JUBILEE OF MERCY (DEC. 8, 2015-NOV. 20, 2016:

On March 13, 2015, during a Lenten Reconciliation Service, Pope Francis made a surprise announcement of an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. He made it official with the issuance of the Bull of Indiction (an especially important document bearing the papal seal) titled Misericordiae Vultus or “The Face of Mercy.” Pope Francis said there will be a Jubilee “because this is the time for mercy. It is the favorable time to heal wounds, a time not to be weary of meeting all those who are waiting to see and to touch with their hands the signs of the closeness of God, a time to offer everyone the way of forgiveness and reconciliation.”

This Year of Mercy is “extraordinary” in the sense that historically speaking, the year of Jubilee occurs every 50 or 25 years (the last Jubilee year was in 2000).

The motto of the Year of Mercy is “Merciful Like the Father” (Luke, 6:36), which is included in the logo of the Year of Mercy shown above.  The logo also shows an image of the Son, the Good Shepherd, who “in His great mercy, takes humanity upon Himself, His eyes are merged with those of man. Christ sees with the eyes of Adam, and Adam with the eyes of Christ. Every person discovers in Christ, the new Adam, his or her own humanity and the future that lies ahead. “

The Holy Year of Mercy will begin on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, December 8, 2015, with the opening of the Holy Door in the Basilica of St. Peter at the Vatican; individual dioceses likewise will “open a Holy Door – The Door of Mercy – either in the Cathedral or in a church of special meaning or a shrine of particular importance for pilgrimages” that will be designated by the diocesan ordinaries. A Eucharistic celebration will follow the rite of the opening of the door. “The Holy Door will become a Door of Mercy through which anyone who enters will experience the love of God who consoles, pardons and instills hope” (Misericordiae Vultus, 3). Special indulgences are available for the faithful through the duration of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, which will conclude on November 20, 2016, the Solemnity of Christ the King.

 

ASSUMPTION PARISH’S COMMITMENT TO THE POOR:

On November 21, the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption in Davao City conducted Medical and Dental services and about 150 parishioners benefited from this charitable work. The activity was not a “send-off” to the Year of the Poor as the Philippines prepares for the Year of the Eucharist and the Family next, but rather,  a reminder and a continuing commitment to try to do more for the poor not only in terms of material assistance but more so, their spiritual wellbeing.

 

MODULES FOR EUCHARISTIC (BIBLICAL) ANIMATION:

POLA experts in various fields of Theology with two lay adept collaborators gathered last November 25 to brainstorm as an initial stage in an attempt to come up with Modules for Eucharistic (Biblical) Evangelization. The meeting was facilitated by Fr. Mike Garcia, head of the Committee, and was attended by Fr. Rudsend Paragas, Fr. Andres Malawis, Fr. Zaldy Norba, Mr. Dante Chua (LITES Team Manila) and Mr. Butch M. Samante (LITES Team Davao).

Aside from considering the following needs: (i) to help in the formation of Aggregations and other Eucharistic organizations, (ii) to propose topics for once a month Eucharistic gathering or any ongoing Eucharistic formation, and (iii) to come up with resources to be shared to different parish groups for their spiritual growth, the committee also took into account Formative Spirituality and Pastoral Theology (Bishop Ronnie Bancud, DD), and modules for Children and Youth (Bro. Arthur Abalos). However, Fr. Mike stressed that the bias of each topic is “It must always be related to the Eucharist.”

In line with the drafting of topics, the body considered the different themes in the Catholic Church such as “Year of the Eucharist and Family” and “Jubilee Year of Mercy”. The following are the topics that were agreed to be used for Eucharistic Evangelization: Eucharist and Marriage; Eucharist and Theology of the Body; Eucharist and Stewardship/Principles of Common Good; Eucharist: Center of All Sacraments; and Eucharist, Liturgical Signs and Symbols.

The Committee members agreed to meet again on April 11, 2016. They also agreed to include as part of the committee a religious sister (Sr. Mariafe Magbanua, sss or Sr. Gina, sss), a laywoman representative (Lourdes  of Servitium Christi) and a lay couple (Mr. Arman Dizon and Mrs. Liz Dizon, members of LITES Team Manila).

 

BUTCH SAMANTE – DAVAO LITES TEAM:

 A SURPRISE…

God indeed is a God of surprises. His various surprises come when you least expect it. It came to me when Fr. Joseph called me up more than two weeks ago and asked me if I can attend the meeting regarding formulating modules on evangelization for the whole SSS Philippine Province. With no hesitations I told him that I was willing to attend the meeting because I know that I can be of help and I am also interested in the task at hand.

