Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Pope Benedict XVI lays his hands on Bishop Sergio Pagano, CRSP
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that, as a matter of principle, only those who have to really govern a Diocese should receive this Order; but it does not depend on us if across the centuries the Church started to provide even her officials with the fullness of priesthood. Since then episcopacy has become even an honour, a form of recognition for personal merits, a step of the ecclesiastical career. Maybe it will not be so right and theologically well-founded, but there is nothing to do: we have to adapt to reality. What matters is that this kind of reward should derive from real merits and not just from a bureaucratic mechanism or from an unfair favouritism or, even worse, from a climb to power or from corruption (unfortunately, these things may happen in the Church too). That, in this case, it is not an automatic promotion is proved by the fact that the office held the management of the Pontifical Archivesis not traditionally connected with episcopacy. That it is indeed a sign of recognition for special personal merits can be witnessed by the writer of these lines, who knows well Bishop Pagano since the days of their common novitiate, and knows how serious a scholar he is (he is a self-made man: suffice it to say that he learned Latin on his own, and now he is a member of Latinitas Foundation!), and knows also that he is a really disinterested person and has never done anything to win the favour of his superiors: he is jealous of his freedom and does not mince his words. So this acknowledgement is a great privilege for him and, somehow, for the Order to which he belongs. In particular, I think that it is important for the Barnabites in the Philippines to know that one of their confreres has become a Bishop. Why? Because they live in a country where the Congregation has been present only for eighteen years (it was in 1989 that the Barnabites set foot in here for the first time); and they could be tempted to consider their religious family just as a new foundation, without identity and without history. It is true, we are few here; we cannot boast an illustrious past; we do not have yet impressive pastoral works to show off; but this is not a new Congregation, this is just a new branch of an old tree. We receive our lifeblood from its trunk, which thank God keeps being hale and hearty. And we can be proud of belonging to this family; better, we have
to deserve it. A French saying goes: Noblesse oblige, that is to say: nobility, more than a question of honour, is a responsibility. We belong to a religious Order, which, although small, in the course of time has made quite a name for itself: Popes and Bishops (starting from St. Charles Borromeo) on several occasions looked to the Barnabites for responsible positions, maybe because they esteemed them for their talent, preparation and seriousness. Unfortunately, during the past two centuries they came under suspicion of being unreliable, because of their liking for new philosophical and theological trends: first Rosminianism (see below) and then Modernism (just to mention a name: Padre Semeria). Censures and sentences (apparently, Pope Pius X wanted to suppress the Order) in the long run weakened the strength of the Barnabites, who, at a certain point, preferred to abandon their philosophical and theological studies in favour of a larger involvement in pastoral work: this has brought about a remarkable cultural impoverishment of the Congregation, but has also meant for it a considerable opening to new environments and activities. Now, maybe, something is changing; the attitude of the Church towards us seems to become more positive: people are probably realizing that the fidelity of the Barnabites to the Church has always been beyond question; if they took a liking for new ideas, it was just for the sake of the Church, because they saw that she needed a profound renewal, if she wanted to keep up with the times. The day would have come when the very summit of the Church would have realized the necessity for her to re-establish a dialogue with the world: and there was the Second Vatican Council. The Barnabites had already felt the same need a century in advance. Perhaps they made some mistakes; but no new attempt is ever devoid of dangers: I do not know if the Church herself did not run risks during and after the Council. It is just a toll you have to pay, if you want an authentic renewal. I would like Filipino Barnabites to feel the big responsibility they take on in signing themselves with those initials CRSP: they are heirs of a great tradition; they have to be worthy of it; they have to continue it andwhy not?enrich it with even more magnificent pages.
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August 26, 2007
DIACONAL ORDINATION
by Jonathan G. Ramoso, CRSP
OntheafternoonofAugust26,2007around 3:30, two of our fellow confreresRev. Ferdi nand M. Dagcuta, CRSP from Balingasag, Misamis Oriental and Rev. Roan Cipriano M. Aborque,CRSPfromCarigara,Leytewereor dained deacons by the hands of the Most Rev. Luis Antonio G. Tagle, D.D. Bishop of Imus, Cavite. With them, Bro. Arvin M. Dagalea, CRSPfromZamboangaCityreceivedtheminis try of acolyte. The celebration was held in the Sacred Heart Chapel at St. Paul Scholasticate, Tagaytay City. It was concelebrated by the Barnabite priests assigned in the Philippines, with the special presence of Fr. Francesco Cic cimarra, CRSP Assistant General. Among the concelebrants was even Fr. Manny Regala, old friendofthedeacons.TheBarnabiteScholastics served the mass and the Barnabite Collegians fromMarikinaaccompaniedtheritewiththeir songs. The Bishop was assisted by deacon Gianluca Belotti, PIME a classmatefriend of the ordinandi. Bishop Antonio Tagle in his in spiringhomilystronglyremindedthetwocan didatesthatdiaconateisnotaprivilege,northe belonging to a special group or organization, but a mission to other people. To be a deacon
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Deacon
means service (diakonia), a service rooted in faith and in the obedience to the Father. The Bishop further added that the deacons should be a livingexample and reminderin the midst of the community: even their mere shadows should remind the community of the value of service. TheEucharisticcelebrationwasfollowedby asimplesalosalo,atraditionalFilipinorecep tion,asawayofthankingGodforhisblessings and a way also of thanking all who supported thenewlyordaineddeaconsintheirlongjour ney of formation. The neighboring religious communities,familiesandespeciallypoorpeo ple and children took part in the reception. ThoughtheparentsofRev.FerdinandandRev. Roan did not attend the ordination, the pres ence of other relatives and friends gladdened theheartsandfacesofthenewdeacons.From Marikina the Angelics, our novices and semi narianscamealongwiththeaffiliates. Thecelebrationendedintheeveningandthe peoplewhoattendedlefttheplacewithasmile ontheirfaces.Thenewlyordaineddeaconstook theopportunityofthankingtheLordandthose whowitnessedtheevent,whichisbothchalleng ingandablessingforthem.Congratulations,my fellowconfreres,andbealwaysmotivatedinthe performanceofyournewministry.
