MARCHE ENSSEMBLE

Dynamics Of Immature Psychosexual Intimacy

2008-09-25T05:55:00.000-07:00

1.Immaturity in intimate relationships is rooted in deprivation and repression of basic needs.

•The immature person will say: ‘I need you, therefore, I love you!’
•The mature person will say: ‘I love you, therefore, I need you!’

2.In immature intimacy:The primary need is for reassurance.

In mature intimacy:The primary need is for affection.

3.The immature intimate is assuming:

‘Someone out there is going to take care of me, right all wrongs
and protect me from danger.’
Such an assumption masks his true feelings of helplessness, fear, anger and confusion and brings false hopes to a chaotic situation.

4.The immature intimate becomes genitally involved because he has never experienced intimacy with anyone, including parents and friends. Such a person can easily transfer a simple desire to be loved into a desire to be genitally intimate. This is the only way he knows how to get human contact.

5.If the physical closeness of genital sexuality is the only bridge to contact with others, it acquires abnormal importance.

6.In the immature person, there is sexualization of the basic needs for security, power and affection and confusion of anger and love. Sexual expression tends to be compulsive and indiscriminate.

7.For the immature, genital sex is a defense against close, personal involvement. Physical but impersonal sexual behaviour is used as a way or avoiding communication and vulnerability, which form the basis of mature intimacy.

Manila - Mindanao - PHILIPPINES

2008-09-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

Discernment

2008-09-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

A Fundamental Attitude For Life

To discern is to endeavor to ensure that our actions and the pattern of our life, are in tune with God’s living action in the world. In the decisions we are faced each day, in the choices we are called upon to make, we try to remain closely aligned with God’s plan for us and all humankind.

This attitude and endeavor of ours is based in turn on the conviction that the Spirit is present and is leading us.

The whole idea of discernment is quite simply based on the belief that we are led by the Spirit of the Lord, and that we are able to detect genuine signs of his purpose.

Discernment is a fundamental attitude which should guide our life and our mission.

This discernment in the Holy Spirit calls for:
* a spirit of faith.
* attentiveness to the word of God.
* fidelity to the charism of the Institute.
* an accurate reading of the signs of the times.
* putting aside of particular interests of individuals or groups

Vocation and Call

2008-09-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

The concept of the call lies at the heart of Christian spirituality. It is part of the life of the people who followed God and who have followed Jesus. This is very obvious within the Scriptures. It is central to the relationship between the divine and the human person.

In the Scriptures, God first called humanity to respond to his invitation to come and be with him. It is first a call into existence. (Gen 1:1 – 2:3 and Gen 2: 18-25)

Therefore our first call is to be ‘HUMAN.’ God calls human beings. It is through our creation that we are in partnership with God. “I will be your God and you shall be my people. We are called into relationship!

Second call for the Christian comes at ‘BAPTISM.’ We are called into the fullness of Christ and become one body and one spirit in Christ. Jesus called humanity to God, to be partners; co-workers; co-creators. Jesus therefore is the ‘one who calls.’ All men and women therefore receive God’s general call and each responds in specific way!

Call Within The Scriptures:

Within the scriptures there is a pattern found in several of the call narratives:
Judges 6: 11-40 (Gideon). Jeremiah 1: 4-10. Isaiah 6: 1-13. Luke 1: 26-37 (Mary)

1. The Divine Confrontation:
God or the divine messenger enters the scene. It is clear that a divine encounter is to take place. God enters our human experience.

2. The Introductory Word:
Some explanation statement is given.
It can be a greeting or a clarification for the person.

3.The Commission:
The person receives a direct command or a task that will lie ahead of them.

4.The Objection:
Usually there is a response from the person which is usually negative. The task seems to be impossible for them.

5.The Reassurance:
God or the messenger responds immediately. Assuring the person that the task will not have to be done alone. God’s help and presence will be with them.

6.The Sign:
Not all calls include a sign but many do. It is letting the person know that God is faithful to his word.

Wise Men and Fools

2008-09-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools talk because they have to say something.

