C. and I were among the throngs who were at the University of Northern Iowa Spring Commencement yesterday.
We were guests of Douglas, head of Mathematics, and wife Prescilla. Prescy is our classmate Christopher's sister. It is indeed a small world to unexpectedly find a family of your friend and classmate in a distant city you're settling in.
Mrs. Obama encouraged the young graduates as they forge into their future. She spoke about family values, service to the community, finding one's passion, and openness to ideas as essential to one's future. We delighted in her references to Iowa - the viral interlude dance, Ali Farokhmanesh of the 2010 basketball team which beat Kansas, memories of the presidential campaign days. She seemed to have memorized her speech.
Mrs. Obama graduated from Princeton and Harvard, presitigious, elite, universities; became a high powered lawyer, but eventually decided to work for the community. She has hence stopped working as a lawyer (also because her spouse is now our President). Her passions are now in preventing childhood obesity with her "Let's Move!" program, supporting military families, promoting the arts, and of course, being the loving and caring mother to their daughters, Malia and Sasha, and wife to President Obama.
I thought I saw a little glimpse of me in her, albeit in the most miniscule way. A demanding, stressful career to be, education in a highly selective university, was not for naught, because a more important task of taking care of the family was at hand. C. wanted me to be home for our 2 daughters, who surprisingly have similar names with the 2 first daughters, Maia and Issa, or am I stretching it a bit too much? The family's visa was guaranteed through my work in physical therapy also. He says one should not be defined by one's profession. I am busy enough, with my work and the home. I keep the fire burning. He did not want me stressed. O sige na nga (yes). All mothers are working mothers. The family is my center. Happy Mother's day! Love and prayers to all.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter Sunday 2011
The sun was shining today after weeks of bleak, cold, rain and a snowfall last week. It is Easter! Christ has risen, allelujah! Warmth and light has come.
Easter, like Christmas, fills the Church to the brim with parishioners celebrating Christ's rising from the dead. Everyone in their Sunday best, the little girls in pretty spring dresses, little boys in suits and shirts, celebrating this most auspicious day, second only to Christmas. The Altar was adorned with pink and purple hydrangea and white tulle, ethereal by itself, was draped by the altar.
The Service of Light, Baptism and Confirmation of new adult members were held at the Easter vigil. Our friend Felipe was instrumental in preparing the candidates, inactive Catholics or non baptized candidates, through the process of Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
The Paschal candle was blessed and lit at this Easter vigil, from which all of our candles were lit. This is the candle that will be used for all services, baptisms, funerals to remind us that "Christ is light and life."
We renewed our Baptismal vows and were sprinkled with the Holy Water. The fonts are now filled with holy water.
The Gloria in Excelsis Deo was sung for the first time since before Lent except on Holy Thursday, and the church bells rang.
I remember being part of little angels growing up in Tuguegarao, as organized by Sr. Felici du Rosaire of St. Paul College, with the choice angel taking the veil off Mother Mary. We celebrated this at midnight and being about 7 years old, you can see that the excitement and anticipation of being raised up to lift Mary's veil or simply being part of this angelic group, would keep all of us awake.
Where there was silence during Lent, now there is music and gladness.
Happy Easter - peace, joy, light and graces to you all.
Easter, like Christmas, fills the Church to the brim with parishioners celebrating Christ's rising from the dead. Everyone in their Sunday best, the little girls in pretty spring dresses, little boys in suits and shirts, celebrating this most auspicious day, second only to Christmas. The Altar was adorned with pink and purple hydrangea and white tulle, ethereal by itself, was draped by the altar.
The Service of Light, Baptism and Confirmation of new adult members were held at the Easter vigil. Our friend Felipe was instrumental in preparing the candidates, inactive Catholics or non baptized candidates, through the process of Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
The Paschal candle was blessed and lit at this Easter vigil, from which all of our candles were lit. This is the candle that will be used for all services, baptisms, funerals to remind us that "Christ is light and life."
We renewed our Baptismal vows and were sprinkled with the Holy Water. The fonts are now filled with holy water.
The Gloria in Excelsis Deo was sung for the first time since before Lent except on Holy Thursday, and the church bells rang.
I remember being part of little angels growing up in Tuguegarao, as organized by Sr. Felici du Rosaire of St. Paul College, with the choice angel taking the veil off Mother Mary. We celebrated this at midnight and being about 7 years old, you can see that the excitement and anticipation of being raised up to lift Mary's veil or simply being part of this angelic group, would keep all of us awake.
Where there was silence during Lent, now there is music and gladness.
Happy Easter - peace, joy, light and graces to you all.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Holy Thursday 2011
Today at sunset of Holy Thursday, Lent ended and the Triduum began, the three days of Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday that commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Tonight's Holy Thursday Mass, a celebration of the Lord's Last Supper with His apostles, was beautiful, solemn and touching; a feeling I've always felt each time at this service. The beautiful songs sang by our Celebration Singers enhanced the solemnity of the service. The Mass is rich in symbolism and meaning. It is held in the evening because Passover began at sundown.
