Midnight Echoes – Create A New World

Midnight Echoes – Create A New World
by Pureza D. Lacuesta

From a log cabin lighted only by oil lamps, situated in a very humble place, the power of change boomed during a Gettysburg address delivered by the first U.S. President, Abraham Lincoln, which was carried through the years and made the United States of America, a very powerful nation.

Here are the first lines:

Fourscore and seven years ago, our forefathers brought forth upon this continent, a new nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

I was an expression of gratitude from the heart of a man who rose from the ranks of poverty to the powerful position of national leadership. This was a clear manifestation of freedom and an equal treatment of men.

From then on, the line of leadership sprouted from that beautiful concept and became a byword for all forty three Presidents who clung to the theory of freedom, and gave the world the meaning of ideal governance which lighted the path for others to follow.

At midnight on Tuesday, January 20, Philippine time, the same idealism was reiterated by its forty fourth President, Barack Obama, the first Black President of the United States, a Cum Laude graduate from the College of Law, of the famous Harvard University. He echoed the same sentiments. I was able to pick up some phrases which I am reproducing on this page, if only to inspire us to pick up courage and perseverance during this time of our trials and challenges.

Read this and pick up strength: President Obama

This is the time to cast aside our childish spirit. Let us unite for a purpose

All have the chance to pursue the gift of freedom.

Our forefathers suffered much. For us they endured the lash of the whip that we may live better lives.
There many indications of crises. We will harness the sun, the land, and the soil to restore what was lost.

All these we will do; all these we can do.

From Elizabeth Alexander

Our life is like darning a hole in the uniform
Somebody is making music somewhere.
Some live by loving neighbors every day
The mightiest word is love.

From Rev. Joseph Lewery

We pray not only for our nation, but for the community of nations.
We seek forgiveness for sowing the seeds of selfishness and greed.
Let us seek inclusion; not seclusion

Dear Lord, please give back the power to our homes, our schools, our churches.
Let not nations lift up their words against other nations: Let us have the joy of a new beginnings.

The beautiful expressions given by the three leaders, will go down in history as words of awakening, of challenges, of inspiration. It is a host of echoes from people who recognize our capabilities if – and only if – we trust in God – Work with God – live with God.

St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Thomas Aquinas
Feastday: January 28

St. Thomas Aquinas, was a priest and doctor of the Church, patron of all universities and of students. His feast day is January 28. He was born toward the end of the year 1226. He was the son of Landulph, Count of Aquino, who, when St. Thomas was five years old, placed him under the care of the Benedictines of Monte Casino. His teachers were surprised at the progress he made, for he surpassed all his fellow pupils in learning as well as in practice of virtue.

When he became of age to choose his state of life, St. Thomas renounced the things of this world and resolved to enter the Order of St. Dominic in spite of the opposition of his family. In 1243, at the age of seventeen, he joined the Dominicans of Naples. Some members of his family resorted to all manner of means over a two year period to break his constancy. They even went so far as to send an impure woman to tempt him. But all their efforts were in vain and St. Thomas persevered in his vocation. As a reward for his fidelity, God conferred upon him the gift of perfect chastity, which has merited for him the title of the “Angelic Doctor:.
After making his profession at Naples, he studied at Cologne under the celebrated St. Albert the Great. Here he was nicknamed the “dumb ox” because of his silent ways and huge size, but he was really a brilliant student. At the age of twenty-two, he was appointed to teach in the same city. At the same time, he also began to publish his first works. After four years he was sent to Paris. The saint was then a priest. At the age of thir-one, he received his doctorate.

At Paris he was honored with the friendship of the King, St. Louise, with whom he frequently dined. In 1261, Urban IV called him to Rome where he was appointed to teach, but he positively declined to accept any ecclesiastical dignity. St. Thomas not only wrote his writings (filled twenty hefty times characterized by brilliance of thought and lucidity f language), but he preached often and with greatest fruit Clement IV offered him the Archbishopric of Naples which he also refused. He left the great monument of his learning, the “Summa Theologica”, unfinished, for on his way to the second Council of Lyons, ordered there by Gregory X, he fell sick and died at the Cistercian monastery of Fossa Nuova in 1274.
St. Thomas was one of the greatest and most influential theologians of all time. He was canonized in 1323 and declared Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius V.

