JANMAR 2016

Volume#5

BCBP CONSOLACION CHAPTER

Sharers Writing Workshop by Kuya Ruel

Participants of the workshop

The BCBP Consolacion Chapter, through its former chapter head & current AGLs
Kuya Wilbert & Ate Girlie
Ang, conducted a writing
workshop last February 6,
2016 for upcoming sharers/
sharer prospects. The venue
was at Siknoy Restaurant at
Insular Square, Mandaue City,

Whats inside?
Jan - Mar16 activities

1-3

Kuya Morys story

Jakarta Mission

IEC Feature

8-10

CH Message

11

Q2 Celebrations

12

Q2 Activities / Intercessory 12

held right after our joint breakfast. Said initiative was spearheaded by the chapters new Formation
Directors Kuya Julius & Ate Melody Foronda, wherein the main purpose of said exercise is to continue
to invite & develop new sharers (whether mens or couple) from within the chapter. These would-be
home-grown sharers, once their respective sharings are realized, will eventually be incorporated into
our current rotation of chapter sharers regularly tapped for our own breakfast fellowships & for export to other chapters who request for such from time to time. Kuya Wilbert/Ate Girlie discussed at
the session proper the current structure, format, ideal length of time for sharing compositions, plus
the necessary spiritual and mental preparations needed for the sharer prospects before their schedule. The session was attended by the following: Magno & Jade Garcia; Julius and Melody Foronda;
Ruel & Marissa Macaraig; Dado & Malou Besabella; RR & Alpha Kapuno and Jun & Vida Fernandez .

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of
this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory
- Col 1:27

#BCBPmayforever
In February 13, 2016, BCBP Consolacion toppled the nationwide trending of #walangforever, and
turned it into a colorful, romantic valentine party with a
theme #mayforever. Held in the 2nd floor of BIG Hotel,
Mandaue City, the event was graced with more than a
hundred members of BCBP Consolacion who dressed in
pastel colors and filled the room with fun and love.
The party started with a
sumptuous dinner buffet,
unlimited picture-taking
at the photobooth, interactive games and the highlight of it all are the
music video presentations of each unit depicting the theme
#mayforever. The music ministry also gave a special song number
and the night was capped with dancing.
BCBP Consolacion members in pastel colors

The ladies and their dance moves

This memorable valentine party was spearheaded by PSD head, Ruel and Marissa Macaraig and the
ever supportive PSD team couples namely: Leyson, Opo, Kapuno, Besabella, Roiles and Econar.

EMCEE WORKSHOP by Kuya El

One of the challenges for facilitating an event,
aside from planning, is looking for a good emcee. It is very rare to see hands-raising when
asked who wants to volunteer as emcee because the thought of facing a lot of people is
such a dread. Have you been invited to be one
of the emcees?
The emcee, the storytelling events representative, is the bridge between our sharer and new
comers. He sets the tone for particular events,
defines the energy level all throughout, responsible for keeping the program on schedule and
establishes the kind of community feeling the
event will have.
After the Mens breakfast last February 20,
2016, our formation head, Kuya Julius
Foronda, had facilitated a workshop for our
new batch of emcee pool for our breakfast fellowship and other events. The workshop was
2

participated by RR and Alpha Kapuno, Melody Foronda, Orly Secretario, Axel Tumulak,
Warren Tompong, Ben Tompong, William
Roiles, Jun Fernandez, Virgilio Ragasajo and
yours truly.
This workshop provides our members an
overview on roles and responsibilities of emcees, the dos and donts and great tips for
effective hosting. The workshop contained
sample scenarios and impromptu spiels
mainly intended for new breakfasters. Participants enjoyed the activity very much as shown
by their active participation.
Know the basic steps of emceeing and youll
be well on your way in becoming an entertaining, fun, no-nonsense and inspiring emcee in
front of a crowd.

