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E P I S C O P A L C O M M I S S I O N O N T H E LA I T Y

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Cover of 1st Edition

oly
eroes
Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!
oly
eroes
A F ormation P rogram for the Y ear of the L aity
( december 2013 - november 2014)

F a c il it a t o r s M a n u a l Called to be SaintS... Sent forth aS heroeS!


(2 nd Edition)
a f ormation p rogram for the Y ear of the l aitY
( deCemBer 2013 - novemBer 2014)

EXPLANATION OF THE COVER "HOLY HEROES"


Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes
Holy HeroesCalled to be SaintsSent Forth As Heroes! The whole
cover calls us to be a Holy-Hero, by responding to the call of this "Holy Heroes" is a formation guide composed of different modules for
years celebration of the Year of the Laity. The re other images, the Year of the Laity (December 2013-November 2014). With the theme,
symbols and words that complete the picture. Called to be Saints, sent forth as Heroes, "Holy Heroes" formation
program is supposed to touch and move the hearts, as well as hone the
In the upper left section is the logo of the Episcopal Commisison on minds of the laity towards the renewal of their faith. "Holy Heroes" is a
the Laity for the Year of the Laity, Choose to be Brave. journey of faith rooted in the sacraments of baptism and confirmation,
inculcating the values of heroes who offered their lives for our freedom
The upper middle mentions the Catholic Bishops Conference of and the modern day ones who live out their faith through heroic deeds
the Philippines (CBCP) which is the overall umbrella of the Church in their ordinary life. Moreover, models of faith and discipleship led by
of the Philippines. Under the CBCP is the Episcopal Commission our Mother Mary, call us to a process of seriously becoming holy in our
on the Laity (ECLA), the commission in charge of the Laity of the faith and heroes in our deeds. In the end, the two become one for it is
Philippines. It is under the aegis of both organizations that this the same Spirit that moves the two calls, being a saint and a hero. That is
program, Holy Heroes, is being conducted all over the Philippines. the Spirit of God, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, through the Holy
Spirit that moves us to become a Holy Hero.
In the upper right sector is the capsulized version of the original
cover page (first edition). The contents of the first and second The Formation Team of Holy Heroes does not claim ownership of the
editions are practically the same. However, after conducting the first contents of this formation program. Most of them came from the very
edition in different regions in the country, the need for a facilitators rich resources of Church documents, including the Scriptures, and from
guide came up. The second edition was then created with some other writings of holy heroes, holy and brave men and women who
streamlining of processes for a clearer and easier facilitation. have shared their works and examples generously. The Holy Heroes
Formation Team discerned on what materials to include, and arranged
The central middle portion contains two images,. One, the crucified them in way that the Spirit can flow through them in the actual sessions.
Christ who is our premiere or ultimate model of self-giving (holiness Moreover, they added some of their own reflections and thoughts,
and heroism). Second, the imagery of the lamb is the call, as creativity and style so that the whole program can be more useful to
mentioned in Sacred Scriptures, to imitate the sacred laying down everyone and get the best benefits from them especially the ones we are
of ones life for others. The placing at the end of the staff of the celebrating and honoring: the Laity.
Philippine flag is a portrayal that all Filipinos are called to vivify deed
of holiness and heroism.

Holy-Heroes is the title of this formation program. The theme,


Called to be SaintsSend for the as Heroes! is its relevant and "Holy Heroes: Called to be Saints...Sent forth as Heroes" is a
timely slogan at this point in time of the Church and Society in the Formation Program for the Year of the Laity by the Episcopal
Philippines. The CBCP deems it a real need of our country today, we Commission on the Laity - Catholic Bishops' Conference of the
need Holy-Heroes! Philippines (CBCP).

This manual was formulated and designed to be the formation Some of the images found in this module were taken from the
program for the Year of the Laity which covers the period of collection of Marcello Silvestri, a well-established Italian artist
December 2013 to November 2014. Finally, this is the copy of the dedicated to evangelization through art. Painting on religious
module given to all Facilitators who have undergone this formation themes is for him a spiritual experience and a vocation. Some
program. images were also taken from the powerpoint presentations of Rev.
Fr. Paolo O. Pirlo, SHMI, who published a book under the Sons of
This manual is now in its Second Edition (First Edition , October 24, the Holy Mary Immaculate (SHMI) Quality Catholic Publications
2013; Second Edition, January 12, 2014). (QCP) entitled "The Apostles' Creed". Some images/illustrations
were taken from the internet.

Module Development and Design by:


Rev. Msgr. Jose Antonio Galvez - Program Director
Sr. Lydia M. Collado, RSCJ - Program Coordinator
Team Members: Ms. Rebecca "Rica" Lavilla
Mr. Isidoro "Syd" Baradi IV
Note: There is a Workbook available separate from Ms. Czarina "Shary" Espiritu
this Facilitator's Manual. A CD of the whole formation
modules and other resource materials (powerpoint, Module Layout by Isidoro "Syd" Baradi IV
music, pictures, etc.) is also provided.
HB
C a t h o l i c B i s h o ps ' C o n f e r e n c e o f t h e P h i l i pp i n e s ( CBC P )
E P I S C O P A L C O M MISSION ON THE LAITY (ECLA)

oly
eroes
Called to be Saints...sent forth as Heroes!

anal
na
ayani
Tinawag para maging Santo...
isinugo bilang Bayani!

A F ormation P rogram for the Y ear of the L aity


( december 2013 - november 2014)
" It only takes a spark
to get a fire going,
And soon all those around
can warm up in its glowing;
That's how it is with God's Love,
Once you've experienced it,

"
You spread the love to everyone
You want to pass it on.
Lyrics from the song
"Pass it on" by Kurt Kaiser

Faith is passed on, we might say, by contact,


from one person to another, just as one candle
is lighted from another. Christians, in their poverty,
plant a seed so rich that it becomes a great tree,
capable of filling the world with its fruit.

Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei # 37.


Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan
Office of the Archbishop
Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Philippines

28 September 2013
Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companions

My Beloved Lay people, Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Greeting of peace to all the lay faithful, our HOLY HEROES or Banal na Bayani! We are
called to be saints, sent forth as heroes! The Year of the Laity (Dec. 2013 Nov. 2014) is part
of the preparation for the 500th year anniversary of the first Holy Mass and baptism in the
country.

His Holiness, Pope Francis in one of his homilies to the youth urged them, Go, do not be
afraid, and serve!. His inspiring homily went on with a suggestion on how to do, Sing to
the Lord a new song (Psalm 95:1). What is this new song? It does not consist of words, it is not
a melody, it is the song of your life, it is allowing our life to be identified with that of Jesus, it is
sharing his sentiments, his thoughts, his actions. (WYD 2013, Brazil)

Indeed, it the time to sing a new song with the youth, the poor, including our Catholic
brothers and sisters who have been disillusioned with the Church and have lost hope in faith.
Let us call one another to renewal of faith by exerting a more conscious effort to live out the
sacraments of baptism and confirmation. Alongside, we want to revive the values of our
heroes, those who have offered their lives for the country. Moreover, there are many of you
who live a holy and heroic lives everyday with whom we can learn from. Our Mother Mary,
the model of living out all that our faith can be for us will be our guide.

Once again, this formation program entitled, HOLY HEROES, which embodies the theme
Called to be Saints, Sent Forth as Heroes, are for us to participate in and pass on.

Let us join our hearts and minds, let us become holy heroes. Maging banal na bayani nawa
tayong lahat. Kasama ng aking panalangin sa bawat isa, pagpalain tayo ng Maykapal.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Socrates B. Villegas, D.D.


Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan
A
ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF PARAAQUE
ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF PARAAQUE
Diocesan
Diocesan Center for
Center for Evangelization
Evangelization
No. 8No.
Villonco Road,
8 Villonco Road,West
West Service Road
Service Road (Km.
(Km. 21), 21),
Sucat,Sucat, Muntinlupa
Muntinlupa City City
Telefax:
Telefax: 850-4586, 850-9315;
850-4586, 850-9315; Chancery: 807-1662
Chancery: local 816
807-1662 local 816
Email: chancerydop@gmail.com; chancerydop@yahoo.com
Email: chancerydop@gmail.com; chancerydop@yahoo.com
Website: www.dop.ph
Website: www.dop.ph

M e s s a
MESSAGE
MESSAGE
g e
My Dear Lay Faithful, Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

Greetings of Peace!
My Dear Lay Faithful, Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
We are slowly approaching the five-hundredth anniversary of the first Baptism and Holy
Greetings
Mass in our of Peace!
country. As part of our preparation, the Episcopal Commission on the Laity is
My Dear Lay
launchingWethe Faithful, Brothers and2013
Sisters
untilinNov.
the 2014,
Lord, with the theme Called to be
areYear of the
slowly Laity, Dec.
approaching the1,five-hundredth anniversary of the first Baptism and Holy
Saints, Sent Forth
Mass as Heroes.
in our country. As part of our preparation, the Episcopal Commission on the Laity is
launching the Year of the Laity, Dec. 1, 2013 until Nov. 2014, with the theme Called to be
Greetings of Peace!
Saints, Sent Forth as Heroes.
It is in this spirit that I am happy to offer to you this formation program entitled HOLY
HEROESItor is Banal na Bayani
in this spirit that I am . The
happymodules would
to offer to aspire
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call in the Church, celebrating the sacraments of baptism and confirmation with the values
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sacrificed
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we
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uphold the our
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to
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Our Mother Mary,Mary, our model
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It isjourney.
in this spirit that I am happy to offer to you this formation program entitled HOLY
HEROES or light
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of Gods call to us .inThe modules
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with you to fulfill our
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YouGospel!
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of His Holiness,
of our Filipino
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Pope Francis,
heroes who sacrificed
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and a treasure
(Angelus, 19 May 2013)
in the Church!. Always convey Likewise, we
power
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(Angelus,
Let us take19 May
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2013) lives.
opportunity to reflectOur Mother
on our Mary,
faith life our role
and the lay in
model of faith
the Church and is
the with us in
world today. I pray for all of you as I encourage everyone to be a part of the Year of the
this journey.
Laity.
Let us take this opportunity to reflect on our faith life and the role in the Church and the
In thetoday.
world light Iof Gods
pray
May God forus
bless call
all ofin
all tothis
you us I in the Year
asendeavor!
encourage of the to
everyone Laity, allow
be a part meYear
of the toofshare with you the
the Laity.
words of His Holiness, Pope Francis, You are a gift and a treasure in the Church!. Always
convey
May the power
God Sincerely
bless us all inof
thisthe Gospel! Do not be afraid! Always feel joy and enthusiasm for
endeavor!
yours in Christ,
communion in the Church! (Angelus, 19 May 2013)
Let us take
Sincerely this
JESSE
yours opportunity
MERCADO, D.D.to reflect on our faith life and the role in the Church and the
E.Christ,
in
Chairman, Episcopal Commission on the Laity
world today. I pray for all of you as I encourage everyone to be a part of the Year of the
Laity. 30 September 2013
Feast of St. Jerome

May God bless us all in this endeavor!


Jesse E. Mercado, D.D.
Chairman, Episcopal Commission on the Laity
Sincerely yours in Christ,
B

JESSE E. MERCADO, D.D.


Chairman, Episcopal Commission on the Laity
October 4, 2013
Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

FOREWORD
Greetings to all the HOLY HEROES! Ikaw ang Banal na Bayani ng ating lahi!

With the theme Called to be Saints, send forth as Heroes, HOLY HEROES, this formation guide for the Year of
the Laity, is a tribute to our brothers and sisters who have offered and continue to offer their lives for God and
for our country.

LAY (Laity)Lay down your heart with the power of the Holy Spirit at baptism; LAY (Laity)Lay down
your life with the power of the Holy Spirit at confirmation; LAY (Laity)Lay down the foundation of our
faith, as what our Mother Mary did; LAY (Beloved Laity)you are the key to communion of the future.

It is a time to honor and celebrate the laity whose charism and valuable contribution to the Church and society
are indispensable. This celebration would give impetus to them to assume the role that is properly theirs in
strengthening the Church in the Philippines. The year of the Laity is a big challenge for all of us in the Church
and civil society. Each one of us has a role that no one can relinquish to the other, and that no one can take
away from us. His Holiness, Pope Francis, in calling the Church to allow the laity to play their role once said:
The layperson is a layperson and has to live as a layperson with the power of baptism, which enables him to be a
leaven of the love of God in society itself, to create and sow hope, to proclaim the faith, not from a pulpit but from
his everyday life. And, like all of us, the layperson is called to carry his daily cross the cross of the layperson, not
of the priest. Hopefully, these modules will generate creative energies among the laity, that will allow them to
fulfill their undertaking in the Church and society.

With the program team of Holy Heroes, composed of two lay volunteers and a religious sister, with the help of
other good-hearted laity who lent their hearts to make this formation modules possible, allow me to express
our gratitude to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) through its Episcopal Commission
on the Laity, for inviting us to write and put together this Holy Heroes. It is a privilege to be a part not
only of the Year of the Laity but of the whole aspirations and preparations towards 2021, the quintcentennial
anniversary of the first Holy Mass and baptism in the Philippines.

If I may also mention, this year is the closing of the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese of Malolos, Bulacan where
many Holy-Heroes reside starting from my bishop, brother-priests, and the lay faithful especially the flock of
the Parish of La Purisima Concepcion, Sta. Maria Bulacan, who have given me great inspiration through their
deep faith and time-honored traditions. To you all, I personally dedicate my efforts for this program.

And to all who will use and benefit from this humble work, you are our Holy Heroes. I also salute the gallantry
of the countless other Filipino Lay who, day-to-day, offer their heroism to God. Sa lahat po ng mga Banal na
Bayani, alay namin ito sa inyo.

Pagpalain tayo lahat ng Panginoon!

Msgr. Jose Antonio Jojo Galvez


Parish Priest, La Purisima Concepcion Parish, Sta Maria Bulacan
Program Director, HOLY HEROES Formation Program
C
TO ALL OUR BELOVED LAITY,
YOU ARE GODS BELOVED...

Come then, my beloved, my lovely one, come.


For see, winter is past, the rains are over and gone.
Flowers are appearing on the earth.
The season of glad songs has come,
the cooing of the turtledove is heard in our land.
The fig tree is forming its first figs
and the blossoming vines give out their fragrance.
Come then, my beloved, my lovely one, come.

Song of Solomon 2:10-13

D
table of contents
MESSAGES
Most Rev. Socrates B. Villegas, D.D. ............................................................................ A
Most Rev. Jesse Mercado, D.D. ............................................................................ B
FOREWORD
Rev. Msgr. Jose Antonio Galvez ............................................................................ C
DEDICATION ............................................................................ D
FACILITATOR'S GUIDE
Organization ............................................................................ i
Activities ............................................................................ ii
Recommended Schedule ............................................................................ iii
Introductory ............................................................................ vi
MODULE 1: Lay your Heart to be Holy ............................................................................ 1
Opening Activity ............................................................................ 4
Content and Talking Points ............................................................................ 8
The Sacrament of Baptism ............................................................................ 8
Integration: Renewal of Baptismal Promises ............................................................................ 14
The Call to Belovedness ............................................................................ 17
Closing Prayer ............................................................................ 22

MODULE 2: Lay down your Life to be a Hero ............................................................................ 25


Opening Activity ............................................................................ 28
Content and Talking Points ............................................................................ 33
The Sacrament of Confirmation ............................................................................ 33
Pastoral Exhortation of the CBCP ............................................................................ 41
Workshop: Photo Language ............................................................................ 47
Buhay Rizal ............................................................................ 49
Workshop: Values of Heroism ............................................................................ 52
Integration: "My Mi Ultimo Adios" ............................................................................ 56
Closing Prayer ............................................................................ 62

MODULE 3: Lay the foundation of the Holy Heroes ............................................................................ 65


Opening Activity ............................................................................ 68
Content and Talking Points ............................................................................ 72
Mary as our Model ............................................................................ 72
(Continuation) Pastoral Exhortation... ............................................................................ 79
Integration: My "Magnificat" ............................................................................ 85
Closing Prayer ............................................................................ 87

MODULE 4: Lay down your heart and mind... ............................................................................ 89


your whole life
Opening Prayer ............................................................................ 92
Culminating Activity ............................................................................ 95
Closing Prayer ............................................................................ 101
APPENDICES ............................................................................ 103
EPILOGUE ............................................................................ 188
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................ 190
Facilitator's Guide
RECOMMENDED ORGANIZATION O rganization
The responsibilities in conducting the Formation Organization for this formation program is
Program is divided among several people: relatively easy. The Leadership Team should
be gathered way before the formation program
starts to gain a common mindset about the
program. The main task of the team is to set
the atmosphere and tone of the sessions. The
team should not just act as organizers but as
participants of the program as well. They
should be directed to participate and get
involved in the formation program.

Coordinator 4) Handling registration and collection of fees


This person oversees the entire program. He/she (if any)
should pay attention to the time, the flow of each
session, the clarity of the talks, and pay attention 5) Takes responsibility in setting-up and
to the participants. He/she is also responsible cleaning up the venue after use.
for stitching all the activities and making the
whole session spiritually and mentally engaging. Speaker
Usually, he/she leads most the sessions and A Speaker is the one who delivers the Talks. This
delegates the Talk to other experienced resource can be an experienced member of the community
speakers. who is familiar with the topic or can simply be
the Coordinator him/herself. Given the topics of
Assistant Coordinator the Talks, the Speaker can be a Priest or a Sister/
The Assistant Coordinator should assist the Brother.
Coordinator in stitching all the activities of the
formation program. He/she should primarily take Discussion Group Leaders
responsibility in the practical needs of the program Discussion Group Leaders are important
like overseeing the work of volunteers, arranging people in this formation program. They can be
for a singer or guitarist, picking out who among volunteers from the community or experienced
the participants need help adjusting, etc. group handlers. They are responsible for caring
for individuals in a discussion group. They make
Logistics Coordinator sure that each participant is comfortable, open
He/she is responsible for the logistical needs of and participative in the formation program. They
the formation program. In particular, his/her make sure that participants understand the talk
responsibilities are: given to them and help them make a commitment
to Christ.
1) Locating a venue for the sessions and
making arrangements for necessary Animators
equipment Animators animate or energize the whole group.
These volunteers can either dance a song that
2) Arranging for any snacks or meals or the participants can follow, usually a simple
accommodations animation song, or lead parlor games or wacky
games. Animators should be briefed about the
3) Arranging for books, handouts and formation program so that they can choose
songbooks if needed appropriate games or songs.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! i


DYNAMICS OF THE FORMATION PROGRAM A ctivities
Workshops
This formation program
These are individual activities uses workshops, story-
that would require participants telling, prayer, talks/
to write, draw, reflect and pray. input, reflection and group
Workshops can take a variety of discussion/sharing,to
forms, some may require them to create an atmosphere of
Singing reflection and prayer.
share their work with others, yet Singing is an important part Years of experience have
some might require them to reflect in the formation program. told us that the atmosphere
on their work. Participants should be encouraged of the session hall or room
to sing even if they do not sing that is just as important as the
Talks talk/input.
well. Feeling and internalizing
Talks or input should be the message of the song is just as
captivating and adorned with important.
personal experiences. A personal
testimony on the topic of the talk Discussion Groups
greatly helps the participants feel Discussion groups are primarily
a connection between you and a forum of 5-7 people where the
your talk. They will feel a sense of main goal is to find out where
you know what you are talking people stand and help them to
about. However, testimonies can better understand the talks.
tend to be too long and boring, Animations
so it is advised to limit the time Reflection Animations can either mean
you take to give your personal There will be times for quiet a dance or an energizer. The
testimony. reflection. Most reflections will participants should be given
come after a talk or input. This times to enjoy, to have fun and to
Prayer will allow the participants to move around. It allows them to be
Prayer is an opportunity for internalize what they heard from relaxed and attentive to what is
participants to talk to God. the main speaker. Reflections being said, and as a result, makes
Prayer in this formation program should be in the form of questions them more open and involved.
requires participants to say their and revolve around a key However, care should be taken
prayers out loud, to be vocal. scriptural passage used in the talk. that any of your animations are
Participants should be led into not offensive to any participants,
prayer as they feel comfortable. Sharing so keep your animations
Usually, the leadership team Sharing is one of the most wholesome and appropriate.
should lead the prayer and important parts of this formation
as the retreat progresses the program. It can either build up Eucharistic Celebration
participants should be allowed to your own faith or build up the The Mass is a significant part of
spontaneously say out loud their faith of others. It can be done the formation program. The goals
prayer. Prayer should make the in pairs, triads or the whole will be best achieved if the priest is
participants feel a greater freedom group. Participants should be briefed on the theme of the retreat
in expressing their thoughts and given guidelines on what they as well as the talks that have been
provide a deeper communication are supposed to share. The focus given.
with God. should be about the topic at hand.

ii HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


R ecommended S chedule
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES This formation program
recommends the following
schedule to be followed.
However, the schedule can
Model A Live-in seminar that will run for two-full days be adjusted to the liking of
the Leadership Team or
Type 1 Organizers. At least 20 hours
Day 1 3 pm to 10 pm (7 hrs) is recommended in order
Day 2 8:00 am to 12:00 nn (4 hrs); 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm ( 4 hrs);
for the complete process
8:00 pm to 10:00 pm (2 hrs)
Day 3 - 8 am to 12 pm (4 hrs) of formation to take place.
Total = 21 hours Presented are some models.

Model A - Type 1 DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3

Morning Praise Morning Praise


AM Sessions n/a
Module 2 (Part 1) (Module 4 - Part 2)

Concluding Mass or
Introduction Closing Liturgy (with
Opening Mass or Module 2 (Part 2) Mission Sending
PM Sessions
Welcome Liturgy Module 3 (Part 1) Pagsusugo sa Misyon
Module 1 (Part 1) Bilang mga Bayani at
Banal

Module 3 (Part 2)
Module 1 (Part 2)
EVENING Sessions Module 4 (Part 1) n/a
Evening Prayer
Evening Prayer

Type 2
DAY 1 8 am to 12 nn (4 hrs); 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm (5 hrs.); 7:00 pm to 10 pm (3 hrs) = 12 HRS
DAY 2 - 8 am to 12 nn (4 hrs); 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm (5 hrs) = 9 HRS
Total = 21 hours

Model A Type 2 DAY 1 DAY 2

Introduction
Opening Mass or Welcome Morning Praise
AM Sessions
Liturgy Module 3
Module 1 (Part 1)

Module 4
Concluding Mass or Closing
Module 1 (Part 2)
PM Sessions Liturgy (with Mission Sending
Module 2 (Part 1)
Pagsusugo sa Misyon Bilang
mga Bayani at Banal

Module 2 (Part 2)
Evening Sessions n/a
Evening Prayer

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! iii


R ecommended S chedule
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES This formation program
recommends the following
schedule to be followed.
However, the schedule can
be adjusted to the liking of
the Leadership Team or
Model B Live-out seminar that will run for 2 consecutive days Organizers. At least 20 hours
is recommended in order
Day 1 & 2 8 am to 12 nn (4 hrs); 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm (5 hrs); for the complete process
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm (1.5 hrs) of formation to take place.
TOTAL = 21 hours Presented are some models.

Model B DAY 1 DAY 2

Introduction Morning Praise


AM Sessions Opening Mass or Welcome Module 3 (Part 1)
Liturgy

Module 1 Module 3 (Part 2)


PM Sessions
Module 2 (Part 1) Module 4 (Part 1)

Module 4 (Part 2)
Concluding Mass or Closing
Module 2 (Part 2)
EVENING SESSIONS Liturgy (with Mission Sending
Evening Prayer
Pagsusugo sa Misyon Bilang
mga Bayani at Banal

Model C Live-out seminar for 4 consecutive evenings

Day 1, 2, 3, 4 at least 4 hours per evening


Total = 20 hours

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4

Module 4
Concluding Mass or
Introduction
Closing Liturgy (with
Opening Mass or
Module 2 Module 3 Mission Sending
Welcome Liturgy
Pagsusugo sa Misyon
Module 1
Bilang mga Bayani at
Banal

iv HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


R ecommended S chedule
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES This formation program
recommends the following
schedule to be followed.
However, the schedule can
be adjusted to the liking of
Model D One day seminar
the Leadership Team or
(At least four hours should be allotted per module but due to time Organizers. At least 20 hours
constraints, all the parts in each module will be compressed in 2 to 2 is recommended in order
hours. This could spell a difference in the experience of the participant, for the complete process
thus, Model D is the least recommended) of formation to take place.
Presented are some models.

TIME
Introduction
7:30 am
Mass( *) or Opening Liturgy

8:30 am Module 1 (Part 1)

10: 00 am Break

10:15 am Module 1 (Part 2)

10:45 am Module 2 (Part 1)

12:00 nn Lunch break

1:00 pm Module 2 (Part 2)

2:00 pm Module 3 (Part 1)

3:00 pm Break

3:15 pm Module 3 (Part 2)

5:15 pm Module 4 (Part 1)

7:00 pm Dinner

Module 4 (Part 2)
7:30 pm Concluding Mass (*) or Closing Liturgy (with Mission SendingPagsusugo sa
Misyon Bilang mga Bayani at Banal

8:30 pm Home Sweet Home

(*) Organizers have the option to schedule one mass for the day, its either an Opening or Closing Mass
HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! v
NOTES TO THE FACILITATOR I ntro d u ctor y
Organization for this formation program is relatively
1. The success of this formation program for
easy. The Leadership Team should be gathered
the Year of the Laity rests on the capability way before the formation program starts to gain a
of the Facilitator and the Leadership Team. common mindset about the program. The main task
Therefore, you as a facilitator, are expected to of the team is to set the atmosphere and tone of the
be: sessions. The team should not just act as organizers
but as participants of the program as well. They
should be directed to participate and get involved in
a. PROCESS-ORIENTED the formation program.
b. ANIMATED
c. INTERACTIVE
d. SENSITIVE 3. HOUSE RULES
e. KNOWLEDGEABLE
f. SPIRITUAL To realize the objectives of the program, the
g. COMMITTED facilitator should make clear the following
House Rules to the participants:
2. A successful formation program is a product of
prayer, knowledge, coordination, cooperation a. Individual Activities
and team commitment. The Youth can serve as All participants are expected to fully
SERVICE FACILITATORS, as staff, animators accomplish all individual activities at a
and hosts during the conduct of the program. given time. To realize this, participants are
You are, therefore, encouraged to work very reminded to follow instruction carefully.
closely with a team of volunteers to make the Ask if something is not clear or confusing.
tasks lighter and manageable.
b. Workshops/Sharings
Everyone is expected to actively participate
I ntro d u ctor y A cti v ities and share their reflections or insights. This
can only be possible if everyone is attentive
1. ANIMATION to what others are sharing. Participants
are also encouraged to be open to all
You are expected to welcome the possibilities and avoid being aggressive
participants in a joyful and happy mood. and confrontational in their approaches.
Prepare a short animation of a song or
an exercise or game that you can teach c. Prayers/Reflections
the participants. Remember that the Silence and a Reflective mood should be
participants are looking forward to new observed during prayers and reflections.
experiences that they can bring back with We believe that it is God who invited us to
them after the program. This will also come to this formation program and that
warm them up and make them comfortable we are answering His call. Allow God to
and relaxed. Remember also that there is work through and in us.
a big difference between a performer and
an animator. Your role is to animate not to d. Materials
perform. Each participant will be provided with
materials and hand-outs. Discussion Group
2. WELCOME MESSAGE Leaders and Service Facilitators will
be present to assist all during the entire
It is suggested that the Parish Priest, program.
Parish Pastoral Council President, or
Commission Director be present to deliver e. Personal Needs
the welcome message to the participants. Discussion Group Leaders and Service
His/her presence will serve as an example Facilitators will always be available to
to the participants and add meaning to the assist anyone with personal or private
program. needs.

vi HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


Jubilees

ers
d & Prison
Homeboun
Broken Families
Addicted Friends

Homeless & Jobless Farmers, Fisherfolks and


Laborers

Young
Professionals

Non-
Publ Indigeneous People Prac
ic Sc ticin
hool g Cat
Teac holic
h s
ers

Lay Saints and Gove


rn
Catholic Filipino Emp ment
ns loyee
rga nizatio Heroes s
Civic O

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! vii


www.choosetobebrave.org

We have been called to share in Christs mission to spread the truth through our words and actions. To reach out to
those who are in need of us. The 12 sectors of society represent different groups of individuals who need the loving
and courageous help of every Christian. We have a vocation to serve others through everyday acts of Love. By
choosing to reach out to the different sectors, we Choose to be Brave.

12 Sectors (Jubilees)
to pray for and minister to during the Year of the Laity.
You can choose one or two groups to focus on during the month.

Non-practicing Catholics Troubled Friends


Find out how you can help bring back to the Church By your loving words and understanding, you can
our brothers and sisters, who are not serious with the heal those who are struggling with addiction of drugs,
Catholic faith, or who have left the church for other sects alcohol, sex, gambling & cyberspace, assuring them of
& religious denominations. God's salvation.

Young Professionals Government Employees


Help empower young professionals to act as force for Be a part of a program that will instill integrity and
good in the society we live in. The youth can be saints! honesty in the hearts of rank and file government
employees.

Broken Families
Learn how you can take part in reaching out to broken Civic Organizations
homes and families. Broken families are called to be holy! Being socially responsible is a choice. Choose to help
in the social transformation of all major civic groups,
promoting the spirit of volunteerism based on faith and
Homeless and Jobless solidarity.
Find out how you can support informal settlers and
contractual workers through church based programs
and summits. We, just like Jesus, are one with them. Public School Teachers
Support in the formation of public school teachers that
they may be animated to teach ethics and moral values
Homebound and Prisoners to their students.
Reach out to those who have been bound to seclusion: the
sick, handicapped, elderly, and prisoners. Help restore
hope into their lives! Indigenous People
Participate in a program that highlights exemplary
Catholic leaders of indigenous peoples. We show our
Farmers, Fisher folks & Laborers gratitude to them since the Church is a custodian of
With your help, you can animate and make Farmers, culture and integrity of creation.
Fisher folks, and Laborers (FAFILAB) effective agents of
evangelization.
Lay Saints and Catholic Filipino Heroes
Be part of the campaign against the Halloween scare,
highlighting people who can inspire us to live holy lives.

viii HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


Introductory
Activity

LAY
(LAITY)

...Lay your heart


and mind

WORD OF GOD / GROWTH BY MARCELLO SILVESTRI


HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! ix
FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
Introductory Activities
Welcome to Holy Heroes! ONE
This is an introductory activity to
prepare your heart and mind for
R e g istration /
ID M a k in g
the exercises ahead, towards being
called to be saints and sent forth as
Heroes

REGISTRATION /
ID MAKING A. YOUR SYMBOL FOR "HEROISM"
B. YOUR SYMBOL FOR "HOLINESS"
Think of a symbol or a word that reminds you
Think of a symbol or anything that reminds you
of Holiness. Write/draw it on the upper-right
of Heroism. Write/draw it on the upper-left
1. As the participants arrive, you side of your ID.
side of your ID.
can have them make their IDs.
The atmosphere of the session
E. YOUR NICKNAME
hall/ room should be reflective Last but not the least, in the middle of
and prayerful. Instrumental Saving a life Martyr
your ID, write your nickname in bold
letters in your own style for others to
music can be played in read easily.
the background while the
participants work on their IDs.
You can group them in Dyads/
Triads and let them introduce C. WHO IS YOUR HERO?
Name your hero. It can be fictional or a
Liza D. WHO IS YOUR MODEL OF
HOLINESS? Name your role model
for being holy. It can be an actual
person or a Saint. Write the name on
themselves and share what they real person. Write the name on the lower- the lower-right side of your ID.
left side of your ID.
have written in their IDs.
Juan St. Andrew
dela Cruz
2. Distribution of Worksheet for * (Option) You can also place the
seminar schedule at the back of the ID.
the Group Work.

TWO

FACILITATOR'S
P astoral S piral
GUIDE nampalataya
a Pana Pag
ilay s pap Kalagayan
ACTIVITY: in n o Pagkilos P a
a n ag
PASTORAL SPIRAL apl tata
Pag

sya
p g K al agayan sa
ag Bagon
P

Process: PASTORAL SPIRAL


(Adopted Process)

1. The participants will be grouped


according to their diocese/
parish/community/sector.
2. The participants will be given
time to answer the worksheet.
1
3. Assign a group leader to REFLECTION
facilitate the sharing and
discussion and a secretary 1) Present Situation
to record all the members
answers.
4. The groups will discuss and a. What are the services or gifts that the Laity
reflect on the guide questions
in the worksheet.
brings to your diocese/parish/community?
5. Finalize the answers and write it What are the qualities of holiness and heroism
on a Manila paper. Prepare for
the Reporting.
that they emulate?
b. What are the services or gifts that the Laity
receive from the Church that help them to
realize the call to holiness and heroism?

x HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


c. What are the qualities of holiness and heroism
brought about by the lay participation or
service in the Church?

1) Reflection in Faith

a. How are the services and gifts of holiness of


the Laity to the Church bring about Gods
Kingdom?
b. How are the formations and opportunities
that the Church provides to the Laity help in
the deepening of faith and its effects in their
respective ministries?
c. What are the factors or conditions in the
Church or Society that (a) facilitate, or
(b) hinder the growth and deepening of saintly
and heroic deeds of the Laity?

THREE
FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
G ro u pin g
GROUP INTRODUCTION

The group will introduce themselves


(what diocese/parish/community/ G ro u p
sector) do they belong to. 3
SHARING OF GROUP G ro u p G ro u p
WORK 2 4
1. The group will share to the
whole group their answers to
the reflection questions.
2. The group will be asked to G ro u p G ro u p
post and display their report 1 5
around the venue so that the
other groups can look at their
responses.

DISTRIBUTION TO MIXED
GROUPS

The reporting of each group can


already serve as a group recognition.
D iocese / P arish / S ector
After each group has reported,
each one will then be assigned to
the Mixed Group. (Make sure that
all the members will be evenly
distributed to the new groups.
Members of the new group should
make sure that their group is well
represented by the different diocese/
parish/community/sector)

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! xi


FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
g
Matapan Honesto
INTRODUCTION TO MIXED
GROUPS

g
Masipa
1. The new groups will now have
ing
to think of a group name. The
name should be a value or a git
characteristic that is holy or Ma
heroic. Mati
2. The group will have to come up
kas
with a group cheer which they
will present to the assembly.

GROUP ASSIGNMENTS

After the presentation of the group


cheer, each group will now be given

* "Group Cheer" *
the task of being the:

1. Animation/energizer for the


morning, afternoon and evening
sessions

2. Bell Ringer (for the morning


praise and before the start of
the session)
FOUR
3. Creative Recap a group will
be assigned to give a recap of
what transpired on the previous
G ro u p A ssi g n m ents
day. (include important points/
lessons/ learnings from the
sharing/talks)
G ro u p
4. Readers and Prayers of the
Faithful at Mass
G ro u p 3
1
5. Physical Arrangement G ro u p
(Venue) 2
6. Morning Prayer/Praise

7. Evening Prayer/Praise

8. Choir (for the Mass)

9. Physical Preparation (for the


Mass)

1) Pr
aye
2) An r Lead
3) Be mations rs
i e
ll Rin
gers

xii HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


1
MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

Module

LAY
(LAITY)

...Lay your heart


to be Holy
SECTORS TO SHARE
HOLINESS & HEROISM WITH
MONTHLY
JUBILEES

Broken Families
(separated, remarried,
OFW, death in the family)

Homebound (sick,
handicapped, elderly) and
Prisoners

Addicted Friends (drugs,


alcohol, sex, gambling,
compulsive shoppers)

BAPTISM BY MARCELLO SILVESTRI


HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 1
MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

The Story of a Son


A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start the
art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this
to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the picture?"
great works of art.
There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room
When the Viet Nam conflict broke out, the son went shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this
to war. He was very courageous one."
and died in battle while rescuing
another soldier. But the auctioneer persisted, "Will
someone bid for this painting?
The father was notified and grieved Who will start the bidding? $100,
deeply for his only son. $200?"

About a month later, just before Another voice shouted angrily,


Christmas, there was a knock at "We didn't come to see this
the door. A young man stood at painting. We came to see the Van
the door with a large package in his Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on
hands. with the real bids! "But still the
auctioneer continued, "The son!
He said, "Sir, you don't know me, The son! Who'll take the son?"
but I am the soldier for whom your
son gave his life. Finally, a voice came from the
very back of the room. It was the
He saved many lives that day, and longtime gardener of the man
he was carrying me to safety when and his son. "I'll give $10 for the
a bullet struck him in the heart and painting." Being a poor man, it was
he died instantly. He often talked all he could afford.
about you, and your love for art.
"We have $10, who will bid $20?"
The young man held out his package. "I know this isn't "Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters." "$10
much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son is the bid, won't someone bid $20?" The crowd was
would have wanted you to have this." becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the
son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their
The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going
son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the once, twice, SOLD for $10!
way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in
the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his A man sitting on the second row shouted, "Now let's get
own eyes welled up with tears. on with the collection!" The auctioneer laid down his
gavel, "I'm sorry, the auction is over."
He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for
the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your "What about the paintings?"
son did for me. It's a gift."
"I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction,
The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not
time visitors came to his home he took them to see the allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only
portrait of his son before he showed them any of the the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever
other great works he had collected. bought that painting would inherit the entire estate,
including the paintings. The man who took the son gets
The man died a few months later. There was to be a everything!"
great auction of his paintings. Many influential people
gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings God gave his Son 2,000 years ago to die on a cruel cross.
and having an opportunity to purchase one for their Much like the auctioneer, His message today is, "The
collection On the platform sat the painting of the son. Son, the Son, who'll take the Son?" Because you see,
whoever takes the Son gets everything.

- Source: E-mail Inspirational Message

2 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

1
Module

LAY
(LAITY)

...Lay your heart


to be Holy
MODULE GUIDE

I. Opening Prayer
Opening Song SPECIAL PETITIONS/
Awareness of God INTENTIONS
Word of God
Reflection Broken Families
Prayer of Petitions (separated, remarried, OFW,
Prayer death in the family)
Closing Song
Homebound (sick,
II. Content and Talking Points handicapped, elderly) and
The Sacrament of Baptism Prisoners
Inspirational Story
Addicted Friends (drugs,
III. Integration alcohol, sex, gambling,
Renewal of Baptismal Promises compulsive shoppers)
Reflection
The Call to Belovedness
Reflection

IV. Closing Prayer


Prayer
Closing Song

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 3


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

FACILITATOR'S ONE
GUIDE

SILENCING
O penin g P ra y er
1. Allow the participants to take
a few minutes to relax and be
comfortable. 1
OPENING SONG
2. With soft meditative music, lead
the participants to think of the
Love of God for us.
Sa Pagmamahal, Naroroon ang Diyos
(Ubi Caritas - Taize)
(Optional) Using a Singing Bowl or
Gong, strike the bowl/gong three times
(allowing the sound to resonate) to Ubi caritas et amor
facilitate silencing before the start of the Ubi caritas Deus ibi est.
prayer.

Note: Playing the meditative music and Sa pagmamahal, naroroon ang Diyos.
the ringing of the bowl/gong can be used
together. Sa pagmamahal, naroroon ang Diyos.

SINGING MATERIALS ALTERNATIVE


3. Distribute copies of the song SONGS
or project them using an LCD Meditative Music
projector as the participants Altar (table cloth, Crucifix, Bible, YOUTH
follow/join in the singing of the candles) Heart of Worship
opening song. (Optional) Singing bowl or Gong (Hillsong)
Copies of Song lyrics
You may also use Alternative (Optional) Powerpoint of song POOR
Songs or Songs that lyrics or video of song Power of Your Love
are appropriate to your (J. Rivera)
participants.
DISILLUSIONED CATHOLICS
Sa Iyong Pag-ibig
(Hangad)

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE 2
AWARENESS OF GOD
REFLECTION ON THE SONG
4. Look at the lyrics of the song/s.
Be aware of what the lyrics of I am leaning on the heart of God.
the song is trying to tell you I am resting there in silence.
about Gods love for us and how
we open our hearts to receive All the turmoil that exhausts me
his abundant love for all of us. is brought to bear on this great love.
PREPARATION
5. Slowly, bring the participants No resistance or complaint is heard
to journey with you as you all as I lean upon Gods welcome.
prepare your hearts to be holy.
There is gladness for my coming.
REFLECTION There is comfort for my pain.
6. The following texts can be used
for reflection:
Option 1: Reflection from Joyce
I lean, and lean, and lean
Rupp upon this heart that hurts with me.
Option 2: Create in Me a Clean Strength lifts the weight of my distress.
Heart (Psalm 51) ~ Song
Courage wraps around my troubles.

4 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE No miracle of instant recovery.
No taking away of lifes burdens.
PREPARATION FOR THE WORD
7. After reading the reflection or Yet, there is solace for my soul,
singing the reflection, slowly and refuge for my exiled tears.
prepare the participants for the
Word of God.
It is enough for me to know
the heart of God is with me,
full of mercy and compassion,
rending to the wounds I bear.
- Joyce Rupp

ALTERNATIVE CONTENT FOR AWARENESS

SONG-PRAYER OF FORGIVENESS

Create in Me a Clean Heart (Psalm 51)


Couples for Christ

Refrain
Create in me a clean heart
Put a new and right spirit within me
Cast me not away from Your presence
And take not Your Holy Spirit from me

Verse 1
Have mercy on me, O God, in Your goodness
In Your compassion, blot out all my sin
Thoroughly cleanse me from all of my guilt
Wash me till Im whiter than snow

Verse 2
Restore in me the joy of Your salvation
Uphold me with a willing spirit
So I will teach transgressors Your ways
And sinners will return to You (Refrain)

Verse 3
Your are pleased with sincerity of heart
Not with sacrifices or with holocausts
My sacrifice is a broken spirit
For You will not refuse a humble heart (Refrain)

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 5


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

MATERIALS
3
Bible WORD OF GOD
(Optional) Copies of the Word of
God
John 15: 4-9
FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE R emain in me, as I in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit all by
itself, unless it remains part of the vine, neither can you unless
you remain in me.
READING THE WORD I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with
8. Read the Word of God slowly
and meditatively. Do not rush
me in him, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do
reading. nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me is
Alternative Scripture you can thrown away like a branch -- and withers;
use:
these branches are collected and thrown on
the fire and are burnt.
If you remain in me and my words remain
ALTERNATIVE in you, you may ask for whatever you please
SCRIPTURE and youwillget it.
It is to thegloryof my Father that you should
YOUTH bear much fruit and be my disciples.
Matthew 19: 16-24
I have loved you just as the Father has loved
POOR me. Remain in my love.
Matthew 5: 3-12

DISILLUSIONED CATHOLICS
John 8: 1-12
4
REFLECTION

FACILITATOR'S How will you You are God's


GUIDE
describe your Beloved. Have you
REFLECTION relationship experienced God's
9. Read out loud or show through
power point the reflection with God? belovedness?
questions and allow the
participants some moments to
reflect.

(Optional) SHARING
One or two participants can
share their answers to the
reflection questions. Remind
them that they are free to share
only the reflections they want to
share.

Faith is a flame that grows stronger the more it is shared and


passed on, so that everyone may know, love and confess Jesus
Christ, the Lord of life and history (cf. Rom 10:9).

- Pope Francis, Homily at Closing Mass of World Youth Day at


Copacabana Beach Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,July 28, 2013

6 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
5
PRAYER OF PETITION
PETITIONS/INTENTIONS
10. Prayerfully read the Prayer Heavenly Father,
of Petition. You can assign a
participant to read it aloud or
do it yourself. Thank you for the privilege of coming together in the
Name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. According to
11. Dont forget to include in the
prayer the Special Petitions/ Your Word we are making our requests known to You
Intentions for the Year of the knowing that You already know what we need.
Laity.

12. Tell the participants to say out


loud their prayers of petition/
Father, we ask that You renew our strength so that we
intention. can wait patiently for Your return.

We ask for... (your petitions...)


SPECIAL PETITIONS/
INTENTIONS
We pray for... (your intentions...)
Broken Families (separated,
remarried, OFWs, death in the
Response: Lord, hear our prayer.
family)

Homebound (sick, handicapped, 6


elderly) and Prisoners PRAYER

Addicted Friends (to drugs, Let nothing trouble you.


alcohol, sex, gambling) Let nothing scare you.
All is fleeting.
God alone is unchanging.
FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
Patience
Everything obtains.
PRAYER
13. End the Prayer of Petition with
Who possesses God
a prayer by St. Therese of Avila. Nothing wants.
God alone suffices.
- St. Teresa of Avila

FACILITATOR'S 7
GUIDE CLOSING SONG

SINGING Lord, Jesus Christ


14. End the prayer with a song. Ask
the participants to follow and
Taize
join in the singing of the Taize Lord Jesus Christ, your light shines within us
song Lord Jesus Christ
Let not my doubts or my darkness speak to me
Lord Jesus Christ, your light shines within us
Let my heart always welcome your love

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 7


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

FACILITATOR'S TWO
GUIDE

To build your Talk, choose among C ontent


the Contents and Supplementary
Resources which best fits your
audience. It is recommended to
& T al k in g P oints
Lay your heart
mix Inspirational Stories, Songs
& Videos into your Talk. You can
be creative and be inspiring
in giving your Talk. Powerpoint

to be Holy
presentations with Pictures (less
text) are also helpful.

1
TALK

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE The Sacrament of
Baptism is a Sacrament of Christian
initiation
By which we receive the dignity
Baptism
of adoption as children of God.
By which we are incorporated 1. What is a Sacrament?
into the Body of Christ, the

A
Church.
sacrament is a saving symbolic act, arising from
Baptism is the Sacrament of the ministry of Christ and continued in, by and for
renewal. the Church. When celebrated in faith, it leads us into
By which we are freed from a likeness to Christ. The purpose of the sacraments is to
Original Sin sanctify, to build up the Body of Christ (the Church), and to
By which we are born again of give worship to God.
water and the Holy Spirit
By which we receive a new and There are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation,
spiritual life in Christ
Eucharist (sacraments of Christian initiation), Reconciliation,
Initiates us into that community
which gives personal witness
Anointing of the Sick (sacraments of healing), Holy Orders
to Gods saving grace through and Matrimony (sacraments of communion).
Jesus.
2. The Sacrament of Initiation
Baptism is the Sacrament of Faith
Baptism is offered to all who The sacraments of initiation, namely Baptism, Confirmation
have faith in Jesus. and the Eucharist, lay the foundations of every Christian
Baptism is the beginning of a life. The faithful are born anew in Baptism, strengthened
life of faith.
Baptism brings us into a
by Confirmation, and receive the food for eternal life in the
community of faith. Eucharist.

Baptism is a Gift of Sanctifying 3. What is Baptism?


Grace.
It is a divine gift because it Baptism is the sacrament of spiritual rebirth and it is the
is given to those who bring basis of our whole Christian life. By the symbolic action of
nothing of their own. washing with water and the ritual formula (I baptize you
It is grace because it is given out
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
of love even to the guilty.
Spirit), the baptized person is cleansed from all sins, both
original and personal, and is incorporated into Christ.

8 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE 4. Why is Baptism Necessary?

Jesus Himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation.


The Lord himself affirms In Mark 16:16, he said: The man who believes in it and
that Baptism is necessary for accepts baptism will be saved. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus
salvation. Amen, amen, I say likewise said: Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of
to you, no one can enter the the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
kingdom of God without being
born of water and Spirit. What
is born of flesh is flesh and what 5. Who Can Be Baptized?
is born of spirit is spirit. Do not
be amazed that I told you, You Any infant not yet baptized can receive the sacrament of
must be born from above. John Baptism, provided there is the assurance that his parents will
3:5-7 bring him up in the Christian faith. An adult who wishes to be
Baptism is necessary for baptized, must first receive the basic Christian initiation.
salvation for those to whom the
Gospel has been proclaimed,
6. Who Can Baptize?
and who have had the
possibility of asking for this
sacrament. The ordinary ministers of Baptism are the bishops, priests
The Church does not know of and deacons. But in case of necessity, anyone, even a non-
any means other than Baptism baptized person, can baptize, provided that the Trinitarian
that assures entry into eternal formula is used and that the one who baptizes will do what
life. the Church intends to do at Baptism.
The Church allows this because of the universal saving will of
Non Christians who never
God and the need for Baptism for salvation.
receive the Baptism can be
saved through: 1) Baptism of
Desire - Unbaptized persons; 7. What Are the Effects of Baptism
Sorry for his/her sins; Unaware
of the importance of baptism A. The first effect of Baptism is to unite the baptized person
2) Baptism of blood - Those with the risen Lord by water and the Holy Spirit. He dies
who suffer and dies for the faith to a life of sin and is reborn to a new life in Christ. The
or for perfect charity; Those baptized becomes an adopted child of God and is called to
infants who die unbaptized are a life of holiness.
entrusted to Gods mercy upon
His will of universal salvation.
B. By Baptism all sins are forgiven, both original and
The two principal effects of personal, as well as the punishment for sin. The baptized
Baptism are: 1) purification person shares in the Paschal Mystery of Christ -- in his
from sins, 2) and new birth suffering, death and resurrection.
in the Holy Spirit. It brings
us into a new life with Christ, C. Baptism incorporates the baptized person into the
Incorporate us into the church community of believers, the living Body of Christ -- the
and makes us sharers in the
Church.
divine life

All Sacraments have a proper 8. The Rite of Baptism


matter and a proper form. In
Baptism, the matter is water. In The rite of Baptism is divided into three parts.
Baptism, the form is: I Baptize
you in the name of the Father, A. RECEPTION OF THE CHILDREN
and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit.
The baptismal ceremony begins with the priest asking the
parents what they ask from Gods Church to do for their child.
The parents respond by saying that they came to ask for
Baptism. Namely, they are asking that their child may enter
into the saving mystery of God, that he be given eternal life,
and that he become a member of the Church -- the community
of believers.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 9


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

FACILITATOR'S
The priest asks the parents for the childs baptismal name,
GUIDE which gives him his Christian identity from now on. It is
advisable that a Christian name be given to the child.

Symbols of Baptism The priest reminds the parents of their Christian duty to bring
Fire - It gives light. Jesus is the up the child in the practice of the Christian faith, to keep Gods
light of the world who takes us commandments by loving God and neighbor. The godparents
away from darkness of sin to are reminded of their duty to help the parents in bringing up
His light.
Oil - Signifies the gift of the holy
the child as a Christian.
spirit to the newly baptized,
who become Christians, that The child is welcomed by the Christian community, a
is, one anointed by the holy reminder that Baptism is a celebration of the whole
spirit, incorporated into Christs community, not only of the priest or deacon. Hence, all must
mission. actively participate.
White garment - Symbolizes the
veiling of our shame of sin or Then the child is marked with the cross on the forehead,
guilt.
which signifies that the child belongs to Christ and to his
The Church asks God that
through his Son the power of people, and that he is called to be Christs follower.
the Holy Spirit may be sent
upon the water, so that those B. THE CELEBRATION OF THE WORD
who will be baptized in it may
be born of water and the Readings from the Scriptures follow. We must listen intently,
Spirit. especially to the Gospel because when Scriptures are read in
The water used is a natural the Church, it is Christ himself who speaks. We must listen in
water mixed with holy oil or
order that our faith may be stirred, so that Baptism becomes
chrism.
an experience of faith.
Original Sin & Original Holiness
When Adam and Eve sinned As a response to the Word just proclaimed, we pray for the
in the Garden of Eden by their whole community which asked for Baptism for the children.
disobedience, they lost the The community prays for the children, their parents and
sanctifying grace with which godparents.
they had been blessed when
they were created. The priest pronounces the Prayer of Exorcism, imploring that
We inherit their fallen state,
and are born without that
the children be set free from original sin and become temples
sanctifying grace. of the Holy Spirit. Then the priest lays his hands on each child
as a sign of protection and invoking the Spirit of God.
Sanctifying Grace
Born with a fallen nature and C. CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENT
tainted by original sin, children
also have need of the new birth The presence of God is invoked over the water, which the
in Baptism. minister blesses for the celebration of Baptism, that those
Baptism restores our friendship
who will be baptized in it may be born of water and the Holy
with God by an infusion of
sanctifying grace. Spirit. - Water has a cleansing power. It symbolizes interior
purification and our rebirth into a new life in Christ.

The saints are invoked to surround us with their care and


protection. At Baptism, we ask the Church in heaven to be
united with us in prayer at this turning point of the childs
life.

Satan and sin are renounced because we cannot live our new
life in Christ, if we live a life of sin.

Baptism is validly conferred only by a washing in real water


with the proper form or words. Once given. Baptism cannot
be repeated.

10 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE Then the priest anoints the child with the sacred chrism.
Chrism is perfumed oil, blessed by the bishop, which signifies
the gift of the Holy Spirit to the newly baptized. By this
A New Birth in the Spirit anointing, the newly baptized begins to share in the priestly,
Through the grace of Baptism prophetic and kingly functions of our Lord Jesus.
we become a new creature,
adopted sons and daughters of The white garment symbolizes the purity of the soul, now
God, who partake of the divine
nature
that the baptized is purified of his sins and lives in union with
We are incorporated into Christ.
Christs Mystical Body. At Baptism, the lighted Paschal Candle, a symbol of Christ, is
We attain a share in the present. The light of Christ is passed on to the parents so that
common priesthood of all they may also pass on this light to their child. The baptized is
believers. to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth.
We are called to profess our
faith. By Baptism we become members of Gods household. We are
no longer slaves but adopted sons and daughters of God, so
Baptism makes us members of the
Church. we cry out to him Abba, Father.
We belong now to Christ.
We are called to serve others. CONCLUDING RITE
We enjoy rights within the
Church The celebration ends with the priest blessing the newly
baptized, the parents, the godparents, and everyone present
Marked with the Sign of Faith -- all members of Gods household.
Baptism imprints on the soul
an indelible spiritual sign which
consecrates the baptized person
9. What is the Response of the Newly Baptized?
for Christian worship.
No sin can erase this mark. A. Since he has been saved from death by Christ and owes
The seal of baptism is given his new life to him, the newly baptized must seek to know
once. Baptism cannot be and love his Savior.
repeated. B. He must become an active and fruitful member of the
Church, of which he is now a part.
Minister of Baptism C. He must nourish and grow in his new life in Christ by
Bishops
Priest
prayer and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
In case of necessity, anyone D. He must set his heart on the things that are above and
can do when there is danger of must be ready to meet the Lord when he comes again.
death and an ordinary minister
is unavailable 10. Responsibilities of the Parents
The matter, form and symbols
used in Baptism are signs that A. Parents must see to it that the child is baptized as soon as
through God wishes to share possible.
His life with all people.
B. Parents must be the first to catechize their children,
They are also the signs through
which Jesus followers are to teaching them the commandments of God and the basic
become people in the New teachings of the Church.
Testament. C. Parents must teach their children the prayers that a
Catholic must know by heart, like the Sign of the Cross,
the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Glory Be, the Apostles
Creed, the Act of Contrition, etc.
D. Parents must lead their children to the frequent reception
of the Sacraments, especially of the Eucharist.
E. Parents themselves must know and live their Christian
faith. In this way, they will be the first examples of mature
Christian living to their children.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 11


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

FACILITATOR'S 11. Responsibilities of Godparents


GUIDE
A. Godparents must assist the parents in the Christian
Rule Parents upbringing of their godchildren.
Parents seek Baptism for their
B. Godparents must assume the duties and responsibilities of
children, and speak on their
behalf at the Baptism. the parents, especially if the parents are unable or fail to
Help the child fulfill the true provide for the religious training of the children.
meaning of the sacrament. C. A godparent must be a Catholic who has been baptized
As parents, you promised in the and confirmed and has received the Eucharist.
name of your child to renounce D. A godparent must not be less than 16 years of age.
sin and the devil, and to live the E. A godparent must be able to provide the child with an
faith according to the teachings example of good Christian living by being a practising
of Christ and His Church.
Catholic. A non-catholic is not suitable to stand as
They carry the child the
baptismal font, hold the lighted
principal sponsor at Baptism.
candle, to receive confirmation,
and to participate in the
Eucharist.
Through the grace of the
sacrament of marriage, parents
receive the responsibility and
privilege of evangelizing their
children.
Parents should initiate their
children at an early age into the
mysteries of the faith of which
they are the first heralds for
their children. They should
associate them from their
tenderest years with the life of
the Church.

Godparents or Sponsors
The godfather and godmother
must be firm believers able and
ready to help the newly baptized
on the road of Christian life.
Godparents bear the
responsibility of safeguarding
the grace given at Baptism.
Representatives of the church
They have the duty of providing
proper religious education to
their godchildren in case the
natural parents cannot carry out The ultimate goal of a disciple is not just doing what the Master did but to
this function. be led and guided by the Masters spirit.

A young man was apprenticed to a master artist who produced the most
beautiful stained glass windows anywhere. The apprentice could not
approach the masters genius, so he borrowed his masters tools, thinking
that was the answer. After several weeks, the young man said to his
teacher, I am not doing any better with your tools than I did with mine.
The teacher replied, So, its not the tools of the master you need; its the
spirit of the master you are in need of.

(John Fuehllenbach, SVD, Proclaiming His Kingdom, p.79)

12 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
2
INSPIRATIONAL STORY
Ideally, it is best to weave the
Inspirational Story into your Talk.
Openers that actively engage the
audience's imagination are very
effective, like, "Just yesterday, a
Changed Lives
Tim Kimmel, Stories for the Heart compiled by Alice Gray, 1996
friend told me...", "Last Sunday...",

I
"On my way to work this morning..."
Setting up the story as part of your n 1921 Lewis Lawes
personal experience even works became the warden at
better. To end, try a short pause, Sing Sing Prison. No
a change of tone or a shift in body prison was tougher than
language. All these signal a start of Sing Sing during that time.
a new segment in your talk without But when Warden Lawes
saying "that's the end of the story." retired some 20 years later,
that prison had become a
You may also use one of the humanitarian institution.
alternative stories or inspirational Those who studied the
reflections written for this module. system said credit for the
change belonged to Lawes.
ALTERNATIVE STORIES But when he was asked about the transformation, heres what he said:
I owe it all to my wonderful wife, Catherine, who is buried outside the
Holy Heroes
prison walls.
by Sr. Lydia M. Collado, RSCJ
(page 24)
Catherine Lawes was a young mother with three small children when her
Legend of the Candle husband became the warden. Everybody warned her from the beginning
from 100 Stories you can use that she should never set foot inside the prison walls, but that didnt stop
(page 179) Catherine! When the first prison basketball game was held, she went
walking into the gym with her three beautiful kids and she sat in the
Valentines stands with the inmates.
by Dale Galloway
(page 179) Her attitude was: My husband and I are going to take care of these men
and I believe they will take care of me! I dont have to worry!

She insisted on getting acquainted with them and their records. She
discovered one convicted murderer was blind so she paid him a visit.
Holding his hand in hers she said, Do you read Braille?

Whats Braille? he asked. Then she taught him how to read. Years later
he would weep in love for her.

Later, Catherine found a deaf-mute in prison. She went to school to learn


how to use sign language. Many said that Catherine Lawes was the body
of Jesus that came alive again in Sing Sing from 1921 to 1937.

