Day 129 to Day 141: A lot of 'Catching Up'

Day 141: May 18, 2012

TGIF.

Day 140: May 17, 2012

Dinner with Noel and Ditas.

Day 139: May 16, 2012

I had my first mass in ‘Italian.’ My nerves got me but I managed to do well. It was a humbling experience and I would be more appreciative and prepared in other opportunities to come. For this, I received a very generous privilege from my Savior and Lord.

I went to the celebration of Sr Esperanza’s golden anniversary in the religious life with Sr Mae, RVM. I met with the other Dominican fathers and sisters along with the priests-residents at the Pontificio Collegio Filipino. It was a warm and happy gathering especially to Sr Esperanza whom the priests at the Collegio referred to as a model of holiness, beauty and happiness. 

Day 138: May 15, 2012

Through facebook I sent my ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ greeting to all the mothers whom I have met and known. I started to make a video clip which I plan to send them as a simple gesture of how I appreciated their care and support all these years. I know the celebration is over but my intention remains true, and that what counts most. I hope to finish and send them the clip within this month of May, then that’s still ‘valid.’

Day 137: May 14, 2012

Energetic.

Days 134-136: May 11 – 13 Germany Trip (Mainz – Frankfurt)

This is my first trip to Germany. I booked my ticket two months ago to attend the sacerdotal ordination of Rev Frank of the German Dominican Province of Teutonia whom I met in Cairo Egypt back in 2009. I will fly to Frankfurt then will go either by train or by car to Mainz where the ordination will take place.

I barely had a decent sleep last night and had to get up early to reach the airport before the start of ‘sciopero.’ (strike of PUB) The flight was delayed by twenty minutes due to the late boarding of some three passengers. We left Fiumicino airport at 9:25 am. I did not take any food in the airport because I thought we will have a nice refreshment in the plane but unfortunately they only served us a cup of soda and a small pack of salty biscuit, worse they served it an hour after we took off.

Frank picked me from the airport as promised. It was good to see him again. We drove straight to the priory, had lunch with the brothers and then brought me to the hotel next to the parish where he will be ordained tomorrow. I had to stay in the hotel along with all the other guests (including the three German friars at the Angelicum who also came to attend the ordination) since the priory has no enough space to accommodate guests. The three star hotel was not bad and the good thing was it is not far either from the priory or the main train station.

At three o’clock I was ready with my camera to discover the city. Frank was very apologetic to me because he could not accompany me as I tour around the city, which I completely understand. He should be relaxing from this time on because tomorrow is his ‘wedding.’ I have been to a similar situation almost two years ago and I assured him that he doesn't need to worry about me. I can manage to find the city which is not big and complicated, and that I will definitely consume all my time taking photos while experiencing the life of the people of Mainz.

I did take hundreds of pictures. Everything is new to me and the surrounding just amazes me. This is one of the best parts of travel – you are able to see things the first time and appreciate the wonder they offer. I tried the local bread, pizza and ice cream. I even entered a supermarket just to know what they sell. Finally I ended up getting a haircut for 13 euro. Not bad.

Ordination Day. I met with Max, Carsten and Walter who all belong to the same Province as Frank’s and living at the Angelicum. Obviously I found myself in the middle of German speaking crowd. I didn’t understand a word. The liturgy was very ‘neat.’ They started and finished on time. The music was splendid. I have to ask the brothers how did the homily of His eminence go and I got a favorable response. I was also told that His eminence has a soft heart with the German Dominicans, evidenced of his presence today. After the Mass I quickly grabbed myself a hot soup and the finger food they have prepared which served as my dinner (for last night) and brunch (for today). The food was delicious, none of them can be found at the Angelicum refectory (seriously!), not even the good German beer.

Later, Max was kind enough to tour me to the city, explaining to me some of the historical highlights of the city. Yesterday was more of grabbing photos, today is the lecture. Thank you Max!

Off to Frankfurt. I will meet Max at the direction he pointed to me yesterday. I got an eight o’clock train to catch and I know I have to be there on time. I did. However, I had the difficulty in buying the ticket. I could not find what Max had taught me yesterday. It should not be a big deal but at this time I only got ten minutes left. Some good hearts  helped me ‘maneuvered’ the ticket machine and was able to get one, not exactly  what Max had showed me, but just for the heck of getting in the train. I even paid more. Anyway, I literally rushed to the deck floor in order not to miss the train. Upon reaching the deck, just to be sure that I got the right platform, I asked a gentle lady beside me, showing her my 'ticket.' Then the ‘freaking out’ moment happened. I apparently do not have a ticket. What I had was not a ticket but a ‘travel plan’ which anyone can get for free from any ticket machine in all stations. Another kind lady intervened and affirmed that I do not have a ticket.

