FELMAR'S MISSIONARY JOURNEY

I SWITCHED TO WORPRESS!!!

2009-05-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

Yes, the Felmar's Missionary Journey has transferred to Wordpress.com!!!

Click the link below:
FELMAR @ WORDPRESS

I hope that you all continue to journey with me...
God bless us
and may the Heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all!

WOW DAVAO!!!

2009-04-30T05:48:00.000-07:00

I have been to the different places in the Philippines, practically from A (as in Abra) to Z ( as in Zamboanga). I have conquered mountains, explored caves, photographed peoples and swam our seas. But still, I have to point out out: Davao remains the best place in the Philippines.

Maraming dahilan why many people like Davao. As varied as the reasons and factors may be, still they all summed up to one thing- quality of life: The air is fresh. The city is clean and green. There is real abundance of the freshest harvests from the land and sea. To top it all, the quality of potable water is among the best in the world.

There are many restaurants in Davao that serve unforgettable so-tu-kil (sugba, tula, kilaw) dishes. Marami pang mga eat all you can na pwede mong puntahan!!!

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Crocodile Park is one of the most visited parks in the city.

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If you go to Davao, do not forget to visit the eagle parks. Medyo malayo nga lang sa city, but the visit to Malagos Garden is worth it.

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Visit also the Pink Sisters at the Seminary Road, Catalunan Grande. That is only ten minute taxi ride from downtown.

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Opposite the Pink Sisters is the SVD Formation House at the Skyline Road, Catalunan Grande.

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The Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague is situated atop Davao’s Matina Hills, where one can enjoy a panoramic view of the city’s sprawling landscape and the other sights to be seen within and beyond it. This place is also good for pilgrimage and worship as the elevation of the terrain has made the shrine serene and tranquil.

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Eden Garden resort is located in Toril, Davao city, it is about 10 hectares of forest land which have been turned into a mini garden, forest park. In this place you cannot fail not to appreciate the beauty of the flowers EVERYWHERE. There are all types of orchids found in Eden, in fact, the place very much lives up to it’s name.

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Pearl Farm Resort lies in a secluded island off the coast of Davao city. This 11-hectare spread was once a pearl farm, where thousands of white-lipped oysters, transported from the Sulu Sea, were cultivated for their pink, white and gold pearls.

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The houses here in Pearl Farm are patterned after the stilt houses of seafaring Samal tribes of the Sulu archipelago.

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Davao -- a sight to behold!!!

2008-2009 Posts

2009-04-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

Pope John Paul II To Be Beatified
It began with a Polish News Report in the Polish daily “Dziennik” and spread throughout the blogosphere almost faster than lightning, the late beloved Servant of God John Paul II will be beatified next year on April 2, 2010.

St. Joseph is in the Picture!!!
Happy Feast Day to St. Joseph!!!

Dinner for a Cause
Several SVD confreres, especially overseas, wanted to see the Dinner for a Cause held at the Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay last February 13.

My Birthday Message
Birthday ko today. I am now 28 years old.

May Bukas Pa
I am following a very inspiring telenovela these days.

Ash Wednesday Trivia
I noticed even as a young child that some of the largest crowds in the year will show up to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday, even if it is not a holy day of obligation.

I'm Leaving Tagaytay
Yes,I will be leaving Tagaytay soon...

He Knew the Time of His Death
Did you ever know of someone who prayed the rosary faithfully and eventually knew the time of his/her death?

Song of Fr. JB
Fr. Julio Barbieto, SVD was a person of humor. His jokes are contagious!

Catholic Candies???
Fr. Ed Fuguso, SVD shared.

First Time
This is shared to me by another SVD missionary: Together with another SVD, they were sent to a foreign country.

Juan Tamad Crocodile
Fr. Flor Lagura, SVD shared about the story of Fr. Robert Winkler, SVD.

Lost and Found
One time during our common dinner, one of the seminarians announced, “I have found a book. Those who might have lost it, please claim from me.”

Mabele! Mabele!
This is from Pinoy SVD Fr. Emil Pati.

Help! Help!
In one of my summer apostolates, our assistant parish priest was going to be transferred to another place. So, on his last day in the parish, the people decided that we organize a picnic in the river and something unexpected happened.

Thanks! Thanks!
When I was a postulant, I remembered very well a serious sermon from an SVD deacon which turned out to be a light moment for all of us gathered.

Monkey! Monkey!
Fr. Ibarra Fabella, SVD shared this story

Rush Hour Embarrassment
One time, I was racing against time at the metro rail transit (MRT) station.

I Baptized Michael Phelps!!!
Last Sunday, January 18, I baptized 25 babies in our parish, St. Arnold Janssen Shrine Parish in Cainta, Rizal.

