Let the Sacred Cross be my Light, let not the devil be my guide. Someone recently gave it to me. It was sort of a short prayer for encouragement. And ever since yesterday, I started praying it. I’d always be grateful to that person who revived my intrepidness. I was on the brink of misery, but Our Lady is so wonderful for holding me back and gave me hope through this person.
I admit there were times I succumbed. Lack of prayer and watchfulness were the main causes, I guess. My past mistakes make me tremble in fear to stand in the presence of the Innocent Lamb. Had I not have the Blessed Virgin Mary, I’d certainly be unheard by the Just Judge. He Who demands goodness on every single thing I do; I am but worthy to deserve shame and dust.
Sometime the devil wants me to think that I’m too guilty even to ask for the Virgin’s intercession. But faith enlightens me that the Blessed Lady never turns away one of her children. No matter how heinous - provided one is sincere in repenting. Indeed, that was the pact she sealed when her crucified Son was uttering to her on the Cross.
I realize God wants me with my weakness. But I also understand God wants me to be perfect just as He is. I must never take it for granted. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve fallen. But what matters most is that I’m willing to rise and reconstruct my life once more. Yes, my human nature is weak but Jesus Himself overcame it through many sufferings and finally by dying in the Cross.
I know I’m no perfect person, but I must comprehend God destined it so I can best appreciate His bountiful mercies. And how powerful the Blessed Virgin Mary is who so much loves us and wants to save us — for that is the price of her Beloved Son’s death.
Oh Immaculate Virgin, would that every sinner come to thine recourse and hell would be already empty! Be always near to me as I traverse this dangerous road. And most especially help me to love God more strongly yet tenderly as well! Amen.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Significant Sayings (Part 4)
You don’t need such a good memory if you always speak the truth.
Truth is not always popular, but it is always right.
Some people fall for everything and stand for nothing.
Other people see your deeds. God sees your motives.
A promise made is a debt unpaid.
Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others.
My riches consist not in the extent of my possessions but in the fewness of my wants.
Little is much when God is in it.
Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal.
Curious people ask questions; determined people find answers.
In judging others, it’s always wise to see with the heart as well as with the eyes.
He who is slow in promising is always the faithful in performing.
Some men succeed because they are destined to, but most men because they are determined to.
Tell the truth ─ falsehoods are hard to remember.
Living with a conscience is like driving a car with the brakes on.
Guidance means that I can count on God; commitment means that God can count on me.
Character does not reach its best until it is controlled, harnessed, and disciplined.
If you can’t be grateful for what you receive, be grateful for what you escape.
Will is a word of beauty.
Success is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.
To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.
He gives twice who gives promptly.
The hardest thing about facts is facing them.
Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.
Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having gold.
The man who has not learned to say no will be a weak man as long as he lives.
Fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth.
Patience has its limits. Take it too far, and it’s cowardice.
Life is so constructed, that the event does not, cannot, will not, match the expectation.
Prayer doesn’t get man’s will done in heaven; it gets God’s will done on earth.
Don’t let your pride become inflated ─ you may have to swallow it someday.
Ideals may be beyond our reach but never beyond our fondest hopes.
We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
Stand on your own two feet and you will grow in stature.
Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.
Opportunity knocks, but it has never been known to turn the knob and walk in.
The Lord demands fairness in every business deal; He sets the standard.
A wise person is hungry for truth, while the fool feeds on trash.
Loyalty is rare. It can only be proven under test.
Listen to the voice of experience, but also make use of your brain.
In the end, people appreciate frankness more than flattery.
Digging for facts is better mental exercise than jumping into conclusions.
Conscience is the only mirror that doesn’t flatter.
Life without hope is a life without meaning.
Lose if you must, but don’t lose the lesson.
Excellence resides in quality not in quantity. The best is always few and rare, much lowers value.
Excellence is not a matter of chance, it’s a matter of choice.
No person has ever been honored for what he has received; always for what he has given.
Happiness is the inner joy that can be sought, but never taught or bought.
The essence of generosity is self-sacrifice.
Happiness is the delicate balance of what one is and what one has.
Great wealth and contentment seldom live together.
People with good sense restrain anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.
We can make our plans but the Lord determines our steps.
Making decisions is simple: get the facts; seek God’s guidance; form a judgment; act on it.
An unusual amount of common sense is something called wisdom.
The line is often too busy when the conscience wishes to speak.
Conscience is God’s presence in man.
