My Personal Experience with Don Bosco

It has been twenty one years that I never experienced a biological father, a father who would be my strength when I am weak, a father who may be my companion when I am alone and a father who may correct my works when I commit mistakes. But, it was just four years that I experienced a true spiritual father even when I was in the diocesan seminary, a father in the figure of the Salesians whom Don Bosco entrusted his works for the love of God and the salvation of the young.
Last December 19-23, 2010 the pilgrim relic St. John Bosco came here in our seminary. What a great privilege for me to see our father! I was happy for being a part of welcoming him here in our place. I was moved in gratitude. He passed away more than hundred years ago, yet, until now, he is still working and travelling around the globe looking for his loved ones-the poor and abandoned youth. He brought the message of God’s love for everyone. He came here to assure that we are always healthy both in our physical and spiritual life. What a grace to have this father who is always concerned for his love ones.
I have experienced the true care of a father in him; I am proud for being formed according to his spirit by being here in the seminary. At moment, I am already third year college in his own school. He is also somehow telling me “Don’t be afraid to dream high if it is for the glory of God.”
I was one of those people who cried when his relic was about to leave Lawa-an last December 23, I cried not because he is leaving, instead, I was moved by his charism and spirituality. He is always part of my life, for no son can dare to forget his own father who taught him how to stand and walk.
I told him that one day, we will see each other again in God’s time. If ever I will become a priest, I will visit him in Turin to express my sincerest gratitude for giving me the real meaning of life.
My experience and encounter with Don Bosco is also similar that of the others, especially those people who were once abandoned. He adopted them gave them all of his best; his talents, time and treasure so that he will always be in their memory.
Now, Don Bosco is my strength for he does not like me to be weak. He teaches me not to be alone, instead, he would like me to be in company with Jesus especially in the moments of loneliness. And he also corrects me in times when I am failing in my studies and other responsibilities, through the conscience. Like his boys in his time, he is also telling me “God sees you...”
My Heart is overwhelmed in thanking the Lord for living with us through the inspiration of St. John Bosco-father and teacher of the young.

Incola Egosum In Terra

This is a Bible passage which can be found in Psalm 119: 19 and I chose this as my motto since I became a seminarian at Pope Paul VI Minor Seminary. “Incola egosum in terra,” is a Latin word for “I am just a traveller in this world.” I chose this because it reminds me always of who I am. For me, this is a very practical reminder. It reminds me that i as a human being who will be soon pass away. Aside from, that, this is also a very missionary statement, as a missionary we will not stay for the whole life time in the place where we are assigned.
Practically speaking all of us are missionaries in the different fields of this life. We are missionaries in our homes, societies we belong and missionaries to everyone. We are really doing great or simple mission-acts by serving others using our talents, resources, our abilities and capacities, our health and our contributions. But, the reality tells us “you are just travelling towards your destiny.’ Whether we like it or not we human beings are short -lived.
The very important activity we have as we journey in our temporary life is not sufferings but our works that makes our lives meaningful. We are accountable for the help, services, teachings, values and inspirations we render to the needy, all of which are worth remembering by the people being benefited.
If we consider ourselves as missionaries in the different fields we should also consider that heartaches and joy are both part of experiences for which we learn. According to Don Williams, Jr. “The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.”
Let us listen to the voice of our hearts, where a happy journey to life begins. For me, it is the voice of my heart to choose this ‘journey of bended knee’-a journey of life, a journey of vocation where God is certain.
Finally, as we temporarily travel in this life, to the places where we temporarily standby, drop by or rest let us leave precious matters that will inspire people, so that even if we are not anymore presently living, but the mark of dignity will stay alive to those whom we inspire. A real life never loses his/ her value even ‘till death, a kind of dignity that will never lose its sense, that even if we just leave pictures or statues, people will pause and salute and give due respect. Let us dare to inspire!

