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Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi? An gladius?

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Saint Paul Scholasticate Newsletter
Year 6 No. 15 September 2011

Saint Paul Scholasticate Community, Anno Domini 2011-2012 Tagaytay City, Philippines
(Seated from left to right) Fr. Arvin Dagalea (Prefect of the Sacristy), Fr. Michael Sandalo (Superior/Father

Master), Fr. Jonathan Ramoso (now assigned in Rome), Fr. Cirilo Coniendo (Vicar/Treasurer); (First row standing from left to right) Albino Vecina, Rey Carmelo Ausejo, Julimar Pulvera, Roland Danigoy, Roxie Roflo, Darwayne
Jay Alfaro, Rosauro Valmores, Alvin Libay, Benjiemar Salvacion, Alfredo Dolog, Jr., Benedict Insigne, John Paul Osip, Pat Golis; (second row from left to right) Ar-John Ignalig, Yohanes Besi Koten, Roy Tabil, Glenn Gaabucayan, Isagani Gabisan, Gerard Sala, Cunan Adaro, Mark Anthony Pondoc, Raphael Laotoco, Joseph Bernales

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Newly ordained Barnabite Priests offer their Thanksgiving Masses


(Bro. Roxie Roflo, CRSP)
Last April and May, newly ordained Barnabite priests, Fr. Jonathan Ramoso, Fr. Thomas Federick Tabada and Fr. Clyd Autentico (ordained to the priesthood last April 2nd), offered their thanksgiving Masses in their respective home parishes. On Easter Sunday, April 27th Fr. Clyd Autentico offered his thanksgiving Mass in his native Cataban island, Talibon, Bohol, central Philippines. The Mass was held at 3:00 oclock in the afternoon at the chapel of the local pastoral community. Barnabite Father Rudyson Nulo also concelebrated. The Mass was well-attended by the parishioners of the Holy Trinity Parish and the residents of Cataban, the Autentico family and numerous friends of Fr. Clyd. Barnabite brother Isagani Gabisan, Fr. Clyds nephew, also assisted as acolyte. After the Eucharistic celebration, a sumptuous lunch was served prepared by the family, relatives, and friends of the newly ordained. Seafoods such as shells and fish cooked according to the Filipino style were so abundant. Majority of Fr. Clyds relatives came from other towns and islands of Bohol province. They went to Cataban just to witness the special and once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Fr. Jonathan Ramoso celebrated his two thanksgiving Masses, first, at Sto. Nio Parish in his hometown Kinoguitan, Misamis Oriental, Mindanao on May 2nd at 8:30 in the morning; the second was at St. Michael Archangel Parish, in his mothers hometown in Jagna, Bohol on May 8th at 8:00 oclock in the morning. The Holy Mass in Kinoguitan was concelebrated by Fr. Elvin Simene, the parish priest of the same parish, Fr. Bobong

Fr. Jonathan Ramoso presides at the Eucharistic celebration on the occasion of his Thanksgiving Mass.

Polinar, the rector of the College of San Jose Seminary in Cagayan de Oro City, Fr. Ruby Tagaro, an SVD priest from Agusan del Sur, Fr. Celso Bagabaldo, from St. John the Baptist Seminary (Marikina) and four Barnabite fathers namely Fr. Ferdinand Dagcuta, Fr. Virano Ladra, Fr. Thomas Tabada and Fr. Michael Sandalo, the rector of St. Paul Scholasticate community. The celebration was graced-filled with the presence of the parishioners, former Barnabite seminarians from Mindanao, some seminarians of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Seminary in Marikina, and sisters from the Angelic Sisters community of Medina led by their mother superior Sr. Janet Bachinicha. The professed Barnabite brothers from Mindanao also took part in the celebration. Rev. Pat Golis proclaimed the Gospel and assisted in the preparation of the altar. Fr. Ferdinand delivered the homily which focused on the priestly life. The Ramoso clan and the tearyeyed Mr. and Mrs. Jeanito Ramoso were all

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very joyful as Fr. Jonathan solemnly offered the Holy Mass. Rev. Pats family also traveled from their home in Gingoog City to witness the celebrations. Coincidentally, it was also Rev. Pats birthday. The Holy Mass concluded at around 10:30 in the morning. The people were invited to proceed to the town gymnasium for the reception. The hall was indeed filled with people both young and old and food was also abundant. A short program was also held where some friends of Fr. Jonathan rendered songs for entertainment. A video presentation was also shown prepared by the youth of the parish and Fr. Jonathans friends. It showed Fr. Jonathans early years, his high school days and his life in the seminary. Everyone did not expect the said presentation. Fr. Jonathan, for his part, expressed his gratitude for all those who made the occasion possible. His parents likewise did the same. After the festivities, Fr. Michael and the confreres drove to Gingoog City in the afternoon for Rev. Pats birthday celebration. The Golis family were all present to welcome the confreres and for the celebration. Fr. Michael and some confreres also spent some days visiting beautiful tourist spots in the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.

The exceedingly happy Fr. Thomas!

Fr. Michael also had the chance to visit the families of the brothers from Mindanao and dine with them. May 8th, Sunday, was Fr. Thomas Tabadas turn to offer his thanksgiving Mass. The solemn celebration was held in his home parish St. Isidore Labrador in Trinidad, Bohol at 8:00 oclock in the morning. Present in the said occasion were Barnabite Fathers Michael Sandalo and Clyd Autentico, and scholastic Isagani Gabisan. The Mass was graced with the presence of the family, friends and the parishioners. The parish priest also concelebrated while Fr. Michael delivered the homily. He dealt with the priestly life and related it to the days Gospel on the Good Shepherd. He also encouraged Fr. Thomas to perseverance and prayer in his priestly life. Fr. Thomas father became so emotional as his son offered the Holy Mass with fellow priests. After the Mass, lunch was served in the town gymnasium. Food was plentiful and everyone enjoyed much the five lechon baboy (roast pigs) prepared by the people who supported Fr. Thomas. Many of Fr. Thomas relatives came from Cebu and Bohol and all of them were very proud to have him a priest in the family. After the festivities, Fr. Thomas, Fr. Michael, Fr. Clyd and Br. Isagani hit the road in the afternoon to Panglao island for their much-awaited excursion. They spent overnight enjoying the blue and pristine waters of Panglao. The thanksgiving Masses offered by the newly ordained priests were happy moments for them to express their gratitude to God and to all those who supported them in the years of their seminary formation. These were also special days of thanksgiving for the people of their home parishes for having blessed their town and parish with new vocations and ministers. Indeed, a sign of Gods blessing not only for the families of the priests but for the people of God.

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Five Barnabite Novices make the First Profession of Vows


