official publication of the magis deo community september...

MagisMagisMagisMagisMagisOfficial Publication of the Magis Deo CommunitySeptember 2010

Check out Sacred Space inwww.magisdeo.org

Formation for Mission

Finding BalanceLucky were we to find Fr. “Agimat”

in person (no less than Fr. Ted Gonzales,SJ) last First Friday, 6 August 2010,talking about the 7 C’s in finding balancein our lives. But of course, unlikeAgimat’s magical powers, things justdon’t come that easy in real life!

And what are the 7 tips to inch ourway to a balanced wholesome “me?”

1. CONSECRATION: Pag-alay ngoras at pagbukas ng loob. AllowGod’s light to come in. Light clearsup our hearts, making us more awareand sensitive to others. Light opensour minds to become more positive,pro-active and even more innovative!Now, wouldn’t that be a dream toattain?

Fr. Ted narrated the kuwento ngagimat. On a Good Friday, it isbelieved that if one sits down undera banana tree and opens one’s mouth

when the puso ng saging (heart ofthe banana) opens, “hiyas” will getdown on you. Bukas na puso ngsaging symbolizes the opening ofone’s heart. The start of change iswhen one is open.

2. CONFIDENCE: from the word“fides” meaning “may pananam-palataya.” Lifting everything up toGod and firmly believing that He willbe there for me at all times. Faith andConfidence – Basta Ikaw, Lord!

Do we know how to beg from God?We beg to be moved, to have light,and to be touched by God. When webeg, God provides! God will neverfail! God will make us secure!

3. CONTEXT: Ano ang talagangnangyayari? A crazy world in crazytimes and maybe even more so in thePhilippines! The top 3 concerns of

Filipinos are: kabuhayan,kaugnayan, and kalusugan. Are weopen and flexible enough to addressthese changing conditions in ourrelationships, health, or financialstresses? Do we have enough faithto be constant with God through allthese changes?

4. CHARISMS: Maraming kaloobang Diyos sa atin. Fr. Ted sharedon his feeling of the “spirit” in MagisDeo Community “being alive!” Theseare gifts of many collective efforts.We are all gifted by God in specialways. The value of these gifts is insharing and working thru people.What is your special gift? Discoverit quickly because you will have toaccount for it. Remember, there isNO quick fix in heavenly accounting!

5. CONVERSION INTO CHRIST:Intimacy with God. How does onebegin to know Him and attainintimacy if we want conversion? Letus look at our life stories and how

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September 201022222 MagisMagisMagisMagisMagis

Finding Balance... continued from page 1

August 6, 2010 Community Celebration

we were touched by God. We see and feel God’scompassion.

Are we able to see God’s face in our neighbor, in the thingswe do daily, in the challenges we meet? It may be a slowgrinding process but we must be able to THINK GOD,TALK GOD and ACT GOD eventually.

6. COURSES OF ACTION: Look for the Magis… lookfor the better way... the Right Fit. Need you guess?COUPLE POWER THROUGH MAGIS and MOREMAGIS!!! Honestly, there is nothing better thanTOGETHERNESS!

As we see what’s happening, magtitimbang tayo kungpaano tayo makakarating doon. Binabalanse natin.Pag balance na tayong mag-asawa, then we become acouple for others. Listening to one another… upliftingone another.

7. COLLABORATION: Partner-ship, Teamwork,Networking. We are all caretakers of God. This is all aboutGod’s work. We are doing God’s work. Trying to help each

other. The cross we carry will be lighter when we assistone another.

Pag bukas loob, God pours unlimited graces in moreways than one. Remember, His generosity can never bematched and you will be surprised at the many mysteriousways He will lead you with others in achieving MAGIS forHim.

Danny & Charito Dimayuga

Head, Membership Formation Ministry

MagisMagisMagisMagisMagis Official Publication of the Magis Deo Community

Please send articles, reactions, feedback to [email protected]

Council ChaircouplePhilip and Malu Panlilio

Editorial BoardTina MossesgeldTony del RosarioJoy S. Uy-tioco

Managing EditorsRufo and Louren Dacanay

Contributors Rey Mella

Clyde AbapoZarah Gagatiga

Kimi Abapo

PhotographersFerdie Cruz

Anchit Chua ChiacoLito Quimel

Carlos Pizarro

PublicationRamie and Mimi Santos

During the celebration several Magis servant leaders were commissioned.Clockwise: Charley and Jay Ng Sy, Agnus Dei BCGG Head; Charito &Danny Dimayuga, Membership Formation Ministry Head; Eli and EdithPrieto, Suyuan Head; and Joy and Denis Rago, Agnus Dei Alternate BCGGHead.

33333MagisMagisMagisMagisMagisSeptember 2010

Active VigilanceSunday Homily - 8 August 2010

Ruben M. Tanseco, SJ

The time for each one of us inthis world is short andunpredictable, so we better

do what we must do, give what we mustgive, before it is too late! Today’s Gospelreading is no less than an urgent wake-up call.

“Do not be afraid any longer, foryour Father is pleased to give you thekingdom. Sell your belongings and givealms. Provide money bags for yourselvesthat do not wear out, an inexhaustibletreasure in heaven that no thief can reachnor moth destroy. For where yourtreasure is, there also will your heart be.”(Lk. 12:32-34).

This strikes me as spiritually relatedto Pres. Aquino’s oft-quoted statement:“Kung walang corrupt, walangmahirap.” There are many forms ofcorruption. The obvious and mostserious kind is what persons in positionsof power and authority do when theyliterally steal money that rightly belongsto the people and enrich themselvesillegally and immorally. Another form ofcorruption is heartless social injustice, likethe inequitable distribution of God’sresources, resulting in the majority of ourpeople suffering from poverty. Themonopoly of material riches in the handsof a small minority, most of whom areeven non-Filipinos. This situation is mostunchristian.

Christ’s lifestyle of love and justiceis the only “inexhaustible treasure”worth living for and dying for. How longwill I live and when will I die? Only Godknows. For this reason, I need to bealways ready in action, not in passivityand habitual indifference.

