Ambassador Cruz Awards Fr. Dong

Fr. Dong is all smiles when he received the Plaque of Appreciation from no other than Ambassador Luis Cruz. The accompanying present is from Labor Attache Delmer Cruz, OWWA Pat Cobarrubias and POLO Staff. Although they were not around to personally witness the joyful affair, their message was sincerely delivered.

This pic was taken infront of the Changhyun Filipino Catholic Community Center.

My Priest Confidante- a Friend Indeed (A Tribute)

"I was down and out and feeling so low", it may be just a tiny part of a song but it summarized the enormous problems I had when I first came back to Korea last August. And who was there to extend a helping hand? It's Fr. Dong Marcaida whom I consider a friend, so outspoken and outright in his most sincere way. Thank you Padre! -- this post is from cordilove blogspot.

(Pic was taken at Lotte World one Saturday afternoon.)

---------------------------------

I remember a poem I made a few years ago about POS, Pain Of Separation, which was dedicated to Fr. Dong. And now again reliving the message is not that too painful anymore because I came to accept that nothing is really permament in this world except change. A change that must transpire for a better life ahead. Everything happens with a purpose as God has planned for each and everyone.

You had your share of the Korean Dream

and surely have left marks in the hearts of fellow migrants

as well as Koreans through your unselfish love and offerings.

Carry with you our deepest appreciation

and gratitude for a job well done

in the Land of the Morning Calm.

So Padre Dong, with all my heart, my mind and my soul, goodluck and take care always as you traverse a new destination across the globe!

Thanks God for the power of the internet, we can still communicate easily...

Ang Corpus Christi sa Eukaristiya at sa Ating Kapwa

Kapistahan ng Katawan at Dugo ni Kristo:

Isang araw, sa pagsunud-sunod ng isang reporter kay Mother Teresa ng Calcutta, nakita niya kung gaano buong giliw at pagmamahal na pinagmamasdan ng banal na madre ang Katawan ni Kristong itinataas ng pari sa isang misa sa simbahan. Kitang-kita ng reporter na iyon sa mga mata ni mother Teresa ang masidhing pag-ibig nito sa Banal na Katawan at Dugo ni Kristo.

Pagkatapos ng Misa, patuloy na sinundan ng reporter si Mother Teresa sa pagbisita naman nito sa mga maysakit. Habang kinakausap at inaaaliw ng madre ang mga maysakit, muling nakita ng reporter ang tagpong nakita ng reporter ang tagpong nakita niya sa loob ng Misa. Isang maysakit, muling nakita ng reporter ang tagpong nakita niya sa loob ng Misa. Isang maysakit na lalaki ang buong pagsuyong minamasdan ni Mother Teresa. Larawan siya ng isang nagmamahal na para bang walang nakikitang ibang bagay o ibang tao kundi ang kanyang minamahal lamang na nasa kanyang harapan. Madaling naunawaan ng reporter kung paano minamahal ni Mother Teresa, ang mga maysakit sa parehong paraan ng pagmamahal niya sa Panginoong Hesu-Kristo sa Banal na Eukaristiya.

Ang Kapistahan ng Banal na Katawan at Dugo ni Kristo na ipinagdiriwang ng buong Iglesya Katolika ngayon ay napakahitik sa kahulugan. Mula sa pagkabata, natutuhan na natin sa katesismo kung paanong ang ordinaryong tinapay at alak ay nagiging Banal na Katawan at Dugo ni Kristo, na siyang ating tinatanggap sa Banal na Komunyon. Hindi isang simbolo ang ating tinatanggap, kundi si Hesus mismo sa kanyang pagka-Diyos at pagka-tao. At sa ating pagtanggap sa kanya, totoong-totoo ring tinatanggap natin ang buhay na walang hanggan. Sa Ebanghelyo, ipinakilala ni Kristo ang kanyang sarili bilang Tinapay na nagbibigay-buhay. Ang kumakain ng kanyang laman at umiinom ng kanyang dugo ay mabubuhay magpakailanman (Jn 6:56-58).

Hindi nakapagtatakang ganoon na lamang karubdob ang pagmamahal ni Mother Teresa sa Banal na Eukaristiya. Para sa kanya, totoong-totoong naroroon si Hesus sa Banal na Eukaristiya. Totoong tinatanggap niya at nakakapiling ang kanyang Minamahal, na si Hesus, sa pagdiriwang ng Banal na Misa. Subalit para kay Mother Teresa, ang totoong-totoong presensiya ni Hesus ay hindi lamang matatagpuan at natatapos sa Banal na Eukaristiya. Totoong-totoong naroroon si Hesus sa mga taong nangangailangan ng pagmamahal at pagkalinga kaya naman ganun din katindi ang pagmamalasakit ng Madre sa mga dukha at mga maysakit.

Ang Katawan at Dugo ni Kristo ay tunay na kinakatawan ng mga mananampalataya, ng pamayanang Kristiyano. Sabi nga ni San Pablo sa mga taga-Corinto: “Kaya nga, yamang isa lamang ang tinapay, tayo’y iisang katawan bagama’t marami, sapagkat nakikibahagi tayo sa iisang tinapay” (10:17).

Hindi tayo maaaring makibahagi sa iisang Tinapay, ang Katawan ni Kristo(sa Eukaristiya), kung hindi tayo makikibahagi at magmamalasakit sa mga pagal na katawan ng mga nangangailangan. Tulad ni Mother Teresa, kung marubdob ang pagmamahal natin sa Banal na Eukaristiya, kinakailangang ganoon din karubdob ang pagmamahal natin sa ating kapwa-lalo na ang dukha at higit na nangangailangan. Subalit hindi rin naman magiging mabunga ang hangarin nating tugunan ang paghihirap ng ating kapwa kung hindi natin huhugutin ang ating lakas mula sa Banal na Eukaristiya. Ang pagmamahal sa Diyos, kay Hesus ay tunay na hindi maaaring ihiwalay sa pagmamahal sa kapwa.

Sa isang panayam ni Edward W. Desmond noong 1989 para sa Time Magazine, tinanong niya si Mother Teresa kung paanong naging matagumpay ang mga ginagawa nito para sa mga dukha. Sumagot si Mother Teresa: “Nagpasya si Hesus na siya’y maging tinapay ng buhay upang bigyan tayo ng buhay. Doon namin sinisimulan ang aming araw sa pagsamba sa Banal na Sakramento. Sa palagay ko, hindi ko kakayaning gawin ang tungkuling ito kahit sa loob lang ng isang linggo kung hindi ako mananalanagin ng apat na oras araw-araw.” Tunay ngang naroroon si Hesus sa Eukaristiya at doon lang maaaring bumukal ang ating pagmamahal sa ating kapwa.

~Atty.Arnold Rimon Martinez~

Aren’t All Christians ‘Saints’? (Series LXXXIX)

The Biblical Greek and Hebrew words sometimes translated as “saints” mean literally “holy ones” (Acts 9:13) or “faithful ones” (1 Sm 2:9). Typically, these are general terms for God’s people, who have a share in his holiness and are striving to become more holy (see Heb 12:10; 2 Cor 7:1). The apostle Paul was especially fond of addressing his letters to “all the holy ones” in the churches (2 Cor 1:1).

All faithful Christians, then, are indeed “saints” in this sense. In fact, the Catholic Church teaches that the vocation to holiness is universal; God speaks to all believers when he says. “Be holy because I [am] holy” (see 1 Pt 1:14-16).

Nevertheless, the Greek term for “saints” or “holy ones” appears in some scriptural passages to have a narrower sense. Mark’s gospel refers to the “saints” who rose from the dead after Christ’s resurrection (see Mt 27:52), faithful departed being taken by Christ to heaven. St. Paul speaks of the “holy ones” who accompany Christ from heaven when he returns to earth (see 1 Thes 3:13). St. John uses the same term to refer to the “holy ones” who are now in heaven praying to God (see Rv 5:8, 8:3).

