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Saturday, May 8, 2010

A letter from Bert Saplala

My dear Koyang Peping,


Your lifespan was a series of leaving and saying goodbyes to beautiful realities in life.


First, after eight months, being an adventurer, you prematurely said goodbye and left the womb of Felisa Saplala to heed the call of a wider world.


Second, with apologies to my brothers who might not agree with the public opinion—although I tend to believe my sisters will agree—you are the handsomest son of Pio and Felisa. Your second goodbye is to let go of that so-called earthly gift of your countenance by embracing celibacy.


Third, after barely graduating from grade six, you left Santa Rita. You left the cheaper-by-the-dozen (or –eleven) Saplalas to join greater dozens of brethren in the minor seminary that led you to thousands of dozens of brothers scattered in the world of the CICM.


Fourth, after spending at least fifty years as a CICM seminarian and missionary priest, you decided to say farewell to the CICM to face many uncertainties, to be like a newly born baby dependent on the love and care of others.


This is acutely real to you since you were of retiring age and the oldest among the new Missionaries of Jesus. You did so because you wanted to continue what you began when you were twelve years of age. At that time, you made a fundamental decision to follow what you believe in and what you hold dear to your heart and soul. Somehow, you validated that option by your mature decision to embrace the interplay of the cross and resurrection at your ripe age of sixty-four within the new life in the family of the Missionaries of Jesus. It really takes a lifespan to grow one’s soul, right, Koyang Peping?


Fifth, you could have prided yourself as the most senior Filipino CICM alive but you gave up that endearing and honorific title that could have brought you the overall benefits of a retiring CICM. But again, you said farewell to all the securities of a great family you lived with for more than fifty years. Why, Koyang Peping?


And here I quote the writer Thoreau who says the following: “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away.”



Now, Koyang Peping, where you are now, or in the state where your being is, you clearly see that often, when a human being follows a different drummer, he loses much. But in the long run he gains much more than what he said goodbye to, and that means that he does not only attain a more authentic life, but he also becomes a voice of authenticity and liberation.


Dear Koyang Peping, if only you could speak at the pulpit now as you did for so many years, you could tell the folks before you here, that you gained the magic and wonder of authentic life which, in final analysis and in religious terms, means that you are now being absorbed more intimately by the most beautiful melody that the musician of the universe we call God, is playing in the very depths of our souls, in our co-creatures, and in the entire universe. This is because you followed the Drummer that extracted you from Pampanga and lifted you up to be with Santa Rita, with our parents, Koya, relatives and friends, and all the saints and the angels. That is what all this leaving is all about. Unfortunately, we call it death rather than a new exhilarating life.


Koyang Peping, congratulations and be with us always with love.


Your brother, Lupisak Bangera (the house lizard in the cupboard), who loves to contest with you … with cariño brutal,


Amen.

Excerpts from the homilies (On the death of Fr. Jose Saplala, MJ)

  • from the homily of 01 February 2004 PERCY JUAN G. BACANI, MJ


 
Fr. Joe, your life is a testimony to the truth of what being a missionary means. For you, the test is your truth-telling of what it means to leave everything behind and follow the Master. You did not show any worry or any fear when you decided to be a founding member of our group. You did not calculate your losses or hold on to your comfort zones. You never set any condition for leaving from your former institute. Courage meant for you to lose everything but gaining that which is worth having—tasting and smelling what missioning is in a Filipino way. Fr. Joe, you made the leap in the dark when you left CICM. You left your security. You left a big part of yourself … and that was your first funeral.

 
Commitment indeed is not staying in a place from which you cannot leave. It is letting go and holding on to a new call. The important thing is not that one spends a whole life doing something, but what one does with one’s whole life and how one does it. Commitment is the fine art of waiting for a thing to become for us what we thought it was a long time ago—makers of our history and partners in God’s mission. Fr. Joe, this was your dream and the dream of your MJ brothers.


 
Fr. Joe, your presence and determination made a lot of difference in our group. You were in fact saying, by your steady and steely presence, that there is nothing to be afraid of. God will take care of us; He will take care of His mission. Willing to be in the unknown, you told the truth of trusting one another and the truth of God’s Providence. God loves you for seeking Him and birthing Him in a new way. As Meister Eckhart says powerfully, “What good is it to me if Mary gave birth to the son of God fourteen hundred years ago and I do not also give birth to the son of God in my time and in my culture?”

 
  • from the homily of 02 February 2004 EDWARD LUC MEES, MJ

 
The way and destiny of Jesus are—or should be—also the way and destiny of the Church. The Church is called to be rooted in all peoples; she is to be a servant to the lowly and those in need, a source of hope and joy, and a blessing. And, in opposing “the proud, the powerful and the rich” (Lk 1: 51-53) and the powers of evil, she is bound to be also a sign of contradiction.

 
Joe has understood this very well. Manong Joe was, in Archbishop Capalla’s words, a priest and missionary according to Jesus’ heart. He was a true disciple.

 
Let us give thanks to God for Joe’s presence among us and for the inspiring example of his life as a faithful disciple of Jesus. Like any of us, he was not perfect and had his weaknesses. But I truly dare say that as a missionary, Joe was firmly rooted in his family and Filipino culture, and as such, he was able to enter other people’s culture and reality, thanks to his many human qualities, such as empathy and sensitiveness. He was called by Jesus to be his witness. He lived that call to the full and, within his human limitations, he went all the way.

 
For all this and so much more, we thank you, good God of life. We know that God, who knows and sounds the depths of our hearts, will reward Joe for it all. Now, Joe may rest in peace.

 
  • from the homily of 04 February 2004 WILFREDO T. DULAY, MJ


 
When the personal history of an individual and the collective story of a group intersect, symbols emerge. This has happened, is happening, to José Saplala.

 
Undeniably, José Saplala was a benchmark in the history of CICM in the Philippines, having been their first Filipino-born member and, significant for the future of MJ, having been in age the firstborn among the Filipinos. Joe is a transition figure, a bridge in the biblical tradition of St. John the Baptist. But, also like the Baptizer, a bridge we had to accept on his own terms.

 
José was certainly not a mere by-product of colonial evangelization. Though cognizant of the efforts and the merits of the western pioneers of Christianity, he was not satisfied with a religion transposed/imposed from the outside. He wanted a faith that beats with a Filipino heart and thinks with a Filipino mind. Peping was not just a Christian, he was a Filipino Christian.

 
All his life, José Saplala embodied two conflictive processes: the inculturation of the Christian message, on the one hand, and the struggle for self-determination by former colonies and oppressed nations, on the other. Both the inculturation of the Good News and the pursuit of self-determination are purchased at a high price; in fact, there is no birth without blood.

 
Bert, José’s younger brother and a former member of the CICM, wondered in grudging admiration: “Joe has nothing more to prove. Why does he have to join the Missionaries of Jesus and risk it all when he is about to enjoy the fruits of retirement in the CICM?”

 
It is never the wish to settle, to be secure and comfortable, that spells greatness. It is the willingness to risk, dare, and give it all. Instead of retiring in comfort, José moved towards the periphery to meet the Lord and do mission with our brothers and sisters in the margins.

 
In his late sixties, José Saplala was again invited by the Lord, but to another type of celebration, the celebration of Calvary. Did not the Christ say: “Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his Master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him” (Jn 13: 16).

 
In his letter asking for emancipation from CICM, José Saplala wrote: “I was formed and have grown as a person in the CICM, but there is the mystery of the inner call, the hearkening to the more, the other, the beyond.” José hearkened to the invitation. He remained a faithful missionary of Jesus.

We still feasted …truly pinoy, typically kapampangan!

On the 31st of January 2004, Rev. Fr. José Lapid Saplala died at De los Santos Hospital, Quezon City.

Manong Joe had been battling severe metastases to his liver and bones for seven months. In and out of the hospital he was, initially only for tests and chemotherapy. During this time, he was staying with his brother Benny and other family members in Alabang. Everyone gave him tender loving holistic care.

His last days, however, were spent in the hospital. Day by day, his health deteriorated. On January 5th, his first day at De los Santos, he still could lift spoon and fork to feed himself, walk to the bathroom by himself, and engage in long conversations. But these scenes gradually became less and less. We all knew the end was nearing.

Yet, even on his hospital bed, never was there a solitary moment. Priests, religious, old-time friends, MJ confreres, and family members paid him visits, gave him good care, brought foodstuff, and offered flowers and prayers. Members of various prayer groups initiated and/or animated by Manong Joe likewise came and prayed over him. His niece, Jeannie, flew in from Canada just to attend to him. She, our own Ike Ymson, and so many others attended to Manong Joe’s needs day in and day out. Freddie Dulay, our General Coordinator, anointed him. Thrice, MJ and the Saplalas celebrated mass in his room. There were lots of singing and shared testimonies of touching and amusing experiences of and with Joe. And these were always followed with a meal, a feast. We still feasted … truly Pinoy, typically Kapampangan!

Manong Joe breathed his last at 2:56 PM on 31 January 2004. For three nights, his remains lay in state at the chapel of St. Scholastica’s College, Manila, thanks to the generous offer and warm welcome of the Benedictine sisters. Manong Joe’s very own blood sister, Sr. Celine, OSB, made it even more comforting for MJ and the family.

During the wake, the Eucharist was celebrated every evening. Manny Gacad made sure that the celebrations creatively expressed the praise and thanksgiving of Manong’s life, now returned to the Author of Life. The masses were successively presided by Percy Bacani, Luc Mees, and Archbishop Paciano Aniceto. Their homilies reflected on the life of Manong, accenting his special taste for life and his struggles as a religious missionary. Two other bishops also paid their respects on the last evening, Bishop Antonio Tobias of Novaliches and Bishop Gabriel Reyes of Antipolo.


