Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi? An gladius?

Saint Paul Scholasticate Newsletter

No. 7 Sts. Peter & Pauls Eve 2008

sps, 5 years
by Giovanni Scalese, CRSP
In the afternoon of June 3, 2003 the first batch of Barnabite students came to Tagaytay to start a new experience: the Saint Paul Scholasticate. We want to recall the names of those courageous pioneers: Joselito A. Santos, Jimmy George C. Anastacio, Ferdinand S. Dagcuta, Romulo S. Bahag, Aro H. Ocon, Orland B. Quejada, Rey R. Ligtas, Roan Cipriano J. Aborque. Of those eight first scholastics, four are now priests, 50 per cent. The foundation of the Saint Paul Scholasticate had been approved by the General Council at its meeting of May 7, 2003. Until that moment the Barnabite Filipino professed had gone to Rome to attend to their theological studies. The first three Filipino Barnabites (Jesus S. Allado, Richard B. Genetiano and Joselito R. Ortega) accomplished their whole curriculum in Rome. But at a certain point the Superiors of the Congregation deemed it fitting to leave all candidates in their countries for the theological formation. Thus they decided to constitute several new scholasticates in Brazil, Chile, D. R. of Congo and the Philippines. For this country the City of Tagaytay was chosen as the residence of the new scholasticate. Why? Because it was in a wonderful position, there was a cool climate, the Congregation already
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June 28, 2008

PAULINE YEAR
June 29, 2009

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possessed a piece of land here (which was not used, though, for the new foundation, since it was too far from the school) and because there was the School of Theology of the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD). It was exactly in the SVD compound, precisely in William Finnemann Hall, that the Saint Paul Scholasticate took up residence in the first two years. Then, as soon as the new building was ready, on March 31, 2005 we transferred to Purok 163 (the former SMSK), remaining in the beloved Barangay of San Jose. At the beginning the Saint Paul Scholasticate was just an affiliation of the then only Barnabite religious house in the Philippines, the Marikina Community (along with Saint Anthony Ma. Zaccaria Seminary, Saint Alexander Sauli Novitiate and Saint Anthony Ma. Zaccaria Parish). But on June 21, 2004 the General Council established the Saint Paul Scholasticate as an autonomous religious house under the name Collegium Sancti Pauli. After five years, a first assessment of the journey so far covered can be convenient. As for structures, we cannot complain. We live in a nice house, situated on an even nicer property. All those who come find our place gorgeous. Those who had known it when it was still a coffee farm cannot believe their eyes. Its unrecognizable; its a paradise! they say. From a numerical point of view, in these five years 32 students passed through the Saint Paul Scholasticate, 7 just to finish their studies (they had started in Rome) and the rest (25) beginning their theological formation here. 9 of them are now priests, 14 are still in formation, and 9 left. Even in this case, we cannot complain. As for pastoral activities, even though for the time being we do not have any specific apostolic work, we can consider ourselves satisfied if, after just five years

of presence, all know the Barnabites, all call them for Masses, confessions, retreats, recollections and lectures. The scholastics themselves on weekends animate the liturgy in three different chapels (San Jose, Buho, and Rodeo). On Sundays our chapel (dedicated to the Sacred Heart) fills up with faithful (and on weekdays there are always Sisters with us). Three times a week our Tahanang Mapag-aruga ni Padre Semeria is attended by some twenty children for their school training. Everyday, at 4 in the afternoon, our basketball court is swarming with boys. There remains the dream of transforming our bodega (the big building once used as a coffee mill) into a church in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We already have our Santuario de Fatima, the small outdoor shrine beside the Scholasticate. There we have already started promoting the devotion to Our Lady: every Sunday afternoon we recite the Rosary; every day during the month of May, at the end of the Rosary, there was the offering of flowers by children (Flores de Mayo); from May to October, on the 13th of the month, we commemorate the apparitions of Mary at Fatima, starting and ending this practice with a procession, attended by a considerable number of people. Let us hope that, as soon as possible, the dream of a big shrine can become true. Of course, this is just an external assessment. We cannot measure the spiritual results of these past five years. God alone knows them. On our part we cannot but thank the Lord for His innumerable graces. The Saint Paul Scholasticate, as we wrote in the first issue of iPaul, is a handiwork of Divine Providence. Of course, we too have done and will continue to do our share. But it behooves Him to bring to fulfilment the work He has begun.

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a year with saint paul

by Giovanni Scalese, CRSP
Exactly one year ago, during the First Vespers of Saints Peter and Paul in the Roman Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Pope Benedict XVI announced for 2008-09 the celebration of a special Jubilee Year on the occasion of the bimillennium of Saint Pauls birth, which the historians place between the years 7 and 10 A.D. If you remember, we welcomed that announcement with joy, but even with a certain trepidation. In iPaul #3 (SAMZs Day 2007) we wrote that this would be a big responsibility for the Barnabites (the Clerics Regular of St. Paul) in general, and for us (belonging to the Tagaytay Scholasticate of Saint Paul) in particular. What shall we do during this year dedicated to our Apostle? It is too early to answer this question. The Popes initiative has caught us off our guard. Anyway we have a whole year in front of us to arrange a program of initiatives (of course unpretentious, suitable for our limited possibilities). This preparatory year seemed so long, and instead here we are! We have prepared a program for this Pauline Year (you can see it on the last page of the newsletter), but we feel still unprepared and inadequate for so an important appointment. Because we are children and disciples of Paul, we really feel all the responsibility which weighs on our shoulders . We cannot appear indifferent on this occasion, nor can we fail to measure up to the expectations of those who think that the Barnabites should be experts of Saint Paul. Of course, to become a Barnabite it is not necessary to be a specialist in Pauline Theology; but, at least it is to be hoped that a Cleric Regular of Saint Paul has a certain knowledge of the Apostle and, above all, is filled with his spirit. I do not know if we have either of them. We just try to know as best as possible our Patron and to imitate his examples. To be sure, this Jubilee Year is a great grace for us, because it gives us the opportunity to deepen his knowledge and to revive his spirit in us. Our Apostle will accompany us day by day. We will try to follow him wherever he leads us. For the time being we have prepared an issue of iPaul mostly dedicated to him. We hope you appreciate it. If you do not find scientific studies about Paul, please do not be disappointed. At leastyou can depend on it it has been written by heart.

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SAINT Paul, teacher and guide

by Jecker R. Luego, CRSP
As I was thinking what to write for iPaul, I thought of St. Paul as a teacher and guide. Maybe there are already lots of articles describing St. Paul as a teacher; but I would like to add something to them. I would like to write about him in relation to his famous disciples/followers: such as Luke, Timothy and Titus. I believe that they would have something to say about Paul. They lived and worked with him, and knew him well, if not very well. Although they did not say or write that much about him, I believe that there is something to learn from them about their teacher and guide, St. Paul. They were surely influenced by his teaching, thoughts, and ideas. As for Luke, he must have been influenced by Paul in his writing as far as its content is concerned; although, Lukes style was different from that of Paul. Timothy and Titus, as for their part, must have had a share of the thoughts and ideas of Paul concerning their ministry as leaders of their communities. Paul for them was a guide, an adviser to whom they could consult in terms of communal/ecclesial affairs. However, I am not going to write something exegetical in nature; but something that points out St. Paul as a teacher and guide to his disciples/followers. I personally believe that Paul was the best disciple of Jesus. As Jesus student, as St. Gregory would say, Paul was the one who had known Christ better than anyone else. No one has known Christ better than Paul, nor surpassed him in the careful example he gave of what anyone should be who bears Christs name (St. Gregory). He was a great imitator of Christ to the extent that he conceived that it was no longer he who lived in him but Christ himself. As a result, Paul became a great teacher about Jesus. He became the doctor of the Gentiles, the fruit of his labors as teacher and guide. With his strong personality, Paul could not have been a teacher without Jesus Christ working in him. Luke testified to being a teacher of St. Paul. As he was very much influenced by the theology of St. Paul about the Gentile people, Luke perceived salvation as not merely for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles. His theology of Incarnation reveals to his readers that Christ came into the world not for a few but for all; not only for a certain country but for the whole world. This thought is very much Pauline. The mission of Paul and his desire to announce the Good News also to the Gentile world manifested the Christ in him. Just as it was the wish of Jesus, Paul also wished to extend salvation to all human beings but without neglecting his own people, the Jews. Luke had this in mind, as Pauls disciple, when he wrote the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. He could not disregard the Pauline spirit in him since he knew well that it was also Gods Spirit that led him to write so. For him Paul was a teacher worth imitating for he was the one who learned so much from Jesus. Paul taught him everything that Jesus had taught him. As a teacher, what Paul could do was to transmit all the learning he got from his Master. This is why there are such Pauline thoughts as within the content of Lukes writings. Pauls thoughts seemed to have been absorbed by Luke; so much so that the message of both was altogether similar: salvation for all peoples in Jesus Christ. However, Timothy and Titus got a different experience with their father Paul. For them Paul was their guide in pastoral matters. Paul had a great influence on them in their way in dealing with the community. The letters addressed to them in the name of Paul were for them Paul himself guiding and advising them what to do in their ministry. It was Paul who was at work in them, just as Christ was in Paul. For both Timothy and Titus, the pastoral letters of Paul were guiding principles so that they could work effectively as seers of their respective communities. Pauls words were like a father to his sons. He was a guide that led them to the right path so that they in turn could also guide their flock. As neophytes to the new organization of the Church, Timothy and Titus needed someone to help them through the ups and downs of leading people, and it was St. Paul who came to their aid. As a guide, Paul wanted them to become Christ-like in their service to the people of God. This they both understood that they had to pattern their life after the great Shepherd, Christ Himself, the One who lived in Paul. All in all, St. Paul can be considered as a teacher and guide after the Master, Jesus Christ. For us who chose Paul as our Patron and Guide, we are reminded that we have to be imitators of him. If he was able to let Jesus live in him, we too, as his followers/ disciples, ought to follow suit. We have him as our model; therefore, we are to live the life he lived, a life meant for Christ and his people. Our life should be a guiding force that teaches people to become like Christ. Yet, for us weak and short-lived, to live a life according to that of St. Paul is not an easy task. It requires our dedication and conviction that Jesus should live in us. If we do so, we can then say that St. Paul is truly our teacher and guide.

