Chronicle 17 - Augustinians

Transcription

FEATURES
N 17 | JUNE 2011
Inauguration of the
Assumption
Language Center on
June 26
Vacations in the North, New School Year in the South!
Dear Friends,
It’s been quite a while since you have received news from us…. Our various
activities did not leave us much time to write these “ Chronicles.” The summer
vacations are coming in the North and we are already have started a new year at home
and at the university. It is time to take contact with you once again. Thank you for
supporting us in our mission and our projects.
Very fraternally yours,
Your brothers from Manila
CHRONICLES FROM MANILA | JUNE 2011 | PAGE 1
FEATURES
For the religious of the Philippines, summer is over and it was the time of the university vacations, a period consecrated
to many activities: a personal retreat of one week, apostolic vocational training periods of forty days, community
vacations of one week, the local chapter, a meeting which happens yearly and is very important, formation sessions in
language training, without forgetting the preparation of the new year.
COMMUNITY HOLIDAYS
Novitiate Community Outing
In the spirit of camaraderie, the Father d’Alzon Novitiate Community had an outing last May 18, 2011 as they
welcomed the new Novices and thanked the outgoing ones. The outing was also a birthday celebration for Brother
Christopher Quiñal at Loreland Farm Resort in Antipolo.
All the Novices had fun in the huge swimming pools and the wide alleys for hiking and relaxation.
Members of the Adveniat
community during their
vacation in the province
of Palawan.
Adveniat Community Holidays
Each year the community of Adveniat takes a few days off together for holidays, usually using this time for community
building while visiting a different part of the Philippines. This year (May 23 to 28), we went to Culion and Coron
Islands in the province of Palawan. Although only few brothers were available for this trip, Gilles, Ricky, Ellis and
Rodel decided to take the time to shore up their projects. The island of Culion is famous in the Philippines for having
been the world largest colony of lepers before a medication for that disease could be found. We stayed at the Jesuit
retreat house for four nights and spent our time exploring the Islands around and the former leper colony. A boat
brought us back to Coron where we stayed three nights: Coron is famous for its blue Laguna, crystal clear lake, corals,
fish schools and hot water springs. The pictures that the brothers brought back are so inviting that the other brothers will
visit some day.
FEATURES
Family Vacations for Father Bernard in the Philippines.
At Easter, Father Bernard had the joy of welcoming his family in the Philippines. They visited Baguio, the summer
capital of the Philippines; and the Vigan, an old Spanish colony which was not touched by the war in the Pacific. They
then went to Siquijor, a small Island in the South where they enjoyed walking the white sandy beaches, swimming
among the multicolored fish and giant turtles, the sunsets, and tasted the delicacies of the local cuisines. They
celebrated Holy Week in the Philippines, notably with the celebration of Good Friday among the flogged and the
crucified of Pampanga and Easter in the parish church which was very illuminated.
SUMMER TRAINING SESSIONS
This year, the summer sessions privileged the solidarity with the poor and the implantation of Bayard in the Philippines.
SOLIDARITY WITH THE POOR
Marytown Youth Camp at Talim Island
Brother Rodel Cervantes was part of a group which assured a precious presence in the
slums of Marytown. This summer he was the organizer of the camp for the young at Talim.
He tells us about it:
We the Assumptionists started the apostolate in Marytown (next to Adveniat by the back) a few months ago and it
was the first time to bring these youths to the Island in the middle of Laguna Lake. We made some preparations
and were excited to go, yet we were also „anxious with big hopes‟ because the youth might have different
expectations than ours as to why they wanted to join the camp.
Then we gave them guidelines and explicitly informed them that the camp was very religious in nature in contrast
to a lot of games, sports and other enjoyable activities. Surprisingly, they were enthusiastic to go because they
wanted a spiritual experience of meeting other youth and wanted to have a meaningful Holy Week rather than
doing nothing in their own houses.
They were 30 strong, active and young from Marytown. They joined the Summer Youth Camp at Talim Island,
Binangonan, Rizal last April 20-24, 2011 (Holy Week), with Segar (one of the Indian postulants) as part of our
40 day summer training in one of our apostolate areas, aimed to deepen our commitment to our apostolic
involvement with the poor so as to help the Church.
The camp was organized by San Damiano Community of the Tiberiad at Baranguay Sapang in Talim Island,
which they have been doing for more than five years already to help young Filipinos experience the meaning of
Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus in a close encounter with other youths from different places.
FEATURES
Activity during
summer camp
Talim Island
a
in
Generally the camp is a holy week recollection designed for young ones who are not church goers. Bro.
Emmanuel, a Tiberiad brother and the superior of the community and one of the organizers of the camp gave the
talks and sessions on The Eucharist, the meaning of the Holy Thursday event of washing of the feet which we did
as an actual ritual after the Mass, and the importance of the Easter Vigil Celebration.
There were also other enrichment talks from another Tiberiad brother about Prayer, Blessed Pope John Paul II,
alcoholism, and some input on leadership. It was hard to control their attention to be attentive during the talks;
however, they were very cooperative in participating in all the sessions and activities during the camp. They
always enjoyed the singing practice to prepare for the Masses and liturgies. What was remarkable was that we
prayed five times a day and they never missed any prayer time.
The best moment of the camp was the mountain climbing on Good Friday. We climbed for 2 hours and stayed
overnight on top of the mountain with group fellowship and Way of the Cross.
