DEC. 31, 2014 YEAR-END REFLECTION

Life is wonderful! The Lord has showered me with countless blessings throughout the 83 years of my life which far outnumber the disappointments and heartaches that came my way. A grateful heart is a mark of a Christian and so as this year comes to an end, I take time to say my profound thanks to God for being the recipient of a lion's share of His favor and blessings!

By design, He willed that I be born in a family where Faith was the axis on which all aspects of life revolved. My childhood years were marked by a deep-seated devotion to God and our Blessed Mother manifested in the lives we lived under the example of my parents specially my mother. The Family Rosary, Angelus and before/after meals prayers were a daily constant as the rising and setting of the sun. Even our regular Confession, which nowadays is known as Sacrament of Reconciliation, was a family affair. Discipline, gentle and fair, was administered by our parents with military precision. In all honesty, my climb up the educational ladder from elementary, secondary and college level was nothing short of outstanding. The forty-seven years of togetherness with a "soul-mate" cum jack-of-all-trades was the envy of many. 

With the distinct pride inherent to parents, I have my children-Bobby, Marissa, Noel and Cielo who pursued and finished their college education and are gainfully employed. More importantly, by living their Faith, they are exemplary, characterwise, since their early and teen years when some families are torn by their children's behavior influenced by wrong friends or bad company or addiction of any form. The flow of love and understanding between siblings and spouses has dominated our family life unlike tragic circumstances in families where some members are not on speaking terms. Hence, family gatherings to celebrate birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, graduations, dramatic performances, recitals,  etc. are a source of unspeakable joy and fond memories. 

 My most rewarding career in a male-dominated field of Shipping with a job description of being the Director of Overseas Shipping at the Maritime Industry of the Philippines caused a lot of applause. Having been the only woman among the eighteen awardees of the United Nations Scholarship Program on Shipping during the decade of the 1970's was heartwarming. Four plaques of appreciation including one from the President of the Philippines meant for me a vote of confidence. The apex of my career was representing the Philippines in more than fifty, yes, 50 international conferences of  the United Nations (UNCTAD) and the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) which were held in different countries of the world. The opportunity to visit foreign shores developed in me the "love" for travel which keeps alive my unceasing desire for learning.

 With God's help, I have visited as of this date, thirty-five (35) countries. Of the seven continents, I have wandered the byways and highways of Asia, North America, South America, Europe, Australia, and Africa except Antartica which never graced my mind to see. What  is more, I  have managed to open new vistas of learning to my children and grandchildren by taking them along in my travels. I adopted a policy of giving a trip to Paris, Lourdes and Lisieux (France) as gift to my grandchildren finishing Grade VIII and a visit to Rome, Venice and Florence (Italy) for graduating from high school. Six of my seven grandchildren have enjoyed the two trips except one who is still in grade school who has not been to France yet though was with me to Italy last year. God willing, I hope to fulfill my promise to Melanie in the very near future.

The legacy of Faith to my family and loved ones has been the primary focus of my life both by word and example. I am convinced that I have done my level best and will continue to do so, to make God the very center of their lives. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I pray that our Catholic Faith be ingrained in their  being as long as they walk this earth!

Aware that some knowledge of  investment tools had assisted my husband and I to enjoy their fringe benefits, I launched a project on "Stocks" among my grandchildren as I did with my offsprings. I felt that having a portfolio of "forever" stocks at their teenage years will give them the insight and the discipline of "the power to prosper." In my talks with them, I emphasized the need of having a investment fund in their monthly budget and the rewards of investments during their retirement years. Four of my grand- children do part-time work while studying. To encourage and to help them in this new venture, I helped and will continue to share in their monetary needs as long as I am able. In addition, I do the research for them yet but checking on the stocks performance is their responsibility. I beamed with happiness as I took them to a brokerage office, see them fill up their application forms and witness them listen intently to a Scottrade broker's commentary. Their investment portfolio for this year included the following: Berkshire Hathaway B, Apple, Intel, and Costco.These stocks are not to be "touched or sold" till my grandchildren will be 60 or 62 years old.While we shall continue to look for other promising "legacy or forever stocks," we shall be dealing with Mutual Funds later since these funds are less risky than stocks as part of an Investment Portfolio.

The bonanza of blessings that I have received especially this 2014 from our all-powerful, all-merciful God has been magnanimous. To you, O Lord, goes my unending Praise and Thanksgiving!

Can you blame me if I consider myself as " One of God's Favorites?

Dec. 1, 2014 FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION TO THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS

Today, I would like to share with you the promises of our Lord to those who are devoted to His Sacred Heart given to St. Margaret Mary. They are the following:

1.  I will give them all the graces necessary in their  state of life.
2.  Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
3.  I will establish peace in their homes.
4.  I will comfort them in all their afflictions.
5.  I will be their secure refuge during life, and all in death.
6.  I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
7.  Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
8.  Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.
9.  I will bless every place in which an image of  My Heart is exposed and honored.
10. I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.
11. Those who promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out, nor without receiving their Sacraments. My Divine Heart shall be their refuge.   
12. I promise you in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those  who receive Holy Communion the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final  penitence; they shall not die in my disgrace.

On the first Friday of the month,  we remember to pray the special First Friday devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. In my blog last June, the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart, I related my visit to Paray-le-Monial, France where our Lord Jesus appeared to a nun who has become St. Margaret Mary Alacoque.

My mother was a devotee of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus so that it naturally followed that her children developed such love and esteem, too. We always had the icon of Jesus pointing to His Heart in a place of honor in our home, in fact, right at the entryway. It was the first thing that any visitor saw in our place. 
During my growing-up years, I did not know that by having our icon of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus exposed and honored in our home fulfilled one of His Promises. I even doubt whether my mother ever knew of Jesus' Promises. I think she just wanted to manifest her love for Jesus as well as to share that love with others. In my first home and in the succeeding ones, the image of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus had a special place of honor since both Rey, my husband, and I were devotees, too. In fact, his favorite prayer was one addressed to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. And do you know something? My husband died on May 2, 2003, a First Friday. Coincidence? No! I believe that Jesus welcomed him home on a day special to both of them!



