The Paraclete's Send Off Issue by Emmanuel Tamase

The

PARACLETE The little paper that feeds on prayer

Parish of the Holy Spirit, BF Homes, Quezon City Special send-off salute

june 2, 2013

Editorial FR. JIGS LEAVES the Holy Spirit Parish on June 4, 2013. The position he vacates will be filled by Fr. Bobot (Victor Emmanuel Clemen). When Fr. Jigs was assigned to our parish six years ago, he was a whiff of fresh air in a room that really needed it, not unlike the Holy Spirit filling the Cenacle on Pentecost. Quite a number of parishioners were overwhelmed, yet like a true coach, he slowed down to allow us to warm up and flex our muscles that we may go through this journey together, hand-in-hand. That journey has brought us to a parish much changed. Six years saw not only the rise of necessary concrete structures but also the birth or rebirth of vital ministries. A list of projects will not capture how much he did for our parish, for what Fr. Jigs truly did was sow the seeds of a growing community. Certainly, there are problems left unsolved and work unfinished, but to dwell on such imperfections is to miss the big picture: without the hard work of uprooting the weeds, tilling the soil and nurturing newly-planted seeds, there would be no garden to nitpick. Fr. Jigs accomplished a lot in our parish, and our parish accomplished as much under his direction. Yet, we do him a disservice when we call his work complete, for there is no earthly finish line in the work of our church. Parish workers come and go, and while every departure has an element of sorrow, we send off Fr. Jigs with the hope that he may apply the lessons he learned from our parish to become an even better pastor. We who are left also promise to continue the work of the Spirit and grow deeper in faith, for the greatest tribute we can give Fr. Jigs is what parish we become from here on. TP

A(l)-lel-(u)-i-(ah!)

Paraclete

JUNE 4, 2013

Aleli Francis S. Rivera

One Word is not Enough

IT WAS IN in 2007 that the Diocese mandatorily rotated their priests to contribute their service to every catholic community around Novaliches. It was also that year that people came to know the new parish priest, Father Jerome “Jigs” Rosalinda, who - indeed - made a big impact on the homeowners of BF, young and old alike. It was almost raining in 2010, when I stood inside the covered court with my mother and twin sister Gel, and along came a man clad simply, thanking us for joining in the event. I realized then that, up close, in a sea of priests, he was Fr. Jigs. He greeted us with a genuine smile and warm handshake, even jokingly differentiating Gel and my appearance and acknowledging us for taking part in putting out the church newsletter. It was the Pearl Anniversary of the parish, a big day for acknowledging the contributions of the past parish and visiting priests who rendered service to the community. So many accomplishments for the past six years had been registered during the term of our beloved parish priest. The BF Homes Holy Spirit Parish is a major transformation not just with respect to design, its exquisite symbolical interior and the two buildings surrounding it (Ruah and the PEA chapel) but also the continuing progression of the organizations that work to sustain it. Personally, the Ruah Center is one of his great legacies. It’s not just a meeting place

for various organizations of the church; the building was also a place where I made friends who played a major role in building my spiritual life up to the present time. The two-story edifice was a home for everyone seeking out to work with everyone in the name of service. Fr. Jigs made those six years inspired and inspirational to every one of us inside and outside the village. Your legacy is indelibly etched in our hearts as it carves a truly memorable historical landmark in the church. A word of thanks is indeed not enough for your bequest in building a strong foundation for our spirituality. Together with the youth, we would like to extend our message of gratitude. “Dearest Fr. Jigs, thank you for the many years of service to our parish. May you touch many more lives like you’ve touched ours. Good luck and may God bless you in your future endeavors.” – Kevin, Jazmine and Raissa Banuelos “Fr. Jigs, thank you for being my inspiration. You are truly a brother and friend to me. You will always be in my heart. I’m so blessed because you became a part of my life. I will miss you. Take care always.” – Carlo Maravilla “Fr. Jigs, thank you for being our parish priest and for making a big impact in building a community of active, religious churchgoers. Thank you for making our church elegant and fabulous. You are the best.” – Angela Sumalpong TP