It is in this latter, narrower, sense that the Catholic Church honors certain departed Christians with the formal title “saint.” This title indicates the Church’s confidence that the individual died in friendship with God and is now in heaven with him (see “What Does the Church Teach About Heaven?”).

Why is it important for the Church to designate certain Christians this way? “Saint” is actually much more than a title of honor. Because the Church is confident that these “holy ones” are now in haven, Catholics are urged not only to venerate them, but also to imitate their holiness and ask for their intercession (see “Why Do Catholics Pray to Saints and Angels?”).

How does the Church gain the confidence that a particular person is in heaven? Various kinds of evidence are sought in the process of “canonization” (formal recognition of sainthood): reliable testimony to the person’s extraordinary holiness, evidence that the person’s life has drawn others closer to God, and documented miracles occurring after the person’s intercession has been invoked (see also “Hasn’t Science Disproved Miracles?”).

RELATED SCRIPTURE — Texts cited: 1 Sm 2:9; Mt 27:52; Acts 9:13; 2 Cor 1:1; 7:1; 1 Thes 3:13; Heb 12:`10; 1 Pt 1:14-16; Rv 5:8; 8:3. General: Lv 11:44; 19:2; Dt 33:3; Ps 89:6; Lk 1:75; Rom 1:7; Eph 1:1; Phil 1:1; Col 1:2. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH — 61; 823-829; 867; 946-962; 1161; 1474-1479; 2030; 2683; 2692.

DESTINASYON

Ni: L.V.L.

Umiikot ang mundo….Tumatakbo ang panahon.
At tila parang nag papa - iwan ka nang kusa.
Naglalakbay na ang lahat nang iyong kabalalay…
Patuloy sa kani - kaniyang destinasyon…

Tinatahak ang landasing walang nakakabatid kung saan tutungo.
Pero nagpapatuloy na sila….
Kahit na di nila batid ang patutunguhan…
Naglalakbay sila…. Kahit walang kasiguraduhan.

Pero ikaw….Di ko inakalang andyan ka pa rin….
Nananatili sa iyong kinatatayuan….
Masaya ka ba sa iyong mundong ginagalawan?
Patuloy mo bang itatanggi sa akin na may malalim kang iniisip…

Na may mga bagay na patuloy na bumabagabag sa iyo…
Na laging may kakulangan kang nararamdaman…
Na laging may mga bagay na akala mo ay alam mo, ngunit…
Takot ka lang na tanggapin…

Oo sige na... Tatanggapin ko na ang mga sinabi mo sa akin…
Na ayos ka lang…
Na alam mo ang ginagawa mo…
Na nasa plano na ang lahat…

Pero naisip mo rin ba di ka laging tama….
Na kabaliwan ang pakikipag usap mo sa iyong sariling gunita.
Tanggapin mo na ang realidad..
Magpatuloy ka na sa paglalakbay mo…

Tapusin mo na ang paglingon at pagsasaayos nang mga bagay….
Na napag lipasan na nang panahon…
Dahil alam mong walang patutunguhan ang ganon…
Pero patuloy mo pa ring ginagawa…

Dahil sa takot ka.Sa pagsisimula ulit...
At sa pagpapatuloy...Kaibigan, andito lang ako sa tuwina…
Nakaupo sa tabi mo….Tahimik….
Naghihintay na ngitian mo.
At sabihing, kailangan mo nang kausap…

Huwag kang matuwa sa iyong mumunting sulok
Itigil mo na ang mga bagay na ginagawa mo…
Na alam mong makakasira sa iyo…

Tapos na ang mga panahong iyon…
Nang mga luha…Nang mga huling halik….
Nang mga huling akap…
Nang pamamaalam…
Gunitain mo kung kailangan…
Ngunit wag kang malugmok

Kumilos ka…Magpatuloy sa iyong paglalakbay...
Patungo sa destinasyon…
Na di mo man alam ang kalalabasan...
Ang mahalaga'y nagpatuloy ka...

IWAS PUSOY !

Adopting Filipino children
Q. How does the Philippine Immigration deal with minors or persons under 18, who are brought to the Philippines by their parents in order to study or reside, or what kind of status are they given?
R. Even before Republic Act No. 9225 was enacted, Philippine Immigration authorities allow such minors of dual nationality, to file what is known as a Petition for Recognition. It is in reality, an administrative recognition of the dual nationality of the minor. The effect is that while in the Philippines, the minor is allowed the privileges of a Filipino citizen such as residence and enrollment in Philippine schools and is even allowed to travel using the foreign passport. This procedure allows the dual citizen-minor to reside and study in the Philippines without having to apply for resident or student visas, thus sparing them from the high costs and bureaucratic procedures associated with such visas. (More information about this and related matters would be in the section of immigration.)

Q. What are the ways under Philippine law of losing Philippine citizenship?
R. Philippine citizenship may be lost through any of the following acts:
1. By naturalization in a foreign country through express renunciation of Philippine citizenship.
2. By taking an oath of allegiance to support the constitution of a foreign country.
3. By enlisting and serving in the armed forces of a foreign country.
For the moment, the Supreme Court has not yet decided on a case that puts into test the implications of the above acts specially after the enactment of RA 9225 and whose benefits have been availed of by former natural born citizens of the Philippines. But previous Supreme Court decisions indicate the general rule, that an express renunciation of Philippine citizenship and allegiance to its Constitution and laws will mean loss of Philippine citizenship.

Q. How does a former natural born Filipino reacquire or retain Philippine citizenship under RA No. 9225?
R. Memorandum Circular No. AFF-04-01 of the Bureau of Immigration (the implementing agency of RA 9225) requires the following:
1. Applicant must file a Petition to under oath with the Commissioner of Immigration (if the applicant is in the Philippines) or with the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate (if outside of the country);
2. Attach to the Petition three (3) recent 2” x 2” photographs (front, left side, and right side views over a white background);

...To be continued

Santacruzan Ave Maria at Sagalas

Schizophrenia

(Continuation)
Mortality: In a study of over 168,000 Swedish citizens undergoing psychiatric treatment, schizophrenia was associated with an average life expectancy of approximately 80–85% of that of the general population. Women with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were found to have a slightly better life expectancy than that of men, and as a whole, a diagnosis of schizophrenia was associated with a better life expectancy than substance abuse, personality disorder, heart attack and stroke.[132] There is a high suicide rate associated with schizophrenia; a recent study showed that 30% of patients diagnosed with this condition had attempted suicide at least once during their lifetime.[133] [134]Another study suggested that 10% of persons with schizophrenia die by suicide.[135] Other identified factors include smoking, poor diet, little exercise and the negative health effects of psychiatric drugs.[6]

Violence: The relationship between violent acts and schizophrenia is a contentious topic. Current research indicates that the percentage of people with schizophrenia who commit violent acts is higher than the percentage of people without any disorder, but lower than is found for disorders such as alcoholism, and the difference is reduced or not found in same-neighbourhood comparisons when related factors are taken into account, notably sociodemographic variables and substance misuse.[136][137][138][139][140] Studies have indicated that 5% to 10% of those charged with murder in Western countries have a schizophrenia spectrum disorder.[141][142][143]

The occurrence of psychosis in schizophrenia has sometimes been linked to a higher risk of violent acts. Findings on the specific role of delusions or hallucinations have been inconsistent, but have focused on delusional jealousy, perception of threat and command hallucinations. It has been proposed that a certain type of individual with schizophrenia may be most likely to offend, characterized by a history of educational difficulties, low IQ, conduct disorder, early-onset substance misuse and offending prior to diagnosis.[141]

A consistent finding is that individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia are often the victims of violent crime—at least 14 times more often than they are perpetrators.[144][145] Another consistent finding is a link to substance misuse, particularly alcohol,[146] among the minority who commit violent acts. Violence by or against individuals with schizophrenia typically occurs in the context of complex social interactions within a family setting,[147] and is also an issue in clinical services[148] and in the wider community.[149]

Screening and prevention: There are no reliable markers for the later development of schizophrenia although research is being conducted into how well a combination of genetic risk plus non-disabling psychosis-like experience predicts later diagnosis.[150] People who fulfil the 'ultra high-risk mental state' criteria, that include a family history of schizophrenia plus the presence of transient or self-limiting psychotic experiences, have a 20–40% chance of being diagnosed with the condition after one year.[151] The use of psychological treatments and medication has been found effective in reducing the chances of people who fulfill the 'high-risk' criteria from developing full-blown schizophrenia.[152] However, the treatment of people who may never develop schizophrenia is controversial, in light of the side-effects of antipsychotic medication; particularly with respect to the potentially disfiguring tardive dyskinesia and the rare but potentially lethal neuroleptic malignant syndrome.[153] The most widely used form of preventative health care for schizophrenia takes the form of public …

...To be continued

Salawikain (5)

FILIPINA

By: Ed J. Titular, 05.22.08; Chasan-ri, SK

Like flowers that bloom everywhere
She's a fighter of truth without fear
A soft spoken woman with integrity
And someone who upholds the value of morality.

