HATID-DIWA:

Light

2008-01-03T05:46:00.001-08:00

Frt. Michael Namba, SVD

One early Sunday morning, I was sitting in my room in my apostolate area for my catechism class when the lights went off. I was caught unaware and didn’t know what to do. I was trying to fix my papers without seeing it but I was bumped so the papers were scattered on the floor. I realized that I could not do anything that was why I stood helpless in my place.

The next Sunday, I was administering a house blessing when the lay ministers asked me to me give a sharing, “Frater, you are the servant of God, you read the gospel and give a sharing to enlighten us.”

Upon experiencing these two encounters, one relating directly to light and the other metaphorically, I came to a point digging deeper into the meaning of light. Light is a very special image Jesus used when He referred to His followers. Jesus called them as the light of the world. Jesus brings light to this world darkened by sin and brightens the lives of the people by cleansing the sins. We hear from Jesus himself in Jn 9:5 that “as long as I live in this world, I am the light of the world.” Light is an open metaphor. In the Jewish context, a righteous person can be designated as the light of the world. It is in this context that Jesus has called his followers to be a light and make themselves a reflection of God’s light so that others may see and follow God.

The highest purpose of light is to be seen. Light is not something to be hidden or kept in secret. Christianity is meant to be seen. Being a Christian is not a personal business but it is meant for others. Light is something that guides the way of the people. It is meant to illumine our journey in this world. And most of all, Christ must be reflected in our lives because He is the very source of light.

Gratuitous

2008-01-03T05:20:00.000-08:00

Frt. Jaekel Solde, SVD

An ordination, be it a diaconate or priestly, is always a grace-filled experience with the Divine, a gratuitous one. It is a gift of God to those whom He wills and desires.

Last June 30, I witnessed and served in the diaconate ordination of my original class, Dakit Class. It was for me a moment of grace seeing my former classmates receiving the gift of ordination. Like any other seminarian, I suppose they have also their own experience of unworthiness of such gifts, in one way or another. But God’s tremendous love allows individual to overcome this “uneasiness’ deep within and transforms it into hope and optimism. Perhaps like St. Paul, abundance of grace motivates us to overcome our own weaknesses and unworthiness. This is I believe a manifestation of grace.

Grace is gratuitous because it is freely given by God to us without asking for a charge. It is given out of his generosity. More so, even if He knew before hand that the one who receives this gift is weak, still He allows us to experience out of genuine love. It is a reality which human mind cannot fathom, hence an incomprehensible vicissitude. This is a mystery of one’s vocation. One can only marvel at this tremendous opportunity that God has bestowed to those whom he wills and desires.

Although, the God does not ask something in return, it is imperative that the receiver must hold on to the very wisdom why God has gifted him with such vocation. In other words, the receiver must have a full knowledge of what he is supposed to be and fulfill the responsibilities attached to it. However, this should not be seen as burden but an opportunity of grace since we will be serving God in varied and wider horizons.

I wish to thank my former classmates for inspiring me, in one way or another to go on with my formation despite my weaknesses and limitations and the many challenges that awaits me. I hope and pray for the Dakit Class, that they persevere in their vocation and that they may fulfill their duties and responsibilities as newly ordained deacons, with humility coupled with God’s grace.

Call to Serve

2008-01-03T05:12:00.000-08:00

Frt. Pelermo Suganob, SVD

I
So many people are seeking your comfort
So many children dreaming to play with you
Open your hands and let them feel embraced
Like the love of God for all the human race

Refrain
I have come to serve you my dearest little child
And I hope everyone give a selfless love

Chorus
Serve the Lord with total compassion
As His life was nailed because of you and me
He does not come to be served, but offered as a gift
So let this flame shine
Let your love be mine
O God

II
Break your heart and hear the crying sound
Listen to their music that scattered in the ground
Hold them up and let them stand again
With your humble heart, let the Kingdom reign
(Repeat Refrain and Chorus)

Coda
As you called us all for service, O Lord
May we all serve the gifts that You’ve shared
May we live in You
May our love for You
As you brought us all as one, as one
(Repeat Chorus 2x)

So let this flame shine
Let Your love be mine
O God

Co-Missionaries

2008-01-03T04:47:00.000-08:00

- Ate Cha Bolloron
Kaarawan ko noon. Naalala ko pa, ganito ring panahon ng taong 1993 noong ako’y magsimulang maglingkod bilang isang co-missionary dito sa seminaryo. Para sa akin, isang malaking biyaya at magandang pagkakataon ang makapaglingkod sa pamilya ng SVD. Marami akong nakilalang tao. Sagana rin dito sa mga kapatid at mga kaibigan na laging handang tumulong sa lahat ng pagkakataon. Sa araw-araw kong paglilingkod at pakikisalamuha sa kanila, marami akong karanasan na kinapupulutan ng aral kung kaya’t patuloy akong lumalago sa buhay ispiritwal at tumitibay sa kabila ng maraming pagsubok sa buhay.

At bilang pasasalamat sa patuloy na pagtitiwala sa aking ng pamilya SVD, lagi kong pagsisikapan na maipagkaloob ang tapat na paglilingkod at maibahagi and aking mumunting kaalaman. Sa ganitong paraan, kaisa ako ng SVD sa pagsunod sa buhay ayon sa Diyos.

-Ate Ester Ramos
Paano ko nga ba nakilala si Hesus sa pagtatrabaho ko sa loob ng seminaryo?