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This is the only way wherein I can walk side by sidewithChristandIamsurethatIwillnotbe lost,forHeistheretoguideme. BeingadeaconisagiftfromGod,agiftthat isnotformyself,butfortheserviceofthegospel. Thus I am just an instrument of God to make Hismessageoflovetoallmankindknown.Iam sent to tell people how much God loves them, thus bringing hope to a world where hopeless ness and utter meaninglessness are so spread. HopeiswhatIshouldbringandthisiswhatpeo pleneedtoknowandliveintheirlives.Yes,Iam called to do this service and it is here that the challengelays,achallengethatIhavetoface,for itisherethatthemeaningofmycallingcanbe realized. ButwhatmustIdoinordertoreallyliveout this life? Christ himself has shown me the way, invitingmetolookathisownlife.Therearetwo qualities that I need in order to follow Christ: dedication and conviction. Everything He did wasdonewithselfdedication,thusdedicationis neededverymuchwhenoneserves.ToserveGod requires total dedication of oneself; I must give everything to Him and that includes my whole life. Selfdedication makes me focus on what I havetodoinorderformetofulfillwhatGodde siresofme.Selfdedicationshowsmyunitywith GodandadaptsmyactionstoHiswillandnotto myowndesires.Itgivesmestrengthtocontinue myserviceinthemidstofstrugglesanddifficul ties.Itisawayofshowinganundividedheartin respondingtoGodscalling. Likewise, inner conviction is also important in order to serve God. Inner conviction is the trust that the one who called me to serve Him will never leave me alone, and that He always poursoutHisgiftsinorderformetofulfillwhat Hewantsmetodo.ChristshowsHisconviction as He follows the will of His Father. He knows that what He does is the right thing to do, and thus worthy of being done. I too as a deacon shouldhavethisinnerconviction,thatinfollow ing the will of God I could never be wrong, for Gods will always leads me to the right way.
TrustingthatGodistheonewhostartedwhatI amcalledtodogivesmecouragetogoonwith outdoubtingthatwhatIamdoingwillreachits fulfillment. It is trusting God that makes all thingspossible. Indeed, serving God is a great challenge but this challenge is nothing compared to thegrace given by God to those who follow in His foot steps and respond to His calling. All we need is toserve,todedicateourlivestothisserviceand tobeconvincedthatGodwillalwaysbethereto helpandguidethosewhorespondedfaithfullyto Hiscalling.Thus,thetwofirstlettersoftheword deacon mean DEdication of oneself and the lastthreelettersmeansCONvictionthatcomes fromonesinnerself;thisistoremindmethatI must serve always with DEdication And CON viction because that is where my ministry as a deaconwillfinditsmeaningandfulfillment.
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InterviewwithFr.AntolinUy,SVD
byRoanCiprianoJ.Aborque,CRSP
HowdidtheDivineWordSeminaryinTagaytay start? Fr.Antolin:TheDivineWordSeminaryinTa gaytaystartedtogetherwiththeNovitiatehousein 1963.Thefollowingyear,1964,theSchoolofThe ologywasestablishedwithintheSeminary.There was even a time when Philosophical Studies from Christ the King Seminary in Quezon City were transferred to Tagaytay; but later they returned permanently to Quezon City. The Divine Word Seminary was at the beginning intended for SVD seminarians.ThenatimecamewhentheSeminary invited other Religious Institutes to perform their theological studies at the Divine Word School of Theology. WhatisthemainorientationofDWS? Fr. Antolin: The Seminary was called Mission Seminary, or better Divine Word Mission Semi nary. From the outset, the orientation of the Di vine Word Seminary has always been mission. This is I think the reason why even the Mission SocietyofthePhilippines(MSP)andthePontifical Institute for Foreign Mission (PIME) established theirseminariesinTagaytay.Wealsohaveagreat library.Itcontainsbooksandreferencesusefulnot only for Biblical Studies but above all for Missi ologicalStudies. How is the Divine Word Seminary at present, andwhatareitsprospectsforthefuture? Fr.Antolin:AtpresentIwouldsaythatweare blessed.SVDseminariansmayhavediminishedin numbers, but still a lot of seminariansSVD and fromotherhousesofformationcometoperform their studies at the Divine Word School of Theol ogy. I still believe that the Divine Word Seminary andtheSchoolofTheologyhavealwaysbeenand will always be a Mission Seminary and a Mission School. How come some of the SVD seminarians disap pearaftersomeyearofstudiesandnonFilipinostu dentsattendDWST? Fr.Antolin:TheDWShasbeenintegratedinto theOverseasTrainingProgram(OTP)oftheSoci ety of the Divine Word (SVD), whereby seminari ansafterthe2ndyearofTheologyaresentabroad foramissionexposure.Theexposurelastsfortwo years. Then seminarians are given two options: either to remain in foreign missions and study there or return and continue their studies here. ThisexperienceisalsocalledRegencyYear.Itis anintegralformation.Seminariansaresenttofor eignmissionsnottotesttheirvocation,buttoex perience missionary work. There is then the idea ofanexchangeofstudents:SVDseminariansfrom the Philippines are invited to continue their stud ies in foreign countries and in turn foreign semi nariansareinvitedtocomeandspendtheirtheo logicalstudieshereinthePhilippines. Attheend,theinterviewerwishedtoknowmore about Fr. Antolin, but he humbly declined. And so theinterviewended.
