Woman of the House

The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands. (Proverbs 14:1)

Tia Lils once told me that she used to work, but after getting married, she decided to give up her job to become a full-time housewife. While Tito Jimmy earned a living, she looked after their growing family. A woman with many talents, she cooked, sewed, crocheted, managed the family budget, adorned their home, etc.  

Living with them for almost a year, I have seen how my dear aunt "built" her house - not just the edifice, but her family first and foremost. And when I say family, this is not just her own children, but also her nephews, nieces, and other relatives who have been entrusted to her care. 

During my stay with them then and every time I pay them a visit, there was no distinction between my cousins and I. Everyone was treated fairly. Everyone sees and treats each other as kapatid (sibling). 

Here were some of the ways she built us up:

She inspired us to be rooted on God. A devout woman, she was a regular churchgoer - Sundays, first Fridays, first Saturdays, etc. She was also a lector/commentator. Her prayer before serving: "Panginoon, ipagkaloob mo sa akin ang Iyong Espiritu upang makapaglingkod ako sa Iyong sambayanan" (Lord, grant me Your Spirit that I may serve Your people.).

She inculcated in us the value of hard work. During weekends and holidays, after having breakfast, we have to do our household chores: fetching water, cleaning and scrubbing the floor, doing some errands, etc. No one's allowed to sit idle. 

She taught us how to live within our means. For her, it is important to save something for a rainy day. When she had enough savings, she had a bigger house built in 1985 which stands up to the present.

She trained us to be organized. Everything should have its proper place. We should only bring out those things that are needed. A cluttered space, in her book, is a no-no.

She exhorted us to be forgiving. She once remarked, with tears on her eyes, that nursing a grudge won't do you any good.

For zeal for Your house has consumed me... (Psalm 69:9)

In the early 90s, the Mother Butler Guild (MBG) was established in St Mary Magdalene Parish. This  organization takes charge of cleaning the church as well as preparing and maintaining liturgical vestments and other paraphernalia. With all my cousins having grown up, Tia Lils decided to join MBG. Every Saturday morning, she would join her confreres to clean the church. According to Eldin, her youngest, she would arrive ahead of the others so that she could clean the tabernacle.  Her reason? While cleaning the "Holy of holies", she was praying for all of us. 

In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)

Tia Lils, a faithful wife, a loving mother, a doting grandmother, a caring aunt, a loyal follower of Christ, passed away peacefully in the presence of her loved ones in the early hours of 13th February, two days after the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes of whom she was a devotee. At the prime of her life, she looked after her house and, later on, God's house. 

Tia Lils' life is indeed a journey. The many chapters of her life were but milestones of her pilgrimage to the Father.  Through the many ups and downs of her life, she soldiered on because she put her trust in the Lord. Having accomplished her mission on earth, I am hopeful that Jesus will welcome her in the New Jerusalem.

Tia Lils, thank you for everything that you have shared with us - your love, your wisdom, your life. We have been truly blessed through the many ways that you have touched our lives. Help us to be a blessing to others. As you have remembered us in prayer and service before the Blessed Sacrament, please continue to pray for us now that you are in the healing presence of God. We love you!

Eternal rest grant unto the soul of Lilia, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

Our hearts go out to Manong Alvin, Erwin, Eldin, Tito Jimmy, and the rest of the family in this time of sorrow and bereavement.

Beth and Manuel

When the Bible Outreach Program (now known as Basic Ecclesial Communities) was introduced by Fr Bhong Guerrero in St Joseph de Gagalangin Parish in 1993, Sis. Esperanza "Beth" Dantes was one of the faces of that project. Whenever there is an area Mass in our barangay (or in nearby barangays), she would be seen on an owner-type Jeep going around the streets, with a mic on hand to invite people to the liturgy. Apart from that, she would help barangay officials and citizens in organising the logistics for the event. Bro Manuel, her husband, was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion since 1993 at a time when I was lector/commentator in the parish. We have served in numerous Masses in church. 