Go, Team Philippines
From the 6 Philippine bets, my highly supported wonder of Palawan, the Underground River is now the remaining national qualifier for the global online voting on the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Ai-Ai Delas Alas Quotes
Let us start the year 2009 with Quotations from the Philippine Comedy Concert Queen and our “Tanging Ina” Ai-ai Delas Alas. Read on and have a good laugh!

My New Year Message
I was at the parish

My Christmas Message
Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Our Ordination Day
The Pantas Class finally had our presybyteral ordination last December 6, 2008 with Bishop Arturo Bastes, SVD as our ordaining Prelate.

Laying of Hands
Some priests on My Ordination

Behind the Scenes
I would like to thank the many people who were working in the background, who labored way, way ahead of others to come up with a succesful ordination.

Word Alive on DZMM
Last Sunday, Feast of Christ the King, Rev. Aris Martin, SVD and I, together with veteran Pinoy missionary (to Brazil, Argentina and Angola) Father Manuel Gatchalian, SVD were invited over as guests by Fr. Bel San Luis, SVD in his radio program "Salitang Buhay" (Word Alive) at DZMM.

Friendster is Hacked???
When I logged in on my Friendster account, lo and behold, my 1,088 friends were down to 54!

Candidates for Ordination
Five of us will solemnly embrace the gift of priestly ordination this coming December 6, 2008 at 9 in the morning in Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay.

Kambal na Kamalasan
Letter from Fr. Dondion, SVD

A Mother's Letter
A Mother Writes to Her Son

RIP, Fr. Nards
A Tribute to a Great Missionary

The Word in Other Words 2009
The Bible Diary of the SVD "The Word in Other Words" is now out in the market.

Underground River is Now #1
PHILIPPINES! Underground River is now Number 1 in the New 7 Wonders of Nature!

SVD, XVD and the SSVD
One afternoon, I was checking the pictures uploaded by my online buddy XVDph about the homecoming of seminarians from Christ the King Mission Seminary.

Siglo, Sigla, Saksi
Siglo stands for 100 years, Sigla for Enthusiasm, and Saksi for Witness – that is, 100 years of SVD’s Enthusiastic Witnessing in the Philippine shores.

Gone to the Dogs
No, the title of this post is not about dogs.

My Ordination Date
Last month, Fr. Wilfredo Saniel, SVD, our Rector here in Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay issued a circular letter regarding SVD priestly ordinations.

Lights and Shadows of the Catholic Parish
This essay highlights the strengths and the weakness of the modern Catholic parish Church.

My Mission Assignment
Our mission assignments were officially announced last Thursday, August 7, 2008 during our concelebrated mass in Tagayta

Manila Dream
used to believe that the greatest dream of every promdi (from the province) is to step on the imperial lands of Manila.

Christ the King, Then and Now
Visit our Seminary...

Proud to be SVD
Two great SVDs are in the news these days...makes me proud to have dedicating confreres like them.

Oh, Life
I know very well it will be coming out in the national papers!

My Diaconate Ordination
Our diaconate ordination was held in St. Arnold Janssen Shrine Parish in Cainta, Rizal last June 28, 2008.

Vino de Honor
A Toast to the New School Year!!!

My Journey to the Underground River
I have been to the different parts of our country from A (Abra) to Z (Zamboanga) and in one of my journeys, the Underground River left a deep impression on me.

First Vows 2008
Prologue Class had their First Profession of Vows at Divine Word Shrine, Christ the King Mission Seminary of Quezon City.

My Perpetual Vows
Finally, together with my four classmates, we profess our Perpetual Vows last May 25, 2008, Sunday at the Holy Spirit Chapel of the Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay.

Mayon Volcano Resurrects
After a month-long hiatus, Mount Mayon resurrects at the 35th spot in the global online poll on the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

It Will be for Life
Our perpetual profession of vows will be on May 25, 2008

Chocolate Hills is Back!!!
After its sudden disappearance from the top ten and from the list of the official nominees for the New Seven Wonders of Nature, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol is now back with a vengeance!

The Wonders of Tubbataha Reef
Vote for the Tubbataha Reef

Chocolate Hills: Out of the "New 7 Wonders of Nature" Race???
Oh my God! I have been in panic for days now!

SVD Bishop Wins Presidential Race
Dubbed as ''Bishop of the Poor'', Fernando Lugo made history as the first Roman Catholic bishop elected president of a country.

Vote for New Seven Wonders of Nature
Have you heard of the New 7 Wonders of Nature Campaign?

