Just a few days from now, my sister would be celebrating her birthday. Ironically, it is the day that the annual local festivity here would end - and I believe - with such a wild activity. I guess the only consolation from that are the awesome fireworks to be held at night as a farewell ceremony.
Michael Jackson had been my sister’s inspiration for quite a long time now. Most of the time I see her buried with her MJ projects - from website to essay. I kept wondering what will happen to her if suddenly Michael would be gone away. And unexpectedly, it came very soon.
When the news reached my sister of his sudden death, I couldn’t believe her actions. The moment after was like a nightmare. She was crying and almost panting, she said she believed it to be true. At first, I was skeptical and it was the following Wednesday that I was convinced when I glanced from the local newspaper stating that he passed away.
Dreadfully, I felt like my sister’s world was shattered. And no matter how much I express my sympathy, she was still lacking vigor from time to time. As she asked for my prayers for the repose of his soul, I was rather bent on praying for her than him.
I don’t know why my sister ever liked MJ. He was weird and his style was exotic. His life was wrapped up with full of curiosity and mystery that one can naturally consider him dangerous. He even got albums entitled Bad and Dangerous and such were enough reasons to deem him a bad influence for souls. I tried my best to dissuade her from admiring him but she’s unmovable.
As a person who always thinks positive, I sometimes asked her to tell more about MJ. You bet, she was never out of words for him and even to the point that I had to cut off our conversation due to day’s work or night’s bedtime. From there, I learned of his charitable works for the maimed and abandoned and of how he made orphaned children happy by his mere jovial presence.
Indeed, he may be a good guy. Perhaps my sister was right that somewhere beneath, Michael had a good heart that is quite unnoticeable by the average person. He wished evil to no one yet many people loved to pin him down. He was rather a person whose character cannot be easily judged for even though he got an out of this world get up, he managed to care for his children and be a good father still. Thereupon, Our Lord’s words rang on my mind that “Judge not, that you may not be judged” and that “the publicans and the harlots shall go into the kingdom of God before you.”
It sucks to know that my sister would be celebrating her natal day with MJ on the grave. He was her greatest inspiration but she’s all alone now. I just hope she’d get over with it. Prayers work and I’ll never cease believing for brighter days.
I can never be an MJ fan for I’ve long abandoned admiring celebrities. I’ve decided it’s best to look up instead on saints and the Blessed Virgin as role models. But as for Michael, he had influenced my sister to have a meaning in her life and I simply couldn’t be ungrateful for that.
Somebody gave MJ a rose. I may never have a chance to throw flowers on his tomb but offering Masses for his soul is the worthiest of all. And this I will always do in gratitude for the many things he did that had touched my sister - creating in her a better way of life.
Eternal rest grant unto Michael’s soul, oh Lord. And let your perpetual help shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. Oh Blessed Virgin, meet his soul in pity!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
A Unique Privilege (July 11, 2009, Saturday)
The first Sunday of July was blessed to have 3 SSPX brothers present in the usual Mass schedule early morning. All of them originated from our lowly chapel and were actually spending their vacations. And upon entering the chapel, to my great astonishment, I found the 4 religious consecrated men - the other one was the visiting priest - singing the Divine Office inside the house which was adjacent to the chapel.
It had reminded me of our initial visit to a traditional Catholic Church. Our Lady of Victories Church was serene, elegant and clean. 3 priests and 2 brothers were praying in the elevated place which was especially built for them in the sanctuary. Then the brother clapped and all arose, made the Sign of the Cross, and started chanting the Divine Office. I was captivated and completely spellbound noticing their exceptional politeness and interior disposition. For the first time ever, I felt like I was in the company of saints uttering praises to the Triune God.
It left me with a desire to observe them even more and admiring their melodious voices, I stopped my prayers and followed them by heart. As days passed by and we heard Mass there on Sundays, I began realizing that there was no rank or superiority when it comes to praying the Office. I remember seeing the district superior and the prior choose the insignificant position never minding the younger priest to take the lead. Humility had been instilled on them and it is true to say that it reveals the sublime character of souls.
