1 Pub lisher Oblates of Saint Joseph (Philippines) Josephite-Marellian Commission Cha irman Rev. Fr. Jayson D.C. Endaya, OSJ Dire ctor Rev. Fr. Alfie A. Polistico, OSJ Editors Rev. Fr. Alfie A. Polistico, OSJ Rev. Fr. Faiq Edmerson T. Quinto, OSJ Rev. Fr. Joel M. Villanueva, OSJ Rev. Fr. Wilfredo F. De Mesa, OSJ Layout and Design Bro. Jim Brent B. Lacdao, OSJ Correspondents Rev. Fr. Alfie A. Polistico, OSJ Bro. Amiel Joseph B. Sevilla, OSJ Rev. Fr. Carlito S. Argente, OSJ Bro. Cedrick E. Del Mundo, OSJ Rev. Fr. Den Mark A. Malabuyoc, OSJ The Filipino Oblates Today Mr. Dennis R. Ramos Rev. Fr. Eduardo P. Carandang, OSJ Alter Joseph as the Way to Sequela Christi Rev. Fr. Edwin V. Tolentino, OSJ Rev. Fr. Raymundo G. Dela Cruz, OSJ Rev. Fr. Faiq Edmerson T. Quinto, OSJ Bro. James Albert B. Leyesa, OSJ Rev. Fr. Jayson DC. Endaya, OSJ Bro. Jim Brent B. Lacdao, OSJ The Future of Josephite-Marellian Rev. Fr. Joel M. Villanueva, OSJ Apostolate in the Philippines Rev. Fr. Jorge P. De Chavez, Jr., OSJ OSJ Youth Apostolate Rev. Fr. Joseph V. Pasia, OSJ Marellian Shrines in the Philippines Br. Lorenzo M. Moneva, OSJ OSJ Institute of Catechetics Rev. Fr. Noel B. Magtaas, OSJ JMY Celebrating the Year of the Youth Rev. Fr. Wilfredo F. De Mesa, OSJ Technical Assistants Rev. Fr. Ian A. Yacat, OSJ The Family and the Oblate Formation Mrs. Visitacion A. Hizola Ongoing Formation in the Philippine Province JMY Council (PH) Ordination to the Order of Deacons Opifex Communications Salitanglaw Entrance to Novitiate First Profession of the Vows
New Hopes, New Visions Caring for the Shepherds, Present, and Future Report of the Province of Saint Joseph New Assignment/s of Confreres
On this Year of Saint Joseph, the cover fea- The Marellian Today is the o cial journal tures the just man himself: father and patron of of the Oblates of Saint Joseph - Philippine the Congregation of the Oblates of Saint Joseph. Province. It is run by the editorial sta holding o ce at Santuario de San Jose, As the husband of Mary, he then takes the role Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City. of being Jesus’ earthly father, fulfilling his voca- (02) 725 2044 tion as Guardian of the Redeemer. Likewise, as members of the family of the OSJ, everyone re- www.osjphil.org ceives by patrimony the mission of taking care www.oblatidisangiuseppe.com of the interests of Jesus in imitation of St. Joseph. 2 TO THE OBLATES OF ST. JOSEPH AND TO THE JOSEPHITE MARELLIAN FAMILY: Dear Confreres and Cooperators,
On the 19th of March we will celebrate the annual Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Virgin Mary. How- ever, this year, the annual liturgical celebration will take on a very special meaning for the Family of the Oblates, be- cause it marks the opening of a year dedicated to that Guardian of the Redeemer, whose name we are proud to bear.
Our holy Founder chose St. Joseph as our patron and exhorted us to keep him before our eyes along the way of holiness and dedicated service to the Church. In the draft for a “Company of St. Jo- seph”, he left us this precious directive: “Let each one take his inspiration from his Model, St. Joseph, who was the first upon the earth to care for the interests of Jesus, he who cared for Him as an infant and pro- tected Him as a child and who had the place of a father for the first thirty years of His earthly life” (Letter 83).
The celebration of the 19th of March and especially of the Year of St. Joseph, as explained in the Let- ter of Inauguration, offers us an occasion to re-discover the figure of our patron in the Universal Church, and to recognize in him the principle elements of that vocation which associates us, as his Oblates, with his name. The Guardian of the Redeemer, model of the interior life, is a reminder to us of the essentials and of the relevancy to us of some of those values which, lately, might have been overlooked or forgotten.
One of the major challenges of our time is the integration of the interior life (prayer and con- templation) and mission (apostolate and ministry). We always run the risk of remaining enclosed in a spirituality isolated from reality, or of abandoning ourselves to frantic activity and to the superficiali- ty of material things. The Guardian of the Redeemer teaches us that an intense and profound interior life and loving, spiritual closeness to Jesus and Mary are sources of motivation, dedication and zealous service.
St. Joseph presents himself as a man capable of harmonizing the daily life of a laborer with the aware- ness of living in the presence of the Son of God. His daily work is in harmony with the contemplation of the mystery “hidden from the ages” which “has come to dwell” in his home (cf. Redemptoris Custos, 25).
We truly believe that the intercession of St. Joseph on behalf of the Universal Church is also a help and support for each of us, in the journey of holiness specific to our state of life. We also in- voke this help and support for all the laity who faithfully collaborate with us in our spiritual minister- ing and our human and social works, so that they may also experience in their daily lives filled with suffer- ings and tests, the joy of living in the presence of God and serving their brothers like St. Joseph our patron.
May God, in this Year of St. Joseph, by re-discovering the life of prayer and of silence and through various initiatives (liturgical, pastoral, cultural and of service) bring new enthusiasm to our Christian lives and infuse renewed zeal in the pastoral ministry of our parish communities. Happy Feast Day and Happy Year of St. Joseph!
P. JAN PELCZARSKI, OSJ Superiore Generale
3 every burden, trial, and sorrow in this perilous journey towards the service of Jesus’ interests. Deo Gratias! is my expression of joy for all of us - “joy that brings deep security, serene hope, and spiritual ful- fillment that the world cannot understand and appreciate” (LG 125).
Like Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in their journey to Egypt, let us remain united and live the family spirit in giving witness to what we ought to be as Oblates. Like the Holy Spouses, let us fix our eyes only on Provincial Superior | OSJ-Philippines Jesus. Let us vivify our Filipino values of kapatiran, malasakit, and unawaan. Kapatiran is a call for us to be a brother’s keeper for one another. Malasakit reminds us to be always available to one “Like Jesus, Mary, another not only in good times but also in times of corrections and misgivings. Unawaan mandates us to show sympathy and empa- and Joseph in their thy for one another, not finding faults in others but understanding journey to Egypt, them in their weaknesses, thereby helping one another to grow. The pastoral visit we had last October and November 2018 was our response to the challenge of the recently held XVII General Chapter. let us remain unit- We have anchored it on the call to "be the leaven of renewal and growth for our confreres and all those whom we serve in our minis- ed and live the tries” (concluding message of the Superior General, Fr. Jan Pelczarski, OSJ). We have witnessed for ourselves the joy of living in the com- family spirit in munity and felt the total dedication of our confreres in the mission, their pastoral zeal and charity, their sacrifices in administering the sacraments of the Eucharist and Baptism in faraway barrios; their giving witness to dedication to missio ad gentes, their visits to the sick and aged, their loving and educative presence in our schools and parishes, their what we ought to good example in the formation of our youth and of our seminarians. Indeed, we have the pinch of the spiritual attitude of St. Joseph - be as Oblates.” working humbly and silently for God’s glory and for our sanctification. Let us continue to work with Christ in silence and in true humility for we are chosen as ‘another Joseph’ in today’s world. We must have the courage to accept the revealed truth of our frailty as Deo Gratias! religious and as human persons. Let us heed the words of Pope These words I uttered after I have Francis in Gaudete et Exsultate 137: “[...] let us allow the Lord to visited the thirty-two communi- rouse us from our torpor, to free us from our inertia. Let us re- ties of our beloved Province of St. think our usual way of doing things; let us open our eyes and Joseph. Deo Gratias! is an expres- ears, and above all our hearts, so as not to be complacent about sion that comes from the heart of things as they are, but unsettled by the living and effective word every confrere who strives to live of the risen Lord.” Thus, like Jesus, we need to strive to “grow in worthily his calling as minister of grace and wisdom, finding favor in God and man” (Luke 2:52). salvation and vessel of God’s grace. Grace abounds in our weakness as St. Paul teaches (Romans 5:20). Deo Gratias! is what we say when we live harmoniously as a commu- Let us discover the manifold graces in every moment of our minis- nity. Deo Gratias! dear brothers, try, and in every encounter we have as brothers. May the fruits of because God has bestowed upon the pastoral visit bring forth renewal and ardor in living our identity us the grace we need to conquer and commitments as sons of St. Joseph of our beloved Province.
4 ST. JOSEPH'S OBEDIENCE OF FAITH Rev. Fr. Alfie A. Polistico, OSJ, MATPh AND ITS CHALLENGES It is St. Joseph’s obedience of INTRODUCTION tiaan Beker’s theological synthesis faith that enabled him to take his year is the 104th year of coherence and contingency in Mary as his wife and thereby of the Oblates of St. Jo- his study of St. Paul’s thought; 2) made him the juridical father seph in the Philippines. using the same theological synthe- of Jesus.3 This virtue is the co- For us Filipino Oblates, the sis, the discovery and the analysis herent component in the life years between 1915 and of the reciprocity of fidelity and of the saint through which he 2019 are years of striving to achieve adaptability in the lives of St. Joseph accomplished his mission as a and maintain the balance between and St. Joseph Marello; 3) the ap- husband and a father. By the aid fidelity and adaptability. The fideli- plication of the same reciprocity in of the same virtue, Joseph pru- ty to the evangelical vows of pover- our living of the vows today in the dently responded to the social ty, chastity, and obedience and the constantly changing Philippines. and cultural demands (contin- adaptability to cultural, social, and gency) of his time such as his ST. PAUL’S COHERENCE political changes in the country are marriage to Mary, the census, gifts given by God, through Christ, AND CONTINGENCY the birth, circumcision, naming in the Spirit, for us to persevere Johan Christiaan Beker, in his anal- of Jesus and His presentation in and thereby flourish. Over the past ysis of St. Paul’s thought, highlights the temple, the flight into Egypt, the importance of the apostle’s decades, we have already seen for the finding of Jesus in the tem- commitment to balance coherence ourselves the importance of living ple and the hidden life in Naz- faithfully the vows as enshrined in (fidelity) and contingency (adapt- 4 ability) in his work as Jesus’ mis- areth. He fulfilled the mission the OSJ Constitutions and of read- sionary. On one hand, Beker notes, God entrusted to him because ing carefully the signs of the times as coherence is “the unchanging he was faithfully obedient shown by the many changes in the components of Paul’s gospel.”1 It in the constantly changing Philippine society. We have reached is the fixed component of Paul’s events of his life as a husband this far but the challenge for us Fil- life and/or teaching as inspired by to Mary and a father to Jesus. ipino Oblates remains the same: God. On the other hand, “the term to live the vows in the reciproci- contingency denotes the chang- ST. JOSEPH MARELLO’S ty of fidelity and adaptability like ing, situational part of the [Paul’s] St. Joseph and St. Joseph Marello. gospel, that is, the diversity and SERVICE TO THE INTERESTS particularity of sociological, eco- OF JESUS AND nomical, and psychological factors In order for us to be able to respond ITS CHALLENGES that confront Paul in his churches to such challenge, we will now ex- and in his missionary work and to The core of St. Joseph Marello’s amine St. Joseph's and St. Joseph 2 mission is his commitment to serve which he had to respond.” Beker’s 5 Marello’s persistence to achieve analysis will serve as our paradigm “the interests of Jesus.” This com- the balance between faithfulness in examining the interplay of fidel- mitment serves as the coherent and flexibility in their following of ity and adaptability in the lives of principle of his life. He demand- the will of God. The following para- St. Joseph and St. Joseph Marello. ed the same commitment from... graphs will show us: 1) Johan Chris- ST. JOSEPH’S Turn to page 42
5 PART I: MARELLIAN ROOTS OF THE WAY OF JOSEPH he theme we propose is not any other theme be- cause any reflection on the OSJ religious life can- not exclude an excursus on the very root of the matter. If in sacramental theology we say that we cannot collocate the importance of each sacrament without an allu- sion to the root-sacrament who is Christ, so is the case when we strive to make sense of the OSJ religious life. Obviously there is the figure of the Founder, St. Joseph Marello who put together the foundation- al framework of OSJ way of being and acting. But behind it all looms largely the figure of the man who inspired Marello and is the end-all and be-all of OSJ religious life. This is not to discount the very impor- tance of Christ who is the finality of all of Christian life including reli- gious consecration - i.e. it’s culmen et fons. But rather, it is the very key to arriving at this Christological end point. Marello took this path to lead his religious family closer to the heart of Christ. He took the way of Joseph, the great Patriarch and yet the humble carpenter of Nazareth. It is the right path to take because Joseph is the man clos- est to the heart of Jesus with Mary.
In today’s parlance to speak of the root is to go back to the primor- dial question of identity. Among the many modern ways of seeking the ultimate identity, science with its speeding pace of development has led man to the essence of the DNA. The ultimate identity of a St. Joseph in the Religious Life of the person is said to be imprinted in this natural code. To finally end all Oblates of St. Joseph in Marello discussion as to who the person is, science resorts to the unraveling of Rev. Fr. Noel B. Magtaas, OSJ, PhL one’s DNA. In the same measure, to speak of the OSJ religious life is to venture into discovering the "Jose- phite DNA" that runs in the spiritual veins of Marello and his Oblate sons.
