Kudos to our new Doctor of Ecclesiastical History!

October 29, 2007

The Rev. Fr. Marvin Mejia (Archdiocese of Cebu) successfully defended his dissertation The Contribution of Thomas A. Hendrick, The American Bishop of Cebu (1903-1909), to the Church in the Philippines at the Pontificia Universitas Gregoriana. His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Bishop Jose Oliveros, Ambassador Philip Lhullier, Msgr. Stude Santos led the pack of PCF Community and friends to the university to give support to Fr. Mejia. A good number from the Pundok ni Beato Pedro Calungsod, a Cebuano-speaking Filipino Community in Rome served by Fr. Mejia, also came in full force to show their love, affection and support. The defense started at 4:00 p.m. and ended at 5: 45 p.m. After the defense, a sumptuous dinner was served at the Pontificio Collegio Filippino. Congratulations, Rev. Dr. Marvin!

The New Sostituto Visits PCF

Archbishop Fernando Filoni, the former Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines and now the Sostituto or Deputy Secretary of State, came to the Pontificio Collegio Filippino and celebrated the Holy Mass attended by different Filipino communities, religious, priests and sisters in Rome at six o' clock in the evening yesterday. In his homily, he acknowledged that his mission as nuncio to the Philippines started here in PCF Chapel the other year during the PCF fiesta in May and now he formally concluded it in the same chapel. He also affirmed the wonderful vocation of Filipinos, especially those working in foreign countries, as a strong witness of the faith. Among those who were present: His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, His Eminence Jose Cardinal Sanchez, His Excellency Most Rev. Jose Oliveros, the Ambassador to the Holy See Her Excellency Leonida Vera, the Superior General of SVD Fr. Tony Pernia, the Dean of the Faculty of Canon Law of Santa Croce Don Luis Navarro, and of course the PCF Rector Msgr. Stude Santos.

The new comers meet the Pope

October 25, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Peter's Basilica

The PCF new comers with the Father Rector were part of hundreds of students from different pontifical universities that gathered on October 25 for a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica to mark the official opening of the academic year 2007-08, with Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, the prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, presiding. After the Eucharistic celebration the Holy Father spoke to the congregation.

For young people spending a few formative years in Rome, the Pope said, the city offers "eloquent Christian testimony" in the works of art, architecture, and institutions built up over the centuries. The pontifical universities have their own rich history, he added, noting that in those schools "entire generations of priests and pastoral workers were formed, including many great saints and illustrious men of the Church."

Encourging the students to diligence in both their studies and their spiritual lives, Pope Benedict told them that they should recognize their academic work as preparation for their priestly mission.

A Scuola!

October 8, 2007

Most of the pontifical universities started their classes today. Here's the list of PCF student- priests for this year:

