Mission Thrust Caps the FourYear Series of Augustinian Spirituality Congress
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CONGRESS /Page 2
1,2,3 pose! Participants of the 4th Augustinian Seminarians’ Spirituality Congress candidly pose with the youth of the Mother of Divine Providence Parish in Brgy. Payatas during the culminating activity, which is an exposure with people living in the area.
IMMERSION /Page 6
First Grand Alumni homecoming for STVI at 15
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he Saint Thomas of Villanova Institute (SACS) took a leap from its existence of fifteen years since its foundation in 1996. This was the first time in its history that an Alumni Homecoming was hosted.
HOMECOMING/Page 8
Professorium Section
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he professed of the San Agustin
SPs join 10-year old Communio gathering SPs commemorate Human Rights day in Tarlac
Collegium Section
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SP friars TCenter of Studies went on an immerwith the indigenous people as the wear sion culmination of their formation class on G-string Mission for the first semester. In collaboin ration with Sr. Isirylin N. Fegarido of the of Charity and the Parish of immersion Daughters Ina Poon – Bato in Botolan,
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Informative crisis management talk aides students Collegium spearheads Christmas outreach programs
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ission was the centrepiece of the 4th Augustinian Seminarians’ Spirituality Congress which was held at the San Agustin Center of Studies. The three-day forum was held last November 4-6, 2011 with the theme “TransforMission: A Renewed Commitment for Evangelization”. It was attended by the three formation communities of the Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu: the Collegium and Professorium departments of the San Agustin Center of Studies in Quezon City; the professional seminarians of the San Agustin Seminary in Makati City and the novices of the Augustinian Novitiate and Prayer House in Cebu. The first day commenced in the afternoon with the arrival and registration of the participants. In the formal opening of the program, the perspective setting was outlined by the chairman of the Commission on Vocation and Initial Formation of the Province, Rev. Fr. Andrew Batayola, OSA and at the same time the Master of the simple professed.
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SACS Update Vol. 12 - Issue No. 2 - September to December 2011
Common Acts Section
“CONGRESS”/
Fr. Nohara appointed as new formator
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fter six years of missionary work in South Korea, Fr. Pacifico “Jun” Nohara, OSA returned home to the Philippines and was assigned as new member of SACS Community last May 2011. His presence in SACS made the community more vibrant and happy. However, last November 14, 2011, the Prior Provincial and his Council in their October Provincial meeting decided to assign Fr. Nohara as a new member of the Formation Team of the pre-novitiate level (commonly known as Collegium). To fully fulfill, then, in his new assignment, Fr. Joel Beronque, OSA, Master of college seminarians, requested him to be the spiritual accompanier or the one in charge of the spiritual formation of the fifteen postulants, who are now currently finishing their Bachelors’ Degree in Philosophy. Consequently, plans were set up as to how he could be helpful to the spiritual growth of the postulants, especially considering that in few months’ time they will be entering the Novitiate Program. In line with this, he brought the postulants to attend a forum on Missiology at the Institute for Consecrated Life in Asia (ICLA), where Fr. Nohara is currently taking up his further studies in Missiology. Labana, OSA
(Above) Delegates of the 4th Augustinian Seminarians’ Spirituality Congress which includes all levels of formation from prenovitate to the post novitiate. (above right) Four Augustinians (ASOLC, AA, AMP and OSA) share their missionary experiences during the panel discussion on the first day. (bottom right) Fr. Kroeger summarizes his talk on the theology of mission into bullets.
