XSPB PARENTS' FORUM

Jubilee Trilogy Part 1:

Fellowship of the Wedding Rings

John Tan, parent

Posted Friday, 24-Nov-2006 7:50 AM

           This year’s celebration of Xavier School’s Golden Jubilee is also a season of renewal of the Xavier Spirit.  Last August 26, approximately 220 Xavier parents spent the morning at the Multipurpose Center (MPC) reflecting on the importance of their married life.  “The Fellowship of the Wedding Rings” was the first of the Jubilee Trilogy of reflections on the family for Xavier parents.  Fr. Ismael Zuloaga, S.J., Chair of the Golden Jubilee Committee and the prime mover of the spiritual renewal activities, welcomed the parents and led the prayer for the Xavier families.

           Fr. Johnny Go, S. J., School Director, gave an introduction on the importance of having the parents’ reflection.  He said that in the midst of our busy lives and various demands on our time, it’s good to ask, “What’s going on in my life right now?”  We need time to pray and reflect, to take the opportunity to pause and look at the bigger picture.  By doing this, it will help us find the meaning (kahulugan) and balance in our life that we are all seeking.   Fr. Go emphasized that parents and the family play crucial roles in helping our children find the correct paths in their personal journeys.

          The resource persons for the reflection were Gilbert and Donna Son.  They are experienced formators from Mary the Queen Parish and are members of the Neo Catechumenal Way, a Christian community movement.  Gilbert is a Xavier alumnus and businessman while Donna is an ICA alumna and homemaker. 

          Gilbert and Donna facilitated a lively reflection about Marriage, spiced up with humorous anecdotes and interesting tidbits about their experiences as a married couple.  Their interactive style inspired some parents from the audience to also share their personal experiences.

          The reflection started off by an explanation of the physical and psychological differences between men and women.  It was emphasized that these differences should not be viewed as reasons for incompatibility but rather, should be regarded as complementary points for each other.  Furthermore, it was reconfirmed that each person is unique and special and that all of us were created by God to love and to be loved by Him.

           Marriage is a sacrament, a concrete sign of God’s love for us.  As if to emphasize the importance of marriage, Christ performed his first miracle during a wedding (in Cana).  Love shared by the married couple is the only type of love that has been elevated to a sacrament.  In marriage, the couple IS the sacrament.  The man and woman become united as one body, just as Christ is united to the Church.  Marriage is indissoluble, that is, it’s forever, and no other union is valid after marriage in church.  A married couple should also be open to life.  Children are the supreme gifts of God in marriage and He will always provide for them.  Parents, being the primary educators, also have the responsibility of giving their children the gift of faith.  With faith in Jesus, the children will be able to cope with trials and overcome difficulties.

            Gilbert and Donna concluded by saying that true love is measured by how much one is willing to suffer for the other.  This was exemplified by Christ in His love for His enemies and by His suffering and dying for all sinners.  Marriage is a blessing from God and the secret of married life is for husband, wife, and children to live together with faith in Jesus Christ.

The second reflection of the Jubilee Trilogy will be “Decoding Your Spouse:  Husband – Wife Relationship” on September 23, Saturday, 8:00 a.m. at the Xavier School Angelo King Multipurpose Center (MPC).  All Xavier parents are invited.

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