iPaul no. 2 - Saint Paul Scholasticate Newsletter

8/7/2019 iPaul no. 2 - Saint Paul Scholasticate Newsletter

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The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.

Last February 17, 2007 was a special day forour Congregation and also for the whole Churchbecause our two deacons, Rev. Jecker M. Luego,CRSP and Rev. Michael M. Sandalo, CRSP wereordained to the Priesthood. The ordination ritetook place at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish

Church, Tagaytay City with His Excellency MostReverend Luis Antonio G. Tagle, D.D., Bishop of Imus as the ordaining prelate. All the fifteenBarnabite Fathers in the Philippines, priestsfrom different religious congregations and fromthe Dioceses of Antipolo and San Pablo werealso present. Two deacons from the PontificalInstitute for Foreign Missions (PIME) and an-other from the Diocese of Imus also assisted atthe two-hour solemn Mass. The occasion wasalso graced by the presence of our very own Su-

perior General Right Rev. Fr. Giovanni M. Villa,CRSP and Fr. Mario M. Gadda, CRSP, the formersuperior and father master of the two deaconsin Studentato Romanoin Rome, Italy.

The Barnabite professed students served atthe Mass while the choir of Saint Anthony Ma.Zaccaria Seminaryin Marikina City provided thesongs and music. Present were, of course, thefamilies, relatives and friends of the two dea-cons, the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, the LittleWorkers of the Sacred Heart, our college semi-

narians from Marikina and our lay affiliates, andalso a number of religious sisters and seminari-ans here in Tagaytay. After the Mass everyoneproceeded to Saint Paul Scholasticatefor the re-ception which was prepared through the gener-ous assistance of friends from barangay San Joseand Buho, Amadeo.

Rev. Jecker Robredillo Luego is from St. Ber-nard, Southern Leyte, Diocese of Maasin. Jeckwas born on September 26, 1978, in Dolores,

Eastern Samar but grew up in St. Bernard, So.Leyte. He is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. MarioLuego. He joined theSaint Anthony Ma. ZaccariaSeminary on May 28, 1995 and completed hisfive-year A.B. Philosophy on March 25, 2000 atSaint Camillus College Seminaryin Marikina City.After the novitiate, he professed the vows onMay 31, 2001 and was sent to Rome for his theo-

logical studies. Rev. Jecker studied in Rome from20012003 and on March 2003, he flew back tothe Philippines and opted to continue his stud-ies at the Divine Word School of Theology, TagaytayCity where he is about to obtain his STB (=Bac-calaureate in Sacred Theology). At present, he ispursuing his M. A. in Mathematics in De La SalleUniversity, Dasmarias, Cavite.

(Continued on page 3)

No. 2 iPaul 2 Cover Story

ORDINATION TO PRIESTHOODOF DEACONS JECKER AND MICHAEL

by Isfridus Syukur, CRSP


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Rev. Michael del Rosario Sandalo, CRSP hailsfrom San Mateo, Rizal, Diocese of Antipolo. Bornon June 3, 1979 in Marikina City, Metro Manila,he is the youngest and the only son of Mr. andMrs. Segundino Sandalo, Jr. Rev. Michael en-tered the Saint Anthony Ma. Zaccaria SeminaryonMay 28, 1996. He finished his A.B. Philosophy inSaint Camillus College Seminaryin March 2001. Hemade his First Religious Profession on May 31,2002 and left for Rome, Italy on June 24, 2002 forhis theological studies. Kuya Mike, as wefondly call him, obtained his STB at theAngeli-cum University in Rome on June 13, 2005. LastMay 2006, he returned to the Philippines tocomplete his seminary formation.

Rev. Jecker and Rev. Mike made their Sol-emn Profession on August 6, 2006. They wereordained to the diaconate on September 5, 2006at the Imus Cathedral.

The Priestly ordination of Revs. Jecker andMike serves as an inspiration for us who are stillon the way. As we thank God for the gift of thepriesthood, so we thank the two of them fortheir dedication and faithfulness to the vocationthey have embraced. We continue to pray thatthey may remain steadfast in their faith in Godwho has called, consecrated and sent them to beHis messengers of hope, love and peace to theworld. Finally we would like to say to them,You are priests forever like Melchizedek of old, kayo ay Pari magpakailanman!

To the newly ordained priests, CONGRATU-LATIONS!

What do you feel now that you are about to be as priest? This question was asked to me by a confrebefore my priestly ordination. I was not that sure whswer. Honestly, I did not feel anything extraordinartime. It was contrary to what people were telling me: be so excited now. Probably you are already experienless nights. Such were the words that I heard from thknow. I felt that they were so excited for me. As for

neither so tensed nor excited about my ordination.Why did I feel that way? I did not know. Perhaps way because I still had so many questions that nogiven me any satisfying answer. Why did I enter theand had reached this far? Did God really call me or I self called? If ever God called me why did he choose I am? I am not worthy to the priesthood, but how is superiors approved my ordination? These were the questions that bothered me a lot and caused me to excitement of my getting ordained I was afraid because I am not worthy to become a priest I was a

might have been wrong in my decision to get ordaineI feared the thought of waking up one day and realizam not for the priesthood. Maybe it was better that I denter the Congregation. Perhaps I would be happy asor a father of a child or two. These thoughts disturbeThey put my faith and vocation to the test. But God iful companion. He tells me that I should go on despitefections and limitations. I should only trust Him and ewill follow. God has been preparing me for a new jou

As the days passed so quickly, the feeling of excinot come to me. I thought that maybe I am not reallythe priesthood. Or maybe I just did not care about mtion. But still, I had to go on because I have alreadyfar with the conviction that God has called me and thto become a priest. The thoughts were just part of theenemy. And in these moments of doubts, prayer hasure and only tool to get rid of them. God has been tme trying to comfort me in so many ways. And with who encourage me, the battle seems not so burdestruggles are so heavy but with God and the peopletheir moral support, they become so light that sure en


Priestly Ordination

A New Journey inthe Holy Spirit

by Jecker R. Luego, CRSP


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No. 2 iPaul 4

overpower them easily. Yet this does not mean that the thoughtwas banished; on the contrary, it became so intense and annoy-ing. Hence, the battle continued...

On the eve of my ordination, the excitement, confusion and

doubts crept in like a force trying to distract me. The thoughtswere very intense that I could barely sleep that night. I could notimagine myself being ordained unworthy as I am. But thewords, who is worthy anyway?, somehow gave me a re-assurance that God has called me so I should respond to himdespite of who I am. I may not be worthy, yes, but still it is Godwho will make me worthy. It is Gods will so I do not have toquestion it. I know that Gods will for me is always the best. Imay have a choice, but my choice must conform to that good-ness of God. He knows who I am and He has called me in order to form and mold me into the best person I can be. The tempta-

tions are there only to test me, my patience and perseverance...and my faith and trust in God. I once failed before and I do notwant to fail again the second time... But I will always acceptfailures if they are for my betterment... I was excited then be-cause after waiting for so long, I finally reached the end of afirst journey.

The ordination day had finally come. The first station of my way of the cross came to an end. The end, however, signifiesa new beginning. The beginning of a new journey started on theordination day. Bishop Tagle made me realize that I have tocarry the cross that goes along with the ministry that I havereceived from the Lord. The Father sent to His beloved Son theHoly Spirit. Now, that same Holy Spirit that guided Jesusthroughout His ministry will be imparted to me so as to do thethings that Jesus did in his lifetime and continues to fulfill in our times through his ministers. On the day of my ordination, I havecome to comprehend how heavy the cross would be, but throughthe Spirits grace it would be easy and light. Thus, the new jour-ney has begun...

The thoughts and temptations were actually nothing incomparison to the ministry that I will fulfill in my life. The min-istry of love is heavier than the thousands of temptations thatthe enemy would put upon my shoulders. Despite of the weightthere will be joys because it would be for the greater glory of God. During the ceremony of ordination the thoughts continuedlike clanging bells in my mind. They wanted me to stop fromgetting ordained... I even thought that maybe they were right.They might be telling me something Yes they were telling methat I am not for the priesthood. I am a useless servant who doesnot deserve any reward from the Master Yes, I am a wretchedservant but what can I do if God has led me into this kind of life to become his useless servant who does only what hewills? However, God heals all sickness, even my infirmities and

sinfulness. Thus, I do not fear anything. Gods gracethere. I should only be open to the promptings of the I may be an unworthy and wretched servant, but Gmoves me within to purify and sanctify me along t

priesthood. God is always my refuge no matter what hthis new journey, I am confident that He will guide mthe final destination of my existence, toward that dooultimately open to me the ever ancient and ever new d

Now, a month after my ordination, I have alreadand still face many different trials that sometimes think again the decision and action that I have dothoughts and temptations become so strong that I neestronger. Thank God, He is always there to help mestep by step. He gives me courage so that despite themy cross I may go on faithfully. However, in the sh

my ordination I would say that I have already failetimes to live out my priestly promise and ministry. Thcontinues... The ups and downs are always there. Butiently keeps me company. He suffers with me as Idaily cross. Eventually, I hope that as I continue to tway of the cross, I may one day receive the promisedJesus made to his servants... Am I worthy? The quremains. Nobody can answer this... It is only I who canswer and I have to live out that answer. God knowthing. I leave to Him the judgment. The struggle contime and again the grace of God is like a flowing strto refresh me and give me the courage and generosityto the call and love of God the Father, Son and HoPlease pray for me... pray for all the priests! Happy E

Faces and moments of the ordination: the two newly or-dained priests ( on p. 2); the concelebration ( on p. 3); the lay-ing of hands on Fr. Jecker (below); Fr. Mike surrounded byhis friends from San Mateo, Rizal (on p. 5).


