What made this day rewarding? The people around made this day a rewarding day.

Today’s celebration of the Eucharist was inspiring. Their was really a communion of faithful people. Continue Reading »

As I closed my eyes, I suddenly felt sad. Sadness came as if I’m alone while the image of my father was becoming clearer to my mind.

It’s 11 in the evening and I must be sleeping already but I began to wander back to my childhood about my father. I began to realize that the memories coming back were moments I consider as near-death-experience of his.

When I was 3-year old, he was almost electrocuted. The image is still fresh. When I was maybe 16, he was planned to be assasinated… And when I was 23, he died of illness.

As I tried to shut my eyes, suddenly, I miss him. Rest in peace…

Six newly professed Marist Brothers showed their sincerity in professing their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. I hope and pray that they persevere and be faithful, and they they may become inspiration for others… and to me, who professed my vows 6 years ago…

The Brothers from Marbel community left very early from Koronadal City to Cotabato to attend the burial of Fr. Rey Roda, OMI. The Requim Mass whcih was officiated by Bishop Angelito Lampon, OMI, DD was already starting when we were still approaching Sinsuat Avenue in Cotabato City. Many people flocked down the street going to the Immaculate Conception Catheral to join the crowd in saying goodbye to the slain priest in Tabawan Island in Tawi-tawi. I sensed the sad atmosphere inside the Cathedral but I also sensed the oneness of people during the Mass.

During the homily of Bishop Angelito Lampon, OMI, DD, he was trying to console the people with his sense of humor but at the middle of his talk, he gave in to the sadness of losing one of his priests. Fr. Rey Roda is loved much by the people, to the extent that they are ready to face the challenges left in Tabawan. The present danger in their own place is now courageously faced. The people from Tabawan Island who would go to Tamontaka for the wake told the Bishop that they would rather go back to the Island and face the danger rather than coming to Cotabato for they can be with Fr. Rey Roda beyond the grave. The Bishop was deeply touched with the people’s love for him.

The burial was being attended by many people who knows the murdered priest. They came from different places where the late priest was assigned before. Religious priests, nuns and brothers joined with the people composed of Christians and non-Christians. Students from different schools in

Cotabato and Tamontaka, Shariff Kabungsuan positioned themselves on the streets as they waved their flaglets while the funeral car was passing by. It was a touching moment for everybody who were there. His body is laid rest at Oblates Cemetery at Marian Hill in Tamontaka, Shariff Kabungsuan (former Maguindanao). Fr. Rey Roda, OMI is being buried today, but let us not bury his dreams for the Tabawan people.