Defend Life Podcast

Defend Life! For He said, thou shall not kill

Justice we need and deserve

Having no justice is one of our problems. Nowadays there are so many cases of abuse,discrimination and more. That's why we should have justice in each and every country. Justice shouldn't be classified as poor vs rich people. Most successful people use their power when it comes to financial and connections because they know that the victims are empty-handed. Justice without love is empty because it is love that makes difference in every situation. We should have unity for us to succeed in what people have been longing for.

Woman of Faith and Action

St. Elizabeth of Portugal is known as a Patron of Peace. She was humble even if she was the Queen of Portugal. You can tell her spiritual life is healthy because the fruits of the Holy Spirit were evident in her life. She stands as my role model because she has a deep Faith in God. Even if she experienced a lot of struggles in her life her Faith in God did not fade, in fact it became deeper and stronger. She taught me how to have more confidence and faith in myself that I could pass through all the obstacles that I will be facing. I'm looking forward to be known like St. Elizabeth when I grow older.

  

Reflection about the Founders and Foundresses of SSpS

After learning about the founders and foundresses of SSpS for so many years, I realized that faith can help you unite with other people. Faith can start a new relationship with other people and with God. These people dedicated themselves to love and serve God. 

One of the inspiring founders of SSpS is Blessed Maria Helena Stollenwerk. When she was young she knew that she was called to be a missionary. She started as a kitchen maid and waited many years to be truly part of the congregation. And because of her courage and dedication she fulfilled her goal and that is to serve God in the mission. 

"To God be the Glory, to my neighbor the benefit, to myself the burden"

International Peace, No Violence and Justice

Church Involvement : i am a Child of God

Podcast

                                             Questions

                                                                        1  2  3  

                                              Bloopers

                                              1  2  3  4

                                        Behind the scenes

Justice is what we WANT, Love in Justice is what we NEED

Some say that we need justice. Some say justice isn't present in our lives these days. But God says we need Love in our works of Justice. 

I have experienced injustice in my daily lives. Like how unfair the people are when it comes to choosing who should join an activity because they want to be with their friends. How teachers would choose to give a higher grade to their favorite student Even if he or she didn't do anything. I'm sure some of you have experienced these once in your life. It's unfair right? Where's the justice in that? People now a days are very concentrated on them selves that they want everything to themselves. Totally ignoring the effects on other people jsut to get what they want. Just like some people in congress. They'd do anything to get their hands on power. They would keep a civilization poor just to get votes. To fool people into believing in them. Well, what about the poor people now? Where did justice go?

Now a days, many people are experiencing injustice. If injustice stays for a long period of time, it will turn into a bloody war. Killing and bloodshed can happen. Theft would increase or basically chaos would happen. Just like a domino, there is no peace because there is no justice. There is no Justice because love was lost.

If we wanted peace then we should have worked for justice. But before all that, we have to Love. When we put love in our works of justice, these would mean more because this will come from the heart. Not because it is a chore or a task. Just like the Justice League of DC comics, protecting the earth from chaos because they have given earth a special place in their hearts. But we don't have to do that because we don't have the powers. But we can do this by starting out small. Like being fair in school and in work. Love those who need it and believe in God and his love for us.

                             Love, Prayer, Faith, Education

The Queen : A Saint

St. Eliazabeth is truly inspirational. She married a man who didn't belive in God. In the end the man turned and had a Holy death because of her. She is also inspirational because she is a queen. Children now a days still wants to grow up to be a queen. And hopefully just likeher, we can grow up to become like her, the queen who was faithful to God. 

When I was young I've always wanted to become a queen. To rule a country and have power, the power to do what is right. I know someday I won't really become a queen just like St. Elizabeth. But you don't have to become a queen to have the power to be charitable. All you need is God and a willing hand to help. 

St. Elizabeth reminds me of my mother. Even if all the trouble and unhappy moments come,she is still faithful to God and my dad. And because of that, Mom and Dad's bond grows strong each day. She and St. Elizabeth are my top 1 role model when I grow up.