The Way of Life in BCBP by Kuya Warren

Last February 27, 2016, a BCBP Way of Life seminar was conducted at BIG Hotel. The seminar
was a joint session among the chapters of Mactan, Mandaue, and Consolacion. The day was filled
with learning and fun. Participants were also able to build camaraderie and friendship as we get
to know people from the different chapter, making the seminar a melting pot of personalities and
unique views, walks and understanding of life. After the activity, attendees were surely ready to
take on the challenges and trials that one has to take to really follow and live the BCBP Way of
Life.
The Way of Life Seminar is one of the integral activities of the BCBPs community. This program
teaches the members the different characteristics, values, and mindset that a member of the BCBP
should embody. The seminar provides a series of talks followed by individual sharing in a
group. We were asked to share our insights on different topics such as, Tithes, BCBP Organization, BCBP regular activities, & other BCBP views on life.

Family Lenten Recollection by Ate Rica

March 12, 2016 marks the very first Family
In one of the topics, parents discovered their
Lenten Recollection of BCBP Consolacion with
partners love language and had a better understanding how to show it. Love languages
a theme Family and Eucharist. This was
could be Quality Time, Words of Affirmation,
made possible by our Family Ministry Heads,
Acts of Service, GivKuya William
ing of Gifts and
and Ate Ann
Physical Touch. In
Roiles. It was
the afternoon sesindeed a Satsion, parents and
urday worth
children were joined
spending at
together and the
Pier
Cuatro
climax of it all was a
Hotel, Cebu
family dialogue to
City. The recParents at the recollection
pave an honest and open commuollection was administered
nication within the members of the family. The
by Verbum Dei, primarily led by Fr Michael
fruits of this activity were way beyond expecCheong. Verbum Dei is a Catholic missionary
tation. A lot of parents discovered their chilcommunity deeply rooted in prayer and
dren more, relationships were healed, honesty
grounded in theological training.
was restored and more importantly, the family
resolved to become ever better than before.
During the morning session, parents and chilThe memorable recollection was attended by
dren had their recollections in separate func52 BCBP Consolacion members and 12 teenagtion rooms. Various topics were discussed and
ers who are sons and daughters of the BCBP
the approach used for parents were entirely
members.
different fro the teenagers, thus the need for
separate venues.
3

Kuya Morys Holding On To Gods Love

Judy
Kuya Mory passed away last February 2016, while playing the game he loved most, lawn
tennis. We became friends when Nestor and I became their Discussion Group Leader during the
Christian Life Program. Our close relationship was edified as we worked together to come up with
SIDLAK. Kuya Mory was quite, simple, joyful and very versatile in the home. I always witnessed his
love for Ate Elsa during meal times, as he served her first before himself. In everything, he always
accommodates her needs first. He was always patient in waiting for us to finish edit SIDLAK even to
the wee hours of the night. This quote learned from Ate Elsa exemplifies Kuya Morys life: Though
weak and helpless in lifes fray, Gods mighty power shall be my stay; without, within, He gives to me,
the strength to gain the victory. (D. de Haan)
Mory
Brothers and sisters, Good morning! As an inspiration, let me quote Pauls advice to Timothy: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life. (1Tim.6:12). I am Mory, born on November
6, 1943 in Matlang, Isabel, Leyte. Although my parents were both Roman Catholics, but I was never
formally taught the basic prayers and catechism of the religion. I was trained by my mother to do
house chores like washing and ironing clothes and cooking. I learned to do little repairs and tinkering
around the house from my father. I was brought up to be industrious and helpful.
It was during my high school years when I mastered the art of drinking, smoking and gambling with my barkada. These affected my studies that I wondered how I passed and finished secondary education. I took a two-year radio technology course in Cebu City. After graduation, I went to
Manila and stayed there for six years as maintenance helper to my uncle who was working as a carpenter in an exclusive establishment.
Upon the insistence of my mother, I took and passed the board examination on Radio Telegraphy. For two and a half years I worked as a ship-board radio operator in a tug boat crossing the
seas of Leyte, Cebu and Mindanao. The forces of the sea were too much for my mother. Upon her insistence, I gave up the sea and landed a government job as a telegraph operator in Ormoc City.
I was introduced to my sisters close friend, who was a teacher in one of the towns of
Camotes Islands. From then on, I crossed the seas between Ormoc City and Tudela several times to
court her. Weeks before Elsa and I got married, I had to learn my prayers for the first time, and some
basic truths of the church, as a requirement of the officiating priest, who was also Elsas spiritual
counselor. I continue to work in Ormoc City. Thus, Elsa and I were week-end lovers, even until the
time that our marriage was blessed with two sons. Enduring my trips to and from my family was a
sacrifice but a strong gesture of my loyalty to them. I exerted efforts to transfer to Tudela. Luckily a
position was vacant and I was accommodated. Living together as a family under one roof was a dream
come true. We built our house in Tudela, while the children were in grade school. Then, Elsa was promoted and transferred to work in Cebu City. I resumed my trips during week-ends, this time from
Tudela to Cebu. By then, the boys were already in high school. Again, we exerted efforts to build our
residence in Consolacion through hard work and living simple lives. I ended my romance with the sea
upon my retirement in 2003.
continued to next page
4

