Praying for our Faithful Departed

At Pinegrove Memorial Park in Sydney, Australia

     Surely we miss those whom we love and who are no longer with us on earth.  In my Catholic Faith, November is usually the time dedicated to pray for the these souls we call the Faithful Departed.  Love continues after death and the wish that our loved ones reach their destination in Happiness and Peace.  We accompany them with prayers and we best express this by offering for them Holy Mass or the Celebration of the Eucharist.  

The Holy Mass is one of the best prayers for the Faithful Departed.

      In a special way, I remember my sister, my dad, and other relatives not with us now but continues to help me in special ways...  This tradition of prayer makes the family, group, or any association more bonded.  Saying a simple prayer for them or offering a good deed would be helpful even though it is just the prayer of Eternal Rest...  Searching for some good prayers, I came across this link:Prayers for the Faithful Departed - Prayers for the Souls in Purgatory and copied here Prayers for the Faithful Departed that may be useful for you or some of your friends. Just click the cited link.  Here it goes:

At detail of cross and an angel in a tombstone in a Christian cemetery.

"Prayer for the dead is one of the greatest acts of charity we can perform. Our prayers help them during their time in Purgatory, so that they can enter more quickly into the fullness of heaven. These prayers are especially suited for offering a novena on behalf of the dead, or for praying during those seasons of the year (November, in the Western Church; Lent, in the Eastern Church) designated by the Church as times of fervent prayer for the faithful departed."

De Profundis

The De Profundis is a penitential psalm that is sung as part of vespers (evening prayer) and in commemorations of the dead. It is also a good psalm to express our sorrow as we prepare for the Sacrament of Confession.

Prayer for Mercy on the Souls in Purgatory

While we know that all who are in Purgatory will enter into Heaven, we are still bound by charity to try to lessen the suffering of the Holy Souls through our prayers and deeds. While our first responsibility is to those people we have known, it is important to remember in our prayers those souls who are most forsaken.

A Prayer for a Deceased Mother

This prayer is a good way to remember our mother. It is especially useful to pray as a novena on the anniversaries of her death; or during the month of November, which the Church sets aside for prayer for the dead; or simply anytime that her memory comes to mind.

A Prayer for a Deceased Father

This prayer is a good way to remember our father. It is especially useful to pray as a novena on the anniversaries of his death; or during the month of November, which the Church sets aside for prayer for the dead; or simply anytime that his memory comes to mind.

A Prayer for Deceased Parents

This prayer is a good way to remember our parents, who have gone before us. It is especially useful to pray as a novena on the anniversaries of their deaths; or during the month of November, which the Church sets aside for prayer for the dead; or simply anytime that their memory comes to mind.

Prayer for All the Deceased

This beautiful prayer, drawn from the Byzantine Divine Liturgy, reminds us that Christ's victory over death brings us all the possibility of eternal rest. We pray for all of those who have gone before us, that they, too, may enter into Heaven.

Prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

Christ's mercy encompasses all men. He desires the salvation of everyone, and so we approach Him with confidence that He will have mercy on the Holy Souls in Purgatory, who have already proved their love for Him.

Eternal Rest

One of the most commonly recited of Catholic prayers in times past, this prayer has fallen into disuse in the last few decades. Prayer for the dead is one of the greatest acts of charity we can perform.

Eternal Memory

This prayer is used in Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. The "eternal memory" mentioned in the prayer is remembrance by God, which is another way of saying that the soul has entered heaven and enjoys eternal life.

Weekly Prayers for the Faithful Departed

The Church offers us different prayers that we can say each day of the week for the faithful departed. These are especially useful for offering a novena on behalf of the dead, or for praying during those seasons of the year (November, in the Western Church; Lent, in the Eastern Church) designated by the Church as times of fervent prayer for the...

Sunday Prayer for the Faithful Departed

This is a prayer for the faithful departed to be offered on Sundays.

Monday Prayer for the Faithful Departed

This prayer is said on Mondays for the souls of the faithful departed.

Tuesday Prayer for the Faithful Departed

On Tuesdays, Catholics pray this prayer for the souls of the faithful departed.

Wednesday Prayer for the Faithful Departed

Catholics pray this prayer on Wednesdays for the souls of the faithful departed.

Thursday Prayer for the Faithful Departed

We should remember the faithful departed on Thursdays by praying this prayer.

