Love of a Family, Discipline of an Army, Presence of the Holy Spirit

Below are excerpts from his exhortation:

1. LOVE OF A FAMILY – “we’re parts of one body.  When toe or finger hurts, the whole body hurts.  Therefore, need for greater COMPASSION & SOLIDARITY e.g. Seize grace during Mass to give generously, not routinely/mechanically, during collections as they all go to Alms Fund.  So many LNP brethren in serious financial need, specially medically – cancer, heart disease, etc. Make it a point to know who needs our prayers and pray, pray, pray.  We are Family!”
2. DISCIPLINE OF AN ARMY — “God is a God of order!  Respect/obey elders.  e.g. listen when Coordinators ask members to sit down so prayer meeting can begin.  Accept/cooperate with pastoral structure.  Give feedback to PLs, lovingly & respectfully.  Don’t talk behind their backs.”
3. PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – “not by power, nor might, but by My Spirit!” “The power at work within you is the same power God the Father used to raise Jesus from the dead and seat Him on His right hand.” (Eph 1:19-20).

In a follow-on email to all the Sector and District Coordinators, Spanky requested that all Pastoral Workers should lead their men’s and women’s group to fully understand these three elements and move towards living these out more concretely in a fruitful way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFpXqKewX6U

It all began with the parade of (new) banners.  For this year’s celebration, Dennis Castillo, the coordinator-in-charge, assigned each of the 17 districts two banners to design and create, to replace the old set of banners that Ligaya would traditionally parade at the start of the anniversary.  What resulted was a show of talent and gifts, a show of color, and a refreshing new look to the parade of the prophetic word spoken to the community.  It was a meaningful way for each district and the entire community to honor God’s faithful presence and guidance to Ligaya through all of its 35 years. 

The parade of NEW banners

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Coordinators Installed

Three new District Coordinators were installed:  Leo Banog, Initiations Coordinator for North Sector; Toby Estrella and Jim Orbe as Coordinators for the University District.  Three new Sector Coordinators were installed: Andy Juan (North), Melmarx Marcojos (Central), and Rey Icasas (South).  And finally, Spanky Meer was installed as Ligaya’s new SENIOR HEAD COORDINATOR.

Ligaya's new Senior Head Coordinator, Spanky Meer being prayed over with wife, Apples.

The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Fr. Herb, Fr. Dave, Fr. Geo and Fr. Paul.  ”There’s always a call to give more,” Fr. herb said during his homily. 

"There's always a call to give more," Fr. Herb

“We should ask for great grace,” Fr. Schneider said, “to light a fire, to give our lives in service, to be Christ to others, to have a deep longing to come back to God and draw strength from Him in order to be effective in the mission, and to go deeper and closer to the heart of Jesus.”

Chito Morales leading the Community to inspired worshipRaffy Ramirez dances his heart away during the entertainment portionAnd, of course, the Community loved every minute of it!

PHOTO # 1:  Proud son of Tito Spanky, Bambi Meer,  taking photos of Tito Spanky’s induction into office.

PHOTO # 1: Proud son of Tito Spanky, Bambi Meer, taking photos of Tito Spanky’s induction into office.

During graduations and other school functions, it is such a common sight to see fathers taking photos of their children.  We would see them squeezing themselves into the crowd of photographers, earnestly trying to capture the special moments of their children.  Last Sunday, I saw Bambi Meer looking for the best places to catch a good photo of his dad.  Bambi was obviously so proud and so supportive of his beloved dad. 

PHOTO # 2:  Tito Tony Panajon exchanging vows, errr, baller bracelet with Tita Sarah

PHOTO # 2: Tito Tony Panajon exchanging vows, errr, baller bracelet with Tita Sarah

The six years Tito Tony gave to Ligaya as Senior Head Coordinator obviously demanded a lot of his time and energy.  In his address, he thanks Tita Sarah and his family for “sharing” him with Ligaya.  Tita Sarah’s big smile seems to say, “Well done, Tony.  I am excited to be on the next phase of our life together.”  So much love and joy as they say to each other  “More of God, More for God”.  How inspiring!

