July 8, 2013 PILGRIMAGE TO ROME

Rome, "The Eternal City," is the seat of Christianity. It has been dubbed such since the time St. Peter and St. Paul roamed its cobblestone streets planting the seed of Christianity through the proclamation of the Good News.

Tradition says that Rome was founded by twins, Remus and Romulus, who were nursed and cared for by wolves. As they grew older, the green-eyed monster, jealousy, overwhelmed Romulus so as to orchestrate the murder of his brother. Hence, being the recognized ruler, the city was named after him. History is replete with facts authenticating the lust for greed and power of succeeding rulers and emperors, possibly tainted by its founder. Be that as it may, Rome rose from its humble beginnings through the centuries to become one of the greatest empires the world has ever known.

Territorial expansion grew by leaps and bounds due to the unparalleled warfare know-how of its military leaders and a dedicated citizenry. In addition, the reservoir of intellectual and creative minds added so much luster in the arts and sciences of an age consumed with the passion that "beauty is its own excuse for being."

 Today, in this 21st Century,  as we walk, see and touch the structures of ancient origins or ramble through the remains of a-once-upon-a-time architectural gem, we cannot help but feel the awe, wonder and appreciation of the glorious past of the Imperial Roman Empire! But more importantly, Rome's testimony as the Mecca of the Catholic world in the splendor of the basilicas, churches and sanctuaries for worship built during the very first centuries of the known world, defy description. From the standpoint of architecture, Rome is a conglomerate of styles from classical to medieval, Neo-classic, Romanesque and Baroque. Renaissance art in the sculpture, paintings, mosaics, fountains, engravings and iconic structures that abound just a few minutes walk from each other hold everyone spellbound with wonder and limitless joy. There are eight obelisks from ancient Egypt which attest to the ingenuity of the Roman mind at work in its transport from one place to the other. In fact, the movement of 16  whole granite columns, 40 ft. tall and 80 tons each of the Pantheon  from Alexandria, Egypt in 27 AD is a marvel in itself.   Rome has 2,500 years of history so fascinating to explore and appreciate that the whole city has earned its place as a Unesco Heritage Site.

I made reservations for a pilgrimage to Rome on June 24th to July 2, 2013. I had my children,Bobby,Marissa, Noel and Cielo plus my 7 grandchildren with me on this vacation. After the visits to St. Peter's Basilica and other major religious sites, we went to the Fountain of Trevi one morning. The children enjoyed the place so much that they requested a second visit at night. It was easy for me to say,"Yes." The taxi took a different route and stopped at a place where the headlights pointed directly at a bulletin board with a big picture of my icon. I stood frozen in my feet! After a while, I rushed to the board and found that it was attached to the side wall of a church. Quickly, we all entered the brightly lit church and saw my Jesus icon on the right side altar with many lighted candles before it. My heart was bursting with joy and thanksgiving for the end of a search after ten long years! What is more, is the reward of the Celebration of the Eucharist right that night in the shrine. I could not contain my tears of joy throughout the Mass! But my inquiries about the icon from the priest and the people in the sacristy proved fruitless because no one spoke in English. At least the words, "Cristo:Speranza dell' Uomo" inscribed below the icon provided a clue to its identity.

Right that night, my granddaughter, Diana, surfed the Internet and found a French website which featured my Jesus icon and in English translation, in a nutshell revealed the following:

A group of scientists of twenty-two (22) disciplines prepared for two years to study the Shroud of Turin. Then in 1987, they conducted the unprecedented study of the Shroud in Turin, Italy. The findings included the production of the face of the man in the Shroud which became known as "Cristo: Speranza dell' Uomo."

June 10, 2013 THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS

 The Catholic world considers the month of June as one dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus just as it turns its attention to May and October as the seasons when a greater devotion is given to Mary, our Blessed Mother. Pope Pius IX promulgated the Feast of the Sacred Heart in 1856. To devotees of the Sacred Heart, Fridays assume an added aura of "prayerfulness" which can include attendance of Mass, fasting or abstinence and greater zeal for sharing of time, talent and treasure with others particularly, the needy and marginalized. We can safely say that much of the philanthropic activities of the Catholic Church which is recognized worldwide is done by people, young and old, man or woman, who have a unique affinity to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Marguerite Marie Alacoque, a simple Visitation nun in Paray-le-Monial, France was the "messenger" for the propagation of the devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus during the decade of the 1600's. While still a novice in the monastery, she started having visits from our Lord Jesus telling her of His great love for men. During one of such encounters, Jesus showed her His heart which has so much love for mankind but has been so wounded by men. Like the apostle John who laid his head on the heart of Jesus, Marguerite Marie was allowed to do the same. Then she was told of her mission to propagate the devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Thus, her saga of pain and heartaches which characterized her earlier life continued with untold intensity. She accepted opposition and ridicule with unprecedented humility. 

She first relayed the visons to her confessor who at first was struck with disbelief but later on realized the truth of the matter. The coming of the Jesuit priest who later became St. Claude de la Colombiere into the Visitation Community as Spiritual Director was a welcome relief. He was convinced of the truth of the nun's story and helped Mother Superior and the Community to accept and start a devotion to the Sacred Heart. He was instrumental in the spread of the devotion throughout Paray-le-Monial and to other places in the country through the reported healings, reconciliations, peace and love permeating the devotees.

Jesus Christ inspired Sister Marguerite Marie to establish the Holy Hour and to pray lying prostrate with her face on the ground from 11 PM to Midnight on the eve of the First Friday of each month. Also, she was to receive Holy Communion on First Fridays, too. He appointed the Friday after the Octave of the Feast of Corpus Christi as the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. Jesus called Sister Marguerite the "Beloved Disciple of the Sacred Heart."

Jesus continued to appear to her and towards the end of such visits confided his desire for France to erect a monument in honor of the His Most Sacred Heart. Marguerite dutifully told her superiors about it and through the hierarchy of government reached the ears of the king. The proposal was vehemently denied!

The years that followed saw calamities and untold sufferings of the people of France. A group of influential people  promised that they would build a church dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus if France emerged victorious during the Franco-Prussian War. On the contrary, Germany won the war. Defeat was seen as a moral condemnation for the sins and excesses of the people. The decision to construct the church was pursued, anyway, through public contributions and a "prayer cycle of atonement" was conceived. The Sacre Couer Basilica, as it is known today, had its foundation stone laid in 1875, consecrated in 1891, fully completed in 1914 and elevated to the status of a Basilica in 1919. A perpetual prayer cycle that began at its consecration on October 16, 1919 continues round the clock to this day! It took more than 200 years for the realization of St. Margaret Mary's dream!

Paray-le-Monial is a quiet little town, so remarkably still that in my three visits there, I saw only two residents in the streets leading to the sanctuary - a man riding a bicycle and a middle aged woman hurrying along with an empty woven basket. And this was in the middle of the day! In fact, I wondered where the gardener was who attended to the small flower-laden gardens that marked each of the street corners. A large "Welcome to Paray-le-Monial" free-standing billboard stood on a bed of multicolored flowering plants. Even the bridge over a narrow river from which one can see the town church had pots full of flowers hanging on its rails at close intervals. What a sight!

