Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Day 31: Kaibigan o Kabig Lang?

Sa pakikipag-kaibigan lagi nating tandaan na hindi lang tayo tumatanggap bagkus mas dapat na tayo ay nagbibigay. Unang-una at higit sa lahat ay ang pagbibigay natin ng ating sarili sa ating kaibigan. Kapag ang pananaw natin sa pakikipagkaibigan ay panay ‘kabig’ hindi tayo magtatagumpay. Gayun din naman kapag ang sarili natin ay wasak-wasak o ang buhay natin ay kalat at pigtas-pigtas, paano tayo makapag-bibigay? Makapagbigay lang kahit kulang? Hindi pupwede ang ‘hulugan’ sa pakikipag-kaibigan dahil hindi tayo bagay na pwedeng bayaran, ilista o kalimutan. Ang kaibigan ay “Ka-ibigan – kasama, kasalo, at kaisa sa pag-big. Ang dalawang panig ay may tungkulin na magbigay at magpuno, hindi lamang tanggap ng tanggap na parang labada o pakyaw sa pagpipintura.”

larawan ni G. John Gervacio
Ang paanyaya ni Hesus sa Ebanghelyo ni san Juan (15.15), “mula ngayon ay itinuturing ko kayong kaibigan...” At tinumbasan niya ito ng kanyang pag-aalay ng buhay, pagyakap sa nakakatakot na kadiliman ng buhay at pag-ako sa parusang dapat sana’y tayo ang magdaranas. Ang panawagan sa atin ni Hesus ay “mag-ibigan.” Hindi ito kapantay ng “like” sa “facebook” o maging “follower” sa “tweeter,” dahil ang uri ng ‘mag-ibigan’ ay pagbibigay ng sarili na nag-uugat sa malalim na pananampalataya at tunay na pag-ibig.

Kaya isang mahalagang paalala na dapat lagi tayong buo, kumpleto at laging handang magbigay sa tuwing papasok tayo sa isang relasyon ng pakikipag-kaibigan. At mangyayari lamang ito kung uunahin natin na maging kaibigan si Hesus, na siyang bumubuo sa wasak nating buhay, pumupuno sa kakulangan nating magbigay, nagdu-dugtong sa pigtas-pigtas nating kasarinlan. At sa ganitong pagkakataon lamang tayo maaring tunay na makapagbigay ng sarili, na maging isang tunay na kaibigan.

St John Bosco (Don Bosco), pray for us!

Monday, January 30, 2012

Day 30: Chinese Dragon Year



招財進寶Zhao-cai- jin-bao – To acquire; wealth; in, through; precious, darling, treasure. "When wealth is acquired, precious things follow”

This is a good reminder to us to seek what is true, good and holy. Only then wealth becomes long lasting and precious. This kind of wealth has to be earned, has to be tried on fire, and it has to be nurtured by faith, hope and love. 


Day 29: Bago o Pagbabago?


Nasaan ba ng ‘sikreto’ ng isang masarap na pagkain, nasa sangkap ba o nasa nagluluto? Nasa pagkain ba o nasa kumakain? Sa pananaw ng mga mahilig magluto, nasa sangkap ito; ngunit para sa mga magaling magluto, nasa nagluluto ito. Sa kabilang dako, sa panlasa ng mga kumakain, lalo na at gutom, ang lahat ng pagkain ay masarap. Samakatuwid, ang nagpapasarap sa isang pagkain ay ang sangkap, ang nagluluto at ang kumakain. Sa madali’t salita, ang sikretong sangkap ng isang masarap na pagkain ay ‘pag-iibigan’ na nakapaloob sa mga nabanggit ko.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Day 28: Chinese Dragon Year

金玉滿堂Jin-yu-man-tang – Gold and Jade fill your household or "May wealth come to fill a hall."

photo by Ms Lallie Abuid
The key to being rich and successful is not by the material inheritance one has but by one’s conviction and motivation to work hard in order to sustain, earn and enjoy the richness life offers them. Yes it’s true that some people need not toil hard to find better opportunities, while others have to wait patiently and work painstakingly to get a shot, but everybody is equal when it comes to ‘doing something to make one’s life happy and worth living.' If the saying ‘practice makes perfect’ works most of the time, ‘living life to its fullest, as a precious gift from Above, makes all the hard works and waiting worth it.’