God Calls Us For A Mission

Remaining Peaceful

Elizabeth of Portugal, a woman of peace, dedicated her life in helping the poor and praying for the victims of unfaithfulness. She is my role model because like her, I want to help the poor and help create a peaceful life in small ways. When I grow up, I want to be an architect to create houses for the poor and help them begin a new life. I also want to be a lawyer so that I could protect the victims of unfaithfulness, jealousy, adultery and other injustices. I want them to be protected, for everyone deserves someone who would be there to protect them. I may have shown my "softer" side at times which made me think that I will never be qualified as a lawyer but I know that God will help me become stronger and he will help me in creating peace in small ways.

Live Full

Our lesson about 'Live Full' taught me how to live my life to the fullest. It helped me realize how important the gift of life is and that we should value it in every way possible. It taught me the deeper meaning of life, how we should spend it and that we should be thankful for it.

Life may be hard at times but there will always be something that would help us or motivate us to keep going, keeping living the life that God has blessed you with. Life is filled with different ups and downs, life-changing experiences and moments that pass by with the blink of an eye. Each one of us face different challenges, our fears and experiences that we feel like we want to give up but God will always guide us and will never leave us alone.

Key to Succes by Dominique Ador

When I was little, I thought that they were just normal foundresses. I thought it was just simple to learn about what happened to their lives and how they offered themselves to God. But the truth is, it's not. You can learn a lot from them. From their values or  the good deeds they have done. You can simply apply it in your own personal life. People had experience many difficulties in life but they also experienced it also. They have been through a lot yet they had bypass it with the help of God

People nowadays are being lead by authorization. People who has power authorize them to do something because they think that is what keeps them successful . But what they didn't know is that the key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority. The foundresses didn't force them what to instead they teach them and influence them to do what is right.

Today, I realize how important God's influence to us. I learned that people can be good in many simple ways that can also change people. I also learned that simplicity is what keeps us happy. It's the essence of happiness. We should all live simply that others may simply live. 

Simplicity in Life

Reflection on Lesson 4

In lesson 4 it tells us all about justice. Justice is something that every country needs to have for it to be able to aim success. Injustice is very popular in poor places. Poor people are often treated with no respect; they are treated differently in society. For example, when a rich man was murdered or was disrespected people would instantly do something, but when a poor man was murdered or was disrespected it would take time before people do something about it. Injustice is also happening to us, for example, the government officials are stealing money, our money, money that we worked hard for.

So in this lesson I have realized that justice is really important and to have that justice we must have that compassion or love for what we do or for people, no matter what state they are in life, whether they are poor or rich.  People deserves justice.

Living out the Christian Values

Personal Reflection about Blessed Maria Helena Stollenwerk

            Ever since I enrolled in Holy Spirit School, the CLE teachers have been teaching us about the Founder and the Foundresses . Blessed Maria Helena Stollenwerk has really inspired me until now. When she was young, she had desired to serve God. By the grace of God and a good upbringing by her truly Christian parents, she led a very religious life as a young girl. She wanted to join the missionary works but she had to face all the struggles before she had the permission from her parents to enter a mission congregation. I can see that Blessed Maria Helena Stollenwerk was really brave and faithful to God because she didn't give up becoming part of the missionary congregation and I also admire her and Blessed Josepha Stenmans for being brave to cross the sea just to go to Saint Arnold Janssen.

            I also admire Blessed Maria Helena Stollenwerk, who showed great concern for the poor and suffering whom she visited with her mother. She always had time for the poor and she had always shown care for them, and I really like those people who do that. The characteristics that I really like about her are being a motherly and cheerful nature, and being kind and a healing compassion. Blessed Maria Helena always managed to find the sick and needy, and people turned to her for help and advice in all their problems. Without her being aware of it, God was developing the character and talents she would need for her future tasks.