JUNE 4, 2013

Paraclete

Of Saints and Saintliness Lilia F. Antonio

Farewell, Father Jigs

SA TUWINA’Y MAY kaakibat na kirot sa puso ang paghihiwalay, lalo na kung tunay namang naging masaya, makabuluhan at daan sa pagtubo at pagpapalalim ng ugnayan sa Diyos ang bunga ng pinagsamahan. Sa paglipat ni Fr. Jigs sa mga bagong tungkulin at gawain, ang mga mananampalataya ng Immaculate Conception Sub-Parish sa North Susana Executive Village ay may nais ipabaon sa kanya: Mula kay Dannie del Rosario: “Although our parish office is kilometers or villages away from the chapel, I can say that Fr. Jigs is a hands-on administrator. I’m fortunate to have worked with him in the Pastoral Council for four years. He thinks and looks for the welfare of our chapel and parishioners. He is a man of few words but speaks with concern and authority. With his guidance, we were able to establish our chapel by–laws and formulate our mission-vision, not only for an orderly and systematic organization but also a bright foresight for the years ahead. Thanks, Fr. Jigs, and we wish you success in all your assignments and endeavors.” Mula kay Caring Aguilar: “A humble, soft-spoken person yet a persuasive one, that to me is Fr. Jigs. Much is accomplished because he is a very determined parish priest. He spoke his piece with conviction. He delivers his homily in simple, plain language that parishioners understand but with self introspection and soul searching feelings. There’s depth and compassion in his sharings. Pax Et Bonum, Fr. Jigs! We’ll miss your presence in the chapel especially after every First Saturday Mass gathering.” Mula kay Cecil Ibarra: “If you were to ask me

the definition of a ‘priest,’ I would say a priest is Fr. Jigs. He is an epitome of a scholarly, hardworking priest as evidenced by his accomplishments in the parish. I look forward to his well-prepared, intellectual, meaningful homilies which are brief and concise. He clearly explains his message to the point of translating it both in English and Pilipino. We will surely miss Fr. Jigs and all his inspirational messages.” Mula kay Ritz Duenas: “Ang ating Kura Parokong si Fr. Jigs ay isa sa aking mga inspirasyon sa pagtahak sa buhay ispiritwal. Ang kanyang mga homilya ay simple ngunit tagos sa puso. Sa bawat pakikinig ko sa kanya, nadaragdagan ang aking kaalaman tungkol sa pananampalatayang Katoliko. Si Fr. Jigs ay simpleng tao, masarap kasama, madaling lapitan at may malusog na sense of humor. Sa kanyang pamumuno, nakita ko ang sipag at determinasyon na maipatupad anumang pagbabagong kanyang naisin. Malawak ang kanyang pang-unawa at hindi madaling humusga sa kapwa. Sobrang pagpapala ang aming nakamit mula sa kanyang presensiya sa ating parokya.” Mula kay Lorna Flores: “I served at his first Mass here in North Susana. The next time, he was already calling me by name. He takes time to know us personally, the members of our community, even in social events. He related to us by continually giving good and meaningful homilies.” Mula kay Rady Decolongon: “Thank you for the wonderful years spent with us as our parish priest. The various church activities and Continued on page 7

Paraclete

BFQC Quotes “We will surely miss your vibrant leadership but also rejoice and support you to pursue your dreams. Go reach for your star! Thanks for the friendship.”

– Delia Tolentino

“Maayo nga paglakat sa Rome. Kabay pa matuman mo ang gusto mo na makatapos sang tatlo ka tuig na pageskwela sang Doctorate in Canon Law.” – Susan Valix

JUNE 4, 2013

“Thank you! For being a great leader, generous and understanding teacher and a supportive friend. Your never-ending love for music endeared you to me especially to our choir and we will always be grateful for that. May our loving Father continuously fill your heart with love, strength and happiness. You will forever be in my prayers.” – Clara Coronel

“Keep your health good. If you miss your exercise, take repeated deep breaths to make your lungs stay young. I pray you live longer, happier and more active with God’s work. Come back in one piece.” -- George Kojima

“May God’s holy love surround you and shield you from the world’s contagion. May He bless your labors with abundant fruit and may the souls to whom you minister be your joy and consolation here and your beautiful and everlasting crown in heaven. Thank you for your fruitful ministry na naging kabahagi po ako.” – Ross Evardone

“Thank you so much for initiating changes in our parish – liturgy, infrastructure evangelization, beautification, newsletter, coffee table book, church organizations and others. God bless!” – Auring Lianko

“Farewell, Father! We won’t forget you. We remember that you gave First Communion to Luisa and co-presided in her Confirmation. Thank you for giving us the Sacraments. You have shepherded our community well and took care of families, including my own, in bringing them closer to God through service of the church. Therese had found a place to sing her heart out. You and Carlo will play the violin together someday! Angelica and Becky will stay on the choir and as lectors. It is a beautiful realization! For these and for being a friend of my family, thank you. May the Holy Spirit continually bless you in the wonders you have done and can do! Safe sojourns, always.” -- Benjie, Gelly, Matty and the rest of the Fernandezes

Paraclete

JUNE 4, 2013

“The two years of my retired life made a great difference in me given the spiritual growth PREX, BEC and MOW provided me through the excellent ministries organized by our dear and willbe-sorely-and-surely-missed good shepherd.” – Eve Diocson

“Persons are gifts of God and Fr. Jigs is one most appreciated. He inspires and challenges us to recognize, express, share and accept our own giftedness and those we are blessed with. Maraming salamat po, Fr. Jigs.”

