Mater Spei DigiMagz by Mater Spei DigiMagz

ELEVENTH EDITION

MATER SPEI MATER SPEI

Mary, Mary,

VESSELOFGOD’SPROMISE VESSELOFGOD’SPROMISE

EDITOR’S NOTE

NOTE

YES, YOU ARE!

In one of the events I’ve assisted, there’s this practice............page 2

LAMP AND LIGHT CORNER

The title of this reflection, Mary's Heart: Where God's Plan Found a Home, reminds me...........page 3

ANIMATOR'S JOURNEY

Hi! I am John Paul C. Bartolome, and I have been a YMC Animator since 2015.......page 11

TRAINORS’ WALL

Noong naging member ako ng YMC, wala naman ako masyadong inaasahan kasi .......page 13

MARIAN REFLECTIONS

Then the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, announcing that she would ..........page 4

A TRIBUTE TO BR. HERMAN MA. Ito ang isa sa mga hindi ko malilimutang kasabihan ni Br. Herman na nakasulat sa .........page 15

VOCATION STORY

Recalling my vocation story, I can say that it all began when I was still a young boy. ..........page 7

YMC SR NIGHT QOUTES

"Ang lahat ng gawain natin dito sa mundo ay para dapat sa kaligtasan ng ating kaluluwa".........page 19

Editor’s Note

YES, YOU ARE!

In one of the events I’ve assisted, there’s this practice they’ve been doing before the start of the actual event.

The members of the team form a circle, and then they boldly proclaim to everyone present the quality they want to embody during the event. After they introduce themselves along with the adjective they’ve attached to their name, all the group members within the circle will loudly say, “YES, YOU ARE!”

I then imagine Mary during the time when Angel Gabriel announced to her that she would bear a Son–who’s not only 100% human but also 100% God.

I can just imagine how Mary felt during that time. Surely, she wasn’t able to answer right away.

I imagine myself being in the place of St. Gabriel, looking at Mary while she was absorbing the message that God has given her through me. I would surely be thinking, “Come on, Mary. Say ‘Yes’ please. Come on!”

And perhaps, when Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word.” -Luke 1:38 I can imagine Angel Gabriel smiling while having this sweet thought in his mind: “Yes, Mary, you are!” Friends, just like Mary, there are certain qualities that God wants us to embody, and we can only do so if we open our lives to Him and receive Him fully.

Are you truly willing to allow God to work in you, through you, and with you?

In the Bible, it says, “...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, selfcontrol...” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Again, let me reiterate this one last time: “We can only have these things if we’ll open our lives to Him and receive Him fully.”

Like Mary, you are chosen to carry Christ into the world through your words, actions, and love. You are capable of bringing hope where despair lingers, light where darkness prevails, and joy where sorrow resides. Sometimes, the weight of the world may make you doubt your worth or your purpose, but Mary’s story whispers to your heart: Yes, you are. You are loved. You are chosen. You are called.

In this season of hope and reflection, let us follow Mary’s example of trust and surrender. May we embrace God’s will with the same courage and faith that she did, knowing that His plans for us are always good. And as we journey through life, may we never forget that the same God who worked wonders through a simple maiden in Nazareth can work wonders through us, too.

Together, let us say “yes” to God’s promise, just as Mary did. May this issue of Mater Spei inspire you to open your heart, take courage in your faith, and shine as a vessel of His love in a world that so desperately needs it.

In Mary, we find the courage we all need.

With faith and love,

Maron Anthony Rodriguez Editor, Mater Spei

L L

IGHT AND LAMP CORNER IGHT AND LAMP CORNER

by: Reymar Cabrera

Tcommitment my wife, Neschel, and I made in marriage.

he title of this reflection, Mary's Heart: Where God's Plan Found a Home, reminds me of my deeply personal and profound journey of love, trust, and sacrifice that mirrors the vows and commitment my wife, Neschel, and I made in marriage.