Friday Prayer for the Faithful Departed

This prayer is offered on Fridays for the souls of the faithful departed.

Saturday Prayer for the Faithful Departed

Catholics pray this prayer on Saturdays for the souls of the faithful departed.

Indulgence for a Visit to a Cemetery

This indulgence for a visit to a cemetery encourages us to spend a moment in prayer for the souls in Purgatory.

Reviewing "There Be Dragons"

          In spite of a busy Saturday last October 1, I had a chance to watch There Be Dragons* on its premier show.     That evening, my friends and I had some time to talk about the movie.  We were delighted to discover its richness and appreciated Roland Joffé.

          The production of There Be Dragons by its director Roland Joffé and key producer Ignacio Gómez-Sancha is one remarkable social enterprise.  To convey aesthetically through film these messages—redemption via the cross, the power of love and forgiveness, the fight to be saints in the middle of the world—are great risks amid current economic, social, political and historical situations.   These men and the whole production team deserve thanks for embarking on a commercial project which is also an education of the heart. 

          There are experiences in life that jolts, disorients, or weakens us.  Many times these are the bitter pill that we have to swallow.  The devastation or the loneliness, the looming fears and insecurities, the guilt that remains after a wrong deed or misgiving, the trauma or the wound after a conflict could deeply and intensely reside in us.  We get angry, we retaliate, or we run away as we refuse to see the reality of our wounds.  We get bitter.   Is there meaning and deliverance from all these?

  
           There Be Dragons brings us in the paradigm of love and forgiveness.  The movie gives you a panoramic view in a moment in history—the Spanish Civil War—when lives of its main characters: Josemaria, Manolo, Ildiko, Oriol and Roberto intertwine.  Each one looks for an ideal, each one looks for love.

          For Josemaria, the Love he found spurred and sustained him in his mission to establish Opus Dei especially in those difficult times of war.   By then, he was fighting hard to drown evil an abundance of good.  Manolo, though seen as Josemaria’s antithesis, looked for God’s redemptive love in the end through Josemaria.  Characters Ildiko and Oriol showed admirably the greatness and frailty of the human condition while Roberto’s saga summarized the conversion of his pain into love which made him free in the end.

          The openness to love and forgiveness, which Joffé rendered through Josemaria and the entire film, enables us to catch the signal of Christ who is in man.  This is the secret that enables to love, to forgive, to have compassion amid structures or dragons that obstruct recognition and acceptance of God.  The movie amplifies one's understanding of others and buoys him to face and slay his dragons.  
 

          In a recent teleconference interview with Roland Joffé at the University of Asia & the Pacific, he said, “We think we look at movies but I think movies look at us: movie stays the same but you hear different comments about it.”  From the screenplay and the actors who did well in putting passion in their roles, I recognized people I know--relatives, friends, people I love, people who make me suffer, etc. I saw myself too.   And in the experience of it, I became, in a way, a stakeholder of the film as I slay my dragons.


          I hope you can watch the movie in the big screen.  In Manila, it will be shown starting November 9 in cinemas: SM Megamall, SM North, SM Southmall, Trinoma, Glorietta 4, and Festival Mall. It is well worth one's money and time!

* “There Be Dragons” tells the story of two childhood friends, Josemaria and Manolo, whose lives take very different paths in the midst of the political and social unrest of the 1930’s in their native country of Spain. The film is inspired by actual events, especially the real life of St. Josemaria Escriva, a priest and founder of Opus Dei (from http://www.stjosemaria.org).

Business Awareness Course @ CADA

Beneficiaries at CADA learn more about the role of Entrepreneurship in society.

 Business Awareness Course* or BAC is a basic business program of study that develops the participants’ awareness and sensitivity towards entrepreneurship or self-employment as a vocation or as an alternate means of livelihood.  At the end of the course, those attending it would have arrived at greater self-knowledge and awareness about business in order to decide properly if entrepreneurship is appropriate for them or not, or perhaps not yet.  Not everyone is cut-out to be an entrepreneur nor is entrepreneurship for everyone.  Yet a good understanding of what it takes to be a successful one is valuable. 

Business Awareness requires being more aware of one's SWOT-strengths, weaknesses, opportunities & threats.

