RP PROVINCE NEWSLETTER January-February 2019 Vol

RP PROVINCE NEWSLETTER January-February 2019 Vol. 55 No. 1

(First in a Series)

By Fr. Jessie Hechanova, CICM Provincial Superior—CICM Philippines

Dear confreres, We your confreres in the new provincial government team extend our fraternal greetings to each one as we enter another period in our journey as a CICM province. We also wish to thank you for the opportunity that you entrusted to us to be of service to our beloved province and the congregation. Some words of appreciation and gratitude should certainly be expressed to the members of the preceding provincial government for their years of dedication and commitment to serve this province in their different capacities. Thanks indeed to Fr. Ramon Caluza and the members of his council, Frs. Philip Yu Jr, Jean-Baptiste Mubibi, Thiago Silva, John Couvreur, and Gilbert Sales for their years of generous service.

“Transitions as Opportunities for Gratitude, Humility and Renewal” Moments and periods of transition carry dual opportunities. They provide time and the space for thanksgiving, humility as well as hope and renewal. A transition period is a time to give thanks for blessings received and mission accomplished. It is a period to offer appreciation for productive work done by persons, communities and leaders. And indeed for the RP CICM province, much had been accomplished that we could and should be proud of particularly during the past six years.

Furthermore, the period of transi- and heritage and most of all on Jesus tion is also a time for humility, a time to Christ who is the source of our unity and humbly accept our weaknesses, faults, who constantly calls us to be more and shortcomings as individuals and as generous, daring and faithful disciples. a community. It is an opportunity to realize the misgivings and the hurts we “Fidelity to God who calls us to share in caused one another and to learn to His good and beautiful mission through offer and accept forgiveness from one our charism. This is the centripetal and another. Transitional situations also open unitive force of our communal and up possibilities for renewal and transfor- missionary life as CICM.” mation from what we have been to what we could and should become as To start our mandate as a religious priests and brothers and as a provincial government team, we CICM province. journeyed to the Trappist Abbey at Guimaras Island, Iloilo in January At this particular period of transi- foremost to pray for God’s blessings and tion in our CICM RP province, I would like guidance for the next years and to to invite all the confreres to look forward discern what His will is for us as a team with hope, to work creatively and gener- and as a province. After all, what we do ously to accomplish our missionary tasks, and will be doing in our different to pray for the spirit of availability and apostolate as CICM missionaries is not missionary daring that will enable us to our mission but God’s. The time in the readily respond to new missionary chal- abbey was spent mostly in silent personal lenges particularly in frontier situations. In prayer as well as in communal prayer conformity with the spirituality of our with the Trappist Monks during their beloved founder, let us put our trust community prayers. The five days retreat always in the presence and providence was also an occasion for the members of God who is the origin and sustainer of to bond together so we can easily work our lives and missionary activities. Let our as one team in order to serve the personal differences and unpleasant province better. The last day was spent experiences in the past not hinder us formulating our vision-mission as a team from accomplishing our missionary tasks and to respond to urgent matters that while at the same time not neglecting to needed attention. change unproductive attitudes and correct past mistakes. As a team, we affirm that we are called to be animators of unity and Let us rather resolve to be more solidarity as we revitalize the CICM RP faithful to our congregational charism province through our fidelity to our CICM and to the good and beautiful mission charism and mission in the peripheral entrusted to us. Let us work together to become a more vibrant, witnessing and situations. Fidelity to God who calls each inspiring religious communities and CICM one of us to share in His good and province. Let us put our focus, our beautiful mission through our founding energy, talents and skills on what unites charism and mission will be the centering us as CICM missionaries i.e.: our common and unifying force of our missionary and charism and call for mission, our tradition religious life. And this will remain for each

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one of us a continuing challenge Are we doing what we are through out our lives that we have to supposed to be doing as CICM religious constantly respond to. We will constantly missionary priests and brothers? Are we be challenged individually and as a where we are supposed to be by virtue community to work together so that our of our vocation and charism as CICM? will, our heart, our prayer will be focused Are we living the way we are supposed to be living as vowed religious persons? on remaining faithful to God and the Do our lifestyle and our houses and mission He has entrusted to our structures give witness and justice to us congregation. This “unity of prayers, unity as people who have pronounced the of the will, unity of the hearts will make us public vows of poverty, obedience and achieve the goal that we have set for chaste celibacy? Are our attitudes, ourselves in this world; working for the behaviors, relationships with people glory of God” (Founder’s letter #138). around us one of humility, respect, justice, compassion and equanimity? “The cracks reveal not only weaknesses Dear confreres, these questions but also challenges and potentials for obviously are not new! They have growth.” previously been asked repeatedly in our What happened in our last provin- official CICM documents and I believe cial assembly in October 2018 obviously they remain important questions for our revealed “some cracks in the walls of our discernment individually as a province house”. It certainly showed our weak- particularly during this transition period. nesses as individuals and as a commu- These leading questions could stimulate, nity of brothers as well as a CICM prov- inspire and lead us to mend the “cracks ince. The cracks also revealed the chal- in the house” and take the needed steps lenges that we have to respond to as toward personal as well as congrega- individual confreres and as a CICM com- tional growth and transformation. In- munity. A thorough and detailed analysis deed, let us try to live patiently with of that particular challenging situation each other’s imperfections and avoid that the province experienced last year keeping a list of the faults and failures of will not be practical nor appropriate to others. mention in these few pages. It is suffi- “More than strategic planning, personal cient for the moment to note that all of and communal discernment is us are challenged to work toward our essentially an appropriate tool for our own personal transformation as well as journey as religious missionary that of our communities and province. community.” One could certainly not talk of communal or congregational transformation Dedicating ourselves to constantly without the transformation of its mem- do the will of God for us personally and bers. Research studies of religious con- as a community implies that we spend gregations who were able to revitalize some moments in personal and commu- their respective congregation have nal prayer to be able to discern His will proven this obvious pre-condition. as revealed in the signs of the times. Our official documents particularly the

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Constitutions and the Acts of the ening a discerning spirit will guide us to General Chapters remind us repeatedly where God is calling our province to go that we are to be men of prayer, men in the following years. We will therefore and communities who are adept in put our trust in God’s abiding presence listening to the will of God calling us to as He inspires us to revive the missionary respond to particular human conditions boldness and daring so characteristic of and situations of misery and injustice. As the spirituality of our founding fathers. we make our journey as a religious Confreres let us move on stead- missionary congregation, it is essential fastly in our missionary journey. And with that we constantly attune ourselves to St. Paul the great apostle and missionary, where God (who is a God of surprises) is let us always be devoted to the work of calling us in our daily circumstances. the Lord, knowing that in the Lord, our As such, an openness to listen as labor will not be in vain (1Cor. 15;58). well as a willingness to respond with May the Immaculate Heart of courage, detachment and a trusting Mary unite us in the service of God’s spirit are attitudes that we have to Mission and His kingdom! Cor unum et strengthen as members of a religious anima una!  congregation. Cultivating and strength-

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MARCH Age 05 Gilbert Obin (US) 77 07 Ronald Magbanua (MG) 43 08 Jean Pascal Ebonda 34 12 George Geladé (BNL) 92 21 Graciano Brazas, Jr. 53 26 Alex Ulpindo (RD) 74

APRIL Age 03 Andrew Labatorio (HA) 46 03 Faustin Kabosani (Intern) 34 05 Marcel Peeters (BNL) 75 06 Arturo Arnaiz 53 07 Roy Milton Quiogue (US) 64 08 Elson Magan (Th1) 27 09 Garry Gestoveo (JP) 46 14 Isidore N’Kiewu 35 14 John Mark Barroga (IND) 33 17 Robertus Bijaksana 33 19 Archie Tacay (US) 40 19 Godofredo Dampilag Jr. (Th3) 30 21 Antonius Harnoko 49 21 Meil Udiel Francisco (Th1) 28 22 Delfin Noriega (RD) 60 23 Paul Catry (BNL) 88 26 Wilson Mendes 43 27 Paul Staes (SG) 92 29 Rumpearl Tenkings Isaac 36 29 Mar III Josef Taguinod (Th4) 27

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ANNIVERSARIES OF ORDINATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD

Congratulations to those who celebrate their Ordination anniversary in:

MARCH - 45 yrs 1974.03.13 - Olivares Romeo - 42 yrs 1977.03.12 - Miranda Vermundo - 43 yrs 1976.03.20 - Ludan Angel Vidal - 19 yrs 2000.03.25 - Portula Ramel

APRIL - 40 yrs 1979.04.18 - Mallonga JR - 21 yrs 1998.04.24 - Denna Fernold - 40 yrs 1979.04.21 - Caluza Ramon - 18 yrs 2001.04.28 - Daru Pancoro Fransiskus - 27 yrs 1992.04.25 - Sales Gilbert - 9 yrs 2010.04.17 - Maniwang Macwayne - 25 yrs 1994.04.23 - Gacutan Edgar - 9 yrs 2010.04.20 - Diaz Richard - 24 yrs 1995.04.30 - Kamus Kamelus - 8 yrs 2011.04.06 - Carnecer Ryan - 21 yrs 1998.04.18 - Cura Earl Alan - 4 yrs 2015.04.17 - Kaha Paskalis Keban - 21 yrs 1998.04.19 - Arco Eugene - Quiros Mervin ANNIVERSARIES OF RELIGIOUS VOWS

