Friendship: A Great Treasure

My visitation of some of the communities of the Province prompted me to share with you my short reflection on the necessity of friendship among us religious in different communities. I do believe that friendship among us religious could make a lot of difference in our life and in the life of others! Therefore, as we nurture brotherhood in our religious communities, we must also develop friendship among us as well. Our being confreres does not necessarily mean that we are friends. As in the family, being brothers does not necessarily mean that they are also friends. 

In our friendship, selfishness has no space. 

• The Camillian Fathers came to the Philippines in 1975 through the invitation of His Eminence Jaime Cardinal Sin. When he attended the first General Assembly of the Federation of the Asian Bishops Conference (FABC) in Taipei, Taiwan in April, 1974 he was accommodated at the Camillian Community in Lotung, Taiwan. This initial acquaintance between him and the Camillians gave rise to the invitation.

• March 8, 1975 –  marked the official start of the Camillian Foundation in the Philippines under the Lombardo-Venetian Province.

• The first Camillian Community in the country was composed of Fr. Ernesto Nidini, MI as Superior, Fr. Alberto Roman, MI and Fr. Ivo Anselmi, MI, who was ordained in Taipei barely six days earlier.  In the same year, Fr. Anselmo Zambotti, MI and Fr. Pietro Ferri, also newly ordained priests, joined the community. 

• The community of five Italian Religious – pioneers of Camillian presence in the Philippines – temporarily rented a house at 20 Scout Albano St., Quezon City.

Several weeks before the ordination to the Sacred Order of Presbyters of the three Camillian deacons from the Province of Thailand, Fr. Rolly Fernandez, MI, Provincial Superior of the Philippine Province, requested Fr. Boy Guinit, MI, to represent the Province at the ordination on August 7, 2010 in Bangkok, Thailand. The three Thai ordinands, Rev. Joseph “On” Wattsara, Rev. Peter “Ning” Kriengkrai, and Rev. Joseph Phat, were once in the Philippines: Rev. Phat for theological studies and Rev. On and Rev. Ning for Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).

Visit of Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski, the president of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers, in our institutions in Lotung on September 13 2010.  

SCCS Grand Alumni Homecoming – A Grand Success

The celebration of the St. Camillus College Seminary Grand Alumni Homecoming on August 14, 2010 (Saturday) was indeed jubilant. Smiles and laughter were very evident among the alumni and guests who took part in the celebration. Moreover, the ecstatic atmosphere of the event lasted the entire day because of the grand array of activities from morning till evening.

SCCS thanks Fr. Ivo

“We are here not only to perpetuate ourselves but to make known the presence of God everywhere we go.” These were the words of our beloved Fr. Ivo S. Anselmi, founder of St. Camillus College Seminary, as he responded to unveiling of his bust and the declaration of his birthday, August 14, as Founder’s Day and seminary holiday.

The SCCS Alumni attending the grand homecoming witnessed the unveiling. The Alumni Association President said that it was an honor for his formands, both priests and lay, to present the monument to the person who has become an important part of their lives.

The monument closely mirrors the image of the founder and immortalizes his presence and influence in the lives of the SCCS alumni in the past 25 years of SCCS’ existence. As it stands close to the entrance of the main seminary building, it could only inspire in the beholder the words, “Thank you, Fr. Ivo…”

19 and Green

Looking like armies, they occupied the front pews of the church. But they were not there for a military takeover. They were simply expressing their gratitude and seeking more inspiration and blessing.

“The green polo shirts that you are wearing right now speaks a lot about you as Camillian Healthcare Volunteers,” said Fr. Charly T. Ricafort, MI. “Green is a symbol of hope. And you are definitely giving the people of Boso-Boso, especially those who are sick, the hope to be in good health.”