I was back last Febraury 19 at Cavite Dynamic Achievers or CADA after five years, this time giving a Business Awareness Course.  I was also there last 2006 for a Christmas arts and craft workshop with students who at that time attended catechism classes given by CADA’s catechist volunteers. Last February 19, my audience were another batch of  high school students.   Among many things, we discussed the key entrepreneurial traits—good common sense, deep knowledge of the business or expertise, self-confidence, ability to get things done, creativity, leadership and self-reliance—which are also important for any worker or professional. 

Young people see things in life in a uniquely fresh, happy and clear perspective which youth naturally provides.

 Glenda Angeles, Executive Director of El Cielito Foundation, Inc. initiated CADA as the foundation’s first project in 2006. Her concept was to help people develop themselves through education and entrepreneurship starting with the young people from their province in Cavite.  Their approach is to impart a God-centered way of living that would enable the youth to grow in learning so as to develop themselves, come out of poverty, and being capable to lead others to improve their lot as well.

(L-R): CADA Social Worker Christina Llanto, Glenda Angeles-Executive Director of ECF,
Mel E. Maranan, and Rose Naraja-Project Coordinator of ECF

It all started with Glenda’s father Mr. Zosimo Angeles, President of El Cielito  Hotels,  who years ago had been concerned about the education of young people.  “I would often see him read news about educational projects.  And, the religious education of young people is very much in his heart… I would even see him cut out news clippings about catechism  from local newspapers,” disclosed Glenda. 

At present, the El Cielito Foundation, Inc. had built two classrooms and a soap production center in the premises of their ancestral home in Cavite.  These facilities are being used by student beneficiaries of the foundation who currently are the members of CADA. Soaps made from the center are sold and the profit goes to the beneficiaries of CADA. These beneficiaries were selected from public schools and are now given opportunities weekly to receive catechism classes, values education, entrepreneurship skills development training through soap production and other activities like lectures and classes, cultural trips or exposure, and  educational tours.

Student Beneficiaries of CADA pose with ECF Staff and Mr. Zosimo Angeles (2nd row, standing in yellow shirt) at the CADA Project Site in Poblacion, Bacoor, Cavite

To have a CADA project in any community is very possible.  It would foremost require faith,  vision,  and commitment to see it through.  For more information about El Cielito Foundation, Inc. please visit www.elcielitofoundation.com or e-mail ecf_cada@yahoo.com.

*Business Awareness Course was one of the series of modules of the “Entrepreneurship on Migrant Earnings” or the EME project implemented by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. years ago.   It was then funded by the Commission of European Communities through the International Labour Organization in collaboration with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

On Women and the RH Bill

              It was during the 100^th anniversary of International Women’s Day when I met Beng at the House of Representatives last Tuesday, March 8, 2011.  I was there to give support to pro-life representatives in their stand to oppose the passing of the RH bill.  Entering the ‘Main Gate for Visitors’ at the Batasan premises, I saw a lady in blue shirt leading two other ladies.  I heard that they were going to the Plenary Session Hall.

                Beng was quick to lead the way to where we wanted to go.  We entered through the North Wing door of the main building of Congress and eventually landed on the third floor to view the on-going session. Sitting beside Beng at the third level gallery of the session hall, I learned that it was her first time to be inside the House of Representatives.  She came over as a response to the invitation of Pro-Life Philippines President Eric B. Manalang which she heard from Radio Veritas.

I had a photo taken with Beng (in blue shirt) on my right at the House of Representatives Lobby.  Her wisdom and civic-mindedness is impressive.

               During a vain lull moment and a meeting disturbance in that plenary session, I discovered Beng’s convictions in life which I wrote below in Tagalog.

               Sana ay huwag nilang baguhin kung ano ang itinadhana ng Diyos para sa kababaihan, para sa buhay ng tao… Hindi ako ayon na dapat isa-batas ang pag-bibigay ng bagay at kaalaman ng pagkokontrol sa bilang ng anak ng isang mag-asawa.  Ito ay isang desisyon na dapat ang mag-asawa lamang ang humarap.  Hindi makabubuti sa kalusugan ng babae ang mga contraceptives…

Interfaith Rally for Life at PICC grounds, Manila, 13-Feb-2011

               Napakalaking panganib para sa kabataan natin ngayon kung magiging legal ang contraceptives…  Sana ang ituro sa kanila ay ang kabutihang asal at ang tunay na pananalig sa Diyos na natutuhan ko noong una pa.  Dahil nawala ito kaya nag-iba ang kabataan.  Pero hindi sex-education na sinasabi sa RH bill ang solusyon.