The Chapel of the Visitation where Jesus most often appeared to St. Margaret Mary lie attached to the Monastery of the Sisters of the Visitation. The whole wall of the main altar is a mosaic depicting Jesus with His outstretched arms and shining Heart  looking down at St. Margaret Mary who kneels in awe before Him. The communion rail is still in place. As one enters the chapel, the wall on the right rests the reliquary of the incorrupt body of the "Disciple of the Sacred Heart." 

It is reported that after her death on October 17, 1690, her revelations and her teachings on the devotion to the Sacred Heart was subjected to the most severe examination. When her tomb was canonically opened  in July, 1830, two instantaneous cures took place.

She was beatified by Pope Pius IX in 1864 and canonized by Pope Benedict XV as St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1920.


             Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O, Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in Thee
Whatever may befall me, Lord, though dark 
          the hour may be
In all my joys, in all my woes, though naught  
          but grief I see
O, Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in Thee.


When those I love have passed away and I am 
          sore distressed
O, Sacred Heart of Jesus, I fly to Thee for rest
In all my trials, great or small, my confidence shall be
Unshaken as I cry, "Dear Lord, I place my 
          trust in Thee.

This is my own sweet prayer, dear Lord, my faith,
          my trust, my love
But most of all in that last hour when death
          points up above
Ah, then, sweet Savior, may thy face smile on
          my face set free
Oh, may I cry with rapturous love, "I have
          placed my trust in Thee."

                               (Traditional Prayer)


Add'l Info: In Paray-le-Monial, a small church which houses the incorrupt right arm of St. Claude de la Colombiere lies a short distance away from the Chapel of the Visitation. The entire wall of the main altar is a mosaic "glowing" with colors- blue, orange, red,yellow, etc. and Jesus sitting in the center amidst many believers whose eyes/attention are focused on Him. The reliquary of St. Claude de la Colombiere is on the right wall as one faces the altar.
  

June 2, 2013 SOLEMNITY of CORPUS CHRISTI

Today, June 2, 2013, the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Body and Blood of Christ. The Gospel is on the miracle of the five loaves of bread and two fish. In Israel, there is a place called Tabgha, traditionally venerated for this miracle. The altar of the church is built on a large rock upon which Jesus gave thanks and said the blessing on the traditional food of common people. There is an interesting mosaic design on the floor depicting the loaves and fishes. Instead of five, there are only four (4) loaves of bread. As I looked at the mosaic intently, I was puzzled by the missing loaf. I tried to recall the Bible passage again and again until I was certain that the the words stated, " five loaves of barley bread and two fish." How could they miss it? I thought it could not be possible to be a mistake overlooked by the people who commissioned the work nor of those who made it. I made my way to the front pew, sat, still pondering about it while gazing at the mosaic and then at the simple elegance of the altar- back and forth, a few times. My mind continued to search for the answer. I talked to myself about the two aspects of Mass- Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist. And then, the revelation flashed with great vigor, "bread blessed on the altar table at every Mass represent the fifth loaf!" Then I understood that since the early days of the Church, the Eucharist has been linked to the miracle of the multiplication of the bread and fish. It seems that today, many people put more emphasis, though rightly so, on the Eucharist being associated with the Last Supper and the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ on the Cross.

In the Bible, we find a number of instances when Jesus said or did significant things with food or during a meal. During the Exodus, Yahweh fed the people with "manna" to appease their hunger as they spent forty years in the wilderness while on their journey to the Promised Land. According to the expectations of Israel, the Messiah would gather His people in a fraternal banquet. In the New Testament, Jesus performed His first miracle during a wedding feast when He changed water into wine. It was during a party when a woman poured precious perfume on Jesus' feet  indicative of His "anointing" for sacrifice on the cross. And the incident is remembered forever! It was in the Upper Room during the Passover meal that Jesus instituted the Eucharist and said, "This is my Body...This is my Blood. Do this in remembrance of Me." Also, it was on the shore of the Sea of Galilee that Jesus prepared a simple meal for the apostles after His resurrection.

The Gospel today, the multiplication of the bread and fish, has a deeper meaning than food for the stomach. Deeper than what the people conceived Jesus to be as an earthly Messiah who would come with power and authority to crush their foreign rulers. Yes, they acknowledged the extra-ordinariness of the miracle but they failed to understand the true identity of Jesus. He has really come to be our Eucharist, the Bread of Life, the One we Truly Need!

From the Catholic Encyclopedia, we gather that around the year 860 AD, four hundred years before the time of St. Thomas Aquinas, we have the writings of St. Paschasius Robertus, Abbot of Picardy, France who wrote the first treatise on transubstantiation (although the Latin word was not specifically used until the 13th century). Robertus used the word "substance" on his book, "The Body and Blood of the Lord." He taught, echoing the words of the Church Fathers, that after the words of Consecration, through the conversion of the substance, there is present on the altar, the Eucharistic Body of Christ which is identical with His Historic Body. The 9th Century theologian used the word, "substance" to mean the reality that makes a thing what it is: so after Consecration, it is true to say, as Jesus said. "This is my Body." So it is with deep reverence that we should receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus in Holy Communion - an encounter which deepens our union with Him. Now, are you worthy of Him? Do you receive Him worthily?

The Catholic Church teaches that through "substantiation," Christ is really, truly and substantially present in the remaining appearances of bread and wine and that the transformation remains as long as the appearance remains. For this reason, the consecrated elements are preserved, generally in a church Tabernacle for giving Holy Communion to the sick and the dying and also for the purpose of the "adoration of Christ" present in the Eucharist.

The Ecumenical Council of Trent held in Italy between December, 1545 to December, 1563 is considered one of the most important achievements of the Church. It was convened by Pope Paul III. Among many of its accomplishments was the reaffirmation of the Seven Sacraments and the pronouncement that the Eucharist is a Sacrament in which the bread and wine are  changed  into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ through "Transubstantiation" - that Christ is "really, truly, substantially present" in the consecrated form. In giving the apostles the command to "Do this in remembrance of Me," Jesus Christ conferred upon priests a sacerdotal power.

It is my hope that this humble reflection on "Corpus Christi" will help in some way towards the strengthening and appreciation of your faith, greater reverence for the Eucharist and a more enlightened awareness of your own need for "worthily receiving" Holy Communion at Mass. 

AMEN.

May 30, 2013 MAY CELEBRATIONS

May is a month that is a storehouse of memories to me. There is my childhood refrain of my frequent, almost daily participation in the May Flower Devotion to our Lady of the Abandoned, Patroness of our parish in Sta. Ana, Manila where I was born, reared and received my elementary education. Then there is the ever-memorable demise of my husband, Rey, on the second of May in 2003 after 47 years of wedded bliss. Also momentous on this month are the birthday anniversaries of some grandchildren. Melanie Mary was born on May 3rd, a day after Papa's entrance to Eternity. I consider this occurrence another evidence of my being "one of God's favorites." Why? Cielo, my daughter's due date was supposed to be during the last week of May but she gave birth right after my husband's departure. I consider it as God's way of telling me, "I took someone you love but I will fill your "emptiness" with someone to love - at once!!" Who can consider this "coincidence?" Tiffany Anne, another daughter of Cielo, celebrates May 12th as her birth date and Michael, Bobby's son, blows off candles on his B-day cake on May 25th. Two of my siblings, Freddie and Beth saw the first light of day on the 13th and 21st of May, respectively. 

While I have penned a tribute to Rey, my husband in an earlier blog, I wish to convey my fond memories of my brother, Freddie, who "crossed the Bar" a few years back.