On February 4th, we had the mass of the Resurrection. Bishop Carlito Cenzon of Baguio presided; Freddie Dulay preached. Thirty priests concelebrated—twenty-six of them, Manong’s MJ brothers from Benguet, Rizal, Metro-Manila, Mindoro, Davao, and Marawi. Representatives of religious congregations, friends, and relatives came. Except for Sr. Socorro, a Pink Sister based in Argentina; Diane, who is in Spain; and Bert, in the United States, the entire Saplala family was present. (Bert sent a message that was read during the mass. See message below.) The richness in content and style of the liturgy revealed that Manong was special. In fact, everything fitted the occasion, thanks to Manny Gacad’s liturgical expertise. The altar was well set. Symbols were offered at the beginning of the mass—a piece of white cloth with the MJ logo, a stole, and a cross on top of the coffin, and Manong’s picture, sculptured image of Christ (rostro), and mission stone at the side of the altar. The Benedictine sisters led the singing. The homilist spoke of and for the man, his originality as a person, his liking for good food and other fine things, and his bravery as a missionary. After the mass, we all proceeded to the Holy Gardens Valley Memorial Park, Antipolo City, where Manong was laid to rest.

Manong Joe is gone. He is now enjoying the festive gathering with the community of all the faithful departed, of the blessed. He surely will be missed by many.

EUGINIUS L. CAÑETE, MJ

IN MEMORIAM

REV. FR. JOSÉ LAPID SAPLALA, MJ
of Santa Rita, Pampanga
27 August 1935—31 January 2004
Founding Member, Missionaries of Jesus

José Lapid Saplala uttered these words as the life in him ebbed: “By the grace of God, little by little, I began to understand the will of God. I began to understand what life is all about.” Peping or Manong Joe, as he was affectionately called, faithfully followed Jesus, the missionary, and increasingly, he understood that life’s mission is giving, serving, and being available to all.

Peping kept on celebrating life in the Father’s house. He always took his time, savoring every moment. He was at home wherever people sat down at mealtime, and was equally at ease with those who used fine china and with those who ate from banana leaves. He immensely enjoyed celebrating the Eucharist, raising ever so high the bread and the wine of life.

Peping, your family offered you to the mission of the Son. You aspired to be God’s eyes, hands, and heart—to become a true missionary. Interior peace came to you so naturally and compassion was your mark. You took pride in being a founding member of the Missionaries of Jesus, which you considered as the crown of your many years of committed service to peoples of other nations and your own people. Your legacy as the first-born son of the MJs is forever assured. For this, we bless you.

Peping, we thank the Holy Spirit for the light that you shared with all those whose lives you have touched. We thank you for speaking the truth and expressing your convictions openly and unflinchingly, thereby setting us free. May this light remain strong and may we learn to pass it on.

You bore the sufferings of these past months with courage and equanimity, telling us in so many ways that in life is death and in death is life transformed. In this, your last journey, may God embrace you as you have embraced us.

THERE IS THE MYSTERY OF THE INNER CALL, HARKENING TO THE MORE, THE OTHER, THE BEYOND …

Religious working to turn ‘painful’ split into missionary venture

ANTIPOLO, Philippines (UCAN). Forty-two members of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM) in the Philippines are working to build a new missionary society while waiting to be released from their congregation.

Bishop Crisostomo Yalung of Antipolo told UCA News Sept. 28 that the members have asked the congregation’s general government in Rome to formally release them. “I opened up to this group thinking there is a divine message in all that is happening,” Bishop Yalung said.

The 37 priests, a brother, a deacon and three seminarians failed to reconcile differences with their congregation in matters of leadership, administration and mission orientation. On June 12, the 40 Filipinos and two Belgian priests formed a pious association of male Religious called the Missionaries of Jesus.

Bishop Yalung has allowed the Missionaries of Jesus to work in his diocese, east of Manila. “While they help in pastoral work, the clergy here knows they are a distinct group and their aim is transitional,” he said.

He offered the missioners a house near the diocese’s seminary. “Before me, they renewed their vows so that there is continuity as Religious,” he said.

Church law allows Religious wishing to be relieved of their vows in a congregation to take the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience to a bishop and thereby to remain Religious.

Bishop Yalung also hopes “much later on” to plan with the group a center for missionary activity, “since the Philippines is known to be the springboard for missionary evangelization.”

According to Father Romeo Nimez, the congregation’s Philippine provincial, the group is considered “on leave” from CICM while they await a response from CICM’s general governing body.

Father Wilfredo Dulay, a member of the new group, told UCA News that five members work in a predominantly Muslim community, as well as in a mission with indigenous people and a parish in the southern Philippines.

A priest member is also discussing with a bishop overseas the possibility of a mission among youth in that country. The Missionaries of Jesus plan to open up to foreign members as well.

Bishop Yalung has appointed four members of the new group to two new parishes in Antipolo that have migrants, squatters and some Dumagat indigenous people. Father Dulay was appointed in June as rector of the diocesan college seminary along with another confrere as formator.


Father Dulay, who has been with the CICM for 38 years, says his age and long years with the congregation have made separation “painful” to accept.

A third of the separating members are in their 30s, most are from 40 to 50 years old, and some are in their 60s.

Father Dulay said that for nearly three years, the group has been calling attention to their congregation’s “outdated” mission orientation and the need to re-examine their charism in the light of witnessing among other faiths.

He envisions a more “Christ-centered mission” that is less “power-based” and employs a “humbler approach” in witnessing to God’s love for the poor. He recalled how some confreres in the Philippines described a dialogue program that priests were engaged in with Muslims in the south as “a waste of time.”

The congregation’s “absolute” regard for overseas mission is another aspect of the charism Father Dulay cited as “outdated (and) inadequate.” He said that “mission is not just about being overseas,” but “spreading the universal mission of Christ to all men and women through a dialogue of cultures and religions.” He added that some CICM missioners he visited overseas told him they were doing what local priests there could do.

However, Father Nimez said going out of one’s home country is integral to the congregation founded by Belgian Father Theophile Verbist in 1862. He said Father Dulay and other Missionaries of Jesus priests had been in positions to push reform as former provincials, council members and even second superior in the general government, but CICM confreres vetoed their proposals.

A Filipino CICM priest in Asia told UCA News that he will not join the new group because he feels that as a CICM member, he can do the kind of missionary work envisioned by the Missionaries of Jesus.

Following the 1999 CICM general chapter, when Father Dulay spoke on “rumblings within the CICM seismograph,” some Philippine members asked their general government to create a second Philippine province. That request was denied, as was their next proposal to create an autonomous mission district directly under the CICM government in Rome. Either proposal would have provided the “needed structural and creative space” for mission, the new group’s concept paper said.

Moreover, Father Dulay cited different ways the general government dealt with Filipino and Belgian members. They questioned mission expenses approved by Filipino provincials in a way they never would question Belgians, he said.

“Dependency and condescension” were words the Missionaries of Jesus concept paper used to describe relations between Filipinos and some Belgian priests.

If Father Dulay and his group are released from their congregation, some 120 CICM priests and brothers will remain in the Philippines. Two-thirds of CICM’s 74 Filipino priests are in foreign missions, Father Nimez said.


04 October 2002
NORMA JEAN BUENCAMINO-VIEHLAND,
UCANews

http://www.ucanews.com/search/show.php?q+Missionaries+of+Jesus&file=archives/2002/10/w1/fri/PL2574RR.txt

The MJ’s leap of faith

“Commitment,” the homilist said, “is not staying in a place from which you cannot leave. It is letting go and holding on to a new call. The important thing is not that one spends a whole life doing something, but what one does with one’s whole life and how one does it. Commitment is the fine art of waiting for a thing to become for us what we thought a long time ago it was—makers of our history and partners in God’s mission. Father Joe, this was your dream and the dream of your M.J. brothers.”

That was Father Percy Juan, M.J., noted missiologist, speaking during the Mass at the wake of Father Jose Saplala, M.J. at the chapel in Saint Scholastica’s College in Manila last Sunday. Father Joe, 68, died of cancer on Jan. 31. He was buried Wednesday after a glorious farewell from kith and kin.

I had plans of writing about the M.J. (Missionaries of Jesus) sometime back, but I was waiting for the right time. Perhaps now is the time.

The M.J. is a group of priest-missionaries (38 Filipinos, two Belgians and one American) that broke away in 2002 from the Belgian-founded C.I.C.M. (Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary). The early Belgian missionaries here served the people of the Cordillera region in northern Luzon, spoke their language and lived among them. The C.I.C.M. now runs huge institutions such as Maryhill School of Theology in Quezon City and Saint Louis University in Baguio City.

Those who broke away are among the best and the brightest and the most committed to mission. Father Joe, the first Filipino C.I.C.M., and the young-ish Father Percy Juan, former father provincial, were among them. This was a split that was bound to happen. East clashes with West, new wine tearing at old wineskins, and the idea of “doing mission” no longer the same for everyone. Ad gentes as against ad extra. The former implies bridging the gap between faith and unbelief and being engaged in intercultural dialogue of life; the latter implies a geographical crossing over, sort of.

It was a painful act of breaking free. Bloody and bloodied are understatements. It was a leap of faith on the part of those who chose the path less taken, a leap in the dark for only the brave. Yes, it is, when you sally forth with only the clothes on your back and your shadow no longer allowed to darken the portals of what used to be your home, the cradle of your missionary vocation. That is not a figure of speech.

