“Come Holy Spirit” was the theme of the Holy Spirit Mass which was held last June 6, 2011 at Stephen Sala chapel, indicating that the Academic Year 2011-2012 in St. Anthony Mary Claret College had opened. It has been a tradition that the sopho-more batch sponsors the activity as well as welcomes the freshmen as new members of the St. Anthony Mary Claret College family. The faculty and staff, team of formators of each congregation, seminarians from the different congregation and guests were all there. The Holy Spirit Mass was presided over by Fr. Ama-dor Tumbaga, CMF, the new Local Superior of the Claret Seminary, together with Fr. Restituto Audal Jr. CMF who is now the Econome of the college com-munity, and other formators from different congrega-tions who concelebrated the said mass.

The celebration of the Holy Eucharist was followed by a program prepared by the sophomores with Dr. Beulah D. Nuval, Dean of the College, as the master of ceremony. Fr. Anthony Carreon, CMF, presented the number of seminar-ians of academic year 2011-2012 as well as seminarians themselves. Then the sophomores offered their presentation to welcome not only the freshmen but also the new members of the college family. It started with a dance of “Tayo’y Mga Claretiano” along the aisle, followed by the song “Welcome to the Family” with gestures and voices blended like young saints making the atmosphere more inspirational. Sem. Aldren Alferez gave the response on behalf of the freshmen batch. Lastly, a vocational speech was given by Fr. Victor Sadaya, CMF, the present Rector of Theologians. Then followed simple snacks and fellowship of the students inside the Claret Seminary Refectory. Classes for-mally began: the beginning of another meaningful academic year.Sem. John Hendrix Blanco)

COME HOLY SPIRIT

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CCC Officers vow to serve the community An oath-taking ceremony was held on June 10, 2011 at the Stephen Sala Chapel during the Holy Spirit Mass presided over by Fr. Restituto Audal, CMF. Then the first fraternal gathering imme-diately followed with the theme: “Step Up.” The officers who took the oath to serve the community are: Central Committe Coordinator: Wigbert Papa; CCC board mem-bers: Jervin Antonio, Samuel Paulino, Sherwin Gallardo; (...cont. on page 2)

CLARET SEMINARY OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER ISSUE 1 JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2011

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(CCC Officers...from page 1) 1st year batch animator: Max Arjie Andalajao; 2nd year batch animator: Vilbar Humakey; 3rd year batch animator: Edward Nang Lin Htun. The animators of the Responsible Teams or RTs are: Art and Culture RT: Brian Isleta; Discipline RT: Ferdie Jones Madiano; Food RT: Jerby Lumingkit; Library RT: Khin Mark Cagas; Literary RT: Jimboy Supas; Liturgy RT: Saw Jimmy Htwe; Maintenance RT: Patrick Dustin Pahuyo; Music RT: Christopher Paul Min Lwin Oo; Service RT: Ven John Porras; and Sports RT: Bernabe Morales. The Oath-taking ceremony is a traditional practice of Claret Seminary usually associated with a Holy Spirit Mass to bless, honor and recognize the leaders of the different areas of responsibility as they start their term for the first semester. The evening is very significant for the CCC officers because it is then when they are entrusted with the re-sponsibilities from the previous CCC officers. O n that night after the oath-taking ceremony, Claret Seminary refectory was filled with happiness. Many talents were discovered in the different presentations. The most awaited event of the night was the play performed by the juniors and the song number of Sem. Brian Isleta who had composed “Step Out, Step Up” in the previous year’s Likhawit. The activities ended happily and well. (Sem. Tonirick Bautista)

The General Prefect of Apostolate, Fr. Miguel Angel Velasco, CMF, arrived around 9:05 in the morning of June 18, 2011 at St. Anthony Mary Claret College Seminary, Quezon City Philip-pines. It was Saturday morning when – showing the Filipino way of welcoming visitors – there were at least 43 seminarians and 6 priests who were excited to meet Fr. Velasco, with all the banners and garlands. When he finally arrived at the gate of the seminary, the seminarians were filled with joy because the most awaited per-son of the day arrived safely. The seminary community together with Fr. Miguel gath-ered at Claret Seminary Stephen Sala chapel. He (Fr. Miguel) asked a favor from the seminarians to inquire of him about his life and vocation especially his tasks as the General Prefect of Apostolate all over the Claretian communities in the world. There were four seminarians and a priest—Fr. Restituto Audal, cmf—who asked him questions. Fr. Miguel answers those questions sincerely and he even told the body how the current mission in different areas where the Claretian communities is at present. The seminary community was very glad for the visit of Fr. Miguel. The words of encouragement which he gave to the seminarians served as inspiration for that day when they— seminarians— will also travel the whole world and create a better world to live in, and make a change.

General Prefect of Apostolate visits Claret Seminary

Sem. Vincent Dy Labininay

Two consecutive activities were done after the visitation of Fr. Miguel Velasco, CMF: one, the meeting of the ASCLA East Apostolate delegates which took place last June 20-25, 2011, and the other, the Solidarity night –a party gathering— last June 23, 2011, 8:00 pm at Claret seminary auditorium. The groups present were the repre-sentatives from Claret Urban poor Apostolate (CUPA), college seminar-ians, Claretian sisters, Claretian scholastics and some priests and Aposto-late meeting delegates.

The program was started with an opening song, the Apostolic Prayer of St. Anthony Mary Claret, followed by a warm welcome from our Prefect of Apostolate, Philippine province, Fr. Eduardo Apungan, CMF. Then the night became more exciting when the participants showcased their talents through their own cultural presentations—so that our guests would see some cultural presentations from the Philippines and other Asian countries.

