The
June 2013
PARACLETE The little paper that feeds on prayer
Parish of the Holy Spirit, BF Homes, Quezon City Vol. 6, No. 3 Issue
Di po ba Napakaganda?
By Ivan John Concepcion
If he’s a really good priest, then others should get a chance to have him. If he’s a bad priest then nobody should have to have him for too long. In addition to the administrative dimension, priests’ assignment changes include a formational dimension as well, a spiritual moment that marks their faith journeys. The change signals an opportunity to revisit and deepen the integration of priestly identity and service, of “who I am and what I do for the sake of the mission.” In other words, the event of transition for priests is or, at least, can be, a holy moment.
A FEW DAYS back, the Holy Spirit Parish saw an end and a beginning – the impermanence of priestly assignment, as implemented by the Diocese of Novaliches, inevitably ended the term of Fr. Jerome Rosalinda after 6 years of pastoral leadership, but it also marked the ascendancy of a new priest in our midst – a transition that is always met with some sadness on one hand and curious anticipation on the other. The years Fr. Jigs generously devoted to us can be seen as years of structural and spiritual transformation in the parish – his unique and dynamic pastoral care did not always find eager believers among the parishioners, but his gentle and amiable ways eventually convinced most that he has the growth and the salvation of our souls foremost in his mind. Doubting Thomases who questioned, “What is he up to now?” converted
Fr. Jigs with his Mama Bennie and sisters
to militant Pauls and grew in larger and eager participation towards the end of his stay. The church structures that Fr. Jigs helped build must truly be seen in the perspective of the services they brought to structuring the spiritual growth and involvement of parishioners and, more importantly, uplifting their souls
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towards salvation. In those lights, the multifaceted altar should project the face of Jesus sacrificed and glorified, the choir loft should be heard echoing the voices of prayer linking with the angelic music of praise and worship, and the perpetual adoration chapel should inspire us to offer every minute of our lives as acts of constant prayer and worship. Fr. Jigs was a willing instrument to all these improvements, but the better and worthier reflection should be on the benefits they gave to our souls and our relationships with one another in the parish. I am sure Fr. Jigs would not want his priestly legacy be judged solely by the 6 years he devoted with us, since he still has a full life to live ahead of him – as he so desires or as God has planned for him. But it is every parish priest’s wish that at the end of his pastoral term, he will have lived up to everyone’s expectations of a good priest – a description that has become even more valuable with all the challenges thrown at the priesthood nowadays. The task of herding a flock of “men” is not as simple as the parable of the Good Shepherd pictured it: no more is the flock beholden solely and uniquely to the voice of the shepherd – these days everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion, actuations, and “beliefs,” that herding everyone “home” from where every corner of the pasture they are grazing is an indomitable, if not impossible, task. The requirements of the priesthood now include: an enlightened eye for the truth, a calming voice of wisdom, an understanding ear to every opinion, and a strong and sincere heart in the face of every challenge. Simply but not easily, the strength and fortitude to endure and rise above the intrigue, gossip and criticism of pastoral work are the new measures of a “good shepherd.” I am sure Fr. Jigs met all these challenges in his time with us, even if he may politely deny or humbly accept them as fitting sacrifices in doing God’s work. With all due respect, I believe Fr. Jigs did a yeoman’s job as our parish priest for the last 6 years – he was driven, focused, and determined to finish what he started out to do. He was amiable, friendly and congenial with most people his life
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and work touched. His humility is sometimes expressed through self-deprecation, but more often with generous humor at his human failings and imperfections. His homilies are intelligent and scripture-wise and admixed with wit and down-to-earth-ness. His greatest faults, perhaps - and I beg to be forgiven for boldly suggesting – are also his basic goodness and trusting nature – traits that many opportunists have used to discredit him and hurt his person. He is, overall, by my limited and lowly evaluation, a good parish priest. He was a welcome revelation to a parish that for long felt complacent and was just cozily coasting with their spiritual commitments. He “re-opened” the doors of the Church for people to feel involved and connected to their faith. He recreated its structures through our contributions and donations to reinvigorate our interest to the physical place of our worship but, more importantly, to enliven our commitment to giving back to God what He deserves! Father Jerome Rosalinda will be sorely missed – but not lost. His legacy will linger for a long time and that – it is hoped – will make us better and exemplary Christians to everyone beyond our parish. If we can make that happen, then Fr. Jigs can proudly and joyfully proclaim to all that his stay at the Holy Spirit Parish was indeed good. To that he will have echoed this article’s title. TP
