Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Need of Paul
by Giovanni Scalese, CRSP
Photo: R. Kosek
No. 3 iPaul 3
Cover Story
Solemn and simple profession
by Ferdinand S. Dagcuta, CRSP
“Your life is hidden with Christ in The profession was received and the
God” (Col 3:3). This was the theme chosen by mass was solemnized by Fr. Frank M. Papa
the five young men, who dared to accept the CRSP, then Delegate of the Father General in
challenge of living religious life through the the Philippines at the St. Anthony Ma. Zac-
evangelical counsels, on the bright day of the caria Parish in Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal.
13th of May. Three of them, Bro. Joseph Ber- Fr. Giovanni Scalese, Superior of St. Paul
nales, Bro. Jay Patulin and Bro. Rosauro Val- Scholasticate in Tagaytay City, and Fr. Aldo
mores did their first and simple profession. Rizzi, Novice Master of the three newly pro-
While the other two, Bro. Roan Cipriano fessed, assisted Fr. Papa. With them were all
Aborque and Bro. Ferdinand S. Dagcuta, af- the Barnabite priests of the Delegation, thus
ter four years as simple professed, vowed to adding solemnity to the celebration. Our ex-
dedicate their lives to God forever. (Continued on page 4)
No. 3 iPaul 4
Solemn Profession
Nothing new
by Roan Cipriano J. Aborque, CRSP
The five “professandi”: Bro. Jay L. Patulin is the second to the eld-
Joseph, Jay, Rosauro, Roan and Ferdinand est of the four children of Loreto Q. Patulin
No. 3 iPaul 6
and Jessica J. Ladra. He was born in the prom- Maasin. He studied his elementary years in San
ising town of Tubigon, Bohol on November Isidro Elementary School and graduated in Ele-
21, 1980. When he was still little, his family mentary in Rizal Elementary School both in
decided to look for a greener pasture in the the town of Tomas Oppus. He graduated high
native place of his mother in Balingasag, school in Sta. Cruz National High School in
Misamis Oriental. After his graduation in high Maujo, Malitbog, So. Leyte. He graduated in
school, his cousin Virano Ladra, who is now a AB Philosophy in St. Camillus College Semi-
Barnabite priest, invited him to enter the semi- nary in Marikina City in the year 2005.
nary. During his stay in the seminary he gradu- The story of his vocation started in his early
ally acknowledged the true presence of the liv- years long before he could speak well. When
ing Lord in his life. He began to realize the asked what he wanted to become when he
presence of God in every ordinary moment of grows up, he would stammer saying the word
his life. All throughout his seminary life he “pali” (= pari, a Filipino word for “priest”). As
found joy and satisfaction until he finished his he grew up, he searched, inquired and made
Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy at St. Camil- research until he learned the different kinds of
lus College Seminary in the year 2003. Unfor- consecrated life. Through this effort, he came
tunately, confusion got over him. In spite of to be attracted with the contemplative life but
his joyful experience in the seminary, he de- no one dared to help him. His parish priest
cided to go out in order to uncover the mysteri- was not interested with the idea not even his
ous design of God for Him and what really family and friends. When the Barnabite semi-
God wanted him to do in his life. He tried to narians and other religious congregations came
live the life away from the seminary. But he to their place to search for vocation, he ig-
found emptiness and that there was something
lacking. Then, he realized that God was truly
calling Him to become one of His servants. So Coming and going
Jay re-entered the seminary and did his noviti-
ate in 2006. This year there have been some changes in
the Fathers’ community of Saint Paul Scholas-
It was on the 29th day of December 1978 at ticate: after four years of stay in Tagaytay, Fr.
Camansi, Tomas Oppus, Southern Leyte when Joselito Santos have been transferred to our
a child was born to Urcisio “Boi” T. Bernales Parish in Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal, where he
and Isabel “Sabel” P. Mapa. The couple’s pain has been appointed as Assistant Parish Priest.
after the death of their first child was relieved. To him the gratitude of us all and our best
Joseph M. Bernales now stands as the first wishes for his new job.
born along with five other siblings. He was Fr. Michael Sandalo, after completing his
baptized in the joyous feast of St. Isidore in formation curriculum, left SPS. He will con-
Camansi on May 16 (as the folks celebrated tinue his studies in Rome, starting on next Sep-
instead on the fifteenth), by Rev. Fr. Anatolio tember. Meanwhile he has been assigned to
Alfaro and he received the Sacrament of Con- Marikina Community, in charge for the disci-
firmation in San Isidro of the same town in pline of seminarians and teaching at “Mother
March 26, 1992 through the Most Rev. of Divine Providence School” of the Angelics.
Vicente Ataviado, D.D. of the Diocese of
No. 3 iPaul 7
nored them all with the hope to find his way losophy as he asked the permission to stay out-
into a monastery. However, he gave up and side the monastery. He became a working stu-
took the entrance exam of the Barnabites and dent in the Parish of St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria
entered the St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria Semi- in Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal. After some time
nary on May 2000. of reflection, he decided to re-enter the semi-
It was not long enough that he was in the nary and two years later entered the novitiate.
seminary when a crisis came. When he was in
his first year of his philosophical studies, he These three young men are now part of the
was disturbed by the thought of joining a mo- community of the St. Paul Scholasticate, the
nastic community. Yet with the help of some Formation House for all the theology students
advices, he continued with his studies until the here in the Philippines. Here they will stay for
time when he was about to apply for postu- four years until they have finished their stud-
lancy. Nonetheless, he decided to go out and ies. Along the way, struggles and crises may
applied in a hermitic-monastic community. come but with the help of Our Lord and Mas-
Convinced by Fr. Richard Genetiano, CRSP, ter may they persevere until the end! Good
he went on to finish first his fourth year in Phi- luck brothers and God bless you all!
