The Beginning of the Journey

It was my first time to go outside of the country. I had travelled many times in the past for work locally. This time, it was different. I was leaving on a Friday (October 11) and I still had a busy week. I wondered how I could make time for all the things still left to do.

I had not seen my father in a long while. So I took the time to go to his house around 50 Km from where I live. He had no idea I was going overseas for two years in a few days. I had never been to his house for personal reasons. So it must have taken him by surprise when I sent a text message asking if he was home. I took the public transport and he picked me up at the bus station. My stepmother gave me a black leather boots that she had used only once or twice. She said her granddaughter does not want it anyhow. I thought it would be very useful in my project site inspections. My father said he will see me off to the airport.

Then Wednesday was our pre-departure briefing. I still managed to go to the malls for my last minute shopping. On Thursday, I went to the dentist to make sure everything was fixed and had a panoramic x-ray taken. I then proceeded to our medical officer for the last immunization shots (for each arm). She was hoping I will be fine for the next day’s flight. Not very few people develop fever after immunization. She asked if I am right handed. She then put the bigger dose to my left arm and the other to my right. In case my arms become swollen, I can still manage to carry my luggage with my right hand.

My last stop was to pick up my motorcycle helmet. I had to make sure it fits right. I wanted to buy knee and elbow pads as well but the price was just too much for me. Then, I bought some bubble wrap and a ream of bond paper

It was a rainy Friday, and I haven’t finished packing my things yet. I have always been a very organized person and I usually do things well ahead of time. That is somehow to compensate for my being slow or rather thorough and relaxed in everything I do.

My father came early. Just before lunch time. My flight was at 5:55 PM. So I should be in the airport the latest by 3 PM. I was also expecting my older sister. My youngest brother bought lunch for us.

When my older sister came, I was still not ready. As always, she has been the high-strung type personality. She seemed to be the one worried that we might be caught in heavy traffic. I thought thirty minutes would just be fine to get to the airport.

My father offered his car. I really didn’t expect him to come so my brother was supposed to take me to the airport. It has been a long time since we got together, my sister, my brother, father and I.

It’s time to leave behind the house where I was born. I thought I will be forever in charge of keeping this ancestral house where lots of good memories were made. The moments I shared with my grandparents, parents, brothers, and sisters, made me who I am today. It’s time to pass on the task to my younger brother.

Ironically, in life one does not get the chance to do everything he wants. No matter how much you plan ahead, there will always be things coming up requiring your time and attention. It’s how things will be when we leave this world. One just has to let go and set his eyes on what is before him. There will never be enough time or you’ll miss your flight. I am beginning my journey and I have to keep pace with time.

Out to Africa

It has been more than three months since I last updated this blog. The whole month of September I took motorcycle riding lessons in preparation for this assignment in Africa. Getting on a motorbike was a totally new experience for me. It was not easy but it tested my perseverance and endurance. Every time I felt like giving up, like my colleague, I tell myself I can do it and I will do it.

The lessons drained me physically. Not to mention the vaccination shots that I still need to complete. I have fallen off countless times but every time, I took it as an occasion to rise up and dust off myself. I looked forward to completing the course sooner. Just to get it over with and do whatever that still needs to be done, the send-off parties, saying goodbyes and get-togethers for old time’s sake.

Four days before my scheduled departure, I finally reached the end of the course. I had gotten used to the daily motorcycle riding lessons that it seemed I had to get myself back to the original goal. I felt sad as I receive my certification of completion. I thought about the people who have patiently taught me. It was just not riding a motorbike that I learned but somehow in our numerous sessions, these people have shared a part of themselves as well.

I left the driving school with a heavy heart. Finally, saying goodbye to the staff that I have made friends with. I know it’s time to continue my journey. Actually, it was just beginning. There was more I should look forward to as I go to Africa.

So, he's done it...

Paul Z. Myers, the University of Minnesota professor, pierced the host with a rusty nail and threw it in the trash. I'll take the higher road. I am not getting upset not because I don't care a bit about my faith. It's just that he's pathetic and rather deserves compassion. He's got the publicity, what now? Let us pray for this one lost soul.

http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=28704

Papal Intentions for July

Let us include the following intentions of the Holy Father in our prayers:

General intention: "That there may be an increase in the number of those who, as volunteers, offer their services to the Christian community with generous and prompt availability."

