La Madonnetta vol iii issue 1 by francis dominic vergara

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12/22/2011

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What’s Inside? PASCH: A Figlian Way of Life Messages A New Mission in Pangasinan Figlian Prayer Life It Started With a Dream “Bonding“ with the Man in Red Hat "Duc in Altum" The Visit of the General Nuncio to the Philippines The UST Experience Buhay Sunday School Maritas Apostolate Figlians Join Noynoy A Figlian Way of Coup at The Manila Peninsula

Pebbles and Corregidor “Brotherhood in the Realm of Sports” Ginoong Seminarista 2010 Independence Day @ Bolinao Literary Attempts On Vocation Campaign.... A Vocation Story to Tell Kapatiran Thesis Experience Novitiate Period WHAT IS RELIGIOUS LIFE? Voice of the Laity Marian Corner

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About the Newsletter

La Madonnetta

From where this scribe is standing right now, he sees a tree – an Acacia perhaps; countless dried old leaves fall, ironically new being received by the ground. As it is with ideas that pour in constantly; some are meant to remain as ideas which are more eloquently expressed silently, mind to mind; soul to soul. But some deserves to be written down like what is to be unfolded to you, dear reader. After a four-year hiatus of this humble literary endeavor, we present to you once again, ideas hailed from the thoughts of these young, gentle minds. Never was it expected that this would be thoroughly supported by the community at large through article submissions. And so, be our guest to read along with us.

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Editorial Staff

Superior General Fr. Luigi Fain Binda, FSMI Local Superior Fr. Paolo Pirlo, SHMI Editors-in-chief Post. Robert Jomel Mendoza III Sem. Jerome Berja Asst. Editor-in-chief/ Layout Editor Sem. Francis Dominic Vergara Contributors Sem. Cary Caingcoy Sem. Ferdie De Leon Sem. Ian Jan Ranoco Sem. Rolan Tamayo Sem. Kevin Regalado Sem. John Ross Arevalo Sem. Bryant Cabreros Sem. Alven Mauricio Sem. Aldwin Cecilio Sem. Neo Navaro Sem. Marlon Jay Sanz Sem. Jules Fernando Sem. Christopher Baniaga Sem Benjun David Sem. Francis Jude Anthony Estaris Sem. Carl Andrew Juridico Sem. Reineir Juan Sem. David John Periera Post. John Vincent Camral Post. Dennis Aguilar Post. Ulysses Rubia Post. Symon Surmieda Nov. Jumar Llanto Bro. Raymond Jurolaitis Prof. Zenaida Burgos Engr. Al Mario Legarte Photo Credits to: Post. Cestir Regalado Consultant Rev. Fr. Jennil P. Tonel, SHMI Publisher Quality Catholic Publication

12/22/2011

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EDITORIAL

La Madonnetta

PASCH: Remembering the childhood days of mine, my fond father told me that we will go to the forest to get some dry and sapless fire wood to be used in our everyday cooking at home. My father told me to obey every single word he will tell me. Then, we went to the verdant forest nearby. At first my father taught me how to sharpen my dull machete for me to cut the adamantine woods that covers the entire spectrum of the forest. As seminarians, we are also being sharpened in the seminary. As figlians (sons), we must be like sharpened machete to be good as new to cut into the hearts of the people calloused with worldly sins. In sharpening a dull machete, we need different stuffs. Some of those are sharp stone, water, blade sharpener and many others.At that, we figlians are like the corroded and dull machete. We are to be taught the different stuffs in formation and that is the PASCH. In the seminary, PASCH as the figlian way of formation in life is our guides to fulfil our dreams, to become priests. The word PASCH reminds us of the Passover meal in the Old Testament and the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. PASCH is an acronym which stands for Pastoral, Academic, Spiritual, Community and Human formation. The entire formation for priesthood must include pastoral formation, for sooner or later we will be pastors of souls. One of our Pastoral apostolates as seminarians is MARITAS. Every Saturday afternoon, we go to the developing areas in Parañaque to catechize our less fortunate brothers and sisters. Through this apostolate, we foresee that the work that is waiting for us is shepherding of souls. Therefore, the pastoral formation that we have in our apostolate is the practising and channelling of all the things that we have cultured inside the seminary. Furthermore, we must be knowledgeable of things, especially in faith and in morals. Intellectual maturity is also demanded of us. This is the figlian academic formation. As future teachers of the church,

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A Figlian Way of Life we must be academically matured because we will be teaching in the name and on behalf of the Church. It is one of the most important sharpeners for priesthood, the spiritual formation. As figlians, this is Sem. Jerome R. Berja heart of our semi- Editor-in-chief nary life. Our daily Mass, recollections, confessions, liturgy of the Hours, and adoration are some of the spiritual exercises that help us seminarians to grow in holiness. We as figlians are being shaped to Love Christ in the form of Liturgy and Worship. Next is the Community life. “No man is an island”. This simply means that we cannot live wholly without our companions. We can see it undoubtedly in the New Testament, Jesus formed a community of twelve, the twelve apostles, and send them in a mission by twos’; certainly not alone. Community life inside the seminary is very important. We as figlians, community life is a way of life that we learn how to share, to give and to offer oneself to God and to others. Finally, the human formation. “Madaling maging seminarista ngunit mahirap magpaka-seminarista.” This phase suggests that being a seminarian is not that easy as we think it is. Human formation is entrusted to us seminarians and it is up to us to utilize and sharpen it. We know ourselves better than the others. As Bishop Julius Tonel would say, “no other formator is greater than yourself and God”. In a nutshell, PASCH is the figlian’s wholistic way of life where the virtues of respect, discipline, charity, hope, obedience and love towards God and toward others are being sharpened and being formed. As seminarians, our figlian way of life is patterned in this five letter word PASCH. Being figlians, we must live this and use it as a tool for our future ministry.

12/22/2011

8:53:26 PM

La Madonnetta

MESSAGES

LaMadonnettaisaverysignificantrealitybothtoourfounderFr.JosephFrassinettiandtoourcongregation,SonsofHolyMaryImmaculate.Itis theplacewhereJosephathisverytenderage,consecratedhiswholelifetoMotherMary.Itwasthetimewhenhewasjustbeginningtovaluespiritualthingsin hislife.ForusSonsofMary,itisveryrelevanttoremembertheextraordinary eventsthathappenedtoourfoundersincetheygaveusinspirationtodolikewise and even better. Now,LaMadonnettahasrisen.Thisisthetimetounfoldthenewthings happeningnotonlyinsidethefourcornersoftheseminaryofSHMIbutalsoto re-soundtheeventsthathappenedinthepast;tobridgeoutthepasttothepresRev. Fr. Eric Gonzales, SHMI ent.Theseedssowedarenowreadyfortheharvest.AswethankourLordin Vice-Superior/Postulant Master counting our blessings; The34youngmendwellingintheseminaryhavediscoveredthejoyoflivingtheirverylivesofferedtotheLord. AstheyoungJosephpreparedhislifefortheeternalvow,threenovicesnowarepreparingthemselvesfortheirfirst professionasanearlysignoftheirselfconsecrationtotheLord.DeaconspickedbytheLordintheservicearenow tenderingtheirfinalcommitmenttotheHolyChurchofGod.Confreresrepresentingourtwincommunitiesarereadying themselvestoreflectthewillofGodforourCongregationastheyelectournewFatherGeneralthissummer.Thetwo parishesdedicatedtoMaryImmaculatethatconcretizeourloveforourMotherwillbeenrichedwiththedevotionwe havetoSt.Joseph,hermostchastehusband,aswebeginournewestpastoralapostolateinthefarnorth,thismission station dedicated to him will strengthen our identity as Sons of Mary. Formyco-workersinthevineyardoftheLord,livingourlivescommittedtoourcharismisthepowerfulecho thatwillalwaysremainintheheartsoftheseyoungmenbyourLordtogiveforththeircontinualwitnessingofGod’s blessing to our beloved religious family, SHMI. Peace! Let us praise and thank God for His infinite mercy and love. Let us not boast ourselves of our goodness for sometimes we think God loves us because of it. My dearly beloved, He loves us not because we are good but in the first place, God is good. If we fail to recognize the inner voice that speaks, and invites us to follow Himmore closely in our chosen vocation, then listen to Him once again in the silence of our hearts. May we be impregnated by His Word in order Rev. Fr. Cesar Telen, SHMI for the people we meet will leap with joy, thus, Spiritual Director not only imitating Him but producing Christ in our personal life. Let the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary strengthens us as we walk in our spiritual journey with faith in our hearts. Praise the Lord!