Such were the wonderful memories that reveled on my mind as I listen to them repeating exactly those words I heard sang 8 years ago. Their harmonious voices may be faint as the faithful were already reciting the Rosary but I was still glad to experience it once more. It is a rare incident to occur here and those edifying actions were the ones I long missed. I yearned for it to resuscitate me from this sinking world and having the unique privilege to behold it again, I was certain Our Lord is beseeching me to imitate those beautiful virtues and breathe the purer air that enfolds the religious life.
Oh Lord my God, grant me to love Thy ways. Strengthen my resolve not to offend Thee any longer so that Thou wilt always find a dwelling in my heart! Amen.
It had reminded me of our initial visit to a traditional Catholic Church. Our Lady of Victories Church was serene, elegant and clean. 3 priests and 2 brothers were praying in the elevated place which was especially built for them in the sanctuary. Then the brother clapped and all arose, made the Sign of the Cross, and started chanting the Divine Office. I was captivated and completely spellbound noticing their exceptional politeness and interior disposition. For the first time ever, I felt like I was in the company of saints uttering praises to the Triune God.
It left me with a desire to observe them even more and admiring their melodious voices, I stopped my prayers and followed them by heart. As days passed by and we heard Mass there on Sundays, I began realizing that there was no rank or superiority when it comes to praying the Office. I remember seeing the district superior and the prior choose the insignificant position never minding the younger priest to take the lead. Humility had been instilled on them and it is true to say that it reveals the sublime character of souls.
Such were the wonderful memories that reveled on my mind as I listen to them repeating exactly those words I heard sang 8 years ago. Their harmonious voices may be faint as the faithful were already reciting the Rosary but I was still glad to experience it once more. It is a rare incident to occur here and those edifying actions were the ones I long missed. I yearned for it to resuscitate me from this sinking world and having the unique privilege to behold it again, I was certain Our Lord is beseeching me to imitate those beautiful virtues and breathe the purer air that enfolds the religious life.
Oh Lord my God, grant me to love Thy ways. Strengthen my resolve not to offend Thee any longer so that Thou wilt always find a dwelling in my heart! Amen.
Learning a Lesson (July 6, 2009, Monday)
Last week I got a cold and I knew right from the start that God is admonishing me once more to retrace back my life.
That forced me to think twice. For the last time I fell sick, I thought I had made enough resolutions to be better next time. I respected the days and nights as God has designed it to be and quitted my being workaholic. I refrained from beating the time and made it sure that I never skipped lunch anymore. Yet here I am suffering the same illness.
Indeed, it’s not about staying fit. The previous weeks found me engaging on much idle talk that I recognized something’s wrong going on. It was full of nonsense, really, but I cared less and tried to ignore my senses. Simply put, I’m beginning to become worldlier that somehow Our Lord was pleased to strike me with a congested running nose combined with a slight headache and irritable throat.
But that doesn’t mean I was totally forgetting God. For even when I’m having ailment, I must admit I was successful in finishing my daily prayers albeit imperfectly. Rather, it’s more of neglecting to observe silence as much as possible so as to make space for mental prayer in order for my soul to be further sanctified. I was too much drawn already by petty conversations that aren’t even worth talking about disregarding at the same time His majestic presence that was supposed to be with me all around.
It was dreadful for me to comprehend that I had become lax with my religious endeavors. That despite my conscience warning me, I remained deaf all those times. I thought killing one’s conscience is something I couldn’t possibly do. And I never knew how a lot of people bear doing it till I found myself exactly on that same plane. I felt embarrassed. Does this the legacy I truly want the world to see in me?
Sadly, I learned it the hard way. Yet I won’t stop from there. It’s the art of learning continuously for His glory and our benefit. Now that I’m recuperating, I better get a balanced outlook. I must learn to avoid such trifling activities and be a wholesome person still - ever recalling to mind to be as religious as I can.
Oh Immaculate Mother of God, teach me thy prudence. Grant me a profound understanding of God’s will - thus making me closer to thee and my Redeemer! Amen.
That forced me to think twice. For the last time I fell sick, I thought I had made enough resolutions to be better next time. I respected the days and nights as God has designed it to be and quitted my being workaholic. I refrained from beating the time and made it sure that I never skipped lunch anymore. Yet here I am suffering the same illness.