Finally November 25 meeting came. The more I was surprise when the members of the committee were introduced. I realized then that I was in the presence of distinguished members of the community and there were only two of us lay partners in the committee. I further realized the significance of the task before us. The members of the committee are experts in their own field and two of us who are LITES members trying to give their best effort in sharing and living out the charism of the Province.

The meeting went smoothly because of the presence of the Holy Spirit by way of guidance and inspiration. There was openness and respect for the ideas and opinions of each one. Personally I felt a genuine acceptance from the community as I had the chance to join them in their prayer and at table where they showed their great concern and hospitality and laughter, to which I am really thankful.

It was a significant and enriching experience for me in terms of my participation and membership of the committee. I would even consider it as a privilege because of the nature and the extent of the work the committee has to do.

 As I was waiting for my flight back to Davao, I had a number of insights and realizations: The meeting made me realize my own gifts which I am willing to share in whatever way possible. It also led me to a fuller and deeper understanding of the mission and vision of the Province.  Lastly, I realized that such a “surprise” is God’s simple way of making known His will and plan for us. And to such a “surprise” is my response in faith.

 

LIFE IN THE EUCHARIST SEMINAR (LITES) – TEAM MANILA:

LITE Seminar at San Antonio de Padua Parish

Fr. John Francis Frederick K. Manlapig, the parish priest of San Antonio de Padua Parish in Parañaque City invited the Manila LITES team to conduct a series of Life In The Eucharist Seminar for his parishioners.  The first seminar was held in the last weekend of September at the Salesian Sisters Retreat House in Los Baños, Laguna, with about 30 participants. The following weekend, the first week of October, another LITE seminar was held at the Parish Formation Center for more than 60 participants.  The third seminar was held in November and around 100 faithful took part in it. Deacon Jon Sison, SSS, accompanied the LITE Team.

 

K-LITES in Davao

It was with much excitement that seven lay facilitators of LITES Team Manila, together with Fr. Rudsend Paragas, SSS, parish priest of Sta Cruz, and Deacon Jon Sison, SSS, went to Davao upon the invitation of Fr. Hermie Garcia, SSS, the parish priest of Assumption Parish, to do a K-LITE Seminar in Davao City.

The K in K-LITES stands for the Filipino word Kabataan (youth). K-LITES was created as a formation for the youth and the young professionals  on the five themes of LITES, namely, Eucharist being God’s love as Nourishment, Reconciliation, Transformation, Abiding Presence and Liberation.

More than 30 youth and young professionals participated in this animated formation.  Members of the LITES Team in Davao extended their full support to ensure the success of this seminar. Sitting as observers, the LITE Facilitators in Davao also ministered to the needs of the participants.

It was another two nights and two days of community building and at the same time raising the awareness of young people on the Eucharist as center of our Christian life.  The participants expressed their excitement to share their fun-filled faith experience through K-LITES with the other young people in the Archdiocese of Davao. (Source: Mr. Dante Chua)

 

POLA IMMERSION IN SURIGAO:

The Diocese of Surigao headed by the Most Rev. Antonieto Cabajog, DD, decided to elevate the Quasi-Parish of Sta. Cruz to a full-fledged Parish. However, it will be re-named Parish of San Pedro Calungsod. This will take place during a solemn celebration of the Mass on February 20, 2016. During this occasion also, Fr. Willy Vallar will be installed as its first SSS parish priest.

 

MASS MEDIA OFFICE AT POLA:

The basement hall at the Provincialate was transformed into a Mass Media Office. The printing of materials for animation will be done here. In due time, the ministry will have a direct responsible person. Please contribute in POLA’s Media Apostolate by way of suggestions on materials that are worthy of reproducing and more importantly, of being used to promote the SSS charism and Founder, Fr. Eymard.

 

ANIMATION ON THE FOUNDER:

In order to respond to the request for Eymardian animation or animation on the Founder, a team of Eymard experts of the Province will have a meeting on January 19, 2016 to draw up recommendations regarding the more practical way of animating the Province on the Founder, St. Peter Julian Eymard. The recommendations will then be presented to the Council.

