Many know the Holy Rosary as the recitation of the Apostle's Creed, followed by the mere repetition of Our Fathers, Hail Marys, and Glory Bes.
The Holy Rosary is a powerful prayer to honor the Blessed Mother and ask the intercession of the Blessed Mother to our God in Heaven.
October has been set aside as Rosary month with October 7 as the feast day. It was Pope Gregory XIII who established the feast in 1573 in thanksgiving for the victory of the Christian forces from Europe over the Turks' fleet in the naval battle of Lepanto in 1571. Pope Clement XI made the feast of the Holy Rosary one of the Universal Church in 1716.
The Dominicans did much in the spread of the Holy Rosary.
People who prayed the rosary need small pebbles to keep count. A certain Hermit Paul of Egypt in 300 AD filled his pocket with 300 pebbles and removed them one by one with each prayer. Later a knotted cord is easier to carry, and that later, a string of beads is prettier than a knotted cord.
At first the 150 Psalms were used as prayers but not all Christians knew these Psalms by heart the Our Father was used. In the 15th century, the salutation of Angel Gabriel was used. Different regions prayed different versions of the Rosary at a time.
Pope John Paul II added the mystery of Light to the three mysteries of Joy, Sorrows and Glorious.
11.20.2009
A Black Sheep? Don't be sad if you're called so. God has something good for you.
After reading an article on what a sheep that is black among those in a flock, I realized that the black sheep does a big help for the shepherd.
The black-colored sheep is oftentimes a problem for the shepherd as it is rebellious and tends to go on their own way. As sheep are sort of dumb, they follow the one in front of them and don't look beyond him. Black is an attractive color so the whole line of sheep follows the black sheep in front of the flock.
The shepherd breaks the hind legs of the black sheep to prevent him from running. He puts the black sheep in front of the flock and pulls him with his staff by the neck. As a result of this, the rest of the flock follows him and not one is lost.
The Lord has a way of breaking the black sheep in a family. Who knows someday, he will lead the members of the family to God.
Remember the Prodigal Son?
He came back to ask forgiveness for his past. What rejoicing he experienced.
There are so many dark areas in our life to be broken. Reflect and repent. The Lord loves a sinner who goes to Him for forgiveness.
Remember: There never was a saint without a past, a sinner without a future.
The black-colored sheep is oftentimes a problem for the shepherd as it is rebellious and tends to go on their own way. As sheep are sort of dumb, they follow the one in front of them and don't look beyond him. Black is an attractive color so the whole line of sheep follows the black sheep in front of the flock.
The shepherd breaks the hind legs of the black sheep to prevent him from running. He puts the black sheep in front of the flock and pulls him with his staff by the neck. As a result of this, the rest of the flock follows him and not one is lost.
The Lord has a way of breaking the black sheep in a family. Who knows someday, he will lead the members of the family to God.
Remember the Prodigal Son?
He came back to ask forgiveness for his past. What rejoicing he experienced.
There are so many dark areas in our life to be broken. Reflect and repent. The Lord loves a sinner who goes to Him for forgiveness.
Remember: There never was a saint without a past, a sinner without a future.
Rent A Family? Let Love Prevail
If a family would like to go out of town and doesn't own a car, the family can rent a car. Many don't own the houses they live in, so they rent a house. Have you ever heard of renting a family? It is something hard to happen in Philippine culture, where strong relationships can be found. There is no reason to spend for the service of others just to have a few hours of fun, having lunch and carrying on a conversation.
This is common in Japan according to an article I read. WIth the amount of JPY1180, old people can have three hours of fun and relaxation with a "fake family". They can just dial a number, give their specifications for the kind of family desired and the family arrives like long-lost relatives.
The amount doesn't even include transportation expenses.
Perhaps this can not happen in the Filipino culture, knowing how closely knit families are, with caring neighbors around and the formation of Catholic and other religious communities. However, with the fast pace of modern life, exodus of family members abroad, the explosion of technological know-how, the young learning to live independent of family elders, will the concept be present in our midst?
Let us pray that it does not become a pattern in family life. Jesus taught us to love one another, to share love, not to rent or borrow love for love is never for rent or for borrowing. It is for giving free.
This is common in Japan according to an article I read. WIth the amount of JPY1180, old people can have three hours of fun and relaxation with a "fake family". They can just dial a number, give their specifications for the kind of family desired and the family arrives like long-lost relatives.
The amount doesn't even include transportation expenses.