Indeed, it’s not about staying fit. The previous weeks found me engaging on much idle talk that I recognized something’s wrong going on. It was full of nonsense, really, but I cared less and tried to ignore my senses. Simply put, I’m beginning to become worldlier that somehow Our Lord was pleased to strike me with a congested running nose combined with a slight headache and irritable throat.
But that doesn’t mean I was totally forgetting God. For even when I’m having ailment, I must admit I was successful in finishing my daily prayers albeit imperfectly. Rather, it’s more of neglecting to observe silence as much as possible so as to make space for mental prayer in order for my soul to be further sanctified. I was too much drawn already by petty conversations that aren’t even worth talking about disregarding at the same time His majestic presence that was supposed to be with me all around.
It was dreadful for me to comprehend that I had become lax with my religious endeavors. That despite my conscience warning me, I remained deaf all those times. I thought killing one’s conscience is something I couldn’t possibly do. And I never knew how a lot of people bear doing it till I found myself exactly on that same plane. I felt embarrassed. Does this the legacy I truly want the world to see in me?
Sadly, I learned it the hard way. Yet I won’t stop from there. It’s the art of learning continuously for His glory and our benefit. Now that I’m recuperating, I better get a balanced outlook. I must learn to avoid such trifling activities and be a wholesome person still - ever recalling to mind to be as religious as I can.
Oh Immaculate Mother of God, teach me thy prudence. Grant me a profound understanding of God’s will - thus making me closer to thee and my Redeemer! Amen.
My Most Cherished Person (June 29, 2009, Monday)
Today’s something I cherished as 2 Filipino SSPX priests are celebrating their priesthood anniversaries. Sts. Peter and Paul must have been really enjoying their day in Heaven to see many fervent priests sacrificing their lives to continue what they had begun 2000 years ago.
Cherishing this day is the same way as I’ve treasured family birthdays and other Church feasts. That is why I thought it befitting to write about something that has long been due. An acquaintance even proposed that I write about it to include on his next book but I simply remained stagnant. I was hesitant for I just couldn’t make up my mind. I may say that almost a year had passed and it was only now I realized I had accidentally denied his noble request. Poor thing… Nevertheless, I sense something still needs to be done that I began collecting my thoughts once again. Finally, this is the moment that I’m going to write about the one whom I cherished most: Mom.
Believe it or not, but it’s Mom whom I deeply love most in this world. People may think otherwise since we have great differences and even up close to clashing debates. But that’s not enough to break my love for her. Because in spite of our being opposites, we still have similarities. Her blood reigns on my veins and I found out that whatever I have came only from her. If ever I did my best, it was only because she taught me how. If ever I was strong, it was because she gave me an example on herself. And if ever I am deeply rooted on the Catholic faith, it was because her basic teachings about God became my cornerstone.
Favoritism is common among parents and Mom isn’t an exemption. Growing up with 5 siblings ahead of me, I was in no better situation. Too many times I experienced that but the more I see it, the more my love outgrows for her. For somewhere along, it has supplied me enough competence and confidence. I remember how a friend once recalled, “No mother thinks ill for her child.” Indeed, that’s how she thinks it best and I can only watch her decision so long as it doesn’t contradict the Faith.
A mother’s love can never be equaled. Of course, (setting aside Our Heavenly Mother) it may have its own imperfections but it’s only there to give the child a chance to acquire a keener understanding of life. For in each misdeed, we can arm ourselves better. And for every unpleasant circumstance, there arises the challenge to improve one’s character.
Such has been the inspirations of Mom. And I felt it more of an intuition than infusion. Even though her not-so-good marriage with Dad hampered the ideal mother I was looking up on her, I’m still dumbfounded on how she squeezed everything just to make both ends meet. It was then I realized that true love consists of not just merely having what one craves. Instead, it’s the combination of like and dislike wherein one can ultimately discern what LOVE really is.
