True North January 2012 issue by mich cruz

VOLUME 7 • NUMBER 1

THE PERFECT

Touched by

ANGELS Inspirational Scenes from World Youth Day and Catchfire TRUE NORTH 2012+++.indd 1

How to give and receive

God@Work:

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VOLUME 7 • NUMBER 1

ABOUT THE COVER The original cover concept was supposed to be the search for the perfect gift. It was easy to come up with perfectly wrapped gifts for the shoot. But something was amiss. While gifts are important, should we also focus on the gift giver/receiver? It then became the search for the perfect giver. It's a good thing that Selene was accompanying her mom and sister for the shoot that day. With the right mix of loving demeanor of a gift giver and a tempered excitement of a gift receiver, Selene delivers the perfect True North cover.

IN THIS ISSUE

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Editor’s Note So what did you get last Christmas?

This Issue’s Question

God@Work

Teachings

Do you believe in guardian angels?

Ways to appreciate God’s gift of work

Making psalms your own prayers

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Loving someone through their love languages

It’s the Gifts that Count

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The Touch that Heals

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Let Me Count the Ways

A mother cracks the code

A rehab doctor’s story of hope

Sharing Quality Time A frat group that stays together, wherever

The Hands that Serve A sister who likes to serve

The Hands that Serve 2 A brother with a big heart

More than Mere Words

My Take: 21 Days of Grace

Words that uplift the youth

From Prep10 to Adelante to World Youth Day

10 Questions: John Keating A glimpse on who this God’s servant really is

Catching Fire Let the fire fall Our in-house Photographer: John Rich Villas

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

As always, this a collaborative issue courtesy of our army of volunteer writers and photographers—all doing this for the love of God. We would like to acknowledge the guidance of Berry Marfori who helped conceptualize the issue and who also contributed some of the articles despite her gruelling schedules. We also honor Aly Sulit-Placino for her solid dedication and untiring service, a true testament for being an obedient daughter of the Lord. Kudos also to our Art Director, Cleone Baradas, for being the creative mind that makes the pages come alive with pictures and colors. All of these would not be possible, if the people we badgered and interviewed did not open their hearts and homes to our writers. And most of all, we thank the Holy Spirit who guided and inspired, and continues to guide and inspire, us in our journey in proclaiming God's eternal love for everyone.

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ramoncito dela Cruz MANAGING EDITOR Aly Sulit-Placino EDITORIAL BOARD Gary Mendoza (coordinator-in-charge) Berry Marfori Anna Sobrepeña Chito Sobrepeña ART DIRECTOR Cleone Baradas CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tina Alejandro Miracel Juanta Mars Quizon Melissa Zamuco-Mercado Therese Pelias Alvin Samson Mich Cruz-Villar Ellen U.Virina Jake Yap CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Dino Placino Mike Sia John Rich Villas

WHY TRUE NORTH

In navigational parlance, True North is a constant that guides travelers. In the course of our lives, our True North is Jesus Christ, the constant for all times. True North is a publication of Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon (www.lnp.org.ph) and its partners – Christ’s Youth in Action, Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon, and the Institute for Pastoral Development. LNP is a member of the federation of communities around the globe, Sword of the Spirit (www.swordofthespirit.net).

WE ARE OPEN

True North is inviting all engaging storytellers—through words and pictures. We are expanding our pool of writers, editors and photographers for our forthcoming issues. But before we can write beautiful prose and compose inspiring pictures, we need story ideas too. Interested members of Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon and all its outreach organizations can email or call Monching dela Cruz at ramoncitodelacruz@ yahoo.com or 0917 891 7644.

EDITOR’S NOTE SO WHAT DID YOU GET LAST CHRISTMAS? Many of the gifts that I received last Christmas have already been gleefully spent, ingested and shared with others. Yes, you read it right. I’ve “shared” – or others say “recycled” – some of my gifts. For the record, these gifts – which I’m sure were carefully and lovingly selected and bought by family and friends – are not ugly. I just thought they would be better utilized by others. (Rest assured, I also carefully and lovingly hand-picked which gifts I would share with which person). If you are still not yet convinced on the wisdom of sharing – okay, recycling – gifts, then maybe this True North issue can help you see this frowned-upon “malpractice” in a different light. In making our annual gift list, we always ask ourselves: What is the perfect gift? We all agree that love is the best gift that we can give and receive not just during the holiday season. The perfect one is the one that is pure, whole-hearted and unconditional. Admittedly, in this day and age, it is difficult to receive and give such gift. But we can try. We must try. To help perfect the art of giving love, True North presents several stories from our Community brothers and sisters that make Gary Chapman's The Five Love Languages come alive. The series of love articles starts on page 12, with an introduction from our True North director Berry Marfori. The articles show that love can be packaged in such ways that are meaningful to the receiver. Aside from giving, we also share some tips on how to be a good gift receiver, especially in appreciating the gift coming from our work on page 6. Believe it or not, our work is a gift from God.

As these stories reveal, God loves us in so many, many ways. And we must share it again and again, and even give to the same person several times over. It does not have an expiration date. As one very wise person once told me: “For love to find a home in us, we must give it away”. By the way, you may also notice that we have added a new column called “10 Questions”, on top of our regular “Teachings” and “My Take” columns. This column aims to give you an intimate glimpse on a person who you see during our regular gatherings, but were too shy to approach and strike a conversation with. For our inaugural column, we posed the 10 questions to Brother John Keating who readily answered them with honesty and candor on page 30. I pray that this issue gives us the courage and the perseverance to be the perfect gift giver and receiver this year. Remember, God’s love has no expiration date and is best given all year round. Have a blessed year ahead!

We likewise tell inspiring stories that remind us on how God loves and protects us always through our precious Guardian Angels starting on page 4.

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THIS ISSUE’S QUESTION

Do you believe in

Guardian Angels? The God who picked an obscure race in ancient times to be His Chosen People continues to set apart particular sets of individuals to be His very own. Jesus himself instructed his disciples in Matthew 18:10 to have a special concern for children. He further emphasized their importance by citing that their angels have extraordinary access to His Father. In this issue, we celebrate how angels continue to protect and intervene in our lives to this day. One extraordinary account is that of Henri Carlo Santos, a junior at Georgetown University and the son of former Ang Ligaya ng

Panginoon (LNP) members Ric and Carol Santos and the nephew of Fr. Gio Santos, one of LNP’s chaplains. As Carol now recalls, she saw a 16-wheeler truck loaded with gravel and sand ran over the stomach of Henri, or Hansky as he is called by all. Hansky was then only five years old. She cannot forget that just minutes before that freak accident right in their neighborhood, Hansky was drawing his guardian angel. Her “favorite” son, as she called her only child Hansky, had just given his guardian angel a name in response to that morning’s kindergarten lesson.

“My God!” Carol screamed seconds after the accident. “Please help my son!” Bloodied, bruised all over and seemingly lifeless in her arms, the precocious Hansky stirred to life and corrected her. She should have said “my favorite son,” he whispered. At that point, she knew that Hansky’s guardian angel had done the Lord’s bidding and protected him. Indeed, our children are special to God who conceives great plans for them. God’s plans often dwarf the ones drawn so lavishly and lovingly by us parents—even if we may not always think so.