 

35^TH GENERAL CHAPTER’S CONVOCATION:

In a letter dated November 30, 2015 from the Superior General, Fr. Eugenio Barbosa Martins, to all the Religious of the Congregation, the 35^th General Chapter was formally convoked. This highest authority in the Congregation will take place from June 4 to 24, 2017 at the Conference Center at the University of St. Mary of the Lake (USML) seminary in Mundelein, Illinois, USA. USML, also known as Mundelein Seminary, is the major seminary and school of theology for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

 

CELEBRATING LIFE ESPECIALLY LIFE’S MIRACLES:

On November 30, 2015, Feast of the Apostle Andrew, POLA especially the Provincialate community celebrated the 86^th Birthday of Bro. John Bourque (John Andrew Bourque).  The Provincialate community, the people at the Eucharistic Center (Seminarians, Bar examinees) and the EFC community gathered in the hallway outside Bro. John’s room at Bahay ni Eymard for the celebration of Mass, which was presided by the Provincial with the homily given by Fr. Roel. After the Mass there was a simple agape.

Just this year Bro. John was hospitalized three times. His last hospitalization was a serious one as it involved the placement of a nasogastric tube (NGT: a narrow bore feeding tube passed into the stomach via the nose. It is used for short- or medium-term nutritional support, and also for aspiration of stomach contents) and the use of a ventilator or respirator to keep oxygen flowing throughout his body by pushing air into his lungs. His doctor was even suggesting a tracheotomy (a surgical incision in the neck to open the airways). Before this was even contemplated upon, there was a decision born out of consultation to bring Bro. John home and not to proceed with any further medical procedures.

Bringing him home was not that easy. It was a distressful situation but unceasing prayer made us successful in such effort on October 6, 2015. However, taking Bro. John’s overall condition, it was anticipated that within ten days to two weeks he will expire, that he will not be with us to celebrate his 86^th birthday on November 30.

But a miracle happened! Bro. John celebrated his birthday surrounded by “family and friends” almost two months after being discharged from the hospital, going beyond the anticipated period of expiration. God is indeed the author of life and He is the only one who has the right to take it in time his wishes. This reality is certainly strengthening not only the faith of Bro. John but also the people who witness it.

Just before the Mass ended, after communion, while “Salve Regina” was being sang, Bro. John opened wide his eyes as if expressing his delight and thanksgiving. This hymn was sang repeatedly while Bro. John was being prepared for discharge, during the difficult minutes of discharge and on the way home.

 

PRAYERS FOR:                      

World Peace & Victims of Terrorism

 

 

 

 

BIRTHDAY

December 03(1966) – Fr. Rene M. Esoy, SSS (Dublin, Ireland)

December 05(1953) – Fr. Jhess M. Malit, SSS (Sta. Cruz)

December 06(1979) – Fr. Adrian O. Ladines, SSS (Tacloban)

December 08(1948) – Bp. Sofronio A. Bancud, SSS, DD (Diocese of Cabanatuan)

December 08(1977) – Br. Throy M. Fuentebella, SSS (EFC)

December 16(1975) – Br. Alde O. Bureros, SSS (EFC)

December 25(1990) – Br. Emmanuel Pinto Kigwange, SSS (Uganda)

December 26(1965) – Br. Reynaldo G. Acabado, SSS (Panal)

December 27(1970) – Br. Ferdinand S. Tomo, SSS (Davao)

December 29(1932) – Fr. Conrad P. Goulet, SSS (Panal)

December 29(1986) – Br. Renoir Z. Oliver, Jr., SSS (EFC)

 

ANNIVERSARIES

Ordination

December 01(2001) – Fr. Joel R. Lasutaz, SSS (CDO)

December 05(1992) – Fr. Francis B. Ong, SSS

December 06(2008) – Fr. Adrian O. Ladines, SSS (Tacloban)

December 09(2006) – Fr. Hermogenes F. Garcia, SSS (Davao)

December 15(1992) – Fr. Alfred T. Yap, SSS (Australia)

December 20(1997) – Fr. Robin B. Custodio, SSS (Sta. Cruz)

Profession

December 09(1972) – Bp. Sofronio A. Bancud, SSS, DD

December 12(1998) – Br. Reno P. Intong, SSS (Provincialate)

Canonical Erection

December 08(2014) – MAPANDAN Community

December 09(1995) – CDO Community

December 09(1995) – TACLOBAN Community

December 25(1955) – SSS-Philippines

Death

December 24(1997) – Br. Rogelio F. Arroyo, SSS (Holy Cross Cemetery)

 

Fr. Joseph Matitu, SSS