“SO THAT your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.” The Second Reading reminds us that everything emanates from God.
It is with this Recognition of Faith in God that made me "Rise-up" to share our experience of Peace, Security and Development in the DENR Multi- stakeholders Forum in CDO. I have been invited when TP was undergoing treatment, in fact in the midst of confusion because of TP's worsening state CENRO Jim Salvador was communicating with me for confirmation.This one is my first Public Speaking engagement as a widow. I am thankful for DENR for giving a venue for our voices to be heard and for Dir. Apple, Jasmine, my scriptwriter; Garnette, Dynah, and Christian. I reviewed, and edited the talk and told myself to give it my best and offered it to God! With my heels on (thanks to my husband for the gift, ) we shared the hope of environmental protection as a collective responsibility for our children.
February 2 was our Fiesta in Sta. Maria: Our Lord's Presentation and our Lady's Purification. I was able to join the early morning procession before my flight. Arrived CDO with Christian welcoming me in the airport. After orientation at the Conference venue, we attended the mass in Xavier University CDO. Here in CDO I recalled meeting TP (my husband Trifonio Salazar) years past where he took me on a long ride holding my hand, which took on our life together.
Here in Xavier, God gave me the opportunity to receive the William Masterson Award with Sec. Dinky Soliman with Fr. Bobby Yap, SJ. as University President. The call of Surrendering and consecrating our lives to God was preached. After mass was Holy Hour and Confession where I met Fr. JR Orbeta, SJ, who gave me a tight hug, since I recall he was a scholastic in Zamboanga City.
A beautiful moment of prayer where I reflected on TP's words: "MAHAL TAYO NG DIOS!" This took away the pain as I prayed for EVERYONE who expressed their love in our bereavement. May God nourish you all with love. Some travel amidst costly tickets, sharing generously and praying. I took time to thank the priests as well. Gracias con todo.
The next day, the Lord opened possibilities for us of things to come amidst our loss. We emphasized investments on security to protect the family and usher in development. After the talk, we attended noon mass. It was my Mom's death Anniversary. The blessing of Throats done, praying to St. Blaise.
Our journey took us to the Abbey of Transfiguration: Benedictine Monks. Along the way I took a nap, to wake up in Malaybalay. We entered the Monastery just as the bell rang, in time for Vespers. The afternoon prayers in chant were so uplifting that tears rolled my eyes. The reverential bows in every Glory Be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit was an honor to the Holy Trinity. What a sacred sojourn and solace.
We went to offer and surrender to Our Lady of Montserrat: La Moreneta with Jesus for our Lives. Just like the offering of St. Ignatius to Mary in Montserrat. We stretched our hands to Mary and Jesus and bowed our hands, surrendering our life. As we explored the premises, the moon was beaming beautifully above the sky.
"I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life." Jn 8:12 The moon was the Light of Christ present in our journey as darkness crept in dusk. It was a providential sign of God's presence. We headed back to CDO this time with a growing landscape of development.
The next day we headed home. The trip took me to Luzon, and Visayas for stopovers and back to Mindanao. We need to be the Salt to bring meaning to life despite loss from Jobs, relationships and significant parting. The desire to stand-up is inspired by Jesus who will help us take that step to give our best and share our message.
In every restful sleep and awakening was a prayer of surrender and gratitude to God who is Light for us to bring hope to others. Gracias a Dios y Sagrada Familia! We end with today's Gospel to continue to do good - Summum Bonum!
"Just so, your
light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and
glorify your heavenly Father." (MBC)
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