Tito Tony and Tita Sarah, a big thanks from all of us!

PHOTO # 3:  Toby Estrella, Leo Banog and Jim Orbe are inducted as coordinators. 

PHOTO NO. 3 Jim Orbe, Toby Estrella, and Leo Banog are inducted as coordinators.

Anyone who has experienced the love and pastoral care of his or her coordinator knows that a coordinator’s job is not easy.  These three brothers, after years of training (and yes pruning) have a good grasp of the ride ahead.   Yet, look at their faces as they take on their new roles.  Indeed, their joy is found not in the absence of trials and challenges but in the knowledge that they are able to do their Master’s will.    

PHOTO # 4:  Friendships formed within community                        

PHOTO # 4: Friendships formed within community

We are called to the fullness of life. A life that is filled with deep friendships and overflowing love; the kind that is present both on sunny and rainy days.  The children of our community meet and develop friends for life in Ligaya.   Brothers and sisters are put in services that gives them a chance not only to serve together but to encounter the face of Jesus through each other.   In this photo, you will see Tito Spanky being given big bear hugs by brother coordinators.  Luigi Paterno, in a teasing mode runs to the side of Jun Cruz when people flock to Jamie Rivera for photos.  Luigi said “Dito ako kay Jun mag papa-picture.”  What a way to say “Jun, ikaw ang sikat sa akin.  Ako ay fan mo.”  Raoul is the preferred seatmate of Leo Banog’s daughter all through out mass and program.

PHOTO # 5:  Freedom to express our worship and thanks to God

PHOTO # 5: Freedom to express our worship and thanks to God

Where else can you feel more free to raise your hands, sing loudly (even if off key), shout praises to the Lord, jump up and down in worship or simply gaze endlessly at God but  in Ligaya? We are a people who love to worship the Lord.  And our gatherings are so designed to allow us that freedom to express our worship to and love for the Lord Almighty.  Imagine all the places around the world where faith is suppressed.  Isn’t  it such a joy and privilege we are able to worship freely here in Ligaya?  Truly, a day in the courts of the Lord is better than a thousand elsewhere.

And lastly,

PHOTO NO. 6 Husband and wife serve the Lord as one. 

PHOTO # 6: Husband and wife serve the Lord as one.

Tito Spanky and Tita Apples are kneeling and being prayed over.  Notice, that in the first photo, (left) Tito Spanky is holding on to the material passed on to him by Tito Tony.  In the middle of the praying over, he takes hold of Tita Apples’ hand as if to say, “Apples, we serve the Lord as one.”

Family is God’s idea.  Here in Ligaya, so much importance is given to preparing, preserving and nurturing the relationships between husband and wife and their children.  Even if one is not Senior Head Coordinator, each member of Ligaya strives to say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Happy 35^th Anniversary, Ligaya!  More of God, More for God!

- Sharee Roque, NDE

"My appointed role is done, but my journey continues."

In his valedictory address to the Community, Kuya Tony thanked the Community for their prayers.  “I assure you,” he said, “your prayers have sustained me these past 6 years.”   He said he put to use whatever gifts God had given and equipped him with in the way he thought to lead Ligaya.  During his term, Kuya Tony created new ministries, and new service areas.  It was during this period, too, when Ligaya moved to a permanent home in Diego Silang.  Kuya Tony made certain, too, that the sector empowerment plan would be implemented with the long-term interest of the Community in mind.  Reflecting on the pastoral challenges and gifts within Ligaya, Kuya Tony concluded, “I have the best vantage point to see the good in men.  I feel enriched by the 6 years I rendered.  I have seen the face of Jesus many times in the Community.”

