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2015 Year of the Poor - Mercy and Compassion September 13, 2015 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Forbes Park, www.ssaparish.com FrancisFest 2015 A celebration of St. Francis of Assisi as a Man of Mercy and Compassion For nineteen years now, our parish has kept the wonderful tradition of holding a special Church concert to celebrate our annual FrancisFest, a festival in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, beloved founder of the Franciscan Movement. This year we celebrate also the 40th ruby Anniversary of Santuario de San Antonio as a Parish. Let’s make this year a banner year by donating generously to support the Outreach and Charity Programs of Santuario de San Antonio Parish Foundation. Let’s all be like our model – St. Francis of Assisi – by being like him, a MAN of MERCY and COMPASSION! Please come to the Francisfest concert on October 2nd at 7:00 pm at the Parish Church. Listen and be enthralled by the music Cecile Licad produces from the piano. Complementing her exciting music is well-known ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by gifted . Get your tickets NOW! Amelita Guevara, this year’s hardworking chairman of Francisfest 2015 guarantees you a wonderful night of music. So see you there!

The ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra is a joint venture of ABS-CBN and First Philippine Holdings. The orchestra is composed of 40 musicians under the baton of Music Director Gerard Salonga and the guidance of Executive Director Mickey Munoz. The orchestra was created for the sole purpose of connecting and reinstating symphonic music into the lives of the Filipino people and its younger generation. The ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, through its live performances, aims to retain this part of our culture that has always been appreciated since time immemorial. The orchestra wishes this culture to thrive for future generations and dreams of inspiring the youth to continue this endeavor.

GERARD SALONGA is a multi-awarded musical director, conductor, arranger, and multi- platinum record producer. He has collaborated with some of Asia’s finest musical artists including , , Wang Leehom, Elisa Chan, and Cecile Licad.

Born in , he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the Ateneo De Manila University, and in 1998 graduated summa cum laude from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. After returning to the in 1999, he instantly became recognized as one of the most-in-demand and versatile musicians in Manila’s music scene, earning himself the for Best Musical Director in 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2008. In 2010 he was inducted into the Aliw Hall of Fame. A new force to be reckoned with in the classical conducting world, Gerard has recently begun his work as music director of the newly-formed ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra and has received rave reviews from music critics for his interpretations of the great symphonic works. In December 2012, Gerard was honoured as one of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM). He is married to violinist Divina Francisco, and they make their home in Manila with their children Antonio and Carmen.

Santuario de San Antonio Parish Center Office • Tel. nos. 8438830-31 Parish Bulletin quite different. He “warned them not SUNDAY RANDOM THOUGHTS to tell anyone about him” since he did Voices from yesterday and today… GOSPEL REFLECTION not want the disciples to raise false By: Peachy Maramba By Fr. Laurian Janecki, OFM expectations of what was to come. Jesus’ reign – his kingdom, would be 24th Sunday in Ordinary something quite different from power Time and wealth. And so he began to teach them: he would suffer, be rejected, killed and rise after three days. Jesus’ identity as the suffering servant (the First Reading) has implications for us as his disciples. We too must deny ourselves; we too must take up our cross and follow Jesus. This is telling us that the first image of the cross in Mark’s Gospel is not in relation to Jesus’ cross but to our cross - our own difficulties, our Little Known Facts About St. Francis own commitments, our own choices, in At this time in September many of us Part 2 following Jesus as the Messiah. Now that Francis had companions are beginning to see changes that Our denying ourselves, our taking remind us Fall is near. The leaves are living the