Engaging Nasleb!

The book of Ecclesiastes says: “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every purpose under the heavens” (cf. Eccl. 3:1-8). The above quote is quite pertinent to our immediate concern – a certain lot located in Nalseb, Benguet, owned by the Congregation (POLA). The lot has been temporarily categorized as “dead asset,” meaning that on accounting books the property has neither present nor prospective value. And it took a recent event to prove this otherwise and redeem the said property as a potential for mission and, at the same time, as an “economic zone” for the congregation, where income generating agricultural produce can be derived. Indeed, the time has come, and the purpose has been identified to consider the property as a valuable resource in aid of our Eucharistic mission. But I am getting ahead of myself.

Let me start by telling you why we took a trip to Nalseb. There was a notice to delinquent real estate taxpayers published in the official gazette of the municipal government of Tublay in May 2017, demanding payment of their taxes. Otherwise, they run the risk of having their property seized by the government.

The Benedictine Nuns of the Eucharistic King, who are occupying the land adjoining our property in Nalseb, were alarmed and got in touch with us, for us to immediately settle our tax dues which unfortunately remained unpaid for thirteen (13) years (2004- 2017). Though our liability per year is a bit low, only in the amount of P230.00 or a total of P3,000.00 for the period of 13 years but still it must be paid annually to avoid arrears payments and penalties and the risk of seizure and sale in a public auction by the LGU. Moreover, since the land has remained idle (uncultivated or unimproved) for many years, additional tax is imposed. We owe the kindhearted Benedictine nuns especially Sr. Maria Socorro Marcos, OSB, a big thank you for calling our attention to this matter.

On September 8, 2017, three council members, Frs. Joseph, Hermie, and Junvic, and I traveled to Nalseb to check the property. The trip was truly providential. The weather was pleasant, and the people who helped make the trip possible in one way or the other were friendly and accommodating.

Our first stop was at the ICM Sisters’ Convent in Baguio City, where it felt like “a home away from home.” The sisters seemed to pull out all the stops to make us feel welcome during the few minutes of our stay there.

Then we rented an SUV and proceeded to Nalseb. We did not have high expectations of the travel to Nalseb because we were thinking of rough terrain and endless ridges and cliffs. But to our surprise, some sections of the road were paved and there was an ongoing work on other road sections. In fact, it took us less than an hour to reach our destination. At Nalseb, we stayed at the property of the Benedictine nuns for three days (September 8-10). Srs. Guia, Clare, and Windeline welcomed us and arranged meals for us on food kiosks serving sumptuous dishes.

On our second day at Nalseb, we made a visual survey of the 4- hectare land owned by the Province accompanied by Mr. Sonny, the former caretaker of the property of the sisters.

Since there was already a paved road leading to the area, we inspect the place faster and immediately saw the needed security improvements. We thank Mr. Sonny for his assistance and for his valuable suggestions for the land improvements

The three members of the council quickly came to a decision and agreed to the improvements needed to be made primarily to show the local people as well as the municipal government of Tublay that the owners are interested to keep the property. But I believe that our presence would be a great factor and would be very much needed if we are to have secure and stable land tenure.

Looking back to the time when we acquired the land, the acquisition cost was minimal thinking that the Benedictine nuns (the vendor) will have Blessed Sacrament Fathers and Brothers who will become partners in mission in that area. And indeed, during the Sunday Mass, with Fr. Joseph Matitu as presider, and Frs. Hermie and Junvic as concelebrants, we could see from the eyes of the people, including those of the sisters, their longing for the sacraments especially the Holy Eucharist. It is very seldom that people in that place can attend the mass, maybe because of the limited number of priests of the parish/diocese. It was heartbreaking when one of the sisters shared to us that they don’t have daily mass, and during Sundays they only watch the TV Mass and when it’s time for communion, they go to the chapel and take the consecrated hosts.

The nuns and the people in the place are really looking forward to having a priest and religious nourish them spiritually especially through the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. As a sign of deep gratitude for our presence, people offered during the Mass some of their farm produce such as vegetables and fruits.

Our visit to Nalseb is one of a kind. It is something to reflect upon further and something to be considered in relation to our mission. It is far developed than we think of 10 or 15 years ago. Many of us might have already visited the place years back and had an ambivalent notion toward a fruitful presence in the place; yet, now, based on our assessment, the time has come for us to send religious and engage a Eucharistic mission for the people of Benguet

People in Nalseb are friendly; agricultural activities are yielding; environs are healthy and productive. Indeed, we are privileged to have a place like this – a place with potential for mission and ideal for Eucharistic apostolates. (Rev. Alde Bureros, sss)

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Under the community practice of poverty (GS 18.03), new construction projects shall be noted for their moderation, and there shall be no hesitation in quitting large unoccupied houses or large unused properties. Guided by such provision in the General Statutes, our communities are constructing and developing structures to make more conducive the performance of their ministries and to express their being responsible for the properties entrusted to their care.

The SSS Davao proceeded with the construction of its community building which has a dual purpose of serving as residence for the community members and continuing to house seminarians in their Postulancy stage. The building will have three stories: function rooms on the first floor; the professed members occupying the second floor; the postulants on the third floor. Hopefully, the building construction will finish by December 2017.

The Cagayan de Oro Community and the Sacred Heart Parish are in renovation mode. The rooms of the religious are being expanded lengthwise to add bathrooms. The parish is extending the Parish Pastoral Center to make use of some vacant spaces.

The Sta. Cruz Community is also renovating some individual rooms and just recently finished the renovation of their recreation room. The Parish of Sta. Cruz has also recently finished the renovation of its sacristy.

The Parish of St. John Mary Vianney expanded the wings of its parish church and built confessionals. San Vicente Ferrer Parish developed and beautified the open spaces just outside the church. The Pagudpud presbytery was repainted and the parish office remodeled. The side entrances of the Parish Church of Kimaanya (Masaka, Uganda) were renovated to make them more pleasing to the eyes.

The formation houses too have their respective repair projects. The Eymard Formation Center (EFC) has replaced the ceiling in the refectory and installed a retablo in the chapel. The Novitiate Community has also been doing some building repairs.

+ Fr. Fred Ablog, sss (Filipino Blessed
Sacrament priest from the Province of Saint Ann)

+ Angie Galang (member of Servitium Christi)