Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi? An gladius?

Saint Paul Scholasticate Newsletter

No. 3 SAMZ’s Day 2007

Need of Paul
by Giovanni Scalese, CRSP

On June 28, 2007, during the celebra-

tion of the I Vespers of the Holy Apos-
tles, in the Roman Basilica of Saint Paul
Outside the Walls, Pope Benedict XVI
announced a “Pauline Year” for next
year (more precisely, from the 28th June
2008 to the 29th of June 2009), on the oc-
casion of the 2000th anniversary of the
Apostle’s birth. He stated: “This Pauline
Year will take place in a special way in
Rome, where for 2,000 years under the
papal altar of this basilica, lies the tomb
that according to experts and undis-
puted tradition has conserved the re-
mains of the apostle Paul.” He explained
that in the papal basilica and in the
Benedictine abbey attached to it, there
can take place a series of liturgical, cul-
tural and ecumenical events, as well as
various pastoral and social initiatives, all
of them inspired by Pauline spirituality.
Then he added: “Also, in every part of
the world, similar initiatives will be or-
ganized in dioceses, sanctuaries and
places of prayer by religious institu-
tions, institutions of study and assis-
tance, which carry the name of St. Paul
(Continued on page 2)
 No. 3 iPaul
or which have been inspired by him and his teach-
ing.” A big responsibility for the Barnabites (the
“Clerics Regular of St. Paul”) in general, and for us
(belonging to Tagaytay “Scholasticate of Saint
Paul”) in particular. What shall we do during this
year dedicated to our Apostle? It is too early to an-
swer this question. The Pope’s initiative has
caught us off our guard. Anyway we have a whole
year in front of us to arrange a program of initia-
tives (of course unpretentious, suitable for our
limited possibilities). But maybe, before starting to
organize, there is need of realizing that this is a
great opportunity for us to become aware of the
importance of Paul in the life of the Church. Prop-
erly speaking, it is a grace!
Paul is not any saint: he is an apostle (better,
the Apostle); and the apostles cannot disappear in
the Church with their death. This is quite evident
with Saint Peter: he continues living in the Church
through the Roman Pontiffs. The Church could not
do without the ministry of Peter. But the same
Quis nos separabit? … An gladius?
2
holds for other apostles, in particular for the one
whom some theologian called the “founder of
Christianity,” expressing maybe in a wrong way
the decisive role played by Paul in the elaboration
of Christian theology. Paul, not only Peter, has to
be always present in the Church: the Church needs
not only the ministry of Peter; she needs the charism
of Paul, too. Peter is infallible, certainly; but he
would not be without Paul. We remember when, at
Antioch, Paul was forced to oppose Cephas to his
face, because he clearly was wrong (Gal 2:11ff).
Were it for Peter, now the Church would just be a
reformed current of the Synagogue. There was
need of Paul to show Peter the right stand on a
crucial issue. This “need of Paul” continues to be
felt in the Church of every time. It is what felt An-
thony Mary Zaccaria in the 16th century; it is what
the Church experiences today. We should be by
vocation the bearers of the Pauline charism in to-
day’s Church. Let us hope to be equal to this fasci-
nating task.
Photo: R. Kosek
 No. 3 iPaul 3
Cover Story
Solemn and simple profession
by Ferdinand S. Dagcuta, CRSP

“Your life is hidden with Christ in
God” (Col 3:3). This was the theme chosen by
the five young men, who dared to accept the
challenge of living religious life through the
evangelical counsels, on the bright day of the
13th of May. Three of them, Bro. Joseph Ber-
nales, Bro. Jay Patulin and Bro. Rosauro Val-
mores did their first and simple profession.
While the other two, Bro. Roan Cipriano
Aborque and Bro. Ferdinand S. Dagcuta, af-
ter four years as simple professed, vowed to
dedicate their lives to God forever.
