SAINT RALPH

Do you believe in miracles? What is a miracle? Many might raise their eyebrows about it because what most people would subscribe to is the saying “To see is to believe.” When we say miracle, we somehow attach the word impossible to it. We thought of it as something unrealistic, or just a product of wild imagination. Well, here is a film that would enlighten you of what miracle is.

Ralph Walker is a fourteen-year-old teenager in the year 1954 in Canada. He was a bad boy during his years in a Catholic school. He always went to confession to seek the Lord’s forgiveness of having impure thoughts.

He made daily visits to his seriously ill mother in the hospital where she's taken care of by Nurse Alice. Ralph pretended he's in the custodial care of his grandparents, but in fact he lived alone. He always asked his friend, Chester to sign his school papers using his grandparent’s signature. Ralph tried to live a normal life, including smoking in the school grounds wherein Father Fitzpatrick, his school principal, is always on guard of whatever Ralph does.

He and his good friend, Chester, made a daring expedition to the town's public swimming pool to see naked women in the locker room. Chester left when naked women are unproven, but Ralph stayed on and his patience was properly rewarded when he emerged from a dangerous dive. He became blissfully aroused in the water, for which he was reprimanded. Before long, his shameful adventure was the talk of the town.

After the incident his date with his pretty schoolmate, Claire, was called off. On top of that, Claire hoped to become a nun, so she professed disinterest in Ralph. But Ralph continued to see her especially when she volunteered at a hospital where his mother resided.

When he told his mother what had happened, his mother was under coma. Ralph was told that only a miracle could bring her out of it. He reasoned out that if he could make some other miracles happen, it would magically restore his mothers’ health.

As a disciplinary action to his misconduct, Father Fitzpatrick had him joined the cross-country team, for which he was seemingly ill-equipped. An idea occurred to him that if he would win the Boston Marathon, it could be the miracle that could wake up his mother.

He found out that he needed faith, prayer, and purity to perform a miracle. So he asked Claire to help him how to do all these things. With few months before the marathon, he was only guided by a book in the library entitled, “The Secrets of Marathon.”

As the marathon drew near, he was helped by people, from Nurse Alice who helped him improve his stamina by joining his exercise, up to Fr. Hibbert, once a long-distance runner, as his mentor.

A week before the marathon, many bad things happened like burning their house and having fought with Chester. But all of this did not stop him to go to the marathon.

He was also admired by people who disdained him before. Even Claire showed renewed interest in him. But only one person became his barrier. It’s Father Fitzpatrick who regarded Ralph’s thinking as blasphemous. He tried to stop him from going to the marathon but without giving anything away, Ralph eventually joined the marathon with the help of Father Hibbert.

When the marathon began, all were exited and listened to the commentator. Ralph was given some encouragements by a God character, dressed in a Santa outfit. It was a close competition, coupled with the suspense of whether the hope for miracle will happen.

Few meters to the finish line, two runners, Ralph and the 1953 champion were head-to-head.

With a blink of an eye, the 1953 champion won the marathon. Ralph was very disappointed of what happened. He went home with just a second place medal and his hope of miracle was diminished.

When he arrived home, the entire community were proud of what he had done. In the end, a miracle really happened. His mother woke up from coma. Ralph and Claire had their second kiss but with no doubt of worries of committing sin. He remained as a student in the school and planned ahead for the next marathon with Fr. Hibbert as his mentor.

In the film entitled Saint Ralph, we can view at once that the writer and director has captured the reality in cross-country. It is because the director himself is a marathon runner and winner.

The film is somewhat aiming for the ridiculousness. It would be unrealistic if Ralph with his physical structure, a tall, slim, and uneducated about marathon, will win the competition compared to the other participants.

In the film, it compares two different kinds of priests. Fr. Hibbert represents the priests who are easily approached while Fr. Fitzpatrick represents those who stick to the doctrines like the old priests.

Chester, close friend of Ralph, showed how is to be a real friend. Chester portraits an ideal friend to all of us to show that a friend will always be at our side whatever happen.

There are also some parts which are disappointing but realistic like blasphemy, back nakedness, underage drinking and smoking which are not appropriate for kids to watch. It show how youngster or teenager today act with so much liberation.

For grown ups, this is a beautiful, extremely touching film that expresses an image of perseverance, faith, good sportsmanship and confidence. Ralph becomes the ideal teenager to all. Of course not of his first acts: smoking, drinking and having impure thoughts. It is his great confidence and perseverance of achieving his goal.

Miracle does not always mean something very big. It is something that a person must understand to capture the will of a person to pursue despite all the barriers he encountered.

We may not realize it but miracles happen everyday in our lives. From something totally unexpected but suddenly becoming a reality, that is already a thing we should look forward to with great hope. From sleeping after a long tiring day to waking up to a brand new day, physically fit and morally prepared to face new battles in life, isn’t that a miracle? From overcoming problems and emerging triumphant from our daily challenges, that in itself is a miracle. Sometimes, we just have to believe we can with the guidance of God.