Hence, loving Mom next to God is the thing I’d like to pursue. It’s the next best thing, as the saying goes. She gave me deeds that are both consoling and aching. Most of all, it was her very own self that showed me the various aspects of this life. Small things may be attributed to Mom but it’s already big for those who knew her fully well. I’ve heard a lot of what people say about Mom’s personality but deep down, her heart is still a jewel that’s precious and overwhelming.
Each of us has different stories to tell about our most cherished person in this planet. It can be the one who granted us that stuff we’re dying to have. Or it can be that significant other who yielded us that perfect love we’re searching for. Or still, it can be that folk who never chided us on whatever we do be it good or bad. But as for me, I’d still prefer to choose Mom among the several persons who’ve crossed my life. It was she who led me on the way to discovering the genuine essence of life. And having gone so far as to what I am now, I could only thank her for being simply my wonderful Mom.
Oh Blessed Mother, I thank thee for bestowing to me such a great Mom. Grant me the grace to respect her all the time and may it be written and engraved on my heart that I may never fail to do so! Amen.
Cherishing this day is the same way as I’ve treasured family birthdays and other Church feasts. That is why I thought it befitting to write about something that has long been due. An acquaintance even proposed that I write about it to include on his next book but I simply remained stagnant. I was hesitant for I just couldn’t make up my mind. I may say that almost a year had passed and it was only now I realized I had accidentally denied his noble request. Poor thing… Nevertheless, I sense something still needs to be done that I began collecting my thoughts once again. Finally, this is the moment that I’m going to write about the one whom I cherished most: Mom.
Believe it or not, but it’s Mom whom I deeply love most in this world. People may think otherwise since we have great differences and even up close to clashing debates. But that’s not enough to break my love for her. Because in spite of our being opposites, we still have similarities. Her blood reigns on my veins and I found out that whatever I have came only from her. If ever I did my best, it was only because she taught me how. If ever I was strong, it was because she gave me an example on herself. And if ever I am deeply rooted on the Catholic faith, it was because her basic teachings about God became my cornerstone.
Favoritism is common among parents and Mom isn’t an exemption. Growing up with 5 siblings ahead of me, I was in no better situation. Too many times I experienced that but the more I see it, the more my love outgrows for her. For somewhere along, it has supplied me enough competence and confidence. I remember how a friend once recalled, “No mother thinks ill for her child.” Indeed, that’s how she thinks it best and I can only watch her decision so long as it doesn’t contradict the Faith.
A mother’s love can never be equaled. Of course, (setting aside Our Heavenly Mother) it may have its own imperfections but it’s only there to give the child a chance to acquire a keener understanding of life. For in each misdeed, we can arm ourselves better. And for every unpleasant circumstance, there arises the challenge to improve one’s character.
Such has been the inspirations of Mom. And I felt it more of an intuition than infusion. Even though her not-so-good marriage with Dad hampered the ideal mother I was looking up on her, I’m still dumbfounded on how she squeezed everything just to make both ends meet. It was then I realized that true love consists of not just merely having what one craves. Instead, it’s the combination of like and dislike wherein one can ultimately discern what LOVE really is.
Hence, loving Mom next to God is the thing I’d like to pursue. It’s the next best thing, as the saying goes. She gave me deeds that are both consoling and aching. Most of all, it was her very own self that showed me the various aspects of this life. Small things may be attributed to Mom but it’s already big for those who knew her fully well. I’ve heard a lot of what people say about Mom’s personality but deep down, her heart is still a jewel that’s precious and overwhelming.
Each of us has different stories to tell about our most cherished person in this planet. It can be the one who granted us that stuff we’re dying to have. Or it can be that significant other who yielded us that perfect love we’re searching for. Or still, it can be that folk who never chided us on whatever we do be it good or bad. But as for me, I’d still prefer to choose Mom among the several persons who’ve crossed my life. It was she who led me on the way to discovering the genuine essence of life. And having gone so far as to what I am now, I could only thank her for being simply my wonderful Mom.
Oh Blessed Mother, I thank thee for bestowing to me such a great Mom. Grant me the grace to respect her all the time and may it be written and engraved on my heart that I may never fail to do so! Amen.