Filipina, someone who is graceful and witty
A family oriented and an advocator of Christianity
Someone who adhere to the holy sacrament of matrimony
Filipina... a hero to her family and community.

Filipina, are you still there?
Do you still bear the fruits of true love and care?
Why you easily change?
Where is that Holy Rosary that you ought to bring everyday?
Filipina, you are known by your purity and virtue
A woman of honor and valor
A woman that most men of the world wants to be with forever
Filipina, don't lose the perfume of your essence...as Filipina.

Daan ng Pagkakaisa tungo sa Isang-Tatlo

Dakilang Kapistahan ng Banal ng Isantatlo:

Ang tanyag na Italyanong si Dante Alighieri, ang Divina Commedia, ay nagwawakas sa isang madamdaming pangitain ng Diyos. Sa katapusan ng kanyang matulaing paglalakabay sa daigdig ng Inferno, Purgatorio, at Paraiso, nasaksihan ni Dante ang pakikiisa ng sangnilikha sa pagkakaisa ng Banal ng Isantatlo. Ang pagkakaisang ito ng pag-ibig na namamalagi sa Diyos ay nagpapahayag sa atin ng isang katotohanan na hindi natin maitatanggi: na sa kaibuturan ng ating puso, ninanais din natin na makiisa o maging kabahagi ng pagkakaisang ito ng Banal na Isantatlo.

Sa pagbasang hango sa Aklat ng exodo, matatagpuan natin ang panalangin ni Moises sa Diyos na nagpakilala sa kanya at nagpalaya sa bayang Israel mula sa pagkaalipin: ‘Patawarin na ninyo kami at tanggapin bilang inyong bayan!” (34:9). Isang pagluhog ito sa Diyos na pagkaisahin ang Israel bilang isang bayan. Inilalatag ng Diyos ang kanyang kundisyon: Siya lamang ang kikilanin at sasambahin nilang Diyos.

Ang Diyos na nagpakilala din sa atin sa katauhan ng kanyang bugtong na Anak (monogenes) na si Hesukristo. Ibinigay sa atin ng Ama ang kanyang bugtong na Anak (bas. Jn 3:16) hindi lamang sa pagkakatawang-tao nito, kundi lalo’t-higit sa pagpapakasakit at pagkamatay ni Hesus sa krus. Ang Diyos na nanatiling tapat sa kanyang bayang Israel ay nananatiling tapat din sa atin. Sa pamamagitan ni Hesu-Kristo, itinuturo niya sa atin ang tunay na daan ng pagkakaisa gaya ng pagiging isa nila ni Hesus na kanyang Anak. Ayon sa Ebanghelyo ni Juan, inihayag ng Panginoon ang katotohanang ito nang sabihin niya: “Ang nakakita sa akin ay nanakita na sa Ama” (14:9).

Kung kaya’t sinasabi sa atin ni San Agustin na “ang Iglesya ay dapat pag-isahin sa Isangtatlo tulad ng isang bahay sa may-ari nito, ng templo sa Diyos nito, ng lungsod sa tagapagtatag nito” (Enchiridion, c. 57). Ito ay isang pagninilay at pagpapahayag ng kalooban ng Diyos para sa lahat ng tao mula pa nang lalangin niya ang unang tao: ang makiisa tayo sa Kanyang buhay ng pag-ibig at kabanalan gaya ng pagkakaisa sa pag-ibig at kabanalan na namamagitan sa Ama, sa Anak at sa Espiritu Santo.

Ang pag-ibig na dumadaloy sa kaibuturan ng Diyos ay nahahayag sa biyayang ibinibigay sa atin ni Kristo sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo na siyang nananatili sa ating piling, sa Iglesya Katolika. Ito ang dahilan kung kaya itinatagubilin ni Apostol San Pablo sa pagwawakas niya sa kanyang ikalawang Sulat sa mga Taga-Corinto: “Sikapin ninyong maging ganap at sundin niyo ang mga payo ko; magkaisa kayo, at mamuhay nang payapa. Sa gayon sasainyo ang Diyos ng pag-ibig at kapayapaan” (13:11).

Ang pagkakaisa ng sangkatauhan, ang pagkakaisa ng sambayanan, ang pagkakaisa ng mga Kristiyano… ang pagkakaisa natin sa pag-ibig at kapayapaan.. Iisang napakadakilang pagpapala, isang mabigat na tungkulin at siya ring tiyak na daan natin tungo sa Diyos, Ama, Anak at Espiritu Santo.

~ Rdo. David O. Reyes, Jr. ~

Does the Church Teach That Only Catholics Can Be Saved? (Series LXXXIX)

In Revelation, the inhabitants of heaven sing to Christ: “With your blood you purchased for God / those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation” (5:9). The Catholic Church affirms this wideness of God’s mercy in Christ, embracing the whole world, desiring with him that “everyone… be saved and… come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tm 2:4). Nevertheless, the Church also recognizes that the gift of salvation must be accepted to be effective, and human beings, having free will, may choose to reject or “ignore so great a salvation” (Heb 2:3).

The Church accepts Christ’s declaration about himself: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn 14:6). She also recalls his words to her that warn those who would turn away from her: “Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me” (Lk 10:16).

If Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, and the Church is his Body on earth, we can understand why the Church fathers often declared: “Outside the Church there is no salvation.” Or to put it another way: “All salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church which is his Body” (Catechism 846). Does this mean that only Catholics can be saved?
The Second Vatican Council made the following affirmations about the possibility of salvation for those outside the Catholic Church:

* Those who know that God founded the Catholic Church through Christ as the necessary means to salvation, yet still refuse to enter it or remain in it, cannot be saved (see Lumen Gentium 14).
* “Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience — those too may achieve eternal salvation” (Lumen Gentium 16, emphasis added).

* “Although in ways known to himself God can lead those who, through no fault of their own, are ignorant of the Gospel, to that faith without which it is impossible to please him, the Church still has the obligation and also the sacred right to evangelize all men” (Ad Gentes 7).

RELATED SCRIPTURE — Texts cited: Lk 10:16; Jn 14:6; 1 Tm 2:4; Heb 2:3; Rv 5:9. General: Mt 8:11-12; 10:40; 28:18-20; Lk 13:28-30; 1 Cor 9:16; 2 Cor 5:14-15; Heb 11:6; Jas 2:21-23. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH — 816-822; 846-856.

MI INSPIRACION, RECUERDO, AMOR ET. AL.

(Dedicated to Rev. Fr. Salvador "Dong" V. Marcaida, MSP)

The valleys has no worries as I stare up high,
And that soft touch of the wind whisper some sigh,
Great I am.... for that very momentum,
For the clouds so blue, and that was autumn.

Along the railway of a very traffic mind,
I sense that most of all are left behind,
Then you came to rescue the unguarded soul,
For I sense everyone is not that cool.

Gradually, I realized that no one is forsaken,
And that all must take his share to be forgiven,
Those tickling words that you have been thrown,
All must be remembered and must live in one's heart forever.