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12/22/2011

8:53:32 PM

FROM THE RECTOR’S DESK

La Madonnetta

A New Mission in Pangasinan Opening a new mission is like having a new child: you never know until you feel his little feet humping from within the womb. We already had two beautiful parishes in Salawag and Parañaque, and never in our wildest dreams we had considered to open another one. Like a middle-age couple contented with cuddling a couple of siblings and planning carefully not to use the nappies again. When suddenly, last January, we Rev. Fr. Paolo Pirlo, SHMI received a letter from Archbishop Socrates Villegas inviting Rector-Superior us to open a new mission parish in Barangay Payas, Santa Barbara, Pangasinan. Out of respect for the good Archbishop, the enfant prodige of the late Cardinal Sin, four of us took on the 200 kilometers journey from Manila to Dagupan City. We were happily surprised by the warm hospitality of Bishop Villegas, whose kindness reflects that of his beloved mentor –the and much more by the natural beauty of Barangay Payas.They call it “love at first sight.” The chapel dedicated to St. Joseph, with adjacent convent and rooms, was like a jewel in a sea of green rice fields. The parish priest of Santa Barbara told us that he used to celebrate the Mass once a month, with a 10-people attendance, and that many were shifting to other denominations for lack of a permanent priest. Without so much ado, in agreement with the joyful archbishop, we agreed to have the launching of the new mission pastoral center on February 19, 2011, at 6:00 pm. With a flottiglia of vans - from Salawag, Merville and Multinational – we made the long way to Pangasinan, and we were little prepared for what awaited us: an ecstatic crowd of faithful, in their best attire, waiting for the Bishop and the priests with the same eagerness that the people of Jerusalem awaited for the Messiah on Palm Sunday. Nothing could restrain the clapping of hands and shouts of joy when the declaration of the new pastoral center and the letter of appointment of Fr. Alan was read at the beginning of the Mass. More clapping of hands during the inspiring homily of Bishop Socrates, with the culminating apotheosis after the final blessing. A sea of people, hugging and blessing, engulfed the helpless clergy, while tears of joy were mixed with shouts of hurray: the new mission center of St. Joseph had uttered the first whimper.

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12/22/2011

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La Madonnetta

VICE-RECTOR’S CORNER

Figlian Prayer Life My favorite Cardinal, Blessed John Henry Newman once explained what would happen to an intelligent man without piety, and to a pious man without intellectual life. He said that intellectual life without piety leads to indifferentism while piety without intellectual life leads to superstition. Our Figlian way of life as expounded by our Founder, Fr. Giuseppe Frassinetti, avoids both excesses by a balanced interplay of study and prayer. Our Lord Jesus Christ consecrated his disciples to truth (Jn 17:17). Why not consecration to love? Consecration to truth is the preservation of love. A cheating heart is never a loving heart. For the heart to be in the right place, the mind must be enlightened. There is indeed a circularity between truth and love that to consecrate the disciples to truth is likewise to consecrate them to love. These are the two pillars of our Figlian life: study and prayer. My dear sons, Jesus would grant us the gift of wisdom if first we dispose ourselves to its reception through study. Study is like filling our jars with water which is tasteless and colorless. Study, however, is a necessary counterpart which Jesus asks as a requisite from those who aspire to be wise not only with the wisdom of man but likewise with the wisdom of God. Then comes prayer. Jesus supplied wine in the wedding at Cana only when the jars were filled with water. He did not create wine out of nothing; he asked for human cooperation and counterpart. First, fill the jars with water. Only then did Jesus perform a miracle precisely out of the water supplied. “No more wine” are the words which we borrow from Mary to beg Jesus to turn our tasteless and colorless ideas into the wine of his wisdom. Prayer is life, my dear sons, and life is based on right order; to put in order, however, belongs to the intellect. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, Jesus taught them the “Our Father”. The Lord’s Prayer is the life of Jesus himself. That is why it is orderly. One cannot rearrange the articles of the Lord’s Prayer without actually destroying its form and content. But were not the Pharisees orderly, too? Then why did Jesus censure them for not praying well? The fact was that the Pharisees were utterly disordered in their lifestyle and this was reflected in their prayer itself. Indeed, the law of life is the law of prayer. If life were based on order, the choice of order is the decisive factor in living well. Among many orders, a seminarian can choose the order by which he can structure his life. However, among those many orders, only one order is the right one. Lastly, remember my dear sons that PRAYER IS THE LIFEBLOOD OF EVERY FIGLIAN. If you have not developed an appreciation of prayer here in the House of Frassinetti, I doubt if you will develop it there outside. It’s an obvious oxymoron—a

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Rev. Fr. Jennil Tonel, SHMI Vice-Rector/Economo Figlian who does not pray—but while oxymoron cannot be said to exist because they are by nature self-contradictory, there are in real life Figlians who do not pray. Make no doubt about it—you are only as strong as your determination to pray. Prayer again is not only a matter of feelings. Many of you do not pray if you don’t feel like praying. You think prayer is most sincere when you actually feel like praying. When you pray even if you don’t feel like praying, you are not being insincere. You are willfully fulfilling your duty. If feeling were the measure of sincerity and therefore the determining factor of duty, then when you become priests you ought not to celebrate the mass if you don’t feel doing it. People ought not to come to mass if they don’t feel like it. Nobody should fulfill his duty if he doesn’t feel like doing it. Can you imagine what kind of society we would have if everything were left to feelings? Prayer is submission of the will, of the mind, of the feelings. Thus, even if every inch of your body, mind, soul, and flesh rebels against prayer, it is when you actually pray that you submit yourself totally, for submission is best achieved against the greatest resistance. Let your life be a prayerful life! KUDOS FIGLIANS!!!

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FEATURED NEWS

La Madonnetta

It Started With a Dream Sem. Alven Rodol Mauricio & Sem. Aldwin Cecilio

A dream often starts with an imagination, at the most, positive. The dream to have a beautiful church in our towns, provinces and cities is almost impossible because of evident financial problems especially if the area is quiet poor. For us Catholics, a church is important in our community not only to gather for Mass but a visible sign of strength, hard work, and hope. In fulfilling this dream is difficult but to work hard is possible. The pioneer figlians in the Philippines have already erected two churches in the country-one in the suburbs of Cavite and the other in Parañaque. Both churches were dedicated to Mary Immaculate. However, we gaze our camera on the latter, the MIP Parañaque which was recently inaugurated last December 8, 2010. For most people, seldom they’re interested to know the “how” of things. The grand church we see now experienced many ups and downs. It was indeed a long process. It seemed like eternity to labour just to build this exquisite church. There were many happenings behind the scenes that made this church come into being. There were pains, struggles, feeling of hopelessness and helplessness that crawled every soil we see presently. We cannot do away with it. But then again, we’re glad. Without these reapings, without these struggles, without the pain, the joy of fulfilling this dream would not have come true. Thanks to the safeguarding of Mary through her community, the figlians, stood erect, fortified their stronghold to hold on to that dream. Alas, On the dusk of December 8, 2010,

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there we saw as one community headed by the good shepherd, Jesse Mercado with the parish priest, Fr. Eric Gonzales and the figlian community, the incense rose up to the heavens to separate this structure from the world. Thus, the sacred and the profane. This occasion proved the greatness and generosity of God. This greatness was shown through his religious, the figlians and the community of believers always gearing to be faithful to the body of Christ, the Church.

12/22/2011

8:53:35 PM

La Madonnetta

FEATURED NEWS

Moments with the ‘Apostles’... “Bonding“ with the Man in Red Hat Sem. Carl Andrew Juridico

The gregorians (juniors) had the privilege to accompany Fr. Jennil to attend the ordination of his batch mates in UST. The said ordination was presided by His Eminence, Cardinal Rosales. As I hear the word “cardinal” mu curiosity was awakened and I was so excited to see one of the three cardinals of the Philippines. As we reach the Manila Cathedral, I was struck by the presence of so many priests, with some Bishops and the presiding Cardinal. The presence of the apostles of Christ with the addition of the choir singing Latin hymns and songs the Gregorian way impressed me and triggered me the re-activation of my inspiration. While the rite of ordination was being said, I felt so refreshed and energetic like a car loaded with fuel to further desired destination. I said to myself;” someday, you will be there in front of many priests, bishops and even maybe a cardinal who will extend their hands on your head and your presider will consecrate your hands with oil.”

