14 June 2014 LJR's Emergent Meeting: Walkabout & Dr Jose P Rizal's 153rd Birthday Celebration

2014/06/14 Lodge Jose Rizal Emergent Meeting

[Details: Created on Sunday, 15 June 2014 12:26]


Attendance was again very strong for Lodge Jose Rizal’s emergent meeting, held at the Castle Hill Masonic Centre on Saturday evening the fourteenth of June, where all were entertained and very much enlightened by a First Degree “Walk About”, demonstrated by several members of the Lodge including, RWBro Fidel Pamplona, WBro Manuel Santos, Bro Mario Baylon Jnr., and Bro Micvi Fidel, followed by the explanation of the First Degree Tracing Board, delivered by the very capable hand of Bro Roderick Buenavista.

With over fifty in the Lodge Room including five Entered Apprentices and two Fellow Crafts, the Lodge tyled a little after six o’clock, with all “Brethren In”.

The Worshipful Master, WBro Manny Placido, opened the Lodge and welcomed the visitors with a special welcome to RWBro George Bell from Lodge Nepean and gave congratulation to him on receiving a District Award at the previous Grand Lodge Communication. 

This being an emergent meeting, no minutes or correspondence were presented and the work of the evening commenced immediately, with all Entered Apprentices taking up their positions in the West and following the Senior Deacon, Bro Paolo Beringuel, paused before the various presenters and the various Jewels and Furniture of the Lodge Room which were explained to them as they progressed around the Room, the “Walk About” completed with a flawless explanation of the First Degree Tracing Board by Bro Roderick Buenavista.

The Lodge Secretary, RWBro Fidel Pamplona, rose and congratulated WBro Kris Albano on his attainment of the position of Deputy Pursuivant at the recent Grand Lodge Communication and the Worshipful Master welcomed the visitors, with a special welcome to Bro Fulvio Olieviera from Lodge Blacktown Kildare, and a special mention of his unique Master Mason’s Apron. Rising in response to the welcome, Bro Olievuera explained the Apron came from Brazil and was of Scottish Constitution origin, presented to him by his father.

There being no further business, the Worshipful Master closed the Lodge and all retired to the festive board to join Family and Friends and to enjoy the hospitality of Lodge Jose Rizal.

After Grace was said by the acting Lodge Chaplain, WBro Vince Flores, all enjoyed the delicious food, lovingly prepared by the Ladies of Lodge Jose Rizal. WBro Kris Albano then conducted a competition of questions and answers, with RWBro Fidel Pamplona’s team winning the prize (a carton of Red Wine).

All were then entertained by a dance by the Philippine Ladies [Sis Irene Baylon, Sis Marissa Buenavista, Sis Kharole Bascara & Joy Santos - choreoragphy by Joy and Sis Lourdes Santos], all dressed in full costume of their homeland and all carrying lighted candles [Pandango sa Ilaw or literally Fandango with Lights], a very impressive sight.

As it was the one hundred and fifty third anniversary of Bro Jose Rizal’s birthdate [19 June], a re-enactment of his last few hours on this earth was then played out by both word and song [Mi Ultimo Adios or translated as 'My Last Farewell' set to the music arrangement of Gary Granada], which touched all in attendance.

 

Commencing firstly with Jose Rizal, battered, beaten, but never broken and in prison, his hour rapidly approaching and him, writing a poem and hiding it in the base of a lantern, When his grieving Mother and Sisters came to visit him, he secretly gave the lantern to his Sister and soon after the guards entered and marched him off to the Prison Yard. The Captain of the Guard asked Jose Rizal if he had any last wishes and in response, Jose Rizal requested he face the firing squad and not with his back turned and also no blindfold. The request for no blind fold was granted but the Captain of the guard insisted his back must be turned to the squad. In defiance, when the fatal shots rang out, graphically illustrated by a kettle drum crescendo, Jose Rizal twisted and fell facing the squad. Such was the courage, defiance and determination, of this great man, so much loved and respected by all Filipinos.

