Fr. Ricky V. Ordóñez

Today we celebrate Independence Day! Let us look with pride, joy, and gratitude for the freedom that we enjoy in these GREAT United States of America.

Growing up in the Philippines during the 9 dark years of Martial Law under the dictator Ferdinand Marcos has made me better appreciate FREEDOM. When one lives under this state, there is a constant fear that you will be accused of something and you will not have any recourse for true justice. Oftentimes, those accused would simply “disappear” and later on presumed dead. Worse, no one is ever brought to justice for crimes against the people. 

Let us be grateful for what our forefathers fought and died for…freedom and justice for all!

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As freedom-loving citizens of these great United States of America, let us always remember that in exercising our rights, we also need to accept responsibility for its proper use.

One thing that we need to be reminded is that the government is “of the people, by the people and for the people!” 

It is not for only a portion of the nation or a certain class of people. It is for all!

Therefore, when we invoke our rights, let us remember that others have the same rights, too.

Isn’t this a very Christian thought?

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THOUGHTS OF A (RELATIVELY) NEW CITIZEN!

I became an American Citizen on December 22, 2017, the 10th anniversary of my Diaconate Ordination and the day after my family celebrated our parents’ 60th Wedding Anniversary here in Tucson.

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My very extended family (19 of them) came from the Philippines, Switzerland and California for these great milestones. It was with great joy that my parents and my sister were able to witness the swearing-in ceremony at the courthouse. 

After the ceremony, the presiding judge asked for a volunteer to come up to the podium and speak. As I was sitting directly in front of him, it seemed to me that he wanted to “volunteer” me and so I did. I remember greeting everyone with, “My fellow Americans!” Thereupon, the entire room burst into applause!

Among many things that I said is something that I still truly believe in my heart to this day. I did not come to America to create my own little Philippines here in Arizona. Rather, I came prepared to offer the best that I have learned from my family, my culture, and, yes, even from being a Filipino citizen.

I am also prepared to learn the American way and adapt to the good that is new and even to adopt what is exemplary. This great nation was built on the backs of the mighty Native Americans and those of the immigrants from almost every nation in the world. They contributed the best that they can with hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice.

Our future continues to lie on what we are willing to give to our GREAT NATION, to wish it well, to cooperate fully, and constantly pray for its safety and success.

 Let us be good citizens and become part of the solution to our problems. Let us develop the foresight to what we want to achieve and the determination to pursue it.