The profession of the evangelical counsels makes one a consecrated person. Religious clerics, brothers, and sisters profess evangelical poverty, chastity in the celibate state, and obedience; hence, they are consecrated persons. However, there are other Christ’s faithful who likewise profess the same evangelical counsels but don’t belong to any religious institute. Such Christ’s faithful might belong to what we call ‘Secular Institutes’.
Can. 710 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law provides that “A secular institute is an institute of consecrated life in which the Christian faithful, living in the world, strive for the perfection of charity and seek to contribute to the sanctification of the world, especially from within.” Members of this institute, while remaining in the world, share in the mission of the Church by sanctifying it from within. Members might not be noticed as consecrated persons, but by their lives, they make a unique and exceptional impact on the lives of others and allow them to experience God’s loving presence.
The Secular Institute Servitium Christi, an institute of consecrated laywomen associated with the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (SSS Fathers, Brothers, and Sisters), is blessed to have accepted new members who definitively incorporated themselves into it. These are Ms. Susan Matutina and Ms. Lorna Castañares of Davao Center, who made their perpetual profession of the evangelical vows last March 17 at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church, Davao City. The celebration was graced by the presence of Ms. Mary Keane, the General Directress; Fr. Mike M. Garcia, SSS, Spiritual Assistant; and other SSS priests, religious, sisters, and postulants. Likewise, families and friends of both Susan and Lorna witnessed the occasion.
On March 21, 2018, three members of Manila Center renewed their consecration, namely, Ms. Maria Fatima C. Padual, Ms. Maria Lourdes T. Passe, and Ms. Veronica T. Valmonte. The celebration was also graced by Ms. Mary Keane, together with SSS priests, religious brothers and sisters, and seminarians. This renewal of vows was held at the Chapel of the Provincialate of the SSS Fathers and Brothers at #20 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City.
It was an occasion of grace for the Servitium Christi – Philippines to have these events this Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons. God calls us in a very unique way and we likewise respond to Him in varied ways. We are ever grateful to God who continuously calls men and women to a particular vocation in the Church. May we remain faithful to our commitment as consecrated persons.
— Fr. Mike Garcia, SSS (Spiritual Assistant)
To live the Eucharist is truly a difficult and challenging task to do. It needs strong faith, commitment and, most of all, the love for the Eucharist. But with Jesus’ overflowing love for us, nothing is impossible. Just like St. Paul’s words: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13)
March 18, 2018 was indeed a significant day not only for Our Lady of the Assumption Parish but also for the whole Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament for it was on this day (5th Sunday of Lent) that twenty-eight graduates of the first batch of the Aggregation of the Blessed Sacrament, also known as ABS, were sent forth at the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Davao, during the 8 a.m. Mass with Fr. Reynaldo R. Capili, SSS, the Provincial Vicar, as the principal celebrant, and Fr. Jon M. Sison, SSS, ABS/LITES National Director, and Fr. Randy U. Vergara, SSS, Davao Community Local Superior, as concelebrants.
We were given a crucifix which should remind us of Jesus Christ as we try by the witness of our lives to become “living monstrance” because of our special love and devotion to the Eucharist. And for our rule of life, we were given a copy of “Project of Life.”
With courage and positivity, we, together with the other 26 graduates – Luz P. Abreo, Vanessa Mia W. Adalin, Estela C. Aquino, Germelino L. Bermoy, Corazon C. Buno, Ludelyn A. Carillo, Gertrudes J. Caseñas, Belen R. De Leon, Hilda R. De Leon, Marites G. Dejanio, Delia T. Divinagracia, Kris Nelly C. Galarita, Eden B. Garte, Josefina J. Gill, Rene P. Lozada, Ma. Leah SC. Martin, Rhiza G. Mutya, Maria R. Namit, Lilian C. Nayre, Elvira V. Ong, Evelyn T. Rodolfo, Romana P. Salas, Fe O. Samantha, Pacita D. Tello and Emelly T. Tongson – pronounced our promise and desire to become part of the Aggregation of the Blessed Sacrament and be inspired by the Life Project of the Aggregation. The charism of Fr. Eymard will inspire us to live out the life of Christ in our daily life. With the ideal to live the mystery of the Eucharist fully and to make known its meaning, it is St. Peter Julian Eymard, who will to help us achieve this great ideal.
Cheery Mae T. Fabroa,
ABS & Assumption Parish Youth
Butch M. Samante,
ABS & LITES Davao
On March 14, San Pedro Calungsod Parish welcomed Most Reverend Antonieto D. Cabajog, D.D., Bishop of Surigao, for a two-day and a half pastoral visit. He was accompanied by the Priest Directors and Sister Coordinators of the Diocesan Ministries of Worship, Education, Service, Temporalities, Youth & Vocation, BEC and Bible. Also with him were the DCS Vicar General, Msgr. Edito N. Alcala and the DCS Chancellor, Fr. James Wendele P. Puracan.
According to Bishop Cabajog, the visit is not about finding fault but about determining the extent of the implementation of the Diocesan Manual for Administration and Post- Synodal Implementation Guidelines and about listening to the flock entrusted to his care. This is in compliance with Canon 396.1 and 398, which states:
“A bishop is obliged to visit the diocese annually either in whole or in part, so that he visits the entire diocese at least every five years either personally or, if he has been legitimately impeded, through the coadjutor bishop, an auxiliary, vicar general, episcopal vicar, or another presbyter.”
“The Bishop is to endeavor to make his pastoral visitation with due diligence.”
