Seeing the image of Japanese journalist Kenji Goto kneeling beside the executioner of the IS militant group last Monday—days after the SAF massacre occurred—sent me to the doldrums. I did not feel like writing my next Light Sunday column. How can one write when horrible men brag as they show to the world that they are free to do brutal mutilation outright?
It took prayer, some soul searching and stillness, before I buckled down to work to beat a deadline.
The reunion of Batch ‘65 held at the Molave Hall, Cebu Country Club, Jan. 31, Saturday, was a celebration I was privileged to attend. Fifty years after high school graduation, our men came from all over the world to connect, to enjoy their homecoming.
Fr. Arsenio Nuñez, former director of Sacred Heart School for Boys, came with Fr. Manny Uy, president of Sacred Heart Jesuits-Ateneo de Cebu. Congratulations go to Efrain Pelaez, chairman of the Homecoming 65 celebration, and to those who secured the success of the four-day affair. Batch ‘65 with their wives filled the hall of the club. It would be impossible for me to mention the names of all who were there.
We enjoyed the evening’s trek down memory lane as Efrain used pictures and commentaries from his old slum book to help us see their journey. We shook with laughter at his side comments which evoked taunts from his batchmates. Yet, under the levity and joy of togetherness, we were able to capture the spirit of brotherhood, the acceptance of one’s worth and the humility which comes with a Catholic education.
There was no mention of accomplishments, but members of Batch ‘65 have already become men to be reckoned with, men who have reached the apex of their careers.
There was so much raucous laughter, and everyone enjoyed roasting each other, confessing publicly their shenanigans while they were still in school (which everyone remembered with glee).
We mentors, echo Fr. Manny’s assessment of their coming of age. They not only reflect the best of their Jesuit education, but their contribution to the respective areas where they came from are already being felt. Congratulations to Batch ‘65 for reaching the standards they set for themselves. May their brotherhood grow stronger as they continue to allow the light of their Catholic education to influence the rest of the world.
Another homecoming of sorts I attended Feb. 1 was at the newly opened restaurant “Gayuma ni Maria.” This eatery is in front of Hi-Precision, J. Llorente St., Cebu City. It was in honor of the late Cecilio Obejero, and the party was sponsored by his daughter Michelle and husband Ike Sabarri. They came all the way from the United States.
The Narvios clan came in full force from Balamban, the Obejero families came from Tuyan, while the Pañares clan came from Naga. A few childhood friends of Loleng Narvios Obejero got invited. Clarita Escala and I were able to taste the exotic culinary dishes of the seasoned owners of the restaurant. Renee Salgado and her brood were present to enjoy the food and the singing.
Memories from these two events helped me to focus on what is still good, what is still inspiring and what is still worth getting involved in.
Definitely we should not hide from what is sordid in life. We each have our roles to play. We cannot just give up and curl into a cocoon of isolation because we don’t want to be vulnerable to exposures of violence and brutality. Evil walks in our midst.
However, being unaffected by what is going on around us will not make evil go away. Hiding our heads under the sands like ostriches will not make the bad go away.
Facing what we fear and doing our best to do “good,” to participate in life and to trust in God are our best weapons to triumph over evil.