When I was tasked to chair the Parish Centennial Steering Committee in 2002, I asked Sis. Beth if she could lead the Publicity Sub-Committee. Knowing how effectively she engaged with people in the parish, I felt she would be the right person for the job. I gave her the freehand to choose people in her sub-committee. The first person she involved was Bro. Manuel. 

When we had our (only) planning event in Laguna in March 2003, this couple came along and made considerable contribution to the discussion. Sis. Beth was outspoken while Bro. Manuel was the silent, soft-spoken person. Yet they both compliment each other. When each sub-committee had their own meeting, I was told that the couple spent hours writing down their plans before going to bed. All participants had their serious moments of coming up with and presenting their plans. We also had our fun moments afterwards, Sis. Beth and Bro. Manuel included. There we saw their human side in the jokes, laughter, and advice they shared. Their inputs, as well as those made by other colleagues in that event, unfortunately did not materialize due to the dirty politics besetting the parish at that time. Despite that setback, our relationship with each other remained strong.

Indeed, when I visited the Philippines in 2005, I met Sis. Beth, accidentally that is. While I was visiting Loury Serdon, I heard her talking along the street (Who won't fail to recognize her voice?). I called her and she looked around and saw me. She came into Loury's house (Both know each other) and had a long chat. 

Over the years, I kept in touch with Sis. Beth and Bro. Manuel through Facebook. One time, I was touched by Sis. Beth's post about a little girl she was helping. I invited her to write a reflection on her apostolate in our web's "The Seven Last Words" a few years ago (https://anluwage-tslw2017.blogspot.com/2016/03/third-word-2016.html). She obliged.

I am amazed by this couple's tandem in serving the Christian community of Gagalangin through various ministries and organizations. I was looking through the long list of ministries and organizations they were involved in. Each is unique, but showed this couple's versatility.  One ministry that brought them together was the Parish Covid-19 On Spot Response Team. Their faith was always in action.  

Their untimely demise early this month -in a matter of days - came as a shock. For me, it is a big loss for the parish. 

The name Manuel is derived from the Hebrew Emmanuel which means "God is with us". Esperanza, on the other hand, means "hope". In their lifetime, this couple impressed on the lives they touched that God is with us despite all hardships. And because of God's presence, we can hope.

Sis. Beth and Bro. Manuel, thank you for gift of God's presence and hope. Thank you for the friendship we shared. Thank you for being good role models in the community. Your humility,  warmth, enthusiasm, commitment, and benevolence will be sorely missed.  May God, whom you faithfully served here on earth, welcome you in His kingdom where there is no more pain, but complete healing. Keep up the good work of serving the Lord in heaven, together. We love you!

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.

Three Mantras

The alarm clock went off, signalling the start of a brand new day. Waking up these past few months - from late spring onto summer - is bliss. The sun, for most of the time, is already up. The birds are chirping in praise of the Creator. Sometimes, I could hear the little toddler across the street babbling happily. Rising from bed, I thank the good Lord for a new beginning and a renewed mission, and utter Keep me faithful, just for today.

Downstairs, as I open the blinds in the kitchen and the drapes in the living room, I sing in my head a la Easter Vigil rites Lumen Christi. Deo gratias. (Light of Christ. Thanks be to God). 

And as I open the windows, I tell myself what the Risen Lord breathed into His disciples that first Easter Sunday: Receive the Holy Spirit (John 20:22).

As I get on through the day, be it at home, work, or community, I keep on saying these three mantras. They serve as my compass. They keep me calm and positive. When I face some challenges, feel drained or stressed out, or clueless, I think of these three. Otherwise, if I have no faith then I would have just given up at the sight of what seems to be a mountain of trials when it's just a heap of tests. If I have not walked in the light of Christ, then I would lose focus and stumble. When I am not open to the Holy Spirit nor listening to His promptings, I would fall trap to other voices pretending to be His. 

Faith, light of Christ, Holy Spirit. Three important mantras to start the day, to keep you going throughout the day, to see you through and put you to a good night's sleep at the end of the day.

Have a blessed day!

Now a Shrine!

