La Madonnetta

La Madonnetta

The Official Newsletter of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate-Philippines vol IV | issue 1

May-November 2011

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12/13/2011

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Greetings of Peace!

After sleepless nights of writing, editing and layouting, finally, this issue of La Madonnetta is presented to you. The theme for this issue is Andiamo Avanti! (Let’s Go Forward). This theme is with regards to the invitation of the Superior General, Fr. Roberto Amici SHMI, Coraggio fratelli cari! (Courage my dear brothers), this is to be found in his first circular letter. Moving forward means taking courage, and taking courage means moving forward.

Let’s move forward in the love of Christ!

Bro. John Michael Arquero, SHMI Prefect / La Madonnetta Adviser

Enjoy Reading!

WHAT’S INSIDE?

La Madonnetta Editorial Board

Editor-in-chief SEM. FRANCIS DOMINIC VERGARA Managing Editor SEM. JEROME BERJA Information Executive Editor SEM. FERDIE DE LEON News Editor POST. CARL ANDREW JURIDICO Feature Editor POST. REINIER JUAN News Writer SEM ALVEN RODOL MAURICIO News Writer SEM. CARY CAINCOY Feature Writer SEM. ALVIN QUE SEM. CHRISTIAN YGOR ESCANDOR Cartoonist SEM. CHRISTOFFER DENZELL AQUINO Photojournalist SEM. CHRISTOPHER BANIAGA Contributors Sem. Ray Ylves Gaga-a Sem. Neal Allen Laurente Sem. Bryant Cabreros Sem. Jules Bernard Fernando Sem. Lloyd Saladaga Sem. John Blake Navarro Sem. Benjun David Sem. Aldwin Cecilio Sem. Jasnar Llanto Bro. Glenn Reyes, SHMI Bro. Bryan Jay Campo , SHMI Rev. Fr. John Paulo Bautista,SHMI Rev. Fr. Dick Eslopor, SHMI Rev. Fr. Eric Gonzales, SHMI Rev. Fr. Paolo Pirlo, SHMI Rev. Fr. Allan Ybañez, SHMI Ms. Rho Cepeda Mr. Des Tablate Adviser BRO. JOHN MICHAEL ARQUERO, SHMI Publisher QUALITY CATHOLIC PUBLICATION

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General Chapter

Profession

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Pastoral Update

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Fr. Tohoy’s Ordination Sportsfest 2011

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About the General MARITAS Update G. Seminarista

Marian Devotion Founder’s Corner

ABOUT THE COVER This image is the icon of new hope for the congregation of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate. He is the new superior general of the congregation. He will be general for 6-year term. The theme for this issue is “Andiamo’vanti” which means, “Let’s Go Forward.

12/13/2011

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Keep Moving Forward

Nothing is constant in this world except “change” as far as the ancient philosopher Heraclitus is concern. Needless to say, everything in this finite reality we call Earth is changing: from being potential to actual.

Three things come into our minds when we come across this reality called change: generation, deterioration and annihilation.

Throughout our existence, things change visibly, though other remains and looks like what it was, but for sure it is not as it was: From nothing to something (ala ex nihilo), or from something to nothing, or from something to more than that something.

A leaf may die, wither and fall from its branch, but for sure, another would bloom. The Vatican pronounced new prelates in the Philippines, in the Nunciature and in the Archdiocese of Manila. Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, D.D. hailed the new Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines succeeding Archbishop Joseph Edward Adams, DD (the new Vatican Ambassador to Greece) and the former bishop of Imus, Luis Antonio “Chito” Tagle, D.D. took the reins of the retired Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, as archbishop of Manila.

The congregation of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate, like the Nunciature and the Archdiocese of Manila, has a new shepherd elected during the 18th General Chapter in the person of Fr. Roberto Amici, SHMI. The new Superior General of the congregation, succeeding Fr .Luigi Fain Binda, SHMI, who shepherded the congregation for almost 27 years, is the youngest Superior General ever in the history of the congregation. He is just 42 years old. With him are his young councilors. New air is to be expected to enter the windows of SHMI having this young breed of leaders.

Changes within the administrations of different communities are to be expected. This would mean that there would be an adjustment in every community.

These changes would mean nothing when no one will participate. It is up to us if we gear this change for the better or for the worst.

The congregation is not a one-man-ruled body. It is a family, where everyone functions. As such, family, we must ask ourselves what we can do for SHMI and never expect SHMI to do something for us.

Where and what are we heading for: from something to nothing or from something to something better?

Andiamo’vanti!

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EDITORIAL 1 12/13/2011

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The 18th General Chapter: A New Pentecost for the Congregation Rev. Fr. Paolo Pirlo, SHMI

The Church requires all Pontifical Religious Congregations, both male and female, to celebrate the General Chapter every six years. The purpose of the General Chapter, as stated by our Constitutions, is “to elect the General Council, to renew and foster the Congregation, and to update the legislation.” The first General Chapter in history was celebrated by St. Benedict at the Monastery of Montecassino in Italy, so that the monks could discuss important issues concerning their spirituality and community life. At the end of the Chapter, St. Benedict wrote a document divided into “capi,” or chapters, meaning “arguments.” From that moment, all books – including the Bible - were divided into chapters, and the meetings of monks were called “chapters.” The General Chapter of St. Benedict was so fruitful that the Church declared that all Orders and Congregations should celebrate it on a regular basis.

Accordingly, our beloved Congregation has celebrated the 18th General Chapter in our General House in Rome, from July 11 to 29, 2011. It was attended by 32 delegates from our communities in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Italy, Philippines and Poland, who zealously fulfilled their duties under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the intercession of Mary Immaculate and of our Venerable Founder Joseph Frassinetti.

On July 11, the Capitular Fathers went on pilgrimage to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where Fr. Luigi Fain Binda presided a solemn concelebration in the Paoline Chapel, where it is venerated the first Marian icon painted

by St. Luke the Evangelist. The next day, Bishop Flavio Roberto Carraro gave a conference to the Capitulars, ex-

plaining that the General Chapter should be like a New Pentecost for the Congregation, to renew the enthusiasm and discover new apostolic horizons. On the following days, were presented the reports of the General Father, the General Economus, the Delegate of Latin America, and the responsibles of the youth ministry, the vocation ministry, and the houses in Mexico and in the Philippines.

On July 20, after a solemn concelebration to invoke the Holy Spirit, there were the General Elections, with the following results: General Superior: Fr. Roberto Amici; First Councilor and Vicar general: Fr. Enrico Spano; Second Councilor: Fr. Dominic Tabal; Third Councilor: Fr. Mario Roncella; Fourth Councilor: Fr. Eduardo Monje.

General economus: Fr. Gilberto Principessa. All the religious gave thanks to God for the new officers – notably very young and energetic - and promised to sustain them with love and prayer in their service for the Congregation.

Afterwards, the commissions on the Ratio Formationis, Vocation Ministry, Missions, Charism, Constitution and Directory, Cultures, and Youth Ministry, continued their works. The General Chapter happily ended on July 29, with a solemn thanksgiving Mass. The Capitulars returned to their respective communities full with joy and zeal for the gifts that the Spirit has bestowed on our Congregation.

The new superior general and the Generals Emeritus, Fr. Pisoni (left) and Fr. Binda (right)

The Father General (at the center), his councilors (seated) and the capirtular fathers

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La Madonnetta 12/13/2011

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Profession Sem. Jerome R. Berja

Last May 31, 2011, Feast of the Visitation, there was a big celebration in the whole community of Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate. That day was the first religious profession of Bro. Jhonny Pajarillo, Bro. Bryan Jay Campo and Bro. Jumar Llanto. It was held at the Mary Immaculate Parish, Betterliving, Parañaque City. It was started with the celebration of the Holy Mass. The three brothers of the congregation were received officially and pronounced their vows of chastity, poverty and obedience in front of Fr. Geussippe Ciconi, SHMI, a superior delegate. That very same day was also the entrance to the novitiate of Nov. Dennis Aguilar, Nov. Robert Jomel Mendoza, Nov. Ulyses Rubia and Nov. Elmerson Sevilla.

A sea of people attended the celebration and they were very happy to see these young gentlemen wearing their black habit.

Unending joy covered the whole ambiance of the feast and a cloud of gratefulness of these three professed brothers and new novices to their families, friends and benefactors exploded.

These newly born “babies” of the congregation are now nurturing and still responding to God’s call. They are now in the dreamed-place of all—Italy, where they continue their studies and their spiritual journeys. Seminary formation is like playing a computer game that has many steps and many levels to achieve on. As long as you play the game, the more hindrances and difficulties will trap your way but there is also a powerful weapon to fight them all and that is Prayer. Every one of us, being a seminarian, really dreamed and wish to go to the next level of our formation but it takes time, courage and perseverance to do so. These newly professed brothers will always serve as our inspiration and models in our journey in life.

Now, Call Him FATHER!

Sem. Christopher Baniaga

The Congregation of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate once again was blessed with new priest in the person of Rev. Fr. Fritz Tohoy, SHMI. He was ordained to the diaconate on March 31, 2010 at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Lawrence in Genova (place of the founder) together with the ordination to the priesthood of Rev. Fr. John Paulo Bautista, SHMI, through the laying of hands and prayer of consecration of Angelo Cardinal Bagnasco, Archbishop of Genova and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Italy.

Last April 30, 2011, Fr. Tohoy was ordained priest through the laying of hands and prayer of consecration of His Excellency Angel Lagdameo, D.D., Archbishop of Jaro in his hometown in Leon, Iloilo, at Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish. Some SHMI priests participated the said ordination.The seminarians who came served as the choir and the servers on the event and during his first mass, which happened the afternoon of that same day.

Fr. Tohoy, who was then Seminarian, Brother Fritz was considered as one of the intellectuals during his seminary years, and one of the favorites of the professors.

Fr. Fritz is currently assigned in Santa Maria Juana Coeli in Rome as a vice-superior, treasurer and parochial Vicar.