Congratulations to those who celebrate the anniversary of their vows in:

APRIL - 47 yrs 1972.02.02 - Peeters Marcel

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CALLED TO LIFE

death anniversaries

MARCH Age

02 Fr. Frans Martens 2000 82 Connecticut, USA 02 Fr. August Vantomme 2017 91 Torhout, Belgium 03 Fr. Herman Sanderink 1998 72 Quezon City, Philippines 04 Fr. Laurent Decaestecker 1945 35 Santiago, Isabela, Phils. 06 Fr. Frans De Snick 1945 58 Bambang, N. Viz, Phils. 08 Fr. Frans Blondeel 1994 63 Leuven, Belgium 09 Fr. Ghisleen De Vos 1983 56 Quezon City, Philippines 09 Fr. Jan Linskens 2007 87 Sparrendaal, NL 13 Fr. Jaak Quatannens 1971 44 Quezon City, Philippines 14 Fr. Theo Bandsma 2002 80 Quezon City, Philippines 14 Fr. Leo Vandromme 2004 88 San Juan, MM, Philippines 17 Fr. Paul Zwaenepoel 2017 93 Brugge, Belgium 19 Fr. Maurice Lefebvre 1956 92 Salzinnes, Belgium 19 Fr. Jozef Baute 1987 65 Baguio City, Philippines 20 Fr. René Sergeant 2007 92 Quezon City, Philippines 21 Fr. Seraphin Devesse 1945 61 Santiago, Isabela, Phils. 22 Fr. Michiel De Meester 1934 30 Manila, Phils. 24 Fr. Jan Augustijns 1962 43 Manila, Phils. 24 Fr. Gerard Helsen 1993 71 Schilde, Belgium 24 Fr. Etienne De Dapper 2017 84 Quezon City, Philippines 27 Fr. Albert Dereume 1953 71 Antwerp, Belgium 28 Fr. Cornelis de Brouwer 1960 78 Sparrendaal, NL 29 Fr. Jozef Grieten 1977 51 Genk, Belgium 31 Fr. Joseph Van den Daelen 2013 92 Quezon City, Philippines

“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” ― Mark Twain

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CALLED TO LIFE

death anniversaries

A P R I L Age 05 Fr. Karel Desmet 1968 82 Manila, Philippines 06 Fr. James Ter Meer 2006 92 Vught, Netherlands 07 Fr. Jozef Herpels 1993 68 Brussels, Belgium 10 Mr. Gerard van Harten 1986 80 Borne, Overijssel, NL 11 Bro. Jan-Jozef Verhoeven 1970 79 Sparrendaal, Netherlands 11 Fr. Herman Martens 1995 81 Torhout, Belgium 12 Fr. Henri Raymakers 1928 67 Nijmegen, Netherlands 12 Fr. Victor Faniel 1930 45 Cannes, France 12 Fr. René Vernackt 1996 87 Torhout, Belgium 12 Fr. Raul Ventigan 1997 36 Pointe-a-Raquettes, Haiti 13 Fr. Joseph Munyanzu 1994 33 Cabanatuan, N. Eci., Phils. 13 Fr. Balthazar Chang 2005 81 Singapore 15 Bro. Edward Cools 1943 62 Tuding, Benguet, Philippines 15 Fr. Frans Wulleman 1983 37 Bagabag, Nueva Viz., Phils. 16 Fr. Kamiel Marivoet 2013 93 Quezon City, Philippines 17 Fr. André Deldaele 1937 40 Leuven, Belgium 17 Fr. Paul Verfallie 1991 63 Quezon City, Philippines 21 Fr. George Giebens 1978 92 Paco, Manila, Philippines 22 Fr. Herman Sneyers 1993 60 Schilde, Belgium 24 Mr. Piet van de Coevering 1946 64 Oss, N. Brabant, NL 25 Fr. André Baert 2000 71 Quezon City, Philippines 26 Fr. Joseph-A Verswyvel 2006 80 Antwerpen, Belgium 28 Fr. André Dhondt 1977 72 Quezon City, Philippines 29 Fr. Hubert Dupont 1970 49 Baguio City, Philippines 30 Fr. Omer Cosyn 1911 30 Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, Phils. 30 Fr. Viktor De Klerck 1967 80 Manila, Philippines

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January 04 : Patrick Castroverde, from Japan 11 : Ronald Magbanua, from Mongolia 21 : Macwayne Maniwang, from Rome 28 : Leo Joshua Garcia, from Senegal February 06 : Emanuel Enjang Pranatal, back from his regular vacation in Indonesia March 02 : Audrey Muñez, from the Dominican Rep. for his regular vacation 06 : Ador Castillo, from Rome for the training of new PG members and canonical visit to AIFC 14 : Felicien Ntambue, from Rome for a Meeting with Psychologists and canonical visit to formation houses 15 : Richard Mbizi, from Cameroon for the Meeting of Psychologists 19 : Kevin Saministrado, from the Dominican Republic for his regular vacation 21 : Jean-Claude Kanku, from Congo for the Meeting of Psychologists 23 : Lasber Sinaga, from Indonesia for the Meeting of Psychologists 27 : Gerry Rekdak, from Japan for the Training of new PG members 30 : Jean-Gracia Etienne, from Rome for the Training of new PG members No dates yet : From Asia Province: Anthony Lim, Kamil Kamus, Ronald Magbanua, Jean-Sylvère Mbuela for the Training of new PG members

January 11 : Macwayne Maniwang, to Rome to participate in the Encounter of Campus Ministers 12 : Jean Claude Mulumba, to Kinshasa 15 : Prosper Mbumba, to Kinshasa 19 : Jean Pascal Ebonda, to Kinshasa for his regular vacation 26 : Paskalis Keban Kaha, to Indonesia February 07 : Isidore N’Kiewu, to Kinshasa for his regular vacation 26 : Ronald Magbanua, back to Mongolia March 31 : Feliciene Ntambue, back to Rome Richard Mbizi, back to Cameroon April 05 : Jean-Claude Kanku back to Congo 06 : Gerry Rekdak, back to Japan 10 : Jean-Gracia Etienne, back to Rome

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By Leonardo Boff Theologian-Philosopher Earth Charter February 3, 2019

Each of us is as old as the universe, Mother of infinite mercy for whomever 13.7 billion years. We were all there in that needs it, due to wickedness, and in an tiny point, smaller than the head of a pin, eternal loving embrace for those whose lives but full of energy and matter. The big bang were guided by good and love. After passing created the enormous red stars, containing through the clinic of God-mercy, the others all the physical-chemical elements that will also come. comprise the universe and and all beings As an infant of a few months, I was that were created from them. We are the condemned to die. My mother remembers, sons and daughters of the stars and cosmic and my aunts would always repeat, that I dust. We are also the portion of the living had “el macaquiño”, the popular name for Earth that has come to feel, think, love and profound anemia. Whatever I took in, I venerate. Through us, the Earth and the would vomit. Everyone said, in the véneto Universe knows that it forms a large Whole. dialect: “poareto, va morir” : “poor little And we can develop awareness of that child, he will die”. belonging. Desperate and in secret from my What is our place in that Whole ? father, who did not believe in such things, More immediately, in the process of my mother went to the prayer woman , to evolution? On Mother Earth? In human the old Campañola . She prayed, and told to history? We cannot know that yet. Perhaps it my mother: “give the child a bath with these will be the great revelation when we make herbs and after baking bread in the oven, the alchemic pass from this side of life to the wait until it is lukewarm and put your little other. There, I hope, all will be clear and we child inside” . That is what Regina, my will be surprised because everything is mother, did. She scooped out the freshly interrelated, forming the immense chain of baked bread and put me inside. And she left beings and the fabric of life. We will fall, that me there for a good while. I believe, into the arms of God-Father-and-

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A transformation occurred. When I region covered with pine groves, in was taken out, as they say, I began to cry Concordia, on the edge of Santa Catarina. and seek my mother’s breast and to suckle They had to struggle to survive. Many died my mother’s milk. Afterwards, my mother for lack of medical care. Later on I rose on would chew some stronger foods and she the ladder of evolution: the 11 brothers would give that to me. I began to eat and studied, went to the university, and I was become stronger. I survived. And here I able to complete my studies in Germany. am, officially an 80 year old man. And now I am here in this famous I went through several close calls University. At Bobbio’s request, I did a that could have cost me my life: a DC-10 study of the purposes of Theology of plane in flames on way to New York; a car Liberation, that has at the core the accident with a dead horse on the highway preferential option for the poor, against that left me totally broken; a huge nail that poverty and in favor of social justice. I fell in front of me when I was studying in have given many lectures all over the Munich, that could have killed me if it had world, I have written a lot, wiped away fallen on my head. I fell into a deep snow tears and kept strong the hope of militants covered ravine in the Alps and some who were frustrated by the course of Bavarian peasants, seeing my dark habit events in our country. and that I was falling deeper and deeper, What will my destiny be? I do not pulled me out with a rope. And there were know. I took as my motto that of my others. father, who lived it: “who does not live Norberto Bobbio gave me the title to serve, does not have a life worth honorary doctor of politics from the living”. God has the last word. 