I am pleased to hear the good news that the Sto. Niño de Tondo Church has recently been proclaimed an archdiocesan shrine by Cardinal Chito Tagle. I think it's about time that the this ancient center of popular devotion to the Sto. Niño be recognized.  

My mother used to bring me to this church when I was a little boy. It was usually on a Friday, the day of devotion to the Holy Child. The church was full of people. Some would walk on their knees from the main door to the sanctuary where the centuries-old statue of the Christ Child is located.  Still others would make their way up to the Sto. Niño's niche. Still others would light a candle or two. 

Even in my youth, I have frequented this church: attending Mass, going to confession, and honouring the Sto. Niño. My brother Gio and I attended the Simbang Gabi there in 1995. The Masses were led by Msgr. Sabino Vengco, an eloquent preacher. The church was full of people, up to the steps leading to the sanctuary. And yet, there was a feeling among ourselves that we are all equal.

Many years ago, Nidz and I were invited by a friend to their house in Tondo to celebrate their parish fiesta. We decided to attend Mass in the church. There was an over spill of people up to the streets surrounding the church!

Through those years, the church has welcomed people from various walks of life, people touched by the tenderness of the Sto. Niño, people who open up themselves to the Infant Lord. 

Being an archdiocesan shrine does not mean resting on one's laurels. That is why Cardinal Tagle challenged the parish of Tondo to be ready for their new identity: “If that is your identity, that’s also your mission. Along with your identity is becoming a missionary for evangelization”.

Come 5th of February, this historic church will be formally declared as the Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño. I pray that as our sisters and brothers in Tondo take in their new identify and mission, they would take heart from the Sto. Niño's humility, obedience, and compassion. Humility in lifestyle and service. Obedience to the Father's will. Compassion to the least, the last, and the lost. Doing so, others would witness that Ang Tundo Man May Langit Din!

Viva Sto. Niño de Tondo!

Ama

"You should see Fr Ric Torrefiel!", an elderly colleague in the Apostleship of Prayer (AP) in St Joseph de Gagalangin Parish told me.  The priest, during that time, was the Archdiocesan Spiritual Director of the Apostleship of Prayer-Youth. I bore that in mind and looked forward to see him. Every last Sunday of the month, AP-Youth presidents/representatives from the Archdiocese of Manila meet at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center. In the first few meetings I attended, there was no sign of Fr Ric. Until one meeting came and he showed up! Wearing a cassock and a pair of sandals, he walked around the room to greet us.

Fr Ric, for me, was a cool priest. We felt at ease with him. In one meeting, he asked us what the Gospel was all about. I volunteered to give a precis of Matthew 16:12-23. After I have finished, he jokingly said "At ikaw pala si San Pietro!" (And you are St Peter!). 

He was not so much particular with us doing the various activities expected of an AP member such as Holy Hour, First Friday communion, Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He was more particular with forming us first as young members of such a big Catholic association.

I remember those weekends in 1989 (Saturdays and Sundays) when we would gather at the Center for Peace Asia (along Shaw Blvd in Mandaluyong City) for a whole day to be taught by Fr Ric. The day was spent in prayer (sometimes in front of the Blessed Sacrament), songs, activities, and talk. Fr Ric  used to joke that the name for a talk after lunch is antok (drowsiness), which was why activities were done after lunch to keep us awake and engaged. The experience was great. New friends were met, group spirit was formed. We may be drained physically, but spiritually we were enriched! The traffic back then was not that bad, but I felt for Fr Ric as he has to drive back to his parish in Las Pinas to say Mass. 

In one of those gatherings, I cannot forget his homily on the ten lepers healed by Jesus (Luke 10:11-19). Fr Ric noted Jesus comment when one of those He healed came back: “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”. Fr Ric used those lines to challenge us: Do no rest on your laurels; persuade more people to go back to the Lord.

Persuading people can be a tall order. Parents, teachers, priests, and yes even youth leaders would often face difficulties in doing so, but with the gift of faith from above, we can continue to inspire in the hope that those under our care will follow in our footsteps.