Sa aking buhay, marami akong mga tanong kung bakit? Marami mga alinlangang ang nakapagpabagabag sa aking pagkatao. Ngunit ito’y nagkaroon ng mga kasagutan magmula ng ako’y pumasok ng trabaho dito sa seminaryo. Dito muli kong nakilala at natanggap si Hesus. Nakilala ko Siya bilang isang kaibigan, kakampi at inspirasyon ko sa paglalakbay at paglaban sa ganda ng buhay. Naging matatag ako sa mga problema at kahinaang dumating sa buhay ko. Naibalik ko ang dating nawalang pananampalatayasa Kanya. Naging malakas at buhay ang loob ko sa gitna ng mga problema. Napagsumikapang kong mabuhay bilang mabuting tagasunod ni Hesus. Dito’y nadama ko ang tunay na pagmamahal ni Hesus sa katauhan ng mga pari, seminarista at co-missionaries. Kayo ang gumabay at naging inspirasyon ko upang patuloy na maging matatag sa pananampalataya kay Hesus. Napakaimportante Niya sa akin mula ng tanggapin ko Siya sa aking puso at wala na akong alinlangan pa sa Kanya. Ngayon, hindi lamang sa seminaryo, isa rin akong aktibong miyembro sa aking parokya bilang tagapagpalaganap ng Mabuting Balita. Napakasarap pala ng buhay Kristiyano.

Invite ko kayo ha!

The Hesitant Caregiver

2008-01-03T04:44:00.000-08:00

Frt. Gil Rochar Dulay, SVD

Last year, I grabbed the opportunity to join the SVD Philippines Annual Retreat for three reasons: first, to reenergize myself spiritually; second, to meet and get acquainted with confreres; third, to take a rest from the different concerns in the university.

I find the confreres very warm, welcoming and generous in giving their time talking about their experiences in their mission fields. On the third day, while we were having our holy hour, one of the old confreres collapsed. I rushed to his place and started to massage his hands to facilitate blood circulation. Later on, we rushed him to the hospital.

I volunteered to accompany the old confrere. From that moment on, my care-giving capability was challenged. He was x-rayed twice and I had to help the radiologist in keeping the old confrere in right position. He also vomited twice and it even splattered on my shirt and pants. I also felt vomiting upon sniffing the stinking smell but I was able to control in respect to the sick. I assumed that it was already the hardest part of being a caregiver but there was more.

The doctors soon found out that he had eaten something that made him sick which resulted to LBM and dehydration. Then, in the middle of the night while I was sleeping soundly, he awakened me because he wanted to go to the comfort room. After a while he called me, “Frats, tapos na ako but I cannot clean myself because I cannot reach it and my hands are trembling.” I was stunned but I could not refuse the old confrere. The next morning, he awakened me once more to seek help.

I was not at ease but I remember what my mother had told me to do such “act of mercy” to my younger siblings. Ever since, I was not ease doing it for others but because of love for a brother and a confrere I was able to do such heroic act of mercy. I came to realize that what if I will be in his shoes, will a younger confrere be willing to serve me? I realized that life is a matter of sharing what I have to other people in need, even in my very simple way of serving others. Such simple act of service if coupled with love will be great in the eyes of God. I believe that such experience is the best gift and realization I had during the retreat. God, in His humility, lovingly served the humanity.

Witness to the Word

2008-01-03T04:40:00.000-08:00

“Witnessing is imitating how Jesus carried His cross. It shows to us that courage, hope and trust in God are necessary elements, especially in times of difficulties, in our missionary endeavors. Our endeavors will find its completion in the grace of God.”
-Frt. Gilbert Razon, SVD

“Witnessing starts from the language of the heart and that is love. God’s love within me and around me can make all things possible. It is in this love that makes me a desirous witness in His mission. This meaningful and joyful life of service to the Divine Word narrates a beautiful story, not only to my inner being but also to the people I encounter.”
-Frt. Tristan Sherwin Aromin, SVD

An Old Lady and the Eucharist

2008-01-03T04:38:00.000-08:00

Frt. Elmer Hernandez, SVD

I noticed an old lady who was left behind after a Sunday Bible service in one of the barrios of our parish. She was teary-eyed. I approached her and asked if there was something wrong. I was surprised to hear her answer: “Hindi ako nakapag-komunyon kasi hindi pa ako nakapag-kumpisal.” What added to her sadness was the fact that that day was very significant for her because she was celebrating her birthday.

I sat beside her and intently embraced her. That was my immediate reaction hoping to make her comfortable. I assumed that she was aware that I do not have the faculty of hearing confession. And so I asked her to see the priest at once. Her tears flowed all the more. That was the only word I left her. She knew I could not stay longer because of my other scheduled services. I felt helpless and so I turned my back silently to proceed to my next schedule of Bible service in another barrio. I kept that in my heart and continued pondering. I had enough time to reflect because it was a long trip to reach my second area. It was four rides away.

The experience made me appreciate all the more the value of the Holy Eucharist and the reverence of the holy sacrifice deserves. Holy Eucharist is being celebrated everyday as part of our spiritual nourishment. Unfortunately, there were times when it becomes very ordinary in the daily structure. For some, it is of great importance like the old lady who has the rare chance of celebrating the liturgy. Unfortunately, it is not even a mass, it is just a Bible service. It made me grateful for the opportunity of receiving the Lord in the most Holy Sacrifice.