From the left, Bro. Johnny, Fr. Allan, Bro. Jumar, Bro. Bryan

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NEWS 3 12/13/2011

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A Progress in Community and Spirituality Mr. Des Tablate

I am a member of a religious organization named Immaculate Youth Ministry. Our group or should I say family was established eleven years ago by our founder Kuya Rey Rhett Maglinte and Ate Lovella Maglinte. I have been a member of this organization for almost seven years and during those times of truthful service to God, I have witnessed a lot of changes in our parish.

Mary Immaculate Parish was first established as San Isidro Labrador Chapel here in Salawag, Dasmariñas City, Cavite. Before as I remember, the masses were held every week in our chapel, it was only a small building made of raw materials such as coco lumbers and plywood. There were only few parishioners gathered to hear the message of God knowing that our barangay was the largest in Dasmariñas City; and most of the population in our area are Roman Catholics. Back then, on September 8, 2003 our chapel was blessed as Mary Immaculate Parish headed by Rev. Fr. Nestor Escamis as our Parish Priest and Rev Fr. Lito Barber as the Assistant Parish Priest. They are from the congregation of Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate (SHMI). The congregation manage, develop and guide our church to be closer to God. Since then, our church started to progress, numbers of servers and parishioners increased in number and different activities such as Santa Cruzan, Station of the Cross during Holy Week and Fiestas were held in different villages and barrios to encourage other people to go to church. During that time, the only thing that we need was a large building which will serve as our main church because the population growing in number and that the first chapel cannot accommodate us anymore. Because of that, SHMI find ways and raised funds enough for constructing a new church.

After the term of Fr. Nestor, the next Parish Priest appointed in our Parish was Rev Fr. Michael Mata. He is also from the congregation of SHMI and also a good priest like Fr. Nestor.

In his term, our dream to have a large church building was realized. As I recall, on the year 2005 the church that Fr. Nestor started to build has been completed. It was been blessed by Fr. Mike and Fr. Lito. During that time, many parishioners from different barangay started to go to mass held in our parish and also religious organization and groups continue to grow. Different choirs have been formed and masters of ceremony such as knights of the altar, lay ministers, lectors and commentators, mother butler, greeters and collectors gathered more members as a preparation so that the ceremony of the mass will be more special.

When the term of Fr. Mike ended, another priest was appointed in our parish. His name is Rev Fr. Joseph Jerome Agno, a young, charming and smart looking priest. He is the present Parish Priest of Mary Immaculate Parish. Together with our beloved priests Rev Fr. Lito Barber, Rev Fr. Dick Eslopor, Rev Fr. Allan Ybañez and Rev Fr. Jennil Tonel, they made a great development in our parish. Before, the population of our church was only just about a thousand, but today it ranges from roughly three to five thousand. It is so great to realize that our church has al-

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ready gathered people who before does not even know God. It is so beautiful to see that during mass, many people are praying together with one vision and thoughts and that is to worship and praise God. During Fr. Jay’s term, the church has already one of the main choices for a wedding or baptismal ceremony since the church is so beautiful. Our parish is also having mass wedding and mass baptism for the poor. We as well do charity works such as gift giving by donating used clothes, food and toys to the people in dump site, Citio Malabon. During Holy Week, the Station of the Cross became more successful since many parishioners sacrifice themselves to participate in the procession, the same goes in the “Salubong” during Easter. During Advent Season, the church is so busy because there are many celebrations happening such as Feast for Mary Immaculate wherein the parish provides free food after the mass, and a mini concert is conducted together with Fireworks display. “Simbang Gabi” a tradition of Filipino is also an important occasion during Advent season wherein every morning before the sun rise, parishioners go to mass together with their family and friends; Christmas Eve Celebration, Parish Christmas Party and New Year’s Eve (Theotokos) Celebration are also the parochial activities.

Fund raising moreover is part of Mary Immaculate Parish’s activities. Such as Battle of the Band, Band and Chorale Concert and also just by soliciting to those people who are willing to donate for the improvement of the church. I remember last year wherein the church had wood pews just by solicitation. It was a success because the community, though it is not surrounded by rich people, but they are willing to give for the church, for God. In behalf of the community of Barangay Salawag and to the Religious groups and organization, I am grateful to all the priests that contributed and still contributing for the development of our church community. We will forever treasure your love and kindness; and to the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate, by supporting us, guiding us and by showing us the way that leads to God. All of you will live in our hearts forever. God Bless!!!

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From Ten to Hundreds Pastoral Station of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Chapel (Payas, Cablong, Carusucan, Patayak and Balingueo) Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan Rev. Fr. Allan Ybañez, SHMI

Months have passed since we began our missionary activities in the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. What was thought to be a simple collaboration became a formal and binding agreement.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas, DD of Lingayen-Dagupan sent us an invitation last January of this year and I can still remember so well his expression “I came to you as a brother in need” that moved all my co-brother priests and I to decide to make an appointment and discuss for a possible collaboration. On February 3, 2011 Fr. Paolo, Fr. Eric, Fr. Dick and I went to meet the Archbishop. During our meeting, the bishop was told that we couldn’t take any definite decision since the Congregation was about to celebrate the General Chapter, thus we can only guarantee a simple collaboration like the weekend celebrations of the Eucharist, until December of this year. The bishop brought us to the proposed place in the middle of the beautiful rice fields, where Frs. Anthony and Fidelis Layug and some of the people of the area greeted us. During the conversation I was shocked and totally in doubt whether it was worth or not to continue the said collaboration because it was said that during mass only 10 – 15 persons usually attend (!!!) and, on our part we have to travel from Paranaque to Pangasinan, a good 300 kms (!!!) only for 15 persons? My mind was then making its own calculations such as financial, physical, emotional and spiritual sacrifices and profits. We went home a little bit reluctant but we decided to experiment.

Two weeks later, February 19 we had our concelebrated mass presided by Archbishop Soc to present us to the people. Many people attended, even our seminarians, catechists of MIP Salawag (Cavite) and some sisters from Paranaque. To my great surprise, a Decree of Erection into a Pastoral Station was read and followed by the Letter of Installation as Priest Director of no other than but me (!!!) with the faculty to celebrate sacraments and sacramentals with full autonomy from the Parish Church, though not having the Tabernacle and the registry books. I was really shocked and dumbfounded because I knew very well that my installation was against the Constitutions since I am the present Novice Master and it is prohibited to have other offices. I told myself “I must do all my best to make the One and Triune God and his mercy and love known to all the people of this place.” Aside from St. Joseph Chapel in Payas, we also started celebrating Mass in Our Lady of Manaoag Chapel in Patayak.

Knowing that in the Pastoral Station there were different sects present, I have decided to follow the footsteps of our Founder Fr. Joseph Frassinetti, that is, to be firm in our faith and to love Jesus Christ and His Church, thus, during the Feast of St. Joseph, exactly a month after we’ve started, we did a procession in two groups spearheaded by Fr. Cesar “Bobong” Telen in the front group with the elders and me at the back with the youth, passing in front of the different sect churches and Assembly halls. Many people attended young and old, men and women. It was a very beautiful experience and everybody enjoyed a lot the whole day fiesta.

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The number of the attendees was no longer ten but it became bigger and bigger most especially during the Lenten and Easter celebrations with its peak: the Paschal Triduum. It was their first time to have complete celebrations and they were very enthusiastic. There was not a celebration where we were few but always numerous to the point that the covered extension was fully occupied even outside. I was so lucky then because I have had a very collaborative faithful and the novices (Jumar, Johnny and Bryan who are now professed brothers and in Italy) who gave me their untiring collaboration and support even to the point of sleeping few hours a day.

As time went by, new opportunities came like more baptisms, confessions, anointing of the sick, house blessings, funerals, etc… By the month of July, we also started to celebrate in the Our Lady of Manaoag Chapel in Balingueo. With the help of the new group of novices (Robert, Dennis, Ulysses and Elmerson) the other ministries were also taken care of like the choir, Knights of the Altar and catechesis as they became numerous aside from the Lectors and Commentators, Catechists and Extra Ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist The people became more aware of their Christian catholic identity. It is very inspiring to see little by little whole families attending mass and very eager to know and understand our faith to the point that they don’t want a very short mass but a longer one wherein they can take and bring something home to ponder upon. They also started extending their collaboration not only within their individual chapels but also to the whole Pastoral Station. It is really beautiful to see how they communicate, collaborate and encourage one and another. They love their Pastor and are very willing to listen and serve.

With the thought that we might leave them alone once again and be dispersed like before, they started to pray more and more askingfor the extension of our stay. On my part, honestly speaking, I used to think of quitting because of the sacrifices the missionary work asks but every time I think the number of those who came back home after years of wandering to and with the other religions and sects, I felt reinvigorated. The sacrifices that the novices and I do every week end are compensated with hundreds of contented, smiling and grateful faces; proud of the priests and novices of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate they met during these months who substituted during my absences (Fr. Paolo, Fr. Eric, Fr. Jennil, Fr. Lito, Fr. Jay and Fr. Dick).

Seeing their sincerity, humility and eagerness, I can’t help but ask the Congregation not to leave them for now otherwise it will be a betrayal to the challenge that God is giving us today. The ten of yesterday became hundreds today and, who knows, thousands tomorrow!

Help us pray that this missionary activity may bear fruit of holiness to all and encourage the young towards priestly and religious life.

May the name of the Lord be glorified now and forever.

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A Letter From the Desk of the Pastor Fr. Eric P. Gonzales, SHMI

Addressing my dear parishioners on the occasion of the First Anniversary of the Dedication of the Mary Immaculate Parish Church, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our God almighty for letting this significant event happen to our Congregation’s history in the Philippines, our second parish community after having blessed the first Mary Immaculate Parish Church in Brgy. Salawag in Dasmarinas, Cavite on 2004.

Re-echoing the message of the Holy Pontiff, Pope Benedict, to the world youth last summer in Spain: “Firm in the faith,” I want to extend also this spirit of zeal to our youth here in the parish. Mobilizing them once again to our pastoral activities and making them feel the importance of their presence in building our Church as spiritual stones that are the real foundation of the Church of Christ. Awakening in them the indispensable youthful spirit that has the potential of transforming the world of tomorrow to a better world, a world filled with Christ’s spirit .