“Blessed are those servants whomthe master finds vigilant on his arrival.”(v. 37). Active vigilance. Many of ushave the tendency to deny or delay thedecision or action that needs to be madeor done. The denial syndrome or thedelay mechanism. “Hindi naman…”“Hindi naman ako ganon…” “Sasusunod na linggo na lang, o sasusunod na buwan, okay?” “Sorry nalang, nakalimutan ko…” All this andmore is what Christ is referring to in thenext passage of today’s Gospel reading:

“You also must be prepared, for atan hour you do not expect, the Son ofMan will come.” (v. 40). This applies toall sectors of society, from the super-rich to the poorest of the poor. It is anessential part of God’s plan for each oneof us, and no billionaire can bribe God tochange it in his favor. We know this inour heads, but it often does not go downto the heart, and less to the feet. Justread the newspapers daily or watch TV,and you will know how manyunexpected deaths come to people fromall ages and sectors of society.

This millionaire was flown to the USfor an operation under the best doctorsavailable. The family spent so muchmoney, and were confident that he wouldget well, for they paid for the mostexpensive facilities available. A coupleof weeks after the operation, he had astroke and died.

Some weeks ago, I remember thatstrong, healthy marathon athlete whocollapsed less than a kilometer fromthe finish line, and died two days laterof heat stroke. Just like that. He wasonly 37 years old, married with twochildren.

What about the recent typhoonBasyang?

Almost a hundred people died, someof whom were expert fishermen whoseboats were drowned by giant waves.Sudden deaths in Bataan, Catanduanes,and Camarines Norte. What is themeaning of divine providence in all this?

Go to our private and publichospitals, and there you will witness howmany people, both young and old, dieeach day, many from sudden,unexpected causes. What about you?What about me? When will yours come,and when will mine? It may very wellbe sooner than we expect. Are weactively involved with God’s work whenit comes? We better be, or else…

And how is active involvement tobe measured? The last line of today’sGospel reading says it all.

“Much will be required of the personentrusted with much, and still more willbe demanded of the person entrustedwith more.” (v. 48). Be it money andwhat money can buy; intellectual andrelated gifts and charisms; positions ofpower and influence; whatever God hasgiven you or me that is more than Hehas given to others. These are what weare missioned by God to share generouslywith those who have less or none at all.And if up to the moment of death wehave not done so, then the justice of theloving Lord will be meted out to us. It isonly fair, for justice and love are the twosides of the same coin. But the rewardis priceless, as we recall the very firstline of today’s Gospel reading: “Do notbe afraid any longer, for your Father ispleased to give you the kingdom.” (v. 32).

What more is the Lord asking fromeach one of us? Listen, act, and receiveHis kingdom. Amen.


EDITORIAL

KababawanTina Mossesgeld, Praxis Ministry / Cana BCGG

“Kababawan” can be eitherpositive or negative. When we say“mababaw ang kaligayahan ko,” thatcould be positive because it connoteshaving simple wants and desires. Butbeing “mababaw” could be negative if itmeans we just coast along our busy liveswithout really noticing in depth what ishappening in and around us.

We all know about the dangers ofbeing too preoccupied with our cellphones, laptops, TVs, etc. Fr. Ruben andother speakers in our communitycelebrations have warned us of their badeffects on our relationships. But the otherdanger is that as we get more and moreengrossed in the latest electronicgadgets or busy acquiring things thatgive us almost instant gratification, wehave less time and probably lesspatience for slowing down, steppingback, and reflecting.

One Magis Deo thrust this year is todeepen our spirituality, which is Ignatian.Beyond getting many people to attendour annual retreats, weekly BCGGmeetings, ME reunions or Post LSSmeetings, as well as the communitycelebrations and outreach activities, ourleaders want to deepen the impact ofthese programs on the way we live, theway we relate with each other and thoseoutside the community especially themarginalized, and the way we relate toGod.

If we want to deepen our spirituality,we need to heighten our awareness towhat is happening around us and in us,how these make us feel, how God maybe present in all of these, and where Godmay be leading us. We need to takethe time to reflect on our experiencesdaily. We need to ponder after a retreator an outreach activity. We need topause at significant moments in our lifelike birthdays, anniversaries, times ofsuccess or failure, moments of deep joyor occasions of grief. For example, one

couple in our BCGG recently celebratedtheir 40th wedding anniversary. Theircelebration was unique because insteadof throwing a party for their friends, theytook a short trip abroad, just the two ofthem. They also had a special dinnerserved by their grandchildren. But thecouple did not stop there. They took thetime to reflect on their marriage of fortyyears, to recall their blessings and theproblems that they overcame, and feltvery grateful for the Lord’s abidingpresence. And their reflection of their lifetogether made their days of celeb-rationeven more deeply meaningful.

That’s why in Magis Deo, we aregiven the tools to become reflective, tobecome more conscious of our reality.The first tool is of course the AwarenessExamen. A short version of this prayercan be found in each week of SacredSpace. Also, the prayer guide in SacredSpace and the weekly BCGG spiritualconversations help us to notice God inour prayer and daily life in the past week,to listen to others share and to respondto what we found striking or significant.Another tool is the reflection guide whichwe are supposed to use after ouroutreach activities. After serving mealsand facilitating the sharing of Suyuanparticipants or participating in a GKbuild, medical missions or valuesformation programs, how were youaffected by your interactions with thepeople in the area, especially by theirpersonal sharing? How was God presentthere?

Introduced only this year, the BCGGreflection guide for individuals andcouples helps us to look at our spirituallife as a whole and see how we havegrown in our journey. One BCGG usedthe guide in their last BCGG meeting andthe results were amazing. After taking afew minutes of silence to answer thequestions in the guide, each memberopenly shared how they have grown in

very concrete ways, how they felt abouttheir level of growth and their sense ofGod’s invitation. The members sharedfrom the heart; there were no long-windedstories or blow-by-blow accounts. Havingthat opportunity to reflect on their growthand share with the group was animportant step in their journey as aBCGG.

Reflecting on our experiences dailyor periodically allows us to become moreaware of what’s happening to us, to ownthat experience as uniquely our own andto be grateful to the One who made itpossible. The process of naming andowning our experiences is calledappropriation. Its importance wasaffirmed recently in the first session ofthe Shepherds Formation series. Fromthe sharing of the shepherds on how theycame to be where they are now, it wasevident that we need to appropriate ourexperience of being formed after eachstage of our formation so that we canappreciate what has happened to us ateach stage and will be more motivatedto go to the next step of formation.When we need to do the appropriation isstill up for discussion but maybe it couldbe after the M.E. sponsorship, after theM.E. reunions, after the LSS, after thePost-LSS, and after the SDR. After theSDR, the reflection should continue inthe BCGG.