ANDY JUAN Pays Tribute to Tony

After Tony’s valedictory address, Andy Juan (Sector Coordinator for North Sector) delivered a tribute to Tony, speaking in behalf of the Body of Coordinators and the rest of the community, honoring him for the love and sacrifice that he (and his family) gave to the Ligaya brothers and sisters.  Below is Andy’s tribute:

Dear Tony,

Today is a significant day, not only for Spanky, our incoming Senior Head Coordinator, but equally for you, our outgoing Overall Servant Leader for the last 6 years. Today, I join a grateful Ligaya in saying a big Thank You to you Tony, our brother and friend.

Andy Juan greeting Tony Panajon during Tony's installation 6 years ago.

I can still recall back in 2004, right at this very place, you accepted the challenge and the mantle of leadership that was being passed on to you by Vic Gutierrez. You expressed a concern on finding out what the Lord has in store for us in the Ligaya, at a time when the Lord was promising and calling us to dream big and conquer more territories. You were challenged by the fact that you will be the first Senior Head Coordinator who was not part of the founding leaders; a select group that included Fr. Herb and Kuya Vic. Yet you were open and excited on the adventure and journey that the Lord had for you. Yes, while afraid and concerned, you were confident. Very confident because you knew your God, you knew what He was about, what He was capable of doing through you and that ultimately, this service was not about you, but it was all about Him and his Lordship in your life.

With all seriousness, you made sure you were prepared. Taking the Ignatian Spiritual exercise for many days prior to your installation, you took time out to seek the Lord to hear his voice and affirmation. You knew that when the Lord calls someone, it is for a particular giftedness at a particular time and reason. And I think this is how you were sustained in all of the last 6 years. Your confidence was coming from a resounding call, a clear direction to lead, a direct mandate to serve, and the only appropriate response was that of willing obedience and servanthood.

I will not attempt to enumerate all your accomplishments Tony, for not only is time insufficient for all these, but knowing you, this is not what you prefer in a gathering like this. I would want to mention though some of the ways by which I and many of us have experienced your leadership these past years.

I thank you for your Humility Tony. While you were our overall pastor, I have always experienced you as a consultative leader, eager to hear out the thoughts and opinions of your co-leaders; never taking on a ‘know-it-all’ posture. Rather, you have sought the inputs of many, and eventually used it to arrive at a decision. From something as important as ratifying our Community Statutes to one as practical as how to spend the last peso and centavo of a certain fund, you made sure the right people are heard and listened to.

I thank you for your decisiveness. Watching you carry the weight of leadership impressed upon me the training you have had in life and business not to be afraid to take calculated risks and thus make decisions, popular or unpopular. Your handling of the concerns on the WOJ operations in the first years of your tenure, as well as decision to vigorously pursue the Sectoral Empowerment Plan these last months, showed us that we truly have someone who is not afraid to lead, not afraid to act, even on unchartered waters.  Thank you for leading the way for us Tony.

Lastly, I thank you for inspiring us to dream. It was under your watch that we dreamt to have a home, our own home. What seemed to be impossible and undoable became a reality because of your leadership. You rallied us all to look beyond the bread and fishes we hold, but rather offer it to the Lord and wait for the multiplication of our meager resources. And indeed He blessed our wishes and aspirations. Because of this, we now have a home, our own Ligaya Center.

I can go on and on  to proclaim further the many blessings of leadership that you have shared with us Tony, but I would like to end by thanking you for being a brother who loved and cared personally for our community and our members. While many may have not had the chance to talk or meet up with you up close, I, along with the other leaders have been a witness to your quiet zeal and dedication, having always put the community’s concerns first in your heart, through the love and service you gave. Again, thank you for leading us, for serving us and most importantly, for being the face of Jesus, these last 6 years!

May God bless you and Sarah and your entire family even as you continue to serve Him. Amen.

Landa Juan presents a beautiful candle stand to Kuya Tony in thanksgiving for his service to Ligaya.

The JYA camp has always been the highlight of my summer activities for the past 3 years, and I always look forward to making new friends, and renewing ties with old ones. But it wasn’t always like this.  During my first camp I was anxious about being on my own, and not knowing many people there.