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A Message of Thanks from a Young Priestby Michael dR. Sandalo, CRSP

I just cant believe it! Am I just dreaming?! No,it is true PARI NA PO AKO!!

I am now a priest. After almost eleven years of struggles and hard work finally the race is overand a new one has just begun. Looking back at theyears long past, I realize how countless were thetrials and victories, the joys and sorrows, theroller coaster rides of life, even the stress andtensions of doing exams and paper works all Ihave gone through. And one thing is sure, amidstall these experiences God has been always my con-stant Companion the wind beneath my wings,

the oasis in the desert of my soul, my faithfulFriend, my loving Father.Words are not enough to express my humble

gratitude and my utang na loob (debt of grati-tude) to God for His love and goodness. Despite mypoverty and unworthiness, of my sins both greatand small, He has called me to share in thePriestly Ministry. God, indeed, overlooked my sinsand entrusted to me the mission of Jesus, the HighPriest. Who would have known that a poor littlecreature like me would become His instrument of peace and salvation to His people? He did all thisout of His love for me. Truly, I have nothing to

boast and to be very proud of. My vocation topriesthood and religious life are Gods gifts to me,unworthy as I am. And so, I thank God a hundred-fold for these wonderful and great Gifts I have everreceived from Him. Thank you, Lord my God!

God formed me by using certain individuals.They were His instruments to encourage me whenI was down and out; to discipline me during mo-ments of my hard-headedness; to teach me the val-ues that are essential to grow into maturity. Godsent these beautiful people to become my compan-ions in my journey. Indeed, I would never becomethe person I am now without these wonderful peo-ple. And to them I would like to express my sincer-est thanks and appreciation.

To my friends and relatives and most espe-cially, to my family my first catechists and forma-tors who led me to the joy of appreciating life.

To our formators especially Fr. Frank Papa,Fr. Aldo Rizzi, Fr. Mario Gadda and Fr. GiovanniScalese for helping me to understand and savor thebeauty and the mystery of my vocation.

To my confreres for their camaraderie, forthe laughters and jokes we indulged together and

even the fights and the tampuhan blues that en-abled me to recognize my shortcomings and weak-nesses. To Father General, Fr. Giovanni Villa, toour fathers Fr. Enrico Sironi, Fr. Filippo Lovison,Fr. Gabriel Patil, Fr. Giovanni Peragine, Fr. GiulioMariani of PIME and all the fathers I know andcrossed paths, for their Christ-like example inwords and deeds.

To all my friends abroad especially the Fili-pino workers in Italy; to all my Italian friends iragazzi, i bambini e le buone persone, i nostri com-pagni di corso Giovanni e Leonardo e tutti quanti

conosco e con i quali ho fatto amicizia GRAZIE DI CUORE! To all my professors and educators especially

Fr. Robert Christian, O.P., who all accompanied metowards the appreciation of the truth and the mys-teries of our faith.

To all the persons and the children sent byGod who taught me humility, patience and compas-sion.

TO ALL OF YOU,MARAMING SALAMAT PO!!

And as I have said, a new journey has just be-

gun. Please accompany us with your prayers. En-courage us whenever we get disheartened.Strengthen us when we commit mistakes. I amyour priest please remember me and all thepriests in your prayers.

Again, thank you and let us work together inthe Lords vineyard.


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The Saint Paul Scholasticate of the Barnabites inthe Philippines is located in the city of Tagaytay,Province of Cavite. There are, however, quite a lotof people who are not familiar with the fast-growing Tagaytay City. This article is meant tointroduce the city of Tagaytay and to invite every-one to come and visit.

History

A legend tells us that the word Tagaytay comes from the Tagalog words tag meaning abig cut made by a large knife or bolo and ity which means father. The story narrates that afather and a son were said to be in a wild boarhunt when the animal they were chasing turnedto attack them. As the boar charged towards theold man, the son shouted taga itay! which liter-ally means cut with a bolo father . The boys re-peated shouts echoed in the alleys of the ridge.Heard by the residents, hunters and wood gath-erers, the voice became subject of conversation.In time, the place where the shouts came frombecame known as Tagaytay.

During the Philippine revolution of 1896, theridges and forests of Tagaytay became the sanc-tuary for revolutionaries including those from

nearby provinces. Tagaytay became a charteredcity on June 21, 1938 when Philippine PresidentManuel Luis Quezon signed Commonwealth ActNo. 338, a bill authored by RepresentativeJustiano S. Montano of Cavite.

Topography

The City of Tagaytay (Lungsod ng Tagaytay) issituated in the southern part of the province ofCavite, Philippines. It is approximately 55 kilo-meters (34.18 miles) away from Manila, the capi-tal of the Philippines.

Tagaytay lies 120 56 longitude and 14 16latitude. It overlooks Manila Bay on the northand Taal Lake on the south. Tagaytay City issituated on top of Tagaytay ridge, which is 640meters above sea level, the highest point inCavite. The ridge provides a spectacular view ofTaal Lake and Taal Volcano (the smallest vol-cano in the world) in Batangas Province.

Tagaytay Citys climate is characterized byrelatively low temperature, low humidity andabundant rainfall. The city is endowed with acool and invigorating climate with an averagetemperature of 22.7C. Situated approximately600 meters above sea level, the city is misty andis relatively cooler during the months of Decem-ber, January and February. Like most areas inthe Province of Cavite, the city has two pro-nounced seasons: dry from November to Apriland wet during the rest of the year. The climatehas made the city very ideal for get-aways, pic-nics, conferences, country homes and spiritual

retreats. Tagaytay has an average humidity of78% which makes the city cooler than Metro Ma-nila. Northeasterly winds prevail in the city fromOctober to April. Winds come from southwestfrom May to September.

Tagaytay City has vast resources and pos-sesses tremendous potentials for development intourism and agriculture. It is envisioned to be-come a city that is rich and comfortable to live in


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TAGAYTAY: HISTORY, TOPOGRAPHY, LANDMARKSby Roan Cipriano J. Aborque, CRSP


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and visit, with flowers in bloom and fruits alongroadsides, ridges and mountains swathed ingreen, pure and unpolluted air and climate al-ways invigorating.

Landmarks

The city of Tagaytay is a tourist attraction forlocal and foreign visitors. It is an excellent van-tage point of Taal Lake and Volcano . Tagaytayoffers a breathtaking sight of the famous TaalLake a lake within an island within a lake.

Tagaytays playground is the popular PicnicGrove . With thatch huts lining the gentle slopesand a prime location provides the finest view ofthe volcano far below.

Peoples Park in the Sky. An artful blending ofnatural and man-made attractions, poised on thehighest point of Tagaytay City. It stands on a 4,516sq. meters solid ground and overlooks four bodiesof water namely Taal Lake, Balayan Bay, Lagunade Bay and Manila Bay. It is located at DapdapWest and Dapdap East, approximately 6 to 7 kilo-meters away from Silang Crossing (Rotunda).

Tagaytay played a significant role in Philip-pine history. During World War II, Filipino sol-diers found refuge on its vast forests and ridges.It was used as landing site and sanctuary forparatroopers on their way to liberate Manila.The 41st USAFFE (United States Armed Forcesin the Far East) Marker is a place where you willknow more about Tagaytays rich political his-tory. It is located next to the Metro TagaytayCollege of Business and Arts, Kaybagal South,Tagaytay City.

11th Airborne Division Marker. On Febru-ary 03, 1945, the 11th Airborne Division of Lt.Gen. William Kruegers 8th Army airdroppedmilitary supplies and personnel on the TagaytayRidge amidst enemy ground fire. Their missionwas to secure Tagaytay City and guarantee theeasy flow of troops and supplies to Manila, anaction later proved as significant to the liberationof Manila. A marker was made at the SilangCrossing to honor the event.