(Bro. Raphael Laotoco, CRSP)
On the Feast of the Visitation, May 31, the Barnabites in the Philippines held two important events: the first profession of Vows of five novices and the renewal of Vows of six brothers. The celebration was held at ten oclock in the morning at St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Parish in Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal. The Holy Mass and the ceremonies of profession were officiated by Fr. Joselito Ortega, CRSP, the Delegate Superior of the Barnabites in the Philippines and concelebrated by the Barnabite Fathers presently assigned in the country. It was animated by the angelic voices of St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria Choir which is composed of children headed by Sr. Glenda Monroy, ASP. Visitors such as the families, relatives, friends, and benefactors of the professandi, the professed brothers of St. Paul Scholasticate, the Barnabite college seminarians, the Lay of St. Paul, the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, the Sisters Little Workers of the Sacred Heart and the religious from other Congregations were present. The renewal of vows was inserted in the ceremony after the newly professed brothers made their vows. The brothers who made the first profession came from the Philipines and India. The Filipinos were Bro. Roy Ma. Tabil, CRSP from Claveria, Misamis Oriental; Bro. Roland Ma. Danigoy, CRSP from Dagohoy, Bohol; and Bro. Darwayne Jay Ma. Alfaro, CRSP from San Juan, Southern Leyte. The two Indian Brothers were: Bro. Balaswammy Ma. Appapogou from Andra Pradesh and Bro. Subash Sebastian Ma. Kaduvakalangara from Kerala. After Fr. Joselitos homily, the five of them were called to the altar to express their willingness to live as religious. After declaring publicly their religious profession, they put on the religious habit of the Barnabite Order as the Fathers assisted them. Such gesture is symbolic of the new life they had embraced. The brothers who renewed their Vows were Deacon Benny Ma. Pachanal, CRSP from Kerala and five Filipino brothers namely Bro. Ar-John Ma. Ignalig, CRSP, Bro. Benjiemar Ma. Salvacion, CRSP, Bro. Roxie Ma. Roflo, CRSP, Bro. Julimar Ma. Pulvera, CRSP and Bro. Raphael Ma. Laotoco, CRSP who are now in their second year of theological studies at the Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay. They made the renewal of Vows after the five brothers made their profession. The renewal of Vows is a solemn act of renewing ones commitment as religious consecrated to God in the religious Order through the profession of the Vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience. After the solemn ceremony, reception followed at St. Anthony Zaccaria Seminary in Marikina. The celebration went smoothly from the start up to the end. Greetings and words of encouragement for the brothers were outpouring from their own friends and families. The Indian brothers flew back home on June 3rd for their further religious and priestly formation. While the newly professed Filipino brothers transferred in the Barnabite community in Tagaytay for their theological studies and formation. The Barnabites in the Philippines were very thankful and blissful for this grace of vocation. New members were added to the Congregation. The number of Filipino brothers in temporal Vows and candidates to the priesthood had climb to twenty-one (21). May they be blessed by the Lord in their perseverance.

The newly professed with their novice master Fr. Jimmy George Anastacio, CRSP

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The new members of the SPS Community


January 15, 1987 and hails from Dagohoy, Bohol province. He is the youngest son of Ernesto Danigoy and Felicula Granada. He entered the St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Seminary in Marikina in 2005 and obtained his A.B. degree in Philosophy at St. Camillus College Seminary in 2010. He is a person who is dedicated in fulfilling his tasks. About his new life as a religious, Roland says: Transition period in religious life is not easy. One who is entering into another phase of living has to step forward and embrace another lifestyle. Now, I am a temporary professed brother, living in a community of professed brothers and fathers. I am just new in this community. So, I need adjustment to adapt with the new kind of lifestyle this community has and identify myself that I belong to this religious community. I found this transitory period difficult. Unbridled tensions and challenges due to daily school activities and assignments are my weaknesses. They seem to drive me crazy. However, these are just, I believe, spices that add to the savoring good taste and I shall see the real value of following Christ and understand what it means to be a person of Sequela Christi. Those troubles gradually will become the source of my joy. This is also because I feel being very welcomed by the community. They make me feel that I am at home.

Whos who?

Br. Roland Granada Danigoy was born on

Philosophy at St. Camillus College Seminary in 2010. He is described by his peers and fellow seminarians as smart and cheerful, a guy of intellect and creativity. Now a religious, Darwayne thinks: Religious is the life I have resolutely chosen. With the grace of God, I was able to profess my vows. I never expect so much from this way of life. Rather, religious life expects so much from me. The people I met, the friends I made, and the family I have, they all expect me to live the life I love. In the total service to God, I live my vows as a poor, chaste, and obedient religious. Never in my wildest dream that I would become a religious, but with the grace and providence of God, here I am in the midst of my beloved community. I must say, I am very blessed. With total trust on my Creator and with prayer and service, I offer my life to Him who causes of all these to take place. Without Him, I am nothing. comes from Claveria, Misamis Oriental. Born on August 29, 1988, he is the 3rd and youngest son of Percival Tabil and Leonora Abao. He decided to join the Barnabites in 2005 and was admitted at St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Seminary. He enrolled at Saint Camilllus College Seminary where he successfully finished his philosophical studies. He is a sports-loving guy and a music-minded religious. About his life as a religious, Roy observed some difficulties but he remained steadfast and will continue to be so in the future: In my first few months as a new member of the congregation, I observed a number of norms which are inconsistent to the ones taught to us in the novitiate. Nonetheless I have to accept this reality. Although my impression is quite negative I know that community life is nice once I am able to see it as a whole. I am still new, I am not used to it and I believe that I still have a lot of things to uncover about religious life. Welcome to the family Brothers!

Bro. Roy Abao Tabil

Br. Darwayne Jay Malibay Alfaro was born on


January 22, 1990 in Anahawan, Southern Leyte, central Philippines. He is the eldest in a brood of six children born to Elmer Roseller Alfaro and Maria Gina Malibay. He entered the Barnabites in 2005 and received his Baccalaureate in

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Bold changes have been done to enrich the Barnabite Scholastics pastoral formation and to make them responsive to the pressing needs of the time.
(Bro. Rey Carmelo Ausejo, CRSP)

New Apostolate Assignments of the Barnabites

Every year, changes in apostolate assignments of the Barnabite professed brothers are being done. The first year theologians namely Bro. Darwayne Alfaro, Bro. Roland Danigoy, and Bro. Roy Tabil are entrusted to take charge of the children of the Tahanan Mapag-aruga ni Padre Semeria together with Bro. Joseph Bernales as their leader. Everyday they teach basic English, Math and Catechism to children aged 4-6 years old. The brothers in the second year Bro. Ar-John Ignalig, Bro. Benjiemar Salvacion, Bro. Roxie Roflo, Bro. Julimar Pulvera, and Bro. Raphael Laotoco are presently assigned at the Chosen Children Village (CCV) in Silang, Cavite, an orphanage that houses almost 80 children and those stricken with mental disorders. On Saturdays, the brothers go there for a whole day apostolate by providing services to the children such as nursing care and assisting the inhouse caregivers. The brothers apostolate in the said orphanage will last till October and so for the next semester (November to March) they will be sent to San Jose Bahay Kalinga Home for the Aged in Indang town for another period of pastoral work. The third and fourth scholastics and the two deacons have their apostolate in three parishes of the Diocese of Imus, province of Cavite. Rev. Yohanes Besi Koten, Bro. Rosauro Valmores, Bro. Rey Carmelo Ausejo, and Bro. Glenn Gaabucayan are

The Barnabite scholastics assigned in Naic with the parish priest, Fr. Virgilio Mendoza (3rd from left)

assigned at Nuestra Seora de la Asuncion Parish in Maragondon. Bro. Joseph Bernales, Bro. Isagani Gabisan, Bro. Gerard Sala, Bro. Alvin Libay, Bro. Cunan Adaro and Bro. Alfred Dolog all work at Nuestra Seora de Guia Parish in Magallanes. Rev. Pat Golis, Bro. Benedict Insigne, Bro. Albino Vecina, Bro. John Paul Osip, Bro. Mark Anthony Pondoc are assisting at the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Naic. The said scholastics assist in the pastoral needs of the parish by organizing programs for the benefit of the faithful. They are given assignments either to assist or preside at particular liturgical functions (Sunday liturgy without a priest), organize mini-pastoral councils in every community/barangay, lay formation and in other ministries needed by the parish (such as the altar boys and choir). They go to their respective parishes on Saturday morning and come back to the seminary on Sunday afternoon. Deacons Pat and Yohanes leave on Friday afternoon and come back with the brothers. This was the first time that the Barnabite community joined in the apostolate program of the Diocese. The community of St. Paul Scholasticate is very thankful to the kind Bishop of the Diocese of Imus, His Excellency the Most Rev. Luis Antonio Tagle, for allowing the scholastics offer their services to the diocese. Gratitude is likewise expressed to the reverend parish priests of the aforementioned parishes: Fr. Virgilio Mendoza (Naic), Fr. Alain Manalo (Magallanes) and Fr. Lino De Castro (Maragondon) for opening the doors of their parish community to the Barnabite brothers. Also, to the administrators of CCV for making their institution available for the Barnabites. It is hoped that engaging the brothers in these charitable works and apostolic activities, and immersing them in the parish community would help a lot in their pastoral formation as they prepare for their future ministry as priests/ministers of the faithful. Their rector, Fr. Michael Sandalo, required them to submit a one-page reflection paper every month so that they would put into writing their personal and memorable experiences, indeed, those moments when they encountered and experienced the Lord.

