MillHill Missionaries MILLHILL Newsletter RIDING-IN-TANDEM; The Relevance of TEAMWORK Glenn Bibero Diaz, MHM
nd he called at it in a mere positive way. We are called to be his twelve united and vigilant witnesses to the happenings Adisciples around us. Let us not be pathetic observer together and began but rather help one another, enjoy each sending them out others fellowship and strengthen our working by twos, giving relationship. If our fellowship is strong, Jesus is them authority to with us. cast out evil spirits. Mark 6:7 I think one of the many reasons why some The phrase “riding-in-tandem” often appears churches fail is they consciously disregard what in the Philippines major daily newspapers and Jesus taught. There is rivalry, jealousy, ego- tabloids purportedly responsible for the series of centredness to name a few. These behaviour criminalities in the Philippines. Out of curiosity are noticeably seen among church workers and to know more about this phrase, I went to even leaders today. browse for more information in google. In other That is why there is an urgency to countries, this word “tandem” is de ned as a bike develop the skills of people in support for one with front and back seats, and an arrangement another and work together for the success of where one is seated in front and one at the back. communities. A chaotic society is transformed From other sources, the term suggests of team to a loving, caring and sharing community. Our work or a team e ort wherein the two riders church in the Philippines have still a lot to work complement each other. However, the “riding-in- hard in restoring sense of unity, team-work and tandem” has taken its own meaning in Filipino trust among the clergy and the lay communities. English: a noun to refer to crimes perpetrated The process may take some time. It is not easy by more than one person, usually two men on as it entails sacri ce, acceptance and edifying a motorbike. oneself. It is like the journey of a husband and The alarming incident of killings prompted wife in deepening their loving relationship. As the local government units to pass measures the relationship prospers, the journey becomes that would stop such crimes like banning two less about reaching goal, but more on learning, 1 males together riding in a motorbike. Reading loving and listening to the moment when words through however, the word “tandem” had no no longer mean for them, trust for one another, negative connotation or implication when forgiveness for the inadequacies or de ciencies taken in another perspective as a team e ort or of each other, understanding the role of each a working relationship. I wonder if in the time other. Let us make of Jesus Christ, would He pursue by twos? - a them the wheels team e ort as narrated in the Gospel of Mark. as we continue to What was clear was the working relationship journey in the of two disciples with passion as a team. Jesus spirituality of created a support out two of His disciples as a working in travel companion. Sending the disciples by twos tandem. provided one to witness the preaching of Jesus - the miracles the disciples performed. It was a training exercise for the purpose of spreading the Good News and growing of the Kingdom. Two persons can provide as a valid eyewitness. So, in the midst of this social menace that this riding-in-tandem has created, we can look
Friends of Millhill 2018 | 1 MillHill Missionaries MILLHILL Newsletter
training exercise for the purpose of spreading the Good News and growing Kingdom. It is obvious that Jesus used the power of in uence, encouragement, and mutual learning to train his disciples. Jesus gave his disciples authority over demons, as well as the power to heal the sick. 2. Witness of Twos Two people provide a valid witness. Instead of just sending out one person, Jesus 4 Reasons Why Jesus Sent Out His Disciples Two created a support system by sending out two by Two disciples together. The Gospel of Mark shows that Jesus designed He said, “For where two or three are gather in my his disciple’s ministry to be a team e ort. name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) “Then Jesus went around teaching from village 3. Working Together by Twos to village. Calling the Twelve to him, he began Jesus gave the disciples authority when they to send them out by twos and gave them worked together. He called the twelve disciples authority over impure spirits.” ~ Mark 6:6-7 together and gave them authority over impure Luke also records that Jesus even sent a large spirits. (Mark 6:7) group of seventy of his followers out by twos. 4.Supporting One Another by Twos “After this the Lord appointed seventy-two Jesus showed that sending the disciples out others and sent them ahead of him to every by twos help them support one another in town and place where he was about to go.” ~ the things they witnessed, the teachings of Luke 10:1 Jesus, and the observation of many miracles. Why did Jesus do this? If a fellowship is to be strong, it must follow the Here are four reasons to consider: actions of Jesus. Developing the skills of people 1. Training by Twos to support one another and work together is Jesus sent out his disciples by twos as a necessary for success.