Journey to the Taal Crater
A Journey to Remember

MY RECOMMENDED SVD SITES

2009-04-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

PLEASE TAKE TIME TO VISIT THESE SITES:

Arnold Janssen Building

Bukal Newsletter

Christ the King Mission Seminary

DWST Tagaytay

Holy Spirit Novitiate

The Healing Eucharist

Verbum Class

XVD Philippines

MY OTHER SITES

2009-04-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

Here are the other sites I maintained:

Castrodes Clan

Center for Wholeness and Holiness

CKMS Family Feast 2006: Mission 131

Felmar's Missionary Journey

Fiel Clan

Hatid-Diwa Online

My Flickr Photosets

My Friendster

My Friendster Directory

My Youtube

St. Arnold Janssen Shrine Parish

SVD Vocation Office Online: Join the SVD

The Doulos Class

The Red Man's Site

William Finnemann, SVD

SVD BLOGGERS

2009-04-29T08:01:00.000-07:00

Here is my list of SVD bloggers and they are all around the world!

Brother Errol Torres, SVD - Blog of Brothers

Fr. Adonis Narcelles, SVD - Berlin IMPRESSIONS

Fr. Ariel Tampus, SVD - Sharing the World to the World

Fr. Arnold Biago, SVD - Homilies

Fr. Bernard Collera, SVD - Reflections

Fr. Dondion Soriano, SVD - Welcome, Mga Kapuso't Kapamilya

Fr. Elmer Ibarra, SVD - Your Mate Down Under

Fr. Felix Ferrer, SVD - Happylex

Fr. Felmar Fiel, SVD - Felmar's Missionary Journey

Fr. Ferdimar Faminialagao, SVD - Japsaya

Fr. Genesis Velez, SVD - SVD Pinoy

Fr. Jaekel Solde, SVD - Sabaw sa Balbakwa

Fr. Jaimelito Gealan, SVD - Fr. Heart's Domain

Fr. Judy Baňez, SVD - Judy's Site

Fr. Jun Balay, SVD - Jun Haus

Fr. Michael Layugan, SVD - Divine Word School of Theology

Fr. Nonito Gallego, SVD - From a Distance

Fr. Randy Flores, SVD - Divine Word Seminary

Fr. Ross Heruela, SVD - Witness to the Word

Frt. Abraham Ronald Borja, SVD - Frozen Events

Frt. Feure du Nand Bajeaux, SVD - Shine!

Frt. Melchor Fuerzas, SVD - Seminary Life

Frt. Nelson Barbarona, SVD - My Home Away from Home

Frt. Ritchelle Salinas, SVD - Ritch and Pour

SUMMER THANKSGIVING

2009-04-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Davao!

For the past few days, I was always on the go. For your information, I already left St. Arnold Janssen Shrine Parish of Cainta after Easter. They prepared a program for me and that I really appreciated. Thank you to the many kind souls in the parish.

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Frt. Jules and the Knights of the Altar sang their farewell song for me.

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I went home to Davao last Easter Tuesday to also prepare the things necessary for my thanksgiving mass. The support coming from my relatives, neighbors and even of my parish was very overwhelming.

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Individual blessing

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Not only that, I also received the full support of the Divine Word Formation Center of Davao, the SVD seminary in this part of the world. Thank you confreres! Fr. Edgar Javier, SVD told me that in his long years in the priesthood, it was his first time to attend a thanksgiving mass. Maraming salamat talaga sa inyo.

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Fr. Edgar, Fr. Dino, Fr. Reiner, Fr. Gil, Fr. Jaekel, Fr. Fiel, Fr. Aris, Fr. Jhojo, Fr. Bong, Fr. Magdeng, Fr. Sam, Fr. Glenn, Fr. Manny, Fr. Ronie, Fr. Roger and Fr. Raul

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After my thanksgiving mass, I also traveled to Clarin, Misamis Occidental for the thanksgiving mass of Fr. Jaekel Solde, SVD. It was a very long travel, grabe! Maraming salamat talaga kay Fr. Sam Clarin, SVD who offered the car of the vocation office. Nadaanan ko ang Marilog District of Davao City (this place could be the next Baguio and Tagaytay of the Philippines), Bukidnon (wonderful mountains!), Cagayan de Oro City (beautiful cathedral), Iligan (we had to detour because of the bombing done sa isang tulay dito) and marami pang iba.

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Fr. Jaekel together with his mother and Fr. Arnold

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The thanksgiving mass of Fr. Jaekel was also very successful...He also received the full support of the people of his community.

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Boys' Bonding at the Dolphin Rescue Center

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After the thanksgiving, the Pantas Class (minus Fr. Jhonatan Letada, SVD -- tama po ang spelling ng name niya), had our bonding at the Dolphin Rescue Center. It was a wonderful experience for me to swim with the dolphins and feed them.