Always love GOD above all things,
Love your neighbor as you love your self,
Peace be with you and increase more your faith with HIM
These are some of the magnifying words you injected in everyone's vein.

The night is far spent and the day is at hand,
Believe in HIM and your faith must not be bending,
Let your heart be filled with joy and share your blessings,
This must be the conscience of every human being.

Now, you will be leaving with that traces so bold,
All your teachings, I hope all of us must uphold,
In your journey with GOD in some sphere of this world,
I know more souls will be touched and gathered.

'Till we meet again in some times and places someday
With that dreams of mine became a reality
Up above the sun shines so bright
Like your teachings that serves as my undying light.


By: Ed J. Titular
05.15.08, Chasan-ri, SK

ANG MGA OBISPO AT ANG REYNA

Ni: Ederic Peñaflor Eder

Bago ganapin ang pulong ng Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) nitong Pebrero 26, 2008, naisip kong sa halip na ipagdasal na ang mga obispo ay manawagan ng pagbibitiw ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, dapat ay ipanalangin nating ipakita ng Banal na Espiritu sa kanila ang tamang kalalagyan sa kasalukuyang usapin.

Masyado na kasing malalim ang kumunoy ng kalintikang kinasadlakan ng ating bayan. Tila kulang ang pagkilos ng mga tao para makaahon tayo. Sa tingin ko, ang anumang gagawin natin ay dapat na may gabay at basbas ng Nasa Itaas.

Nang lumabas na ang pahayag ng mga obispo, hindi nga sila nanawagan ng pagbaba sa puwesto ng reynang akusado ng pandaraya, paulit-ulit na pagsisinungaling, at katiwalian. Sa halip, ganito ang kanilang posisyon:

1. Condemn the continuing culture of corruption from the top to the bottom of our social and political ladder;
2. Urge the President and all the branches of government to take the lead in combating corruption wherever it is found;
3. Recommend the abolition of [Executive Order] 464 so that those who might have knowledge of any corruption in branches of government may be free to testify before the appropriate investigating bodies;
4. Ask the President to allow her subordinates to reveal any corrupt acts, particularly about the ZTE-NBN deal, without being obstructed in their testimony no matter who is involved;
5. Appeal to our senators and the ombudsman to use their distinct and different powers of inquiry into alleged corruption cases not for their own interests but for the common good;
6. Call on media to be a positive resource of seeking the truth and combating corruption by objective reporting without bias and partiality, selective and tendentious reporting of facts;

Bagama’t hindi ako nagulat, medyo na-disappoint ako. Sabi nga ni Prof. Luis Teodoro, kahit ang pinakatiwali ay laging naglalabas ng mga pahayag na kumukondena sa corruption. Ang panawagan din sa media, ayon sa propesor, ay tila umuulit sa laging sinasabi ng mga taga-Malacanang. At idaragdag ko na ring ang panawagan sa mga senador ay tila ganoon din. Laging parinig ng mga maka-administrasyon na ang mga pagdinig sa Senado ay hindi in aid of legislation o para sa paghahanap sa katotohanan, kundi “in aid of grandstanding”. At gaya ng isinulat ko sa blog ko, paano mo makukumbinsi si Arroyo na manguna sa paglaban sa graft and corruption at payagan ang kanyang mga tauhan na isiwalat ang lahat kung ang kanyang asawa mismo ang pangunahing pinagbibintangan sa mga isyu ng katiwalian? Sa panawagan ng mga obispo na ibasura ang EO 464, lumikha na raw si Arroyo ng grupo para pag-aralan ito. Ngunit dapat tayong mag-ingat sa mga pahayag ng isang pamunuang may rekord ng pandaraya at laging nahuhuling nagsisinungaling.

Sa kabilang banda, naisip kong marahil, ang pahayag ng mga obispo ay pagpapakitang nais nilang sa pagkakataong ito’y talagang magmula sa mga tao ang pagbabago. Inulit nila ang panawagan para sa mga communal action gaya ng diskusyon at pag-aaral sa pagitan ng maliliit na grupo. Kumbaga, ang ‘People Power’, kung magkakaroon nito, ay iluluwal hindi ng biglaang emosyon, kundi ng mga indibidwal na ‘realization’ ng tunay nating kalagayan.

Mas gusto ko ring isiping ang kanilang desisyon ay sagot sa kanilang masinsin at paulit-ulit na panalangin bago at pagkatapos ng kanilang mga pag-uusap at debate sa proseso ng pagbubuo ng kanilang pahayag. Sana ganoon nga.

Sapagkat nakalulungkot kung ang pahayag nila’y bunga ng kanilang kahinaan bilang mga tao — mga taong tumatanaw ng utang na loob sa isang reynang napapabalitang mapagbigay sa materyal na mga pangangailangan ng mga obispo at ng Simbahan. O ng mga taong bagamat gusto rin ng pagbabago, ay takot na magambala ang kanilang maalwang pamumuhay.

(Pinoy Gazette, Sunday MARCH 9, 2008)

IWAS PUSOY !

Adopting Filipino children

A Child Study and a Psychological Evaluation to be prepared by a social worker of the DSWD or the accredited placement non-government organization (NGO);
2. Birth Certificate/Foundling Certificate;
3. Deed of Voluntary Commitment or Decree of Abandonment or Death Certificate of the child’s parents;
4. Medical evaluation/History; and
5. Recent photo of the child.

Q. Where should the Application for Adoption be filed?
R. The Application may be filed in the country of the prospective parent/s by coordinating with Philippine accredited foreign adoption agencies. This information may be available at the nearest Philippine Foreign Post or Consular Office.

The Application shall be in the form prescribed by the Board and shall contain an undertaking under oath signed by the applicant upholding the rights of the child under Philippine laws, the national laws of the country where the applicant permanently resides or is a citizen of, those enumerated under the UN Convention, and to abide by the provisions of RA 8043, including its rules and regulations. Further, it shall also include an undertaking that if the adoption is not approved or does not take placed, the applicant shall pay for the cost of travel back to the Philippines of the child and his/her companion.

Q. What are countries that allow dual nationality?
A. The Commission of Filipinos Overseas provided the following list of countries that allow dual citizenship totally or in some limited form: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, Yugoslavia, France, Hungary, Macedonia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Syria, Tonga, Turkey, UK, US, Western Samoa, Albania, Antigua, and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Burkina, Faso, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Iran, Jamaica, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macao, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Pitcairn, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Serbia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand, Tibet, Ukraine, Uruguay, Vietnam.

...To be continued

Schizophrenia (10)

(Continuation)

Other: Electroconvulsive therapy is not considered a first line treatment but may be prescribed in cases where other treatments have failed. It is more effective where symptoms of catatonia are present,[120] and is recommended for use under NICE guidelines in the UK for catatonia if previously effective, though there is no recommendation for use for schizophrenia otherwise.[121] Psychosurgery has now become a rare procedure and is not a recommended treatment for schizophrenia.[122]

Service-user led movements have become integral to the recovery process in Europe and America; groups such as the Hearing Voices Network and the Paranoia Network have developed a self-help approach that aims to provide support and assistance outside the traditional medical model adopted by mainstream psychiatry. By avoiding framing personal experience in terms of criteria for mental illness or mental health, they aim to destigmatize the experience and encourage individual responsibility and a positive self-image. Partnerships between hospitals and consumer-run groups are becoming more common, with services working toward remediating social withdrawal, building social skills and reducing rehospitalization.[123]
Prognosis: Numerous international studies have demonstrated favorable long-term outcomes for around half of those diagnosed with schizophrenia, with substantial variation between individuals and regions.[124] One retrospective study found that about a third of people made a full recovery, about a third showed improvement but not a full recovery, and a third remained ill.[125] A clinical study using strict recovery criteria (concurrent remission of positive and negative symptoms and adequate social and vocational functioning continuously for two years) found a recovery rate of 14% within the first five years.[126] A 5-year community study found that 62% showed overall improvement on a composite measure of symptomatic, clinical and functional outcomes.[127] Rates are not always comparable across studies because an exact definition of what constitutes recovery has not been widely accepted, although standardized criteria have been suggested.[85]

The World Health Organization conducted two long-term follow-up studies involving more than 2,000 people suffering from schizophrenia in different countries. These studies found patients have much better long-term outcomes in developing countries (India, Colombia and Nigeria) than in developed countries (USA, UK, Ireland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Japan, and Russia),[128] despite the fact antipsychotic drugs are typically not widely available in poorer countries, raising questions about the effectiveness of such drug-based treatments.

