Peace! Kalilintad! Shalom!

Category: Baby Rose Robles, PhD, RGC, LPT

  • Sustained by His Body and Blood: A Journey of Faith and Healing

    Sustained by His Body and Blood: A Journey of Faith and Healing

    As we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi, I want to share how my deep faith in a loving God and my devotion to the Eucharist sustained me during the most difficult phase of my life.

    I was diagnosed with gynecological problems, which led to two surgical procedures—one minor and one major. God gave me ample time to prepare myself physically, psychologically, financially, and most of all, spiritually. The power of prayer, letting go, and letting God—being humble enough to surrender everything to a powerful God—was deeply meaningful during this time.

    During my hospitalization, I was blessed to be confined in a private hospital run by religious sisters, so I did not miss receiving the Body of Christ daily. Another blessing was having a first cousin-in-law who is a Eucharistic Minister in our parish, allowing me to receive the Eucharist every Sunday until I was well enough to attend Mass physically.

    Receiving the Body of Christ sustained me during this period of rest and recuperation. It strengthened me to read three dissertations and three theses for final defense. Just two days after my hospital discharge, I found myself reviewing their manuscripts, writing comments and suggestions for improvement.

    In the midst of pain, I was still able to fulfill my responsibility as a member of the Research Committee by attending their final defenses online. Seeing the students on stage during the hooding and graduation ceremony made my heart leap with joy. I looked up to the heavens and offered my endless gratitude to God—for blessing the efforts of these students and for giving me the good health to do my part in the completion of their degrees.

    This, to me, is life-giving—paying forward the gift of wholeness. I am sharing the generosity I received from God by being generous with my time and talent.

    I was also able to read and evaluate outputs submitted by my students in our Learning Management System during the midterm period. By God’s grace, I submitted their grades to the faculty member who handled my classes in my absence.

    Alongside these tasks, I continued to fulfill my role as Director of the St. Clement’s Pastoral Care and Counseling Ministry by managing our Facebook page, where clients request appointments. Just yesterday, I conducted an online counseling session with a client. This ministry always brings me joy and a deep sense of fulfillment.

    Because Christ in the Eucharist offered His life so we may live, I see myself as His instrument of healing and recovery for those who are broken. Because Jesus gifted me with a second life, I am inspired to give life to others—to journey with them toward wholeness and joy. Everyone deserves to live a joyful and purposeful life.

    I am deeply grateful to God for guiding me in making decisions about my health. I also thank my workplace for being so supportive during my two-month leave from teaching and other responsibilities. My colleagues took over my classes and workload. I am especially grateful to my medical team—most especially my loving OB-Gyne—my family, close friends, and all the beautiful and kind souls who stood by me during this challenging chapter of my life.

    I am slowly but surely returning to my usual routine. I am back at work at my university because God sustained me and granted me a second life. My medical condition taught me powerful lessons about self-care, letting go, setting priorities and boundaries, the power of prayer, deep faith in God and Mama Mary, and not taking things personally. Most of all, it taught me to hold on to God’s faithfulness, which is powerfully manifested in the Holy Eucharist.

    May we always make Christ the center of our lives and attend Sunday Mass regularly. And as a result, may we always find joy in sharing ourselves with others, even when life is not easy or comfortable. There is true bliss in giving life to others.

  • A Beautiful Journey to SILP Balabagan, Prelature of Marawi in God’s Perfect Time: Friendship Goal Unlocked

    A Beautiful Journey to SILP Balabagan, Prelature of Marawi in God’s Perfect Time: Friendship Goal Unlocked

    As a counselor-educator in a state university, it has been my passion to form our future Registered Guidance Counselors. There is an immense need of young blood to join the the counseling profession. This helping vocation is an expression of faith, hope and love. While my graduate students in the Master’s Level were enrolled in their Practicum course, I toyed the idea of inviting them to join the Pastoral Care and Counseling Ministry of St. Clement’s Church, Redemptorist Mission Community of Iloilo. They were all excited to be part of this healing ministry so I tagged them along to meet with the founding members. With God’s grace, we will be celebrating our 5th birthday on December 23 of this year.

    Fr. Jomil Baring, C.Ss.R, one of the founding members of the said ministry decided to transfer to San Isidro Labrador Parish in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur. The ministry then had a thanksgiving lunch with him. We jokingly told him that we will visit him there someday. Never did I expect that this will be a reality much earlier than we expect it to happen.