Dopo la pubblicazione dell’ultimo numero di iPaul 1993); la comunità di Tagaytay (giuridicamente eretta
(Pasqua 2007), abbiamo ricevuto una graditissima nel 2004) con il Saint Paul Scholasticate (costituito nel
lettera nientemeno che dal Rev.mo Padre Giuseppe 2003); la neo‐nata comunità di Silangan, a servizio
Bassotti, Superiore generale emerito e promotore della della Parrocchia di Sant’Antonio Maria Zaccaria
presenza dei Barnabiti nelle Filippine. Ci siamo sentiti (costituita e affidata ai Barnabiti nel 2003). I religiosi
particolarmente onorati nel ricevere una simile lettera. della Delegazione sono attualmente 28, di cui 16
Nel suo messaggio il Padre Bassotti esprime un professi solenni e 12 professi temporanei. 23 sono i
desiderio: « Visto che il numero dei Barnabiti Filippini religiosi filippini (5 da Luzon, 10 dalle isole Visayas e 8
sta crescendo, mi piacerebbe leggere un articolo che da Mindanao); 5 gli stranieri (2 italiani, 1 americano, 2
manifestasse qual è il piano strategico della Pro‐ indonesiani). I sacerdoti sono 14; presto i due studenti
Provincia Filippina per quanto riguarda i futuri (ma professi solenni verranno ordinati diaconi, con la
non troppo) campi di apostolato ». La richiesta di prospettiva di avere il prossimo anno due nuovi
Padre Bassotti contiene un’inesattezza: le comunità sacerdoti. Attualmente 17 religiosi (5 professi solenni e
filippine non costituiscono ancora una “pro‐provincia”, 12 temporanei) fanno parte dello Studentato di
ma sono soltanto una “delegazione generale”, vale a Tagaytay; 8 religiosi sono iscritti alla comunità di
dire un insieme di case religiose tuttora dipendenti
direttamente dal Superiore generale, il quale nomina
un religioso quale suo rappresentante (“Delegato
generale”), con l’incarico di coordinare quelle
comunità e di mantenere i rapporti con la Consulta
generalizia, che è a tutti gli effetti l’unico reale organo
di governo della Delegazione. Fino allo scorso maggio
Delegato per le Filippine era il Padre Frank Papa,
iniziatore della presenza barnabitica in questo paese.
Vista la sua esperienza e le capacità che ha saputo
dimostrare nella fondazione filippina, i Superiori
hanno pensato bene (dopo 18 anni...) di affidargli un
altro delicato incarico: una nuova fondazione in India.
Cosí è toccato al sottoscritto subentrare al Padre Papa
nell’incarico di Delegato generale per le Filippine.
Posso pertanto accedere alla richiesta del Padre
Bassotti, precisando che quanto dirò sono forse piú
idee personali che orientamenti adottati da un qualche
organo di governo (non essendo una provincia, non
abbiamo ancora un capitolo provinciale che possa
legiferare: al massimo facciamo delle riunioni
intercomunitarie, nelle quali tutti hanno la possibilità
di esprimere il proprio parere, ma senza alcun valore
vincolante e decisionale). Forse è un po’ eccessivo
parlare, nel nostro caso, di un “piano strategico”.
Cercherò comunque di illustrare quali dovrebbero
essere, secondo me, le nostre future prospettive. Ma
forse è opportuno partire da qualche statistica che
illustri l’attuale situazione della Delegazione.
La Delegazione Filippina è attualmente costituita
da tre comunità: la “casa‐madre” di Marikina con il
Seminario Sant’Antonio Maria Zaccaria (fondato nel
1989) e il Noviziato Sant’Alessandro Sauli (eretto nel Righ Rev. Fr. Bassotti at the time of the Philippine Foundation
No. 3 iPaul 9
Marikina; 3 a quella di Silangan. A queste cifre vanno Una delle convinzioni che mi guida in questi
aggiunti: 1 sacerdote filippino attualmente in servizio discernimento è che non ci si possa limitare a un unico
presso la comunità di San Diego, California; 3 novizi tipo di attività. Le Costituzioni dei Barnabiti
(hanno iniziato l’anno canonico il 31 maggio scorso); prevedono un apostolato quanto mai variegato
una cinquantina di seminaristi (che frequentano il (missionario, parrochiale, educativo, ecc.). È ovvio che
college), di cui una decina postulanti. Si tratta di cifre questo può comportare dei problemi, soprattutto di
confortanti, di cui rendere grazie al Signore; ma tutti carattere “identitario” (la solita, ricorrente questione:
sappiamo che il numero, pure importante, non è un « Qual è il carisma dei Barnabiti? », dove con “carisma”
valore assoluto (Multiplicasti gentem, non magnificasti ci si riferisce quasi esclusivamente a un determinato
laetitiam!): speriamo che alla quantità possa tipo di opera) e formativo (non è facile formare
corrispondere anche la qualità (umana, spirituale, religiosi parati ad omnia...). Ma tant’è, questa è la
culturale e apostolica). nostra caratteristica; il nostro carisma, appunto. È un
Dopo aver presentato la consistenza numerica della dato di fatto che le province piú vivaci sono proprio
Delegazione Filippina, è d’uopo presentare le sue quelle che possono contare su una diversificazione di
attività: come si è già accennato presentando le diverse presenze pastorali. Ora, visto che qui si tratta di
comunità, si tratta ancora in buona parte di attività di iniziare, è bene avviare diversi tipi di opere, in modo
carattere formativo: il seminario minore (con il che ciascuno possa esprimersi nell’attività a lui piú
postulantato), il noviziato e lo studentato. L’unica congeniale.