HANSKY SANTOS

Rescued by Angel Dominic Teacher Chris told us that we were going to have a show-andtell about our guardian angel. He’s like a friend, she explained, sent by God to watch over us. I didn’t even need to pray and request one; he was already there, constantly hovering around me. I only needed to name him. After singing farewell songs and sleeping during the car ride home, I sat at my white wooden desk and opened the top drawer. I thought about the show-and-tell homework and the answer immediately came to me. I would name my guardian

RESCUED wearing BY an alb, his edges glowing

angel Dominic. It sounded like Dominoes, my favorite game, and I thought that it had a nice ring to it. Upon hearing my decision, my father told me that Dominic Savio was a real person, the patron saint of youth. His name meant “of the Lord,” and my father promised to get me his biography so that I could learn more about him. All of a sudden, my guardian angel became more real. My guardian angel started gaining physical features: a round, boyish face, with black hair neatly combed and parted, just like mine. He was a schoolboy, but

Angel Dominic and his head topped with a halo.

UNDAMAGED

The April air was warm, and at 5pm, the setting sun lit the streets without scorching my skin. I was five years old then and was about to proudly graduate from training wheels. My parents flanked my bike, one on each side, and we all pedaled towards the tennis courts. We were going past a curve in the road when we saw the truck. The three of us stopped by the curb. However, the truck did not give any

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indication of turning away from us. It kept going faster, charging right at me. I was later told that the person behind the wheel was not the driver but a hired hand. He did not know how to drive. So when he saw my father and I waiting at the corner, he panicked and stepped on the accelerator pedal instead of the brakes. My dad was shoved out of the way by the truck. I was directly on its path, and went under its wheels. My father later told me that my mother was hysterical. She thought that the truck had killed me and screamed for help while carrying my body. But no one emerged from his or her house that Sunday afternoon. It was as if we were the only three people in the village. My father ran silently beside my mother in prayer. My memories of the moment immediately after the accident were numb and soundless. I woke up, lying sideways on the rough and dry grass. My eyes focused on the oil from the truck that slowly dripped right in front of my face. The next thing I knew, I was being carried away. All I saw was the cloudless sky. I turned to my mother. I told her, “Don’t worry, Mom. Angel Dominic was with me.” My voice was soft, not cringing in pain, and with a slight lilt of hope.

ANNA

SOBREPEÑA (LNP - North B):

Chito (Anna's husband) was walking briskly out of Dusit Thani Hotel when he stumbled forward and fell to the ground. His right leg, weakened by a medical condition several years ago, caused him to lose his balance.

Our guardian angel, is like a friend sent by God to watch over us. SPARED

Admittedly, the accident itself was not traumatic for me. I was even spared from hearing the screams of anguish from my parents, though the very thought makes me shudder. My body was covered with wounds, many of which would leave scars for years to come, but none of them hurt. As I tried to sleep that night, the details of my case spread among the doctors. They heard about what happened and saw my wounds,

His head landed only a few centimeters from a nearby podium’s marble base. Had he hit the corner of the base, he might have sustained a concussion or a more serious injury. As it happened, he was only slightly bruised and was able to walk to the clinic unassisted, where a doctor checked his vital signs and blood pressure. We later found out from our driver that the hotel attendants were amazed that

but they could not believe the X-rays. No bones were broken. All I needed was a little plastic surgery for the gash in my forehead. I didn’t even need physical therapy. It was a miracle, they said. Many of the doctors and nurses told my parents that they have never seen such a blessing in all their years of medical practice. I was simply spared. Excerpted from LIGHTS AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

Chito was able to push the heavy podium during the fall with such a force that the marble base fell off. They said that if the base stood in its original position, Chito would have bumped his head on it. We were more amazed when we heard this, because not only is Chito unable to move heavy objects, he didn’t even touch the podium. Some unseen hand had pushed it away and protected him from harm.

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QUENNIE PLOPINO

(Community of Sant' Egidio): I’m a believer of guardian angels. When I was still a child, my prayerful aunt and my mother taught me how to pray to my guardian angel. From then on, I know that guardian angels are real. I believe in my guardian angel. Her name is Faith. One day, I was playing with firecrackers with my playmates when suddenly I felt like someone tried to move my head. Right at that moment, a firecracker leaped over my shoulder. If I didn’t move, the firecracker could have hit my eye. Another instance was when I was on my way home. I felt someone was pushing me to go to the side but I was fighting it. After a few seconds, a tricycle passed beside me and ran over my right foot. Surprisingly, it didn’t hurt. My leg got scraped a bit, but everything was fine. Right now, I can still feel her presence especially when there’s danger ahead of me. But I guess since I’m older she doesn’t push me or move my head anymore, but she warns my heart that something wrong would happen. I know that my Angel Faith will be there for me especially during trying times.

REY

ICASAS

(LNP - South B): Many years ago, my wife, Nini, was driving her two-door car. She was doing some errands by herself that day. She came across an intersection, assessed the traffic condition and decided it was safe enough to cross it. Suddenly, an over-speeding school bus came out of nowhere. It was a potentially fatal scene that unfolded as the school

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bus came bearing down on the driver’s side of our car. Nini saw the school bus coming right straight at her. Out of panic, her body froze, but she said a prayer. Before the moment of impact, Nini felt pressure on her right leg which led her to step on the gas pedal. This involuntary action caused her car to jerk forward just enough to avoid a direct hit on her. Instead the bus rammed the rear passenger compartment which totally caved in. Clearly, God and Nini’s guardian angel were hard at work that day preventing what would have otherwise been a serious, lifethreatening situation. We praise God for His constant protection and active intervention in our daily affairs.

MAV

YENGCO (LNP - North E):

I was in Barcelona, Spain, in a metro interchange station with four other Ligaya sisters. It was midnight and we were on our way to a bus station across town. The metro station’s elevator was not working. We had to lug huge pieces of luggage down and up flights of stairs. As we finished our descent on one and started our ascent on another, I decided to stay behind and watch over

some suitcases as the other brought some up the stairs. Suddenly, a preppy teenage girl with a big smile came up to me and said: “Need help with that? Let me help you.” Her smile was so sweet, I smiled back. She took that as a yes and grabbed the handle of the luggage I was holding. Suddenly three to four teenage boys, all dressed in the same preppy manner, appeared out of nowhere with their playful smiles and helped bring up the other suitcases. I looked up at the other Ligaya sisters at the top of the stairs and I saw them smiling too. All was well! But suddenly, this man who looked like he just stepped out of a Miami Vice set appeared and started shouting in a booming voice: “Get out of here! Shoo! Out!” He shooed all the teenagers away and effortlessly brought all the suitcases to the top of the stairs. He then asked me to check if I still had all my valuables with me. I checked my bag, keeping one eye on this person. When he saw that all was in order, he explained that those teenagers were thieves whose modus operandi was to help tourists with their luggage and take their valuables in the process. He walked with us to the platform where we were headed. He told us that he had reported it to the police and asked us to be careful. I was shaken by the attempted robbery, but was grateful with Continue to page 29

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GOD@WORK

Unwrapping GOD’S GIFT of Work

BY Mich Cruz-Villar, Therese Pelias and Mars Quizon

Confucius once said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” For many busy professionals today, finding a work that you love remains an aspiration, amid overlapping deadlines, demanding bosses and clients, complicated projects and work-life balance challenges.

PHOTO BY JOHN RICH VILLAS

As Christians in the Lingkod ng Panginoon Community, we believe that work is a gift from God and that it is meant to be a source of joy. The book of Ecclesiastes says, “That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil — this is the gift of God.”

PAPIC OLIVEROS, who serves both in

Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon-North Sector and in Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon Manila, considers her work as a community doctor for Gawad Kalinga (GK) Tatalon and Payatas sites as a blessing from the Lord. “It allows me to experience glimpses of our Lord Jesus Christ’s life during His healing and preaching ministry with the last, the least and the lost,” Papic said.