2 “I Left My Heart In Turda” (Coron, Palawan, Philippines)
by Madhu Potunuro, MHM
hat is why Port of Coron, I was heartily welcomed by Fr. I am quite Benny and Fr. Sleevaraj. We proceeded to the Tcontent Parish of Turda on that rainy weather condition. with my weakness On our way, I was deeply touched by the long es, and with stretched of green mountain scenery while in insults, hardships, great anticipation to reach Turda. persecutions, and It took us an hour and half to reach the the agonies I go through for Christ’s sake. For parish. I couldn’t believe my eyes upon seeing it is when I am weak that I am strong. (2 Cor the place and the parish church. It brought me 12:10). back to my home and country, India. I have I arrived in Turda, a small barangay in the seen many Church parishes both in India and municipality of Coron, Palawan, Philippines on elsewhere in other countries. My impression the 13th of September, 2016. I took the domestic was it wasn’t really a parish church. shipping lines 2Go and upon my arrival at the Turda was everything new to me; the
2 | Friends of Millhill 2018 MillHill Missionaries MILLHILL Newsletter place, the people, the weather and many else. Being the church, Turda is zealously I felt I was in a completely di erent world. I met spreading the ‘Good News’ amidst the many di erent people - young and old. I made new pastoral challenges within the parish. The friends as time passed by. People around were faith-formation of the people still needed to amused hearing me speak in Tagalog which be strengthened and lived. The catechetical I learnt from my language course in Manila. formation helps particularly the children to They were interested to know about our Indian grow in the catholic faith. Although the lay culture, that was an enjoyable encounter that I participation in building a good Christian made use to improve my new spoken “Tagalog” community both in the parish and mission- language. stations is signi cantly good. It still has to After having settled down for some few become more of a participative church. Part of months, gradually I understood the condition my missionary exposure, living with people in of the place better. I got opportunities to stay the villages enabled me to grow more in the at the villages and saw the livelihood of people missionary spirit of “Amare et Servire” and it and to their culture too. Although most families made me see the world bigger enough. Their were poor, yet they were very generous, simplicity of life, hospitality, sharing and open- humble and compassionate to one another. mindedness marked and left a positive impact There were times where I saw children with a on me as Mill Hill Missionary student. pinch of salt as their food. My heart was moved I had a great time indeed in my Mission with pity witnessing such misery. Experience Programme in Turda, Coron, The socio-economic conditions of the Philippines. The Philippines and the Turda people still need the government help to Parish will forever remain as my favourite spot improve the standard of living of the people as I grown deeper into the relationship of a by providing them better education and job ‘family and in communion with one another’. opportunities specially among the poor. Most The people’s faithful relationship with God schoolchildren were dropping from school as a rmed my own personal journey of faith. The their parents couldn’t a ord in sending them missionary zeal of the local community as my to further education. In my free time, I felt the Turda family for two years with their simplicity urgency of teaching the schoolchildren drop of life deepened my whole discernment “to love out from school. I felt the urgency of teaching and to serve”. Maraming salamat po sa inyong these children. lahat! (my deepest gratitude to one and all!) 3 Mission Destination: Cameroon by Rebenie Madar, MHM
issionary life without conviction and as a ‘special gift’. It is dedication from within is like a river because I have learn Mwithout water. This is one of the how to forgive,to realizations that I had as I emerged myself in the forget and to let go. mission for two years in Cameroon. I believe that One speci c incident as the sun rises every morning, it signi es the took place in hopes and the brightness amidst the darkness of Fonfuka when I was a frozen mission. In John’s gospel 8: 19 he said, “I attacked by the thugs while I was on my way to am the light of the world.” As I looked back, since Kitchowi (the farthest mission station which took the beginning of my missionary experience in us three hours of trekking) on April 8, 2017. In Cameroon, I can say that it was a ‘constant exile’ Kembong, we heard gun shots and saw people’s for which at the end of my journey I considered it houses burning on December 18, 2017. These
Friends of Millhill 2018 | 3 MillHill Missionaries MILLHILL Newsletter unexpected events helped me face my fears and dignity to politics as a lofty service to the common at the same time nurtured me to grow physically, good, not a pilgrim for power. He also described emotionally and spiritually strong. Getting down the family as the primordial community, and it on my knees, I felt that my constant exile from has to remain as the most fundamental place for one place to another was shaping my present and process of discovery. future on the road to maturity in dealing with the In hindsight, the church of Christ is my family challenges that I have to encounter in the mission. that I need to take good care of physically and As a future Mill Hill Missionary I see mission as spiritually. Like Pope Francis whose heart is with a special gift that I need to take good care. In the the oppressed and neglected by the society, I was pursuit of my happiness, I have to be strong that I deeply challenged from within. In the light of my may ful ll what my heart desire. His Holiness Pope missionary journey, I realize that I am called by Francis said in his address during the conference Christ to be a witness of the truth, and to ght for with the theme “Rethinking Europe” as promoted the truth. by Commission of Bishops’ Conference of the Personal discovery. I really love to learn European Community (COMECE) on Oct 28, 2017, new things in the new culture and in a new Europe must be build bricks by bricks; Dialogue environment. However, I believe problems, that is candid and constructive, Inclusion in which di culties, con icts, wars and both human and di erences are valued and viewed as a shared natural calamities will be my reminders and a source of enrichment, Solidarity which is the challenge on how much I have to trust God. All lifeblood of a matured community, Development these years, I found God has a message to tell fostered for individual man, each human group me in order that I will become wise, more faithful and humanity as a whole and Peace which and con dently loving him more and more. And requires love for the truth, the pursuit of justice as a Christian, it is my prime duty to discern the and creativity. At the same time Christians are real meaning and message of God and the world called to promote political dialogue, especially beyond. As I go through life, I believe there is where it is threatened and where con icts seems always a brighter side of life like the sun always to prevail. Christians are called to restore human rises even in the dark of a frozen mission.