The presentation of the 3 holy oils previously blessed by the Archbishop started the service: the Oil of Chrism (used in confirmation), Oil of the Sick, and Oil of Catechumen (used in baptism and ordination).
The altar servers rang the bells continuously during the Gloria, as the bells will then be silent until the Easter Vigil. There is no Mass celebrated until Easter.
The washing of feet of 12 apostles was performed after the Homily. In John 13:1-17 Jesus instructs his apostles, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet." We are commanded to serve others humbly according to His example.
Father Kopacek, with his beautiful voice, sang the Consecration, where our Lord Jesus at the Last Supper, changed bread and wine into His most holy Body and Blood, and offered them in sacrifice to all. This is the essence. The Last Supper was also when Jesus instituted Priesthood.
The service concluded with a procession around our church, with the Blessed Sacrament brought to the altar of Repose (where the consecrated hosts are kept for Good Friday since Mass is not celebrated that day). A light shone from above, illuminating the Blessed Sacrament at the altar of Repose. The church's altar was later stripped bare. The holy water fonts were empty.
The Church was open till late for Adoration. By staying in prayer with the Lord, we joined others and the disciples who tried, but were unable to stay awake in Jesus’ hour of need. In the Philippines, the Visita Iglesia (Church visits) is practiced, where seven churches are visited It is said that this practice probably originated in Rome where seven pilgrim churches are visited for penance.
We all left in silence, contemplative.
Tonight's Holy Thursday Mass, a celebration of the Lord's Last Supper with His apostles, was beautiful, solemn and touching; a feeling I've always felt each time at this service. The beautiful songs sang by our Celebration Singers enhanced the solemnity of the service. The Mass is rich in symbolism and meaning. It is held in the evening because Passover began at sundown.
The presentation of the 3 holy oils previously blessed by the Archbishop started the service: the Oil of Chrism (used in confirmation), Oil of the Sick, and Oil of Catechumen (used in baptism and ordination).
The altar servers rang the bells continuously during the Gloria, as the bells will then be silent until the Easter Vigil. There is no Mass celebrated until Easter.
The washing of feet of 12 apostles was performed after the Homily. In John 13:1-17 Jesus instructs his apostles, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet." We are commanded to serve others humbly according to His example.
Father Kopacek, with his beautiful voice, sang the Consecration, where our Lord Jesus at the Last Supper, changed bread and wine into His most holy Body and Blood, and offered them in sacrifice to all. This is the essence. The Last Supper was also when Jesus instituted Priesthood.
The service concluded with a procession around our church, with the Blessed Sacrament brought to the altar of Repose (where the consecrated hosts are kept for Good Friday since Mass is not celebrated that day). A light shone from above, illuminating the Blessed Sacrament at the altar of Repose. The church's altar was later stripped bare. The holy water fonts were empty.
The Church was open till late for Adoration. By staying in prayer with the Lord, we joined others and the disciples who tried, but were unable to stay awake in Jesus’ hour of need. In the Philippines, the Visita Iglesia (Church visits) is practiced, where seven churches are visited It is said that this practice probably originated in Rome where seven pilgrim churches are visited for penance.
We all left in silence, contemplative.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Ash Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs 40 days before Easter.
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of forty day liturgical period of prayer and fasting, just as Jesus spent forty days fasting in the desert before his public ministry, where he was unsuccessfully tempted by Satan.
The priest, minister or officiating lay person, marks the forehead of the participant with black ashes in the shape of a cross, which the worshiper retains until it wears off, considered a sign of the faithful. The priest or minister says this as ashes are applied to the forehead,
Remember that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return.
—Genesis 3:19
I find these words very strong and meaningful, and try to live my life guided by this powerful message. What is essential to me is invisible to the eye - not attached to material goods, goodness and kindness is what constitutes my sense of peace and accomplishment.
Ashes on the foreheads of the faithful is a sign of mourning and repentance to God. Ash Wednesday is observed by fasting, abstinence from meat, and repentance. The ashes used are the previous year's burned Palm Sunday.
In the Catholic Church, ashes, being sacramentals, may be given to anyone who wishes to receive them as opposed to Catholic sacraments, which are generally reserved for church members. I missed receiving the the ashes this year because I still have not fully recovered from my flu yet. This is 'another' first day where I feel strength and comfort, hopeful that it lingers on.
The Lenten season is here, a time of reflection, prayer, and service, contemplating the Lord's 40 days of prayer and fasting before He embarked on his life's work. Let us immerse in it.
Let us also offer our prayers to those affected by the massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan, that the may suffer no more, that they may receive the help they need to recover and be comfortable. We also offer our prayers in gratitude for sparing us. Amen.
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of forty day liturgical period of prayer and fasting, just as Jesus spent forty days fasting in the desert before his public ministry, where he was unsuccessfully tempted by Satan.