attività apostolica propriamente detta è la Parrocchia di Attualmente abbiamo una parrocchia: per il
Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal. È ovvio che anche a momento penso che sia sufficiente, anche se non
Marikina e a Tagaytay i Padri non si limitano all’attività sarebbe difficile ottenerne un’altra da un qualsiasi
formatrice, ma sono impegnati (e non poco) nell’attività vescovo (specie se si tratta di costruire la chiesa, la
pastorale; ma si tratta di un apostolato “spicciolo”, fatto canonica e le opere parrocchiali...). Personalmente
soprattutto di celebrazione di messe, predicazione, penso che una seconda parrocchia potrebbe essere
confessioni, direzione spirituale, ecc. Questo si spiega, presa in considerazione solo se legata a un’altra opera.
perché i Padri, pur numerosi, sono ancora per lo piú Il nostro sforzo in questo momento è appunto
(salvo qualche lodevole eccezione...) giovani e tuttora individuare quale altra opera avviare. Meglio, le idee ci
impegnati negli studi. Abbiamo infatti voluto riprendere sono già: il progetto è quello di aprire una scuola, una
qui la tradizione, comune in Italia fino a non molti anni retreat house, un santuario e magari una missione/
fa, di far continuare ai “padrini” gli studi dopo fondazione all’estero. Il problema è: da dove
l’ordinazione sacerdotale, soprattutto nelle discipline cominciare? A dire il vero, un’indicazione l’abbiamo
profane; per cui i religiosi effettivamente disponibili per già: la Consulta generalizia, a seguito dell’incontro con
un apostolato a tempo pieno sono ancora in numero i Provinciali nel febbraio scorso, insiste perché quanto
limitato. Bisogna però guardare avanti, anche perché nel prima si dia avvio a una scuola. E noi siamo d’accordo.
giro di pochi anni, una volta terminati (si spera Ma ci sono vari problemi da affrontare. Primo: che tipo
brillantemente) gli studi, tali Padri dovranno trovare un di scuola? Certo, se ci lasciamo andare ai sogni,
campo dove esercitare il loro apostolato (e le sarebbe bello pensare a un grande college; ma forse
competenze acquisite durante i loro studi). bisogna essere realisti e, almeno per il momento, è
meglio accontentarsi di una piccola scuola, con
St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria Seminary, Marikina
elementari e high school. Secondo problema: una
scuola con quale indirizzo? Nel corso dei secoli i
Barnabiti hanno acquisito un’ampia esperienza nel
settore umanistico‐scientifico; ma qui sembrerebbe
piú urgente un impegno in campo professionale, che
permetta alla gioventú filippina di inserirsi
immediatamente nel mondo del lavoro. Terzo
problema: dove? Si è pensato ai posti dove già siamo
presenti, vale a dire a Silangan e a Tagaytay; ma forse è
meglio cogliere l’occasione per aprirci a nuovi
ambienti. In questo momento stiamo esplorando
l’ipotesi di una fondazione nella provincia di Bataan,
una piccola penisola a nord‐est di Manila, dove fino a
pochi anni fa erano totalmente assenti i religiosi e dove
No. 3 iPaul 10
oggi il giovane e dinamico vescovo sta incoraggiando i prospettiva non è certo quella di rimanere nelle
religiosi a stabilirsi, soprattutto per creare una rete di Filippine. In questi anni bisognerà preparare il loro
scuole cattoliche. Potrebbe essere una buona ritorno in Indonesia dopo l’ordinazione sacerdotale.
soluzione, perché ci apriremmo a un nuovo ambiente, Un altro paese che offre notevoli prospettive di
ancora “vergine”, senza allontanarci troppo dagli sviluppo religioso (nonostante il regime comunista) è
attuali insediamenti (cosa abbastanza importante il Vietnam (qui a Tagaytay ci sono già numerosi istituti
almeno all’inizio). Nel frattempo, come detto, la religiosi che stanno formando candidati provenienti da
totalità dei “padrini” sta frequentando l’università (nei quel paese).
