Fate
For Friday Fictioneers 100-Word Challenge: 15 June 2018
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Photo Credit: Jean L. Hays
Mary’s husband left for work early that morning fearing the worst. A major reorganization in the company had put his current position at risk.
Mary was in the kitchen preparing dinner when Harry called. He had something important to say and told her to sit down.
Upon hearing the news, Mary went berserk. Overcome by emotion, she rushed to the bathroom and locked herself up.
Behind the door, her eldest daughter heard her sobbing uncontrollably.
“Mom, are you alright? Please open the door.”
After a while, a more sobered Mary came out.
“Abby,” she announced. “We just won the lottery.”
A Catholic Priest Shot Dead
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| Fr. Richmond Nilo (1974-2018) |
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It seems that death has been the topic of my previous posts lately. Please indulge me if I write another one because I couldn’t help myself.
Fr. Richmond Nilo, a Catholic priest in my native Philippines was gunned down today at the Nuestra Señora de la Nieve Chapel in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija as he was getting ready to start mass.
He was the third priest to be murdered in less than a year. His death followed the still unresolved murders of Fr. Mark Ventura in April and that of Fr. Marcelito Paez in December.
One can only speculate about the motive behind these killings and even if they were related. It could be personal, political, or religious in nature meant to intimidate opposing views.
Fr. Nilo was an articulate critic of Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) founded by Felix Manalo in 1914. Had he become so much of a pain that one of its ardent supporters contracted his killing to silence him forever? I hope not.
With more than 2.25 million followers, Iglesia Ni Cristo has become a powerful and political force in the country. Candidates from the national and local levels tend to seek its endorsement since members vote as one based on the dictates of the church leaders. With so much influence at its disposal, the church can get away with almost anything including murder.
A much-publicized debate between Fr. Nilo and Bro. Ramil Parba of Iglesia Ni Cristo is scheduled to be held on August 31, 2018 at Freedom Park, Cabanatuan City. Unless somebody can take Fr. Nilo’s place, it’ll be likely cancelled.
It’s been said that life begins at 40. In his case, death claimed him in his early 40s.
The 12th Annual Castro Valley Car Show
It’s Saturday in Castro Valley, an unincorporated town in Northern California known as the birthplace of Metallica bassist Cliff Burton. Nothing much happens here, but when it does, it’s something special.
If you live in the area, the 12th Annual Castro Valley Car Show is worth your while. It’s held downtown today featuring classic, specialty, and exotic cars along with vendor booths and live music to entertain the crowd.
According to its sponsor, the Hayward-Castro Valley Moose Lodge 1491, the goal is to provide a community event that will engage our residents, highlight our local businesses, attract car enthusiasts near and far, and support local youth and community organizations.
As I write this, it’s almost closing time. I consider it as a big success and glad to be part of it. I look forward to next year.
June 16, 2018 at 6:38 pm 3 comments