Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi? An gladius?

Saint Paul Scholasticate Newsletter

Year 7 No. 17 Christmas 2012

The Fathers and the Scholastics of St. Paul Scholasticate wish you an abundance of Peace and Love this Christmas and a Blessed New Year 2013!

Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noel!

Buon Natale! Feliz Navidad!

MALIGAYANG PASKO AT MAPAGPALANG BAGONG TAON!

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On 26th March, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, two Barnabite deacons received the Sacred Ordination to the Priesthood.

The Lord of the harvest blesses the Barnabites in the Philippines!

(Br. Roy Tabil, CRSP)
counterpart congregation of sisters of the BarnabitestheAngelicSistersofSt.Paulandthe LittleWorkersoftheSacredHeartwereallpresent. ThecelebrationwasalsoattendedbytheVeryRev. Fr. Robert Maria Kosek, the provincial superior of the Barnabite North American province. A good number of priests from the dioceses of Imus and Cagayan de Oro and other congregations also came. A number of Fr. Johns friends from Indonesia, priests and sisters, in particular, also took part in the celebration. Selected Barnabite scholastics headed by Br. Mark Anthony Pondoc assisted in the liturgical celebration while the Somascan brothers led the people in the singing withtheirelegantandamazingvoices.(nextpage)
Litany of the Saints: invoking the intercession of the holy ones in heaven.

The 26th of March, the Solemnity of the Annunciation was another joyful day for the BarnabiteCongregationinthePhilippines.Forthe Lord of the harvest had once again blessed the Congregation with two new priests namely Reverend Father Pat Mandin Maria Golis and YohanesBesiMariaKoten.Atexactlyhalfpastnine inthemorning,therites ofPresbyteralOrdination was held within the Holy Mass presided by the Auxiliary Bishop of Manila, Most Reverend BroderickPabillo,intheparishchurchofOurLady ofLourdes,TagaytayCity. The families, relatives, friends and benefactors of the newly ordained priests were present at the onceinalifetime occasion. Numerous religious, mostly sisters, from various congregations also came to witness the event. It was also like a reunion of the Zaccarian family for the majority of the Fathers of the Philippine Barnabite Delegation, the Barnabite novices, the college seminarians of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria SeminaryinMarikina,thelayaffiliatesandthe

Imposition of hands on Rev. Pat.

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Bishop Pabillo ordains Rev. John.

After the twohour Mass, everyone proceeded to the Saint Paul Scholasticate for a sumptuous lunch. Although the weather was not goodanditwasdrizzly,theaffairwasendedwitha smile in everyones faces especially the newly ordainedpriestsandtheirfamilies. At six oclock in the evening of the same day, the newly ordained priests offered their first thanksgiving Mass in the seminary chapel of the SacredHeartofJesus.TheHolyMasswaspresided overbyFr.PatwhileFr.Johndeliveredthehomily. The Fathers of St. Paul Scholasticate (SPS) also concelebrated.Thefamilies,friendsandthefriends of the SPS community in Tagaytay also attended. The Barnabite brothers provided the music while the altar boys of the seminary assisted. The new priests both thanked all those who accompanied them throughout their formation years and who made the occasion possible. After the Mass, a simple supper was shared in the seminary refectory.

Fr. Pat Mandin Golis hails from the City of Gingoog, province of Misamis Oriental, Mindanao, southern Philippines. Patgols as his confreres fondly call him, is the third in the four children of Absalon Golis and Encarnacion Mandin. He was bornon May1st1982.HeenteredtheSt.Anthony Mary Zaccaria Seminary in Marikina in 2000 and earned his Baccalaureate in Philosophy at St. Camillus College Seminary in 2005. After the canonical year of the novitiate, he made his first profession of Vows and moved to St. Paul Scholasticate for further religious formation. He enrolled at the Divine Word Seminary where he earned his degree in Theology in 2010. On 8th December2010,hemadehisSolemnProfessionof Vowsandon2ndApril2011,hewasordainedtothe diaconate.Heservedasdeaconforoneyearinthe parish of the Immaculate Conception in Naic, Cavite. Fr.YohanesBesiKotenwasbornonMarch 15,1979.He isfromHurit,FloresIsland,Indonesia. HisconfrereslovinglycallhimJohnix.Fr.Kotenis the first Indonesian priest of the Barnabite Congregation. Thus, he is also the pride of the BarnabitePhilippineDelegation.Johnixistheninth inthebroodoffourteenchildrenofBernardusBera Koten and Maria Lepang Weruin. He is one of the six Indonesians who came in the Philippines and entered Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria Seminary in theyear2002.Butbeingapersonofstrongwilland perseverance,hewasabletofinishhisformation. (Turntonextpage)

