In his homily at the culmination of the three-day Vocation Convention of the Blessed Sacrament Vocation Club (BSVC) and the SSS-Parish Youth, Fr. Provincial spoke of the importance of the participants as possible successors in the mission of the SSS to “respond to the hungers of the human family with the riches of God’s love manifested in the Eucharist.”

He said, “One of the highlights of the yearlong celebration of the 60th Foundation Anniversary of the Sacramentinos in the Philippines is the Vocation Convention. This is for the obvious reason that the Congregation in the Philippines still wants to exist even after 60 years, and not only for another 60 years but for as long as God wants it to last.” Thus, there must be focus on the vocation of the young men who, if given a chance to know the charism, spirituality and mission of the SSS, might consider entering and becoming part of the congregation.

This very successful gathering of the members of the Blessed Sacrament Vocation Club and the SSS-Parish youth for vocation awareness and promotion was held at the Provincialate of the Congregation in Quezon City on May 12-14. The theme of the Convention was “You’re Not Alone In This Journey,” which was even made into a song by one of the BSVC members. The song was launched as the official theme song of the Blessed Sacrament Vocation Club nationwide.

The 64 delegates started coming in the afternoon of May 11 (Thursday); thus during the evening prayer, the participants were almost complete. After dinner, the delegates enjoyed socializing with their fellow delegates at the volleyball court. During this social night, the participants were formally welcomed and given the necessary orientation. Then, they retired to replenish their energy after the long and tiring journey and to be physically prepared for the three-day affair.

These three days of coming together was meant to promote vocation, in general, and the Religious Life as lived and witnessed to by the Sacramentinos, in particular. The SSS-Parish Youth, who are not yet part of the BSVC, were invited to discern God’s call to them in the company of co-discerners and actively engage in the vocation ministry of their respective parishes.

The program was designed in such a way that prayer, which is a very important aspect of SSS life, is present and emphasized. Through the scheduled daily celebration of the Eucharist, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, morning and evening prayers, solemn benediction and Marian devotions, it is hoped that the participants will realize that the very core of the community life and the primary apostolate of the SSS is Prayer.

Talks or input were also given importance in order to make the participants deepen their awareness and knowledge of the Blessed Sacrament Congregation and the Blessed Sacrament Vocation Club: Fr. Allen Peña (Assistant Scholastic Director) about “Eucharist and Vocation” while Fr. Vergel Dalangin (Novice Master) about “BSVC History and Life”.

The gathering was also full of interactions among the participants especially during Bonfire Night (12th of May) and Cultural Night (13th of May).

These two events gave the opportunity for the participants to share their individual talents in singing, playing musical instruments, dancing and acting. But the more formal mode of their interaction was during the “Getting to Know” session and Emmaus Hour (sharing in small groups). In these activities, the delegates were challenged to share some facts about themselves with the other participants whom they just met for the first time.

During the third and last day, T-shirts were given as souvenir, which they wore for the celebration of the Mass at Sta. Cruz church. Then, back at the Provincialate, they concluded the three-day get together which developed into friendship, camaraderie and deeper sense of the faith and of being a church. Thus, they all left the venue with BURNING HEARTS!

BIG THANKS to the following:

• The members of the committee on POLA 60th Foundation Anniversary, Frs. Junvic, Allen, Marlon, Jon and Br. Reno – for planning and supervising;
• The Blessed Sacrament Vocation Club members and Director, Fr. Marlon – for the superb execution;
• The speakers, facilitators, prayer leaders. concelebrants, and others – for contributing to the harmonious flow of the event;
• The different SSS Local Communities and SSS-administered parishes – for choosing and encouraging their delegates;
• The Provincialate community especially Fr. Roel and employees – for the hospitality and for providing other needs of the participants;
• The Scholasticate and Novitiate communities – for their presence and active involvement;
• The Sta. Cruz community & parish – for hosting the event’s culminating liturgy;
• The participants, especially those who came all the way from far places – for being open to the Spirit;
• The drivers – for fetching the delegates and bringing them to the airports and bus stations after the gathering;
• The photographer(s) – for taking historic photos;
• For the inspiration of the late Fr. Nory Vasquez, SSS, the Founder of the Blessed Sacrament Vocation Club (BSVC) and its Auxiliaries (BSVCA)
• MARAMING SALAMAT AT TAUSPUSONG PAPURI SA PANGINOON!

 

Poets, Daydreamers and Gamblers

“Throughout its history, BSVC has always been filled with poets, daydreamers and gamblers. Poets, because BSVCians define their reality differently, more colorfully than others, filling themselves with powerful images and fiery emotions that give praise to the Word in a prayerful pace. Daydreamers, because while rooted to this world, they look beyond and search for the Kingdom of God, believing that they hear a voice that invites them to a more profound life. Gamblers, because a BSVCian will soon be expected to make a bet, a bet that is more than important than money or prestige, he is challenged to gamble with his life, a holy ante that is no less than the gift of himself… .”

