Monday, June 30, 2014
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!"
Friday, May 23, 2014
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)
Saturday, April 26, 2014
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!
Monday, March 24, 2014
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?
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
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
Sunday, February 2, 2014
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."
Friday, January 31, 2014
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
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