1. Corsino, Fr. Jonathan (La Union) - Licentiate in Philosophy at Santa Croce
2. Gadon, Fr. John (Military) - Licentiate in Spiritual Theology at Santa Croce
3. Lariosa, Fr. Ferdinand (Digos) - Licentiate in Spirituality at Gregorianum
4. Mahinay, Fr. Edilberto (Mati) - Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology at Gregorianum
5. Parilla, Fr. Harold (Tagbilaran)- Licentiate in Canon Law at Gregorianum
6. Ruiz, Fr. Glenn (Caceres) - Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology at Angelicum
7. Takata, Fr. Arnel (Balanga) - Licentiate in Sacred Liturgy at Sant'Anselmo
8. Fontanilla, Fr. Edwin (La Union) - Ecumenism at Angelicum
9. Fuentes, Fr. Arnold (Cotabato) - Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology
10. Galias, Fr. Samuel (Sorsogon)- Licentiate in Spiritual Theology at Angelicum
11. Jarapa, Fr. Edilberto (Lucena) - Licentiate in Philosophy at Angelicum
12. M'Rinkaya, Fr. Samson (Kenya)- Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology at Santa Croce
13. Rabago, Fr. Ian Noel (Laoag) - Licentiate in Canon Law at Angelicum
14. Tan, Fr. Arnel (LMRS) - Ecumenism at Angelicum
15. Braga, Fr. Melchor (Alaminos) - Doctorate in Philosophy at Gregorianum
16. Cadayona, Fr. Oscar (Maasin) - Doctorate in Philosophy at Angelicum
17. Faustino, Fr. Archie (Zamboanga) - Doctorate in Philosophy at Santa Croce
18. Jopson, Fr. Lito (Pasig) - Licentiate in Social Communication at Santa Croce
19. Suarez, Fr. Venusto (Manila) - Licentiate in Philosophy at Gregorianum
20. Tan, Fr. Richard (Calbayog) - Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology at Gregorianum
21. Billones, Fr. Midyphil (Jaro) - Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology at Gregorianum
22. Crisostomo, Fr. Rico (Bulacan) - Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology at Gregorianum
23. Dael, Fr. Raul (Cagayan de Oro) - Doctorate in Spirituality at Gregorianum
24. Escario, Fr. Edison (Manila) - Doctorate in Biblical Theology at Angelicum
25. Mejia, Fr. Marvin (Cebu) - Doctorate in E. History at Gregorianum
26. Pinero, Fr. Renee (Sorsogon) - Doctorate in Philosophy at Santa Croce
27. Ricarte, Fr. Antonio (Cebu) - Doctorate in Missiology at Gregorianum
28. Timoner, Fr. Anthony (Daet) - Doctorate in Moral Theology at Angelicum
29. Uanan, Fr. Greg (Ilagan) - Doctorate in Canon Law at Angelicum
30. Uy, Fr. Alberto (Talibon) - Doctorate in Moral Theology at Gregorianum

PCF Annual Retreat

October 2 - 7, 2007

For this year annual holy retreat, Fr. Antonio Bermejo, Jr. led the pcf student-priests to reflect on this general theme taken form the Letter to the Hebrews 5, 6.1: You are a priest for ever... For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.

Our Retreat Master is a Filipino from Capiz. He is at present a professor of Liturgy at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and Director of Studies of Collegio Ecclesiastico Internazionale Sedes Sapintiae.

These were the themes each day we made ourselves familiar with in our meditations and prayers: First Day 2 October 2007: God is near. Per Dominum nostrum Iesum Christum, Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sanctus Deus per omnia saecula saeculorum. Second Day 3 October 2007. Setting our priorities. The three imperatives: to pray, to provide care, to preach. Pope Benedict XVI. Eucharistic existence: So for us the words of institution must be more than a formula of consecration: they must be a "formula of life". Pope John Paul II, Letter to Priests 2005. Third Day 4 October 2007: Confession and spiritual direction. Sin and lukewarmness. Unity of life and rectitude of intention. Constancy and perseverance in the spiritual struggle. Mortification. Fourth Day 5 October 2007. Humanity of Jesus Christ : Priestly conduct and behavior. Humility and simplicity and poverty. In love with Christ, in love with the Church, in love with our priestly vocation. The Blessed Virgin Mary. Fifth Day 6 October 2007: Celibacy and chastity. Grace of God and personal correspondence. Freedom and responsibility. Unity and obedience. The whole PCF community was really very grateful to you, Fr. Jun, for the "tabor" experience in collegio in one week.

Arrivederci Fr. Rey, OP!

October 2007

Having served the PCF Community for eight long years as Spiritual Director, Fr. Rey Adalid, OP said good-bye to all and left Rome for his new mission in South East Asia. True to his being a disciple of St. Dominic, he has been giving talks and directions very well well to "saints" as well as to "sinners" in and outside Rome. Sa Iddio! We certainly miss you, Fr. Rey! Grazie!!!

The Arrival of the New Comers

October 1, 2007

Benvenuti a Roma! Seven new comers were officially welcomed by the PCF. Since the old timers were still in their pastoral exposure in the U.S., only the PCF Staff, led by Msgr. Stude Santos ushered the new comers into the eternal city of Rome. They were the following: Fr. Jonathan Corsino (La Union), Fr. Amrafil John Gadon (Military Ordinariate - Phils.), Fr. Ferdinand Lariosa (Digos), Fr. Edilberto Mahinay (Mati), Fr. Harold Anthony Parilla (Tagbilaran), Fr. Glenn Ruiz (Caceres), Fr. Arnel Takata (Balanga).

