October 16, 2021 – Feast of St. Gerard Majella, Redemptorist Saint
“Here the will of God is done, as God wills, as long as God wills.”
These are St. Gerard’s words of wisdom to us, and to himself. Until now, on the door of his room in Deliceto, Italy where he was formed as Redemptorist & in Materdomini, where he was assigned until his death, Gerard placed a sign with these words: “Here the will of God is done, as God wills, as long as God wills” to remind others & himself who he is, & what his life is all about.
Somehow these words reflect the content, the means & the purpose of his life, as Christian. “Here God’s will is done”… His life is all about doing God’s will. “As God wills”… and he does God’s will, by means & through God’s ways, & none other. “As long as God wills”… and he does God’s will in God’s design & purposes. Somehow this is Gerard’s way of proclaiming that, as God’s will for us, our Lord Jesus Christ is His Way, His Truth & His Life.
His words of wisdom are based on his lived experience of faith and life, & not just product of inspirations from prayers & contemplation. As frail child, Gerard experienced a lot of bullying & rejections. While working as apprentice tailor, many times he was rejected entrance to seminary & religious life. Not until that he became involved with Redemptorists on mission in their town in Muro Lucano that he was able to join the Redemptorist, though not without the recommendation: “I am sending you a useless brother.” As young Redemptorist, Gerard had bouts of mistreatments, even from his fellow Redemptorists. Like, Alphonsus disciplined Gerard for being humbly silent about a false accusation made against. His deep empathy & remarkable apostolic zeal of counselling & taking care of the poor people have also garnered jealousy & hatred among his very own confreres. And in a highly feudal society & clericalized church of his time, he ran into conflict with his superiors & brother priests vis-à-vis the witness & practice of religious life.
Despite these odds, all along what sustained Gerard are these words to himself: “Here the will of God is done, as God wills, as long as God wills.” Like St. Paul, Gerard deeply believed that Jesus Christ made him His own, and thus Gerard made Christ his Own. Same way, as Jesus also said in our gospel: “the Father will honor whoever serves me”, Gerard served & followed the Lord, and in life has been favored with many spiritual gifts, among which were prophecy, reading people’s heart & miracles. And now honored in the church as our Saint & patron of expectant mothers.
Like Gerard, may our Christian faith & life always be attuned with God’s will, so that we may enjoy God’s plentiful redemption now and always. Amen.
Fr. Rudy Romano was abducted by the military in the outskirts of Cebu City. He became a ‘desaparecido’ victim among so many in the country during the Martial Law regime. After fruitless years of struggle to find him, it was felt that, for the sake of his agonizing relatives and friends, a closure had to be made. Without proof of his death the Redemptorists decided to celebrate a funeral Mass for him.
Thirty-six years have gone by since his disappearance. But many still remember him as a missionary priest who felt for the poor, especially the most abandoned and marginalized. To be poor is to be voiceless and Rudy offered himself to be their voice and courageously advanced their valid cause and noble aspirations. That is why many regarded him as a martyr for the cause of the poor and oppressed. He was willing to pay the price in taking sides with them.
I have fond memories of Fr. Rudy. He was two years ahead of me at St. Alphonsus Theologate in Cebu City but we were classmates in some subjects. Common interests often brought us together. Instead of taking a midday siesta we would often do carpentry work or develop photographs in the dark room or give some haircut to a confrere. We used to call him affectionately ‘the scientist before his time’ due to his inventiveness and creativity. The many gadgets he invented attested to that. Out of copra sacks he made backpacks for us and assembled portable cooking tripods for our excursions and long treks in the hills of Busay, Mt. Manungal, Balamban and Toledo.
However, more than anything else, I personally remember Fr. Rudy as a preacher of the Word of God. He dedicated a large part of his pastoral work to the ministry of the Word. He was engaged in the rural missions. He tried to develop Fr. Fil Suico’s visionary intuition into some concrete missionary method. I saw some of his missionary footprints in Northern Mindanao, from Iligan to Gingoog. One early morning, as I was jogging in Mambajao, Camiguin Island, I saw a stone marker at a junction. Engraved on it was an expression of local people’s sentiments, ‘Handumanan sa Misyon” with Fr. Rudy’s name on it.
The preaching of the Word of God has the capacity to act as a light of truth that illumines the concrete situation that the people live at the moment. Being rooted in the Redemptorist tradition of prophetic announcement of the Good News, Fr. Rudy preached like an artist, knowing how to make simple and ordinary words come to life in the people’s here and now. That is why the Word of God springing from his inner conviction touched the wounds, the injustices, the victims, the exploited while causing the ire of powerful arrogant perpetrators. If we must keep the memory of Fr. Rudy alive, the reason must be that the prophetic preaching he tried to practice is still very relevant today.