Friday, January 27, 2012

Day 27: Reno (Liver Spread)

'copied and pasted without permission...:)'
Kagabi ay nanggaling ako sa isang masarap at masayang kainan. Ang kainan na ito ay tinaguriang “Reno party” dahil sa wika ng maybahay, lahat ng niluto niya ay may kasamang ‘reno spread:’ ‘sotanghon with reno’, ‘risso con reno’ at ang pambato na, ‘ginataan na may reno.’ Siguro, gulat kayong lahat ano? Ano ang lasa ng mga ‘yun? Totoo ba ‘to? Ang sagot, hinde! Maliban na lamang kung ang maybahay ay ang nanay nina Crispin at Basilio, pwedeng mangyari iyon. Sa kabilang dako, naging masaya ang kainan dahil bukod sa masarap na mga pagkain ay nagkasama-sama ulit ang karamihan at nagka-kamustahan. Mas lalo akong humahanga sa kanila sa tuwing sila’y magsasalaysay ng kani-kanilang kwento ng buhay. Maraming mga mabubuting aral at kahanga-hangang halimbawa ang maririnig at matututunan mo sa kanila. Kailangan lang talaga ng pakikisama: paglalaan ng oras at pakikipag kapwa-tao. Sa isang relihiyoso na katulad ko, pagbubukas kaalaman ang hatid nito sa akin, na makita ang isang dako ng buhay, na sa karamihan sa amin ang ganitong uri ng buhay ay malimit na nababatid lamang sa mga kwento, pelikula o kathang-isip. Maaring hindi nila batid, subalit ang mga kwento ng buhay nila o silang mga tinaguriang ‘bagong bayani’ ay mga tunay na inspirasyon upang lalo kaming magsumikap sa aming ginagawa na mas maging matapat at bukas sa aming paglilingkod.  

Sandali, parang masyado yatang naging makabagbag damdamin ang tono ko, hindi kaya dahil sa ‘reno’? Mabuhay kayo!

Day 26: Chinese Dragon Year

c/o xaguk.com
一本萬利Yiben wanli = "May a small investment bring ten-thousand fold profits." This saying draws out one of the known facts of Chinese people – trade and business. It is for this reason that ‘wealth’ or ‘fortune’ is always something that they work hard for and look forward to. Although wealth or fortune is oftentimes referred to money matters, it can also be viewed as something very spiritual and relational.  

May all our humble beginnings bring ten-thousand fold happiness!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Day 25: Hanap-buhay

Alam ko pagod kayo sa trabaho. Kayo ba naman ang araw-araw, mula umaga hanggang gabi ang magtrabaho? At hindi lang basta trabaho, ‘kayod marino’ pa. Sa dami kasi ng sinusuportahan dito at lalo na sa Pilipinas, hindi pupwedeng hindi maging ‘inday’ o ‘dodong’ (no offense to our Visayan speaking brethren) mula Lunes hanggang Sabado, at kung minsan, ipinipilit pa ang araw ng Linggo. Ito na sana ang araw ng pagsamba (para sa mga naniniwala sa Diyos) o araw ng pahinga (para sa pangkaraniwang nilalang), pero dahil kailangan, gusto o dala ng pangangailangan, sunod tayo sa tawag ng mga kadahilanan. Kaya nga ang mga ‘mottos’ ng karamihan, ‘bawal magkasakit,’ ‘bawal ma-late,’ ‘ma-late na, huwag lang absent,’ ‘itatrabaho ko na kasi sayang naman ang kikitain ko,’ ‘walang choice eh, kailangan!’ at marami pang samu’t saring pansariling panuntunan. Sa madali’t salita, ito ang tinatawag nating “Hanap - Buhay.”