piú svariati settori: filosofia, psicologia, storia, Si era pensato anche a una possibile fondazione in
matematica, education management, accountancy...); Australia, un paese che non può certo essere
alcuni di loro stanno già facendo esperienza di considerato “terra di missione”, ma particolarmente
insegnamento (presso le Angeliche a Marikina o presso bisognoso di clero. Durante la nostra ultima riunione
i Fratelli delle Scuole Cristiane a Dasmariñas), in modo intercomunitaria, però, è stato fatto notare che ci sono
che, quando si decide di avviare la scuola, ci sia già alcune situazioni in Congregazione che meritano la
personale pronto a gestirla. nostra attenzione prima di pensare all’Australia:
Mentre l’apertura di una scuola comporta, come perché, per esempio, non pensare ad assicurare
s’è visto, tutta una serie di problematiche (che pure, personale religioso alla nostra parrocchia di San Diego,
prima o poi, vanno affrontate), una retreat house dove è già presente un confratello filippino? Potrebbe
sarebbe sicuramente piú facile da avviare. Per questo essere un’idea su cui lavorare nei prossimi anni.
tipo di attività non ci sarebbe neppure bisogno di Come si vede, le Filippine sono una realtà in piena
decidere dove: il posto è praticamente obbligato, vale a effervescenza, ben diversa da altre realtà a cui siamo
dire a Tagaytay, dove esistono già una trentina di ormai abituati soprattutto in Europa. Lí l’obiettivo è il
centri di spiritualità, ma tutti con il “tutto ridimensionamento; qui è l’espansione. È chiaro che lo
esaurito” (grazie alla bellezza del posto, al clima stato d’animo di chi vive queste due realtà è
particolarmente favorevole e alla vicinanza a Manila). profondamente diverso; ma ciò non significa che aprire
A Tagaytay la Congregazione già possiede un terreno; sia piú facile che chiudere: quanti dubbi, quante
si tratta solo di decidere. incertezze, quante paure di sbagliare! Quando si tratta
Sempre a Tagaytay, all’interno del complesso del di iniziare non si sa mai se si fa bene o si fa male.
Saint Paul Scholasticate, esiste un enorme edificio, un Finora il Signore non ci ha mai fatto mancare
tempo adibito a deposito del caffè (la nostra proprietà l’assistenza del suo Spirito e il sostegno della sua
apparteneva un tempo ai Verbiti, che vi avevano Provvidenza. Speriamo che continui ad accompagnarci
organizzato una cooperativa per i contadini del posto). con la sua mano sicura e a indicarci le vie da
Tale edificio ha la forma di una chiesa; la struttura è intraprendere per il bene della Chiesa e la gloria del
solida; potrebbe essere facilmente trasformato in un suo nome.
luogo di culto. Stiamo già promovendo la devozione
alla Madonna di Fatima, attualmente venerata in una
piccola cappella all’aperto. Il sogno sarebbe quello di
lanciare un grande santuario mariano. St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria Parish, Silangan
È giusto pensare a creare delle opere, per radicare
la presenza dei Barnabiti nelle Filippine; ma non
possiamo rinchiuderci in un paese nella gran
maggioranza cattolico, appartenente a un continente
tuttora non cristiano nella quasi totalità. I papi
continuano a ricordare ai filippini che hanno una
grande responsabilità, l’evangelizzazione dell’Asia.
Anche la nostra fondazione filippina, se ben ricordo, è
nata con questa prospettiva. In attesa che la Cina apra
le porte a Cristo, si può già pensare a qualche altro
paese. La fondazione indiana, pur non dipendendo
giuridicamente dalla Delegazione Filippina, è in
qualche modo una sua “germinazione”. Ci sono
attualmente nello Scolasticato di Tagaytay due
studenti indonesiani al secondo anno di teologia, la cui
No. 3 iPaul 11
Mission accomplished:
Well done, father frank!
by Jonathan G. Ramoso, CRSP
“Some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a this “promising and fertile land”. With such
hundred or sixty or thirty fold” (Mt 13:8) invitation, Fr. Bassotti wasted no time and im-
mediately invited the English-speaking con-
Whes I was asked by my Superior to write freres of the North American Province. Fr.
an article as a tribute to Fr. Frank Papa, the Papa, who was at that time the director of for-
former Philippine Delegate General, I thought mation in the big, wonderful and comfortable
that the space provided for this article would Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima , enthusiastically
not be enough to contain the precious works accepted the challenge to take care of the
that Fr. Papa has left behind in the Philippines. planting and watering the seed. Fr. Frank or
Like a gardener, Fr. Papa planted good seeds Tatay (the Filipino equivalent for “father” in a
on the Philippine soil. These seeds have be- family), as we fondly called him, formally
come one of the most hopeful realities in the started the foundation and mission in the
Congregation. Philippines on May 11, 1989.