Narrow-mindedness (June 23, 2009, Tuesday)
Most people find it hard to forgive a priest here or there who’ve committed a mistake - whether big or small. I don’t know but perhaps it sprang forth from their dignified office that we easily consider them as saints already.
For my part, I don’t mind seeing their faults as they are still God’s ambassadors. But when news regrettably spread touching the sacred vow of chastity, my heart eventually pounds and I couldn’t but express dismay and disgust. It’s as if every sense of reason is excused from this point of view. Why? Because how come?!? Weren’t the many years spent in the seminary enough to secure their purity? Didn’t they consider soundly the meaning of celibacy and have they forgotten that they accepted it with their very own free will? Didn’t they study well the protocol when it comes to the opposite gender - those encyclicals of great pious popes and the Summa Theologica of St. Thomas? Doesn’t it ring on their minds to cut off - even as abrupt as it should be - any conversation with a female acquaintance whenever an occasion of scandal might likely arise? Zealous or not, I don’t think prudence could be wanting in any ordained priest. Thus, I simply couldn’t reconcile it.
Oh well, the problem with me is that I tend to forget that they are human beings - that even saints were sinners before. This thought went deeper in me that I found myself asking questions that are rather compassionate. Who is it that cleanses our souls in the confessional whenever we sin? Who is there to give God an offering most worthy to appease His anger? And who is there to consecrate the bread and wine into Our Lord’s own Body and Blood so that we may have Him and live? And yet why is it that whenever priests ask the faithful for forgiveness, most of the time it is received with a cold and insulting manner?
It is far easier for us to have the comfort of a priest by our side as it is demanded from their state of duty. That sometimes, even admonitions are sweet to bear due to the priest’s assuring words. But priests, on the other hand, couldn’t expect it from us. Ah, poor priests, if only we know how much they suffer but who would dare listen to their entreaties? Fool that I am, it was only then my narrowed mind stopped criticizing.
I started realizing that every time I abhor them, it is the same as if I haven’t forgiven those who’ve injured me. It’s as if I’m shutting the door of my heart with a sign “Closed: No entry.” How much more if Our Lord was the One knocking and wearied out?
Hence, I began to make a new perceptive. Intriguing as the sound of any tinkling rumor may be, I’m going to try debarring my mind with uncharitable thoughts. Rather, the need for an ever increase of prayer of supplication for the pitied priest’s soul. I’ve come to conclude that it’s wiser to pray Hail Marys in behalf of the unfortunate priest’s soul than attempting to ill-judge the reputation of the one whose character resembles Our Savior and Lord.
Oh Blessed Virgin Mother of God, help me to shun away rash assessment when it comes to this particular defect of thy priests. I ask that thou shelter them in thy Virginal Heart that no evil of impurity may come near them. In their loneliness, grant them not to seek for unchaste pleasure but to find in thee a most splendid love. Grant them always in sanctifying grace and if they unhappily lose it, aid and give them the strength to recover it immediately by a sincere repentance! Amen.
For my part, I don’t mind seeing their faults as they are still God’s ambassadors. But when news regrettably spread touching the sacred vow of chastity, my heart eventually pounds and I couldn’t but express dismay and disgust. It’s as if every sense of reason is excused from this point of view. Why? Because how come?!? Weren’t the many years spent in the seminary enough to secure their purity? Didn’t they consider soundly the meaning of celibacy and have they forgotten that they accepted it with their very own free will? Didn’t they study well the protocol when it comes to the opposite gender - those encyclicals of great pious popes and the Summa Theologica of St. Thomas? Doesn’t it ring on their minds to cut off - even as abrupt as it should be - any conversation with a female acquaintance whenever an occasion of scandal might likely arise? Zealous or not, I don’t think prudence could be wanting in any ordained priest. Thus, I simply couldn’t reconcile it.
Oh well, the problem with me is that I tend to forget that they are human beings - that even saints were sinners before. This thought went deeper in me that I found myself asking questions that are rather compassionate. Who is it that cleanses our souls in the confessional whenever we sin? Who is there to give God an offering most worthy to appease His anger? And who is there to consecrate the bread and wine into Our Lord’s own Body and Blood so that we may have Him and live? And yet why is it that whenever priests ask the faithful for forgiveness, most of the time it is received with a cold and insulting manner?