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Day 24: Chinese Dragon Year

c/o tupian99.com

萬事如意Wanshi ruyi – Ten thousand, numerous; things,doings; as, like, similar; thought, idea, intention, viz., "May the ten thousand things you wish to do or to have, become as you intend them to become.” Or in the neat translation, “May all your wishes be fulfilled!”

Monday, January 23, 2012

Day 23: Chinese Dragon Year

Today marks the first day of the Lunar year or 春一. Aside from the traditional greetings to the elders (grandparents and parents), the children receives the most awaited red envelop or 紅包. In some cases, the grown up working children may give red envelop to their parents. There are sumptuous meals in every house and the festive gatherings usually last until the next fourteen days. People usually go for vacation, either going abroad, to their in-laws or an out of town getaway. The thing is family comes first so you have to be present.

There are also the usual or customary greetings that Chinese people say to everyone during the Lunar year which always involve wealth and health – 恭喜發財 (fortune, happiness, longevity, to name a few). No one in his/her sane mind would say otherwise, unless you’re an actor. I think these words or greetings have similar effect when people pray for each other, give blessing to each other. The more people greet you with the customary greetings the more these words become particularly meaningful and auspicious to one’s life.

In this regard I would like to feature some of these traditional greetings as the theme for my ‘The Song of Simeon’ journal this week. And to all my Chinese family and friends, have a hearty and grace-filled Lunar Year.

 福壽雙全 – Blessing/Happiness, Life, Double, Completeness, viz., “May your happiness and longevity be (double) complete.”

Day 22: Pagtugon sa Tawag

kuha ni P. Auchks, OP sa pagdiriwang 
ng pagiging pari ng inyong lingkod
“Miyo, pumunta ka nga sandali dito at tulungan mo akong maglipit ng mga gamit ng tatay mo,” wika ni Aling Gloria na nasa itaas ng dalawang palapag nilang bahay. “Sandali lang po,” sagot naman ni Miyo. Makalipas ang mahigit tatlong minuto, muli na namang tumawag si Aling Gloria, ngayon ay mas malakas na ang boses at nagtatanong, “Narinig mo ba ako? Halika muna sandali dito at ng madali ako sa pagliligpit. Ano ba ‘yang ginagawa mo? “Nay, nand’yan na po!” ang tugon muli ni Miyo. Ilang sandali pa ang nakalipas, muli na namang tumawag si Aling Gloria at sa pagkakataong ito, isang salita lamang ang kanyang binanggit. “ROMMEOOOO!!!” Matulin pa sa isang ‘speed train’ ang karipas ng takbo pataas ni Miyo. Pagdating na pagdating sa itaas, sunud-sunod na sermon ang inaabot ng pobreng si Miyo. “Naku bata ka, gusto mo pang manggalaiti ako bago ka sumunod. Ano ba ‘yang ginagawa mo at hindi mo ako marinig, aber? Humanda ka at isusumbong kita sa Tatay mo! Kakamut-kamot ng ulo ang Miyo habang yumayakap sa baywang ng nanay niya at nagsabi, “Nay, huwag na kayong magalit, ‘itinagged’ ko naman kayo sa Facebook eh. Kaya ako nagtagal kasi ang daming ‘nag-like’. Syempre po kailangan ko pang mag comment at magasabi ng ‘Thanks guys! brb, mom asks for her favorite son…lol!” At pagkarinig ng katwiran ng anak, huminahon si Aling Gloria at sabay sabi kay Miyo, “Mamaya, tulungan mo akong palitan ang ‘profile picture’ ko, gusto ko ilagay mo ‘yung kuha ko sa simbahan na kasama si Fr Noy, maganda ako du’n.”