6 On the personal side, Marello and to commit oneself according to his late. A careful look at the OSJ Con- his link to St. Joseph is undeniable capacity to care for the interest of stitutions particularly the first part since they share the same name. Jesus (Letter 76).” This may be one on religious life would bear this out. From the very onset of his Christian of the first proofs of the Joseph- life, Marello was to be another Jo- ite vision of religious life he had in Article 3 defines the spiritual and seph. Being born the day after the his heart. This is to be reinforced apostolic charism of the OSJ, it is Nativity it is highly probable that in the very letter of foundation of provided that every OSJ “…is called the parents of Marello named him the OSJ, Marello crafted in 1878 to reproduce in their lives the Chris- Joseph in recognition of the great when he said, “to whoever desires tian mystery as lived by St. Joseph.” role St. Joseph fulfilled in the story to follow the footsteps of the Divine Every religious founder has a spe- of the birth of the Savior. Since the Master through the observance of cific spiritual itinerary to follow baptismal name is both a tag and the evangelical counsels, the House Christ. In Marello and the OSJ, it is a mission, it is to be so in the life of St. Joseph, where one with the the way of St. Joseph. He is to be of Marello: to be an alter Joseph! aim of hiddenly and silently work- the measuring stick and guide to in- At another moment of his conse- ing in imitation of the great mod- spire every Oblate. To follow Christ cration to the Lord, during his or- el of a poor and obscure life would is to live as St. Joseph served Jesus dination to the priesthood, he has have the means of becoming a real and Mary in union with God, in hu- invoked St. Joseph as exemplar in disciple of Jesus, is open “(Letter mility, in hidden life, in hard work his newly embraced ministry as an 78). The House of Joseph is there- and in total commitment to the in- alter Christus. This is particularly fore the context where one is to terests of Jesus according to Divine clear in a letter he wrote to a priest- live his consecration in Christ. In a Providence. These are the spiritual friend saying, “May You, who after sense, it is sequela Christi in domus marks that should enliven the OSJ the Blessed Mary embraced Jesus Sancti Joseph in Marello! In a very apostolic work in the service of the our redeemer, be our exemplar in straightforward manner, we can Church in pastoral work, in the ed- our ministry which like yours, is a trace the linear connections in his ucation ministry and in devotional ministry of intimate relation with life where we find St. Joseph firm- promotions. It is nothing but a tes- the Divine Word” (Letter 35). It is ly embedded in his interior life and tament to the Josephite character clear that for Marello to be a faith- his apostolic actions and intentions. of the religious life of every Oblate. ful alter Christus is to live as an alter Joseph - Joseph for patronage and This Josephite link encapsulates in In the chapter on the program of protection. The Church declared St. a most wonderful way the personal life, Article 6 enunciates that total Joseph to be Patron of the Univer- charism given him by the Holy Spirit consecration is imitation of the vir- sal Church. Marello saw the inter- which impelled him to found a re- ginal and poor life chosen by Christ section of the role of the Guardian ligious family to serve the Church, and embraced by Mary and Joseph. of the Redeemer with that of being the community of God. This is the It is only by doing so that there can Guardian of the Church, the Mysti- essence of every charism in the be genuine growth in the life of an cal Body of Christ. From the Coun- Church; that it is meant to build up Oblate or “consecrated.” In Article cil, Marello went back home all the the Church! The Holy Spirit guid- 7, religious perfection is attained more convinced of the centrality of ed Marello to uncover in his life the in imitation of St. Joseph in being St. Joseph in the life of Jesus and spiritual treasures of Christ through hidden and silently active. As such, of the Church so as to make him the holiness of life of St. Joseph. It is in both consecration and action, St. the core of his interior life and the the same gift which he would even- Joseph is to be imitated. In Article 8 apostolate (see Letter 62). Another tually share with his religious family. another important character of OSJ historical moment which defines his religious life is identified. It is fra- life, being the founder of a religious ternal life in community citing the family, in his initial attempt to form PART II: THE WAY OF JOSEPH traditional family spirit of the con- the Company of St. Joseph, about FOR THE SONS OF MARELLO gregation. Again the path to follow which Marello wrote, “each one is In the First Rules of the Congrega- is that of the Holy Family where St. to take proper inspiration from the tion, Marello immediately pointed Joseph as father is the main pro- model St. Joseph who was the first out St. Joseph as the first exemplar moter and supporter. As father, he on earth to take care of the inter- of religious life, having had contin- is the bond that wields that fam- ests of Jesus. He who is resolved to ually under his gaze the Divine Ex- ily together and keeps it safe and be part of the Company must make emplar. St. Joseph therefore is the nourished as every Jewish father before the Lord a sincere promise model of religious life for every Ob- was tasked to do. In Article 13, the
7 OSJ family exults the OSJ brothers in anchored on his belief that the life of the Trinity and gives witness its completeness as a vocation and Good Lord will always provide and to the power of God’s love to the in its affiliation with the humble Jo- He can never be outdone in gener- world (Article 37). In this sense, seph. It is the humility of Joseph to osity. For St. Joseph, to have Jesus the silence of St. Joseph is the form which both OSJ priests and broth- and Mary is more than enough. For which makes every OSJ commu- ers are bound which will guaran- Marello and the Oblates, the pov- nity like the Family at Nazareth. tee equity and harmony in the OSJ erty of Jesus is their only treasure. Ultimately in Chapter 7, on prayer, family. The humility of St. Joseph what empowers the Oblate and is therefore the great equalizer! The chapter on obedience follows gives him life is his connection with the same pattern: no direct mention God in prayer. In Article 47, the Ob- In Chapter 3, on chastity, there of St. Joseph. But again in Article 36, lates is not just invited to pray but seems to be no direct reference to St. Joseph is exalted as the model of to become prayer itself! By his re- the chastity of St. Joseph, one of prompt and generous obedience. ligious profession, his life is to be- his supreme virtues. At first glance OSJ obedience is the consecration come an unceasing act of worship Article 20 makes mention of devo- of one’s self to God by the sacrifice and a living liturgy. When prayer tion to St. Joseph as a supernatural of one’s will thus uniting oneself to becomes union with God, there is aid to a chaste life. But a deeper the saving will of God. The obedi- only one person who can testify reading of the text points to a most ence of St. Joseph captures all the to that: St. Joseph. His union with essential feature of that chastity, vital elements of this definition. God kept ever growing by listening which is its core - i.e. the virgin- Scriptural episodes bear out clear- to the Word of God. The sleeping al love for Christ and the Church. ly how Joseph surrendered his own St. Joseph in the mind of biblical The pure and chaste Joseph loved will to the Father in spite of his initial scholars is the ever meditating St. Jesus and Mary and that is to be confusion to the unfolding mysteri- Joseph, deeply in touch with the Di- the standard of the undivided ous events of Mary’s pregnancy and vine Will. In St. Joseph, the Oblate love every Oblate is asked to do. maternity. He suffered while obey- can find the very personification of ing and yet never desired to aban- the kind of prayer he is called to live. In the chapter on poverty, again don the will of God no matter how there seems to be an absence of painful it might seem to be for him. All of these reflections point to one reference to the poverty of St. Jo- He said "Yes" to God fully aware essential confirmation: OSJ religious seph. In Article 29, St. Joseph is cit- that what was unraveling before life, from its very genesis found in ed as the saint of Divine Providence him was part of the grand design to the life of St. Joseph Marello until its alluding to a life of total trust in the save all of humanity. In fact, in obe- full enunciation in the OSJ supreme goodness of God to free the human dience he named the baby Jesus norm reveals a singular figure. In heart from excessive attachment meaning the Savior. His obedience some instance, it may not seem to and greed for material wealth. But was in the service of God’s salvific be direct and obvious. But upon once again, the simplicity and trust plan. The obedience asked of every further reflection the fine thread of St. Joseph seems to be the in- Oblate follows the same direction. which ties up everything together is visible thread holding together the Chapter 6 on community life makes made manifest. It is reflective of the poverty of the OSJ. The poverty in mention of St. Joseph as the saint very life of St. Joseph. Reading his the congregation is not a historical of silence. It is not just a pious ex- story in the Scriptures, his life was accident. It is part of the choice hortation but another invitation to marked by so many upheavals and made by Marello even from the very a more profound understanding of inconsistencies. There are so many beginning. It is a courageous choice the OSJ community life. For one, crooked lines and twists which may the silence of St. Joseph is never an be difficult to grasp. But this man empty silence but one which reveals never got derailed nor discouraged “In St. Joseph, the the fullness of relationship and as he saw through all his experienc- communication with God. As car- es that which made sense to all the Oblate can nd the thusians indoors, the OSJ commu- darkness: the hand of God in Jesus nity is to be a locus for prayer and and Mary. Like the hand of God or very personi cation of recollection which are both greatly the Will of God, the Oblate can only the kind of prayer he is enriched in silence. A community in truly grasp the sense of his life of prayer and in silence is a communi- consecration in the image of the called to live.” ty united in the name of the Lord, Great St. Joseph. Simply put, he is rejoices in His presence, images the called to be an Alter Joseph!
8 1930In Memoriam 2019
Born in San Pablo City, Philippines on March 15, 1930 Died on February 26, 2019 57 Years in the Religious Life 53 Years in the Priesthood
e entered the Minor Seminary in San Jose, Batangas in 1953. After finishing his philosophical studies at the Jesuits’ San Jose Seminary in Quezon City, he was sent to Armeno, Novara, Italy in 1960 for his novitiate. He made his first religious profession on September 30, 1961. He took up his theological studies at the OSJ International Studentate in Rome from 1961 to 1965. He made his perpetual profession on October 4, 1964. He was ordained priest on March 19, 1965, and celebrated his first mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. He stayed in Rome until August 1966 to finish the licentiate in theol- ogy at Lateranum. In 1966, he was assigned as prefect of the sem- inarians in Santuario de San Jose in Greenhills. From 1967 to 1970, he was assigned in San Jose, Batangas as assistant parish priest and seminary teacher. From 1970 to 1981, he was parish priest of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Taysan, Batangas. He served as vice delegate from 1974 to 1978 and from 1986 to 1989. From 1979 to 1982 he was the secretary of the delegation. In 1982 to 1984, he was appointed as novice master. From 1984 to 1993, he served as parish priest of the Holy Family Parish in Alupay, Rosario, Batan- gas. Then he was assigned in San Juan Nepomuceno Parish, San Juan, Batangas as parish priest from 1993 to 1998, and as assistant parish priest from 1998 to 2005. In 2005, he was assistant parish priest in Alupay. As a pastor, he worked hard for the restoration of the churches of San Jose, Taysan, and San Juan. A writer and histo- rian, he authored several books and articles on the history of the country and the Church. He also composed many Tagalog poems published in the local periodicals. Because of some inevitable ail- ments due to old age, he retired at OSJ College Seminary in Lipa City in 2017, where he was taken care of by the confreres. At 11:49 in the evening of February 26, 2019, he returned to his Creator.
Fr. Ray is remembered as a priest with a big heart for the peo- ple - rich or poor, young or old. He was known for his strictness during the celebration of the Mass which manifested his love and devotion to the Eucharist, making it truly the center and source of his life (OSJ Cons. Art 48). This character also enabled him to instill in the hearts of his parishioners the value of the Eucharist in their Christian life. As a formator, he gave a high regard to the formation of the conscience that he always encouraged his sem- inarians to go to confession frequently, especially after returning from their vacation. He was a guide to the younger generation of priests and seminarians, always inculcating in them the Oblate spirit of prayer and manual labor.
9 Fr. Den Mark A. Malabuyoc, OSJ, SSL “What prevents us from fully Joseph in the economy of salva- While we have organized sym- tion. His exegetical and theological appreciating our Oblate identity posia on St. Joseph, and have works would give substance to our is the inability to dive into the repeatedly included materials on understanding of the importance wealth of the writings of the St. Joseph in our formation pro- of St. Joseph in salvation history. gram in seminaries, permanent founder, St. Joseph Marello.” formation, OSJ schools faculty A well-staffed and a well-funded and symposia, there is a cache Josephite-Marellian center would of uniquely Oblates of Saint Jo- There is significant activity by the definitely help with our mission. Be- seph corpus that remains to be Oblates of Saint Joseph in the Philip- sides collating a repository of works disseminated for wider con- pines in the promotion of devotion regarding St. Joseph and St. Joseph sumption. There is a language to St. Joseph. We have in our parish- Marello, practically serving as a re- barrier that separates them es regular Novena to Saint Joseph search facility, this could also incor- from the Filipino ‘consumers,’ every Wednesday, after the votive porate a small museum, the aim of and bridging the gap would Mass in honor of the patron. Some which is to further the knowledge require much time and effort. parishes have adopted of the patron and the founder. The the recitation of the St. proposed museum need Joseph Rosary in Tagalog. to be well-planned to We have Josephite orga- guarantee the connec- nizations for men in some tion with the audience, parishes. We have also or- banking on interactivity, ganized various symposia sensory delivery and di- on St. Joseph on parochi- gestibility of information. al, diocesan and national levels. What remains to The lay movement for men be done? As sons of St. needs to be organized to Joseph whose mission is canonically operate na- to propagate devotion tionally and international- to this saint, how are we ly. A lot of organizational going to plot our course work is needed for this. of actions for the future? Part of our aposto- late should be to share Based on the exigencies to Filipino fathers the of today, promoting the spirituality of Saint Jo- devotion to St. Joseph is seph. We can appeal to relevant more than ever. fathers in forming not just a spiritual organi- We have many families zation, but a formation- coping to the phenomenon of mi- al group that functions as support grant parents, with children left to What prevents us from fully ap- preciating our Oblate identity group also, by involving members the care of relatives. We have new is the inability to dive into the in activities particular to their needs. generation of young adults, whom wealth of the writings of the we call ‘millennials,’ appropriating founder, St. Joseph Marello. Most Our imagination and creativity American sociological naming con- know him mainly from the biog- knows no bounds in conjuring plans vention. They complain that nobody raphy of Fr. Cortona, which is the such as these to further our mission taught them of adulting. We have only readily available biography of sharing the Josephite-Marellian experienced the deplorable degra- in English. Few perhaps even spirituality. For the future, we look dation of values and the rampant know of the monumental three forward to strengthening what we manipulation of information re- volumes of Fr. Severino Dalmaso. have established, deepening into sulting to widespread disinforma- what we have initiated, and reaching tion, and ultimately, a weakening, We need also to appreciate to the uninvolved. The Philippines if not death of spirituality in many the contribution of Fr. Tarcisio needs the example of Saint Joseph of the younger generation. I be- Stramare in vigorously defend- to draw closer to Jesus Christ, more lieve that St. Joseph can fill the void that the Filipino society feels in the ing the distinctive role of Saint than ever. Ite ad Ioseph! sticky situation it finds itself into. 10 Mary as his wife, “for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (Mt 1:20). According to Guil- lemette, the function of “for” in v. 20 is “not to bring any new infor- mation to Joseph but merely con- firms what Joseph already knows.”4 b. His Fear is the “Beginning of Wisdom” (Prov 1:7)