The new priests with the Bishop: (from lef) Fr. Pat, Bishop Pabillo and Fr. John

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Group picture with the Bishop

Fr. John obtained his Associate in PhilosophyatSt.CamillusCollegeSeminaryin2005. He made his first profession of Vows in 2006 and was assigned to St. Paul Scholasticate community for his religious formation. After four years, he earned his degree in Theology at the Divine Word Seminary.TogetherwithFr.Pat,Fr.Johnmadehis Solemn Profession of Vows in 2010 and was ordaineddeaconon2ndApril2011.Hewasassigned to serve as deacon in the parishes of Our Lady of the Assumption (Maragondon, Cavite) and St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Barangay Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal while staying with the Fathers communityofSt.AnthonyMaryZaccariaSeminary, Marikina. He also served in the novitiate, giving somelecturestothepastnovices. The religious community of Saint Paul Scholasticate is very much grateful for this great event.Thecommunityisalsothankfulforallthose whomadethecelebrationpossible,wonderfuland memorableespeciallytotheHospitalerSistersof

Mercywhoaccommodatedthefamiliesandfriends ofthenewpriests.Specialthanksisalsoextended to Fr. Jeffrey Agustin, OFMCap., parish priest of OurLadyofLourdesParish,formakingthechurch available for the occasion. Also to the Somascan Brothers who helped made the celebration so solemnwiththeirsongsandvoices. At present, Fr. Pat is assigned as assistant priest of the newly erected quasiparish of St. Dominic Ybanez de Erquicia, in Barangay Sapang, Bayambang, Pangasinan. While Fr. John has been assisting since June as Vice Rector of St. Anthony MaryZaccariaSeminary.Hehasalsobeentakingup some courses on religious formation at the Institute for Consecrated Life in Asia (ICLA) in preparation for his future ministry in his home country. To the newly ordained priests, you are the visiblesignsofGodsgoodness;becauseofyouwe can still hope amidst darkness. May you remain faithfultoGodandhispeople.

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I See
Br. Rey Carmelo Ausejo, CRSP

Last October 11, Pope Benedict XVI opened the Year of Faith and is due to close on the celebration of Christ the King in November 2014. The said holy year coincides with two important occasions: first, the 20th anniversary of the Church document Catechism of the Catholic Church which contains the rich body of doctrines of our Faith; and second, the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council in Rome that lasted for three years (1962-1965). To inaugurate the Holy Year, the Pope issued the Apostolic Letter Porta Fide (The Door of Faith). The main concern and the highlight of this celebration is the invitation to a renewal of the Faith of the Church, rooted in Jesus Christ and transmitted by the Apostles. The Pope writes that this Year of Faith is "a summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord" (PF 6). The holy Year of Faith is not only meant to celebrate the two aforementioned anniversaries but as the Pope says, there is a need of it. He adds that we cannot accept that the salt should become tasteless or the light be kept hidden (Mt.5:13-16). This is true. There is really a need for the Church to renew, reinvigorate her faith and set it again on fire. Unfortunately, it is noticeable nowadays that our faith has become lukewarm or even cold; it has become inexpressive. We lack courage in witnessing to the Truth and a personal commitment in the Church. It is noteworthy that the Christian faith is not a private but a public one. It must be expressed like a lamp that is placed in the lamp stand to shine for others. It must be like that of a salt that gives taste to the world. The profession of faith in lips implies public act of testimony and commitment (PF 10). Therefore, it has to be lived and be communicated in love through our courageous witnessing to Christ the Lord despite the challenges that we face in todays world and our commitment to it by embracing the demands of following Christ. Why is faith important? Faith is important for Christians because it is the key that opens the door of salvation. It can do a lot of things for us. Faith can transform us to live a life that is pleasing to God. It makes us strong to stand firm amidst the storms of life and tribulations for as St. Augustine affirms Faith strengthens us. It gives us hope to make impossible

things happen. It gives us light when we are in darkness. And it grows as we live and share it to others. The New Testament narrates the works and events in the lives of particular people of faith. Mary's great faith in God enabled her to fulfill her mission as the mother of Jesus Christ: the subject and object of our faith. In the synoptic Gospels, miracles happened in peoples lives because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus challenged his disciples that if they had faith the size of a mustard seed, impossible things can happen: it can move mountains. In faith, the first Christian communities were formed. The Apostles and the disciples were able to carry out their mission boldly despite the persecutions because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Faith impelled them to proclaim the Good News and continue the saving mission of the Lord. In faith, many Saints committed themselves to service and even to martyrdom: willing to lay down their lives for the faith. Men and women consecrated themselves, leaving everything for Christ. Finally, many others confessed the beauty of following in Christ, embracing his life, wherever they were called to: be it in their professional jobs, in their personal charism and ministries (PF 13). This is how faith was expressed at that time: faith lived publicly and communicated in love. Unfortunately, this expression of faith is gradually fading today. Many prefer to keep their faith on their own by not owning it, especially when facing the demands of the world. We remain silenced rather than getting ourselves involved in the demands of Gods invitation. Christians, being the light of the world, has become weak: no longer shining brightly. The salt of the earth has become tasteless. In this Year of Faith, the whole Church and every Christian are both challenged to set again the light of faith on fire through personal renewal. How? By committing oneself in witnessing to Christ to the world, radiating the Word of God by words and deeds rooted in faith and love.