Kuya Morys continued from p4

As a person, I am shy, silent, and simple in my ways. I easily got irked and dont have enough
patience as in putong nga hilumon. If classified under the kind of intelligences, mine belongs to action and manipulation, rather than language and communication. This is where I am often misunderstood, even by my wife and sons.
As a father and husband, I gave my utmost affection even if I was working away from my
family most of the time. I know that my vices of drinking and smoking were not good examples to my
sons. I struggled hard to stop and change, using strong will and by the grace of the Lord, I got rid of
my vices.
As a government worker, I was an efficient employee. When it came to being one of the top
five grossers in terms of income, I always put my town on the map of the province. But my stint with
the government was tainted with bad practices, like using government supply as fuel for my personal
use, spending official time to play tennis in the afternoons, declaring brownouts on Friday afternoons
and on Monday mornings, when in reality, I spent these periods for my travel to and from Consolacion to spend week-ends with my family. For three months, before cellphones were in vogue, I accepted a bribe to receive every morning, the winning numbers of masio tickets, on my telegraph
wires. On one occasion, I missed sending on time, a telegram to the addressee, which contained important information. A complaint was filed by the sender and after an investigation was conducted, I
was reprimanded. The warning came as an awakening bolt of a signal for me to stop all these practices in my work.
In thanksgiving to Gods goodness, Elsa and I readily accepted the offer to portray as King
Humabon and Queen Juana in 2003 Sinulog reenactment, of the first Baptism in Cebu, which was one
of the highlights in the Feast of Sto. Nio de Cebu. The guy, who drove us to the site where the activity
was held, invited us to a BCBP Breakfast. Just to be polite, we accepted his invitation. The breakfast
fellowship was a new experience. The warmth, the greetings, friendly atmosphere were evident as
almost everybody wanted us to feel at home. We listened to the couple sharers in a crowd of
strangers. We decided not to attend the succeeding breakfasts.
We did our usual Saturday early in the morning brisk walking and jogging, when out of the
blue, some fifty meters away from us, our sponsor waved a hand and reminded us about the breakfast. We looked at each other as we shouted, Yes. We are going! Three more breakfasts with the
group made us regular BCBP breakfasters.
Elsa and I were a bit awed about the courage of the couples who bared the incidents of their
own lives to a crowd of total strangers during breakfast fellowship. Silent questions were raised in
our mind such as: What good does it do to both sharers and listeners? How come this structure is
being adopted by BCBP? There must be a purpose. The answers were not explicitly cited but our constant attendance to the breakfast fellowship taught us to discover answers to our own questions. I
discover within myself the Christian tenets of sharing, loving and evangelizing one another by opening up our lives to become a part of the whole community of the Lord.
The experience of having a prodigal son was felt in 1999. We found out that our elder son,
continued to next page

