FROM: JOHN JOMARI HINAY

TO: REV. FR. VENERANDO J. YATOR, SVD

RE: CRITICAL INCIDENT REPORT
DATE: DECEMBER 3, 2023

THE CHILDREN NEED A GOOD FUTURE, JUST AS THE FUTURE NEEDS A

GOOD CITIZEN.

Last Sunday, December 3, 2023, I celebrated the 8 a.m. Holy Mass in the seminary. After
the mass, we were tasked with selling the magnetic rosary bracelet in the National Shrine of
Saint Jude Thaddeus Manila as a beneficiary of The Mission Communications Foundation, Inc.
or MCFI. It was our first time selling there. That is why there are a lot of parishioners who
bought the rosary bracelet and we declared it sold out for just two masses. Aside from selling
the rosary bracelet, I also met a 6 years old girl who is also selling ‘sampaguita’. We had a
small chat about what a rosary is and what its purpose is. It is my second time encountering this
kind of event, but it hit me differently.

I felt touched and renewed by the conversation I had with the innocent young girl. She
asked me about "What is the relation between the rosary and the way we pray?" Because of her
innocent question, I reflected for myself. I was challenged by this young girl to find the simplest
answer that her innocent mind could comprehend. I also felt renewed to hear about her curiosity,
and I was able to reflect on myself.

I came to realize that, even if our knowledge has increased significantly since we were
younger and we know a great deal more than others, there are always situations in which you
must set aside your advanced knowledge in order to impart knowledge that is clear and easy for
other people to understand. I also came to the realization that having that small talk with the
innocent young girl had been beneficial to me because I also renewed.

I discovered from that little act of mine that it can still be considered as proclaiming the
gospel. I am aware that even small talk like that has a significant effect on the child. It is like I
am conversing with the innocent version of myself. I also came to discover how crucial it is for
us adults to instill a small amount of faith in our children since, in my opinion, even this small
deed will have an impact on them as adults.

In my experience, I learned that every little action we take may have a significant impact
on those around us, especially the young ones. I am aware that even the most basic explanations
of ‘the relation between the rosary and the way we pray' tend to spark the child's imaginations,
which may have an impact on the basis of her faith.

I will end this with a very inspirational biblical verse from Psalm 127:3-5, it says, "Behold,
children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a
warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall
not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate." May we make every effort to
plant a seed of faith and understanding in every child in the world, because they need us as the
future needs them. As our beloved founder Saint Arnold Janssen, reminded us by saying,
"Proclaiming the good news is the first and most significant expression of love for
one's neighbor.