Fr. Jigs and the Legion of Mary
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Editorial FR. JIGS LEFT the Holy Spirit Parish last June 4. The position he voided was filled by Fr. Victor Emmanuel Clemen, or Fr. Bobot, as he is more fondly called. The farewelcome ceremony was held at the Spiritus Hall on the same day, in the presence of well-wishers for both. When he departed, Fr. Jigs shall have had more time to devote to his “aborted” attempt at publishing his book of homilies, a fact that saddens this author (until retired Chief Justice Davide pledged his support to the project should Fr. Jigs reconsider). Upon his assumption, Fr. Bobot is probably already known to many as having to his credit books already published, one of which is the endearing “Jesus in My Life,” a guide to Gospel reflections, which runs parallel to Fr. Jigs’ “shelved” project. The PREX (Parish Renewal Experience) seminar is a flagship venture of Fr. Jigs. All told, 29 classes have happily multiplied the membership of the church’s diverse ministries and organizations. The faithful will be heartened to know that Fr. Bobot is also an avid supporter of the seminar. He thrice presented PREX as a topic in his book, favoring Talk No. 7 (Healing and Reconciliation) as one of the best topics of the seminar. Both men of the cloth testify to PREX as a portal to spiritual reorientation. There is no cause for sorrow at dealing with the departure because there is reason to rejoice at the emergence. Because where Fr. Jigs delivers direct jokes even in his homilies, Fr. Bobot is also of the same inclination, poker-faced and deadpanning his own brand of humor in, again, his homilies. The Holy Spirit Parish will never want for energizing, “stay-awake” sermons. The only optimistic way to treat Fr. Jigs’ leaving is through a hearty hello to Fr. Bobot’s arrival.
Fr. Jigs Rosalinda turns over the Parish of the Holy Spirit to Fr. Bobot Clemen
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Of Saints and Saintliness Lilia F. Antonio
Medalyon ni St. Benedict
KUNG SI JUAN de la Cruz (ang bida sa tanyag na primetime teleserye ng ABS-CBN) ay may makapangyarihang krus na nakapapatay ng mga aswang, tayong mga karaniwang mamamayan ay may mabibiling medalyon ni St. Benedict na sinasabing proteksyon sa iba’t-ibang kasamaan at lunas sa mga sakit ng bituka at tiyan. Sino si St. Benedict ng Nursia? Bakit isinusuot ng maraming debotong Katoliko (kabilang na ang editor ng The Paraclete at ako) ang kanyang banal na medalyon? Ano ang anyo nito? Bakit ini-uugnay sa naging buhay ni St. Benedict ang bisa ng medalyong ito? Sasagutin ang mga nabanggit na katanungan ng sanaysay na ito. Si St. Benedict ay isinilang kasabay ng kanyang kambal na kapatid na babaeng si St. Scholastica noong taong 480. Nag-aral siya sa Roma at nasa edad 19 o 20 nang ipasiyang talikdan ang layaw at marangyang pamumuhay at mamuhay na mag-isa sa bulubundukin ng Enfide. Dito niya nakatagpo ang isang monghe na nagkaloob sa kanya ng abito at nagpayong manirahan siya sa isang kuweba sa ibabaw ng lawa. Madalas siyang dinadalaw rito ng monghe at regular na dinadalhan ng pagkain. Sa loob ng tatlong taon, higit na tumatag ang pagkatao ni Benedict, lalo pang napalapit sa Diyos at lumalim ang pagkakilala sa sarili at sa kapwa. Kasabay nito’y lalo siyang nakilala at nang mamatay ang abbot ng isang kalapit na monasteryo, hiniling ng mga taga-monasteryo na siya ang pumalit. Sa simula’y tumanggi si Benedict dahil alam niyang naiiba sa kanya ang uri ng pamumuhay at disiplina sa monasteryo at baka hindi niya makasundo ang mga kasama. Pero, sa kanilang pamimilit, sumang-ayon na
rin siya. Ngunit nabigo ang kanilang samahan nang, ayon sa alamat, tinangka ng mga monghe na lasunin siya. Una, nilagyan nila ng lason ang kanyang inumin. Subalit nang bendisyunan ito ni Benedict, nabasag ang kopitang kinalalagyan nito. Nang ang tinapay naman niya ang nilagyan ng lason, isang ibon ang lumipad papasok sa silid at tinangay ang tinapay pagkatapos niyang bendisyunan. Naligtas siya sa kamatayan sa dalawang pagkakataong ito. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit tinagurian siyang tagapagpagaling ng mga sakit sa pagkalason, bato, atay, at lagnat at tagapagtanggol laban sa mga mahika at kulam. Pagkaraan nito’y nagbalik na si Benedict sa kanyang kuweba sa Subiaco. Lalong dumalas ang paggawa niya ng himala at dumami ang mga taong lumalapit sa kanya dahil sa kanyang kabanalan at pagkamatulungin. Labindalawang monasteryo ang binuo niya sa paligid ng Subiaco at di naglao’y itinatag ang kilalang monasteryong Benedictine sa Monte Cassino na matatagpuan sa itaas ng burol sa pagitan ng Roma at Napoli. Mababasa sa Dialogues of Saint Gregory ang marami pang impormasyon tungkol kay St. Benedict. Ang pangunahing ambag sa simbahan ni St. Benedict ay ang kanyang Mga Batas na umuugit sa isang tao sa liturhikal na pananalangin, pagaaral, manwal na paggawa at pamumuhay sa isang komunidad na pinamumunuan ng isang ama ng lahat – ang abbot. Kasama rin sa Mga Batas ang mga hakbang kung paano epektibong mapapamahalaan ang isang monasteryo at kung paano magiging masunurin at mababang-loob ang mga taong naninirahan dito. Continued on page 7