I have read the accounts describing what led to this: what happened at the congregation’s General Chapter in Rome, the exchange of letters, the hurling of accusations. Filipinos are “power grabbers.” Wow. Why, a number of international congregations, European-founded at that, already have had Filipinos or Asians as either superior generals or members of the General Council. Magaling ang Pinoy. [The Filipino is good.]

I have also read the proposal to establish a second C.I.C.M. province in the Philippines, an offshoot of that debacle. Those who proposed this had hoped it would” foster a positive tolerance for diversity ... [and] allow for attempts to live and do mission differently and in a manner close to the Filipino mind and heart, integrated in the people’s way of life.” This would have eased the conflict.


Alas, this was not to be. And so on June 12, 2002, anniversary of Philippine Independence and birth anniversary of C.I.C.M. founder Theophile Verbist, the parting of ways became complete.

The breakaway group chose Father Wilfredo Dulay, himself a gritty warrior, to be coordinator general. The M.J. is now under the benevolent protection of Archbishop Fernando Capalla, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). Former CBCP head and canon lawyer Archbishop Oscar Cruz acts as adviser.

It will take a while for the M.J., some of whose members have logged 30 to 48 years as C.I.C.M. priest-missionaries, to get pontifical status but this did not deter this band of brothers from breaking new ground and wading into new frontiers. A saint is not less a saint just because she or he is not yet canonized by the Vatican.

Religious congregations splitting in half is not new. The matter of division of resources and granting of benefits often adds to the pain. Profit-oriented business corporations do better by their employees.

But that is not even the core issue. (Hey, it is a labor issue.) Father Dulay described the issue thus: “From the very beginning, the congregational charism rested on two foundational pillars: mission ad gentes and mission to the poor ... Has its actual practice deviated from the founding charism by devoting itself to pastoral work ad extra (attending to the pastoral care of Christians outside one’s own country) but neglecting mission ad gentes, which is the theological heart of mission: the good news must be proclaimed to all nations?”

The “rebels” had brought up the issue that 75 percent of their missionaries around the world were taking care of Christians mostly and not leaving their comfort zones.

My two cents worth: I think “jurassic” religious life, if it does not remain true to its mission and keep pace with the world, if it neglects contemplative prayer, will die out. New forms (lay communities perhaps?) will take its place.

Some years ago, I wrote an investigative series on European congregations, on the verge of becoming extinct, doing massive vocation recruitment among little-educated Asians who would care for their aged. This alarmed our Bureau of Immigration. Europe is drying up. As someone said, “The last surviving one will turn off the lights.”

“M.J.” was on the lips of Father Joe till the end. Some of his last words: “By the grace of God, little by little, I began to understand the will of God. I began to understand what life is all about.”



05 February 2004
MA. CERES P. DOYO, Philippine Daily Inquirer
http://www.inq7.net/opi/2004/feb/05/opi_mpdoyo-1.htm

What you do not need, you should not own!

or The emptying of our closets on the first month of every year,
the pooling of goods and resources, the universality of our mission

Decades ago, the Catholic Church in Latin America got into serious trouble when it advocated a more equitable distribution of wealth and started to tell rich landowners that what they do not need, they should not own. The response came swift and effective, twofold. First, the Church was mocked as hypocritical, labeled as Marxist, and told to practice what it preached. Secondly, contributions to its projects and charitable works plummeted. By way of damage control, most Catholic preachers decided to shut up. To this day, they have remained silent. There is no mystery involved here—matter is quantitative. The Church, often enough, has too much. And judging from its reaction, unwilling to let go.

The Church has skillfully skirted the unequivocal gospel message that it needs so little to be truly Church and truly Christian. There is no mistaking this in the long history of the Church. Like a courtesan fascinated with patrons of substance, she continues to flirt with wealth and power.

MJ could not dare go as dramatic, as in the case of the Latin American Church. We simply do not have that much to give up. We cannot boast of material assets (as a group, that is). In many cases and places, we are still struggling for what may be considered basic—funds for our pastoral and missionary commitments, reasonable health and medical insurance, lodgings and offices, etc. Yet, I would not want the first month of the year to end without pointing to something related that I’ve noticed in the course of our separation from Scheut, something difficult to miss as we were cast out from our former CICM quarters. Namely, the boxes—the many boxes, trunks, and suitcases filled with our personal belongings. Books and clothes, mostly. But let us not forget the canned goods, the bottled spirits, the heaps of souvenirs!


Some might think I am advocating that MJ go à la Francesco of Assisi. Not really. I am a known proponent of sober comfort for religious, especially for the elderly and the sick. Besides, if the Franciscans themselves are unable to heed their wonderful founder, who are we to outdo them? I am just amazed at how we have accumulated so many things we do not actually use and, therefore, do not need. There are, of course, exceptions. Norman Soriano is exemplary in this respect. Some of us would recall that even the very little that he had was stolen by thieves in the CICM Provincial House!

It became highly observable as we transferred from one temporary lodging to another that there are many “squirrels” among us. The appropriative habit of these rodents ignores any proportion between need and ownership. In this light, I am proposing a couple of things that, in due time, could become part of our collective practice.

1. THE EMPTYING OF OUR CLOSETS ON THE FIRST MONTH OF THE YEAR

As we seek funds for our missionary commitments, we could also begin the practice of emptying our aparadors (closets) of things we do not need or will not use again, ever. The start of every New Year, January, seems an appropriate time to do this. Could we even go further by emptying them of things we think we still might need in the fuuuutuuuuure? Have you noticed how readily we become advocates of security in the future when dealing with stored goods? Is this a prudent exercise in foresight or simply the inability to let go of things, for no other reason than that we have become attached to them. Besides, things do not get attached to us, we get attached to them.

Some Benedictine communities practice the positive version of what I am proposing. They maintain a common cupboard filled with gifts received—clothes, towels, handkerchiefs, canned goods, candy, liquor,

lotion, etc. These items are placed at the disposal of the community members, given to beggars who come knocking at their door, or given away to people in need, especially disaster victims. In considering this, let us keep in mind that our situation in life has been and is such that there are always others in greater need.


2. PERSONAL COLLECTION OF BOOKS VS. COMMUNITY LIBRARIES

There is no arguing that a number of us could be laid comfortably to rest on the mound of books we have accumulated through the years of pastoral and missionary work. Though this might speak well of our intellectual pursuits and determination to keep abreast of developments in theology and other fields, personal libraries are not exactly consistent with the ideals of religious community life. The custom of maintaining personal libraries forms part of our inherited Scheutist tradition that originates from the accepted practice of diocesan curates who, for the most part, live alone. However, as we begin our own traditions in MJ, there is a patent need to rationalize the tendency to acquire books for personal libraries, usually exclusive! Why not community libraries instead? After all, the fundamental difference is location, a few meters of distance. Instead of reaching for books in shelves some feet away from our desk, we might have to walk a few meters to reach the community library. Instead of keeping books in our rooms, another place more accessible to community members, as well as others, could be found. This seems more in keeping with vowed community life.

3. THE EPIPHANY OF JESUS AS A COMMUNITY FEAST TO SYMBOLIZE

AND INDICATE THE UNIVERSALITY OF THE MJ CHARISM AD GENTES

The star of Bethlehem shone for all men and women of goodwill. Thus, Matthew tells us in the story of the Wise Men from the East. The search of these men is the universal search of every person seeking the Truth that saves. We have taken upon ourselves to promote the universality of the Christian message. Would it not be in keeping with this fundamental option to have the Epiphany of our Lord as our first congregational feast?

07 January 2004
WILFREDO T. DULAY, MJ

Monday, May 3, 2010

Following Jesus as Friends and Disciples

Family Day Message-09

‘Following Jesus as Friends and Disciples’. This is the guiding thought of our Family Day this year 2009. Who is a friend-and-disciple-of-Jesus? Let the story below help answer the question.

Once upon a time, so says the story, there was ruler who had a magic ring. He was much loved by his subjects. It was said that he was so noble and excellent in character, and therefore much loved, because of that magic ring. It was a ring that was passed down through the ages from one ruler to the next.

Now, this beloved ruler had three children. And he loved each child with an equal love. He became bothered by the following thought: to whom will the magic ring be passed on when he dies? To the eldest …to the middle one…or to the last born? –since as we said, the ruler loved each one truly, deeply, and equally?

He commissioned the jeweller of the kingdom to make two other rings in exactly the same fashion as the ring he wore. And before he passed away, he secretly handed each of his three children a ring. Soon after, the ruler died.

It did not take long before the three siblings found out that each had a ring. Who would be the next ruler? Who had the true ring? They took the case to a Wise Man of the realm. This is what the wise man said: “You yourselves, each one of you, can prove which the magic ring is, and who the next ruler will be. It will be the one whose character is noble and excellent. Go your ways, therefore: be good, be kind, be brave, be truthful, live wisely, love much, and be just in your dealings. Remember, the matter will be proved by the manner of your lives!”

We MJ’s have never wanted to posses the title friends and disciples for ourselves. Our thoughts go back to those days when we MJs were struggling to survive. Who helped us to our feet? Who encouraged us? Who gave us a pat on our backs? Our families! Our friends! Our mission partners! When you share our concerns, when you have the missionary spirit of MJ … you are a friend and disciple of Jesus. We are missionaries where God puts us. We MJs in the field. You in your homes, in your workplaces, in your neighborhoods. That is because the matter is proved by the manner of your lives. Go your ways, therefore. Be good, be kind, be brave, be truthful, live wisely, love much, and be just in your dealings. Be a friend and disciple of Jesus.