It was followed by the first of the tripartite plan of the congress, following the ‘See-Judge-Act’ method of theologizing. The “seeing” part’s panel discussion was ushered in by the presence of four representatives from Augustinian congregations working in mission: Rev. Fr. Gilles Bloin, AA (Augustinians of the Assumption); Rev. Fr. Apolinario Mejorada, OSA (Augustinians of the Province of Cebu); Rev. Sr. Cecilia Bayona, AMP (Augustinian Missionaries of the Philippines) and Rev. Sr. Cresteta Grana, OSA (Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation). The four panellists shared their missionary experiences, related their ups and downs and exhorted the formands to work cheerfully for mission and to aspire for a great-
For Donations: Dear brothers and sisters! Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the peace and joy of the Lord be with you now and always. We hereby appeal for your support toward the training of our seminarians. The following are the account details: PESO SAVINGS ACCOUNT:
Account Name: San Agustin Center of Studies Library Account Number: 3371-0034-43
DOLLAR SAVINGS ACCOUNT:
Account Name: San Agustin Center of Studies Library Account Number: 3374-0300-77
May the good Lord grant your heart’s desire and fulfill every plan of yours through Christ our Lord. We are looking forward to hearing from you soon. We count on your support. Thank you and God bless! SACS Friars
er missionary endeavour in and out of the Church. The second day was on the “judging” part. The morning slot was taken by Rev. Fr. James Kroeger of the Maryknoll Missionaries. He theologized on the missionary endeavour of the Church by presenting some principles and thoughts concerning the biblical root of mission specifically from the Pauline and other New Testament epistles. Fr. Kroeger presented also a different view of mission in the Church seen as the result of the constant reforming of the Church and of the updating of herself as to how to respond to the ever message of Christ in the fast changing society. The afternoon session was the turn of Fr. Peter Casiño, OSA, an Augustinian of the Vicariate of the Orient and once a missionary in Africa. He elaborated on mission in the Augustinian context. He imparted ideas, principles and thoughts on Augustinian mission from his personal experiences. The last day was dedicated to the “acting” part when the seminarians visited and had a half-day immersion in Payatas, Quezon City. They were grouped into small teams and assigned to different chapels, spending the whole morning to listening, relating and sharing with the urban poor in the outskirts of the city. In the afternoon, the brothers went back to SACS spending the whole afternoon talking about their experiences and sharing their insights and concrete expe-
riences during the activity. After which, the reading of the acts was done and a video presentation was shown, allowing the seminarians to situate mission at the very heart of the Augustinian way of life. The three-day congress was interlaced also with light moments and activities in the evening showcasing talents related to mission and other similar motifs. This congress is the last of the four-year plan of the Province to gather the seminarians to dwell in the spirit of renewal according to the spirituality of the Order. 2008 had seen the renewal of formation in the Order; 2009 tried to ruminate over interiority and its repercussions on affectivity; 2010 meditated on community, and this 2011 capped the program with mission and service to the Church. However, according to Fr. Batayola the program does not really end here. It is his hope that it will be continued “depending to the next administrators of the Province.” At the closing Mass on November 6, 2011, a symbolic sending off of two fourth year simple professed friars was done to indicate that the final stage of their initial formation ends with the act of sending them to the missionary vineyard of the Province and of the Order. The Congress ended with a dinner program after the closing Mass, where the formands and formators of the province both enjoyed the Augustinian camaraderie. Reyes, OSA
SACS Update Vol. 12 - Issue No. 2 - September to December 2011
Common Acts Section
ISA celebrates 9th year Living in oneness of heart and mind is an identity of a true-bloodied Augustinian.
Batayola speaks about good governance and challenges every Christian to pursue the cause of Human Rights
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he only basis of our response to so many social problems today is to love and to have concern for others.” These were the words of Rev. Fr. Andrew Batayola, OSA to some religious brothers and sisters and to some whistle blowers against corruption in the government during a Mass sponsored by the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines last December 2, 2011 held at the chapel of La Salle Greenhills in Mandaluyong City at around 6:00 in the evening. Batayola, who represented the Augustinian Province of Santo Niño de Cebu - Philippines, was the main celebrant and preacher of the said occasion. Drawing inspiration from the theme “Human Rights in Relation to Good Governance”, Batayola said that in order to make human rights a real advocacy, we should invest in corporations and organizations which “first, provide equal employment opportunities for minorities and women; second, provide management training and advancement for minorities and women; third, provide affirmative action policies and do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex or race; fourth, utilize for labor practices and recognize the right of workers to organize; and fifth, engage