As we accompany our seminarians in their chosen vocation, on the other hand, we also instill in our youth their laical collaboration with the clergy of tomorrow. They are the youth of the world today and will be the molding factor of the world tomorrow. So, together with the Holy Father in inspiring them to be firm in the faith, let us imprint in the hearts of our kids the theme we have in the parish: Mary Immaculate our youth’s companion towards her son Jesus Christ.

Long live in Christ our youth!

One Step Forward Sem. Alven Rodol S. Mauricio

The birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 8th day of September is one of the important events for the congregation of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate. On the same day, the congregation is having the ceremonials for the so called Postulancy. Postulancy is another stage of formation in the religious life. This is

The postulants with their master

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the time where a seminarian will start a new system of formation as postulant.

Last September 08, 2011, the acceptance for Postulancy of Seminarians Reinier Juan, Carl Andrew Juridico and David Pereira was held in Mary Immaculate Parish (MIP)-Paranaque. These three gentlemen were officially accepted by the Superior Delegate, Rev. Fr. Paolo Pirlo, SHMI. The postulants were entrusted from that day on to the care of the Postulant Master, Rev. Fr. Eric P. Gonzales, SHMI. On the same day the two new paintings (Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Guadalupe) were unveiled by the novices, those were gifts of MIP-Parañaque parishioners to Mary on her Birthday. Rev. Fr. Alan Ybañez, SHMI also celebrated his 11th Sacerdotal Anniversary. A simple dinner was held in the seminary refectory after the ceremonial.

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The SHMI Communities in the Philippines would like to congratulate

VERY REV. FR. DOMINIC TABAL, SHMI for being the First Filipino General Councilor of the Congregation

Fr. Dominic Tabal was born on November 4, 1974. He is a Filipino by birth. He had his fi rst Religious Profession in the congregation of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate last June 6, 1998. He fi nished his Philosophy and Theology at the University of Urbaniana with the grade Summa Cum Laude. He was ordained to the priesthood on September 4, 2005. He

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS IN 2011 Fr. John Paulo Bautista, SHMI

JUNE: Seminarians went to Payas Pangasinan and celebrated the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal JULY: Recollection with Rev. Fr. Jhoen Buenaventura on the “bodymindfeelingspirit” • Holy Hour Adoration for Religious and Priestly Vocation in the Soccer Field. • Lectio Divina in the Seminary Basketball Court. • Opening of the School of Music (Violin, Flute, Guitar & Piano) & Re-launching of the Anima Band.• Opening of the School of Driving.

AUGUST: Recollection with Fr. John, SDB • Conference on Sacred Music with Sr. Belen Laurenaria, SFSC• Priests Day Celebration & Fr. Frassinetti Quiz Bee won by the juniors • Fun Run @ 5.30 am (Jogging along Multinational Village). • Seminary Cine Forum: Martin Luther.

SEPTEMBER: Conference on the Liturgy of the Hours with Rev. Fr. Alan Ybanez, SHMI. OCTOBER: Vocation Campaign.

NOVEMBER: First Aid Seminar • Postulants with Bro JM joined the Philo-Com Fest of the Society of St. Paul Seminary • Sem. Francis Dominic Vergara was interviewd by the Ayala Young Leaders Congress • Taekwondo & Boxing Class • Friendship Game (Basketball

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is very active in youth movements and dedicated in the formation of the Knights of the Altar. He believes that majority of the vocations to priesthood and religious life come from these organizations. He was elected as the 2nd General Councilor during the 18th General Chapter in Rome last July. He is the fi rst Filipino General Councilor of the SHMI.

& Soccer) – SHMI vs. Youth of the Parish of San Agustin • Holy Mass and Reflection by the Seminary Confessor for the S.Y.20112012 Fr. Estanislao San Luis, C.P. • Recollection with Fr. Ariel DECEMBER: 20th Sacerdotal Anniversary of Fr. Paolo Pirlo, SHMI • 10th Sacerdotal Anniversary of Fr. Eric Gonzales, SHMI • Seminary Fiesta (4 in 1 combined celebrations – Family Day, benefactors Day, Alumni & friends of SHMI Day and Sportsfest Awarding Day) • Immaculate Conception Fiesta in Mary Immaculate ParishSalawag and Betterliving. Maritas Christmas Party. Seminary Christmas Party.

Fr. Luis, CP • Fr. Pipo, SHMI • and Fr. Ariel, RCJ

UPDATES/ FEATURED ARTICLE 7 12/13/2011

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Maritas Forms Leaders Sem. Aldwin Cecilio

The aim of the Maritas Apostolate is not just to feed the catechumens spiritually, and physically, but also to form leaders; so this aim came into fulfillment last July 30, 2011, Saturday, together with the Ignatians (juniors), the Maritas Apostolate conducted the first Leadership conference to the parents and youth catechumens. It was a whole afternoon event, held in the seminary’s study room. During the arrival of the participants, they pledged by stamping their hand prints on the board with colorful paints, to symbolize the promise to serve. The conference was started with a paraliturgy, presided by the apostolate moderator, Fr. John Paulo S. Bautista, SHMI, at the seminary’s chapel. And followed by a simple talk by Professor Ronaldo Ofalia who elabo-

rated the theme of the said event: “Itinanim at Lumago kay Kristo, Pananampalataya…..” There was an open forum after the talk, suggestions are being raised by the catechumens and were jutted down by the Sem. Reinier Juan, the president of the apostolate, to improve the apostolate. And within the open forum, the Ignatians, who took part of the event, conducted a raffle draw.

The event was ended with a dance number rendered by the freshmen seminarians and with a small merienda at the gazebo while others were taking pictures.

The Leadership conference does not end that day, but it was just a start to have a better and united Maritas, because Maritas Apostolate is not about the seminarians teaching catechisms, but it is about the participation of the catechumens who are the main concern of the apostolate.

MARITAS FRIENDSHIP DAY Sem. Lloyd Saladaga

Maritas’ Leaders after the conference

Professor Ofalia delivering his lecture to the parents and youths

Youths of Maritas playing on the field with Sem. Allen

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September 3, 2011, the senior and freshmen seminarians of the Fr. Joseph Frassinetti Seminary joined forces for the fi rst Maritas Friendship Day. The theme of the said event was “Lakas at Tlino, Ating Pagtibayin; Salita ng Diyos, Liwanag at Gabay.” It was a whole day fi lled with activities intended for the youth of Maritas apostolate and the seminary gymnasium was fi lled with youthful energy.

The activity was started with a Para liturgy and followed by the lighting of the torch. The youth were divided randomly into teams: Youth Cool, Azkulitz, God’s Army and Spirit, and Sem. Wavie Anthony Fuentes, Sem. Rey Ylves Gaga-a, Sem. Christian Ygor Esscandor and Sem. Neal Allen Laurente stood as their leaders respectively. Each team made their own banner, and the head committee on activities, Post. Carl Andrew Juridico, prepared games for them, to enhance camaraderie and leadership: tallest tower with the use of broom sticks, puzzle and volleyball.

Since it was like a mini-Olympics, at the end of the friendship day, the winners in each contest were proclaimed: team Spirit won the Best I Banner, Best in Exercise and Best in Sportsmanship; team Azkulitz won the Best Yell; team God’s Army won the Most Cooperative and Tallest Tower; and team Youth Cool won the Volleyball game. Team Spirit was proclaimed champion followed by Youth Cool, God’s Army and Azkulitz.

It was the fi rst time for the Maritas Apostolate to hold such an activity, indeed the apostolate is progressing.

“The youth is the hope of our church” (Bl. John Paul II) we need to take care of them and even enhance their talents, skills and unity among themselves.

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Maritas in Our Hearts Post. Reinier Juan

Every apostolate plays an important role for the growth of every seminarian’s vocation. One of our apostolates in the seminary is the so called “MARITAS”, from the Latin words “Maria” and “Caritas” which means “Mary’s Charity”. This apostolate reaches at our brothers and sisters from different depressed area within Parañaque. We used to reach them out every Saturday afternoon to teach them catechism, and if we have enough budget, we bring them something to eat. It is not a matter of what we can do for ourselves, but it is how we care about them. We did our duty without expecting any thing in return, because every joy, every smile that comes from each of them satisfies us and that’s what we are after for.

Last September 17, 2011, marked the United Grand Maritas of the apostolate. This is a tradition wherein the benefactors, through us, treat our dear catechumens with a whole day activity. Hand-in-hand, the seminarians spent sleepless nights for the preparation and the celebration itself.

The catechumens arrived at the seminary at around seven in the morning. The day was started with a paraliturgy headed by Fr. John Paulo Bautista, SHMI, at 8:30 AM. It was followed by a mass exercise and after snacks were served for them. Parlor games were then started, the parents had it on the basketball court, the youth in the soccer field and the kids were entertained by the clowns in front of the seminary building.

Everyone was exhausted and yet very happy. Lunch then was served and while having their lunch, they were entertained by the “ANIMA” (Anak ni Maria) band.

Program was resumed at 1:30 PM. Different dance presentations were catered by the youth-catechumens. The clowns amaze the catechumens with their magic tricks after the dance numbers.

Before the program ended, the apostolate gave plaque of appreciation to the Universal Robina Corporation (URC) and to Ms. Socorro “Tita Rho” Cepeda for helping the apostolate since 2004. After the giving of plaque, we distributed the tokens (goods), that our benefactors gave to us for the catechumens. The Parents recieve goods (rice, noodles, coffee, etc.); the youth recieved gift packs from URC, while the kids recieved lunchboxes with candies and chocolates.

The strong rain poured out like the blessings that the Maritas Apostolate is receiving from the benefactos, and like the merienda that the seminarians prepared for the catechumens, which made Albert, a youth from Annex 40, shout: “This is the best ever!” Though the seminarians were tired, still we were happy seeing them smile and shout for joy.

