Purpose-Driven Aloysian

Venerable Aloysius Schwartz, Happy Birthday!

2015-09-17T22:24:00.001-07:00

Today, Sept. 18, 2015, we celebrate the 85^th birthday of our dear father, Fr. Al.

He has touched & transformed hundreds and thousands of people’s lives including you and me. He has given us hope, love and a great example on how we should live our lives in according to God’s purpose. He is our father who served as role model to us his children, a servant of God who dedicated his life to the poor.

“The Glory of God is man fully alive” observed St. Irenaeus. This is the personal motto Father Al has lived by. He has lived his life to the fullest by heeding God’s call in his life. And because of that, he has been used as instrument by God to transform thousands upon thousands of lives around the globe. He has manifested God’s overflowing love in his life. It is then our turn to do also what we can with what has been given to us.

In a simple way of serving others through the God-given gifts and talents that has been given to us is already a great gesture of living life to the fullest.

Fr. Al, you have showed us through your life how to be truly alive, Thank you! You are a true hero, a true champion, a great father to us all.

Happy, Happy, Happy birthday, Fr. Al! We love you so much!

Thank you for your legacy of love through The Sisters of Mary.

P.S. Let us offer a thanksgiving mass today for our dear father and please do remember to always, always include in our daily prayer the INTERCESSORY PRAYER for Fr. Al’s beatification & canonization. God Bless us all!

PS2. Feel Free to SHARE & COMMENT! :)

Your fellow Aloysian,

Jaizy Tanawe

www.jaizytanawe.com

*Photo courtesy of Father Al's Sainthood Facebook Page

CHRIST LIVES ON

2015-09-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday, Dear Fellow Aloysians!

Today, I would like to share with you an excerpt from Father Al's book, "The Starved and the Silent."

CHRIST LIVES ON in the world today and exerts his influence upon it in three ways:

1) the Eucharist,

2) the inspired word of Scripture, and

3) the person of the poor.

He who made us dwells among us. He can be found not only in the silence of our tabernacles and in the solemn language of our sacred book, but also on our streets and in our marketplaces. The living Christ is as close to us as the nearest poor person.

We see this profound, yet unnamed mystery of the divine indwelling of the poor prepared in the Old Testament. One third of the Psalms revolve about the poverty, affliction, and suffering of men, and the psalmists bring out with lyric tenderness the proximity of God to those in these conditions. The prophets also, the forerunners of Christ, were inspired to associate themselves in a special way with the poor.

Christ, who is the fulfillment and culmination of all that went before, not only associates himself with the poor: He identifies himself with them. Christ proclaimed this truth in a most solemn way in the twenty-fifth chapter of St. Matthew because he places it at the end of the last of the five great sermons of Christ which form the framework of his entire Gospel. Christ is speaking here of the final judgment and he concludes:

"Then the King will say to those who are on his right hand, 'Come you that have received a blessing from my Father, take possession of the Kingdom which has been prepared for you since the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me food, thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you brought me home, naked, and you clothed me; sick, and you cared for me; a prisoner, and you came to me.' Whereupon the just will answer, 'Lord, when was it that we saw thee hungry, and fed thee, or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When was it that we saw thee a stranger and brought thee home, or naked, and clothed thee? When was it that we saw thee sick or in prison and came to thee?' And the King will answer them, 'Believe me, when you did it to one of the least of my brothers here, you did it to me.'"

May we have a Fruitful and Productive week ahead of us as we serve the Lord with joy!

Your Fellow Aloysian,

Jaizy Tanawe

P.S. Feel free to comment and share this article to our fellow Brothers & Sisters & even to your family and friends as well! God Bless us all!

PURSUIT OF DREAMS

2015-09-03T18:49:00.001-07:00

MARK ANTHONY CAPULONG

September 3, 2015. It’s 6:30pm as I’m writing this article. When I opened my Facebook account, guess what’s the first post I saw? Our fellow Aloysian, Mark Anthony Capulong’s story. It has spread like wild fire. It has become viral. Especially after it has been broadcasted on ABS-CBN’s longest running drama anthology, MMK (Maalaala Mo Kaya).

Many viewers have been inspired. I too have been inspired. A lot of us even proudly posted on our Facebook timeline.