A Journey Through Love 4 and Service by Michael Gemanga, MHM
began my own journey, I treasured formation journey everything that came Iwith Mill Hill along in my life and Missionaries in the enjoying every minute of year 2010. We were the three year-formation four in our batch in the Philippines, another three years and a namely: Emery half of the 2nd Cycle Formation Programme Gayatin, Glenn Diaz both from Davao, Rebenie in Pune, India and lastly a two year-mission Madar from Maasin, Iloilo and me Michael from experience programme in St. Karoli Lwanga- Molo, Iloilo City. However, a year after Emery Mbikko, Uganda, East Africa. My journey for the Gayatin decided to leave for another path of life, past 20 months in Uganda was truly a colorful settled down with his wife and now with their experiences. There I learned to know myself newly born child. On the other hand, the three better while discovering the beauty of how I of us remained painstakingly on our missionary was being moulded by God’s hand through the dream reaching at the stage of preparing for many circumstances I’ve encountered along my our perpetual membership this year 2018. In my path.
4 | Friends of Millhill 2018 MillHill Missionaries MILLHILL Newsletter My formation in the Philippines is of di erent nationalities living in one roof was one of my solid foundations of becoming a Mill a bit life challenging since I was one of the Hill Missionary. There I embraced hard work few Bazungu (a foreigner around in the place). in developing myself with my fellow student However, the mission continued to move on. I companions in living the Mill Hill way of life. had to learn the language, eating di erent kinds There were times in my quiet moments that of food, adjusting to the weather conditions but I had to ask myself: Am I ready being called? I the most beautiful part of all was sharing Christ almost giving up my missionary dream. With with them in my work. In the long run, my work the grace of God and the support of my Mill Hill and e ort depended on God’s grace in making community, I continued the journey in Mill Hill. my work satisfying and meaningful. My encounter of God allowed me to discover Summing it up, my experiences in di erent more of God’s grace and mercy in my life. stages of formation and in di erent places I was Back in India, my theological studies were sent, my whole perspective of missionary life my purifying stage of formation. We were then had changed to a more de ned and larger than the rst batch for the Second-Cycle Programme life form of art. Seeing and experiencing the of Mill Hill in Pune, India with our mentor Fr. goodness of the Lord through the people around Brian Oswald, MHM. With students coming from me and motivated me to be more energetic. We di erent nationalities was truly a life-engaging continue to ask for your prayers With His grace times for me. My happy experiences brought me may our journey will be fruitful. And we continue back to my colourful memory during the “HOLI” to ask for your prayers as we almost in the nish celebration in India, as feast of colours gave the leg of our formation as Mill Hill Missionaries. festive mood of the celebration. Amazingly, the Please continue to pray for Glenn, Ben, feast gave me the reason to see my faith while and myself that we all see the day of our nal expressing my religion in a foreign land where commitment to the mission of Christ as servants Christianity is a minority religion in the country. of the Gospel of Life and Mill Hill Missionaries Lastly, my experience in the African and Emery continues to serve God in another continent where I saw the mission and lifestyle direction..
REFLECTION ON THE YEAR OF THE CLERGY AND CONSECRATED PERSONS 5 by Fr. Mario Dimapilis, HHM
his Year of the Clergy and Consecrated safeguarding is not Persons in the Philippines’ Catholic Church, self-preservation Tthe Mill Hill Missionaries who are working on the part of a in the Philippines had a chance to be with other missionary but MHM who are in their mid-age life (commonly moral obligation to between 40-60 years of age). The meeting was the people we serve. held last July 2018 in Rome. One of the topics We missionaries, like that had been discussed was our protocol on the other clergy and consecrated persons, we Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults. are bound under oath to protect the human As MHM we are committed to the safeguarding rights of people (most especially children and of children and vulnerable adults and this topic vulnerable adults). was given priority in the gathering. How to do safeguarding? By being Christ- Why is safeguarding important in a like, in our attitudes in dealing with ourselves missionary’s life? We, as missionaries, are as missionaries and with people we promised committed to the safeguarding of the recipients to love and to serve. Truly, it’s a di cult task, to of our love and service. The commitment to be Christ-like. But we have to submit our lives as
Friends of Millhill 2018 | 5 MillHill Missionaries MILLHILL Newsletter Christians through the help of the Holy Spirit. horrified of the large scale of abuses that As men and women missionaries, we under our had been committed to children by our very oath, are to observe safeguarding in our parishes, own pastors who promised to be Christ- o ces, places of work, etc.. Mill Hill Missionaries, like. As members of the group of clergy and and in fact, all clergy and consecrated persons consecrated persons we all need to do our must always voice out when they see or hear share in building communities which are something that could compromised their e orts safe for children and vulnerable adults. We to care and safeguarding. We, more than ever, as members of the mid-life group of Mill Hill must “encourage continued reform and vigilance Missionaries must be thankful to our society at all levels of the Catholic Church, to help ensure leaders for giving us the chance to be in the the protection of minors and vulnerable adults seminar that reminded us of our Christian from harm” (Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report, duty to safeguarding of children and Pope Francis, August 17, 2018). vulnerable adults where we find ourselves The Catholic Church is ashamed and ministering.
