Posts made in September, 2014

FROM AFAR

Posted by on Sep 22, 2014 in Congregation, Reflections, VOCATION | 0 comments

I was still a college student then when I started to become fascinated with the Sta. Cruz Church. From my long break in class, I was exploring the nearby places in Far Eastern University (the University where I graduated) when I passed by the busy area of Sta.Cruz. As I look around, my attention was then caught by this old Spanish-built church. I was captivated by its exquisite appeal. At that moment, I felt differently as I headed through the door. Inside, I appreciate the inviting silence and the solemnity of the place, making me want to pray to the Blessed Sacrament, so as everyone else around me who are seated in that church. As I watched from afar, I’ve observed the religious congregation occurring at that time. From the distance, I was so mystified with the way they pray and chant the psalms. Never did I know that I’ll be part of their evening prayer and that all happened, on that very momentous day. May 4, 2012 – The day when I’ve become a member of this community. The fascination, bewildering, and mystifying became clear and fully apprehended. For a year, I was given a chance to witness what is stated in our Rule of Life # 41 that states “We will make our parishes into authentic communities shaped by the Eucharist, source and center of their life. They shall be: places of proclamation and the living of the gospel, places of prayer, Eucharistic adoration and festive celebration, places of sharing and fellowship, places of freedom and human development. United among themselves, our religious engaged in parish ministry shall collaborate in a special way with committed lay people.” For a year, I was given a chance to experience the kind of life that I will embrace in the future as a Sacramentino religious. My everyday experiences shaped and made me understand the following realizations: Firstly, in the formation house, I thought I am just nobody, limited in my knowledge and talents as compared to others. But then, I was given a chance to bring out the best of my potentials through the assignments entrusted by the Superior and Parish Priest to me. As I fulfill my devotion, there are times when I feel so elated, as I hear words of compliments from the parishioners, making me want to serve more with all the innate talents that God has bestowed on me, for I know that all these gifts has to be shared with them for me to inspire and touch their lives, and to eventually lead them to live a religious kind of life. Although at some point, I was also questioning myself if I am really that gifted because I hardly believe that I have such talents! Secondly, I have this mantra everyday to “Always do my best!” that drives me to face all the works ahead of me with full of enthusiasm. I am always striving to be the best in every tasks entrusted to me. For me, to be consistently the best is the most important thing, but later did I know, that I was very wrong. I grew tired of always competing with myself, of always striving to be the best, because through that, I forgot to be good…to be a good individual; to be more compassionate; and to be more patient to myself and to others. From then on, I started to look life in a different perspective – that being the best has to yield positive outcome not only to myself, but for the common good of all. And lastly, I was...

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Inner Self: the Sanctuary of Inner Peace

Posted by on Sep 22, 2014 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

I pray to the Lord to bring His overflowing peace to my troubled inner-self. My inner-self is my spiritual self. It is through my inner-self that I could meet the Lord. It is my spiritual being where the ultimate peace of God could immerse into my praying soul. It is where my prayers were answered by God’s response. It is a place where I could be united with God. It is a place within my heart where I invite Jesus… to embrace me, to stay with me and live in me. It is a sacred place within me. Even the world is too busy and noisy; I could still find serenity and harmony within me. Even the world where I am living is in terrible chaos and despite of the pain and agony that I am suffering… there is still a very strong connection between me and God. I am united with God’s because my soul is touched by the purifying fire of God’s Spirit. When I open my inner-self which is my spiritual being, I am touched by the grace of God. God is uniting Himself to me through the grace of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, I am not alone anymore. I am with God. In the depth of my prayer, God consoled me through my realisations that He personally called me no matter what mistakes I have done in the past. Despite of my weaknesses, still, He tenderly loves me for who I am now. I am not afraid anymore to look beyond to my future for I am sure God will always be with me. —- Admin note: Br. Dennis Marquez is a professed scholastic of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, Province of Our Lady of the Assumption (Philippines). He is now on his 4th year of theological studies at San Carlos Seminary, Manila, Philippines. Would you like to follow Jesus as a priest or brother in the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament? Please click here to contact...

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Bloom where I am Planted

Posted by on Sep 16, 2014 in Community, Congregation, Reflections, VOCATION | 0 comments

Is this a foretaste of missionary life? Did God answer my prayer before? Actually it is my desire and I prayed for it even. I am now a missionary in a foreign land where I am of service in my own little way. It was over ten months ago when I was seeded on the ground of the Celtics. As I was newly planted, I experienced a lot of challenges. I exerted much effort in adjusting to the new environment because it was totally unusual; it was totally different! This is for real. There were lots of hesitations. I was too young. Questions started to pop out. Will I bear fruit here in Ireland? Will I make it to the end of my pastoral year? Fears and doubts crept in. But holding on to the faith that I am not alone gave me inspiration. God is with me and that is for sure. And certainly he brought me here, planted only to bloom later on. It was through my “openness” that the new horizon of my entire being appeared before my eyes. It was my openness that helped me open the seed coat so that leaves may come out. I must not be afraid; I should take the risk in the name of love and service for others. Thus, I remember Jesus when he once said: “Do not be afraid.” In this pastoral experience, I learned to open and empty myself so that God may enter in. He serves as the inner voice reverberating from within. As the prophet Jeremiah would say: “Don’t be afraid of them for I am with you and will rescue you” (Jer. 1:8). This led me to total surrender. Now I am resolved, I was planted in foreign soil because God knows I have something to give. Indeed, it was not easy to be with other people, to deal with different life situations. It was not easy to be in a mission. But, openness and surrendering are the way which led me to maturity. It is God who is in control. When I was planted here I learned to appreciate their seasons – summer, fall, winter and spring. It is actually close to the reality of life, especially my life: the summer season reminds me that God’s grace is overflowing. His love is strong and constant. Wherever I go during this time all is green, green which calls my attention of the constancy of God’s never-ending presence. The season of fall is the constant challenge of pruning to gain fruit eventually. This I equate with the challenges I had in my exposures which actually took me out from my comfort zones. The season of winter reminds me on the other hand of the times that I want to quit from my journey because of losing hope. Probably, because of loneliness I am confronted with most of the time. However, God sends white flakes from the skies which actually bring joy. They are people and events who guided me along the way. Spring comes next. New life has to come out. Like the daffodils and tulips starting to flower and the trees buds started to come out. A new beginning! Planted in overseas land, I bloomed in spirit at the same time. With so much joy, I have to go back from time to time to the very source which is Jesus in the Eucharist – the source of my joy and total self-giving. As St. Peter Julian would say: “Return, return to the source: Jesus in the Eucharist.” Thus, I am very thankful to...

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October Weekend on the Eucharist

Posted by on Sep 15, 2014 in Liverpool Shrine | 0 comments

We will be hosting a team of Lay Eucharistic Evangelisers from Glasgow and Dublin who will present our programme Life  In The Eucharist (L.I.T.E). Life in the Eucharist Programme is specifically designed to introduce a faith community to Eucharistic spirituality and practice. It is presented by a team of trained lay people under the direction of a Blessed Sacrament Religious and Priest. This will be an opportunity to experience the programme and the hope is that from this encounter a team might be formed here in the shrine. Friday 17, early evening session, Saturday 18, day session, Sunday 19 afternoon session; participation  in all the sessions is recommended to get the full benefit form experience. Look out for poster and how to register for the programme towards the end of...

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