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Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi? An gladius?

iPaul
St. Paul Scholasticate Newsletter
No. 9 September - December 2009
by Br. John Paul Osip, CRSP
On the feast of their founder St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria, the Barnabites in the Philippines also celebrated its 20th foundation anniversary, the closing of the Pauline year and the diaconal ordination of two confreres. These celebrations re-echoed one of the themes that is important in religious life, that is, service (in Greek diakonia). It also served as the crossing point of the aforementioned important events in the life of the Delegation. The celebration of the 20th foundation recounted the 20 years of the Barnabite presence and service in the Church in the Philippines, in imitation of St. Pauls and St. Anthonys undying zeal to bring God to others and to bring others to God. This commitment to service, in addition, is concretely shown through the ordination of the two Barnabite solemn professed brothers to the Order of deacons, a ministry of service. The understanding of religious life as a life of service is vital. Living a life of service is necessary to make ones witnessing to Christ in the world truly fruitful, a witnessing which is being challenged by worldly values contrary to the Gospel. That is why, to become faithful witnesses means to acquire an outlook that is totally opposite from the worlds. It means to redirect ones whole being to God and to ones neighbor by doing everything for His kingdom. St. Anthony Zaccaria, realized this understanding of religious life as a life of service: Let us rush like madmen not only to God, but also to our neighbor, for he is the one who receives what we cannot give to God (Letter II). For us Barnabites in the Philippine Delegation may we

Diakonia

continue to embrace religious life as a life of service for God and for His people. We would also like to inform you that the iPaul is under the direction of a new editorial staff. As a consequence, there will be inevitable changes in the contents of the iPaul. Nonetheless, the new editorial staff is resolved to carry on iPauls contribution in evangelization by providing you spiritual and moral insights, and sharing with you the spirituality and the mission of our congregation. May you continue to read and support our iPaul. Enjoy your reading!

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ORDINATION TO THE DIACONATE OF Br. Jose and Br. Arvin


(Bro. Isfridus Syukur, CRSP) The Good Lord sends laborers to His vineyard.

The new deacons Arvin ( l eft ) and Jose Nazareno ( r ight ) pose with the ordaining prelate Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle.

Last July 5, 2009 was a special day for the Barnabite Fathers in the Philippines. Not only did they celebrate the solemnity of the founder, St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria, but also two of their confreres, Jose and Arvin were ordained deacons by the Most Reverend Luis Antonio Tagle, Bishop of the Diocese of Imus, Cavite. Because of the huge number of guests, friends and benefactors of the Barnabites and of the ordinandi, a more spacious church was needed and so the said event was held at the Holy Spirit chapel at the Divine Word Seminary. Joses mother, an aunt and some close relatives, and Arvins brother and sister-in-law were all present to witness this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

Born on 5 September 1979, Jose (also fondly called by his confreres Joens) Nazareno Solijon Gabato, CRSP comes from Cortes, Bohol, Diocese of Tagbilaran. He is the youngest of the nine siblings of the late Catalino Gabato and Ereberta Solijon-Gabato. He entered the Barnabites in 1998. Arvin Alvarez Dagalea is from Zamboanga City, Archdiocese of Zamboanga. He was born on 2 December 1976, the 8th in the brood of eleven children of Bienvenido Dagalea and the late Asuncion Alvarez-Dagalea. He entered the St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Seminary in 2003. Joens and Arvin both made their solemn profession of vows last 25 January 2009, the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul.

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The event was a joint-celebration between the Clerics Regular of St. Paul and the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME). Hence, aside from Jose and Arvin, two seminarians from PIME were also ordained to the diaconate. Priests from the Barnabites, PIME and other congregations and dioceses concelebrated at the two-hour solemn Mass. The event was also graced with the presence of the former superior general of the Barnabites, the Most Reverend Fr. Giuseppe M. Bassotti, CRSP. Also present at the celebration were the classmates and friends of the deacons, the seminarians of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Seminary (Marikina), the Barnabite postulants and novices, the lay affiliates of the Barnabites, the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul and the Little Workers of the Sacred Heart who came all the way from Marikina. Other congregations of sisters and brothers from Tagaytay also shared in this special day. Frs. Bassotti and Allado assisted Arvin in vesting the deacons stole and dalmatic, while Frs. Ortega and

After the concluding prayer, Fr. Joselito Ortega, the newly appointed delegate superior of the Philippine Delegation, also delivered a short speech on the historical roots of the Barnabites in the Philippines. He also thanked those who took part in the celebration, most especially Bishop Tagle. He also officially concluded the Pauline year of the Barnabites in the Philippines. The celebration of the Eucharist was followed with a reception at St. Paul Scholasticate compound. The two newly ordained deacons were overwhelmed and excited by the new life and ministry they had embraced. To the new deacons, CONGRATULATIONS! May you remain steadfast in serving the Lord.

The new deacons with Fr. Mancusi ( extreme left ) , Fr. Bassotti ( center ) and Fr. Papa ( extreme right ) .

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iPaul REFLECTIONS FROM THE NEW DEACONS

PAGLILINGKOD:

DIAKONIA: A TRANSITORY STAGE BUT A LIFETIME COMMITMENT TO SERVE (Rev. Jose Nazareno M. Gabato, CRSP) You may not believe, you may be surprised, or worse yet, you might get mad at me (hopefully you wont!) if I tell you that I never really felt any excitement when I received the news that I would be ordained as a deacon. You may say that Im just exaggerating. Of course I was happy when I received the news; but honestly, I did not feel any excitement to be ordained as a deacon. You may wonder why? It is not because it was against my will that I did not feel excited. Nobody forced me to enter the seminary and become a priest someday. Long before I had received my college diploma, I had already said my yes to God for this priestly vocation. Likewise, I did not feel excited not because I was unprepared. Definitely not! I had already prepared myself for religious life and priesthood since I made my first profession.

