GRADUATION ADDRESS
2ND BATCH
CHAPEL OF OUR VIRGEN DELOS REMEDIOS
ARCHBISHOP’S PALACE
May 25, 2013
Most Rev. Paciano B. Aniceto, D.D., Archbishop of San Fernando, Distinguished Members of the BOT, Rev. Fr. Jess Layug, Director of Formation, Rev. Fr. Joseph Mary Bacay, Catechetical Director, our parish priests, Sister Quezonia Cayanan, the Faculty, Bro. Sonny Lacap, ALFI Batch I, Fellow Graduates, Guests, our dear family members, friends, ladies and gentlemen, a grace-filled morning to all!
The evangelist, St. Matthew wrote: “From the fullness of one’s heart, the mouth speaks.”(Mt 12:34)
Today, my heart is full. I rejoice with the goodness of the Lord, our God! I am honored to stand before you to represent Batch II in this graduation address. Batch II, this day is truly a time to celebrate our faith! What a blessing this is indeed that it happened during the Year of Faith! I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you for reaching a landmark in our faith journey. Our celebration allows us to reminisce the time we spent together at the Archdiocesan Lay Formation Institute and Catechetical Center, or what we call the ALFI-CC. The institute was the “laboratory” of our catechetical mission. Far beyond the scientific experiments, it did provide us opportunities to prove not theorems, but to reinforce truths about mysteries that we can only grasp through faith. ALFI not only honed our knowledge and skills as missionaries, but more importantly, it shaped us to become better persons by showing love and respect for everyone, especially those in most need; in sharing goodness by our compassionate listening; and by sharing goods in the form of "pandesal" and coffee in the morning, simple baon made of eggs and ordinary viand at lunch, biscuits, mixed nuts, "Boy Bawang", jelly and hard candies in the afternoon. It was a year of deepened faith, of hope heightened, and of love personified!
On the academic side, it is indeed an amazing grace to get through the one year studies. I must confess that at age 55, memorizing lessons in preparation for written exams was not at all easy. How many times did we beg our professors to just give us “take-Home exams”? The Holy Spirit had to work double time on me!
The “Witnessing” aspect of learning was far greater challenging than memorizing lessons and writing essays. Reflecting deeply on our lessons, I have to ask myself, “In every situation that calls for a decision to do good, do I strive to pass the true tests of life?" (Prof. Evelyn Chavez)
Prof. Chavez gave us the five-point framework of Moral Theology or Christian Morality, namely: 1) LIVING OUR DIGNITY, 2) WORKING ON OUR PURPOSE, 3) BUILDING CHARACTER, 4) LOVING GOD AND NEIGHBOR, and 5) FOLLOWING CHRIST. Such were drawn from the story of the Rich Young Man in the Gospels, who asked Jesus, “Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Lk 18:18, Mt 19:16, Mk 10:17).
"1) On Dignity – that what will make us truly happy is knowing who we are as God’s created beings in His image and likeness;
2) On Purpose - that we are called to do good and the ultimate source and norm for good is God and whatever good that we do should contribute to the full actualization of the human person;
3) On Character - that we need to aspire for perfection, a constant striving to build a character as an authentic person,
4) On Loving God and Neighbor - that we are called to obey the commandments as an expression of our love for God and neighbour, that “to go, sell everything, and give to the poor” is actually a challenge to be socially responsible for others; and
5) On Following Christ - that we are called to follow Jesus to live our life with others fully in Him."
My fellow Catechists, our graduation today is a great reminder of what it means to follow Christ joyfully. Unlike the rich young man who, after hearing the challenge of Jesus, went away sad, may our official commissioning today be an inspiration to go farther even more! I am aware that for most of you, in your volunteer work, you have already a foretaste of the promised eternal life. How many times have you haggled against the present day challenges in all spheres of life in the domestic setting, which is the home, where you yourself have to fight against economic want? You were ready to “let go, sell everything, teach despite meager resources, and follow Jesus”. How many times were you challenged by crowded schools, by the hungry pupil whose rumbling stomach deafens the ears, and by the student’s family environment that hardly supports the catechetical instructions?
You are already in a way living up to Fr. Kiko’s challenge. As he unveiled to us the principles of the Social Teachings of the Church, and heightened our social awareness to elicit response to the situation, I know that most of you fellow catechists have initial responses to some social challenges. Now that Fr. Kiko had reinforced our understanding of the dignity of the person, the dream of God for every person, which is KANAWAN, let us always be mindful of the process “SEE-JUDGE-ACT” that he taught. Or else, we might find Fr. Kiko crawling, and walking on his knees to be able to draw out from us the right response to a social challenge!
Fellow Catechists, let us resonate the “voice in the wilderness”. As the catechists, the “Echoes” of God’s WORD, let us be a light to the world, following the examples of our models, St. Lorenzo Ruiz and St. Pedro Calungsod. Let us burn the candle of hope! Today’s world values convenience, comfort, and financial rewards. In combating the evil, and faced with difficulties, let our reward be Jesus Himself. Let ALFI memories live in our hearts... the Saturday sessions that provided experiences of being home with our God and being at home with one another, the many “retreat” sessions with Madam Marilou that made us cry. Let us remember the times we laughed especially when Sister Cathy took the floor to share, and when Voltaire confessed to us his sins...May our faith-life experiences, the singing together during Music lessons with Sir Russel, and all the memories of the past year always enkindle the flame in our hearts!
Thank you my dear husband and loved ones who were with me in every step of the way. I know it was not easy for my family and most especially my husband, a stroke survivor, to let go of me every Saturday despite my long weekday work. Thank you to our dear professors who formed us in a holistic way in order to be relevant in the mission of evangelization in today’s world. Thank you to to all those who helped us achieve our dream to be certified catechists.