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MARIATS UPDATES 9 12/13/2011

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Maritas Semestral Report Post. Reinier Juan

Greetings my dear constituents;

During a semester of intense preparation, planning, sleepless nights and many more, my term as a Maritas President will definitely end today. A mixture of emotions is revolving around me. It may be hard for me to let go of my position but for almost one semester of service, I learned a lot from you and from our formators. I may not be the best president to handle our apostolate but I tried my very best with all my ability to lead and make this Maritas a memorable one for our catechumens.

In our one semester of service together, we were able to share and change lives. It is we and not I who made this apostolate an iridescent one. It is we who worked hand in hand to give the less fortunate ones the realization that God does exist in this world. We organized the first Maritas Leadership Conference intended to form future leaders and establish basic ecclesial community in the mission areas with the theme: “Tinanim at Lumago kay Kristo: Para sa Matatag na Pananampalataya” together with our guest speaker Mr. Ronaldo Ofalia. Through this conference, we were able to form responsible leaders who act and not just talk. Through these leaders, our work in coordinating became easier and through these leaders, we were able to work better. Secondly, we also organized Maritas Parents Fellowship with the theme: “Ikaw ang asin at ilaw ng mundo: Pag-aralan, Pagyamanin, Isabuhay, Ipamahagi ang Pananampalataya” with the speakers Mr. Jaime Tagle Jr. of the Couples for Christ and Mr. Red Padilla of the Gawad Kalinga foundation.

It was indeed a great success and it also tests our organizational skills. Thirdly, we organized the first ever Maritas Youth Friendship Day intended for the youth of today. Given the theme: “Lakas at Talino ating pagyamanin: Salita ng Diyos, ating liwanag at gabay.” We were able to encourage more youth to attend our apostolate because they know now that the Maritas Apostolate is not a boring activity. But it is a mind opener for all

the youths that we know how to dance in their own music. We were able to jive with the things they want nowadays which are enjoyment and fun. Now our most awaited United Grand Maritas had just finished last Saturday and we were able to share smiles and laughter. With our theme: “Maria bilang taga-akay, liwanag sa paglalakbay”. With the help of the Virgin Mary, we were able to help and share to others. Everyone went to their homes bringing sweet memories that they could share and replenish. All of them were satisfied. We could simply look at their faces how they really

“... I learned a lot from you...” enjoyed the day primarily dedicated for them. My dear brothers, we must ignite our burning zeal in our apostolate to learn, live and share the faith. Always remember the things we could give to the seminary and not what the seminary can give us.

May these things be continued by our next maritas president and the future presidents to come. May he keep the blaze of enthusiasm be burning

in the hearts of every seminarian. Give him the support that is due to him and I gave him all my support. I will step down in my position happy and proud for all the things we’ve been through and he will be my president now. May the voice of the people be the voice of God. He will now continue all the things we had started that is why I am encouraging all of you my dear brothers to put all your trust and respect to him. May the next president continue on fostering the parents and specially the youth. We need to encourage more youth because they are the hope of our future. Now that we already established basic ecclesial communities in every area, it is proper now for him to focus on the spiritual nourishment of every catechumen. I am now delegating him the key that will change a lot of people’s lives. Join now our predecessors like Fr. Pipo, Bro. JM, Bro. Raymond, Bro. Glenn, Bro. Larry, Bro. Bryan, Bro. Ulysses, Bro. Dennis and the rest and be part of the maritas history. It is not a burden but rather it is a reward.

May your presidency be filled with joy and happiness. I wish each one of you all the best so live long and prosper.

Lastly before I end, let me extend my earnest gratitude to our formators who are always there to guide me in all my decisions. They are such a great help to me and to the maritas. A million thanks to all those who generously extended their help financially. To our major benefactors and sponsors in their untiring support for our apostolate. To the Maritas Committee Officers and to you my beloved brothers in Christ. To the Contact Persons of every area who untiringly help us in the recent United Grand Maritas. And last but not the least, to our Lord Jesus Christ who is the source of all my strength, faith and hope. It is we and not I who made this Maritas a memorable one. Let’s look forward to the future and continue our goal: “To bring the church to the people and the people to the church”. With this I finish, once again, thank you and GOD BLESS!

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Election, Appointment, Induction of Maritas Officers

Maritas Fellowship Sem. Cary Caincoy

August 20, 2011, Maritas Apostolate together with the sophomore seminarians conducted a fellowship among the catechumens (parents) of the said apostolate. It was an afternoon filled with activities. It was started with a paraliturgy headed by Rev. Fr. John Paulo Bautista, SHMI, followed with an ice breaker. Then it was followed by a couple of talks, which was given by Mr. Jaime Tagle, Jr. of the Couples for Christ, and by Mr. Red Padilla from the Gawad Kalinga Foundation.

The parents from different mission areas of the apostolate were united through the activities which the seminarians prepared for them.

The purpose is to have a basic ecclesial community among them and to Post. Reinier Juan ended his term educate them on practical things which are happening in the society.

as the president of Maritas Apostolate with his semestral report about what had happened in the apostolate for the first semester of SY 2011-2012 in the evening of September 28, 2011. Indeed the apostolate leveled up and untied from its tradition of catechism and Grand Maritas to catechism, friendship day, conference fellowship and grand maritas.

The following day, September 29, 2011, the election was conducted for the new maritas president for the second semester. The votes were 25-11 in favour of Post. Carl Andrew Juridico over Post.

David John Periera. The newly elected president then and there appointed his new cabinet members who will help him manage the activities of the apostolate; Sem. Francis Vergara, his VP (ex-treasurer), Sem.Ian Rannoco, his sec. And Sem. Lloyd Saladaga, his treasurer. In the evening , the new officers took their oath in front of the newly appointed moderator, Bro. JM Arquero, SHMI at the seminary refectory, after it was the turnover of the “sagisag ng pangulo” of the apostolate and the inaugural speech of the president.

Parents showing their prizes

Parents pose for paint-me-a-picture

MARITAS President for the 2nd Semester Acceptance Speech Post. Carl Andrew Juridico

Good evening to all. Good evening Fathers. Good evening brother.

Good evening my co-seminarians and good evening visitors. You know, it is hard for me to be here in front of you, with this formal attire, with this flamboyant ambiance and with this unconvinced inaugural.

This morning, during the tally, your votes shattered my being, sending me into oblivion, making me question reality and making me ask myself if this is creation’s day or the end of the world. Like Simeon, I would like also to say: Lord, now let your servant go in peace… but I cannot!

Because I cannot deny the reality that each vote of yours signifies trust.

Trust cannot be bought but is earned. With that, I thank you… I thank you for adding weight into my cross. I thank you for trusting me carrying my cross because I know that your trusts are accompanied by a heart that is always ready to lend a hand.

Let us make this Maritas of the second semester a successful one… let us help one another… All for one, one for all. Can I expect that from you?... (and they shouted: yes). So be it!

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MARITAS UPDATES 11 12/13/2011

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...FRATERNAL SPIRIT IN SPORTS Post. Carl Andrew Juridico One of the most prepared activities in the seminary of Fr. Joseph Frassinetti is the sports fest. Sports fest aims to cultivate a certain theme. This year’s theme is “UNITY OF FRATERNAL SPIRIT IN SPORTS.” On August 29, 2011 was the Grand Opening of the 10th Sports Festival 2011-2012 and all were excited. In the morning of that day, we finished the week of preparation and were enthusiastic of what will happen in the afternoon’s affair. Hours before the designated time, a rain came and we were almost in the state of dismay but the show must continue. All were waiting for the next decision when suddenly the door bell rang. It was the Augustinians, our competitor on the volleyball court. Another religious community came and it was the Conceptionists. Minutes later, the basketball team of Mary Immaculate Parish of Salawag, Dasmariñas, Cavite and the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus’ soccer team came into the scene. Then our rival on the soccer field came; they were the Stigmatines.

The hour came when the program was ready to start.

As we marched past from the biggest Narra tree of the seminary to the gymnasium, we cracked our authentic smiles together with our muses. All were attentive with smiley faces as the whole crowd participated in the activity. The invocation

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was done followed by the Philippine national anthem and with the welcome remarks of Rev. Fr. Paolo Pirlo, the sports fest was officially open. The torch was lighted by the team captains, the seniors. Messages filled the whole gymnasium and pictures were taken from all the corners of the venue. All were waiting for the coming of the guest speaker when suddenly a big, tall, foreign man entered into the action and boomed! it was the guest speaker, Mr. Bobby Parks Sr. All were amazed of his six foot plus height and were ready to have a picture with him. The giving of the plaques and the bouquets were definitely memorable to the guests, benefactors, and to the participants of the said event. After the whole atmosphere was filled with flashes from different existing cameras, the game proper started. The basketball court was used to see the result of the exciting match of the SHMI seminarians with the MIP Salawag basketball team. It was in the volleyball court of the Sacred Heart School where the SHMI seminarians and the Augustinians showed their best in earning the invisible price, the comradeship. In the soccer field of the seminary, the SHMI seminarians battled against the beloved Stigmatines seminarians for the crown of glory, “the camaraderie” in the realm of football. It was in the middle of the soccer game when the

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mysterious presence of the Franciscan Conventuals arrived.

From then on, there were miracles, from a score of 3-0 in the first half, in favor of the Stigmatines, to the final score of 6-4 in favor of the SHMI team.

After the basketball team of the SHMI won, the second game followed; they were the Augustinians and the Conceptionists. When the Augustinians triumphed over the SHMI volleyball team, the second game was played by the youth of MIP Salawag with the youth of MIP Better Living versus the Stigmatines seminarians. The second game in the soccer field was played by the Rogationists seminarians with the participation of some Franciscan Friars against some seminarians and ex-seminarians of the SHMI. After the official and recreational games, all the participants earned their eternal crown of glory: the brotherhood and the unity of fraternal spirit which was always strengthen in the realm of sports. All the participants were not tired of playing that they used their last breath to battle against the spectacular food in the table. All were full of joy including the vast storage of our nutrition, sponsored by the Quota International. The hour came when our dearly loved guests departed from this ambiance, an ambiance of sports, but we always remember and cherish them in the subterranean of our hearts as ADELPHOI (brothers).