Archbishop of Jakarta Welcomes BCBP

By RCD Ani Serrato
One of the objectives of our Jakarta Mission in 2016, is the approval and blessing by the Archbishop of
Jakarta for the BCBP to operate as a bonafide community in the Archdiocese of Jakarta. It was an overdue action plan,
but the delay turned into a blessing when during our meeting with Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma last November 20,
2015, to discuss on the BCBP support to the 51st IEC and to seek his endorsement of BCBP Mission to the Archdiocese of Jakarta, he shared with us that the Jakarta Bishop is his good friend. Archbishop Jose Palma immediately
agreed to give an endorsement letter to The Most Reverend Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, the Archbishop of Jakarta and Ordinary of Military Ordinariate of Indonesia. The endorsement letter immediately got into the hands of our
Jakarta core group members who set an appointment for the meeting with the Bishop on January 22, 2016. However,
the terrorist bombing in Jakarta last January 15, 2016 almost stalled the meeting, but we were not frightened by the
incident. With strong faith, brave and bold hearts, and prayer power, the Mission Team left for Jakarta for the opportune
meeting. It was 5:00 oclock in the afternoon of Friday, January 22, 2016, we were accompanied to the Archbishop
Residence by the Jakarta core group namely, Sister Lanny Rahadja, Bro Jeffrey Pesuarissa, Bro Alex Wijoyo, and Bro
Gunadi Sugiharso.
The meeting started with the introduction of the BCBP
members from Jakarta and Cebu. As the point of reference,
the endorsement letter of Archbishop Jose Palma was
reiterated by Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo
which mentioned that BCBP members are very good people. Then, the BCBP Cebu Members took turns of explaining to the simple and soft-spoken Bishop the purpose of our
mission in Jakarta, the mission and vision of BCBP, the Be
Honest Advocacy, the Breakfast as our evangelization tool,
and the various formation and social action programs of
BCBP. On the other hand, our BCBP Jakarta members
Meeting with Jakarta Archbishop Ignatius
were facilitating for the good understanding of all in the
Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo (center)
meeting, by translating our English to Indonesian Bahasa
and vice versa. In the end of our discussion, Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo gave an inspiring message
for BCBP. He said, The Archdiocese of Jakarta has many communities of business people with their various
advocacies. Your Be Honest advocacy is a challenging and tough one. You might have a hard time bringing
businessmen and professionals to your community because of this advocacy. But I advise you to be more
patient and courageous. You are welcome and continue your evangelization here in Jakarta. Then, he advised
the BCBP Jakarta members to invite to the next breakfast meeting a reporter from "HIDUP" magazine, one of the popular catholic magazines in Indonesia to write an article about BCBP and its programs. The cordial meeting ended with
the exchanging of gifts. We also gave the Bishop a copy our Community Manual and a Be Honest Standee.We left the
meeting more inspired and zealous in our mission works in Jakarta. With BCBP now exposed, the pressure for it to go,
grow, and glow in Jakarta is now mounting. But with a clear path and strong plans now in place, and with the hands of
the Holy Spirit moving in Jakarta for us, we claim a vibrant Jakarta Outreach by the end of this year.
To God Be the Glory!
6

Kuya Morys continued from p4

Myron was into drugs, drinking and smoking. Elsa and I
clung to Gods constant love. As a couple we never
stopped praying, taking inspiration from the life of St.
Monica.
We were still beset with this problem when
we attended the BCLP 3 Consolacion Outreach in
2003. I did not express this concern to my Discussion
Group Leader (DGL) because I was not comfortable
and I considered him a stranger. Then there was also
this lingering question in my mind: Is there a way out of
BCLP? We did not want to get involve with BCBP!
However the perseverance of our DGL in calling Elsa at
the office or at home reminding us of the next CLP
schedule; or asking us of our prayer concern; sometimes they requested us to drop by their house because
of this and that; their treating Elsa as their equal and not
one with influence, paid off. Reluctantly we finished
CLP.
Then we joined BCMR 3 Mandaue Chapter.
At this point we were 60% convinced that BCBP was
the community for us. The talks and activities during the
BCMR gave us more insights as to my role as a Christian husband, father and grandfather. Endowed with a
stronger personality, Elsa had always been the
speaker of the house. But after the BCMR, I have to
promote myself to be the president of the Senate. We
understood our roles as spouses and now I accepted
my position as Padre de Familia. Every day, I lead our
couple prayer.
One year into BCBP, our prayers were
slowly answered. My son was diagnosed to have Hepa
C infection. There was a new drug released on the
market for its cure. The six month treatment would cost
us more or less 500,000.00. The doctor advised my son
not to go back to his vices once the treatment started.
For even a drop of beer, a cigarette sip and a single
taste of the forbidden drug can cost him his life, because it would react negatively to the medication. Furthermore, we made him realize that we can no longer
afford to spend that much of a cure over a mistake
repeated for the second time.

