rayer happens only in the Spirit. The Spirit’s union with us is so profound and complete that it is difficult to distinguish what the Spirit does and what we are doing. Yet, prayer is an occasion for the Spirit to reveal to us new depths in our hearts. Instead of concentrating on the pains, concerns or ideals that cover our hearts, we can discover in there the Spirit—God-dwelling, and leading us to look at the splendour of our lives. The Spirit is our prayer. Camillus’s birth is a prayer in the Spirit. His person in the Spirit gave a new light in serving people who are in need especially the sick. His deep and ardent faith in the Spirit made his life an epitome of prayer. Camillus lived a “praying prayer” because he has witnessed what God wills. As we professed the evangelical counsels in serving the sick even in danger to our own lives, we are then compelled to be persons who not only pray in the Spirit but also live in the Spirit, and bear the fruit of the Spirit. Be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
By Bro. Dan V. Cancino Jr., MI
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Fervent
shepherd’s care
Provincial’s Corner
By Fr. Rolando J. Fernandez, MI
Religious Life
he very core of our life as religious is love. A value that we learned, first and foremost, in our very own homes. Thanks to our parents for instilling love in us; by letting us experience it concretely through them (our mothers and fathers) loving each other, and loving us their children. Growing up feeling loved eventually helped us in our discernment for religious life, a life of love and of total surrendering to the ultimate source of love and of our calling—God. Thereby, religious life is a gift from God. A gift that slowly unfolded before us through the loving relationships we have in our homes and through the persons who journeyed with us in our formation years. The discovery of this great treasure, however, requires us to totally surrender ourselves in the service of God and His people. And aware of our limitations, we have to believe, therefore, that when God calls, He enables the one He calls. We just have to do our best and God will take care of the rest. But like in any other calling coming from God, today’s consecrated life is not insulated from major challenges. Among these are hedonism—the craving for material possessions—and the notion of absolute freedom. We might not be aware of it but these false values are creeping subtly in the very fiber of our life as consecrated persons like “lions looking for someone to devour.” To arrest and overcome these challenges, we, consecrated persons, must deepen more and more our relationship with God. By continually valuing our prayer life, harvesting its fruit—the joyful living of consecrated life, showing God’s power in accomplishing great things in the ministry He entrusted to us—is surely at hand. We must take God as the true wealth of our heart for when we have God, we have everything! Finally, as consecrated persons, we must value community life and fraternity. We must continually create a community imbued with the true spirit of love, friendship, and communion, making it a powerhouse where every religious can always come to recharge himself and live a joyful life, faithful to the call God gifted him. Let our life as religious be a gift to the community and to the sick. God bless us all!
We must continually create a community imbued with the true spirit of love, friendship, and communion, making it a powerhouse where every religious can always come to recharge himself and live a joyful life, faithful to the call God gifted him
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A Call to Love
team taiwan
Clockwise from the bottom: Camillians of the Taiwan Delegation during their spiritual retreat preached by Fr. Antonio Caserta on May 2-7, 2011; Fr. Giuseppe Didone, MI, distributes red envelopes (symbol of prosperity) during the World Day of the Sick celebration—Chinese style—at the center for handicapped and home for the aged on February 11, 2011. The occasion was also accompanied with dragon and lion dances symbolizing good health and good luck; Fr. Raimondo Yang, MI (right), begins his ministry in the parish of Tucheng, Taipei on February 13, 2011. By Fr. Giuseppe Didone, MI
AIDS and the Humanization of Sexuality
excerpt
From the Interview during the Flight to Cameroon on March 17, 2009 Father Lombardi: Now a further question from a French speaker: our colleague Philippe Visseyrias from France 2: Question: Your Holiness, among the many ills that beset Africa, one of the most pressing is the spread of AIDS. The position of the Catholic Church on the way to fight it is often considered unrealistic and ineffective. Will you address this theme during the journey? Holy Father, would you be able to respond in French to this question? Benedict XVI: I would say the opposite. I think that the most efficient, most truly present player in the fight against AIDS is the Catholic Church herself, with her movements and her various organizations. I think of the
