It is time for another issue of INTERACTS for this semester. Last issue of INTERACTS was published in connection with the festivity of 110th Proclamation Anniversary of IFI, which made that issue memorable. It has been a great school year for the whole ACTS community. We are very delighted that we are about to prevail a year of tireless essay composition, analysis of topics, reading notes, ticking the keyboard and holes of the recorder, and many paper works and aside from that, enduring the stress and pressure of the toxicity of time. We are very thankful to our lecturers and instructors for the perseverance of teaching us, as well as our fellow seminarians who extend their willingness to assist our unending queries. Now, maybe by this time, we are getting ready for our final examinations and doing all the best effort to pass all our requirements. Thanks God for the endurance and persistence he had given us. We are now ready for the next level! May God bestow us always his grace and wisdom.
Fatherhood of God who reveals Himself in Jesus Christ and who continues to call us into the unity by the power of the Holy Spirit. At the same time we respect with humility the diversity of beliefs and practices of different religious faiths” (SCM No. 33).
he Iglesia Filipina Independiente was born with the outburst of nationalism. It is the “only living and tangible result of the Philippine Revolution” according to the historian Teodoro Agoncillo. Hence, until now, the IFI stands very firm in its commitment for the liberation of the people. The IFI works in solidarity with other churches for the fulfillment of the common ideal --- that is the establishment of the Kingdom of God here on earth. Such is only realized when, regardless of differences in doctrines, all come together as a people of God. As it is stated: “It is in this oneness that we confess, affirm and seek to establish and renew the unity of the Church: unity in faith under the
Aglipayano, Filipinista, or Independiente. Whatever name they call us we are a Church composed of common people united in faith with the confession, “….that they may all be one”, PRO DEO ET PATRIA!
Bro. Christian Edward Padua Editor-in-Chief Sr. Cherry Mae Felipe Associate Editor Bro. Aldrin Acoba News Editor Bro. Mark Anthony Ecalne Feature Editor Bro. Juanito Lomocso, Jr. Sr. Anna Marie Aldon Diaz Bro. Manuel Pachoca Bro. John Cedric Tolentino News Writers Sr. Angeline dela Torre Cartoonist Bro. Ramoncito Tadepa Lay-out/ Graphic Artist Sr. Jewel Tumaliuan Publication Manager Bro. Roehl Baldonado Adviser Rev. Eleuterio Revollido S. Th. D. Consultant
t is being argued that there are two historical determinants that have shaped the more than 100 years of IFI‟s life and ministry - its nationalism, with the claim of being born out of people‟s struggle for political and religious independence, and its ecumenism, having experienced being the forefront of dialogues with other churches even from its inception. In most recent research that I believe was the first ever attribute claimed for Bishop Gregorio Aglipay to be called the forerunner of Ecumenical Dialogue in the Philippines is, in effect, a solid foundation that ecumenism has been playing a vital role in the life of the IFI starting from the first Supreme Bishop until today. History tells us of Aglipay initiated a dialogue with Protestant missionaries as early as 1901, commenced a dialogue with Bishop Charles Henry Brent of the Episcopal Church in 1902, responded to the communication with the Old Catholic Church of Switzerland in 1903 resulting into further discussion, accepted a planned dialogue with the Roman Church hierarchy in 1904 and open the IFI even with the liberal and scientific beliefs of Unitarianism. The Spirit of ecumenism as an expression of IFI‟s response to the prayer of Jesus that „”all may be one” (Jn. 17:21), continues to flourish in this church by becoming a member of World Council of Churches (WCC) in 1958, Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), and the National Council of Churches in the Philippines in 1963. IFI has a concordat relation with the Anglican/Episcopal Churches in the world, the Old Catholic Church of the Union of Utrecht and the Church of Sweden and Partnership Agreement with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP). ACTS as a theological institution of IFI is called to the same ecumenical spirit. It is a school where the seed of faith is nurtured and grow to become strong and mature seedlings that are expected to bear much fruit when transplanted into the fields of Christian mission. These are being ensured having a theological education and formation that are incarnational, liberative and ecumenical. This commitment to theological education in an ecumenical way is expressed in the life of ACTS being an accredited member of Association for Theological Education in South East Asia (ATESEA) and a founding member of the Samahan ng Teolohikal na Edukasyon ng Pilipinas (STEP – Association for Theological Education in the Philippines) in which I am the current chairperson. The ACTS ecumenical involvement also leads the way to me personally to become part of the Continuing Committee of the Congress of Asian Theologian (CATS) representing South East Asia for the coming 8th Congress in 2014. Ecumenism in the IFI did not happen in a vacuum. It is part and parcel of its life, mission and struggle for more than a century not merely for recognition but to deepen its mission perspective and widen its ministry for God and country side by side with other churches. IFI ecumenism is indeed an important historical determinant in equal importance with its nationalist heritage in the pursuit of its mission given by Christ. It should be upheld and nurtured in faith and participated in flesh and blood.