The profession was received and the
mass was solemnized by Fr. Frank M. Papa
CRSP, then Delegate of the Father General in
the Philippines at the St. Anthony Ma. Zac-
caria Parish in Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal.
Fr. Giovanni Scalese, Superior of St. Paul
Scholasticate in Tagaytay City, and Fr. Aldo
Rizzi, Novice Master of the three newly pro-
fessed, assisted Fr. Papa. With them were all
the Barnabite priests of the Delegation, thus
adding solemnity to the celebration. Our ex-
(Continued on page 4)
 No. 3 iPaul
(Continued from page 3)
citement was also shared by the presence of
the representatives of different religious con-
gregation in the nearby convents. The pres-
ence of our relatives, friends and benefactors
also added life and color to the joyful cele-
bration. It was as if the whole Philippines
celebrated with us, because there were pre-
sent people from different parts of the coun-
try.
The celebration was an inspiring moment
for us who professed and for the people who
attended it. It seemed that God again
showed His mercy and poured His grace to
His Church. The Eucharistic celebration was
followed by a banquet which was held at the
Barnabite Seminary in Marikina, as a sign of
gratitude to God’s abundant and overflow-
ing blessing to the whole Congregation as
well as in thanksgiving for those who sup-
ported us and those who shared our joy on
that occasion.
It was indeed a day full of rejoicing and a
moment worth remembering for all of us. To
all who were with us during those moments
both physically and spiritually our humble
words of gratitude: Thank you very much;
Grazie; Muchas gracias; Damo nga salamat
ha iyo nga tanan; Daghang salamat; Maram-
ing salamat po for being with us. May God
bless us all!
4
Solemn Profession
Nothing new
by Roan Cipriano J. Aborque, CRSP
On the eve of our religious solemn profession,
while the whole community of the St. Paul Scho-
lasticate was dining at table, our Superior
cracked jokes about the grand celebration that
would take place the following day. With our Su-
perior, some confreres commented that there
would be a sleepless night for us candidates due
to excitement. But to their surprise I wistfully
responded: “There is nothing new.” They were
all eyes. But I thought: “It is about time!” I have
been in the seminary for ten years now and it has
already been four years since my first profession;
I am already a sort of Kuya, a big brother to
some of them. Hence, it’s time for me to move on
and take another phase of my life as a religious.
What did I have in mind by saying those words?
I personally believe in the saying “first im-
pression lasts.” I remember a priest-friend told
me that “our first profession should be our per-
petual; our simple should be the solemn one.” I
believe so. Why? The “yes” that I uttered on my
solemn profession was and is only a confirmation
of the “yes” that I professed in the first. The sol-
emn profession rites only give witness on how I
have been faithful to my vows, despite of my un-
worthiness, limitations, weaknesses and of being
who and what I am. There is nothing new! It is
God who called us in the first place. I, on my
part, only responded to a vocation of love and
service.
Just like Qoheleth, “nothing new” is a per-
sonal positive disposition toward everything.
However, weighing up things, I am not saying
that I have had enough nor I am already tired. It
is just my way of saying “stand still” or “stay on
foot,” although others may come and go. In a
seminary it is a normal scene though, and there
is nothing new. I still remember a priest who
said, “Look around you… maybe this is God’s
 No. 3
way of saying that he is calling you, that you
have stayed though many have left, though others
have turned their backs.” The Gospel tells us that
when Jesus told his disciples about the suffering
he would endure, many of them left and he
turned to Peter and said, “…and you, do you
want to leave me as well?”
Nothing new is my way of telling you that I
am making a difference. “Make a difference… be
a Barnabite.” This was the slogan that struck me
on my first encounter with the Barnabites. I was
young, active, innocent then, full of hopes and
aspirations. But as years go by we change for the
better until we reach the best. The same thing is
true in religious life. I have passed a decade with
my religious formation and things have changed
for the better, if not for the best. As I become
“old” in the religious formation, I am being en-
trusted with so many and different tasks. But
this is not a reason for me neither to boast nor to
frown, but this serves as an indication of my ac-
ceptance to a humble service. Just like a bamboo,
the higher I may grow, the lower I should bend.
