Sharing the Fruits of Contemplation: Catechesis to the Children of Tatalon

Legion of Mary meets face-to-face anew

THE POST-PANDEMIC situation gave the faithful a chance to go back and participate in church activities. After more than two years, in which COVID-19 has left people feeling frightened and alone, the faithful can somehow already find solace through the many opportunities to return to the church.

The members of the different Legion of Mary praesidia, which have KAPATID members as their spiritual directors, also felt the same consolation. After two years of online meetings, they can once again conduct their face-to-face meetings in the KAPATID office at the Dominican Studentate. The first face-to-face meeting of each of the three praesidia occurred on November 6, 2022 (Mary, Seat of Wisdom Praesidium) and November 13, 2022 (Mirror of Justice and La Naval Praesidia) and went smoothly. Both the legionaries and the spiritual directors felt God’s blessings that united them all in the sessions.

In the midst of joy and gratitude, there was however a sad realization that the legionaries were decreasing in number. They were scattered due to COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, the resumption of the face-to-face meetings is a testament that God loves us, works for us, and unites us at all times. We partake in His work and share His love by taking this opportunity to have meetings. With the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary, hopefully, we can recover faster and better. BR.

DIONISIUS CHRIST WIDIAWAN, OP

KAPATID girds up for the ministry

Shrine workers undergo catechectical program

ON NOVEMBER 4, 2022, the student-brothers started the catechetical series on the sacraments for shrine employees including the parking attendants at Santo Domingo Church, Quezon City. The program, organized by the Dominican Studentate Pastoral Board in coordination with Santo Domingo Convent, aims to increase the knowledge of the shrine personnel and parking attendants about the Catholic faith, particularly on the sacraments, and to provide an avenue for the student-brothers to enhance their preaching skills. The catechesis would be done every First Friday of the month and would be followed by the Holy Mass.

Seven Post-STB Brothers Pass Licensure Exam for Teachers

Dr. Songco gives recollection module-making

WITH THE GOAL of improving the social media presence and engagement of the apostolic group in various social media platforms, the KAPATID launched its own Facebook page and Instagram account on August 7, 2022, the eve of the Solemnity of Saint Dominic de Guzman. Before the launch, only KAPATID has no social media account among the different apostolic groups in the Dominican Studentate. Few of the apostolic group’s activities in the past were also posted in the La Naval de Manila Official Facebook page.

Hence, to increase the visibility of KAPATID, the new social media accounts were created. The new social media page already featured the activities of the apostolic group starting August of this formation year. These include Triduum videos and infographics of memorials, feasts, and solemnities connected to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The activities during the La Naval festivities were also cross-posted.

Four months after they were launched, the combined accounts have a total of around 700 followers. May these new platforms be new venues for the student-brothers to inspire a more fervent devotion to the Blessed Mother. BR. JONAS P. MEDIAVILLA, OP

ON NOVEMBER 26, 2022, the members of KAPATID, in coordination with Buklodasal Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) of Santo Domingo Parish, conducted the first session of their monthly catechesis to the children of Brgy. Tatalon, Quezon City. The catechesis aims to spread knowledge about Mother Mary and the Rosary to the children so that they might love her even more as our mediatrix to Jesus, our Lord.

Around 40 children gathered at the covered court of Villa España Phase II at 10 o’clock in the morning. Excitement can be seen in the eyes of the children, not to mention that they were at the venue 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled activity.

The catechesis started by praying the rosary together in Filipino. Although some of the children were not familiar with the basic prayers, they all followed the prayer attentively. It was also a fun-filled day for all the participants as they danced together with the student-brothers.