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teract with the students inside the classroom or sometimes when they come to my office and tell me their problems, and when I am able to solve themthat is for me a blissful moment. What about your frustrating experiences in school or in the seminary, Father? Fr. Mike: Well, my first year was rather difficult, because I was still adjusting; so, more or less, that was the most frustrating experience, because some professors left and then there was the death of the registrar, who was in charge of the office, plus the death of a very good professorFr. Ceresko. But that was not really so frustrating. I cannot think of a real frustrating experience, because there have always been difficulties from the beginning; so, more or less, rather than a frustrating experience, perhaps it could be considered a challenging one. Being an administrator for two years, have you experienced any problems with your staff or with the seminarians? Fr. Mike: Well, during these two years there were difficulties, like for instance the lack of office personnel, people who can really help in running the school. In fact, during my first year I had only one registrar, who was directly under me. Regarding the seminarians, so far, I didnt encounter any serious problem with them, but the only difficulty would be their admission requirements, because it seems that they had problems in the past not yet resolved. So how did you settle and patch up those problems? Fr. Mike: Regarding the personnel, I requested the council if they could hire new personnel to work here; and then, as for the students who had problems with their requirements, what I did is to systematize the whole record department; so we have now an organized filing system. Moreover, an evaluation is done annually. Every student is given a chance to see me individually. So, with that, I talk to them and they disclose to me their difficulties and I also try to monitor not just their scholastic performance, but also some of the things that they need to fulfill in the school. What about your triumphant experience, Father? Fr. Mike: Whenever I get through a difficult situation and whenever I am able to help a seminarian in resolving his difficultiesthat would be for me a triumphant experience as a dean.
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What was your most cherished moment here in the seminary? Fr. Mike: I have many cherished moments, just like when I am able to accomplish the things I had in my agenda. What I do every year is to set my agenda, that is the things I should accomplish, like the programs or the objectives for the whole year. I try to plan them out. After the year is over, I can see that part or most of the agenda is accomplished. That is for me my cherished experience; and of course another cherished experience is the interaction in the classroom. Besides the work, for me the most cherished moment is to be with the student. How would you assess your leadership, Father? Democratic, parliamentary, or lenient? Fr. Mike: I would say that, teaching in the school, one cannot just be lenient, when there are things, policies, guidelines to be implemented, specially regarding requirements; because this school is not only aiming for the students to fulfill their four-year ecclesiastical course, but we give more emphasis on the discipline and the formation of the students especially with regard to their studies. I dont want then to call myself as a leader, but I rather feel a companion journeying with the students. Im just here to facilitate their studies; but of course there are policies, rules and guidelines that have to be implemented. Can you please give me your five top performances that the whole community can be proud of? Fr. Mike: Uh well administratively, I have done many things. First, the systematization of
the records; second, the revision of the curricula and the different programs; third, the revised student handbook, which I have been able to accomplish; fourth, we have now a new clinic, classrooms, faculty rooms, dental clinic, classrooms are newly renovated and the development of the office; fifth, the sound system in each classroom. What is your philosophy of life, Father, that has brought you to the position you have now? Fr. Mike: My philosophy of life is to be always positive in all my undertakings, even if there are difficulties along the way; but Im still hoping that something good may come out of them. As an outgoing dean, do you have any reminder to leave to us? Or any parting words you can share? Anyone to thank? Fr. Mike: Well, I would like to thank my confreres, who have been very supportive to me; the professors, who come to me when I need them; Bishop Tagle, who is very helpful; our Rector, who is ever supportive in all my programs; the different rectors, who regularly attend the meetingsI thank them for their recommendations, comments and suggestions. Most of all, I would like to thank the students for their cooperation, because I have not encountered any serious problem with them. They are very open to me and do not hesitate to come to my office if they have problems in their academics. Lastly, as an outgoing dean, I would say that the students have a great potential. This potential should be maximized to the fullest and we professors should bring out the best for their formation.