As a song goes,” There can be miracles, when you believe.”

THE DIGNIFIED WOMAN

She always surprises almost everyone with her looks, her personal character traits, her passion, her interests, her successes in any field of endeavors she engages in. She commands respect and is admired and emulated.

From the legendary Princess Urduja, to Gabriela Silang, from the international star Leah Salonga, to famous political leaders former President Corazon Aquino up to incumbent President Gloria Arroyo, from international beauty queens Margie Moran, Gloria Diaz, Melanie Marquez up to Precious Lara Quigaman, the list of Filipino women is actually endless.

A Filipino woman is like no other. We may say she is a mixture of different kinds of woman. She adopted different descriptions of woman from different races. She acquired the looks from the Chinese and the Malay. She adopted the western clothing, from long gowns to lingerie. It is quite disappointing to say that she might not be unique in her looks but it does not matter. What makes her a Filipino woman is not her looks but the seal of a true Filipino woman.

A Filipino woman is respected and revered by her counterparts in society. She can avail of education; she can hold office and own properties. Unlike during the time of colonial that a Filipino woman was not allowed to be educated and to work. Indeed, one of the most respected roles in Philippine society is that of a Mother.

To state the essence of a Filipino woman is similar to creating a most indefinable fragrance. She is Chinita (Chinese in complexion); she is Morena (tan in complexion) which most foreign men are looking for. She is sensual yet conservative; modest but bewitching. She is the well-behaved housewife. She is the general of an army of rebelling patriots. She may be small but she is as courageous as Joan of Arc. Perhaps, the one true common denominator is that a Filipino woman has an indomitable spirit and she can love so purely and so powerfully. These characteristics she carries with her wherever fate brings her. In fact these are what help her to survive in foreign lands among strangers.

She is a considerate daughter. She is a loyal friend. As a wife she is loving and supportive, an ever dynamic factor in her husband's life and career. Never has the phrase "Behind every great man is a woman," been more true in the case of a Filipino woman. She is the driving force in a family, in a marriage, or in a relationship. Perhaps, the secret is that she can hold her own and her tongue at the right moment. But for the most part, the Filipino woman is dignified.

Let us not forget her sense of humor. They are the true optimist always finding something positive out of dreadful situations. Her laughter is probably her most attractive attribute. And when she engages a member of the opposite sex in a conversation and makes him laugh, before she knows it, she completely captured him.

What is most striking is her source of strength. She has an inherently strong faith. When things go bad, she will say to herself "Bahala na ang Diyos." (God will provide.) For the sake of her loved ones she will pray on bent knees. She would lift everyone's cause except her own. Even if she claims to be non-religious, deep down, she knows who her God is and that He will not forsake her. This is what gives her the power and the will to face any situation. I have tried to depict what a Filipino woman is all about. But I am afraid; I have still drawn an incomplete picture. These are not only attributes that I have read about nor do they simply exist on books.

I have seen them in my grandmothers and my mother. I have seen them in other women in my family and circle of acquaintances. Here in the Philippines, I have seen them in Filipino women who are leaders and those who are ordinary. Does it matter if she now lives in United States, or any other foreign countries? I hardly think so. She retains them. She may add to it, but essentially, what makes her Filipino woman remains.

THE MEANING OF PHILOSOPHY

Let us attempt to define philosophy adequately. Philosophy is sometimes approached or defined at different points of view, which are supplementary rather than contradictory. We might like to get two things straight at the start.

“Firstly, philosophy isn’t a subject – it’s an activity. Consequently one doesn’t study it: one does it. This is how philosophers, at least those in the Anglo-Saxon tradition (which for some obscure historical reason seems to include the Finns), tend to put it. And secondly, philosophy is largely a matter of conceptual analysis – or thinking about thinking.”[1]

It is important to know first what the meaning of definition is. We must study the terms that we are using, to be clear at the start. “The term definition is derived from the Latin word de-fenire meaning to state to limits of or to enclose within limits.”[2] Now as we start giving definition of philosophy, let us remember that we are limiting the meaning of philosophy.

The definition of philosophy may be nominal or real. . In nominal, it may be either etymological or vernacular. While in real, it may either be intrinsic or extrinsic.

What is the etymological definition of philosophy? But first what is etymological definition? Etymological definition limits a thing by taking its derivation. We mean that we get the meaning of a word from its root.

“Etymologically, philosophy is derived from the two Greek words philein meaning love or friendship and sophia meaning wisdom.”[3]

When we combine the derived meaning of Philosophy, we will come up to the meaning of philosophy as love of wisdom. This meaning is an understanding of the philosophy given to us by the ancient Greek philosophers and until now we accept and use this definition.

Literally, Philosophy means love of wisdom. But what is love and what is wisdom? Love is basically a drive towards a particular thing. And wisdom means an application of knowledge. Thus wisdom cannot be dissociated with knowledge.

The Chinese also gave a definition to philosophy which stands so close to the ancient Greeks definition of philosophy as love of wisdom.