This year, being my last camp in JYA, I was very excited. We made preparations long before but still ended up sleeping in the wee hours of the morning out of excitement.

When I woke up, I started to feel doubtful. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to leave or not. I felt anxious because I wasn’t sure if I had packed everything I needed, if I was going to get along well with my group mates, and if everything would turn out right. And because I felt very excited, I developed a stomach ache. Mom saw me puking and asked me not to go anymore but I insisted on going with the rest of the campers.

And I was sure glad I did.

Anya (second from the bottom) hamming it up with her friends

The next four days was something that made summer like never before. We did mud slides and mud crawls, something not done by many. There was zip lining and a hanging bridge too. We got to experience being in teams with other kids, working together in different activities. The amazing race and e-night were some of the activities that showed the unity and friendship we developed in each team. And in the end, everyone couldn’t get enough.

I for one really enjoyed the Amazing race. With the help of my teammates and with the moral support of our leaders, we won. I know that it isn’t about winning, but the efforts we put into it and that we had such a grand time. Winning wasn’t really the point.

I felt happy. There was nothing to worry; it was all fun and excitement for us. Even if unplanned events like the rain on the first and second nights came, we still found a way to enjoy it. At first, it made me feel uneasy, thinking about activities we may have to cancel. The workers and servers went out to save our things and we were led into prayer for the weather. Although the waters reminded me of Typhoon Ondoy, I don’t know why, but somehow I felt at peace and secure. I put it all into God’s hands. I was reassured that despite the bad weather, we would be alright. After all, what worse could happen when God’s people are gathered together, knowing that He is in our midst. He is our God after all, right? And besides we were on top of the mountains, far from being flooded.

We were taken to our cabins and there we entertained ourselves. The boys decided to have a disco party while us girls prayed and bonded. I think that this is the best way to get to know and spend time with one another.

The last day came and everyone felt great. The past four days earned us new friends, experiences that don’t happen every day, and we grew closer to God. I learned how to work with new people, how to be independent and how as a team, if everyone participates, cooperates and gives it his/her all, anything is achievable. Together, we learned that God is with us all throughout. We saw how good God is and how he works through everyone and that everything is part of His great plan even when they seemingly appear not with the rain and the initial anxiety of going to camp.

I learned that God is in control and that he won’t let anything happen without it being good for us. And with that I will entrust God with everything. I will not again doubt His decisions because it’s always for our own good. And with that, going to camp and other Ligaya activities will always be on top of my list when I think of fun.

- Anya Supe (North B)

Our brother, Rogie Singson (standing 5th from the right), with the new Aquino Cabinet

 To my brothers and sisters in LNP,

Today, we rejoice in having a brother, Rogie Singson, play a major role in the transformation of our society by accepting a key position in our government.

He will be the incoming Secretary of Public Works and Highways. An important cog in the progress of  our nation and a strategic vantage point to prove that a leader with character can effectively manage a perceived “difficult” environment.

Rogie Singson, Central C

A herculean task indeed, that our brother has decided to take on.  But much prayer and consultations have been done by our brother, Rogie, before he decided to leave his comfortable position in the private sector and make the sacrifice of working in a much too public stage — called government.

 He intends to make a difference and manifests the way of life that he, like the rest of us have been called to.  He now has the entire nation to appreciate the God-centered life that we embraced. What a good opportunity for witnessing!  One such leader standing with God can be invincible (Jer 15: 15-21).

As his brothers and sisters in Community, we are now part of this new endeavor that Rogie has taken on.  He will count on our prayers each day not only for himself but for Binggay and their children and grandchildren.   He will depend on our support by way of our uplifting words of encouragement and our understanding of the daily rigors of the work he will be immersed in.   Most of all, we will trust him because we have been formed together and share common values and beliefs.

 We prayed for God to give us good leaders who will transform this nation.   We are proud as a Community that we are participating in God’s plan.

God bless us all!