            She said, “I long to give my love and my whole life to the service of spreading the Gospel.” I like this quote that she once said because it always reminds me of preaching the Good news of the Lord. She was really faithful to God that she didn't ever forget to preach and be kind to other people especially the poor. So for me, there is nothing wrong with helping the poor as long as you have a good intention about it. Just by giving your extra money to the poor can mean so much to them. There are some people who can’t find food to eat or don’t have a room to live. We should be all aware of them and help unconditionally. We should involve ourselves and do our best in these kinds of drive. 

I Look Up To You

Saint Martin de Porres is the patron saint of mixed-race people.

I look up to him because he represents equality and charity. He put up an orphanage for the children who seek families. He put up a hospital for the sick to be healed. He was a simple man of God who had big dreams. He believed that everyone is equal in the Lord's eyes. Which is true. He was selfless, loving, God fearing and respectful to God's creations. He treasured the simple things in extraordinary ways. He sacrificed so much to help others, to help the children put some food in their bellys. He gave and taught them to have hope and just trust in God. In our God that has a plan for all of them. They might have suffered a lot of pains and crys, but Saint Martin de Porres helped give them the hope they need to continue in with their lives no matter what the consequences. He was devoted, faithful and true to his passion and desire. And that is to love and serve God.

St. Elizabeth of Portugal, a Queen and a Saint

St. Elizabeth of Portugal was a queen and a saint; married and had children. Being a queen, wife, mother, and a saint to everyone requires a lot of work. That is why I admire her so much. Despite all her duties and responsibilities to her kingdom and family, she still gave her little time to the people in need. She was charitable and equal. She ruled her people well; because nowadays some government leaders are not sincere with their jobs. She is my role model because like her, I am busy with some things as well. But I am discontented for I cannot be as benevolent as St Elizabeth. One of my goals in life is to help the one in need until I can. I am saddened every time I see someone in pain or someone helpless. As a student, I don't have much to give except prayer and little alms. When I think of my inspirations like St Elizabeth, I feel I can achieve my goals. Moreover, she is also a peacemaker. She doesn't like war and she did everything to avoid it from happening especially in her kingdom. I am also not a fan of wars for they cause injuries and deaths; I hope in the future the leaders will be as good as St Elizabeth. She was one of a kind, thoughtful and strong. She fought her sickness for her people; and that is what I admire the most, being sincere and caring. Reading about the lives of saints made me more interested in reading the lives of the other saints as well. For I, saints are the real role models compared to artists and big stars. Lastly, she is my role model because considering she had many duties, she still considered her care for the poor. She never forget to give for the poor; and she was equal with everyone. She was a great queen and saint; and she will never be forgotten. I will always be thankful for her because she thought me that nothing, not even your economical status can stop one from a saint.

You don't need a reason to help people by Dominique Ador

"Kindness and politeness are not overrated at all. They’re underused."
– Tommy Lee

St. Elizabeth of Portugal is someone who is very inspiring. Despite of what happened to her she remained faithful, not only to herself, but also to others especially to God. She dedicated her life helping others, making the poor and the sick her priorities, she even did a greater charity and penance through out the years. She's really a wonderful role model and a good peacemaker to all the people around her.

As I continue to read her story it reminds me of my mom or just any mother in the world. Because being mother means that no matter how stressed you are for doing chores, taking care of the family, cooking etc. You should always this little faith that will still hold you together and you should have this kindness in your heart that will make feel at peace all the time and I believe that's what we need. That we ,human beings, need is to have a kind heart.

I think that is what God want from us; to be kind all the time and look for what makes us calm and at peace. No matter how hard the struggles or how long the stress we have in life. We should remain faithful and learn how to accept it, just like what St. Elizabeth did. She faced a lot of hardships but she remained positive in life and she found strength to carry her many great crosses. 

St.Anthony de Padua by Sydney Jusi

I chose Saint Anthony of Padua as my Patron Saint because he was called the Finder of Lost Articles. At first I thought that I would only pray to him whenever I lose something but then I realized that sometimes it's not the lost materials I am asking him to find. It's faith.

When he preached the Gospel to the Heretics, the Heretics didn't listen to him so he proclaimed the Gospel to the fishes. This shows that no matter how hard it is for him to convince other people to be faithful to God, he won't stop and be ashamed of what he is supposed to do. He is proud to proclaim the Word of God to other people.

