Tribute to a Brave Sower

 You quietly came, unnoticed,

In one of Our Lord's chosen lot;

Embracing His church so cherished,

As you rebuilt and blessed the spot.

I heard your sermon, brave sower,

Resound upon the temple's wall;

Persuasive, ardent like prayer,

And mighty as a father's call.

You mingled with us, all weather,

And tried to sow the words of God;

Then hoped they'll grow without falter,

That we may have Him,flesh and blood.

I saw Jesus' flock you gather,

And lift up human dignity;

Each service you freely render,

For God and mankind's full glory.

Like a torch in distant sight,

Glowing bright in a starless night;

You guide the youth,shedding them light,

To shun the wrong and do the right .

Hatred in your heart, you have none,

You're a good friend to everyone;

Your soft words make troubled minds calm,

Or rescue a lost soul from harm.

You have sown the seeds of salvation,

Planted the heart with conviction;

Braving shadows of corruption, 

To break the shackles of coercion.

Now, your untimely death we mourn,

For you left your treasured parish;

We cling to the faith we cherish,

Sown by a brave preacher we miss.

(A posthumous tribute to the late Rev. Fr. Eleuterio Carton, on his birthday)