But what made me not feel excited about this ministry is the fact that diakonia is just a transitory stage to become a priest. It will not last forever. I would not be a deacon for life but only for a short time. In fact, I did not apply to become a deacon forever (in canonical language permanent deacon). Someday I will be ordained a priest. My status as a deacon will not last forever. However, I realized that this call to the diakonia, (although a transitory stage to become a priest) demands a lifetime commitment to service. Someday I will become a priest and people will call me Father Joens and not anymore Reverend Joens (in the Philippines, deacons are addressed Reverend). In reality, only the adjectives or titles change. My being a deacon will cease with the priestly ordination but the call to diakonia will remain forever. The diakonia is a lifetime practice. It is a lifetime commitment to serve God and His people, ones fellowmen. Thus, it demands a greater service which I call sacrifice. It is a sacrifice of ones desire and ambition. A sacrifice of ones self to God in serving His people. Yes, diakonia is indeed a transitory stage but a lifetime commitment to serve to serve God and His people. THE MINISTRY OF SERVICE (Rev. Arvin M. Dagalea, CRSP) The time had finally come for me to be ordained as deacon. To accept the gift of service demands a big responsibility. That is why, I had mixed feelings during my ordination. Aside from being very much excited to receive such ministry, I was also bothered by these questions: am I worthy to be a deacon? Am I prepared to embrace such ministry of service, given the fact that my health condition is not in a good shape? Few months before my ordination, I underwent a surgical operation. In the hospital, I had experienced what it is to be in the line between life and death, literally. Yes, the operation was, indeed, very serious and the wounds, even after a few weeks from the operation, still needed a delicate cleaning twice a day. And so I was not really feeling well during my ordination and my body was not in its best condition.

Rev. Joens poses with his mother.

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g{x cx ftvx
REMEMBER ME, LORD
Is it possible the sea stops surging? If its waves come along with In tossing the seashore Did it bring you sadness? Why the flowers in the garden fall? What a pity! It lose its aroma! When it blossom again? What a life! It is full of sins! Rev. Arvin is accompanied by his brother and sister-in-law. Is it my fault? Is it my mistake? Why has it happened to me? Why the ocean of love brings sadness? Is everything gone now? Is there hope? In your mercy and compassion In your love, remember me, Lord When When When When you are with me, your love guides me, you forgive my sins, you empower me.

Nonetheless, my physical illness did not hinder me to go on. In my near death experience, I became more aware of Gods presence in my life. And so, while standing in front of the altar and before the presence of the congregation, I told myself: This is it. I offer my entire life to Him and nothing but to Him alone. I also begged Him to help me and show me how to serve Him as His deacon. I knew that my present health condition will continue to be a challenge in my ministry. However, Gods grace is enough for me. I believe that He will never leave me, just like when I was undergoing a surgical operation. Months had now passed after my diaconal ordination. My health is getting better and my wounds have already started healing. Although I have not yet fully recovered from the operation, I am doing my best to assist not only during the celebration of the Eucharist but also to serve others even outside the celebration. I know I need more strength to serve fully, but with a willing heart and accompanied by Gods graces, I will be more ready to face every challenge that I may encounter in my ministry of service.

I will live in your love, I will become your precious child. What a life! Living in your presence! What a life! Being with you forever!

(Br. John Koten, CRSP)

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Service: The Power to Enable