University of Turin. He understood that the theology of liberation had made an important contribution by affirming the historic strength of the poor. The classic helpfulness or mere solidarity, keeping the poor always dependent, is insufficient, it is not enough. The poor can be the subjects of their own liberation when they are made aware (concientizados) and organized. We overcame the “for the poor.” We insist on walking “with the poor,” they being the protagonists. And those who can and have that charisma, live as the poor. Many did, such as Dom Pedro Casaldaliga. I remember that I began my words of gratitude for the degree I received from that noble figure, Norberto Bobbio, with: “I come from carved stone, from the bottom of history, when we barely had the means to survive. My Italian ancestors and my family made a clearing in an uninhabited

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THE ROLE OF A PRIEST IN THE PARISH By Mrs. Elizabeth D. Balais Coordinator of Worship Commission of Saint Joseph Mission Station Dagupan, Tabuk, Kalinga on the closure of the Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons

In the Catholic Church, specifically at in unholy hour from people having new cars, the St. Joseph Parish, Dagupan, Tabuk City, motors and business vehicles for blessing. Priests are look upon with a very important He gives prenuptials counseling and spiritual function. A Parish would be inoperative or direction to couples before celebrating mass fruitless without a priest to shepherd and for marriage. He hears confession as guide the laity. The Priest is a reminder of needed, baptizes, assist the bishop on God’s unfailing love to the weak and the confirmation and celebrate mass for the new needy. communicants. He attends to the sick and Living the life as a priest in the elderly by celebrating mass with them. He is Parish, he celebrates mass every day aside on call at any time of the day and night for from celebrating the Sunday masses. He anointing the dying in the hospital and performs funeral and burial mass, homes. sometimes three burial mass in a day. He Life of a priest being a School anoints and visits the sick in the hospital, Director is responsible of being spiritual never failing to make an appointment to visit animator, spiritual guidance of students, and say a prayer to the prisoners in jail. He staff and faculty. He initiates religious goes to homes, visiting his parishioners rich activities in coordination with the principal, or poor. He is constantly asked for house, directing the religious program of students business office and government office and faculty through monthly meetings and blessings. frequent celebrations of the Holy Eucharist. He is most of the time called for even As educational adviser, he is consulted for

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unbelievers and needy. Nowadays, he helps people to turn to God for he gives them a good example of deep faith in God. As pastoral leader he takes also an active part in all aspects of temporal life-economic, political and social. Generally he integrates with the gospel, moral values during his homilies with his down to earth experiences and observations that people can easily understand. Closely connected with this obligation, is the people’s right to information based on truth, freedom and justice. Caring for the environment is one of his advocacies. He includes in his homilies reminding the congregation that each has a responsibility to take care of Mother Nature, the gift of God to humankind. In all aspect he is the head of the Parish, the trustee in preserving the disciplinary matters and invited at properties of the church, keeping correct conferences with parents. He assists the account of monies collected which is to be school principal in observing legal properly submitted to the vicariate, pay all requirements regarding employment. Being church bills and wages of church employees. a school director he is also a financial The priest is the leading light of the Parish promoter, that he is responsible for the Pastoral Council.  maintenance and repair of the school building. His Pastoral leadership in strengthening the faith of the people within his Parish is exemplary. Although alone as a priest in the parish, he obediently follows his schedules going to the barrios celebrating mass at least once a month. He sees to it that Patron Feast day to every chapels are not neglected for Eucharistic celebration. By grace, he serves the people by giving Christ’s saving truth and His divine life through the Sacraments, officiating baptism, solemnizing marriages, funeral and burial masses. He helps communities find God by the witness of his life of firm faith in God and personal love of Christ, and by his goodness towards

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STORIES AND EXPERIENCES Sharing of Missionary and Priestly Experience of Fr. Ernesto (Ernie) Amigleo, CICM-IND on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Ordination of Fr. Val Narcise and Fr. Ernie at the Chapel of the CICM-Asia International Formation Community on December 29, 2018

My dear relatives – the Molina-Amigleo Harnoko, the Master of Ceremony for this Mass, families, relatives of Fr. Val Narcise, my dear Fr. Luke Moortgat, Fr. Vidalito Ludan, rector of confreres, CICM theologians, novices and the CICM postulants, Fr. Ananias Dundu postulants, Sisters and friends: (Indonesian who is the Socius in the Philippines) and Fr. Ignatius Sawey, MJ, and of course my co- Shalom! Welcome to all of you. Isang jubilarian Fr. Val Narcise CICM. maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat. Kamusta po ang Pasko ninyo? We hope and pray that you I also would like to introduce my youngest had a wonderful and grace-filled Christmas brother, Jose Amigleo, who came all the way celebration. from the US to be with us today. He is here to represent all the Molina-Amigleo relatives who Before proceeding allow me to welcome are in the US. Bishop Prudencio Andaya, CICM, bishop of Tabuk, in Kalinga and Apayao Province; Bishop My dear friends: God is so good to us. Emeritus Msgr. Carlito Cenzon CICM, Fr. Imagine after 50 years, God has joined the Provincial Ramon Caluza, Fr. Gabby Diercyk, Molina-Amigleo clan and the Narcise family and the distinguished eldest CICM in the Philippines; friends to come together to celebrate Fr. Val‘s Fr. Carlos Lindemans; Fr. Angel Luciano. Fr. and my golden sacerdotal anniversary here in the

NOVA ET VETERA • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2019 15 chapel of the CICM- Asia International Formation the guests who are here, I would like to share with Community in Quezon City. I remember on that you my story. I have written a book entitled “In beautiful sunny weather of December 22, 1968, the Shadow of Your Wings, I Rejoice.” You will the Molina families and Narcise families were have a copy of it right after this celebration. together for that wonderful occasion when Bishop What I am sharing with you now is just a William Brasseur CICM of Baguio ordained Fr. summary. You can read it at home when you find Val and me at the beautiful Maryhurst Seminary time. My book is not so much about myself, rather Chapel in Baguio City. about how the good Lord guided, protected and Last December 22, 2018, Fr. Val blessed me all throughout these past years of my purposely went to Makassar Indonesia, together life and missionary life as a religious and priest in with Fr. Provincial, Fr. Ramon Caluza to celebrate the CICM. jointly our Sacerdotal Golden Anniversary in Three reasons why I think my priestly Makassar. Today, we are continuing our golden vocation was not accidental or just a mere jubilee celebration to be with our relatives. I know coincidence, but a plan of God for me ever since Fr. Val already celebrated his jubilee last I was even before in the womb of my mother. December 10, 2018 at St. Louis College in San First of all, I was born on August 1, 1942. Fernando, La Union with his relatives. Some of I was 3 years old when the Japanese occupied them are here also for our joint celebration. To and bombarded Manila in 1945. At that time all of you who are here present and to Fr. Val‘s the Japanese forces invaded the Philippines and relatives, welcome and thanks for your coming. dropped bombs on the capital city of Manila. On this happy and grace-filled day, first Many people died and many people also began of all, I want to express my joy and gratitude to to flee to survive. Among them my family and the the Lord: "I will sing the Lord's faithful love Molina clan. According to my mother, when the forever. Proclaim your faithfulness from one family fled to find a safe haven, she fell while generation to another.” Which is the theme of our carrying me. She fell in the midst of many people celebration today. who had died on the road. When the Japanese God chose and appointed us to be priests soldiers were passing by, my mother pretended to tell of His faithfulness to the nations and to be dead among the people lying dead on the become a channel of His blessing and mercy for streets. When I was a little bigger, my mother His people. When the bishop laid his hands upon told me that "Luckily you did not cry when I fell carrying you; otherwise, surely both of us have my head and ordained me, at that very moment, my dream from childhood to become a priest, been killed.” Reflecting on that event I came to who could change bread into the Body of Christ realize that the fact that we were saved was not and wine into the Blood of Christ, became a accidental or mere chance, but certainly God had reality. Therefore I want to sing His faithful love a providential plan for us. It reminds me of the throughout my life. words of the prophet Jeremiah when he conveyed God‘s message through him: "For I Regarding my priestly vocation, I want to know My plans concerning you, says the Lord, share briefly the story of my vocation and how I namely the plan for peace and not for woe, to became convinced that God designed my priestly give you a bright future full of hope ..." (Jer. 29, vocation to be a reality. For most of my relatives 11). “To give you a bright future, full of hope.” As here, most especially Tito Rudy, Tita Dolly (who I recalled the event, I became aware that indeed liked very much to come along but because of the God had a plan for my life, namely to become a accident this early morning when she fell from her CICM religious missionary priest. bed and got her eyebrow swollen and was rushed to the hospital, she cannot come) and Tita My second reason: I was born and grew Connie, they already know my story, for I grew up in a simple family, but a religious Catholic up very close to them. But for the sake of most of family. My father's name was Pelagio Amigleo, a my cousins especially the younger ones, and for veteran during World War II. My mother was Teresa Molina, a prayerful and faithful