No one could underestimate the power of the Holy Eucharist. It could even transform people. God sanctifies the sacrifice being offered. We are just made instruments to facilitate the sacrifice. I thank God for the experience. I may not be teary-eyed like the old lady but there must be an inner longing for Christ and be disposed to receive Him in a worthy spirit. God deserves a well-prepared dwelling place in us. I should exert more effort to make my soul, mind and heart worthy of the transforming grace that flows in the Holy Eucharist.

Doon sa Manggahan

2008-01-03T04:31:00.000-08:00

Frt. John Paul Marquez, SVD

I took my paper map. I began matching crossing lines and dancing arrows. It was about 10:30 am on the seventh of July, I alighted from the jeepney and stepped on that ground called Manggahan. Before me was the reality scribbled in my paper map. As I was locating my parish assignment, I kept on wondering on how things will unfold. Just when I entered one alley suggested by the map, I saw the parish. It was simple in its architecture, but it seems to have been a modified baroque.

I was never an outgoing fellow. I am afraid of traveling to unknown places for fear of getting lost. Nonetheless, my familiarity with Cavite gave me confidence to be able to arrive at the proper destination. Well, Manggahan- this will be my place in the greater scheme of things for eight months.

My parish priest oriented me with the nature of my work. It is about helping the parish to form BEC (Basic Ecclesial Communities). The work entails, certainly, PR. For some this may sound very basic, but for me it is not. I need to admit the fact that I am not the kind of person who easily gets along with others. But the point is I need to get along. I must speak because I need to relate. These apprehensions, however, slowly faded as I listen to the stories of people whom I am meeting. During house blessings, I see the joy of fulfilling a dream, of owning a house for a family abode.

The many people I meet made me reflect the reason why am I in the seminary. Spending my time and energy in going to there houses and chapels made me realize that my life is no longer the life that I used to be. “Oo nga pala,” I am already in vows. And it takes a lot of effort in order to live out these vows.
Every time I leave the lush of our seminary, from the time I ride on a jeepney, I really experience on how to die to myself. On weekends, I usually give up my time to prepare for the coming week’s academic endeavors, giving up the space to relax and rest from the week’s pressures inside the classroom. But what are these for? My apostolate makes me realize that I become more intimate with God, the very same reason why we study theology. It is pleasure to realize that God is incarnated in the stories and lives of the people whom I serve.

God is in the Cup of Coffee

2008-01-03T04:27:00.000-08:00

Frt. John Mark Veloso, SVD

Frats, kape po muna kayo! This is the usual greeting whenever I arrive from a long, lonely and tiresome walk down Kalabuso. Instead of a cold drink, people would offer a boiling kapeng barako. Coffee is a precious commodity of the people. They till the land. They harvest the coffee themselves and make it ready whenever visitors come.

It is in every cup of coffee that I was able to reach out to the people. It is through a cup of coffee that I came to understand their stories and their lives. I came to understand their culture, how unique and rich in values and simplicity of life. I noticed that I had become closer to the people.

Whenever I gulp the last drop of steaming brewed coffee, I would realize the generosity of Lord to these simple folks of Kalabuso. I could seldom see quarrelling in Kalabuso and I could sense the deep respect towards the elders. They would treat one another as part of a kamag-anak. They might not be as pious as the church-goers but their character manifests the great love of God to all.

There were times I wanted to inculcate the knowledge I got in my formation years but it seemed they were not interested to know about God and our faith. Many times I would desperately rung the chapel bell just to invite them for the celebration of liturgy. Usually, they would prefer to continue their own businesses in life.

However, I am still fascinated on how carry out their faith. I was fascinated by their generosity and kindness through a simple cup of coffee. I realize that God is made present in every gesture of offering coffee. He is present in those inviting eyes of the people who are willing to give and share the most important commodity in their lives. God in His great love offered and sent His only begotten Son for our redemption. Somehow, these unassuming folks of Kalabuso showed me how it feels to be a recipient of love and care by offering a cup of hot coffee. For them, this is just a simple act but for me they taught me of life’s valuable wisdom. God is present in every cup of coffee.

Confreres Are Gifts

2008-01-03T02:26:00.000-08:00

Frt. Felmar Fiel, SVD

Our Superior General once said in his visit to the DWST community that “the greatest treasures that we have are neither the buildings that we built nor the institutions we established. Our greatest treasures are our confreres.”

I absolutely agree with this statement as I reflect about my life in the community. Through the years, our community experienced several trials which really tested our inner strength and dedication as brothers in the Lord. Amazingly, we have survived all those trials and we attribute it to our faith in the Lord and the inspiration we get from one another.
I noticed that the community has become very animated. The smiles and laughter I see from my confreres and our SVD visitors make me realize that ours is a very welcoming community. The Fathers joyously join us in our community building activities and even in our animations. Father Fred’s dictum is very inspiring. He said that “As long as we are together, never mind the weather.” It inspires me so much and perhaps it also touches my confreres. Yes, the community really has been a big influence in my day-to-day decision to continue my journey in the SVD. The stories we share, the idiosyncrasies we knew of each other and the acceptance of one another as brothers in the Lord – unique and special – made me feel that God loves me personally.

The Acts of the Apostles mentions something about communal meals, “They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.” (Acts 2: 46–47). I am concretely experiencing this in my community. We eat with so much joy and happiness and we treasure each other. One even jokingly said, “The community who eats together, there will be no left-overs.” It’s Funny but true.