Byfaith,wetoolive: bythelivingrecognition oftheLordJesus,presentin ourlivesandinourhistory. PopeBenedictXVI PortaFidei,13

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May Krismas pa ba kung naghihirap ang buhay?

Fr. Michael Sandalo, CRSP
A supertyphoon named Pablo recently hit the southermost part of the Philippines and again placed the entire nation on its knees begging for international aid. Words are not enough to describe the excruciating situation of the people. An entire town was leveled, without any tree, house or building left standing. Almost a thousand people perished and hundreds were gone missing. Thousands of families lost not only their loved ones but even their houses and livelihood. The disaster hit these people a few weeks before Christmas. A question must be in their minds: May Krismas pa ba kung naghihirap ang buhay? Is it still Christmas when life is suffering? Is there sense to celebrate Christmas in this situation of uncertainty for tomorrow and intense grief? It is indeed unimaginable how our fellow Filipinos in Davao would celebrate the Saviors birth amidst the lost and pain. In one prestigious beauty contest, the Filipina contestant fell from the stage because she accidentally stepped on her long gown. Yet despite the bad fall, she stood up with head held high, kept her poise and smiled at the whole audience that applauded her dignified posture. After the show, she was asked about her thoughts when she fell. She smilingly answered saying, Well, the show must go on! Nothing should hinder my goal to get the crown. Christmas is like a show that must go on despite a bad situation. It should be celebrated in whatever situation because it is the day of the Lord! It is the birth of the loving God who became man and nothing should hinder us to celebrate such a holy day. Jesus birth is a day of hope. It reminds us that the God is ever with us, suffering and crying with ushe is the Emmanuel, the God who will never abandon us. Amidst the sufferings of life, we have to remind ourselves of this reality. The more we are burdened by lifes difficulties, the greater should we celebrate and experience Gods presence in our lives. Christmas is the Lords day. It is not about Santa Clause or Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer. It is not about expensive gifts, huge and overly decorated Christmas trees, our sumptuous noche buena feast and even the glittering lights of our homes. Christmas is a celebration for the God who wants to be born not anymore in a cold and dark manger but in every persons heart, in every familys home and in the center of every human relationship. He wants our hearts and lives. There is still Christmas in Davao, in the shaties of Metro Manila and in every person who suffers in the hospital, in the jails, in orphanages. Nothing can hinder the spirit of the celebration because it is Jesus who we celebrate! And when we celebrate God we are renewed and strengthened to face life. Christmas reminds us that there is hope in lifes darkest hours because Jesus is the promised One who will dispel darkness in our lives. It reminds us of God the Fathers love in giving his own Son and so we too are called to give and share our love to the unloved and uncared for not just during Christmas but the whole year through. Christmas strengthens our faith because it is the fulfillment of God the Fathers promise for a Redeemer for humanitys sake. Hence, it is a holy day that encourages us to trust, believe and surrender our selves to God, believing in his faithfulness to his promise. And this is Gods promise to us: He will never let us down. We may feel down and out in this difficult time of crisis, but God will never allow us to fall because he is our EmmanuelGod with us! So we need to celebrate Christmas in order to be strengthened and renewed in this trying moments of our lives.

May Krismas pa ba kung naghihirap ang buhay? Opo, may Krismas pa rin kahit naghihirap ang buhay sapagkat ang diwa ng Krismas ay ang pagkalinga ng Diyos sa taong aba at hamak sa pamamagitan ni Hesus.

May Krismas pa ba kung naghihirap ang buhay? Opo, may Krismas pa rin kahit naghihirap ang buhay sapagkat ang diwa ng Krismas ay ang pagkalinga ng Diyos sa taong aba at hamak sa pamamagitan ni Hesus.
Let us celebrate Christmas despite lifes sufferings. Let Jesus be the source of our joy for the season, of our strength for a new year and of our perseverance to face life.