Japanese Friendship Garden. This 1,200 sq.meter garden was constructed to inculcate the valueof freedom, peace and international unity into thehearts and minds of the people. It is located in frontof Development Academy of the Philippines Con-ference Center, Sungay East, Tagaytay City.

Tagaytay City could be on top of the list ofplaces in the Philippines that offer a cool, cleanand comforting place to live in. It is indeed aplace worth visiting if one needs time for relaxa-tion and family outings. I invite you for an ex-perience of a soothing and relaxing visit.

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The breathtaking view of Taal Volcano (photo: R. Kosek)

The interior of Tagaytay parish church


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Most people think that life in the seminary is B-O-R-I-N-G. My friends are so skeptical whenever Itell them that seminary life is exciting and chal-lenging. They think that the only two things semi-narians do are to pray and to read/study the Bible.With this mindset, they wonder how we are able tolive this kind of lifestyle.

I admit that we pray a lot and read the Bible of-ten. Yet a seminarians life does not only evolvearound these two activities. Spiritual life is part of theseminarians holistic formation. There are other ac-tivities which make life challenging within the four-walls of the seminary. Such activities make one forgetthe call beyond these hallowed walls.

Scholasticate life is an integral and holistic forma-tion. We are not being trained to become mystics or monks. Aside from the spiritual training we are beingmolded to be rational, compassionate and loving,meek and patient individuals. As future priests weneed a compassionate and a loving heart and an in-sightful mind. Our life in the scholasticate is basicallya formation of these qualities and values.

Spiritual Life: Source of the Souls Nourishment

We consider both prayer and reading the Bibleas the souls thirst quencher. Reading the Bibleand other spiritual books are not boring practicesbut consoling and invigorating ones. I never findany books more inspiring than the Bible especiallythe life of Jesus and His parables. Reading the Scrip-tures is a very inspiring and satisfying moment for the soul. It makes the soul healthy. It drives thereaders to realize Gods love and goodness.

Likewise, prayer is the souls thirst quencher.It makes our spiritual life healthy. It is the source

of the souls nourishment similar to reading theBible. It is an integral part of our lifes formation. Ibelieve that a scholastic who does not pray will notpersevere in his vocation and he could be likenedto a plant in a dry land. It withers and dies due tolack of water. Thus, prayer is very essential in our life. In our scholasticate, aside from having timefor ones personal prayer, we also gather thrice aday for the communal prayers: morning prayer con-sists of Meditation, Lauds and Mass; evening prayer is composed of Meditation and Vespers; night

prayer includes examination of conscience andCompline. We believe that a community that praystogether, stays together.

Academic Life: Formation of Conscience

According to Canon Law (can. 1032 1) anecclesiastical degree in Theology is one of the req-uisites for ordination. In some schools it takes threeyears to get a degree while in other schools it takesfour years excluding the Pastoral Formation Year (PFY). To obtain a degree in Theology is not easy.

It takes many long sleepless nights to accomplishpaper works and readings. Some even skip their recreation time or afternoon rest in order to studyor finish research works. Studying Theology re-quires great effort and sacrifice. A scholasticneeds to study hard and exert all his efforts to beprepared academically for his future ministry. Ibelieve that an easy-go-lucky seminarian will be anineffective and idle minister someday. To be agood priest requires a lot of study, knowledge andpersonal assimilation of the doctrines, laws and theliturgy of the Church. Intellectual formation is in-

deed necessary for those who are called to the min-istry of priesthood. We, scholastics, know that it isnot easy. But no matter how difficult it may be, weare determined to finish the race. Discourage-ments do not exist in our vocabulary. We are con-vinced that God provides us the strength to over-come any challenge. We will do our best and Godwill do the rest.

No. 2 iPaul 9 Buhay Seminaryo a Reflection

Scholasticate Life: An Integral and Holistic Formationby Jose Nazareno S. Gabato, CRSP


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Community Life: Formation of the Heart

Living in a religious community with personswith different mentalities, attitudes and experiences

is very challenging. It is not easy to live with peo-ple whom you do not choose to be with. Do expectthat in a religious community, where people havedifferent faces and colors, different behaviours alsoexist. If you can bear the most gruesome featuresdefinitely you can also bear the most gruesome atti-tudes! How? Through patience, understanding,love and forgiveness. However, if you are a personwho easily gets irritated and annoyed, then youhave a limited chance of survival inside the semi-nary. Living in a community with people havingdifferent attitudes and cultures requires great pa-

tience and understanding, love and forgiveness. Ina band of men tensions and conflicts can occur any time. However, it is considered as part andparcel of our community life. If we do not learnpatience and understanding, fist fights and war of words may happen at any time. And in these cir-cumstances, we are being formed to be patient, tounderstand, to forgive our confreres who hurt us.Hence, our hearts are being fashioned according tothe heart of Christ. Indeed, we do not allow hatredto ruin our day.

Apostolate: A Call to Serve We are being formed not only in the seminary.

During weekends we have our apostolic activities,also considered as our pastoral exposure. Justlike the apostles we are sent in pairs (we bringnothing except the guitar and songbook!).

Before, I was anxious and hesitant to have thisweekend apostolate. I was worried what wouldhappen to me and to all of us in our apostolate. Iwas afraid to be assigned in an unwelcoming com-munity. But I realized that it is an important prepa-ration to become future missionaries. We have toprepare ourselves because as religious God maysend us to the missions anytime. Indeed, as St.Paul says, it is the love of Christ that urges uson (2 Cor 5:14) to go serving the poorest of thepoor and to preach about this love that drives usto serve. Therefore, our weekend apostolate, in es-

sence, is a form of service. It is in our apostolatethat we are being trained to become servants to all.As future priest, we are being fashioned to be likeJesus who came not to be served but to serve.We try to inculcate in our hearts and minds thevalue of service because priesthood is a life of ser-vice. We serve not for the sake of helping peoplebut out of LOVE love of God and of our neighbors.

Scholasticate life is a holistic formation. Weare not only being formed spiritually. Rather, weare being trained holistically and that makes our

life exciting, challenging, inspiring and awesome!Like university students and young bachelors, wealso experience difficulties and struggles and allthese make seminary life worth living. Indeed, thelife of a scholastic is totally I-N-S-P-I-R-I-N-G andnot boring at all.

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Moments of community life: liturgical service for the (previous page); outing in Puerto Galera (on the left); the day for Tahanan children on March 14, 2007 (on the top).


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servant of the orphansor the apostle to the orphans. Truly,these titles bear his ardor, enthusiasm and spirit to-wards helping the orphans of the World War I. Hisanimated spirit and his closeness to the children wereclearly manifested in his first assignment in Genoawhere he became the director of St. Alexander SauliClub. As director, he trained them in theatrical artsand other skills beneficial to them, aside from teach-ing religion and sports. This method of approachingthe children is also his way of guiding the orphans.He directed the orphans with gentleness yet withfirmness.

Fr. Semeria was a very prolific writer who wrotea number of books and articles on Theology. How-ever, he was suspected of promoting Modernism inhis written works. His wit and intelligence snatched him to silence and exile but this did not stop him inhelping others. Nicola Raponi reports about the si-lencing of Fr. Semeria: Fr. Semeria had suffered manyhumiliations as he was accused to profess too daringideas and was suspected of heresy. He was forbiddento preach, and, though never formally condemned, hewas forced to leave his own country into exile, rele-gated to a remote community of confreres in Brussels.He remained there until the vigil of World War I.

We are then exhorted, by the works of Fr. Se-meria, to imitate his great acts of love not by estab-lishing orphanages but through habitually perform-ing small acts of kindness towards our neighbor. It isin these small acts of kindness that we bring sunshineto the lives of others. The famous adage indicates:Kindness is Christianity with its working clotheson. It is the kindness in a person that wins our love.Fr. Semeria won the hearts of the people because of his generosity and love to the orphans.

Fr. Semeria lived the following words of MotherTheresa of Calcutta: Let us not be satisfied with justgiving money. Money is not enough, money can begot, but they need your hearts to love them. So spread your love everywhere you go, first of all in your home,give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to

a next-door neighbor.Fr. Semeria died on March 15, 1931 in Sparanise(Caserta). His remains are buried in Istituto PadreSemeria di Monterosso al Mare(La Spezia, Italy). Thediocesan process for the canonization of Fr. Semeriawas started in 1984. We hope that in the years tocome the Church will honor him by enrolling him inthe long list of saints.

Source: Clerics Regular of St. Paul, A Tradition of Holiness andScholarship (Philippines: Marikina, 1998), 59-63.

