Back from the Mountain

A week before renewing their vows, the scholastics went for spiritual renewal under the guidance of Msgr. Pete Getingan on the mountain of Tagaytay. Only 14 scholastics joined this annual retreat on May 19-23, 2008 in Charles Borromeo Retreat House.  The other scholastics had their retreat with Fr. Evan after their CPE course.

Spiritually renewed, rejuvenated and revitalized on the mountain, we headed downward to Manila straight on to Quirino Grandstand on May 23.   We joined the 25th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Ceremony whose battle cry was “Never Give Up, Never Forget.” The ceremony took place from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. The Camillians represented the only male congregation among the religious from different female congregations. The activity was organized by the Philippine National AIDS Council and other NGOs. The Camillian community was one with others in supporting people with HIV and in affirming the dignity as children of God of those living with AIDS.  The candle was lit to pay respect to those who have died of the virus.

Back to School

After enjoying their summer vacation, the scholastics trooped back to school  On June 10, 2008 two scholastics had their first day of classes at the Loyola School of Theology.  The other scholastics studying in Maryhill School of Theology joined  the Mass of the Holy Spirit on June 14, 2008. In the spirit of one community, almost all of the community members joined the Eucharistic celebration. The Mass was presided over by Fr. Ariel Lubi, CSSR, Provincial Superior of the Redemptorists. The activity ended with dinner. The Camillian scholastics, as usual, sang during the Mass.

The prayers in the Mass of the Holy Spirit became a lived experience when we started our regular classes on June 16, 2008.  We felt strange about having no Camillian First Year scholastics with us.  We felt really moved to pray hard that the Lord may send more vocations to our Province and to help the called to persevere in their response to Him.

Looking back for a better future

Besides the start of a new school year, another beginning unfolded for the scholasticate community.  On June 10 to 12, our planning sessions kicked off.  All of us, together with our formators Fathers Evan and Boy, set out to re-evaluate the vision and mission of the Scholasticate Community.  Prof. Rolando A. Buencamino (Kuya Rollie), DLSU Professor & Management Consultant, and his better half Atty. Lilian Elizabeth R. Buencamino (Ate Beth), Lawyer & Management Consultant, facilitated the "Vision-Mission and Value Formation" workshop.   We continued the process on June 14 and 18 and still intend to go on for several more days. We are indeed happy about the activity. Under the guidance of our formators Fr. Evan and Fr. Boy we are trying our best to improve our formation process in order to serve the sick better. We are hoping for better results…

One of the significant occasions in the life of the community was our gathering for the purpose of reflecting on the letter sent by Fr. General, Fr. Renato Salvatore and his Consulta, after their canonical visit to the Philippine Province. The community was challenged to review its life.  We saw our strengths and the areas we need to improve. Many insights surfaced.  The letter indeed paved the way to reflection, contemplation, and hopefully transformation as well.