religious life that he felt to up our cross and following Jesus is not be the right way – that is, God’s way – changing to glorious colors, but this about a showy response. Rather it is bit of pleasure is merely a reminder Francis wanted to seek not only advice about how we live every single day: but approval and who else could better of the dying that is happening in all of dying and rising in our ordinary simple nature, a reminder of the bleakness give it to him than the head of the circumstances. In other words we must church on earth – the Pope himself. and deadness of winter. Nature die to our way of thinking, and embrace moves relentlessly in a rhythm in which Never mind that he was the how God thinks, meaning, carrying formidable Pope Innocent III. He, the lushness of life gives way to the the cross of goodness, righteousness, Francis had been commissioned by starkness of death. Today’s gospel is a justice, integrity, wholeness, fullness of someone greater than the Pope – God pivotal one, not only in Mark’s account life. It means as St. James puts it, in himself – to repair His church. So but also in the liturgical year. It marks todays Second Reading, demonstrate Francis made up his mind to ask the a clear change in the unfolding story of your faith by your works. Faith of itself Pope’s permission to continue along Jesus. – if it does not have works – is dead. his religious way. Immediately in the very opening In 1210 Francis and his companions line of the gospel today clues us to a Please Pray for the Sick trudged southward to Rome. Francis’ shift. Jesus sets out with his disciples good friend Bishop Guido of Assisi to Caesarea Philippi…moving towards Meldy Cojuangco Edric Co Connie Gomez Peter Soo introduced them to the Cardinal of Jerusalem. We all know what happens Marilou Arteficio Chito San Jose Sabina who was greatly impressed in Jerusalem. For St. Mark, the Ma. Pilar Oledan Ron Jacobs when Guido related to him the whole disciples are still clueless. From now Iggy Clavecilla Nancy Imperial story of Francis and his friends. The on Jesus openly begins to teach his Cecille Reynoso Johnny Lopez Cardinal then told the Pope about disciples what is in store for him (he Maxima ‘Amah’ Sy Lisa Alvendia Francis. Because the Pope had the spoke this openly)…but also what is Aurora Gonzalez Letty Ligon highest regard for the Cardinal and in store for those who follow him (the Tommy Dy Buncio Norma J. Carlos because he was also worried about Naning Bagabaldo Sony Lopez Gonzalez the Church’s growing lack of spirituality disciples). Remedios Maceda Berris Shaina Budhrani Jesus turns the conversation – to and morality wanted to see this man of Cedric Castro Gia Gonzalez whom the Cardinal spoke so highly of. begin informing his followers towards Pilar del Gallego Orlando Bernardo the real demands of discipleship. Nena Jalandoni Rolando Sotaso So it was that the humblest man Jesus asks the question, “Who do Victoriano Chung Cecilio Hidalgo in Christendom was to speak to the people say I am?” He asks about his Erlinda Miranda-Oledan Victorina Leus most powerful of all the Popes. The Pope must have been shocked to see identity. Peter responds: “You are the Zwei Lopez Gadi Iya Ocampo Shallouh Bancil Bernadette Gozali this shabby group of barefooted men Christ.” Peter indeed recognizes Jesus Swinnerton Guillermo Profeta dressed in the coarse tunic worn by as more than the prophets: Jesus is the Tony Boy Floirendo Jr. Dra. Ofelia Adapon Umbrian peasants. Francis, himself, long awaited Messiah. Messiah means Francisco Tankiang Soledad T. Consing who he heard so much of, was a “short the anointed…Peter’s understanding Cynthia Arms David Lu thin man with burning eyes whose of anointed…most likely was that of Felicisimo Alcantara face bore the marks of penitential self a king who would restore Israel as a Rosario de Leon Tobias If you want a name Gloria Syjuco added or deleted, contact denial.” great nation. Bernadette at the Parish However when Francis explained Raffy Chan office tel. nos. 8438830-32. Jesus’ meaning of Messiah was turn to page 3 2 September 13, 2015 Random Thoughts...from page 2 their way of life and their purpose, it was The ABC’s of Catholic Francis’s turn to be taken aback when Doctrine he heard the Pope admonish and tell by Lianne Tiu him that the life they were leading was too hard. Never mind Francis himself – maybe he could take it. But he had to think of those who would follow his footsteps but lacked his