              Prayer to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:

Oh, Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in Thee
Whatever may befall me, Lord, though dark the 
       hour may be
In all my joys, in all my woes, though naught but
        grief I see
Oh, Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in Thee.

When those I love have passed away and I am
       sore distressed
Oh, Sacred Heart of Jesus, I fly to Thee for rest
In all my trials, great or small, my confidence shall be
Unshaken as I cry, "Dear Lord, I place my 
        trust on Thee."

This is my own sweet prayer, dear Lord, my faith,
        my trust, my love
But most of all in that last hour when death points 
        up above
Ah, then, sweet Savior, may Thy face smile on
        my soul set free
Oh, may I cry with rapturous love, "I have placed
        my trust in Thee."

Nov. 30, 2014 COLOSSEUM OF ROME

The Colosseum is the iconic symbol of Rome, Italy just as the Eiffel Tower is of Paris, France, Big Ben is of London,  England, the White House is of Washington D.C., United States of America and The Golden Gate Bridge is of San Francisco. The elliptical building was built by Emperor Vespasian in 70 A.D. and finished in 80 A.D. by his son Titus. The  Colosseum was the first structure to use "arches" as a Roman engineering phenomenon for strength and beauty. There was the "hypogeum" which were the underground passageways, tunnels and cages beneath the arena where gladiators and animals were held before the contests began. The base area of the arena was equal to 6 acres. It was so constructed that it could hold 50,000 to 80,000 spectators but could be vacated in 8 minutes flat. It was inaugurated by a series of shows, admittance free, which included gladiatorial contests and mock sea battles that lasted for 100 days. The Colosseum served to satisfy the insatiable desire for entertainment of the people of Ancient Rome. This seeming un-quenchable thirst to be lifted up from their mundane everyday existence was somehow capitalized by emperors in their scheme to subdew their subjects so they would regard them as deities or gods.


At the height of the persecution of Christians in the early centuries, the arena became  the hallowed ground for the blood of the martyrs of "The Way" who were fed to lions, tigers and trained gladiators amid the incomprehensible shouts of joy and triumph of the emperor, his court and his people.

The Catholic Encyclopedia records that St. Ignatuis of Antioch (Syria), a disciple of St. John, the Beloved was condemned to the beasts at the Colosseum by Emperor Trajan in 107 A.D. The Church calendar has October 17 as the feast of St. Ignatius of Antioch.

In 1749, Pope Benedict XIV declared the Colosseum sacred site having been sanctified by early Christians who were martyred. He dedicated it to the Passion of Christ and installed the 14 Stations of the Cross which by now are gone having been taken by bounty hunters. Nonetheless, a large Cross has been erected at the Colosseum where the yearly celebration, "Good Friday Stations of the Cross Procession" is held with the Pope as principal celebrant.

Having had the opportunity of visiting the Colosseum before, I decided to stay by "The Cross" while Bobby, Carla, Michael and Christian went around and up to the second and third tiers of the amphitheater considered the largest in the world. In addition, the Colosseum has been declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and as of 2007, officially listed as one of the "New Seven Wonders Of The World."

After some time devoted to prayer, my attention got caught by the variety of visitors around who must have come from four to five continents of the world. Tour groups came in succession with commentaries in different languages of various tour guides holding their short sticks with an identifying banner. Chit-chats of admiring/puzzled visitors and feeble cries for food or rest of tired three or five-yr. old children filled the air. Then there was the temptation to look at the shorty-shorts and outrageous low cleavage of wearing apparel of those who gave justice to them and those who justly "hurt" the eyes of onlookers due to factors as heavy body mass or clearly defined chronological age. I surveyed my surroundings  and the people, like us who are on a Roman Holiday and smiled at the thought that "freedom of choice" was the norm of the day! True to its essence, "freedom"gives every  person unspeakable joy....to the extent that one's freedom does not encroach upon another's right or property.

Our walk outside the Colosseum included the Arch of Constantine which was/is a monument to his conquest of Jerusalem in 70 A.D, the Arch of Titus and the short "climb" up the Via Sacra ( Sacred Way) with its large stones, several sizes bigger than those on ordinary cobblestone streets which form the thoroughfare leading to the Forum. We decided to just take a look at the huge complex of the ruins of ancient government buildings and temples which comprise the Forum.

That was a wonderful day spent at the Colosseum of Rome!

Nov. 28, 2014 ROME'S PANTHEON

                                           

The Pantheon in Rome is a "must-see" in the itinerary of every traveler who visits Rome for the first time and also for those returning ones because of its irresistible charm. Why is this so? Because this building by its elegance, beauty and reason for being takes the beholder into the realm of wonder and awe only a chosen few among the works of human hands can lay claim to.

Firstly, the Pantheon in Rome is the best preserved in all ancient buildings in the world today. It was commissioned by Emperor Marcus Agrippa between 27 B.C. and 4 A.D. and rebuilt by Hadrian in 126 A.D. To think that it is still standing whole and upright and the object of "ohs and ahs" of everyone who sets foot in it in 2014!

Secondly, through more than 2,000 years after it was built, the dome of the Pantheon in Rome is still the world's largest "unreinforced stone dome." Engineers and architects of the domes of the Basilica of St. Peter; St. Paul's Cathedral in London; the Hagia Sophia in Istambul, Turkey; the White House and the Jefferson Memorial in the United States and others came to Rome and studied the Pantheon before undertaking their projects.

Thirdly, the Pantheon is  considered a "perfect  structure." It is a circular building with the height from the floor to the ceiling to be exactly "the same" as the diameter of the interior circle - 43.3 meters or 142 ft. If one traces an imaginary line between ceiling and sides, the building will be a sphere.

