Last Nov 7, a Memorial Mass presided by Msgr. Bong Lo in honor of dearly departed ICAns was held at the ICA Chapel at 4 pm. This ICA tradition that started only last year is an occasion where we recall loved ones who, despite passing on and joining their Creator, have remained alive in our hearts and memories. At the end of this anticipated mass, a video presentation paying tribute to the dearly departed was shown, after which Msgr. Lo led the participants in offering incense as part of the Chinese honoring rites. ICAAA VP for Membership Katheryn Tantiansu organized the mass. Below is ICAAA President Billie Ching-Syling’s speech.
In the midst of pain and loss, the world does not end. When the recent typhoons threatened to engulf our land in water, some may have thought it would be the end of the world. But the rains eventually stopped, the sun rose again, and the waters subsided. Many did lose their loved ones; more lost beloved treasures. But the world did not end. We all had to buckle down to work, to recover damaged mementos, hose down layers of mud, recoup business losses, provide urgent necessities to the more unfortunate, all to restore normalcy in our lives.
Even with the passing of family and dear friends, the world does not end. Sooner or later, we inevitably have to accept their physical absence and go on with our lives. But normalcy is never restored. We just learn how to live without them.
We specially remember the Silver Jubilarians whom we will miss on homecoming day: Geraldine Chu-Sy, Genevieve Go-Yap, Ma. Victoria Pek-Ledesma, and Evelyn Sua-Kho. As their friends gather to practice and prepare for their big day, their presence is sorely missed.
We would also like to specially mention Mrs. Remedios Ho – our dear “lao she” – who devoted more than half of her life to teaching generations of ICAns. Later in life, as her energy and pace slowed down, she continued to spend time with ICAns and ICA parents, perhaps simply finding joy in their company.
And so, today, we also gather to find solace in each other’s company. To the families of our departed ICAns, particularly those who experienced a more recent loss: the families of Chiang I Pei, Nelly Ching-Yao, Christine Marie Ang-Bernardo, and two young ICAns, Mary Arielle Tan Gatue and Megan Louise Chua, know that we are with you not only in sorrow, but more importantly, in prayer and faith. The world does not end, just as love does not end. Our loved ones may have gone, but they will never be forgotten.