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A very rare chance...

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To Fr. Aris, Fr. Gil, Fr. Jaekel, and Fr. Jhojo, thank you very much and God bless us in our new mission. May the Heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all.

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BEAUTIFUL PHILIPPINES!!!

2009-04-24T06:47:00.000-07:00

If you don't like this island,

There are 7, 106 other Philippine islands to choose from...

REGENTS 2009-2010

2009-03-27T16:43:00.000-07:00

Among Catholic religious communities (eg. SVD or Divine Word Missionaries) the term, Regency, is used for a period of time that a seminarian leaves his studies to work in the apostolic ministry of the community (eg. teach in a school or seminary).

These seminarians are called "regents.

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Incoming Regents with Fr. Mislang, SVD (from left to right, standing: Frt. Sedfrey, Frt. John Elliot, Frt. Sherwin, Frt. John Paul, Frt. Sergio, Frt. Fred; sitting: Frt. Gilbert and Frt. Ronald Rey; Inset: Frt. Reniel)

Finally, the assignments of our dear SVD Regents are already announced this morning, March 28, at 7 in the morning.

Frt. Sherwin Aromin, SVD - Dvine Word Formation Center, Davao City
Frt. Ronald Rey Espartinez, SVD - Holy Name University, Tagbilaran, Bohol
Frt. Reniel Nachimma, SVD - University of San Carlos, Cebu
Frt. Sedfrey William Nebres - St. Jude Catholic School, Manila
Frt. John Paul Marquez, SVD - Christ the King Mission Seminary, Quezon City
Frt. John Elliot Moyo, SVD - Divine Word Formation Center of Urdaneta, Pangasinan
Frt. Sergio Paganao, SVD - JPIC, Cebu
Frt. Gilbert Razon, SVD - Divine Word College of Legazpi
Frt. Fred Siega, SVD - Vicariate of Tabuk, Kalinga

Congratulation to you Bros! God bless!

JOHN PAUL II TO BE BEATIFIED

2009-03-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

OMG! It began with a Polish News Report in the Polish daily “Dziennik” and spread throughout the blogosphere almost faster than lightning, the late beloved Servant of God John Paul II will be beatified next year on April 2, 2010. He died on April 2, 2005 at 9:37 p.m. in his private apartment shortly after asking “Let me go to my Father’s House”.

This reliable Polish Daily report indicates that the Congregation for the Cause of the Saints has already concluded the process. It began by special dispensation on June 28, 2005, only two months after John Paul's death rather than the standard five years. It could be recall that during his funderal in April 2005, the faithful held up placards calling for him to be made a "Santo Subito" - a saint immediately.

OMG (again)! This news excites me! Surely, the whole world will look forward to this event!

ST. JOSEPH IS IN THE PICTURE!!!

2009-03-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Feast Day to St. Joseph!!!

A friend of mine shared in her blog as her special gift/treat to her dear readers a photo she took at the SVD Seminary in Tagaytay City, Philippines, on March 19, 2006 (take note of the date!) when the priests, seminarians and lay mission partners had a Lenten procession in their grounds...Look at the picture carefully. You may have to zoom in the photo so you can see the unmistakable hovering presence of St. Joseph..

DINNER FOR A CAUSE

2009-03-16T22:39:00.002-07:00

Several SVD confreres, especially overseas, wanted to see the Dinner for a Cause held at the Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay last February 13. It was initiated for the renovation of the seminary roof, especially the Holy Spirit chapel. Nag-le-leak na kasi kapag umuulan (doon pa banda sa Blessed Sacrament). So, ayan na, ito na po.

This is during our practices. Complete attendance.

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That is Frt. Benedicto Awitin, SVD with our Prefect Fr. Meng Menguito, SVD. Very serious during practice, huh.

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The seminary quadrangle was the venue of the Dinner for a Cause.

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Actually, before the dinner, there was a Lucernarium or Evening Prayer which was greatly appreciated by the visitors. Then, the dinner followed.

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That's the community, full-force!

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We also serenaded the visitors per table, actually...

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That is Fr. Jaekel Solde, SVD together with his visitors from Batangas...

MY BIRTHDAY MESSAGE

2009-03-12T23:35:00.000-07:00

Birthday ko today. I am now 28 years old. This is the first year that I am celebrating my birthday as a priest. Parang kailan lang I could still remember the young boy playing with all the kids in our neighborhood. Wonderful! Ang layo na pala ng aking narating, and yet I am very much aware that a new missionary journey will unfold in the next few months for me.

