One thing that distinguish Masonic functions apart from other organizations is that it is always accompanied by the usual pomp and circumstance. This goes true even to all the concordant and appendant organizations of Freemasonry. This ritualistic tradition are benchmark characteristics of Freemasonry being an Ancient and Honorable institution. Freemasonry claims ascendancy as being more ancient than the Golden Fleece or the Roman Eagle and more honorable than the Order of the Star of France or the Order of the Garter of England.
The Order of DeMolay, being a youth organization founded by Masons upon strong Masonic principles and traditions, follows suit. The Order of DeMolay is also beset with rites, degrees, decorations, honors and awards patterned after medieval Chivalric traditions of Knighthood, particularly from the Knights Templar of which the Order had taken inspiration.
Last February 8, 2008, during the 9th Biennial Session of the Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay of the Republic of the Philippines, after so many years I once again enjoyed our Order’s usual pomp and circumstance. I was inducted, together with many others, as an Active Member of the Supreme Council, in a simple yet symbolic Rite called the Ceremony of Collaring. It is in this ceremony where one’s status as Active Member is confirmed by being presented with a certificate and adorned with the collar and jewel of the Supreme Council.
This year marks my 27th year of being a member of the Order of DeMolay, and it is fittingly punctuated by my being collared an Active Member of the Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay of the Republic of the Philippines. The honor of becoming member of the DeMolay Supreme Council is a privilege enjoyed only by regular Master Masons in good standing, or that of a Senior DeMolay who is a Legionnaire of the Legion of Honor of the Order of DeMolay. This is an act ensuring the perpetual stewardship of Freemasonry over the DeMolay movement all over the world.
I’m proud to be a DeMolay especially that both the incumbent Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, Most Worshipful Pacifico B. Aniag, and the sitting Grand Master of the Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay of the Republic of the Philippines, Hon. VW Evaristo A. Leviste, are my brother DeMolays.
I couldn’t go to San Juan La Union this “Undas” (All-Souls/Saints day) to visit the grave of my Dad. Instead, my wife Vikki and I went to the Masonic Cemetery at Manila North Cemetery to join the Masonic District NCR-A’s Outdoor Lodge of Remembrance last Saturday, October 25, 2008.
A Masonic Lodge of Remembrance is an annual ceremony conducted by Freemasons to pay tribute to its departed Brethren. This rite’s other name is the Lodge of Sorrow and is usually conducted indoor and tyled, meaning only Master Masons can participate and witness. But in this Grand Jurisdiction, the Lodge of Remembrance has become one of the Masonic ceremonies being opened to the public.
Officers, members and some family members from Lodges belonging to MD NCR-A came. A delegation from my Lodge, Jacques DeMolay Memorial Lodge No. 305, also came and attended the ceremony. It was a grand and solemn ceremony performed with excellent execution by the Manila Mt.-Lebanon Lodge No.1, who hosted the affair being owner of the Masonic Cemetery where the Lodge of Remembrance was held.
The Roll of the Temple Builders, Brethren of the Craft who have dropped their working tools and are now gathered in the Celestial Lodge above, were called one by one. Among those called included Brother Crisostomo P. Gaerlan, my Dad who passed away April 17 of last year.
What fitting tribute can I give my Dad this All Souls day, than that of having his name called and remembered among his mortal Brethren. His name cast into the four winds of heaven that he may be remembered among Men and Masons forever.
Until then Dad, I rejoice in the thought of knowing that we shall meet again and our spirits shall live forever when time shall be no more. Until then my Brother, until then.
(Photo Credits: Bro. Manny Gudito and VW Joji Bulawin)
My elder brother Ferdie (left, on the photo) was just raised to the Sublime Degree of Masonry last September 12, 2008. Now he is a Master Mason and the third Gaerlan member of our lodge, Jacques DeMolay Memorial Lodge No. 305 Free and Accepted Masons. The first one is our cousin Samuel H. Gaerlan, who like us is also a DeMolay, is charter member of our lodge. I followed next, and now Ferdie.
I’m sure our Dad, who is now in the Celestial Lodge above, is very happy. He now had two of his sons as his Brother Masons. After his raising, my Brother Ferdie gave a speech before the Lodge thanking the Brethren for accepting him as member of the Lodge, and also, he dedicated that momentous event of his life to our late Dad.
There are still three of our younger siblings, who hopefully will follow suit and knock at the doors of Freemasonry in due time.
Here’s a YOUTUBE photo-video of the 15th Anniversary Celebration of my Masonic Lodge, Jacques DeMolay Memorial Lodge No.305, Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines.
I must admit that I am not much of a Jose Rizal fan. Ka Andres Bonifacio gets more points from me, just a bit higher than Rizal. But like any Filipino, I admire Rizal for his dedication to our country’s cause. The life he lived as hero and martyr should be a source of inspiration, if not an emulation for the youth which he proclaimed as the hope of the mother/fatherland. Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio are both heroes and examplars of Filipino Patriotism and they’re both my brother Masons.
Rizal was made a Master Mason on November 15, 1890 at Logia Solidaridad 53 in Madrid, Spain. He affiliated with a lodge under the jurisdiction of Grand Orient of France on October 14, 1891, and was made honorary Worshipful Master of Nilad Lodge No. 144 in 1892. There he delivered a lecture entitled “La Masoneria”.
Last February 8, 2008, during the 9th Biennial Session of the Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay of the Republic of the Philippines, after so many years I once again enjoyed our Order’s usual pomp and circumstance. I was inducted, together with many others, as an Active Member of the Supreme Council, in a simple yet symbolic Rite called the Ceremony of Collaring. It is in this ceremony where one’s status as Active Member is confirmed by being presented with a certificate and adorned with the collar and jewel of the Supreme Council.
My elder brother Ferdie (left, on the photo) was just raised to the Sublime Degree of Masonry last September 12, 2008. Now he is a Master Mason and the third Gaerlan member of our lodge, 
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