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SHMI Offi cially Welcomes the Freshmen Sem. Christian Ygor Escandor

Yearly the seminary is having, the so called Ginoong seminarista, it is the initiation program for freshmen seminarians. The Ginoong seminasta was held last July 29, 2011.

It was held at the seminary gymnasium.

The freshmen started to ramp on stage at six in the evening and danced their opening salvo “Waka waka.” Then, they continually ramped their different costumes, and they also boost their talents out, as Ygor Escandor hailed best in talent. A small dinner followed after the talent portion, and Ms. Paola Cuneta rendered songs. The question and answer followed. After which was the awarding where Sem . John Blake Navarro hailed as the Ginoong Seminarista 2011 followed by Sem, Alvin Que, and Sem. Ygor Escandor .

Between the intervals of every category, there was a raffle promo which was sponsored by Ms. Thess Alcantara-Taylor. She also gave Timex watches as tokens to the seminarians before the program ended.

The activity makes the freshmen to be more confident and be more sociable with their co-seminarians.

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Seminarians are in adoration for Religious Vocation at the field

The Rector with Mr. Bobby Parks, Sr. during the Sports Fest

Youths of MIP-Betterliving w

The Religious during their retreat

Choir singing at MIP-Better

Semianrians at the Hermita Hill in Aurora

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Youth of MIP-Salawag during the Sports Fest

The Seminarians with the Community of believers in Payas, Pangasinan

At the Ampire in Baler

etterliving with Mr. Bobby Parks, Sr.

MIP-Betterliving

packing goods for the United Grand Maritas

Officers of Maritas for the 2nd Semester with the new appointed moderator during the induction ceremony

Lights Off! (hehehhe!)

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15 12/13/2011

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Sons of Holy Mary

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Immaculate-Philippines

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12/13/2011

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The Encounter with the General

During the fi rst canonical visit of the Most Reverend Father Roberto Amici, SHMI in the Philippines, the seminarians scheduled a meeting with him. This was realized last November 24, 2011. The study hall of the seminary was fi lled with joy, and questions were ready before the Superior General enter. The forum was started at six thirty in the evening.

Rev. Fr. John Paulo Bautista, SHMI was the offi cial translator of the general that time.

He said before the seminarians ask him questions: I am glad to hear your questions, and answer them as well. He added, I have experiences as general, but it is still lacking because it is just for few months, I need more questions, and more answers…but my life really changed, but it is better. He also said that he was not been to any General Chapter and it was his fi rst time to join, he is still a neophyte with regards to this position. Further he said: I accepted the task because the general said [Fr. Binda] ‘The Lord chooses those who are imperfect. That even in the Bible, God chose those who are weak, Moses for example was chosen by the Lord, but then helped him; David was a sinner, but still, he was chosen

by God. God works on these people on, their weaknesses; Jesus even chose those who are sinner. Don’t forget, though we are weak, God will help us, God is there always with us, keep in touch with him through our prayers.

Post. David John Pereira was the fi rst one to ask the general, and he asked about on how can a seminarian nourish his vocation with these trends of technologies—post modernism.

General: It’s a beautiful query which I am also is challenged… there is no magic recipe to answer that question especially with the reality that we are experiencing; the first thing you must do is to leave everything to God. If you would only see our strengths, we can see instead our failures and difficulties in life.

Through in our prayers, we ask God to work with us. We can see not just in our personalities but also in the biblical images, example, St. Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians he said, “when I am weak, then I am strong”, Why? “…because, When I see my experiences and capacity, I cannot see the possibility to run away from this way of life… so I need to surrender to God, and God will triumph over me.” What else? There are instruments that the church gave us and for sure you experience some of these… seminary, … the Eucharist, the Word of God. You just need to listen to the Word of God. … Another is your community life, it is important, because it is not an invention of the church but it is a command of Christ, in the 1st letter of Saint John, there said: “If I cannot

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love my neighbor whom I can see, how can I love God, which I cannot see”, thus the love of God is seen in the love of neighbors.’ We are called for richness interiorly in this community.

Sem. Clent Rey Abian: What is the worst struggle that you encountered in the seminary?

General: … probably which gave me more pain was when I was counting my weaknesses and strengths, one of these is the difficulty to love my co-brothers, because, it is difficult to love someone when someone thinks that you are invading his personal life. Another is to accept the other which is the opposite of you; there is a difficulty in reconciling these things.

Sem. Denzell Aquino: What inspires you to enter the SHMI given that there are a lot of congregations In Italy?

“...he doesn’t know how to work alone ... always with another ...”

General: Certainly, I don’t have an experience inside the SHMI before, I lived with the diocesan parishes, and the Lord let me realize that I am for religious life. The diocesan priests… expect me to be with them … but I have chosen the SHMI, when some of its religious seminarians came to my parish to animate and I was impressed with thei: 1) simplicity of life; 2) the fraternal affection that I have seen with the congregation; 3) the charism, esp. for the youth.

Sem. Jasnar Llanto: Nowadays, I noticed that there are too many youths who are lost, maybe that is because of the worldly allurements, I would like to ask for tips, on how to let them go back to the church, to God. General: In this case, again, there is no a magic recipe for this, it varies on culture, case, etc. Your question is interesting. We can only say that we must wait for the seeds which God gave them to bloom; we need to give our testimony, experiences, witnessing which must be credible, what you believe: do it. What you can do is be close to them, because they can see priests who doesn’t do what they say, we need to ask God that we may be the instruments for them. What is then most important is to love the youth in particular give them attention

without judging them.

Sem. Jules Bernard Fernando: Now that you are the newly elected superior general, what are your goals, vision, mission, plans, etc.?

General: I will assure you something, that I am not alone, I have my council who will help me and will always be in communion with me.

The decisions that I will make soon are not just from my consciousness, but also from them…

1st attention: is the formation which we have in Rome… we assign an effective formation team … the second is the formation here in the Philippines where we sent Bro. JM and Fr. Pipo, together with you is Fr. Paolo. The main attention is in the formation. 2nd is the community which focuses on the youth, to encourage the youth… and the greatest desire in my heart, that we can open an educational center for them. Now we are … reviewing this project. But we need to strengthen this direction, because there must be someone to work with this project, I wish in my six years term… from this I would like to ask you to study….

Study… study… Fr. John Lucas has said this morning “SHMI is better than the Rogationist”, and I am proud of you and for the priests, now, please continue. Congratulations to all of you!

Post Reinier Juan: In which way that new technologies will affect your leadership as the new superior general of the congregation by being a part of this post modernism?

General: The technology is not bringing you out, what is important is how you use the technology, It rather helps you in evangelization, to reach people, to catechize them, and reach them. During the general chapter, we modified the article which refers to technology … technology must be used prudently.

Sem. Alven Rodol Mauricio: Can you give us a good example so that we can be inspired in our formation?

General: What struck me in Frassinetti’s life is that he doesn’t work alone, he has collaborators; he doesn’t know how to work alone, but always with another. As we can see and verify, in his first parish, where the youth grew in number and more strengthen, there … when Frassinetti died, his collaborators went away, because of that, the parish became stagnant, that means that team work is important to produce more fruits, that’s what we ask for the religious, to work not alone but in team. That attracts me most and that must how our community will run; and that inspired me most.

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Most Rev. Fr. Roberto Amici, SHMI Superior General of the Congregation of the

Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate

Curriculum Vitae 1969 1990-1991 1991-1992 1992-1993 1993 1993-1996 1996-1997 1997-1999 1999 1999-2000

2001-2002 2002-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006

2006-2007 2007-2010 2011

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Rev. Fr. Roberto Amici, SHMI was born in Rome, Italy He was an aspirant and student of Philosophy in Mascherone.

He was transfered in Porto and continued as an aspirant and student of philosophy.

He entered the Novitiate in Poiano Verona.

He made his first Religious Profession He was student of Theology in Porto.

He went to Manila, Philippines for his pastoral year.

He continued his theological studies and finished his licentiate in Biblical Theology.

He was ordained to the diaconate. He was assigned as prefect of professed brothers in Porto.

He was ordained priest.

He was assigned as vice rector of the professed brothers in Porto and became assistant professor of the subject New Testament in Pontifical University of Urbaniana. He took his doctorate in Biblical Theology.

He was assigned as parochial vicar of Santa Maria Madre della Provvidenza in Mascherone.

He was also assigned as parochial vicar in S. Maria Janua Coeli and was a chaplain of the Ancelle del Boun Pastore in Montespaccato.

He was assigned as rector of the institute in Macherone and general vice postulator. He was also assigned as chaplain in Figlie di S. Joseph.

In Mascherone, while he was an assistant professor of New Testament in Pontifical University of Ubaniana, he was fulltime professor of Old Testament in l’Istituto Superiore di Scienza ReligioseDell’ Aquila and of Bible and Liturgy in Pontifical University of the Holy Cross.

Again in Mascherone, He was assigned as superior and rector of the institute. He was also the rector of the church of S. Caterina da Siena (Via Giulia).

He was the general vice postulator. He was professor of Biblical Theology in the two well-known prestigious pontifical universities in Rome the Pontifical University of Urbaniana and Pontifical University of Holy Cross.

He was elected as the new Superior General of the Pontifical Congregation of Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate.

THE GENERAL 19 12/13/2011

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First Canonical Visit of the Superior General to the Philippines Rev. Fr. John Paulo Bautista, SHMI

from the left: Fr. Allan , Abp. Soc, Fr. Roberto Amici and Fr. Eric

Fr. Amici with the religious at MIP Salawag

The Most Rev. Fr. Roberto Amici, SHMI, the new Superior General of the Congregation of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate made his first Pastoral Visit to the Philippines last November 24 to December 3, 2011.

Fr. Roberto arrived at around ten in the morning on November 23, 2011. When Fr. Paolo and Bro. JM were on their way to the airport, the good general brought himself to the seminary with a taxi, and thus, Fr. Paolo and Bro. JM missed him. On the evening of that very same day, he celebrated high mass at the seminary chapel concelebrated with Fr. John Paulo Bautista, the vice rector of the seminary. After the said mass, an official welcome party was held at the gymnasium, seminarians rendered him song and dance numbers. Fr. Roberto gave his first speech and it was translated by Fr. Dick Eslopor.

