THE M.U.L.E. AND FREEMASONRY

Note:  Got this article through email from Brother Peter Dy which was also forwarded to him by Brother Patrick Evans King.  The article if I'm not mistaken was originally written by M.W.B. Ronnie Bell.  I sincerely hope that I have given well meaning and justice to the reproduction of the article.  My apologies for any omissions or otherwise.

THE M.U.L.E. AND FREEMASONRY

Today at 10:37am

My purpose here is much more important that discussing the character of a mule, but rather, to explain the analogy of the mule and its labors.  But more yet, the acronym M.U.L.E. can be seen as an excellent symbol for the machinery of Freemasonry.  Both for what is good practice for every mason, but also, for what can go wrong and stop us in our endeavors.  On this theme I will elaborate.

"M" This letter can be understood to represent Masonry, but more importantly, It may represent "Morality", one of the basic tenets of our Order.  Yet, how many of us really understand the extreme importance of that tenet.  In fact, haw many of us actually understand what morality encompasses.  Webster defines morality as "...the practice of moral duties; virtues; ethics...or the discrimination between right and wrong..."

Our Morality is defined from the time of our birth, adjusted by our experiences and seen by all that we are associated with.  O the many tenets of Freemasonry, morality is the one most visible to the outside world.  Our morality is the most defining aspect of our character, yet, how many of us take our morality seriously.  Do we always do what is "Right" or do we what is most "Expedient"??  Morality is many times defined by religious values, yet the basic moral tenets are the same in nearly all religions.  Fair dealing, family values, concern for others and proper respect for life and property are taught, all important and all able to be improved by our perseverance.  I know we all try to do that which is proper, but we all need to work at it.  We cannot afford to be lax in developing our Morality, for how many prospective members would want to be associated with those they may perceive as "immoral", not many, I'm sure!! "M" is #1 in MULE.
"MORALITY" is #1 of our tenets!!  Think about it!!! Often!!

"U" can be seen to represent "Unity".  Our lectures tell us that it should always distinguish our institution, but, does it really?? I cant recall how many times in my conversations with my brethren I have heard "our Lodge does this", "My jurisdiction does that".  We have all done this at some time in our masonic history.  Yet, are we not "WE" not "US", "YOU" or "THEM".  I always hope for the time when, as Winnie the Pooh ways to Christopher Robin, "I always love the times when YOU and ME become WE".  Even within each individual Lodge we have "cliches" of one form or another.  Yes, there is diversity among the Craft.  Yet should we not stress what is the same?  All of Freemasonry teaches the code for living one's life.  I have tried in the recent past to try to point out the similarities and not so much on the differences.  Yet, it is hard not to be aware of this diversity.  And I do think if handled properly this diversity can be used to cause a unity in spirit.  But more importantly, we must be united behind each other.  In every decision made by a majority, even though we may not agree with the decision, we should back it up.  Try not to complain but strive to live with the decision.  There are ways to change minds without deriding or defaming.  Would you want to join a bunch of characters that are always bickering and fighting...I think not and nor would others who might have otherwise been interested in uniting with us.  Masonry is a world wide fraternity, we should not set boundaries.  We should, instead, spread the Mortar of Unity between "cliche, lodge, districts, Grand Lodges and Countries. "U" symbolizes UNITY, let's strive to make is a Reality!!

"L" represents "Leadership".  From the very inception of Freemasonry, leadership has been an integral part of our Order.  Thanks can be extended to those "Masonic Leaders" that helped form this great country as well as others and have continued to lead us over the years.  Leadership skills should (play) a very important part of the education of every mason, not only for the proper operation fo the individual lodge, but also, for the satisfactory completion of our everyday lives.  Leadership can make or break (a) lodge.  Good leadership can instill a sense of pride, enthusiasm and a true desire to better one's self and that of others.  True leadership can unite differing factions, instill understanding and foster tolerance of other's ideas and mores.  But, poor leadership can cause indifference and that is the downfall of most lodges.  "L" symbolizes LEADERSHIP.  Much needed in today's lodges and society as a whole.

"E" represents "Education".  Every degree in ancient craft masonry stresses the importance of education.  It should be the goal of every mason to see that all members of the Craft are taught of laws, rules, tenets, symbolism and Rituals of the order.  It also should be the purpose of all masons to educate themselves to the best of their ability and circumstance.  Education is the foundation of ones life and work.  Education fosters understanding, understanding of oneself and one's neighbors.  Education allows one to improve oneself and frees the individual creativeness instilled in each of us.  Masonic education allows us to understand the many symbols and allegories that are Freemasonry.  It helps us to explain these symbols to our young members, thus, giving them an understanding of our labors.  Education of ritual helps us to display the craft in an impressive manner so that the candidate has a better appreciation of the importance of our work, and hopefully, instill in the candidate a desire to learn more.  Thus, improving one's life, the craft and society as a whole.  "E" symbolizes EDUCATION.  Very important, don't you Think!!??

