LIKE ME, PLEASE!

A lot of people see me as one who is stern, serious, stubborn and "senile."  It is an impression that has stuck to their minds, perhaps even well impressed on them.  I might not want to be deeply imbedded on these impressions, but it is there already.  It has become a norm because of a number of unfortunate experiences people had with me.  But more unfortunate are the mindsets that have been formed in the minds of people who has not even had a sad experience with me (bad impressions formed because of what they have heard from others).

No matter how I would like others to veer away from unlikely "evil" thoughts about me, I could not remove that already as there are really some truths about what they see and hear.  I even don't know whether I will feel happy when someone tells me, "Oh, you are smiling!  What happened?" or "You have a bright face today..."  Why, has it been the most normal thing to see me blank-faced, frowning or downcast?  Perhaps I need to have a deep soul-searching.

I am not writing this to defend myself.  No, that is not my intention.  I even think that I need to have an honest-to-goodness examination of conscience.  I don't want to have people think that I  was brought up like this (that would be unfair to my family) or that  I have always been like this (as if I did not learn anything from my journey through life).  I all reality, I would like my life to be as pleasant to me and to others as much as possible.  IO know it would be unfair to live a life with the thought I have destroyed the meaning of why I am here and have not made a good difference whenever I am in front of others.

Honestly, I desire to live a happy life.  I am now middle-aged, but look at that recent photo of me above holding a stuff-toy tiger.  Some might even be wondering, "Well, behold, he IS SMILING!"  Guys, sorry to disappoint you!  I can still smile and play around!  But I think you got to help me with this.  Sure I would love to see the beauty and joy of the world.  I am no scrooge - that is for sure! And I don't want to always feel miserable.  I will still have my moments of fun and laughter...especially with all the good things this world has to offer.  Be patient with me.  I am still a work in progress as all of us are.  Happy are you who will see the best side of me.  This is not something rare.  Many people have made this their experience!

Many people liked the photo above!  They saw me fooling around!  Again, that is not a rare photo.  It's one of the many moments when I can make fun of myself and act like a child.  These priest-friends continue to help me realize the child that is in me and how fun-loving I can still be!

Please understand the things I go through.  I actually don't like all the seriousness that people see in me.  I can really be stern at times, but not always.  I reality, I can be a "fool" - with my foolishness and playfulness all round up as one.  I can be funny - with all my "corny" stories and other stuff I tell others.  I can be strange, but not in a mysterious way, but by doing things people did not even expect me of doing.

Think differently of me.  Those who have come to know me found a different side of me.  Bear with me.  I am still human.  I can still bring pain and hurt others.  But it is not something intentionally done.  I am perhaps just downed by my weaknesses and limitations.

But let me tell you (and you can be assured of this), discover (or rediscover) me...we'll have fun, together!

DVP-ECV

Since May of this year, I have been working as National Coordinator for the Directors of Vocations in the Philippines (the umbrella organization for all groups involved with vocation animation and promotion in our country) and as Executive Secretary for the Episcopal Commission on Vocations of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines.  This is not an easy work since I am asked to do many things that is connected with the ministry of vocation promotion to the priesthood, religious and missionary life.  But the beauty of this work is not about the work itself but the chance to be able to help the Church in promoting to many young people God's CALL.  It allows us to let others see how great the calling of God is and makes us realize that in serving Him in a particular ministry, one is actually realizing the desire of God to be "fishers of men" in a "great field of harvest."

Over the past years since the DVP was established, the organization was represented by a logo that spoke of a people jointly carrying a house and assisting it to be built as a strong Church.  It spoke of the "bayanihan" spirit within the Church.  After many years, we in the DVP thought of giving the group a new logo that now speaks of who we are and what we intend to continue to do as a ministry.

This is the new logo of the Directors of Vocations in the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Vocations (DVP-ECV) which I designed.  Actually, this comes from the old logo of the Vocations Ministry of the Diocese of Antipolo which I also made a few years ago.  I updated the design to incorporate stylized images of fishermen in the logo to represent the work of those in the vocation ministry - that of "fishing and harvesting" more people (as represented by the net and the fish) to the priestly and consecrated life for the service of the Church (which is represented by the boat).  The water might be rough but we continue to sail since we believe that it is not our work but God's.  He will be the one to journey and guide us.  Thus those involved in the work of vocation animation and promotion must heed the words of Jesus, "Be not afraid!"