True Friendship

2008-09-17T06:03:00.000-07:00

True friendship isn't seen with the eyes, it is felt with the heart.
When there is trust, understanding, loyalty, and sharing.
True friendship is a rare feeling, but when it is found
It has profound impact on our well-being, strength, and character.
True friendship does not need elaborate gifts
Or spectacular events in order to be valuable or valued.
To ensure long-lasting quality and satisfaction,
True friendship only needs a few key ingredients:
Undying loyalty, unmatched understanding, unsurpassed trust,
Deep and soulful secrets, and endless sharing.
These ingredients, mixed with personality and a sense of humor,
Can make a friendship last a lifetime!
Unknown Source

A heart To be Small

2008-09-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

For me, a heart to be small means simplicity of oneself and one's life. It involves being in an uncluttered relationship with myself, others, God and nature. To live a life that is of communion with others, as an equal and supported by others. To have the humility to be simple and to be open and attentive to God’s call and where he is leading me. My way of life should be that of Jesus’ life. A life that is towards the service of others, that calls for a friendship of shared life.
To have a small heart is to be obedient to God; a complete willingness to follow the way with real passion of God’s will. I need to have a discerning heart, an attitude to listen to God’s spirit and where he is calling me in the face of the changing world. I have to live a life that is witness to the Gospels and making way for conversion day by day. In the District of Melanesia, there were a number of brothers who left the Congregation. This had effect on the number of Brothers and the apostolate we are engaged in. For me it is a reflection of the consequences that involves the desire and the willingness to have: “A Heart to be Small.” When we refuse to identify with this smallness, we then like to find way s to be what we want to be in life and not what God has planned for us. As an individual on my Marist Formation, I have to have trust in God and to develop simplicity of heart. I have to acknowledge my strengths, weaknesses and limitation before God and others, and accept the unconditional love of God that leads to transcendence. I should live a life of Gospel witness. To live a life that can lead and motivate others to a life that is based on the values of love and concern for one another. To live a life of liminality: a prophetic witness of communion with God, embracing the call to have “A Heart To Be Small” with joy and gratitude and get on with it.

2008-08-03T23:34:00.000-07:00

Most of the 9,600 inhabitants of Manam Island had already been evacuated to the mainland as a result of ongoing volcanic activity that began in October 2004. Some 2,000 people were on the island when the latest eruption took place. Some had previously refused to be evacuated, while others had returned temporarily to tend gardens and check on property. Following the January 28 eruption, a further evacuation began, and at the time of writing was almost complete, with just 167 people still to be transferred to the mainland.

The future for people evacuated in November 2004 remains unclear. There is disagreement about whether the state holds current ownership of land in Bogia identified for possible resettlement of evacuees, or whether control of the land has reverted to traditional owners. This uncertainty has been the source of considerable frustration among evacuees. Some aid agencies have delayed their planned assistance because they are unsure of how long evacuees will remain at the care centres.

MANAM ISLAND - ERUPTION 05

2008-08-03T00:28:00.000-07:00

Em rong blo mi yet!!! - It's My Fault

2008-07-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

Definitions

2008-07-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

Lecture :

An art of transferring information from the notes of the Lecturer to

the notes of the students without passing through "the minds of either"

Conference :

The confusion of one man multiplied by the number present.

Compromise :

The art of dividing a cake in such a way that everybody believes he

got the biggest piece.

 Cigarette :

A pinch of tobacco rolled in paper with fire at one end & a fool on

the other.

Tears :

The hydraulic force by which masculine will-power is

defeated by feminine water power...

 Dictionary :

A place where success comes before work.

Conference Room :

A place where everybody talks, nobody listens and

everybody disagrees later on.

 Classic :

A book which people praise, but do not read.

 Smile :

A curve that can set a lot of things straight.

 Office :

A place where you can relax after your strenuous home life.

 Yawn

The only time some married men ever get to open their

mouth.

 Etc. :

A sign to make others believe that you know more than

you actually do.

 Committee :

Individuals who can do nothing individually and sit to

decide that nothing can be done together.

 Experience :

The name men give to their mistakes.

 Atom Bomb :

An invention to end all inventions.

 Philosopher :

A fool who torments himself during life, to be spoken of when dead.

 Diplomat :

A person who tells you where to go in such a way that you actually

look forward to the trip.

 Opportunist :

A person who starts taking bath if he accidentally falls into a river.

 Optimist :

A person who while falling from Eiffel tower says in midway "See I am not injured yet."

 Miser :

A person who lives poor so that he can die rich.

 Father

A banker provided by nature.

 Criminal :

A guy no different from the rest....except that he got

caught.

 Boss :

Someone who is early when you are late and late when you are early.

 Politician :

One who shakes your hand before elections and your Confidence after.

Doctor :

A person who kills your ills by pills, and kills you with his bills.

Unknown Source

On Being A Well

2008-07-02T22:21:00.000-07:00

What makes this world so lovely is that somewhere it hides a well.
Something lovely there is about a well so deep unzipped and real
filled with buckets and buckets of that life-giving stuff.
A faucet will do in a hurry but what makes the world so lovely in that somewhere it hides a well.

Sometimes people are like the wells deep and real
natural (unzipped) life-giving, calm and cool refreshing.
They bring out what is best in you
They are like fountains of pure joy
They make you want to sing or may be dance
They encourage you to laugh even when things get rough.
And may be that's why things never stay rough once you found a well.