was given an opportunity to visit the south when I gave a short sharing on Aglipayan Spirituality in the perspective of Existentialism during the Regional Assembly of the National Priests Organization in Opol, Misamis Oriental. I was expecting that somebody would fetch me from Cagayan De Oro Airport, unfortunately, nobody came. I got my mobile phone and called the Central Office. I was instructed to proceed to the Episcopal seat of the diocese. There, at the cathedral, I met the kind and soft-spoken chief shepherd of the diocese, After I introduced myself, he asked me to rest while he cooked scrambled egg for our breakfast (I arrived there in the morning). I have never known any bishop in the course of my entire formation in the seminary who would serve extraordinarily an ordinary person like me! Perhaps, others would just call Pilar, Rosario or Rosita but the kind bishop did not. He hates feudalism. That was what I thought! While munching our food, the bishop told me of their plans, stories of developments in their diocese. One of the plans is the creation of dioceses which will be paved by the establishment of new parishes and the increasing support of the members in the region. As I listened to his stories, it dawned on me that the good prelate was both the inspired and source of inspiration. That I noticed in his eyes. In them was revealed his ardent desire to realize those lofty dreams for the church. He, too, is a source of inspiration for the people. Perhaps, the people see in him the sincerity to serve, to work. Perhaps, the people noticed in him the genuineness of his vocation concretized in the manner he works for the church and treats people. Obviously, the people will not extend any support to the programs of the diocese if they do not see something inspiring and worth sacrificing for. This only proves that the vine has its branches. After my conversation with the bishop, I was off to Opol with the kind-hearted architect who accompanied me. I arrived in the parish with lunch ready to be served. While eating lunch, I took the opportunity to exchange pleasantries with priest-delegates and my former students. I was introduced to the parish priest who also heads the NPO Regional Assembly, Rev. Redeemer YaĹˆez, Jr. At first, I was hesitant to approach some priests and introduce myself to them. But eventually, everything became so well and I got acquainted with them. I delivered my sharing in the afternoon, then, had a healthy discussion with the clergy. Right after my sharing, I, together with the Rev. Larry Anievas, was housed in a beach resort. The next day, I took the opportunity to interview people for our publication. I got my pen, notebook and camera to be sure I would not miss
anything significant. I decided to interview the only female priest among the delegates in the Diocese of MOBUCA, the Rev. Emma C. Catubig. The lady reverend is an alumna (2003) of the St. Andrew’s Theological Seminary in Quezon City. She is the present pastor of the IFI Parish of Ipunan which comprises three chapels. The Rev. Catubig also put up the Baikingon Mission with three chapels. Presently, the dynamic lady reverend is the chairperson of Save Ipunan River, an organization that defiantly opposes mining along the Ipunan River. During the break of the morning session, I sat down with the energetic young parish priest of the Parish of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Opol, Misamis Oriental, the Rev. Red Yanez, Jr. I was so curious about the past of the parish and so my immediate question was: “How the parish did grow to such extent?” He answered most humbly, “Our church grew much because of the people’s cooperation.” He also shared how the parish with twenty-five outstations had been reduced to fifteen to give life to a new mission, the Mission Parish of Bagokbok. At present, another three outstations were added to the fifteen outstations that comprise the Parish of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Rev. Yanez, Jr. is an anti-mining advocate and is currently involved in a campaign to protect the interest of the poor peasants and farmers against the Palm Oil Plantation. When my talk with Fr. Red was over, I went around to have a chat with some parishioners. From them, I have learned that the parish runs a pre-school, the Agnus Dei Learning Center which offers education from Nursery to Kinder II. It has a total population of ninety-three pupils. Aside from that, the head of the school and LIFI member, Mr. Benito S. Maapi, told me that the laymen of the parish takes care a hectare of land for their IGP. They grow trees that easily mature and vegetables. The laymen believe that growing trees and cultivating the land is the best way of concretizing their anti-mining advocacy. Presently the Parish of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also building a shelter for students from remote areas who cannot afford to rent a boarding house. According to the parishioners, the edifice being constructed through bayanihan shall be named after the late Rt. Rev. Camilo C. Diel, the former bishop of the Diocese of MOBUCA. It was really a sojourn. After thirty-three hours I blasted off back to Luzon. With my brief stay with our brothers in the south, I have learned that ultimately, having a meaningful ministry would depend entirely how we choose not only for ourselves but more significantly for our beloved Church. “A healthy branch is expected to have shoots that will eventually grow as branches capable enough to bear and share the fruits of the harvest.” MABUHAY ANG IGLESIA FILIPINA INDEPENDIENTE!