- Fr. Manny Gacad, MJ
MJ-USA Superior

Messages From Here and There (June 2009)


In behalf of the General Coordinating Council and all the members of the Missionaries of Jesus, I would like to express and extend my wholehearted appreciation for including us in your intentions during the Rosary month celebrated this past October.



Already for many centuries, the Rosary has been a cherished part of Catholic prayer life ... May the bond of faith that sustains us continue to grow ever stronger as we pray for today's world. May wars everywhere cease and godly peace begin to reign in every comer of the globe.


In a special way, let us continue to ask Our Lady of the Rosary to plead to her Son for selfless and dedicated priests and religious for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.


Thank you for remembering in your prayers all the Missionaries of Jesus serving in Guatemala, in Papua New Guinea, in the Philippines and especially in the United States of America. Your prayers and friendship sustain us in our commitment to serve God's people. I thank you very much.


I remain fraternally yours in the Good Lord,
- Wilfredo T. Dulay, mj
Coordinator General
Missionaries of Jesus

Our parish scholars here in Sto. Niño, Modesta, Rizal send you their greetings from! Thanks a lot for all your prayers and the financial assistance you have given us. It would surely be a big help to our scholarship program. With your help, the beautiful dreams of our scholars can come true.


The thought that there are loving people like you out there, who are with us in our quest for a better life, gives us more courage and perseverance to keep on dreaming.


Once again, we thank you and may the Lord reward you a hundredfold!

Gratefully yours,
- Fr. Efren (Wren) Reyes, mj
Parish Priest


I would like to acknowledge your mission consciousness-raising in your rosary activity. Together with your parishioners, you are indeed making the local church missionary.


To all the parishioners who joined the mission-rosary activity, I express my deepest gratitude to all of you for your efforts to pray and help the MJ missionaries in their ministry and mission. We are all one in sharing God's mission - his call to proclaim his presence to the world today. There is nothing small in the eyes of God. Your prayers, your coming together, your financial contributions and efforts to build community are all significant and meaningful for us, MJ missionaries and above all, for God, who dreams with us in recreating a new humanity based on service and love.

Warm greetings from me,
- Fr. Percy Bacani, mj
Vicar General Coordinator



Greetings to all our brothers and sisters of St. Kevin and Precious Blood! In the name of all the Missionaries of Jesus working here in Papua New Guinea, I would like to extend our gratitude for your prayers and support.


Here in my parish, I also concluded the Month of the Rosary with the celebration of the Mass. We brought the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary to all the communities.


Once again, our thanks for your prayers and support.

- Fr. Albert Sayson, mj

Many thanks for the prayers and the monetary contribution you have shared to our formation communities. They are greatly appreciated. We keep you all in our prayerful wishes and thoughts.


Full of gratitude, I remain,

- Fr. Eugene Cañete, mj
Formator of MJ Seminarians

We are touched by your gesture of praying for us here in Guatemala during the month of the Blessed Rosary ... We felt your warm spiritual presence with us, as we did our pastoral work with the people in the 45 communities we have in the parish ... You were with us - whether we were celebrating the Eucharist, or sitting with the people and listening to them, or when visiting the sick or when facilitating workshops and seminars.

We are doing fine here, despite the heavy rains. It has been three weeks since the sun shown. Many rivers are swollen and towns flooded. Many farmers have lost their crops. We expect that epidemics like malaria, cholera, and dysentery will follow.

Please continue to pray for all of us here. We thank you for the prayers and the generous donation you sent us. May God continue to bless you and your families. May our Mother Mary intercede for you always.

Your friends and co-disciples in Christ,
- Fr. Rey Tejico, mj
- Fr. Aris Villanueva, mj
- Fr. Joseph Guerreo, mj

Community Organizing: One L.A.

The author narrates the humble beginnings of organizing and the fruits the communities enjoy because of their participation with One LA. She recognizes that it is not easy but the time, treasure and talents invested begin to bring in the returns: access to affordable housing, scholarship, relative peace and order, and many others. The communities feel that they are empowered.


Quiero comenzar comentándole que en nuestra comunidad era desconocido el tema de la Justicia Social, no se hablaba de atender a las personas con diferentes necesidades en sus barrios o sectores. Cuando vinieron los Misioneros de Jesús, el padre Melchor Villero nos hablo de las juntas de casa que era importante conocernos unos a otros y empezamos con los líderes de la parroquia los pocos que habían) también comenzamos a caminar en nuestros vecindarios e invitando a nuestros vecinos a hablar con ellos de sus historias, de sus preocupaciones, de cosas que han impactado sus vidas aquí en Estados Unidos y por supuesto en sus barrios o vecindarios.

Empezamos a conocer los Organizadores de ONE LA y como es que funciona esta organización. Hemos tenido un organizador a nuestro lado que nos ha escuchado y anos ayuda-dos a articular las actividades. Y nos ha ayudado para identificar líderes.

La mayoría de las personas han hablado de su preocupación por la vivienda, el costo y las condiciones insanas en que viven. La seguridad en los barrios y calles, la educación en las escuelas

Entonces Padre Melchor nos empezó a motivarnos para ir a los talleres de organización con ONE LA para que aprendiéramos en qué consiste estar unidos y organizados para que nos escuchen aquellos que manejan y tienen el poder en la comunidad y prestan servicios a esta: como la policía, los oficiales electos de la ciudad, el control de bebidas alcohólicas, La Junta directiva de los Colegios comunitarios, El Distrito Unificado de los Ángeles y otros.



HONORING IMMIGRANTS --- Community supporters ally themselves with undocumented immigrants. Photo by Ellie Hidalgo (from Tidings)

Nuestros sacerdotes nos han ensenado la importancia de establecer relaciones con otras entidades e instituciones y con otros grupos de la comunidad como sindicatos sinagogas, uniones Escuelas etc. Y este grupo es lo que se llama ONE LA

Hemos participado en asamblea para presentar nuestras preocupaciones sobre la Educación. y buscado oportunidades para personas que desean seguir estudiando pero se les hace difícil., por la economía y los horarios. El año pasado unos colegios comunitarios ofreció ayuda con un curso de CNA para personas de 18 a 30 años que tenían dificultad o habían parado de estudiar por vario tiempo. Se inscribieron varias personas de nuestras parroquia, algunas no calificaron por el estatus legal. Y otras por qué no ganaron el examen de admisión.

También en el 2007 presentamos al Departamento de Bebidas alcohólicas (ABC) Nuestra preocupación por muchas tiendas con venta de licor alrededor de nuestra parroquia y esto deteriora la vida de las personas.

El ano pasado en agosto del 2008 tuvimos una asamblea en Preciosa Sangre donde asistieron 200 personas Invitamos a la Policía de la División Rampart y al concejal de nuestra área el Sr. Ed Reyes para presentarle la preocupación de los vecinos por la falta de seguridad en los diferentes barrios de la Parroquias San Kevin y Preciosa Sangre, y esta asamblea surgió después de las caminatas por los barrios y juntas de casa que hicimos.

También se presento a la policía el problema de actividades ilegales en las calles, y falta de seguridad, y que más personas viven con miedo de salir porque temen por su vida. Logramos el compromiso de ellos para trabajar con la comunidad y necesitamos tener otras juntas de seguimiento. En esa asamblea también se presento la preocupación por las condiciones insanas de los apartamentos.

Como seguimiento de esto hemos tenido unas conversaciones con el departamento de la vivienda para ver como logramos su compromiso de trabajar en este problema y lograr ayuda para superarlo.

En el año 2006 estuvimos promoviendo los derechos de los inquilinos porque ha habido una ola de desalojos, y la gente siente que no hay solución o nadie que les pueda ayudar ellos han conocido sus derechos como inquilinos y las 12 razones por las que pueden ser desalojados pero también sus obligaciones, y como se presenta una queja el dueño.

En Octubre del 2008 estuvimos en una asamblea donde asistieron 1500 personas para presentar una propuesta sobre los embargos de casa para las personas con este problema se hablo con representantes de algunos bancos, concejales electos de la ciudad , el condado y El Estado, también sobre oportunidades de empleo y educación.

Los Misioneros de Jesús nos han enseñado a ver la necesidad de estar organizados para crear poder yparticipar en las decisiones de nuestra comunidad, para que ellos tengan mejores oportunidades y mejor calidad de vida.

No ha sido un trabajo fácil porque la organización toma tiempo y encontrar lideres con el apetito y el deseen de dar sus vidas a favor de la comunidad también pero hemos logrado bastante y hemos aprendido mucho especialmente como abrir relaciones con aquellos que ejercen poder en la comunidad y pueden hacer sus programas enfocados en la necesidades más importantes de la comunidad.

- Brenda Morales

Asistencia Sanitaria

¡Era una de esas mañanas hermosas de California: clara, asoleada con una suave brisa! Gozaba de un día libre de mi trabajo como costurera en el centro de la ciudad. ¿Qué mal podría pasar? Sin embargo, no me sentía bien, ¿Qué comería esta mañana?

Caminando sobre el bulevar Sur Occidental cerca de la oficina parroquial había un letrero que decía: Hoy la enfermera parroquial se encuentra aquí. No era la primera vez que me di cuenta de la presencia del letrero. Apenas eran las diez de la mañana y me sentía pésima y no quería perder un día entero tan precioso. Sabía muy bien que sin un seguro médico no podría ir a una consulta sin que me cobraran mucho. “Ni modo, “dije en mi interior; “trataré de ver qué me podría hacer la enfermera aquí. “ Toqué el timbre y me di cuenta de que sólo había una persona esperando su turno y a mí me tocaría el siguiente.