Audience during the Interfaith Rally for Life. One has to see each FILIPINO as one of the world's greatest resource, not as a burden.

               Sana ay huwag ding gamitin ang mga mahihirap sa usapang ito ng RH bill.  Naniniwala ako na marami sa mahihirap na naririto ngayon ay hindi ganap na alam kung ano talaga ang pinag-uusapan.  Hindi malulutas ng gobyerno ang problema ng kahirapan kung ang mag-asawa ay hindi magtutulungan.  Para madagdagan ang sahod ng mister ko ay natuto akong magtinda ng pang-gatong, magluto at maglaba para sa iba, at kung anu-ano pang paraan para may baon sa eskwela at pamasahe ang mga anak namin.

             Kung gugustuhin kong yumanan, sana ay hindi na ako bumalik ng Pilipinas nuong nagtratrabaho pa ako sa Paris bilang isang OFW. Mas madali ang buhay doon pero hindi ako masaya. Nang nakita ko ang gusto ng Panginoon para sa akin, binayaran ko lang ang nautang kong Php 200,000 para makapag-abroad at bumalik na ako sa Pilipinas.

We have to invest our wealth on promotion and education of our people; not the promotion by law of limiting family growth.  Investment on contraceptives is not wise nor is it inherent to authentic human dignity and rights.

                Mahirap din kami pero nairaos naming makapag-aral ang apat naming anak.    Janitor ang asawa ko pero ang panganay namin ay nag-aaral na ngyon ng Architecture.  Gusto kasi naming maging maganda ang kinabukasan niya at ang magiging pamilya niya.  Tuwang-tuwa kami at nakapasa siya sa PUP.  Magtiwala lang tayo ng lubos at puspos sa Panginoon at Siya ang magbibigay ng paraan sa mga problemang parang wala ng solusyon.  

               What I heard from Beng is to me, the most authentic pro-woman and pro-family speech delivered from the heart.  It reflects her simple yet sturdy faith and love for her family and nation.  She is brave and free; down-to-earth and happy.  Most importantly, she has the truth.  She did not finish high-school yet she has good education.  We parted that night past seven in the evening with her mind then focusing towards her family’s needs—dinner food and all—as she got a tricycle to get home.

We start from believing in ourselves as Filipinos.  We can change our lot and contribute much to world development.  We should not allow international businesses or groups or any foreign country to dictate their desired population rate for us.  We can say NO to the concealed agenda of population control for Filipinos.

                The Sponsorship Speeches started at the House of Representatives on House Bill 4244 or the RH bill took place that day too, March 8, 2011 at around 6:05 p.m.  Interpellation and voting was deferred for another session.  Proponents of the RH Bill and their sympathizers have made an apparent success in mounting a public attitude favoring how the bill benefits many people especially women, children, and adolescents.  Its authors claim to empower people to chart their destinies by having free access to information and services about safe sex.  Many believed this “truth” but not all.

               We do not err because truth is difficult to see.  It is visible at a glance.  We err because this is more comfor table.  ~Alexander Solzhenitsyn

RH Bill and the Magic Mirrors

Illustration of 'Magic Mirrors' by Norman B. Isaac of the Manila Bulletin

          I re-discovered the “magic mirrors” and the “RH Bill” from my collection of assorted articles and clippings.  My ‘magic mirror’ was undated but I am quite certain to have clipped it from the Manila Bulletin because its illustration was made by one of its top cartoonist Norman B. Isaac.  Read below the news Beijing fashion shops use ‘magic mirrors’ to fool fat women.

            HONG KONG (dpa) — Fashion shops in Beijing are using “magic  

     mirrors” to fool fat women customers into thinking they look

            slimmer in their clothes.

The shops are buying especially-made mirrors with a curved surface to make people look more slender when they try on items in the fitting rooms, according to the Hong Kong edition of the China Daily.

The ruse was discovered by one woman customer who bought a dress after it seemed to make her look thinner only to find back at home the garment actually accentuated her ample proportions, according to the newspaper.

An industry insider told the newspaper sales of the “magic-mirrors” had increased dramatically in recent months amid booming demand from clothes shop.