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Up close and personal

What the brothers say about their apostolate activities


Apostolate Reflection 1 Pagkatapos ng isang buwan, ako ay naassign sa Kubo 11 kung saan nakatira ang mga batang hyper. Hindi ko maisip at hindi ko alam kung ano ang mga itsura ng mga bata na may sakit. Medyo kinabahan ako sa bagong assignment na aking papasukin sapagkat hindi ko pa naranasan makasalamuha ang batang hyper. Bago ako pumasok sa pintuan ng Kubo 11, narinig ko ang mga sigaw, ingay, at iyak ng mga bata. Hindi ko talaga maisip kung ano ba talaga ang nasa loob. Ito bang mga bata na ito ay nakakatakot tingnan, mga pasaway at magulo? Pagpasok ko, sasaktan ba nila ako? Ito ang mga tanong ko sa aking sarili nang sinabi ng aking kasama bago ako pumasok sa kubo. Dala-dala ko ang takot sa aking sarili. Parang hindi ako handa na humarap sa mga bata dahil sa aking naramdamang takot. Pagpasok ko sa loob, isinara agad ng aking kasamahan ang pinto at yong kasama ko nasa labas sila. Napagtripan nila ako na isara ang pinto. Hindi sila pumasok dahil takot din sila. Nilakasan ko ang aking sarili sa pagpasok sa playground kung saan nandoon lahat ang mga bata. Nakita ko agad ang mga bata at silay napatahimik dahil sa kanilang nakita na bago sa kanilang paningin. Nilapitan nila ako agad at ang iba ay nakatulala lang sa isang tabi. Noong nakita ko sila, ang takot na naramdaman ko bago pumasok ay nawala dahil sa aking nakita. Mga kawawang bata dahil lahat sila ay may kapansanan. Tinititigan ko sila isa-isa tuwing nasa loob ako. Sa aking pagtitig, nararamdaman ko ang awa sa kanilang sitwasyon. Awa na nagdadala at tumutulak sa pag-iyak. Naisip ko sa aking sarili kung gaano ako ka-swerte dahil ako ay normal at buo ang pagiisip, pag-uunawa, katawan, pandinig, pananalita, makalakad ng maayos at makakita. Nanghihinayang ako sa mga bata dahil may mga itsura pa naman at buo ang kanilang katawan ngunit may diperensiya sa pag-iisip. Minsan nakakatuwa sila tingnan dahil nilalaro o ginugulo nila ang ibang bata. Pero kung tutuusin, nakakaawa at nakakaiyak sila pagmasdan. Ang totoo, ang naramdaman ko sa aking sarili noon ay napapalitan ng awa sa mga bata. Hindi madali mag-alaga ng mga bata sa ganitong kalagayan. Kailangan mo silang bantayan lalo na sa paglalaro. Kailangan kong makipaglaro sa kanila para sila ay sumaya. Sa kubo na ito, kailangan ng mahabang pasensiya dahil may ibang mga bata na pasaway. Kailangan din silang pagtaasan ng boses para malaman at maramdaman nila na ikaw ay ama nila. Ibig sabihin, minsan ay dapat magpakaastig ka dahil kung hindi baka mawalan sila ng rispeto sa iyo. Napaka-challenging sa kubo na ito. Tuwing silay kumakain, kailangan silang subuan lalo na ang bulag na bata at ang ibang bata na kahit malaki na ay hindi pa rin marunong sumubo gamit ang kutsara. Sa aking pagmamasid sa mga batang ito, napakahirap nilang alagaan pero mapapalitan ang hirap ng iyong awa. Napagtanto ko na kailangan natin silang alagaan na may awa, galak at pagmamahal sa puso dahil kung hindi, hindi ka magiging masaya sa iyong ginagawa at misyon sa loob. Kaya nga, tuwing Sabado sa tuwing nakikita ko sila, parang gusto ko umiyak pero pinipigilan ko ang luha sa aking mga mata. Nakikita ko sa kanilang mga mukha na kailangan nila ng kalinga, katuwang, kasama, alaga at pagmamahal. Napagtanto at nakita ko din ang Panginoon dito sa komunidad at sa mga bata na patuloy na gumagabay, nagmamalasakit at nagmamahal nang buong puso sa kanila. Naiisip ko na sa tuwing akoy tumitingin sa kanila para bagang ang mukha ng Panginoon ay aking nakikita at parang nakikiusap sa akin na kupkupin, pagmalasakitan at alagaan na may buong pagmamahal ang mga bata na ito kagaya ng pagmamahal sa sarili, magulang o pamilya at higit sa lahat sa Kanya. (Br. Roxie Roflo)

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New Life New apostolate assignment denotes new life. New life leads to new experiences. New experiences indicate new way of life to be pondered on. In other words, its new life to begin with. Thus, enjoy and live life to the full. To be transferred to a new type of apostolate is an opportunity to explore the beauty of life. It is always a chance to expand ones knowledge and experiences. It is also another challenge to be confronted. But I take it as an opportunity to grow. Hence, I consider every challenge as another lesson to learn and gain. It always forms me to become a mature person. Thats why there are three things I pondered upon which I want to share in my new task. These are: 1) faith and courage purify doubts; 2) transparency; and 3) respect. First, I could say that faith and courage purify doubts. At first, I was afraid of dealing with the hyperactive children (they are affected by Downs syndrome). Because of fear, I doubted my capacity to handle and deal with them. But later on, I was able to conquer my doubts and fear through faith and courage. I trusted God and kept telling myself that I can do it. In other words, I put my trust in God and myself whatever the consequences and outcomes may be. It made me always think positively. From then on, I became an optimistic person in facing my doubts. Truly, I could say that faith and courage conquer doubts. Secondly, dealing with the hyperactive children taught me transparency. When I was observing each of them, the presence of transparency was somehow there by simply pondering at their attitudes. I mean each of them behaves in his/her own way: some like to shout and cry, others love to run and play. They do whatever they want. They are happy and satisfied of whatever they can do. Looking at their situation taught me to do what I can do and most especially to be transparent in what I am doing. It seems to me that they are really teaching me to be transparent and not to look at what others do but to focus and enjoy the life I have. This, indeed, really touched me and encouraged me to check at my own attitude. They seems to tell me, Be who you are! Lastly, respect is a must. Being with them has taught me to value respect. Despite of who they are, they also have the right to be respected. They are also humans with dignity, created in the

image and likeness of God. I say this because sometimes I had been tempted not to care for them. Also, I had sometimes ignored their longings despite the fact that I have a responsibility for them. However, when I started to accept them as who they are, I was able to appreciate the importance of respect. In showing them respect, I was able to conquer my biases. Yes, I admit that I had been bias in dealing and caring for the hyper children.But when I started to respect them, my personal discrimination likewise disappeared. I am so thankful for this another opportunity to experience another kind of apostolate which really has taught me a lot. It has helped me to be open in my apostolate. (Br. Ar-John Ignalig) Apostolate Reflection 3 Paring Gal Paring gal ang tawag sa mga paring nagpupunta at nakikipamuhay kasama ang mga residente ng Freedomville. Nang marinig ko ang salitang paring gal ako ay napaisip: ano kaya ang ibig sabihin nila sa tawag na paring gal?. Kaya ako ay nagtanong kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng salitang iyon at ang sagot sa akin: ang paring gal daw ay mga paring hindi maarte sa kanilang buhay. Sila daw ay mga paring marunong mamuhay kasama ang mga mahihirap na tulad nila. Sila ay mga paring hindi sosyal at hindi mahirap pakisamahan o hindi kina-iilangan ng tao. Ang punto dito hindi daw tulad ng karamihan sa mga paring diyosesano ang mga paring mga misyonero o paring relihiyoso. Dahil ayon sa mga ilang taga-Freedomville, hindi pa daw nila nararanasan na may mga paring diyosesano na nagbabad sa kanila upang makipamuhay kasama nila at katulad nila. Pagninilay Nakakabuti sa isang lingkod ng Simbahan na marunong magpakumbab sa kanyang katayuan sa buhay upang pumantay sa katayuan ng mga kapatid nating nasa mahirap na antas ng kanilang pamumuhay. Napakaganda sa isang lingkod ng Simbahan na hindi namimili ng taong kanyang o kanilang paglilingkuran. Sa sambayanan ng Diyos lagi sanang isipin ng isang lingkod na hindi lahat ng myembro ng Simbahan ay pawang mga mayayaman. Dahil ang mga mahihirap at maralita ay kabilang sa sambayanan ng Diyos at ng Simbahan at hindi sila maaaring itakwil dahil lang sa kanilang kalagayan.