We recently got married on October 13, 2024. As a couple, we see Mary’s role in God’s plan as a powerful reminder of what it means to surrender to God's will—not just as individuals but as a united pair. Just as Mary said “yes” to God, even when she couldn’t fully understand the magnitude of what she was agreeing to, we too are called to trust in God’s plan for our lives and our family, especially when the road is unclear or challenging. This mirrors the trust and faith we place in each other in marriage, as we navigate life’s uncertainties together.

In marriage, we often learn that it’s not about having control over every circumstance, but rather having the faith to trust the journey—just like Mary trusted God’s purpose for her. Her openness to God’s plan, without hesitation or doubt, inspires us to be open to God’s guidance in our own marriage. It reminds us that love isn’t always easy, and it requires sacrifices. She teaches us the value of humble obedience, patience, and the importance of nurturing God’s plan within our home.

In the same way that Mary’s heart became the place where God's plan unfolded, we, as a couple, reflect on how our home can be a sacred space for God’s love to flourish. We are reminded that the heart of marriage is about being receptive to God's will, letting it guide and shape our relationship, and being willing to surrender to a greater purpose that might lead us in unexpected directions.

Marian Reflection: Marian Reflection:

by: Genevie Genova Soriano

WWhen the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, announcing that she would become the Mother of Jesus, she didn’t ask for a five-

year plan or a step-by-step guide. She simply said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to Your word.” (Luke 1:38). No hesitations, no “What ifs?”, just full surrender to God’s plan—even though she had no idea what the future would bring.

Now, imagine if Mary had reacted the way most of us do: “Lord, wait lang, sure na ba ‘to?” “May ibang option ba? Baka pwedeng later na lang?”

But no, she said YES—not just once, but every single day of her life. And that’s what I’ve come to realize about faith: saying yes to God isn’t a one-time decision, but a constant choice, even in the waiting, even in the unknown. For 11 years, Sherwin and I have been waiting and praying to have a child. And let me tell you, waiting is not easy. Every year that passed felt like another test of faith, another wave of questions: Kailan, Lord? Mangyayari pa ba? May kulang ba akong ginagawa? There were moments of hope, moments of frustration, and even moments of surrender (sabay tingin sa taas: “Bahala Ka na, Lord!”).

But looking back, I see how God has been shaping my heart through this journey. Like Mary, I had to learn to trust without seeing the full picture. I had to learn that God’s plan isn’t just about the destination— it’s about what He’s doing in me while I wait.

And let’s be real—if my life had gone exactly how I planned, I wouldn’t have experienced the other blessings God had in store. I wouldn’t have grown in my faith, deepened my marriage, or even been able to serve in MFC Couples Sharjah the way I do now. Every part of this journey has shown me that God’s “Not yet” doesn’t mean “Never.” It just means He is preparing something even better than what I can imagine.

Mary’s Fiat wasn’t just about saying yes to carrying Jesus—it was a lifetime of saying yes to whatever God willed for her, even when it was difficult. And so, in my own journey, I choose to follow her example.

Whether God answers my prayers the way I expect or in ways I can’t yet see, I will continue to say: “Yes, Lord. Let it be done according to Your will.” Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: God’s timing is always perfect. And His plan? Always worth the wait

MARY’S FIAT MARY’S FIAT

Mand My

and My

Journey of Saying Yes to God

by: Genevie Genova Soriano

ama Mary’s fiat—her profound “yes” to God’s plan—is such an inspiring example

of faith and surrender. Imagine being a young, ordinary woman suddenly asked to become the mother of the Savior of the world. The weight of that responsibility! She didn’t have all the answers, yet she trusted. Her “yes” was not just an act of courage but a lifetime of unwavering faith and love for God.

Working Abroad: Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

Moving to Dubai to work was another fiat moment in my life. Leaving the comfort of home and the familiarity of everything I knew was terrifying. I remember asking myself, “Am I making the right decision? Can I do this?”

As I reflect on her fiat, I see parallels in my own journey. While my life isn’t as extraordinary as Mary’s, I’ve had my own moments of uncertainty and challenges, where I had to trust God and say my own “yes,” even when I didn’t fully understand His plan.

