3 P' s for the Typhoon Victims

A Holy Mass was offered today at the main chapel of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino for the hapless victims of the recent typhoon Reming in the Philippines. Msgr. Stude Santos, the PCF Rector and the Conferenza Episcopali Italiani - National Coordinator for Filipino Migrants, was the main celebrant and preacher. He emphasized in his homily that Filipino migrants in Rome are capable of doing these 3 P's: Panalangin, Pag-asa, Panustus. Representatives from the Philippine Embassy to the Holy See and from the Philippine Embassy to the Italian Government joined a good number of religious sisters and members of Filipino communities in offering this Holy Mass. The PCF Coordinator thanked everyone who came to manifest their oneness with the suffering fellow Filipinos at home. After the celebration, the usual "lugaw" was served to all.

The amount collected reached 500 euro, and would be sent to the Diocese of Legazpi, the affected unfortunate place.

PCF Priests at Santa Marinella

December 20, 2006

The Carmelite Missionary Sisters of the Child Jesus at Santa Marinella (1 hour drive from Rome) were very happy to receive the PCF priests who came to celebrate the so-called Simbang Gabi which started at 7:30 p.m. A good number of sisters in the generalate house are Filipina, mostly from the Visayas and Mindanao. The PCF Coordinator of Student-Priests, Fr. Richard Tan, was the main celebrant. The Father Rector, Msgr. Stude Santos, was the one giving the homily which zeroed in on three things related to Christmas: God is reaching out to us, God redeems us, and God restores our true dignity through the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. After the Mass, Filipino food was served to all of us.

Recollection for the PCF Lay Personnel

December 15-16, 2006

The PCF Lay Personnel made their advent recollection at the Retreat House of the Carmelite Missionary Sisters of the Child Jesus - located very near Fiumicino Airport. Sor Ann Egar, OP was also with the group. The one facilitating the recollection was Rev. Fr. Oscar A. Cadayona who focused his talks on the desire of men to live in the presence of God always and all the days of their life. They arrived there at 4:30 p.m. By 6:00 p.m., the recollection began and ended the following day after lunch.

Christmas Party 2006

December 7, 2006

The Christmas Party began with a message given by Msgr. Jerry Bitoon, a few moments after supper held at the lobby in front of the main chapel. The "glamorous and talented hosts" of this year were very creative in facilitating the "exchanging gifts" and facilitating certain parlor games which made all priests present participate with so much gusto and fun. Prizes were given to the winners, which were solicited by the Social Committee Chairman from generous and ever participative student-priests days before the party. No one could equal the participation of Fr. Richard Tan, Il Capo, in all contests. The night's party came to an end with words of joy by Msgr. Ruben Dimaculangan.

On December 9, 2006, the PCF was filled with Filipino Migrants listening to the talks on the concept of Pondong Pinoy - facilitated by the Archdiocese of Manila.

On December 14, 2006, some student-priests attended the Holy Mass at the Basilica Vaticana, at the end of which Sua Santita` BENEDETTO XVI met the students from different institutions, colleges, and universities here in Rome. It was Cardinal Ruini who presided over the Holy Mass.

On December 19, 2006 at 6:30 p.m., the PCF led by Msgr. Stude Santos offered a Holy Mass at the main chapel on the occasion of the death anniversary of PCF's former lawyer, Atty. Riva. It was attended by the Riva's Family and Friends.

Successful Defense of the Dissertation

December 6, 2006

Fr. (Capt.) John Brillantes (Military Ordinariate) defended his disseration at 3' o clock this afternoon at the Aula Magna of the Pontifical University of Santa Croce. The title of the dissertation was "The Fundamental Moral Principle for Armed Service: Defense of Human Life and Dignity." Rev. Dr. John Brillantes was the second student-priest who was able to defend his dissertation this year 2006. The other one was Rev. Dr. Andrew Gimenez Recepcion (Caceres) who defended his work with flying colors at the Gregorian Pontifical University last February 17, 2006.

Almost the whole community of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino was present to support this promising man from Ilo-Ilo City. With the prayerful presence of Father Rector Msgr. Stude Santos, the PCF Coordinator Fr. Richard Tan, Fr. Greg Gaston, Don Luis Navarro, Fr. Raul Dael, Fr. Greg Uanan, Fr. Nonoy Billanes, Fr. Jess Layug, Fr. Toni Ricarte, Fr. Rolly Garcia, Fr. Oscar Cadayona, Fr. Jun Bermejo, Fr. Arnold Fuentes, Fr. EJ Jarapa, Fr. Edwin Fontanilla, Fr. Samson of Kenya, Fr. Andy of Lipa, Fr. Amadeo of Palo, Mother Ann Egar, OP, a representative of Ambassador Leonida L. Vera, and Sr. Lorna, the atmosphere was triumphantly joyful and memorable. Congrats Rev. Dr. John and Rev. Dr. Andrew!

Msgr. Ruben Dimaculangan on Priestly Identity and Holiness

Nov. 18-19, 2006

For this month's recollection, Msgr. Ruben Dimaculangan was invited to talk on the priestly identity and genuine holiness. According to him, genuine holiness is felt more when your left handd doesn't know what your right hand does in the sense that the secret to be a saint is to be a saint in secret. The force of the diocesan priest comes from the people with whom we work; the religious inner force is from his community and charism. Character is manifested in great moment but made at every single moment of everyday. Pastoral effectiveness lies in one's sincere response to the Lord. Crisis begins when one's role and life stand in opposition to one another.