in dialogue with employees and shareholders about labor relations, apparent discriminations and other concerns about human rights.” Lamenting about the many social problems in the society today, he stressed that “Jesus as the Gospels are telling us, had also his own programs in the ministry, a program of governance. Ihatid ang mabuting balita sa mga dukha. Pagpapalaya sa mga bilanggo, sa mga bulag ang panunumbalik ng paningin. pagbibigay ginhawa sa mga api. pagpapahayag ng taon ng kabutihang loob ng Panginoon. Christ is calling us to continue his program for good governance, a program for human rights.” The said celebration was attended by around 100 religious men and women from different congregations around Metro Manila. The presence of Mr. Jun Lozada, Ms. Heidi Mendoza, Col. George Rabusa, Ms. Etta Rosalas and Atty. Byron Bokar had become more meaningful as these personalities made a radical choice to tell the truth against corruption in the government. With Batayola were the first year simple professed friars who also served as choir during the Eucharistic Celebration. Magin, OSA
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he 9th ISA Gathering (Iisang Samahan ng mga Augustinians) was held at the San Agustin Seminary, in Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City last December 3, 2011. Sixty-two Philosophy students and twenty-six theologians from SACS attended the gathering together with some solemn professed friars of the community. This whole day event was participated in by the formands of the Augustinian Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu, the Vicariate of the Orient, and the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation (ASOLC). Some of the formands and formators were also present during the event. ISA 2011’s theme was “Augustinian Encounter: Revitalizing ISA”, which expressed ISA’s foremost reason for its existence that is to strengthen the friendship and camaraderie among all the OSA formands. This point was greatly highlighted in the morning talk given by Sr. Cecile Ibana, OSA. It was indeed an event of encounter and sharing. Above all it was a formative gathering for all. The scheduled activities for the rest of the day facilitated the encounter among those who attended the affair. The celebration that began with a Holy Mass was capped by an evening’s program called, “The Augustinian Face Off”. Formands and formators prepared different presentations that entertained everybody. Asor, OSA
Frays Romeo, Lolibert and Harold make their Solemn Profession
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(R-L) Fray Romeo Coronel, OSA, Fray Lolibert Endam, OSA and Fray Harold Langahin, OSA
ast November 12, 2011 at the San Agustin Chapel, three Augustinian friars made their solemn profession of religious vows. They were Fray Romeo Tambacan Coronel, from Balud, San Fernando, Cebu; Fray Lolibert Ondagas Endam, from Ayungon, Negros Oriental and Fray Harold Cañadora Langahin, from Basak, Mandaue City, Cebu. The ceremony started with a Eucharistic celebration at 9:00 AM officiated by the Prior Provincial Fr. Eusebio B. Berdon, OSA together with other Augustinian friars and guest priests. Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA, prior of SACS and head of the formation team presented the three friars as candidates for solemn rites.
After the solemn rites, the parents of the three friars were affiliated to the Order. The Provincial Secretary, Fr. Antolin Asor, OSA announced the new assignments of the three friars after their installation. Fray Endam is assigned to the Augustinian Novitiate and Prayer House in Lower Mohon, Talisay City, Cebu; Fray Coronel is assigned to the San Agustin Community in Mati, Davao; and Fray Langahin is assigned to the San Agustin Center of Studies in Quezon City. After the ceremony, everyone partook of a simple agape at the Saint Thomas of Villanova Institute’s Multi-Purpose Hall accompanied by a special musical program. Lingo, OSA
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SACS Update Vol. 12 - Issue No. 2 - September to December 2011
Common Acts Section
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SACS hosts 2011 Luzon Zone Christmas gathering
round seventy solemn and simple professed friars and Augustinian lay affiliates belonging to the communities of Gubat, Chrysanthemum, Biñan, Guadalupe and Quezon City attended the 2011 Luzon Zone Christmas gathering last December 19, 2011 at the San Agustin Center of Studies, Quezon City. The gathering started with a registration. The participants then were divided into two groups for the talks. The first group which included all solemn and simple professed friars had Fr. Sesenio Paderog, OSA as speaker. Fr. Paderog’s talk was held at the STVI Multi-purpose hall. He challenged the friars to be always in touch with themselves as they are preparing for the Christmas event. Meanwhile, Fray Rodel Magin, OSA facilitated a talk entitled “Spiritual Preparation
One-liner News Fr. Pacifico Nohara, OSA is scheduled for Rome to study Augustinian Spirituality Course from January 29 - April 25, 2012.
R The Augustinian friars and lay affiliates take a souvenir picture to cherish the yuletide moment of gathering the celebration of oneness and fraternity.
for the coming of the Messiah” for the lay affiliates held at Room 3 – STVI classroom. He pointed out that just like in the book of the prophet Micah, every Christian Augustinians are also called by God “to do what is right, to love goodness and to walk humbly with the Lord.” After these simultaneous talks, all gathered at the STVI Multi-purpose hall for the celebration of the Eucharist which was presided over by the Prior of the House, Rev. Fr. Andrew Batayola, OSA with Fr. Emmanuel Czar Alvarez, OSA as homilist. A sumptuous lunch was served after the Mass. The 2011 Zonal gathering for Luzon capped by a program of presentations, games and exchange of gifts facilitated by the Sports and Socio-cultural Committee. Magin, OSA
Fr. Seidel (front 2nd from left) and Fr. Sequio (front 3rd from left) and other formators studying in Emmaus for the course Accompaniment in PyschoSexual Formation.