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Woodpath
Mission in Faith

Br. Darwayne Jay Alfaro, CRSP

Fifty years after the Second Vatican Council, the Church opened the Year of Faith on 11 October 2012. In living the spirit of the council, the Pope invites each Christian to respond to the demands of faith in contemporary times. It is to find in the person of Jesus Christ the meaning of life. And that being a Christian demands responsibility to proclaim and witness the Gospel. With these, each Christian is invited to do mission in faith. In his homily for the opening of the year of faith, the Pope urged each of us to communicate Christ to individuals and all people. Today the Gospel finds itself in competition with other voices in the world. Contemporary man is drowned and lost in these voices. In order to successfully deliver the message of Christ, we need to stand over and above the voices of the time. The need for new evangelization demands new methodology, new orientation, and even newer innovation for the faithful of today. Hence, this is the mission in faith. In the call for new evangelization, we need to put emphasis on mission. To see mission as the foremost activity of the Church is to understand mission as rooted in the life of the Trinity. In his homily, the Pope affirms this mission that subsists in the mission of the Church. In the earthly life of Christ, his mission is to reveal to the world that there is a loving God, we call Father. The Father and the Son sends the Holy Spirit to guide and energize the church in her mission. Hence, our faith is rooted in the Trinitarian mission. To proclaim the year of faith is to proclaim the mission of the Trinity. The need for renewal of Christian fervor is the fulcrum of the year of faith and the call for new evangelization. This aspiration is the charism of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul. The Holy Founder, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria is five hundred years ahead

of the present time. During the time of reformation, there is a great need to renew the fervor of the faithful. Battling against the attacks of the reformers, the congregation endeavored to proclaim the fight against lukewarmness. In contemporary times, we find this lukewarmness ever present. Thus, in the spirit of the year of faith and in memorial of the great charism of the Barnabite founder, we are invited and equally challenged to proclaim the Gospel. All people search for the ultimate meaning in life. The Pope is very strong on this point. In contemporary times, the seeming Godlessness of contemporary man betrays a deeper thirst for the Divine. The world is compared to a desert where man journeys as a pilgrim. In this modern desert man finds signs of barrenness and death. And yet, the more negativity man sees the more the question of the value of human life is more pressing. Contemporary man thirsts for God. Only the oasis of faith satisfies this thirst. As Christians, we have

Contemporary man thirsts for God. Only the oasis of faith satisfies this thirst. As Christians, we have greater responsibility to bring man to this oasis.
greater responsibility to bring man to this oasis. Hence, to bring contemporary man to the oasis of faith is the new mission of each of us whose lives are touched by the hand of God. We travel in this desert with the Gospel, faith in the Church, the Council documents and the Catechism of the Catholic Church as compass and light for our missionary journey. Mary is the model of faith in Mission. The Pope ends his homily with the invitation to entrust our mission to the Virgin Mary. She is the model of both faith and mission. In her, the Mission par excellence incarnated with her faithful and full acceptance of her mission to be the Mother of our Lord. In our daily lives, may we imitate the faithfilled affirmation of the Blessed Virgin. May we also say: Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word (Luke 1:38).

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NEWS, EVENTS AT IBA PA

First Profession of Vows and Renewal of Vows

I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to your word.

Last May 13, ten scholastics renewed their religious commitment through the renewal of Vows celebrated within the Holy Mass presided by Fr. Jimmy George Anastacio, member of the delegation council of the Barnabite Philippine Delegation. Fr. Michael Sandalo and Fr. Cirilo Coniendo also concelebrated. Those who renewed their Vows for the fourth time were scholastics Albino Vecina and Isagani Gabisan. While the following scholastics renewed the Vows for the third time: Benedict Insigne, Cunan Adaro, Gerard Sala, Mark Anthony Pondoc, Rey Carmelo Ausejo, John Paul Osip, Alvin Libay and Alfredo Dolog, Jr. Last May 31, as the Church celebrated the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Clerics Regular of St. Paul added color to this celebration. The Barnabites in the Philippines was graced with two especial events: firstly, the first profession of Vows and acceptance to the community of two Indian novices, Br. Sinoj Maria Thomas of Kasaragod, Kerala, India and Br. Lenish Maria Benny of Bangalore, India; and secondly, scholastics Roland Danigoy, Roy Tabil, Darwayne Jay Alfaro, Roxie Roflo, Julimar Pulvera, Ar-john Ignalig and Raphael Laotoco joined with the Blessed Mother in professing their faith and self-dedication to God as they renewed their religious Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. The First Profession and the renewal of Vows was solemnly accepted by Very Rev. Fr. Francisco Da Silva, then assistant Superior General. The celebration of faith and manifestation of Gods love for His Church was held in the chapel of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Seminary in Marikina City. The said occasion was attended by the friends of the Indian novices, religious sisters and the lay affiliates