Our mission is never simply to preach on majestic pulpits billowing with incense as if the Good News were floating on the clouds. We have to proclaim the Word in a way that enlightens, awakens, challenges even if it annoys and opens up wounds and surface conflicts so long as it brings healing to people who hunger and long for the experience of God’s saving power. This kind of preaching pierces real human life but cannot get along with the powers of darkness and evil. This is the kind of preaching we must do and this has to be rooted in prayer and trust in a compassionate God.
This commemoration of Fr. Rudy Romano offers the Redemptorists a timely and relevant challenge. Are we prepared to shake ourselves up and force us to look honestly at our own preaching in parishes, shrine churches, and retreat houses today? Are we willing to wrestle with the Word of God and be fully engaged with the world’s complexities and be open to the ongoing revelation of God in the signs of the times? Are we willing to ensure that the Word takes on flesh as Good News for the poor and the needy? Are we prepared to always speak and stand for the truth even if it would mean losing our privileges and financial stability and security?
Undoubtedly, this stance would find echo in those who love the truth and who truly love the poor. Blessed are we if we are true to the Gospel!
(A song composed by Bishop Manny Cabajar for Fr. Rudy)
Reflection by Charles James Somontan Antolan, a Local Youth-Mission Volunteer
Before the Mission in our Parish of San Isidro Labrador in Balabagan which lasted from March to May 2021, I have been serving already as an Altar Server. In fact, I am entering the seminary this August and while I am still in our Parish, I was invited by the Mission Coordinator to join the mission as one of the Local Youth Mission Volunteers. Indeed, I accepted the invitation even though I did not have much knowledge on how the mission will go. What I only thought at that time was this year’s theme of the Philippine Church, “Year of the Missio Ad Gentes: Gifted to Give,” and that through this opportunity I would be able to share myself to others.
However, behind my “yes” to the mission, I felt worried just like my co-local youth mission volunteers, on how I could be of help to the team. I know that I lack talents and knowledge. I was also anxious on how I would socialize with the Mission Team especially as they were composed of priests, lay-missionary, seminarians, deacons and other youth mission volunteers. I am aware that I am an introvert person. Though I am not shy but I tend to be more silent and a serious type of person. I thought that these traits in me will prevent me as I join the mission. Yet, when the missionaries arrived and stared the mission, what I expected never happened because each of them was very friendly. It was not difficult to meet and encounter each of them. And I felt at home with them.
It is true that the mission brought many changes in our parish particularly to myself. Undeniably, the people here in our parish are in thirst of the living Word of God especially those chapels and communities that can only celebrate the Holy Eucharist once a month. Through the mission, the people quenched and have been satisfied in their thirst to joyfully celebrate the Holy Mass and to listen to the regular formations and teachings. I myself witnessed this visible scenario especially during the team’s delivery of talks. The people would always pay attention. In fact, every time I would give a part of the talk, I would see in their eyes their willingness to learn and of their joy because of the presence of the mission.
I am glad that through my participation in the mission, I was able to visit areas in our municipality which I have not been to before. I was able to encounter other people and made friends with other youth who were also serving their chapel like me. Through these encounters, I have witnessed and realized the beauty in their life that even in simplicity they remained grateful and joyful in sharing their graces.
I remember, there was one time that four of us in the team (a priest, a deacon, myself and another co-youth volunteer) slept in the area because there will be a dawn novena-mass at 4 AM. It was a mountainous area and most of the people are farmers like their Patron Saint, San Isidro Labrador. We stayed overnight in their newly made waiting shed made of bamboo. The area was fresh and there was no presence of mosquitos around. However, what amazed me so much during our stay were their act of generosity and welcoming spirit. They didn’t just provide us food and shelter, they also spent their time socializing, eating with us, and most of all providing security by guarding the vicinity the whole night. These might be simple things but these meant a lot. For me, they showed concern, willingness to sacrifice and to show their love for visitors.