“Alay lakad para kay Maria” of college seminarians was successful last December 8, 2011.
ev. Frs. Jose Seidel, OSA, Michael Alvin Sequio, OSA, Ericson Borre, OSA and Andrew Batayola, OSA attended modular classes on formation at the Emmaus Center for Psycho-Spiritual Formation in the Ateneo de Manila University Campus in Quezon City. According to Fr. Batayola, the Prior of the House and Master of Simple Professed, these classes also served as part of the ongoing formation of solemn professed friars as stipulated in Constitutions of the Order which says that formation continues even after solemn profession. Eventually, both the formands and the formators will benefit from the said modular program. Frs. Seidel and Sequio took the 8-day live-out module on “Accompaniment in PsychoSexual Formation” last October while Fr. Batayola took up the 3-day live-out module on “Ministerial Boundaries, Power and Self-Care” last November. However, Fr. Borre will be taking the 5-day live-out module on “Developmental Transitions and Transformation” on January of 2012. Labana, OSA
“TARLAC”/ from page 6
As a new member of the SACS community, Fray Harold Langahin, OSA was assigned temporarily to assist the procuration office and the office of the secretary of the STVI. Fr. Czar Emmanuel Alvarez, OSA and Fr. Michael Alvin Sequio, OSA were elected president and secretary, respectively, during the meeting of young academicians in the OSAAP (Order of St. Augustinian in Asia and Pacific) last September 30 to October 2, 2011 in Consolacion, Cebu.
Formators attend formation classes
Alumni and some guest priests pose for a souvenir picture after the opening mass that was presided by Fr. Eusebio Berdon, OSA. Most of the participants are solemn professed and simple professed friars, who graduated from the STVI.
a mission to initiate a dialogue of life in as much as the one-day and one-night immersion was not enough to engage in a deeper understanding of the besieging social issue in Luisita. While the presence of the friars gave strength and hope to the farmers as they yearn for fulfilling their dreams to own the land, the life of the farmers meanwhile taught the friars how to widen their perspective in living in a community such as that of the farmers and even offer their lives for the service of those who are in need. The immersion was a great success. Before leaving the area, the friars offered Christmas gifts to their foster families. Nombrefia, OSA
SACS Update Vol. 12 - Issue No. 2 - September to December 2011
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Risk Reduction seminar orients professed
ast October 6, 2011 at around 2:00 PM in at the St. Monica’s Conference Hall, San Agustin Center of Studies, the Committee on Sanitation and Maintenance of the simple professed Community conducted a seminar on Risk Reduction Management. The rationale of the seminar was to give awareness of and to equip the friars for any possible dangers and calamities either natural or man-made, such as fire, flood and earthquake. The committee invited the most prominent resource personnel coming from the Quezon City Fire District of the Bureau of Fire and Protection, to the Chief of the Fire and Safety Education Department of the Quezon City
Buddy-system. One of the facilitators of the seminar-workshop demonstrates to the professed volunteers the proper handling of a fire hydrant by using the buddy-system, which is supporting the partner’s shoulder.
