Tidbits of Life

AFTER I DISEMBARKED a block beyond the Salazar Institute of Technology in Cebu City from a mini-bus coming in from the southern part of Cebu, I took a 12L route from Labangon on my way to the University of San Carlos-North Campus in General Maxilom Avenue. Along Vicente Rama Avenue, I looked around the seats across from me inside the jeepney. Men and women, talking in a world of their own; some had their sights blankly set far afar.   I can see so much diversity among them--different faces, different worlds, different stories to tell. And then a warm feeling welled up from my soul at this sight as a voice came into my mind, my unspeaking voice, in great wonders, "You are overwhelmingly amazing, Lord!" There is no limit in the beauty of creation, and in the unfathomable love of God for mankind. FATHER, open our eyes to the gift of community you have granted mankind. Let us emerge in the wonders of your love and omniscience. Let us be consumed in all the wonders of

The last thing I expected yesterday was to attend a consecration ceremony for two single women to the religious life in the Living the Gospel Community (LGC), founded by Monsignor Frederick Kriekenbeek and located in the parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Minglanilla, Cebu. The sisters who made their perpetual profession of vows--the three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience--were Ma. Hazel Lastimosa, LGC and Ma. Dolores La Rosa, LGC. I dropped by the parish church compound simply to visit the Blessed Sacrament and to check on the sales status of MorningSun booklets sold at the parish book center. But then before I even did any one of the above, my attention got caught by an ongoing Holy Mass concelebrated by a bishop (it turned out later that there were two bishops in that celebration) and around 20 priests. A soft and delightful invitation to attend the Mass came into my mind and my response was an outright "Yes!" as I walked into the church pews, joining the ce