MMMP Newsletter - Father Fernando Suarez

MMMP Newsletter
MESSAGE FROM FR. FERNANDO SUAREZ
The Day I was Embraced by the Pope
Everyone, every priest wants to
meet the Pope. Indeed. How much more
when he hugs you! How much more
when he embraces you! Not only that;
He gives you his skull cap! It is
euphoric! What an experience.
What a feeling. What a blessing!
When I first met Fr. Ricky Ignacio
in Tarlac in 2007 through Mrs. Marion
Mangio, I told him, “you will be my gate
to Rome.” I did not know he is the pastor
of Our Lady of Grace and Mercy in
Ponte Galeria, outside of Rome, close to
the airport. True enough, seven (7) years
later he will become my gate to meet the
Pope.
According to Fr. Ricky, he has kept
in touch with the Pope since the
beginning of April because his parish
was damaged by the storm last February. It was the Pope himself who called and helped
him. At that meeting, Fr. Ricky showed him some pictures of our ministry to the poor in the
Philippines. That got the latter’s attention. Pope Francis then inquired who the priest in the
picture feeding and praying with the poor is. The Pope expressed interest to meet this priest,
who happens to be me.
Twenty (20) days after the meeting, I had the chance to celebrate Mass inside the Vatican’s Blessed Sacrament chapel together with some MMMP board of Directors. Then Fr.
Ricky asked us to pray as he was thinking of bringing me to the Pope.
.
This was realized on April 24 at Santa Marta Chapel. I spent two hours with him during the Mass and prolonged silent prayer it. Then I greeted him, embraced him and asked
for his blessing.
Thanks to the following for our media apostolate: Ms. Yves Mendoza of Access Print, Ms. Beth Tagle,
Ms. Deedee Sytanco, Ms. Remie Dillena, Mr. Ed Esmerio,
MMMP Newsletter
During the conversation he offered his skull cap saying, “This is for
your seminary, the Missionaries of Mary Mother of the Poor. Then he told
me in Italian, as interpreted by Fr. Ricky, “Go forth for the Kingdom of
God.”
The MMMP community pays respect to the skull cap given by Pope Francis
His hug is so affirming, so consoling, so powerful. It is like God’s embrace. It
healed me. It consoled me. It affirmed me. Indeed, it was a golden moment. That is the
reality of it. When God embraces you, when you let Him so, he will give you that peace
that you need.”
As what Pope Francis said in the Evangelii Gaudium #3, “Save me once again,
Lord, take me once more into your redeeming embrace,” I hope we do not deprive
ourselves of the experience of God’s redeeming embrace. This is where the most
authentic encounter with God will happen.
Fr. Glenn Gomez, SVD, Mr. Paul Dizon and Chooga Juice.
FROM THE BISHOP
Excerpts from the Letter of Appointment
As Vicar for the Indigenous Peoples
REV. FR. FERNANDO M. SUAREZ, MMMP
By virtue of this letter, I appoint you as Episcopal Vicar for Indigenous Peoples.
With all the faculties, duties, rights and privileges attached to said office by the Code of
Canon Law, the Statutes and the approved customs of the Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose.
You will function as Episcopal Vicar for Indigenous Peoples effective April 1, 2014
until my successor’s revocation...
With sentiments of deep Pastoral solicitude, I remain,
“DUC IN ALTUM”
(SGD)+ANTONIO P. PALANG, SVD, DD
Apostolic Vicar of San Jose
(SGD) FR. JOSE D. MIRABUENO, SVD, DD
Chancellor
Excerpts from the Official Statement
on the Accusations Against Fr. Suarez
April 15, 2014
Between March 5 and 9, 2014, a series of articles were printed in the Philippine Daily
Inquirer. The articles alleged irregularities in the charitable foundation he founded called
Mary Mother of the Poor. In addition, his healing ministry and lifestyle were so attacked.
I certify that the accusations in these articles are unfounded and not true.