    While Fr. Jom was sharing with me an experience in the Parish which calls for a need to organize a mental health program/ministry, I quickly told him that I am willing to visit him for a Capacity-Building. I then invited another founding member and my good friend, Ms. Nove Jalandoni to join me in this endeavor. It was easy for us to prepare the Training Design because we are both counselor-educators. We made use of our instructional materials – power-point presentations and notes for our classes in Mental Hygiene and Counseling class. We just have to tailor these to suit the needs of the Parish for the Capacity-Building for Parish Community-Based Mental Health Program Personnel.

    This is clear manifestation that God has prepared us for this simple and short mission in one of the municipalities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).  God never fails to provide us with all our needs in order for us to carry out our tasks and responsibilities.

    When the day came for us to leave for Mindanao, my road trip started at around 3:30 am to catch our early morning flight since the airport is at the other side of the Province. This poses no problem with me since I am used to waking up early as I am travelling to my workplace everyday for four hours. We had 2 plane rides – Iloilo – Manila – Pagadian and a 3-hour road trip to Balabagan. The tiredness of our bodies was replaced by the blissful reunion with Fr. Jom. Seeing him with some of the participants for the Capacity-Building allowed me to pray silently in deep gratitude to God for blessing our plans – our friendship goal unlocked.

    The road may be long and winding but the scenery in this part of Mindanao was truly beautiful.  We arrived past 7 in the evening and was welcomed warmly by the convent staff and Nanays of Fr. Jom – his immediate community. We had a lively conversation over a sumptuous dinner of fresh fish & shrimps – all the way from General Santos City and a yummy welcome cake for us. We had to go to bed early since it was a long day for us.

    Meeting the participants from the 3 Parishes in the Prelature of Marawi for the Capacity-Building for the first time was truly a joy for me and Nove. There seemed to be an instant connection among us. During the initial workshop, we had a glimpse of the scenario of the mental health program and practices in the Parish and the entire Prelature. It was a good take off. The rest of the sessions was truly engaging. We had a wonderful conversation about their practices and experiences in handling cases. I truly admired their humility to acknowledge their misconceptions, shortcomings and malpractices in dealing with people who have come to ask for help – who needs a listener.  

    The participants were authentic people – no pretensions, no air – only a genuine desire to be of help to their fellow Parishioners who are struggling emotionally and mentally. Our workshop, simulation activities and lectures turned out to be light and enjoyable. All of the participants were engaged and actively participated in the activities. The participants crafted practical and relevant Mental Health program which hopes to prevent the occurrence of severe mental health issues and illnesses. Promising helpers were identified to be part of the core group who will spearhead the organization of a Mental Health Ministry in their own Parishes. With God’s grace, the plan that they crafted will be implemented and realized soon. Our deep gratitude to Fr. Jom for his initiative to organize a mental health ministry in his parish and the other parishes within the prelature.

    Listening to their stories and impressions on how much they have learned and valued the Capacity-Building brought real joy to us. In silence, I whispered a thanksgiving prayer to God for blessing our endeavor, our goal of assisting the Parish of San Isidro Labrador in Balabagan and other Parishes within the Prelature of St. Mary’s in Marawi. All our efforts, hard work and financial expenses paid off. We shouldered our air fare as a way of expressing our support to the good people of Marawi whom we now consider as our good friends. Most of all to express our support and affirmation to our dedicated and loving friend, Fr. Jom who serves as the Parish Administrator of San Isidro Labrador Parish. His agility, passion and dedication to his ministry is always a source of joy and inspiration to us.

    It was indeed a moment of grace – a life-giving and enriching quick visit to this Parish. I

    As a side trip, we were blessed to have joined the 2 barrio masses of Fr. Jom. It was a grace moment for me to witness the faith of the Catholics/Christian people from all ages, in the midst of a Muslim community. They were generous and hospitable to share a meal with us after the mass. Bountiful gifts and fruits were shared to us. It was a true source of joy to be recipients of their generosity – sharing their blessings out of poverty and not from their excess. We also attended the Sunday mass in the Parish Church. It was moving to see the faithful from all ages participating actively during the celebration. I admired the Altar Girls for their dedication and commitment to serve in the mass.

