“Father, what’s a novena?” Jonathan asked. “It’s a prayer or a spiritual offering for nine days,” I replied. “Why nine?” He asked. “I think there isn’t one reason why, Jonathan. At least, the most concrete is that the word novena means nine in Latin. It was closely linked...
When Christians ponder on the reality of death, it is often associate with Gospel narratives about our Lord’s Passion and Death on the Cross. This is only natural because Jesus also taught that if we want to be his disciples, we must take up our...
The dramatic advances offered by technology have radically changed the different functions of man’s life, work, and socialization. Despite this, however, many realities still remain unchanged. Take for example our home or work addresses. Addresses have been around since the beginning of time. Even before written...
We often are aware and accept life’s countless share of difficulties and trials. To these, we simply shrug our shoulders and say, ‘That’s life! There isn’t much that we can really do about it!’ But our tone and attitude change when these burdens and challenges hit...
Marieta was browsing through her children’s photos. She took a sip of tea, but with her eyes continued viewing the photos, as if trying to catch some important details. “Here, what can you say about this one, Father?” She hands me a photo. The photograph didn’t appear...
In a tour through Egyptian artifacts in the Vatican Museums, my companion was amused with the numerous statues of Egyptian gods. “We’re lucky not having to memorize so many Gods,” he quipped. “Indeed, but I believe there are more Hindu gods?” Then he pointed to one statue...
"What's your Lenten sacrifice, Carlos?" I asked the Grade 4 student. "Something to suffer?" He clearly revealed some discomfort towards the word as he wrinkled his nose. "Yeah, but more like something to offer, for the season of Lent," I clarified. "Offer? But my mom always asks me...
“Father, how can I be like the prodigal son?” asked Ethan. “What do you mean?” “Yesterday, I did something bad and I was tempted to lie to my dad, but I told him the truth anyway.” “That’s very cool and courageous of you, Ethan!” “Yeah, but I still got...
Mentors and coaches strive to identity their clients’ most positive traits and how these can be improved. Naturally, they also have to spot what are the common snags and pitfalls, experienced in work and social dealings, that hinder their positive points from developing. In the process...
A close friend shared a story about her son. When he lost his front tooth, they told him that he could keep it under his pillow. “Why?” “So the tooth fairy can come and get it,” they explained. “Then what?” “She will exchange it with a gift!” Her son excitedly...
