Freedom Isn't Free

Happy Independence Day! Don't forget why today is a very important day!

Have A Blessed Day!

Summer Program 2014

Mabuhay!

As you may or may not know, I am here for an 8 week summer program at St. Meinrad's Archabbey at the southern tip of the state of Indiana! My time here so far has been nothing but fun, solemn, and very spiritual. 

The Benedictine Scholars Program is an 8 week (sort of) discernment retreat. From the last weekend of May until the 20th of July, I am here spending time with the Benedictine monks. I follow there daily horarium, I also share meals with them as well as recreation. During the week, I have a job and I am the librarian. In the afternoon I also take a class called "Christian Maturity and Human Development". The class is taught by the vocations director, Br. John Mark Falkenhain. 

Every Wednesday here at the abbey we have monastic conferences where each week we discuss a fundamental value of the monastic life such as: liturgy of the hours, stability, hospitality, etc. Every other Friday we have "meet a monk" where a monk would come in, talk about his discernment process and his time/life here at the monastery. Whether he's taught a class, had a parish, or did mission work at another country or surrounding churches. 

Have a great day!

He IS Risen Indeed!

Mabuhay!

My dearest Brother and Sisters in Christ,

He IS Risen! He Is Risen Indeed!

Easter is not about the eggs or the dress that you wear, but it is about Jesus Christ, who took the form of human being in order to be one with us. The chains of death and the gates of hell have been defeated. 

Have a Blessed Day!

Habemus Papam: One Year Later

Mabuhay!

Crazy to think that it has been one year since Pope Francis became the 266th successor to the Chair of Peter!




Let us pray for our beloved Holy Father.

O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,
look favorably on your servant Francis,
whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;

Grant, we pray, that by word and example
he may be of service to those over whom he presides
so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,
he may come to everlasting life.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
 who lives and reigns with you in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

(USCCB)

12 Years... & Counting!

MABUHAY!

Crazy to think that 12 years ago on this day, we arrived in the Philippines! Can't say it hasn't been an adventure!

Summer 2013: Niagara Falls (NY)

Summer 2013: Southampton, NY

Summer 2013: Montauk NY

Summer 2013: Phantom of the Opera (Broadway, NY; mom's birthday)

Thank you God for an amazing 12 years! Looking forward to many more years here in the United States!

College Life... In A Nutshell!

Mabuhay!

Welcome Weekend 2013

Yes, you might be wondering.. "O my gosh, he's updated something after exactly 5 months and 12 days!" Yes, indeed I have! I have a very good reason also. As you know, I am a full time student at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, IN! I LOVE college, let me just say that. As a commuter, I travel at about two hours each day roundtrip. So the two hours of my day consist of me driving. When I get home, it's a couple of hours that consist of supper, family time, rosary, and most of all: homework. So, with everything that's going on, I do not have time to blog. However, I have not forgotten about my readers! Don't worry, I will try to fill you guys in on the last 5.25 months that has happened to me. But first: let me explain to you my college life!

                                   

As you all know, I am majoring in Philosophy and Theology with a minor in Catholic Studies and history. Why Philosophy you might ask? Well, let's see.. I need to have a good background in philosophy in preparation for seminary school. I was originally planning to go for only Theology and perhaps English too, but after finding out that I could major in Philosophy and Theology at the same time, I said to myself, oh heck why not? I have found philosophy to be a challenging subject- not going to lie. However, the staff: Dr. Lewis Pearson (who also happens to be my adviser), Dr. Vincent Wargo and Dr. Earl Kumfer at the University of Saint Francis is AMAZING! They will help you through it all.. which I appreciate a lot. In Philosophy (if you are not aware) there are TONS of reading. Depending on the course that you take some might be harder than the other depends on how much reading you will have to do. Luckily, I got used to the habit of reading- now it's a favorite hobby of mine!

Theology on the other hand, was the original major I was intending on graduating with. Theology is the study of a particular religion, and for me happens to be Catholic Theology. I LOVE learning about the history of the church, the Bible, current events that are currently happening in the Church and everything else! Dr. Adam DeVille, Dr. John Bequette, Sister Jacinta Krecek, OSF, Sister Felicity Dorsett, OSF, and Dr. Lance Richey are all phenomenal and excellent professors who tells you the way it is no exception! I look forward to growing spiritually and in depth with my own discernment and understanding of the faith with these excellent professors.

Well, that's pretty much how my college is in a nutshell. As I said, i'm enjoying every day of it (except for the drive of course) but other than that, I LOVE it! Hard to believe that in 32 days I will be done with my first year! Crazy to think about but it's the truth!

Go Cougars!

Have a good day! :D