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the paulinism of st. Anthony m zaccaria

by Rosauro A. Valmores, CRSP Most religious congregations have some patron saint other than the founder associated with their congregation. As for the founder of the Clerics Regular of Saint Paul, the Angelic Sisters of Saint Paul, and a third order of laity, Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria chose for his followers Saint Paul as he had also chosen the Apostle of the Gentiles as his personal patron and model. On May 27, 1897 Pope Leo XIII declared the young and fervent founder as a saint. In a speech by the Pope, he proclaimed that Saint Paul the Apostle was a master from whom Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria developed his thought, his activity, and his life. He enjoyed the letters of Saint Paul so much that he took them as a model, both in doctrine and behavior, and invoked him as and intercessor to our Lord Jesus Christ. And Paul was there Paul was always before Anthonys eyes; he had Paul, his patron, stirring in his heart and always prayed to Christ Crucified with Pauls name on his lips. In stating that Saint Paul was his master, and he a servant of Paul, we are stating that Saint Anthony Mary derived his identity from the Apostle Paul. We can say this on the premise that a servant, compared with someone who simply performs services, identifies with the master, deriving a sense of personal identity from him. However, it is not only that we say that Saint Anthony Mary lives through Saint Paul, but also that Saint Paul continues to live and function through Saint Anthony Mary. Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria found in Saint Paul a great deal of himself, as Saint Anthonys entire being captured the strength and temperament of the Apostle Paul. Paul was the one most suited in his temperament and ideals of reform, proclaiming the need of a radical renewal. There were many aspects of their characters that were similar. It was the Christ -event of the Cross that stirred their souls to preach a reform towards the love of neighbor and the glory of God. Both Saint Paul and Saint Anthony Mary had a strong and quivering soul, roused by the bloody reality of the Crucifix that enlightened and guided their work. They both possessed a soul that is open to the Holy Spirit, letting it blow where it would. Saint Paul and Saint Anthony Mary listened to the movement of the Holy Spirit within their souls for they both had the same tenderness that links Paul and Anthony Mary together and allows the Holy Spirit to enlighten their souls.
Paul teaches Anthony Ma. the science of the Cross

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Another aspect that shares similarity between these two saints is the fact that reading the works of Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, we seem to be reading Saint Paul. When we meditate on the epistles of Saint Paul we unknowingly find ourselves meditating on the letters of Saint Anthony Mary. That which moved Saint Paul also moved Saint Anthony Mary. The two saints, who preached a metanoia for their times, were of one heart and mind (Acts 4:32). It certainly can be said of Saint Anthony Mary that he was the most faithful imitator of Paul. Thus the Zaccarian Paulinism can be summarized in the formula familiar to every Barnabite: Cor Antonii, Cor Pauli (the heart of Anthony is the heart of Paul). Paul boasted of nothing other than the Cross of Jesus. It is in this same Cross of Jesus that Saint Anthony Mary found a source of grace in his work. Both Saint Paul and Saint Anthony Mary realized that their work could be measured as their own but only in their personal on-going conversion to allow the Spirit to work through every aspect of their character. Saint Anthony Mary found that the truth and doctrine which Saint Paul rallied upon was that of Christ Crucified. It became the same rallying call for Saint Anthony Mary. Most of the writings of this young and fervent priest are based upon the Christevent of the Cross. It is to this that he constantly referred in his sermons, speeches, advice, and letters while referring to the Apostle Paul at the same time. Saint Anthony Mary indeed had become the executor of the doctrine of the Apostle Paul. It is in this doctrine of Paul, the rallying call of Saint Anthony Mary, that we find the culmination of the teachings of Truth itself. It is in seeking out Paul as the Master and Teacher of Life that Saint Anthony Mary looked upon Jesus as life. As Saint Anthony Mary saw the truths of the faith of Jesus through Saint Paul as the Master of Truth, so too with the doctrine of Paul, Saint Anthony Mary also followed the form of his (Pauls) life, for he made himself an illuminated likeness of his life, for it says: Be imitators of me brothers according to the model that you

see (Phil 3:17). The model that Saint Anthony Mary saw was not only Saint Paul but Jesus Himself, for the Apostle Paul tells us that it is not I who live but Christ who lives in me (Gal 2:20). When Saint Paul said be imitator of him that is exactly what Saint Anthony Mary did, even to the point of his style in writing. It can be said that the figure of Saint Anthony Mary emulated the Apostle Paul. In every aspect of his life, Anthony Mary was illuminated by the doctrines and life of Saint Paul. Saint Anthony Mary grasped one of the principal themes of Saint Paul and preached it with the vigor of Paul. He preached life with a potency of the figure of Saint Paul and his spirit, a life that arrived and placed itself in Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Saint Paul, he preached Pauls metanoia from death to life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus Our Lord (Rom 6:23). Lastly, in looking back at the Paulinism of Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, we must conclude this article with a point central to both saints; namely, Christ Crucified and the Cross. One must willingly accept the Cross of Christ before one can enjoy the new life of the Resurrection: However, one can surely taste it in the victory of the Cross. This is the doctrine as derived from Saint Paul which Saint Anthony Mary preached (Rom 6:1-8). We can find the concept and the exact words of Christ Crucified on almost every page of Saint Anthony Marys writings. The young and fervent founder of the Clerics Regular of Saint Paul and the Angelic Sisters of Saint Paul preached Christ and Christ Crucified for no follower of the Apostle Paul can boast anything other than Christ and His Cross. If we wish to give a summation of Saint Anthony Mary, we could say that to love the Cross and to imitate the Cross was the work of Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria. This was the work given to Saint Anthony Mary by the Apostle Paulto be an imitator of Christ Crucified. The persecution that the Clerics Regular of Saint Paul had experienced in the year 1534, paved the way for

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Pauline-Zaccarian Spirituality

the materialization of one of the most soul quenching speeches of all time. His eloquent speech on October 4, 1534 unanimously touched the inmost souls of his spiritual children. The speech itself bears the Founders Christo-centric Paulinism. It underlined the crucifix by exhorting the fourth chapter of Saint Pauls first letter to the Corinthians, exhorting to give principally to the imitation of Christ by embracing the evangelical counsels and the virtues together, which is given to us in the Cross. Thus it was in the Cross of Christ that we find the Christo-centric Paulinism of Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria. It was the understanding of the Crucified Christ, derived from Saint Paul, which he constantly set before us, his spiritual children.

BEING FOR OTHERS

by Yohanes Besi Koten, CRSP
Looking at Saint Pauls life and that of our Founder, we come to know that they are men of God. They are soul mates. For this reason, we see that the spirit of Saint Paul is really working in the person of our founder. In fact, Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria founded two religious congregations: the Clerics Regular of Saint Paul (Barnabites) and the Angelic Sisters of Saint Paul and one society for married people by the name of Society of Saint Paul. Our Constitutions are filled with a Pauline spirit. This Pauline spirit is present throughout the writings of Saint Anthony, as evident by his Sermons and Letters. Then, who is Saint Paul for us? Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria called us the Sons and Daughters of Saint Paul. In our Constitutions, we find ourselves as Children of Paul. Therefore, Saint Paul for us is our Father and Protector. From the very beginning we are his; in fact, we are the first Pauline Congregation. Throughout our apostolate, we become men of mission, just as Paul has done. This is due to our total consecration to God in the service to others. We celebrate the Pauline feasts. We have the privilege of asking his assistance everyday during our night prayer. And in every Barnabite house an image of Paul can be seen. As Pauls children what can we do? We must follow his footsteps. We must imitate him. We must run like madmen towards God and our neighbors, as our founder, Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, said. It means that we are for others. We are on mission for the needy. We are soldiers of Christ. We follow Christ Crucified in crucifying our self-interests in order to open our inner-eyes to see the needs of others. It is our Eucharist, because our actions speak louder than words. This is the fulfillment of the saying of Saint Paul that we are to be the imitators of Christ, just as he was. In dying to self we then live for Christ through being all to all. Lastly, let us listen to the words of our Founder, Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, in which he wrote to us not with the pen but with the heart, I urge you, sons and stock of Paul, open wide yourselves Do not make yourselves inferior to the vocation to which you have been called. If you want, from now on you could be heirs and legitimate children of our Holy Father and of great Saints, and Christ Crucified will extend his arms over you (Letter VII).

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walking daily with saint Paul

by Michael F. Mancusi, CRSP
The following is a compilation of quotes from the letters of Saint Paul taken from the New American Bible. There is a quote associated with each day of the month, including leap year. Some of the quotes have been taken out of context; therefore, a few grammatical changes were required. The purpose behind this work is so that one may meditate on a Pauline passage each day of the year. It can be used as part of a daily Lectio Divina whereby one practices reverent passivity in allowing God to act within one as God so wishes. (Towards God by Fr. Michael Casey, O.C.S.O.) In Vita Consecrata (1996) Pope John Paul II affirmed the Word of God as the first source of all Christian Spirituality and Lectio Divina as the means that introduces the consecrated person into a personal and living encounter with the Living God. Hopefully the reader will find this profitable not only for this Pauline Year but throughout his/her spiritual life. kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, selfcontrol. (Gal 5:22-23) 12 What you heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will have the ability to teach others as well. (2 Tm 2:2) 13 I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me. (Rom 15:18) 14 Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Tm 6:12) 15 May the eyes of (your) hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to His call. (Eph 1:18) 16 Our inner self is being renewed day by day. (2 Cor 4:16) 17 By the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same things. (Rom 2:1) 18 What will separate us from the love of Christ? (Rom 8:35) 19 All this I do for the sake of the gospel. (1 Cor 9:23) 20 I am not ashamed of the Gospel. (Rom 1:16) 21 Let everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord avoid evil. (2 Tm 2:19) 22 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love He had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ. (Eph 2:4-5) 23 Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. (1 Cor 16:13) 24 Strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His holy ones. (1 Thess 3:13) 25 Living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into Him who is the Head, Christ. (Eph 4:15) 26 I urge you, be imitators of me. (1 Cor 4:16) 27 He is the Head of the body, the Church. (Col 1:18) 28 Love is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. (1 Cor 13:5-6) 29 Our citizenship is in heaven. (Phil 3:20) 30 Hold faith as a shield. (Eph 6:16) 31 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? (1 Cor 10:16)