“BSVC’s history is not defined by projects, activities or achievements. Its sole contribution to the life story of the Congregation – and it is its greatest gift – is the young men it has accompanied towards their own ‘yes’ to God. In fact, I dare say that the history of BSVC need not be told and listened to, for us to understand it. Rather, it should be discovered and understood by personally taking part in its history, by becoming its member, by sharing its life with the many other poets, daydreamers and spiritual gamblers that have helped keep this organization alive through the years. And for the many SSS priests like myself, our history in the Congregation started on the very day we decided to join the BSVC.”

14 Candidates Approved for Postulancy 2017-18

There are fourteen candidates (thirteen Filipinos and one Chinese) approved for Postulancy 2017-18. They will leave Manila for Davao City, where the Program has always been housed, on May 29, 2017. The send-off Mass of the postulants will be on May 28, 2017 (Ascension Sunday), 3:00 p.m., at Sta. Cruz Church.

The 2017-18 batch of postulants are the following:

1. Mr. Glofer C. SAAVEDRA
2. Mr. Regin Carl S. DELLOSA
3. Mr. Roy Benjamin I. BASQUIÑAS
4. Mr. Raymond B. RAMOS
5. Mr. Brian M. HITOSIS
6. Mr. Marlon G. GAMEZ
7. Mr. Joseph Ra-an H. PATRIARCA
8. Mr. Richard D. RAVANERA
9. Mr. Inocencio M. RAGAS
10. Mr. Christopher P. CASANOVA
11. Mr. Androu S. DAVID
12. Mr. John Paul O. NAVALES
13.  Mr. Paul PEI Duoming
14. Mr. Yves E. DULCE

The said batch of postulants will be under the care of Fr. Andres Malawis (Director) and Fr. Manuelino Maamo (Assistant Director).

 

12 Out of 12 Incoming Novices Reported

After three weeks of vacation at the end of their Postulancy, all the twelve incoming novices reported to the Novitiate on May 10, 2017. Using three cars the twelve with their personal things were brought to the Blessed Sacrament Novitiate. When they arrived, there was a para-Liturgy in the setting of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament to formally welcome them and pray for them.

The twelve SSS novices are the following:

1. Br. Brandon Pasco BAHAYANAN
2. Br. Ray-an Nene SARMIENTO
3. Br. Eugene Lopez MAOY
4. Br. Peter James Jesoro JERESANO
5. Br. Ysmael Rase GONZALES
6. Br. Rechardson Ligtas EBCAS
7. Br. Darmy Ilag DE JESUS
8. Br. Neptalie Raquel REYES
9. Br. Jezneill Salazar SANTIAGO
10. Br. Kevin Ray dela Cruz NATINO
11. Br. Nathaniel Juan OBAL
12. Br. Daniel Inosanto NACAR, Jr.

After a period of preparation which includes observation, orientation and retreat they will then wear their Habit for the first time on June 18, 2017 (Corpus Christi).

Eucharistic Apostolates: Future Approach

1. A group of researchers and contributors will be tapped to prepare materials for Eucharistic Reflections and Expositions for Aggregation of the Blessed Sacrament (ABS) and Life In The Eucharist Seminar (LITES). The materials will also be made available on the website of the Congregation. Themes will be outlined by Fr. Jonelito Sison with the collaboration of the coordinator of Young Religious, Fr. Marc Bryan Adona.
2. The Luzon Young Religious will meet every other month. Among the activities at this gathering are adoration and celebration of the Mass (as a response to the challenge of witnessing to adoration). This will start on July 14, 2017 at EFC during the 8:00 p.m. Mass for the Priests, Religious and Seminarians.
3. The scholastics will be preparing catechesis on the seven sacraments. The materials will be made available to all SSS communities including that of Fr. Conrad Goulet’s module. They will also be there at Sta. Cruz Church every week for individual adoration and help in the animation of the Holy Hour.

 

Prayer

1. For the success of the 35th General Chapter of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, from June 4 to 24.
2. For the speedy recovery of all those who are sick especially members of the bigger SSS Family.
3. For the souls of all the Faithful Departed especially members of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament – Men and Women.
4. For more vocations to the Religious Life and the Priesthood.

 

At the 4 th Provincial Chapter of the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, Province of Mother Marguerite, held from May 15 to 18, 2017, at the Servants’ Convent, Zabarte, Novalichez, Quezon City, the following were elected as members of the new Provincial Council:

Sr. Ma. Fe Magbanua, SSS Provincial Superior
Sr. Fe Manalo, SSS – 1 st Consultor
Sr. Gina Bernadas, SSS – 2 nd Consultor

The Chapter of the Sisters was guided by the theme “Being mindful of the gifts of God… adore Christ in spirit and in truth… .” It is hoped that the same theme will continue to guide them as they work together to realize the decisions they have made in the attempt at shaping the future direction of their Province.

The sisters all know that this is not an easy task, but they are confident that Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord, present and revealed in the Eucharist, will show them the way.

The Sisters are thankful to God for all those who accompanied them with love and prayers: the different members of the Eymardian Family for their gift of selves and Sr. Pia Lansang, OSB, for her competence and being a delightful animator.