Part of the activities was to let us appreciate nature, actively involved in protecting our environment and
cleaning our own surroundings. On our way down from the mountain we picked some plastics and nonbiodegradable things that we found on the way. Even though we were not the organizers of the camp sometimes
we also helped in facilitating the whole group. We had no difficulty in handling our own youth from Marytown
whenever there was an activity. We were new and the biggest in number of participants in the group yet we
gained a lot of respect from other youth especially from the Facilitators of the camp. The response from these
youth was unexpected. There were more notable events that helped us appreciate and understand them.
FEATURES
Knowing these youths for only two weeks before the camp, most of them were not used to go to the church even
on Sundays. The five-day camp had made a lot of changes in them: from the preparations of the liturgy to the
whole journey of Jesus‟ Paschal Mystery in the Island, even to their homes and environment in Marytown.
We made our own sharing and evaluation with them about their personal experience during the camp at Adveniat
House, two days after we came back. Common to their sharing was that they learned a lot and really enjoyed the
camp with the promise to try their best to go to the church always. Our contact with these youths did not end with
the camp. I believe it was only the beginning of a long partnership in building God‟s Kingdom. As for our part,
after experiencing that camp we wish to have another camp next year but organizing it ourselves, I believe it will
not be that easy but at least we handled these young people making them future Church leaders and doing it the
Assumptionist way by incorporating Assumptionist Spirituality
The Piat Immersion
Floro del Pilar III, one of our seven Postulants, went to Piat (a small city in the
North which takes 13 hours by bus to get to from Manila) for an immersion
with the other Postulants: Sagar and Jomar and Brother Ricky from Adveniat.
After three days in Piat, they were sent to their foster families.
Floro shares his experience with us.
The house of my foster family had dried bamboos for its walls and soil for its floor. I was told that I was lucky
because an organization just donated materials for its roof. The house was just a room that is used for sleeping,
eating, and welcoming visitors. There were dirty clothes and cartons everywhere and nothing seemed to be in its
proper place except for the picture of a woman who could pass as the wife of the owner. I was introduced to
Manong Ben whom I fondly called “tatang”, the native term for father.
„So Tatang, where is Nanang, your wife?‟ was my first question in reaction to the picture of the woman on the
wall. Then, almost instantly, his eyes became teary and told me that she passed away a year ago. She was sick
and they were asked to prepare fifteen thousand pesos which was impossible because he only made 600 pesos a
month as a baranguay [a sector of the village] employee.
Ugh! I felt ashamed and I clutched my bag that had a camera, an IPod and a cell phone in it amounting to
25,000 pesos. I was holding more than what could have been enough for her medication. So, there goes the first
lesson of my immersion. How could I not realize that the house is messed up because there is no woman to clean
and organize it! Then and there, I knew the immersion would be challenging.
The three daughters of tatang are already married while his only son, Crispin, is still going to school. His
daughters built houses nearby his house so they didn‟t really leave him. They normally gather in tatang„s house
and chat there about life. Or more often, they fish together in the river to catch fish as their food for the day. And
that was my first experience with tatang and his family.
We went fishing under the burning sun at 12 noon because the fishes come out when the high noon sun comes out.
The times when there was no catch, we picked snails for food.
FEATURES
Except from fishing, I also accompanied tatang to his work in the
baranguay. We cleaned the baranguay hall and cut grasses. We ran
errands for the baranguay officials. We swept the streets assigned to him
and planted seedlings in the nursery. Boy, the old man is a caribou [water
buffalo]! He just doesn‟t get tired!
Tatang brought me to the most depressed areas of the town. I realized that
his house is so common in Piat. In fact, there are other houses which are
even worse. You know, the like that has one wall only, or is roofed with
cartons or plastics. We walked around and met people and realized how
right Mother Theresa was when she said that the most welcoming people
are the poor.
Floro with people from Piat
I was also showed some places that used to be government programs for the poor. Bliss as they are now called
and which are now owned by the middle class people. Like many cases, these lands were once-upon-a-time given
to the poor and then the poor needed money they bartered their lands, at a cheap price, to the abusive rich
people. Now, they are informal settlers on the mountain side. And I always thought squatters are in the cities
only!
The immersion in Piat gave me treasured experiences and there is much to write about.
With the Street Children of Manila
Darwin Anolin is another of our seven postulants. He lodges presently at Adveniat and is
working for one year in an NGO so that he can help his mother who is undergoing
dialysis.
Before I joined the Congregation, I had my initial work experience with Childhope Asia
Philippines (CHAP) an NGO which primarily caters to the basic needs and protection
of street children around Metro Manila. Under the Street Education Program of CHAP,
I worked as Financial Education Facilitator and Spiritual Values Facilitator as well.
As a Financial Education Program, CHAP came about with a scheme to encourage street children to save their
money so they are able to accumulate some money out from their hazardous works such as scavenging, selling old
news papers and empty bottles, asking alms in the busy streets, selling rusty iron bars from dilapidated buildings,
barking at passengers to fill up jeepneys, the poor, omnipresent, and unique transportation which is made from the
body of a jeep and elongated.
Personally, it is sad to know that such money which they are able to acquire only goes to waste again when they use
it to sustain their vices such as drinking liquor, smoking, buying rugby solvent for sniffing, etc. Their savings are kept
in the bank, who takes partnership with us in this program. They are allowed to withdraw the money only if needed.
Street Children who are consistent in saving are given the opportunity to undergo Vocational Training according to
their capacity.
FEATURES
On other hand, the Spiritual Values Formation I do with the street children enable them to know God and the
Church as well. Using catechetical materials from the Catechetical Foundation of the Archdiocese of Manila, the
street children are taught to nourish their faith, know more about God and the Church, and become more worthy
children of God in spite of their current situation and how other people look at them. In this program, we also
assist and encourage them to undergo the Sacraments of Initiation, which some of their parents would neglect to
do. We also give regular retreats and recollections to them.
