THE
ECLEAN DOCTRINES & PHILOSOPHY IN LIFE
By
JO
JAC-ATOM VALMORIDA, AB, LLB, PMAM NPS-VIII (Former First Assistant Provincial
Fiscal of Misamis Oriental; Former Professor and Dean of Cagayan de Oro
College; Legal Counsel, Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc.)
A mystic is not one who fits into an objective pattern.
He is rather the one who adopts a particular attitude of mind. He is very much
a human and a mortal, subject at all times to all the foibles and temptations
of the human, with all the variations in any passing throng of people, and that
mystical life has no racial roots. Like gold, the elements of mysticism are
wherever you find them. (The Sanctuary of Self, by Ralph M. Lewis, F.R.C.)
Fifty
years ago, on December 9, 1934, in the serene coolness of the season a
mysterious child was born. He was given birth in the enchanted island of
Cabilan amidst the rosary of islands toward the bountifully-enriched Dinagat
island practically across the turbulent seas and often-unpredictable atmosphere
of the Pacific, in the weather-prone province of Surigao del Norte.
This once remote island forms part of the chain of
islands access to which is sometimes
forbidden by the dangers of its furious seas, and is located in the
north-eastern part if mainland Mindanao, in a country artistically formed by the Master-Architect of its
creation with beads of over 7,000 islands contiguously assembled into a trinity
of larger islands the political territories of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,
which unite into one was to be significantly known as “The Only Christian
Nation in the Far-East”, and further immemorially called “Pearl of the Orient
Seas”---the Philippines.
Conceived as a crying baby while still inside the
maternal womb whose solitary voice echoed along the shores of Puyangi, now the
famous barangay of San Jose, under the broad daylight of November 29, barely
ten days before his birth, the sixth and would-be child of Justiniana Edera and
Jose Ecleo, had already shown his mysterious ways not only to neighbors and
friends, but also to his parents and relatives, who were made living witnesses
to such perplexing moment.
After three days of hard and painful labor, at about 3:00
o’clock dawn of December 9, in the house of Justiniana’s brother, Jovencio Edera,
where she was to deliver, Jovencio’s son Pandoy Edera, became another witness
to the wonder of the same crying child.
Thinking that the child was already born, Pandoy rushed
inside the room only to discover that his aunt was still in the state of
agonizing labor. The amazing fact, however, was that the child now named
“Ruben” was born only at 7:00 o’clock of the following morning. Yet on the night
before his birth, vivid accounts of witnesses point that a distinctively
longtailed brilliant star that looked like a comet was seen not far across the
sky. In fact, these unusual incidents remained a puzzle to many for so long.
From the eldest named Espiritu, followed by Nicolas,
Uldarico, Ursincia and Moises, Ruben is the youngest child of the
much-disturbed couple. “Obing” as he was fondly called from the childhood to
adolescence, looked like a healthy baby boy of Caucasian descent from birth.
Just over a week thereafter, Obing’s father, Jose Ecleo,
who was about to go fishing unusually felt sleepy that unable to resist the
same he turned asleep on the sandy shores of Cabilan. In the deep of his
captivating rest, he heard an old man said: “…the baby just born is not an
ordinary child.” After which, he was immediately awakened that instead of
proceeding to the sea, he decided to go back home to reveal the message to his
wife.
On April 21, 1935, the child was baptized as “Robinson”
by one Monsignor Juan Sales of the Philippine Independent Church at Melgar,
Rizal, Surigao del Norte.
Sometime in 1940, the youthful Ruben Ecleo enrolled in
the Kindergarten at Surigao City, but had later stopped schooling when the
Second World War broke out. It was only sometime in 1946, that he went back to
school.
At this stage again started another perplexing memories
when accounts of witnesses revealed that he was shown to have enrolled
simultaneously in different schools of distant places, noted by his teachers to
have been present in all his classes, excelling in his grades while at thesame
time working class hours and still further seen in healing mission in many
places.
For indeed, Obing was known to have enrolled in at least
five different schools; at Wilson, Dinagat, Surigao del Norte; together with
his elder brother Moises Ecleo as his classmate; at Gomez, also at Dinagat; at
Panyog, and Melgar, of Rizal; at the Surigao Central School in Surigao City;
and still at Liloan, Leyte.