Another reason why I chose him is because in our generation, it is very hard to encourage people to have faith in God. And because of his great faith, he serves as a great example to other people, people who are lost, people who think that they don't have any hope left. I don't only think of him as a Saint who can find lost things, I also think of him as a Saint who can strengthen the lost faith of other people.

Let's be like St. Anthony of Padua, let's not be ashamed of our faith and let us help the lost, help them find their way back to God, so that together we may see and face God. 

My Peacemaker

                         St. Elizabeth of Portugal was known as "The Peacemaker" for she, as the name implies, makes peace. I view my life as the kind of life wherein i make peace in terms of implanting peace in people's minds. St. Elizabeth is very inspiring for all she wanted to do was help the poor and help the people who have no peace find it. I've always wanted to help those who have no peace of mind, somehow i want them to feel better about themselves. I ask God for help, I pray to Him, that He may bless the people who have blurry, messed up and confused minds. To the people who think they aren't good enough, to the people who think that they're worthless, to those who don't believe that God can help them, to those who want to kill themselves are the ones I pray for. With the help of St. Elizabeth's intercession, my simple 'vocation' will hopefully be more powerful and helpful. I want these people to find God again, i want them to know that God's there with them. I hope that everyone will find peace in their minds and peace with the world. ♥

The Croods Podcast

The Croods Podcast

by

Hannah Lea Cardona (# 8)

Maria Francesca Alexa Cruz (# 10)

Deborah Allison Hartendorp (# 18)

  Antonina Sophia Malabanan (# 24)

ENJOY! 

 

All that is lost, will soon be found!

There were many moments in my life where I was searching for something I had lost. The number of these moments happening in fact, are more than my mere fingers can count. And if by some twist of fate I was disciplined enough to count those times in the past and perhaps in my coming future; I'll let you know now, you wouldn't even believe the number I would come up with!

Losing things has become a bad habit of mine. It has become so bad in fact, that my family is never the least surprised when I tell them I had lost something. And even though it has become the norm, my mother and St. Anthony de Padua never fail to inspire me to keep searching.

Every time I lose something of value to me like say, my cellphone, you can only imagine the splurge of emotions I feel when I do. And let's all admit, I can't be alone on this one! It all starts with worry, (Will I ever find it? What if I never do?), then determination ( Maybe it's still here, I believe it is! I'll just keep looking!), right around the corner comes doubt (Ugh! It's nowhere here! Maybe I was wrong), then "I'll try again" comes knocking on our door.( Try and try but do not die!) And if by then it's nowhere to be found? Frustration is what we do find. (You know what, it's no use. I can't find it.) And often times, when we do reach that last emotion; "I give up" is what we end up becoming.

 Here is where my mom and St. Anthony step in! Every time I am in that last state of emotion, my mom comes up to me and tells me "Pray anak, pray to St. Anthony de Padua. He helps people find things that they have lost." And ever since then, pray to him is what I did! When I lost my phone, book, candy, shirt or just about anything! He would be the person I would ask help from. But praying to him does not stop there.

What does it mean to be lost? Lost doesn't mean losing material things and objects alone.. Being lost can also mean Spiritually. There were times in my life where I had lost myself and almost lost faith in God. I didn't know where to go, or who to call on to and what I could possibly do. But then I remembered my mother's wise words and the saint who will always be there, St. Anthony. And thus, I took my "Children's book of Saints" and tried to find him. And when I did, I was changed. Reading his life story, how he dedicated his life to God, his teachings and the way he preached, how he renewed the faith in others; definitely renewed the faith in me. It was amazing to me how he could change so many people just by the words that came from his tongue, that were inspired by the Holy Spirit. He definitely showed me that words maybe mightier than any weapon. Remember how I said earlier, how when we lose something we are affected by a splurge of emotions? With St. Anthony, when I would be lost, that wouldn't be the case. With him I learned to let out my emotions through prayer, and tell him all the whispers my heart lets out. And in no time, I was at ease.