Sant’Egidio community that does so much, visibly and also behind the scenes, in the struggle against AIDS, I think of the Camillians, and so much more besides, I think of all the Sisters who take care of the sick…. I would say that this problem of AIDS cannot be overcome merely with money, necessary though it is. If there is no human dimension, if Africans do not help [by responsible behavior], the problem cannot be overcome by the distribution of prophylactics: on the contrary, they increase it. The solution must have two elements: firstly, bringing out the human dimension of sexuality, that is to say a spiritual and human renewal that would bring with it a new way of behaving towards others, and secondly, true friendship offered above all to those who are suffering, a willingness to make sacrifices and to practice selfdenial, to be alongside the suffering. And so these are the factors that help and that lead to real progress: our twofold effort to renew humanity inwardly, to give spiritual and human strength for proper conduct towards our bodies and those of others, and this capacity to suffer with those who are suffering, to remain present in situations of trial. It seems to me that this is the proper response, and the Church does this, thereby offering an enormous and important contribution. We thank all who do so. (Translation taken from the Vatican website.)
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This article appears on pages 193-194 of the book “Benedict XVI, Light of the World: The Pope, the Church, and the Signs of the Times A Conversation with Peter Seewald” - a book-length interview conceded with the Holy Father. It was officially released on 23 November 2010.
earing their immaculate white habits with striking red cross on the chest, they solemnly walked down the aisle as the congregation’s [singing and worshipping] voices filled the air. Along with their parents, siblings, and sponsors, they occupied the front pews. While all seated, they remained standing and faced the assembly, who, like them, happily anticipated for this very special day. Everybody then listened attentively for their ceremonial introduction. They were the sons of: Vicenta V. Vicente and Rodolfo F. Cancino Sr., Bro. Rodolfo V. Cancino Jr., MI (Baguio City, Philippines); Mariam Bibi and Yousaf Masih, Bro. Mushtaq Anjum, MI (Okara, Pakistan); Jesusa E. Ramirez and Alfredo S. Tampis, Bro. Roderick R. Tampis, MI (Mariveles, Bataan, Philippines); and Veronika Damur and Leonardus Lawu, Bro. Ignasius Sibar, MI (Flores, Indonesia). The four were temporarily professed Camillians who just completed their pastoral year and were resolved and ready to profess their perpetual vows to consecrate their whole lives only to God and to the merciful Jesus Christ; promising to serve the sick, forever, even in danger to their own lives, in complete chastity, poverty, and obedience. Taking place in the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Fr. Rolando J. Fernandez, MI, Provincial Superior of the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm (Camillians)Philippine Province, last May 31, 2011
at St. Camillus de Lellis and St. Lorenzo Ruiz Church in Loyola Heights, Quezon City, the perpetual profession of vows of Dan, Mushtaq, Eric, and Ignas, as they are fondly called, was another great jubilation for the Camillians. More hands were once again added to the “hundred hands” wished for by St. Camillus to touch the lives of the poor and sick by witnessing His ever-present love to them. Right after the elder perpetually professed religious present hugged (the kiss of peace, liturgically speaking) the four as sign of their acceptance of them to the Camillian Community, one of the mothers whispered to his son, “Hindi ka na talaga namin pagmamay-ari ngayon. Sa Kanya ka na (We no longer own you now. You are already His),” with tears welling in her eyes. It was said that if there were persons to be blamed why these Filipino, Pakistani, and Indonesian young men opted to embrace consecrated life, they were, most primarily, the four’s mothers and fathers themselves—because they showed them what love is all about. “Your love for them is what inspired them to share this love with others, most especially with the sick,” stressed Fr. Rolly to the professandi’s parents in his homily. And so, if you would ask the newly perpetually professed Camillian religious why they united themselves more closely to God through this sublime vocation, expect them quip that they did it “In the Name of Love!”