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A(l)-lel-(u)-i-(ah!)
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Aleli Francis S. Rivera
Marriage and Matrimony WHEN GOD CREATED MAN in His image and likeness, He created him out of His love. Like the saying goes, a man and a woman in mutual love symbolize God’s absolute love for mankind, and by the blessing, intend their unity to be fruitful. God’s saying “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it” means man and woman are created for each other, no longer two but one flesh, fulfilling the Creator’s plan of what had been described “in the Beginning.” The Holy Scripture also depicts the presence of Jesus Christ valuing marriage when he performed his first miracle at a wedding feast in Cana. He turned the jar of water into wine upon his mother’s request. In his preaching, Jesus taught that the matrimonial union between a man and a woman is indissoluble and, hence, cannot be consummated. Marriage is a celebration between a man and a woman in full consent, which takes place in a Holy Mass, in connection with the sacraments symbolizing the importance of the Paschal Mystery of Christ. Full consent is described as a human act by which partners mutually give themselves to one another without coercion or fear. It is also during the Holy Mass, specifically the Eucharist, that the spouses offer themselves in unity to Christ, communicating as one body.
The Holy Spirit is the seal of their covenant, which will be the source of love, strength and fidelity. The church normally requires the faithful contract of marriage according to the ecclesiastical form for the following reasons: that marriage is a liturgical act and should be celebrated in the public liturgy of the church; that the ecclesial order creates rights and duties in the church between the spouses towards their children; that the obligation to have witnesses means that the public protects the consent and helps the spouses remain faithful to their exchange of vows; that “I do” is a responsible act; and that the marriage covenant may have a solid foundation. By these elements, the spouses are able to fulfill the sacrament of matrimony, in unity before Christ, witnessed by people, who symbolize the church. The grace of the sacrament of matrimony helps the spouses attain holiness in married life and a start of welcoming blessings towards building a good future. The values attained are for maintaining a harmonious relationship built with love, respect and trust. A responsibility is also transmitted to the future, when they become parents, which entails giving the children the right to a good life, exemplified by education. The ministers of the sacrament, the spouses themselves, celebrate their love with Christ,Who is the source of grace. As long as each spouse Continued on page 8
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Ev-Angeli-um Angeli Francis S. Rivera
Fare Thee Well, Fr. Jigs
JUNE 2, 2013. Members of various parish organizations and friends of Fr. Jigs Rosalinda were gathered at the covered basketball court for a special farewell celebration. Light rain fell as though foretelling that no eyes would be dry that night. As the evening progressed with the program, the lighter side of the tributes attached an amusing feel to the ceremony. The proceedings would not have had a smooth flow were it not for the concerted effort of the people who volunteered to do it without a point guard looking over their shoulders. Anonymity notwithstanding, Anne Asis-Carilo must be credited, firstly for her forthright, no-qualm acceptance of the task and in the main for her fervent, dynamic and unbridled energy in emceeing the event. The send-off began with a personalized, heartwarming prayer led by Mr. Regulo Fernandez. Subsequently, PPC Chair Couple Eric and Minnie Dacanay took the stage for a brief Welcome Address. A sumptuous feast ensued, thanks to the culinary know-how of Kitchen Treasures. With the people’s bellies full, it was in order for their hearts to be similarly stuffed with tributes from the parish organizations. The first song number was heard from the youngest among the groups – the Legion of Mary presidiums Queen of Angels and Tower of Ivory. They sang the songs “You Got a Friend in Me” and “Umbrella.” The Ministry of the Word followed with mellow and nostalgic melodies, understandably their genre. They even changed the lyrics of the songs Maalaala mo Kaya, Ikaw and “I Say a Little Prayer for You” to accentuate the value of Fr. Jigs in their lives.