Then, she was killed in a car accident. The next morning Lewis Lawes
didnt come to work, so the acting warden took his place. It seemed almost
instantly that the prison knew something was wrong.

The following day, her body was resting is a casket in her home, three-
quarters of a mile from the prison. As the acting warden took his early
morning walk he was shocked to see a large crowd of the toughest,
hardest-looking criminals gathered like a herd of animals at the main
gate. He came closer and noted tears of grief and sadness. He knew how
much they loved Catherine. He turned and faced the men, All right, men,
you can go. Just be sure and check in tonight! Then he opened the gate
and a parade of criminals walked, without a guard, the three-quarters of
a mile to stand in line to pay their final respects to Catherine Lawes. And
every one of them checked back in. Every one!

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 13


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

FACILITATOR'S THREE
GUIDE

Note: Invite the participants to sit I nte g ration


with their groupmates. From their
small group, select their prayer
partner. 1
INTERIORIZING ACTIVITY
Prepare the venue and the

A Renewal
material/s needed for this activity.
(A candle can be placed in the center
of the venue or it can be placed in
front.)

SILENCING
1. Allow the participants to take
of Baptismal Promises
a few minutes to settle and be
comfortable. Song: Isang Pananampalataya (Refrain & 1st verse only)
2. With soft meditative music,
lead the participants to recall Koro: Isang pananampalataya , isang pagbibinyag
the inputs from the Sacrament Isang Panginoon, angkinin nating lahat
of Baptism. (Having learned
about the Sacrament of Habilin ni Hesus, noong Siyay lumisan
Baptism, let us do the Renewal
Kayo ay magkatipon sa pagmamahalan
of Baptismal Promises as a
reminder for us that we are (Koro)
freed from sin and reborn as
sons and daughters of God. Facilitator: What do you ask of Gods Church?
We become members of Christ
and are incorporated into the
Church and made sharers in All: FAITH
its mission to love and serve
others) (Facilitator)

SINGING Partner: Christ has called you to be his friend. Mark your
3. Distribute the copies of the
song or project them using an forehead with the sign of the cross. It is the sign of
LCD projector as participants Christians; let it remind you always of Christ and
join in the singing of Isang how much He loves you.
Pananampalataya.
4. Lead the assembly to sing the
Facilitator: Do you renounce sin, so as to live in the freedom of
Refrain and the 1st verse and
can be repeated 2-3 times. the children of God?

RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL All: I do.


PROMISES
5. Ask the participants to face their Facilitator: Do you reject the lure of evil, so that sin my have no
prayer partner and make the
sign of the cross on the forehead mastery over you?
of their prayer partner while
saying: Christ has called... All: I do.
6. The participants (baptized)
Facilitator: Do you reject Satan, the author and prince of sin?
are then invited to renew their
Baptismal Promises.
All: I do.
NOTE: This can be incorporated
at Mass at the end of the
session/day if there is a priest to
celebrate with the participants. Facilitator: This is our Faith. This is the faith of the Church. We
are proud to profess it, in Jesus Christ our Lord.

14 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

FACILITATOR'S
All: Amen.
GUIDE
(Facilitator)
7. A candle, representing the
baptismal candle, the Light of
Christ, that we each received
Song: Isang Pananampalataya (Refrain & 2nd verse only)
at baptism, is lit and Isang
Pananampalataya (Refrain and Koro: Isang pananampalataya , isang pagbibinyag
2nd verse only) is sung. Isang Panginoon, angkinin nating lahat

Ama pakinggan Mo ang aming panalangin


Dalisay na pag-ibig sa amiy lumapit (Koro)

Facilitator: The light of Christ has been entrusted to you. Keep


it burning brightly until you meet the Lord in the
heavenly kingdom

Let us now profess our faith in God and in His


Church.

Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, creator


of heaven and earth?

All: I do believe.

Facilitator: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our


Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered
death and was buried, rose again from the dead and
is seated at the right hand of the Father?

R: I do believe.

FACILITATOR'S Facilitator: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic
GUIDE Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness
of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life
8. Continue singing Isang
Pananampalataya (Refrain and
everlasting?
3rd & 4th verses) is sung:
R: I do believe.

Song: Isang Pananampalataya (Refrain, 3rd & 4th verses)

Koro: Isang pananampalataya , isang pagbibinyag


Isang Panginoon, angkinin nating lahat

Mga alagad ko pano makikilala


Tapat nilang pag-ibig wala nang iba pa. (Koro)

Kaya nga O Ama, sanay iyong hawian


Ang aming mga puso ng mga alitan (Koro)

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 15


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE 2
REFLECTION
REFLECTION
1. Continue to guide the Sa liwanag ng mga pangako ng binyag ano
participants for the next ang mga nais kong:
activity. (or you might ask the
participants to go on a break
before starting the workshop/
sharing session) SARIWAIN
(Refresh)
2. Invite the participants to sit
with their groupmates.

3. Allow them to take a few


minutes to relax their bodies. BAGUHIN
(Renew)
4. With soft meditative music,
lead the participants to recall
their experience while doing the
Baptismal Promises.
PAG-IBAYUHIN
5. From the inputs given prepare (Strengthen)
the groups for the session.

6. Show the activity using an


LCD , (in case there is no
LCD), distribute the reflection
questions. Guide them through Bilang isang BINYAGAN at Laykong lingkod ng simbahan,
the activity. ano ang matingkad na tawag sa akin ng Diyos upang ako
7. Ask the groups to assign a ay maging kaisa niya sa Kanyang misyon?
facilitator/team leader for this
activity.

8. (Individual Reflection) Invite


the participants to reflect on
their work and see how God has
spoken to them.

9. (Group Sharing) Invite the


participants to share their
reflections/ work with the
group.

If love needs truth, truth also needs love. Love and truth are
inseparable. Without love, truth becomes cold, impersonal and
oppressive for peoples day-to-day lives. The truth we seek, the
truth that gives meaning to our journey through life, enlightens
us whenever we are touched by love. One who loves realizes
that love is an experience of truth, that it opens our eyes to see
reality in a new way, in union with the beloved.

Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei # 17.

16 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
3
INTEGRATION
YOU ARE GODS BELOVED

Note to the Facilitator:


This section was based on the book
The Call to Belovedness
of Henri Nouwen, the Life of the You have been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Beloved.
You are now Gods
It is recommended that you read the Beloved
book and digest the richness of his
reflections. It will help you deepen 'This is my Son, the
the discussions/reflections for this Beloved; my favour
part of the module.
rests on him.' -
1. Help the participants recall Matthew 3:17 - 4:1
some of the verses from the
Word of God taken from the Look! My servant
Gospel of John Chapter 15: whom I have chosen,
verses 4-9. my beloved, in whom
my soul delights, I
2. Tell the participants that they will send my Spirit
are Gods Beloved.
upon him, and he will
3. Use the different Scripture
present judgement
passages that tell us that Jesus to the nations. - NATIVITY BY MARCELLO SILVESTRI

is Gods Beloved Son. Matthew 12:18

Matthew 3:17; 4:1 He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered
Matthew 12:18 them with shadow, and suddenly from the cloud there came
Mark 1:11 a voice which said, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my
Mark 9:7 favour. Listen to him.' - Matthew 17:5

A voice came from heaven, 'You are my Son, the Beloved; my


favour rests on you.
- Mark 1:11

And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and from the


FOCUS ON THE FOLLOWING cloud there came a voice, 'This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen
POINTS to him. - Mark 9:7

L
WE ARE GODS BELOVED.
et Gods voice reverberate in your heart,
Let Gods voice reverberate in your You are my Beloved.
heart, You are my Beloved.
- you may ask the participants to When was the last time somebody told you, You are dear to me..
look at each other / look at their You are precious I accept you for what you are I LOVE YOU
seatmate and say, You are Gods I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH."
Beloved.
God is offering us a relationship: You are my Beloved, allow me
1. Ask the participants, When was
to love you and make you my beloved.
the last time somebody told you,
You are dear to me..., You are Our relationships are all about that: giving each other the gift of
precious.... I accept you for our belovedness.
what you are..... I LOVE
YOU.... I LOVE YOU VERY Oftentimes, it is not easy to hear that voice in a world that is
MUCH..... filled with noise and negative voices: You are not good enough,
you are ugly, you are impossible, you are despicable, you are

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 17


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

FACILITATOR'S
nobody --- unless you prove
GUIDE otherwise.

Sometimes the opposite voices


2. Tell the participants that God is of belovedness are so loud
offering a relationship: He said: and persistent that we tend to
You are my Beloved, allow me believe and own them already.
to love you and make you my And that is the time when
beloved.
we fall into the trap of self-
3. Focus on this statement: You rejection.
are my Beloved, allow me to
love you and make your my Henri Nouwen in his book, Life
beloved. of the beloved, where this whole
topic of Belovedness
4. Ask the participants to reflect is based on, said that the
on what Henri Nouwen said greatest trap in our life is not
about being the Beloved and
success, popularity or power,
about self-rejection. CRUCIFIED BY MARCELLO SILVESTRI
but self-rejection. They are a
(Optional) You might want to great temptation but they are just a part of a much larger and
ask the participants to share for deeper temptation which is the self-rejection. Nouwen added that
a few minutes on their insights. When we have come to believe in the voices that call us worthless
and unlovable, then success, popularity and power are easily
BECOMING GODS BELOVED perceived as attractive solutions
1. We are already Gods Beloved. Self-rejection then becomes the greatest enemy of spiritual life
But How can we become the
because it reiterates our negative image of ourselves. Self-
beloved? What does one
do to become the beloved?
rejection despises the sacred voice that calls us the Beloved.
- Becoming the Beloved Our acceptance of our belovedness reveals the core truth of our
means letting the truth of being, the sole nature of our soul.
our Belovedness enfleshed in
everything we think, say or do. Becoming Gods Beloved
2. To become the beloved, we need We are already Gods beloved, but we still have to become
to allow the movements of the
the beloved. It is a great spiritual journey that we take in
Spirit in our lives.
life. Becoming the Beloved means letting the truth of our
3. We need to be TAKEN, Belovedness enfleshed in everything we think, say or do.
BLESSED, BROKEN, and
GIVEN. My soul is restless until it rests in you
- St. Augustine

If it is true that we not only are the Beloved, but also have to
become the Beloved; if it is true that we not only are the children
of God, but also have to become children of God; if it is true.

To become the beloved, we need to allow the movements of the


Spirit in our lives. There are four movements we can enter into:
TAKEN, BLESSED, BROKEN and GIVEN

A. TAKEN

TAKEN/CHOSEN
I t is important that we recognize our being the Beloved
before so we can choose to become one. The first step to a
spiritual life is to acknowledge that we are so loved by God.
1. You can show a picture of a
father embracing his/her son/ Another word for take which may be warmer to use is
daughter. choose. As children of God, we are Gods chosen ones.

18 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

FACILITATOR'S
How do we get in touch with our chosenness when we are
GUIDE surrounded by rejections?

a. You have to keep unmasking the world about you for


2. The first step in our spiritual what it is: manipulative, controlling, power-hungry,
journey is to acknowledge our
belovedness, that we are loved
and in the long run, destructive. The world tells many
unconditionally and chosen by lies about who you are.
God. b. You have to keep looking for people and places where
truth is spoken and where you are reminded of your
(Show pictures of the Creation deepest identity as the chosen one.
Story Genesis 1-2.) c. You have to celebrate your chosenness constantly:
This means saying thank you to God for having
3. That God loves us and intended chosen you, and thank you to those who remind you
the best for us. That God has a
of your chosenness.
wonderful plan for us.

(Show a picture of a person


being rejected.)

4. Ask this question as you show


the picture.
- How can we acknowledge
our belovedness when we are
constantly surrounded by
rejections?

Ask the participants to share their


ideas about the following:
You keep unmasking the world
about you for what it is.
You have to keep looking for
people and places where truth
is spoken. (Be with people who
speak of the truth). COMMUNITY BY MARCELLO SILVESTRI
You have to celebrate your
chosenness constantly by
saying, Thank you to God
and to others who continually
remind you that God has chosen
you.

BLESSED
B. BLESSED
1. As Gods beloved, we are
blessed.

A s Gods Beloved, we are blessed. In Latin, to bless is


"benedicere". The word benediction used in many
churches means literally: speaking (dictio) well (bene) or
saying or speaking well of the other. If God is blessing us,
then God speaks well, feels well, thinks well of us. We need to
affirm one another, thus bless one another.

We can bless one another in two ways:


2. Reiterate to the participants
that if God is blessing us, then a. Prayer. At prayer, we keep silent with God. We
God speaks well, feels well, are with God and listen to him. At prayer, we come
thinks well of us. And as a close and be one with God at prayer. There, we are
beloved, we need to affirm one embraced by God and loved for who we are.
another, and thus bless one
another.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 19


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

FACILITATOR'S
b. Cultivation of presence.
GUIDE It means attentiveness to the blessings that come to
you day by day, year after year. Our world today
engages us into so many things that we can no longer
3. There are 2 ways to bless one be present even with ourselves.
another:
Prayer
Cultivation of presence
C. BROKEN
BROKEN

(Show a picture of a tree trunk with


nodes.)
A ll of us has an experience of brokenness. I am broken. You
are broken. They are so tangible and concretely seen in
our lives.
1. The nodes/holes of the trunk
of the tree can mean the pains Our brokenness is ours. We know what they are. No one else
that the tree went through can take responsibility of them. We have been pained and
in its lifetime. What makes suffered because of them. However, our brokenness touch
a tree strong are its nodes. our uniqueness and our most intimate individuality. Our
Withstanding the different brokenness is as unique as our chosenness and blessedness.
storms that come.

2. We can compare ourselves with How can we respond to our brokenness?


the nodes of the tree. All of us
experience brokenness. I am a. Face it squarely and befriend it. The natural
broken, You are broken. Just reaction to pain and suffering is to avoid it, to keep
like the nodes of the tree trunk, it away, circumvent or deny it. We have to find the
they are tangible and concretely courage to face and embrace our brokenness. Our
seen in our lives. suffering need not be a hindrance to our spiritual life,
they can even be a catalyst to facilitate growth within
3. Continue by saying: Our
brokenness is ours. No one and outside among people who were a part of the
else can take responsibility of woundedness.
them. We have been pained b. Put our brokenness under the blessing. Putting
and suffered because of them. our brokenness under the blessing is a pre-condition
However, our brokenness to befriending it. Befriending our brokenness and
touch our uniqueness and our putting it under blessing do make things less painful
most intimate individuality. or easy. It also does not mean that it will go away. But
Our nodes or brokenness
embracing it and bringing it into the light. The One
makes us stronger to face lifes
challenges.
who calls us the Beloved can make our brokenness
shine like a diamond.
How can we respond to our
brokenness? D. GIVEN

Show this through power point.


Face it squarely and befriend it.
Put our brokenness under the
W e are blessed and broken so as to be given. Our chosen,
blessed and broken have their fulfillment in being given.
In giving whatever we received, it becomes clear that we are
blessing.
chosen, blessed and broken not simply for our own sakes, but so
GIVEN/ SHARED that all we live finds significance in its being lived for others.

(Show pictures of different people How can we be a Given Beloved?


who unconditionally share their
blessings to others.) a. Our life is the greatest gift we can give.
Oftentimes, we think about our being given to each
1. Share to the participants that other, what comes immediately to mind are our
the more we are broken the unique talents: those abilities to do special things
more we can share ourselves to
others.
especially well. We tend to forget though that our
greatest gift is who we are and what we can do.

20 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE b. We are called to offer ourselves not only in life,
but in death as well. As Gods Beloved Children,
FOCUS ON THE FOLLOWING we are called to make our death the greatest gift. We
POINTS: have affirmed that we have been taken, blessed, and
2. Our chosen, blessed and broken broken so as to be given, then our final brokenness,
have their fulfilment of being death, is to make our death the means to our final gift
given. In giving whatever we of self.
received, it becomes clear
that we are chosen, blessed
and broken not simply for our
own sake, but so that we find
significance in its being lived for
others.

3. Ask this question to the


participants: How can we be a
given beloved?

Our life is the greatest gift we


can give.
We are called to offer ourselves
not only in life, but in death as
well.

2
FACILITATOR'S REFLECTION
GUIDE

1. After renewing your baptismal vows, what new


1. Ask the participants to reflect
on the following questions.
insights and discoveries have you learned from this
sacrament?
2. The reflection questions may
be flashed on the LCD monitor
or can be distributed to each 2. Baptism introduces us to the world of being a Lay
participant.
in the Catholic Church. Can you say that you can
3. Give them time to reflect now readily recognize the bond among your fellow
individually and after a few
minutes ask the participants lay and appreciate the sense of belongingness?
to go to their groups and share Why or why not?
to them their discoveries and
insights while reflecting and
answering the questions.
3. If you feel that gift of belongingness in the Church,
4. If there is still time, you may in what way does this compare to feeling Gods
call 2-4 participants to share
to the assembly their insights
belovedness?
about the Sacrament of Baptism
and how we as Lay belong to
Gods family. 4. As a baptized person, how can you truly live out
your being Gods beloved?

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 21


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

FOUR

C losin g P ra y er
1
PRAYER

Psalm 139:1-18, 23-24

O L ord, you have probed me, you know me:


you know when I sit and stand; you understand my
thoughts from afar.
My travels and my rest you mark;
with all my ways you are familiar.
Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all.
Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon
FACILITATOR'S
me.
GUIDE Such knowledge is beyond me, far too lofty for me to reach.
Where can I hide from your spirit?
1 | READ SLOWLY From your presence, where can I flee?
Prayerfully read the Psalm-Prayer, If I ascend to the heavens, you are there;
allowing the participants to soak in
the richness of the scripture. Read
if I lie down in Sheol, you are there too.
the Psalm-Prayer twice, without If I fly with the wings of dawn and alight beyond the sea,
hurry.
Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand hold me
2 | CHOOSE A WORD
fast.
Invite the participants to identify If I say, Surely darkness shall hide me,
a word or phrase that stands out
for them, a word or phrase that is
and night shall be my light
significant for them. Darkness is not dark for you, and night shines as the day.
Darkness and light are but one.
3 | MANTRA You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mothers
Invite them to savor this word or
phrase. Ask the participants to womb.
continually repeat the word or I praise you, so wonderfully you made me;
phrase in their minds, like a mantra.
wonderful are your works! My very self you knew;
4 | SILENCE my bones were not hidden from you,
Invite everyone to be silent and When I was being made in secret,
listen to what feelings or thoughts
arise within them as they create fashioned as in the depths of the earth.
space for God to speak to them Your eyes foresaw my actions; in your book all are written
through the Psalm-Prayer.
down; my days were shaped, before one came to be.
How precious to me are your designs, O God;
how vast the sum of them!
Were I to count, they would outnumber the sands;
to finish, I would need eternity
Probe me, God, know my heart; try me, know my concerns.
See if my way is crooked, then lead me in the ancient paths.

22 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

ALTERNATIVE 2
SONGS
CLOSING SONG
YOUTH
I Love the Lord You Are Mine
(Bukas Palad)Hillsong) David Haas

POOR I will come to you in the silence


In My Heart I will lift you from all your fear
(Bukas Palad)
You will hear My voice
DISILLUSIONED CATHOLICS I claim you as My choice
Your Heart Today Be still, and know I am near
(Bukas Palad)

I am hope for all who are hopeless


I am eyes for all who long to see
FACILITATOR'S In the shadows of the night,
GUIDE I will be your light
Come and rest in Me
1 | PREPARATION
As you finish the prayer, distribute Chorus:
copies of the closing song or project
them using an LCD projector.
Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
2 | SINGING Come and follow Me
Internalize the lyrics of the song.
I will bring you home
3 | END I love you and you are mine
You may end the song with a kiss of
peace or hug of peace. I am strength for all the despairing
Healing for the ones who dwell in shame
All the blind will see, the lame will all run free
And all will know My name

Chorus:
Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow Me
I will bring you home
I love you and you are mine

I am the Word that leads all to freedom


I am the peace the world cannot give
I will call your name, embracing all your pain
Stand up, now, walk, and live

Chorus:
Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow Me
I will bring you home
I love you and you are mine

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 23


MODULE 1 LAY YOUR HEART TO BE HOLY

INSPIRATIONAL REFLECTIONS

Holy Heroes

H
oly Heroes! Can one be holy without being A decision had to be made, medical school to be a
heroic or be a hero without being holy? Can doctor hero in the mountain or religious life, not
one character exist without the other? to mention the consequence of giving up the dream
of having a family of my own. The call became
When I was in grade school, I wanted to be a doctor. loud and clear: to live a life for others not only
One of our lessons then was about Rizal and other by sharing my talents but by doing heroic deeds
Filipino heroes. I was inspired by their dying with Jesus. My childhood dream to be a doctor so
for the freedom of their fellow Filipinos and for that I can serve and the call to live a life with Jesus
the liberation of our country. I dont remember became one. With the added inspiration at that
what I exactly thought of , but I was sure it was time, my youth is the most beautiful part of my life,
an inspiration of a young person to do something and I want to offer my best to God, I left behind
heroic other the people. Like Rizal, I dreamt of my dream to serve as a doctor. Knowing that I am
becoming a doctor. I imagined myself going up with God, who will help me to the path of holiness,
to the mountains , living with the poor, taking while serving others, that is enough for me.
care of and curing their illnesses to the best of my
ability. It was an exciting thought and I set myself Having lived religious life for many years already,
out towards the dream. As I shared them with my sometimes, I still wonder, did I choose holiness or
classmates, they also formulated their own desires heroism? I got no clear answer until I realized that
to do heroic deeds. I was asking the wrong question. A better question
may be: Can heroism be real without holiness and
As I went through life with the guidance of my family vice versa? Can I be holy without being heroic?
and company of friends. I pursued an academic
degree for medical school. In the process though, I If ever there is a real difference between the two,
came into a deeper consciousness of Gods love and or whichever comes first, I dont think I can ever
presence in my life. More than my dream to become pinpoint the drawing line. At least, in my experience,
a doctor, I was more amazed at and fascinated that I dont think holiness can exist without heroism
I am so loved by God. I started to see my blessings, especially in giving ones life for others. They lift up
that everything is a gift. And gifts are meant to be or reinforce the other to enter into the depths of my
shared with others especially to those in need. being where God is. They point to the very truth
of my existence, my being Gods beloved, where the
I desired to know God more. I developed a deep call to become a holy- hero emanates.
relationship with Christ. I thought that he was
more than a hero, he did not only free his people, he I am Gods beloved, called to be a holy-hero.
saved them. He is now saving us. He is leading me Tinawag ako upang maging banal na bayani. It is
to become holy. But whether a hero or a holy one, it a lifetime journey, and I am on it. We are all on this
requires one thing: offering of ones life. journey together.

This led me to the desire to know God more I may have not become a heroic doctor, but
through our Lord Jesus Christ. I developed a deep I have been led to a life where there are many
relationship with him and contemplated deeply on opportunities to do heroic deeds, not because I want
his faith in the Father and his dying for me because it, but because, Jesus calls me to do it. Moreover, I
he loves me. The purpose of my life became clearer, am grateful to my life where I am able to live, work,
a life with God. I wanted to be a hero but this time share with and receive from the many holy-heroes
with a new spirit, heroism with holiness or is it from all states and walks of life.
holiness with heroism?
by Lydia M. Collado, RSCJ
1 October 2013. Written for Holy Heroes (Banal na Bayani),
Formation Modules for the Year of the Laity

24 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

2
Module

LAY
(LAITY)

...Lay down your life


to be a Hero
SECTORS TO SHARE
HOLINESS & HEROISM WITH
MONTHLY
JUBILEES

Homeless and Jobless


(informal settlers,
contractual workers)

Young Professionals

Farmers, Fisherfolks
and Laborers (FAFILAB)

NEIGHBOR BY MARCELLO SILVESTRI


HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 25
MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

In 1982 Pope John Paul II canonized Fr. Maximilian Kolbe,


a Polish Franciscan, who gave his life so that the father of a
family might be saved from the gas chamber. At the time of his
beatification some years later a television interviewer asked
this man whose life had been spared what it felt like to have
been saved from death, to have another man die that one might
himself be spared. The saved man replied, ever since that day
I feel that I have been walking in another mans shoes. I feel
impelled to live with his attitudes, by the values for which he
lived and died.

(cf. Proclaiming His Kingdom, John Fuehllenbach, p. 89)

26 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

2
Module

LAY
(LAITY)
...Lay down your life
to be a Hero
MODULE GUIDE

I. Opening Prayer
Opening Song
Awareness of God
Word of God SPECIAL PETITIONS/
Reflection INTENTIONS
Prayer of Petitions
Prayer Homeless and Jobless
Closing Song (informal settlers, contractual
workers)
II. Content and Talking Points
The Sacrament of Confirmation Young Professionals
Reflection
Pastoral Exhortation of the CBCP Farmers, Fisherfolks and
for the Year of the Laity Laborers (FAFILAB)
Workshop: Photolanguage
Heroism Video Clips
Buhay Rizal
Workshop: Values of Heroism
Inspirational Story

III. Integration
My Mi Ultimo Adios

IV. Closing Prayer


Prayer
Closing Song

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 27


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

ONE
MATERIALS
O penin g P ra y er
Meditative Music
Altar (table cloth, Crucifix, Bible,
candles)
(Optional) Singing bowl or Gong
1
Copies of Song lyrics OPENING SONG
(Optional) Powerpoint of song lyrics
or video of song
Veni Sancte Spiritus
FACILITATORS GUIDE (Taize)
SILENCING Veni Sancte Spiritus (repeat)
1. Allow the participants to take
a few minutes to relax and be
comfortable. ALTERNATIVE SONGS

2. With soft meditative music, lead YOUTH POOR DISILLUSIONED CATHOLICS


the participants to think of the Breath of God Come Holy Spirit Spirit Song
Love of God for us. I Need You
(Optional) Using a Singing Bowl or Gong,
strike the bowl/gong three times (allowing
the sound to resonate) to facilitate silencing
before the start of the prayer. 2
AWARENESS OF GOD
OPENING SONG
3. Distribute copies of the song
or project them using an LCD
Spark of God, Spirit of Life!
projector as the participants I remember and celebrate your dwelling within me.
follow/join in the singing of the
opening song.
You may also use Alternative Songs
Divine Fire, you never waver
or Songs that are appropriate to in your faithful presence.
your participants.
Amid the seasons of life,
REFLECTION ON THE SONG you are my inner illumination.
4. Look at the lyrics of the song/s.
Be aware of what the lyrics of the
song is trying to tell you about Ever-present Light, the spark of your inspiration
Gods spirit is ever present in our
lives. has been with me in every moment of my life,
always available to lead and guide me.
PREPARATION
5. Slowly, bring the participants
to journey with you as you all Eternal Joy, the dancing flames of your joy
prepare your hearts to be holy.
are reflected in my happiness and in the many ways
AWARENESS OF GOD that I delight in life.
6. The following texts can be used
for reflection: Option 1: Reflection
from Joyce Rupp; Option 2: Spirit of God, your fiery presence gives me passion
Psalm-Prayer for Forgiveness
for what is vital and deserving of my enthusiasm.

Blazing Love, the radiant glow


of your compassion fills me with awareness,
kindness, and understanding.

28 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

FACILITATOR'S Purifying Flame, your refining fire


GUIDE transforms me as I experience
PREPARATION FOR THE READING life's sorrow, pain, and discouragement.
OF THE WORD OF GOD
7. After reading/singing of the
reflection, slowly prepare the Radiant Presence, your steady flame
participants for the Word of of unconditional love kindles my faithful
God.
and enduring relationships.

Luminous One, you breathed love into me


at my birthing and your love will be with me
as I breath my last.
Thank you for being a shining Spark of Life
within me.
- Joyce Rupp

ALTERNATIVE CONTENT FOR AWARENESS

PSALM-PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS

Psalm 32

How blessed are those whose offence


is forgiven, whose sin blotted out.

How blessed are those to whom Yahweh


imputes no guilt, whose spirit
harbours no deceit.

I said not a word, but my bones wasted away


from groaning all the day;

Day and night your hand lay heavy upon me;


my heart grew parched as stubble
in summer drought.

I made my sin known to you,


did not conceal my guilt.
I said, 'I shall confess my offence to Yahweh.'
And you, for your part, took away
my guilt, forgave my sin.

That is why each of your faithful ones


prays to you in time of distress.
Even if great floods overflow,
they will never reach your faithful.

You are a refuge for me,


you guard me in trouble,
with songs of deliverance you surround me.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 29


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

I shall instruct you and teach you


the way to go;
I shall not take my eyes off you.

Be not like a horse or a mule;


that does not understand bridle or bit;
if you advance to master them,
there is no means of bringing them near.

Countless troubles are in store for the wicked,


but one who trusts in Yahweh
is enfolded in his faithful love.

Rejoice in Yahweh, exult all you upright,


shout for joy, you honest of heart.

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE 3
WORD OF GOD
READING THE WORD
8. Read the Word of God slowly John 15: 9-14
and meditatively. Do not rush
reading. I have loved you just as the Father has loved me.
Alternative Scripture you can
Remain in my love.
use:
If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father's commandments
and remain in his love.
ALTERNATIVE
SCRIPTURE
I have told you this so that my own joy
YOUTH may be in you and your joy be complete.
Luke 9:23-25
This is my commandment:
POOR
Matthew 5: 13-16 love one another, as I have loved you.

DISILLUSIONED CATHOLICS No one can have greater love


John 21: 3-7 than to lay down his life for his friends.

You are my friends,


if you do what I command you.

30 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
4
REFLECTION
REFLECTION
9. Read out loud or show through
Do you recognize Being loved by
power point the reflection that as the Father Jesus, everyone is
questions and allow the
participants some moments to has loved the called to share and
reflect. Son, the Son has offer his/her life
(Optional) SHARING personally loved for others. Are you
One or two participants can each one of us, ready to follow in
share their answers to the
reflection questions. Remind including oneself? his footsteps?
them that they are free to share
only the reflections they want to Youth Poor Disillusioned Catholics
share.
We are asked to Being poor has Like Peter, have you
carry our own many meanings. doubted the Lord in
FACILITATORS crosses. Do you What other your life?
GUIDE recognize and accept poverties do you
the crosses which see in the world What is the Lord
PETITIONS/INTENTIONS you carry in life? around you? trying to tell you in this
10. Prayerfully read the Prayer Scriptural Passage?
of Petition. You can assign a In denying the In your present
participant to read it aloud or do
it yourself. enticements of the situation, what is
world, are you your poverty and
11. Dont forget to include in the willing to lay down what is it trying to
prayer the Special Petitions/ your life for Jesus tell you?
Intentions for the Year of the
Laity.
and others?

12. Tell the participants to say out


loud their prayers of petition/ 5
intention. PRAYER OF PETITION

Heavenly Father,

You have given us grace to pray with one heart


and one voice; and have promised to hear
the prayers of two or three who gather in your name;
SPECIAL fulfill now, we pray, the prayers and longings
PETITIONS/
INTENTIONS
of your people.
Homeless and Jobless
(informal settlers,
For the peace of the whole world, for the well being
contractual workers) of the holy Church of God, and for the unity of all,
let us pray to the Lord.
Young Professionals

Farmers, Fisherfolks Response: Lord, Hear Us


and Laborers
(FAFILAB)
We ask for... (your petitions...)
We pray for... (your intentions...)

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 31


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

6
FACILITATOR'S
PRAYER
GUIDE

PRAYER Lord God,


13. End the Prayer of Petition
with a prayer from
as you sent forth your Spirit,
emmauscommunity.net so too you send us forth
as agents of your kingdom.
Clarify your call to us.
Give us courage to do
whatever is asked.
May we come to realize
the dignity of our unique
vocation and rejoice in its entrustment.
Show us the heart of Mary
as we attempt
to emulate her commitment.
Send us forth with joy and trust.
- emmauscommunity.net

7
FACILITATOR'S
CLOSING SONG
GUIDE

CLOSING SONG Sa Diyos Magpapasalamat (Taize)


14. End the prayer with a song.
Ask the participants to follow
and join in the singing of Sa Diyos magpapasalamat
the Taize song Sa Diyos sa kanya'y magagalak
Magpapasalamat
Masdan Siya at huwag mangamba
Siya'y kapiling, Siya'y Ama
Siya'y kapiling, Siya'y Ama.
ALTERNATIVE
SONG
In the Lord I'll be ever thankful,
Open our Eyes Lord in the Lord I will rejoice.
Look to God, do not be afraid.
Lift up your voices the Lord is near
lift up your voices the Lord is near

32 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

FACILITATOR'S TWO
GUIDE

To build your Talk, choose among C ontent


the Contents and Supplementary
Resources which best fits your
audience. It is recommended to
& T al k in g P oints
Lay down your Life
mix Inspirational Stories, Songs
& Videos into your Talk. You can
be creative and be inspiring
in giving your Talk. Powerpoint

to be a Hero
presentations with Pictures (less
text) are also helpful.

1
TALK

The Sacrament of
Confirmation

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE

Emphasize that this sacrament 1. What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?


confirms and strenthens the
baptismal grace. The Sacrament of Confirmation is the efficient sign of
grace that confers the Holy Spirit. It is called Confirmation
Change the tone of your voice
when saying mature and
because this sacrament confirms and strengthens the
witnesses to put emphasis on baptismal grace. Through the Holy Spirit, we become
the words. mature Christians and witnesses of Christ, in words and
deeds, until death.

2. When did Jesus institute the Sacrament of


You may ask the participants Confirmation?
if they know when did the first
Confirmation in the Spirit
Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Confirmation when
happen.
he said: As the Father has sent me, so I send you - he
breathed on them and said - Receive the Holy Spirit (John
20:21-22). The first Confirmation in the Spirit happened
on Pentecost Day (33 AD), when the Holy Spirit came over
the Virgin Mary and the twelve apostles gathered in the
Cenacle of Jerusalem (Acts 2).

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FACILITATOR'S
THE MATTER OF CONFIRMATION
GUIDE
1. What is the matter of Confirmation?
You may demonstrate the laying
of hands done by the Bishop. The matter of Confirmation is the laying of hands and
Sacred Chrism.

2. What is the meaning of the laying hands?

The laying hands signifies the coming of the Spirit. It is in


accordance with the example of the apostles: Peter and
John laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit
(Acts 8:17).

3. What is the Sacred Chrism?


You may also show them a
sample of the Sacred Chrism.
The Sacred Chrism is olive oil mixed
Emphasize that the Chrism with perfume. The Chrism is consecrated
is consecrated by the bishop by the bishop during the Chrism Mass
during the Chrism Mass on on Holy Thursday at the cathedral. The
Holy Thursday. perfume signifies the sweet fragrance of
Christ that every Christian must bring into
Narrate the story that in the the world.
Old Age, people are anointed
and became kings, prophets
The Sacred Chrism makes us share in
and priests. The Sacred Chrism
symbolizes and makes us share
the prophetic, kingly, and priestly ministry
in the ministry of Christ. of Christ, since in the Old Testament
people became prophets, kings, and priests
Highlight the word Christian by anointing. Isaiah was anointed prophet (Isaiah 61:1),
which means anointed. Saul was anointed king (1 Samuel 10: I), and Aaron was
anointed priest (Leviticus 8:12). The anointing highlights
the name Christ and Christian, which means anointed.

THE FORM OF CONFIRMATION

1. What is the form of Confirmation?


You may also demonstrate or
act the form by making a sign The form is the prayer spoken by the Bishop to administer
of the cross with your thumb the Sacrament of Confirmation. After laying his hands and
and saying the form/words, Be anointing the forehead of the candidate with the Sacred
sealed with the gift of the Holy Chrism, by making with the thumb a sign of the cross, the
Spirit.
Bishop says: Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The slap on the cheek is simply
an awakening reminder that 2. What is the meaning of the slap on the cheek?
we are soldiers of Christ and
we must fight bravely for the Traditionally, after the anointing and the laying of hands,
Kingdom. the bishop slaps the cheek of the candidate to signify
bravery. Since the candidate is now a soldier of Christ
(Miles Christi), he must fight bravely for the Kingdom of
God.

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FACILITATOR'S
THE EFFECTS OF CONFIRMATION
GUIDE
1. What are the effects of Confirmation?
Name three effects of
Confirmation. The Sacrament of Confirmation has three effects: 1) gives
the Holy Spirit, 2) makes us mature Christians, 3) imprints
the character.

2. What is the character of Confirmation?

The character of Confirmation is a spiritual seal that


Highlight that the character is consecrates us to Christ. As St. Paul said: God has put
an indelible mark signifying our his seal upon us and given the Spirit in our hearts as
total belonging to Christ. a guarantee (2 Corinthians 1:22). The character is an
indelible mark signifying our total belonging to Christ. It is
similar to the seal marked on the soldiers to indicate their
loyalty to their leader, or the seal used on a document to
make it authentic. Baptism and Ordination also imprint
the character; therefore these three sacraments cannot be
erased nor repeated.

THE CANDIDATES FOR CONFIRMATION

1. Who can receive the Sacrament of Confirmation?

Emphasize that a candidate may


Every baptized Catholic can and should receive the
receive the sacrament after he sacrament of Confirmation after he reached the age of
reached the age of reason, and reason, generally accepted as seven years, and after due
after due preparation. preparation. Presently, in most countries, Confirmation is
The age of reason varies in given anywhere between seven and eighteen years of age.
different dioceses throughout In danger of death, or for special cases, children can also
the country, but seven year old be confirmed.
is generally accepted.
Children may be Confirmed in
special cases, such as during in
2. What is the case for adult candidates?
danger of death.
The adult catechumens ought to receive at the same
Adults receive at the same time time Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. If the adult
the Sacraments of Baptism, candidate is already baptized, he can receive Confirmation
Confirmation and Eucharist. anytime after due preparation.

3. Do we need to prepare before receiving


Confirmation?

The four basic pillars of our The candidates for Confirmation should be properly
faith should be emphasized. prepared: generally, in the four basic pillars of our
- Creed faith (creed, sacraments, commandments, prayer); and
- Sacraments specifically, in the understanding of the Holy Spirit (his
- Commandments manifestations and gifts) and in their mature participation
- Prayer to the life and mission of the Church.
Name the Sacraments,
highlighting the Sacrament of
4. Do we need to go to Confession before receiving
Penance and its importance. Confirmation?

Yes, we do. In order to celebrate the Sacrament of


Confirmation we must be in the state of grace; therefore,
we should first receive the Sacrament of Penance.

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FACILITATOR'S
5. Can we receive Confirmation more than once?
GUIDE
No, we cannot, because Confirmation imprints an indelible
character on our soul, that cannot be erased nor repeated.

THE GODPARENTS

1. Is there a need for godparents at Confirmation?

Yes; each candidate for Confirmation should be


accompanied by one godparent (sponsor), preferably the
same one of Baptism.

2. What is the mission of the godparents?

The godparents have the mission of : 1) presenting their


godchildren to the Bishop during the Confirmation;
Elaborate on the mission 2) guiding them in their Christian life.
of godparents and the
requirements for godparents. 3. What are the requirements for godparents?

The godparents for Confirmation must fulfill the following


requirements:
1) to be at least sixteen years old;
2) to be Roman Catholic of good standing, already
confirmed; 3) and not the father or mother of the
candidate.

LITURGICAL NOTES

1. What is the proper dress for the candidates for


Confirmation?
Explain what modest but
festive dresses are. Name a few
The dress of the candidates for Confirmation should
samples. The dress styles to be modest but festive. Confirmation robes are not
use, the color, the shoes and the recommended, since they are easily confused with
haircut. graduation robes. Confirmation stoles should not be used,
since the stole is a liturgical garb that distinguishes an
ordained minister.

2. Should Confirmation be celebrated within the Mass?

The sacrament of Confirmation should be celebrated within


the Mass, after the homily of the Bishop, to make evident
the connection between the two sacraments of Christian
initiation. Confirmation can be celebrated outside the Mass
only for a just and reasonable cause. In that case, only the
Liturgy of the Eucharist and Communion are omitted.

3. What is the Liturgical color of Confirmation?


Color is an important Liturgical
symbolism. It denotes what
kind of celebration takes place. The liturgical color for Confirmation is red or white. On the
Sundays of Advent and Lent the color is Violet; during the
Easter Season, the color is white; on Solemnities, the color
of the day must be used.

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FACILITATOR'S
4. What arc the liturgical readings and prayers for
GUIDE Confirmation?

The proper readings and prayers of the day must be


used on all Sundays in Advent, Lent, Easter, and on all
Solemnities. On other days, the Liturgy in ritual Mass of
Confirmation is used. Gloria and Alleluia are omitted on
Advent and Lent. The candidates for Confirmation may
also serve as lectors and carry gifts during the offertory.

5. What is the proper manner to greet the bishop and


Proper greetings is a sign of other clergy?
good manners and respect.
The deacon should be addressed as Reverend; the priest
as Father; the bishop as His Excellency; and the cardinal
as His Eminence. To the deacon and priest, we should ask
for the hand for the customary blessing (mano po); to
the bishop, we should kneel or bow down and kiss his ring,
otherwise, we make a deep bow.

Catechesis for Confirmation


1. Who is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Blessed Trinity.


Explain the meaning of a
Dogma (it is a doctrine or The dogma of the Blessed Trinity, which says that God is
truth of the Church. As related
one nature in three divine persons, was defined by Jesus,
to science, it is a Theory or
something agreed upon)
when he said: Go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

2. What are the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are permanent


dispositions that make us docile to Gods will. They are
revealed by Isaiah: The Spirit of the Lord shall rest
upon him: a Spirit of wisdom and understanding, a Spirit
of counsel and of strength, a Spirit of piety, a Spirit of
knowledge and of fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2-3).

1. WISDOM: It is the predisposition to judge and


order all things according to Gods will. Its contrary is
foolishness.

2. UNDERSTANDING: It is the predisposition to grasp


the truths of faith easily and deeply. Its contrary is
unawareness.

3. COUNSEL: It is the predisposition to discern correctly


and immediately the will of God in the different
circumstances of life. Its contrary is stubborness.

4. STRENGTH: It is the predisposition to persevere in


fulfilling the will of God in moments of trial.

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FACILITATOR'S
Its contrary is weakness.
GUIDE
5. KNOWLEDGE: It is the predisposition to discover
the truths of the spiritual and material world, and to
relate them to the Creator. Its contrary is ignorance.

6. PIETY: It is the predisposition to worship God with


all our heart, and consequently to love our neighbor
as ourselves. True worship to God is manifested in the
sincere love for his children. Its contrary is wickedness.

7. FEAR OF THE LORD: It is the predisposition to


respect the majesty of God and to be scared of sin.
We should avoid sins not for fear of punishment, but
for fear of offending Gods love. Fear is not terror, but
adoring reverence for Gods fatherly love. Its contrary
is disrespect.

3. What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit?

1. LOVE
2. JOY
3. PEACE
4. PATIENCE
5. KINDNESS
6. GOODNESS
7. FAITHFULNESS
8. GENTLENESS
9. SELF-CONTROL
10. GENEROSITY
11. CHARITY
12. CHASTITY

4. What are the four major manifestations of the Holy


Spirit in the Bible?

13. INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE: The Holy Spirit


Define the meaning of spoke through the prophets and the apostles, and
inspiration. inspired them into writing the Old and New Testament.
As St. Peter said: There is no prophecy of Scripture
that is matter of personal interpretation, for no
prophecy ever came through human will; but rather
human beings moved by the Holy Spirit spoke under
the influence of God (2 Peter 1:21).

14. ANNUNCIATION: Jesus Christ was conceived in


the womb of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy
Spirit. As the Archangel Gabriel said to her: The Holy
Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most
High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be
born will be called holy, the Son of God (Luke 1:35).

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FACILITATOR'S
15. BAPTISM OF JESUS: The Holy Spirit descended
GUIDE on Jesus at his baptism in the Jordan River. As the
Gospel says: After Jesus was baptized, he came up
from the water and behold, the heavens were opened,
The Holy Spirit came in form of and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and
a dove or like a dove. coming upon him (Matthew 3:16-17).

16. PENTECOST: On Pentecost day, the Holy Spirit


The Holy Spirit came in the
descended upon the Virgin Mary and the apostles
form of tongues of fire or simply gathered at the Cenacle in Jerusalem. As Scriptures
fire. say: Suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a
Fire is a purifying or cleansing strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in
element. It also changes the which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues
form of things. as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each of
They are signs of Gods grace. them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and
Give examples of these signs. begun to speak in different tongues (Acts 2:1-4).

SACRAMENTS IN GENERAL

1. What are the seven sacraments?

Priests administer them on The seven sacraments are efficient signs of grace. They
behalf of Christ. are SIGNS because they are visible symbols of invisible
realities. For example: in Baptism the visible sign is water,
the invisible reality is the Holy Spirit: in Eucharist, the
visible signs are bread and wine, the invisible realities are
the body and blood of Christ.

They are EFFICIENT because they make effective


the invisible reality they represent. The sacraments are
always valid (ex opere operato), because the ministers
administer them on behalf of Christ (in persona christi).

They transmit the divine GRACE: The sanctifying grace


is the communion with God, which is lost any time we
commit a mortal sin, the sacramental grace is the divine
assistance given by each sacrament in order to fulfill our
duties.

2. What is the difference between sacraments and


sacramentals?

Sacraments are instituted by The seven sacraments were instituted by Christ himself,
Christ himself. Sacramentals and cannot be changed, while the sacramentals are
are instituted by the Church. instituted by the Church, and can change (house blessing,
procession, pilgrimages, exorcisms, religious profession
...). For example, the Rosary, which is a sacramental, was
changed when Pope John Paul II added the Mysteries of
Light.

3. What are the three essential elements of each


Name the essential elements sacrament?
of a Sacrament.
The three essential elements of each sacrament are:
1) MINISTER: the one administering the sacrament;
2) MATTER: the visible object used for the sacrament;

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FACILITATOR'S
3) FORM: the words used to celebrate the sacrament. If
GUIDE any of the three elements is missing, the sacrament is
invalid.

There are only three (3) 4. What are the sacraments of Christian initiation?
Sacraments of Initation. The
grace given increases. Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist are called the
sacraments of Christian initiation because they lay
the foundations of every Christian life. In the past, the
catechumens received the three sacraments during the
Paschal Vigil. Today, for practical purposes, Baptism is
celebrated as soon as possible after birth, Eucharist and
Confirmation at the age of reason (seven years old and
above). The three sacraments of initiation do not give a
different grace, but the same grace in increasing degrees.

2
REFLECTION

1. We have been refreshed with ideas on theA


FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE sacrament of confirmation as growing in maturity
in ones Christian faith. Are you resolved to carry
REFLECTION
1. After finishing your Talk on, in your own means, Christs call to witness and
on Confirmation, allow the live as His disciple?
participants to refelct on the
following questions.
2. Various generations and circumstances have
2. Make sure you give them
moments of silence. produced various heroes like Dr. Jose Rizal, Nelson
3. You may also want to distribute
Mandela, and numerous others. Who would you
copies of the relfection consider your present heroes and how did they
questions or project them using
an LCD projector. Or you may
live-out their heroism?
write them on Manila papers or
colorful paper.
3. Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) is a tangible launching
4. Break them into their groups point of acts of sanctity and heroism. Can you
to start their sharing. You may
also want a plenary sharing share your experiences and acquired accounts on
after the group sharing, asking a how those traits came to the forefront?
representative from the groups
to share their thoughts.

40 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

3
FACILITATOR'S READING
GUIDE

Note: The following are excerpts


Situations where
Sainthood and Heroism
from the Situations where
Sainthood and Heroism are called
Forth A Pastoral Exhortation of
the Catholic Bishops Conference
of the Philippines written by His
Excellency Bishop Socrates B.
Villegas.
are called forth
Pastoral Exhortation
of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the
Philippines
for the 2014 Year of the Laity

Filipino Catholic Laity:


Called to be SaintsSent Forth as Heroes!

NOTES
Our dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

You already know surely that this coming 2021 we shall be


celebrating the 500th year of the arrival of Christianity in
the Philippines. For in 1521, Ferdinand Magellan arrived
in the Philippines, and in Cebu, he, a lay person, catechized
King Humabon of Cebu, his wife and their people. The
king and his queen were subsequently baptized together
with their followers. It was on this occasion that the queen,
newly given the baptismal name of Juana was gifted by
Magellan with a statue of the Santo Nio, which was later
found in 1565 by soldiers of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, and is
now preserved in the Basilica of the Santo Nio in Cebu.

In preparation for the celebration of this providential event


of the first arrival of Christianity in our shores, the Church
in the Philippines has planned nine years of intensive
evangelization, with a theme for every year. For the year
2013, we celebrated the Year of Faith provided by then
...celebrating the 500th Pope Benedict XVI. The Year 2014 will be the YEAR OF THE
year of the arrival LAITY.
of Christianity in the
Philippines.

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MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

PASTORAL EXHORTATION
OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS
CONFERENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES
Our Situation: The Gospel of Joy
FOR THE 2014 YEAR OF THE LAITY
Pope Francis says The joy of living frequently fades, lack of respect
Filipino Catholic Laity:
for others and violence are on the rise, and inequality is increasingly
Called to be Saints
Sent Forth as Heroes! evident. It is a struggle to live and, often, to live with precious little
dignity. (Evangelii Gaudium, 52)
For the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines,

+SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS, D.D. If we were given an opportunity to describe the situation of the
Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan
CBCP President Catholic laity in the Philippines, it would be the paradox of poverty and
December 1, 2013, First Sunday of Advent
abundance. The devastation that typhoon Yolanda brought upon our
brothers and sisters in Samar and Leyte has created surges of pain and
anguish all over our land and even beyond our shores. The typhoon
Pope Francis says The left us dazed and lost groping in the dark for answers and explanation.
joy of living frequently Poor as we are, this pauper among the nations of the earth hides two
jewels in her rags. One of them is our music. Our other treasure is
fades, lack of respect for our faith. As long as there remains in these islands one mother to sing
others and violence are Nenas lullaby, one priest to stand at the altar and offer God to God,
this nation may be conquered, trampled upon, enslaved but it cannot
on the rise, and inequality perish. Like the sun that dies every evening, it will rise again from the
is increasingly evident. deadHoracio de la Costa, SJ.
It is a struggle to live
The first and most important truth about you Filipino Catholic laity
and, often, to live with is not poverty but the greatness of your dignity. This dignity derives
precious little dignity. from Gods unmerited choice of you to belong to Gods holy people. God
called you in Christ to be united to his Son. When you were baptized,
(Evangelii Gaudium, 52) the Holy Spirit united you with our Lord Jesus the Son of God, and thus
you became true sons and daughters of God, partakers of the divine
nature. There is no greater dignity on earth or in heaven than that of
NOTES
being adopted children of God, and being made truly his children, and
thus co-heirs to eternal life with Jesus Christ. This dignity flows from
the love of God, and made the author of 1 John exclaim, Behold, what
manner of love God has bestowed upon us, that we should be called
children of God, and that is what we are. Beloved we are already the
children of God but it has not yet appeared what we shall be, because
when we see him, we shall become as he is. This is what also made St.
Leo the Great exclaim, Recognize your dignity, O Christian . . . That
grace came to you with your baptism which is a true rebirth to eternal
life.

The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter
Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin,
sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly
born anew. (Evangelii Gaudium, 1)

When you were united to Christ by the Spirit at baptism, you were
also incorporated into the body of Christ, which is the Church, and you
became members of the people of God. Your membership in the Church
is a full membership. You belong to the Church as much as any pope,
bishop, priest, or religious does. You are not second class members of
Recognize your dignity, the people of God. When you live the life of grace, you are full citizens of
O Christian . . . That Gods kingdom on earth. In fact, the Church teaches that the greatest
in the kingdom of God are not the ministers but the saints.
grace came to you with
your baptism which is a When you were joined to Christ by the Spirit at baptism, you also
true rebirth to eternal life. became sharers of the threefold mission of Christ teacher, priest and

42 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

NOTES
servant. You were baptized not only to share in Christs dignity as Son
of God, but also to share in his mission for the salvation of the world.

You share in Christs dignity and mission with all others who are
likewise united to him by the Holy Spirit. In uniting you to him, Christ
also united you to all those who are united with him. With all those
who are united to Christ by faith and baptism, you form one body of
Christ, whose head is no less than Christ himself. Thus the whole body
manifests and prolongs Christs life and mission in the world.

You, our dear lay faithful, have as your particular mission the
sanctification and transformation of the world from within. In fact,
many of you are called by the Lord to do service in the Church and for
the Church. Such is the case of lay liturgical ministers and catechists,
for example, who perform an indispensable service in the Church
community and its institutions. Such also is the case of lay people who
are asked to participate in the administration of Church property and
works.

Yet, your own specific task, and the special responsibility given to
you by the Lord is to find your own sanctification in the world, and to
sanctify the world and transform it so that this world becomes more
and more Gods world, Gods kingdom, where his will is done as sit is in
heaven. You are called by Jesus to be the salt of the earth and the light
of the world. The Lord Jesus told his disciples to preach the Gospel to
every creature, and to make all nations his disciples. This command to
the whole Church falls especially on you, who are in the world.
You, our dear lay faithful, As Pope Francis has been repeatedly telling Catholics, you must go
into the world of the family, of business, of economics, of politics, of
have as your particular education, of the mass media and the social media, to every human
mission the sanctification endeavour where the future of humanity and the world are at stake
and to make a difference, the difference that the Gospel and the grace
and transformation of the
of Christ bring to human affairs.
world from within.
PASTORAL EXHORTATION
OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS
CONFERENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES
NOTES FOR THE 2014 YEAR OF THE LAITY

Filipino Catholic Laity:


Called to be Saints
Sent Forth as Heroes!

For the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines,

... to make a difference, +SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS, D.D.


Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan
the difference that the CBCP President
December 1, 2013, First Sunday of Advent

Gospel and the grace of


Christ bring to human
affairs.

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MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

PASTORAL EXHORTATION
Our Situation: The Challenge of the Gospel OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS
CONFERENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES
FOR THE 2014 YEAR OF THE LAITY
When we look at our Philippine world with the eyes of faith, there are
several areas of special concern which you, our lay faithful should direct Filipino Catholic Laity:
your attention and action to. Called to be Saints
Sent Forth as Heroes!

Pope Francis calls our attention to the great danger in todays world, For the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines,

pervaded as it is by consumerism, is the desolation and anguish born of a +SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS, D.D.
complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures, Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan
CBCP President
and a blunted conscience. Whenever our interior life becomes caught up in December 1, 2013, First Sunday of Advent

its own interests and concerns, there is no longer room for others, no place
for the poor. Gods voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no
longer felt, and the desire to do good fades. This is a very real danger for
believers too. Many fall prey to it, and end up resentful, angry and listless.
That is no way to live a dignified and fulfilled life; it is not Gods will for us,
nor is it the life in the Spirit which has its source in the heart of the risen
Christ. (Evangelii Gaudium, 2).

NOTES
...the great danger in todays world, pervaded as it is
by consumerism, is the desolation and anguish born of
a complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit
of frivolous pleasures, and a blunted conscience.

Poverty

Poverty is a social and spiritual problem in our country. A great


percentage of our people live below the poverty line. They do not even
have the necessities for decent human living. It is estimated that twelve
million of our people have gone to foreign countries in their search
for adequate income to support their families needs. While this has
brought many material advantages, it has also resulted in great harm
to family life. And many of our overseas Filipino workers work in
conditions of servitude and are often submitted to humiliations. A still
a vast number of our people are without work, and many are forced
to live in slum areas and in miserable situations. A vast number of
our children are unable to go to school, and those who do go get sub-
standard education in poorly equipped schools. Many have been driven
by poverty to cater to the lusts of human predators.

Though there have been significant economic gains, the same


percentage of our people have remained mired in poverty over the
past several years. The wealth of our country has remained woefully
mal distributed. This endemic poverty is gravely contrary to the will
of God. You, my dear lay faithful are in the best position to creatively
work our solutions which will satisfy the demands of justice and
charity. What are you doing to create wealth, to preserve wealth, and
to share wealth? Do the more prosperous among you feel the sufferings
of our poor brothers and sisters, and do you think of ways and means
to help alleviate their poverty, and help them towards prosperity?

44 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

Politics

The second is the problem of politics. We say problem of politics because, as we


have repeatedly pointed out, politics as it is practiced in our country is perhaps
Politics as
the single biggest obstacle to our integral development as a nation. Politics as presently practiced,
presently practiced, and as it has been practised for a long time, is riddled with and as it has been
graft and corruption.
practised for a long
Our elections are notoriously noted for their violence and vote-buying and for time, is riddled
the lack of proper discernment in the choice of candidates. Recent developments
have highlighted the corruption connected with the pork barrel which those in
with graft and
power are loath to give up despite their blatant misuse for political patronage. corruption.
It is now clear that our people are poor because our leaders have kept them poor
by their greed for money and power. What are you doing to help get worthy
people to positions of authority and power? What are you doing to get rid of the
politics of patronage, violence and uneducated choices? What are you doing,
our dear lay faithful to rid our country of graft and corruption? Do you perhaps
participate in corrupt practices by selling your votes, by buying votes, by bribery
and acceptance of kickbacks?

PASTORAL EXHORTATION Business and Commerce


OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS
CONFERENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES
FOR THE 2014 YEAR OF THE LAITY Corruption in politics is paralleled and strengthened by corruption in
business. We know that our tax collecting agencies are notorious for
Filipino Catholic Laity:
their extortionary practices. Corrupt tax collectors of course imply
Called to be Saints
Sent Forth as Heroes! business people who cooperate in their corrupt activities either to
survive in business or to reap bigger profits. It is also known that too
For the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines,
many of our tax payers do not pay the correct taxes, while the taxes
+SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS, D.D. that are collected are often misspent in over-priced or ghost projects.
Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan
CBCP President Corruption in business leads to the further impoverishment of the poor
December 1, 2013, First Sunday of Advent
and the widening of the gap between the rich and the poor.

Greed and Selfishness

While poverty and corruption are real and great evils; we must search for their causes.
Our culture has been contaminated by the twofold greed for money and power that has
characterized much of the modern world. In our consumerist and materialistic society, The greed
people are valued according to what they have.
for power
Pope Francis says Human beings are themselves considered consumer goods to be used is the twin
and then discarded. We have created a throw away culture which is now spreading.
It is no longer simply about exploitation and oppression, but something new. Exclusion brother of
ultimately has to do with what it means to be a part of the society in which we live; those greed for
excluded are no longer societys underside or its fringes or its disenfranchised they money.
are no longer even a part of it. The excluded are not the exploited but the outcast, the
leftovers.(Evangelii Gaudium, 53)

The greed for power is the twin brother of greed for money. Those who have money
easily get into power, and when they are in power, they can protect and increase their
acquisitions. In our country, winning a government position is often the passport to
affluence. Politics in the Philippines is a business proposition.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 45


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

PASTORAL EXHORTATION
OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS
CONFERENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES
Truth Suffers
FOR THE 2014 YEAR OF THE LAITY
The first casualty of such greed for money and power is the truth. To
Filipino Catholic Laity:
Called to be Saints
get money and power, to keep money and power, to increase their
Sent Forth as Heroes! money and power, people have recourse to lies and cheating. The truth
is easily disregarded and sacrificed. This is true also in the mass media
For the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines,
where what is sought after and broadcast is not so much what is true
+SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS, D.D.
Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan
but what is news; the competition among the networks and the printed
CBCP President media is not so much for accuracy in reporting but for ratings which
December 1, 2013, First Sunday of Advent
attract more money and build up greater power.