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The Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Infant Jesus
IT IS CHRISTMAS
by Marlon B. Ramirez, CRSP After talking for an hour with Sr. Mercy Perlas, FMIJ (= Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Infant Jesus), whom I interviewed about their Congregation, I came to the decision to entitle this article It Is Christmas. There are two passages in the Gospel that could remind them of this. The first one is the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem (Lk 2:4-7), which we celebrate on December 25. Of course, when we move into a scientific investigation, that date could be questionable. But I dont want to argue about it; what I want to emphasize is that Jesus was born on Christmas day. And the FMIJ too were born on Christmas day. The second gospel passage is when the disciples asked Jesus: Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? He called a child over, and said, Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me (Mt 18:1-5). Jesus teaches his disciples that to be great in heaven there is need of being humble. Humility is the qualification of the FMIJ in being disciples of Christ. The foundress of the FMIJ is Barbara Micarelli, also known with her religious name Sr. Mary Joseph of the Infant Jesus. She was the sixth of the seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Micarelli. She was born on December 3, 1845 in Sulmona, in the province of Aquila, Italy. At the age of 20 she got a serious illness, which brought her to the threshold of death. The physicians were unable to diagnose the nature of her illness, and declared they could do nothing. The doctors invited the family to accept the young ladys death. Thus, Barbaras parents, with deep sorrow and sadness, entrusted Barbara to St. Joseph, praying and begging him to wrench a miracle from the Lord. With great amazement, she woke up and asked food to eat. It was incredible that, through the miraculous intercession
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of St. Joseph, she had been healed. Indeed, she had been truly cured and given back to her loving family. That experience was a beginning of her craving to serve God in her whole life. She already was a Franciscan Tertiary, but after her miraculous healing she decided to dedicate herself to the Lord and to the poor. Along with her sister Carmela she left her home and went to live in a small apartment, where she started an apostolic activity in favor of the neighborhood. Soon Catherine Vicentini joined them, so that a kind of religious community was born. Subsequently they transferred to larger quarters and started accepting candidates. She received the religious habit from the hands of Fr. Bernardine of Portoguaro, Minister General of the Friars Minor, on December 25, 1879 in Rome. That date is usually considered as the birthday of the Congregation of the FMIJ. Mother Barbara devoted herself to the care of the poor, orphans, and the abandoned. Specifically, the charism of the CongregationServing Jesus in the neighbor and the neighbor in Jesusfound expression in apostolic activities such as: catechism, educational instruction to the children, home economic in-service training of the young girls who had come to live with the fraternity and home assistance to the sick, carrying out the commandment of charity in its two-fold dimension of love of God and love of neighbor, which is the whole essence of the Decalogue. On April 1909 the life of Mother Barbara ended with a meaningful death in the city of Assisi. After Mother Barbaras death the new Congregation spread throughout the world. 1927 is the starting point of missionary activities with the preparation of personnel to send on mission. In fact, in 1928 the mission reached Peru, in 1929 Libya, in 1961 USA, in 1962 Bolivia, in 1964 Colombia and Argentina, in 1980 the Philippines, in 1992 Albania, in 1997 Paraguay and in 2000 Cameron. The presence of the FMIJ in the Philippines is a gift to the Filipino. Their communities are distributed in eight Dioceses, namely: Diocese of Cubao, 3 communities; Archdiocese of Lipa 2; Diocese of Gumaca 2; Diocese of Imus 2; Diocese of Paraaque 1; Diocese of San Carlos 1; Diocese of
Antipolo 1; Diocese of San Pablo 1. So, all in all, 13 independent communities all over the Philippines. In our country the FMIJ have at present 50 final professed sisters, 12 temporary, 2 novices, 3 postulants, and 4 aspirants. Their first missionaries in the Philippines were Sr. Chiara Flora Idili, Sr. Maria Cornelia (the mother superior), Sr. Pia Alessandra and Sr. Franca Lilia Nichetti. On January 20, 1980 they arrived at Sto. Tomas, Batangas through the invitation of Fr. Adolfo Faroni, SDB who introduced the Congregation to Archbishop Ricardo Vidal in Lipa. Their first assignment was the administration of St. Thomas Academy Diocesan School. If you want be part of their blessings, they have a retreat houseBethlehem House of Prayerlocated at 201 Maitim II East, Tagaytay City. This house offers a place of solitude that will restore the strength of those who are called to work in the vineyard of the Lord. Come and enjoy the beauty of silence at Bethlehem; you may go home with a renewed self. It is administered by Sr. Mercy Perlas, FMIJ with Sr. Albarosa Marfisi, FMIJ as local superior.