16 NOVA ET VETERA • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2019 housewife. They were blessed with 4 children. I that the Christian Family constitutes a specific am number 2. The first was Lilia, then me, and revelation and realization of ecclesial communion, then Emmanuel and the youngest Jose, who is and for this reason it can and should be called a here among us. When I was little, my mother domestic church. “The family is a domestic church, often took me almost daily to church to attend a little church or community of faith, hope and Mass. By doing so, I got interested in becoming charity” (Catechism of the Catholic Church no. an acolyte, serving Holy Mass almost every day. 2204). From the family, vocation to the Thus arising in me the feeling and desire to priesthood and/or religious life is born. Besides become a priest, who could change the bread the role of the family, the influence of the into the Body of Christ and the wine into the Catholic schools where I studied strongly Blood of Christ. I also witness the life of the supported my vocation. In my elementary days, I priests in my parish. My grandfather (on my was trained by the Benedictine Sisters at St. Mama's side – Lolo Minggo), whom I saw every Scholastica Elementary School and in high school afternoon, after coming home from work, always at Paco Catholic School by the CICM missionaries. praying the rosary in front of the statue of the My third reason why I am convinced that Virgin Mary, who, according to him, had helped my priestly vocation was a design of God, and our entire family – the Molina clan to survive not by accident: At the age of 7, I became an World War II. That is why that statue was very acolyte. I had to memorize the Latin responses in dear to Lolo and that statue is still existing. If I am the Mass. Because at that time the Mass was not mistaken, it is now with Tito Rudy who keeps it always in Latin. Every day I helped with the like a precious treasure. My uncle (Tito Rudy) and Masses of the priests in our parish on Dart and aunt Tita Dolly and Tita Connie (the sisters from then in Paco, serving the Mass of Fr. Paul de Mama) were very active in the Church activities. Bevere CICM in the ICM Sisters‘ chapel. I Besides, my other Titos and Titas from Lolo Felix, remember Mother Alex ICM, Sr. Valeriana ICM, Lolo Modesto and Lola Librada were also very Sr. Maria de Boeck ICM, Sr. Yohanna ICM, and religious. So I grew up in a very religious and others. Therefore the influence on me was very Catholic atmosphere and environment that strong. However, because in high school I was so greatly influenced my calling. I was inspired to be involved in many extra-curricular activities that a priest because of you, the Molina clan. Thanks my inclination to become a priest was directed to to our parents‘ and grandparents‘ wonderful other things. I seemed to have lost that desire to witnessing! Please continue the tradition of our be a priest. At that time I began to look for the Catholic faith. It is true what the Church teaches, meaning of my life and how I could shape it as written in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, according to that vision. So after graduating from

NOVA ET VETERA • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2019 17

high school I applied, not to the seminary, but to works sometimes in strange ways. As the saying De La Salle to take the entrance test for goes: God can write straight with crooked lines. Economics. So I was ordained a priest. I took the test but the dean told me to Brothers and Sisters: The Sacrament of the submit a letter of recommendation from my high Priesthood is a mystery. I wondered why among school principal, who was then Fr. Francis Libeer, the millions of teenagers in the Philippines at that CICM, who took over the task of Fr. Paul de time God chose and called me to be his priest, Bevere CICM whom I knew and who knew me whereas there were many other teenagers who since my first days in high school at Paco. They were smarter and more capable than me. There knew my sister Lilia because she was always in is only one answer to the puzzle: not that I the honor roll of her class. I came to Fr. Francis to deserve or excel, but because of God's ask for a letter of recommendation. But the topic tremendous love for me. God is love, as St. John of our conversation was not about the letter of the Apostle and Evangelist tells us. Because of recommendation I was asking from him, but to the God's great love, therefore, I "want to sing God's priesthood. He told me that he heard from Fr. faithful love forever; I want to proclaim His Paul that I wanted to become a priest, and Fr. faithfulness to the nations from generation to Paul heard it from my parents and aunties. I generation. " remember Fr. Paul together with Fr. Francis The Sacrament of the Priesthood which Wittezaele used to visit the family once or twice. God blessed me with and all the other priests is a I answered that when I was a small boy, yes, I very precious gift, a treasure, which is not made wanted to become a priest. But now, I already of gold however, but of clay in earthen vessels. went to take entrance test at De La Salle. Fr. St. Paul once said “This treasure we have in a Francis then suggested that I tried to apply to the vessel is made of clay.” Why clay? CICM Mission Seminary in Baguio City. He suggested that I stay there for one week and live There are two reasons why this precious with the brothers seminarians. I went home to treasure is like a vessel of clay: Reason One — notify my parents and ask permission. My mother To make it clear that the strength and power of immediately gave me permission, but my father the holy priesthood comes from God himself, it objected a little bit. At that time he, being a does not come from me or my own initiative. He is Philippine veteran during the Second World War, my only rock and my strength. We priests have a told me his wish for me to become a diplomat or tremendous strength and power in Christ to act in ambassador of the Philippines. He suggested that Persona Christi (in the Person of Christ). This weak I apply to a university to take up Foreign Affairs. and fragile man like me, is given the power and However, he did not brush off the idea of me strength by God to turn bread into His Body and going to Baguio. To make the story short, during wine into His Blood in order to be shared to His my stay of one week with the Maryhurst people, the power and strength not possessed by seminarians, I got interested in entering the CICM angels and archangels; the power to forgive the seminary. I thought that there in Maryhurst I could sins of people who want to turn to God; the find the meaning of my life. During that week I power to give a divine birth to thousands of was given a battery of tests like: IQ, children and also adults in baptism; the power Psychological Test, Physical Examination, and and strength to anoint the sick and the dying on Personal Interview with the Rector, Fr. Paul the death bed and to send them to heaven; the Stassen, CICM. After that Fr. Paul said that in power and strength to bless and witness the two weeks time they would send me a letter. On marriage of couples who want to live with God to May 15, 1959, I received a letter telling me to start building a happy Christian family; the report on May 31, 1959. The dream of my father power and strength to proclaim the message of for me to be an ambassador of the Philippines salvation to the nations. The good news of was actually not far off, though, because I salvation that we preach is not from ourselves, but became an ambassador of Christ as the CICM from God who wants to save humanity to live missionary priest to Indonesia! You see, how God happily with Him.

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On the other hand, we priests have the same people who are entrusted by God to him, serve weaknesses as other men. As priests, we also the people selflessly and experience the joys and have bodies made of clay. To keep this treasure pains as they struggle through life, to love them, pure, he must be stretched on a cross of fire, said to be merciful to them, and fight with them for the Blessed Bishop Fulton Sheen of the US who is now values of life. As Pope Francis said: ―a shepherd a candidate for canonization. must have the smell of his sheep.‖ A priest humbly The second reason: the priest is chosen by must allow himself also to be shaped and God among His people, and we realize that as nourished by the faith of God's people. Without priests, we must preserve, care for, appreciate it, a priest can be arrogant and very clerical and love this priestly treasure. The question is: (clericalism) as if his presence is very How do you maintain, respect and love this indispensable, important and needed. So in this treasure? case, you the people of God, can also help, shape and strengthen the vocation of your priest. There are 3 answers: and here I am I know for a fact that the Filipino people, in reminded of Pope Francis's messages to priests general, love their priests and take good care of and religious people worldwide: them. Which is also true among the Indonesian 1) To establish an intimate personal relationship Catholics. with the Lord Jesus Christ because a priest is Such are the 3 ways to preserve, called to be an ―alter Christus‖ ―another Christ,‖ maintain, respect and love the treasure of priestly so that he can offer Calvary's Sacrifice to sanctify vocation. I do not mean to say that I have God's people, namely through daily prayer, succeeded in doing or living it all. No! Just want reading the Scriptures and reflecting on them, to say that, thanks to the help of God, I tried to celebrating the Sacraments, especially Sacrament struggle to get closer to God, be closer to my of the Eucharist and Sacrament of Penance; pray fellow priests and my CICM community, and be the rosary and adoration of the Blessed closer to the people God has entrusted to me. Sacrament. St. Pope John Paul II once said: “There is a close link between the Sacrament of the The presence of a priest in the midst of Eucharist and the Sacrament of the Priesthood. the people wants to remind and awaken the Without the Eucharist, there is no Sacrament of the people of God that God is present in their midst, Priesthood; and without the Sacrament of the that God loves them, cares for them and forgives Priesthood, there is no Eucharist.” Hence the them of their sin. A priest is a channel of God's Eucharist is closely linked to the priest‘s life; it is grace to His people, through the sacraments the core and center of a priest‘s life; and also of which are celebrated. God's people. Priests are also called to form The Sacrament of the Priesthood, as a gift Christian communities, proclaim the Good News of from God, for me is a form of service to God and Salvation and to teach them about truth and the Church through the CICM. Therefore, my life in justice. this world becomes more meaningful and more 2) The second means is to establish good humane because God had chosen me to work in relationships with fellow priests or with the his vineyard. religious community, especially with the bishop After being ordained a priest, I was then and/or superior of a religious Congregation, sent as a missionary. I was reminded of the words because through this fellowship, through this of our CICM founder, Father Theophile Verbist, brotherhood, a priest is strengthened and who said: "We have a good and beautiful mission. supported in the joys and sorrows of his life and Go, and God goes with you." Encouraged by these in challenges that surround him. This fellowship words, I began to carry out my pastoral tasks between priests is very important in the life of a assigned to me, such as the ff: priest. In the CICM we have a motto: ―Cor Unum 1) Most of my pastoral works are done among et Anima Una.‖ One heart, one soul. people who are very simple, culturally a minority, 3) To serve God‘s people with love and who live in remote places in the periphery both in dedication; that is, to live and to be one with the the Philippines and Indonesia. In the Philippines