The first casualty of such


greed for money and
Common Good is Ignored power is the truth. To
get money and power, to
The second casualty is the common good. The sense and responsibility keep money and power,
for the common good is sadly wanting in our country. The culture
of greed for money and power caters to the selfish interests of to increase their money
individuals, families and economic and political groups. Our and power, people have
families which are characterized by an admirable closenessare also recourse to lies and
characterized by a closedness that is unmindful of the common good.
This being closed to the common good is especially evident in our cheating.
politics where political dynasties are nurtured and people vote with
little consideration for the impact on the country of their votes. But
even our mass media are often tools of vested interests rather than NOTES
instruments for the promotion of the common good. In business, in
politics, in the entertainment business, in media, profit almost always
has priority over service despite protestations to the contrary.

Pope Francis warns us Almost without being aware of it, we end


up being incapable of feeling compassion at the outcry of the poor,
weeping for other peoples pain, and feeling a need to help them, as
though all this were someone elses responsibility and not our own. The
culture of prosperity deadens us; we are thrilled if the market offers
us something new to purchase. In the meantime all those lives stunted
for lack of opportunity seem a mere spectacle; they fail to move us.
(Evangelii Gaudium, 54).

NOTES
The second casualty is the
common good. The sense
and responsibility for the
common good is sadly
wanting in our country.

46 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE 4
EXERCISE
You can use different
sets of photographs for
the Youth, Poor and
Disillusioned Catholics.
Make sure the photographs
are appropriate to your
audience.

Photo Language
Instructions:
1) Pre-select photographs from the your Picture Collection (or Newspaper Clippings). The number
of photographs should be proportionate to the participants. A minimum ratio of 5 photographs
to every participant is recommended.

2) Group the participants into 6 groups representing themes they are called bring acts of holiness
and heroism to. They are, a) Poverty, b) Politics, c) Business and Commerce, d) Greed and
Selffishness, e) Truth Suffers, and f) Common Good is Ignored. You can be creative in grouping
the participants. This can also take the form of a game. Allow them to sit together for sharing.

3) Clear the room so that the floor can be seen and ask all the groups to gather in a corner of the
room.

Instruct the participants about the exercise:

a. From this set of photographs, each one of you will select one and only one photograph
that best represents Gods presence in your life. Which photo best resonates or stirs your
heart in relation to the theme that you are called to bring acts of holiness or heroism?

b. We will spread the photographs on the floor then we will go around the photographs
clockwise, meditating, reflecting, and choosing your photograph. Do not get your
photograph right away. We will do the activity silently. You will be given 5-10 minutes
to study and choose your photograph. Once you have chosen a photograph, take it, sit
down and wait for everyone else to be seated.

4) Once everyone is seated in their groupings, ask them to share on the following:

a. Where and how is God present in the photograph?

b. How did God speak to you through the photograph?

c. What is it in the photograph that speaks to you about yourself?

d. From your inspiration, do you feel any stirring or hear a call towards
holiness and heroism? What kind of acts?

(Optional) Ask the participants to return the photograph after they have shared. Some participants
may have also chosen the same photograph and so it is important that they return their chosen
photograph.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 47


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
5
EXERCISE
If you can't get a
multimedia projector to
show your videos, you can
also show photographs of
Heroism Video Clips
Heroism or narrate stories Saints and heroes are those who, through their compassion, courage,
of Heroism. and integrity, inspire us to transform places of brokenness, whether
within ourselves or in our communities, into places of wholeness.
Jamie Manson (received her Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School where she
studied Catholic theology and sexual ethics. Her columns forNCRearned her a first prize Catholic Press
RESOURCES Association award for Best Column/Regular Commentary in 2010.)

Video Clips of Heroism


Real Stories of Heroism The facilitator should prepare Video Clips of Heroism.
Heart-shaped Meta-cards You can show videos from Youtube.com or similar websites.
(Red, Yellow, Blue and Green)

After showing the video clips of Heroism or


vidoes of Heroes (Filipinos, as much as possible)
(i.e. Bayan Ko and Magkaisa from youtube.com)

1. Distribute colored heart-shaped meta-cards (Red,


Yellow, Blue and Green)

2. Invite participants to reflect on the following


FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
questions:

There are several ways a. How have you experienced/witnessed heroism


to divide answers into
four groups and you can
done to you or others?
be creative in doing this, b. What heroism have you done or offered to others?
especially with the Youth. c. Who are the heroes in your life?
This can also take the form
of a game where they divide
d. What hinders you from becoming a hero to
into groups and answer the others?
questions.

Is it possible to change direction? Can we get out of this spiral of sorrow


and death? Can we learn once again to walk and live in the ways of peace?
Invoking the help of God, under the maternal gaze of the Salus Populi
Romani, Queen of Peace, I say: Yes, it is possible for everyone! From every
corner of the world tonight, I would like to hear us cry out: Yes, it is possible
for everyone! Or even better, I would like for each one of us, from the least
to the greatest, including those called to govern nations, to respond: Yes, we
want it! My Christian faith urges me to look to the Cross.

Pope Francis , Homily at Peace Vigil, Rome, Sept. 7, 2013

48 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

FACILITATOR'S
1 GUIDE
EXERCISE

Buhay Rizal
You may ask some jumping board
questions or think of more relevant
and appropriate questions, like:

What quotations or sayings of


Introduction Jose Rizal do you remember?

The Yuchengco Group of Companies Why do you remember them?


(YGC), one of the largest conglomerates
in the country with diversified interests Who taught you the saying? Or
in different industries, has been actively did you acquire the teaching
involved in various Corporate Social through experience?
Responsibility Programs since way back,
either as a group (YGC) or through its
numerous member-companies.

Last October 24, 2008, another milestone


was etched in the rich history of YGC with
the launch of theBuhay RizalProject, a
three-year values formulation program
focused on emulating the life of Jose
Rizal. Throughout its years of existence,
YGC has consistently campaigned the life
lived and values espoused by Dr. Jose P.
Rizal. Buhay Rizal thus served as the avenue that best suits this purpose.

YGC has always stood by its belief that the values and teachings of Rizal,
our national hero, remain relevant and critical to nation-building. It is the
cherished dream of YGC to see our nations youth emulate these values and
teachings, knowing fully well that only good things await them by doing
so. The values and teachings have been applied in the way things are run
at YGC, and management has attributed, in part at least, the success it has
attained to this practice. Rizals presence in YGC is very evident, and this
includes the name of its flagship company, the Rizal Commercial Banking
Corporation and the Malayan Insurance Co., Inc. (Rizal being the pride of
the Malay race), the leading non-life insurance company in the Philippines.

Whats heartwarming about this project is that several parties are involved
in its initiatives, effectively maximizing its span and reach from the YGC
member-companies and their employees and customers, to the National
Historical Commission of the Philippines, various Local Government Units,
Department of Education, the Knights of Rizal, and selected public high
schools and their students, among others.

We, at YGC, want to impart this to the rest of the Filipino people - that if
we were able to successfully apply the values and teachings of Rizal at YGC,
we see no reason why these should not be the case for other people and
institutions as well. This is our cherished dream, and through the Buhay
Rizal program, we hope to turn this dream into reality.

Rizal in the Modern Day Filipinos

YGC has identified six among several values espoused by Dr. Rizal. These, we
believe, are of utmost importance to the National Hero and which we would
like to push for advocacy by modern-day Filipinos. These have endured the

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 49


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

passage of time and are very well still applicable today as these were more
than a hundred years ago. These are:

FACILITATOR'S
1. Hangarin at Pangarap, Kaya Mong Tuparin
GUIDE
Rizal performed the second operation on the cataracts which had grown in
his mothers eyes, and she could now see with both eyes.
What are the dreams for your
family? for the Church? for your This story exemplifies Rizals drive to achieve his dream in helping his
Country? mother to be able to see again. He will pursue in achieving his dream
whatever obstacle comes in his way.

When Rizal sets his mind on a dream, he works really hard for it, sacrifices
for it and stays focus on it until he achieves it. He acts with a sense of
commitment and purpose. He does everything at his best. Similar to our
workplace, whatever the goal or task we have on hand, we should really
give 101% in the process of achieving the goal. The future will take its own
course in providing us rewards for a job well done.

Everyone can dream. Everyone can set goals. YOU can achieve anything
and everything by being like Rizal.

SET IT.
COMMIT TO IT.
WORK HARD BUT PATIENTLY FOR IT.
DO YOUR BEST.

2. Paggalang sa Magulang, Lagi mong Ipadama


FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
Parents only wish for true happiness for their children notwithstanding the
amount of sacrifice and hardwork that they have to go through. In return,
How do you manifest your children must show gratitude by giving them love and respect by living
respect for your parents? honorable lives.

How can we encourage the While true parents are oftentimes seen providing guidance through
young people to do the same? countless preaching, this is only to show how they really care for their
childrens future. All these teachings are focused on molding a better person
in children. As children, in return, must live honorable lives and never taint
the name.

Rizal demonstrated this Godly virtue in one of his many stories. In 1887,
shortly after his mothers cataract operation, he wanted to visit his fiance
Leonor in Pangasinan. His parents declined to Rizals wish since they knew
that Leonors mother opposed to the engagement. Raised in a family where
absolute unquestioning obedience to the word of parents was the practice,
Rizal, although of age, obeyed his parents as he followed everything to be
his duty. He could have easily reasoned with his parents as he was then
already a doctor of medicine, an accomplished and educated man, a man of
age. But with all humility, he accepted his parents decision.

He showed the highest love and respect for his parents even if it meant
sacrificing his own happiness.

50 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

3. Ang Buhay na May Dangal, Sa Sarili FACILITATOR'S


Nagmumula GUIDE

The great painter Juan Luna knew the highest level of honor and integrity
What are the values that we can
that Dr. Jose R Rizal possessed. He entrusted his younger brother, Antonio,
practice to reinforce respect for
to Rizal when he was in Europe and even sent money through Rizal for the one another?
education of Antonio.

For whoever can be trusted with very little can be trusted with a lot, and
whoever is dishonest with very little is dishonest with a lot. (Luke 16:10)

Its not how huge the responsibility is but rather how we handle situations
with honor and integrity in mind.

Integrity is instilled in young hearts by parents and teachers. It is


strengthened over time through the everyday realities and experiences in
life. Truthfulness and honesty in everything that we do are the pillars of
developing Honor and Integrity.

An untainted good name is the gratification we can give back to our


parents and live a life of honor and integrity to veer away from shame or
indignation.
FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
4. Husay at Galing, Kaya Mong Pagyamanin
What traits and characteristics
Dr. Jose R Rizal is excellence personified. of the Filipino that we can
support, reinforce or affirm?
He excelled in academics. In 1877, he graduated from the Ateneo and
University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Bachelor of Arts and Surveyor
respectively. Passed the Surveyor licensure Examination on 1 878 and
graduated from Universidad Central de Madrid on 1994 with a degree in
licentiate in Medicine Philosophy and Letters.

He even mastered at least 22 languages.

He was a well-known figure in various endeavors. Among others, Rizal is a


novelist, ophthalmic surgeon, architect, educator, artist/painter, sculptor,
historian, economist, journalist, businessman, cartoonist, ethnologist, etc.

Jose Rizal was able to accomplish all of these because of his great appetite
for knowledge and burning desire to succeed in everything. Certainly
A Man For Others, Rizal devoted his life in uplifting the lives of every
Filipino. Nourished his skills and talents in order to help others. FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
5. Ang Galing ng Pinoy, Kaya Mong Ipagmalaki
sa Buong Mundo What are our gifts to the world?

From the onset, Jose Rizal persevered in his studies in order to help his What are the positive Filipino
oppressed motherland. Specifically the Filipino youth, his love was attributes of Filipinos which are
reflected through his writings. One of which is To The Philippine Youth. recognized worldwide?
He had high expectations and hope that the Filipino youth will follow his
ways and dedicate their energy, their passion, and their idealism for the
betterment of the country.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 51


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

Rizals entire persona was dedicated in bringing dignity and pride to the
FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE Filipino race.

You who have more freedom...


Rizal wrote and dreamed that Who have access to modem technology and knowledge base...
we will enjoy freedom which he Who live in a smaller world enabled by fast transport and the web...
desired for in his lifetime. He What are you doing to help this country?
even gave up his life to achieve
this dream. Take up Rizals challenge.. . LIVE THE BUHAY RIZAL.
How can we protect and
conserve the democratic gains 6. Hangarin at Pangarap, Kaya Mong Tuparin
that Rizal worked so hard for?
Jose Rizal is a talented man who could have easily scoured the world and
amassed great riches. But he has other things n mind that is of greater
priority.

FACILITATOR'S This is to set the Filipino nation free from oppressors.


GUIDE

STORIES &
Rizals gift of FREEDOM, we enjoy today. He reminds us that every Filipino
READING MATERIALS has a responsibility to the country in maintaining this freedom using our
You may also use other individual talents and abilities and for the betterment of our country.
Resource Materials to build
your Rizal talk. You can use the Rizal was the greatest product of the Philippines and his coming to the
Stories and Reading Materials world was like the appearance of a rare comet, whose rare brilliance
in the Appendices. appears only every other century. Prof. Ferdinand Blumentritt

7
FACILITATOR'S EXERCISE

Values of Heroism
GUIDE

EXERCISE
1. Provide Manila Papers for
each group and colored Heart-
shaped metacards to each
participant.
2. Invite participants to write Heroism you have
down their answers on the done for others
corresponding colored metacard (Acts)
and post them according to <Yellow>
their color.
3. Display them on Manila papers
(as if on exhibit) or make a
VALUES Wall.

PLENARY SHARING. Your experience Hindrances


4. Allow each group to present of heroism (to becoming a hero)
their work and extract or clarify (Done to you or others) <Green>
the VALUES mentioned. <Red>

Heroes in your life


(Names of persons)
<Blue>

52 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
ALTERNATIVE EXERCISE
TIRAGE
1. Make a tirage of the Gifts and
Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Write
Gifts and Fruits
down each Gift in a piece of
paper and do the same for of the Holy Spirit
the Fruits. Make as many as
possible or the number may
depend on how many the
participants are. Place them
separately inside a bowl or box.

2. Allow each participant to pick


one Gift and one Fruit.

3. Encourage them to share about


what they picked from the bowl
in their own groups.

4. After they have shared in their


groups, allow 2-3 participants
to share with the whole group
about their reflections.

Faith is linked to hearing. Abraham does not see God,


but hears his voice. Faith thus takes on a personal aspect.
God is not the god of a particular place, or a deity linked
to specific sacred time, but the God of a person, the God
of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, capable of interacting
with man and establishing a covenant with him. Faith is
our response to a word which engages us personally, to
a Thou who calls us by name.

Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei #8.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 53


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

FACILITATOR'S 8 Source: E-mail Inspirational Message


GUIDE
INSPIRATIONAL STORY
Ideally, it is best to weave the
Inspirational Story into your Talk.
Openers that actively engage the
The Bridge Masters Son
I
audience's imagination are very
effective, like, "Just yesterday, a want to share with
friend told me...", "Last Sunday...", you a true story about
"On my way to work this morning..." a man named John
Setting up the story as part of your
personal experience even works Griffith. In the 1930s he
better. To end, try a short pause, worked as the controller
a change of tone or a shift in body of a huge railroad bridge
language. All these signal a start of across the Mississippi
a new segment in your talk without
saying "that's the end of the story."
River. Every day at certain
scheduled times the huge
You may also use one of the bridge was raised so that
alternative stories or inspirational barges and other ships
reflections written for this module. might make their way down
ALTERNATIVE STORIES the river. And according to a schedule, John would lower the
bridge so that the freight and passenger trains could rush
An Environment of Service across.
by Syd Baradi
(page 64)
In the summer of 1937, John Griffith took his then eight-
Filipino Youths Self-Giving year-old son with him to work for the first time. The boy
taken from Punto was excited to watch the big railroad bridge and the trains
(page 183) & boats, and also to see the control house with all kinds of
levers over which his daddy had absolute control.
Honesty is the Best Policy
taken from the Philippine Star
(page 182) His father took him to an observation deck so that he could
watch the boats and trains go by. At noon John put the
Indifference bridge up to let some ships go by since there would not be a
by Paul Wharton
(page 184)
train coming for awhile. He made his way to the observation
deck where the two of them had lunch.

Just as John was telling a long story about the trains &
boats, he was startled by the shrieking of a train whistle in
the distance. He quickly looked at his watch and noticed that
it was 1:07.

In the midst of his story telling he had forgotten that


the passenger train - the express for Memphis with 400
passengers on board - would soon be roaring across that
bridge.

Without panic but very quickly he leaped from the


observation deck and ran back to the control tower. He
placed his hand upon the massive iron controls and started
to close the bridge. But before pulling the lever, he glanced
down beneath the bridge to see if there were any ships
beneath it.

54 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

There a sight caught his eye that made nearly made his heart
stop.

His son had slipped from the observation deck and had fallen
into the huge gears that operate the bridge. Though the boy
was still alive and conscious, his left leg was caught in the cogs
of the main gears! John knew that if he pulled that lever his
son would be crushed.

His eyes filled with tears of panic, and his head was spinning.
What he could do was to take a rope, rush to the observation
tower, tie it and lower himself into the gear box, free his son,
bring him back up to the observation deck, and make his way
quickly back to the control tower to lower the bridge.

But no sooner had he thought it, than he knew there was no


way he could do it in time for the train.

Again, closer than ever, the train whistle sounded. He could


hear the wheels clicking over the tracks and the puffing of the
engine.

But that was his son!

Yet there were 400 passengers on that train which was roaring
toward the bridge. But John Griffith was a father and that was
his boy!

He knew what he had to do.. so he buried his head in


his left arm and pulled the master lever.

That massive bridge lowered into place just as the Memphis


Express roared across the Mississippi.

When he lifted his head with his face smeared with tears, he
looked into the passing windows of the train.

There were businessmen casually reading their afternoon


papers, uniformed conductors looking at their large vest-
pocket watches, well-dressed ladies in the dining car sipping
coffee, and children pushing long spoons into the dishes of ice
cream.

No one looked at the control house and no one looked at the


great gear box.

With wrenching agony, John Griffith cried out at the train----


"I sacrificed my son for you! Don't you care?" But nobody
heard. They never even looked up from their newspapers,
watches, coffee and ice cream.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 55


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

THREE

I nte g ration
1 INTERIORIZING ACTIVITY

My Mi Ultimo Adios
FACILITATOR'S GUIDE

1. Invite the participants to read through the English or Tagalog versions of Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell / Huling
Paalam) written by Dr. Jose Rizal. You can have Mi Ultimo Adios reproduced and read through the material together as a
group or let the participants read on their own. It is important to be creative in this part of the module, like, through story-
telling, drama and other artistic methods. You can also use the Audio-Visual "Mga Bayani" from YouTube which has "Mi
Ultimo Adios".

2. After the participants have read, ask them which word, phrase, sentence or paragraph made a deep impression on them.
Allow them to dwell on it for a while. Let them feel the meaning of the word or phrase. Let the words reverberate into their
being.

3. Now, hand out worksheets of My Mi Ultimo Adios, and ask the participants to write down their very own "MI ULTIMO
ADIOS" in two or three paragraphs or have them imagine that they are the Leader of the Philippines and writing their own
STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS (SONA).

4. Allow several minutes for them to draft and write their compositions. After several minutes, let them share their
compositions with the group.

Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell)


This 14-stanza poem of Jose Rizal talks about his Goodbyes
to his dear Fatherland where his love is dedicated to.
He wrote it on the evening before his execution.

Farewell, dear Fatherland, clime of the sun I die just when I see the dawn break,
caress'd Through the gloom of night, to herald the day;
Pearl of the Orient seas, our Eden lost!, And if color is lacking my blood thou shalt take,
Gladly now I go to give thee this faded Pour'd out at need for thy dear sake
life's best, To dye with its crimson the waking ray.
And were it brighter, fresher, or more blest
Still would I give it thee, nor count the cost. My dreams, when life first opened to me,
My dreams, when the hopes of youth beat high,
On the field of battle, 'mid the frenzy of fight, Were to see thy lov'd face,
Others have given their lives, O gem of the Orient sea
without doubt or heed; From gloom and grief, from care
The place matters not-cypress or laurel and sorrow free;
or lily white, No blush on thy brow, no tear in thine eye.
Scaffold or open plain, combat
or martyrdom's plight, Dream of my life, my living and burning desire,
Tis ever the same, to serve our home All hail ! cries the soul that is now to take flight;
and country's need. All hail ! And sweet it is for thee to expire ;
To die for thy sake, that thou mayst aspire;
And sleep in thy bosom eternity's long night.

56 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

If over my grave some day thou seest grow, And when the dark night wraps
In the grassy sod, a humble flower, the graveyard around
Draw it to thy lips and kiss my soul so, With only the dead in their vigil to see
While I may feel on my brow Break not my repose or the mystery profound
in the cold tomb below And perchance thou mayst
The touch of thy tenderness, hear a sad hymn resound
thy breath's warm power. 'Tis I, O my country, raising a song unto thee.

Let the moon beam over me soft and serene, And even my grave is remembered no more
Let the dawn shed over me its radiant flashes, Unmark'd by never a cross nor a stone
Let the wind with sad lament over me keen ; Let the plow sweep through it,
And if on my cross a bird should be seen, the spade turn it o'er
Let it trill there its hymn of peace to my ashes. That my ashes may carpet earthly floor,
Before into nothingness at last they are blown.

Let the sun draw the vapors up to the sky, Then will oblivion bring to me no care
And heavenward in purity bear As over thy vales and plains I sweep;
my tardy protest Throbbing and cleansed in thy space and air
Let some kind soul o 'er my untimely fate sigh, With color and light,
And in the still evening a prayer with song and lament I fare,
be lifted on high Ever repeating the faith that I keep.
From thee, 0 my country,
that in God I may rest. My Fatherland ador'd,
that sadness to my sorrow lends
Pray for all those that hapless have died, Beloved Filipinas, hear now my last good-by!
For all who have suffered the unmeasur'd pain; I give thee all: parents and kindred and friends
For our mothers that bitterly For I go where no slave
their woes have cried, before the oppressor bends,
For widows and orphans, Where faith can never kill,
for captives by torture tried and God reigns e'er on high!
And then for thyself that redemption
thou mayst gain. Farewell to you all, from my soul torn away,
Friends of my childhood
in the home dispossessed !
Give thanks that I rest
from the wearisome day !
Farewell to thee, too, sweet friend
that lightened my way;
Beloved creatures all, farewell!
In death there is rest!

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 57


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

Mi Ultimo Adios (Huling Paalam)


Sa salin ni Andres Bonifacio

Pinipintuho kong Bayan ay paalam, Ikawy guminhawa laking kagandahang


Lupang iniirog ng sikat ng araw, akoy malugmok, at ikaw ay matanghal,
mutyang mahalaga sa dagat Silangan, hinigay malagot, mabuhay ka lamang
kaluwalhatiang sa amiy pumanaw. bangkay koy masilong sa iyong Kalangitan.

Masayang sa iyoy aking idudulot Kung sa libingan koy tumubong mamalas


ang lanta kong buhay na lubhang malungkot; sa malagong damo mahinhing bulaklak,
maging maringal man at labis alindog sa mga labi moy mangyayaring itapat,
sa kagalingan mo ay aking ding handog. sa kaluluwa ko hatik ay igawad.

Sa pakikidigma at pamimiyapis At sa aking noo naway iparamdam,


ang alay ng ibay ang buhay na kipkip, sa lamig ng lupa ng aking libingan,
walang agam-agam, maluag sa dibdib, ang init ng iyong paghingang dalisay
matamis sa puso at di ikahapis. at simoy ng iyong paggiliw na tunay.

Saan man mautas ay dikailangan, Bayaang ang buwan sa akiy ititig


cipres o laurel, lirio may patungan ang iwanag niyang lamlam at tahimik,
pakikipaghamok, at ang bibitayan, liwayway bayaang sa akiy ihatid
yaon ay gayon din kung hiling ng Bayan. magalaw na sinag at hanging hagibis.

Akoy mamamatay, ngayong namamalas Kung sakasakaling bumabang humantong


na sa silinganan ay namamanaag sa krus koy dumapo kahit isang ibon
yaong maligayang araw na sisikat doon ay bayaan humuning hinahon
sa likod ng luksang nagtabing na ulap. at dalitin niya payapang panahon.

Ang kulay na pula kung kinakailangan Bayaan ang ningas ng sikat ng araw
na maitina sa iyong liway-way, ulay pasingawin noong kainitan,
dugo koy isabong at siyang ikinang magbalik sa langit ng boong dalisay
ng kislap ng iyong maningning na ilaw kalakip ng aking pagdaing na hiyaw.

Ang aking adhika sapul magkaisip Bayaang sino man sa katotang giliw
ng kasalukuyang bata pang maliit, tangisang maagang sa buhay pagkitil;
ay ang tanghaling ka at minsan masilip kung tungkol sa akin ay may manalangin
sa dagat Silangan hiyas na marikit. idalangin, Bayan, yaring pagka himbing.

Natuyo ang luhang sa matay nunukal, Idalanging lahat yaong nangamatay,


taas na ang noot walang kapootan, mangagatiis hirap na walang kapantay;
walang bakas kunot ng kapighatian mga ina naming walang kapalaran
gabahid man dungis niyong kahihiyan. na inihihibik ay kapighatian.

Sa kabuhayang ko ang laging gunita Ang mga baot pinapangulila,


maningas na aking ninanasa-nasa ang mga bilanggong nagsisipagdusa;
ay guminhawa ka ang hiyas ng diwa dalanginin namang kanilang makita
hingang papanaw ngayong biglang-bigla. ang kalayaan mong, ikagiginhawa.
pag hingang papanaw ngayong biglang-bigla.
At kung an madilim na gabing mapanglaw
ay lumaganap na doon sa libingat

58 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

tanging mga patay ang nangaglalamay,


huwag bagabagin ang katahimikan.

Ang kanyang hiwagay huwag gambalain;


kaipalay maringig doon ang taginting,
tunog ng gitarat salterioy mag saliw,
ako, Bayan yaot kitay aawitin.

Kung ang libingan koy limat na ng lahat


at wala ng kurus at batang mabakas,
bayaang linangin ng taong masipag,
lupay asarolin at kauyang ikalat.

At mga buto ko ay bago matunaw


maowi sa wala at kusang maparam,
alabok ng iyong latag ay bayaang
siya ang babalang dooy makipisan.

Kung magka gayon nay aalintanahin


na ako sa limot iyong ihabilin
pagkat himpapawid at ang panganorin
mga lansangan moy aking lilibutin.

Matining na tunog ako sa dingig mo,


ilaw, mga kulay, masamyong pabango,
ang ugong at awit, pag hibik sa iyo,
pag asang dalisay ng pananalig ko.

Bayang iniirog, sakit niyaring hirap,


Katagalugang ko pinakaliliyag,
dinggin mo ang aking pagpapahimakas;
diyay iiwan ko sa iyo ang lahat.

Akoy patutungo sa walang busabos,


walang umiinis at berdugong hayop;
pananalig dooy di nakasasalot,
si Bathala lamang dooy haring lubos.

Paalam, magulang at mga kapatid


kapilas ng aking kaluluwat dibdib
mga kaibigan bata pang maliit
sa aking tahanan di na masisilip.

Pag pasasalamat at napahinga rin,


paalam estranherang kasuyo kot aliw,
paalam sa inyo, mga ginigiliw;
mamatay ay siyang pagkakagupiling!

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 59


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

WORKSHEET

My Mi Ultimo Adios
My Last Farewell / Huling Paalam

___________________
Signature

___________
Date

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MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

WORKSHEET

My State of the Nation Address

___________________
Signature

___________
Date

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 61


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

FOUR
C losin g P ra y er
1 PRAYER

THIS JESUS CHALLENGES ME

I am FURIOUS and he tells me: FORGIVE!


I am afraid, and he tells me: TAKE COURAGE!
I have DOUBTS and he says to me: HAVE CONFIDENCE!
I feel RESTLESS, and he says to me: BE CALM!

FACILITATOR'S I prefer to go, MY OWN WAY, and he tells me: COME AND FOLLOW ME
GUIDE I make MY OWN PLANS, and he says to me: FORGET ABOUT THEM!
I aim towards MATERIAL GOODS, and he says LEAVE THEM BEHIND!
I want SECURITY, and he says: I PROMISE YOU ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!
1 | READ SLOWLY
Prayerfully read the Prayer, allowing I like to live MY OWN LIFE, and he says: LOSE YOUR LIFE!
the participants to internalize the I believe I AM GOOD, and he tells me GOOD IS NOT SUFFICIENT!
richness of the prayer. Read the I like to BE THE BOSS, and he says: SERVE!
Prayer twice, without hurry. I like to COMMAND OTHERS, and he says: OBEY!

2 | CHOOSE A WORD I like to UNDERSTAND, and he says, BELIEVE!


Invite the participants to identify I like CLARITY, and he speaks to me in PARABLES.
a word or phrase that stands out I like POETRY and he speaks to me in REALITIES.
for them, a word or phrase that is I lke my TRANQUILITY, and he likes me to be DISTURBED.
significant for them.
I like VIOLENCE, and he says: PEACE BE WITH YOU!
3 | MANTRA I draw the SWORD, and he says: PUT THAT AWAY!
Invite them to savor this word or I think of REVENGE, and he says: OFFER THE OTHER CHEEK!
phrase. Ask the participants to I speak of ORDER, and he says: I HAVE COME TO BRING THE SWORD!
continually repeat the word or I choose HATRED, and he says: LOVE YOUR ENEMIES.
phrase in their minds, like a mantra.
I try to sow HARMONY, and he says: I HAVE COME TO CAST FIRE ON
4 | SILENCE EARTH!
Invite everyone to be silent and I like to be the GREATEST, and he says: LEARN TO BE AS SMALL AS A
listen to what feelings or thoughts CHILD!
arise within them as they create I like to remain HIDDEN, and he says: LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!
space for God to speak to them I look at the BEST PLACE and he says: SIT IN THE LAST BENCH!
through the Prayer. I like to be NOTICED, and he says: PRAY IN YOUR ROOM BEHIND
LOCKED DOORS!

No, I dont understand this Jesus.


He provokes me. He confuses me.
Like so many of his disciples
I, too, would like to follow another Master
Who would be more certain and less demanding.

But I experienced almost the same as Peter:


I do not know of anyone else,
WHO HAS THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE!

- Pe. Zezinho, SCJ, Brazil
(Proclaiming His Kingdom, John Fuehllenbach,
SVD, pp. 73-74)

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MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

FACILITATOR'S
CLOSING SONG
GUIDE
Bayan Ko
1 | PREPARATION
As you finish the prayer, distribute
copies of the closing song or project Ang bayan kong Pilipinas
them using an LCD projector.
Lupain ng ginto't bulaklak
2 | SINGING Pag-ibig na sa kanyang palad
Sing the song together with Nag-alay ng ganda't dilag
conviction. You may also ask the
participants to hold hands or kapit-
bisig. At sa kanyang yumi at ganda
Dayuhan ay nahalina
3 | END Bayan ko, binihag ka
You may end the song with a kiss of
peace or hug of peace.
Nasadlak sa dusa

CHORUS
Ibon mang may layang lumipad
ALTERNATIVE Kulungin mo at umiiyak
SONG Bayan pa kayang sakdal-dilag

Pilipinas Kong Mahal
Ang 'di magnasang makaalpas

Pilipinas kong minumutya


Pugad ng luha at dalita
Aking adhika
Makita kang sakdal laya

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes! 63


MODULE 2 LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE TO BE A HERO

INSPIRATIONAL REFLECTIONS

An Environment of Service:
the Sacred Heart Institute for Transformative Education
(SHIFT) Foundation

Low-income communities have always been viewed as recipients of services rather than providers of services.
In our modern time, institutions and individuals should see community members not just as recipients of
services but as agents for renewal and partners in development.

I am currently on my 10th year as a volunteer in a faith-based institution, the Sacred Heart Institute
for Transformative Education (SHIFT) Foundation, here in Northern Samar. As a volunteer for visual
communications, much of my time here is spent around computers and technology. Although my interaction
with people is limited, the sense of community is very much felt around here. People are helping people
Bayanihan in our Tagalog tongue. Although people do not see it as volunteerism at its concrete form, they
have been volunteering all their lives for survival. Neighbours bringing excess food to other neighbours.
A father helping build his neighbours dilapidated house. A mother lending a hand in babysitting while
her neighbour goes to work in the market to sell fish. Their son helps out in repairing their neighbours
pedicab. If a neighbour helps out, they are repaid by helping them out too. But service at its precious context
is not evident in this form of volunteerism where an exchange of favours is expected. Service is without
expectation of compensation or return. Service in the context of volunteerism is a way of life, not a way to
life (survival). This I believe is what SHIFT Foundation and its Volunteers are trying to model to the people of
Northern Samarservice in its purest form. This makes the foundation distinct from other non-government
organizations that provide services here. And I and my fellow volunteers of the foundation embrace this
vision with all our hearts.

The community of volunteers has grown throughout my stay in Northern Samar, from four full-time
volunteers to seven full-time and eight part-time volunteers who stayed with the Religious of the Sacred
Heart (RSCJ) sisters. Volunteers from outside (national and international) the Foundation also spend their
time of service with us. It is a joy to be here among peers with a servants heart. Volunteers from different
backgrounds and communities added a mix of passion and strength to the work entrusted to us and in some
way affirmed my life of service and volunteerism. The student leaders in the Campus Ministry Organization
(CMO) of the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) has developed into a pool of potential volunteers for the
foundation. I have constantly expressed their blessing of being exposed to such an environment of service in
their college years for I was exposed to such an environment after my college years. How I wished I was able
to live this kind of life when I was in college.

Being part of the Program Team headed by Sr. Lydia Collado, RSCJ and was blessed to be part of the
development of formation programs towards this goal. I strongly believe that the environment of service that
I am exposed in constantly has affirmed in all ways the life I chose today. I thank the RSCJs for saying yes
to volunteerism. I thank the Lord, our God for working through my life. And I thank my fellow volunteers for
allowing God to work through them. This much I owe to them, without all these elements, I would not be here
serving with a passion God Himself planted. My community has watered me with love and affirmation.

To those who in their hearts, have expressed a desire to serve, I encourage you to surround yourself with
people of the same heart and mind. Youll feel an affirmation from God through them in so many ways.

Syd Baradi
SHIFT Volunteer
Adopted and Revised 07 October 2013
For Holy Heroes Formation Module for the Year of the Laity
http://www.rscjinternational.org

64 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... Sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

3
Module

LAY
(LAITY)

...Lay the foundation


of the Holy Heroes

SECTORS TO SHARE
HOLINESS & HEROISM WITH
MONTHLY
JUBILEES

Public School Teachers

Indigeneous People

Non-Practicing
Catholics

NATIVITY BY MARCELLO SILVESTRI


HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 65
MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

My friend isnt back from the battlefield, sir.


Request permission to go out and get him.
Permission refused, said the officer. I dont want
you to risk your life for a man who is probably
dead. The soldier went all the same and, an hour
later, came back mortally wounded, carrying the
corpse of his friend. The officer was furious, I told
you he was dead. Now Ive lost both of you. Tell me
was it worth going out there to bring in a corpse?
The dying man replied, Oh, it was , sir. When I got
to him, he was still alive. And he said to me, Jack, I
was sure youd come.

(Anthony de Mello, The Prayer of the Frog. Vol. 1)

66 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

3
Module

LAY
(LAITY)
...Lay the foundation
of the Holy Heroes
MODULE GUIDE

I. Opening Prayer
Opening Song
Awareness of God SPECIAL
Word of God PETITIONS/
Reflection INTENTIONS
Prayer of Petitions
Prayer Public School
Closing Song Teachers

Indigeneous People
II. Content and Talking Points
Mary as our Model
Non-Practicing
Reflection Catholics
(Continuation) Pastoral Exhortation...
Inspirational Story

III. Integration
My "Magnificat"

IV. Closing Prayer


Prayer
Closing Song

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 67


MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

ONE
MATERIALS

Meditative Music
O penin g P ra y er
Altar (table cloth, Crucifix, Bible,
candles) 1
(Optional) Singing bowl or Gong
OPENING SONG

FACILITATORS GUIDE
Ang Puso Ko'y Nagpupuri
SILENCING (Magnificat - Taize)
1. Allow the participants to take
a few minutes to relax and be Ang puso ko'y nagpupuri
comfortable.
Nagpupuri sa Panginoon
2. With soft meditative music, lead ating Diyos
the participants to think of the
the joy we feel knowing that God
loves us. Ang puso ko'y nagpupuri
Nagpupuri sa Panginoon
(Optional) Using a Singing Bowl or Gong,
strike the bowl/gong three times (allowing
the sound to resonate) to facilitate silencing
before the start of the prayer.
Magnificat, magnificat
Magnificat anima mea dominum
OPENING SONG
3. Distribute copies of the song
Magnificat, magnificat
or project them using an LCD
projector as the participants Magnificat anima mea
follow/join in the singing of the
opening song.
ALTERNATIVE SONGS
REFLECTION ON THE SONG
4. Look at the lyrics of the song/s. YOUTH POOR DISILLUSIONED CATHOLICS
Be aware of what the lyrics of the All That I Am Ang Puso Ko'y Inay
song is trying to tell you about (David Haas) Nagpupuri (Jesuit Music Ministry)
Gods love for us and how we (Hontiveros)
open our hearts to receive his
abundant love for all of us.
2
PREPARATION AWARENESS OF GOD
5. Slowly, bring the participants to

M
journey with you as we joyfully y being proclaims the wonders of light as it slowly
proclaim the love of God for us.
penetrates the ebbing darkness
REFLECTION
6. The following texts can be used as And my spirit bows to the beauty of the One who gives life to
reflection.
all that has existence
Option 1: Reflection from Joyce
Rupp Oh, vibrant green stems of life sing out your praise to the Heart
Option 2:Prayer for Forgiveness
who draws you forth

Bird songs rejoicing in the breath of dawn, warble your joy in


view of the morning star

Dew drops radiant upon the wetness of grass give glory to the
Wise Creator who sustains you

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MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

FACILITATOR'S Flower gardens, rushing streams, silent deserts, sing, sing, for
GUIDE the Dancer who rejoices in your midst

PREPARATION FOR THE WORD Peoples of the planet, creatures of the universe, play before the
7. After reading the reflection ,
slowly prepare the participants Enlivener who delights in you
for the Word of God.
And my soul, my soul, rise up and greet this day with
gratitude, in a stance of humble remembering

For all I am, and all I am called to be, is held in the hands of a
Creator who daily loves me into life.

- Joyce Rupp

ALTERNATIVE CONTENT FOR AWARENESS

SONG-PRAYER OF FORGIVENESS

G od of mercy and compassion, deep within me is


a longing to keep on renewing the love that you
have bestowed upon me.

I am sorry for the many times that I make myself


busy about the many things that I consider important
in life and ignore the equally important and probably
more important than we thought they would be: our
nourishment and renewal.

You renew us everyday but we fail to recognize your


constant love and care; You nourish us with your
strength and energy that sustain us in our
day to day struggles.

To you Lord, we give thanks and guide us with your


Spirit; so that we may continue to know the way to
the perfect nourishment and renewal in your love.
Amen.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 69


MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
3
WORD OF GOD
READING THE WORD
8. Read the Word of God slowly Luke 1: 46-55
and meditatively. Do not rush
reading. And Mary said: My soul proclaims the
You can also use Alternative greatness of the Lord 47 and my spirit
Scriptures. rejoices in God my Saviour; 48 because
he has looked upon the humiliation of
his servant. Yes, from now onwards all
generations will call me blessed, 49 for
the Almighty has done great things for
me. Holy is his name, 50 and his faithful
love extends age after age to those who
FACILITATOR'S fear him. 51 He has used the power of
GUIDE
ALTERNATIVE his arm, he has routed the arrogant of
REFLECTION SCRIPTURE heart. 52 He has pulled down princes from
9. Read out loud or show through their thrones and raised high the lowly. 53
power point the reflection YOUTH He has filled the starving with good things,
questions and allow the Luke 1: 28-38
sent the rich away empty. 54 He has come
participants some moments to
reflect. POOR to the help of Israel his servant, mindful
Luke 1: 39-45 of his faithful love 55 -according to the
(Optional) SHARING promise he made to our ancestors -- of his
DISILLUSIONED CATHOLICS
One or two participants can mercy to Abraham and to his descendants
share their answers to the John 19: 25-27
for ever.
reflection questions. Remind
them that they are free to share
only the reflections they want to 4
share. REFLECTION

PETITIONS/INTENTIONS What is it in your faith that you


10. Prayerfully read the Prayer
of Petition. You can assign a
REJOICE over and would like to
participant to read it aloud or PROCLAIM to others?
do it yourself.
5
11. Dont forget to include in the
PRAYER OF PETITION
prayer the Special Petitions/
Intentions for the Year of the
Laity.
Gracious God,

12. Tell the participants to say out


loud their prayers of petition/
May your Spirit give strength to all your people as
intention. they work and witness in your world. Through Mary,
unite us in your truth and love, and help us to show
your love to others
SPECIAL PETITIONS/
INTENTIONS
Response: God of love, grant our prayer
Public School Teachers

Indigeneous People We ask for... (your petitions...)


We pray for... (your intentions...)
Non-Practicing Catholics

70 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

FACILITATOR'S
6 GUIDE
PRAYER
PRAYER
Magnificat of Resurrection 13. End the Prayer of Petition with
(based on John 20: 19-21 from RSCJ Community Prayer Book) a prayer entitled "Magnificat of
Resurrection.

My soul sings and my spirit delights


and rejoices, O faithful God, which was
rolled over our hearts and we are risen. The anguished of heart are stilled and
made whole again by this good news,
Yes, from this day forward all and the arrogant are reduced to eternal
generations will call us blessed for the confusion.
Almighty has called us forth from death
and we have responded. You have come to the help of Israel,
your faithful one, Israel who remembers
Holy is the name of God, and you the God who saves... according
compassion reaches from age to age for to the history of our time with you...
those who walk hand in hand with the Israel who remembers you are the
everlasting One. God who saves us from bondage,
from faithlessness, and from ulimate
You have shown power over death. You violence.
have humiliated those who believe they
could destroy your living word. You are the Forever Living One
The Shatterer of Death.
You have enfeebled those who would Amen.
rule by their own might and empowered
the simple people who trust in you, O
God who creates and companions.
7
FACILITATOR'S
CLOSING SONG
GUIDE

SINGING
Mariang Ina Ko
14. End the prayer with a song. Ask
Sa 'king paglalakbay, sa bundok ng buhay,
the participants to follow and
join in the singing "Mariang Ina Sa ligaya't lumbay maging talang gabay.
Ko".
Koro:
Mariang ina ko, ako ri'y anak mo,
ALTERNATIVE SONGS
Kay Kristong kuya ko, akayin mo ako.
YOUTH Kay Kristong kuya ko, akayin mo ako.
Inang Mahal
Maging aking tulay, sa langit mong pakay,
POOR
To Mary
Sa bingit ng hukay, tangnan aking kamay. (Koro)

DISILLUSIONED CATHOLICS Sabihin sa kanya aking dusa't saya,


If I Could Touch You Ibulong sa kanya, minamahal ko siya. (Koro)

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 71


MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

FACILITATOR'S TWO
GUIDE

To build your Talk, choose among C ontent


the Contents and Supplementary
Resources which best fits your
audience. It is recommended to
& T al k in g P oints
Lay the foundation
mix Inspirational Stories, Songs
& Videos into your Talk. You can
be creative and be inspiring
in giving your Talk. Powerpoint

of the Holy Heroes


presentations with Pictures (less
text) are also helpful.

1
TOPIC

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE Mary as our Model
MARY , THE BELOVED OF GOD

1. Lead the participants in


reflecting on the role of Mary as
our model of faith.
2. The Scripture Passages support
how Marys life exemplifies
what it is to be a beloved
disciple of God.
3. Let the participants ponder
on the reflection points that
will help them be one of Gods
beloved disciple.
4. Following the framework of
Henry Nouwens Life of the
Beloved, we can consider the life
of Mary as a concrete example
of Gods beloved disciple. As a
review, Nouwen regards Mary
as...

Mary, the Beloved of God


Following the framework of Henry Nouwens Life of the Beloved, we
can consider the life of Mary as a concrete example of Gods beloved
disciple. As a review, Nouwen

MARY as Scripture Passage Reflection Points


1.GODS Luke 1:28 Rejoice, you who God is greeting you now,
BELOVED enjoy God's favour! The Lord You are my beloved! I
is with you. have called you by name,
you are mine!
(cf. Is. 43:1)

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MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

FACILITATOR'S A. CHOSEN Luke 1:35-37 35 The angel Like Mary, you are
NOTES answered, 'The Holy Spirit will chosen for something,
come upon you, and the power have you somehow
of the Most High will cover identified what God is
you with its shadow. And so calling to do in building
the child will be holy and will the Kingdom of God?
be called Son of God. 36 And I What is your response?
tell you this too: your cousin
Elizabeth also, in her old age,
has conceived a son, and she
whom people called barren is
now in her sixth month, 37 for
nothing is impossible to God.'

Luke 1:41-42 41 Now it


happened that as soon as
Elizabeth heard Mary's
greeting, the child leapt in her
womb and Elizabeth was filled
with the Holy Spirit. 42 She
gave a loud cry and said, 'Of
all women you are the most
blessed, and blessed is the fruit
of your womb.

B. Luke 1:31-33 Look! You are God speaks well


BLESSED to conceive in your womb (benedicere) of you and
and bear a son, and you must will bear good fruit
name him Jesus. 32 He will be through you. What
great and will be called Son of fruit/s do you bear?
the Most High. The Lord God
will give him the throne of his
ancestor David; 33 he will rule
over the House of Jacob for
ever and his reign will have
no end.'

C. Luke 1:34-35 34 Mary said In saying yes, Mary


BROKEN to the angel, 'But how can this risks her whole self.
come about, since I have no Our yes to God entails
knowledge of man?' 35 The giving of ones heart to
angel answered, 'The Holy be pierced. Has your
Spirit will come upon you, and heart been pierced
the power of the Most High because of following
will cover you with its shadow. Jesus?
And so the child will be holy
and will be called Son of God.

Luke 2:34-35 34 Simeon


blessed them and said to
Mary his mother, 'Look, he is
destined for the fall and for the
rise of many in Israel, destined
to be a sign that is opposed- 35
and a sword will pierce your
soul too -- so that the secret
thoughts of many may be laid
bare.'

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MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

FACILITATOR'S D. Luke 1:38-40 38 Mary said, We need to be broken in


NOTES GIVEN 'You see before you the Lord's order to be given /shared,
servant, let it happen to me as our brokenness can be the
you have said.' And the angel healing of other people,
left her. 39 Mary set out at that our woundedness can
time and went as quickly as heal others wounds.
she could into the hill country Can you be a wounded
to a town in Judah. 40 She healer? How?
went into Zechariah's house
and greeted Elizabeth.

2. LIVING John 19:25-27 Near the Mary, by loving Jesus


AS GODS cross of Jesus stood his mother lived a daily life of being
BELOVED and his mother's sister, Mary Gods beloved.
the wife of Cleopas, and
Mary of Magdala. 26 Seeing How are you called to live
his mother and the disciple your being Gods beloved
whom he loved standing near everyday?
her, Jesus said to his mother,
'Woman, this is your son.' 27
Then to the disciple he said,
'This is your mother.' And
from that hour the disciple
took her into his home.
Luke 1:46-55 How do you love Jesus in
6
And Mary said: your daily life.
My soul proclaims the
greatness of the Lord Does your life speak of
47
and my spirit rejoices in God Gods love for you and for
my Saviour; others?
48
because he has looked upon
the humiliation of his servant.
Yes, from now onwards all
generations will call me
blessed,
49
for the Almighty has done
great things for me. Holy is his
name,
50
and his faithful love extends
age after age to those who fear
him.
51
He has used the power of
his arm, he has routed the
arrogant of heart.
52
He has pulled down princes
from their thrones and raised
high the lowly.
53
He has filled the starving
with good things, sent the rich
away empty.
54
He has come to the help of
Israel his servant, mindful of
his faithful love
55
-according to the promise he
made to our ancestors
-- of his mercy to Abraham
and to his descendants for
ever.

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FACILITATOR'S Mary As The Model Of


GUIDE
True Discipleship
MARY AS THE MODEL..
1. Present the following reflection (Holiness and Heroism):
points to the participants. These
will guide them to follow the She Walked by Faith and Not By Sight
footsteps of Mary, "walking by
faith and not by sight."
The journey of life can be compared to a person walking in a
huge forest where it is pitch dark, where it is raining and thun-
dering and one has completely lost the way. Suddenly there is
a bolt of lightning, and for an instant, the way is clear. Then
it is dark again. All one can and must do is to keep going in the
direction one saw illuminated by the lightning flash.

Most of our life we must move ahead in darkness, sustained in


our faithfulness by that which we once glimpsed when, even if
only for an instant, everything was clear. That is exactly what
Mary did. When it was dark and she could not understand any-
more, she kept to what she had seen, walking by faith and not
by sight. Martin Heidegger (cf.John Fuellenbach, Proclaim-
ing His Kingdom, p. 206)

Saints pursued the same path towards holiness, to proclaim


and share the faith.. Heroes braved the way even to sure death
to defend freedom and life of the people. In our lives, if we are
to live out our Christian lives to utmost sincerity.

FACILITATOR'S JESUS' own life was ruled by two MARYs life was ruled by the same
NOTES principles: principles:
total dedication to the Father total dedication to the Father
2. Show the table comparing how
Jesus and Mary practiced their Father, into your hands I commend Let it be done according to your
faith in God the Father. my spirit" will (Lk. 1:38)
(Luke 23:46 )
Note: It can also be helpful to have
a rich discussion/sharing if you ask total dedication to his mission total dedication to the mission
the participants what insights they of her Son
get from the information given to Father, if you are willing, take this
them on how Mary and her Son cup away from me; still, not my Do whatever he tells you
Jesus lived a life of Faith. will but yours be done." (Jn. 2:5)
(Luke 22:42)

(The following reflection points and materials were taken


from / based on the books/notes given during the Seminar/
Retreat by Fr. John Fuellenbach at the East Asian
Pastoral Institute (EAPI), August 22-September 2, 2011.
The points were consolidated and developed for Holy
Heroes)

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MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

FACILITATOR'S Marys Faith in Jesus


GUIDE
The Wedding at Cana
MARY'S FATIH IN JESUS Do whatever he tells you.
1. Ask the participants to reflect John. 2:5
on the Scripture Passage of how
strong Marys faith in her Son John 2:1-10 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana
is.
in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus and his
Note: disciples were also invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine ran
You may ask a participant to short, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." 4
read the passage. Or ask them
to open their Bibles and read
(And) Jesus said to her, "Woman, how does your concern affect
silently as they follow the me? My hour has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servers,
reader. "Do whatever he tells you." 6 Now there were six stone water
jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty
to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus told them, "Fill the jars with water." So
they filled them to the brim. 8 Then he told them, "Draw some out
now and take it to the headwaiter." So they took it. 9 And when
the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without
knowing where it came from (although the servers who had
drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom
10
and said to him, "Everyone serves good wine first, and then
when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have
2. Pause for a few minutes after
kept the good wine until now."
reading the passage. Allow the
participants to internalize what
the passage is saying.
REFLECTION POINTS
(cf. Wedding at Cana Reflections of Archbishop Chito Tagle, D.D. and
H.E.A.R.T.S. Reflections by Lydia M. Collado, RSCJ)

REFLECTION POINTS 1. THE CONCERN


The desire of our hearts
1. The following are reflection
points about the passage that
will help enrich the participants There was no wine. In the culture where Jesus grew up, one
life as a follower of Jesus. cannot imagine a social gathering, or a wedding at that, without
serving wine. And there was no more wine. Mary saw the need of
2. You may flash this so everyone the situation. It became a big concern that she took the courage
can see the reflection points or to bring her concern to Jesus.
have it produced so everyone
will have a copy as you journey
with Jesus and Mary. What about you, do you have a concern in your heart that
you want to bring to the Heart of Jesus? Or is there anything
bothering your heart at the moment?

Jesus mother was bothered that even if it was not yet the hour
of her son, she let him know what was bothering her. They
have no wine.

What do you want to tell Jesus?

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MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

FACILITATOR'S With our Mother, you can tell Jesus your concerns.
GUIDE
Jesus is waiting Jesus is listening.
1. You might want to ask the
participants to face their 2. THE FAITH
seatmate and ask them to tell
their partner the statement/s in
God at the core of our hearts.
UNDERLINED bold letters.
Jesus heard the concern of his mother and spontaneously
responded that his hour has not come yet. In her heart, Mary
knew her son so she told the servants,
Do whatever he tells you. Mary believed that her Son would
know what to do..

Only she knew what the response of Jesus to her request will be.
In her heart, maybe she knew, that her request for the good of
everybody will be granted. Jesus took her mothers concern as
his. He believed in her, too.

Jesus hour has not come, but he also had faith in the One who
sent him.

Are your concerns also the concern of Jesus?


Like our Mother, do you believe that Jesus is with you in living
out the desires of your heart?

What are the desires of your heart for the good of all?

Where Is your heart?

3. THE RELATIONSHIP
My heart in the Heart of God

Mary trusted that her son will not fail her. Jesus valued the
desire of her mother during that crucial situation..
They are both secure in their relationship with each other.
Mary was not afraid to ask. Theirs is a relationship of love and
trust for the good of others in need. There is a union of hearts.

Are you secure with your relationship with Jesus/with God?


Do you communicate with God in loving trust?

At prayer, and at any given moment, we are called to a heart to


heart communication with God.

Jesus is now embracing you in His Heart.

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MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

FACILITATOR'S 4. THE ACTION


GUIDE The desires of my heart are for the hearts of many

1. Starting from the examples Mary did not waste any moment doubting. Do whatever he tells
of our Mother Mary, we can you. Jesus acted on the crisis situation presented to him by his
also go back to our sisters and mother. Mary was actively and contemplatively participating.
brothers who lived in the past
and those living in the present She was sensitive to the needs around her. The servants followed
and let us learn from their the mother of Jesus --- to follow Him. And there was the best
values that led to holiness and wine.
heroism.

2. You may use the following to Is there anything paralyzing you to do whatever he tells you?
show that people offer their What are you afraid of? What are your fears?
lives for something that they
believe in. We too, can be Are you free within or humble enough to ask?
models of faith and can respond
to Gods call to enter into the Do not be afraid. Ask. Pray. Do your best. The rest will be done
disposition of the Heart of
Jesus. by God.

Jesus is now acting in and through you.

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
The best of you is yet to come!

5) OTHER MODELS OF HOLINESS AND HEROISM


You can also use other stories or
videos of holiness and heroism, like:
The Heart of God hones the hearts of His
chosen ones
Saint Pedro Calungsod
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz
Other saints
Mary our Mother is our model of faith, trust and all that
embodies a person who is deeply united with Jesus. Such person
is sensitive to the Spirit and goes where the Spirit blows. Marys
heart has been drawn, responded to Gods call and has been
shaped to enter into the dispositions of the Heart of Jesus.
FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
2
REFLECTION
1. Ask the participants to reflect
on the following questions.
2. The reflection questions may 1) After listening to the exposition of this session, what
be flashed on the LCD monitor is now your perspective and imagery of the Virgin
or can be distributed to each
participant. Mother?
3. Give them time to reflect
individually and after a few
minutes ask the participants 2) The Virgin Mary exuded qualities on how to serve
to go to their groups and share
to them their discoveries and
and follow Jesus. What particular Marian qualities
insights. do you see also in yourself?
(Optional) If there is still time,
you may call 2-4 participants
to share to the assembly their 3) Marys life serves as a premiere example and model
insights about Mary and how we
can follow her ways in being a on Christian discipleship. How can you continue this
model of Christian discipleship. discipleship in your environ and circumstances?

78 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

3
FACILITATOR'S READING
GUIDE

Note: The following are excerpts (Continuation)


from the Situations where
Sainthood and Heroism are called
Forth A Pastoral Exhortation of
Situations where Sainthood and
the Catholic Bishops Conference
of the Philippines written by His Heroism are called forth
Excellency Bishop Socrates B.
Villegas. Pastoral Exhortation
of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines
for the 2014 Year of the Laity

Filipino Catholic Laity:


Called to be SaintsSent Forth as Heroes!

PASTORAL EXHORTATION
OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS CHALLENGE AND MISSION
CONFERENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES
FOR THE 2014 YEAR OF THE LAITY
The renewal of our country thus demands of us all, and especially of
Filipino Catholic Laity: you, our lay faithful, a return to truthfulness and the fostering of the
Called to be Saints sense of the common good. A society that is not founded on truth cannot
Sent Forth as Heroes!
stand, because a society not founded on truth is either founded on lies or
For the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, deceit which can provide no stable basis for human relationships and a
+SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS, D.D. stable social order. Thus, we must obey the biblical injunction to do the
Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan
CBCP President
truth in love (Eph. 4:15). We must seek the truth, speak the truth, do the
December 1, 2013, First Sunday of Advent truth. This means that we must seek what is right, speak what is right,
and do what is right; and to do so in love, that is, in solidarity with and
service of others.

KNOW THE FAITH This means that we must


seek what is right, speak
My dear lay faithful, the greatest challenge for you is to know the content what is right, and do what
of our faith, and to bear witness to your faith by a life of faith. Yet we had
to point out to you two main deficiencies of the faith of our people: first, is right; and to do so in
that the faith of many is uninstructed and, more importantly that this love, that is, in solidarity
faith has been separated from life. with and service of others.
So many of our people do not even know the fundamentals of our faith!
They thus become very vulnerable to the seductions of other religious
groups who find them easy targets of their recruitment efforts. Many
of our Catholics cannot even answer attacks on basic Catholic doctrines
like the divinity of Christ, the Eucharist, the veneration of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, the veneration of images.

So many of our people do not even know the


fundamentals of our faith!

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MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

LIVE THE FAITH

But more harmful even is the separation of faith from life. It is certainly a shameful proof of our failure
to evangelize our country that our churches are filled with people, our religious festivities are fervent,
our Catholic schools are many, but our country is mired in poverty and in corruption. Many, perhaps
the majority of the corrupt people in politics and in business are graduates of our own Catholic schools
and are practicing Catholics. The majority of those who cheat in elections and those who sell their
votes are also baptized Catholics. This is also true of the bribe takers in public offices and the looters of
our public coffers. As we noted in our pastoral letter, the criteria for decisions taken by many in politics
do not derive from faith but from other sources inimical to the Christian life. The poison of the greed for
power and wealth has already pervaded the political and business systems.