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On the Centenary of His Death
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Gods love within and he lived by the love of God alone. No doubt then people would call him the holy man of Mouscron (the Belgian town where he spent the last years of his life). Not only people outside acknowledged Fr. Schillings righteousness, but also his confreres and superiors in the community. When he was in the novitiate, his superior spoke of him, Schilling is a very saintly novice and will certainly become a priest, and an Angel, a very angel. O is Obedience. Fr. Schilling was very obedient to his superiors. His desire after the ordination to the priesthood was to go back to his own country and work with Fr. Stub, who had been his spiritual director in his journey to Catholicism. He would like to work with his own people in Norway to save their souls and to show to them, especially to his family, how joyful he was as a Catholic and even more as a priest. However, his desire remained just a desire. His
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superiors never sent him home to help Fr. Stub. On March 29, 1880, a law was issued by the French government which banished all religious Orders and Congregations from the country. He thought it was an opportunity for his superiors to send him home. However, it was another wrong prediction, for his superiors sent him to Monza, Italy where he was appointed as vice-master of the novices. Fr. Schilling, out of obedience to his superiors decision, went to Monza and carried out the assignment wholeheartedly. He never complained nor refused, for he knew it was God who spoke through his superiors. In fact his humble expression was, Gods will be done. This is the reason why his confreres would often speak of him, Fr. Schilling is a very saintly priest. He never tires, he is modest and humble, his obedience is most edifying. From Monza he was sent to Mouscron, Belgium in 1887. He ended his life there. He died on January 3, 1907. Till the end of his life he was never allowed to go back to his country. Nevertheless, Fr. Schilling remained enthusiastic in what he did in his assignment area. He loved and cared for the people and guided them in their spiritual journey. B stands for Brilliant. Fr. Schilling was also a brilliant man. Before he converted to Catholicism he was a great and known painter in Norway. In fact he was on the way to be known worldwide as an artist. He had painted a beautiful landscaping between 1862 and 1865. He owned a studio where he displayed all his masterpieces. One day he invited Fr. Tondini (a Barnabite) to the studio wishing to show him his yearly official art exhibition. However, he did not realize that the invitation would become his turning point of life. Instead of appreciating his art work, Fr. Tondini criticized him sharply saying, This is not your vocation. What a distressful day for Schilling! But like Mary, he kept it in his heart until later on he realized that Fr. Tondini was right. Schilling was not meant to paint the beauties of nature, but to paint the lifeless and weary souls so that they might become beautiful and worthy in Gods sight. B is for Boldness. His boldness was more on his determination to follow what the voice inside whispered to him. Fr. Tondinis sharp criticism encouraged him to seek and to listen attentively to the voice within him. Indeed, God was calling the young Schilling to be his servant. Gods presence was manifested in the people around him. First of all, through his friend William Eitel who, instead of explaining to Schilling the Catholic faith, invited him to attend the Mass in the mornings so it could be easier for him to explain things. It was when William explained the
beauty of the sacrament of Reconciliation that Schilling more and more desired to become a Catholic. Other people who helped him were Sr. Emily and Fr. Paul Stub, who directed him in his spiritual journey towards faith. Moreover, Schilling himself was determined if not radical in his decision to become a Catholic, despite of seemingly lack of support from his family and friends. He knew what he was doing and was happy in everything he did. He was touched and called by God to be his instrument for the salvation of many souls. His boldness and radicalism to leave behind his job, family and country made him worthy and effective instrument of God. S stands for Simplicity. Despite of everything, Fr. Schilling remained humble and meek. He had nothing to boast for except the burning fire of Gods love within him. He never considered himself better or even holier than others. Instead, he showed kindness and humility to all he met and to those whom he mingled with. When he met another priest in the corridor or along the street, he would kneel down and ask for his blessing. He listened and conversed with the people he met along the road. He patiently guided and helped them in their difficulties and problems. He was totally available for everyone who sought for his help. He did everything in the name of Jesus Christ. As his confreres would say, Fr. Schilling is a pattern in all that he does, in love of Our Lord, in childlike devotion to the Mother of God, in trust in saints, in tenderness for souls, both the living and the dead. In other words, he offered all he did and said for the greater glory of God. Before he died he uttered these words, My Jesus, make me love Thee more and more. With those words he concluded the chapter of his life here on earth. Today, Fr. Schilling serves as an example and a model for all young Barnabites in their spiritual journey towards perfection. The Barnabites, seminarians and priests, are trying to develop this HOBBS of Fr. Schilling within themselves. He is a model priest, he shows us how we can attain a personal and deep relationship with Jesus Christ the High Priest. With this, we hope and pray that through the intercession of Venerable Schilling all the Barnabites throughout the world may remain faithful to their vocation and be worthy and accountable servants of God. And finally, may God in his mercy and goodness continue to grant us the grace so we can be steadfast in faith and be courageous in proclaiming His message of salvation to all mankind. The Barnabites continue to pray that someday, in Gods own time, Venerable Schilling will be canonized as a Saint.
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Fr. uvalov that only in your Church, O Lord, it is possible to achieve perfection. You alone are Holy in you alone I can achieve sanctity. Two years after professing his Catholic faith, Count uvalov made another difficult decision in his life: he entered religious life choosing the Barnabites as his new family. As a novice, he undertook to say a prayer every day for the conversion of Russia. On the day of his ordination this desire was present in his heart and upon elevating the chalice he offered a prayer of petition to the Lord: My God, make me worthy to offer my life and my blood to Your blood for the glorification of the Blessed Virgin Mary in
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the conversion of Russia. After his ordination Fr. uvalov lived only few years: he died in Paris in 1859. On his tomb was written an epitaph that reads: Russia shall be converted to Catholicism. This was the only desire of Fr. uvalov after his conversion, to witness the power of God and see his native land to come back to the Catholic Church. Cesare Tondini was a companion of uvalov as a novice in Monza. In a sense, he influenced the decision of uvalov to enter the Barnabite Order. Fr. Augustin testified: In one of the holy masses, it so happened that I was seated beside a very young man, 17 years old, who was planning to enter the Congregation of the Barnabites. At that very instant, after receiving the Body of our Lord, this thought came into my mind: this only son left every thing, his family, his wealth and his future instead I, at 57, have no courage to do so During their novitiate they became good friends so that uvalov could pass on his passion for the conversion of his country to his young companion. Subsequently, Fr. Tondini promised on the tomb of Fr. uvalov to continue his work. In order to accomplish his promise, he founded an
association or prayer, approved by Pope Pius IX in 1862. It was not the only achievement of Fr. Tondini: in Russia, in a convent with 200 nuns, he introduced a weekly mass with the litany in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary for the conversion of Russia and the unity of the Church. In order to intensify his work, Fr. Tondini formulated a program to follow for the promotion of Christian unity in Russia: besides praying, to eliminate any kind of obstacles by distinguishing well in the Church the divine element and the human one; to declare exactly some truths rejected by the Orthodox Church, and to use charity. He implemented this program especially through his frequent travels. He went to different countries in every part of Europe. Wherever he went, his desire remained the conversion of Russia.