                     FREDDIE

Your birthday anniversary turned back the hands of 
 time
And thoughts of you filled some of my waking hours
Our childhood days flashed across my mind's screen
So clear and fresh as early spring flowers.

I remember the many games we enjoyed playing
Hide and seek, "patintero" and marbles, too
Telephone calls we made through empty milk cans
 we fashioned
With long strings in which we "blah-blah-ed with 
 childish passion.

The pebbles we gathered and polished with care
Served as "jack stones" in games we both shared
We played and at times argued with kids on the block
In the nearby meadow we flew kites in the air.

With a roll of Manila paper from Mother's stock
We wrote stories and linked drawings, stand-out scenes
Then we folded and wrapped our long tales on a stick
Made a sideshow on a shoe box, our movie screen.

We were always together not only at play
Close by each other even at work on home duties
Scrubbed window sills, banisters, floors, ever so gay
Work seemed so light with one who is not foolish.

We were a twosome, other friends used to say
I was by your side though with boys at play
Likewise you were among the girls with whom I
wiggled
Through our "playing house" games of girlish giggles.

You loved to draw, mold clay with your hands
Make newspaper airplanes, kites with colorful
strands
You were creative with your hands though words
came out with difficulty
To describe the thing of beauty you shaped into reality.

As God so willed it you ventured into architecture
And I found my calling in the field of teaching
We both went our destined path of grand adventure
Each with a better tomorrow in our hearts throbbing.

Like all lives, in time, we formed our own families
A receptacle of the love overflowing within
Though our spouses and children became our 
          immediate concern
Yet our love for our siblings remained full to the brim.

Unrelenting, with passion, we pursued life's demands
But kept brotherly love reigning supreme in our hearts
To the very end when the candle of life gave way
At God's beckon call to His haven far away.

Now that you have unspeakable joy in heaven
Your well-deserved rest for the blessings you gave
To others especially to me which cannot be shaken
By anyone till I am laid to rest in my grave.

                      XXXXXXXX

May 27, 2013 MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION

                                Memorial  Day  Celebration

Today, May 27, 2013, the whole nation commemorates Memorial Day in honor of the men and women in the Armed Forces who gave up their lives to defend Freedom for you, me and for our country, at large. It is a special day of prayer for the eternal repose of their souls as well as a time of offering our lasting gratitude to them for the penultimate sacrifice they rendered to us and our future generations.  Unmistakably, it is also a day of solemn remembrance of our loved ones and their loss which left an indelible emptiness in our hearts.

Right now, my thoughts revert to my beloved father, Pablo, a Staff Sergeant in the Philippine Scouts, a regiment of the United States Army, who died in the concentration camp of Capas,Tarlac in the Philippines on August 4, 1942. My walk along Memory Lane envisions Subero, my father's elder brother who lost his life in the battlefields of Bataan during the war years of World War II. The ever-smiling face of my brother, Freddie, parades across my mental silver screen who after receiving his diploma in Architecture decided to dedicate his service to the US Navy.

As I am writing this blog, I look at Quail Park which is in front of our house in Sacramento and see the somber grief of Mother Nature with human emotions indelibly associated with this day. The park is at a "stand-still " - empty of the children who usually run here and there under the watchful eyes of their parents or guardians. No one is briskly walking or running around the park for his/her fitness routine. Not a Senior Citizen is sitting on a bench watching the world go by or admiring the manicured green. The trees stand majestically upright and paradoxically, even the rustle of a gentle breeze seems to be absent such that to my gaze, each leaf lie motionless. The whole panorama unfolds under a canopy of dark clouds at 11:38 AM. For a few moments, I stare at the scene as if it is a picture on an album. 

Enthralled by the thought that our dear Lord, through, Mother Nature, helps us to take some moments from our busy lives so as to remember the significance of this day, I closed my eyes and bowed my head in prayer. I prayed for the repose of the souls of those who sacrificed their lives for the preservation of Freedom we now still enjoy. I prayed for the men and women in uniform and for innocent civilians who lost their lives in the "war fronts" against Terrorism in Iran, Afghanistan and elsewhere. I lifted the souls of the thousands, nay, millions of victims of the atrocities of war which, lamentably, had twice been in worldwide proportions. Quite inevitably, I remembered the infamous Holocaust at Auschwitz...and my visit there....

May 24,-2013. THE MONTH OF MAY

Uay

May 18, 2013 NUGGETS OF WISDOM

May 12, 2013 was Mother's Day, a celebration for all women who have been esteemed "tools" for God's procreation of the human species. Like all mothers, I was exceptionally happy with my children and their families over a sumptuous lunch with a wide assortment of delicacies to suit any discriminating taste. The exchange of views centered on the recent happenings in the family specially among my grandchildren. There was Christina's hilariously marvelous performance in her school's musical comedy production, "Wedding Singer," where she was nominated Feature Actress in the county's school system. There was Joshua's commendable presentation of his Senior Volunteer Work Project teaching Hawaiian dancing to children and young adults and his athletic prowess in football. Michael's praiseworthy dedication to his acolyte services at Mass and his fascinating "split-second" moves in Volleyball was highlighted, too. There was Christian's remarkable skill on the ivory keys as to provide the musical score in a Retreat he recently attended. Much talk was on  Tiffany Anne's magnificent school awards - Achievement Award for her 4.0 GPA and Athletic Award on Soccer. There was Melanie Mary's wonderful singing and dancing renditions as Mermaid in the school play, "Peter Pan." My joy knew no bounds! And the added "elixir" of the day were the lovely gifts from my children of flowers, a Fodor book, a car raffle ticket and a "one-of-a-kind" exceptionally hand-crafted card with a message so touching to my heart. 

As a fitting finale to our Mothers' Day celebration, I gave each of my grandchildren, "Nuggets of Wisdom" which crystallize my advice to them. 

           NUGGETS  OF  WISDOM

Jesus said, "Be not afraid I am with you"
A promise spoken like an arrow hitting its mark
I claim His Word at all times and in all places, too
Endless praise and thanks I release from my heart.

To you, my Grandchildren, I share this message
God's unconditional love in this Biblical passage
Be assured that His promise is an everlasting sign
So true and precious like gold seven times refined.

Be not afraid to be a witness to His Word
Through your day-by-day activities of any sort
If you "live" the Bible and all your relationships feed
YOU may be the only "Gospel" people may read.

Be not afraid to speak the truth of God's teaching
To people ignorant of or indifferent to His preaching
Dare to be bold to proclaim Christ's Good News
Your Christian courage will enlighten lukewarm views.

Be not afraid to be consistent in your prayers
God is the source of your life and all that flows in
Confide your joys, pain, concerns to your Maker
If you do often to your friends, why not to Him?

Be not afraid to do work or walk the extra mile
In your school, office and home chores at hand
To give MORE than what is expected with a smile
Lifts your spirits up, an inspiration to others send.

Be not afraid if frustrations, ill-will come your way
Temptations, trials, heartaches thrown at bay
For a purpose God allows them to test your faith's gap
Trust Him for healing, strengths and insights it will tap.

Be not afraid to have many friends around you
They make life happier, your journey pleasant, too
But dare to lose them than compromise conviction
Of what is right according to God's truth and action.

Be not afraid to be a notch better than your friends
It may require hard work, more study, less play
Dream dreams, "hitch your wagon to a star"
Stay focused, do your best, with God, you'll soar!