Pastoral Catechesis for the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons Fr. James H. Kroeger, MM called, precisely as lay persons, to share in the same In his apostolic letter for the year of charismatic reality.” consecrated life (2014) Pope Francis speaks “not These groups are often called by a variety of only to consecrated persons, but also to the laity, who names: associates, third orders, af liates. Adjunct share with them the same ideals, spirit and mission.” members, or lay partners. They seek to live the He notes that some religious institutes have a long spirit and share in the charism and apostolate of the tradition of associating lay person with their charism, religious family to which they are linked. The Pope while for others it is a more recent phenomenon. asks that the laity become more aware of this special “Indeed, around each religious family, every gift so as to respond “to the promptings of the Spirit Society of Apostolic Life and every Secular Institute, in society today.” Truly, this is another form of being there is a larger family, a ‘charismatic family,’ which in mission today. includes a number of Institutes which identify with 6 the same charism, and especially lay faithful who feel Sambuhay Missalette, Year 32 No.12, September 23, 2018 On the Way towards Contemplation in Misson MHM Annual Retreat 2017 by Fr. Gopal Manchanapally, MHM himself, he took us on a journey of Interior Prayer. He gave us 7 principles on which our life should be founded. 1) Put God rst in everything, 2) God is the nce again we came to gather as the Mill Hill Goal of all that we do. 3) God is the eternal source Family Philippines for our Annual Retreat of all the goodness. 4) God reigns, 5) God provides Oand Assembly, at our Molo Central House, , 6) God saves, 7) 7). Do everything for the glory of Iloilo, on the 6th - 10th of November, 2017. Fr. God Florentino Lim, CHIM led us in our 3-day retreat. By transforming our lives on these 7 principles Within these 3-days of exploration of our spiritual God becomes the center of our life. Indeed God is journey, Fr. Tino as we call him shared with us the Center of our life and center of ourselves. To about Prayer of Contemplation. Being a monastic discover God or to become aware of His presence continue to page 10 6 | Friends of Millhill 2018 MillHill Missionaries MILLHILL Newsletter
FILIPINO FRIENDS OF
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Cellphone: Smart: 09291795131 / Globe: 09156095547 For Donations: Bank Account Name: Mill Hill Philippines, Inc. Savings Account No. 0000009022742995 Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation 7
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MY MONTHLY PLEDGE TO THE MILL HILL FORMATION PROGRAMME
MONTH OF: YEAR 20_____ YEAR 20_____ YEAR 20_____ JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER 8 TOTAL AMOUNT PLEDGER’S SIGNATURE
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“God loves a cheerful giver”
-2 Corinthians 9:7
8 | Friends of Millhill 2018 MillHill Missionaries MILLHILL Newsletter 9
Congratulations!
Friends of Millhill 2018 | 9 MillHill Missionaries MILLHILL Newsletter from page 10 within us we need to make a journey within, by a 6. Divine presence or Divine Immanence way of contemplative prayer. Nowadays it’s also By contemplative prayer one reaches the called as Centering Prayer. level of Divine presence. One becomes a person of Fr. Tino suggests the repetitive prayer, like Integrity encountering God at deeper level within the Holy Rosary or Mantra - e.g. repeating the holy oneself and in the other person. When a person is Name of Jesus or any other prayer word, or Lectio integrated there is a lot of energy - psychic, spiritual Divina. By this kind of prayer a marvelous thing and emotional. There is real Peace, Harmony and happens, an interior Journey begins, a journey Joy. within to discover the presence of God deep within As a missionary what else do we need other us. It is not that easy and fast. It needs discipline and than to discover the Divine presence and to regularity. Once one begins this journey, one travels encounter God within ourselves and spreading the through di erent levels of Interiority such as: good news of the Divine Presence in each of us and 1. Sense level in the whole of creation. 2. Imagination level/images Thank you very much Fr. Tino for reminding 3. Rationality or reason level us of the need of being contemplative missionaries 4. A ectivity or feeling level after the heart of our founder himself Cardinal 5. Conscious or moral level Herbert Vaughan. God bless!
