I just came back from Manila tonight after attending a meeting of the Baclaran commission the whole day today. The commission is made up of three Redemptorists from the Manila vice-province and four Redemptorists from the Cebu province. We talked about the collaboration between the two units of the Redemptorists in the Philippines in carrying out the mission apostolate in the Mother of Perpetual Help shrine in Baclaran.
Yesterday, the remains of Fr. George Tither arrived from Legazpi City and the coffin was placed at the Baclaran church where the wake will be held. I joined the Redemptorist community in a short ceremony of welcome. George will be buried this Friday. An Australian Redemptorist, George was assigned to the Philippines in 1947. He has been all over Luzon conducting missions and also as vocation director. I have known him since 1975, when I was a novice in Lipa. George is a source of inspiration for me and an example of missionary zeal and commitment. I hope that like him, I too will spend the rest of my life as a member of the congregation. Goodbye, George. St. Alphonsus and our departed confreres await you in heaven. Hope to see you again someday.
Late in the afternoon, I took the MRT to Cubao where I met my good friend, Yna. We had dinner at Gateway and then had capuccino. Yna is joining the Cenacle sisters and will be starting her novitiate this Feb. 17. I won't be seeing her again for the next two years. I promised her that I will attend her profession. I will miss her. Goodbye, Yna, see you two years from now.
I like the way the Italians say goodby: Arrividerdci! Until we see each other again.
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