Link Vol. 9 No. 1 JuneDecember 2014 Newsletter of the Rogationist Novitiate Philippine Province c/o Saint Anthonys Boys Village

An Event, an Encounter , An Experience with St. John Berchmans!

This day was indeed an event, an experience, and an encoun-ter. We started the day with the Solemn Lauds in honor of St. John Berchmans. We then warmly welcomed the postu-lants and showed them some of the places here and had some chikahan with them. We started the mass at 9:00, pre-sided by Fr. Rene, while Fr. Ariel served as the homilist. In

the homily, Fr. Ariel dwelt on the three things that St. John Berchmans, as often shown in images, is carrying: the crucifix, the rule of life

and the rosary. After the mass, the kissing of St. John Berchmans relic then was made. As for the morning merienda, lugaw, courtesy of the postulants and Fr. Ariel, was served. Then conferences about St. John Berchmans and his life and works and the Novitiate experience followed. The postulants performed an ice breaker by dancing an action song.

In the afternoon, the Amazing Race was played. The novices and postulants were divided into four groups, carrying the names of the former novice masters; Frs Aveni, Toffanin, Gallito and Barbangelo. Stations and challenges were placed in the different places in the compound. Afterwards, we played a friendly soccer game with the postulants. The postulants were lucky because they won the game. At the daylights ending, we made a procession and prayed the rosary. Solemn Vespers then followed. During the dinner, a short program was done. It was during this time that guests began to fill the novitiate, present were the Frs. Alvin, Santos, Ronie and Vincent of the SABV. Bro. Mars and Ed also joined the celebration. Mo. Isabela and Sr. Darlene of the FDZ sisters also graced the celebration. Some representatives of the Oasis were also present. During the pro-gram, the novices rendered the song Handog in tribute to Fr. Ariels Pagpapala @ 50. The postulants rendered the song Your Heart Today then danced afterwards. Giving of the prizes, courtesy of Fr. Danny, then followed. Team Fr. Aveni won the Amazing Race. To end the celebration, Fr. Rene gave a brief message and we sang Thank You Mama. It was indeed a won-derful experience. We hoped that with that very short time, we were able to inspire and gave some ideas to the postulants on

GREETINGS!GREETINGS!

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My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord! At 10:00 in the morning, Novices John

Francis, Chris Melvic, Val, Eduardo, Paul John,

Rence, Aernest, Dominic, Gabriel, Joseph, Joseph

Dang, Marselinus, Paul and Petrus finally ended

their novitiate by making their First Profession in

the hands of Fr. Herman Abcede, the major superior

of the Philippine Quasi Province, to the Congrega-

tion of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus. Also,

Postulants Yarsi, John, Jeffrey, John Paul, Kim, Yo-

rius, Arthur, Oman, Paulo, Juncel, Jeffren, Jory and

Lloyd were officialy accepted to the Novitiate. Fr.

Herman stressed and acknowledged the courage and generosity of the newly professed and accepted in answering the

call of the Lord. Lunch followed at the refectory of Boys Village. In the afternoon, a simple tribute to Mary was done.

After the rosary, Letters to Mary, written by the new novices was sacrificed, I mean, was offered by burning! We had

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! June 12 is a very special day for the Filipinos and the Philippines. The whole nation celebrated it with much serious-ness and declared it a special holiday! As for us novices, after offering prayers and thanksgiving, we memorialized the Inde-pendence Day event by making a simple Flag ceremony in the morning and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. What was more beautiful was that, it was a special day also in our refectory! In the afternoon, some of us were requested to facilitate the Amazing Race of the interns in the Boys Village. The Amazing Race game was part of their mini Olympics. It was indeed an enriching experience having taken part of the activities with the boys! We look forward to the next cultural and sports and activity! (Next time we hope we will already be playing!

Vocation Promotion! Last August 22, 2014, we had went to Immaculate Conception Academy in Dasmarias, Cavite and Del Pilar

academy in Imus to render Vocation Campaign. We were expected to be there at 8:00 in the morning in ICA

and 9:00 in Imus. Thus, we did not have our mass in the morning. After breakfast, we immediately went to

Dasma. 1 group, Yuris and Paulo went to

Imus. We were sharing about our experi-

ences during lunchtime and laughed at

some of it, especially those who did not

Rogationist Novitiate

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Tagaytay inter-congregational novitiate program

Different novices from different con-gregations around Tagaytay gathered again for this

years Novitiate program. In our case, we just con-sidered the modular classes that are necessary and

more essential in our future life as consecrated peo-ple to God. First in the list was the class on Liturgy which was given by Fr. Allain who focused on the

rubrics in the liturgy and the importance of the Ho-ly Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours. Second-

ly, Dr. Natividad Pagadut introduced us to the Sa-cred Scriptures. Thirdly, Fr. Vic Sadaya, CMF

gave us a brief essential concepts of the Church concerning Consecrated Life and Community Life which is a little bit challenging for all of us. Fourth

is the powerful discussion of Mons. Gerry Santos on Morality who stressed the importance of the in-

tellect and the will in doing good. Next was the challenging facts of Fr. Edgar Javier, SVD who

shared his experience and expertise on Mission which became more appealing to us. We even

wanted to apply for mission not to SAMOA island but SA M.O.A.(sa Mall of Asia!!! hehehe). Next

was the conscientious and moralizing discussion of Fr.

Rene Lagaya, SDB concerning Conscience. And

lastly, Fr. Cris Pine, OFM explained to us the Bibli-cal foundation of the Evangelical Counsels. The first part of the modular classes was practically end-

ed by the Advent recollection rendered to us by Fr. Greg Short, OVM who emphasized the identity

and mission of Christ. Besides our enjoyment of having classes out-

side the novitiate, we really enjoyed the company of our fellow novices especially when it comes to the sharing part of the classes (not only during

merienda..hehehe). With those sharing of experi-ences and of different cultures, we were opened to

other perspectives that are available in the world that surrounds us. See you next year brothers and

sisters!