All aspects of this acronym M.U.L.E. are important.  If one is neglected, Freemasonry will become stagnant and unmoving.  To continue the analogy of the proverbial Mule.  If the mule is healthy and happy, much work gets done.  So it is with Freemasonry.  If Freemasonry is "healthy and happy", then also most of our Masonic works gets done.  Yet as with the mule, if, unfortunately, the Order is upset, disjointed and of ill temper, then very little gets done.

As a mule is the power that pulls the cart...M.U.L.E. is the engine which drives Freemasonry.  With out one the other goes no Where!!!

by M.W.B. Ronnie Bell


- - - - - -
"If you don't set a baseline standard for what you'll accept in life, you'll find it's easy to slip into behaviors and attitudes or a quality of life that's far below what you deserve." - ANTHONY ROBBINS



                                    

Message from the Worshipful Master - July 17, 2010

by WB Oscar V. Badelles - Worshipful Master, Iligan Lodge No. 207

Fraternal Greetings My Brother

June 30, 2010, we saw our nation make a collective sigh of relief when P-Noy finally took his oath as the President of the Republic of the Philippines.  For many, it was like a new dawn breaking through the dark clouds of suspicions and fear after a precarious and stormy night.  Contemporaneously, local elected officials took their oath amid hopeful expectations for a better leadership and improved governance.  And as we make another start in this great undertaking of nation-building, we join the Filipino People in prayer that the Great Architect of the Universe graciously bless, guide and inspire these elected men and women, including those appointed, that they will remain true and faithful to their sworn duty and live up to their promise with transparency and integrity.

A testimonial dinner was tendered last month by the district under DDGM Buenaventura Alipio to recognize the brethren who earned the people's mandate in the last election.  It was a well attended and successful affair with our lodge as the lead lodge.  We were honored by the presence of Municipal Councilor Arish Canonigo of Manticao, Mis. Oriental, Iligan City Councilors Frederick Siao and Moises Dalisay, Jr.  The others failed to attned but they sent their apologies.  Along this point, we take fraternal pride and delight in the appointment of many brethren to responsible positions in the P-Noy administration, specially VW Voltaire Gazmin of Maranaw Lodge 111 as Secretary of National Defense.  You truly deserve it.  Congratulations.

Freemasonry: For Your Information

Masonic District RX - D & ARMM (Lanao) will conduct an event dubbed "Freemasonry: For Your Information" on July 31, 2010 (Saturday), 1:00 o'clock in the afternoon at Ubaldo D. Laya Masonic Center.  The event will be a gathering of brethren from the district and for them to bring along friends and relatives who are interested to learn about freemasonry.  This is sort of an open house of the different lodges to the public.  So everybody is welcome.

The 7 Masonic Lodges of the district (2 from Marawi, 1 from Tubod, Lanao del Norte and 4 from Iligan)  will be putting up their own information table and will be manned by their respective representative.  Appendant organizations, such as the Order of the Eastern Star, Amaranth, Job's Daughters, DeMolay, Rainbow for Girls will also be displaying information about their group.     Activities lined-up for the afternoon include lectures, lodge tour, video presentations, and open forum.  Snacks will be served.

Brothers, Sisters and Friends are requested to bring their friends and feel free to explore the world of Freemasonry.  Come and listen.



- - - - - -

"Learning is the beginning of wealth.  Learning is the beginning of health.  Learning is the beginning of spirituality.  Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins." - Jim Rohn

                              

Fellowship - January 16, 2010

After the installation ceremonies were done at the Ubaldo D. Laya Masonic Center for the Iligan Lodge No. 207 2010 elected and appointed officers, the group transferred to the Skyroom of Maria Cristina Hotel for the Fellowship and some special recognition for deserving and worthy brothers.  The night was filled with fun, drinks, food, entertainment, and more fun, fun, fun!

These pictures are just some of the formal part which took place last January 16, 2010 after the installation ceremonies of Worshipful Master Oscar V. Badelles of Iligan Lodge No. 207.

Bro. Abel Gomez delivering his welcome address to the brethren, sisters, friends of Masons.

                                      

Who can ever replace VW Roy Trinidad, the Master of Ceremonies?

VW Warly Sanguila PDDGM relating to the listeners the history of the lodge.

 WB Ed Ulindang with his beloved wife Sis Faina being called to the center to receive his PM's jewels.

WB Ed Ulindang, giving his valedictory address, thanking everyone who supported him and the lodge's projects and programs during his term of office in the East.

Sister Faina, assisted by VW Warly Sanguila struggles with the Past Master's pin as WB Ed gamely awaits the results of their few attempts to pin it safely on his shirt.

