A Tribute to Dino Piccioni.

February 23, 2007

After 27 years of service in PCF, Dino was honored with a simple but memorable dinner and program because starting tomorrow he would retire from his work in PCF. The "gabi ng parangal" para kay Dino started with the Holy Mass celebrated at 6:45 p.m. by the Father Rector himself with all the student-priests concelebrating. His son and daughter were moved to tears not only when Msgr. Stude Santos thanked Dino for his valubale service to the PCF community since 1980, but almost throughout the mass. After the Holy Mass, the honoree with his family was joined by the PCF priests and personnel at the main lobby where the dinner and program took place. The two emcees for tonight's affair, Fr. Tony Ricarte and Fr. Rolly Garcia, really displayed their mastery of the Italian language because that's the only way to please and entertain the honoree and his family who are Italians and therefore can only understand Italian tongue. The first to speak during the program was the honoree's best friend in PCF, Gerry de la Cruz. Then the honoree's children spoke and thanked PCF priests and personnel for tonight's parangal for their Papa and for everything. The most beautiful part of the program came with a short but professional video presentation depicting the life of Dino in PCF and his frequent close encounter with almost all Filipino Bishops who came to visit Rome, especailly with the late Jaime Cardinal Sin. The video presentation was prepared by Fr.Lito Jopson, a graduating student of social communication of Pontificia Univerista` della Santa Croce. A thunderous applause prevailed over the whole lobby after the video presentation. The plaque of appreciation was then presented by Msgr. Stude Santos and Fr. Richard Tan to Dino. Shortly after, Fr. Dodong Billones and Adela Guico creatively proposed a toss for DINO. The song entitled "my prayer" with English and Italian lines was rendered to Dino who by this time sitted with his back the artistic stage decorations conceptualized by Fr. Bong Fuentes and Fr. EJ Jarapa. It was very clear that behind Dino's happy happy face there were tears moistened his eyes as he would start tomorrow missing this place he long considered as his home.

Community Winter Outing 2007

February 17, 2007 (Saturday)

Community Winter Outing. The pulmino left PCF by 7:30 a.m. By 10:30 a.m. the community celebrated the Holy Mass at the Sanctuary of St. Gabriel. The homily of Fr. Rector revolved around the three M’s since the gospel was about transfiguration: Mountains, Message, and Mission. Then the group proceeded to Gran Sasso and arrived there at 12:00 noon. Before going up the snow resort, the group took their lunch at the foot of the mountain. Reaching the place where one could see a desert of snow, each one relished the experience of being there in such a way that almost everybody forgot the time to go home at 4:00 o’ clock in the afternoon. By 7:00 p.m., all found themselves inside the collegio and back to reality.


February 19, 2007 (Monday)

Start of the second semester of this school year 2006-07.

Opening of the Rector's Cup 2007

February 16 (Friday)

Rector’s Cup 2007. The PCF Winter Olympics began with Fr. Rector’s introductory words of encouragement which would revolve around the three T’s: Try your best, Trust your playmate, and Turn to God. The first of the pairs to play and won during the opening: Fr.Doods and Fr. Bong over Fr.Raul and Fr. Jess; Fr. Greg G. and Fr. Gio over Fr. Oscar and Fr. Noi. While the games were going on, bottles of beer were distributed to the spectators, thanks to the sports committee chairman Fr. Nemer Chua.

Filipino Chaplains at Vicenza

February 12-13, 2007

The meeting of Filipino Chaplains in Italy for this winter was held in the city of Vicenza, the birthplace of Antonio Pigafetta. As a national coordinator for Filipino migrants in Italy, Msgr. Stude Santos presided over the meeting which started in the afternoon of February 12 and lasted after lunch the following day. Aside from the usual sharing of experiences in the apostolate, there was an item introduced by group of Ms. Elvira Go related to the International Family Bible Quiz. Those present in the meeting included: Fr. Rey Adalid, OP, Fr. Tony Ricarte, and Fr. Oscar Cadayona of Pontificio Collegio Filippino; Fr. Dennis Estrella of Padova; Fr. Rico Sayson of Treviso, Fr. Socrates, OAD of Ancona, Fr. Paul Bumanglag, SVD and Sr. Josie of Vicenza, Fr. Tonette Timoner and Sr. Teresita, MCST of Milan, Fr. Domingo of Brescia, Srs. Gloria, SDB and Lilian, RVM of Urbana.