Bethlehem, PA, February 18, 2007

Dear Friends of Tahanan: The Most Reverend Bishop Luis Antonio G. Tagle, D.D.,Rev. Giovanni Scalese, CRSP, Rector The FMIJ Sisters,The Hospitales Sisters of Mercy,Barnabite Confreres, Saint Paul Scholasticate,Benefactors,Families of the Center and People of Good will:

Please and love of Jesus Christ be with you!

On the 18 th of February 2007 we celebrate the firstanniversary of the blessing of Tahanan Mapag-Aruga ni Padre Semeria in Tagaytay, Philippines. Bishop Luis An-tonio G. Tagle, Bishop of Imus Cavite blessed the work in the presence of God with these words: Fullness of Life is what I pray for you. The Lord has worked greatthings among us. And we have seen His power mani-fested among us! Yes, and so our hearts rejoice withHis Spirit because of all that God was able to accom-plish through us, among us, and for us all throughoutthis whole year: May God be praised for His marvelousdeeds and continue to bless us with His endless love!

I must confess that for me an occasion like thisbecomes an opportunity to reflect upon the unfolding plans of divine presence. Within this divine setting weattempt to unravel and discern Gods desires and actupon them. As I do so I grow ever deeper aware of Gods providential love, and that without it nothing could come to life.

I never expected that my fourteen month long Fili-pino experience would change my soul and heart forevermore. That experience afforded me the opportunity togain more wisdom of heart: to see and hear that theLORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods.

The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens andon the earth, in the seas and all their depths (Ps 135:5-6). And to know as well that all that spiritual insight wasgranted to me by God as pure grace: that neither a nakedeye sees nor an ear can scrutinize it (cf Ps 135:16). Whatkind of reality am I referring to?

Let me clarify this reality by saying that during thattime I became even more assured that: God is love,and he who abides in love abides in God, and Godabides in him (1 Jn 4:16) and more I have growninto a more profound awareness and appreciation of

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Fullness of lifeby Robert B. Kosek, CRSP


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what it means to live out Gods love among the poor of this world, i.e., both spiritual and material. How is itpossible to learn about God and His godly love amidstimmense human poverty and misery? The answer isone: We have come to believe in Gods love. This act of

faith has a lasting impact on all of ones decisions inlife. Thus being Christian is not the result of an ethicalchoice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event,a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisivedirection ( Deus Caritas Est , 1). What was my experienceof Jesus on the Asian road to Emmaus? Where and inwhom did I come to recognize Him?

I saw countless faces of the poor and hungry chil-dren, mothers hands begging for mercy. I heard voicescrying in desperation for mercy, and the Lord was in eachone of them. Yes, it was Jesus in the poor and hungry asking me for food. Yes, it was Jesus whose hands were

begging me for mercy. Yes, it was Jesus voice of despera-tion crying for mercy from me. It was Him indeed!The Lord has identified himself with them in a

special way (cf Mt 25:40). This love excludes no one,but simply embodies a priority of service to which thewhole Christian tradition bears witness. This love of preference for the poor, and the decisions which it in-spires in us, cannot but embrace the immense multi-tudes of the hungry, the needy, the homeless, thosewithout medical care and, above all, those without hopeof a better future. It is impossible not to take accountof the existence of these realities. To ignore themwould mean becoming like the rich man who pre-tended not to know the beggar Lazarus lying at his gate(cf Lk 16:19-31) ( Ecclesia in Asia , 34). However thestory does not end here. The Lord did not want me towalk alone, or to be overwhelmed by the work to bedone. He desired to send my way a lot of His goodfriends to ease the burden of the call, and so He didindeed. Without these friends, and their generosity of heart, it would not have been possible to accomplishGods desire Tahanan Mapag-Aruga ni Padre Semeria .

How can I repay the Lord for all the good done for me? (Ps 116:12) On this day, the first anniversary of theblessing of Tahanan Mapag-Aruga ni Padre Semeria,I want

to give thanks to God for each one of you individually.For indeed I consider to be truly blessed by God forsending you into my life. I am grateful to God for send-ing into my life: Bishop Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Rev.Giovanni Scalese, CRSP, Religious Sisters from theCongregations of the FMIJ and the Hospitals Sisters of Mercy, Barnabite Confreres, Seminarians, and variousBenefactors from the Philippines and abroad. Togetherwe were able to make a brighter future to 8 children by sending them to elementary school, to 3 youth by send-ing them to high school, and to 2 young adults by send-

ing them to college. Moreover, there are on-going edu-cational programs for children and mothers, as well as alivelihood program conducted by the Barnabite Semi-narians. Thank you again for making Gods love a tan-gible reality for so many brothers and sisters living amid

hopelessness and misery. The next time we pray Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it isheaven, we can wholeheartedly believe in the fulfill-ment of that promise.

So let us entrust all the families we help and all thegood Samaritans to the motherly love of Mary:O Holy Mary, Daughter of the Most High God,Virgin Mother of the Savior and Mother of us all,look tenderly upon the Church of your Son planted on Asian soil.Be her guide and model as she continues your Sons mission

of love and service in Asia.()O Mary, Mother of the New Creation and Mother of Asia, pray for us, your children, now and always! ( Ecclesia in Asia , 51)

Your Brother in Christ,Fr. Robert B. Kosek, CRSP, Ph.D.

No. 2 iPaul 13

The rainbow appeared above our house on the eve of its inNovember 9, 2005 (Photo: R. Kosek)


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Before our seminary was constructedhere in Tagaytay, there were many religiouscongregations already present in the area. InPurok 92 (but in the same road: once it wascalled SMSK Road), Barangay San Jose,Tagaytay, we can find our nearest kapit-bahay , neighbors: the Merciful Sisters.They came to the Philippines in 1986 andestablished themselves in Tagaytay City in1996. Their convent is approximately twenty-five meters away from our scholasti-cate house. Everyday our fathers celebrateMass for them.

The congregation of the Merciful Sisterswas founded by Mother Francesca Sem-porini and Fr. Achille Fosco, OFMConv onMay 07, 1947 in Rionero Atella, Potenza, It-aly. The charism of the congregation is re-flected on their name: works of mercy. Theirapostolic works include: parish activities,teaching in schools, working in orphanagesand retreat houses and teaching catechism.

The Merciful Sisters has three houses inthe Philippines: the Mother of Mercy Spiri-tual Center (Tagaytay) which is both a re-treat house and the novitiate house; they have an orphanage in Malabag, Silang,Cavite; and the other house is in Quezon

City, Metro Manila. They also have religiouscommunities in Tanzania (Africa) and in It-aly. To date, there are about eighty sisters intheir congregation including thirty-two pro-fessed Filipina sisters (both in perpetual andtemporary vows). Their Mother General isRev. Mo. Valeria Dema who resides in their

motherhouse in Italy. Their Mother Delegatehere in the Philippines is Mo. Paula Advin-cula, who is based here in Tagaytay andserves as both mother superior and novicemistress.

The Sisters also do medical missions withthe cooperation of their friend doctors andnurses. They give free medicines to poorfamilies living nearby and feed some poorchildren. Their orphanage in Silang, Cavite,which was established last year, is open to

shelter poor and orphaned children.The presence of the Merciful Sisters is abig help to the people of Tagaytay City. Intheir simple and humble life, they serve asliving witnesses of Gods love for the poorand orphans.

No. 2 iPaul 14 Our Nearest Kapit-bahay

the Merciful Sistersby Clyd S. Autentico, CRSP

The community of the Merciful Sisters with their Mother Gthe left). On March 31, 2007 two of the novices made theirsion. Above, the faade of Mother of Mercy Spiritual Cen


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I remember one summer when I had gone home for aslight vacation. My family had recently received a dog. PartBlack Labrador Retriever and part Collie. They had calledthe dog Lady. During those two weeks that I was home Iwould feed Lady, give her treats when she obeyed and didwell, play with her, and give her a lot of petting. Ladywould lie down alongside my bed at night and her neck orback would be under my hand which hung over the side of the bed. If I moved my arm she would start to whine andcry until she had the security of my hand.

When the two weeks came to an end it was hard to saygood-bye to Lady; but, since my assignment was only about

90 minutes away by car, I knew I would be seeing her onoccasional visits. Unfortunately my family did not treat heras well and often ignored her during the day.

About every six weeks I would get a weekend off and Iwould normally go home for those few days. When I wouldcome through the door Lady would get all excited and jumpup on me and just go crazy. I would pet her and play for awhile as I talked with the family over a cup of coffee. AgainI would give her treats and feed her and again she wouldsleep alongside my bed under my arm. She was now biggerand she would actually push my arm so it would hang overthe side of the bed.

Most people said that she responded to me in that waybecause I had nurtured her as a young pup. Feeding her,teaching her, and petting her produced loyalty, trust, obe-dience, and affection.