Tony Panajon
June 29, 2010

“Have among yourselves the attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.  Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.  Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above very name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”   ( Phil 2: 5-11 )  

Celebrants for the liturgy were our very own Fr. Herb Schneider and Fr. Dave Concepcion.  They were joined in the Easter Vigil by Fr. Frederick Manns from the EAPI.  The Good Friday recollection was conducted by Eddie Mendoza, Coordinator for Central B.  

FOOT WASHING HIGHLIGHTED OUR CALL TO MISSION  

This year, the washing of the feet ceremony focused on the call to the Community to engage in mission and to give more.  Fr. Dave Concepcion washed the feet of six coordinator-leaders, who, each in turn, washed the feet of a brother or a sister representing the various mission teams of Ligaya.  The coordinators included Tony Albayda, Rey Icasas, Andy Juan, Melmarx Marcojos, Spanky Meer, and Ken Noecker.  The mission representatives included Ral Arrogante, Abion Calo, Mae Legaspi, Luigi Paterno, Mon Samson and Celsa Uy.  

To serve as we have been served.

This act was meant to symbolize our acceptance of the call to mission and to serve as Jesus served.  Our attitude must be that of Christ: “Though God, He took the form of a slave.” (Taken from Phil 2:5-11).   

ALTAR OF REPOSE and STATIONS OF THE CROSS  

To further draw the community into deeper devotion and prayer, and to reflect on the message of the Paschal Mystery, an Altar of Repose and Stations of the Cross were set up on opposite sides of the venue for the Holy Thursday service.  At the end of the Holy Thursday service, people flocked to the Altar of Repose, and then proceed to reflect on the eight Stations of the Cross, before finally departing in reflective silence.  

The Altar of Repose

Reflecting on one of the 8 stations of the cross

GOOD FRIDAY RECOLLECTION  

The recollection on Good Friday focused on the Triduum Theme taken from Phil 2:5-11.  Eddie Mendoza, who led the recollection, invited the community to reflect on key questions:  “Why are you following Me?  Who am I to you?  Am I your only God?  “Or do you have other favorites?”  The desired result was for each individual to take on the attitude of Christ, to pick up his cross daily, and to be slaves for Christ rather than slaves of the world or slaves of sin.  

"Our attitude must be that of Christ's."

To bring home the point of the recollection, four members were invited to share their personal testimony about how they experienced the victory of Christ’s resurrection when they themselves picked up their crosses and, instead, became slaves for Christ.  Rina Manuel spoke about her reluctance to evangelize and the fruits of her obedience to God’s call.  Albert Villadolid spoke about his dialogue during an airplain flight with a fellow passenger who claimed to disbelieve in a God who had caused so much pain and suffering to him personally.  Stephen Rebueno spoke about how he turned over his life and placed it under God’s control.  Finally Guito Belza shared about his decision early in life to give up a career in broadcasting to work fulltime for Ligaya, and how, despite the challenges he and his family faced in their finances and health, his obedience allowed him to see the face of Jesus and experience His love in community.  

EASTER VIGIL  

Finally, the Easter Vigil, starting with the solemn Service of Light, ended with the joyful Hora dance as everyone celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and His victory over sin and death.  

The Service of Light

"He is risen indeed!"

 Related articles and blogs:  

• “A Cast of Hundreds Serve in Triduum“
• “Say ‘Yes’ and God will do the rest”, by Rina Manuel
• “I have truly seen His face!”, by Guito Belza
• “Better be prepared”, by Albert Villadolid
• “The captain of my ship”, by Stephen Rebueno
• “My friends from Cyrene”, a blogpost by Eddie Mendoza
• “A Triduum Martha”, a blogpost by Leslie Sulit

 Photos taken by Danie Mendoza.  

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Spanky Meer warmly acknowledges his election

The election for Senior Head Coordinator was done in accordance with the “Sector Empowerment Plan”, and synchronized with the end of the 6-year term of Kuya Tony Panajon.  Overseeing the election was the special commission on elections, composed of Eli Lademora, Tony Albayda and Mau Navoa.