After the long ordination, I was still full of inspiration that I brought that emotion to the reception area where we ate inspiringly. While we were eating, the presence of Cardinal Rosales was suddenly exposed. Although, we were surrounded with the big crowds, we still managed to ask him a question; “Cardinal, pwede po ba kaming mag pa picture?” then the humble and humorous cardinal replied:” Ah! Ako magpipicture sa inyo?” We chuckled and smiled… then, said chizz… “click.” Hence, the picture of Cardinal Rosales. That memorable event reminded me of the story of Zacchaeus. Because of his curiosity and the effort to climb the sycamore tree, he held the privileged to have Jesus in his house and the salvation of it. Like in the story of Zacchaeus, we were curious as well of Cardinal Rosales. And because of such curiosity and effort, he had our “salvation “: the memorable, inspirational presence of Cardinal Rosales enclosed in pictures.

"Duc in Altum" Sem. Ferdie de Leon It was my second time to meet Bishop Julius Tonel from the Diocese of Ipil. I first saw him in Salawag, Dasmariñas, Cavite during the ordination of Fr. Jennil to the diaconate. His Excellency is a cousin of our vice rector. Tuesday, February 1, 2011, Bishop Tonnel visited us in the seminary and celebrated Mass in the new church in Mary Immaculate Parish, Better Living, concelebrated by our SHMI-priests. He was actually the second bishop who celebrated in the new church. After the said Mass, he had dinner with us in the seminary. Fr. Paolo gave a message to our beloved bishop. He said that, “every bishop is a successor of one of the twelve apostles”. That night, we had in our midst the successor of Saint John the Beloved.

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His Excellency gave a message for us seminarians, so eloquently delivered that stroke our hearts to keep moving forward. It was naturally a very inspiring message. He encouraged all of us to persevere more, not to think so much whether we have a vocation or not as long as we enjoy this kind of life we have embraced. If we feel that happiness in what we are doing, that would be a sure sign that we are called by God in this way. And then therefore we should do and give our best since we are happy. It was truly a great honor for us to meet him and we are looking forward of meeting him for another time.

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8:53:37 PM

La Madonnetta

FEATURED NEWS

TheSem. Visit of the General Francis Jude Anthony Estaris In every congregation, there must always be a superior general. The superior generals are the ‘bishops’ of each congregation. They are the ones who oversee everything and they are the one who govern the congregation. Luckily, last December 2010, we had in our midst the presence of the superior General of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate, Fr. Luigi Fain Binda, SHMI.

He governs the congregation for almost twenty eight years. The main purpose why he visited the Philippines was to attend the dedication of the newly built parish-church in Mary Immaculate Parish, Betterliving , and Parañaque on December 8, 2010. The general, with one of his counsellors, Fr. Gilberto Principessa, the economo general utilized their time upon their arrival, November 29, 2010 until their departure on December of the same year. He visited every house of the congregation and as a “bishop”; he made sure that everything is doing well. Two days before their departure, we gathered in the study hall and put him in the hot-seat. We asked him several questions about the journey of his vocation. His answers were great and there his humility was manifested. I can’t remember then how the philosophy entered in the forum but anyway, he

has a great and healthy brain indeed. His philosophical ideas burst out. He was unstoppable by the way. Father General has a doctoral degree in Philosophy, majored in atheism because during his time (cogito ergo sum) of Cartisso was poisoning the whole of Europe. Their anti-clericalism and antichurch came into and so on. During his stay, Msgr. Chezza secretary of the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines met him but he was expecting the Papal Nuncio. We gave them despedida party and it was held in the garden. There he delivered his last message as superior General to all of us. He sat down and spoke to us fifty minuets. The afternoon of that day Fr. Luigi Fain Binda and Fr. Gilberto Principessa,SHMI departed and ﬂew going to Italy. We learned a lot from him and we treasure every single word he told to us. We are looking forward for his next visitation to us.

Nuncio to the Philippines The Papal Nuncio is the ambassador from the Vatican, appointed by the Pope. The Philippines is so lucky to have a loving and friendly American Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Joseph Edward Adams, D.D., titular bishop of Scala. The seminarians of Fr. Joseph Frassinetti Seminary were so blessed because they were given the chance to serve Archbishop Joseph Adams during the thanksgiving Mass of the Italian Missionaries in the Philippines September 19-22, 2010 at the Carmelite Retreat House in Tagaytay. The seminarians were so happy

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Sem. Symon Surmieda

about it. After the said Mass, the seminarians took the opportunity to have pictures with him. Fr. Paolo said that the time arrived; Pope Benedict XVI called the good archbishop telling him that he will be transferred to Greece. Archbishop Adams is the boss of Fr. Paolo since he is working in the Nunciature. He added:”…everyone in the Nuncioture was crying when he announced that he is going to Greece… they cried because this bishop is really good.”

12/22/2011

8:53:38 PM

La Madonnetta

FEATURED NEWS

The UST Experience Sem. Francis Dominic Vergara

Beyond the turning schemes of our lives, since the foundation of the Philippines, one thing for sure is vivid and standing still after four centuries, the University of Santo Tomas (UST). The UST from its foundation (1611), finally celebrated its quadrecentenial feast last January 28, 2011, memorial of their patron—St. Thomas Aquinas. Seminarians were lucky enough to have thomasian priests in our community, Fathers Paolo, Bobong, and Jennil. The three of them gave us the opportunity to join the said event. We arrived at UST by the Blue Angel at around 4:30 in the afternoon. Our first ‘terminus’ was the Central Seminary of the University. There on the walls, outside their refectory, were dozens of portraits of bishops who studied there. While strolling around, I met and won acquaintances and seminarians from different dioceses. As I looked for something from the souvenir shops and book stalls setupped and displayed inside this seminary, I came to realize in a split second, that the men in black approaching toward me were the diplomats—Cardinal Gokolovski, Archbishop Adams, Msgr.Chezza and two other priests from the Vatican. I was star strucked. I did nothing as my body was frozen. I haven’t even greeted them. After a tour in the seminary and after the encounter with the high ranking prelates, I went on my way out and strolled around the university. I went to the so called “arch of the century” and took some pictures, and then to the main building. A crowd of bishops wearing yellow chasubles started their procession, and I was along the isle waiting for them to pass by. I was a sort of a ‘Bishop fanatic’ then. It was just a minute with them not even five minutes, but with that span of time, I had a great deal of it with them, especially those bishops whom I greeted with my dialect. With my greeting; “Maayong Buntag” (good morning) bishop Cabantan, the newest bishop, laughed at me and responded; “Buntag ka diha, hapon na oy! (Morning? It’s afternoon already)”. And I even called “Soc!”, and he turned his head and gave me a smile. Woahh! It was a great experience with the ‘apostles’. The papal mass celebrated by hundreds and hundreds of bishops and priests, was started and Cardinal Gokolovski as the main celebrant. A great throng of people were gathered in the soccer field of the university. Before the mass ended, a recorded video of Pope Benedict XVI was projected, greeting the whole crowd. And a sea of candlelight amazed me as they shared light; passed from one to another. The Mass ended with the “Te Deum”. As the bishops took the recessional, the crowd was unstoppable from approaching the bishops. After the recessional, we immediately made our way home. It took 4oo years to prepare for the said celebration, but still the Dominican Friars, who owned the University, are not contented with 400, still they look forward for another hundred. Kudos UST!

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12/22/2011

8:53:39 PM

La Madonnetta

FEATURED NEWS

Figlians Join Noynoy Sem. Francis Dominic Vergara

Thereisnovisibledivisionbetweenthechurchandthe state,soasanindividualcouldnotseparatehisobligationto the church and to the state. The Philippines had conducted for the first time an automatedelection-viaPCOS.TheelectionofMay10,2010is over.ThepeopleofthePhilippineshadspokenandBenigno SemionCojuancoAquinoIIIwon,andnowthe15thpresidentof the Philippines. LastJuly31st2010,theseminariansandFathersofthe SonsofHolyMaryImmaculateattendedtheinaugurationofthe

president-electAquino.Thegroupenjoyedwalkingfromthe CCP,wherethebuswasparked,allthewaytoQurinoGrandstand,passingbyRoxasBoulevarddespitethedirectheatof thesun.Beforetheclockstroke10:00AM,variouscelebritiesrenderedsongsforthepeople.P-Noyformallytookhis oathatexactly10:00AM,anddeliveredhisfirstspeechas President, emphasizing “Kayo ang boss ko!” AfterthegunshotsinhonouredtothePresident, theseminariansmadetheirwaybacktotheparkinglot.As theywalkedalongtheBoulevard,theyalsosawtheVicePresidentBinay’sconvoybeatingtheredlightwith“wangwang”(serene).P-Noyhadmentionedearlierthatincident, “Bawalangwang-wang”andtherethefirstviolatorwashis vicar. Theseminarianswereexposedtothiskindofactivitiesbecauseasfiglianseminarians,theymustnotjustbe intheircloistersandboxthemselves;theymustalsoneed knowledgeofwhatishappeningoutsidethewallsofthe seminary.