But I argued that I asked the man in the information counter to help me buy the ticket from the machine; that I paid 10.40 euro and took 'this' ticket from the machine. While we were discussing on this, presto, the train arrived! The ladies told me to go back to the machine and find my ticket but to do that is to miss this train. I saw how tremendously sorry they were for my fate but I understand that that is the best thing they can do. I asked if I can buy the ticket in the train but they said it is not possible and if ever I get caught without a valid ticket I would have to pay a 40 euro fine.  I made a quick decision to take my chances thinking should I be caught I will try my best to negotiate because it was really an honest mistake on my part, but at the same time settle without regret to pay the damage done and charge it to experience. Anyway, while in the train I tried to convince myself that everything will fall into places.

And the moment of truth came...in the middle of the trip, a young lady approached me showing her ID which at first I thought she’s just asking for some money, to which I replied no. When she asked (for) ‘your ticket’ I knew that ‘this is it, my time has come!’ I calmly gave her what I had and she immediately told me that it was not the ticket. I can see how tense the two ladies who helped me a while ago, who by the way were seated next to my seat when the young girl called the officer and told him the problem. In chorus, the two ladies and another kind lady who heard our conversation (because while in the train, I once again explained to the two ladies how I got into this trouble) explained to the officer in their native language what happened to me. Then I said the same thing to the officer and I apologized for my ignorance. Thankfully he was convinced that it was an honest mistake on my part so he only charged me 4.10 euro for the ticket. I can’t thank him enough for his generosity, but most especially for the three ladies', who intervened on my behalf. Such nice people, God bless them!

Of course I have to tell Max what happened, and he congratulated me for having the ‘good luck’ on my side. He said it rarely happens in Germany that one can easily get through a trouble (and fine) like that. Now I can relax and enjoy the financial capital of Germany, the city of Frankfurt.





Again, Max told me the historical importance of the city, where by the way he was born and raised in. We literally encircled the city which allowed me to see the combination of modern and centuries old architecture, basilicas on the one side and the financial modern building on the other. The great part of the experience was we were able to con-celebrate the Sunday Mass at the Cathedral of Frankfurt, who was once a seat of the Holy Roman Empire in Germany. Obviously, I didn't understand a word in German but I am fully convinced that I know what is going on during the celebration. After that, we met with his friend and had a sumptuous brunch. Then I spent the remaining two hours taking photos. Then off to the airport.

Day 133: May 10, 2012

Today I celebrate my 10^th year as a Dominican professed religious. We were fifteen who made our first profession to the Order of Preachers in Manaoag, Pangasinan (Philippines). Eight of us were ordained priests of whom two joined the Diocese. Looking back, it was a journey of mutual effort and support, on our part and on the part of God. I continue to humbly ask the grace of our Lord without which I can do nothing, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, and through the prayers of St Dominic and His saints in heaven and on earth.

Day 132: May 09, 2012

There is so much to do as I prepare for the exam next month. Most of the brothers in the community are on the move to finishing the semester. I served as deacon in today’s mid-noon Italian Mass. As deacon, I have to read the Gospel and the prayers of the faithful, and also to assist the priest especially in the preparation of the gifts. My nerves got me as I mispronounced some words and forgot to follow some ‘procedures.’ Well, there’s always the first time and my consolation is that you can never do it perfectly by one time. However, there is no room for alibi and complacency.   It should be 'flawless' the next time.

Day 131: May 08, 2012

I had a class today with Rabbi Jack Bemporad on Jewish-Christian dialogue. I had attended a different course with him last semester and it was a privilege to be listening to his lectures because he speaks from the heart and straight into your soul. The Rabbi is without a doubt a man of deep spiritual conviction, someone dignified and has a heart for compassion and grace. Moreover, he teaches straight from his abundant experience both as a Rabbi and as a professor which makes learning an avenue for growth and transformation.  

Day 130: May 07, 2012

I spent most of my day getting back to Hebrew lesson. I must say reviewing my past lessons is not so difficult at all. It remains a big challenge but it’s no longer a ‘hopeless’ endeavor. Besides, my visit to Israel helped me to set the mood to focus and get things done. I’m glad it is finally sinking into me.

Day 129: May 06, 2012

Fifth Sunday of Easter.