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'Hiraya': Filipino clergy share reflections on hope in book launched in Rome
ROME, Italy — Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, together with Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See Myla Grace Macahilig, led the official launch of "Hiraya: A Collection of Reflections for the Jubilee of Hope" on Monday evening, February 9, at the Pontificio Collegio Filippino.
Hiraya is a book inspired by selected passages from the Bible and written by 26 Filipino diocesan and religious priests, nuns, and Focolare consecrated persons based in Rome.
Through their lived experiences, the contributors shared reflections on hope, particularly in light of the recently concluded Jubilee of Hope.
Hiraya is a Tagalog word that refers to the fruit of one's hopes, dreams, and aspirations. It signifies a vision not yet fully visible, a quiet certainty that something meaningful can exist even without tangible proof. In essence, hiraya is hope.
Cardinal Tagle congratulated the Philippine Embassy to the Holy See, the collaborators, and all the contributors who provided their testimonies.
"We hope that the testimonies in these stories will give readers and listeners a taste of Christian hope. After all, those who wrote these reflections are religious men and women and priests. I would like to taste not just the hope that the world offers, but the hope rooted in Christian faith," Cardinal Tagle said, ending with an invitation: "Abangan. Basahin! (Watch out. Read!)"
The project was spearheaded by Macahilig, who explained the vision behind the publication.
"The book is a compilation of reflections written by 26 Filipino members of the clergy, religious men and women based in Rome for further studies or religious assignments. The choice of hope as the main theme is not only in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee of the Catholic Church, but more importantly because hope is a key element of the Filipino soul and our communal spirit," Macahilig said.
She added that the Philippine embassy hopes the narratives will strengthen and inspire readers as they continue their everyday journeys.
Father Andrew Recepcion, who served as editor of the publication, said it was a "great joy" to present the book, which features reflections by priests and consecrated men and women from the Philippines serving in Italy, particularly in Rome.
He said that as he reviewed the contributions of the various authors, a clear theme emerged: the unfolding plan of God in the journey of life.
"As editor, I approached these texts without prior knowledge of the authors to avoid personal bias. I wanted the reflections to speak authentically on their own terms. In reading and preparing these texts, I was deeply moved by the way God's Word intertwines with lived experience—how Scripture is expressed through the joys, struggles, and commitments of those who have answered Christ's call," Recepcion said.
The book launch also featured a musical intermission by Coro Sequela Christi, a choir composed of priests and nuns, led by Maestro Joselito Logdat, a renowned Filipino tenor based in Italy.
Among the contributors are Fr. Ronan Ayag, CS, chaplain in Rome, who wrote, "A Pilgrimage of Hope: The Mission of Filipino Migrants in the Eternal City”; Fr. Jomari Joseph L. Aragones, the sole contributor who wrote in Filipino, with "Pagtigil, Pagdalisay, Panalangin" (Pause, Purity, Prayer); and Dr. Aiza de Torres Asi, the only lay contributor, who authored, "The Certainty of Hope."
The book is printed and published in Manila, Philippines. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