Seven scholastics renew their religious Vows on May 31 in Marikina.

of the Congregation. Also present were the majority of the Filipino Barnabite Fathers, the members of the religious communities of St. Paul Scholasticate and St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Seminary. After the celebration, a simple lunch was offered where everyone enjoyed the food and each others company at table. Three days after the profession, the newly professed Barnabites flew to India for their muchdeserved vacation. They are, at present, assigned to Rome for their religious formation and theological studies. (Brs. Raphael Laotoco and Mark Pondoc) Compassion and tolerance for other peoples shortcomings are virtues that accompany the humble person and are extremely necessary to help people who are imperfect but really want to make progress. -St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Constitutions VIII

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Dominican Father Quirico Pedregosa with the Barnabite scholastics in a week-long retreat.

world of competition. In todays situation, he asked, What quality of life, as a religious, we have? He added that our life is a theology; a life with God. Thus, we must have a vision so that our life will not be wasted. Last December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the professed brothers had a whole-day Advent recollection facilitated by Fr. Marciano Andres from the Congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI). Fr. Mars dealt with the Advent season and related it to the Vow of Chastity. He also reminded the Brothers on the Churchs mission of evangelization. After the morning talks, the afternoon was dedicated to confession and personal reflection. The recollection concluded with the celebration of the Holy Mass presided by the facilitator himself. Serviam: Apostolate Activities of the Barnabite Brothers For the formation year 20122013, the Barnabite Brothers are assigned to five apostolate areas: in four parishes of the Diocese of Imus and in a private institution for handicapped and abandoned children. The third and fourth year brothers are assigned to do apostolate in the parishes while those in the second year are assigned in the Chosen Children Village (CCV) in Silang, Cavite. The parish apostolate was organized in close coordination with the parish priests of the concerned parishes and the apostolate chairman of the diocese. The Brothers serve in the parishes of St. Gregory the Great (Indang), Immaculate Conception (Naic), Nuestra Seora de Guia (Magallanes) and Our Lady of the Assumption (Maragondon). These parishes are all in the province of Cavite. In these apostolate areas, the Brothers hone their abilities to organize communities for their future priestly ministry. Some are entrusted with a particular community as if they become little pastors of the village. While some stay in the parish church and assist in youth formation. Because of the multiple tasks, the Brothers stay overnight in their respective communities or parishes. The apostolate in Chosen Children Village also forms the Brothers humility in service by providing care to the sick children. They do their apostolate for the whole day on Saturdays. (Br.

Spiritual Retreat and Days of Recollection Recollections and retreats are important occasions in preparation for the priestly life. For this reason, the Barnabite professed Brothers, had their annual retreat and a series of monthly recollections. These occasions, indeed, help mold their spiritual life. This is also a chance to examine oneself and savor the good things received and also pray for the things one finds difficult to accept. On May 2125 the Brothers had the annual retreat at St. Charles Borromeo Retreat House. In this spiritual activity, Fr. Quirico Pedregosa, OP was the guest speaker/facilitator. For five days, he dealt with love as a mission and its role in ones priestly vocation. Love, according to the speaker helps a religious/seminarian to reach to others. That is why, love is the fount and at the same time the goal of mission. Also, for the monthly recollections two speakers both from the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) were invited. Last August 24, Fr. Wilfredo Saniel, SVD reminded the Barnabite scholastics once again of the importance of their vocation stories. A vocation story is not just a simple story but it is a story of God in ones life. He added that God called us because He has faith in each of us. And in every vocation story we must look at where faith, hope and love happen. On September 29, Fr. Edgar Javier, SVD stressed on religious life and its relevance in the

Gerard Sala, CRSP)

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Seminary Summer Excursion 2012: A Package Deal of Pleasure and Learning The community outing last May 27-30 must be one of the most unforgettable activity of the Barnabite theological seminary of St. Paul Scholasticate. For it was not only meant for leisure and pleasure but it also involved an educational and cultural formation of the scholastics. In the morning of May 27, the scholastics together with their rector Fr. Michael Sandalo and Fr. Pat Golis hit the road en route to the province of Bataan, central Luzon. After almost six hours of travel, they arrived in Balanga City and proceeded to the convent of the Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy. The sisters offered them accommodation in their simple yet beautiful religious house. Very early in the next day, the Barnabites headed to Mariveles, Bataan where they took a motorized boat going to Corregidor Island. A tourist guide welcomed them on their arrival and accompanied them in the tour. It was an opportunity for them to see the historic island where thousands of Filipino and American soldiers died during the Second World War. The Barnabites were amazed to see the relics of the warthe old barracks of the soldiers, the cannons and mortars, the armory and some personal belongings of particular persons, the buildings once used by the Americans, the tombs of the soldiers and the monuments set up by the Japanese, Americans and by the Philippine government to recognize the bravery of their soldiers. The tourist guide also explained the significance of the places. Moreover, the scholastics