– Arnel, Relly, Josel, Amaris

and Prudence Cruz

Our hearts brim with joy and gratitude from all your advice and guidance and support. We will miss you! - Marco Tenefranchia

“I always have fond memories of our parish priests but you will be most remembered. You were the first priest to make me cry… and the experience made me a better parishioner. May the Blessed Mother always accompany you and keep you close to her heart.” – Liza Infante

“You really made a difference in my family life especially in serving others with sincerity, humility and a big heart.” – Aida Aguinaldo

“Do not be distracted by the things of this world. Work on holiness so that by the power of your example you may bring many souls to God.” – Malou Tamase

“Thank you for all the memories that we shared together, our ups and downs and, most of all, for the inspiration.” – Isagani Vasquez

Your personal and sincere relationship with each and every parishioner will be cherished forever! - Isa Velasquez

“You don’t need to be perfect to inspire us as you have inspired us by how you dealt with your imperfections.” - Domeng and Mila Mendoza

“It was both an honor and a privilege to be given the opportunity to serve our parish during your watch. We are grateful for your trust and confidence in us. As you embark on a new journey and mission, we wish you the best and may God be with you always.” – Eric and Minnie Dacanay

“I’m sorry for the times I listened to my bigotry and ignored your homilies. I’ll be kinder to my neighbors like the humility you’ve professed to even the grouchiest parishioner.” – Ham de la Torre

Paraclete

JUNE 4, 2013

Ev-Angeli-um Angeli Francis S. Rivera

Little Known Facts About Fr. Jigs

LET ME JUST say this. Fr. Jigs is a part of our past, present and future history. BUT, do you know Fr. Jigs that well? Here are some interesting points that might help to know him better. 1. He had no reasons for priesthood. Yes, you read that right. He had no reasons for it. But he had a desire to become a priest. According to a Vatican Council Document entitled “Decree on the Training of the Priests” or Optatan Totius No.2, “Such active collaboration by all God’s people in the task of fostering vocations is a response to the action of the Divine Providence, Which endows with appropriate qualities and helps with divine grace those who have been chosen by God to share in the hierarchical priesthood of Christ.” Fr. Guy Lamoureaux , a French Canadian Missionary, responded to be an instrument of God and was assisted by the divine grace in fostering Fr. Jig’s vocation. As an altar server to Fr. Guy, Fr. Jigs was attracted, influenced and inspired to enter priesthood. He was only eight years old when he realized that he had that ‘calling.’ 2. He will be turning 13 in September 23, 2013. Fr. Jigs will celebrate his 13th year in priesthood on the 23rd of September, 2013. 3. He had a variety of assignments before becoming a parish priest. Deacon: Fr. Jigs was assigned as a Deacon at the Sacred Heart Shrine, Makati in 2000. The responsibilities of a Deacon included assisting the bishop and teaching and administering in certain tasks of the Church. The word Deacon is derived from the term diakonoi, meaning servant or minister. Parochial Vicar: When Fr. Jigs became a priest

in 2001, he was assigned to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine as Parochial Vicar. A Parochial Vicar, according to the Code of Canon Law no. 545.1, is a priest who renders services in a pastoral ministry or as a co-worker of the pastor (the parish priest). Parish Priest: Also in 2001, he became a parish priest at the Our Father Parish in Sauyo, Quezon City. 4. He finds middle class parishioners challenging. Fr. Jigs considered his first assignment at the Sacred Heart Shrine in Makati as the most challenging because he had to start from scratch. Moreover, the middle class parishioners there had bigger expectations for him. But Fr. Jigs would also contend that the circumstances, load work, issues and quality of the parishioners should be put into consideration to know whether a parish work is challenging or not. 5. Fr. Jig’s first impression of the Holy Spirit Parish: “It was not easy in the beginning.” Fr. Jigs was assigned as parish priest of the Holy Spirit in 2007. The bishop’s advice was simple: to say Mass on time. Studies was (and will still be) among the top priorities of Fr. Jigs — that’s why he was assigned at the Holy Spirit on the bishop’s consideration that he finish his studies and write his thesis while attending pastoral work and Chancellor duties simultaneously. He thought at first that the pastoral work at the Holy Spirit parish was not too much. But he realized that there were urgent matters to do. He felt at first that he didn’t match the charism and pace of the parish but eventually, he enjoyed his stay here until now (most especially that his objectives here were set into motion). 6. Knowing the parishioners was his most challenging task at the Holy Spirit Parish.