There is nothing new though: I may have
changed and grown old, but I am the same poor
and faithful servant of the Lord. My religious
profession may have changed something in me,
yet there is nothing of what I am now that has
not been there a long time ago, according to
God’s plan for me.
The five “professandi”:
Joseph, Jay, Rosauro, Roan and Ferdinand
iPaul 5
The FRESHMEN
On 13 May of this year, the Philippine
Delegation of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul
was again blessed because three novices of its
pronounced their first profession as
Barnabites. They are Rosauro A. Valmores, Jo-
seph M. Bernales and Jay L. Patulin.
Bro. Rosauro A. Valmores, aka “Bogs,”
the “gentle giant” of the St. Paul Scholasticate,
is the eldest son of Mr. Rex R. Valmores and
Mrs. Ester S. Abletes. He was born in Balin-
gasag, Misamis Oriental on the feast day of
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, October 7, 1978,
which actually explains his name. Rosauro
wanted to enter the seminary after he gradu-
ated high school in the year 1995. However,
due to his parents’ refusal, he opted to study
BS in Commerce, with Business Administra-
tion as his major. The story of his vocation did
not end with a tearful surrender. Although he
might have chosen to take up BS in Com-
merce, the priesthood still remained his
yearned vocation. This explains why in the year
2004, Rosauro asked again the permission of
his parents to enter the seminary, after a dec-
ade of having a restless heart, which was long-
ing to rest in God. It was on a hot summer day
of May 2004 when this young and courageous
lad from a far distant town of Northern Min-
danao arrived at St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria
Seminary, in Marikina City. As an aspirant,
Bro. Rosauro finished his Associate in Philoso-
phy at St. Camillus College Seminary. Then he
went through his postulancy formation, after
which he entered the novitiate on May 2006.
Bro. Jay L. Patulin is the second to the eld-
est of the four children of Loreto Q. Patulin
 No. 3
and Jessica J. Ladra. He was born in the prom-
ising town of Tubigon, Bohol on November
21, 1980. When he was still little, his family
decided to look for a greener pasture in the
native place of his mother in Balingasag,
Misamis Oriental. After his graduation in high
school, his cousin Virano Ladra, who is now a
Barnabite priest, invited him to enter the semi-
nary. During his stay in the seminary he gradu-
ally acknowledged the true presence of the liv-
ing Lord in his life. He began to realize the
presence of God in every ordinary moment of
his life. All throughout his seminary life he
found joy and satisfaction until he finished his
Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy at St. Camil-
lus College Seminary in the year 2003. Unfor-
tunately, confusion got over him. In spite of
his joyful experience in the seminary, he de-
cided to go out in order to uncover the mysteri-
ous design of God for Him and what really
God wanted him to do in his life. He tried to
live the life away from the seminary. But he
found emptiness and that there was something
lacking. Then, he realized that God was truly
calling Him to become one of His servants. So
Jay re-entered the seminary and did his noviti-
ate in 2006.
It was on the 29th day of December 1978 at
Camansi, Tomas Oppus, Southern Leyte when
a child was born to Urcisio “Boi” T. Bernales
and Isabel “Sabel” P. Mapa. The couple’s pain
after the death of their first child was relieved.
Joseph M. Bernales now stands as the first
born along with five other siblings. He was
baptized in the joyous feast of St. Isidore in
Camansi on May 16 (as the folks celebrated
instead on the fifteenth), by Rev. Fr. Anatolio
Alfaro and he received the Sacrament of Con-
firmation in San Isidro of the same town in
March 26, 1992 through the Most Rev.
