Official Statement on the Burial of Ferdinand Marcos

at the Libingan ng mga Bayani

We, the members of the ASSOCIATION OF MAJOR RELIGIOUS SUPERIORS IN THE PHILIPPINES, have recently expressed our outcry against the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani.

Developments on this issue have come, albeit in ways that we have neither expected nor desired.

On November 8, 2016, the Supreme Court en banc decided to allow the burial of former President Marcos at the Heroes’ Cemetery (Libingan Ng Mga Bayani). The magistrates, voting 9-5-1, dismissed the consolidated petitions arguing that a hero’s burial for Marcos would be a “grave injustice” to the victims of Martial rule. The ruling stated that President Rodrigo R. Duterte was within the bounds of his powers under the Constitution and the administrative code when he ordered the burial.

On November 18, 2016, the remains of Marcos, flown via helicopter, were buried at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani in surprise and clandestine rites. As many of the Filipinos were still reeling from the recent Supreme Court decision affirming the lawfulness of the burial of Marcos at the Heroes’ Cemetery, these ceremonies come as a shock, as they came so suddenly.

We share the sentiments of many people who are now sad, disappointed, or angry on account of these turn of events.

The burial of Marcos at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani is linked to the Presidency of Duterte who has made this part of his campaign agenda and has orchestrated the burial from the backstage. The Marcoses would not have come this far without his support.

We reiterate our stand that Marcos is not a hero: even if he was a soldier and a president, he was a dictator and was responsible for the violation of human rights and for the other atrocities committed during Martial Law. He has plundered the nation of her wealth, consequently impoverishing her people: P170 B worth of ill-gotten wealth was recovered by the PCGG from 1986-2015. To the end Marcos has shown no remorse for his actions.

We deplore the manner and circumstances in which he was buried at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani: it is a grave disrespect not only to the victims of human rights abuses under his regime, but to the whole nation as well.

We stand in solidarity with the victims of Martial Law: the AMRSP has data, documented through the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, which prove that Marcos is not a hero.

We resolve to continue correcting misconceptions about the heroism of Marcos: our consistent opposition to a revisionist history we bring through our works—in our schools and colleges, parishes, social ministries and centers, and other ministries that seek to form the conscience of the citizenry.

We commend the outpouring of the people’s cry for truth and justice: many have come forward to express disappointment over the burial of Marcos at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani. We are heartened to see students and young people leading the clamor for truth and justice. There is indeed hope that our young will bring the advocacy to the public arena. (November 22, 2016)

 

Promoting Adoration to a Neighboring Parish

Last Sunday, the Solemnity of Christ the King, the Kimaanya Parish Adorers went to Kyabakuza Parish to promote the Eucharistic Adoration. The group was warmly welcomed by the Parish Priest and the parishioners who attended the 7 a.m. Mass. Fr. Joseph, the Mass celebrant, led the group to facilitate the program. After the Mass, a good number of parishioners attended the program for adoration promotion. It was indeed a successful effort as the Kyabakuza parishioners look forward to having adoration in their parish. (Courtesy of Br. Throy)

Launching of Aggregation of the Blessed Sacrament in Blessed Sacrament Parish, Tacloban

On November 10, 2016, the Aggregation of the Blessed Sacrament was launched in Blessed Sacrament Parish, Maharlika Highway, Tigbao, Tacloban City.  It was well received and attended by the parishioners coming from the different organizations of the parish particularly the group of the adorers.  Twenty-five (25) application forms were submitted on the same day, which signaled their interest and willingness to join and become active members of the Association, which has its spiritual affiliation in all the works and prayers of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.

The launching was initiated by the Local Community in Tacloban spearheaded by Fr. Melchor Castañeda, SSS.  A short reflection on the “Real Presence” by Fr. Jon Sison, SSS, started the launch event followed by a presentation on what the Aggregation of the Blessed Sacrament is all about.  Our deepest gratitude to Fr. Willy Vallar, SSS and Rev. Renoir Oliver, SSS for the support and assistance!

(Courtesy of Fr. Jon)

The Aggregation will be launched next at St. John Marie Vianney Parish in Adorable, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija, on November 30, 2016.  Thanks to the initiative of Rev. Fr. Nelson Roque.  As one Eymardian family let us continue praying for this endeavor of setting the Eucharistic Spirituality on fire.

 

Re-Launching of the Blessed Sacrament Vocation Club Auxiliaries in San Vicente Ferrer Parish, Taguig

For so long a time, the Blessed Sacrament Vocation Club Auxiliaries (BSVCA) was out of the picture. Thus, in the POLA Chapter of 2014, it was decided to revive the BSVCA.

The initial attempt at realizing this desire happened on November 20, 2016, during the 5:00 p.m. solemn celebration of the Eucharist, wherein nine BSVCAs from San Vicente Ferrer Parish (Taguig) were inducted by Fr. Marlon Reyes, National Vocation Director. To witness this historical parochial event and to express their gratitude and support were the members of the Blessed Sacrament Vocation Club.

Just a day before the induction, these Auxiliaries to the Blessed Sacrament Vocation Club were given orientation by Fr. Joseph Matitu and Rev. Leo Ayuyao. The inputs dealt on God’s call, Saint Peter Julian Eymard, the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Sacrament Vocation Club. Then, the main topic was on the Blessed Sacrament Vocation Club itself – the aim, the membership and the works.