    It was indeed a moment of grace – a life-giving and enriching quick visit to this Parish. It was a life-changing experience for me since it deepened my faith in a loving and faithful God. It moves me to love more my vocation as an educator-counselor – to be more available to people who needs help. I have been blessed a thousand fold even after our short mission in Balabagan. I am now reaping the fruits of this endeavor in so many ways. Indeed, it was a beautiful and wonderful journey – a participation in God’s desire for all people to live fully. In the prayerful words of Fr. Jom, “may the Lord of healing, freedom and life bless us and this ministry.”

  • Reflection on the Feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Help 2023

    Reflection on the Feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Help 2023

    Drawing strength and inspiration from the recent events in my professional & spiritual life, I am sharing this reflection to all the followers of this beautiful blog, “A Dose of God Today”.

    This day, June 28, 2023, we celebrated our Parish Fiesta in honor of Our Mother of Perpetual Help here at St. Clement’s Church, Redemptorists, La Paz, Iloilo City.

    As one of the volunteer counselors of our St. Clement’s Pastoral Care & Counseling Ministry, this year’s fiesta theme “Hands of Mary, Hands of Hope resonates well with me.

    Looking back on how I started my devotion to this blessed image, brought me to acknowledge the hands of Mary – the hands of God in the unfolding of the events in my life. As early as elementary days, we gather as a family to pray the Holy Rosary each night. During Wednesdays, my late mother would lead the novena prayer to Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Being a college student at Iloilo Normal School (now West Visayas State University – my current workplace), her strong devotion to the Blessed Mother became a solid foundation of our family’s spiritual life. She inspired & taught us to become closer to Jesus through Mama Mary. This, too, I know has been contributory to my decision to join the Redemptorists as Lay Vocation Promoter/Guidance Counselor for fifteen (15) years. I always behold Mama Mary’s loving care in those precious years which deepened & concritized my being a missionary partner of the Redemptorists. I have been growing & flourishing in all aspects of my life.

    After my missionary endeavors with the Redemptorists, I treaded a different path: counseling and teaching in the academe. I always recognize God’s hands in the scheme of things in my new life. Due to my immense love for Mama Mary & Jesus, I started to answer a calling to found the St. Clement’s Pastoral Care & Counseling Ministry together with my counselor-friends and two young Redemptorists, Fr. Jom & Fr. Deriz.

    Weeks before the fiesta of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, I had been crazy busy as the Associate Dean of our Graduate School. There were no appointments and referrals for counseling. I know Mama Mary has been taking good care of me during these challenging times. She allowed me to rest- practice Self-care on Sundays even if it’s my turn to be on duty at our Pastoral Care Office since there were no clients in need. When I was able to regain my strength and ready to serve again, a new client asked for a counseling appointment. So I have a reason to be available on that Sunday. In the course of our counseling session, I was teary-eyed and a deep sense of joy wrapped around me as I was listening to the narration of my client. In the road to recovery from a major setback in life, she recognized God’s and Mama Mary’s hands. One of the protective factors she pointed out was her parent’s prayerful and deep connectiom with Jesus/God.

    I know that our fiesta’s theme: “Mary’s hands, hands of hope – are words made true in the life of my client. Indeed, I am always hopeful that our clients in the ministry will recover & get healed.

    God through the intercession of Mama Mary has arranged the events which allowed me to join the Procession & Parish Night with another volunteer counselor. It is Providential that today is a holiday – thus we both were able attend the Fiesta Mass. We also shared the meal with the Redemptorist Community after a simple yet beautiful and inspiring mass. The preacher who was a young Redemptorist priest shared a very deep and moving life story of how Mama Mary played a crucial role in his journey as a Redemptorist priest – brought him closer to Jesus and answer the call to be of service to the needy and the most abandoned.

    These events inspired me to continue to serve as a Volunteer Counselor & Directress of Our St. Clement’s Pastoral Care & Counseling Ministry. Being a partner in the Redemptorist missions calls for a deeper commitment to love and serve the needy. With huge responsibilities and a plate full of tasks, I am not hesitant to devote my time during weekends to this ministry. This apostolate draws me to be closer to Jesus. Through the intercession of Mary – Her Hands, Hands of Hope- I am entrusting my professional life and our apostolate to Jesus through Mama Mary. With a deep faith in these two central figures in my spiritual life, I resolved to be an instrument of healing and recovery.

    Thus, let us be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit so that God’s/Jesus’ and Mama Mary’s hands will be instrumental in our desire to be of service to humanity. VIVA MARIA!!! VIVA JESUS!!!