“It inspired me a lot,” said Yolanda J. Rodriguez, 51, referring to the homily of Fr. Charly during the Eucharist held to celebrate the 19th anniversary of the Camillian Healthcare Volunteers (CHV) of Boso-Boso, Brgy. San Jose, Antipolo City on 29 August 2010.  Yolanda, one of the volunteers continued to say that Fr. Charly, CHV Religious-in-charge, “affirmed the efforts that we are giving to the community and I am happy about it. It inspired me all the more to continue doing my share in the things we are contributing here in Boso-Boso and in our neighboring communities.”  

Fr. Charly T. Ricafort, MI being installed parish priest of Nuestra Señora de la Anunciata, Boso-Boso, on Aug. 22, 2010 by Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes, DD.

Celebrating Graces and Blessings

Turagsoy! This song has become popular in the community as Sch. John Paul Alvarado celebrated his 26th birthday last August 4.  The day was far from ordinary for him as he recalled the graces and blessings he has received all throughout his life.  Part of the celebration was, of course,  the food served in a ‘boodle fight’ style.  Sadly, the chicken which was the main dish ended  up murdered with our bare hands.  A short program followed after the dinner facilitated by our ever energetic comrade Sch. Albert Silos. It consisted of the giving of messages and the presentations of songs. Fr. Boy once again grabbed the limelight with his song. To our Brother John Paul, Happy Birthday!

Geared Up to Proclaim the Word

Last August 16, Sch. Bon Arimbuyutan was installed to the Lectorate Ministry during a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Father Provincial, Fr. Rolly Fernandez.   In his homily,  Fr. Rolly stressed the importance of reflection and meditation on the Word of God as an essential aspect of being a religious. The celebration was witnessed by the Adult community and our very own personnel. Then, a bountiful dinner was served.  Bon, having gained the blessing from the Church, is now challenged to do what is asked of him - to reflect, proclaim and live out the message of the Word. May the force (coming from the Word) be with him!

Cosmic Journey

Indeed Baguio is rich in culture and is blessed with natural beauties. To appreciate this beauty, the novices were given a chance to be one with nature on their “Cosmic Journey” last July 23, 2010 at the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary. It was really a memorable and dramatic journey when we went back millions of years ago to consider how change took place on earth through manmade and natural balancing of the mother earth. The journey took place through the kindness of Sr. Cathy of the Maryknoll Sisters and Ate Mary Jane, our cosmic journey tour guide. Salamat po sa inyo.

What's Up, Novices?

September 6, 2010 will be our 4th month here in the cold city of Baguio. So, how has it been with us these past three months? Well, aside from our regular song practice we have our new friend Miss Ivee who comes to the community to give us some tips on voice improvement. In fact, we had choir exposure outside the community like singing in the cathedral and some private hospitals. Then for the past days our community was also visited by some friends: Fr. Rene Lagaya, SDB, in the evening of August 11, Miss Myra an Italian stewardess and a friend of Fr. Ivo came to see our community last August 17; with her was her boyfriend Matthew. Sr. Cathy, Ivee and Denis of Maryknoll also visited us to help us prepare the presentation for the Alumni Homecoming.

Meeting of Families

Blood is thicker than water. Family members feel for one another. They share with each other. Here is a “daughter” of LCF-Mati Mary Rose Canencia who shares. Listen to what she says:

The Lay Camillian Family of Mati was officially launched last September 16, 2008 by Fr. Marcelo Pamintuan Jr. MI. After almost two years of being formed, LCF - Mati underwent renewal with a three-day spiritual formation session held last August 4-6, 2010.

Fr. Gabby makes a comeback

Way back in 2002, Fr. Gabriel V. Garcia, MI, fresh from his perpetual profession, had his first assignment in Our Lady of La Paz Parish in Makati City.   After his priestly ordination, he served as assistant parish priest of the parish for two years.  From parish work he was assigned to formation at St. Camillus College Seminary in Marikina from 2004 - 2006 and in the Adult Formation Program in Antipolo city from 2006 to 2010.  And now after six years, Fr. Gabby finds himself back where he began his life as a perpetually professed Camillian!