(Fr. Michael Francis Mancusi, CRSP) Oneofthemostusedandmisunderstoodwordisservice.Many,ifnotall,especiallythosewhoare holding a position, uses this word without really knowing its real meaning. Countless, in addition, are those who claim that they want to render service to others and to the country, yet somehow do not have a firm graspontheessenceofservice.Hence,inthisarticle,allowmetosharemyinsightofthewordservice. AccordingtotheWebsterDictionary,thetermservicemeanstomakeapositivecontributiontothe welfareofothers.Therearecivilservantswhoworkforthegeneralgoodofanation,acityortown.Theymay bethepresident,congressman,mayor,firefighter,orthesecretary.Theyallcontributetothegeneralwelfare ofothers. Nevertheless,thefirstpersonthatcomestomymindwhenIthinkaboutserviceisabutleroramaid.If one has the means to afford a butler or maid, the purpose for such is to enable one to have the time to completeothertasks.Amaidmaygiveonethetimetospendwithoneschildrenortocompleteanimportant literary work. A butler may do tasks in order that a lawyer may have the time to concentrate for the betterment of his/her clients. Both the maid and the butler spend their time and strength to enable their employerstoliveanuncomplicatedandorderlylife. Another person who comes to my mind is what is referred to as the sidekick. The sidekick is the personwhohelpstheothertoaccomplishthetaskathand.Intheworldoffantasy,theLoneRangerhadhis loyalsidekickTontowhoassistshimincapturingthosewhodideviluponothers.Or,withoutRobin,Batman maynothavebeenabletobringtheJokerorCatwomantojustice. Moreover, the sidekick is also the one who plays the supporting role. Many stage, screen, and televisionstarswouldnothavegivengreatperformancesiftheydonothaveagoodsupportingcast.Thatis probably the reason that the recipients as a best actor/actresses and the best supporting actor/actresses normallycomefromthesameproduction. Allthesepeopleprovidedaservicethatenablesotherstoaccomplishwhatmustbedone.Thisisalso trueoftheserviceprovidedbythesaints.Theirpreachingandtheirwitnessenableotherstoopenthemselves up to receive the grace of God. This saintly service in many ways can be said to prepare the way of the Lord.IcanhonestlyseehowourownSt.AnthonyMaryenabledotherstoreformthemselvessothattheLord couldworkwithinthemandbringthemtothesummitofperfection.Withouthispreachingandintervention manywouldhavenotbeenenabledtowalkinthewaysoftheSpirit.WherewouldTitodegliAlessiorBernard Omodei be withoutthe enablingpowerofAnthonyMary?The samemaybesaidofmanyotherBarnabites, Angelics,andLaitywhowouldnothavehadthebenefitoftheserviceprovidedtothem,directlyorindirectly, throughthewordsofZaccaria. Oneofthe mainrolesofthedeaconistoassistthepriest,especiallyin thecelebration ofEucharist. Many have defined the role of the deacon in this vein as the priests sidekick, and/or playing a supporting role. These defining terms may all be true because they describe the duty of the deacon as enabling the presidepriest to concentrate on celebrating a truly prayerful liturgy. Without the service provided by the deacon,thepriestmayexpendhisenergyonincidentalswhichtakeshisconcentrationawayfromleadingthe assemblyinprayerfulcelebratoryworship.Thiscouldleadtothecelebrantjustreadingthesacramentaryand thereforetheliturgywillhavelostmuchmeaning.Somemaysaythatthosetasksperformedbythedeaconare justmenial.However,thetermmenialdenotestheworkprovidedbyonewhoservesanother. Lastly,ifonetrulywantstounderstandthemeaningofservice,justthinkbacktothosedayswhenyou werejustachild.Thebestexamplewehaveofserviceisourownmothersandfathers.

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Celebrating the 20th Foundation Anniversary of the Barnabite Fathers in the Philippines

THE PHILIPPINE FOUNDATION: Retracing its Roots


(Fr. Frank M. Papa, CRSP)

The story of the Barnabite Congregation in the Philippines started in the summer of 1988 when our Superior general, Fr. Joseph Bassotti, joined Mother Armanda Ponsiglione, Mother general of the Angelic Sisters of St.Paul, for the inaugural ceremonies of their brand new building, a pre-school and convent combination. The firsthand experience of success by the Angelic Sisters in only two years, and the encouragement by the warm and pressing invitation of the Camillian Fathers could not leave Father General in peace, unless he would further look into the possibility of expanding the Congregation in such promising and fertile land. Therefore, by Christmas 1988 he extended an invitation to Fr. Anthony Bianco, Provincial Superior of the North American Province, and to Fr. Frank Papa, former director of formation in the same Province, to join him and Fr. Erich G. Hennings, Assistant general, for an exploratory mission, unanimously backed by the approval of the General Council. From January 1 to February 20, the Fathers enjoyed the exquisite hospitality of the Angelic Sisters who put at their disposal not only their facilities, but also themselves and all their contacts, specially the beloved Mo. Alessandra Sala. Their stay was marked by dialogues with many religious men and women, especially the Camillians. They met the Most Reverend Protacio G. Gungon, then Bishop of Antipolo, the Apostolic Nuncio, the staff of the Italian Embassy, and numerous lay people. All of them were unanimously encouraging them to come to offer their ministry to a very large population, deeply devout and hungry for God, but short of priestly service. At the same time, they were urging to take advantage of the flourishing Christian communities, source of abundant vocations. They could not resist the evident call from the Lord, therefore, Fr. Papa enthusiastically said his yes to Fr. Generals invitation to leave behind the beautiful Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Lewiston, New York and establish the foundation of the Barnabites in Filipino soil. Meantime, Fr. Hennings gladly accepted to keep him company until August. Once the decision was taken they traveled tirelessly, looking for a suitable piece of land. But how to start a recruitment program? The Camillian Fathers, especially Fr. Ivo Anselmi, rector of their College Seminary, came to the rescue. They offered Fr. Papa some names from their own list of young men who are interested in the priesthood and religious life. An introductory letter was drafted with the invitation to join newly established Order in the St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Seminary, Marikina Citythe first the house of the Barnabites in the Philippines, founded in 1989. Philippines. For immediate accomodations,