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Sorry, dear romantic movie-loving people, this is not a review on one of the most recently released love-themed Filipino movie with a similar title. But this is a love story, all the same
in focus
Love
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By Sch. John Jay C. Magpusao, MI
pakistan invasion
St. Camillus gains friends in Pakistan One of the fruits of the Camillian religious’ presence and hard work in Pakistan was the formation of the Friends of St. Camillus (FSC)-Sindh, Pakistan in the Diocese of Hyderabad. Led by Attashad Asghar and Stanley David, the group was formed mostly by the medical team members and other collaborators who assisted in the Camillian Task Force (CTF) mission in the area after it was devastated by flood last year. St. Camillus’s spirituality and example in serving the poor and sick were the group’s inspiration to “put more heart into their hands” as they conducted basic healthcare seminars and brought the good news of health and salvation in their parish and surrounding areas. Beneficiaries of the seminars were mostly marginalized Hindu tribal people. The sessions with them were usually started with a Christian prayer followed by the telling of St. Camillus’s life-story. Then basic healthcare techniques and other basic knowledge were shared with them to help them improve their health conditions. Meanwhile, through the help of the CTF and the direct supervision of the Holy Family Sisters, FCS helped in the construction of six new houses with bathrooms in Kotri, District Jamshoro, Sindh,
Pakistan. In a ceremony, keys were handed over to the new owners of the new houses like the one in the photo below.
haven on earth
Hail, the Queens! By Elaine L. Olarte
Our Lady,” and some of the male ones escorting them, the event, celebrated for the first time here last May 28, 2011, culminated the month-long Flores de Mayo activity prepared by the institution in observance of the Marian month of May. The procession ended at the dining hall where the deserving “Queens” received special awards. They bagged the titles: Top Five Queens of the Night, Queen Helena, Best in Gown, Best Float, and Sagisag Awardee. Sponsored by Rolando A. Buencamino, administrator, and his wife, Atty. Lilibeth, and organized by the personnel, staff, and on-the-job training students, the Santacruzan became one of the big events in MedHaven. Some of the residents’ family members and relatives attended the colourful pageantry along with the Camillian scholastics and their families who happened to visit the place that day.
Mother’s Day Special Camillus MedHaven celebrated Mother’s Day last May 8, 2011 by honouring its mother-residents. Joy filled their hearts with the short program dedicated to them. The celebration became emotional when the caregivers gave inspiring messages to the “mothers” entrusted to their hands, and the staff to their supervisor who is likewise a “mother” to them. It was, indeed, a Happy Mother’s Day!
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Regal like the Queens they portrayed, they sat on their flamboyantly decorated wheelchairs—their instant pageant floats! —and headed the procession around the compound. Trailing them were the other devotees, holding lit candles while praying the rosary and singing songs of praise. What was in town? It was Santacruzan, folks, the Camillus MedHaven way! As the female residents of this Camillian-run home for the elderly in Marikina City characterized themselves as “Accolades of
The Novitiate Bulletin
pine trees & cool breeze
Back “Two” History ears ago, the first profession of vows and the investiture to the Novitiate took place at St. Camillus Novitiate in Baguio City. But for quite a while, it was done in the Provincialate Compound in Quezon City. However, for this year, it was back to history.