Vicente Ataviado, D.D. of the Diocese of
iPaul 6
Maasin. He studied his elementary years in San
Isidro Elementary School and graduated in Ele-
mentary in Rizal Elementary School both in
the town of Tomas Oppus. He graduated high
school in Sta. Cruz National High School in
Maujo, Malitbog, So. Leyte. He graduated in
AB Philosophy in St. Camillus College Semi-
nary in Marikina City in the year 2005.
The story of his vocation started in his early
years long before he could speak well. When
asked what he wanted to become when he
grows up, he would stammer saying the word
“pali” (= pari, a Filipino word for “priest”). As
he grew up, he searched, inquired and made
research until he learned the different kinds of
consecrated life. Through this effort, he came
to be attracted with the contemplative life but
no one dared to help him. His parish priest
was not interested with the idea not even his
family and friends. When the Barnabite semi-
narians and other religious congregations came
to their place to search for vocation, he ig-
Coming and going
This year there have been some changes in
the Fathers’ community of Saint Paul Scholas-
ticate: after four years of stay in Tagaytay, Fr.
Joselito Santos have been transferred to our
Parish in Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal, where he
has been appointed as Assistant Parish Priest.
To him the gratitude of us all and our best
wishes for his new job.
Fr. Michael Sandalo, after completing his
formation curriculum, left SPS. He will con-
tinue his studies in Rome, starting on next Sep-
tember. Meanwhile he has been assigned to
Marikina Community, in charge for the disci-
pline of seminarians and teaching at “Mother
of Divine Providence School” of the Angelics.
 No. 3
nored them all with the hope to find his way
into a monastery. However, he gave up and
took the entrance exam of the Barnabites and
entered the St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria Semi-
nary on May 2000.
It was not long enough that he was in the
seminary when a crisis came. When he was in
his first year of his philosophical studies, he
was disturbed by the thought of joining a mo-
nastic community. Yet with the help of some
advices, he continued with his studies until the
time when he was about to apply for postu-
lancy. Nonetheless, he decided to go out and
applied in a hermitic-monastic community.
Convinced by Fr. Richard Genetiano, CRSP,
he went on to finish first his fourth year in Phi-
iPaul 7
losophy as he asked the permission to stay out-
side the monastery. He became a working stu-
dent in the Parish of St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria
in Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal. After some time
of reflection, he decided to re-enter the semi-
nary and two years later entered the novitiate.
These three young men are now part of the
community of the St. Paul Scholasticate, the
Formation House for all the theology students
here in the Philippines. Here they will stay for
four years until they have finished their stud-
ies. Along the way, struggles and crises may
come but with the help of Our Lord and Mas-
ter may they persevere until the end! Good
luck brothers and God bless you all!

3rd row: Clyd, Arvin, Rosauro and Thomas

2nd row: Jay, Jonathan, Marlon, Yohanes, Jose Nazareno and Roan
st
1 row: Fr. Cirilo, Pat, Joseph, Fr. John, Isfridus, Ferdinand and Fr. Jecker
 No. 3 iPaul 8
La parola al Delegato
Prospettive della delegazione filippina