Br. Jonas P. Mediavilla, OP, the KAPATID Coordinator, then shared his knowledge about Mother

LAST SEPTEMBER 17, 2022, the members of “Si

Kristo Ang PAtutunguhan sa Tulong ng Ina ng

Diyos” (KAPATID) of the Dominican Studentate went on a pilgrimage to two Marian Shrines in the Diocese of Antipolo, namely: National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage and the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned in Marikina. The pilgrimage aimed to foster the members’ devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage administered by Rev. Fr. Reynante U. Tolentino, the members first attended the Holy Eucharist and then toured around the church. They were able to see the replica image of Our Lady of Antipolo situated inside her camarin (a place where the image is dressed in her new vestment) and some of her old vestments. They also went to the crypt of the late bishops of Antipolo located beneath the church and offered the prayer of “De Profundis” (Prayer for the Dead) in remembrance of their service to the Mother Church.

Mary and the Rosary. He also posed questions to the children, to which they, in turn, responded with burning zeal and great enthusiasm. Their spirits did not however remain unappreciated. Those who were able to answer the questions got some rewards to enjoy. The activity ended with simple snacks prepared by the student-brothers.

This activity will be conducted monthly from November 2022 to June 2023. The KAPATID members are grateful for this opportunity to share and receive joy and blessings with them.

See you again, kids, in the coming months! BR. ALFIYANDO SYAHNAFI, OP

Br. Pagaduan orients brothers in conducting pre-marriage canonical interviews

IMITATING the examples of the disciples who prepared themselves before they went to proclaim the Kingdom of God and heal the sick, all KAPATID members joined the seminar series program in preparation for their apostolic ministry. Every Friday at 8:30 PM, from August 12 until September 2, 2022, four speakers delivered various noteworthy topics in the KAPATID office.

SEVEN post-STB student-brothers took the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on October 2, 2022. After fifty-six working days, the results of the said examination were released by PRC.

Br. Siddharta B. Chiong, OP and Br. Ian Joeffrey G. Melendres, OP, both having obtained 92.60% rating, landed on the 9th place of LEPT October 2022. Br. Marc Adrian H. de la Peña, OP attained 92.40% rating and was one of the 10th placers of the same examination.

Br. Alexander Constantine N. Seño, OP, Br. Jeffrey M. Pagaduan, OP, Br. Wilhelm B. Boñon, OP and Br. Vince Stanley

B. Iñigo, OP have also successfully made it to the roster of professional teachers.

Currently, Br. Chiong and Br. de la Peña are teaching in UST Angelicum College, Quezon City. Meanwhile, Br. Melendres and Br. Boñon are teaching via online mode at Holy Trinity University in Palawan, a school administered by the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena.

Student-brothers who have at least completed their Bachelor in Sacred Theology (STB) ecclesiastical degree from the University of Santo Tomas engage in the teaching ministry as part of their Pastoral Formation Program.

Fr. Diwa gives seminar on liturgical ministries

In preparation for the Team Preaching 2023, the Retreat and Recollections Committee ( R and R ) of the Dominican Studentate spearheaded an updating seminar in module-making facilitated by the esteemed professorial lecturer and researcher of the University of Santo Tomas, Prof. Evelyn A. Songco, PhD on November 30, 2022 at the Mezzanine Hall of the Studentate. Packed with pedagogical knowledge and workshops on teaching skills, the three-hour lecture of Dr. Songco served as an avenue for both senior and young student-brothers to devise systematically their preaching sessions and upgrade their recollection-giving skills. The said updating seminar was part of a series of talks and seminars organized by the R and R Committee that aims to equip the brothers with knowledge and skills as they gradually involve themselves in preaching to people who are seeking to understand their Catholic faith. BR. JIMBO M. MENDEJAR, OP

Right after their tour, the members then headed to the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned in Marikina, where they were welcomed by Rev. Fr. Francis Roi Madarang, the Parochial Vicar of the Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish, together with Mr. Kevin Angelo R. Eguia and other members of the Social Communications Committee of the shrine. They were introduced to the image of Our Lady of the Abandoned and its history. Afterwards, they had the opportunity to touch the image while offering their prayers and petitions. The members were then invited to simple snacks in their convent.