Conscience is that inner voice that warns us someone is watching.
There is no longer better tranquilizer than a clear conscience.
Seek His will in all you do, and He will lead your paths.
You’ll never make your dream come true by oversleeping.
The poorest of all men is not the man without a cent but the man without a dream.
It isn’t enough to make sure you’re on the right track; you also make sure you’re going in the right direction.
The man who loses his conscience has nothing left that is worth keeping.
Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn’t.
The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.
A pint of example is worth a gallon of advice.
I affirm life; I challenge problems; I accept responsibility; I believe in God; I live today.
He has the right to criticize who has the heart to help.
Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall.
We make a living by what we get ─ a life by what we give.
If you’re not big enough to stand for criticism, you’re too small to be praised.
Life is fragile; handle with prayer.
Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
There is no excellence uncoupled with difficulties.
Excellence in any art of profession is attained only by hard and persistent work.
Appreciation is thanking, recognition is seeing, and encouragement is bringing hope for the future.
Some men dream of worthy accomplishments, while others stay awake and do them.
We create our future by what we dream today.
Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.
If you don’t see it with your eyes, don’t invent it with your mouth.
As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person.
One of the rarest things that man ever does is to do the best he can.
In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.
When you break your word, you break something that cannot be mended.
Success is sweet, but its secret is sweat.
Promises are like money ─ easier made than kept.
Hard workers have plenty of food; playing around brings poverty.
Gossip is what some invent and others enlarge.
To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.
The difference between failure and success is doing a thing nearly right and doing a thing exactly right.
There is no hell like a bad conscience.
He who thinks twice before saying nothing is wise.
Truth is not always popular, but it is always right.
Some people fall for everything and stand for nothing.
Other people see your deeds. God sees your motives.
A promise made is a debt unpaid.
Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others.
My riches consist not in the extent of my possessions but in the fewness of my wants.
Little is much when God is in it.
Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal.
Curious people ask questions; determined people find answers.
In judging others, it’s always wise to see with the heart as well as with the eyes.
He who is slow in promising is always the faithful in performing.
Some men succeed because they are destined to, but most men because they are determined to.
Tell the truth ─ falsehoods are hard to remember.
Living with a conscience is like driving a car with the brakes on.
Guidance means that I can count on God; commitment means that God can count on me.
Character does not reach its best until it is controlled, harnessed, and disciplined.
If you can’t be grateful for what you receive, be grateful for what you escape.
Will is a word of beauty.
Success is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.
To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.
He gives twice who gives promptly.
The hardest thing about facts is facing them.
Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.
Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having gold.
The man who has not learned to say no will be a weak man as long as he lives.
Fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth.
Patience has its limits. Take it too far, and it’s cowardice.
Life is so constructed, that the event does not, cannot, will not, match the expectation.
Prayer doesn’t get man’s will done in heaven; it gets God’s will done on earth.
Don’t let your pride become inflated ─ you may have to swallow it someday.
Ideals may be beyond our reach but never beyond our fondest hopes.
We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
Stand on your own two feet and you will grow in stature.
Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.
Opportunity knocks, but it has never been known to turn the knob and walk in.
The Lord demands fairness in every business deal; He sets the standard.
A wise person is hungry for truth, while the fool feeds on trash.
Loyalty is rare. It can only be proven under test.
Listen to the voice of experience, but also make use of your brain.
In the end, people appreciate frankness more than flattery.
Digging for facts is better mental exercise than jumping into conclusions.
Conscience is the only mirror that doesn’t flatter.
Life without hope is a life without meaning.
Lose if you must, but don’t lose the lesson.
Excellence resides in quality not in quantity. The best is always few and rare, much lowers value.
Excellence is not a matter of chance, it’s a matter of choice.
No person has ever been honored for what he has received; always for what he has given.
Happiness is the inner joy that can be sought, but never taught or bought.
The essence of generosity is self-sacrifice.
Happiness is the delicate balance of what one is and what one has.
Great wealth and contentment seldom live together.
People with good sense restrain anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.
We can make our plans but the Lord determines our steps.
Making decisions is simple: get the facts; seek God’s guidance; form a judgment; act on it.
An unusual amount of common sense is something called wisdom.
The line is often too busy when the conscience wishes to speak.
Conscience is God’s presence in man.
Conscience is that inner voice that warns us someone is watching.
There is no longer better tranquilizer than a clear conscience.
Seek His will in all you do, and He will lead your paths.