I thank God for blessing me with confreres like them. To them, I could share my joys, sorrows, hopes and tribulations. The community provides me with a suitable environment, where I can grow more in the missionary vision that brought us together. Our community is truly God’s gift to me!

May God bless us always.

Mission Partner Apostolate

2008-01-03T02:04:00.000-08:00

John Paul II said to all people of good will, “Today, as never before, the Church has the opportunity of bringing the Gospel, by witness and word, to all people and nations. I see the dawning of a new missionary age, which will become radiant day bearing an abundant harvest, if all Christians, and missionaries and young Churches in particular, respond with generosity and holiness to the calls and challenges of our time.” (Redemptoris Missio, 92) The Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay has responded to this call by creating the Mission Partner Apostolate (MPA) whose main task is to have a network of mission conscious friends, who are willing to become partners in the SVD Mission-Apostolate. The primary objective of MPA members is to become co-workers in the mission by providing spiritual and financial support to SVD seminarians in their various apostolates. These apostolates range from retreat-giving, care-giving, dialogue with drug dependants, dialogue with other religions, barrio apostolate, social action, children’s catechism, parish work and many other ways of spreading the Word. “It is not [only] prayers but also generous deeds that touch God’s heart,” as our Founder Saint Arnold Janssen had said. We, the SVD seminarians, as religious missionaries cannot be successful in spreading the Word without your wholehearted support. Thus, we look forward to meeting and working with you as our missionary partner in the vineyard of the Lord.
“If we trust in the Lord and do what is in our power, He will never abandon us.”

You may send your donation to: METROBANK ACCT #: 182-3-18243117-7
ACCOUNT NAME: Divine Word Seminary ITF- Mission Partner Apostolate
Please send to us the deposit receipts through fax for the issuance of receipt and security of your donation. Our fax number: (046) 413-1251 or mail to Mission Partner Apostolate, Divine Word Seminary, SVD Road, 4120 Tagaytay City, Philippines

From Sunday Group to Mission Partners

2008-01-03T01:50:00.000-08:00

Mr. Ronnie and Mrs. Marie Crisologo

A few years ago, Fr. Nick Sengson, SVD formed a small group to help him in the liturgical activities of the seminary. On Sundays, after the mass he would stand outside the chapel and would talk to church goers. He must have noticed families and faces who frequently attend mass. And most of us are not really from Tagaytay. So, Fr. Nick must have thought of something of good use of this bunch and he started to talk to us, encouraging us to be more active in every celebration. At first, he assigns a family to lead the prayers of the faithful. And so it went on. Although faces were familiar but we were still not acquainted with one another. Fr. Nick gathered us and introduced us with one another. There was first Tita Rose, Ate Ating, the sisters Perla and Maris, the Garvida family, Doc Tolits and Malot and their kids Nica and Clooney, the Layag’s with Tito Paul and Tita Lolida and their kids, Butch and Babes Abayon with their kids Monique, Bal and Tonton, the Peridos, Norman and Mercy and their boys; Ronnie and Marie Crisologo with Jared, Sophia and Gabriel, Tito Leo and Tita Donna, Ate V (Vicky), Ms. Christy and Ms. Diovey and her kids. There were times when there were only few seminarians left in the seminary to help him in the liturgy. And so, he tapped the group to help in the activities of the seminary chapel especially during Lenten and Christmas seasons.

Through the years, the group started to grow. With the addition of Dra. Daday, Malot’s sister, the Reyes Family, Sir Lito, Ma’am Nene and their son Xavier and Dra. Dada and their two kids, Edong and Hilda and their son, Noli, and the newlyweds Danny and Nora. The group was formed for the purpose of helping the liturgy. Eventually the group proved to be of more use than just replacements during liturgical celebrations. When Fr. Nick went to another mission, we were entrusted to Fr. Raul Caga, SVD. At first, the existence of the group went on with its purpose of helping liturgical celebrations until we were put to another role as mission partners. We were asked to assist and organize the gospel concert of Fr. Raul and the Arnoldus Company. It was a very meaningful experience to be of help to the concert for the benefit of the scholarship of seminarians. It is inspiring to be part of the missionary endeavors of the SVD.

Right now, the group is steadily growing in God’s grace. We are patiently waiting for another challenge as mission partners and as servants of the Lord give meaning to true Christian life. And hopefully one day, we will finally have a name for our group.

The Sunday group is just part of the bigger group of mission partners who help the seminary in varied ways. Our mission partners, thank you!

Japan: Language is Difficult But it's Fun

2008-01-03T01:40:00.000-08:00

Frt. Nelson Barbarona, SVD

“Hajimemashite! Watashi ha Nelson Barbarona desu, Firipin jin desu. Doozo yoroshiku…”

These are the basic statements I first learned in Japanese aside from the very common words like, “Hai, arigatoo gozaimasu” or “sayonara!” It was my first Japanese class at YWCA and it was really adventurous in nature and exciting. Although, I was really very nervous when I joined the class of mixed nationalities. My mouth was totally sealed and my mind was really disoriented. “A I U E O,” the first lesson we had was reciting the vowels. I thought it was just like in English sound but it was totally different and my tongue was in trouble considering that my native dialect is stiff. I have to open my mouth wide and round, speak loudly and clearly. After three hours, I was able to introduce myself with the words written above.