Easy-to-Make Logos for Priests' Meetings

I think people have started to discover that I have penchant for art.  I know that since I was a child, I have not only been attracted to art, but I have done some artworks that I can be proud of.  Over these last ten years, I have lost count of the things I have done.  In fact, even with me wanting to, I could not get hold of everything that I have made.  That is why I am now keeping for posterity what I have done and start saying to myself that at least, I have contributed something to make people happier.

During the Focolare Priests' Congress in 2011, I think I was able to do "a masterpiece" since so many commended me for the what I did.  The theme then was "If You Want It, Then I Want It Too."  It came from the words of Blessed Chiara Luce Badano who accepted with joy everything, even the cancer that she had.  It was a total openness to the will of God that challenges everyone to live as well.  The logo is full of color to represent the vibrancy of the youth of Blessed Chiara.  But at the same time, it also shows symbolically elements that challenges people to choose God even if it is difficult - the image of the crucified Jesus and the circles and twists in our lives.

In one of the regular Priests' Congress of the Focolare Movement, I had nothing to work on except for some scraps of art paper.  I started to cut them into squares and put it together as a burst of colors representing our diversity.  But one must realize that this diversity must lead to a communion in Jesus - the One whom we promised to serve.

In the logo above made for an Asian course on spirituality for priests sponsored by the Focolare held last March 2014, the theme was "At the School of the Trinity."  Again I worked with scraps of art paper.  Since we were coming from different Asian countries, I highlighted the various cultures, languages, family backgrounds.  It was not meant to show differences but the beauty and joy of living a one.  The different colors and shapes blend into one and form just one whole.  I've realized that that is what the Trinity is all about!

What Is This?

A good parishioner of mine asked me to design a print for a shirt she was to give away for an activity of the parish.  I don't know if you were able to see  what it is.  It is a bit bit difficult, but those who are trained with a "spiritual eye" can readily grasp it.

The parishioner I was talking about owns the "Mater Dolorosa" of the parish.  She had a new carroza built for her image and to celebrate it, she asked if I could design the t-shirt print for that Good Friday procession four years ago.  I like to design artwork that would make people think and reflect.  It it, one can see a procession on-going with a number of people joining it.  It is stylized, thus one cannot easily figure out what it is all about.  But isn't it that art is supposed to make you reflect?

SANGKAN 4 (2013) LOGO

In August 2013, the John Paul II Minor Seminary of the Diocese of Antipolo hosted "SANGKAN 4" (Isang Angkan kay Kristo).  This was a gathering of high school seminarians from all over the Philippines.  For that gathering, the priest-formators of JPIIMS asked me to design a logo for the said gathering.

The logo shows a people in celebratory mood coming from the heart of Jesus.  What challenges them to that demeanor is the love of God that brings joy to their hearts (cf. theme of the gathering).  Mary (Our Lady of Peace & Good Voyage is the patron of the Diocese of Antipolo) is also present, albeit in a silent way, as she accompanies the gathering into a real communion of love.

Logos for St. Jerome Parish

     Early this year, I was asked by a good friend of mine, Fr. Ben Guevara, parish priest of St. Jerome Parish in Morong, Rizal, to do the official logos for their parish and St. Jerome Academy.  After weeks of trying to find the inspiration, I came up with these simple renditions that represent their parish and parochial school.  Thanks Fr. Ben for challenging me to stretch may creativity and contribute something for one of our parishes.

A PASTORAL CONCERN: Trends in Vocation Animation in the Church Today (Part 3)

Perceptions on the "Holy Life"

The youth were asked how did the realities they face jibe with their perception of the "holy life."  Interestingly, the young people regard the religious very highly.  They see priests and nuns as holy, but goes to the point of being unforgiving for any mistake they commit.  They acknowledge that not everyone has a "calling" and that those people have committed themselves to a life of service.

