It was my first time to join a Christian songwriting contest, and it took me several days to finish the song. The theme of the contest was “Holy Spirit, renew the face of the earth.” In the middle of the song, I hit a slump. I didn’t know how to finish it.

As I contemplated on the theme and what it meant to me, I closed my eyes. Immediately I saw a vision. It was daybreak, the sun was just rising over the hills. I saw in my mind a multitude of people on a mountaintop calling to the Holy Spirit in supplication and praising the glory of God. The view was breathtaking: rolling hills, verdant forests, wide open plains and, in the distance, tiny villages. All of these are God’s creation.

The vision stirred something in my memory that had to do with my cousin Richie.

Richie Fernando, sj, died a martyr’s death in Cambodia on October 17, 1996. He was killed by a grenade blast at the Center of, the name of his mission. It’s a foundation for disabled former military and policemen injured in the war. Richie died trying to stop a troubled student from lobbing a grenade into a classroom full of disabled students. Richie had tried to restrain the ex-soldier by embracing hi. The grenade exploded, fragmenting Richie’s skull and spine. By embracing the disturbed student, my cousin saved the lives of many. But in exchange he had to give up his own. In Cambodia, conventional wisdom maintains that there is one landmine planted for every Cambodian. The Jesuits mission that my cousin belonged to ran a technical institute that trained Cambodian victims of these landmines to become useful members of the society.

Richie worked with the victims for 18 months before he died. At the tine, he said something that turned out to be prophetic: “I choose to with the handicapped. I realize I have a lot to be thankful for, that’s why I am enjoying life these days.”

Did he have an idea of what was in store for him? Was he trying to tell us about his impending death? We will never know. But five day before he died, on October 12, he wrote this letter to his friend, Father Totet Banaynal, sj, who was then a brother:

“I only have the will to cause thins to happen. Maybe my will is powerful enough. I know where my heart is...it is with Jesus Christ. Jesus who gave His all for the poor, the sick, the orphan. I feel as if I’m beginning to understand more when I say: I want to be like Christ; I will follow Jesus; I’m Jesus’ friend and companion; I am a Jesuit; I know where my heart is.

I remember you shared before that ‘I can die for Cambodia.’ I honestly believe that to die fro our poor friends here will be the greatest gift that God can give us. And I continually pray for that grace every day.

I discovered my life is not a project nor a program. I know I can choose and will things to happen. But in the end, my life is a grace, filled with surprises. It becomes sweeter when I accept and appreciate my life as it is... and our friendship... it wasn’t a project. I was grace and we build on that grace.”

Richie may have seemed in a hurry to heed God’s call but in truth, he said, “God is the one who is in hurry for me.”

Smiling, I opened my eyes. I knew now how I was going to finish my song. As my vision cleared, it alighted on a framed photograph I had placed on the wall – a photo of Richie, Spirit-filled, hands out-stretched, on top of a mountain, praising the Lord.

I titled my song Call to the Spirit

CALL TO THE SPIRIT

Come Holy Spirit come
Come Holy Spirit come
Come with your might and your power
Come Holy Spirit come
Come Holy Spirit come
Fill the hearts with your fire.
The Spirit of Promise is here

He dwells in our hearts were He’s always near
He is the Life that’s in you and me
Who give us the strength to live faithfully
Share His joy,
His joy will wipe away every tear
Bring His peace,
With His peace there will be no fear Spread His love,
Love will bring us His Kingdom here
Praising Him throughout the year!
Praising Him year after year!

The song CALL TO THE SPIRIT won the coveted grand prize in the Joyful Category of the Dasal Awit II contest held at the Araneta Coliseum. The Dasal Awit is a project of the Catholic Music Foundation to promote Catholic Music. All the song so the grand finalists are contained in a cassette tape album entitled A CALL OF THE SPIRIT. Catholic Music Foundation, Inc. can be reached at tel. 722 6576 or 724 2946.