You’ll never make your dream come true by oversleeping.
The poorest of all men is not the man without a cent but the man without a dream.
It isn’t enough to make sure you’re on the right track; you also make sure you’re going in the right direction.
The man who loses his conscience has nothing left that is worth keeping.
Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn’t.
The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.
A pint of example is worth a gallon of advice.
I affirm life; I challenge problems; I accept responsibility; I believe in God; I live today.
He has the right to criticize who has the heart to help.
Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall.
We make a living by what we get ─ a life by what we give.
If you’re not big enough to stand for criticism, you’re too small to be praised.
Life is fragile; handle with prayer.
Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
There is no excellence uncoupled with difficulties.
Excellence in any art of profession is attained only by hard and persistent work.
Appreciation is thanking, recognition is seeing, and encouragement is bringing hope for the future.
Some men dream of worthy accomplishments, while others stay awake and do them.
We create our future by what we dream today.
Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.
If you don’t see it with your eyes, don’t invent it with your mouth.
As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person.
One of the rarest things that man ever does is to do the best he can.
In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.
When you break your word, you break something that cannot be mended.
Success is sweet, but its secret is sweat.
Promises are like money ─ easier made than kept.
Hard workers have plenty of food; playing around brings poverty.
Gossip is what some invent and others enlarge.
To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.
The difference between failure and success is doing a thing nearly right and doing a thing exactly right.
There is no hell like a bad conscience.
He who thinks twice before saying nothing is wise.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Significant Sayings (Part 3)
Fortune does not change men; it unmasks them.
The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked leads them astray.
He who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak.
Fear of the Lord teaches a person to be wise; humility precedes honor.
From our ancestors come our names; from our virtues, our honors.
It is human to stand with the crowd; it is divine to stand alone.
Between tomorrow’s dream and yesterday’s regret is today’s opportunity.
No dream comes true until you wake up and go to work.
Doubt grows with knowledge.
Sometimes the best way to convince someone he is wrong is to let him have his way.
He that falls by himself never cries.
What we anticipate seldom occurs; what we least expected generally happens.
The wise man questions himself, the fool others.
The time is always right to do what is right.
It is an easy matter for a stingy to get rich ─ but what’s the use?
Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.
Ought is a word of duty.
Won’t is a word of retreat.
It is always the secure who are humble.
No man is rich enough to buy back his past.
The mind’s direction is more important than its progress.
Knowledge can be communicated but not wisdom.
The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked leads them astray.
He who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak.
Fear of the Lord teaches a person to be wise; humility precedes honor.
From our ancestors come our names; from our virtues, our honors.
It is human to stand with the crowd; it is divine to stand alone.
Between tomorrow’s dream and yesterday’s regret is today’s opportunity.
No dream comes true until you wake up and go to work.
Doubt grows with knowledge.
Sometimes the best way to convince someone he is wrong is to let him have his way.
He that falls by himself never cries.
What we anticipate seldom occurs; what we least expected generally happens.
The wise man questions himself, the fool others.
The time is always right to do what is right.
It is an easy matter for a stingy to get rich ─ but what’s the use?
Discovery consists of seeing what everybody has seen and thinking what nobody has thought.
Ought is a word of duty.
Won’t is a word of retreat.
It is always the secure who are humble.
No man is rich enough to buy back his past.
The mind’s direction is more important than its progress.
Knowledge can be communicated but not wisdom.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Significant Sayings (Part 2)
As long as you live, keep learning how to live.
Live today and every day like a man of honor.
Sincere humility attracts. Lack of humility subtracts. Artificial humility detracts.
Honor lives in honest toil.
Humility is remaining teachable.
A small gift is better than a great promise.
The wise man does not lay up treasures. The more he gives, the more he has.
A total commitment is paramount to reaching the ultimate in performance.
Don’t be discouraged; it may be the last key in the bunch that opens the door.
Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.
Opportunity is hard to recognize if you’re looking for a lucky break.
You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.
There is a great difference between still believing something and believing it again.
Clear your mind of can’t.
Try is a word each hour.
What was hard to endure was sweet to recall.
Self-respect is the root of discipline. The sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself.
All glory comes from daring to begin.
Always continue to fear the Lord. For surely you have a future ahead of you; your hope will not be disappointed.
Know what you’re doing. Love what you’re doing. And believe in what you’re doing.