July
1 For if by that one persons transgression the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one person Jesus Christ overflow for the many. (Rom 5:15) 2 Whether we are awake or asleep we may live together with Him. (1 Thess 5:10) 3 You are constrained by your own affections. (2 Cor 6:12) 4 Even when you were dead (in) transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He brought you to life along with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions; obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims, which was opposed to us, He also removed it from our midst, nailing it to the cross. (Col 2:13-14) 5 Be severe in virtue. (2 Cor 13:10) 6 The grace of our Lord has been abundant, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (1 Tm 1:14) 7 I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor 12:10) 8 Exhort and correct with all authority. (Tit 2:15) 9 The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. (1 Cor 1:25) 10 I rather urge you out of love. (Philem 1:9) 11 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,

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August
1 Through Him we have received the grace of apostleship. (Rom 1:5) 2 All of you are children of the light and children of the day. (1 Thess 5:5) 3 May (God) grant you in accord with the riches of His glory to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Eph 3:16-19) 4 Since we have such hope, we act very boldly. (2 Cor 3:12) 5 Set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. (1 Tm 4:12) 6 God destined us for adoption to Himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of His will. (Eph 1:5) 7 God is faithful, and by Him you were called to fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Cor 1:9) 8 Show yourself as a model of good deeds in every respect, with integrity in your teaching, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be criticized, so that the opponent will be put to shame without anything bad to say. (Tit 2:7-8) 9 Do everything without grumbling or questioning. (Phil 2:14) 10 We are ambassadors for Christ. (2 Cor 5:20) 11 I hear of the love and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus. (Philem 1:5) 12 Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. (Eph 5:10) 13 Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good. (Rom 12:21) 14 Encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word. (2 Thess 2:17) 15 A virgin is anxious about the things of the Lord. (1 Cor 7:34) 16 Be peaceable and considerate, exercising all graciousness toward everyone. (Tit 3:2) 17 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Cor 9:15) 18 Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. (2 Tm 1:8) 19 He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Col 1:13-14) 20 Hoping against hope. (Rom 4:18)

21 Knowledge inflates with pride, but love builds up. (1 Cor 8:1) 22 Be self-possessed in all circumstances. (2 Tm 4:5) 23 As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, rooted in Him and built upon Him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (Col 2:6-7) 24 As proof that you are children, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, Abba, Father! (Gal 4:6) 25 Be free for prayer. (1 Cor 7:5) 26 Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Cor 3:16) 27 If we deny Him He will deny us. (2 Tm 2:12) 28 If (one) part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy. (1 Cor 12:26) 29 Put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. (Col 3:14) 30 Become sober as you ought and stop sinning. (1 Cor 15:34) 31 The concern of the flesh is death, but the concern of the spirit is life and peace. (Rom 8:6)

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10

September
1 Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good. (Rom 12:9) 2 God may make you worthy of His calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith, that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him. (2 Thess 1:11-12) 3 In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. (Eph 2:22) 4 The demands of the law are written in their hearts. (Rom 2:15) 5 You must say what is consistent with sound doctrine. (Tit 2:1) 6 God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. (2 Cor 9:8) 7 Avoid profane and silly myths. (1 Tm 4:7) 8 Live as children of light. (Eph 5:8) 9 God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. (2 Tm 1:7) 10 Though He was in the form of God, (Christ) did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. (Phil 2:6) 11 Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ. (2 Cor 2:14) 12 We are justified by His grace and have become heirs in hope of eternal life. (Tit 3:7) 13 I have the strength for everything through Him who empowers me. (Phil 4:13) 14 Refrain from every kind of evil. (1 Thess 5:22) 15 If we have died with Him we shall also live with Him. (2 Tm 2:11) 16 It is He whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. (Col 1:28) 17 So whoever is in Christ is a new creation. (2 Cor 5:17) 18 You are inflated with pride. (1 Cor 5:2) 19 A person should examine himself. (1 Cor 11:28) 20 The one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth. (1 Cor 3:7) 21 He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before Him. (Eph 1:4) 22 So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed Himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. (Eph 5:1-2) 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 6:23)

24 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness. (2 Tm 3:16) 25 Through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3:26) 26 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with Him those who have fallen asleep. (1 Thess 4:14) 27 But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Gal 6:14) 28 You have been purchased at a price. (1 Cor 6:20) 29 Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self. (Col 3:9-10) 30 For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead came also through a human being. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life. (1 Cor 15:21-22) (continued in next issue)

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sps 2008-09

The Saint Paul Scholasticates Community is this year composed of 18 religious, 4 Fathers and 14 Scholastics. The Seniors are: the Rector Fr. Giovanni Scalese, Fr. Michael Mancusi, Fr. Cirilo Coniendo, and Fr. Jecker Luego. The Scholastics are as follows. T3 students: Jose Nazareno Gabato, Arvin Dagalea, Yohanes Besi Koten, and Pat Golis. T2 students: Rosauro Valmores, Joseph Bernales, and Jay Patulin. T1 students: Albino Vecina, Henry Pabualan, and Isagani Gabisan. There are also four students who this year interrupt their studies in order to attend the period of preparation for the solemn profession in Rome: Clyd Autentico, Jonathan Ramoso, Thomas Federick Tabada, and Isfridus Syukur.

THENEWCOMERS

AlbinoT.Vecina

AlbinoVecinawasbornonFebruary5, 1979 in Barangay Hinagtican in the town of Tomas Oppus in the province ofSouthernLeyte.Heisthe5thchildof Mr.SilvinoC.VecinaandMrs.Hermosa T. Vecina. Hebelongs to a poor family with8siblings,6boysand2girls. Albino finished his Elementary and HighSchoolstudieswithonlyhisownsupport.Sincegrade 5 he had been a working student in the capital town of SouthernLeyte,Maasin. During high school he only attended night classes as heworkedduringtheday.Thereforeittookhim5yearsto earnhisdiploma.

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Albinofeltthedesiretobecomeapriestwhenhewas a veryyoungage. He was in grade2 when he said to his family,WhenIgrowupIwanttobecomeapriest.Hedid not know that the desire he had was already a sign of a vocation.Hehadnoideainregardtotheunderstandingof vocation. Aftersolongatimehefinallyappliedtostudytoward priesthoodwiththeCongregationoftheClericsRegularof Saint Paul (Barnabites). It was December 2829, 2001 whenhetooktheentranceexaminationfortheseminary. Accordingly,Albinopassedtheentranceexaminationand qualified to join the community of the Barnabites Semi nariansinMarikinaCity.HeenteredtheseminaryonMay 21,2002.HavingstudiedphilosophyatSt.CamillusCollege SeminaryinMarikina,AlbinowasgraduatedonMarch24, 2007. He began his Novitiate year in St. Alexander Sauli Novitiate in Marikina on May 31, 2007 and professed his vowsonMay31,2008.HenowisresidingattheSaintPaul ScholasticateinTagaytayCityandstudiestheologyatthe DivineWordSchoolofTheology.

anewchallengeamidgladnessandjoy,thesearethechal lengesthatwillcometoourlifethatwillshakenourfaith andvocation;but,thenagain,theseareonlytrialsinlife. With this reality of life, rather than concentrating on the trialsoflife,weshouldfixourattentiononitsblessings,as Psalm68:19says,BlessedbetheLord,whodailyloadsus with benefits. So amid the conflicts, whether great or small,weshouldnotbediscouraged.Godisoverall.Bet ter to count our many blessings and our Guardian Angel will attend, help, and comfort give us until our journeys end. Alltheserealizationsarewhatthenewcornersare tellingus.

IsaganiB.Gabisan
On the night of March 10, 1980 a baby boy (second of five siblings) was born on the island of Cataban, TalibonBohol.HisfatherwasDios dado Gabisan Sr. and his mother was Esmeralda Gabisan who were very happy for they received a gift from God. As the years passed he studied at Laray Elementary School in Cebu City and was graduated in 1995.Thefollowingyearhebeganhishighschoolstudies at CBD College located at White Road, Inawayan, Pardo, Cebu City and was graduated in 2000. After his colorful years ofhigh school, his uncle RomuloBahag invitedhim to enter into the seminary of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul.Theinvitationofhisunclewasgratefullyacceptedby theyoungman.TheyoungmanbegantostudyatSt.Ca millus College Seminary together with the other sixteen youngmenfromdifferentpartsofthecountry. Hence,rightaftergraduationthisyoungmandecided togooutfromtheseminary.Infact,hewentoutfortwo years for more discernment. After those two years out side,thisyoungmanheardfromhisheartthecalltogo backtotheseminarywherehewasbefore.Withoutwast ing any time, in the summer of 2007 he knocked at the heartoftheBarnabiteFathersaskingonceagaintoaccept himinthebosomofthesameseminary. God is so merciful to him as He heard the prayer of theyoungman,fortheFathersoftheBarnabitecommu nityacceptedhimforhisnovitiate.OnMay31,2008,the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary the young man professed his first simple profession of vows. AndIamgladtointroducetoyouthisyoungmanwhohas receivedsomanywonderfulgiftsfromourGod.HeisBro. IsaganiMa.Gabisan,CRSP.