Nakakatawa kung iisipin subalit kung pag-iisipan nating mabuti may mga dahilan tayo sa buhay kung bakit mahirap para sa atin ang tumugon sa tawag. Unang-una na ay ang kaabalahan natin sa maraming bagay na umaagaw ng buo nating pansin. Isa pang kadahilanan ay maaring dahil hindi natin nakilala ang tumatawag sa atin. At kung minsan din hindi tayo tumutugon sa tawag dahil sa maling paraan ng pagtawag sa atin, katulad ng pagpito or paggamit ng salitang “hoy”. Kaya nga importante at magandang suriin ang Ebanghelyo natin ngayon sa ika-tatlong linggo sa pangkarinawang panahon ng Liturhiya ng Simbahan. Ang mga elementong ginamit ng ating Panginoong Hesus ay hindi lamang naging mabisa bagkus naging makahulugan sa mga alagad at mga tagasunod Niya. Binuksan ang Ebanghelyo sa pagsasabi na Dumating na ang takdang panahon, at malapit na ang paghahari ng Diyos! Pagsisihan ninyo’t talikdan ang inyong mga kasalanan at maniwala kayo sa Mabuting Balitang ito.

May mga taong magaling magsalita ngunit kulang sa gawa at malimit nating taguriang mga “mambobola”. May mga tao din namang sa mga kataga ay napakayaman subalit ang pagtanggap ng mga nakikinig ay parang ‘bao’, tuyo at walang laman, walang dating wika nga. Dito natin makikita ang pagkakaiba, ang hatak at taglay na biyaya sa katauhan ng ating Panginoon. Unang-una, ang dala Niyang mensahe ay balita ng paanyaya, pag-asa, kabutihan, tagumpay at katuparan; ang mensaheng umaakma at tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng gutom at uhaw nilang kaluluwa. Sa ilalim ng grasya ng Diyos at sa malalim nilang pananampalataya, ang mensahe ay hindi lamang nila narinig bagkus ito’y kanilang namalas sa katauhan ng ating Panginoong Hesus – Siya at ang Mensahe ay iisa.

Kaya naman hindi nakapagtataka kung bakit kaagad at walang pasubali na sumunod sa kanya ang unang apat na tinawag Niya. Wala tayong nabasang binanggit na “Sandali lang po” o “Ayan na po”. Ni hindi na nga kinailangang magsalita nina Pedro, Andres, Santiago at Juan, sapagkat sa kanilang puso’t pag-iisip nabatid nila ang katotohanan sa salita at katauhan ng ating Panginoon.  Hindi pa nila nakikilala ng husto ang ating Panginoon subalit sapat na ang kanilang marinig, “Halikayo at sumunod sa akin.” Hindi man nila lubos na nauunawaan kung paano maging “mamamalakaya ng tao” subalit ang sapat na tiwala sa kanilang kakayahan ay sapat ng lakas ng loob upang tanggapin ang isang hamon.

Opo mga kapatid. Ang pagsunod ay isang paglalakbay, isang pag-aaral, isang pagpapasakop at pagtitiwala, at isang paghahangad. Ang pagsunod ay isang pag-amin sa tasado nating kakayahan at pananalig na sa ating pagsunod mapapasaatin ang kaganapan ng ating buhay. Idagdag pa natin na ang pagsunod ay isa ring pananagutan. Nang sabihin ng ating Panginoon, “Halika kayo ay sumunod sa akin. Gagawin ko kayong mamamalakaya ng tao.” Ang mensahe ay dapat nating tanggapin subalit dapat din natin itong ibahagi. Ang pagbibigay natin ng ating sarili sa Diyos ay siya rin dapat nating gawing pamamaraan ng pagbibigay ng ating sarili sa ating kapwa.
kuha ni P. Auchks, OP sa pagdiriwang
ng pagiging pari ng inyong lingkod

Hindi ito napakadali, kaya nga dapat tayong ‘sumunod’ o ‘sumama’ katulad ng paanyaya ng Panginoon. Siya ang magtuturo sa atin; kasama natin Siya. Hindi natin alam kung saan mag-sisimulang magsalita, subalit ang ipahayag nating “ang paghahari ng Diyos ay narito na. Magsisi at maniwala kayo sa Ebanghelyo” ay sapat na. Aligaga tayo sa pag-iisip , paghihintay o pagsukat sa panahon ng pagtugon sa tawag, subalit huwag tayong  magigitla kung ang kasagutan ay “dumating na ang takdang panahon” o sa pamosong salita ng isang babaeng artista sa atin, “now na!”

