from 'March' to 'Marching' and its symbols

The month of March has always been a symbol of academic endeavor in Philippine education. The month is always associated to an active verb, which is on a process. March turns into 'marching'. Marching is also resembled to the military walk of our soldiers. And that walk signifies dignity and honor. Such then is the way that March is closely associated to graduation. 

In Recoletos School of Theology, Mira-nila Homes, Quezon City, three of my Augustinian brothers had achieved another milestone in their life as religious as they had complied all the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts, Major in Sacred Theology (STB). 

Along the graduation, I happened to wonder and look at the different symbols of triumph and glory. They are symbols that stand as the proof of arduous journey in achieving a degree. These symbols give us honor and dignity and at the same time identity in the society. However, we are reminded, that these symbols are not justifiable rights to be bragged and to be proud so much. Most of what has been presented in the confinements of a classroom are theories and concepts. We may have dealt with them greatly but nobody can't deny that the greatest struggle lies from the facts and realities outside the classroom. 

Medals

Diploma of the University of Sto. Tomas

Corsage  

Toga

A western tradition of throwing the togas up in the air as sign of jubilation and freedom.

In Deum 2011 - Soon!

This is the cover page of the upcoming issue of In Deum, the official journal of the St. Nicholas of Tolentine Community. I'm currently working on it at post-time. The art painting is courtesy of Fray Jorge Zafra, Jr. OSA. This soon will be released at the first week of April, 2011

Bonding with the 3rd World Community Children

March 20, 2011 - This was a memorable experience to be these children, (on the picture L-R: Robert, me, Grace, Nimfa, Harold, Jeni, Ate Donna, Dora and Edmar). These are the children that Fray Harold attends to in his apostolate area together with Fray Aimark and Fray Tony. Since Aimark and Tony can't come, we were invited to come with them.

A sumptuous lunch was served courtesy of Fray Harold.

The Confessions of St. Augustine: What is the Genre of this Work?

This is an article commentary and reflection I made when I was still a postulant, way back 2009)

The Confessions of St. Augustine: What is the Genre of this Work? (author:Frances Young )

The uniqueness of Augustine’s The Confessions is undeniably a note worthy autobiography. He did not only attempt to tell a story of his colloquial personal experience but he also went deeper into his personal character, as one of God’s creation. This is not just a confession of his misspent youth, together with testimony to God’s providential rescue and celebration of conversion to a new life but, if ancient language would tell us, it is about confessing to God and meant of praising or extolling divine nature. 

Thesis Abstract: Arthur Schopenhauer’s Appropriation of Buddhism in formulating his Concept of the Will-to-live

This thesis argues that Schopenhauer appropriated Buddhist concepts in the formulation of his concept of the will-to-live. He borrowed concepts from this school because he found it as a truth to human existence. This is based from the textual sources and historical accounts that the researcher had gathered. This also argues with the other claim of some of the passages from Schopenhauer’s book that Buddhism did not influence him. 

Augustine on Prayer by Thomas Hand

Summary:

Thomas Hand presented his exposition on Augustine on Prayer in a simple yet vivid understanding of prayer. It was basically a compilation of the thoughts, words, and prayers of St. Augustine. As we all know Augustine don't deal specifically or write a certain concept in just one book or letter. His concepts are scattered in all his works. Thus, in the case of Thomas Hand, he definitely is well oriented and right to publish this book. He made it look easier for his readers to read and understand the view of Augustine on Prayer. Augustine may have lived hundreds of years ago yet his thoughts do still make an impact to the new generation.

Hand began his book by looking back to the very nature of man as searcher for happiness. He established the scaffolding of prayer through deepening and knowing the desires of Man. Human beings had been searching for true happiness since time immemorial yet still undiscovered. For Augustine true happiness won't be found in this earthly city. Possession of temporal goods may make man happy yet not eternally. Jesus Christ taught it to his disciples and Augustine affirms it. For Augustine man can only possess happiness when he finds rest from his God. In order to reach out to God one must pray to him. "knock and it shall be open unto you" and "ask and you shall receive", Christ said. "Prayer is the language of the soul's yearning for God."

What is Prayer?

What really is prayer?

What really is prayer? “Your prayer is your conversation with God” (En. Ps. 85,7). Adolar adds that in every right prayer is a two way conversation with God, even when it so often seems we alone are speaking, to a certain degree, in void.

What does praying mean? Augustine described prayer above all as an act of love. He sees the soul of prayer as a never ending longing of the inner person for God and life eternal. In a sermon he states: “The longing of the heart is a constant prayer. If you have an unceasing longing for God, then you also pray unceasingly.” (Sermon 80,7) On the other hand prayer grows mute when the heart’s longing turns cold, when a person up loving. This longing of love then decides the worth of Prayer.

A common prayer life is not possible without an established order of things. In the earlier Egyptian monasteries a fixed time schedule during the day for prayer was unknown. Manual work and prayer were carried on together.