by Giovanni Scalese, CRSP

Dopo la pubblicazione dell’ultimo numero di iPaul  1993); la comunità di Tagaytay (giuridicamente eretta 
(Pasqua  2007),  abbiamo  ricevuto  una  graditissima  nel 2004) con il Saint Paul Scholasticate (costituito nel 
lettera  nientemeno  che  dal  Rev.mo  Padre  Giuseppe  2003);  la  neo‐nata  comunità  di  Silangan,  a  servizio 
Bassotti, Superiore generale emerito e promotore della  della  Parrocchia  di  Sant’Antonio  Maria  Zaccaria 
presenza dei Barnabiti nelle Filippine. Ci siamo sentiti  (costituita e affidata ai Barnabiti nel 2003). I religiosi 
particolarmente onorati nel ricevere una simile lettera.  della  Delegazione  sono  attualmente  28,  di  cui  16 
Nel  suo  messaggio  il  Padre  Bassotti  esprime  un  professi  solenni  e  12  professi  temporanei.  23  sono  i 
desiderio: « Visto che il numero dei Barnabiti Filippini  religiosi filippini (5 da Luzon, 10 dalle isole Visayas e 8 
sta  crescendo,  mi  piacerebbe  leggere  un  articolo  che  da Mindanao); 5 gli stranieri (2 italiani, 1 americano, 2 
manifestasse  qual  è  il  piano  strategico  della  Pro‐ indonesiani). I sacerdoti sono 14; presto i due studenti 
Provincia  Filippina  per  quanto  riguarda  i  futuri  (ma  professi  solenni  verranno  ordinati  diaconi,  con  la 
non  troppo)  campi  di  apostolato  ».  La  richiesta  di  prospettiva  di  avere  il  prossimo  anno  due  nuovi 
Padre  Bassotti  contiene  un’inesattezza:  le  comunità  sacerdoti. Attualmente 17 religiosi (5 professi solenni e 
filippine non costituiscono ancora una “pro‐provincia”,  12  temporanei)  fanno  parte  dello  Studentato  di 
ma  sono  soltanto  una  “delegazione  generale”,  vale  a  Tagaytay;  8  religiosi  sono  iscritti  alla  comunità  di 
dire  un  insieme  di  case  religiose  tuttora  dipendenti 
direttamente  dal  Superiore  generale,  il  quale  nomina 
un  religioso  quale  suo  rappresentante  (“Delegato 
generale”),  con  l’incarico  di  coordinare  quelle 
comunità  e  di  mantenere  i  rapporti  con  la  Consulta 
generalizia, che è a tutti gli effetti l’unico reale organo 
di governo della Delegazione. Fino allo scorso maggio 
Delegato  per  le  Filippine  era  il  Padre  Frank  Papa, 
iniziatore  della  presenza  barnabitica  in  questo  paese. 
Vista  la  sua  esperienza  e  le  capacità  che  ha  saputo 
dimostrare  nella  fondazione  filippina,  i  Superiori 
hanno  pensato  bene  (dopo  18  anni...)  di  affidargli  un 
altro delicato incarico: una nuova fondazione in India. 
Cosí è toccato al sottoscritto subentrare al Padre Papa 
nell’incarico  di  Delegato  generale  per  le  Filippine. 
Posso  pertanto  accedere  alla  richiesta  del  Padre 
Bassotti,  precisando  che  quanto  dirò  sono  forse  piú 
idee personali che orientamenti adottati da un qualche 
organo  di  governo  (non  essendo  una  provincia,  non 
abbiamo  ancora  un  capitolo  provinciale  che  possa 
legiferare:  al  massimo  facciamo  delle  riunioni 
intercomunitarie,  nelle  quali  tutti  hanno  la  possibilità 
di  esprimere  il  proprio  parere,  ma  senza  alcun  valore 
vincolante  e  decisionale).  Forse  è  un  po’  eccessivo 
parlare,  nel  nostro  caso,  di  un  “piano  strategico”. 
Cercherò  comunque  di  illustrare  quali  dovrebbero 
essere,  secondo  me,  le  nostre  future  prospettive.  Ma 
forse  è  opportuno  partire  da  qualche  statistica  che 
illustri l’attuale situazione della Delegazione. 