The following day, together with the seminarians, he went to the Rogationist SeminaryManila. He concelebrated the mass there and at the same time checked the education that the seminarians are having. On the evening of the same day, November 24, the seminarians were gathered in the study hall and raised some questions to the good general (refer to page 18 for the whole story), afterwards, he presided the solemn vespers.

On November 25, the General, with Fr. Alan and Fr. Eric, visited Saint Joseph Chapel in Payas, Santa Barbara, Pangasinan. The following day, the Children’s Joy Foundation Inc. Chorale serenaded the General together with the whole seminary community at the Garden of the Madonna.

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Fr. Amici with the papal nuncio to the Philippines, Abp. Guisseppe Pinto(at the center)

In the morning of November 27, Sunday, Fr. Roberto and the Postulants went to Mary Immaculate Parish (MIP) Salawag. He presided the 8am mass concelebrated with Fr. Joseph Jerome “Jay” Agno and Fr. Jennil Tonel. Afterwards, he talked with the Immaculate Youth Ministry and with the Knights of the Altars. On the evening, he delivered the homily during the 7pm mass at the MIP-Betterliving. A simple dinner followed at the seminary with some benefactors.

Monday, November 28, the religious were gathered at MIP Salawag. Amici conducted meeting with them.

On November 29, the Archbishop Guisseppe Pinto, D.D., the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, invited Fr. Amici for lunch at the Nunciature together with him was Fr. Paolo (One of the secretaries of the Nuncio) and Fr. Eric.

On Decemebr 1, the General visited the Holy Mary Novitiate House in Merville Park, Parañaque.

He talked with the Novice Master, Fr. Alan Ybañez and the four novices. He also took his lunch there and celebrated a holy mass.

On December 2, a despedida was given for the general. The dinner was prepared and sponsored by the Novitiate community and some benefactors.

On the 3rd day of December, practically the last day of the general’s visit, he presided the Holy Mass at the Seminary’s Chapel.

Let’s move forward in the love of Jesus and Mary!

MABUHAY FATHER GENERAL!

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The Arrival of Fr. Roberto, with Nov. Sadam and P. Pipo

Fr. Roberto with Fr. Dick and Bro. JM during the welcome party

Fr. General with the seminarians at MIP Betterliving

Fr. Roberto at the church of MIP Salawag with the parishioners

Fr. Roberto with the Youth of MIP Salawag

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Fr. Roberto with the Children’s Joy Foundation Chorale and with the seminarians

Fr. General During hi “Presscon” with the seminarians

Fr. General during the Mass at Rogationist Seminary College

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Octoberfest Sem. Jules Fernando

Ever since, it has been a tradition of our seminary to have a “despidida” party before we leave for our semestral break (for vocation campaign) or summer vacation. When our final exams were over, (sigh... finally) the air was filled with mixed emotions. Some were very excited and hasty to go home and to be with their family. For some, they were very anxious and not at ease to have their vacation because of unfinished school requirements, and if they have passed there exams, especially those who were taking metaphysics (haha!).

It was in the eve of October 1 when we started our “October Fest” with a barbeque party plus videoke. We enjoyed one another’s company—singing, laughing and posing for pictures to be posted on Facebook. We ate and drank until our heart’s content. All of us had fun that night. When the clock struck at ten o’clock, the fun time was over. Everybody was busy fixing and cleaning. After fifteen minutes, “Lights off!” – 10:15!

The following morning, all of us were busy cleaning our own respective rooms and packing our things for vocation campaign. In the afternoon, we continued our “October Fest” with a set of games. We played “Human Chess”. It was a game between the “Green Archers” – Fr. Eric’s team against the “Blue Eagles” – Fr. Paolo’s team. All of us were dressed up like real chess pieces. Though we look hilarious with our costumes, we had so much fun. At first, the game was just even until Fr. Eric and Fr. Paolo were getting serious. The game was a close fight, and then it became a fierce battle. When the battle was near at its end, the “Green Archers” surrendered to the cleverness of the “Blue Eagles”.

“Blowing of the cone” was the next game in line. It was a kind of game in which a string is tied between two poles with a paper cone on it. The mechanics of the game is to blow the paper cone as fast as you can from one pole to the other and

blow it backagain to the starting point. This time, it was the “Green Archers” who won. For the “Blue Eagles”, who lost, they were asked to pick a number with each corresponds to a specific consequence. The consequence they picked made them ate a bowl of ampalaya. (Tasty isn’t it?...hehe)

The next game was “Hula Bira”. It is a game in which a member of the team must pick a card with a word written on it, and to be guessed by his teammates. He can only make some gestures for the hints. Each correct guess is a point. The team who could have the most number of points within sixty seconds wins the game. And once again, the “Green Archers” whipped out the “Blue Eagles” (Go Green Archers!) too bad for the “Blue Eagles”, they drank a shot glass of vinegar (two thumbs up!).

For our final game, “KambalTuko”, it is weird but a funny kind of game. Its mechanics is like a relay, the fastest team wins. Whoa! It’s a tie! The “Blue Eagles” is sure one tough opponent. Oh no! The “Green Archers” drank one pitcher of water with NaCl (salt) – yuck!

The standing was 2-2, it is time for a little tie breaker. The two teams were just getting warmed up. The real battle was just beginning. The tie breaker was “Hula Bira”.

The game was getting hotter and hotter. Who do you think won the final match? Finally, the battle ended. Everyone had exhausted all their strength. They showed all their determinism and cooperation in order to win. But there must only one winner. The arrow of the “Green Archers” did not stand against the claws of the “Blue Eagles”. The “Blue Eagles” proved their might and intellect over the “Green Archers”.

Our “October Fest” was not only about fun, enjoyment and winning. But the objective of our activities was all about community building and to solidify the spirit of fraternity.

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La Madonnetta 12/13/2011

1:15:49 PM

My Love Affair with Maritas Ms. Rho Cepeda

First of all, I would like to thank the Editorial Staff represented

by Sem. Francis Dominic Vergara, for inviting me a second time to write an article for La Madonnetta. I was requested to write about the Maritas Apostolate. This is my story.

I don’t remember exactly when, but I first learned about the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate Congregation from Sis. Bing Dalmacio, a friend from the Mary Help of Christians Prayer Community. Back then, I didn’t realize that God must have already planted the seed of love in my heart for this congregation which has become a special part of my life. Looking back, it was in December 2003, when another friend, Cathy Volante, requested me to help former seminarian, Romulo Sagun, the Maritas President then, to solicit goodies for the Christmas Party of the Maritas apostolate. With this, I was eventually introduced to Rev. Fr. Paolo Pirlo. This started URC’s and my own love affair with Maritas. It has been eight years and by God’s grace, there is no more turning back. I cannot thank Him enough for making my employer, Universal Robina Corporation, His instrument in helping this praiseworthy apostolate. All praise and glory belongs to Him. MARITAS, the catechetical apostolate of the SHMI seminarians in nine developing communities, is an eye opener for me.

Years back, I was blest to be a part of the regular Saturday catechism classes in several of the areas. Every encounter with our brothers and sisters taught me lessons in humility, selflessness and generosity. I will never forget a little girl who I noticed, was not eating the goodies that were given to her.

I approached her and asked why she was not eating and if she was not hungry. Her answer overwhelmed me, she said “Nagugutom po pero hindi ko po kakainin kasi iuuwi ko po para sa kapatid ko”. Such selflessness and generosity coming from a very young kid made me realize my own selfishness and self-centeredness and has served as an inspiration to me until today. I also heard the same from mothers who

opted to take home their goodies to their kids. In all the areas I visited, I saw joy on their faces amidst the heat and stench in very small shanties with the sand as their floor, separated from each other only by a wall, inside a cramped area where you cannot see the sunlight. Until now, I can recall vividly in my mind, the happy disposition of a young girl left alone to take care of her baby sister while her parents were away at work, in a small shanty beside a river filled with garbage. She was in high spirits and didn’t seem to mind the stench coming from the filth. Unknowingly, this young girl taught me a very meaningful lesson in gracefulness and simplicity. I am also in awe at how appreciative they are. God allowed me to spend one of my birthdays with the kids from Boracay, a former catechetical community. Several years after, in one of the Maritas fellowships in the seminary, I was approached by a young boy who I no longer recognized, and he said “Naaalala ko po kayo, magkasama po tayo nuong araw sa birthday ninyo”. I was floored because he could even remember exactly where we celebrated my birthday. I couldn’t help but shed tears of joy realizing the immensity of this young boy’s thoughtfulness. I am filled with mixed emotions of joyfulness and nostalgia as I write this article recalling all the beautiful memories from my precious bonding moments with them. I praise and thank God for allowing and giving me the grace to be a part of their lives no matter how small. I regret that I was not able to continue joining the regular Saturday apostolate and I pray that by God’s grace, He will lead me back.

I would like to thank the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate Congregation for giving our company, Universal Robina Corporation, the opportunity to share its blessings to the Maritas apostolate. May God continue to bless your congregation abundantly for your kindness and generosity in making a big difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in the developing communities. I praise and thank God for you.

Tita Rho Cepeda with the catechumens holding their gifts

The SHMI Seminary and the MARITAS Apostolate, would like to thank UNIVERSAL ROBINA CORPORATION for helping the Apostolate for almost a decade. THANK YOU URC! La Madonnetta Untitled-2

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FROM THE LAITY 23 12/13/2011

1:15:52 PM

Hogwarts

Sem Francis Dominic Ten years had passed when I had Vergara my first encounter with the world of magic.

It was December 5, 2001 and I was nine then; I watched the first movie of the book series Harry Potter (HP). That time I was so weak, disappointed in life and was so lonely because my grandmother left me in this corporate world eight days earlier (November 27). Even though I felt that way, still, I was amazed with the movie, that from that day onwards, until now, Hogwarts is the best place for me. Hermione, Ron and me, (ooops!) I mean, Harry, is the best circle of friends (It may be a funny thing, but I often see myself as the young Potter, I never compare, because it’s always in my mind: that Harry is me, so there is no point of comparison.)

