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2019 World Day of the Poor Reflection by Fr. Jason H. Laguerta Authentic faith is constituted by justice, expressed and embodied in our social relations as well as in our personal lives. – John F. Kavanaugh, Following Christ in a Consumer Society: The Spirituality of Cultural Resistance (2006) A LIVING FAITH, AN ACTIVIST LOVE Seven years ago, I met a youngster whom everybody called Abubo (we renamed him John Paul). He had some form of autism which hampered his communication skills and verbal capacities. He lived in the streets and slept on the pavements. In spite of his condition, he knew how to make ends meet, by begging or “barking” for jeepneys. He loved to dance and had this uncanny ability to make everybody laugh every time he performed. We decided to adopt him and made him a sacristan in the church. We gave him a room (where he never slept), bought him clothes (which he would often lose because everything was disposable for him), and tried to provide for all his needs. But he died a few months ago. His early death could have been avoided. If only he was given more attention and care. (After I got transferred to another assignment, he went back to the streets and got sick). If only he was given more kindness and empathy. Around the time I was looking after John Paul, I also met a little five-year-old girl named Aya (not her real name). She was quite a handful. Her cursing and swearing was strange for a preschooler. Her parents were in and out of jail. Like John Paul, she would scour the streets to survive. We placed her under the care of a child center. She’s twelve now and both of her parents are still in jail. In spite of the concern and all out support being given to her, she struggles to stay in school and motivate herself to succeed. She finds her “tropa” (gang) more appealing and their escapades more exciting. She’s looking for something, I know. And I just hope that she finds herself before the turbulence of adolescence sets in. LOVING ATTENTIVENESS As war has many orphans, poverty has many guardians. It is easy to lecture on hard work and determination. It is another to face inequality, marginalization, disconnect and alienation. Pope Francis says that “the option for the poor is primarily a theological category rather than a cultural, sociological, political or philosophical one (EG, 198).” As followers of Jesus today, we cannot look the other way and ignore the heartbreaking circumstances of the majority of our people. Our faith would be untruthful and empty if it does not involve an intimate encounter with the pains and longings of the poor. The Holy Father explains, “Our commitment does not consist exclusively in activities or programs of promotion and assistance; what the Holy Spirit mobilizes in us is not an unruly activism, but above all an attentiveness which considers the other ‘in a certain sense as one with ourselves.’ This loving attentiveness is the beginning of a true concern for their person which inspires me effectively to seek their good. This entails appreciating the poor in their goodness, in their experience of life, in their culture, in their ways of living the faith (EG, 199).” My experience with John Paul, Aya and many others like them have taught me that addressing poverty starts with a dedicated focus on the person of the poor and the excluded. It is to listen to them and embrace them as Jesus would affectionately welcome them. This does not mean, of course, that we overlook the systemic and social roots of poverty. But everything has to start in what Pope Francis calls loving attentiveness to the person, the unique identity of the poor. Sometimes church workers behave more as activists, aligned with and loyal to a certain ideology or political party. Instead of being disciples of Jesus, impelled by the love of Christ and recognizing the face of God in the victims of injustice. There are also times when we are more concerned with how many bags or items were distributed rather than being radically transformed in our lifestyle by the tragedies we have witnessed and the sufferings we have seen. We have to admit that on many occasions we have kept a safe distance between us and the revolting conditions of poverty. Our projects and programs for the poor have become a convenient excuse for “principled opportunism”, high in quixotic advocacy but low in personal acts of charity. In times that we do, we help as a way of feeling good about ourselves. Altruism is in reality a disguised form of vanity and narcissism. Solidarity is more of a slogan than a profession of faith. REVOLUTIONARY HOLINESS John F. Kavanaugh, author of Following Christ in a Consumer Society, says that “in answer to the problem of faith ineffectually isolated from justice, (what is needed) is neither more interiority nor more activism, but precisely an integration of both: an activism that is truly revolutionary and a faith that is fully holy: saintly revolution.” The truly revolutionary is one who reverses the world order through the power of the beatitudes. The truly holy is one who has fully embraced humanity and finds that “where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more” (Rom 5:20). What we need nowadays, according to Fr. Kavanaugh, is a “living faith” and an “activist love”. We are neither fideists nor activists alone. Our faith is fueled by our pursuit of justice. Our activism is colored by our faith. We are revolutionary saints. Pope Francis sounded the alarm for a revolution of tenderness. This is what the disciples of Jesus can offer to the world today. As the early Christians were known for their love of one another and priority to the poor and abandoned, so are we to mark our places and communities again. With the sign of the crucified Savior, we shall defeat evil with good, hatred with forgiveness, poverty with generosity and self-denial. COURAGEOUS WITNESS There is a thought-provoking verse in the eleventh chapter of Matthew where Jesus asks the disciples of John to tell their master what they hear and see, “The blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them (Mt.11:5).” After a series of answered prayers or straight up solutions to human adversities (blindness to seeing, lameness to walking, leprosy to cleansing, deafness to hearing, death to being raised back to life), Jesus stops at saying the poor being made rich. He declares instead that the poor have the good news preached to them. Why not just solve poverty directly like giving sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf? Why preach to the poor when the good news for them, even today, is that they’re going to have cash and goodies? What did Jesus mean by “the good news being proclaimed to the poor”? My crude interpretation is this: For Jesus, the answer or solution to poverty is not necessarily economic. There is a pathway to liberation and redemption that goes deeper and more lasting than provisional satisfaction and illusory abundance. This makes the message of Jesus difficult to accept and understand, even for the most pious among us. Blessed are you poor is counter-intuitive. Seek ye first the kingdom of God is counter-cultural. Prone to be abused and misinterpreted as many have done. We are living in a world where the dominant currency are the idols of capital and power. We are surrounded on all sides by technology and dehumanizing artificiality. Our culture is colonized by secularism and consumerism. Individuality is more exalted than community. Self-expression and preservation take precedence over common good and self-donation. When Jesus chose to be born in a stable when it could have been in a palace. When he chose an anawim girl from Nazareth to be his mother when it could have been a queen. When he chose to be a carpenter when he could have been the Caesar. Jesus was telling us something about poverty and riches. And he is still telling us today, “Happy is the man who does not lose faith in me (Mt.11:6).” The good news proclaimed to the poor is the assurance of God’s fidelity, justice and mercy. The covenant of Jesus with the poor is the promise of a sacramental body that will never abandon her suffering members. The good news then is the confidence of Jesus in us to continue his mission, to constantly show his compassionate love for the poor. Pope Francis tells us this year for the 3rd World Day of the Poor, “If the disciples of the Lord Jesus wish to be genuine evangelizers, they must sow tangible seeds of hope.” Early on in his papacy, he also challenged us, “An authentic faith – which is never comfortable or completely personal – always involves a deep desire to change the world, to transmit values, to leave this earth somehow better than we found it (EG, 183).”

