My Journey into 2012!

Hello everyone! I know that I haven't updated my blog in a while. The last time I updated it was during the summer break. Wow, that was almost 6 months ago. Don't worry, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth.

It is now 2012 and I am entering my last semester of College seminary. At the end of the semester, I will earning a Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy and a Bachelors of Arts in Religious Studies. Last week, we had our Annual Silent Retreat at Mount Angel Seminary. This year's retreat master was Archbishop George Niederauer of San Francisco. With his literature background, Archbishop gave us fresh looks at scripture passages and linked them with the theme. Although it was not explicitly stated, I think the theme was "Earthen Vessels". Overall, this retreat was much needed and was much refreshing.

During the retreat, I read the book "The Joy of Priesthood" by Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti. Msgr. Rossetti also gave me inspiring words of encouragement in my discernment to the Priestly life.

This semester, I am taking 17 semester credits to finish up. I will also be defending a senior capstone project. Currently the title of my paper is "Theosis and Liturgy: How the Liturgy leads to Deification." I am so excited for this semester and hopefully I will be continuing on to another seminary to complete my Seminary formation.

With These Hands...

Last night for almost three hours I was washing dishes at McDonald's. Yes, I am working at McDonald's this summer to pay for any expenses this coming school year at the seminary. As my finngers were geting very wrinkled from all the grease, soap, and hot water, I reflected on my vocation.

I couldn't fathom the idea that with these hands, one day God will make himself present through his body and blood. With these hands, God will baptize His children into His divine life. With these hands, God will forgive people of their sins. With these hands, God will anoint the sick and bring them comfort. With these hands... these simple hands.

I pray that more in our diocese will listen to God's call and repond with a firm YES!

Diocesan Prayer for Vocations

Heavenly Father,

your Divine Son taught us to pray to the Lord of the harvest

to send laborers into His vineyard.

We earnestly beg you to bless our diocese and our world

with many priest and religious

who will love you fervently and gladly and courageously send their lives

in service to your Son's Church,

especially the poor and the needy.

Bless our families and our children,

and choose from our homes those who you desire for this holy work.

Teach them to respond generously and keep them ever faithful

in following your Son Jesus Christ,

that under the guidance of the Holy Spirit

and with the inspiration of Saint Damien and Blessed Marianne

the Good News of redemption may be brought to all.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Abiqua Falls Hike- My Lenten Walk With Jesus

This past weekend, I went to Abiqua Fall with the seminary hiking group. When I first signed up for the hike, I was told that it was going to be only a 1.5 mile hike down into the falls and 1.5 mile back up. The whole hike was about 9 miles. This was my lenten offering. I offered the pain and suffering of walking up the mountain, down the steep hillside, and then back up again.

It was worth it though, to see the falls at the end.... It was amazing....

LA Congress 2011

This year the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress is scheduled during our spring break. EJ and I decided to attend the congress as chaperones for the Immaculate Conception Church Youth Group (ICCYG). Much of this trip will be re-living our childhood along with supervising 12 youth. The highlight of this trip will certainly be the Youth Day (Thursday) but the Disneyland Experience, Universal Studios, and Medieval Times will be great as well. Follow me for the next few days as my spring break unfolds.

Day 1: (Monday) Today we arrived in LAX and was craving for an "Animal Style Double-Double" from In & Out. After checking in to our hotel, EJ's classmate, who lives in LA, picked us up for a night of great company. For dinner, we ate authentic Korean food in a small hole in the wall restaurant. I have been craving Bi-bim-bap since the semester started. I definitely had to eat that in the Hot Pot version. Our night ended with boba drinks down the road.

Day 2: (Tuesday) With only four hours of sleep, our day started with meeting the ICCYG at the airport. They rode the red eye from Lihue, Kauai direct to LAX. The youth were enthusiastic for their full day of Disneyland with only very little sleep. This was the first time I went to Disneyland.

Day 3: (Wednesday) Today was our Universal Studios adventure.

Day 4: (Thursday) We woke up very early to get into the line at the Anaheim Convention Center for Youth Day. Before our two hour wait, we stopped at seven eleven to grab some coffee to wake up. I was looking for spam musubi's, bento's, and fried saimin. Unfortunately seven eleven franchise only served donuts, banana's and breakfast burritos. It was 530am when we got to the Anaheim Convention Center. There was already a line forming at the doors. We were able to get in line at the beginning of the 15,000 youth gathered. Tried from a short sleep, the ICCYG were excited to experience their first Los Angeles Youth Day. The doors were opened at 730am and our group latched to each other as we moved into the arena. There was a perfect spot that Uncle Blu remembers from previous congresses. We followed as he dashed on in the first level of bleachers. He was right! The seats that we got were the best view. None of this nose bleed action that I have experienced in the past. Jessie Manibusan roused up the crowd with music. He shared to the youth the meaning of being "Church".

I have attended the LA Congress in the past but never made to the Youth Day portion. This was my first LA Congress Youth Day. After the great singing, the first inspirational speaker was Justin Fatica of the Hard as Nails Ministry. That ended the opening sessions. We decided to take the morning workshop that was in the arena. Our first speaker was Judy McDonald on the topic "Finding God in All Things."

Before Lunch, Archbishop Gomez celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass along with many brother bishops, priests, and deacons. At the end He said, "This is amazing." The Youth Day was Archbishop's introduction to LA Congress.

After Lunch, we attended the session led by inspirational speaker, Fr. Tony Ricard. Hearing his version of the creation story was moving to all present. As expected, Fr. Ricard motivated the youth with his message to "Shut up and Listen."

The closing ceremony was led by Jesses Manibusan.

Day 5: (Friday) Day of play at California Adventures. Don't worry we all had tofu(meatless) for lunch.

Day 6: (Saturday) Today, Ej and I decided to spend our whole day exploring through "Catholic Costco" (Catholic Costco is the 250+ exhibitors at LA Congress). For lunch we had an opportunity to meet and greet all the Hawaii delegates at Ihop. After lunch, we continued our exploration. We attended the Young Adult Mass in the afternoon.

Day 7: (Sunday) Our Spring Break is coming to an end. As we sat in the terminal for Alaska Air, I began to reflect on my vocation. My experience this spring break has taught me to live life to the fullest.

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus said to his disciples:

“You have heard that it was said,An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.When someone strikes you on your right cheek,turn the other one as well.If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic,hand over your cloak as well.Should anyone press you into service for one mile,go for two miles.Give to the one who asks of you,and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father..." (Excerpt of Mt. 5:38-48)

“You have heard that it was said,

Growing up in a typical Filipino family has its ups and downs. Being the oldest and a male child has its advantages over a younger female child. Looking back on my life, I can say that my relationship with my sister is much different now than then. As children, we fought often like cats and dogs. The smallest thing can begin the war of words. One time I remember we fought about something and was determined not to talk to each other ever again. How could I forgive her for what she said?

In the Gospel reading this past Sunday, Jesus reminds us to love our enemies, pray for our persecutors, and offer our other cheek when someone strikes the other. Today, my relationship with my sister has grown into a loving and understanding one. My journey towards the priesthood of Christ has really help me grow in this dimension of the Christian life. It seems to me that it would be difficult to be a holy priest if you can't forgive and forget. God self-emptied himself (Kenosis) and took our form in the person of Jesus to restore our relationship with God and neighbor.

How many of us want to become true children of God? Then we must live up to the challenge that is outlined in the following antiphon.

‎"If you want to be true children of your heavenly Father, then you must pray for those who persecute you and speak all kinds of evil against you, says the Lord"

- Canticle of Mary Antiphon for Evening Prayer I