In this recollection day, the end of the year, I would like to reflect with this empty clay jar.

This empty clay jar represents my self. The emptiness symbolizes a state which sometimes not really empty but full in content; empty of graces, full of unfaithfulness; sometimes empty of unfaithfulness, full of graces. The clay-ness, the matter of this jar is the vulnerability to be broken, to be shattered, that demands for gentle handling, handling with care, the essence of this thing as a jar is to hold anything inside, and pouring out what is inside. Continue Reading »

If we say Yes – to the world, to ourselves, to people we love and God – we will find that our lives have meaning in self-surrender and in commitment….

Out of the mouths of babes comes the simple truth!

I was testing the children in my Sunday school class to see if they understood the concept of getting to heaven.
I asked them, “If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church, Would that get me into Heaven?”
“NO!” the children answered.
“If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would that get me into Heaven?”
Again, the answer was, “NO!”
By now I was starting to smile. Hey, this was fun!
“Well, then, if I was kind to animals and gave candy to all the children, and loved my girlfriend, would that get me into Heaven?” I asked them again.
Again, they all answered, “NO!”
I was just bursting with pride for them. Well, I continued, “then how can I get into Heaven?”
A five-year-old boy shouted out, “YOU GOTTA BE DEAD.”

Another outreach program of the Global visionaries was successfully and joyfully done: to be in solidarity in sharing the Christmas’ spirit not only with the children of Balubad Settlement area but now, also with the parishioners of a small chapel where the children have their Saturday classes with the Brothers.

The inspiration to help them was due to the poor condition of their place of study as they lack proper ventilation and of course the small space they have. Moreover, most of the kids (from 2 to 12 yrs old) who attend their Saturday classes come without eating their breakfast. Sometimes they just rely to the biscuits we give. And the proper time came for the GV, and with the assigned Brothers to be in solidarity with them this Christmas. It became the second project of the group that we can say, successfully and joyfully done.

Today, Hilbert, Lynne, Ryan, Grace, JM and Joanna brought the gifts for the children in our place, two wall fans, food and drinks (combined with the Brothers’). They have just witnessed how eager the children were in receiving their gifts and food. Games were prepared and presentation numbers were given by the kids as their way of thanksgiving. Everybody was amused and happy with the outcome. The presence of GV in Balubad was a surprise for our Director of Apostolate and to my Brothers, who were glad to have the group in facilitating the well-organized distribution of food.

I would like to extend my gratitude for the presence of the two Nuns this morning, four religious Brothers (Br. Ramil, Br. Stephane, Br. Noah and Br. Frank) and the parents who attended the activity, and most especially for the children who always give inspiration to us to make our move for them.

In behalf of the children and parishioners of Balubad Settlement Area, my religious brothers and sisters, and our Director of Apostolate, Br. Frank, I would like to give my deep gratitude to the Global visionaries; to the moderator, Elek, and to all the members who supported us in many ways today. We always pray for your success in helping the least, especially the young. God bless you all. – Br. Vince, FMS

“Whatsoever you do to the least of my brethren, you do unto me” – Jesus Christ

Attended by more or less 135 kids.