VocProm group goes online to assist inquirers in their discernment

In order to reach out to several inquirers throughout the Philippines, PST held five online vocation discernment conferences. In each session, there was a talk which introduced the inquirers to the nature of religious life, especially about the Order of Preachers, followed by a sharing from the Dominican friars.

The first online vocation discernment program was held on February 12, 2023, with Br. Melencio P. Garcia, OP as speaker. Fray Mhel conducted a “General Orientation on Christian Vocation” wherein he highlighted that holiness as the vocation of every Christian can be attained in various ways. He also pointed out that our task is to cooperate with God’s grace in finding and living our vocation in everything we do.

Br. Robertus Silveriano R. Dearbantolo, OP gave the talk during the second online vocation discernment program on March 4, 2023. He discussed “Consecrated Life and Priesthood” from a historical perspective.

On March 5, 2023, a day after the second online vocation discernment, PST organized an online vocation sharing. Br. Diego Ardianto Halim, OP and Br. Nico Paolo P. Moron, OP were the sharers. The two student-brothers were chosen to share their vocation stories from different backgrounds. Br. Halim was a career professional before entering the Dominican formation. Meanwhile, Br. Moron shared his vocation story from high school. The inquirers actively participated in the discussion since some of them also have the similar backgrounds and concerns.

Rev. Mervin G. Lomague, OP was the speaker for the fourth online program held on April 28, 2023. Rev. Lomague explained to the online participants the history of the Dominican Order and of the Dominican Province of the Philippines.

The last online program included the sharing of Br. Julian Christopher C. Morada, OP and Br. Jonas Mediavilla, OP who were then about to make their solemn profession on May 24, 2023.

Br. John Rheed M. Caturza, OP, PST Coordinator, and who made solemn profession with Br. Morada and Br. Mediavilla, served as the emcee of the event. In this session, the brothers shared the ups and downs in their lives as religious until their solemn profession. In this sharing, many participants engaged in an interactive discussion, especially on Dominican formation.

BR. ROBERTUS SILVERIANO RADITYA DEARBANTOLO, OP

Student-brothers show the new vocation promotion materials designed and produced by Pagtugon sa Tawag apostolic group in its efforts to promote vocations to the Order of Preachers. (PHOTO BY PAGTUGON SA TAWAG)

2023.

Children attend the Easter Vigil of the Lord’s Resurrection at Sto. Domingo Church, Quezon City. They were captured in a photo by the members of the Office of the Chroniclers, applying their learnings from DSMC Boot Camp 4 on photography.

Fr. Cecilio Vladimir E. Magboo, OP, Master of Students, asks a boy what he learned from the catechesis for children organized by KAPATID, before the Eucharistic celebration he presided last June 10, 2023 at

Paulo L. Enriquez, OP plays basketball with the children of G. Araneta Avenue, Brgy. Tatalon, Quezon City during their visit to the area last April 29, 2023. (PHOTO BY BR. JOHN RHEED M. CATURZA, OP)

SILERIO)

KAPATID launches Flowers for Mary

The Santo Domingo Parish recently held its annual Flores de Mayo celebration from May 2 to June 4, 2023. The festivities included communal prayers in the different communities under the Parish, a Santacruzan procession held on May 28, 2023, and an outreach program for children on June 4, 2023. The parish catechists and staff, supported by the KAPATID apostolic group, organized the activities. In line with the celebration, the KAPATID launched a donation drive through online and onsite platforms from May 1 to May 21, 2023. The project entitled, “Flowers for Mary,” aimed to solicit monetary donations from generous donors and devotees to procure flowers to be used in the procession and to buy the school supplies that were distributed to the children who participated in their daily catechesis. The Flowers for Mary project highlighted the community’s generosity and deep devotion to the Blessed Mother, resulting to a successful and joyful celebration

BR. JOHN MICHAEL M. VENERACION, OP