Two important factors influence this perception of the holy life.  These are the lack of interface with priests and nuns which make them hold on to old misperceptions, and the media mileage on the Church's stand on political issues is misconstrued as meddling in the affairs of the State.  Thus, this creates a dissonance to (1) a life of confinement that puts a barrier for the young people in their desire to enjoy their youth and to be able to take control of their own future.  It also (2) reinforces to them their concept of a parent that asks "How can he be a father to me when I can't even talk to him?"  This concept also makes them see that (3) nuns are subservient women who are removed from today's ideal women.  Also, the youth have realized that they must live a lifetime of service to others but believes that they can serve their families even without becoming a priest or a religious.

Challenges

In all of these, there now comes about a big challenge to those who are promoting the specific vocation to the priesthood and religious life.  Being closer to the youth makes a whole lot of difference.  But one must not see the young people in terms of being candidates to the priestly or religious life.  They must be seen as persons and possible friends.  Those who are in close contact with priests and nuns have had a better appreciation of the religious life and its beautiful influence on others.  In fact, some of the youths interviewed have said, "I know that I would get a better advice from a priest.  It's a good thing he is quite approachable." / "They were with us in Gawad Kalinga.  We shared the same difficulties and hardships." / "Sister is cool!  She even knows the songs I like!" / "I never realized that she can go out...even to the malls?!"  The priests and religious must not come out as different from others.  They are not removed from from the reality of other people's lives.  The youth may have the lack of openness to consider the religious vocation because of their desire for building a family, or their lack of knowledge about the "holy life," thus their seeming disinterest in entering the seminary or convent, but they can have a different mindset if they see the "holy people" becoming part of their very own experience.





This also does not mean that the youth are closed to the idea of living a life in faith.  In fact, the young people believe that this is a way they could keep themselves in check and avoid the bad influences that may impede their future success.  They also want to feel that their world is not different the "holy people" they have met -- that priests and nuns are able to know, understand and be part of their issues and experiences in life.

If such is the case, how are the clergy and the religious to respond to the challenges of contemporary times?  How can they tell others that the "holy ones" are no different from the lives that people are living today?  How can specific vocations to the priesthood and religious life be appreciated by the youth?  

Perhaps these suggestions can be practiced:
(1)  BE "APPROACHABLE" NOT "UNTOUCHABLE"
The first step needed is to ":humanize" priests and nuns in the eyes of the youth.  The young people would like to take the journey together, but there are times when the young people do not know if the religious can make it with them.
(2)  "LEVEL WITH ME"
The young people would like to understand the application and relevance of God's Word in today's context.  They would like it presented to them in an interesting and engaging manner.  Talking to the teens in their "vernacular" would also help address their misperceptions that priests/nuns are "different" and that "they would not understand me."
(3)  "WALK THE TALK"
The youth of today are a generation tired of lip-service.  They want to see their parish priests making a tangible difference in their daily lives.  Only then can the religious earn the respect and credibility of being a friend and a moral guide.  Remember, integrity of life is important to the youth today.   
(4)  "PRIESTS AND NUNS ARE EQUAL"
There is a lingering perception that nuns play second fiddle to priests.  This makes their role seem of secondary importance as well.  If young girls are to be enticed into the religious vocation, perhaps a distinct and "equalizing" role can be prescribed for nuns.

Being Attuned & Staying In Touch

Today, one can see the strong influence of media in the minds of the youth.  Media has had a great impact on most of the young people that whatever it projects seem to be "gospel-truth."  This is quite alarming because media is now the "teacher" and "formator" in almost all fields.  But those in the "holy life" cannot simply "fight" with media.  It could also be a source of blessing when used properly.  In fact, it has not been used by the Church to work for its advantage.  Sometimes, media has maximized itself into a force that destroys the credibility and integrity of those in Church.  But it must be seen that all modes of media appeal to this new generation of the young.  Thus, a tool for invitation to the religious life can be through the same media.  There are priests who produce CD's of their songs and do concerts that has not only entertained the youth but has led them to discover their own calling in life.  Vocation posters , cards and brochures should not be a drag.  These could be opportunities to show to people a life of real companionship and journey towards real commitment -- an authentic presentation of what the youth could expect.  There have been dioceses like Manila, Antipolo, Pasig and Cabanatuan, and religious communities like the Jesuits who employ advertising agencies or even using their own manpower and resources to do "unconventional" vocation promotion just to satisfy the curiosity of the youth and stay attuned with them.  Some religious have already made use of some media outlets like television and movies, radio and print advertisements to bring out an honest-to-goodness message of a calling.  The social networking sites are now also being maximized to be able to stay in touch with many young people.