Fire Bureau, F/Sr./Ins. Cesar Patrocino Jr. and his team, to facilitate the activity on Risk Reduction. The team gave the professed basic orientation on the nature and the “do’s and don’ts” of calamities when they occur. At the end of the informative lecture all the simple professed friars, with the facilitators, proceeded to the seminary ground in front of the St. Monica’s building to conduct a fire drill. Volunteers were asked to try the proper usage of a fire extinguisher in putting off a fire and also the proper handling of a fire hydrant available in the seminary in case fire gets worst. Miranda, OSA
SPs join the 10-year old Communio gathering
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he decade-old Communio Gathering of the theologians of the Recoletos School of Theology (RST) and of the Immaculate Conception Major Seminary (ICMAS) of the Diocese of Malolos was held at the Agatha Homes Resort, in Sta. Rita, Guiguinto, Bulacan and at the seminary compound of ICMAS on September 16 to 17, 2011. This tenth-year gathering bore a thrust for common reflection extracted from the book of Psalms: “Quam bonum et quam iucundum habitare fratres in unum” Ps 144:1 (How good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity). The brothers began the two-day activity initially at the Dominican contemplative nuns’ Our Lady of Angels Monastery in Bocaue, Bulacan with a Eu-
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Professorium Section
charistic Celebration and Lauds presided over by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Cruz, one of the founding fathers of Communio. A series of activities were held at the Agatha Homes Resort, like the sharing of four senior seminarians from both institutions about their realizations, insights and suggestions on the decade anniversary of Communio and its future. Fray Ric Anthony Reyes, OSA was chosen to represent RST and shared his thoughts along with Bro. Expedito Agripa, ESHT, another senior seminarian from RST. Outstandingly, the event was graced by His Excellency Cirilo Almario, bishop-emeritus of Malolos. Team-building activities, leisure swimming, videoke challenge and socialization followed after lunch until four in the afternoon when the
brothers proceeded to ICMAS for the rest of the activities. At ICMAS, the brothers gathered at six in the evening for Holy Hour and Vespers at the seminary’s oratory. Dinner and program followed at the refectory where each institution and congregation showcased its talent in singing and dancing. On the next day, Bishop Jose Oliveros, DD of the Diocese of Malolos presided over the closing mass of the gathering. He challenged every seminarian, both diocesan and religious, to work out a good relationship and he also praised the existing collaboration of professors of both institutions which is indeed an unfailing expression of Communio. The activity ended with a communal breakfast in the refectory and the awarding of tokens of attendance to each
congregation and seminary that participated. The Communio Gathering, which marked its tenth year this 2011, was originally a brainchild of Frs. Emmanuel Cruz and Jorge Peligro, OAR, then colleagues at Angelicum, in Rome, Italy. As they handled formation offices in their respective places in 2001, Communio was born out of their personal friendship and eager longing to link the gap between religious and diocesan seminarians. The Augustinian simple professed friars of the San Agustin Center of Studies (SACS) is proud to be part of this ten-year old endeavor for unity, collaboration and dialogue on the level of formation since its beginnings. Reyes, OSA
SNTH celebrates Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Day
he Professorium community celebrated the Feast of St. Nicholas of Tolentine last September 10, 2011. The celebration was made meaningful when Rev. Fr. Nicholas Echeveria, OSA said the Mass to commemorate the Feast of the Augustinian saint, blest and distributed the famous Saint Nicholas bred. After the mass, the pre-
novices and the solemn professed friars were invited to partake of the sumptuous dinner prepared by the simple professed. A birthday tribute was also given to Fr. Nick who celebrated his 71st birthday on the same occasion. The SNTH Socio-Cultural Committee also prepared a short program that showcased the talents in dancing and singing of
the simple professed friars. The program was concluded with an inspirational message given by the Master of the Professorium, Rev. Fr. Andrew Batayola, OSA. After the short program, the community night, exclusively for the professed, followed at the fountain area of SNTH building. Tubid, OSA
TSt. Nicholas of Tolentine
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SACS Update Vol. 12 - Issue No. 2 - September to December 2011
Professorium Section
SPs commemorate Human Rights Day in Tarlac
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very December 10, the world celebrates Human Rights Day - a commemoration of the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. One with this celebration and as part of their formation class in San Agustin Center of Studies, the whole Professorium Community went to Tarlac last December 10 to 11, 2011 for an immersion with the farmers in Hacienda Luisita. These farmers, as history has it, are victims of poverty for more than two scores now. Together with Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA, Master of the Simple Professed Friars, the friars were sent to each family by two’s with
TARLAC /Page 4 Dialogue. Fray Julius, OSA (right) listens attentively to one of the farmers in Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac about their fight for their rights.