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PHOTO BY JOHN RICH VILLAS

BRENT ESTRELLA,

a brother from Lingkod-Makati who has remained loyal to his very first employer, an international bank, and has progressed internally, shares that his personal relationship with the Lord developed together with his career. Brent said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am a firm believer of all things work together for good to those who love God. I therefore consider my work as a fruit or blessing of my loving relationship with God, one where I can derive happiness and satisfaction.â&#x20AC;?

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MEAN GUMNAD,

For former Branch Women’s Moderator of Lingkod-Baguio, the setting up of He-brews Bookstore and Café in Baguio City, together with other Lingkod-Baguio Branch members as her business partners, was an answered prayer for something new to do besides their regular jobs and businesses.

Indeed, appreciating our work as a gift from God can help us shift our perspective from viewing work as a chore to viewing work as a source of joy. As we unwrap the multiple layers of busy-ness of work, we will be able to see that beneath lies God’s wonderful gifts:

THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCING THE LORD. While challenges at work may be overwhelming, it is only by faith that we can overcome our struggles. Papic on her own trials: “It is challenging. I am often physically, emotionally, spiritually, and even financially drained. But I draw strength and grace from the Lord in prayer and rest in the knowledge that this is exactly where He wants me to be at this point in time of my life.” On the other hand, we must also acknowledge God in times of success. Papic is grateful for the daily miracles she witnesses in her work at GK: A man with a swollen leg getting healed with oral antibiotics; two neighbors, who are sworn enemies, finally reconciling after a session of ‘Loving God and loving your neighbor’ by GK workers in the chapel; and a baby rushed to the hospital and amazingly able to recover through prayers while the other babies in nearby ICU beds with similar illness die one by one.

THE GIFT OF GAINING AND CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIPS. The high demands of work can sometimes cause strain on relationships, even among friends. However, with loving eyes from God, we will be able to value relationships over success or profit. Mean pointed out a gem that has helped her to truly be joyful at work: “Don’t equate your income merely with the numbers that appear on your payslips, your cashflows, and your statements of account. There are genuine friendships that are there to be discovered and nurtured in your workplace. There are people who need your presence and whose presence you need.” In Mean’s income statement, she mostly includes the “friendships developed, lessons learned and virtues exercised” as true measures of how well she ran her business.

THE GIFT OF SERVING OTHERS. Believe that your work has a positive contribution to society, regardless of how big or small. Go and discover the many ways you can contribute! “Entering a new line with absolutely no background in the food or book industry (aside from a healthy appetite and a love for reading) was quite a

novelty, especially since it presented a means to serve our Diocese by selling liturgical and religious products to raise funds for the formation and social action work of the Diocese of Baguio and Benguet” Mean shared. Papic recalled how the people she serves at GK have paid it forward. “How joyful it is when the ones we have trained are able to apply what they’ve learned and serve their neighbors by giving proper first-aid care even when I’m not there, how they selflessly go house-to-house to invite their neighbors to attend value formation sessions or health activities." Brent also said: “My work has not only allowed me to reach for my dreams and gain self-fulfillment, but more importantly, it enabled me to be a blessing to others.”

THE GIFT OF GROWING IN CHARACTER. Each day at work is always an opportunity to learn something new. We are reminded therefore to remain open and humble to the people around us. Mean advised: “Be patient and compassionate both with yourself and those you encounter at work. There is always a reason why people act as they do. Know where they are coming from before you react in ways and words that you would soon regret”. She added that she herself has learned a lot and was “humbled numerous times by the depth of wisdom of the rank and file.”

AS WITH ALL GIFTS, THE GIFTS FROM GOD IN OUR WORK ARE BETTER ENJOYED WHEN SHARED WITH OTHERS. Brent encouraged us to be good witnesses in the workplace. “Share with others whatever it is that makes you stay or do the job that you do and don’t keep it to yourself. This makes you more effective and credible in enabling others to experience that same joy that you have,” he said. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” Indeed, the Lord cannot be outdone in generosity. Find His blessings in your work and be amazed with an abundant life.

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TEACHINGS

BY Jake Yap

In our Community, we are accustomed to free, spontaneous, vocal, charismatic worship. We find a similar exuberance and freedom in the Book of Psalms. There the psalms are uninhibitedly expressive. They give us such a picture of heartfelt and exuberant worship that we can’t escape the feeling that many of the psalms are quite noisy! “O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” (Ps 95:1) “Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!” (Ps 47:1) The psalms can teach us so many things about worship. We are told to harness our musical abilities, whether our voices or with musical instruments, for the praise of our great God. “Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Praise the Lord with the lyre, make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to him a new song, play skilfully on the strings, with loud shouts.” (Ps 33:1-3) We, therefore, wish to

make use of the psalms to enrich our charismatic spirituality. First of all, what is a psalm? It is a religious song. The very word “psalm” suggests a musical instrument. In the time of their composition, the psalms were sung, or recited in a simple chant. But psalm is not simply a song; it is a prayer. The “Psalter” (Book of Psalms) is the prayer-book of Israel and of the Christian church. Collectively, the psalms are prophetic. They point to or speak about Jesus Christ. Our Lord himself said, “This is what I told you while I still walked in your company; how all that was written of me in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, must be fulfilled.” (Lk 24:44) How are the psalms prophetic? Some of the psalms speak of the kingship of a “son of David” which, Christian believe, is fulfilled in Jesus. We call these “royal psalms”. For example, God speaks

Some psalms predict or foretell Jesus’ passion and death: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?” (Ps 22:1) The evangelists report that Jesus began to pray this psalm from the cross. Some lines amazingly tell us what Jesus experienced: “A company of evildoers encircle me; they have pierced my hands and feet – I can count all my bones – they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my raiment they cast lots.” (vv 16-18) It is instructive that this psalm, though beginning in a “complaint”, actually ends on a triumphant and faith-affirming note: “I will tell of your name to my brethren; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: You who fear the LORD, praise Him! All you sons of Jacob, glorify Him, and stand in awe of Him, all you sons of Israel! For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; and He has not hid his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to Him.” (vv 22-24) Even in his agony and pain, Jesus entrusts his whole life to God: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Lk 23:46; Ps 31:5) Just as some psalms prophesy Jesus’ suffering, others speak of

PHOTO BY ALY SULIT-PACINO

Praying the PSALMS

in Ps 2: “‘I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.’ I will tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to me, ‘You are my son, today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.'" Or take Ps 110: “The Lord said to my lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, till I make your enemies your footstool.’ ... The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.’” We know this is a prophetic psalm because even the letter to the Hebrews will see its fulfilment in Jesus.

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PHOTO BY ALY SULIT-PACINO

his eventual victory. Peter, on the day of Pentecost, quoted Psalm 16 and explained: “Brethren, I may say to you confidently of the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. [In other words, although David composed the psalm, he was not referring to himself.]

“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’” (Ps 122:1) “O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” (Ps 63:1)

1. Use them everyday in your personal prayer.

Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants upon his throne, he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.” (Acts 2:29-31) Another Easter psalm is Ps 118, and our Christian liturgy puts the words in the mouth of the risen Christ: “I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.” And when the psalmist cries out: “This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Ps 118:24) The Church understands this as referring to the day of the resurrection, the “Lord’s day.”