Working with the street children enables me to nourish that kind of missionary zeal which is asked to each one of
us as Christian, to serve and care for our less fortunate brothers and sisters and to bring them more closer to
God amidst the difficulties and struggles that they are in. As in the words of Fr. Emmanuel d‟Alzon, we go where
“God is threatened in man and man threatened as the image of God.”
COMING SOON THE IMPLATANTION OF
BAYARD IN THE PHILIPPINES
Among its priorities, the Filipino Assumption has the ambition of implanting
Bayard in the Philippines, with the help of Bayard-France, Bayard-Canada et
Bayard-United States Two brothers are working diligently at this, one in Manila
and the other in Paris.
Training Session in Manila for Brother Ellis Luciano
Brother Ellis tells us about his training session in Manila where he also assured
a presence in the Community at Adveniat, welcoming many hosts from Asia.
I spent my summer working with Bayard, specifically preparing for the
publication of the Asian Philippine edition of Living with Christ (the Bayard
English Missalette), which challenged me to think not only of things related
to the Pilipino Church but to the whole Asian Church as well. Through the
help of my mentor, I was able to look into how an issue of Living with Christ
can be prepared specifically in its editorial aspect. I was also taught how to
do the Sunday reflections and some technical things related to publishing
and marketing of our product.
But the most challenging of all was the attempt to make Living with Christ
relevant to the Philippine and Asian realities.
My summer immersion with Bayard allowed me to discover what I can do as a person to share in the apostolate
of our community; it also made me realize all the more the importance of media in evangelization. I also noticed
the direct connection between my on-going to theological studies and the Bayard ministry. I believe that our
products must carry a sound theological content to make it an effective tool in building God's Kingdom through
mass communication. I would like to thank the community and my mentor, Michael O'Hearn of Bayard Canada
for this enriching opportunity, now I can say that truly, Bayard is our „parish,‟ our magazines like Living with
Christ is our „pulpit,‟ and our countless subscribers and readers are our „parishioners.‟
FEATURES
Paris training for Brother Blair Nuyda
Brother Blair Nuyda was fortunate enough to go to Paris for his in-training. He
shares his experience with us.
Sending me to Bayard for training allowed me to enrich my professional
knowledge, to widen my perspectives in terms of a „global‟ project, to build
rapport among our lay collaborators and to appreciate how the
Assumptionists carry their work and witness within the context of Bayard.
Working with the English Team in Bayard has allowed me to experience and contribute to the processes of
planning and redaction. The dedication they put into their work and to the special needs of their young readers
was very remarkable. There were various meetings with other departments: Prions en Eglise,
the French Missalette called Let us pray as a Church, Junior and Adult format, The Beautiful Histories (Belles
Histoires), Pomme d‟Api known as Lady Bug in the States, „La Croix‟, mock up and individual marketing of the
numbers. Christine Auberger mentored me along the process. Fr. Pierre Van Tran, an Assumptionist from
Vietnam, joined me in this important part of the training. We were also given the opportunity to see how new
projects are being proposed and innovated, the I love French (J‟aime le Français) website, I Love English for
iPod and I Love English Junior.
Obviously, this training was very much linked with our efforts to implant Bayard in the Philippine context.
More and more, I saw the need to immerse myself more to the study of Scriptures, my chosen field of
concentration in Loyola School of Theology. Much of the religious endeavors of Bayard are directed towards a
proper knowledge, interpretation and living out of the Word of God. On one hand, this work will require a deep
and solid foundation on Biblical Theology and Exegesis. On the other hand, this work will also require a certain
attention and skill to be able to make the message across to various kinds of readers (young people, lay, nonCatholic, non-Christian, etc)
For him it was also the occasion for him to live in another culture, in another
Assumptionist community and to talk another language and to discover he
roots of the Congregation.
The community of Morère in Paris became my home in almost every aspect:
board and lodging, fraternal encouragement and community prayers were
provided for. I valued the conversations we had at table during meals. There
were discussions on the ongoing General Chapter, updates on current
projects the brothers were immersed in, sharing and advice about one‟s life
in the apostolic community, heart warming stories and very funny jokes.
It is true that the brothers in this community are very busy, but they always had time to welcome me in their
midst, and never did I feel a stranger among them.
There were also occasions to visit other nearby communities: Father Vincent Leclercq brought me to SaintLambert-des-Bois where I had a profound Easter experience with the Assumptionists there and their lay
collaborators.
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Brother Philippe Berrached brought me with him to the floating barge “Je Sers” (I Serve) Community in
Conflans Sainte-Honorine, where there is a very difficult and important work for migrants.
After our training in Bayard, I would often go with Brother Arnaud Alibert to the Adveniat Youth Hostel to help
out in whatever way I could. There were also short visits to Denfert-Rochereau (the Provincial House) and to
Cachan (another community in Paris), where good acquaintances were made.
Each day in Assumptionist communities in France brought about new discoveries… at first one sees the obvious
cultural differences and then one sees also that we really have something greater in common: a passion for the
Kingdom that can be expressed in various and colourful means.
Midway during my stay in France, I had to go to a town near Avignon to visit a certain Language Center in
relation to our own project in Manila. To do this, I had to stay in the nearest Assumptionist Community, in Nîmes
where Father d‟Alzon lived and worked. I was warmly welcomed there and I really had the great opportunity to
walk along the footsteps of Father d‟Alzon.