HenryG.Pabualan
Life always comes and goes. Today we greethelloandtomorrowwebidgood bye.Asasongsays,Lifeisalwayscom ingandgoing.Howwonderfultorecall our days in the novitiate with Fr.Aldo. Thosedaysnourishedourfaithbydeep prayerforthenextendeavorofourlife. Andsoindeedwefinishedournovitiate successfully as we grew emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Every corner of the novitiate witnessed how we grew and how we conquered being lonelyanddepressed.Weareproudtosaythateverything was productive because of our deep prayer, meditation, and guidance by the people used by God as His instru ments. Anotherstageofourlivespassed,anotherhistorywe made, another masterpiece of art we finished, and the success we made leads us to a continuation of what we have started. This continuation will be witnessed by the new corners, the new corners in the Scholasticate. We are here not to start a new beginning but to continue whatwehavestartedfromourformationinthenovitiate. OurtransferfromMarikinawasfullofexcitementandjoy. Wefeltanewenvironmentofcoldfreshair,andaboveall thepeoplewhoareaccommodatingandlovinglyawaiting us.Howwonderfulisthefeelingofbeingwelcomedfrom thebosomoftheirhearts,onethatcouldfeelthespiritof belongingness.Ontheotherside,thenewplacebringsus

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Italian experiences I
by Jose Nazareno S. Gabato, CRSP
In October 2007 I went to Italy to attend the yearly program of all the Barnabite scholastics who are going to prepare themselves for the solemn profession. I went three months ahead of the said activity commenced since I needed to study the Italian language, the medium of instruction to be used in communication. I stayed at San Carlo ai Catinari, a parish church administered by the Barnabite Fathers (located at the heart of the old Rome). I was not a lone Filipino there, since Fr. Michael Sandalo and Bro. Arvin were there ahead of me. Beside, there was a Filipina working there. Fr. Filippo Lovison, one of the priests there, was our Father Master. During my stay there we had an Italian course given by Signora Amalia Scafi. Whenever we did not have a class we helped Fr. Mauro working in the General Archives. I remained there for two months. On the 11th of January, together with Arvin and Fr. Mike, we transferred to the Studentato the locale of the formation program. During this month we had an intense Italian course daily conducted by professoressa Daniela.

Our International Family

We started the said program on the 11th of February, right after the meetings of the provincial superiors and formators. We were only 8 at the beginning. Two came from the south province of Brazil: Francisco Carlos and Eduardo. Fratel Jos Roberto was a participant from the north province of Brazil. Two came from the Chilean province, Mauricio and Juan Pablo. Thomas Kubista was the lone delegate from Poland. Lastly, Arvin and I were the representatives from the Philippine delegation. Four brothers from the pro-province of Africa arrived almost a month late due to visa problems. They were Emmanuel, Christian, David and Jean. Fr. Francisco Silva, one of the Assistants General, was our Father Master with Fr. Michael Sandalo and Fr. Orlando Manzo, who served as his assistant formators. Though we were of diverse race and color, yet we still lived in harmony. We enjoyed the company of each other wherever we went. We respected our differences, especially in matters

The group of the candidates to the solemn profession at Cremona, in front of the Founders original house

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of culture and custom. It is good since it widened my horizons on how to deal with other people. Moreover, I can attest that race, color, and language are not a hindrance to unity. Despite our difference of race and color, we lived like a band of brothers united in one purpose. Each of us wanted to become a Barnabite, a son of Paul in the lineage of St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria.

Our Professors
Most of our professors lived at San Carlo. Everyday we had to travel a piedi from the Studentato to San Carlo since most of the courses in the morning were held there. Fr. Guiseppe Cagni was our professor for the writings of the founder. Fr. Mauro Ragazoni instructed us in the spirituality of the Order. Fr. Filippo Lovison taught us the history of the Barnabites. Fr. Giuseppe Ciliberti taught liturgy and sacred music, while Fr. Franco Ciccimarra taught religious life in a canonical perspective. We did not only have classes in the morning but also in the afternoon; however, these classes were held at the Studentato. Fr. Giovanni Rizzi lectured us on St. Paul and his letters. Fr. Francisco Silva guided us to understand the Constitutions. Fr. Giuseppe Cagnetta, together with dottor Marco Cotogni taught economics. Fr. Luiz Antonio Nascimento, the Novice Master in Brazil, stayed with us for one month teaching about the writings and constitutions of the founder.

skin dry and itchy. It made my lips crack and bleed. We started our classes by the month of February. It was the coldest month during my stay in Rome. I suffered much because of the daily walk to San Carlo. The distance is a 30minute walk. This heightened the problems with my skin. Aside from being cold, I consider February as my Calvary because it was also the time I needed to adjust and get accustomed to the Italian language. Since I am a slow learner, my first three months there were not enough to learn the Italian language. So when we started our classes I was not able to fully comprehend what our professors taught us. My lack of language skills easily led me to loose interest and I would have to struggle to stay awake.

My Tabor
My experience of being in Italy has been very significant. Aside from learning the culture of the Italians, I also learned the cultures of my colleagues. Moreover, I have also learned the richness of the origin and history of our Congregation. Travelling from the central part to the south, and from the southern to northern part, visiting from one community to the other, I was able to visualize how our Order developed. This is first-hand knowledge. It is not anymore about what my confreres tell me regarding our Congregation in Italy. I witnessed it by myself. For this I am so glad to have been there. Lastly, I visited the famous places in Italy such as Rome, Caserta, Pavia, Cremona, Milan, Florence, Padua, etc. I am grateful because I believe that there are some Italians who have not yet visited these places. I did! Most of all, I saw and attended Masses at the Vatican, the center of the faith for Roman Catholics. Indeed not only seeing the Vatican or attending usual Masses, but Masses celebrated by the Pope himself not only once but many times. Viva il Papa! Viva lItalia! Viva i Barnabiti!

My Calvary
Being a Filipino, I was not accustomed to live in a temperature below 17 degrees Celsius. That is why I suffered a lot during my stay there. Often times I just stayed in my room because I could not bear the cold outside. It was painful to the skin. It made my

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Italian experiences II
by Arvin A. Dagalea, CRSP
Eight months have passed. I was in the Eternal City of Rome, staying there and preparing for my final profession. It was a nice experience in which I was able to see the disadvantages and advantages of it to myself. I should start to relate first the advantages which for me are unforgettable and a tremendous experience. It is nice to be in the Eternal City of Rome in which I personally met the Holy Father. What a privilege for me, and also attending the holy Masses he presided. To me this is a very unforgettable experience for my entire life. The marvelous structure of the churches led me into amazement of thinking how great God is. He created those artistic minds and hands, which build them. What a privilege I had in going to this country! Learning many and new things about the Congregation is the best part of it, although there are some diverse lessons and discoveries I encountered during my studies and stay there. How wonderful it was for me to visit the places connected with our Founder. I felt so touched upon seeing his remains, and the places where he started the Congregation. How many places and relics I visited and saw in Rome, like the Scala Santa, the pieces of holy Cross, the thorns that formed the crown for Jesus head, the nails that were used to crucify Jesus. Upon seeing those things I was speechless and could only meditate upon Jesus who became man and gave His life as a ransom for many. Seeing the remains of so many Saints made me think that they were ordinary people like me; but they were able to reach perfection in doing Gods will. How lucky those people who live in that country for they have the real replica of those Servants of God who gave their best and lives for the sake of the kingdom! Now let me count the disadvantages of my stay in the Eternal City of Rome. The diverse cultures, traditions, mentalities, foods, and attitudes shocked me as a Filipino. I felt so out of place with it all. Seeing the situation where my faith developed and people regressed on their faith was not a good experience for me. I experienced a superior attitude toward foreigners and toward other races with different color, nose, smell and life style. Based on what I experienced, I disliked when they shouted at people as if they were treating them like animals and not humans. I felt hurt when I would hear them say that the English-speaking countries are using the language of the devil. I felt also a regression of so many things in my life while being there, and at the same time a progression of other things. The Eternal city of Rome is perfectly beautiful and wonderful; but for me there is no place like home.
Jose and Arvin in Assisi with Father General and Fr. Silva

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Our Neighbors

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THE DAUGHTERs OF the immaculate conception of charity

by Cirilo B. Coniendo, CRSP
In this issue we present to you as our neighbors the FICC Sisters. This Congregation is special to us because of their sincerity in living their religious vocation by caring for the poor, the sick, and the needy. The official name of this Congregation is Figlie dellImmacolata Concezione della Carit (FICC), but in the Philippines they are known as the Daughters of the Immaculate Conception of Charity (DICC). Those who know the distance between Tagaytay and the house of the FICC Sisters in Amadeo, Cavite, could be surprised when we call them our neighbors. Their house in Banay-banay, Amadeo, Cavite is a 30-minute drive by car from Tagaytay. However, despite the distance, we consider them as our neighbors. We are miles away from them, but in spirit we feel near to each other. When our community has a special celebration, like a feast day, an ordination, or a solemn profession, the FICC Sisters are constantly present. In like manner, on their special celebrations we are always there with them. This good camaraderie with the Sisters grows deeper after we worked together in having a medical mission in Mindoro last June 2-7, 2008. The Congregation of the Daughters of the Immaculate Conception of Charity (FICC) was founded by Mother Maria Sara Lona in Salta, Argentina on September 8, 1949 with the charism of total service to the needy and the youth of the local Church. Mother Maria Sara Lona lived as an example of family spirit which manifested her simplicity of relationship within the community, her cordial friendliness, and her humble service towards the poor. Mother Maria Sara Lona, after a life of work and prayer, died in Buenos Aires on October 2, 1981 in profound inner silence and total abandonment into Gods hands. Hoping to continue the family spirit of the foundress, in 1991 the FICC Sisters came to the Philippines with the view of attracting young Filipinas to embrace the mission and charism of the Congregation. In order to realize this purpose, the FICC Sisters started a formation house in Paraaque, Metro Manila, naming it in honor to their foundress as the Mother Maria Sara Lona Formation House. Several applicants, coming from the different provinces, embraced the life of the family spirit of the Sisters manifested in their humble service towards the poor. In 2003, the Congregation extended the formation house to Amadeo, Cavite with a wish to render themselves sensitive to the needs of society and to be available to the directives of the Church by working in those areas and places where the society is particularly deprived. Presently, after 17 years of their presence in the Philippines, the Congregation has two communities of formation: one formation

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house in Paraaque City and the novitiate house in Amadeo, Cavite. There are already 25 Filipina professed Sisters (of whom 10 are perpetually professed), 5 novices and 1 aspirant. However, the numbers could not measure the enormous works the Sisters have done for the local Church where they stay. Most of the Sisters are still young and are studying; but, they work hard in giving hope and inspiration to the poor. The community of Amadeo with the example of Sister Maritza, the Novice Mistress and Superior of the community, works hard in reaching out to the sick people, the young, and the needy of the town of Amadeo. Sister Maritza said that this year is a providential blessing for the community of Amadeo. It is providential because the community starts two new apostolic activities. The first new activity is the clinic, opened for check-ups and health consultation, especially for the poor and the sick every Saturday and Sunday. Through the clinic, the Sisters are able to take good care of the sufferings of the sick. This activity enables them to carry out their hospital work in the complete sense with the cooperation of doctors, nurses and specialized technicians from other countries. The second new activity is the day care center. This activity is also very providential to the Sisters. Although it is still at the beginning of its operation (June 14, 2008), they have already 85 children coming from different barangays in Amadeo. In this situation, the community encounters difficulty in accommodating all the children for they have only one classroom which can accommodate for children. So, they divided the group into 4 classes. This means an additional effort for the novices who are responsible for the day care center. They will work eight hours a day, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Despite this hardship, the Sisters are enthusiastic and very energetic in teaching and entertaining the children.