by Margaux Salcedo Every year, Jesuit Communications puts together a concert entitled Patron of the Arts, a benefit for the chosen beneficiary of Cardinal Tagle, primarily the various projects of the Archdiocese of Manila. The concert is held on December 12, his episcopal ordination anniversary. Cardinal Tagle was installed as Archbishop of Manila on December 12, 2011, the same date he was consecrated as Bishop of Imus back in 2001 (December 12). Aside from being a moving evangelizer and inspiring pastor, he is also an exceptional singer. Hence, the idea for a thanksgiving concert where His Eminence also sings a few songs. New Evangelization This year, the beneficiary will be the Office for the Promotion of New Evangelization (OPNE). OPNE was created as a response to the call for New Evangelization. (Read more about OPNE here.) Its current head is Fr. Jason Laguerta. (Read more about Fr. Jason Laguerta here. Read Father Jason’s column, Ride to Emmaus, here.) At the dinner hosted by Cardinal Tagle last October 22 for the real patrons of the event , Fr. Jason explained the mission of OPNE: “There is a need to evangelize: not just to preach the Good News but to convince people of the truthfulness of faith,” Fr. Jason explained. “There is a need for families to become bearers and transmitters of Good News,” Fr. Jason added. “The vision is clear: The Lord wants this very moment to be a new Pentecost to us. Let us evangelize our families and communities. By doing so, we proclaim Jesus to them.” Fr. Nono Alfonso, Executive Director of Jesuit Communications, who emceed the dinner last October 22, added, “Among the OPNE’s most successful programs is the Philippine Conference on New Evangelization (PCNE), an annual three-day gathering first organized by Cardinal Tagle in 2013. What Fr. Jason described as a ‘manifestation to the call for renewed evangelization’ draws an average of over 6000 participants yearly, including foreign delegates, who experience communion with God, in the context of the new millennium.” Cardinal Tagle also shared how Archbishop Salvatore Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization commended PCNE. Cardinal Tagle recalled, “He told me that it is only in Manila that there is such institutionalized gathering on New Evangelization.  With our little effort, the Vatican has recognized something great is happening in Asia, and has to be taken seriously.” Awards Patron of the Arts is now running on its 7th year, thanks to the efforts of Jesuit Communications, producer of the show. Aside from the objective of raising funds for Cardinal Tagle’s pinpointed causes, the event also honors a chosen individual for his contribution to the arts with an award. “It is fitting of the church to celebrate this,” Fr. Nono explained, “as historically (the Church) has been a legitimate patroness of the arts. Through the support and generosity of the Church, many of the world’s greatest artists flourished.” Past awardees include sculptor Napoleon Abueva, film director Marilou Diaz-Abaya, composer Ryan Cayabyab and, last year, playwright Dr. Onofre Pagsanghan. P7.5 Million Fr. Nono also notes that since the benefit concert’s first staging in 2012, donations and proceeds from Patron of the Arts have retrofitted the Manila Cathedral, built social housing for the Archdiocese’s employees, sustained parochial schools, established medical funds for the poor as well as aging priests, and helped families of victims of extrajudicial killings. Last year, Cardinal Tagle’s chosen beneficiary was the Archdiocesan Commission on the Youth. The concert raised P7.5 Million. The check was officially turned over by Fr. Nono to Cardinal Tagle and Msgr. Clem Ignacio, Moderatos Curiae of the Manila Archdiocesan Offices, at the dinner last October 22. There is no final line up yet of performers for this coming December 12 concert but as usual, Cardinal Tagle will be performing a few songs. This year’s Patron of the Arts will be held at the Meralco Theater on December 12. For updates on the concert, please visit the Jesuit Communications (JESCOM) Facebook page.

by. Bro. Ryan Jamemar Belono-ac Modern technology has endowed us with many avenues to express ourselves and to discover answers. With Google, everything is at our fingertips. From the most basic to the most complex questions, Google provides an answer. When you want to watch movies or read books, Google has it! When you want to know the latest fashion trends, Google shows it! When you are craving for milk tea, Google knows where to find one! Even those who are looking for relationships, it’s just one click away with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Messenger! Every day, the Internet bombards us with so much information. Everyone now has the power to express their own sentiments over social media and everyone claims that they possess the truth. However, not all this information is true or telling the truth. Fake News has become the term for disinformation, propaganda, and distortion of the truth. FAKE NEWS However, Fake News is not unique to our own age and era. In his message for World Communication Day in 2018, Pope Francis said that Fake News was the strategy employed by the ‘crafty serpent”, who delivered the first ever Fake News in history. Many have been victims of fake news. From ordinary individuals to prominent personalities. Even Jesus himself was victim of fake news. THE LIGHT OF TRUTH Yet the darkness of lies and false accusations did not extinguish the light of truth. Even in the darkest moment of Jesus’ interrogation with his accusers, the light of truth still shined. The Truth cannot be overshadowed with the ugliness of the cross, which was used as a symbol of sin and death. Through Jesus Christ, the cross became a beacon of truth, hope and salvation for all. Death itself did not capture and silence the truth. Instead, the truth liberated us from the clutches of death. The death of Jesus on the Cross made a terrifying impact among those who were close to him. The disciples were so afraid, disillusioned, afraid and hopeless. Their hope vanished and their faith was shaken. Yet their encounter with the Risen Lord turned their sorrow to joy, their mourning into laughter, their fear into courage. THE HOLY SPIRIT After the Ascension of Jesus, he sent the Holy Spirit to his disciples. These disciples were being sent to the ends of the earth to proclaim the Good News. They proclaimed the truth. Thus, the early Christian communities were being formed. The early Christians grew in number. More and more were added to the number of believers. Throughout the years the community of believers were constantly victimized by false teachings and fake news. As a consequence, they suffered and persecuted. Yet they remained steadfast. These Christians became true witnesses. Their martyrdom has been the testimony of the Truth that they found in Jesus Christ. As Tertullian said, their blood became the seed of Church. There are also modern saints and martyrs who continue to become witnesses to the truth. They shed their blood for the Truth, which is Jesus Christ. TRUTH IN CHRIST Unbelievers, skeptics and atheists may think that these Christians were fools. They lose their life for the sake of their faith in Jesus. Some even mocked their faith and even called God stupid. Martyrs seems to be fools in the eyes of men. Yet, these witnesses found the greatest treasure more precious than material wealth. No insult nor mockery can separate them from their faith because they already found the truth, the life-giving truth. Their willingness to give up their life for the sake of truth is a testimony of faith that sustains the Church. Their testimony is a shining example for us, that having a personal encounter with Jesus, we can do anything. Modernity has offered us many truths. Many are claiming that they possess the truth. Yet, can these truths lead us to the light? Can these truths open our eyes from our selfishness to become aware of the suffering of our brethren? Can these truths liberate us from the shackles of addiction, hatred, anger and lust? Can these truths lead us to life? No! There is only one who is the way, the truth and the life! (Jn 14:6) It is the Lord! It is Jesus Christ! About the Author Bro. Ryan Jamemar A. Belono-ac. He is a seminarian of the Archdiocese of Manila. He is now on Vocation Synthesis Program under the guidance of Fr. Jason Laguerta in Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Sta. Mesa.