Esa visita con la enfermera parroquial un día martes en la mañana cambió mi vida entera para siempre. Sin saberlo, estaba acortando mi vida poco a poco. Tenía cuarenta y cinco años de edad pero la presión sanguínea estaba peligrosamente alta y el nivel del azúcar en la sangre llegó a más de 250 mg./dl. La enfermera me explicó, con mucha dificultad (ella no habla español)pero con mucha compasión, la condición crítica de mi salud. Ella arregló una cita en una clínica de QueensCare cerca de la Iglesia de Preciosa Sangre.

Ya han pasado dos años desde ese día martes. Ahora tengo la salud bajo control con la ayuda de las enfermeras y médicos de la clínica.

Este corto relato de uno de los clientes se podría multiplicar muchas veces con la variedad de resultados exitosos. QueensCare es una organización basada en la fe y que provee cuidado de salud accesible a las personas de bajos recursos y que no tienen seguro médico. La iglesia de Preciosa Sangre (y ahora San Kevin también) está afiliada a QueensCare por medio del ministerio de la salud llamado Gabinete de Salud, cuyos miembros son de la comunidad y se comprometen a servir a los más necesitados.

QueensCare es una alianza de fe y salud que provee a una enfermera parroquial cada martes para hacer consultas, referencias y ofrecer educación de salud. Cada mes el gabinete ofrece servicios de salud en el salón parroquial: examen de colesterol, nivel del azúcar en la sangre, presión sanguínea; chequeo de la visto y el oído, mamogramas, examen de los senos o Papanicolaou o de osteoporosis y dar inmunizaciones, etc. Todo esto se ofrece gratis o a bajo costo.

Todos los servicios y programas incluye un elemento fundamental de la educación sobre la salud que les pueda servir de capacitación para tomar en sus propias manos el control de la salud y así, disminuir las incidencias de enfermedades prevenibles.

Cada cliente recibe un cuidado comprensivo que incluye cuidado del cuerpo, el alma, la mente y el espíritu. Se toma en cuenta la capacidad del espíritu humano de encontrar la esperanza y la fe y el sentido y profundo designio de la vida para lograr la salud complete e íntegra.

- Cande Bak

Health Care for the Uninsured

“It was one of those glorious California mornings: clear, full of sunshine and cool breeze. What could possibly go wrong? It was my day-off from a sewing factory job downtown. But I felt a generalized discomfort and a queasy stomach. What did I have for breakfast?


“Along Occidental Blvd. next to the Church office was a sign: "Parish Nurse Here Today." It wasn't the first time I'd seen it. But today, I really felt rotten and it was only ten in the morning. The whole day was still ahead of me and feeling this way will surely spoil the rest. With no insurance to see a private doctor, I thought: ''what the heck! I'll see what the nurse can do for me." I rang the doorbell. There was only one client ahead of me. So, I was next.

“That Tuesday morning visit with the parish nurse made a world of difference in my life! Without knowing it, I was slowly, but steadily shortening my life. I was only 45 years old with a dangerously high blood pressure and a blood sugar of over 250 mg/dl. The kind parish nurse struggled with her broken Spanish to make me understand how very serious my condition was if left untreated. She was firm and determined to get me help. She set me up for an appointment in one of the QueensCare low-cost clinics close to the church.

“That was some two or more years ago. Now I have my health under control guided by nursing and medical professionals of the QueensCare Clinic who truly care.”

This brief account of one of the many clients can be multiplied many times over with varying degrees of success. QueensCare is a faith based organization that strives to provide accessible health care for the uninsured and low-income individuals and families in our area. Precious Blood Church and St Kevin Church (two parishes served by the Missionaries of Jesus) are affiliated with QueensCare through the parish health ministry known as the Health Cabinet. Members are parishioners who volunteer to serve the uninsured and low-income fellow community members.

QueensCare Health and Faith Partnership provide a public health nurse for health consultations and referrals every Tuesday in the parish office of Precious Blood and every Thursday at St Kevin Church. Every month a health event or program is offered by QueensCare and the Health Cabinet. Most of the services are free: blood pressure and glucose screening, bone density testing, vision screening, cholesterol and blood glucose tests, mammogram, Pap Smear, etc. All these services include an important, central element of health education, which is essential in empowering the patients to take control of their health; thus, avoiding or minimizing preventable diseases.

Each client is provided with a whole person health care involving the mind, body and spirit. The unique capacity of the human spirit for relationships of trust hope, faith, meaningfulness and purpose is seriously recognized and used to bring about health and wholeness.

- Cande Bak
Health Cabinet Ministry
Precious Blood Church

Winds of Faith

The story was told by us about the unpleasant burglary experience we had at our house in Tierra Blanca at 12:10 AM on March 3. This story was re-covered by the people. It represents one of the principal evil forces that dominate the Guatemalan society. Assaults, assassinations, drug trafficking and other heinous crimes lead daily news. The country's structural problem of impunity, cuddled since the 30-year internal conflict, favors the rise of violence. Of the 200,000 killed or abducted and 669 massacres that took place in mainly indigenous villages, cases of genocide and other military abuses, no person was brought to justice, held responsible for these atrocities. Today, out of every thousand inhabitants, 48 homicides happen, making Guatemala as one of the most violent countries.


The poverty culture theory narrates that the poor are condemned to hopelessness manifested through their expressions of fatalism. They are passive expectorators to expressions of violence; they suppress their anger and sedate their pain through prayers.

However, on the day that we told our story to the communities around us, they begun to re-open their eyes and called on everyone to act on the seemingly advancing malevolent force that want to control their lives as a people. Faithful from the different evangelical sects, of the Maya spirituality and the Catholic Church as well as committed people for the well-being of the community came on several occasions to discuss how to safeguard peace in their communities. The first thing they did was to dismiss the auxiliary mayor of the village who seemed to be indifferent to the degenerating peace in the community and accorded upon local decrees to prevent delinquent doings especially from organized criminal groups.

Oppressed people rise. Silenced people come forward to speak. God rises them up. We may have thought that hope for these marginalized people have been snuffed by destructive forces - it may have always seemed that way. Their hope may be like amber overwhelmed by dust that has covered it overtime. Burning flames may have died down. But winds of solidarity, courage, faith and audacity would put aflame this amber. As long as signs of life manifest in the poor, the oppressed and the excluded, there is always a reason for us to be with them prophetically. This is somehow what resurrection experience means.

Let the winds of the Spirit bring back the flames of life in our hearts.

Happy Easter!

- Joseph Guerrero, MJ

Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe

The author of this article describes how Our Lady of Guadalupe unites people of different cultures present in the parish of Precious Blood. The image of Guadalupe is welcomed in houses of Latin Americans as well as those of Filipinos. For twelve days before the December 12, Filipinos and Latin Americans pray and share using the language of love, the language of God.


México es la Cuna de la celebración de la fiesta de la Santísima Virgen María de Guadalupe. También en toda Latino América se celebra tanto como una fiesta nacional. Los sacerdotes salen a los atrios de las iglesias y saludan con mariachis la solemnidad de la Virgen de Guadalupe.

A través de los años en nuestra parroquia de la Preciosa Sangre, la Fiesta se convirtió en una celebración de la comunidad hispana. Jamás se compartió con la comunidad Filipina, tampoco la reclamaron. Nunca nos imaginamos que Santa María de Guadalupe había traspasado el Continente Americano ni que tenía un lugar tan especial, porque los dicen orgullosa-mente, en las Filipinas, tanto que la nombran también “Emperatriz de las Filipinas”. Lo extraño es que en nuestra parroquia hemos tenido a otros sacerdotes de Filipinas y nunca descubrimos tan grande fervor de parte de ellos.

Por eso toda esta corriente de amor por la Virgen de Guadalupe en este tiempo nos ha sorprendido pero, nos ha encantado tanto, que se ha convertido en una de las principales fiestas de nuestra comunidad. Este amor por la Virgen María es el gran secreto para mantener unida a una comunidad.

Una nueva era en Preciosa Sangre
A unos Misioneros no les dejaron a la Virgen María. Pero la Virgen trajo a otros Misioneros: Los Misioneros de Jesús (MJ). Desde la primera homilía que escuché del padre Miguel, pude presentir que buenos tiempos se aproximaban para Buenaventura de la Preciosa Sangre.

Ese mismo año, vivimos una celebración Guadalupana total-mente diferente. Primero, el docenario dedicado a ella. Por once días se visitaron hogares hispanos y filipinos en las diferentes calles y el último día la gran celebración en la iglesia.

Dios empieza el trabajo con sus misioneros
Todos empezamos a ver algo inusual, extraño, maravillosos. El Nacimiento de una verdadera comunidad de fe. Parecía un Nuevo Pentecostés en la iglesia nuestra. ¡Milagro! Los hispanos compartiendo en una misma casa con los hermanos Filipinos; hablando un Nuevo idioma, el lenguaje de Dios, el lenguaje comunitario, el lenguaje de los Misioneros de Jesús.

Nace un nuevo amor.
Filipinos e hispanos comparten, conviven, ríen, lloran, se aman. Una Luz que estaba, se ha encendido de nuevo. Ahora vemos los hermanos de la comunidad. Esa Luz que sale para todos.