fervour and enthusiasm. Francis was adamant. He argued that Jesus would not begrudge them the few crumbs which was all they needed in this earthly life. However the Pope asked him to rethink what God wanted of him because he, the Pope, knew how frail Buried Alive not committed any sins. This self- There is a story in the newspaper about assessment is so different from that of human nature was. a woman who was buried alive in trash, the saints. The greatest saints actually After the audience the Cardinal which she had accumulated for the past considered themselves the greatest reminded the Pope that if he refused thirty years. When she was rescued, sinners. Their humility and love for God the request of these poor penitents just she explained that the trash was really made them acknowledge that they were because their ideals seemed to be too her treasure. We may be somewhat like less than perfect and that they needed harsh and impractical, it was as if he her when we avoid going to confession. improvement. were condemning the evangelical life The “trash” of our sins keep piling up We cannot remain buried alive in sin. itself. Since the Pope couldn’t argue until we are buried alive in them. The first step is to acknowledge that we against that he agreed to see Francis Sometimes we do not want to get rid are sinners! It hurts to admit the truth. again. of our sins because we are attached to Next step is to be sorry for our sins But before the Pope could even those “earthly treasures.” We are afraid (because they offend God), resolve to speak Francis told him a fairytale. the priest will ask us to make changes of change our evil lifestyle, and go to the “Once upon a time,” he said, “there our sinful lives. sacrament of Penance. God’s love and was a very beautiful lady who was Moreover, many of us tend to disguise, mercy will rescue us from the trash of extremely poor and lived in the desert. ignore, or glamorize sins by giving them sins and give us spiritual strength to However, upon seeing her, the King other names or interpretations. We seek instead heavenly treasures. fell deeply in love with her and married refuse to see them for what they really her, but she refused to leave the are – that sins are the rejection of God (Reference: “You can become a Saint” desert. Their children, who were as and His laws. St. John Paul II said, by Mary Ann Budnik; Pope John Paul beautiful as their mother, were told not “learn to call sin, sin. And do not call it II, General Audience, April 1981 and to be ashamed that they were so poor liberation or progress, even if the whole September 1986) because they were the children of a of fashion and propaganda are against you.” He tells us “...to rediscover the great king. The time came for them to sense of sin.” present themselves at the court. Sin weighs us down. It prevents us The King upon being informed from soaring high to God. Sin clips our who they were, greatly admired their wings spiritually because it clouds our beauty. He told them, ‘Don’t be afraid. intellect, weakens our will to do good I am your father. If I invite strangers and avoid evil, and prevents us from to my house, how much more ready loving God. I am to invite my own sons.’ He then Many of us consider ourselves asked his wife to send all her children good people. When asked to go to to court.” confession, we believe that we have Francis then explained that he was the lady of the desert and God was the Palace shaken to its foundations, with So Francis’s Primitive Rule was King of Kings who assured him that he its tower leaning over and its walls approved by the Pope. However there would look after them all (his disciples). on the verge of collapse. Vainly the is to be found no exact wording of this Francis further argued that if God Pope tried to cry out but even his rule – only a collection of Gospel texts. was ready to provide for everybody, hands refused to clasp themselves “My brothers,” said the Pope, “go how much more would he be ready together in prayer. Then, out of the with God and preach penance as the to provide for those who followed His blue, came this strange ugly man with Lord leads you. When the Most High Gospels. a cord-tied waist who ran toward the has multiplied your small numbers, We are not certain if this fairy tale church. Leaning on its tottering walls come and see me again without changed the Pope’s mind. What we do he suddenly grew larger and larger till hesitation and I will grant you more know was that recently the Pope had a he became strong enough to prop up favors and entrust you with more vivid dream. In it he saw the Lateran the walls and thus save the church. important missions.” (Next week Part 3) 3 Parish Bulletin FrancisFest 2015 Beneficiaries ST. FRANCIS FRIENDSHIP HOME LIVELIHOOD AND SPIRITUALITY CENTER