God provided us resources in the form of my retirement.

We realized that money is not that important over bringing a lost sheep back into the fold. More so, we were
equipped with the grace to hope and pray and to hurdle
the pains of waiting for our son to come back to our arms.
Despite his wayward journey, he was still able to finish
his Bachelor of Science in Architecture. At present, he
has a stable job, and is a responsible husband and father.
Like any BCBP member, we too were assigned to an action group after our commitment. It was in
the action group that our doubts and apprehension about
BCBP community were erased. It is in this small group
that we experienced camaraderie. Elsa was simply
treated as Ate Elsa and not Maam Elsa, an experience
which she missed after becoming a superintendent.
Moreover, she was able to open up freely with the group
about my son. We draw more spiritual strength from the
members of our action group. We support each other
through our daily prayers. I find action group as a unique
structure in BCBP, because it concretized my Christian
values as I listen to the sharing of other members. In the
process we become real brothers and sisters in Christ.
The opportunity opened for us to join BCBP is
one of the most significant episodes in our lives. The
learning I got, made an explosive impact on my life. Most
of all, I realized the importance of daily prayers.
What happened to Myron, made me ask God
Why?. I did not let these feelings pass, but later on,
when I was alone; I still thank Him for giving me some
difficulties to make my faith stronger.
More BCBP ways were slowly integrated into
our lives, as a person, as a family man, and as a community member. We willingly accepted assignments for
services as a way of thanksgiving.
In closing, may I quote from Sirach (39: 1617): All that the Lord has done is very good; all that He
commands is sooner or later, done. No one should ask
why things are as they are; these questions will be answered at the right time.

The Call to Service(My IEC Story) by Ate Lucille

I remember it all too clearly. I
was about to have my dinner,
when my Dad arrived and
asked me, and my sister inlaw
Rhese, if we wanted to join the
IEC grand choir for the Statio
Orbis.
Lucille Latonio at IEC

Who whhoohoo who, me Dad?

Are you sure? The three of us? I mean, really? I
must have heard him incorrectly. I asked him
again, Are you sure Daddy? THE IEC? You want
us to sing for THE IEC?
Yep, THE IEC. Precisely, my Dad replied in all
seriousness.
Woooaaaw! Geez. What a privilege to be a part of
that historic event in the Philippines. This once-in
-a-life-time opportunity to serve the Lord through
this congress is a blessing in itself! The International Eucharistic Congress is one of the biggest
gatherings for Catholics all over the worldand
Ill be a part of it! This is truly an honor.
I zoned out and painted a scene inside my head of
growing old with gray hair, all wrinkly and stuff,
sitting in a rocking chair with my grandchildren
on the floor listening to me tell stories of my
heroism in the decades pastand one of the stories I can brag would be how I majestically sang

in an international convention and was part of

the 2,500 people gifted with music, singing their
hearts out for the Lord!
As I drifted back to reality, I realized that with
the blessing we were given, there has to be a
responsibility that goes with the privilege. We
had to learn the songs by heart by attending the
daily practices despite the heat, rain, long walks
(just to get to the venue), running out of food,
arguments, getting sick with the cough, colds
and sore throat! I was not letting all these draw
backs stop me from serving the Lord. I guess it
was only by Gods grace that I was able to sustain my passion to join the Statio Orbis. There
were hurdles along the way alright. The temptation of staying at the comforts of home, relaxingaway from the inconvenience of being
there with the throng of people and cars and
heavy traffic.
Serving the Lord is not easy. I know. But looking
on the bright side, it made us bond as a family.
We ate together. We practiced and sang together
in the car and when we were home. We were
just together as a family serving the Lord. What
is sweeter than seeing your loved ones, having
the heart for God?
continued to next page

to be the star that would bring forth the light in other

nations. In other countries, churches are empty, vocation
is dying, Christianity is in the twilight zone. The danger to
humanity is evident in the laws that are legalized in their
countries that are destroying families.