Fourthly, the Pantheon is the only ancient building in "continued use" for the purpose for which it was made - religious! It was constructed to be a "Temple of All Gods." In 609, Emperor Phocas gave it to Pope Boniface IV who made it a Roman Catholic Church and dedicated it to "St. Mary and the Martyrs," informally known as Santa Maria Della Rotonda. Since that time up to the present, Holy Mass is celebrated at the Pantheon. The square fronting it with a grand obelisk is called Piazza Della Rotonda.

Fifthly, the 16 Corinthian granite columns on the facade of the Pantheon are the original ones which were quarried in Egypt's Eastern mountains. Each one is a "whole, uncut granite" column 39 ft. long, 5 ft. in diameter and 60 tons in weight. Special boats were made to transport them through the River Nile, then to the blue Mediterranean Sea and finally up the Tiber River. It must have been a very long journey!

Lastly, the "Oculus"which is the only opening on top of the dome continues to astound the world! It is 30 ft. across and provides the only entry for sunlight which shines at different places within the interior at certain hours of the day. At high noon, sunlight beams directly at the huge bronze entrance door.

During our visit last year, my grandchildren: Diana, Joshua, Christina, Tiffany Anne and Melanie Mary had so much fun standing by the door at high noon with lifted arms basking in the sun looking up to the Oculus. Each one had a snapshot taken to commemorate his/her visit to the Pantheon! Several people followed suit. To even the score, Michael and Christian whom I accompanied this year to a Roman Holiday, also had their pictures taken for posterity! What is more, Bobby had his commemorative photo, too! You should have seen the people who duplicated the stance!
It was interesting to hear them all commenting at the "soothing" heat of the sun on their skin.
This brought to mind several articles I have read about the exalted feeling of "peace/ serenity and space" one experiences while staying quietly for some time under the Oculus. I have desired to do just that in all of my previous visits at the Pantheon, even of this year's, but  on all occasions, it was impossible to do because of the crowd of people within its confines. Could it be that an undefinable phenomenon is happening in this enigmatic building? Do the souls of the illustrious people entombed inside - King Vittorio Emmanuelle, King Umberto I, Queen Margherita and Raphael, the famous artist who painted "The Transfiguration" have something to do with it?

Before leaving, I took a long lingering, grateful   look at the altar of our Mother Mary and the Martyrs' Church. I would have yearned to be one of its parishioners!

On the way out, Carla wanted to check the width of one 60-ton Egyptian column. Together, with Michael and Christian, they wrapped their arms around one of them in the portico. It was amusing to see them carefully positioning themselves as they "hugged" the monstrous column. We had a big laugh upon discovery that their "wraparound" fitted snuggly to a "T."

Then off we went to get our daily dose of Italian "gelato."

Sept. 3, 2014. - COOL SLUMBER IN VENICE

Venice - the mere mention of the name conjures an aura of romance and it's accompanying images of the ecstasy of  "love" on a slow gliding gondola along a placid lagoon with a gondolier in his traditional red or blue striped shirt and be-ribboned straw hat noiselessly manning the oars. Ah, la dolce vita! (Ah, the sweet life!) The sense of peace, love and contentment of the beauty of life, nay, of just being alive, comes with such dynamic realism that the heart inevitably throbs with gratitude to God, our Creator.

For centuries, Venice has been called, "The Most Romantic City in the World," but during the Middle Ages, its strategic location at  the head of the Adriatic Sea made it a trading center. Today, Venetian glass made in Murano is famous for being skillfully made, colorful and elaborate. The fascinating uniqueness of Venice, an archipelago of 118 islets formed by 177 canals in a shallow lagoon connected by 409 quaint mini-bridges makes it a favorite destination of 18 million tourists a year.  The influx of tourists come around two weeks before Ash Wednesday when the "Carnivale " in Venice is celebrated. People wear colorful costumes with fanciful masks in festivities nothing like it in the world. Imagine 50,000 people moving about Venice, the "floating city," daily in motorized water buses called "vaporetta." 

Significant buildings are enchantingly attractive with Venetian Gothic architecture combined with Byzantine and Moorish influence. The Doge's Palace typifies this exceedingly beautiful style which occupy a large area right on Piazza San Marco. In
olden times, the mayor or chief executive of Venice was called "doge." The Basilica of  St. Mark is so unique and guaranteed to 
take one's breath away especially the ceiling of the sanctuary with 
intricate designs made with real gold. I cannot relay the exquisite beauty of the basilica in black and white! My vocabulary is dismally inadequate. One has to see it and more importantly "feel" the pervading atmosphere of the place! How true are the words of a sage, "When the heart is full, the tongue is meek." 

Venice has been the setting of novels and movies as of James Bond and Indiana Jones. I remember Shakespeare's "The Merchant of 
Venice" and its famous lines, "The quality of mercy is not strained. 
It blesses him that gives and him that takes." Shakespeare must 
have been a Christian! The city has been a tourist spot for years and years. No wonder, the rich and the famous and celebrities of film, art, literature or science come to Venice for relaxation and fun. Many have vacation homes in the city so that demographics show that a great number of natives had left in exchange for the high prices they got for their homes. Within the last five years, the 
population had dwindled from 122,000 to 66,000 and prices of goods and commodities had skyrocketed. For example, our breakfast of a cup of coffee or tea with 2 medium-sized croissant each for the eight of us cost 93 euros. Currency exchange rate was $1.50 for 1 euro. What a terribly costly breakfast! 