A Figlian Way of Coup at The Manila Peninsula

Sem. Jerome R. Berja Manila Peninsula is such a majestic, fantastic the seminarians sang some valentines songs which evand classic place that everybody should visit. It is also erybody loved. It was indeed a total experience of the people a historical place of Coup d’état attempts, but still standing in the paradigm and in the parameter of in the upper class. A priest is for everybody as St. John Mary Vianney once so eloquently said,” We do not only beauty and excellence. Last December 2009, all the figlian seminar- mingle with the materially underprivileged, we also ians were invited to the special masquerade Christ- brush elbows with the materially endowed individuals”. mas party. They rendered classical Christmas carols So we start getting experiences of it all. with cassocks and white masks. The ever-generous The figlian way of coup is therefore to conquer their Mrs. Teresita A. Taylor was the one who gave the hearts through the melodic and angelic voice of the seminarians an opportunity to step in the marvellous figlians. floor of the Manila Peninsula. It was not just the first time it happened. Last February 6, 2011, all the seminarians jumped for joy because they were once again invited to perform. Before the dusk fall, they were there already gazing and experiencing the splendid architectural of the place. All the unexpected personalities were there also. The food was exquisitely done with all the preparation, a fine dining dinner. Fr. Paolo Pirlo was the Master of Ceremonies that night. As requested, all

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12/22/2011

8:53:40 PM

FEATURED NEWS

La Madonnetta

Pebbles and Corregidor Post. Robert Jomel Mendoza III

I never was an avid fan of the hysterical and historical world war narratives, except about that of the Nazi’s in the upper world’s western hemisphere. I abhor the seemingly endless film narration of the war where the Americans always play the hero of the damsel-indistressed nations. But one caught me dead interested on one particular January day- a trip to a tadpole shaped isle- Corregidor. I woke up jittery on that dawn with the hope of stretching my legs which seemed to be curbing down relentlessly in that fiery furnace of room 2 (try to guess where that is). In the bus were seated the church of 39- whom each suspiciously planed on doing something upon arriving at the destination. You can just read their thoughts through the smirking and noticeable glee etched on their faces. The vehicle could not taxi without first starting the ceremony where nobody on Philippine soil would deny-taking pictures! Few minutes later, everything turned silent. It seemed like a hiatus of summer animals on winter: almost half the bus were asleep enjoying the cool breeze against their faces in the long stretch of the dear NLEX. Finally, the port; it wasn’t really much of a port. Once you sinned against the slim plank, you’re off to the mighty grime-filled port water. We negotiated successfully after 30 minutes against the gusty and wavy dark waters of Bataan. To our surprise (well, not really) upon our arrival, the area seemed to have expanded its territory 10 meters long because of garbage coming from all directions. Upon alighting from our maiden voyage, we were welcomed by an old man who naturally seemed to be drunk half the time, him being our dignified guide. Our carriage, a world war fashioned yellow bus with humongous glass all the way to the ceiling. It was relatively comfy. The tour was the classic 10 minutes per venue mechanics to control time and maximise our tour in the whole island. As we move along, we saw that the island is gen-

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erally infested with batteries in all shapes and sizes. Technically, it’s the military term for cannons as antiaircraft defences. Some are huge, others just right to blow away aircrafts with a solid red circle on its tail- the Japs. There were also massive structures to house the soldiers which are now falling into ruins because of the bombs it sustained during the siege. But one wonders why it fell. One thing’s for sure, Corregidor was also a victim of circumstances. And then who could ever betray his memory of Malinta Tunnel? It was certainly the main attraction the museum island has got. In a creative fashion, they re-enacted all possible essential details of events that took place in the fortress. There were halls juxtaposed bringing back the scenes decades ago. It was terrific. That period was really the fraction of time in their lives where at the end of the tunnel is a bright light which seemed to be in wait for them. True, I had Goosebumps all over that somehow made my knees melt. It was gloomy. If only walls can talk and it will certainly divulge all the secrets it could recount; the walls were the witnesses of it all. Moving on, we reached the zenith of the island. It was such a spectacular view where no one could ever deny that war took place in there; ‘twas simply beautiful and breath taking. On top of the spire, we felt the shared glory and honour the soldiers fought for. After filling our eyes with wonder and brains with megabytes of information, at last its brunch time! We ate beside the beach where it was cosy. We were given a grace period of an hour or so to relax and enjoy the water and afterwards, we’d have to go and give a visit to the church and have mass. Along the shoreline, 3 of us were arguing about the lovely pebbles we were picking; it came to our thoughts if those pebbles were really stones or shards of broken glass bottles.

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“Brotherhood in the Realm of Sports” Sem. Neo Cyrill Navarro The Sports fest is one of the most awaited events in the seminary. It has already been a part of our seminary yearly activities. As an event that is much waited by each seminarian, for this event is the start for each seminarian to show and share their skills and talents in sports, a competition for each of us, to know who will be the best player of the year etc. But, this event is not only for us seminarians of the Ven. Fr. Joseph Frassinetti Seminary (FJFS), but also for other seminarians and visitors of other places, it is so, because we are opening this kind of event with games to be played by us in the FJFS against our invited visitors or opponents. The opening of the Sports Fest 2010 was held on August 21, 2010 at FJFS. We opened the event with the welcome address of Rev. Fr. Paolo O. Pirlo, SHMI. The theme: “Brotherhood in the Realm of Sports” was emphasized by Rev. Fr. Joseph Jerome Agno, SHMI, Parish priest of the Mary Immaculate Parish (MIP), Salawag, Cavite, who enlightened us for the true meaning why we are celebrating this kind of event. As a tradition, our freshmen presented a special dance number, and followed by another entertaining dance number from our catechumens. The grand opening of the said activity started with friendship games between us seminarians of FJFS, other religious seminaries, and Parish youth. These friendship games were not really a competition, but only to show and empha-

size the theme: “Brotherhood in the Realm of Sports”. Even though it is not really a competition, each player still gave everything they can do for them to show that they are happy playing with one another. The Soccer game was held in the soccer field of FJFS was played by the SHMI soccer team against the Rogationist seminarians. Same for the venue for the soccer game, the basketball were played by the SHMI basketball team against the youth ministry of MIP, Salawag, Cavite. The volleyball game was held in the Court of Sacred Heart School. The game was played by the SHMI Volleyball team against the Stigmatines. Unfortunately, two of our team’s los the basketball and the volleyball team, while, our soccer team won against the Rogationist. But, winning or loosing does not mean so much to us at all, for what is important is the brotherhood that can be built up in each of us through sports. It was a very exhausting for everyone. It consumed much of our energy. With the simple food we ate, and chatting with each other, we gained again the strength and the happiness we need for the day. As the time for our visitors to leave, each of us said goodbye to each other and we gave each other the gratitude and an authentic smile, to always remember the day.

Ginoong Seminarista 2010 Sem. John Ross Arevalo

The community of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate has a chain of tradition that all the freshmen will be exposed in what they called “Seminary Idol”. The search is not meant for rivalry but to share and expose what are the hidden talents of each of them. The search is also a way to make them be more confident to themselves and a help also to overcome their inferiority complex. The whole congregation of viewers was filled with delight when these freshmen showed their talents and cleverness. All of them gave every single second of their most excellent to make the audi-

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ence be entertained. All of them also exerted efforts in making their costumes and presentations more presentable. You can see in their faces the anxiety, enthusiasm and joy in entertaining the community. Every one of them really hunted to be the winner of the seminary idol. The show was ended and indeed you can see in the mixed emotions of happiness, sadness, excitement and discouragement to the innocent faces of the freshmen. Sem. John Ross Arevalo was the one who fully showed what he has, followed by

Sem. Kevin Regalado and Sem. Jexter Camonay. He was the grand winner of the said search and he harvested also a lot of minor awards. Until now, it is one of the highlights of the seminary. By means of sharing and exposing one’s talents is truly a reﬂection of a being responsible, unselfishness and a true steward of God.