We echo the challenge of Pope Francis We want to challenge the baptized whose lives do not reflect
the demands of Baptism, who lack a meaningful relationship to the Church and no longer experience
the consolation born of faith. The Church, in her maternal concern, tries to help them experience a
conversion which will restore the joy of faith to their hearts and inspire a commitment to the Gospel.
(Evangelii Gaudium, 15)

Thus we urge you to promote a continuing education towards maturity of faith among our people,
starting with our Christian families. But even more importantly, we ask you to make your faith bear
on your day to day decisions and activities. It is only an integral faith, a faith that believes, a faith that
worships, and a faith that works in love (Gal. 5:6), that will serve as Gods way to make all things new
in our beloved country.

PASTORAL EXHORTATION
OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS
The majority of those CONFERENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES
FOR THE 2014 YEAR OF THE LAITY
who cheat in elections Filipino Catholic Laity:
and those who sell their Called to be Saints
Sent Forth as Heroes!
votes are also baptized
Catholics.
For the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines,

+SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS, D.D.


Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan
CBCP President
December 1, 2013, First Sunday of Advent

NOTES

The poison of the greed


for power and wealth
has already pervaded
the political and business
systems.

...make your faith


bear on your day to
day decisions and
activities.

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MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

COMMUNITIES OF FAITH

Since the corruption in business and in politics that we must fight against is systematic, we your pastors,
urge you to unite in groups which through prayer, discernment and concerted action will renew the social and
political fabric of our country. Individual goodness is not sufficient anymore. The good individual will only be
swallowed up by the evil system. While individual witness is important, it is in unity that good Christian people
will get their strength and attain victory.

To sustain and strengthen you in your efforts, we urge you to read the Bible, Gods written word. Read it not
only to study it but pray with it. When read prayerfully, the Bible will nourish your life. It will be a lamp to
guide you in your journey. It will help you resist temptations; it will help you know and follow Jesus, our Lord.

Second, we urge you to have resources to the SACRAMENTS. Value your baptism and prepare well for the
baptism of your children. Let parents take seriously the responsibility they undertook at baptism to raise up
their children as good Christians.

Christian marriage should be valued not only as a beautiful and solemn ceremony but as a welcoming of Christ
into the life of the couple and their future family. Hence, it must be adequately prepared for by pre-marital
instructions. Christian married couples should see their marriage as a public commissioning by Christ to serve
and protect life and married love itself.

We ask you to have recourse especially to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. The Eucharist
participated in actively in faith, is the source of Christian life and strength. It is the bread of life and of martyrs.
The sacrament of Reconciliation, on the other hand, will help us heal our moral wounds and give us the grace
to fight sin in ourselves and in society.

A Church which goes forth is a Church whose doors are open. Going out to others in order to reach the fringes
of humanity does not mean rushing out aimlessly into the world. Often it is better simply to slow down, to put
aside our eagerness in order to see and listen to others, to stop rushing form one thing to another and to remain
with someone who has faltered along the way.

At times we have to be like the father of the prodigal son, who always keeps his door open so that when the son
returns, he can readily pass through it. (EG, 45)

And finally, we ask you to stand up for Jesus not only in religious activities but in your private and public life.
Speak up for Jesus and his Church in public discussions. Do not be afraid to be identified as Catholic Christians.
You have been called to be saints; you are sent forth as heroes. Take courage. Choose to be brave!

May the example of our two lay Filipino saints Lorenzo Ruiz and Pedro Calungsod be your inspiration for the
coming year!

May the Jesus and his Mother be with you and with us all, and make us, a pueblo amante de Maria also truly
the land of Jesus in Asia.

For the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines,

+SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS, D.D.


Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan
CBCP President
December 1, 2013, First Sunday of Advent

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MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

PASTORAL EXHORTATION
OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES
FOR THE 2014 YEAR OF THE LAITY

Filipino Catholic Laity:


Called to be Saints
Sent Forth as Heroes!

For the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines,

+SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS, D.D.


Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan
CBCP President
December 1, 2013, First Sunday of Advent

... we urge you to unite in groups which through


prayer, discernment and concerted action will
renew the social and political fabric of our
country.

... we urge you to read the Bible, Gods written


word. Read it not only to study it but pray with
it.

... we urge you to have resources to the SACRAMENTS.


Value your baptism and prepare well for the baptism of
your children. Let parents take seriously the responsibility
they undertook at baptism to raise up their children as
good Christians.

We ask you to have recourse especially to the


Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.

Often it is better simply to slow down, to put aside


our eagerness in order to see and listen to others, to
stop rushing form one thing to another and to remain
with someone who has faltered along the way.

... we ask you to stand up for Jesus not only


in religious activities but in your private and
public life.

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MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
4
INSPIRATIONAL STORY
Ideally, it is best to weave the
Inspirational Story into your Talk.
Openers that actively engage the
audience's imagination are very
Come Home
effective, like, "Just yesterday, a
friend told me...", "Last Sunday...",
The small house was simple but adequate. It consisted of one large
"On my way to work this morning..." room on a dusty street. Its red-tiled roof was one of many in this
Setting up the story as part of your poor neighborhood on the outskirts of the Brazilian village. It was
personal experience even works a comfortable home. Maria and her daughter, Christina, had done
better. To end, try a short pause,
a change of tone or a shift in body what they could to add color to the gray walls and warmth to the
language. All these signal a start of hard dirt floor: an old calend ar, a faded photograph of a relative,
a new segment in your talk without a wooden crucifix. The furnishings were modest: a pallet on either
saying "that's the end of the story."
side of the room, a washbasin, and a wood-burning stove.
You may also use one of the
alternative stories or inspirational Marias husband had died when Christina was an infant. The
reflections written for this module. young mother, stubbornly refusing opportunities to remarry, got
ALTERNATIVE STORIES
a job and set out to raise her young daughter. And now, fifteen
years later, the worst years were over. Though Marias salary as
Who has sown the seed of a maid afforded few luxuries, it was reliable and it did provide
Holiness and Heroism in me? food and clothes. And now Christina was old enough to get a job
by Rica Lavilla
(page 86) and help out.

My Mom had one eye Some said Christina got her independence from her mother. She
from E-mail Inspirational Msg.
(page 185)
recoiled at the traditional idea of marrying young and raising a
family. Not that she couldnt have had her pick of husbands. Her
olive skin and brown eyes kept a steady stream of prospects at her
door. She had an infectious way of throwing her head back and
filling the room with laughter. She also had that rare magic some
women have that makes every man feel like a king just by being
near them. But it was her spirited curiosity that made her keep all
the men at arms length.

She spoke often of going to the city. She dreamed of trading her
dusty neighborhood for exciting avenues and city life. Just the
thought of this horrified her mother. Maria was always quick to
remind Christina of the harshness of the streets. People dont
know you there. Jobs are scarce and life is cruel. And besides, if
you went there, what would you do for a living?

Maria knew exactly what Christina would do, or would have


to do for a living. Thats why her heart broke when she awoke
one morning to find her daughters bed empty. Maria knew
immediately where her daughter had done. She also knew
immediately what she must do to find her. She quickly threw some
clothes in a bag, gathered up all her money, and ran out of the
house.

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MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

On her way to the bus stop she entered a drugstore to get one
last thing. Pictures. She sat in the photograph booth, closed the
curtain, and spent all she could on pictures. With her purse full of
small black and white photos, she boarded to next bus to Rio de
Janeiro.

Maria knew that Christina had no way of earning money. She


also knew that her daughter was too stubborn to give up. When
pride meets hunger, a human will do things that were before
unthinkable. Knowing this, Maria began her search. Bars, hotels,
nightclubs, any place with the reputation for street walkers or
prostitutes. She went to them all. And at each place she left her
picture taped to a bathroom mirror, tacked to a hotel bulletin
board, fastened to a corner phone booth. And on the back of each
photo she wrote a note.

It wasnt too long before both the money and the pictures ran out,
and Maria had to go home. The weary mother wept as the bus
began its long journey back to her small village.

It was a few weeks later that young Christina descended the


hotel stairs. Her young face was tired. Her brown eyes no longer
danced with youth but spoke of pain and fear. Her laughter was
broken. Her dream had become a nightmare. A thousand times
over she had longed to trade these countless beds for her secure
pallet. Yet the little village was, in too many ways, too far away.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, her eyes noticed a familiar
face. She looked again, and there on the lobby mirror was a
small picture of her mother. Christinas eyes burned and her
throat tightened as she walked across the room and removed the
small photo. Written on the back was this compelling invitation:
Whatever you have done, whatever you have become, it doesnt
matter. Please come home.

She did.

By MAX LUCADO

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MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

FACILITATOR'S THREE
GUIDE

I nte g ration
Note:
Prepare the venue and the INTERIORIZING ACTIVITY
material/s needed for this activity.

Magnificat
SILENCING
1. Allow the participants to take
a few minutes to settle and be
comfortable.
2. With soft meditative music,
lead the participants to recall
the inputs from the life of
Mary- being a true model of
discipleship.

READING
3. Distribute the copies of the song
or project them using an LCD
projector as participants join in
reading the Magnificat.

(Optional) You can play an


instrumental song while reading
the prayer and during the
making of their own Magnificat.

M
MY MAGNIFICAT
4. Ask the participants to reflect y soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
on the prayer. my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
5. Lead the participants to answer
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
this question:
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
What are the things you want
to praise and magnify the Lord the Almighty has done great things for me,
for? and holy is his Name.
6. Include your response to Gods
call to you, like Mary, to be part He has mercy on those who fear him
of Gods plan of Salvation. in every generation.
7. Ask the participants to come up
with their own Magnificat. He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,


and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,


and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel


for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.

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MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

WORKSHEET

What are the things you want to praise and magnify the Lord for?
Include your response to God's call to you, like Mary,
to be part of God's plan of Salvation.

My Magnificat

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MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

FACILITATOR'S FOUR
GUIDE

PRAYER C losin g P ra y er
1. At this point, it may be good to
look back at our own journey 1
as a lay and how we can be true
PRAYER
models of discipleship through
the works we do in our own
place (may it be in our own
diocese/parish/community/ God of the journey, we need a burning bush to set our
sector/ school and family).
hearts aflame with deep love of you.
You may also tell the
participants that as Gods
beloved, He prepares and
When the road of life seems long and tedious, when
hones our hearts so we can the dying and rising gets to be too much sometimes,
give back by serving, loving our
neighbours just as what he did be that pillar of fire by night and comforting cloud
to his fellowmen. by day so that we can not only see the way but can
SILENCING be confident of your gracious presence which is our
2. Play a soft meditative music as strength and our hope.
you prepare the participants for
the closing prayer.

READING
We are on our way Home. Thank you for your
3. Prayerfully read the Prayer, nearness to us and for encouraging us to trust in you.
allowing the participants to
soak in the richness of the
Amen.
words from Joyce Rupp, Out
of the Ordinary. Read without - Joyce Rupp, Out of the Ordinary, p. 227
hurrying.

CHOOSE A WORD
2
4. Invite the participants to CLOSING SONG
identify a word or phrase that
stands out for them, a word or Gentle Woman
phrase that is significant.

MANTRA Gentle woman, quiet light, morning Blessed are you among women
5. Invite them to savour this word star Blessed touch over the true
or phrase in their minds, like a so strong and bright, Blessed they with peaceful spirits
mantra. gentle mother peaceful dove Blessed they with special hearts.
teach us wisdom; teach us love.
SILENCE Gentle woman, quiet light,
6. Invite everyone to be silent You were chosen by the Father: Gentle woman peaceful dove
and listen to what feelings or
You were chosen for the Son, Gentle mother, quiet light,
thoughts arise within them
as they create space for God You were chosen from all women Gentle woman peaceful dove
to speak to them through the and for woman shining one.
Prayer. Gentle woman.......Gentle
Gentle woman, quiet light, morning woman.........
CLOSING SONG star Gentle woman............Gentle woman
7. Invite everyone to join in so strong and bright
singing the closing song gentle mother peaceful dove
Gentle Woman. (This may be teach us wisdom; teach us love
projected or distributed to the
participants.) ALTERNATIVE
SONG
Alternative Song: Stella Maris
Stella Maris

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MODULE 3 : LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE HOLY HEROES

INSPIRATIONAL REFLECTIONS

WHO HAS SOWN THE SEED OF


HOLINESS AND HEROISM IN ME?

than blood that is how she cares for these children.

A small sari-sari store owner whose business is just


a front to do acts of charity to our neighbours. She
gives free pandesal to the street-sweeper, offers to lend
pamasahe for customers who doesnt have small bills
in the morning. She would survey what products our
neighbours would frequently buy, like Milo instead of
milk for their babies, one piece of diaper just to keep the
baby dry overnight, ice, rice, noodles. And these are what
The Greeter and the Psalmist photo taken after we served she would buy and sell at the store because these are the
for one of the Simbang Gabi masses in our parish. immediate needs of our neighbours. She does not sell
liquors and cigarettes because she believes these are not
necessities for our neighbours.
A Charismatic leader who faithfully journeyed with
the members of her soon to be extinct charismatic Pambansang Nanay to our parish youth and the younger
community. She diligently, patiently and lovingly led members of her parish group she is their second mother.
prayer sessions and bible studies until her arthritis and Again, the small store is being ransacked whenever
hypertension prevented her from being present to their meetings are held in her home especially if its the youth.
weekly meeting . It did not matter whether there were Life celebrations and milestones are shared in her simple
three or thirty members in attendance. She shared LIFE living room and she would keep on coming in and out of
with each and every member of the aging charismatic the door bringing whatever food or left over there is. I am
group. in awe when a young person would stay with her at her
favourite spot in the store having deep conversations with
A Vocation Promoter to her family and community. Her her about life, about their vocation.
having a priest son who is being praised for giving lively,
timely and inspiring sermons is a testament to her also A Prayer Warrior...one thing about my heroine is that
being good at giving sermons to her six children. No, ang lakas-lakas nya kay Lord. There were these moments
but kidding aside, she is a very witty woman and this is that two of her children had a near death experience, one
matched by her deep spirituality. was even pronounced dead upon arrival at the ER, thank
God he was revived. While the rest of the family are in
A Cheerful Mass Greeter and Collector, a silent parish panic mode, my heroine would look for a candle and light
server. At the age of seventy one she is still an active it at the altar and will silently pray and recite the rosary.
member of the group of ushers and collectors, and the In big and small decisions I always ask my heroine for
choir. Laughter emanates from where the group would prayers.
regularly gather because my hero is there cracking jokes.
Last but not the least my hero is a SIMPLE HOUSEWIFE
A Surrogate Lola...she only has one grandson whom she AND A MOTHER TO ME AND MY FIVE SIBLINGS!
seldom sees. But for our neighbours she is their lola, a
good replacement to their own lolas who are working My heroine did not perform any grand acts, she only live
abroad or who have already gone before us. At home she her life meaningfully for herself and for others.
has three marias whom she considers her own, a source
of her joy. Ms. Rica Lavilla
Pastoral Worker/Youth Minister
She is at her happiest when the youngest would play with Holy Family Parish
her, when the second born would ask for food from her, Pasig City
and when the eldest would ask for "pangdagdag baon".
No blood relation at all but if there is a substance thicker

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MODULE 4 : LAY DOWN YOUR HEART AND MIND... YOUR WHOLE LIFE

4
Module

LAY
(LAITY)
...Lay down your heart
and mind...your whole life

SECTORS TO SHARE
HOLINESS & HEROISM WITH
MONTHLY
JUBILEES

Government
Employees

Civic Organizations

Lay Saints and Catholic


Filipino Heroes

GOOD SHEPHERD BY MARCELLO SILVESTRI


HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 89
MODULE 4 : LAY DOWN YOUR HEART AND MIND... YOUR WHOLE LIFE

DO IT ANYWAY
Written By Mother Theresa

People are often unreasonable, illogical,


and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you


of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some


false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank,


people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone


could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,


they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today,


people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,


and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got
anyway.

You see, in the final analysis,


it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them
anyway.

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MODULE 4 : LAY DOWN YOUR HEART AND MIND... YOUR WHOLE LIFE

4
Module

LAY
(LAITY)
...Lay down your heart
and mind... your whole life
MODULE GUIDE

I. Opening Prayer
Opening Song SPECIAL
Word of God PETITIONS/
Reflection INTENTIONS
Prayer of Petition
Prayer Government
Employees
II. Culminating Activity Civic Organizations
Pastoral Spiral Lay Saints and
Offering Catholic Filipino
Heroes
III. Closing Prayer
Prayer
Closing Song

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MODULE 4 : LAY DOWN YOUR HEART AND MIND... YOUR WHOLE LIFE

ONE
MATERIALS
O penin g P ra y er
Meditative Music
Altar (table cloth, Crucifix, Bible,
candles) 1
(Optional) Singing bowl or Gong OPENING SONG
Copies of Song lyrics
(Optional) Powerpoint of song lyrics
or video of song
Pagkakaibigan
FACILITATORS GUIDE
Ang sino man sa Aki'y mananahan
SILENCING Mananahan din Ako sa kanya.
1. With soft meditative music
playing in the background,
At kung siya'y mamunga nang masagana,
allow the participants to take Siya sa Ama'y nagbigay ng karangalan.
a few moments to relax and be
comfortable.
Mula ngayon kayo'y Aking kaibigan
(Optional) Using a Singing Bowl or Gong, Hinango sa dilim at kababaan.
strike the bowl/gong three times (allowing
the sound to resonate) to facilitate silencing Ang kaibiga'y mag-aalay ng sarili niyang buhay;
before the start of the prayer.
Walang hihigit sa yaring pag-aalay.
OPENING SONG
2. Distribute the copies of the song Kung paanong mahal Ako ng Aking Ama,
or project them using an LCD Sa inyo'y Aking ipinadarama.
projector as the participants
follow/join in the singing of the Sa pag-ibig Ko, kayo sana ay manahan,
opening song Pagkakaibigan. At bilin Ko sa inyo ay magmahalan.
You may also use alternative
songs that are appropriate to your Pinili ka't hinirang upang mahalin
participants. Nang mamunga't bunga mo'y panatilihin.
Humayo ka't mamunga nang masagana,
REFLECTION ON THE SONG
3. Look at the lyrics of the song/s.
Kagalakang walang hanggang ipamamana
Be aware of what the lyrics of the
song is trying to tell you about
your friendship with God, how
he let us feel his love for us, and
through us, we let others feel and 2
see his unconditional love for us. WORD OF GOD

PREPARATION
4. Slowly, bring the participants to
John 15: 10-17
journey with you as we joyfully
proclaim the love of God for us. If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love, just
as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his
READING OF THE WORD OF GOD
5. Read the Word of God slowly love. I have told you this so that my own joy may be in you and
and meditatively. Do not rush your joy be complete.
reading.

6. After the end of the reading, say This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved
out loud The Word of the Lord. you. No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for
Pause after reading the Word of his friends.
God

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MODULE 4 : LAY DOWN YOUR HEART AND MIND... YOUR WHOLE LIFE

You are my friends, if you do what I command you. I shall


no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know
the master's business; I call you friends, because I have made
FACILITATORS
known to you everything I have learnt from my Father. You
GUIDE
did not choose me, no, I chose you; and I commissioned you to
go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last; so that the Father
REFLECTION ON THE WORD OF
will give you anything you ask him in my name. My command
GOD
7. Read out loud or show through to you is to love one another.
powerpoint the reflection
questions and allow the
participants some moments to
reflect. 3
REFLECTION
(Optional) SHARING. One to three
participants can share their answers to
the reflection question. Remind them
How can I How can I "pass it
that they are free to share only the celebrate and live on" to share and
reflections they want to share.
out my rootedness, foster communion
connectedness with others?
with God?

4
PRAYER OF PETITION
PRAYER OF PETITIONS
8. Prayerfully read the Prayer
of Petition. You can assign a
participant to read it aloud or do it
Almighty Father,
yourself.

9. Include in the Petitions the


By your Spirit the whole body of your faithful people
following intentions: is governed and sanctified. Receive our prayers,
which we offer before you for all members of your
SPECIAL holy Church, that in our vocation and ministry we
PETITIONS/
INTENTIONS may truly and reverently serve you.
Government
Employees Almighty God, hear our prayer
Civic Organizations
Response: Almighty God, hear our prayer
Lay Saints and
Catholic Filipino We ask for... (your petitions...)
Heroes
We pray for... (your intentions...)

10. Tell the participants to say out


loud their Prayers of Petition.

11. End the Prayer of Petition with a


Prayer.

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MODULE 4 : LAY DOWN YOUR HEART AND MIND... YOUR WHOLE LIFE

5
PRAYER

F ather in Heaven, Creator of all and source of all


goodness and love, please look kindly upon us and
receive our heartfelt gratitude in this time of giving
thanks.

Thank you for all the graces and blessings. You have
betowed upon us, spiritual and temporal: our faith
and religious heritage. Our food and shelter, our
health, the loves we have for one another, our family
and friends.

Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity, please grant


us continued graces and blessing throughout the
coming year.

This we ask in the Name of Jesus,


Your Son and our Brother.

Amen.

Jesus did not say: One of you go, but All of you go: we are sent
together. Dear young friends, be aware of the companionship of the
whole Church and also the communion of the saints on this mission.
When we face challenges together, then we are strong, we discover
resources we did not know we had.

Pope Francis, Homily at Closing Mass of World Youth Day at


Copacabana Beach Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,July 28, 2013

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MODULE 4 : LAY DOWN YOUR HEART AND MIND... YOUR WHOLE LIFE

TWO

C u l m inatin g A cti v it y
1
EXERCISE

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE Pastoral Spiral
1. Guide the participants for
the culminating activity.
sa Pananampalataya Pag
Ask them to go back to the
ilay pap Kalagayan
Pastoral Spiral. (Refer to the in n o Pa g ki l o s Pagt a
groups answers written on la n
Pag p ap ata

sya
the Manila paper)
g g on g K a l a g ayan sa
a Ba
2. Show the Guide Questions P yan
Pagninilay sa Pananam
pala
ga taya
using an LCD or ask them K al
a
g p ap
asya Pagpaplano Pagk Pagninilay sa
Pa i
los
to bring out their personal Pagpapasya Pananampalataya
copy.
Pagpaplano
Pagkilos
3. The answers will be used
Pagtatasa
as spring board for the Bagong Kalagayan
Planning Session

Ang Pastoral Spiral (PS) ay isang proseso o pamamaraan na ginagamit


ng Simbahan sa kanyang pagsusuri, pagninilay at pagpaplano upang
tumugon sa mga usaping panlipunan. Ito ay sininop na bersyon
ng pastoral cycle o see-judge-act framework na unang ginamit ni
Cardinal Joseph Cardijin sa Europa. Ang PS ay unang ginamit ng
pormal sa ginanap na 7th Convention ng Bishop Institute for Social
Action (BISA VII) sa Hua Hin, Thailand nuong 1986.
Ang buong proseso ng PS ay binubuo
ng pitong yugto:

1) Kalagayan
(My Situation)
2) Pagninilay sa Pananampalataya
(Reflection in Faith)
3) Pagpapasya
(Decision)
4) Pagpaplano
(Planning)
5) Pagkilos
(Action)
6) Pagtatasa
(Sharpening/Evaluation/Discernment)
7) Bagong Kalagayan
(New Situation)

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MODULE 4 : LAY DOWN YOUR HEART AND MIND... YOUR WHOLE LIFE

UNANG
YUGTO Kalagayan
(My Situation)
Ang yugtong ito ay tumitingin at sumusuri sa kalagayang panlipunan.
Maaaring tingnan ang mga ito sa aspeto ng kalagayang panlipunan,
pangkabuhayan, pampulitika at pangkultural, personal, komunidad
at pambalangkas, lokal, nasyonal at pandaigdig na kalagayan.
FACILITATOR'S Mahalaga ang yugtong ito sapagkat dito naitatakda ang konkretong
GUIDE kalagayang pagmumulan at gagalawan ng unang ikot ng PS.
1. Having reviewed the answers
of each group in the Pastoral PANGALAWANG
Spiral and add in all the YUGTO Pagninilay sa Pananampalataya
inputs from the modules
ask the participants the
following questions that will (Reflection in Faith)
help them respond more
as laity (to lay down your Pinalalalim naman ng yugtong ito ang pagsusuri ng kalagayan.
heart and mind.. your whole Kung sa unang yugto ay ginamit natin ang ating mga mata, ngayon
life for the Church) ay gagamit naman tayo ng salamin sa mata para sa mas malinaw
na pagtingin sa kalagayan. Itoy isang muling pagtingin sa punto
de bista ng pananampalataya. Ang tanong: Ano ang sinasabi ng
ebanghelyo at ng mga turo ng Simbahan sa ganitong kalagayan?
Ano rin naman ang sinasabi ng kalagayan sa tinuturo ng Simbahan?
Maaaring ang maging tugon natin ay pagpapatotoo o kabalintunaan.
Sa mga pagninilay na ito magmumula ang mga gagawin nating
pagpapasya.

IKATLONG
YUGTO Pagpapasya
(Decision/Response)
Sa yugtong ito, gagawin natin ang mga pasya at paghuhusga. Ito ay
maaaring pasyang ipagpatuloy ang positibong kalagayan o maaari
rin namang ipasyang itakwil ito at baguhin. Dito rin nagaganap
ang ating pagpapasya ng pagtataya sa pagkilos para sa ating
pinahahalagahan. Kailangan na hindi ito tumigil sa nibel ng utak
lamang, dapat itong lumikha ng pwersang pagkilos.

1. What are the needs of the Laity at this point in time in the
Church to be able to realize the call: Called to be Saints,
Send forth as Heroes.

2. How can the Church respond to the above needs?

3. How can the Laity be further helped and encouraged to


foster greater service and collaboration in the different
ministries of the Church?

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MODULE 4 : LAY DOWN YOUR HEART AND MIND... YOUR WHOLE LIFE

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
IKA-APAT NA
YUGTO Pagpaplano
1. Ask the participants to group
with the members from
their own diocese/ parish/
(Planning)
community/ sector/ school. Ang pagkilos ay hindi dali-dali kundi isang maingat at planadong mga
paghakbang, di man kabilisan ngunit may katiyakan. Mahalagang
2. As a group come up with a yugto ng proseso ang pagpaplano. Kailangang magbigay tuon ito
plan of action according to sa mga tiyak at makatotohanang layunin, paglalapat ng mga akma
their diocesan or parish/ at mabibisang pamamaraan, at pagsasaalang-alang sa panahon,
school.
kakayahan at mga taong kikilos. Nakabatay sa masinop na plano
3. Flash on the LCD monitor
ang tagumpay na pagkilos.
and/or distribute a copy of
the worksheet. Commitment/Acts
4. You can also use the list of
the Jubilees in making a plan
of Holiness & Heroism
of action using the values
learned in Module 2. ONE

In your life of faith and service in the Church, what


would you like to:

JUBILEE LIST / SECTORS STOP.


1. Broken Families Not because it is not good, but maybe,
2. Homebound & Prisoners
3. Addicted Friends
there are greater "calls" or "needs"
4. Homeless & Jobless to respond to.
5. Young Professionals
6. Farmers, Fisherfolks and
Laborers CONTINUE...
7. Public School Teachers
8. Indigeneous People not only because we want it but because it
9. Non-Practicing Catholics
10. Civic Organizations continues to be a call by God for our people
11. Lay Saints and Catholic that we want to continue to respond to.
Filipino Heroes
12. Government Employees

START
something that is a product of a discernment
on a call that God is calling us to do.

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MODULE 4 : LAY DOWN YOUR HEART AND MIND... YOUR WHOLE LIFE

Pagkilos
FACILITATOR'S IKALIMANG
GUIDE YUGTO
1. Show the SMART model to the
participants.

S Specific
(Action/Implementation)
Goals must be well defined and clear
What do you want to happen in your
Ito ang yugto ng pagsasa-kamay at paa ng mga nagawang
diocese/parish/community/ school/ pangpersonal at pangbalangkas na kilos. Hindi lamang ito basta
sector? pagkilos, itoy isang pagkilos nang may pagmamalay at dasal na
What are the needs of your group?
Do you know exactly what you want to magsisilbing panata ng bawat hakbang. Mahalaga rin ang pagiging
accomplish with all the details? kolektibo at organisado ng pagkilos upang mas maging mabunga
M Measurable ang layuning magbago ng kalagayan.
Define specific criteria for measuring
progress toward the accomplishment
of each goal you set so that you can


measure and keep track of your
progress.
Can you quantify your progress so you
S PECIFIC
can track it?
How will you know you reach your
goal?

A Attainable


Goals must be achievable
Set specific goals that can be easily
M EASURABLE
achieved given a specific time.
Is your goal a challenge but still
possible to achieve?
What are the programs/projects
that can be done given the present
situation?
A TTAINABLE
R Realistic/Relevant
Set goals must be consistent with
other goals established and fits with


your immediate and long term plans.
Are your goal/s realistic and within
your reach?
R EALISTIC
Is your goal relevant to your diocese/
parish/community/ school/ sectors
purpose

T Time Bound
Goals must have a clearly defined time
T IME-BOUND
frame including starting date and a
target date. If you dont have a time
limit then there is no urgency to start
taking action towards achieving your

Pagtatasa
goals
Does your goal have a deadline? IKA-ANIM NA
YUGTO
FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE

1. Present this quote to the


(Sharpening/Evaluation/Discernment)
participants
Matapos ang pagkilos, mahalaga ang yugto ng pagtatasa. Ito ay
2. Guide the groups to discern ginagawa sa dalawang antas: Una, sa nibel na nagawang pagkilos at
and evaluate their own pangalawa, sa antas ng kabuuang proseso ng PS mula sa pagsusuri
community by saying: hanggang pagkilos.

3. Lead the groups to evaluate An unreflected life is not worth living


their respective diocese/
- Socrates
parish/ community/ school/
sector.

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MODULE 4 : LAY DOWN YOUR HEART AND MIND... YOUR WHOLE LIFE

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE
IKA-PITONG
YUGTO Bagong Kalagayan
1. After a cycle of seeing,
reflecting, planning/
responding, evaluating/
(New Situation)
discerning through the Ito ang ating layunin at mangyayari ito kahit hindi man maging
process of Pastoral Spiral, ganap. Maaaring pagmulan ito ng mga bagong suliranin at
lead the participants to come alalahanin. Maaari rin naman itong pagmulan ng sigla upang mas
to a new reality which,
paghusayin pa ang ating pagkilos para sa pagbabago. Pagkatapos
using the same process
nito, isang bagong ikot muli ng PS ang maaari na nating simulan.
(looking into the present
situation, reflection in faith,
response/decision, etc..) A new cycle begins... the process of the spiral is repeated...
We can then again reach a new towards another new situation... towards a better situation.
level of reality.

2
RITUAL
FACILITATOR'S

Offering
GUIDE

1. As the groups are finalizing


their answers, play a soft
meditative music to signal them
for the next part of the session.
2. You may tell the group an
Inspirational story with a theme
about offering (or choose from
the stories in the appendices)

COMMUNION/ BAYANIHAN
You can connect the inspirational
story to being in communion with
others.

Say that in the context of this


formation program, Holy Heroes,
when we talk of communion, it is
like connecting with or having a
gathering of the Laity towards a
common goal.

That is... to journey together, in one


heart and mind, help and lift up each
other to become Holy Heroes.

We may also liken it to a Filipino


concept of Bayanihan. Bayanihan
in many local understanding can
mean coming together voluntarily to
do something for a common cause.
The word itself speaks of what Holy
Heroes is about.

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MODULE 4 : LAY DOWN YOUR HEART AND MIND... YOUR WHOLE LIFE

FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE

Bayanihan: Bayan at Bayani or


Bayani para sa bayan.

We can also derive from it the word


ani and anihan or harvest and
gathering of harvest. Together,
we sow seeds of the values, virtues
and other kinds of goodness that
can form communion with the lay
faithful.

3. Ask the participants to join in


singing a song in scouting it
is a gathering song at campfire
to call the scouts and all the
campers:

Flash the lyrics of the song: Come, come light of the fire.
After singing it 2-3x, say this: Come, come, join in the ring.
Come, let us light the fire of Here comes dreams to inspire,
communion together,
Let us join the bayanihan ring, Stories to tell, music to sing...
Let us tell our stories, and make our Come, come...
dreams come true.

4. Tell the participants that all


that we are given as individuals,
especially the gift of holiness
and heroism, are meant to be
shared with one another. Let
us offer ourselves and form
communion or bayanihan
with God and with one
another.
5. Give everyone pieces of heart-
shaped papers and invite them
to write, prayerfully, what
they think they can do to build
communion or bayanihan of
holy heroes.

You can play soft instrumental


music during this activity.

6. Ask them to keep their heart-


shaped papers to be offered
during the Closing Mass. A
cross or a cross-shaped cloth
is ideally placed in front where
each participant offers their
hearts and say a little prayer
7. If there is no Closing Mass,
this activity can serve as the
Culminating Activity. A more
elaborate ritual can be done,
with songs, music, dances and
many more.

100 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


MODULE 4 : LAY DOWN YOUR HEART AND MIND... YOUR WHOLE LIFE

FACILITATOR'S FOUR
GUIDE

1 | PRAYER
C losin g P ra y er
At this point, it may be good to
reflect on the whole journey on 1
laying down ones heart and mind PRAYER
even your whole life in being holy
heroes for our Church. God of all blessings, source of all life, giver of all grace:

2 | SILENCING We thank you for the gift of life:


Play a soft meditative music as you
prepare the participants for the for the breath that sustains life,
closing prayer. for the food of this earth that nurtures life,
for the love of family and friends
3 | READING
Prayerfully read the Prayer, allowing
without which there would be no life.
the participants to internalize the
richness of the words. Read the We thank you for the mystery of creation:
prayer without hurry.
for the beauty that the eye can see,
4 | CHOOSE A WORD for the joy that the ear may hear,
Invite the participants to identify a for the unknown that we cannot behold
word or phrase that stands out / or filling the universe with wonder,
significant to them.
for the expanse of space that draws us beyond
5 | MANTRA the definitions of our selves.
Invite them to savour this word or We thank you for setting us in communities:
phrase in their minds, like a mantra.
for families who nurture our becoming,
6 | SILENCE for friends who love us by choice,
Invite everyone to be silent and for companions at work,
listen to what feelings or thoughts
arise within them as they create
who share our burdens and daily tasks,
space for God to speak to them for strangers who welcome us
through the Prayer. into their midst,
for people from other lands
7 | CLOSING SONG
Invite everyone to join in singing the who call us to grow in understanding,
closing song Pass It On. (This may for children who lighten our moments with delight,
be projected or distributed to the for the unborn, who offer us hope
participants.)
for the future.

We thank you for this day:


for life and one more day to love,
for opportunity and one more day
to work for justice and peace,
for neighbors and one more person
to love and by whom be loved,
for your grace and one more experience of your presence,
for your promise: to be with us,
to be our God, and to give salvation.

For these, and all blessings,


we give you thanks, eternal, loving God,
through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 101


MODULE 4 : LAY DOWN YOUR HEART AND MIND... YOUR WHOLE LIFE

2
CLOSING SONG

Pass It On
Kurt Kaiser

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,


And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That's how it is with God's Love,
Once you've experienced it,
Your spread the love to everyone
You want to pass it on.

What a wonderous time is spring,


When all the tress are budding
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming;
That's how it is with God's love,
Once you've experienced it.
You want to sing, it's fresh like spring,
You want to pass it on.

I wish for you my friend


This happiness that I've found;
You can depend on God
It matters not where you're bound,
I'll shout it from the mountain top
I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.

I'll shout it from the mountain top


I want the world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on.

102 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

Appendices
A. New Evangelization

B. Readings on and Resource materials


for the Year of the Laity

1. St. Lorenzo Ruiz


2. St. Pedro Calungsod
3. Social Doctrines
4. Catechism of the Catholic Church
5. Leading With Heart and Soul,
Fostering Workplace Spirituality
6. Alternative Resources

C. Biblical Passages

D. Taize Prayer

E. Quotations

1. Pope Francis
2. Dr.Jose Rizal
3. Other Heroes/Great People

F. Stories

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 103


APPENDICES

N http://newevangelizationphilippines.com/
e w E v an g eli z ation

As we initiate concrete activities of the New Evangelization, Year 2013: Integral Faith Formation.
we need to emphasize the absolute necessity of three
overriding faith imperatives for evangelizing efforts to be What a blessing it is that this first pastoral priority
fruitful. coincides with this Year of Faith as declared by the
Holy Father! Our pastoral concern goes out to the great
First, the centrality of the Eucharist. For if the liturgy many whose faith hardly plays a significant role in daily
is the summit toward which the activity of the Church private and public life. We reach out during this year to
is directed and is also the fount from which all power those who have drifted away from the Christian faith.
flows, it is especially from the Eucharist that grace is We note with sadness the erosion of the faith and our
poured forth upon us as from a fountain (Sacrosanctum need for true conversion. The Sacred Scriptures and
Concilium, no. 10). The grace that radiates from the Tradition, Vatican II and the Catechism of the Catholic
Eucharist has to accompany all our evangelizing efforts. Church and the Catechism for Filipino Catholics will be
fundamental references of the New Evangelization. This
Second, the necessity of Prayer. We believe that the is the year of San Pedro Calungsod, who with San Lorenzo
Holy Spirit is the main agent of evangelization. Every Ruiz, provides an exemplary model for the mission of the
evangelizer, therefore, has to be led and driven by the Church in the Philippines. Integral Faith Formation will
Spirit, even as Jesus was in His proclaiming of the focus on the 12 articles of Faith found in the Apostles
Kingdom of God (see Lk. 3:22; 4:1,14). And it is through Creed. Faith Formation has one objective: a more
prayer that we are able to listen to the Holy Spirit and do intimate relationship between Jesus and his followers.
his bidding. It is by the Holy Spirit that we are able to call Blessed John Paul uses the three phrases: evangelization
on God, Abba. It is by the Holy Spirit that we are able to with new methods, new expressions, and new fervor. In
follow in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus and tell His story the end, the Church follows the way of holiness through
to others. In our context, our peoples fidelity to prayer conversion and discipleship.
through religious devotions and practices through their
popular religiosity and piety is an enduring witness to Year 2014: Laity.
their acceptance of the Good News of Jesus. Hence, the
New Evangelization has to be accompanied by prayer This year especially celebrates both the sacrament of
and contemplation. We are called to rekindle the spirit Baptism by which all the faithful become Gods sons
and practice of prayer among us and foster a renewal of and daughters and the sacrament of Confirmation by
popular religiosity and piety in its different forms and which they become witnesses of Christ to others. Yet
practices. the gifts of the Holy Spirit through these sacraments
often remain dormant. This year is to be devoted to the
Third, the necessity of Conversion. The journey to renewal of the laity, to their empowerment or more
discipleship in Christ begins with conversion, a deep accurately to activating their charisms from the Spirit, so
metanoia, a change of mind and heart. Conversion into that they may indeed take up their role as co-responsible
discipleship leads to telling the story of Jesus as one has agents of evangelization and lead in the task of social
seen him, heard him, and touched him in the core of ones transformation. In this regard, of paramount global
heart. Jesus our Lord of Divine Mercy is a testimony that importance is the ecological challenge of climate change.
no evangelization can be fruitful without conversion.
Repent and believe in the Gospel were the first words Year 2015: The Poor.
of Jesus in his public ministry as recorded by Mark. As
Church, all the faithful, and especially we as Pastors, This year is dedicated to committing ourselves more firmly
should recognize and confess our own mea culpas, and to our vision of becoming truly a Church of the Poor. The
our failures to evangelize credibly and effectively. new evangelization is also a powerful call from the Lord to
follow in His footsteps to be evangelically poor. How far
With these postulates of the New Evangelization, we have we journeyed to our vision of Church? How shall we
respond to the call of the Spirit for a New Evangelization assist the materially poor to face the challenges of hunger
by focusing on the Nine Pastoral Priorities of the Church and poverty, of globalization and climate change? And
in the Philippines as the key themes over a nine-year together with them eradicate the evil of corruption and
period. the economic and political imbalances of our society? At
the same time we realize that the materially poor in our

104 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

midst have the God-given power to tell the story of the Year 2019: Youth.
poor Christ who by His poverty liberates and enriches us.
The whole Church, rich and poor, powerful and powerless, It is often said that the youth are the future of the Church.
have to be in solidarity in the work of restoring integrity The youth are in fact the present of the Church. They are its
and truth, justice and peace love in our benighted most numerous members. They inspire us by their active
land. participation in society and in the Church. The involvement
of hundreds of thousands of young people in the various
Year 2016: The Eucharist and of the Family. activities of evangelization and social transformation is a
call to greater participation in the Church. New methods,
This is a year of great blessing for us. The Holy Father new expressions and new fervor of evangelization are
has chosen Cebu as the host of the Fifty-first International imperative. We shall invite the youth to discern deeply
Eucharistic Congress. We will focus our pastoral action on their vocation in the world and in the Church, especially
making the Eucharist better appreciated and its missionary the Lords invitation to them to the priestly and religious
implication better lived by the Catholic faithful. We shall life. How we, as Church, respond to the aspirations of the
especially emphasize on forming the Filipino Family as a youth will shape the third millennium.
Eucharistic community of parents and children, true to
its name as a domestic church, rooted in the Eucharist. Year 2020: Ecumenism and Inter-Religious
An evangelized family is an evangelizing family. Even as Dialogue.
it is increasingly besieged by secularist values, the Family,
as PCP-II has said, is the focal point of evangelization. Different faiths and religions are a formidable challenge to
We shall intensify our efforts to strengthen marriage and a nation that strives to be a community, a human family,
the family and to protect them from ideas and values that a unity in diversity. This year will be devoted to exploring
destroy them. new ways of being community through ecumenical and
inter-religious relationships and action. Caritas in veritate,
Year 2017: The Parish as a Communion of open, honest, respectful loving dialogue of life, prayer
Communities. and action is the only way towards community. At stake
are the great values of peace and harmony, particularly in
This is a year when we more deeply discern not only the areas of armed conflict, solidarity in the struggle for social
structures of governance of our dioceses and parishes but change, unity in healing social ills, integrity and social
also of the quality of faith life in the parish, the fellowship, justice in our land.
belongingness, and participation experienced by its
members. In a special way we shall probe into our efforts Year 2021: Missio ad gentes.
of making the parish a communion of communities,
a communion of Basic Ecclesial Communities and of We are indeed proud that so many of the Filipino faithful
covenanted faith-communities and ecclesial movements. (laity, priests, and religious) are missionaries in all the
We shall discern and implement measures on how continents of the world. It is the duty of faith in Christ to
communities of consecrated life may be more integrated tell his story to others, especially to those who have not
into the life and mission of the parish. In brief, our sufficiently heard of him. Even as we are deeply inspired
focus will be the building of a parish that is truly a faith by the stories of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
community immersed in the lives of its people. witnessing to their faith in ad gentes regions as well as
in highly secularized countries, we need to explore new
Year 2018: Clergy and Religious. ways of assisting them as evangelizers. We have been
challenged by Blessed John Paul to become the foremost
In our culture, clergy and religious are the key to the missionaries in Asia. This year will be devoted to how we
New Evangelization. Yet they are not immune to the twin are fulfilling that vocation, how a mission-consciousness
errors of a dichotomy of faith and inadequate discipleship in all the faithful can be formed, how each one can be
of Christ. This is a year dedicated to the integral renewal animated into becoming a missionary even at home, and
of the values, mind-sets, behavior, and life-styles of the more concretely how parishes and dioceses are supporting
clergy and religious. The aim is to become servant-leaders our own Philippine-Mission Society.
in the manner of the Good Shepherd, live the spirit of
the evangelical counsels and be authentic prophets of
the Good News of Jesus and of the Kingdom. It will be
a year, too, of revisiting ways of seminary and religious
formation, of on-going formation, and of the collaboration
of the laity in these crucial approaches to integral growth
and development in view of mission and ministry.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 105


APPENDICES

R ea d in g s & R eso u rce M aterials


1 SAN LORENZO RUIZ
http://www.chapelofsanlorenzoruiz.org

On September 29,1637, San Lorenzo Ruiz professed his faith by martyrdom. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II
in Manila and later canonized on October 28,1987. San Lorenzo Ruiz holds the distinction of being the first person
beatified outside the Vatican. He also holds the honor of being the first Filipino saint, the "most improbable of saints,"
as Pope John Paul II described him during the canonization ceremony.

Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, was the kind of man who could die for God and religion a thousand times
if he had to. Lorenzo Ruiz was was a layman who worked as a calligrapher for the Dominican parish of Binondo,
Manila. As an "escriba," he was exceptionally gifted, and the Dominican friars relied on him to transcribe baptismal,
confirmation and marriage documents into the church's official books. He was also an active member of the Marian
confraternity, a man the Dominicans described as someone "they could trust."

The son of a Chinese father and Tagala mother who lived in the Parian district outside the city walls of Manila,
Lorenzo Ruiz married a Tagala like his mother and had three children -- two sons and a daughter -- whose
descendants are currently residents of the same area where the original Ruiz family lived.In 1636, Ruiz was
implicated in a murder. He sought help from his Dominican superiors who believed in his innocence. In order to
escape what they believed would have been an unjust prosecution for their protege, the Spanish friars immediately
sent Ruiz on a missionary expedition outside of the Philippines. Initially, Ruiz thought he was being sent to
Taiwan, where he believed his Chinese roots would enable him to start a new life. Little did he know that he and the
missionary expedition led by Fray Domingo Ibanez was actually headed for Nagasaki, Japan, where feudalism was
fanning the flames of Christian persecution. Lorenzo Ruiz was headed straight into the arms of death.

He was arrested almost immediately upon his arrival in Japan in 1636, and subjected to torture by his Japanese
captors for more than a year. Tied upside down by his feet and dropped into a well where sharp stakes lined the
bottom, his torturers would stop just before he would be impaled, and thereupon try to convince him to renounce his
faith.

"Deny your faith and we will spare your life," his persecutors said.

To which Lorenzo Ruiz answered, "I will never do it. I am a Catholic and happy to die for God. If I have a thousand
lives to offer, I will offer them to God."

Existing documents attest that the Japanese promised him a safe trip back home where he could be reunited with his
loved ones, but Ruiz staunchly chose to remain faithful to his religion.

On September 22, 1637, Ruiz, Fray Domingo and their 14 companions were led up a hill overlooking the bay of
Nagasaki. There they were hung upside down with their heads inside the well. Their temples were slit open to let
blood drip slowly until they died either from loss of blood or asphyxiation. Many died after several days. Ruiz died
last, on September 29,1637.

"The Lord gives us saints at the right time and God waited 350 years to give us this saint," the Holy Father then said.
"It is the heroism which he demonstrated as a lay witness to the faith... which is very important in today's world. The
witness of San Lorenzo is the testimony we need of courage without measure to show us that it is possible. Faith and
life for Lorenzo was synonymous and inseparable. Life without faith would have been without value...he proved that
sanctity and heroism are there for anybody and the final victory is made to size for each one of us."

106 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

Saint Lorenzo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorenzo_Ruiz

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz (ca. 1600 29 September 1637), also known as Laurentius Ruiz de Manila[1] or San Lorenzo
Ruiz de Manila, is the first Filipino saint venerated in the Roman Catholic Church; he is thus the protomartyr of the
Philippines. He was killed for refusing to leave Japan and renounce his Roman Catholic beliefs during the persecution
of Japanese Christians under the Tokugawa Shogunate in the 17th century.

Saint Lorenzo is patron saint of, among others, the Philippines and Filipinos.

Early Life
Lorenzo Ruiz was born in Binondo, Manila to a Chinese father and a Filipino mother who were both Catholic. His father
taught him Chinese while his mother taught him Tagalog.

Ruiz served as an altar boy at the convent of Binondo church. After being educated by the Dominican friars for a few
years, Ruiz earned the title of escribano (calligrapher) because of his skillful penmanship. He became a member of the
Cofradia del Santissimo Rosario (Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary). He married Rosario, a native, and they had
two sons and a daughter. The Ruiz family lead a generally peaceful, religious and content life.

In 1636, whilst working as a clerk for Binondo Church, Ruiz was falsely accused of killing a Spaniard. Ruiz sought
asylum on board a ship with three Dominican priests: Saint Antonio Gonzalez; Saint Guillermo Courtet; Saint Miguel
de Aozaraza, a Japanese priest; Saint Vicente Shiwozuka de la Cruz; and a lay leper Saint Lazaro of Kyoto. Ruiz and his
companions left for Okinawa on 10 June 1636, with the aid of the Dominican fathers and Fr Giovanni Yago.

Martyrdom
The Tokugawa shogunate was persecuting Christians by the time Ruiz had arrived in Japan. The missionaries were
arrested and thrown into prison, and after one year, they were transferred to Nagasaki to face trial by torture. He and
his companions faced different types of torture. One of these was the insertion of needles inside their fingernails.

On 27 September 1637, Ruiz and his companions were taken to the Nishizaka Hill, where they were tortured by being
hung upside down a pit. This form of torture was known as tsurushi in Japanese or horca y hoya in Spanish. The
method was supposed to be extremely painful: though the victim was bound, one hand is always left free so that victims
may be able to signal that they recanted, and they would be freed. Ruiz refused to renounce Christianity and died from
blood loss and suffocation. His body was cremated and his ashes thrown into the sea.

According to Latin missionary accounts sent back to Manila, Ruiz declared these words upon his death:
"Ego Catholicus sum et animo prompto paratoque pro Deo mortem obibo. Si mille vitas haberem, cunctas ei offerrem."

In English this may be rendered:


"I am a Catholic and wholeheartedly do accept death for the Lord; If I had a thousand lives, all these I shall offer to
Him."

This may be reconstructed into Tagalog or Filipino as:


"Isa akong Katoliko at buong-pusong tinatanggap ang kamatayan para sa Panginoon. Kung ako man ay may isanlibong
buhay, lahat ng iyon ay iaalay ko sa Kanya."

Miracle
The miracle that led to his canonization took place in 1983, when Cecilia Alegria Policarpio, a 2-year-old girl suffering
brain atrophy (hydrocephalus) was cured through the intercession of the family and supporters to Lorenzo Ruiz. She
was diagnosed shortly after her birth and was treated at Magsaysay Medical Center.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 107


APPENDICES

A Catechetical Primer on the Life, Martyrdom


2
and Glorification of Blessed Pedro Calungsod
by Msgr. Ildebrando Jesus Alio Leyson

1. What is the name of the Filipino who is going to be declared a saint on October 21, 2012? His baptismal name is
Pedro. He may have taken his name from the saint of the day when he was born, like for example, from Saint Peter the Apostle
on June 29. His surname is variedly spelled in the manuscripts of his Spanish companions and contemporaries as Calonsor,
Calongsor, Calansor and Calangsor. The present version of the surname is Calungsod, with the accent falling on the u
Calngsod. The surname is of Visayan origin. It comes from the Visayan word lngsod which means town or citizenry. The
affix Ca- forms a noun which means ones co-[noun]. Therefore, Calungsod means ones townmate or ones fellow town
citizen. While today the Visayans normally use the word katagilngsod (the Ca- is substituted with ka- plus the affix tagi-
functioning as an indicative of a place of origin) to refer to ones townmate, the surname remains to be Calungsod. The Spaniards
may have written the surname according to how they could pronounce it, that is, perhaps with some difficulty in enunciating the
ng and the terminal d Calonsor or it may have been the old version of the surname. In that case, the real surname of Pedro is
Calongsor. Even today, when lungsod is inflected, the terminal d is alternated with an r; for example, kalungsran (towns);
lungsornon (town citizen[s]). The same is true with other Visayan words that end in d, like for instance: bkid (mountain)
kabukran (mountains); tubd (spring) tuburn (source, springs); tkad (cultivate) tikron (will cultivate; will be
cultivated).

2. Who was Pedro Calungsod? Pedro Calungsod was a teenage native of the Visayas region of the Philippines. Very little is
known about him. We do not even know where exactly in the Visayas he came from or who his parents were. He was just one of the
boy catechists who went with some Spanish Jesuit missionaries from the Philippines, headed by Fr. Diego Lus de San Vitores, S.J.,
to the Ladrones Islands in the western North Pacific Ocean in 1668 to evangelize the Chamorros. In that century, the Jesuits in the
Philippines used to train and employ young boys as competent catechists and versatile assistants in their missions. The Ladrones at
that time was part of the old Diocese of Cebu. Pedro worked with Fr. Diego in those islands from June 15, 1668 until April 2, 1672
when they were both killed by two natives on account of the Christian Faith.

3. What are our sources of information about Pedro? Our sources of information about Pedro are the manuscripts of his
companion missionaries and contemporaries that report about the first mission in the Ladrones Islands which were used during
the process for the beatification of Fr. Diego. These documents are kept in different archives in Spain, Mexico, France and Rome.

4. Why can we not be certain of Pedros exact provenance in the Visayas? The Visayas is the group of several islands
in the central Philippines, the largest of which are Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Samar. There are no existing pertinent
documents, like a baptismal record, that could serve as solid bases for identifying which island the birthplace of Pedro in the Visayas
is. The documents written by his companion missionaries simply identify him as an indio bisaya, that is, a Visayan native.

5. Would Pedros surname help us make an inference about his birthplace in the Visayas? There are three Visayan
languages: Cebuano, which is spoken in Cebu, Bohol, southern Leyte and eastern Negros; Hiligaynon, which is spoken in Panay
and western Negros; and Waray which is spoken in Samar and northern Leyte. The term lungsod for town is Cebuano, while in
Hiligaynon it is rendered as banwa and in Waray bongto. Nevertheless, we cannot surely say that Pedro was a Cebuano since
there are Calungsod families in the Visayan islands of Panay and Leyte. At the same time, we cannot verify if the Calungsod families
had already migrated to Panay or Leyte during the time of Pedro.

6. Where in the Visayas are the Calungsod families densely found? The Calungsod families are densely found in the
Visayan towns of Ginatilan in Cebu, Hinunangan and Hinundayan in southern Leyte, and in Molo district of Iloilo City in Panay.

7. Could Pedro be from Molo, Panay? There are Calunsod/Calonsod [sic] families in Molo district of Iloilo City. Basing on the
argument of the Cebuano-Visayan origin of the surname Calungsod, one may easily conclude that the Calungsod clan cannot have
originated in Panay where the language is Hiligaynon. But this does not mean that Pedro Calungsod must not be from there. Who
knows, the Calunsod clan may have already migrated there in the 1600s. Besides, there was a Jesuit residence in Arvalo in Panay
where Pedro could have been recruited for the mission. However, on November 30, 1676 just four years after the martyrdom of
Pedro when his immediate relatives or acquaintances would still be alive, a Subrogatorial process for the beatification of Fr.
Diego Lus de San Vitores was conducted in Iloilo, Panay. It lasted until the following December 9. We know for a fact that the
accounts of the martyrdom of Fr. Diego always carry the name of Pedro who was his lone companion. Nevertheless, during the
process in Iloilo, there was no claim whatsoever that Pedro hailed from Panay. It was as if he was totally unknown there at that time.
Or was it because the process was for Fr. Diego alone that is why Pedro was totally ignored? That would be strange especially on the
part of his family, friends and the parish priest of Arvalo and Vicar Forane of the Province of Oton, Fr. Mateo Cuenca de Escobar,
who was among the witnesses of the process.