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they bought the house used by Angelic Sisters before moving into their new building. By the time the Fathers left on February 20, everything had been set in motion for the new foundation. On May 11, 1989, Fr. Papa set foot on Filipino soil to officially begin the new foundation. First of all, he examined the answers generated by the letters sent to the possible candidates. As it turned out, five young men accepted the invitation and on June 12 they moved in the new formation house. The next day they all St. Alexander Sauli Novitiate, Marikina City joined the St. Camillus College Seminary (SCCS) faculty and student-body for the Mass of the Holy Spirit to open the new school year. So, in a short time, the roots of St. Anthony M. Zaccaria had been planted deep in this new land. For the first six months, Fr. Hennnings was able to assist Fr. Papa, but then he had to return to Rome for his duties as Assistant general. He was substituted by the enthusiastic Fr. Vincent Posillico to finish the school year. Finally in June 1990, Fr. Aldo Rizzi arrived from Italy, after 25 years in Africa, to join the new foundation. Meantime, with the agreement of the Superior general, the first land bought in Antipolo was sold, because it was too far from the city. The search went on for another site, and it materialized on Apitong street in Marikina Heights. It took two years for the construction of the St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria Seminary, which was inaugurated on July 5, 1992. The same year, the newly ordained Fr. Mario Zaninelli arrived from Italy to joined the Community. By now, then, everything was rolling under the protection of Our Lady, Mother of Divine Providence, promising a bright future for the Congregation in Asia. As years started to pass by, the first group of students, having graduated from the SCCS, were ready for the novitiate. Fr. Bassotti asked Fr. Rizzi to be the novice master and to utilize, for the moment, the Fathers wing of the seminary as novitiate. In 1997, a land next to the seminary was acquired and right away the construction of a novitiate building was underway. The official blessing and inauguration took place in 1999. Moreover, after the formation in the novitiate, the newly professed Barnabite students went to Rome to continue their theological studies. They joined the International Seminary in Rome, and in September 26, 1998, the first priestly ordination took place with Fr. Jesus Allado. Two years later, the priestly ordination of Fr. Joselito Ortega and Fr. Richard Genetiano followed. Then, subsequent ordinations followed. As the community was growing a Barnabite apostolate was becoming St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Parishthe first parish in Asia and in imperative. On the year 2002, the fathers the Philippines dedicated to the Holy Founder .

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were able to obtain from the Bishop of Antipolo, the Most Rev. Gabriel V. Reyes, a parish in Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal dedicated to our Founder St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria. The first Barnabite, assigned as the parish priest until the present, is Fr. Richard Genetiano. Now, there is already a separate community of Barnabites, composed of three Barnabite priests, who manage the said parish. It has a Catholic population of approximately 18,000 parishioners. In addition, wisdom and experience St. Paul Scholasticate, Tagaytay City houses the professed suggested to have also the theological students and the Delegate Superior. studies take place in the country of origin. So in the year 2003, the St. Paul Scholasticate was opened in Tagaytay City, at first, guests of the SVD, until a land was purchased for its own building, which was inaugurated in 2006. The first rector was Fr. Giovanni Ma. Scalese. The present superior of the community is Fr. Joselito Ortega, CRSP Today, the Philippine foundation is composed of 13 Filipino priests, 2 deacons, 21 professed brothers (19 Filipinos and 2 Indonesians), 12 novices (8 Filipinos and 4 Indians), 7 postulants and 37 college seminarians/aspirants. As we celebrate the 20th year of foundation of the Barnabites in the Philippines, we are thankful to those who helped in the establishment of the Barnabites in this country and, of course, to the Almighty God for His gift of vocation in our Congregation.

St. Paul Scholasticate Community, 2009-2010

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The Father says

Looking Back to the Past Looking Ahead to the Future


(Very Rev. Fr. Joselito M. Ortega, CRSP)
A six grader once asked me: Father, is it necessary to always refer to what had happened in the past in order to prevent any uncalled problems in the present? I was at the school corridor when he ambushed me with the question. I was teaching then at the Mother of Divine Providence School in Marikina. I was taken aback with the deftness of the question and was very unsure of my answer to his question. I tried my best to tell him the importance of the past but unknown to me, his question was referring to a painful experience and he did not want his younger sibling to fall into the same situation. This experience happened to me six years ago and it came back in a flash when I was asked to write something about the twenty years experience of the Clerics Regular of Saint Paul (Barnabites) in the Philippines. It may not have any parallel point to my story but I think the past is very important to remind us of how things were before its present state. I am one of the pioneer vocations of the Clerics Regular of Saint Paul. Way back in 1990, I entered the congregation and my journey to religious life started its motion under the guidance of our then Rector-Superior Fr. Frank Papa, CRSP. The life in the seminary was a mixture of happy and sad memories. However, with the grace of God the congregation continued to move with ease. I saw how the fathers, with total commitment and dedication, molded and developed the foundation. Human limitations may have shaken the growth of the Philippine foundation but with the grace of God, it was overcome with great results and at the same time a baggage of learning. Thus, every time I remember the boys question, I can say to myself this is the answer: the past is important because it offers us some knowledge that is very important in shaping the future and making the present real. The presence of the Clerics Regular of Saint Paul in the Philippines consists of years of constant struggle. But the resilience of our fathers has brought us into who we are today. The work of the foundation started with the formation of the seminarians who would become the future local Barnabites in the Philippines. The initial number of vocation in the first five years was below twenty and was housed in a three-bedroom residential building in the old Molave Street, Marikina Heights. Today these numbers have doubled or quadrupled. We are very grateful most especially to God and the generosity of many people both foreign and local and the unending support of the Superior General and his council. They were instrumental for the existence of the Barnabites in the Philippines. It is noteworthy to acknowledge the support of the different bishops who received the Barnabites in their respective dioceses: Bishops Emeritus of Antipolo, Protacio Gungon and Crisostomo Yalung, Gabriel Reyes the present bishop of Antipolo and Luis Antonio Tagle of Imus, Cavite. There are many others that to name them, metaphorically, I can say like Saint John, I suppose that the world itself could not contain that books that would be written. I leave it to the Lord to recognize their generosity and may God fill them with the graces they need to continue their faithfulness to God in their practice of charity. The past determines the shape of the future and the success of the present, thus, it is necessary to look at how the Barnabites have been formed in the past and be grateful to it. And the best way one can show gratitude to it is to cultivate ones ability to grow and to give back to Christ Crucified, from whom one have received them, his gifts and graces enriched in beauty. Let us rush like madmen not only to God, but also to our neighbor, for he is the one who receives what we cannot give to God (St. Anthony Zaccaria, Letter II). It is still valid today the words of Saint Anthony, our founder, You well know, brothers, that the entire spiritual building up or ruining of religious institutes depends upon good or bad formation (St. Anthony Zaccaria, Letter VII). In this aspect, as the new Superior Delegate of the Philippine Delegation, I urge all the members of the delegation to become faithful to all the teachings of our formators of both past and present. The success of ones spiritual consecration to God is not quantifiable but if we let ourselves be formed by God and be able to let go of our selves then God can work out our limitations. Twenty years ago the Barnabites were building up, now the Barnabites are sustaining it and are convinced to make it stronger because our strength is founded on our trust in Gods divine love. Let us continue to look at Jesus and do not lose the vision of the face of God through our brothers and sisters so that we will become worthy sons and daughters of a very good father, Saint Anthony M. Zaccaria.