NOVA ET VETERA • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2019 19 such as in Banaue, Ifugao, the fisher men Papua, and proud to say that one of my students community of Talim Island, the poor in the in the post graduate level is now the Bishop of Transmigration Resettlement in San Pedro, Timika, Msgr. John Saklil. Laguna; and in Indonesia, such as the indigenous 3) As if my 4 years of philosophical and 4 years Tana Torajans and Papuans who barely emerged of theological studies were not enough, my from Stone Age. Together with them I learned Superiors sent me for further studies in Rome and many things, witnessing how they lived a life full the US for 3 years. While I enjoyed my years of of challenges by struggling, persevering, and studies there, however, I always wanted to finish being patient and resilient, but above all else still them as soon as possible in order to go the firmly believing in God. Every time I visit them, I mission. am always greeted with a wide, sincere smile and full of friendliness even though their life is 4) The challenge to minister to my Congregation difficult. Sometimes I wonder: where did they get when I was appointed as Vice Provincial and then the strength so they can still smile and be afterwards as Provincial Superior of the friendly? It is right, what Jesus said: “Blessed are Philippine Province. I took over from Fr. Gaby the poor in spirit, because they are the ones who Dieryck who was then elected as General have the Kingdom of Heaven.” Councilor in Rome during the 1981 General Chapter. 2) As Rector and lecturer at the CICM Theological Community and Maryhill School of Theology at But the most surprising thing in my life was Taytay, I remember there were several of my when Archbishop John Liku-Ada' of the students like Fr. Ramon Caluza (who is now the Archdiocese of Makassar, has come one night at Provincial Superior in the Philppines), Fr. Romy the CICM house on Jl. Sudirman in April or May Nimez (former Provincial), Fr. Percy Bacani 2003 to visit me and offer me the task of Vicar (former Provincial) , Efren Reyes, Roy Quiogue, General of the Archdiocese. My first reaction Reynaldo Treyes, Julio Ramon Mallonga, Monch was surprise and to politely refuse the offer with Coronel (who was ordained a priest as an MDJ various kinds of excuses. I said ―why me,‖ a last year) and several others; and as a Novice Filipino and a CICM, while there are 100 Master at the Sang Tunas CICM Makassar, where diocesan priests who are more capable and the CICM novices were dreaming of becoming a smarter? However, the Bishop did not want to CICM missionary like me. Fr. Dundu, a Socius, give up; he felt the reasons I gave were not who is here with us, was once my novice and convincing. The Bishop's answer at that time was many other Indonesian CICMs who are in foreign simple: ―we are one presbyterium.‖ Which means mission today. I also was a University Chaplain to say, ―We are one in the Priesthood. There is no and lecturer at the University of Atma Jaya- difference whether you are an Indonesian or a Makassar, doing chaplaincy work among the Filipino, a diocesan or a religious. We are one young people in Makassar. Likewise, I was also a brotherhood by virtue of our Ordination.‖ Finally, lecturer at the Regional Seminary in Abepura, I said: ―please give me some time to pray over

20 NOVA ET VETERA • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2019 it.‖ Which I did. After a few weeks, he came assist them in their last hours or days in their again eager to know my final answer: In short, I journey to heaven. I also help out in teaching finally answered "yes" given that as a CICM catechumens, sometimes asked to bless the missionary according to article 2 of the CICM marriage of married couples in the Church, and I Constitution that reads: ―as CICM missionaries we am engaged in giving Scripture Course to the are at the service of the Local Church.‖ I accepted parishioners. And every semester I also teach at it in faith that God would always be at my side CICM Sang Tunas Postulancy Program and at the to help me carry the challenges being entrusted diocesan Minor Seminary of St. Peter Claver. I am to me. I was installed as Vicar General on also the moderator of the praise and worship September 11, 2003. After 10 years and 2 community called Jeduthun Salvation Ministry in months, I resigned due to the accident I got when I Makassar. Last January this year I was appointed stumbled on the step in the Church hitting my to be an Adviser to the Superior General and his buttocks that needed an operation which councilors of the Congregation of Brothers of hampered my way of walking since then. That Christ the Servant. was in 2013. Finally, I want to convey one simple I must say that all the tasks entrusted to message to all of us, specifically to fellow priests me, I tried to enjoy them, which is not to say that and religious people; namely: “Bloom wherever everything was easy. On the contrary! I am you are.” pleased to say that working in the Archdiocese of So, to all of you and all those who have Makassar, in the midst of a pluralistic and multi- supported me, both morally and materially, thank cultural society, is very interesting and you very much. God bless. challenging, and especially I thank God, quoting St. Paul, for the people in the diocese who Our Lady, protector of the CICM receive the Good News not as human words but, Congregation, thank you for your support and as God's Word, who work also in believers. (1 maternal love.  Tes. 2, 13).  Likewise I am very grateful to the diocesan priests, religious men and women, and to all the parishioners in the archdiocese who received me as I am in a spirit of friendship and brotherhood. It was very enriching and confirmed my calling as a CICM missionary priest. Finally, when I resigned as Vicar General, I asked to be assigned in a parish but without taking heavy responsibilities. Now I am allowed to work in the parish of Mary Queen of the Rosary Parish of Kare – in Makassar. I like living in the parish to be with the people at Kare who accept me as I am. Especially young people have called me in Dutch "Opa" or Lolo. I am also grateful for living with my CICM confreres and especially my parish priest Fr. Fransiskus Xaverius Daru Pancoro CICM, former missionary in the Philippines. My tasks in the parish are: celebrating the Eucharist both in the center of the parish and in small communities in the parish and once a month in the Cathedral for English Mass. Very often I am called to give the Sacrament of the Sick and give the Anointing to sick people to

NOVA ET VETERA • JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2019 21

Singapore • February 7-14, 2019

By: Angel C. Luciano, cicm

Preparation: The roundtrip ticket was complement of Eddie and Carmen Seah. Stan and Belen Tan booked the ticket in the Singapore airlines promo in Trinoma-Quezon City. Perlita Tiro offered her house for accommodation. When the date was fixed, I prepared the pasalubong. In the Mass that I presided for the feastday of Sr. Purificacion Pena, OSA in Pasig, she gave me 100 balot for my stipend. This was nicely packed by Eric and Letlet with chicharon, pastilas, pandesal and biko cooked by Lenlen Santos. Erwin Santos also bought some decade rosaries made by a Muslim running away from the war in Mindanao. The FIRST DAY was very smooth. The airlines even tag my baggages as fragile. The terminal fee was also free. The flight was calm and we had only a slight delay in Changi airport due to air traffic congestion. Perlita Tiro and Belen Tan were at the airport. They were happy to get their pasalubong. We then dropped the pasalubong of the Filipino community in the house of Rizaldy Sapiera. We also left there the package for Eddie and Carmen Seah. Dinner was in the kampong chicken of Thomson Road. The SECOND DAY begun with a Mass in Holy Spirit parish of Fr. Richard Ambrose. Then, we had breakfast in Bendeemer market. Even when most of the stores were closed because of Chinese New Year, we managed to get carrot cake and Yu chak kwe. Theresa Wong, the birthday celebrant was there with daughter Elsie. The following were also present. Daisy Leong, Sandra and Michael Tan, George and May Chia, John and Catherine Goh. After breakfast, we delivered the parcel for Fr. Romeo Yu Chang, CICM in the parish of St. Theresa. He was happy to receive it. He even gave me a red packet. Lunch was with Perlita Tiro with her Zumba friend Rita. The evening was with the Simbang Gabi group in Pasir Rijs parish of Divine Mercy. They enjoyed the balot, the pastillas, pandesal and biko. The THIRD DAY was a Mass in Mt. Alvernia hospital with Fr. Simon Tan, CSSR presiding. Breakfast was a simple toast and scrambled eggs in the house. Jacqueline and Terence Ho with John and Annie Poon fetched me for lunch in Westin Ho- tel in Marina. It was a buffet lunch and we barely started when the young boy, Jonathan Ho ate laksa and a small clam part got stuck on his thought. He was immediately rushed to the KK Childrens Hospital were in the evening, he was operated on. In the evening dinner of the celebration of Theresa Wong, we got the news that he was ok. The whole clan was present and only the two of us, namely Daisy Leong were spe- cial guest.

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This FOURTH DAY was Sunday. At seven, I was fetched by Whye and Grace See, friend of Daisy Leong of Nativity Church to bless their house in Commonwealth. Then we had naci lemak for breakfast. They brought me to Trinity Church for the Sunday Mass with Fr. Paul Goh presiding. After Mass I was brought to Lai Wah restaurant for lunch with Rudy and Sonia Leong, Veronica Tan, Jovian and Jessica Low, Gerard and Peggy Vallah, Henry and Daphnie Leong and Dolly Baker. Coincidentally, the Chinese group of St. Michel Church were also there with the parish priest Fr. Terrence Pereira and Fr. John van Dick. After lunch, Cecilia Wong and Antoon and Rosie Ang were visited. They are sick at home. The tea party begun at three. Those present were: Alice Choo, Mabel Lee, Irene Quah, Mary Chua, Tony and Mary Tay, Agnes Leong, Jennifer No- ronha, Monica Pereira, Susie and Millie Tan and Helen Izelman. The dinner was with Patrick Hardy who is 90 years old. Flora is the daughter. William and Elsie Lee with Raphael and Rose- mary, Ray and Julie with children Matthew, Brandon, Gillian, Paul and Carol, William and Lorraine,Bobbie and Sherman, and Juliana the caregiver came.This tiring day ended up at 9:30PM.

