As you all know, Mons. Bernardito Auza was nominated last May 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI as the new Nuncio to Haiti and thus to be elevated to the dignity of Archbishop. He will be consecrated Archbishop this July 3 at St. Peter's Basilica at 5 pm. The reception will follow at the Pontificio COllegio Filippino. By July 6, the new Archbishop will say his thanksgiving mass at the PCF main chapel at 10:oo a.m. The Pundok ni Beato Pedro Calungsod will be tasked by Msgr. Stude to be the choir and the readers of the Holy Mass. Auguri, Archbishop Barnie!
Our PCF Daily Life from January to December 2008:
January 7, 2008. Today Christmas break 2007 ended and regular classes in different universities began. As expected, PCF student-priests faced another new opportunities for the new year, keeping always in their mind the main reason of their stay in this collegio and in Rome. The regular monthly confession, recollection, conferences with the Spiritual Director and the Rector, the general assembly of the student-body dissolved the experience of Christmas vacation into pieces of happy memories.
January 19, 2008. The third recollection of the school year was facilitated by Fr. Oscar A. Cadayona (Diocese of Maasin) with the topic focusing on the graces and struggles of the priesthood from day one up to ten years in the ministry. The facilitator would celebrate his tenth year anniversary of his priestly ordination this year.
January 28, 2008. The final examinations for the first semester of the school year started today. The examinations period would run until the 14th day of February, and a few days after the second semester would start.
February 6, 2008. The first week of the month brought the priests and personnel residents of the Collegio into deep reflections not only because of the on-going winter exams but also because of Lenten Season. This day 6th of February started with the traditional putting of ashes on person’s foreheads during the mass in the morning and in the evening was a kind of spiritual conference.
February 16, 2008. Fr. Jun Bermejo of the Prelature of Opus Dei and of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross facilitated the fourth recollection of the year. He just followed up the themes he gave to PCF priests during their annual retreat last October, 2007.
February 18, 2008. The PCF priests saw the day as the start of the second semester. In the evening, the Sports Committee headed by Fr. Bong Fuentes invited every one to watch the opening of the Winter Olympics of this Collegio, usually called the Rector’s Cup. As usual, the event was that of table tennis - single and double.
February 29, 2008. Today the new spiritual director arrived in Rome from the Philippines. He’s Mons. Willy Andrey from the Diocese of Gumaca, Quezon Province. A former resident here in PCF, he got a licentiate degree in Biblical Scriptures in Biblicum in the late 80’s, and afterwards assigned to different ecclesiastical posts in the Philippines as professor, pastor, and chancellor in their diocese.
March 5, 2008. The first of the series of spiritual conferences by Mons. Andrey began today at the PCF crypta. Points for reflection for the season of Lent were given emphasis at this conference, not to mention his introduction of his work and his being available always to those student-priests in need of assistance.
March 15, 2008. The Easter break of the school year began since tomorrow would already be Palm Sunday. Within the week, the Father Rector was still able to manage his usual Rector’s conference which would usually fall on the third Wednesday of the month. He talked about pilgrimages to holy sites as Lourdes, Assisi, Fatima, etc. and related them with the reality of conversion. The Easter breaks ended on March 30.
April 3, 2008. Today the coordinators of the different Filipino communities here in Rome gathered in the PCF’s San Lorenzo Hall to listen and discuss about the coming Collegio Day on the first Sunday of May. Mons. Stude Santos and Fr. Ian Rabago facilitated the meeting attended by the majority of the coordinators.
April 19, 2008. For this month’s recollection, Fr. Raul Dael shared with the community the graces and struggles for the past fifteen years as an ordained minister. He’s from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, in the doctoral program of Spirituality at the Gregorian University.
May 1-3, 2008. Triduum of Masses took place in preparation of the PCF Fiesta 2008. The PCF student-priests and personnel took turns in sponsoring the Masses, attended by friends and benefactors and representatives of different Filipino communities in Rome.
May 4, 2008. The PCF Day ’08 started with a Solemn High Mass with Jose Cardinal Sanchez as the main celebrant and more than 40 priests as concelebrants. The beautiful procession of the zagalas (this year, they are married women) began at the San Lorenzo Hall and ended at the basketball court where the crowning of Our Lady by His Exc. Ambassador Philipp Lhuilier took place. Even Filipino communities outside Rome such as Lecce, Barri, Casserta, Terni, and Milan attended the celebrations in addition to 50 plus Filipino communities here in Rome.