Fr. Fernando Suarez, Missionaries of Mary Mother of the Poor, is a priest in good
standing in the Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
With Fraternal Affection, I remain
DUC IN ALTUM”
(SGD)+ANTONIO P. PALANG, SVD, DD
Apostolic Vicar of San Jose
EDITORIAL STAFF
Publisher:
Advisers:
Fr. Fernando Suarez
Fr. Jeff Shannon, MMMP
Ms. Luz Consuelo Consunji
Moderator: Bro. Albert Damiao, MMMP
Contributors:
Bro. Polie Atienza, MMMP
Bro. Alvin Cabria, MMMP
Bro. Joseph Abah, MMMP
Bro. Randy Orfiano, MMMP
Bro. Mark Cabahug, MMMP
RT Oliveros, PhD
Ms. Rhorie Abalos
Layout:
Bro. Hjalmar Desquitado, MMMP
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
i.
ii.
iii.
P01
P05
P07
P09
P16
P18
Message from Fr. Fernando Suarez
Letter of Appointment as Vicar for
the Indigenous Peoples
How to Support Seminarians
Pillars of MMMP Life
Programs
Special Features
Activities
Healing Stories
Moringa Plantation
PILLARS OF MMMP LIFE
1
Spiritual Life
Spiritual Life
As a missionary community, we
constantly seek the Lord, encounter Him
and strengthen our relationship with
Him. In our MMMP formation houses,
we have the 40-hour
continuous adoration once a month and
spend an hour everyday to draw
ourselves closer to God. This is where
we can find our strength , inspiration ,
guidance and nourishment in our
missionary life.
It is almost impossible to persevere
in this life without this particular
devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. In
all these we continue to adore the Lord
as we pray, “Speak, Lord, your servant
is listening.” (1Sam 3:9)
“As MMMP, what is the point of
becoming a priest or religious without
becoming holy? We choose to be brave,
to be heroes, to be saints.”
“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. Because by your holy cross you
have redeemed the world.”
Thanks to the following for supporting our formation: National Sandigan Foundation, Otto
Shoes, Executive Resources, Ms. Nena Prieto & family and Mr. Robert Almeida & family.
Community Life
Thanks to the following: Creative Travels, Supersonic Travels, Bayanihan Travels,
Mr. Zaldy Co & family and Tita San Buenaventura.
2
3
Apostolic Life
The foundation of our concern for the poor and the vulnerable is the attentiveness
which considers the other as one with us. The worst discrimination which the poor
suffers is the lack of spiritual care. (cf. Evangelii Gaudium, 200).
to find
d
e
l
l
a
c
e
r
a
We
in the poor,
Christ
o their
t
e
ic
o
v
r
u
o
d
to len
causes...
But also to be their friends, to listen to them, to speak for them, and to embrace the
mysterious wisdom which God wishes to share to us through them.(Evangelii Gaudium 198)
Thanks to the following for supporting our 2nd Annual Community Days: Sonya’s Garden,
Secosana Ladies Bags, Ms. Julie Ong, Ms. Nene Bartolome, Ms. Neneng Agreda,
Mr. & Mrs. Jean Henri and Bea Lhuillier and Ms. Baby Ignacio.
4
Intellectual Life
The task of evangelization
operates within the limits of
language and circumstances.
A missionary heart realizes that it has to grow
in its own understanding of the Gospel...
...yet it always does what good it can
...even if its shoes get soiled in the process (cf. EG,45).
5
Feeding Program
n-
co
d
n
ts a 2
s
e
r
inte .” EG,
n
ow poor
s
t
i
in
he
t
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r
u
ght place fo
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e
m
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r lif om for
o
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nte er a ro
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W
“
, th
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n
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om d.
r
f
hem n islan
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Ili
vin
a
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s
i
,
g
ren e doin
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l
i
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he c t we ar
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ove
. An
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l
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elp in the
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tion
Let
i
r
t
nu
mal
Thanks to the following for our feeding program: Andok’s, Kiwanis, Landmark ,
Ms. Tessie Cuaso, Ms. Amy Sebastian, Century Properties, Mr. Jimmy Gomez and Ms. Glenda Baretto.
Scholarship Program
Education is still the key
to a brighter future.
6
As of now, all the high school graduates of Ilin island are taken
cared of. They have now a place to go right after high school.
They can now dream dreams and these dreams are now in
their hand. Praise God!
Thanks to the following for our scholarship program: National Sandigan Foundation
National College of Science and Technology, Infotech, Central Colleges of the
Philippines, Ka Kuen Chan and Dra. Evangeline Orozco (deceased).
