From Reverend Father to Real Father

On the inside front cover of my second book, “Father – A Married Priest Writes to His Children,” I quote this poem entitled “What is a Father?” by an anonymous author:

A father’s shoulder to lean on

Whenever the need comes along

Though busy, he is someone who is always

At hand

To comfort, give praise, and be strong

A father’s marvelous, all-around man

On whom you can always depend

He’s a counselor, listener, diplomat

But most of all, he is your friend

The title of my first book, “From Reverend Father to Real Father,” contains a deeper meaning in line with what contemporary philosophers are urging their readers: “Listen to what I am not saying.”

One LUDABI member (if I remember right, it was Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy) suggested that illegitimate children should not be called “bastards.” This term, he said, should instead be applied to men who sired these children without marrying their respective mothers for one reason or another. And, if I may add, the reasons may include the mandatory, compulsory, obligatory celibacy imposed by the Western Rite Roman Catholic Church on her priests.

In so, then the title of my first book implies the existence in our society of “Rev. Bastards” or “Celibate with Kabit (Mistress)” or “Unchaste Celibates.”

Thus, in conclusion, the popular song, “Dili Tanan” may be accordingly modified:

Dili tanang pari, Reverend Bastards

Dili tanang bastards, pari.