The Barnabites learning Philippine history! Visit to Corregidor Island

The Barnabites visiting the Shrine of Valor, Mt. Samat, Pilar, Bataan

also had the opportunity to enter through the Malinta tunnel which was the seat of the Philippine government during the first months of the Second World War. The scholastics also watched a presentation on the events of the said war. After lunch, the Barnabites traveled back to the mainland and headed to Pilar, Bataan where the National Shrine of Valor was located. The said shrine was built at the summit of Mt. Samata huge cross made of steel and concrete and standing approximately 300 feet high from its base. Again, it was another surprise for the scholastics. To reach the Memorial Cross, they had to climb the stairs with more than a hundred steps. They saw the beautiful wall frescoes and stone carvings depicting the gallantry of the soldiers and the events that occurred during the war. They took the lift going to the viewing gallery at the cross arms and there they were amazed to see the scenic Manila bay and Bataan. The following day, the Barnabites proceeded to a beach resort in Morong town, also in Bataan. They stayed there for two days and one night enjoying the sand, the sea and the sun and, of course, each others company. It was another opportunity to strengthen camaraderie and community life. The scholastics headed back home to Tagaytay on May 30. The community outing was, indeed, not only an experience of leisure and fun, but an opportunity to learn history and culture. Special thanks and gratitude is expressed to the Hospitaler Sisters in Bataan for opening their convent for the Barnabites. (Br. Roy Tabil, CRSP)

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Seeking for God: Community Pilgrimage of the Barnabites in the Diocesan Jubilee Year The year 2011-2012 was the Jubilee year of the Diocese of Imus. As such, pilgrim Churches were designated within the diocese where the faithful can gain the plenary indulgence. The Barnabite scholastics, together with their Father Rector, took this opportunity to visit the said pilgrim churches in solidarity with the spirit of the Jubilee year. Thus on the 3rd day of November, the scholastics started their pilgrimage with a prayer in the Sacred Heart Chapel of the seminary community. The Barnabites visited seven out of nine pilgrim churches. First, was the St. Gregory the Great Parish in Indang. The parish priest, Fr. Agustin Baas welcomed the pilgrims and led them to a moment of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. The second was the Diocesan Shrine-Parish of the Immaculate Conception, Naic. The Barnabites were also warmly welcomed by the parish priest Fr. Virgilio Mendoza. After some moments of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and the Jubilee Cross, Fr. Vir invited the Barnabites to the parish rectory for some snacks. Before midday, the Barnabites proceeded to the third pilgrim church, the Church of the Holy Cross in Tanza where together they said the Midday prayers. After some moments of silence, they drove to the fourth pilgrim church in Kawit dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene. Coincidentally, several pilgrims from another parish and some sisters were also in

The new deacon: Rev. Rosauro Valmores with Bishop De Leon (right) and Fr. Papa (left)

Diaconal Ordination For this year, we are blessed with a brother who became a deacon, Br. Rosauro Valmores of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental. The solemn celebration was held on June 23, 2012 at the parish of St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria in Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal. It was presided by Most Reverend Francisco De Leon, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo. The celebration was also concelebrated by the Filipino Barnabite Fathers, two SVD priests, and the ordinadis classmates namely, Fr. John Mark Veloso and Fr. Reniel Nachima. Also, Fr. Medz Valmores, a diocesan priest of the Archdiocese of Cagayn de Oro and an uncle of the ordinandi, Fr. Celso Bagabaldo, from St. John the Baptist the Precursor and Fr. Glenn Villanueva, another diocesan priest from Balingasag likewise concelebrated. Moreover, the Barnabite college seminarians, the professed brothers of St. Paul Scholasticate, the Barnabite novices, benefactors, affiliates of Marikina and Tagaytay, Mr. and Mrs. Roa, sisters from different congregations, the parents, and the relatives and friends of the ordinandi were all present in the celebration. The scholastics of Tagaytay provided the songs and the seminarians of Marikina community were the servers. After the celebration, reception followed in St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria Seminary where all shared in a simple banquet. The whole affair was full of joy and memorable especially for the ordinandi and people who attended the celebration. (Br. Roxie Roflo,

CRSP)

O God, come to my assistance ... Praying together the Midday prayer in the Church of the Holy Cross, Tanza.

