"The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools." Confucius

At all times you must expect and practice due diligence. Doing the right and expecting same from people doesn't make you stupid as some people would always say. In so far as you know what you demand and supply, stay firm; you sharpen your tools while you do so.

I love this quote so much because it best describes what it means to stay the course and not be deterred even in the midst of daunting challenges, trials, scandals and difficulties. This best describes the life of Priests. "From the people the priest is taken. Trained and equipped to be a shepherd of the same people that gave him up". It is the same people that vilify, scandalize, threaten, pour vituperations and try to undermine his authority.

From his ordination, every priest is a potential Pope and may one day stand at the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to give the Urbi et Orbi blessing after the solemn words Annuntio vobis gaudium mangum Habemus Papam! Thus, he deserves our prayers everyday.

For him, one of the most tedious and engaging moments is the Holy Week Celebration which begins from Palm Sunday and ends with the Easter Vigil. Of particular emphasis is the Easter Triduum – Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, where the great Easter Proclamation – the Exsultet is sung.

I am Roman Catholic, and it seems I missed the seminary by a few whiskers.  Every year during Holy Week I look forward to the celebration of Chrism Mass, the largest of clergy in any Catholic Diocese, it is rich it catholic traditions and church music.. Apart from the solemnity of its celebration, it affords me the opportunity of praying for and with my priests. It is also a reunion.