SP friars hold annual retreat in La Union
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n October 24-28, 2011 the twenty-four simple professed friars of SACS with two Chinese diocesan brothers had their retreat at the Queen of Peace Retreat House of the Benedictine Sisters of the Eucharistic King in Damortis, La Union. Rev. Fr. Sesenio Paderog, OSA facilitated the retreat on the theme “TransforMission: Making Disciples through ShortTerm Missions”. Fr. Paderog guided the brothers in tracing their family history through genogram, after which the topic on vocation was ushered in. The retreat master also highlighted the vital role of
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SP friars wear G-string in immersion
the simple professed friars together with their formators, namely Fr. Andrew Batayola, OSA, Fr. Jose Seidel, OSA, and Fr. Ericson Borre, OSA stayed at Botolan in Zambales, where Aetas from Mt. Pinatubo moved after the destructive eruption of the volcano. The said immersion kicked off last October 17, 2011 as the friars celebrated Mass at the Ina Poon – Bato Parish officiated by Fr. Seidel. After the Holy Mass, the friars walked around 10 kilometers from the parish church to the immersion area. The friars were assigned to different families. The immersion culminated on October 20, 2011. In the morning of that day, the friars were able to spearhead a “barrio fiesta” during lunch time followed by giftgiving. In the evening, they were able to witness the prayer ritual of the Aetas led by their tribe leader. A cultural presentation by the Aetas after the ritual prayer made the celebration more cheerful despite the absence of electricity. The friars wore G-strings, a traditional dress of the male Aetas, and were able to participate in their traditional dance with only an improvised lamp as the source of light. The immersion with the indigenous people concluded on Fire out of a bamboo. Fray Peter, OSA tries to learn the art of creating fire out of bamboo trunks while being assisted by the tribe’s chieftain, Tatay Saki.
The simple professed friars together with their retreat facilitator, Fr. Sesenio Paderog, OSA (2nd row, 4th from R-L).
prayer in their lives as seminarians aspiring to become friars and priests in the future. The evangelical counsels – obedience, poverty and chastity - were also discussed, then the life lived in mission was talked about. Asor, OSA
SPs visit Augustinian heritages
he Sports and Socio-Cultural Committee of the Professorium organized a Balik-Ugat program last October 28, 2011, after the five-day annual retreat of the friars. Balik-Ugat is an activity of commemorating the Augustinian forebears and visiting various precious ecclesiastical heritages in the Philippines that were handed down to the Filipino Catholics. Among the churches which were visited was the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity or also named as Sta. Monica Parish in Agoo, La Union. In history, the said church was established by the Franciscan friars in 1578 and it was dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi. The Franciscans soon withdrew from the place and the Augustinians took over. As a result, Agoo’s patron,
“immersion”/ from page 1
St. Francis was changed into Sta. Monica, in honor of the mother of St. Augustine. From then on the Augustinians were the ones managing the church until 1773 when it was handed over to the Dominicans. Again it was entrusted to the Augustinians in 1774 until 1893. It was finally turned over to the secular clergy in 1898. From La Union, the friars headed to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag whose original image was historically brought by the Augustinian friars who were in charge of the spiritual administration of the Manaoag town in Pangasinan from 1590 to 1613. In 1614, the spiritual leadership was transferred to the Dominicans, under the patronage of Saint Monica. Cabahug, OSA
Bahag. Some simple professed wear the traditional costume of the indigenous group of the Aetas in Botolan, Zambales as part of ther actual immersion with the community.
October 21, 2011 with the closing Mass at the parish church presided over by Fr. Ericson Borre. After parting ways with their foster families after the Mass, the friars went to the parish convent for the processing of their experience and key learning of the 4-day immersion. In a synthesis presented by Sr. Fegarido based on the sharing of the friars, the importance and the urgency of being with the marginalized constitute a challenge for every religious today, who are called to abandon their comfort zones as they serve the poor of Christ. She said that as men called to serve the poor, each has to respond to the challenge of building up a church of the poor through efforts that promote justice and solidarity along with the witnessing of the evangelical vows. Through the effort of Sr. Fegarido in coordination with Fray Mark Tampos, OSA, chairman of Mission and Apostolate Committee, the Aetas were given the opportunity to visit Manila. On December 16, 2011, they roamed around the Metropolis and stayed overnight in SACS. On December 17, 2011, before going back to their homeland, the Aetas entertained friars, seminarians and massgoers through their ethnic and cultural dance and songs they presented after the celebration of the Eucharist held at the San Agustin Chapel on the second day of the Misa de Gallo. For them and for Sr. Fegarido, it was their expression of gratitude for the spiritual and material support they received from the generous people through SACS. They departed at around 7:00 A.M. Magin, OSA
SACS Update Vol. 12 - Issue No. 2 - September to December 2011
Collegium Section
Collegium spearheads Christmas outreach programs
Merry Christmas! Students of Culiat Elementary School gather on the ground for their Christmas party sponsored by the Postulants through the help of some benefactors.