Be not afraid to exercise your free will
God's gift to each one of His creation
What you will be at age 50 is the seal
Of choices YOU made- family's pride or its poison.

Be not afraid to defy society's trend
Of accepting loose morals as being "cool"
Stick to God's way though you be a loner to the end
Than let a brilliant mind go to waste like that of a fool.

Be not afraid to share time, talent and treasure
You were born to be a blessing for others
You, yourself will be mysteriously assured
Peace and joy by your bountiful gift of giving.

Be not afraid to follow your Grandma's advice
They are guidelines for young hearts to live by
Your life will have meaning and purpose, O, wise
If it always "burns" with fervor for Jesus on high.

What you are now, I once had been
What I am now, you will in the future be
Like me you will look back and see the unseen
"I have done my best to be what I can ever be!"


                    XXXXXXXX

May 8, 2013 T O D A Y

Today, May 8, 2013, I was awakened by a need to answer a call of nature so very early in the morning. My bathroom clock registered thirteen minutes before 6 AM. As it often is the case, I would go back to bed and sleep again usually until 10 or 10:30 AM. This is so because my bedtime is normally not at night but in the morning at around 1:30 or 2:30 AM. My brain is at its optimum level of productivity during peculiar hours. Strange, isn't it? But isn't it also true that despite our similar characteristics as "homo sapiens" we do have individual differences? I believe that this disparities make our world more interesting!

Today, instead of going back to bed, I went straight to my laptop, clicked it open direct to my "Blogs of Grace" which I created at the beginning of this year. My old set of scribbles on "Grace's Blogs" has already reached the 115 mark. This set of blogs was started in 2009 with the trip to Rome and San Giovanni Rotondo  to see the incorrupt body of St. Padre Pio.

Today, being different, I decided to write something about......:

                    T O D A Y

Today, I must learn to give sincere love
To those difficult for me to extend my affection
The ones clothed with pretense and who rob
Me the joy of true friendship and compassion.

Today, I must learn to turn the other cheek
To those who hurt me with insults and ridicule
To bear with patience the harsh words they speak
To the plaque of untruth I must remain "cool."

Today, I must graciously forgive and forget
The people who have betrayed my trust
The heartaches I harbor with pain and regret
A burden I need not carry with harmful fuss.

Today, I must learn to totally cast away
The loss for those who had always been there
Time may have dulled the pain, held it at bay
From the cross, God took it gently from my care.

Today, I must see more clearly Jesus
Feel His presence, alert to His whisper and touch
In every person I meet even the sourpuss
The "always right," the proud, rude, they're no match.

Today, I must accept with "a certain smile"
The aches of arthritic knees, hands and back pain
They're the "trophies" of a life spent on file
To nurture the young, fill some needs, ease life's bane.

Oh, not only must I search high and low today
For the divinity that is in everyone who cross my path
More importantly should I try to fit a perfect "T"
Jesus Who lives, acts and loves in me!


                     XXXXXXXX

April 30, 2013 AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

                                  Amsterdam, Netherlands

Today, April 30, 2013, Willem Alexander was officially inaugurated as "King of Netherlands" after 123 years of having a woman at the reins of the House of Orange- Nassau. His mother, Queen Beatrix at age 75, abdicated the throne in favor of her eldest son who is 46 years old. Reports claim that the new monarch is married to a "commoner" from Argentina who is dearly loved by a great majority of the people. International media reported that the huge crowd of well-wishers in Dam Square, the city center of Amsterdam, were mostly wearing "orange "
clothes. It must have been a sight!

As always, when TV newscast is on a country I have had the privilege of visiting, my thoughts instantly revert to a memorable experience there. I have been to the Netherlands during the decade of the 70's twice:
Firstly, when I visited Amsterdam after an UNCTAD (United Nations Commission on Trade and Development) conference in Geneva, Switzerland  and secondly, as a member of the UN Scholars' Study Tour of Europe which covered visits to Paris, London, Copenhagen in Denmark, Antwerp in Belguim and  Amsterdam, The Hague and the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

 This blog is on my first visit to Amsterdam as a tourist.

               

April 28, 2013 LONDON SOIREE

                                London  Soiree

News report of the death of the former Prime Minister of Great Britain, Margaret Thacher on April 8, 2013 brought the likes of the proverbial "London Fog" on the spirits of its citizens. A brilliant woman who led her country through tumultuous times, she was lovingly called by his countrymen, "The Iron Lady." As the world's attention shifted, at least for some time, to paying its respect to the demise of a political leader who did much for her native land, my thoughts recalled an experience I had in London.

December, 1975. After attending an UNCTAD (United Nations Commission on Trade and Development) Conference on Shipping and Trade in Geneva, Switzerland, I went to London for a two-day visit before hurrying home to the Philippines for the Christmas holidays. The city tour gave me some wonderful sights and sounds of London including the stops at Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey and the Parliament. The whole day tour of Windsor Castle was most interesting!

"So, please give me a wake-up call at 4 AM," I requested the Cumberland Hotel desk clerk. Thoughts about the 7AM flight to Paris, the bus ride to the Heathrow Airport and any possible hitch in my journey plus the fear of missing my flight kept haunting my subconscious mind so that I was up before the phone rang.

"Please take me to the bus terminal," I told the taxi driver. He replied that the bus depot was still closed. I insisted. Seemingly reluctant to do so, he turned the ignition key and we moved on. It was still dark and the streets were desolate. The light from the lamp posts shining through the London  fog shed an aura of the mystic unknown. It was reminiscent of scenes in an Alfred Hitchcock thriller. I was trying to recall the name of the film when suddenly, I remembered my diamond engagement and wedding rings. They were not on my fingers. I reached up for my ears. No earrings!

"Oh, oh, please go back. I forgot something," I said. The driver immediately made a U-turn and headed back to the hotel. A whirlwind of scenarios flitted through my mind- the chambermaid putting my jewelry into her apron pocket; the taxi speeding away with all my luggage and souvenirs for my family, relations and friends; my forlorn self before an airport TV monitor because I missed my flight and my whole family silently eating our traditional midnight meal (Media Noche) with an empty chair.

"Oh, Lord, please help me." I prayed to our Blessed Mother, saints and angels for help. I nervously focused my gaze ahead continually praying to the Holy Spirit to pour upon the driver a sense of honesty and integrity so as not to cart my luggage away when I would go up to my hotel room. I also prayed for the chambermaid to have the strength to  overpower temptation. Back of my mind, I chided myself for using them on my trips, but justified it by the fact that they could be converted to cash in any emergency. As I stepped out of the taxi, I lifted to the Holy Spirit the problem of losing both my jewelry and luggage. 

I rushed up the elevator and to my room. It was closed but unlocked just as I had left it. I dashedd to the dresser and looked at the ashtray. Voila! My earrings and rings were there! I held them firmly and for some moments stood still while giving thanks to God. But wait, only the first half of my request was granted. What about the other half? I ran back to the elevator. I was imploring God for another miracle with regards to my luggage. The idea that our Lord works wonders in complete ccycles buoyed my hopes up. Excitement took over the apprehension I earlier felt. Exhausted from the physical and emotional stress. I had to use both hands to push the entrance foor of the hotel.

"Thank God, " I mumbled. It was a welcome sight to see the driver's grinning face cupped by his hands on the taxi window!