His story thought me 3 things. Allow me to share them with you.

1. DREAM BIG DREAMS.

I wasn’t only inspired by his story but I was all the more encouraged to pursue my dreams. To have determination and do whatever it takes to achieve them. I have big dreams, yes. But some of them have been forgotten. Sometimes, the obstacles are too big it can overwhelm you to put your dreams on hold. I realized that I forgot why I even have these dreams in the first place. That’s why
it is important to have a BIG BIG BIG WHY. A REASON for your dreams. EMOTIONAL REASON especially. Mark’s emotional reason is to lift his family from poverty. He has a big why on his dream of becoming a sailor. Fellow Aloysians, let his story give us hope and encouragement that no matter what, let us not give up on our dreams. To do whatever we can to achieve them. Because with God, nothing is impossible (Let's change our vocabulary of impossible to I’M POSSIBLE).

2. COMMITMENT.

No matter how big our dreams are if we don’t take action, nothing happens. Many times I told myself, “Jaizy, Just do it!” It is one way of reminding me to take action. There will be times when you don’t want to do anything. Times when your problems are big, you feel like giving up. Tough times as you call them. That’s why we need our emotional why, a reason for our big dreams.

3. GRATITUDE & HUMILITY.

Giving thanks to what we have is a secret to multiplying them.

Acknowledging that we are only God’s channel and all that we have accomplished is for his own glory is humility. Achieving your dreams in life doesn’t give you the permission to boast. Because everything we have are all borrowed from the source of all blessings, God. At the end of the day, we surrender whatever we have accomplished, big or small.

Mark’s story has thought me to dream big dreams, commit to make them happen and always, always be thankful and humble for whatever blessings God has given to me and has done in my life.

I know God, all the Angels and Saints in Heaven, Mama Mary & Father Al is very proud of him as they are with all of us.

Let us continue to live in our motto, “The Glory of God is manfully alive.”

And yes, we are truly alive when we become a channel of God’s love to other people by pursuing the call God has for our lives.

Mabuhay, Aloysians!

PS. Feel free to share in the comment box below the lessons you’ve learned in Bro. Mark Anthony Capulong’s story.

God Bless us all!

Your fellow Aloysian,

Jaizy Tanawe

(www.Jaizytanawe.com)

*Photo courtesy of Mark Anthony Capulong & The Splendor of the Church

Grand Alumni Homecoming is about CONNECTION

2015-03-25T01:55:00.000-07:00

Hello, Fellow Aloysians!

How are you?

Last week, I’ve posted about Revival. Today, I’m going to share with you my second word on the question: "What is Grand Alumni Homecoming for you in 3 words?"

2. Connection.

It is so great to chat with friends, dorm mates, classmates, batch mates you haven’t seen in a long time. Meet new friends from other batch. There’s not a space where you don’t share a common denominator. Be it 1^st batch, 12^th batch or 26^th batch, when you talk about your life in SOM, lahat nakakarelate.

We were having breakfast with my friend and dorm mate when beauties from 7^th batch came. They told stories on how they were so makulet before, mga kalokohan nila and how they were all reshuffled when they were already in their senior year. (Aw!)We enjoyed our breakfast while we share our stories and laugh at our own kalokohan before. Haha.

Of course to immortalize the moment, a lot of photos have been captured during the GAH. Hehe.

But what makes GAH more meaningful is the incomparable joy of visiting father Al and saying a prayer of thanksgiving. It is one of the many little ways we can do to show our love to the one who became God’s instrument in transforming our lives.

As we continue to share our stories to our friends, dorm mates and classmates, let us also connect to father Al through prayer. Tell our stories of struggles and success. I’m sure he’ll be glad and be very willing to listen and give advice whenever necessary. Ask for his intercession. Also, let us be united in praying for his beatification and canonization to our amazing God!

Friend, what baon (experiences) did you take home after the GAH? You may want to let us also know. Feel free to share your answer/s below.

Live to the fullest! Spread light! Transform lives!

Next article: Service.

What is Grand Alumni Homecoming to you in 3 words?