A- nghel ka Ng mga Pilipino N-ananahan sa Singapore para magtrabaho G-abay ka sa namin, sa pananampalatayang kristiyano E-dukasyong ispirituwal, itinanim mo sa aming puso

L- umipas Ang ilang taon, nilisan mo na kami L- ugar na pinagmulan, sa yong pagiging pari U- muwi Kang masaya, nagmamahal ngay marami C-harisma mo Padre, sa Singapore parang si Duterte

I-kaw ay namalagi sa puso Ng kababayan A-ngel Luciano, di ka nga malilimutan N-gayong narito ka, kahit man lang panandalian O- key na Ang masulyapan, sapat Ng kasiyahan. Fr. Lawrence Yeo, CSSR was the presider the FIFTH DAY in Mt. Alvernia Hospital Chapel. Cythia of Scheut Mission Friends greeted me. Breakfast was at home. Then George and May Chia, with Michael and wife Shio Poo brought me to the Singapore Country Club. This day is everybodys birthday for the Chi- nese. Michael is already 88 and Shio Poo 81. George, May and myself are stll on our seventies. I had the chance today to visit my Doctor Lee Siew Khim. She is a grandmother now. The evening was with the Filipino community of Star of the Sea under Fr. Gregoire van Giam, MEP in Yishun. The families here have grown and the parish priest is very proud of their support. Edcel and Ning Castilo brought me home.

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The reading of the Mass was about creation on the SIXTH DAY. Fr. Peter Wee, CSSR challenged us to be consistent in our response to God to care for the earth. Lunch was with our original group in Tanglin Club. Ernie Estrella, Cristy Vicentina, Erly and Nilo Reyes, Belen Tan, Belen Hernandez, Mari- etta Foo, Elsie Ng, Patricia Ng, Evelyn Thung and Perlita Tiro. For tea, we were with Terry and Dulce Woodford in NEX. Dinner was with the group of Divine Mercy in Ang Mo Kio. This was cut short because Ben and Monica with son Wilson insisted that I still join them for the evening. They brought me home. Fr. Terence Yeo, CSSR challenged us on this SEVENTH DAY, to look deeper in our attitude to God and neighbour. We should not remain on the level of instinct and human level but strive to go deeper in our religious level of relationship with God. Aloysius Tay, the hypnotic and psycho- therapist Doctor, son of Tony Tay, gave us a breakfast treat. His sharing was timely for the major problem now of the Filipino parents was the young men and women committing suicide. Louise Marga- rita Geraldyn Clark, Tan Beehon, Thelma Gacayan, MARY Ann Yangus, Jeanna Docel Caracal, Rowena Montefrio, Nida Cabang, Amelia Daclan and Gemma Marquez treated us for a steamboat with the whole gang of St. Michael. They even wore their St. Michael red t-shirt. We had a good time reviving the CICM spirit. Richard Liew even joined us for lunch. After lunch, I dropped by to still see the 84 year old mother of Helen Rajs. Unlukily Helen was in the Philippines. We just communicated via cell phone. Her mother was very surprised and happy. The group of St. Anne Parish brought me to M Hotel Cafee 2,000 for dinner. Alex and Geraldine Quiambao, Ben and Elsie Zammudio family, Mike, Josie and daughter Shine, made my last evening in Singapore very memorable. The final day begun with a Mass with Fr. Terence Pereira, CSSR. He invited us for breakfast but we have made other arrange- ments. As soon as we returned to the house, I took a nap and prepare for my departure. Eddie Seah and Carmen insisted that we have still to take a late lunch. We had the congee and dimsum in Cristal Jade, Takasimaya. They helped me check in my luggage in Changi airport. Carmen insisted that I am an old man travelling alone. So, all my baggages were checked in. The flight back home was so smooth. The welcome was warm and my folks at home got also their pasalubong from Singapore. It’s just an exchange of God’s blessings which brings joy to everyone. 

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My Apostolate with Children By Leo Joshua Garcia, CICM Assistant Parish Priest Our Lady of Peace Parish (Paroisse Notre-Dame de la Paix de Diamaguène )

Many a times I have written of my their local language like a native. I am branded ‗adventures‘ as a missionary in Senegal, a country ‗Tubap‘ – a term used for a person having ‗white that we fondly call, the Pays du Teraanga – The skin‘. The funny thing is that I have been used to Land of Hospitality. As a missionary priest I have being called as ‗dark skinned‘ back in the encountered a lot of people from different walks Philippines. Jokingly, I said to myself that I have of life and somehow, was influenced by their day unknowingly achieved something which I thought to day situation. I have integrated myself into was an impossible feat. their culture through their songs and cuisines. I I have also gotten used to having ‗four have gotten used to the sound of their tam-tams nationalities.‘ I am usually considered as a (Senegalese drums). From all its cultural richness, I Chinese, Korean, Japanese and even a Lebanese have digested so many lessons that when I went whenever I pass by a group of children. No. They back for the first time after my vacation, I was were not trying to give me a ‗nationality crisis‘ if already searching for the familiar sound of their that term ever existed. It was only pure innocence drums and the taste of their food. and the desire to converse with a stranger that I revel in the realization that I have brings me almost every day into this amusing gotten used to having the situation which makes it feeling of being at home more endearing (and in a foreign country. even heart-warming). They say that humor is an However, I believe that nothing is important part of being more amusing than a missionary; a child can encountering a child in make your day filled the streets near our with laughter if you have parish. There is always the patience to handle that obvious innocence one. present in their eyes I cater to different while seeing a foreigner apostolate in our parish like me buying bread at Fr. Leo with some of his and spend most of my a bakery while speaking students mornings with the young

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students in our school named Fr. Leo with some of the ‗eye of the storm‘. aspirants to the Minor after our founder, Theophile aspirants to the Minor I need to gently remind them Seminary Verbist. Often clad in their blue that they have to be respectful polo‘s and some with their black to whoever is in front of them. pantalons, most of them walk As such, I am fulfilling not just from their houses, traversing my role as an educator but muddied terrain while trying to also as a priest who has the make their way through dusts obligation to teach Christian and sands to reach the school. I values. I always believe that have had the pleasure the growth of a child truly exchanging pleasantries with begins by teaching them the them, ―Père Leo (Father Leo) as value of respect. they fondly call me. Fr. Leo with some of his co- Another apostolate I am teachers I also give basic actively taking part of is the courses in English to which, they formation of our altar servers. were always delighted to Our parish is blessed to have participate. There were days more than 60 children willing that I made creative inputs for to wake up in the morning and them to take the lesson lightly. I serve during our Sunday am remembered as the teacher masses. They are so dedicated who taught ―I have two Hands‖ to their service that they to children who were only used practice the correct way of to speaking French and their serving during the mass twice local language in school. To my a week. I have always been in surprise they still remember, at awe of them as to how they least the tune of the song and Fr. Leo with the female mass servers try to discipline themselves the actions until now. albeit always with childish I realized that in order naughtiness. From this bunch, for children to learn and we were also blessed to have remember lessons, I have to be encountered a handful of them filled with energy and humor – who are interested into and sometimes, I have to act entering the religious life. silly and childlike. The end result Accompanying children has its is that these children are not difficulties and blessings as afraid of me, not just because I well. Despite their innocence, do not use the ―stick‖ to they can also be candidly discipline them; they think that a honest and ironically, more priest will never whip them. I committed than the rest. It have always laughed whenever takes patience and creativity their homeroom teacher enters Fr. Leo posed to have them come to the during my class and they will all church and involve them into be silent like a mouse being for a photo with the mass various activities. They are cornered by a cat. I was after all, the future of our reminded of Jesus calming the servers after the mass Church. How we form them at storm, except that I am not Jesus their early age will have a and the children are ‗furious‘ than great impact on them as individuals. Always, our the storm. But after the homeroom teacher scolds mission is to protect and teach them to gain them and leaves, they will just go back to their confidence as they grow in maturity.  innocent playfulness and I find myself again in the

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A Turned Sunflower: A Reflection on the Three Evangelical Counsels of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience By Leonardo P. Jimenez, CICM La Communauté Internationale de Formation en Afrique (CIFA), Cameroon

Vows are gift of God to the Church. These gifts are given to all people and most especially to those who responded to live in consecrated life. The three vows of chastity, poverty and obedience are practiced in our one-year novitiate with the help of our two benevolent formators, Fr. Nemesio Huesca, CICM - a missionary to Brazil and Fr. Ananias Dundu, CICM - a missionary to Congo, Africa. We also encountered sacrifices, challenges at this moment but above all, the grace and the love coming from our Lord Jesus Christ who is our model in religious-missionary life. Fr. Alberto Tamisen, CICM, a missionary to Congo, Africa shared these lyrics in one of our recollections: “Like a sunflower, that follows every movement of the sun, so I turn toward you, to follow you follow. In humility and simplicity, I follow.” I my God. In chastity, poverty, obedience, I imagined myself like a sunflower that is simply turning its head to the sun - to my sun - Jesus Christ, my Master. To live in chastity does not only mean not having erotic relationships. It is more about living our common and fraternal love. I willingly shared my ample time with my brothers in the novitiate. We eat, play, clean, chat, and pray together. This is the same as the love that Jesus shared to His apostles - the agape, the highest form of love. To live in poverty connotes the understanding of the society. Living in

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chose Mary as an example. “Thy will be done.” It is difficult to obey and to follow the Lord but I have to seek His kingdom first and believing that everything will follow. Obedience does not hinder one’s freedom to choose but rather it helps us to concretize our choice in following Him amidst of our unworthiness and incapacities. I am thankful that God showers bountiful and useful talents upon me and these perhaps are the reasons why I was invited to study in Cameroon. Living far from my country is indeed challenging yet fulfilling. I grabbed this humble invitation as an opportunity to learn another language like French, to plunge myself into a new culture and discipline and most especially to respond with all humility into my missionary service as early as possible. To live genuinely the vows, these poverty is not to live in misery but in must be rooted in prayer, discernment and simplicity. I learned to live by knowing my most especially to our missionary experience priorities, distinguishing my needs from my that is bounded with the inspiration of our wants and to be more creative and Seraphic Father, Theophile Verbist who industrious in all aspects of my religious life. once inspired to sacrifice all for the sake of mission and of God. Now that I am The vow of obedience is the most professed, one thing that I found after, is challenging and yet graceful. Most of the indeed my genuine happiness - to be with time this causes friction. Through dialogue, His people at all times and share Him with a discernment and prayer, this friction smile. complements and both will realize the genuine will of the Father. In obedience, I Merci beaucoup. 