"Let's go to the airport," I said. I entertained the thought that the airport trip was to reward him for not running off with my things. It was also my way of sharing the happiness of recovering my jewelry. In addition, it became imperative to use the taxi so as to catch my plane for Paris. Like a cheerful giver God wants us all to be, I handed him a generous tip.

To somehow make up for the tip, I decided not to use a porter, so I loaded my luggage on a cart and started towards the British Airways section.There was no line at the check-in counter. I thought I was too early only to find out that the airline was on strike. The agent promptly changed my ticket to Scandinavian Air Lines and assured me that everything had been arranged. I was about to move on when I heard a volley of invectives being released to another agent by a lady wrapped up in a fancy fur coat or the like. She was totally upset by the change of flight especially because she had three big suitcases and the porter had left. From the exchange of words, I learned that she was also going to Paris on board Scandinavian airlines. Hesitating, at first, I offered my cart for her luggage to which she accepted. Together, we pushed the cart with its towering load. As we talked along the way, I learned that she was Maria Fiori, wife of a retired Italian general and that she went to London for her Christmas shopping. We made frequent stops to rest our arms. What a spectacle we must have made. Two women working like stevedores and one was sporting a fur coat!

We checked-in our luggage at SAS and was informed that our flight was scheduled to leave within forty minutes. To while away the time, I invited Maria to browse through the stores at Heathrow Airport. She joined me. I bought an art set for my kids. We wandered some more and went back to the waiting lounge.

"When is our plane leaving?" asked Maria.
"It just left," was the lady's curt reply.
"What?" Maria exclaimed as she slapped her forehead in consternation. The lady informed us that our suitcases would be waiting for us in Paris and that the next plane would leave in an hour. I felt miserable. It was my fault! Immediately, I dialed my 911 call to God Almighty. I called on our Blessed Mother for help!

"The Lord will take care of our things," I meekly said while pressing her hand.
"Oh, you do not know Paris. If you leave your suitcase for a minute, boom, it would be gone," she emphasized with a flick of her fingers.

We sat in silence. I dared not to fathom what ran through her mind. I imagined her cutting me into a thousand pieces. I was resigned to it! Long before the landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, we had our carry-on assembled so as to make a quick dash through customs and then direct to the baggage claim area. My heart was pumping fast. I prayed to all the angels and saints to help me ask for a miracle. In unison, we stormed the gates of heaven!

Lo and behold! Our suitcases were neatly lined near an empty carousel.They must have been there for an hour. To think that so many people were walking through and around the big baggage claim area where around ten carousels operate to service more than a thousand tourists daily.

"You are a better Christian!" Maria exclaimed as she gave me a tight embrace and adding, "Remember to visit me when you will be in Rome."

I was profuse in my thanksgiving and praise to God! I thanked our blessed Mother and the legions of angels and saints who help make another miracle happen! 



  

March 9, 2013 - VENEZUELA VISIT

                  
                                           VENEZUELA  VISIT

Today, March 9, 2013, TV News Channels report the death of Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela, a country in the continent of South America. Popular media classifies him as a dictator who had curtailed a number of freedoms, religious freedom being one of them, among his people during his 3-decade tenure.

The news brought memories of my visit to Venezuela in 1997 to visit the shrine in Betania where our Blessed Mother was reported to have had an apparition. The place was around two hours drive from Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, where our tour group was billeted.

During my stay, I noticed that the residential sections of the city did not show much of the so-called affluence which oil, its natural resource and export, had done. To my mind, the wealth of an oil-producing nation would somehow show in the earning capacity of its constituents and be reflected in their life-style, too. And the Latino blood which is widely accepted as warm and passionate would burst in the flashy colors and wild array of beauty in its surroundings. I guessed, I must have relied too much in the movies and their portrayal of a typical Latin "senor or senorita."

The Shrine of our Lady of Betania was in the vast "hacienda" of a wealthy grandmother to whom our Blessed Mother reportedly appeared. It  was a beautiful place with a brook meandering within the area. Near the statue was a small "waterfall" which for some strange reason, I thought to be man-made much like the fountains used for landscaping operated by electric pumps. Many people were taking bottles of water from it considering it much like that of Lourdes, France. I did not take any. I looked around hoping to see a blue butterfly which was supposed to indicate the presence of Mary, our Mother. I did not see any. A covered space for approximately a hundred persons or so with a built-in stage served as a  resting area and for the celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist at certain times.

My first reaction upon seeing the alleged visionary on stage was of complete shock and disbelief! The grandmother was sporting a beribboned wide-brimmed hat adorned with large multi-colored flowers. Her face was heavily made-up with extra bright red lipstick with unmistakably luscious sheen. Her hands which were kept waving in the air as she spoke to the people in Spanish sported extra long fingernails painted in burgundy. I could not count the number of rings on several fingers of both hands. My heart sank! I just could not make myself believe that our Blessed Mother would appear to such a person! I guess, my whole psyche had been attuned to the tender innocence of Bernadette of Lourdes and Lucia, Jacinta and Marto of Fatima and Juan Diego of Guadalupe, Mexico. Even the visionaries Vicka and Maria, with whom I had conversed in Medjugorje were so simple and "holy" in looks and attire. My spirits was at its lowest ebb!

I slowly made my way towards the place of our Lady of Betania where I could unsnarl the knots of unbelief that ran amok in my mind and heart. I sat under the shade of a tree a few meters away, took several deep breaths, closed my eyes and invoked the Holy Spirit to help me. Repeatedly, I recited the Biblical passage, 
"Lord, help my unbelief!" Then I let moments of long silence reign. I followed, "Be still. Know that I am God!" I knew that in the silence, God speaks to the "ears" of our hearts. I let the hands of Time tick languidly away. Then I felt the slight warmth of a certain "calmness" sweep through my rattled nerves. I have settled down, yet a misty cloud of question marks still hovered in the convolutions of my brain.

Anxious to find answers to my questions re the truth of the Betania incident, I ran through the pages of the Bible in my mind... "I am the Lord, your God. Your thoughts are not my thoughts; your ways are not my ways." I tried my best to let the passage sink through my cloud-enveloped mind. At the same time, the record of world-known visonaries and their simple innocence and their easily-seen outward "holiness" kept me from accepting God's words at that instance! At that moment, something held me strongly anchored on total "disbelief." My mind completely blotted out the concept that "God is Truth" and so His words are infallible!

Just to give some credence to my doubts, I reviewed the happenings in the meeting hall. There was the Grandmother (I never learned her name) sitting and laughing with the Bishop of Betania who, from newspaper reports, unilaterally gave his statement to the veracity of the reported visions. I immediately guessed that being human, he must have been lavished with many sumptuous dinners and gifts money could buy. I let myself be vulnerable to unkind thoughts about a "servant of God." I wanted to justify my position! Then there was the Grandmother's talk, in Spanish, before the "pilgrims" complete with the accoutrements of a "night-owl" in the honky-tonk area of a big city. It was so, so distressing and repulsive to me! My innermost thoughts must have been so obvious to her that she looked at me directly a few times during her discourse through thick, long, false eyelashes. I looked back to her as intensely, too! Then I began to feel sorry for the large crowd of people who, I believed, had been "fooled" into her web of deception. I even entertained the thought that some of them must have been "paid" to act as believers just like what the Pharisees did so as to have people hurl false accusations to Jesus before the Sanhedrin!