Fathers Michel Carrière (the superior) and Joseph Baik-Ho (our first Korean priest) brought me to Le Vigan and
to Lavagnac. We visited the castle where d‟Alzon spent his youth, we even went inside the now dilapidated
building and tried to rebuild in our minds and hearts how it must have been during the time of the founder.
We also visited the very impressive Institut Emmanuel d‟Alzon, a school run by the Oblate Sisters and where
some Assumptionists also collaborate for catechesis and youth ministry. I had the chance to share and have some
exchanges with the young students. From their questions and remarks, I sensed a remarkable desire on their part
to find meaning in their lives and to make sense of what God has in store for them.
And while I have been visiting museums and old buildings related to Father d‟Alzon and trying to rebuild his
context in my imagination, there is already a better reconstruction going on - concretely in what the
Assumptionists are already doing here and in other parts of the world.
On my last days in Paris, I was busy looking for “pasalubong” or souvenirs I can bring to the brothers, friends
and relatives. I found good ones indeed, but I think that the best “pasalubong” I can really bring home is a Blair
that has been renewed and enriched by this memorable experience.”
OPENESS TO ASIA
To deepen our knowledge of Asia, strengthen our relations with this vast continent with its many cultures and
religions, is part of our mission. We profited from the summer to do this.
Maintaining relations with the Church of China
Usually, Father Bernard takes a trip to China in May to foster relationships
with bishops and seminaries, to explore the culture and history of this
country with its historic traditions. Since Father Bernard was to spend the
month of May in Rome for the General Chapter, it is Father Gilles Blouin
who took over for a first visit ever of Beijing, Xi‟an and Shandong Province.
Father Gilles in China
FEATURES
It happened on April 6th to 20th. He could experience the legendary hospitality of the Chinese people who spared
nothing to make his stay memorable. Visiting Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall came as a
plus to what he was there for: knowing better up close the Church in China, its struggles and its great dynamism in
the context of a restrictive political regime. Father Peter and Father Joseph were so helpful in making things easy
for someone who knew little about China and nothing about the language.
ASIA AT THE GENERAL CHAPTER
Father Bernard Holzer passed the month of May in Rome as a delegate of the North American Province to the
General Chapter. He participated in the 32nd General Chapter, this international meeting of the Congregation,
which reunites itself every six years to determine the orientations of the Congregation and to elect delegates to put
this in motion.
It was his special function to be the Pro-Secretary of the Chapter where he had to write texts of the sessions and
participate in many work groups.
The General Chapter addressed the following message to the religious in the Assumptionist communities in Asia:
Dear Brothers,
With confidence and conviction, the General Chapter of 2005 focused the attention of the Congregation on Asia
by supporting the first foundations in the Philippines and in Vietnam and by strengthening our community in
Korea. The Chapter committed the resources of the entire Congregation by making our foundations in Asia one if
its three apostolic priorities thereby renewing our historical links with this continent.
Six years later, the members of the 32nd General Chapter thank the Lord for the seven communities that have
been founded in Asia and for the vocations that He is giving to us from well beyond the frontiers of the three
Asian countries where the Assumption is now established. The Chapter members give thanks for the missionary
zeal of our pioneers in Asia, the perseverance of the formators, the fervor and enthusiasm of our young religious,
the generosity of so many benefactors, and the precious help of the sisters of the Assumption Family.
They encourage you in your efforts to become more and more men of faith, of communion, in solidarity with the
poor and the least, in the Assumption tradition, by cultivating what your Bishops call “the threefold dialogue”:
with your cultures, with the religions of the area and with the poor. It is still the case, within your very rich
continent, that the majority of the poor remain marginalized and the freedom of the Church is severely limited.
Your brothers the world over urge you to form a strong Asiatic Assumption, deeply rooted in your very diverse
countries, but also open to the whole of the continent and its challenges. They invite you to coordinate your efforts
and to cooperate even more in view of common projects with the goal of deepening communion among you and
fostering within you an ever greater openness to the mission beyond your borders. Our Superior General and his
Councils will help you. In this way, you will be able to share your gifts with the whole “body” of the Assumption.
May God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, bless you and accompany you always in the joys and trials of every
foundation.
Fr. Benoît Grière, a.a., Superior General and the members of the 32nd General Chapter of the Assumptionists Rome, May 22, 2011.
FEATURES
THE NEW BEGININGS
The beginning of the new school year has been marked by the engagements of new Brothers, by many
celebrations and by new courses and activities. This new year’s beginning was also marked by the Local Chapters.
At the Novitiate in Antipolo
1 Korean, 1 Salvadoran, 2 Filipinos Made Simple Vows
By Brother Jay Lituañas
As rain gently misted outside, Christopher Jeong of South Korea, Christopher
Quiñal and Jay Lituañas of the Philippines made their first profession in the
Chapel of the Assumption School in Antipolo City, the Philippines, in the
morning of May 29 of this year.
Father Frans Desmet, the Superior of the Assumptionists in Korea, received the vows of the three Novices as the
representative of the Superior General, Father Benoît Grière. Father Frans was also the Main Celebrant. Two
Filipino deacons, Reverend Ricky Montañez and Reverend Alex Castro, assisted him. The Novice Master of the
three, Father Richard Brunelle, gave the homily.
Members of the Assumption family, namely, the Little Sisters of the Assumption (LSA‟s), the Oblates of the
Assumption (OA s), and the Religious of the Assumption (RA‟s), came to witness such a momentous event, as well
members of the Augustinian family such as the Order of Augustinian Recollects (OAR‟s), the Order of Saint
Augustine (OSA‟s) and the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation (ASOLC‟s). The OAR Novices
provided the beautiful music for the Eucharistic celebration. Immediate families, relatives and friends of the
three Novices were in attendance too.