These two new activities complement the previous activity of the community which is the orphanage. Presently, the orphanage has a total of 25 children, mostly coming from the street in Metro Manila. The orphanage accepts the orphaned children from the age of 4-10. Some of the children are presently studying in the public school nearby the convent. All these activities are significant for the Sisters. Through these activities the FICC Sisters manifest their dedication and humble service to the Lord through the education of children and the caring of the sick. While asking Sister Maritza about her unending concern towards the sick, the poor, and children, she answered mentioning the two people that influenced her untiring work towards the poor. The lives of Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Pope John Paul II inspired her in the apostolic work which she was trying to communicate to her novices and to the rest of the community. Sister Maritza teaches her young Sisters to trust in the providence of the Lord in times of difficulty and hardship in their apostolate, for the Lord will provide them with everything they will need. For this service to the Lord, by caring for the sick and the youth, you are precious to the local community of Amadeo. And, because of your charism, you are always the neighbor of the poor, the sick, and the needy.
The FICC on Mission at Mindoro

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Our Places of Origin

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the island paradise province of bohol

by Jay L. Patulin, CRSP Filipino historians say that the people living in Bohol are descendants of the last group of inhabitants who settled in the Philippines called the Pintados (the tattooed ones). The Boholanos are considered as the remnants of the Pintados who lived in the Philippines. Indeed, before the Spaniards arrived in Bohol, the people there had already their own unique way of living. They had their own culture which distinguished them from other nearby provinces within Central Visayas. They had also a sort of system of writing but most of the materials they used were perishable like leaves and bark. They had also their own dialect which is quite similar to that of the nearby islands within the vicinity of Bohol. The name Bohol is derived from the name of the barrio of Bo-ol, a barangay found in Tagbilaran City which was among the first places toured by the Magellan expedition. In fact, historians believe that one of the ships of Magellan was burned in Bohol after the great Lapu-lapu defeated and Magellan was killed on the island of Mactan in Cebu province. After the tragic death of Magellan, in 1565 Miguel Lopez de Legazpi arrived at the town of Jagna, one of the eastern municipalities of Bohol. With the arrival of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in the island province of Bohol, he brought the Catholic religion to the island and he made a remarkable blood compact with the famous Chiefs Sikatuna and Sigala in a small village near the capital city of the province. This blood compact brings the meaning of being blood brothers and ended the hostility that had stricken the province. This particular event is still celebrated today every year in the month of June with the name of the Sandugo Festival where the Boholanos and visitors flock to Tagbilaran City just to commemorate the blood compact event between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Sikatuna. However, during the Spanish rule in Bohol, there were two revolts that mark the history of the bravery of the Boholanos. First, the Tamblot uprising in 1621 led by a brave native priest or Babaylon. And in 1744 to 1829, the second uprising

The famous Chocolate Hills

emerged through the leadership of Francisco Dagohoy, called the Dagohoy Rebellion. The rebellion of Francisco Dagohoy is considered as the longest revolt recorded in the annals of Philippine history. At present, the island province of Bohol is one of the famous tourist destinations in the Philippines because of its historic, wonderful panorama, and good white beaches. Foreigners usually visit the Blood Compact Site, Momo and Aloha Beach in Panglao, Bohol Beach Club, the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, and the Hinagdanan Cave in Dauis. Other tourist attractions include the Magaso Falls, Badiang Spring, Balicasag Island, Pamilacan Island, Punta Cruz and the river boat rides to Busay Falls. Bohol is well known by the unique animal called Tarsier. On the other hand, Bohol also is the home province of the fourth President of the Republic of the Philippines, Carlos P. Garcia (1957-1960), who was born in the municipality of Talibon. Lastly, the Island province of Bohol has its own unique history that brings color to the life of all Boholanos. Many people consider the province of Bohol as the paradise in Central Visayas where you can find the beauty of nature and the loving faces of the people who live there. Accordingly, the Boholanos are people with great hospitality.

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Knowing Tagaytay

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our lady of Lourdes parish

HistoryoftheParish

byThomasFederickS.Tabada,CRSP
DuringFr.FelixdeIguzquizastimeasSuperior RegularoftheMission,theCapuchinswereableto buy a small piece of land in Tagaytay in October, 1938. On this lot a small wooden house was built to serve as a rest house for the Capuchins who needed a respite from their missionary labors. In the month of June of 1939, the Capuchins, seeing theneedsofthepeople,askedthepermissionfrom theArchbishopofManilatoopenapublicoratory so that the people of Tagaytay might take part in theliturgicalservicesthatthe friars wererender ing.TheArchbishopnotonlygrantedthepermis siontobuildtheoratorybutalsosuggestedtoes tablishaparishinthenewlycreatedCityofTagay tay. The creation of the City in Tagaytay was signed by the late President Manuel L. Quezon in 1939.ItwastheyearwhentheCapuchinsbecame aCustody(probablyanequivalentmeaningtoa Province)inthePhilippines.Thesuperioriscalled Custos or simply Guardian. The City of Tagaytay took slices of the municipalities of Talisay and NasugbuinBatangas,ofCabuyaoinLaguna,ofSi lang and Amadeo in Cavite. At present, there are 35barangaysthatcomprisethesoleparishofOur LadyofLourdesinTagaytayCity. Itwasintheyear1939thattheCapuchinsac ceptedtheofferoftheArchbishopofManilasince Tagaytay had no Catholic church or a chapel. Im mediately they processed the necessary require ments.Oncecompleted,thedecreeoftheerection of the new parish was issued on June 27, 1940. TheparishwassolemnlyinauguratedonAugust4, 1940 with the Spanish Fr. Rogelio de Bedoa as firstparishpriest. In1941theJapaneseoccupiedthePhilippines. ItwasduringthistimethatFr.Rogelioandhisas sistant were practically forced to leave the place for a few months. However, the Japanese sent an official letter to the Archbishop of Manila asking himtoremoveaforeignerasaparishpriest.After studyingthematter,theArchbishoptogetherwith

theCustosoftheCapuchinsdecidedtonameaFili pino diocesan priest as parish priest. The parish priest, however, soon left the parish because of the discouragement of the miserable condition of the place. Thus the parish was abandoned for many months until the Capuchin Custos himself, Fr. Florenzio de Lezaun, decided to take care of the parish sometime in 1942 until May of 1943 whenFr.RomandeVerawasappointedaspastor oftheparish.ButinSeptemberofthesameyear, Fr.Verawasconstrainedduetoillness.Itwasthen thatauniquearrangementforthecareofthepar ish was made between the Archbishop and the Capuchins. Fr. Evanglista de Ochovi was named parishpriestbytheCapuchinsandtheArchbishop ofManilainturnalsonamedotherthreepriestsas assistant pastors, with all the necessary faculties, whowouldtakecareonarotationbasisuntilsuch time that the situation could be normalized. The situationwasstabilizedduringtheAmericanoccu pation. Achronicleofthoseyearsgaveareportofthe strugglesanddifficultiesoftheparishpriestinthe ministry. These difficulties were caused by the consequencesbroughtbywar,thelackofcommu nicationswiththeotherbarangaysandthelackof the religious formation of the people. Thus, the main work of the parish priest then was to teach catechismtothepeopleinthebarangays,inpublic schools, visiting families, and administering the sacraments.

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byIsfridusSyukur,CRSP

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In2002,anewbuildingwaserectedduetothe increasing number of parishioners of the parish and had its dedication in February 2008 with Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle D.D. as celebrant. The new church building is relatively bigger than the old.Itcanaccommodate2000parishionersateach mass. The parish has 6 masses on every Sunday and 1 mass on weekdays. The old church serves now as a chapel where (oftentimes) baptisms, weddings,andfuneralsareheld. The life of the parish has developed smoothly andisdirectedtoansweringtheneedsofthepeo plethroughaconstantperiodicspiritualattention tothebarangays.Theworkisconcretizedincate chetical instruction given in all public schools of the city with the help of the Capuchins seminari ans, religious brothers and sisters, and lay cate chists. Catechetical sessions are also conducted everySaturdaybyCapuchinseminariansatdesig nated barangays and the Mass is celebrated in all barangaysatleastonceamonth;but,somebaran gayshaveMasseverySunday.Thepresentparish priestisFr.SergioArenga,OFMCap.Thus,theOur Lady of Lourdes Parish is continually giving its wholeheartedservicetotheparishionersandcon tinuallyaffectingchangeinthelivesofthepeople through constant attention in addressing their spiritualneedsaswellastheirsocialaspect.

InterviewwiththeParishPriest
TheSaintPaulScholasticateiswithintheterri tory of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Tagaytay. This articleistheresultofourinterviewwiththeparish priest.Whetheritwaswrongtimingornot,butthe firstattemptofmyinterviewwithFr.Serge,thepar ishpriestofOurLadyofLourdesParish,wasavery funny one. On Wednesday, June 11, 2008, around 8 a.m., Bro. Thomas and I set out for Lourdes Parish. Before 9 a.m. we arrived at the parish. As we were waiting for the parish priest, there were also cou ples(thosewhoaregoingtoreceivethesacrament ofMatrimony)whocamefortheirinterview.Every body was curious if Bro. Thomas and I would also get married since our purpose was also to have an interviewwiththeparishpriest.AndsotheDeacon jokinglysaid,Iamsorrybutwehavenotlegalized samesex marriage in this parish. Everybody laughed. After a while the parish priest showed up but could not entertain us and so he made an ap pointmentat4p.m.onthesameday.Thefollowing istheinterviewwithFr.Serge. Howlonghaveyoubeeninreligiouslife,Father? Fr.Serge:Ihavebeen32yearsinreligiouslife. I made my solemn profession in 1978; and I was ordained to the priesthood on April 4, 1982. So I am26yearsinpriesthood.