Fr Ric was called Ama by one of our fellow AP-Youth members then. Quite appropriate, because that's what he was to us: a father who nurtured us with God's Word and Sacrament, a father who challenged us in our apostolate, a father who spent a light moment with us, a father who was simply there for us.

May you now rest in the Father's presence, Ama! Salamat po.

Called to be Faithful

One late afternoon, God was walking in the garden of Eden. "Adam! Eve! Where are you?", cried God. "We're here...hiding", Adam whispered. "Why are you hiding?", God asked. "Because we are naked", Adam replied. Sensing that something went wrong, God asked "Did you eat of the forbidden fruit?" "Eve told me to eat it", Adam said. When God confronted Eve, she said "The snake told me to eat it." 

Fast forward, an angel of the Lord appeared to a young lady called Mary to tell her that she would become God's Mother. Mary's response was "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to your word." In contrast to our first parents who did not take responsibility for their failure, Mary accepted the role God entrusted to her. If Adam and Eve said "No" to God, Mary said "Yes".

Day in and day out, perhaps without us noticing it, we have said "Yes" to God. We have said "Yes" to Him in fulfilling our roles as spouses, parents, professionals, volunteers, students, workers, etc. There are moments when are in a roll in doing any of these roles, but there are also instances when we struggle, when we start to think "Does God really want me for this role?" I am sure that Mary did not fully understand the whole scope of becoming God's Mother. Ditto St Joseph who was tasked to be the protector of Mary and Jesus. The Finding in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52) gives us an idea of how Mary and Joseph did not understand the young Jesus' behaviour. In spite of their struggles, Mary and Joseph continued to say "Yes" to God. They remained faithful.

“God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful.”, St Teresa of Calcutta once said. In a results-driven society, we are often pushed towards getting results. In the parish for example, we may be tempted to focus on how many attended the Mass or other religious activities, how many volunteered for this or that ministry, how much  money was collected for the fundraising project, and so on and so forth. All these are good in their own right, but what matters most is how faithful the community is. It is easy to give up when Mass attendance is dwindling, the collection is not enough, and the volunteers are few. Yet this is where God would see who would stay. Are we one of those?

Let us ask the Virgin Mary's help to always say "Yes" to God. He might be calling us to a particular role, but we do have a clear picture of what it may entail. For all you know you would have already been doing that role. Just the same, let's remain faithful. Think of the farmers who till our land. They do not know how the plants would grow and yet they look after it and later on harvest its produce. Being faithful shows dependence more on God's grace than our own efforts. Being faithful requires total surrender to God's will.

***

I would like to take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Fidel Ty, my godfather when I was confirmed. A man of few words, he was kind and supportive. He was, as his name suggests, a faithful husband and father. One unforgettable incident was Christmas 1987. Fr Regino Cortez, OP said Mass at St Rita Hospital that evening. After the Mass, we waited for a taxi to pass by, to no avail. Ninong Fidel was with his friends across the road and offered to give the priest a lift. While on our way to Letran, both found out that they belong to the same province! Now, they are reunited in the Father's presence!

May God bless your kind soul, Ninong Fidel. Thank you.

Mama Mary

One of the amazing things I have experienced having friends is being welcomed into their families as though I was one of them, and vice versa.  And being Filipinos, the terms of endearment we use at home applies elsewhere. Thus, we call our friends’ older siblings as Manong and Manang, or Kuya and Ate. As for their parents it’s Tito and Tita or sometimes, Daddy and Mommy, Papa and Mama, or Tatay and Nanay.

I don’t know about you, but it felt good to have that rapport (up to a certain degree) with friend’s families. I remember two friends, Art and Vlad Reyes (They’re not related!), whose moms we address as Nanay Espie and Nanay Remy respectively. Both have been warm and welcoming to me and other friends. I must say that I wouldn’t have known and understood more my friends had it not for their mothers.  

I have another friend whose mother loved her son through and through. A mom who helps me to know and understand more her son. A mom who provides that strong link between my friend and I. A mom who continues to accept, admonish, and love me in spite of the many times I have hurt my friend. This friend of mine is not just any ordinary friend. He is a friend, Teacher, Healer, Savior, Lord, and God rolled into one. He is Jesus. And His Mother is Mama Mary, "the kindest and most loving of all mothers". 