Perhaps this can not happen in the Filipino culture, knowing how closely knit families are, with caring neighbors around and the formation of Catholic and other religious communities. However, with the fast pace of modern life, exodus of family members abroad, the explosion of technological know-how, the young learning to live independent of family elders, will the concept be present in our midst?
Let us pray that it does not become a pattern in family life. Jesus taught us to love one another, to share love, not to rent or borrow love for love is never for rent or for borrowing. It is for giving free.
Words of Wisdom in the Moments of Despair, Temptations and Hopelessness (For my own Reflection)
1. Life is a prayer and the prayer we say shapes the life that we live just as the prayer life we say live shapes the prayer we say.
3. Let not your face contradict your faith.
4. In the midst of a storm, remember the rainbow.
5. The evil way will not take you to Hell, remaining there will.
Reflection - Do I do my best to avoid sin? Is it easy for me to say "I'm sorry"? What kind of friends do I have? Am I a person who is dependable, nurturing and encouraging to others? Do I commune with the saints? What acts of contritions do I do? Prayers?
6. The Lord is in control of everything. Change - The humility to accept the things I cannot change. The courage to change the things I can change. Wisdom to know the difference - To offer to the Lord to bring change to those I cannot change.
Questions for my reflection: What do I pray for in my dialog with God? Do I2. Counter the trails and problems with a great sense of gratitude.
live the way of God?
Reflection - Am I a negative thinker? Do I see the good things that I
receive after an experience that I thought was a punishment for me? Were there
blessings for me?
3. Let not your face contradict your faith.
Reflection - Is it easy for me to smile? Do I consider individual differences
among those I come in contact with? How can I be not judgmental in dealing with
others?
4. In the midst of a storm, remember the rainbow.
Reflection - How prayerful am I? How do I show trust in the Lord's works and
words? Do I listen to witnesses of God's mercy in times of want and need? What
is my response to the blessings I received? Do I give with the heart? Do I share
experiences related to the Lord's generosity? A witness to God's words?
5. The evil way will not take you to Hell, remaining there will.
Reflection - Do I do my best to avoid sin? Is it easy for me to say "I'm sorry"? What kind of friends do I have? Am I a person who is dependable, nurturing and encouraging to others? Do I commune with the saints? What acts of contritions do I do? Prayers?
6. The Lord is in control of everything. Change - The humility to accept the things I cannot change. The courage to change the things I can change. Wisdom to know the difference - To offer to the Lord to bring change to those I cannot change.
Reflection - What do I do if I can not bring change? Nothing is impossible
with God - I pray to the Holy Spirit for their enlightenment. I pray to my
guardian angel to commune with their guardian angels for help? (God will make a
way)
Husbands and wives
complete and compete with
one another.
Traffic Signs in My Life (The Way, The Truth, and the Life)
Traffic signs along the way are very important. If we did not put up these signs there will be chaos, disasters and deaths. Even with these, we can not avoid accidents due to arrogance, inconsideration of motorists, disobedience to the signs and undescribable personalities of drivers. We can only refer to statistics to prove destruction to life and property although there are traffic signs.
I believe we also need traffic signs in our life. Here are some helpful ones; warning signs in our daily life.
Stop
Look
Listen
Avoid overspeeding, have someone push you when you are slow. Be aware of the Lord's words when you are about to lose your way. Watch for traffic jams in your life. Listen to God's siren and obey.
I've learned to do these things.
I believe we also need traffic signs in our life. Here are some helpful ones; warning signs in our daily life.
Stop
I've learned not to rush, calling on the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in making
decisions. It is worthwhile to pause and pray to derive wisdom to go on with the
action I would like to do based on the knowledge I have on the matter.
Look
It is wise to look ahead, to find out people who may be affected by my action,
ones I may hurt, ones I must help, ones who can be with me in the decision I
make.
Listen
It is wise to pause and listen. Open your heart and mind to God. After prayer,
listen to what God has to say. Listen to words of the elders, others who know
how to help you make right judgments and correct choices.
Avoid overspeeding, have someone push you when you are slow. Be aware of the Lord's words when you are about to lose your way. Watch for traffic jams in your life. Listen to God's siren and obey.
I've learned to do these things.
[whew, a long time since I last posted. so now, the trail of thoughts continue...]
My Guardian Angel
We all have guardian angels, to light and guide, to rule and guard, don't we? A guardian angel we don't see. Aside from an angel, I don't see, I have one who cares for me.
