Without the Eucharist, We Cannot Live
The Philippine Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta held its monthly spiritual formation last July 12, 2018 at the Santuario de San Antonio, Forbes Park, Makati. Rev. Fr. Carmelo Arada, Jr. led the members of the Order in reflecting about the meaning and significance of the Parts of the Holy Mass in connection to the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons.
In his talk, Fr. Carmelo briefly discussed with the members how the early Christians celebrated the Holy Eucharist every Sunday even though it was strictly forbidden by religious and political authorities. Fr. Carmelo shared that when Christians were arrested and asked why they stubbornly continued to celebrate the Holy Mass even at the risk of their lives, the early Christians proclaimed, “Sine Dominico, non possumus,” or “Without Sunday, we cannot live.”
Fr. Carmelo then shared a modern-day counterpart by recounting the story of Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan, a Vietnamese priest who was imprisoned for 13 years, most of which was spent in solitary confinement, a form of punishment that causes severe negative impact on a person’s mental state. Despite undergoing years of psychological torture, Cardinal Nguyen survived the ordeal by celebrating the Holy Eucharist every single day.
Fr. Carmelo then challenged the members, “Where do you derive strength in facing challenges and difficulties? Hopefully as Christians, we can say the source of our strength is from Christ,” he added.
Fr. Carmelo also shared how the Holy Eucharist promotes equality and social justice, which is a core mission of the Order of Malta.
“The Eucharist is the only social gathering where everyone is equal. We pray using “our” not “my” because we share each other’s dreams and we share each other’s prayer,” shared Fr. Carmelo.
Fr. Carmelo then enlightened the members about how the origins of the Offertory Rite is closely linked to the Church’s work of social justice.
“Early Christians used to bring gifts for the poor every time they celebrate the Eucharist. Through the celebration of the Holy Mass, they recognize their responsibility to each other, especially the poor,” said Fr. Carmelo.
The next Spiritual Formation of the Order of Malta Philippines will be held on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018. It will be hosted by Don Leonardo de Ocampo at his residence in Dasmariñas Village, Makati City.
The spiritual formation sessions of the members of the Order of Malta Philippines dates back to 1948 during the establishment of the Order in the country. A more intensive and regular spiritual formation started in 2007 upon the advice of Magistral Chaplains Msgr. Lo and Fr. Genaro Diwa. Through the activity, the Knights and Dames are expected to appreciate their membership in the Order as a means of sanctification and spiritual revitalization.