I do not think there will ever be a time where I will never be lost. But what I do know is if and when that time may come, I'll be more than "okay". I will be faithful, for I have St. Anthony by my side.

"Saint Anthony, perfect imitator of Jesus, who received from God the special power of restoring lost things, grant that I may find (mention your petition) which has been lost. As least restore to me peace and tranquility of mind, the loss of which has afflicted me even more than my material loss.

To this favor I ask another of you: that I may always remain in possession of the true good that is God. Let me rather lose all things than lose God, my supreme good. Let me never suffer the loss of my greatest treasure, eternal life with God. Amen."

Sources for pictures and prayer: http://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/prayers-to-st-anthony.html

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St. Elizabeth of Portugal - Bread into Roses

                 St. Elizabeth born in Zaragoza, Spain in 1271, she was the daughter of Peter III of Aragon and was married off to King Denis of Portugal in 1282.  From the beginning Elizabeth showed a great compassion to the poor.
                 I chose her because after I read her life she gave me the opportunity to help the poor. Filipino teenagers today should follow what St. Elizabeth is doing. She always goes to Church, if we can go to malls everyday why can't we go to Church everyday? She was married to a man at a very young age and still that didn't change her faith in God. Others says that St. Elizabeth leaves the palace disguised, in order to take breads for the poor. She is amazing she is looking for a way to help those who are in need.
                I want to be just like St. Elizabeth of Portugal because of her passion in helping others. Let's make St. Elizabeth be our role model. Let us live out our Faith in God just like how St. Elizabeth Lived her Faith in God by helping others and also being a peacemaker.
 

Oh Great Foundresses, I Thank you For being Born

When I started going to holy spirit school our CLE teacher thought us about our school's foundresses, I first thought that they were just simple and like other foundresses but I was wrong, yes they are simple but they conquered and encountered many difficulties I never knew that a person can overcome those problems. I never thought that simplicity can help you achieve your goals. I thought that I am only a student, I can't do such thing but when I read their biographies, I said to myself "maybe I should start on smaller things like helping others by donating and joining charities" so that I can achieve my goals in life, to be a good daughter of God and to share my blessings from God with others. 

Peace and Active Nonviolence

                  Peace and Active Nonviolence is the two main topics in Lesson 4. After I read the lesson in our book I started realizing that without peace everyday is a war and I don't want that to happen.Violence is never an option to attain peace.

                  I also read what happened last 1987 when Churches never stopped to get their peace during People Power Revolution. They were able to persuade people to do prayer rallies, strikes, and many more. This an example of an active nonviolence. For me this is a smart idea, they are not using deadly weapons they used God's grace and God's presence.We should Prevent ourselves from using deadly weapons just to attain peace.

                Peace is the tranquility of the heart born out of righteousness,security in the family, loving relationship with one another, and harmony in our society. there is peace if there is justice, but love gives peace beyond justice can provide.

Living life to the Fullest (Live Full) by Deborah Hartendorp

This lesson has taught me how to live my life to the fullest. It teaches us that we should appreciate life as it is. We should cherish each moment, we should be thankful for the miracles, blessings, and the opportunities God has given us. We get to live and experience the best gift God has given us, Life. This lesson has taught me to not only live my own life to the fullest but to share and to help the people in need.

And to thank God all we need to do is to live life in the most amazing and beautiful way that we could, to not waste it and to not destroy it. To make Him proud and to make everyone happy, and to care for those in need.

"The life you have left is a gift. Cherish it. Enjoy it now, To the fullest. Do what matters, Now."

Bridging the gap, Making the difference

St. Elizabeth of Portugal is a perfect role model for the Filipinos of today. The Philippines being a country with the most number of Roman Catholics in the whole of Asia, needs to follow St. Elizabeth's devoutness who went to Church everyday and practiced what was being preached. St. Elizabeth was no ordinary woman, she was a Queen married to King Denis of Portugal at the age of 12. Despite her privilege and status, she loved the poor people in her kingdom. She showed that the rich and powerful must have compassion and understanding for those who have less in life.