7
MMMP Newsletter
A Golden Moment for the Church
(Excerpts From Fr. Suarez’ homily to the seminarians by RT Oliveros, PhD)
The papal embrace and the concelebration with Pope Francis is a highpoint in Fr. Fernando’s 12 years of priesthood. “This is a golden moment of
the church. We, MMMP, should be contaminated by this contagious joy of
the “Francis effect.” Fr. Fernando said in Taglish, “Kung hindi ka pa rin
liligaya nang dahil kay Kristo, ewan ko na lang talaga” because true peace,
joy and contentment can be found only in Jesus Christ.
Thanks to the following for helping us in our formation: Msgr. Pedro Cañonero,
Fr. Roland Tuason, CM, Fr. Orville Cajigal, Fr. Dexter Prudentiano,
8
Joy in the Mystery that Unfolds
“Let us take time to enjoy our formation journey. Let us develop the richness of
our hearts and be generous. This will make us effective evangelizers -communicators
of God’s love and mercy.” Fr. Suarez exhorts. “Let us realize that God’s mystery exceeds our capacity to understand.”
A Life lived in Between Masses
The Eucharistic moment with the Pope
inspired the founder to share about his life and the Eucharist. “After the Mass, my
life is lived anticipating the next one. It is a life in between Masses.”
9
First Summer Youth
Camp in Ilin
Youth from different walks of life from the
various Barangays of Ilin island and the
Vicariate of San Jose converged at the Holy
Trinity Chapel from March 28 to April 4,
2014 for the first-ever .
The theme, “The Role of the Youth in
the Church Today” was emphasized and the
urgency of preaching the truth and the good
news.
The activities were made to discover
their potentials and the power they carry
within.
Spearheaded by MMMP seminarian Alvin
Cabria and the YES( Youth Evangelization
Services) animators, the 7-day youth camp
consisted of skills building which included
acting, singing, dancing, decorating,
landscaping and painting.
It also challenged the youth’s athletic
abilities in sports with cheering competition
and a torch parade around Ilin proper that
signified unity and sportsmanship.
Thanks to the following:
Mr. Wendyl Dy,
Ms. Vicky Villarosa,
Ms. Dorothy Violeta,
Ms. Rhorie Abalos,
Fr. Carl Dimaano,
Dra. Zapanta, Ms. Charo
Yu and Dodong Gulias.
MMMP Newsletter
10
The sports played were volleyball, basketball, badminton, chess and table tennis. The
culture night highlighted the talents of each participant with their painting & work of art
using local seashell. Dancing, singing, drama and cheering ice-breakers were also
showcased. They also did island hopping where in each stop; a reading from Pentateuch
(the first five books of the Old Testament) was done and reflected on.
Two teenagers visiting from Downers Grove,
Illinois, Connor Economou, 18 and Sean
Economou, 16 (children of Watts of Love
founders John and Nancy Economou who distributes solar lights in the island), participated
in the Youth Camp and had nothing but good
things to say about their experience which
included a boodle fight where they ate laing
and pakbet with rice in banana leaves using
their fingers. Connor performed with the
dancers and Sean painted the American and
Philippine flags.
11
Sem. Mark Cabahug
facilitates the
medical-dental
missions in the island.
He takes care of the
medical assistance for
the rest of the year.
MEDICAL-DENTAL MISSION
We continue to give medical assistance for the
island’s poor. We give them access to medical
services.
Thanks to the following for the valuable assistance: Dra. Ging Reyes, Dr. Lester Suntay,
Ms. Lucy Consunji, Dra. Jinky Gianan, Dr. Zapanta, Dr. and Dra. Nueve,
Dra. Judy Perez, Dra. Dulce Bismonte and the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart.
TAKING PART IN YOLANDA REHABILITATION
12
The MMMP has tapped its collaborators to extend assistance to our the
victims. We have distributed solar lights and have fumigated the whole town
through our lay collaborators.
Five seminarians went in haste to respond to the needs for relief of the
typhoon Yolanda victims in Leyte. Seminarians Edel Amarante, Mark Cabahug,
Nigel Murray from New Zealand and Joseph Abah from Nigeria represented the
MMMP community in the relief assistance program. These seminarians joined
the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart.