I looked at my watch and noted that it was time for our departure for Caracas. I decided to take another route back to the bus. A short distance away, I saw a very long cement wall which I perceived to serve as a fence. But what prompted me to walk towards it was the number of people milling along its periphery. Three or four yards away, I stopped short in my tracks, I looked intensely at the marble plaques of various sizes glued to the wall, all expressing "Thanksgiving"- thanksgiving for healing in its multifaceted aspects and a variety of other human ills under the sun! My eyes dropped from their sockets as with open-mouthed wonder I perused through the message conveyed on the plaques. How could dozens, nay, hundreds of people be wrong! My knees began to "water" from the impact of the astounding revelation that hit me like darts on a target board. My heart sank and I bowed my head in shame! I spent some time profusely expressing, "I am very sorry, Lord, truly sorry!" through my tears. Remorse written all over me, I whispered, "Your Word is truth, Oh, Lord! Indeed, Your thoughts are not my thoughts, Your ways are not my ways!"


                        "GOD CHOSE THOSE WHOM THE
               WORLD CONSIDERS ABSURD TO SHAME
                THE WISE, HE SINGLED OUT THE WEAK 
                             TO SHAME THE STRONG."
                            
                                      1 Corinthians 1: 27

March 2, 2013 - ON PRAYER

"Nothing holds more power over the body than the beliefs of the mind," says Deepak Chopra, a medical doctor and exponent of Quantum Physics. He adds, "The mind and body are inseparably one. The unity of the subjective stream of thoughts and feelings and the objective body meet at a single creative source. It is from this single source that we are meant to live."

As Christians, that single source is Jesus Christ. He is the epicenter of our lives. Everything flows from Him and to Him! Our thoughts and feelings are inextricably woven into the life and teachings of Jesus. Our bodies, therefore, should manifest within and outwardly the values of Jesus that we know, adore and worship. He is the true source of our spirituality!

Now, where are you in your spirituality? Is there Christlikeness in your life? If you are a believer of Jesus but your "living" dishonors God by deceit,  unforgiveness, bitterness in your heart, a silent rage for someone, pride, sloth, envy or an insatiable desire for wealth through compromise.... what is that? You are giving only lip service to your creed. That is why, prayer should be an important part of your life.

What is prayer? The Catechism of the Catholic Church declares, "Prayer is the raising of one's mind and heart to God. We pray out of the depths of a humble and contrite heart. It is the heart that prays. If the heart is far from God, the words of prayer are in vain." (CCC paragraphs 2559-2565)

Feb.24, 2013 - MOUNT TABOR

                             Mount  Tabor

Today, February 24, 2013, the Gospel spoke on the transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor. As the deacon read the account, I closed my eyes and recalled my first visit to that place where Jesus' divinity was manifested to Peter, James and John.

October 16, 1994...."Today, we shall go to Mount Tabor," Benji Shavit, our tour guide announced. I was excited! It would be my first time to set foot on the mountain where the momentous event in the life of Jesus is immortalized in the Holy Bible. From a distance, I saw Mount Tabor, majestic and serene, loom distinctly alone in the Holy Land where mountain ranges abound. I felt the bus start its ascent. It went through a maze of winding road until it reached an area where around seven or eight buses were parked.


"From this point, we shall take cars to reach the top. Don't worry, we shall use Mercedes Benz, four persons in a car," Benji said with an unmistakable glint in his eyes and a queer smirk on his face. Yep! They were Mercedes Benzes, all right, presumably Circa 1950 or 1960, all in awful need of body shop upgrading. It was worse inside! The floor was covered with scraps of linoleum and flaking shreds of wall covering swayed relentlessly. For long years of use, the seat cushion was barely three inches thick so that the iron coils disturbed (to put it mildly) our behind. Can you imagine the "suffering" we experienced as the car went through the narrow road interspersed with many elliptical curves leading to the summit? The speed with which the car ran was nothing short of fast so that kept us gasping for breath with an intoned "Hesus, Maria, Hosep" at each curve. We held on to whatever solid part of the car was available or to each other's knees or arms for support every time the car made a swing. By virtue of the "Keep Right" traffic law, our car had to be nearer the cliff which was not at all protected by any enbankment of any kind. Can you imagine the picture of four bewildered faces, open-mouthed with anticipation what the next moment would bring? So it was a deep sigh of relief that we exclaimed, "Thank God" when we finally reached the top of Mount Tabor and the Basilica of the Transfiguration.

You will recall that the Bible states that Jesus, Peter, James and John were up in the mountain after several days. Yes, after several days for they had to walk. Mount Tabor is so high, thickly covered with forests and without a well defined road then. It would have taken a few days to reach the top on foot. 

Peter experienced something there he wanted to last forever. He wanted to hold on to the moment of profound mystery. He wanted to gaze upon the radiance of Jesus transformed before him - the radiance of God! So, he said,"Lord, it is good to be here." It must have been a "mountaintop" experience for Peter!

By the way, our own transforming moments in prayer  while watching the breaking of dawn or the splendor of the sunset, or by walking by the seashore or through the woods on a crisp autumn morning are all "mountaintop" experiences whether or not we have scaled a mountain. So are the prayer moments we spend alone in our so-called "desert" be it on an easy chair in our room or backyard, park, beach or just anywhere when we simply keep still and through the sound of silence let God be God!

I looked up at the mosaic apse of the basilica depicting the scene of the Transfiguration. There were Jesus, Moses, Elijah, Peter, James and John. I stood motionless, speechless, enveloped with the awesome presence of God. I heard His voice speaking to me, to me directly, "Listen to Him!" I knew He was speaking in my heart! I was consumed in prayer of praise and thanksgiving - basking in God's glory!

Like Peter, I said, "Lord, it is good to be here. Thank you for bringing me here!" All at once I remembered my family, all my loved ones. I wanted them to enjoy the moment with me! I wanted them to set foot on Mount Tabor and feel God's embrace. Then the song of St. Francis reverberated in my ears..."Make me a channel of your peace...where there is hatred, let me bring love." I found a new meaning of love - by giving it away, we get joy, true joy! 

I took several deep long breaths of the most fresh air ever. I looked at the azure sky and clouds meandering by and felt the soft caress of the cool breeze. As I glanced in every direction catching glimpses of hilly slopes against the quiet waters of the Sea of Galilee, I felt His presence as never before. I "floated" in the all-embracing love of God! Again, I bowed my head in prayer, "Thank you, Lord, thank you!" I opened my eyes and savored the exquisite panorama before me. Slowly, I straightened up, pulled my shoulders back and held high my chin. I stood tall with the assurance and confidence of my own humble transfiguration, so to speak. I walked away ready to face everything, buoyed by the memory of the radiance of God!

Feb.17, 2013 - Sunday Mass and My Prayer "

Today, February 17, 2013, the entire family- Brian, Cielo, Joshua, Tiffany Anne, Melanie Mary and I attended Mass at our parish church here in Sacramento. A whole family together for Sunday worship! What a beautiful image! A remembrance of my childhood family togetherness at Mass added to the joy in my heart. The fleeting thought that some families do not enjoy such Sunday togetherness due to unrecognized/discarded values or circumstances beyond their control, somehow crossed my mind.