Several factors are associated with a better prognosis: Being female, acute (vs. insidious) onset of symptoms, older age of first episode, predominantly positive (rather than negative) symptoms, presence of mood symptoms and good premorbid functioning.[129][130] Most studies done on this subject, however, are correlational in nature, and a clear cause-and-effect relationship is difficult to establish. Evidence is also consistent that negative attitudes towards individuals with schizophrenia can have a significant adverse impact. In particular, critical comments, hostility, authoritarian and intrusive or controlling attitudes (termed high 'Expressed emotion' or 'EE' by researchers) from family members have been found to correlate with a higher risk of relapse in schizophrenia across cultures.[131]
Mortality:

...To be continued

Congratulations to the new sets of officers! Continue to be blessed to become a blessing to others!!

Happy Mother's Day !

Kapistahan ng Sambayanang Nananalangin

Linggo ng Penetekostes

Ang karanasan ng mga apostol; noong araw ng Pentekostes (Unang Pagbasa) ay naglalarawan kung paano pumanaog ang Espiritu Santo sa kanila at nagkaroon ng natatanging karunungan at kaligayahan: “Biglang dumating ang isang ugong na tulad ng ihip ng isang malakas na hangin...lumitaw ang mga hiwa-hiwalay na parang dilang apoy na tumigil sa ulo ng bawat isa...at sila’y nagsalita ng iba’t ibang wika”(M. Gawa 2:1-4) Ipinahihiwatig sa mga talata na nananalangin ang mga apostol kung saan nasasaad na matapos umakyat sa langit si Hesus, ang mga apostol ay nagtungo sa Jerusalem, umakyat sa lagi nilang tinutuluyan, kasama si Mariang ina ni Hesus, at doon nagsama-sama sa pagbibigay saksi at pananalangin (M. Gawa 1:12-140. Batay dito, malamang na nananalangin ng ang mga apostol nang dumating ang araw ng pentekostes sapagkat naroon sila sa lugar “na lagi nilang tinutuluyan”.

Nakatulong ang panalangin sa mga apostol upang maging handa sa pagdating ng Espiritu at sa kanilang hinaharap na misyon. Tiyak na nakatulong ang panalangin kay Maria na maging bukas-loob sa ibinalita ng anghel Gabriel na siya’y maglilihi ng isang sanggol na lalaki sa kapangyarihan ng Espiritu Santo (Lc 1:26-38). Maalaala rin na noong pagalingin ni Hesus ang isang sinasaniban ng masamang espiritu ay ipinahayag niya” ‘mapapalayas lamang ito sa pamamagitan ng panalangin at pag-aayuno” (Mc 9:29). Pananalangin din ang naging gabay sa kaloob niyang misyon sa mga apostol sa ating Ebanghelyo ngayong Linggo na maituturing na pangunahing Pentekostes: “Kung paaanong isinugo ko kayo. Tanggapin ninyo ang Espiritu Santo. Ang mga kasalanang inyong patatawarin ay pinatatawad, at ang mga kasalanang inyong panatilihin, ay pananantilihin” (Jn 19:21,23).

Sa orihinal na salitang Griyego, ang Pentekostes ay nangangahulugang “ikalimampung araw”, Shabuoth naman ito sa salitang Hebreo na tumutukoy naman sa Kapistahan ng mga ani. Sa kapistahang ito ginugunita ng mga Judio ang pasasalamat sa mga ani na ginaganap pitong linggo matapos ang Kapistahan ng Paghahanda ng Trigo. Sa pagdaan ng mga taon kasama na ring tinutukoy sa Pentekostes ang kapistahan ng pagbibigay ng Sampung Utos sa bundok ng Sinai at ang pakikipagtipan ng Diyos kay Abraham at Noe. Anu’t ano man, lagi nang kalakip ng pentekostes ang pasasalamat pagdiriwang at pagbubukas-loob pagtitipan.

Sa ating panahon, ginugunita natin sa araw ng Pentekostes hindi lamang ang kababalaghan kundi ang kahalahagan din ng pananalanging nagbukas sa mga Apostol sa pagdating ng Espiritu na siya namang nagbigay ng mga katangi-tanging kaloob mula sa iisang Diyos (1 Cor 12:6). Ito rin ang paniwala ng ating Santo Papa Benito XVI sa kanyang mensahe noong Miyerkules NG abo (6 Peberero 2008): “Bukod sa pagiging sandata laban sa mga pagsubok na nagsasara sa ating puso at damdamin, ang panalangin ang siyang susi na nagbubukas sa atin sa ating mga sarili at sa kapwa-bukas sa ating pagkakawanggawa, bukas sa ating pagpapatawad, bukas sa paggawa at bukas sa pagmamahal...Ang tunay na panalangin ay di kailanman pansarili bagkus ito ay tumutugon sa iba. Kapag walang panalangin, mawawala rin ang pag-asa.”

Sa araw ng Pentekostes, nagsisimulang tunay ang pagiging bukas ng mga apostol sa kapwa. Nauunawaan sila ng bawat isa-maging ng taga-Mesopotamia, Judea, Capadocia, at iba pa. Napawi ang kanilang takot, napuspos sila ng pananampalataya at malalim na
pagkakaisa na taliwas sa karanasan ng mga taong gumawa ng tore ng Babel (bas. Gn 11). Ang araw ng Pentekostes ay pagtitipon ng sambayanan sa pamamagitan ng panalangin at pinagbubukas-palad ng Diyos. Ito ay kapistahan ng sambayanang nananalangin sa Ama sa tulong at gabay ng Espiritu. Habang nanalangin, hinahamon din tayong magpatawad, umunawa, at maging huwaran at saksi ng kapayapaan at pag-ibig na dulot ng Panginoon.

~ P. Norman Melchor Peña, SSP ~

Are Catholics ‘Born Again’? Series (LXXXVIII)

The First Letter of Peter addresses Christians as those who “have been born anew” (1:23). This language echoes the words of Jesus, who tells Nicodemus: “No one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above” (or “born again”; the Greek in this passage — Jn 3:3 — allows for either translation).

Nicodemus is puzzled. “How,” he asks, “can a person once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?” (Jn 3:4).

Jesus’ reply to Nicodemus is critical for understanding what it means to be “born again”: “I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit” (Jn 3:5; emphasis added). The event described here is not, as some Christians insist, an initial profession of faith in Christ, Rather, it refers to the sacrament of Baptism, when the person is washed with water and receives the Spirit. Later, preaching on Pentecost, St. Peter confirms that those who are baptized receive the Spirit (see Acts 2:38).

The new birth, which is the beginning of the new life in Christ, must come about after the death of the “old self” (Rom 6:6) — that is, the unredeemed nature burdened by original sin (see “What Is Original Sin?” and “Why Does the Church Baptize Infants?”). The person who thus “dies,” says St. Paul, is “absolved from sin” (Rom 6:7).

How does this death, leading to new life, come about? Through the absolution (remission) of sins in Baptism. “Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life” (Rom 6:3-4).

To be “born again” or “born anew,” then, is to be baptized. In this sacrament, through “water and Spirit,” the soul is washed clean, the “old self” is buried, and the new life in Christ begins. Since every Catholic has been baptized, every Catholic has indeed been “born again” — and is called to grow in grace with the help of the Holy Spirit.