Some experiences are like wells too.
People create them
They are life giving happenings
They are redeeming experiences
They are wells, wells of wonder, wells of hope.
When you find a well and you will someday
drink deeply of the gift within.
And then may be soon you'll discover that you have become what you've received.
And then you'll be a well for others to find.

So lift up your eyes
and look around you

Over the mountains, down in the valley
out in the oceans, over the runways
into the cities, into the country
sidewalks and highways
paths in the forest
into the hearts of a thirsty people.

Look!
and I beg you
don't ever stop looking
because what makes this world so lovely is that somewhere it hides a well,
a well that hasn't been found yet

And if you don't find it
maybe nobody will!

And if you don't be one
maybe
nobody will find you!

Source
"Seasons Of Your Heart" Macrina Wiederkehr

Reflection on The Man Born Blind. John 9 1-41

2008-06-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

“I was blind but now I see”

Being questioned by the neighbors and others the blind man who was able to see told them that he is born blind but now he can see. He was healed by the man called Jesus. For the man who was once blind, Jesus is someone who has the grace to make him see. He heard about Jesus but he does not know who he is.

However, as the story unfolds the man who made him see is a prophet; he is devout and does the will of God. After undergoing through the questions by the Pharisees, he came to have another personal encounter with Jesus. He saw Jesus and proclaimed, “I believe Lord,” and he worshiped him.
Some of the Pharisees argued that Jesus is not from God because he does not keep the Sabbath, others were amazed with what Jesus has done. There was a division among them. The parents of the man were afraid and were obliged to the law. They do not want to be expelled from the synagogue as it was said that “if anyone acknowledge him (Jesus) as the messiah he would be expelled from the synagogue.”
The healing of the man born blind was not easily accepted by everyone including the neighbors and others who saw what had happened.
In our journey of faith, we may go through times of joy, happiness and struggles or invitations for growth. The struggles or invitation to growth can be our blindness. These are the dark moments in our life. We may become too involved in happenings around us. It may be our work, projects, studies, and personal priorities. Like the blind man, God can be someone whom we heard of but we have no personal relationship with him because we have shunned him.
God’s divine intervention can happen in the dark moments of our lives. At times we may fail to acknowledge and say “I believe Lord.” Initially we can attribute God’s work in our lives to persons or situations.
Throughout life our spiritual realties interact dynamically with the experiences we undergo. Our experiences can be either graced by God’s goodness or invitation to grow. We can become aware of God’s works in our lives when we slow down and take time to review our life. Looking back at our life is an opportunity to discover our strengths, our blessedness and of course our weaknesses and limitations, which are invitations to grow into the fullness of life.
On the other hand God’s intervention in our personal life helps us to change for a better life in community, with ourselves, and with our God.
Changes happening for a person can not be easily embraced or accepted by others, as we see in the recovery of the blind man. This reaction may be caused by our past experiences of the person concerned, and our preconceived notion about the person.
Some changes can also be perceived as a threat to the dynamics of a group or the status quo.
We can also become a deaf ear to another person, hearing without listening and blind, seeing without noticing how God can work in the life of the people.
Humans we are, like the man born blind, the Pharisees, the parents of the man born blind and others we are all invited to listen, reflect and discern the goodness and the miracle of God that is happening in our daily lives.
By doing so, we will be able to say. “I was blind but now I see.”

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

2008-06-25T05:25:00.001-07:00

Hundreds Still Missing After Ferry Capsizes - PHILIPPINES

2008-06-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

REFLECTION

2008-06-24T06:08:00.000-07:00

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
We have exploited the poor and called it lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbour's possession and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of speech and expression.
We have ridiculed the time honoured values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Unknown Source
via email

Journey of Life

2008-06-08T01:30:00.000-07:00

Throughout life our spiritual realties interact dynamically with the experiences we undergo. Our experiences can be either graced by God’s goodness or invitation to grow. We can become aware of God’s works in our lives when we slow down and take time to review our life. Looking back at our life is an opportunity to discover our strengths, our blessedness and of course our weaknesses and limitations, which are invitations to grow into the fullness of life.

Our commitment as brothers is to proclaim the love of Jesus that is inclusive and available to everyone. In order to do so, we need to be awake and conscious with our choices. Like Mary, Mother of Jesus, we ponder in our hearts the commitment that we made before God, our community and others.

As we journey on, we may experience doubt, loss of enthusiasm, dryness of heart, or waywardness by pursuing false consolations. We shall fight our way through all this, especially by recourse to Mary, and with the help of our brothers.