Proverbs 1:7 declares the “key prin- ciple in the wisdom enterprise—the A Continuity of St. Joseph’s religious grounding of all intellectu- al pursuits: The Fear of the Lord is Paternal Educative Presence the beginning of knowledge; fools Rev. Fr. Alfie A. Polistico, OSJ, MATPh despise wisdom and instruction.”5 The term “beginning” can mean “the I. Introduction a. His Fear is Religious Justice most important part, the essence.” his work is a reflection Here, fear should not be understood on OSJ Youth Aposto- Nil Guillemette, SJ, one of the pro- literally as an existential fear but as late in view of the virtues lific bible scholars today, favors a “deep awe and reverence for God of St. Joseph as a fearful and argues well for the Theory of one must have in order to live prop- Jew. Matthew 1:18-25 will Religious Awe. “In this theory it is erly. One must be aware that there serve as the main biblical reference assumed that Joseph knew of the is a God and that he holds per- 6 of this reflection. In interpreting the virginal conception of Mary be- son responsible for their action.” said biblical passage, I will use the fore the message of the angel was Theory of Religious Awe through communicated to him. And, in typ- The fear of St. Joseph mirrors well which we shall discover the vir- ical Jewish awe or fear at the pres- Prov 1:7. If the fear of St. Joseph tues of St. Joseph which aided his ence of God, his instinctive reaction is essentially manifested in his re- paternity of Jesus: religious jus- was to draw back…”2 This draw- ligious justice, then such justice is tice, wisdom, and obedience. After ing back clearly shows St. Joseph’s the beginning of his wisdom. Be- showing the virtues of the saint, I righteousness or justice. For Guille- cause Joseph was just, he was able will contend that the same virtues mette, this justice is religious justice. to see the action of God in his life are needed by the Oblates today in and in turn configured his action order to continue Joseph’s paternity This kind of justice prevented St. according to the will of God. This of Jesus to the youth for these vir- Joseph from thinking that he de- configuration is a radical surrender tues constitute genuine witnessing. served to take Mary, the chosen of his life in silence. In Mt 1:19-20 vessel of God, as his wife and to we see words closely related to si- II. St. Joseph’s Fear: The Root of “appropriate for lence: “quietly” His Justice, Wisdom and himself the pater- “As Oblates, to in v. 19 and “in a Obedience nity of the Messi- dream” in v. 20. ah.”3 Thus, Joseph become genuine These words ap- In Mt 1:19, we read that Joseph, planned to divorce peared when Jo- “being a righteous man and un- Mary not because witnesses we need seph was making willing to expose her [Mary] to the latter was to be faithful to a crucial decision. public disgrace, planned to dismiss adulterous but be- her quietly” (NRSV). Matthew’s ac- cause the former our mission: to Thus, it can right- count of Joseph planning to di- was fearful of God. ly be stated vorce Mary has been interpreted This must be the serve the interests that Joseph be- in many ways. Among them, three very reason why of Jesus like St. came wise be- theories emerged as the most pop- the angel of the cause he allowed ular: “Assumed Adultery,” “Incom- Lord told him not Joseph.” God to speak to prehension,” and “Religious Awe.”1 to be afraid to take him in silence. 11 Son crucified for the sake of the will tact with them that we ought to We will succeed of the Father, the saint must have discover their [the youth] hopes already envisaged this. Joseph must and frustrations, their desires and have anticipated also the fear of Je- aspirations, their contradictions, in educating the 8 sus: “My Father, if it is possible, let etc.” Implied in this statement is this cup pass from me; yet not what the vitality of the presence of the youth if our pres- I want but what you want” (Mt 26:39, OSJs among the youth. This pater- NRSV). But he was confident that nal presence has to be anchored on ence becomes a Jesus would indeed obey the Fa- genuine witnessing because “Mod- ther. By showing Jesus how to obey, ern man listens more willingly to means for them to Joseph was able to transmit the vir- witnesses than to teachers, and if he tues of justice and wisdom to Him. does listen to teachers, it is because learn holy fear of Through the paternal educative they are witnesses.”9 Therefore, for presence of Joseph, Jesus succeed- us to succeed in youth apostolate, God, wisdom and ed in fulfilling the will of the Father. we must be genuine witnesses. obedience. III. OSJs Today: Fathers of Genu- As Oblates, to become genuine ine Witnessing witnesses we need to be faithful to our mission: to serve the interests c ear ed bed e ce a. Not Walking the Talk? of Jesus like St. Joseph. Here, I want While the youth of today seriously to focus on the phrase “like St. Jo- “When Joseph awoke from sleep, he need catechism, the way we cat- seph.” If this is to be taken seriously, did as the angel of the Lord com- echize them seems to be discon- then we have to be fearful also like manded him” (Mt 1:24). Joseph nected from their real world. That St. Joseph in serving the interests obeyed the plan God has set for is why it is not surprising anymore of Jesus. By fearful, I mean we need him. His obedience proved his fear that majority of the youth easily to imitate the religious justice, wis- of God in the sense that he lived his get bored and lost when we TALK dom, and obedience of our patron life according to His will. It is not about God. “We are not speaking for us to become genuine witnesses. of thinking about and interpreting unreasonable to surmise that Jesus c. Concluding Statement: St. Jo- also learned how to obey the will the Word of God or of organizing doctrines that are to be transmitted seph’s Philosophy of Education of God from Joseph. If Jesus was 7 taught by Joseph how to obey, it is in order to help youth in their lives.” implied then that Jesus also learned Rather, we need to be genuinely From what has been stated above, the way of the just and the way of present among them if we really it is clear that Joseph’s method of the wise from Joseph since these want to become fathers to them. education is praxis-based. How- ever, this does not mean that we no virtues are concretely expressed b. Fathers “Like St. Joseph” in the saint’s obedience to God. longer need theories in educating Although Joseph did not see his “It is precisely in the direct con- the youth. We need theories. The
12 challenge for us is to be able to successfully translate these theories A Gift that is Shared into action. By action, I mean gen- Mr. Dennis R. Ramos uine witnessing. We will succeed in educating the youth if our pres- or more than ten years, I have been a member of the Joseph Marel- ence becomes a means for them lo Youth. Since then, a lot of things have changed in me. Be- to learn holy fear of God, wisdom cause of JMY, I have felt that I am beloved. I have realized that and obedience. If they succeed in I am gifted. And as a fruit of these love and gift, I am empowered. assimilating these virtues in their lives, our job is not done yet but BELOVED. Every person has his / her moments of emptiness. JMY helped we are assured of the fact that our me overcome mine. They made me feel loved and appreciated. God paternal educative presence has made them channels of His boundless love to me. Because of this, I real- borne fruit. That means that we ized my worth which compelled me to make others feel beloved as well. GIFTED. I realized my potentials when I joined JMY. If not because have more people like St. Joseph of them, I would never know that I had a gift in public speaking. Be- ready to serve the interests of Jesus. fore, I was just a young man who would rather listen to someone than ______ speak in front of a crowd. JMY helped me to realize this gift - a gift 1. For a more comprehensive understanding that is not just mine but for everyone. Such realization has urged me of these theories see Nil Guillemette, our to share this gift so that my fellow JMY might discover theirs as well. Heart s Treasure Exploring Di cult Bible EMPOWERED. My JMY family has been a channel for me to know Texts (Pasay City Paulines, 2010 , 73-98. and accept that I am gifted and beloved. This awareness has brought 2. Nil Guillemette, our Heart s Treasure me so much energy inspiring me to make concrete actions; and Exploring Di cult Bible Texts (Pasay City these I call "service." It is my response to Christ's call to be like Him Paulines, 2010 , 87. - serving unreservedly and overflowing with love and compassion. 3. Ibid., 88. 4. Ibid., 90. All of these did not happen overnight. I have gone through a gradual and 5. Anthony R. Ceresko, Introduction to Old Testament isdom A Spirituality for Liber- painful process of realizing my worth as a ation (Que on City Claretian Publications, person. Struggles that God allowed to en- 2000 , 55. ter my life have been a "chisel" for me to 6. Barry L. Bandstra, Reading the Old Tes- be formed and become His masterpiece. tament An Introduction to the Hebrew Bi- The process is still ongoing. All I have ble, 3rd ed. ( adsworth Thomson, 2004 , to do is to trust and submit myself to it. 442. 7. The Second Oblate outh Ministry Con- With the guidance of the Oblates of Saint gress Concluding Document, Step by Step Joseph who continually foster a genuine wit- Oblate outh Following The ay in the Third Millennium (Asti, August 8-13, 2005 , 7. [Em- nessing for the youth, and as inspired by the phasis mine . spirit of St. Joseph Marello, I, a member of 8. Ibid. JMY, am called to imitate St. Joseph in his 9. Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi [Apostol- humble and obedient service for the inter- ic Exhortation on the Evangeli ation in the ests of Jesus as I am beloved, gifted, and em- Modern orld , 8 December 1975, no. 41. powered to serve.
13 IN THE PHILIPPINES Rev. Fr. Wilfredo F. de Mesa, OSJ, SThL
The Congregation does not only propagate the devotion to its patron St. Joseph. It also endeavours to make known the holy life of its founder St. Joseph Marello. The Founder is rec- ognized by the Church as a sure model of holiness. By mak- ing him known, the faithful can share in the way of holiness trailed by the Founder. Moreover, the Church recognizes the efficacy of his intercession. Spreading devotion to him, there- fore, is of great spiritual benefit to the faithful. Mindful of this, the Oblates always introduce the Founder wherever they serve. The two new parishes and several chapels under the patronage of St. Joseph Marello are proofs of this endeavour.
ST. JOSEPH MARELLO PARISH IN ANTIPOLO CITY
n 2017, Bishop Francisco de Leon of Antipolo entrusted to the Congregation the care of 22 barangays and communi- ties in Antipolo City under a new parish. This parish was ca- nonically erected on November 26, 2017, becoming the first in the country to be dedicated to the patronage of St. Joseph Marello. Fr. Rex Alday, OSJ was appointed as parish priest and Fr. Rafael Neil Hernandez, OSJ as the parochial vicar.
Aside from attending to the spiritual needs of the parishioners, the parish presently focuses on forming various ministries and organi- zations to vitalize the faith of the parishioners. It also works on ac- quiring a piece of land where the parish edifice will be erected. In the mean time, the chapel located at Marigman St., Barangay San Roque serves as the base parish. A small rectory was constructed at the back of the chapel to accomodate the two assigned priests.
The parish also aims to make known St. Joseph Marello to its parishio- ners. Last November 26, 2018, a symposium about St. Joseph Marel- lo was held in order to deepen their knowledge of their patron saint. The cassock and other relics of St. Joseph Marello are also on display in the parish to draw the faithful into a deeper devotion to the saint.
14 ish comprises fifteen chapel com- at that time, Bishop Pedro Arigo. munities, some of which can only Now that the physical structure be reached by pump boat, or by of the parish is already in place, motorcycle or on foot. It covers the various organizations of the the barangays of Tagabinet, Ca- parish are even more active in bayugan, Marufinas and Pang- carrying out their respective min- gangan. It is also home to the istries. However, some areas are famous Palawan Underground too far from the base parish and River, which draws local and for- still hardly accessible. The regular eign tourists throughout the year. celebration of the Sunday Masses remain impossible in some areas. The parish was previously part of Moreover, most part of the par- San Ezekiel Moreno Parish in Ba- ish still have no electrical supply, rangay Macarascas, the parish es- thus even the communication tablished by Bishop Broderick Pa- is slow and primitive. Therefore, billo of the Archdiocese of Manila reaching out to these far-flung before he was elected bishop. The areas to sustain the seed of faith Congregation started its mission in planted in the people remains Palawan when Fr. Mario Holmina, a challenge for the new parish. OSJ arrived there on June 3, 2008. He temporarily stayed at the par- OTHER CHAPELS UNDER ish rectory of St. Ezekiel Moreno THE PATRONAGE OF for a period of adjustment.Then ST. JOSEPH MARELLO he transferred to Sitio Manturon, Barangay Cabayugan, which was The chapel of the Oblates of St. designated as the site where the Joseph Minor Seminary in San proposed parish would be erect- Jose, Batangas, is named after the ed. Soon after, more OSJ priests Founder. As such, young aspirants and brothers were assigned there would always be reminded of the to attend to the spiritual needs paternal esteem of St. Joseph of the people and to gradually Marello who used to call the semi- form them as a parish communi- narians carissimi, his dearest ones. ty. A small house, made of wood, sawali, and iron roofing was The other chapels under the pa- built to house the missionaries. tronage of St. Joseph Marello SANTUARIO DE are: the chapel of Barangay Bu- Since the proposed site for the lihan Centro, Rosario, Batangas, SAN JOSE MARELLO future parish in Sitio Manturon is the chapel of Barangay Palan- IN PUERTO PRINCESA covered by the Puerto Princesa ca Ilaya, San Jose, Batangas, the CITY, PALAWAN Subterranean River National Park, chapel of Barangay Quipot and the transfer of the ownership of Barangay Laiya-Aplaya, San Juan, Last December 26, 2018, Bishop the land was difficult to execute. Batangas, the chapel of Baran- Socrates Mesiona of Puerto Princ- Providentially, a piece of land in gay Pangao East, Ibaan, Batan- esa declared the canonical estab- Sitio Sabang was donated to the gas, the chapel of Barangay lishment of Santuario de San Jose Congregation by Mr. and Mrs. Bawi, Padre Garcia, Batangas, Marello Parish in Sitio Sabang, Ca- Patricio Aborot. The site of the pro- and the chapel of Sitio Palinlin- bayugan, Puerto Princesa City. He posed parish was therefore trans- gan, Brgy. San Juan, Antipolo City. also installed Rev. Fr. Restituto Ro- ferred to the said property. The ALL FOR GOD’S GLORY sales, OSJ as its first parish priest. construction commenced in 2015 The celebration was attended by a and on June 24, 2016 the newly number of OSJ and diocesan priests completed church was consecrat- Fr. Garberoglio, one of the first- and the lay faithful from different ed and declared quasi-parish by members of the Congregation, the Apostolic Vicar of Palawan testified: “Shy of being honored... chapel communities. The new par- Turn to page 42
15 In Fidelity to the Charism of Saint Joseph Marello Rev. Fr. Joel M. Villanueva, OSJ, MAEd
aint Joseph Marello con- sidered Catechism as a very essential tool for the integral formation of man and woman. In his Pastoral Letter as Bishop of Acqui on Jan- uary 20, 1894, he said, “For Moral perfection of Man, it does not suf- fice to have a culture of the mind without an education of the heart, or to say it better: instruction with- out the accompaniment of religion cannot give true light to the intel- lect and move the will effectively to good…” He further claimed that, “Catechism is truly the book which all, the great and small, can know that heavenly doctrine which must guide men to eternal salvation.”
Catechism, therefore, has become one of the most In fidelity to this tradition them in the roster of professors are important patrimonies of Saint of our Congregation and to the Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Marfori, SThD, Joseph Marello to his Oblates of charism of our Founder, the Oblates Rev. Fr. Glenn Andrei Baes, OSJ, Rev. Saint Joseph. Fr. Giovanni Bat- of Saint Joseph Philippine Province, Fr. Edwin Tolentino, OSJ and Mrs. tista Cortona, in his Brief Memo- through the initiative of the forma- Judy Marcia Masilang-Fonte, RGC. ries of the Life of Joseph Marello tors of the Oblates of Saint Joseph During the first year of its opera- (1920), wrote that “the broth- College Seminary at Marawoy, Lipa tion, there were 35 catechists who ers were to imitate St. Joseph City, has opened the Oblates of Saint enrolled coming from different par- consisted only of manual labor, Joseph Institute of Catechetics. It is ishes in the Archdiocese of Lipa. To- teaching religion to help Pastors a Diploma Course on Catechetics, day, the Institute has a total of 52 and maintaining the House of a two-year non-degree formation student-catechists (22 first year stu- God as good sacristans.” Fr. Cor- program designed for those who dents and 31 second year students). tona also noted, how in Novem- would like to become catechists in ber of 1883, St. Joseph Marello, the parishes, schools, chapels and The following are the courses/ made use of the empty theater in basic ecclesial communities. It is subjects taken by the catechists: (the former Poor Clare’s convent a once a week class (every Satur- 1. Introduction to Sacred Scrip- which was converted into a the- day) distributed in four semesters. tures with Bible History. ater during the 1866 upheavals), This in- for the beginning of evening re- The Institute of Catechet- troduces the catechists into the ligious classes for youth, partic- ics was formally opened last Au- understanding of the Sacred Scrip- ularly the workers. Fr. Cortona gust 12, 2017 with the Mass of tures and God’s Economy of Sal- described it as “very useful and the Holy Spirit presided by Rev. Fr. vation as it enfolds in the lives highly respected apostolic work Eduardo Carandang, OSJ, the rec- of God’s chosen people. The first to which the Institute (Oblates tor together with Rev. Fr. Allen Vic part exposes them to the knowl- of Saint Joseph) was to then Cartagena, OSJ, the dean of stud- edge of biblical inspiration, iner- devote itself in a special way.” ies and Rev. Fr. Joel M. Villanueva, rancy, canonicity; while the second OSJ, the program director. Joining gives them the glimpse of the dif-
16 ferent periods in salvation histo- writing of syllabi on different topics 7. CCC: Commandments ry based on the Sacred Scriptures. . on Catechesis through and with This is a study of the vari- the aid of the modern means of 2. Fundamental Theology with ous elements of the Deca- research and documentation. Divine Revelation. This course be- logue and its relevance to the gins with the study of human experi- contemporary Christian life. 11. Catechetical Methodolo- ence as the basis of man’s /woman's gy and Teaching Strategies. The 8. CCC: Sacrament religious experience. It is anchored s. This sub- course presents, describes and dis- on Divine Revelation primarily be- ject exposes the theological na- cusses the basic concepts of the cause the relationship between ture, the celebration and the im- teaching-learning theories and God and His creatures begins with pact of the seven sacraments in principles as applied in the science the Divine initiative and requires the lives of Christians. This may of Catechetics. It also touches on man’s/woman's faithful response. also be an open ground for the the current trends of classroom catechists to ask questions and management and discipline, the 3. Fundamentals of Dogmatic to clarify matters concerning the different types of lessons, as well Theology (Trinity/Christology/ contemporary practices of the as planning and preparing of les- Mariology). This course is a study celebration of the sacraments. sons. The course eventually gives of the important dogmas as pro- insights about the personal and the 9. CCC: Christian Prayer with claimed by the Church. It deals professional qualities of an effec- Sacred Music. with the fundamental truths on This course tive teacher – catechist as he/she the Mystery of the Blessed Trinity; gives the catechists a basic performs his/her responsibilities. on the person and mission of Je- understanding and impor- sus Christ; and on the special role tance of prayer in the life of 12. Josephite-Marellian Pedago- that the Blessed Virgin has played every Christian disciple. It is gy. This course is the study of the in the life of Jesus Christ and of substantiated by a discus- life and holiness of Saint Joseph the Church and of every Christian. sion on the Sacred Music to Marello and the historical founda- acquaint the catechists to the tion of the Oblates of Saint Joseph 4. Ecclesiology with Church His- i m p o r t - ant contri- along with its charism and mission tory. This course is a study of the butions o f in the Church and to the world. It Mystery of the Church as founded by s i n g - further aims to inculcate among the Jesus, as the universal sacrament of ing in catechists the humanistic salvation and as the sign and instru- the prayer philosophy of educa- ment of communion with God and services of tion as taught of unity among all (Lumen Gentium the Church. and exempli- and Gadium et Spes ; and how it un- fied by Saint 10. Re- folds in the human events from its J o s e p h search and foundation up to the present time. Ma rell o Lesson in deal- Plan- 5. Sacred Liturgy with Liturgical ing... ning Year. This course aims at acquainting the catechists to the basic notions of . The Sacred Liturgy and introducing them course to the cycle of the Liturgical Year. deals with re- 6. Fundamentals of Catechetics. search meth- This presents the basic framework odology that for studying Catechetics and do- would help ing catechesis. It deals with the the cate- fundamental principles discussed chists in the in the General Directory of Cat- preparation of echesis, in the National Catechet- their lessons or ical Directory of the Philippines catechetical instructions. and in other significant catechet- It trains the catechists in the methodology proper to the ical documents of the Church. Turn to page 42