RELATED SCRIPTURE — Texts cited: Lk 3:21-22; Jn 3:3-5; Rom 6:3-4, 6-7; Acts 2:38; 1 Pt 1:23. General: Mt 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-11; Lk 3:21-22; Jn 1:29-34; 1 Cor 12:13; Col 2:12-13.
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH — 1213-1284; 1425-1429; 2813.

POETRY FOR MOTHERS

My Mother

My Mother, my friend so dear

throughout my life you're always near.

A tender smile to guide my way

You're the sunshine to light my day.

(Author Unknown)

A Precious Mother

Mom You've given me so much,

Love from your heart

and the warmth of your touch.

The gift of life and you're a friend to me.

We have a very Special Bond

which only comes from God...

I'm sure you agree.

As a child I would say Mommy I Love You,

Now you're my Mother so dear I love you even more

with each and every new year.

If I could had chosen,

I would have picked no other.

Than for you...to be my lifelong friend

and Precious Mother.

(Author Unknown)

I Wish I Could Tell You, Mom

I wish I could tell you, Mom

how much you mean to me....

But there are no words to say

how much I admire you...

how much I appreciate you...

how much I thank you

for everything you've done.

(Author Unknown)

RIO-DIAZ COJUANGCO (A living Testimony)

After spending Christmas with my family here in Manila, I left for San Francisco in January of 2003 for my check-up. I knew there was something terribly wrong with my body. I had sleepless nights; I was steadily losing weight; I couldn't eat anything. By the time I had completed all my tests, I was only 96 pounds. My doctor said, the cancer has spread. You need to be confined in the hospital. Your food passage is completely blocked by the cancer. I don't know how much time you have. Not much. Maybe a month. But I promise you will not feel the pain. I hugged Dr. Fisher and thanked him. I told him, don't be sad. I know God is in full control of my life. I went home that night to make some arrangements and my daughter was fast asleep. I knelt down by her bedside and I cried, Mama loves you so much that it hurts. Lord, you know how much I love my Ali, my Claudia and my Jaime. You gave them to Charlie and me and I thank you. I know in my heart that Charlie will love them and watch over them. Lord, take care of my husband because I love him very much. But much more than this, it comforts me to know that I could never love them as much as you love them. I thank you, Father God. Charlie remained by my bedside day and night, caressing me, talking to me. It pains me to think how much our husbands or wives suffer the fear of losing us. How blessed I am to know how much my family and friends love me.

The Lord allowed me to experience deep, deep, sleep. I have never ever felt that kind of peace, peace that surpasses all understanding. Dr. Fisher explained to Charlie that my nourishment would come from a bag of liquid attached to me, which has to be administered on a daily basis for life. I would never be able to eat or drink again. Surgery was ruled out, so was radiation. As a last recourse, it was suggested that I do the mildest chemo but if I so much as cough, he would remove it and just keep me comfortable. I was in awe when I was told how many people were praying for me. By God's sovereign mercy, I never coughed.. One month later, my cancer level went down by half. I am now only a few points away from being on remission. And as if this weren't enough, God's incredible bonus is that I am back to my full diet. I can eat and drink anything now! Once again, the doctors were amazed. Yes, isn't our God amazing? God spared my life when Stanford doctors had given up on me. In my heart, I knew why. God allowed this miracle in my life to show us how gracious He is and what a powerful weapon prayer can be. And that God can perform miracles in our lives, if you let Him. I will never fully understand God's ways but I do know that God has a purpose for each of us.

When God calls you to live for Him, He will invite you to be a part of something much bigger than yourself, something that requires the very best of you, something that may outlive you. When God calls us to a powerful vision, it may transcend safety and it may transcend common sense because it is all about Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, we will not make it! Do we know, do you know, what God wants you to do with your life? If you are uncertain of God's will for your life, surrender all your plans to Jesus because God's plans for us are perfect. The cancer in my body, I did not choose. But in God's sovereignty, He allowed this affliction in my life. But I ask you, what is the cancer in your life? Is it the cancer of unforgiveness, jealousy, lust, anger or bitterness that you are holding on to? What are the wrong choices you continue to make because they give you temporary pleasure but can permanently destroy you -your husband or your wife or your children or your circle of influence? If you are going through a time of terrifying darkness and despair, or are plagued by doubts that are slowly eroding your hope that things can get better, I urge you to surrender it all to God; give Him full control of your life. It is the only way to live. Lord, forgive me for all my sins. Jesus, come into my heart; be my Lord and my Savior. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

~ End ~

IWAS PUSOY !

THE GUIDEBOOK (Gabay sa OFW’S)

Adopting Filipino children

Q. What are the requirements for the prospective adopting parent/s under the Inter-Country Adoption Act of 1995?
R. We limit our discussion on the rules of adoption under this law as this Manual is intended for the information of overseas Filipinos and to citizens of foreign countries.

To be eligible, the Filipino citizen permanently residing abroad or the alien must possess the following:
1. The adopting parent must, at the time of application, be at least 27 years of age and at least 16 years older than the child to be adopted;
2. If married, the spouse must jointly file for the adoption;
3. Must be capable of acting and assuming all rights and responsibilities of parental authority under their national law and has undergone the appropriate counseling from an accredited counselor in their country;
4. Has not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude;
5. Is eligible to adopt under their national law;
6. Must be able to provide for the proper care and support and to inculcate the necessary moral values and example to his/her children, including the child to be adopted;
7. Must agree to uphold the basic rights of the child as embodied under Philippine laws, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and to abide by the rules and regulations issued to implement the provisions of RA 8043;
8. Must come from a country with whom the Philippines has diplomatic relations and whose government maintains a similarly authorized and accredited agency and adoption is allowed under their national laws; and
9. Must possess all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications provided by applicable Philippine laws.

Q. Who may be adopted under this law?
R. To be qualified for adoption, the prospective Filipino child must be below 15 years of age and is committed (voluntarily or involuntarily) with the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD).

The prospective Filipino child can only be adopted under this law if the said child cannot be adopted by qualified Filipino citizens (this means that priority in adoption is given to qualified Filipino citizens, particularly immediate relatives of the child). Further, the following documents concerning the child must be submitted to the Inter-Country Adoption Board:

...To be continued

Schizophrenia (9)

(Continuation)

[99] For other patients who are unwilling or unable to take medication regularly, long-acting depot preparations of antipsychotics may be given every two weeks to achieve control. The United States of America and Australia are two countries with laws allowing the forced administration of this type of medication on those who refuse but are otherwise stable and living in the community. Some findings have found that in the longer-term some individuals may do better not taking antipsychotics.[100] Despite the promising results of early pilot trials,[101] omega-3 fatty acids failed to improve schizophrenic symptoms, according to the most recent meta-analysis.[102]

Psychological and social interventions Psychotherapy is also widely recommended and used in the treatment of schizophrenia, although services may often be confined to pharmacotherapy because of reimbursement problems or lack of training.[103]

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to reduce symptoms and improve related issues such as self-esteem, social functioning, and insight. Although the results of early trials were inconclusive,[104] more recent reviews suggest that CBT can be an effective treatment for the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia.[105] Another approach is cognitive remediation therapy, a technique aimed at remediating the neurocognitive deficits sometimes present in schizophrenia. Based on techniques of neuropsychological rehabilitation, early evidence has shown it to be cognitively effective, with some improvements related to measurable changes in brain activation as measured by fMRI.[106] A similar approach known as cognitive enhancement therapy, which focuses on social cognition as well as neurocognition, has shown efficacy.[107]

Family Therapy or Education, which addresses the whole family system of an individual with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, has been consistently found to be beneficial, at least if the duration of intervention is longer-term.[108][109][110] Aside from therapy, the impact of schizophrenia on families and the burden on carers has been recognized, with the increasing availability of self-help books on the subject.[111][112] There is also some evidence for benefits from social skills training, although there have also been significant negative findings.[113][114] Some studies have explored the possible benefits of music therapy and other creative therapies.[115][116][117]

The Soteria model is alternative to inpatient hospital treatment using a minimal medication approach. It is described as a milieu-therapeutic recovery method, characterized by its founder as "the 24 hour a day application of interpersonal phenomenologic interventions by a nonprofessional staff, usually without neuroleptic drug treatment, in the context of a small, homelike, quiet, supportive, protective, and tolerant social environment."[118] Although research evidence is limited, a 2008 systematic review found the programme equally as efffective as treatment with medication in people diagnosed with first and second episode schizophrenia.[119]

Other: Electroconvulsive therapy is not considered a first line treatment but may be prescribed in cases where other treatments have failed.