Three Things

2008-06-07T23:24:00.000-07:00

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back.

Time
Words
Opportunity

Three things in life that can destroy a person.

Anger
Pride
Unforgiveness

Three things in life that you should never lose.

Hope
Peace
Honesty

Three things in life that are most valuable

Love
Family
Kindness.

Three things in life that are never certain

Fortune.
Success
Dreams

Three things that make a person.

Commitment
Sincerity
Hard work

Three things that are truly constant

Father - Son - Holy Spirit.

Unknown Source

ONE

2008-06-07T23:17:00.000-07:00

One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.

One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room.
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start a journey.
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits; One touch can show you care.

One voice can spark wisdom, One heart can know what is true.
One life can make a difference.
YOU SEE, ITS UP TO YOU.

Winner vs Loser

2008-06-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

The Winner is always part of the answer;

The Loser is always part of the problem.
**********
The Winner always has a program;

The Loser always has an excuse.
**********
The Winner says, "Let me do it for you";

The Loser says, "That is not my job."
*********
The Winner sees an answer for every problem;

The Loser sees a problem for every answer.
*********
The Winner says, " It may be difficult but it is possible";

The Loser says, "It may be possible but i t is too difficult."
********
When a Winner makes a mistake, he says, "I was wrong";

When a Loser makes a mistake, he says, "It wasn't my fault."
*********
A Winner makes commitments;

A Loser makes promises.
*********
Winners have dreams;

Losers have schemes.
*********
Winners say, "I must do something";

Losers say, "Something must be done."
*********
Winners are a part of the team;

Losers are apart from the team.
*********
Winners see the gain;

Losers see the pain.
*********
Winners see possibilities;

Losers see problems.
*********
Winners believe in win-win;

Losers believe for them to win someone has to lose.
*********
Winners see the potential;

Losers see the past.
*********
Winners are like a thermostat;

Losers are like thermometers.
*********
Winners choose what they say;

Losers say what they choose.
*********
Winners use hard arguments but soft words;

Losers use soft arguments but hard words.
*********
Winners stand firm on values but compromise on petty things;

Losers stand firm on petty things but compromise on values.
*********
Winners follow the philosophy of empathy: "Don't do to others what you would not want them to do to you";

Losers follow the philosophy, "Do it to others before they do it to you ."
*********
Winners make it happen;

Losers let it happen.
*********
Winners plan and prepare to win.

The key word is preparation.

SOME INTERESTING QUOTES!

2008-06-07T18:11:00.000-07:00

"This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anyone could have."--Anonymous

"I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better."--Plutarch

"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future."--Paul Boese

"As a tale, so is life; not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters."--Seneca

"It is lamentable, that to be a good patriot one must become the enemy of the rest of mankind."--Voltaire

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."--Martin Luther King Jr.

"It's not that you won or lost...but how you played the game."--Grantland Rice

"Success is never final. Failure is never fatal. It is courage that counts."--Winston Churchill

"The only way to have a friend is to be one."--Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless."--Mother Teresa

"There was never a good war or a bad peace."--Benjamin Franklin

"Don't count your chickens before they hatch."-- Aesop

"Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people."--Eleanor Roosevelt

"If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them."--Randy Rind

"The essential question is not, "How busy are you?" but "What are you busy at?"--Oprah Winfrey

"While seeking revenge, dig two graves - one for yourself."--Doug Horton

"To sensible men, every day is a day of reckoning."--John W. Gardner

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."--Theodore Roosevelt

"The first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself; to be conquered by yourself is of all things most shameful and vile."--Plato

"Remember, if you’re headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns!"--Allison Gappa Bottke

"Inspirations never go in for long engagements; they demand immediate marriage to action."--Brendan Francis

"The years teach much which the days never knew."--Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the clouds of war, it is humanity hanging on a cross of iron."--Eisenhower

"The trouble about man is twofold. He cannot learn truths which are too complicated; he forgets truths which are too simple."--Rebecca West

"People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing."--Will Rogers

"The real differences around the world today are not between Jews and Arabs; Protestants and Catholics; Muslims, Croats, and Serbs. The real differences are between those who embrace peace and those who would destroy it; between those who look to the future and those who cling to the past; between those who open their arms and those who are determined to clench their fists."--William J. Clinton

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."--Mahatma Gandhi

"If you want to make your dreams come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up."
--J.M. Power

"Hope is the only bee that makes honey without flowers."--Robert Ingersoll

"One of the most striking differences between a cat and a lie is that a cat has only nine lives."
--Mark Twain

Some People Say

2008-06-05T22:39:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed that happiness is not a dependency, it is a decision? You don't actually need anything to be happy. It's not something that comes from outside, it comes from inside, and when you radiate a happy energy you'll be amazed what it attracts into your life. Don't worry, be happy...sound familiar? Decide now, be happy, and watch magic begin to enter your life.