daily recited by Frs. uvalov and Tondini O Mary, Immaculate Virgin, we Thy servants and children of the Holy Roman Catholic Church, full of confidence in Thy powerful patronage, humbly beseech Thee to implore of the Divine Spirit, in honour and glory of His eternal procession from the Father and the Son, the abundance of His gifts in favour of our astray brethren, the Greeks schismatic; that, illumined by His life-giving grace, they may return to the bosom of the Catholic Church, under the infallible guidance of her first Shepherd and Master, the Supreme Roman Pontiff; and so, sincerely reunited with us by the indissoluble bonds of the same faith and of the same charity, they may glorify along with us, by practising good works, the Most August Trinity, and honour at the same time Thee, O Virgin Mother of God, full of grace, now and for ever. Amen.
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the Congregation of Sisters of Providence; while in 1838 the Institute of Charity was approved by Gregory XVI. In the following year, after the publication of Treatise of Moral Conscience, a controversy was aroused by the Jesuits. To stop the dispute, in 1843 the Pope imposed silence on both parties. In 1848 the Piedmontese Government sent Rosmini to Rome as plenipotentiary to Pius IX. The Pope welcomed him kindly and announced to him the cardinals scarlet; but, before the consistory, he was forced by the Roman revolution to flee to Gaeta, asking Rosmini to accompany him. In bad odour with the papal entourage and the Bourbon government, he left Gaeta for Stresa, Piedmont. In 1849 two little works of his The Five Wounds of the Holy Church and The Civil Constitution according to Social Justicewere put on the Index. Because of the ever increasing charges, the Pope ordered a thorough examination of all Rosminis works. The decision was rendered in 1854: all the works were to be dismissed (dimittantur), because they did not contain anything worthy of censure. So Rosmini was able to die serenely on July 1, 1855 at Stresa. But attacks continued even after his death: in 1887 the Holy Office issued the decree Post Obitum, whereby forty Rosminian propositions, mostly taken from some posthumous works, were condemned inasmuch as they did not appear to be in harmony with Catholic truth. What have the Barnabites to do with Rosmini? There are various connections between them. First and foremost, Rosmini studying philosophy ran into some Barnabite authors, among whom the great philosopher Card. Hyacinthe-Sigismond Gerdil (1718-1802). Secondly, Rosmini had numerous personal contacts with the Barnabites: in 1826, during his first stay in Milan, he frequented the church of SantAlessandro and chose a Barnabite as confessor. In 1836 he was a guest of the Barnabites at Turin for two months. In 1848 he was lodged at SantAlessandro, Milan for three weeks. Even the correspondence between Rosmini and the Barnabites was frequent: we keep thirteen letters written to seven Barnabites.
Fr. A. M. Villoresi Several Barnabites can be considered Rosminians, as admirers of the Philosopher and supporters of his doctrines. The most important is Father Aloysius Maria Villoresi (1814-1883), who in 1841 was a guest of Rosmini at Rovereto for a month and then kept in touch with him by letter. He founded at Monza, Milan a seminary for poor young men, where he also taught philosophy according to the Rosminian system. For this he became the victim of several attacks to the extent of being forced to retire from teaching. Father Alexander Piantoni (1811-1892) also corresponded with Rosmini and met him in Milan, during one of his stays. He rushed to his bedside at Stresa at the end of June, 1855: on June 30 he asked him for a remembrance; and the dying Philosopher
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answered: There is need of only one thing: may God be ever present to us. Rosmini died on the following night; so we can consider those words as his precious legacy to the Barnabites. Father Michelangelo Manzi (1809-1898) also met Rosmini three times and considered himself a close friend of his. He taught at Lodi and Milan. In 1890 he was accused of maintaining erroneous and scandalous propositions about the Rosminian doctrines condemned by the Holy See. Father Caesar Tondini de Quarenghi (18391907) never met Rosmini: when this one died, he was just 16; but at that time he was a student at the Barnabite College in Milan, where Father Piantoni was Rector. He became one of the most convinced supporters of the Rosminian philosophy. He once wrote: Rosminis philosophical writings are for the Church a treasure not inferior to the writings of St. Thomas. Other Barnabites, though non-Rosminian, had to do with Rosmini. For instance, Father Charles Vercellone (1814-1869), a great biblical scholar, visited Rosmini at Stresa in 1851 and, as a consultor of the Congregation of the Index, had to examine a booklet published against him. When, in 1880, the encyclical Aeterni Patris, whereby Leo XIII promoted the restoration of Thomism in the ecclesiastical studies, was published, the Order immediately declared its public and full support; nonetheless, the Pope ordered the transfer of the philosophical scholasticate from Milan to Rome, where the Barnabite students would have attended classes of Thomistic philosophy (among the first students there was the future Father Giovanni Semeria). After the publication of the decree Post Obitum, the Barnabites were denounced as supporters of Rosminianism. For this, in 1889 the Holy See suspended the celebration of the General Chapter and appointed by authority the new superiors of the Order (the previous ones were considered too feeble). Moreover, some Barnabites under suspicion of being Rosminians were removed from their positions. How come this spontaneous reciprocal attraction between Rosmini and the Barnabites? Maybe because both of them had in view the same purpose: the restoration of philosophy. Rosmini had
received this mission from the Popes; thus he interpreted it: If philosophy is to be restored to love and respect, I think it will be necessary, in part, to return to the teachings of the ancients, and in part to give those teachings the benefit of modern methods. For their part, the Barnabites felt themselves heirs of Card. Gerdil, who had been a leading exponent of Christian philosophy in 18th century. As soon as they knew Rosmini, recognized in him the man chosen by Providence to renew philosophy and became his enthusiastic followers. For this choice they incurred, as we have seen, misunderstanding, suspicion and open attacks. This prolonged hostility, along with the subsequent sentences brought about by charges of Modernism, eventually forced the Barnabites to abandon their loved philosophical and theological studies. Now the Church has taken her first step: she has acknowledged Rosminis holiness. The Barnabites have always been convinced of that (witnesses on this subject are countless) and cannot but rejoice. But they hope that sooner or later the Church may acknowledge also his intellectual greatness. Even though the attitude toward Rosmini these past years has changed, certain mistrust persists (suffice it to read what John Paul II wrote in his encyclical Fides et Ratio). But the Barnabites fervently hope that the prophecy of their confrere Father Tondini may be soon fulfilled: God himself will see to reveal what ends he pursued, by supplying in good time the Church with so wonderful a philosophical catholic encyclopaedia, such as Rosminis writings.