Now, my RH Bill-inspired piece came from an editorial cartoon work made by Jess Abrera of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. I find his rendering of the current population-debate between the Church and the Government brave and cool.

Editorial cartoon by Jess Abrera of Philippine Daily Inquirer, February 15, 2011

As the Reproductive Health or RH Bill (now re-packaged as Responsible Parenthood or RP Bill) aims to guarantee universal access to methods and information on birth control and maternal care, Wikepedia further reports:  

While there is general agreement about its provisions on maternal and child health, there is great debate on its key proposal that the Filipino taxpayer and the private sector will fund and undertake widespread distribution of family planning devices such as birth control pills (BCPs) and IUDs, as the government continues to disseminate information on their use through all health care centers. Private companies and the public and private elementary and secondary school system will be required to participate in this information and product dissemination as a way of controlling the population of the Philippines.

The intentions in the RH and RP Bill reveal a bias towards population and birth control through contraception as vehicles of development.  The authors of the bill show that contraceptives are legal and medically safe.  Imbeded in the bill is the enforcement of fines and imprisonment for those who decline to offer access to various forms of contraception--declared as instruments of “reproductive health”--to those who ask for them.

          Giving ear to other vocal institutions and personalities brings out the other side of the coin--the perils of the bill.  We should heed the warnings  that it is likewise a threat to maternal and infant health care and an element that will corrode good values.  In this light, the bill overlooked to protect basic principles on life, truth, and freedom hence, it poses danger to compound the complex clusters of societal problems we already see now.

          The RH Bill or RP Bill is like a “Magic Mirror” that makes contraceptives look apparently good and safe for healthy women.  In promoting contraceptives, the RH Bill created a "need" claiming that contraceptives will empower one to take control and manage one's life better.  Yet, it does not tell the whole truth about who is behind the contraceptive-business and what these contraceptives really do to us especially to women?

          In reference to the news clipping above, I think our Government should not imitate those fashion shops in Beijing that used magic mirrors (i.e., RH or RP Bill in the context now) to inform us that the bill will make us better. What would really make a country better that is within reach of the Government without spending huge amount of cash for contraceptives that will not address poverty at its roots?  Jess Abrera of PDI rendered the answer well in his drawing above: Government simply has to do good governance, not misgovernment.

            

At The Heart of Good Education

At the end of the day we ask, "In whose image are the students formed?"

          St. Anthony School was in a festive mood early Monday morning, February 07, 2011 preparing for the Thanksgiving Mass for school’s Diamond Jubilee.   The foundation day of SAS was on February 11, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes is the School's Foundation Day hence around this date were the activities set--musical concerts, rides, booths, streamers on display, academic and art exhibits, motorcade, and family day starting February 04 to 12.

          I was fortunate to attend the Thanksgiving Mass  with the school’s administrators, staff, teachers, students, some parents and various guests which included Sister Marie Fides Pangilinan of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres, High School Principal during the time that I was a student of the school.   His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales—Archbishop of Manila—was the Main Celebrant for event.  He concelebrated with Msgr. Rolando Dela Cruz, former Director of St. Anthony School and now Director of Paco Catholic School, Rev. Fr. Ed Tiamson, alumnus of St. Anthony School and is current Director of Lourdes School, Rev. Fr. Benny Tuazon, Director of St. Anthony School and Parish Priest of Singalong, and Rev. Fr. Nolan Que, current Assistant School Director in St. Anthony.

          I re-composed below the homily of Cardinal Rosales though not verbatim:

                    We are now gathered in Thanksgiving for the 75^th Anniversary of St. Anthony School.  Just to highlight the importance of education, let me share with you this story.

“In those days when empires flourished, two kingdoms fought fiercely in battle. After the war, the winners had a right to amass whatever they could get from the vanquished kingdom.  So most of the victors were getting whatever loot they could—jewelries and other valuables in the home, tools and machines of their trade, farm animals, horses, food stock, etc. 

"Let the little children come to me..."

          The victor king however declared, ‘Give the children to me… The children are mine.’ The wise king started educating the children in honorable living and made them understand the ideals of goodness, kindness, respect, generosity, self-sacrifice and love.  Thus was born a new generation of people in the kingdom.  This generation believed in the power of love and put an end to wars.”

Young people are attracted to the Truth especially when goodness and love accompanies it.