1. I have the right to express my feelings
2. I have the right to express my thoughts and beliefs
3. I have the right to say no
4. I have the right to change my mind
5. I have the right simply to be myself
6. I have the right to make reasonable requests of others
7. I have the right to set my own priorities
8. I have the right to be listened to and taken seriously
9. I have the right to make mistakes
10. I have the right to be miserable or cheerful
11. I have the right to say 'i don't care'

All these can be done in ways that still respect the rights of other people

Respect others, their beliefs, feelings, and opinions at the same time as standing up for yourself - don't be taken advantage of.

Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”

Lalaine

Trip To Baguio

2008-03-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

Greetings To All

2008-03-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

Send this eCard !

Spare a thought for ‘a friend in need’ this Easter

2008-03-22T04:14:00.000-07:00

I WAS about to bite into the piece of delicious chicken I bought together with a plate and rice and a bottle of coke at a kai bar when I noticed the small pale face pressed firmly against the windowpane.
He was staring right at me, his eyes fixed on the piece of chicken held inches away from my mouth.
I saw the hunger in his eyes and his throat twitched as he swallowed his saliva.
When I was a child, my parents taught me that it was rude to stare at people while they were eating and rude to go into a neighbours house when they were having a meal or about to have a meal.
This little boy obviously was not taught likewise. He looked as though he had grown up on the streets, with no parental love and guidance.
He looked starved, his small figure lost in an oversized, worn-out T-Shirt he was wearing.
He didn’t care what reactions he would get from his continuous stares, he only hoped his stares would result in someone giving him leftovers to satisfy his hunger.
Someone who had finished his meal walked outside, stopped at the doorway and said something to the little boy, who turned and hurried away.
As soon as the man left, the little boy was back again, staring in through the window.
I tried to ignore his stares and concentrate on my meal. The chicken was dipped in black sauce, it tasted delicious. The last thing I wanted was to be disturbed.
As a savoured each mouthful a thought crossed my mind.
It was a question that challenged me most but one that was totally unexpected too. “Would someone like me, struggling everyday to be a follower of Christ, care to give half of my meal to the small ‘not so privileged’ boy outside, no matter how much I wanted to finish it off myself?”
Another question came “Would I at least do it for the love of Jesus Christ whom I refer to as my Master?”
This was of course a real test for me but then I thought of how I mentioned in my daily journal that morning to perform at least an act of love for Him that day.
It could have been a reminder from the Lord. This immediately prompted me to stop eating, close the lunch box with my half-finished meal inside, determined to give it to small boy outside.
I noticed that everyone around me was busy eating, nobody took any notice of the small boy outside. Or it could be that they saw him but ignored him.
I walked outside, stood well out of sight of everyone and called the boy over. At first he looked around not sure whether I was calling him. I motioned again and he moved reluctantly towards me. I handed him the plastic with lunch box in it and my half bottle of coke. No words were said as this sign of love transpired between us.
Perhaps this was for me a lesson of love since I asked for it but let it also be a lesson for whoever is reading this especially at this time of Easter.
Jesus gave up his life freely for humankind because of his unconditional and undying love.
It was also because of the love of the Father who gave up his only Son, whose death we will be reflecting on and his victory into resurrection we will rejoice about this Easter weekend.
We may not repay him in full for what he did for us but little acts of love in life such as sharing a meal or drink with a stranger who is not so privileged this Easter season is perhaps what will please him most.

By ALISON ANIS
http://www.thenational.com.pg/032008/wkender11.htm

HAPPY EASTER

2008-03-21T19:11:00.001-07:00

Send this eCard !

BE SOMEONE

2008-03-10T05:27:00.000-07:00

Be someone who listens and you will be heard
Be someone who cares and you will be loved.
Be someone who gives and you will be blessed.
Be someone who comforts and you will know peace.
Be someone who genuinely seeks to understand and you will be wise.
Be someone kind, considerate and you will be admired.
Be someone who values truth and you will be respected.
Be someone who takes action, and you will move life forward.
Be someone who lives with joy, with purpose, as your own light brightly shines,
BE IN EVERY MOMENT, THE SPECIAL SOMEONE YOU ARE TRULY MEANT TO BE.

LOVE

2008-03-10T05:10:00.000-07:00

The measure of our love for God
Extends beyond our prayers,
It then goes out to all mankind
And all life's thoroughfares.

Love is kindness to a neighbor
Who needs what we can share
And the love with which it's rendered
Tells God how much we care.