The St. Francis Friendship Home Livelihood & Spirituality and sharing sessions, summer activities for mothers and Center is a safe haven where the Secular Franciscans (OFS) the youth, holds feeding program, provide other means of of our Parish serve needy mothers and their children living community support as well as participates in Franciscan and in the poor communities of West Rembo, Makati City. The community based fiesta celebrations. Very important too are OFS and involved parishioners of Santuario de San Antonio the counselling services, the livelihood and job placement support, animate and encourage spiritual growth as well opportunities. as provide livelihood opportunities to its constituents. The Center now serves 12 mothers and their children aside from The Center also maintains a Thrift Shop where donated occasional members and other community residents who items are available at affordable prices – used clothing, drop in. various household articles, office equipment and other useful, miscellaneous goods. We encourage our parishioners to Following in the footsteps of our Patron St. Francis, the Center rummage through their closets, kitchen cupboards and office encourages members to live the Franciscan way of life by equipment for useful items that they can donate. providing a venue where they learn to serve God and their community, and to care for and enhance the environment Above all, the St. Francis Friendship Home Livelihood & whenever possible. They also learn and share how to simplify Spirituality Center can enrich our own lives when we listen lifestyles, develop compassion for one another by listening with compassion and genuinely understand the common and understanding, thus becoming brothers and sisters in problems faced by the poor. We cannot always provide Christ. solutions to many of life’s problems but with the Spirit of Christ guiding us, we can truly share a willing ear, an understanding The Center maintains the twin projects of Santuario de San heart and a helping hand. Antonio Parish Foundation (SSAPF) organized on September 10, 1991: the St. Francis Friendship Home and La Ermita de The Center needs financial and moral support to keep San Nicolas de Tolentino, often referred to simply as the Center the St. Francis Friendship Home Livelihood & Spirituality or the St. Francis Friendship Home. The compound was once Center going. Our urgent need is to provide more livelihood used to house the Trichet Learning Center for handicapped opportunities and a medical care assistance program for our children who were taught basic hygiene and education. When community of poor families. the Learning Center transferred to a bigger venue in Taguig in the summer of 2011, the Center immediately started its new mission, the St. Francis Friendship Home Livelihood & Spirituality Center on September 9, 2011.

The Center welcomes members of all ages, from infants to the elderly, making a vibrant interactive community that enriches physical, spiritual and character value formation. It now tends a veggie malunggay mini-garden, a modest National Bookstore Library for the young, and a Friendship Home Library for all ages. The Center conducts Bible study 4 September 13, 2015 FrancistFest...from page 1 FrancisFest 2015 “This, I thought, must Donors as of September 8, 2015 have been what it was like to hear Liszt himself play, making audiences “Remember that when you leave this swoon.” earth, you take with you nothing that — David Bratman, San you have received – only what you Francisco Classical Voice have given.” PLATINUM “She plays with such Mrs. Carrie Bautista & Friends intensity that she gets lost in the music. Her audiences tend to get GOLD lost in her.” — Cathalena E. Burch, Imelda Cojuangco Arizona Daily Star Amelita D. Guevara ANFLOCOR Group of Companies Vivant Energy Corp. Cecile Buencamino Licad’s unique natural pianistic talent was recognized early. She began her SILVER piano studies at the age of 3 and made her debut Susana AS Madrigal as a soloist with the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Philippines in her native Manila at 7. When she was Justice & Mrs. Manuel M. Lazaro 