Talk:Rafael Donato

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dear Tito Raffy,

On the occasion of your 50th anniversary as a De La Salle brother, I would like to express my deep gratitude for all that you have taught me all these years.

Tito Raffy, I thank God for giving you to our family, for making us close to you, that we were able to see clearly the true meaning of choosing to love God above all, all the days of one’s life. Personally, I thank you for being an example to me and my 10 children, an example of saying “yes” to God, by living up to your commitment of serving God through your fidelity to your vocation. To me, what you have shown to us is immeasurable; it is a gift, it is heaven sent.

I thank you, too, for particularly being very close to our (de Castro) family, for joining us in our Sunday lunches, for participating in our endless (sometimes pointless) discussions and for just being there for the sake of family ties. Again, to me, this is a priceless example to my children --the value of closeness of family (… not to mention the special treatment you give to Mia, your KB…!).

I thank you, too, for taking time out to travel with my parents. I can tell you that the most memorable experiences of my mom and dad were those of traveling with you – to Wisconsin Dells and the brothers’ residence in Philadelphia during the 70’s, in Europe – in De La Salle Rome, driving through the autostrades of Italy, eating the best jamon in Spain, discovering our roots in Malaga, our Semana Santa pilgrimage to Israel with driver Mohammed, climbing to the monastery of St George in Jerusalem … and your latest joint “jubilee” trip to China, to visit Martin (I’m sure I missed out on a lot more).

Lastly, I thank you for showing me what love truly means. I recall, when I turned 12 (I think), you gave me the very first artwork I ever owned, which I hung on the wall above my bed. It was a colorful painting of a 4-letter word that spelled L-O-V-E. You told me that one of your students had painted it for you. That painting, as I look back, must have been the start of my appreciation for the arts. Everyday I looked at it and admired how beautifully it was made. I can still see the colors vividly in my mind. But more significantly, that painting, to me, now, must have been an early message that prepared me for my journey through life. Indeed, you have taught me that LOVE is priority, it is the only thing that counts – for it has been your life-long commitment to prioritize your love and generosity to God through your vocation. For that, to me, you are most admirable. I hope and pray that your love, and your example will lead me to the same commitment in my life through my vocation in marriage, my own path to holiness.

I can thank you endlessly … for you have made a big imprint in my heart!

See you tomorrow in Wack Wack!

I love you!

Caress, October 9, 2006

A lot has been written about him lately, on online boards, email groups, etc., particularly by people who knew him very well. Perhaps all these should be consolidated into one website honoring his memory.

My deepest condolences. —Lagalag 14:54, 13 November 2006 (UTC)