Missionary intention: "That the World Youth Day held in Sydney, Australia, may awaken the fire of divine love in young people and make them sowers of hope for a new humanity."

2008 Worldwide Pentecost Novena Prayer

It has been awhile since my last post. I guess I have been slacking lately.

In the light of Pentecost, let us all take part in this novena.

2008 WORLDWIDE PENTECOST NOVENA PRAYER
Thursday, May 1 - Sunday, May 11
For A Renewed Descent of the Holy Spirit In Our Day

“As we give thanks for past blessings, and look to the challenges of the future, let us implore from God the grace of a new Pentecost for the Church in America. May tongues of fire, combining burning love of God and neighbor with zeal for the spread of Christ’s Kingdom, descend on all present.”Pope Benedict XVI, Papal Visit to the United States, April 19, 2008
Our world is in great danger. It is under constant threat from unprecedented acts of terrorism and war, disasters of nature, economic crises, mass hunger, moral decline, attacks on human rights and the sanctity of human life.

As people of faith, we know we are engaged in a colossal battle between the Gospel of Life and the “culture of death.” We are deeply concerned, but not without hope. More and more people realize that our world needs conversion. More and more people realize that our efforts alone will not be enough. We need the help of heaven.

As the great feast of Pentecost approaches, this is the opportune time for a mass appeal to the Lord to send again and anew His Holy Spirit over our wounded world. Let us respond to and extend the call of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI for a “new Pentecost” for the entire Church and world.

This is the time to gather around Mary, as the Apostles did in the Upper Room 2,000 years ago, in praying for a New Pentecost in our day. We share the deep inspiration that the Lord entrusted our time and our world in a special way to the Immaculate Heart of His Mother. Remembering her promises, we make an urgent call on her motherly advocacy. Through the power of her maternal intercession as Co-redemptrix, Mediatrix, and Advocate, the Lord will work miracles and send His Holy Spirit.

Please join us in praying the Pentecost Novena Prayer, starting Thursday, May 1 (Solemnity of the Ascension) to Sunday, May 11 (Solemnity of Pentecost).

PRAY EVERY DAY THE HOLY ROSARY.
Add to it from among these prayers:“Come Holy Spirit, come through Mary.”

Pray the following powerful prayer:“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father,send now your Spirit over the earth.Let the Holy Spirit live in the hearts of all nations,that they may be preservedfrom degeneration, disaster and war.May the Lady of All Nations,the Blessed Virgin Mary, be our Advocate. Amen.”

The beautiful Pentecost prayer of the Church: “Veni Sancte Spiritus…”

Pray as your heart leads you…

Prayer can change the world. Prayer is great in the eyes of the Lord and will also lift up your own life. International lay leaders, as well as cardinals, bishops, clergy, and religious have given their support to the prayer novena. Among the most noteworthy supporters are Mother Angelica, foundress of the worldwide Catholic network EWTN; Ambassador Howard Dee, former Philippine Ambassador to the Vatican; Michael O’Brien, renowned Canadian novelist and social commentator; and Sister Briege McKenna, O.S.C., an Irish Sister of St. Clare, who has an international ministry to priests and bishops.

Please join us. Time is short. Let us use this time of mercy! Please feel free to distribute and translate.

http://www.mariansolidarity.com/

Papal Intentions for March 2008

Let us include the Holy Father's intentions for the month of March in our prayers everyday.


General:That the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation between individuals and peoples may be understood and that through her testimony the Church may spread Christ’s love, the source of new humanity.

Mission:That Christians persecuted because of the Gospel in various parts of the world and in various manners may be sustained by the strength of the Holy Spirit and continue to bear witness courageously and openly to the Word of God.

Priest tops Brazilian charts

Isn't this a refreshing news amidst widespread secularism worldwide?

A Brazilian priest who doubles as a pop singer has sold 3.3 million recordings, outselling the most popular secular performers in Brazil.

http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=6128

Prayer for Lent

One week into Lent, I came across this prayer at CatholicDoors.com. May God grant us all the grace of a fruitful Lent.

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
During the Holy Season of Lent You call us to a closer union with Yourself.
Help me to prepare to celebrateThe Paschal Mystery With mind and heart renewed.
Give me a spirit of loving reverence
For You, our Father,
And of willing service to my neighbor.
As I recall the great events
That gave us new life in Christ,
Bring the image of Your Son
To perfection within my soul.