Rome as a venue to strengthen one's faith and Venice as a means to broaden one's perspective in life, made me promise (with God's assurance, of course) to reward every grandchild graduating from high school a visit to these legendary places. And so it was that last summer and this July 2014, I fulfilled my "vow" to my seven grandchildren including 11 year-old Melanie who is only in 
5th grade since I would not be around anymore when she finishes her secondary education. I must confess that I enjoyed every 
minute of our togetherness - from the visit to the Basilica of St. Peter, the seat of Christianity and the other patriarchal basilicas of St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls...to...the interesting landmarks of Rome and the magical city of Venice plus the authentic gondola ride with a "singing" gondolier.

At first, I had second thoughts about taking the gondola ride because of the fantastic cost of 80 euros. My brain went reeling, tornado-like to the infinitesimal cost for each one of us! Picture me heaving a sigh of great relief when the gondolier said the 80 euros is for one hour's ride for 5 passengers. My initial shock was further relieved when my daughter, Cielo, promised to pay for one gondola while Diana and Christina, my granddaughters who study and work part-time, offered to give me the ride as a gift. How wonderful to be at the receiving end - sometimes! The slow gliding gondola through the winding lagoon lined with centuried stone houses festooned with ornate windows, porch columns and railings of a bygone era was immensely fascinating. Among the few flower-strewn balconies we passed by was the house of Marco Polo, the world- renowned Venetian explorer who brought much of the knowledge of China and its culture to Italy and to other European countries centuries ago. He was favored by the great Kublai Khan 
to teach English to his court and his people for so many years. His book, "Adventures of Marco Polo" inspired many enterprising 
young men and "visionaries" of the new and the untried to visit the continent of Asia.

I sat comfortably on the maroon velvet cushioned seat of the gondola enjoying the soft caress of the gentle breeze. I was so 
wrapped up with a sense of suspended animation of penultimate 
contentment which the French rightfully calls, "sans souci" -without care! I leaned back and let go of whatever tension my muscles harbored and let my arms go limp with complete abandon. 
It was so relaxing!

"I will sing for you, Mama," said the gondolier which roused me from my reverie. In an instant, his deep baritone voice sang,

 "Mamma, son tanto felice,    (Mom, I am very happy) 
 Perche retorno da te,         (Because I am returning to you)
 La mia canzone ti dice,         (My song is telling you)
 Che il pui belgiorno per me, (It's the most beautiful day for me)

 Mamma, son tanto felice."    (Mom, I am very happy)

Ah..ah..ah..h..ZZZ..ZZ..z.z.z...I was off to Dreamland!

Aug. 2014 - BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA MAGIORRE

Today, August 5th is the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore considered the largest church in Rome in honor of our Blessed Mother. Catholic Church History records that the construction of the sanctuary was based on a vision of  Pope Sixtus V to whom our Lady appeared asking that a chapel be built on the hill where snow would fall in the middle of summer. On August 5, 354 snow fell on the Esquiline Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome. Hence, one of the names given to Mary is "Our Lady of the Snows." The construction of the worship center was immediately begun fully supported by contributions of devotees from all over the world. The facade as it is seen now was constructed in 1746. Santa Maria Maggiore houses the icon of Mary believed to be made by St. Luke.

The most beautiful basilica in honor of the Mother of God depicts the "Coronation of Mary" in its apse. Mosaic of 4th century grandeur adorn the nave of the church. The ceiling is made of pure gold - a gift of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. Santa Maria Magiorre has the relics of the Holy Crib from Bethlehem in the Crypt. Buried in the basilica are five (5) popes, one of whom is Pope Pius V who initiated the Rosary Crusade which caused the victory of Christian forces at the Battle. Of Lepanto in 1521. St. Mathias and St. Jerome are also buried here. As a whole, the Basilica of St. Mary Major is truly elegant and sophisticated but of 
sober design

June 29, 2014 - OUR ROMAN HOLIDAY

Rome is a city that has been inhabited for thousands of years, much too long before the birth of Jesus Christ.  It is aptly called, "Eternal City" because of having existed "half as long as Time" and ever since Sts. Peter and Paul roamed its cobblestone streets proclaiming the seed of Christianity. 

Tradition has it that Rome was founded by twins Remus and Romolus who were nursed by a she-wolf. As they grew to manhood, the green-eyed monster identified as "Jealousy" overwhelmed Romolus as to orchestrate the murder of his brother. Hence, the city was named after him. History is replete with stories of intrigue and lust for power of many succeeding emperors of Ancient Rome, possibly tainted by its founder! Be that as it may, Rome rose from its humble beginnings as a city- state to become one of the greatest empires the world has ever known.

The territory of Rome grew fast because of the outstanding, in fact, "unparalleled warfare expertise and unalloyed loyalty of its citizens." These known attributes were dramatically enhanced by a reservoir of intellectual and creative minds in the Arts and Sciences of a people consumed with the passion that "beauty is its own excuse for being."

Today, in the present 21st Century era, as we walk, touch and feel  through the remains of the long-standing structures of the Renaissance and Baroque art or ramble through the remains of a once-upon-a-time architectural treasure we cannot help but feel the awe, wonder and appreciation of the glorious past of the Imperial Roman Empire. It gave birth to the cliché, "All roads lead to Rome." No one can visit the Eternal City and not be moved by her timeless beauty. For those who have visited her- "like the memory of a lost love, she will haunt you" and hasten your return.

Hmm...there is something which has been handed down from one generation to another which may assure one's return to this soul-inspiring city- throw a coin over your left shoulder at the Fountain of Trevi. It promises "Good Luck," too.

Today, July 6, 2014, Bobby, Carla, Michael, Christian and I went to the Fountain of Trevi considered the largest and most beautiful one in the world. It was made like a monumental triumphal arch by Nicola Salvi  who died before it was inaugurated in 1762. It is located at the end of an aqueduct which was the source of water for many centuries. Since it lies at the confluence- the meeting point - of three (3) streets, it got its name - Trevi ("tre" for 3 and "vi" for street). Tradition has it that you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the fountain's water basin. You should toss it with your right hand over your left shoulder with your back to the fountain.