“My soul is sorely troubled. I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. My eye wastes away because of grief, it grows weak because of all my foes.” (Ps 6: 3, 6-7)

2. Use a translation that is understandable and has contemporary language, such as the Good News Bible or the Jerusalem Bible.

Besides praying the psalms as pointing to Jesus (admittedly in a mysterious way), we can also pray them as expressions of our own human condition, our common experiences as people subject to the vicissitudes of life. Some are wonderful prayers of awe and adoration of God. Others express sorrow for sin, hope in God despite trials, or an urgent cry for help. Collectively, the psalms express poetically the whole range of human emotions, our deepest sentiments and feelings before God:

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!” (Ps 51:1-2) “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Ps 27:1) TO SUMMARIZE: We can learn much about what and how to pray by using the psalms in our prayer. In time, they can become our own prayers. Pope Benedict XVI has said something similar. In praying the psalms, he says, “the word, the voice, goes ahead of us, and our mind must adapt to it.” Because we do not know how to pray as we ought. “God has come to our aid: He himself provides the words of our prayer and teaches us how to pray.” God does this by means of the Book of Psalms.

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PRACTICAL TIPS ON MAKING THE PSALMS OUR OWN PRAYER:

3. Memorize some of the psalms, or at least some of the lines you like most. If you read the psalms often enough, this will come almost naturally. 4. Learn the “language of worship” so eloquently found in the psalms. Words such as extol, exalt, magnify, glorify, yearn, seek the face of God, delight in God, and the like. Also, imitate the gestures and postures of worship as seen in the psalms: kneel, prostrate, clap, bow down, and the like. 5. Finally, sing them!

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TRUE NORTH BEAT

Let Me Count the Ways BY Berry P. Marfori

Had she been alive today, behavioral science practitioners would have revealed to her that there are five specific ways individuals tend to express their love to others: through loving words, thoughtful presents, physical affection, quality time or presence and kind actions. According to the book by Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages, people generally prefer one “love language” over another. For some, hearing loving words of affirmation, encouragement and appreciation are the way through which they feel loved. For others, thoughtful presents or gifts speak louder than words. For those who express love though gifts, presents – both inexpensive and 8 more valuable ones -- serve as tangible symbols of love. Then again, there are those who feel that a hug, a squeeze or a backrub express what words and gifts cannot. For these individuals, touch is the most powerful form of communication. A fourth love language is quality time or simply being there for another and focused on his or her needs. The fifth love language, according to Chapman, is kind actions or expressing love through service.

PHOTOS BY JOHN RICH VILLAS

English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning once asked: How Do I Love Thee?

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PHOTOS BY JOHN RICH VILLAS

Knowing the love language of a loved one is extremely important because one’s desire to be loved is best satisfied through that language.

Most of us prefer one or two love languages. And unsurprisingly, our preferences predispose us to express love in those ways. Problems occur when the language we use is not clearly understood by our intended recipient, observes Chapman. Imagine yourself magically transported to France. Like most Filipinos, you probably would not understand French. And even if your neighbors spoke slowly and carefully to you, their words would be meaningless. In much the same way, you would have little appreciation for a love language you don’t use. Knowing the love language of a loved one is extremely important because one’s desire to be loved is best satisfied through that language and not yours – in the instance that you don’t share the same love language. In the next few pages, True North picked up stories that powerfully illustrate each love language from various points of view. Aly Sulit-Placino shares her eureka moment with daughter Mara whom to her had previously seemed aloof to

Aly’s hugs and affirming words. It turned out that Mara’s dominant love language is thoughtful presents. On the other hand, Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon (LNP) members Dory Concepcion and Paolo de Alba appear to have been born with servants’ hearts, say those whom they have touched. No service is too big or too small for these two. They are most likely to feel love through service as well. It also seems like preferences change through the various stages and situations of one’s life. Abyong Calo shares how affirming words, encouraging lines and words of appreciation have brought out the best in the young adults and professionals he works with. To LNP member Allan Juanta, who suffered a stroke and remains unable to move freely about, the quality time poured out to him and his wife by his Men’s and Women’s Group (MWG), or the cell group he and his wife regularly meet with, has been invaluable. Because Allan cannot leave his home, his MWG meets in the Juanta residence regularly. His daughter Miracel could not help but see the parallelism between the Juanta’s cell group and the four men in the Bible who lowered the paralytic through the roof so he could be healed by Jesus. Just as the faith of those four healed the paralytic, the presence of Allan’s MWG is likewise contributing to the Allan’s recovery and the well-being of his family. Then there is touch. Through the eyes of rehabilitation doctor Melissa Zamuco-Mercado, the language of touch is one of the most effective tools she has experienced in her work with those with disabilities. She writes: “The physical connection makes touch the foremost language of compassion and sincerity. I have experienced firsthand that more than anything, touch is a wonderful way through which we can build trust, calm, motivate and encourage.”

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It’s the GIFT that counts

BY Aly Sulit-Placino

When I was not a parent yet, I attended the wake of my Dad’s high school classmate and was amazed at how his children eulogized him. As they took turns honoring their father, what struck me was that each of the five children went through life thinking that they were their father’s favorite. I told myself that when I get married and have children of my own, I would like my children to think of me the same way. That was the plan. It seemed simple with just one child, but when the second one came, I realized it wasn’t that easy. I have a total of four children, so you can just imagine. My son, Dino, was the star for almost two years. He was the very first of his generation in my side of the family. When my daughter, Mara was born, I was extremely happy because a girl is every mother’s dream. I looked forward to doing a lot of things with her. Besides, after having a boy—the opportunity to dress a daughter was endless. Compared to my son, Dino who never warded off an embrace, Mara would not always be receptive. It made me think that she didn’t like me and that it was her way of showing resentment towards me. You see, a few months after Mara was born, I had to undergo a gall bladder operation. Because traces of the antibiotics would flow through my milk, I was asked to stop feeding temporarily. By the time I was ready to resume feeding, she had become so accustomed to the bottle that she refused feeding from me. That was a painful experience. When adolescence crept it, she didn’t like my style, disagreed with me on many things so all the more I felt distant from Mara. A mother’s dream is to be a friend to all her daughters. It seemed that it wasn’t happening with her.

WE GIVE WHAT WE WANT TO RECEIVE

After that trip, we were never the same. That’s when I became not just a mother, but a friend.

A friend of mine talked about the love languages and told me that perhaps I didn’t love Mara the way she needed to be loved. She said that a clue to a child’s love language is to look at what she loves to do because we normally give what we want to receive.

THOUGHTFULNESS AND CREATIVITY

It was normal for my children to bring pasalubong when they go on an out-of-town trip for several days. But Mara was different. She is the only one who would bring pasalubong back home after even just half a day’s gimmick with friends in the mall—bibingka, a cookie, even chocolate, for all of us.

Over the years, she has managed to make thoughtful gifts done with lots of creativity and love. I will never forget that as a child, she would come home from school with books she wrote and illustrated herself with such original titles like: The Cat, the Fairy and the Cabinet!

A GIFT THAT GAVE BACK

Or that the evening before her brothers left to attend the World Youth Day, she prepared a box of red velvet cupcakes for them to enjoy with their companions while they waited for their flight.

During her 18th birthday, I asked my husband to finance a mother-daughter bonding trip. The cost of throwing a debut party would have been much more expensive and besides, a trip would give Mara no choice but to relate with me. We gave her a budget and told her that the gift was the choice on how to spend it. Because the budget was limited, she was wise with her choices. The other gift was the right to choose wherever she wanted to eat. As a culinary arts student, I knew that this would earn points with her big time.