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the same church. The Barnabites also had the chance to venerate the miraculous image of the Child Jesus brought by the pilgrims from Ternate town. After the prayers, the scholastics together with their rector had their lunch in a restaurant. After lunch, the journey continued. The pilgrims headed to the fifth pilgrim church in Bacoor City dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel. Noteworthy in this church are the beautiful paintings of the seven archangels placed on the walls and the life-size statue of the patron saint. The sixth was the Cathedral Parish of Imus dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar. There the Barnabite scholastics joined a number of pilgrims in praying the Creed, the Lords Prayer and other prayers to gain the indulgence. The last and the seventh church that was visited was the one dedicated to Our Lady of the Candles in Silang. All these seven churches were indeed the oldest and the most beautiful churches of the diocese. The pilgrimage was done in the spirit of prayer and personal reflection in each churches with a blessing given by the parish priest present. The community considered this activity as a journey of faith in harmony with the spirit of the jubilee year of the Diocese. Everyone received Gods gracethe strengthening of faith and the grace of the indulgence. As we live as religious, we persevere to increase our faith. For we are all in this journey, in the boat of St. Peter. In this journey of faith we are heading towards our goal: the shore of salvation, where we will be with God. Then our pilgrimage will be complete! (Br. Julimar Pulvera, CRSP)

The Fathers together! From left: Fr. Jesus Allado, Fr. Cirilo Coniendo, Fr. Frank Papa and Fr. Francisco Da Silva; and Fr. Michael? Hes behind the camera!

Superior General Comes to St. Paul Scholasticate for the Canonical Visit The newly elected superior general of the Barnabites came to St. Paul Scholasticate for a fiveday canonical visit. The Most Rev. Francisco Chagas Santos da Silva was elected during the 136th General Chapter held last July 9-25 at the Barnabite institute Istituto Collegio Denza in Naples, Italy. Fr. Da Silva is the first superior general from Brazil, indeed, a very historical milestone in the life of the Barnabite Order. Long-time superior in the Philippines, the Very Rev. Fr. Frank Papa was also elected as one of the assistants superior general. He had also been nominated by Fr. Da Silva as Vicar General of the Order and superior of the religious community of the Fathers in Curia Generalizia, Rome. Fr. Da Silva and Fr. Papa arrived on December 3rd and both stayed at St. Paul Scholasticate. Father General had a meeting with the Fathers community of the scholasticate on December 5th. The said meeting was presided by the superior Fr. Michael Sandalo. Some issues pertinent to the administration of the religious house and in the formation of the scholastics were dealt with throughout the meeting. In the evening of the same day, Fr. Da Silva met with the fifteen professed scholastics together with their Father Master, Fr. Sandalo. Father General encouraged the brothers to

Fr. Silva and Fr. Papa with the Barnabite community in a visit to Ed and Alma Roa, lay affiliates.

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The newly elected Consulta Generalizia of the Barnabite Order: (from left) Fr. Filippo Lovison, Fr. Paolo Rippa, Fr. Francisco Da Silva, Fr. Frank Papa and Fr. Fabien Muvunyi (photo credit: Fr. Robert Kosek)

be of service to the Church and to the Congregation by being ready and available for the missions ad gentes. He reminded them of the importance of openness, of ones self-giving and commitment to the spirit and charism of the the Founder. The brothers, in turn, asked Father General some questions as regard the missions and their formation. Fr. Da Silva and Fr. Papa, together with the scholasticate community, also paid a visit to Ed and Alma Roa, lay affiliates of the Congregation based in Tagaytay. The couple prepared a sumptuous dinner for the Fathers and the Brothers. As a tradition, the Brothers serenaded the Roa couple with Christmas songs. It was an evening of fun and camaraderie. On December 7, Father General and Fr. Frank left the scholasticate for the canonical visit in the Barnabite communities of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria (Marikina) and St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Parish (Silangan, San Mateo). And on December 10, the members of the Barnabite Philippine Delegation assembled together to meet with Fr. Da Silva. the said meeting was held at St. Anthony Zaccaria Seminary. Father General and Fr. Papa left for Rome on December 14 after two weeks of canonical visit, the first under the new administration. Most Reverend Fr. Francisco Chagas Santos Da Silva was born on November 24, 1960 in Irituia, Par, Northern Brazil. He entered the Barnabite seminary and made his first profession of Vows on February 18, 1982 in Bragana, Brazil. He obtained his baccalaureate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Urbanian University in Rome, Italy. He made the