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Ang halimbawa ni Hesus ay isang paalaala at paanyaya sa akin na paglingkuran ko ang lahat ng tao sa lipunan at hindi ang antas ng kanilang kalagayan ang aking titingnan at pagbabatayan upang maging isang mabuti at epektibong lingkod ako sa kawan ng Diyos na Kanyang ipinagkatiwala sa akin.
Ang Pinakatagong Yaman ng Simbahanat ipinakita dito na ang itinuturing na tagong yaman ng Simbahan ay ang mga mahihirap na mamamayan. Napagninilayan ko rin na kahit sa buhay ni Hesus, sa Kanyang pagtupad ng misyon sa mundo, hindi niya itinakwil ang mga mahihirap, bagkus si Hesus ay may malaking puso para sa mga mahihirap. Kahit pa man mayroon silang sakit na nakakahawa, hinahayaan pa rin ni Hesus ang Kanyang sarili upang hipuin sila at pagalingin sa kanilang mga karamdaman at hinayaan din Niya na mahipo nila upang sa pamamagitan nito sila man din ay mapagaling mula sa kanilang mga karamdaman. Si Hesus ay walang pinili sa kanyang pakikisalamuha at pakikipamuhay sa sambayanan. Ganoon din sana ang isang lingkod, walang pinipili kung sino ang kanyang makakasalamuha at pakikipamuhayan bilang isang lingkod at ang kanyang paglilingkuran. Ang halimbawa ni Hesus ay isang paalaala at paanyaya sa akin na paglingkuran ko ang lahat ng tao sa lipunan at hindi ang antas ng kanilang kalagayan ang aking titingnan at pagbabatayan upang maging isang mabuti at epektibong lingkod ako sa kawan ng Diyos na Kanyang ipinagkatiwala sa akin. Sa mata ng Diyos ang lahat ay pantaypantay. Ang lahat ay kapuso at kapamilya bilang isang kawan ng Diyos. Amen. (Br. Albino Vecina)

Thinking Seriously
Br. Mark Anthony Pondoc, CRSP

Being human means more than rolling through life like a stone going downhill. It means belonging to others and being ready to give oneself for them (from the book How Can I Believe When I Live a World Like This?). In my apostolate, many people share with me their problems, fears, opinions, plans, etc. I could not help but listen to them and give my time, my very self. Why? It is not because I like to listen to them, rather, I love to listen to them. That is why, I value most the art of listening. Throughout my days in my apostolate area, I realized how important this gift of listening is. I have come up with these three realizations. First, listening is a sign of TRUST. In the Transfiguration account, the Father spoke from above saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him (Mt. 17:5). All the people who listened, including the tax collectors ... acknowledged the righteousness of God (Lk. 7:29). In relation to my apostolate, I listen to the sharings of the people I serve because I trust them. I know they are saying and attesting to the truth. My relationship with them deepens because we trust each others weakness, strengths and ideas. Secondly, listening is a sign of RESPECT. I know it is not easy to listen especially when I feel bored or tired but to have time listening to people in my apostolate area Munting Mapino is my way of showing them respect. I believe that what people need today is respect and to show it to someone makes him/her feel that he/she is valued. That is why, every time I chat with the people, I do not use my mobile phone texting while talking with them because for me it is a sign of disrespect and insult. Lastly, listening for me is LOVE. Henri Nouwen in his book Here and Now eloquently said that, moments of true compassion will remain engraved on our heart as long as we live. Often these are moments without words: moments of deep silence. Yes, it is definitely true that a listening ear has a listening h(ear)t. I once met kuya Robert, a strong man of faith, who was suffering from cancer of the throat for 5 years. I pitied him and was dumbfounded before him because I could not imagine how much pain he was struggling with. During our conversation he said, Brother, even though I suffered a lot, I still hope that someday I will be cured and this struggle of mine between life and death will come to its end. I did not say a word; I just stared at him and listened to him. I said to my self, what a man of great faith and hope. I thank God that even though I am created not as intelligent as Albert Einstein, I am happy and blessed to be given the gift of listening.

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Encounters
Bro. Roy Tabil, CRSP In his article about the gospel of Luke entitled Where do Christians Encounter the Risen Lord, Monsignor Robredillo raised a striking and worth thinking-of question which I believe was enough to make one examine his/her faith. In his two-paged article, he asked, Where do Christians encounter the risen Lord? As a people redeemed by Christ through the ignominious cross, who believe that Jesus truly raised from the dead, where do we encounter him? How does Jesus reveal himself to us? How do our eyes unfold the ever beautiful person, to whom we have put faith? When Jesus reveals himself what happens? The Monsignor in his article emphasized that the Lord manifests in the Eucharistic celebration. Jesus is present in the Eucharist; he is there alive and blesses us. The Eucharistic celebration is rendezvous of that manifestation. He reveals himself in the Eucharist for He is the Eucharist. He is risen, He is alive. Nevertheless, it doesnt mean that Christ is encountered in the Eucharist without any connection to the practical living. The Eucharist is supposed to empower us to serve others and bring Jesus to them. Monsignor Robredillo made a point that the encounter does not end in the Eucharistic celebration. Meeting Jesus is not confined within the corners of the church; it has to be extended beyond its doors. The breaking of the bread implies sharing; celebrating the feast of the Eucharist means to do charity, to spread love, to live how Christ lived. Jesus, the bread of life is meant to be shared, a person who has encountered Christ ought to bring Christ to others as well. A Christian has to know how to kneel in adoration to the Lord and walk hand-in-hand with others especially to the poor and oppressed. The question had made me think and reread my life as a follower of Christ. His question had not just reached my mind but it had touched my soul as well. And so I ask, where do I encounter the risen Lord? Do I really encounter Him? Do I really care to see Him? Everyday we have Mass; I eat the blessed host seven times a week. Yet, oftentimes I take for granted the Eucharist and its significance in my life as a Christian. There are times when I feel bored

during Mass and would rather think of worldly things. At times, I spend hours in front of the computer, busy with my Facebook account rather than pay few minutes or seconds before the tabernacle. There were also times that I perceived the Eucharistic celebration as a mere ritual; that it had no importance in my day-to-day living. After the Mass, nothing seemed changed, nothing seemed happened. I always receive the blessed host yet my life is still far from the life I am supposed to live out, i.e. the Christian life. The question raised by the article had brought me back to consciousness and had thus made me aware once again that I am a follower of Jesus. I am supposed to feel the presence of the savior Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist and bring his presence to others. It had also made me realize how much my relationship with God had been torn apart. It is a wake up call, a challenge. The sound of its message is so clear and loud which I cant help but notice and confront. Hence, the article asks me to do two things. First, put the Eucharist at the center of my life for it is vital in my quest for holiness and my search for truth. The second message is to share the Eucharist among others especially to those who are in need, i.e. to connect the celebration to the real life situation. These two things are my tasks; they are the challenges which I need to face. I must put my attention closely to the Eucharist for Christ is there. Jesus reveals himself in the Eucharist; He manifests himself as we celebrate the Mass. Therefore it is important, it is significant. Celebrating the Eucharist is not a simple remembering of our Lord Jesus Christ; it is actually a being-with the risen Lord. I dont just celebrate the Eucharist like I celebrate the memory of a dead loved one; I celebrate it because of the presence of my beloved Jesus. Moreover, I need to transcend my limited perception of the Eucharist as a mere ritual. Eucharistic celebration is not just a matter of attending the Mass, singing praising songs or hearing the Gospel, it is a matter of living out the message of Jesus. I need to go beyond kneeling and adoring God through daily Masses. I have to go out and proclaim Jesus. When Jesus broke the bread on that particular moment with the disciples who were not able to recognize him, in the gospel of Luke, Jesus asked his every follower to do the same, that is, to share, to love, to lay ones life to others. My life should serve as a message of Jesus. My deeds, my words must reflect the grandeur and the grace of God. To share the Eucharist means to abide by it, to let others see it on your life.