...To be continued

Mga Bugtong, Salawikain, at iba pa (3)

Ang Pag-Akyat at Pagluklok kay Kristo

Dakilang Kapistahan ng Pag-akyat ni Hesus sa Langit:

Bilang mga Katoliko ipinahahayag natin: ‘Sumasampalataya ako kay Hesu-Kristo, iisang Anak ng Diyos...umakyat sa langit, naluluklok sa kanan ng Diyos Amang makapangyarihan sa lahat.’ Ano nga ba ang ibig sabihin ng “pag-akyat” at “pagluklok”?

Pag-akyat: Ang pag-akyat sa langit ay ang pag-akyat ni Kristo sa kanyang kaluwalhatian. Ang kaluwalhatiang ito ay walang iba kundi ang pananahan sa piling ng Diyos Ama. Hindi matutumbasan ng anumang kagalakan o karangalan sa buong sanlibutan at sa panahon ito ang kaluwalhatiang ito. Umaasa tayo na sa wakas ng panahon makakamit din natin ang kaluwalhatiang ito na inilalaan ng Diyos sa ating sa ating pagdating; handa rin ba tayong humarap sa Kanya? Mauunawaan ang pag-akyat ni Kristo sa langit kung pagninilayan din natin ang kanyag naunang pagbaba sa lupa– ang kanyang pagkakatawang-tao. Tulad ito ng isang hagdan na hindi maaaring akyatin kundi muna papanaog. Nasusulat: “Bakit sinabing umakyat siya? Dahil bumaba muna siya sa dakong nasa ilalim ng lupa. Siya mismong bumaba ang siya ring umakyat sa ibabaw ng kalangitan upang punuin ang lahat” (Efe 4:9-10). Ayon kay San Bernardo, may tatlong baitang ng pagpanaog si Kristo: pagkakatawang-tao, pagpapako sa krus, at pagkamatay. May tatlong baitang din ng pagpanhik: muling pagkabuhay, pag-akyat sa langit, at pagluluklok sa kanan ng Ama. Lubos na nagpakababa si Kristo sa lupa kaya’t lubos din siyang itinaas sa kalangitan. Sadyang nakakagulat ang pagpapakumbaba ng Diyos kung ihahambing sa pagmamataas ng tao.

Subalit ang pag-akyat sa langit ni Hesus ay hindi tulad ng pangingibang bayan ng isang OFW o ng isang dayuhan o panauhin lang sa langit si Hesus. Ang langit ang tahanang kanyang pinagmulan. Samakatuwid, ang pag-akyat sa langit ay ang pagbalik o pag-uwi sa Ama na kanyang tunay na tahanan mula pa sa walang hanggan. Anong sarap umuwi sa tahanan ding iyon kung saan ang mga mahal natin sa buhay at ang Diyos mismo ang naghihintay.

Pagluklok: Ang Diyos Ama ang “muling bumuhay kay Kristo at nagluklok sa kanyang kanan sa langit” (Efe 1:20). Ang pagluluklok kay Kristo ay hindi tungkol sa pag-upo sa anumang silya kundi ang kanyang matagumpay na paghahari sa sanlibutan: Naghahari ang Diyos sa mga bansa, nakaluklok ang Diyos sa trono ng kanyang kabanalan” (Slm 47:9). Si Kristo ang “nakaupo” sa trono: makapangyarihan sa buong kalangitan at sangkalupaan.

Ngunit kahit na si Hesus ay nasa piling ng Ama, siya ay totoong nananatiling kapiling din natin sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo. Siya ang Emmanuel: Diyos na sumasaatin hanggang sa wakas ng panahon. Patuloy siyang namamagitan sa ating mga panalangin doon sa kanan ng Ama. Siya nga ang pinakadakilang Tagapamagitan natin sa Diyos at wala ng iba pa at walang makahihigit sa kanya sapagkat siya lang ang nag-iisang DIYOS-TAO.

Ang pag-akyat at pagluklok kay Hesus ay hamon upang tayo’y manalig, umasa at kumilos. Hindi sapat ang tumingala sa langit at maghintay. May utos ang Panginoon na dapat nating sundin: “Humayo kayo at gawing mga alagad ang lahat ng bansa…”(Mt 28:19). Tungkulin ito ng bawat Kristiyano hanggang sumapit ang araw ng ating sariling “pag-akyat” at “pagluklok” sa piling ng Diyos Ama, Anak at Espiritu Santo. Amen.

~ Khris Emmanuel L. Llacer, SSP ~

Is Apostolic Succession in the Bible? (Series LXXXVII)

St. Paul writes to St. Timothy: “I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands” (2 Tm 1:6). Through this ancient rite, St. Paul ordained St. Timothy as a priest, and eventually consecrated him as a “bishop” (the Greek root word literally means “overseer”) — that is, one who would oversee God’s flock and share in the ministry divinely given to Paul and the other apostles (see “Why Does the Church Have Bishops?”).

The Church is built, St. Paul tells us, on “the foundation of the apostles” (Eph 2:20), whom Christ himself chose (see Jn 6:70-71; Acts 1:2, 13; for St. Peter’s special function in that foundation, see Mt 16:18). Who were these first apostles? In Mark 6:30, the twelve original disciples of Jesus are called by that name. (Note: The Latin word discipulus means literally “student” or “follower”; Jesus had many more disciples than just the Twelve appointed as apostles — including, for example, Mary Magdalene.) Matthew 10:2 and Revelation 21:14 also speak of the “twelve apostles.” (For a list of the Twelve, see Mt 10:2-4).

After Judas defected, the remaining eleven apostles appointed the disciple Matthias as his successor (see Acts 1:20-26). The term translated in this passage as “office” (1:20), and applied to Judas, is in Greek episkopen — literally, “episcopacy” or “bishopric.” If Judas, as an apostle, occupied the office of bishop, then by logical extension all the apostles can be considered to have occupied that office.

Given that the apostles were bishops, and one of them was replaced by another bishop after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, then we have here an explicit example of apostolic succession in the Bible. Clearly, apostolic succession is not a later invention of the Church, but a reality that existed and was recognized by the apostles within days after Christ returned to heaven.

The Catholic Church traces itself back historically, in an unbroken succession, to the apostles. Apostolic succession was in fact a strong theme in the writings of the early Church fathers, who themselves had received the faith directly from the apostles or their immediate successors. They insisted that such a succession was a sign of authenticity, necessary to identify which groups claiming to be Christian could legitimately be recognized as part of the Church Jesus had established.

RELATED SCRIPTURE — Texts cited: Mt 10:2-4; 16:18; Mk 6:30; Jn 6:70-71; Acts 1:2, 13, 20-26; Eph 2:20; 2 Tm 1:6; Rv 21:14. General: Jer 1 Tm 4:14; Heb 6:2. CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH — 3; 77; 642; 815; 830; 833; 857-863; 935; 981; 1087; 1120; 1576.

TWILIGHT

By: Ed J. Titular
052508, Chasan-ri, SK

It’s a time where lizards go down
To kiss the ground and give thanks
A time for a chick to hide
On the wings of their mother for comfort
A time for petals to close
To bloom again for the next day
And a time for us to praise God
For the blessings we got at the end of day.

Twilight reminds me of my younger days
A time where I’m still walking
On my way back home
Passing on a stony road
Without even slipper to wear
And thinking my work is still waiting
In a place where cricket noise
Is the only music I hear?