When the Visitation team members arrived at around 9:00 in the morning, parishioners from the six chapels of the parish were on hand to greet them. Welcome dances were performed by pupils from Sta. Cruz Elementary School and students from Amando Fabio National High School. The bishop was then liturgically welcomed at which Fr. Joel Lasutaz, SSS, the parish priest, and Bro. Arvin Decalit, PPC President, delivered welcome speeches. As this visit occasioned the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, Bishop Cabajog confirmed 187 parishioners during the Eucharistic celebration which he presided.
In the afternoon of the first day, the team met with the PPC, PFC, Parish WESTYV Coordinators and parishioners for an open forum to give them the opportunity to express their observations of the parish administration. The team met separately with the directors and coordinators of WESTYV ministries and their parish counterparts to listen to their reports and plans and desired situations.
The following day, March 15, there was also an open forum in the morning at San Isidro Labrador Chapel, Brgy. Anislagan, and in the afternoon, at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Brgy. Mabini. In both chapels, before the forum, Mass was celebrated. The team also made a short visit to St. Peter Julian Eymard Chapel, Brgy. Bad-as, and then headed back to the church for the Evening Prayer.
On the third day, March 16, Bishop Cabajog presided at the Mass in thanksgiving not only in relation to the pastoral visit but also in celebration of his 19th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary.
In all their meetings, the SSS community, especially Fr. Joel was not allowed to join so as to allow the people to express what is in their hearts without hesitation. Thus, on the last day, the Visitation team members met with the SSS Community to give their feedback about everything they had heard during the open forums and meetings with parishioners. Fr. Joel was given an opportunity to shed light on the negative comments. Br. Ed also gave his response, presenting the real situation behind the issues.
In general, Bishop Cabajog was thankful to everyone especially to the SSS community for administering the parish. They were able to learn many things from this visit that they planned to share in their visits to other parishes in the diocese, especially about how the SSS celebrated and taught the liturgy.
The celebration of the community Liturgy of the Hours, especially Lauds and Vespers, with the team and the parishioners and the Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament exposed were integrated in the days of the Pastoral Visit.
— Fr. Joel Lasutaz, SSS, Pastor
C O N G A T U L A T I O N S . . . . . K E E P U P T H E G O O D W O R K ! ! ! ! !
When later he [St. Joseph] carried the Child in his arms, acts of loving faith welled up constantly in his heart. It was a worship that pleased our Lord more than that which he receives in heaven. Picture to yourself Saint Joseph, adoring the little Child in his arms as his God. He tells of his readiness to die for Christ, of all his plans to promote Christ’s glory, and to win more souls to his love. No lover builds more scintillating plans for his loved one than a saint.
LOVE at First MASS
#mayTrueLove #mayFOREVER
It was love at first sight. The first time I laid my eyes on it with curiosity and sincerity. What is it then or shall I say who is it then? It was Jesus in the form of bread and wine that was lifted up by the priest during the first-ever Mass I attended with an understanding of what it is. The moment that led me to my preparation for First Communion. My first encounter with Jesus with unexplainable emotion and deep happiness in my heart.
When Jesus came to me, he became my companion along the way. He led me to the people who taught me the true meaning and value of the Eucharist. Especially the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. In my teenage years, I was able to understand the Eucharist by attending the Basic Orientation on the Eucharist for the Youth, or the BOEY, given by the Eucharistic Youth Movement, also known as EYM. The teachings I’ve learned remained in me as I journeyed with Him in the Youth Ministry. Imagine how long it would have taken me to know more about Jesus if I wasn’t introduced to His Real Presence. Like love, I think it was called fate and the people are the instruments of God or let’s just say they are the cupids who threw an arrow at me and made me fall in love with Jesus in the Eucharist. For me, BOEY was the G-T-K-Y stage or the Getting To Know You Stage. Looks like a relationship was made! And that relationship grew longer and longer as we celebrate our weeksary every Sunday. Receiving him in Holy Communion made me very excited every Sunday. Through the life of Fr. Eymard, I discovered that I can have an intimate relationship with Jesus. That I can talk to Him like a friend. Although I have so many friends, they cannot always be there to listen to me, to comfort me, and to help me. But Jesus is always there, ready to listen, and just waiting for me in the Blessed Sacrament. It is in adoration that our friendship grew bigger and deeper. I told him of my dreams, happiness in life, problems, doubts, hesitations, even my love life. Though I wasn’t sure if it is called love life. He became my confidante and I am very happy to have him. We also have our monthsary every Parish Holy hour and anniversary too every Holy Thursday. The first-ever Mass instituted by Him. Until such time that I was able to attend Mass on weekdays too, and with that, I keep falling in love with Him, over and over again. Just like any other friendships, ours is also tested. Sometimes, I hurt him by forgetting his teachings to sin no more and to do the Father’s will. But his love is greater than my shortcomings and it is proven by forgiving my sins during confession. It is in confession I was able to reconcile with Him. How wonderful it is to be in love with Jesus! I can really say that He is my true love. Why? Because He gave himself to me by dying on the cross, no matter how many sins I’ve committed and how many times I’ve hurt him. For these reasons, I made a lifetime commitment with Him by joining the Aggregation of the Blessed Sacrament. Though it is a very challenging task to do I know that Jesus is always there to guide me on this journey.
Christ made me believe in the “#mayFOREVER” as he said in Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always, until the end of time.” And with the Eucharist, Jesus assures us of his presence in our life.
Cheery Mae T. Fabroa,
ABS & Assumption Parish Youth
H a p p y E a s t e r !!!
12 But if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then neither has Christ been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then empty [too] is our preaching; empty, too, your faith. 15 Then we are also false witnesses to God because we testified against God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised, 17 and if Christ has not been raised,[a] your faith is vain; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all.
Christ the Firstfruits.[b] 20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits[c] of those who have fallen asleep. 21 [d]For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead came also through a human being.
— 1 Corinthians 15:12-21 New American