PCF Priests' Reunion in Staten Island

August 20, 2007

The first to arrive at the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Staten Island, were Frs. Archie Faustino and Oscar Cadayona. They came all the way from Long Island by car driven by Fr. Archie himself. It was the first time for Fr. Archie to drive that far. He was confident because there was the one holding the map and reading to him the direction despite the fact that there was a GPS in the car. A few minutes later, another car arrived. Fr. Greg Uanan and Fr. RJ Pinero came out bringing the lechon from New Jersey. Fr. Rey Adalid, OP welcomed each and everyone of us. When we were already at the park where Fr. Jess Layug and the host family (a medical doctor from Cebu) prepared the food for lunch, another car arrived. It was Fr. Nars Minion and Fr. Rodel San Juan with their driver Fr. Nemer Chua. The rest came through ferry boat from Manhattan: Fr. Jimmel Varela, Fr. Lito Jopson, Fr. Mel Braga, Fr. Antonio Ricarte, Fr. Raul Dael, and Fr. Richard Tan. The sumptuous food lasted until 4:00 o' clock in the afternoon. The group went back to the parish to take dinner and some pangumustahan in forms of talks, songs, and laughters. In between those moments, some priests approached each other for spiritual strengthening and deepening in private. All went home happy and uplifted! Thank you, Fr. Rey and to your classmate!

Final Exams

June 4 -28, 2007

Starting Monday 4th of June, each one wrapped himself up in his notes or books in preparation for the exams. Some opted to take the exams on September for one reason or another. Fr. Lito Jopson opted to take all his exams on September or October because he had been missing classes on account of the fact that he had been at the side of his ailing Mother who eventually passed away peacefully in the grace of the Lord.

The President's Visit to PCF

June 3, 2007

Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo visited the Roman home of Filipino student-priests for the second time. She arrived at PCF at 3:00 p.m. and welcomed by the PCF Rector Msgr. Stude Santos, Spiritual Director Fr. Rey Adalid, OP, OP Sisters Ann, Helen, Lerma, a handful of student-priests Fr. Greg Uanan, Fr. Edwin Fonatanilla, Fr. Ian Rabago, Fr. Arnel Tan, Fr. Oscar Cadayona, and Fr. Melchor Braga. The President was in Rome attending the canonization of the foundress of the Religous of the Assumption, Mother Marie Eugenie. The Sisters of the Assumpption were the ones running the Assumption College where the president studied many years ago. In the PCF main chapel, the President met and talked to the OFWS that filled the chapel to overflowing.

Last Recollection of the School Year

May 26-27, 2007

Fr. Greg Gaston preached the last of the monthly recollections for this academic year 2006-2007. He talked about, among other things, holiness in the concrete circumstance of daily life, and not on external appearances.

Pamana Night 2007

May 25, 2007

Seven graduating student-priests were treated to a very special dinner at the lobby by the PCF community for the completion of their studies. The so-called PAMANA NIGHT was sposored by the new comers led by thier CAPO Fr. Ian Rabago. The honorees were: Fr. Melchor Braga (Licentiate in Philosophy), Fr. Oscar Cadayona (Licentiate in Philosophy), Fr. Richard Tan (Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology), Fr. Nemer Chua (Licentiate in Moral Theology), Fr. Jesus Layug (Licnetiate in Biblical Theology), Fr. Rolando Garcia (Licentiate in Biblical Theology), Fr. Gregorio Uanan (Doctorate in Canon Law).

New Set of PCF Officers

May 22, 2007

The PCF community elected a new set of officers, the so-called the Council of Co-Responsibles. The new coordinator: Fr. Ian Noel Rabago (Laoag). The vice-coordinator: Fr. Edwin Fontanilla (La Union). The Secretary/Treasurer: Fr. Arnel Tan (LRMS). The committee chairmen: Liturgy - Fr. Samuel Galias (Sorsogon); Spirituality - Fr. Samson M' Rinkaya (Kenya); Music - Fr. Edilberto Jarapa (Lucena); Physical Arrangement - Fr. Robert Anagboso (Nigeria); Sports - Fr. Arnold Fuentes ( Cotabato).