Final Exams

January 29, 2007 (Monday)

Today is Monday, the beginning of the final exams of PUSC, PGU, PUST, and AA. Nobody seemed to be in a relax mood, except the doctoral student-priests. The examinations period would last until second week of February.

Tomasino's Alumni-Homecoming '07

THEME: “The Role of the Thomasian Priest in the Dialogue of Faith and Culture in the Philippines and Asia .”

First Day: January 23, 2007 (Tuesday)

9:00 a.m. Registration
Venue: Ecclesiastical Faculties Hallway

2:00 p.m. Conference: “The Thomasian Priest and the Renewal of the Filipino Culture”
Speaker: MISS ISABELITA C. PALANCA
Committee Chair
Institutional Spirituality Quotient
Bishops-Businessmen's Conference
Venue: Thomas Aquinas Research Complex (TARC) Auditorium

3:15 p.m. Alumni Parade with the UST BRASS BAND
Merienda Fiesta at the Central Seminary Garden

3:30 p.m. Sports/Recreation
Basketball Game with the UST GROWLING TIGERS
Cheer-Dance Performance by the SALINGGAWI DANCE TROUPE
Venue: Central Seminary Gymnasium

6:00 p.m. Opening Eucharistic Celebration
Presider-Homilist: MOST REV. RODOLFO F. BELTRAN, D.D.
Apostolic Vicar of Bontoc-Lagawe
Venue: UST Santisimo Rosario Parish

7:30 p.m. Dinner
Entertainment Program
Socials
Special Guests: UST SINGERS AND UST STRING QUARTET
Venue: Central Seminary Garden

Second Day: January 24, 2007 (Wednesday)

7:00 a.m. Solemn Lauds
Presider-Homilist: MOST REV. BRODERICK S. PABILLO, D.D.
Auxiliary Bishop of Manila
Venue: Central Seminary Chapel

7:30 a.m. Breakfast
Venue: Central Seminary Gymnasium

9:00 a.m. Conference: “The Thomasian Priest and the Evangelization of Asia ”
Speaker: VERY. REV. FR. EDMUND C. NANTES, O.P. Provincial
Dominican Province of the Philippines
Venue: St. Thomas Aquinas Research Complex Auditorium

11:00 a.m. Closing Eucharistic Celebration
Presider-Homilist: MOST REV. JACINTO A. JOSE, D.D.
Bishop of Urdaneta
Venue: Central Seminary Chapel

12:00 p.m. Lunch
Tribute to Jubilarians
Choral Presentation by the CENTRAL SEMINARY PSALTERION
Venue: Central Seminary Gymnasium

During Christmas and Happy New Year

December 24, 2006 and December 31, 2006

The youngest student-priest in PCF was the main presider of the Holy Mass celebrated on the eve of the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ, the Lord. It was Fr. Edwin Fontanilla from the Diocese of San Fernando, La Union. Msgr. Stude Santos delivered a very touching homily composed in a very beautiful Tagalog or Filipino akin to that of Fransisco Balagtas of old. Filipino migrants filled the PCF Main Chapel and the main lobby that night. On the December 31, 2006, in anticipation of the coming of the new year and the feast of the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, another Holy Mass was celebrated at the PCF with Fr. Melchor Braga as the main presider. Msgr. Stude talked about 3 H's for 2007 in his homily: Happiness, Health, Holiness. Without the fourth H, those three are impossible to take place. The fourth H is necessary - Hesus. In Filipino words, 3 M's would be our wishes for 2007: Masaya, Malusog, Maging-Santo. Kulang na kulang ang mga ito kapag wala ang pang-apat na M - si Maria. That's why January 1 is celebrated as the Feast of Mary as Mother because of her great role in our life to be happy, to be healthy, and to be holy.

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.

