The other day we buried a Franciscan, Fr. Gerry Zapanta OFM. Fr. Gerry was a confessor at the St. John Lateran in Rome for more than ten years. His young nephew who thanked the congregation of mourners quoted a writer who said, “Death ends a life but not a relationship.” It was clear from the voice and its content how Fr. Gerry continues to be present and alive in this young man. A few days ago, a dear friend and I dare say, my “idol” passed away. Much as I wish to visit his wake and bid him goodbye, all I can do is pray and share these thoughts with those who love and look up to him. Fr. Ben was a rare one. He was what my father would appreciatively call a good priest, “a priest of priests!” As such, Fr. Ben was extraordinary in a quiet and holy sort of way. He was a gentle yet fiery intellectual. His writings and homilies are carefully crafted pieces, testaments to his love and passion for the arts. His masses whether in Dambanang Kawayan in Taguig or Tipas or wherever the Center for Migrant Youth was, were dances, sculptures and poems that did justice to the Liturgy, the living prayer and action of the community of faith. Through the years, Fr. Ben journeyed with the poor as well as those who like him have chosen a similar path. From time to time Fr. Ben would surprise me with a little note expressing his friendship, support and even admiration. There were times when I was feeling run down due to the demands of ministry, I would pay Fr. Ben a short visit. He was always there as a brother who opened his heart, mind and soul to a younger brother. He was my “kuya” the way that all those lost and parentless youths who became his family at CMY were. No matter how stormy and sometimes dreary my life as a priest burning for the Kingdom was, I knew of a spring flowing with acceptance, understanding and affirmation. There was always Fr. Ben, my “kuya,” my older, sympathetic and compassionate brother priest. On February 25, 2003, a day after my birthday, he sent me a card with the following message: “Happy birthday, Robert, and congratulations for having finished a dramatic and memorable ministry at U.P. I hope you find Isaiah 42:16 very true and consoling for you.” A quiet fan and friend, Ben Villote “I will lead my blind people by roads they have never traveled. I will turn their darkness into light And make rough country Smooth before them.” Isaiah 42:16 As I now read this line from Isaiah, I hear a voice at once priest and prophet. It is both Isaiah and my Kuya Fr. Ben. I won’t see you now but I will always feel and hear you deep within me. Soar high to Jesus, dear brother and friend. Maraming maraming Salamat. Robert. Fr. Roberto P. Reyes Juan de Plasencia Franciscan Novitiate July 7, 2013
Posted on: Wed, 31 Jul 2013 02:46:14 +0000