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Good and Faithful Servants


Rev. Fr. Michael Francis Mancusi, CRSP
In the Gospel of Matthew (25:23), as Jesus approaches the city of Jerusalem for the last time, He talks to His disciples about their need to be "faithful and prudent servants." Jesus uses this as a kind of "wisdom," saying that a truly wise person is aware of what is going on around him and what is important in life. One thing we know for sure: There are a great number of clever people in society today. I don't mean inventors or scientists, but people who are able to take advantage of the unknowing public. You'll notice that cleverness is never associated with Jesus. In today's parlance, cleverness has taken on the meaning of "getting away with something" or "getting something at the expense of another." Con artists are clever and tricky. They know exactly what to say and how to True love requires sacrifice and say it in order to get someone to believe them, invest in their idea and sometimes hand over their the gift of self toward those loved. life's savings. When Jesus uses that expression "faithful servants," some might not think of themselves as servants. But that is what most good people are called to do: serve and serve faithfully. When you witness a wedding and the young couple pledge their lives and love to each other, they are really offering themselves as "servants." They are making a gift of themselves to their new spouse even to the point of laying down their lives for the one they love. Isn't it true that, in a marriage, it is important to be willing to serve one's spouse? True love requires sacrifice and the gift of self toward those loved. But if both spouses act in the same giving way, then both are cared for. Neither loses by serving; each gains in being served by the other. This also serves true for those who profess the evangelical counsels. They offer themselves as servants for the good of their religious community and those of the individual members. In their fraternal love they not only give of themselves in charity but receive by being served by the community and its members. A few decades ago my grandfather had to move to a nursing retirement home for medical reasons. Many times I was inspired by witnessing the care spouses gave to their loved ones who needed nursing care. Sometimes, because of Alzheimer's disease, the one being cared for did not even recognize his or her spouse. But the other spouse would visit very often, sometimes daily, and they would assist in feeding them and leading their loved one outside for walks or pushing their wheelchair. I don't mean it was always easy; often it was not. But more than a few times I heard comments from younger, married staff members in the nursing home who witnessed these signs of true love and service. They were in admiration of the love they saw. I wondered if they thought that someday they might too be called upon to do what they saw these husbands and wives doing for their spouses. Jesus, of course, gave the perfect example of what service was in His own life. It wasn't just when He knelt to wash the feet of His disciples at the Last Supper. All through His ministry He was at the service

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of those who needed Him. People kept coming to Him seeking healing. They chased after Him to touch His garment. Some were carried to Him, some crawled to Him. Others could only cry out to Him, "Master, have pity on us." When Jesus speaks of "the faithful servant," perhaps a word we can better use is fidelity. The basic meaning of fidelity is a commitment to growth and development. In a marriage or in a religious community, fidelity surely means more than just avoiding the sin of infidelity. Faithfulness means that each commits himself or herself to continued growth and maturity in their relationship. We are faithful to people, not to things. In fact, when a person becomes more addicted to his or her hobbies/work than to his/her family or to God, something is truly wrong. Fidelity does not mean perfection. As long as we journey on this earth, we are imperfect and wounded. That's our condition and God knows it. Recall who most attracted Jesus and with whom He spent most of His time. It was not with the self-righteous religious leaders. It was with sinners, outcasts and those who thought they were unlovable. Jesus ate with them and called them His friends. Are we so different from them? Not at all. We fail from time to time. That's not the time to run FROM Jesus; rather it is the time to run TO Him. Jesus' greatest joy was not raising the dead to life; it was forgiving sinners and calling them We fail from time to time. back to life. Jesus also talks about being That's not the time to run FROM Jesus; rather it is the time to run TO Him. Jesus' greatest joy was prudent, and we know that is part of wisdom. When a person is prudent, not raising the dead to life; it was forgiving sinners he also tends to be farsighted. He and calling them back to life. plans as best he can for the future in an honest and upright manner. He does not get by taking from others nor does he gain by manipulating them. A prudent person is always concerned about the consequences of what he says and does. A friend was recently diagnosed with a terminal disease. He wanted to make sure his family would be taken care of financially. He would leave his wife the house, the car, his savings and insurance. He would provide for his children, leaving them funds to complete university and a good start in their adult lives. He went to a financial advisor to make sure he wrote down everything correctly. The advisor told him that he had forgotten to take into account was how much he was leaving the government and the Internal Revenue Service who could take as much as two-thirds of his family's inheritance unless he uses trusts and other legal means as a way of safeguarding his financial resources. I suspect we have all heard horror stories of families thinking they were cared for when the father and husband died, only to find out that most of the money went to the government. There is no question that my friend was faithful. What he also needed was prudence for the good of his family. Prudence is the queen of all the four moral/cardinal virtues as it guides conduct and controls all the other moral virtues. It is practical wisdom and judgment regarding the choice and use of the best ways and means of doing good. Let us therefore practice prudence and faithfulness in all our possible relationships as servants in all thought, word, and deed.

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Senior Workers in the Vineyard


Ed and Alma Roa, new affiliate members of the Barnabites in the Philippines, share their thoughts and insights as co-workers of the Zaccarian Family.
First of all, let me just say that my wife Alma and I are truly grateful for your having bestowed upon us the honour of being the first couple affiliate of the Barnabites in the Philippines. It was granted on a day when we had a maddening schedule and almost missed the Barnabites Presbyteral Ordination. God really worked his magic and saw to it that the things we had to do for that day fell into an orderly sequence and allowed us to attend that special occasion which granted deaconates and ordination to the priesthood to our friends in the seminary. As we sat through the rites we didnt have the least notion that we will be the recipients of a great blessing. When the grant of the affiliation was announced I was not quick to realize the grandness of the event. I had the feeling that my wife was as bemused as I was. The feeling was more of being astounded and bewildered for we knew not that an award was to be given and, also, wondered what made us deserving of such an accolade. We rose from the pews a bit slowly as we were ushered towards the altar to be awarded the certificate of affiliation, the portrait of Our Mother of Divine Providence and a commemorative medallion of San Antonio Maria Zaccaria jointly presented by Father Joselito Ortega, Head of Barnabite Fathers, Philippines and Fr. Francisco Silva, Assistant Superior General, Clerics Regular of Saint Paul. My wife and I are pushing seventy, so to speak, and have experienced a wide gamut of human experiences good times, bad times; times of joy and grief; risen up from occasional failures; went through deprivation and times of plenty. By His grace we survived them all and are now happily into retirement or should I say in the pre-departure area wishing flight cancellations, as it were, from dayto-day. It may well have been this way but the Lord in His infinite kindness presented us with a gift, the opportunity to be of service to others. It was our great fortune to have chosen Tagaytay as our retirement place. Barangay San Jose provided us with the rare privilege of being in the community of the religious and with the local folks whose families have been there for generations. Having neighbours such as these make for a wonderful sense of community where a generous exchange of talents and privilege flow naturally with the aid of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul had referred to this aggrupation as the Body of Christ, the Christian community. The Holy Spirit has given the members of the community special gifts which are used in the service of the Lord. Truly we are in Gods little acre to borrow a title from a renowned American author. We found ourselves in an environment that is conducive to be of service to others. The feeding programs of the Merciful Sisters, the Tahanang Mapag-aruga preschool for their supply needs, the help extended to a few scholars were done with the help of friends and relatives whom we have enjoined from time to time to assist in the service of our community. The