Her kindness in forgiving her page, because her page goes to mass everyday, is the perfect example on why Filipinos should emulate St. Elizabeth's kindness. Even when she was wrongly accused, she had the strength not only to forgive but to understand that people do make mistakes. She was the peacemaker not only for her family but for others as well.

The Philippines will be a better place if each and every one of us will find the St. Elizabeth within our hearts. That we should also go to mass as much as we can. And despite of all the problems and quarrels that our country is facing, we should always have patience in understanding people around us. We must have a bigger heart in accepting and helping those who are poor and have less in life, that we should bridge the gap between the rich and the poor and make the difference in making a better life everyone, just like what St. Elizabeth did.

Young Peacemaker by Paulyn Gulmatico

I chose St. Elizabeth of Portugal. I chose her because she's a peacemaker even before she realized that she is. When she was born, her birth itself healed a rift between her Father King Pedro III of Aragon and her grandfather. She is a great role model for our generation of today, because even though at a young age being married to a man that she doesn't even know and also the man was unfaithful she didn't expose the king for his transgressions. She remained faithful to his husband and even payed for his conversion. Also, St. Elizabeth loved and served the poor and built hospitals, convents, orphanages and other buildings. St. Elizabeth made me realize that in the hardships and troubles we should still seek God's help and even though we are hurting we should always do the right thing.

Kindness in His Little Fingers by Samantha Gacho

              Reading the story of St. Martin de Porres reminded me so much of of the story of Cinderella. They both have the reason to be rebellious and despise the world but kindness rise in their hearts. There's kindness in their little fingers. Whatever they are going through, they didn't let it hinder their goodness to others. 

              St. Martin de Porres had a rough childhood. It was hard to be loathed by the people you consider as your family. And be tormented by the judgement of others because you are an illegitimate child. Going through all these loneliness he can be a terrible man. But no, he had a choice. He searched for love and found God. "When there is kindness, there's goodness. And when there's goodness, there's magic." this is the line that struck me the most in the recent movie trailer of Cinderella.I was somehow able to relate this to him. Because of St. Martin's goodness and great love for God he had a magical success in healing the sick. Kindness can make us do million of good things. It may be simple or out of this world. He may not be acceptable in his society during his childhood, but he gave back love to them. 

           I look up to him so much because he is the perfect example for the youth today. As teenagers, we are kind of sensitive with the issues in our lives. This is the time when most youth search for themselves and seek for something they don't have especially love and attention. We don't have to search so far because God is with us. Like St. Martin de Porres, life was so hard for him but he didn't waste his life. We've searched so far but we don't know that God is beside us. We have no reason to do self-harm and do rebellious acts. Have faith. We may think that the whole world is against us, just be kind and God will be so proud of us. .Live out your faith, help the needy and show love and care to others. Show kindness with your heart and with your little fingers, just like what St. Martin de Porres did. 

           

A Woman of Peace

          I chose Saint Elizabeth of Portugal as my role model to live out my faith because she defined faith in different aspects. Having been married at a young age with a man whom she never met was unbelievably shocking, she could have refused but still obeyed her parents' orders. Despite her husband breaking his vows, she remained faithful to him and prayed that he would have a change of heart.
          Saint Elizabeth dedicated her life to the poor, she would do charity works, help the poor, sick, women, and children. She also established a convent for nuns. While doing this she never once forgot to attend daily masses. Her whole life was dedicated to help everyone who are in need and to God.
          I look up to Saint Elizabeth of Portugal not only because of her passion in helping others but also being a peacemaker. She found a way to end a feuds between her family and nations. I hope to be like her someday, to have a deep and sincere love for humankind.

Have Faith in Me

“Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.” 

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

          Faith is having a strong belief and trust in someone or something. There are times that we find things hard to believe because we simply cannot see it, but they do exist. They exist just like God exists, we may not know where He might be, we do not know if He can hear us, but it doesn't mean that He's not there, He'll always be there. Faith in God does not require seeing him, it is how we welcome and embrace His presence in everything we do. Faith is a personal relationship between you and God because He is deeply rooted in our hearts.