Indeed, it was a grace-filled event for the KAPATID members as they learned more about two of the Marian images venerated in the Philippines. No words can express their gratitude to those who helped in making their pilgrimage possible. It definitely inspired them to fulfil their mission in making Jesus Christ known to others through her presence. BR. JUNE EDUARD D. MERCEDE, OP

As the first speaker of the seminar series, Br. Vince Stanley B. Ińigo, OP gave a talk about Mary in the Scriptures. He showed significant details about Mary from the Old and New Testaments. Mary is the one whom God has chosen from the beginning to participate in His divine plan. Her humble life appeared clearly in the Gospel of Luke, and her influential role also manifested at the end of the Scriptures, particularly in the Book of Revelation.

In the second week, Br. Mervin G. Lomague OP shared about the history of the devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary—La Naval de Manila. Br. Lomague shared his knowledge and research about Our Lady of the Rosary—La Naval de Manila, starting from the Galleon trade, the battle of La Naval, until the current Filipino devotion to Our Lady.

On August 26, 2022, Br. Eugene Dominic V. Aboy, OP zealously shared his wisdom about the rosary, the powerful spiritual weapon of the faithful, and its relation to the Order of Preachers. Tradition tells that the Blessed Mother herself gave the rosary to St. Dominic in order to combat the Albigensian heresy. Br. Aboy also talked about the series of developments the rosary underwent until how we know it in the present time.

On September 2, 2022, the last day of the seminar series, all KAPATID members learned about spiritual direction and counseling with Br. Roberto S. Castellano Jr., OP as the speaker. This skill is essential because all KAPATID members attend the weekly meetings of various praesidia of the Legion of Mary of Sto. Domingo Parish as spiritual directors. Br. Castellano also explained the ethical and legal concerns of establishing a professional spiritual direction.

Hopefully, this activity will help all the members lead the faithful to a genuine encounter with Christ by fostering true devotion and reverence to the Blessed Virgin Mary. BR. MICHAEL SATRIA ABI DILEYON, OP

TO PREPARE three student-brothers who would embark in the ministry of conducting canonical interviews of couples before they are married in the Church, the Dominican Studentate Pastoral Board (DSPB) organized a Seminar on Pre-Marriage Canonical Interview which was held on August 20, 2022 at Silid Valbuena of the Dominican Studentate.

The speaker was Br. Jeffrey M. Pagaduan, OP, a third year Canon Law student from the Ecclesiastical Faculty of Canon Law of the University of Santo Tomas and who himself has also experienced conducting the said interviews at Sto. Domingo Parish before he was deputed to Sto. Domingo Convent. In the seminar, he discussed about the pertinent canonical provisions in the sacrament of matrimony and explained the procedure in performing the pre-marriage canonical investigation.

Assisting in this parish ministry of pre-marriage canonical interview is part of the pastoral formation program of the student-brothers in the MA/Licentiate level.

Fr. Genaro O. Diwa, SLL poses for a photo with Fr. Cecilio Vladimir E. Magboo, OP, Master of Students, and the student-brothers who attended the Seminar on Liturgical Ministries of Lectorate and Acolytate on September 3, 2022 at San Pio V Building. (PHOTO BY BR. JOHNNY LUNTUNGAN, OP)

REV. FR. GENARO O. DIWA, SLL gave a liturgical seminar on the spiritual-intellectual demands and obligations of the ministries of lectors and acolytes to eleven student-brothers on September 3, 2022 at San Pio V Building. Fr. Diwa is currently the Executive Secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission on Liturgy and the Minister of Liturgical Affairs of the Archdiocese of Manila and a distinguished Liturgy Professor. On September 24, 2022, eight of the said eleven student-brothers were subsequently instituted to the Acolytate and three to the Lectorate in a Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Filemon I. dela Cruz, Jr., OP, Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines at Sto. Domingo Church, Quezon City.