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Independence Day @ Bolinao Sem. David John Periera

It is already a part of the seminary’s calendar, that every Philippine Independence holiday, the whole community will be out-of-the-town. Last June 12, 2010, we celebrated it in the beautiful beaches of Bolinao, Pangasinan. At four in the morning that day, we started our journey and reached the destination at around ten. Some of us dove immediately after seeing the ala paradiso beach, some stayed in the cottages and prepared the food, others were afraid to expose themselves under the sun, and others feel the beauty of nature while walking along the shores. One of us stated to threw the soccer ball, and we started and played “Rugby”. At around 1:00 pm, we had our lunch and at four in the afternoon, though we were all tired, we celebrated a Holy Mass under the talisay tree along the shore and with the breeze of the air. When the sun was about to set, we made our way home. Along the North Luzon Express Way (NLEX), where everyone was asleep, a sudden problem shook all of us, one of the wheels of the bus burst. Another problem was the spare tire that we brought was wornout also. Luckily, we were near an NLEX exit. So, we took that exit and not so far from the portal, we saw a vulcanizing shop. Whew! What an experience along NLEX! Our holiday was ended at around 11:30 pm. All were exhausted, but we are all happy. The formators exposed us with this kind of activity to make really every holiday a day for recreation, a day of thanksgiving, and a day of remembering important events in our history. Mabuhay ka Pilipinas! Pebbles and Corregidor ... from page 12 We arrived at the conclusion that those were indeed shards of broken bottles, possibly shattered by the drinkers and the sea waves. But the point is, we were struck in awe what and how the shards caused to be smooth that it can be mistaken as authentic rocks to the untrained eye. And the culprit? The waves. We were still holding the shards after the solemn celebration as the culminating part of the tour. While it is on our hands, it dawned on us that

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waves like time can smoothen the rough edges of rocks. It can refine whatever is coarse. It heals wounds; it mends memories especially of what took place decades ago. Corregidor, which once checked and corrected ship cargos and all that came now as a ‘corrector’ of the past; safeguarding a reminder of peace that what happened before would not have a remake. G. Santayana said “Those who fail to look at the past are condemned to repeat it.”

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LITERARY ATTEMPTS

Sampo Kami Sem. Jerome Berja

Kami’y sampo nang pumasok sa seminaryo May iba’t ibang katangian, kagustuhan, At kani-kaniyang pamilyang pinanggalingan. Pamilyang mahirap, masagana’t mayaman, Broken family sagot ng iba dyan. May iba’t ibang expectations Dreams at motivations Pumasok sa seminaryo itong sampung binatilyo. Sa una’y nagkakahiyaan At hindi nagpapansinan Lumao’y nagdaan Naging friends din naman. Itong sampung kabataan Tinawag raw sa kabanalan Pagpapari’y pinasukan At hindi sigurado Kung talagang mao-ordinahan. Sina barts,aldwin,neo’t sanz Kiko,alven, benjun, jules, tonton at ako ang mga tauhan At di kalauna’y tinawag na “The Ignatians”. Kami’y ibang-iba Sa bawat isa

Sem. Jasnar Llanto I. I heared a voice calling my name May kani-kaniyang hilig I tried to look around and At larangan sa musika learned May ilang guitarista, pianista at violinista pa. ‘Twas just the wind, I said But if it’s just a wind, it must be May singers na malupit deafening Sintunado naman kung buBut then I hear a whisper of a mirit voice Ang iba’y trying hard Pinipilit kahit pangit! Saying, “Come, Come follow Me. Mayroon namang mahilig Follow my Footprints and stay mag-soccer behind me” Inaani naman palagi galit ni May tamad mag-aral Maroon namang dean’s lister pa!

Father Sipa dito, sipa sa corner Para lamang mapa- BRAVO si Father... Hanggang sa ngayon Kami’y kumpleto pa Sana’y magtagal at makausad pa Sa napiling bokasyon Sana’y magdesisyon Kung talaga nga bang Kami’y may karapatan Sa tinatawag nilang “Ordination”.

Smile

Sem. Rolan Tamayo

A smile costs nothing but it means a lot. It enriches those who receive, Without making poor those who cannot give. It takes a moment but the memory lasts for ages. No rich or mighty can get along with it. And even poor can be rich by having this. A smile creates happines. Even a start of a new frienship. It brings rest to the weary, Chear to the discourage,

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Eternal Predestination

Sunshine to the gloomy, And gives remedy to the uncured sickly. Yet it cannot be bought, begged, Neither borrowed nor stolen. It is something that has no worth To someone who doesn’t value for it. If you cannot give anything to others, Just a sweet and simple smile And every burden will leave and fly.

II. “Who are you?” I asked I’m frightened, anxious And extremely confused Then my whole body Was flooded of sweat ‘Till it drops down Solemnly on my feet. III. Now, I cried and realized He is my Christ who was crucified Who died on the cross And on the third day, gloriously He arose IV. Then, He showed me the road to salvation To be one in Him, in Christ’s communion At first I thought I’m in the state of hallucination But then I have now the full realization Of God’s calling to eternal predestination.

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LITERARY ATTEMPTS

After All Sem Bryant V. Cabreros

After all I found myself thinking of you And it’s time to let go After all, I realized that between us is not working But all the especial memories we have shared will stay with me After all, I’ll keep silent as if all things are possible

Considering that I’m always listening

If you feel like talking, or in need of a stepping stone Just to hold your warm hands After all, I’m sure you know that

I’m thinking of you and I care for you

I don’t think if all the things that I’m doing is also your concern,

And I want you to know all the things will vanish As if it was blown by the wind I don’t know if what the reason why You’d always be a stranger in me. It brings me pain whenever You would walk away from me, for I know one day You will be gone forever as tears well in my eyes It gave me so much emptiness that tears my heart apart. After all, I silently suffered, silently I’ve cried, Silently I prayed, for our love not to die.

After all, I want you to know how much I pray, That you find true happiness And God loving hand will always guide you After all

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Sagutin Mo Seminarista Post. John Vincent Camral

Ba’t pag seminarista ka na May mga tanong na ang hirap talaga Hindi dahil ang hirap sagutin Iyong tipong mangangapa ka pa sayong sasabihin Tulad na lamang ng mga tanong na ‘to. ‘Kuya, ba’t ka pumasok ng seminaryo? Pwede bang magka girlfriend ang isang seminarista? O kaya’y magpapari ka nga bang talaga? Sige nga sagutin mo, seminarista! Hindi natin ito maiiwasan At hindi rin basta-bastang masasagotan Pag sama-samahin mo amn iyong nalalaman Isama mo pa pilosopiyang iyong pinag-aralan Tiyak ikaw pa rin ay maguguluhan. Pero huwag mong masyadong problemahin ito Makinig ka at meron akong ipapayo Di ko man masisigurado sayo Kung ito nga’y epektibo Bakit hindi, subukan nang malaman mo! Sa tanong na ba’t ka pumasok ng seminaryo Sagot mo, eh tinawag ako Nino...??? Ayon, sinabi noong nakapako! Sa tanong na pwede bang magka girlfriend ang seminarista? Sagot mo, bakit pwede bang hatiin ang puso sa dalawa? Tungkol sa huling katanungan Sa totoo lang dito ako naguguluhan Ni kahit yung magsasampong taon na sa seminaryo Nahihirapan pa nga sa mga tanong na ito Ako pa kaya na mag-aapat na taon palang dito? Ako’y nangalap ng ibat-ibang uri ng opinion At sa huli ay nakabuo ng isang konklusyon Sagot pala sa panghuling tanong ay nanatiling blangko Blangko sapagkat ang kasagutan dito Ay depende sayo at sa nakapakong tumatawag sayo. Hindi natin alam kung ikaw nga’y magpapari Subalit huwag mabahala sa bokasyong pinili

Sa seminaryo marami ka ngang problema na nararanasan

Pero tuloy mo lang ang laban patungo sa kabanalan.