           It is not enough that we say that we believe in God because He exists. Our christian faith is not solely based on understanding the truths of the Bible, the way we memorize prayers, or the words that we speak, it also recognizes the actions we do. The sincerity and genuine love and care for others must also be seen when we do our works of faith, an example is the Christmas fund drive in school, I donated not because I am told to do so, but it is in my willingness to help our less fortunate brothers and sisters.

          Another thing I learned is that faith life and social life are inseparable. I think this is the most common mistake we still continue to do. We sometimes forget God when we socialize with others, we need to be aware in the presence of God in each and every one of us. 

          The reason for the quote above is, I was looking for an inspiration to help me to have a more composed thought about faith, I also wanted to help people, specifically my classmates and batch mates or to anyone who is going through a very tough situation, to understand what faith is really about. "Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens." It is in times like these, when our path darkens, that we need God the most, that we seek His loving presence in hopes that we will overcome our struggles in life. But what hinders us to reach God is our own selves. We lack faith in ourselves, thinking we will not get past through our problems. We give up easily. Having a little faith in you can go a long way. If we want to believe in something, we have to believe in ourselves first. Trust God that He will illuminate our darkened world and that He will grace us with the Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds to do what is right. "Your faith has saved you." 

          

          

St. Martin de Porres (RT 1, Hartendorp, 10-Fortitude)

St. Martin De Porres is the saint I believe is a perfect role model to all, He showed equality to humans but also animals including vermin. St. Martin wanted to go on a foreign mission for the church which would position him as a martyr yet the church did not allow him, And because of that he made a martyr out of his body, devoting himself to ceaseless and severe penances. He whipped himself three times every time. Of course he did this for repentance for his sins.

St. Martin De Porres as I've said showed equality to all, He showed extreme compassion to humans, animals, the sick and the suffering. He maintained a strict lifestyle, which includes fasting and not eating meat. He established an orphanage and a children's hospital.

The main reason as to why I admire this saint is that even with his sad background he could have continued on living in a bad way yet he picked himself up and live his life in a better way. He treated everyone equally, he was not biased, he did not care whether your healthy or sick, mixed-colors, poor or rich he treated you well, And I wish that I could find people like that today.

St. Elizabeth of Portugal (rt 4, Clarisse Sulquiano, 10-Fortitude)

I believe that St. Elizabeth of Portugal is the perfect role model for me because she is a great woman, a loving mother, a faithful wife, and a charitable saint. She spends her time praying for her unfaithful husband, so that he would finally have a change of heart; she even managed to end a long standing feud between her hunsband and her son. She also spends her time during Mass and recites the Divine Office daily. She is also a charitable woman. She founded institutions for the sick, for the travelers, for wayward women, and for abandoned infants. She established a convent for nuns and  provided dowries for poor brides. She is a great role model for being faithful to the Lord, her husband, her children, and to the people who are in need. Despite her hardships towards her family, she still believed that everything will be alright.

St. Martin De Porres (RT 4, Aquino, 10-Fortitude)

I choose him because I was amazed by his story. It all started from nothing and it ended into something despite all the difficulties in his life. He found love from God and Jesus' Mother was his Mother that loves him tenderly. I admire him for caring for the poor and sick people. His faith is still there and he prayed everyday to thanked God for everything. Some say that he'll never had a chance because of his dark past but then, here he is now, serving God.

St. Martin De Porres (Rt 3, Soriano, 10-Fortitude)

I chose St. Martin De Porres because despite all those problems he encounter all his life like his father abandoning them, his mother not treating him right because he was a illegitimate child, confided in a primary school for 2 years,  him being a donado, people mocked him for being an illegitimate child and he did not gave-up he still did his best. and it is said that he was known for his care for the sick, he was also a very patient man. He also did not gave-up his faith and still prayed, thanked God for everything. I was also amazed because he feed 160 poor people EVERYDAY and he also helped those orphans and gave them a family. I hope I can be like him, strong and faithful despite all life's challenges.