With all these being done, are the religious - our priests and nuns - to be seen as publicity hungry men and women?  Are they doing this just to be able to attract more vocations to the priesthood and religious life?  Perhaps, partly, it is part of the intention but not wholly.  Reality needs to be brought forth -- one which has been lost at times to those in the "holy life."  There is a need to present a life that is real and authentic.  That in committing oneself to God, it is a life that can be full of joy and not distanced from the world.  It is a life that can still relate well with others.  It is a life that can accompany and journey with others in its truest sense. 



One must rediscover the need to make a difference in the lives of young people today.  But the priests and religious have to do it by being one with the people of today, especially the youth.  By making the youth feel that the "holy ones" are capable of journeying with them, a new reality will surely ensue.  Only then will the priests and religious of contemporary times stand a chance of winning the youth to their side and invite them into the "holy life!"

(End)

A PASTORAL CONCERN: Trends in Vocation Animation in the Church Today (Part 2)

The Youth & the 'Holy'

The insights shared by the young people during the vocation convention in Antipolo jibed with the result of a research done by McCann Erickson in October 2005.  They entitled their research "The Youth and the Holy: Staying in Touch."  That research was triggered by the ongoing struggle to recruit vocations to the religious life.  The Manila Archdiocesan Vocations Office (MAVO) commissioned the research to see why there seemed to be the youth's disinterest in service.  It also asked why the tactics employed did not elicit an overwhelming response in contemporary times.  There came the desire to investigate the seeming unattractiveness to the religious vocation.  The research hoped to accomplish a better understanding of the context in which teens in our times choose their courses and career paths, their perceptions of the Church and the religious vocations, and the barriers between the youth and the priests/nuns/brothers.

The research began with taking a look at the long term dreams of the youth which starts from the harsh realities of life.  It can be said that today's times are hard and it is very real to the youth.  Many of those interviewed said: "Malimit ko pong naririnig mag-away ang mga magulang ko tungkol sa pera." / "Dati po 100 piso ang baon ko.  Tumaas na nga ang lahat ng gastusin, binawasan pa ang allowance ko...70 pesos na lang ngayon."  (My parents would always fight about money. / Before I had an allowance of 100 pesos.  Now, even if after everything has become expensive, my allowance still went down to 70 pesos.)  Almost all of them experience parental absenteeism.  The "dual-income families" have become the norm.  Thus, "kanya-kanya na sa bahay" (each to his own).  The lack of good employment opportunities has forced many parents to work abroad and most of the youth whose parents have worked in other countries even feel guilty that they are the ones causing the "break-up" of their families.  Parental role has now evolved -- parents has become friends and confidantes, as much as they are nurturers and guides.  Thus, the teens feel and even greater longing for the presence of their parents.  Dreams of prosperity thus emerge and it comes as no surprise that they strongly aspire to reverse their family's plight.  This reality is stronger for the high school teens whose dreams of becoming a professional and working abroad seem more pronounced.

When asked how they see themselves 5 to 10 years in the future, their top five answers were the the following: famous, moneyed, altruistic, global citizens and having a family.  Thus, they begin to chart their course.  For them, preparing for the future begin with choosing the right course in college.  They choose courses that will ensure their marketability (e.g. nursing, technical courses, advertising, HRM, etc.)  They would continue to say that financial success is their way of "repaying" their parents for their sacrifices for the family.  Although they admit that money cannot buy happiness, it serves as an enabler to achieve a better quality of life.   Thus it has become quite common for the youth to say: "You need money so that you can buy everything that you want." / "Of course, when you start your own family, you would want what is best for them." / "How can you give to others when you yourself have nothing at all?"

