The Legionaries of Christ, by their religious consecration, contribute the testimony of their self-giving to Jesus Christ and their complete availability for the fulfillment of the common mission. By their condition as priests, they make present Christ the Priest and the Good Shepherd through preaching, administering the sacraments and spiritual guidance. In communion with all, they collaborate in the integral formation, direction and apostolic projection of the associated faithful, promoting the fullness of their baptismal vocation and Christian leadership; and they establish institutions and initiate actions that can most contribute, in depth and in extent, to building the Kingdom of Christ in society.
In photo:
Standing (L-R): Fr. Luis Felipe Villalobos, Fr. André LaSana, Fr. Simon Cleary
Seated (L-R): Fr. Luis Lorenzo, Fr. Mauricio Guajardo, Fr. Dennis Lim
A homily by Fr. Luis Lorenzo LC on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(August 15, 2021, Sunday)
Today is a day of great joy! The Solemnity of the Assumption meets us in our tiredness, our sickness, our sinfulness, and our helplessness, and greets us with joy. Because today, we celebrate the arrival of Mama Mary to Paradise. If it can help you feel this joy, try imagining that definitive moment when there can no longer be any doubt whatsoever, that your mom, your dad, your lolo, your lola, or any dearly departed, has finally made it to Heaven. No more worries, no more death anniversaries. Only one hope… only this joy, which consoles the heart and wipes away the tears, “Papa has made it! Mama has made it!”
What then can this feast day mean for us who remain on earth? Allow me to offer three possible reflections:
The first is about EMPATHY.
Our Lady’s life was never an easy one. She grew up poor in Nazareth. She got pregnant at fourteen with unexplainable circumstances. She gave birth in a stable, and soon after, fled to Egypt to save the life of her family. She lost her husband while still a young mother. And finally, she witnessed her only Son condemned, tortured, and crucified.
If there is someone in Heaven who can possibly understand and share in the sorrow of many kinds of suffering, and one who is not God, there is she, whom God also gave to us as our mother in her most difficult and darkest hours on Calvary. She doesn’t help us from above the clouds or upon a pedestal, but from a very similar position to that of ours.
The second is about INSPIRATION.
From the moment God introduced His plan to her, even if it seemed hard to swallow, her response was always consistent, “Yes! Fiat! Let it be done to me according to your word.” It’s not an easy prayer. It’s a hard prayer because the plans of God always go beyond our comfort zones. But if humbly prayed, no matter how small one’s faith, it becomes a powerful source of light and strength. It becomes the way to true and final victory over sin, suffering, and even death.
Today, we celebrate this victory in the life of Mary, not because of how perfect she was, but because of how she held onto the goodness of God. She inspires us with the assurance that if we trust God, we too will triumph. We too will one day remove every form of mask without fear, and once again, breathe, hug, laugh, love and be loved forever.
A third and final reflection is about CARE.
Our Lady stands at the right hand of God, “arrayed in gold”. Close to Him. Whispering to Him on behalf of her many children. Yet, our Gospel reminds us that she isn’t only the humble servant of God, but also that of her family. She rushes to care for her cousin Elizabeth wholeheartedly, so much so that the baby in her womb leaps for joy!
This is Mama Mary, someone so beautiful because of how empathic she is, how inspiring she is, and how caring she is! Especially today, in these most difficult times, she rushes down from Heaven to help us carry our crosses. To help us trust in God and follow His commandments. She helps us so that we too can learn to rise from our sorrows, and come closer, one day at a time, to that joy which knows no end.
Dearest friends, today is a day of great joy! “Mama has made it!” Not only to the home of her Son Jesus, but hopefully as well, to the home of your heart and mine. Amen.
Director, RC Young Men's Section
Vocations Director
Chaplain, ADMU (part-time)
Chaplain, DLSU
When were you incorporated?
I actually never knew about the Legionaries or Regnum Christi until arriving to the US for college in May 2004. So, instead of officially "incorporating", I entered the Novitiate of the Legionaries of Christ on September 15, 2004, in Cheshire, Connecticut.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you? Please share some fun facts.
I wanted to be President at age 7! I even joined a club in elementary school called "Munting Barangay" to learn how to be one. But I never lost this love for our country, which led me to seek a government studies degree in college in the US. But in confession one evening, something nagged me so strongly asking, "What is the deeper problem we face?" That is when the priest looked at me and said, "Have you ever thought about becoming a priest? Wouldn't people need Jesus more than just yourself?"
What do you love about RC or being a Regnum Christi member?
That we try to make Jesus the center of our lives - through His Word, in the Sacraments, in the heart of every person we love or are loved by, making us feel so much stronger this family we call the Church.
Name one lesson you have learned during this pandemic that helps you as you journey in faith through community?
Gratitude - to value every day, every moment, and every person so much more. Everything truly is a gift, the more you think about it.
If you could speak to all the other members and give a special message, what would you say?
I'd like to echo the thoughts of Cardinal Tagle when I once spoke to him about Regnum Christi. Let us believe in the family! In a family that prays, that loves, that works hard, that shares with those in need. May we strive to help all families.
Extra challenge:
How would Jesus describe you?
Matigas na ulo. But I guess, sincere.
What quality of Mary or Joseph do you identify with?
A pondering spirit
Do you have a favorite saint, who is it and why?
It would be St. Francis Xavier. I think I share in his youthful passion for excellence and his zeal to bring God's love to as many people as possible, especially here in Asia.