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FEBRUARY
LVE AFFAIRS
By Sansu Garin

“…but the greatest of these is LOVE. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

This verse came to my mind as I was writing this month’s events. In retrospect, it could well sum up what essentially happened in February, the month of Love.

“For love of God and man” must have been what’s paramount in the minds of the different Genesis ministries, when they held their planning meetings on February 9, 2001 at the hall of Gereja Santa Maria. Eager members of various ministries gathered together to plan and organize their activities for the year, and to discuss ways on how to best perform their service to God through community.

The weekends of February were spent mostly in fellowships to celebrate the birthdays of the Genesis Kids, the fruits of love of our wonderful couples. First weekend was Kevin Barleta’s celebration of his 10th birthday and the following weekend was Arielle Manzano’s 4th birthday party, (her mom, Sis. Lulu is also a February birthday celebrant). The Sol twins, Axel and Amiel, who were born on Valentine’s day two years ago, led the party with Popeye and his Gang on the third weekend. On the last weekend was Isa Perucho’s 4^th birthday party with friends. To all the birthday and anniversary celebrants of the month, may your lives be filled with love!

“I am loved, I am important, I am beautiful!” was the Bo-like opening of Bro. Frank Brosas of the Genesis Teaching Ministry, in his talk on how to “Reduce Stress” on February 23. He shared four principles on reducing stress that are based on St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians (Phil. 4:4, 6 and 8). First Principle: Worry about nothing. Second Principle: Pray about everything. Third Principle: Thank God for all things. Fourth Principle: Think about the right things. One may ask, “What does reducing stress have to do with love?” The answer is: When we are able to overcome stress, we get to enjoy more life loving God and serving our bothers and sisters. And we can truly say, “I am loved (by the Father of Love who provides for me!), I am important (that the Lord of Love died for me!), and I am beautiful (for God created me in His own image!).” So, why worry?

Fr. Andres Calleja of the Salesians of Don Bosco was our guest speaker on February 16, for the regular Teaching on Catholic Doctrines. His topic was about "The Eucharist - The Most Excellent Prayer," the celebration of the greatest love of all. With his flashes of humor to an otherwise serious topic, he effectively brought home his message that the Eucharist is the most excellent prayer as it is the prayer and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Savior Himself. After his talk, we gained a more profound appreciation of our role when we participate in the Mass, the Treasure beyond compare that we can (and should!) avail of as often as we can. (Read more about his talk in the article entitled “The Highest Form of Prayer” of this GNB issue).

As everything happens for a purpose, it is not surprising then that we started and ended February, the month of love, with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The First Friday Mass on February 2 at the hall of Gereja Santa Maria was celebrated by Fr. Veeger, MSC, where he talked on the internal versus external practices of our faith. February 28, the end of the month, happened to fall on Ash Wednesday. Again, our dear Fr. Veeger heard confessions and celebrated the Holy Mass at Bacang. It was a solemn time of renewal for all of us as we enter into the period of Lent.

During this coming Lenten Season, let us meditate on the Love that has brought us Salvation. The Love that we are called to proclaim and share with all our brothers and sisters. “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13).