There were many times when my pale cheeks would turn into rosy pink out of embarrassments whenever I give wrong answers. It was so difficult. But of course, it was understandable. Whenever I could not understand I would just say “sumimasen, watashi ha zenzen wakarimasen” and the teacher would repeat the discussion.

For six months now, I have finished two Japanese courses- the Elementary Japanese 1 and 2. All these subjects were attended twice a week, three hours per session with only a 10-minute break. These classes, though difficult, were really interesting and funny. Although I had a lot of complaints about the arrangements of new students and teaching methods, still I was able to balance my limited knowledge. Eventually, my difficulties and insecurities were triggered during the ME II where I had classmates from Korea and Taiwan. Both were really good speakers in Japanese because of their four-year stay here. Others were ahead of me for about a year. I was the only one who knows nothing about the language. It was very challenging psychologically. I didn’t want my Wednesday class because my teacher gave lessons very fast. I could feel that my body is exhausted and drained. Nonetheless I had to endure despite my feelings.

Before I move to a tougher course at Nanzan University on September, I still have one more Japanese class at YWCA Language School. This is an intensive course about Japanese learning. I have to attend the class every day, learning 20 kanjis per session and the intensive grammar. I could feel the difficulty especially when I scanned my new books. But, my teacher encouraged me to be very positive at all times. She said “to learn is to love and enjoy the hardest part of the language.” My friends keep on encouraging me.

I keep on praying that with the grace of the Almighty Father through the Divine Word, my missionary journey here in Japan will not be in vain. I just hope and pray that in due time I will learn this language and be able to communicate with the Japanese people whom I want to serve.

Mission

2008-01-03T01:37:00.001-08:00

Frt. Jereck Jera, SVD

The experience of being in the barrios, immersing myself to the culture and lifestyle of the folks, is an experience of learning and discovering. Because people are very welcoming and accommodating, they helped me a lot to enter into their world.

Although, from time to time I would experience feelings of fear and unworthiness, “Kaya ko ba ‘to?” This question keeps on lingering in my mind especially during my first day of apostolate. It is my apprehension and struggle whenever I am in a new environment. Nevertheless, I trust in the assurance of God who says, “ Do not fear for I am with you always.” This does mean I am spared from trials, desolations, problems and difficulties in my endeavors to be a witness to the Word. It is, however, a living reminder that God is the one who soothes when things get rough and the burdens are heavy. Hence, this should propel me to trust Him, the very source of strength and courage.

My journey as an apostle made me realize that our experiences are animated by the saving grace of God in reaching out with other people. The simplicity of the people paves all the more to a more profound faith. It is a great consolation that I can personally feel the presence of God in my undertakings in doing His will.

I believe that the important thing to consider in our missionary endeavor is to be reminded that we are just servants in the vast and enormous mission of Christ through the Church. It is, likewise, a caution from complacency and arrogance because we are called to become humble and faithful missionaries.

Prophetic Dialogue

2008-01-03T01:33:00.000-08:00

“Nagasangyaw sa Ginoo ang tuburan sa kaayo; sa pasaylo’g paghigugma, wa nay sama kaniya. Nagmanta-la sa pagbalik sa Ginoo hangtud sa kahangturan.”
–Frt. Ritchille, SVD

“Ti pannakidialogo ket maysa a wagas ti pannakisarita wenno pannakitungtung. Padasen ti tunggal maysa ti sumrek iti lubong nga paggargarawan ti kadaialogo. Tapno naballaigi ken nabunga ti pannakidaialogo masapul nga iwaksi ti tumunggal maysa dagiti banbanag a nagsusupadian ket ipangpangruna dagiti banbanag a nagpapadaan. Iti daytoy a proseso kasapulan ngarud ti respeto, nasin-aw a patinakem ken mannakaawat nga panagpuspuso. Babaen daytoy a wagas, mapatibker, mapasantak ken mapauneg ti relasyon, ken panagkikinnaawatan ti tumunggal maysa. Ti ngarud pannakidaialogo ket idallannatayo nga agturong iti nainkappiaan ken napnuan ayat nga pannakilangen kadagiti kakabsattayo iti laksid dagiti nagsusupadian tayo iti kultura, relihiyon, ideolohiya ken estado ti biag. Ket mangnamnamatayo nga amin tayo ket mairagpatto iti gloria ti Dios nga Apo tayo.”
-Frt. Reniel Nachima, SVD

Nasaan Ka, Isko?

2008-01-03T01:30:00.000-08:00

By: Frt. Norman Dale Apo, SVD

Mamulat ka

Buhay mo’y handog
Sa ati’y idinulog
Ang mabathalang kaloob

Manalig ka

Likha ka ng Dakila
Saksi sa Salita
Sa puso inaalintana

Mapalad ka

Sa pag-ibig hinubog
Upang maging bantayog
Ng Bathalang iniirog

Hamon iyong angkinin
Ang Diwa lasapin
Ito ang buhay tatahakin

Humayo ka, Isko.

God is in the City Jail

2008-01-03T01:23:00.000-08:00

Frt. Frederick Siega, SVD

The incident that imprints most to me is when I had the opportunity to join a Eucharistic celebration at the Quezon City Jail last July 7, 2007. It was inspiring. It has been fourteen years now when I had my first experience of jail apostolate. And it is noteworthy to experience once more the apostolate.