Es hermoso recordar esas estampas primeras; los nuevos días de la Virgen de Guadalupe caminando las calles de su Casa. Manos se disputaban por querer portar la imagen de Santa María de Guadalupe, era un orgullo cargarla: Erlindo, Leonidas, Marcelo, la comunidad… caminando con la Virgen. Jamás se olvidará ese nuevo amanecer. Ahora la Madre visita a sus hijos e hijas, ya no tienen que venir a su casa. Ella los visita en los hermanos Misioneros de Jesús. Siempre estuvo guardada. La comunidad la conoce y la busca y la tratan con confianza. Ahora hasta se queda en sus casas.

Las pequeñas comunidades se conocen, conviven, en la necesidad están con su hermanos, muestra de ellos. La comunidad de Ocean View, de las más favorecidas, abrió su corazón al Señor y a su Bendita Madre. Esa comunidad no se muere por falta de fe, les sobra y la comparte, se siente la presencia de Dios.

Los primeros días de los Misioneros en Preciosa Sangre fue un acontecimiento. Era común ver a los sacerdotes en casa de los hermanos de la comunidad: comiendo, conviviendo, chistando. Siempre los feligreses venían a la iglesia, ahora la iglesia salía al encuentro de los feligreses como hermanos y hermanas.

No hay duda que nuestra iglesia es una envidia de otras parroquias que quieren empezar este trabajo. No ha sido fácil, algunos se han resistido al cambio. Había mucha comodidad en la comunidad.

Ojalá se mantenga eses fervor y entrega por la Santísima Virgen de Guadalupe. Estaba en nuestra iglesia, ahora está en el corazón de cada persona en la comunidad – el Cuerpo de Cristo.

- Víctor Ramírez
Un Viñador de Cristo Jesús

Praying the Rosary with a Mission

On the first day of our Mission-Rosary Activity, we were gathered in the apartment of one of our Hispanic parish leaders. We were on our knees praying the rosary when, suddenly, a neighbor barged in and asked in the loud voice: "¿Quién murió?" (Who died?). Traditionally, in many families, the rosary is prayed when somebody close to the family passes away.


Later on, we explained to the leader that nobody died. We told him that we were praying rosary for the intention of the Missionaries of Jesus. He was so relieved to know that nobody died that when the donation box was passed around, he also dug into his pocket to make a contribution.

The Mission-Rosary Activity was an attempt to go beyond praying the rosary simply as a personal devotion. It also brought people of different cultures and languages to come together in their homes to pray for a common cause ... the Missions. For ten consecutive nights, we gathered together in thirty homes, in different streets of our two parishes of St. Kevin and Precious Blood to offer our prayers and support for ten missionary involvements of the Missionaries of Jesus. During this activity, we were welcomed in more than 300 homes!

To bring these missionaries and their works closer and more real to the people, we read the letters of our missionaries in the field during the rosary prayer. We had their photographs displayed in churches. We also invited the prayer participants to make a donation for each particular mission. The amount of contributions we received exceeded all our expectations. The generosity of the people almost brought tears of gratitude to our eyes.

We were touched by the enthusiastic response of those who joined the prayers and the host families who welcomed us to their homes. Not only did we pray together. There was also the sharing of stories, concerns and a delicious variety of food and drink. Some were so enthused that they already "booked" their homes for the next house prayer and gathering.

The Mission-Rosary Activity did not only help raise the missionary consciousness of the parishioners. It also helped us realize that our differences in culture, traditions, language and economic standing need not be hindrances to a meeting of hearts and minds. When we are able to focus on a common mission, we will find out that we can communicate and welcome each other in many different ways. No more Jews or Gentiles, no more slaves or free men ... young or old ... only children of the same Father and therefore ... brothers and sisters to one another.

- Ike Ymson, MJ

Message from Fr. Percy Bacani, MJ (June 12, 2008)

Warm greetings from Baguio! I am presently working as superintendent of the Diocese of Baguio. The focus of the diocesan schools is threefold: integral evangelization, transformative education and reclaiming the indigenous wisdom.


While facilities and resources are not adequate to respond to the needs of the students, the administration and the teachers are doing their best to educate them to become the positive agents of the nation. It is a hard battle given the deteriorating state of education in our country. However the commitment of the teachers is laudable. While some leave for better income, most remain to make teaching not simply a job but a passion to make a difference in our country. Their contribution maybe small but rather significant – believing that our nation has a future with the youth formed and transformed by integral and liberating faith and grounded by the wisdom of the ancestors.

Fr. Percy Bacani, MJ, was a missionary in Cameroun, Africa. He was Provincial Superior and President of MST in the Philippines. He is presently the Superintendent of Diocesan Schools of Baguio-Benguet in the Philippines. He is the present Vicar Coordinator General of the Missionaries of Jesus.

Message from Bro. Ramon Coronel, MJ

The Chinese ideogram for 'forgetfulness' is a composite of two characters -- 'heart' and 'death'. To forget is to have a dead heart, and none of us ever want that, do we?


As we celebrate the anniversary of the Missionaries of Jesus, we remember the man from Nazareth, whose living heart remembers us all the time and, in so doing, keeps our hearts alive, too.

May we keep on trying to do as he did --proclaiming the good news that God is always giving us another chance; being one with the poor in the assurance of God's justice; and praying always to the God who is with us all the time.

To celebrate is to remember ... this is proof that we are all alive in God.

Bro. Ramon Coronel, MJ was a missionary in Taiwan, studied in Louvain, Belgium, was Vice President of SLU and a professor of Systematic Theology in various schools in the Philippines. He is a Council Member of the Missionaries of Jesus.

Message from Fr. Manny Gacad, MJ

“Wind Beneath My Wings” is a lovely song of someone paying tribute to a friend. I cannot but think of the families of each and every member of the Missionaries of Jesus as I recall this song. “Did you ever know that you’re my hero?” This line from that same song, says exactly what our families are to us MJs: they are our heroes. When the struggle was on to make our MJ dream come true … they stood by us, they believed in us … they kept our spirits up!


Six years later, after 2002 when it all began, we continue to be in flight with the wind, strong and constant as ever, beneath our wings! Our families, relatives, friends, and partners are still there breathing out that wind that keeps us on course, on our missionary course, that is! THE JOURNEY GOES ON … thanks to you!

Yes … THE JOURNEY GOES ON …! This is our guiding thought as we celebrate the Family Day this year of the Lord, 2008. As we look back, our hearts are filled with gratitude to say: “What a journey it has been!” However, our hearts are full of longing and excitement as we continue to say: “And what a journey it still is!” All because in this journey, we have with us our families, our friends, our partners … holding us up with their prayers and encouraging us with caring support. Thank You … Maraming Salamat … Gracias … at higit sa lahat: MABUHAY!

Fr. Manny Gacad, MJ was a missionary in Nigeria. He was a formator in the seminaries in the Philippines and studied Liturgy. He is the Superior of the Missionaries of Jesus in the United States of America.

Message from Fr. Efren “Peng” Reyes, MJ

Assalamu alaicum!

I'm Efren 'Peng' Reyes, MJ working as dialoguer here in the Islamic Capital of the Philippines, Marawi. The Christians are a minority here, around 4%. In the parish where I'm working, it is more than 10%. Moreover, I am also involved in Mindanao Sulu Pastoral Conference-Youth Secretariat as Youth Director since May 2007. More and more, my world revolves around the youth of Mindanao in general and Marawi in particular. They are our Hope and our Present (not only our future) since 53% of the Philippine population comprises of Youth!

Fr. Efren “Peng” Reyes, MJ was a missionary in Congo (Africa). He was Assistant Novice Master in Taytay, Philippines and is presently involved with the Dialogue of Life in Mindanao.

Message from Fr. Stanley Young, MJ

Greetings of peace from MJ Mindanao!


We are one with all of you in this momentous and significant gathering of families and friends of MJ! While the country is in another tumultuous period, we remain steadfast believing that God is disclosing his power and reign as more and more people struggle to uphold the truth and to seek for social justice.

We know you are with us as you are people of the truth. Let us unite our hearts and minds, pray fervently and act conscientiously as friends and disciples of Jesus called ever to be living witnesses of truth, justice and peace. Mabuhay ang pamilyang MJ!

Fr. Stanley Young, MJ was a missionary in Congo (Africa) and was the Rector of the Seminary in New Manila, Philippines. He is the first Pastor of San Miguel Mission Parish in Marahan, Archdiocese of Davao, Philippines.

Message from Fr. Melchor Villero, MJ

As we celebrate with you the Sixth Anniversary of the Foundation of the Missionaries of Jesus we look back and remember:


- the Lord who called us to take leave and form a new community to be called the Missionaries of Jesus;

- our families from where we originally had to take leave and learned to journey with other families and persons who welcomed us to be part of their own and treated us as friends; and

- the communities of the different mission countries where we were missioning whose members shaped us as we are now by their care, concerned.
We are especially grateful on this day, to all of you, for your constant support and encouragement which give us the impetus to move in our journey of becoming true witnesses of Him who call us all to become his disciples.

We continue to believe that as we allow ourselves to be inspired by His spirit that we can together build a new humanity rooted in Jesus.

Fr. Melchor Villero, MJ was a missionary in Guatemala and in Mozambique. He was the Rector of the Formation House in Baguio City, Philippines. He is the Pastor of both Precious Blood Church and St Kevin Church in Los Angeles, California, USA.

