“Hiraya: A Collection of Reflections for the Jubilee of Hope,” a four-part spiritual anthology published by Logos Publications (Manila), was officially launched on Feb 9, at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Hall of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome.
Held at 5:00 p.m., the book launch gathered bishops, priests, religious men and women, diplomats, and members of the Filipino community in Rome to celebrate a work that gives voice to the lived faith, struggles, and hopes of Filipino clergy and consecrated persons serving both in Rome and in various parts of the world.
Hiraya: Hope Imagined, Lived, and Witnessed
The title Hiraya is drawn from an ancient Tagalog word rooted in the phrase “hiraya ng isip,” meaning “the product of the mind” or “what the mind creates.” In its earliest usage, “hiraya” referred to mental images or ideas not yet realized—possibilities conceived within the inner life.
Over time, however, the word evolved beyond mere imagination. In contemporary Filipino culture, “hiraya” carries a deeper and more poetic meaning: hope, aspiration, and a vision held with faith. It speaks of something not yet visible, yet quietly certain—a tender and patient confidence rather than loud optimism. It is the fruit of one’s hopes and dreams, imagined precisely because they matter.
In this sense, “hiraya” beautifully captures the spirit of the Jubilee of Hope: a confidence born not from proof, but from trust in God’s providential presence.
More than a collection of spiritual writings, “Hiraya” stands as a living witness to the Holy Spirit at work in the lives and ministries of priests and consecrated men and women who have chosen to offer themselves wholly to Jesus Christ and His Church. Each reflection is a living story—never complete, yet continually unfolding within the vast horizon of God’s saving plan.
Set within the context of the Jubilee of Hope, the book reminds readers that every vocation, every story, and every mission is woven into the greater tapestry of God’s design, where nothing happens by chance and every circumstance unfolds under His loving guidance. At a time when violence, injustice, and the burdens of daily life cast dark clouds even over people of faith, these reflections offer gentle yet persistent rays of hope, encouraging perseverance, trust in God, and faithful service.
A Filipino Contribution to the Jubilee of Hope
The idea for “Hiraya” began in early October 2024 as a concrete Filipino contribution to the celebration of the Jubilee of Hope, shared Ms. Suzette Nellas, project coordinator of the book.
The anthology contains 25 reflections, symbolically echoing the Jubilee year, written primarily by young priests and religious men and women—young in terms of ordination, with many having been ordained for less than seven years.
The contributors also include religious women who are students and pastoral workers in Rome, one consecrated lay person, and a special contribution from the Chaplain of the Sentro Pilipino Chaplaincy.
Together, their reflections form a rich mosaic of faith experiences shaped by mission, study, service, and daily fidelity far from home.
“Jesus Journeys with Us”
The book was formally unveiled by His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Pro-Prefect for the Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches of the Dicastery for Evangelization, together with H.E. Myla Grace Ragenia C. Macahilig, Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See.
Reflecting on the book, Cardinal Tagle shared that reading “Hiraya” felt like “sitting with each priest, sister, and brother as they narrated their stories, struggles, and joys.”
“These pages testify that Jesus journeys with us, even in places far from home—or because we are far from home,” Cardinal Tagle said. “When we allow Him to enter our ordinary experiences, we see His quiet presence in our loneliness, hard work, uncertainty, and new beginnings. He is truly Emmanuel—God with us.”
He praised the honesty of the contributors, many of whom are young, noting that their reflections come from hearts formed by trust in God.
“Faith does not remove difficulties,” he added, “but it builds character and opens new vistas. Their stories confirm that God continues to create us so that Jesus may be fully formed in us.”
Cardinal Tagle emphasized that the book offers not only inspiration but also “a lens of hope” that calls readers to become authentic witnesses of hope amid war, injustice, and the neglect of human dignity.
God’s Plan Unfolding in Life’s Journey
In his introduction, the editor of the book, Fr. Andrew G. Recepcion, DMiss, highlighted a common thread running through all the contributions: the unfathomable plan of God unfolding through life’s journey.
“The reflections illuminate the mystery of Christ’s call,” Fr. Recepcion wrote, “a call that is fundamentally an expression of His love—extended to fragile human beings who freely offer their lives in priestly ministry and religious life.”
He noted the seamless integration of God’s Word with lived experience, where even seemingly insurmountable challenges become channels of God’s boundless and unmerited grace.
The reflections vividly capture the life and ministry of Filipino priests and consecrated men and women living in Italy—particularly in Rome—some studying at pontifical universities, others serving in Vatican offices, religious congregations, parishes, and various ecclesial ministries.
Program Highlights and Contributors
The program featured the presentation of the writers, the introduction of the editor, and thematic reflections expressed through segments such as “Doors,” “The Certainty of Hope,” and “Hope Magnified.” Musical interludes by Coro Sequela Christi added a prayerful and contemplative atmosphere to the evening.
Among the presenters and contributors were Sr. Ma. Sheila Carpentero, OSA; Fr. Dennis Ruiz, OAD; Ms. Suzette Nellas; Fr. Earl Allyson Valdez; Fr. Andrew G. Recepcion, DMiss; Sr. Mary Anthony Basa, PDDM; and Fr. John Biton, OAD. The event was hosted by Fr. Charlie Bardaje, SVD and Fr. Von Ryan Relos, who served as Masters of Ceremonies.
A Gift of the Filipino Church to the Universal Church
The book project, supported by the Philippine Embassy to the Holy See, was made possible through the initiative of H.E. Myla Grace Ragenia C. Macahilig, Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See.
The publication pays tribute to the generous missionary spirit of the Filipino Church, whose sons and daughters serve not only in mission territories but also in universities, parishes, hospitals, communities, and offices in Rome and around the world.
As the Church journeys through the Jubilee of Hope, “Hiraya” invites readers to rediscover the joy of the Gospel and the courage to become heralds of hope—echoing a simple yet profound prayer found within its pages:
“Lord, here I am. Thank you for walking with me. Help me to awaken hope in You among my sisters and brothers.”