Imagine our disappointment to see the scaffoldings covering Neptune- the sea god- his horses and his courtiers! Workmen were busy cleaning, repairing and constructing a walkway which would allow visitors to come close to the sculptures that adorn the fountain. I guess when the fountain resumes operation, people on the walkway would be able to reach out and catch the streams of water which may  bring the 'Good Luck' the Trevi legend claims. The dried-up surface did not prevent many people from throwing coins over their right or left shoulders. The whole spectacle of uplift arms and coins tossed high only to be received by the bare fountain floor made me smile. I remembered myself doing just that in my first visit to Rome in 1975 after an UNCTAD (United Nations Commission on Trade and Developtment) conference in Geneva. I was rewarded with several visits to Rome after that to the extent that this 2014 visit is my 10th to magnificent Roma! I turned my attention to the multitude doing the repertoire of coins and their faces beaming with smiles of hope written all over. I thought of  the power of hope to boost the indomitable human spirit to achieve what it aims for. I said a prayer for them to our good and generous God so that, in His time, the hope burning in their hearts would someday be a living reality! Never mind if there were a handful of cold-blooded, humorless skeptics in the crowd. I let my grandsons, Michael and Christian throw their coins over their left shoulder! Everyone  of us was aglow with joy. I was smiling from ear to ear!  

That was a memorable visit to the world's most magnificent fountain -  the utmost disappointment of not being able to have one's eyes feast on its magical grandeur of form, light and sound.... but with the burning "hope" and eventual realization of a personal commitment to the pledge like that of the famous World War II General MacArthur's "I Shall Return!" 

May I, 2014.- ST. JOSEPH, THE. WORKER

Today, May 1, 2014, is the Feast of St. Joseph, the Worker. We all know St. Joseph as the foster-father of Jesus who was a "just" man. Being identified as such means that he was virtuous, full of conviction for what is right according to the teachings of God and always aware not to make compromises to escape ridicule or hate. The Bible does not record any word spoken by Joseph but illustrates many instances where he performed his responsibilities as father and protector of the Holy Family. There is the story of his trip with Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem and their search for shelter. There is the simple sentence on their flight to Egypt in the middle of the night. Like most readers, I accepted it as fact in the life of the Holy Family, just that. But during a visit to the Holy Land and Egypt in 2000, our tour bus followed a similar path which Joseph  and his family would have taken from Bethlehem to the house in Egypt where they stayed. I saw the seemingly endless rugged terrain of the wilderness, the desert, and the lurking dangers 
from men and natural elements, thieves and sandstorms, to which   the Holy Family was subjected. Without question, fatigue which our minds cannot  fathom must have overwhelmed them since they traveled for days on foot. Having experienced being in the "setting" which the simple sentence pointed out in the Bible, I realized and appreciated the impact of Joseph's responsibilities and the enormous heroic actions he accomplished without the trumpet fanfare of Superman orBatman.


St. Joseph was a carpenter by trade. Like all fathers, he must have   helped in many infant-caring needs as bottle-feeding and diaper- changing. He must have done spoon-feeding the infant and enjoyed many moments of play and fun, too. He must have taught Jesus 
some tricks of the trade as he was growing up helping around in his small shop. When the boy was old enough, Joseph must have brought Jesus to help in his job in Sephoris, a more progressive town close by where at that time there was a construction boom. The father-figure that Joseph exemplified for his foster son was a 
man of action who " prospered the work of his hands."        

A traditional prayer to St. Joseph which has been part of my daily prayers for so many years is the ff:  

Oh St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. Oh St. Joseph, do assist me by Thy powerful intercession, to obtain for me spiritual blessings from your Divine Son so that having 
engaged here below your heavenly power, we may offer our homage and thanksgiving to the most gentle of fathers.

Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you with Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.

Oh, St. Joseph, patron for healing and of departing souls, pray for us.  Amen.  (3 times)

April 27, 2014 - POPE JOHN PAUL II, A SAINT !

Today, April 27, 2014, Divine Mercy Sunday, is an epoch-making date in the history of the Catholic Church when two successors of Peter are declared worthy of veneration as "Saints," They are Pope John XXIII who convened the Second Vatican Council in 1963 and the dearly-loved Pope John Paul II of this generation whose pontificate lasted for almost 26 years from 1978 to 2003.

On this blog, I will concentrate on Pope John Paul 11 since I had the opportunity of visiting Wadowice, Poland, his birthplace and also because of my unique encounter with him in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican City.

I joined a Jubilee Year 2000 tour to Eastern Europe which included a visit to Prague, Czech Republic; Vienna, Austria; Budapest, Hungary and Poland, the birthplace of St. John Paul II and St. Faustina who has been called, "Apostle of Divine Mercy." A visit to these great cities of Eastern Europe is an eye-opener even to a seasoned traveler like me who has visited 35 countries of this planet. The rich architectural style of centuries-old Baroque is predominant in this part of Europe. The overall ambiance of these places has a hold on me so soothing to my senses, so remote from the plush and grandeur of Paris, London or Spain. Why? I searched for an answer and found three reasons : my long-time devotion to the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague, my inherent love for music which Vienna represents and the indelible imprint of the barracks and "crematorium" in the infamous concentration camp in Auschwitz, Poland where six million people largely Jews died during World War II. I may add, the visit to Our Lady of Czestochowa, Poland, one of two miraculous Black Madonnas of the world, the other being, Our Lady of Monserrat in Barcelona, Spain.