After the rigors of their one-year spiritual journey, the six “last-novices-standing”: Andrew Christopher A. Casurao, Jose Leonardo L. Degillo, Jim Romeo A. Marquez, Carl C. Masip, Dab Anthony R. Obong, and Errol S. Salcedo, knelt down in front of the Novitiate chapel altar (a sure silent witness of their journey) and, for the first time, professed the Camillian vows. It was witnessed by the Provincial Superior, Fr. Rolando J. Fernandez, MI, and the visitors who joined in the celebration last May 28, 2011. Fr. Rolly emphasized on the value of the gift of vocation to religious life in his homily. “It is precisely a gift from God and your “Yes” to this vocation is also the gift that you will give to the people you will be serving,” he said. As the event marked the end of their Novitiate Formation, all the six can say was, “Farewell, Baguio!” The cool and homey place now belongs to the new set of
novices, namely, Rancel C. Cezar, Allan dC. Gastardo, Anthony A. Ongcal, John Lawrence M. Ventura, and Fr. Joseph Zan, who, after completing the Postulancy Program in Antipolo City, were invested to the Novitiate on that same occasion. Our special thanks to all the people who, despite the threat of typhoon Chedeng, touched our lives and shared with our joy during our BIG DAY. To Fr. Rolly, Fr. Ivo Z. Anselmi, MI, our local superior, Fr. Ruben J. Mandin, MI, our novice master, Fr. Renante T. Sentillas, MI, Fr. Michael G. Gimena, MI, Bro. Roderick R. Tampis, MI, Fr. Winston Cabahug, SVD, our spiritual director, Ate Dona for the beautiful flower arrangement, Mario’s for the catering services, Kuya Nick for the cake, Mrs. Gaspar and some staff of PCDH, LCF-Baguio, the Novitiate personnel, and, most of all, our parents, relatives, benefactors, and friends, MARAMING SALAMAT PO!
Clockwise from the bottom left: The new composition of the St. Camillus Novitiate community; “Farewell, Baguio!” was what all the “old” novices can say, and here having their posterity shot with the Father Provincial, their formators, spiritual director, and other Camillian priests; Outgoing novices assisting the new ones in wearing their Novitiate habits during the investiture rite.
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By Sch. Dab Anthony R. Obong, MI
sa balay ni isko
Scholastics’ Home milestones
By Sch. Bon L. Arimbuyutan, MI
FAMILIES WITHIN A FAMILY After another two years of waiting, the Scholasticate community once again welcomed the scholastics’ parents, and some siblings and relatives, for the Parents’ Day 2011 celebration. Held last May 28-29, 2011, this biennial activity primarily aims to foster unity among the scholastics and the parents, and among the parents themselves, and give them the opportunity to witness their sons’ Camillian life in their community and ministries. It likewise aims to incorporate their families into the bigger and wider Camillian family. The morning of Day One was opened with a Eucharist with Frs. Brian Vincent Q. Rances, MI, and Placido B. de Jose, MI, as presider and homilist, respectively. Both were still scholastics during the Parents’ Day 2009, so it was their kind of Thanksgiving Mass for the parents, most especially, to those who have known them. Fr. Cido stressed the importance of the parents’ role in the inner growth of their children. He delighted everyone when he gave a “trailer” of the newly released Kung Fu Panda 2 movie to drive at his point. The scholastics and their families knew (or knew more!) about one another in the activity facilitated by Bro. Dan V. Cancino Jr., MI. Aptly called “getting-toknow” exercise, the parents, siblings, and relatives revealed some facts about each scholastic, bringing surprise, entertainment, and even drama to everyone. Different Camillian institutions and apostolate areas were visited in the afternoon. At St. Camillus Polyclinic-Pasig, Lolita E. Junio, administrative assistant, welcomed them while Arlene D. Cruz, RN, nurse supervisor, toured them around the institution. They were also welcomed by parish priest Fr. Charly T. Ricafort, MI, some parish pastoral council and youth members at Nuestra Señora dela Annunciata Parish in Boso-Boso, San Jose, Antipolo City. Fr. Charly gave a powerpoint presentation of his domain’s history. Camillus Medhaven in Marikina City was the last
