephew and godson, Scott Nathan M. Reyes. Scott is the second son of Eldin (my first cousin) and Hershey. 

Happy baptismal day, Scott! We join you in celebrating your special day. Your baptism gives hope for the Church in fulfilling its mission in these challenging times. May God our Father bless and guide you so that, later on, you too would help in building up His kingdom here on earth. We love you!

Eldin with Scott

St Mary Magdalene Parish Church

Kawit, Cavite, Philippines

Baby's First Word

Every 10:30pm (UK time), my siblings (3 in the US, 1 in the UK, 1 in the Philippines), our families, our mother, and I would have a group chat via Messenger to say the Rosary. When the lockdown was on its first few days in mid-March, we kept in touch to see how everyone's doing.  During those times, a former colleague in UST and I had a chat and she told how she and her siblings would gather every evening through social media to pray. I had a thought about that and floated the idea with my siblings. And so, we began our devotion on 2nd April. 

Because we are 5 siblings, we take turns in leading a decade of the Rosary. Later on, we involved other members of the family such as our mother, spouses, and children. Mama would lead in the Introductory Prayers (Apostles' Creed, Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, 1 Glory). Chiara and Stella (my niece, brother Gio's eldest daughter) would lead in the 2 special prayers to Mary which Pope Francis has asked the faithful to pray this month. In keeping with a long-standing tradition in May, we sing the Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen).

In one of our Rosaries, we all overheard Samantha (my 1 year old niece, Gio's youngest daughter) repeatedly saying "Mama...Mama". We smiled (and laughed a bit). The little girl is learning to talk and one of the first words she learnt is "Mama" (The other word is "Stella").

As we continued saying the Rosary that night, Samantha's word kept ringing in my ear. I thought to myself, what this little girl is saying is what essentially we her elders are saying right at that moment. We adults talked about this after our family prayer. Indeed, the exalted words of the Angelic Salutation (aka Hail Mary), for me, can be summed up perfectly in one word: "Mama".

The Hail Mary recalls God choosing a woman "full of grace" to be His Mother. It brings to mind Elizabeth recognizing her younger cousin as "the Mother of my Lord". It remembers our forebears entrusting themselves to the "Mother of God...now and at the hour of our death". It is a Christian's cry to his/her Mother!

When was the last time we recited the Hail Mary or the Rosary like a child to our mother?

Samantha has unknowingly made us realize how important Mary is in our lives as a domestic Church. The next time we say the Rosary, let's not rush uttering the Hail Mary (or any other prayer said in that beautiful devotion). Let's savour the taste of each word in that prayer. Let's mean what we are saying in prayer. Let's be child-like once again when we communicate with God and with His saints, Mama Mary especially.

Tito Alex

It has been 40 days since the untimely demise of my uncle Dr Alejandro "Alex" V Albano. I remember how my dad called me twice that 4th of April, Saturday afternoon to inform me about the sad news.

When he returned to Manila in the late 1970s, with Tita Peachie and cousins Ate Ritzie and Ate Leli, they were our next-door neighbour. Tito Alex was a silent type of guy, something that sets him apart from the other noisy members of the clan (no pun intended!).

Many years after they went back to the States, I got a surprise phone call from him updating me about Lola Piling (who was hospitalised at that time). He then asked how I was doing and advised me: "Mag-aral kang mabuti kasi 'yan ang magtataguyod sa iyo" (Study hard because that will help you forward). He then asked me if I was communicating with my dad. At that time, my relationship with father was anything but pleasant. So I told my uncle, "Ayoko po" (I don't want to). He replied "Tatay mo pa rin 'yun" (He is still your father).

I would not forget that night way back in 1994 when Tito Alex called and his words of wisdom. I never had any similar conversation with him later on. I have the impression that the words he told me came from the depths of his heart. And the only way one could truly discern what's in one's heart is to be silent. 

We all need silence. And this comes to the fore, especially during this lockdown. Silence to reflect on what life has to offer, silence to "listen with the ears of the heart" (St Benedict of Nursia), silence to think, silence to make decisions, silence to acknowledge who you are in the sight of God, silence to be grateful, silence to enjoy one's blessings.

My Lolo Paul once wrote: "Growth is silent". Reflecting on the life of Tito Alex, I think he took to heart Lolo's words. In Tito Alex's silence, he faithfully and lovingly cared for Tita Peachie and his family, he diligently looked after his patients, he humbly did the will of God. Tito Alex grew to be an exemplary person.

May his silence challenge us to become more humble, compassionate, and considerate to those entrusted to our care.

Thank you, Tito Alex, for being such a wonderful uncle. May God, who speaks and is heard of in silence, welcome you into His healing presence.

My love to Tita Peachie and family in this time of sorrow and grief.

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.