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invitation to do the refresher course in oral and written English for some of the seminarians were really God-sent as it helped scrape the rust in our brains. These, together with a few more little good deeds came effortlessly and given with cheerful hearts. All of these came at the Lords bidding. It has been our great fortune that we were chosen to serve in His vineyard. Our lives and the little that is left of them have been made brighter and more meaningful, otherwise, they would have just been spent in sombre and morbid anticipation of the fading of the light. Praise God! Eduardo Roa and mam Alma Roa says ... The most felt emotion was one of surprise when we realized that we were being given recognition for the assistance in the good works initiated by the nuns and the priests in our neighbourhood. I didnt think that what we had done was that exceptional to merit praise. There was also a bit of embarrassment because we felt that we should have done more to deserve the recognition and that the degree of difficulty of the effort we exerted should have been higher. What now comes to my mind is how much more help is needed, what other things can we do. Perhaps you can tell us about what you expect of your affiliates so that we can better serve. Are there conventions that we must follow as Barnabite affiliates? A code of conduct? A set of things that we must achieve? At the end of the day what we now feel is one of humble gratitude for being given the gift of service to our Lord. We have shared this opportunity with our friends and relatives who have been more than generous with their contributions. The Lord made it so easy. We are truly blessed. Alma Roa

NEWS, EVENTS AT IBA PA


May 13th: a special day for the Barnabites in Tagaytay
For the sixth time, the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Fatima was brought out to the streets of San Jose, Tagaytay City for the annual feast day procession. Every year there are changes on the way the celebration is done. This year the statue was brought to the convent of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM Sisters) on the 12th of May. The Virgin Mary was welcomed solemnly with Marian hymns. During the enthronement, the Salve Regina was being sung along with the aromatic smell of incense. From two oclock in the afternoon, the sisters had their vigil until the next day, May 13 when the statue was brought back to the Barnabite seminary in a festive yet solemn procession. From the convent grounds of the FMM sisters the procession started at exactly 2:30 in the afternoon. The procession was arranged according to the following order: first, the barangay police that controlled the traffic, followed by the ACES Band that devoted itself to the yearly celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Fatima, the altar servers, the flower girls, and the Ave Maria girls.

Ah! I urge you, sons and stock of St. Paul, open wide yourselves Do not make yourselves inferior to the vocation to which you have been called.
-St. Anthony Zaccaria Letter VII
Fatima feast day celebrations at St. Paul Scholasticate

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Next in the line were the different groups of Caracol Dancers from Barangays San Jose, Magasawang Ilat, Calaboso, Iruhin West, and Saint Michael Villageall in Tagaytay. They came along with their respective barangay chairpersons. These groups of caracol danced to the tune of Philippine folkdance music as a sign of thanksgiving and prayer. Next to them were the lay faithful praying the rosary and the Barnabite Youth Ministry Choir (BYM) singing the Fatima Ave every after a decade of the rosary. The statue of our Lady was carried on the shoulders by four Barnabite Brothers and followed by some religious sisters and the rest of the members of the Barnabite community. The procession arrived at the seminary compound at 4 oclock and immediately proceeded to the Sacred Heart Chapel. The image was enshrined there temporarily for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The Lourdes Tagaytay Chorale Group from the Lourdes Parish, the parish where the Barnabite seminary in Tagaytay belongs, sang for the Mass. The celebration of the Holy Eucharist was graced with the renewal of Vows of the thirteen Barnabite professed brothers. Rev. Fr. Joselito Ortega, CRSP, the Delegate Superior officiated the Mass and concelebrated by the Barnabite Fathers in Tagaytay. After the homily, the brothers made the renewal of Vows: Rosauro Valmores, Joseph Bernales, Albino Vecina, Isagani Gabisan, Rey Carmelo Ausejo, John Paul Osip, Gerard Sala, Alvin Libay, Cunan Adaro, Glenn Gaabucayan, Mark Anthony Pondoc, Alfredo Dolog, Jr. and Benedict Insigne. After the Mass, the traslacion or the transfer of the statue of the Our Lady of Fatima to a chapel dedicated to her followed. The ACES Band played the solemn Ave Maria march while the short procession from the Sacred Heart Chapel to the Fatima chapel took place. The statue was welcomed in her own chapel with petals of roses and echoes of Ave Maria. The devotees offered flowers as they danced the caracol in her homage. After the offering of flowers, the prayer of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Our Lady of Fatima followed led by Fr. Ortega. The rites concluded with the final blessing and more Marian songs were sung by the BYM choir. (Br. Joseph Bernales)

The Barnabite scholastics spend five days of retreat.

Scholastics spend days of spiritual enrichment


One of the ways to enrich ones spiritual needs especially for the religious is to spend some time for retreats and recollections. Last May 2226, 2011, the Barnabite professed brothers in Tagaytay community had their five-day retreat. It was held at the Holy Spirit Mission Service Center in Tagaytay City. Those days of spiritual enrichment were facilitated by Fr. Jorge Peligro, a member of the Order of Augustinian Recollect (OAR). He shared to the brothers the importance of commitment, ones choice, the importance of change, and every persons personal calling. Everyday the brothers had two sessions: one in the morning and another in the afternoonone hour-and-a-half in every session. The sacrament of reconciliation was also part of this five-day retreat. The spiritual enhancement activity was concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Peligro and concelebrated by Fr. Michael Sandalo, CRSP, the rector of St. Paul Scholasticate community, who was also with the brothers throughout the retreat days. Another activity for spiritual enrichment the professed brothers regularly have is their monthly recollection. On the 8th and 9th of July 2011, the brothers had a recollection held at St. Paul Scholasticate and was facilitated by Rev. Fr. Alain Manalo, a member of the clergy of the Diocese of Imus and currently the parish priest of Nuestra Seora de Guia Parish in Magallanes, Cavite within the same diocese. He dealt with

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Leadership in the Church. He mentioned some qualities or characters of a good Church leader. The recollection began in the evening at 8:30 as first session. The next session was conducted on the following day. The recollection was brought to a close with a Eucharistic celebration about noon time of the same day. Within the Mass, instead of giving a homily, the recollection facilitator asked the brothers to give their own reflection regarding the topics discussed. The professed brothers had their recollection for the month of August. It was held last August 26-27, 2011 in their formation house St. Paul Scholasticate. It was facilitated by Fr. Allan Gamutan, a member of the Society of St. Paul (SSP) who is at present the rector and formator of the Filipino scholastics of the Society of St. Paul in Makati City, Metro Manila. He dealt with PsychoSpiritual Approach of the Community Life. As usually done, the first session was held in the evening of the 26th and the second one in the next day. The spiritual activity finished at noon with a Holy Eucharist presided by the facilitator himself. (Br. Gerard Sala)

Every sides and corners of the palace, one cannot but want to absorb them. They entered the rooms where past presidents held their office, took their oath as head of state, offices where cabinet meetings were frequently held and spacious halls where leaders of other countries were accommodated during state gatherings. The antiquity and the beauty of the palace indeed mesmerized the brothers and fathers. For this reason, they took pictures as memoirs of visiting the most important building of the country. They hoped to see the incumbent president of the Philippines, the Hon. Benigno Noynoy Aquino, III but he was unavailable for public audience because of his busy schedule. After the tour, they all proceeded to a mall for their lunch. Definitely, the St. Paul Scholasticate community did not only enjoy the visit but it also made them proud to be Filipinos. Thank you Lord for this opportunity! (Br. Mark Anthony Pondoc)

Barnabites go for days of hiking and outing


The scholasticate community of the Barnabites in Tagaytay, together with the Father Rector Michael Sandalo, went for a day of hiking last May 28, Saturday. It was a long and painstaking yet adventurous journey. They left the seminary early in the morning and headed to Barangay Mendez. From there they descended from the slopes of Tagaytay and after an hour-anda-half arrived at Sitio Bitin, in Barangay Sambong.