The first presenters were the Myanmar brothers: Bro. Christopher Paul Min Lwin Oo, Edward Nang Lin Htun and Saw Jimmy Htwe — who sang a prayer in their own language. Next were the Claretian sister-nov-

ices (RMCMI) who danced a Sumateran dance “turtur” of Indonesia - Sisters Asti, Friska and Tina. The third perform-ers were the Claretian Scholastic Brothers. They performed a dramatic rendition of the song “Heal the World” which they offered to the Missionaries. Then the Ifugao Brothers from the college seminary performed their Warrior dance. Another song presenta-tion was made by the Claretian Urban Poor Apostolate (CUPA). And of course, let us not forget some of our freshmen and sophomores who danced the “Pandango sa Ilaw”, followed by a cultural presentation by our Pre- Postulant Broth-ers, the famous “Sinulog festival” which is popular in the Visayas and some places in Mindanao. Lastly, the program ended with Fr. Miguel Velasco, CMF, General Prefect of Apostolate singing “You are Near” which

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FIRST RECOLLECTION As part of their formation, Claretian seminarians’ spirituality, espe-cially in terms of deep relationship to God, has to be enhanced. The seminarians of St. Anthony Mary Claret Seminary underwent their two-day recollection with recollection master Fr. Bernardo Blanco, CMF, the new Spiritual Director of St. Anthony Mary Claret Semi-nary last June 23-24, 2011 at Fr. Stephen Sala Chapel. The recollection started at 5:30 in the afternoon with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in which Confession was integrated. On the night of June 23 the first session started at 8:00 in the evening. Fr. Blanco tackled the Last Supper, Corpus Christi and the infinite love of Mama Mary.The following day, June 24, the second session started at 8:00 in the morning. Fr. Blanco focused on the following questions: (1) How am I living my union with Jesus Christ and Mama Mary ? (2) Do I believe that my vocation is a gift from Jesus Christ and Mama Mary? (3) Do I visit Jesus in the Tabernacle at least once a day? (4) What do I feel Jesus and Mama Mary are asking me now?

The seminarians were asked to form small groups where they shared their reflections. After the small group sharing, the seminarians were again gathered in a bigger group. One person per group shared the reflections of the whole group. After the sharing, the fruitful and valuable recollection ended at 11:30 in the morning with the encouragement to continue their personal reflection and meditation.(Sem. John Hendrix Blanco)

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Claret community gathers for solidarity night

Claretians celebrate 162nd foundation day Anniversary

Last July 16, 2011 the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians) celebrated their 162nd foundation day an-niversary of the congregation with activities promoting religious and missionary vocation.Creative rising Early in the morning around 5:45 a.m, the junior batch had their creative rising at the Freshmen-sophomore dormitory sing-ing two Claretian songs namely, “A Hymn of Gratitude” and “Jesus Passed Along” accompanied by drums, guitars, tambourine, chimes, rainmaker and other creative rising equipments as they marched from the 2nd floor to the 3rd floor of the FS dormitory. The creative rising signaled the beginning of the festivities of the 162nd foundation day of the Claretians. The love of Christ urges us on On the same day, a mass was held at the Stephen Sala chapel presided over by Fr. Leo Dalmao, CMF , Pro-vincial Superior of the Claretian Philippine province, to honor the perpetual profession of Bro. Efren S. Decrito, CMF, together with the eight other scholastics who renewed their vows, namely: Bros. Arvin Bellen,CMF; Aldrin Castillones,CMF; Julius Jose Coching , CMF; Martin Ernest Ele, CMF; James Maung Tar, CMF; Sunny Varquez, CMF; bro. Anthony Vo Van Tung, CMF and John Xue Rui, CMF. The mass was concelebrated by Claretian priests and attended by the Claretian sisters, families and friends of the theologians, SAMCC’s professors, college Claretian seminarians and other guests. Claret chamber singers accompa-nied by Prof. Ma. Rosario Garcia together with the college community sponsored the choir. It was around 10:25 in the morning when the scholastics said their dearest “yes” during the profession rite. The place was filled with anticipation and excitement to hear their “yes” to serve God and His people as Claretian mission-aries. The most awaited part happened when Bro. Efren finally said his deepest and perpetual “yes”. Their professions were honored through the hands of the Fr. Superior, Fr. Leo Dalmao, cmf. Then, Bro. Efren together with the 8 other scholastics were hugged by the priests and congratulated by the body. The mass was followed by a gathering inside the Claret Seminary refectory. Claretian priests and sisters and seminarians, and scholastics and professors and guests partook of the lunch. July 16 is one of the remarkable days of the Claretians. It is the day that they commemorate the glorious begin-ning of a great enterprise founded by Saint Anthony Mary Claret together with the co-founders: Stephen Sala, Jose Xifre, Domingo Fabregas, Jaime Clotet and Manuel Villaro.Question and answer portion Right after the lunch, seminarians and theologians gathered at the Claret Seminary auditorium to savor the op-portunity to ask Rev. Fr. Restituto Audal, CMF [prefect of formation], Rev. Fr. Victor Sadaya,CMF [ prefect of spiritual-ity] and Very Rev. Fr. Leo Dalmao, CMF [provincial superior] questions in line with the concerns of the seminarians and theologians as they journey towards priesthood. The activity was conceived by the theologians. The three priests offered inspirational answers. The seminarians were so inspired that they still wanted to ask more questions BUT the three priests also had their hectic schedules. The seminarians look forward for another opportunity like this with the leaders of the Claretian government, Philippine province. The program ended smoothly at around 3:00 pm.Sports time There was a fellowship game facilitated by the Sports Responsible Team wherein Claretian seminarians and theologians played basketball. The Claretian sisters played with the seminarians in a volleyball game. One seminarian said that the encounter is worth remembering. (Sem. Jimboy Supas)

(...cont. fom page 3) The Masters of Ceremony were Scholastics Jose Julius Coching, CMF, and Sem. Darius Amansec. This activity totally made the night longer because it was really filled with joy and happiness seen on the faces of the people present then. The showcase of talents presented was just a sign for us that the Claretian family is burning with Christ’s love.