The Call continued from p8

Now, lets fast forward to the day of the culminating mass
of the IEC. January 31, 2016, Sunday. Everything was
set. The bleachers for the IEC grand choir, the stage,
security, military tanks, police everywhere, K9 dogs, etc,
armed personnel. We were there at the venue early
morning just so we could park our cars close to the site.
Can you imagine how big SM Seaside is? It is
430,000sqm and it was full of people from top to bottom,
side to side. Imagine that! All those people eager to join
the culminating mass and more were still coming in,
walking from the SRP going to San Pedro Calungsod
Temple. The sky was overcast with dark clouds that
morning as the weatherman predicted that itll be rainy on
the weekend. It rained hard at noon, but it stopped early
in the afternoon and the sun was up just in time to dry the
wet bleachers for the choir! Would you call that a miracle? I definitely would!

Strengthening catholic families is our hope of glory. We

have to have the centrality of Jesus, the Bible and the
Eucharist. Grace is Mercy and Love. This keeps the
family intact. Simple acts of love by saying Thank you,
Im Sorry and Please to one another. Our strength as
a nation is in our youth. The future belongs to nations
with young people, not with weapons, lands and oil. He
even asked that we Filipinos continue to grow and multiply and send our youth in other countries to be missionaries and to spread the gospel. The PHILIPPINES: A
Nation of HOPEour sons and daughters will be blessed
a hundred fold. Our nation will rise in GLORY and PROSPERITYa light not only in Asia but to the whole world.

The thrill of being a part of that celebration was

not because we were seen on TV several
times (Ahem, ahem) It was getting the feel of
the crowd and seeing all those people that
filled that wide expanse of land join in unison to
praise and glorify the very God I was serving!
Christianity is not dead in this part of the world,
definitely! More than 70 countries that day
received the spiritual food that nourished the
soulthe EUCHARIST, the source and summit
of our faith. That was a day that will be imbedThe Holy Eucharistic mass attended by thousands of Catholics
ded in my heart. It was at that very moment
Hearing all these brought tears to my eyes. My heart
that I was so proud to be a Christian. Celebrating the
swelled with pride. I have two sons that I have to introEucharist is to live in JOY and HOPE. It renewed my
duce Jesus to. I have two boys that I have to minister to.
apostolic and missionary zeal. I felt it then and I still feel it
I have two kids that I need to plant the seed of knowing
up to this very moment.
Christ in their hearts so theyll grow up to be Gods powHearing first-hand the beautiful homily of Cardinal Bo
erful champions as is my hope of becoming one!
that day was worth all the sacrifices to be there next to
I continued to sing majestically and even more so with
the stage. Hearing him say that the Philippines, our counpassion in my heart heard in my voice for the Internatry, is the biggest Catholic nation in Asia, the favorite
tional Eucharistic Congress, as it was indeed my Hope of
daughter in Asiathe rising star from the East, the choGlory!
sen one in this millenniumit was at that moment that I
was so proud of being a Filipino (never mind the height
and the cute nosehehe). The youth of the Philippines is
9

Our Hope Of Glory by Kuya Nestor

When I welcomed all participants worldwide to
the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC)
in the article, Gods creative intentions posted
December 16, 2013 @ nestofglory.blogspot.com, I
did not expect to be one of the thousands in attendance.
Together with Judy, my wife and Francis John,
our only son, we were privileged to attend the
historic international significant event in the
Catholic Church.
Judy and I are communicants who strive to attend
the Holy Mass daily. I believe that the Eucharist
becomes the venue of Gods revelation (Sabbath 2016. p. 62) allowing us to see, encounter and experience Him in our daily living.