12 she auditioned for Rudolf Serkin and was admitted Kanlaon Development Corporation to the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. Ms. Licad’s Ma. Dulce Fernandez international career was launched in 1981 after she had been awarded with the prestigious Leventritt Gold BRONZE Medal. Asuncion S. Jalandoni Juan Carlos & Esperanza del Rosario Her solo repertoire ranges from the early classical to the contemporary period. Ms. Licad’s discography PATRON includes piano concertos by Chopin (Grand Prix Nellie Bengzon Menchu Bautista du Disque Frédéric Chopin 1985), Saint-Saens, Jhuang Yun Fang Menchu Concepcion and Rachmaninoff; chamber music by Beethoven, Bernardo & Barbara CASA Montessori Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Franck, Korngold, and Fauré; Lichaytoo Internationale, Inc. and solo piano music by Schumann, Chopin, Ravel B.A. Securities Inc. Liberty Foundation and Gottschalk. The late Rudolf Serkin said about Ms. Imelda Marcos Juliette Gomez-Romualdez Lorna Perez Laurel Atty. & Mrs. Jaime Blanco, Jr. Licad: “She has an incredible instinct for all kinds of music and seems equally at home in any style.” First Cabanatuan Pure Value Resources Corp. Danny Venture Dolor Corporation PurificationRandy & Cecile Santiago Limjoco Family of the late Steve Lopez Anonymous DONORS Anonymous Anonymous Angelita Lilles Gervel Inc. Anonymous Atty. Ricardo J. Romulo Dr. & Mrs. Chimo Cheng Carmelita Samson Mr. & Mrs. Eduardo Pineda BENEFACTOR Balibago Waterworks Inc. Rommel & Byron Bernardez Dr. Alfonso Bengzon Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Ruth de Dios Judge & Mrs. Cesar Cruz Luisa Liboro Mr. & Mrs. Xavier Loinaz & Family Mr. Bienvenido A. Tan, Jr. Mr.&Mrs. Aquiles Lopez Rosie O. Valencia & Alfredo Ching Mr. & Mrs. Manuel Carmona Henrietta Santos Elpicio I. Valencia, M.D.+ Paulo & Pilar Lorenzo Mr. & Mrs. Jovencio F. Cinco Mr. & Mrs. Jose Consul & Madame Mr. & Mrs. Resty Tiangco Teresita Ojeda Luz Concepcion & Family Miguel Guerrero Lulu Castañeda Mr. & Mrs. Manny Dizon Mr. Felix Ang Emmanuel O. Bautista Avelino V. Cruz/Asean Victoriano & Debbie Chung Manny & Baby Javelosa Mr. Jose Hizon Law Association (ALA) and Family Mrs. Aurora Villanueva Dr. Chit Montoya Ambassador and Mrs. Urdaneta Village Association Assumption High School Madrigal de Leon Jesus P. Tambunting Atty. & Mrs. Teodoro Regala Batch 81 Foundation Inc. Foundation Inc. Richburg Corporation Catherine Lim Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Mckenzie Vicente Ayllon Coro Bernardo Lourdes Goquingco Maria Carolina Macasaet Raya Bautista 5 Parish Bulletin WEDDING BANNS 13-Sep-15 26-Sep-15 08-Nov-15 31-Oct-15 19-Dec-15 Bryan Jan Ang & Michael Timothy Joseph Alvin Ong Ang & Oscar B. Tomas II & Jason Ervin Lao Yap & Micheleen Pua Subia Filart Hernandez & Marianne Regina Mary Jane Y. Cagampang Samantha Nichol Ng Paz, Ingrid Rivera Chavez Techico Dy Shrine of St. Therese 15-Sep-15 06-Nov-15 Villamor Airbase, Victor delos Reyes & 27-Sep-15 14-Nov-15 Juan Carlos Sabido Pasay City Krystle Rius Mikhail Lew Perez Ver Charles Andrew O. Marcalain & Nina Paula & Giselle Marie Santos Manly & Queen Castillo Ortiz Amores 23-Dec-15 18-Sep-15 Tioleco Alandy Dy Dan Erlou Serrano Jerome Sinjian Estrada 11-Nov-15 & Ramon Concayda II & Criselle Santos 07-Oct-15 15-Nov-15 Vincent Joseph Verzosa Esguerra Mendoza Ashok Kumar Parmanand David Ignacio C. Estacio Corpus & Ma. Zairah & Ma. Cristina Enriquez & Bryna Joan M. Jane Castelo 28-Dec-15 19-Sep-15 Guevarra Mark Angelo C. Sanchez Karis Liam Johann Napa 07-Oct-15 23-Nov-15 & Roxanne Kyle S. Jover & Maria Isabel Francesca Henry Angelo Sy Go 17-Oct-15 Matthew Aaron Vail & Jalbuena, Manila III & Hazel Agnes Jackson Peralta & Jade Ann Serafin 30-Dec-15 Metropolitan Cathedral- Surposa Uy Candice Grace Ching Carl Michael N. Manglo Basilica, Beaterio cor. Nocom 23-Nov-15 & Sharmaine Joyce Cabildo St. Intramuros, 10-Oct-15 Juan Antonio M. Hiponia Manila Francis Jorge Allorina 18-Oct-15 Maningat & Ana Patricia Yamaguchi & Margaux Edward Anthony K. Cortes 16-Jan-15 20-Sep-15 Muriel Estrella Eustaquio & Richelle R. Arnaud Michel Stephane Wayne Patrick Hsu & Verzosa 28-Nov-15 Guillemot & Judy Alice Sandra T. Go 11-Oct-15 Andrew P. Agunod Jr Uy Repol Franz Christian Uy Pe & 21-Nov-15 & Margarita Christina 21-Sep-15 Hazel Go Garcia Gabriel Ramirez & Diana M. Ruiz 16-Jan-15 Soi Kitaguchi & Maria Natalia Domingo Jose Martin Capistrano Catherine Andal 12-Oct-15 Pineda 10-Dec-15 Antuñez & Katherine Marlon Ong Olivan Juan Paolo Tumacder & Marco Del Villar, Our 25-Sep-15 & Angela Cecilia G. 22-Oct-15 Margaret Ann C. Bacani Lady of the Most Holy Cyrus Angelo Alon Nibungco, Lady of All Erwin Cirujales Oclarit & Rosary, Malay, Aklan Castillo & April Nerona Nations, Bali, Indonesia Felise Isabel Jose Jiao 14-Dec-15 Cubillan Ken Martin Silva 18-Oct-15 23-Oct-15 Gardiola & Lara Venisse Edward Andrew E. John Yoichi L. Uy & Marcelo Gardiola Eustaquio & Richelle Katrina Jane M. Suarez Razo Verzosa

