MESSAGE OF THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER OF
GENEROSO D. MADRIGAL SR., MEMORIAL LODGE NO. 368

WM REDANTE DIWA
Generoso D. Madrigal Sr. Memorial Lodge 368, Sablayan Occidental Mindoro


INSTALLATION SPEECH
MASONIC YEAR 2011

Picture
            I  must, first of all, express my heart warm gratitude to all of you, dear brethren,  for having reposed in my person and character, your confidence in my ability to lead ou  beloved Generoso D. Madrigal Sr. Memorial Lodge No. 368, throughout Masonic Year 2011-2012. I assure you in turn, that I will try my utmost to administer the affair of our lodge, effectively  and efficiently, as well as to promote the interest  of Masonry, and work for its enlargement and advancement.

            But definitely, I cannot do it alone. I need not only God’s blessings, and  the influence of Masonry’s pure principles, but also your all out cooperation and unwavering support; for after all, you are my co-workers in giving due meaning and substance to the true principles of Freemansonry. We have to work together in close harmony, in order to accomplish our vision and our mission, and carry out whatever planned activities we desire to undertake, in consonance with the thrust of the GrandLodge’ administrative program lined –up for this year.

            How wise Freemasonry is, in its approach to accomplishing its long term goal , which is to bring about a universal league of mankind, or to establish on earth a veritable Brotherhood of Men under the Fatherhood of God. It best serves society and humanity by first making the individual man better ,. Drawing him into the  circle of great friendship, exalting his faith, refining his ideals and enlarging his symphaties. 

            Freemasonry, for the information of our newly initiated and passed members and to our invited guests, counts as its members National Heroes, Past Presidents and leaders in the various sectors of the society, throughout the world. A mason once asked: Does Masonry make great men or do great men join Masonry? Both propositions could be correct because they are consistent with our principle of making good men better. Sometimes, it takes Masonry to bring out such greatness in man. In this manner, Masonry makes great men. When great men see the great achievements of Masonry, they became curious and eventually are encouraged to join our circle. So, great men also join masonry and hopefully learn lessons which make them even greater man.

            Service to our fellowmen is a natural tendency once we have truly appreciated Freemasonry. What good is it for a Lodge to have a numerous charity projects if peace and harmony does not  prevail among the brethren. If the brethren concentrate on achieving peace and harmony among them, charitable endeavors will be a natural output of such peace and harmony. The reason maybe, that once a man is happy within himself, he tends to share  his happiness.

            Masonry likewise provides an environment where good and true men can come together in unity and fellowship, to pursue meaningful intellectual, moral and spiritual growth and development. It urges everyone to exert effort to attain personal excellence, by means whereof, we can contribute to the progress of our society and even to humanity.

            Like our Masonic forebears, we will proudly stand in the community in which we function as men and as masons, walk uprightly and humbly before God, be merciful and just to other men, keep ourselves away from wrongdoing, and live in the company of one another, in mutual trust and respect. Thus, by so doing, we can convince our community how Freemasons are closely united, as we are linked together,  by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection.  We are, or should be, as in the words of our monitor, “ a sacred band, or society of friends and brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble intention, or rather emulation, of who best can work and best agree’.   

            Lastly, let me end my short message by quoting two significant statements, first, from a preeminent  Brother,in the name of  Count Leo Tolstoy, and I quote, “ Life is a life of service, and in that service one has to  suffer a   great deal that is hard to bear, but more often to experience a great deal of joy. But that joy can be real only if people look upon their lives as a service, and have a definite object in life outside themselves  and  their personal happiness ”. Secondly,  from our Grandmaster in 1969, MW Manuel Crudo, speaking  before  the brethren, and I quote, “ To me, Masonry means, among other things, unselfish and dedicated  service to family, community, country, and humanity, all for the greater glory of the Great Architect of the Universe. Masonry is service without counting the cost, service without expecting any other reward, than that inner  flow  of  achievement  which one feels when one has done his duties to the best of his abilities ”.

            As today’s masons, let us therefore emulate their principles. Let us do our duties as men and masons to the best of our ability, and live more masonically towards a better society.  Thank you very much and a pleasant afternoon to all.