Equally amazing is the fact that while he was most of the
time seen playing out of school with his friends during class-hours, as noted
by his elder brother Moises who had always seen him absent, their teachers had
all the time noted Obing’s presence in classes in all the schools he was enrolled. In fact, his
now only remaining brother, popularly called “Tatay Isek” in the community
recalled that his youngest brother Obing was given better grades than him who
was the time present. According to their teachers, they have never seen “Obing”
absent from the classes. On the top of everything, Obing had been promoted
twice that he had to enroll only in Grades 1,3,5, and 6, as he was accelerated
in Grades 2 and 4.
Even compounding the paradoxical situation is the observation
that in all those years he was seen schooling and he was also seen on mission
in Leyte, Samar, Masbate, Panay Island, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and other
provinces of the Visayas; in Agusan, Misamis, Lanao, Pagadian, Zamboanga,
Cotabato, Davao, Surigao, and other provinces of Mindanao as well as in
different provinces of Luzon.
Furthermore while he was seen schooling in different
schools and on mission in various places, at the same time he was seen working
to earn a living as a shoe-shine boy, newsboy and ice drop vendor in Surigao
City.
At the ager 16 in 1951, Obing was enrolled in High School
with Soriano Institute in Maoyog, Bislig, Surigaodel Sur, and became a
basketball varsity player thereat, while at the same time working at the Bislig
Lumber Corporation.
At 17, two Caucasian-like visitors, who later turned out
to be his spiritual friends(whose names should better left anonymous here)
arrived at Cabilan, by their yacht, to look for “Ben Ec” or “Benny Ecleo,”
remaining in the island for three days and two nights. Finding an interpreter
in the person of Pandoy Edera, they were able to understand each other that
they were looking for was the person whose description aptly referred to the
youthful Ruben Ecleo, and who upon seeing the later, his two visitors,
immediately embraced him, as if they were old-time friends.
Bringing him inside the yacht, the two visitors finally
confided that their only purpose of seeing him is to bring him to America, to
which his mother, when told, did not accede. Failing in their purpose the two
instead advised him to just wait for their letter in about a week time, and to
follow them up in Manila.
Leaving behind the young Ruben, his two friends left with
parting words that they will still meet again some other time but no longer in
person.
True to their promise, a letter with pictures therein
arrived. However, it was handed to his lady admirer who happened to be a public
school teacher from Dinagat. About to open the letter without the knowledge of
Obing, she heard a voice commanding her to ‘stop’ at which time the letter she
was holding was forcibly flown away. Flown away. Fearful, the lady-teacher
picked the letter up and decided to personally send it to Cabilan. Finding
Obing at Cabilan, she immediately handed the letter to him who, when about to
open it heard a warning voice saying; “This is a top secret letter; please read
it seriously,” resulting to the fainting of the lady-teacher. Still another
voice was heard, telling him: “Follow the instructions we have given; we will
see each other again but no longer in person.”
Pursuant to instruction, Obing lost no time in proceeding
to Manila. And in 1952, he was brought to the U.S.A. by ship for an eight-month
“observation.” After which Obing came back, known as “Dr. Ruben,” possesses
with even greater instant healing power and getting more friendly, generous and
fast becoming popular. This incident however gave rise to another perplexing
situation when his elder brother, Moises Ecleo, claims that his brother had not
left them, that is, his physical body was seen all the time with them, while
likewise admitting that there is all the indications that he had, indeed, gone
abroad. For the moment this had remained a puzzle to some, but to many, the
matter had eventually gained a clearer vision and explanation of the strange
phenomena that, in fact, presently formed part of the gravitating mystical
realities.
The early years of his mission were characterized with
supreme sacrifices and tremendous difficulties. Not only did he perform his
mission with unparalleled devotion and zeal of complying with every instruction
of the Spiritual Division upon him, he had to wear a clothing only enough to
cover his body. Washed it in secluded river wherever he could find any, wait
for his clothing to get dry under the heat of the sun, until such time it is
again ready for him to wear the same. He was not allowed to receive any amount
of money. He was only allowed a food enough for his meals, and in extreme
occasion, just a modest clothing to cover his body.
Against all odds, however, no mountain imposing was tall
enough that he was cowed to climb, no ocean, however ferocious that he did not
brave to cross, no distance however far that ever blocked his way through in
the pursuit of his destined mission.
“Dr. Ruben” always firmly believes that “where the heart
is willing it will find a thousand ways, but where it is unwilling, it will
find a thousand excuses.” To him not even a threat upon his life could serve as
a justifiable excuse in the pursuit of his trying mission. For as he has always
emphasized, faith in God coupled with purity of deeds could be the only shining
armor capable of ensuring one’s safety and salvation.