Dominican student-brothers commemorate persecuted Christians on Red Wednesday

on account of their faith, are bearing extraordinary witness to Christ as they suffer persecution of various sorts. Afterwards, the student-brothers walked in procession going to the patio of the Santo Domingo Church while singing the hymn “Christ in Whose Passion Once was Sown”. It was subsequently followed by the recitation of the Litany of Humility. After which, the façade of the Santo Domingo Church was lighted red, signifying the blood of martyrs shed for Christ.

Student-brothers walk in procession to the patio of Sto. Domingo Church for the lighting of the facade of the Church with red color. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF THE CHRONICLERS)

In solidarity with the persecuted Christians around the world, the Dominican Student-brothers led by the Katarungan ng Diyos ang Ugat ng Payapang Adhikain (KADAUPAN) joined the Catholics around the world in the annual commemoration of

Media apostolate group launches DSMC bootcamps

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Br. Aboy explained to the brothers the publication management process and workflow. Aside from this, he also shared to them the basics of Adobe InDesign, a desktop publishing and page layout designing software application.

The last DSMC Bootcamp this term was the Drone Flying Capacity Building Workshop. A good number of student-brothers including those from other apostolic groups enlisted to undergo training under Br. Wilhelm B. Bonon, OP, one of the student-brothers in Santo Domingo Convent in the forefront of media ministry.

It is exciting to see when brothers learn new skills or have their skills updated. One should remember that these skills are not only for personal gain but for the purpose of the apostolic ministry. BR. DOMINICO X.B. SETIAWAN, OP the Red Wednesday last November 23, 2022.

During a candle-lighting rite and prayer for persecuted Christians led by Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, OP, the Dominican student-brothers remembered in their prayers the numerous Christians around the world who,

Fr. Munsayac Leads Advent Reflection on Synodality From Page 1 de Letran Bataan. In his sharing, Fr.Munsayac focused on the self-emptying of Jesus Christ as the perfect example of synodality which offers ‘more space and openness” to walk with others as a community.

The Holy Mass ensued at 6:00 p.m. The recollection formally started at 7:00 p.m. with the procession of the Infant Jesus held by Br. Dionisius Christ Widiawan, OP while everyone sang, “O Come All Ye Faithful”. Immediately after, Fr. Cecilio Vladimir E. Magboo, OP, Master of Students, delivered the opening remarks. MUKHA AD Batch 33 performed a dance as animation. Subsequently, Br. Denver Marx B. Colegado, OP, KADAUPAN Coordinator, introduced the recollection speaker. The recollection speaker was Rev. Fr. Reynor E. Munsayac, OP, the Vice President for Religious Affairs of Colegio de San Juan

After the talk, Br. June Eduard D. Mercede, OP and Mr. Jerico Aguinaldo, President of the Parish Pastoral Council of Sto. Domingo Parish also shared their insights about the theme.

Fr. Lauro G. De Dios, OP, Parochial Vicar and Director of Pastoral Formation, delivered the closing remarks and gave the final blessing. Finally, the Sto. Domingo Parish Youth Ministry performed the closing dance number.

Br. Glendale P. Ancheta, OP and Ms. Analyn Avila of the Ministry of Lectors and

Held every Wednesday after the Solemnity of Christ the King, Red Wednesday is an initiative of the Aid to the Church in need; a Pontifical foundation and charity organization. It aims to reach out to persecuted Christians around the world, and likewise to help raise awareness among the faithful about these realities in the Church, with an encouragement to be steadfast in the exercise of their faith. BR. GLENDALE P. ANCHETA, OP

Commentators of Sto. Domingo Parish served as emcees during the recollection. The recollection was attended by the Dominican Fathers and student-brothers, the lay affiliates of the various apostolic groups, the Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) leaders of Sto. Domingo Parish, the members of the different organizations of Sto. Domingo Parish, and the lay faithful. It was also livestreamed across the various social media accounts of the apostolic groups. Lakbay Buhay is a seasonal recollection program of the Dominican Studentate that provides through relevant speakers theological reflections throughout the liturgical year. BR. JIMBO M. MENDEJAR, OP