SOURCES: 50th Anniversary of the Capuchins (19411991)andKapatirangKapuchino.

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Fr. Serge at SPS on July 23, 2006

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Its quiet long time that you have been in reli gious life and priesthood. Are you happy with your vocation,Father? Fr. Serge: Of course I am happy, otherwise I wouldnotbehere;Iamveryhappy. Afteryourordination,Father,wereyouassigned immediately here in this parish or were you as signedtoanotherplace? Fr.Serge:Iwasnotassignedimmediatelyhere. ForoneyearIwasinCaboya,Laguna.Afterwards, 19821985,forthefirsttimeIwasassignedasthe parish priest of this parish. I actually had a lot of assignments.Ihavebeenassignedtodifferentmin istriesandplaces.19851988IwassenttoPapua NewGuineaasamissionary;19881989Iwasas signed as an assistant novice master in Baguio; 19891990 Ibecamethe assistantparishpriestof St.AnthonyofPadua,andasacampusministerof Lourdes school in Quezon City, etc. and now I am here again in this parish. Sooner or later I will be senttotheMiddleEastformynewassignment. Father,youmentionedthatyouhadbecomethe parish priest of this parish in 19821985, so this is yoursecondtimetobetheparishpriesthere,when didyourGuardianassignyoubackhere? Fr.Serge:Ohtwoyearsago,thatwasin2006. Upon knowing that you were assigned back here,whatwasyourinitialreaction,Father? Fr. Serge: At first I was hesitant but I dealt withdifferentministriesandapostolateswhichled metoappreciatetheplace.Iliketheplaceanditis notdifficultformebecauseIknowthepeopleand the place. Besides, if you want to grow, then you have to take the assignment wholeheartedly and be accountable for it. In this parish every Sunday or even everyday, you deal with different audi encesandthathelpsyoutointeractandassociate withpeople.Moreover,withintheterritoryofthis parish there are plenty of congregations (sisters andseminaries),menandwomen.Andthepeople areverysupportiveandwillingtolearn.NowIam notonlycelebratingMassherebutIalsocelebrate MassinManila,everyweekIhaveMassthere.Itis not difficult for me, madali lang pumunta Maynila (itiseasytogotoManila). It seems that you are at home and happy to be theparishpriesthere.Youhavebeeninthisparish since 2006. You have encountered a lot of experi encesandproblems,Isuppose.Isthereanyproblem thatseemstohappeneveryyear?

Fr. Serge: No, I do not find any problem be causeIamveryeasytoadjust.AndIhavethiskind ofmissionaryspirit.Thismissionaryspiritisaway of adjusting myself to the people. Mind you, you havetoadjustwiththepeopleandnotthepeople adjusttoyou.WhereverIwasandamandwillbe assigned, being flexible is very important. It de pendsonhowyouopenupyourselftothepeople.I donthaveproblemswiththem,butIdontknowif theyhaveproblemswithme Thatsgreat,Father.AndIalsoagreewiththat. As a parish priest, what do you wish this parish shouldbe,Imeanyourvisionaboutthisparish? Fr.Serge:Wehaveanewformulatedvisionand missionfortheparish.Ourmissionisasacommu nityofbelieversthroughtheguidanceoftheBlessed VirginMary;andthenlayempowerment;thatis,the peopleshouldnotbedependentonpriestsbecause theparishpriestkeepsonchanging.Sometimesthe priestservesonlyayearortwoyears.Ourvisionis basedonthevisionofthedioceseofImus.Actually, both the mission and vision of the parish are an choredonthevisionmissionofthediocese.Thisis important so that both the parish and the diocese walktowardsthesamegoal.Infact,theprogramsof the diocese are implemented in all parishes, of course with some adaptations according to the situationsandneedsofcertainparish.

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How do you achieve the visionmission of the parish,Father?Doyouorganizesomeactivities? Fr. Serge: Oh yes. We have a lot of activities and those activities are the developments of the activitiesofthediocese.Inotherwords,wedevelop the ministries and apostolates which they call the apostoladoofthediocese.Webaseouractivitieson theapostoladoofthediocese.Wehaveactivitiesin themonthofDecember,duringFiestas,duringHoly Week,FloresdeMayointhemonthofMay.Sothere are a lot of activities going on. And there are also seminarsandcatechesisgoingon.Thereisthepil grim image of the Blessed Mother, that is the im ageoftheBlessedVirginMarywillbebroughttoa certainplace(barangay)anditstaysthereforthree daysandnights.Onthesameoccasion,theorganiz ersorganizeaseminar,catechism,orBiblesharing and it depends upon them what topic they would like to discuss or share. I think it is also a way of evangelizingthepeople. Inyourownevaluation,Father,arethoseactivi tieshelpfultoattainyourgoal? Fr.Serge:Ithinkthattheyarehelpfulbutitis stillinitialandwehavestillalottodo.Wehaveto workhardandkeepbusyforsouls. Youmeantosay,Father,thatyouarenotlimit ingyourselfonlytothoseactivitiesbutyouareopen toanyactivitiesforthebettermentofthefaithful? Fr.Serge:Absolutelyyes;infact,theprogram of the diocese regarding the Basic Ecclesial Com munity (BEC) will soon be implemented in this parish.Andstillthereareotherincomingactivities tobecarriedoutinthisparish.Wehavetobecrea tivesothatourfaithwillbenourishedbyprayers andactivities. Since you are the parish priest, and I think you spendmoretimeintheparishprogramsandactivi ties,doesitaffectyourcommunitylife? Fr. Serge: I dont think it affects my commu nitylife.Itdependsonhowyoulookit.Youare a religiousfirstbeforeyoubecameapastor.Infact, religiouslifehelpsyoutobecomeagoodpastor.Of course people will demand you to go here and there, to attend to their spiritual needs, but you have to keep a balance. I dont find it hard to at tend my community activities like community prayers,localchapters,fraternityoutingsandoth ers. Besides, we have schedules already for each month, from day one up to day thirtieth of the

month. At the beginning of each month we sit down and discuss our schedules and appoint ments. This is the reason why we do not accept weddingsappointedaweekor two weeksbefore. Ithastobeamonthbefore. Since you mention weddings, how many wed dingsdoyouusuallyofficiateeachmonth? Fr.Serge:Itdependsonwhatmonth,because each month varies. The average is more than twentyfive weddings each month. But the most wedding celebrations take place in the month of December. It reaches 70 to 90 weddings. Mostly the couples are from outside Tagaytay; they are fromManila,Baguio,Zamboanga,Ilocos,evenfrom abroad,especiallywhenacouplewhosefianceis from abroad. We have already booked a wedding for2010. Father,yousaidthatyournextassignmentisin theMiddleEast,areyoureadyforthat? Fr. Serge: Of course as a missionary I am ready.Thoughitwillbeverydifficultbecauseyou havetotravelmilesandmilesjusttocelebratethe Mass but that would be a nice and great experi ence.IwillbetherenottoconverttheMuslimsbut to be with the Catholic communities. We have to bereadywhereverandwheneverGodwantsusto go. So I will be there to make sure that those Catholics will always remain steadfast in their faithandwillnotbeinfluencedbywhateverrelig ionormovementsthatwilldestroytheirfaith. Father,thisismylastquestion,Iamfromamis sionarycongregation.SomedayImaybeamission ary like you. Would you mind leaving me with a pieceofadvice? Fr.Serge:Well,youshouldhaveamissionary spirit;thatis,youhavetobereadytogowherever youaresent.Andyouhavetobewiththepeople, be inculturated to the place and culture in which youare.Learnthelocallanguagebecauseitisthe doortounderstandingyourpeople.Andaboveall, listenandbeawareofthepromptingsoftheHoly Spirit within you. Remember, the Spirit blows wherever it wills. Be flexible and be open to all peopleandtoanysituations.Dontforgettopray. Thank you, Father, for your advice and for giv ing us your time. We wish you all the best in your newassignmentandGodbless. Fr. Serge: Youre welcome and good luck in yourstudies.

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Earthen vessels
by Jonathan G. Ramoso, CRSP Lord,makemeaninstrumentofyourlove
(St.FrancisofAssisi). TheplanehadalmostlandedattheCagayan Domestic Airport when I saw different scenery unlike before. And I said to myself that some thing is different here! Nevertheless, nothing is unusual whenever I take my vacation in our province. But this annual routine and mindset alters when opportunities, and most impor tantly,whenthemightyhandsoftheHolySpirit begintoenlivenonespersonalityandpersonas atruesoldierofChrist. I arrived home for a vacation on March 24, 2008andafewdayslaterIwasaskedforafavor by some teachers of the Kinoguitan National HighSchoolTESDA(actuallymyAlmaMater)to give a recollection to around 80 parents of the graduating college students. Actually, it was a twodayspiritualactivity,March2728. At the first offer of the formal invitation I was hesitant to accept for the reason that I am unworthy,likeJeremiahorMoseswithanequal alibiasintheBibleaccount.ButintheendIac cepted it with all humility, full trust, and vigor to give something to the parents of the gradu ates.Nervousness,andmixedfeelingsofunwor thiness and mistakes did not push me towards theedgeofbeingspeechlessbutIevenwentbe yondthelimitofwhatwasexpected.Myexperi encewaslikeacocoonwhereinthereisstruggle, uncertainty, and even trepidation for the fact that I have countless shortcomings. However, believing that the Holy Spirit will work by and in me, everything vanishes. Hence, the recollec tion was all about family values and the role they bring to the Church. There were also talks over some interesting issues of human life such as: euthanasia, drug abuse, abortion, and artifi cial contraception that greatly break Filipino familyvalues. Sanctuario de Padre Pio, a nonprofitable or ganizationlocatedinBalingoan,MisamisOrien talofferedasuitable,serenearomafortheculmi nating Mass officiated by the parish priest, to gether with the students who graduated and theirparents.Administratorsandteachersofthe KNHSTESDA school joined also in the whole event. It was a nice experience to share some thinginservicefortheLord. This offerofservice did not end here when ourparishpriestaskedmetogivearecollection andworkshopstotheoldandnewaltarservers in our parishHoly Child Parish. I said to my self, This is another challenge. So I did not hesitatetoacceptthefavorableofferforitwould be a learning experience on my part. The Holy Spirit is just using me as Gods instrument, an earthen vessel for the people. With me was my fellow Barnabiteseminarianwhois anassociate intheCollegehelpingtofacilitateforthesuccess of the oneday recollection and workshops. The recollection was set for April 19 from morning untillateintheafternoon. The whole day activity gave me an impres sion that nothing could ever buy our happiness expressedinservicewithoutcountingthecost.I was able to impart my knowledge in simple termsthattheywouldbeabletounderstandand it refreshed, and updated my stock of knowl edge regarding the sacraments as well. All in deed was the result of the Holy Spirits inspira tionandgraceuponthoseforwhomShewishes tobeaninstrument. As I arrived at the Manila Domestic Airport on April 25 in the afternoon, I had so many re flections and realizations. After this one month ofvacation,Irealizedthattherearestillalotof things to be done and a mission to be accom plished, a new experience to rejoice with and a newparadigmoflifetobeset. Lastly,mustnotIforgetthatIamjustamere creatureofGod.IamnothingcomparedtoHim. I,onmypart,havenothingtobeproudoforto accept any earthly honors and praises, for I am justanearthenvessel,aninstrumentofGodslove.