I have posted in different articles here on my blog pictures of the same affair.  To be honest with all of you, I just don't run out of pictures and things to say about the affair.  I don't know...probably that's how I enjoy the company of fellow Masons.  So keep watching for the next posts.

And by the way, there will be an upcoming page here on our blog titled "Down Memory Lane."   It will contain pictures, that I have in my compilation, of some of our lodge activities of the past years.  Also, brothers who may also have their own collection of photos of past lodge activities, may contribute such to be posted in our blog.   Rest assured you will be acknowledged. 

I would also like to invite members of Iligan Lodge No. 207 withersoeverdispersed, to send me photos and stories for posting here in our blogsite.  Please email it to patchoy461@yahoo.com.   I am sure everyone would be happy to know your whereabouts and things that has been happening on your side of the world. Announcements for upcoming events/ activities are also welcome!

- - - - - -

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe."  

- Anatole France

Testimonial Dinner for Brethren who were Elected

Our lodge opened for the month of June at 2 o'clock in the afternoon to raise Bro. Genesis W. Olandag, and ended early, around 7 o'clock in the evening for the testimonial dinner in honor of the brethren who successfully made it last May 10, 2010 elections. Everyone was very much excited to see and meet our honored guests whom we feel rightly deserves all honor bestowed to worthy, dedicated and honest public servants...most especially Masons!   Of course, as Masons practice with zeal, "No Man should ever enter into any great or important undertaking without first invoking the blessings of God."    So, the pictures below will tell the story of how the sequence of events unfurled...

 

Bro. Michael B. Quidlat of Manticao Lodge No. 243 lead the invocation.

 

Bro. Jaime P. Magnetico, Senior Warden of Iligan Lodge No. 207 lead the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.

 

WB Ian Uy, Worshipful Master of Maranaw Lodge No. 111 gave the welcome remarks.

 

Our newly raised Brother, Bro. Genesis W. Olandag, a proud husband to his lovely wife, Sister Evangeline, and father to their energetic son, Elijah Garrett.

Municipal Councilor of Manticao, Misamis Oriental, Bro. Arrish T. Canonigo of Judge Valerio V. Rovira Lodge No. 259 receiving a token from the District Deputy Grand Master, VW Buenaventura C. Alipio, assisted by the District Grand Lecturer, VW Eduard Banawa.

Bro. Councilor Arrish; giving a very short response to the ever proud brethren for the recognition.

WB Frederick W. Siao, Past Master of Manticao Lodge No. 243 receiving his token from  DDGM VW Ben Alipio.

WB Councilor Freddie happily voicing out his gratitude not just for the support of the brethren but also for the recognition given to him by the District.

3rd Termer City Councilor, VW Moises G. Dalisay, Jr., PJGL of Iligan Lodge No. 207 receives his token from the DDGM VW Ben Alipio and proudly poses with it and with the DDGM for posterity.

City Councilor VW Dalisay giving his honest to goodness "short speech" to the delight of the brethren, because it is a known fact that the worthy brother can talk for hours when the topic involves his passion...Service to his Fellowmen.

 

The message of the District Deputy Grand Master, VW Buenaventura C. Alipio, which officially is the voice of the Grand Master of all Masons in our district.

 

WB Laurente Fernandez, Worshipful Master of Judge Valerio V. Rovira Lodge No. 259 closing the program of the evening.

Of the seven brethren to be recognized, only 3 were at hand.  It was because Vice Mayor VW Henry C. Dy, Past Master of Iligan Lodge No. 207 and Past District Deputy Grand Master had to attend a very important meeting which supposedly to include WBs Freddie Siao and Moises Dalisay.  But to give importance to the testimonial dinner hosted by the district, he sent not one emissary but two, in the persons of the two mentioned above.

The 3 others, definitely not the ruffians, understandably can not make it due to the distance of travel.  They come from Lala, Lanao del Norte.  It would have been very joyous to have them around because for the information of everyone, all three took the very important positions of the municipality...the 3 lights... namely, Bro. Alan Lim, Mayor, Bro. Reynino Longcob, Vice Mayor and our immediate PDDGM, VW Lyndon Abucay, the 1st Councilor.  All three are members of Glicerio A. Lim Memorial Lodge No. 222.  I could just imagine that Lala is in fact a very lucky municipality because the last time  I know of Masons who entered into a great and important undertaking actually won a country their independence.

By the way, if you have noticed in one of the photos shown above (the photo with ligan Lodge No. 207 Senior Warden, Bro. Jaime Magnetico), the person standing behind Bro. Jaime --- the affair would have been very boring if not for our dependable and debonair VW Sotero Q. Trinidad, PDDGM, Past Master of Iligan Lodge No. 207, who acted as our official Master of Ceremony.

- - - - - -

"He can who thinks he can, and he can't who thinks he can't.  This is an inexorable, indisputable law." - Henry Ford