San Miguel Mission Parish (Marahan, Davao, Philippines)

Short history of the Mission Parish

On Jan. 30, 2005, San Miguel Mission Parish was formally established as the thirty second (32nd) parish of the Archdiocese of Davao under the leadership of Most. Rev. Fernando Capalla, D.D., Archbishop of Davao. Three years prior to this event, Fr. Stanley Young, MJ and Fr. Joel Canuel, MJ, began the tedious task of journeying with the communities of the area. With the assistance of the Missionaries of Jesus, the parish is oriented towards dialogue between Visayan immigrants and indigenous peoples specifically the Matigsalug-Manobo tribes in the struggle to defend and protect the ancestral domain, in promoting self-identity, faith and culture and in search for truth, prosperity, justice, peace and harmony.

At present, Fr. Stanley Young, MJ and Fr. Bernard Maes, MJ continue the journey beginning with the Visayan immigrants who are the predominant members of all seventeen small Christian communities or GKK (Gagmay Kristohanong Katilingban) comprising the parish. Along the journey, the parish took the option to advocate healthy lifestyle and ecological farming as a concrete alternative to promote life and defend the environment. This option is inclusive since the parish does networking with other church groups and especially with indigenous peoples in realizing this very important endeavour.

Description of the context

Our parish is set within the mountain slopes found Northwest of Davao City. It is some 925 meters above sea level. A cool place and often engulfed by fog and soaked in torrential rains, the whole area is surrounded by timberland and vegetables farms. Livelihood is predominantly dependent on vegetable farming with livestock such as pig, chicken and goat raising as supplementary source of living. Majority of the resident farmers earn two thousand pesos (2,000) average monthly trying to eke out the daily needs of a family of 4 to 6 children.

It is hoped that the piggery would provide a jump-start financial assistance to the parish to become self-sustaining to carry on financing its mission about catechetical work and formation.

Within this agricultural context, the mission parish is committed to promoting agriculture through ecological farming. One constitutive aspect of this commitment is to cater to the formation of the youth and children by providing Gospel values catechetical instructions in nine (9) non-sectarian schools. More particular focus in this catechetical teaching is given to developing and nurturing stewardship of creation which is inalienably embedded in our nature as being created in the image and likeness of God. This is a gift, a task and a responsibility each generation has to own and live by.

The mission parish is at the moment encountering financial constraints to assists its catechists financially to realize this noble and valuable concern for the youth and children of the whole area. The mission parish catechists, who have to work for their family, sacrifice extra time to teach in the said schools three times a week with the expenses coming from their own meager earnings. Unfortunately, the mission parish could hardly assist them financially being new and only having limited resources. Thus, we started the piggery. It is hoped that this project would provide a jump-start financial assistance to the parish to become self-sustaining to carry on financing its mission about catechetical work and formation.


San Miguel Mission Parish Vision Mission

Blessed by the enormous wealth of creation;

Blessed by the gift of life and the gift of faith in God;

Blessed by the population of people originating from various tribes;

How we wish that we all remain blessed this way forever!

However, we witness and experience today:

• Abject poverty

• Destruction of the environment

• Threat to life

• Greed on power and money

• Dwindling faith in God

• Lack of understanding and unity

• Lack of respect and appreciation of Filipino values and traditions and most of all,

• The aggravating agony and suffering of our indigenous brothers and sisters, Matigsalug-Manobo who are the pioneers and former stewards of our land;

We, the followers of Jesus Christ in San Miguel Parish, Marahan, Marilog District, Davao City envision to sustain and form ourselves into a community where concern and care for each other reign between Lumads and Visayans together with the environment.

We are resolved to translate this into reality together with our Matigsalug-Manobo brothers and sisters through:

• Caring and nurturing of the environment

• Being generous and by humble service of each other,

• Strengthening of faith in God, the Creator and Giver of life and creation.

• Consistent and constant search for just and upright means to achieve unity and understanding,

• Owning and promotion of Filipino values and traditions,

• Faithful and steadfast conviction to defend and promote truth, justice and peace.

O God, walk with us and help us to fulfil all these for without you we can do nothing.


Fr. Stanley Young, MJ was a missionary in Congo (Africa) and is now the pastor of San Miguel Mission Parish in Marahan in the island of Mindanao, Philippines.

You can write to him: symj1764@yahoo.com.ph

Indigenous Sunday Celebration

One of the missionary priorities of the MJ-Digos Team is the inculturation of the Word of God. Last September 30, October 7, and October 14, 2007, we had a series of Indigenous Sunday celebrations. We organized the celebrations according to the theme “THE WORD OF GOD AND THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES,” proposed by the Episcopal Commission on Indigenous peoples (ICIP) of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CPCP).
One of the ways the Tagakaulo people interpret and celebrate the Word of God in the indigenous communities is by means of dancing. It is through the indigenous dance that they see, feel and experience the significance of the Word of God in their life.

Coming together as indigenous people to celebrate their day, they became aware of the richness of their culture, as well as their oneness with nature and with “Tumanem” (God the Provider). Celebrating together, they also expressed their thanksgiving to “Tumanem” – the source of their life and their ancestral land. At the same time, they also rely on Tumanem for protection and guidance, especially in times when their ancestral domain risks to be taken away by some politicians and businessmen in the name of what they call “progress and development”.

Thus, the Tagakaulo people are inviting us to journey with them and also to learn and be able to dance their own indigenous dances.


Fr. Naz Sawey, MJ was a missionary in Nigeria, in Benguet, Philippines and is now working among the Tagakaulo in Digos in the island of Mindanao, Philippines.

Email: nazsawey@yahoo.com

Weaving Stories in Liturgy

My arms that held the Pascal Candle had gone weary. I was clasping and holding it high, supposedly in great honor of the resurrected Christ. But seven minutes had gone by the religious elder has not finished his prayers, being said aloud. The crowd behind me with the lighted candles followed him with their own prayers also in a loud voice. The flowers arranged in six vases held by elder women had already sagged – unable to tolerate the heat emitted by hundreds of candles burning all around us. Moreover, amidst us was burning intensely the bonfire that lighted the Pascal candle. There was a vessel, made of clay, filled with copal pom (resin from a tree that is used as incense in religious Maya rituals). Sweat flowed profusely from our bodies and soaked our clothes. It was only after twenty minutes from the Pascal Candle ceremony that we could move in procession into the church of El Rosal.

There was no ritual text in Q'eqchi' for the Easter proclamation. I was to read it in Spanish but then I knew that the people would not understand it. However, in that Saturday afternoon, sitting with the elders, they had asked me if they could do their traditional prayers said at the four cardinals points (Maya worldview conceives the world as being safeguarded by four mystical beings of which center is the Divine Creator) during the Easter Vigil liturgy. I had to consult mentally what I had understood in Liturgical Theology about their suggestion - since "inculturation" of liturgies are not simply about amalgam and toleration of beliefs but stories woven into one. On the one hand is the story of the resurrected Jesus and on the other are the hope and gladness of the Q'eqchi' people as perceived through their history and day to day human struggle, death and sufferings.

The Triduum liturgies had been a patient preparation through dialogue with the elders of the church in El Rosal village. It was for the first time that the people celebrated the Triduum Liturgies. Priests came to visit them three or four times every year to celebrate mass with the people. Ministers of the Word presided prayers with Holy Communion every Sunday.

It is a common celebration, during Holy Week, that the Maya people highlight the suffering and dying Christ through popular religiosity. These ceremonies are very much elaborated through the leadership of the Mayor Domos ("Chinamil"; religious leaders of confraternity of Maya families). The Nazarene procession (Christ carrying the burden of the cross) before Good Friday draws penitent crowds. Good Friday apparently climaxes this contrite religious expression with the erection of a dismal wooden cross with the Christ nailed on it. In the afternoon, the religious leaders bring down the nailed Christ and lay him on his usually glass-covered casket. Here, the people continue to watch over it in vigil led by the somber image of la Señora de Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows). People do not usually feel at ease removing these images from the church even in Easter Sunday.


The long somber history of the Maya people, and of Latin America in general, where hope remains shrouded by today's poverty and misery, violence, injustice and oppression, sickness, hunger and all forms of signs of death shares with the heart (sentiment) of La Señora de Dolores.

This is one part of the story that I was aware to be told during the Triduum Liturgies. However, in dialogue with the community elders, I had to tell the story of the living hope that the first disciples had personally and communally experienced after the death of Jesus. These were all told in signs and symbols.

Thus, the patriarch of El Rosal proclaimed, through his prayers, the greatness of God through creation and the resurrection of Jesus. He prayed for the destructions of all signs of darkness that intends to envelop their lives as persons and communities. His petitions became the Easter Proclamation joined by all the people, each time, praying facing the four cardinal points of the Earth (universe). After the prayers, candles were placed representing the four cardinal points. During the Easter vigil, the Pascal Candle, brightly burning, became the central symbol of the liturgy.



Fr. Joseph Guerrero, MJ
March 24, 2008


Joseph G. Guerrero, MJ had been a missionary in Guatemala prior to his works in northern and southern Philippines. He is now back in Guatemala as a member of the pioneering team of MJ in Petén.