When Linda isn't around, she attends to my personal needs. She fills up the empty plastic bottles with water I need to clean up myself. She prepares the sandwiches and whatever there is for my breakfast. She sees to it that I have the bottled water to drink.
At dinner time, she sets the table and helps prepare the food for the meals, making sure the sauce for the viands are present including the water to drink.
Acts of Love
She does all these without a scowl on her face. At times, I have to prohibit her from doing things when she shows signs of an epileptic attack.
My angel is Manang Paring's daughter. She is an epileptic since childhood. She is a little abnormal in her speech, however not mentally retarded.
After all these years, I can say that with the advanced knowledge on the treatmentof knowledge on care of special children, she could have been more productive. Corrie is my guardian angel. Bless her, Lord.
My Guardian Angel
We all have guardian angels, to light and guide, to rule and guard, don't we? A guardian angel we don't see. Aside from an angel, I don't see, I have one who cares for me.
When Linda isn't around, she attends to my personal needs. She fills up the empty plastic bottles with water I need to clean up myself. She prepares the sandwiches and whatever there is for my breakfast. She sees to it that I have the bottled water to drink.
At dinner time, she sets the table and helps prepare the food for the meals, making sure the sauce for the viands are present including the water to drink.
Acts of Love
She does all these without a scowl on her face. At times, I have to prohibit her from doing things when she shows signs of an epileptic attack.
My angel is Manang Paring's daughter. She is an epileptic since childhood. She is a little abnormal in her speech, however not mentally retarded.
After all these years, I can say that with the advanced knowledge on the treatment
3.18.2009
Manong Berting, Our Big Brother
Let me tell you why our Manong Berting was our Big Brother.
Even at a young age, he knew his role as a substitute for our Tatay when Tatay was absent. He helped us with our school problems, helping us with our assignments. He kept us safe from unruly playmates, keeping us company when at work and at play.
Manong was friendly. His group of friends were children of parents of different nationality and state of life. There were children of Spanish descent, the sone of the Chinese owner of the store at our street corner, children of prominent families in the neighborhood.
Love Among Siblings, Peers
With his playmates and friends, he showed his creativity in creating things for their leisure. They had tops, yoyo and kites to play with. They knew how to make use of the things in the environment for their games. Shells, beautiful pebbles, wooden playthings were their playthings. With his group, he was already signs of leadership and what a true friend is. Even after the group reached maturity, they still maintained the bonding they had.
Manong had a charisma with our elders. The elderlies in the family always had a special comment for him. When we grew up, during visits to homes of our relatives, they are always eager to hear him talk on things of concern, current events, family problems & blessings.
Being Big With Love
His being the eldest was no reason for him to have the best. He was thoughtful of everyone especially the elders. He knew what things to avoid so as not to make our Father angry.
He was loving especially to our Lola Tina. When our Lola Tina comments on his behavior, he lifts our Lola TIna and sways her around. He is the one who helps our grandma caring for the pig, Lola Tina fattens up for special occasions. He goes to the neighbors for leftover food for the pig's feed.
Our Manong learned to play the harmonica. He had a sweet-singing voice.
Ours were days when family values were stressed. There were no rambols [street fights] in the neighborhood. Children were at home at Angelus time. Parents were aware of their roles in the home.
Joyful Days
"Simbang gabi" was a happy time for Manong and his friends. They tied strings around their wrists which they dropped below to pull to wake up one another. Attendance at church services was a joyous activity for the group, at fiesta time they participated in contests and joined the procession in honor of the patron saint, Lady of Loreto.
Values We Lived By
Our Manong Berting was a caring and thoughtful brother, loving, gentle and respectful to his elders, and a faithful and dependable friend to his peers. Just like our Father, he had a big heart, a storage of God's love and goodness for us and for others as well. This, he had up to the time when he had a family of his own.
He was one person with a big heart, our Big Brother, Our Maong Berting.
Let me tell you why our Manong Berting was our Big Brother.
Even at a young age, he knew his role as a substitute for our Tatay when Tatay was absent. He helped us with our school problems, helping us with our assignments. He kept us safe from unruly playmates, keeping us company when at work and at play.
Manong was friendly. His group of friends were children of parents of different nationality and state of life. There were children of Spanish descent, the sone of the Chinese owner of the store at our street corner, children of prominent families in the neighborhood.
Love Among Siblings, Peers
With his playmates and friends, he showed his creativity in creating things for their leisure. They had tops, yoyo and kites to play with. They knew how to make use of the things in the environment for their games. Shells, beautiful pebbles, wooden playthings were their playthings. With his group, he was already signs of leadership and what a true friend is. Even after the group reached maturity, they still maintained the bonding they had.
