Good Bye for Now

A photo of JM and dad I took at the airport departure area. I'm leaving for Manila to visit my mom who has cancer. I'll see both of you again on the 4th.

Weekend at Home

Enjoying the middle of the year school break at home.

The Feast of the Archangels

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world -- he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

Revelation 12:7-9

Michael the archangel, whose name in Hebrew means "Who is like God?", is revered as the leader of the angelic army who will conquer Satan and his armies of demons, and is considered the defender of the Church. Michael is more often represented in art thank any other angelic being. He is often shown wearing armor, in the act of slaying the great Dragon of the Apocalypse [Satan] in Revelation 12:7-9.

The archangel Gabriel, whose name in Hebrew means "Strength of God", announced the birth of John the Baptist to Zachariah, and soon after, announced to Mary that she was to become the mother of Our Lord. His address to her, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee" (the "angelic salutation") is familiar to all who say the Rosary.

The archangel Raphael, whose name means medic or ointment of God, is mentioned by name in the Old Testament book of Tobit (Tobias), whom the angel aided by healing him of blindness and guiding him on his travels.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

(328-336)

A Prayer to Saint Michael

Saint Michael, Archangel, defend us in battle.Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Pope Leo XIII

School Break

JM im front of the computer doing his favorite pastime, playing computer games.

Parable of the Two Sons

A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' He said in reply, 'I will not,' but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did his father's will?" They answered, "The first."

Matthew 21:29-31

Bedtime Blessings

Heavenly Father, Bless John Michael and keep him in Your love. Grant him a good rest tonight, And send Your angels to protect him. In the Name of the Father, And the + Son, And of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Chinatown

Bangkok's chinatown in heavy traffic due to the Chinese Lent or vegetarian festival.

At the Gas Station

Filling the tank with a gun on the left hand ?

Weekend Shopping

JM doing his routine weekend shopping at one of the hypermarts here in Bangkok.

Installation of New CCD Altar Servers

JM seated near his dad during CCD mass this morning.

JM with Fr. Michael Picharn after the altar server's installation ceremony.

JM with other newly installed CCD altar servers in a group photo.

A Student's Prayer

Creator of all things, true source of light and wisdom, origin of all being, graciously let a ray of your light penetrate the darkness of my understanding.

Take from me the double darkness in which I have been born, an obscurity of sin and ignorance.

Give me a keen understanding, a retentive memory, and the ability to grasp things correctly and fundamentally.

Grant me the talent of being exact in my explanations and the ability to express myself with thoroughness and charm.

Point out the beginning, direct the progress, and help in the completion.

I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

- Saint Thomas Aquinas

A Teacher's Prayer

I want to teach my students how-- To live this life on earth, To face its struggles and its strife, And to improve their worth.

Not just the lesson in a book, Or how the rivers flow, But to choose the proper path, Wherever they may go.

To understand eternal truth, And know right from wrong, And gather all the beauty of A flower and a song,

For if I help the world to grow, In wisdom and grace, Then I feel that I have won, And I have filled my place.

And so I ask your guidance, God That I may do my part, For character and confidence, And happiness of heart.

- James Metcalfe

Altar Servers Training

JM poses near the life size statue of the Holy Family.

JM in a group photo with other new altar severs after the training.

JM listening to a talk by the CCD Spiritual Director.

Trip to the Airport

I'm planning to leave Thailand at the end of this month visit my sick mom, so we decided to take a tour of the huge Bangkok International Airport.

The airport control tower.

Road leading to the new Bangkok International Airport.

One Hot Sunday Afternoon

JM playing with the camera lens during our weekend trip.

A long drive to the park one hot Sunday afternoon.

An old bridge, an old tree at the park of the royalty.

Giant bottle cap lotus leaves on the pond.

A sala or Thai rest house.

JM dwarfed by giant columns at the French garden.

JM relaxing outside the French garden.

Beautiful and unique cactus flowers.

The dome shaped structure above serves as a greenhouse for catus plants.

The building at the background houses a gallery of the Thai royal family.