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DITO BA?...DITO NGA!
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47 Views
01/30/07
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by Zbeth Cruz
I was a volunteer from one of the biggest catechetical site in the Quezon City South District, Sto. Domingo Church headed by Rev. Fr. Roland Castro OP. By stroke of luck, I was tasked to be the head of our 296 volunteer facilitators who are assigned to 3000 local and provincial delegates during the World Youth Day '95.
Initially, I only wanted to see the Holy Father up-close and to kiss his hand perhaps. But God had other plans.
Pope John Paul II was scheduled to meet the delegates of the International Youth Forum and greet the students of the University of Santo Tomas (UST). I thought this will be the closest I?ll get to see the Pope considering that UST is not that big and the organizers have given away tickets to control the audience number. I have long secured my ticket pass. I waited eagerly for that day.
The day drew near and passed by, I did not go to UST. There was scarcity of facilitators during the second day of catechism, which was the day the Pope was in UST. Almost half of the volunteer facilitators excused themselves. I stayed. I had to be with my facilitators.
And yet, I have no regrets. God knew exactly where He wanted me to be?and there I met Him. He was in the smiles, small notes of inspiring words of affirmations from both delegates and volunteers. He was in the persons I met and friends I made during those events. And most of all, He was with me when I was doing the task He has given me. That was perhaps the reason why I stayed.
The experience is a memory I will never forget. The Pope may have gone yet the spirit of new leadings will guide me throughout my life.
published in M.U. Youth Magazine. Dominican Studentate Media Center, Sto. Domingo Convent, Q.C., Vol. 2 No., 1995.
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The "Knight in Shinning Amour" of Our Lady
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14 Views
10/12/06
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by Zbeth Cruz
Rev. Fr. Roger C. Quirao, OP is the tireless priest behind the beautiful shrine of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila. He is currently serving his 5th term as Chaplain of Our Lady.
Fr. Ogie, as we fondly call him, started handling the Laval festivities since 1998, taking charge of the safe keeping of the miraculous, prestigious and centuries old image of the Virgin. He is also responsible for its security in all activities, which involves the presence of the image, both inside and outside of the shrine, thus involves communicating and coordinating with different government and private entities.
"Being a Chaplain of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila is not an easy Task." He considers his work "matrabaho at mahirap," he faces all challenges and gets by with his duty as, practically, the Virgin's, "caretaker and close-in-security" with patience and dedication. As a man of integrity, he keeps his decisions firmly without attachment nor prejudice to anyone.
He believes that his training as a young priest in Manaoag gave him the edge and fortitude to carry on with the task his community has entrusted him over the years. A down to earth kind of person his good human relationship has endeared him to the people he work with.
Tedious as the job may seem, Fr. Ogie keeps his ever-glued smile on his face and finds it both a privileged and consolation working with common people. As for him, it is rewarding enough being able to be near the glorious image of the Virgin up-close even just to sprit Her perfume and change Her garments and jewels.
As everyone regards the La Naval a prestigious feast known as the "Procession of all Processions," the awe and wonder make it a fulfilling task for the Chaplain. But he does not take personal credit for it, rather, he feels so blessed with the continuous support of the parishioners who make the event even successful and meaningful, giving him strength and inspiration.
According to Fr. Ogie, this year's celebration of the feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary La Naval de Manila was, by far, the most successful in terms of order and the cooperation of "mother nature" especially during the procession.
A humble pie as he is, Fr. Ogie remains very understanding, and flexible, shinning virtues he so naturally possesses perhaps for being so close to Our Lady. Truly Fr. Ogie is the knight in shinning amour of Our Lady.
published in Torchlight. Sto. Domingo Parish Newsletter, Q.C., Vol. 1 No. 6. Oct.2002, P. 7.
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SITUATION OF THE FILIPINO YOUTH
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14 Views
10/09/06
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(Youth Study 2001)
by Zbeth Cruz
"The youth are optimistic. They wanted to be better people in the future but they think that education is too expensive. Older youth seeks deeper intimacy with their parents. They have a shallow sense of culture and were not connected with their communities as there were no activities to participate in."
Mr. Earl Custodio, Project Director of the One Dream Foundation, Ateneo de Manila University presented the Situation of the Filipino Youth while speaking before the monthly assembly meeting of the Ecclesiastical District of Cubao held at the National Shrine of Our Lady Of Lourdes, Kanlaon, Quezon City, on 11 May 2002.
The Youth Study 2001 was conducted throughout the country using questionnaires which were distributed on two (2) separate age groups of young people whose age ranging from 7 to 21. The said population were picked randomly to ensure accuracy and equality in its demographical representation. Among others, the study covered the aspects of the youths' values, worries, dreams and aspirations, job preferences, decision making, travel, sexual behavior, religion, community, education, and sense of nationality.