17 for t h e provi nc e. The JMY continue to bring their most antic- i n - ipated activities - Marello Cup, Sur- spiring choice: vival Youth Camp, and Kapatiran Kay “Filipino Youth in Mission: Marello. These activities aim to unite, Beloved, Gifted, Empowered.” empower, form, and strengthen the We accompany the youth in Joseph Marello Youth as they con- the present as they discover and tinue to be servant-leaders through develop their talents. With them, the guidance of St. Joseph and St. we look forward to the future that Joseph Marello. These activities also belongs to them both as a gift and serve as avenues for the promotion BELOVED. GIFTED. EMPOWERED responsibility. Guided by the story of vocation in response to the call of of the two disciples walking on the the Church to bring and form more road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35), the youth to fully dedicate their lives to group hopes that the youth may serve the Church. In its continuous converse with Jesus about who they efforts to celebrate this year, the are, where they are, as well as about Joseph Marello Youth Council has their concerns and hopes and their planned activities and gatherings journey in life and walk in faith. highlighting how beloved, gift- The Joseph Marello Youth in the ed, and empowered JMY members Celebrating the Philippine Province have been joy- are. We are humbled and glad to Year of the Youth fully celebrating the Year of the share with you our planned activi- Rev. Fr. Joseph V. Pasia, OSJ, SThL Youth since it opened during the ties crafted in line with the theme: last quarter of 2018. They opened it with celebrations in their local par- BELOVED: Launching of the Year The seventh year (2019) of prepa- ishes. And during the recently held of the Youth, Prayer to St. Joseph ration for 500th anniversary of Kapatiran Kay Marello (national in the Way of Taize, JMY Gift-giv- Christianity in the Philippines has gathering of Marello's Altar Knights ing, JMY Participation in WYD 2019, been declared by the Catholic Bish- and Marellettes), the Joseph Marel- Youth Encounter, National Youth ops Conference of the Philippines lo Youth officially opened the Year of Day 2019 Cebu, Marellian Pilgrim- (CBCP) as the Year of the Youth. The the Youth in the Philippine Province. age, Wellness Program and Youth theme for the Year of the Youth that A thousand youth gathered to play, Program on “Live Pure Movement”; the CBCP Episcopal Commission on pray, and merrily participated in this Youth has chosen is an inspired and momentous and historical occasion GIFTED: Kapatiran kay Marello 18 Kabataang Pinoy Formation Pro- er that this is “our mission: to make gram, Fun Run, Akyat Kabalikat the doctrine of Christ known, loved 2.0, Tree Planting, JMY National and lived.” Take courage and go! 2019 Convention and Election, Unang – Na- Hakbang, JMY Outreach Program, t i o n - and Awards Night and Fellowship. “We accompany the al Event, youth in the present as JMY Channel, All these are made for the youth JMY Anima- and with the youth as we are all they discover and devel- tion Team Train- beautifully reminded by this year’s ing and Workshop, theme. op their talents. With Lakbay Parokya, Summer Youth Camps, Emotional Intel- The Provincial Youth Director of them, we look forward ligence Symposium, Pedro: Awit at the JMY PH Province encourages to the future that be- Indak – San Pedro Calungsod Mu- JMY members to find the courage sical Show and Marello Cup 2019; and inspiration to act out God’s will longs to them both as a in their daily lives. As the Joseph EMPOWERED: Revision of Maks Marello Youth recognizes and cele- gift and responsibility.” and Mars Formation Module, Host- brates the Year of the Youth, we are ing 101, Formation of Marshalls, all reminded by our beloved found-
MAKS & MARS REUNITE IN
Bro. James Albert B. Leyesa, OSJ, LPT
April 9, 2019 – The Joseph Marello Youth Council of the Ob- lates of Saint Joseph Philippine Province reunited the Marello's Al- tar Knights and Marellettes of different OSJ parishes and schools for the annual Kapatiran Kay Marello at the Oblates of Saint Jo- seph College Seminary, Bo. Marawoy, Lipa City. With the theme, “Be- loved, Gifted, Empowered”, the Kapatiran 2019 also marked the ac- tive support of JMY in celebrating the Year of the Youth declared by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
The Kapatiran had two parts: the sportsfest and JMYs launching of the Year of the Youth. The 1,340 registered delegates from 18 par- ishes and schools competed in the sportsfest: 9 sports events, 3 events for the showcase of intelligence, beauty and talents and an online game popularly known as MOBA (Mobile Legends). The launching of the Year of the Youth was made more exciting when Joshua Garcia appeared on stage as the special guest. ...It was a very wonder- He encouraged the young to serve the ful day and we are in- Church faithfully for them to be able deed Beloved. Gifted. to respond to Christ as His disciples. and Empowered! #KapatiranKayMarello2019 #YOTY #February092019 This annual gathering fostered camara- derie among Maks and Mars and pro- @peramo_gwyneth moted religious vocation among them.
19 find their first experience of a wholesome human society and of the Church. Finally, it is through the family that they are gradually led to a compan- ionship with their fellowmen and with the people of God” (GE 3). Fifteen years later, John Paul II stressed that the family has a mission to transmit and radiate the Gospel so that fam- ily life itself becomes an itiner- ary of faith and in some way a Christian initiation and a school of following Christ (FC 39).
This mission is especially en- trusted to the parents. In the rite of matrimony, the couple is asked by the minister if they are prepared to accept chil- dren from God and to bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church. In the Tagalog rite, it is more explicit: Rev. Fr. Faiq Edmerson T. Quinto, OSJ, MA “Nakahanda ba kayong gu- manap sa inyong panana- gutan sa Simbahan at sa bayan etachment is one of the ly becomes a significant matter to na umaasang inyong aaru- guiding principles in the consider in his evaluation before gain ang mga supling na ip- life every Oblate of St. integration into the congregation. agkakaloob sa inyo ng Poong Joseph. It is particularly Maykapal upang sila ay inyong true in his exercise of the But how should detachment palakihin bilang mabubuting vow of poverty. The Constitutions of from family be viewed by the Ob- mamamayanang Kristiyano the Oblates of St. Joseph thus pro- lates? Is the family one of the el- Even St. Joseph Marello, as a vides: “[T]he Oblates of St. Joseph ements that an Oblate should bishop, exhorted the parents of intend to detach themselves from detach himself from so as to ded- his time in a similar tone: “You temporal goods and thus free them- icate himself freely to the service selves from all worldly attachments of God and the Church? May this owe your children the instruc- tion that places them on the and concerns in order to dedicate presentation shed some light. right path and makes them vir- themselves more freely to the ser- tuous Christians and excellent vice of God and the Church” (C 22). Priestly and religious formation in citizens” (4th Pastoral Letter). It the Oblates of St. Joseph begins Sometimes, “detachment” is ex- with Christian formation (C 80-81). is the primary mission of parents to raise their children as good tended to cover relationships with And Christian formation begins at Christians. They have the mis- other people including that with home. Paul VI says, “It is particular- sion, the Church says, of teach- the Oblate’s biological family. At ly in the Christian family, enriched ing their children to pray and to least in the Philippine Province, by the grace and office of the sac- seminarians are advised not to rament of matrimony, that children discover their vocation as chil- dren of God (CCC 2226). There- cling too much to their families that should be taught from their early fore, as far as priestly and reli- once inside the seminary attending years to have a knowledge of God gious formation is concerned, to family affairs is carefully regu- according to the faith received in the Christian home is indeed lated by formators. Sometimes, a Baptism, to worship Him, and to seminarian’s closeness to his fami- love their neighbor. Here, too, they the first seminary (cf. OT 2).
20 is brought to fulfillment” (PDV 35). ute to the nurturing of vocations This teaching is especially true if should be welcomed with open Christian education should develop Similarly, the new Ratio recognizes arms. And that includes the family. into something greater and deeper the family as one of the agents of – say, vocation to the priesthood and formation, contributing significant- A word of caution, though. Bound- religious life. The Church exhorts ly to sustaining and nourishing aries must always be set. There is a the Christian family to encourage in the vocation of those called to the cost for following Jesus especially in the children the vocation which is priesthood both in the initial and the priestly and religious vocation. proper to each child, fostering with the on-going formation (RFIS 148). Consider the following passage special care any religious vocation And this is very true especially in from the Gospel of Luke: “As they (CCC 1656). John Paul II explains the the Philippine context where fam- were walking along the road, a man reason why: “The Christian family, ily spirit is very strong. A case in said to him, ‘I will follow you wher- which is truly a domestic Church, point: on December 27, 2018, at an ever you go.’ Jesus replied, ‘Foxes has always offered and continues occasion in the diocese of Novali- have dens and birds have nests, but to offer favorable conditions for ches, a certain Tess Bagos, mother the Son of Man has no place to lay the birth of vocations” (PDV 41). of a candidate for diaconate made his head.’ He said to another man, a remark on the role of parents in ‘Follow me.’ But he replied, ‘Lord, Not only do vocation and formation strengthening vocation. She said, first let me go and bury my father.’ begin at home. They also grow and “As with the adage of old, the inner Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead are nurtured within the context of strength – when they [seminarians] bury their own dead, but you go family. According to Pope Francis, “It see us their parents, they become and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ is important for families to be part inspired…. When they see the pres- Still another said, ‘I will follow you, of the seminary process and priestly ence of their parents, they become Lord; but first let me go back and life, since they help to reaffirm these okay!” (CBCP News, January 1, 2019). say goodbye to my family.’ Jesus re- and to keep them well grounded in plied, "No one who puts a hand to reality. It is helpful for seminarians to The family who is willing to offer the plow and looks back is fit for... combine time in the seminary with its son to the priestly and religious time spent in parishes. There they vocation is as happy as the Church “Not only do voca- can have greater contact with the for such a gift. The family is not a concrete realities of family life, since hindrance to priestly and religious tion and formation in their future ministry they will vocation. Rather, the family is one of largely be dealing with families” (AL the elements that foster it. The Con- begin at home. They 203). Thus, vocation, be it priestly or gregation for the Clergy acknowl- religious, is from the Church and for edges that priestly vocation – and also grow and are the Church. As the 1990 Synod on even religious vocation – should The Formation of Priests in the Cir- be held in the highest esteem and nurtured within the cumstances of the Present Day pro- cultivated with all diligence and poses, “The vocation of each priest concern, so that they can blos- context of family. ” exists in the Church and for the som and mature (RFIS 11). In that Church: Through her this vocation case, all that must greatly contrib- Turn to page 42
21 “Ongoing Formation regards first of all the personal, religious, and apostolic life of every Oblate religious; it must al- ways accompany him in every period and condition of life, in whatever area of work and responsibility he finds himself.” (Pastores Dabo Vobis 76 I. THE FOUR
Rev. Fr. Edwin V. Tolentino, OSJ
INTRODUCTION Ongoing formation, as required by the dynamic nature of voca- tion, is to pursue and improve religious life in the two-fold program of life of the OSJs as carthusians and apostles. This formation is fostered by the various programs in the human, pastoral, spiritual and religious aspects aiming for the growth of each Oblate. It is a process of renewal of the religious in all aspects mentioned and the whole province itself. Ongoing ligious, the profession of the vows way of life and the evaluation and formation has to be carried out is transformed into a definitive and updating of the confreres’ pasto- taking into account the insepa- permanent commitment through ral programs for the improvement rability and mutuality of these the acceptance and the perfor- of their performance of duties and aspects for the growth and re- mance of new responsibilities. This responsibilities. In this stage of life, newal of the Oblates, religious life group is characterized by the the confreres’ activities in the pasto- communities and the province. following: early stage of religious ral ministry and their experience of life, acceptance of the first assign- weariness, failures and disappoint- ment, initiation and preparation ments are evaluated, addressed and for the pastoral ministry, definitive processed. The second life group THE FOUR LIFE GROUPS commitment to new responsibili- is defined by the following char- The confreres are divided into four ties, gradual transition to the com- acteristics: period of renewal and life groups according to the year munity and new environment, ac- updating, preparation for major as- of their perpetual profession. Each quisition of masteral and doctoral signments and responsibilities, re- life group has its corresponding re- degrees, and periodic evaluation newal, updating and deepening of sponsibilities and core values. The of spiritual life, community life and charism and spirituality, study and life groups are: FEDELTÀ, FERMEZ- pastoral life. The accompaniment updating of pastoral programs and ZA, FECONDITÀ and FELICITÀ. program for the confreres of this responses to experiences of failures group, being the youngest members and disappointments. Confreres 1. First Life Group: FEDELTÀ of the province, shall focus on fed- of this group shall reflect on their This stage is the passage from the elt , that is, fidelity or faithfulness. ferme a or their firmness in their initial formation to the first assign- life as religious and in their minis- ment and residence of the newly 2. Second Life Group: FERMEZZA try and apostolate amidst the dif- professed and newly ordained con- This stage is a period of renewal, ficulties and struggles of religious. freres. In this stage of life as a re- updating and deepening of the OSJ
22 3. Third Life Group: FECONDITÀ First Life Group: confreres who professed perpetually in 2011 to pres- This stage is a period of giving par- ent (more than 31 priests and one religious brother). ticular importance to interior life where courses are taken for spiritual renewal. In this stage, the meaning of life as a religious is rediscovered, and the spirit of family is lived more fully. The third life group is char- acterized by the following: accep- tance of major responsibilities and assignments, reaping the fruits of hard work, achievement of spiritu- al and apostolic fulfilment, period of intense interior life aided by ob- taining courses on spiritual renewal. Confreres of this group shall reflect on their fruitfulness or fecondit , guided by the words of the Ratio Formationis no. 224: “In and of it- self this age represents the time of greatest spiritual and apostolic fruit. “The accompaniment program for the confreres Therefore, it is to be lived by giving of this group, being the youngest members of particular importance to their interi- or life, the soul of every apostolate.” the province, shall focus on fedeltà, that is,
4. Fourth life Group: FELICITÀ delity or faithfulness.” This stage is the opportune time to gradually withdraw from pastoral work after having reached an old Second Life Group: confreres who professed perpetually in 2001 to age. In this stage, personal health 2010 (32 priests and five religious brothers). is maintained and given priority. This stage is a period of enjoying old age and dealing with discom- fort and illnesses if there are any. In this stage, the elderly confreres are well taken care of by the province. The fourth life group is defined by the following characteristics: ac- ceptance of minor roles and less responsibilities, progressive with- drawal from active pastoral ministry, preparation for retirement, period of intense spiritual life and wisdom, dealing with discomfort and ill- ness/es, acceptance of new role as retired confreres. Confreres of this group are largely composed of the most senior and elderly members “Confreres of this group shall re ect on their of the province. They would be fermezza or their rmness in their life and in guided to reflect on how they can see their own fulfilment and con- their ministry and apostolate amidst their tentment as Oblates of St. Joseph. They will focus on felicit or felicity. dif culties and struggles as religious ”
23 Third Life Group: confreres who professed perpetually in 1990 to 2000 (30 priests and one religious brother). II. THE BIBLICAL
OF THE FOUR
Fr. Den Mark A. Malabuyoc, OSJ, SSL