Holy Family-Model of Perfect Unity

Have you seen an image or statue of the Holy Family? In that statue we will see St. Joseph, the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus. Some images of the Holy Family that I have ever seen were that St. Joseph working as a carpenter, then the Virgin Mary preparing some food while the Child Jesus playing the nails. Of course it is just an imagination of an artist to beautify more his art so that the viewer may find it nice. But, it has something to be grasped of imitated.
St. Joseph is projecting what a responsible father should be: to labour for his family so that there will be a solid foundation of love. For if a father does not have love and does not show it to his family he will be an irresponsible one.
St. Joseph, though, was a foster father to Jesus, had to labor so that he could be able to respond to their daily needs.
The Virgin Mary is playing the part of a good mother. As a care-taker of their poor home, she was a good wife and a perfect mom. The child who was playing is showing his usual tendencies so that he may be taught by his nurturing parents. Thus, everything begins at home.
The deeper meaning of the Holy Family to us, in particular to all Christian families, is to possess infinite qualities which could be a moment that each member of the family will come together, sharing each others’ laughter and experiences, actions, contribution of whatever even fun and in times of bereavement and difficulty. Everyone is called to an allotted time for sympathizing each other. Holding each other could foster healing as it is proven by some expert-researchers that the human touch (especially those are coming from our love ones) increases the production of endorphins growth hormone and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), all of which lengthen your life span and lower the negative impact of stress.
Since a family is always a little society and a working team, each member should have a sense of sharing each others’ capacity in performing work, especially the common house cleaning and ground cleaning for the betterment of the family.
It could also be a discovering each other’s ability to use one’s knowledge effectively in doing something e.g. solve the budget problems mathematically or speaking well with complete manners. The family should also be training ground where perspiration for a good purpose should be exercised.
If in the other fields of work we need support, the members of the family must support one another. It needs patience, too, to form the family into a great-little society. If some is willing to support then we will be confident enough to grow in whatever aspects in life we wish to flourish.
Nothing more can complete to a family that is perfectly rooted with important examples that could lead to a more purposeful in life.

Happiness

Happiness is the state of life that everyone wants to attain. This precious commodity is equivalent to a great wealth. But it does not just happen as you wish! We make it happen, order to be happy first find out what makes you unhappy. I once experienced unhappiness when I decided to enter the seminary. This was because I needed money for the duration of staying in the seminary. I found it difficult because my parents could not afford it. I was enlivened when I found a Bible passage that says, “Ask and you shall receive.” I went to my god-parent asking for support for my seminary studies, her husband said, “Go ahead!” Later they accompanied me to the seminary of Massin. After my arrival, I immediately went to the chapel and thanked God for turning my wish to reality. Later, I decided to enter a religious congregation and now it happened. So, if you wish to be happy make a move.

That is why we are happy in the places where we are: in school, in the office or even in the field of studies. Why? It is because we are able to identify ourselves in a certain area where we wish to live. But, some aspects in life make us unhappy and desperate. Please do not criticize so much yourself at this point. Discouragement is just a drop in a bucket than the rain of blessings already given to you by our heavenly Father. Give yourself a pep-talk once you get discouraged. “I can overcome it! I must be happy!”
Let us help ourselves, do not suppress yourself too much. If you are in love, express it. As I love the Lord, I decided to serve him that is why I am here. If you choke in grief then cry, if you are angry of course you will become ugly. So, get it out of your system! Do not let your anger stay long in your mind, it will make you unhappy.

Finally, count your blessings not your troubles. Dare to share your happiness with others even with just a simple smile, with a word “Hi!” or “Hello.” Giving happiness to others is a great source of joy. If you are good to others, you are doing well to yourself.
According to Siddhartha Gautama, “Happiness comes when your work and words are of benefit to yourself and others.” St. Paul in his letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 6: 17) says, “God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” Therefore, God wants us to be happy! He wants us to “take hold of the life that really is life.”
Finding happiness is a right choice in the right way. It is a choice that will never go wrong.

My Personal Experience with Don Bosco

My Personal Experience with Don Bosco
It has been twenty one years that I never experienced a biological father, a father who would be my strength when I am weak, a father who may be my companion when I am alone and a father who may correct my works when I commit mistakes. But, it was just four years that I experienced a true spiritual father even when I was in the diocesan seminary, a father in the figure of the Salesians whom Don Bosco entrusted his works for the love of God and the salvation of the young.
Last December 19-23, 2010 the pilgrim relic St. John Bosco came here in our seminary. What a great privilege for me to see our father! I was happy for being a part of welcoming him here in our place. I was moved in gratitude. He passed away more than hundred years ago, yet, until now, he is still working and travelling around the globe looking for his loved ones-the poor and abandoned youth. He brought the message of God’s love for everyone. He came here to assure that we are always healthy both in our physical and spiritual life. What a grace to have this father who is always concerned for his love ones.
I have experienced the true care of a father in him; I am proud for being formed according to his spirit by being here in the seminary. At moment, I am already third year college in his own school. He is also somehow telling me “Don’t be afraid to dream high if it is for the glory of God.”