An All Souls Day Tribute by Fr. Jason H. Laguerta My mother, Adelfa Laguerta, died on June 30, 2010. It came all too sudden and unexpected that to this day I still can’t make sense of what happened. She complained of some pain in her tummy late May. We brought her to the hospital right away. The doctor told us about the results of her laboratory tests on June 11, the birthday of our youngest. She was diagnosed with fourth stage gastric cancer. We were advised to do palliative care. Nothing else to do in the hospital. No surgery. No chemotherapy. Bring her home. Make it as pleasant as possible for her. By June 30, around 4:00 am, she was gone. There are experiences in life that will leave you scarred and hurting for a long, long time. And the wound never heals no matter what you do. Every time you try to remember and attempt your very best to let go and surrender, you just end up crying and more questions arise. Why? Why her? Why to us? Why too early? If only… The two disciples on the road to Emmaus were in the same situation as I was. Frustrated and upset with Jesus. They were not able to recognize the stranger walking with them because they were so focused on their emptiness and confusion. I could not see Jesus because he greatly disheartened me. When my mother was diagnosed, my first reaction was Jesus would not let this happen. I called on some healing priests and nuns to pray over my mother. I borrowed some “miraculous relics” just so my mother could touch them. Deep in my heart, I really believed that cancer was no match to the power of Jesus. But he disappointed me. When tremendously difficult experiences beset us, there are two paths we can take. The path of disillusionment. Or the path of gratitude. I was on my way to the first. How could you, Jesus? After everything? Really? I was being swallowed up by a deep dark hole of anguish. THIS TOO SHALL PASS. To deal with the pain of loss and the piercing loneliness, I tried to keep myself busy. My first way of coping was to ignore and deny. Just have something to do and you will have an excuse. Just go some place and you won’t have to think about it that much. But to no avail. One couldn’t hide from oneself. I ended up restless, miserable and losing steam. I also tried to explain away everything. Perhaps by convincing myself of some plausible answers, I would be able to understand. She’s in a better place. She did not really go away. She’s just around. She’s fine. Don’t worry too much. This too shall pass. BUT NOT REALLY. Sometimes things don’t come and go that easily. And in truth, maybe there are really things that will never go away. I read somewhere Fr. Ron Rolheiser citing Karl Rahner, “In the torment of the insufficiency of everything attainable we come to understand that here, in this life, all symphonies remain unfinished.” This idea resonated with me strongly. It consoled me to a great extent. It permitted me to be okay without being totally okay. I guess I needed to accept the insufficiency of the attainable, the incompleteness of life, the unfinished symphony. Rainer Maria Rilke said almost the same thing, “Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.” THINGS DO GET BETTER. I tried to find my way to an answer. And yes, things do get better. There are some bad days. There are also good days. Like the seasons of nature, the rain eventually stops and the sun rises up. I see this all the time whenever I’m on the road with my cycle. I gear up for the wet drive but I end up swearing because the clouds have moved and cleared the path. It happens to me sometimes that I blame the weather channel for not giving me an accurate prediction. Instead of being grateful that the ride has become more pleasant because there is not a raindrop and it is not that hot. IT WAS ENOUGH. How we wish things turn out the way we have imagined them to be. But that’s exactly what it is, wishful thinking. As I have grown older, I have tried to engage more in “grateful thinking.” Instead of wishing for things to be picture-perfect, I try to be thankful for the beauty and blessings of the imperfect. How we wish we would have more time to live, more time to be with one another, to relish life without end. But that is not how God has designed earthly life for us. We don’t have much time perhaps. But the little time we have, sometimes that is enough. SHE'S HOME. When somebody dies, it is naturally taken as a loss. We are creatures of habit. We get used to each other being there “all the time.” So, when this routine is broken by death, we get disoriented and shaken. Faith directs us to the truth, however. It opens a new door for us to understand death. Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, in his book, Wrestling with God: Finding Hope and Meaning in our Daily Struggles to be Human, said something profoundly comforting about death, “Perhaps no image then is as apt, as powerful, as consoling, and as accurate in terms of picturing what happens to us when we die and awake to eternal life as is the image of a mother holding and cradling her newborn child. When we die, we die into the arms of God and surely, we’re received with as much love, gentleness, and tenderness as we were received in the arms of our mothers at birth. Moreover, surely. we are even safer there than we were when we were born here on earth. I suspect too that more than a few of the saints will be hovering around, wanting their chance to cuddle the new baby. And so it’s okay if we die before we’re ready, still in need of nurturing, still needing someone to help take care of us, still needing a mother. We’re in safe, nurturing, gentle hands. That can be deeply consoling because death renders every one of us an orphan and, daily, there are people dying young, unexpectedly, less than fully ready, still in need of care themselves. All of us die still needing a mother. But we have the assurance of our faith that we will be born into safer and more nurturing hands than our own.” Indeed, even in death, we shall be kept warm. Even in grief, we will be safe. Enjoy the ride home.