It is easier to acquire good reputation than to lose a bad one.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Fr. Purdy's Letter
[Fr. Purdy sent me this. I hope you’d be able to help them one way or the other. Thank you and may God reward your genrosity!- Editor's Note]
St. Bernard Novitiate
Barangay Daga
Santa Barbara, Iloilo
Philippines
Tel: 63 33 523 5058 / Fax: 63 33 523 5059
7th October 2007
Feast of the Holy Rosary
Dear Friends,
A novitiate is the house of formation for religious. It is a house in which a young man or woman learns the religious life; where they learn to live the Evangelical councils and where the first promises of those vows are made.
Archbishop Lefebvre writes in the Rules for Brothers: “the brothers, consecrating themselves to God in the religious life, have as their primary goal and purpose the glory of God, their own sanctification, and the salvation of souls”. The novitiate is necessary for religious, it is where this sublime calling is discerned, where is fostered, and where it comes to fruit.
St. Bernard Novitiate is the SSPX’s only house of religious formation in all of Asia. There are currently four priests, seven brothers, four pre-postulants, two pre-seminarians, and four live-in student/helpers residing at St. Bernard Novitiate.
Unfortunately, this apostolate in the Philippines is not so well known. In recent years, priests assigned to the Novitiate have made fund raising trips in America and Canada, and many have responded generously. However, these trips are few and far in between. There is a great necessity for the Novitiate to have a stable income. Just as any home needs a stable income to survive, so our home also.
The intended plan is to seek faithful benefactors who can contribute monthly for our support. I am looking for benefactors who can contribute $20 a month for the period of one year. The pledge could be renewed or dropped at the end of the year. That is five dollars a week. If there could be 100 people who can respond to this request, then our monthly expenses will be covered. When the math is done, that is $2000 a month from 100 people. Imagine that amount to feed over 20 people in the house, to pay the electric bill, the phone bill, the fuel bill for our vehicles, etc!
It is well known that religious houses are the prayer machines of the Church. Such great benefits come to the Church and its members through the prayers of consecrated religious souls. Find it in your great love for the Church to help support us.
In return for your generosity, and for those who respond to this request, you will be named the Friends of St. Bernard Novitiate. One mass a month will be offered for your intentions and The Friends of St. Bernard Novitiate will be a perpetual intention in the rosaries of the brothers. Remember! The brothers say 15 decades daily!
In the Hearts of Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Adam Purdy
Any donations can be sent to: Mrs. Marie Purdy, SSPX Asia – 83 North Rd, Fort Ann, NY 12827
Checks can be made to SSPX and memo Friends of St. Bernard Novitiate
Contact Marie Purdy at – mpurdy@myexcel.com ; Contact Fr. Purdy at – stbernard@sspx.net
Please respond via email (if possible) in order to make a contacts list and send a short monthly letter.
St. Bernard Novitiate
Barangay Daga
Santa Barbara, Iloilo
Philippines
Tel: 63 33 523 5058 / Fax: 63 33 523 5059
7th October 2007
Feast of the Holy Rosary
Dear Friends,
A novitiate is the house of formation for religious. It is a house in which a young man or woman learns the religious life; where they learn to live the Evangelical councils and where the first promises of those vows are made.
Archbishop Lefebvre writes in the Rules for Brothers: “the brothers, consecrating themselves to God in the religious life, have as their primary goal and purpose the glory of God, their own sanctification, and the salvation of souls”. The novitiate is necessary for religious, it is where this sublime calling is discerned, where is fostered, and where it comes to fruit.
St. Bernard Novitiate is the SSPX’s only house of religious formation in all of Asia. There are currently four priests, seven brothers, four pre-postulants, two pre-seminarians, and four live-in student/helpers residing at St. Bernard Novitiate.
Unfortunately, this apostolate in the Philippines is not so well known. In recent years, priests assigned to the Novitiate have made fund raising trips in America and Canada, and many have responded generously. However, these trips are few and far in between. There is a great necessity for the Novitiate to have a stable income. Just as any home needs a stable income to survive, so our home also.
The intended plan is to seek faithful benefactors who can contribute monthly for our support. I am looking for benefactors who can contribute $20 a month for the period of one year. The pledge could be renewed or dropped at the end of the year. That is five dollars a week. If there could be 100 people who can respond to this request, then our monthly expenses will be covered. When the math is done, that is $2000 a month from 100 people. Imagine that amount to feed over 20 people in the house, to pay the electric bill, the phone bill, the fuel bill for our vehicles, etc!