Sometime in 1954, in furtherance of his mission, he was
taken in as member of the “Rizal Association of Mercy” headed by one Rafael
Mondejar at Matangad, Gitagum, Misamis Oriental. Thereat, in the course of his
difficult mission he got acquainted with his loving spouse “Glenda Oliveros Buray”,
daughter of Roberto Buray, Sr. and Rufina Oliveros Buray of the place. Under
trying and rather unusual circumstances, the two finally got engaged, and subsequently married, first
before a municipal judge in 1955, then before a Roman Catholic Priest in 1956.
Ruben Ecleo is a member of the Aglipayan Church while his
wife Glenda is a devout Roman Catholic.
Sometime in 1957, he was taken in as “Chief Doctor” of
the “Caballeros de Rizal Agricultural Endeavour,” now the nationally acclaimed
“Knights of Rizal”, headed by his cousin, the famous Santiago Ecleo, who was
popularly called by his followers and friends as “Papa Tiago” of Maguinda,
Butuan City, whereat the newly-wed couple had to establish residence. Thereat,
leaving behind his amiable wife whom many lovingly called “Mommy Glen,” “Dr.
Ruben” continued with his mission in other places of the Visayas and Mindanao.
Bothered with another ordeal in life while still on
mission, in 1958, he was only informed that his firstborn son Rico, died, which
thereby brought untold sufferings and sorrows to the young couple.
Unbending to the exacting test upon his life, “Dr. Ruben”
still went on to pursue his healing mission with undiminishing vigor and
untainted purity of faith. As a consequence of which, widely sought as an
effective and instant healer, the multiplying number of patients looking after
him dictated the necessity of putting up a place whereby led to the
establishment of a hospital at Cabilan, wherein hundreds of patients come and
go to have themselves treated by the now returning “Dr. Ruben.”
Not long thereafter, between 1959 to 1960, another
hospital was established in Puyangi, now the fascinating Barangay of San Jose,
in the scenic Dinagat Island. Dinagat is
some 40 nautical mile across the seas from the Northeastern tip of mainland
Mindanao. As one local daily puts it, “the place though considered a typical
seaside town of Surigao del Norte has the trappings of a tourist destination.”
“Dinagat Island may be one of those places you hear about that dot the Pacific
side of Mindanao,” and “taking off from Surigao City wharf in an oversized
outrigger (powered by an engine), the one-and-a-half hours sea travel…we saw
islands and islets ringed by white sand beaches. The sea from the Pacific
turned from aqua to deep blue.” (After Seeing Dinagat, Now I can Live, The
Northern Mindanao Chronicle, by Jun Villalaba, July 30-Aug. 5, 1086 issue)
With his three “spiritual friends” around him (whose
names should be left withheld), Dr. Ruben’s healing power became widely known
that his patients largely grew in number wherever.
His healing power ranges from treatment to operation by
bare hands with painless and instant tooth extraction and the curing of
terminal patients and those were pronounced by medical physicians as incurable
diseases. In many instances, his ability to identify a person’s type of blood
have been proven, and perfectly the same as that of a physician’s findings. In
his case, however, he never used any instrument in administering a healing,
which all, more brought inexplicable surprises to all his patients and to
everyone in attendance.
Many more marvelous and wonderful works have been
performed by him, both written in the pages of the scriptures, the details of
which should better be unveiled here until a more appropriate time comes. In
fact, this writer has been privileged to become a living witness to many of his
wonders which he prefers to left unsaid here. None of his predictions has ever
failed, involving major events and happenings taking place in the Philippines
and in many parts of the world, ranging of elections to calamities, accidents
and the like.
In fact, the greatest tragedy of former President
Ferdinand E. Marcos was when he ignored advice not to push through with the
Presidential snap election; otherwise it would be an end of his honeymoon with
his public office as it, in fact, happened. What transpires however belongs to
the inevitable. For so long before the decision of the former President to hold
a snap election, Hon. Ruben E. Ecleo, Sr., had already predicted that Mr.
Marcos will remain undefeated in an election, yet he will be replaced by woman
who will succeed him in office. In fact, for so long, it had painted an
unfathomable dilemma in the minds of all his followers who were left in the
state of quandary as to how his controversial prediction could ever possibly
take place. But it did take place. The occurrence of which directly brought to
an end the longtime quest for explanation. It has to take place,
notwithstanding countervailing events, for as it has been written, and so, it
shall be done. The rest belongs to history.