Italian Priest Inspires Youth in Manila by Margaux Salcedo Father Lorenzo Ruggiero is the vicar of St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori Parish in Magallanes, Makati. He is Italian but has lived in the Philippines for over ten years. His Tagalog is flawless!! Father Lorenzo initiated the Young Adult Ministry at the St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori Parish. He also pioneered In Vino Veritas (in wine there is truth!), a program targeting those ages 18 to 39, where the young adults are gathered to learn more about the faith. Talks are held in unconventional spaces like restaurants or bars. Guest speakers have included His Eminence Cardinal Tagle, who gave a talk in between jazz sets of the youth, and even sang Vincent (Starry Starry Night); the Archdiocese of Manila's Exorcist, Fr. Jose Francisco Syquia; and this Saturday, His Grace, Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines. Father Lorenzo is the priest head for the Neo-Catechumenal Ministry in St. Alphonsus Parish. The Neocatechumenal Way, also known as the Neocatechumenate, NCW, colloquially The Way or "kikos", is a charism within the Catholic Church dedicated to Christian formation. It was formed in Madrid in 1964 by Kiko Argüello and Carmen Hernández.

by Sem. Paul Yu Jacome FEAST DAY: November 4 It was almost summer and the school year was about to close. I found myself walking along the corridors of a building we called the Major Seminary, from the vantage point of a graduating minor seminarian aspiring to climb to the next ladder of formation. It was during our entrance examinations that I first learned about St. Charles Borromeo. Little did I know that after “meeting” him, life would never be the same again. HUMILITAS Alumni and major seminarians studying in San Carlos Seminary were known to embrace St. Charles’ famous motto: Humilitas. It’s not surprising, therefore, that HUMILITY was often portrayed as the doorway to all other virtues. It is because of this humility that St. Charles was able to champion reforms to the troubled Church of the 16th century. While his life story was not an extraordinary one, the quality by which it was lived brought inspiration to a Church that was battered by the corruption of truth and denial of sin. THE SAN CARLOS LEGACY Although St. Charles lived a relatively short life, his legacy remains meaningful to this day. Here are 25 interesting facts about San Carlos: 1. St. Charles actually belonged to the nobility and was a count. 2. Even as a young nobleman, his heart already reached out to the poor. At the age of 12, the young count Charles Borromeo dedicated himself to a life of service to the Church. His uncle gave to him the family income from the Benedictine Abbey of Saints Gratinian and Felinus but he was explicit in telling his father that he would only keep the money required for his education and to prepare him for service to the Church; all other funds belonged to the poor of the Church and were to be passed along to them. Even in his youth, his integrity was obvious. 3. He was speech impaired. The young count suffered from a speech impediment that made him appear slow to those who did not know him. Despite this challenge, however, he performed well and impressed his teachers. He attended the University of Pavia and learned Latin. He was praised because he was hardworking and thorough. 4. He was resilient and a hardworking student. In 1554 his father passed away. Although Charles was only a teenager, responsibility for his household fell to him. Yet Charles continued in his studies and earned a doctorate in canon and civil law. 5. He is the nephew of Pope Pius IV. His uncle, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Medici became Pope Pius IV on December 25, 1559. 6. He is one of the youngest cardinals ever appointed by the Church. Pope Pius IV appointed the young Charles as cardinal-deacon to assist him full-time. A month later, the young Charles was appointed cardinal, with the duties of supervising the Papal States, the Knights of Malta, the Franciscans, and the Carmelites. He was only 23 years old. 7. He established a literary academy at the Vatican and authored Noctes Vaticanae, which includes lessons and lectures from his role as a leader in the Vatican. 8. Even in grief, he embraced his Vocation. In 1562 his brother died and his family urged him to leave the service of the church to preserve the family name. However, Borromeo refused. Instead, he became more insistent on becoming a good bishop and in compelling others to lead exemplary lives of clerical service. 9. He was a reformer. In 1566, Archbishop Borromeo's benefactor and uncle, Pope Pius IV died. Borromeo had already developed a reputation as a young, idealistic reformer in Rome, and he continued that mission in Milan. At the time, Milan was the largest diocese in the Catholic Church. 10. He fought against corruption in the Church. The Protestant Reformation was spreading throughout northern Europe and constantly threatened to move south. The greatest defense against Protestant doctrinal errors and claims against the hierarchy of the Catholic Church was reform and the restoration of integrity to the Catholic Church. Therefore driving out corruption was a critical matter during Borromeo's time. Archbishop Borromeo saw this clearly and he made this his mission. 11. He believed in the power of knowledge and education. His strategy was to provide education to many clergy who appeared ignorant. He founded schools and seminaries and colleges for clergy. 12. He was a music lover. Among other things attributed to Charles was his remarkable love for Church music. Among his duties was the commissioning of composers to write music. 13. He was also known for founding Sunday schools. He founded the Confraternity of Christian doctrine, with its Sunday schools which are reported to have reached 740 Sunday schools in total. 14. He walked the talk. The effectivity of Charles lies in his own observance of what he preaches. His days were filled with duties and cares; at night he would take off his bishop’s robe and pass the evening with study and prayer. He lived as simply as possible. 15. He ended the selling of indulgences. He ended the selling of indulgences, a form of simony (Catholic Catechism #2120) and ordered monasteries to reform themselves. 16. He made surprise visits to Churches He made a lot of visits to various locations to inspect for himself. He ordered the simplification of church interiors, which was a major point of contention between some Catholics and Protestants. The complex and busy interiors were claimed to be a distraction from the worship of God. This danger was acknowledged during the Council of Trent which Archbishop Borromeo enforced. Even tombs belonging to his own relatives were cleared of inappropriate ornaments and embellishments. 