8. Could Pedro be from Ginatilan, Cebu? By the fact that his surname is Cebuano, Pedro may well be from Ginatilan, Cebu.
Ginatilan was a very remote place in south-western Cebu during the time of Pedro. If he came from there, it is not surprising that
his exact provenance in the Visayas was somehow unknown especially to the Jesuits who had no mission station there. But how did

108 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

a boy from such a remote place come in contact with the Jesuit may have attended one of the Jesuit boarding schools for boys
missionaries when there was no Jesuit mission station in that and thus was among those brought by the Jesuit priest Fr. Diego
part of Cebu? The nearest Jesuit mission station was in Tanay in Lus de San Vitores to start the Mission at the Ladrones Islands
eastern Negros, though just across the channel from Ginatilan. together with other Jesuits.
It is interesting to note, however, that the first account we have
about Pedro was written twenty-four days after his martyrdom 12. Fr. Diego Lus de San Vitores was assigned in
by his companion missionary in Guam, Fr. Francisco Solano, Antipolo. How could he have recruited boys from the
who had worked in Negros since 1665 when Pedro would have Visayas? It is known that Fray Juan Lopez, OP, the bishop of
been about ten years old. Moreover, on August 8, 1676 four Cebu at that time, manifested his willing support to the Mission
years after the death of Pedro a Rogatorial process for organized by Fr. Diego since the Ladrones were then part of
the beatification of Fr. Diego Lus de San Vitores was opened the ecclesiastical territory of the Diocese of Cebu. It is possible
in Cebu where two Jesuit priests made mention of Pedro: Fr. that the bishop himself may have sent boys from the Visayas to
Jaime Bestart and Fr. Pedro de Casanova who was a companion support the Mission. Another possibility is that the Jesuits in
missionary of Pedro in Guam for three years. Both priests were the Visayas themselves may have sent the boys to their confrere
the only ones in the documentations who made a more specific Fr. Diego.
indication of Pedros age by saying that Pedro was only a nio
more or less 16 to 17 years old when he was martyred. 13. How did the missionaries arrive in the Ladrones?
Nevertheless, both witnesses did not explicitly say that Pedro Overcoming all difficulties, the missionaries left with the ship
was from Cebu. named San Diego from the port of Cavite on August 7, 1667.
They sailed first to Acapulco in Mexico to get some provisions
9. Could Pedro be from Hinunangan or Hinundayan, for the Mission. They arrived in Acapulco on January 6, 1668
Leyte? During the time of Pedro, Hinunangan and Hinundayan and stayed there until March 23, 1668 when they left for the
in Leyte were part of the Jesuit mission station of Abuyog. If he Ladrones. They reached the island of Guam in the Ladrones on
were from one of these towns, it may easily be explained why June 15, 1668.
he got in contact with the Jesuits. Leyte was entirely a Jesuit
mission territory at that time. It may just be strange why his 14. How was life in the Ladrones Mission? Life in the
companion missionaries could not exactly identify which island Ladrones was hard. The provisions for the Mission did not arrive
in the Visayas he came from if indeed he was from the Jesuit regularly; the jungles were too thick to cross; the cliffs were
mission in Leyte. Meanwhile, the same missionaries identified very steep to climb, and the islands were frequently visited by
the exact provenance of their other Visayan companions devastating typhoons. Despite the hardships, the missionaries
like Pedro Basijan, saying that he was from Salug [Salong in persevered, and the Mission was blessed with many conversions.
Negros?] or like Francisco Maunahun, saying that he was from The first mission residence and church were built in the town of
Indan [Hindang in Leyte or Jamindan in Panay?]. Nevertheless, Hagta [Agada; Agaa; Agana] in the island of Guam and was
this fact alone cannot make us conclude that Pedro cannot be dedicated to the Dulce Nombre de Maria, the Sweet Name of
from Leyte. Mary. Subsequently, the islands were renamed Marianas by
the missionaries in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of the
10. What is meant by mission and evangelization? then queen regent of Spain, Maria Ana, who was the benefactress
The term mission comes from the Latin word missio which of that Mission.
means sending off, sending away. The word mission in
its modern sense apparently goes back to St. Ignatius of Loyola 15. How did the persecution against the missionaries in
in the 16th century. By the fourth vow of the mission, certain the Marianas begin? A Chinese quack, named Choco, envious
Jesuits were sent to non-Christian lands (or to countries lost of the prestige that the missionaries were gaining among the
to Catholicism during the Protestant Reformation) as agents Chamorros, started to spread the talk that the baptismal water of
vested with the authority of the pope to propagate the Catholic the missionaries was poisonous. And since some sickly Chamorro
faith. Those sent soon came to be called missionaries and the infants who were baptized died, many believed the calumniator
places they were sent, missions. The task of the missionaries is and eventually apostatized. The evil campaign of Choco was
itself called mission. Evangelization on the other hand comes readily supported by the Macanjas who were superstitious local
from the Greek word euanggelion ( = good, herbal medicine men, and by the Urritaos, the young native men
= I bring a message; the word angel [messenger] who were given into some immoral practices. These, along with
is of the same root). It originally meant a reward for good news the apostates, began to persecute the missionaries, many of
given to the messenger and later "good news", thus, Gospel whom were killed.
from good and spell meaning words or speech. In its
precise sense, evangelization is the mission directed to those 16. What sustained the perseverance of the missionaries
who do not know Christ. In a wider sense, it is used to describe in the Marianas? The missionaries were able to persevere in
ordinary pastoral work, while the phrase new evangelization the Mariana Mission because of their firm spiritual life. They
designates pastoral outreach to those who no longer practice the were fervent in their prayers and sacrifices for the salvation of
Christian faith. souls. They were faithful to the daily celebration of the Holy
Eucharist. They regularly and frequently received the Sacrament
11. How did Pedro become part of the Jesuit Mission of Confession, thus keeping themselves always at peace with God
in the Ladrones? It was the strategy of the Jesuits who were and always prepared for death. Moreover, they were so devoted
evangelizing the Visayas in the 1600s to train young boys as to the Blessed Virgin Mary as their inspiration and protector.
assistants or catechists to help them in their missions. The
training was done in Jesuit-run boarding schools for boys. Pedro 17. What were the circumstances of the martyrdom

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of Pedro? The most unforgettable assault happened on April death, they exclaimed, Fortunate youth! How well rewarded his
2, 1672, the Saturday just before the Passion Sunday of that four years of persevering service to God in the difficult Mission
year. At around seven oclock in the morning, Pedro by then are; he has become the precursor of our superior, Padre Diego,
already about seventeen years old, as can be gleaned from the in Heaven! They remembered Pedro to be a boy with a very
written testimonies of his companion missionaries and the good disposition, a virtuous catechist, a faithful assistant, a good
superior of the Mission, Padre Diego, came to the village of Catholic whose perseverance in the Faith even to the point of
Tomhom [Tumhon; Tumon], in Guam. There, they were told martyrdom proved him to be a good soldier of Christ. We may
that a baby girl was recently born in the village; so they went lament the failure of the companions and contemporaries
to ask the childs father, named Matapang, to bring out the of Pedro in indicating his place of origin in their manuscripts.
infant for baptism. Matapang was a Christian and a friend of the However, bissaya may be just the perfect description of who
missionaries, but having apostatized, he angrily refused to have Pedro was and who he should be to us today. For according to Fr.
his baby christened. Ignacio Francisco Alcina, SJ, who worked in the Visayas during
the time of Pedro, bissaya means a happy man, a man of fine
18. What did Padre Diego and Pedro do to show that and pleasant disposition. And this is how Pedro is described by
they were missionaries of peace? To give Matapang some his companions in their accounts of his martyrdom: that he was
time to cool down, Padre Diego and Pedro gathered the children a lad of very good disposition, and that he was a fortunate
and some adults of the village at the nearby shore and started [happy] youth because he lived and died for the Christian Faith.
chanting with them the truths of the Catholic Faith. They invited
Matapang to join them. 24. What did the other Mariana missionaries do after
the death of Padre Diego and Pedro? The Mariana Mission
19. What was the response of Matapang to the friendly continued amid turmoil. Meanwhile, the surviving Jesuit
gesture of Padre Diego and Pedro? Matapang shouted missionaries managed to start the process for the beatification
back that he was angry with God and was already fed up with of their Mission superior Padre Diego on January 9, 1673.
the Christian teachings. Determined to kill the missionaries,
Matapang went away and tried to enlist in his cause another 25. What is meant by beatification? Beatification is
villager, named Hirao, who was not a Christian. At first, Hirao the act by which the Church, through papal decree, permits a
refused, mindful of the kindness of the missionaries towards specified diocese, region, nation, or religious institute to honor
the natives; but, when Matapang branded him a coward, he got with public cult under the title Blessed a Christian person who
piqued and so he consented. has died with a reputation for holiness. The cult usually consists
of a Mass and Divine Office (liturgical prayers) in the persons
20. How were Padre Diego and Pedro able to baptize honor. Formal beatification is a positive declaration, following
the child of Matapang? During that brief absence of a canonical process, that a person did practice heroic Christian
Matapang from his hut, Padre Diego and Pedro took the chance virtue, or suffered a true martyrdom, and after death worked
of baptizing the infant with the consent of the Christian mother. authentic miracles upon being invoked in prayer. Besides
witnesses testimony to his virtues, evidence of one first-class
21. How did Padre Diego and Pedro die? When Matapang miracle is required, though this requirement may be waived in
learned of the baptism, he became even more furious. He the case of a martyr, the martyrdom being itself the miracle. In
violently hurled spears first at Pedro. The lad skirted the darting proclaiming a person Blessed, the Pope does not exercise his
spears with remarkable dexterity. Witnesses said that Pedro had infallibility but his magisterial authority, for he does not declare
all the chances to escape because he was very agile, but he did definitively that the person is in glory. Beatification, then, does
not want to leave Padre Diego alone. Those who personally knew not demand faith yet gives moral certainty of its truth, and to
Pedro believed that he would have defeated his fierce aggressors deny it would be temerarious.
and would have freed both himself and Padre Diego if only he
had some weapon because he was a valiant boy; but Padre Diego 26. What became of the beatification process of Padre
never allowed his companions to carry arms because they were Diego? Written testimonies of the missionaries and of the
missionaries of peace. Finally, Pedro got hit by a spear at the Mariana natives were gathered to document the martyrdom
chest and he fell to the ground. Hirao immediately charged of Padre Diego. Naturally, the documentation could not but
towards him and finished him off with a blow of a cutlass on mention also his lone companion in martyrdom, the boy from
the head. Padre Diego could not do anything except to raise a the Visayas, Pedro Calungsod. However, due to the difficult
crucifix and give Pedro the final sacramental absolution. After situation at that time and the eventual suppression of the
that, the assassins also killed Padre Diego. Matapang took Jesuits in the 18th century, the cause for the beatification of
the crucifix of Padre Diego and pounded it with a stone while Padre Diego fell into oblivion and, together with it, the memory
blaspheming God. of Pedro which went hidden for centuries in the long-forgotten
manuscripts of his companion missionaries.
22. What did the assassins do to the remains of Padre
Diego and Pedro? Both assassins denuded the bodies of 27. What happened to the Mariana Mission? The Faith
Pedro and Padre Diego, dragged them to the edge of the shore, that was planted in the Marianas in 1668 did not die with Padre
tied large stones to their feet, brought them on a proa to sea and Diego, Pedro and the first missionaries. It remained. It survived.
threw them into the deep. Those remains of the martyrs were It grew, thanks to the blood of the martyrs and the perseverance
never to be found again. of the succeeding missionaries. On September 17, 1902, the
Marianas became an Apostolic Prefecture and was separated
23. What did the other Mariana missionaries say about from the old Diocese of Cebu. On October 14, 1965, Guam
Pedro? When the fellow missionaries of Pedro learned of his became a diocese by the name of Diocese of Agaa. On March

110 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


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8, 1984, Agaa became an archdiocese.


33. Why can we not celebrate the feast during Holy
28. What brought the memory of Pedro to our day? In Week, Easter Week or on Sundays of Lent or of Easter?
1981, when Agaa was preparing for its 20th anniversary as a We do not celebrate the feast of Blessed Pedro in Holy Week or
diocese, the 1673 beatification cause of Padre Diego Lus de San Easter Week, or on a Sunday of Lent or of Easter because on
Vitores was rediscovered in the old manuscripts and taken up these days we have a more important celebration the passion,
anew until Padre Diego was finally beatified on October 6, 1985. death and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, otherwise
It was his beatification that brought the memory of Pedro to our known as the Paschal Mystery, which is at the heart of our
day. Christian Faith. Instead, we celebrate the feast of Blessed Pedro
on the Saturday before Passion/Palm Sunday because of its
29. What were the important moments of the cause significance: Blessed Pedro was martyred on April 2, 1672 which
for the beatification of Pedro? The Archdiocese of Cebu, was the Saturday before Passion/Palm Sunday of that year. In
where Pedro belonged by ecclesiastical jurisdiction, also the case of April 2 falling on a Sunday of Lent or of Easter, the
started to process his beatification cause, inquiring about the nearest Saturday is April 1. The proximity or coincidence of the
authenticity of the documents pertinent to the martyrdom feast of Blessed Pedro with the celebration of the Paschal Mystery
of Pedro and establishing the fact that he gave his life for the helps us to remember that the life, martyrdom, beatification and
Christian Faith and that he was killed on account of the same canonization of Blessed Pedro can find its meaning only in the
Faith. The Diocesan process was opened on November 21, 1994 life, passion, death and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
and concluded on December 28, 1994. The Vatican recognized In Blessed Pedro, we find a concrete response to the words from
the validity of the diocesan process on March 21, 1997. On June the First Letter of John 3:16, It is by this that we know what love
25, 1998, Pedros Positio Super Martyrio was submitted to the is: that Christ laid down his life for us. We in turn are bound to
Vaticans Congregation for the Causes of Saints. On October 5, lay down our lives for our brothers.
1999, the Vatican Historians gave a unanimous affirmative vote
on the authenticity of the historical documents about Pedro 34. What day of the week do we observe the weekly
while the Vatican Theologians gave a unanimous affirmative devotion to Blessed Pedro? The weekly devotion to Blessed
vote on the authenticity of the martyrdom of Pedro on January Pedro is observed every Saturday because of its significance in
4, 2000. Immediately, on January 11, 2000, Vatican Cardinals, his life: he set foot in Guam to begin his mission on Saturday
Archbishops and Bishops gave a unanimous affirmative vote for June 16, 1668 and ended his mission with his martyrdom on
the beatification of Pedro. On January 27, 2000, Pope John Paul Saturday April 2, 1672.
II promulgated the Decree on the Martyrdom of Pedro.
35. What is meant by canonization of Blessed Pedro
30. When was Pedro beatified? The beatification endeavor Calungsod? The Canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod
was rewarded when, on 5 March 2000, Pedro Calungsod was is the solemn act by which the Pope, with definitive sentence,
beatified by Pope John Paul II at Saint Peters Square in Rome. inscribes in the catalogue (canon) of saints Blessed Pedro. By
this act, the Pope declares that Blessed Pedro now reigns in
31. What did Pope John Paul II say about Pedro? In his eternal glory and decrees that the Universal Church show him
homily during the beatification, Pope John Paul said, From the honor due to a saint. Thus, Blessed Pedro will henceforth be
his childhood, Pedro Calungsod declared himself unwaveringly addressed as Saint Pedro Calungsod or San Pedro Calungsod.
for Christ and responded generously to his call. Young people The solemn canonization is an infallible and irrevocable
today can draw encouragement and strength from the example decision of the Pope. By canonizing some of the faithful, that
of Pedro, whose love of Jesus inspired him to devote his teenage is, by solemnly proclaiming that they practiced heroic virtue
years to teaching the faith as a lay catechist. Leaving family and and lived in fidelity to Gods grace, the Church recognizes the
friends behind, Pedro willingly accepted the challenge put to him power of the Spirit of holiness within her and sustains the hope
by Fr. Diego Lus de San Vitores to join him on the Mission to the of believers by proposing the saints to them as models and
Chamorros. In a spirit of faith, marked by strong Eucharistic and intercessors. The saints have always been the source and origin
Marian devotion, Pedro undertook the demanding work asked of renewal in the most difficult moments in the Churchs history.
of him and bravely faced the many obstacles and difficulties he Indeed, holiness is the hidden source and infallible measure of
met. In the face of imminent danger, Pedro would not forsake her apostolic activity and missionary zeal. Catechism of the
Fr. Diego but, as a good soldier of Christ, preferred to die at the Catholic Church 828.
missionarys side. Today, Blessed Pedro Calungsod intercedes
for the young, in particular those of his native Philippines, and 36. What was required for the canonization process of
he challenges them. Young friends, do not hesitate to follow the Blessed Pedro? For the Pope to decide for the canonization,
example of Pedro, who pleased God and was loved by him and he needs a divine sign of approval which we call a miracle. A
who, having come to perfection in so short a time, lived a full miracle may be defined as an extraordinary religious occurrence
life. that came about through a special and gratuitous intervention
of God. It is contemporaneously a sign or a manifestation of
32. When is the feast of Blessed Pedro? The feast of a divine message to man and a call to conversion. A miracle
Blessed Pedro is celebrated every April 2, the anniversary of his is a supernatural occurrence, and so, it cannot be explained
martyrdom and it will remain as is after the canonization. If the naturally or scientifically. A major miracle is required for the
date falls within Holy Week or Easter Week, the feast is observed canonization.
on the Saturday before Passion Sunday. If the date falls on a
Sunday of Lent or on a Sunday of Easter, the feast is observed 37. Were there supernatural occurrences upon the invocation of
on April 1. Blessed Pedros help? After the beatification of Pedro Calungsod

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on March 5, 2000, many different divine favors were reported done to find out if the patient in coma was brain dead or not.
by people who asked for his intercessory aid. Choosing a major The EEG result was bad. Nevertheless, at around 6:00 PM,
miracle from among these favors was not an easy task. There just four hours after the EEG test, the patient started to gain
had to be sufficient objective documentation. Such a criterion consciousness. In his testimony, the attending physician said, It
was met in a medical case that happened on March 26, 2003 was rather a rapid recovery. Patients in such a situation would
at a hospital in Cebu City. The supernatural occurrence was normally recover only after some weeks, if they ever recover;
reported by the doctor himself who was the one who invoked but, in the case of this patient, it was in less than 48 hours. It
Blessed Pedro. was a definitive recovery from Glasgow Coma score 3 to normal
mental status and no motor and sensory deficits upon discharge.
38. What was the major miracle that God performed The patient survived and is still alive today.
through the intercession of Blessed Pedro? The presumed
miracle is about the rapid recovery of a 49-year-old patient from 44. What was done to verify the supernatural incident?
Glasgow Coma Scale score 3 and the absence of motor and Finding out that there could have been a supernatural
sensory deficits thereof. occurrence, the attending physician reported the case to the
postulator of the Cause for the Canonization of Blessed Pedro
39. What is meant by coma? Coma (from Greek koma in Cebu. Subsequently, an Archdiocesan Canonical Process
= deep sleep) is a deep state of unconsciousness in which which involved physicians was instituted in Cebu to verify the
individuals do not consciously respond to stimuli in their presumed supernatural occurrence. The Process went through
environment. The Glasgow Coma Scale is used to measure the nine sessions from December 15, 2004 until June 6, 2005.
depth of coma based upon observations of eye opening, speech, Its positive result was presented to the Vatican which in turn
and movement. When we say that the Glasgow Coma Scale score recognized the validity of the Process on November 25, 2005.
is 3, it means that the patient is in the deepest level of coma. The The Positio Super Miro which is a systematic presentation of
patient does not respond with any body movement to pain, does documents and arguments on the presumed miracle was then
not have any speech, and does not open his eyes. prepared and submitted to the Vatican on May 18, 2006.

40. What caused the coma of the patient concerned? 45. What was the process done at the Vatican regarding
It was caused by hypoxic encephalopathy which means a lack the reported supernatural occurrence? During the
of oxygen supply to the brain (hypo = less + oxia = oxygen; following years, the Vatican made a series of clarifications to
encephalo = brain + pathy = disorder). In turn, the patients which the postulator in Cebu also made precise and exhaustive
hypoxic encephalopathy was caused by a cardiac arrest which responses. Six Vatican consultor physicians had to gather three
happened on March 24. The heart stopped pumping blood times to discuss and clarify some details of the reported case,
that carries oxygen to the brain. Three days earlier, on March first on May 29, 2008, then, on September 30, 2010, and finally
21, the patient underwent a heart surgery which was a mitral on March 24, 2011 when they unanimously pronounced that the
valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting. Both reported case was beyond natural or scientific explanation. On
procedures went remarkably well. But, three days later the July 2, 2011, six Vatican consultor theologians authenticated
patient became so restless and had a hard time breathing that led that the supernatural healing was due solely to the intercession
to the cardiac arrest and, eventually, to hypoxic encephalopathy. of Blessed Pedro. Then, on the following October 11, fifteen
Vatican consultors, among which were 7 cardinals, 5 archbishops
41. How serious was the situation of the patient? Brain and 3 bishops, unanimously affirmed that what the consultor
cells are extremely sensitive to oxygen deprivation. Some brain physicians and theologians declared could point to an authentic
cells actually start dying less than five minutes after their major miracle and that it is opportune to declare Blessed Pedro
oxygen supply disappears. As a result, hypoxic encephalopathy a saint. A Decree on the authentic major miracle was then drawn
can rapidly cause death or severe brain damage. The longer the up by the Vatican. On December 19, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI
patient is unconscious, the higher risk for death or brain death, received in audience His Eminence Angelo Cardinal Amato,
and the lower chances for a meaningful recovery. Complications the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and
of hypoxic encephalopathy include prolonged vegetative state authorized the promulgation of the Decree concerning the
basic life functions such as breathing, blood pressure, sleep- miracle attributed to Blessed Pedro. By that decree, the Pope has
wake cycle, and eye opening may be preserved, but the patient made known to everyone that there is indeed an authentic major
is not alert and does not respond to his surroundings. Such a miracle performed by God through the intercession of Blessed
patient usually dies within a year, although some may survive Pedro. On February 18, during the Ordinary Public Consistory,
longer while having neurological deficits. the Pope received the unanimous vote of all the cardinals for the
canonization of Blessed Pedro and indicated October 21, 2012 as
42. How was the intercession of Blessed Pedro invoked? the date of the canonization.
On March 26, knowing that the patient could die any moment,
the attending physician, who is an internist and cardiologist at 46. Is there any significance of the date of the
the same time, invoked the aid of the Visayan teenage martyr canonization in the life of Blessed Pedro? The Great
saying, Blessed Pedro Calungsod, please save the life of this War in Guam, which started on September 11, 1671 (9/11!)
patient! Perform a miracle! between the missionaries and the pagan natives who wanted
to stop the mission, ended with the victory of the missionaries,
43. What happened after Blessed Pedro was invoked? the establishment of peace and the resumption of the mission
At 2:00 PM of the same day, the patient was subjected to an on October 21, 1671. Blessed Pedro was martyred and his body
electroencephalogram (EEG), a test that measures and records was thrown into the ocean in 1672 to stop his mission and to
brain waves representing electrical activity in the brain. It was erase any trace of him on this earth; but his 340 long years of

112 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

oblivion will now be ended by his triumphant canonization on not only by believing, that a man is justified. (James 2:24).
October 21, 2012 when the whole Universal Church including Third, he shared the Faith to others. This is the mandate of
the inhabitants of Guam will begin to invoke him as a saint. Christ to his disciples: Go out to the whole world; proclaim the
Good News to all creation. (Mark 16:15). Fourth, he died for
47. What is the official title given by the Vatican by the Faith. As Jesus says, Happy are you when people abuse you
which we may call Blessed Pedro when he will have and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on
been declared a saint? He will be called Saint Pedro my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great
Calungsod, Lay Catechist and Martyr (in English); San Pedro in heaven. (Matthew 5:11-12) The souls of the virtuous are in
Calungsod, Katekistang Layko ug Martir (in Cebuano); San the hands of God [] In the eyes of the unwise, they did appear
Pedro Calungsod, Katekistang Layko at Martir. to die [] but they are in peace. (Wisdom 3:1-3). Blessed John
Paul II himself said in his homily to catechists on December 10,
48. What is a lay catechist? A lay person is a baptized member 2000, Your work, dear catechists and religion teachers, is more
of the people of God who has neither received the Sacrament necessary than ever and requires on your part constant fidelity
of Holy Orders nor become a member of a religious order. A to Christ and to the Church. For all the faithful have a right to
catechist is one who engages in the instruction and formation receive from those who, by office or mandate, are responsible
in the Catholic Faith, both for those who are preparing to be for catechesis and preaching answers that are not subjective,
baptized and for those who are already baptized but in need of but correspond with the Church's constant Magisterium, with
continuing instruction and formation in the Christian life. The the faith that has always been taught authoritatively by those
catechist uses the catechism which is a summary or manual appointed teachers and lived exemplarily by the saints. [] An
containing the basics of Christian doctrine. The work of the intellectual knowledge of Christ and his Gospel is not enough.
catechist is called catechesis, a term derived from Ancient Greek: For believing in him means following him. Therefore we must
from kata = "down" + echein = "to sound", literally learn from the Apostles, from the confessors of the faith, from
"to sound down" (into the ears), that is, to indoctrinate. True the saints of every age who helped to spread Christ's name and
catechesis is much more than merely instruction about Catholic to make it loved by the witness of a life generously and joyously
Christian beliefs, values and practices. It is instruction of others spent for him and for their brethren. Pope Benedict XVI says
plus a personal sharing of faith by committed Christians so that the secret of a good catechist is to live what you preach.
that the entire people of God may be continually converted to [] Unite the transmission of right doctrine with personal
a fully Christian life, that is, a life turned away from sinfulness, testimony, with the firm commitment to live according to the
centered on the risen Jesus and living in hope for the everlasting commandments of the Lord and with the lived experience of
reign of God. being faithful and active members of the Church. This example
of life is necessary so that your instruction does not stay in a
49. What is a martyr? The term martyr comes from the mere transmission of theoretical knowledge about the mysteries
Greek , mrtys, meaning witness. The stem of the word of God, but that it leads to embracing a Christian way of life."
is -, mrtyr-. A martyr is somebody who voluntarily (Benedict XVI, To the Bishops of Costa Rica, February 8, 2008)
suffers persecution and death for refusing to renounce, or accept,
a belief or cause, usually religious. In its original meaning, the 51. Why is Blessed Pedro a martyr? Blessed Pedro is a
word martyr was used in the secular sphere as well as in the martyr because he gave witness to the Christian faith in word
New Testament of the Bible. The process of bearing witness and deed as a teenage lay catechist in the Mariana Mission. He
was not intended to lead to the death of the witness, although gave his life over to a cruel death because of his faith and the
it is known from ancient writers (e.g. Josephus) and from the reason why he was killed was because he was a Christian and a
New Testament that witnesses often died for their testimonies. catechist.
During the early Christian centuries, the term acquired the
extended meaning of a believer who is called to witness for 52. What is the official portrait of Blessed Pedro
their religious belief, and on account of this witness, endures approved by the Vatican? The official portrait of Blessed
suffering and/or death. The term, in this latter sense, entered Pedro is the one painted by Rafael del Casal in 1999 and which
the English language as a loanword. The death of a martyr or the is venerated at the main altar of the Cebu Archdiocesan Shrine
value attributed to it is called martyrdom. Martyrdom is the of Blessed Pedro Calungsod in the Archbishops Compound. An
supreme witness given to the truth of the faith: it means bearing enlarged photograph version of it was unveiled at Saint Peters
witness even unto death. The martyr bears witness to Christ who Square in Rome during Blessed Pedros beatification on March
died and rose, to whom he is united by charity. He bears witness 5, 2000. According to the painter, he made the portrait out of
to the truth of the faith and of Christian doctrine. He endures inspiration and that he did not use a model for the work.
death through an act of fortitude. The early Christians who first
began to use the term martyr in its new sense saw Jesus as the 53. Why is Blessed Pedro depicted in the portrait
first and greatest martyr, on account of his crucifixion. The early wearing white and holding a palm branch? The white
Christians appear to have seen Jesus as the archetypical martyr. vesture and the palm branch is the biblical symbol of martyrs.
I saw a huge number of people [] dressed in white robes and
50. Why was Blessed Pedro a good catechist? There holding palms in their hands. [] These are the people who have
are four main reasons why Blessed Pedro proved to be a good been through the great persecution [] they have washed their
catechist. First, he knew very well at least the basic teachings robes white again in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:9, 14).
of the Catholic Faith. As Saint Peter the Apostle admonishes all It is also the symbol of victory. Those who prove victorious will
Christians, always have your answers ready for people who ask be dressed in white robes. (Revelation 3:5)
you the reason for the hope that you all have. (1 Peter 3:15).
Second, he lived the Faith. It is by doing something good, and 54. Are there other symbols that may be depicted in the

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 113


APPENDICES

image of Blessed Pedro? The image of Blessed Pedro may also hold a copy of the catechism because he was a catechist, and
rosary beads because of the strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary among the Mariana missionaries.

55. Is there a comprehensive manual about Blessed Pedro? A more detailed account on Blessed Pedro Calungsod is
provided in the manual I. Leyson, Pedro Calonsor Bissaya: Prospects of a Teenage Filipino, The Archdiocese of Cebu, 2000.

56. Let us now ponder on the virtues of Blessed Pedro and ask for his help so that we may also be able to live
such virtues and be counted among the blessed ones in heaven. Striving to live the virtues of Blessed Pedro is how we can
prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming Canonization and the best way of celebrating that great event.

Petitions to Blessed Pedro Calungsod

We, your fellow citizens of this earth, call upon you: O Blessed Pedro, help us!
That, like you, we may learn to love God and our neighbor, O Blessed Pedro, help us!
That, like you, we may also be eager to know and defend the truths of our Catholic Faith taught to us by Holy
Mother Church, O Blessed Pedro, help us!
That, like you, we may also strive to faithfully live the faith we have received at Baptism: O Blessed Pedro, help us!
That, like you, we may also be zealous to share our Christian Faith to others, O Blessed Pedro help us!
That, like you, we may also be willing to offer our lives and talents in loving service to the Church, O Blessed
Pedro, help us!
That, like you, we may also endeavor to develop our abilities so as to serve our society better, O Blessed Pedro,
help us!
That, like you, we may also be poor in spirit by overcoming our attachment to worldly things and by being generous
to others, O Blessed Pedro, help us!
That, like you, we may also gladly endure the daily trials of life for the love of God, O Blessed Pedro, help us!
That, like you, we may also be constant in prayer in order not to be overcome by temptation, O Blessed Pedro,
help us!
That, like you, we may also keep our hearts and bodies chaste to be worthy temples of the Holy Spirit, O Blessed
Pedro, help us!
That, like you, we may also be truly sorry for our sins and receive the Sacrament of Confession regularly and
frequently, O Blessed Pedro, help us!
That, like you, we may also learn to forgive those who have hurt us, O Blessed Pedro, help us!
That, like you, we may also become instruments of God's peace among people, O Blessed Pedro, help us!
That, like you, we may also be true to our friends, O Blessed Pedro, help us!
That, like you, we may also be deeply devoted to Our Blessed Mother Mary, O Blessed Pedro, help us!
That, like you, we may also love and adore our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist, O Blessed Pedro, help us!
That, like you, we may also learn to accept and do the will of God our Father, O Blessed Pedro, help us!
That, like you, we may also be ready to die for our Christian Faith, O Blessed Pedro, help us!
That, like you, we may also become fellow citizens of the Saints in heaven. O Blessed Pedro, help us!
Pray for us, O Blessed Pedro Calungsod, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ!

Let us pray:
Almighty and ever-living God, * you are glorified in your saints. * Graciously hear the prayers we offer * through
the intercession of your holy martyr * Blessed Pedro Calungsod. * Guide and protect your pilgrim Church on
earth. * Grant your peace to our nation * and to the whole world. * Fill all our families with your grace. * Preserve
us in love and unity. * Bless and guide our young people * so that they will not be led astray. * Help them to grow
in faith, * hope * and charity. * Convert those whose hearts are far from you. *Comfort the sick and the lonely.
* Protect the poor and the oppressed. * Welcome into your Kingdom * our departed brothers and sisters.* We
thank you for the graces you have granted us * through the intercession of Blessed Pedro Calungsod. * We hope *
that after our mortal bodies will have slept in death, * you will raise us up to new life on the last day as your saints
* and join Blessed Pedro * in praising your Name forever in heaven. * Amen.

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APPENDICES

SOCIAL DOCTRINE
3
AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL
541.The essential characteristic of the lay faithful who work in the Lord's vineyard(cf.Mt20:1-16)is the secular nature of their
Christian discipleship, which is carried out precisely in the world. It belongs to the laity to seek the kingdom of God by engaging
in temporal affairs and directing them according to God's will[1139]. By Baptism, the laity are incorporated into Christ and are
made participants in his life and mission according to their specific identity. The term laity' is here understood to mean all the
faithful except those in Holy Orders and those who belong to a religious state approved by the Church. That is, the faithful who,
by Baptism are incorporated into Christ, are placed in the People of God and in their own way share the priestly, prophetic and
kingly office of Christ, and to the best of their ability carry on the mission of the whole Christian people in the Church and in the
world[1140].

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL, The lay
Faithful

542.The identity of the lay faithful is born in and nourished by the sacraments ofBaptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
Baptism conforms the person to Christ, Son of the Father, first-born of every creature, sent to all as Teacher and Redeemer.
Confirmation configures the individual to Christ, sent to give new life to creation and to every being through the outpouring of his
Spirit. The Eucharist makes the believer a participant in the unique and perfect sacrifice that Christ offered to the Father, in his
own flesh, for the salvation of the world.

Lay Catholics are disciples of Christ starting with the sacraments, that is, by virtue of what God has wrought in them, marking
them with the very image of his Son Jesus Christ. It is from this divine gift of grace, and not from human concession, that is born
the threefold munus (gift and duty) that characterizes the lay person as prophet, priest and king, according to his secular nature.

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL, The lay
Faithful

543.It is the proper duty of the lay faithful to proclaim the Gospel with an exemplary witness of life rooted in Christ and lived in
temporal realities: the family; professional commitment in the world of work, culture, science and research; the exercise of social,
economic and political responsibilities. All secular human realities both personal and social, including various environments
and historical situations, as well as structures and institutions are the context in which the lay Christian lives and works.
These realities are places where God's love is received; the commitment of the lay faithful must correspond to this vision and
is to be considered an expression of evangelical charity; for the lay faithful to be present and active in the world is not only an
anthropological and sociological reality, but in a specific way, a theological and ecclesiological reality as well[1141].

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL, The lay
Faithful

544.The witness of the lay faithful is born from the gift of grace, recognized, nurtured and brought to maturity[1142]. This
motivation makes their commitment in the world significant and is opposed to the characteristics of action that are proper
to atheistic humanism, which lack an ultimate basis and are circumscribed within purely temporal limits. The eschatological
perspective is the key that allows a correct understanding of human realities. From the standpoint of definitive goods, the lay
faithful are able to engage in earthly activity according to the criteria of authenticity. Standards of living and greater economic
productivity are not the only valid indicators for measuring the total fulfilment of the human person in this life, and they are of
even less value when considering the life to come, for man's horizons are not bounded only by the temporal order; living on the
level of human history, he preserves the integrity of his eternal destiny[1143].

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL, The lay
Faithful

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 115


APPENDICES

545.The lay faithful are called to cultivate an authentic lay spirituality by which they are reborn as new men and women,
both sanctified and sanctifiers, immersed in the mystery of God and inserted in society. Such a spirituality will build up the
world according to Jesus' Spirit. It will make people capable of looking beyond history, without separating themselves from it,
of cultivating a passionate love for God without looking away from their bothers and sisters, whom they are able to see as the
Lord sees them and love as the Lord loves them. This spirituality precludes both an intimist spiritualism and a social activism,
expressing itself instead in a life- giving synthesis that bestows unity, meaning and hope on an existence that for so many
different reasons is contradictory and fragmented. Prompted by such a spirituality, the lay faithful are able to contribute to the
sanctification of the world, as from within like leaven, by fulfilling their own particular duties. Thus, especially by the witness of
their own life ... they must manifest Christ to others[1144].

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Spirituality of the lay faithful

546.The lay faithful must strengthen their spiritual and moral lives, becoming ever more competent in carrying out their social
duties.A deepening of interior motivations and the acquisition of a style appropriate for their work in the social and political
spheres are the results of a dynamic and ongoing formation directed above all to the attainment of harmony between life, in all its
complexity, and faith. In the experience of believers, in fact, there cannot be two parallel lives in their existence: on the one hand,
the so-called spiritual' life, with its values and demands; and on the other, the so-called secular' life, that is, life in a family, at
work, in social relationships, in the responsibilities of public life and in culture[1145].

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Spirituality of the lay faithful
Bringing faith and life together requires following the path judiciously indicated by the characteristic elements of Christian
living: the Word of God as a reference point; the liturgical celebration of the Christian Mystery; personal prayer; the authentic
experience of Church enhanced by the particular formational services of discerning spiritual guides; the exercise of the social
virtues and a persevering commitment to cultural and professional formation.

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Spirituality of the lay faithful
547.The lay faithful should act according to the dictates of prudence, the virtue that makes it possible to discern the true good
in every circumstance and to choose the right means for achieving it. Thanks to this virtue, moral principles are applied correctly
to particular cases. We can identify three distinct moments as prudence is exercised to clarify and evaluate situations, to inspire
decisions and to prompt action. The first moment is seen in the reflection and consultation by which the question is studied and
the necessary opinions sought. The second moment is that of evaluation, as the reality is analyzed and judged in the light of God's
plan. The third moment, that of decision, is based on the preceding steps and makes it possible to choose between the different
actions that may be taken.
(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:SOCIAL DOCTRINE
AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL, Acting with prudence

548.Prudence makes it possible to make decisions that are consistent, and to make them with realism and a sense of
responsibility for the consequences of one's action. The rather widespread opinion that equates prudence with shrewdness, with
utilitarian calculations, with diffidence or with timidity or indecision, is far from the correct understanding of this virtue. It is a
characteristic of practical reason and offers assistance in decidingwith wisdom and couragethe course of action that should be
followed, becoming themeasureof the other virtues. Prudence affirms the good as a duty and shows in what manner the person
should accomplish it[1146]. In the final analysis, it is a virtue that requires the mature exercise of thought and responsibility in an
objective understanding of a specific situation and in making decisions according to a correct will[1147].
(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:SOCIAL DOCTRINE
AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL, Acting with prudence

549.The Church's social doctrine must become an integral part of the ongoing formation of the lay faithful. Experience shows
that this formative work is usually possible within lay ecclesial associations that respond to precise criteria of ecclesiality.

116 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

[1148] Groups, associations and movementsalso have their place in the formation of the lay faithful. In fact they have the
possibility, each with its own method, of offering a formation through a deeply shared experience in the apostolic life, as well as
having the opportunity to integrate, to make concrete and specific the formation that their members receive from other persons
and communities.[1149] The Church's social doctrine sustains and sheds light on the role of associations, movements and lay
groups that are committed to the Christian renewal of the various sectors of the temporal order[1150]. Church communion,
already present and at work in the activities of the individual, finds its specific expression in the lay faithful working together
in groups, that is, in activities done with others in the course of their responsible participation in the life and mission of the
Church[1151].
(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:
SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Social doctrine and lay associations

550.The Church's social doctrine is extremely important for ecclesial associations that have pastoral action within society as their
objective. These associations represent a privileged point of reference in that their presence in the life of society is characterized
by their nature as ecclesial bodies; this shows the importance and value of prayer, reflection and dialogue for addressing and
improving social realities. One must keep in mind the distinction, in each case, between the activities of Christians, acting
individually or collectively in their own name as citizens guided by the dictates of a Christian conscience, and their activity acting
along with their pastors in the name of the Church[1152].
(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:
SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Social doctrine and lay associations

The various specialized associations that gather people together in the name of their Christian vocation and mission within
a particular professional or cultural field have a precious role to play in forming mature Christians. For example, a Catholic
association of doctors forms those who belong to it through the exercise of discernment with regard to the many problems that
medical science, biology and other sciences place before the professional competence of doctors, as well as before their personal
conscience and faith. The same could be also said of Catholic associations of teachers, legal professionals, businessmen and
women, workers, as well as Catholic sports associations and ecological associations and so forth. In this context, the Church's
social doctrine shows that it is an effective means for forming individual consciences and a country's culture.
(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:
SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Social doctrine and lay associations

551.The presence of the laity in social life is characterized by service, the sign and expression of love, which is seen in the areas
of the family, culture, work, economics and politics according to specific aspects. Complying with the different demands of their
particular area of work, lay men and women express the truth of their faith and, at the same time, the truth of the Church's social
doctrine, which fully becomes a reality when it is lived concretely in order to resolve social problems. In fact, the credibility of this
social doctrine comes more immediately from the witness of action than from its internal consistency or logic[1153].

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in the various sectors of social life

Having entered into The Third Millennium of the Christian era, the lay faithful will open themselves, through their witness, to all
people with whom they will take on the burden of the most pressing calls of our time. Drawn from the treasures of the teaching
of the Church, the proposals of this Council are intended for all men, whether they believe in God or whether they do not explicitly
acknowledge him; they are intended to help them to a keener awareness of their own destiny, to make the work conform better to
the surpassing dignity of man, to strive for a more deeply rooted sense of universal brotherhood and to meet the pressing appeals
of our times with a generous and common effort of love[1154].

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 117


APPENDICES

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in the various sectors of social life

1.Service to the human person

552.Among the areas of the social commitment of the laity, service to the human person emerges as a priority. Promoting the
dignity of every person, the most precious possession of men and women, is the essential task, in a certain sense, the central and
unifying task of the service which the Church, and the lay faithful in her, are called to render to the human family[1155].

The first form in which this task is undertaken consists in the commitment and efforts to renew oneself interiorly, because
human history is not governed by an impersonal determinism but by a plurality of subjects whose free acts shape the social order.
Social institutions do not of themselves guarantee, as if automatically, the common good; the internal renewal of the Christian
spirit [1156]must precedethe commitment to improve society according to the mind of the Church on the firmly established
basis of social justice and social charity[1157].

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in the various sectors of social life

It is from the conversion of hearts that there arises concern for others, loved as brothers or sisters. This concern helps us to
understand the obligation and commitment to heal institutions, structures and conditions of life that are contrary to human
dignity. The laity must thereforework at the same time for the conversion of hearts and the improvement of structures, taking
historical situations into account and using legitimate means so that the dignity of every man and woman will be truly respected
and promoted within institutions.

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in the various sectors of social life

553.Promoting human dignity implies above all affirming the inviolability of the right to life, from conception to natural
death, the first among all rights and the condition for all other rights of the person[1158]. Respect for personal dignity requires,
moreover, thatthe religious dimension of the person be recognized.This is not simply a requirement concerning matters
of faith', but a requirement that finds itself inextricably bound up with the very reality of the individual.[1159] The effective
recognition of theright to freedom of conscience and religious freedomis one of the highest goods and one of the most serious
duties of every people that truly wishes to ensure the good of the individual and of society[1160]. In the present cultural context,
there is a particularly urgent need todefend marriage and the family, which can be adequately met only if one is convinced of the
unique and singular value of these two realities for an authentic development of human society[1161].

554.Culture must represent a privileged area for the presence and commitment of the Church and individual Christians.The
Second Vatican Council sees the separation of Christian faith and daily life as one of the most serious errors of our day[1162].
Without a metaphysical perspective, the loss of a longing for God in self-serving narcissism and the varied means found in a
consumeristic lifestyle; the primacy given to technology and scientific research as ends in themselves; the emphasis placed on
appearance, the quest for an image, communication techniques: all of these phenomena must be understood in their cultural
aspects and placed in relation to the central issue of the human person, of integral human growth, of the human capacity to
communicate and relate with other people, and of the constant human search for an answer to the great questions that run
throughout life. It must be kept in mind that culture is that through which man, as man, becomes more man, is' more, has more
access to being'[1163].

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in culture

555.Fostering a social and political culture inspired by the Gospel must be an area of particular importance for the lay faithful.
Recent history has shown the weakness and radical failure of commonly held cultural perspectives that prevailed for a long time,

118 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

especially on the social and political levels. In this area, particularly in the decades following the Second World War, Catholics
in different countries have been involved at high levels, which shows with ever greater clarity today the consistency of their
inspiration and of their heritage of values. The social and political involvement of Catholics, in fact, has never been limited to the
mere transformation of structures, because this involvement takes place at the foundations of a culture that receives and listens
to the reasoning made by faith and morality, including them as the basis and goal of concrete planning. When this awareness is
lacking, Catholics themselves are condemned to cultural dispersion and their proposals are rendered insufficient and limited.
An urgent priority today is also found in the need to present the patrimony of Catholic tradition, its values and content, and the
entire spiritual, intellectual and moral heritage of Catholicism, in culturally up-to-date terms. Faith in Jesus Christ, who described
himself as the way and the truth and the life (Jn14:6), prompts Christians to commit themselves with firm and ever new resolve
to building a social and political culture inspired by the Gospel[1164].
(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:
SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in culture

556.The integral perfection of the person and the good of the whole of society are the essential ends of culture[1165];the ethical
dimension of culture is therefore a priority in the social action of the laity. Failure to pay attention to this dimension easily
transforms culture into an instrument that impoverishes humanity. A culture can become sterile and headed for decadence when
it becomes inward looking, and tries to perpetuate obsolete ways of living by rejecting any exchange or debate with regard to the
truth about man[1166]. The formation of a culture capable of enriching men and women requires on the contrary the involvement
of the whole person, who, in the cultural sphere, expresses his creativity, his intelligence, his knowledge of the world and of human
persons; someone moreover who puts to good use his capacity for self-control, personal sacrifice, solidarity and readiness to
promote the common good[1167].
(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:
SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in culture

557.The social and political involvement of the lay faithful in the area of culture moves today in specific directions. The first
is that of seeking to guarantee the right of each person to a human and civil culturein harmony with the dignity of the human
person, without distinction of race, sex, nation, religion, or social circumstances[1168]. This right implies the right of families and
persons to free and open schools; freedom of access to the means of social communication together with the avoidance of all forms
of monopolies and ideological control of this field; freedom of research, sharing one's thoughts, debate and discussion. At the root
of the poverty of so many peoples are also various forms of cultural deprivation and the failure to recognize cultural rights. The
commitment to the education and formation of the person has always represented the first concern of Christian social action.
(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:
SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in culture

558.The second challenge for Christian commitment concerns the content of culture, that is, truth. The question of truth is
essential for culture because it remains each man's duty to retain an understanding of the whole human person in which the
values of intellect, will, conscience and fraternity are pre-eminent.[1169] A correct anthropology is the criterion for shedding light
on and verifying every historical form of culture. The Christian commitment in the field of culture is opposed to all reductionistic
and ideological perspectives of man and life. The dynamism of openness to the truth is guaranteed above all by the fact that
different cultures are basically different ways of facing the question of the meaning of personal existence[1170].

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in culture

559.Christians must work so that the full value of the religious dimension of culture is seen. This is a very important and
urgent task for the quality of human life, at both the individual and social levels. The question arising from the mystery of life
and referring to the greater mystery of God is in fact at the centre of every culture; when it is eliminated, culture and the moral
life of nations are corrupted[1171]. The authentic religious dimension is an essential part of man and allows him to open his
diverse activities to the horizon in which they find meaning and direction. Human religiosity or spirituality is manifested in the
forms taken on by a culture, to which it gives vitality and inspiration. The countless works of art of every period bear witness to
this. When the religious dimension of the person or of a people is denied, culture itself starts to die off, sometimes disappearing
completely.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 119


APPENDICES

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in culture

560.In the promotion of an authentic culture, the laity will place great importance on mass media, examining above all the
contents of the countless choices that people make.These choices, while varying from group to group and from individual to
individual, all have a moral weight and should be evaluated in this light. In order to choose correctly, one must know the norms
of the moral order and apply them faithfully.[1172] The Church offers a long tradition of wisdom, rooted in divine Revelation and
human reflection,[1173] the theological orientation of which provides an important corrective function to both the atheistic'
solution which deprives man of one of his basic dimensions, namely the spiritual one, and to permissive and consumerist
solutions, which under various pretexts seek to convince man that he is free from every law and from God himself[1174]. Rather
than judging the means of social communication, this tradition is placed at their service: The Church's culture ofwisdomcan save
the media culture of information from becoming a meaningless accumulation of facts[1175].

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in culture

561.The lay faithful will look upon the media as possible and powerful instruments of solidarity: Solidarity is a consequence
of genuine and right communication and the free circulation of ideas that further knowledge and respect for others[1176].
This is not the case if the media are used to build and sustain economic systems that serve greed and covetousness.
Faced with grave injustices, the decision to ignore completely certain aspects of human suffering reflects an indefensible
selectivity[1177].Communication structures and policies, and the distribution of technology are factors that help to make
some people information rich and others information poor at a time when prosperity, and even survival, depend on
information. In this way, the media often contribute to the injustices and imbalances that give rise to the very suffering that they
report. Communications and information technology, along with training in its use, must aim at eliminating such injustices and
imbalances.

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in culture

562.Professionals in the field of media are not the only people with ethical duties. Those who make use of the media also
have obligations. Media operators who try to meet their responsibilities deserve audiences who are aware of their own
responsibilities. The first duty of media users is to be discerning and selective. Parents, families and the Church have precise
responsibilities they cannot renounce. For those who work, in various capacities, in the area of social communications, the
warning of St. Paul rings out loud and clear: Therefore, putting away falsehood, let every one speak the truth with his neighbour,
for we are members one of another ... Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the
occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear (Eph4:25, 29). Serving the human person through the building up of a
human community based on solidarity, justice and love, and spreading the truth about human life and its final fulfilment in God
remain at the heart of ethics in the media[1178]. In the light of faith, human communication can be seen as a journey from Babel to
Pentecost, or rather, as the personal and social commitment to overcome the collapse of communication (cf.Gen11:4-8), opening
people to the gift of tongues (cf.Acts2:5-11), to communication as restored by the power of the Spirit sent by the Son.

563.Faced with the complexity of today's economic context, the laity will be guided in their action by the principles of the social
Magisterium. It is necessary that these principles be known and accepted in the area of economic activity itself; when they are
ignored, above all the principle of the centrality of the human person, the quality of this activity is compromised[1179].

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in the economy

The commitment of Christians will also be translated into an effort of cultural reflection aimed ata discernment of the current
models of economic and social development.Reducing the question of development to an exclusively technical problem would
deprive it of its true content, which instead concerns the dignity of individuals and peoples[1180].

120 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in the economy

564.Economists, those working in this field and political leaders must sense the urgency of rethinking the economy, considering,
on the one hand, the dramatic material poverty of billions of people and, on the other, the fact that present economic, social and
cultural structures are ill-equipped to meet the demands of genuine development[1181]. The legitimate requirements of economic
efficiency need to be better harmonized with those of political participation and social justice. Concretely, this means that
solidarity must be made an integral part of the networks of economic, political and social interdependence that the current process
of globalization tends to consolidate.[1182] In this effort of rethinking, well organized and destined to have an effect on the way
economic realities are seen, associations of a Christian inspiration active in the economic field
organizations of workers, business leaders and economists have a precious role to play.

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in the economy

565.For the lay faithful, political involvement is a worthy and demanding expression of the Christian commitment of service
to others[1183]. The pursuit of the common good in a spirit of service, the development of justice with particular attention to
situations of poverty and suffering, respect for the autonomy of earthly realities, the principle of subsidiarity, the promotion of
dialogue and peace in the context of solidarity: these are the criteria that must inspire the Christian laity in their political activity.
All believers, insofar as they possess rights and duties as citizens, are obligated to respect these guiding principles. Special
attention must be paid to their observance by those who occupy institutional positions dealing with the complex problems of the
public domain, whether in local administrations or national and international institutions.

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in politics

566.The tasks accompanying responsibilities in social and political institutions demand a strict and articulated commitment
that is able to demonstrate clearly the absolute necessity of the moral dimension in social and political life through thoughtful
contributions to the political debate, planning and the chosen actions.Inadequate attention to the moral dimension leads to the
dehumanization of life in society and of social and political institutions, thereby consolidating structures of sin[1184]: Living
and acting in conformity with one's own conscience on questions of politics is not slavish acceptance of positions alien to politics
or some kind of confessionalism, but rather the way in which Christians offer their concrete contribution so that, through political
life, society will become more just and more consistent with the dignity of the human person[1185].

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in politics

567.In the context of the laity's political commitment, particular attention must be given to preparing believers to exercise the
power that will be theirs, especially when they are entrusted with such duties by their fellow citizens in accordance with democratic
rules. They must show appreciation for the democratic system inasmuch as it ensures the participation of citizens in making
political choices, guarantees to the governed the possibility both of electing and holding accountable those who govern them, and
of replacing them through peaceful means when appropriate[1186]. They must also reject all secret organizations that seek to
influence or subvert the functioning of legitimate institutions. The exercise of authority must take on the character of service to be
carried out always in the context of moral law for the attainment of the common good[1187]. Those who exercise political authority
must see to it that the energies of all citizens are directed towards the common good; and they are to do so not in an authoritarian
style but by making use of moral power sustained in freedom.
(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:
SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in politics

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568.The lay faithful are called to identify steps that can be taken in concrete political situations in order to put into practice the
principles and values proper to life in society. This calls for a method of discernment[1188], at both the personal and community
levels, structured around certain key elements: knowledge of the situations, analyzed with the help of the social sciences and other
appropriate tools; systematic reflection on these realities in the light of the unchanging message of the Gospel and the Church's
social teaching; identification of choices aimed at assuring that the situation will evolve positively. When reality is the subject of
careful attention and proper interpretation, concrete and effective choices can be made. However, an absolute value must never
be attributed to these choices because no problem can be solved once and for all. Christian faith has never presumed to impose
a rigid framework on social and political questions, conscious that the historical dimension requires men and women to live in
imperfect situations, which are also susceptible to rapid change[1189].
(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:
SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in politics

569.A characteristic context for the exercise of discernment can be found in the functioning of the democratic system,
understood by many today in agnostic and relativistic terms that lead to the belief that truth is something determined by the
majority and conditioned by political considerations[1190]. In such circumstances, discernment is particularly demanding when
it is exercised with regard to the objectivity and accuracy of information, scientific research and economic decisions that affect the
life of the poorest people. It is likewise demanding when dealing with realities that involve fundamental and unavoidable moral
duties, such as the sacredness of life, the indissolubility of marriage, the promotion of the family founded on marriage between a
man and a woman.

In such situations certain fundamental criteria are useful: the distinction and, simultaneously, the connection between the legal
order and the moral order; fidelity to one's own identity and, at the same time, the willingness to engage in dialogue with all
people; the need, in the social judgment and activity of Christians, to refer to the observance of three inseparable values natural
values, with respect for the legitimate autonomy of temporal realities;moral values,promoting an awareness of the intrinsic
ethical dimension of every social and political issue;supernatural values, in order to fulfil one's duty in the spirit of the Gospel of
Jesus Christ.
(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:
SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in politics

570.When concerning areas or realities that involve fundamental ethical duties legislative or political choices contrary to
Christian principles and values are proposed or made, the Magisterium teaches that a well-formed Christian conscience does
not permit one to vote for a political programme or an individual law which contradicts the fundamental contents of faith and
morals[1191]. In cases where it is not possible to avoid the implementation of such political programmes or to block or abrogate
such laws, the Magisterium teaches that a parliamentary representative, whose personal absolute opposition to these programmes
or laws is clear and known to all, may legitimately support proposals aimed atlimiting the damagecaused by such programmes or
laws and at diminishing their negative effects on the level of culture and public morality. In this regard, a typical example of such a
case would be a law permitting abortion[1192]. The representative's vote, in any case, cannot be interpreted as support of an unjust
law but only as a contribution to reducing the negative consequences of a legislative provision, the responsibility for which lies
entirely with those who have brought it into being.

(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:


SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in politics

Faced with the many situations involving fundamental and indispensable moral duties, it must be remembered that Christian
witness is to be considered a fundamental obligation that can even lead to the sacrificing of one's life, to martyrdom in the name
of love and human dignity[1193]. The history of the past twenty centuries, as well as that of the last century, is filled with martyrs
for Christian truth, witnesses to the faith, hope and love founded on the Gospel. Martyrdom is the witness of one who has been

122 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


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personally conformed to Jesus crucified, expressed in the supreme form of shedding one's blood according to the teaching of the
Gospel: if a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies ... it bears much fruit (Jn12:24).
(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:
SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in politics

571.The political commitment of Catholics is often placed in the context of the autonomy of the State, that is, the distinction
between the political and religious spheres[1194]. This distinction is a value that has been attained and recognized by the Catholic
Church and belongs to the inheritance of contemporary civilization[1195]. Catholic moral doctrine, however, clearly rejects
the prospects of an autonomy that is understood as independence from the moral law: Such autonomy' refers first of all to the
attitude of the person who respects the truths that derive from natural knowledge regarding man's life in society, even if such
truths may also be taught by a specific religion, because truth is one[1196]. A sincere quest for the truth, using legitimate means
to promote and defend the moral truths concerning social life justice, freedom, respect for life and for other human rights is a
right and duty of all members of a social and political community.

When the Church's Magisterium intervenes in issues concerning social and political life, it does not fail to observe the
requirements of a correctly understood autonomy, for the ChuWrch's Magisterium does not wish to exercise political power or
eliminate the freedom of opinion of Catholics regarding contingent questions. Instead, it intends as is its proper function to
instruct and illuminate the consciences of the faithful, particularly those involved in political life, so that their actions may always
serve the integral promotion of the human person and the common good. The social doctrine of the Church is not an intrusion
into the government of individual countries. It is a question of the lay Catholic's duty to be morally coherent, found within one's
conscience, which is one and indivisible[1197].
(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:
SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in politics

572.The principle of autonomy involves respect for every religious confession on the part of the State, which assures the free
exercise of ritual, spiritual, cultural and charitable activities by communities of believers. In a pluralistic society, secularity is
a place for communication between the different spiritual traditions and the nation.[1198] Unfortunately, even in democratic
societies, there still remain expressions of secular intolerance that are hostile to granting any kind of political or cultural relevance
to religious faiths. Such intolerance seeks to exclude the activity of Christians from the social and political spheres because
Christians strive to uphold the truths taught by the Church and are obedient to the moral duty to act in accordance with their
conscience. These attitudes even go so far, and radically so, as to deny the basis of a natural morality. This denial, which is the
harbinger of a moral anarchy with the obvious consequence of the stronger prevailing over the weaker, cannot be accepted in any
form by legitimate pluralism, since it undermines the very foundations of human society. In the light of this state of affairs, the
marginalization of Christianity ... would not bode well for the future of society or for consensus among peoples; indeed, it would
threaten the very spiritual and cultural foundations of civilization[1199].
(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:
SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in politics

573.A particular area for discernment on the part of the lay faithful concerns the choice of political instruments, that is,
membership in a party or in other types of political participation. A choice must be made that is consistent with values,
taking into account actual circumstances. In every case, whatever choice is made must be rooted in charity and tend towards
the attainment of the common good[1200]. It is difficult for the concerns of the Christian faith to be adequately met in one sole
political entity; to claim that one party or political coalition responds completely to the demands of faith or of Christian life would
give rise to dangerous errors. Christians cannot find one party that fully corresponds to the ethical demands arising from faith and
from membership in the Church. Their adherence to a political alliance will never be ideological but always critical; in this way the
party and its political platform will be prompted to be ever more conscientious in attaining the true common good, including the
spiritual end of the human person[1201].
(cf. COMPENDIUM OF THE SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH:
SOCIAL DOCTRINE AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL,
Service in politics

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4 CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

BAPTISM in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)


ARTICLE 1 radiates light;clothingsince it veils
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM our shame;bathbecause it washes;
andsealas it is our guard and the sign of
1213Holy Baptism is the basis of the God's Lordship.
whole Christian life, the gateway to life
in the Spirit(vitae spiritualis ianua),and BAPTISM IN THE ECONOMY OF
the door which gives access to the other SALVATION
sacraments. Through Baptism we are
freed from sin and reborn as sons of Prefigurations of Baptism in the Old
God; we become members of Christ, are Covenant
incorporated into the Church and made
sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the 1217In the liturgy of the Easter
sacrament of regeneration through water Vigil, during theblessing of the
in the word." baptismal water, the Church solemnly
commemorates the great events in salvation history
WHAT IS THIS SACRAMENT CALLED? that already prefigured the mystery of Baptism:

1214This sacrament is calledBaptism, after the Father, you give us grace through
central rite by which it is carried out: to baptize sacramental signs, which tell us of the
(Greekbaptizein) means to "plunge" or "immerse"; wonders of your unseen power.
the "plunge" into the water symbolizes the In Baptism we use your gift of water,
catechumen's burial into Christ's death, from which which you have made a rich symbol
he rises up by resurrection with him, as "a new of the grace you give us in this sacrament.
creature."
1218Since the beginning of the world, water, so
1215This sacrament is also called "the washing of humble and wonderful a creature, has been the
regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit," for it source of life and fruitfulness. Sacred Scripture sees it
signifies and actually brings about the birth of water as "overshadowed" by the Spirit of God:
and the Spirit without which no one "can enter the
kingdom of God." At the very dawn of creation
your Spirit breathed on the waters,
1216"This bath is calledenlightenment, because making them the wellspring of all holiness.
those who receive this [catechetical] instruction are
enlightened in their understanding . ..." Having 1219The Church has seen in Noah's ark a
received in Baptism the Word, "the true light that prefiguring of salvation by Baptism, for by it "a few,
enlightens every man," the person baptized has been that is, eight persons, were saved through water":
"enlightened," he becomes a "son of light," indeed, he
becomes "light" himself: The waters of the great flood
you made a sign of the waters of Baptism,
Baptism is God's most beautiful and that make an end of sin and a new beginning
magnificent gift. ...We call it gift, grace, of goodness.
anointing, enlightenment, garment of
immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and 1220If water springing up from the earth
most precious gift. It is calledgiftbecause symbolizes life, the water of the sea is a symbol of
it is conferred on those who bring nothing death and so can represent the mystery of the cross.
of their own;gracesince it is given By this symbolism Baptism signifies communion with
even to the guilty;Baptismbecause sin Christ's death.
is buried in the water;anointingfor it
is priestly and royal as are those who 1221But above all, the crossing of the Red Sea,
are anointed;enlightenmentbecause it literally the liberation of Israel from the slavery

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APPENDICES

of Egypt, announces the liberation wrought by


Baptism: 1226From the very day of Pentecost the Church has
celebrated and administered holy Baptism. Indeed
You freed the children of Abraham from the St. Peter declares to the crowd astounded by his
slavery of Pharaoh, preaching: "Repent, and be baptized every one of
bringing them dry-shod through the waters you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of
of the Red Sea, your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy
to be an image of the people set free in Spirit."The apostles and their collaborators offer
Baptism. Baptism to anyone who believed in Jesus: Jews, the
God-fearing, pagans.Always, Baptism is seen as
1222Finally, Baptism is prefigured in the crossing connected with faith: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and
of the Jordan River by which the People of God you will be saved, you and your household," St. Paul
received the gift of the land promised to Abraham's declared to his jailer in Philippi. And the narrative
descendants, an image of eternal life. The promise continues, the jailer "was baptized at once, with all
of this blessed inheritance is fulfilled in the New his family."
Covenant.
1227According to the Apostle Paul, the believer
Christ's Baptism enters through Baptism into communion with
Christ's death, is buried with him, and rises with him:
1223All the Old Covenant prefigurations find their
fulfillment in Christ Jesus. He begins his public life Do you not know that all of us who have been
after having himself baptized by St. John the Baptist baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into
in the Jordan.After his resurrection Christ gives his death? We were buried therefore with
this mission to his apostles: "Go therefore and make him by baptism into death, so that as Christ
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name was raised from the dead by the glory of the
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded
you." The baptized have "put on Christ."Through
the Holy Spirit, Baptism is a bath that
1224Our Lord voluntarily submitted himself to purifies, justifies, and sanctifies.
the baptism of St. John, intended for sinners, in
order to "fulfill all righteousness."Jesus' gesture is 1228Hence Baptism is a bath of water in which the
a manifestation of his self-emptying. The Spirit who "imperishable seed" of the Word of God produces
had hovered over the waters of the first creation its life-giving effect.St. Augustine says of Baptism:
descended then on the Christ as a prelude of the "The word is brought to the material element, and it
new creation, and the Father revealed Jesus as his becomes a sacrament.
"beloved Son."
HOW IS THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
1225In his Passover Christ opened to all men the CELEBRATED?
fountain of Baptism. He had already spoken of his
Passion, which he was about to suffer in Jerusalem, Christian Initiation
as a "Baptism" with which he had to be baptized.The
blood and water that flowed from the pierced side 1229From the time of the apostles, becoming a
of the crucified Jesus are types of Baptism and the Christian has been accomplished by a journey
Eucharist, the sacraments of new life.From then on, and initiation in several stages. This journey
it is possible "to be born of water and the Spirit"in can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain
order to enter the Kingdom of God. essential elements will always have to be present:
proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel
See where you are baptized, see where entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism
Baptism comes from, if not from the cross itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and
of Christ, from his death. There is the whole admission to Eucharistic communion.
mystery: he died for you. In him you are
redeemed, in him you are saved. 1230This initiation has varied greatly through
Baptism in the Church the centuries according to circumstances. In the

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first centuries of the Church, Christian initiation 1236The proclamation of the Word of God
saw considerable development. A long period enlightens the candidates and the assembly with the
ofcatechumenateincluded a series of preparatory revealed truth and elicits the response of faith, which
rites, which were liturgical landmarks along the path is inseparable from Baptism. Indeed Baptism is "the
of catechumenal preparation and culminated in the sacrament of faith" in a particular way, since it is the
celebration of the sacraments of Christian initiation. sacramental entry into the life of faith.