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MASK OF DARKNESS Sem.Christopher P. Baniaga

I. This grumpy sickness encompasses me Wicked illness indeed Which shatters my dreams into pieces? And breaks my bones into fragments II. I try to laugh, I try to smile I try to hide these seclusions I try to fix this mask But still the real I appear III. My emotions burst at once The tears fall down simultaneously Tears as heavy as a rock Which weighs a thousand tons? IV. Laughing seems to be an opportunity Happiness is a fast break A maximum of minute For my time is corrupted by darkness V. My friends come and gone Wall of misunderstanding rises between Now rejected and alone Ensnared by a spiral of gloom I cannot rebuff myself I am the man wearing the MASK OF HAPPINESS

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LITERARY ATTEMPTS

Tugon

A song composed by

Sem. Marlon Jay Sanz I Siya ang ilaw, Siya ang Daan Patungo sa aming kabanalan Tinawag Mo kami sa aming pangalan Upang paglingkuran ang sambayanan Sa pamamagitan ng aming kapwa matutugunan namin ang Kanyang hiling REF: At kung kaya’t tugunan ang kanyang Bayan Ikaw lang Hesus, Ikaw lang Ama Ang aming Bokasyon II Ikaw ang may likha, sa Iyo nagmumula Lahat ng bagay sa mundo Ikaw ang lakas at Ikaw ang buhay Puso’t sarili nami’y alay Tinawag mo kami sa buhay na Banal Kung kaya’t aming tatapusin ang Iyong Nasimulan (REF.) III Bayan Mo’y gagabayan Mga yapak Mo ay Susundan Utos Mo ay tatandaan Sapagkat Ikaw ang Daan, Ikaw ang Buhay At Ikaw ang Katutuhanan ng Lahat Bridge: At kung kaya’t paglingkuran, Ang Kanyang Bayan Ikaw lang Hesus, Ang aming Bokasyon.

The Call

Sem. Francis Dominic Vergara

He called.... it rang.. i picked... i answered... i surrendered.... i gave up... i entered.... and now, am journeying....

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A Vocation Story to Tell Life in the seminary is very different from the life that I had before-a life full of miseries, darkness and a lot of crosses to carry. My whole life was changed and continues to change when I enter in the seminary. My soul was awakened from a long period of sleeping on the bed of sins. The eagerness and the consciousness to help other people and in serving God wholeheartedly was sparkled. My intellectual capacity continues to produce new ideas, new learning’s and new discoveries about life. Let me tell you first about my vocation history. I would like first to introduce myself and my family. We are living in Dasmariñas, Cavite, Salawag. We are all seven in the family. Our status of living is not so good. My father is an ambulance driver and my mother has a part time job of being real estate agent. There so many trials that came to our family, but we are still standing strongly by the grace of God. While I’m studying I experienced all earthly doings and vices-like smoking, drinking, and even joining gang. I experienced all those things. Until one day, my concerned father told me to join to the “Knights of the Altar”. At first I don’t like the KOA because it sounds corny and weird. Until I learned that there are unique, enjoyable and exciting things the KOA offers, I decided to stay. Deeper than that, I started to enjoy serving God in his Holy Altar. Then I met our new parish priest, Fr. Jay Agno. Even though he knew that I’m not that “good”, he helped me financially, spiritually, and morally. Then as the days went by, he told me about the congregation of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate where he belongs. Then he said to me;” why don’t you try the search-in in the seminary? I just laughed at him because there is not even a little interest in me of being a priest at that time. But one day, I decided that I should give it a shot. Time passed by and I found myself in the seminary attending the “search-in”. After staying one week in the seminary, I found myself in one corner thinking about entering to this kind of life and change myself to become a better person.

Be Reconciled!

(A Lenten Reflection) It is essential to have companions in life, thus, “no man is an island”. But the companionship does not mean good and happy all the time, a journey of companionship may also pass through rocky roads. Thus, one may offend the other and vice-versa. It’s normal. What is not normal is the negligence to forgive the one, or the other. Yes, we can have the sacrament of Reconciliation, but the sacrament is just a part of the whole thing. Reconciliation per se is to be reconciled with God and neighbour and never with God alone, or with neighbour alone. In Matthew 2:22-25, Jesus explained how we must forgive, and how are we forgiven. He emphasized that reconciliation is ‘not just’ asking forgiveness but also forgiv-

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Sem. Cary Caincoy The search-in was over and I’m very glad to receive the letter which says, “Congratulations! You had passed the search-in!” I went home carrying the unending happiness that I felt. My parents gave their full consent and they were very supporting in my decision, to enter in the seminary. That is all that I can come up this instant, however, this is the story that I want to remember over and over again. Now, that I’m a freshman in the seminary, I would like to continue to strive and persevere in my chosen vocation.

ing those who offended us: “...forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sinned against us...” The season of Lent invites all of us to mourn for our sins and repent, as the story of the “Prodigal Son” reminds us. “It is unthinkable to see Christians in particular, priests, seminarians and religious, who do not know how to forgive.” Our good relationship with God must always be complemented with our good relationship with others, with our neighbours. Thus, “...if you have something for God at His altar, and remember that someone had offended you [you offended someone], leave your gift... at once, go and make peace with him and then come back and offer your gift.”

-fdcv

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FEATURE ARTICLES

La Madonnetta

Kapatiran Sem. Kevin Regalado

One of the aims of every seminary is to strengthen the brotherhood of the seminarians among themselves. Just this school year (‘10-‘11), that the formators of Father Joseph Frassinetti Seminary established the so called “Kapatiran” (Filipino word for brotherhood). The purpose is to promote camaraderie and most of all the spirit of brotherhood among the seminarians. The kapatiran is divided into three, according to the room assignments of the seminarians. The seminarians who are assigned to rooms 101, 102 and 103, is called kapatiran adelfoi ‘adelphoi’, a Greek word which means, brotherhood); those who are assigned to rooms 109 and 110 is called kapatiran ‫חור‬ (‘ruah’, an Aramaic word for spirit); and lastly, those who are assigned to rooms 119, 120, and 121 is called kapatiran ‘SERVIAM’(a Latin word which means ‘I will serve’). Each kapatiran was given the chance to meet among themselves every first and third Friday of the month to update each member of the kapatiran. The kapatiran is promoting the ‘spirit’(ruah) of ‘brothehood’(adelphoi) among themselves by serving(serviam) each and everyone.

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Thesis Experience Post. Dennis Aguilar

Writing and defendingathesisislikethejoys and pains of a mother who is about to give birth to abeautifulandintelligentchild.Whatmakesitmore beautifulisthedeaththatawaitsforwedonotknow, whetherthemotherorthechild,willwitnessthebeauty of life-this we are uncertain. One thing is for sure, that is,“I or we wrote our theses,”andinwritingifweexperiencedtheprocessof bringingouttherealfire-triedgoldwithinus.Weexperience,thebitternessoftherootsofwisdom,thecomplexitiesofphilosopher’sthoughts,thecontradictions, and the despairing outlook of others. All of these are the gloomy realities that induced our beings and to ponderwhethertocontinueornot.However,because ofourinnerincentiveswe’vechosentocontinuewriting even if we are at the abyss of uncertainty. With all these in mind, we’ve singled out the gold in the sand, the discipline that we’ve acquired, the profound bickering with the philosophers, and theubiquitousperspectiveofreality.Allthesearethe sweet fruits of writing and defending a thesis in one year and will remain forever as long as we live. To end, what I have said are but little articulations of our experience and it’s not enough. It’s like knowingthenatureofthecolorredwhenyouperceive it.Soitisthetruetoourexperience,wordscannotcontainall,theexperiencewehadareincomprehensible anduncontainablebutitwillremaininus.Onewillonly knowthefeelingwhenoneisplaceinthatsituationof ours. So I say,“Sceintiae radices amarae sunt, frutus dulces”.

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FEATURE ARTICLES

Ignite to be Ignatians Sem. Marlon Jay Sanz

As Fresh as Green Leafy Vegetables Sem. Ferdie de Leon

To be a freshman in the seminary is not easy. This is the stage where a person is adjusting to a new way of life. You will meet new faces, new friends, and you will experience a new environment. It is totally different from the outside world. This is a great challenge for us freshmen to cope up with the new things. We are originally fourteen in this batch, unfortunately, one of our batch mate realized that God has better plans for him outside. Tatay Jennil asked every batch to have a patron saint. He helped us to search and we have decided to make St. Pius X as the patron saint of our batch, and so we are called PIANS , celebrating the feast of St. Pius X every August. There are five qualities that we wish to fulfill to be a good Pian; Perseverance, Improvement, Adaptability, being Natural, and Simplicity. To persevere is one of the things a figlian must do. By means of great motivation and faith, we will be able to get through with the obstacles and challenges of a seminary life. We need to show that we are also improving in both physical and spiritual aspect. We should improve our personality and become mature in the way we view life. To adapt to the new environment is very important for us pians. We should realize that the world we are living now is different form the world we used to live, which is the world outside. To be natural is essential not just for the pians but to all the filgians. We should live our lives naturally. Just be who we are. A pian should also live a simple life just like our Lord Jesus. As His followers, we should set our selves apart from the material things that made us so attached to the world. We should free our selves from being so attached from gadgets, luxuries, worldly things etc. If we live in simplicity, we will live in harmony. As what St. Pius X said, “I was born poor, I have lived poor, and I wish to die poor.”