I was delighted during the mass by the joyful participation of the inmates. Their sincerity and truthfulness led my unexpected tears of joy. I was so inspired that these people who are considered to be “poor and outcasts, these sinners” had helped me realize and encourage me to be more trustful to the Lord in investing for the service of the Kingdom.

As I was observing them with their different gestures and statures, I felt happy. They were jolly, charismatic and participative. Some were exaggerated in their gestures, some were sleepy, and some were absent-minded. I was grateful to God for allowing me to experience and see God’s unconditional love for us all- especially the prisoners who are steadfast in their faith. I have seen God to be very merciful to those who have fallen. In His love, He gives us the chance for repentance and makes our lives according to His will.

I have discovered that God’s grace is overflowing in my apostolate and the people I meet. I believe that we should be very open to these graces necessary in life as we follow the Divine Word.

Aguinaldo: Sentro si Kristo

2008-01-03T01:17:00.000-08:00

Frt. Manuel Mijares, SVD

I was in Aguinaldo, Ifugao for my summer exposure. We, SVD seminarians, are sent to different mission areas in order to enrich our missionary vocation. I was excited then to go to a place where culture and language were very strange to me. At first I was at loss, I could not understand their native language, not even a single word. Every after supper, the gospel reading for the next day was read in Ilocano. I could only understand the word “Apo Jos” which refers to God.

But what really makes our lives in union with the Divine Word? We were six seminarians assigned in Aguinaldo- two fratres, three collegians and one postulant. We were visiting far flung barrios as part of our community immersion. There, we had the share of ordeal in trekking mountains. Sometimes, we would ride on top of a bus. What’s consoling is that while we were on a journey, we had some sacred sharing about our life, our joys and troubles inside the seminary. We all had the share of God’s grace through the tough times of our formation. When we would reach the zenith of the mountain, then we would enjoy the scenery of Ifugao’s rice terraces- a testament to God’s beautiful creation. It was a breath taking experience.

When we would arrive in communities, people welcomed us warmly with a toast of rice wine, which they call tapoy. The common thing that we did in the barrios was joining the people in their household and field works, living with them and listening to their stories. I too experienced grinding the grain of rice. I realized there the importance of every grain of rice. It was there that I experienced the close connection of the fruits of creation, human labor and most of all the grace of God.

Living with people in Aguinaldo makes my faith even more empowered. It challenges me to be more united with God in dealing with simple people, in sharing God’s Word and witnessing His presence through creation.

Community for Mission

2008-01-03T01:11:00.000-08:00

Frt. Jonathan Letada, SVD

When I articulated my preference for schoolwork for my regency placement, I was actually honest with my heart’s desire. I wanted to be assigned in a place where I can develop my interest in teaching. I love teaching. And I dreamed for Holy Name University as venue to fulfill this aspiration. Surprisingly, missionary work in a school setting does not only develop my teaching skills but more so, form me as a ‘missionary’ of the Divine Word. The community life and missionary experience are the two significant treasures that shape this missionary identity in my heart.

Community Life: When I arrived at the residence, I was welcomed with the poster: ‘Warm welcome, Frt. Jojo!’ The God of communion is amazingly waiting for me with the sign of acceptance and belongingness in the community. I felt at home. The community was exceptionally accommodating and sensitive to the growth of each member by giving importance to communal prayers, meals and other shared activities. In fact, each confrere tries to live as one family in the midst of differences, varied and unique personalities and cultural backgrounds. Living in the community, differences are not stumbling blocks, rather opportunities to celebrate the gift of self, and create cohesive, fraternal and life-giving relationships. The quality of the fraternal life has a significant impact on my perseverance in this God-given religious-missionary vocation. Indeed, it is in a life in union with the Divine Word that shape our relationship with one another, eventually enhances our community life with the bond of love and mutual trust.

Missionary experience: I took my assignments in the university not as a ‘job’ but rather an opportunity for me to grow in my religious-missionary identity. It is in this context that the more I appreciate my theological studies/ formation in the seminary; the more I claim the profound need to be in communion and intimacy with the Christ in prayers and in the Eucharist; and the more I value the missionary significance of my role to the students. Teaching is more than preparing lessons, imparting knowledge, giving examinations, assignments and grades. Teaching needs a spirituality rooted in the Word. The very source of our commitment and joy to the missionary work entrusted to our care is our life in union with the Divine Word. Christ is the center of our life. A living union with him brings unity and gives depth to our whole life with its many activities (SVD Const. # 401).

I am personally grateful to Holy Name University community for their generosity in journeying with me during the regency year of my formation. With them, I realized two important lessons in life. First, a missionary’s life must deeply anchored on Christ alone, a life in communion with his transforming grace through a common life lived in community. This is what draws each member into deeper bonds of unity with one another and so enables each one to carry out Christ’s mission with joy and gratitude. Second, a life of communion with Christ forms our community for mission. Communion and mission are inseparable. They are profoundly connected with each other. It means that communion is both the source and fruit of mission. A life of communion in a community gives rise to mission and mission is accomplished through communion (Fraternal Life in Community # 58).

The Language of the Heart

2008-01-03T00:22:00.000-08:00

I Will Go (The Song of Josef)
From the album Called by Love
Performed by Fr. Raul Caga, SVD
Music and Lyrics: J. Nez Marcelo

I will go to where He leads me
Where His word is never heard
Though the road may seem so endless
And the future seems to hide.