Such is only one of his political predictions of major
consequence. Which like the rest, emerged with accuracy and precision. Yet,
despite the many more manifestations of greatness endowed to a select like him
alone, which by their very nature, the naked details, scope and magnitude should
be better be left unwritten here, the humility of the man exhibited in
practice, to the mind of this writer, stands beyond compare. Unmistakably, he
has chosen to be such, for humility itself is a badge of greatness. The
contrary, which is pride, is a cardinal sign of weakness.
This has resulted however to another chapter of his
exacting mission. Professional physicians and dentists vigorously fabricated
charges against him, desperately fishing evidence to charge him and his
followers, usually booking them for “Illegal Practice of Medicine,” “Illegal
Practice of Dentistry,” and the like, none of which, however, has prospered. He
was branded as a magician and called so many names, but has remained calm,
unoffended and humble. Where stones were thrown upon his person, practically he
threw bread in return. Accordingly, consistent with scriptural reminders, he
has always warned: “Judge not that you may not be judged.”
Ironically, both the military and police who were asked
to arrest him instead turned themselves as captive patients as they asked that
they be cures of whatever illness they had together with the members of their
family, resulting to his being invited home by his supposed apprehenders.
Professionals and non-professionals alike eagerly come to him for treatment,
guidance and advise.
As he has always advocated, reminding everyone of the
mysteries of man’s creation that while we may have the bread and butter, while
we may have the comforts of life, while we may have everything to live by in
our respective places of abode, bread, rice and comfort alone are not enough
for us to live a meaningful life, for far beyond the measures of material
wealth man needs the treasure of spiritual invigoration to be worthy of his
divine creation.
Sensing the need to expand his mission to come to the
rescue of the many poor and unfortunate brethrens who simply had no means of
getting them attended by professional physicians and due to the members of the
profession to attend the rural areas, especially across the hinterlands, he
created a group called “First 13”, composed of thirteen of his chosen
followers, mainly from the Visayas and Mindanao, to help him pursue his
mission.
Thus, the “First 13” was formally ordained sometime in
1963 at Panimaloy, Don Carlos, Bukidnon, with the following composition:
Arsenio D. Nazareno, Pedro Montives, Sr. Francisco Enerio, TeodoroRegacion of
Leyte, Cipriano Otero, Ignacio Sombrado, Sergio Saturinas vice his late father
MartinianoSaturinas, Pedro Tuquib and DiosdadoSabalones from Bohol, the latter
vice/Pedro Masongsong of Batangas; JovencionRatunil from Cebu; Cupertino Edera
from Cabilan, Dinagat, Surigao del Norte; Leonardo Diegas from Surigao del
Norte; George Edera from Melgar, Rizal, Surigao del Norte; and Rolando O. Buray
of Gitagum, Misamis Oriental.
Eventually the need to establish a legally constituted
organization became pressing.Thus, on October 19, 1965, the renowned Philippine
Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc., was founded. It was established under
Registration No. 28042 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. From its
foundation stemmed the legal basis and governmental imprimatur that led to its
meteoric existence. It was launched under the unwavering leadership of its
Supreme President and Founder, the venerable Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr.
The incorporators that gave life to the association
comprised the following; the illustrious Ruben E. Ecleo, Sr. of San Jose,
Dinagat, Surigao de l Norte; Arsenio D. Nazareno of Nabang, Oquendo, District,
Calbayog City; Francisco Enerio of Himampang, Initao, Misamis Oriental; Floro Caboverde
of Salug, Zamboanga del Norte; Maximo Caboverde of Sinadangan, Zamboanga del
Norte; Carlos Lomanta of New Misamis, Annex, Ozamis City; MaximoRavelo of Mati,
Davao Oriental; Dionisio E. Cui of Babak, Davao del Norte, Pedro Y. Montives of
Balakson, KAwayan, Leyte; VictorianoRafols of Kawit, Kauswagan, Lanao del
Norte; EusebioBandivas of Buug, Zamboanga del Sur; and Casiano Gorrea of
Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.
The illustrious leader of the Association was later
overwhelmingly elected as Mayor of Dinagat, undefeated and unchallenged until
date, and even with the drastic change of Philippine administration in the
4-day February, 1986 revolution, has remained and unreplaced, until having just
unwittingly found himself the acknowledged “political kingpin” of his province.
Even as against the adverse speculation of many, he become the uncontested
President of the Mayor’s League of the province under the new Aquino administration.