The re enactment was then completed by beautiful songs, sung by both the Ladies and Brother Daniel Placido [son of WBro Manny Placido], playing the part of Jose Rizal and on completion, were complimented by thunderous acclamation of acknowledgement and approval.
 

Bro Troy Quimpo then proposed a toast to Our Visitors, to which there were two responses.
 

First Response, by the Worshipful Master Elect of Lodge Woronora, Bro Clarence Reyes, who also invited all to his forth coming Installation.

The second response was from Bro Fulvio Olieviera, from Lodge Blacktown Kildare, both sincerely thanking Lodge Jose Rizal for an unforgettable evening.

The raffle was then drawn, WBro Pritan Singh drawing the first lucky ticket.

Bro Micvi Fidel then proposed The Junior Wardens Toast and whilst some stayed on to the “Wee small hours”, most said their fond farewells and made their way to their respective homes, all ever so pleased they had come to Lodge Jose Rizal and shared in such an enjoyable and instructive evening and all looking forward to:

“Our Next Happy Meeting at Lodge Jose Rizal No 1045”
 

- Which meets at the Castle Hill Masonic Centre bi-monthly where a great night of family, friends, fun and unsurpassed Freemasonry is assured.

Written by RWBro Bruce Quirk, as appeared on the UGL NSW & ACT website.

The Masonic Walkabout

To the Australian Aborigine, ‘walkabout" refers to a rite of passage during which male Australian Aborigines would undergo a journey during adolescence and live in the wilderness for a period as long as six months.

“In this practice they would trace the paths, or "songlines" [or “dreaming tracks”], that their ancestors took, and imitate, in a fashion, their heroic deeds. Merriam-Webster, however, identifies the noun as a 1908 coinage referring to "a short period of wandering bush life engaged in by an Australian Aborigine as an occasional interruption of regular work", with the only mention of "spiritual journey" coming in a usage example from a latter-day travel writer.

“To white employers, this urge to depart without notice (and reappear just as suddenly) was seen as something inherent in the Aboriginal nature, but the reasons may be more mundane: workers who wanted or needed to attend a ceremony or visit relatives did not accept employers' control over such matters (especially since permission was generally hard to get).” [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walkabout]

A Masonic Walkabout is similar in the sense that it is also a sort of rite of passage – of learning the various meaning of Masonic symbolisms and usages in a somewhat less formal manner compared to Masonic ritual.

In the preface to “The Walkabouts”, it states:

“The purpose of these walkabouts is not to unduly repeat the lessons of the ritual or the Tracing Boards. Rather, it is to further enlighten the Brethren, to answer questions, and to inspire them to inquire more into the hidden mysteries of Nature and Science in the Craft.”

In the Grand Lodge of California, The Walkabout is part of “California Masonic Candidate Mentorship Program” and the Brother’s lady [wife or partner] is included in the journey of the Walkabout. It emphasizes further that “this is not ritual, and should be presented informally, in a light and friendly manner.”

An important aspect of a Masonic Walkabout is that the new Brother is guided by expert members of his Lodge in contrast to the ‘sink or swim’ nature of Aboriginal walkabouts. The Aboriginal male of 12 or 13 years old are tested to survive by themselves in the wild for six months or more. The goal is to demonstrate what was learned from their Elders and put them into real world practice.

In the Masonic Walkabout, the new Brother gain further knowledge in a more relaxed manner without the ‘burdensome’ formal restrictions of our Ritual.

Again, the new member gains more knowledge and understanding after his initiation. It is apt to conclude with the following:

 “If the Masonic Philosophy is not at the centre of Freemasonry then we end up with a ceremony that is simply entertainment for those watching. Our ceremonies cannot compete with lavish theatrical productions or rock concerts. Every Mason needs to teach another Mason about the philosophy of Freemasonry.

“For over two hundred years it has been an appealing way of life. We may not be able to change the attitudes of members who are fearful of change and new ideas but we will provide every opportunity for those who seek assistance to progress their Masonic formation.”

 [http://masoniceducation.wordpress.com/]