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MARTYRS

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Martyrs of Barbastro. Last August 13, 2011 we com-memorated the 51 Claretian Martyrs of Barbastro. For us Claretians it’s a very significant event because it reminds us of how great Gods calling is and how bless we are for answering to his call. On that same day during the Eucharistic Celebration our Scholastic Brothers from the theology community receive the investiture as Lectors and acolytes: Lectors - Scholastic Randolf Collantes, CMF; Acolytes - Scholastic’s Aldrin Maracha Castillones, Julius Jose Coching, Martin Ernest Ele, and Sunny Vasquez .It is a significant event also to witness their investiture to inspire us in the pursuit of this kind of life and let the fire within be ablaze. After the Eucharistic Celebration we had our Monthly fraternal gathering with the theme “ Celebrating Martyrdom @ 75”. Our brothers from the Theology and seminary community presented their breathtaking performances. After their presentations as the program ends Fr. Restituto Audal Jr., CMF encourages us to be like the 51 Claretian Martyrs of Barbastro who dedicated their lives for the service of God and mankind. He also said that if we want to be like them we must value our gift of missionary vocation from God and, appreciate our seminary formation as vital in molding us to become good Claretian Missionaries in the future.(Sem. Mc Kenzie Villaceran)

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BUWAN NG WIKA 2011

Naging matagumpay ang palatuntunang nagbigay-karangalan sa Wikang Filipino na ginanap sa bulwagang sosyal ng Colegio ni San Antonio Maria Claret, Lungsod Quezon, noong ika-25 ng Agosto, 2011. Ang tema ng pagdiriwang sa taong ito ay: “Ang Wikang Filipino ay wikang panlahat, ilaw at lakas sa matuwid na landas. Pinasimulan ang gawain sa pamamagitan ng panalangin na kaagad sinundan nang pag-awit ng Lupang Hinirang. Inihatid ni G. Ernesto Guevarra, propessor ng Filipino (Retorika), ang pambungad na pa-nanalita. Ipinahiwatig niya humigit-kumulang, ang magiging laman at kabuuan ng nasabing aktibidad. Kanya ring nabanggit ang mga problemang patuloy na kinakaharap ng Wikang Filipino, lalo na ang pagtutol ng isang kongresista, na gamitin ang Tagalog sa isang debate sa Kongreso. Binigyang-dingal ng patimpalak sa pagbasa ng mga Salita ng Diyos,

na nilahukan ng iba’t ibang kongregasyon ang naturang okasyon. Ang mga kinatawan ng Eucharistic Heal-ers of Mary, Claretians at Passionist ang namayani sa paligsahan. Samantala, dalawang bersyon naman ng modernong paghaharana ang ipinamalas ng mga estudy-ante sa ikalawang antas. Hinanggan din at pinalakpakan nang lubos si Samuel Paulino sa mahusay niyang pagganap sa papel ng isang babaeng hinaharana. Hinangaan din at pinalakpakan ang balagtasan ng mga estudyanteng sophomore na sina Bryan Angelo R. Dumag, Jeffrey Rasay, Benjamin Custudio. Pinagtalunan ang paksang: “ May pag-asa pa ba o wala ng pag-asa ang Pilipinas?” Kasunod na nagpakitang-gilas ang unang antas at ang mga estudyanteng seniors sa pamamatnubay at pamamahala ni Gng. Aura Abiera, propesora ng Filipino 1 at mga kauring asignatura. Ang kanilang pala-bas na maituturing na isang “variety show” ay nagpokus sa buhay ni Gat. Jose Rizal, bilang pagpaparangal at paggunita sa ika-150 na anibersaryo ng kaarawan ng ating pambansang bayani.(. . .cont. on page 8)

The juniors evaluated the batch as a whole: they shared about how the batch has been doing the last year compared to their present perfor-mance as animators and advisers (that is, seniors of the seminary) of the community. They recalled their promise to serve the community with all means possible. They saw how much the batch had improved as well as the expected improvement it hopes to experience in the future.In every gathering, food, though not that expensive, must be present; that’s why after the evaluation semi-narians had their dinner together; then loud music that rocked the seminary was played while others leapt for joy. But at the end they realized that it’s neither the food nor the loud music that made them gather together but the spirit of brotherhood that continues to con-nect to each other.The evening ended but the night will always be a part of the lives and memories of the seminarians as they carry with them the prayer of one another.(Sem. Tonirick Bautista)

St. Anthony Mary Claret College (SAMCC) celebrates the Daop-PaladDaop-Palad? It is an annual inter-seminary activity that promotes camaraderie and unity in diversity. On August 29, 2011 the community of St. Anthony Mary Claret College, composed of at least 8 congrega-tions— Alagad ni Maria, Passionists , Xaverians , Guanelians , Piarists , Eucharistic Healers of Mary , Claretians and Sons of the Divine Providence (FDP)— with formators, faculty and staff, celebrated the Daop-Palad at the SDP Seminary in Rodriguez,Rizal. Mass It was a rainy day when the participants traveled to Rodriguez, Rizal. Nevertheless, all were thankful to God for arriving safely in the area. The activity gracefully began with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr. Anderson de Rezende—a FDP formator—together with the Claretian concelebrants, Fathers Amador Tumbaga,CMF and Fr. Restituto Audal,CMF at the San Rafael parish church.Parade Right after the Mass, everybody formed their respective teams: Yellow Submarine, Green Crocs, Blue Thunder and Red Ants. Then all marched for a kilometer with a marching band (Band 82) from the parish to the SDP seminary despite the heavy rain pouring down from the gloomy clouds. Some rode on the buses, while the others, drenched, made their way to the destination. Cheering Competition and Amazing Race The four teams enthusiastically competed in the cheering competition. In the Amazing Race, every team had to pass through at least 6 zones of challenges as quickly as possible. The wet ground made each zone challenging. The unity of every team was tested all throughout. The competition turned out to be a competition of how to enjoy more with the team than a competition of skills and talents.(...cont. on page 6)

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SEMINARIANS have their batch light moments

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On August 19, 2011, seminar-ians had a very great evening with their batch lite moments associated with the evaluation of each other’s performance. The freshmen had their light moments in the 2nd year room and the sopho-mores at the Conference room, both in the academic building of SAMCC, while the juniors had theirs at the Seminary Audio and Video Room (AVR). The light moments started with creative prayers as always expected from the seminarians. Evaluation followed: the freshmen assessed each batch mate by telling their likes and dislikes which led them to know each other more. It also prompted them to be more united as a batch. The sophomores’ evalua-tion found some happy while others felt alarmed when they heard the comments of their brothers. Despite those com-ments, they never dwelt on the lapses they committed toward each other; instead they forgave and promised to love each other more.