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St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, was born at Loyola, Spain in 1491. His dreamed in life was to become one of the best soldiers of his country, but unexpectedly, his ambition was came into an end during the siege of Pamplona in 1521. He was shot on his legs and while he was recovering from the tragedy that happened to him, he read some books of Christ’s life and lives of the saints because he got bored in his room. Fortunately, he was touched by their examples of living and offering their lives to God and to others. Then, there was a big change that happened in his life. He became now a soldier of Christ. He organized a new religious order, whish was approved by Pope Paul III in 1540 with the name—Society of Jesus. Their battle cry was, “Ad majorem Dei Gloriam” (For the greater Glory of God). St. Ignatius was a man of spirituality and intellect in defending the Church of Christ. On July 31, 2010, St. Ignatius’ way of life was reborn and bestowed in the presence of the second year figlians of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate. They got the name of St. Ignatius of Loyola as their patron saint of their batch. They called their batch as “the Ignatians” after the name of St. Ignatius. The ignatians ignite their aim in their hearts and soul; to do all things in accordance to the will of the creator and for the greater glory of God.

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The Four Musketeers By: Sem. Reinier A. Juan

How would I describe our batch? It is a mixture of different personalities. We are like the four elements of the world: earth, fire, water, and air. But our beloved professors would call us The Four Musketeers. Known for our strong commitment for one another, although the most outnumbered among the entire Figlian batch, still we show to others our solid and firm attachment. It was a mind-boggling experience to be with this guys whom I had considered as brothers. Different personalities but easy to coup with. We had experienced a lot of difficulties much of the time, we fall but we stand as one. We call ourselves the Gregorian’s named after St. Gregory the Great who called himself “Servus Servorum Dei” (Servant of the Servants of God). Following the motto of St. Gregory the Great, we give ourselves for the service of our younger Figlian brothers. In the beginning, I had compared our personalities with the four elements of the world, namely earth, fire, water and air. First, earth stands for toughness, we stand as one, we decide as one and we live as one. We are as solid as a rock in times of trials and difficulties. We have a strong conviction in our decisions. Second, fire stands for excitement; we give not only joy but also excitement to our fellow brothers. Like a fire, we give light to others and keeps on bringing light to everybody. We ignite our vocations with such burning zeal. Third, water stands for comfort, if there is toughness there is also comfort. Water gives relaxation and relief to everyone. Like water, we give comfort to our fellow Figlian brothers. We shower blessings and care to our fellow brothers. Lastly, air stands for energy; we are really funny and entertaining. Like air, we freshen the sad moments of our fellow brother. We entertain in order to give happiness and give flavour to every dull moment. We are not contented with a world without energy. We find means to be happy even at the top of crisis. To be a Gregorian is a wonderful experience and much more to be a Figlian. We, the four musketeers will always pursue for our goal and we work hand in hand. We don’t leave each others back. Seven times we may fall but we will stand up eight times. It is who we are. It is the real Figlian way: to never give up, to never surrender in the name of Jesus.

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Seniors, Anthonians or Postulants: Same Banana

Post. Robert Mendoza III I never knew them completely until an inevitable circumstance took place. I was thrown into a group whose individual names I only knew. It was like a jigsaw puzzle waiting to be completed. Though, certainly, I couldn’t say otherwise until we marched on the aisle altogether and asked one September morning. The puzzle is really puzzling—each in different shapes and sizes—different characters and faces: well, this is only to state the obvious. Just like this die-hard, choir musician fellow we have here, Ka-Uls, when by English twang can be mistaken to chaos. Name the tune and he knows it, brother! That is Ulysses’ specialty. Then, there is Vincent, popularly known as blah. I wouldn’t want to know the reason why he’s been branded as such but needless to say he could be very talkative should you engage a chit-chat with him—definitely no blah. He’s weird but fun to be with: unique in his own right. And if you want to meet a person who dives for the soccerball, who never cared even if you beat, spat, or jeer at him, that would be Symon—an incomparable goalkeeper. Seriously, though, you can depend on this guy for your secrets—a real goalkeeper indeed, metaphorically; all humility would his trademark be amongst peers and professors alike. You can’t miss to point him out with the birthmark on his lower right jaw! Moving on... You’ll never meet a more eloquent philosopher of pure folly than Saddam or Elmerson. He’s an admixture of the present and past seminary which I both witnessed (wink). Embarassingly, I know more of his weakness than his strength—food! His stomach always says hello! But, of course, kidding aside, he’s more than that. He’s the one who easily makes me laugh-out-loud even after or in the middle of a terrible crisis situation. Academics, leadership, organisation think tank¬— that would be Dennis; he’s the man to a poke a finger to at least as the majority says so. And if there’s a man who knows how to take down almost anything, Cestir’s the name: the jack of all traits. From cars to buses; from dog house to man house, you name it, he knows how to handle them. As for this incumbent scribe—you be the judge. Water and soil, salt and pepper, light and darkness, cat and mouse, there you have it folks, a portrait of the seniors classically described briefly. These just make them true blue humans and a quark of divinity. You might want to ask what holds the portrait intact despite these spiteful facts? Amazingly, ‘tis St. Anthony the Abbot— an inspiration that glues them altogether. Need to ask more?

12/22/2011

8:53:48 PM

La Madonnetta

FEATURED NEWS

Novitiate Period Nov. Jumar Llanto shmi

Why there is a novitiate period in the religious life? Why do I need to pass or experience it? Is it really necessary for religious life and for my journey towards priesthood? Is it still a period of discernment? Is it a refuge from the outside world? These are the dilemmas that often confronted me during my early years in the seminary formation. Truly, the novitiate house of the Sons of holy Mary Immaculate Congregation is like a small paradise. It is a paradise since there is a place where God dwells (the chapel and the presence of my co-novices and superiors), there are different kinds of plants, and different kinds of animals; cat, monkey, turtles, different kinds of fish and dogs, and other animals that crawl on the ground. Nevertheless, singing religious songs like angels, and reading spiritual books are one of the passions inside. Again, novitiate period is a period where a novice transferred or lives in a novitiate house which produces a big gap between a novice and his world. It means, it is the period when a novice started to strengthens more the “principles” that he has acquired from his seminary formation, and started to live more the spirit of disinterestedness; to detach himself from the exterior and interior impurities, and the things that will hinder him from growing in religious life and in pursuing priesthood. Novitiate period is a period when a novice is constantly protected and accompanied by God towards being a good holy religious priest. How or in what way God accompanied him? It is through constant “Colloquio” that makes the Divine Protection of God to a novice visible. “Colloquio” is a constant dialogue between a novice and a novice master concerning to the vocation and the situation of a novice. It is not a means of spying and detecting the errors of a novice. Rather, it is the best way, especially in the part of a novice, to preserve his authentic love to Jesus and to strengthen his determination in consecrating himself to God in the religious life. Novitiate period is neither a moment of rehabilitation nor a time to study and observe all the laws of God. In fact, it is a state of religious life where a novice exercises more the evangelical counsels; poverty, chastity, and obedience, and embracing more the Christian virtues that will make him to continue to live the life of discipline as a religious. Yes, it is also through Christian virtues that make a novice continue to walk in his journey towards holiness. Moreover, novitiate is a time when a novice is convinced by his fundamental option; to live the life of the apostles as a

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“...to accept and love the others, and to experience more the love of God. ...” religious, to become a holy religious priest, to be loved and accepted by others, to accept and love the others, and to experience more the love of God. In short, it is “a period of growth and maturity of [his] vocation”. In connection, novices are firm in believing that it is the Holy Eucharist and everyday’s adoration (Jesus) who sustains their willingness and who preserve their perseverance. Notwithstanding all the challenges, which can even convince a novice to surrender and give up, for it is through the Holy Eucharist and the motherly love of the Blessed Mother Mary that a novice knows how to consider all the challenges and difficulties as “informations” that will strengthen his will and awareness, and prepare himself for his future ministry. To experience the life in the novitiate is to experience also the great love and happiness that come from God… and to experience the beginning of practicum of apostolic work.