The following day, the first batch of members inducted had a meeting and reached consensus to pray together before the Blessed Sacrament for the sanctification of Priests and Religious, for the perseverance of the Seminarians and for the increase of Priestly and Religious vocation. The Good Shepherd Sunday was considered as the day for Prayer for Vocations.

The group is now preparing materials to help in the vocation promotion of the Congregation especially to recruit members of the Blessed Sacrament Vocation Club who will be the potential people who will occupy the Province’s seminaries.

 

Fr. Froilan – Elected Vice President for Mindanao of A.C.S.P.

Fr. Froilan Briones was elected as Vice President for Mindanao of the Association of Catholic Shrines and Pilgrimages of the Philippines (ACSP). The election was held last October 28 in the Diocese of Bataan during the 24th General Assembly of ACSP. The term of office is two years but can be re-elected for two consecutive terms in the same position.

Fr. Froilan took his oath of office together with the other elected officers before Bishop Ruperto Santos, D.D., Bishop of Balanga, Bataan, last November 22 at the Chapel of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).  Bishop Santos is the Chairman of the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) of the CBCP. The ACSP is a ministry of the ECMI.

The Association was founded in 1991 with 17 founding members under the name “Association of Shrine Rectors and Promoters of Pilgrimages of the Philippines” (ASRP), which was later changed to ACSP. The rectors were tasked with pastoral care of shrines and the promotion of pilgrimages and to be active agents of evangelization and renewal, solidarity and mutual support, communion with the Church and advancement of the reign of God.

Presently, there are 80 member shrines:  Luzon – 61, Visayas – 15 and Mindanao – 4.

Fr. Froilan is now a member of the Executive Board of the ACSP.  As Vice President, Fr. Froilan’s duty is to promote the association in its projects and to recruit members from the Mindanao region.  He is also required to attend the executive board meetings on a regular basis at least once every two months and to attend the Annual General Assembly.  He is also officially a member of the Committee on Membership, which is responsible for the recruitment of new members, their selection and integration into the Association.

(Courtesy of Fr. Froi)

 

 Internationality of the Province of Our Lady of the Assumption

It is now more than ever that the Province of Our Lady of the Assumption deeply felt and understood the internationality of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.  Aside from the Filipinos we also have the following Nationalities:

1. Conrad Goulet – The sole American in the Province
2. Ugandans – The Uganda SSS became part of POLA in 2000. Br. Tony is at Eymard Formation Center (EFC) studying Theology at Maryhill School of Theology.
3. Aruna – He is staying in Sta. Cruz community and pursuing a course in Psychology majoring in Counselling at the De La Salle University

4. 

   Deacon Dominic – He arrived in the Province from Vietnam just recently to study English and then pursue further studies in Theology

5. Dang, Peter, Kiet and Khoi – Vietnamese scholastics residing at Eymard Formation Center (EFC) and studying at Maryhill School of Theology
6. Walker – A first-year novice from Pakistan
7. Raj – A first-year novice who is a Sri Lankan yet British national and belongs to the Province of Saints Peter and Paul (Britain-Ireland). He is being accomodated by POLA for his Novitiate.
8. Duo Ming Pei – A chinese national who will study English here and undergo the Province’s initial formation program.

 

Called to Mission

The call for collaboration, the need for personnel and, ultimately, the desire to witness to the charism and spirituality of the Eucharist in foreign lands are just some of the motivations why the Province has started seriously considering foreign mission and begun sending its religious to SSS communities abroad and to foreign dioceses.

Last November 17, Fr. Anthony Riosa, arrived in Ireland to assist the community under the care of Fr. Rene Esoy of the Province of Saints Peter and Paul. He will be there up to January 30, 2017.

 

On November 25, Fr. Dannen Mejillano, will leave for the Diocese of Port Pirie, Australia, to stage an exposure (a visit to the different parts of the diocese) upon the invitation of Bishop Gregory O’Kelly, SJ, DD. He will be there for three months.

Recognizing the significance and the enormity of the challenges of this present reality, the Province even created another Provincial Commission, the Commission on Mission and Inter-Provincial Collaboration, during its Provincial Chapter in 2011. Currently, the commission is framing a formation program for those leaving for mission (sent-forth) and for those coming back from mission (re-entry).

Commemorative Calendar for the 60^th POLA Foundation Anniversary

In line with the celebration of the 60^th Foundation Anniversary of the Province of Our Lady of the Assumption this coming August 15, 2017, the Province has commissioned the printing of the 2017 commemorative calendar. The calendar features the different local communities of the Province.

(Thanks to the committee for the nice layout)

 

 

Pocket Books on Saint Peter Julian Eymard

The English speaking Provinces decided to print in India the translations from French to English of the following three pocket books on Eymard:

1. A Thought for Everyday (selected Eymardian Texts chosen by Sr. Aylwin, SSS)
2. SPJE Counsels for Spiritual Life (drawn from SPJE’s Correspondences)
3. Praying 15 Days with PJE (by Fr. Manuel Barbiero, SSS)

 

Prayer Requests

1. Healing for Nenita de Luna, aunt of Fr. Mike Garcia
2. Healing for Tolomeo and Fausta Buyser, parents of Fr. Victor Buyser
3. Healing for Fermina Mangmang Eballe. mother of Fr. Exzur Eballe
4. For the repose of the soul of Mr. Johnny Hitosis, father of Fr. Lito Hitosis
5. For the repose of the soul of Guilbert Mangmang, brother of Fr. Exzur Eballe
6. Council meeting – December 1

 

 

 

Fr. Joseph Matitu, SSS

[NOVEMBER 25, 2016]