Reflection:
I was struck by the way St. Thomas of Aquinas lived his life. He renounced the things of this world. In our part it is hard to renounce the sweet and sugar-coated attractiveness of life on earth. Most especially if we are in the midst of a flourishing success, wealth and happy life. But sometimes we wonder, are we really happy in its true sense of the word “happy” enjoying our wealth (honestly acquired or…)? Don’t we feel so empty at times? I came across an article, “The Poor Rich Girl” story of the daughter of Aristotle Onassis, the famous billionaire and husband of Jackie Kennedy. Isn’t it contradicting? She was rich yet poor, in what sense? If we think being wealthy is true happiness, then it may not be true in some circumstances. This girl experienced it in her life. She did not feel happy. Her father was away from her. She felt unloved because people around her were busy. She has nobody to turn to in times of her ups and downs. She felt so lonely and alone. We can say then that what she lacked in life was love. Love makes us happy. St. Thomas renounced all earthy things because he found true happiness by following Jesus. Thus as this song goes: “True, true happiness will follow, if you only follow me.” He found true happiness in serving the Lord and being with Him always. He was so strong in preserving his vocation despite the strong temptations before him. He was very faithful to God, and because of his fidelity, God conferred upon him the gift of perfect chastity, which has merited for him the title of the "Angelic Doctor".

Dear St. Thomas, I owe you the five ways to prove God’s existence. I owe from you this strong foundation in my belief of the existence of God. I owe you my faith. By studying deeply your five ways to prove God’s existence in our course Creed and Apologetics, I was given the gift of faith through your teaching. Thank you. In believe that in any approach to impart knowledge it is best to communicate something abstract in concrete. This was how you presented God’s existence. There is something moving. Everything that moves is put into motion by something else. But this series of antecedent movers cannot reach back infinitely. Therefore, there must be a first mover (which is God). The order and arrangement of the natural world (not merely its existence) bespeaks the deliberate design of an intelligent creator. All these facts can be felt, seen, observed around us. It is therefore a must for us to protect these gifts of an Intelligent Creator, the First Mover.

by Fe Marina Siacon

THE HEART OF TOTO FIEL

THE HEART OF TOTO FIEL
by Rev. Fr. Philip Vincent S. Sinco

I have always wanted to write something about my 7-year old nephew, Fiel. Just like any child of his age, he is known for his innocence, playfulness, and curiosity. But what sets him apart from the rest is his cheekiness, wherein at times, you will get confused whether he really meant what he said or it’s just a part of his gullibility. He can be brutally frank that you’d be embarrassed with his usual quips about certain things that caught his attention. Last week, when I said mass at the wake of my relative who died of complications due to his old age, Fiel went inside the house to look for candies. After a while, he approached the daughter and complained, “Puro kahang inyo dulsi, waay gid ti tam-is?” We laughed profusely when we were told about it. He just smiled at us, wondering why we made a fuss over his blatant assertion. I could sense that there was a protest obstinately taking place inside his head. If only he could reason out as an adult before us, he would’ve blurted out, “Hey, what’s wrong with my statement? I’m just being honest!!!”

A child will always be naive no matter how hard you try to objectify things. He is guided by his belief in such a way that he puts his heart into it. He sees life as a continuous search for meaning, hence he would rely on his vulnerability, eager to grasp the hands of those whom he thought would direct him to what is authentic or reliable. His inquisitiveness is not born out of his convoluted reason. He simply wants to unfold, discover and learn the many ways of the world. This is perhaps the explanation why Jesus became indignant towards his disciples when they rebuked those enthusiastic children who wanted to see and touch him. We have an irony here. The kingdom of God does not belong to those who are strong, powerful, and learned. Rather, Jesus offers it to those who are incapable, defenceless, and weak.

Vulnerability is the word. While the rest of us are engaging ourselves in a power struggle, opposing each other to claim the coveted title of who will be the greatest, the mightiest, and the best, Jesus would simply invite us to be susceptible to the magnanimity of the graces offered by his Almighty Father. While science and technology continue to expand the way we perceive life’s seemingly complicated mechanisms, Jesus would want us to take things in its purity and live our lives with an unadulterated cheerfulness. While we exhaust ourselves with endless theories to explain those whom we consider mysterious, unimaginable, and “too awful for words”, Jesus would only require us to possess that heart of a child who is able to recognize and accept the honest-to-goodness fundamentals of human existence.

Even if sometimes, I am annoyed by the naivety and the outspokenness of my nephew, I have learned so much from his self-effacing disposition. He has taught me to go back to what is basic, especially if my mind and heart are shrouded by my never-ending inklings on the things I should do in order that I may be sensible before the world. There were times that I thought I was invincible, only to find out later on that my insistence in trying to get hold of things whole and entire has brought me to staggering failures and disappointments.