in loving memory
stop where they chanced to witness the resident lolos and lolas dressed in their grandiose attires as they celebrated their own version of Santacruzan. Ma. Milagros A. Dalida, resource mobilization officer, oriented and toured them around the home for the elderly. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament capped the first day. Fr. Evan Paul A. Villanueva, MI, director of scholastics, preached to the parents, siblings, and relatives in a recollection in the morning of Day Two. All then devoted the whole afternoon preparing for the renewal of vows of the scholastics in the evening. REFRESHED, RE-STRENGTHENED, RENEWED The scholastics renewed their vows before the Provincial Superior, Fr. Rolando J. Fernandez, MI. In his homily, he reiterated to the temporarily professed religious the need for commitment in living out the Camillian life. Those who renewed were Schs. John Paul B. Alvarado, MI, Henry B. Angupa II, MI, Bon L. Arimbuyutan, MI, Charito A. Borra, MI, Jayson A. Labrador, MI, John Jay C. Magpusao, MI, Eliseo L. Navarro, MI, Seo Jung Ju, MI, Albert B. Silos, MI, and Fr. Joseph Yang, MI. For the scholastics, the renewal was not a signing of business contract, but a form of giving and consecrating themselves once again to the Lord, who, in His great mercy, sustained them for another one-year of consecrated life. “I Do”—which means an affirmation of commitment and love—does not only happen in a marriage rite, most certainly! The occasion was also graced by Ma. Theresa P. Izon and Zenaida F. Aragon, two of the community benefactors, since the program after the renewal was also a Benefactors’ Night—where they shared about their feelings of joy in extending help to the community. A Bingo Social ended the Parents’ Day (OK, Days) celebration in a jovial mode, making everyone refreshed, re-strengthened, and renewed.
May
BIRTHDAYS 14, 1963 - Fr. Manuel Tamayo 15, 1963 - Fr. Francis Zhang 20, 1979 - Sch. John Jay Magpusao 26, 1940 - Fr. Giuseppe Didoné PERPETUAL PROFESSIONS 25, 1997 - Fr. Renante Sentillas 31, 2002 - Fr. Gabriel Garcia 31, 2002 - Fr. Primitivo Guinit 31, 2002 - Fr. Jaime Roa 31, 2006 - Fr. Angel Crisostomo 31, 2006 - Fr. Bienvenido Jonson Jr. 31, 2006 - Fr. Renato Maliwat 31, 2007 - Fr. Wilson Peñaranda 31, 2008 - Fr. Francis Zhang 31, 2010 - Fr. Cyrelus Suparman Andi 31, 2010 - Fr. Placido de Jose 31, 2010 - Fr. Avensius Harung 31, 2010 - Fr. Brian Vincent Rances
June
BIRTHDAYS 13, 1938 - Fr. Thomas Welu 13, 1984 - Sch. Dab Anthony Obong 14, 1934 - Bro. Giovanni Petrin 14, 1968 - Sch. Eliseo Navarro 17, 1980 - Sch. Roderick Tampis 26, 1979 - Fr. Cyrelus Suparman Andi 27, 1976 - Fr. Rodel Enriquez PERPETUAL PROFESSION 25, 2006 - Fr. Michael Gimena PRESBYTERATE ORDINATIONS 01, 1972 - Fr. Giulio Ghezzi 19, 1976 - Fr. Amelio Troietto 21, 1970 - Fr. Felice Chech 22, 1952 - Fr. Giovanni Rizzi 22, 1958 - Fr. Antonio Didoné 22, 1964 - Fr. Alberto Roman 23, 1964 - Fr. Giuseppe Didoné 23, 1968 - Fr. Luigi Galvani 23, 1963 - Fr. Gian Carlo Michelini 23, 1963 - Fr. Celestino Rizzi
PUBLISHER St. Camillus Provincialate 18 Nicanor Reyes St., Varsity Hills, Loyola Heights, 1108 Quezon City, Philippines
EDITORIAL STAFF Sch. John Jay C. Magpusao, MI Sch. John Paul B. Alvarado, MI Ms. Veronica Villegas Mr. Hubert Castro Telephone: +63 (2) 929-6213/926-3506/ 920-7621 Fax: +63 (2) 929-6215 E-mail: provhousephi@gmail.com Website: camilliansphil.org
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A Family Thing