While we do not yet have theappropriation process in place for eachstep of our formation, we do have theother tools in place. Let us take themmore seriously and do them on a regularbasis. For after all, as Socrates said,“the unexamined life is not worth living.”Reflecting, looking prayerfully moredeeply into our experiences will help usto avoid the negative kind of“kababawan.” In and through deepreflection, we will find God more clearlyin all things, which is a theme and idealof Ignatian spirituality.


COUNCIL CORNER

Graces fromServing in the

PastoralCouncil

Philip & Malu Panlilio2010 Chaircouple

The Pastoral Council gatheredin prayer in August andreflected on our journey asservant leaders in Magis Deo.

It is important that as a Council we taketime to pause and reflect, gather in thegoodness and light, and harvest the fruitsof our journey in thanksgiving to thehandiwork of God – the opportunity for usall to serve Him through the Magis DeoPastoral Council.

In prayer, we at the Council beggedthe Lord for His grace of knowing ourselvesmore fully as God knows us, and beggedfor His grace of wisdom and compassionto be sensitive to the needs of theCommunity, its outreaches, and thecountry as a whole.

Psalm 51:10-12 – Create in me aclean heart, O God, and renew aright spirit within me. Cast me notaway from your presence, and takenot your Holy Spirit from me.Restore to me the joy of yoursalvation, and uphold me with awilling spirit.

As a Council, we celebrate the bountyof God’s graces on us:

• Grace of increased awareness ofone’s gifts and talents and the graceof knowledge of how to use thesegifts and talents in service in MagisDeo, at the same time enjoying whatone is doing.

• Grace of acceptance of one’slimitations in service, i.e., resources,time, talent in specific areas.

• Grace of courage and confidence toserve despite limitations. If Godwants us to do things for others, thenHe will help us. He will use us as aninstrument of His love.

• Grace of ability to go with the tide ofthings, of how God planned andcontinues to plan things for us.

• Grace of dealing effectively withpersonal crisis because of personalgrowth attained in Magis Deo.

• Grace of being closer as a couple inservice, including the graces of unityand healing while serving the Lord.

• Grace of humility to recognize andaccept our differences as acouple, yet looking at thesedifferences as areas for growth inmore loving relationship as acouple for others.

• Grace of personal growth inservice, especially for the poor;grace of consolation for being ableto help.

• Grace of loving support from ourspouse and other Magismembers, and sharing of ideas inleading the Community to themagis.

• Grace of awareness andacceptance of frustrations whenresults are not achieved and whenthings cannot be done, as well asof non-conforming views whenthings are done.

• Grace of God’s inspiration whenone feels lethargic and with lessenergy to lead and do God’s work.

• Grace of empathy, compassion,and love for others especially in lifeoutside Magis Deo.

• Grace of openness to the manyopportunities to serve.

• Grace of growth in faith as onerelies more on God in doing Hiswork.

• Grace of gratitude andthanksgiving for the blessings offamily and giving back to Godthrough service in Magis Deo.

God is good. We thank and praiseHim!

We feel that as a Council we arecalled to deepen our leadership in otherareas, specifics of which we are stillpraying for and discerning. This point weas a Council will share in our Septembermeeting. One thing is certain, though.We are called to be more generous ingiving of our selves to serve in Magis Deoand especially to the poor, and help inmoving forward the country’sdevelopment.


Build the Magis Home

A different type of retreat was held atthe Sacred Heart Novitiate last Aug 6-8,2010. Titled “Healing Life’s Greatest Hurt,”the retreat was woven around the themeof healing our greatest hurt – the loss ofa loved one through death. The nineparticipants all received God’s invitationthrough the Magis BCGG network.Blessed be God for giving us Magis Deo!

Four active Magis membersregistered for the weekend: first torespond were Anchit and Sally ChuaChiaco (John BCGG) who still bear theloss of their eldest daughter three yearsago. Norma Salazar (Agnus Dei) had beenwaiting for this retreat offering ever sincethe death of July. Myr Serranilla (MustardSeed - not widowed - Joe is very muchalive) is a grief counselor. Recruiting afriend for the retreat, she realized she hadnot prayed over the loss of her mothersome ten years back. The call was forher, not for her would-be recruit. Alreadyon mission as a counselor accompanythose who are grieving, she and herBCGG shepherd realized Myr was beingcalled to experience God’s com-panionship and presence and love moredeeply, and in this way renew and enlivenher own ministry.

Another participant who came to theretreat through the “Magis” connectionwas Chona Reloza, widow of Pin Relozaand the sister of Anne Alfonso (JohnBCGG). Doctors both, Chona and Pin

took the ME weekend with us,and eventually, the Relozafamily served as sharers in theFamily Encounter Weekend(FEW). Lydia Sugue who losther spouse two or three yearsago is the mother of Yella andAriel Castillo, Magis 96. Yellaand Uriel were encouraged toinvite Yella’s mother by TitaMarcia Balderas who sharedwith Magis 96 and ArchangelGabriel BCGG her ownexperience of praying thisretreat the first time it wasoffered some years back.Josie Herras, mother of SuniRodriguez and Joey Loren-zana, of course came with herdaughters’ encouragement;she was attracted because theretreat was “Ignatian” and shetoo had lost a spouse twoyears ago.

A Different Kindof Retreat

Joy Uy-Tioco, Sirach BCGG

Spiritual Directors, clockwise: Fr. Arnie (Jun) Bugtas,SJ, Fr. Mon Bautista, SJ, Eva Galvey, Lyn Enriquez.

The serenity and solitude of the retreat venue, the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Novaliches,as seenthrough Anchit Chua Chiaco’s eyes and camera lens.

Widow Cris V. Matta learned of theretreat through Magis cousins (Bambiand Tony Narciso). Retreatant CoratecJimenez, who did not know anyone fromMagis, came through a more circuitousroute. A friend and co-worker (non-Magis)attended the “Jesus in Six Acts” moduleof the “Rekindling the Faith” teachingseries for adults offered by the LoyolaSchool of Theology. The connect? SirachBCGG - which attended as a BCGG anddistributed fliers for the retreat. Two lastminute no-shows (we still have to payfor the reservations of no-shows) gave Joyand Suni the unexpected opportunity tostay on during the retreat - listening tothe input, running a few errands for theSpiritual Directors, but mostly praying forand alongside the nine retreatants.