Mara does not need an occasion to come up with a gift and she is one who knows that it a gift need not be expensive to be memorable.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

Last September, Mara joined me on a pilgrimage to Ilocos. One of the pilgrims there asked her who she thought was her mother’s favorite among the four siblings. Confidently, she replied, “Duh, eh di ako!” If Mara thinks that it’s her without a doubt, then I guess I can say that I’m on the right track.

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To TOUCH is to heal

As a rehabilitation doctor, I see patients with different forms of physical disability brought about by a wide spectrum of conditions – it can be as minor as a sprain or as devastating as a stroke. They usually come to me because of pain and/or functional incapacity. My main task is to “make them whole again.”

During usual consultations, I need to touch them to know which part hurts and how their muscles work. I hold them to guide them to walk or move their hand. More than our exchange of words, touch increases the level of communication between my patients and me.

In my years of practice, I have encountered various types of patients – those who truly seek help and those in denial, those who are nice and those who are anxious and irritable, those who are positive and those who are without hope. I realize something common in them all.

The physical connection makes touch the foremost language of compassion and sincerity. I have experienced firsthand that more than anything, touch is a wonderful way through which we can build trust, calm, motivate and encourage.

No matter how much they value their own personal space, they want eye contact, they want undivided attention, and they want to be touched.

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I am reminded of a blog I posted, “Squeeze of Hope,” a recount of my encounter with an elderly patient.

PHOTOS BY MIKE SIA

BY Melissa Zamuco-Mercado

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BLOG ENTRY: I was totally unprepared for what I witnessed today as I visited a patient with multiple injuries at the Intensive Care Unit. I think the last time I was moved to tears in the hospital was when I was an intern taking care of children with cancer. It was difficult not to cry as the mother of a bald, dying child related her fears to me. But that was such a long time ago and I don’t remember being that affected anymore. Age, time and repeated exposure to many patients somehow did that to me. Plus the fact that I know, as doctors, we are expected to be a source of strength and hope. Not until today. My patient, who couldn’t speak because of his tracheostomy tube, communicated with me by scribbling on his daughter’s pad, “Doctor, will I die?” To that, his daughter and sister laughed at what seemed such a silly question, saying “Of course not. No my darling, do not cry,” his daughter answered, caressing his chest. I just laughed with them as it seemed he was joking. Then he continued to scribble, “You know I was in the same accident wherein my wife died.” His face grimaced in pain, so severe, it seemed physical. The rest of us in the room were taken aback, unprepared for what we have just read, speechless. His daughter could only plead, “Dad, Dad. tama na,” as she hugged him. I held his hand, trying to reassure him: “You know, sir, there is a reason why you are alive and have gotten this far.” With a cracking voice, I felt I lacked conviction. But his sister said in agreement, “And she is the reason,” pointing to his daughter. Again, he scribbled, “But I cannot understand. I was with her but I was not able to help or protect her.” His soundless sobbing rang loud in our ears. And his daughter said, “Dad, we all know that if you could, you would have done everything to do just that.” Another grimace of even more intense pain, as he grasped his daughter’s hand tightly, pounding his chest with it as if to say, "it’s too painful". Through my lumpy throat, I managed to say: “Mahirap po talaga maintindihan at tanggapin ang mga nangyari. Masakit kasi hindi na ninyo siya nakikita. Pero palagay ko sinusubaybayan niya kayo palagi. Gusto niya kayong gumaling. Isipin po ninyo na may kakampi kayo sa Taas.” He looked at me and I didn’t know whether he understood or believed what I said. For a split second, I was afraid I might have said the wrong thing. But he squeezed my hand so tightly and nodded. I squeezed his hand back just as tightly, “Kaya ninyo yan,” this time with more conviction.

Personally, I feel, touch does not only benefit my patients. At times, their own touch evokes certain feelings in me and gives me profound realizations about myself. Their touch communicates to me their need and reminds me of my own mortality. When they touch me with gratitude, it convinces me I must be doing something right. In a way, their touch is like God’s touch. Through their touch, God reassures me of His presence and strengthens me to carry on my mission with joy.

It is through our hands, both gentle and firm, which our Creator works, so we can comfort and heal. 17

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Sharing

Quality TIME BY Miracel Juanta

When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.”

This passage has a special meaning in my life, as the paralytic has a face in my mind – that of my father’s. In January 2008, my father, Alan Juanta, had a major stroke leading to the paralysis of the left side of his body. Our family was gripped by fear. We thought we would lose him. He had two major operations and was in the hospital for more than a month. We leaned on the outpouring support of our community, Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon (LNP). Prayers, pledges, and medicines were

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given profusely. Indeed, the people who showed their love for my father overwhelmed us. At present, my dad is still unable to walk. His speech is slightly affected but this has not dampened his sense of humor. He gradually regained his appetite. His blood pressure and blood sugar have stabilized but he has difficulty sitting upright for long hours. That is why we can’t bring him to prayer meetings. Despite my dad’s inability to attend LNP meetings, his fraternal group (a small group of senior LNP members also known as “frat group”) has found a way for him to continue experiencing community life. If Papa can’t go to his frat meetings, then his frat group will come to him. Every Friday, they hold their frat meetings at our Mandaluyong home. They have a short time of worship inside Papa’s room. Papa, lying on his bed, will raise his hands and sing songs of praise led by Tito Joseph Mora. Papa’s frat group is his greatest cheerleaders. They are always there to encourage him to be strong. They are patient in conversing with him even though sometimes they could not understand what he was saying. There was a time that Mama was unable to attend the LNP meetings because she had to take care of Papa. Since Mama does not know how to drive, Tito Mario Nabor and Tito Rudy Aguillera would pick Mama whenever they have fellowships and meetings outside. Doctors’ fees and the high cost of medicines took a toll on our finances. Papa’s frat group and members from his district contributed a lot in organizing a fundraising concert and dinner for him. They helped in selling tickets, initiated text brigades, coordinated with other LNP districts to make the fundraising event a success. What I appreciate the most from my Papa’s frat group is the loving presence and the unconditional love. They offer Mama and Papa a smile, a listening ear, a helping hand, and a shoulder to cry on. They are there in their time of deepest need. More than the financial support, Papa and Mama appreciate the regular visits, the constant “how are you?” and words of affirmation. Our hearts are filled with gratitude. In this tough battle that our family is facing, the LNP brothers and sisters have proven their commitment to us. They show the true meaning of community. They have filled our cups when they were running empty. Reading the story of the paralytic and the four men, I couldn’t help but draw parallelism in the life of my Papa and his frat group. I admire the perseverance of the four men in bringing the paralytic to Jesus. Those four men are no longer nameless and faceless for me. They are the members of my Papa’s frat group.

Papa, lying on his bed, will raise his hands and sing songs of praise. 19

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The hands that SERVE BY Ellen U. Virina

DORY CONCEPCION:

A SISTER WHO LOVES AND SERVES All who have experienced her brand of loving are united in saying that Dory Concepcion’s deeply caring heart has been expressed in thousands of ways. Dory is one of the four Cruz sisters who entered Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon (LNP) in 1982. In 1995, she married Gerry Concepcion, son of coordinator Eli and Ofie Concepcion, whose brood were also in LNP. She served the Young Adults for many years and she is now the mother of her own young adult, John. She and Gerry have been serving as Pastoral Leaders for the past 13 years.

Among her brood, Dory is the most reliable in household duties. “This is likely the reason why at our wedding as she was escorted by her parents in the church, her mother cried when she was being given to me,” her husband Gerry said.