His wings shall be my shelter
His love will be my sword
His mercy and compassion
Are all I have to hold.

Refrain
For God is my refuge
A shelter from the storm
He leads me to the safe path
His truth shall be my home
For His kingdom reigns forever
In my heart that’s where I’ll start.

Though it pains to leave my homeland
I will go led by His hands
For the language man can understand
Is the language of the heart.

Life in Union with the Divine Word

2008-01-03T00:13:00.000-08:00

Fr. Wilfredo Saniel, SVD

Life of the Cross: My life revolves around different challenges as Jesus Christ has said, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me” (Mt 16:24). These challenges shape, transform and deepen my life of faith. In the face of challenges, many times I am afraid. My humanity tells me to evade and run away from them. When I face them, I realize that I do not know what to do or how to go about them. But mysteriously, I feel a presence in them. This presence is the Lord’s. The Divine Word beckons me, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (Mt 14:27). This presence inspires me to embrace whatever challenges that come my way. Even though, I am afraid, I do not run away. By His own providential guidance, whatever little or short-sighted effort I make to face these challenges leads to greater fruitfulness in my work and, more significantly, inner peace in my heart. Difficult challenges represent the crosses in my life. In embracing them, I am embracing the presence of the Lord.

Life of Faith: A life of the cross transforms me into man of faith. My life has become a life of faith, a living faith which I define as a daily relationship of finding the Lord and responding to His will. Through a living faith, I have found deeper meanings in my relationships with the people and in my work. In such deeper meanings, the written Word has become a living Word. The teaching of Jesus, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (Jn 6:63), has indeed come true. And wonder of all wonders, a living faith has been the key or source of my fruitfulness as Christ Jesus also said, “Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit because without me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). I believe that the “much fruit” refers to Christ Jesus Himself and the growth of his image in my humanity such that my vocation as SVD is “to become a living word of God to others.”

Life is Passing Over : Through a life of the cross inspired by a life of faith, I see my life as a daily passing over to the person of the Divine Word. It is a daily journey from human self to the divine self of Christ Jesus– to that very Spirit of Jesus who unites Jesus to the Father. It is a daily journey to incarnate Christ in my own flesh and blood. When I celebrate the Holy Mass and pronounce the words of Jesus, “this is my Body, this is my Blood … do this in remembrance of me” (1 Cor 11:24-25), the Lord Himself calls me to become a living memorial of Him– wherever I am, whatever I do. Certainly, the SVD spirituality of passing over has its missionary dimensions related to entering new cultures, encountering other religions and beliefs, associating with the poor and the marginalized. But I believe that mission can only be possible and fruitful if the missionary lives in union with the person of the Divine Word.

The Ministry of Deacons in the Church

2008-01-03T00:04:00.000-08:00

Rev. Michael Tangente, SVD

We often associate the ministry of deacons as a ministry at the service of the bishops and priests. Deacons are to assist the bishops and the priests in the administration of the church affairs especially in the ministry of the Word. Although the office of preaching the gospel is committed principally to the Roman Pontiff and the College of Bishops (Can. 756), in particular churches, this ministry is entrusted to the diocesan bishop and to priests particularly parish priests as co-operators of the bishop, while the deacons are to serve the people of God in the ministry of the Word, in union with the bishop and his presbyterium (C. 757). Thus, deacons are to proclaim the gospel and deliver a homily on Sundays, holy days of obligation, feasts and even during ordinary days when circumstances allow. These canonical provisions set a direction as to the place and ministry of deacons in the church.

However, I would like to add that deacons in as much as all Christians are called to a life of holiness, deacons too, are obliged to live a holy life, i.e. a life centered in the Word of God and the Holy Eucharist. Yes, they will be taking an active role in the management of the daily affairs of the church for the nourishment and maintenance of the Christian faith.

Nevertheless, their ordination binds them to certain obligations. Deacons are required to say the breviary daily and to assist the priest in the daily offering of the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The very reason for these I believe is to sanctify the life of the ordained. Assisting the priest during holy mass is very noticeable, but the former, saying the breviary daily is something I would like to highlight. We are to say the liturgy of the hours because this is the prayer of the universal church, and as deacons and ordained ministers, we do this not only for our own spiritual nourishment, but most importantly, we do this in the name of the church. We are praying for the people of God. Such realization has changed and deepened my orientation as to praying the liturgy of the hours.

As a fourth year theology student, I have to admit that we are handling multiple tasks. Besides our academic demands, we too are to give justice to the ministry we are embarking. With hectic schedules such as these, the usual thing that would suffer is prayer life. But, it should not be the case, because the demand of our diaconal ministry requires our intimate relationship with God whose Word we are to serve and proclaim.

Yes, the diaconal ministry (diakonia), is a ministry at the service of another ministry – the ministry of the Word principally committed to the Roman Pontiff, college of bishops and priests. It is in this reason that deacons have to approach their ministry with respect and reverence. They carry with them their spirituality for they are to be witnesses themselves to the Word they serve and proclaim.

The Busy God

2008-01-02T23:41:00.000-08:00

Frt. Aris Martin, SVD

For five days, I was beating deadlines. My usual siesta was compromised. My 10:30 pm usual bedtime was moved to deadening 12:00 mn. My days were extremely pressured. My body was protesting. My personal prayer time was sacrificed. But I cannot do otherwise, I justified. I simply have to convince myself that after the exams in Grace, in Hebrew, in History and after my report in Paul and in Sacrament, and after making my Project Paper Outline, and after passing my application for the Perpetualist Program and after I have written solicitation letters for our grotto…after I have made my reflection in Grace…I can simply pray all day and sleep all night.