6 September 13, 2015

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7 Some people are perfectly happy strengthening only their Invitation to the 30th SYA Weekend Retreat personal relationships with God. While this is important, it is no (September 18-20, 2015) substitute for community, which (as Jolly Gomez always tells me) By Mara Boquiren is a large part of what makes us Catholic. Feeding our spirituality involves not only words or prayer, but collective action as well. Community We all know how difficult it is to always live in accordance with our conscience. This is made easier when we are part of a community that celebrates goodness and grounds its members in God and compassion. We naturally become more like those who we surround ourselves with. I like to think of it as positive peer pressure. If any of the above resonated with you, then perhaps it is time you consider doing something for God and yourself. Taking the Weekend is a terrific way to start. People find themselves attending our retreat for different How do you join an SYA Weekend? reasons. Many come to deepen or restore their relationship with Anyone ages 21-39 can sign up for an SYA Weekend retreat. We God. Others are there to find respite, gain clarity, or join a faith are on our 15th year and our next retreat will be on September family. Some were compelled by a friend or relative to be there. 18-20, 2015. To reserve a slot for yourself or a friend/loved one, Whatever their reason for joining, they finish the retreat please contact me, Mara Boquiren (Smart 0998 546 7175), or consistently receiving far more than they hoped for. Argel Tiburcio (Globe 0906 367 5251). Registration fee is at PhP1,500.00; inclusive of all meals, snacks and materials. Come What is the Weekend Retreat? with an open mind and heart. The retreat itself is beautiful. It starts out on a Friday night with a group of strangers (ages And see you at the 30th SYA Weekend!! 21-39) of different backgrounds. Most of them with no idea of what’s to come. They are eased into the rhythm of the retreat by 6 SYA leaders, whom we refer to as Team A. The participants are then led through a sequence of talks, prayers and sharing sessions that unravel their minds, hearts and spirits. Over the next 2 days, they come to terms with who they are and all that separate them from God. It may be hard to imagine how a retreat that lasts only a little over 2 days can have such a profound impact on a person’s life. But this truly does happen to our participants – whether or not they’ve detected it. They finish with a mixed bag of emotions and realizations. Filled to the brim with joy, hope, and love. For most, the effect is immediate. For others, it takes just a bit longer. This only underscores the potency of the experience. What is a faith family? A faith family is exactly that. A family with whom we share our faith, values, time, and love for God. Our bond as a family is forged through serving our community and ministering to the sick, needy, and imprisoned. Why would you want to be a part of one? You would want to have a faith family simply because it will make you a better and happier person. This happens because of two things: 1) Spiritual Growth and 2) Community Spiritual Growth We have families, friends, colleagues, and sports teammates who satisfy our physical, mental and social/emotional needs. They give us much needed support in our daily lives at home or at work. There are times, however, when we find ourselves with a spiritual hunger that cannot be adequately fed by the people in our lives. This hunger can hit us at any time – during a period of change, heartbreak, strife, depression, or grief. We need not be problematic, but the slightest sense of unease is enough to cause us to yearn for spirituality. And so we consciously or unconsciously seek spiritual growth. When we feed our spirituality, we intuitively know what matters most in life. As such, we feel aligned and at peace with ourselves and the world.