Nais kong magpasalamat sa mga taong naniniwala sa akin, sa mga taong tumutulong sa akin, sa mga taong nagmamahal sa akin. Salamat din sa lahat ng mga taong bumati sa akin at sa mga taong nag-alay ng kanilang mga dasal for me. God bless you po.

Thank you to all my teachers, my formators, my mentors and sa lahat ng mga nakasama ko sa aking seminary formation. Special mention goes to Fr. Teody Taneo, the vocation director who found my way in the SVD. Kung hindi dahil sa kanya, wala ako ngayon dito.

Thank you also to my family sa magandang pagpapalaki sa akin. Kahit di ako lumaki (hehe), I have grown up naman. Haha. I also include them in my prayers.

I thank God for calling me. I know very well that I am still very young and marami pa akong kakaining bigas and so I rely so much on God’s grace daily. My friends, please double your prayers for me. On May 20, I will start my new missionary journey at Ulotanga Island, Ipil, Zamboanga.

Friends, do not worry. I will be okay. God is already there in my mission area, way, way before my arrival. I wish to celebrate my birthday in Zamboanga next year. Aabot tayo diyan. Basta God ordains, God sustains.

God bless you and happy birthday to me.

In the Divine Word,

Felmar Castrodes Fiel, SVD

MAY BUKAS PA

2009-02-26T21:00:00.000-08:00

I am following a very inspiring telenovela these days. Yes, I am one of the million avid viewers of May Bukas Pa (There Is Still Tomorrow), a drama series which started airing on February 2, 2009 after TV Patrol World at ABS-CBN. It is based on the 1955 Spanish film Marcelino pan y vino.

The story is about Santino (Ziejan Jaranilla) . When he was just a baby, Santino was abandoned by his mother in a monastery. He was raised by the caring priests Father Anthony (Jaime Fabregas), Father Jose (Dominic Ochoa), and Father Ringo (Lito Pimentel). As a young boy, Santino will find a friend in a mysterious person which he calls “Bro” (shortened for brother) who will help him change the lives of the people in their town. Wikipedia says that May Bukas Pa is a story that is set to open the eyes of viewers that there will always be hope amidst trials and difficulties. Miracles don’t just fall from heaven but comes to those who keep their faith.

In terms of Nationwide ratings released by TNS, May Bukas Pa reached a whooping 40.9% surpassing its pilot rating and currently the highest rated Primetime show for 2009. Recently, ABS-CBN Management decided to extend the series for 20 weeks.

Hands-down ako sa teleserye na ito. Ito dapat ang mga pinapakita ng tv natin, di yong lagi na lang sex and violence.

However, from the point of view ng isang pari, may mga interesting comments ako sa pilot episode.

1) The priests are Franciscans but the parish is named after Santo Tomas, a Dominican. Hehehehe.

2) Noong piyesta ng Santo Tomas, green ang stole na ginamit ng pari. No, white dapat pag piyesta ng santo. Hehehe.

3) Noong nangumpisal ang mga prayle, white ang gamit ni Father. Hehehe, pag kumpisal dapat violet.

But all in all, ang ganda ng show....Sana magkaroon din ng DVD nito. I want to have a collection of this show. I RECOMMEND THIS TO EVERYONE WHO ARE IN SEARCH OF CHRISTIAN VALUES-ORIENTED PROGRAM.

ASH WEDNESDAY TRIVIA

2009-02-22T18:17:00.000-08:00

I noticed even as a young child that some of the largest crowds in the year will show up to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday, even if it is not a holy day of obligation. Many Filipinos could not afford to let go of Ash Wednesday without a trip to church to be marked with an ashen cross on their foreheads. Even people who seldom come to Church for the rest of the year make a concerted effort to come for ashes (which is good!).

And how would you know if the person seated next to you in the jeepney is not a Catholic? He or she makes a point of telling you that you have something on your forehead, assuming you would want to wash it off. Hehe. But many Catholics wear that smudge faithfully all day. Happy Ash Wednesday!!!

1. The origin of the custom of using ashes in religious ritual can be found in the Old Testament. The prophet Jeremiah, for example, calls for repentance this way: "O daughter of my people, gird on sackcloth, roll in the ashes" (Jer 6:26). The prophet Isaiah, on the other hand, critiques the use of sackcloth and ashes as inadequate to please God (Is 58:5). (Perhaps) the best known example of repentance in the Old Testament is that of the King of Nineveh: “He rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes" (Jon 3:6).

2.In the New Testament, Jesus refers to the use of sackcloth and ashes as signs of repentance: "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes" (Mt 11:21, Lk 10:13).

3.Thomas Talley, an expert on the history of the liturgical year, says that the first clearly datable liturgy for Ash Wednesday that provides for sprinkling ashes is in the Romano-Germanic pontifical of 960. Before that time, ashes had been used as a sign of admission to the Order of Penitents.