And so we were used. What beganas a service for Magis widows and

widowers is developing as a MagisFormation Outreach. Through one wayor another, nine persons sorrowing at thedeath of a loved one, opened themselvesto receive God’s gentle healing touchthrough this retreat, because of Magis.

Journeying with the elevenparticipants were Spiritual Directors (1)Eva Galvey - founding partner of EmmausCenter for Psycho-spiritual Formation(since 1981) formerly Executive Directorof CIS (Center for Ignatian Spirituality),(2) Fr. Mon Bautista S.J. - Novice Masterof Sacred Heart Novitiate, (3) Fr. Arnie(who prefers to be called Jun) BugtasS.J., and (4) Lyn R. Enriquez of CEFAM,CIS and Emmaus. We were fortunate tohave four such experienced and prayerfulprofessionals who tended woundedhearts and souls so that we could healmore to love more and to serve more.


Myr Serranilla from MustardSeed shares: What do I wish tonurture when I go home from thisretreat?

Having received much from thisretreat, I wish to nurture• a deep prayer life;

• a discerning heart to knowGod’s will for me from day today;

• the courage and the strengthto enter His will;

• a humble and compassionate heart so I can be a PassoverCompanion to the wounded sheep of His flock;

• the capacity to recognize the gifts beneath the pains,behind the hurts.

Lydia Sugue, mother of Yellaand Uriel Castillo of Magis 96shares her reflections:

This retreat gave me fortunatetime with the Lord, free fromdistractions, just listening to Him.The quiet time helped me in soul-searching. From this weekend, Itake with me a greater aware-ness of God’s encom-passinglove, and a desire to be gratefulfor small and big blessings. I wish

to nurture my time for Him even if there’s no favor to seek/ask. I wish to nurture a stronger faith.

Norma Salazar of Agnus Deishares the special grace ofsilence and loving memory:

During these days, I was able torecall the graces I received fromthe Lord. I remember the first timeI had a retreat here (at SacredHeart Novitiate) was with myhusband July in October 2005.The second time was 2008; I wasby myself because he hadalready passed away.

It is very painful to look back and remember the days we weretogether as a couple but having this kind of retreat helps memove on. The peacefulness also helped me commune with theLord in a very special way.

Here are some lines from a Jewish prayer that reminds melove continues after death:

In the rising of the sun and its going down,In the blowing of the wind, in the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer,In the rustling of leaves, in the beginning of the year and when it ends,When we are weary and in need of strength, when lost and sick of heart,When there are joys we yearn to share,We remember.So long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us,As we remember them.

Thank you so much for this retreat. It was a wonderful experiencefor me. To Fr. Jun and Fr. Mon, thank you. To the auxies, thanksfor your persistent willingness to help me carry on.

The retreat does not end here...Sally Chua Chiaco (Council,John BCGG) shares:

I was blessed to have Fr. MonBautista, SJ as my spiritualdirector. He saw through thedepth of my pain. In October 2006I lost my daughter Rina, then only30, and 2 days a mother to herbaby, Tammi. I thought I had donewhat I should do to be healed –an Opus Dei retreat, Retreats in

Daily Life in two consecutive years, sharing in BCGG meetings,tracing Jesus’ footsteps in the Holy Land – and I thought I hadbeen healed, only to rediscover anew a deep-rooted pain. MySD’s prescription was “ventilation in prayer” following the formatof Ignatian prayer exercises. “No ventilation, no healing,” hesaid. He was careful to say that when going through the stepsof the prayer exercise, I should take my time and go to thenext step “only when ready.” My RDL experience helpedfacilitate my prayers – humility and openness to God allowedme to unearth various emotions still festering deep within mysoul… sadness, yearning, resistance, even confusion and guilt.Some of these emotions I wasn’t even aware of. As my SDhad predicted, I did not get to finish my prayer exercise duringthe retreat. I now have homework to do, “ventilation in prayer.”I need to be faithful to my prayer time.

Healing Life’s Greatest HurtFour retreatants share – let us listen to what they say,

and to what they leave unsaid.


A Weekend of ChallengesMark & Karen Madrid, ME Class 99

Last November 2009, my wife and Iwere participants in our Marriage Encoun-ter weekend and although we graduatedwith a brand new lease on married life, Ihave to admit that whole weekend wasalso physically and emotionally draining.An even bigger surprise came when werealized that we were being pulled into amore serious commitment with the MagisDeo Community. We were assigned tobe the lead coordinating couple for ourwhole class. To my wife and me, the re-sponsibility was daunting. Succeedingmeetings took place and, I have to ad-mit, it was a little uncomfortable trying toinvite our batch mates whom we thoughtshared the same thoughts as we did. Butas God would have it, our group becamecloser and closer after every meeting. Thethought of organizing our own ME week-end was a big worry for us. It was onlylater that we realized the system laid by

all previous ME classes is so thoughtthrough and organized that we had a sighof relief. A few preparations, fund-raisingsand song and dance practices later, wewere ready.

Twenty one couples were greetedwith a spa-themed reception. From thewelcome drinks, the sarongs and fruitplatters, the mandala flower arrange-ments and aromatic scents, to the fruitbaskets and orchids in their rooms, itwas a cheerful welcome to the partici-pants. One of them was so convincedthat she actually asked if there was amassage service. Singing and dancingin front of a large group, certainly not myforte, were challenging to say the least.My wife on the other hand was glorious!My other group mates, especially themen, were very enthusiastic. We werepleasantly surprised that this new batchof participants caught on with our sing-

ing and dancing that almost all of themtook our lead and followed. Seeing alltwenty one of them attentive and eagerto search for guidance, enlightenment andenrichment was very encouraging.

Reflection and writing all thoughtswith no hurry was probably somethingnew to most. More so for those who areso used to the fast paced lifestyle thatmost of us lead. There was no time limitin expressing our thoughts and freelyconversing with God. Taking time to lis-ten to what He is saying.