Praying for a Child: Trusting in God’s Timing

For 11 years, my husband and I have been praying for the gift of a child. It has been one of the most challenging and emotional journeys of our lives. There were moments of hope, but there were also moments of deep heartbreak. At times, I found myself asking, “Lord, why not now?”

Like Mary, who didn’t question God but trusted in His plan, I learned to surrender. Every prayer and every tear became my way of saying, “Lord, I trust You.” I realized that God wasn’t just working on my prayers; He was working on my heart—teaching me patience, deepening my faith, and reminding me that His timing is always perfect.

Even now, as we continue to wait, I’ve come to understand that God’s delays are not denials. He is preparing us for His blessings, reminding us that His plans are far better than ours.

But like Mary, who faced uncertainty when she said yes to God’s plan, I chose to trust. The journey wasn’t easy—there were moments of homesickness, fear, and doubt—but God was always there. He guided me, surrounded me with amazing people, and gave me opportunities I never imagined. Through this experience, I learned to rely on God completely. It was a reminder that stepping out in faith allows Him to lead us to places where we grow and thrive.

Joining MFC: Finding a Faith Community

When I joined MFC in Dubai, I found a deeper sense of purpose. It was another step in my faith journey, a new “yes” to God. At first, I hesitated. I thought, “Do I have time for this? Am I ready for this kind of commitment?”

But being part of a Catholic community has been lifechanging. Like Mary, who embraced her role in God’s plan, I learned to embrace the beauty of growing in faith with others. MFC has become my spiritual family, a group of people who encourage, support, and journey with me as we all draw closer to God.

Serving as a Lector: Proclaiming God’s Word

One of my most humbling “yes” moments was when I became a lector at St. Michael’s Church in Sharjah.

I’ve come to understand that God’s delays I’ve come to understand that God’s delays are not denials. He is preparing us for His are not denials. He is preparing us for His blessings, reminding us that His plans are blessings, reminding us that His plans are far better than ours. far better than ours.

Standing before a congregation and proclaiming God’s word felt like such a big

responsibility. I questioned myself, “Am I worthy of this role? What if I make mistakes?”

But then I remembered Mary’s fiat. She wasn’t chosen because she was perfect—she was chosen because she was willing. Saying yes to becoming a lector has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey. Every time I stand at the lectern, I feel God’s grace and His assurance that He doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

Conclusion: My Own Fiat

Like Mama Mary, I’ve had my moments of fear, doubt, and uncertainty. But in every season—whether it’s waiting for a child, stepping out of my comfort zone, joining a faith community, or serving as a lector—I’ve learned to trust God’s plan.

Saying “yes” to God isn’t always easy. It often means letting go of our own plans, stepping into the unknown, and surrendering completely. But through all my experiences, I’ve seen how God works in the waiting, in the challenges, and in the moments of surrender.

Mary’s fiat teaches us that saying yes to God doesn’t require us to be perfect or fearless—it just requires us to trust. Her life reminds us that God’s plans are always bigger and better than we could ever imagine.

So, my prayer is that we all find the courage to say “yes” to God in our own lives. Because when we do, we allow Him to lead us into a life filled with peace, purpose, and love beyond what we could ever dream of. Like Mary, may we all embrace our fiat and trust in the beautiful plans God has for us.

RBr. Gregory Ma. Gallego, MMHC

ecalling my vocation story, I can say that it all began when I was still a young boy. I was raised

a conservative and religious family. We would go to Sunday Mass regularly. When I was in elementary school and during the summers when there was no class, my father would urge me to attend daily Mass. He would forbid me from going to football practice in the afternoon (since I was a football player at the time) if I hadn’t attended Mass in the morning. In order to attend my football practice in the afternoon, my father and I would take morning walks to our parish and attend Mass. We would also pray the rosary every night faithfully. Right after the nightly news, the television would be immediately switched off, and we would proceed to praying the rosary despite us kids wanting to watch the teleseryes that came after the news. Aside from these religious practices, my family was also a member of Couples for Christ, a Catholic charismatic renewal group, and this group also played a key role in my vocation. Our parents would regularly bring us to the activities of the group or wherever my father would be invited as a speaker for talks.