A Tragic Loss

May 12, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. While playing basketball, collegio filipino priests were stunned upon seeing their team mate Fr. Andy Carandang (Lipa) suddenly collapsed and minutes later passed away due to cardiac arrest. He was 38. Hundreds of priests from PCF and from the University of the Holy Cross came to concelebrate the Holy Mass at the Chapel of the said university five days after for the eternal repose of the soul of our friend, colleague, and brother. After the funeral Mass, the remains were brought to the airport for the following day's flight back to the Philippines where the burial would take place at his hometown. We have lost a great friend on earth, but we have gained a great intercessor in heaven!

The Fiesta of PCF 2007

Theme: “Pilipino sa Mundo, Sugo ng Ebanghelyo”

Events Before Collegio Day:

Triduum:

May 3 – First Day of the Triduum Mass,
Main Celebrant/Preacher: Archbp. Adolfo Tito Yllana (Apostolic Nuncio to Pakistan)
Invited Pilgrims: Migrant workers in Rome
The two Phil. Ambassadors were present

Before the Mass at 2 pm: there was the regional elimination (Rome)
of the First International Family Bible Quiz. The winner was the Bacay Family of “El Shaddai” – Rome Chapter; closely followed by the Bentulan Family from Pundok ni Beato Pedro Calungsod sa Roma.

May 4 - Second Day of the Triduum, sponsored by the PCF Kapatiran Batch
Main Celebrant: Fr. Mel Braga, Licentiate Student Priest in Philosophy
Preacher: Mons. Ruperto Santos, Rector of the PCF
Inivited Pilgrims: Fil. Business Establishments in Rome

May 5 - Last Day of the Triduum, sponsored by the First Year Student Priests
Main Celebrant: Fr. Bong Fuentes, Licentiate Student in Dogmatic Theology
Preacher: Fr. Samuel Galias, First Year Student at Biblicum
Pilgrims: Religious Sisters, Seminarians, Priests

Events During the Fiesta:

10: 30 A.M. – Concelebrated Mass
Main Celebrant: His Emin. Ricardo Card. Vidal, Arch. of Cebu
Homilist: His Emin. Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Arch. of Manila
50 concelebrating priests – Fil and Italian priests
The main chapel and the lobby was filled with worshippers
There were monitors put up at the lobby so that the people outside could still participate and see what’s going inside the chapel.

12: 15 P.M. – Procession of the Sagalas ( aged 8 – 12 years old this year) and Our Lady of Antipolo and Good Voyage, the patroness of the PCF from the chapel to the front ground to the back ground of the PCF where the meals and programs where held.

As has been the tradition, Fil. Communities that participated in the Collegio Day set up their own tents the day before. This year, there were 50 Filipino Communities (last year was only 45 Fil. Com.) attending, 6 of which were outside Rome – Lecce, Bari, Caserta, Pissa, Terni, Ferenzi. And there were 14 Filipino Establishments, mostly Fil. Banks that promoted their “services”.
The program, conceptualized by Fr. Lito Jopson, a Licentiate Student of Social Communicate at the University of Santa Croce, aims at projecting what is “Filipino” among us, and the atmosphere of the fiesta was really felt like we were in the Philippines. The program consisted of the following:

Barrio Fiesta: A Competition who among the migrant workers the best cook when it comes to Filipino Dishes in the different categories: meat, fish, chicken, barbecue, rice cake, etc.
Religious-Cultural Dance Contest: Participants were: Sacre Cuore Fil. Community with its Modern/relgious /mixed dance; El Shaddai – Rome Chapter with its “Aba Ginoong Maria!”, Our Lady of Penafrancia with their dance for the Lady; and the winner was the San Raffaela Filipino Community with its “Ati-atihan” – from children up to old members of the community were the participants.
Palarong Pinoy: Different games which can be found only in the Philippines during fiesta. The Filipino Communities themselves facilitated the games mostly for children. Also, they themselves gave the prize to the winners.


The parking ground of the PCF was filled with more than 200 cars, owned by the Filipinos

The program ended at 5:00 p.m.