It is well known that religious houses are the prayer machines of the Church. Such great benefits come to the Church and its members through the prayers of consecrated religious souls. Find it in your great love for the Church to help support us.
In return for your generosity, and for those who respond to this request, you will be named the Friends of St. Bernard Novitiate. One mass a month will be offered for your intentions and The Friends of St. Bernard Novitiate will be a perpetual intention in the rosaries of the brothers. Remember! The brothers say 15 decades daily!
In the Hearts of Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Adam Purdy
Any donations can be sent to: Mrs. Marie Purdy, SSPX Asia – 83 North Rd, Fort Ann, NY 12827
Checks can be made to SSPX and memo Friends of St. Bernard Novitiate
Contact Marie Purdy at – mpurdy@myexcel.com ; Contact Fr. Purdy at – stbernard@sspx.net
Please respond via email (if possible) in order to make a contacts list and send a short monthly letter.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Significant Sayings (Part 1)
Here are some wonderful sayings. I shall post them all soon.
The distance doesn’t matter; it is only the first step that is difficult.
A show of envy is an insult to oneself.
Loyalty in little thing is a great thing.
A life of ease is a difficult pursuit.
The thing to try when all else fails is again.
Laws too gentle, seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed.
To be happy, we must not be too concerned with others.
The distance doesn’t matter; it is only the first step that is difficult.
A show of envy is an insult to oneself.
Loyalty in little thing is a great thing.
A life of ease is a difficult pursuit.
The thing to try when all else fails is again.
Laws too gentle, seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed.
To be happy, we must not be too concerned with others.
Saving The Environment
[This one is supposed to be on September 29, 2007, Saturday. However, I ran out of internet time. - Editor's Note]
Today’s the feast of St. Michael and I wonder if there’s a Mass here as it’s the chapel’s patron saint. Oh, I miss going to Church and receiving God so much.
My sister and I were talking about a shrub around our area yesterday. It was getting tall and it’s already beside our fence’s backyard. I explained that the neighbor should already trim it down but she was against it. She even went to say that she would love to see it grow taller so as to avoid global warming and stuffs.
I have no problem with green plants around and about and I am all for planting more and more trees. Gardens are indeed beautiful and I don’t mind tending them to make it as attractive as it can be. But I believe it should be trimmed down time after time. And in our case, our back is already a wild forest. Tall and shrubby grass and many other creeping insects are housing there. The place is not maintained and the neighbors sometimes abuse it.
Anyways, yesterday too, I was shocked to hear Mom asked me: don’t you get bored? I didn’t know how to or rather I fight boredom. And so, I just nodded no. I was hoping to say more than “no” but then I just remained silent. I was indeed dumbfounded how my Mom would ask me such a question. Still, all I want to say is: no, but I wish to hear Mass soon. Why can’t I just say this? Oh my, I long to be with God in everything I do.
My life is still fumbling out and I just don’t know why God wants it that way. I still believe this is His will and that I must never lose hope. I must persevere and hold on.
The past few days, almost all the religious things I’ve read reminded me that faith without works is dead. That those who call themselves Christians but do not do Christ’s commandments e.g. frequenting the Sacraments He instituted, is like a dead branch in a tree. Indeed, I find myself exactly in that situation.
I do not want to think of it but then I know I’d be lying to myself. Facing my reality is hard to accept and sometimes I do not know how I will ever survive. Pray and pray even harder. I also need to seek guidance from priests and I hope I could contact them soon. At the moment, I’m stuck. Stuck in the mad that every time I try to lift off, it’s still there. I don’t know how long will this feeling end. It’s crazy to know but I won’t go insane. My refuge is the Blessed Virgin Mary who’d always assist me as long as I’m obedient to her.
Today’s the feast of St. Michael and I wonder if there’s a Mass here as it’s the chapel’s patron saint. Oh, I miss going to Church and receiving God so much.
My sister and I were talking about a shrub around our area yesterday. It was getting tall and it’s already beside our fence’s backyard. I explained that the neighbor should already trim it down but she was against it. She even went to say that she would love to see it grow taller so as to avoid global warming and stuffs.
I have no problem with green plants around and about and I am all for planting more and more trees. Gardens are indeed beautiful and I don’t mind tending them to make it as attractive as it can be. But I believe it should be trimmed down time after time. And in our case, our back is already a wild forest. Tall and shrubby grass and many other creeping insects are housing there. The place is not maintained and the neighbors sometimes abuse it.