The first contact of the Barnabite Order As Tatay took the mission, he carried
with the Philippines was in 1988 through the upon his shoulders a lot of “seeds” to be
person of Right Rev. Fr. Joseph Bassotti, then planted and to be taken care of. Among the
Superior General. He came to the Philippines seeds were: seminary formation, parish col-
for the inauguration of the new building of the laboration, human formation, and missionary
school and convent of the Angelic Sisters in vigor. He loved so well the seeds and cared for
Marikina. On this fortunate occasion, Fr. Bas- them through “sweat and blood”.
sotti met some Camillian Fathers who encour- The seminary formation was the first seed
aged and convinced him to plant some seed in that Fr. Papa went on to plant. To begin with
A rare picture of the beginnings: Fr. Frank in Tagaytay with (from left) Frs. Hennings, Bianco and Bassotti
No. 3 iPaul 18
the formation, he rented a small house for polo City where he used to celebrate mass for
him and the first five young Filipino who will- more than seventeen years. Fr. Papa was well
ingly joined him. These young aspirants at- loved by people as if he were the parish priest.
tended St. Camillus College Seminary for their However, in his heart he desired to put up a
philosophical studies. Fr. Frank never let the parish run by the Barnabites so as to fully
time pass without attending to their needs serve the Diocese and become full-time col-
such as intellectual, human and spiritual for- laborators of the Bishop. Through his effort
mation. He tried to get along with the semi- and with the help of other confreres, the Par-
narians but at the same time he was strict and ish of St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria in Silangan,
prudent in making judgment and decision. In San Mateo, Rizal came into being. It was
this regard, Fr. Papa was known to his semi- erected and entrusted to the Barnabites on
narians with his famous expression: “Blessed July 5, 2003. The small chapel of the place
Guy!” With him in the formation were subse- was reconstructed and transformed into a par-
quently Fr. Erich Hennings, Fr. Vincent Posil- ish church.
lico and Fr. Aldo Rizzi. Fr. Frank Papa was a person with good
Realizing the need for a bigger place for public relations. He knew well how to deal
the formation of the future candidates, the St. with people at different level. In the seminary,
Anthony Ma. Zaccaria Seminary was con- he always assessed the seminarians not only
structed and later inaugurated on July 5, in terms of religious and intellectual forma-
1992. Few years later, in 1996, the novitiate tion, but also of human formation. With his
house dedicated to St. Alexander Sauli was positive aura, people would get in touch with
started and completed a year after. Fr. Frank him without any hesitation. In other words, he
had these structures built with the idea in was approachable and easy to deal with. His
mind that the Vatican II considered seminary smile would catch many people’s eyes! With
as the foundation of priesthood. His effort this good relationship that he had to any one
was well repaid with the yearly growth of the else, he could rock one’s world and could
number of seminarians. And eight years later, make a difference in them.
Fr. Jesus Allado, one of the first five seminari- Nevertheless, Tatay’s missionary spirit is
ans, was ordained as the first Filipino beyond imagination. When he accepted the
Barnabite priest. Philippines mission he embraced it without
As the Founder urged his confreres to be- any indecision and uncertainty. After having
come parish collaborators, Fr. Papa served in taken care of the seeds, which have now
the St. Paul of the Cross Parish in SSS Village. grown tall, Fr. Papa thought that the Philip-
He offered his time and effort to the parish in pine Delegation should be independent and
particular and to the Diocese of Antipolo as a stand by itself. Indeed, this is the present real-
whole. This was a big step towards the promo- ity of the Delegation. We owe this to Fr. Papa’s
tion of the name of the Barnabites not only in untiring efforts that are a priceless treasure
the Diocese but all throughout the archipel- and would be always remembered by all who
ago. Specifically, he worked with the small but experienced his fatherly care and love. For
rich chapel of Filinvest Subdivision in Anti- over 17 years of being a missionary here in
the Philippines, he accomplished his job very
well. Before leaving the Delegation, he has
seen the growing and still growing seeds. As
Fr. Frank relinquishes the post and undergoes
his second missionary journey in India, the
whole of the Philippine Delegation wishes and
prays for all the best, that he may succeed in
everything he does. May he spread once and
again in another field the seed of God’s love,
mission and evangelization for another abun-
dant harvest in the vineyard of God.
Whenever someone asks me “Do you know the Hos- Moved by the invitation of the Lord “to go to the
pitaler Sisters of Mercy?” my usual answer is “Yes! They whole world by proclaiming the Good News,” the Hospi-
are a neighbor!” Truly the Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy taler Sisters set out to one nation after another. They are
are not only one of our neighbors, but they are a present in the US, India, Madagascar, Nigeria, Switzer-
neighbor. land, Cape Verde (Africa), Poland, Argentina, Chile and
Once a scribe asked Jesus: “…who is my neighbor?” in the Philippines.
Jesus answered him through the parable of the Good Sa- Their presence in our country constitutes a beautiful
maritan (Lk 10:25-37). At the end of the parable Jesus page in the history of the Institute. Who could imagine
asked in return: “Which of these three (the priest, the that by just a cup of coffee their presence in the Philip-
Levite and the Samaritan), do you think was a neighbor to pines has been made possible? Fr. Albaro of the Oblates
the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” Here, of St. Joseph visited the sisters (Sr. Elizabeth Longi and
Jesus’ concern is not on knowing who our neighbor is, Sr. Paola Iacovone) in India and discussed about the bal-
but on becoming a neighbor to others. We basically know looning of religious vocation in the Philippines while hav-
who our neighbor is, yet the question is: “Are we a ing a cup of coffee. Having no idea where such country
neighbor to them?” It is not enough recognizing who are was situated, Sr. Elizabeth got a map and located the little
our neighbors without first becoming a neighbor to country. They talked, thought, reflected about opening a
them. new mission. Sister Elizabeth Longhi, moved by the
The Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy is our neighbor. Spirit, determined to go there and start a new mission. In
Their house of formation is a stone throw away from us. the year 1981 the first Hospitaler missionary set foot in
We recognize their presence not because they are near to the Philippines. Sister Elizabeth went to different prov-
us, but rather because of their being a neighbor to us. inces to recruit women who wanted to follow Christ
Like the Good Samaritan, they are “hospitable”, “full of through ministering the sick and the suffering. Having no
compassion” and willing to help others without counting house of formation yet, the first group of aspirants was
the cost. Aside from us, the people of our neighborhood hosted by the Congregation of the Oblates of St. Joseph in
also highly esteem them for they are truly a neighbor to Greenhills, San Juan. On March 1984 they were able to
everyone. construct a formation house in Muntinlupa that served as
Teresa Orsini Doria Phampili, considered the pro- a home for the aspirants, postulants, novices and pro-
moter and the foundress of this institute, was a princess fessed sisters. Since then the Hospitalers grew in number.