The Youth Want Real Achievements

Achieving success is in the hands of the youth.  They persevere in their studies and keep themselves in check.  Those interviewed have voiced out these comments, "Hindi muna dapat magpadala sa impluwensya ng barkada." / "Hindi muna puwedeng ma-in-love." / "Iwasan muna ang puro bulakbol."  (I cannot allow myself for the moment to be influenced by my peers. / I can't fall in-love yet. / I can't just gallivant and not do anything productive.).  They know their resources allow them only one chance to achieve their dreams.  But this does not stop them from having fun and finding fulfillment in their present life.  They know they can still enjoy themselves for as long as they keep their balance -- like hanging out with their peers, keeping up with the latest trends, exploring and mastering new technologies, and admiring their famous media idols here and abroad.  Others have started to make a difference now.  Thus, it has become common for some of the college teens to have found fulfillment in reaching out to people and helping society.  There are those who would even say, "Before, I would always ask myself why the government doesn't do anything right?  But when I joined Gawad Kalinga, I thought to myself that instead of useless talk, I would rather do something productive." / Before, I thought of settling abroad since I don't see any hope in our country.  But when I saw what I can be capable of doing, I started to see things differently."

This positive experience has resulted in a reversed perception that an individual can barely make a difference.  It also negates the belief that our society is a hopeless case.  A sense of personal empowerment also comes about.  Overall, two clear portraits ensue: (1) The Fun-Seeking Teens who wants the freedom to explore various interests; who is always ready for challenges; and the highly impressionable youth, and (2) The Take-Charge Teen that is strong-willed and says "the future is in my hands."  For this young person, nothing is impossible when the mind is set and does not want to feel confined to limited choices or possibilities.

(To be continued...)

A PASTORAL CONCERN: Trends in Vocation Animation in the Church Today (Part 1)

To heed the call of the "Lord of the Harvest" in bringing about a culture of vocations in our Church through vocation awareness and promotion is not easy.  It entails a lot of openness to various realities and trends.  As the world changes, so do people, especially the young.  One cannot but keep up with what is going on as people journey through life.  It is in the midst of these many changes that every priest and religious, not only those with specified ministries as vocation animators, need to move along with these challenges.

Inviting young people to the priestly and religious life have become a daunting task.  There are those who see the difficulty of "getting vocations" as a problem of values and worldly trends that abound these days.  There can be various elements to these prevailing situations.  But one must be able to see and distinguish where the problem really comes from.

An Example of a Local Church

Let us take the example of the Diocese of Antipolo.  This is one of the largest dioceses in the Philippines in terms of population.  It has a population today of about four million covering the whole province of Rizal and the city of Marikina.  Of this population, around three million five hundred thousand are Catholics!  There are only 80 diocesan priests serving this local Church.  Thanks to the presence of the religious men and women who have established their presence in the diocese, it is able, more or less, to respond (although still with great difficulty) to the spiritual and pastoral needs of the people.  With its proximity to Metro Manila, a "merger and clash" of cultures and traditions ensue at times.  The young people especially have become prone to such developments -- with values becoming disvalues.  Consumerist and individualistic mentalities have come about and the rise of various mentalities has changed the idea of self-giving and communal responsibility.

Some years ago, the 1st Antipolo Diocesan Vocation Convention was convened and it discussed the challenges that confronted vocation promotion and recruitment.  At the end of the convention, there was a fearful consensus among the participants that the Diocese of Antipolo had entered into a "vocation crisis."  Very few young people in that area have entered the seminaries and convents over a period of ten years!  In fact, the numbers were declining.  Although there was not enough scientific basis (no formal instrument was used), but listening to the experiences and testimonies of both religious and lay people were proof enough of the difficulties the diocese was facing.  The young people spoke to the delegates of the said convention and they shared their insights that proved to be important.  Those "informal" findings will perhaps resonate to the bigger part of the youth of the Philippines today.

By some twist of fate, from the vocation crisis the Diocese of Antipolo entered into eight years ago, there has been an upsurge in vocations to the seminary over the past two years.  Perhaps this has to do with new techniques employed by vocation promoters and having a new understanding on how young people think and move that has led to better ways of dealing with them.

The Difficulty Lies In...