4.As early as the sixth century, the Spanish Mozarabic rite calls for signing the forehead with ashes when admitting a gravely ill person to the Order of Penitents.

5. At the beginning of the 11th century, Abbot Aelfric notes that it was customary for all the faithful to take part in a ceremony on the Wednesday before Lent that included the imposition of ashes. Near the end of that century, Pope Urban II called for the general use of ashes on that day. Only later did this day come to be called Ash Wednesday.

6. At first, clerics and men had ashes sprinkled on their heads, while women had the sign of the cross made with ashes on their foreheads. Eventually, of course, the ritual used with women came to be used for men as well.

7. In the 12th century the rule developed that the ashes were to be created by burning palm branches from the previous Palm Sunday. Many parishes today invite parishioners to bring such palms to church before Lent begins and have a ritual burning of the palms after Mass.

8. Originally, the marking of ashes is related with baptism. Those who had committed serious sins confessed their sins to the bishop or his representative and were assigned a penance that was to be carried out over a period of time. Penance this time was called “second baptism.” With the gradual disappearance of the Order of Penitents, the use of ashes became detached from its original context. The focus on personal penance and the Sacrament of Penance continued in Lent, but the connection to Baptism was no longer obvious to most people. This is reflected in the formula that came to be associated with the distribution of ashes: "Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return."

9. The Second Vatican Council (1962-65) called for the renewal of Lent, recovering its ancient baptismal character. Since Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, it naturally is also the beginning to recover a baptismal focus. One hint of this is the second formula that is offered for the imposition of ashes: "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel." Though it doesn't explicitly mention Baptism, it recalls our baptismal promises to reject sin and profess our faith. It is a clear call to conversion, to that movement away from sin and toward Christ that we have to embrace over and over again through our lives.

10. There is a certain irony in the gospel reading for today, which tells us to wash our faces so that we do not appear to be doing penance on the day that we go around with "dirt" on our foreheads. This is just another way Jesus is telling us not to perform religious acts for public recognition. We don't wear the ashes to proclaim our holiness but to acknowledge that we are a community of sinners in need of repentance and renewal.

When we receive ashes on our foreheads, we remember who we are.
We remember that we are creatures of the earth ("Remember that you are dust").
We remember that we are mortal beings ("and to dust you will return").

We remember that we are baptized.

We remember that we are people on a journey of conversion ("Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel").

We remember that we are members of the body of Christ (and that smudge on our foreheads will proclaim that identity to others, too).

I'M LEAVING TAGAYTAY

2009-02-12T17:23:00.000-08:00

Yes,I will be leaving Tagaytay soon...

I received a call the other day (February 11) from the Fr.Heinz Kulueke,SVD, the Provincial Superior of the SVD Philippine Southern Province. Finally,he related to me that I will be sent to Nuestra Señora De Los Remedios Parish of Subanipa, Olutanga Island in Zamboanga Sibugay which is under the Prelature of Ipil. To know more about Olutanga Island, click here.

So,immediately after our graduation this March 28, I will be leaving Tagaytay. I will stay in Cainta until Easter Monday. Then go to Davao for my thanksgiving mass. I will go to Ipil come third week of May.

Ito ang schedule ng aming remaining thanksgiving masses:

February 14 - 6 pm - Sacred Heart Parish of Kamuning, Quezon City
February 17 - 6 pm - Calaboso, Tagaytay City
February 18 - 6 pm - Divine Word Shrine, Christ the King Quezon City
February 20 - 12:10 pm - PCSO, Quezon City
February 20 - 6 pm - St. Arnold Janssen Shrine Parish
February 28 - 5pm - Lourdes Hospital, San Juan
March 6 - 9 am - St. Paul's College of Balayan, Batangas
March 13 - 6:30 am - Pink Sisters, Hemady, Quezon City
March 31 - 6 am - Mission House, Calapan City,Oriental Mindoro
March 31 - 6 pm - Holy Spirit Novitiate, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
April 18 - 10 am - Kiblawan, Davao del Sur
April 22 - 10 am (?) - Clarin, Misamis Occidental

TO FOLLOW: (Mga Pasasalamatan Ko)

San Vicente Ferrer Parish, Sabang, Surigao City
Salegseg, Kalinga Province
Paitan, Oriental Mindoro
Lantuyan, Baco, Oriental Mindoro
Teresian Daughters of Mary Convent, Matina, Davao City
Divine Word Formation Center of Davao, Davao City
St. Francis Xavier College Seminary, Davao City
San Isidro Labrador Parish, Skyline, Davao City

I'm excited...:)

HE KNEW THE TIME OF HIS DEATH!