I found my visit to Wadowice, Poland a most exhilarating experience. At that time, Pope John Paul II was still alive but his home was already a museum. It is located on the second floor of an apartment complex. The wooden floor was kept shiny because visitors had to remove shoes at the door and use large Eskimo-like skis made of palm leaves inside the rooms. Clothes, boots and shoes, kitchen utensils, oars of kayaks which was his favorite sport, etc. were showcased. The myriad paraphernalia  were all neatly displayed with valuable inscriptions that portrayed the youngster who became a successor of Peter. Countless pictures of important events in his life were posted everywhere. The short inscriptions on each one made it possible for us viewers to have an insight of the man who "wore the shoes of the Fisherman." The photo that fascinated me the most was the one when he was around three or four years old attired in a long embroidered gown looking like a sweet little girl with a remarkable twinkle in his eyes and an infectious smile on his face. I guess every onlooker inevitably smiled back at him! It was in the little gift shop on the first floor where I found a fascinating picture of Blessed Mother Mary breast-feeding the Infant Jesus. It was something I never saw in all my travels! I wanted to have more copies but was informed they had only one and I believed what the saleslady said that it must have been meant for me. I was happy and felt privileged to have it!

In one of my earlier visits to Rome, two members of our tour group needed to go to the Vatican office in charge of the distribution of tickets for the weekly Wednesday Papal Audience at St. Peter's Square. It was their first visit to Rome so I offered to accompany them to the office which was near the Trevi Fountain. Through their request, I was also given a ticket which guaranteed a seat in the crowded square. We were lucky to be seated in the first section of reserved seats where the Pope would surely pass. The air was filled with excitement! I guess, like everyone else in the jam-packed square of possibly  25 to 30 thousand pilgrims, my heart was beating furiously fast. To me, just to have a glimpse of the Holy Father in person would certainly be rewarding by itself. Almost with clockwise precision, the sea of humanity rose at the sight of Pope John Paul II standing in an open very slow-moving low cart pulled by a small Fiat. He was shaking hands with the people along the curb of the enclosed section. Our seats were closest the side curb so we chorused our "Thanks be to God" as we awaited the outstretched arms of His Holiness. I was feverish with anticipation and joy! Then it happened! The Pope's right hand clasped mine in a tight warm "embrace." I felt the heat radiate to every cell in my body! It was a flitting handshake that brought tremors of undefinable joy to me! Funny, for a long while, I tried to to keep my right palm free from touching anything so as not to dispel the enchanted aura of that most memorable "embrace." Since then, I held a strong affinity to him and has tenaciously held on to his oft-repeated message of "Be not afraid." Since his elevation to the Communion of Saints, he has become one of my favorite intercessors in heaven. My encounter with St. John Paul II has been one of the most dramatic, unforgettable moments in my life!

March 23, 2014 - WOMAN AT THE WELL

The Gospel today, March 23, 2014, is about the Samaritan woman at the well. It tells of Jesus and His apostles on the way to preach in various villages stopping in the town of Samaria. It was high noon so Jesus sat by the well while his apostles went to buy food. Along came a woman to fetch water and Jesus  asked her for a drink. The request was denied since there has been bad blood existing between Jews and Samaritans for a long time. Jesus told her that He was the "living water that would make her thirst no more" and revealed to her that He was the Messiah. The talk between the woman and Jesus eventually led to the whole town welcoming Him and the group for two days.

In 1999, I joined a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, for the fourth time, simply because it included a visit to Emmaus and Samaria. It is not possible to cover most places associated with Jesus on one visit. Usually, a trip is only for 11 or 13 days mostly to Bethlehem, Nazareth and Jerusalem.

The characteristic rocky terrain of the of Jerusalem abound in Samaria, too. To reach Jacob's Well, the name of the well in the Gospel, the pilgrims had to walk almost a two-block distance. Upon reaching the place, we had to climb five or six stone steps down to the well. The tour guide informed us that the centuries of wind and water action caused the present-day ground elevation.

Jesus sat on the edge of a round stone well which has, roughly, a radius of seven or eight feet. I specified that it was round since in the Bible, the well where Moses helped Zepphora get water in Midian was rectangle. A pail was hanging above it for those who would like a drink. The guide assured us that the water was still potable since Jesus' time so that many of our group members took a sip. I would not miss the chance to taste the water that had once quenched the thirst of my Savior! I drank a full cup! To me, it tasted like mineral water but with a slight tinge of sweetness. I don't know if my oral sense was real or was tainted by the thought that it had something to do with Jesus and so would be significantly good. Doesn't He always do all things for our good?

There was another thing that titillated my mind : to feel the place where Jesus sat! I looked around at my group members. Many were in line to get a tiny clay jar with "Jacob's Well" inscribed which was filled with the water. Others were busy chatting about the experience  and comparing notes about the water, possibly. There was no one by the well. Swiftly, I started the sit-down-stand-up routine to cover each and every inch of the edge of the well, which was in some areas bordered with a smooth rock but in most so crudely bound with multi-shaped ones. Afterwards, I felt a surge of fulfillment, of triumphant success, of bringing into reality a spur-of-the-moment idea - the idea that I would get an ion of our Lord's energy from the spot He made sacred on the well. I smiled at the thought that no one in my group dared to even consider such a venture. But I did! And I relish an experience that will never be effaced by Time!

Is it possible that my frail body has been energized to reach and enjoy my octogenarian years by Jesus' imprint on the well of Samaria? 

FEB. 4, 2014 LETTER FROM KARACHI

Today, February 4, 2014, I went through a box that has lain at the bottom of a pile and found a letter I had written to my family way back on August 14, 1978. 1978 - thirty-six years ago! Since I used to relate the happenings in my trips abroad, I often asked Papa to give me the letter I had written to help me when I would write my journal. I remember that in an earlier blog, I shared with you my first trip to the Holy Land with such remarkable details because of the letter I had sent my family then.

Written on the stationery of Hotel Mehran, Karachi 0405 Pakistan, it runs thus:

                                      Aug. 14, 1978

Dearest darlings,

        Hello everyone! I safely reached Karachi yesterday at 2:00 PM after a 4 and 1/2 hour plane ride from Bangkok. Because International Hotel charges $60 per night, I decided to be billeted here, the only other reputable hotel in Karachi with a $35 per night bill. I never expected hotel rates here to be that stiff! I was lucky to have a returning resident seated near me who helped me a lot.