17. There was an assassination attempt on him His work of “cleaning up” the Church also gained him enemies. On one occasion a member of a small, decrepit order known as the "Humiliati" attempted to assassinate him with a pistol but thankfully missed. Many of his subordinates and secular officials complained about the Archbishop throughout his career. However, the existence of these enemies only emboldened Borromeo and served as confirmation that his efforts to eradicate corruption were working. 18. He stayed in Milan in spite of a plague to help victims In 1576 a famine struck Milan followed by the plague. Many of the wealthy and powerful fled the city but Archbishop Borromeo remained. He used his own fortune to feed the starving people. When that money was spent, he took out loans and went deep into debt. He is said to have fed as much as 70,000 persons per day. Eventually, the Archbishop convinced the local governor to return to his post and care for the people. 19. He was a committed pastor who climbed mountains to evangelize The almost inaccessible Alpine valleys lying in the northern part of the diocese of Milan had been virtually abandoned by the clergy. The bishop did not hesitate to undertake journeys to those remote valleys and mountain tops 20. He founded the Collegium Helveticum to fight heresy In 1583, Archbishop Borromeo traveled to Switzerland and began work suppressing heresy there. Protestant heresies, along with witchcraft and sorcery had been widely reported. He founded the Collegium Helveticum to serve and educate Swiss Catholics. 21. He died young. Eventually, the Archbishop's life of work and toil began to take its toll. In 1584, he became ill with a fever. He returned to Milan where his conditioned worsened. When it became obvious he would die, he was given his last Sacraments. He died on November 3 at the age of 46. 22. He is the patron saint for various persons in all walks of life. Although he passed away on November 3, St. Charles Borromeo's feast day is celebrated on November 4. He is the patron of seminarians, catechists, bishops, cardinals, and spiritual leaders. He is also the patron saint of Lombardy, Italy, Monterey, California, and Sao Carlos in Brazil. 23. You can find a beautiful shrine devoted to St. Charles at the Milan Cathedral. St. Charles Borromeo has a beautiful shrine in the Milan Cathedral and is often depicted in art wearing his robes, barefoot, carrying the cross with a rope around his neck and his arm raised in blessing. 24. At least 2 Popes have paid tribute to St. Charles In the past two centuries, two popes in particular have kept the memory of St. Charles alive. They are Pius X and Pope John XXIII, also known to be popes of renewal. 25. The San Carlos Seminary is named after St. Charles Borromeo. **Paul Yu Jacome is a Theology 3 seminarian at San Carlos Seminary.

by Fr. Ronie Piamonte Baleli “Fr. Ronie, where is Fr. Provincial sending you?” “To Nalerigu,” was my humble reply. She exclaimed, “Oh! Really? Nalerigu is far!” Then thoughtlessly I said, “Yes, Sister. But I think nothing is farther than the Philippines.” They all looked at me in amazement. Even our provincial superior smiled at me. This was the conversation I had with a nun days after my arrival in Ghana. NALERIGU Nalerigu is located at the northeast region of Ghana. It is the largest town in the East Mamprusi Municipal Assembly and was declared regional capital by a 2018 referendum of their government. It is around 656 kms away from Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Our province, SVD Ghana-Liberia Province, accepted the invitation of the Bishop to start the mission here because a lot of things must still be done although the community had already celebrated its 50th anniversary two years ago and was elevated to a rectorate last year. The people are still not used to having a resident priest in the community, having been only one of the outstations of St. Paul Parish, Walewale (around 50 kms away from Nalerigu) for many years. NEW MISSIONARY Being a new missionary to this place has not been easy. The fear of the unknown really haunted me, even before coming here. I was a total stranger to the place. The culture is totally different from my country of origin. The missionary work in general was alien to me. I faced people of different colors, ideologies and backgrounds. I did not know where to start, when and what to do, and how to do things. When I arrived here, the weather disturbed me a lot as the temperature reached 42 degrees celsius last dry season. I got culture shock. The food was not familiar to my stomach. I had lots of questions and doubts in mind. Worse, the rectorate is financially challenged. There is no house (mission house) for priests yet. At the moment, we are still trying to secure the church land and its corresponding outstations. More so, studying or learning the language remains a great challenge for me. There were instances when scratching my head became a personal excuse for not understanding what people were trying to say. The temptation of just hiding myself inside the room was there so as not to struggle with facing the people, talking to them, and suffering under the scorching heat of the sun. MISSIONARY STRUGGLES The thought of being far away from home and missing my family became real every single day. But as a missionary, all these things I have had to overcome. The calling to go beyond my fears, expectations, and to go out from my comfort zone is a must. One basic but major struggle that a missionary must face, once assigned outside one’s country, is the problem of distance. Distance here is not just geographical or physical but also spiritual, psychological, emotional and relational. Being a missionary, there is always that “gap” that one has to address: the gap to one’s home, country, culture, language, expectations, way of living, weather, etc. It is only when one can address this “gap” that a missionary can finally immerse oneself into the mission. THE UNKNOWN Venturing into the unknown is the fundamental task of a missionary. In fact, a missionary’s only choice is to venture into it or overcome one’s fear of it. The response I made to that nun carried me through and sustained me in my months of stay in the mission area. I would like to believe that the conviction of addressing the distance or the gap between myself and the reality of the mission - “nothing is farther than Philippines” - was God-given. Thus, no matter how difficult or tough the mission can become, I will choose to remain. God has brought me this far. There is no going back. Whenever I face the current challenges we have, I know that I am not away from home. God has put me here. In His home. This is His home. And I will not run away from it. I wish to dwell in it for as long as He wants me to. I am home! About the Author Fr. Ronie Piamonte Baleli is a priest from the congregation of the Society of the Divine Word. His current mission assignment is at Ghana, Africa.