I often wonder how (and when) we Pinoy Catholics learned to address the Blessed Virgin as Mama Mary. While the English would address her as Our Lady and the Italians as Madonna, we have called her in an informal yet intimate way. We have called her as though she was family.

A few weeks ago, I had an interesting conversation with an expatriate. She and her family are active in their parish so I thought of inviting them to come along to our group's Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help in our parish. She politely declined and explained to me that she and her husband are on a spiritual journey. She admitted that she used to have a deeper relationship with Mary (deeper than her relationship with Jesus in the past) and used to pray the Rosary, but learned that she could directly pray to God and would like to focus on building a relationship with Jesus. She hopes that in God's time she will be enlightened. 

I felt sad when she told me her experience. What caused her to abandon her long-held Marian devotion? Did she feel that her deeper relationship with Mary hinders having a sound relationship with Jesus? I explained to her though that our group's focus is also on Jesus and that Mary, being His Mother, serves only as a way to Him, a companion in our spiritual journey and deeper relationship with the Lord. I closed our conversation by assuring her of my prayers.

Perhaps some of us may have had a similar experience. Regardless, I would like to offer three quotes for us to ponder: 

“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.” (St Maximilian Kolbe)

“Let us not imagine that we obscure the glory of the Son by the great praise we lavish on the Mother; for the more she is honored, the greater is the glory of her Son. There can be no doubt that whatever we say in praise of the Mother gives equal praise to the Son.” (St Bernard of Clairvaux)

"A Christian without Our Lady is an orphan." (Pope Francis)

As we celebrate Mama Mary's birthday on September 8, let us ask for the grace to have a deeper relationship with her, our spiritual mother. Let us also ask for the grace to appreciate that we are part of a family - God's People, the Church - and actively contribute to its growth. With the many tribulations the Church, our country, the world have to face, we need her more than ever. Through Mama Mary, we will be able to reach "the goal we seek - Jesus, her Son” (St Louis Marie de Montfort).

Happy birthday, Mama Mary! Thank you for your love and guidance. Help us to always listen to Your Son and to love one another as He has commanded us. Continue to lead us to Him. We love you!

An Unforgettable Encounter

After our day tour in Barcelona, on the fifth of August (which was also the first Saturday of that month) we saw it fitting to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Montserrat, 50 km away from Barcelona. Travelling again by train from Costa Brava, we stopped at Barcelona - Sants station. The sun was in its full glory when we arrived. From there we walked for about 10 minutes towards Plaça Espanya where we have to catch another train to reach our destination. While in Barcelona, we met a few Pinays to ask for some directions (and share a laugh too!). While waiting for the train, we came across some more Pinays who were also making a pilgrimage to Our Lady. It is heartwarming to meet and greet kababayans!

The travel was about an hour. Unlike our trip along the coast, our view this time were a mix of fields, houses, and mountains. There was an air of excitement as we approached Montserrat. The word Montserrat in Catalan means "saw mountain" because, as you look from afar, the protruding rocks look like the teeth of a saw. There are two options to travel further up - by cable car or train. We chose the first one!

The Aeri Montserrat, which provides the aerial cable car, has been in operation since 1930. For a while, it stopped its operation  due to the damage it sustained during the Spanish Civil War. While waiting for a few minutes before the cable car arrived, we had some photos taken. The travel was breath-taking as you could behold the beautiful scenery from up and below. We weren't that many in the cable we rode going up. I think it was only the three of us, the three Pinays, and the operator.  Reaching the top, we saw moving past us a train. There are trains and cable cars available for those who would like to travel further up.  After still some more picture taking, we made our way to the basilica. 

