By Daisy Badilla

The author, a chemical engineer by profession, is currently doing doctoral studies at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. She is from Ozamiz City and is a member of the Teresian Association.

I am fond of quotes. They are truly, for me, words to live by. Unconsciously, I get to memorize those lines that I like. My all-time favorite is the one on inner joy from St Pedro Poveda, a priest, educator, humanist, and founder of the Teresian Association (now in its 100th year), a Holy Association in the Church.

St Pedro Poveda once wrote:
‘If joy is based on something external, it will come and go according to everyday events. But if joy is rooted in the heart and the heart is well-protected, there is nothing to fear. When events around us make us unhappy, we can turn our gaze inward to the depths of our soul and we will find joy.’

These lines have often made me cry and still do. I feel grateful to God for His gift of inner joy to every person. Having been inspired by these lines in the nearly 30 years I have lived as a member of the Teresian Association, I am fully aware and in touch with such joy. I still feel happy or unhappy depending on events yet I dwell more in the joy which is permanent.

I got to know the Association through my chemistry teacher (a member of the Teresian Association) when I was a first-year college student at the University of San Carlos in Talamban, Cebu City, where I took Chemical Engineering. My initial participation in the Teresian mission was a good experience - being with the young children in the neighborhood on Sundays for some catechism activities. Within about a year of getting to know the Association and its mission, I deeply and strongly felt I was called (luckily in a manner I describe as ‘crystal clear’) to a life of total self-giving through this Holy Association. When asked why I decided to join the Association, I would say it was a decision to say ‘yes’ to God’s call for me. I cannot imagine saying ‘no’ to God’s loving invitation. It was an invitation for me to bring Christ wherever I am as Salt of the Earth: simple, quiet, hidden . . . but with its own distinct flavor – God’s own presence.

Daisy Badilla with Anabelle Badilla-Gubuan, assistant editor, during her visit to the Misyon office.

As I thank God for the inner joy and for His call, I also pray that we may be able to hold dear what is in our heart regardless of our particular vocation. I hope for a world where persons continue to have their hearts well-protected. I hope for a world where inner joy from each person radiates endlessly!

You may email the author at ddbadilla@yahoo.com and find her on Facebook.