very year, Aglipay Central Theological Seminary joins the whole Church in observance of Lenten Season, and it is during this time the seminary community goes on retreat, which usually begins after the Shrove Tuesday service until midday of Thursday. This year‟s theme is focused on developing spiritual maturity. Reflections shared by faculty members of ACTS were inspired by the different life-experiences of Jesus, like Jesus inviting us, leading us to the path that He had thread which lead Him to the victory over death – Spiritual Maturity. One of those life-experiences is His experience in the Garden of Gethsemane, thus Jesus leads us to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus Leads Gethsemane
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e came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” [Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood
falling down on the ground.] When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” (Luke 22:39-46) The scene of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane seems to be a comforting one. My feelings were shaped not actually by the story in the Gospels but by popular images of the scene that was drawn by artists; that is the typical picture of Jesus Christ courageously praying, it showed a very serene scene, wherein as He pray, it showed His strength to choose to drink the cup of suffering that the Father offers Him without any fear and reservation. There were even images depicting that while he was praying a halo appears in his head and reflected the light of God shining down upon Him, showing His calmness, a ready victim for sacrifice. I believe that most of us have seen and loved this classic image of Jesus praying in the Garden, maybe because it reminds us of our early devotion to Jesus showing how definite Jesus was, his courage and being fearless, as danger and suffering confronts Him. But when I entered the seminary, and have studied the scriptures, the gospel texts that described Jesus in the Garden, I realized that the typical image of Jesus seemingly courageously confronting danger submitting Himself to the will of the
Father; I have come to believe that the usual image doesn‟t capture the full reality of the scene, that one thing is certain that is missing in the usual depiction of Jesus praying in the garden, that during His time of prayer, it was anything but serene. Matthew, Mark, and Luke emphasize the agony of Jesus in the Garden. The Gospel of Luke specifically mentions Jesus‟ “anguish” or “agony” (using the Greek word agonia, which can also mean “struggle”). Moreover, Luke adds that Jesus was really struggling deep inside Him, that while He was praying, his sweat became like drops of blood. In the other Gospels Jesus explains that he is “deeply grieved, even to death” (Mark 14:34; Matt 26:38). Those Gospels also showed Jesus as praying more than once, that He was uncomfortable, and restless, and that at that time, a couple of times that He went to-andfro to wake His disciples who were falling asleep and asks them to pray with Him. before he was ready to accept the Father‟s will. He was indeed struggling in the Garden. As I reflect upon the Gospel texts, it had come to me that the film of Mel Gibson, The Passion of the Christ maybe considered as a more accurate image of Jesus in the Garden; that In the movie‟s opening scene, Jesus is clearly
excruciating and struggling with what may come before him. His pain was very obvious, as is his resistance with what could confront Him as He pursues the mission despite of the threats to His life which He clearly knows, as there were times that He was able to escape from them, here He knows that He may face death and the possibility that He may not escape it. A Jesus who struggles with Himself? A Jesus who may have a second option other than the will of the Father? A Jesus who wishes to pass on the cup of suffering? If you‟re a Christian who believes that Jesus was not just a human being, but also the unique Son of God, the Word of God in flesh, then the scene as depicted in the gospel, and as we have seen