Friend, it is unto God, Himself
We do each lowly task
Regardless of what guise God wears
Or what may be His mask

"Whatever you do to others
You do it unto Me"
Gives golden opportunities
To serve God we cannot see.

Life????

2008-02-24T04:48:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we put too much passion on the biggest dreams
and priorities in life
that we fail to love the smallest pleasures from simple things.
We search so much for the right choices,
for the right paths to walk through,
for the right time and for the right reasons.
But life isn't about searching for the things that can be found.
It is about letting the unexpected happen
and finding things you never searched for.

Unknown Authour

A Journey Towards Light

2008-02-21T19:08:00.000-08:00

How innocent was I
In my mother’s womb
That I trusted no one
But my mother alone.

Kind and generous was she
Fed and nourished me with her blood
For which I paid nothing

But harmless kicks at times.
Painful yet overwhelmingly joyful
When she delivered me from the palace of her womb
What a poor man was I
To offer her but a feeble cry – a token of my gratitude.
So careful and thoughtful
As she carried me in her arms
Where I simply felt
Safe and sound with angelic smiles.

An uncompromising privilege was
My crawling and creeping to her
But knew not indeed
That it was my struggle for independence.

Curiosity and commitment featured
As she gently bathed, dressed and fed me
Yet least aware of
What I would become in the future.

Magnanimous was her heart
Selfless was her love
That she placed everything at my disposal
Including her life for my sake.

As I grew up…,
Freedom I demanded
Commitment I ignored
Friendship I considered invaluable
Relationship seemed an illusion.

So compassionate was my mother
Willing to renew the covenant of relationship with me
But I adamantly refused her invitation
For I was in search of my imaginary world.

How ignorant but conscious was I
To take the road
That led many people astray

As they were unable to perceive the light leading to life.
But deceived by illusions about my (unreal) world
Not only lost my identity
But also destroyed my human dignity
Without which I am but an outcast in society.

“I ever love you, my child”;
“Return to me”,
A whisper from the bottom of my heart
I realized a call to conversion.

The breaking of the bread,
A meal with Jesus on the way to Emmaus,
Came as a “U” turn in my journey towards light
Indeed a blessing from God.

By. Raj. S

PEACE

2008-02-18T03:23:00.000-08:00

Peace - an inexpensive but invaluable word,
Freely used and frequently heard,
In churches, classrooms and conventions.

Every one talks about peace
and every one prays for peace
while the world hungers for peace.

Peace – not a place to reach,
Nor freedom from war and conflicts,
But surely a path to tread
for it leads to life!

Peace begins from the One
who is at peace
and who is PEACE!

If you and I have no peace,
If you and I are not in peace,
We have not realized
Who we are?

- Raj. S

Reflection 3

2008-01-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

Catechism can be situated through teaching good values. By doing that we can be able to live the life that God is inviting us to. I think all religions are centered on love of others and respect of human dignity. We can be able to communicate to young people the love of others, nature and God.

Reflection 2

2008-01-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

According to my understanding we can not give or explain who God is or how he looks like. My personal experience of God may not be the same as the other person. We experience God in different ways. As a teacher I can help the students to understand to search who is God for them in their own lives. God is loving and caring. The best image for me is in the New Testament; that his own Son Jesus Christ came into the world as one of us.

Reflection 1

2008-01-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

Catechism of the Catholic Church is one of the means that explains the faith of the Church and that leads to profession of one's faith in one's life. However, the core message of the C.C.C springs from the Gospels. Therefore, in dealing with students with other religions or non-Catholics, we freely express what we believe in and what sustains us in our journey. We do not impose our faith on others since faith is not something to be given but rather is a gift from God. We rather promote harmony and unity among the students.

Same Question - Different Responses

2008-01-13T22:17:00.000-08:00

In my presentation on Catechism, "This is our faith; the faith of the Church. " I pointed out that "All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness. (2 Thessalonian 2:15)

As part of the discussion, I asked this question ; How can we situate Catechism "this is our faith; the faith of the church" in schools where there are also non-Christians and others. The following posts are reflections from the student Brothers (Year 2) who were present at my presentation.

MARIST ASIA PACIFIC CENTER

2008-01-04T05:33:00.001-08:00

Children From Passay - Manila in MAPAC

2008-01-04T04:35:00.001-08:00

Marist Asia Pacific Center

2008-01-03T21:27:00.000-08:00

The Marist Asia Pacific Center offers a two-track program. One track leads to a degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education with a major in Religious Education, the other leads to a Certificate in Religious Studies. Notre Dame of Marbel University, run by the Marist Brothers in the Philippines, accredits the degree program. The Certificate Program is duly recognized and sanctioned by the Marist Brothers General Administration. Most of the courses and student activities are held at the Center.