The other candidates that were eligible choices were Andy Juan and Melmarx Marcojos, the Sector Coordinators of the North and the Central Sectors respectively.  Covenanted members had been consulted by their respective District Coordinators to gather inputs about all the candidates.

As a result of his election, Spanky will have to vacate his post as Sector Coordinator of the South Sector upon taking office as Senior Head Coordinator, and his replacement in the South Sector will have to be elected anew by the Sector’s covenanted members during a forthcoming special election.

NEW STATUTES DISCUSSED AND APPROVED

During the first part of their special meeting, the Council of Coordinators discussed the proposed changes to the Statutes of Ligaya.  These changes were crafted by a Statutes Revision Committee headed by Fr. Herb Schneider, SJ, Tony Panajon, Jake Yap, Beth Melchor, Willy Salvador, and Eddie Mendoza.  The revisions took into consideration the changes brought about by the sector empowerment plan which came in full swing last year with the election of Sector Coordinators. 

Coordinators listening to Tony Panajon and Fr. Herb elaborate a provision of the new statutes

While there were quite a number of issues that needed clarification, and that were voted upon by the body, discussions went very smoothly, and all Coordinators were satisfied with the result.

The final draft of the statutes are being prepared by the Committee for final signing by the Council of Coordinators.

- written by Eddie Mendoza.  Photos by Mau Navoa

I have joined the camp for four years (and counting) not as a happy camper but as a happy team leader. I don’t see myself petering out in the service soon, well, not until my body tells me to call it quits. Of course, I don’t want my team to run around with a lola in slow motion instead of an ate who’s as gung-ho as them. I am making the most out of it while I still can.

"Ate, you are like my mom .. "

It got me thinking—what draws me in? I could write a novel of the kids’ hilarious adventures and misadventures in the camp. But I might run out of space here. Let me just give you a good grasp of the top three reasons why I don’t want to pass up the chance to bond with the JYAs in the summer camp.

Being ‘trans-gen’ in the truest sense

You say forming significant relationships with the kids after becoming their Ate’s and Kuya’s in camp is enough to be thankful for. It will surely secure you a place in their memory banks and lives in general. Chances are you will be BFF’s as in best friends forever. Now here’s the equation: if you are friends with the kid, you will most likely be friends with the parents and the whole family, even with the yaya, because of a common denominator—love and concern for your BFF. Isn’t that what ‘trans-gen’ is all about, building relationships that cut across all age groups?

Singles in service to our Young Adults

Touching base with the nurturing side

Sometimes when we are so caught up with a multitude of concerns as single people we forget to exercise our maternal/paternal instinct, whatever you may want to call it. Yes we have that side which ought to be used should we or should we not plan raise our own kids. Handling a team of five to six kids with varying needs is a good practice. In one camp, a team member came up to me and said, “Ate, you are like my mom.” Then I asked, “Is that a compliment?” Innocently, she replied to me with a smile, “Of course! My mom is so caring and I love her very much!” I melted and could only utter, “Awwwww…” It was sweet.

The de-stressing factor

The camp is usually action-packed and the activities designed for the kids’ energy level can often send you puffed and wanting to hit your sleeping bag before nightfall. Honestly, it is quite stressful because the demand is not only physical but emotional and spiritual especially when you are lucky to have a problem kid in your team. But then a hug, kiss or some silly jokes from the kids can easily ease the stress away. In those down moments in the camp when exhaustion set in, only a funny story or joke from my comic relief Josh Rivas can perk me up (it makes me sad realizing that he wont be in JYA camp this year as he is stepping up to YA). At the end of the day, the best ever rewards are the tight hugs and simple “thank you’s” from the kids, enough to convince you that roughing it up with them in the activities is indeed worth your while.

Serving the youth brings unadulterated joy!

The joy of serving the kids is so unadulterated that it leaves you hankering for more. I wish I could share my bagful of JYA camp experiences but I’d rather that you carve your own.

After all, Jesus said “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this is my name receives me.” (Matthew 18: 3-5)

- Mae Chatto, North E