One last story about Fiel (I am not supposed to include this because I fear it might ruin the coherent flow of thoughts but I let myself be muddled as I set aside my reason for a while so I can indulge myself to what is simple and true). When my sister left for Hong Kong, my poor, little nephew was devastated and you can really tell how he longed for his Mama. One time, my sister called and talked to him. In all honesty, he told her: “Ma, puli ka lang di, biskan one day lang; Sige na ma, please!” It was a heart-wrenching moment for all of us at home. My sister cried so hard that she never finished their conversation. It was an enduring testimony of a child’s unconditional love for his mother. I was stunned by my nephew’s purity of heart---so weak yet so passionate, so vulnerable yet so spirited.
If there’s one resilient bastion of faith, hope and love when everything else fails in this life, it would have to be the heart of a child.

The Sto. Niño

This is the actual Santo Niño given from Magellan to Rajah Humabon (Carlos) and Hara Amihan (Juana) in 1521.

The Sto. Niño
by: Joy H. Gefes

History would tell us that the original Sto. Niño is the one found in the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City. The Sto. Niño or the Holy Child is a Roman Catholic depiction of the Child Jesus, quite similar to the Infant Jesus of Prague.

A Portuguese explorer who discovered the Philippines in 1521, Ferdinard Magellan gave the image of the Sto. Niño as a baptismal gift to Hara Amihan, wife of Rajah Humabon after he has persuded Raja Humabon to pledge allegiance to Spain and later baptized them and 800 of his subjects into the Catholic faith, and giving the couple the names Carlos and Juana. However, Magellan died in the Battle of Mactan.

When the Spaniards returned in 1565, 44 years before a new group came and started formal Christianization of the islands. Cebu was the first stop of then Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. He defeated the nephew of Rajah Humabon, Rajah Tupas and destroyed the village in the process. In one of the burnt-out dwellings, the Sto. Niño was found inside a wooden box relatively unscathed by one of his soldiers named Juan Camus found lying side by side with native idols.
The event was acknowledged as miraculous, and a church was later constructed on the purported site of the discovery. The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is an important historical and religious landmark in Cebu, with devotees forming long line up to pay their respects to the Holy Child.
The Feast of the Sto. Niño in the Philippines has been granted special liturgical texts for use during its feast with approval by the Holy See. This is set on the 3rd Sunday of January.
Filipinos has always been a devotee of the Sto. Niño. They venerate his image in their houses and stores with great belief that the Sto. Niño will protect them from harm always.
In celebration of the Feast of the Sto. Niño, Cebu celebrates Sinulog simultaneous with Kabankalan City’s version Sinulog celebration that was started by some residents that migrated in the said place from Kalibo. Kalibo in Aklan also has their Ati-atihan Festival on the third Sunday of January which is believed to have started in 1212 and Iloilo City has its Dinagyang Festival on the fourth Sunday of January.

“Ang Pagpauli ni Tatay”

"Ang Pagpauli ni Tatay”
(RETURN TO SENDER)
by Bp. Gerardo A. Alminaza, D.D.

Here are some messages I got these days from various friends: Happy birthing to new life for Tatay Felix... Halleluiah! He rests now where we all should – in God’s love... Last night we got the news of your Tatay’s “going home.” ...What a happy death your father had with his bishop-son preparing him to meet the Lord, a grace not given to many fathers or sons. Still I know how painful it is to lose a parent. ...For your father, I thank God that he raised a son in such a way that it pleased the Lord to anoint him to the fullness of the priesthood... We love you Bp Ger. Ari kami to embrace and hold your hand when you need us... Tatay is home, ginhulat ka lang niya nga mag-obispo... He had somehow accomplished his mission – that of bringing you to Iloilo as its Bishop and now he goes back to the Father with the words: “It is finished” A perpetual banquet awaits him and a special place among the blessed. May his memory live on in your heart as you live with his Ilonggo people and truly become a shepherd of the Ilonggos... He is now “Felix” in heaven as his name was here with us... Now you have two powerful intercessors in heaven... two angels watching over you... We are now your family... We will always be here for you because we love you....

One message came through this touching story of the little boy and the old man: Said the little boy, “Sometimes I drop my spoon.” Said the little old man, “I do that too.” The little boy whispered, “I wet my pants.” “I do that too,” laughed the old man. Said the little boy, “I often cry.” The old man nodded. “So do I.” “But worst of all,” said the boy, “I am afraid and scared to be alone... to be left behind.” And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand. “I know what you mean,” said the little old man, “But I promise you... I will always be here for you.” Am sure Tay Felix is saying the same to you... “I will always be here for you!” My family and I will always be here for you, too, Pads. With our prayers and love....

