Fraternal greetings !
I would like to inform the brethren that the following are the elected officers of Araw Lodge No. 18 for 2009:
WORSHIPFUL MASTER - BRO. NOEL BAYANI
SENIOR WARDEN - BRO. MALAYA FRANCISCO
JUNIOR WARDEN - BRO. JUN ABLEN
TREASURER - BRO. RAMIL ALVAREZ, PM
SECRETARY - BRO. PEPING MOYA
AUDITOR - BRO. CESAR CORTEZ, PM
HARMONY OFFICER - BRO. NAZ CORDOVA, PM, PDDGM (elected last year with a 3 year term!)
With warmest fraternal embrace.
Bro. Ben Apacible
Kalilayan Lodge No. 37, Lucena City
Araw Lodge No. 18, Manila
Current Location: Quezon City, Philippines
Showing posts with label Bro Ben Apacible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bro Ben Apacible. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Filipino Freemasons' No Host Fellowship: An Update
Brethren Greetings!
This is to inform you that the “NO HOST FELLOWSHIP – BRETHREN ALL” held last Thursday, March 13, 2003, was successful despite the absence (due to the issuance of Circular No. 14) of majority of our brethren from the GLP who confirmed their attendance.
Those in attendance can attest that nothing about religion, politics, rituals, principles, affairs, conflicts, and other concerns of the Brethren’s respective Grand or Subordinate Lodges were discussed. The atmosphere was of harmony and brotherly love and everybody clamoured for a “SECOND NO HOST FELLOWSHIP – BRETHREN ALL”.
A suggestion was brought out by a brother… Civic Projects sponsored by THE FREEMASONS without the mention of Lodges or Grand Lodge. Institutions which will be considered are orphanages, homes for the aged and other similar government/privately owned institutions. These projects will be discussed on the next no host fellowship tentatively scheduled in May of this year.
There was only one wish from the brothers who attended this affair… “GIVE HARMONY A CHANCE TO PROSPER AMONGST US MASONS”.
This brings me back more than 28 years ago when I was asked… ”WHERE WERE YOU FIRST PREPARED TO BE MADE A MASON?”.
And which also reminds me of what the Senior warden says …. “HARMONY BEING THE STRENGTH AND SUPPORT OF ALL SOCIETIES ESPECIALLY OF OURS”.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the brethren who attended, the brethren who intended to attend but were restrained by doing so and the brethren from far places who gave their moral support for the success of this event.
I truly wish that harmony and brotherly love be given a chance to prevail among the Freemasons.
With my warmest fraternal regards and may the GAOTU continue to bless and guide all Masons withersoever dispersed.
Bro. Ben Apacible
Congratulations to all Brethren who attended this very auspicious event of the Filipino Freemasons. Thank you for giving and living the tenets of Masonry!
Moderator
This is to inform you that the “NO HOST FELLOWSHIP – BRETHREN ALL” held last Thursday, March 13, 2003, was successful despite the absence (due to the issuance of Circular No. 14) of majority of our brethren from the GLP who confirmed their attendance.
Those in attendance can attest that nothing about religion, politics, rituals, principles, affairs, conflicts, and other concerns of the Brethren’s respective Grand or Subordinate Lodges were discussed. The atmosphere was of harmony and brotherly love and everybody clamoured for a “SECOND NO HOST FELLOWSHIP – BRETHREN ALL”.
A suggestion was brought out by a brother… Civic Projects sponsored by THE FREEMASONS without the mention of Lodges or Grand Lodge. Institutions which will be considered are orphanages, homes for the aged and other similar government/privately owned institutions. These projects will be discussed on the next no host fellowship tentatively scheduled in May of this year.
There was only one wish from the brothers who attended this affair… “GIVE HARMONY A CHANCE TO PROSPER AMONGST US MASONS”.
This brings me back more than 28 years ago when I was asked… ”WHERE WERE YOU FIRST PREPARED TO BE MADE A MASON?”.
And which also reminds me of what the Senior warden says …. “HARMONY BEING THE STRENGTH AND SUPPORT OF ALL SOCIETIES ESPECIALLY OF OURS”.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the brethren who attended, the brethren who intended to attend but were restrained by doing so and the brethren from far places who gave their moral support for the success of this event.
I truly wish that harmony and brotherly love be given a chance to prevail among the Freemasons.
With my warmest fraternal regards and may the GAOTU continue to bless and guide all Masons withersoever dispersed.
Bro. Ben Apacible
Congratulations to all Brethren who attended this very auspicious event of the Filipino Freemasons. Thank you for giving and living the tenets of Masonry!