The three-month mission helped me to be closer to God. The Redemptorist Itinerant Mission Team lived a prayerful life. Aside from celebrating the Holy Mass, we regularly have our morning prayer and the prayer I would never forget, the grace before meals. During our team study of the modules, I learned a lot especially about our Catholic Faith. Those learnings gave me other perspectives in looking at life. Like my co-youth volunteers, I have also proved to myself that I can really face and talk in front of a crowd, even among professionals, to give and deliver formation talks. Though there would be many times that I would perspire excessively while giving talks, but I have become happy about myself because at the end of the day, I was able to touch and impart knowledge to the people. And I believe, this is all for the greater glory of God.
My journey in the mission brought me into these three general realizations.
THE PRESENCE OF GOD IS TRULY ALIVE. Wherever I was, I always saw the image of Jesus to people who are kind-hearted, to the simple and poor, to the grateful and generous, to people who are always ready to sacrifice for the sake of others, to the witnessing, serving and prayerful individuals.
GOD CREATED US WITH PURPOSE AND MISSION. The Redemptorist Missionaries were sent by God in our Parish in Balabagan to accompany us in celebrating our Golden Jubilee as a Parish, to preach the Gospel and to share their lives for the good of the people. Our people in the parish and in every area also helped for the success of this mission. Thus, each one of us has his or her own purpose and mission in life. What we need is to discover and to realize its fulfillment for the sake of others and for the glory of God.
Third and lastly, I also came up with a personal realization.
THE LORD HAS PREPARED ME FOR MY VOCATION IN LIFE. I realized that I have been called by the Lord to join the mission not just that I will be of help to the team, but also to prepare myself as I am about to enter the seminary for my priestly formation. I became more aware of myself. I have discovered some of my potentials and those that needs to be developed. Through the mission, I am reminded of the need of priests in our Parish and in the Prelature as a whole. This awareness gives me now the courage to continue. As I lived with the Mission Team for three months, I closely witnessed and experienced the life of priests. Their dedication and joy in serving inspires me to also aspire and become a priest like them, “puhon” (hopefully/in God’s time).
I am much grateful that God gave me this privilege to experience the life of being on a mission. Thank you so much. Maayong Good Morning!
Reflection by Darwin H. Malayo, Youth Mission Volunteer from San Isidro Labrador Parish, Balabagan, Lanao del Sur
The arrival of the Redemptorist Itinerant Mission Team in our Parish in Balabagan brought so much changes in our community and including myself. I have been involved in the 3-month mission. I was called as a Local Youth Mission Volunteer, yet, honestly, I do not have much experience in this kind of thing. I am more focused on my studies and looking for a living since my father had died already and my siblings cannot support my studies. They have married and have their own worries now. This means that I have not involved so much myself in Church activities.
During the first week of the mission, I did not have any plan to volunteer. My studies and the situation of modular classes that we are going through because of this covid-19 pandemic brought so much difficulties already. However, I was invited by my benefactor, the one who sponsors my studies, to volunteer in the mission. I was quite hesitant because it might affect my studies.
However, I am more surprised at how God worked. I felt that God has allowed me to join the mission team, to share my talents and presence. Here, I mingled and joined the company of missionary priests, deacons, seminarians, lay-missionaries and youth-mission volunteers like me. As what I have experienced, it did not affect my studies and I have become more determined and learned to manage my time.
Honestly, I felt anxious and shy especially when it comes to our team study of the modules and in sharing and delivering the inputs to my co-parishioners. I felt inadequate as I socialized with people and believed that I cannot do what they were doing. Nevertheless, I realized that I cannot do anything if I would not believe and trust myself and make myself open to learn new things.
It is my joy now to continue what has been started by the Mission Team. The rapport developed by the team with the parishioners was very much alive because it inspired the people to willingly support the team and join them, rain or shine. The presence of each member of the team also brought inspiration because of their attitude of saying yes to the mission. Despite the difficult terrain, with the experience of being stuck in the river and going through arduous roads, the team continued. Everyone would offer a helping hand when there would be a task. Each one would try to understand in spite of our differences. All of these, challenged me personally. The Mission Team members were not from our place, but what I saw was their willingness to share and preach the Gospel to our community for the development of our Christian life.
Their knowledge, expertise and simple way of life, touched me very much. I witnessed how they have built a good relationship with the people. In fact, I wished that everyone would learn this attitude. I have also witnessed how people expressed their generosity even in the midst of difficulties brought about by this pandemic. This did not prevent them to share their graces. These experiences are indeed one of a kind which became so dear to me. It is because of these experiences also that I have realized, I have become closer to the Lord and I also continue to live my Christian life according to the Gospel.
These are now, not just invitations to me but challenges also to young people like me that we may confidently do what we can do and to share what we have to others. Accordingly, as I learned in the mission, “greed has no place in our community.” It is an invitation to live simply, generously and humbly, to live in the holy fear of God, and to learn to truly love.
