Pandoraspace

On Mirador by Horacio dela Costa SJ

On the Meaning of Mirador, Fr. Horacio dela Costa SJ writes, and I quote:

This house is called Mirador: Prospect Point.

There have been four stages of its life.

It began as a meteorological observatory, with Jesuit scientists puttering about measuring rainfalls, observing winds, recording the shiverings of the earth, quietly, patiently opening windows into the secret heart of the physical universe.

Then it became a villa house, where Jesuit teachers - in the happy days before summer schools- rested from the labors of the year.  They played ball.  They prayed to God.  They read books and argued about them endlessly, opening the world of ideas and the world of men.

After the Pacific War, when mainland China was closed to the Gospel, this House became a scholasticate, a house of studies for the young Jesuits of the Far east Province.  In these rooms, along these corridors, they followed the progress of Christianity from Pentect to Paul VI, opening windows into the life and meaning of the Church.

Today, Mirador has acquired other uses.  It is no longer a scholasticate; but is still a villa house for Jesuits; and the Manila Observatory still keeps some of its instruments ticking away on this hill.  Groups of priests, religious, lay people come here for retreats.  Conferences are held by bishops, scholars, student leaders, journalists, businessmen.  Men and women who want time to think, time to reflect on what they are, what they must be or do come here, to this quite hill beneath a quiet heaven; to reflect, to pray to observe the signs or our troubled, yet immensely hopeful, times; to open windows to even broader horizons.

And so, Mirador is still what it was in the beginning: an observatory, a point of vantage.  And if this house could speak, perhaps this is what it would say to you:  Look out of my windows and try to extend your vision beyond the Gulf of Lingayen to all of Asia.  Tey to make out more clearly what God’s plan for all these people is, and for all those - like yourself - seek nothing else but to be of service to man.

Man - the glory of God.

Miracles happen in Mirador

Mirador is the Jesuit retreat house in Baguio located at the summit of a hill. One way of getting there is to climb the steps that lead to the Grotto of the Virgin Mary. Many many many years ago, I spent eight silent days at Mirador. Although I have no talent for drawing, I miraculously produced this one - 

My friend Wayne Tkel SJ is in the drawing. Spot him if you can.

“Never pride yourself for overcoming a temptation you have never had” is what my friend, Bill McGarry SJ, told me when I entered his office one day. He was quoting Francois Mauriac and I was just 17 and did not know any better.

I do not remember when I met Bill. What I do remember is that Bill and I would have long conversations in those days when I had nothing but time on my hands. It was years later when I realized that, in between jokes and senseless banter, Bill had taught me more about life, the goodness in people and the Jesuits than anyone had, and probably ever will. In fact even before I realized how much Bill had taught me, I was so moved and inspired by Bill’s stories about the Jesuits that I actually wanted to be one. But, as I am a girl, this is not a possibility. Lucky for the Jesuits.

The best thing Bill taught me is how to forgive myself so I could forgive others. I believe Bill himself practiced what he preached. Through the years, I have confessed my misdeeds to Bill. Worse, Bill learned first hand what an awful friend I could be. Despite this, Bill has accepted me and remains to be a true friend.

The one constant request Bill has ever asked of me was to “be good”. I have always politely refused that request by telling Bill “I’ll try”. Since it is Bill’s birthday today, I won’t try to be good. I’ll really be good…but just for today.

Happy 81st Birthday Fr. Bill.