I was one of those people who cried when his relic was about to leave Lawa-an last December 23, I cried not because he is leaving, instead, I was moved by his charism and spirituality. He is always part of my life, for no son can dare to forget his own father who taught him how to stand and walk.
I told him that one day, we will see each other again in God’s time. If ever I will become a priest, I will visit him in Turin to express my sincerest gratitude for giving me the real meaning of life.

My experience and encounter with Don Bosco is also similar that of the others, especially those people who were once abandoned. He adopted them gave them all of his best; his talents, time and treasure so that he will always be in their memory.
Now, Don Bosco is my strength for he does not like me to be weak. He teaches me not to be alone, instead, he would like me to be in company with Jesus especially in the moments of loneliness. And he also corrects me in times when I am failing in my studies and other responsibilities, through the conscience. Like his boys in his time, he is also telling me “God sees you...”
My Heart is overwhelmed in thanking the Lord for living with us through the inspiration of St. John Bosco-father and teacher of the young.

Anecdote of Faithfulness

An OFW named Simper Fidelis came for a short vacation. One time he went to his piece of land to think of what he can do with it before he would go back abroad for work. “What can I do to make this piece of lot useful? Aha! I know what I am going to do to it, I will plant some grafted seedlings of different fruit-bearing trees! I will plant one seedling of lansones, rambotan, pomelo, santol and mango.” Before he went back abroad, he executed his plan. After twenty years of working he was advised to resign and therefore he went back to the Philippines. One time he remembered that he planted something on a piece of land that he acquired twenty years ago. After arrival, he immediately went to where he had planted those seedlings. In trying to locate each of those seedlings, he only found a big mango tree with fruits. He embraced it and thus continued searching for the other seedlings which were supposed to be trees by then. But he found nothing except the mango tree. One time the mango tree was able to speak, “Master, don’t search for them anymore, you could not find them for they were all gone because of the so-called Law of Mortality: some died because of lack of water and nutrients. Others died because of stem-borers, weeds and El Niño. I am the only one left here, still alive despite those trials. Here I am proud to show you my fruits. I promise I will stay longer in this place and continue to bear fruits for the coming years. And if ever you wish to build a house make my hardened stem as your materials but before you have that plan, please take the last fruits that I will be bearing and plant the seeds in this place and I assure you they will be faithful as I am.”

Moral Lessons:
Faithfulness is proven by years of trials, by the fruits despite the trials and even offering oneself as a sacrifice out of one’s great/ deep faith.
Buddha says “Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.”

Anecdote of Unseen Goodness

A very strict archbishop of the Quilopian Republic was always commenting on and criticizing his priests every time he found something wrong or very improper works which his priests did. One of whom he criticized most was a priest named Fr. Kenny.
One morning, Fr. Kenny was summoned to talk with the archbishop for the first time. “Good Morning Your Excellency!” the priest greeted the archbishop. Then the archbishop replied angrily, “For what? What are you doing after the mass, eat and sleep? Is that a kind of formation that your seminary taught you? Did the seminary where you came from teach you something on pastoral works aside from the mass? Fr. Kenny Do something that can help your parish more than what can I do. Do your ordinary duties extra ordinarily well. Be an animator. Be a good priest!” The priest humbly went out from the office with total sadness.
He reflected on why among so many priests the archbishop is not so close to him. Moments passed by and on another time the archbishop called him again in his office, “Good morning Your Excellency!” the priest greeted. “Why you did not give mass schedules to the mountain areas? Why are you too lazy to give time to these poor people?” the archbishop questioned. The priest uttered no words. He just bowed down and felt humiliated. And after that, he went out with complete depression.
On the third time the archbishop called him for another personal talk. As he entered the office, he immediately saying, “What else have I never done? Am I getting worst, your Excellency?” the priest inquired in an irritated manner. “Calm down… No…” the archbishop humbly replied, “You are nominated as bishop! Congratulations! Tomorrow, I command you to report to the Papal Nunciature.”