May 20, 2008. The day witnessed the election of the new set of co-responsibles of the PCF. The comelec chaired by Msgr. Willy Andrey proclaimed the winners as follows: Fr. Jonathan Corsino (La Union) as coordinator: Fr. Edilberto R. Mahinay (Mati) as vice-coordinator; Fr. John Amrafil Gadon (Military) as Secretary/Treasurer; Fr. Ferdinand Lariosa (Digos) as chair of spirituality; Fr. Sam Galias (Sorsogon) as chair for socials; Fr. Harold Anthony Parilla (Tagbilaran) as chair for sports; Fr. Noel Ian Rabago (Laoag) as chair for music.
May 23, 2008. The customary “Pamana Night” changed the mode of one Collegio night when some of our brother-priests who were finishing their licentitate’s bid goodbye and extended their gratitude to the whole community. Extending their thanks and bequeathing something to the lower years were: Fr. Samson (Kenya), Fr. Bong (Cotabato), Fr. Ejay (Lucena), Fr. Edwin (La Union), Fr. Arnel (LRMS).
June 3, 2008. The PCF student-priests were busy finalizing their thesis, paper works and other academic requirements as summer examinations commenced. But as early as June 15 some priests already began leaving for summer exposure after successfully overcoming the hurdles – the final examinations.
June 12, 2008. Today was the commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the Philippine Independence from Spain. The Ambassador to the Holy See to the Vatican, Amb. Leonida Vera, spearheaded the event with Archbishop Filoni, the Sostituto, celebrating the eucharistic celebration. Archbishop Monteressi, Archbishop Francisco Padilla and more than 50 priests came as concelebrants. Due to frail health, His Eminence Jose Cardinal Sanchez just found himself sitting near the altar during the celebration.
July 3, 2008. The Rev. Msgr. Bernardito Auza (Talibon) was consecrated Archbishop in St. Peter’s Basilica at 5 in the afternoon, after being appointed as the new Apostolic Nuncio to Haiti. The reception followed at the Pontificio Collegio Filippino.
July 6, 2008. The newly consecrated Archbishop Bernardito Auza celebrated his thanksgiving mass at the PCF’s main chapel at 10:00 in the morning, attended by various Filipino communities which Msgr. Auza served when he was assigned in Rome. The Pundok ni Beato Pedro Calungsod, the Cebuano-speaking community, served as lectors and choir.
August 26-29, 2008. The arrival of the new comers from the Philippines. They were Fr. Ben Jerson Canete (Tagum), Fr. Mel Enero (Maasin), Fr. Jerome Antogop (MLCC), Fr. Manny Zagada (Neuva Caceres), Fr. Ericson Tio (Lipa), Fr. Cyril Paredes (Borongan), Fr.Garette Ulamino (Nueva Segovia). The following day saw them having recollection and orientation.
September 1, 2008. The Italian Language Course at the Pontifical Gregorian University and at the Pontifical University of Santa Cruz started. All Saturdays in the month of September were intended for the pilgrimage of the new students visiting holy and historical places of Rome and nearby places or cities. Some old students-priests started to arrive the last week of this month.
October 6-11, 2008. The annual retreat for the PCF community began on the 6th and ended on the 11th with Mons. Willy Andrey as the Retreat Facilitator. The retreat took place outside Rome for a change. The 47th Foundation Anniversary of the PCF was marked simply by a Holy Mass offered in joy and thanksgiving for the past gifts abundantly received and in great hope for the bright future for all who would be in one or another part of this sacred institution. The enrolment for the first semester continued this week. While the student-priests were busy preparing for the start of the academic year after the retreat, some Filipino Bishops arrived from the Philippines top attend the Synod of Bishops here in Rome. They were: Archbishop Orlando Quevedo (Cotabato), Bishop Chito Tagle (Imus), Bishop Arturo Bastes (Sorsogon), Bishop Broderick Pabillo (Manila), and Bishop Pablo David (Pampanga).
November 1, 2008. The annual intramurals of the PCF was held today with the community divided by two groups, one headed by Fr. Loloy Mahinay and the other one led by Fr. Nanding Lariosa. The group of Fr. Loloy came out as the overall winner after so many emotional contests throughout the day until the evening during which Fr. Manny Zagada (Caceres) was crowned as the new Mr. Collegio.
Novemebr 15, 2008. Right after supper, a PDDM Sister facilitated the monthly recollection for the whole community with the topic on St. Paul and inter-religious dialogue, considering the fact that this year is dedicated to St. Paul, the Apostle.