in the film, the scene in Gethsemane would be shocking and a bit hard to accept, i.e. a Divine struggling and suffering. Here we are reminded that Jesus as He is Divine, is also Human. It stretches our understanding and re-shape our simplistic explanations of who Jesus really is. In Gethsemane, perhaps more than in any other scene of the Gospels, we see the full humanity of Jesus, the One who “in every way been tested, just as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). This shows that among other things, we are being affirmed that Jesus
really understands our situation, especially when we are tested, when we are weak, when we are not sure whether we really want God‟s will for our own convenience, when we fear to be alone, the feeling of how to be threatened with death and suffering, and even how it feels to be persecuted. Jesus Himself have felt how it is to be in conflict with others and even with himself. The good news is that in Jesus we do not have a god who is watching us from a distance, but a God who knows our every weakness, and who is there to help us and motivate us in our time of trial. In Him we know that in the midst of our weaknesses and fear, there is a Man, our Brother, Jesus both Human and Divine, who have experienced how it is to be tempted to be in conflict with self against the will of the Father, yet in the end has shown that we can overcome any evil and temptations. We have a God who shared with our struggles in life. Thus, we know, that as human beings, we can be confronted with many temptations and struggles, yet with the inspiration of Jesus, as He leads us to Gethsemane, we come to understand that Spiritual Maturity entails the acknowledgement of the reality of conflicts and struggles with others, with our self, against what is right and just according to the will of God; to recognize that temptations, conflicts and struggles can be overcome just as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane.
asey is one of the 24 munipacilities in Western Samar. It is composed of fifty-one barangays --one of which is Salvacion (also known as Jinamoc). Jinamoc is an island that has a unique religious tradition – the commemoration of All Souls Day held every 23rd day of May. This tradition had been passed from generations to generations. People from other places ask why All Souls Day is commemorated in Jinamoc differently from the tradional month of November. According to the story of the elders in Jinamoc, the November 1 commemoration of All Souls Day was moved to May 23 because the people there work in other places and only take their vacation every month of May. It is the month where they can have the ample time to visit the tombs of their
love ones. Some priests says that month of May is traditionally the month where All Souls Day belong. The People of Jinamoc also installed Saints Michael the Archangel and Roque to be their patron saints. The folks made their feast coincide with the May 23 commemoration of All Souls Day for economic reason --- to have lesser expenses. Bro Mark Anthony Ecalne
ight courageous seminarians who braved to enter the seminary four years ago are now set to receive their diploma on the 22nd Graduation Rites of the Aglipay Central Theological Seminary in Urdaneta City. The event shall be held at the Parish of the Divine Shepherd on April 5, 2013 at two o‟clock in the afternoon. The Rt. Rev. Vermillion C. Tagalog of the Diocese of LUISA shall officiate the rites, while the Rev. Lizette G. Tapia-Raquel, a faculty of the Union Theological Seminary, shall deliver her inspirational speech for the graduates. Topping the class is Bro. Hardelio M. Alfeche, Jr., of the Diocese of Ozamiz, who will be awarded the Isabelo Delos Reyes Award for academic excellence and recipient of the Latin honor cum laude. The other members of the graduating class are: Bro. Jurg R.
Cahilig (Diocese of Romblon and Mindoros), Bro. DervinL. Consigna (Diocese of Siargao), Bro.Joni Boy G. Dela Vega (Rizal-Pampanga), Bro. Arnel D. Fernandez (Laguna [also a recipient of the Latin honor cum laude]), Bro. Sherwin R. Fortu (Romblon and Mindoros), Bro. Invensor C. Lastimado (Zambales) and Bro. Junimy B. Madrona (AGUSURIS). Prior to the event will be the Baccalaureate Mass to be offered by the chief celebrant, The Most Rev. Ephraim S. Fajutagana, D.D.The Rt. Rev. Delfin D. Callao, Jr., the Bishop of Davao and the current chairperson of the Mindanao Bishops‟ Conference, will preach as he was chosen by the graduating class. The affair shall be attended to by close relatives, friends, and benefactors of the seminarians.