        Lourding and I had some interesting experiences together topped by our record-breaking "waving good-bye" stint at the plane side area while airport officials kept shoving us up the aircraft.Then there was the time I told someone about to enter the comfort room, "This is for ladies." and she turned around and said, "I am a lady," despite her close-cropped hair, bush jacket and pants galore. It just happened that I walked behind her! Then there was the military checker who insisted on my presenting my DOT clearance but who after my talk with his chief permitted me to leave for Bangkok, also. I know the incident scared the daylights off Lourding for fear that she would travel alone and this was duplicated at the Bangkok airport when she was about to leave for Copenhagen when the lady at the check-in counter insisted on Lourding's visa for Belgium. A talk with their chief cleared matters up but it made Lourding take a Valium (tranquilizer) at the CR (restroom) while Tipsuda and I argued it out with the people in charge. It just happened that Filipinos are exempted from securing a visa in going to Belgium for a period of 59 days while Thais cannot stay in Belgium even for one day without a visa. The counter people were equating the situation along Thai requirements.

        As I would be doing for all of you when you visit Bangkok, I acted as Lourding's tourist guide - to the Catholic church where I gave the parish priest whom people here call "Pastor" the icon of our Mother of Perpetual Help, leaflets of prayers and organ music for novena songs so that they may adopt our RP way in their Wednesday novenas. We visited the Marble Temple with Tipsuda, our driver and free car service attendant as well as the big department stores, Daimaru and Central and their version of Divisoria called Banglampoo. Also, I took Lourding to the United Nations Regional Headquarters here where I attend conferences. She was so happily surprised, she said when many people recognized me including the police officer at the checkpoint entrance. We went to the Ministry of Communications where Tipsuda works and met my friends there, too. Incidentally, I remember that while we were in the limousine driving towards our hotel, Lourding and I witnessed a most beautiful sunset, its array of magnificent colors and the sun nearing the horizon which was so big, we could almost reach out and touch it, a phenomenon I have never seen anywhere ever to this day.

        Karachi is totally a pleasant surprise - far from what I have imagined it to be! The road from the airport to the downtown area is so wide as our superhighway but with a five-meter island in between complete with street lamps and trees which are individually enclosed with cement decorative hollow blocks. The houses that line the avenue are mostly new 2-storey buildings with flat roofs and the apartments along the way are like those built on cliffs (3 to 4 storeys) arranged like steps so that the small front garden of one flat serves as the roof of the house underneath it. This arrangement reminded me of the ones I saw in Israel. Really, Karachi is more of the Middle East because on its western side, they have snow in winter.

        Mr. Sabri, my plane seatmate was met by his family, a wife and three children. They were so kind as to invite me to their car and then to their home in the equivalent of Forbes Park where they canvassed the hotels and their subsequent rates. I apologized for intruding in their family reunion, really, but I could not help noticing the very big house which was presently being remodeled and wide lawn and gardens. The house was built in an area away from the gate - a distance half of the University of Sto. Tomas grounds. It must take a minute or so to reach the house from the entrance gate. Remember, Maris, my dream house which must be at least 5 minutes drive from the gate, hindi ba?

        I learned that Mr. Sabri and family used to stay in Saudi Arabia and now is going to return in Karachi for good. His wife and children came back a month earlier. I witnessed the family reunion and the "pasalubongs" (gifts) he had. My, you should see the wife's gift - a 4 and 1/2 carat diamond ring which he said cost $20,000! The three teen-aged daughters each got a diamond ring plus the other two sons. Later, they started canvassing hotels and I was conducted by their driver to Hotel Mehran.

        My, I do believe that the Lord and Blessed Mother are always with me! The help given me through some persons make manifest their blessings. Of course, such blessings are topped by my wonderful family and such thoughtful, loving husband! Darling, I was overwhelmed with joy by that magnificent gesture - a sampaguita garland! I felt as if I was traveling for the first time, indeed! Thank you so much for everything including the usual fried chicken, which as always, is a big help and savings (we ate it for dinner) and more importantly, a concrete manifestation of love and concern which I truly treasure!

        I attended the 6:15 PM Mass at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, walked all the way from my hotel, a distance of about 8 to 9 blocks because taxis were charging me $5.00.  Hallelujah of praise came forth from my heart when I saw the cathedral teeming with people like a Friday afternoon in Quiapo church! Strange because Pakistan is a Muslim country such that Friday is the holy day and Sunday is a workday. But I was overjoyed by the brave "heroes" of Christianity. I shed a few tears of joy! It was a "jazzy" Mass with the choir sitting in the middle pews. Many men received Holy Communion and in fact, I did not see men going out of the church during the Homily and start coming back after for the rest of the service which was a common sight in the Philippines.

        It was already dark after Mass but I still decided to walk back to the hotel confident that Jesus, our Blessed Mother and my guardian angels and saints would be with me. Within 2 or 3 blocks around the church were lighted stores but from then on the high walls bordering the street and the dim street lights which were posted way far from each other gave me the creeps. I held on to my rosary tighter and continually prayed. The fangs of fear were taking a grip on me and I fought back with a volley of prayers!

        Then I heard some slight voices and laughter behind me. I turned my head and there around 50 or 60 steps away were a couple, possibly special friends. I heaved a sigh of relief! They kept walking "with" me through the entire dark long blocks till the corner where I had to just cross to my hotel. It was as if they escorted me for when I looked back, they turned to the opposite direction. Truly, God was/is always with me!  My prayers of thanksgiving were bursting to the seams! Bobby, Maris, Noel and Cielo, I tell you these incidents and similar ones in the past to show you that all of you must constantly be with the Lord and Blessed Mother. Always ask for their love and protection!

