Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 (F&AM)

NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS:


CENTER FOR MASONRY IN FILIPINO ESTABLISHED

Grand Master Nicolas Ricafrente, attending the January 2008 District Council meeting in Mendez, Cavite announced the designation of Pintong Bato Lodge No. 9 as the Center for Masonic Studies in Filipino, the national language. Aside from compiling and translating foreign language Masonic literature, the Lodge was also tasked to review existing rituals already written in the national language and to start translating other rituals and ceremonies. Once translated, each ritual shall be exemplified by Pintong Bato Lodge for approval of the Committee on Works and the brethren.

Pintong Bato has been known for its efforts to promote the use of Filipino in Masonic rituals. It has rendered funeral services and installed its officers in Filipino. It also has a translated version of the ceremonies for a Lodge of Remembrance. With the special function designated for the Lodge, it is expected that Filipino rituals will soon get official recognition in the Grand Lodge as an alternative to the existing ceremonies in English. It is also expected that Masonic literature would be enriched with the addition of Filipino essays and lectures in the national language.

Translation of Spanish language Masonic historical records still existing in the archives of some century old Lodges of the IGLPI will be the next task of the Center. Filipino Masonry has its roots from the Spanish Grand Orients. Heroes like Rizal, del Pilar, Bonifacio, Mabini, Aguinaldo and other patriots were all members of these Orients.





IGLPI ESTABLISHES DISTRICT CENTER FOR RESEARCH, OTHER CENTERS FOR MASONIC ACTIVITIES

The Independent Grand Lodge, F. & A.M. of the Philippine Islands recently designated several Lodges as District Centers for special Masonic functions. Given the status as sponsors and lead lodges to conceptualize and coordinate specific Masonic programs were: Bagong Buhay Lodge No. 4 as Center for Research and Information, Cavite Lodge No. 2 as Training Lodge and Pilar Lodge No. 3 as Center for Masonic Formation and Community Services. Mendez Nunez Lodge No. 8 was assigned as lead Lodge for Family Oriented activities while Emilio Aguinaldo Lodge No. 5 was designated to lead and coordinate participation in Masonic historical commemorative events. These Lodges were given latitude to partner with sister Lodges and to form their respective core groups.
The assignments are aimed to create greater focus in the planning and implementation of projects and enhance Lodge collaboration within the District. A comprehensive district program is expected to be completed by the Grand District Supervisor by February.