FEDELTÀ (1 PETER 2 :18-21) One of the most iconic scenes in the Bible is the story of the martyr- dom of the seven brothers, togeth- er with their mother, in the second book of the Maccabees (chapter 2). When pressed by Antiochus to abandon their Jewish faith and “Confreres of this group shall re ect on their to embrace Hellenic culture, they remained faithful and never suc- fruitfulness or fecondità, guided by the words cumbed to the temptation of ease of the Ratio Formationis no. 224: “In and of and comfort, not even with threats of torture and promises of promo- itself this age represents the time of greatest tion and reward. Even the youngest of the brothers professed his faith- spiritual and apostolic fruit.” fulness to the Lord in spite of his tender age. We indeed have many Fourth Life Group: confreres who professed perpetually in1964 examples of fidelity to the Lord to 1989 (13 priests and two religious brothers). until the end, with the innumer- able throng of saints and martyrs. St. Joseph Marello urges us in par- ticular to be faithful in little things, in making the ordinary extraordi- nary by the spirit of love in which we perform our tasks. We have made our vows before the altar, to “follow more closely the foot- steps of the Divine Master.” We have made our vows of the Evan- gelical Counsels of poverty, chasti- ty and obedience. Confreres in the priesthood have made the vow of celibacy, have promised to obey the bishop, to pray the Divine Of- “Confreres of this group will be guided to fice, to serve the people of God. We have so many vows and prom- re ect on how they can see their own ful l- ises to be held accountable for. ment and contentment as Oblates of St. Joseph The Lord Himself is faithful to us. It as they will focus on felicita or felicity.” is in the light of this fidelity of the Lord that the psalmist, retaining in
24 his mind the image of the Lord as us discernment, and discernment our own interests, or we are real- the good shepherd and the gra- demands of us sufficient time for ly sincere in promoting the “inter- cious host, rejoices at the goodness prayer and reflection. Moreover, ests of Jesus.” We should know by and mercy that He shows the soul our times call for recursus ad fontes, the spiritual fruits we have gained (Psalm 23). In another instance, this going back to the source, so that or loss by which movement we leads to praise and worship, in re- we may be firmly grounded on the are gearing, for “every good tree joicing (Psalm 88:2). God’s fidelity soundness of our apostolic faith, bears good fruit, but a bad tree transcends the natural bounds of by soaking up on the Word of God bears bad fruit” (Matthew 7:17). man’s capacity, because God re- expressed in Sacred Scriptures, Sa- mains faithful even if we are not, cred Tradition and the Magisterium. FELICITÀ (PROVERBS 16 :31; 20 :29) “for he cannot deny who he is” (2 The sound traditions of the Oblates Regarding old age and happi- Timothy 2:13). It is this divine fidelity of Saint Joseph also constitutes ness: old age is a sign of distinc- that inspires us and moves us to as- a rich source for being ground- tion and honor for the righteous: pire for perseverance, and to stand ed in the firmness with the Lord. “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is up everytime we fail. We remember obtained by following a righteous that fidelity is a fruit of Holy Spirit, FECONDITÀ (PSALM 1 :1-3) path” (Proverbs 16:31); “the gray working in our lives (Galatians 5:22). Our fidelity in the Lord should hair of experience is the splen- lead us to productivity, compa- dor of the old” (Proverbs 20:29). FERMEZZA (2 PETER 3:17) rable to a tree planted beside The Greek word , which flowing streams, that yields its The soul calls to the Lord, “Now can be translated as firmness, fruit in due season. The stream that I am old and my hair is gray, steadfastness, or stability, occurs is the Lord, if we are nourished don’t leave me, God. I must tell the only once in the Bible, in 2 Peter by Him, we produce fruits from next generation about your power 3:17. The context of the passage in His abundance of mercy. We and greatness. God, your goodness which it is found is the questioning cannot rely on our own strength reaches far above the skies. You have of some men in the time of writing to work in the vineyard of the done wonderful things. God, there of the epistle about the veracity of Lord. To be detached from the is no one like you” (Psalm 71:18-19). the Lord’s coming. For them, the Lord is a sure recipe for disaster, But the Lord does not forsake us in second coming of Jesus seems rath- because “unless the Lord builds our old age. He says, “And I will still er delayed or even not happening the house, those who build it be carrying you when you are old. at all, and this gives them the au- labor in vain. Unless the Lord Your hair will turn gray, and I will dacity “to follow their own evil de- guards the city, the guard keeps still carry you. I made you, and I will sires” (v. 3). The apostle refutes this watch in vain (Psalm 127:1). carry you to safety” (Isaiah 46:4). He nonsense, and urges them to live “So neither he who plants nor promises that “the godly will flour- “holy and godly lives” (v. 11), to be he who waters is anything, but ish like palm trees and grow strong “spotless, blameless and at peace” only God, who makes things like the cedars of Lebanon. For they with the Lord (v. 14). This consti- grow” (1 Corinthians 3:7). are transplanted to the LORD’s own tutes the firmness or stability that house. They flourish in the courts of is required of a disciple of Christ. our God. Even in old age they will We should pray to the Lord that still produce fruit; they will remain To maintain firmness in faith, the He may guide our undertakings. vital and green” (Psalm 92:12-14). apostle Paul has this admonition: We hear the psalmist say “May “Do not be conformed to this world, the favor of the Lord our God rest Happiness results from years of liv- but be transformed by the renew- on us; establish the work of our ing with the Lord, in the Lord. To al of your mind, that by testing you hands for us - yes, establish the grow old being in love with the Lord may discern what is the will of God, work of our hands” (Psalm 90:17). assures us of our real happiness. what is good and acceptable and Benjamin Franklin says, “Those who perfect” (Romans 12:2). How many We ought not be ruled by our own love deeply never grow old; they may times have we been unfaithful to the selfish interests, or the interests die of old age, but they die young.” Lord, just to catch up with worldly of cliques that we have formed, In the end, the desire for the be- trends, so as not to be “left behind?” that sacrifice the common good loved fills the heart with content- of the community to which we be- ment, which made the proph- The fast-paced changes in our so- long. Introspection and reflection et Simeon exclaim his famous... ciety today all the more requires of will help us determine if what we Turn to page 43 are doing is a result of promoting 25 Ordained to the Order of Deacons Bro. Amiel Joseph B. Sevilla, OSJ, LPT
ovember 26, 2018 - On the occasion of the 17th Anniversa- ry of the canonization of Saint Joseph Marello, founder of the A letter containing a message Oblates of Saint Joseph, six perpetually professed brothers of from the newly elected Superior the congregation, Bro. Julius Erwin Amarillo, Bro. Raymond General, Rev. Fr. Jan Pelczarski, Escoton, Bro. Juanito Francisco II, Bro. Excel Nietes, Bro. Carl Andrew OSJ was read at the conclusion Patricio, and Bro. Jerwin Christian Valdez, were ordained to the or- of the celebration. The Superior der of deacons by Most Rev. Francisco M. de Leon, DD, Bishop of An- General gave a timely reminder tipolo, at the Santuario de San Jose, Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City. to the new deacons through the words of Saint Paul, the apos- At 2:30 in the afternoon, the curriculum vitae of the candidates were tle, “Be imitators of me, as I am read followed by their profession of faith witnessed by Fr. Willie Ali- of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). bagon, OSJ, Fr. Ariel Celeste, OSJ and Fr. Jayson Endaya, OSJ. The Eu- Rev. Carl Andrew Patricio, OSJ, charistic Celebration and the Rite of Ordination began at 3:00 PM. then, delivered a message of gratitude to everyone who have In his homily, the good bishop enumerated the duties of a deacon — the been part of their journey and Service of the Word, the Service of the Altar, and the Service of Practical concluded his message with Charity. He also pointed out the difference between job and ministry. Also a prompt: “Servite Domino in present in this grace-filled event were Rev. Fr. Luigi Testa, OSJ, provincial Laetitia” Serve the Lord with superior of the North Italy Province and Rev. Fr. Maximo Sevilla Jr., OSJ, newly elected second general councilor of the Oblates of Saint Joseph. gladness!
26 ENTRANCE TO THE
Bro. Jim Brent B. Lacdao, OSJ, LPT
n a solemn vespers last May 17, 2019 at the St. Joseph Marello Novitiate House in Victoria Homes Subdivision, Brgy. Tuna- san, Muntinlupa City, Rev. Fr. Jayson D.C. Endaya, OSJ, the provincial superior of the Oblates of Saint Joseph – Philippine Province, duly accepted Bro. John Rey C. Basañes, Bro. Eugene Emil A. Co- mia, Bro. Christian Jay O. Embad, and Bro. Anthony B. Sayno, as they begin their canonical novitiate year. FIRST RELIGIOUS The heart of the OSJ formation lies in the novitiate so much so that in this stage, the formandi experi- ence a genuine fraternal communion, as patterned Bro. Cedrick E. Del Mundo, OSJ, LPT in the OSJ way of life. “The novitiate, by which life in the institute begins, is ordered to this, that the our novices formally begin their lives as pro- novices better recognize their divine vocation and fessed members in the family of the Oblates one which is, moreover, proper to the institute, that of Saint Joseph as they made their first reli- they experience the institute’s manner of living, that gious profession at L’Annunziata Parish, Vic- they be formed in mind and heart by its spirit, and toria Homes, Muntinlupa City last May 18, 2019. that their intention and suitability be tested” (OSJ They are: Bro. Kenneth G. Bautista, OSJ, Bro. Ehlysohl Constitutions, Art. 95; Code of Canon Law, 646). D. Elefante, OSJ, Bro. Jim Brent B. Lacdao, OSJ, and Bro. Ivan Euleses V. Obeal, OSJ. They made their first Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Randy L. Dela Rosa, OSJ, pro- profession before Rev. Fr. Jayson D.C. Endaya, OSJ, fessed his faith and took his oath of office as he was provincial superior of the OSJ-Philippine Province. appointed to be the new rector and novice master following the election of Rev. Fr. Edwin V. Tolentino, Fr. Provincial reminded the brothers in his homi- OSJ (former novice master) as the new vicar provin- ly that their profession marks their new life in the cial of the OSJ Philippine province. Also present on congregation. “The foundation of your life now the event were Rev. Fr. Willie A. Alibagon, OSJ, Rev. as religious is your consecration.” Through the Fr. Ian A. Yacat, OSJ, Rev. Fr. Ronald K. Medrano, OSJ, vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, their Rev. Fr. Alfie A. Polistico, OSJ, Rev. Fr. Rolan C. Indi- following of Christ is made perfect. And so the Fr. cio, OSJ, Rev. Fr. Wilfredo R. Arcenal, Jr., OSJ, and Rev. Provincial urged the community to pray for the Fr. Eladio G. Lizada, Jr., OSJ among other junior pro- brothers to be faithful disciples of the Lord, for fessed brothers who graced the event. “faithful discipleship is grace and love in action.”
Before the final blessing, the assignments of the newly professed brothers for their immersion period were announced. Bro. Jim Brent and Bro. Ivan Eu- leses were assigned in the OSJ College Seminary in Marawoy, Lipa City, while Bro. Kenneth, Bro. Ehlysol, and Bro. James Leyesa were assigned in the OSJ Mi- nor Seminary, San Jose Batangas. After that, Rev. Fr. Edwin V. Tolentino, OSJ, the outgoing novice master, bid his farewell and introduced the incoming novice master, Rev. Fr. Randy L. Dela Rosa, OSJ, together with the four new novices.
27 Rev. Fr. Francesco Russo, OSJ Rev. Fr. John Attuli, OSJ Rev. Fr. Maximo Sevilla, Jr., OSJ Rev. Fr. Michael Odubela, OSJ III General Councilor Vicar General II General Councilor IV General Councilor Rev. Fr. Jan Pelczarski, OSJ Superior General
SUPERIOR GENERAL Rev. Fr. Jan Pelczarski, OSJ (53, Poland He was ordained priest in 1991 and after finishing his licentiate in Moral Theology at the Pontif- ical Lateran University in Rome, he left as a missionary in Nige- ria in 1992. He then returned to Rome and became the prefect of the students of theology and the postulants and the assistant The New Superior General and His Council novice master. After that, he Rev. Fr. Aldrich B. Gamboa, OSJ, SThL went to Bolivia for the mission in 2001 but he had encountered a grave car accident and almost " hrow open the windows of the church and let the fresh air risked his life and so he went of the spirit blow through.” St. John XXIII, or Pope Roncalli, back to Italy to be cured. After was quoted saying this at the outset of the Second Vati- his recovery , he was nominated Studentato can Council. It was a defining moment in the church; a time as the prefect of the Interna ionale of updating, renewal, and high hopes in the church want- in Rome. He did ing for a change after long years of cloistering itself from the world. his doctorate in Spiritual The- Today, we can see that the visions of this Council are yet to be real- ology at the Teresianum and ized. The religious and consecrated persons, in particular, are try- afterwards, took his Master’s in Regina Apostol- ing their best to actualize and keep on track on the paths paved by Bioethics at the orum the Council despite of the challenges of this fast-paced digital world. in Rome. In 2008, he de- cided to go back to Bolivia and The Oblates of St. Joseph (OSJ) is one of these struggling religious continued his missionary work congregations working hard to make itself relevant and contribute there. He was a dedicated for- to the needs of the Church and the whole people of God. Being “si- mator, pastor and a brilliant pro- lent workers” in the Lord’s vineyard, the Oblates also known as “Gi- fessor of Moral Theology in the useppini d Asti (Josephites of Asti) held their XVII General Chap- Major Seminary in La Paz, Boliv- ter in Rome from August 1-31, 2018 at the congregation’s General ia. In 2010, he was nominated House in Via Boccea (6 kms. from the Vatican). It has been noted as as the delegate superior and he the most serene General Chapter so far despite of the many prob- paternally guided the delega- lems being faced by the congregation. Fraternal spirit and intercultur- tion since. During the XVII Gen- al aspect added to the peaceful and positive outcome of the chapter eral Chapter, he was elected as and this was evident in the new set of superiors that were elected: the new Superior General of the
28 OSJ and became the first non-Ital- prefect of the Minor Seminary in and served as an assistant parish ian confrere to ever hold the office. San Jose, Batangas and he became priest at Riccia. He did his Licenti- He speaks almost all of the lan- the rector in 2003. He participated ate in Youth Apostolate and Cat- guages of the congregation: Polish, in the XV General Chapter in Paes- echetics at the Pontifical Salesian English, Spanish, and Italian. For this tum in 2006. Then, he was elect- University in Rome. From 2003- reason, he resolves the first barrier ed as councilor of the Philippine 2010, he was in-charge of the vo- that divides us—language. With his Province in 2007. He served as the cation promotion of the province missionary experience and deep parish priest of Blessed Sacrament of South Italy. In 2005, he was spirituality, he can surely guide the Parish in Biñan, Laguna in 2009 and nominated not only as ecclesiasti- OSJ family in the coming years. was re-elected as provincial coun- cal adviser of the Centro Sportivo cilor in 2010 and the rector and par- Italiano (Italian Sports Center) in VICAR GENERAL ish priest of Santuario de San Jose Campobasso but also as the as- Rev. Fr. John Attuli, OSJ Parish in Greenhills. In 2013, he was sistant spiritual director of the Di- (62, India elected as the vicar provincial and ocesan Youth Apostolate. In 2013, In this new set of superiors, only Fr. became the rector and parish priest he was elected as the provincial John was part of the previous gen- of the Our Lady of the Holy Rosa- superior of the Province of South eral council. He was re-elected as ry Parish in Rosario, Batangas. After Italy and was re-elected for an- the Vicar General, the post he held that, he went to Rome for further other three years. During the last since 2012. He was ordained priest studies and finished his Licentiate General Chapter, he was elected in 1986 and became the novice in Moral Theology at the Pontifical as the third councilor general and master in India. He served as the Gregorian University. Graced with in-charge of the youth apostolate. first councilor of the delegation in charisma and intelligence, he par- 1989. He then was nominated as ticipated in the XVII General Chapter IV GENERAL COUNCILOR the delegate superior in 1998 and and was elected as the second gen- Rev. Fr. Michael Odubela, OSJ the rector of the Minor Seminary in eral councilor and in-charge of the (42, Nigeria Kodungallur, Kerala in 1999. Then, Josephite-Marellian Laity, the Apos- He is the youngest member of he became the provincial superior tolate for Education and the prefect the general council. He was or- of India in the year 2000. He served of the junior professed in Rome. dained priest in 2006 and was in the significant offices since and assigned as prefect of the OSJ guided the province in its growing III GENERAL COUNCILOR Formation House in Ibadan, Nige- years as formator and councilor. In Rev. Fr. Francesco Russo, OSJ ria. In 2007, he went to Rome for the General Chapter in 2012, he was (46, Italy further studies and finished his elected as vicar ceneral and was in- He was ordained priest in the year Licentiate in Moral Theology in charge of formation and the Inter- 2000 and he was assigned as the 2009. When, he returned to Nige- national Josephite-Marellian Center. assistant parish priest of Santa ria, he was assigned as rector and Maria del Campo in Bari, Italy. He prefect of the junior professed II GENERAL COUNCILOR then went to the newly-opened and director of St. Mary’s Prima- Rev. Fr. Maximo Sevilla, Jr., OSJ community of Crevedia- Bucharest ry School in Ibadan. In 2010... (46, Philippines in Romania in 2001 and served as After his priestly ordination in the the prefect and vocation director. Turn to page 43 year 2000, he was assigned as the After one year, he returned to Italy
29 Caring for the Shepherds, Present, and Future
Rev. Fr. Jose Eugenio B. de los Santos, OSJ, MA
ith the ongoing alarm and criticism on the Catho- lic Church these days, Catholic priests, in particular, become the focus of varied controversies. But those who know priests better than their critics do, know how overly demanding the priesthood can be. The Church document Pastores Dabo Vobis by St. John Paul II speaks of “a sort of internal fatigue” which can set in the life of priests, espe- cially those in mid-life. And this has appalling effects on the Church in general and the faithful in particular if it is not addressed care- fully, communally and personally. This is one of the reasons why the Vatican has recently called the Synod of Bishops in February of 2019 to tackle this matter. Priests (and religious) need care and have to take ongoing formation seriously, as St. John Paul II suggests.