Meanwhile, the 4th Novice, Carlos Ascencio Lemus of El Salvador, made his first vows in Mexico City last June
12
Acceptance to the Novitiate
by Brother Rex Navarro
Last May 01, 2011, three postulants were accepted to the novitiate. They are Brother John
Ray Nagas from Quezon City, Brother Rex Navarro from the Southern part of Mindanao and
Father Joseph from the mainland China. The celebration started at 5.30pm integrated to the
evening prayer and was presided by the Novice Master Father Richard Brunelle.
Together, other religious members from Adveniat and Pavel communities were also present. Among other visitors
were the Religious of the Assumption Sisters and the Oblates of the Assumption as well as family and guests of
the novices.
It was a memorable event because on that day also took place the beatification of Blessed John Paul II, the great
pope; the feast of the Divine Mercy; the feast of St. Joseph the worker and Labor Day in the Philippines.
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An Inter Asian Postulancy
by Davy Sagun
June 11, 2011 marks a new journey in the lives of Jomar de la Cruz, Davy
Sagun, Renju Paul, Floro del Pillar III, and Sagar Gundiga. These five men
who responded to the call to the religious life were finally admitted in the
Postulancy program of the Augustinians of the Assumption (North American
Province).
This remarkable occasion was held at Pavel House,
Marikina City in a Solemn Vespers of Pentecost and was
presided by Father Bernard Holzer, A.A., the Superior of
the Philippine Mission. The new batch of Postulants is from
the Philippines and India. In addition, Father Simon from
the China will join the latter to continue his formation in
the religious life.
This remarkable occasion was held at Pavel House,
Marikina City in a Solemn Vespers of Pentecost and was
presided by Father Bernard Holzer, A.A., the Superior of
the Philippine Mission.
The new postulants receiving the Holy Bible
The new batch of Postulants is from the Philippines and India. In addition, Father Simon from the China will join
the latter to continue his formation in the religious life.
This remarkable occasion was held at Pavel House, Marikina City in a Solemn Vespers of Pentecost and was
presided by Father Bernard Holzer, A.A., the Superior of the Philippine Mission. The new batch of Postulants is
from the Philippines and India. In addition, Father Simon from the China will join the latter to continue his
formation in the religious life.
During the said admission ceremony, Father Bernard gave the Postulants the New Testament and the
Assumptionist Cross-pin. He reminded them that the cross is a symbol of joy and victory and assured them of the
fraternal support and prayer of the congregation.
Home Away From Home - Interviews
by Davy Sagun
To be away from one‟s mother land is not as easy as pie, yet for the sake of the Kingdom of God, a brave man has
to take the challenge.
It was a common denominator for Sagar and Renju (from India), and Father Simon (from China) to miss their
home land yet the three were buoyant and wholehearted to blend with the Philippine Culture where they are
presently situated.
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Indeed, Sagar, Renju, and Father Simon though far from their mother
land found a warm family with their Filipino Brothers.
From left: Jomar, Floro, Fr. Chuvi,
Renju, Sagar, and Davy
Sagar Gundiga, 24, from Andhra Pradesh, India, the youngest among the Postulants
is a language enthusiast. For him, to learn languages such as Filipino language
makes it easier for him to mingle with Filipinos both in the formation house and in the
apostolate areas.
Another vocation from India is Renju Paul, 27, from Kerala, has been staying in
Philippines for eight months. He is also aflame to learn more about the wonders of
Philippines and its culture. He added in an interview that being in a different
country paves way for new learning and is an opening to new horizons especially if
he is open for the possibility of being a missionary someday.
In addition, Father Simon can‟t help but express his admiration to the new batch
of postulants that he presently lives with. He said that he is amazed of the talents
of his fellow postulants in terms of music, cooking, and art. He applauded his coFilipino postulants in terms of being tidy and organized in the community.
Local Chapters
The start of the new university year is the occasion for the
communities to come together again. It gives them in the Local
Chapters a chance to evaluate their lives and to set their goals
for the coming year.
The new house hosting the Assumption Language Center
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Adveniat community
Top row: Br. Blair Nuyda, Br. Eduardo Molina
(Treasurer), Fr. Bernard Holzer, Superior, Br.
Christopher Jeong, Br. Ellis Luciano, Br. Rodel Cervantes,
Fr. Gilles Blouin.
Down row: Br. Christopher Quiñal, Br. Jay Lituañas,
Rev. Ricky Montañez.
This year also the makeup of the communities has changed, at the noviciate and at the Postulancy houses, but also at
Adveniat. This last community lives a new experience, since there is one community in two different houses.
As a matter of fact, the Province has acquired a new house, which now has been renovated and is just some 500 meters
from Adveniat. This house lodges the Language Center and a small community to service it.
At Adveniat you will find : Father Bernard Holzer, superior; Brothers Ed Molina, the treasurer, Rodel Cervantes; Jay
Lituañas; Blair Nuyda and Christopher Quiñal, the postulant Darwin Anolin and many Asians at the Martin Yen residence
At the Galabert House: Father Gilles Blouin and Brothers Ricky Montañez (director of the Assumption Language Center),
Ellis Luciano and Christopher Jeong.
At night the two communities come together for Vespers, the Eucharist and supper and also the activities common to
both communities. Each community does its Meditation, Morning Prayer, and has breakfast in their respective locations.
The noon meal is taken either at Adveniat, at the Language Center or at the University. On Monday evenings the community of
both houses will come together for a Meeting of Encounter and Review of Life and on Saturdays for the sharing of the Gospel.