People need physical and emotional nurturing or feed-ing just like Lady. This nurturing develops into an influenceupon another. My nurturing of Lady influenced her to re-spond to me with loyalty, obedience, and trust. To influ-ence does not denote authority. John Knox has said thatone cannot antagonize and influence at the same time;unless maybe it does so in a reverse, kind of negative, man-ner.

A mother takes care of a child at all times. The motherwill communicate positive feelings and concern for thechild. But a mother is also one who prepares her child forwhen the child must be on its own. Therefore, how muchone nurtures and becomes independent says how much oneinfluences.

In the field of education teachers may be unaware of how much they are capable of influencing their students. Inmy copy of the 1983 yearbook, one of the graduates, onewhom I had never taught in the classroom, wrote that hewould never forget the lessons I gave him. I questioned him

about that. He said that he just saw how I interacted withstudents, faculty, and staff. He mentioned that he alwaysheard a supportive word coming from my lips. As a teacherI influenced someone with some great lessons, and theynever took place in the classroom. And by the way, as hecame off the stage with his diploma in hand, gave me a hug,and said thanks. Albert Schweitzer says it best: Exampleis not the main thing in influencing others it is the onlything.

One of the most important aspects in all this is that youand your actions are to remain consistent. Lady learned todo things correctly and well because I would consistently

give her a treat when she did them correctly and well. If Ihad sometimes given her a treat when she did well and alsowhen she did badly, she would have been confused and nothave learned. It is like the experiment with Pavlovs dogs.They learned that when the bell would ring they would begiven food. Some psychologists would call that condition-ing. Maybe so; but it is the consistency that influences andeffects the dogs as well.

Because of your consistency, others will also grow intoa sense of being secure with you. That sense of security addsto the nurturing process as it produces trust. The words of St. John Chrysostom come to mind when he said: Men willnot attend to what we say, but examine into what we do.Our actions need to be consistent with our words or elsethey will not be believed because our actions speak louderthan our words. Our consistency is the real teacher here asit is the influencing factor.

With nurturing also comes respect. Respect can bedefined as the recognition of the good in others. This typeof respect will give one a sense of security because no mat-ter what you do, the ones in your charge will know that youwill have only their good in mind.

A good friend of mine would always tell her childrenAnd remember that I love you at the end of any type of reprimand or punishment given. I asked her why she didthat. Patti said that it was because she wanted to teach herchildren that loving sometimes requires correction and in apunitive manner. This way her children would always knowthat what she is doing is only out of love for them.

Another component of nurturing in dealing with re-spect of others is to give recognition and appreciation toothers. We have a saying in North America to give creditwhere credit is due. When someone receives recognitionor appreciation it makes them stand proud and tall. Why?


NURTURINGby Anonymous Barnabite

No. 2 iPaul 15


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Because it validates not only their actions but also who theyare as a person as well.

There was once an incident that took place in a semi-nary. Someone had left the faucet running and the waterwas overflowing from the sink on to the floor, leaving anice sized puddle of water. One of the novices shut the fau-cet off, let the water in the sink go down the drain and be-gan to mop up the water on the floor. One of the priestscame in followed by other seminarians. The priest askedwhat he was doing. The novice told him what had happenedand how he was now mopping up the floor. His response tothe novice was: Good, maybe you will loose a littleweight. The novice most likely was expecting him to atleast say Thank you. He felt that no matter what he did,good or bad, people always would see negative about him.It made the novice start to think only negative things about

himself. He did not think he would be good enough to evertake vows and be a good religious priest. He left the semi-nary and a year later his car hit a cement wall and he wasinstantly killed. The police said it was an accident because of the curve on the road. Those of us who knew of this storycame to another conclusion.

There is this story about a middle-aged plus Sister of Mercy, Sister Mary Kathleen, who was teaching 5th grade inSt. Johns parish school. She found that the students did notcooperate well and at times were actually rude to eachother. So she decided to give them an assignment. The nextday she gave them a list with the name of each person in her

class. She told the students that they are to write down nextto the persons name one good thing about that person. Thestudents mumbled at first but soon were about the task.Heads would pop up as they looked around at the studentsand then busily begin to write down a positive quality. Shecollected the papers and that night made a list of all the re-spective good qualities under each students name. Thenext day she distributed the list to her students. Smileswould show up on their faces. You could even hear a fewsaying: Wow, thats nice. The students began to have achange about them and learned to work well together.

In the years to come Sister Mary Kathleen had forgot-

ten about her little experiment. About 20 years later it wastoward the end of the Vietnam War. That morning, as Sis-ter was reading the morning paper, she looked at the obitu-ary page. She read the name of a 30 year old Marine lieu-tenant who had been killed in action. She recognized thename as one of her students. That night she went to thefuneral home to pay her respects and to offer some prayers.The parents approached the nun and asked her if she hadtaught Grade 5 at St. Johns parish school about 30 yearsprior. She told them she had. The parents said: Sister, weneed to show you something. This is our sons wallet. In-

(Continued from page 15) side, under all his identification, is this yellow aged andfolded sheet of paper. It states his name at top and thengives a list of all his good points. Sister was amazed as sheput her hand to her mouth. The parents continued, Ourson never forgot this paper. He took it out whenever hewas feeling bad. And during his days of fighting he took itout and read it many times.

A young woman had overheard and approached thethree of them. Excuse me, Sister Mary Kathleen, but I keepmine in my purse at all times. Here it is. It reminds me toalways have a nice word to say about others. A distinguishedyoung man then came up and took his list out of his wallet.He said that through his divorce and the loss of his business,this list was the only thing that had kept him from commit-ting suicide. Soon about 20 to 25 classmates of the Marineproduced their list, each with a story to tell.

I recall the time when I was taking my education

courses at Fordham University in order to become ateacher. One of the professors told us that whenever stu-dents are answering a question, always look for somethingpositive about their answer. So, a teacher may say: Youretouching on it but that is not quite the full answer. But whatyou said is good. This will never leave them with a sense of failure which No, youre wrong, does. Encouragement isthe key that opens the door for one to reach their fullestpotential. There was a teacher who was part of the crew of astronauts in the 1980s for the spaceshipChallenger whichexploded a few minutes after lift-off. She had been quotedas saying: I touch the future. I am a teacher.

As human beings and as Christians we have times of questioning and doubts, especially of our own capabilities.Those are the times when we need the most encouragementfrom others. When things seem to be the darkest that iswhen we need to be encouraged. With encouragement topersevere the snail was able to reach Noahs Ark as well. Itis that encouragement that nurtures us into becoming theblossom that God created us to become. We must remem-ber that encouragement brings about perseverance. Perse-verance develops into the virtue of patience which St. Fran-cis de Sales says is the one which most assures us of perfec-tion. For as St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria says: Patience will

produce an abundance of fruits of charity. But all this ispart of our nurturing process to become that which Godwants us to be.

Nurturing is important for all types of growth. Vegeta-tion, Children, Bishops, Laity, Christians. Our nurturingnever comes to a completion. The most important elementthough is that we have good nurturers. For a bad tree can-not bear good fruit. (Mt 7:18) Let us be mindful of this inall that we meet and in all in our charge. Remember, a nur-turing word can produce deeper roots more than any aca-demic lesson.

No. 2 iPaul 16


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Our modern society is characterized by a decline of values and instability of community building. Selfish-ness, social conflicts, drug addiction and alcoholic de-pendence among the youth, misunderstanding amongfamily members due to overwhelming pride, hatredand jealousy are the marks of the 21 st century humansociety. What is essential and valuable is what one getson his own. Instead of doing things for the good of thecommunity, people do the opposite, that is, thinkingfor ones own benefits. As a result, conflicts and dis-putes prevail in the family and in the society as awhole. In his letter St. James says, Where jealousy andselfish ambition exist, there are disorder and every foul prac-tice. (3:16) As a result, a peaceful community is neverrealized. This is the reality of our present society andsadly, this is also the situation of many religious com-munities. How can a person restore his true identity asa creature made according to Gods own image andlikeness? What is kenosis and how can it help a personsearch for its real self?

The core message is SELF-EMPTYING Kenosis. Iremember my college thesis on Simone Weil whocoined the term self-decreation which has the same

meaning as kenosis. A Christian philosopher, she ar-gues that in order to be in communion with God, onehas to destroy the self; one has to purify the self whichis inclined to sin and therefore to detach from theworldly anxieties and comforts. Is it easy? A persontherefore who undergoes kenosis abandons the self forChrists sake and neighbor. Every single day poses achallenge to place oneself subordinate to Christ, in-deed, a total abandonment of ones will and intellect.When we discard our self-possessed gods, God comesin. Courage and great love are needed to do that! St.

Anthony Mary urges us in his Sermon IV,

the hateof possessions, of money, of what can be seen, indeed the hateof yourself. See what great love is required from us, a lovewhich could be nothing else but the love of God And howhappy the good ones will be, as they find themselves detachfrom everything. Having lost the self, they have everything inGod and others .