God Is Calling You by Jeremy Andrew Almeria
t was on February 2018 when the IArchdiocesan Commission on Remember the seed that fell on the soil Vocation in the choked by thorns and thistles? In like manner, Archdiosese of Jaro the thorns and thistles that choke our religious held a vocation vocation are the material possessions or campaign for both Religious Men and Women compensations. All the pleasures that our world 10 Congregations. Bro. Clarenz Magracia and I o er push or pull us away from God’s call to were sent to represent the Mill Hill community. consecrated life. The Campaign brought us to the di erent towns Madonna’s song: “so we are living in a of Cabatuan, Janiuay, Calinog and Guimaras material world…” capsulises the answer why Island. That was an exciting outdoor activity for our youth sees no attraction beyond those all of us and at the same time an opportunity to that bring them material remuneration. visit places. The in uence and impact of technology on We gave talks to the youth on religious life, the hearts and minds of our youth are seen di erent religious formation programmes and hookedto all kindsof gadgets. The attractive, stages of formation. It was also a time of sharing easy way to own goods have become the our memorable vocation stories. While the thorns and thistles that choke God’s call to the sharing was going on, I noticed some negative religious vocation. responses on the young faces. Discouragement The millennials - they call themselves! was on their young faces yet they were able to The values, attitudes, beliefs in the all-loving appreciate our courage to go out for mission ‘ad God should have been instilled early in the gentes.’ upbringing of the young. How do young people look at missionary Here am I Lord, send me where you want life nowadays? me to bring Amare et Servire
10 | Friends of Millhill 2018 MillHill Missionaries MILLHILL Newsletter Thoughts from Cardinal Herbert Vaughan Founder of the Mill Hill Missionaries We shall never be Apostles unless we are people of prayer. We may deceive ourselves and others by spending and exhausting ourselves (Treasured thoughts in labours and external works, unless we are people of prayer we shall not nd ourselves in by Ms. Juliet Bertiz) the company of the Apostles. (page 239)
When all things fail, are not well, When you are suddenly struck for the rst When life becomes meaningful and worth living, time by the discovery that you are really the When challenges are overcome and love prevails, object of the love of Jesus Christ, a new light Trust and faith become even stronger, bursts upon you. To know that Jesus Christ, Our Truly, His word became esh to assure us that God, is madly in love with us, that He cares for He is always our Emmanuel us like a father, dotes on us like a Mother, nds God with us! pleasure and delight in our company like a Lover; and that He valued His own life simply as Our life in this world is likened nothing in order to win our love and con dence to waves in the ocean, to know and realise this opens up an entirely up and down, joys and sorrows, bitter and sweet. new vista in our existence. (page We all had these experienced in life and end-up 240) saying, “I can’t help it anymore.” Become people of prayer, in spite of every obstacle, and What is life? God will use you as an Apostle Da Vinci said a well spent life is a long life. in His service. (page 255) One can be a century old, but if he has not lived 11 life’s purpose, his life is not long. Cardinal Herbert Vaughan Old age is not a guarantee of wisdom. from the “Young Priest.” For wisdom is living for the right purpose.
The truth in God’s laws and truth be forever. So we must not let physical needs and duties consume us. What earthly things can o er is only destruction, Things we see seem pleasant but lled of tricky traps. They are only sensual and momentary pleasure.
(Ms. Juliet Bertiz is a long time friend of Mill Hill Formation House since its erection in 1991. She is one of the loyal supporters of the Formation House.)
