Tributes to peacemakers

Events

Photo from Bulatlat.com

Today, I joined two tributes to two amazing people whose lives were lived for the service of others - to benefit society especially the least, the lost, and the last.

In the morning, I went to the Bantayog ng mga Bayani where the Justice for Echanis, Justice for All campaign was launched. This was basically a call for justice for Randy Echanis who was brutally killed. Echanis is a peace consultant for the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, working with the Philippine Government in trying to achieve sustainable and long lasting peace in the country. 

People from different sectors flocked his memorial, braving the rain just so they would be able to show their appreciation for a person whose whole life has been dedicated in serving those in the margins. 

The program started with a press conference, with people giving updates on the case (which basically has none, with no suspect whatsoever) and messages from different personalities including church people.

This was then followed by an ecumenical prayer, where I participated together with an SVD priest, a UCCP pastor, and an IFI clergy.

A reenactment of the Escalante Massacre then followed the prayer and capped by a cultural program. The atmosphere was somewhat festive with booths selling items from fresh produce to shirts and other souvenir items. But you can feel the sadness of the people. The wife of Ka Randy, Linda, came to me after the prayer and we talked for a bit. You can feel her appreciation for all the moral support that her family is getting from so many people. Truly, Ka Randy is loved.

Outside the Bantayog were a bunch of police officers waiting for the program to finish.

At around 5, I joined an online tribute for Sister Lucy Perez who had been my spiritual guide and sister for a very long time. She is a blessing to me and to so many people. 

In the 80's, she was instrumental in bringing the Brahma Kumaris to the Philippines and in establishing the many centers it has now in the country. Because of this, I could say that she is the mother of all Filipino Brahma Kumars and Kumaris, at least those who got their nourishment in the country. 

Her spiritual journey is marked by her never ending quest for purity, for perfection. Her last words were: "Am I pure now, Father?"

Such beauty. 

So many people are a witness to her gracious charitable actions that are truly made with love. Indeed she achieved perfection in this kalpa.  

Thank you, Lucybhen.

People come into our life for a reason, and if we care to realize these encounters as some form of divine intervention we would surely see the treasures in these encounters.