It is disheartening to see how money has becomethe controlling factor and the final denominator in ourworld today. It is hard to talk about the BREAD OFLIFE in a world that only seeks for material bread. A

funny story was told by Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD, It is likea story of a 2-year old boy who swallowed a one-pesocoin. The mother turned him upside down and sharply hit his back, and the child coughed up two 10-pesocoins! What did she do next? She fed him more one-peso coins so that more 10-peso coins would come out!

Kenosis is to empty the self, to let go and let Godhold you and make you his possession. In essence, itmeans to be possessed by God and letting go of thingsthat hinder one to have God as ones desired posses-sion. One of my experiences illustrates this. Beside our

house, there was a mango tree. Attracted by the savory appearance of its fruits, I climbed to get some and soto enjoy it myself and shared it with others. I got abunch of it, but suddenly my left foot slipped off fromone of the trunks. I was in danger of falling down andmy only choice was to throw away the fruits so that Icould hold on to another trunk. I threw the mangoesand clutched tightly at another trunk and so I savedmyself.

In other words, there are times when we really need to let go of our own selfish desires so that thelove and grace of God may enter into our hearts. The

Lord challenges us to let go of our precious littleworld in order that we can hold on to the only branch of Life JESUS CHRIST.

Deep within us we often fear our shadows theshadows of our tepidity, self-righteousness and many other self-constructed false images of ourselves. TheLenten journey is a reminder of ones own search forthe real self. This too, is kenosis. In dying to self, weidentify ourselves to Christ and so we become aware of who we are in God. We have to face the shadows of our falsehood to be able to live freely with others andin peace with ourselves and with God. Of course, thesecan only be done with divine help and the grace of Jesus.

May our observance of Lent resound the radianceof Gods goodness and love towards the glory of Easterwith Jesus Christ resurrected. He is the only one whogives us hope and meaning in life. May we observe thisseason not with feeding up our mouths with morecoins, not clinging and holding fast to our small godsbut with the authentic dying to self. HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!

No. 2 iPaul 17 Paschal Meditation 1

Kenosis: A Lenten Message of Dying to Selfby Jonathan G. Ramoso, CRSP


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No. 2 iPaul 18 Paschal Meditation 2

gazing AT THE CROSSby Arvin A. Dagalea, CRSP

Every year we remind ourselves of thegreat deeds that Jesus has done for us. Doing the Stations of the Cross, for instance, is a way to reminisce the saving acts of Jesus. But havewe ever tried to gaze at the cross meditatively and see the message behind it: why Jesus, theSon of God, was crucified? I guess every Chris- tian knows why the only begotten Son of theFather is there hanging on the cross. The fact is that through the cross he redeemed us fromthe slavery of sins and brought us back to theFather. Once we were lost and walked in the

darkness that kept us blind to the truth and to the reality of Gods love.Gazing at the cross makes me ponder of

how great is the Love of the Father for humanity that He even sent His Son to die on that wooden tree. And because of this Love, the history of humanity has changed. The bruised,bloodied body of that person hanging on thecross, who gave his very own life for us, has restored us to life.

For many, the cross symbolizes shame, suffering, and victory. Sometimes we complain of our experiences of shame and sufferings. But we have to bear in mind that we become authentic human beings through suffering. Weare purified by experiencing sufferings. It is through suffering that we learn. Suffering would not be painful if we accept it willingly,uniting it with the suffering of our Lord Jesus.This season of Lent invites to gaze at the cross to reflect on its real message that led humanity to see the light.

But we are not just invited to do so in this season of Lent. We are invited everyday to meditate on Gods love realized on the cross, to

live it especially during moments of struggles for a better life, that is, a life centered onChrist.

I am inviting you to fix your gaze intently to that person hanging on the cross, that person is the only Son of the Father, who is very willing to die for us again and again just to lead us back on the right path toward the Fa- ther. We must not only gaze at that woodencross but rather we must seal it into our minds

and hearts that there is this Jesus who emptied Himself for our very own salvation. Let us gazeat the wooden cross with a change of heart.

If we want to follow Jesus in the way of per- fection, then we need to carry our own crosses in our own little way. We must always remember that this is the only way that leads to life.And when at times the road becomes roughand the challenges are too hard to bear, set your gaze at that cross. Moreover, if we only place Jesus at the center of our being, surely no matter how strong the storm tosses our life we

shall be able to keep our ships sailing, confident on Gods unfailing providence.We must not forget that the cross is the

source of our strength. Being a Christian, this is the only major source of our sustenancewhen we rise and fall, of our joys and tears, of happiness and sadness, and most of all, in our losses and victories


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No. 2 iPaul 20

Paschal Meditation 4 sa ItalyanoIl tempo della grazia

by Joselito A. Santos, CRSP

Il tempo della grazia di nuovo arrivato!,diceva il predicatore rivolgendosi a un gruppo chestava facendo gli esercizi spirituali. Le sue paroleerano cos convincenti che, subito dopo lameditazione, quasi tutti si accostarono al sacramentodella riconciliazione. Ma mi sono chiesto se davverosolo il tempo quaresimale possa essere considerato

come il tempo della grazia. Credo che tutto lannomeriti di essere chiamato allo stesso modo.Il grande dono di amore da parte di Dio nella

passione, morte e risurrezione del suo Figlio dilettoha causato la nostra salvezza. Salvezza che generagioia non solo in un momento dellanno, ma in ognigiorno dellesistenza delluomo. Cos dovrebbe essere,ma non lo . Il sacrificio del Signore non dice pimolto. Quasi quasi stato ridotto a una celebrazioneliturgica, una piccola sveglia per la fede, ma poi,subito dopo, luomo continua a voltare le spalle alSignore.

stata molto sanguionosa la prima settimanasanta. Questo sacrificio perfetto dellamore di Dioalluomo creato unico e irripetibile. Ma Cristocontinua a donare il suo corpo e il suo sangue ognivolta che celebriamo lEucaristia. E per questo nonsolo nel tempo di Quaresima uno deve ricordarsi dellapassione, morte e risurrezione di Ges. Cristo si dona

continuamente nellEucaristia in ogni giorno dellanostra vita. Da parte sua si tratt di unoffertasanguinosa. Ma egli vuole che anche noi facciamo lanostra parte. Anche in questo caso dovrebbe esserciun versamento di sangue: una conversione, unapurificazione delle nostre relazioni umane, un nuovomodo di vedere le cose, un cambiamento duraturo eautentico. Tutto comincia con un cuore umile epentito.

The Poets Corner

Lend Me a Handby Cirilo B. Coniendo, CRSP

My dear Lord,I meekly come before you,asking for forgiveness.I turned away from you many times.I disregarded you and abandoned you.Yet, you did not turn away from me.You stayed with me.Thank you Lord Jesus.I promise to change my ways.

Forgive all my failures and sins.Forgive my indifference,my selfishness,and my uncharitable attitude.Forgive my cravingfor material things

and my extravagant lifestyle.Forgive my desirefor attention and acclaim.Forgive my insinceritiesand unfulfilled vow.

O dear Lord,Lend me a hand,that my lifestyle may be simple;Lend me a hand,that my words may be sincere;

Lend me a hand,that my actions may be righteous.Lend me a hand,that I may do justice to your gifts,my talents, my achievementsand my very life.


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The preacher is the messenger of Gods love to the peo-ple. He tries to explain the Scripture and its meaning to thepeople. He preaches about Jesus Christ. In these situations,he must be a good preacher not a poor one. And in hispreaching of the Word of God he must be like a huntersgun, that is, he must have the ability to shoot the hearts of the people through good homilies.

The preacher must avoid poor preaching. Fr. Lino Nica-sio, SVD, our professor in the Theology and Spirituality of Preaching at the Divine Word School of Theology (DWST),gives the reasons why there is poor preaching: The preacherlacks a clear understanding of preaching; he fails to under-stand preaching as communication; he does not prepare hishomilies well; and he does not evaluate his homilies. In thisregard, Vatican II stresses the importance of preaching: The

ministry of preaching is to be fulfilled with exactitude andfidelity. The sermon, moreover, should draw its contentmainly from scriptural and liturgical sources. Its charactershould be that of a proclamation of Gods wonderful worksin the history of salvation, that is, the mystery of Christ,which is ever made present and active within us, especiallyin the celebration of the liturgy. ( Sacrosanctum Concilium ,#35).

Hence, the preacher must do his best in order to under-stand that preaching is first and foremost Gods work en-trusted to and accomplished by man. In this case, thepreacher must always bear in mind that when he preaches,he owes it to God, to His Word, and to His people. So an un-prepared homily is a disaster, but a well-prepared one is ablessing.