by Clyde Ericson Nolasco I remember decades ago, my mother would always bring me with her to attend the block Rosary in our community. At first, I thought she’s just bringing me for free snacks but later on realized that it’s for me to memorize the prayers. Also, you would always find a Rosary in my left pocket else in my bag, a habit I got from my father. Dad never fails to bring one every time he goes out of our house. The Rosary is a very staple tradition amongst Catholic that traces back its history even since pre-Christian era. The word Rosary means a crown of roses. At that time, pagans would crown their statues and idols with roses symbolising their offerings to the gods. With their loyalty to their gods and the advent of Christianity, Roman persecution started. During these persecutions, Christian Virgins dressed in white garments crowned with roses would embrace their martyrdom at the sandy arena of the colosseum. Christian brethren would collect these crowns and offer a prayer for each rose; among the prayers was the Lord’s Prayer. Over the years, the Hail Mary was formulated from the words of the angel of the Annunciation and after the Council of Ephesus concluded that truly Mary was the Mother of God. In the middle ages, the monks who could not read the 150 psalms would instead repeat praying the Lords’ Prayer or the Hail Mary, which they call the psalters counted using knots. Later on, the Rosary became more structured through the visions of St. Dominic of the Order of Preachers. It was said that Mother Mary herself instructed him about the Rosary to fight against the Albigensian heresy. Along with Dominic, there were other visionaries who would testify about Mary instructing them to pray the Rosary for world peace and for the reparation of sins — the little shepherds of Fatima, the young lady of Lourdes, a native peasant from Tepeyac, etc. St. John Paul, in the latter years of his pontificate, added the fourth mystery, the Mystery of Light which all focuses on the public ministry of Jesus. Many Catholics are so in love with this form of prayer however we cannot deny that there are some who would see praying the Rosary very mechanical, tedious and but a repetitive recitation of formula prayers. They would find the Rosary as babbling vain repetitions like the prayers of the self-righteous hypocrites. Nonetheless, the Rosary is really but full of mystery. The Rosary is a compendium of the Gospel. It teaches us the life of Jesus offered for us. A life that must always be remembered as a life lived for others, a life full of love. The Rosary is a prayer exercise for our spiritual endurance. Praying the rosary entails one’s patience and creativity. It nurtures one’s spirituality to see and feel God beyond human capacity. Repeating our prayers isn’t for Mary nor it is for Jesus. It is for us that we may be reminded that Mary, our Mother will never leave us unaided and Jesus, our brother is our loving and forgiving Messiah. Pray for us, o holy Mary Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

At a gathering of approximately 10,000 Catholics last Saturday, October 18, at the event Pista ng Misyon, the Archbishop of Manila in his homily reminded the audience to care for the planet. In his homily about Mission, His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said, "Part of our mission of charity is caring for creation and caring for human beings." LITTERING IS ARROGANCE He then reminded the audience to please make sure to pick up their trash before leaving the Cuneta Astrodome "Nakikita ko may mga bottled water ... Ngayon marami tayo ... Pag alis kaya natin, sana hindi na kailangan ng janitor para maglinis dito, kasi lahat tayo may pagmamahal sa kapaligiran." (Now I see bottled water ... there are many of us ... when we leave, I hope there will be no more need for a janitor to clean the venue ... because all of us have a concern for the cleanliness of the place.) He reminded the audience to refrain from throwing their trash on the floor. "Kung natutukso ka na ang balot ng kendi na kinain mo ay itapon jan, mag hunos dili ka. Extraordinary mission month pa naman tapos itatapon mo? Bago mo itapon, ilagay mo sa bulsa mo." (Those who are tempted to throw their candy wrappers on the floor should restrain themselves and just put it in their pocket.) He said that carelessly throwing trash around is equivalent to arrogance; that mindset of thinking that it is ok to litter because anyway someone else would clean up after them. "Ang pagtatapon na ganiyan, kayabang iyan. Nasa isip mo, 'Hindi bale nang mag-iwan ng dumi, meron namang pupulot mamaya." He added that that this mentality betrays a failure in our mission to care for others. PISTA NG MISYON The Pista ng Misyon is a gathering of Catholics of all ages from around the country organized by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila and the Pontifical Mission Societies in the Philippines. It is in celebration of the Catholics' "Extraordinary Missionary Month" on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Maximum Illud, the Apostolic Letter on mission issued by Pope Benedict XV. It is a gathering of gratitude, thanking the Lord for missionaries who worked to evangelize and spread the gift of faith. It was also an occasion for Catholics to renew their faith in the Lord.

A few years ago, His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Gokim Tagle himself went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He led a group of Filipino pilgrims and his homilies at each point of the pilgrimage were documented by Jesuit Communications in the book Via Lucis*. "One of the first questions I asked our guide when we reached Tiberias was whether we would go to the place where the miraculous catch after the resurrection happened," His Eminence shared. "... as you know, we bishops have our mottos. We have a coat of arms and then our mottos. And my motto is, 'It is the Lord'." Indeed, one of the points of the pilgrimage was at Mensa Christi, the Table of Christ, a church where there is a large rectangular block of limestone that, according to legend, served as the table where Jesus broke bread with the disciples after his resurrection. Jesus said to them, Come and have breakfast. None of the disciples dared ask him, Who are you? They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. (John 21: 12-14). Just outside the church is a section of the Sea of Galilee where the miraculous catch after the resurrection happened. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" No, they answered. He said, "Throw your net on the other side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" (John 21: 4-7) Cardinal Tagle's reflection then was: I pray that I will be like the beloved disciple. I'm sure there will be a lot of nights when there will be no catch. But I hope love will keep burning, and when there is love, we recognize the Lord and miracles can happen -- in spite of ourselves, in spite of our efforts. I believe it is that same love that can generate a community, build up a community, and fire up mission. I did not know that when I chose this passage for my motto. I just loved the passage. I did not know that this choice would lead me to a program of life, a program of mission. And now we are here, where these words were first uttered. I ask for prayers not only for myself but for all pastors, priests, and bishops. Whatever situation we find ourselves in, the important thing is that we see the Lord, point people to him, allow him to direct our catch, and feed and tend the sheep that are his own. As for us, he had this to say: You also have your missions. I hope they will be guided by this same story -- recognizing the Lord, building unity, and feeding and tending the flock. *Via Lucis pp. 45-46.

