Masonry In Our Hearts

Sustaining progress from a fresh start by putting Masonry in the heart


Bro NICOLAS G. RICAFRENTE, Grand Master
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
Installation of Grand Officers
01 December, 2007

2nd Annual Grand Assembly
The MW Independent Grand Lodge, F. &. A.M. of the Philippine Islands
Cavite Lodge No. 2, Cavite City

Memorable episodes in history are not always played by famous, powerful men but by ordinary men. The great gothic cathedrals of Europe, still standing magnificent today were built by artisans who remain faceless except for the fact that they were known as Masons from whom, it is said our Fraternity derived its origins. Great revolutions were fought and won not really by generals but by men who were willing to sacrifice their lives for love of country and the principles they decided to embrace.

Masonry was both a profession and a revolution; it started as a band of men who, in the exercise of their trade and in their quest for excellence, turned their backs from traditional building concepts and introduced new methods that revolutionized architecture at that time. When Masonry ceased to be operative and became speculative, it was during the revolutionary age of new sciences and philosophies that so enraged religious fanatics. But history has told us that truth, when genuinely sought for and correctly pursued, could victoriously emerge no matter how big and ruthless the opposition might be.

Being born and nurtured in revolutionary ideas, many Masons continued to search for truth and embraced the same spirit of change. They became the primary advocates of democracy, putting themselves in forefront and giving their lives in order to place liberty, equality and fraternity in the principles of government of many nations. Our national heroes are some of them.

And I venture to say without sounding very presumptuous that I am convinced, you – Masons of the IGLPI came from the same stock of Masons.

You are now part of a legacy whose only judge is history.

Because of your unswerving faith and belief in the true essence of liberty, equality and fraternity, your Grand Lodge is a democratic institution. We have a constitution that enshrines your rights. You have ratified the essential codes – the Administrative, Judicial, Election and Appointments Codes, together with the Uniform Code of By-laws for Member Lodges that will guide us and the future generations of Masons in the government of the Craft in this jurisdiction. In all these, you had exercised your right to be heard and be a part in the formulation of these instruments. And by your exercise of suffrage, you have now formed a new set of officers. Brethren, from these foundations we shall build.

Year 2006 was a year of change. 2007 was a year for a fresh start. Let 2008 therefore, be a year for sustaining progress from a fresh start by putting Masonry in the heart - a year of building strength; a year of building bridges to society; a year of building knowledge and values; a year of building stronger ties among the families of Masons.

I see four main thrusts in our collective effort. One is strengthening our organization. We shall sustain our growth by observing our pledge to admit only men of principles and genuine interest in the Craft; by initiating them to the solemnity of our ceremonies and by showing them how Masonry works.

This year has been a tiring yet, a banner year for our lodges as they received numerous petitions for membership and raised many master Masons. Many more petitions are being received; many highly qualified candidates are ready for admission. These signify that sincerity and truth are our greatest allies and membership builders. Also talks that many brethren are simply waiting a time with patience until we have set our system at work are proving to be true. Next year expect new lodges under dispensation and more solid members in our roster. These developments signify belief and confidence in our advocacy and that around us are many adherents to the reforms we have chosen to undertake.

The other thrust is strengthening Masonic formation. Education is one of the keys of enlightenment and formation. Education is always a continuing process. Masonic education is more than learning the correct rituals but the correct values and philosophies that shall help us find the true word. We shall follow the mandate of our constitution and establish a Masonic Institute that can carry on a continuing program that shall serve as a blueprint for formal Masonic related courses. This is the only way by which a more profound and professional approach to education and Masonic formation could be achieved.

Another thrust is strengthening Masonic image in the eyes of the public. Negative things have been imputed against Masonry even before it came out openly in the public. And some zealots still cling to their misguided perception of the fraternity. In our country, our people may be less indignant and confrontational but we know that misinformation and indiscretions among a few brethren and the mercenary motives of some misplaced members have somehow eroded the respect to our Fraternity and the contribution of Masonry to the society.

On the other hand, the greatest indictment of Masons is the question of the relevance of Masons to the society today. We can not afford to rest forever in the laurel wreaths of our heroes nor hide behind a wall of complacency. A public view that describes Masonry as nothing but ceremonies, fellowship and business connections hurts the very core of our existence. Masonry was founded on duties dedicated to God, country, family, neighbor and oneself. It makes us search for Light. It instructs us to find the word or a key thereof that may lead us to that temple not made with hands eternal in the Heavens. It relies on God given talents that are expected to be fully utilized and shared. To this end, let us pool our collective expertise and share time and effort in the service to our communities; at the same time observing the teachings of the Craft and using Masonic formation as our primary working tool.

Finally, let us strengthen Masonic ties among our families. The family is the first as well as the last bastion of a civilized society. Future generations shall rely on the strength of their families.

One thing that is highly remarkable in our organization today is the assistance of our families in our public functions. Let us endeavor to preserve this and go a step farther by providing our families more opportunities to see the beauty of our Fraternity.

THE MISSION AND VISION OF THE GRAND LODGE

The great ideals and tenets of Masonry have provided the foundational bases of the mission and vision of the Fraternity, foremost of which are those that relate to the life, duties and responsibilities of a Mason. They are concerned with the spiritual and temporal aspects of one’s God given life in this planet.

As members of our lodges and the Grand Lodge therefore, no other mission can ever be greater than to make the mission of the Craft our mission - to internalize all its teachings, and devote our time and effort toward the fulfillment of our duties as Masons.

Hence, the mission of the IGLPI is to promote and propagate Masonry and inspire, by precept and example a firm adherence to its tenets, transmitting them unsullied, from generation to generation to fellow Masons, whither-so-ever dispersed.

Our vision is a Grand Lodge that is democratic and concerned primarily in uniting lodges and their members in the “grand design of promoting happiness.”

Furthermore the IGLPI sees:

· A Grand Lodge that is progressive and dynamic, with a sustained but orderly growth.
· A Grand Lodge that provides for a continuing study of human philosophy in aid of human improvement, as well as of the art and sciences from where, it is said the Craft began.
· A Grand Lodge that can inspire and serve as a blueprint for Masonic organizational reforms.

After a year of labor, our Grand Lodge has succeeded and proven its capability to organize and to provide the essential instruments of governance. As we were doing these, we have seen how very basic reforms in the organization which we immediately undertook can inspire our members and encourage new initiates to our Fraternity. We saw the unselfish devotion and dedication of our officers and members, sharing their limited resources and time, but contributing invaluable talents for the cause and ideals we had vowed to embrace.

With these therefore, there is no doubt that by sustaining these gains, united, we shall achieve greater heights and travel forward, conquering every conceivable obstacles along the way.

In our Masonic banner, let us emblazon our commitment of sustaining progress from a fresh start by putting Masonry in our hearts.