Fr. Lino explains further, the preacher tries to bringabout a personal encounter between God and the souls of hishearers. He seeks to lead every man to a place where he mustmeet God face to face and can find no way of evasion, noescape from the impact of God upon his mind and heart andconscience ... the true preacher seeks to do one thing, andone thing only to put himself in the hands of God that Godmay bring about the personal encounter through him. Fur-thermore, the preacher must hear the cry of the people whoask for a good homily, a better homily that makes them re-member and reflect upon and with the grace of God may actupon.

Fr. Lino continues, the preacher can improve hispreaching and thus become a more effective and a morepowerful preacher. In truth, the preacher has no choice: hehas to be a forceful, convincing preacher. For ministers of the Word, good preaching is not optional; it is obligatory ...We must consider practical ways and means to prepare effec-tive homilies. We must see the need to understand preachingas communication. Understanding preaching as such helpsthe preacher prepare homilies with care, keeping in mindthat the homily is primarily for his listeners, and thatpreaching is his service to the people of God. Moreover, wemust also consider the need to evaluate our homilies con-stantly, both content-wise and delivery-wise, so as to presenthomilies that sparkle, inspire, convince, and thus help theaudience. Effective preaching, we concluded, happens whenthe preacher, by the grace of God and his own efforts, be-comes alive, dynamic, and enthusiastic about Jesus Christ,the Divine Word. The world needs mighty preachers. Go, andwith Gods blessing, be one!

No. 2 iPaul 21

BE A GOOD PREACHERby Yohanes B. Koten, CRSP

NEWS, EVENTS, AT IBA PAby Marlon B. Ramirez, Pat M. Golis,

Jonathan G. Ramoso & C.

Father Generals Visit

Last February 15, the Superior General of theBarnabite Fathers, the Most Reverend Father Gio-vanni Villa came to Saint Paul Scholasticate to takepart in the Priestly Ordination of deacons JeckerLuego and Michael Sandalo. Fr. Villa was accompa-nied by Fr. Mario Gadda, former superior/rector of the defunct Seminario Teologico Internazionale inRome, Italy, and for some years formator of the or-

dinandi. It was also his first time to visit the Philip-pines. One of the purposes of Father Generals visitwas to meet the members of the Philippine Delega-tion of the Order. It was also his first time to visitthe Scholasticate since its transfer to its new place.It was a great opportunity for him to meet andknow the Filipino professed students of the Scholas-ticate community.

A general assembly of the Philippine Delegationwas also held on February 19 at Saint Anthony Ma.Zaccaria Seminary in Marikina City. Together with

Fr. Villa, the fifteen solemn professed and priests of the Delegation discussed some plans and strategiesto become a pro-province.

Fr. Villa and Fr. Gadda left for Rome in themorning of February 21 concluding their week-longvisit in the Philippines.

Father General with Father Papa and our Rector


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25 th Anniversary of Bishop TaglesPresbyteral Ordination

Last February 27, 2007 the religious communityof Saint Paul Scholasticate took part in the 25 th an-niversary of the presbyteral ordination of the Bishopof Imus, His Excellency Most Reverend Luis AntonioG. Tagle, D.D. A concelebrated Mass presided byBishop Tagle was held at the Imus Cathedral. Thebishops from the neighboring dioceses also concele-brated: Bishop Deogracias Iiquez (Caloocan),Bishop Antonio Tobias (Novaliches), BishopTeodoro Bacani, Jr. (Emeritus of Novaliches),Archbishop Ramon Arguelles (Lipa), Bishop Fran-

cisco San Diego (Pasig), Bishop Manuel Sobrevias(Emeritus of Imus), and Manila Archbishop, HisEminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales. Priests fromvarious religious congregations and the clergy of theDiocese likewise concelebrated including our veryown Frs. Giovanni Scalese, Joselito Santos, JeckerLuego and Michael Sandalo. The cathedral waspacked with the religious and the faithful of theDiocese of Imus. Also present were the parents of Bishop Tagle, his relatives and friends, former Phil-ippine president Corazon Aquino, Senator Richard

Gordon and many other political and religious per-sonalities who all joined Bishop Tagle in thankingthe Lord for the gift of the priesthood. The Eucha-ristic celebration started at half past two in the af-ternoon. Cardinal Rosales delivered an inspiringhomily.

Part also of the celebration were the diocesanday for consecrated life, the death anniversary of the second Bishop of Imus, the late Bishop FelixPerez and the launching of the Parish PastoralCouncil for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), a parish-

based movement organized by the Catholic BishopsConference of the Philippines (CBCP) which aimsto safeguard and secure an honest and peaceful na-tional elections on May 14, 2007.

Before the Mass ended, Bishop Tagle shared tothe faithful his vocation-experience starting from hisseminary entrance examination up to his episcopalconsecration. He jokingly uttered, God is a greatjoker. At the end of his vocation story, he jubi-

lantly said, Amidst the experiences of trepidation,God turns them into experiences of fascination!

After the Mass, a simple but well-preparedsnack was served. The clergy orchestra of theDiocese performed a variety of religious songs inFilipino, which added more joy throughout the oc-casion.

From the religious community of Saint PaulScholasticate: Ad multos annos, Bishop Chito!

Fr. Papas next mission: India

Fr. Frank Papa, CRSP, the delegate superior of the Philippine Delegation, spent a week in Banga-lore, India from February 25 to March 4 to see the

possibility of extending the roots of the Congrega-tion in the aforementioned South Asian nation. Hewas welcomed and given accommodation by theDaughters of Divine Providence (whose founder isthe Barnabite Fr. Tommaso Manini). He stayed atthe sisters convent throughout his week-longexploratory visit.

On February 26, Fr. Frank visited the houses andthe communities of the religious congregations al-


No. 2 iPaul 22

Bangalore, in the Indian State of Karnataka


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ready present in the area. The next day he met theArchbishop of Bangalore, the Most Reverend Ber-nard Moras. Fr. Frank presented to the bishop theofficial request of the Barnabites to be accepted in

the Archdiocese of Bangalore. Bishop Moras gladlyand willingly accepted the petition and explainedthe archdiocesan policies for religious orders presentin his jurisdiction. A condition was also set: theestablishment of a religious house outside the met-ropolitan area because there are already sixty-fourmale and one hundred and twenty-five female reli-gious congregations concentrated in the denselypopulated city. A religious house in the metropoli-tan area could be opened only on condition thatan apostolic activity is present in another zone of

the archdiocese. Bishop Moras also gave a list of areas which need evangelization. After the meeting,Fr. Frank and Archbishop Moras had their lunch inanother convent of the Daughters of Divine Provi-dence.

Fr. Frank went to Hoskote district to inquireabout the possibility of purchasing a tract of landwhere the future seminary could be built. The placeis approximately twelve kilometers away from theKristu Jyoti College, Institute of Philosophy andTheology of the Salesian Fathers. There is also a

possibility of renting a house within the campus of the aforesaid school. The house can accommodateten students. Thus, it could become the first stepfor the establishment of a new seminary and reli-gious community. Now, three to seven applicantsare expected to join the Order, hence, the pioneeraspirants/seminarians of the new Barnabite mission.Fr. Frank was asked regarding the person designatedto start the mission. He answered, Myself. Afterworking in the Philippines for eighteen years andcultivating the seed of the Order of the ClericsRegular of St. Paul in the Philippine Archipelago, Fr.Frank Papa is off for another mission. He is sched-uled to leave for India in May. Fr. Frank, you mayrest assured of our prayers for you and God blessyou!

Novelties in our chapels

Our Sagrado Corazon Chapel has been recentlyenriched with a new altar, which substitutes theprevious one, a little roughly done. The new wooden altar, made by our carpenter kuya Rey, dis-plays on the front as antependium (= frontal) a col-ourful high-relief representing the Last Supper,manufactured by the carpentry of the Focolare movement.

Kuya Rey has also prepared the new showcasefor the statue of Our Lady of Fatima in her open-airshrine. It was necessary because up to now the sa-cred image stood on a small pillar, exposed to theelements.

Finally our chapel has two new residents: awooden statue of Santo Nio (according to the pat-tern of the Infant Jesus of Prague), whose devotionis widespread in the Philippines, and a fiber-glassSan Jose Obrero, patron saint of our barangay . Theywill soon move to Fatima Shrine, so that thewhole Holy Family may be reunited!

No. 2 iPaul 23

Above: the new altar Below: Santo Nio and San Jose Obrero

On next page: the new showcase for O. L. of Fatima


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No. 2 iPaul 24

Community Outing in Puerto Galera

Last December 28-29, 2006, the Saint PaulScholasticate community set out for the much-awaited community outing, this time, at the whitesand and blue waters of Puerto Galera in MindoroOriental, southwest of Manila.