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Zaccarian Spirituality
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by Jecker R. Luego, CRSP
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Tahanang Mapag-aruga ni Padre Semeria
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Seminary garden every month. They also help in the kitchen when we need assistance during feasts, ordinations and professions. These parents and their children live a very simple life; so they find pleasant to weed and clean our surroundings. Sometimes they receive simple gifts from generous people through the Tahanan; this however is not the cause of their active participation. Their help is the fruit of their sense of community, as they mingle with other members of the Tahanan. Last June 12, 2007, the Philippines celebrated Independence Day. The Tahanan made a small celebration in order to instill a sense of sound nationalism in the mind of the youngsters. The National flag was carried over by the parents and we made a small parade along the street of Purok 163, San Jose, Tagaytay City. The children participated with enthusiasm and excitement. August was the Buwan ng Wikang Filipino (Month of Filipino Language); unfortunately, because of the different schedules and the weather, we were not able to hold our celebration on that month. We made it at the first of September. The celebration was participated by all scholars, their parents, and their siblings. The program was highlighted with different folk dances, folk songs, and declamation numbers. Indigenous games followed, and we culminated with a simple snack shared in a joyful and festive spirit. In the following months we still have many other celebrations to do such as: the English Month, Christmas Party, Foundation Day, and the Recognition Day. Our program in the Tahanan is extended to the parents; therefore we held a cooking activity last September 28, 2007 in order to teach mothers how to cook some delicacies from the different regions of the Philippines. Another activity is art making. We have started to fossilize leaves to be used for our Christmas Cards. Hopefully, these activities will enhance the childrens talents and capabilities. Seeing all the members of the Tahanan makes me realize how beautiful life is. These simple people who generously share their smiles to us make me think that truly in this life wealth is not
the reason of happiness, because, despite of their poverty, they know how to be grateful and how to be happy. I see in them true faith in God. When they experience sadness and troubles, they manifest their faith by clinging unto God. Many of them shed their tears in front of me, but I can see in them, as tears flow from their eyes, a glittering hope inside their hearts. Serving this kind of people is truly a gift, for it is not only them who gain from the meager amount of help we extended to them, but above all we learn countless lessons in life from them. They are our brothers and sisters, not beneficiaries of Tahanan. Thanks be to God for this wonderful experience and His continuous blessing to make the Tahanan apostolate possible. We are also grateful to the people who in one way or another are continually supporting the Tahanan apostolate. To all of you we are so thankful and we pray that you may receive many blessings that you may also continue to support us. Let us make things happen, like the one we have in Tahanan. It will be possible if you will support us financially or in kind. To all those who want to share something with our poor brothers and sisters, we will be happy to accept your donations. Please address to the Superior of the Barnabite Community in Tagaytay, whatever transaction you want to make with regard to this matter. Thank you and God bless. Mabuhay!
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The Poets Corner
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I am at a crossroads I dont know where to go I dont know what to do I dont know how to walk I dont know when to resume my journey I am at a crossroads I am standing there alone I am looking into space I am feeling so lost I am feeling so perplexed I am at a crossroads In the obscurity of a long night In the solitude of the sky In the broken voices of wild animals In the rhythm of the winds wave Is my life at a crossroads I went astray I lost my way I feel Im loosing everything I am so distraught
I call you, Lord, come In helping me with my distress In beaming at me in my darkness In walking with me in my loneliness In showing me the way I should walk I call you, Lord, come In raising me from my falls In filling me with confidence In guarding me from the wrong track In keeping me alive I call you, Lord, come In healing me of my wounds In supporting me in my uncertainties In knowing me as I am In binding me to yourself I am at a crossroads I lost my way I call you, Lord, come In showing me the way In saving me from disarray
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cited to experience a new world, nevertheless I am afraid too. I dont have any idea how to mingle with other people, who live in the first world. Besides, I have to get used not only to the customs and culture of Italians, but also to those of my confreres coming from other parts of the world: Brazilians, Chileans, Africans... Im anguished how to deal with these people. Nonetheless, I know and ever trust that the almighty and loving God will never forsake us. I know that, in spite of our differences, we can still be united. Our differences complete the portrayal of Gods being. Im very optimistic that it will be a lovely experience. An experience of different cultures merged into one. It will be a new learning not only about the spirituality, history and tradition of our Order, but also on how the spirit of the Congregation takes root in different cultures. Yes, we have different cultures and customs but we have the same spirit, the spirit of our founder St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria and of the one who inspired him, St. Paul.