          Parents and teachers are truly important in shaping the lives of our students.  How much we value the legacy of our parents who day in and day out would emphasize to us the value of education.  I remember my parents who would always say to me during meal time, “Son, we are not rich but we give you education. We would not be able to give you much wealth.  Value your education because that is our legacy for you.”  For the alumni of this School like Fr. Ed here, you could also confirm these words from your own experiences. Ed ucation is a legacy. 

          All good things start small.  This school had a humble beginning. It was like the Ermita Catholic School established by the Franciscans a hundred and two years ago.  The Franciscan friars brought Jesus Christ to the people. They came to talk to them about the Truth.  Young people are attracted to the Truth especially when goodness and love accompanies it.  Love welcomes everyone.  Educating people this way, we stop wars.  The king was right…“Give the children to me…”  Didn’t Christ also say “Let the little children come to me…”?

          Do not glory on the 75 years of the School but glory instead on the years of patient dedication offered by many people to make the School possible.  Let us thank God for those who started and sacrificed for the School—the Franciscans, the school administrators and staff, the teachers, the parents, alumni and all students.  Happy 75^th Anniversary!

Love becomes the inspiration that promotes real peace and development.

          Reflecting on Cardinal Rosales' homily above, one sees that at the heart of good Catholic education is  the commitment given by its educators—parents, teachers, administrators, and other school personnel—to  communicate Christ and to help form Christ in the lives of the students.  Fidelity to convey the truth about Christ is not an easy job.  It demands a great deal of love—prayer, sacrifice, and work.  Yet their love becomes the inspiration that promotes real peace and development.

Ms. Ofelia Meneses-Principal of SAS, Ms. Amelia Chua-SAS Prefect of Studies, 
Fr. Benny Tuazon-SAS Director, Sr. Fides, SPC-Former HS Prinicpal of SAS, and myself.

          Through the 75 years, thank God for the SAS educators…my great esteem for them!



It's Project Everlasting

Our neighbor Bambee promised to show me the greeting card she made for her parents’ golden wedding anniversary yet our busy schedule during the holidays did not allow us to see each other. I wanted to use her handmade card as a visual aid for the class on the Sacrament of Matrimony I will be giving to a club of young professional women in our vicinity. Four days before the talk, Bambee sent me not her handcrafted card but a package with a note:  Mel, lending you this book which may be a good reference for the talk you are preparing. Nice Stories! It’s Project everlasting.

Two bachelors and best friends Mathew Boggs and Jason Miller wrote Project everlasting.

 Project everlasting—written by best friends Mathew Boggs and Jason Miller—is a showcase of the greatest marriages in the United States distilled in candid stories to communicate what it takes to make love lasts to more than 40 years.  It documented the highlights of their 200 interviews with couples having more than 40, 50, or 60 years of marriage.  They call these couples Marriage Masters not because they have perfect marriages but because they have superbly mastered themselves —their egos—and made their partnerships work for them and their families.

 Everlasting or endless love—is it realistic or is it just a song? I think that a happy marriage is not limited to nice, happy and funny experiences together nor could it be just focused on establishing wealth.  It is the steadfastness to ride the tide of conflicts and difficulties like weaknesses in character or personality, disappointments, frustrations, poverty, sicknesses, and even death.  It’s taking all the rough with the smooth and with flair of love.

 As the New Year started, I got to know several couples who celebrated their golden years of being together in marriage. Aside from Bambee’s parents, Delsy my co-teacher before at the BCPD School in Cebu City celebrated with spouse Mel their 50^th wedding anniversary last December 27.  Then last January 2, our friend Anabelle renewed her wedding vows with husband Walter in celebration of their golden wedding anniversary.  The same is true for the parents of my boss Dr. Glenda who celebrated their 50 years of marriage last January 3.

Fortune Plant keepsake for the 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration of Spouses Annabelle & Walter Brown.  Like this Fortune Plant, marriage is a gift and a treasure that must be defended, protected and nourished.  With God's blessings, marriage grows hence it truly takes three to marry--husband, wife and God.

Bishop Fulton Sheen said that it takes three to get married—the man, the woman, and God.  Fidelity ensues in a marriage which has been patiently worked out with one’s spouse and with God’s blessings. I know of many tried and difficult marriages that had worked and even failed marriages that became beacons of hope because God was in the relationship.  Faith gave the strength against the odds and solution to whatever may be hopeless.