My childhood was generally centered around religious matters. These various avenues sparked my interest in becoming a priest. Whenever we would go to Mass, I would remember how my parents would ask me if one day I wanted to become like the priest standing in front of the faithful. With my innocent mind, I thought it would be amazing if one day it was I who would be standing in front of this massive crowd. Yes, I can say that I wanted to become a priest when I was a child because of my parents’ constant motivation and because I wanted to become the center of focus for many.

Fast forward to my high school years: just like how my parents loved being in the community of Couples for Christ, I also personally developed a love for service and evangelization. I became a member of Youth for Christ when I was 13. My father, being a speaker for the community and sent on missions, I felt that, as his son, the same was expected of me. So, from a young age, I was already being assigned as a group facilitator during youth camps and eventually as a team leader. I was being prepared to become a youth leader. I would be sent to various youth camps around our province to facilitate and provide support. I found profound joy in evangelization and serving the less fortunate at this point in my life. I also became an altar server at our parish during this time. I was encouraged by my father to become an altar server at the age of 13. I was involved both in the activities of our parish and the community of Couples for Christ.

I lived in a dormitory far from my family when I was in high school. I studied at our provincial science high school, and competition among the students was indeed tough. I was pressured to keep up with my classmates who graduated with honors, some even being valedictorians and salutatorians of the schools they came from. My perspective in life was highly influenced by my high school environment. Away from my parents, my schoolmates influenced me more. In contrast to the upbringing I had at home, things were totally different in school. My eyes were opened to the harsh reality of life. I was exposed to things I had not encountered before. My life was taking a different route. I thought I had to keep up with the ambitions of my friends and enter the same colleges they were aiming for. I thought that was the way to success, the way to live. Graduation quickly approached, and at that time, I was not really sure about the career I was going to pursue. I was lost and couldn’t seem to clearly identify what I wanted to do with my life.

The feeling of being lost in life and in my choices clearly manifested when I took only one entrance examination for college. I just took the exam because most of my friends were very much excited to study at the University of the Philippines. I just did as they did without being certain of the decision I was making. Aside from UP, I didn’t apply to any other schools. Recalling such a situation while I’m writing this story makes me realize, “What if I didn’t make it in the entrance exam?” I probably would have been late for college.

I wasn’t really expecting to pass the entrance exam for the University of the Philippines. Here’s the story: I took the exam just because my friends in our class were taking it. At that point in my life, I really had no idea where I was headed. If I failed UP, I had no other schools left, as I didn’t apply to any other schools. The night before the exam, I forgot that I had left my exam permit in our dormitory, inside our school campus. It was already 10 in the evening, and my exam was at 6 in the morning the following day. I lived 3 hours away from our school.

Ihad to take the bus in the morning, which would take me 2 hours at most, and then a tricycle ride for half an

hour to reach our school, which was situated in a very rural and mountainous part of Victorias City, Negros Occidental. Early in the morning of the exam day, my mother and I went to the venue of the exam, and my mother pleaded on my behalf, asking if I could take the exam and that the exam permit would just follow afterward. The committee insisted that I bring my permit first and reschedule my exam for the afternoon instead. I immediately hurried to travel to school. When I arrived at school, I wasn’t immediately allowed to enter the school for some reason. It was a weekend, and

students were not allowed to enter the school premises on weekends. Doubts filled my mind. What if I was able to get my exam permit but arrived late for the afternoon exam? True enough, I arrived late for the afternoon exam, and through God’s grace, unexpectedly, the committee still accepted my permit and allowed me to take the exam. Physically drained and mentally unfocused during that time, I wasn’t expecting to pass the exam anymore. I wasn’t in the right disposition to take it. Despite the struggles I went through just to take the exam, through God’s grace, when the results were released, I was surprised to find my name on the list of the exam passers.