2009-01-28T22:43:00.000-08:00

Did you ever know of someone who prayed the rosary faithfully and eventually knew the time of his/her death?

I do. Yes, I do.

In fact, I am very close to the family. This family gave me a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary last 2005 for my apostolate area. However, I was not given a specific weekend assignment because I was appointed to our SVD Mission Partners. So, the Blessed Virgin stayed in our seminarians' dining hall. Last year, the image was lost for several months but was returned later (nobody claimed to have borrowed it). At present, the image is in my room.

Let us call him "Tatang." Tatang was a devout Catholic who prayed the rosary. In fact, "Ima" (his wife) married him because "he was religious and his devotion to the rosary impressed me a lot."

Few years ago, Tatang became sick. More than 70 years old already, he often stayed in bed or at times, he would watch tv while in his rocking chair.

Later last year, he began to mention the date "November 4" and started reminding the members of his family, "Mahal ka ni Mama Mary" (Mama Mary Loves You). Whenever his daughter Agnes enters the room, he would make the gesture of the sign of the cross and would assert that he sees the Blessed Virgin.

And he looks forward with joy, "Kaylan ba darating ang November 4?"...and everybody in the house were clueless about it.

On November 4, Tatang died peacefully...He died peacefully on the date he had been mentioning. It was only then that his family members understood. Mama Mary granted him the privilege to know the time of his death and Tatang looked forward to it with joyful anticipation.

Today, the family continued their apostolate of giving Mama Mary images to propagate the devotion to her.

I PERSONALLY, INTIMATELY KNOW THIS FAMILY....AND THEY ALSO WANTED TO LET OTHER PEOPLE KNOW THE ABUNDANT GRACES MARY BESTOWS ON HER CHILDREN WHO ARE DEVOTED TO PRAYING THE ROSARY.

Mama Mary Loves You!

SVD JOKES #30: THE SONG OF FR. JB

2009-01-27T16:22:00.000-08:00

Fr. Julio Barbieto, SVD was a person of humor. His jokes are contagious! One time, in our visit to Villa Cristo Rey, he shared to us a song which he composed and made us laugh until we already cried in joy:

Sa mata ng duling
Lahat tayo ay dalawa
Ha-ha-ha, Ha-ha-ha, Ha-ha-ha

Habang may duling
Hindi ka nag-iisa.
Joke only. Hehehe, Hehehe.

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I welcome contributions! Anecdotes must be funny, true stories of SVD missionaries working in the Philippines or Pinoy SVD missionaries working in any part of the globe. Contributions may be forwarded to fielsvd@yahoo.com

SVD JOKES #29: CATHOLIC CANDIES???

2009-01-27T16:21:00.000-08:00

Fr. Ed Fuguso, SVD shared: In my visit to Mariveles, Bataan, a religious nun from Venezuela related to me how one day, she was casually giving away candies to a group of children when one of them refused the sweet offer saying, “Sister, I am not a Catholic. I am an Aglipayan!”

The nun quickly replied “But these are not Catholic candies.” (The Word in Other Words 2003, May 16)

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I welcome contributions! Anecdotes must be funny, true stories of SVD missionaries working in the Philippines or Pinoy SVD missionaries working in any part of the globe. Contributions may be forwarded to fielsvd@yahoo.com

SVD JOKES #28: FIRST TIME

2009-01-27T16:17:00.000-08:00

This is shared to me by another SVD missionary: Together with another SVD, they were sent to a foreign country. It was both their first time to ride an international flight and confessed that they were really ignorant inside the plane.
The stewardess went to them and offered, “Sir, would you like chicken or beef? Coffee or softdrink?”

The two missionaries, thinking that they are to pay for the order, made a polite gesture, “No, thanks.”

Several hours later, another stewardess came and made the same offer, “Sir, would you like chicken or beef? Coffee or softdrink?”

Still clueless that meals were part of the flight payment, they again politely refused, “No thanks.”

Another Filipino noticed the missionaries. So, this Filipino whispered to them, “the meals are free here. There is no extra charge!”

The two missionaries immediately stood up and faster-than-lightning called the stewardess and said, “Miss, chicken with two extra rice please.”

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I welcome contributions! Anecdotes must be funny, true stories of SVD missionaries working in the Philippines or Pinoy SVD missionaries working in any part of the globe. Contributions may be forwarded to fielsvd@yahoo.com

SVD JOKES #27: JUAN TAMAD CROCODILE

2009-01-27T16:15:00.000-08:00

Fr. Flor Lagura, SVD shared about the story of Fr. Robert Winkler, SVD. “Fr. Winkler was a German missionary to Mindoro. In the 1940’s, Fr. Winkler had to hike from Calapan, the provincial capital, to Bulalacao, the southernmost town. A distance of roughly 200 kilometers over hills, mountains and rivers.