Friends of Millhill 2018 | 11 MillHill Missionaries MILLHILL Newsletter WHAT’s UP! FILIPINO FRIENDS OF MILL HILL by Rev. Fr. Alfredo M. Marmolejo, Jr. MHM
to the parish and her parishioners through regular visitation and presiding the Eucharistic celebration together with the local faithful. My main task is to organize groups and ‘friends’ in the manner I could think the most feasible way to make this ministry flourish and effective. By far, I have began the recruitment by starting in Mandurriao, Calinog, Maasin, Coron Palawan, Anini-y, Casay and hope to reinvigorate more parishes like Guinasang-an, Hamtic, Sibalom, Belison, Patria, Sebaste, Bugasong and for riends are God’s way of taking care of those who wish to join and to take a ride on us. This quote inspired me to accept this wagon of Friends of Mill Hill Missionaries. the appointment given by the General Recently, I have organised the Mandurriao F Group while the Parish of Anini-y and Casay Council as headed by our General Superior of the Mill Hill Missionaries to be The Promoter are about to finish. My next mission is Maasin, of Filipino Friends of Mill Hill Missionaries Iloilo and more parishes in the Diocese of here in the Philippines. Likewise, my personal Antique. experience of Jesus as a personal friend did I believe that my stint as Promoter of also convince me to accept this new and very Filipino Friends of Mill Hill will reawaken the challenging ministry. awareness of our missionary call as baptized Alongside this appointment, I am so Christians. My new ministry will never always grateful that I received an official permission be easy, it will take ones humility while visiting from the Archbishop Emeritus of Jaro, Most and encouraging people to join us in this Rev. Angel Lagdameo D.D. last year and by ministry. the Presbyteral Council of the Diocese of San His Holiness Pope Francis once said in one Jose de Antique to start the recruitment and of his homilies and I qoute: “Every Christian is reinvigorating the lay faithful with hope to a missionary to the extent that he or she bears 12 expand the promotion to parishes where our witness to God’s love”. His thoughts also gives students and Mill Hill priests come from. me strength and joyful courage to welcome all The Filipino Friends of Mill Hill had already close to Mill Hill Missionaries up to the present existed some years back and in some parishes to be our official registered friends. So, to all where Mill Hill Missionaries worked before and my brothers and sisters what are through the initiative of Fr. Gustl Frenademez, you waiting for? “Be missionaries MHM, though they were not given formal of God and be counted as Filipino formation. The “Friends” are our support Friends of Mill Hill Missionaries. group of our missionary activities. They help us actively in promoting mission awareness in Please don’t hesitate to contact me on the address below: the parishes and even help us in our campaign Fr. Alfredo M. Marmolejo, Jr. MHM for missionary vocation. As ‘Our Friends’ they Promoter of Filipino Friends of Mill Hill joined us in our Society’s feast of St. Joseph, 52 Avancena St. Molo, Iloilo City, which we annually celebrate in our Mill Hill Philippines Formation House Mandurriao, Iloilo City. Smart: 09291795131 As a greenhorn to this new initiative and Globe: 09156095547 ministry as “the Promoter”, I consider myself as the trailblazer. I have to make myself known
12 | Friends of Millhill 2018 MillHill Missionaries MILLHILL Newsletter Golden Jubilarian 2018 Fr. Bernard van Spandoonk. MHM Celebrating the Golden Jubilee year is one great a Mill Hill Missionary Priest in occasion that a “Jubilarian” couldn’t miss the day. June 26, 1982 again in his Fr. Bernard returned home in May 2018 to the hometown in Tilburg, the Netherlands to celebrate with his family, relatives Netherlands. Fr. Bernard and friends his 50th Golden years of Amare et after his ordination, was Servire as Mill Hill Missionary. It is indeed a great sent to the Philippines to moment to look back to the many journeys Fr. begin a new missionary Bernard had embarked since his Perpetual Oath journey. No doubt Fr. as a Mill Hill Brother that was taken place in his Bernard has all the reasons hometown Tilburg, The Netherlands - June 30, and lled with the spirit to Fr. Bernard 1968 is the most important date for Fr. Bernard celebrate his missionary that truly made a great impact in his life. He journeys. was rst sent to mission as a Brother to Borneo, Fr. Bernard, we wish you for more years of Amare Malaysia. After few years in Borneo mission, there et Servire in the Philippines. Your presence is a true was a change of heart happened when Fr. Bernard symbol of a lifetime dedication and commitment. made a choice to study for Priesthood. With all You truly lived-up the Mill Hill Missionaries spirit. God’s blessings and graces, he was ordained as Ad Multos Annos Fr. Bernard van Spandoonk, MHM
Mid-Life Seminar 2018, Rome by Rev. Fr. Benny P. Quinto, MHM
