Lolo Monsi Says: A Treasury of Reflections on Life, Love and Faith

By Manuel Garcia Gabriel

Heartfelt and insightful, Lolo Monsi Says guides us through our journey and helps us discern God's way amidst our day-to-day heartbreaks, doubts, and failures.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anvil Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: May 10, 2020
• ISBN: 9789712736018

Book preview

Lolo_Monsi_Says_Ebook_Cover.jpg

Table of Contents

Dedication

Foreword

About Love and Relationships

About a New Generation and a New Culture

About What Hinders Us

About Social Justice

About Becoming Disciples of God

About Spiritual Events

Epilogue

Acknowledgment

Landmarks

Cover

Lolo Monsi Says

A Treasury of Reflections on Life, Love, and Faith

Monsi Manny breaks down love, relationship, faith, and how we all are. Reading the book brought me realizations—it made me appreciate the journey of love and how important faith is. It is a nice easy read that makes you think of what we all go through in life, especially with our partner. I recommend this book to all. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, this will help and answer a lot of questions.

–Matteo Guidicelli

Actor, triathlete, and model

"Nearly five decades of Monsignor Manny's priesthood—the sacrifices, journeys, disappointments, advocacies, graces—resonate in the people whose lives he has touched, and for those who have yet to meet Lolo Monsi, this book is a wonderful introduction.

Why read the book? Because Lolo Monsi genuinely cares about his flock amidst this uncaring society we live in. Because his reflections are a balm to the soul, and an affirmation of how important we all are in the eyes of God, how the youth should be listened to, empowered, and cared for.

–MELLISSA R. ESPIRITU

Principal, St. Joseph's Academy

Former Principal, Veritas Catholic School

Lolo Monsi Says: A Treasury of Reflections on Life, Love, and Faith

Copyright © 2020 by Msgr. Manuel Garcia Gabriel

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of the copyright owner and the publisher.

Published and exclusively distributed by

ANVIL PUBLISHING, INC.

7th Floor Quad Alpha Centrum

125 Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong City

1550 Philippines

Trunk lines: ([phone], 8477-4755 to 57

Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

www.anvilpublishing.com

Book design by R. Jordan P. Santos

Cover illustration by David Ramos and Ellen Baylon

eBook conversion by JP Meneses

Dedication

For all millennials and youth who are hungry for a life full of meaning and a faith that is relevant;

For the marginalized and excluded communities that beckon us to go out of our comfort zones and draw us to a life of service and compassion;

For my beloved father Nonong and mother Veray;

In lasting remembrance of the two musketeers—Msgr. Chito Bernardo and Msgr. Ernie Joaquin—who have gone ahead of us, Msgr. Toto Suplido Jr. and myself, but the fraternity lives on;

In deep gratitude to Fr. Didoy Molina and the Christ the King Parish for offering their communities as my haven and home upon retirement and to the UP Student Catholic Action Alumni, who have journeyed with me these past four decades, thank you for witnessing to a life of love and justice.

Foreword

Lolo Monsi Says depicts first of all the wisdom of the author as a good pastor after the heart of our Good Shepherd. It reflects his love and commitment to our loving God. Indeed, this is the fruit of fifty years of passionate service and missionary zeal in the Church, especially among the basic ecclesial communities. We are grateful to God for the love and wisdom he bestowed upon Lolo Monsi. We are one with him in thanksgiving for the gift of his priestly life and ministry.

Lolo Monsi Says also reveals his grandfatherly relationship with the youth. Millennials and Gen Zs gravitate toward him, always asking for advice. Even Gen X-ers, baby boomers, and a generous sprinkling from the silent generation solicit his counsel on how to deal with the younger generation. These gems of wisdom are cultivated from more than seventy years of personal experience and shared journeys with the many people whose lives are now intertwined with his.

Hence I invite you to read through the pages of Lolo Monsi Says and discover a treasure trove of reflections on life, love, and faith that will truly enrich your minds and hearts.

Most Reverend Jose A. Cabantan, D.D.

Diocese of Malaybalay

Chairman, CBCP BEC Committee

ABOUT LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS

1.

How do you find the person God wants for you?"

This is a question that lurks in the subconscious of people who seek to discern what the Lord has in store for them. Cautious if not afraid, uncertain if not traumatized, these questers seek far and wide to make sure that they find that person who is guaranteed to be The One by the Lord.

But more often than not, this is not how it really works. There is no one perfect mate and there will never be the one right partner.

Instead of focusing on finding the right partner, we need to take a second look at our vocations. Whether married or not, single or in a relationship, our vocation is what dictates our lifestyle and options in life, the choices that we make. It is our vocation, which stems from our deeply personal relationship with the Lord, that spells the difference in choosing the right partner.

So choose a partner whose own vocation aligns with yours. Yes, what is of utmost importance is the way we allow the Lord to shape our mission and identity throughout our lives.

2.

Iam struck by a digital ad from a popular fast food chain that said, " Minsan ang puso, kailangan