in Rome. She was a loving wife of prince Luigi Gian An- They also went to other provinces and made themselves
drea Doria Phamphili Landi and a beloved mother of four available by serving the sick, suffering and the dying.
children. She was motivated to establish the institute Now, they are present in Ermita, Manila; in Tagaytay and
because of her experience with the staff of the Sancta Indang, Cavite; in Iloilo and in Bataan, working as the
Sanctorum Hospital (now “Ospedale San Giovanni”), Good Samaritan. Their presence is a blessing indeed!
who treated their patients mercilessly due to unprepared- Thanks God, we have a neighbor like them!
ness and lack of experience. She formed a group of
women who were willing to devote their lives in the ser-
vice of the suffering and the sick “without the prospect of
profit but only in the spirit of faith and charity,” just as
what the Good Samaritan did. She believed that it was
Jesus himself who was suffering in the person of the sick
people. Thus, in her rule she wrote: “To be sick with the
sick in order to comfort Jesus suffering in his members.”
On May 16, 1821 the group received the approval of
Pope Pius VII. With its first four members, they joyfully
introduced and named themselves as “Hospitalers of
Charity.” On September 29, 1831 Pope Gregory XVI,
having witnessed to their charitable deeds and uncondi-
tional love for the sick and suffering, approved and con-
firmed the “Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy” and
their rules entitled “Constitutions for the Congregation
of the Hospitalers called Sisters of Mercy”.
No. 3 iPaul 20
A Meditation
DISCIPLESHIP: SELF-DENIAL AND CROSS
by Yohanes Besi Koten, CRSP
FOUR-DAY RETREAT
by Pat M. Golis, CRSP
For three years now, annual retreat has become one person believe that Christ is their one only wealth. All fol‐
of our activities listed on our agenda. The retreat serves lowers of Christ should put their dependence on him
for our spiritual nourishment and preparation for another alone as the source of grace and compassion.
challenging yet promising formation year. It is the time Then, on the fourth and last day, he talked about
for us to experience the Lord in an intensive prayer. It is obedience. For him obedience means the willingness to
just like being on “vacation with the Lord” because at this translate a command into action. This means that a per‐
moment we, being free from the disturbance of academic son obeys the command according to their own volition
burdens and responsibilities in the seminary, can totally and not because they are forced. Otherwise, it will lead to
communicate with God. In particular, for us theologians, it subservience. A religious must follow their superior not
especially serves as the moment for us to reflect upon our because of fear but because of love. The love that binds
vocation before renewing our vows. God and his people should be the very same love that
We had the same experience during our four‐day re‐ binds the superior and a religious for the sake of the com‐
treat last May 7‐10 at the St. Charles Borromeo retreat munity. Consequently, “Subjects should be brought to the
house. Fr. Dominic Lim, OFMConv guided us throughout. point where they will cooperate with an active and responsi‐
On the first day, he began his talk by quoting Matthew ble obedience in undertaking new tasks and in carrying
19:16‐30, the passage about the rich young man. The those already undertaken. And so superiors should gladly
message was that in order to attain perfection, one must listen to their subjects and foster harmony among them for
surrender everything they have and give it to the poor the good of the community and the Church, provided that
and, then, follow Jesus Christ. Then, the speaker made a thereby their own authority to decide and command what
correlation from this passage to the three evangelical has to be done is not harmed.” (Vatican II, Perfectæ Carita‐
counsels namely: poverty, chastity and obedience. He tis, #14).
said that being a religious means to imitate Jesus Christ After the meditation on obedience, the speaker con‐
who was poor, chaste and obedient. Likewise, he added tinued talking about chastity by quoting a statement
that religious life demands union, cooperation and love — coming from Optatam Totius #10. The document insists
union refers to our relationship to God; cooperation that seminarians/religious ought to ponder on the sur‐
means our total response to the call of God; then, love passing excellence of virginity consecrated to God. He
summarizes the whole commandment of God. further explained that the meaning of chastity and its full
The speaker also added the importance of self‐ sacredness must be centered on the life and teaching of
emptiness for religious. He said that a religious must be Jesus Christ. Perfect chastity does not mean being incapa‐
totally dependent on God and must acknowledge him as ble of loving. It means having Christ within oneself, to be
the sole source of everything. One must always rely only concerned about him. It is our very love for Christ. St.