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The Tremesanti and their Special Formation Program


Br. Joseph Bernales, CRSP and Br. Jonathan Ramoso, CRSP

Four professed brothers namely, Br. Pat Golis, Br. John Koten, Br. Rosauro Valmores, and Br. Joseph Bernales, are presently undergoing a special formation program in preparation for their solemn profession. This formation program is similar to the novitiate because it involves an intense period of spirituality and lessons on religious life and on the congregationits history, spirituality, lifestyle, including that of the Holy Founder, St. Anthony Mary. Hence, it is sometimes called the second novitiate. It is also an opportunity for all the candidates to the solemn profession from various countries and provinces of the congregation to get to know each other and undergo the same formation period. The said period runs for three months in Rome, Italy under the guidance of one of the assistants general taking the role of father master. In the Philippine Delegation, the said formation program is composed of two parts. The first is presently taking place at St. Paul Scholasticate in Tagaytay. It involves an intensive study of the Italian language. The students, in fact, have a 2-hour, four days a week Italian lesson. A course on spirituality and religious life is also taught to the four formandi by Fr. Joselito Ortega, the superior of the religious community. Moreover, they are assigned to apostolate activities which offer them opportunity to teach catechism to children in Sitio Bitin, Barangay Sambong, one of the remotest villages in Tagaytay. It also gives them a chance to live with the people of the community and to do reflections on the Gospel with them. The said place is half way down from the city to the smallest volcano in the world, the Taal volcano. The tremesanti go to the area every Thursday (if weather permits since the soil is slippery when it rains). From the seminary, they

Br. Rosauro (left) and Br. John (right) teaching catechism.

go to Crossing Mendez and start the walk going up to the village. The walk usually takes about an hour, while going back home takes an hour and a half. At lunchtime, the tremesanti eat together with the people of the area. In the afternoon, they organize a Bible sharing by inviting the families to meditate with them the Word of God and their faith experiences. But while the tremesanti do this special formation program, they continue to participate in all community activities with their confreres. Here is a sharing of the tremesantis lifebased-experience and insights through these posted questions: How do you feel the apostolate in Sambong and its atmosphere with the people for a day of stay? Does it help in your formation as a person or as priest for a people in the near future? How? Bro. John responds regarding the atmosphere of the apostolate area with the people, It is great because the people there are so kind and the students are good in learning. And in sharing, I draw a lot of experiences about life. Bro. Koten even has recommended thus: It is very good. Continue it in the future! Also, Bro. Joseph comments that he feels like living in the place forever. The hospitality

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and simplicity of the people in Sambong made him feel that he was evangelized in some ways towards a fulfilled life. Bro. Rosauro simply but deeply shares his insights out of his experience: It helps me to widen my consciousness regarding the realities in life especially with the poor. Koten added the value of service in mission. He relates once: In my experience as a missionary, sacrifice and a brave heart is needed in whatever conditions that calls (sic) us to serve the people. It is a service out of love for the people who are in need. Be ready always in doing (sic) the mission that Christ has called us to do. Be a soldier of Christ, who is ready to die for His Gospel. The second part of the preparation period will take place in Rome, Italy from January to March 2010 (the so-called tre mesi in Italian; the brothers who take part in this program are therefore called the tremesanti). It is in this stage that the three-month preparation period formally starts. As stated above, lessons on religious life, on the congregation and on the Holy Founder are taught by the fathers assigned in the two religious communities in Rome (St. Charles ai Catinari Parish and in the Curia Generalizia). Even the superior general, the Most Rev. Fr. Giovanni Villa, also contributes in the said formation in many and various ways! Aside from doing lessons, the formandi will also visit the religious communities and houses of the congregation in Italy. In this way, they will be able to know well their religious family (especially its roots) and meet confreres they have never known. Brothers Pat, John, Rosauro and Joseph are scheduled to leave for Rome in November in order to attend another intensive course on Italian language before the formal commencement of the preparation period. To the candidates to the solemn profession, IN BOCCA AL LUPO!
Walk toward God in absolute freedom, and do not attach yourselves to anything whatsoever; but, run towatd Him. -St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Sermon VI

NEWS, EVENTS AT IBA PA ...