Just as this affects the Church in so many ways, the Oblates of St. Jo- seph, especially in the Philippines, feel the need to care for the shep- herds as well, in a continuing and ongoing manner. This is the most anticipated development in the OSJ Philippine Province in recent years, eyeing the “fitness” of all Filipino Oblates in all aspects of their being and in all stages of life. And members of the province seemed to be happy about it, that the satisfaction manifested itself in the results of the election of the new provincial council. The consultation for the new provincial superior was held in December 3, 2018 at the Oblates of St. Joseph College Seminary, while the election of the four councilors took place last February 5, 2019 at Santuario de San Jose; two events that would shape the future of the province, which were held peace- fully and fraternally among members of the province here and abroad.
30 PROVINCIAL SUPERIOR Rev. Fr. Jayson DC. Endaya, OSJ (44, San Juan, Batangas
He took the helm for 2016 to 2019; then the superior general and his council in Rome confirmed the contin- uation of his duty for another triennium. Ordained on May 1, 2005, Fr. Jayson has had extensive experience as a bonafide Oblate priest. He started out as prefect of discipline of the OSJ College Seminary from 2004 to 2007, at the same time director of postulants. He also became the provincial youth director from 2006-2007. After that, he set out as a missionary in Brazil togeth- er with Fr. Ian A. Yacat, OSJ, during the years between 2007 and 2012. There, he became involved in pastoral apostolate becoming parochial vicar of San Francisco de Asis in Mato Grosso, Brazil, overcoming mission- ary hardships. He also became a formator at the Pre VICAR PROVINCIAL Seminario in Mato Grosso, and consequently at the Rev. Fr. Edwin V. Tolentino, OSJ Seminario Maior de Dom Jose Marello in Brazil. Return- (45, P. Garcia, Batangas ing to the Philippines, he was made assistant novice master and spiritual director of OSJ schools from 2013 Currently he is the master of novices in the Philip- to 2016. He was rector of the junior professed in Buho, pine Province and he has recently assumed being in- Amadeo, Cavite for four months. Since he assumed the charge of permanent or ongoing formation. Fr. Edwin office of provincial superior, he has worked tirelessly, was ordained to the priesthood on August 23, 2003, reaching out to confreres estranged from the brother- now perpetually professed for sixteen years, and has hood, sought to bring them back, promoting religious an outstanding track in the seminary formation. He life as best as possible. Being of kind heart and firm started out in the OSJ Minor Seminary from 2002 to judgment, it was in his leadership that the program for 2010, first as prefect of discipline, then as rector. He ongoing formation and the program for reintegration was sent to Rome to study a diploma course on For- of confreres took on a more definite shape. It was also mation of Seminary Formators Towards the Priesthood in his term that the confreres trailed the footsteps of at the Pontifical Gregorian University from 2010 to Jesus, Mary and Joseph in a retreat-pilgrimage to the 2011, graduating magna cum laude. This proved to be Holy Land. We can expect more developments in the of enormous use for the congregation in the years that following years under Fr. Jayson’s guidance. followed. In 2011, he became formator of OSJ postu- lants just a short time before being assigned to the St. Joseph Marello Novitiate House as assistant novice master. Eventually, he became the novice master in the Philippine Province since 2011. Within his tenure as novice master, he was able to lay down the program of reintegration of OSJ confreres who became wayward for some time, as well as the program for the ongo- ing formation of all perpetually professed members, working closely with Fr. Jayson, OSJ, Fr. Vanny Silva, OSJ and Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB. Now, the Filipino Oblates are grouped into Fedeltà (Fidelity: youngest confreres), Fermezza (Firmness: Eight years up), Fecon- dità (Fruitfulness: Mid life), and Felicità (Happiness: Se- niors). These programs will continue to improve hav- ing Fr. Edwin on the frontlines.
31 III PROVINCIAL COUNCILOR Rev. Fr. Adonis V. Mamuyac, OSJ (42, Que on City
The OSJ Philippine Province has seen the dramat- ic transformation of the Oblates of St. Joseph Minor Seminary ever since Fr. Adonis took office as its rector. But more than being a builder, Fr. Adonis is first of all an educator. Even before being ordained to the priest- hood, he has already earned his Master's in Teaching Philosophy from the Ateneo de Manila University in 2004. He is one of Fr. Jayson’s batch mates ordained on May 1, 2005 to the presbyterate. His first assignment as a priest was becoming dean of studies of the OSJ College Seminary until 2007, which he would reprise in 2008 to 2009 after a year of rest and medical treatment at Santuario de San Jose. He was resident priest at the Marello Retreat House in 2009 and was reassigned as parochial vicar in Santuario de San Jose in 2010. Upon his rectorship at the OSJ Minor Seminary in 2013, with the advent of the K to 12 educational program in the country, developments began in the institution. With II PROVINCIAL COUNCILOR his efforts, and those of his team of formators, the OS- Rev. Fr. Eduardo P. Carandang, OSJ JMS is now well-equipped for Junior High School and (50, San Jose, Batangas Senior High School seminarians, and is now in the final stage of constructions. Fr. Adonis’ vision for the semi- Fr. Ed is the link, aside from Fr. Jayson, connecting the nary will contribute to the vision for the congregation previous and the present provincial council togeth- in future years. er. Presently the rector of the Oblates of St. Joseph College Seminary, he has assisted the province in so many ways, since becoming a priest on February 10, 1996. Fr. Ed has acquired a formidable set of skills, among them managing finances, which he has learned and mastered upon being designated as economo in three consecutive assignments: the OSJ Minor Semi- nary (1996-2000), OSJ College Seminary (2000-2004), and the Most Holy Rosary Parish (2004-2007). He was school treasurer of Holy Family Academy the same time he was at the Most Holy Rosary Parish. In 2007, he became a missionary, becoming parish priest of Sto. Niño Parish in Mariveles, Bataan for three years. He recounts making numerous sacrifices building the people as well as the physical church while being there, which were fruitful. Another term finds him be- ing parish priest of St. Joseph the Patriarch Parish, San Jose, Batangas (2010-2013). He has been in the OSJ College Seminary since 2013. Being the eldest in the council, he is a source of fatherly counsel, aside from being a good steward of temporalities. Plus, he never misses out in delivering the Congregation’s aid when confreres are hospitalized.
32
hills, Mandaluyong City. The second was in the Grand Caprice Restaurant, Lim Ket Kai Complex, Cagayan de Oro City where- in devotees from the southern part of the country came in Oblates of St. Joseph-Philippines droves. The last leg of the con- 2013 to July 2018 ferences was held on November 19 at the St. Joseph House of Rev. Fr. Jayson D.C. Endaya, OSJ Spirituality, Sta. Maria, Isabela. Rev. Fr. Eduardo P. Carandang, OSJ Rev. Fr. Carlito S. Argente, OSJ Rev. Fr. Jorge P. de Chavez, Jr, OSJ THE CENTENNIAL Br. Lorenzo M. Moneva, OSJ CELEBRATION (2015-2016) INTRODUCTION it of the pilgrim relic of St. Joseph Marello to the various communi- The year-long celebration of our The following report focuses on ties, parishes and seminaries. It centenary began with the annu- three periods. The first period fo- was a four-month caravan from al retreat of the province from cuses on the Centennial Prepa- August and ended with the cel- July 27 to 31, 2015. The con- rations (2012-2015). The second ebration of the anniversary of freres, as a community and as period focuses on the Centenni- the Founder’s canonization. a province reflected on the his- al Celebrations (2015-2016). And tory and fruits of the centena- the last focuses on the Post-cen- The year 2013 also marked the ry and to see this as a moment tennial Period (2016-2018). opening of a new mission up both of renewal and celebration. north. The Parish of San Luis in CENTENNIAL PREPARATIONS Cauayan, Isabela was entrust- This was followed by the host- (2012-2015) ed to the province by the then ing of the Council of the Con- The celebration of the centenni- bishop of Ilagan, Most Rev. Jo- gregation from August 12 to 19. al presence of the Congregation seph Nacua, OFMCap., D.D. The province truly appreciated in the Philippines was ushered in the presence of the general su- by marking the year 2012-2013 as To celebrate the Year of St. Joseph, perior and his council and of the the Year of St. Joseph Marello and the province held three nation- various provincial and delegate 2013-2014 as the Year of St. Joseph. al conferences about our patron. superiors of the Congregation. The first was held at St. Benilde The highlight of 2012 was the vis- Gymnasium, De La Salle-Green- Part of the celebration was
34 the ordination of five deacons Assemblies and meeting are con- and two priests at the Archdi- sistently held. The sectoral and end the formation and groom- ocesan Shrine of St. Joseph, San provincial meetings are con- ing of young servant-leaders. Jose, Batangas on August 22. vened alternately. Recollections Another group also exists for are also done simultaneously the formation of young liturgi- The Fourth OSJ Internation- with these encounters (c. XVI Gen cal servers in the Church called al Youth Ministry Congress was eral Chapter Resolution 4). the Marello’s Altar Knights and held from August 24 to 25, re- The rectors are assuming their role Marellettes. They are also guid- flecting on the theme: “Educat- in guiding the confreres to live their ed by our confreres and ap- ing the heart: A Right and Duty”. commitment, the religious vows, fra- pointed lay coordinators. Every ternal life, prayer life and in carrying year they gather for a fun-filled On August 26, the main event, be- out their ministries and apostolates. day dubbed as “Kapatiran kay gan with a symbolic walk, mak- Marello” (Fraternity in Marello). ing present the coming of the first The province continues to prac- missionaries to San Jose. It was tice the submission of personal Call it another gift to the prov- followed by the celebration of the accounts and contribute finan- ince’s centennial, the JMY Eucharist presided by apostol- cially and materially in the spirit was officially recognized as a ic nuncio to the Philippines, His of solidarity and fraternity (cf. XVI bona fide youth organization Excellency, Most. Rev. Giuseppe General Chapter Resolution No. 2). by the Episcopal Commission Pinto, D.D. together with the Fili- on the Youth and by the Fed- pino and foreign OSJs, guest bish- 2. APOSTOLATE eration of National Youth Or- ops, and with all the lay faithful. ganizations on August 2015. A.Youth Apostolate The day after, the Second Interna- One of the main thrusts of our Some members of this group, tional Education Ministry Congress Congregation is our apostolate to together with the provincial was held reflecting on “Educating the youth. Through the initiative youth director, have joined the Heart: A Marellian Pedagogy.” of the past and present provincial the Asian Youth Day held youth directors much have been from July 30 to August 6, In 2016, the centennial celebrations done to improve their formation 2017 at Yogyakarta, Indonesia. were closed by a three-day confer- program and their involvement in ence. Various speakers were invit- our parishes and communities (c. Selected youth are also recipi- ed to reflect on the journey of the XVI General Chapter Resolution 6). ents of a scholarship program Congregation for the past one-hun- under the Office of the Provin- dred years centering on the theme The province calls the group of cial Youth Director. Resources of the celebration, “100 years of young people under its care as Jo- for the said program are accu- Serving the Interests of Jesus”. seph Marello Youth (JMY). Youth mulated from donations and of our various parishes and com- fund-raising projects initiated To keep the memories of the first munities are formed by their re- by the youth themselves. hundred years of the Congrega- spective assigned parish youth di- B. Parish Apostolate tion in the country, a coffee ta- rector. They are also grouped into ble book was published. This was four sectors: Bataan Sector (parish- All parishes have a pastoral entitled, “Servire gli interessi di es in Bataan and Pangasinan); Cen- program which is according to Gesu: Oblates of St. Joseph.” It tral Sector (parishes and commu- the program of their respec- is a compilation of three-hun- nities in Antipolo, San Pedro and tive archdioceses and dioces- dred pages of pictures and stories Biñan in Laguna, Cavite and Met- es. This program is also guided from the beginning of the mis- ro Manila); South Sector (parishes by our charism and spirituality. sion to the centennial celebration. and schools in Batangas and San Pablo, Laguna). Youth leaders are The confreres regularly partici- POST-CENTENNIAL PERIOD also empowered to serve their fel- pate in the monthly clergy meet- low youth. Alternately, the Marello ing of every diocese we serve in. 1. RELIGIOUS LIFE Cup and Survival Youth Camp are We have cordial relationships The province with its confreres held. The Marello Cup is a sports with all the bishops and secular is striving to live faithfully their and cultural event of all the youth. clergy. We are at present serv- commitment to the religious life. The Survival Youth Camp has for its ing in four (4) archdioceses, sev-
35 media as a tool of evangelization. In terms of new pastoral opportu- The province now has its official “We hope nities, the provincial superior has website, “http //www.osjphil.org received invitations from the Dio- to update especially our confreres ceses of Parañaque, of Imus and of outside the country and also the that this will Antipolo and from the Archdiocese other OSJ provinces. We have also of Lingayen-Dagupan. At present, launched “Salitanglaw”, a combina- be another Fr. Rolan Indicio, OSJ has been as- tion of two Filipino words, “Salita” signed to assist the Parish of St. An- (Word) and “Tanglaw” (light), based thony of Padua in Parañaque City. on the words of Psalm 119:105, experience of In grateful recognition of our pas- “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, toral service, the bishop of the Di- and light unto my path.” It has at ocese of Antipolo, Most. Rev. Fran- present almost three thousand fol- renewal as cisco de Leon, DD, entrusted a new lowers. We have also noticed that parish to the care of the province. It many viewers are Filipinos who are was named in honor of St. Joseph working abroad, especially those sons of the Marello. The canonical dedication in the Middle East (Cf. XVI Gen- was held on November 25, 2017, eral Chapter Exhortation on the on the occasion of the anniversary Means of Social Communication). Founder.” of the Founder’s canonization. Fr. Rex Alday, OSJ was installed as its In our presence in Bataan, we en (7) diocese, one (1) apostolic vi- parish priest. In Tanza, Cavite, Most have reduced the number of con- cariate and in two (2) mission areas Rev. Reynaldo Evangelista, Bishop freres in each parish from three abroad. However, in some dioceses, of Imus, has offered us to establish to two. These parishes togeth- there is a need to study and to clar- a parish in Brgy. Biga. At present, er with the parish in Pangasinan ify our memoranda of agreement. priests from our seminary in Buho, now comprise a single rectory. Amadeo, Cavite are ministering the Our presence in Puerto Princesa, would-be parish. Answering the call This year also witnessed the jubilee Palawan was graced anew with the of Most Rev. Socrates Villegas, DD, celebrations of two of our parishes. inauguration and blessing of the archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, Santuario de San Jose in Greenhills new church edifice. The new sanc- the Province opened its first mis- East, Mandaluyong City marked their tuary was built in Sabang, Puerto sion at Brgy. Wawa, Bayambang, 50 years since its consecration as a Princesa, Palawan which is near the Pangasinan. The parish is dedicated parish in 1967. Likewise, St. James wharf, about two kilometers, going to St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino the Greater Parish concluded the to the world-renowned Puerto Prin- saint. Fr. Edcel Silva, OSJ was ap- bicentenary celebration of the erec- cessa Underground River. With this pointed to be its parish priest. His tion of the church on May 1, 2018. inauguration, Santuario de San Jose installation on February 11 marked Marello is now a quasi-parish, a step the formal beginning of this mission. C. OSJ Schools before being declared by the apos- In 2014, the St. Joseph Institute in tolic vicariate as a full-fledged parish. Another pastoral endeavor we Rosario, Batangas has been eleva- have initiated is the use of social ted as a college institution offering