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NEWS, EVENTS, AT IBA PA

Fr. Roans Thanksgiving Mass
Rev. Fr. Roan Ma. Aborque, a native of Carigara Leyte, celebrated his Thanksgiving Mass last March 25, 2008 in Holy Cross Parish. Rev. Fr. Giovanni Ma. Scalese, CRSP, Superior of the Saint Paul Scholasticate, Rev. Fr. Jecker Ma. Luego, CRSP, Rev. Fr. Ferndinand Ma. Dagcuta, CRSP (who was ordained with him), Rev. Fr. Jimmy George Ma. Anastacio, CRSP, and some students from the Saint Paul Scholasticate and the Saint Anthony Ma. Zaccaria Seminary attended the celebration. Some former Barnabite seminarians were also present for that occasion. The Saint Paul Scholasticate delegates arrived in Carigara the day before the Thanksgiving Mass. On that very day the Barnabite delegates paid their courtesy visit to the parish priest, Rev. Msgr. Wilfredo V. Alejan, HP. We made a little tour around the old church of Holy Cross, which is a Spanish inspired structure constructed during the Spanish period. We visited and shared dinner with Fr. Roans family after we retired to the house assigned to us. On March 25, 2008, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, the huge church of the Holy Cross Parish was all packed with friends, family and co-parishioners of Fr. Roan to celebrate with him the Thanksgiving Mass of his priesthood. Several priests from the Archdiocese of Palo especially those who came from that parish, were present along with the Barnabite priests. The Thanksgiving Mass started at nine oclock in the morning. It was enriched by the Parish Choir and some Musician coming from Imus Cavite. The Choir sung the Missa de Angelis chants mixed with some modern liturgical songs. The psalm was sung by a former Barnabite seminarian. The Homily was delivered by Fr. Jecker, who knows the dialect (Waray-waray) of that

place. At the end of the Mass the long queue of people made their way to receive the blessing from Fr. Roan. The reception followed in the Holy Cross College covered court, just beside the parish church. The reception catered native delicacies, sea foods, and many more delicious menus. Aside from the delicious food, the place was also prepared beautifully; but, above all, what fascinated the visitors were the hospitality of the people and their ready smiles. A short program followed, where speeches from family and friends were delivered. The next few days were spent in visiting historical and tourist sites in Leyte. The group visited the beautiful Palo Cathedral. Palo was created a Diocese in 1937 and was created Archdiocese in 1982 with four suffragan dioceses: Calbayog, Borongan, Catarman and Naval. Next stop was the famous San Juanico Bridge a 2.16 kilometer bridge connecting Samar and Leyte. The group proceeded to the Historical General Douglas McArthur Park in Palo Leyte. This park is a shrine that commemorates the landing of American Gen. Douglas McArthur and was built in Red Beach Palo, Leyte. The last stop was the Santo Nio Shrine and Heritage Museum located at Real Street in Tacloban City. This Museum

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houses the collections of Marcoses featuring the image of the Holy Child by Fernando Amorsolo, paintings of the 14 Stations of the Cross and the Filipino legend of Malakas at Maganda (Strong and Beautiful), the two famous characters of the legend of origin of humanity in the Philippines. The visit to Carigara Leyte was a very enjoyable one. It was not all about the Thanksgiving Mass but also about experiencing the life of the people there, their religiosity and hospitality. The Barnabites participated in the Eucharistic celebration in that parish until the day they left and bade farewell. The Barnabite Community is very thankful to the family of Fr. Roan for their hospitality and friendship. Above all the Barnabites joined them in thanking God for the gift of vocation to religious life and to the priesthood for one of them, Rev. Fr. Roan Ma. Aborque, CRSP (Joseph M. Bernales, CRSP).

Fr. Ferdinands Thanksgiving Mass

Banners posted everywhere: Congratulations Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Ma. Saligumba Dagcuta, CRSP! On April 6, the people of Balingasag joined together in the Thanksgiving Mass of Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Ma. Dagcuta, CRSP held at St. Ritas Parish at 9 a.m. The Eucharistic celebration was officiated by Fr. Ferdinand and concelebrated as well by his fellow Barnabite confreres: Rev. Fr. Giovanni Scalese, CRSP, Philippine Delegate Superior, Rev. Fr. Cirilo Coniendo, CRSP and Rev. Fr. Roan Cipriano Aborque, CRSP, a newly ordained and companion of Fr. Ferdinand in the years of formation. The friends-priests of the celebrant from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro also concelebrated: Rev. Fr. Nilo Aguiman, SSJV, the parish priest of St. Ritas Parish, Rev. Fr. Precious Cabunoc, SSJV and Rev. Fr. Demly Valmores, SSJV. Rev. Celso Bagabaldo, SJBP, a religious deacon, assisted the celebrant while Fr. Demly Valmores gave a short and yet heartfelt-humorous homily. He had an impression of Fr. Ferdinand

that there is always a transformation of ones life either physically or spiritually that could attract people. But, he pointed out, the precautions it brings in which it can be a trap for one to fail in the priestly ministry. Fr. Demly challenged him to be always sincere, now and in his future ministry. Hence, some of the Barnabite scholastics coming from the different provinces had also taken part of the celebration and some Angelic Sisters of St. Paul and Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) as well. The CFLA choir of the parish led the singing that resounded even outside the Church. After the Mass, St. Ritas College Auditorium was the main reception area for the lunch as well as for a program. The simple and yet delicious delicacy of Balingasag and of the different foods filled the hungry stomach and savored the kindness and generosity of the Balingasagnon. The High School batch of Fr. Ferdinand, batch 1994, had prepared a short but meaningful program with the help of SRC Principal, Sr. Adeliada Huiso, RVM. So, while the people, guests, and family of Fr. Ferdinand ate their lunch they enjoyed watching every detail of the presentation and smiling faces were visible. The program ended in the early afternoon and the people of Balingasag were delighted and looked forward for another celebration of such kind. Who will be the next? Next time around! Congratulations Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Ding Dagcuta, CRSP! Kumbati and Mabuhay!!! (Jonathan G. Ramoso, CRSP)

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May 13 was one of the busiest days this summer. In the morning the brothers renewed the vows and in the evening the procession of the Blessed Virgin of Fatima took place. This day also marks the opening of the Monthly Rosary every thirteenth of the month from May through October, commemorating the six apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the three little children of Fatima, Francisco and Jacinta Marto and to their cousin Lucia de Jesus dos Santos (Sr. Maria Lucia of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart). Francisco and Jacinta died a few years after the apparition April 4, 1919 and February 20, 1920 respectively and they are honored by the Church as Blessed. Lucia died on February 13, 2005. The cause of her beatification was approved this year. Prior to this celebration there were some preliminaries that took over. We communicated to the Barangay Authorities the upcoming event that would take place on some roads of Barangay San Jose (Calamba Road, Purok 162 and Purok 163). The Barangay Lady Captain, Hon. Cecelia Bayas, promised to support the said activity. Some scholars of the Tahanang Mapag-aruga ni Padre Semeria got involved in the preparations too. They made the colorful bamboo lanterns that were used during the procession. The procession was attended by several religious Communities who received the invitation

via e-mail and others through verbal invitation. The FICC (Daughters of the Immaculate Conception), the Servants of the Paraclete, the Daughters of St. Joseph of Caburlotto and the Rogationist Novices with their Father Master were present. Lay faithful and devotees of Our Lady from Barangay San Jose and Barangay Mag-asawang Ilat dominated the number of the crowd. Among them were members of the Tahanang Mapagaruga ni Padre Semeria. Some of the Barangay Officals and Barangay policemen headed by the Barangay Lady Captain together with the Barangay San Jose Caracol (the local version of the Mardigras) dancers were also present. The procession started at 8 p.m. from the Barangay Chapel of San Jose. The Barangay Policemen controlled the traffic. The Caracol Dancers were at the head of the procession dancing all the way through to the tune of the Philippine Folk Dances. After them were the altar servers bearing the processional cross and candles. Next were the flower girls in white dresses showering petals of roses along the way of the procession. Other girls in white dresses carried letters spelling AVE MARIA. Then the devotees carrying colorful lanterns followed. Next in line was the statue of the Our Lady of Fatima accompanied by the Barnabite Fathers and Brothers and other religious brothers and sisters. The Rosary was prayed along the way interrupted with Marian songs after each decade. It was led by Rev. Fr. Giovanni Ma. Scalese, CRSP. Exactly as the statue of the Virgin entered the Saint Paul Scholasticate compound the Salve Regina was sung. Then the statue of the Virgin was welcomed with showers of roses at the Fatima Chapel. As the statue was placed in its throne the Fatima Ave echoed as everyone participated in singing while the children continued to shower petals of roses to the Lady. What followed then was the message of Fr. Giovanni. Looking at the crowd, he stated that we might have different reasons for coming together in the procession for the Lady of Fatima. It might be in thanksgiving, for sick loved ones,

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for some especial favors and for so many reasons that one could imagine. However, Fr. Giovanni stressed the intentions for peace for our country and of the world. Again the Philippine folkdance music was played as the Caracol dancers swayed together in the steps of Philippine folkdances while the faithful offered flowers to Our Lady. Different expressions of joy and devotion were visible in their faces as they made their way to the Virgin, made their reverence, and uttered their prayers. After these gestures of devotion, Fr. Giovanni led the prayer of consecration to the Virgin. After the final blessing everyone proceeded to Sala Zaccaria for refreshments. Despite the threatening weather the procession was very successful. Most people came by foot, from the remotest area of the Barangay, together with their children. Of course most of us prayed to the Virgin to give us favorable weather even only during the procession and she did. One could think of the last apparition of the Virgin in Cova da Iria, it was raining and yet the people came. Mabuhay ang Mahal na Birhen ng Fatima! (Joseph M. Bernales, CRSP).