Ano tutugon ka ba?

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Day 21: Lumen Ecclesiae

The Order of Preachers (LatinOrdo Praedicatorum), after the 15th century more commonly known as the Dominican Order orDominicans, is a Catholic religious order founded by Saint Dominic and approved by Pope Honorius III (1216–27) on 22 December 1216 in France. Membership in the Order includes friars, nuns, congregations of active sisters, and lay persons affiliated with the order (formerly known as tertiaries, now Lay or Secular Dominicans).
*c/o en.wikepedia.org

Friday, January 20, 2012

Day 20: Dominican Life

Who said religious life is boring? Not us...come, join us and witness the joy of life!

Dominican Friars - Colombia

Dominican Sisters - Poland

Dominican Friars - Inggo 1587 Band - Philippines


Dominican Friars - USA

Sacraments: The Seven Sacraments :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Sacraments: The Seven Sacraments :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

Finger pointing is what cowards do!

A lot of criticisms had been already said to the captain of Costa Concordia cruise ship, Francesco Schettino, which capsized a week ago due the said captain’s disregard for orders. Moreover, he abandoned the ship even before the evacuation was completed. In the strict sense of the word, that is without doubt ‘cowardice’. It’s not like portraying a shepherd leaving the ninety-nine sheeps to search for the missing one. Cpt. Schettino completely underestimated his being a captain of a ship.   

c/o scholastic.com
But I want to stretch the issue even further. What led to his being stubborn? What made him think that abandoning the ship was the ‘right’ thing to do? We may have differing opinions on these questions but the truth of the matter is only him can satiate our curious (if not prejudiced) mind. One thing is for sure, the captain was “communicating” something. He knew exactly of the consequences of his actions but he stood to his principles. Poor him, he must have missed his class on “the end does not justify the means.”

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Day 19: Dominican Life

(The video is c/o the Dominican Network - Philippines)
The youth is not only the hope of our nation but of the Mother Church.The Dominican Life offers the young people to be co-preachers of Grace and Truth by living a joyful, responsible, enlightened, empowered and a life dedicated to service, to God, to our brethren and to the Church. 

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Day 18: Dominican Life


The joy the Dominican Life offers extends even to the Laity.


(Dominican Laity - Argentina)


(Dominican Laity - Sacramento, USA)

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Day 17: Dominican Life




(Dominican Sisters - United States)

The Dominican Sisters speak about Celebrating Dominican Life: with and about passion, joy, vocation, mercy, justice, peace, truth, grace.

(Dominican Sisters - United States)

Monday, January 16, 2012

Day 16: Dominican Life

The idea of promoting the Dominican vocation came into my mind to be the theme for my daily journal blog this week. I will be either visiting convents of the friars preachers here in Rome or some of our churches, or interview a friar or a sister about Dominican life, or provide you with vocation promotional videos from different entities of the Order. Hopefully in one way or another may we all be inspired to accept the call of God and be co-workers in the mission of His Church.  

(Dominican Friars - Province of Spain)

(Dominican Friars - Province of England)

(Dominican Friars - Province of Vietnam)


Sunday, January 15, 2012

Day 15: Tanging Anak

Sino ba ang tunay na may hawak ng kinabukasan? Ang mga nakatatanda ba ng lipunan o ang mga kabataan? Sinasabi ng mga nakatatanda “ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng ating bayan.” Subalit sa uri ng pamumuhay ng maraming kabataan ngayon, paano tayo makasisigurong nasa kanila ang pag-asa ng bayan? Sa kabilang dako naman ay sinasambit ng mga kabataan, “sa karunungan ng mga nakatatanda nakasalalay ang pag-asa ng mga kabataan.” Subalit paano mangyayari ito kung karamihan sa mga nakatatanda ay sumuko na at nawalan na ng pag-asa sa pagbabago at pag-unlad ng buhay?