upon the grace of God rather than on material posses‐ Gregory of Nyssa beautifully said that chastity is the radi‐
sions. Mary is a good example for this. Just like Mary, ance of divine beauty. For every religious it should be a
every religious is called to humbly obey God’s will and to way toward holiness and the Divine.
have faith in him always. All in all, the four‐day retreat gave us inputs and
In the following day, the speaker focused on the pas‐ thoughts to ponder all throughout this year. Moreover,
sage from Luke 2:15‐20, when the shepherds visited the the moments of silence and sharing of thoughts and ideas
newly born Jesus on a manger. He associated such story brought us the realization of the importance of such mo‐
to the word “responsibility.” Just like the shepherds, every ments for us all as one family of religious. In those four
Christian has the responsibility to respond to what God is days, we were able to share our experiences, jokes, and
telling their hearts. Each religious has the duty in an‐ laughter towards our confreres. Indeed, such experience
nouncing and proclaiming the word of God to others. became one of our list of unforgettable moments for it
On the next day, Fr. Dominic talked about poverty. gave us the chance to gather ourselves and to experience
Poverty, he mentioned, means the limitation in possess‐ the presence of God. With this experience resounded the
ing things necessary for life. It is not just mere detach‐ words of Jesus, “Where two or three of you gather in my
ment but it is something which converts and makes every name there am I in their midst.”
No. 3 iPaul 23
Delegation Meeting
A Visit to Bataan
In this issue of iPaul we would like to include an Assistant Parish Priest of our parish in San
some news coming from other Barnabite com‐ Mateo, Rizal.
munities in the Philippines, such as the St. An‐ This year, the community in the parish has
thony Ma. Zaccaria Seminary, including the novi‐ officially become a “religious house”, which
tiate, located at 360 Apitong Street, Marikina means it is already an independent and autono‐
Heights, Marikina City, and the St. Anthony Ma. mous community. Fr. Richard Genetiano, who
Zaccaria Parish, located at Silangan, San Mateo has been elected as a Parish Priest since the be‐
Rizal. The news of the said communities some‐ ginning of the establishment of St. Anthony Ma.
how will give information about them and at the Zaccaria Parish on July 5, 2003, heads the com‐
same time introduce them. However, the focus munity. With Fr. Genetiano are other two priests,
is the recent events that have happened. namely Fr. Joselito Santos, the new Assistant Par‐
As for the St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria Semi‐ ish Priest, and Fr. Crisendo Dela Rosa, the Treas‐
nary, Fr. Joselito Ortega has been appointed Su‐ urer of the community. Fr. Santos was the former
perior of the Community and Rector of the Semi‐ Vicar and Treasurer of St. Paul Scholasticate in
nary to replace Fr. Frank Papa, who after 17 Tagaytay City. Fr. Dela Rosa was a disciplinarian
years of service in the Seminary, has left for his of the students of SAMZS. On May 13, in the par‐
new mission in India. Fr. Ortega will start the ish church, three novices (Joseph M. Bernales,
year with 51 students of which 16 of them are Rosauro A. Valmores and Jay L. Patulin) made
new ones, the so called “pre‐collegians.” To‐ their first profession, and two students from Ta‐
gether with Fr. Ortega are other three fathers gaytay (Ferdinand S. Dagcota and Roan Cipriano
who are occupied in different aspects of the J. Aborque) made their solemn profession in the
seminary formation. They are Fr. Michael San‐ hands of Fr. Papa, on the eve of his departure for
dalo, the prefect of the pre‐collegians, Fr. Rudy‐ India. On Sunday, July 1 the parish celebrated its
son Nulo, the vocation director, and Fr. Verano fiesta (that is its patronal festival of St. Anthony
Ladra, the treasurer. Mary): at 9:30 the Holy Mass was presided by the
Last May 31, the newly installed Delegate Delegate General Fr. Scalese.
General, the Very Rev. Fr. Giovanni Scalese, re‐
ceived Albino Vecina from the province of
Southern Leyte, Henry Pabualan from the prov‐
ince of Misamis Oriental, and Isagani Gabisan
from Talisay City, Cebu to the novitiate after the
traditional ceremony of the Carrying of the
Cross. The Carrying of the Cross has been a
Barnabite practice since it was first done by fa‐
mous Alexander Sauli, who is one of our canon‐
ized saints. The three novices will undergo a year
of a rigid spiritual formation under the guidance
of the wise Novice Master for 16 years, Fr. Aldo
Rizzi. This year Fr. Rizzi will have Fr. Jimmy
George Anastacio as his assistant, who served as A group of Marikina seminarians
No. 3 iPaul 26
LETTERS
Leggo con grande piacere anche il secondo encouraging life experiences that you shared.
numero di iPaul. Apprezzo l’idea di stabilire un May you continue to touch lives in the I-world
contatto piú diretto con i lettori, attraverso la through the spirit of St. Paul. I am trying my
rubrica delle lettere ricevute. Come anche best to spread the goodness as Jesus
l’idea di ricordare i benefattori nominatim. commanded us to go and announce into the
Fr. Giuseppe Cagnetta, CRSP whole world.