Solemn Profession of Final Vows on August 18, 1989 in Bragana and was ordained to the Priesthood on March 19, 1990 in Me do Rio, Brazil. He handled various responsibilities in the Barnabite North Brazilian Province such as seminary formator, provincial counselor and then provincial superior before being elected as one of the assistants Superior General during the General Chapter of 2006 in Rome. Throughout his six-year stint as assistant to then superior general Fr. Giovanni Villa, he held various positions such as formator of the candidates for Solemn Profession, superior of the religious community of the Curia Generalizia, and director of the Oratorio del Sacro Cuore to name a few. Fr. Da Silva participated in the 136th General Chapter whose other members elected him the 76th Superior General and successor of the Holy Founder St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria. It was, indeed, a historical event in the life of the Congregation because the first non-European Barnabite was elected to the post. Working with Fr. Da Silva are four other Fathers elected as Assistants namely Fr. Frank Papa (Italian-American), Fr. Paolo Rippa (Italian-Chilean), Fr. Filippo Lovison (Italian) and Fr. Fabien Muvunyi (Congo). They shall serve the Congregation for six years. The election of Fr. Frank Papa as assistant superior general was also a milestone for the Filipino Barnabites. Having worked in the Philippines for twenty years, the Filipino Barnabites were very proud that he had been entrusted with the responsibility of serving the whole Congregation. To Fr. Da Silva and his Consulta, God bless you!

Fr. Da Silva with His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Archbishop of Manila

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The newly instituted acolytes with Father General From left: Fr. Silva, Darwayne Alfaro, Roland Danigoy, Roy Tabil and Fr. Papa.

Three Barnabite Brothers Instituted to the Ministry of Acolytes

Three Brothers in the second year of Theology were instituted to the Ministry of Acolyte last December 6th. The superior general, Fr. Francisco Chagas Santos Da Silva presided over at the Eucharistic celebration and the rite of institution held in the seminary chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Fr. Frank Papa delivered the homily. All the Fathers and the professed Brothers were likewise present to witness the event. The new acolytes include Br. Roland Danigoy, Br. Darwayne Jay Alfaro and Br. Roy Tabil. During the rite of institution, Father General handed over to the new acolytes the chalice and paten, the symbols of their ministry. They new acolytes will exercise their ministry for a period of time until they reach the Ordination. They were given the tasks of assisting the priest at liturgical celebrations and of bringing Communion to the sick. To date, the St. Paul Scholasticate now has seventeen instituted acolytes. The Acolytate is a step forward to the Priesthood. God bless the new acolytes!

The Barnabite Brothers, for the second time, had been sent to various pastoral communities of the Diocese of Imus for the nineday Christmas novena. The parish priests of the respective parishes of Naic, Magallanes, Indang and Maragondon, entrusted to the care of the Brothers far-flung communities in order to organize various activities for the Christmas. The Brothers left last December 15 and are expected to be back to the seminary on Christmas eve. While the Brothers in the second year were sent to Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao where a newly erected pastoral center was entrusted to the Barnabites some months ago. This was in response to the request made to Fr. Joselito Ortega, Delegate superior, by the Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro, Most Rev. Antonio Ledesma, for seminarians to help organize the said community for the Christmas time. The Brothers stay with Fr. Arvin Dagalea, the Barnabite priest-in-charge of the pastoral center. The Christmas apostolate is another means for the Brothers to be trained in pastoral work. It is truly an opportunity to prepare them for their future priestly ministry.

Institution to the Ministry of Acolyte: Br. Roland Danigoy receives the chalice and paten from Fr. Silva.

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SAINT PAUL SCHOLASTICATE COMMUNITY Formation Year 2012-2013

(First row, from left to right) Raphael Laotoco, Roxie Roflo, Benedict Insigne, Julimar Pulvera, Rey Carmelo Ausejo, and John Paul Osip; (second row, from left to right) Fr. Jesus Allado (Vicar/Vice Rector), Cunan Adaro, Alfredo Dolog, Jr., Superior General Most Rev. Fr. Francisco Chagas Santos Da Silva, Darwayne Jay Alfaro, Roland Danigoy, Roy Tabil, Gerard Sala, Very Rev. Fr. Frank Papa, Fr. Cirilo Coniendo (Chancellor/Treasurer), Ar-John Ignalig, Alvin Libay and Mark Anthony Pondoc (not in the picture: Fr. Michael Sandalo, Superior/Rector)

Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi?

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October 2012 November 2013

Year of Faith

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. Darwayne Jay Alfaro, CRSP Associate Editor: Br. Rey Carmelo Ausejo, CRSP Staff Writers: Br. Gerard Sala, Br. John Paul Osip, Br. Raphael Laotoco, Br. Julimar Pulvera, Br. Roxie Roflo, Br. Roy Tabil, Br. Mark Anthony Pondoc Typeset in the Philippines by the Saint Paul Scholasticate, December 2013

The Year of Faith is a summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the one Saviour of the world.
Pope Benedict XVI (Porta Fidei, 6)

Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi? An gladius?