Anyways, yesterday too, I was shocked to hear Mom asked me: don’t you get bored? I didn’t know how to or rather I fight boredom. And so, I just nodded no. I was hoping to say more than “no” but then I just remained silent. I was indeed dumbfounded how my Mom would ask me such a question. Still, all I want to say is: no, but I wish to hear Mass soon. Why can’t I just say this? Oh my, I long to be with God in everything I do.
My life is still fumbling out and I just don’t know why God wants it that way. I still believe this is His will and that I must never lose hope. I must persevere and hold on.
The past few days, almost all the religious things I’ve read reminded me that faith without works is dead. That those who call themselves Christians but do not do Christ’s commandments e.g. frequenting the Sacraments He instituted, is like a dead branch in a tree. Indeed, I find myself exactly in that situation.
I do not want to think of it but then I know I’d be lying to myself. Facing my reality is hard to accept and sometimes I do not know how I will ever survive. Pray and pray even harder. I also need to seek guidance from priests and I hope I could contact them soon. At the moment, I’m stuck. Stuck in the mad that every time I try to lift off, it’s still there. I don’t know how long will this feeling end. It’s crazy to know but I won’t go insane. My refuge is the Blessed Virgin Mary who’d always assist me as long as I’m obedient to her.
Blood Diamond
[This one is supposed to be on September 27, 2007, Wednesday. However, I ran out of internet time. - Editor's Note]
I never thought I’m going to watch it but then I realized it concerns many souls and so I watched.
Yes, Mom bought that VCD and we all have to watch it. All I can say it was action packed and the hidden beauty of Sierra Leone amidst its civil war on 1999.
But what caught my attention most was the vibrant ex-soldier turned syndicate Danny Aocho. From the moment he entered the picture, my heart followed his whereabouts on that movie. At first, I thought he was simply a bad guy who wants money with diamonds. But delving deeper and as the film continues its story, Danny related his life. He was an orphan and at the age of 9 his mother died. I presume he enlisted in the Army because he has no family to turn to already. From there, he got all the military tactics and mustered it all his life. The Colonel who trained him admitted Danny is better than him. So you can just imagine Danny’s character. He is strong and can fight alone. He would push on anything as long as it meant money matters. In short, he is the type of guy who fears nothing — cost what it may.
Anyway, back to Danny’s life, when he was serving in the military, he thought they were fighting against terrorists. But it was just a front ─ the real thing is the diamonds. Danny was so intrigued that he said something like this “Why not dig my own diamonds?” And so, his life of syndicating began.
Then things went complicated when the fisherman and the photographer entered his life. I would say his life changed and he became a better person. The fisherman disturbed his syndicating life while the photographer allowed him to pour the real Danny inside. He admitted he is not a good guy and is not content on his life. Indeed, there’s lacking on him and it’s God. I pitied him and if I have to judge if his soul should be dammed or not, I think it would be saved.
Throughout the film, Danny helped the fisherman find his lost family and his son who was illegally conscripted by the rebels. Although there was always a vested interest, Danny was able to make the family complete once more and risked his life just to make it sure the fisherman and his son are safe.
He was indeed a soldier who’d protect the civilians and yet his heart is torn between greed and fairness. Danny was desperately trying to find the meaning of his life and he only got it shortly before he died. I don’t know why it was hidden from him but maybe because God willed it that way.
This story is only fictional but one could really relate itself. There are many people out there who didn’t know their lives’ meaning until the end. Some are lucky enough to have the grace to remain good but most choose to be bad. It is because they never knew the Holy Sacrifice of Mass and the Sacraments. These days, the true meaning of life is already lost if not forgotten. It pains me to know about Danny’s life but then I believe he was lucky enough to find his real life. He was lost but I guess God was merciful and just and held him back. He may have to suffer for a while but rest assured — he’s saved.
Thus, the need to pray. For all those who have no meaning in their lives and for all those who are persevering. For the latter to remain steadfast and for the other one for the grace of conversion.
O Blessed Virgin Mary, teach them to love God’s ways. Many souls are lost because of sin. But have mercy on them. O Blessed Lady, keep them and grant them the grace of final perseverance or complete conversion. O Queen of heaven and earth, to thee do I entrust souls who are desperately in need of thy light.
O merciful Heart of Jesus, have pity on the souls Whom Thou hast redeemed by shedding Thy blood and dying on the Cross! Amen.