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he Collegium Community, through its Committee on Apostolate spearheaded Christmas Outreach programs to the different apostolate areas of both the aspirants and postulants. On December 4, 2011, the second - year aspirants conducted a Christmas party for the poor children of Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila. They were divided into two groups: the San Juan Bautista sub-parish which was headed by Rev. Fr. Thomas Banayag, OSA, and the St. Rita de Cascia mis-
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fter almost twelve months from last year’s retreat, the SACS’ collegium seminarians went back to the Mo.Teresa Spinelli House of Prayer run by Augustinian Sisters of Jesus and Mary at Kabangaan in Tagaytay City for the same purpose last October 10-12, 2011. This year’s retreat was facilitated by the current novice master of the Augustinian Novitiate and Prayer House in Cebu, Rev. Fr. Donato Elleazar, OSA. The three day “rest-and-medi-
Literary night highlights mission
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sion station was headed by Rev. Fr. Joel Beronque, OSA. Meanwhile, on December 5 and 12, 2011, the postulants capped their catechism apostolate for the year 2011 by initiating a Christmas party for their pupils in Culiat Elementary School. Presentation by sections, parlor games and others were among the activities prepared by them. Finally, on December 10, 2011, the third year aspirants brought the children from the nearby chapel in Project 6 to STVI multi-purpose hall for a Christmas gathering. The whole community thanked the sponsors and donors who made these Christmas outreach programs a big success! Baric
Collegium goes back to Spinelli for retreat tate” moment focused on the importance of mission and formation process for formands. Fr. Ellezar facilitated the sessions throughout the three day retreat. He started with an introduction on what a retreat was for and ended it discussing the elements of an ideal formation. The seminarians capped each session with group and individual meditations. The retreat was concluded with a short trip to People’s Park, Tagaytay City. Ramos
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n Friday evening of August 26, 2011 at 8:30 PM, despite the busy schedule of the seminary the college brothers held a literary night graced by the presence of the simple professed friars, at the STVI multi-purpose hall on the theme “Generosity as the Basic Element of Mission and Evangelization”. The said activity had two parts: first, the extemporaneous speech contest and second, the verse choir competition. The participants were divided according to their teams in the Intramural games namely, Japan, Korea, Pilipinas, Indonesia, India, and Australia. The contest was adjudged by two professors of STVI namely: Mr. Mark Benedict F. Lim, the Filipino subject professor, and Mrs. Joy G. Vargas, the moderator of the English Empowerment. The team Indonesia won the extemporaneous speech contest, while the team Australia won the verse choir contest. Mimay
Post. Noel Eday (wearing black clerical) guides team mates for verse choir competition
Informative crisis management talk aides students
he college seminarians attended a talk on “Crisis Management” that was held at the STVI multi-purpose hall on August 19, 2011. The formation team of the pre-novices headed by the master of students, Fr. Joel Beronque, OSA, invited a prominent and well-known speaker suited for this interestFr. Teodulo Gonzales, SJ ing topic Rev. Fr. Teodulo P. Gonzales, SJ. In the first part of the talk, Fr. Teodulo highlighted the importance of “hinga para makapaghinga”, a reminder to integrate for the seminarians themselves the subject to dispersion due to various crisis. He also discussed four main objectives concerning this - namely self-knowledge, self-acceptance, self-esteem and selfpurpose as tips on how to recover from stresses especially during religious formation. Dosdos, II
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3rd year aspirants on a 3 day-immersion
he third year aspirants had a successful immersion from October 13 to 15, 2011 in Bagong Silang II, Bacoor, Cavite. They were distributed to foster families wherein they lived with them in order to experience the different ways of life according to the lifestyle of their respective foster families. The activity was realized through the help Some college seminarians listen eagerly to Fr. Donato Ellezar, OSA of Sr. Meljane Dialogo,OSA and Imelda Arellano,OSA of the Augusas he talks about the elements of formation during their retreat. tinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation. Cañete.
