LET THE SUNSHINE IN!

"We need sunshine in life as in the air".

Model Lodge recently visited Bro. Anacleto Fernandez' mother who was confined at the Cabanatuan Dotors' Hospital due to heart problems, Bro. Angelito Dela Cruz' wife who underwent a surgical procedure at the Immaculate Conception Medical Center, and Bro. Errol Santiago who spent some days at the Heart of Jesus Hospital.

The brethren wishes them a fast and full recovery.

FEAST OF THE PASCHAL LAMB

The Feast of the Paschal Lamb commemorate the lamb offering of the Jews during the Passover or paschal feast. The practice has been adopted by the Ancient and and Accepted Scottish Rites of Freemasons and traditionally held every Maundy Thursday in the Philippines. The ceremonial feast features a symbolic banquet, the Mystic Roll Call of brothers who have been called to the Celestial Lodge, and a special Ceremony of the Lights.

Several members of Model Lodge, through the invitation of Lodge Master Bro. Marionito Guerrero, were fortunate to witness this very special ceremony that was held by the Munoz Bodies of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rites at Memorial Lodge No. 90.

FOOTNOTE: Photo above shows the fabled Blue Boys of Model Lodge with members of the Cabanatuan Bodies AASR after the Munoz Bodies AASR's commemoration of the Feast of the Paschal Lamb.

BLUE BOYS AGAIN

The brethren of Model Lodge pose with their new blue shirts (there is also a gold edition) during the annual hosting of a Motorist Assistance Center for the Lenten season. The production of the shirts was initiated by Bro. Marionito Guerrero, Model Lodge's incumbent Master, to help raise funds for the Lodge's projects.

THANK YOU BROTHER NARCISO!

Yehey!

The P100,000.00 donation of Bro. Narciso Nieto, a Senior Warden of Model Lodge before being appointed as a District Deputy Grand Master in 2008, will certainly go a long way in the continuing construction of the Lodge's Masonic edifice.

Thank you Brother Narciso and God bless your kind heart!

REFLECTIONS OF A BLUE BOY AND A PROMISE (almost) KEPT

I am a Blue Boy.

Not those MMDA guys but of Model Lodge who were called as such by District Deputy Grandmaster Bro. Rodolfo Estrada for the blue suits we wore for this year’s installation rites.

The blue suits were a gift from Bro. Marionito Guerrero who, upon his installation as Master of Model Lodge, made a pact with us to attend all such rites within the Masonic District. And that means from the opening of the Lodges until the fellowships.

We were usually a car pool of two vehicles coming from the northern and southern parts of Nueva Ecija province.

We have assignments. We worked on schedules and rotations. Some have to file leaves of absence. Others have to go AWOL or drop commitments or delete schedules. It was tough sometimes. But were happier than blue.

It was at first a routine requirement for us. But we learned much at each installation and somehow developed a deeper appreciation on the ritual. Finally, it became our initiation into a broader fraternity beyond the confines our Lodge. We toasted, gut drunk, and made many friends on a first name basis. We finally let our hair down and with it our inhibitions. We are the blue boys and we are happily at ease now.

The Blue Boys were able to attend all 16 installations (including ours) within the District plus 4 more outside of it. We were there for the openings, stayed during the restrained moments, came back for the rites, listened to the speeches, and enjoyed the fellowships.

On a personal note, I made a promise last year to attend all 15 (minus ours) since I only made 6 then. I tried hard even if it meant wearing the same blue barong for 2 consecutive days at times. But I only made 13 (minus ours) because I got called to a conference in Batangas when the Blue Boys attended that of the manuel L. Quezon Memorial Lodge No. 262, and had to mind the kids as it was wife in conference when they went to San Leonardo Lodge No. 386.

But the Blue Boys were there, always there, and we are them.

FOOTNOTE: This essay was written by Bro. Shubert L. Ciencia and originally intended for publication in "The Craftsman" --- Masonic District RIII-D's official newsletter.