Last May 26-29, 2008 the theologians of the Saint Paul Scholasticate in Tagaytay had their retreat. The focus of this retreat was to refresh the consecration as what the retreat master (Fr. Aldo M. Rizzi, Barnabite) wanted to emphasize in this activity. He tackled many things related to this topic. He explained what discipleship is all about by giving some biblical passages from the Gospel of Luke in order to support his explanation. In following Christ, we should be poor, chaste, and obedient, since it was the life of Christ when he was here on earth. He had no home, no wife, and he was obedient to the will of His Father. These vows we profess as religious are the concrete sign of our consecration to God and are fulfilled by living in the community where people gather together for the same purpose and faith in Jesus Christ. The retreat master stressed in his last talk that the center of our life as religious is Christ himself and not anyone else. (Clyd S. Autentico, CRSP)

From Marikina
Start of Novitiate. It is a tradition of our Congregation that before a candidate enters the novitiate he should undergo first the rite of the carrying of the cross as St. Alexander Sauli did before he was accepted among the Clerics Regular of St. Paul. But this carrying of the cross is done in another way in order to make the activity fit into the situation of today. It is not done in the market places but inside the seminary. This year there were ten seminarians who entered the novitiate. Sem. Gerard Sala, Sem. Glenn Gaabucayan, Sem. John Paul Osip, Sem. Cunan Adaro, Sem. Mark Pondoc, Sem. Alvin Libay, Sem. Rolly Cascajo, Sem. Rey Ausejo, Sem. Benedict Insigne, Sem. Luis Alfred Olong. Most of them are coming from the province of Southern Leyte. The rite of the cross was held on May 30, 2008. After this rite, the ten seminarians were officially accepted in the novitiate with their new Novice Master, Fr. Jimmy M. Anastacio, CRSP.

Annual Retreat
It is a common practice of every religious community and even other religious organizations to have a retreat annually in order to energize and refresh mind and spirit and to be alone with the Lord.

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First Profession. After one year in the novitiate, three young men, Bro. Henry Pabualan, Bro. Isagani Gabisan, and Bro. Albino Vecina made their first profession on May 31, 2008 in the chapel of St. Anthony M. Zaccaria Seminary, Marikina City, in the presence of Rev. Fr. Giovanni Scalese, CRSP, Delegate of the Superior General, Right Rev. Fr. Giovanni Villa. The Profession Mass started at 3 p.m. It was officiated by Fr. Scalese together with some Barnabite priests. There were also some seminarians and all the theologians coming from the Tagaytay community who served the Mass. Some relatives of the novices also attended the profession. The celebration finished at 4:30 p.m. and it was followed immediately by a little meal. (Clyd S. Autentico, CRSP)

Medical Mission in Abra Mindoro

Last June 2-6, 2008 the Barnabite scholastics with two Barnabite priests, as well as some of the Sisters Daughters of the Immaculate Conception (FICC) had their three-day medical mission held in Abra, Mindoro Oriental. The said medical mission aimed to help and to serve the poorest of the poor residents, particularly the Mangyans.

We arrived at the port of Batangas around noon. Then we sailed heading to Abra Mindoro. We arrived there at 4:30 p.m. and were warmly welcomed by the inhabitants of the place. After leaving our bags and medicines at our designated house, we at once proceeded to the house of the Barangay Captain to inquire some information about the place and to ask permission if we could conduct a medical mission. Luckily, our wish was granted. On the second day after our breakfast at 7 a.m., we went to Barangay Kamurong to formally start the medical mission. The group was divided into four: liturgists, home visitors, catechists, and the medical team. Prior to that, we had a Mass which was presided by Rev. Fr. Cirilo Coniendo, CRSP. In his homily he mentioned the importance of Jesus Christ in our lives as missionaries, that our lives will never be meaningful if they are not centered on Him. As missionaries, we must look to Him as our model and good example. The mission followed and a good number of people came and took advantage of the free medical check up and free medicines. In the afternoon, we went to Odalo to resume our mission and to continue the home visitation and to

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invite the residents to attend Mass at 5 p.m. which was presided by Rev. Fr. Jecker Luego, CRSP. On the third day, we went to Latag, the place where the Irayat tribe dwells. Going to the mountain was not that easy for neophytes like us. It was there that we experienced the so-called extra challenge of the life of being a missionary. We encountered and experienced hunger, thirst, bites of mosquitoes, and heat of the sun. Traversing three rivers, we experienced the strong current of water. We were almost pulled away. But all these did not stop nor impede us in our eagerness to reach our destination. We arrived there at exactly 9 oclock in the morning carrying with us enough foods and viands, as well as clothes, slippers, and medicine which was to be distributed to the Mangyans. At 12 oclock, we ate our lunch together with the Mangyan people. It was the sisters who did the cooking assisted by some of the brothers. Then, at 3 oclock p.m. we started to walk back home. On the fourth day, we went to Abra de Ilog and visited the auntie of Sr. Emma, FICC. Then we proceeded to the parish priests convent and had our Mass presided by our two priests: Rev. Frs. Jecker Luego, CRSP and Cirilo Coniendo, CRSP. We were all accommodatingly welcomed by the parish priest, a Divine Word Missionary. We moved to the Holy Cross Parish in Sta. Cruz where an uncle of Sr. Emma, FICC is the assistant parish priest. We were all welcomed and well recognized by the parish priest who served us a

good lunch. Then we proceeded and sailed going to the house of Sr. Emma in Sto. Nio. It was there that we spent the night. On the last day, after our breakfast, we packed up our things. The three-day medical mission was indeed successful and insightful. Aside from being able to help and serve the poor, we also learned a lot from that experience. It taught us the real life of being a religious and a missionary and enabled us scholastics to apply and materialize what we have learned in theology. We do believe that theology becomes more interesting and effective if it is done and applied into practice. Thus, that three-day experience inspired and encouraged us to study theology more seriously (Pat M. Golis, CRSP).

APPEAL
The SAINT PAUL SCHOLASTICATE and the TAHANANG MAPAG-ARUGA NI PADRE SEMERIA need your help: scholarships for our scholastics; sponsorships for our poor children; free donations; celebration of Holy Masses. You can deposit your offering on the current account #0971-0085-47 under the name of THE CLERICS REGULAR OF ST. PAULBARNABITES of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, Tagaytay Branch, notifying us of your donation.

APPELLO
Il SAINT PAUL SCHOLASTICATE e il TAHANANG MAPAG-ARUGA NI PADRE SEMERIA hanno bisogno del tuo aiuto: borse di studio per i nostri studenti; adozione dei bambini da noi assistiti; libere offerte; celebrazione di Sante Messe. Puoi versare la tua offerta sul c.c.p. 29654001 intestato a I BARNABITI, Via G. Medici 15, 00153 Roma, specificando la causale del versamento.

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SAINT PAUL SCHOLASTICATE Tagaytay City June 28, 2008

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PAULINE YEAR
June 29, 2009

Saint Paul Scholasticate Newsletter

iPaul
Saint Paul Scholasticate

CELEBRATIONS
28 June 2008, Saturday: Sts. Peter and Pauls Eve Opening of the Pauline Year 9 p.m. VIGIL 29 June 2008, Sunday: Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul 9 a.m. HOLY MASS 30 June 2008, Monday: Patronage of St. Paul 6:30 a.m. HOLY MASS 5 July 2008, Saturday: Solemnity of St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria, Founder of the Congregation of St. Paul 4 p.m. SOLEMN CONCELEBRATION 25 January 2009, Sunday: Conversion of St. Paul * 29 June 2009, Monday: Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul Closing of the Pauline Year *
* Schedule will be notified in due course

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: stpaul@catholic.org Director: Fr. Giovanni Scalese, CRSP Editorial Staff: Fr. Cirilo B. Coniendo, Fr. Michael F. Mancusi, Fr. Jecker R. Luego, Jose Nazareno S. Gabato, Arvin A. Dagalea, Yohanes Besi Koten, Clyd S. Autentico, Pat M. Golis, Jonathan G. Ramoso, Thomas Federick S. Tabada, Isfridus Syukur, Rosauro A. Valmores, Joseph M. Bernales, Jay L. Patulin, Albino T. Vecina, Henry G. Pabualan, Isagani B. Gabisan Typeset in the Philippines by the Saint Paul Scholasticate, June 2008

LECTURA PAULI
on the last Wednesday of the month, at 5 p.m. Lecturer: Rev. GIOVANNI SCALESE, CRSP, SThL, DPhil 30 July 2008: Introduction to Paul 27 August 2008: 1 & 2 Thessalonians 24 September 2008: Galatians 29 October 2008: Philippians 26 November 2008: 1 Corinthians 28 January 2009: 2 Corinthians 25 February 2009: Romans 25 March 2009: Colossians & Philemon 29 April 2009: Ephesians 27 May 2009: Pastoral Letters

RETREATS
27-30 October 2008 PAULINE DAYS for Barnabites and Angelics of St. Paul Children and Offspring of Paul 13-18 April 2009 PAULINE RETREAT for Religious (in Italian) at Mother of Mercy Spiritual Center Conquistato da Cristo; avvinto dallo Spirito

Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi? An gladius?