This great season of grace is Your gift
To Your family to renew us in spirit.
Give me strength to purify my heart,
To control my desires,
And so to serve You in freedom,
Teach me how to live
In this passing world with my heart set
On the world that will never end.

I ask for the grace
To master my sinfulness
And conquer my pride.
I want to show to those in need
Your goodness to me by being kind to all.
Through my observance of Lent,
Help me to correct my faults
And raise my mind to You,
And thus grow in holiness
That I may deserve
The reward of everlasting life.
In Your mercy grant me this special favor:
(State your intention(s) here...)

The days of the life-giving Death
And glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Your Son, are approaching.
This is the hour When He triumphed over Satan’s pride,
The time when we celebrate
The great event of our Redemption.
The Suffering and Death of Your Son
Brought life to the whole world,
Moving our hearts to praise Your glory.
The power of the Cross revealsYour judgment on this world
And the kingship of Christ crucified.
Father, through His love for us
And through His Sufferings, Death and Resurrection,
May I gain eternal life with You in heaven. Amen

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent. It is the day when Catholics all over the world receive ashes mark in the shape of a cross on their foreheads or sprinkled with ashes on their heads.

Ashes come from burning palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday. The use of ashes can be traced even in the old testament. It signifies mourning, repentance and mortality.

The homily emphasized fasting and almsgiving. We deny ourselves that we have something to give to those in need. In this age when people are more inclined to think about themselves, it would certainly make a difference. The little self-denials are powerful in shaping our character. When we get used to putting others before ourselves we become less concerned about our comfort. By depriving ourselves with little things, we also become one with others who have less. In a matter of time, we realize that we can live without really a lot. Thus, making us more sensitive and aware of the excesses that clutter our lives.

I hope that we make the most of the 40 days of Lent. We can only grow in our faith if we make the effort and there is no better time than now.

Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes

Today starts the novena to Our Lady of Lourdes. As this year marks the 150th anniversary of the apparition, "a daily Plenary Indulgence is granted to the Christian faithful who, from 8 December 2007 until 8 December 2008, devoutly and in accordance with the established conditions, visit the Grotto of Massabielle, as well as those who, from 2-11 February 2008, visit a blessed image of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes solemnly displayed for public veneration in any church, oratory, grotto or suitable place." (Apostolic Penitentiary Decree)

Here is the novena prayer from http://www.rosary-center.org/oll.htm.

Most Holy Mother Mary, at Lourdes you asked us to do penance and to pray for the conversion of sinners. Obtain for each of us the grace of true repentance. Help those for whom we pray, and especially those who most need God's mercy. Your Divine Son so loves every soul that He gave His life to pay the price for our redemption. Help us to return His love by making the sacrifices needed to keep his commandments.

Most Holy Mother you offered your Divine Son to the Eternal Father when you presented Him in the temple; offer us to the Father as your other children; watch over us and guide us.
Blessed Mother, obtain for me the grace I most need, and especially these favors that I ask in this Novena, if they be in keeping with God's will. Amen. (Here make your requests)

THE MEMORARE
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petition, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. (Add your daily Rosary)

Wasting young lives

As I was browsing through what happened today in history, I came across the sad story of Private Eddie Slovik. I wonder if the name rings a bell to most of you. On 31 January 1945, he was executed by firing squad for the crime of desertion during World War II. The only American soldier executed for desertion since the American Civil War.

I thought his story is interesting that I searched for more information. I found one here.

What touched my heart was the thought that there are some people who have not had happiness in their lives. I thought about children who, instead of building happy memories in their young minds were struggling with issues and problems created by adults in their lives. I wonder how do we expect to raise good men and women when adults themselves cannot make sense of their lives.

It is a vicious cycle. However, we have to start somewhere. I cannot overemphasize the role of preparing ourselves even before marriage and before we bring children into this world. As a consequence of our spiritual maturity, we build stronger families and raise well-balanced children.

I am not saying that one cannot rise above his circumstances. St. John Bosco was poor and thus he made the effort to help young people learn skills to make them productive and keep them away from distractions. There are also a lot of inspiring stories of people who grew up under unfavorable conditions but made it. These are the exceptions. There are many more who are trapped by the cruelties of their childhood. Made bitter by their experiences they become the dregs of society.

Christians need to bring the love of God to them like St. John Bosco. It will make a big difference in their lives. Maybe it was a coincidence that I read about Slovik on the feast of St. John Bosco. It gave me much to reflect on young lives being wasted.