Roma, Italy Fr. Joseph P. Tabigue, CRSP
giuseppe.cagnetta@gmail.com San Diego, California, USA
josephcrsp@yahoo.com
Vivissime congratulazioni per il notiziario
informatico. Mi ha particolarmente colpito il Very, very nice and beautiful the second iPaul.
richiamo alla figura di Padre Giovanni Semeria, We want to know the news from SAMZ
un emblema di barnabita impegnativo! Seminary and SASauli Novitiate too. Is it
Fr. Giovanni Rizzi, CRSP possible?
Roma, Italy Fr. Luiz Antônio & Brazilian Novices
giovanni.rizzi@tin.it Samambaia, Brasília, Brazil
novizacc@uol.com.br
Dear Fr. Giovanni and Brothers, I wish to thank
you for sending me a personal copy of the iPaul Grazie di cuore per aver mantenuto la Sua
#2. I felt blessed to have been shown such a promessa di pregare per il mio amico Mario e
beautiful gesture of thoughtfulness. May God per la mia Parrocchia. L’ho letto sulla vostra
bless you. I actually browsed the first issue of Saint Paul Scholasticate Newsletter e mi ha
iPaul in the Barnabite website. Congratulations riempito di gioia. Continuate, per piacere! Per
for this wonderful work. May you continue to Mario il Signore sembra voler ascoltare le
touch lives through the sharing of your nostre preghiere: il tumore pare essersi
everyday commitments and personal arrestato. Ma soprattutto Mario è totalmente
reflections. abbandonato alla volontà di Dio. Non riesce a
Sr. Rorivic P. Israel, ASP parlare, se non con l’alfabeto muto, ma rimane
Easton, Pennsylvania, USA lucidissimo e mi ha detto: “Io combatto, ma se
rorivic_israel@yahoo.com il Signore mi vuole io sono pronto.” E con la
mano malferma mi ha tracciato sulla fronte (lui
Dear Confreres and scholastics, Greetings of a me, capisce!?) un segno di croce. La stessa
grace! Such a wonderful dedication! Thank you serenità hanno la sua sposa ed i figli. Ecco
for reminding me of the preciousness of the questo è il miracolo più grande. Io non desisto
vocation to the priesthood. This issue made me dal chiederGli la guarigione, ma questo
reflect once again how and where am I now in abbandono del cuore è già miracolo. Vede come
the priesthood journey. Thanks a lot to the il Signore è presente in mezzo a noi, come
newly ordained inspiration. Thank you for the cambia le nostre sorti? Mario ed io a scuola
No. 3 iPaul 27
iPaul
Frequentavamo una scuola privata, tenuta da
sacerdoti diocesani. La riconoscenza verso di
loro è immensa. Ci hanno insegnato tutto, a
pensare, a studiare, ad amare, a vivere, mentre
noi con l’incoscienza degli adolescenti li
sbeffeggiavamo. Ma loro non mollavano, non Saint Paul Scholasticate Newsletter
arretravano, non ci compiacevano. Esigevano
da noi almeno che diventassimo uomini e mai THE CLERICS REGULAR OF SAINT PAUL
— BARNABITES —
ci hanno imposto di essere cattolici. Ma che
Saint Paul Scholasticate
esempio! Ed eccoci qui, malgrado anche noi Purok 163, San Jose
fossimo affetti da bullismo e giovanile Tagaytay City, Cavite, the Philippines
arroganza. Vede quant’è importante il
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 32,
sacerdote, anche al di là sacrificio eucaristico? 4120 Tagaytay City, Philippines
Senza il loro severo amore, chissà dove Tel. & Fax: +63 46 413-2837
saremmo adesso. Lo dica ai suoi seminaristi: Email: stpaul@catholic.org
seminate, seminate senza posa, perché voi non
Director: Fr. Giovanni Scalese, CRSP
sapete quanto in profondità è capace di Editor: Fr. Jecker R. Luego, CRSP
penetrare il Signore e dopo quanto tempo farà Editorial Staff: Fr. Cirilo B. Coniendo,
germogliare il suo seme e quanto cambia il Ferdinand S. Dagcota, Roan Cipriano J.
cuore degli uomini, quanto rovescia le sorti di Aborque, Jose Nazareno S. Gabato, Arvin
A. Dagalea, Marlon B. Ramirez, Yohanes
ciascuno. Ringraziatelo e grazie a Voi che avete Besi Koten, Clyd S. Autentico, Pat M.
donato a Lui la Vostra vita anche per noi. Golis, Jonathan G. Ramoso, Thomas
Mr. Domenico Savino Federick S. Tabada, Isfridus Syukur,
Reggio Emilia, Italy Rosauro A. Valmores, Joseph M.
Bernales, Jay L. Patulin
dome.savino@libero.it
Typeset in the Philippines by Saint Paul
I received the last number of your magazine Scholasticate, July 2007
and I thank you very much. It was rich and
I read it with joy. Congratulations. Be sure that
you aren’t missing in my poor prayers. Siate
forti e andate sempre avanti, puntate sempre le
mette piú alte come ci direbbe il nostro Padre.
Statemi bene e buona continuazione.
Fr. Toussaint Bulambo, CRSP
Birava, Kivu, Dem. Rep. of Congo
barcks2001@yahoo.fr
Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi?
An gladius?