  • EASTER HOPE AND ASPIRATIONS

    EASTER HOPE AND ASPIRATIONS

    I always find writing my reflection for “A Dose of God Today” therapeutic and invigorating. Earlier, after praying the rosary as a family, I was led to pause and ponder on the beauty and meaning of the Easter season. I then jotted some key words in one of my favorite notebooks. Mind you, at 51, I still love to collect note pads and notebooks. These are very handy in keeping myself organized amidst a hectic schedule as a counselor-educator with an admin role in the Graduate School. Perhaps, my desire to be a true witness of the Risen Christ inspired me to share my third article in this valuable and beautiful blog of Fr. Jom, CSsR.

    The Easter season reminds us that HOPE should never be lost. The road that we may have taken is rough and bumpy, yet surely we will reach our destination. With the Risen Christ as our companion and guide, it will be a joyful and interesting ride. We simply have to allow Him to accompany us in our journey. How do we do that?

    Possibly, sharing my personal encounter with a faithful God may shed light to this. My daily travel to and from my workplace is an opportunity for me to commune with God in prayer. Riding in a taxi, bus or public utility jeep seems challenging given the traffic jam in the major roads going to the city and heading back home. Passing by the scenic view of the sea and looking up at the skies – I always feel that God is present in His beautiful creation. This allows me to whisper a prayer in silence, entrusting my day to Him. Most of the time, I just close my eyes so that my mind will be attuned to God’s message for me. I know God speaks volumes in the silence of my heart.

    During evenings, I take this opportunity to review what transpires during the day. A moment to say my thanksgiving to Him for staying close to me and for sending people who are constant in my life – my family and close friends who love me unconditionally; to repent for my flaws and shortcomings during the day and to think of ways on how to become better the next day. This, I may say, becomes a habit of mine. This practice will surely be carried out throughout this Easter Season and beyond.

    This is my first and major ASPIRATION during this meaningful season. To continue to commune with God most of the time – to take time to listen to Him in the midst of our daily struggles to fulfill our role and responsibilities – to carry out our vocation and mission in life.  

    For me, the best time for new beginnings is during this Season of Easter. We used to make New Year’s resolution at the start of a new year so why not formulate them right now? For this season is also known as the Season of New Birth.

    Earlier, I said that my major yearning is to be in touch with God most of the time. This may be difficult to do at first, and with constant practice, this will surely be a second nature to us. Being prayerful and highly spiritual made wonders in my life. It allowed me to trust fully in God’s will and the Holy Spirit promptings.

    In moments of despair and confusion and in arriving at a crucial decision, my deep faith expressed through prayer and communion with a loving and faithful God is my first recourse. This greatest gift God has bestowed upon me –  my FAITH propels me to walk my talk and be a dedicated, loving and compassionate public servant – being a counselor educator in a state university.

    my FAITH propels me to walk my talk and be a dedicated, loving and compassionate public servant

    This brings me to my second aspiration during this Easter Season. Some people seem not to like me and my dealings with them, yet deep in my heart I know I am trying to be empathetic and loving so that many people may experience the unconditional love of God through me. When one is in the position of authority and influence, one will gain more friends and haters alike. Implementing the graduate school policies fairly is no easy job. Yet, in my desire to treat each student equally, I have encountered a lot of challenges. Nevertheless, deep in my heart I know that I have done my best to practice fairness and justice. I may have my lapses, but with God’s grace, I will try my best to be a living witness of Christ’s resurrection. That He is truly RISEN and ALIVE!

    I have shared my two major aspirations during this important Liturgical Season in the Church. These may be GRAND yet these are attainable. With my deep faith in a LOVING, FAITHFUL RISEN CHRIST, I have nothing to FEAR.

    Surely, my longing to be attuned to God’s will for me will be realized for I always believe in a God of surprises. I simply have to clasp my hands in PRAYER, in JOYFUL HOPE and celebration that God is truly risen. He is alive and present within us, among us and amidst us.  And YOU? What’s your Easter hope and aspirations?

    Sending my fervent prayers and love to all readers of this blog who need these most.  May all your prayers and aspirations be fulfilled. A blessed Easter Season to all!!!