Sr. Mariefe feeds the theological minds of the seminarians and some clergy during the Aglipay Lecture.
he seminarians of the Aglipay Central Theological Seminary (ACTS) endured the cold climate of the City of Pines for their annual Lenten retreat. The retreat was held at the Santa Catalina Retreat Center run by the Dominican Sisters. The retreat actually began on the eve of February 12, 2013 after the recitation of the Evening Prayer. After the Chaplain, the Rev. Ramil M. Aguilar gave the introductory part, the Registrar of the Seminary, Bro. Roehl L. Baldonado, delivered his sharing about Christ’s leading to the wilderness. It was followed by the talk of the Rector, the Very Rev. Dr. Eleuterio J. Revollido about the journey going to the Temple of Jerusalem. The retreat was then continued the following day at the SCRC. The seminary’s librarian and lecturer, Ms.
ast September 1 2012 the Aglipay lecture has done at Conference hall at Aglipay Central Theological Seminary. The lecture is all about the History of Birhen sa Balintawak and the said lecture is given by Sr. Mariefe Revollido. The Event formally started by the celebration of the holy Eucharist lead by the women Clergy of Luzon and the women seminarians. Mariefe I. Revollido, spoke of Christ’s leading of the Passover. The Rev. Dr. Noel L. Dacuycuy shared about Christ leading to face the Sanhedrin, Herod and Pilate. It was followed by the highly vivacious sharing of the Rt. Rev. Warlito P. Baldomero about Cross and Calvary. The retreat master, the Rev. Ramil M. Aguilar, ended the retreat through his reflective and challenging words for the seminarians.
“Come to the banquet of God!” (Isaiah 25:6). The ACTS community in their fellowship lunch during their Lenten retreat at Sta. Catalina Spirituality Center , Baguio City last February 17, 2013.
asayang ginunita ng Iglesia Filipina Independiente at Episcopal Church in the Philippines ang kanilang Concordat of Full Communion labing-anim na taon ng nakakalipas na naganap noong Pebrero 17, 1997. Ang “Concordat of Full Communion” ay ang pagiging magkaugnay ng dalawang simbahan sa kanilang Katolikong pananampalataya at ang pagtanggap ng dalawang simbahan sa kanikanilang natatanging paniniwalangliturhikal, tradisyon at debosyon. Isang Banal na Misa ang ginanap sa pangunguna ng Kanyang Kabunyian Ephraim S. Fajutagana, D.D. na dinaluhan ng mga obispo , pari, diyakono, seminarista at mga layko ng dalawang simbahan. Sinundan ito ng isang programa at fellowship lunch na ginanap sa IFI Conference Center. Kinahapunan, kasabay ng pagdiriwang ng IFI-ECP concordat of full concordat, ipinagdiwang din ang ika-111 taong pagkakatatag ng Union Obrera Democratica. Isang Church forum ukol sa paggawa ang isinagawa na nilahukan ng mga ilang grupo ng mga manggagawa
he Episcopal Bishop of Hawaii, the Rt. Rev. Robert L. Fitzpatrick, together with his lovely wife, Bea visited ACTS on February 14- 15, 2013. They were accompanied by the Rev. Canon Randolph V.N. Albano, the Vicar of St. Paul’s Church and former parish pastor of Dasol, Pangasinan. A short program was prepared for them in which they were serenaded by the seminarians spearheaded by the
Ang mga tagapagsalita sa Church Forum on Lobor habang pinapaunlakan nila ang ilang katanungan.
kasama ang mga taong-simbahan. Isa si Rev. Dr. Eleuterio Revollido, Rektor ng ACTS sa mga tagapagsalita sa nasabing forum kasama si Ms. Daisy Arago, sa hanay ng mga manggagawa, Sr. Emelina Villegas, ICM at Rev. Fr. Gregorio Obejas, OSM sa hanay ng Romano Katoliko. Tinalakay ni Reb. Revollido ang isang komprehensibong balangkas ng kasaysayan ng Union Obrera Democratica at ang kaugnayan nito sa IFI bilang patuloy pakikibahagi nito sa mga manggagawa. Tinalakay rin ng ibang tagapagsalita ang kalagayan ng mga manggagawa sa kasalukuyan at ang bahagi ng Simbahan sa pakikibaka ng mga manggagawa sa kanilang minimithing karapatan. Rev. Francis L. Lucero. A short dialogue also took place as way of acquainting both parties of the developments of their respective missions and ministries. The ACTS Rector, the Very Rev. Eleuterio J. Revollido, S.Th.D. described the event as a “giving of flesh and blood to the partnership of the IFI and the Episcopal Church” that started many years ago. For years now, the St. Paul’s Church Hawaii extends its support to ACTS by giving scholarship to deserving seminarians and sending books for the Ramento-Soderblom Library.