Paraclete

JUNE 4, 2013

There were parishioners who were cold, aloof, distant and uninvolved. When he started, he wanted to make a big impact right away and this was not limited to changing the parish office and the grounds. He met an array of criticisms from parishioners in his first initiative of improving the physical structure of the parish. 7. “The criticisms became rewarding in the end and so was the friendship he established with the parishioners.” The initial criticism didn’t prevent him from pursuing his goals of improving the physical structure of our parish. Fr. Jigs was successful in many ways and that included his friendship with a good number of parishioners. He came to know people not only from BF but also from the North Susana Executive and New Intramuros Villages. Fr. Jigs said: “It’s correct to say that priesthood is primarily relating well with the parishioners.” 8. He has few humble words for himself and the incoming parish priest. On some standards, Fr. Jigs thought there

were things that he had not accomplished or done enough. It was primarily due to human nature and limitations on his part and of the parishioners who were supposed to cooperate with him. But, he said, that some things are better done in their own pace and in their own right time. He learned the value of patience. He believed that a successor is always better. He and the PPC agreed not to preempt the incoming parish priest of the tasks needed to be done. 9. He will miss us! He felt at home with us for 6 years. He would always be nostalgic and sentimental about us and our parish because we are part of his family. 10. He said that there are many opportunities to go back to the Holy Spirit Parish. As a friend and visitor, he would. But as parish priest, he finds it ‘improbable.’ He said that right now there are 66 parishes in the Diocese of Novaliches. Our bishop is left with more than 65 parishes to choose for him. TP

Of Saints and Saintliness

Mula kay Vicky Alberto: “It is with a heavy heart to know that Fr. Jigs is leaving us (it is hoped, only temporarily). He has been the best (not to discount the good deeds of those who came ahead of him) parochial leader I have ever met. Humble, young, intelligent and driven, he has inspired his flock through his short, concise and easy-to-understand homilies and managed his parish well. He has reached out to his parishioners simply by being friendly and approachable All of these are good attributes of a good leader and parish priest. Now that Fr. Jigs is leaving us to pursue higher education in Rome, I wish him the best of health to sustain him through this tedious and stressful endeavour. I wish him success! Good luck, future Bishop Jigs! Surely, North Susana (and I, especially) will miss you!” Fare thee well, Fr. Jigs! Matagal man bago tayo muling magkita, ang mga aral at alaala mo’y hindi mawawalay sa North Susana! TP

Continued from page 3

programs you introduced to us made more parishioners active members of our chapel and involved in its affairs. Despite your busy schedule in your own parish, you never failed to respond to our chapel’s needs. As we bid you goodbye, we will keep in our hearts the lessons taught and experiences shared from your examples. We wish you good luck in your studies. God bless. We will miss you!” Mula kay Leonor Uy: “Fr. Jigs Rosalinda is a man with vision and high intelligence coupled with a personal touch in his dealings with parishioners. He addresses us by first names and finds time to listen and talk to those who come for his advice. Most, if not all, of his homilies are relevant and down-to-earth. He is a person who keeps his feet firmly on the ground. May God, the Almighty, continue to shower him blessings and good health in his pursuit of higher education.”

Paraclete

We Might as Well be Singing

JUNE 4, 2013

We openly say that he inspires us in many ways. That is why we modified the lyrics of WE WOULD HAVE wished that Fr. Jigs see two songs for him (with due respect to the the completion of the renovation of the Our original composers). Here is the other song Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH) chapel at Nasa ‘Yo Na Ang Lahat by Daniel Padilla New Intramuros Village. It is a fitting physical improvement that reflects his vision for the “Nasa ‘yo na ang lahat nagsisilbi ka nang pastoral organization and system there. He tapat nasa ‘yo na ang lahat ang puso mo’y has inspired us into action. If only there is a wagas. Nasa ‘yo na ang lahat mahal ka namin nang tapat nasa ‘yo na ang lahat way to make him stay longer. Sigh. kami’y di kakalas. Kami’y nangangako And why not? Even when we are weary, tungkulin gagawin kahit iba pang pari we are at peace knowing he is around. And as he leaves, we wonder what would be life ang dumating maglilingkod nang tapat sa Diyos, sa Diyos natin. without him. And so, to the tune of Ariel Rivera’s One We will miss him a lot and always pray for More Gift, we chorus: his good health. God bless him always. TP “If there’s one more priest I’d ask of you, Lord could it be like Fr. Jigs?” This Special Issue is By Roy and Chona Parian

and My Prayer of the Platters: “When the twilight is gone you come into our heart and here in our heart you will stay while we pray and our prayer is to linger with you” This almost sounds romantic. We love him and we appreciate the things that he did, seen and unseen, for all of us. His vocation as a priest is a treasure to us without measure. He was faithful and dutiful, humble and patient and served with love and charity to our brothers and sisters. We are honored by his trust in us and thankful that we have learned a lot from life’s lessons that he imparted to us by his actions and compassion.