This fantasyis really ridiculous that I cannot get over it. During my high school days, I used to call the school as Hogwarts and the intramurals Quidditch; and whenever I join interschool competition, I was thinking of the Quidditch Cup on the fourth book Goblet of Fire. On my senior year, I was so domineering that I won the bet in naming the batch Ravenclaw (Gryffindor was used three years earlier).

March 2009, my high school life came to an end, and I even told myself to stop the fantasy of HP, since college life would be really different from that of high school; more seriousness is needed.

May of that same year, I entered the seminary and finally buried my fantasy of the magical world. I was so serious with my studies, with my spiritual growth, with my physical and emotional development. Until, my Hogwarts, like a zombie, came out from its tomb and start eating my imagination again.

November 2010, my silence about the magical world was disturbed. My eyes, my mind, and my heart were opened again for the world of magic. I began to realize that seminary is pretty much alike with Hogwarts; seminary is indeed a Hogwarts.

In Hogwarts, young magicians were trained to do magic, Harry was one of them, to crush the bad creatures, the black magic and the devil.So as in the

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seminary, young gentlemen, I am one of them, are being taught with a lot things in order for us to be holy, to be intelligent, and to be a good leader, so that in the future also, we can crush the head of he-who-must-not-be-named, and to protect the people; and may do “magic” on the altars.

Magical lessons in Hogwarts is equivalent to the philosophical lessons we have in school; if for Ron magical formulations are difficult, so as to my companions, they have the difficulties, even me, in stirring our wands to make charms and magic over Philosophy. Quidditch? Here inside we have the annual sports fest, where each group will compete with one another; if Harry needs to catch the snitch, me too needs to kick the ball to the goal. Owl? Though it is not an animal, but it is also a three letter word—LBC, through this, our love ones can send us things we need. Dormitories? Of course! But our stairs are not moving. If they have Hogwarts Express, here we have the so called Blue Angel (our school bus). Dumbledore? Yes we have: the priests who are filled with wisdom. Voldemort? (shhhhhh!) He-who-mustnot-be-named?no comment! Snape and McGonagall? They are the professors. Hagrid? Our elder brothers. There are Draco Malfoys. Cho Changs and Ginnies are outside the walls. Bellatrix, Cedric, Ron, name it all, we have it here.

Indeed seminary is a Hogwarts.

In Hogwarts, I repeat, young magicians are being trained, so as in the seminary, but not all are expected to become priest or religious. At the middle of the journey inside the seminary, some will feel the call outside, some will remain and some will feel like in limbo. In Hogwarts, though I consider it as the perfect place, magicians are not off the hook with problems, trials and so on; so as the seminarians are not exempted with the waves of life. Dementors may come and go.

Now, HP came to an end, Daniel Radcliff took his final bow from the world of JK Rowling, it was a happy ending, but my journey is not yet done. I am still struggling, fighting with the dementors; can I be strong like Harry, fighting till the last Avada Kedavra I know? Or, I will end this journey, like others did? I cannot really contain the Dracos and “You-know-who” anymore. I do not have Ginny here. Dumbledore is so busy that he cannot accommodate me. Where should I go? Why I am here? Where did I come from? Am I from here? Am I for here? These are the queries of the Harry throughout his fantasy as witch.

I do not know how to end this essay of mine; everything for me now seems so great yet so confusing; I will now just quote Rowling’s last words in her last book: “All was well.”

La Madonnetta 12/13/2011

1:15:54 PM

A Call for an Apposite Philosophy of Education Fr. Dick Eslopor, SHMI

Philosophy of education is not another branch of philosophy.

It is the philosophical study of education and its complex problems. Its central subject matter is in their speculations. Plato illustrated his views on education in The Republic. Aristotle believed that men need education in order to achieve a balance of soul and body. St. Augustine thought that education’s main purpose is to let men realize their union with God. St. Thomas Aquinas believed that education could help men discover God through observation and study. Modern and contemporary philosophers were also vocal in their stand a propos of education.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau maintained that education should be natural. John Dewey believed that education is growth and that students have appropriate role in their own education.

How about the Philippines? Do we have philosophy and philosophers of education? The answer is a definite yes! One of the outstanding figures of Filipino philosophers of education is Jose Rizal, our national hero. Rizal was complaining that the backwardness of the Philippines during his time was due to the kind of education offered by the Spanish authorities: Instead of novena…and mysteries that serve neither to foment or awaken faith nor to make one Christian in the true meaning of the word, if it is desired to make of him not the friend of praying and murmuring words without reflecting on them or believing in them, but the man who believes, works and loves his fellowmen; instead of these textbooks, we repeat, could they not give to the child simple books on morals, on the geography and the history of the Philippines and above all a good treatise on agriculture but written in the language he speaks, since the immense majority of the people are engaged in working and cultivating the soil and raising cattle, inasmuch as the country is very suitable for these? ( La Instruccion).

According to Manuel L. Quezon, education should be for the Filipinos’ better citizenship and means of livelihood. Jorge Bacobo opined that education helps every citizen to have sound and noble outlook in life. Camilo Osias reminds us that institutions for higher education should strive to produce graduates who can think logically, scientifically, and creatively. For Rafael Palma, education must produce citizens who will be useful to themselves and to the society. We can still add more names to the list of Filipinos who engaged on philosophical investigation concerning education in our country.

Issues and problems concerning the quality of education in our country today are the common subject of debates and conferences. Everyone is asking what happened to our education system. Why are we not producing highly competent graduates anymore? Where is the problem? What are the solutions? These are the issues to be investigated by the philosophy of education.

We can say that education is of quality when its result corresponds to the question- ‘What is the purpose of education?’

This question would depend on the philosophy of education being upheld by the state. And, the philosophy of education shapes the mission- vision of the state education.

What is the philosophy of education in the Philippines? The Philippine Constitution upholds the right to education of all citizens (Article XVI). It also stresses that this education should be relevant to the needs of the people and the society. According to Josefina Cortes, the purpose of the Philippine education is to inculcate patriotism, foster love of humanity and respect for human rights, teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethnical and spiritual values, develop moral character, personal discipline, encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden scientific and technological knowledge, and promote vocational efficiency. As we can see, progressivism, realism, idealism, pragmatism, and other philosophies are accommodated.

Having this philosophy of education, Philippine education’s mission and mission would be the vehicles through which the above educational goals are desired to be attained. The national curriculum should be developed in accord with the purposes of education as stated by the Constitution and the philosophy implied by it.

The appraisal of the quality of our education would depend on how the constitutionally mandated purposes of education are met by the whole education system in the country. Aside from the primary aims of national education, our education system should also consider the global trends of education and economy. The new economy is knowledge and skills driven. It is also characterized by accelerating pace of the change. Does our present education give the students knowledge and skills they need to find a good job? Are they equipped with what they need to cope with the rapid changes occurring today?

The whole education system needs urgent re- structuring before we lag far behind our Asian neighbors. We need to apply “System Analysis” in order to see what went wrong and what remedies can be done. We need to review if the primary purposes of education are being met by our present system. If the system fails, there is a need to change it. To do this, we need to investigate the input, process, and the output of the entire system, this is a complicated task to be done by expert educators, philosophers, government agencies and all the stakeholders. We must have unambiguous government policies that support every endeavor to improve the quality of education in our country.

Fr. Dick finished his Masters in Education at the University of Santo Tomas last April 2011, with the grade, Magna Cum Laude

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FEATURE ARTICLES 25 12/13/2011

1:15:56 PM

What if?

In You my Lord…

Sem. John Blake Navarro

Sem. Neal Allen Laurente

It was a cold, dark and windy night When I felt the warmth of your embrace Oh, Lord it’s you hugging me so tight; Letting me know that you’re always there And to feel that you’re mercy, comfort and love.

What if destruction is everywhere?

And goodness is not there?

What if furious people attack, And stab their enemies from the back?

What if chaos is inevitable?

Chasing the poor and the noble To anywhere it can happen, And becomes threat among men.

What if love resists, And disorder persists?

Untying you from love, Crying mercy from above.

What if this poem became the truth?

Can you unfold it from its root?

But don’t forget, And don’t regret, Do not be afraid, Because God’s love doesn’t fade!

Lights-Off... @10:15 PM... tok . tok . tok .

Hey! ... .... .... ....

And there was silence.

Eternal Waiting

Bro. Bryan Jay Campo, SHMI

One lanky night I lie beyond my door, it seems so quiet, so dim, unclad, the haunting pain is tearing me apart, since you’ve left my tormented heart.

For eternity is with me turn my world patiently.

I’ll wait for you here like a stone; I’ll wait for your return, from dusk ‘til dawn.

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Everything Happens for a Reason Kicks Butowski

You gave it to me…

And it helps me a lot, ‘coz it consoles me, And I realized many things… ‘coz of it.

You called me with my weaknesses And I said: “I shall follow your way; Even though I stumble and fall, I’ll stand up and stay with the day I’ll walk straight and unceasingly pray.

For God, I put my trust in you, In you I put my heart In you I lift up my soul In you I shall say: “I am yours; In you my Lord I shall remain forever.

And now…

You take it back, I don’t know why.

Sa TangiSem.Kong Sinta Ray Ylves T. Gaga-a

I prayed.

Tulang ‘toy alay ko sayo Simple lang at di kumplikado Di man kagandaha’y sana’y magustuhan mo Pagkat puso ko mismo nagdikta nitong liriko

And I realized…

That I must stand by my own And have only You.

Araw’y kay ganda Masilayan kang una sa umaga Araw’y buong buo na Dahil magdamag ikaw ang kasama Mangyari man ang kung ano Ako’y kailanma’y ‘di mo binigo Handa akong damayan lagi Kahit na minsa’y di hiningi Sa luha’t ligaya’y ikaw ang kasalo Mabuhay kapiling mo’y isa nang panalo Umulan o umaraw ikaw ang kasama Pagkat puso ko ikaw lagi ang dala Mahal kita at aking sinisinta Kailanma’y di pagpapalit sa iba Ikaw lang talaga nagiisa Nagpatibok muli ng puso ko Inang Maria

La Madonnetta 12/13/2011

1:15:57 PM

To You I Want to Follow Sem. Jasnar Llanto

Intro: C-Am-F-G C

F I want to follow you my Lord Dm

G C To serve and love you with my all F

Em

Am But some of them cannot understand G F G-G7 The way you called me.