It is far easier for us to have the comfort of a priest by our side as it is demanded from their state of duty. That sometimes, even admonitions are sweet to bear due to the priest’s assuring words. But priests, on the other hand, couldn’t expect it from us. Ah, poor priests, if only we know how much they suffer but who would dare listen to their entreaties? Fool that I am, it was only then my narrowed mind stopped criticizing.
I started realizing that every time I abhor them, it is the same as if I haven’t forgiven those who’ve injured me. It’s as if I’m shutting the door of my heart with a sign “Closed: No entry.” How much more if Our Lord was the One knocking and wearied out?
Hence, I began to make a new perceptive. Intriguing as the sound of any tinkling rumor may be, I’m going to try debarring my mind with uncharitable thoughts. Rather, the need for an ever increase of prayer of supplication for the pitied priest’s soul. I’ve come to conclude that it’s wiser to pray Hail Marys in behalf of the unfortunate priest’s soul than attempting to ill-judge the reputation of the one whose character resembles Our Savior and Lord.
Oh Blessed Virgin Mother of God, help me to shun away rash assessment when it comes to this particular defect of thy priests. I ask that thou shelter them in thy Virginal Heart that no evil of impurity may come near them. In their loneliness, grant them not to seek for unchaste pleasure but to find in thee a most splendid love. Grant them always in sanctifying grace and if they unhappily lose it, aid and give them the strength to recover it immediately by a sincere repentance! Amen.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Seizing the Opportunity
Since my family cut costs last February, I rarely get the advantage to surf the net. That means, I’ve to grab this moment, type quickly, and make the best out of this once in a while luck.
Well, well, it’s April already and it’s my 2nd year here. Many things happened on my life but much as I wanted to post it here, I couldn’t do so for I got a limited time only. The biggest highlight on this month of the Blessed Sacrament, though, was that on Maundy Thursday, my family attended Mass and stayed till midnight to accompany Our Lord reposing on the altar. It was truly edifying to know that all of the family members present went to confession that day. Alas, what could be more pleasing to Our Lord than receiving these 2 Sacraments frequently and worthily!
In his sermon, the visiting priest explicitly reminded the faithful to constantly fix their minds towards Our Lord’s suffering on the Cross – without which Heaven’s gate wouldn’t be opened and thus our eternal misery. May I never lose sight of this wonderful redemption so that I would be slow in sinning and advance in sanctity.
Oh Blessed Virgin, grant our souls always pleasing to thee and thy Son that Thou would ever dwell in us! Amen.
Well, well, it’s April already and it’s my 2nd year here. Many things happened on my life but much as I wanted to post it here, I couldn’t do so for I got a limited time only. The biggest highlight on this month of the Blessed Sacrament, though, was that on Maundy Thursday, my family attended Mass and stayed till midnight to accompany Our Lord reposing on the altar. It was truly edifying to know that all of the family members present went to confession that day. Alas, what could be more pleasing to Our Lord than receiving these 2 Sacraments frequently and worthily!
In his sermon, the visiting priest explicitly reminded the faithful to constantly fix their minds towards Our Lord’s suffering on the Cross – without which Heaven’s gate wouldn’t be opened and thus our eternal misery. May I never lose sight of this wonderful redemption so that I would be slow in sinning and advance in sanctity.
Oh Blessed Virgin, grant our souls always pleasing to thee and thy Son that Thou would ever dwell in us! Amen.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Tragic death of 3 SSPX Seminarians
I didn’t know that the next blog I’d be writing here is about tragedy. Sure, life has so many unexpected circumstances, but this one was terribly different. In fact, it was like a sword wounding my heart that would take time to heal its course.
Truly, I was shocked to hear the news from Fr. Dolotina that 3 seminarians met a tragic death as an avalanche glided over them. They were actually 4 but luckily, one survived. Their bodies were already found save for one.