Falling in love is one thing but main-taining it is an entirely different ball game.Married life is made much more challeng-ing when conflicts, disagreements, mort-gages, and even personality differencescome into play. External vices that cre-ate episodes of distrust can wreak havoc


in a relationship. Trust is too easy to loseand very hard to regain. Both husbandand wife must go through great lengthstogether to maintain trust. They have aresponsibility to love each other and dowhatever it takes to maintain a happymarriage. Being conscious of keeping Godin the center of the marriage can do won-ders in keeping the bond strong betweenhusband and wife.

We all wear masks. We sometimeshide our true feelings from other people,including our spouses. Sometimes we areoverly concerned with what we say, howwe say it, and how your spouse mightreact to it. Writing love letters opens win-dows from the heart to let all our feelings,inhibitions, fears and concerns flow outfreely; those that often escape us whenwe try to say it verbally. If both of youaccept that feelings are neither right norwrong, then writing is a very effective toolto reach out to your spouse and expressevery little or big thing that is stuck inyour heart.

To keep the love strong, the simplestform of appreciation can do wonders.Opening a door for the wife or preparing asandwich for the husband can only meanthat love is strong in us. A simple “Howare you?” text message may only costP2.00 but it certainly goes a long way (if

you text back nicely). Gifts are some-times not perfect. When you are given agift, it may be the wrong color, the wrongsize, but it’s a gift none the less. Giftsare given not just for any reason but be-cause the giver cares for you. God lovesus dearly and He never gives bad gifts.He knows us all too well and hand-pickedthe best partner for each of us. Karen isthe greatest gift that God has given me.

Continued on page 10

Left: One of the sculptures in the garden ofthe BLD Covenant Retreat House, venueof the ME Weekend. Below: The 21 coupleswalked hand in hand through this candlelitaisle, on the way to their special Saturdaynight dinner.


What is God’s plan? As frustrating as it may some-times seem, God’s plan is only known by God himself andshall only be revealed to us as each day comes. Everyonemust have a fully trusting attitude to His plan even if prayerscontinue to be left unanswered. People often feel rejection,deprivation and pain when they don’t get what they ask for.When misfortune strikes, we feel like we’re being punished.It is in these times when we should hold our faith strong.God truly works in mysterious ways and even tragediescan be turned into opportunities for us to give more to Him.

My lovely wife and I have been married for nine and ahalf years already but have not yet been blessed with chil-dren. After the Reconciliation Service that Saturday night,Father Ruben Tanseco prayed over us and a fellow auxil-iary couple for us to be blessed with children soon. FatherTanseco continued with saying that if it is God’s plan thatwe cannot have children of our own, then we pray that wetruly discern what other paths to take to realize God’s planin building His community.

Thank you Ike and Josie Llamas, Mhon and JacquiBuenaflor, Ramie and Mimi Santos, and most especiallyFr. Ruben Tanseco for the memorable weekend. Also, manythanks to our Shepherds Jojo and Jane Aldeguer, Rufo andLouren Dacanay and all auxiliaries who did their part inmaking this weekend a truly enriching weekend for every-one. Congratulations, ME Batch 102, and now that the torchhas been passed on to the new Shepherds, we look for-ward to seeing the Magis Deo Community grow with us inthe years to come.

A Weekend ... continued from page 9

Auxiliaries: ME Class 99 and Mustard Seed BCGG Top row, L-R: Joyce & Atoy Dy-Po, RufoDacanay (MS - Mustard Seed), Rox & Precie Osados, El & Maie Opao, Philip & Malu Panlilio (MS), Leo &

Grace Moselina (MS), Cid & Linda Elevazo.Ladies flashing the peace sign, L-R: Roj Casas, Cheng Castañeda, Army Aggabao.

Seated, L-R: Jojo & Jane Aldeguer (MS and ME 99 Shepherd), Mark & Karen Madrid, Vic & Bebot Hurna.

The participants and auxies sing and dance to the beat of“Ang Tunay na Kristiyano.”


“Look into His Eyes” is one of the stories written byAnthony de Mello, SJ in his book entitled “The Song of theBird.”

“The Commander of the Occupation troops said to theMayor of the mountain village: “We know you are hiding atraitor. Unless you give him up to us, we shall harass yourpeople by every means in our power.

The village was, indeed, hiding a man who was evidentlyinnocent. But what could the Mayor do now that the welfare ofthe village was at stake? Days of discussions in the VillageCouncil led to no conclusion. So the Mayor took the matterup with the Priest. Priest and Mayor spent a whole nightsearching the Scriptures and finally came up with a text thatsaid, “It is better that one man die to save the nation.” So,the Mayor handed over the fugitive whose screams echoedthrough the village as he was tortured till he died.

Twenty years later a prophet came to that village, wentright up to the Mayor and said, “How could you have donethis? That man was sent by God to be the savior of thiscountry. And you handed him over to be tortured and killed.”“But where did I go wrong?” the Mayor pleaded. “The Priestand I looked at the Scriptures and did what they commanded.”“That’s where you went wrong,” said the prophet. “You shouldhave looked into his eyes.”

In Magis Deo, my frustration in searching for God’sunconditional love went on for years. I just could not come toterms with it. It was one of the reasons why I kept on attendingretreats. It was only after taking the Annual Ignatian RetreatNos. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 that God’s unconditional love began tounfold in my life. (Note: God’s Love is the topic/theme for AIR1.) It was not revealed to me like a “big bang” during AIR 5. Idid not even experience a metanoia during AIR 5. However,

the change started when, after the retreat, I kept on reflectingon the penance given by the priest after my Saturday eveningconfession at AIR 5. Instead of asking me to pray “one OurFather, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be,” the priest told methat for my penance, I go to the chapel to renew my maritalvow... For years, I kept on searching for God’s unconditionallove. For years, I was frustrated. I should have just looked intomy Edith’s eyes!

Around 10 pm, on our way home from a shepherds’meeting with Eva Galvey, we stopped at a traffic light alongEDSA/Ayala. A beggar approached and knocked on the windowof our car. Edith pulled from her bag a fifty-peso bill and handedit to the beggar. Then, I closed the window and waited for thetraffic light to change to green. I noticed that after I closed thewindow, the beggar just sat beside our car. Before the trafficlight turned green, I reopened my window and told the beggar,“Sigue ho, ingat kayo.” When I looked at the beggar, shestood up and with a sheepish childlike smile replied, “Maraming,maraming salamat po!” She waved at us as she walked away.Many times I read spiritual books like Anthony de Mello’s TheSong of the Bird to find inspiration and feel God’s presence.However, many times I never bother nor care to look into “abeggar’s eyes” and feel God’s presence there.