December 12, 2008. The whole PCF community held in advance the Christmas Party since starting next week many would already be leaving for Misa de Gallo outside Rome. The newcomers rendered a very beautiful song, making the audience recall the sweet celebration of Christmas in the Philippines. The personnel and the administration answered with a Christmas carol. Then, the second year presented a dance number, with Fr. Nanding Lariosa gracefully leading the cast. Not to be outdone, the third year up occupied the dance floor with their “Kumukuti-kutitap”. The party was graced by the presence of Arhcbishop Oscar Cruz (Lingayen-Dagupan) and Bishop Precioso D. Cantillas (Maasin).
December 24, 2008. The whole PCF main chapel and lobby were filled to overflowing as the Father Rector and the rest of student-priests left behind celebrated the Christmas Mass for Filipinos at 10:00 in the evening. A typical food serving as Noche Buena was offered to the Mass goers with the exchange of Auguri to one another overheard all over the place.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Summer Vacation again!
Starting June 15, 2008, student-priests of PCF began disappearing one after another after successfully took their respective final exams. First to leave were Fr. Samuel Galias and Fr. Mel Braga - both headed east of the U.S. First timers to do summer pastoral exposure in the U.S. were Fr. Loloy Mahinay, Fr. Glenn Ruiz, Fr. Edwin Fontanilla, Fr. Jonathan COrsino, and Fr. John Gadon who would be the last student-priest to leave for the U.S. this summer. Fr. Ferdinand Lariosa prefered to sticking around here in Italy in a parish run by a Filipino parish priest. Fr. Raul Dael made up his mind to stay in Perugia for the whole summer on account of a very serious intention. Fr. Edison Escario was resigned to be in Florence to have more time for theological-biblical reflections. Meanwhile, the whole community of PCF remembers in their prayers Fr. Tony and his family and the soul of his sister who was succumbed to cancer sometime last week. It was also learned that Fr. Tony's relative was one of the vicitms perished in the recent sea tragedy near Romblon. Our prayers for you, Fr. Tony!
Independence Day 08
June 12, 2008
The commemoration of the 11oth anniversary of the Philippine Independence sponsored by Ambassador Vera once again took place in PCF Main Chapel with Archbishop Filoni as the main celebrant of the Holy Mass at 5:00 pm. Arhcbishop Monteressi and Archbishop Fransisco Padilla led the concelebrants of more than fifty priests. Jose Cardinal Sanchez attended the celebration. In this event, the Sostituto expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Vera as she would end soon her term of office as Philippine ambassador to the Holy See. Ambassadors from other countries to the Holy See were also happy to be part of the celebrations. Sumptuous food awaited all after the Holy Mass.
The commemoration of the 11oth anniversary of the Philippine Independence sponsored by Ambassador Vera once again took place in PCF Main Chapel with Archbishop Filoni as the main celebrant of the Holy Mass at 5:00 pm. Arhcbishop Monteressi and Archbishop Fransisco Padilla led the concelebrants of more than fifty priests. Jose Cardinal Sanchez attended the celebration. In this event, the Sostituto expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Vera as she would end soon her term of office as Philippine ambassador to the Holy See. Ambassadors from other countries to the Holy See were also happy to be part of the celebrations. Sumptuous food awaited all after the Holy Mass.
New Council of Co-Responsibles
May 30, 2008
The new set of officers for the academic year 2008-09 got elected today. The comelec chaired by Msgr. Willy Andrey right away proclaimed the winners: Fr. Jonathan Corsino (La Union) as coordinator; Fr. Edilberto Mahinay (Mati) as vice-coordinator; Fr. John Amrafil Gadon (Military) as Sec/Treasurer; Fr. Ferdinand Lariosa (Digos) as chair of spirituality; Fr. Samuel Galias (Sorosogon) as chair of socials; Fr. Harold Anthony Parilla (Tagbilaran) as chair of sports; Fr. Noel Ian Rabago (Laoag) as chair of music. Good luck, brothers!
The new set of officers for the academic year 2008-09 got elected today. The comelec chaired by Msgr. Willy Andrey right away proclaimed the winners: Fr. Jonathan Corsino (La Union) as coordinator; Fr. Edilberto Mahinay (Mati) as vice-coordinator; Fr. John Amrafil Gadon (Military) as Sec/Treasurer; Fr. Ferdinand Lariosa (Digos) as chair of spirituality; Fr. Samuel Galias (Sorosogon) as chair of socials; Fr. Harold Anthony Parilla (Tagbilaran) as chair of sports; Fr. Noel Ian Rabago (Laoag) as chair of music. Good luck, brothers!