Knowing what I went through to take the test, I was convinced that studying in that school was definitely for me. God had tested my perseverance to see if I would do what it took to push through and take the exam. I believe that God rewarded my determination by allowing me to pass the entrance examination. However, I took time to ponder on the real message God was telling me through the events that took place. Was it something I really wanted to do, or was I just going with the flow of everyone else? It made me recall that I wanted to become a priest when I was a child, and since then, my life had been about service for the Church and evangelization. The letter confirming my university slot came, and I didn’t confirm it yet. I prayed hard to God and asked for a sign where He was really leading me. With my confirmation of the university slot, my sister was to take her board exams for civil engineering. I found a good way to ask the Lord for a sign by making a bargain with Him. I prayed that if my sister passed her civil engineering board exams, I would immediately look for a seminary and enter priestly formation. If she failed her board exam, I would confirm the slot allotted for me by the university. You probably know what happened next? Yes, my sister passed her board exams, and fearing God would reprimand me for not honoring my bargain, I told my parents I would look for a seminary and try the priestly formation. Being the religious persons that they are, they were so delighted with what I told them and assisted me in looking for a seminary. Yes, such a bargain, as you might say, was an immature way of discovering and answering God’s call. But during that time, I only had two options, and this is how my bargain with God went, so I had to honor it.

When I entered the seminary, I found myself in a new environment knowing nobody. But everything

made sense to me. It was only now that I understood why I was being raised like that by my parents when I was a child. All this time, they have been preparing me for the life inside the seminary. I was only expecting that I would last for months, at maximum, a year inside the seminary, but here I am, finding myself still journeying in this kind of life for almost 11 years already. Life inside the seminary is not without challenges. It is a daily struggle to keep a balance between prayer life, community life, academic life, religious life, and apostolic life all while dealing with one’s issues and struggles. Despite the rough journey through religious life, I really do believe that God’s grace sustained me together with the prayers of all those who are continuously journeying and praying for me. If not for God’s grace and the prayers of the people who believe in me, I would have quit religious life.

One’s vocation can be nurtured from the early stages of life. Our family plays a vital role in our human and spiritual formation. I thank the Lord for allowing my family to be an instrument of my formation, leading me into this life. There still exist fears and doubts about what the succeeding years of formation may bring, but I am open to where God will lead me. In all things I do, I am His servant, and let His will be done through me.

ANIMATOR'S JOURNEY

TITO JOHN PAUL C. BARTOLOME

Hi! I am John Paul C. Bartolome, and I have been a YMC Animator since 2015. My journey as a YMC Animator started when I

was still teaching at a private school, where I had also been a YMC member from 2005 to 2009. In 2015, my Student Council Coordinator assigned me to YMC, knowing that I had been an active member and trainer during my high school days at the same school. At that time, I was clueless about how an animator conducts or administers a local school chapter. However, when I attended a YMC flock vigil at the MMHC Seminary in December 2015, I met Tito DJ San Pedro, who offered valuable advice on how to gather and strengthen the YMC chapter in my school.

BED OF ROSES

I am truly grateful to the private school where I used to be a YMC Animator, as they provided full support to the group. Since it was a Catholic school in Marikina, and one of its goals was to improve the students’ spiritual lives, the school gave us the green light for all our YMC activities, including vigils, Christmas parties, leadership seminars, Catequiz, Mariologies, and the annual sports fest. Transportation was never a problem since the school provided a vehicle to transport us to YMC events. Even though we didn’t often win contests, we were happy that our school

was able to send a delegation and participate in various YMC activities. One of the locally organized YMC activities that was truly memorable during my time at the private school was the “Dalaw ni Maria,” in which my personally owned image of Mother Mary would visit the houses of YMC members every week. This became a meaningful way for the members to strengthen their bonds and make YMC a “home away from home.”