        I guess I have written you a blow-by-blow account of my yet short stay here. Please take good care of yourselves as much as the care I give to myself. Kindly remember to take your vitamins and Maris, please buy Trisovit because I took the one I brought. The doors and locks need to be attended to. Please remind Fe.

        So long for now...all my love and kisses to each and everyone of you but most especially to dearest Popeye!
             
                              Love always,

                                Mama
                                     

FEB. 2, 2014 - CHARTRES, CATHEDRAL OF LIGHT

 February 2, 2014, today, we celebrate the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple which also commemorates the fortieth day since His birth in Bethlehem. 

The Gospel speaks of Mary and Joseph fulfilling the law in presenting any male child in the temple and "redeeming" him with a pair of turtle doves. It relates of Simeon proclaiming the Christ Child as the "light of the Gentiles and the glory of his people."

As Fr. Philip Ganir, a Filipino Jesuit of the St. Ignatius Church in Sacramento expounded on Jesus being the "Light of the World" for believers and non-believers alike, I recalled a sanctuary in Chartres, France which is called the "Cathedral of Light."

JAN. 31, 2014 - RHYMES FOR MY SISTERS

                        Lourding

Your memory will be to me truly timeless
Because you represent the best a sister can be
So kind, thoughtful which matches
That of a protector, a guardian, by decree.

As a child, oh, I remember so fully well
You believed in me and encouraged me to excel
Repeatedly said good looks hardly count at all
Success in life depends on brains and heart's core.

It was your inspiration that overwhelmed me
Pushed me to exert every ion of energy
To cast the "ugly duckling syndrome" I was in
And turn odds to my favor at every school scene.

Modest ad humble always ready to please 
Even those who teased the young and old
Often chosen "Reyna Elena" in May Flower Feasts
I was proud of you and though shy became bold.

Your piety was notably fervent and strong
Even thought of spending life as a cloistered nun
But God's ways are for the good of the throng
The world gained from your treasure trove of a clan.

The life you lived was worthy to emulate
True love and commitment untold patience you bore
Complete trust in God no matter what it takes
Lessons I learned from the way you did each chore.

So, to you, Lourding, goes my profound thanks
For a job well done to our Father's delight
Now you reap the rewards you deserve from the ranks
In heavenly bliss of song, praise and eternal light!


                                     XXXXX



                         GLORY

Your name speaks so much who you really are
God's special child who spreads His radiance around
Always ready to give counsel which is above par
In matters of life's puzzles your knowledge abounds.

But the field you deeply explored and shared more
Is in the medical realm to the wonder of all
Many seek  your help like a patient to a doctor
For an illness herself or for a sick child to succor.

Your skill in numbers is amazingly great
So recognized since your high school days
You breezed through algebraic equations at stake
That thrilled teachers, classmates, sibling's maze.

Glory, you exemplify the best of a mother's love
To the nth degree so constant and unfailing
The patience you have parallels that of Job
A gift you remarkably keep on bearing.

Give without counting the cost is a saint's advice
Concerns more than money which some believe
Unselfish sharing of one's time is more than twice
The blessing to those around you in dire need.

You helped my children during their growing-up years
When my career required many conferences abroad
You acted as overseer, allayed their fears
My profound gratitude to you is at optimum mode.

Then there was your benevolent sister act
You extended to me to acquire our first real estate
Our funds were low impossible to execute a contract
It was your strategy that carried my family to the gate.

God's incomprehensible way will fill the gap
In our expression of gratitude to you as well as of others
When the time comes, your shoulders, Jesus will tap
And with open arms say, "Come in, rejoice with my Mother!"


                               XXXXX

JAN. 30, 2014 - NUGGETS OF WISDOM

             NUGGETS  OF  WISDOM
          (Dedicated to my Grandchildren

Jesus said, "Be not afraid I am with you"
A promise spoken, an indelible mark
I claim His declaration firm and true
Praise and thanksgiving sing from my heart.

My Grandchildren, to you I share this message            
God's unconditional love in this passage
 His Word is an everlasting sign
So precious like gold seven times refined.

Be not afraid to be a witness to His Word
Through your daily activities of any sort
If you "live" the Bible and relationships feed
You'll be the only "Gospel"some people read.
              
Be not afraid to speak all of God's teachings
To those indifferent to His preaching
Dare to be bold to proclaim Christ's Good News
Your courage will enlighten lukewarm views.

Be not afraid to be consistent in your prayers
God is the source of life and all that flows in
Confide your joys, pain, doubts to your Maker
If you do so to friends, why not to Him?

Be not afraid to work or walk the extra mile
In your school, office, home chores at hand
Give more than what is expected with a smile
Lifts you up, an inspiration to others send.

Be not afraid when frustrations come your way
Temptations, trials, heartaches thrown at bay
For a purpose God allows them to test faith's gap
Trust Him for healing, strength, insights it will tap.

Be not afraid to have many friends with you
They make life happier, your walk pleasant, too
Dare to lose them than give up your conviction
Of what is right as to God's truth and action.

Be not afraid to be better than your friends
It may need hard work, more study, less play
Dream dreams "hitch your wagon to a star"
Be focused, do your best, with God, you'll soar!

Be not afraid to exercise your free will
God's gift to each one of His creation
What you will be at age 50 is the seal
Choices YOU made- family's pride or poison.

Be not afraid to defy society's trend
Accepting loose morals as being "cool"
Stick to God's way and a "loner" to the end
Than let a brilliant mind be that of a fool.

Be not afraid, follow Grandma's advice
They're guidelines for young hearts to live by
You will have meaning, purpose and be wise
When you "burn" with fervor for Jesus on high.

What you are now, I once had been
What I am now, you will in the future be
Like me you'll look back and see the unseen
"I have done my best to be what I can ever be." 
        
                    XXXXXXXX