PREX speaker Ross Evardone convinced everyone that he had another (serious) side of him to show by singing Fr. Jigs’ favorite song (also Comedy King Dolphy’s muchloved) Ngayon. Popular demand insisted he did an encore entitled Doon Lang. From meaningful jingles and ballads, dance tributes set the mood for lazy muscles to groove. The Daughters of Mary Immaculate did the Mambo and it had everybody’s feet tapping to the tune. The BF Board’s Sunshine Committee captivated like a luau as they performed a “Stand by Me” aerobics in a sea of green gyrations. The Apostleship of Prayer sustained the soul of that atmosphere by doing a hula. These groups’ performances surprised Fr. Jigs the most because he never had an inkling that many of his parishioners could – and did – dance. Speeches were pronounced in-between the dance tributes. Yours truly delivered “Impressions on Fr. Jigs” from her and her fellow young volunteers’ perspectives. Encouraging words were offered by retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide, who shared eloquently and extemporaneously of his valuation and vision of who Fr. Jigs might become – His Excellency Jerome U. Rosalinda. Lastly, and not to say the least, Atty. Noel Tamase summoned Fr. Jigs’ liquidity (and laughter at intervals) when he spoke about the latter’s thoughts and goals for our parish. Kuya Noel shared the CJ’s dream of Fr. Jigs becoming a bishop in our diocese. The last tribute was a “Beatles Medley” performed by the Spirit Minstrels. The group made Fr. Jigs proud recently by placing 2nd in a vicariate choral competition. He was invited to sing with
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them, which he could not refuse, and what arose – again – was his visible waterworks. A palanca box, which contained tokens and testimonials of love, was presented to him afterwards. He concluded the program with a message and a final blessing. Fr. Jigs thanked those who attended the program and who have been supportive of him in his six-year parish term.