It was the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and 7 young seminarians from Econe headed off for the Seminary’s usual afternoon activity. Their excursion was set on a snow-filled mountain and Misters Jean-Baptiste Despres, Raymond Guérin and Mickaël Sabak didn’t know that it would be the last place they’d be treading here on earth. All of them were French and perhaps this is why I was deeply affected. French people are the ones I considered as most pious of all nationals producing numerous beautiful saints. Among them was my favorite and patron saint, St. Joan of Arc. One could also think that His Grace Archbishop Lefebvre was also French.
I kept pondering about that incident and the more I researched for it on the net, the more I became grieved and dumbfounded. One could ask why such a thing befell the SSPX. Were they not worthy enough to appease God’s anger that He took 3 noble men out from them? It is life that was taken and absolutely, no amount of money nor any kind of thing that would surmount such a precious life. But considering very carefully, the Society is still on the right track, albeit imperfection may sometimes arise here or there. No. This is simply yet another smile from Divine Providence, as Bp. Fellay rightly puts it in one of his many conferences.
Who knows - Our Lord is sparing them from much tribulation that would arise or rather from a much fatal accident? I might say that those 3 were already prepared to enter eternity and it can serve as an anecdote to the remaining 4 to always consider death as just around the corner. Their death can also be a sacrifice for this impure world, purging away the sins of humanity that this planet would still be a footstool of God.
But far from hypothesizing anything, let us look for what Holy Mother Church teaches us. They have already entered eternity and we should all the more pray for their souls. It’s indeed a great loss and I sympathize with the Despres, Guerins, and Sabaks. Like I said on one traditional Catholic forum, my greatest consolation was that they died on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Our Lady would surely intercede for their benevolent souls who had ardently wished to be an alter Christus someday.
Oh Blessed Lady of Lourdes, grant them eternal bliss with thee and thy Son. Do thou comfort as well their immediate families they’ve left on earth that they persevere still in the Catholic faith amidst stricken loss of their amiable sons and brothers’ lives! Amen.
Let me end here with the letter of the SSPX District Superior for France Fr. Cacqueray and a poem.
And the poem...
Truly, I was shocked to hear the news from Fr. Dolotina that 3 seminarians met a tragic death as an avalanche glided over them. They were actually 4 but luckily, one survived. Their bodies were already found save for one.
It was the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and 7 young seminarians from Econe headed off for the Seminary’s usual afternoon activity. Their excursion was set on a snow-filled mountain and Misters Jean-Baptiste Despres, Raymond Guérin and Mickaël Sabak didn’t know that it would be the last place they’d be treading here on earth. All of them were French and perhaps this is why I was deeply affected. French people are the ones I considered as most pious of all nationals producing numerous beautiful saints. Among them was my favorite and patron saint, St. Joan of Arc. One could also think that His Grace Archbishop Lefebvre was also French.
I kept pondering about that incident and the more I researched for it on the net, the more I became grieved and dumbfounded. One could ask why such a thing befell the SSPX. Were they not worthy enough to appease God’s anger that He took 3 noble men out from them? It is life that was taken and absolutely, no amount of money nor any kind of thing that would surmount such a precious life. But considering very carefully, the Society is still on the right track, albeit imperfection may sometimes arise here or there. No. This is simply yet another smile from Divine Providence, as Bp. Fellay rightly puts it in one of his many conferences.
Who knows - Our Lord is sparing them from much tribulation that would arise or rather from a much fatal accident? I might say that those 3 were already prepared to enter eternity and it can serve as an anecdote to the remaining 4 to always consider death as just around the corner. Their death can also be a sacrifice for this impure world, purging away the sins of humanity that this planet would still be a footstool of God.
But far from hypothesizing anything, let us look for what Holy Mother Church teaches us. They have already entered eternity and we should all the more pray for their souls. It’s indeed a great loss and I sympathize with the Despres, Guerins, and Sabaks. Like I said on one traditional Catholic forum, my greatest consolation was that they died on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Our Lady would surely intercede for their benevolent souls who had ardently wished to be an alter Christus someday.
Oh Blessed Lady of Lourdes, grant them eternal bliss with thee and thy Son. Do thou comfort as well their immediate families they’ve left on earth that they persevere still in the Catholic faith amidst stricken loss of their amiable sons and brothers’ lives! Amen.