Barnabites visit Malacaan Palace


What does it feel to be given a chance to enter and see the place where prominent leaders of the country once resided? Last May 16, the community of St. Paul Scholasticate had the honor and the privilege of visiting the Malacaan Palace in Manila, the official residence of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. The said tour was made possible thanks to the kindness of Jennifer Tabada-Largado, a military nurse assigned in the presidential security and the cousin of Fr. Thomas Tabada. The place was historically remarkable and the ambience was fascinating. With the help of a tour guide, the brothers and fathers were able to know the historical details of the palace and the things inside. It is said that the Malacaan Palace was built during the Spanish occupation of the Philippines and it used to be the official residence of the Spanish governor general. When the Philippine republic was established at the end of the 1800s, it became the official residence and office of the Philippine presidents since then.

The Barnabites inside the office of the past presidents of the Philippines

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Sitio Bitin is a small village where the Barnabite Brothers: Rosauro Valmores, Joseph Bernales and deacons Yohanes Koten and Pat Golis used to go for their weekly apostolate in 2009. When the brothers reached the place, they rested for while and gathered the villagers for the Mass in the community chapel. After the Mass, the brothers proceeded to the house of the pastoral council coordinator for some light snacks. Then, they went to a waterfalls hidden amongst the huge rocks and enormous trees of the same village. The brothers were not able to resist the cascading and cold waters and so they took advantage of spending some time for a nice shower and swimming. The family of the pastoral council prepared lunch for them and had their midday meal together. Going back to Tagaytay, the brothers again exerted their much effort to scale the steep mountain. Yet, the fun and joy of the day and the beautiful scenery of the place made them forget the exhaustion. The Green Mountain and fresh air made the hiking relaxing. It was truly an experience of a lifetime and the brothers would treasure this interesting and memorable experience. They arrived in the seminary at four oclock in the afternoon tired yet enjoyed. The Barnabite community went for another four-day outing last June 1st to 4th to Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, north of the Philippines. The said city is located 600 kilometres from Manila and so it takes 10-11 hours travel by land. The place was known to be one of the many Cultural Heritage

St. Augustine Parish Church, also known as Paoay Churchthe Filipino Barnabite scholastics take pride of their nations heritage.

All smiles!

Sites in the Philippines recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage. Many priceless remnants of Philippine history can be seen there. The houses were built with Spanish-inspired architectural designs. The residents of the city were able to preserve the old houses and its Spanish ambience. The brothers hit the road in the afternoon of May 31. Dr. Marianne Darline Catalan, a good friend of the brothers, joined them as well. Arriving in Vigan, they stayed in the houses of the friends of the third year scholastics. The next day, they proceeded to visit the historical houses and churches of the place. They had the chance to see the ancestral houses of prominent Filipinos. They were also lucky to enter into the museum of the cathedral accompanied by one of the priests presently assigned there. The said museum is now home to antique vestments, sacred vessels for liturgical functions and some relics belonging to the archdiocese. The second day was a day of swimming in one of the beaches of Ilocos. The brothers stayed in a beach resort overnight enjoying the peaceful surroundings and each others company. On the third day of the excursion, they had another chance to visit places of historical value in Ilocos Sur such as the centuriesold baroque-style Paoay Church, another World Heritage site considered as one of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines; the city of Batac and the tomb of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos where his mortal remains are wellpreserved; theme parks like the Hanging Gardens

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and the Baluarte, a very spacious animal zoo; the Malacaan Palace of the north, an enormous and beautiful house which used to be the residence of the Marcos family in the 70s and 80s; and finally, the old Church of the Assumption of Our Lady in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur. The scholastics and the fathers, accompanied by a friend from Vigan, also visited the inter-diocesan seminary and school of Theology of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. They met the newly designated rector of the same seminary and the outgoing one as well. Snacks were served for them after touring the whole seminary premises. After the visits, the brothers had the chance to purchase souvenir shirts and other items in the city proper and took pictures of the place. As they headed home on the 4th of June, they stopped at the house of Br. Alfredos grandmother in Bangar, La Union. The family and friends of Alfreds grandmother warmly welcomed them and a sumptuous lunch was also served for them. After almost two hours, they resumed their journey and arrived in the seminary at ten oclock in the evening. The Barnabite scholastics had been very lucky to see beautiful and magnificent places. The community outing was meant for enjoyment but most of all, for the promotion of closer relationship. Such was the most important part of this memorable seminary activity. (Br. Julimar Pulvera)

religious congregations were all present. The Mass started around four oclock in the afternoon. The seminarians from San Pablo Theological Seminary, the diocesan seminary of the Diocese of San Pablo, Laguna, were the altar servers. The music and songs were provided by the seminarians from the Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol, the diocesan seminary of the Diocese of Imus. After the Mass, the students and professors proceeded to the auditorium for dinner and the vin dhonneur, which is an annual DWS practice every opening of the school year. A short video presentation was also made available by the outgoing officials of the student council. The celebration concluded around 7:30 in the evening. (Br. Rey Carmelo Ausejo)

St. Paul Scholasticate hosts the Sending-off Ceremony


Last June 30, the St. Paul Scholasticate hosted the Sending-off Ceremony of seminarians assigned in the different parishes of the Diocese of Imus for the formation year 2011-2012. The said ceremony, held at the Sacred Heart Chapel, was integrated in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Most Reverend Luis Antonio Tagle, the bishop of the Diocese of Imus presided the celebration and concelebrated with the respective Rectors of various religious congregations and some parish priests of the parishes of the same Diocese. The seminarians of St. Paul Scholasticate, Congregation

DWS opens school year with the Mass of the Holy Spirit
Every beginning of the school year, the Divine Word Seminary (DWS), where the seminarians of St. Paul Scholasticate are enrolled for theological studies, offers the Mass in honor of the Holy Spirit. It marks the opening of the new academic year. This time the Eucharistic celebration was held on the 14th of June at the Holy Spirit chapel of the Divine Word Seminary. The Holy Mass was presided by Fr. Michael Sandalo, the rector of St. Paul Scholasticate and was concelebrated by the priest-professors of the institution and the formators/rectors of different houses of formation. The student seminarians enrolled in DWS coming from the seminaries and

Diocesan seminarians and of other religious institutes gather at the Sacred Heart Chapel of SPS for the day of Commissioning.

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of Jesus and Mary, the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Mission and Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol, the diocesan seminary of Imus, gathered together for the said ceremony. A simple snack was shared by all after the one-hour-and-a-half celebration. The Sending-off Ceremony marks the start of the apostolate for the new school year. It commemorates Jesus commissioning of His disciples to continue His work on earth as ministers. The said ceremony included the giving of the cross necklaces and the giving of the assignment area to the seminarians. It was the first time that St. Paul Scholasticate joined the apostolate program of the Diocese, so it is well and proper that the ceremony be held in this seminary commented Sem. Serafin Parcon, the Apostolate Coordinator of Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol. Indeed, the St. Paul Scholasticate, as it hosts the said ceremony, is hopeful that this will open a fresh venue for apostolate formation and cooperation with other congregations and with the diocese where they belong. (Br. John Paul Osip) ,