La  Delegazione  Filippina  è  attualmente  costituita 
da  tre  comunità:  la  “casa‐madre”  di  Marikina  con  il 
Seminario  Sant’Antonio  Maria  Zaccaria  (fondato  nel 
1989)  e  il  Noviziato  Sant’Alessandro  Sauli  (eretto  nel  Righ Rev. Fr. Bassotti at the time of the Philippine Foundation
 No. 3 iPaul 9
Marikina;  3  a  quella  di  Silangan.  A  queste  cifre  vanno  Una  delle  convinzioni  che  mi  guida  in  questi 
aggiunti:  1  sacerdote  filippino  attualmente  in  servizio  discernimento è che non ci si possa limitare a un unico 
presso  la  comunità  di  San  Diego,  California;  3  novizi  tipo  di  attività.  Le  Costituzioni  dei  Barnabiti 
(hanno  iniziato  l’anno  canonico  il  31  maggio  scorso);  prevedono  un  apostolato  quanto  mai  variegato 
una  cinquantina  di  seminaristi  (che  frequentano  il  (missionario, parrochiale, educativo, ecc.). È ovvio che 
college), di cui una decina postulanti. Si tratta di cifre  questo  può  comportare  dei  problemi,  soprattutto  di 
confortanti,  di  cui  rendere  grazie  al  Signore;  ma  tutti  carattere  “identitario”  (la  solita,  ricorrente  questione:  
sappiamo  che  il  numero,  pure  importante,  non  è  un  « Qual è il carisma dei Barnabiti? », dove con “carisma” 
valore assoluto (Multiplicasti gentem, non magnificasti  ci  si  riferisce  quasi  esclusivamente  a  un  determinato 
laetitiam!):  speriamo  che  alla  quantità  possa  tipo  di  opera)  e  formativo  (non  è  facile  formare 
corrispondere  anche  la  qualità  (umana,  spirituale,  religiosi  parati  ad  omnia...).  Ma  tant’è,  questa  è  la 
culturale e apostolica).  nostra  caratteristica;  il  nostro  carisma,  appunto.  È  un 
Dopo aver presentato la consistenza numerica della  dato  di  fatto  che  le  province  piú  vivaci  sono  proprio 
Delegazione  Filippina,  è  d’uopo  presentare  le  sue  quelle  che  possono  contare  su  una  diversificazione  di 
attività:  come si è già accennato presentando le diverse  presenze  pastorali.  Ora,  visto  che  qui  si  tratta  di 
comunità,  si  tratta  ancora  in  buona  parte  di  attività  di  iniziare,  è  bene  avviare  diversi  tipi  di  opere,  in  modo 
carattere  formativo:  il  seminario  minore  (con  il  che  ciascuno  possa  esprimersi  nell’attività  a  lui  piú 
postulantato),  il  noviziato  e  lo  studentato.  L’unica  congeniale. 
attività apostolica propriamente detta è la Parrocchia di  Attualmente  abbiamo  una  parrocchia:  per  il 
Silangan,  San  Mateo,  Rizal.  È  ovvio  che  anche  a  momento  penso  che  sia  sufficiente,  anche  se  non 
Marikina e a Tagaytay i Padri non si limitano all’attività  sarebbe  difficile  ottenerne  un’altra  da  un  qualsiasi 
formatrice, ma sono impegnati (e non poco) nell’attività  vescovo  (specie  se  si  tratta  di  costruire  la  chiesa,  la 
pastorale; ma si tratta di un apostolato “spicciolo”, fatto  canonica  e  le  opere  parrocchiali...).  Personalmente 
soprattutto  di  celebrazione  di  messe,  predicazione,  penso  che  una  seconda  parrocchia  potrebbe  essere 
confessioni,  direzione  spirituale,  ecc.  Questo  si  spiega,  presa in considerazione solo se legata a un’altra opera. 
perché  i  Padri,  pur  numerosi,  sono  ancora  per  lo  piú  Il  nostro  sforzo  in  questo  momento  è  appunto 
(salvo  qualche  lodevole  eccezione...)  giovani  e  tuttora  individuare quale altra opera avviare. Meglio, le idee ci 
impegnati negli studi. Abbiamo infatti voluto riprendere  sono già: il progetto è quello di aprire una scuola, una 
qui la tradizione, comune in Italia fino a non molti anni  retreat  house,  un  santuario  e  magari  una  missione/
fa,  di  far  continuare  ai  “padrini”  gli  studi  dopo  fondazione  all’estero.  Il  problema  è:  da  dove 
l’ordinazione  sacerdotale,  soprattutto  nelle  discipline  cominciare?  A  dire  il  vero,  un’indicazione  l’abbiamo 
profane; per cui i religiosi effettivamente disponibili per  già: la Consulta generalizia, a seguito dell’incontro con 
un  apostolato  a  tempo  pieno  sono  ancora  in  numero  i Provinciali nel febbraio scorso, insiste perché quanto 
limitato. Bisogna però guardare avanti, anche perché nel  prima si dia avvio a una scuola.  E noi siamo d’accordo. 