IEC Souvenir picture

Our attendance and participation in the various activities of the 51 st IEC strengthened our resolve
to receive Christ daily through Holy Communion. Impressive, awesome, amazing, astonishing
are some of the adjectives to describe the different activities of the week-long event. Looking at
the two (2) ways to live our lives, little miracles happened as though everything is a miracle in
one end while at the other end, nothing is a miracle (Albert Einstien cited by Ignatius Fernandez,
Life Lessons: A Christian Sharing. p. 15)
With my desire to connect my reflective thoughts to the vast minds of the world and ultimately
with the Infinite Mind, I exchanged calling cards with national and international participants
encountered. Its punch lines, Mankind should be our business, our trade. Let us build the
bond of charity (theme of the 34th IEC at Budapest, Hungary in 1938) where the Christ in us is
our hope of glory (Col 1:27) reflecting the theme of the recent Congress. One of those I met and
briefly exchanged pleasantries with was a school director
in Togo, South Africa who in spite of the language barrier being French speaking, both encountered the Christ
in us.

With Ms. Sarindhorn Mativachranon who survived

and succeeded in life despite grim circumstances

The life testimony of the Thai entrepreneur who shared

how she was persecuted and eventually converted to
Catholicism was highly impressive that Judy took the
opportunity to pose with her after she delivered her public declaration and profession of faith. continued to next page

10

Our Hope... continued from p10

As a couple, Judy and I shared the story of the Lord in our lives in a joint breakfast fellowship
of the BCBP Consolacion Chapter on March 5, 2016. We claim, for over two (2) decades, we continue to go, grow and glow bearing fruits seeking first the Kingdom of God(Mt 6:33) through
our proactive membership in the BCBP Community from Mactan to Mandaue and now with the
Consolacion Chapter.
Blissfully, the glorious realization of hopes and dreams for our family was joyfully attained
through our attendance to the Family Lenten Retreat last March 12, 2016. The theme was Family
and the Eucharist through the able leadership of Sis Ann and Bro. William Roiles. It was a
unique opening salvo for the many activities involving the whole family. Life lessons were
learned and relearned. The first miracle of turning water to wine at the wedding in Cana connects Jesus with the family.
The institution of a successful marriage requires communication which can be expressed in five
(5) love languages: words of affirmation; quality time;.giving of gifts; acts of service and physical
touch. For the family, the message reverberates, the Eucharist being a consolation, a promise and
a calling.

Chapter Heads Message I could say I was not ready when I was named as chapter head in November,
2015. I did not aspire to be one, but God called me by name.

Very soon after I and ate Luth officially assumed this role, I immediately found out my deep-seated
inadequacies. I discovered that the Chapter Head not only works within the chapter but also with a
bigger world outside of the chapter. I became part of an all-chapter-head action group, of people we
dont know. As the neophyte, I felt like I was barging in to a closed knit pack. I felt so inadequate, so
uncomfortable among these strangers.
There was this preparation for the 2015 National leaders retreat in Cebu. I had to attend a series of meetings, and we
had to practice for the dance presentations. My feeling of uneasiness grew bigger as I see very unfamiliar faces one
after another. Imagine my restlessness when I was asked to lead the opening prayer for this group of leaders.
For the upcoming NAC 36 celebrations, I was compelled to accept the job of leading the CARE committee. I had to
assemble other chapter heads for a meeting. Me, a newcomer, shall lead a flock of seasoned chapter heads? Not my
cup of tea. Then of course there is the chapter, and its constant and regular need for shepherding.
So after 3 months in this role, I have adjusted, in a surprisingly quick manner. So I sought to explain why it took me
some 10 years to adjust to BCBP, and just 3 months in the CH job. For the first 5 years of my 13yrs in BCBP, I was just
a spectator but God constantly worked on me. One time, we were deeply disturbed when we were transferred to a new
action group. We didnt want to be with strangers, we just wanted to be with our friends we were already comfortable
with. I now realize that all these, the time I was first asked to lead an AGM, lead the prayer, transferring to a new action
group, are routine parts of BCBP life. But in truth all these prepared me for my current role.
I came in BCBP as a rock, an island to myself, not wanting to be touched, not wanting to touch anyone. It seemed that
the BCBP, for over a decade, molded me into what I am today; an island that has become a tree, sprouting new
branches, high in hope that birds passing by will find shelter in my growing branches, in just three months.
For I know my plans for you, says the Lord.
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Q2 2016 CELEBRATIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Q2 INTERCESSORY SCHEDULE

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