On top of the steps towards the basilica, we saw a vast patio. To the right of the basilica are the Benedictine Monastery and, I guess, accommodation for travellers. To the left of the basilica are statues of some saints. A wedding has just concluded when we entered the church. As we entered, we noticed some saints from the Catalan region such as St Ignatius of Loyola and St Anthony Mary Claret. The basilica itself is actually enclosed in the building that we just entered in. On the facade, one could see Jesus at the middle flanked by the Twelve Apostles. Inside the basilica, I noticed the statue of Our Lady above the altar and people venerating it. I told Nidz and Chiara that we need to go out and look for the queue leading to the statue. The queue wasn't too difficult to locate and wasn't that long. Above the door where the queue is heading is a bas relief of Our Lady of Montserrat and below it was an inscription commemorating the 100th anniversary when she was named Patroness of Catalan. 

Entering the door, we saw several statues and paintings. First was a replica of the statue of St Peter sat on a papal throne. Next was a painting of St Ignatius of Loyola surrendering his armour (he used to be a soldier) to Our Lady. Then there was a painting of St Benedict (if I am not mistaken!). We climbed through the stairs. On both sides, one could see paintings of various saints. I recognised St Clare of Assisi and pointed it to Chiara! On the door leading to Mary's statue, are the engraved statues of St Joseph and St Gabriel.

Our Lady's wooden statue (a.k.a. La Moreneta, The Dark Little One) is said to have been in existence since 718 and is protected by a glass container. The only piece of the statue that pilgrims could touch is Our Lady's hand holding the orb. While waiting for my turn, I knelt down and said some prayers. I later touched and kissed the statue's hand.  Walking away from the statue, we gathered at the chapel at the back where the statue is located, to offer some prayers. Going down, we lit a candle and placed it in one of the grottoes where lots of votive candles have been left by devotees. There was also water flowing from the spring. I helped myself as it was really a hot day. We proceeded to the shop to buy some souvenirs. Along the way, we met a few more kababayans, fellow devotees of Mama Mary!

The Spaniards have a soft spot in their hearts for Our Lady of Montserrat. Story has it that when Saracen infidels attacked Barcelona in the seventh century, they hid Our Lady's statue to a secret place in Montserrat. In the height of their battle, people have almost forgotten the statue's whereabouts. But not the Virgin itself. After almost 200 years, the statue was discovered. Soon, the devotion grew along with the establishment of a church and monastery. However, there were tribulations such as the Napoleonic invasion, Civil War, and revolutions which damaged the monastery. Still, the holy site has re-emerged. Indeed, as one historian would put it "In all ages the sinful, the suffering, the sorrowful, have laid their woes at the feet of Our Lady of Montserrat, and none have ever gone away unheard or unaided." Isn't this story similar to its Pinoy counterparts? Think of the stories of Our Lady of the Rosary of La Naval (Manila) and of Our Lady of Penafrancia (Bicol) among others. 

We headed back to Barcelona-Sants station where we rode a train going to Figueres (the same destination we headed for after our travel to Barcelona the day before). In our rush, we thought that the train would pass through Sta Susanna (where we rode the train going to Barcelona). Seeing no signs of the beach, but fields we became suspicious. Nidz asked a man for help. We found out that yes, we're heading to Figueres, but going through a different route! He told us that we might have to go back to Barcelona upon reaching Figueres! Noticing that we were heading towards Girona (in whose airport we landed a few days back), we went down at that station and asked where we could catch the right train. Luckily, there was one on its way in an hour. When the train arrived, we made ourselves comfortable - there were not many passengers at that time. Still, we were anxious as we might get lost. We felt relieved when we saw the coast! Later, we were on our way to the hotel (Just on time for dinner!).

We're grateful to have visited Montserrat. Mountains, in a number of Biblical stories, are considered to be places where one encounters God (and His angels and saints). Like St Peter, we could say "Lord, it is good for us to be here." (Mt 17:4). Going down, our mission to share that encounter begins. 

Our Lady of Montserrat, pray for us!

One With Barcelona

We spent our summer holiday in Costa Brava, a coastal region of Catalonia in northeastern Spain two weeks ago. We had a great time enjoying the sunshine (It was very hot with temperatures ranging from 30 to 34 degrees!), walking along and swimming in the beach, tasting the food, taking a stroll along the busy streets, and meeting lots and lots of people. We had a great time as a family!