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DWSTSA Days
Last August 24-25, 2007 the student body of the Divine Word School of Theology held the sports league for all the students to flaunt their talents in different sports activities and to give a sort of lull after the tedious days of the Midterm exams. This sports activity was initiated by a parade around the campus with the glittering uniforms of each year level and with the loud cheer of each group just to show their readiness and excitement for that particular event. The parade was followed by the opening speech of our beloved dean of studies, Fr. Mike Layugan, SVD, the burning of torch and then the thundering cheering contest among the different groups. After the cheering contest, every group was very busy preparing for their respective games both indoor and outdoor. After the games, all were invited and gathered together for the lunch just to mark a sign of togetherness. On the second day of the event, all games were intended for the championship showdown in different games. The students were so occupied between the toughest battle of T1 and T2 in basketball and volleyball game. In fact, the supporters of every group were totally on the verge of quarreling because of the close fight in both games. You could hear the shouts, danc-
ing, heckling and the annoying sound of drums. Students in both teams overcrowded the court to support their team. Unluckily, the T2s were ripped by the T1s in both events. The exhilarating championship games were followed by the awarding ceremony and by a lunch for everybody, to signify the unity of all teams. The overall champion was T2, followed by T1 for the first runner-up, T3 for the second runner-up and, the last but not the least, our beloved T4 got the third runner-up. Lastly, the two days sports tournament was concluded by an inspiring speech of the president of the Divine Word School of Theology Student Association, Brother Dennis Nacorda, MSP. His speech dwelt on camaraderie, sportsmanship, togetherness and on the necessity of putting ones own abilities and talents at the service of others (Jay L. Patulin, CRSP).
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Fr. Cagnetta arrived at St. Paul Scholasticate on September 4, 2007. He stayed with us just few days. He also went to St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria Seminary in Marikina for a meeting with the Superiors and Treasurers of the Delegation. He went back to Rome on September 10. Thank you Fathers for visiting us. We are so glad and happy for your visits. Moreover, you are not like visitors to whom it is usually said, Thank you and come again! You are like the two disciples who went with Jesus to Emmaus. Here, we welcome you and say, Come and stay with us. You are always welcome. May God bless you and your service (Yohanes Besi Koten, CRSP).
7 pm the recitation of the Rosary, followed by the celebration of the Mass and the procession with the statue of the Blessed Virgin. At about 6 pm a spontaneous procession of faithful coming from the barangay chapel of San Jose already arrived at the Scholasticate. When we started Rosary, the Sagrado Corazon chapel was not able to contain so many people, mostly poor and children (the favorites of the Lord!). Between the mysteries Marian songs, performed by the scholastics, were inserted. The Mass was presided by the Superior, Fr. Giovanni Scalese, and concelebrated by the other priests of the community, Fr. Cirilo Coniendo and Fr. Jecker Luego. At the end of the Mass, a procession auf flambeaux (= with torches) wound through the paths of our compound to bring back the statue of Our Lady of Fatima to her shrine, while singing In Fatimas Cove (Fatimas Ave Maria). The Marian celebration ended with the renewal of the act of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Our chapel is no more sufficient for this kind of celebrations. Let us hope next year we will have a greater place to welcome the faithful. May the Blessed Virgin quicken the realization of the Philippine Santuario de Fatima. Meanwhile we continue reciting every Sunday afternoon the Rosary, for this intention and for all the intentions of our friends and benefactors.
Fatima celebrations
On October 13, 2007 the celebrations in honor of Our Lady of Fatima in the 90th anniversary of the apparitions ended. For six months, from May to October, every 13th of the month, we recited the Rosary with the faithful. There was always a good attendance. After the Rosary the apparition of that month was narrated. Surprising was the massive participation on Saturday, October 13. It had been scheduled at
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Saint Paul Scholasticate
Purok 163, San Jose Tagaytay City, Cavite, the Philippines Mailing Address: P. O. Box 32, 4120 Tagaytay City, Philippines Tel. & Fax: +63 46 413-2837 Email: stpaul@catholic.org Director: Fr. Giovanni Scalese, CRSP Editorial Staff: Fr. Cirilo B. Coniendo, Fr Jecker R. Luego, Rev. Ferdinand S. Dagcota, Rev. Roan Cipriano J. Aborque, Jose Nazareno S. Gabato, Marlon B. Ramirez, Yohanes Besi Koten, Clyd S. Autentico, Pat M. Golis, Jonathan G. Ramoso, Thomas Federick S. Tabada, Isfridus Syukur, Rosauro A. Valmores, Joseph M. Bernales, Jay L. Patulin Typeset in the Philippines by Saint Paul Scholasticate, November 2007