by Jewelle Mendoza-Reyes FEAST DAY: October 22 It was the Closing Mass of the World Youth Day, a first for an Asian country to host such event. I still have memories of the beloved Pope John Paul II twirling his cane at the Luneta Grandstand. I witnessed it myself, a charming pope having fun with record-breaking attendance of 5 million youth. Pope John Paul II, whom endearingly called as JP2, was a pope of my generation. Growing up with his papacy gradually developed a deep fondness for this selfless, bold yet humble pope. Here are 30 reasons why you’ll love him too: 1. World Youth Day was his brainchild. Being the youngest pope after 1846, One of the things that characterized JP2 was his connection with young people. World Youth Day (WYD) was born after two successful gatherings of hundreds of thousands of young people from around the globe who responded to the invitation of JP2 to join the International Jubilee of Youth in 1984 and UN’s International Year of the Youth in 1985, both held in Rome. It was at this gathering that the Holy Father entrusted to the youth what is now known as the Jubilee Cross, to be carried throughout the world as a symbol of the love of Christ for humanity. From that day forward, WYD is celebrated every two to three years as an annual gathering of youth and young adults with the Holy Father for prayer, worship, and celebration of the Catholic faith. 2. He visited the Philippines twice. To date, Saint John Paul II is the only pope to set foot on the Philippine soil twice in his papacy! These remarkable papal visits were on February 17-22, 1981 and January 12-16, 1995. The other two to make the trip were then Pope Paul VI in 1970 and the most recent, Pope Francis in 2015. 3. He made beatification and canonization more accessible. Pope John Paul II named saints and beatified people more than the number declared by all the popes in the last 500 years combined. During his pontificate, he beatified 1,340 people and canonized 483. Some of them were: then Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, and Saint Padre Pio. Saint Lawrence Ruiz was beatified during Pope John Paul II's papal visit to the Philippines in 1981. It was the first beatification ceremony to be held outside the Vatican in history. On October 18, 1987, JP2 canonized San Lorenzo Ruiz at St. Peter’s Square. Thanks to JP2, we now have our first Filipino saint. 4. He is The Globetrotter Pope. JP2 travelled the world more than any pope and world leader. Doing what Jesus said in the gospel to go out to the whole world and preach the Good News, he travelled 129 countries. The distance he travelled in order to bring God’s message to the world adds up to 1.2 million kilometers. That’s equivalent to 3.2 times the distance between the earth and moon! Whoa! 5. He ranks third among the longest reigning popes. Elected as the 264th pope, Pope John Paul II is one of the longest serving pope in the history of the Catholic Church, ranking third in years as pontiff. He was pope for 26 years, 5 months, and 17 days (1978-2005). The Vatican lists the apostle Peter (30-67 AD) as the first leader of the Church, who served for 37 years. Second on the longevity list is Pope Pius IX (1846-1878), who was pope for 31 years, 7 months, and 22 days. 6. He adopted the name of his predecessor. What’s in a name? Similar to almost all popes who have chosen a name that honors a saint or a previous pope, Karol Jozef Wojtyla takes the name John Paul II to provide continuity in respecting the wishes of his short-lived predecessor, John Paul I, whose brief pontificate lasted for just 33 days. 7. He was a polygot. The native Polish pope, at the age of 10, started learning different languages. By the time he became a pontiff, he spoke eight languages: Polish, Italian, French, German, English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin. Certainly, JP2 recognized the importance of meeting people where they were. 8. He was an avid fan of sports. From his days as goalkeeper, skier, hiker, swimmer, and kayaker, JP2 always found time for physical activities. He even found time to enter an international kayaking competition. In his first 15 years as pontiff, he took breaks to go skiing. Thus, he was still on the slopes until age 73! Pretty cool! 9. He cracked funny statements. Yes, the funny side of the pope is a proof that holiness and humor coexist! When he first saw the young-looking Father Tagle, who was introduced by then Cardinal Ratzinger, the Pope asked the Cardinal, referring to Tagle, “Are you sure he has had his first communion?” 10. He had passion for arts. JP2 loved poetry and theater. He can do both writing and performing. I find it wonderful that we had a pope, now a saint, with such awesome talents! The young Karol Wojtyła actually wanted to pursue a career in theater. The young theater actor once told a mentor that he wanted to act to help people but he was told he would be more effective in that mission if he was a priest. We should thank that mentor or else… 11. He had fascinating attraction to the Blessed Sacrament. Jason Evert, a Catholic author of the book Saint John Paul the Great: His Five Loves, cites one of his favorite stories on the mystical connection of the pope to the Blessed Sacrament. In his papal visit in Baltimore, the pope while walking down the hallway, suddenly stopped and turned toward one doorway, opened the door and went in. JP2’s staff were astonished as to how he could have known the Blessed Sacrament was behind that door when he had never been there before. 12. He knew the names of all 2,000+ bishops of the world by heart. In the same book of Jason Evert, he talked about a pope with a stunning memory. JP2 kept a map in which he marked every diocese in the world and knew each bishop by name. 13. He pointed out that Christ was born on Asian soil. In his apostolic exhortation, Ecclesia in Asia, JP2 recognizes that the Church in Asia was chosen by God to fulfill his marvelous plan of salvation. “He sent his only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ the Saviour, who took flesh as an Asian!” 14. He was a champion for New Evangelization. A couple of years before he was ordained a cardinal, Saint JP2 had the opportunity to participate in the Vatican II council headed first by Pope John XXIII then by Saint Pope Paul VI. It was during the sessions that he first heard about the concept of New Evangelization, which laid the theological groundwork for his 26-year pontificate. Observers noted that out of 16 documents approved by the Vatican II council, these four could have the most influence in his papacy: Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church), the foundational document of Vatican II, Dei Verbum (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation), Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World), and Dignitatis Humanae (Declaration on Religious Freedom). 15. He promulgated the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). In 1992, to coincide with the 30th year of the opening of Vatican II, Pope John Paul II set forth the Catechism with an apostolic constitution. So whenever we talk about “catechesis” the CCC is the most essential book for all Catholics! It’s an organic presentation of our Catholic faith in its entirety. 16. He was an epitome of forgiveness. One of the most moving and awe-inspiring scenes in the life of Saint John Paul II was when he visited his would-be assassin Mehmet Ali Ağca in prison and personally gave a sign of forgiveness. In 2000, he also requested that he be pardoned. JP2 was too close to home when he faced the biggest threat to his life. Turkish political extremist Agca fired four shots hit JP2 twice during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square in May of 1981. 17. He asked for forgiveness for the sins of the Church. Saint John Paul II was not only open to forgive, he also asked for forgiveness. On March 12 of the Jubilee Year 2000, the pope's historic Mea Culpa, a Latin phrase which means “through my fault” - acknowledgement of one's wrongdoings, revealed a church which was able to admit mistakes and willing to ask for forgiveness. Addressing an audience of thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square, The pope apologized and publicly asked for forgiveness for the Church's mistreatment of Jews, non-Catholic Christians, women, the poor and minorities over the last 2,000 years. 