In the middle of the pressure, we were dismissed early in our afternoon class. I took my reviewer, laid my back, and without any complaint my body took advantage of that rare moment with the bed and lulled to sleep.

The next thing I remembered was a sudden and strong “bang” on my door, as if scores of terrorists attacked my relatively peaceful room. I was forced to wake up at the wrong side of my bed and immediately look at my watch, it was already 5:00 pm. I realized we have a class processing at 4:30 pm. My sudden waking up and being late led me to an extreme exasperation.

I rushed to fix my self and immediately proceeded to our meeting place. I entered the room silently while the rest were praying. I learned immediately that one of my classmates came to wake me up, that flared my anger all the more. “He could wake me up in a better way,” I quipped. I entertained ways to strike back. Sorry for getting scandalized by my internal turmoil. Yes, these extreme emotions too are felt by Fraters!

While relishing my anger, our formator was talking about controlling emotions as an indicator of human maturity. Wow, how can God send a person to speak of wisdom that could lead me from sin!

The message persisted and it pierced me until it penetrated my hostile plans and softened them with cordial gesture of reaching out to apologize for being late. And I apologized, and I reached out to my potential enemy, and the potential relationship-breaking emotions were turned into a climate of friendship and fellowship. God indeed comes and makes himself manifest at the time we need him, whether we are busy or at rest. One thing is sure – what makes God busy all the time is that we don’t find our rest in Him.

Life, Service and the Divine Word

2008-01-02T23:26:00.000-08:00

Frt. Joey Ruega, SVD

God’s wisdom can never be outdone by one’s own plans and decisions. His plans remain and will always prevail- this is my experience. It was beyond my imagination that I will be the next forum president of the seminary because I thought that I am not qualified, not capable and fitting for the job. But the support of my brother Iskos was overwhelming. I never thought that they would vote for me. Their trust and confidence lifted my spirit, made me stronger and courageous enough to face the challenges of leading them as their servant leader. I consider this experience as a way of dying to my own self and to my selfishness. My concern and priority is no longer limited to my personal agenda but the larger community of scholastics. I believe that God has planted me here. And He’s expecting me to grow, to bloom and bear fruit abundantly. This reminds me of a beautiful passage from the gospel of John, “unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (Jn.12:24)

Being a leader especially in a community like ours is not an easy task. Doubts and anxieties engulf my heart but I consider this as a challenge and opportunity for growth and maturity. I always believe that the grace of God abounds even more especially in times of difficulties and trials. I have my own weaknesses and limitations but the words of St. Paul inspire me, “my grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. So I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness so that the power of Christ may dwell in me…for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor. 12:9-10) My life and stay in the seminary is a manifestation of this truth that God’s guiding presence is always there even in times of doubt. I am not what I am now without Him who blessed me with manifold gifts and graces.

In my journey as I follow the Lord I often find myself working so hard in weaving my own dreams that sometimes I overlook the essentials and the harvest. I forget to notice the fruits of my labors, my toils and the growth of my spiritual journey. One way of nourishing and cultivating my spiritual life is to be mindful of my fruits of labor and celebrate the harvest of my giftedness. It is a way of acknowledging God, the Divine Word who helped me grow, who blessed me and always working within me. My life in union with the Divine Word is a continuous becoming, a process, collaboration and openness to His grace. It is like a spring flowing continuously giving life to my soul and animates my whole being.

Experiencing the First Profession of Vows

2008-01-02T23:20:00.000-08:00

By: Frt. Ronald Rey Espartinez, SVD

The first profession of vows of our class was held last June 2, 2007 at Christ The King Mission Seminary Chapel. The day became a very remarkable moment in my life since I had made a very solemn profession of the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience before God.

One of my most touching moments was when I knelt down before our superior and profess to God my promises to embrace the vows. At that very moment I noticed that there were feelings of both anxiety and joy in my heart. The feeling of anxiety came from the thought of being unworthy to receive the vows and the awareness of my weaknesses and limitations. The vows demand faithfulness and actualization. However, given the realization of my fragile nature I just offered a simple prayer to God at the very moment of my profession to help me in my journey. I keep on asking God to accompany me always in whatever steps I would take in the religious life. In like manner, the experienced of joy in my heart that very moment was rooted from the realization that everything comes from the love and grace of God. I felt that I have nothing to boast about myself, my family and to all the people who attended our profession except for the love of God.

I have been in the seminary formation of the Society for almost eight years now. I can say that in every stage of formation there are always new experiences, struggles, and learnings. The experience of joy is brought about by the truth that God is not only the source of my vocation but in all the stages of my formation, He has intimately and generously accompanied me.

Another meaningful experience was during the traditional sign with the SVD confreres. In that very special moment I felt the spirit of acceptance and joy as they welcomed us as temporary members of the Society. The experience of the symbolical embrace enables and challenges me to move into a new realm of consciousness, attitude, and identity. My profession to the religious vows is only the beginning of a new journey. It is a journey of active response to faith in God and through the spirituality, vision and mission of the Society of the Divine Word. I believe that the rituals of the vows will not make any difference unless I will live out the vows in union with the Divine Word.