Finally, I am most grateful to the team for forming me. I have learned a lot and changed for the better because of those wonderful experiences and the teachings I got. Thank you very much.
Mission Reflection by Rizza Mae O. Malalay of RYM-Iligan
There is a quote that says, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. ” So, I was wondering if it is true or just a mere quote. The Balabagan Parish Mission was my longest mission exposure so far. It was also my first time away from home for almost three months. I did feel scared, nervous and I also had doubts about myself. But my excitement in joining the mission outweighed all of those. I was thinking of what would be my part in the mission team? And in what way I could be of help? Occupied by those thoughts, little did I know that it was the other way around.
Balabagan is one of the municipalities of Lanao del Sur. They do not have malls or fast food chains. When you buy things it is quite pricey. They also have power interruptions every now and then and they do not have signals in some of the areas. But despite that, they have the most generous and happy hearts. I remember every time I was at the parish health center, they would always offer me some snacks. They shared not only their food but also their stories, their life-lessons, their story of faith, their love, their warmth and themselves.
There was a particular Nanay whom I got close with in one of the areas. She would just let me do what I want. I also loved to tag along with her wherever she goes. She would let me scratch the ‘buko’ for our snacks and told me many times not to include the inner brown one, for it will only add bitterness to the buko. And yes for the record, I always include to scratch the brown one 😁. She would also let me do the traditional grating of coconut meat, even though I do not know how to do it. She was just there smiling patiently waiting for me to give up. And who would have thought that she would let us dug their sweet potatoes in their backyard? So, I asked her why she was so good to us, even though she was kind of disconcerted when we were around. She just replied to me that she was grateful and joyful that God sent us there, that’s why she wanted to provide us all the best that she have.
What I also loved in Balabagan was the presence of the youth. They were just one call away. They were willing to help in any of the activities of the parish. And I just have to inform them ahead. One time, I had this conversation with them, I asked them about the situation of the youth in their community. They casually told me about teenagers getting married at a young age and about teenage pregnancy. They also told me that they want to learn and discover more about themselves and to have a deeper relationship with God.
Those encounters led me to these realizations.
There is beauty in simplicity. I grew up where when you buy coconut, you will just add 15-20 pesos and the machine will do all the work, no sweat. We do not have coconut trees or even land for crops. So technically I have to buy everything. Living there for almost three months, made me dream of a simpler life, doing things manually, not checking my social media accounts every now and then, or not binge watching K-Drama series for the whole day. In this world of artificial intelligence, I yearn to always go back to simple things, looking above to see the stars, the moon, beholding sunsets, sunrises, mountains, seas, hiking under the heat of the sun and getting wet in the rain.
It may sound absurd, but I was so touched when the youth talked about their concerns about their fellow youth. It shows that they were not blind at all about what is happening around them. They can see and they can hear. They knew what is wrong and right, they just don’t know how to make a move with regards to it. They were also afraid that they will make a wrong move or they will fail. These are reasons why they were too shy to show their talents and creativity. They felt afraid that they were too young to involve themselves in the community.
So, here are my takeaways in this journey;
People who are joyful and grateful do not complain, instead they just live for the moment. Life is neither perfect nor it is easy. But, being joyful and grateful would help us lighten all the loads and burdens that life throws at us. Not to mention the truth that in this life’s journey, we are never alone. When we have a grateful and joyful heart, we will be able to see God in everything that we do and we will be filled with His grace.
When you love what you are doing, you don’t count the cost. You are willing to give more and you always do your best. That is how powerful love is.
To make a better world, we are called to empower the young. That they should be confident about themselves, that their thoughts and their views, matters. That they matters. We should form them to be Christ-centered, fully human and mission oriented. Reminding them that they are beloved, gifted and empowered. So that they can maximize their gifts and resources. Allowing them to use them for God’s glory. To have a better world we need to be a better citizen first.
The quote “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” may be true to some. My life has started as I am going through this rollercoaster of emotions and phases of life.
We are a little lost in life, aren’t we? As for me, life begins when you find out your purpose in life and when you share your life with others. When you discover your purpose, then you will know where you are going and you will never be lost. At the end of the day, it is not about me, it is about the lives of the people whom I have touched. Because by others, by serving others, one will be able to know who we are and will be able to discover more about ourselves.
I pray that I may fill my heart with love and my life with service.
A DOSE OF GOD TODAY 