When asked why there seems to be a difficulty in inviting the youth today to consider the priestly and religious life, some areas need to be considered: family, economics, personal aspect, views of the youth towards priests and religious, and other areas of importance that are commonly left out.

Parents want their children to support the family, but at the same time when the children would like something for themselves, they do not get enough support from their family.  Also, there is a difficulty of separating from the family, as Filipinos, culturally, have strong and close family ties.  Poverty also has proven to be a stumbling block.  People are bothered by the fact that religious formation can cost so much.  Thus, they would rather send their children elsewhere where they could benefit from whatever resources that is worth their hard-earned money.  Difficulties coming from oneself can also arise.  Many are also not ready or are not willing to change what they have been accustomed to.  There is a prevailing lack of self-awareness among the youth and their feelings towards the opposite sex that has become an important issue that need to be addressed.  In fact, more are attracted to having their own families.  Other reasons are simply because they do not have particular calling to religious life or they are not attracted to a life of "holy commitment."  Varying priorities and the inability to pass difficult entrance examinations to the seminary also figure out.

How priests and nuns live their lives have also become an area of contention.  The youth run into barriers of not being able to respond to this particular vocation when the clergy and religious themselves have many difficulties in adhering to their own calling.  They become discouraged by what they see and hear about religious men and women.  They become affected by controversies and scandals concerning priests!  It thus becomes a problem of integrity.


The youth also find it hard to discern their vocation because of the attraction to and their inability to separate material things and modern technologies.  They have practical considerations, like the need to work so they can earn a living.  They also have concerns with satisfying their needs, to belong to a group of peers and to have a family.

(To be continued...)

Camp and See...

I think it was in 2005 when I proposed to the Diocesan Vocation Directors to gather the youth of the Ecclesiastical Province of Manila for a Vocation Camp in Antipolo.  This camp is supposed to challenge the youth for a deeper soul-searching of God's particular calling for them through a three-day camp immersed in talks, games, workshops, prayer and reflection and a concert.

So one weekend in February 2006, 250 of them came.  We were assisted by seminarians, religious men and women and lay animators for this beautiful gathering at the John Paul II Minor Seminary in Antipolo.  Truly, it became a time for building community with God and the invitation for everyone was to "camp and see..."

The logo that I designed was a play of symbols of a tent and campfire.  The fire comes from 8 logs representing the dioceses that participated - Manila, Antipolo, Cubao, Kalookan, Novaliches, Paranaque, Pasig and the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines.  The fire that was built carried on the image of Jesus.  It means that He is present amongst the participants and He is the reason why they are gathered.  At the background is a triangle meant to represent a tent, their dwelling-place for the three days of the gathering.  But it is also meant to symbolize that the gathering, one imbued with concrete responses to God, can have the life of the Trinity - the model of a perfect relationship - as their reason for serving and self-donation.

It was truly a beautiful camp.  It was an experience worth inviting many to CAMP & SEE!

For the Great Filipino Laity

Mga Laikong Pilipino: Banal at Bayani!  Working on this theme, I went out designing a logo for the celebration of the CBCP declared Year of the Laity.  No official logo was coming out then, so I took myself to task of creating one.  Actually, this was meant only for our Transfiguration of Christ Parish in Antipolo City.  We had it printed on tarpaulins, t-shirts and stampitas.  Somehow, it caught the attention of others and asked if they could also use it.  I said: YES!

It simply represents the triumph and strength of what others see as "an ordinary lay person."  But behind the timid and shy hardworking laity stands the backbone of the Church - they who continue to lift high the Cross of Christ wherever they go and whatever they might be.  Mabuhay ang LAIKONG PINOY!

The "Pieta"

I love doing designs for t-shirts.  One of the latest designs I did was for a good friend who asked if I could again do the print (for the third straight year!) of the shirt of her Pieta for the Good Friday procession in our parish.  I was initially not interested in doing it because of the many things I was into at that time.  But the "artist" part of me caught up and at a certain point, I was on my drawing board happily enjoying whatever inspiration I was coming out with.  This came about - a not so sad Pieta, with colors and lines here and there.  Just was so happy with this.  Hope you are, too.