Filipino Gathering

 There are two things which are very noticeable of us Filipinos whenever and wherever we gather. One, there sure are food of different varieties and two, there sure is singing .These two characteristics of Filipino gathering bring out the sense of community life among us – sharing and communion. We do not pay too much attention on the attire one wears or whether how much or little one brings, nor a competitive singing voice a requirement to be received, what matters is one’s presence and willingness to participate. It is how Filipino gathering works and becomes enjoyable. This very sense of community is also what brings us together in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. There is the visible presence of the whole family including the extended members. There is singing in the whole celebration and a good coordination between the minister and the lay. The active participation of the congregation is also evident however formal their attire may be, or how liturgical the songs and how long or short the responses are. There is no dull moment and there sure is a sense of joy and fulfillment before, during and after the celebration.

However, as modern technologies swiftly conquering our everyday lives it is also worth noticing the changes and effects they bring to our faith especially in fulfilling our Sunday obligation. The sense of community is gradually diminishing as family attendance cut out to only parents or to only children or there are times there is only one person who represents the family , attending the Mass. Moreover, the motivation in attending the Holy Mass is reduced to fulfilling an obligation alone rather than a free desire and serious participation. They are physically present but their heart is roaming somewhere else. These reasons explain the scenario of coming late or leaving without finishing the whole celebration. This is an alarming situation the Church in the Philippines is experiencing right now considering her Catholic population and members. Given that modernity makes people more efficient and productive but does it make people more altruistic? What is happening now to our sense of community life? And what are we to do in order that such good trait may stay and relive amidst the posing threat of modernity?

I believe the starting point is prayer and that it should begin in the family. If we acknowledge that family is the basic unit of society, it is prayer in common that makes a family intact. As Fr. Peyton, CSC said “the family that prays together stays together”. Recitation of graces before and after meal or prayer before leaving the house are some basic prayers when done in common builds a sense of closeness within members of the family. Moreover, the highest and most fundamental of this ‘prayer in common” is the participation in the Holy Mass, where ‘it seeks to consolidate and bring communion to perfection.’ The Eucharist builds the Church and the Church makes the Eucharist. We should therefore make every effort to see that each celebration of the Holy Eucharist is alive - allowing the faithful especially each family members to actively participate, and educational in that the liturgical significance and meaning is taught and explained, by which the faithful will appreciate and deepen their commitment in the beauty of the celebration. We should begin by telling them especially the youth that the Holy Mass is not only an obligation but more importantly a participation and communion with God. The Eucharistic celebration is the very source and summit of the Christian life founded in communal love and service.

Education plays an important role too. It is part of our mission as members of the Church who was and remains built on “the foundation of the Apostles, the witnesses chosen and sent on mission by Christ himself.” It is not only important that Christian education be included in the school’s curriculum but we must also have competent and good Catholic teachers to teach the children. We must insist on the value of good Christian education and by doing so we must encourage the lay to study religious studies or theology and provide good training on pastoral work that will benefit the pastors in particular and the Church in general. Educational activities could also start in the parish or religious’ community activity centers where pastors, religious men and women, and lay catechists hold Bible seminars and catechism classes. Through the use of modern technologies we could make our teachings appealing without losing the integrity and importance of the Church’s teachings. It lies therefore in our acceptance, willingness and dedication to do the responsibility given us by the Church. Vatican II opened the door to many great possibilities to read the signs of the time. I believe we are commissioned to do our share.

Witnessing is also an important key not only to educate but to convince this generation on the importance of the Holy Eucharist in our faith and Christian life. It is therefore the task of each member of the faithful and more specifically, the particular responsibility of the Church’s pastors to make sure the communion celebrated and perfected in the Holy Eucharist is as well transforming and perfecting their Christian life. We heard of the saying ‘action speaks louder than words,’ in the same manner each of us should start living and practicing the faith we profess and to which we are committed; a faith that perseveres without lamenting; a faith that sustains the sense of community within us. Everything else is at the mercy of God, who never fails to give to those who seek and who is ever willing to give Himself to those who desire to commune with him.

I have been involved in Filipino communities in Taiwan since I came back in 2004. I see the greater need to boost their spiritual life since it is always easy for them to stay away from the Church and renounce their faith. I find others becoming more participative, appreciative and concerned about their faith and spiritual life, an opportunity when get hold of allow them deepen their Catholic commitment. I feel tasked to guide them since most of them became active only upon arriving here. I hope that by doing so I am also contributing something for Taiwan Church, an issue that sometimes being raised against me. As St. Dominic saw the needs of his time, and as Pope John XXIII saw the signs of time, thus the opening of Vatican II, so we too through prayerful reflection, inspired by the Holy Spirit do the task our Lord has entrusted to us who came not to be served but to serve.