REALLY KICKS IN

In 2019, I transferred to the public school system, and it was truly disheartening for me to leave the YMC chapter at the private school. However, I established a new YMC chapter at my current school, SSS National High School (SSSNHS). Even though we started from scratch, with the Lord’s help and the support of those He placed on my path, YMC at SSSNHS grew, and we built a solid group of members. Our first vigil and Christmas Party were both memorable.

Unfortunately, the pandemic set in, but it did not deter our commitment to staying connected. We adjusted to online meetings, although this was challenging because many members couldn’t afford data or internet access to participate. When face-to-face classes resumed, we rejoiced

To

become a YMC Animator doesn’t require much thinking, but what is most important is the act of self-giving, being an outlet of God’s grace, a visible sign of God’s love for the young, always being passionate about Jesus Christ, and dedicated to the young.

faced in the public school system as an animator was that it was often the animator who had to cover transportation, food, and other costs to keep the members involved. Now, I understand what my fellow animators meant by “sacrifice,” but I wonder, is sacrifice worth it?

IN JOY AND IN PAIN

we’ve experienced YMC as our second home.

WHAT LIES AHEAD

As an animator, I have had my share of joys and sorrows. One of my sorrowful moments was when I broke my leg in October 2021, leaving me with a titanium steel implant in my right leg. Since then, I’ve had to use a cane to support my leg. I doubted whether I could continue my regular work routine, but, thanks be to God, I have managed to keep performing my duties. Another sorrowful experience as an animator has been when my YMC members leave, particularly when they move on to senior high school, and I must search for new, interested members. It’s a fact that change is inevitable, but I still search for that same passion and dedication in my new members that my former ones had. There are also times when I feel like I’m the only one working on YMC activities, without assistance from other YMC members and leaders. These challenges are part of the journey. Despite the struggles, there have been many joyful moments: having active leaders who prioritize YMC above all else, bringing many attendees to vigils, Rosary rallies, and sports fests, forming strong bonds,

As of this writing, I am waiting for the results of my application to enroll in a doctoral program. Yes, I plan to return to graduate school, which will likely mean I’ll have less time for other activities. Does this mean I am abandoning YMC at our school? No, I am not abandoning it or leaving it. I believe I can still be proactive in YMC activities despite my planned graduate studies. We may take breaks from time to time, but that doesn’t mean the YMC chapter at our school will die. Rather, it’s a chance to refocus our energy, strengthen our inner circle, and prepare for future outreach.

In summary, I would like to quote one of my favorite spiritual writers, St. Teresa of Avila: “The important thing is not to think much but to love much; and so do that which best stirs you to love.” To become a YMC animator doesn’t require much thinking, but what is most important is the act of self-giving, being an outlet of God’s grace, a visible sign of God’s love for the young, always being passionate about Jesus Christ, and dedicated to the young.

SA

YMC BUHAY ANG NAGPAPATUNAY!

TRAINOR’S WALL

KUYA JUSTIN MER

“I’M

FOREVER THANKFUL NA NAGING MEMBER, LEADER, AT PART AKO NG YMC, AND SYEMPRE, NAKAPAG-SERVE KAY LORD.”

Noong naging member ako ng YMC, wala naman ako masyadong inaasahan kasi

DPero noong nasa seminar na ako, tumatak talaga sa akin ang phrase na, “I’m here for a reason,” at narealize ko na iyon ay para mag-serve kay Jesus through Mary.

Pagkatapos ng seminar, hindi naging madali para sa akin kasi mahiyain ako at natatakot.

Pero naalala ko noong nagdasal ako kay Mama Mary for guidance, humingi ako ng tulong na magampanan ko ang responsibility ko na magdala ng mga kabataan kay Jesus. Simula noon, untiunting nawala ang takot ko. Nagkaroon din ako ng mga kaibigang classmates na tumutulong sa akin mag-invite ng mga kabataan sa SR meetings namin. Minsan marami ang uma-attend, minsan kaunti lang, pero ang importante sa akin noon ay masaya ako sa ginagawa ko kasi alam kong ginagabayan ako ni Mama Mary at ginagawa ko ito para kay Lord.