It also prompted them to be more united as a batch. The sophomores’ evaluation found some happy while others felt alarmed when they heard the comments of their brothers. Despite those comments, they never dwelt on the lapses they committed toward each other; instead they forgave and promised to love each other

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(. . .cont. from page 5)Encounter with abandoned special children When all teams finished the race, all were fortunately given a chance to have an encounter with the abandoned special children who live in the Cottolengo Filipino, an institution administered by the FDP in Rodriguez, Rizal. The place was divided into four sections; the bedridden, hyper-active, those with cerebral palsy, and the semi-mobile—those who can do things themselves. Some experienced feed-ing the special children. The exposure was followed by a dancing meditation led by some of SDP semi-narians which was offered to the special children of Cottolengo Filipino. Mountain Adventure A hiking adventure followed. The seminarians together with some faculty members climb the mountain range of Montalban. The destination was the waterfall, a kilometer and a half away from the said seminary. Upon arrival, some took pictures and bathed themselves in the cascades of water. Jerby Lumingkit, a Claretian pre-postulant, said “it was my first experience with a waterfall.” Even Fr. Tum-baga, CMF, joined and enjoyed.End of the activity All teams gathered together for the giving of the awards for the best team in the competition of the year’s Daop-Palad celebration. The 1st was the yellow submarine; 2nd, Blue Thunder; 3rd, Red Ants and 4th but not the least, the Green Crocs. Finally the program ended, but the smiles on everybody’s lips and the happiness in their eyes marked the day as significant and memorable for everyone who experienced it. (Sem. Jimboy Supas)

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They bid Fr. Elias “Farewell! A Claretian missionary, faithful to his vow of obedience, allowed himself to be sent for Rome for a new assignment. On August 28, 2011 the mass celebration at Stephen Chapel was presided over by Fr. Leo Dalmao, CMF –provincial su-perior of the Claretian missionaries, Philippine Province—to formally send off Fr. Elias Ayuban Jr., CMF to Rome. The mass was attended by the Claret Seminary Community, Scholastics, sisters, SAMCC faculty, friends, and others. They all bid Fr. Elias farewell.

In the mass celebration, Fr. Dalmao, CMF designated Fr. Elias to take the new assignment in Rome. Fr. Elias, out of fidelity to his vow of obedience, took the assignment. At first he said he was reluctant to do so because he had fallen in love with his work here in the Philippines and added that he could do more if he were assigned here. He also said [during his sharing/homily] that he would miss his basketball time together with the seminarians, his time with the SAMCC professors and staffs and all whom he met during his stay here in the seminary for almost a year.

In response, Wigbert Papa said his farewell message on behalf of the seminarians; Elizabeth P. Ledesma for SAMCC faculty; Fr. Restituto Audal, CMF for Claretian community. They talked about the good companionship they had with Fr. Elias. In addition, the Seminarians gave Fr. Eli a souvenir card with the pictures of seminary community together with their message for him. Fr. Elias will not be here but his memory of goodness will always remain in everybody’s heart.

Bro. Desiderio Ching, CMF, also known as “Bro. Sid”, a missionary brother presently assigned in China, facilitated an Eighteen-day English workshop at Claret Seminary which took place last August 31-September 17, 2011. Bro. Sid had recently been to Indonesia to facilitate a two-month English camp there. He said that it was really an English camp compared to Philippines because there were no classes held except the English camp. Here in the Philippines we couldn’t have a camping because we had regular classes to be observed. Hence, it became only an intensive English workshop instead of a camping. The workshop involved read-ing, writing, speaking and thinking in English. The workshop started with an activity wherein three seminarians, Eric Bayona, Derrick Aertssens and Brian Isleta were shown 10 eggs on the floor and instructed to carefully pass through the eggs without breaking it. Unaware that the

eggs were taken away,the two of them—blindfolded— made their way carefully to the finish line lest they might break the eggs. Lastly Brian Isleta, also blindfolded, performed it but the eggs were on the floor. The body upon seeing the activity shared their insights in relation to learning English. Bro. Sid Emphasized that whether we become priests or not, English is very important. He added that no matter how awkward it would seem to speak in a foreign tongue, we must try and must not fear mistakes. All throughout the activity the seminarians had to speak in English. During the activity, process writ-ing was introduced. It was a training on writing from short compositions to longer ones. Every seminarian had to submit a composition in the morning of every day. After checking the grammar, Bro. Sid would return the edited compositions with a new topic for the next compositions. The seminarians were expected to pass two compositions for the next day: the new composition and the rewritten of the edited ones and so on. The last activity Bro. Sid had given was to solve the puzzle made by Albert Einstein himself to answer the question “who has the fish?”Bro. Sid said that in China the candidates solved it in not more than ten min-utes time, in Indonesia it was solved within 5 hours and the Filipino seminarians solved it in an hour. It was a coincidence because before the workshop, the literary RT initiated an activity wherein every Tuesday, Claretian Seminarians had to speak in English. It helped them to be prepared for the workshop. The workshop was formally ended with a thanksgiving program offered by the seminarians to Bro. Sid. The seminarians bid Bro. Sid farewell as he was to leave for China to continue his mission. Indeed the ac-tivity served its purpose: it made the seminarians improve their way of reading, writing, speaking and think-ing in English.(Sem. Jimboy Supas)

(. . .cont. from page 5) Sadyang naging makatuturan at umakma sa tema ng selebrasyon ang iniabag na bilang ng antas isa at apat.Hindi kalabisang sabihin, na nagiwan nang hindi malilimutan at makabuluhang kakintalan o impresyon sa isipan ng mga manunuod ang itinanghal nilang dula. Maraming mga estudyante ang naging “instant heroes” sa mga ginam-panang papel.Ipinagkaloob sa huling bahagi ng palatuntunan ang gawad-pakilala sa mga nagwagi sa pagbasa ng Salita ng Diyos. Pinangunahan ng pag-abot nito ng butihing dekana ng Colegio, Dean Baulah Nuval. Naging kawaksi sina Gng. Abiera, Bb. Garcia at G. Guevarra. Natapos ang programa sa isang panalangin uli, makaraang mag-ukol ng mga salita nang pasasalamat si Jimboy supas, nag-organisa ng programa at pangulo ng tagapaglathala. Maayos na dumaloy ang programa hanngang sa huli.(Sem. Bryan Angelo Dumag) MABUHAY ANG WIKANG FILIPINO!!

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Bro. Sid Facilitates English Workshop at Claret Seminary

Molave Youth Concert

We are not different from you..

We are also like you...