Fr. Soane Kaniseli, pastor of Divine Mercy Catholic Church, officiated at Mass. It was a most soul-stirring celebration of the Eucharist since his well-prepared homily and wonderful singing voice added much "grandeur" to the sacrament. I was so moved by it and appreciated the fact that since the introduction of the New Missal, many parts of the Mass are now sung much like the chanting in the Orthodox Church. I smiled when I recalled, "When we sing, we pray twice," attributed to St. Augustine. After the Mass, we prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy as is the established practice in that church.

Another "routine" of our family after Mass has been to enjoy lunch in a restaurant which can be any of the cuisine offered by the Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese or American establishments in the area. Today, we relished the Salad Bar and crispy shrimps at Sizzler's. With a heart filled with joy and a stomach full to the "brim," I spent some time of the afternoon in prayer of thanksgiving and a much-needed nap.

What could have been a perfect scenario of peace and contentment was marred by the glaring news report of a singer, Mindy Mcgready, having committed suicide at age 37 leaving two kids aged 9 and 6 years. My immediate reaction was of disbelief and deep sympathy for two innocent kids whose lives would be traumatically affected by the tragedy. What is this world coming to? Several reasons behind the incident can be mentioned or exposed, but to me, the root cause is the absence of God in so many people of this era.

This made me scribble these lines:

                   Let Me Be, O Lord

Let me be, O Lord, your kind caring hands
Stretched out to render aid to the needy and forlorn
To extend your soft healing touch and unbind
The grip of fear, pain and shameless scorn.

Let me be, O Lord, your strong steady feet
To walk with those in bondage and affliction
With courage borne from your protective sheet
Strengthen them to rise, break the chain of addiction.

Let me be, O Lord, your loving searching eyes
That see a friend's pain and sorrow beneath the mask
Which often show mirth on the surface, but, alas
There lies a wounded heart crying for help to rush.

Let me be, O Lord, your soothing voice that counsels
The young, the indifferent, sophisticated wards
Who are ensnared by worldly pleasures and vice
Unmindful of Eternity's justice and rewards twice.

Let me be, O Lord, your keen ears that listen
To the plea of the poor for daily needs so common
Muted by disillusion, shame and false pride unspoken
Beneath stone-faced mien of despair and abandon.

Let me be, O Lord, the face that radiates your love
Through my wrinkles, blotches, disfigured state
Shield me from the fear of ridicule which matches
My intense desire to be an "apostle" of my faith.

So help me, Lord, in my commitment to leave
A Legacy of Faith to family, friends and all
Be aware of God's presence always and to give
Time, talent and treasure in response to your call.


                        XXXXXXX

Feb.16, 2013 - LENT AND PRAYER

                    LENT  AND  PRAYER

1Thess 5: 17 - "Pray without ceasing."
Eph 6:18 - "Pray at all times in the Spirit."
Coll 4:2 - "Be assiduous in prayer. Being wakeful therein, with thanksgiving."

What do these Scripture passages have in common? Prayer! But what is prayer? The Catechism of the Catholic Church which is the repository of the beliefs and teaching of our faith says, "Prayer is the lifting up our hearts and minds to God." (para

Feb. 11, 2013 - ST. BERNADETTE

Today, February 11, 2013, is the Feast of our Lady of Lourdes whose apparition in 1858 to a poor, unschooled 14-year old peasant girl, Bernadette Soubirous, made history in the Catholic world. A number of books, magazines and articles including cinematographic materials are readily available about the eighteen times, our Blessed Mother appeared to Bernadette at the Grotto of Massabielle.

Many people know of her life through the film, "The Song of Bernadette." Suffice it to say, she was a sickly child and suffered from asthma most of her life. Her family was so poor that at the time of the apparitions, she lived at the "Le Cachot," a one-room dwelling which used to be a prison. Despite their destitute situation, Bernadette and her family refused any donation or help in whatever form the community and visitors/pilgrims offered. The constant persecution of police authorities and people wanting to have an "audience" with the seer, affirmed her desire to be a nun. She entered the Community of the Sisters of Charity and stayed at their motherhouse in Nevers, France in Saint Gildard Convent for nine years until her death at the age of thirty-five on April 16, 1879.

From the History of Our Lady's Apparitions in Lourdes, France, we gather some information:

1st  Apparition - Thurs, February 11, 1858
8th        "         - Wed, February 24, 1858 
       Our Lady asks, "Pray for the conversion of
       sinners. Repentance! Repentance!"
          
9th  Apparition - Thurs, February 25, 1858
       Our Lady instructs Bernadette to wash herself and drink at the fountain. Looking about she finds no water, but at the direction of our Lady, Bernadette digs at the foot of the grotto and soon a small trickle of muddy water appears, she drinks and washes her face. By next day, an abundant spring of clear, fresh water appeared and which flows until today.

13th Apparition - Tues, March 2, 1858
        Our Lady confides instructions to Bernadette to have a chapel built at the spot which was relayed to parish priest. Priest asks for the Lady's name.

15th Apparition - Thurs, March 25, 1858             
                           (Feast of the Annunciation)
        Our Lady revealed her name, " I am the Immaculate Conception." Four years earlier, Pope Pius XI, declared the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception: that of all human beings that have ever lived, the Blessed Virgin was conceived without the stain of Original Sin.

18th Apparition - Fri, July 16, 1858
                 (Feast of our Lady of Mount Carmel)
Barred from the grotto by a fence erected by the authorities, Bernadette approaches from across the river and sees/talks with our Lady for the last time.

St. Bernadette is one of the "incorruptibles" in the communion of saints venerated in the Catholic Church.
Incorruptibles are saints whose bodies defied the natural laws of decomposition. This exclusive privilege is given to them after several verifiable exhumations which cover many years in the presence of church, medical and civil authorities.

In 1909, thirty years after her death, the body of St. Bernadette was first exhumed and found totally "incorrupt" although her rosary had oxidized.

On April 3, 1919, the second exhumation of the remains of St. Bernadette was made in the presence of the usual authorities. It was again found to show no sign of decomposition.

In 1925, the third exhumation of the body of St. Bernadette found it "incorrupt." Hence, it was placed  on a gold and silver reliquary where it presently lay at the Saint Gildard Convent in Nevers, France.

I have visited Nevers several times and the serene look of unfathomable peace on her face has always warmed my heart and made me wonder if such a state of "sans soucci" (without care) is ever possible in this present world. Also, what has captivated and even "puzzled" me through all these years were her hands which look as if they have just been manicured- cuticles pushed back and finger nails neatly filed. I have seen the hands of other declared "incorruptibles" as St. Vincent de Paul, St. Catherine Laboure, St. Jean Marie Vianney and St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. All their hands appear like normal working hands that have been laid to rest.....until...

In September, 2009, my sister Beth, sister-in-law Nieves, cousin Tina, my "balae" Lily and her daughter-in -law, Edda, our friends, Pat and Violet and I went to Rome. Having been to the Eternal City before, our main purpose was to see the "incorrupt" body of St. Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo located in the southern part of Italy. The remains of St. Padre Pio was exhumed for the first time after forty years and was found to be "perfectly preserved" (language used by media). The Church allowed the public to view his well-preserved remains for one year after which it would again be buried until the second exhumation.