Minsan nga, nagugulat si Brother Ivan kasi hindi na kami magkasiya sa isang room kapag may SR meeting kasama siya. Pero ngayon, medyo mahirap na kasi yung mga dati kong sinasama ay nag-transfer na ng school. Pero sinabi ko naman sa kanila na tandaan yung “Once a YMC, always a YMC.”

umaan ang maraming events kasama ang mga tinuturing kong kapatid sa YMC. umattend lang ako para sa additional points sa grades. Pero hindi ko alam na iyon na pala ang simula. Nakailang attend muna ako bago ako nakajoin sa three-day seminar ng mga magiging trainer. Hindi ko rin inaasahan, dahil to be honest, pang-third choice lang ako noon. May dalawa pa dapat na magiging trainer, pero hindi ako iyon.

Simula Grade 9, kasama ko sila, at kahit na Senior High na ako ngayon at hindi ko na

sila kasama at kaunti na lang ang uma-attend sa SR meetings, tuloy pa rin ang dasal ko kay Mama Mary. Humihingi ako ng guidance na kahit marami na akong ginagawa kumpara noong Junior High, makatulong pa rin ako sa mga kapwa ko trainer at makasama sa YMC activities kahit papaano. Ipinagdadasal ko na mas marami pang madala ang mas bata na kapwa ko trainer din.

Ako man ay grumaduate, dadalhin ko ang lahat ng memories ko with Christ and

Mary. Proud ako dahil hindi lang ako basta trainer, ako ay isang YMC.

“We're here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.” – Whoopi Goldberg

TRIBUTE TO A TRIBUTE

A

TO BR. HERMAN MA. BR. HERMAN MA.

June 24, 1999- February 28, 2025

“FOR WHOEVER WISHES TO SAVE HIS LIFE WILL LOSE IT, BUT WHOEVER LOSES HIS LIFE FOR MY SAKE WILL SAVE IT. WHAT PROFIT IS THERE FOR ONE TO GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD YET LOSE OR FORFEIT HIMSELF?"

Matthew 16:25

"IT DOESN'T "IT DOESN'T MATTER IF I DIE MATTER IF I DIE

UNKNOWN, UNKNOWN, ANYWAYS GOD ANYWAYS GOD KNOWS

ME." KNOWS ME."

BY: ARJAY KIM CASIPE

to ang isa sa mga hindi ko malilimutang kasabihan ni Br. Herman na nakasulat sa

isang pirasong plywood noong kami ay nagsisimula pa lamang bilang candidates sa Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross (MMHC). Kami ay gumagawa ng mga karatula, at ito ang pinili ni Br. Herman na ilagay sa garden na tinitirhan namin. Simple, pero malaman — at ito ang naging salamin ng kanyang pagkatao.

We belong to the 40th batch and we call our batch “Cherubim.” Cute, magaling, matalino at talentado — ito ang gusto naming maabot sa batch. But these adjectives are best to describe kung sino si Br. Herman o John Michael Bagatela sa tunay na pangalan.

Siya ay isang Boy Scout Eagle at miyembro ng student government ng kanilang eskwelahan. Nirerespeto at hinahangaan ng kanyang mga guro at mga kapwa estudyante, at nakita ko iyon mismo noong pumunta kami sa kanilang paaralan. Masiyahin at willing matuto — isa sa mga katangian ni Herman na palagi niyang

IIsa sa mga bagay na masaya naming ginagawa noon ay ang paglilinis ng pond sa harap. Doon ko na-realize na every

time may “Company with God,” isa si Br. Herman sa maasahan. Trabaho kung trabaho — at gagawan niya ng paraan na may pagkain kami kahit simpleng tinapay at pancit canton lang, bago kami mag-recreation.