Pila lamang ini sang mga mensahe nga ginpahayag ninyo sa akon sining nagliligad nga mga inadlaw tubtob sang Enero 14, 2009 – ika-80 nga kaadlawan ni Tatay. Ini nga adlaw sang iya kaadlawan isa ka adlaw sang pagsaulog sang kabuhi kag paghigugma – a celebration of life and love – the life and love of Tatay, our life and love together, but above all, the life and love of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit at work in the life of Tatay and ours. SALAMAT, SALAMAT, MADAMO GID NGA SALAMAT sa sining aton Dios nga naghatag sa aton kay Tatay! Paagi sa iya, natun-an ko paano mangin isa ka maayo nga anak! Kag tungod sini natun-an ko man paano mangin isa ka amay sa aton panimalay sang pagtuo.

Ang adlaw sang iya kaadlawan isa man ka pagsaulog sang pagpauli ni Tatay – pagpauli sa Alimodian, sa iya mga katigulangan, kag labaw sa tanan sa iya Tagtuga kag Manunubos – ang aton matuod gid nga paulian! Ang root word sang pagpauli amo ang uli – ginabalik sa ginhalinan, sa matuod gid nga tag-iya. Sa iya mismo kaadlawan, gin-uli ko upod sa inyo tanan, si Tatay Felix, sa iya Makaako, sa iya matuod-tuod nga Tag-iya upod ang daku nga kalipay kag pagpasalamat tungod sang malawig naman nga pagpahulam Niya sa kay Tatay sa aton.

Salamat sa Dios sa paghatag Niya sa akon sa kay Tatay kag Nanay 49 years ago bilang sabat sa ila pangamuyo nga maka-anak after waiting for almost 8 years. “Like Father, like Son” siling nila kag matuod gid ina. Daku gid nga bahin sa akon naghalin sa akon Amay kag gani matuod gid ang ginasiling, “To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die.” Tatay continues to live on in me since “All that we love deeply becomes a part of us...” Salamat nga ginpadala ako sang Dios diri sa Jaro kag tungod sini si Tatay nakapauli man sa iya mga partidos kag mga katigulangan. Salamat sa madamo nga kahigayunan nga napabatyag kag nahambal ko gid kay Tatay nga palangga ko siya tubtob nga nabugtuan siya sang ginhawa. I will always remember that loving look of Tatay right into my own eyes as he gave his last breath.

Ang Prefacio sang Misa sang mga Minatay nagasiling: “Kay ang kabuhi sang Imo mga tumuluo, O Ginuo, ginabaylohan lamang, wala ginakuha; kag sa ubos na maguba ining dutan-on nga puloy-an nga umalagi, ila ma-aguman ang walay katapusan nga puloy-an sa langit.” Life is changed not ended... So our relationship does not end but continues beyond death.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS AND EXPRESSION OF SUPPORT FOR TATAY AND ME!

Zoo

Zoo
by Pureza D. Lacuesta

My mind was blank, no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t think of something to write. Although we have our weekly theme, I couldn’t seem to find the right words, the right expression, and what was worse, the right foundation for my article.

I was lost in the desert of blank ideas when suddenly I was brought back to literary consciousness. I recalled my lecture on being observant, creative, and retentive, so that the power of expression would flow.

Nobody was around. Nobody had inspired me except the animals and fowls in our front yard which attracted my attention.

Snarling and showing its teeth, one of our dogs looked at the chicken pecking at the grains on the ground. While the mother hen and rooster clucked and called for the chicks, the dog started to jump and growl attracting the other dogs (there are 8 in all). Not to be outdone, our cats bared their teeth, jumped at the dogs and get ready to scratch. Each group had its own battle formation, and an idea about values entered my head. Animals and fowls may be exempted in the value-formation, but they can give allegorical aspects to the journalism trade.

There are many of us who pounce upon the poor and the helpless, making them easy victims of misery, while those whose pockets are never empty and power-filled, enjoy life’s pleasure at the expense of the “small people”.

Some of us resort to crime and abuse, showing our merciless treatment to the simple and the unprotected. Intelligent and accomplished people, ridicule the less fortunate in intellect, and stand out with pride and self-adulation in gatherings and public activities.

It is difficult to be simple and humble if we are endowed with many gifts. It is difficult to accept that there are many others who have the same qualifications. We are egoistic and have the tendency to do something unethical and unchristian if challenged.

The world is like a zoo where different personalities and values live together. God has given us the basics of enduring Christianity and consideration for each other, but our human tendencies which are stubborn in nature are difficult to overcome.

It is high time to be honest with ourselves and make amends. Reparations can be done directly and indirectly. In doing this, there is only one prescription – Prayer. The only Physician Who can give this, is God.

Go to Him now. We can never tell when the last page of our life should be read.

Mission-Vision

We, the children of God in the Parish of Jao, in seeking to promote His kingdom, envision a Christ centered, participatory, enlightened Filipino Church that is evangelizing, missionary and committed toward total human development by witnessing and working for justice, unit and social transformation.