His wife, the charismatic Madame Glenda B. Ecleo, the National President and Founder
of the Association of Women’s League, President and Founder of the pioneering
Don Jose Ecleo Memorial Education Foundation, and founder of the Professional’s
League, a Master in Educational Management graduate and a PhD candidate, was
one-time duly elected “Senior Panlalawigan Member” of the province.
The loving and
much-envied couple blessed with eight gregarious children: Ruben, Jr.,
nicknamed “Bongbong” who is currently studying Law in Manila, Glorigen, Gracelyn,
Benglen, Allan I, Alan II, Geraldine and Gwendolyn.
Further compounding the pressures demanded by the
swelling growth of members that need to be attended and the expansion of
chapter and sub-chapter offices nationwide and abroad, there was need to create
another group of trusted pillars of the TV Association “Midyear Convention on
July 28, 1986. A popular columnist has this to say:
“Nearing the wharf at barangay San Jose (home to the
thousands of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association members headed
by Supreme Spiritual leader Ruben Ecleo we saw the port teeming with local
residents all wanting to extend their warm hands of welcome to their mainland
visitors coming from all over Mindanao complete with leis and a blaring brass
band.
“The entire scene reminded me of Hollywood Pacific movie
that starred by Marlon Brando. Barangay San Jose proper is perched on a hill
that gives it added beauty. The hospitality of the people compliments the
beauty of the place.
“The PBMA as the primary governing body of the place has
shown how to build a progressive and happy community. And this has left a deep
imprint in the minds of the MINPRANS. Graft and corruption is a taboo to my
mind.
“After seeing San Jose, now I can live, because the earth
after all is a beautiful place to live and certainly, I have developed the zest
of living.
“Leaving San Jose the next day, I promised myself, that
not in the distant future, I will go back to the place and re-live the short
but happy memory I have with the place.” (On Your Marks, The Northern Mindanao
Chronicle, by Jun Villalaba, July 30- Aug. 5, 1986 issue)
The formation and growth of the Association is not
without constitutional basis. It rests upon the constitutional protective
mantle which guarantees the right of every one to form associations or
societies for the purposes that are not contrary to the law. (Sec. 6, Art. IV,
1935 Constitution; Sec. 7, Art. IV, 1973 Constitution; Section I, Art. I,
Freedom Constitution) consequently, to become member thereof, free from undue
interference or restraint from others.
It was given birth to pursue an ardous and labyrinthian
mission. As enshrined in its Articles of Incorporation, its multi-pronged
objectives may be summed up into three pervading and generic missions—to serve
Humanity, love of fellowmen, and the promotion of world brotherhood—under the Fatherhood
of God.
It has to be such for as stated in the scriptures “…and
now abideth faith, hope and charity; these three, but the greatest of these is charity.”
(I Corinthians 13:13). In fact, charity is the mother of all virtues.
Such is the charitable and benevolent character of the Association.
Such is the indubitable distinction of its greatness. Such is the biblical root
of its unfathomable existence.
It is not a religion, because religious rivalry cannot
unify the world. It is instead a corporation because incorporation signifies
unity even in diversity. For while religion establishes a wall of separation,
incorporation cements a bridge f cooperation and a bond of unbreakable union.
It would, therefore, be both idle and unchristian for
anyone to cast aspersion upon the Association as a religion.
Against all odds and the onslaught of time as well as the
fury of the charlatans and demagogues that have unleashed the forces of their
evil minds to discredit the organization and its Founder, erected on the
rock-bed of humility, propelled by its Founder’s unbending pursuit for
perseverance, and ignited by its member’s burning faith in the Divine
Providence that guides the destinies of men and nation. The Association, under
the leadership of its Supreme President and Founder, has withered all phases of
assaults in all of the over two decades of its phenomenal existence.
With the appearance of his friends and neighbors but also
his parents and relatives, things have become unusual to the point of being
misunderstood by many despite the distinctive generosity and goodness he has
shown to those who would need any kind of help from him.
To him, there is nothing worth aspiring for more than to
be able to lead a ready to help and show a willing heart to give; and there is
nothing more consoling than to see the misguided straightened, the sinners
repentant, the vicious, reformed so that from darkness they may finally see the
light.
Such is the simplest interpretation of the Eclean Philosophy
of Life. Such is what is known as the Eclean Doctrine of Benevolent Relation.
Such a way of life is not without scriptural foundation.
For as stated in the scriptures: “What you have done to the least of your brethrens
you have also done it unto me.”