Moderator
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
GLP GM Issues Circular to Stop "No Host" Fellowship
In a circular (GLP Circular Number 14), issued 11 March 2008 by the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, MW Brother Jaime Y Gonzales; all brethren under the Grand Lodge of the Philippines "are prohibited from participating" in this "no-host" fellowship of all Masons, which includes those brethren from other Grand Jurisdictions, like the newly formed IGLPI.
The 'no-host" fellowship is slated this coming Thursday, 13 March 2008, 7:00 PM at the Main Dining Hall of Club Intramuros Golf Course.
Brother Ben Apacible, the convenor of this fellowship of Masons has this to say on why he initiated this fellowship:
"This is a "no host" fellowship of brethren from different Grand Jurisdictions who want to "MEET ON THE LEVEL" and practice in and out of their respective Lodges and Grand Jurisdictions "BROTHERLY LOVE .'. RELIEF .'. TRUTH .'. LIBERTY .'. EQUALITY .'. FRATERNITY" and who are looking forward for a more meaningful Masonic year."
Brother Ben continues that: "... (to attend this event which) maybe the start of what each and every Mason had been wishing for….."HARMONY"."
For his part, the Grand Master, MW Brother Jaime Y Gonzales said in his circular:
"... pending the issuance of definitive guidelines all brethren of this Grand Jurisdiction are prohibited from participating in this allegedly "no-host fellowship" in accordance with the Constitution and Ancient Landmarks of the Order hereinbelow quoted."
The GM cited GLP Constitution provision under Article IV, Section 2, paragraph k, which provides:
"Sec 2. Among others, a lodge is prohibited from performing the following: (bold supplied, Moderator).
"Par k. To hold Masonic intercourse with illegal or clandestine lodges or individual members thereof or recognize any entity purporting to be a Masonic lodge, unless it is a recognized subordinate lodge of a Grand Lodge with which the Grand Lodge of the Philippines has fraternal relations."
The GM also cited Article XVII, Section 22 of the GLP Constitution which provides that: "No Master Mason shall hold Masonic intercourse or membership in any illegal or clandestine lodge nor communicate masonically with any clandestine Mason."
Further quoting Our Ancient Charges and Regulations:
"VIII. You promise to respect genuine Brethren, and to discountenance impostors and all dissenters from the original plan of Masonry."
In an email comment made by Bro Ben Apacible, inspite of the GM circular 14 the affair will go ahead as planned and he continued:
"I only have one question: WHY? TALAGANG HINDI MAGKAKAISA ANG MGA MASON SA BUONG MUNDO. In the Philippines , today's masons can just rest on the laurel wreath of our forefathers. Todays masons can't be proud of what we have done to future masons.
May the GAOTU truly guide and bless all Filipino Masons withersoever dispersed."
As for GM MW Brother Gonzales: the motto of his term as GM and his exhortations emblazoned on the circular's official letterhead tells us to:
"Live More Masonically Towards A Better Society"
The 'no-host" fellowship is slated this coming Thursday, 13 March 2008, 7:00 PM at the Main Dining Hall of Club Intramuros Golf Course.
Brother Ben Apacible, the convenor of this fellowship of Masons has this to say on why he initiated this fellowship:
"This is a "no host" fellowship of brethren from different Grand Jurisdictions who want to "MEET ON THE LEVEL" and practice in and out of their respective Lodges and Grand Jurisdictions "BROTHERLY LOVE .'. RELIEF .'. TRUTH .'. LIBERTY .'. EQUALITY .'. FRATERNITY" and who are looking forward for a more meaningful Masonic year."
Brother Ben continues that: "... (to attend this event which) maybe the start of what each and every Mason had been wishing for….."HARMONY"."
For his part, the Grand Master, MW Brother Jaime Y Gonzales said in his circular:
"... pending the issuance of definitive guidelines all brethren of this Grand Jurisdiction are prohibited from participating in this allegedly "no-host fellowship" in accordance with the Constitution and Ancient Landmarks of the Order hereinbelow quoted."
The GM cited GLP Constitution provision under Article IV, Section 2, paragraph k, which provides:
"Sec 2. Among others, a lodge is prohibited from performing the following: (bold supplied, Moderator).
"Par k. To hold Masonic intercourse with illegal or clandestine lodges or individual members thereof or recognize any entity purporting to be a Masonic lodge, unless it is a recognized subordinate lodge of a Grand Lodge with which the Grand Lodge of the Philippines has fraternal relations."