18. He is The Great Mercy Pope. The message of the Divine Mercy to Sister Mary Faustina Kowalska was very dear to JP2. He constantly reminded us in his writings and speeches on the need for us to turn to the mercy of God as the answer to the problems of our times. In April 2000, on the same day he canonized Saint Faustina, he instituted the Divine Mercy Sunday as a feast day for the entire Church. This feast day we celebrate now every second Sunday of the Easter season. Pope John Paul II died on the night before Divine Mercy Sunday in 2005. Coincidence or grace? I believe it’s the latter. 19. He built bridges between religions. In October 1986, he had the first World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi, Italy where he summoned 160 religious leaders to pray together for peace. On the same year, he was the first pope to visit the Great Synagogue of Rome and address the Jewish community as our older brothers. This historic visit was a breakthrough in Jewish-Catholic relations. JP2 was also popular for improving the Church relationship with the Orthodox, Anglicans and Protestant Christians. He was also the first pope to set foot in a mosque in Damascus, Syria where the tomb of St. John the Baptist is. It was no surprise that the leaders of the world religion paid their last respects to the pope in 2005. 20. He played a vital background role to topple communism. JP2’s first visit to Poland in 1979 was believed to have emboldened those Poles in attendance to challenge their government. The process led to the foundation of the free trade union "Solidarność" (Solidarity) which laid the groundwork for Poland's transition from a communist regime to a democracy. 21. He was The Feminist Pope. “Io sono il Papa feminista” (I am the feminist pope), proclaimed Pope John Paul II in one conference on Women’s Health and Human Rights at the Vatican. Saint JP2, understanding the value of woman’s special dignity and her “feminine genius,” repeatedly called for a renewed appreciation of the role of women in the society. 22. He made a confession to Padre Pio when he was still a priest. During his Easter vacation in 1947, newly ordained priest, Fr. Wojtyla went to San Giovanni Rotondo where he attended Padre Pio’s early morning mass and confessed to Padre Pio. At that time, Padre Pio was already suffering from stigmata for 30 years. Decades after a thorough analysis of the life of Padre Pio, it was later revealed that John Paul II was the only pope whom the friar confided with his most excruciating wound. 23. He was a BFF of Mother Teresa. How delightful to see photos and videos of Saint JP2 II kissing the top of the head of the petite Mother Teresa and she holding his hand in hers. In their decades of friendship, they were living images of peace, compassion and profound respect for dignity of every human person. they shared a lot in common in their apostolate. And now, that they are both saints, their beautiful friendship continues… forever. Wow, such a great friendship goal! 24. He was a rockstar to rockstars. JP2 was met not only by heads of state and religion but also by celebrities like rock band U2’s lead vocalist Bono, and Andy Warhol who was a leading artist of the 1960s pop art movements and folk rock singer-songwriter Bob Dylan who performed "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" for Pope John Paul II in 1997. 25. His photo embracing an AIDS patient struck the world. Pope John Paul II’s gesture of embracing people suffering from AIDS changed the world’s perception of AIDS. While everyone else dreaded reaching out to those who suffered with HIV/AIDS in the early years of the disease, the Pope’s hug demonstrated to the world that those with HIV/AIDS should be embraced with compassion and acceptance. 26. He was a strong advocate of marriage. JP2’s teachings state that “the essential properties of marriage - unity and indissolubility - offer an opportunity for a fruitful reflection on marriage.” He constantly reminded church leaders that it is their duty to bring to families the unchangeable teachings of Christ on marriage. 27. He started the World Meeting of Families. In 1981, JP2 created The Pontifical Council for the Family that is responsible for the pastoral care of the family and defense of human life. Starting with the 1994 Year of the Family, the council has been responsible for the World Meeting of Families, a gathering of Catholic families held every three years. The Philippines hosted the 4th World Meeting in 2003. 28. He defended life. In his encyclical Evangelium Vitae, JP2 strongly condemned all forms and levels of attacks and crimes against human life and the new threats to the early stage of life. 29. He added the Luminous Mystery in the history of the rosary. In his apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae in 2002, JP2 explained that the five significant moments in the phase of the public ministry of Christ can be fittingly singled out and added as “mysteries of light.”: (1) his Baptism in the Jordan, (2) his self-manifestation at the wedding of Cana, (3) his proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with his call to conversion, (4) his Transfiguration, and finally, (5) his institution of the Eucharist. 30. His apostolic motto, “Totus Tuus” was inspired by Mother Mary's perfect example. Just as the Blessed Mother did everything for the glory of her Son, JP2 put himself totally at the service of God, entrusting himself and the whole world to her maternal care. All throughout his life, Saint John Paul II had an enormous devotion to the Blessed Mother. And even At his death, on his simple wooden casket was his papal crest with the extended arm of the cross and majestic “M” for Mary which symbolizes the presence of Mary beneath the cross.

The Polish Bishops' Conference has agreed to begin the canonization process for the parents of Saint Pope John Paul II. A report from the Catholic News Agency confirmed that last October 10, the Polish episcopate made the announcement to start the first steps for the beatification of JP2's father, Karol Wojtyla, and mother, Emilia nee Kaczorowska. The next step will be to ask the Holy See to initiate the process of sainthood at the level of the Archdiocese of Cracow. Saint JP2’s Parents Karol, a Polish Army lieutenant, and Emilia, a school teacher, were married in Krakow Feb. 10, 1906. The Catholic couple gave birth to three children: Edmund in 1906; Olga, who died shortly after her birth; and Karol Junior in 1920. The family was known to be faithful Catholics and rejected the increasing anti-Semitism of the time. Emilia had received a formal religious education. Before she died of a heart attack and liver failure in 1929, the mother was a staple of faith for the house. Karol Jr. was a month away from his ninth birthday when he lost her mother Emilia. His father raised his sons alone until his death 12 years later. According to Catholic Online, Karol was a prayerful man and pushed Karol Jr. to be hardworking and studious. The father also took on family chores such as sewing his son's clothes. Why Sainthood? The Polish Bishop Conference believes Saint Pope JP2’s parents deserve sainthood as they strongly influenced spiritual and intellectual development of the future Pope. On the Pope’s mother, the Conference said, "Emilia Wojtyla graduated from the monastery school of the Sisters of Divine Love. With full dedication and love, she ran the house and looked after the sons Edmund and Karol." On the Pope’s father, the Conference explained "Karol Wojtyla senior as a father was a deeply religious, hard-working and conscientious man. John Paul II repeatedly mentioned that he had seen his father kneeling and praying even at night. It was his father who taught him the prayer to the Holy Spirit which accompanied him to the end of his life.” (Image Source: Google)