FEATURES
The Assembly of the Religious
On Saturday, June 18, 2011, all the professed religious of the Philippines came together to prepare the second
part of the Chapter of the Province and to share information at the beginning of the New Year. Father Bernard also
presented the work-orientations of the General Chapter especially those concerning Asia.
Benediction of the Victorin Galabert House
:
From left:
Fr. Gilles Blouin,
Fr. Bernard Holzer, Superior,
Rev. Ricky Montañez,
Director of the Assumption
Language Center.
Sunday the26th of June 2011, around 4:30PM, some sixty people gathered at 11 Regidor Street for a warm
celebration: the three Assumptionist communities were there in toto, the Oblates of the Assumption, all present
also, a delegation of the Religious of the Assumption, the pastor of the Parish, some neighbors, many Sisters from
around, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, the Spiritans, the Verbum Dei, the Oblate of Mary Immaculate, Mr.
Joseph Musni, our architect, the teachers of the Language Center, many former students and some new ones, our
Real Estate Agents.
According to the Filipino tradition, rice, salt and sugar were given for the house warming. After the blessing of
all the room, a substantial “merienda” was there for all to devour. The new cycle of English classes will begin July 4 th.
FEATURES
Why is the house called Victorin Galabert ?
Father Victorin Galabert (1830-1885) was the founder of the Oriental
Mission. He was sent to Constantinople by Father d‟Alzon, the Founder
of the Assumptionists and the Oblates of the Assumption.
This MD who also had a doctorate in Canon Law went to Bulgaria to
prepare the way for the eventual union of the Orthodox Bulgarians to the
Catholic Church. He learned Bulgarian and the Turkish language,
immersed himself in a new culture and began his mission by the opening
of a small primary school in Philippopoli (Plovdiv).
He became the right hand man and the theologi8cal counselor of UnitedBulgarian Bishops. He wrote a journal, and it is unique in the annals of
Bulgaria. He is a giant of the faith and of the mission and captures the
admiration of all.
Father Victorin Galabert
A Renewed Presence in Marytown
The Assumptionists apostolate in Marytown, a community of urba
poor near Adveniat House, is one of the concrete ways Solidari
with the Poor is being lived out in the 5-year old Philippine missio
Marytown provides the Adveniat and Pavel communities a
opportunity to have direct contacts and interactions with the poo
by living and working in close proximity with them and sharin
much of their lives. Brother Eduardo Molina, responsible for th
program of Marytown, shares with us the engagement of th
Adveniat Community and the Pavel Postulancy in this marginalize
area.
Brother Rodel in our local with children of
Marytown
The first year of involvement in the community was pretty much a ministry of presence, allowing the residents of
Marytown to get used to interacting with the brothers and to know that we do not only come once a week but that
we actually have an house in the community.
This second year the brothers and the postulants plan to introduce more concrete programs that target the three
sectors that the community leaders have pointed out to us, namely: the group of the youth and the group of the
adults and the group of the children.
We plan to focus on the organization and formation of „Leadership and service,‟ the two core values of our
Kaloob Development Foundation.
FEATURES
In consonance with the thrust of the parish, we also plan to lay the groundwork of Basic Ecclesial Communities
among the families in the area. As the parish priest said, we do not build on sand and usher artificial growth and
enthusiasm among the people. We build on the only sure foundation of any Christian community - the Word of
God, even if this takes more time and patience.
In this way “Solidarity with the poor” could hopefully touch ground and have a clear reference point and
meaning among the brothers in the Philippine mission through its involvement in Marytown community where real
people with real stories and real needs live out the same 24 hours of each day as we all do.”
FORMATION
Sojourn School Year 2011-2012
By Davy Sagun
June 4, 2011 marked the opening of the 2011-2012 School Year of the „Sojourn Modular Classes‟ with a Mass of
the Holy Spirit and an acquaintance party. The said inter-Postulancy program is a joint effort of the Association
of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) that aims to facilitate the formation programs for the
postulants in order for them to become Disciples of Christ and to become responsive to the evangelical demands
for justice and peace in our times.
The Congregations who are participating this year, for the men are: the Augustinians of the Assumption, the
Order of Friars Minor, the Order of the Augustinian-Recollects, the Sons of Saint Anne, the Missionaries of the
Beatitudes, the Montfort Missionaries ,the Poor Servants of the Divine Providence, the Passionists, the
Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and for the women: the Sisters of St.
John the Baptist, the Sisters of Charity of St. Charles Borromeo, the Holy Family Sisters, the Sisters of the Poor
of St. Catherine of Siena, the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, the Augustinian Sisters of Our
Lady of Consolation, the Carmelite Sisters of Charity, the Daughters of Wisdom, and the Sisters of Saint Anne.
As of the month of June, the sessions have already tackled „the Self esteem Module‟ and „Theatre Arts module‟
which aimed to inculcate the awareness of self and to enhance one‟s ability in liturgy. 106 postulants are part of
this program.
Exodus 2011-2012; Batch XXIV
By Brother Rex Navarro
In 1987, formators from six Congregation exchanged dreams about a Novitiate formation that takes into account
the concrete realities of the Philippine society. The Exodus vision is expressed in a kind of formation which
believes that all people can, as the Scriptures say, “Act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God” (Micah
6:8).
Therefore, it aims for a holistic, integrated and contextualized formation that is rooted in Jesus Christ, in the
Gospel, in the tradition of the Church and her mission, in religious life, in the charism of the respective
congregations, and the signs of the times, towards the realization of the reign of God.