Let us pray for the repose of the soul of:

MRS. FLORA NARCISE MOSKITO, sister of Fr. Val Narcise, passed away in Sengngat, Sudipen, La Union on February 10, 2019 at the age of 88.

MRS. MADY BOLO, mother of Fr. Tito Bolo (BRA), passed away in Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental on February 26, 2019 at the age of 72.

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“Whatever you did…” A Journey of FAITH By Adrian Louie Z. Atonducan, CICM

FLIPPING THE MISSIONHURST CALENDAR the North-eastern parishes in Haiti, come I started thinking about writing this end of December, coinciding with the month article while we were having our training for that this inspirational photo was featured. the new district treasurers of the province of CICM-LAC in Guatemala. It was one of those APPRECIATIONS AND AFFIRMATIONS cold nights when my brain somehow December 3, 2018 (yes, another atrophied and could not think of a better December again on this page!) marks the subject. It somehow lost its capacity to second anniversary of my assignment as the produce poetic phrases that used to flow assistant parish priest of Paroisse de Saint effortlessly through my fingertips into the Roch de Grosse Roche. It was on the feast keyboard. I need to summon once again the of St. Francis Xavier, the patron of the feature writer in me but to no avail. Since mission and the secondary patron of our looking for inner inspiration did not work, I Congregation, that I first set foot on the then prayed hard to God that He (sic) would parish as its vicar. I can vividly remember give me one thing inside my room as a start. how I arrived in the rectory on that chilly God did not fail me this time. four o’clock Saturday afternoon. The bumpy I looked around and saw the 2018 three-hour ride was nothing compared to Missionhurst calendar hanging the beauty and serenity of the on the middle of the wall, just a place, which I often dubbed as little above my table. I flipped my “paradise.” Rev. Fr. the pages and saw the last Romuald Pierre, CICM, our picture that was laid out parish priest, asked the youth together with the month of to prepare my room. Before I entered my room, they have December. It was a photo of Sr. Mary Ann Cruz, SPC, and I already cleaned it for me. I was praying over Madame Benisse told that it was the former sacristy where every assistant while Monsieur Benisse looked on her. It gave me a bit of parish priest who has ever nostalgia, as it reminds me of worked there resided. Since it my former missionary has a large space, it was experiences as an intern in divided with a beige curtain to Haiti. But more than that, it occupy my bed on one side and gave me the sense of my office at the other. The parishioners welcomed me the fulfilment, as it makes me day after, on the second reflect on the end of my first journey as a pastor in one of Sunday of Advent, with their

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warm hugs and sweet always there to welcome me greetings. The rest was and discussed with me the history. problems of the school. Looking back, I am very Although I was never assigned there, I always saw grateful for the grace that God gave me to be an instrument to it that at least I can help them address some of their of faith to the faithful of Grosse Roche for the last two needs. years. I have journeyed with The help of the Filipino them through thick and thin, Community (FILCOM) in Port facing challenges that I -au-Prince is something thought we would not be able worth noting. During one of to overcome. I climbed several the masses that I presided in mountains and crossed the capital, I asked for their winding rivers with them. I got support for the benefits of soaked in the rain and beat my parishioners, which can the searing heat of the sun be in cash or in kind. From with them. I zealously visited the chapels of that day onwards, we started receiving Corosse and Carivé with them. The boxes of clothes, toys, sacks of rice, and exhaustion from the minutes and hours of school supplies and brought them to our walking was always relieved by the smiles of parish. I am very grateful to Rev. Fr. the parishioners waiting for our arrival. I Freddie Lucena, CICM for coordinating celebrated sacraments with them and joined with the FILCOM and for receiving the goods them in the celebrations afterwards. I also before we take them up the mountain. grieved with them during funerals and visited the bereaved members of the family INCAPACITATING INHIBITIONS the Sunday after, which is the custom of the place. During these last months, we But there were also downsides in my organized the “Kominote Misyon Legliz” (a paradise. For one, the mountains can be a type of BEC). discouraging area especially if one is used to the lifestyle of the city. My first year in the Both the old and the young are my mission made me realize the necessity of partners in spreading the Good News. Our getting a phone signal, which is just a sacristan, Monsieur Prosper Lerisson, despite regular commodity in the city. I have to walk his age, has been my constant companion for around ten minutes to reach the market throughout my ministry. Monsieur Leon Bellenfant also helped me know the communities well. The powerful women leaders in the community, Madame Marie Nicole Pierre, Medianne Louis, and many others, are my sources of encouragement. The groups in the parish have collaborated well with me as well from the choirs to the youth down to the children. When I go to our school, Ecole Presbytérale Saint Roch de Grosse-Roche, Director Renold Altidor was

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where the signal of the telecommunications hours because of hunger and fatigue after company can be accessed. When I reach the all the hikes that they need to do just to marketplace, I also see other people talking reach school on time. If there is no food to their friends and loved ones on the served, everyone goes home hungry. Most phone. But since May of 2017, things have fathers leave their homes to find job in Sto. drastically changed as the signal has Domingo in order to meet the needs of the become powerful with the installation of the family. Farmers are at the mercy of nature. new cell site, enabling us to communicate There are some seasons that are from our own backyard or from our veranda. unfavourable, especially if heavy rains come Although it has not yet become that to ruin the crops. Lastly, deforestation is powerful for us to use our phones from ubiquitous. Instead of bringing down fruits inside the rectory and our rooms, it is a and vegetables, trucks are going down with great improvement nonetheless. But that is bamboo, wood, and charcoal. Despite just the tip of the iceberg. preaching about it, my words just fell on Travelling was another challenge. I got deaf ears. used to going around by foot, which has become a form of exercise. In long TOTALLY TESTED distances, motorcycle rides are there for hire Beside the photo in the Missionhurst and our rectory car is also available. calendar that I mentioned above was the However, I thought I could make use of my quote from Matthew 25:40, “Amen, I say to driving skills but to no avail. I was just so you, whatever you did for one of these least overwhelmed by the rocky terrain that I brothers of mine, you did it for me.” As I gave up after a few prepare myself for my tries. I am still hopeful next ministry, the though that I can message of this passage improve in the years to became a sort of come, especially soon evaluation to gauge my that I will be assigned in missionary involvement the city. Fingers in my first assignment. It crossed! begs me the question as But more than though I am in the final these inconveniences, it exam, “Have you seen is the daily misery of the Jesus in them?” I have people that brought me been taught in our to helplessness. The Missiology class that my poverty in the area missionary commitment pains me more than is to make the face of ever. Most children are Jesus known to all going to school without humankind. But to do taking breakfast, waiting that, I have to see His eagerly if the canteen face, first and foremost, will provide them with in everyone I meet. Jesus rice and beans. Some of is already in the mission them are already where He sent me, that sleeping during class is, among the Haitians in

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Grosse-Roche. It was up to me to discover His presence among them and at the same time, love and serve Him with all my being. This is not only the basic principle of our missionary life but also in our life as a Catholic, which we often call in Haitian Creole “disip-misyonè” (missionary disciples). Guided by such criterion, I tried to search for an affirmative answer. As I ponder upon the passage, my thoughts brought me back to my encounter with Francelin, a grade five student studying in the nearby public school. One morning, while I was walking towards the direction of presence among those who do not belong to Lepine, I met him walking ahead of me. He the flock whom I shepherd. I cannot really started walking slowly so that he can have a know the scope of the effect of my conversation with me. He told me, “You missionary endeavor. Second, feedbacks, know what? I do not want to flatter you but unsolicited or not, are important to see how among all the priests that passed by Grosse- you fare among the people. This encounter Roche, you are my favourite!” Surprised, I gave a positive feedback but it does not asked him why. He answered, “because, of mean I did not receive any constructive all the priests that I have met, you are the criticisms here and there. Both challenged only one who has that good relations with me to be better than myself. Lastly, it taught people.” “How can you say that?” I insisted, me to value quality time. If I have not taken “All priests who came here were good.” “But time to walk with that lad, I would not have you are different” was his immediate reply. had my Emmaus experience. “You see,” he continued, “I do not belong to your Church but every time I see you talk to HENCEFORTH, HOPE the people and smile at them, whether Although it will be with great sadness Protestants or Catholics, it makes me say that I will be leaving my first assignment, I that you are better than the others who had the consolation that I will still have time were here. I also love to hear how you to visit it since I am still assigned in Haiti. preach when I pass by your Church on My missionary journey does not end but it is Sundays”. Those words left me somehow transformed so that I can always dumbfounded that I could not say anything be of service to my confreres and indirectly anymore. As we were about to part ways, he to their faithful. As I continue to dedicate had these final words, “Please do not leave myself to the Incarnate Word, I also strive us. Please stay with us.” I just do not know to be a gift to everyone I meet. I look how he would be disheartened once he forward with faith and confidence, knowing hears the news of my transfer. that I am still not losing hope, but rather, I This anecdote makes me realize a am being saved by it (cf. Romans 8:24). A number of things. First when I want to Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!  discover and serve our Lord Jesus Christ, it means that I also should recognize His

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Welcome1to1Theses1Corner! FR. RENE CANILLO CABAG, JR., CICM, presented his thesis to the Faculty of Social Sciences of Gregorian Pontifical University, Rome, Italy in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Licentiate in Social Sciences major in Catholic Social Doctrine and Public Ethics, in June 2018 and received a grade equivalent to Magna Cum Laude. Below is the ABSTRACT of his thesis entitled WAR ON DRUGS, SOCIAL SUFFERING, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN THE PHILIPPINES.