Thanks to the following for partnering with us in the rehabilitation services:
Watts of Love, Perry Alog & family, Ms. Ruby Roa and Mr. Greggy Araneta.
13
5TH FR. SUAREZ CUP
“It is more expensive to be hospitalized than to play tennis.”
ABCs of Tennis
In tennis , we are born to serve.
As priests, we were born to serve.
A– Ace. When you
serve do not expect
anything in return.
B– Be grounded.
Keep feet always on
the ground.
E– Enjoy.
“...that you
may have life
to the full.”
D– Do not underestimate your
opponent . Do not judge so
you will not be judged.
C– Be Consistent.
Otherwise you are
Erratic.
Below: Bishop Palang, SVD, DD and
Mr. Rommie Chan for the ceremonial serve.
Jn. 10:10
Thanks to the following: Mr. Raymond Suarez, Mr. Rommie Chan, Mr. Roland So, Mr. Tonico Clement,
Ms. Ruby Roa, Ms. Alice and Joel Dela Cruz & family, Ms. Ilynn Hupano, Mr. Chris Cuarto,
Mr. Perry Alog & family, Dodong Sun and family and Alabang Country Club.
KASALAN NG BAYAN
The family is the seedbed of vocation and
holiness. However, many couples are leaving in
irregular situation and are not married in the
Church.
This year, more than 80 couples from Ilin are
married in the Church during the Mass wedding
sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Manny Sta Cruz.
Thanks to the following: Mr. and Mrs. Manny Sta. Cruz, Mrs. Rose and Among Dy,
Ms. Arlene Ong, Glory Tours and Travels and Watts of Love Foundation .
14
15
IS IT REALLY THE END OF MONTE MARIA?
Excerpts from Ms. Rhorie H. Abalos
I attended the first mass celebrated in Barangay Amuyong, Alfonso, Cavite. There was so
much joy and celebration of the faithful. The young children were staring mesmerized at the
cross on the altar, thinking it was a real person. This cross has been the source of miracles
shared by visitors of the place these past years.
Fast forward to April 20, 2014, Easter Sunday,
this day marked the last mass held at MonteMaria.
Is it really the end of MonteMaria? MonteMaria is
not the place; it is the community of people
believing in the real presence and power of God.
MonteMaria will rise again wherever God wants it
and whenever God wants it completed.
For all the miracles witnessed in this place, may the grounds
remain sacred for it has been God’s dwelling place for these
past years and the place where the faithful found forgiveness, peace and healing of mind, body and soul.
Thanks to the following: Atty. Lorna Kapunan,
Ms. Caroline Tanchay, Mr. Tonyboy Florendo,
Mr. Willie Ho, Ms. Jesusa Cao, Gilbert Dy,
Sonya’s Garden, Dra. Vangie Orozco (+),
Tersie (Stampita) and the MMMP Intercessors. People are attentively listening to Fr. Fernando’ homily.
HEALING STORIES
16
May diabetes po ako nang mahabang panahon. Dahil dito na-damage po ang liver
ko at kidney. Mameet ko po si Fr. Sa Italy at nalaman ko na meron pala siyang
healing Mass sa Milano. Kaya sinabi ko sa kanya na gamutin niya ako kasi tumaba
ako nang tumaba at nasira ang kidney at liver ko. Kapag nag-iinom ako sa hapon
sinasabi ko , “tingnan natin kung saan ang mas malakas, si Fr. Suarez o ang champagne.” Pero ang nananalo ay si Fr. Suarez. Kaya ngayon wala na akong diabetes.
Maraming salamat sa Diyos, at kay Fr. Suarez. - Theta Agustin, Belgium
Kapag nag-iinom ako sa hapon sinasabi ko, “tingnan natin kung
saan ang mas malakas, si Fr. Suarez o ang champagne.”
I was googling Boy Abunda when I came across the interview of Father Suarez by
the former. For some reason, I watched the interview with
interest, and I watched the first of Father Suarez on Youtube. It was
mentioned that even through the screen, the healing can transpire. Not that I have
deep pain, but I have a nagging pain on my left arm, back, shoulder. It's the
I-can-live-with pain daily, 24/7.
During and after the mass, I started to feel lightness in my body, and it seems like
there's less pain overall. Moreover, I like his down-to-earth sermons and the way he
connects with the ordinary people. Maraming Salamat Fr. Suarez.