The priest, minister or officiating lay person, marks the forehead of the participant with black ashes in the shape of a cross, which the worshiper retains until it wears off, considered a sign of the faithful. The priest or minister says this as ashes are applied to the forehead,
Remember that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return.
—Genesis 3:19
I find these words very strong and meaningful, and try to live my life guided by this powerful message. What is essential to me is invisible to the eye - not attached to material goods, goodness and kindness is what constitutes my sense of peace and accomplishment.
Ashes on the foreheads of the faithful is a sign of mourning and repentance to God. Ash Wednesday is observed by fasting, abstinence from meat, and repentance. The ashes used are the previous year's burned Palm Sunday.
In the Catholic Church, ashes, being sacramentals, may be given to anyone who wishes to receive them as opposed to Catholic sacraments, which are generally reserved for church members. I missed receiving the the ashes this year because I still have not fully recovered from my flu yet. This is 'another' first day where I feel strength and comfort, hopeful that it lingers on.
The Lenten season is here, a time of reflection, prayer, and service, contemplating the Lord's 40 days of prayer and fasting before He embarked on his life's work. Let us immerse in it.
Let us also offer our prayers to those affected by the massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan, that the may suffer no more, that they may receive the help they need to recover and be comfortable. We also offer our prayers in gratitude for sparing us. Amen.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The Martha Graham Dance Company in Des Moines
The Martha Graham Dance Company, accompanied by DSM Symphony, was enjoyed by all. We, with Issa's friend Suzanne, were entertained by quintessential Graham ballet pieces.
Appalachian Spring, "Ballet for Martha," 1944, is a classic, with my favorite heartwarming folk song Simple Gifts by Aaron Copland.
I did not fully get the story of Cave of the Heart, 1946, until I read the program notes. Yes; love, betrayal, vengeance - so sad.
Diversion of Angels, 1948, was love in colors: white as mature love, red as erotic love, yellow as adolescent love. I enjoyed this best because it was more classical ballet, instead of modern American dance which confuses me.
The dancers were all beautiful - toned, strong yet graceful, well trained in their craft.
Appalachian Spring, "Ballet for Martha," 1944, is a classic, with my favorite heartwarming folk song Simple Gifts by Aaron Copland.
I did not fully get the story of Cave of the Heart, 1946, until I read the program notes. Yes; love, betrayal, vengeance - so sad.
Diversion of Angels, 1948, was love in colors: white as mature love, red as erotic love, yellow as adolescent love. I enjoyed this best because it was more classical ballet, instead of modern American dance which confuses me.
The dancers were all beautiful - toned, strong yet graceful, well trained in their craft.
Joie de vivre's back
I was ghastly sick for 3 days last week, downed with a virulent case of flu. Fever, chills, body aches, a hacking cough, colds, weakness - delirious. I could hardly press Maia's speed dial from being so weak. Maia was home because of school conference. I quarantined myself because I did not want her to get sick right before a big state dance performance in DSM, 1 of 2 girls in her HS chosen to the All State Dance Honors Team (240 of 500+ who auditioned). I longed for the evening when my C. would come home & take care of me, and all is well with the world again.
I am thankfully well now, several pounds lighter, feeling much better. Joie de vivre back. Giving thanks to the good Lord.
I am thankfully well now, several pounds lighter, feeling much better. Joie de vivre back. Giving thanks to the good Lord.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
The Sacrament of Confirmation,02-27-2011
Today, 87 junior HS Catholic kids, Maia among them, along with 11 adults, received the sacrament of Confirmation, officiated by the most reverend Archbishop Hanus, along with parish pastors Rev. Juhl of Blessed Sacrament, Rev. Jaeger of Sacred Heart, Rev. Kopacek of St Edward, and Rev. Comparan of Queen of Peace. Deacons Herman, Larsen, Real and Weber assisted in the celebration. John Angotti, along with the Columbus Catholic Choir and Katherine Loher, provided the beautiful music.
The candidates spent many hours preparing for this day, reflecting, praying, doing community service, and finally receiving the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. As Archbishop Hanus said, Confirmation makes them full fledged members of the Catholic Church, thus needing special graces to be able to fulfill their roles and responsibilities as members of the Church. They received the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit when they were anointed with the oil of Chrism. The gifts are: the spirit of [I] wisdom and [2] understanding,the spirit of [3] right judgment and [4] courage,the spirit of [5] knowledge and [6] reverence.and the spirit of [7] wonder and awe in His presence.
God bless thee young soldiers of our faith.
The candidates spent many hours preparing for this day, reflecting, praying, doing community service, and finally receiving the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. As Archbishop Hanus said, Confirmation makes them full fledged members of the Catholic Church, thus needing special graces to be able to fulfill their roles and responsibilities as members of the Church. They received the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit when they were anointed with the oil of Chrism. The gifts are: the spirit of [I] wisdom and [2] understanding,the spirit of [3] right judgment and [4] courage,the spirit of [5] knowledge and [6] reverence.and the spirit of [7] wonder and awe in His presence.
God bless thee young soldiers of our faith.
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