People pray together to St. Anthony Zaccaria

Scholasticate community celebrates the Solemnity of the Founder

The Saint Paul Scholasticate community celebrated the solemnity of the Holy Founder Saint Anthony Maria Zaccaria last July 5. The community used to celebrate it in St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Seminary in Marikina City together with the other Barnabite communities in the Philippines. The feast was anticipated with a nine-day novena and Mass at 6:00 oclock in the evening from June 26 and culminated on the 4th of July. The Barnabite Youth Ministry (BYM), the adult choir of the community, the neighboring sisters namely the Merciful Sisters and the Hospitalers Sisters of Mercy, and some friends and people living near to the seminary all actively participated. On the last day of novena, that is, the eve of the solemn day, a 4-hour exposition of the Blessed Sacrament was held. The Blessed Sacrament was exposed after the 6 pm Mass and the deacons did the reposition at 12 midnight with some scholastics. The brothers were assigned per year level an hour of adoration. Those who participated in the nine-day novena also spent some time for adoration and prayer. During the day, all the

members of the community were very busy preparing things: cleaning the house and the surroundings, decorating the chapel, preparing the dining hall, etc. On the Founders feast day, a solemn mass was offered in his honor. The Eucharistic celebration was presided by Fr. Jonathan Ma. Ramoso together with the Barnabite Fathers of the Tagaytay community: Fr. Arvin Ma. Dagalea, Fr. Cirilo Ma. Coniendo, and Fr. Michael Sandalo. Fr. Cirilo delivered the homily in which he highlighted the Barnabite existence in the Philippines and the values of the Founder which his followers are to imitate. The two deacons Rev. Pat Golis and Rev. Yohanes Koten assisted in the almost two-hour Mass. After the Mass, a simple reception was prepared by the community for the assembly. In the afternoon, the scholastics organized a basketball match with some youth of Barangay San Jose. In the evening, the community went out for dinner at Shakeys Pizza Restaurant. The feast day was concluded with a community film showing. Some drinks and snacks were also served. All in all, the day was a superb experience for the community. (Br. Darwayne Jay Alfaro, CRSP)
Get rid of everything so as to have God who is everything. Go to God free, and do not be attached to anything.

-St. Anthony Zaccaria Sermon VI

No. 15
.DWS holds annual sports festivities

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Part of the holistic formation of the students of Divine Word Seminary (DWS) is the annual sports activities or the DWSTSA days. It is an activity where the students are to compete in different outdoor games namely basketball, volleyball, badminton and lawn tennis, and in competitions in academics (such as quiz bee, essay writing and extemporaneous speech), cultural dance, and song/live band competition (muziklaban). For this year, the two-day activity was held last August 18-19 at the Divine Word Seminary grounds. The said event started with the introductory ceremonies: the Bible enthronement and prayers, the lighting of torch, the pledge of sportsmanship, the deans opening remarks and finally, the presentation of class mascots. Barnabite Br. Gerard Sala was the mascot of the third year Maskilim class. It was immediately followed by the indoor games (mostly Filipino games patintero, hatawan palayok, palo sebo and ball throw) in the morning and the outdoor games basketball, volleyball and tennis in the afternoon. Bro. Rey Ausejo played patintero, Bro. Roy Tabil in palo sebo and Bro. Rosauro Valmores competed in the hatawan palayok. The Barnabite brothers participated in almost all the games and spent much of their energy, sweating their brows to enjoy the games to the maximum level! Day two was opened with a Eucharistic celebration in the chapel of the Holy Spirit of the DWS. It was well-attended by the students and some formators of the seminaries. After the Mass, the outdoor games and academic competitions were resumed. Fr. Michael Sandalo, the Superior and Rector of the St. Paul Scholasticate was one of the judges in the extemporaneous speech competition. Bro. John Paul Osip, together with two other classmates, also participated in the quiz bee. The championship matches in basketball, volleyball and badminton were all held in the afternoon. It was an afternoon of extreme fun and excitement. A common dinner was held in the evening at the DWS gymnasium. Each formation house brought some food which was shared by all. After dinner, the students gathered for the muchawaited neo-ethnic dance contest, the battle of the

The Barnabites giving their best shot!

bands or the muziklaban and finally, the awarding of prizes. The brothers also shared their talents in dancing, singing, and playing musical instruments as they made the crowd enjoy the event. Bros. Roy Tabil, Julimar Pulvera, and Rosauro Valmores amazed the audience with their mesmerizing voices while Bros. Alvin Libay and Alfredo Dolog impressed everyone with their musical instruments as they accompany the vocalist. The rectors, professors and friends of the seminarians also ejoyed the night of music, food and fun. In the awarding of winners, Bro. Ar-John Ignalig was awarded as the champion for Dama. The fourth year class was the champion in the basketball match. The team was composed of Barnabite basketball titans Bros. Isagani Gabisan and Rosauro Valmores. Bro. Rey Ausejo was part of the patintero champions and the Barnabite volleyball triumvirate brothers Julimar Pulvera, Roxie Roflo and Ar-John Ignalig brought honor to their second year volleyball team that grabbed the championship crown for this year. Congratulations Brothers! The DWSTSA days were indeed a jovial moment for the Barnabite brothers as they shared not only their talents but also their support for one another. It was the moment where the seminarians/students engaged themselves into sports, not just to win and conquer, but to know and develop camaraderie with each other. (Br. Mark Anthony Pondoc)

No. 3 15

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Newsbits!
Scholastics elect seminary officials for FY 2011-2012
Every beginning of the formation year, the Barnabite professed brothers of Tagaytay elect a new set of seminary officials. For the first time, the election occurred outside the seminary house. The brothers chose their leaders during their community outing in Vigan City on the 1st of June. The election was presided by the outgoing dean Br. Benedict Insigne assisted by his council. The new set of officers for the formation year 2011-2012: Dean of the Scholastics: Bro. Benjiemar Salvacion Vice dean/Secretary: Bro. Cunan Adaro Liturgist: Bro. Mark Anthony Pondoc Sports chairman: Bro. Roy Tabil Cultural chairman: Bro. Darwayne Alfaro Librarian: Bro. Glenn Gaabucayan Prefect of the Infirm: Bro. Alfredo Dolog Choir leader: Bro. Julimar Pulvera Leadership in the seminary trains and prepares seminarians for their future roles as leaders of the people. It is leadership grounded on service. Goodluck to the new servant-leaders of St. Paul Scholasticate! (Br. Benjiemar Salvacion)

Saint Paul Scholasticate Newsletter

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Saint Paul Scholasticate

THE CLERICS REGULAR OF SAINT PAUL BARNABITES 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: saintpaulscholasticate@gmail.com Director: Fr. Michael Sandalo, CRSP Editor-in-Chief: Br. Rey Carmelo A. Ausejo, CRSP Associate Editor: Br. Mark Anthony Pondoc, CRSP Staff Writers: Br. Gerard Sala, Br. John Paul Osip, Br. Raphael Laotoco, Br. Julimar Pulvera, Br. Roxie Roflo, Br. Darwayne Jay Alfaro, Br. Roy Tabil Contributors: Fr. Michael Francis Mancusi, Br. Joseph Bernales, Eduardo Roa, Alma Roa, Br. Ar-John Ignalig, Br. Albino Vecina, Br. Benjiemar Salvacion Typeset in the Philippines by the Saint Paul Scholasticate, September 2011

The Barnabites did it again!


You reap what you sow (Gal.6:7). Those who sow lavishly will harvest bountifully. The Barnabite community in Tagaytay is very proud of the brothers who made it on the deans list. Bro. John Paul Osip, Fr. Jonathan Ramoso, and Fr. Thomas Tabada have taken their place in the Deans list for the second semester of the past academic year. John Paul got an average of 94.67%, Fr. Jonathan 91.33%, and Fr. Thomas 91% respectively. Congratulations brothers! (Br. Rey Carmelo Ausejo)

A farewell to a friend and father


Fr. Michael Mancusi left the Philippines last August 6th after almost five months confinement at St. Lukes Medical Center in Taguig City, Metro Manila. He had stroke last March 6th and since then, he had to stay in the hospital for treatment and therapy. Last July 29, the scholastics paid him a visit after several months. Fr. Michael is back to New York for continuous treatment. Get well soon Fr. Mike!

Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi? An gladius?

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