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SACS Update Vol. 12 - Issue No. 2 - September to December 2011
Collegium Section continuation from page 1
First Grand Alumni Homecoming for STVI at 15 It was held last November 25-27, 2011 at SACS. Being “alumni” do not only refer to those who graduated from the Institute, but, also to former students, who, at least, studied a semester. The homecoming was attended by 18 solemn professed friars, 15 simple professed friars and 30 lay alumni as well as the current students of the Institute. Some have flown from distant provinces and countries liked from Davao, Cebu, Iloilo, Singapore and United Arab Emirates in order to participate in the said gathering. In an interview with the over-all project head of the Alumni Homecoming, Fr. Michael Alvin Sequio, OSA, he gladly said that the first STVI Alumni Homecoming was generally a success based on the commendations and appreciations he received from the participants. Various activities were carried out based on the goals of the homecoming, such as welcoming the alumni and making them feel at home, through a registration, an opening Mass and an acquaintance party - all held on the first day, November 25, 2011. Second, in order to relive good memories of their formation life, common prayers, meals and games were organized to meet this goal. In
Editorial Board Fray Genesis Labana, OSA
Editor-in-Chief
Asp. Phillip Andrew Mimay
Collegium Associate Editor Fray Ric Anthony Reyes, OSA Fray Rodel Magin, OSA
Professorium Asssociate Editors Fray Robert Lee Lingo, OSA Fray Aimark Asor, OSA Fray Reo Cabahug, OSA Fray Antonio Nombrefia, OSA Fray John Ion Miranda, OSA Fray Julius Tubid, OSA Asp. Yurii C Ramos Asp. Allan Martin Dosdos, II Asp. Phillip Andrew C. Mimay Asp. Mark Louie Cañete Post. Arcie Baric Post. Noel Eday
Correspondents
Fray Ryan Pasabilla, OSA Asp. Roy Echeveria
Circulation Managers Fray Genesis Labana, OSA
Lay-out Artist
SACS Mass Media Center Staff
Photographers
Fr. Czar Emmanuel Alvarez, OSA English Consultant Fr. Andrew Batayola, OSA
Moderator
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! From : San Agustin Center of Studies Community
common prayers, some of the alumni served as choir during the Mass of the second day, November 26, 2011. The pioneering batches of 1996-2000 sang songs that were popular during their generation. In games, basketball, volleyball and the exciting and energizing “Alumni amazing race” were held. Third, there was a talk given by the first Director of the Institute, Rev. Fr. Rommel Par, OSA, followed by a group sharing in order for them to have a chance to share their life experiences with fellow alumni. And lastly, to maintain lasting relationship with the alumni and share Augustinian Spirituality and life with them on the third day, November 27, 2011, the STVI Alumni Association was established and national officers were elected and appointed. Fray Stephen Tan, OSA (Batch 1996) was elected as national President, who in turn appointed Fray Ric Anthony Reyes, OSA (Batch 2003) and Fr. Noel Cogasa, OSA (batch 2000) as national secretary and treasurer,
respectively. The Alumni Homecoming culminated with an inspirational homily delivered by Fr. Rodulfo Bugna, OSA, the first Master of Students of the Institute, encouraging them to maintain the unity that was built among the alumni. Part of such was the alumni’s willingness to support the needs of the institute, wherever necessary. A remarkable statement from one of the alumni expressed his eagerness to attend again a homecoming in years to come. The memories and joys experienced the homecoming will surely be treasured by those who attended it. Labana, OSA
Some of the participants of the 1st STVI Grand Alumni Homecoming.
H
ere is the list of the division of regions and officers of (national and regional) of STVI Alumni Association 20112012: Region 1 composed of participants coming from or residing (either permanently or temporarily) in Metro Manila and other Luzon areas. The region’s center is Quezon City. Region 2 composed of participants coming from or residing (either permanently or temporarily) in Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete and Negros Oriental. The region’s center is Cebu. Region 3 composed of participants coming from or residing (either permanently or temporarily) in Iloilo, Antique, Bacolod, and Negros Occidental. The region’s center is Iloilo Region 4 composed of participants coming from or residing (either permanently or temporarily) in Mindanao. The region’s center is Davao City. National Officers: President: Fray Stephen Tan, OSA Secretary: Fray Ric Anthony Reyes, OSA Treasurer: Fr. Noel Cogasa, OSA
Region 1 Officers: Chairman: Atty. Romeo Corporal Secretary: Mr. Gil Contreras Treasurer: Mr. Jay Galasinao
Region 3 Officers: Chairman: Fray Peter John Cardos, OSA Secretary: Bro. Eulysses Mark Baliguas Treasurer:Bro. Wilfredo Generales
Region 2 Officers: Chairman: Mr. Noel Mark Lerio Secretary: Rev. Fr. John Paul Mabanta, OSA Treasurer: Mr. Jose Melbert Galarion
Region 4 Officers: Chairman: Lev. Fr. Leonard realize, OSA Secretary: Fray John Ion Miranda, OSA Treasurer: Mr. Leonardo Puerto Jr.