On July 14-28, 2018, The two-week get-together was a time for our I was privileged to attend fellow MHMs on the same stage of life and ministry. the Mill Hill Missionaries’ We shared our personal life’s experiences as mid- “Mid-Life seminar” held lifers and our ministerial challenges in the mission. at the Benedictine Sisters We have had gracious moments of revisiting our of Tutzing’s Generalate in Bevilacqua, Rome. 17 life’s journey through sharing our experiences 13 Mill Hill missionaries working in di erent parts during the last young members meeting we of the world aged 40-55 years old, and coming attended. We realized how much blessings we from various cultural and social backgrounds have received from the Lord and how much we (African, Asian, and European) attended the have gone through, which would help us face the seminar. The two-week gathering was facilitated challenges that mid-life has in store for us. by Sister Kathryn Ryan, using her expertise in The insights we gained from the inputs were group dynamics and sharing. Fr. Eamon Mulcahy, solid foundations to be our guide as we move a Spiritan priest led us on our two-day recollection. on to the future. At this stage, we are continually Fr. Len Ko er, a Mill Hill missionary and founder/ reminded of God’s mercy on us and being God’s lecturer at the Institute of St. Anselm’s, Rome gave messenger of love and mercy. We are awakened inputs on the psycho-spiritual aspects of mid-life. that this stage of our life is but a part of our life’s and Fr. Barry O’Sullivan shared information on journey- a transition. As such, many changes, both Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults. healthy and unhealthy, will occur, but we keep We were all grateful for the supportive ourselves open for a positive lifestyle. Life is a gift… presence of our Superior General, Fr. Michael it has to be lived to the full to wellness integrated Corcoran, MHM and Councillor for Asia, Fr. Jimmy lifestyle. Lindero, MHM and with Fr. Liam Cummins, MHM Sidelight of the Seminar. Our traversing for logistics. the ancient and modern streets of Rome visiting
Friends of Millhill 2018 | 13 MillHill Missionaries MILLHILL Newsletter di erent places of interests like the Vatican life. Adding to these was the pilgrimage to the city Museum and the Vatican Garden, the Coliseum, of Assisi, visiting the tombs of two great saints, St. the ancient ruins of the city, famous buildings Francis and St. Claire, the church built by Francis and fountains, and the four basilicas of St. Peter, and other places of attractions. It was a day of St. Paul outside the Wall, the St. John Lateran re ections on their great life and contribution and Maria Maggiore, to name a few, were our to the church… and learning from their life and opportune time of bonding and adventure. Our examples. taste buds were spoilt by the delicious Italian More importantly, our meeting was a time ice cream (gelato) and the ever delightful Italian to refresh ourselves, the time to share our “ups- pasta, wine and pizza. For two weeks, we indeed and-downs” as missionaries, and be equipped of experienced how to be in the Eternal City: tools to help us live our mid-life meaningfully and experiencing its ancient grandeur and modern graciously.
FEATURE The Most Rev. Jose Romeo O. Lazo, DD. The Sixth Archbishop of Jaro The Journey That Led Back Home Bishop Romy’s itinerary of formation is will go back a unique journey that started from San Jose, to Jaro a 5’1” Antique ignited first by the Assumption tall head Sisters! He then proceeded for Secondary shepherd Education under the Dominicans. From becoming there, he entered the minor seminary at St. its sixth Vincent Ferrer Seminary, Jaro, Iloilo City. A Archbishop. monsignor who was an older seminarian In some when Bishop Romy was in the seminary, sense, one commented:’hipuson lang na sya, pero can say that maalam’ (soft-spoken yet with depth and his being substance), this has evolved to be his style anointed by of communication. Afterwards he went back Pope Francis to Antique and finished his Philosophical to become 14 Studies at St. Peter’s Seminary. The initial the spiritual phase of his theology formation brought head of the Metropolitan him to Mindanao at St. Francis Xavier See of Jaro is a kind of Regional Major Seminary (REMASE). But later going back home to he went back to St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary the Mother Church that to complete his theological education. It helped his vocation grow is quite interesting to note the beautiful towards its maturation. It pattern of returning where he started. His is beautiful to behold the divine artistry of formal priestly formation was nurtured from God whose loving will has interwoven the the start and culminated within the embrace histories of Jaro and Antique. The mission of the local church of Jaro. impetus that has generated the birthing of Historically, in 1868, Jaro then consisted the local church of Antique where Bishop of the Panay Island (Capiz, Aklan, Iloilo and Romy traces his roots, I now turning full Antique), Negros, Romblon and Palawan, circle, when Bishop Romy is missioned back even Jolo, Zamboanga and Davao. It was to the mother diocese of Jaro as its new only in 1962 that Antique became a diocese Archbishop. under its first bishop, the Most Rev. Cornelio (excerpt from the Canonical Installation, de Wit, MHM, DD. Now this little Toto Romy April 16, 2018
14 | Friends of Millhill 2018 MillHill Missionaries MILLHILL Newsletter FEATURE Mensa Domini Sisters on Mission to Miri Diocese, Malaysia