With much excitement, the scholastics hit theroad at exactly five oclock in the morning of De-cember 28 on the way to the Batangas Port. Frs.Joselito and Cirilo also joined while Fr. Giovannistayed home due to a scheduled recollection. Arriv-ing at the port, they boarded a ship bound to Min-

doro Island. The ship arrived at Puerto Galera Islandafter 1 hour of sailing on the waters of BatangasStrait. The scholastics stayed in a rented three-roomhouse. It was an occasion for them to unwind andto have a break from school and seminary activities.But most of all, it was another opportunity for themto strengthen camaraderie and community life. Theyarrived back home in the evening of December 29,relaxed and thankful to God for a pleasurable andsafe community outing.

Salamat sa Diyos!Thanksgiving Mass of Fr. Mike

The Saint Paul Scholasticate community at-tended the thanksgiving Mass of the newly or-dained priest Fr. Michael Ma. Sandalo, CRSP lastFebruary 24 at the Diocesan Shrine-Parish of Nues-tra Seora de Aranzazu in San Mateo, Rizal, East of Manila. The event also coincided with the birthdayof Fr. Mikes elder sister. The Holy Mass started at 6oclock in the evening, presided by Fr. Mike togetherwith his ten fellow Barnabite priests including hisfellow newly ordained Fr. Jecker Luego. The novicesof St. Alexander Sauli Novitiate, the members of St.Anthony Ma. Zaccaria Seminary Choir, the AngelicSisters of St. Paul, the Little Workers of the SacredHeart and some members of the Laity of St. Paulwere all present. The church was filled with parish-ioners, relatives and friends of Fr. Mike, who alljoined him in joyful thanksgiving for the grace of priesthood. Fr. Jimmy Anastacio, another Barnabitefrom the same parish, delivered a touching homilywhich dealt with the true identity of the priest-religious: poor, chaste and obedient. Fr. Mikethanked all those who accompanied him through-out his seminary formation and, of course, thosewho contributed in making his thanksgiving Mass ameaningful and special event. The Mass was cele-brated with a joyful ambience. After the Mass, thetraditional kissing of the hands of the new priestwas done.

Following after the Mass was a well-preparedsupper at the third floor of the Nuestra Seora deAranzazu Parochial School (whose Fr. Mike is analumnus), located next to the church building. Theparish youth ministry and the altar boys organized a

short program. People who know Fr. Mike gave theirheart-warming messages. A power-point presenta-tion about Fr. Mikes childhood years up to hispriestly ordination was also shown. The programended at exactly 9 oclock in the evening.

It was indeed a very memorable day for Fr.Mike, for his family and for the whole parish com-munity. Fr. Mike is scheduled to participate at thethanksgiving Mass of Fr. Jecker on April 15 at St.Isidore Parish, St. Bernard, Southern Leyte.


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No. 2 iPaul 25

Complimenti per lottimo inizio del nuovo informativoiPaul. Tanti auguri per il nuovo anno e buon lavoro atutta la comunit. Un ricordo nella preghiera.Rt. Rev. Fr. Giovanni Villa, Superior GeneralRoma, [email protected]

Complimenti vivissimi per questo notiziario delloStudentato S. Paolo di Tagaytay. La pulizia grafica stupefacente: la scelta dei caratteri, la distribuzione deivuoti e dei pieni, i piccoli boxes, tutto appaga il sensoestetico e facilita la lettura.

Fr. Giuseppe Cagnetta, General TreasurerRoma, [email protected]

Congratulations on your latest creation,iPaul. I likeit very much and I took the liberty to post it on theinternet at our website. If you object to my action,please, let me know and Ill sendiPaulto the RecycleBin. I dont think Paul would like to be... dumped. AHappy and Spiritually Rich New Year.Fr. Gabe Patil, Provincial Superior

North American ProvinceLewiston, NY, [email protected]

Che piacere ricevere la Vostra nuova rivista! E chepiacere leggerla, non senza qualche difficolt anche pernoi, vecchi italiani monoglotti!iPaul?Anche in italianosi possono tentare tante interpretazioni: incontro,insieme, invece... Grazie di avermi ricordato e, inattesa del nuovo numero, buon anno, buon lavoro euna preghiera con il cuore.

Mr. Stefano Silvagni, ChairmanLaity of St. PaulBologna, [email protected]

Rallegramenti periPaul!Teniamoci vicini anche selontani.Fr. Antonio GentiliEupilio, Como, [email protected]

Complimenti per il nuovo giornalino. Auguri e buonlavoro! Fraternamente in Cristo, un saluto da Varsaviaa tutti Voi.Fr. Bogdan Horonde skiWarszawa, [email protected]

Thank you very much, dear brothers. Merry Christmasand happy new year to you. I wish all the best youneed for your holiness in this year 2007.Fr. Toussaint BulamboBirava, Kivu, Dem. Rep. of Congo

[email protected]

Complimenti ragazzi!!! Ci metter un po a leggeretutto questo inglese ma ad un primo sguardo sembrabello e interessante. Complimenti! Best compliments!Have a nice new year!Rev. Giovanni GiovenzanaVoghera, Pavia, [email protected]

P. Scalese and young confreres, we wish you a Happy

New Year and congratulations for the newsletteriPaul.Fr. Luiz Antnio Pereira and NovicesSamambaia, Braslia, [email protected]

Thank you very much for your nice and beautifuliPaul.Great idea! Congratulations to all. I hope everything isgood for all of you and for your apostolate. I keep allof you in my prayers and I ask to each of you to do thesame for me, please. Take care and God Bless you realGood!

Fr. Mario ZaninelliNapoli, Italy [email protected]

Our newsletter has been reviewed also in the lastissue of Eco dei Barnabiti (no. 1/2007, pp.60-61).It can also be read and downloaded in the site of the North American Barnabites, at this address:www.catholic-church.org/barnabites. But thebest gift has been...

LETTERS


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No. 2 iPaul 27

iiPaulPaul Saint Paul Scholasticate Newsletter THE C LERICS R EGULAR OF SAINT PAUL

BARNABITES Saint Paul Scholasticate

Purok 163, San JoseTagaytay City, Cavite, the Philippines

Mailing Address: P. O. Box 32,4120 Tagaytay City, PhilippinesTel. & Fax: +63 46 413-2837Email: [email protected]

Director: Fr. Giovanni Scalese, CRSPEditor: Fr. Michael R. Sandalo, CRSPEditorial Staff: Fr. Joselito A. Santos, Fr.Cirilo B. Coniendo, Fr. Jecker R. Luego,Ferdinand S. Dagcota, Roan Cipriano J.Aborque, Jose Nazareno S. Gabato, Arvin

A. Dagalea, Marlon B. Ramirez, YohanesBesi Koten, Clyd S. Autentico, Pat M.Golis, Jonathan G. Ramoso, ThomasFederick S. Tabada, Isfridus Syukur.

Typeset in the Philippines by Saint Paul Scholasticate , March 2007

Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi? An gladius?

Zaccarian MeditationGod and Love

as the Intentionsof Ones Actionsby Marlon B. Ramirez, CRSP

I think every Barnabite should bear in mind andheart this teaching of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria:It should not be difficult for you to understand that the truelife consists in this: ones intention should constantly bekept directed towards God. As a matter of fact one shouldbegin every action of his in the name of the Lord and di-

rect it to him (Sermon II, 83). Throughout his life, St.Anthony dedicated himself assisting the sick peoplein his city of Cremona, Italy. When he became apriest, he fed the people with the Bread of life fortheir body and soul. A doctor of medicine and apriest, he realized that many people need a doctorof the heart to teach them how to love God and tobecome Gods follower. Truly, St. Anthonys inten-tion was always directed towards God to serve andlove God among the poor ones.

I had an experience last summer while dining ina restaurant in my province. A beggar suddenly

came in and begged for food. Unfortunately, he wasscolded by the owner of that restaurant and was sentaway empty-handed. Perhaps, if the beggar insisted,the owner might have given him food but not out of charity but because the latter did not want this beg-gar to disturb the costumers. I wanted to give thebeggar some food because I felt something push-ing me to do so. However, I failed to put it into ac-tion.

St. Anthony says in one of his letters: The con-cept of love he has written in our hearts must transform it into practice together with the book of the sweet memoryof the cross of Christ (Letter IX, 57). This statementinvites us to put love into action. We, religious andseminarians, are exhorted by St. Anthony Zaccariato act in loving service. Praying in the chapel is notenough if we do not reflect the image of Jesus in ourinteractions with people. I, for my part, after my ex-perience in the restaurant realized that I still need togrow, to be challenged to live to the fullest theChristian faith through charity and compassion. LetGod and love be at the center of our intentions and

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