36 Fr. Eliodoro Tubesa, OSJ and Br. Jose Bart Cancio, OSJ as its first missionaries. The two confreres were officially sent-off during the main centennial celebration on August 26, 2015. They for- mally began the mission on De- cember 15, 2015. Fr. Ray Sales, OSJ joined them the following month and was appointed as parish priest. Based on the re- ports from our confreres in In- donesia, the mission there has a promising outlook. However, due to the sudden illness of Fr. Eliodoro Tubesa, OSJ in 2016, the the following degrees: (1) Bachelor identification (RFID) technology. mission is left to the care of the in Library and Information Science; As of this writing, we have ac- two confreres. On June this year (2) Bachelor of Arts in Communica- commodated 8350 students and (2018), we have sent Fr. Wilfredo tions; and (3) Bachelor of Science worked with 483 employees (ad- Arcenal, Jr., OSJ to assist them. in Entrepreneurship. It formally ministrators, faculty and staff). started with its first batch during In 2016, we have sent two more the academic year of 2015-2016. The Board of Trustees and the re- missionaries to Australia, Fr. This is also a way of responding ligious administrators have start- Vincent Comple, OSJ and Fr. to the exhortation of the XVI Gen- ed to revise the by-laws of the OSJ Niño Randolf Subiaco, OSJ. Fr. eral Chapter on school apostolate. Schools System giving focus on the Jorge returned to the country to In 2016, during the annual as- accountability and responsibility of assume his responsibility as the sembly of school administra- the religious administrators. The third councilor of the province. tors and teachers, a series of thrust of the present board and A fifth parish is being offered talks reflecting on Marellian administrators is on transparency, by another diocese in Australia. pedagogy were given to them. co-responsibility and collegiality. By the end of the year the Like in the case of the OSJMS, all of Part of the social apostolate of our province is planning to send our schools, except Scuola San Gi- schools, we are giving reduced ac- two confreres to stay first for useppe Marello which offers only ademic fees to deserving students three months at the Cathedral elementary education, have imple- and to children of our employees. of St. Patrick of the Diocese of mented the full K-12 program. This Ballarat, Melbourne, Australia. D. Missions also caused for the construction of Those who have recently pro- new buildings to cater these chang- The province has positively ac- fessed the vows took a mission- es in the schools’ curricula. We knowledged the call of the XVI ary course at the Divine Word also began offering technical-voca- General Chapter to “go forward Seminary (a theological insti- tional-livelihood courses as part of with the opening of missions; and tution ran by the SVDs where the Senior High program (Grades to go wherever help is needed” (Cf. our junior professed brothers 11 and 12) like cookery; bread and XVI General Chapter Resolution 10). are studying), Tagaytay City. pastry production; food and bever- In 2015, the OSJ Philippine Prov- This is part of their prepara- age services; computer program- ince opened the mission in Karan- tion and if ever they would be ming; computer hardware servicing; gan, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. sent to a mission in the future. tourism promotion services; and lo- This was through the invitation of cal guiding services. Our schools the Archbishop of Pontianak, In- On part of giving back to the are now offering classes in robotics. donesia, Most. Rev. Agustus Agus, Congregation, eleven Filipinos We have also upgraded our librar- D.D. By April 2015, the Provincial were juridically transferred to ies through library automation. We Council, then headed by Fr. Noel other provinces. Fr. Raymund have digitalized our management Magtaas, OSJ officially approved Tabon, OSJ belongs to the USA system by using radio-frequency the opening of the mission with
37 Province. Aside from the two newly council together with the Board of posium on St. Joseph held on Sep- professed clerics, Cl. Excel and Cl. Trustees of the center are finalizing tember 23, 2017. We are at pro- Raymond, Fr. Allen Diokno, OSJ, Fr. the memorandum of agreement cess of organizing better the group Christopher Alday, OSJ, Fr. Norman (part of which is affixing “Michele- of male Josephite devotees called de Silva, OSJ, Fr. Helbert Jadraque, rio” to its present name). "Custos." They are now at the stage OSJ, Fr. Aldrich Gamboa and Fr. Gil- of creating their own by-laws and bert Gervias, OSJ are part of the Scholarships are also award- constitutions to define their nature, Province of North Italy. Fr. Winston ed to deserving youth who be- membership and apostolate (Cf. XVI Carrera, OSJ and Fr. Aurelio dela long to our parishes (Cf. XVI General Chapter Exhortation on Jo- Cruz, OSJ are now members of the General Chapter Resolution 3). sephite Marellian Laity). Curia assisting at Acqui, Italy. The four young confreres, Cl. Excel, Cl. F. Promotion of Devotion to St. 3. FORMATION Raymond, Fr. Aldrich and Fr. Gilbert, Joseph and St. Joseph Marello underwent the process/procedure The province has been striving to A. Vocation presented by the XVI General Chap- better promote the devotion to For the past two decades, ter Resolution 14, letters b and d. St. Joseph and St. Joseph Marello. the Province has been bless- ed with bountiful aspirants. E. Social Apostolate From September to December The province has begun reviewing 2017, spearheaded by Fr. Nelson To address further the need of prop- the possibility of resuming the ad- Osorio, OSJ, the Marello Heal- agating vocation, the Provincial Vo- ministration of Silong Tanglaw, an ing Caravan was again held. The cation Director was given assistant oratorio for boys. At present, the pilgrim relic of St. Joseph Marel- directors to work in certain areas, es- lo was brought to selected parish pecially where our communities are. churches and communities. The last to be visited was the Parish of All confreres are conscious of “On part of giv- St. Joseph in Pontianak, Indonesia. their role as vocation promoter.
ing back to the The Novena to St. Joseph This year (2018) four were ordained Marello in the Filipino lan- priests at the Archdiocesan Shrine Congregation, guage is now being undertaken. of St. Joseph the Patriarch, San In the Archdiocese of Lipa, the Jose, Batangas on March 14, coin- new archbishop, Most. Rev. Gil- ciding with the one-hundred forty eleven Filipinos bert Garcera, DD, has asked the years of the Congregation’s found- province to take charge of propa- ing anniversary. Four clerics made were juridically gating the devotion to St. Joseph. their perpetual profession of the vows on May 1 also at the Arch- transferred to Our lay counterparts are also do- diocesan Shrine of St. Joseph, San ing their part to share in this pro- Jose, Batangas. Two other Filipi- other provinces.” motion. The Federation of the OSJ no clerics have been approved by Cooperators spearheaded a sym- the general council to make their 38 perpetual profession of the vows. These two are juridically trans- ferred to the North Province of Italy.
B. Initial Formation Due to the implementation of the new educational system in the country, the K-12 (kindergarten to Grade 12), the senior high school department of the OSJ Minor Sem- inary at the moment takes place the orientation department. The OSJ College Seminary will now only house the students of philos- ophy and aspirants to the brother- hood. However, the Commission on Formation is still studying the possibility of having the orienta- tion department for those who will be graduating from other senior high schools starting next year.
The province, through the ini- tiative of the OSJMS Board of Formators, is now addressing the concerns brought about by the aforementioned changes.
At present we have 115 seminarians at the OSJMS, 51 college seminari- ans, six (6) postulants, six (6) novic- es and 16 junior professed brothers. Among these numbers, we have two aspirants for religious brotherhood.
Furthermore, to better equip our formators they are at present un- dergoing a monthly updating which started last March 2018.
C. Permanent Formation In the evaluation of the province last 2013, it was noted that a con- crete program for permanent for- mation was lacking. Likewise, such need was seen due to the increas- ing number of young confreres.
For the newly ordained clerics (deacons and priests), they will be undergoing a pastoral pro- gram that includes missionary...
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39 List of new appointments as deliberated and voted by the Provincial Council during their meeting and organization at Club Balai Isabel, Talisay, Batangas from March 25 - 28, 2019. Prepared by the Provincial Secretariat
PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONS CENTRAL SECTOR COMMISSION ON FORMATION: P. EDWIN V. TOLENTINO, OSJ Councilor-in-charge: P. Eduardo P. Carandang, OSJ COMMISSION ON RELIGIOUS LIFE: P. WILLIE A. ALIBAGON, OSJ 1. BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH (South City Homes, Bi an, Laguna COMMISSION ON APOSTOLATE: P. ADONIS V. MAMUYAC, OSJ Rector and Parish Priest: P. Stephen C. Gonzales, OSJ COMMISSION ON FINANCE: P. EDUARDO P. CARANDANG, OSJ Economo & Parochial Vicar: P. Jeffrey E. Enriquez, OSJ SECRETARIAT: P. WILLIE A. ALIBAGON, OSJ Resident Priests: P. Ronulfo B. Alkonga, OSJ Provincial Youth Director: P. Jefhrie P. Perez, OSJ (Brgy. GSIS, San Pedro, Laguna NORTH SECTOR 2. CHRIST THE KING PARISH Rector & Parish Priest: P. Alexius V. Magtibay, OSJ Councilor-in-Charge: P. Adonis V. Mamuyac, OSJ Parochial Vicar: P. Royger P. Ballaran, OSJ 1. SANTUARIO DE SAN JOSE PARISH(Greenhills East, Mandaluyong Economo: P. Edgardo A. Bayani, OSJ Rector and Parish Priest: P. Adonis V. Mamuyac, OSJ 3. OUR LADY OF FATIMA PARISH (Brgy. Fatima, San Pedro, Laguna Parochial Vicar: P. Gerbert D. Cabaylo, OSJ Parish Priest: P. Randy M. Marquez, Jr., OSJ Economo: P. Ernie M. Matibag, OSJ Economo & Parochial Vicar: P. Norman G. Banzuela, Jr., OSJ Attached Priests: P. Jayson DC Endaya, OSJ 4. ST. JOSEPH MARELLO NOVITIATE HOUSE (Muntinlupa City) P. Wilfredo de Mesa, OSJ Rector & Novice Master: P. Randy L. Dela Rosa, OSJ P. Jorge P. De Chavez, Jr., OSJ Economo: P. Gerald Cuenca,OSJ P. Erwin S. Mendoza, OSJ Resident Religious: P. Nelson S. Osorio, OSJ P. Eladio G. Lizada, Jr., OSJ 5. L’ANNUNZIATA PARISH (Victoria Homes, Tunasan, Muntinlupa City) P. Robert Ciprian P. Calderon, OSJ 2. RECTORY OF ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA (Inarawan, Antipolo City Parish Priest: P. Nelson S. Osorio, OSJ A. ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA PARISH Parochial Vicar: P. Randy L. Dela Rosa, OSJ Economo: P. Gerald S. Cuenca, OSJ Rector and Parish Priest: P. Rex P. Alday, OSJ 6. RECTORY OF MARELLO RETREAT HOUSE (Tagaytay City Parochial Vicar: P. Felipe O. Gagatiga, OSJ A. MARELLO RETREAT HOUSE Economo: P. Joseph M. Fortaleza, OSJ Rector: P. Eduardo P. Carandang, OSJ Resident Religious: F. Ariel H. Reyes, OSJ Director: F. Lorenzo M. Moneva, OSJ Attached Priest: P. Ariel T. Celeste, OSJ B. OBLATES OF ST. JOSEPH HOUSE OF POSTULANCY B. ST. JOSEPH MARELLO PARISH (Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City Director: P. Alfie A. Polistico, OSJ Parish Priest: P. Mario B. Holmina, OSJ Spiritual Director: P. Wilfredo F. De Mesa, Jr., OSJ Economo & Parochial Vicar: P. Danilo A. Nobis, OSJ C. DON ANTONIO DE ZUZUARREGUI, SR. MEMORIAL ACADEMY Resident Confessor: P. Joaquin S. Sillonar, OSJ 7. OBLATES OF ST. JOSEPH HOUSE OF THE JUNIOR PROFESSED Director: P. Joseph P. Fortaleza, OSJ (Coastal Ibaba St., Brgy. Buho, Amadeo, Cavite Treasurer: F. Ariel H. Reyes, OSJ 3. ST. PETER THE FISHERMAN PARISH Rector: P. Willie A. Alibagon, OSJ Economo & Prefect of the Juniors: P. Robert John M. Comia, OSJ Rector and Parish Priest: P. Jeremias D. Cala, OSJ Spiritual Director: P. Wilfredo F. De Mesa, Jr., OSJ Economo & Parochial Vicar: P. John A. De Castro, OSJ Confessor: P. Joaquin S. Sillonar, OSJ Attached Priest: P. Rommel Cipriano R. Semira, OSJ Resident Religious: P. Leo P. Gonzales, OSJ 4. RECTORY OF BATAAN P. Ian A.Yacat, OSJ Rector: P. Elmer C. Quizon, OSJ P. Venancio E. Silva, OSJ A. SAN ISIDRO LABRADOR PARISH (Brgy. Nagwaling, Pilar, Bataan F. Robert J. Cagape, OSJ Parish Priest: P. Elmer C. Quizon, OSJ Economo & Parochial Vicar: P. Christian Jerwin S. Valdez, OSJ B. SAN JOSE PARISH (Brgy. New San Jose, Dinalupihan Bataan SOUTH SECTOR Parish Priest: P. Renato Calampinay, OSJ Councilor-in-Charge: P. Edwin V. Tolentino, OSJ (San Jose, Batangas Economo & Parochial Vicar: P. Ronald K. Medrano, OSJ 1. RECTORY OF ST. JOSEPH THE PATRIARCH C. STO. NIÑO PARISH (Brgy. Alas-Asin, Mariveles, Bataan A. ARCHDIOCESAN SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH THE PATRIARCH Parish Priest: P. Ponciano G. Balmes, Jr., OSJ Rector and Parish Priest: P. Edwin V. Tolentino, OSJ Economo & Parochial Vicar: P. Robert T. Larracas, OSJ Parochial Vicar: P. Rolan C. Indicio, OSJ 5. SAN LUIS PARISH (Hacienda San Luis, Cauayan, Isabela Economo: P. Edmar O. Olaivar, OSJ Rector and Parish Priest: P. Joseph P. Santiago, OSJ Attached Religious: P. Napoleon G. Jinon, OSJ Economo & Parochial Vicar: P. Gail Daven H. Castillo, OSJ B. CASA MARELLO Religious Collaborator: Br. Jose Bart B. Cancio, OSJ Priest In-Charge: P. Arnel H. Hoseña, OSJ 6. SAN LORENZO RUIZ PARISH (Brgy. awa, Bayambang, Pangasinan Resident Religious: P. Noel B. Magtaas, OSJ Rector and Parish Priest: P. Edcel R. Silva, OSJ P. Eliodoro T. Tubesa, OSJ (San Jose, Batangas Parochial Vicar & Economo: P. Julius Erwin P. Amarillo, OSJ 2. OBLATES OF ST. JOSEPH MINOR SEMINARY Attached Priest: P. Domingo D. Manalo, OSJ Rector: P. Joseph V. Pasia, OSJ Economo: P. Renante B. Gevero, OSJ