Look into His EyesEli Prieto, Jr.

Music Ministry / Genesis of David

Prayer for the Magis Deo Elections*(to be prayed everyday until the day of the elections)

O God, Our Father, Lord and Creator, in your almighty wisdom andgoodness, you have guided and sustained our community, Magis Deo, allthese past 22 years as we sought to serve you and do your will.

We are very grateful for your love. We beg you to send the light ofyour Holy Spirit to those who have responsibility for choosing our leaderswho will guide us in the way that leads to you, and preserve in unity andlove this community which you have called to your service.

We also beg you for a generous heart for those who are eligiblefor elections, that they may be willing to put the treasures that you havebestowed so bountifully on them in your service through the communityand those that it serves.

We ask this through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. who lives andreigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

* This prayer was inspired by the prayer used for the election of the newSuperior General of the Society of Jesus. Some of the passages of this prayerare from it.


NEWSBITS / ANNOUNCEMENTSNEWSBITS / ANNOUNCEMENTS

Suyuan atOlandes,Marikina

August 15, 2010

Facilitators/Sharers:Benz and VinaDimanalata, Joeyand Maricel Suarez,Eli and Edith Prieto.

Suyuan at Sta. FilomenaAugust 8 and August 22, 2010

F a c i l i t a t o r s /Sharers: Mon andAlice Go, Eli andEdith Prieto, DjarnPestaño, FerdieCruz.


COUNCIL CORNERSCENES AND SIGNS OF FAITH

Clyde D. Abapo, Jeremiah BCGG

Early childhood

Life is a story of learning andexperience. What we are today is aconglomeration of past experiences. Ourexperiences can be a mixture of joy,suffering, risks, and opportunities. For aslong as we live, there are lessons to belearned; and they contribute to ourdevelopment and character-building.

We can view life in four or fivestages. The first stage would be our earlychildhood, when things make sense.This is when some of us may havestarted to sow the seed of our religiousbelief. Following is a recollection of mychildhood days.

I practically grew up with mygrandparents, since my mother andfather were busy earning a living. At thattime I did not have an idea of the natureof their work. What I knew was that theymade sure that food was available on thetable.

My paternal grandparents took careof us. Grandma’s name was MarcelaSaavedra. I assumed she was of Spanishdescent because of her mestizafeatures. Through the years, her outfitwas the typical baro’t saya even duringspecial occasions. She was a fine cook.I loved the way she prepared “inun-onan”(fish paksiw) and “tinowa” (fish sinigang).She was such a good cook that shecould easily figure out the kind ofpreparation for any species of fish shebought. I found her to be deeply religious.She prayed the Holy Rosary twice a day:

early morning and evening at bedtime.In her bedroom was an “ecce homo,” astatue or icon of the face of the sufferingJesus Christ crowned with thorns.Presumably, this was handed down toher from past generations. She musthave had a special devotion to the icon.

During the Holy Week, she alwaysreminded us of the prohibitions duringthat week. In my young mind, MamaCela was an eye-opener of my Christianleaning.

My paternal grandfather’s namewas Papa Culas. I knew I was hisfavorite because almost always, I sleptbeside him. Also, he once had atailoring shop named after me (Clyde’sTailoring). I remember him as having agood grasp of herbal medicine.Whenever my siblings and I were downwith fever, he would go out and gathersome atis and gabon leaves, and boiledthem as our medicinal drink. Crushedgumamela bud is good for blisters andboils. Of course, guava leaves areexcellent for diarrhea. These are justsome samples of his herbalconcoctions.

Papa Culas was a believer of thepower of prayer. Although he was not afaith healer, he had “oracion” or Latinprayers, to rebuke evil spirits and easeup physical discomfort. This is nodifferent from a pray-over session weextend to our loved ones and friends.

My maternal grandfather was TatayImo (Maximo Donaire). I remember himto be a simple and humble person. Hewas already a widower when I had achance to visit him in Camotes Island.During my stay, money was not asignificant factor in a typical barrio life.Its main usage was to buy matches andkerosene to light a lamparilla. Of course,there was also the transportationexpense which only happens once in ablue moon. Food was abundant in termsof corn grits, root crop, fruits, vegetablesand native chicken. Fish and edible shellswere readily available from the nearbysea. Tatay Imo made sure I wasaccorded this bounty from nature. Asidefrom food, I had the opportunity to enjoythe peace and harmony of thesurroundings. I always recall this feelingwhenever I visit retreat houses close tonature.

Council Eligibles for 2011 PastoralCouncil Elections

Community Recollection & Electionswith Fr. Ruben Tanseco, SJ

9:00 am 02 October 2010CEFAM Seminar Room 1

ADMU, Quezon City

1. Balderas, Marcia2. Fred & Cora Buenaventura3. Ted & Susan Concepcion4. Ferdie Cruz5. Danny & Charito Dimayuga6. Levy & Roxanne Espiritu7. Mon & Alice Go8. Apin & Chie Llamas9. Ike & Josie Llamas

10. Tony & Bambi Narciso11. Charley & Jay Ng Sy12. Leony & Mia Parada13. Cesar & Marivic Pareja14. Djarn Pestaño15. Flor Pison16. Suni Rodriguez17. Ramie & Mimi Santos18. Art & Grace Santos


Rey Mella, Council / Cana BCGG

SPIRITUAL TIDBITS AND HUMOR

Finding God’s purpose

Continued on page 15

In late 2002, my parents who live inCanada decided that they would cel-ebrate their golden wedding anniversary.One of the items in the plan is the hiringof a very good photography outfit to coverboth the video and do the still photos.

The planning for the celebration wasled by my eldest sister, who lived in theUS and coordinated with my siblings inCanada by phone and email. Things werelooking good and my parents did nothave to do anything nor did we plan onhaving them pay for anything. We theirchildren were contributing to pay for theentire celebration. My parents agreed toevery single item on the plan – the venue,the priest, the program, the design of thedress, motif, etc., except for one thing.

