Honorificabilitudinitatibus

Honorificabilitudinitatibus -"the state of being able to achieve honours."

In an organization that espouses a notion of equality among members in particular and humanity in general, it is worth mentioning of the widespread use of Masonic titles and its apparent acceptance. The titles come abound such as religious sounding designation--- Most Worshipful, Right Worshipful to self-styled label as Past Assistant Grand Secretary.

The Fraternity is not immune to this concept. Organized entities such as military, religious or even academia carry out this human pleasure world wide. Like any culture, there are rules when, where, and how honorifics are to be practice. Honorifics are words or terms of respect used when referring a person. Its is given and awarded during the moment as recognition to deserving personage. A manifestation of respect, it is earned and at a times very challenging to own in perpetuity. Those who truly recognize the lessons of the Craft will receive the words with humility and with the same passion of wearing a plain lampskin apron rather than the model bedecked with fancy handwork. Indeed, astute student of the Craft understand that vanity loom to its conclusion when his "weary feet shall come to the end of its toilsome journey."

Masonic Titles – An Observation.

09.09.09

rmolano
HL No. 279

No Host Fellowship

Last Thursday, August 13, 2009, a “NO HOST FELLOWSHIP” was held at Airport Juan, Airport Road , Pasay City. The first similar fellowship was held in March 2007. The affair was attended by 51 brethren from the Grand Lodge of the Philippines , Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Island and the Grand Logia National de Filipinas.

For photos and article see NO HOST FELLOWSHIP at Recent Events In Phil Masonry blog by Bro. Ben Apacible.

Congratulations to organizers, a warm fraternal salutation to all Brethren who enjoyed the spirit of Brotherhood, a thankful appreciation to those who support and an offer of right hand in continuance of friendship to those who might still have doubts on what our Brethren are trying to accomplish.

rmolano
HL#279

One Day Class

There are sections within the Fraternity which tend to “look down” upon those who did not take the “traditional” course of instructions. This group of hard core Brothers played by the rules and to see that the same rules get “optimized” for the benefit of some reasons they don’t agree is always comes down to a very predictable reaction. If we are to view Freemasonry as an entity that provide ladder for societal advancement, then the manner by which a brother achieve his laurel of victory i.e. Master Mason Degree is a consideration may be worth looking into. There are those who in spite of lack of memorization skills forged ahead to get through proficiency examination in front of the entire Lodge therefore, gets annoyed to those who skipped the process. Justice is a tenet of Freemasonry---meeting on the level, acting by the plumb and parting upon the square. Those words are more than learning by rote.

On the other hand, if we perceived Freemasonry as “a system of morality, veiled in allegories and illustrated by symbols,” what moral lessons these one-day class can we identify as deficiencies from the preferred method? If we already taken the interest of some good men, would a one day class would make them less than from what they were? Men stayed with the Fraternity not because of the short or long class but because they found something that held and sustained their interest. Whether the curiosities are about philosophical, mystical, camaraderie, and even religious, these are also examples of why men joined the Craft. Sustaining interest on a deeply held notion is what makes an individual do what others do not even care about.

Having said that, in my view, it is un-Masonic conduct to the Brothers to be treated any “less” than those who did went through the “old fashioned way.” Obviously, there were not many options offered to the candidates as the some jurisdictions made the decision for them. I have witnessed candidates who preferred to go through “long form” rather than the easier “short form” proficiency examinations. One doesn’t have to be surprised why it’s easier for them to get “approval” and recognition from the old-timers.

One Day Class.

rmolano

Hanford Lodge No. 279