Novicesandpostulantsgoonretreat atSt.PaulScholasticate
Last 26th30th of May, the novices and the postulants, had their fiveday retreat at St. Paul Scholasticate, Tagaytay City. It served as a preparation for the postulants admission to the novitiate and for the novices first profession of vows.Theretreatstartedwiththecelebrationofthe Holy Eucharist in the morning of the first day and culminated in the evening of the last day with the exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. It had a total of eight sessions, two sessions each day. A biblical verse taken from St. Paulslettersservedasathemeineverysessionand asapointforpersonalreflectionforthewholeday. The retreat master also availed himself for some personal consultation and confession during the meditationtime. TheretreatantswereluckytohaveFr.Ulrich Gacayan, a Rogationist priest and an exegete, as retreat master. He chose St. Pauls life and missionaryjourneyasthemainthemeoftheretreat. A perfect fit indeed since the Barnabites is a congregation dedicated to St. Paul and coincidentally, the Pauline year was about to end. ManygoodthemesdrawnoutfromPaulsstorywere sharedtothegroupbyFr.Ulrich.Suchthemes,truly, had helped them to pray well and had motivated themtolive alifeofconsecrationlike whatSt.Paul did. One of the unforgettable themes was Pauls fidelityinfulfillinghismissionaryjourney. TheretreatwasconcludedwithaEucharistic celebration on Saturday morning. Afterwards, the novices and the postulants hit the road for a return trip to Marikina. They were in a rush for the postulantsweresupposedtohavetheirriteofformal acceptance in the novitiate in the afternoon. At around12noon,theyarrivedhomesafeandsound, spirituallyrenewedandreadytofacenewchallenges astheyrespondtothecallofGod.(Br.ReyCarmelo Ausejo,CRSP)

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TenNovicesprofessthefirstvows
On May 31, 2009, the solemnity of the Pentecost,tennovicesconcludedtheirnovitiateyear with the first profession of religious vows at Saint Anthony Ma. Zaccaria Parish in Barangay Silangan, SanMateo,Rizal.Theceremonywasheldwithinthe Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Frank M. Papa,CRSP,thendelegatesuperioroftheBarnabite Fathers in the Philippines and concelebrated by the BarnabitepriestsofthePhilippinedelegation. The glorious event was attended by sisters and seminarians from different congregations. The lay affiliates of the congregation, relatives, friends, and benefactors of the newly professed brothers werealsopresenttowitnessthespecialevent.After the Eucharistic celebration, a simple reception followed at St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Seminary, Marikina. After the reception, the newly professed brothers packed up their things and moved to St. Paul Scholasticate in Tagaytay to continue their formation and theological studies. The professandi andtheirplacesoforigin:CunanAdaro(Hinundayan, Southern Leyte), Rey Carmelo Ausejo (Malitbog, So. Leyte), Gerard Sala (Malitbog, So. Leyte), Alfredo Dolog Jr. (Bontoc, So. Leyte), Alvin Libay (Pinutan, So. Leyte), Benedict Insigne (Carigara, Leyte), Glenn Gaabucayan (Ozamiz City), Rolly Cascajo (Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte), John Paul Osip (Claveria, Misamis Oriental), and Mark Anthony Pondoc (Cortes,Bohol).(Br.MarkAnthonyPondoc,CRSP)

It has been a tradition of the St. Paul Scholasticate community to go for an outing at the beginning of the school year. And this year, the annualoutingwasheldlast12June(coincidentally,it was also the 111th anniversary of the Philippine Independence) at Virgin Beach Resort in Laiya, Batangas,southofManila. The day was indeed a special one for the community to unwind and to enjoy each others company. The professed students, the fathers/ formators, the seminary personnel as well as the MercifulSisterslefttheseminaryataroundhalfpast seveninthemorning.Theyexpectedtoarriveatthe beach resort around 9 a.m. However, they got lost on their way because nobody was familiar with the roads and the drivers only relied on a map. The wrong turns made the trip a little longer than expected. At around half past eleven (after almost five hours!), they finally reached the beach resort, tired yet excited to plunge into the crystal blue sea andtoplayinthewhitesand. The long and tiring trip was paid off by the scenicviewofthebeach.Theseawascalmandthe weather was fine. Some of the confreres enjoyed taking a swim, while others spent the day singing different modern songs with the accompaniment of the guitar. Those who were very tired managed to take a nap. Fr. Joselito Ortega, together with the sistersandthepersonnel,preparedthelunch. Late in the afternoon, at around 4, they started their way home. Again, they got lost and foundthemselvesatunfamiliarplaces.Thetripback home was longer than the one going to the resort. TheyfinallyarrivedinTagaytayataround9oclockin the evening. All were tired but their smiles showed much enjoyment and funouting and road trip in one.(Br.ReyCarmeloAusejo,CRSP)

Fr.BassottivisitsthePhilippines
ThePhilippineDelegationwasgracedwitha twoweekvisitoftheformerSuperiorGeneralofthe Barnabites (19821994), the Most Rev. Fr. Giuseppe Bassotti, CRSP. He came for a visit to take part on the 20th Foundation anniversary of the Philippine Delegation,thediaconalordinationoftwoprofessed

The ten newly professed brothers

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Fr. Bassotti visits Taal lake and volcano with (from left) Bartolomeo, Br. Pat and Rev. Jose.