My father insisted on a more expen-sive, high-end photography outfit thatwould take care of the still pictures andthe portraits. My brother had alreadycontacted a Filipino to do the stills butmy father insisted on a Canadian outfit,Stambaugh Photography, and decided topay for the services himself. This becamea bone of contention for several weeksand I somehow got involved on the dis-cussions by phone. Finally, over our ownobjections and disagreements with mydad, we all agreed that since he waspaying for it anyway, we would let himhave his way.

On April 26, 2003, the ceremoniestook place and we all had a blast. In be-tween the church ceremonies in themorning and the dinner reception, we hadour photo op at the Stambaugh studio. Itlasted 4 hours.

__________

On November 13 of the same year,barely 7 months after the golden wed-ding anniversary, my father suddenlydied of complications from a blockedcolon and kidney failure. We were all soshocked and so unprepared since, otherthan a wound which took months to healwhich caused him to limp at the ceremo-nies, my dad was generally healthy. Orso we thought.

I again flew to Canada to attend thefuneral services. In contrast to the happy

moments in April, this was a very sadreunion. After the funeral, I was going overtheir golden wedding anniversary albumwith my mom, and I saw for the very firsttime the pictures and the quality of thework by Stambaugh. The pictures weresimply beautiful and outstanding. I cried.Somehow my father knew what he wasdoing and anticipated his dying. And, byinsisting on the outfit, he left us some-thing to treasure, to look at and remi-nisce on the event. He had his reasons.Perhaps, so did God.

__________

My wife has always wanted a tradi-tional business of her own. A few monthsback, she found a laundry service thatsatisfied her expectations and standards.The owner of the franchise was a formercolleague in the company she used towork for. Thus it was a lot easier for herto deal with him due to the high level oftrust between them. Consistent with herdesires to help out her brother who hadjust retired and also to reduce the risk ofdoing it alone, she shared the informa-tion about the opportunity with herbrother. Coincidentally, his brother hadactually done much “research” on somelaundry franchises.

Over several weeks of meetings anddiscussions, with the location decidedand the franchise deal closed, mybrother-in-law thought and decided thathe really needed the business more thanhis sister and wanted to go for the fran-chise alone to increase his proceedsfrom the business. After all, he was un-employed and needed a regular income.When he texted my wife about his inten-tions, my wife got so upset and couldnot understand why her brother suddenlywanted it all; she was emotional aboutthe possible loss of the business. I gotinvolved to make sure the texting re-mained cordial and positive. My brother-in-law apologized profusely throughtexting. My wife refused to call and talkto him.

After praying over how she shouldreact and feel over the whole situation,we both decided she would meet withher brother to clarify things. Before themeeting, we had already decided that she

would let go of her interests and emo-tions, and thought that it really was notfor her.

A day or two after the emotional textexchanges, my wife decided to let herbrother drop by our house for them totalk things over. I told her I would be up-stairs and they could just call me if theyneeded me, but that this was their meet-ing and an issue they needed to resolveon their own. My brother-in-law arrived,flowers on one hand and a cake on theother. My wife met him at the door andboth immediately hugged and cried. Mywife told me later there really wasn’t muchto talk about and they simply clarifiedthe situation. They both understood eachother and made a conscious decisionthat their relationship was far more im-portant than the business. My wife and Ilater said to ourselves that her brotherneeded help and God used her to findthe franchise and lead it to him.

__________

When my daughter Fiona was 6years old, she was bitten by our dog. Assoon as we found out, my wife and Irushed home and attended to the prob-lem. We brought her to a pediatrician fortreatment. As she was being checkedby the doctor, the doctor was also advis-ing us how to deal with the dog. The ini-tial story from the yaya was that mydaughter was in the house and walkedto the yard and the dog bit her. This wasof great concern as no house dog wouldbite someone it knew without any provo-cation. This meant that the dog was notin his senses, had brain damage andneeded to be killed for examination tofind out if it had rabies. The doctor wentto such excruciating detail on how thedog’s head had to be severed from itshead. It was frightening.

The following day my wife broughtmy daughter to the hospital for infectiousdiseases in Alabang for proper treatmentand injection. Along the way, mother anddaughter talked. My daughter told herhow the dog bit her. She was in the lanai.The dog was sleeping. She approachedthe dog and wrapped her hands and fin-


Finding God’s purpose... continued from page 14

gers around the dog’s neck. The dog continued to sleep. Then,she tightened her grip on the dog’s neck. The dog choked,was startled and bit her. The truth was revealed. We all had agood laugh at the truth. The dog lived.

This was a simple lesson on not making the wrong as-sumptions, on not jumping to conclusions, and on getting tothe truth of the matter first.

__________

“I learned the most important lesson of my life: that theextraordinary is not the birthright of a chosen and privilegedfew, but of all people, even the humblest. That is my one cer-tainty: we are all the manifestation of the divinity of God.”

- Paulo Coelho

After quite some time, I made it again to the to theAIR sans Charley. I felt I needed a retreat at thispoint and time in my life. Since the retreat would

be about God’s Love and Surprises, I felt it would perk mylife that seems to have come to a plateau.

I was really surprised that on thefirst session. among the list of reasonsto pray that was given to us goes, “LordJesus, I pray because many times I feelsad, down, troubled, lonely, lost, at timeseven wanting to give up and not to keepgoing.” I needed comfort. I needconsolation.

Tears rolled down my cheeksunceasingly. I have always believed thatI have come to a point in my life that Iam accepting everything that comes myway and I just lifted up to God those thatare heavy to carry. I could not understandwhy I was so much affected.

Later in the evening, the prayer to prepare ourselves forquieting down was, “Lord Jesus, I ask for the grace of silence,stillness, and openness so that I can dispose myself welland face myself and face my God truthfully in this retreat.” Iprayed hard.

On the second day the talk was on God’s unconditionallove and unconditional loving. Going through the exercise ofcounting the blessings in life, I felt so much gratitude. Icould no longer find a reason for the feelings that werearticulated in the initial prayer. I was in total stillness as Isat before the Blessed Sacrament. I felt PEACE.

I realized that I needed to pray to thank God for all Hehad blessed me with in life. I could not ask for more. Whoam I to deserve so much blessings? Could it be that“somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have donesomething good?”

I prayed for comfort... the retreat was my solace.

Contemplating on the suggested scripture readings thesucceeding two days, only one message lingered in my mind:the call for discipleship.

Since our dear Tita Cathy’s death, signs have been comingmy way . Her very words “it’s about time” the last time I talkedto her and told her about my saying “Yes” to share in thecommunity celebration even reading to her my sharing, keptringing in my ears.