“The Chinese, however, define philosophy as Zhe-Xue or Che Shueh (this is originally coined by Dr. Nishi Amane).The Chinese understands Zhe-Xue or philosophy as the study of wisdom.”[4]

The Chinese characters, Zhe and Xue, suggest the inseparability of the words and actions. Thus, for the Chinese, philosophy is the translation of the words into action or the application of the theory into practice. Hence, for the Chinese, philosophy singles out a person to live on what he says.

If the Greeks and the Chinese have their own definitions of Philosophy, the Hindus, too, have something they call their own.

“Philosophy is Darsana. Darsana means seeing, seeing not only through the eyes, but through the whole being of the one that sees. In other words, Philosophy for the Hindus means seeing the whole of the reality through a total advertence and involvement of the looker.”[5]

This kind of definition shows up our preconception, biases, and prejudices of a certain reality since all these are partial treatment of any phenomenon or any reality.

What is then the vernacular definition of philosophy? Vernacular definition limits a term by taking into account its exclusive meaning.

“Now, consider the vernacular definition of philosophy. That which limits philosophy exclusively compared to other sciences is its ultimate foundation: reason. Of all sciences, philosophy prides itself in being the only science that investigates all things in their ultimate causes, reasons, and principles through reason alone.”[6]

This means that the philosophy does not employ faith or experiments done in laboratories. But it does not mean that philosophy is not present in theology or a science. Since philosophy is the application of theory to practice which presupposes the total attention of the viewer.

A misconception is that philosophy is something like theology. Philosophy is concerned with the undermining and questioning of dogmas whereas theology is about accepting and supporting them. To explain further the connection of theology and philosophy, Theology needs philosophy that is why philosophy is the handmaid of theology. The only difference between them is that philosophy only uses reason while theology depends on faith and reason. We can say that the end of philosophy is the beginning of theology.

What is the essential definition of philosophy? To understand it let us give the meaning of intrinsic definition. Essential definition limits a thing according to its kind.

“Philosophy as a science [Generic (genus)-Essential-Intrinsic-Real definition], it investigates and presents evidences that are systematically-arranged and complete body of knowledge or truth.”[7] Philosophy and science have much in common. Both grow out of reflective, inquiring attitude and are prompted by an impartial love of truth. Philosophy investigates not superficial or cursory but deep, critical and impartial. To simplify it, philosophy goes beyond any common sense or current set of assumption and fact. So, we can notice why philosophers must not be contended on such particular answer. A great example is Socrates who is never contended of current assumptions.

The definition of philosophy according to its real definition will help us now justify that philosophy as a science that investigates all things in their ultimate causes, reasons, and principles through human reason alone.

Let us also consider the definition of philosophy given to us by various writers and philosophers. Let us start with the definition of W.P. Montague, the author of the book, Great Visions of Philosophy.

“Philosophy is the attempt to give a reasoned conception of the universe and of man’s place in it.”[8]

In the definition given to us by Montague, we can see that it gives us a specific definition. He tries to define philosophy in one of its branches, Cosmology or Philosophy of nature which is most concerned about the cosmos or the universe and all in it.

J.A. Leighton gave a similar definition of philosophy. Like Montague, but he further explained it and gave much wider range. While E.S. Ames concept is much about life and connected philosophy with science.

“J.A. Leighton says that a complete philosophy includes a world-view, or reasoned conception of the whole cosmos, and a life-view, or doctrine of the values, meaning, and purposes of human life. E.S. Ames defines it as the endeavour to achieve a comprehensive view of life and its meaning, upon the basis of the results of the various sciences.”[9]

“Philosophy is, I think, most appropriately to be conceived as a clearing house to which the result of all other human inquiries is brought and in which the records of all forms of human experience are sifted, assessed and evaluated.”[10]

From the definition at the top, we can say that philosophy may be described as a study which is without restrictions upon its subject-matter. We may compare it to court where cases are examined and evaluated. It is unlike other Human inquiries that have their own restriction like Botany that only concerns with plants. Most of the definitions emphasize the use of methods of reflective thinking. They state or imply that the aim is to gain unity and to see life as a whole.

There might be lots of definition of philosophy but we must remember that every definition is not contradictory to the other but a support. It will all lead us that philosophy is all about truth.

[1] Jim Hankinson, “The Bluffer’s Guide to Philosophy” (United Kingdom: Oval Books, 2005) p.5.

[2]Eddie R. Babor, “The Human Person: Not real, but existing” (Manila: C&E Publishing Inc., 1998) p.13.

[3] Ibid.p.15.

[4]Eddie R. Babor, “The Human Person: Not real, but existing” (Manila: C&E Publishing Inc., 1998) p. 16.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.p.17.

[8] Harold H. Titus, “Living Issues in Philosophy” (U.S.A: American Book Company, 1953) p. 8.

[9] Ibid

[10] C. E. M. Joad, “Philosophy” (New York: Fawcett Premier Book, 1966) p.17.