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Her loving service is not limited to her blood family. Dory is known to go out of her way to mobilize other people and find other means to help people who are in need.

PHOTOS BY JOHN RICH VILLAS

“Dory is always there when I need her. She is willing to set aside her needs just to be able to help others. She's the second mom to our kids. I can always rely on her to look after them whenever I am away and I’m always assured that everything will be OK,” said Dory’s sister, Baby Cua.

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“Hindi siya magdadalawang isip na maghanap ng paraan para matulungan ang nangangailangan,” Baby said. Joan Villamor, a Community sister, can never forget the time Dory made herself available for weeks on end to help her during her prolonged hospitalization due to difficult pregnancy, during her post-delivery recovery and caring for the fragile baby girl. “Laging handa. When you need her, she’s there ready to serve in any capacity. One doesn’t even need to ask. She knows what is needed and she does it,” she said. Dory’s helpfulness, generosity, thoughtfulness, sensitivity to others’ needs and foresight came into action when she and Gerry quietly stepped up to serve a grieving brother and his family by going over to the brother’s home to prepare the clothes for his deceased wife.

SILENT WORKER

She is considered one of the silent workers of North District A. A trained

nutritionist and dietician, Dory is a very good cook who often prepares food for district activities like the Life in the Spirit Seminars, Lord’s Day, District outings, Tahanan ng Panginoon meetings and even wakes. Dory also cooks for other districts’ events and some parish activities whenever she is asked. Many people know her for her culinary and budget-friendly meals. But others have experienced and seen her other skills like her administrative and planning abilities. Still others have seen her creativity that has given their small prayer group the top prize for hand-crafted Christmas costumes and themes every year. When a member couple and their family were in the process of migrating to the United States and disposing of all their possessions, the couple entrusted Dory with the daunting task of cataloguing and pricing all their items. It was no mean feat, since there was so

much to keep track of and account for. Yet, that was how much they put their trust in Dory.

SO MUCH LOVE IN SMALL HANDS

When Dory was ordered to have a complete bed rest throughout her pregnancy, her hands were never idle. She did several embroidery projects that she later framed and displayed in her house. Dory never calls attention to herself. But just by looking at Dory’s strong and small hands, they tell tales of love and service. Baby said: “She always gives herself fully in whatever she does.” Her food preparations and attention to details speak volumes of the care she puts into everything she works on. If Wiki.answers claims that an adult heart is the size of two fists put together with the thumbs tucked in, friends of Dory would say that her heart is much, much bigger, given the number of things she has done out of love.

IF DORY WERE A BODY PART... Claire Fernandez, Senior Woman Leader, Mia Pelino and Dory’s spouse, Gerry: Heart! Baby Cua, Mina Concepcion, sister-in-law; Joy Castillo, District Coordinator’s wife; and Lily Inumerable, Joan Villamor and Helen Cabalu, longtime members of her women’s group: Hands! Josie Cortez, another long-time member of the Women’s Group: Arms! Lyn Intal, another long-time member of the Women’s Group: Feet! For the extra mile she goes when extends help to me.

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A BROTHER WITH A BIG HEART

Loud cheers erupted when Paulo de Alba was named as the Young Adults North Sector Director last year. Kuya Paulo, despite belonging to another district, is very popular among the parents of the North Sector of Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon community. Many young adults gushed about the fun they had with Kuya Paulo during the Young Adult (YA) and University District (UD) camps and retreats. Paulo’s new assignment is deemed well matched for his passion and experience.

ALWAYS AT YOUR SERVICE

Paulo’s main strength is building and maintaining relationships with the young and old alike. “He enjoys serving the young people of community, especially if he is given a group to handle or care for,” said Jan Bernice ‘JanB’ Ginete, a sister in Community who has

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known Paulo for about 10 years and has served with him in Christ Youth in Action (a university-based Catholic group). Joseph Piquero, who is now serving the YAs, said: “He is fun to be with, loving and very supportive.” JanB has many warm recollections of Paulo who she looks up to as Kuya. “Paulo never says no to any service. I think he has tried every service there is. He is very humble and generous of his time, talent and treasures.” When Paulo was a new staffer with no specific team to lead during week-long CYA in Antipolo, he was asked to help out in almost all the committees – he drove for people, picked up equipment or food needed, stayed up late as security person, made sure the food was prepared early and everything taken into account. Through all these, Paulo kept a positive disposition and enjoyed what he was doing. “He looks after the welfare of others more than himself, “ said Portia, his beautiful wife. She sees a sense of unexplainable joy and fulfillment in Paulo when he is able to serve others. And joy it is he shares.

PHOTOS BY JOHN RICH VILLAS

PAULO DE ALBA:

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A brother recalled a time when Paulo wanted to help YA campers into the energetic morning exercise mode. As the tonesetter, he elicited laughs from the early risers when he accidentally ripped his shorts while doing the stretches. He gamely laughed at the embarrassing situation, changed his shorts then returned to finish the stretching activity.

A FRIEND IN NEED

Portia said humility and a servant-heart are Paulo’s outstanding qualities. There was a young adult who told her about Paulo’s impact on him when Paulo reached out to him and made him feel welcomed at a camp where he did not know many other kids. One time, a young member lost his mobile phone at a camp. The phone was being used to augment the boy’s family income. Faced with not much to give and the boy’s need, Paulo felt the Lord telling him to give up his phone for the brother. Portia also recalled the times that Paulo would buy a muchneeded textbook for a community brother in need. JR Quiring, once under the pastoral care of Paulo, added: “Paulo is a pure-hearted and generous soul, always willing to listen and be there for you.” In Christmas 2005, JR was by himself in Manila as members of his family were either abroad or in the province. Paulo invited him to spend the noche buena with his family. “I experienced a great act of service from him by the company he and his family provided me during that Christmas,” JR said.

IF PAULO WERE A BODY PART... JANB: He’d be feet. Paulo would bring us home whether by driving us or commuting with us when meetings ended late in the evening, even if it was out of the way. JR: Hands. Always willing to do any service. But Paulo is also a face that speaks of sincerity. Paulo’s face makes a lot of people realize that following God can be fun. JOSEPH: Hands. He is very capable and willing to serve in a lot of capacity PORTIA: Definitely hands. They are always ready to help brothers and sisters. Paulo’s Response? Paulo could not help but chuckled—overwhelmed and embarrassed by the attention drawn to him. When pressed, he said: “Probably hands. When people ask me what service I want to do, I tell them wherever you need me. To me, it is all about relevance. I just like to know that I am needed.”

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More than mere WORDS BY Aly Sulit-Placino

Most adults do not understand the youth; it’s because we do not speak their language.

If there is a person who can tell that young person, “Kaya mo ito (you can do it),” then she is able to go beyond her own expectations of herself.

As an age group, teenagers are difficult to figure out. The media portray them as restless, reckless and rebellious. Parents see them as lazy, distracted and uninspired.

They are not that cautious, not jaded by disappointments. This is a time to help them create a vision for themselves.

After his stint as the Overall Coordinator of the Young Adults, Abyong finds himself mobilizing a group of young “techies.” The ministry aims to harness the talent of young people in music, video and graphic arts to aid the work of evangelization, especially the evangelization of the young through different media platforms. Abyong is not that young, but he speaks their language. And he knows the value of words of affirmation.

 Instead of putting them down and emphasizing the negatives, we need to focus on their capabilities and potentials. We can present to them a picture of what they can become, for them to become it.  We need to create an atmosphere where we can affirm them always. That way, you see more results as they will break boundaries because people believe in them. According to Abyong, this kind of “love” works whether or not you see a potential in the person.