I never thought I’m going to watch it but then I realized it concerns many souls and so I watched.
Yes, Mom bought that VCD and we all have to watch it. All I can say it was action packed and the hidden beauty of Sierra Leone amidst its civil war on 1999.
But what caught my attention most was the vibrant ex-soldier turned syndicate Danny Aocho. From the moment he entered the picture, my heart followed his whereabouts on that movie. At first, I thought he was simply a bad guy who wants money with diamonds. But delving deeper and as the film continues its story, Danny related his life. He was an orphan and at the age of 9 his mother died. I presume he enlisted in the Army because he has no family to turn to already. From there, he got all the military tactics and mustered it all his life. The Colonel who trained him admitted Danny is better than him. So you can just imagine Danny’s character. He is strong and can fight alone. He would push on anything as long as it meant money matters. In short, he is the type of guy who fears nothing — cost what it may.
Anyway, back to Danny’s life, when he was serving in the military, he thought they were fighting against terrorists. But it was just a front ─ the real thing is the diamonds. Danny was so intrigued that he said something like this “Why not dig my own diamonds?” And so, his life of syndicating began.
Then things went complicated when the fisherman and the photographer entered his life. I would say his life changed and he became a better person. The fisherman disturbed his syndicating life while the photographer allowed him to pour the real Danny inside. He admitted he is not a good guy and is not content on his life. Indeed, there’s lacking on him and it’s God. I pitied him and if I have to judge if his soul should be dammed or not, I think it would be saved.
Throughout the film, Danny helped the fisherman find his lost family and his son who was illegally conscripted by the rebels. Although there was always a vested interest, Danny was able to make the family complete once more and risked his life just to make it sure the fisherman and his son are safe.
He was indeed a soldier who’d protect the civilians and yet his heart is torn between greed and fairness. Danny was desperately trying to find the meaning of his life and he only got it shortly before he died. I don’t know why it was hidden from him but maybe because God willed it that way.
This story is only fictional but one could really relate itself. There are many people out there who didn’t know their lives’ meaning until the end. Some are lucky enough to have the grace to remain good but most choose to be bad. It is because they never knew the Holy Sacrifice of Mass and the Sacraments. These days, the true meaning of life is already lost if not forgotten. It pains me to know about Danny’s life but then I believe he was lucky enough to find his real life. He was lost but I guess God was merciful and just and held him back. He may have to suffer for a while but rest assured — he’s saved.
Thus, the need to pray. For all those who have no meaning in their lives and for all those who are persevering. For the latter to remain steadfast and for the other one for the grace of conversion.
O Blessed Virgin Mary, teach them to love God’s ways. Many souls are lost because of sin. But have mercy on them. O Blessed Lady, keep them and grant them the grace of final perseverance or complete conversion. O Queen of heaven and earth, to thee do I entrust souls who are desperately in need of thy light.
O merciful Heart of Jesus, have pity on the souls Whom Thou hast redeemed by shedding Thy blood and dying on the Cross! Amen.
Much News
[This one is supposed to be on September 24, 2007, Monday. However, I ran out of internet time. - Editor's Note]
There are so many things that happened in the past weeks but I wasn’t able to get back. As always, my day is very hectic and I barely get the time to update my blog.
Anyhow, let me enumerate them here.
On September 12, Mom went to Davao for her medical check up which was 2 months due already. Great thing though, that her laboratory tests were good. Deo Gratias! Though when I read her results, I found out it’s still not good. Her creatinine is not normal yet and her potassium went up but on the normal range still. Of course, the results give us hope and encouragement and I just simply have to be positive. I was really happy about it that on that day, I prayed another Te Deum upon learning it! The doctor even adjusted her medical check up routine to every space of 3 months so that she could cope up. I just hope Mom would be already normal. But then, it’s up to God once again.
Come September 19, it was supposed to be a great celebration but since it’s Ember I fasted. No, don’t get me wrong, it’s not required. It’s just that I opted sacrificing. I’m not sure if what I did was a sin. And if it was, I have the very reason to be excused coz I didn’t know it at that time (even for now). I’d certainly not do anything that’s sinful to God.
Then on the following night, Mom went to Mrs. Ghela and I learned of how the Motu Proprio is taking effect here in the diocese. It’s a Latin Novus Ordo Mass. Same old thing and it’s crazy. That’s not what His Holiness stated on his Motu Proprio. I just hope the Catholic Bishops here would follow what the Pope really said and not invent things as they wish.