2015-03-19T03:35:00.000-07:00

(L-R) Jessica, Sarilyn, Jaizy, Lorraine, Dianne, Janice & Arnellie

Are you one of those Aloysians who attended the Grand Alumni Homecoming (GAH) 2015?

If your answer is yes, then I bet you also have your story to share.

Let me share with you what is GAH for me in 3 words:

REVIVAL, CONNECTION & SERVICE.

1. REVIVAL.

GAH was an event filled with purpose, fun and a unique sense of energy.

No escape for rekindling of memories.

An exchange of Hugs and unending questions.

“Musta ka na?” “Tagal na nating di nagkita.”

“San ka na ngayon?”

“Ano nang ginagawa mo?”

….and the unending exchange of conversations goes on.

It has been 6 years and 3 months when we parted ways and said goodbye to high school life.

And yes, there is no place like home. The feeling to be back after how many years. The feeling of seeing familiar faces. People you’ve shared your precious 4 years in high school. Eating the same food, wearing the same designs of clothes, and sharing your stories during eating time. Oh, the moment was priceless!

Be the light of the world.

Add to that the celebration of the Holy Mass with an inspiring message from the priest. Father said, “Father Al is one of the instruments who gave light. He allowed himself to be consumed by the light. “

“We are all called by God to continually give light to others.”

“Let us allow ourselves to be consumed by the light of love.”

“Let us turn to God who is light. Be a living instrument and give light to others.”

I was truly revived, renewed and empowered.

How about you fellow Aloysian? What is Grand Alumni Homecoming to you in 3 words?

Feel free to share your Grand Alumni Homecoming Experiences, reflections and thoughts.

*Note: The title of this article was lifted from the post of kuya Bong Sulapas who asked, “What is GAH to you in 3 words?” in the FB Page of ASMSI.

*Next Articles: Connection and Service.

A once in a lifetime event YOU wouldn't want to miss!

2015-03-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

Last March 04 this year, I decided not to go to a once in a lifetime event. I have my own reasons. When you decide over something, you make reasons after, right?

Let’s take for example; while walking in the mall, something caught your attention. Oh, a pair of beautiful shoes. Or a pink blouse. Or a polo. Or a sparkling watch. And because they’re oh so adorable, you bought them. Believe me, after buying them, you would think of every reason on why you bought it. Ah, because all my clothes are old. Because I need it for the upcoming event. Because I need to use new ones to keep up to what’s trending. Because,… and the list goes on and on and on.

Just like the example above, I also have my own reasons on why I decided not to go. “I don’t have enough money to use for the event,” I told myself.

Then I heard a voice whispering to my ears, “My child, this event will happen
only once. You wouldn't want to miss it, would you?”

Deep within me is the answer to that question. I must go, I said.

It is then that I decided to go no matter what. The event I’m talking about is the THANKSGIVING MASS for the PROMULGATION OF THE DECREE OF HEROIC VIRTUES of our dear father, model and hero, Venerable Aloysius Schwartz this coming March 14, 2015.

Fellow Aloysians, I urge and invite you to join us and let us unite as one as we say a prayer of gratitude to our Father in Heaven who used father Al as an instrument to bless, transform and inspire us to give glory to God by utilizing our resources, talents and abilities to its full potential.

This is one of the many ways to show to the man who has a great influence in our lives. And of course, to God for His unconditional love, insurmountable patience and incredible grace.

Below is the schedule for the Thanksgiving Mass.

See you there! :)

Source: www.facebook.com/alschwartzsainthood

Venerable Aloysius Schwartz' Last Homily

2015-03-11T03:29:00.000-07:00

Few years ago, I came across father Al’s last homily. He delivered it two weeks before his demise.

Dear fellow Aloysians, allow me to share his words with you. Take time to not only read but also reflect on our father’s words.

The homily this morning will even be briefer than usual. God speaks to us in many ways. One way is through our body. Each day, my body grows weaker and weaker. It is becoming more and more difficult to breathe and to speak. So, God is telling me, “My child, my son, you have done enough. Take it easy. Take a rest for a while.”