The Vocation seekers after their candle lighting and commitment liturgy last March 2, 2013. This candle lighting and commitment liturgy symbolizes their dedication to commit their selves to serve the Lord through his people and to serve Iglesia Filipina Independiente with all their heart and soul.
he Aglipay Central Theological Seminary conducted its annual vocation campaign from March 1 to 3, 2013. The said program aims to giving individuals who have the inclination towards the ordained life to have a foretaste of the seminary schedule of activities. Aside from the manual works given to the seekers, a lecture about the history of the IFI was also given to them by the Rector of the Seminary, the Very Rev. Eleuterio J. Revollido, S.Th.D. for deeper understanding and appreciation. The vocation campaign was attended to by youth coming from the different dioceses of North Central Luzon. It was culminated by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist officiated by the Rev. Ramil M. Aguilar, the Chaplain of the Seminary and the Pastor of the Parish of the Divine Shepherd.
German scholar, Dr. Adrian Hermann from the University of Munich will present his paper “The Importance of the Early Periodicals of the IFI in the Emergence of an Indigenous-Christian Public Sphere and of Transcontinental Independent – Catholic Networks around 1990: A Study on Isabelo de los Reyes, Sr. (1864-1938) and Beyond” in a Historical Forum which will be held at the Balay Aglipay Conference Hall of Aglipay Central Theological Seminary on April 4, 2013. The forum will be attended by Bishops and Priests from different dioceses and the Seminarians. This Forum is cosponsored by the COP/ NPO and ACTS Alumni Association.
ni Paeng Gulgulangot
ino ba si Arman Pingas ngayon? Ano ba ang kinalaman niya sa buhay seminaryo? Bakit ba mahilig magtanong ang tulad mo? Napipilitan tuloy akong mag-isip ng isasagot. Si Arman, matapos ang lahat ay pumasok sa seminaryo. Isang araw, nang siya ay umuwi galing eskwela, nakita niyang nag -eempake ang lahat ng seminarista, mukhang may masayang pupuntahan. Sobrang mainggitin itong si Arman, kaya ng malaman niyang wala silang pasok kinabukasan, sumama siya sa imbitasyon ng iba pang mga seminarista. Masaya sila sa loob ng jeep, nagtatawanan, nagkukwentuhan, kasi yun lang naman ang pwede mo talagang gawin sa jeep, pwede ka bang magtatatakbo sa jeep? Pero kung trip mo, hindi na kita pipigilan. Nakalagpas na sila ng Pangasinan, Tarlac, nasa NLEX na sila, hindi niya alam pero biglang pumasok sa isip niya ang tanong na “saan ba sila pupunta?” na hindi niya naitanong bago siya sumama. Nang malaman niya, huli na ang lahat, hindi na siya pwedeng tumakbo pauwi, dahil tiyak lawit dila niya bago siya makabalik ng seminaryo. Sa Maynila pala ang punta nila, dahil may pagkilos na magaganap para sa kampanyang “Oust GMA”.