Oh well, that’s how I am at the moment. One more thing, there are frequent power interruptions in our area and it’s agitating. I have to extend and advance things due to this nemesis and the result is always the burnt out me. Miserable that I am, but then I know I must suffer gladly and patiently for God’s sake and to atone for my sins too.
Actually, I have a slight headache once more. I didn’t realize it but just now when I was writing. Still, I want to pour out my day here. That’s why I’m not getting over here. By the way, I skipped lunch once more!
Anyways, Mom went to Davao to mail her letter for her sister Aunt Bett in US. Last call from her informed me that she’s bound home already. So maybe, she’d be home around 7-8 pm.
Oh, yesterday I read “that through many tribulations, one must enter heaven.” Yes, that was the words of St. Paul in Acts. In other words, I must toil hard and fight the good fight.
About myself, I feel so void tonight. Why is it that I find myself lax these days? I’m not sure if I’m quick to anger but it’s like my old habits are coming back. It’s not good and I must change. I better change before it’s too late. I must rewind back my steps and retrace once more Jesus’ path. I must be patient and stop complaining even for a while.
O my God, I’m so sorry for my deeds today. Help me as I look on Jesus’ life once more. Please give me good merits so that I may faithfully serve Thee. Banish from it all that is offensive to Thee and make me well again.
O my Lord Jesus Christ, have pity on me. As I lay down to sleep this night, please refresh my whole self so that tomorrow, I may walk on Thy ways and persevere till the end! Amen.
There are so many things that happened in the past weeks but I wasn’t able to get back. As always, my day is very hectic and I barely get the time to update my blog.
Anyhow, let me enumerate them here.
On September 12, Mom went to Davao for her medical check up which was 2 months due already. Great thing though, that her laboratory tests were good. Deo Gratias! Though when I read her results, I found out it’s still not good. Her creatinine is not normal yet and her potassium went up but on the normal range still. Of course, the results give us hope and encouragement and I just simply have to be positive. I was really happy about it that on that day, I prayed another Te Deum upon learning it! The doctor even adjusted her medical check up routine to every space of 3 months so that she could cope up. I just hope Mom would be already normal. But then, it’s up to God once again.
Come September 19, it was supposed to be a great celebration but since it’s Ember I fasted. No, don’t get me wrong, it’s not required. It’s just that I opted sacrificing. I’m not sure if what I did was a sin. And if it was, I have the very reason to be excused coz I didn’t know it at that time (even for now). I’d certainly not do anything that’s sinful to God.
Then on the following night, Mom went to Mrs. Ghela and I learned of how the Motu Proprio is taking effect here in the diocese. It’s a Latin Novus Ordo Mass. Same old thing and it’s crazy. That’s not what His Holiness stated on his Motu Proprio. I just hope the Catholic Bishops here would follow what the Pope really said and not invent things as they wish.
Oh well, that’s how I am at the moment. One more thing, there are frequent power interruptions in our area and it’s agitating. I have to extend and advance things due to this nemesis and the result is always the burnt out me. Miserable that I am, but then I know I must suffer gladly and patiently for God’s sake and to atone for my sins too.
Actually, I have a slight headache once more. I didn’t realize it but just now when I was writing. Still, I want to pour out my day here. That’s why I’m not getting over here. By the way, I skipped lunch once more!
Anyways, Mom went to Davao to mail her letter for her sister Aunt Bett in US. Last call from her informed me that she’s bound home already. So maybe, she’d be home around 7-8 pm.
Oh, yesterday I read “that through many tribulations, one must enter heaven.” Yes, that was the words of St. Paul in Acts. In other words, I must toil hard and fight the good fight.
About myself, I feel so void tonight. Why is it that I find myself lax these days? I’m not sure if I’m quick to anger but it’s like my old habits are coming back. It’s not good and I must change. I better change before it’s too late. I must rewind back my steps and retrace once more Jesus’ path. I must be patient and stop complaining even for a while.
O my God, I’m so sorry for my deeds today. Help me as I look on Jesus’ life once more. Please give me good merits so that I may faithfully serve Thee. Banish from it all that is offensive to Thee and make me well again.
O my Lord Jesus Christ, have pity on me. As I lay down to sleep this night, please refresh my whole self so that tomorrow, I may walk on Thy ways and persevere till the end! Amen.
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