GOOD DAY FAMILY... Last September 11, 2011, the Molave Apostolate Ministry( Bryan Angelo Dumag, Sherwin John Gallardo, Jon Hendrix Blanco ) together with the two hundred seventy youth of Molave, fifteen Guard es-corts, one Priest, one Social Welfare Officer and some seminarians of Claret had their concert with theme of “AHON KABATAAN” in Molave Youth Home Compound.

Before the concert started, the Claretian seminarians sponsored the creative prayer at 8:00 in the morning. This started with the singing of some joyful songs, followed by the charismatic way of praying, then the gospel reading and a short sharing coming from one seminarian and one Molave youth. The creative prayer ended with the song “Tanging yaman”.

The program proper for concert started at 8:45 in the morning, with the production number of the Claretian seminarians and the entrance of master of ceremony. During the concert proper, Ms. Lilian Bacaay the Social Welfare Officer of Molave Youth Home gave her welcome remarks to the seminarians as well as her very good words of wisdom to the youth of Molave. She said to the seminarians: “ Sana bal-ang araw maging father kayo as in father of the church.” And all laughed, and were touched. She also added: “ Sana itong 1st time concert na ito with the participation of the seminarians ay magpatuloy pa.” After her lovely speech, the presentation proper started.

There were many groups who performed during the program: all the dorms of Molave from Dorm 1-5, the House Parents, and the seminarians. They showed their talents in singing, dancing and rapping to the family. The program had also different ice breakers (games), and “Bandahan”. The most awaited surprise number of the representatives of each dorm came in “ Pagbibigay parangal sa mga nag-aaruga.” The head of the youth gave his message on behalf of the Molave family, to the escorts and to Ms. Lilian, follwed by sing-ing “because you love me” and the giving of flowers. Some of the escorts had tears. After this Ms. Lilian gave again a short thanks giving message for the Molave Youth, followed by the word of thanks of Sem. Bryan Angelo Dumag the servant leader of Molave Youth Home Apostolate Ministry and Fr. Resty Audal Jr., CMF the Rector of the Claret Seminary. The concert ended with singing “We are the World” where everyone held hands, weaved, followed by hugging each other as a family. After the program was band singing, led by the Molave Band.

Truly, Molave is a very nice place, where youth gather as a family, living in Christ. The AHON KA-BATAAN was truly appeciated because of the talents and capabilities that were shown by the youth. Camara-derie and being Christ-Centered between seminarians and Molave youth were shown. It was a heart felt event that for the very first time, Molave experienced with the seminarians. (Sem. Bryan Angelo Dumag)

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AHON

KABATAAN

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10 Montalban Youth Join in a team building activity at Claret Seminary

On September 18, 2011 a series of activities happened when the “Kabataang Claretiano “of Montalban, under the care of Claret Urban Poor Apostolate (CUPA) came to Claret seminary for a team building activity. The community of Montalban is the present apostolate area of the 3rd year claretian semi-narians.

CUPA staff, Luisa Arnaldo and Scholastic Brothers, Martin Ernest Ele, CMF and Randolph Culiantes, CMF with the participation of the junior seminarians of Claret seminary planned the activity so that they—the Montalban youth presently composed of at least 53 members— would experience to be together for the first time. The aim was to give them an orientation about Claretian Missionaries, St. Anthony Mary Claret and Jesus Christ and to establish among themselves camaraderie through creative activities.

Fr. Amador Tumbaga, CMF presided over a Eucharistic Celebration to gracefully begin the activity. In the homily, Fr. Tumbaga shared about St. Claret and Jesus Christ to make the youth understand deeply the theme of the activity—“kabataang Claretiano nagkakaisa kasama si Kristo.” Bro. Desiderio Ching, CMF deepened more the introduction to St. Claret and the Claretians.

A break was given for the snack time which was followed by a short sharing from selected freshmen and junior seminarians. In the lunchtime, a “boodle fight” took place at Claret seminary basketball court where all the participants and the seminarians ate together using their bare hands. At around 1:30 p.m., the amazing race started. The youth were divided into four teams: yellow, red, white and orange. Every team had to pass through different challenging zones as quickly as possible to win the race.The participants took their snacks during the break. Bro. Randolph, CMF ended the activity with a prayer. Indeed the youth of Montalban enjoyed their first team building activity at Claret Seminary. Their first im-pression would make them decide to join the team building activity to be held next year.(Sem. Jimboy Supas)

SPORTSFEST OPENS in Claret Seminary

Last June 14, 2011 the Sports Responsible Team sponsored the opening of the sports fest which was held at the Claret Seminary basketball court together with the seminarians themselves. The Sports RT animator, Sem. Bernabe Morales grouped the seminarians together with the formators into four teams namely the: Facebookers , Myspacers, Skypers and Twitterians. All gathered at the basketball court to formally start the event. The activity started with, first, a prayer led by Ferdie Jones Madiano; second, Opening Remarks which was given by the animator himself. Third was the oath taking ceremony wherein seminarians pledged their full participation in the said sport fest for the entire semester. Fourth was the lighting of torch, followed, fifth, by the cheering competition competed in by the four teams. Sixth was the closing remarks given by Wigbert Papa. Then followed a closing prayer led by the Music Responsible team. The animator emphasized that the aim of the sports fest is not for ones’ glory but to build camaraderie among seminarians. (Sem. Jimboy Supas)

Finding myself in the dark side of the world, alone and with no one to lean on, I ask myself why life is so unfair to me. Even my loved ones don’t care for me. My sad memories will always be in my heart, as they have left scars in my innocent mind. Until now I still hope that I will find someone who can be with me forever because during my childhood I had a wish that God would help me find my true love.As I continue living, my heart keeps longing for someone who can ease the pain that I have been suffering for a long time. Time passes, and still my heart wants to be loved and eradicate all its pain. I ask myself why I still exist in this world if I think that my life doesn’t have any purpose anymore. Does God have a plan for me? I hope that God does indeed have a plan for me, but if he has none, can I plan for myself? How amazing it will be! Imagine that we are the ones who plan our lives, and God just lets us do the things that we want to hap-pen in the future.We have to be brave in order to survive in this extraordinary world of ours. I believe that we need compan-ions in our journey and those people will be our comfort in time of depression, our inspiration in time of sorrow, and they will be our brothers and sisters when we feel so much loneliness deep in our hearts. Those people will not be our companions only when we experience problems and difficulties in life; they will also be our companions during our happy moments, when we are inspired and feel that we are problem-free because of their presence. Unlike relationship problems, problems in friendship can easily be solved. I can say it’s not that easy to solve our own problems because we are good only, specially me, at advising others, but when I am the one who need advice, I don’t know what to do anymore, I don’t know which to follow: my heart that tells me more about love, or my mind that asserts to me to be more practical in my decisions. Some say that I have to discern first before I decide, while others say that I have to follow my heart, and still others say that if I am happy with my decision, they will also be happy for me. Truly, one simple problem can make people a little bit crazy. (. . .cont. on page 12)