Manong had a charisma with our elders. The elderlies in the family always had a special comment for him. When we grew up, during visits to homes of our relatives, they are always eager to hear him talk on things of concern, current events, family problems & blessings.
Being Big With Love
His being the eldest was no reason for him to have the best. He was thoughtful of everyone especially the elders. He knew what things to avoid so as not to make our Father angry.
He was loving especially to our Lola Tina. When our Lola Tina comments on his behavior, he lifts our Lola TIna and sways her around. He is the one who helps our grandma caring for the pig, Lola Tina fattens up for special occasions. He goes to the neighbors for leftover food for the pig's feed.
Our Manong learned to play the harmonica. He had a sweet-singing voice.
Ours were days when family values were stressed. There were no rambols [street fights] in the neighborhood. Children were at home at Angelus time. Parents were aware of their roles in the home.
Joyful Days
"Simbang gabi" was a happy time for Manong and his friends. They tied strings around their wrists which they dropped below to pull to wake up one another. Attendance at church services was a joyous activity for the group, at fiesta time they participated in contests and joined the procession in honor of the patron saint, Lady of Loreto.
Values We Lived By
Our Manong Berting was a caring and thoughtful brother, loving, gentle and respectful to his elders, and a faithful and dependable friend to his peers. Just like our Father, he had a big heart, a storage of God's love and goodness for us and for others as well. This, he had up to the time when he had a family of his own.
He was one person with a big heart, our Big Brother, Our Maong Berting.
Life With Father
Life with our Father gave us valuable virtues we have carried throughout life. He showed us Christian values through examples in words, and actions.
He was properly groomed most especially at mealtime, very different from what some family members show these days, especially the male, half naked and lousy table manners. A hat was a part of his clothing needs, and a coat (overcoat) when needed.
He was careful with the words he said when reprimanding us, a proper disciplinarian - as to the ways he used to punish us. We only had to look at his eyes and see how he moved his head to know what he wanted us to do.
Remembering Loved Ones
We always looked forward to moments of joy on paydays when he takes us out for lunch for the different recipes from what our Inang Tina prepares, Chinese cuisine at Ongpin, T. Pinpin and other China town eateries, Ambos Mundos & Antigua.
After a long vacation for two months, he makes sure that we will have the needed clothes for our school days. He takes us to Gandara for new pairs of footwear. Saturdays were days of making sure we were tidied up. He gives us hair cuts and nail-trimming.
Tatay taught at San Nicolas Elem. School at night. Before he leaves, he takes dinner with us. But we know that we will always have something to eat when he comes home after 9:00 p.m. San Nicolas Elem. School is located in Binondo, China town.
We enjoy walking to school with our Tatay ahead taking small steps on the way to keep us on time and stopping at street corners when traffic is carried out.
With our Lola Tina, he sends us to venerate the Virgin of Peace and Good Voyage at Antipolo for a nine day pilgrimage. He takes us along to his roots to know our kinsat where he grew up at San Miguel, Bulacan and to venerate the patron saint, St. Michael the Archangel, whose feast day is May 8.
Death Ends Life, Relationships of Love Live On
Christmas day was a day for the family to have a reunion with relatives and friends.
He made sure to take us to relatives to greet and pay respect. How happy we were to receive the twenty centavo coins we received from our elders and the pan de sal with a slice of Chinese ham and cups of steaming hot chocolate.
He was with us at study time. We had a family doctor to attend to us when we were sick. He stayed with us to see to our needs.
Tatay knew the importance of education for life. We had good reading materials, dailies to know current events, and books on history, and prayer books for knowing about God.
Values We Live By
When we came home from school, he looked into our bags. We were taught to avoid taking things not ours. Anything not ours has to be returned to the owner.
Ours was a time when children had to listen, we were trained to know, give meaning and understand what our parents wanted us to do to become good, obedient and loving children. We grew up knowing about the value of the family, the need for respect and love for others and above all the love and fear of God.
We praise the good Lord for giving us our Parents and Elders, examples of God's instruments of love.
Bless our Parents & Elders, Lord.
Life with our Father gave us valuable virtues we have carried throughout life. He showed us Christian values through examples in words, and actions.
He was properly groomed most especially at mealtime, very different from what some family members show these days, especially the male, half naked and lousy table manners. A hat was a part of his clothing needs, and a coat (overcoat) when needed.