Let me end here with the letter of the SSPX District Superior for France Fr. Cacqueray and a poem.
12 February 2009
Dear Faithful,
Dear Friends,
We have a deep sorrow to inform you of the accidental death, which occurred during a walk in the mountains yesterday 11 February, three members of the Fraternity of Saint Pius X, Messieurs the abbots Després Jean-Baptiste, Raymond Guérin and Mickaël Sabak All three third-year students in the seminar of Econ.
We recommend that your prayers the repose of their souls and their families so severely affected by this tragedy. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated in their intentions in each house district.
Ask Our Lady of Lourdes, the feast at which the accident occurred, soon to welcome in the glory of heaven our three young Levites to extend the heavenly family members of the fraternity. Ask him to console their families so deeply affected by such a test.
We also recommend to your prayers our fraternity itself sorely tested well in this circumstance.
As soon as we can, we'll give you information about the funeral of our three seminarians.
I request you to accept, dear faithful, dear friends, the expression of my priestly dedication in the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Rev. Régis de Cacqueray
And the poem...
Priez pour moi
Le jour où je ne suis plus là
Je ne vais pas vous demander de ne pas les soins
mais il ya certaines choses que je ne veux pas
pour vous de faire quand je suis allé
Ne pas lancer une partie en mon nom
ne pleure pas trop longtemps car c'est en vain
ne souhaitent pas que je serais bientôt de retour se
il ya plus de vie que seul ce
Ne me laissez pas de cadeaux sur ma tombe
don't hate Celui qui m'a fait quitter
J'avais un commerce, pour chaque Ave rose
Je peux l'utiliser plus que ces
Ne dites pas que ma vie a pris fin
ne pas avoir honte de se déplacer le long de
mais si vous aimé moi ici, mes amis
oh, ne vous m'aider lorsque je suis allé?
Je ne prétends pas, il n'a jamais été
parce que je suis encore en vie quelque part
mais s'il vous plaît ne me pendre sur votre mur
si vous ne priez pour moi, à tous les
Donc, si vous vous occupez de moi mes amis
alors s'il vous plaît ne laissez pas votre prière fin
cause, même si je suis maintenant dans le ciel
quelqu'un d'autre pourrait les utiliser de toute façon
J'ai une lourde dette à payer
avez-vous de l'eau pour ma tombe?
et si vous ne pouvez pas visiter mes os
S'il vous plaît, priez pour moi à partir de votre foyer
Et si vous souhaitez me rendre visite sur la terre
souviens-toi de moi pour ce que ça vaut
parce que je mai de la souffrance jusqu'à ce que je paie
oui, s'il vous plaît ne me laissez pas seul de cette façon
Donc, ne vont pas dans la misère
Et ne pas déplorer ce qui n'a pas pu être
parce que dans heav'n j'espère que nous allons rencontrer
mais d'ici là, il suffit de prier pour moi.
English translation (It was actually written in English but I decided to put it in French first as a loving memory for those 3 French seminarians.)
Pray for Me
The day that I'm no longer there
I won't ask you not to care
but there some things I don't want
for you to do when I am gone
Don't throw a party in my name
don't cry too long cause it's in vain
don't wish that I would come right back
there's more to life than only that
Don't leave me gifts upon my grave
don't hate the One that made me leave
I'd trade one Ave for each rose
I can use that more than those
Don't say my life came to an end
don't be ashamed to move along
but if you loved me here, my friends
oh, won't you help me when I'm gone?
Don't pretend I was never there
because I'm still alive somewhere
but please don't hang me on your wall
if you won't pray for me at all
So if you care for me my friends
then please don't let your praying end
cause even if I'm in heaven now
someone else could use them anyhow
I've got a heavy debt to pay
have you any water for my grave?
and if you can't visit my bones
please pray for me right from your homes
And if you'd visit me on earth
remember me for what it's worth
cause I may be suffering till I pay
so, please don't leave me alone that way
So don't go on in misery
And don't lament what couldn't be
because in heav'n I hope we'll meet
but until then, just pray for me.
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