C

F I want to serve You Oh my Lord Dm G C-C7 Like Melchezedek of old F

Em But sometimes I feel I’m weak Am I’m sorry my Lord,

F G For I’ve forget you.

F G For I’ve forget you.

Chorus:

Am But when I cry F G You comfort me Am F G When I’m lost, you guide me Am F G Am When I’m alone you’re always beside me F

G I’m like a child, a little child C Who wants to serve You. (Intro.)

C

F I want to love You, Oh my Lord Dm

G

That’s what I wanted since from the C-C7 F Em Start, and sometimes I cannot Am F G Understand, the way you love me.

F G The way you love me.

Intro:C-Am-F-G (2) Coda: Ohoooohhhaoh (Repeat chorus)

F G Ending: I’m like a child, a little child C Who wants to serve you....

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SeminaryO

Sem. Jerome R. Berja May mga nagtatanong Kung ano nga ba ang naibulong Dito sa mga kabataang Pagpapari ang pinasukan.

Karamiha’y nagtataka At iba’y nangangamba Kung sino pa ‘tong may itsura Siya pang ‘di mag-aasawa.

Ano nga ba ang misteryong Nakabalot sa seminaryO? Ano nga ba ang mayroon At sila’y nandoon?

Ayon sa consensus na aking nakuha Mga seminarista’y may kanikaniyang istorya But they all boiled down sa isang konklusyon Na gusto nilang sundan yapak ng Panginoon...

Buhay sa seminaryo’y sadyang kakaiba Kung iyong ihahalintulad dyan sa iba Pagpapari’y pinasukan At nangangarap na masutanahan.

Buhay sa loob Minsa’y puno ng kulog Kung ika’y magkukunwari Tiyak ika’y mayayari!

But most of the times May mga happy moments din naman Kwentuhan ,kantahan Halakhak at asaran.

Ika’y magtataka sa lingo ng exam Ang iba talaga’y nag-aaral ng mainam Gabi-gabi’y Nagsusunog ng kilay Masagutan lamang mahihirap na katanungan.

Thesis, research paper Pinaghahandaa’t pinagpupuyatan Cramming to the max Solusyon ng karamihan!

Oras Sem. Byant Cabreros

Ang oras sa seminaryo Ay mabilisan ‘Di mo namamalayan “Time” na naman May oras ng pagdarasal At may oras ng pag-aaral May oras ng pag-lalaro At oras ng paliligo May oras sa paglilinis Na kailangang mabilis Kailangang pulido Trabaho sa seminaryo Sa oras na “10:15” Kailangan mo lang patayin Ang ilaw na nakasindi Baka roommates mo ikaw pa masisi Ang buhay seminaryo ay parang orasan Na buong maghapon ay paikot-ikot lang ‘Wag kang papahuli’t ika’y pagagalitan Kailangan nasa oras lagi puso mo’t isipan Timex parating tingnan Nang ika’y ‘di mapagalitan At biglang ito’y aking napagtanto Biglang sumagi sa isip ko Ang oras ba ay totoo?

Tanong ng isang pilosopo O kathang isip lamang ba ito Ng naglalarong utak ng tao.

Napakarami ngang bagay sa seminaryo’y matutunan Na hindi halos alam ng karamihan Kaya’t ipagdasal nalamang itong mga kabataan Mga seminarista sa loob na nangangarap na maordinahan...

LITERARY ATTEMPTS 27 12/13/2011

1:15:59 PM

A “Yes” that changed the World

Sem. Christoffer Denzell Aquino

In life we need to have only two answers in every question, it is either a “yes” or a “no”. ‘Yes’ is being affirmative to something and ‘No’ to disallow a fate. In some cases, these words can change the course of history forever. Over two thousand years ago, A woman in the town of Nazareth in Galilee made a decision her life, in an offer she could not resist, that is to be the mother of a child who would do ‘great’ things for the world. She accepted the offer and it did change the course of history. Her name was Mary; she became the mother of the Christ. That ‘Yes’ brought both joys and tears in her life, seeing her child’s first steps up to the point of seeing her son slowly walking towards Golgotha carrying the cross and even see Him dying on the cross, but she made that choice thinking it would be the best for the whole mankind.

“All or nothing at all?”In the call of God, we also have to decide whether to follow or not.It is on our hands whatever answer it would be, but we must think of what would be the effect of it in our lives and in others’. If we decide and choose by our own, how are we sure that we could change things better than it were around us? Mary is leading us in choosing the right decision: “Do whateverHe tells you.” Yes, we may experience trials and difficulties, but isn’t that worth the price of glory that is waiting for us somewhere in time?

Being a founder is not only by name but also in words and actions. A person is not named as such because he’s the one who pioneered the community, in a much broader sense; it is for the reason that he contributed more than enough for the betterment of the community in which he is part. Venerable Fr. Joseph Frassinetti did the very same thing that people expected him to do. He showed his care for the youth and instilled in their minds the teachings of the church through his catechisms and created in them a strong character and a solid faith from which he inspired many young men to become priests and intensified the zeal that they had from within.

Prior to the event of being a founder, he was at first an ordinary priest that touched the hearts of the prisoners, workers, fallen girls, ladies of rank, and of the youth. He was able to bring the church to the people and the people to the church through his teachings. He became a turning point of their society from a world that was full of sin and immorality brought out to a world of perfection and of firm faith.

He also became a formator of many young men who were aspiring to become priests during his time and later handed over to the diocese.

He was a role model to all the priests of his time until today, because he built a community really conducive for young men and a home that was abounding in love and rich in formation. Once he said, “Make the seminary your home and your home a seminary.” This saying of his shows that this seminary of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate is far much better than other seminaries despite of its young

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Mary choose to say ‘Yes’ to God amidst all the trials that would come her way but she was rewarded to become the Queen of Heaven and Earth. How about us? What would be our answers? Would we dare to say Yes or No? Mary was once like us and she surpassed all those trials and we could also do the same. Maybe if we also say ‘Yes’, we could also change the course of history, forever…

Founder’s Corner identity for it doesn’t only give us a place for building up ourselves but it also gave a way for the poor men to have a chance to embrace priesthood despite of their problem financially.

All these things that he did for our brothers and sisters were all made possible through the intercession and the assistance of our Immaculate Mother, the Virgin Mary, and through his fervor to reach out inasmuch as our brothers and sisters were in need. Though he is not yet a saint on earth, I’m sure that in heaven, he is.

Sem. Alvin Que

La Madonnetta 12/13/2011

1:15:59 PM

Blessed John Paul II: Greater Visions and Wider Horizons “… Auctoritate Nostra Apostolica facultatem facimus ut Venerabilis Servus Dei Ioannes Paulus II, papa, Beati nomine in posterum appelletur… In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti.”

With these words, the Holy Father Benedict XVI had the joy of raising into the altars as Blessed his beloved predecessor, John Paul II. Those words were responded by an overwhelming “Amen” coming from both the choir and the people gathered in St. Peter’s Square. It was followed by the unveiling of the picture of the newly beatifi ed, by the choir singing “Open the doors to Christ, do not be afraid…” a thundering applause which might have lasted for an hour, the waving of all the fl ags that were brought for the occasion and most of all, of smiles and tears of joy and thanksgiving from among all the present.

We were very thankful indeed because we had the grace of participating this most memorable event. That particular moment of the rite of beatifi cation took away the tiredness brought by a sleepless night of songs, witnessing and prayers, of waiting and standing (and if I may include, of pushing and being pushed) for six hours just to be inside the Square for the Holy Mass (we did manage to secure a place inside the Square, anyway). That happy and fi ne Sunday of May 1, 2011, when the sun was shining in its relaxing spring warmth, the Pilgrim Pope, John Paul II, was offi cially beatifi ed.

I cannot help but to express my personal diffi culty in writing this article. I consider it very hard to write something about a very well-known fi gure like the Blessed John Paul II, whose life has been told and narrated for the nth time and whose thoughts and writings have been (and still being) studied and expounded. Nevertheless, in a person like him, I believe that one can always fi nd something to write, since, like St. Paul wrote in one of his letters, he became all for all.

During his inaugural mass as a newly elected pope, the Blessed John Paul II said at the top of his lungs (or if you want, you may think him as shouting): “Do not be afraid! Open, open wide the doors to Christ!” And anyone can easily think that he lived these his very own words until the very last moment of his earthly life. Like his chamberlain Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz narrated, even as a conciliar member of the Second Vatican Council, the then Bishop (and later on, Archbishop) Karol Wojtyła did not have any fear for new things. Yes indeed, the Polish pope knew very well the foundations of our Catholic faith.

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Bro. Glenn C. Reyes, SHMI But these very foundations of our Catholic faith gave him the impetus and the courage to cross and penetrate all the possible barriers and frontiers that could possibly hinder man to his full realization as a person and encounter God. Pope Benedict XVI placed these ideas in a nutshell in his homily for that occasion: he helped us not to fear the truth because truth is the guaranty of liberty… He gave us the strength to believe in Christ, because Christ is the ‘Redemptorhominis,’ the Redeemer of man. The initiatives of the Blessed John Paul II helped man to have a wider horizon wherein he can move freely and realize himself fully, meet his Redeemer, and live in full communion and solidarity with his Redeemer and his fellow men.

Writing about Blessed John Paul II would be incomplete without having a word about his fi lial love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He has been a real “son of Mary” from early in his life until its very end. Mary, the model of faith, has been his constant help and guiding hand, up to the point that he himself has been living that very faith of the Mother of God. And since Pope Benedict XVI has declared this year to be the Year of Faith, it would be fi tting for us today to look upon the fi gure of this man of greater visions and wider horizons, so that we may all be led to the Redemptor h o m i n i s , Christ Jesus.

FEATURE ARTICLE 29 12/13/2011

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12/13/2011

1:16:05 PM