He was careful with the words he said when reprimanding us, a proper disciplinarian - as to the ways he used to punish us. We only had to look at his eyes and see how he moved his head to know what he wanted us to do.
Remembering Loved Ones
We always looked forward to moments of joy on paydays when he takes us out for lunch for the different recipes from what our Inang Tina prepares, Chinese cuisine at Ongpin, T. Pinpin and other China town eateries, Ambos Mundos & Antigua.
After a long vacation for two months, he makes sure that we will have the needed clothes for our school days. He takes us to Gandara for new pairs of footwear. Saturdays were days of making sure we were tidied up. He gives us hair cuts and nail-trimming.
Tatay taught at San Nicolas Elem. School at night. Before he leaves, he takes dinner with us. But we know that we will always have something to eat when he comes home after 9:00 p.m. San Nicolas Elem. School is located in Binondo, China town.
We enjoy walking to school with our Tatay ahead taking small steps on the way to keep us on time and stopping at street corners when traffic is carried out.
With our Lola Tina, he sends us to venerate the Virgin of Peace and Good Voyage at Antipolo for a nine day pilgrimage. He takes us along to his roots to know our kins
Death Ends Life, Relationships of Love Live On
Christmas day was a day for the family to have a reunion with relatives and friends.
He made sure to take us to relatives to greet and pay respect. How happy we were to receive the twenty centavo coins we received from our elders and the pan de sal with a slice of Chinese ham and cups of steaming hot chocolate.
He was with us at study time. We had a family doctor to attend to us when we were sick. He stayed with us to see to our needs.
Tatay knew the importance of education for life. We had good reading materials, dailies to know current events, and books on history, and prayer books for knowing about God.
Values We Live By
When we came home from school, he looked into our bags. We were taught to avoid taking things not ours. Anything not ours has to be returned to the owner.
Ours was a time when children had to listen, we were trained to know, give meaning and understand what our parents wanted us to do to become good, obedient and loving children. We grew up knowing about the value of the family, the need for respect and love for others and above all the love and fear of God.
We praise the good Lord for giving us our Parents and Elders, examples of God's instruments of love.
Bless our Parents & Elders, Lord.
12.1.2006 Looking Toward The Future With Hope Peace and Love
Precious Old Age
Experiences to strengthen one's faith
Happy memories of the innocence of youth
Sweet discipline of caring elders
Sweet secrets of adventurous souls
Opportunities for knowing about life
Moments of grace realized
Few true friends
Strong family ties
Nothing wanting as we face the future with God
God alone suffices.
Do not fear. Mama Mary is near.
Precious Old Age
Experiences to strengthen one's faith
Happy memories of the innocence of youth
Sweet discipline of caring elders
Sweet secrets of adventurous souls
Opportunities for knowing about life
Moments of grace realized
Few true friends
Strong family ties
Nothing wanting as we face the future with God
God alone suffices.
Do not fear. Mama Mary is near.
Journal II: My Second Journal 2006-2007
Cover Passage:
Memories of good relationships never die if one has shown love with those touched and cherished when together. Develop good relationships with God's creation.
---
Manang at 88, I at 86 - Old in years but young at heart.
Life is Relationships, Death ends life. Relationship lives forever.
Memories of good relationships never die if one has shown love with those touched and cherished when together. Develop good relationships with God's creation.
---
Manang at 88, I at 86 - Old in years but young at heart.
Life is Relationships, Death ends life. Relationship lives forever.
3.17.2009
01.15.2006 Ang ngayon ay bukas ng nagdaang kahapon
(Apologies for the blurred pictures, just took this via my camera phone..will upload better ones soon)
Where and what am I now?
(the card says: To Ma'am Cruz, Merry Christmas & a Very Happy New Year
From: the LEGARDANS Nena J. Acop, Arlet, Mary Adore Caeg)
(Nena Acop & Arleta (+) )
(Apologies for the blurred pictures, just took this via my camera phone..will upload better ones soon)
Where and what am I now?
(the card says: To Ma'am Cruz, Merry Christmas & a Very Happy New YearFrom: the LEGARDANS Nena J. Acop, Arlet, Mary Adore Caeg)
In the care of loved ones, relatives and friends, a grateful child of God.
(Nena Acop & Arleta (+) ) Lord - My hands are folded...in supplication. I need your help. I need to relax. I need light, peace. I need calm, courage, and forgiveness.
From you, Lord, I can expect these things. You said, "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you." You are my Savior, my only hope, my haven of peace. Amen.
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