brothers and the solemnity of the holy founder St. AnthonyMa.Zaccaria. Fr. Bassotti arrived with his companion, Bartolomeo,andfirststayedatSt.AnthonyZaccaria SeminaryinMarikina.Therehesawtherealizationof what he initiated way back in the year 1988 while servingassuperiorgeneralofthecongregation.The fourday stay with the Fathers and collegians in Marikina enabled him also to witness the growing numberofvocationsinthePhilippineDelegation.On July 05, he went up to Tagaytay where the Studentato Filippino, the St. Paul Scholasticate is located.Onthesameday,Fr.Bassottiwitnessedthe diaconal ordination of the two solemn professed brothers: Br. Jose Nazareno Gabato and Br. Arvin Dagalea(seerelatedstoryatpage2).HestayedatSt. PaulScholasticateforsixdays. Fr. Basottis stay with the St. Paul Scholasticate community provided him with a memorable experience as he visited some eye catching tourist destinations in Tagaytay. He was accompanied by some professed brothers. They visitedPeoplesParkandTaallakeandvolcano.They crossed Taal lake by boat and trekked the volcano through a horseride. On July 10, he left for Italy bringingwithhimcolorfulmemoriesfromthefathers andseminariansofthePhilippinedelegation.Grazie per la visita padre Bassotti! (Br. Jonathan Ramoso, CRSP)

Last August 17 and 18, the Divine Word School of Theology Students Association or commonly known as DWSTSA, organized the annual interseminary sports competition. These were actually days of sports and talent feast where the seminarians showed their talents in different fields: indoor and outdoor sports games, brain games, songanddance.Alltheseactivitieswereheldinthe Divine Word School of Theology (DWST) compound. The affair was opened with the celebration oftheHolyMasspresidedbythediocesanpriestand alumnus of DWST, Fr. Francis Eugene Fadul. The rectorsofthevariousseminariesalsoconcelebrated. Itwasfollowedbyashortparadebythestudentsof eachyearlevelwearingtheircolorfuluniforms.After theparade,thedancingcompetitionwasheldwhere the students showed off theirextraordinary dance moves.Itwasindeeda momentfilled withfun,and wasmademoreexcitingandhilariousbythemascots preparedbythestudentsthemselves. Thebasketballexhibitiongamefollowedwith theformatorsofthedifferenthousesofformationas the players. The event had, indeed, provided an opportunity to the seminarians and their formators to create a strong bonding through sports. Other games were also held afterwards which made the whole day a very busy and a thrilling one for all. (continuedtonextpage)

The confreres enjoy their lunch on the 1st day of the DWSTSA Sports Fest.

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(DWSTA Sports Days, continuation) The championship games were held at the second day of the sports fest. The St. Paul Scholasticate community is very proud to have confreres who finished as champions or second placers in various games. For the badminton single, Br.JohnPaulOsipwasdeclaredthechampionwhile Br. Isfridus Syukur got thesecond place award. Brs. Jonathan Ramoso and Clyd Authentico were the victors in the badminton doubles andGlenn Gaabucayan and Wendel Quiton from the Order of St.Josephwonthesecondplace.Br.ClydAuthentico got the second place in dama, and for the table tennisBr. Rolly Cascajo also occupied the second place.There were also confreres who played volleyball and basketball with fellow students and won the first place award: Brs. Cunan Adaro, Alvin Libay, Gerard Sala, Rolly Cascajo for the volleyball; Brs. Jonathan Ramoso and Clyd Autentico for the basketball. Attheeveningofthesecondday,thesinging competitionwasheld.Theprizesandtrophiesforthe winnersandchampionswerealsoawarded.Theover all winner for this years DWSTSA Sports fest is thethirdyearclass,whoseteamnamewasRuah.(Br. ThomasFederickTabada,CRSP)

the retreatants that prayer is a covenant between two persons; it is a relationship between two persons who are very close to one another. With these statements he made them ponder on how deepistheirrelationshipwithJesus,apersonwhom theydesiretofollowanddedicatetheirlivesforever. Prayer life, he said, depends on ones relationship withHim. The aforementioned thoughts were more thanenoughtorefreshtheprofessedbrothers.After thesession,theycouldnothelpbutsmileandthank Godforthefruitfulretreat.Itwasalsoamomentof renewal because they were able to remember, rejoice,andrenewtheirlives.Theprofessedbrothers entrustedeverythinginthehandsoftheAlmightyfor the new academic year. For they believe that they can do nothing without Him. (Br. Isfridus Syukur, CRSP)

TMPSopensnewacademicyearwith newfacesandlotsofexcitement!
The Tahanang Mapagaruga ni Padre Semeria (TMPS) officially opened the new school year 20092010 last 21 July. The said event was graced with the presence of the new and very committedprincipalBro.ThomasTabada,CRSP.The event also highlighted the opening of TMPS new nurseryprogramandthewelcomingofitsnewsetof teachersandadministrators. Through the initiative of Fr. Joselito Ortega, CRSP,TMPSnewpresidentandthecollaborationof Br. Thomas, the nursery program had been actualized.Thesaidprogramisforchildrenfrom34 years old. It is geared to prepare children before entering the kindergarten program. Hence, basic writingandreadingskillsaretaughttothem,aswell asbasicMathematicsandChristianValues.Thereare seven children presently enrolled in the said program. Aside from the nursery program, TMPS also has new teachers and administrators. Fr. Joselito Ortega is the new president, Rev. Jose Nazareo Gabato,CRSPisitsschooldirectorandBr.Thomasis inchargeasprincipalforthisschoolyear.Fiveofthe six new teachers (one is already in third Theology) are first year students in Theology: Brs. John Paul Osip,RollyCascajo,AlvinLibayandReyAusejo.

