Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, May 13
. . . We will honor Mary as the poor one of Yahweh and the Servant of the Lord (Cf. Lk.1:38), with a love like that of our Founder who also invoked her under the title of Our lady of the Blessed Sacrament. We will love to meditate the mysteries of the Rosary. Rule of Life #14
As Sacramentinos, the Eucharist is the center of our life. We adore Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. And because we love the Son, we love the woman, Mary, who gave her ‘yes’ to bear Him. We give special honor to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Our founder, St. Peter Julian Eymard, had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom he believed led him to Jesus. He gave Mary the aforesaid title in May 1868; a few years later he described what her statue should look. Then he exhorted his religious to invoke Mary in this way: “Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, pray for us who have recourse to thee!”
Later, Pope Pius IX enriched this invocation with indulgences. Pope St. Pius X did the same twice. On December 30, 1905, he granted a 300 days indulgence to the faithful who pray: “Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, pray for us.”
In 1921, the Sacred Congregation of Rites authorized the celebration of the feast day of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament on May 13.
HAPPY FEAST DAY!!!
Sacramentinos, Facilitators of Unity and Healing
. . . Christ breaks down all barriers (Cf. Eph 2:14) and creates a unity in which each one is called to live as a brother among brothers. Each religious, whether young or old, sick or healthy, is fully a member of his community. Rule of Life #8
The political discussions in the weeks before the election caused conflict and division between family members, friends and neighbors, but it is now time to set all these aside and begin the healing process.
We as church have a common vision – to spread the Good News for the salvation of souls, and we can only do this if we are united. We can get some hints on how we can present a united front in these words of St. Paul: “I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose (1 Cor. 1:10).”
Political differences (and squabbles in the different ministries) should be set aside because God’s purposes are much greater than these things. Politicians come and go, and often change sides. What really matters is whether or not we accomplished God’s purpose for the church.
The election is over, and the difficult task of uniting the people falls upon the shoulders of our newly elected officials. The Filipino people voted for change, but it is important to keep in mind that change should start within us. Peace!
Profession of Religious Vows
May 1, 2016 was the date of the celebration of the First Profession of Vows of Bro. Jonjon Vidal and Bro. Jay Marlo Huraňo. Their profession indicates their willingness to respond to God’s call to a life of consecration to him characterized by living the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.
Their vows were received by Fr. Provincial during the Mass he presided with the homily given by the Novice Master, Fr. Thonn Riosa.
The family and friends of Bros. Jon and Jay were present. The Sacramentinos from Luzon were also in attendance. And since it was Sunday, people around the Novitiate were also present.
As our two brothers continue to give themselves to the Sacramentino initial formation we carry on with our commitment to pray for them and their families.
A Britain-Ireland Novice in the Philippines
Br. Amirtharaj Govindarajah, Raj for short, is one of two sons of a Sri Lankan Tamil Catholic family who left Sri Lanka via Italy before settling in England. He is now a British citizen. He worked as an Army Cadet Instructor and as an Administrator in Salford Council; he even held a job in a chemist shop with Tesco. He volunteered with the local police. He also worked in the family business. He studied Arts and Designs in college. He usually plays football and cricket during his free time.
He comes from a religious family. Even at a very young age, he already knew he wanted to become a priest. He was drawn to the Eucharist when he was an altar boy, Eucharistic minister and as sacristan. He was inspired by an SSS religious friend. His desire to become a priest was solidified during his visit to the place of Fr. Eymard.
Last February 18, 2016, the Province of Saints Peter and Paul (Britain-Ireland) requested for the accommodation of Br. Raj to the Novitiate Program of POLA.
Incoming Postulants
The Provincial Council has approved 15 candidates to the Sacramentino Postulancy Program this coming School Year 2016-17. They are as follows:
- Kevin Ray dela Cruz NATINO, 24 (Diocese of Malolos)
- Darmy I. DE JESUS, 26 (Diocese of Malolos)
- Peter James Jesoro JERESANO (Diocese of Sorsogon)
- Daniel Inosanto NACAR, Jr. (Diocese of Kalibo)
- Nathaniel Juan OBAL (Diocese of Cubao)
- Neptalie R. REYES (Diocese of Malolos)
- Robert Dave Billones REYES (Diocese of Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat)
- Jezneill Salazar SANTIAGO (Diocese of Caloocan)
- Albert Narvaez PEREZ, 36 (Archdiocese of Lipa)
- Ray-An Nene SARMIENTO, 31 (Diocese of Malolos)
- Eugene Lopez MAOY, 27 (Diocese of Malolos)
- Ysmael Rase GONZALES, 26 (Diocese of Romblon)
- Rechardson Ligtas EBCAS, 26 (Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro)
- Brandon BAHAYANAN, 37 (Diocese of Malaybalay)
- Joseph Ra-an Hijalda PATRIARCA, 34 (Archdiocese of Jaro)
The period of postulancy ascertains whether a candidate possesses the maturity and proper disposition to go to the next step, the novitiate program. It is also during postulancy that a candidate shall acquire a direct knowledge of the Sacramentino way of life.
Prayer
- For our country, for healing, reconciliation
- For more vocations to the religious and priestly life
- For the speedy recovery of Teodoro Tomo (father of Fr. Ding-dong)
- For the speedy recovery of Fr. Randy Vergara and Fr. Arnel Martinez
- For the repose of the soul of Honorio Nicolas, Sr. (father of Sister Cristy, sss)
Fr. Joseph Matitu, SSS
[MAY 13, 2016]