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Auguri di buon compleanno!
October 30, 2007
The Father Rector's golden day was simply marked with a Eucharistic celebration in the morning and with additional pizza and ice cream during lunch and dinner. Msgr. Stude looks younger than his age as the years went by. What has been his secret? It lies in being with the PCF student-priests.
The Father Rector's golden day was simply marked with a Eucharistic celebration in the morning and with additional pizza and ice cream during lunch and dinner. Msgr. Stude looks younger than his age as the years went by. What has been his secret? It lies in being with the PCF student-priests.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
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!
Monday, October 29, 2007
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. |
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The new comers meet the Pope
October 25, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Peter's Basilica
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.
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
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!!!
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).
Friday, October 26, 2007
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Rector’s Cup 2007 Winners
March 15 (Thursday)
The Annual Ping-pong Tournament dubbed as Rector’s Cup came to an end tonight with the championship games in singles and doubles. Athletic minded student-priests and cheerful OP Sisters with the presence of the Father Rector and Father Spiritual Director enlivened the San Lorenzo Hall where the Finals took place. The championship match - single between Fr. Greg Gaston (known this tournament as El Santito) and Fr. Dodong Billones (the Bamboo) was an exchange of speed and magic serves, an exchange of frustrating sighs or grunts (tenor? or bass?) and holy silence and subdued smile at unforced errors. It was a very exciting match that reached until the fifth set. And the champion for this year in single … Fr. Greg Gaston (3-2)!
At the break, before the championship match in doubles began, Msgr. Stude Santos gave a brief remarks regarding the tournament with his two T’s – Thanks to the Sports Chairman, Fr. Nemer Chua, to the players who tried their best, to God; and Tayo magkikita muli next year’s winter Olympics. The pair of Fr. Nonoy Billanes and Fr. Oscar Cadayona was given a name “Golden Kittens” since both came from UST Central Seminary, Manila and the pair of Fr. Dodong Billones and Fr. Bong Fuentes was “Blue Mayas” because they came from Ateneo-San Jose Seminary, Manila. The cheers of the audience (the Dominican Sisters, Tomasinos, and the Angelics for the Golden Kittens and the Josefinos and the Gregorians for the Blue Mayas) brought the intensity of the game to a higher level. There were again the magic serves of Fr. Dodong and the sudden punch of Fr. Bong. The combination was marvelous. But the quick reflexes of a professional player in Fr. Noi and the patient return of Fr. Oscar made the difference and “turned the table upside down.” As a result, the Golden Kittens won the championship (3-1) and the audience whooped it up as the last ball returned and landed not on the table but on the feet of the legendary ping-pong player of PCF, Fr. Noi Billanes! (Having finished his studies in scriptures, Fr. Noi Billanes is set to go back to the Philippines on March 28, 2007).
The Annual Ping-pong Tournament dubbed as Rector’s Cup came to an end tonight with the championship games in singles and doubles. Athletic minded student-priests and cheerful OP Sisters with the presence of the Father Rector and Father Spiritual Director enlivened the San Lorenzo Hall where the Finals took place. The championship match - single between Fr. Greg Gaston (known this tournament as El Santito) and Fr. Dodong Billones (the Bamboo) was an exchange of speed and magic serves, an exchange of frustrating sighs or grunts (tenor? or bass?) and holy silence and subdued smile at unforced errors. It was a very exciting match that reached until the fifth set. And the champion for this year in single … Fr. Greg Gaston (3-2)!
At the break, before the championship match in doubles began, Msgr. Stude Santos gave a brief remarks regarding the tournament with his two T’s – Thanks to the Sports Chairman, Fr. Nemer Chua, to the players who tried their best, to God; and Tayo magkikita muli next year’s winter Olympics. The pair of Fr. Nonoy Billanes and Fr. Oscar Cadayona was given a name “Golden Kittens” since both came from UST Central Seminary, Manila and the pair of Fr. Dodong Billones and Fr. Bong Fuentes was “Blue Mayas” because they came from Ateneo-San Jose Seminary, Manila. The cheers of the audience (the Dominican Sisters, Tomasinos, and the Angelics for the Golden Kittens and the Josefinos and the Gregorians for the Blue Mayas) brought the intensity of the game to a higher level. There were again the magic serves of Fr. Dodong and the sudden punch of Fr. Bong. The combination was marvelous. But the quick reflexes of a professional player in Fr. Noi and the patient return of Fr. Oscar made the difference and “turned the table upside down.” As a result, the Golden Kittens won the championship (3-1) and the audience whooped it up as the last ball returned and landed not on the table but on the feet of the legendary ping-pong player of PCF, Fr. Noi Billanes! (Having finished his studies in scriptures, Fr. Noi Billanes is set to go back to the Philippines on March 28, 2007).