Beginningeverythinginthe nameoftheLord.
TheSt.PaulScholasticatecommunitystarted the new academic year 20092010 with a fiveday retreat, last May 2630, 2009. The retreat was held at Our Lady Help of Christians Spiritual House in Batulao, Batangas, under the guidance of Fr. Chris Kennedy,SDBasretreatmaster. Itwasfittingfortheprofessedretreatantsto spend several days in prayer and meditation since theyjustcamebackfromvacationwiththeirfamilies in respective provinces. The retreat served as a momenttoresetorredirecttheirfocusonthenew academic year and most especially on the vocation theyhavechosen.Suchwasamomentofcomposing oneselftobeginanotheryearofformation. Thethemesformeditationwereinlinewith this redirecting of ones attention to the new beginning of another year of formation to the priesthood.Fr.Kennedyalsoemphaticallytaught

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TheyteachbasicEnglish,Math,FilipinoandChristian Values in the kindergarten program. Brs. Thomas Tabada (a third year student), Cunan Adaro and BenedictInsigneallteachinthenurseryprogram.

Br. Rolly teaches Math to kindergarten pupils.

At present, there are 23 pupils enrolled in TMPS, 7 belong to the nursery program and 16 are takingthekindergartenprogram.Thenumberofthe pupils in the kindergarten is limited to only 16 so thattheirteacherswouldhaveenoughtimetodirect andguidethemproperly. Moreover,TMPSalsosponsors33scholarsin grade school, high school and tertiary level. And as thefruitofthescholarshipprogram,TMPSisgladto announce that one of its scholars, Ms. Joana, had completedherstudieslastsummerwithanassociate degree in Computer Science. Good work and congratulations! We are proud of you! Greetings fromtheSemerianFamily!!! For those who are interested to know more andwouldliketosupportourprogrampleasewrite us via email: tmnp_semeria@yahoo.com (Rev. Jose NazarenoGabato,CRSP)

GeneralCouncilappointsnew DelegationSuperiorinthePhilippines
TheGeneralCounciloftheBarnabiteFathers inRomehadappointedanewdelegatesuperiorfor thePhilippineDelegationinthepersonofFr.Joselito Ortega, CRSP. The said appointment took effect last July. LastMay2009,somemonthsbeforethesaid appointment,theSt.PaulScholasticatecommunity

bade farewell and expressed its best wishes to Fr. GiovanniScalese,formerDelegateSuperior,whohad beenassignedtoIndia.Heispresentlytheformator oftheseminariansandprosuperioroftheBarnabite Indian Mission based in Bangalore. Thus, our goodbyeswere not for long because his new assignmentwelcomed him with greetings and warm embraces. Fr.JoselitoOrtegaisthefirstFilipinoandthe third delegate superior of the Philippine Delegation. Hewasbornonthe14thofDecember1971inPalo, Leyte.Heisthe6thintheelevensiblingsofBernardo and Gloria Ortega. He was ordained to the priesthood together with Fr. Richard Genetiano, CRSP on the 23th ofSeptember 2000.He obtained his AB Philosophy degree at St. Camillus College Seminary and earned his STB from the Pontifical Urbanian University in Rome and licentiate in PastoralHealthCareattheCamillianum. HisfirstassignmentwasatSt.AnthonyMary Zaccaria Seminary in Marikina as formator. In the year 20032006 he became the prefect of discipline of the seminarians. In 20072009 he served as the rector of the same seminary and superior of the religious community. Fr. Ortegas appointment as delegatesuperiorofthePhilippinedelegationisvalid until 2012. He is also presently serving as superior ofthereligiouscommunityofSt.PaulScholasticate. As the new delegate superior, Fr. Joselito has his new council to coordinate the worksandactivities andtoassisthimin the governance of theDelegation.The members of this council are the following: Rev. Fr. Frank Pa pa,Consultor; Fr. RichardGenetiano, Consultor; Fr. Rev. Fr. Joselito M. Ortega Michael Francis Mancusi, Chancellor; Fr. Virano Ladra, Delegation Treasurer; Fr. Rudyson Nulo, Vocation Director. (Br. ThomasFrederickTabada)

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The St. Paul Scholasticate community joins in the celebration of the Year for Priests

iPaul
Saint Paul Scholasticate Newsletter
THE CLERICS REGULAR OF SAINT PAUL BARNABITES

Saint Paul Scholasticate

Purok 163, San Jose Tagaytay City, Cavite, the Philippines Mailing Address: P. O. Box 32, 4120 Tagaytay City, Philippines Tel. & Fax: +63 46 413-2837 Email: stpaul@catholic.org Director: Fr. Michael Sandalo Editor-in-Chief: Br. John Paul Osip Assistant Editor: Br. Isfridus Syukur Editorial Staff: Br. Mark Anthony Pondoc; Br. Rey Carmelo Ausejo; Br. Thomas Frederick Tabada; Br. Jonathan Ramoso Contributors: Fr. Frank Papa; Fr. Joselito Ortega; Fr. Michael Francis Mancusi; Rev. Jose Nazareno Gabato; Rev. Arvin Dagalea; Br. Joseph Bernales; Br. John Koten Typeset in the Philippines by the Saint Paul Scholasticate, September 2009

LORD May your priests be holy, filled with the fire of your love, seeking nothing but your greater glory, and the salvation of souls. Amen. Holy Mary, Mother of priests, intercede for us!

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