St. Martin de Porres (RT 2, Rabang, 10-Fortitude)

The saint I chose is St. Martin de Porres. St. Martin had the desire to go off some foreign mission but this was not possible so he devoted himself to ceaseless and severe penances. But despite of all these trials in his life, he's still a martyr. That's why God endowed him with many graces and wondrous gifts. I chose him because his love was all-embracing, he even loved animals. St. Martin de Porres also possessed spiritual wisdom. I chose him because he is really a good role model for the people. I adore him so much. Despite what happened to him, like knowing that he is an illegitimate son he still loves all the people around him.

I Was Wrong About Peace by Samantha Gacho (Personal Reflection on Lesson 4)

           All this time I've been using and understanding the word “Peace” in a very wrong way. School works, college entrance test requirements, class governor problems, and ate duties these were the times I really want to have peace. And that time, peace for me was a figurative escape from reality. Having a break from our daily routines and having a pause and be with yourself. Peace for me is more like reading a book; listening to music; watching films; and seeing beautiful landscapes.

             As I reflect, I realized that I don’t have peace the time I was doing those. It’s more of a recreation. Peace is not only about the absence of violence or having a break from this world. Peace is having the presence of God. In the times I shut myself in my room and focus in reading a book, listening to music or do some things for myself, I’m actually pushing away God’s presence. I was too busy looking for the presence of myself and I totally forgot about God. That’s not peace.

                

           There will be peace if there’s love and justice. We have to know to stand for what is right and do what is right. We may get negative feedback when we do this but at the end it’s between you and God. We should not fear to stand for the truth. We should not fear the threats of people who fear the revelation of truth. Just like what’s happening today, the people who stand for the truth were threatened and pulled down. As long as we are doing the good thing, God is always with us and being with God Is having peace. We have nothing to fear because God is bigger than any problems or issues we have in life. We can conquer those as long as we have Him.

               

           Peace is a gift from God. Let us share this gift to those who haven’t found the real meaning of peace. Let us be God’s instrument and give the gift of love and the gift of peace. 

Reflections on Lesson 4 (RT 5, Malabanan, 10 - Fortitude)

Through this lesson I was able to learn that we may obtain  peace without violence, which is called nonactive violence. It is normal to sin for we are only human, so we have to ask for forgiveness and learn from these mistakes. As St. Paul said, "Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you." (2 Cor.13:11) we should never be afraid to turn to God when we sin and ask for forgiveness for he will always forgive us. When we don't ask for forgiveness, sin breaks our relationship with God. I also learned that peace is the Fruit of justice. If there is fairness within a community you may find order. When we live in harmony we are in peace with ourselves and with others. So let us do our best to share and wear the love everyday!

St. Martin de Porres (RT 5, Malabanan,10-Fortitude)

The Saint I look up to is St. Martin de Pores. I find it amazing that he was able to overcome all his difficulties in life. His white father abandoned him and his negro mother despised him because he was an illegitimate child. But despite all that he did not forgot that God was always with him and would never desert him. He found love from God and since he did not have a mother, he turned to Mother Mary. Because of his sad early years he could've turned for the worst but he did not let that happen. But instead he became of service to others for the glory of God. This is what I admire the most about him and hopefully I can be like him in times of difficulties in life.

"Compassion, my dear Brothers, is preferable to cleanliness. Reflect that with a little soap I can easily clean my bed covers, but even with a torrent of tears I would never wash from my soul the stain that my harshness toward the unfortunate would create." - St. Martin de Porres

How do we Live Full? by Julia Tagulinao

In my understanding, 'Live Full' teaches us how to live our lives well and be god Christians. This lesson has taught me how to appreciate my life and be tankful for all the blessings God has given me. My family, my friends, my school, my good environment and a community that molds me to be a good and God-centered person. This lesson has also taught me to be generous and share my blessing to the needy. It made me realize how blessed I am, and God has given me this life to help His people -- my brothers and sister that are in need. That is my mission and I will do all I can to fulfill this and make Him proud. :-)

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