  • God’s Mercy and Compassion: A Personal Encounter

    God’s Mercy and Compassion: A Personal Encounter

    I wanted to write my second reflection for “A Dose of God Today” during the Christmas break last year. However, a series of unpleasant events prevented me to do so. One significant hindrance was the demise of my elder brother. He died of cardiac arrest at the age of 62 last December 23, 2022 in Manila. It was a shock to the whole family. I then flew to Manila with his daughter and 2 other nieces. It was during this painful and devastating event that I personally saw the hands of God – His mercy and compassion to me and my whole family. With God’s grace and providence, we gave our brother a decent wake and burial within a week. Having 2 funeral masses during the wake were so consoling given the fact that we are not from Manila. Everything fell in place.

    I felt the greatest joy when I heard a number of his neighbors narrating how kind, prayerful and highly spiritual my brother was. Indeed, the faith that was planted and nurtured by our parents was deeply internalized and lived out by my late brother. This is also the very reason why it was easy for us to cope well with this painful event. Our faith taught us to trust and embrace God’s will even if it is so difficult to accept that our brother will no longer be with us physically. I have to be strong myself since I am one of the pillars in the family.

    This is not the only event that I can truly say that God’s mercy and compassion are overflowing in my life. As an Associate Dean of the Graduate School of a state university in Iloilo is not an easy feat, being a counselor-educator at the same time.  This has been my 2nd year in the post. Even before the death of my brother, I was already contemplating of leaving my post.

    During the last 3 semesters, we had 2 major Accreditation visits, ISO re-certification once a year, Curriculum Review preparation, and many tasks in between.  I honestly told our Dean that I want to resign so I may be free from the many huge responsibilities. This was my 2nd attempt and to my dismay, the dean did not want me to leave my post. I prayed a lot and ask for God’s divine intervention. The result of my discernment was to stay for the rest of the semester until the end of this school year. I have to trust everything to a loving and faithful God. I tried to see the events in my life with the lens of faith.

    Overflowing Mercy and Compassion

    Looking back, I saw a merciful and compassionate God journeying with me as I tried to fulfill my responsibilities. We have successfully surpassed the major accreditation visits. I am truly grateful for the small victories that God has allowed me to savor so that I may shout out to the universe how faithful He/She is as a God. Indeed, my faith has been deepened. I see these uncomfortable experiences as a way of sharpening my person so I may be worthy of my role. As a reward for my hard work and dedication, I got promoted with 5 steps higher – with a commensurate pay. There is a long list of how God allowed me to enjoy the beauty of life – I was able to join our trip to Europe for our Project FORTH; my application as an Associate Member of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) was approved; the gift of good health of mind and body in the midst of a crazy daily schedule. I have to wake up at around 5 in the morning and sleep at 10 at night because I live 29 kilometers away from my work place.

    These indeed are clear manifestations that God’s mercy and compassion is overflowing in my life.

    With the challenging schedule in the academe, for the past 4 years, I have been serving as a volunteer counselor and head of the St. Clement’s Pastoral Care and Counseling Ministry. I always find joy in my encounter with my clients. Sitting for 2 hours in our comfy office made me realize that I am an instrument of God’s healing and forgiveness.

    At times, I have to deal with the clients during evenings and weekends- a call to get out of my way to be with these wounded persons. I have personally experienced how God has forgiven me for all my sins and imperfections. I do not even feel that I am worthy to be in this role, yet in humility, I acknowledge that God completes me, does things I am not capable of doing and guides me to make decisions that are life-giving and for the common good.

    Thus, paying it forward – sharing my gift and person as a counselor-educator is all worth it! I am trying my best to answer the call to participate in the Ministry of Healing so that many people – the needy and wounded may experience the FULLNESS of life.

    Being in this ministry made wonders in my own life. I have grown in all aspects of my life, mostly in the spiritual and professional aspects.  In the process, I am healed from the painful experience of losing a beloved brother.

    The recent recollection for the healing ministries of St. Clement’s Church facilitated by our Spiritual Director and a good friend of mine, Fr. Jomil C. Baring, C.Ss.R, who is also the administrator and creator of this blog – A Dose of God Today” moved me to share my personal journey with you. Revealing my innermost thoughts and experiences – my sacred stories and space seen with the lens of faith, seem not easy at the beginning. Yet, I am inspired and driven to share my faith story – as Fr. Jom puts it – Faith is always loud and daring.

    So here I am right now, sharing my testimony of how God’s mercy and compassion overflows in my life. I am sure God has been merciful and compassionate to each and every one of you! So dare to share your faith journey with the people you encounter with in your work place or wherever there is a chance to tell your stories of how God has touched your life; how God has been merciful and compassionate to you and your family. I just did!