Nung una, hindi niya alam ang gagawin, at hindi niya maisip ang katangahang ginawa dahil sa pagsama niya. Nakarating sila ng Maynila, dumiretso sa UP. Pumunta sila sa isang building doon, ang daming tao, iba’t-ibang mukha, lahat iba, pero may iisang pagkakapareho, ang hangaring patalsikin ang nagpapahirap sa kanila. Si Arman lang ata ang black sheep sa kanilang lahat, dahil gala lang naman ang motibo ng taong ito na hindi marunong magtanong bago sumama. Maya-maya, nagtawag silang lahat para sa isang maikling solidarity night. Isang gabi ng kantahan ng mga makabayan na awitin, samu’t saring karaingan sa kasalukuyang rehimen, at mga nagpupuyos na damdamin. Unti-unti napaisip si Arman, bakit kaya sila ganito? Tumatarak sa dib-dib niya ang hinaing ng mga kabataang huminto sa pag-aaral dahil sa pataas na pataas na tuition fees, dinudurog ang puso niya ng mga magsasakang galing sa iba’t-ibang dako na penipeste ng mga militar, o hindi kaya’y ang salot na dam. Sumisigaw sa puso niya ang panawagan ng mga manggagawa para sa dagdag na sahod. Tila puputok ang puso niya sa mga marurusing na mukha ng mga bata na pinalayas at ginibaan ng mga tahanan, para sa itatayong imprastraktura na magbibigay daw ng trabaho sa lahat. Ako, sino ako, ano ang
nasa isip ko? Nag-isip na ba ako para sa mga taong ito? O ang sarili ko lamang
ang inisip ko? Bakit ngayon ko lamang sila nakita? Bakit ngayon ko lamang sila nakilala? Nasaan ang Diyos sa mga ganitong pagkakataon? Sa aking pagiisip, bumalik pa rin sa akin ang lahat ng tanong. Nabuo sa akin ang isang sagot “ako�. Sa lahat ng mga kaguluhan, sa lahat ng pagsasamantala, sa lahat ng pagwawalang-bahala sa kapakanan ng iyong kapwa, nasaan ang Diyos? Nasa iyo, nasa akin, nasa atin. Nilikha ka ng Diyos upang palayain ang mga alipin ng kahirapan, ipamulat sa bawat isa ang kahulugan kung paano mabuhay, at pahalagahan ang buhay. Sa huli, natanggap ko na ang lahat, natanggap ko ng may dapat ng magwakas, ang naghaharing kasakiman, at kapalaluan, ang katahimikan at pagsasawalang kibo. Natulog sila sa sahig ng nasabing building, walang nagawa ang mga may rayumang seminarista, sumama sila eh. Tiyak iika-ika ang mga ito kinaumagahan. Doon sila nagpalipas ng gabi para sa pagkilos kinabukasan. Tangan ang bagong lakas, at sigla, tangan ang bagong paninindigan at pananaw, gumising sila ng buong sigla upang salubungin ang bagong umaga. Sila ay may baong gasul, parang magcacamping lang talaga, ang problema, ubos na ang laman ng gasul, hindi man lang nito napakulo ang sinaing namin, tinalo pa sila ng magic gatong ng ibang kasama nila. Kahihiyan man, nakigamit sila sa magic gatong ng mga katabi nilang tawa ng tawa sa kanilang sawing kapalaran. Ang lahat ay nagbahaginan
ng mga pagkain, kumain at nabusog. Tumahak sila sa harapan ng UP at pagkatapos ay lakad, takbong nagtungo sa Ever Gotesco mall na tagpuan ng lahat ng ralihista. Para silang mga special person, dahil sa magkabilang gilid, may mga military na may tangang M-16. Astig! Pwedeng pwede kaming gawing target paper ng mga taong ito. Malayo man, nabagyo at may mga tanod, walang nakakaramdam ng pagod at takot sa aming lahat. Siguro dahil na rin sa hangarin namin na maiparating sa lahat ang hinaing ng sambayanan. Ang tunay na State of the Nation Address, dahil dito talaga pinag-uusapan ang mga problema ng tao. Pagdating sa tagpuan, masayang nagsimula ang programa. May mga kantahan at mga pagpapahayag ng pagsimpatya ng mga grupong progresibo. Pero habang nagiisip si Arman, naisip niya kung dapat bang mawala ang pangulo? Ilang pangulo na ang nagdaan, wala pa ring sariling lupa si Juan, wala pa ring masilungan si Juan, wala pa ring asenso si juan, ayon sa awit. Hindi ako komentador, pero, sa palagay ko, ang dapat baguhin ay ang sistemang umiiral sa bansa, na patuloy na nagpapahirap sa tao. Ikaw na ang tumuklas kung anong sistema ito, mahirap kung sasabihin ko lagi sa iyo, paano ka matututo ng sarili mo? Masaya ang lahat ng naexperience ko, at ito ang humubog sa bagong Arman na nagsusulat ngayon ng librong katawa-tawa, nasasaiyo na kung may kwenta o wala. Ako naman ang magtatanong, bakit ka matanong?