We started as 11 candidates. Sa 11 na iyon, isa si Br. Herman na may tunay na drive at gusto talagang tumuloy sa seminaryo. He was willing to sacrifice everything. For instance, he was supposed to attend the 16th National Scouts Jamboree from October 24 to 30, 2015, sa Apokon, Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Gustong-gusto niya talagang pumunta noon, ngunit mas pinili niya pa rin ang seminaryo dahil may balik kami noon. Nang ito'y ibinahagi niya sa superior namin, nagulat siya na papayagan din naman pala siya.

"Small but terrible!" — isa ito sa mga maririnig mo mula sa mga nakakilala sa kanya. Hindi siya ganoon kalaki o kataas, pero ginagampanan niya ang lahat ng responsibilidad. Maging driver man ang i-assign, he really studied it — to the point na naging mahusay siya doon.

Sa studies, napakatalino rin niya. He really loved to study Philosophy. Kaya noong kalaunan, palagi mong maririnig sa kanya ang mga philosophical terms sa kanyang sharing. He excelled in his studies — he had the Best Thesis sa Mater Dei College at kinilalang Magna Cum Laude ng batch namin.

As his batchmate, I was really happy and grateful sa mga naabot niya. Nagkahiwalay man kami ng landas, naging kaibigan, at naging parang kapatid. "Pray for us, Man, as we pray for you. Happy gid kami nga gincontinue mo ang bokasyon mo sa pagkapari." Ito ang conversation namin nang bumisita ako sa bahay nila bago siya bumalik sa seminaryo.

And he responded, “Pray for me man, Seng!”

Br. Herman Joseph John Michael Bagatela, MMHC — kilala bilang Br. Herman — ay isang taong masipag, matiyaga, at handang ibigay ang kanyang sarili para sa misyon ng Marian Missionaries of the Holy Cross.

“KAHIT “KAHIT

NAHIHIRAPAN NA, NAHIHIRAPAN NA, AT MAY AT MAY

PINAGDADAANAN NA PINAGDADAANAN NA

KINAKAHARAP HINDI

MO MAKIKITA SI BR. MO MAKIKITA SI BR.

HERMAN NA HERMAN NA

MALUNGKOT.” MALUNGKOT.”

KKahit nahihirapan na, at may pinagdadaanan na kinakaharap hindi mo makikita si Br. Herman na malungkot.

Masayahin, always wearing his smile. When the opportunity comes, he still remains to become jolly. Ramdam namin na kahit may kinakaharap na problema nanatili siyang positibo. Hindi niya masyadong binibigyan ng oras ito at laging naka-smile kahit na pagod at seryoso na kami.

Masunurin siya at tila palaging 'Opo' ang sagot sa tuwing may ipinapagawa o iniaatas sa kanya. Kahit halatang pagod na siya—lalo na sa pagmamaneho ng

L300—patuloy pa rin siya. Marunong din siyang mag-adjust kapag kinakailangan.

I’m sure all my batchmates will agree when I say na exceptional ang ipinakitang katatagan at determinasyon ni Br. Herman sa kanyang hangaring maging ganap na Perpetually Professed na MMHC. Kaya naman, bukal sa loob niyang sumubok at ginagawa niya ang lahat ng makakaya para maabot ang kanyang inaasam.

Hindi man siya magaling sa lahat ng bagay, pero ang ipinakita niyang character na willing matuto, sumunod sa Diyos, spreading the Marian Devotion sa mga kabataan at Bilanggo, at presensya sa community ay isang patunay na basta't gusto mo magpatuloy lahat ng ibibigay sayo na trabaho aalamin at pagbubutihan mo.

I’m always proud to say — he is my batchmate, kaibigan, kapamilya, at higit sa lahat, sariling kapatid.

Salamat sa samahan, pagmamahal mo, naibahaging karanasan, at mga mabubuting bagay na aming natutunan sa iyo, Man. We really have witnessed your sacrifices para lang makapagpatuloy sa Seminaryo.

Salamat Br. Herman Joseph John Michael Bagatela, MMHC! GAUDIUM