Awakened For Years: A Retiree’s Guide to Inner Light (Part 2)

 Continuation of "Awakened For Years: A Retiree’s Guide to Inner Light (Part 1)"

Q6:  Are there any memorable events or outreach projects you’ve helped organize or been part of?

Manny:  When you serve God, every experience becomes memorable, fulfilling, and meaningful.

As I have mentioned previously, a significant experience that I hold dear is giving Holy Communion to my sick friend and neighbor shortly before he passed away. It was a quiet but powerful act of grace.

Another unforgettable experience was joining a PREX outreach seminar in Santiago Island, Bolinao, Pangasinan in 2018. We traveled seven hours to get there, slept away from the comforts of home, and had very little rest. But the sacrifice was worth it—it gave me a glimpse of what it means to be a true apostle. In PREX, every activity nourishes the soul. (Photo: Manny in one of his numerous PREX outreach activities)

Joining the Order of the Knights of St. John Paul II has also been deeply rewarding. I was blessed to kiss the hand of Pope John Paul II when he visited Radio Veritas in 1981, where I was working at the time. Today, I serve as the Grand Consultor on Evangelization for the Philippines, directly under the General of the Order based in Poland. It’s an honor to help spread the teachings of this great saint, especially his devotion to God through the Blessed Virgin Mary. (Photo Below: No doubt, Manny just loves this moment)

Q7:  What do you usually do to prepare for your Bible Study or Prayer group?

Manny:  Our church community holds street Holy Masses every First Friday, which include Bible sharing. In preparation for our Bible study and prayer meetings, I believe it is essential to engage in quiet reflection.  (Photo Below: With fellow church elders and while conducting community fellowship)

This involves reading the Bible in advance, meditating on its message, praying sincerely, and embracing small sacrifices. These practices deepen my understanding and make my experiences more meaningful.

Q8:  How does volunteering at Church affect your outlook on retirement and aging?

Manny:  Volunteering in Church has completely changed how I view retirement and aging. These stages of life are not meant to be idle or stagnant. Instead, they offer a chance to give back—to spend more quality time with family, to serve those in need, and to focus on matters that nourish the soul.

Retirement gives me the freedom to do better things for God, our country, and our brothers & sisters. It’s a time to live with purpose. Without spirituality, growing older can feel empty or even depressing. That’s why many retirees find themselves becoming more spiritually active—it brings peace, joy, and meaning. (Photos: Manny's beloved family)

Still, I believe spirituality shouldn’t be reserved only for retirement. It should be part of our lives from the very beginning—woven into our daily routines, whether we’re young, working, or retired. It’s a lifelong journey that leads us closer to eternal life.

Q9:  Is there a particular hymn, verse, or Church activity that gives you strength?

Manny:  There isn’t one specific hymn or verse that I rely on. For me, every part of spiritual life strengthens my faith in different ways.

That said, I find deep inspiration in a line from the song One More Gift by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ: (Photo: Father Manoling)

“If there’s one more gift I ask of You, Lord, it would be PEACE here on earth. As gentle as your children’s laughter all around, all around.”

I pray earnestly for peace—in families, in communities, in our country, and throughout the world. So many people suffer because of conflict and division. Pride, greed, and confusion have taken root in many hearts. I hope we can all learn to respect one another, work together for the common good, and let peace, unity, joy, and love reign.

All for the glory of God.

(Photo: Manny with Ethan Joaquin or simply Ethan--- Manny's grandkid)

Q10: What advice would you give to other retirees who want to get more involved in their faith?

Manny:  I don’t see myself as someone who gives advice—but I do want to encourage everyone, whether retired or not, to stay on the right path, at the right time—God’s time.

 

Being active in Church truly makes a difference. It brings purpose, peace, and a sense of belonging. On the other hand, as we continue to engage in Church and community activities, let us give utmost importance as well to marriage and family—the two pillars of society often neglected nowadays.

 

Let us not get too engrossed in community activities that we forget we have a marriage and a family to nourish.  Taking for granted marriage and family brings to naught all our Church and community services.  Let us remember that we’ve got a family to care for and from where we get the strength to move on with life—that basic unit we call “the small church”.

 

As the great and lovable St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta puts it: “If you want peace, go back to your family”.  Meaning, “if you want to bring happiness to the whole world, go home and love your family.”  So, all our efforts to promote a more peaceful world are deeply rooted in fostering love and positive relationships within one’s family.

 

Let’s stay focused, stay committed, and work together to serve others and follow God’s will. That’s the kind of life that brings true fulfillment.

 

Thank you—and Happy 125th Civil Service Anniversary to all!

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Retirement gives me the freedom to do better things for God , our country , and our brothers & sisters . It’s a time to live with purpose . Without spirituality , growing older can feel empty or even depressing. That’s why many retirees find themselves becoming more spiritually active— it brings peace , joy , and meaning . – Manny Bautista