How does he do it? Here are some valuable points parents can learn from him on how words can inspire:

When one speaks to the youth with a belief in what they can do, they cannot but show positive results. When one speaks to them with doubts in their abilities, the project will most likely be doomed.

 At this age they are idealistic. They have the energy and are raring to respond to challenges.

Doesn’t that work with us the same way? It’s about time we all learn this language of love.

Studies show that as much as 55% of the message may be communicated through action. Another 38% of the message may be communicated through tone of voice. Only 7% are communicated through words.

PHOTOS BY JOHN RICH VILLAS

But Abyong Calo is trying to break the code by setting up a new ministry called Kairos Media.

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MY TAKE

Days of

Grace

PHOTOS BY JOHN RICH VILLAS

BY Tina Alejandro

At the start of 2011, the Lord inspired me to “greater fruitfulness”, giving me an image of a sheltering tree with abundant fruits. When the invitation to join the World Youth Day came, I felt this was the open door I was waiting for. But apprehension quickly set in. For one, I was not as young as I was when I joined World Youth 2000 in Rome. I remembered the lack of sleep, dead-tiredness and the massive crowds. But I was inspired to go by my experience of how life-changing it was. Aside from attending just the World Youth Day, I decided to participate in a 15-day event organized by Kairos, the youth arm of Sword of the Spirit, in the run up to the World Youth Day. (In ancient Greek, Kairos means the “right or opportune moment” and in the New Testament, it means “the time when God acts”.) Together with Tess Pelejo, Sylvia Goluyugo, Judith Alpay and Mavi Yenko, we set off for Vitoria in northern Spain on August 1 to meet a hundred or so youth from Kairos.

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In Prep10, we did different types of services, but mostly cleaning of the sleeping quarters, eating quarters and the venues to be used for Adelante. It was no small feat—some of those bathrooms, barracks and dining areas had not seen a mop, a broom or soap for 20 years! Nevertheless, with joy and enthusiasm, I sang songs with brothers and sisters from other international SOS communities as I wiped the grime from cabinets and scrubbed the rust from metal handles with vengeance. The highlight of all my services was when I was assigned to join a group to take the weeds out of the garden. We had to pull the weeds out all the way from the roots. I asked our leader if we had tools, and he said: “None”.

This was the Prep10—10 days of ecumenical prayer, service, fellowship and preparing for Adelante inside a military base. Our theme was “I am No. 3: God, others then me”. I met many youth leaders from all over the world and drew tremendous inspiration from their mission stories. Joe, a brother from Lebanon, was on a train to do mission in Syria when he felt an overwhelming sense of God’s protection after he read the Psalms. After falling asleep, he was awakened when the train came to a halt. Fellow passengers told him that they were attacked by the rebels, but were able to escape. Truly, evangelization in the Middle East is not an easy task. After the Prep10, came Adelante

(meaning "Move Forward" in Spanish). During this time, the Lord was doing an “adelante”, moving His people forward, particularly His youth, to bring hope to an increasingly secular world. Like leaves on a tree, our number grew to 400 with participants coming from 22 countries. this Empowering army for the mission, Keating John reminded us that we were born to live “for such a time as this”, drawing examples from the lives of Daniel, Esther and Joshua. One of the youth leaders, George Farhat from Lebanon told me that he didn’t think he would make it. He just had an accident and broke his leg. The doctor said it might need an operation and certainly

I am No. 3: God, others then me

After the painful experience, the Lord put the experience in a spiritual perspective. He showed me that I am the garden and that He loves me so much that He would use His bare hands to pull the thorny weeds of sin in my life (all the way to the root) even if it hurts Him. And that was what He was doing with me in Prep10, He was pruning me. I saw the whole service in a new light —it was a privilege and not a burden. It was a privilege to be chosen by the Lord and to hear him speak to me through this experience. Prep10 was more than a preparation of the physical venue. It was a preparation of the inner venue—a preparation of the heart. - MAVI YENKO

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As part of the Adelante conference in Araka Military Base, the Filipino group contributed several simultaneous workshops. One of these is a twoday art workshop conducted by Tina Alejandro and Sylvia Goloyugo. The purpose of the workshop is to enable the participants to discover their life’s aspirations through art. The two workshops produced almost 70 art pieces which were all used to make two 10-foot trees for the Soul Food Cafe Tent in Madrid. It took an entire day to sew each leaf, branch, root and part of the trunk onto two large piece-canvasses. In true bayanihan style, some sisters like Monica Sarceda, Jodi Castillo, Mimi Hidalgo and Chrystelle Uy led other sisters from the different SOS communities in sewing the delicate art pieces together.

PHOTOS BY JOHN RICH VILLAS

several weeks of recuperation. But after being prayed for, he experienced the Holy Spirit enveloped him and increased his faith. At that moment, he cut away his cast and found his leg completely healed! Adelante was a good time to share my talents as an artist as Sylvia and I conducted two workshops entitled “Take Root to Bear Good Fruit” as developed by Marie Amarra from the South Sector with the image of a tree representing our Christian life. After Adelante, about 250 of us went on to Madrid to join about 1.5 million people attending the World Youth Day. We were both pilgrims and servants as we hosted Kairos’ big event “Soul Food

Cafe”—a colorful mix of music, culture, fellowship, friendship and fun. It was indeed the fruit of joy and faith to be surrounded by God’s people and my heart was overflowing with gratitude at this point. The city was painted red and yellow, the colors of the World Youth Day. We were fortunate to be recipients of acts of kindness. One local shopkeeper unexpectedly gave us samples of each pastry she was selling. The next time we went, she didn’t want to accept our payment for our purchases, pointing to several pictures of Mama Mary.

- TESS PELEJO

SOME PROPHECIES PROCLAIMED IN VITORIA: • Do not be overwhelmed by the many different languages that you hear for I’m preparing you to the language used in heaven – the language of love. I have taught you this when you received the gift of tongues when you were baptized in the Holy Spirit. Use this gift as often as you can for by doing this you join the worship that goes on in heaven. It’s the only language that only I can understand. • It is not a coincidence you are here inside a military base for training. This is because I want to protect you while you’re on training and so you can be ready when you go out for battle. I’m preparing you for the new wave that will come to the world. So get ready and prepare.

Some were not so welcoming. When a group of non-believers were taunting us,

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During the 21 days in Spain, I saw more than 100 young people from various Orthodox and Protestant church traditions join the Roman Catholic majority in worship and fellowship. It was indeed an amazing sight to behold! A powerful and living witness to God’s call for unity within His church. Just imagine, singing Arabic and Polish worship songs while being surrounded by Scots, Irish and Russians. The worship was even led by a Spanish-speaking Lebanese. The Lord’s presence was everywhere, it was overwhelming! I was struck by John Keating’s words when he said “The Lord calls us to be of good courage, to be His warriors at a time of difficulty and tests. Our response to Him would demand struggle and sacrifice as we fight for His Kingdom.” Unbeknown to me, the physical and mental challenges during the Prep10 and Adelante Conference prepared me well for the challenges in Madrid. A freak weather condition brought torrential rain and gusty winds to the Pope’s vigil in Cuatro Vientos. His robes soaked and his aides desperately shielding him with umbrellas, the Holy Father remained on stage after his “blessing of the pilgrims” was interrupted by the rain.

we could only respond lovingly: “Dios te bendiga (God bless you),” we replied. During the Pope’s vigil, strong winds and rain battered us but we stood firm, sang songs of praise. When it was over, millions knelt in silence adoring Jesus. It was such a powerful moment I will never forget. Pope Benedict XVI, in his final homily, said: “We cannot encounter Christ and not want to make Him known to others. So do not keep Christ to yourselves! Share with others the joy of your faith. The world needs the witness of your faith. It surely needs God. I think that the presence here of so many young people, coming from all over the world, is a wonderful proof of the fruitfulness of Christ’s command to the Church: 'Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation'” (Mk 16:15).

