Ask for the grace to realize how personal and faithful is God’s love for me as I become more aware of the “giftedness” of my existence as called to be a Marist Brother. – Grace for the day…

Old photos helped me to recall my experiences since my first profession.

- I was thinner during my first profession.

- We were two novices who professed.

- I had a very short haircut, almost a skinhead type.

- The theme we chose was, “I am your servant, let it be done to me.”  Continue Reading »

To realize how great and personal is God’s love for me as he calls me to the Marist Community.

Compassion

My whole family had to move to Palawan when I was 4-years old. We had to leave our house and that includes our pet, a one-eyed orange cat. I can still remember that cat. After a year, we came back. The house where we stayed was not there anymore, and also our cat. I overheard from the stories of our neighbour how the cat stayed on that place where he used to until he’s gone. Learning about the cat, I felt pity for it and eventually, missed that cat. From pity to compassion, I learned the feeling of being abandoned and how to take care of the abandoned, I learned the word compassion in that experience, not knowing the term, but I experienced it.  Continue Reading »

Since my first session with my spiritual director is to take place at the Miryam House of Prayer, I opted to walk going there, and it’s a journey, literally. I picked a stick along the way which I can use to drive away dogs, just in case. The Miryam House is about 500 to 600 meters away from the Marist Novitiate. And that’s quite a long walk for me. But again, I want to take it as a part of my journey, of looking back, contemplating and being at the moment for the rest of my retreat days…

“I want to see!” – Mk 10:46-52

Jesus asked the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?” And just like him, I want to see! Not to see what’s in my future, but for today, I want to see myself in your presence, I want to see me in you, Lord! How lovely is your dwelling place, it’s nice to be here, it’s nice to be back, how lovely is our dwelling place! And I long for you, Lord!  Continue Reading »

I call it, “Day 1.” It’s the day I left General Santos City to begin my 15-day retreat at the Novitiate.

While we’re on our way, I decided to pass by the grave of my father to visit and ask for intercessions. I believe I was inspired to do it since I got a very good chance to visit him once more. It became part of my ritual, of my journey as I begin my retreat. For me, it was the most important and most meaningful retreat I have done.

The following paragraphs were written during the first day.  Continue Reading »