It's a "saintly" act to take good care of our "Common Home."
Writing serves as an avenue of profound joy for me, especially on this day dedicated to celebrating the heroes and heroines of faith. I reminisce about the intertwining of events surrounding TUPV's (Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas) 'Gaia' project, which has been a therapeutic balm during times of bereavement.
(In Greek mythology, Gaia is the personification of the “Earth” and is the ancestral mother of all life. At TUPV, this is a sustainable program for the environment that emanates from the grassroots.)
The genesis of 'Gaia' traces back to 21st April 2023, coinciding with TUPV's Earth Day celebration. The program was meticulously arranged, yet fate led me to become the sole emcee due to unavoidable circumstances. Our guest, a former TUPV student turned priest and environmental advocate, marked the occasion.
Amidst this, I received a message from the head of Bukas sa Loob Dios Covenant Community – Kabankalan, inquiring about my availability at home to visit my father. This was in preparation for administering the last sacraments, where Tatay began receiving communion at our house from 25th April onward, accompanied by a lay minister each Sunday.
On 11th May, alongside colleagues, we visited St. James the Greater Church to discuss our Gaia project with their priest. My fervent hope during this visit was for my father's restoration to good health. However, on 12th May, when Tatay was hospitalized, my immediate disappointment was tempered by the realization that good health transcends the physical realm. I found solace in the spiritual healing bestowed earlier, as if preordained before my plea. It echoed Isaiah 55:8, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways – oracle of the Lord."
Anticipating Tatay's birthday on 22nd May, I had already forewarned my colleagues of my absence. Although the Gaia program was rescheduled from 15th May due to unforeseen delays, I regrettably missed the actual event. Yet, the success of the program was a testament to the cooperative efforts and responsible dedication of those involved. Its execution coinciding with the feast day of St. Rita, the patron saint for issues like sterility and abuse victims, underscored the program's significance in addressing gender-related concerns.
During Tatay's comatose state on 23rd, I had to attend to school responsibilities, symbolically delivering a token to the speaker, unaware of his passing. However, later, the comfort stemmed from the gesture I made to the priest, akin to presenting brazos (eggs) symbolizing resurrection, just hours before his demise.
Subsequently, during a high school reunion on 23rd September, the priest officiating during Nanay's wake turned out to be my classmate, weaving interconnected associations that often provide hope and solace.
My father's environmental advocacy is etched in my memory. His passionate discussions on 'blind drainage' and the importance of organic practices, witnessed through a teacher's remark on our non-chemical fertilizer-enriched anthurium, reinforced the idea that education and virtuous practices begin at home.
This reflection is intended for the students’ GCs by Friday, forming part of their final term output in Ethics titled “My Gaia Journey.” Aligned with the course outcome of fostering responsible stewardship of God’s creation, I express gratitude to my co-teachers and program head for enriching the subject's significance.
Teaching Ethics at TUPV commenced during my third term. Initially instructing Mathematics in the Modern World and subsequently Statistics, the pandemic compelled us to develop modules for our respective courses. Despite the unexpected shift in responsibilities for the Ethics module, the experience has been enlightening and collaborative.
Presently, urging students to post their “Commitment to the Environment” might seem incongruous amidst the political and social media inundation during elections and cemetery visits. However, it's a timely reminder post-elections, where the craving for power juxtaposes with the inevitable reality of death. Nurturing our "Common Home" becomes imperative.
Gone are the days of stress due to deviations from my meticulously planned schedule (‘chronos’). Embracing the concept of 'kairos,' recognizing the opportune moment for action, I find solace in Ecclesiastes 3, understanding that there's a time for every purpose.
In conclusion, "Lord, we offer you all and await all from you," encapsulates the essence of faith and trust in divine providence throughout this transformative journey.
Disclaimer: This is an article my sister wrote. Sharing this with the community in the hopes that this may inspire you too. You can read the original article here https://web.facebook.com/lucille.arcedas
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