God’s love is the Greatest Healer by Ms. Susanne F. Laguna e are out of our depth in contemplating this amazing love. Yet, as we expand our awareness of god’s love, we soon realize that its width and depth is beyond our understanding. Even if the ocean were full of ink, using it to write about the love of God would drain it dry. Eager to heal us spiritually, emotionally, and physically, God offers us to love us freely. Ephesians 3:19 says, “That you may know the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge, that we may be filled and reach the fullness of God.”
God’s love deeply transforms human hearts and lives. When God loves, he only desires to be loved, knowing that the love will make all those who love him happy. God’s love can flow through us; touch us as well as others. Besides a feeling of great joy, we also experience a sense of being healed in some areas of our lives. A prayerful and loving attitude can bring the light of God o our darkness. Living God’s love and surrendering to God in prayer is essential for successful healing. God’s love can not be explainedit can only be experienced!
did you know that... The Bible was written in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic and Koine Greek. The Bible, the world’s bestselling book, is also the world’s most shoplifted book. Dogs are mentioned 14 times in the Bible and lions 55 times, but domestic cats are not mentioned at all. The raven is the first bird mentioned in the Bible. It was sent out by Noah to see if the waters had abated after the great flood.
The verse is the exact middle of the Bible is Psalm 118:8. There are 549 chapters before Psalm 118 and 549 chapters after Psalm 118 – making the total number of chapters 1188.
There is only one place in the Bible that shows Jesus sleeping; it is in the midst of a storm (Mt 8:23-27) (Mk 4:35-41)(Lk 8:22-25). Esther is the only book in the Bible that does not contain the word “God.” Ehud was the 1st left handed man in the Bible (Judg 3:15)
ni bro. mark anthony ecalne Lupa ng aking Bayan Marami ang nakikinabang Karamihan pa’y mga dayuhan Ang tumatamasa ng yaman Pala doon, hakot dito Sa mga miniral at bato Para sa ibang bansa’y itungo Samantala tayo’y kawawa at talo Hindi lamang mineral ng ating bayan Ang kinukuha ng dayuhan Pati lupa na ating kabuhayan Pagdating ng araw wala na ang mahal na bayan Mamamayan ng Bayang Pilipinas Ano ba an gating lunas? Sa pang-aalipin na ating dinadanas Mababaliwala ba ang pinaglaban ng nakalipas?“Lupang Pilipinas” Lupa ng aking Bayan Marami ang nakikinabang Karamihan pa’y mga dayuhan Ang tumatamasa ng yaman
Pala doon, hakot dito Sa mga miniral at bato Para sa ibang bansa’y itungo Samantala tayo’y kawawa at talo Hindi lamang mineral ng ating bayan Ang kinukuha ng dayuhan Pati lupa na ating kabuhayan Pagdating ng araw wala na ang mahal na bayan Mamamayan ng Bayang Pilipinas Ano ba an gating lunas? Sa pang-aalipin na ating dinadanas Mababaliwala ba ang pinaglaban ng nakalipas?
by bro. aldrin castro
You are more than possessing The stars and touching the skies They are just dream you A reality I come, reach my hand You’ve come, feel my embrace Together we trudge The path of love that everyone Including you and I Desire…
Buhay ay nagmula sa Diyos Kung saan ito ay inaalay sa paglilingkod Hinubog at pinanday ng mga karanasan Na naging sandata sa bokasyon Ang Poong Maykapal ay tunay na kay buti Nagkaloob ng angking lakas, kaalaman at pagpapala Nang magkagayon, naging batayan at pundasyon sa ministriya Na aking magampanan , mapaglingkuran ang inang simbahan Sa nagdaang taon ay natamo ang tagumpay Sa kabila ng hamon at pag-subok ng buhay Dahil sa pananampalataya at gabay Ang lahat ay naging matagumpay Ikaw ang may akda ng mga bagay at buhay Sa Iyo ay isinasangguni, at ipinapaubaya Sapagkat ikaw O Diyos ang sanggalang at kanlungan Na tumawag at humirang, sa mga anak, na maglingkod Na ang buhay na ito ay maging
To all our generous sponsors who extended their untiring support for the sustenance of the seminary, our sincerest gratitude.