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He made it clear to everyone that pursuing further studies outside the country was among his objectives. He humbly confided that he still has to learn about relating to people (although we all think that he’s a great priest already) and that he’ll miss us. He hoped that our paths will cross again someday— whenever and wherever. TP
Of Saints and Saintliness Continued from page 4
Ano ang anyo ng medalyon ni St. Benedict? Ang orihinal na medalyon ay galing sa isang krus bilang parangal kay St. Benedict. Sa isang panig, makikita ang mukha ni St. Benedict na may hawak na aklat ng Mga Batas sa kaliwang kamay at krus sa kanan. Mayroon ding nakaguhit na ibon at kopita sa magkabila niyang panig. Sa palibot ng medalyon ay may nakasulat na “Etus in obitu nostro prasentia muniamur” (“Nawa kami, sa aming kamatayan, ay palakasin ng Kanyang pag-iral”). Sa kabilang panig naman ng medalyon ay may krus na may patayong mga titik na CSSML na nangangahulugang “Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux” (“Nawa’y maging liwanag ko ang Banal na Krus”) at pahalang naman ay ang mga titik na NDSMD na nangangahulugang “Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux” (“Huwag nawang dragon ang aking maging panginoon”). Ang mga inisyal na CSPB ay sumasagisag sa “Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti” (“Ang Krus ng Banal na Amang Benedict”) at mababasa sa loob ng anggulo ng krus. Makikita rin ang inskripsyong “PAX” (Kapayapaan) o ang sagisag ni Kristo na “IHS” sa tuktok ng krus. Sa palibot ng medalyon ay mababasa ang mga inisyal na VRSNSMV “Vade Retro Satana, Nonquam Suade Mihi Vana”(“Lumayo ka, Satanas, huwag mo akong tuksuhin ng iyong mga kapalaluan”). Pagkatapos ng espasyo ay ang mga inisyal na SMQLIVB na nangangahulugang “Sunt Mala Quae Libas, Ipse Venena Bibas” (“Kasamaan ang iyong ini-aalay, inumin mo ang
sarili mong lason”). Unang ginawa ang ganitong medalyon noong 1880 bilang paggunita sa ika14 na sentenaryo ng pagsilang ni St. Benedict at tinagurian ding Jubilee Medal; gayunman, walang nakababatid kung saan ito nagmula. Narito ang sipi ng Unang Araw ng nobena para kay St. Benedict mula sa Sambuhay Novena (Saint Benedict – Healer of stomach ache and other intestinal sicknesses) na isinalin ko sa Filipino: “Ginugol mo ang iyong kabataan sa pag-aaral sa unibersidad upang maging kilala sa daigdig, subalit ang lahat ng ito ay tinalikdan mo, sa gabay ng Espiritu Santo, upang mapag-isa sa mga bulubundukin ng Subiaco, Italya. Tumira ka sa isang kuweba at nabuhay sa pagkain ng mga halamang-ugat at iba pang pagkaing matatagpuan sa gubat. Hinahap mo ang Diyos at natagpuan ka rin Niya. Pasiglahin mo kami, mahal na santo, upang aming maunawaan na ang Diyos ay nasasa-amin at matatagpuan namin Siya sa katahimikan ng aming mga puso. Loobin mong mabatid namin na ang mga panloob na ingay ang naglalayo sa amin sa Diyos – ang ingay ng aming mga ambisyon, pagmamahal sa salapi, at katanyagan. Saan man kami naroroon ay mapapatahimik namin ang mga ingay na ito. Tulungan mo kami, mahal na santo, upang makamit ang katahimikan sa aming mga sarili. (3 Ama Namin, 3 Aba Ginoong Maria, 3 Luwalhati. St. Benedict, ipanalangin mo kami. Amen.) TP
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A(l)-lel-(u)-i-(ah!) Continued from page 4
intends to commit to a true marriage with their full consent, the sacrament is performed. Pope Francis iterated the importance of spouses caring for one another and being responsible for their children. He said that husbands and wives protect one another and, as parents, care for their children. Caring builds
Quotes Fr. Jigs Rosalina, on his successor:
“Fr. Bot is a good priest and a nice person.” Noel Tamase, on the same:
“I have it on reliable information that he has a single-digit golf handicap.” Ham de la Torre:
“I’ve no idea if he golfs a lot but I pray he gulps a little.” See photos of parish activities posted in Facebook: Holy Spirit Parish-BFQC
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the foundation of friendship, trust and respect. The sacrament of marriage is not just a union of man and woman but also a coming together in the presence of Christ, the Bridegroom of the church, the bride. This is a statement that provides a challenge that the importance of marriage in the church is a witness of love that is meant to last. (References: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c3a7.htm: http:// www.olrl.org/Lessons/Lesson31.shtml; www. foryourmarriage.org) TP Fr. Bobot Clemen:
“Getting a wayward faithful back to the church is a deed of a sacred heart.” This issue of The Paraclete is sponsored by PREX, The Parish Renewal Experience Seminar. PREX Class No. 30 will be held on July 27 and 28, 2013.
the Paraclete
The little paper that feeds on prayer Official Newsletter published quarterly by the Parish Pastoral Council, Parish of the Holy Spirit, Nepomuceno Street, BF Homes, Quezon City. Tel. 931-3995 Editor-in-Chief
Abraham M. de la Torre
Contributors Angeli Francis S. Rivera Aleli Francis S. Rivera Lilia F. Antonio Adviser
Rev. Fr. Bobot Clemen