To God be the glory!
2ND BATCH
CHAPEL OF OUR VIRGEN DELOS REMEDIOS
ARCHBISHOP’S PALACE
May 25, 2013
Most Rev. Paciano B. Aniceto, D.D., Archbishop of San Fernando, Distinguished Members of the BOT, Rev. Fr. Jess Layug, Director of Formation, Rev. Fr. Joseph Mary Bacay, Catechetical Director, our parish priests, Sister Quezonia Cayanan, the Faculty, Bro. Sonny Lacap, ALFI Batch I, Fellow Graduates, Guests, our dear family members, friends, ladies and gentlemen, a grace-filled morning to all!
The evangelist, St. Matthew wrote: “From the fullness of one’s heart, the mouth speaks.”(Mt 12:34)
Today, my heart is full. I rejoice with the goodness of the Lord, our God! I am honored to stand before you to represent Batch II in this graduation address. Batch II, this day is truly a time to celebrate our faith! What a blessing this is indeed that it happened during the Year of Faith! I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you for reaching a landmark in our faith journey. Our celebration allows us to reminisce the time we spent together at the Archdiocesan Lay Formation Institute and Catechetical Center, or what we call the ALFI-CC. The institute was the “laboratory” of our catechetical mission. Far beyond the scientific experiments, it did provide us opportunities to prove not theorems, but to reinforce truths about mysteries that we can only grasp through faith. ALFI not only honed our knowledge and skills as missionaries, but more importantly, it shaped us to become better persons by showing love and respect for everyone, especially those in most need; in sharing goodness by our compassionate listening; and by sharing goods in the form of "pandesal" and coffee in the morning, simple baon made of eggs and ordinary viand at lunch, biscuits, mixed nuts, "Boy Bawang", jelly and hard candies in the afternoon. It was a year of deepened faith, of hope heightened, and of love personified!
On the academic side, it is indeed an amazing grace to get through the one year studies. I must confess that at age 55, memorizing lessons in preparation for written exams was not at all easy. How many times did we beg our professors to just give us “take-Home exams”? The Holy Spirit had to work double time on me!
The “Witnessing” aspect of learning was far greater challenging than memorizing lessons and writing essays. Reflecting deeply on our lessons, I have to ask myself, “In every situation that calls for a decision to do good, do I strive to pass the true tests of life?" (Prof. Evelyn Chavez)
Prof. Chavez gave us the five-point framework of Moral Theology or Christian Morality, namely: 1) LIVING OUR DIGNITY, 2) WORKING ON OUR PURPOSE, 3) BUILDING CHARACTER, 4) LOVING GOD AND NEIGHBOR, and 5) FOLLOWING CHRIST. Such were drawn from the story of the Rich Young Man in the Gospels, who asked Jesus, “Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Lk 18:18, Mt 19:16, Mk 10:17).
"1) On Dignity – that what will make us truly happy is knowing who we are as God’s created beings in His image and likeness;
2) On Purpose - that we are called to do good and the ultimate source and norm for good is God and whatever good that we do should contribute to the full actualization of the human person;
3) On Character - that we need to aspire for perfection, a constant striving to build a character as an authentic person,
4) On Loving God and Neighbor - that we are called to obey the commandments as an expression of our love for God and neighbour, that “to go, sell everything, and give to the poor” is actually a challenge to be socially responsible for others; and
5) On Following Christ - that we are called to follow Jesus to live our life with others fully in Him."
My fellow Catechists, our graduation today is a great reminder of what it means to follow Christ joyfully. Unlike the rich young man who, after hearing the challenge of Jesus, went away sad, may our official commissioning today be an inspiration to go farther even more! I am aware that for most of you, in your volunteer work, you have already a foretaste of the promised eternal life. How many times have you haggled against the present day challenges in all spheres of life in the domestic setting, which is the home, where you yourself have to fight against economic want? You were ready to “let go, sell everything, teach despite meager resources, and follow Jesus”. How many times were you challenged by crowded schools, by the hungry pupil whose rumbling stomach deafens the ears, and by the student’s family environment that hardly supports the catechetical instructions?
You are already in a way living up to Fr. Kiko’s challenge. As he unveiled to us the principles of the Social Teachings of the Church, and heightened our social awareness to elicit response to the situation, I know that most of you fellow catechists have initial responses to some social challenges. Now that Fr. Kiko had reinforced our understanding of the dignity of the person, the dream of God for every person, which is KANAWAN, let us always be mindful of the process “SEE-JUDGE-ACT” that he taught. Or else, we might find Fr. Kiko crawling, and walking on his knees to be able to draw out from us the right response to a social challenge!
Fellow Catechists, let us resonate the “voice in the wilderness”. As the catechists, the “Echoes” of God’s WORD, let us be a light to the world, following the examples of our models, St. Lorenzo Ruiz and St. Pedro Calungsod. Let us burn the candle of hope! Today’s world values convenience, comfort, and financial rewards. In combating the evil, and faced with difficulties, let our reward be Jesus Himself. Let ALFI memories live in our hearts... the Saturday sessions that provided experiences of being home with our God and being at home with one another, the many “retreat” sessions with Madam Marilou that made us cry. Let us remember the times we laughed especially when Sister Cathy took the floor to share, and when Voltaire confessed to us his sins...May our faith-life experiences, the singing together during Music lessons with Sir Russel, and all the memories of the past year always enkindle the flame in our hearts!
Thank you my dear husband and loved ones who were with me in every step of the way. I know it was not easy for my family and most especially my husband, a stroke survivor, to let go of me every Saturday despite my long weekday work. Thank you to our dear professors who formed us in a holistic way in order to be relevant in the mission of evangelization in today’s world. Thank you to to all those who helped us achieve our dream to be certified catechists.
To God be the glory!