Illegal substance is merely the tip of ministering and providing pastoral programs the iceberg or a symptom of a serious social capable of providing a solution to the prob- phenomenon rooted in the structural vio- lem of drugs. These are the main objectives lence embedded within the strand of the of the study: 1) To describe the phenome- social fabric particularly in the Philippines. It non of illegal drug problems and govern- is among the multi-faceted manifestations of ment’s campaign on the war against drugs. social suffering caused by institutionalized 2) To analyze the government’s campaign injustices and marginalization in the society. on war on drugs from the perspective of the The Duterte administration confronts the social suffering. 3) To reflect on the result of issue on illegal substance by waging a “war the analysis on the war on drugs campaign on drugs,” which has claimed thousands of employing the principles of the Catholic lives and has put drug offenders in over- Social Teachings (CST), which leads to crowded prisons. Those who seek profes- engage in structural transformation and sional help have to grapple with unequipped concrete actions to response to illegal drug or limited rehabilitation centers across the problems. country. The sociological framework for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has analysis draws from social suffering herme- been sworn as the 16th president of the neutics developed by Nancy Pineda-Madrid. Philippines in the 2016 presidential election. The fundamental principles of the Catholic He emerged victorious gaining 16 million Social Teachings of the Church serve as the votes. The centerpiece of his political lens for evaluation on the phenomenon. The platform was suppressing the three so-called Catholic Church in the Philippines has to evils: crime, illegal drugs, and corruption. make its stand on the brutal reality of the The war against drugs has been at the anti-drug campaign of the government while

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center-stage of government administration claimed thousands of lives and the number since the president officially took charge on continue to rise. The recent administration the 30th of June 2016. The government maintains a relatively high satisfaction and launched a campaign to crackdown on drugs trust ratings from the population. Drug issue which led to a wave of unlawful killings could just be symbol and symptom of a across the country, many of which may have deeper social problem. The popular support amounted to extrajudicial executions. When of the people in the campaign could be a he was mayor of Davao City, a major city in significant point of departure to discern on Southern Philippines, Duterte was criticized how the suffering of the victims be viewed by groups like Human Rights Watch report by others. In the fourth quarter survey con- on May 2, 2017, entitled “License to Kill” for ducted by Social Weather Station (SWS), the the extrajudicial killings of hundreds of rating of the president’s performance street children, petty criminals and drug jumped to +70, classified as users carried out by the Davao Death Squad “excellent” (Social Weather Station 2018: (DDS) (Human Rights Watch 2017: online). online). But to critics, a world paradigm that It is a vigilante group in which Duterte was view drugs-are-the-root-of-all-evil simplifies accused of involvement. In formal encoun- the causes and consequences of criminality ters and official speeches the president has and problems of the nation. It manipulates alternately confirmed and denied his involve- the problem on drugs in order to suffice in ment in the alleged DDS killings. Duterte has establishing political hegemony and mobiliz- benefited from reports in the national media ing popular support. The war against drugs that made Davao into one of the world's seems to be a war against the poor since it safest cities, and he cites this as justification is seen as institutionalized murders at the for his drug policy. A declaration was made expense of the urban poor. The government by the highest authority of the land that the as an institution cannot simply criminalize nation was becoming a narcotic state that drug related issues; rather it can also ven- consist of 3 million drug addicts. Having the ture into social agencies that may lead to image of a “punisher,” he vowed to slaugh- individual rehabilitation and social transfor- ter them all (both addicts and pushers) to mation. It must never discount the possibil- end the problems of the nation and to safe- ity of individual capability to go out from the guard the future generation from perdition. ditch of addiction through social (community The earlier claim of the president was based) rehabilitation that lead to community negated by the Philippine narcotic officials integration. Putting the blame to drugs ad- stating that there are 1.8 million Filipinos dicts and pushers most especially those who who used drugs mostly “marijuana”. United belong to the poor to poorest sector of the Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Philippine society is a manner of legitimizing presented in the report that the Philippines suffering and marginalization. Suffering of has a low prevalence rate of drug users an individual or a certain group of people compared to the global average of other has its social dimension. So as the war nations (Nations Office on Drugs and Crime against drugs in the Philippines cannot be 2017: online). considered as the only solution to eradicate The war-on-drugs crusade has re- the existing problem; rather deeper understanding, analysis and reflection of the social sulted in an alarming daily average of 34 fabric behind social problem must be held in drug related murders. In the latest survey, the death toll in Duterte's war on drugs has serious consideration. 

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The CICM-Maryhill School of Theology (MST) in collaboration with the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (MST-JPIC Desk) of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM Missionaries) in the Philippines and the Lay Catholics for Societal and Theologi- cal Engagement in the Philippines (Laiki Agora) will hold a Festival of Catholic Social Teaching with the theme, “Bridge-Building and Celebrating Our Commitment to Social Transformation”. The event will be held at Paul Van Parijs Hall in MST on the 25th and 26th of April, 2019. This local initiative takes its inspiration from the Scoula di DottrinaSocialedella Chiesa in Italy. We are inviting the CICM-RP confreres and mission collaborators to take part in the launch- ing of the festival of CST. This event will surely introduce the CICM confreres in different formation communities to the fundamental social teachings of the Church from the encycli- cals of the popes to grass-root initiatives. An alternative on-going formation venue for confreres and mission partners in different congregational ministry to re-visit the fundamental social principles. The enriching testimonies of people from different institutions and sectors of society are concrete manifestation on how these teachings have guided and inspired communities across time, culture and social realities. It is our hope that as we go back to the root of the Church social teachings, we can be more zealous to preach the “Joy of the Gospel”. You may now register online for the Festival of Catholic Social Teaching in the Philippines. Early registration discounted fee is PhP 400.00 (until March 29, 2019 only). Regular fee of PhP 500.00 applies from March 30, 2019 onwards. Deposit or transfer to any of the following CICM Missionaries Inc.’s account: BPI 3141-0701-33 or BDO 0220-0644-31. Email copy of deposit slip/screenshots of successful mobile transfer to: [email protected] or upload copy at online registration form link: https://goo.gl/forms/m1nW7sRgUmy4k0tv2. For more details and information, you may also contact the following: mobile number +639565664426 (Fr. Rene Cabag, CICM) or email addresses: [email protected]. 

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Stories for the Missionary Disposition should be about CICM confreres, should be true, and should not require Parental Guidance. The Bitter Mass Ricky Gelladula scheduled a mass in one of the chapels in his mission in D.R. Congo. He asked one of the acolytes to prepare the mass kit. Before going to the chapel, he had to say a three- hour mass in the parish. After the mass, Ricky was rushing because he was already late. Arriving at the chapel, everyone was already waiting, and immediately they celebrated the mass. Everything went well. However when he drank the wine from the chalice, he was surprised and furious but retained his calmness. It was not the wine but rather a J&B whisky. It was the acolyte who mistook the whisky (for the visiting confreres) for mass wine. What a bitter commemoration of the Lord‘s Supper. [Ricky Gelladula] Protective Bishop Brasseur Elias Bareng used to come down to Bishop‘s House from the Cathedral to play canasta (a game of cards) with the Sisters and this was upstairs in the Recreation room of Bishop Brasseur. Elias was so ―makulit‖(importunate) repeating that the sisters are born to be losers. In irritation, Sr. Aurora took his penlight and pocketed it. When the time came for him to leave came, he looked for his penlight. He suspected Sr. Aurora to be the culprit and Sr. denied this. At the very moment Elias collared Sister Aurora, Bishop Brasseur came out from the Chapel and saw it. He came and scolded the priest but this was Sr. Aurora‘s fault. Elias left the house sad. He did not anymore come to play canasta with the Sisters yet this was his favorite hobby. [Sr. Aurora Codiam, SIHM]

A Day in Scheut He knows every kind of strip In our gallery It was a fine fall morning When at Scheut I set foot My founder‘s remains are found A place where I‘ll be learning Beneath the chapel‘s floor More than just mere input To each of us it is renowned We could not ask for more Confreres warmly greeted me As I entered the hall I will always remember I enjoyed their company My moments in this place I really thank them all These I treasure forever With our Lady of Grace One of them gave me a trip Down in our history [Adrian Louie Atonducan]

All confreres of any Provinces are invited to contribute some anecdotes about themselves or about deceased confreres. Give your stories to Rex Salvilla. You will be remembered in his masses. E- mail: [email protected]

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