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11Voca Dei

(The call of God)Sem. Max Arjie C. Andalajao

Cool, silent and unique—these were my expectations before I entered the seminary. Seminary forma-tion is different from other colleges. It is an isolated place for young men who have the sense of mission to become a religious missionary. I was in a seminary before, but a diocesan seminary. I experienced their formation for a year, but I did not find the call of Christ there. Yet, to be a priest is always been my dream. I got a chance to enter Claret seminary to be one of its missionary aspirants. Four months later, i found peace and call of God through its people and gratifying formation. Presently, I stand as the animator of the freshmen aspirants, taking up all their concerns and managing their performances. Before, I was afraid of accepting this responsibility, but through the help of the formation, supervised by our formators, I was able to organize my batch the other aspects of formation simultaneously— especially to maintain religious environment. Courageously, I am already equipped for what would be the challenges ahead and circumstances along the way. I am thankful enough that I fortunately endured those problems and carried away those bur-dens through the help of God. Perhaps, as an animator, it could be one of my challenges because it’s not easy to take charge of a group of people with diverse tradition. My aim now for this kind of life is no longer to just love God and serve his people but also to offer myself totally to him. “If God is for us, who can be against?”

MARKED FOR LIFE

a a a a a a a a a

Sem. Sherwin Gallardo

It is very difficult to renounce anything because it means letting go of something (or someone) that matters most to you. Every time I hear the word “renounce,” what comes to mind is the Gospel passage when Jesus commanded his disciples to leave everything behind. This reminds me to be more fervent in answering God’s calling and to withdraw from the things that I value most. I must leave everything for God and focus more on my journey in answer to his call. I was still in fourth year high school when I first encountered the word “missionary vocation.” I asked myself then what it would be like to be a missionary. And there was one instance when I believed that God did answer my question. That was when a Claretian missionary came to our school to let us know what it was to b a missionary. I asked him some of my questions about missionary vocation, he mentioned something about renunciation. As I listened to him attentively, his explanation discouraged me because I was not yet ready to let go. How would I live as a seminarian? But my curiosity to try a missionary way of life was greater than the questions that kept bothering me until I finally decided to enter the seminary. It is not easy to live a new way of life. One has to be able to adjust and adapt to living in the com-munity, particularly the seminary community. In the seminary we are molded like clay and shaped into fine looking earthen vessels; we are trained to be educators, to defend what is right, and to value what God has given us. Aside from this we live as a community of brothers. We pray as a community, we learn as a commu-nity, and we work as a community. This is the life that I am trying to embrace now. This kind of life made me realize to be more zealous in serving the community. I must dedicate myself to serving the community and for the future of the community. The seminary prepares us to become missionaries in the future, who will dedicate our lives for the service of others and of God. Indeed, Claret seminary prepares us to live a new way of life—the Claretian way of life.

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(. . .cont. from page 11) These experiences taught me how to be more responsible and, most specially how to be satisfied in life. I realized that to be satisfied is not about having what we want, but about wanting what we already have. This is the greatest lesson I’ve learned in my journey though pain, failures, and sad memories that had left marks in my mind and heart. I must not forget that I am loved, and am still capable of loving someone, and also of being loved by someone. I must always bear in mind that though I cannot erase the sad memories I experienced in life, I can still do something to ease the pain and continue my extraordinary journey happily.

A NEW WAY OF LIFEa a a a a a a a

Sem. Mc Kenzie Villaceran

My Batchmates in the Comfort RoomSem. Tonirick Bautista As I wake up every morning, I always hear a singing and shouting throughout the second floor. Their noise will sometimes wake me up from my deep slumber. When I walked down the corridor, after fixing my bed, I am greeted by sleepy faces and lousy bodies. Then, one day, from the corridor, I found out where the noise is coming from— the comfort room. It was very crazy inside. The room was filled with songs from the 80s and 90s. At first, I found it very irritating because I had always hated old songs. But after some time, I got used to it and realized that I was in a new awesome world, a world full of new and greater experience, a world with my new batchmates. Before I entered the seminary, I was having difficulty deciding to which college I should go. I was choosing from among the famous universities like UST, DLSU and UP, but I chose to enter Claret semi-nary instead. It was not that awesome at first, especially when you don’t know anyone yet, but after you have bonded with your batchmates and heard their crazy jokes, saw their incredible dance moves and felt their friendship, you can say that life in the seminary is actually fun. As we know, the people in the Philippines have many different languages. Up north, the people speak Ilocano, while central and southern Luzon speak either Tagalog or Bicolano. In the Visayas and Minadanao, most of the people speak Visayan (Cebuano).(. . .cont. on page 13)