Cardinal Rosales with Filipino men and women of the cloth
March 11 (Sunday)
At 8:00 o’ clock in the morning, Filipino priests, religious sisters and seminarians gathered around the table of the Lord in the PCF chapel to celebrate the Holy Mass with Cardinal Rosales as the main celebrant. In his homily, one of the things that he pointed out was the observation that most of the Filipino leaders failed to translate to action what they have learned from Catholic schools because they lack conscience. Msgr. Stude Santos presented to His Eminence the amount collected by the Filipino Chaplaincies in Italy since the movement’s launching last December 9, 2006
At 8:00 o’ clock in the morning, Filipino priests, religious sisters and seminarians gathered around the table of the Lord in the PCF chapel to celebrate the Holy Mass with Cardinal Rosales as the main celebrant. In his homily, one of the things that he pointed out was the observation that most of the Filipino leaders failed to translate to action what they have learned from Catholic schools because they lack conscience. Msgr. Stude Santos presented to His Eminence the amount collected by the Filipino Chaplaincies in Italy since the movement’s launching last December 9, 2006
Cardinal Rosales with Filipino Migrants
March 8 (Thursday)
Hundreds of Filipino Migrants in Rome flocked to PCF to take part of the celebration of the Holy Mass offered for them by His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales at 6:30 in the evening. In his homily, Cardinal Rosales talked about the nature of Pondo ng Pinoy which is now a popular movement founded on gospel values. He pointed out the theology of the crumbs with respect to the idea behind this movement. During the offertory procession, Filipino migrants offered their Pondo ng Pinoy bottles containing euro coins. There were almost fifty priests, and the two Filipino Ambassadors were present.
Hundreds of Filipino Migrants in Rome flocked to PCF to take part of the celebration of the Holy Mass offered for them by His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales at 6:30 in the evening. In his homily, Cardinal Rosales talked about the nature of Pondo ng Pinoy which is now a popular movement founded on gospel values. He pointed out the theology of the crumbs with respect to the idea behind this movement. During the offertory procession, Filipino migrants offered their Pondo ng Pinoy bottles containing euro coins. There were almost fifty priests, and the two Filipino Ambassadors were present.
Canonical Possession of the Cardinal Rosales Titular Church
March 4 (Sunday)
His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, metropolitan archbishop of Manila, Philippines, took possession of his titular church at 12:00 noon - the title of the Most Holy Name of Mary in Via Latina (via Centuripe 18/22, Rome). With His Eminence were the Rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino, Msgr. Stude Santos, Fr. Rey Adalid, Fr. Rico Ayo, Fr. Genie Diwa (the liturgist), Fr. Reggie Malicdem (Cardinal’s Secretary), Fr. Edison, Fr. Rolly Garcia, and people from the Phil. Embassy to the Holy See.
His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, metropolitan archbishop of Manila, Philippines, took possession of his titular church at 12:00 noon - the title of the Most Holy Name of Mary in Via Latina (via Centuripe 18/22, Rome). With His Eminence were the Rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino, Msgr. Stude Santos, Fr. Rey Adalid, Fr. Rico Ayo, Fr. Genie Diwa (the liturgist), Fr. Reggie Malicdem (Cardinal’s Secretary), Fr. Edison, Fr. Rolly Garcia, and people from the Phil. Embassy to the Holy See.
Monthly Recollection with Don Luis Navarro
February 24 – 25 (Saturday-Sunday)
The Vice-Dean of Canon Law of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross came to PCF to give the recollection to the student-priests. Basing the theme on Jn 19:37 “They shall look on Him whom they have pierced,” Don Luis talked about looking at Jesus on the cross to listen to Jesus who speaks to us especially this time of lent. The tears that come out sometimes when we look at the cross should give rise to a resolution (to paraphrase St. Josemaria Escriva). In other words, looking at Jesus crucified on the cross, especially this season of lent, invites us to conversion. Furthermore, to look at him is to imitate him. Priestly spirituality has the Cross at its core. It is good to ask where is the Cross in my life, in my priesthood? Where is penance?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)