XUHS ~ Ateneo de Cagayan Chapel
May 19, 2007 - 5:15 pm
Dear Cavaliers, I was actually texted by ma’am Alice to give you a so-called "inspirational speech". Now, I really find it difficult to inspire you because you joined this community with that sense of inspiration in the 1st place. So, how can I inspire the inspired? It’s quite difficult and this though kept me thinking. In that moment when my mind was suspended, I clicked my fingers to browse the internet and search for the definition of “Inspire”. In Dictionary.com, there was an array of definitions ranging from the divine to the physical implications of inspire. Of all the definitions that appeared, the one that struck me most was this definition of inspire.
Inspiration actually means to inhale, to take in. In our case, breathe in oxygen for us to live. Now with this meaning of inspiration in mind, let us imagine the millions of microscopic oxygen molecules bouncing in space. We then took a deep breath. The oxygen molecules then run through our nostrils, trachea, bronchi and finally into the little air sacks we call the alveoli where the oxygen diffuses into our bloodstream, where the oxygen is carried all around the body, flowing into our muscles, delivering fresh oxygen supplies, providing us energy and that energy drives the passion, that drives you to serve...that drives you to accept this noble mission and to be a cavalier spreading the light where darkness lurks.
So cavaliers we have creatively moved from the image of an oxygen molecule, we travelled inside the air tube, bloodstream and to energy, now we move to passion, passion that is the product of that energy. What is passion? Ignatian Leadership 101 – Cavaliers, Your very heart beats because of a deep and loving desire to give back all the graces God showered upon you (intelligence, talents, skills etc.) through a loving act we call service, through selfless service. This deep desire grows in a pace which ceases to stall rather it accelerates into a compelling emotion we call passion. A cavalier is passionate. You are passionate. You tick because of it and passion makes you do things not because you have to but because you want to. Now you may ask, what is the difference between passion and hard work? Simple, Passion builds up energy, builds up that oxygen supply from inspiration while hard work consumes it. Passion then is the very fuel of a cavalier’s heart. Did you have that experience that you worked hard for a project but at the end felt unsatisfied? Because in the process, you never put your heart into it. You did it because you have to, not be because you love to. So do things with that deep desire to give and everything you touch will turn into gold.
In ancient times, the light cavalry of kings are for scouting and screening purposes for the king to get a vision of the enemy’s position. Now as a cavalier, you are ought to see not the battlefield but the future. You are required by the Order to mold a vision for you and your class to follow. That vision is the light at the horizon where you strive to inspire others to follow and reach it. Cavaliers, vision is very important because it sets the direction where you want to go. So visualize, visualize for yourself, for your class and especially for your school. Do it daily. Never let a day pass without assessing your vision. You must monitor your vision. Ano ba ang gusto ninyo? Sit and think about it, form it, and relentlessly pursue it.
Now you reached it! You have reached the horizon but never be satisfied, go even further. That is where the M word comes in. Magis. Be cavaliers of Magis guys! Use this as your standard banner. Never settle for “ok lang”, “pwede na” but aim for the better, the best, that brings the good into the most number of hearts. Think of programs and projects that is more than the usual. Think of projects that affect the greatest number of hearts. Magis, use this as your measuring device.
And cavaliers, as you march into columns to that grand vision of yours, never forget the people beside you. Look at the faces beside you. Each one of you is unique, having his own character, having his own distinct way in contributing something for the community. I ask you to love them. Engage them with a loving heart. Personal Care. Cura Personalis. Why Love them? Because it is in love that unlocks the brightest potential of each and every one of you. Love only makes this community stronger and makes a community loving poised to do heroic deeds. So do it, kiss each other and say I love you! So Cavaliers, four simple points of inspiration: Passion, Vision, Magis and Cura Personalis all fuelled by the inspiration of Passion to love, passion to embrace every experience to serve and to spread the light. The four points in not the formula of success rather it is the substance which makes success.
Lastly, you are in this room with a purpose. Ika nga ni Fr. George, Why Me? WHY YOU?! ASK YOURSELVES?! You are accepted in this noble mission and it is God’s will for you – plain and simple. Thus serve this duty with humility, loyalty and generosity. A cavalier’s job is never an easy job but i assure you, it is the most rewarding. You have accepted the duties and responsibilities that a mere mortal trembles in sight. Thus, you are not “mere mortals” – you are simply great men and women. You accepted this mission recognizing the magna anima - the great soul – the magnanimity with in each and every one of you ready to serve others, others who don’t even care All for The Greater Glory of God!
Congratulations!
God bless and Thank You Very Much and always spread the light!
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