PCF Intrams 2006

November 1, 2006. The Annual Intrams of the Pontificio Collegio FIlippino began with the Holy Mass at the crypta at 7:20 in the morning, presided over by Rev. Fr. Greg Gaston whose birthday falls today. The theme of this year's Intrams: "Konti ngunit Pinili". The PCF community was divided into two main groups: KANTAHAN and KANTUHAN. The Kantahan was led by Fr. Oscar A. Cadayona (Maasin) and the Kantuhan was led by Fr. Venusto Suarez (Manila). Since it was raining by 9:00 a.m., the parade took place just inside the building, starting from the main lobby going up into the second floor and then back to the lobby where the opening rites were held. The Pambansang Awit was intoned by Fr. (Capt.) John Brillantes (Military Ordinariate) , which was followed by the opening prayer by Fr. Arnel Tan (LMI-Manila). Leading us to make an oath of sportsmanship was Fr. Edwin Fontanilla (La Union). When everything was already in place, the Vice-Rector, Fr. Rico Ayo, declared that PCF Intrams 2006 officially opened. The first event was the cheering competition, and the KANTAHAN came out a runaway winner, with Fr. Ian Rabago (Laoag) at the helm. Three parlor games came next (catching tail, ball hitting, and egg eating relay), and the KANTAHAN won them all with much ease and grace. But when it came to pingpong or table tennis, only one of five players of KANTAHAN survived. Fr. William Santiago (Caceres) won, but the rest of his companions were succumbed to defeat by Fr. Greg Gaston, Fr. Dodong Billones (Jaro), and Fr. Bong Fuentes (Cotabato). The billiard match, however, was won by Ronald of the KANTAHAN. After lunch, the games continued. The volleyball game was full of thrill and excitement. The KANTUHAN was expected to whoop it up, but the KANTAHAN made a rally from almost 10 points deficit to win the match. But the winning forms of KANTAHAN's tennis players remained as forms when the opposing players subdued them after 2 1/2 hour game. In the evening, there were three more competitions left, which would decide the overall champion of this year's intamurals. The evening's event was really another display of magnificent skills in media and show production of Fr. Joselito Jopson (Pasig) who directed everything to make people enjoy and laugh even after the show. Fr. Jopson's talents were complemented with the wit of Fr. Melchor Braga (Urdaneta) who hosted the night's show, together with the former Mr. Collegio 2005. The African dance, included in this year's annual intrams to pay tribute to the two African residents in the PCF, was captured by the KANTAHAN. The BIRIT KING/QUEEN went to the KANTUHAN. And the most awaited competition, MR. COLLEGIO 2006, a very tight race between EJ Jarapa (Lucena) and Fr. Edwin Fontanilla (La Union), went to the former, for his charm in acting and singing outdid the dancing prowess of the latter. When all scores were tallied, the sports chairman, Fr. Nemer Chua (Lipa) declared that the KANTAHAN team was the Champion for this year's Intrams. The Vice-Rector thanked everyone and gave his final blessings to all.

Rector's Birthday

October 30, 2006. Although our Fr. Rector went home to the Philippines, the PCF community marked his birthday with a Holy Mass presided over by our Spiritual Director, Fr. Rey Adalid, OP. There were no singing and laughing at the Kanto in due respect to Fr. Rector's days of grief due to the death of his Mother. However, there was an additional sumptuos food and ice cream during lunch and supper.

Requiem Mass for Mother Aurelia

October 26, 2006

They crypta was filled with pcf priests and sisters at 6:45 p.m. as they joined with Msgr. Stude Santos in offering prayers for the eternal repose of his Mother (our Mother too), Aurelia, 76. The Requiem Mass was presided over by the Vice-Rector, Fr. Rico Ayo, whose homily started with reading a Tagalog poem written by a Bulakeno stating the pain and what does the Above do to heal the pain - this was in the context of the fact that just last May, the Father of Msgr. Stude passed away. In reality, however, Msgr. Stude is assuaged by the thought that both his Father and Mother are now reaping thier eternal rewards in heaven. The Father Rector left Rome for the Philippines early Thursday morning.