(. . . cont. from page 12) Here in the seminary, different ethno-linguistic groups from all over the Philippines come and live together. In my batch, we have quite but strong Ilocanos, Kankanaes and Kalanguyas, sincere but noisy Bi-colanos, crazy but cool Visayans, funny but modest Chavacano, and the serious but awesome Tagalogs. The Ilocanos, Kankanaes Kalanguyans in our batch are the ones who need to cooperate more among themselves, as most of them are usually left behind whenever my batch has fun. But because of their strong physique, they sometimes discipline the whole batch. The Bicolanos, on the other hand, are the noisiest in our batch. They always tell their never-ending experience in high school as if there’s no tomorrow, but when they become angry, they erupt and explode like Mayon volacano. The crazy and the funny ones are the Visayans, who always crack very funny jokes, hence, they give happiness to my batch. Some of them are war freaks, but others are very kind and compassionate. Next is the modest Chavacano. There is only one Chavacano in my batch, but he is enough for us because of his humility and modesty. He is very sensitive at times, so he easily gets angry. Last are the awesome Tagalogs. We are known for our leadership and flexibility with the other ethnic groups, but because of our seriousness, we easily get angry too. Amidst every problem I encounter as a first year college student, my batchmates always lend me a hand. Every time I get homesick, my batchmates come and offer me their shoulders to cry on. Although we always quarrel because of our differences, we also always end up laughing with one another. This makes my batch very unique. I’ll admit we always lack cooperation and there is a strange negative force that separates one ethnic group from the other. But this force actually binds us at times. When we fight because of some misunderstanding, we always fix the problem immediately because we have the motivation to be united. Before I sleep in the evening, whenever we have no assignments or I’m just plain lazy to do it, I al-ways go to one of my bacthmates’ room and talk with him. We usually talk about the funny things that hap-pened throughout the day, about our girlfriends outside the seminary and of course, about our families, what we think about how they are outside while we are inside, not knowing what our future will be. After that, we bid each other goodnight and go directly to bed. Before I close my eyes, I pray to God that my batchmates’ families and mine will always be guided by God, and that by tomorrow, I will hear an all-new song in the comfort room.

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13

My First Day in the SeminarySem. Bien Carlos Lim

29 April 2011, I arrived in the seminary with my mother. I felt mixed emotions: I was happy because it was my first time to enter the seminary, but I was also sad because I would be separated from my mother for a long time. I had a lot of expectations about the new life I was about to begin. I imagined that studying in the seminary would be joyful and full of adventure, and that living with the seminarians would be a holy and lovely experience. I was astonished the first time I saw the seminary facilities. The first thing I saw was the basketball court, which surprised me because it looked the same basketball court in our province. I was at-tracted to the refectory because it was big compared to our kitchen at home. But what attracted me most was the metal “Bahay Kubo.” One of the seminarians toured my mother and me around the seminary. Then, I told my mom that I would study and live with the other seminarians. I enjoyed talking with the seminarians and I knew where they were from and many other things about their life. Even though I was sad, I just kept it to myself so no one would notice. I cried for three nights because I was not used to sleeping alone at night. When I had my first roommate, I became happier because I had someone to talk at night. Another experience was our outing on Saturdays. We went first to Intramuros, where I saw the clothes of our national hero. After that we went to San Augustine Church and the Manila Cathedral, and then to the Manila zoo. Our second outing was to Star City. The most unforgettable dance for me was the surf dance because every time it went up and down, I felt as if my soul was left at the top. I also liked the horror house, “Gabi ng Lagim.” It is really nice to live in the seminary even though three of my batchmates had already left. I am still here because I want to continue following my vocation and I don’t want to disappoint my family. I can bal-ance my prayer life and academic life. If I leave the seminary, I will feel that I am a traitor to my batch be-cause I will leave my beloved brothers. I don’t want to waste what I have begun.

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14

My soul wandered down a utopian streetI see your resplendent visage, I hear my heart beatVision captured by a heart so dear;In a flash of light, brought was the reminis-cenceDeeply nostalgic, verdant and azure senti-mentsAflame with profundity of hopes and of dreams

If thou ever decipher the enigma of this imagery Say that you keep this missive for theeYou’ll never be forgotten, to heavens I swearOh girl of my life whom I have given my love...Under this dormancy, I hear myself whisper“Jazz is the music of my heart”; the object of my love

PS. : I may not hear your notes again, Yet keep your sweet songs on playing..

A missive in the days of yore

Don’t you know how lucky you are? Or you’re just too blind not to see it.Don’t you feel that you are loved?Or you’re just too selfish not to see His kindness.

He knows your wants and needs,He also knows what’s the reason of your greed.Do you have a plan to change yourself?Or you just want to remain in your covered shelf.

Truly, He is so good to us,Even He himself suffered from the cross just for me and you.He just wants to be with you,And not noticing it is a pity for you.

He will never let you down,Just because of the bad things you have done.He just wants you to know,That God will never let go.

Sem. Jimboy Supas

I WISH THAT YOU’D NEVER LET ME GOSem. Sherwin Gallardo

Etu mio EstrellaTa arde na mi vidaAdentro na mi cabezaTu nombre tan bira-bira.

Taki yo ahora abajo del ponoTa pensa kontigo y nuay mas ya otro,Cuando ya saka yo tu letratoYa akorda yo todo y el mga dia kita yan junto.

Kada denoche yo ta bisyaKunel mga estrella,Y ta pensa si cuandoYo keda importante na tu vida

Ta subi ya el solEl cielo ta keda ya color azul,Ya pasa ya el diaEtu lang siempre mi estrella

EstrellaSem. Joun Paul Bernal

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15

I couldn’t find myself when I am aloneCouldn’t search the answer for this questionAm I called to this vocation?Or is it just a mistake for making this decision?

But one day I open my eyes Looking up at the beauty above the skyA passage appeared in my mindSaying “all praise and glory in every moment thine.”

I suddenly whispered “this is the greatest glory Given by God to me” With the guidance of St. Anthony I am now in Claret Seminary

For about 1 week of staying hereI did not feel daunted by doubt or fearNor trials nor problems unseen Because I believe being strong is one of the best means

My second home is this congregationIn the Claretians’ hearth I feel I belong No wonder I find life prolific ‘coz“My heart rest in thee” as he say

I always ask God’s grace and mercy,Intercession from St. Claret and Mother MaryLight and love from the Holy TrinityAs well as perseverance, courage and faith be with me.

Greatest glorySem. Max Arjie Andalajao

I’m lucky enough You care for meWith all your heart And without ceasingThat, I never felt to someone else.

I’m lucky enoughYou hug me tight With open armsWith the smile in your face Especially when my tears fall

I’m lucky enough You kiss me gentlyWithout hesitation or doubt And with love and trustI treasure it forever

I’m lucky enoughYou choose me Of all men around you With their flowers and chocolate gifts Which I do not have.

I’m lucky enoughYou give me chances to love youEven I hurt you Through my gesturesAnd through my words.

I’m lucky enoughThat you came to my life!I will never look for someone elseBecause I really love you,The love of my life!!