After a long wait in line to enter the chapel, we saw St. Padre Pio in the way he looked in pictures taken when he was alive, complete with beard and all. A guard kept order in the line and was vigilant in keeping it moving. Wanting to spend more time with Padre Pio, I boldly went direct to a vacant chair in the exclusive reserved area for dignitaries/special guests near the bier. I had a good "close-up" view and do you know what caught my attention? His hands! They looked as if they have just been manicured - cuticle pushed back and smooth edges. Even newspaper reports carried the "just-been-manicured" look of his hands, I learned later. I remembered St. Bernadette's hands! Also, I recalled,  that in one of my visits to St. Catherine Laboure (she was the one to whom our Lady appeared to give instructions for the Miraculous Medal in 140 rue de Bac in Paris), red streaks of blood had flowed and dried between her fingers though in previous visits there were none. 

Now, my thoughts often revert to the hands of the "incorruptibles" specially of St. Bernadette and St. Padre Pio. There must be something the Lord would like to convey about the hands - our hands. Could it be that He wants to call our attention to the corporal works of mercy, for which we are all called to do as children of God? And that these acts of mercy - feed the hungry, clothe the naked, rest for the weary, etc are made possible through our hands? What do you think?

Feb. 8, 2013 - A DISCIPLE - ME?

                              Be a Disciple - Me?

Our Lord says, "Take up your cross and follow me
We'll take the narrow way, you'll see
With the free will to make choices - right or wrong
My gift to everyone, be you weak or strong.

Oh, Lord, isn't the narrow way paved with sorrow
Of sacrifices and dying to myself day after day
To love as to lay down my life for a friend
Be consumed with other's welfare, though a rare trend.

Help me, Lord, I need to change my priorities
To  put You No. 1 in my lifelong duties
I realize now I lack total compassion
To be your disciple in my daily actions.

For charity I give a pittance of my treasure
Which after all come from you, given without pressure
Long do I stay before the TV  or computer
But have so little time in prayer with my Maker.

I often forget to spend some time with You daily
Too involved in fun things I like to do earnestly
Just why instant gratification governs my life
When moments with You should be a cherished rite.

How uncertain I have been in following your call
Distracted by thrills of present luxurious lore
Which like wealth, power and fame will surely be lost
On Judgment Day when I account for what I did most.

Someone said that life on earth is "sowing" time
Our joys and pains have a purpose, we find
To uphold the truth that life goes on continually
So we must live each moment as a seed of Eternity.

To be a disciple requires a firm commitment
To God's Word and teachings be in full agreement
Help me, Lord, to persevere and follow your bid
Renew my faith, make me a disciple, a good seed!


                        XXXXXXXX

Feb. 5, 2013 - ST. AGATHA

                       ST. AGATHA

Priestly vestments on February 5th of the liturgical calendar are red because of the celebration of the memorial to St. Agatha who died in the year 253. She is one of the most venerated virgin martyrs of the Catholic world. She is one of the seven women commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass. She is the saint specially invoked for patients who have and those who have survived breast cancer. Many healings have been attributed through the help of this saint who lived in the 3rd century. 

St. Agatha was born to a rich and noble family in Catania, Sicily. Her exceeding beauty caught the eyes of a Roman prefect (senator) who actively and brutally persecuted the Christians. Being a Christian and having dedicated her virginity to God, she rejected his amorous advances. Scorned, Quitianus, had her arrested and subjected her to several tortures. Also a judge, he sentenced her to to death by being rolled naked on a bed of live coals. The ground where she was rolled on began to tremble like an earthquake and a part of the wall fell on two counselors whose counsel she had been so tormented. She was sent to prison where she was tortured by cutting off her breasts. It was said that in a vision, St. Peter with an angel appeared, dressed her wounds and helped her to survive. Eventually, she died in prison.

St. Agatha is often depicted in paintings carrying her excised breasts on a platter. She is the patron saint of breast cancer patients and survivors. Catania, Sicily honors her with a 3-day celebration - February 3 to 5th. Malta venerates her as patron saint since her intercession has been reported to have saved Malta from Turkish invasion in 1551.

A church of great historical importance to Spain is Santa Gadea (St. Agatha) is in Burgos. By the way, the Gothic Cathedral of Burgos, Spain is replete with architectural splendor and beauty with its "lace in stone motif." Millions of pilgrims visit annually the huge acclaimed miraculous 800-yr old cross with our crucified Lord all covered with wounds. For some strange reasons, in each of my three visits there, the camera shots I took of this unique crucifix produced only negatives.To this day, this cathedral is known  to be second to Lourdes as a pilgrimage site in Europe.

                     Prayer  To  St. Agatha

St. Agatha, you suffered assault and indignity because of your faith. Help heal all those who are survivors of sexual assault and protect those women who are in danger. Pray for those women who are suffering from malignancy or who have survived it so that they may have the strength to offer their affliction and pain to God, our Divine Healer. Through your prayers St. Agatha, may they feel and enjoy the healing power of our Lord. Through Jesus Christ, we pray.  Amen.

Jan. 24, 2013 FIRETRUCK RESCUE

Last January 24, 2013, Barney, my son-in-law, offered to drop me at my sister's place in Daly City while he attended to some business matter in San Francisco. I was immensely grateful for the opportunity to see Beth and to enjoy some hours with her. As usual, our chit-chat covered a lot of topics but a large portion was concentrated on our growing- up years in Sta. Ana, Manila, Philippines. There were the hilarious moments when tears simultaneously fell with our boisterous laughter as we recalled the many childhood pranks played on us and those we initiated on unsuspecting siblings and friends, alike. Then there were the brief teary-eyed moments of silence as we remembered those we dearly loved, family members, relatives and friends, who have crossed the Great Beyond. As in the past, these recollections were followed by the outpouring of our thanksgiving and praise to our God for the octogenarian lives we still enjoy. We assured ourselves that there is still meaning and purpose for our existence. So, help us, Lord!

The freeway traffic on our way from San Francisco to Fremont showed the start of the afternoon rush hour. I was oblivious of it all as I related to Barney how my day was happily spent. Thanks, to him! Then quite suddenly, bits of smoke emanated from under the hood of the car. It was a signal to me to stop blabbering! I noticed that we headed to an exit to Redwood City and that the smoke had become dense. It took some time for the traffic light to change and with some six or eight cars ahead of us, we barely made it to a right turn on a street corner. 

I looked up to the clouds and said, "Lord, please help us. St. Michael, St. Joseph, help us." And as I bent to unleash my seat belt, I caught sight of the twirling red light atop a firetruck through the side mirror. Quite unbelieving, I leaned forward to verify what I saw. Sure enough, it was a firetruck and was stopping right behind us. Quickly getting out of the car, I heaved a sigh of awe and wonder and prayed, "Oh, Lord, how magnificent are your ways! Within seconds, You have sent us help! You are true to your promise!"

The rushing tide of worship, adoration, praise and thanksgiving that soaked my whole being somehow made me "limp" with ethereal significance. It was as if the flesh and bones that make up my mortal body had left me. I was suspended in animation! Coupled with this was the mind-boggling, incomprehensible presence of a firetruck, within seconds, at a time when it was exactly what we needed.

There are no coincidences in life... only God-incidences! God positioned a firetruck with the team of Nick Dickson, Alli Harper and Chris Hekr on their way to a Training Session at a street crossing to help us, within seconds, at a time of our greatest need. Their loyalty to the Fireman's Oath was and I believe will always be pure as gold. And, God's love for His children will forever be limitless, unconditional and 

" par excellence."

              Psalm 91 - "When you call on me, I will answer you. I will save you!"

              Psalm 34  - "I sought the Lord and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears!"