Scripture readings taken during our succeeding BCGGprayer meetings were on the same light.

Attendance of our BCGG members was 100% which I feltwas their way of showing cooperation and support.

The talk of Manny Blas “I’m no Moses” gave answers andassurances to my questions and doubts.

God knew the fear in my heart.

I am aware of my limitations. I knowwho and what my co-BCGGs are...having been with some of them for over2 decades and some not less than 10years. I feel I am not worthy to be inTita Cathy’s place! But I also know thatno one else would understand the“personality” of Agnus Dei.

During the retreat, I realized thatthe feelings of being sad, lonely,troubled, at times wanting to give upwere because of my apprehensions on

becoming a BCGG head.

God knew what was in my heart, that’s why I believe DivineProvidence had it that we will not be commissioned duringthat community celebration as scheduled. Instead He mademe fully understand “discernment.” That’s my Waterloo. Fr.Mon was heaven-sent.

The retreat made me sensitive to all the signs of my calling.

I am now ready for us to be commissioned as BCGGhead of Agnus Dei at the August community celebration. Godcould have planned it to be so. He knows that I couldn’t say“No” to whatever service He calls me for on my birthday. Godwants me to live my commitment of making it my way ofsaying... Thank you Lord for my life and all that it is.

I prayed for consolation....

I am consoled by the words “God does not choose ablepeople but He makes capable those He calls.

So again (this time with conviction), HERE I AM, LORD!

Finding comfort andconsolation in the AIRJay Ng Sy, Agnus Dei BCGG


September Wedding Anniversaries

6 Marty & Aggie Escalona ME Class 918 Arthur & Neds Vargas ME Class 9513 Mon & Karen Soriano ME Class 9814 Wilson & Merlene Chua ME Class 9015 Jeng & Angel Jopson ME Class 9618 Jojo & Mina De Castro Emmanuel

Joe & Myr Seranilla Mustard Seed20 Roy & Annie Baldo Emmanuel21 Gaylord & Norma Cordero Philippians22 Glo & Val Bisquera Beatitudes

Peping & Celia Echivaria Exodus25 Myk & Dang Atienza ME Class 8926 Jonjon & Frances Cadag ME Class 10029 Apin & Chie Llamas Corinthians30 Rey & Suzette Coronel Corinthians

Calendar of Activities: September - November 2010

September01 Briefing for Council Eligibles CeFam – Seminar Room 2 Magis Deo 426-71913-5 ME-2 (P3,000/couple) St. Scholastica, Tagaytay MEFP 426-420604 Sat Community Celebration San Carlos Lay Formation Center M.E. Ministry / North Sector

Multi Purpose Hall – 3rd Floor Magnificat & Sirach08 Shepherds Meeting - 4 Sanctuario de San Antonio Parish Office Magis Deo 426-719111 Update for Seminar Workshop of CeFam – Seminar Room 1 MEFP 426-4206

May 22 & Aug.14 by Fr. Tanseco15 Council Meeting – Host: Prieto TBA Magis Deo 426-719118 Sat Couple’s Night Quezon City Sports Club Apin Llamas 0919-854-5248

Marivic Pareja 0918-979-7576October02 Sat Community Recollection & CeFam – Seminar Room 1 Council / Comelec

Pastoral Council Elections06 Shepherds Meeting - 5 Sanctuario de San Antonio Parish Office Magis Deo 426-719120 Council Meeting – Host: Alfonso TBA Magis Deo 426-719122-24 Annual Ignatian Retreat (AIR) Sacred Heart Novitiate, Novaliches Suni Rodriguez 912-178122-24 Spiritual Deepening Retreat (SDR) Maryridge Retreat House, Tagaytay Clyde & Patchot Abapo 838-855326 Sector & Ministry Heads Mtg. (tentative) TBA Magis Deo 426-7191November05 Community Celebration San Carlos Lay Formation Center Finance

Multi Purpose Hall – 3rd Floor South Sector06 MEFP 8th Festival of Songs AFP Theater, Camp Aguinaldo, Q.C. MEFP 426-420610 Shepherds Meeting - 6 Sanctuario de San Antonio Parish Office Magis Deo 426-719113-14 Team Couples Training CeFam – Seminar Room 1 MEFP 426-420617 Council Meeting– Host: Bañez TBA Magis Deo 426-719119-21 MEW (ME Class 103) – P3,200/couple BLD Covenant House, Cavite Ike/Josie Llamas 821-0639

Fr. Ruben M. Tanseco, S.J.23 Fr. Ruben’s 78th Birthday30 Sector & Min. Heads Mtg. (tentative) TBA Magis Deo 426-7191

September Birthday Celebrants

2 Jaear Briones ME Class 95Au Juanzon ME Class 97

4 Louie Obis Kapatiran Kay Kristo5 Benjie Santiago Kapatiran Kay Kristo7 Marivic Canoso Magnificat

Regie de Guzman CorinthiansBoyet Ambata ME Class 92Elvie Lubguban Magnificat

8 Henry Cruz Psalm 46-SamaritansMama Mary

10 Glo Boren Agnus DeiMarlon Alagao ME Class 97

11 Jun Sison Corinthians12 Leslie Gatchalian Corinthians14 Joy Uy-Tioco Sirach15 Vikki Brillantes Cana17 Roy Baldo Emmanuel

Rufo Dacanay Mustard Seed18 Beng Pascual Corinthians19 Myr Seranilla Mustard Seed

Mina De Castro EmmanuelFrances Malaza ME Class 98

20 Jojo Aldeguer Mustard Seed21 Gaylord Cordero Philippians

Joan Lugti ME Class 8922 Roland Tiongson Corinthians24 Robert Tumaliuan Mustard Seed25 Jojo De Castro Emmanuel26 Chie Llamas Corinthians

Lucy Mella CanaNorma Salazar Agnus Dei

27 George Pascual Corinthians28 Elsie Marquez ME Class 98

Interface Schedule Sept. to Nov. 2010

Mustard Seed PhilippiansCana Psalm 46Corinthians Kapatiran Kay KristoGenesis of David Archangel GabrielJeremiah ExodusJohn ThessaloniansMagnificat BeatitudesEmmanuel SirachAgnus Dei Mt. Olivet

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