12/22/2011

8:53:49 PM

FEATURED NEWS

La Madonnetta

WHAT IS RELIGIOUS LIFE? For some persons religious life is the most perfect expression of the love for Christ; for others, it is complete foolishness. What do I mean about that? What is the significance of religious life for me? Frankly speaking, I seldom reﬂect about it, since I am already a religious, and for me religious consecration is simply my way of life. However, let me share a few insights with you. Religious vocation implies a life of voluntary poverty, humble obedience, and serene chastity. We follow our Consitutions and are under the discipline of our superiors. Our day follows the Benedictine rule of “ora et labora,” prayer and work. We receive our assignments and apostolate according to our personal talents, the charism of the Congregation, and the needs of the Church. We work for the community and not for ourselves, avoiding any egocentric attitude and nurturing the virtue of charity, which is the purpose of our religious life. The members of the community have different mentality, culture and attitude, but we learn to accept all of them for the love of Christ. We also help each other to overcome our human limitations and sinful attitudes. Religious life is not a bed of roses; there are also thorns, which are the daily challenges and the necessary adjustments to the attitude of others. Every day we must

love more and forgive more, shunning the temptation of returning to our family as the utopistic island of serenity and peace. There are moments when religious life Bro. Raymundas Jurolitis seems impossible, but Novitiate Brother Assistant through prayer and the reminiscence of our calling we feel the loving presence of Jesus that urges us to persevere on the journey. He who said: “If you want to follow me take up your cross every day;” and “I am with you every day until the end of the world,” will never abandon those who have consescrated their life to God. Religious life is joy and peace in the Holy Spirit - which do not disappear in time of storms and difficulties - that we must always share with the people we meet along the way. We religious are like the bread: it is not made to be preserved intact, but to be broken for all people to eat and satisfy their spiritual hunger.

Founder’s Corner

The congregation was founded by Fr. Joseph Frassinetti who was born at Genova, Italy on December 15, 1804. Three of his brothers became priests and his sister, St. Paola, founded the Dorothy Nuns. At the age of six, he was consecrated to the Virgin Mary in the sanctuary of La Madonetta, where he probably discovered his vocation. After his ordination on September 22, 1827, Joseph was assigned at Quinto and then at the Parish of Santa Sabina in Genova. His apostolic zeal knew no boundaries. Aside from spending many hours at the confessional every day, he founded associations for the evangelization of the children, the care for the vocations and the spiritual formation of young priests. He worked assiduously for the defense of the Catholic faith and in his lifetime wrote more than forty books. In 1861, Fr. Joseph instituted the Pius Union of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate with the purpose of supporting vocation. Fr. Joseph Frassinetti died on January 2, 1868 and the Congregation he founded was approved by Pope Saint Pius X in 1904. The congregation spread throughout the world. Presently they have houses, parishes and seminaries in Italy, Poland, Mexico, Argentina, Chili, Ukraine and the Philippines.

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12/22/2011

8:53:50 PM

La Madonnetta

Liham

As I See It Zenaida Cruz-Burgos (Professor-Rogationist Seminary-College)

We are part of an environment where great and complicated difficulties are experienced when we are serving and following the Almighty. For one thing, His power actually brings conflict and struggles. It is important for us to have the proper insight into the richness of God’s provision and the purpose of His plan for each of us in this world. The life of a seminarian starts with a trial separation from the comfort zone of his home – the loving presence and mutual support of the family with the spirit of understanding and affection together with the generosity of sharing joys and sorrows. Life is a continuous search for the horizon of all horizons. As such, one should be sensitive to God’s way of lighting up one’s path. We are shown the right direction together with the challenge to move on. Seminary formation has the presence of the Divine Shepherd of souls who called on the apostles to become fishers of men. It has also its morning star, the kind and loving mother of seminarians whose presence brought joy to the first apostles of the Gospel while waiting in the Cenacle for the coming of the Divine Spirit. In seeking the light of truth and the warmth of love, the silent supplication as a manifestation of answering the call on the part of a concerned youth who is willing to be of service to the Lord’s ministry. This goes with the longing for grace and for a priestly zeal as a mark of holiness so as to become “the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”

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FEATURE ARTICLES

Minamahal kong mga Estudyante, Mula noong ako'y dumating sa Rogationist Seminary-College, may isang dekada na ang nakaraan,at nakilala kayo. Napagmasdan ko ang inyong mga pagbabago, sa gawa, sa pag-uugali at sa mga pananaw ninyo sa mga bagay bagay. Minsan ako'y nakinig sa mga sari-saring ninyong hinanaing at nalaman ko ang inyong mga problema: sa vocation, sa pamilya at sa eskwela. Nalaman ko din na wala na kayong nakakaibigan o nakakasundo sa loob ng seminaryo. Ngunit sa paglipas ng mahabang panahon, unti-unti kayong nagbabago! Isang seminarista na may sipag at tiyaga! Isang mag-aaral na may kakaibang sigla para bang isang batang busog sa pangaral at puno ng pag-asa! Ipagpatuloy ninyo ang inyong magagandang asal at manalig kayo parati sa DIYOS! Gumagalang,

Engr. Al Mario Legarte (Professor ng Rogationist Seminary-College)

12/22/2011

8:53:51 PM

MARIAN CORNER

La Madonnetta

Mitéra* Sem. Benjun David

Ma. Ma? Ma! I am hungry. Ma, my classmates is teasing me! Ma, what is this? These are cried of all children. The children are weak and have little knowledge that is why they are dependent to their mother. And, I was once like them and for me my mother was the incredible woman in the world. In addition, she is my provider, comforter and mentor. My mother was a hard worker. As a matter of facts, she made the night as day to make kakanin just to earn money and to live her family in a simple but decent way. In making kakanin, she should always make special one that was reserved for me. She would have a pasalubong for me after she sold everything she cooked. She was my provider of everything I need. Every time my body aches, she would cure me with different herbal leaves

and prayers. Every time my heart aches, she would give a motherly advice. Moreover, she would heal me with his prayers and inspiration when spirit was weary. My mother consoled me in times of trials and difficulty. She is my comforter ever since. When I was a baby, she taught me to walk, to talk and to eat. My mother taught me to be responsible in house chores and in school obligations. But most of all, she taught me about God who is to be praise and adore in spite of the suffering we were enduring. She is my first mentor and model. But, how foolish I am that after all the good things my mother have done for me, I rejected her love and follow my stupid will to live without her and to go far from her. I was not able to say sorry to her when she died. I thought my

29 life without her would be easy. Besides, there will be no one to stop me where ever I go or there will be no hindrance what ever I want to do. But unfortunately, I was wrong and realized how silly son I was. I have been ingratitude and indifferent to my mother. Taking the road of change and living in the chaotic world without a mother, I found a woman who will be at my side and to be leaned on in the midst of bad times. She is like my mother who is my comforter, provider and mentor in everything. I treat her like my mother and I feel that she treats as her sons through my co- brothers and fathers. And, I am proud to her son. I am proud to be Sons of the Holy Mary Immaculate. * μητέρα (mitera)- is a greek word which means, Mother.

True Discipleship through Mary Sem. Francis Dominic Vergara

It is already ﬂowing through our veins, Filipino Catholics, to have faith in Mama Mary. Once a Filipino Catholic, always a Marian, at least most of us. Philippines is known to be the Pueblo Amante de Maria—a people in love with Mary (CFC 45). “We are the favourite country of Mary,” as our old folks would say, “because we are deeply in love with Mary”. We are indeed vividly in love to our mother, as we have a lot of devotions to her. We came to have faith in Christ Jesus because the one who brought Him to us are the people whom we trusted and believed in, perhaps, 99% of those are our parents, in particular our mothers. But how could a true Christian not accept Mary, the mother of the Christ that they believed in, who brought Him in our midst, and from whom the incarnated Word took His ﬂesh? Thus, the fruit depends on its tree (mother), the fruit cannot be into being without the nourishment the tree has provided... and sooner or later the fruit will be like the tree... TALIS MATER TALIS FILIUS. On the other hand, to have faith in Mary is to have faith in Christ. A true

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Christian is a true follower of Christ. And who told us to be so? Mary! As she said: DO whatever He tells you! This was the last will and testament that the mother of the Lord gave to us. This means that, following Christ is not just imitating Him, but also obeying whatever He tells us. We pray to our mother asking for her intercession. We don’t ask from her the blessing and grace that we need, from God through her. No one else knows the Son after the Father except Mary. Ad Jesum per Mariam!

12/22/2011

8:53:52 PM

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12/22/2011

8:53:52 PM