You can write to Fr. Joseph:  josephricguerrero@hotmail.com

Mission Journey MJ-USA

Mission Journey:
USA: The Beginnings


On the feast of the Solemnity of the Ascension in 2002, Fr. Michael Montoya, who was then in Chicago, Illinois publicly declared his intention to be part of the founding group of Missionaries of Jesus. The group later asked him to look for possibilities for the Missionaries of Jesus in the USA. His initial contacts at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago where he just recently concluded his graduate studies proved very helpful. Having consulted people around the Chicago area, and particularly Rev. Robert Schreiter, CPPS, recommendations were made to the General Coordinating Committee of the MJ. The original plan was to stay in Chicago because of the contacts already made. In fact, having already declared his membership to the Missionaries of Jesus, Fr. Montoya was left without residence nor financial sustenance. He has sought the help of some friends and relatives in Chicago.
The family of Avelia and Andres Mendoza in Streamwood, Illinois became Fr. Montoya’s residence while making arrangements with the priests of St. Monica in Chicago who have shown interests in inviting him to be part of the parish staff.
Fr. Ed Panek, a diocesan priest and associate at St Monica and Fr. Montoya’s friend and classmate at the Catholic Theological Union, has been inviting Fr. Montoya to celebrate the Eucharist at St. Monica on weekends. Apparently, the parish was concerned about the growing number of Filipinos in the area and has wanted to respond to their needs. When Fr. Panek heard that Fr. Montoya was looking for a place to stay and minister, he talked to the pastor, Fr. Michael A. Walsh to invite him to be part of the parish staff. Fr. Walsh made everything possible to facilitate the paper works needed to accept Fr. Montoya at the
Archdiocese of Chicago. In August 2002, Fr. Montoya was made associate at St. Monica Parish in Chicago. He was asked to focus his ministry on the growing number of Filipinos in the area.
The welcome given by Fr. Walsh extended to allowing St. Monica Church to be the first base of the Missionaries of Jesus in the US. Thus, in the early communication sent out, St. Monica Parish at 5136 N. Nottingham Ave., Chicago, IL 60656 became the first official address of the Missionaries of Jesus in the US.
While still at St. Monica, Fr. Montoya continued his search for the best possible way to start in the US. Then one winter morning, a phone call seemed to answer his prayers.
Msgr. Dave O’Connell from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles called Fr. Montoya wanting to hire him as organizer for his parish community. Apparently, he has heard about Fr. Montoya’s organizing experience with Valley Interfaith in Texas from the Industrial Areas Foundation (the mother organization for Valley Interfaith) and was informed that he has been looking for a place to minister. The lead organizer for the Industrial Areas Foundation, Ernie Cortez, informed him and facilitated the contact. Fr. Montoya then told Msgr. O’Connell that he has been looking for a place where the Missionaries of Jesus can found their community in the US. So Msgr. O’Connell asked to facilitate the contact with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
That very same afternoon, after the call of Msgr. O’Connell, Fr. Montoya received another call. This time from the Vicar for Clergy in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Msgr. Craig Cox. Msgr. Cox’s initial comments were, “I have heard about your group, and your group came highly recommended. We want you in our Archdiocese!” Fr. Montoya was invited to come to Los Angeles to look at the possibilities. After some negotiations and discussions, the Missionaries of Jesus accepted the invitation to work in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
There were different parishes mentioned as possibilities. After having reviewed the profile for each parish mentioned, having assessed the needs of the communities presented, and
looking at the personnel available from the Missionaries of Jesus, the General Coordinating Committee of the MJ’s proposed from among the different parishes, Precious Blood Church in downtown Los Angeles as the initial missionary commitment of the Missionaries of Jesus in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. On July 12, 2003, Fr. Montoya became the first Missionaries of Jesus in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He was assigned administrator pro tem while awaiting the arrival of two other Missionaries Jesus. On August 7, 2003, Frs. Melchor Villero and Gino Santos arrived at the Bradley International Airport in Los Angeles. Thus completed the first Missionaries of Jesus Team USA. Fr. Melchor Villero was made pastor of Precious Blood Church on August 7, 2003, Fr. Gino Santos was asked to help out at St. Barnabas Church in Long Beach Area but remained a resident priest at Precious Blood Church. Fr. Montoya became the associate at Precious Blood while at the same time the District Coordinator of Missionaries of Jesus in the USA.

Sending Forth of the MJ-USA Team

You are sent to testify to what Jesus has done,
and continues to do in us.
Go now and witness to his words and deeds.
Go forth to tell, retell, and foretell
the story of our memories, dreams, and visions;
continue God-story that was, that is, and that ever
shall be.

You are sent to give proof
of God’s providence and care.
Go now and leave your securities and assurances,
knowing only that whither you shall go is sacred
in God’s eyes.
Go forth and dare trust
that an unknown land shall be your home,
that complete strangers shall welcome you,
—though even these may not come to pass.

You are sent to cross frontiers, not just of land and sea,
but more so, of power and creed,
of class and gender, of skin color and looks.
Go now and fulfill the mandate
that all may be one,
that all may be friends.
Go forth to become a blessing;
extend greetings of peace to all —
the peace that is based on justice,
the peace that puts down the mighty from their thrones
and lifts up the lowly.

You are sent as friends and disciples of Third World origin.
Forget not who you are; indeed, be proud.
But reject not who you still could be.
Go now and continue to be shaped by the One who
shall receive you,
by the potter who continues to create and form
you into his own image.
Go forth as vessels made of clay,
but loaded with limitless treasure.

You are sent as laborers for the harvest.
Go now, nourished by prayer and rooted in contemplation,
to proclaim, in word and deed,
and by your open and transparent presence,
that the reign of God is at hand.
Go forth as keepers of your sisters and brothers,
as co-creators of God;
be worthy of this task and privilege.

You are sent as our brothers and companions;
we are always here for you.
Go now and live in love instead of fear,
in responsibility instead of indifference.
Go forth to act justly, love tenderly,
and walk humbly with our Lord.

Go now, dear brothers.
Go forth, as Missionaries of Jesus,
in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.


Sending Forth Liturgy for the Team USA
June 19, 2003
Marikina Heights, Philippines

Mission Journal...

On July 12, 2003, Fr. Michael Montoya, MJ, arrived at Precious Blood Church. He became the administrator pro tem while awaiting the arrival of two other members of the MJ Team-USA. Friends and relatives have offered to help set up the first official mission station of the MJ’s in the US. Noemi Agbayani offered to help fix Fr. Mike’s room. Fr. Johny Zulueta, CM came the next day to the rectory to welcome Fr. Mike.
Fr. Melanio Viuya, Jr., MJ, on mission appeals in the US for the MJ arrived on the 15th of July and accompanied Fr. Mike during the first weeks in the parish.
Already, friends and relatives have begun visiting our residence. Fr. Mike’s family were the first visitors, his brothers Noel and Jonas all helped in fixing the other quarters. They donated furnitures for the other rooms in the house. Parents Deogracias and Aurora, sister Marissa, nephew Arrel, and cousins Sonny and Lut Bognot extended their support too. Some of the Sandiwa members and their families also came to visit - Bong Fermin, Tito, Maribel, Mico and Nina Javier, Tony Panoringan, and George Florendo. Gloria Ongkingko from Mexico also visited the new mission place of the MJ’s. Fr. June Marzan of the Verbum Dei Missionaries has been a constant companion while visiting his parents who are members of the parish of Precious Blood. Dr. Jose de Mesa together with Irma Isip came to visit as well.
On August 7, 2003, Thursday, the two other members of the MJ Team USA, Frs. Melchor Villero, MJ and Gino Santos, MJ arrived at the Bradley International Airport in Los Angeles. They were welcomed by Fr. Mike, Lina and Leo Tamayo, Ely Baradas and Chito Soriano from Precious Blood Parish, Tony Panoringan, George Florendo, and Larry Geronca. Tony and Larry made sure there was food for the instant welcome party (that lasted till 2 am).
Since their arrival, other friends and family members have come to visit. Joe and Vicky David (sister of Fr. Jose
Saplala, MJ) visited us all the way from Hawaii. V-Jay Mendoza (son of Andy and Vel Mendoza) and Cris from Chicago stayed with us for a few days. Maria Crews and family together with Nina Moss from Corona, friends of Fr. Melanio and the MJ’s have also visited us. Fr. Gino’s friends and relatives also came to visit—Lissa Aquino and daughter Mika, friend Doreen, barrio-mate Beth Imus, friends Sonia Agabon, Vicky Ayonon, Dora dela Cruz, Jun del Rosario with wife Cecile and daughter Chelsea, Joseph Riate, Val Creus and relatives Carlito de Leon, Ed Alhambra, Ernie Padaon and wife Edna. Eva, the sister of Fr. Percy Bacani, MJ also paid us a visit. Mr. Arturo Coronel, father of Bro. Ramon Coronel, MJ came with Romeo Coronel one Sunday.
Fr. Boy Makabenta of the Prelature of Infanta, Philippines together with 3 other ex-San Carlos seminarians (Lito Mendoza, Willy Atienza and Romy ….) added to the list
of visitors. Fr. Rom Ramos of the Diocese of Tarlac now working in San Diego together with Fr. Mario Elias from the same diocese and on vacation have come by to visit us. Archie Paderon and Nolan Dangazo, a Columban theology student visited from Chicago.
The CICM’s have also visited us—fresh from Congo, Fr. Andrew Gonzalo and from Guatemala, Fr. Dong Querijero could not resist passing by without saying hello. Fr. Laudimer Mangune from the Archdiocese of Pampanga also visited us. Sr. Mary Clare Amponin from the Puso ng Carmelo Community came with two other friends. Some local clergy from the Archdiocese have visited us as well. Msgrs. Dave O’Connell and Jay Cunnane welcomed us in the Archdiocese. Organizers from the Industrial Areas Foundation have also come by to greet us—Ernie Cortez, Sr. Judy Donovan, and Elizabeth Valdez all were happy to greet us. Sr. Annie Claes, District Superior of the ICM’s came with 2 other ICM sisters.
We have been blessed by God with the families, friends, and collaborators in ministry. They continue to be our partners in mission.
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