ate in the morning of September 27, L 2018, on the Feast day of St. Vincent de Paul, the three Missionary Sisters of the Lord’s Table (MSLT) are on their way for their first mission to Borneo, East Malaysia specifically in the Roman Catholic to the North of it, to establish the Apostolic Diocese of Miri (Latin: Vicariate of Brunei. The current Bishop of Diocesis Mirensis), Miri is the newly ordained Bishop Richard Ng situated in the North- who continues what the Bishop Emeritus had Sister Eva Eastern Region of the started during his administration. Archdiocese of Kuching, Sarawak. The Diocese of Miri, East Malaysia is the For a flashback; The Miri Diocese was second missionary venture of the Mensa erected in 1959, as the Apostolic Vicariate Domini Sisters after they sent three sisters of Miri and was formed from the Vicariate of in a pioneering missionary exploration in Kuching. The present Catholic community the Diocese of Lodwar, Kenya. Sisters Eva finds its roots in the ministry of the Missionary Lotilla, Baby An Jungco and Lieaneth Ferrer Society of St. Joseph (Mill Hill Missionaries). are heading with joyful anticipation heart In the following year the Apostolic Vicariate for their first mission abroad and bringing was established and Fr. Anthony D. Galvin, their motto “that all may be one.” They MHM was consecrated as the first bishop. were sent-off by their Sisters at the Iloilo Approximately six years later, Fr. International Airport. There were mixed Anthony Lee, sparked the light of vocation emotions in the air, yet they could feel the when he was the first priest from Miri to be spiritual conviction of the sisters to share ordained on January 2, 1966. The Vicariate of the mission and the joy of the Gospel. When 15 Miri was raised as a Diocese on May 31, 1976 Sr. Eva was asked about her thoughts, she by Pope Paul VI as a new Church province in said it with conviction, “We’ll be there to East Malaysia. As the Diocese was growing in bring the Gospel of Joy and the spirit of the faith, Fr. Anthony Lee was appointed the first Mensa Domini Sisters.We are very grateful bishop of the new established Diocese of Miri to Bishop Richard Ng for the invitation to in St. Joseph’s Cathedral of Miri on May 20, go for mission in his Diocese. The Lord is 1977 and the diocese proclaimed officially ahead of us and He is waiting there for us.” on that same day. However, it lost its territory The overflowing of love in the hearts of the sisters was indeed a gracious moment of life to the utmost - a true manifestation of their spirit having One Mind and One Heart in the many faces of challenges they will be encountering in the new mission. Dear Sisters, we keep you in our prayers and in every celebration of the Eucharist gathering around the Table of the Lord. Good Luck and Dios Mabalus!
Friends of Millhill 2018 | 15 MillHill Missionaries MILLHILL Newsletter Our NEW FRIENDS in HEAVEN
Tiburcio Dominican nuns at the convent where he had Arnaiz Muñoz once served as their sacristan. (11 August 1865 - In 1911 he was in Málaga where he 18 July 1926) was dedicated himself to caring for the poor and a Spanish Roman those in need. He soon became concerned with Catholic priest those living in farms and in other rural areas, and a professed though he also spent some time in Loyola. He member of was in Cádiz from 1916 to 1917 before returning the Jesuits. His to Málaga to continue his work. In 1922 he co- Tiburcio Arnaiz Muñoz Arnaiz Tiburcio ecclesial career founded the Missionaries of the Rural Parishes, was spent in two parishes for just over a decade, alongside the Servant of God María Isabel before he entered the Jesuit novitiate. He González del Valle Sarandeses, whom he had became known for his tender care of all people. come to know. This organization would be of His ecclesial studies saw him as an internal use to the priest in his unwavering commitment student though his harsh economic condition to the moral and cultural well being of the poor prompted him to continue his studies as an with an added emphasis on those who lived in external student. remote and rural areas. The Bishop of Málaga During the course of his education he Saint Manuel González García praised him for served as a sacristan to the Dominican nuns at his work and encouraged him to continue on a their San Felipe convent. He was ordained to grand scale. the priesthood on 20 April 1890 and from 1893 In June 1926, he fell ill while preaching served as the parish priest at Villanueva de Duero the novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He until 1896. He earned a doctorate in theological su ered from a high fever, and a car was sent studies at Toledo on 19 December 1896 at which for him to take him to his residence where he point he was transferred to a new parish since was con ned to bed and soon diagnosed with his superiors thought it would be better for one bronchopneumonia. of his talents. He joined the Jesuits on 30 March On 10 October 2016 he was proclaimed to 1902 and entered the novitiate in Granada be Venerable after Pope Francis con rmed that and his novitiate ended in 1904. In September the late Jesuit priest had lived a model Christian 16 1909 he spent a brief period of time in Murcia. life of heroic virtue. The beati cation is to be His sister - after their mother died - joined the celebrated on 20 October 2018.
Saint Manuel González García (25 while Pope John February 1877 – 4 January 1940) was a Spanish Paul II named him bishop of the Roman Catholic Church who as Venerable on 6 served as the Bishop of Palencia from 1935 April 1998 upon until his death. He was also founder of the con rmation the Eucharistic Missionaries of Nazareth and that he exercised also established both the Disciples of Saint heroic virtue in John and the Children of Reparation, He was his life. John Paul known for his strong devotion to the Eucharist II also beati ed and became known as the “Bishop of the the late bishop Tabernacle” due to this devotion; he made it on 29 April 2001 an objective of his to spread devotion to the Pope Francis Eucharist and encouraged frequent reception canonized him of it. as a saint on 16 October 2016. He is the patron The sainthood cause for the late bishop of all his religious orders and of the Diocese of opened in 1981 and titled as a Servant of God Palencia where he served as a bishop.
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