Kapag nagkasama-sama ang mga magulang, malimit ang kanilang pinag-uusapan ay ang kanilang mga anak. Kung nais nating makamalas ng mga tutoong ‘teleserye’ ng buhay, makinig tayo sa kanilang usapan.  Paulit-ulit mong maririnig ang mga hinaing ng mga magulang sa mga katanungang, “Saan ako nagkamali, bakit ngayon ako'y sawi? Lahat na ay ginawa ko, ibinigay ko lahat at sinunod ang mga gusto niya pero bakit siya nagkakaganu’n? Wala naman akong hangad kungdi ang kanyang kabutihan, bakit hindi niya ito maunawaan?!”

Day 14: The Beautiful (part 6)

I have never thought that such a small table which only costs 5euros will consume my whole afternoon yesterday. I got it two nights ago from IKEA with the idea of just replacing the old one I found from our attic. But as soon as I placed it at the same spot of the old I noticed there was a mismatch. I got a very few options to reposition the table since I’m occupying a small space so I decided that the only plausible solution is to rearrange the whole room. It turned out that a table makes the whole room adjust to it and I’m talking of removing, rearranging, repositioning my wardrobe cabinets, study table, book shelves, bed and chairs. I was like a new guy who just moved into the neighborhood. The difficult part was when I was left with no other options and still not satisfied with the arrangement. I would like to believe that the difficult part was I got a little space for my things and not I have many things for a little space. Finally, after a little over four hours I was able to match my things with the new table – that new, small and black table which costs 5euros.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Day 13: The Beautiful (part 5)

Today is Friday the 13th and for many it is a big deal, at least for those who still entertain the idea of horror, curse and evil (Friggatriskaidekaphobia). I am sure many people even the kids of this generation don’t look it that way anymore; it’s more of excitement and enjoyment over fear and impending tragedy. It’s like one of those anticipated TGIFs, only that today it took place on the 13thday of the month.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Day 12: The Beautiful (part4)

What do you think, is this littering or art? I see crisis and by that I mean it both expresses life’s gain and loss.



Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Day 11: The Beautiful (part 3)






This man stopped to check on his mobile phone. Common sense dictates it is not safe to do both (riding his bicycle and send a text message at the same time). Is he smart to consider his safety or risking his life for the sake of a message? 

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Day 10: The Beautiful (part 2)






Do we admire her beauty because she was clad and adorned with precious bits and pieces? Or because through her we are reminded of our relationship with a personal, loving Creator? Do we look beyond what our eyes can see and consider that there are many significant things to life than meet the eyes?




Monday, January 9, 2012

Day 9: The Beautiful (part 1)

Today is the 9th day of my daily journal. Through a constructive critic from a concerned dear friend, I decided to change the format of my ‘project’. This week, I will be featuring the city life in Rome through pictures I will personally take, and try to educe some values which we often fail to recognize and appreciate because perhaps we don’t find it trivial, or due to the demands of a fast paced society, or most probably because we’re too concern with our daily living.  

Skipping a day!

c/o indysanchez.tripod.com


Yesterday was a busy day that I intended not to post something for my daily journal ‘project’. Aside from Sunday service, I am also working on my webpage design.  Hopefully I will be able to have my own webhost soon, transfer my every page counts blog there and do some more.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Day 7: Play like a Pro!