Father Rector on St. Thomas Aquinas at Napoli

October 25, 2006

The series of talks, reflections, and conferences for this academic year by the Rector to the PCF resident-priests began tonight during the Holy Hour. As the Blessed Sacrament was exposed, the reflection given by the Rector dwelt on RTW, patterned after the life of St. Thomas Aquinas while he was at Napoli. Upon hearing RTW, one can have different things going on in mind. "Ready To War" or "Ready To Wear" clothes may be one of those things. Perhaps, one could never be wrong if these ideas were in his mind when Father Rector explained what does it mean by RTW because R stands for reading, T stands for teaching, and W stands for writing. St. Thomas Aquinas accomplished all these RTW. Because of his reading, he was always ready to do "war" against the heresies of his time. Because of his teaching, he has erased doubts of many people regarding the faith. Because of his writings, he has strengthened many when modernity tries to confuse the present. According to the Rector, these three RTW are the challenges of student-priests in Rome.

After the talk of Father Rector, some priests went to the generalate of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd to dine with the Sisters who, by this gesture, showed their gratitude to PCF priests for the service rendered to them by celebrating the Holy Mass daily.

Opening of the Academic Year for the Pontifical Universities of Rome

October 23, 2006

Led by the Father Rector of the Collegio Filippino, twelve resident priests attended the Holy Mass presided over by His Eminence Zenon Cardinal Grocholewski to officially mark the beginning of the academic year 2006-07 at St. Peter's Basilica. In the homily of the Cardinal, it was emphasized to purify one's intentions in studying here in Rome and to get oneself closer to Christ as the Apostles during the ministry of Jesus. After the Mass, the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI met the students, seminarians, priests, formators, professors and rectors of the different collegio and pontifical universities. He exhorted every one to ask the Lord (based on Lk 11,1): insegnaci a pensare, a scrivere, e a parlare...Having entrusted everyone present to the Seat of Wisdom, the Blessed Virgin Mary, to accompany us in our studies this academic year, the Holy Father extended his apostolic blessings to us and to all our loved ones.

Josef Cardinal Tomko's Talk at PCF

The President of the Pontifical Committee for the International Eucharistic Congresses, His Eminence Josef Cardinal Tomko, gave a talk to PCF priests on the priesthood and the eucharist at 8:15 in the eveing at the PCF crypta. The talk began with the community's singing "prayer for generosity" and followed by the introduction of the guest speaker by the Vice-Retor and Procurator, Fr. Rico Ayo. The speaker challenged the priests towards the end of his talk to draw life from the Eucharist by doing these: renew the Eucharistic faith in the real and true presence and therefore alive in the Most Blessed Sacrament, renew the spirit and the way in which we celebrate the Eucharistic sacrifice, and include the adoration of and visits to the Most Blessed Sacrament in our daily program. The end of his talk dealt with the role of the Blessed Mother Mary. The song "Hail Holy Queen enthroned above..." capped the day after words of gratitude given by the PCF coordinator, Fr. Richard Tan.

Filipinos at the Fatima Shrine in Rome

October 15, 2006 (Sunday)

Hundreds of Filipino migrants from diffirent organized Christian communities came to Fatima Shrine in San Vittorino, Rome to celebrate the Family Day with our Lady. The festive day started with the living Rosary at the front ground of the Shrine. The recitation of the Our Father's and Hail Mary's was beautifully done by those people forming the Rosary by approaching and kneeling before the statue of our Lady of Fatima when their turn came to recite their Our Father or Hail Mary. The last decade of the glorious mystery of the Holy Rosary was recited by the Italian families that participated in the prayer. As Fr. Albert Guevarra, the Chaplain of the Sentro Pilipino, chanted the litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, those people forming the Big Rosary released the the baloons they were holding, one after another. During the singing of the Salve Regina, the Big Rosary made of balloons was released into the sky. Then the Filipino Marian devotees made a procession leading to the Church.

The Holy Mass began shortly after the solemn procession. The main celebrant was the Rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filipino, Msgr. Ruperto Santos, who is at the same time the CEI-National Coordinator of the Filipino Migrants of Italy. In his beautiful homily, he dwelt on the invitations of Jesus for the people to do good things for the people, to detach from material things, and to devote oneself to Jesus. Seven PCF priests joined the Filipino Migrants in this celebration: Fr. Rey Adalid, Fr. John Brillantes, Fr. Dodong Billones, Fr. Oscar A. Cadayona, Fr. Ed Jarapa, Fr. Robert of Nigeria, Fr. Samson of Kenya. Msgr. Jerry Bitoon was also there, and the newly arrived student-priest from Bacolod, Fr. Roel, came to join for the first time the religious event this year of Filipino Migrants.