Twilight a time where I still cut banana leaves
And bring it to market in exchange of fish
'Though I’m shy, but I need to do it
Or else my meal with be toppings of water and salt
Those were my twilight days, always full of tears
But, still I said that life is great
And GOD never sleeps until the next twilight comes.

Twilight always reminds me of my life
Almost at twilight time where I received all my rewards
At this time where I always said that GOD is amazing
Time where I must past all life's difficulties and hardships
A moment that push me to win all life's battle
A time where I think how could I share my blessings to others?
Twilight the moment of my life for another dimension
As twilight ends, I was carried by irresistible strength
....to face another dawn and sunshine that life could bring.

RIO-DIAZ COJUANGCO (A LIVING TESTIMONY)

Six months ago, my family was preparing for my funeral, but I stand here before you today by God's grace because He still has a purpose for my life. Let me share with you my story.. In April, l99l, I began to host Eat Bulaga!, a noontime show that brought me fame beyond my wildest dreams. I earned good money while I made people laugh. What a blessing! October of l993, I met Charlie. Single and good-looking, this guy has a terrific sense of humor, a man with a big heart. "Kung sa beauty contestant, beauty and brains." At a certain point in our relationship, we both knew God brought us to be together...for life. In August, l994, we were married. After four wonderful years of marriage, God blessed us with two children, Claudia and Jaime. Thirteen years earlier, I was blessed with a son, Ali, from a previous relationship. May of l998, Charlie became Congressman and I became Vice Mayor of Pontevedra ( Negros Occidental). November of the same year, during a routine check-up, they discovered some abnormalities in my stomach area which, the doctors said, could be solved by a minor procedure. A few days later, my supposedly one-hour surgery turned out to be a six-hour-and- a-half surgery. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Cancer?

No one had cancer in the family. My life flashed before me. My world suddenly caved in. The doctors were quite frank. They told us that I had only a couple of months to live. Stage 4 cancer is like a death sentence. As my doctor was speaking, I didn't understand a word he said because all I could think of was Charlie, my children, my family, my in-laws, would whisper, Lord, help me...help them, Lord! They're all suffering. I don't know how to comfort them. The day before my first chemotherapy, I said, Lord, just tell me you're in control. Tell me that no one made a mistake and I'll be fine no matter what, Lord. Somebody gave me a devotional book entitled Streams in the Desert which I read at 3 o'clock in the morning. It said, this is my doing. Your weakness needs my strength and your safety lies in letting me fight for you. You did not come to this place by accident. You are exactly where I meant you to be. You were so busy that I could not get your attention and I wanted to teach you some of my greatest truths. The pain will leave you as soon as you learn to see me; in all things. These words became the pillow on which I rested my weary head. I surrendered to God all my fears, all my burdens and my family as I began my journey of trials. I focused on His promises as Jesus said, Surely I am with you always.

By God's gracious mercy and beyond all medical explanation, after six months of chemotherapy went on remission. Eight months later, the cancer was back. More surgery, more chemo. And then again, God allowed healing for me. The best lesson I am learning from this is how God allows us to enjoy life with His moment by moment of grace. My third bout with cancer entailed three different chemotherapies infused at the same time. The Lord allowed me to learn to NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE UP...PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD. Three times, I was at the threshold of death. Medicines and state-of-the- art treatments were not working anymore. Not all the money in the world nor the best doctors on earth can make us live if God doesn't want us to. During those times, God comforted my heart with these verses: Why are you downcast o my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise Him my Savior and my Lord. But let me tell you about my latest brush with death. ...To be continued

IWAS PUSOY !

THE GUIDEBOOK (Gabay sa OFW’S)

Philippine Citizenship
2. Natural born citizens of the Philippines who after the effectivity of this Act, become citizens of a foreign country shall retain their Philippine citizenship upon taking the aforesaid oath; and
3. The unmarried child, whether legitimate, illegitimate or adopted, below eighteen (18) years of age, of those who re-acquired Philippine citizenship upon effectivity of this law shall be deemed citizens of the Philippines.

Consequently, those who re-acquire or retain Philippine citizenship under this law shall enjoy all civil and political rights and shall be subject to all liabilities and responsibilities of existing laws of the country.

Q. If a former Filipino who acquires the citizenship of another country reacquires Philippine citizenship under the Philippine dual nationality Act, how does this affect his/her foreign citizenship?
R. It depends on the law of the other country., which may or may not recognize dual nationality. Other countries that do not recognize dual nationality may impose strict citizenship laws for its citizens, such that there is a danger that those who acquire the citizenship of another country, such as a Filipino reacquiring Philippine citizenship, may lose his or her foreign citizenship. It is therefore important to seek legal assistance and information and information before making a decision to reacquire Philippine citizenship under the dual nationality Act.

Adopting Filipino children

Q. Who may adopt Filipino children?
R. There are two basic Philippine laws that govern the adoption of Filipino children.
1. The first law is Republic Act 8552 or more popularly known as the “Domestic Adoption Act of 1998”. It defines the rules for the adoption of Filipino children by a resident Filipino or by a non-Filipino national who has been continuously living in the Philippines for at least three (3) years prior to the filing of the application for adoption.
2. The other law is Republic Act 8043 or the “Inter-Country Adoption Act of 1995” which lay-down the rules for adoption of Filipino children by a Filipino citizen permanently residing abroad or an by an alien.

...To be continued

Schizophrenia (8)

(Continuation)

The effectiveness of schizophrenia treatment is often assessed using standardized methods, one of the most common being the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS). Management of symptoms and improving function is thought to be more achievable than a cure. Treatment was revolutionized in the mid 1950s with the development and introduction of chlorpromazine.[87] A recovery model is increasingly adopted, emphasizing hope, empowerment and social inclusion.[88]

Hospitalization may occur with severe episodes of schizophrenia. This can be voluntary or (if mental health legislation allows it) involuntary (called civil or involuntary commitment). Long-term inpatient stays are now less common due to deinstitutionalization, although can still occur.[5] Following (or in lieu of) a hospital admission, support services available can include drop-in centers, visits from members of a community mental health team or Assertive Community Treatment team, supported employment[89] and patient-led support groups.
In many non-Western societies, schizophrenia may only be treated with more informal, community-led methods. The outcome for people diagnosed with schizophrenia in non-Western countries may actually be better than for people in the West.[90] The reasons for this effect are not clear, although cross-cultural studies are being conducted.

Medication: The mainstay of psychiatric treatment for schizophrenia is an antipsychotic medication.[91] These can reduce the "positive" symptoms of psychosis. Most antipsychotics take around 7–14 days to have their main effect. Risperidone (trade name Risperdal) is a common atypical antipsychotic medication. Though expensive, the newer atypical antipsychotic drugs are usually preferred for initial treatment over the older typical antipsychotics; they are often better tolerated and associated with lower rates of tardive dyskinesia, although they are more likely to induce weight gain and obesity-related diseases.[92] Prolactin elevations have been reported in women with schizophrenia taking atypical antipsychotics.[93]It remains unclear whether the newer antipsychotics reduce the chances of developing neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a rare but serious and potentially fatal neurological disorder most often caused by an adverse reaction to neuroleptic or antipsychotic drugs.[94]

The two classes of antipsychotics are generally thought equally effective for the treatment of the positive symptoms. Some researchers have suggested that the atypicals offer additional benefit for the negative symptoms and cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia, although the clinical significance of these effects has yet to be established. Recent reviews have refuted the claim that atypical antipsychotics have fewer extrapyramidal side effects than typical antipsychotics, especially when the latter are used in low doses or when low potency antipsychotics are chosen.[95]

Response of symptoms to medication is variable; "Treatment-resistant schizophrenia" is a term used for the failure of symptoms to respond satisfactorily to at least two different antipsychotics.[96] Patients in this category may be prescribed clozapine,[97] a medication of superior effectiveness but several potentially lethal side effects including agranulocytosis and myocarditis.[98] Clozapine may have the additional benefit of reducing propensity for substance abuse in schizophrenic patients. [99] For other patients who are ... ...To be continued

Salawikain (2)