One night, the Bongabon River raged, so the good missionary decided to wait for the dawn cradled in the safety of a tree towering over the riverbank. The next morning, he was shocked to see a huge crocodile awaiting him at the tree’s base. Fortunately, Fr. Winkler – being more patient than the reptile – lived not only to tell the story but also spend many years of his life in building up God’s kingdom.” (The Word in Other Words 2002, May 9)

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I welcome contributions! Anecdotes must be funny, true stories of SVD missionaries working in the Philippines or Pinoy SVD missionaries working in any part of the globe. Contributions may be forwarded to fielsvd@yahoo.com

SVD JOKES #26: LOST AND FOUND

2009-01-27T16:13:00.000-08:00

One time during our common dinner, one of the seminarians announced, “I have found a book. Those who might have lost it, please claim from me.”

“What’s the title of the lost book?” Some seminarians asked.

Then the announcer answered: “St. Anthony of Padua.”

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I welcome contributions! Anecdotes must be funny, true stories of SVD missionaries working in the Philippines or Pinoy SVD missionaries working in any part of the globe. Contributions may be forwarded to fielsvd@yahoo.com

SVD JOKES #25: MABELE! MABELE!

2009-01-22T18:58:00.000-08:00

This is from Pinoy SVD Fr. Emil Pati:

“Setswana”, the language spoken in Botswana, is quieted complicated. One day, while visiting people in the fields, I scouted a group of women harvesting sorghum. Very articulately I greeted them, “Dumelang Bomme” (the usual greeting). In chorus they respond “Dumela Rra.”

Admiring the abundant harvest, I exclaimed, “Bomme, mabele a lona a matona thata!”

Their facial expressions and the silence were enough to tell me I was in trouble. I repeated what I said trying to make myself clear. And one of them remarked, “Ah, mabele.”

I said, “ee mma” (yes madam) pointing at the robust sorghum harvested. Then a thunderous laughter broke out. Trying not to embarrass me, the old man that the word “mabele” has two completely different meanings: If your accent is deep, it means sorghum, but if it is high, it means a woman’s breasts. It was clear then that when I spoke the first time, I was in effect saying, “Women, your breasts are enormous!” (The Word in Other Words 2002, June 2)

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I welcome contributions! Anecdotes must be funny, true stories of SVD missionaries working in the Philippines or Pinoy SVD missionaries working in any part of the globe. Contributions may be forwarded to fielsvd@yahoo.com

SVD JOKES #24: HELP! HELP!

2009-01-22T18:55:00.000-08:00

In one of my summer apostolates, our assistant parish priest was going to be transferred to another place. So, on his last day in the parish, the people decided that we organize a picnic in the river as our token of thanksgiving for the missionary service he had done for the parish.
While in the river, I had so much fun swimming together with another SVD seminarian (You should know I am a swimmer!). This assistant parish priest also wanted to come to us. So, he swam going to our direction but was carried away by the mighty waters, until he reach a whirlpool where he could no longer move himself. He had already drank so much water. So, he shouted to us, “Help! Help!”
Knowing that the assistant parish priest doesn’t speak English to us but in Visayan language, we ignored him and even laughed at him because we thought that he was only playing jokes with us.
After few seconds, he already shouted for help in Visayan dialect: “Tabang! Tabang!”
We immediately came to his rescue!

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I welcome contributions! Anecdotes must be funny, true stories of SVD missionaries working in the Philippines or Pinoy SVD missionaries working in any part of the globe. Contributions may be forwarded to fielsvd@yahoo.com

SVD JOKES #23: THANKS! THANKS!

2009-01-22T18:52:00.000-08:00

When I was a postulant, I remembered very well a serious sermon from an SVD deacon which turned out to be a light moment for all of us gathered. This deacon asked us to look at the cross and try to see the letters on it aside from the INRI.
Then, he himself answered that from the cross we can see the letter T and Y – which, according to him, means “thank you.” Then, he looked around the chapel for a cross to illustrate his point. To his great surprise, the cross we had in the chapel was only a wooden cross without the image of crucified Jesus (which formed the letter Y).
Since the visual cross in our chapel only showed the letter T, the deacon immediately quipped: “Ah, your cross here only shows the letter T – that means ‘thanks!’”

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I welcome contributions! Anecdotes must be funny, true stories of SVD missionaries working in the Philippines or Pinoy SVD missionaries working in any part of the globe. Contributions may be forwarded to fielsvd@yahoo.com