The beginning of the „Exodus Batch 24‟ started recently, last June 22, 2011 with a workshop followed by an
orientation on June 23, 2011 at the Sisters of St. Anne Convent in New Manila, Quezon City. There were 13
Congregations present at those days of acquaintance.
FEATURES
The first day the workshop began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with the induction of new officers,
where Brother John Ray of the Assumptionists is the chairperson of the „Exodus” 2011-2012,‟ and the second day
comprised of making acquaintance with each other and the orientation of the modular classes that the novices
from different Congregations will be attending.
The State of the Question at the Beginning of the Year
Formation remains the first priority of the Assumptionist Mission of the
Philippines.
Twenty Brothers are actually in formation:
- Two Brothers are doing their deaconate training; a third will join them
shortly.
- Five Brothers are doing their theology: one in his 3rd year; two in the
second year; and two in their first year.
- There are three Novices.
- There are 7 Postulants.
- Six religious, older than them, have various responsibilities towards them.
FEATURES
DIARY
Birth of Louis Lemaître
On May 7, 2011 was born in Manila, Louis, the first child of Marie and Arnaud Lemaitre, the French volunteers,
who for nearly two years now, have been helping us in our development office. This child has become the darling of
the community.
The Acolyte Ministry conferred to Bro. Eduardo Molina.
Saturday, June 18, 2011, after the Assembly of all the professed religious of the Philippines,
Brother Eduardo Molina was conferred the Ministry of Acolyte, the last stage before he becomes a
deacon.
Nomination of the Superior General’s Delegate for Asia
On June 20th 2011, Father Benoît Grière, the new Superior General, named Father Bernard
Holzer as his Delegate for Asia.
To the Religious of the communities in Asia
Dear Brothers:
With the consent of my Council and in consultation with the Provincials of North America and of France, I have
appointed Father Bernard HOLZER as the Delegate of the Superior General for Asia. I am grateful to Father
Bernard for accepting this responsibility. His mission will take effect as of July 1st 2011. Bernard will have to
implement article No. 89 of the Acts of the 32nd General Chapter. He will pay attention to accompany the
development of the Assumption in Asia and to promote a common animation of the communities.
At the General Plenary Council of December 2011, a more explicit Letter of mission will be written.
I hope that all the Religious will put their heart at helping Father Bernard HOLZER in his mission. I hope and pray
that Assumption will continue to grow in Asia. I count on your support and your prayers.
Truly yours,
Father Benoît GRIERE a.a., Superior General.
Celebration of the 65 years of Fr. Gilles Blouin
Sunday, the 26th of June, 2011, after the benediction of the news house called the Victorin Galabert
House, the three Assumptionist communities went to Adveniat with the Oblate Sisters, friends from
the neighborhood, the pastor of the parish to celebrate the 65 th birthday of Father Gilles Blouin. May
he have a long life in the service to the Philippine Mission and Assumption in Asia!
FEATURES
The Address of our new house
Galabert House
11 Regidor Street
Loyola Heights
Quezon City 1108
Philippines
Tel. (02) 990-1290
To follow more regularly the activity of the communities of the Philippines and the NGO « Kaloob », to see them in
photos, go to our two websites:
www.assumptionists.ph
www.kaloob.ph
FEATURES
PRESS REVIEW
Rumors of War
The territorial ambitions of China in the area are stirring negative feelings in our neighbors and in the United
States. Hanoi and Peking dispute the Paracel and the Spratly Islands off the Sea of China or the Sea of the Philippines.
It is poisoning their relations and provokes vivid emotions. The archipelago of the Spratlys (Recto Bank) is not only
claimed by China and Vietnam, but also by the Philippines, Brunei Malaysia and Taiwan.The Parcel Islands have
another history and differing between China and Vietnam. And thirdly, a dispute exists between China, Japan and
Taiwan about the Diago Islands or the Senkaku.
The United States does not want any party to use military force in the conflicts. The payoff: fishing rights and oil
depositis. These tensions risk the sale of arms in the region when this money would be so needed for the
development of agriculture and the social and well sanitary projects at hand.
Fear of a Food Crisis
Among the 25 or so countries which risk to be the more affected by a further food crisis, the Philippines are in the
13th place. Formerly and traditionally an importer of rice, and yet famous for its research centers on rice, as is well
known; this country has doubled the importation of rice in the last ten years while the production of rice is on the
wane. Agriculture is not a priority for this country….. NGO organizations are trying to meet the challenge of the
situation.
FEATURES
Another struggle
The Reproductive Health (RH) Bill continues to meet opposition
from civic groups, faith-based organizations, and child development
experts and family advocates, with protest demonstrations being held
in various part of the country. The opposition is due mainly to the
measure’s mandate of the taxpayer funded procurement and
distribution of a “full range” of birth control drugs and devices
including abortion producing ones, a six year sex education program in
all schools as well as among out-of-school youth, provision of birth
control drugs, devices and services by employers to their employees,
and punitive measures for those who speak out against the bill.
This debate risks splitting the Catholic Church. This is why there is an appeal to “sobriety” and to “charity” in the
debates by the Former Secretary of Cardinal Sin, the youngest Archbishop in the Philippines, Mgr Soc Villegas. For him,
the Church wishes to be a mother to all, protecting the weakest. But he exhorts strongly that Catholics be consequent
with their faith: It is not enough to recite the Apostles‟ Creed; we must show that we are Catholics by living by the norms of
Catholic morality. We are Catholics by creed and cult and code. We are Catholics in beliefs. We are Catholics in prayer.