Moral Lesson:
Sometimes those people whom we think as bad are somehow the one who have extremely unseen goodness. William Shakespeare says “must be cruel only to be kind," is an oxymoron and metaphorical way of saying “Let the man feel the hardship for his own good.”

Disposition towards Journey

I look at life and see the images of reality… a glimpse of the many phases of my life in order to monitor the quality of my existence. Just as our own body tissues and cells, where every single second it functions in order to make us what we are, living human persons. This is how life is. Each little part makes up the whole.
Now, how can we know the meaning of life? Not through our day-to-day work but by first knowing our ways of thinking. Our ways of thinking bring great impact to our living. It is here where begins our disposition and dispositions result in our manner of going through life. This disposition dictates our journey.
Why am I in the seminary? Because it is my disposition to live in this place as I aspire to become a priest later on. I hope this is my vocation in life. Honestly, to live in the seminary is not a simple task. I have so many things to consider and must exercise in order to survive. But everything is in view of our becoming priests. We are formed now so that we can become better pastors and apostles later. Right minds never choose options which are not productive. Right minds always choose what is applicable and proper.
Our disposition guides us in our journey, this journey is our reality. I often tell this quotation to my close friend, “Don’t look on the others’ feet watch your move, where are you now?” This is a little bit individualistic but true to life-that we must be aware of our own movement in life’s journey.
When we were still little children our dispositions were approved by our parents because they were thinking of our safety. Sometimes they would give to us what we want “Yes” and sometimes they said, “No.” that is how they think for our own good. Now, we are all mature enough to choose things whatever we want. All choices are upon us especially on how we deal with our life, or what kind of vocation we want to live until the end of time. I would say, let us watch our dispositions hoping that this will not be the cause of our failure but rather the reason of our success.
According to Lao Tzu, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Even in a simple thought, we all start to step up towards a journey that later on is our destiny. So, let us watch our actions on it. A Jew holocaust survivor named Anne Frank said, “Even a little light can shine forth in a darkened place.” Even a little disposition can lead to the reality of life. According to Anon, “what you achieve through the journey of life is not as important as who you become.” We are the product of our own disposition, what we are who we are. But, let us remember that our journey ends in our final destination whether we like it or not. That is death.
“To finish the moment, to find the journey’s end in every step of the road, to live the greatest number of good hours is wisdom.” Now, how do we apply it?

Reflection on Seminary Formation

In my part, to have that desire to become a Catholic priest is a matter of examining it through a process called discernment. Somehow a desire will come up or back up with pleasurable desires, even enviousness or whatever.
When I entered the seminary, I was surprised when the one who conducted the orientation shared to us that the seminary formation will take fifteen years. Yet, I immediately decided the right choice. Thank God for I was then accepted.
Along the formation I found myself incompetent and very much behind from others. I have two choices; to come up with the demands of formation or to leave the seminary. If I have to respond to the demands of formation, I will be growing though it is quite difficult. If I will leave the seminary; can the outside environment give or offer me a good formation? Of course not! Because a true vocation of the priesthood must be worked within the context of the seminary so that every aspect of a candidate’s life will be manifested sincerely and the authenticity of the call will be proven. What for are the years in the seminary? Formation must go in line with standard of the seminary. And the formation demands years and months and even specific time so that a candidate may be fashioned according to the standards of priesthood, formation integrated with different processes so that the church may be able to produce a well-equipped priest for the ministry. The Holy Father XVI says “It is right for the seminarians to remember that if the church demands much from them it is because they are to care for those whom Christ ransomed at such a high price.”
Therefore, it has to be tiring, it has difficulties, and it has to be demanding so that behind these reactions lie a true priest. In a book by Murray and Mangan, entitled ‘As the Seminarian So the Priest, Religious’ stated, “Nevertheless, the time allotted for his (the Seminarian) formation is crucial for the seminarians’ future life and ministry as priest of Jesus Christ. Embrace your years in the seminary!”
Years of formation in the seminary must be responded to properly and wholeheartedly so that our church may be able to assign priests in a fragile mission of the salvation of the souls paraphrasing what Don Bosco said, “Our business is to save souls.”
It could be an irony on the part of a future priest who does not know how to lead souls on the right path. Formation years could be years to be enjoyed and balanced so that a well-rounded , well-bred and well disciplined priest may come bringing the image figure of Christ and be the peoples’ inspiration to sanctity.
Why should I have to take it for granted?