          Last December 29 was the 46^th anniversary of Mama and Daddy’s wedding.  Daddy passed away six years ago so Mama visited his remains in the cemetery of our town in Bauan.  I can attest that their love triumphed even though their marriage was difficult.  The bond between them has been seriously undermined by many challenges but that bond too has always been made stronger by their faith, their children, and their commitment—loving each other to the end.  Their marriage too is Project everlasting.

New Heights

Lofty goals that connect us with our deeper selves empower us greatly.

          By now, we may be putting into action our new year’s resolutions.  We surely want them  to positively influence us this 2011.   Lofty goals that connect us with our deeper selves—our conscience, our roles and personal mission—empower us greatly.  They make us more free because in doing them them over time, we reach new heights in our courage and confidence, making us more fulfilled, happier.

One needs to calculate his own risks and see objectively if he is fit for the climb.

          Working on lofty goals is like climbing a mountain—it takes enterprise and optimism. Mountain climbing requires great tenacity and lots of work not only in its execution but also in its preparation.  One needs to calculate his own risks and see objectively if he is fit for the climb. It is an advantage if you have a good guide who will help you find the best path and traverse the steep and jagged trails.

I think people who climb love nature including the climb's challenges.

           I had a chance to climb Mt. Batulao with some friends last November.  My friend Carlo made a research about Mt. Batulao--about 1,050 meters above sea level--and persuaded me to go. We started our trek at around eight in the morning. We were like eager beavers at the start but I realized that our climb was also exacting and not just exciting.  It required specific preparation like physical exercises to condition our bodies so that we could muster our energies to reach the top.  I think people who climb love nature including the climb’s challenges.  Carlo found a good guide for us—Jumbo.    

Jumbo said, "When you go to the mountain, it is easier to pray...to talk with God."

          Jumbo does mountain climbing as a hobby but he also offers for a fee his services as guide and organizer of climbs for various groups.  As guide, he knew when and where to give the climbers assistance and support.  He loves mountains and knows a lot of places for nature-tripping that are especially suited for a student’s small budget.  When I asked him why he likes climbing he said, “When you go to the mountain, it is easier to pray ... to talk with God.”  He added that becoming healthy and fit are mere consequences of having frequent climbs.

          There are ten camps before reaching the summit of Mt. Batulao.  We ate our lunch at ten past thirty in the morning at Camp 1.  The camps are landmarks of stones, or simple benches or huts which are similar to World War II refuge stations in the Pacific.  There you can sit for a while to breathe lots of fresh air, to rest and gain more strength and perspective.  We were lucky that there we lots of coconuts so we had thirst-quenching buko juice.  Camp 10 is at the mountain’s summit. 

View from Camp 10 of Mt. Batulao.

An image of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel found on top of Mt. Batulao.

We reached the summit by noon time.

            We reached the top by noon time and there we prayed the Angelus before a statue of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel which, we were told, had been left there by some Salesian seminarists.  We stayed on the cool summit for an hour I think.   Afterwards, Jumbo led us to an easier path for the descent. Byfour in the afternoon, we were on our ride for Manila.

Thanks to our guide Jumbo and escort Ate Mila, we made it to the top.

          On the plus side of it, the climb was a crash course to understand patience, strength, and tenacity to keep on with one’s pursuit.  Concentration and focus is needed so as not to get distracted with what one sees along the way—interesting insects and animals, plants, people and their work, the dark rain clouds, one’s particular fears, or even a very nice panorama.

Reaching new heights initially requires "can do attitude".

          Reaching new heights requires new paradigms or mind-set.  Initially, it requires a realistic “can do” attitude.  One’s goal has to be attuned with reality and be always linked with one’s deeper aspirations and vision, with one’s sense of purpose or mission.  The goal which is to reach the top has to be translated to simple and specific doable steps. One has to be ready to do unusual things like clambering and crawling on all fours—literally like goats—in order to carry out steeper ascent or descent.  Focus and consistency in one’s pursuit are needed to finish the climb.  If not, we fail or we get lost.

In a climb, one has to be ready to do unusual things.

A mountain climb is like a crash course to understand patience, strength, and tenacity to keep on with one's pursuit.

           The sight on the mountain especially at the Batulao summit was breath-taking.  Jumbo was right--then and there, it was easier to talk to God.