We are Catholics with one moral life… The issue of contraception – which can never be justified - belongs to the realm of
faith not opinions, surveys or legislation by the majority of the convenience of some.
The ones responsible for the Church and some lay movements urge the government not to proclaim a law
Another
diminishing births
onlystruggle
but say that the government must invest itself in education, in the problem of unemployment, in
the exploitation of children, in habitats, in public health issues and the respect of the rights of man. What an immense
challenge!
The bishops speak as forcefully against another law, this one permitting divorce, the Philippines being one of the
few nations where divorce is not recognized in the civil courts. They consider this project “another attack on the Filipino
Family and its values.”
Exploitation of children
More and more children are used by the Mafia Drug Lords, because a law exempts the imprisonment of those less
than 15 years old. They are used as guards or as farmers of marijuana fields or in clandestine laboratories.
Augmentation of exports in the country
In April the exportations of the country augmented to 19,19%, principally in the sector of manufactured goods, in
farming products and minerals. Especially the coconut (+ 78,7 %) and copper (+ 204%) have greatly augmented.
FEATURES
The first typhoons have alighted on the country.
During the month of June, six typhoons have affected the Philippines causing victims and damage in the North of the
country. We can expect about 15 others in the months to come.
Eleven Filipino Tycoons Become Millionaires.
In the Philippines, the rich become richer because of the boom in the stock market. 32 of Philippines millionaires
have become richer in the course of the year. They are also among the most generous in Asia: by their charitable
foundations they give scholarships, grant help to universities, and build houses for the poor, help with health issues….
And a Rise in the Unemployed
Since November, more than a million Filipinos have joined the unemployed. According to one official survey: 11
million adult Filipinos know unemployment, some 27% of the adult population. This is the worst it has been since 2005.
A Difficult New School Year
This year, the average number of students per class in the public schools of Manila is 60. That number sometimes
rises to 80 students per class. 80% of the national budget for education goes to pay for the salary of the teachers. There is
very little money for building renovation, for new classrooms and to furnish the student with books etc. Nearly two million
new children have been added to the education system this year.
FEATURES
Violence and its victims
On June 8, a string of attacks by communist rebels in Mindanao killed
six people, including five security guard personnel as the guerrillas
pressured the government to release jailed comrades. Two Special
Forces soldiers, ambushed while en route to secure a government
convoy, were among those killed in seven attacks on June 7 initiated
by the New People’s Army rebels in Eastern Mindanao Island. Another
soldier, a policeman, a government militiaman and a village leader
also died in the separate attacks. Two guerrillas were wounded and
captured after raiding a police outpost in the Davao Oriental Province
Capital, Mati City.
Romo Olea is the sixth journalist to be assassinated since the new President, President Aquino, has come to power.
His is the third assassination since the beginning of the year, the 145th since democracy has been restored in 1986. Like
the others, he was investigating matters of corruption and had received menacing threats on his life.
The Philippines: World Capitol of NGO’s
A recent study which has been published in the Philippines,’ Civil Society Organizations in the Philippines: A
Mapping and Strategic Assessment’ shows the dynamism and the diversity of various groups which are involved in the
betterment of society.
Unique in this world
Brother Armin Luistro, a Christian Brother, former
President and Chancellor of the Catholic University of Lasalle in
Manila is the Minister of Education in the Philippines. In his
official functions, as when he visits the public schools, he does
not hide his identity, wearing a cross on his barong (Filipino
shirt). No one is shocked by this.
Brother Armin Luistro, Minister of Education
in the Philippines visiting schools.
FEATURES
The 150th Year Commemoration of José Rizal
On June 19th 2011, the Philippines celebrated the 150 anniversary of the birth on one of their great national
heroes, José Rizal.
Born on the 19th of June 1861, in Calamba in the Province of Laguna, he was shot by a firing squad on December
30th 1896 in Manila. He was a poet, a novelist and an artist of the Philippines. Doctor in Medicine and an Eye Surgeon, a
first class linguist, he played an essential role in the emancipation of the Philippines from Spain who held it in a tight
colonial vice. He paid for his acts with his life.
His novels Noli me Tangere published in Berlin and El Filibusterismo published in Ghent were both written in
high Spanish, in Castilian and heavily inspired from Don Quixote have played a vital role in the unification of the country
around a spiritual and liberating ideal. His two books were translated in French and English.
FEATURES
An extract from the El Filibusterismo
Padre Florentino gives some advice to the dying and
despairing Simoun:
There is nothing left to do but endure and work. An
immoral government is matched by a demoralized people;
and an administration without conscience, by greedy and
servile citizens. The slave is the image of his master, the
country of its government. The just God has condemned us
for our lack of faith, our vices and our small regard for
dignity and civic virtues. We tolerate vice and become
accomplices in it, sometimes event applaud it.. No, Mr.
Simoun, we must win our freedom by deserving it, by
improving our mind and enhancing the dignity of the
individual, loving what is just, what is good, what is great,
to the point of dying for it. When people reach these
heights, tyrants fall and freedom shines in the first dawn.
As long as the Filipino people do not have sufficient vigor
to proclaim, head held high and chest bared, their right to
a life of their own and to guarantee it with their sacrifices,
with their very blood; as long as we see our countrymen
feel privately ashamed, keeping silent and even joining the
oppressor in mocking the oppressed, and begging with
their eyes for a share of the booty, why give them
independence? With or without Spain, they would be the
same, and perhaps, worse. What is the use of independence
if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow? If
our country is some day to be free, it will not be through
bloodshed and corruption. Redemption presupposes virtue;
virtue, sacrifice and love

Chronicle 17 - Augustinians

Transcription

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