For the Eclean Doctrine postulates that the unbreakable
yardstick of human salvation is not measured on the basis of how much time man
has devoted to his prayers which could be but an empty ceremony, not even on
the basis of his claim that he loves God, which could be hypocritical and
self-serving, but if he is to be judged, he is measured on the basis of how
much care he has done to his fellowmen, especially the less-privileged and the
unfortunate for they are the ones who are the most in need of help and comfort.
It has to be such for as pointed out in Chapter 13 of St.
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians:
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels but
have not charity, I am like a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal;
Though I have the gift of prophecy and of wisdom so that
I can understand all mysteries and all languages and though I have all the
faith so that I can move mountains but have not charity, I am nothing; and
“Though I give all my goods to feed the poor and give my
body to be burnt but have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”
As heretofore stated, the gift of “Divine Healing”
endowed upon him propelled his labyrinthian mission which started from his
early childhood.
As distinguished from “faith healing,” and other types of
healing, such as “pranic or magnetic healing,” “psychic or mental healing,” and
“mystical healing’ which could be classified under the category of “occult
healing,” though in practice they tend to overlap each other, “Divine Healing”
can only be accomplished by a highly evolved being—in fact, only a Divine Being.
The greatest example of this type of healer is, of course, Jesus Christ. His
healing powers are well known and are recorded in the Bible. He cast out evil
spirits, cured leprosy, blindness and host of other diseases. The power of the
apostles to cure comes directly from Jesus Christ. Cures made through Divine Healing
are always instantaneous, unlike other forms of healing.” (BT, Jaime Licauco,
1985)
How such divinely evolved gift has come to the man so
malevolently maligned and so unkindly castigated even by those who proudly
claim to be Christians and men of God, only the Almighty God can give the unerring
judgment. Not just any mortals, nor
those whose minds are polluted with intellectual prostitution of their worldly
vocation, can lay claim or exclusive righteousness and wisdom under the ages of
divine justice.
Beyond the material things the men around him, friends or
foe, have seen of him, transcend the spiritual marvels of his deeds, unbending
to his detractors, persistent in the pursuit of his exacting mission, uncowed
by the ordeals he has foresworn to traverse.
For beyond the realm of never-ending controversy rings
this passage in his heart: “Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and
all these things shall be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Wittingly or unwittingly, they who have earlier crushed
this man have now gradually emerged to eat their ungodly words and admit their
mortal errors.
Yet unmoved by the syndicate of evils clothed in disguise
to destroy and despise him, unoffending and humble as ever, and aware of the
role each one of them is playing in the frontiers of this world’s confusing
drama, he merely treats them like the intimidating roars of the dying waves of
sea, until they finally find themselves settled in the level where they
languish in shameful agony struck of their own blow that boomerang to them.
Those who lay claim of monopoly of wisdom and godliness
are called upon to reflect on the striking passages of a protestant priest
visiting the Supreme Hero in exile, Dr. Jose Rizal, when he asked the former; “Are
you not afraid to visit me amidst the envious and condemning eyes of the
friars?” And the protestant priest responded in resolute confidence by saying: “Let
them do what they want, but I insist to do what I feel I should, after which we
shall submit ourselves to the better judgment of God on who between us has done
his will better.”
No doubt, that on the basis of his unshakable stand, the
magnanimous Ruben E. Ecleo, Sr. Supreme President and Founder of the Philippine
Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc. will always withstand, as he has
successfully withstood, the test of time and hardships, to find himself finally
recognized as the “Mysterious Superstar of the South.” (WHO Magazine, Sept 26,
1981, Vol. IV, No. 20)
Yes, he will always stand, for as stated in St. Matthew: “The
winds may blow, the rains may fall, the floods may come, and all may hit the
house; but if the foundation of that house is strong, it will always stand.”
On February 2, 1979, a leading national magazine had this
to say:
“Somebody from this small country will emerge something
new that will shock the world. Foreigners will flock to this seemingly magnificent
country that will be the source of wonder for millions. Theologians, mystics
and medical experts will flock to this small archipelago and this is where they
will find the truth. Pray for your country and world every day. Do not do
anything foolish to betray this blessed land.” (MOD Magazine, p. 19)
Yesterday was only but a prophecy. Today we find ourselves
in the monumental quest to discover our place in the golden pages of destiny.
Tomorrow, nations will flock in fulfillment of that prophecy.
And so, when it shall come to pass when men and nations
shall flock to find the truth, they shall come not to find bread, not to enjoy
comfort, not to seek the glitters of material wealth, but in search of the
elusive and mystical treasures of the Spirit.
courtesy of Bro. William Ramos