This is what I intend to do. Someone else will preach these homilies to you and someone else will say Mass for you. Unless God chooses to heal me and restore me to health, I will continue to pray for you, but in
the solitude of my room and in the silence of my heart. I will continue to offer, along with my prayer, through Jesus, for you and your intentions, my sacrifices and sufferings.
St. Paul writes, “I must make up in my own body the sufferings which are lacking to Christ.” As a priest, I now, in a sense, must make up in my own body, my own flesh and blood, the suffering and pain which is lacking in the body of Jesus.
At the Last Supper, when Jesus said farewell to His disciples, again and again, He spoke of love. He said, "Abide in My love. Dwell in My love." In a word, Jesus is saying, "Love Me as I love you." My little children, my daughters in Christ, I ask you in the name of Jesus, to abide in my love, to remain in my love, to continue to love me as I love you. No doubt in your heart, you are saying, "But Father Al, we do love you!" But what is true love?
True love, as I have said many times before, is not expressed by warm tears, romantic feelings, or sentimental words. True love is in the will, and above all else, true love is obedience. Jesus expresses this sentiment at the Last Supper when He said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." My little children, my daughters in Christ, if you truly love me, keep my commandments. Observe what I have told you and follow the spirit of the Sisters of Mary which is the spirit of Christ, the spirit of the Gospels.
Obey me for Jesus and obey cheerfully, joyfully, and completely. Obey the rules and regulations of the Sisters of Mary Girlstown and Boystown. Obey my representatives who are the sisters and the teachers. And if you do this, I will know that you truly love me and that our hearts are united in Jesus. So that’s it. Let us continue to love each other in Jesus. I express my love for you by constant prayer and by offering for you my little sacrifices and sufferings. You, in turn, express your love for me by your spirit of loving, cheerful, and complete obedience. Thank you and God bless you! Amen.

Despite his illness (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), he was still able to smile. A true champion. A hero. A father and role model to us all.

Fellow Aloysians, in our own way, how do we express our love to God, to father Al, to our family, friends and love ones?

Source:www.thesistersofmaryschools.edu.ph/news_and_events.php?id=19

Father Al Schwartz’ Legacy

2015-03-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

Venerable Aloysius Schwartz

“The glory of God is manfully alive.”-St. Irenaeus-

When I was in high school, our school’s motto is: “The Glory of God is manfully alive.” It is also our founder, Father Al’s personal motto.

I was already in college that time doing the usual things. Pray, eat, study. Pray, eat, study. My focus that time is to finish my studies. Until one time it dawned on me, am I really living the way I should? Every day, I go to school without any plans on what to do with my life after college. I’m existing but not truly alive. I have no sense of purpose.

Thank God that I recognized the fact that I’m not truly living the way I should. But now, what? How should I live my life then? What do I do with my life?

Then our motto way back in high school, “The Glory of God is manfully alive” came to mind, finally grasping its meaning. It was like a mystery that has just been revealed.

Live to the fullest!

To be truly happy and fulfilled, we need to live to the fullest. Live out God’s purpose in our lives. Obey His will.

Father Al transformed my life.

He was a kind soul that transformed hundreds and thousands of people's lives, especially the youth, giving them hope where hope was missing and to live according to God's purpose. He was a father who has served as role model to his thousands of children around the globe, a servant of God who dedicated his life to the poor.

Are you one of the children of Father Al? Are you transformed through his works?

If your answer is yes, you may also have a question in your heart: “How do I give back as my way of saying thank you?”

Pay it forward.

In father Al’s last homily, he said:

“True love is in the will, and above all else, true love is obedience.”

“...So that’s it. Let us continue to love each other in Jesus. I express my love for you by constant prayer and by offering for you my little sacrifices and sufferings. You, in turn, express your love for me by your spirit of loving, cheerful, and complete obedience.”

The best gift we can offer is to live our life to the fullest, spreading light to God’s people and thereby transforming other people’s lives in the process.

The legacy of father Al is his love to us, his children. He said yes to God’s purpose in his life. He is already gone but his legacy of love still lives on.

It is our turn to share our father’s legacy of love to as many people as possible.

Don’t just exist, LIVE.

Don’t just live, MATTER.

Make the most out of your life.

We only live once, so why not give it our best shot for God’s greater glory!

*Image courtesy of http://www.fatheralsainthood.org/id5.html