No amount of wind or rain can take this moment away from us. The Lord is here.

Suddenly, a hush fell upon the sea of 1.5 million pilgrims after the Pope finally left the stage. What will happen next? Everyone sat glued to the wide screen that was being battered by the wind and rain. We waited and prayed. Then somewhere behind me our Kairos brothers and sisters began singing. They emerged from their umbrellas, singing and dancing in the rain. It was a wonderful sight! It was a bold challenge. I felt at peace when I realized, “No amount of wind or rain can take this moment away from us. The Lord is here. Bring it on!”

- SYLVIA P. GOLOYUGO

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Continued from page 6 “Don Johnson”. With shades placed on the top of his head instead of wings on his back, I believe he was my guardian angel sent by God to help me even before I knew I was in trouble!. Thanks be to God for his protection.!

and the presence of angels who were working overtime to protect our precious little children from serious harm.

LYN

(LNP - North E):

BARBA

PHOTOS BY DINO PACINO

(LNP - South D): I was getting into our car when I got a call informing me that Alex, my two-year-old girl, might have swallowed a pin. “What?! How did that happen?” I was horrified. (I had temporarily stored some push pins in a shot glass and stored them temporarily in a shelf until I could find a suitable container for them .) Apparently, my inquisitive daughter had climbed on a chair, gotten the shot glass and “drank” the imaginary fluid. In the process, she got at least one push pin down her throat. I rushed home, praying to God that the pin/s wouldn’t get stuck in any part of her digestive system. I remember sending a prayer request and quickly got a response from a brother, Rene dela Cruz. “Lord, please guide the pin to ease out of Alex’s body without touching or damaging tissue/organ and let it go out the natural way.” We rushed Alex to the hospital where she was confined for three days and was subjected to a series of X-rays to monitor the movement of the pin. Imagine our disbelief when we first saw the image of a single push pin inside her esophagus. We were thankful that she had swallowed only one. Two days later, after four or five x-rays, the pin came out “the natural way”; just as Rene’s prayer went. We were overjoyed and awed by the power of prayer

MONDIE

MONDOÑEDO If I remember correctly, I was about six years old and my brother was around four years old. We were playing with our toy xylophone at the top of our cement stairs. Suddenly, I fell

down from the stairs. Just before that accident, everything went black for me. The next thing I remember was me walking back up the stairs laughing. No pain, no broken bones, no head injury. We just continued playing as if nothing happened. Years after the accident, I asked my brother if he could still recall that day. He said he saw me leaning backward at the top of the stairs. I lost my balance and rolled from top to the bottom of the stairs. But then I got up, and started walking up the stairs, laughing.

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10 QUESTIONS

For such a as this JOHN KEATING

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 12 WORDS. Loving, radical disciple, faithful servant, grateful, joyful, peaceful, free, simple, thoughtful, loyal. The first five words summarize my principle, sense of identify and my aim in life. The next five words characterize how I experience my life internally, and the last two words describe in relation to those who I love.

AND THE CHIEF AMONG THEM IS… Loving. For the last 40 years, my aim in life is that love for God and for others be the chief characteristic of my entire life and of all of my relationships.

ANOTHER WORD THAT LEAPS OUT FROM THE LIST IS “FREE”. Most of my important life choices were a choice for freedom in the Lord, and the fruit of those choices has been deep and growing freedom to be who I am, to give what I have, to love and to serve without self-concern.

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courage, their dedication, their sacrifice of themselves, their love). This has happened to me more than once in the last week.

AND IF YOUR COLLEAGUES OR FRIENDS WERE TO DESCRIBE YOU, WHAT 12 WORDS WOULD THEY USE? I think that my friends and colleagues who know me well would probably use many of these same words to describe me – at least, I hope so! Those who know me well enough to know how I work internally might even use them all. Some other words that I have often heard from friends and colleagues would include the following: warm, steady, strong, smart, wise.

PHOTOS BY JOHN RICH VILLAS AND DINO PACINO

Those who don’t know me very well would be more likely to use some external impression of me, like matangkad payat, maputi, Cano.

WHEN YOU WRITE A SONG, WHICH COMES TO YOU FIRST—THE MELODY OR THE LYRICS? Pretty much all of the songs I’ve written have come as the fruit of meditation and prayer, and from an inspiration to put some key idea or passage from the Scriptures to music in response to the Lord. The central message of the song always comes first, and then the music for expressing that central point. Then there will often be some interaction between music and lyrics as I work out the rest of the song.

WHICH BIBLICAL PERSON CAN YOU RELATE TO THE MOST? I would say that my strongest identification with a New Testament person may be with my namesake and patron, St John the Evangelist. He is “the disciple whom Jesus loved”, and there are many features of his life and relationship to the Lord with which I especially identify. As for an Old Testament person, perhaps my strongest sense of identity is with Abraham, who left his home in faith, not knowing where he was to go, and who surrendered even his most precious treasure to the Lord, only to receive far more from God in return.

YOUR MOST AWE-INSPIRING MOMENT IS WHEN.... I encounter the Lord personally in prayer. I am also moved to awe in the presence of the beauty of nature – especially the mountains and the sea.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? I very rarely cry from sadness or loss. Probably the last time I did so was at my father’s funeral over five years ago. But I often shed tears when I am inspired – whether by the goodness of the Lord, or by the beauty of a person’s life (their

GIVEN THE CHANCE, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR 18-YEAR OLD SELF? An interesting age that you chose for this question. I was 18, and in my freshman year at the university, when I first met the Lord more personally, and experienced my adult conversion. If I were speaking to the 18-year old John who had not yet met the Lord Jesus personally, I would do all in my power to introduce that young man to The Pearl of Great Price, the greatest treasure that one could ever find, the source of all life and of all true happiness. If I were speaking to the recently converted 18-year old John, I would tell him: “Do not be afraid! Be strong and of good courage! Respond with all of your heart to the invitation of the Lord to give Him your all! Don’t hold anything back from Him! Say “yes!” to every invitation He gives you, and you will never be disappointed, but will find the key to love, joy, happiness, and peace in your life.” I thank the Lord with all my heart that He did send people to speak to me in just these ways when I was 18 years old. That is in good part why I am who I am, and why I am where I am, today.

IF YOU WERE GIVEN A FREE WEEKEND TO DO WHATEVER YOU WANTED TO, WHAT WOULD THOSE ACTIVITIES BE? On the one hand, as I am very much a “people person”, I would choose to spend much of my time with people that I love. (Who they would be would depend on where I am, but this would include my family and my many dear friends/brothers and sisters.) On the other hand, personal time with the Lord is always one of my highest priorities for my free time, and I would make sure to get plenty of time for prayer/scripture. I would also likely do some of the reading that I love to do, and listen to some of my favorite music (perhaps at the same time). I would also get some good exercise, and if there were still time, I always greatly enjoy watching sports or movies with my friends.

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G N I H CATC FIRE PHOTOS BY Ricky Estrada, Jhola Salvador and John Rich Villas

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