During our trip, we took the opportunity to visit Barcelona - not once, but twice.  It took us an hour and twenty minutes to travel by train from Costa Brava to Barcelona. Boring journey? Not at all. The train travels along the Mediterranean Sea where one could enjoy viewing not only the sea, but people having a good time there. While on the train we were entertained by two men singing what I would imagine to be popular Spanish (or Catalan?) songs, only to be asked for a few coins afterwards.

Emerging from the underground Plaça Catalunya station, we saw the City of Barcelona teeming with life: the roads were busy, tourists and locals abound, and it was hot!  Riding on a tourist bus, we wandered through the city and saw great works of art such as Casa Batllo, Casa Mila (aka La Pedrera), and Sagrada Familia. All these were designed by the renowned Antoni Gaudi. We also saw the  Columbus Monument, the 1992 Summer Olympics stadium, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, Beach Barceloneta, and Plaça Espanya.  Nidz noted how the city's buildings and surroundings are well-looked after. It was, according to her, much better than the city we visited the previous summer. I agree.

One of the last spots we saw before leaving the city was Las Ramblas, a 1.2 km walkway through the heart of the city centre. One could see here all sorts of stalls, restaurants, bars, and street performers. It stretches from the Columbus monument in the south to the Plaça Catalunya in the north.

It pains us to hear that last Thursday afternoon, at a rush hour, Barcelona was attacked by terrorists. A white Fiat van veered off the road and into a crowd. The reckless driver continued, according to the Guardian (www.theguardian.com), "...down the pedestrian boulevard of Las Ramblas, a popular tourist destination, for more than 500 metres before stopping and fleeing on foot". As of this writing, 13 were killed and more than 130 were injured. The following morning, another attack happened in Cambrils, a neighbouring coastal town, where a woman was killed and six civilians and a police officer were injured. ISIS claims responsibility for the attacks, but this is still being verified. I note a similar incident which occurred in London Bridge last June.

Why an increase in terrorist attacks? Ben Wallace, UK security minister, has this to say: “I think the threat is still increasing, partly driven by the fact Isis is collapsing in Syria and people are either unable to get out there to fight for Isis and so look to do something at home – or because people have come back and tried to inspire people with their stories and tales of the caliphate. I think those two things mean that the threat is to some extent increasing.” This calls for vigilance and tighter security.

My heart goes out to the innocent victims of the Barcelona attack, among them was an Italian father who died saving the lives of his young son and baby daughter. May their souls be in God's peace. May God wipe away the tears from the people they left behind. May He also comfort those who are injured. May Jesus' words console them:  "And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly." (Luke 18:7-8).

I know Barcelona will rise up again from this tragedy. Indeed, Las Ramblas has re-emerged "as a centre of life, reflection, and defiance". Keep it up, Barcelona. I join the crowds in shouting: No tinc por (I am not afraid).

Shining Within Us

Lord Jesus, your light is shining within us,
Let not my doubts and darkness speak to me.
Lord Jesus, your light is shining within in us.
Let my heart always welcome your love.

I have accidentally omitted this beautiful song in my recent article on the Taize prayer service which was held in our parish.  With a slow and gentle tempo, this song allows us anyone who sings it to meditate, to let one's heart speak to the Lord.

 

Lord Jesus, your light is shining within us,
Let not my doubts and darkness speak to me.
Lord Jesus, your light is shining within in us.
Let my heart always welcome your love.

I think of this song as I recall that horrible mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. In an interview, the father of the gunman had one question to his son: Why? Indeed, most if not all of us affected by this incident would echo the same question. Is it pure hatred on the LGBT (Lesbian, gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community? If it is, would killing 49 people and wounding another 50 be justifiable?

 

Lord Jesus, your light is shining within us,
Let not my doubts and darkness speak to me.
Lord Jesus, your light is shining within in us.
Let my heart always welcome your love.