MAPAC links with other Centers, both religious and secular, to enrich its programs. Field experience, exposures and immersion activities are done and implemented using these linkages. Because of these linkages with other institutions, the students at the Center benefit from the rich resources that are found outside the Campus and broaden their formative perspectives.

Student Brothers’ Directory

Formation Year 2007-2008

Third Years Brothers

1. Br. Mitchel Abajar, FMS - Philippines

2. Br. Vincent Simon Basker, FMS - India

3. Br. Vince Celeste, FMS - Philippines

4. Br. Luke Fong, FMS - Fiji

5. Br. Norman Gonko, FMS - Papua New Guinea

6. Br. Noah Huiruo, FMS - Papua New Guinea

7. Br. Anselmo Kim, FMS - Korea

8. Br. Arun Frank MAdalaimuthu, FMS - India

9. Br. Clement Paulinus Evia Pekubei, FMS - Papua New Guinea

Second Year Brothers

1 . Br. Adnan Asif, FMS - Pakistan

2. Br. Albert Bolibol, FMS - Philippines

3. Br. Nilupul Fernando, FMS - Sri Lanka

4. Br. Claudius Iluga, FMS - Solomon Islands

5. Br. Patrick Kaboanga, FMS - Papua New Guinea

6. Br. Jesudoss Kanikaisamy, FMS - India

7. Br. Raja Kuma Soosai Manickam, FMS - India

8. Br. Tainga Moanriba, FMS - Kiribati

9. Br. Danilo Sevilla, FMS - Philippines

10. Br. Leo Siva, FMS - Philippines

11. Br. Walter Turuk, FMS - Papua New Guinea

12. Br. Sixtus Winduo, FMS - Papua New Guinea

13. Br. Albert Younas, FMS - Pakistan

First Year Brothers

1. Br. Joseph Adrian Cagampan, FMS - Philippines

2. Br. Rozario Arul Chinappan, FMS - India

3. Br. Adaikalam Christin Susai Manickam, FMS - India

4. Br. Max Peto, FMS - Solomon Islands

5. Br. Joey Ponteras, FMS - Philippines

6. Br. Cheolsik Shin, (Canute) FMS - Korea

7. Br. Robinston Santhiagu, FMS - India

8. Br. Mark Xyryx Sionosa, FMS - Philippines

9. Br. Andrew Ruqegolomo, FMS - Solomon Islands

10. Br. Ishmael Tauwato, FMS - Solomon Islands

Formation Year 2006-2007

Third Year:

1. Br. Ramil Andoloy, FMS - Philippines

2. Br. Jeff Rhey Antiquisa, FMS - Philippines

3. Br. Stephane Bong, FMS - Vanuatu

4. Br. Durai Suresh Durai, FMS - India

5. Br. Moses Gariets, FMS - Papua New Guinea

6. Br. Ananthraj Masilamani, FMS - India

7. Br. Albert Muñoz, FMS - Philippines

8. Br. Rodney Sinipo Pauru, FMS - Papua New Guinea

9. Br. Sowrimuthu Saul Placious, FMS - India

10. Br. Niño Mark John Suarez, FMS - Philippines

11. Br. Marcel Selial, FMS - Vanuatu

12. Br. Sagato Vaoliko, FMS - Samoa

Second Year Brothers:

1. Br. Mitchel Abajar, FMS - Philippines

2. Br. Vincent Simon Basker, FMS - India

3. Br. Vince Celeste, FMS - Philippines

4. Br. Luke Fong, FMS - Fiji

5. Br. Norman Gonko, FMS - Papua New Guinea

6. Br. Noah Huiruo, FMS - Papua New Guinea

7. Br. Anselmo Kim, FMS - Korea

8. Br. Arun Frank MAdalaimuthu, FMS - India

9. Br. Clement Paulinus Evia Pekubei, FMS - Papua New Guinea

First Year Brothers:

1. Br. Adnan Asif, FMS - Pakistan

2. Br. Albert Bolibol, FMS - Philippines

3. Br. Nilupul Fernando, FMS - Sri Lanka

4. Br. Claudius Iluga, FMS - Solomon Islands

5. Br. Patrick Kaboanga, FMS - Papua New Guinea

6. Br. Jesudoss Kanikaisamy, FMS - India

7. Br. Raja Kuma Soosai Manickam, FMS - India

8. Br. Tainga Moanriba, FMS - Kiribati

9. Br. Danilo Sevilla, FMS - Philippines

10. Br. Leo Siva, FMS - Philippines

11. Br. Walter Turuk, FMS - Papua New Guinea

12. Br. Sixtus Winduo, FMS - Papua New Guinea

13. Br. Albert Younas, FMS - Pakistan

Christian Vocation

2008-01-03T21:22:00.000-08:00

To make a mature choice we have to have the ability at discernment, which is an important part of making any such choice. To come to a mature choice, I have to perceive and identify God’s presence in my experiences and make out what God is calling me to act upon. Possessing the help of the Spirit and the desire to act upon this choice is to choose life!
What do we have to consider before choosing? In Deuteronomy 30:19, God calls us to choose life!
To discern honestly this call to choose life, we have to develop an awareness of the implications involved.
Firstly we must recognize and acknowledge God’s love for us. For so long most of us have looked down on ourselves as if we were not worthy to receive God’s love. However, God is always ready to answer anyone who seeks Him whole heartedly. In that love, we will come to an awareness of our human strengths, weaknesses and limitations and learn to befriend our fears. By His grace, we can be transformed into what we are capable of becoming. We should have the maturity to face the reality of our life. Most people like to call this reality, a “Challenge!” If we are mature people, we are able to challenge ourselves, our preferences, our likes and dislikes.

Yesterday - Today - Tomorrow

2008-01-03T21:19:00.000-08:00

I met a stranger yesterday
Today this stranger is my friend. Had I not taken the time to say hello, or return a smile, or shake a hand, or listen I would not have known this person.
Yesterday would have turned into today and our chance meeting would be gone.

JUST FOR TODAY
smile at a stranger
listen to someone's heart.
drop a coin where a child can find it
learn something new then teach it to someone
tell someone you are thinking of them
don't hold a grudge
don't be afraid to say "I am sorry"
look a child in the eye and tell him how great he/she is
look beyond the face of a person into their heart
make a promise and keep it
call someone for no other reason than just to say "hi"
show kindness to an animal
stand up for what is right
smell the rain, feel the breeze, listen to the wind
use all your senses today to their fullest
cherish all of your todays

The Culture of Silence

2008-01-03T21:11:00.000-08:00

The culture of silence grows out of a hierarchically organized society where people are subjected to various levels of authority. It creates a sense of dependency. People are reliant or subject to others who make the decisions and command obedience and respect. People of such society accept decisions without questioning. They become submissive and obey blindly whether they like it or not. The Culture of silence can operate within the family, the church, the school, the village, the nation and our formation houses.

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"The Frog In The Hot Water"

If you put a frog in a pot of cold water and then put the pot on the stove and keep heating it up gradually until it boils, the frog gets used to the gradual rise in the temperature, but by the time the water boils, the frog is dead. However if you have a pot of boiling water and then put the frog into the pot, it will immediately jump out of the pot because it knows that the water is too hot.
People who live in the culture of silence are like the frog in the pot of cold water which is being heated. Their condition of life is gradually getting worse and worse but because it is a slow process, they just accept the deterioration in the quality of life without saying a word.
Ultimately, by the time their quality of life becomes unbearable, they have lost all chance to react

"Some Thoughts"

2008-01-03T21:03:00.000-08:00

Winning isn't everything. But wanting to win is.

* You would achieve more, if you don't mind who gets the credit.

* When everything else is lost, the future still remains.

* Don't fight too much. Or the enemy would know your art of war.

* The only job you start at the top is when you dig a grave.

* If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for everything.

* If you do little things well, you'll do big ones better.

* Only thing that comes to you without effort is old age.

* You won't get a second chance to make the first impression.

* Only those who do nothing do not make mistakes.

* Never take a problem to your boss unless you have a solution.

* If you are not failing you're not taking enough risks.

* Don't try to get rid of bad temper by losing it.

* If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.

* Those who don't make mistakes usually don't make anything

* There are two kinds of failures. Those who think and never do, and those who do and never think.

* Pick battles big enough to matter, small enough to win.

* All progress has resulted from unpopular decisions.

* Change your thoughts and you change your world.

* Understanding proves intelligence, not the speed of the learning.

* There are two kinds of fools in this world. Those who give advise and those who don't take it.

* The best way to kill an idea is to take it to a meeting.

* Management is doing things right. Leadership is doing the right things.

* Friendship founded on business is always better than business founded on friendship.

New Year Prayer

2008-01-03T20:53:00.000-08:00

"In the New Year may we remember
Today's decisions shape tomorrow's outcomes
That living each moment the best we can
Creates a harmonious life.

May we remember
By holding fast to integrity
Others see we are trustworthy.

When times are rough
May we remember to turn in
To our close and ready Source of comfort.

On New Year's and every day
May we remember that each new moment
Can be a fresh beginning.

And may we especially remember that
Personal peace preserved leads to
World peace, well deserved."

By, Susan Kramer