The GM also cited Article XVII, Section 22 of the GLP Constitution which provides that: "No Master Mason shall hold Masonic intercourse or membership in any illegal or clandestine lodge nor communicate masonically with any clandestine Mason."
Further quoting Our Ancient Charges and Regulations:
"VIII. You promise to respect genuine Brethren, and to discountenance impostors and all dissenters from the original plan of Masonry."
In an email comment made by Bro Ben Apacible, inspite of the GM circular 14 the affair will go ahead as planned and he continued:
"I only have one question: WHY? TALAGANG HINDI MAGKAKAISA ANG MGA MASON SA BUONG MUNDO. In the Philippines , today's masons can just rest on the laurel wreath of our forefathers. Todays masons can't be proud of what we have done to future masons.
May the GAOTU truly guide and bless all Filipino Masons withersoever dispersed."
As for GM MW Brother Gonzales: the motto of his term as GM and his exhortations emblazoned on the circular's official letterhead tells us to:
"Live More Masonically Towards A Better Society"
Sunday, January 6, 2008
A Simple Wish From a Faithful Heart
BROTHERLY LOVE .'. RELIEF .'. TRUTH LIBERTY .'. EQUALITY .'. FRATERNITY
Our Continuing Commitment as Masons.
Very Simple but Meaningful Words.
We had experienced how Masons engaged themselves into healthy and at times unhealthy debates on matters pertaining to our Fraternity (as well as religion and Politics, Ed.). Unhealthy, because at times it resulted to outright disrespect for one another. This had happened not only inside the Lodge but also outside the Lodge particularly in the course of exchange of emails and text messaging and even during fellowship.
For an ordinary Mason with a simple faithful heart, it hurts, really, really hurts.
It is the simple wish of this faithful heart that each and every Mason respect others’ opinion, belief and understanding of our Fraternity (as well as others plotics and religion, Ed.). A wish that we Masons can show mankind that we practice mutual respect for one another regardless of color, creed and affiliation.
It is the simple wish of this faithful heart to immediately resolve existing factionalism, divisiveness and misunderstandings in our respective Lodges thereby strengthening not only the Lodges but Masonic Districts and Grand Lodges as well.
It is the simple wish of this faithful heart that the newly elected and appointed officers of each and every Lodge lead the brethren to a better and stronger fraternity.
Finally, it is the simple wish of this faithful heart that as we enter the year 2008, we, Masons, live up, in and outside of our respective Lodges, our continuing commitment to our fraternity, BROTHERLY LOVE .'. RELIEF .'. TRUTH .'. LIBERTY .'. EQUALITY .'. FRATERNITY and make 2008 a true and fulfilling Masonic Year.
Together Brethren we can achieve this simple wish.
With my best regards,
Bro. Ben Apacible, PM, PDDGM
Kalilayan Lodge No. 37, Lucena City
Araw Lodge No. 18, Manila
Grand Lodge of the Philippines
Our Continuing Commitment as Masons.
Very Simple but Meaningful Words.
We had experienced how Masons engaged themselves into healthy and at times unhealthy debates on matters pertaining to our Fraternity (as well as religion and Politics, Ed.). Unhealthy, because at times it resulted to outright disrespect for one another. This had happened not only inside the Lodge but also outside the Lodge particularly in the course of exchange of emails and text messaging and even during fellowship.
For an ordinary Mason with a simple faithful heart, it hurts, really, really hurts.
It is the simple wish of this faithful heart that each and every Mason respect others’ opinion, belief and understanding of our Fraternity (as well as others plotics and religion, Ed.). A wish that we Masons can show mankind that we practice mutual respect for one another regardless of color, creed and affiliation.
It is the simple wish of this faithful heart to immediately resolve existing factionalism, divisiveness and misunderstandings in our respective Lodges thereby strengthening not only the Lodges but Masonic Districts and Grand Lodges as well.
It is the simple wish of this faithful heart that the newly elected and appointed officers of each and every Lodge lead the brethren to a better and stronger fraternity.
Finally, it is the simple wish of this faithful heart that as we enter the year 2008, we, Masons, live up, in and outside of our respective Lodges, our continuing commitment to our fraternity, BROTHERLY LOVE .'. RELIEF .'. TRUTH .'. LIBERTY .'. EQUALITY .'. FRATERNITY and make 2008 a true and fulfilling Masonic Year.
Together Brethren we can achieve this simple wish.
With my best regards,
Bro. Ben Apacible, PM, PDDGM
Kalilayan Lodge No. 37, Lucena City
Araw Lodge No. 18, Manila
Grand Lodge of the Philippines
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