Be resilent, courageous like a dragon, Pinoys told

The fortitude and perseverance of the water dragon in the Chinese lunar calendar are qualities that should inspire the Catholic faithful in dealing with problems, a Jesuit priest said yesterday.

Fr. Edwin Castillo, SJ, led an “inculturated Chinese Mass“ last night at the Sacred Heart Parish church to celebrate the start of a new lunar year.

The celebration of the Chinese New Year featured a traditional Chinese dance as the offering during the Mass.

Toward the end of the Mass, a dragon dance was performed inside the church.

Two small dragons, one in green and another in gold, danced alongside a bigger dragon.

After the 20-minute dance, firecrackers exploded outside the church and fireworks display lit up the sky.

The year 2012 marks the Year of the Water Dragon, which Castillo said epitomizes traits of courage, strong will, flexibility and transcendence.

“We need that kind of people. Those who will be born this year are believed to have these traits,” Castillo said in his homily.

He said the Catholic faithful should not be afraid to face economic and political challenges head-on.

He said the Water Dragon in the Chinese calendar may serve as a harbinger of good fortune for Filipinos.

Castillo said the dragon is a peace-loving creature that reflects the Filipinos developed attributes of getting along well with others and a capability of rebuilding.

Fr. Jason Dy, SJ, said the parish would also light 60 lanterns on Feb. 6, which marks the 15-day celebration of the Chinese New Year.

On that day, they will also celebrate the 60th founding anniversary of their parish. Candeze R. Mongaya, Reporter