With Fr. Allain Manalo on LiturgyWith Fr. Allain Manalo on LiturgyWith Fr. Allain Manalo on Liturgy

with Ms. Nati Pagadut on Scriptures...

with Mons. Gerry on Moralitywith Mons. Gerry on Moralitywith Mons. Gerry on Morality

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Hail To You St. Anthony! On June 15, having done the usual sched-ule for Sunday, after having the Mass in CCV, we proceeded home immediately to help in the Sharing. Specifically, we helped in packing for the lunch of those who attended the Sharing; an estimated 1000 children not counting the facilita-tors and others. Right after lunch we then went to the gym to attend the Sharing proper and helped in the distribution of gifts. Before the dis-tribution, a program and games entertained the children. The great Jollibee was also present to entertain the kids, though he appeared very late. Then, the procession of the statue of St. Anthony was done. Together with the gifts given (the re-packed) is the traditional (blessed) bread of St.

Anthony. In-deed, this was a beautiful way to show that at times, spiritual goods can appear in temporal goods.

In the evening, a miracle happened. Fa-ther Master brought us to Olivarez and treated us with Sundaes from McDonalds! Ahhh!!! What a beautififul way to relax. With the moon shining brightly, we ate our sundaes!

The 128th Commemoration of July the 1st

On July 1st

2014, the Saint Antho-

nys Boys Village

Community, composed of

the Rogationist Noviti-

ate, the Oasis of Prayer, the Roga- tionist College and the Boys Village cele-

brated the commemoration of the First coming of Jesus in the congregation. The celebration started with the Holy Mass at-

tended by all the students, faculty, all the employees, the boys and the novices at 9am presided by Fr. Carlos Guzman and con-celebrated by Frs. Gabby, Cesare, Vincent, Ronnie, Santos and

Alvin. The Novices together with some college students and boys served as the choir. In Fr. Carlos homily, he insisted on

the very importance of the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sac-rament in our lives. He reflected on the Gospel of the day

which says the story of Jesus with his disciples on a boat cross-ing the troubled Sea of Galilee. Using this Gospel, he empha-

sized on our knowledge that Jesus is with us but we do not recognize and appreciate His presence. It was indeed a great awakening for most of the students especially when they just

pass by the chapel without even greeting Jesus. After the Mass, there was a simple procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the

school auditorium for a whole-day adoration of all students, employees and the Religious. It ended with a simple animated

adoration of all the employees and religious at around 5pm. Meanwhile, the Novices had the exposition of the Blessed Sac-

PANIS ANTHONII: Fr. Gabby @ 25

For the past weeks we had been busy preparing for this event. The practices with the boys are intended for this particular day. We had our lunch in the novitiate and right after the siesta we started preparing our-selves for the celebration. We had our last practice of the liturgical songs to be sung in the mass at 4pm. The mass started on time attended by some priests and religious of the congregation who were the formandees of Fr. Gabby before and some benefactors that were invited for the fund raising for the renovation of the SABV Youth Houses. Fr. Gabby was the main presider of the mass and many other priests came to concelebrate with him. During his homily he kept on emphasizing the character of a good shepherd that really inspired and illu-minated his 25 years of being a priest. He stressed on the im-portance of personal faith in his vocation that made him reached this point of spiritual experience. He also shared that the presence of his family and his community has been his inspiration and support for the past 25 years of his priesthood. He shared many experiences that have very substantial points. The mass lasted more than an hour. At around 6:30 the program started presenting the different talent show that has been prepared by the boys in lined with the 25th anniversary of Fr. Gabby and the fund raising. The novices were assigned to dance the opening salvo together with the interns. We also performed twice the song Paring Pilipino as a tribute to Fr. Gabby. It was a celebration that

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June 1 - Solemnity of the Lords Ascension. We attended the Perpetual profession of 5 brothers in FDFCS. An acknowledgement was also given to Fr.s Alex Poblador, John Lucas, Alvin Fulgencio and Rodolfo Patiag who were celebrating the 25th anniversary of their religious profession.

2 - Solemnity of St. Hannibal. 7 - 33rd Anniv. of the St. John Berchmans Novitiate. 13 - Solemnity of St. Anthony of Padua. Fr. Herman celebrated the Mass in the Rogationist College with all the members of the RC-SABV-Novitiate- Oasis community.

15 - St. Anthonys Sharing. 17 - Arrival of Fr. Shibu for a 21 - Bday of Nov. Juncel, Priestly anniv. of Fr. Cesare 27 - Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Departure of Fr. Shibu.

1 - Solemnity of the Lords Ascension. 1 - Solemnity of the Lords Ascension. 1 - Solemnity of the Lords Ascension. 1 - Solemnity of the Lords Ascension. 1 - Solemnity of the Lords Ascension. 1 - Solemnity of the Lords Ascension. 1 - Solemnity of the Lords Ascension.

Novitiate: June to December 2014

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The Novices

Christmas

Experience

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The People who seek Mary finds JesusThe People who seek Mary finds Jesus ...you cannot Love Jesus without Loving Mary....you cannot Love Jesus without Loving Mary. (a reflection on the Consecration to Mary)

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Paulo Sambile

Frederikus Yorius Ndawi

John Dela Cruz

Kim Seong Nam

Yoseph Emmanuel Rua

John Paul Gorantes

Jeffren Tugbo

Arthur James Paciente

Fr. Cesare Bettoni

Lloyd Villahermosa

Joseph Henry Varquez

Juncel Subong

Jeffrey Angelo Evangelio

Yarsi Emmanuel Burung