As of this writing, my thighs and legs are aching due to two-hour badminton game at S.Pudenziana parish with Frs. Romy, Jonald and Sr Mae. You should see us play, not because we’re playing like pros (although the two priests are) but we’re playing like religious (which after all we are). I realized too much generosity in a game will keep you busy picking up the shuttlecock, or teaching someone how the game works stretches the waiting time to maintain your adrenaline rush. But patience is a virtue, and being virtuous is expected of us, so what can one religious do in times like these? Anyway, we played to our heart’s content and ended up having pizza and a can of Coke for dinner, and then walked towards our respective nest.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Day 6: Interdependence


 Singing the "Ave Maria" during the beatification of J.Paul II in 2011

During my first two months here in Rome I used to celebrate the Holy Mass either at the Chinese Parish nearby or at S. Pudenziana Parish. I liked attending the latter's five o’clock in the afternoon Mass because there are less commotions, hence solemn atmosphere is never difficult to solicit. There was one Sunday which I found very pleasing because the choir sings very beautifully. Not only they lead the congregation in singing but the beautiful music they sung brought us to a deeper meditation, to a deeper appreciation of the fullness of the celebration. It’s one of the moments your soul will keep asking for more because each time you hear them sing you are brought to the experience of the Divine.                           

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Day 5: "I am my brother's keeper"

Signorina Carmela Montanarelle has been working at the Portineria (Information Desk) of the Angelicum University for three years now. When I asked her about her ‘goal’ this new year and upon learning the purpose of my inquiry she laughed and could not think of any specific goal to say. Fortunately, my amiable insistence worked for her and maybe out of generosity she mused of the same goal she has been pursuing for many years now – to be her youngest brother’s keeper – only do it better each year.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Day 4: Achievements in Obstacle


While most of us are still in the holiday mood, Brother Miroslav Sanders, OP has been working on his doctoral dissertation since December last year.  A visit from his provincial superior made it mandatory for him to finish writing his thesis in one year time. Brother Mirek, who is a quick study, is currently doing his doctoral degree in Canon Law and has to be fluent in Italian. 

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Day 3: “I Risk therefore I Am”

For a change,” is what Ms Mercelyn Atienza told me when I asked her why she came to Rome. A native of Taal Batangas, Mercelyn worked at her family’s wedding gown business shop after completing a degree in Computer Science. However, a fire in her town’s market greatly affected their humble business and its operation. Through the help of her sister a shy type Mercelyn obtained a working visa to Rome four and a half years ago and has been supporting her family back home since then. This year, she made a decision to go home, for at least six months to be with her parents while at the same time ‘risking’ an opportunity to run a business, preferably reopening her parents’ former wedding gown shop.

Mercelyn with Fr Romy Velos, CS

Monday, January 2, 2012

Day 2: 'Mamma Mia'

Lilian (in red winter sweater) with her best friends


The concept of fulfillment for Ms Lilian Elizabeth Salas (or Lilian), a single mother who came to Italy in October of 2007, is to fulfill her obligation as a mother by being with her child. She is contemplating on giving up her job as a tour promoter of ‘When in Rome Tours’ who according to her fills her pocket but not her heart, in order to prioritize her family. Not that she is not because a big part of her sacrifices as a migrant worker belongs to her family. What she had realized is that no amount of material gain can compensate the time spent with her child and family. It takes courage, honesty and wisdom to decide to follow your heart's desire. Lilian knows that leaving Rome to be with her family in the Philippines would cost her to lose good opportunities but she is after better opportunities waiting for her back home.  

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Day 1: Benvenuti al Sud (Napoli)

I had the privilege to visit the southern part of Italy, Naples, through the invitation of the very generous Monsignor Jerry Bitoon who since 2006 goes there every Sunday to say Mass. Msgr Bitoon works at the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, also known as Propaganda Fide. The Reverend Msgr Jerry hails from Luisiana in Laguna, Philippines, was ordained priest in 1979 and since then worked as parish priest, rector of seminary and vicar general of the Diocese. He was also involved in the projects of Gawad Kalinga and some civic group projects in his area, one of which is the cleaning up of Laguna Lake.