1231Where infant Baptism has become the form in 1237Since Baptism signifies liberation from
which this sacrament is usually celebrated, it has sin and from its instigator the devil, one or
become a single act encapsulating the preparatory moreexorcismsare pronounced over the candidate.
stages of Christian initiation in a very abridged The celebrant then anoints him with the oil of
way. By its very nature infant Baptism requires catechumens, or lays his hands on him, and he
apost-baptismal catechumenate. Not only is there a explicitly renounces Satan. Thus prepared, he is able
need for instruction after Baptism, but also for the toconfess the faith of the Church, to which he will be
necessary flowering of baptismal grace in personal "entrusted" by Baptism.
growth. Thecatechismhas its proper place here.
1238Thebaptismal wateris consecrated by a prayer
1232The second Vatican Council restored for of epiclesis (either at this moment or at the Easter
the Latin Church "the catechumenate for adults, Vigil). The Church asks God that through his Son the
comprising several distinct steps." The rites for power of the Holy Spirit may be sent upon the water,
these stages are to be found in theRite of Christian so that those who will be baptized in it may be "born
Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The Council also gives of water and the Spirit."
permission that: "In mission countries, in addition
to what is furnished by the Christian tradition, those 1239Theessential riteof the sacrament
elements of initiation rites may be admitted which follows:Baptismproperly speaking. It signifies and
are already in use among some peoples insofar as actually brings about death to sin and entry into the
they can be adapted to the Christian ritual." life of the Most Holy Trinity through configuration to
the Paschal mystery of Christ. Baptism is performed
1233Today in all the rites, Latin and Eastern, the in the most expressive way by triple immersion in the
Christian initiation of adults begins with their entry baptismal water. However, from ancient times it has
into the catechumenate and reaches its culmination also been able to be conferred by pouring the water
in a single celebration of the three sacraments of three times over the candidate's head.
initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
In the Eastern rites the Christian initiation of infants 1240In the Latin Church this triple infusion is
also begins with Baptism followed immediately by accompanied by the minister's words: "N., I baptize
Confirmation and the Eucharist, while in the Roman you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
rite it is followed by years of catechesis before being of the Holy Spirit." In the Eastern liturgies the
completed later by Confirmation and the Eucharist, catechumen turns toward the East and the priest
the summit of their Christian initiation. says: "The servant of God, N., is baptized in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
The mystagogy of the celebration At the invocation of each person of the Most Holy
Trinity, the priest immerses the candidate in the
1234The meaning and grace of the sacrament of water and raises him up again.
Baptism are clearly seen in the rites of its celebration.
By following the gestures and words of this 1241Theanointing with sacred chrism, perfumed
celebration with attentive participation, the faithful oil consecrated by the bishop, signifies the gift of the
are initiated into the riches this sacrament signifies Holy Spirit to the newly baptized, who has become a
and actually brings about in each newly baptized Christian, that is, one "anointed" by the Holy Spirit,
person. incorporated into Christ who is anointed priest,
prophet, and king.
1235Thesign of the cross, on the threshold of the
celebration, marks with the imprint of Christ the one 1242In the liturgy of the Eastern Churches, the post-
who is going to belong to him and signifies the grace baptismal anointing is the sacrament of Chrismation
of the redemption Christ won for us by his cross. (Confirmation). In the Roman liturgy the post-
baptismal anointing announces a second anointing

126 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

with sacred chrism to be conferred later by the catechumenate is to be "a formation in the whole
bishop Confirmation, which will as it were "confirm" Christian life ... during which the disciples will
and complete the baptismal anointing. be joined to Christ their teacher. The catechumens
should be properly initiated into the mystery
1243The white garment symbolizes that the person of salvation and the practice of the evangelical
baptized has "put on Christ,"has risen with Christ. virtues, and they should be introduced into the life
Thecandle, lit from the Easter candle, signifies that of faith, liturgy, and charity of the People of God by
Christ has enlightened the neophyte. In him the successive sacred rites."
baptized are "the light of the world."
1249Catechumens "are already joined to the
The newly baptized is now, in the only Son, a child of Church, they are already of the household of Christ,
God entitled to say the prayer of the children of God: and are quite frequently already living a life of faith,
"Our Father." hope, and charity." "With love and solicitude mother
Church already embraces them as her own."
1244First Holy Communion. Having become a
child of God clothed with the wedding garment, the The Baptism of infants
neophyte is admitted "to the marriage supper of the
Lamb"and receives the food of the new life, the body 1250Born with a fallen human nature and tainted
and blood of Christ. The Eastern Churches maintain by original sin, children also have need of the
a lively awareness of the unity of Christian initiation new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power
by giving Holy Communion to all the newly baptized of darkness and brought into the realm of the
and confirmed, even little children, recalling the freedom of the children of God, to which all men
Lord's words: "Let the children come to me, do not are called.The sheer gratuitousness of the grace of
hinder them."The Latin Church, which reserves salvation is particularly manifest in infant Baptism.
admission to Holy Communion to those who have The Church and the parents would deny a child the
attained the age of reason, expresses the orientation priceless grace of becoming a child of God were they
of Baptism to the Eucharist by having the newly not to confer Baptism shortly after birth.
baptized child brought to the altar for the praying of
the Our Father. 1251Christian parents will recognize that this
practice also accords with their role as nurturers of
1245Thesolemn blessingconcludes the celebration the life that God has entrusted to them.
of Baptism. At the Baptism of newborns the blessing
of the mother occupies a special place. 1252The practice of infant Baptism is an
immemorial tradition of the Church. There is explicit
WHO CAN RECEIVE BAPTISM? testimony to this practice from the second century
on, and it is quite possible that, from the beginning
1246"Every person not yet baptized and only such a of the apostolic preaching, when whole "households"
person is able to be baptized." received baptism, infants may also have been
baptized.
The Baptism of adults
Faith and Baptism
1247Since the beginning of the Church, adult
Baptism is the common practice where the 1253Baptism is the sacrament of faith.But faith
proclamation of the Gospel is still new. The needs the community of believers. It is only within
catechumenate (preparation for Baptism) therefore the faith of the Church that each of the faithful can
occupies an important place. This initiation believe. The faith required for Baptism is not a
into Christian faith and life should dispose the perfect and mature faith, but a beginning that is
catechumen to receive the gift of God in Baptism, called to develop. The catechumen or the godparent
Confirmation, and the Eucharist. is asked: "What do you ask of God's Church?" The
response is: "Faith!"
1248The catechumenate, or formation of
catechumens, aims at bringing their conversion and 1254For all the baptized, children or adults, faith
faith to maturity, in response to the divine initiative must growafterBaptism. For this reason the Church
and in union with an ecclesial community. The celebrates each year at the Easter Vigil the renewal

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of baptismal promises. Preparation for Baptism 1259Forcatechumenswho die before their Baptism,
leads only to the threshold of new life. Baptism is the their explicit desire to receive it, together with
source of that new life in Christ from which the entire repentance for their sins, and charity, assures them
Christian life springs forth. the salvation that they were not able to receive
through the sacrament.
1255For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the
parents' help is important. So too is the role of 1260"Since Christ died for all, and since all men
thegodfatherandgodmother, who must be firm are in fact called to one and the same destiny, which
believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized is divine, we must hold that the Holy Spirit offers to
- child or adult on the road of Christian life.Their all the possibility of being made partakers, in a way
task is a truly ecclesial function (officium).The whole known to God, of the Paschal mystery."Every man
ecclesial community bears some responsibility for the who is ignorant of the Gospel of Christ and of his
development and safeguarding of the grace given at Church, but seeks the truth and does the will of God
Baptism. in accordance with his understanding of it, can be
saved. It may be supposed that such persons would
havedesired Baptism explicitlyif they had known its
WHO CAN BAPTIZE? necessity.

1256The ordinary ministers of Baptism are the 1261As regardschildren who have died without
bishop and priest and, in the Latin Church, also the Baptism, the Church can only entrust them to the
deacon.In case of necessity, anyone, even a non- mercy of God, as she does in her funeral rites for
baptized person, with the required intention, can them. Indeed, the great mercy of God who desires
baptize, by using the Trinitarian baptismal formula. that all men should be saved, and Jesus' tenderness
The intention required is to will to do what the toward children which caused him to say: "Let the
Church does when she baptizes. The Church finds the children come to me, do not hinder them,"allow us to
reason for this possibility in the universal saving will hope that there is a way of salvation for children who
of God and the necessity of Baptism for salvation. have died without Baptism. All the more urgent is the
Church's call not to prevent little children coming to
Christ through the gift of holy Baptism.
THE NECESSITY OF BAPTISM
THE GRACE OF BAPTISM
1257The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is
necessary for salvation. He also commands his 1262The different effects of Baptism are signified
disciples to proclaim the Gospel to all nations and by the perceptible elements of the sacramental rite.
to baptize them.Baptism is necessary for salvation Immersion in water symbolizes not only death and
for those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed purification, but also regeneration and renewal. Thus
and who have had the possibility of asking for this the two principal effects are purification from sins
sacrament.The Church does not know of any means and new birth in the Holy Spirit.
other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal
beatitude; this is why she takes care not to neglect For the forgiveness of sins ...
the mission she has received from the Lord to see that
all who can be baptized are "reborn of water and the 1263By Baptismall sinsare forgiven, original sin
Spirit."God has bound salvation to the sacrament and all personal sins, as well as all punishment for
of Baptism, but he himself is not bound by his sin.In those who have been reborn nothing remains
sacraments. that would impede their entry into the Kingdom
of God, neither Adam's sin, nor personal sin, nor
1258The Church has always held the firm conviction the consequences of sin, the gravest of which is
that those who suffer death for the sake of the faith separation from God.
without having received Baptism are baptized by
their death for and with Christ. ThisBaptism of 1264Yet certain temporal consequences of
blood, like thedesire for Baptism, brings about the sin remain in the baptized, such as suffering,
fruits of Baptism without being a sacrament. illness, death, and such frailties inherent in life as
weaknesses of character, and so on, as well as an
inclination to sin that Tradition calls concupiscence,

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or metaphorically, "the tinder for sin"(fomes peccati); since concupiscence "is left for us to wrestle with, it
cannot harm those who do not consent but manfully resist it by the grace of Jesus Christ." Indeed, "an athlete
is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules."

"A new creature"

1265Baptism not only purifies from all sins, but also makes the neophyte "a new creature," an adopted son of
God, who has become a "partaker of the divine nature,"member of Christ and co-heir with him,and a temple
of the Holy Spirit.

1266The Most Holy Trinity gives the baptized sanctifying grace, the grace ofjustification enabling them to
believe in God, to hope in him, and to love him through the theological virtues;
- giving them the power to live and act under the prompting of the Holy Spirit through the gifts of the
Holy Spirit;
- allowing them to grow in goodness through the moral virtues.

Thus the whole organism of the Christian's supernatural life has its roots in Baptism.

Incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ

1267Baptism makes us members of the Body of Christ: "Therefore ... we are members one of
another."Baptism incorporates usinto the Church. From the baptismal fonts is born the one People of God
of the New Covenant, which transcends all the natural or human limits of nations, cultures, races, and sexes:
"For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body."

1268The baptized have become "living stones" to be "built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood."By
Baptism they share in the priesthood of Christ, in his prophetic and royal mission. They are "a chosen race, a
royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that [they] may declare the wonderful deeds of him who
called [them] out of darkness into his marvelous light." Baptism gives a share in the common priesthood of all
believers.

1269Having become a member of the Church, the person baptized belongs no longer to himself, but to him
who died and rose for us.From now on, he is called to be subject to others, to serve them in the communion of
the Church, and to "obey and submit" to the Church's leaders,holding them in respect and affection.Just as
Baptism is the source of responsibilities and duties, the baptized person also enjoys rights within the Church:
to receive the sacraments, to be nourished with the Word of God and to be sustained by the other spiritual
helps of the Church.

1270"Reborn as sons of God, [the baptized] must profess before men the faith they have received from God
through the Church" and participate in the apostolic and missionary activity of the People of God.

The sacramental bond of the unity of Christians

1271Baptism constitutes the foundation of communion among all Christians, including those who are not yet
in full communion with the Catholic Church: "For men who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized
are put in some, though imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church. Justified by faith in Baptism, [they]
are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are
accepted as brothers by the children of the Catholic Church.""Baptism therefore constitutes thesacramental
bond of unityexisting among all who through it are reborn."

An indelible spiritual mark ...

1272Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, the person baptized is configured to Christ. Baptism seals the
Christian with the indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ. No sin can erase this mark,

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even if sin prevents Baptism from bearing the fruits of salvation.Given once for all, Baptism cannot be
repeated.

1273Incorporated into the Church by Baptism, the faithful have received the sacramental character that
consecrates them for Christian religious worship.The baptismal seal enables and commits Christians to serve
God by a vital participation in the holy liturgy of the Church and to exercise their baptismal priesthood by the
witness of holy lives and practical charity.

1274The Holy Spirit has marked us with theseal of the Lord ("Dominicus character")"for the day of
redemption.""Baptism indeed is the seal of eternal life."The faithful Christian who has "kept the seal" until the
end, remaining faithful to the demands of his Baptism, will be able to depart this life "marked with the sign of
faith,"with his baptismal faith, in expectation of the blessed vision of God - the consummation of faith - and in
the hope of resurrection.

IN BRIEF

1275Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of
new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ's
Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ.

1276"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Mt28:19-20).

1277Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ. In accordance with the Lord's will, it is necessary for
salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by Baptism.

1278The essential rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water or pouring water on his head,
while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

1279The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all
personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ
and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body
of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ.

1280Baptism imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual sign, the character, which consecrates the baptized
person for Christian worship. Because of the character Baptism cannot be repeated (cf. DS 1609 and DS
1624).

1281Those who die for the faith, those who are catechumens, and all those who, without knowing of the
Church but acting under the inspiration of grace, seek God sincerely and strive to fulfill his will, can be saved
even if they have not been baptized (cf.LG16).

1282Since the earliest times, Baptism has been administered to children, for it is a grace and a gift of God
that does not presuppose any human merit; children are baptized in the faith of the Church. Entry into
Christian life gives access to true freedom.

1283With respect to children who have died without Baptism, the liturgy of the Church invites us to trust in
God's mercy and to pray for their salvation.

1284In case of necessity, any person can baptize provided that he have the intention of doing that which the
Church does and provided that he pours water on the candidate's head while saying: "I baptize you in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

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CHRISTIAN TEACHING

CONFIRMATION in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)


ARTICLE 2 the sacrament of Confirmation, which in
THE SACRAMENT OF a certain way perpetuates the grace of
CONFIRMATION Pentecost in the Church."

1285Baptism, the Eucharist, and the 1289Very early, the better to signify
sacrament of Confirmation together the gift of the Holy Spirit, an anointing
constitute the "sacraments of Christian with perfumed oil (chrism) was added
initiation," whose unity must be to the laying on of hands. This anointing
safeguarded. It must be explained to the highlights the name "Christian," which
faithful that the reception of the sacrament means "anointed" and derives from that of
of Confirmation is necessary for the Christ himself whom God "anointed with
completion of baptismal grace. For "by the the Holy Spirit." This rite of anointing has
sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] continued ever since, in both East and West.
are more perfectly bound to the Church and For this reason the Eastern Churches call
are enriched with a special strength of the this sacramentChrismation, anointing with
Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, chrism, ormyronwhich means "chrism." In the West,
more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by the termConfirmationsuggests that this sacrament
word and deed." both confirms and strengthens baptismal grace.

CONFIRMATION IN THE ECONOMY OF Two traditions: East and West


SALVATION
1290In the first centuries Confirmation generally
1286In the Old Testament the prophets announced comprised one single celebration with Baptism,
that the Spirit of the Lord would rest on the hoped-for forming with it a "double sacrament," according to
Messiah for his saving mission. The descent of the Holy the expression of St. Cyprian. Among other reasons,
Spirit on Jesus at his baptism by John was the sign the multiplication of infant baptisms all through the
that this was he who was to come, the Messiah, the year, the increase of rural parishes, and the growth of
Son of God.He was conceived of the Holy Spirit; his dioceses often prevented the bishop from being present
whole life and his whole mission are carried out in total at all baptismal celebrations. In the West the desire to
communion with the Holy Spirit whom the Father gives reserve the completion of Baptism to the bishop caused
him "without measure." the temporal separation of the two sacraments. The
East has kep t them united, so that Confirmation is
1287This fullness of the Spirit was not to remain conferred by the priest who baptizes. But he can do so
uniquely the Messiah's, but was to be communicated only with the "myron" consecrated by a bishop.
tothe whole messianic people.On several occasions
Christ promised this outpouring of the Spirit,a promise 1291A custom of the Roman Church facilitated
which he fulfilled first on Easter Sunday and then more the development of the Western practice: a double
strikingly at Pentecost.Filled with the Holy Spirit the anointing with sacred chrism after Baptism. The
apostles began to proclaim "the mighty works of God," first anointing of the neophyte on coming out of the
and Peter declared this outpouring of the Spirit to be baptismal bath was performed by the priest; it was
the sign of the messianic age.Those who believed in the completed by a second anointing on the forehead of the
apostolic preaching and were baptized received the gift newly baptized by the bishop.The first anointing with
of the Holy Spirit in their turn. sacred chrism, by the priest, has remained attached
to the baptismal rite; it signifies the participation of
1288"From that time on the apostles, in fulfillment the one baptized in the prophetic, priestly, and kingly
of Christ's will, imparted to the newly baptized by the offices of Christ. If Baptism is conferred on an adult,
laying on of hands the gift of the Spirit that completes there is only one post-baptismal anointing, that of
the grace of Baptism. For this reason in theLetter to Confirmation.
the Hebrewsthe doctrine concerning Baptism and the
laying on of hands is listed among the first elements of 1292The practice of the Eastern Churches gives greater
Christian instruction. The imposition of hands is rightly emphasis to the unity of Christian initiation. That of the
recognized by the Catholic tradition as the origin of Latin Church more clearly expresses the communion

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APPENDICES

of the new Christian with the bishop as guarantor and


servant of the unity, catholicity and apostolicity of his The liturgy of Antioch expresses the epiclesis
Church, and hence the connection with the apostolic for the consecration of the sacred chrism
origins of Christ's Church. (myron) in this way: "[Father ... send your
Holy Spirit] on us and on this oil which is before
THE SIGNS AND THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION us and consecrate it, so that it may be for all
who are anointed and marked with it holy
1293In treating the rite of Confirmation, it is fitting to myron, priestly myron, royal myron, anointing
consider the sign ofanointingand what it signifies and with gladness, clothing with light, a cloak of
imprints: a spiritualseal. salvation, a spiritual gift, the sanctification of
souls and bodies, imperishable happiness, the
Anointing, in Biblical and other ancient symbolism, is indelible seal, a buckler of faith, and a fearsome
rich in meaning: oil is a sign of abundance and joy;it helmet against all the works of the adversary."
cleanses (anointing before and after a bath) and limbers
(the anointing of athletes and wrestlers); oil is a sign of 1298When Confirmation is celebrated separately from
healing, since it is soothing to bruises and wounds;and Baptism, as is the case in the Roman Rite, the Liturgy
it makes radiant with beauty, health, and strength. of Confirmation begins with the renewal of baptismal
promises and the profession of faith by the confirmands.
1294Anointing with oil has all these meanings in This clearly shows that Confirmation follows
the sacramental life. The pre-baptismal anointing Baptism.When adults are baptized, they immediately
with the oil of catechumens signifies cleansing and receive Confirmation and participate in the Eucharist.
strengthening; the anointing of the sick expresses
healing and comfort. The post-baptismal anointing with 1299In the Roman Rite the bishop extends his hands
sacred chrism in Confirmation and ordination is the over the whole group of the confirmands. Since the time
sign of consecration. By Confirmation Christians, that of the apostles this gesture has signified the gift of the
is, those who are anointed, share more completely in Spirit. The bishop invokes the outpouring of the Spirit in
the mission of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the Holy these words:
Spirit with which he is filled, so that their lives may give
off "the aroma of Christ." All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ,
1295By this anointing the confirmand receives by water and the Holy Spirit
the "mark," thesealof the Holy Spirit. A seal is a you freed your sons and daughters from sin
symbol of a person, a sign of personal authority, or and gave them new life.
ownership of an object. Hence soldiers were marked Send your Holy Spirit upon them
with their leader's seal and slaves with their master's. to be their helper and guide.
A seal authenticates a juridical act or document and Give them the spirit of wisdom and
occasionally makes it secret. understanding,
the spirit of right judgment and courage,
1296Christ himself declared that he was marked with the spirit of knowledge and reverence.
his Father's seal.Christians are also marked with a Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in
seal: "It is God who establishes us with you in Christ your presence.
and has commissioned us; he has put his seal on us and We ask this through Christ our Lord.
given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."This
seal of the Holy Spirit marks our total belonging 1300Theessential riteof the sacrament follows. In the
to Christ, our enrollment in his service for ever, as Latin rite, "the sacrament of Confirmation is conferred
well as the promise of divine protection in the great through the anointing with chrism on the forehead,
eschatological trial. which is done by the laying on of the hand, and through
the words:'Accipe signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti'[Be
The celebration of Confirmation sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.]."In the Eastern
Churches of Byzantine rite, after a prayer of epiclesis,
1297The consecration of the sacred chrismis an the more significant parts of the body are anointed
important action that precedes the celebration of with myron: forehead, eyes, nose, ears, lips, chest,
Confirmation, but is in a certain way a part of it. It back, hands, and feet. Each anointing is accompanied
is the bishop who, in the course of the Chrism Mass by the formulaSfragiV dwreaV PneumatoV
of Holy Thursday, consecrates the sacred chrism for Agiou(Signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti): "the seal of
his whole diocese. In some Eastern Churches this the gift of the Holy Spirit."
consecration is even reserved to the patriarch:

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1301The sign of peace that concludes the rite of 1307For centuries, Latin custom has indicated "the
the sacrament signifies and demonstrates ecclesial age of discretion" as the reference point for receiving
communion with the bishop and with all the faithful. Confirmation. But in danger of death children should be
confirmed even if they have not yet attained the age of
THE EFFECTS OF CONFIRMATION discretion.

1302It is evident from its celebration that the effect of 1308Although Confirmation is sometimes called the
the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring "sacrament of Christian maturity," we must not confuse
of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the adult faith with the adult age of natural growth, nor
day of Pentecost. forget that the baptismal grace is a grace of free,
unmerited election and does not need "ratification" to
1303From this fact, Confirmation brings an increase become effective. St. Thomas reminds us of this:
and deepening of baptismal grace:
- it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which Age of body does not determine age of soul.
makes us cry, "Abba! Father!"; Even in childhood man can attain spiritual
- it unites us more firmly to Christ; maturity: as the book of Wisdom says: "For
- it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us; old age is not honored for length of time, or
- it renders our bond with the Church more perfect; measured by number of years. "Many children,
- it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to through the strength of the Holy Spirit they
spread and defend the faith by word and action as true have received, have bravely fought for Christ
witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, even to the shedding of their blood.
and never to be ashamed of the Cross:
1309Preparationfor Confirmation should aim at
Recall then that you have received the spiritual leading the Christian toward a more intimate union
seal, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy
the spirit of right judgment and courage, the Spirit - his actions, his gifts, and his biddings -
spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic
holy fear in God's presence. Guard what you responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis
have received. God the Father has marked you for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of
with his sign; Christ the Lord has confirmed you belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal
and has placed his pledge, the Spirit, in your Church as well as the parish community. The latter
hearts. bears special responsibility for the preparation of
confirmands.
1304Like Baptism which it completes, Confirmation
is given only once, for it too imprints on the soul 1310To receive Confirmation one must be in a state
anindelible spiritual mark, the "character," which is the of grace. One should receive the sacrament of Penance
sign that Jesus Christ has marked a Christian with the in order to be cleansed for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
seal of his Spirit by clothing him with power from on More intense prayer should prepare one to receive the
high so that he may be his witness. strength and graces of the Holy Spirit with docility and
readiness to act.
1305This "character" perfects the common priesthood
of the faithful, received in Baptism, and "the confirmed 1311Candidates for Confirmation, as for Baptism,
person receives the power to profess faith in Christ fittingly seek the spiritual help of asponsor. To
publicly and as it were officially (quasiExofficio)." emphasize the unity of the two sacraments, it
is appropriate that this be one of the baptismal
WHO CAN RECEIVE THIS SACRAMENT? godparents.

1306Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and THE MINISTER OF CONFIRMATION
should receive the sacrament of Confirmation.Since
Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist form a unity, 1312Theoriginal ministerof Confirmation is the
it follows that "the faithful are obliged to receive bishop.
this sacrament at the appropriate time,"for without
Confirmation and Eucharist, Baptism is certainly In the East, ordinarily the priest who baptizes also
valid and efficacious, but Christian initiation remains immediately confers Confirmation in one and the
incomplete. same celebration. But he does so with sacred chrism
consecrated by the patriarch or the bishop, thus
expressing the apostolic unity of the Church whose

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APPENDICES

bonds are strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation. In the Latin Church, the same discipline applies to the
Baptism of adults or to the reception into full communion with the Church of a person baptized in another Christian
community that does not have valid Confirmation.

1313In the Latin Rite, the ordinary minister of Confirmation is the bishop.If the need arises, the bishop may
grant the faculty of administering Confirmation to priests,although it is fitting that he confer it himself, mindful
that the celebration of Confirmation has been temporally separated from Baptism for this reason. Bishops are the
successors of the apostles. They have received the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders. The administration
of this sacrament by them demonstrates clearly that its effect is to unite those who receive it more closely to the
Church, to her apostolic origins, and to her mission of bearing witness to Christ.

1314If a Christian is in danger of death, any priest can give him Confirmation.Indeed the Church desires that none
of her children, even the youngest, should depart this world without having been perfected by the Holy Spirit with
the gift of Christ's fullness.

IN BRIEF

1315"Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them
Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for it had not yet
fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on
them and they received the Holy Spirit" (Acts8:14-17).

1316Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us
more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church,
associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by
deeds.

1317Confirmation, like Baptism, imprints a spiritual mark or indelible character on the Christian's soul; for this
reason one can receive this sacrament only once in one's life.

1318In the East this sacrament is administered immediately after Baptism and is followed by participation in the
Eucharist; this tradition highlights the unity of the three sacraments of Christian initiation. In the Latin Church this
sacrament is administered when the age of reason has been reached, and its celebration is ordinarily reserved to
the bishop, thus signifying that this sacrament strengthens the ecclesial bond.

1319A candidate for Confirmation who has attained the age of reason must profess the faith, be in the state of
grace, have the intention of receiving the sacrament, and be prepared to assume the role of disciple and witness to
Christ, both within the ecclesial community and in temporal affairs.

1320The essential rite of Confirmation is anointing the forehead of the baptized with sacred chrism (in the East
other sense-organs as well), together with the laying on of the minister's hand and the words:"Accipe signaculum
doni Spiritus Sancti"(Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.) in the Roman rite, or:Signaculum doni Spiritus
Sancti[the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit] in the Byzantine rite.

1321When Confirmation is celebrated separately from Baptism, its connection with Baptism is expressed, among
other ways, by the renewal of baptismal promises. The celebration of Confirmation during the Eucharist helps
underline the unity of the sacraments of Christian initiation.

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CHRISTIAN TEACHING

MARY in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)


Paragraph 6. Mary - Mother of Christ, Mother conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror
of the Church of sin and death."The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin
is a singular participation in her Son's Resurrection and
963Since the Virgin Mary's role in the mystery of an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians:
Christ and the Spirit has been treated, it is fitting now
to consider her place in the mystery of the Church. "The In giving birth you kept your virginity; in
Virgin Mary ... is acknowledged and honored as being your Dormition you did not leave the world, O
truly the Mother of God and of the redeemer. ... She is Mother of God, but were joined to the source of
'clearly the mother of the members of Christ' ... since Life. You conceived the living God and, by your
she has by her charity joined in bringing about the prayers, will deliver our souls from death.
birth of believers in the Church, who are members of its
head.""Mary, Mother of Christ, Mother of the Church." ... she is our Mother in the order of grace

MARY'S MOTHERHOOD WITH REGARD TO 967By her complete adherence to the Father's will, to
THE CHURCH his Son's redemptive work, and to every prompting of
the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary is the Church's model
Wholly united with her Son ... of faith and charity. Thus she is a "preeminent and ...
wholly unique member of the Church"; indeed, she is the
964Mary's role in the Church is inseparable from her "exemplary realization" (typus)of the Church.
union with Christ and flows directly from it. "This union
of the mother with the Son in the work of salvation 968Her role in relation to the Church and to all
is made manifest from the time of Christ's virginal humanity goes still further. "In a wholly singular
conception up to his death"; it is made manifest above way she cooperated by her obedience, faith, hope,
all at the hour of his Passion: and burning charity in the Savior's work of restoring
supernatural life to souls. For this reason she is a
Thus the Blessed Virgin advanced in her mother to us in the order of grace."
pilgrimage of faith, and faithfully persevered in
her union with her Son unto the cross. There she 969"This motherhood of Mary in the order of grace
stood, in keeping with the divine plan, enduring continues uninterruptedly from the consent which
with her only begotten Son the intensity of his she loyally gave at the Annunciation and which she
suffering, joining herself with his sacrifice in sustained without wavering beneath the cross, until
her mother's heart, and lovingly consenting the eternal fulfillment of all the elect. Taken up to
to the immolation of this victim, born of her: heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by
to be given, by the same Christ Jesus dying on her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts
the cross, as a mother to his disciple, with these of eternal salvation . ... Therefore the Blessed Virgin
words: "Woman, behold your son." is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate,
Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix."
965After her Son's Ascension, Mary "aided the
beginnings of the Church by her prayers."In her 970"Mary's function as mother of men in no way
association with the apostles and several women, "we obscures or diminishes this unique mediation of Christ,
also see Mary by her prayers imploring the gift of but rather shows its power. But the Blessed Virgin's
the Spirit, who had already overshadowed her in the salutary influence on men ... flows forth from the
Annunciation." superabundance of the merits of Christ, rests on his
mediation, depends entirely on it, and draws all its
... also in her Assumption power from it.""No creature could ever be counted
along with the Incarnate Word and Redeemer; but just
966"Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free as the priesthood of Christ is shared in various ways
from all stain of original sin, when the course of her both by his ministers and the faithful, and as the one
earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul goodness of God is radiated in different ways among his
into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen creatures, so also the unique mediation of the Redeemer
over all things, so that she might be the more fully does not exclude but rather gives rise to a manifold

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APPENDICES

cooperation which is but a sharing in this one source.

DEVOTION TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

971"All generations will call me blessed": "The Church's devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian
worship."The Church rightly honors "the Blessed Virgin with special devotion. From the most ancient times the
Blessed Virgin has been honored with the title of 'Mother of God,' to whose protection the faithful fly in all their
dangers and needs. ... This very special devotion ... differs essentially from the adoration which is given to the
incarnate Word and equally to the Father and the Holy Spirit, and greatly fosters this adoration." The liturgical
feasts dedicated to the Mother of God and Marian prayer, such as the rosary, an "epitome of the whole Gospel,"
express this devotion to the Virgin Mary.

MARY - ESCHATOLOGICAL ICON OF THE CHURCH

972After speaking of the Church, her origin, mission, and destiny, we can find no better way to conclude than
by looking to Mary. In her we contemplate what the Church already is in her mystery on her own "pilgrimage of
faith," and what she will be in the homeland at the end of her journey. There, "in the glory of the Most Holy and
Undivided Trinity," "in the communion of all the saints,"the Church is awaited by the one she venerates as Mother
of her Lord and as her own mother.

In the meantime the Mother of Jesus, in the glory which she possesses in body and soul in heaven, is the
image and beginning of the Church as it is to be perfected in the world to come. Likewise she shines forth on
earth until the day of the Lord shall come, a sign of certain hope and comfort to the pilgrim People of God.

IN BRIEF

973By pronouncing her "fiat" at the Annunciation and giving her consent to the Incarnation, Mary was already
collaborating with the whole work her Son was to accomplish. She is mother wherever he is Savior and head of the
Mystical Body.

974The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and
soul into the glory of heaven, where she already shares in the glory of her Son's Resurrection, anticipating the
resurrection of all members of his Body.

975"We believe that the Holy Mother of God, the new Eve, Mother of the Church, continues in heaven to exercise
her maternal role on behalf of the members of Christ" (Paul VI,CPG 15).

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5
LEADING WITH HEART AND SOUL
Fostering Workplace Spirituality
By Dulce Jesus Lesigues Baricuatro

Dr. Baricuatro offers us ways and examples of how we can live a spiritual lie in a workplace. This is a glimpse of
the richness of her work contained in a handbook launched on September 9, 2013 at St. Theresas College , Cebu City.
The following are excerpts of her precious contribution to the people of God. She is one of the Holy-Heroes of our
times.

FOREWORD
By Fr. Felino B. Javines, SVD

What makes this book Leading with Heart and Soul so special and its release and message so timely cqn be described
in this short story:

Four royal sons were questioning what especially thy should master. They said to one another. Let us search the earth
and learn a special science. So they decided and after they had agreed on a place where they would meet again, the
four brothers started off, ech in different direction. Time went by, and the brothers met again at the appointed meeting
place and they asked one another what they had learned. I have mastered a science, said the first, which makes it
possible for me , if I have nothing but a piece of bone of some creature , to create straightway the flesh that goes with
it. I, said the second, know how to grow that creatures skin and hair if there is flesh on its bones. The third said,
I am able to create its limbs, if I have the flesh the skin and the hair. And I, concluded the fourth, know how to give
life to that creature if its form is complete with limbs. There upon the four brothers went into the jungle to find a
piece of bone so that they could demonstrate their specialties. As fate, would have it, the bone they found was lions, but
they did not know that and picked up the bone. One added flesh to the bone, the second grew hide and hair, the third
completed it with matching limbs and the fourth gave the lion life. Shaking its heavy mane, the ferocious beast arose
with its menacing mouth, sharp teeth and merciless claws and jumped on his creators. He killed them alland vanished
contentedly in the jungle. (Tales of Ancient India, pp. 50-51).

In a knowledge based society, it is easy to identify ourselves in any of the four brothers given our drive to flourish in our
respective career and field of endeavour and sometimes we fall into that trap that paves the way to self and collective
destruction.

Fostering workplace spirituality is what we need today where success is defined by popularity , image, prestige, economic
gain, influence and the like that in the process, we lose the very purpose of our being because we learn more on the
doing. The story and the book come to life when it confronts all of us with one of the fundamental themes ones
spiritual worth at work.
Excerpts from the handbook:

Why workplace spirituality? What is the relationship between spirituality and work life? What is the role of leadership
in promoting spirituality in the organization?

How do we lead with heart and soul?

Outline:
1. SHEPHERDING
- Value of the person
- Get close and Personal
- Build bridges not walls
2. TRANSFORMING AND SERVING
- Bring out the best
- Listen to learn
- Empathize
3. KINDLING THE FIRE
- Convey faith

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APPENDICES

- Cast Mend, Reconnect


- Correct others in Love
- Encourage the Heart

1. SHEPHERDING
I am the good Shepherd, and I know mine, and mine know me.
(John 10:14)

- VALUE THE PERSON


WHO IS THE PERSON IN FRON T OF US? We meet a lot of people everyday as we see them often
in the workplace. In the neighborhood, in malls , in churches, in groceries, in the streets, and most
often in our very own homes where some of them serve to meet our needs. Immersed with the daily
tasks and goals we set for ourselves, we miss opportunities to pause and look at the beauty and
uniqueness of every person working with us. Learning to notice the obvious the looks on the faces
of those who stand before us, the sound of their voices when they talk to us, and even the colors and
shapes that they carry as they vie for our attentionIs the beginning of the awareness that persons
are important.

- GET CLOSE AND PERSONAL

DO YOU TAKE A PERSONAL INTEREST IN EACH OF THE PERSONS WHO REPORT DIRECTLY
TO YOU? To shepherd all the members of your flock is to know their condition. It is not enough
to know the status of their work but their personal status what are they preoccupied with?
What motivates them when they walk through the door in the morning, what their career
ambitions and frustrations are, and what are impacting them at the moment, and what their
skills, interests, goals and dreams are. Many leaders agree to the idea of the need to get personal
only to lip service.

- BUILD BRIDGES NOT WALLS

LEARNING TO OPEN THE HEART REQUIRES THAT WE OPEN OUR LIVES. To close ourselves
from the wisdom of the world around us is a kind of prison where thought is chained and vision is
condemned (Chittister)

It has been said that people are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges. It is easy enough
to get caught up in our own lives, needs, and desires before the needs of others. At times our own
problems close ourselves off to many wonderful things in life. When people get stuck in the me-
first mentality and build nothing but walls, the world would be terribly a lonely place. As we walk
through minefields of personal selfishness, we fall to see the face of God or hear His voice in the
other person.

To claim full human development, total spiritual maturity,


outside the realm of the human community is to claim the impossible.
(Joan Chittister)

2. TRANSFORMING and SERVING

- BRING OUT THE BEST


IT TAKES FAITH AND OPTISM TO BE ABLE TO FIND THE GOOD IN THE OTHER. Forrest
Gump says, Life is like a box of chocolates. You never quite know what you are going get when
you open it.

Every person has inner beauty and lots of possibilities yearning to come out to the open. Just
because we do not see them at first glance doe not mean they are not there. Wherever we are and
whoever we are,there are treasures in front of us. Do not be fooled by appearances.

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- LISTEN TO LEARN
OPENNESS IS THE DOOR THROUGH WHICH WISDOM TRAVELS AND UNDERSTANDING
BEGINS. It is the height from which we learn that the world is much bigger, much broader than
ourselves, that there is truth out there that is different from our own. The voice of God within us is
not the only voice of God (Chittister).

Do you welcome suggestions from others? Are you open to learning and trying new things Are you
willing to change things if someone else finds a better way?

Change takes time and effort,


but good changes are worth it in the long run

- EMPATHIZE

EVERYONE WANTS TOBE UNDERSTOOD, TO BE ACCEPTED, AND TO BE LOVED FOR SHE


OR HE IS. Love has creative power, and in a God-centered environment, love does its magic by
engendering unselfish acts of helping each member to see the others in a positive light.

A key to understanding people and treating them right is to put oneself in their place. This is a key
to relating well with others. For example, before we ask someone to do something that may seem
simple to us, consider first whether that person will feel the same. If someone is out of sorts or is
not being productive as usual, think about what might be causing that person to act that way to
operate than to assume that the other person sees and feels the same way about things as we do.

3. KINDLING THE FIRE

- CONVEY THE FAITH

FAITH IS THE GATE AND THE BEDROCK OF HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS. With Faith in
everyone, hope is alive.

Organizations form their vision statements and leaders inspire everyone to work together in the
shared vision. In this globally competitive world, goals are aligned to the global objective setting.
The natural tendency is to work harder and faster to keep up.

Many responsibilities and heavy workload seem overwhelming. When this happens, our busy lives
come to the fore and block the Spirit of love, peace, and faith from coming through. The spirit is
overburdened and worn out including those around us. When we fret, worry, and show ourselves
under pressure, we do not convey faith and trust to others. We convey pressure, concern and
overload. No one needs that!

Faith trusts today and accepts tomorrow because faith knows that whatever the day,
God is in it.
(Joan Chittister)

- CAST , MEND AND RECONNECT


LIFE IS MORE THAN JUST WORK. On the seventh day, Scripture says God rested.

What was the one thing that kept Jesus burning with vitality an dlife in his mission? rising very
early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place where he prayed. (Mark 1:35) In another
occasion, and when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain and pray. (Mk 7:45-
46). Jesus was always connected with the Source. This was his secret success.

- CORRECT OTHERS IN LOVE


THE POWER TO FORGIVE IS ONE OF THE GREATEST POWERS GIVEN TO HUMANS. IT
IS PART OF THE NATURE AND ESSENCE OF GOD. When we exercise it, we assume godlike
stature and rise above the pettiness of egoism.

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APPENDICES

Before passing judgment, it is important to remain impartial and get all sides of the story. The
better informed we are, the better chance we will have of judging correctly. As we go about whatever
it is at work, let us always keep in mind the question, How can I love God and others today?

PUT YOURSELF IN OTHER PERSONS SHOES

- ENCOURAGE THE HEART


WHAT FORMS OF RECOGNITION DO YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHOWORK HARD FOR YOU
AND THE ORGANIZATION?

There is no one person on earth who doesnt need to feel appreciated. When we give appreciation
freely, we become a channel of Gods love to the other person. Another wonderful thing about
showing appreciation is that the more you do it, the happier you become. because part of being
appreciative is recognizing your blessings.

One simple way to show appreciation and recognition for what our team members have done is
praise. Praise is an actual spiritual power that uplifts and strengthens (Maria Fontaine). When
we praise others, we encourage and strengthen them in spirit. Praise does wonders! Giving that
compliment or parise for the good job, even if it is said lots of times before, will not tire anyone
hearing it --- hardly anyone ever does.

Give and it will be given to you; For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back
to you.
(Luke 6:38)

Note about the author and the handbook write-up: Dulce Jesus Lesigues-Baricuatro, PhD is a professor
of Theology and Gender Studies and Leadership Formation at Saint Theresas College (STC)-Cebu. In one of the
recollection of a group of STC students, August 22, 2013, Sr. Lydia M. Collado, RSCJ was invited to facilitate , she met
Dr. Baricuatro, where she mentioned about the production of her handbook then about to be launched on Sept. 9,
2013. Sr. Lydia, in admiration for a woman, a lay person like her producing a handbook on spirituality asked her if it
is alright to include a summary of her work in the modules of the Year of the Laity so that other people will know about
it, and use it as well. She gladly affirmed the suggestion. Sr. Lydia went back to Cebu last Sept. 27 and received a copy
of Dr. Baricuatros handbook, the one used to share the above summary/excerpts.

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APPENDICES

6. ALTERNATI VE RESOURCES
18 Steps to Holiness
By: Connie M Giordano

"I find nothing in the Bible but holiness, and nothing in pure and holy life? Where can I find the power to resist
the world but worldliness. Therefore, if I live in the world, temptation or to put to death the affections and lusts of my
I will become worldly; on the other hand, if I live in the flesh?
Bible, I will become holy." - Smith Wigglesworth The Word of God has the answer. In fact, the Word of God
is the answer.
The Apostle Peter admonished the Body of Christ in 1
Peter 1:14-16 in this manner -"As obedient children, not In this message, we will examine 18 Steps To Holiness.
fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in They are in no way exhaustive, but they will surely help to
your ignorance: But as He which hath called you is holy, set and keep you on the right track.
so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is
written, BE YE HOLY; FOR I AM HOLY." They are as follows:

Is it possible nowadays for people, in the midst of this 1. Make The Word Of God Your Rule
"adulterous and sinful generation," to actually "be...holy"
in their behavior, ways, or manner of life? Psalm 119:9 - "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse
his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy word."
What about all the teachings in the Church at this present
hour that say that we cannot help but sin in thought, word, The #1 way to holiness is to make God's Word your rule
or deed? Surely, these "Teachers" and "Preachers" don't for your life and conduct, govern yourself accordingly, and
agree with Peter's inspired words here. They actually do resolve to conform to it in every measure.
not believe that it is possible for anyone to live "holy."
After all, they openly and boldly emphasize that we are still 2. Seek God With Your Whole Heart
"sinners" saved by grace.
Psalm 119:10 - "With my whole heart have I sought
We may have been "sinners" at one time, but does the Thee..."
Bible still called the "Redeemed of the Lord" "sinners"?
Or does it now refer to us as "saints" - sanctified ones - With every affection of your heart - reserving none for any
"vessels of honor for God" - holy, separate, and set apart possible idols - follow hard after God. Continuously cry out
from this world for God's use? to Him for more wisdom, strength, and a tender spirit.

Would God be so oppressive and ironhanded as to 3. Realize Your Weaknesses


command us to be "holy" and not give us the means to be
so? Psalm 119:10 -"...O let me not wander from Thy
commandments." Psalm 119:25 - "My soul cleaveth unto
What Father would bid his children to do a task that is the dust: quicken Thou me according to Thy word."
beyond their capability without giving them the tools in
order to get the job done? In order to stay in the path of duty, you have to realize
your constant need for self-denial and restraint. You are
Matthew 7:11 - If we,"being evil, know how to prone to wander and err except for the Lord's intervention.
give good gifts unto our children, how much more
shall our Father in Heaven give us the means to Your life is generally glued to or adheres firmly to that
obey His command to "be holy"? which is of this world - "dust." Earthly things and desires
are unfailingly contesting to pull you away from your
In Psalm 119:9, the Psalmist asked a very allegiance to Jesus.
relevant question - one that many are asking
even in our day and time -"Wherewithal shall a It takes God's Word to strengthen and empower you to
young man cleanse his way?" break away from these evil and worldly propensities.

In other words, where can I go to get help in leading a

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APPENDICES

4. Hide God's Word In Your Heart and bring about self-examination and reflection to your
path.
Psalm 119:11 -"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I
might not sin against Thee." 10. Don't Allow Anything Of This World To Crowd
Like a secret power in operation at all times, the Word of Out The Word
God is constituted to act as a deterrent against all evil in
your life. In order to do so, however, it must be layed up, Psalm 119:15 -"I will...have respect unto Thy
treasured, or hoarded in your heart so that, at a moment's ways."Psalm 119:16 - "...I will not forget Thy word."
notice, it is available to respond to life's situation. Have a constant regard for what the Word says and make
your decisions accordingly, not allowing any "ungodly
5. Magnify God As Your Source Of Strength counsel" to steer you in the wrong direction.

Psalm 119:12 -"Blessed art Thou, O LORD..." 11. Plead For God's Enabling Grace

God is to be praised as your One and Only Preserver from Psalm 119:17 -"Deal bountifully with Thy servant, that I
evil. Through His Word, He keeps you from falling. may live, and keep Thy Word."

6. Cry Out For Instruction The only way you can possibly live for God in this ungodly
world is by God's Grace. As one in desperate straits, beg
Psalm 119:12 -"...teach me Thy statutes."Psalm 119:26 God to show His favor upon you so that you will "live" and
-"...teach me Thy statutes."Psalm 119:27 -"Make me to not die.
understand the way of Thy precepts..."Psalm 119:19 -"...
hide not Thy commandments from me." 12. Pray For A Special Illumination Of The Word

Become more and more acquainted with Jesus' ways so Psalm 119:18 -"Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold
that you can walk accordingly. wondrous things out of Thy Law."

7. Tell Others What You Have Learned All the answers that you will ever need for life's problems
or dilemmas are found in the Scriptures.
Psalm 119:13 -"With my lips have I declared all the
judgments of Thy mouth." Psalm 119:27 - "...so shall I talk Don't be satisfied with a surface knowledge of the
of Thy wondrous works." Word. Be a diligent miner who digs deeply into God's
inexhaustible resources. Be like Jacob and wrestle with the
Once you learn a principle, you are then responsible to Lord for the answers that you so desperately need.
share it with others so that they, in turn, will be able to
walk uprightly. This practice will reinforce the teaching in Each time that you open up the Word, ask God to
your own heart. remove the scales from your spiritual eyes that may have
developed through Sin, compromise, or worldliness. Plead
8. Consider God's Word As Your Chief Joy In Life with Him to remove any veil of unbelief, doubt, fear, or
hardness of heart that would prevent a clear vision of His
Psalm 119: 14 -"I have rejoiced in the way of Thy mind. Implore Him to reveal, uncover, and make bare any
testimonies, as much as in all riches." Psalm 119:16 - "I and all spiritual Truths that are needful for your life at the
will delight myself in Thy statutes..."Psalm 119:24 -"Thy moment.
testimonies also are my delight..."
13. Recognize Your Status In This World As A
Nothing - not even possessions, positions, or great wealth Christian
- can replace the Word as being the principal source of
happiness and rejoicing in your heart. Psalm 119:19 -"I am a stranger in the earth..."

The word "delight" used in the above Scripture actually Never forget that this world is not your home. As a pilgrim
means to skip about and jump for joy. With such who belongs to another country, you are just simply
exuberance, the Word is to have First Place in your life. passing through. Hence, nothing is permanent or forever.

9. Allow God's Word To Rule Your Thoughts 14. Hunger For More Of God

Psalm 119:15 -"I will meditate in Thy precepts..." Psalm 119:20 -"My soul breaketh for the longing that it
hath unto Thy judgments at all times."
You are instructed here to meditate frequently on God's
words, works, and ways. They are to govern your thoughts Let your soul become desperate for God to the point of

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APPENDICES

breaking. Long for His righteousness. Intensely desire to hear from Him.

15. Stay Humble

Psalm 119:21 -"Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from Thy commandments."
Recognize that pride in your heart will cause you to err from the Truth and reap the awful displeasure of God on your life.
Stay away from it at all costs.

16. Watch Out For The Accusations

Psalm 119:22 -"Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept Thy testimonies." Psalm 119:23 - "Princes also
did sit and speak against me..."

As soon as you determine in your heart that you are going to "go all the way" with Jesus, the devil will be sure to raise up
the "Princes" to send "reproach and contempt" your way. There will be those - even in authority - who will try to tear you
down from your place of excellence.

Because these "Princes" are not where they should be in the Lord, your testimony and life will be a direct affront to their
lukewarmness, compromise, or deadness of soul and spirit. They will charge you with being self-righteous, hypocritical,
insincere, fanatical, extreme, and overboard. Whatever you do, don't allow anyone to throw their "wet blankets" on your
fire. Keep on keeping on for the Lord.

17. Recognize The Word As Your OnlyCounselor

Psalm 119:24 -"Thy testimonies also are my...counselors."

In this day of "anything goes," so many are running to man for answers because they simply do not know the difference
between right and wrong.

The Scriptures are to be your One and Only "counselors" - "men of my counsel." You are to consider them as your closest
Friends to whom you seek for godly advice, insight, or direction. Any "words" given to you that are not in keeping with
the Word of God are to be trashed and treated with utmost contempt as something wicked, evil, and deadly.

18. Surrender All To Jesus

Psalm 119:26 -"I have declared my ways, and Thou heardest me..."

Don't allow any cares, troubles, anxieties, or plans to snuff out the Word in your heart and mind. Lay them at the feet of
Jesus and leave them there. He can handle them - He's God.

Once again, we refer to the opening quote by Smith Wigglesworth - "I find nothing in the Bible but holiness, and nothing
in the world but worldliness. Therefore, if I live in the world, I will become worldly; on the other hand, if I live in the
Bible, I will become holy."

It all narrows down to one question - Are you living in the world or in the Bible?

That will determine whether you are worldly or holy - whether you are living in defeat or victory over Sin every day as
God ordained. It's not God's fault that you are not holy. He has given you every means to live a life that is pleasing in His
sight. This message outlines some possible steps to help you on your journey.

In looking over the 18 steps, how many are you already practicing? Which ones need to be developed or applied to your
everyday life? Why not take the time now to ask God for His Abundant Grace to make all 18 a part of your life?
May God Bless His Word.

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APPENDICES

INTRODUCTION

The Sacrament of Confirmation calls


us to be authentic Christians...
to Serve and be a Hero
"True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at
whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost." Arthur Ashe

What Is Heroism? a number of people, we discovered that


heroes tend to have eight traits, which
According to Heroic Imagination Project, Heroism we callThe Great Eight. These traits
involves a behavior action on behalf of another aresmart, strong, resilient, selfless, caring,
person or for a moral cause. charismatic, reliable, andinspiring.
Its unusual for a hero to possess all
They identify four key elements of eight of these characteristics, but most
heroism: heroes have a majority of them." (Scott
T. Allison & George R. Goethals, "Our
It's voluntary Definition of 'Hero,'" 2011)
It is done in the service of
people or communities in "Heroism consists of actions undertaken
need to help others, despite the possibility that
It involves some type of risk, they may result in the helper's death or
either physical, social, or in injury." (Selwyn W. Becker & Alice H.
terms of quality of life Eagly, " The Heroism of Women and
It is done without the need Men," 2004)
for recompense or material
gain Other definitions often break heroism
down by types or degrees of the personal
Some psychologists and other risk and sacrifice involved. Some involve
heroism researchers define heroism? grand acts such as endangering one's life
Some few suggested definition were NEAR TO CROSS BY MARCELLO SILVESTRI
in order to save another person, while
put forth by various experts as follows: others are smaller, everyday acts designed to help
another human being in need.
"Simply put, then, the key to heroism is a
concern for other people in needa concern
to defend a moral cause, knowing there is a Big H and small h heroism
personal risk, done without expectation of
reward." (Philip Zimbardo, "What Makes a Psychologist Frank Farley in a piece published
Hero?," 2011) in Psychology Today made a distinction between
what he calls "big H" heroism and "small h heroism."
"Although we find it true that heroism is in Big H heroism "involves significant risk, which could
the eye of the beholder, we do acknowledge include death, injury, imprisonment, or other serious
that peoples beliefs about heroes tend to or significant consequences," he explains. Small h
follow a systematic pattern. After polling heroism, on the other hand, "is everyday heroism,

144 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

helping others, doing good deeds, showing kindness, simply doing what anyone in that situation would
etc., where serious harm or major consequences are have done. In the face of immediate life and death
not usually a result." situations, the power and immediacy of the situation
can inspire some people to take action.
What Makes a Person a Hero?
These same situational forces that galvanize some
So now that we know a bit more about what heroism individuals to heroic acts can actually impede others
is, the question shifts to exactly why people become from helping. When a crisis arises in the presence of
heroes? Are there anycharacteristics of heroismthat many people, we often fall into a trap of inaction by
these individuals seem to share? Farley suggests that assuming that someone else will offer assistance, a
there are two key factors underlying the grand acts phenomenon known as thebystander effect. Because
of heroism that involve a risk of personal harm: risk- personal responsibility is diffused by the presence of
taking behavior and generosity. People who risk their others, we believe that someone else will take on the
lives in the service of another are naturally more role of the hero.
likely to take greater risks and they also possess
a great deal of compassion, kindness, empathy, Some people may also have personality traits that
andaltruism. predispose them to behave in altruistic and heroic
ways. Researchers have suggested that those who
In an article that appeared in a 2004 issues have a particular mind-set that leads them to behave
ofAmerican Psychologist, confidently and morally in difficult
researchers Selwyn Becker situations tend to act immediately
and Alice Eagly suggested that and unconsciously when an
heroism might also have a more emergency occurs.
self-serving purpose as a means
to ensure status. In other words, Are Heroes Born or Are They
sometimes engaging in self- Made?
sacrificing behavior can lead to
long-term rewards. One of the biggest questions
researchers face comes down to the
In one small study conducted age-old debate overnature versus
with 78 participants, researchers nurture. Is heroism something
KING BY MARCELLO SILVESTRI
found that people who were we are born with, or is heroism
willing to endure the pain of holding their hands something that can be learned?
in a tub of ice or being dunked in a tank of water
were more likely to be judged as likable by the other "Some people argue humans are born good or
participants. Not only did the others view these born bad; I think thats nonsense," explains Philip
individuals more favorably, they also rewarded Zimbardo. "We are all born with this tremendous
them by giving them much more of a pot of money capacity to be anything, and we get shaped by our
amounting to $1,170 that the participants were circumstancesby the family or the culture or the
allowed to divvy up in any way they wished. time period in which we happen to grow up, which
are accidents of birth; whether we grow up in a war
Researchers have long known that both people zone versus peace; if we grow up in poverty rather
and animals are more likely to help those to whom than prosperity."
they are genetically related, a concept known askin
selection. By helping those who share our genes, we So if heroism is something that can be cultivated,
help ensure the likelihood that those genes will be how exactly do we go about encouraging people to
passed on to future generations. In other cases, we behave in heroic ways? In the second part of this
help others with the expectation that someday they article, we'll learn more about one program designed
might help us in return, an idea known as reciprocal to foster altruism and heroism in young people.
altruism.
cf. Psychology of Heroism
http://psychology.about.com/od/socialpsychology/a/the-psychology-of-
But what about the kinds of altruism that don't heroism.htm
hinge on helping relatives or expecting some type
of payback? In such cases, situational, cultural, and
personality variables can play pivotal roles. After
people take heroic actions, they often claim that
they don't see themselves as heroes; that they were

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APPENDICES

Values Exemplified by Dr. Jose Rizal


RIZALS HEART WAS ON EDUCATION work, I have decided to construct a dike of stone,
(Taken from Ambeth Ocampos book, Rizal brick, and mortar so that they may learn.
Without the Overcoat: pp 195-196)
By March of the same year he informed Blumentrit
Vandalism is one of the traits you would associate of his progress:
with the national hero, but when Rizal visited
Niagara falls, he strolled through the woods, pulled I am constructing a dike in order to have a water
out his pocket knife and carved his initials on a tree. depository for the dry season. The water is now
The impulse to write Kilroy was here on an empty more than three meters deep; the wall has a base
wall is natural to all of us. I often restrain myself to meter wide. It is also made to live rocks, sand,
from carving my name on wet cement floors. This lime and cement and constructed by boys of 13 to
mentality led me to something exciting in the Rizal 14 years of age under the direction of one 20 years.
shrine in Dapitan. They did it as play.