- Magdalena De Guzman, San Francisco, California, USA
During and after the mass, I started to feel
lightness in my body...
January 11, 2013 I was diagnosed with colon cancer! At 35 years old I wasn't expecting such a
shocking diagnosis. I had surgery on January 18th and discovered that I had stage 4 colon cancer that
had spread into the lining of my pelvis. I had 3 months of intravenous chemotherapy and then had
another surgery at Mt Sinai Medical Center in NYC to remove the cells from my pelvis. They instilled
Hot Chemotherapy into my abdomen during surgery and then after I had 4 months of intravenous
chemotherapy.
After my second surgery, Father Suarez came to St. Lukes in Westport, CT. My yoga instructor
Susan Kiley, from the Cancer Center at St. Vincents where I received my chemo, invited me to go with
her and her daughter. My mother and I attended with her.
I was skeptical about what was to go on but was raised in a pentecostal church as a child and was no
stranger to the movement of God’s Spirit so I was trying to keep an open mind. I had just had my first
intravenous chemotherapy treatment post surgery and wasn't feeling all that well on this particular
Thursday.
17
HEALING STORIES
I remember standing up at the alter waiting for Father Suarez to come around and all I
could think about was that I was hungry. Then I suddenly realized that if God was going to do
anything for me this night then I must clear my mind of any negativity and be open to receive
what he had for me. When Father Suarez came to me he asked me what I was there for and I
told him. His face was perplexed at such a terrible thing I was facing. He placed his hand on
my head and the other on my abdomen and started to pray. He motioned for the girl on the
stage to bring him a bottled water from the platform.
He took a drink from the water and then gave me the bottle and told me he wanted me to
drink the water in it's entirety. I replied \"yes sir\". He asked me my age and again put his hand
on my forehead and I felt such a warm feeling and a sweet peace come over my body.
I knew that God's spirit was there. Father Suarez was wearing a bracelet made of
wooden beads and he took it off of his wrist and placed it on mine and told me he wanted me to
wear it and to pray. I haven't taken the bracelet off since (only to shower).
I thought out of all the people here tonight he chose me to give the bracelet to. I closed my
eyes and continued to pray and receive my healing.
When I opened my eyes I saw a sight that I hadn't expected. My mother and Susan\'s
daughter were lying on the floor. I had seen my mother on the floor in God's spirit before but
not for a long time and this time was different. She and Billie were lying exactly the same way
on the floor. Their dresses were perfectly placed in a modest way and their hair was not out of
place. They both had their hands folded upon their abdomen. They looked peaceful.
When my mother opened her eyes and arose I asked her what had happened. She said
that she felt Fr Suarez touch her forehead and she felt herself floating backwards as if she were
on a cloud.
I am now finished with treatments and my first scans have
been NEGATIVE!! Praise God!!
She didn’t feel herself on the floor for quite some time. She said that she felt like she was in an
encounter with just her and God and that no one else was around. She said it was different from
the other times she had experienced God\'s presence. She said it was a peaceful fulfilling feeling. She said she knew that I was going to be okay and she wasn't worried. Billie described her
experience exactly like my mother had.
It was amazing to have had this experience with God's touch through Fr. Suarez. It has
been a scary time for me but I am now finished with treatments and my first scans have been
NEGATIVE!! Praise God!! I am back in Graduate School and enjoying life! I am so glad I accepted the invitation from my Yoga instructor and friend Susan Kiley. Had I not I would never
have had the wonderful experience that I did.... Thank you Fr Suarez for allowing God to use you
as his healing instrument! May God continue to bless you and your ministry.
- Pablo Valadez, Milford, CT, USA
MORINGA PLANTATION
18
Plant and be inspied!
The MMMP has purchased 9 hectares of land and turned it into a moringa plantation
hoping that this will become a sustainable income– generating project in Ilin to help and
generate jobs for the poor people of the island.
Seminarians are working and planting together to
start the moringa plantation in our mission site in Ilin
And they are inspired while
planting because it reflects their
life as seminarians.
For events please call Ms. Charo Garcia-Yu
Nos. (smart) 09083888988or (globe)0927-736-8138 or
(sun)09228988138
Email: [email protected] or
[email protected]
Website: http://www.theangelosmusic.com