My thoughts too go to that bishop in Shanghai, China, Thaddeus Ma Daqin who recently made an about face when he publicly recanted his decision to bolt the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (CCPA). CCPA is sanctioned by the state to control the life of the Catholic Church in China since the 1950s. Control includes ordaining their own bishops without the blessing from Vatican. When Daqin was ordained, he publicly dissociated himself with CCPA. Put under house arrest, he did not give into pressure to recant and served as a model to Catholics who secretly maintained their loyalty to Rome. Until last June 12. What made him change his mind?

 

Lord Jesus, your light is shining within us,
Let not my doubts and darkness speak to me.
Lord Jesus, your light is shining within in us.
Let my heart always welcome your love.

While my heart has high hopes for the President-elect in my land of birth, I felt uneasy with how he has already alienated a host of people: the UN, the Catholic Church (albeit I would imagine that his ire is more focused on the leaders of the Church), the Martial Law victims, women, the media, and the Vice President-elect (I could understand why he is not going to appoint her to his Cabinet, but having a separate inauguration is beyond me!). He seems hell-bent to have the former dictator buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.  Why? To console the Marcoses at the expense of the many who suffered under the dictatorship? Elections are political exercises. They divide people. Some are in this camp, while another is on that camp, etc. But now that they're over, shouldn't Duterte, as paterfamilias, reach out to everyone (regardless if they voted for him or not) instead of catering only to the needs of his friends and others close to him?

 

Lord Jesus, your light is shining within us,Let not my doubts and darkness speak to me.
Lord Jesus, your light is shining within in us.
Let my heart always welcome your love.

In these moments of darkness and doubt, in these times when we would often ask "Why?", let us take courage in Jesus' light "shining within us". Let us also pray that this same light will shine on the victims of the Orlando shooting, on Omar Mateen (RIP) and others who have wrong views on other people, on Thaddeus Ma Daqin, on our fellow Catholics in China who keep the faith alive, on President-elect Duterte, and on our country.  And because it's Father's Day this Sunday, let us also remember all fathers in our prayer.  May we all be guided by this light to work for what is true and just.

 

Priest Hole

I turned on the TV one night, not so much to really watch but to help me doze off. Pampaantok baga! The show was about the persecution of Catholics in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century. The intense persecution came about after two attempts by Catholic nobles to depose the Protestant Queen and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots, her cousin who was a Catholic. 

A law prohibiting a Catholic from celebrating the rites of his faith (e.g. Mass) was implemented. Old Catholic families had Mass secretly celebrated in their homes. Hiding places, or what has now been commonly called as priest hole, were built to protect the priest in case suspicious soldiers would suddenly barge into the homes. Harvington Hall in Worcestershire has several priest holes such as the photo above. Other castles and homes that have these are Ripley Castle in North Yorkshire and Chesterton Hall near Cambridge.

One of the holes was just next to a big fireplace and the TV presenter mentioned that, to protect the priest from the fire, his vestment was soaked in water!

It has been said that much of these holes were attributed to St Nicholas Owen, a Jesuit lay brother, who constructed these hiding places. St Nicholas was both architect and engineer of these holes. Eventually, he was arrested, tortured, and killed, but he didn't reveal anything to the authorities. 

The house searches of these soldiers were rigorous and could last for a week. More often than not, they leave empty handed. There is a risk that priests hiding in these holes would die due to lack of oxygen (some would hold their breath lest they would be detected) or starvation.

Priests, like in those days, are an endangered species. Although persecution is no longer prevalent in England (and in most parts of the globe), our priests still need that hole, that hiding place to protect them from the perils of this world. Apart from protection, they need that hole where they could be nurtured, where they can recharge when the going gets tough. It's not the hole which shielded the priests of the 16th century. It's not the gadgets or vices that some of them have been allegedly holed up to. It's far better than those.  

The hole where priests should hide is the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  The Lord once spoke these words: "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.…" (Mt 11:28).

As we celebrate the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the 12th of this month, let us entrust to Him all our priests. May they make time to be hidden in this sweet and loving heart so that, when they go out into the world, when they resume their duties, they would touch people's hearts, especially the most hardened ones (Promise of the Sacred Heart of Jesus).

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You!