My good friend, Horacio Cabilin, has retired as Rizals playful attitude can be seen concretely on
curator of the Rizal Shrine, but he took time out the side of the original dam. Cabilin pulled out
as member of the Dapitan Sangguniang Bayan to a handful of moss to show me that there were
show me around. Although Cabilin has gone up in forgotten inscriptions on the wall. My curiosity was
the world, he still maintains an interest in Rizal and fired up and I started to pull out more moss. Then
finds time to answer impertinent questions on Rizal I asked for a cup and started pouring water over
from tourists like me. Since all the nipa houses the wall while Dr. Nestor Pagulayan cleaned the
standing on Rizals estate in Talisay are mere area around the inscriptions with his hands. The
replicas, I insisted on seeing whatever was original writing was difficult to read so we bought chalk
in the famous Talisay estate. from the town sari-sari store and used it to trace the
letters on the walls. These came out: Tam, Lucas,
Cabilin bought me to a small dam behind the Rizal Leo, Marcel, Anis, Edjawan, Dagpin, Joe Asenerio,
house that was described in a letter to Blumentrit in Elum, Adolfo, Tom, Anicero.
January, 1895.
One did not need as IQ as high as Rizals to
We are now going to build a water-tank on my realize that the above were the (nick) names of
land. I have 14 boys whom I teach languages, Rizals students: (Lucas), Adasa, Melecio (Leo)
mathematics, and how to work. Since we have no Taladua; Marcial (Marcel) Borromeo; Aniceto

146 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

(Anis?) Benjamino; Roman and Mateo(Edjawan); GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:


Ubaldso(Dagpin); Jose (Joe) Asenerio; Jose (Elum)
Elumbering; (Adolfo) Tantico, Only TAM and 1. Dr. Jose Rizal was not trained as a teacher,
TPM are difficult to identify , Could TAM be yet he knew that intellectual greatness
TAN Rizals nephew, Estanislao herbosa? Could can only be achieved by discipline. Is this
TAM be Mateo-Mat spelled backwards? Could value (like making use of time) seen and
Tam be Rizals word-play on lazy student Tam for applicable to our students of today?
tamad?
2. Our National Hero placed a great
I only deciphered 13 names out of the 16 students importance on acquiring a good educational
who worked on the dam. What happened to the foundation. Is this value still accepted by
other names? Three more from this list; Jose many Filipinos up to this time?
Dolman, Filomeno Acopia, Pedro Agapay, Romulo
Hamac, Fernando, Gregorio Lumasag, Edjawan 3. Jose Rizal was a man of many interests, of
(there were two students with the same surname), many talents, of many ideals. What similar
Josse Chang0, Marcelino Galleposo, Jose Bael, talents do you think you should develop in
Catal Gallemit and Francisco Inerio. There was yourself?
a triangle with a dot in the center that could be
a Masonic symbol. Perhaps an anting-anting. RIZAL'S TOUGH TIMES & SACRIFICES
Maybe Rizal was just teaching the boys geometric (Taken from Ambeth Ocampos book, Rizal
shapes. I have a feeling that the missing name as Without the Overcoat: pp 67-69)
well as Rizals signature were covered when some
well-meaning-ignorant?- person patched up a leak There are two incidents in Rizals life regarding
on the wall with cement. There was no attempt to money from which I have never recovered: one
preserve the handwriting on the wall. What could was his being kuripot, the other was the pride and
I do but shrug my shoulders, shake my head, and seriousness with which he took to his stinginess.
sigh, Sayang!
Rizal was once invited to a New Years party or
In the same letter that talks about the dam behind something. Of course, it was a potluck affair, and
the house, Rizal told Blumentritt: to make a long story short, Rizal was supposed
to bring the champagne. Well, aside from his
I now have 16 boys studying with me, paying me sermons about taking your studies seriously and
with their labor. They all belong to the best families his unsolicited advice on drinking, gambling, and
in the town and one can see their eagerness to learn womanizing- three things the Filipinos were famous
even if they have to work for me in order to study. for Rizal did not like the idea of supplying the
If I would ask them for money, I am sure they drinks for this party. So, he stood up and in typical
would pay with pleasures and more would come. killjoy fashion told everyone that he was not paying
Ah what a lack there is of good school with good for the drinks, inabonohan lang niya; so, before
teachers who teach so that the children may learn he leaves, will everyone please pay their share?
and not that they may waste their time as generally Everyone was stunned and they probably thought
happens. he was joking, but then he passed his hat around;
then they knew he was serious. Much later Rizal
Apart from both Spanish and French they were would wonder why he was not popular with the
given lessons in algebra, geometry, and arithmetic. Filipino community and could not get neglected
They had swimming, gymnastics, and other sports. unanimously to their association. This is being a bit
They had time for work; cleaning the estate, dense, dont you think?
harvesting fruits, or helping in Rizals clinic. Rizals
Himno al Trabajo or Hymn to Labor was even sung The second incident was the time his allowance was
at work to the tune of Sampaguitas. Rizal was delayed. He didnt want to let his German landlady
basically a teacher at heart, and I would say that the know he was missing his meals, so, he would leave
boys who lived in the estate as internos or boarders his apartment during lunch and dinner time and
had a holistic education. walk around the city, peeking and salivating while

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 147


APPENDICES

watching people in restaurants and bars. When A newspaper and refreshment .35
he had walked for about an hour or two, he would
return to his apartment to give the impression to Jan 15 One penknife .30
his landlady that he had gone out to eat. Kawawa
naman Jan 16 Postage stamps 1.30

Today, I want to show you Rizals expenses Penknife 1.50
for January, 1884, when he was a student in
Madrid. His diaries and notebooks are filled Ball of yarn .50
with expense accounts, which gives us a glimpse
into the character of our national here. You will Jan 20 one tenth of a
have to browse through all these lists to lottery ticket 3.00 (Every
discern his lifestyle, but because of week Rizal bought what we
space limitations, his months know today as Sweepstakes.
expenditures should be enough to He never won in Spain, but
give you an idea. when he was in exile in Dapitan,
he won enough to buy himself
an 18-hectare estate called
Jan 4 For the barbershop and Talisay.)
the cursed Christmas present 1.10
Laundry woman 3000
(Even in Spain during the ( I thought he washed
nineteenth century, they his own clothes)
had people greeting you
with Merry Christmas, Sir! and Domestic postage
open palms, Rizal like stamp .10
all of us today, was not
spared.) Jan 27 Today, I had my picture taken
at Otero 10.00 (Rizal loved having his
Jan 5 Los Cuatro Reynos de la picture taken, which is why we have a
Naturaleza subscription 14.20 full documentation on him).

Jan 6 Wandering Jew 10.0 Half dozen postcards with cover 3.00

Works of Horace and Dumas 2.50 (Rizal spent a One-tenth of lottery tickets 3.00
great deal on books).
A box of matches .10
Supper with friend 32.00
Jan 29 Candles ( one pound, 6) 1.25 (Before he used
Jan 9 Withour spending a cent (Hooray!) an alcohol burner, he used candles in his room,
which means his apartment must have really been
Jan 12 Bath 2.00 (Rizals room was probably cheap with no gaslight.)
without a toilet and bath. Its cheaper. So he will
have to pay for each bath he takes or he pays a Tickets for the dance 1.00 (In his Diary,
monthly fee. I do hope he took a daily shower. In he mentions regularly attending theatre
Spain, Filipinos are sometimes scolded for bathing and balls and writes, Today, I was at he
daily. They say it is an unhealthy practice.) masquerade ball which I enjoyed fairly
well. I danced almost all the numbers. Two
Teatro de a Comedia 2.10 masked persons were teasing me, yet no
matter how hard I tried to find out who they
A dish .30 were I couldnt... Can you imagine Rizal
dancing?)

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Coffee, refreshments and tip ( Nightwatchman) 1.70

Jan 30 for review for the degree 30.00

Postage stamps for letters and periodicals 2.80

A handkerchief .45

Streetcar .30

Excelsior Ball 2.5p

Jan 31 One book 1.00

Arte de Estudiar 2.50

Money spent 257.88. Food for this month 71.75. Total 329.63. This expense which for me is large, is due
to the review, the mat, and the dinner which I gave. The books I bought also contributed to it..

If only all our heroes left such detailed lists, we would not have a hard time figuring out what they were like
as ordinary people.

GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

1. Our national Heros stinginess may be seen as kakuriputan but really as pagiging
masinop. How can you apply this value to your daily life?

2. If Dr. Rizal incurred many expenses, it was because he had so many interests. These interests
include: books, going to museums, theatres and dancing! Have you also other interests and
have developed them lately?

3. Jose Rizal was prepared to make great sacrifices (example: skipping meals) so he could
pursue his goals and ideals. What sacrifices are you willing to make so that you can reach
your own goals?

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APPENDICES

Talents of Dr. Jose Rizal


Jose Rizal, The Renaissance Man Ascetic
Rizal always practiced self-discipline wherever he
A Renaissance man is a term used to describe went.
a person with numerous interest and talents.
Our National hero is an example of this. Here is Book lover
a shortened list ( the article originally listed 62 He had a big library and brought many books
talents ) of Dr. Jose Rizals multi faceted talents. abroad.

Actor Botanist
Rizal acted as a character in one of Juan Lunas Rizal maintained a garden in Dapitan where he
paintings and acted in school dramas. planted and experimented on plants of all kinds

Agriculturist Businessman
Rizal had farms in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte He had a partner in Dapitan in the Abaca business
(1892-1896) where he planted there (1892-1896).
lanzones, coconuts and other
fruit-bearing trees. Japanophile
His admiration of Japanese
Ambassador Of Good Will traits and his knowledge of her
His friendliness, goodwill language proved he was one.
and cultural associations with
friends entitled him as one. Journalist
He authored and published
Animal Lover many articles in Spanish and
As a small boy, Rizal loved English and London.
animals including birds, fish,
insects, and other specimens of Laboratory worker
animal life. Fowls, rabbits, dogs, He was employed in the clinic of
horses, and cats constituted his Dr. L. Wecker in Paris.
favorites. As much as possible,
he did not wish fowls to be Linguist
killed even for food, and showed He spoke over 20 foreign
displeasure in being asked to eat languages.
the cooked animal. The family
garden in Calamba abounded Lover of truth
with insects galore and birds He chided Spanish writers for
native to the Calamba environs. not writing the truth about the
He wrote about and sketched animals of the places Filipinos. He was always truthful since boyhood.
he had toured.
Musicians
Anthropologist He played the flute and composed pieces of music
He made researches on the physical and social and cultivated music appreciation.
make up of man.
Mythologist
Archeologist Rizal used mythology in his Noli and Fili.
Rizal studied monuments and antique currency
everywhere he went. He drew most of the
monuments he saw.

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Nationalist
He gave full expression of the native spirit strengthened by world civilization and loved and defended
everything Filipino.

Newspaperman
He wrote and published articles in many publications and was one of the organizers of the La Solidaridad.

Pharmacologist
Rizal treasured and popularized the usefulness and preparation of cures for treatment of his patients.

Philologist
Rizal love of learning and literature are unequalled.

Philosopher
Rizal not only loved wisdom but also regulated his life and enjoyed calmness of the life at all time

Physicians
He treated several patients afflicted not only with eye diseases.

Plant lover
As a child, Rizal spend most of his time in the family garden which was planted with fruit trees, shrubs and
decorative trees. His diaries contained detailed description and sketches of plants, flowers and fruits he
saw in the places he visited. He wrote poems on flowers he like very much as his poem "To the Flowers of
Heidelberg."

Poet
Rizal wrote over 35 poems including his famous "Mi Ultimo Adios."

Politician
Although Rizal did not engage in Politics, he exposed the evils of the political activities of the Spaniards in
the Philippines through his writing.

Polyglot
Rizal spoke and wrote in 20 languages.

Proofreader
In Germany, he worked as a part-time proofreader as his livelihood.

Propagandist
As a reformer, Rizal encouraged the recommendation of improving the government entities and
discouraged abuses in publishing articles.

Public relation man


He worked for better cooperation of rulers and subjects in his country.

Reformer
He published the modern methods of government administration, so changes could be made.

Researcher
Being a wide reader, he compared the old and new practices in life.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 151


APPENDICES

Revolutionist
Rizal encouraged reforms, discouraged old, impractical usage, and desired new and useful laws to benefit
his countrymen. He desired changes for the better.

Sanitary engineer
His construction of a water system in Dapitan exemplified this practice by Rizal.

Scientist
Rizals practice of many sciences here and abroad made him a noted scientist.

Sculptor
His works of his father and of Father Guerrico, S. J. typified his sculptural ability.

Sharp shooter
He could hit a target 20 meters away.

Sinologist
Rizals ancestry and his ability to speak Chinese made him one.

Sociologist
In Rizals study of Philippines social problems, he always encouraged and introduced solutions.

Sodalist
He always joined fraternities, associations and brotherhood, for self-improvement.

Sportsman
He was engaged in the sport of fencing.

Tourist
He was considered the foremost tourist due to his extensive travels.

Traveler
He traveled around the world three times.

Tuberculosis expert
For having cured himself of this disease, he became and was recognized as an expert.

Youth leader
He considered the youth as "the hope of his Fatherland."

Zoologist
He was fond of pets. He researched later on their physiology, classification and habits.

GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTIONS:

1. Do you have any talent/s similar to Dr. Rizal? How have you tried to develop your talent/s?
2. Is there any talent that you see in Dr. Rizal that you wish to develop in yourself? Why?
3. If Rizal offered his life to free us from the Colonial Exploitation of the Spaniards, what
is it that we need to free ourselves from in the present situation of our country? What is
oppressing and destroying our country today? What can you offer for that freedom?

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SMALL ACTS OF PATRIOTISM

The 12 Little Things We Can Do For Our Country

1st : Follow traffic rules. Follow the law 4th : Speak positively about us and our
country
* Traffic rules are the most basic of our
countrys laws. If we learn to follow them, it * Every Filipino is an ambassador of our
could be the lowest form of national discipline country. Each one of us, wherever we maybe,
we can develop asa people. A culture of is a salesman of our country.
discipline is crucial to our destiny as a nation.
* Whenever we speak positively of our
* Whenever we follow traffic rules, we show people, we show our love for our neighbors.
our love for our neighbor, our love for the
Filipino.
5th : Respect your traffic officer,
policeman & other public servants
2nd : Always ask for an official receipt

* Asking for ORs leads to higher tax * Respect honors and dignifies a man. It
collections, which means more funds for our compels him to do his job right.
government, which could strengthen our
economy andlead us to progress. * There is love of neighbor whenever we
respect those in authority.
* Whenever we help our government in
helping our people, we show our love for our
neighbor. 6th : Throw your garbage properly.
Segregate. Recycle. Conserve

3rd : Dont buy smuggled goods. Buy * Philippines is the country given to us as
Local. Buy Filipino a people. It is the birthplace of our race. It is
the home of the Filipino. We should keep it
* Our money should support our economy, beautiful.
not the economy of other countries. Buying
Pilipino means supporting the Filipino. * When we keep our environment and
our country clean, we show our love for our
* Whenever we support one another as people.
Filipinos, we show our love for our neighbors.

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APPENDICES

7th : Support your Church 11th : Adopt a scholar or a poor child

* When we help our church, we help our * Investing on our youth is investing on our
Creator in His works on earth. countrys future. Every family who can afford,
should adopt one poor child as a scholar.
* Whenever we help our church, we show
love for our neighbor. * There is love of neighbor whenever we help
a child get an education.

8th : During elections, do your solemn


duty 12th : Be a good parent. Teach your
kids to love our country
* When we fight for our votes, we fight for
our right to make our own destiny, as a people * If we start planting seeds of patriotism in
and as a nation. the hearts and minds of our youth today, they
would become giant patriots of our country
* There is love of neighbor when we elect someday.
good leaders for our country and people.
* There is love of neighbor whenever we
teach and raise our children as patriots, by
9th : Pay your employees well loving our country through loving our people.

* A company must bring prosperity not


only to its owners but also to its employees. Love of neighbor, Gods Second Highest
Blessings must be shared. It builds families. It Commandment, is contained in each of these
builds our nation. 12 Little Things.

* There is love of neighbor when we value


and pay our employees appropriately. Based on the Book
12 Little Things Filipinos Can Do To Help Our Country
by Alexander Lacson

10th : Pay your taxes

* Taxes are the lifeblood of our government.


It is what builds our public schools, hospitals
and roads. It is what pays our teachers,
soldiers and other public servants.

* There is love of neighbor whenever we pay


our taxes properly so our government can help
more people.

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READING ON VALUES

I. Some Value definitions as such, would deeply motivate ones


behavior.
These may be:
- Of a physiological nature, i.e.
Word Origin: pleasure, security, survival
Middle English: from Old French, - Of physiological nature, i.e.
feminine past participle ofvaloir'be ACCEPTANCE, BELONGNG
- Of socio-cultural nature, i.e. SIR,
worth', from Latinvalere utang na loob, hiya
[14th century. < Old French < valoir "be Of religious, moral or spiritual
worth" < Latin valere "be powerful"] nature (values=virtues)
i.e. service, vocation, honesty,
peace, justice
1. noun
the regard that something is Values are like guiding stars by which we
held to deserve; the importance, navigate our lives
worth, or usefulness of
something: your support is of 3. Valuing Process
great value
a persons principles or Our valuing process needs discernment.
standards of behavior; ones We need to educate our hearts on the
judgment of what is important processes of our:
in life: they internalize their
parents' rules and values a. Affective life: How do I cherish and
prize the choices I made?
II. Other Value definition and
Premises - Do I feel good and happy with
the choices?
(Source: Spirituality and Service - Do I publicly affirm my choices?
Seminar, selected input of Speakers, Dr. b. Cognitive structure: How do I give
Earnest Tan, etc., Ministry for Youth meaning to the choices I have made?
Affairs 2003)
- Did I choose them freely from
1. Premise: alternatives?
- Did I choose them after
For a (value) concept to be turned into considering all the consequences?
action, it must first find its way into our
value system. Lourdes Quisumbing
c. Behavioral patterns: To what extent
It is not what we know that we do. do I act upon the choices I have
It is what we want that we do. L. made in my daily life?
Quisumbing
- What the choices that I
Values are ideas that are emotionally
fired. Antonio V. Ulgado concretely acted on?
- What are the choices/values that
2. Values defined: I repeatedly and consistently act
on in my life?
Values are what a person considers
to be essential and important and,

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APPENDICES

TWO

C ontent & T al k in g P oints


TOPIC

Lay the foundation of the Holy Heroes


INTRODUCTION

The Call to Imitate and Learn


from the Love and Faith of our Mother Mary
PUSO NI MARIA ISANG BABAE, INA have to ask the people. In turn, Mary loved Jesus
ALAGAD NG DIYOS with the heart of the people, as we read in the
Magnificat.We should not even think, therefore,
HEART OF MARY HEART OF A WOMAN, that thinking with the church means only thinking
MOTHER, DISCIPLE with the hierarchy of the church. Pope Francis
--- ONE HEART WITH GOD, ONE HEART
WITH JESUS, ONE HEART I see the sanctity of Gods
WITH THE PEOPLE OF THE
WORLD people, this daily sanctity,
the Pope continues. There is
"Let us encourage the generosity a holy middle class, which we
which is typical of the young
and help them to work actively can all be part of, the holiness
in building a better world," he Malgue wrote about. The Pope
(Pope) said. is referring to Joseph Malgue,

"Young people are a powerful a French writer (18761940),


engine for the church and for particularly to the unfinished
society," the pope said. "They do trilogyBlack Stones: The Middle
not need material things alone;
also and above all, they need to NATIVITY BY MARCELLO SILVESTRI
Classes of Salvation.
have held up to them those nonmaterial values
which are the spiritual heart of a people, the I see the holiness, the Pope continues, in the
memory of a people."
patience of the people of God: a woman who is
The values they need to see and learn, he raising children, a man who works to bring home
said, are "spirituality, generosity, solidarity, the bread, the sick, the elderly priests who have
perseverance, fraternity (and) joy. POPE-
APARECIDA, Jul-24-2013 so many wounds but have a smile on their faces
because they served the Lord, the sisters who work
This is how it is with Mary: If you want hard and live a hidden sanctity. This is for me the
to know who she is, you ask theologians;
if you want to know how to love her, you common sanctity. I often associate sanctity with

156 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

patience: not only patience ashypomon[the New Testament Greek word], taking charge of the events
and circumstances of life, but also as a constancy in going forward, day by day. This is the sanctity of the
militant church also mentioned by St. Ignatius. This was the sanctity of my parents: my dad, my mom,
my grandmother Rosa who loved me so much. In my breviary I have the last will of my grandmother
Rosa, and I read it often. For me it is like a prayer. She is a saint who has suffered so much, also
spiritually, and yet always went forward with courage.

This church with which we should be thinking is the home of all, not a small chapel that can hold only a
small group of selected people. We must not reduce the bosom of the universal church to a nest protecting
our mediocrity. And the church is Mother; the church is fruitful. It must be. You see, when I perceive
negative behavior in ministers of the church or in consecrated men or women, the first thing that comes
to mind is: Heres an unfruitful bachelor or Heres a spinster. They are neither fathers nor mothers, in
the sense that they have not been able to give spiritual life. Instead, for example, when I read the life of
the Salesian missionaries who went to Patagonia, I read a story of the fullness of life, of fruitfulness.

Another example from recent days that I saw got the attention of newspapers: the phone call I made to
a young man who wrote me a letter. I called him because that letter was so beautiful, so simple. For me
this was an act of generativity. I realized that he was a young man who is growing, that he saw in me a
father, and that the letter tells something of his life to that father. The father cannot say, I do not care.
This type of fruitfulness is so good for me.

A Religious Order Pope

Pope Francis is the first pontiff from a religious order since the Camaldolese monk Gregory XVI, who was
elected in 1831. I ask: What is the specific place of religious men and women in the church of today?

Religious men and women are prophets, says the Pope. They are those who have chosen a following
of Jesus that imitates his life in obedience to the Father, poverty, community life and chastity. In this
sense, the vows cannot end up being caricatures; otherwise, for example, community life becomes
hell, and chastity becomes a way of life for unfruitful bachelors. The vow of chastity must be a vow of
fruitfulness. In the church, the religious are called to be prophets in particular by demonstrating how
Jesus lived on this earth, and to proclaim how the kingdom of God will be in its perfection. A religious
must never give up prophecy. This does not mean opposing the hierarchical part of the church, although
the prophetic function and the hierarchical structure do not coincide. I am talking about a proposal that
is always positive, but it should not cause timidity. Let us think about what so many great saints, monks
and religious men and women have done, from St. Anthony the Abbot onward. Being prophets may
sometimes imply making waves. I do not know how to put it.... Prophecy makes noise, uproar, some say
a mess. But in reality, the charism of religious people is like yeast: prophecy announces the spirit of the
Gospel.

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APPENDICES

Prayer

I ask Pope Francis about his preferred way to pray.

I pray the breviary every morning. I like to pray with the psalms. Then, later, I celebrate Mass. I pray
the Rosary. What I really prefer is adoration in the evening, even when I get distracted and think of
other things, or even fall asleep praying. In the evening then, between seven and eight oclock, I stay in
front of the Blessed Sacrament for an hour in adoration. But I pray mentally even when I am waiting at
the dentist or at other times of the day.

Prayer for me is always a prayer full of memory, of recollection, even the memory of my own history
or what the Lord has done in his church or in a particular parish. For me it is the memory of which St.
Ignatius speaks in the First Week of the Exercises in the encounter with the merciful Christ crucified. And
I ask myself: What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What should I do for Christ? It
is the memory of which Ignatius speaks in the Contemplation for Experiencing Divine Love, when he
asks us to recall the gifts we have received. But above all, I also know that the Lord remembers me. I
can forget about him, but I know that he never, ever forgets me. Memory has a fundamental role for the
heart of a Jesuit: memory of grace, the memory mentioned in Deuteronomy, the memory of Gods works
that are the basis of the covenant between God and the people. It is this memory that makes me his son
and that makes me a father, too.

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FACILITATOR'S
GUIDE OPENING ACTIVITY
Introduce the Road Map
of Faith, you may use your EXERCISE
own Road Map of Faith as
an example.

Give 5-10 minutes for


Roadmap of Faith
individual reflection.
Make a drawing of your journey in
Let them share in small
groups.
1 faith through a roadmap, starting
from childhood until today.

On the UPPER part of the road, draw two journey lines...


2 on the first line, recall and write the people and events
who served as a HERO or as God's HOLY one who gave
consolations in your journey in faith.

On the second line, write the


3 corresponding events that went
with the people who brought you
consolations on the first line.
)
d( etc.
. ol
0 yrs
31-5

d
CONSOLATION - s . ol
0 yr
what draws you or 21-3
brings you closer to
God, whether painful d
s. ol
of joyful experience or 0 yr
event. 16-2
Make another two journey
line on the LOWER part of
. ol
d 4 the road.
rs
8- 15 y
d
rs . ol On the first line, recall and write the
0-7 y 5 people and events who served as a
HERO or as God's HOLY one who gave
desolations in your journey in faith.

On the second line, write the corresponding


DESOLATION - what 6 events that went with the people who brought you
draws you or brings desolations on the first line.
you away from God,
whether painful or
joyful experience or Remember, desolations do not necessarily mean a painful experience. A seeming
joyful or successful experience can also bring you away from God and away from the
event.
Church or God's people...

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APPENDICES

Mary of the Gospels


Source: In Search of the Real Mary
by Elizabeth Johnson, C.S.J.

We know very little about Miriam of Nazareth as an actual historical person.


In this she is in solidarity with the multitudes of women through the centuries,
especially poor women and poor men, whose lives are considered not worth
recording. We must also be respectful of her historical difference from us in
time and place. She is a first-century Jewish woman; she is not a 21st-century
American. And that difference must be respected.

It seems that the image of Mary has allowed the Christian imagination to think
very creatively and very differently about understanding Mary. But now it's our
turn, we the generation alive today. How should we consider Mary (or Miriam,
as she would be known in Hebrew) in the 21st century?

The four Gospels portray her in very different ways, reflecting their very different theologies.

MARK MATTHEW LUKE JOHN

At first glance, Mark Matthew's Luke describes Mary Finally, John has
comes across as view of Mary is as a woman of faith, a highly stylized
having a negative rather neutral by overshadowed by portrayal of the
view of Jesus' comparison. He the Spirit at Jesus' mother of Jesus,
mother. She arrives places her in the conception and at and that's all he
with other members genealogy of the the beginning of the ever calls her. He
of the family as Messiah, in line with Church at Pentecost. never names her.
Jesus is preaching four other women She is the first to She is pierced twice
and they call to him. who act outside respond to the glad in John's Gospel, at
When the crowd tells the patriarchal tidings to hear the the beginning and
Jesus his mother marriage structure, word of God and at the end, at Cana
is asking for him, thereby becoming keep it. This is a and at the cross.
he replies, "Who unexpectedly pictorial example of And again she is
is my mother and God's partners in Luke's theology of there embodying
brother and sister? a promise-and- discipleship. It's a responsive
Those who do the fulfillment schema. very positive view discipleship to the
will of my father are In Matthew's Gospel, of Mary from which word made flesh.
mother and brother though, Mary we have mostly
and sister to me" doesn't speak, and gotten our tradition.
(see Mark 3:31-35). all the focus on the
And Mary remains birth story is around
outside. Mark does Joseph.
not seem to have a
positive view, at that
point, of Mary as a
disciple.

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Miriam of Nazareth
To glimpse the actual think that this was a cause to
woman behind these leave their religion; they kept
texts is difficult. Now going to the Temple, and so
we get help from new forth.
studies of the political,
economic, social and For many years, they preached
cultural fabric of first- the good news to their fellow
century Palestine. New Jews trying to get them to
studies are enabling us understand the promise of
to fill in her life in broad God has been fulfilled, before
strokes. finally being persuaded
by Paul and others that
Much of this knowledge the gospel was meant for
of the circumstances gentiles too. To use a term
in which she lived has coined in scholarship, Mary
resulted from the contemporary quest for was a Jewish Christianthe earliest kind of
the historical Jesus. But it serves us as well Christian there was. This was before Christianity
for a quest for the historical Mary. So let's split off from the synagogue. She was never a
go questing for Miriam of Nazarethas a Roman Christian, never a gentile at all. So it
Jewish village woman of faith does no honor to her memory to bleach her of
her Jewishness. We've done this ethnically by
1. Mary as Jewish turning her swarthy Jewish complexion into fair
As a member of the people of Israel, Mary skin and blonde hair and blue eyes. But we've
inherited the Jewish faith in one living God, also done this religiously by turning her deeply
stemming from Abraham and Sarah onwards. rooted Jewish piety into that of a latter-day
She prays to a God who hears the cry of the Catholic. She wasn't.
poor, frees the enslaved Hebrews and brings
them into their covenant relationship. Given 2. Mary, a Peasant Woman
Jesus' clear knowledge and practice of the Mary lived in a Mediterranean rural village,
Jewish faith in his adult life, as reflected in Nazareth, whose population consisted largely of
the Gospels, it is reasonable to assume that peasants working the land and craftsmen who
Mary, with her husband, Joseph, practiced this served their basic needs. Married to the local
Jewish religion in their home, following Torah, carpenter, she took care of the household. Now
observing Sabbath and the festivals, reciting how many children were in that household?
prayers, lighting candles and going to synagogue, Well, her firstborn son, Jesus, obviously lived
according to the custom in Galilee. there, but we also read in Mark's Gospel that the
Later at the end of Jesus' life, Luke depicts Mary mother and the brothers and the sisters lived
in her older years as a member of the early together in Nazareth. And these brothers are
Jerusalem community, praying with 100 other named in Chapter Six: James, Joses, Judas and
women and men in the upper room before the Simon. His sisters Mark leaves unnamed, as
coming of the Spirit at Pentecost. What we see typically happened with groups of women in the
from thisand most scholars think that that's New Testament.
a historical glimpseis that Mary participated The apocryphal gospels explain that these
in the early Christian community in Jerusalem. are Joseph's children by previous marriage.
Now in the light of the death and resurrection of But however many were in the household,
Jesus, this gathering of disciples believed that we would know that in her setting, her days
the Messiah had come. But in no way did they would ordinarily be taken up with the hard,

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APPENDICES

unrecompensed work of women of all ages: profound. Now in those days, people's hope for
to feed and clothe and nurture her growing the coming of the Messiah included the hope
household. Like other village women of her day, that he would liberate the suffering poor from
she was probably unlettered, illiterate. oppressive rule. Luke's infancy narrative gives a
particular twist to our memory of Mary's faith by
The economic status of this family is a matter placing her in a key position of partnership with
of some dispute. Scholars like John Meier place God to bring about this historic occurrence. The
them in a blue-collar working-class arrangement, Annunciation scene, as biblically analyzed today,
while others such as John Dominic Crossan depicts her being called to the vocation of being
assign them to the peasant class, desperately God's partner in the work of redemption on the
struggling under the triple taxation of Temple, model of the call to Moses at the burning bush.
Herod and Rome.
It's a prophetic call, a call of vocation to be a
Either way the times were tough. This village partner with God in this great work. Mary gives
was part of an occupied state under the heel of her free assent, thus launching her life on an
imperial Rome. Revolution was in the air. The adventure whose outcome she does not know.
atmosphere was tense. Violence and poverty She walks by faith, not by sight. Indeed her very
prevailed. We owe a debt to Third-World women pregnancy takes place through the power of the
theologians who have noticed the similarities Spirit.
between Mary's life and the lives of so many poor
women, even today. Notice how the journey to Mary's virginity has been used to disparage
Bethlehem in order to be counted for a census women who are sexually active, as if they aren't
accords with the displacement of so many poor as perfect as Mary the virgin. But again this
people today separated from their ancestral event actually sounds a powerful theme for
homes because of debt and taxation. women. Sojourner Truth, the 19th-century
freed slave, was speaking once in a hall where a
Notice how the flight into Egypt parallels the group of black-clad clerics were arguing that she
flight of refugees in our daywomen and men should not even have the right to be on the stage.
running with their children to escape being killed She noticed their mumbling and said to them,
by unjust military force. Notice how Mary's "Where your Christ come from, honey? Where
experience of losing her son to death by unjust your Christ come from? He come from God and a
state execution compares with so many women woman. Man had nothin' to do with it."
who have had their children and grandchildren
disappear or be murdered by dictatorial regimes. Business as usual, including patriarchal
Mary is a sister, acompaera,to the suffering marriages, is superseded. And God stands with
lives of marginalized women in oppressive the young woman pregnant outside of wedlock,
situations. It does Mary no honor to rip her in danger of her own life. God stands with her to
out of her conflictual, dangerous historical begin fulfilling the divine promise. Now Mary's
circumstances and transform her into an icon faith-filled partnership with God in the work of
of a peaceful middle-class life dressed in a royal liberation is sung out in Luke's Gospel in her
blue robe. magnificent prayer, theMagnificat(Lk 1:46-55).
It's the longest set of words placed on the lips of
3. Woman of Faith any woman in the New Testament.

Mary walked by faith, not by sight. As one Oddly enough, it is a prayer omitted from most
theologian once said, "She did not have the traditional Mariology. Here's the scene: Mary is
dogma of the Immaculate Conception framed newly pregnant; Elizabeth her cousin, an older
and hanging on her kitchen wall." Scripture tells woman, is six months pregnant; Zechariah,
us she asked questions. She pondered things in Elizabeth's husband, has been struck dumb for
her heart. And she went on faithfully believing his lack of faith; and so there's no male voice to
even when grief stabbed her to the heart. inject itself into this scene. The house is quiet
of men. Mary arrives. Elizabeth, filled with the
She had a relationship with God that was Spirit, embraces her and sings out, "Blessed art

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thou among women." And also filled with the Spirit, Mary breaks into a new prophetic language of faith.
She sings a song in the pattern of Miriam, Deborah, Huldah and Hannah, other great hymn-singers in
the Old Testament, and she launches into divine praise. Her spirit greatly rejoices in God her savior.

4. Mary of the Magnificat


Though Mary is poor and lowly, and a culturally insignificant woman, the powerful living holy God
is doing great things to her. And God does this not only to her but to all the poor: bringing down the
mighty from their thrones; exalting the lowly; filling the hungry with good things and sending the
unrepentant rich away empty. And all of this is happening in fulfillment of the ancient promiseand in
her very being. For she embodies the nobodies of this world, on whom God is lavishing rescue.

In this song she sings of the future too, when finally, peaceful justice will take root in the land among
all people. This is a great prayer; it is a revolutionary song of salvation. As writer Bill Cleary once
commented, "It reveals that Mary was not only full of grace but full of political opinions."

Miriam's song has political implicationssocially radical ones at that. With a mother like this, it's no
wonder that Jesus' first words in Luke proclaim that he has come to free the captives and bring good
news to the poor. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

So Mary lived in solidarity with the project of the coming Reign of God, whose intent was to heal,
redeem and liberate. It does no honor to reduce her faith to a privatized piety. Worse yet, which
sometimes happens in traditional Mariology, is to reduce her faith to a doting mother-son relationship.
She hears the word of God and keeps it. What I'm suggesting is that before Jesus was born she had her
own relationship to God that wasn't focused on Jesus. Even after his death and resurrection, when she
is now part of the community proclaiming him as the Messiah, her pattern of faith is still that of Jewish
hope: God's Messiah who now has come will come again soon and bring this justice to the land as a
whole.

She hears the word of God and keeps it. And in this too she is, as Paul VI called her inMarialis Cultus,
our sister in faith. We can begin to see the potential in other Gospel scenes. As we remember her and
keep foremost the idea that she is a Jewish peasant woman of faith, then we can interpret the other
scenes in the Gospels where Mary shows up and where we are presented with the dangerous memory
of this very inconsequential woman in her own culture and historical context. With a heart full of love
for God and for her neighbor, Mary of Nazareth gives us this tremendous example of walking by faith
through a difficult life.

5. Our partner in hope


We began by asking, what would be a theologically sound, spiritually empowering and ethically
challenging view of Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, for the 21st century? My answer has been to suggest
that we remember Mary as a friend of God and prophet in the communion of saints. Let her dangerous
memory inspire and encourage our own witness.

We ought to relate to Miriam of Nazareth as a partner in hope, in the company of all the holy women
and men who have gone before us. This can help us reclaim the power of her memory for the flourishing
of women, for the poor and all suffering people. It can help us to draw on the energy of her example for
a deeper relationship with the living God and stronger care for the world.

When the Christian community does Marian theology this way, our eyes are opened to sacred visions for
a different future. We become empowered to be voices of hope in this difficult world. Like Mary, we will
be rejoicing in God our savior and announcing the justice that is to come.

Source: In Search of the Real Mary by Elizabeth Johnson, C.S.J.

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APPENDICES

The 4 Marian Dogmas


There are four dogmas stating Mary's personal Motherhood is generally accepted by all
relationship with God and her role in human salvation . Christian denominations.

1) Divine Motherhood 2) Perpetual Virginity

Mary's divine motherhood The expression perpetual virginity,


was proclaimed at the ever-virgin, or simply "Mary the
Council of Ephesus in 431. Virgin" refers primarily to the
conception and birth of Jesus.
Various names are used From the first formulations of faith,
to describe Mary's role especially in baptismal formulas
as mother of Jesus. She or professions of faith, the Church
is called "Mother of God" professed that Jesus Christ was
which translates the more conceived without human seed by
accurately stated greek the power of the Holy Spirit only.
term "Theotokos" or Here lies the decisive meaning of
"Birthgiver of God." expressions such as "conceived
in the womb of the Virgin Mary,"
The Council of Ephesus "Mary's virginal conception," or
(431) attributed to Mary "virgin birth." The early baptismal
the title, Mother of God. formula (since the 3rd century)
This needs to be read state Mary's virginity without
against the Council's further explaining it, but there is no
declaration that in Christ doubt about its physical meaning.
there are two natures, one Later statements are more explicit.
divine and one human, Mary conceived "without any
but only one person. detriment to her virginity, which
Indeed, according to the remained inviolate even after his birth"
Council the holy virgin is the Mother of God (Council of the Lateran, 649).
since she begot according to the flesh the
Word of God made flesh. This decision was Although never explicated in detail, the
further explained by the Council of Chalcedon Catholic Church holds as dogma that Mary
(451) which says with regard to Mary's divine was and is Virgin before, in and after Christ's
motherhood: birth. It stresses thus the radical novelty of
the Incarnation and Mary's no less radical and
"...begotten from the Father before the ages exclusive dedication to her mission as mother
as regards his godhead, and in the last days, of her Son, Jesus Christ. Vatican II reiterated
the same, because of us and because of our the teaching about Mary, the Ever-Virgin, by
salvation begotten from the Virgin Mary, the stating that Christ's birth did not diminish
Theotokos, as regards his manhood; one and Mary's virginal integrity but sanctified it . The
the same Christ, Son, Lord, only-begotten..." Catechism of the Catholic Church ponders
the deeper meaning of the virgin bride and
Mary's Divine Motherhood was not the object
perpetual virginity (499-507). It also maintains
of an independent or exclusive dogmatic
that Jesus Christ was Mary's only child. The so-
declaration. The statement is embedded in
called "brothers and sisters" are close relations.
texts defining the person and natures of Jesus
Christ. Thus, the dogma of Divine Motherhood 3) Immaculate Conception
becomes an integral part of the christological
dogma. This does not diminish its definitive The solemn definition of Mary's Immaculate
and binding character. The dogma of Divine Conception is like Divine Motherhood and

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Perpetual Virginity part of the christological The dogma states that "Mary, Immaculate
doctrine, but it was proclaimed as an Mother of God ever Virgin, after finishing the
independent dogma by Pope Pius IX in his course of her life on earth, was taken up in body
Apostolic Constitution "Ineffabilis Deus" and soul to heavenly glory." This definition
(December 8, 1854). Though highlighting a as well as that of the Immaculate Conception
privilege of Mary it in fact stresses the dignity makes not only reference to the universal,
and holiness required to become "Mother certain and firm consent of the Magisterium
of God." The privilege of the Immaculate but makes allusion to the concordant belief of
Conception is the source and basis for Mary's the faithful. The Assumption had been a part of
all-holiness as Mother of God. the Church's spiritual and doctrinal patrimony
for centuries. It had been part of theological
More specifically, the dogma of the Immaculate reflection but also of the liturgy and was part of
Conception states "that the most Blessed Virgin the sense of the faithful.
Mary, from the first moment of her conception,
by a singular grace and privilege from Almighty This dogma has no direct basis in scripture. It
God and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, was nonetheless declared "divinely revealed,"
was kept free of every stain of original sin." meaning that it is contained implicitly in
divine Revelation. It may be understood as the
This dogma has both a "negative" and a logical conclusion of Mary's vocation on earth,
"positive" meaning which complement each and the way she lived her life in union with
other. The "negative" meaning stresses God and her mission. The assumption may be
Mary's freedom from original sin thanks to seen as a consequence of Divine Motherhood.
the anticipated or retroactive (here called Being through, with, and for her Son on earth,
preventive) grace of Christ's redemptive act. it would seem fitting for Mary to be through,
By the same token, the dogma suggests Mary's with, and for her Son in heaven, too. She was
all-holiness. This "positive" meaning is the on earth the generous associate of her Son.
consequence of the absence of original sin. The Assumption tells us that this association
Mary's life is permanently and intimately continues in heaven. Mary is indissolubly
related to God, and thus she is the all-holy. linked to her Son on earth and in heaven.
Although difficult to explain, original sin In heaven, Mary's active involvement in
provokes disorderliness in thought and salvation history continues: "Taken up to
behavior, especially with regard to the primacy heaven, she did not lay aside her salvific duty ...
of God's presence in our life. Consequently, in By her maternal love she cares for the brothers
declaring Mary immaculately conceived, the and sisters of her Son who still journey on
Church sees in Mary one who never denied earth" (LG). Mary is the "eschatological icon of
God the least sign of love. Thus, the dogma the Church" (CCC 972), meaning the Church
declares that from her beginning Mary was contemplates in Mary her own end of times.
exceptionally holy and in constant union with
the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit. The definition of the dogma does not say how
the transition from Mary's earthly state to
her heavenly state happened. Did Mary die?
4) The Assumption Was she assumed to heaven without prior
separation of soul and body? The question
This marian dogma was proclaimed by Pope
remains open for discussion. However, the
Pius XII on November 1, 1950 on his Encyclical
opinion that Mary passed through death as her
Munificentissimus Deus.
Son did, has the stronger support in tradition.
A distinction needs to be made between
Glorified in body and soul, Mary is already in
Ascension and Assumption. Jesus Christ, Son
the state that will be ours after the resurrection
of God and Risen Lord, ascended into heaven,
of the dead.
a sign of divine power. Mary, on the contrary,
was elevated or assumed into heaven by the
power and grace of God.

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APPENDICES

ONE
I ntro d u ction
OPENING ACTIVITY

EXERCISE

Beloved

L
ife has many aspects and facets, may it be on the physical,
psychological or spiritual level. The self is not static and
cannot be pinned down in one state. Love and spiritual
energies flows through our hearts and we are constantly being
transformed and purified by our life experiences at every
moment of our lives. However, there are stages when stages
of growth or processes become more prominent than the other.
It is in this light that the following exercise needs some
identification of the themes that we have been internalizing.

Can you identify what stage of your


life you are in at the moment?

H TAKEN (Chosen)
O ES BLESSED
R O BROKEN
HE L GIVEN (Shared)
Y Describe your experience, what
made you say so, WHY or HOW?

Each moment or state is as important as


the others.

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Reflective Reading
Wish you could hear me....
For the first time, allow me to thank you for all the love that you have given me especially when i was a
child, sickly and difficult. I remember you coming from your factory work, dead tired, but you still man-
aged to go to the market, cooked and cared for me. I always saw you because I was just there playing with
my friends. I saw you coming home with vegetables and fish which, when cooked, I ate with a sour face
because I wanted something more delicious.

I dont remember the day without a single complaint about you or about the life that we lived. But I also
do not remember any word of gratitude from me for all that you were doing for us. My other brothers and
sisters tried their best to help you. They sold things and engaged themselves even in contractual jobs to
help you survive the family. It was hard not having a father around. I could still remember the day when
he left us for another woman. You were trying to be brave, you talked to each one of us with the appeal
to make things work out and do our best to keep the rest of us together. The family became incomplete
without Tatay, but you tried to serve as mother and father. You were there to make a family among us.
You were never bitter, you were never hard on us. But you were so hard on yourself in terms of not having
even a little luxury of buying a new house for you. You always bought things for us first. And there I was,
still complaining because I wanted more expensive things for me. And yet, you did not express any hurt
feelings even if I knew that deep inside you were crying. You encouraged us to go to school, like my other
brothers and sisters who were working students. I refused vehemently. I just wanted to hang around and
have an easy life. I was lazy. Probably, I did not know what goodness was because I did not know how to be
grateful. I wanted a better life but did not like to work for it.

A month ago, you came home chilling with fever from a forced overtime work.
I attended to you for a while but went back across the street where I was playing basketball with friends. I
hardly looked at you when you were there lying in one corner if the house. After four days of sickness, you
got up and prepared for work. I did not even ask you if you were already well. I did not even help you carry
the pail of water for your bath. You went back to work just to come back home in the evening pale and
almost without life. You did not like to go to the doctor. You said that the money that we had was for next
semester, in case I want to enrol for school. You said that you will be alright.

The next day, you did not get up. My older sister cooked breakfast. Afterwards, she asked me to see if you
were already awake. As I approached you, there was a strange feeling. You were sleeping quietly. Very
quiet. I looked at you, but you did not seem to hear. I embraced you but you did not seem to feel. I whis-
pered to you that I wanted to take care of you but no response at all. Deep within me, I knew why you can-
not hear, speak or feel me anymore. All I saw was a body, with a face that was calm but still could not hide
the pains and struggles of a woman who tried her best to give us a family in spite of her limitations.

As you lie down in peace before we bring you to your final rest. I would like to tell you, for the first time
how grateful I am to you for being a mother to me, for giving us a taste of a family. Thank you for all the
love that you have given me and us all. For the first and last time, I want to tell you I LOVE YOU and
THANK YOU.

The sad thing is that it does not matter anymore whether it is my first or last time to say those words to
you....Wish you could hear me say those words to you, wish I was able to say them to you a long time ago....
NANAY, I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH, AND THANK YOU.

Story written for Suhay, Youth Formation Module on Family


Ministry for Youth Affairs, Archdiocese of Manila, 2001, by LMCollado, RSCJ

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APPENDICES

B iblical P assa g es
Jesus' Words and Deeds
HEALING OF MATTHEW MARK LUKE JOHN
INDIVIDUALS
Son of government official 4:46-54
Sick man at a pool 5:1-15
Man in synagouge 1:21-28 4:31-37
Man with skin disease 8:1-4 1:40-45 5:12-14
Roman officers servant 8: 5-13 7:1-10
Dead son of widow 7:11-15
Peters mother in law 8:14-15 1:29-31 4:38-39
An unconscious man 8:28-34 5:1-20 8:26-39
Paralyzed man 9:1-7 2:1-12 5:17-26
Woman with severe 9:20-22 5:25-34 8:43-48
bleeding
Dead girl 9:18-26 5:21-443 8:40-56
Dumb man 9:32-34
Man with paralyzed hand 12:9-14 3:1-6 6:6-11
Blind and dumb man 12:22 11:14
Canaanite womans 15:21-28 7:24-30
daughter
Deaf and dumb man 7:31-37
Blind man at Bethsaida 8:22-26
Boy with epilepsy 17:14-18 9:14-29 9:37-43
Blind Bartimeius 20:29-34 10:46-52 18:35-43
Woman with a bad back 13:10-17
Sick man 14:1-6
Man born blind 9:1-41
Dead friend named Lazarus 11:1-44
Slaves ear 22:47-51
HEALING GROUPS

Crowd in Capernaum 8:16-17 1:32-34 4:40-41


Two blind men 9:27-31
Crowd by Lake Galilee 3:7-12
Crowd on the hillside by
Lake Galilee
Ten men 17:11-19
CONTROL OVER LAWS OF NATURE
Water changed into wine 2:1-11
Catch of fish 5:1-11
Jesus calms a storm 8:23-27 4:35-41 8:22-25
Crowds over 5,000 people 14:13-21 6:32-44 9:10-17 6:1-13
fed
Jesus walks on the water 14:22-33 6:45-52 6:16-21
Crowds : over 4,000 fed 15:32-38 8:1-10
A fish and the payment of 17:24-27
taxes
Fig tree withers away 21:18-22 11:12-14,
20-24
Another catch of fish 21:1-11
Christ conquers death 28:1-10 16:1-11 24:1-12 20:1-18

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T ai z e P ra y er
Meditative singing Preparing a welcoming space for a meditative
prayer.
The "songs of Taiz" published in different languages are
simple, but preparation is required to use them in prayer. When possible, it is preferable to meet in a church, making
This preparation should take place before the prayer itself, it beautiful and welcoming. The way the space is arranged
so that once it begins the atmosphere remains meditative. is important for the quality of the prayer. Naturally it is
not necessary to do a complete restoration of the church!
During the prayer it is better if no one directs the music; in Very simple means can be used to create a prayerful
this way everyone can face the cross, the icons or the altar. atmosphere. If it is not possible to meet in a church, it
(In a large congregation, however, it may be necessary for is important to make the prayer-space as harmonious as
someone to direct, as discreetly as possible, a small group you can.
of instruments or singers who support the rest, always
remembering that they are not giving a performance for It is preferable for all the participants to face the same
the others.) The person who begins the songs is generally direction during the prayer, as a way of expressing that we
up front, together with those who will read the psalm, the pray not to one another but to Christ.
reading and the intercessions, not facing the others but
turned like them towards the altar or the icons. If a song A place of prayer can be made welcoming with very little:
is begun spontaneously, the pitch is generally too low. A a cross, an open Bible, some candles, icons, and flowers.
tuning fork or pitch pipe can help, or a musical instrument The lighting should be subdued, not glaring. Put a carpet
give the first note or accompany the melody. Make sure in the center for those who wish to pray while kneeling or
the tempo does not slow down too much, as this tends to sitting on the ground; chairs or benches should also be
happen when the singing goes on for some time. As the available around the edges for those who prefer to sit on
number of participants increases, it becomes necessary to them.
use a microphone, preferably hand-held, to begin and end
the songs (they can be ended by singing "Amen" on the It is helpful to welcome people as they enter, giving them
final note). The person who begins the singing can support the song-sheet and inviting them to come forward.
the others by singing into a microphone, being careful not
to drown out the other voices. A good sound-system is Leading the prayer is a service to others. It entails
essential if the congregation is large; if necessary check preparing the prayer and making sure it goes forward
it before the prayer and try it out with those who will be in a way that allows everyone to remain focused on the
using the microphones. essential, with no distractions. Once the prayer has
begun, there should be no technical announcements or
Songs in many different languages are appropriate for explanations that interrupt the flow.
large international gatherings. In a neighboubrhood
prayer with people of all ages present, most of the songs Prayer Flow
should be in languages actually understood by some of
the participants, or in Latin. If possible, give each person Taize Songs - (one or two songs of praise)
a song sheet or booklet. You can also include one or two
well-known local songs or hymns. Psalm - Jesus prayed these age-old prayers of his
people. Christians have always found a wellspring
Instruments: a guitar or keyboard instrument can support of life in them. The psalms place us in the great
the harmonic structure of the songs. They are especially communion of all believers. Our joys and sorrows,
helpful in keeping the correct pitch and tempo. Guitars our trust in God, our thirst and even our anguish
should be played in classical, not folk style. A microphone find expression in the psalms.
may be necessary for them to be heard. In addition to
this basic accompaniment, there are parts for other One or two persons can alternate in reading or
instruments. singing the verses of a psalm. After each verse,
all respond with an Alleluia or another sung
acclamation. If the verses are sung they should
be short, usually two lines. In some cases, the
congregation can hum the final chord of the

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APPENDICES

acclamation while the solo verses are being sung.


If the verses are read and not sung, they can During a time of prayer with others, it is best to
be longer. It is not necessary to read the entire have just one fairly long period of silence (5-10
psalm. Do not hesitate to choose just a few verses, minutes) rather than several shorter ones. If those
and always the most accessible ones taking part in the prayer are not used to silence,
it can help to explain it briefly beforehand. Or,
Reading - Reading Scripture is a way of going after the song immediately preceding the silence,
to the inexhaustible wellspring by which God someone can say, The prayer will now continue
gives himself to thirsting human beings (Origen, with a few moments of silence.
3rd century). The Bible is a letter from God to
creatures that enables them to discover Gods Intercessions - A prayer composed of short
heart in Gods words (Gregory the Great, 6th petitions or acclamations, sustained by humming,
century). with each petition followed by a response sung by
all, can form a kind of pillar of fire at the heart of
Communities who pray regularly customarily the prayer. Praying for others widens our prayer
read the books of the Bible in systematic fashion. to the dimensions of the entire human family; we
But for a weekly or monthly prayer, more entrust to God the joys and the hopes, the sorrows
accessible readings should be chosen, as well as and the sufferings of all people, particularly those
ones that fit the theme of the prayer or the season. who are forgotten. A prayer of praise enables us
Each reading can be begun by saying A reading to celebrate all that God is for us.
from... or The Gospel according to Saint.... If
there are two readings, the first can be chosen One or two persons can take turns expressing
from the Old Testament, the Epistles, the Acts of the petitions or the acclamations of praise, which
the Apostles or the Book of Revelation; the second are introduced and followed by a response such
should always be from one of the Gospels. In that as Kyrie eleison, Gospodi pomiluj (Lord, have
case, a meditative song can be sung between the mercy), or Praise to you, Lord. After the written
readings. petitions or acclamations are finished, time may
be left for people to pray spontaneously in their
Before or after the reading, it is a good idea to own words, expressing prayers that rise up from
choose a song celebrating the light of Christ. their hearts. These spontaneous prayers should
While this is being sung, children or young people be brief and be addressed to God; they should not
can come forward with candles to light an oil lamp become an excuse for communicating ones own
set on a lampstand. This symbol reminds us that ideas and opinions to other people by formulating
even when the night is very dark, whether in our them as a prayer. Each of these spontaneous
own life or in the life of humanity, Christs love is prayers should be followed by the same response
a fire that never goes out. sung by all.

Taize Song Our Father

Silence - When we try to express Concluding Prayer


communion with God in words, our minds
quickly come up short. But, in the depths of Taize Songs - At the end, the singing can go
our being, through the Holy Spirit, Christ is on for some time. A small group can remain to
praying far more than we imagine. sustain the singing of those who wish to keep on
praying.
Although God never stops trying to communicate
with us, this is never in order to impose. The voice Other people can be invited for a time of small
of God is often heard only in a whisper, in a breath group sharing nearby, for example by reflecting
of silence. Remaining in silence in Gods presence, together on a Bible text, perhaps using the
open to the Holy Spirit, is already prayer. Johannine hours. Each month in the Letter
The road to contemplation is not one of achieving from Taiz Johannine hours are proposed, a
inner silence at all costs by following some time of silence and sharing around a text from
technique that creates a kind of emptiness within. Scripture.
If, instead, with a childlike trust we let Christ pray
silently within us, then one day we shall discover
that the depths of our being are inhabited by a
Presence.