40 Prefect of Discipline (SH): P. Rafael Niel A. Hernandez, OSJ Prefect of Discipline (JH): P. Glenn Andrei B. Baes, OSJ C. OBLATES OF ST. JOSEPH HOUSE OF PRAYER Spiritual Director: P. Rodrigo C. Pecto, Jr., OSJ Director: F. Anthony J. Casipe, OSJ Resident Confessor: P. Eugenio C. Sares, Jr., OSJ (Ibaan, Batangas 3. RECTORY OF ST. JAMES THE GREATER LOCAL MISSIONS A. ST. JAMES THE GREATER PARISH 1. SANTUARIO DE SAN JOSE MARELLO PARISH (Palawan Rector & Parish Priest: P. Arnold C. Rosal, OSJ Rector and Parish Priest: P. Nemuel B. Ebite, OSJ Economo & Parochial Vicar: P. Christian Devi A. Ancajas, OSJ Economo & Parochial Vicar: P. Lee P. Leonida, OSJ Attached Priest: P. Edmund L. Jorge, OSJ Religious Collaborator: F. Dante S. Villareal, OSJ Resident Religious: P. Omi O. Intia, OSJ 2. SPOUSAL OF MARY AND JOSEPH PARISH (Jaro, Iloilo City B. ST. JAMES ACADEMY Rector and Parish Priest: P. Julito N. Marterior, OSJ Director: P. Omi O. Intia, OSJ Economo & Parochial Vicar: P. Gerardo I. Yabyabin, OSJ Treasurer: P. Christian Devi A. Ancajas, OSJ 4. RECTORY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY (Padre Garcia, Batangas Religious Collaborator: Br. Arturo G. Canizo, Jr., OSJ 3. SAN FRANCISCO DE ASIS PARISH (Davao City A. MOST HOLY ROSARY PARISH Rector and Parish Priest: P. Mark Jann F. Perez, OSJ Rector and Parish Priest: P. Servando L. Sentales, OSJ Parochial Vicar: P. Delbert A. Jardinaso, OSJ Economo & Parochial Vicar: P. Restituto O. Rosales, Jr., OSJ Economo: F. Joseph J. Amar, OSJ Resident Religious: P. Erwin B. Aguilar, OSJ B. HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY Director: P. Erwin B. Aguilar, OSJ FOREIGN MISSIONS Treasurer: P. Restituto O. Rosales, OSJ 1. RECTORY OF AUSTRALIAN MISSION C. SCUOLA SAN GIUSEPPE MARELLO (San Pablo City, Laguna Director: P. Erwin B. Aguilar, OSJ HOUSE COUNCIL 5. RECTORY OF OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY (Rosario, Batangas Rector: P. Concord G. Bagaoisan, OSJ A. OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY PARISH Vice Rector: P. Christian I. Saminal, OSJ Rector and Parish Priest: P. Romeo T. Pornel, OSJ Secretary: P. Niño Randolf R. Subiaco, OSJ Economo & Parochial Vicar: P. Ryan M. Mullon, OSJ A. ST. DAMIAN OF MOLOKAI PARISH (Dawesville, est Australia Resident Religious: P. Regie D. Piad, OSJ B. ST. JOSEPH COLLEGE OF ROSARIO, BATANGAS Parish Priest: P. Vincent O. Comple, OSJ B. HOLY FAMILY PARISH (Albany, est Australia Director & Dean: P. Regie D. Piad, OSJ Treasurer: P. Ryan M. Mullon, OSJ Parish Priest: P. Christian Vincent I. Saminal, OSJ C. OUR LADY OF MERCY ACADEMY (Taysan, Batangas Parochial Vicar: P. Joeffrey A. Arceta, OSJ Director & OSJ Schools' P. Elino T. Comanda, OSJ C. SACRED HEART PARISH (Mt. Barker, est Australia Superintendent and President: P. Allen Vic B. Cartagena, OSJ Treasurer: P. Ferdimagne C. Pascua, OSJ Parish Priest: P. Niño Randolf R. Subiaco, OSJ 6. RECTORY OF THE HOLY FAMILY (Alupay, Rosario, Batangas D. ST. MARY’S PARISH (Denmark, est Australia A. HOLY FAMILY PARISH Parish Priest: P. Niño Randolf R. Subiaco, OSJ E. ST. PATRICK’S PARISH ( aroona, est Australia Rector and Parish Priest: P. Charlie S. Argente, OSJ Economo & Parochial Vicar: P. Peter S. Sumido, OSJ Parish Priest: P. Concord G. Bagaoisan, OSJ F. DIOCESE OF BALLARAT (Ballarat, Victoria, Australia Resident Religious: P. Joel M. Villanueva, OSJ B. SANTO ROSARIO ACADEMY Missionaries: P. Jorge P. De Chavez, Jr., OSJ Director: P. Joel M. Villanueva, OSJ P. Eladio G. Lizada, Jr., OSJ 2. PAROKI ST. YUSUF (Pontianak, Indonesia Treasurer: P. Peter S. Sumido, OSJ 7. RECTORY OF SAN JUAN NEPOMUCENO (San Juan,, Batangas Parish Priest: P. Ray R. Sales, OSJ A. SAN JUAN NEPOMUCENO PARISH (P. Robert Ciprian P. Calderon, OSJ) Rector and Parish Priest: P. Ferdinand A. Jauod, OSJ Economo & Parochial Vicar: P. Wilfredo R. Arcenal, Jr., OSJ Parochial Vicar: P. Dennis P. Venus, OSJ Economo: P. Pedro C. Calvo, Jr., OSJ OTHER ASSIGNMENTS Attached Priest: P. Pedro F. Fancubila, OSJ 1. GENERALATE, ROME, ITALY Resident Religious: P. Den Mark A. Malabuyoc, OSJ A. For Studies: F. Eduardo M. Sibonga, OSJ 1. P. Iric John M. Onceno, OSJ – Canon Law B. JOSEPH MARELLO INSTITUTE 2. P. Jose Eugenio B. de los Santos, OSJ – Sacred Music Director: F. Eduardo M. Sibonga, OSJ B. Confreres Transferred to the General Curia Treasurer: P. Pedro C. Calvo, OSJ 1. P. Maximo A. Sevilla, OSJ – Second General Councilor 8. RECTORY OF OSJ COLLEGE SEMINARY (Bo. Marawoy, Lipa City 2. P. Aurelio A. Dela Cruz, OSJ – General Archivist A. OBLATES OF ST. JOSEPH COLLEGE SEMINARY 3. P. Winston O. Carrera, OSJ – Diocese of Acqui Rector: P. Faiq Edmerson T. Quinto, OSJ Prefect of Discipline: P. Carl Andrew P. Patricio, OSJ 2. CONFRERES TRANSFERRED TO OTHER PROVINCES Economo: P. Juanito V. Francisco II, OSJ A. USA PROVINCE Spiritual Director: P. Christopher A. Mapalad, OSJ 1. P. Raymund Tabon, OSJ Resident Confessor: P. Jose Vidal F. Apin, OSJ B. NORTH ITALY PROVINCE Provincial Vocation Director: P. Francis Elly O. Capuno, OSJ 1. P. Christopher Alday, OSJ 5. P. Aldrich B. Gamboa, OSJ Resident Religious: P. Alfredo R. Piad, OSJ 2. P. Norman De Silva, OSJ 6. P. Gilbert A. Hervias, OSJ F. Anthony J. Casipe, OSJ 3. P. Allen M. Diokno, OSJ 7. P. Helbert Jadraque, OSJ B. OBLATES OF ST. JOSEPH COLLEGE OF PHILOSOPHY 4. P. Raymond Escoton, OSJ 8. P. Excel M. Nietes, OSJ Dean of Studies: P. Faiq Edmerson T. Quinto, OSJ
41 From page 5 5.This phrase is found in the letter of St. Joseph (FILIPINO OBLATES TODAY) Marello to Canon Cerruti (Letter 76 written in chists at arriving at a synthe- Asti, on October 25, 1872 quoted in Oblates of sis of all the subjects they have ...the members of the congregation: St. Joseph, Constitutions of the Congregation of learned in the whole course. every member “must… promise in the Oblates of Saint Joseph, trans. Fr. Paul Pavese, OSJ (Roma General Curia, 1987 , part1 the presence of God to strive with- 16. Comprehensive Exams. ch. 1, art. 3. This in his means to promote the inter- refers to the final examinations ests of Jesus.” In facing the chal- (written and oral) intended for the From page 15 (MARELLIAN SHRINES) lenges (contingency) of his life as students to complete the program a son, as a seminarian, as a priest, ...he [Marello] blushes with every studies. as a bishop and later as the found- word of praise. He is happy to be er of the OSJ, the promotion of the able to do good, leaving the glory From page 21 interests of Jesus had been his aid to others.” During the foundation (FAMILY & OBLATE FORMATION) to be steadfast in every signifi- years of the Congregation, Fr. Cer- ...service in the kingdom of God" (Lk cant change in his life and mission. rutti, being the owner of the Mi- 9:57-62). When the first disciples chelerio Institute, was the one pre- were called along the sea of Galilee, QUESTION TO THINK ABOUT siding over the investitures of the it was said that they left their nets After discovering the coherent first members. The real founder, Fr. and their father and followed Jesus and contingent aspects of the life Marello, was simply happy to assist (cf. Mt 4:18-20). The Congregation and mission of our patron and our him, contented that another person for the Clergy, while recognizing the founder in the light of Johan Chris- appeared to be the superior and vital role of family in nurturing voca- tiaan Beker’s paradigm, how can founder. Being a lover of hidden tion, also warns that the journey of such discovery awaken and em- life, would he then be happy that formation must illicit the inner free- power us Filipino Oblates of today churches and chapels are dedicated dom, that allows a proper autono- in striving to achieve and main- under his name? Surely, the Found- my in the exercise of the ministry, tain and hopefully make better er would not mind gaining some and a healthy distance from any ex- the reciprocity between fidelity to attention if that would mean bring- pectations that the family may have, the evangelical vows and adapt- ing more people closer to God. for the call of the Master requires ability to the changing situations us to “place the hand to the plough in the Philippines in which these From page 17 without looking back" (RFIS 148). vows are professed and lived? (INSTITUTE OF CATECHETICS) ______ ...with the youth of his time. References: Agdeppa, Minnie. 2019. “Seminarian s Mon CONCLUSION 13. Practice Teaching : Individual Parents Presence Strengthens Vocation. CBCP By and large, while there can be no Demo Teaching. This part of the News. http //cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/seminar ians-mom-parents-presence-strengthens-vo\ one-size-fits-all answer at our dis- curriculum allows the catechists to cation/ fbclid IwAR2rJQf7A8 59AAIK posal, our commitment to faithfully personally apply the knowledge ABt5sVHpHt BuBC5iKI k0U6xtt1UG64p “serve the interests of Jesus like St. that they acquired through a practi- g9iAV3xhA . Accessed February 23, 2019. Congregation for the Clergy. 2016. The Gift of Joseph as lived by St. Joseph Marel- cum done in an actual classroom Priestly Vocation Ratio Fundamentalis Insti lo” in our formation and apostolate setting. This aims to develop with- tutionis Sacerdotalis. Pasay City Paulines. in the catechist self-confidence and [cited as RFIS aided by prayer life, fraternal charity ECCCE. 1994. Catechism of the Catholic Church. and our thorough reading and con- greater understanding of the roles Manila ord Life Publications. [cited as textual understanding of the OSJ they have to embrace in the future. CCC Francis. 2016. Amoris Laetitia On Love in the Constitutions and General Directory Family. Pasay City Paulines. [cited as AL is our providential response for us 14. Practice Teaching: Group John Paul II. 1981. Familiaris Consortio On the to remain faithful to the evangelical Demo Teaching. This part of the Role of the Christian Family in the Modern orld. Pasay City Paulines. [cited as FC vows while being prudently adapt- curriculum allows the catechists ______. 1992. Pastores Dabo Vobis On the able to the changes in our society. to understand the importance of Formation of Priests in the Circumstances of working in a team, whereby they the Present Day. Pasay City Paulines. [cited ______ as PDV are divided into small groups so Marello, Giuseppe. 1892. 4th Pastoral Letter The Johan Christiaan Beker, The Triumph of God Christian Education of the outh. The Essence of Paul s Thought (Minne as to demonstrate their ability to Oblates of St. Joseph. Constitutions. [cited as C apolis, MN Fortress Press, 1990 , 15. impart catechetical instruction Paul VI. 1965. Gravissimum Educationis On 2. Ibid., 15-16. Christian Education. http //www.vatican.va/ 3. John Paul II, Redemptoris Custos [Apostolic to an actual group of students. archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/doc Exhortation on The Person and Mission uments/vat-ii_decl_19651028_gravissi of Saint Joseph in the Life of Christ and 15. Catechetical Synthesis. This mum-educationis_en.html. Accessed February of the Church , 15 August 1989, nos. 4-7. 23, 2019. [cited as GE 4. Ibid., read especially nos. 2, 9-16. subject aims to help the cate-
42 ______. 1965. Optatam, Totius on Priestly Train- ing. http //www.vatican.va/archive/hist_coun have proper and appropriate for- of renewal as sons of the Founder. cils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_de mation for every life group which We are also planning to give our cree_19651028_optatam-totius_en.html. Ac was based on the confreres’ year Founder a tribute before his tomb. cessed February 23, 2019. [cited as OT of perpetual profession. Four life groups are formed: First Life Group, To better equip the province, a num- From page 25 (ONGOING FORMATION) youngest confreres (2011 to pres- ber of confreres have undergone ...Nunc Dimittis (Luke 2 passim). ent; 31 priests, one religious brother further studies. Within this period The same confidence exudes from and four clerics); Second Life Group (2013 to 2016), we have twelve con- the lips of St. Polycarp in his martyr- (2001 to 2010; 32 priests and five freres who earned master’s degree dom: “Eighty-six years have I have religious brothers); Third Life Group in education. They are at present served him,” Polycarp declared, (1990 to 2000; 30 priests and one assigned as religious administrators “and he has done me no wrong. religious brother); and Fourth Life of our nine schools and two col- How can I blaspheme my King and Group (1964 to 1989; 13 priests and leges. Another confrere, Fr. Joseph my Savior?” two religious brothers). We have Pasia, OSJ, recently completed his invited professional psychologists Licentiate in Sacred Theology at the From page 29 and counselors to assist us in craft- Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo (NEW HOPES, NEW VISIONS) ing these programs. We hope that de Manila University, Quezon City. ...he was nominated as the superior this program will also help us in our We have also sent four priests to of the delegation . He also served personal growth and development. Rome who took up licentiate cours- as professor of Moral Theology at es. They are: Fr. Wilfredo de Mesa, Jr., Sts. Peter and Paul Major Seminary. We have also distributed a copy of OSJ (Ecclesiastical History); Fr. Den In 2011, he was nominated as mem- the Ratio Fundamentalis Sacerdotalis Mark Malabuyoc, OSJ (Scriptures); ber of the senate of the Archdiocese to every rectory for them to discuss Fr. Omi Intia, OSJ (Dogmatic The- of Ibadan-Nigeria. In 2014, he was and reflect together as a community. ology); and Fr. Maximo Sevilla, Jr., nominated as the president of the OSJ (Moral Theology). Fr. Iric John Conference of Major Superiors in In lieu of our annual retreat, the con- Onceno, OSJ is currently taking a li- Nigeria. He was elected as the fourth freres made a ten-day-pilgrimage centiate course in Canon Law at the councilor in the General Chapter to the Holy Land. The community Pontificia Università Lateranense. and the councilor in charge of the was divided into two groups. The Two priests are at present tak- congregation’s social apostolate. first group (January 8 to 12) was led ing charge of the two stages of by Fr. Carlito Argente, OSJ as their formation to oversee the various From this set of superiors, we can chaplain. The second group (Janu- programs and initiatives. Fr. Ed- notice how almost all of them were ary 22 to 26) was headed by their win Tolentino, OSJ is responsi- formators and pastors equipped chaplain, Fr. Venancio Silva, OSJ. The ble for the permanent formation with pastoral and theological for- pilgrim priests and brothers visited while Fr. Willie Alibagon, OSJ is mation. With great trust in the Di- the significant places where Jesus assigned for the initial formation. vine Providence, we hope that our spent his life and ministries among new superior general and his coun- which were: Bethlehem, Jerusalem, 4. GOVERNMENT cilors will be able to provide new Galilee, Cana, Nazareth, Mount of To better organize the confreres, visions for our congregation—an Beatitudes, Tabgha, Capernaum, the Province has been grouped Oblate family walking together un- Bethany and the Mount of Olives. into five (5) sectors (North, Cen- der the paternal care of St. Joseph, They also had the chance to kiss the tral, South, Mission and Formation working harder for the Church that Star of Bethlehem, to retrace the Via Sectors). A provincial councilor Christ “may be known, lived, and Crucis and to pay respect to the said has been assigned to each sec- loved” throughout the world, and site of crucifixion and burial stone tor. Various commissions and praying together that bond of char- of Jesus. Due to the positive feed- committees were also set-up to ity may always unite us all. backs of this pilgrimage, the coun- address particular concerns and cil is planning to pursue the next needs of the confreres (e.g. forma- From page 39 (REPORT) phase of pilgrimage will be “Asti: tion, health, recreation, finance). ...exposure. The young clergy will Tribute to the Roots” which will fo- also be supervised and guided by cus on the significant places of the The provincial, on his part, has al- selected confreres and lay people. Congregation in Italy, specifically in ready visited all rectories and hous- In 2017 we have also initiated the the life of the Founder. We hope es of formation. He also meets the Guardianship Program aimed to that this will be another experience rectors quarterly. 43 44