I’m lucky enoughSem. John Vincent Perez

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16

Noong una’y nangamba at natakotNgunit sinubukan ng ating maabot Na makatulong sa kapwa, sa bawat pagkakataonNa binigay ng Diyos na puno ng hamon.

Bakit kayraming bata ang nakakulongDahilan sa magulang na sobrang nalululongPati kanilang anak ay pilitang sumuongSa mistulang dila ng nagbabagang pulutong.

Ewan ko nga kung talaga bang may sala ang ibaO baka bintang palamang agad ng pinalalalaDahil nga sa walang laban ang bata kaya di makaalpas sa pagsasawata.

Ewan ko nga kung talaga bang may sala ang ibaO baka bintang palamang agad ng pinalalalaDahil nga sa walang laban ang bata kaya di makaalpas sa pagsasawata.

Kaysarap balikan mga linggong naroonSa lugar na napamahal sa puso ko’y nabaonAlaalang bibigay ay magsisilbing luponSa bawat araw ng buhay hindi malalaon.

Handog kong itong tula para sa nga bataNa nagsilbing pampalakas ng aking paggawa Dahil napamahal sa akin ang mga batang naroonKaya ito nalang ang nagsilbing solusyon.

Bigyang pasasalamat sa lahat ng ginawaAt aming natutuhan na nagsilbing tuwaPara sa darating na kinabukasanSabay sabay isigaw AHON KABATAAN

HANDOG

Sa bawat pusong nakakakita ng pagmamahal,May pusong umiiyak.Sa bawat pangarap na natutupad,May pangarap na nakakalimutan.

Sa bawat panahon ng tagumpay,May panahon ng kabiguan.Sa bawat umagang sumikat ang araw,May umagang puno ng ulan.

Sa bawat oras ng saya,May oras ng lungkot.Sa bawat bagay na ating nakukuha,May mga bagay na nawawala.

Sa bawat ngiti sa ating mukha, may mga luhang namumuo sa ating mga mata.Sa bawat malambing na pangungumusta,May katumbas na pamamaalam.

Sem. Nikko Paolo N. FontanoBAWAT

Sem Bryan Angelo Dumag

Many people ask me, “Why did you choose to be a Claretian sem-inarian?” I want to explain my reason to them, but I just usually say, “It’s a long story,” then, I smile. Actually, it’s not because I am sure of God’s call that’s why I entered the seminary, but it was out of my curiosity. My curios-ity led me to be with the Claretian missionaries. Anyway, have you ever wondered what’s the inside of Claret Seminary?Let me then guide you to a “virtual” tour – Welcome to Claret Seminary! As a seedbed, which is the original meaning of the word, “seminary,” Claret Seminary is a formation center for young men who want to know God’s call to the religious-mission-ary life by introducing them to the Claretian way of life and mission. It is where we are initially “planted,” so that we may grow into full-grown Claretian missionaries in the future. Let me tell you more about us, Clar-etian seminarians. Don’t expect to find saints at Claret Seminary because you will be disappointed. I am not saying that you should expect us to be demons. A seminarian of Claret Seminary is just like any other youth. We are as human as any of you are. We come here as humans, and we remain human still. But the difference is that we discern and try to take the less traveled road. We are young men who want to offer our lives for the mission that was initiated by our founder, Saint Anthony Mary Claret himself—to be servants of the Word, bearers of hope, men without borders, men on fire with God’s love. (Other young men are invited to join our community of Claretian missionary aspirants.) What do we do here? The common misconception I hear is that we, seminarians, are here only to pray. In fact, the usual image they have in mind of a seminarian is that of a pale looking pious young man holding a rosary on one hand and a Bible on the other. We do pray but prayer is only one of our many activi-ties in the seminary. Prayer is but one of the four pillars of our life our Father Founder had left us, namely, prayer, study, community and apostolate. Besides reading and meditating on the Bible, we also study like other ordinary college students do; we study AB Philosophy in preparation for our theological study in the future, but which can also be a preparation for law, that is, if some of us choose to be lawyers and not mis-sionaries in the future. Here at Claret Seminary we also have time for recreation; sports-minded seminarians play basket-ball, or volleyball, or table tennis, and some music lovers engage themselves in music. Recreation binds us closer to one another as a community of brothers. Though we come from different provinces with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, we believe that our life in brotherhood is part of our Claretian calling. To strengthen our life in community, we also work together doing the dishes, cleaning the seminary, and go for community outing sometimes.

(. . . cont. on page 18 )

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EDITORIAL 17

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EDITORIAL18 In preparation for our work as future missionaries, we are sent to be with the communities of infor-mal settlers, also called squatter colonies, to assist in the activities initiated by the parish, or even to start new activities. We also have community immersion in the said communities. This experience helps us to be with the poor and to be aware of the reality of their life. With this, you might ask why it has to be in the seminary. Well, you can even say that we could be Claretian aspirants but studying and living outside and not in a seminary. But why do we have to be in the seminary? No, it is not to keep us away from women and temptation. As long as we live, we will always be human. As men, we feel attracted to–beautiful and kind—women, but, seriously speaking, temptations and women will always be part of our life. Yet, we choose to be Claretians, and the Claretians are a community of missionar-ies. So as we aspire to be Claretians, we have to be formed according to this new way of life, and this is our life in the seminary—we study AB Philosophy as college students, but we also pray, work, and live together as Claretian aspirants. If you want to know more about us, visit us at Claret Seminary, Cenacle Drive, Sanville Subdivision, Culiat, Quezon City. Or if you know someone who wants to become a Claretian missionary brother or priest, contact us at: cmfvocpro@yahoo.com,http://www.claretphilippines.com. End of the tour, this is your Tour Guide Seminarian Jimboy Torrevillas Supas.

(. . . cont. from page 17)

1st SEMESTER'S ACTIVITIES

HOLY SPIRIT MASS

CCC OATH TAKING

FRATERNAL GATHERING

VISITATION OF THE GENERAL PREFECT OF APOSTOLATE

SOLIDARITY NIGHT

FOUNDATION DAY

CANONICAL VISITATION OF THE PHIL. PROVINCE

MARTYRS OF BARBASTRO

BUWAN NG WIKA

BATCH LITE MOMENTS

DAOP PALAD 2011

ENGLISH CAMP

RESPONSIBLE TEAM EVALUATION

GAWAD CMF

2011SHARE