170 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

Q u otations
POPE FRANCIS QUOTES On the attitude openness to being surprised by
God: Let us trust God! Cut off from him, the wine of joy,
the wine of hope, runs out. If we draw near to him, if we
When the Church looks for Jesus, she always knocks at
stay with him, what seems to be cold water, difficulty, sin,
his Mothers door and asks: Show us Jesus. It is from
is changed into the new wine of friendship with him.
Mary that the Church learns true discipleship. That is why
Pope Francis , APARECIDA - 24.07.2013 - 10:30,
the Church always goes out on mission in the footsteps of
Basilica, Holy Mass, World Youth Day Homily
Mary. Pope Francis , APARECIDA - 24.07.2013
- 10:30, Basilica, Holy Mass, World Youth Day
On the attitude of living in joy : Dear friends, we
Homily
have come to knock at the door of Marys house. She has
opened it for us, she has let us in and she shows us her Son.
..three simple attitudes: hopefulness, openness to being
Now she asks us to do whatever he tells you (Jn 2:5).
surprised by God, and living in joy.
Yes, dear Mother, we are committed to doing whatever
Pope Francis , APARECIDA - 24.07.2013 - 10:30,
Jesus tells us! And we will do it with hope, trusting in
Basilica, Holy Mass, World Youth Day Homily
Gods surprises and full of joy. Amen. Pope Francis
, APARECIDA - 24.07.2013 - 10:30, Basilica, Holy
On the attitude of Hopefulness: In the face of those
Mass, World Youth Day Homily
moments of discouragement we experience in life, in our
efforts to evangelize or to embody our faith as parents
The Apostles and disciples find it harder to believe in the
within the family, I would like to say forcefully: Always
Risen Christ, not the women however! Pope Francis,
know in your heart that God is by your side; he never
Homily on women and the resurrection, Easter
abandons you! Let us never lose hope! Let us never allow
2013
it to die in our hearts! Pope Francis , APARECIDA
- 24.07.2013 - 10:30, Basilica, Holy Mass, World
This is the mission of women, of mothers and women,
Youth Day Homily
to give witness to their children and grandchildren that
Christ is Risen! Mothers go forward with this witness!
On the attitude of Hopefulness: Young people are
What matters to God is our heart, if we are open to Him,
a powerful engine for the Church and for society. They do
if we are like trusting children. Pope Francis, Homily
not need material things alone; also and above all, they
on women and the resurrection, Easter 2013
need to have held up to them those nonmaterial values
which are the spiritual heart of a people, the memory of a
Faith is a flame that grows stronger the more it is shared
people. Pope Francis , APARECIDA - 24.07.2013
and passed on, so that everyone may know, love and
- 10:30, Basilica, Holy Mass, World Youth Day
confess Jesus Christ, the Lord of life and history (cf. Rom
Homily
10:9). - Pope Francis, Homily at Closing Mass of
World Youth Day at Copacabana Beach Rio de
On the attitude of Hopefulness: In this Shrine
Janeiro, Brazil,July 28, 2013
(Shrine of Mary, Aparecida), which is part of the memory
of Brazil, we can almost read those values: spirituality,
Where does Jesus send us? There are no borders, no limits:
generosity, solidarity, perseverance, fraternity, joy; they
he sends us to everyone. The Gospel is for everyone, not
are values whose deepest root is in the Christian faith.
just for some. It is not only for those who seem closer to
Pope Francis , APARECIDA - 24.07.2013 - 10:30,
us, more receptive, more welcoming. It is for everyone. ).
Basilica, Holy Mass, World Youth Day Homily
- Pope Francis, Homily at Closing Mass of World
Youth Day at Copacabana Beach Rio de Janeiro,
On the attitude openness to being surprised
Brazil,July 28, 2013
by God: Anyone who is a man or a woman of hope
the great hope which faith gives us knows that even in
. Do not be afraid to go and to bring Christ into every
the midst of difficulties God acts and he surprises us.
area of life, to the fringes of society, even to those who
Pope Francis , APARECIDA - 24.07.2013 - 10:30,
seem farthest away, most indifferent. The Lord seeks all,
Basilica, Holy Mass, World Youth Day Homily
he wants everyone to feel the warmth of his mercy and
his love. - Pope Francis, Homily at Closing Mass
of World Youth Day at Copacabana Beach Rio de

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 171


APPENDICES

Janeiro, Brazil,July 28, 2013 Put on faith: what does this mean? When we prepare
a plate of food and we see that it needs salt, well, we put
Do not be afraid! When we go to proclaim Christ, it is on salt; when it needs oil, then you put on oil. To put
he himself who goes before us and guides us. When he on, that is, to place on top of, to pour over. And so it is
sent his disciples on mission, he promised: I am with you in our life, dear young friends: if we want it to have real
always (Mt 28:20). - Pope Francis, Homily at Closing meaning and fulfillment, as you want and as you deserve,
Mass of World Youth Day at Copacabana Beach Rio de I say to each one of you, Put on faith, and your life will
Janeiro, Brazil,July 28, 2013 take on a new flavour, it will have a compass to show you
the way; put on hope and every one of your days will be
Jesus did not say: One of you go, but All of you go: enlightened and your horizon will no longer be dark, but
we are sent together. Dear young friends, be aware of luminous; put on love, and your life will be like a house
the companionship of the whole Church and also the built on rock, your journey will be joyful, because you will
communion of the saints on this mission. When we face find many friends to journey with you. Put on faith, put
challenges together, then we are strong, we discover on hope, put on love! Pope Francis, Homily During
resources we did not know we had. ). - Pope Francis, World Youth Day Prayer Service in Copacabana,
Homily at Closing Mass of World Youth Day at 26 Sept. 2013
Copacabana Beach Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July
28, 2013
Put on Christ! in your life, and you will find a friend in
whom you can always trust; put on Christ and you will
Sing to the Lord a new song (Psalm 95:1). What is this
see the wings of hope spreading and letting you journey
new song? It does not consist of words, it is not a melody,
with joy towards the future; put on Christ and your life
it is the song of your life, it is allowing our life to be
will be full of his love; it will be a fruitful life. ! Pope
identified with that of Jesus, it is sharing his sentiments,
Francis, Homily During World Youth Day Prayer
his thoughts, his actions. And the life of Jesus is a life for
Service in Copacabana, 26 Sept. 2013
others. It is a life of service. - Pope Francis, Homily at
Closing Mass of World Youth Day at Copacabana
"Every unborn child, though unjustly condemned to be
Beach Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,July 28, 2013
aborted, has the face of the Lord, who even before his birth,
and then as soon as he was born, experienced the rejection
Am I really my brothers keeper? Yes, you are your
of the world," he said. "And every old person, even if
brothers keeper! To be human means to care for one
infirm and at the end of his days, carries with him the face
another! Pope Francis , Homily at Peace Vigil,
of Christ. They must not be thrown away!" A Big Heart
Rome, Sept. 7, 2013
Open to God -The Exclusive interview with Pope
Francis. Antonio Spadaro, S.J.America09/30/13:
Is it possible to change direction? Can we get out of this
spiral of sorrow and death? Can we learn once again to
Faith is linked to hearing. Abraham does not see God,
walk and live in the ways of peace? Invoking the help of
but hears his voice. Faith thus takes on a personal aspect.
God, under the maternal gaze of the Salus Populi Romani,
God is not the god of a particular place, or a deity linked
Queen of Peace, I say: Yes, it is possible for everyone!
to specific sacred time, but the God of a person, the God
From every corner of the world tonight, I would like to
of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, capable of interacting with
hear us cry out: Yes, it is possible for everyone! Or even
man and establishing a covenant with him. Faith is our
better, I would like for each one of us, from the least to
response to a word which engages us personally, to a
the greatest, including those called to govern nations, to
"Thou" who calls us by name. Pope Francis, Lumen
respond: Yes, we want it! My Christian faith urges me to
Fidei #8.
look to the Cross. Pope Francis , Homily at Peace
Vigil, Rome, Sept. 7, 2013
Idols exist, we begin to see, as a pretext for setting
ourselves at the centre of reality and worshiping the work
I want to tell you something. What is it that I expect
of our own hands. Once man has lost the fundamental
as a consequence of World Youth Day? I want a mess.
orientation which unifies his existence, he breaks down
We knew that in Rio there would be great disorder, but
into the multiplicity of his desires; in refusing to await
I want trouble in the dioceses! he said, speaking off the
the time of promise, his life-story disintegrates into a
cuff in his native Spanish. I want to see the church get
myriad of unconnected instants. Idolatry, then, is always
closer to the people. I want to get rid of clericalism, the
polytheism, an aimless passing from one lord to another.
mundane, this closing ourselves off within ourselves, in
Idolatry does not offer a journey but rather a plethora
our parishes, schools or structures. Because these need
of paths leading nowhere and forming a vast labyrinth.
to get out! Pope Francis, July 26, 2013 Homil,
Those who choose not to put their trust in God must hear
reported by Associated Press
the din of countless idols crying out: "Put your trust in

172 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

me!" Faith, tied as it is to conversion, is the opposite of


idolatry; it breaks with idols to turn to the living God in a Let us turn in prayer to Mary, Mother of the Church and
personal encounter. Believing means entrusting oneself to Mother of our faith.
a merciful love which always accepts and pardons, which Mother, help our faith!
sustains and directs our lives, and which shows its power Open our ears to hear Gods word and to recognize his
by its ability to make straight the crooked lines of our voice and call.
history. Faith consists in the willingness to let ourselves Awaken in us a desire to follow in his footsteps, to go
be constantly transformed and renewed by Gods call. forth from our own land and to receive his promise.
Herein lies the paradox: by constantly turning towards the Help us to be touched by his love, that we may touch him
Lord, we discover a sure path which liberates us from the in faith.
dissolution imposed upon us by idols. Pope Francis, Help us to entrust ourselves fully to him and to believe in
Lumen Fidei #13. his love, especially at times of trial, beneath the shadow
of the cross, when our faith is called to mature.
The clearest proof of the reliability of Christs love is to be Sow in our faith the joy of the Risen One.
found in his dying for our sake. If laying down ones life Remind us that those who believe are never alone.
for ones friends is the greatest proof of love (cf.Jn15:13), Teach us to see all things with the eyes of Jesus, that
Jesus offered his own life for all, even for his enemies, to he may be light for our path. And may this light of faith
transform their hearts. Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei always increase in us, until the dawn of that undying day
#16. which is Christ himself, your Son, our Lord! - Pope
Francis, Lumen Fidei # 43
If love needs truth, truth also needs love. Love and
truth are inseparable. Without love, truth becomes cold, "I see clearly that the thing the church needs most today
impersonal and oppressive for peoples day-to-day lives. is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of
The truth we seek, the truth that gives meaning to our the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity. I see the church
journey through life, enlightens us whenever we are as a field hospital after battle. [...] The church sometimes
touched by love. One who loves realizes that love is an has locked itself up in small things, in small-minded rules.
experience of truth, that it opens our eyes to see reality in The most important thing is the first proclamation: Jesus
a new way, in union with the beloved. Pope Francis, Christ has saved you." - Pope Francis
Lumen Fidei # 17.

Faith is passed on, we might say, by contact, from one "[A] woman has a different make-up than a man. But what
person to another, just as one candle is lighted from I hear about the role of women is often inspired by an
another. Christians, in their poverty, plant a seed so rich ideology of machismo. [...] The church cannot be herself
that it becomes a great tree, capable of filling the world without the woman and her role. The woman is essential
with its fruit. Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei # 37. for the church. Mary, a woman, is more important than
the bishops. I say this because we must not confuse the
To appreciate this link between baptism and faith, we can function with the dignity. We must therefore investigate
recall a text of the prophet Isaiah, which was associated further the role of women in the church. We have to work
with baptism in early Christian literature: "Their refuge harder to develop a profound theology of the woman.
will be the fortresses of rocks their water assured" [...] The feminine genius is needed wherever we make
(Is33:16).The baptized, rescued from the waters of death, important decisions." Pope Francis
were now set on a "fortress of rock" because they had
found a firm and reliable foundation. The waters of death "I pray the breviary every morning. I like to pray with the
were thus transformed into waters of life. The Greek text, psalms. Then, later, I celebrate Mass. I pray the Rosary.
in speaking of that water which is "assured", uses the What I really prefer is adoration in the evening, even
wordpists,"faithful". The waters of baptism are indeed when I get distracted and think of other things, or even
faithful and trustworthy, for they flow with the power of fall asleep praying. In the evening then, between seven
Christs love, the source of our assurance in the journey of and eight oclock, I stay in front of the Blessed Sacrament
life. Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei # 42. for an hour in adoration. But I pray mentally even when I
am waiting at the dentist or at other times of the day." -
The structure of baptism, its form as a rebirth in which we Pope Francis
receive a new name and a new life, helps us to appreciate
the meaning and importance of infant baptism. Children
are not capable of accepting the faith by a free act, nor are
they yet able to profess that faith on their own; therefore
the faith is professed by their parents and godparents in
their name. Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei # 43.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 173


APPENDICES

QUOTATIONS OF JOSE RIZAL What said those two souls communicating through
the language of the eyes, more perfect than that of the
"Ang hindi magmahal sa sariling wika, daig pa ang hayop lips, the language given to the soul in order that sound
at malansang isda." may not mar the ecstasy of feeling? In such moments,
Jos Rizal when the thoughts of two happy beings penetrate into
each others souls through the eyes, the spoken word is
"He who does not love his own language is worse than an halting, rude, and weakit is as the harsh, slow roar of
animal and smelly fish." the thunder compared with the rapidity of the dazzling
Jos Rizal lightning flash, expressing feelings already recognized,
ideas already understood, and if words are made use of
"It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. it is only because the hearts desire, dominating all the
It is like a stone wasted on the field without becoming a being and flooding it with happiness, wills that the whole
part of any edifice." human organism with all its physical and psychical
Jos Rizal powers give expression to the song of joy that rolls
through the soul. To the questioning glance of love, as it
"While a people preserves its language; it preserves the flashes out and then conceals itself, speech has no reply;
marks of liberty." the smile, the kiss, the sigh answer.
Jos Rizal Jos Rizal,Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)

"There can be no tyrants where there are no slaves." How long have you been away from the country?"
Jos Rizal Laruja asked Ibarra.

"Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinangalingan ay "Almost seven years."


hindi makakarating sa paroroonan."
Jos Rizal "Then you have probably forgotten all about it."

"He who does not know how to look back at where he "Quite the contrary. Even if my country does seem to
came from will never get to his destination." have forgotten me, I have always thought about it.
Jos Rizal Jos Rizal,Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)

"The youth is the hope of our future." It is not the criminals who arouse the hatred of others,
Jos Rizal but the men who are honest.
Jos Rizal,Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)
One only dies once, and if one does not die well, a good
opportunity is lost and will not present itself again. Walang mang-aalipin kung walang paaalipin.
Jos Rizal Jos Rizal,El Filibusterismo

He who does not know how to look back at where he Walang maitutugon ang wika sa tanong ng pag-ibig
came from will never get to his destination. buhat sa isang sulyap na kumikislap o palihim. Sa halip,
Jos Rizal sumasagot ang ngiti, ang halik, o ang bugtonghininga.
Jos Rizal,Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)
Our liberty will not be secured at the sword's point...
We must secure it by making ourselves worthy of it. And I can concede that the government has no knowledge
when the people reaches that height, God will provide a of the people, but I believe the people know less of the
weapon, the idols will be shattered, tyranny will crumble government. There are useless officials, evil, if you like,
like a house of cards, and liberty will shine out like the but there are also good ones, and these are not able to
first dawn. accomplish anything because they encounter an inert
Jos Rizal mass, the population that takes little part in matters that
concern them.
I have to believe much in God because I have lost my Jos Rizal,Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)
faith in man.
Jos Rizal,Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) I don't see why I should bow my head when I could
hold it high, or place it in the hands of my enemies when
Cowardice rightly understood begins with selfishness I can defeat them.
and ends with shame. Jos Rizal
Jos Rizal,Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)
The people do not complain because they have no

174 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

voice; do not move because they are lethargic, and you or alms to the Church.
say that they do not suffer because you have not seen Jos Rizal,Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)
their hearts bleed.
Jos Rizal,Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) Your enemies hate you more than they hate your ideas.
Should you want a project to be undone propose it. Even
To be happy does not mean to indulge in foolishness! if it were as useful as a bishop's mire it would be rejected.
Jos Rizal,Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) Once you are defeated let the humblest-looking among
you sponsor it and your enemies to humble you will
There are no tyrants if there are no slaves approve it.
Jos Rizal Jos Rizal,Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)

Tomorrow at 7, I shall be shot; but I am innocent of Countrymen: I have given proofs, as well as the best of
the crime of rebellion. I am going to die with a tranquil you, of desiring liberty for our country, and I continue
conscience. to desire it. But I place as a premise the education of
Jos Rizal the people, so that by means of instruction and work
they may have a personality of their own and that they
I honor the father in his son, not the son in his father. may make themselves worthy of that same liberty. In
Each one receives a reward or punishment for his deeds, my writings I have recommended the study of the civic
but not for the acts of others. virtues, without which there can be no redemption. I
Jos Rizal,Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) have also written (and my words have been repeated)
that reforms, to be fruitful, must come from above,
Napakatamis ng tubig at naiinom, bagaman lumulunod that those which spring from below are uncertain
sa alak at serbesa at pumapatay sa apoy. Nagiging singaw and insecure movements. Imbued with these ideas, I
ito kapag pinainitan; kapag naligalig, nagiging karagatan cannot do less than condemn, and I do condemn, this
na minsan nang pumuksa sa sangkatauhan at yumanig absurd, savage rebellion, planned behind my back,
sa dibdib ng mundo. which dishonors the Filipinos and discredits those who
Jos Rizal,El Filibusterismo can speak for us. I abominate all criminal actions and
refuse any kind of participation in them, pitying with all
Let us not ask for miracles, let us not ask for concern my heart the dupes who have allowed themselves to be
with what is good for the country of him who comes as a deceived. Go back, then, to your homes, and may God
stranger to make his fortune and leave afterwards. forgive those who have acted in bad faith.
Jos Rizal,Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) Jos Rizal

The example could encourage others who only fear to I die without seeing dawn's light shining on my
start. country... You, who will see it, welcome it for me...don't
Jos Rizal,Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) forget those who fell during the nighttime.
Jos Rizal,Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)
I have observed that the prosperity or misery of
each people is in direct proportion to its liberties or Kapag may mga uban na po akong tulad ng sa inyo
its prejudices and, accordingly, to the sacrifices or the at ginugunita ang nakaraan at makita kong gumawa
selfishness of its forefathers. -Juan Crisostomo Ibarra ako alang-alang sa sarili lamang, hindi ginhawa ang
Jos Rizal,Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) magagawa't nararapat gawin ukol sa bayang nagbigay sa
akin ng lahat, ukol sa mga mamamayang tumutulong sa
Nalilimot ng bawat isa sa inyo na habang napag- aking mabuhay, kapag nagkagayon po, magiging tinik
iingatan ang isang bayan ang kaniyang wika, napag- sa akin ang bawat uban, at sa halip na ikaliwalhati ko'y
iingatan din nito ang katibayan ng kaniyang paglaya, dapat kong ikahiya.
katulad ng pagpapanatili ng isang tao sa kaniyang Jos Rizal,El Filibusterismo
kasarinlan, upang mapanatili niya ang kaniyang sariling
paraan ng pag-iisip. Ang wika ang pag-iisip ng bayan. But because their ancestors were men of righteousness,
Jos Rizal,El Filibusterismo shall we consent to the abuses of their degenerate
descendants? Because they did us a great good, would we
Dying people don't need medicine, the ones who be guilty if we prevented them from doing us evil?
remain do. Jos Rizal,Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)
Jos Rizal,Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)
Ilang dantaon po mula ngayon, kapag naliwanagan
For myself I think that one wrong does not right the at natubos na ang sangkatauhan, kapag wala nang
other, and forgiveness cannot be won with useless tears mga lahi, kapag malaya na ang lahat ng mga bayan,

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 175


APPENDICES

kapag wala nang nang-aalipin at napaaalipin, mga upang maranasan mo ang kadakilaan nang Dios.
kolonya at mga metropolis, kapag naghahari na ang -Marcelo H. del Pilar(Ang Kadakilaan ng Diyos)
iisang katarungan at ang bawat isa'y mamamayan na
ng daigdig, tanging ang pagsampalataya po sa siyensiya Linangin mo ang mga sadyang katangiang kaloob sa
ang malalabi. Magiging singkahulugan ng bulag na iyo ng Diyos, sa paggawa at pag-aaral ayon sa iyong
pagsamba ang patriyotismo at sinumang magmagaling kakayahan, na di lumalayo sa landas ng kagalingan at
na nagtataglay ng katangiang ito ay walang alinlangang katarungan-Apolinario Mabini(Ang Tunay na
ibibilanggo na tulad ng isang may nakahahawang sakit, Sampung Utos)
isang manliligalig sa kaayusang lipunan.
Jos Rizal,El Filibusterismo
Ang hindi nagmamahal sa sariling wika ay masahol pa
Genius has no country. It blossoms everywhere. Genius sa malansang isda J.P. RIZAL
is like the light, the air. It is the heritage of all.
Jos Rizal "...it belongs to no party, nor does it desire to form one;
it stands for nothing save the interest of the fatherland."
Today is Christmas Eve. Whether or not Christ was born Apolinario Mabini
exactly on this date is not important. But chronological
accuracy has nothing to do with tonight's event. A grand The Filipino Is Worth Dying For Ninoy Aquino
genius had been born who preached truth and love; who
suffered because of his mission; and on account of his I want our people to be like a molave tree, strong and
sufferings the world has become better, if not saved. resilient, standing on the hillsides, unafraid of the rising
Only it gives me nausea to see how some people abuse tide, lighting and the storm, confident of its strength.
his name to commit numerous crimes. If he is in heaven, Manuel L. Quezon
he will certainly protest!
Jos Rizal My loyalty to my party ends where my loyalty to the
country begins. Manuel L. Quezon
Ang hindi marunong tumingin sa kanyang
pinanggalingan ay hindi makarating sa kanyang A strengthen national spirit can provide the motive
patutunguan. power to rise our people from the depths andpour new
Jos Rizal life and vigor in the national system. The reinvigoration
of the national spirit must take place in the grass roots,
in every city, town and barrio in the Philippines, and
it must start among our own people To be a worthy
OTHER FAMOUS QUOTES citizen of the world one must first prove himself to be a
good Filipino. Carlos P. Romulo
Ang pagsusumikap at pagpipilit na kumita ng
ikakabuhay ay nagpapahayag ng tunay na pagmamahal I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a
sa sarili, sa asawa, anak, kapatid, at kababayan. meaningless life.- Corazon Aquino
-Andres Bonifacio (Kartilya ng Katipunan)
" He who does not know how to look back at where he
Ang unang kabanalan ay ang pagsunod sa matuwid, came from will never get to his destination. " Jose
anuman ang mangyari. -Jose Rizal (Ang Liham ni Dr. Rizal
Jose Rizal sa mga Kadalagahan sa Malolos, Bulakan)
Kapag totoong nakalat na sa buong kapuluan " The youth is the hope of our future. " Jose Rizal
ang wikang ingls ay siyang gagawing wicang-
bayan.-Apolinario Mabini(Panukala sa " Brotherhood is the very price and condition of man's
Pagkakana nang Repblika nangPilipinas) survival. " - Carlos P Romulo
Ang babae ay huwag mong ituturing na isang bagay I shall be honored to go to jail. Under a dictatorship,
na libangan lamang kundi isang katulong at karamay the detention cell is a place of honor. Sen. Miriam
sa mga kahirapan nitong kabuhayan; gamitin mo nang Defensor Santiago
buong pagpipitagan ang kanyang kahinaan at alalahanin
ang inang pinagbuhatat nag-iwi sa iyong kasanggulan. There can be no tyrants, where there are no slaves
Emilio Jacinto(Kartilya ng Katipunan) Jose Rizal
Di kailangan, kapatid ko, ang magbukas kat bumasa "Separation of the Church and State is like a railroad
ng pilosopiya, o nang teolohiya at iba pang karunungan, track. It cannot be close to one another, neither can

176 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


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it be distant, because there will be derailment. We other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to
(Church) should cooperate with the government and each other, but to another standard to which each one
the government should cooperate with us because must individually bow. So one hundred worshipers met
we're serving the same people." -- February 1992, on together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart
the separation of Church and State, which he was often nearer to each other than they could possibly be, were
accused of ignoring. Cardinal Sin they to become 'unity' conscious and turn their eyes away
from God to strive for closer fellowship.
"We are brothers and sisters; not enemies. It is not A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God
the will of God that countrymen go to war against one
another." -- May 11, 2000, upon calling for a 50-day Holiness does not consist in doing extraordinary things.
prayer and fasting crusade as an appeal for peace in It consists in accepting, with a smile, what Jesus sends
Mindanao. - Cardinal Sin us. It consists in accepting and following the will of God.
Mother Teresa, Mother Teresa: In My Own Words
"It is the most important chapter of my life. I admit
finding secret joy and pride in being called the Cardinal Holiness consists simply in doing God's will, and being
of the EDSA Revolution. I do not claim that as a right. just what God wants us to be.
It is a grace that I do not deserve at all. It is a blessing St. Thrse de Lisieux
to have been the Archbishop of Manila at that moment
in history." -- April 2004, on his role at the EDSA If you dont delight in the fact that your Father is holy,
Revolution. - Cardinal Sin holy, holy, then you are spiritually dead. You may be in a
church. You may go to a Christian school. But if there is
You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, no delight in your soul for the holiness of God, you dont
Love like you'll never be hurt, know God. You dont love God. Youre out of touch with
Sing like there's nobody listening, God. Youre asleep to his character.
And live like it's heaven on earth. R.C. Sproul, Choosing My Religion
William W. Purkey
You are my Lord, because You have no need of my
You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep goodness.
because reality is finally better than your dreams. Augustine of Hippo, Confessions
Dr. Seuss
There is no less holiness at this time- as you are read-
Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do ing this- than there was on the day the Red Sea parted,
that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. or that day in the 30th year, in the 4th month, on the 5th
Martin Luther King Jr.,A Testament of Hope: day of the month as Ezekiel was a captive by the river
The Essential Writings and Speeches Cheban, when the heavens opened and he saw visions of
god. There is no whit less enlightenment under the tree
The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The at the end of your street than there was under Buddhas
opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The bo tree. In any instant the sacred may wipe you with its
opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the finger. In any instant the bush may flare, your feet may
opposite of life is not death, it's indifference. rise, or you may see a bunch of souls in trees.
Elie Wiesel Annie Dillard, For the Time Being

I am nothing special, of this I am sure. I am a common We are to come to the Word in a spirit of humility and
man with common thoughts and I've led a common life. contrition because we recognize that we are sinful, that
There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name we are often blind to our sinfulness, and that we need the
will soon be forgotten, but I've loved another with all my enlightening power of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough.. Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness
Nicholas Sparks,The Notebook
All things as they move toward God are beautiful, and
We are women, and my plea is Let me be a woman, they are ugly as they move away from Him.
holy through and through, asking for nothing but what A.W. Tozer, The Attributes of God: Deeper into the
God wants to give me, receiving with both hands and Father's Heart
with all my heart whatever that is.
Elisabeth Elliot

Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all


tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 177


APPENDICES

S tories
The Tale of the Tortoise and the Monkey.
(A Specimen of Dr. Rizal's English. This story was published in a London magazine in 1889.)

The tortoise and the monkey found once a banana tree floating admidst the waves of a river. It was a very fine
tree, with large green leaves, and with roots just as if it had been pulled off by a storm. They took it ashore.
"Let us divide it," said the tortoise, "and plant each its portion." They cut it in the middle, and the monkey,
as the stronger, took for himself the upper part of the tree, thinking that it would grow quicker for it had
leaves. The tortoise, as the weaker, had the lower part, that looked ugly, although it had roots. After some
days, they met.

"Hello, Mr. Monkey," said the tortoise, "how are you getting on with your banana tree?"

"Alas," said the monkey, "it has been dead a long time! And yours, Miss Tortoise?"

"Very nice indeed, with leaves and fruits. I cannot climb up to gather them."

"Never mind," said the malicious monkey, "I will climb up and pick them for you."

"Do, Mr. Monkey," replied the tortoise gratefully. And so they walked toward the tortoise's house.

As soon as the monkey saw the bright yellow fruits hanging between the large green leaves, he climbed up
and began plundering, munching and gobbling, as quick as he could.

"But give me some, too," said the tortoise, seeing that the monkey did not take the slightest notice of her.

"Not even a bit of the skin, if it is eatable," rejoined the monkey, both his cheeks crammed with bananas.

The tortoise meditated revenge. She went to the river, picked up some pointed shells, planted them around
the banana tree, and hid herself under a coconut shell. When the monkey came down, he hurt himself and
began to bleed.

After a long search he found the tortoise.

"You must pay now for your wickedness; You must die. But as I am very generous, I will leave to you the
choice of your death. Shall I pound you in a mortar, or shall I throw you into the water? Which do you
prefer?"

"The mortar, the mortar," answered the tortoise; "I am so afraid of getting drowned."

"Oho!" laughed the monkey; "indeed! You are afraid of getting drowned! Now I will drown you!"
And going to the shore, he slung the tortoise and threw it in the water. But soon the tortoise reappeared
swimming and laughing at the deceived, artful monkey.

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S u pple m entar y R eso u rces for M o d u le 1


INSPIRATIONAL STORIES

The Legend of the Candle


1000 Stories you can use. Vol. 1, p.5, Frank Mhalic, SVD

O ne evening a man took a small candle from a box and began to climb a long
winding stairway, Where are we going? asked the candle.

Were going up higher than the house to show ships the way to the harbor.

But no ship in the harbor could ever see my light, said the candle. It is so very
small

If your light is small, the man said, just keep burning brightly and leave the
rest to me.

When they reached the top of the long steps, they came to a large lamp. Then he
took the little candle and lit the lamp. Soon the great polished reflectors behind
the lamp sent beams of light out across miles of the sea.

We are Gods taper! Our job is to keep on shining, and our effectiveness is Gods
hands.
Valentines
By Dale Galloway, Stories for the Heart compiled by Alice Gray, 1996

Little Chad was a shy, quiet young fella. One day he came home and told his mother hed like to make a
valentine for everyone in his class. Her heart sank. She thought, I wish he wouldnt do that! Because she
had watched the children when they walked home from school. Her Chad was always behind them. They
laughed and hung on to each other and talked to each other. But Chad was never included. Nevertheless,
she decided she would go along with her son. So she purchased the paper and glue and crayons. For three
whole weeks, night after night, Chad painstakingly made thirty-five valentines.

Valentines Day dawned, and Chad was beside himself with excitement! He carefully stacked them up,
put them in a bag, and bolted out the door. His mom decided to bake him his favourite cookies and serve
them up warm and nice with a cool glass of milk when he came home from school. She just knew he would
be disappointed maybe that would ease the pain a little. It hurt her to think that he wouldnt get many
valentines maybe none at all.

That afternoon she had the cookies and milk on the table. When she heard the children outside she looked
out the window. Sure enough here they came, laughing and having the best time. And, as always, there
was Chad in the rear. He walked a little faster than usual. She fully expected him to burst into tears as soon
as he got inside. His arms were empty, she noticed, and when the door opened she chocked back the tears.

Mommy has some warm cookies and milk for you. But he hardly heard her words. He just marched right
on by, his face aglow, and all he could say was: Not a one.. not a one.

And then he added, I didnt forget a one, not a single one!

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S u pple m entar y R eso u rces for M o d u le 2


INSPIRATIONAL STORIES

CHOOSING
By Victor Frankl, Stories for the Heart compiled by Alice Gray, 1996

Dr. Victor E. Frankl, survivor of three grim years at Auschwitz and other Nazi
prisons, has recorded his observations on life at Hitlers camps:

We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through
the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They have been
few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from
a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms to choose ones attitude in
any given set of circumstances, to choose ones own way.

Reading Exercise No. 1


STORIES FROM ONDOY
The Name Ondoy is now a by-word in the psyche and vocabulary of the Filipinos. When somebody
mentions Na- Ondoy Kami, it connotes that one experienced the ravages of severe flooding. Moreover,
the memory of Typhoon Ondoy immortalizes the heroic deeds of Filipinos who showed selflessness and
gallantry in the midst of this overwhelming natural calamity. Read these two newspaper accounts and
judge for yourself if these deeds were heroic.

TIME MAGAZINE HONORS ONDOY HERO


Philippine Daily Inquirer
December 12, 2009

MANILA, Philippines . Muelmar Magallanes, the 18-year-old Filipino construction worker who braved
rampaging floods during Tropical Storm Ondoy (international codename: Ketsana) in September
to save the lives of 30 relatives and neighbors only to lose his own life has been named one of Time
magazines top 10 heroes of 2009.
By the time the storm had unleashed its full fury, bringing the worst rains the region had seen in more
than 40 years, Magallanes had changed the lives of dozens of family members and neighbours and lost
his own, Time said on its website.

Magallanes, a powerful swimmer, helped evacuate his family to higher ground after a river near their
house in Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City overflowed.

After making sure his parents and siblings were safe, Magallanes went back to help their neighbors who
were trapped on their rooftops.

After several trips, he had managed to save 30 people, according to witnesses, including a 6-month-old
girl who was about to be swept away in a Styrofoam box.

I am going to be forever grateful to Muelmar. He gave his life for my baby. I will never forget his
sacrifice, said Menchie Pealosa, the mother of the baby girl Magallanes saved.

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Pealosa recounted how Magallanes came from In the evening, the residents were able to help me
nowhere to grab them and take them to safety. rescue more people when the rubber boats came.
We had no light except a flashlight provided by a
And then he was gone, Pealosa said. homeowner, he added.
The exhausted Magallanes was simply washed With his son Ram and other homeowners, the
away by the strong current, she said. effort brought some 100 people to safer ground.
His body was found the following morning, with Hero in his own right
that of 28 others who also perished in the flood.
Judge Lee recalled that at one point, the current
Apart from the tributes from the families he saved, was so strong that the Jet Ski flipped over, sending
Magallanes was also honored by the Philippine him and his passengers into the water.
Senate which cited him for his bold and selfless act.
Luckily, I was able to get on my feet and turn it
JUDGE ON JET SKI SAVES 100 over again. Sometimes debris and trash would jam
Philippine Daily Inquirer the Jet Ski and it would stop functioning, Lee said,
September 29, 2009 adding that he had to clean it out several times.

They applauded later. One even called me


MANILA, Philippines For the people of Sta. Monica Superman, he said. I was so carried away by the
in Novaliches, this Quezon City judge on a Jet Ski very sad situation. I could have probably saved
who plucked dozens of residents from swirling more if the Jet Skis propeller didnt get clogged,
flood waters on Saturday is Superman. but Im happy that Ive done something. Mayor
Feliciano Belmonte Jr. called the judge a hero in
I was so shocked by the situation when I heard his own right.
that around 150 houses were already flooded, said
Judge Ralph Lee of Regional Trial Court Branch He really sprang into action and got the residents
83. moving to save their neighbors, said the Quezon
City mayor.
I heard that so many families were already
stranded on their rooftops because water from the
Tullahan River was already overflowing, Lee, 49, GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
told the Inquirer.
1. Muelmar Magallanes and Ralph Lee are
Lee drove from his Fairview home for the stricken typical Filipinos who could have fended and
community 30 minutes away with his personal protected their own families only. Yet they
water craft, life vests and two rubber boats he used have thought of risking their lives for the
on weekend wakeboarding sorties and mobilized a safety of others. With their accounts, could
rescue effort that saved 100 lives. you follow their example?

From 4 p.m. to midnight, Judge Lee combed the 2. May other accounts of heroism happen in
neighborhood 10 feet under water for trapped our society daily. What other stories do
residents, each time loading at least three people you know that display these accounts of
on his machine and taking them to a bakery on heroism?
high ground at the Palmera 4 subdivision, where
his rescue effort was centered. 3. How Filipinos could live out individually,
share the spirit collectively and perpetuate
He personally took 32 people, mostly women and these acts of heroism?
children, to safety.

It probably took me around 20 plus trips to do 4. In the case of Muelmar Magallanes, even
that, Judge Lee said. to point of giving up his own life, can you
honestly be able to sacrifice your own life so
that other Filipinos can be saved?

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Reading Exercise No. 2


HONESTY Is THE BEST POLICY
Philippine Star
August 12, 2013

Yellow Cab pizza rider Jhon Jhon Santos said he was taught by his parents early on that what wasnt
rightfully theirs shouldnt be coveted: Kung hindi sa inyo, isauli ninyo (If it isnt yours, return it.)

So when he found two US passports, a set of keys, four credit and ATM cards and a notebook while
emptying the trash at the Yellow Cab Pizza branch at Mezza, Sta. Mesa past midnight one Saturday, he
lost no time in trying to locate their rightful owners.

Though tired from his duties at the end of a busy evening, Santos made an effort to find out who owned
the lost items even if it meant going through the trash. But more than just returning what wasnt
rightfully his, it was Santos desire to spare the owners anxiety and give them peace of mind that spoke
highly of him.

Sabi ko, dapat maisauli ito, nakakaawa naman, mag-ina pa. Baka hinahanap na yung passport (I
thought to myself, I have to return these, I pity the mother and child who lost them. They must be looking
for their passports now), Santos, a former jeepney driver and a single father of three girls, said when
asked to recount the events of that night. He was also worried because there was a set of keys in the pile
and he was concerned that if those were house keys, the owners of the passports wouldnt have a roof
over their heads that night.

Like a detective, he searched for clues in the trash till he found tucked into the notebook a bank receipt
with a mobile phone number written on it. He tried three times to call the number, but his calls went
unanswered. Since he still had some chores before the store closed up, he requested his co-worker
Jomar to send a text message to the number so its owner would be relieved and have a good nights
sleep. It was almost 1 a.m.

Not far a balikbayan, Mrs. C, and her daughter were understandably distraught and disappointed that
night.

I went to a coffee shop with agroup of friends, on Saturday, Aug. 3, around 9:30 p.m. and had placed
my purse under the table by my feet. After a while, probably around 11 p.m., when I was reaching down
to get my phone from my purse, I realized that it was gone. I was so panicked because I had our US
passports, all of the credit cards I had brought, two cellphones, my red notebook, my drivers license and
about $300 and P13,000 because we had just gone to the bank that day, When she and her daughter got
a call on her daughters cellphone (hers was in the stolen purse), we realized that they had made several
attempts to reach us. We were very surprised to find that they knew our names and they mentioned
finding our credit cards and passports.

The next day Mrs. C and a cousin then proceeded to the Yellow Cab branch in Mezza to retrieve the lost
passports the morning after and were met by the stores branch manager, Danica Bartolata.

When the balikbayan gave Bartolata a token of her appreciation, the restaurant manager said she was
merely a steward of the lost items. She said credit rightfully belonged to Santos
He wasnt even in the store during the turnover of the lost items.

Mrs. C and her cousin texted Santos he was there shortly.

Santos remembers Mrs. C shaking his hand twice. The second time she shook his hand, the balikbayan
pressed something onto Santos palm. The pizza boy promptly returned it.

When asked why he refused the token which was in cash, he simply said what he did was no big deal to
him.

Having grown up here, Ive always believed that Filipinos are inherently good people, Mrs. C said

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APPENDICES

gratefully. I was glad to see that there are still Filipinos who, regardless of their circumstances, continue
to live honorably.

The joy he saw in Mrs. Cs face was enough reward for Santos.

Masaya po ako kasi naibalik ko yung gamit na kailangang-kailangan nila. Alam ko pong kailangan
nila yun (I am so happy because they got back what they so badly needed), he added. Yun lang (Thats
all.)

GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

1. Do you think what Jhon Jhon Santos did, no matter how simple it may appear; is also an act of
heroism?

2. Is honesty still given high regard in our society and given importance in our families?

3. In what ways can we encourage and emphasize the value of honesty among our people?

Reading Exercise No.3


FILIPINO YOUTHS SELF GIVING
(Taken from Punto! Central Luzon July 2013)

BOCAUE, Bulacan As this town celebrated the 159th Feast of Krus sa Wawa on Saturday, the family of
Sahjid Bulig, the 13-year old hero of the 1993 pagoda tragedy, remembered him as a lad who is only too
willing to help.

Erlinda Bulig, 58, said if her son did not die in the 1993 tragedy, he would have been 29 years old today
and may have his own family.
She recounted that a day before her son died along with 263 victims of the infamous 1993 tragedy, her
younger son was on board the pagoda.

Excited si Sahjid kaya maaga pa kinabukasan ay sumakay na siya sa pagoda, she said.

Erlinda said that a night before Sahjid died, the latter asked her what do souls in heaven have for their
meal.

The mother said she was surprised by the question, but answered it anyway.

Hopia,said Erlinda who described her son asmatulungin.

The next day, Sahjid wear his new clothes and boarded the pagoda.

Hours later, Erlinda and her family was told the pagoda sunk and was worried for Sahjid.

They went looking for him and was told that her son was busy saving other victims.

Umuwi na kami dahil nananagip daw ng mga nalulunod si Sahjid, pero ilang oras lang nakalipas ng
sabihan kami na isinakay siya sa ambulansiya,Earlinda said.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 183


APPENDICES

They looked for Sahjid in the hospital but found him in a funeral parlor. He was still alive but cant speak
anymore due to head injuries he suffered.

They still managed to bring him to the hospital but the young boy was not immediately attended by
physicians. The hospital at that time was swamped with victims.
Sahjid died at the age of 13 and was declared later as a hero of the 1993 pagoda tragedy here.

A monument was constructed and dedicated for him at the edge of the Bocaue River in Barangay
Bambang here, meters away from his home and it was also meters away where the ill-fated pagoda sunk
in 1993.

Natutuwa ako na kinilala nila ang aking anak bilang bayani, pero mas maganda kung buhay
siya,Erlinda said.

She said that its not easy to lose a son, but noted that she had learned to accept his fate.

Ngayon ko nalang natatanggap ang pagkamatay ng anak ko pero kung minsan nakakalungkot pa rin
kapag naaalala ko, lalo na kanina noong may misa sa simbahan,she said.

GUIDE QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

1. Sahjid Bulig was just 13 years old and he accomplished something extra ordinary. What in your
opinion was the outstanding accomplishment of this young man?

2. In his tender age, Sahjid demonstrated something which our young Filipinos could acquire and
achieve. What quality of Sahjid should be highlighted among the young generations of Filipinos?

3. At present, many of the Filipino youth face various problems and vices, what nagging issues should
our young people avoid in order to build a stronger church and society?

INDIFFERENCE
(Paul J. Wharton, Stories and Parables)

A young minister went to his first church with eager enthusiasm. To his disappointment, he found
the worship services poorly attended and the spiritual life of the congregation at low ebb. He called
from house to house seeking renewed interest , but several people the church was so dead that that
they did not care to attend. He discussed the situation with his church board and they agreed the
criticism was probably justified.

The pastor announced that since the church was considered dead, he would conduct its funeral the
following Sunday. The church was crowded that day. In front of the pulpit was a coffin. The minister
eulogized the deceased. He told how much the church had accomplished in the past and expressed
his sorrow over its untimely demise. Then he invited the congregation to view the corpse. One by
one, the people looked into the casket; each was amazed to see his own face reflected from the
mirror in the bottom of the coffin. Many were shocked and indignant, but then each member began
to realize that his or his own spiritual indifference was the reason the church was dead.

184 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


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S u pple m entar y R eso u rces for M o d u le 3


INSPIRATIONAL STORIES

My Mom only had one eye


My mom only had one eye. I hated her She was such an embarrassment. She cooked for students and
teachers to support the family.

There was this one day during elementary school where my mom came to say hello to me. I was so
embarrassed.

How could she do this to me? I ignored her, threw her a hateful look and ran out. The next day at school one of
my classmates said, EEEE, your mom only has one eye!

I wanted to bury myself. I also wanted my mom to just disappear. I confronted her that day and said, If
youre only gonna make me a laughing stock, why dont you just die?

My mom did not respond I didnt even stop to think for a second about what I had said, because I was full of
anger. I was oblivious to her feelings.

I wanted out of that house, and have nothing to do with her. So I studied real hard, got a chance to go abroad
to study.

Then, I got married. I bought a house of my own. I had kids of my own. I was happy with my life, my kids and
the comforts. Then one day, my Mother came to visit me. She hadnt seen me in years and she didnt even meet
her grandchildren.

When she stood by the door, my children laughed at her, and I yelled at her for coming over uninvited. I
screamed at her, How dare you come to my house and scare my children! GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!!!

And to this, my mother quietly answered, Oh, Im so sorry. I may have gotten the wrong address. and she
disappeared out of sight.
One day, a letter regarding a school reunion came to my house. So I lied to my wife that I was going on a
business trip. After the reunion, I went to the old shack just out of curiosity.

My neighbors said that she died. I did not shed a single tear. They handed me a letter that she had wanted me
to have.

My dearest son,
I think of you all the time. Im sorry that I came to your house and scared your children.
I was so glad when I heard you were coming for the reunion. But I may not be able to even get out of bed to
see you. Im sorry that I was a constant embarrassment to you when you were growing up.
You see..when you were very little, you got into an accident, and lost your eye. As a mother, I couldnt
stand watching you having to grow up with one eye. So I gave you mine.
I was so proud of my son who was seeing a whole new world for me, in my place, with that eye.

With all my love to you,


Your mother.

- Author Unknown

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S u pple m entar y R eso u rces for M o d u le 4


INSPIRATIONAL STORIES

Jimmy Durante accomplishment and saw itself as perfectly suited


By Tim Hansel, Stories of the Heart compiled by for the purpose for which it was made. But the
Alice Gray, 1996 poor cracked pot was ashamed of its imperfection
and miserable that it was able to accomplish only
Theres a wonderful story about Jimmy Durante, half of what it had been made to do. After two
one of the great entertainers of a generation ago. years of what it perceived as bitter failure, it spoke
He was asked to be a part of a show for World War to the water bearer one day by the stream. I am
II veterans. He told them his schedule was very busy ashamed of myself and I want to apologize to you.
and he could not afford only a few minutes, but if
they wouldnt mind his doing one short monologue Why? asked the bearer. What are you ashamed
and immediately leaving for his next appointment, of?
he would come. Of course, the shows director
agreed happily. For the past two years, I have been able to deliver
only half my load because this crack in my side
But when Jimmy got on stage, something interesting causes water to leak out all the way back to your
happened. He went through the short monologue masters house. Because of my flaws you have to
and then stayed. The applause grew louder and work without getting the full value of your efforts,
louder and he kept staying. Pretty soon, he had the pot said.
been on fifteen, twenty, then thirty minutes. Finally,
he took a last bow and left the stage. Backstage, The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot,
someone stopped him and said, I thought you had and out of compassion he said, As we return to the
to go after a few minutes. What happened? masters house, I want you to notice the beautiful
flowers along the path. Indeed, as they went up
Jimmy answered, I did have to go, but I can show the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun
you the reason I stayed. You can see for yourself if warming the wildflowers on the side of the path.
youll look on the front row. In the front row were The pot felt cheered.
two men, each of whom had lost an arm in the war.
One had lost his right arm and the other had lost But at the end of the trail, the pot still felt bad
because it had leaked out half its load, and again
his left. Together, they were able to clap, and thats
it apologized for its failure. The bearer said to the
exactly what they were doing, loudly and cheerfully.
pot, Did you notice that there were flowers only
on your side of your path, but not on the other
pots side? Thats because I knew about your flaw
The Cracked Pot and took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds
By Sacinandana Swami on your side of the path, and every day while we
walk back from the stream, youve watered them
A water bearer in India had two large pots, each for me. For two years I have been able to pick these
hung on one end of the pole he carried across the beautiful flowers to decorate my masters table. If
back of his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, you were not just the way you are, he would not
and while the other pot was perfect and always have such beauty to grace his house.
delivered a full portion of water at the end of the
long walk from the stream, the cracked pot arrived Moral: Each of us has his/her unique flawswe
only half full. This went on every day for two are all cracked pots. But a compassionate and
years, with the bearer delivering only one and a expert devotee can engage us in the Lords service,
half pots of water to his masters house. and then we can all be useful, despite our defects.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its

186 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

FACILITATOR'S INSPIRATIONAL STORY


GUIDE

You can also use "The


Cracked Pot" story or the A Rabbinic Story
story of "Jimmy Durante".

T
ime before time, when the world was young, two brothers shared a
field and a mill, each night dividing evenly the grain they had ground
together during the day. One brother lived alone; the other had a wife
and a large family. Now the single brother thought to himself one day, It isnt
really fair that we divide the grain evenly. I have only myself to care for, but
my brother has children to feed. So each night he secretly took some of his
grain to his brothers granary to see that was never without.

But the married brother said to himself one day, It isnt really fair that we
divide the grain evenly. I have children to provide for me in my old age, but my
brother has no one. What will he do when hes old? So every night, he secretly
took some of his grain to his brothers granary. As a result, both of them
always found their supply of grain mysteriously replenished each
morning.

Then one night they met each other halfway between their two
houses, suddenly realized what had been happening, and
embraced each other in love. The story is God witnessed their
meeting and proclaimed, This is a holy place a place of
love and here it is that my temple shall be built. And so
it was. The holy place, where God is made known to Gods
people, is the place where human beings discover each other in love.

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 187


APPENDICES

Epilogue

BANAL na BAYANI
Mana Conching was one of the first Samarenos I met in our barangay in Northern Samar when
I started joining our mission there, almost 10 years ago (Mana is a title of respect for an elderly
woman in Samar). We were staying then in a borrowed place at the back of a barangay chapel,
and Mana Conching had a corner, sitting on unpaved floor, praying, singing her liturgical
hymns every morning and sometimes, 24 hours a day. She must really have liked to pray and
sing to God, but I realized later that it was also her way of letting us know that she was around
so we can give her food ration. Since I arrived, lived with my fellow RSCJ sisters and with 4 lay
volunteers who lived in a place adjacent to us, we gave her coffee at breakfast and at different
times of meals whenever she was around. Mana Conching had relatives nearby where she went
home for personal needs, but she was almost always out, begging for little money and food
apparently to bring home, which her neighbors said her payment for her board and lodging
to her relatives.

One time, I went to Mass at the cathedral and saw her by the door where she also had her
own corner, stretching her arms and hands out for alms. But my heart leapt in joy when I saw
her entered the cathedral before the Mass, sat in the front pew, even in her dirty dress and
sweater, and when communion time came, she was one of the first ones to stand and lined up
for communion. I was almost in tears when I saw her hands that she would use to beg for some
coins, now also stretched out for the Body of Christ. I saw her many times doing just that. Mana
Conching was never ashamed to receive Jesus or go to Jesus no matter how she looked like. She
knew her place as a beggar but she also was certain about her place in God's house.

After a year living at the back of barangay chapel, we moved to a nearby barangay in a farm
set up. I lost my daily encounter with Mana Conching, but in the next 2 years, I still saw
her walking around begging, almost blind but would recognize my voice whenever I called her
out in the streets. But there was one thing that I was struck with her. Mana Conching never
demanded for help. Her hands were just open, a sign of humility to accept whatever she was
given. On our part, we tried to reach out to her through a neighbor who can give her food or
supplies whenever possible. I looked forward to seeing her every now and then along the road,
and in the town proper as she went around begging.

I always wondered how old Mana Conching was since no one around knew, though she looked
70 or more years old, but maybe she was younger. She was just a tired and poor woman. When
I started to ask around about her background, I was told that she was a prayer leader in
her younger years, a catechist and a community servant-leader. She was never married but
worked hard before to support her nephews and nieces, and other poor relatives, though she
herself was a poor person.

One afternoon in the farm, some people came to me, since they knew that I loved Mana
Conching, asking me to bless and pray wither because she was dying They found her in the

188 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

house of her relatives alone, dirty with ants all over her body. She fell from a rather high
makeshift bamboo bed with only cartons on it. The neighbors bathed her and dressed her clean.
By that time, Mana Conching was completely blind, could still hear, though cannot speak. She
seemed aware of what was happening around her. I cried when she heard my voice and tried
to call my name with our other volunteers whom she also knew. We prayed with her, blessed
and thanked God for her. As we knew that she loved to sing, we sang her a familiar Mass hymn.
She looked joyful, and seemed to be singing , too, even without a voice. As she was lying in her
death bed, I saw her face so calm and not a trace of complaint and bitterness. She was looking
up as if Jesus was waiting for her. She was holding my hand and I felt Gods presence through

She remained alive for one and a half more days. The men around made a coffin from gathered
old woods. Her neighbors were gathered for her wake. Our community and other volunteers
gave the necessary presence and assistance. She looked dignified inside her simple coffin. I was
happy that she wore the white blouse and blue skirt that I offered for her burial. It was an image
of a holy woman, a saint in her own right, and a hero to many whom she was able to help from
her nothingness, and prayed for in her poverty of heart. Since she was wearing my dress that
looks like the one that I usually wear when I go to church or meet with groups, it was like being
a holy-hero like Mana Conching for a while. For she was an example to me of one, a Banal
na Bayani. She was a baptized , confirmed believer of Jesus, a poor woman who lived like our
Mother Mary, who believed and submitted herself to God until the end of her life.

Mana Conching is now with God. It was sad but I thank God that she is now enjoying the
fullness of being Gods beloved. She has been so far, one of the most significant persons whom
I have met in Northern Samar. In a mission place like Samar, Mana Conching witnessed to us
a life of a person who believed in God's providence, always grateful and generous. Her poverty
of heart inspired me and even her death gave the whole community a chance to come and pray
together. It was like a bayanihan , a certain sense of communion, that she taught us even
after her death.

Mana Conching, salamat po. Mananatili kang banal sa amin, at bayani lalo na sa iyong
mga ipinagdasal at natulungan. Ipanalangin mo po kami sa ating Panginoong Hesukristo,
kasama ng ating Mahal na Ina na si Maria, na sa aming mga bokasyon at estado ng buhay
na kinalalagyan, ay matutunan din namin na maging mga Banal na Bayani.

Lydia M. Collado rscj


Written for Holy-Heroes, 07 October 2013
Formation Modules for the Year of the Laity
December 2013-November 2014

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 189


APPENDICES

Acknowledgements
THANK GOD FOR YOU, Dear HOLY HEROES!

T
o Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas, D.D., for the help of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-
Dagupan and the Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education (ECCCE),
for all the guidance, support, encouragement, trust and generosity and provisions for
the Holy Heroes to be written and produced, for your love for the Laity;

To Most Rev. Jesse E. Mercado, D.D. and the Episcopal Commission on the Laity,
for the guidance and leadership in the writing of Holy Heroes, for your love for the
Laity;

To the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas (Councilof the Laityof the Philippines),


headed by Atty. Aurora A. Santiago, for the support and inspirations , and for the
unfailing love for the Beloved Laity of God;

To Msgr. Jose Antonio Jojo Galvez and the La Purisima Concepcion Parish, Sta
Maria , Bulacan, for the generosity to accommodate the Holy Heroes Program Team
while writing and putting the modules together, for the hospitality of housing the
team with all the provisions needed;

To La Purisima Concepcion Parish, Asst. Parish Priest, Fr. Mon Bernardo, Personnel
and Kitchen Staff, especially Jovenal Halili and Danilo Paguio, Cris Gatela (driver),
Renato Oblealdan (guard), for the hospitality and care during the writing of Holy
Heroes;

To the Diocesan Formation Center, Diocese of Malolos, Rev. Fr. Dario Cabral, Nancy
Ignacio, Hajji Igancio, Matt Gabriel Ignacio, Jherson Ignacio, Joseph Boslon, Romy
dela Cruz and Gary Robles, for the hospitality and care during the writing of the 2nd
Edition of the Holy Heroes;

To Noel Brigino, (the one who made the video clips) of La Purisima Concepcion
Parish, for being so cool, generous, easy, and available to extend his help ;

To Ms. Ma. Czarina Espiritu of Miriam Identity Spirituality and Mission Office
(MISMO), Miriam College - Quezon City, for the loving support and friendship in
the Lord, for the help especially in proofreading and developing the Facilitator's
Manual of the Holy Heroes on its final stage;

To Dr. Dulce Jesus Lesigues-Baricuatro, PhD, for sharing her handbook "Leading
with Heart and Soul - Fostering Workplace Spirituality" to be used in the Holy
Heroes, for being so friendly and hospitable;

190 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

To the Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ) and the Sacred Heart Institute for
Transformative Education (SHIFT) Foundation at Sophies Farm, Brgy. Dona Lucia,
Mondragon, Northern Samar, for their volunteers and logistical support provided
during the initial writing of Holy Heroes; and for the support given to Sr. Lydia
M. Collado, RSCJ and Isidoro Syd Baradi IV to be available for the writing and
facilitators training of Holy Heroes, for the loving care and prayers;

To Rev. Fr. Jorge Bellosillo, parish priest of Holy Family Parish, Pasig City and Holy
Family Parish Youth Ministry (Holiyut), for the support given to Ms. Rica Lavilla to
participate in the production of Holy Heroes;

To Sr. Ma. Jesusa Gayatin Enginco, OP, Ms. Maribel Descallar, for all the
coordination needed for Holy Heroes production and be moved on the level of
facilitators training;

To Rev. Fr. Paolo P. Pirlo, SHMI, for some images / powerpoint on Faith.

To all the Holy Heroes, Banal na Bayani, all the Laity whose names were not
mentioned here, but whose love, support, prayers and contributions, including those
whose works and writing we used from their original works or from the internet,
you know who you are;

MOST OF ALL, TO OUR LOVING GOD, FOR GIVING US JESUS CHRIST,


OUR ULTIMATE MODEL OF A HOLY HERO, OUR MOTHER MARY,
OUR WOMAN-MOTHER-DISCIPLE MODEL OF HOLY HERO, AND
FOR ALL THE HOLY HEROES WHO DIED FOR US ALL, AND THE
LIVING ONES WHO CONTINUE TO OFFER THEIR LIVES FOR OUR
SALVATION AND FREEDOM SALAMAT PO!!!

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 191


H
APPENDICES

C a t h o l i c B i s h o ps ' C o n f e r e n c e o f t h e P h i l i pp i n e s
E P I S C O P A L C OMMISSION ON THE LAITY

oly
eroes
Called to be Saints...sent forth as Heroes!
A F ormation P rogram on the Y ear of the L aity
( december 2013 - november 2014)

This Formation Program is produced by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP),
Episcopal Commission on the Laity.

For information or Inquiry, please contact:

Episcopal Commission on the Laity (ECLA)


CLP Headquarters Building
372 Cabildo Street, Intramuros
1002 Manila

Tel. No.: (02) 527-5388


E-mail: laiko_phils@yahoo.com.ph

Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education (ECCCE)


CBCP Building
470 General Luna Street, Intramuros
1002 Manila

Tel. No. (02) 527-4161


Contact Person: Sr. Ma. Jesusa Gayatin Enginco, OP
E-mail: sr.jesusa@yahoo.com

HOLY HEROES Formation Team


Program Director: Msgr. Jose Antonio JoJo Galvez
Parish Priest, La Purisima Concepcion Parish
Sta. Maria, Bulacan
Program Coordinator: Sr. Lydia M. Collado, RSCJ
Program Director
Sacred Heart Institute for Transformative Education
(SHIFT) Foundation - Sophies Farm, Mondragon, Northern Samar
E-mail: lydiamcolladorscj@gmail.com
Mobile No.: (0918)-918-1253
Members: Rebecca "Rica" Lavilla
Pastoral Worker & Youth Minister
Holy Family Parish - Pasig City
E-mail: ryxlav@gmail.com
Isidoro "Syd" Baradi, IV
Program Assistant
Sacred Heart Institute for Transformative Education
(SHIFT) Foundation - Sophies Farm, Mondragon, Northern Samar
E-mail: syd4th@yahoo.com

192 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!


APPENDICES

Laiko, Banal na Bayani


Tanong ng isang mahirap:
Ano po ba ang banal?
Ano po ba ang bayani?

Tanong ng isang kabataan:


Kailangan pa po ba ng banal?
Kailangan pa po ba ng bayani?

Tanong isang nawawalan ng pag-asa na mananampalataya:


Saan na po napunta ang banal?
Saan na po napunta ang bayani?

Sa isang malumanay na tinig,


Sa isang dampi ng ihip ng hangin,
Sa isang mainit na yakap sa dibdib
Sa isang tumitimong pintig sa pusong naninimdim

MERON Meron pang banal at bayani


Meron pang handang buhay ay magbuwis
Meron pang pusong handang magpakasakit
Meron pang hanadang mamatay
Para sa dakilang pagmamahal.

Dahil mayroon pang IKAW


Dahil may mga laiko pang binyagan
Kinumpilan at itinalaga
Para sa bayan, para sa Simbahan
Ikaw , laiko, banal
Ikaw , laiko, bayani
Tayong lahat, Banal na Bayani!

Higit sa lahat, kung bakit may banal at bayani pa


Dahil Ako at pag-ibig ko ay di nagmamaliw
Ako ,na patuloy na nagmamahal at pumapatnubay
Ako,,na nag-alay ng buhay
Para sa iyo, upang ikaw din
ay matutong magmagahal
at mag-alay ng buhay
para sa Maykapal, kapwa at bayan.

Laiko, huwag kang mangamba


Tinawag kita, minamahal kita
Ikaw ay akin (cf.Is. 43:1)
IKAW ang aking BANAL na BAYANI Msgr. Jose Antonio S. Galvez
Ms. Rebecca "Rica" S. Lavilla
--- Ako ang iyong Panginoon Mr Isidoro Syd S. Baradi IV
Sr. Lydia M. Collado, RSCJ

Sinulat para sa HOLY-HEROES (Banal na Bayani)


Formation modules for the Year of the Laity
October 4, 2013

HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes! 193


APPENDICES

Live Christ! Share Christ!


Lyrics by Archbishop Socrates Villegas, D.D.
Music by Ryan Cayabyab

We are blessed, blessed a hundredfold


The cross of Jesus Christ in our holy shores
Is now five hundred years awesome to behold!
He has made us all new, we belong to His fold

The gospel is our blessing,


our mission to the poor and we,
the children, bring His salvation
To the rest of the world, His message of compassion
To all of humanity, His challenge of conversion

We are blessed, we are loved


We are called, we are sent
We will teach, we will serve
We are Christs, we are Church!

San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Pedro Calungsod


All holy Filipinos bring to the good Lord
Our praise and gratitude our offering of love
Our pledge to be faithful to the last drop of blood

Five hundred years of Jubilee!


Five hundred years of blessings
Five hundred years of graces unto life everlasting

194 HOLY HEROES Called to be Saints... sent forth as Heroes!

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