Furthermore, the study revealed that young people preferred inner peace than material possessions. They were likewise concerned with their security, health, family (death, broken homes), education and environment. While the males aspire for military profession, females remain attracted to teaching and nursing jobs. Young people in the National Capital Region (NCR) were more independent than their counterparts in the provinces. In the same manner, their maternal attachment influences most of their judgments and choices in life. The study also confirmed that 2 out of 10 young people has suicidal tendencies and these cases shows highest in Mindanao. They believe that taking drugs, stealing, not going to school, and declaring false assets and taxes were wrong. However, they were not sure that pre-marital sex, getting drunk in a party, heavy gambling, participate in racing, communism, and engaging in phone/ cyber sex were just as incorrect. According to the study, this indecisiveness of the youth maybe attributed to promiscuity of these undesirable things as they are magnified in the mass media.
The study also shows that the youth's trust towards priests and nuns were at the same level as the politicians. They were unsure on the existence of heaven and hell or whether there is life after death, although there was no doubt that they believe in God. Surprisingly, only 37% of the 25.4 million youth can sing the "Lupang Hinirang" (Philippine National Anthem) to the end.
published in Torchlight. Sto. Domingo Parish Newsletter, Q.C., Vol. 1 No.2 8. June .2002, P. 5.
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SUFFERING IS OPTIONAL
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53 Views
09/14/06
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by Zbeth Cruz
Suffering is defined as having to submit to or be forced to endure the infliction, imposition, or penalty of, to bear as a victim, to sustain loss or damage, and to be at a disadvantage.
From its definition, suffering is equated with things that are bad, painful, and undesirable. When things are bad, painful, and undesirable is it fair to assume that suffering is evil?
When he was still a young seminarian, a priest friend of mine admitted that this was often a topic of debate in the seminary. Dreaded as it may seem, he went on to say, that on the other hand, suffering can be source of many beautiful things. It teaches one to be more tolerant and forbearing. It brings us to self realization which allows us to be aware of our weaknesses. It can be an oasis of unimaginable strength. It opens us to vulnerabilities which confirms our true dependence on God.
But do we need to experience suffering in order to discover its empowering consequences? While its unfortunate that some people has learned it the hard way, it is important to know that suffering is optional. Did I heard you say HUWHAAT? (like a moisturizing soap endorser).
Optional means none obligatory or something discretionary. A student may choose to adapt a good study habit rather than flunk a major subject. People may opt to eat healthy food and get regular exercise than be cancer patient. Stop holding grudges and save oneself from a heart attack. In other words, why carry a heavy luggage when there's a push cart around?
This is not introducing a totally new paradigm because you and I already know these tricks from Adam. Slow down for awhile, feel your pace. Try to smell the flowers sometimes. Take a breather. Appreciate the evening star studded skies every now and then. Be gentle to yourself. Let the dry cleaners do your dirty clothes ones in a while. Pamper yourself occasionally at the end of long tough day in the office. Take a cab instead of squeezing your way into a jam packed public transportation. Start making your life a little bit easier. Remember the famous line of "His Airness" (Michael Jordan)...Why walk when you can fly? After all...suffering is optional!
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On Relationships...
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40 Views
09/12/06
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by Zbeth Cruz
May I have the pleasure to share with you a correspondence which I made not very long ago. I consider HUMILITY as the theme of this letter which I addressed to a very special friend of mine. His name is...
JOJO,
Relationships, just like other living things, it has a life cycle. It grows, it get sick, and it dies. Lately I have been having the impression that ours is at the brink of the last phase. But it should not hinder me from thanking you, though, for the experience has made me stronger. I admit that you have challenged me in so many ways I did not even dared imagine. And for the longest time that I have known you, my intellectual and emotional capacity has been put to the test. Now, as a result, I am more creative, patient, and best of all, more humble...the essence of a more matured being...and I thank you!
This day of your graduation marks a turning point in your life as a member your respective batch. You may already know this, but let me just confirm to you that I have always admire your inner strength and determination as well as your exceptional self-discipline. But what makes you stand out from the rest of your peers is your gentleness and kindness of heart. Do not ever lose that...
Yet all these remarkable traits should not deter you from learning and possessing the most important of them all, and that is humility...the ability to acknowledge ones weakness...the freedom from pride. And it should not stop there.
Sometimes it is just not enough to accept our mistakes and feel that we are sorry for them. Often times it is very important to show nor even to say that indeed we are.
A simple, truthful utterance of the word "sorry" works wonders. It eliminates tension, it preserves relationships, it mends hurt feelings, it allows one to express the importance of the other person without much elaboration, and it exhibits the totality of ones existence as a Christian.
Knowing you, I should say, it shall be a painful process. You may even find it completely humiliating. For you, it will be excruciating yet, may I say, the reward of which shall tantamount to experiencing inner peace and tranquility which will offer you a soft pillow to sleep on at night...trust me!
Your immense ability to adapt to situations and rise above to conquer your fears are some of your crowning glories. I believe that constant practice of humility will make your achievements further complete and shall draw more people to love you.
As such, may I have the opportunity to express my deepest apology for all the hurts I have caused you. Much as I would like to be an oasis for you from all the pressures and tensions you are going through, the toll of my work and many responsibilities provides a comfortable excuse for my inconsistencies.
Nonetheless, just as what has made the rose unique and special from all the other roses to The Little Prince...the time I have shared with you has made you likewise as SPECIAL.
yours as always...
love,
ZBETH
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