Let us ask St. John Bosco to pray for our young people. Those who have not known love and guidance in their families, that they find people who will show God's love to them.

Practice of Faith

Despite the long sessions during the weekend, I was able to attend mass in the nearby parish early Sunday morning. We had the group socials Saturday evening that went on around an hour past midnight. I excused myself a few minutes before 12 mn as I was already tired. Besides, I was looking at the 6 am mass to be able to have enough time for breakfast afterwards and proceed to the session at 8 am.

It was probably a quarter past five Sunday morning when I went out. I had to walk some distance to get a ride. As I don't know the place, I prayed that my guardian angel watch over me. It turned out the nearest church was not really far.

I had emotional moments during the mass. It was a different feeling not singing in the choir and not accompanying in the electric organ. I also thought about the reality that I could be posted in a remote place where it is not possible to go to church as much as I used to now. Our seminar speaker, who was herself a returned volunteer also shared her and other volunteer's experiences of attending mass in the local language of their country of assignment, that the first time she heard a mass in English she wept.

Other experiences concerning the practice of faith were just not encouraging. In a foreign land, no family and friends and a totally strange language, how does one expect to cope?

The mass was impressive as the priest was full of spirit and the people actively participated. The prayers of the faithful included the church of America and the church of Africa in their intentions.

All the more it reminded me to pray for Christians around the world overcoming trials and persecution and who do not have the privilege to practice faith openly.

Volunteering

The new year is always a good time to broaden our horizons. Most people resolve to make it better than the past year. Last weekend I was out of town to attend a seminar/workshop in preparation for changes to come.

I have explored the world of volunteerism. Actually, it was not something new to me as I have been serving a church as a choir director for more than 20 years now. All for free. What makes it different now is I am volunteering outside of my country for two years, in the poorest of the world's poor.

I finally found the time or should I say maybe the guts to submit my application officially in September 2007. Part of the volunteering process was an Assessment Day to evaluate a person's suitability to live in another culture and the skills essential to fit in a totally different environment.

Having passed the Assessment Day, prospective volunteers then undergo further seminars and workshops to help them evaluate their commitment. It was such a fun experience being in a group of diverse ages and expertise.

The weekend allowed us to examine in a deeper sense our motivations, values and priorities in line with the reality of what we are about to get into. I admit I had my own fears of the uncertain. And that is why I am carefully discerning the path God has called me in.

In the following days, there will be more sessions of this kind. Some have realized early on that volunteering is not for them at this point. As for me, I am looking forward to the challenges and lessons I will learn from the experience. Maybe God is calling me to greater responsibilities.

Then as the song goes, I will go Lord if You lead me, I will hold your people in my heart.

Let us not forget

Every beginning of the year, our hopes get high that things will be better. We look forward to changes and also prepare ourselves for whatever challenges will come our way. Since my brother passed away at a young age, I tend to be sentimental every time the old year goes and a new one takes over. What makes me sad is the thought of people who will leave us. Either they are moving away or passing to the great beyond.

Life is uncertain and we never know when a relationship is to end, by choice or by circumstances. I am grateful for memories that remain. I keep them in my heart to remember once in a while. And until we see each other again, I will remember people who crossed my path in my prayers the entire year.

Patron Saint for 2008

In our group's Christmas party in December 2007, we decided to use Saints as our codenames for our exchange gifts. These Saints will also be our patrons for the entire 2008. We prayed that the Saints make the choice for us.

Saint Monica chose me. She will be my intercessor as I go through life this year. I have been asking her prayers for certain favors and have been getting to know her more. As I am not yet a mother, nor a widow, I wonder why she chose me. Hopefully, by the end of the year, I will have a greater awareness of her role in my spiritual journey.

Saint Monica, patron of mothers, widows, alcoholics and victims of abuse, pray for us.

Welcome 2008

We're halfway through January and I haven't posted anything new. I have been slacking once again. December has always been a busy month for everybody. However, anyone who serves in church in the music ministry certainly know the crazy days preparing for Christmas.

Last Sunday, the 13th of January, the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus, marked the end of the Christmas season and at the same time the start of Ordinary time in the Catholic church calendar. It's time for a new line-up of songs for the ordinary time which will be up to the first week of February only as Lent begins Ash Wednesday, February 6.

Incidentally, the music ministry will be very busy again in preparation for Lent and the Easter season.

An abundant year for all of us.