A joyous Easter

Welcome to the month of April in this its first week, the Octave of Easter. Thanks to mass media, this Bystander, together with the viewing, listening and reading world, has been able to participate with the religious rites and regional cultural practices during Holy Week, which I used to personally attend years ago, when I was more active and mobile. I now tune in to the international EWTN live coverages from the Vatican in Rome, Channel 2 in Manila and CCTN in Cebu, and read local and national newspapers for further detailed reports.

On Palm Sunday, Pope Francis blessed palms and olive branches before Mass at St. Peter’s Square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica (where I also noticed a couple of olive and blooming cherry trees) before Mass. EWTN also covered Pope Francis washing the feet of young prisoners that included two Muslims. He celebrated the Chrism Mass (Blessing of the Holy Oils) and the Mass of the Last Supper. I also followed coverage of the Mass of the Last Supper by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, from the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

On Holy Saturday, I attended a spiritual recollection conducted by Fr. Roderick “Rod” Salazar, SVD, at the Adoration Chapel of Divine Peace of the Pink Sisters in Mandaue City. I had been attending his yearly recollections there some years ago until he had other commitments in Manila and the activty was taken over by other SVD priests. Salazar had served as president of the University of San Carlos where I had studied and later taught.

The theme of the reflection was “The Story of my Life that begins ands ends with me.” So we reflected, “It is about me, what is happening in my life as I pray for myself.” And as we deepen our faith in this Year of Faith, we evangelize, sharing the Good News with others.

On Easter Sunday evening I attended Mass at our Alliance of Two Hearts Parish Church in Banawa, Guadalupe. Other Easter Sunday Masses I viewed on TV were that celebrated by Fr. Glen Gomez, SVD on Channel 2 in the morning; the Solemn Mass of Easter with Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in the afternoon (Philippine time); and the Solemn Mass of Easter with Donald Cardinal Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, D. C. at midnight (Philippine time) at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D. C.

And now, back to worldly concerns and activities.

At our Zonta Club of Cebu I General Membership Meeting at the Cebu Country Club last March 21st, we discussed plans for the 45th anniversary on Nov. 8th. But not before considering our immediate first quarter activities in an interesting and colorful projected pictorial report, our calendar of activities, and a review if our organizational structure.

Here are results of that Girl Scouts of the Philippines on-the-spot poster-making contest at the Active Zone, Ayala Center, participated in by 32 of our Cebu Council Girl Scouts last week.

There were three categories of winners, with five awardees in each category.

Star Level: 1st – Othree Desierto. MC School for the Arts; 2nd – Krista Amiola, Zapatera Elementary; 3rd Vernice Ramos, Regino Mercado Elementary; 4th – Fhil Ericka Tundag, Mambaling Elementary; 5th – Florey May Bernales, Tipolo Elementary.

Junior Level: 1st – Raven Valerie Savior, City Central; 2nd – Ecia Desierto, MC School for the Arts; 3rd – Junalyn Velasquez, Camp Lapulapu Elementary; 4th – Keshia Maries Tayros, Zapatera Elementary; 5th – Maria Alexandra Gulfan, Zapatera Elementary.

Senior/Cadet Levels: 1st – Date Timtim, Abellana National; 2nd – Chelsea Nudalo, Cebu City National Science High; 3rd – Mauhritz Claire Engano, Abellana National High; 4th – Eloeisa Mariele Abella, Abellana National High; 5th – Trisha Borces, Cebu City National Science High.

Congratulations, all!

We look forward to our GSP Cebu Council 2013 Annual Council Meeting and Awards Ceremony at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow at the Diamond Suites and Residences at Escario Street. See you there, Girls!

Yesterday, our GSP Golden Jubilee steering committee met at Camp Marina to discuss plans for the celebration of our 50th Anniversary in 2014. Details on this next week.

Do allow this Bystander to express pride at being associated for so many significant years of service in both the Cebu Zonta Club I and the GSP Cebu Council.

Then, lest we forget, regarding historical observances, on April 3rd, Tres de Abril, 115 years ago, on a Palm Sunday, Cebuano Katipuneros under Pantaleon Villegas (“Leon Kilat”) “proudly routed Spanish troops” during the repressive Spanish regime. Thanks to columnist Valeriano “Bobit” Avila of The Freeman for his detailed discussion in his column last April 3rd.

In this Easter week, we thank God for Pope Francis and our Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, who, with their prayers and paternal admonitions, provide sober consideration of current problems with our pre-election campaigns, the controversial Reproductive Health Law still on hold, and international friction with Sabah.

Until next week, may God continue to bless us, one and all!