giro  di  pochi  anni,  una  volta  terminati  (si  spera  Ma ci sono vari problemi da affrontare. Primo: che tipo 
brillantemente) gli studi, tali Padri dovranno trovare un  di  scuola?  Certo,  se  ci  lasciamo  andare  ai  sogni, 
campo  dove  esercitare  il  loro  apostolato  (e  le  sarebbe  bello  pensare  a  un  grande  college;  ma  forse 
competenze acquisite durante i loro studi).  bisogna  essere  realisti  e,  almeno  per  il  momento,  è 
meglio  accontentarsi  di  una  piccola  scuola,  con 
St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria Seminary, Marikina
elementari  e  high  school.  Secondo  problema:  una 
scuola  con  quale  indirizzo?  Nel  corso  dei  secoli  i 
Barnabiti  hanno  acquisito  un’ampia  esperienza  nel 
settore  umanistico‐scientifico;  ma  qui  sembrerebbe 
piú  urgente  un  impegno  in  campo  professionale,  che 
permetta  alla  gioventú  filippina  di  inserirsi 
immediatamente  nel  mondo  del  lavoro.  Terzo 
problema:  dove?  Si  è  pensato  ai  posti  dove  già  siamo 
presenti, vale a dire a Silangan e a Tagaytay; ma forse è 
meglio  cogliere  l’occasione  per  aprirci  a  nuovi 
ambienti.  In  questo  momento  stiamo  esplorando 
l’ipotesi  di  una  fondazione  nella  provincia  di  Bataan, 
una piccola penisola a nord‐est di Manila, dove fino a 
pochi anni fa erano totalmente assenti i religiosi e dove 
 No. 3 iPaul 10
oggi il giovane e dinamico vescovo sta incoraggiando i  prospettiva  non  è  certo  quella  di  rimanere  nelle 
religiosi  a  stabilirsi,  soprattutto  per  creare  una  rete  di  Filippine.  In  questi  anni  bisognerà  preparare  il  loro 
scuole  cattoliche.  Potrebbe  essere  una  buona  ritorno  in  Indonesia  dopo  l’ordinazione  sacerdotale. 
soluzione, perché ci apriremmo a un nuovo ambiente,  Un  altro  paese  che  offre  notevoli  prospettive  di 
ancora  “vergine”,  senza  allontanarci  troppo  dagli  sviluppo  religioso  (nonostante  il  regime  comunista)  è 
attuali  insediamenti  (cosa  abbastanza  importante  il Vietnam (qui a Tagaytay ci sono già numerosi istituti 
almeno  all’inizio).  Nel  frattempo,  come  detto,  la  religiosi che stanno formando candidati provenienti da 
totalità dei “padrini” sta frequentando l’università (nei  quel paese).  
piú  svariati  settori:  filosofia,  psicologia,  storia,  Si era pensato anche a una possibile fondazione in 
matematica,  education  management,  accountancy...);  Australia,  un  paese  che  non  può  certo  essere 
alcuni  di  loro  stanno  già  facendo  esperienza  di  considerato  “terra  di  missione”,  ma  particolarmente 
insegnamento (presso le Angeliche a Marikina o presso  bisognoso  di  clero.  Durante  la  nostra  ultima  riunione 
i Fratelli delle Scuole Cristiane a Dasmariñas), in modo  intercomunitaria, però, è stato fatto notare che ci sono 
che,  quando  si  decide  di  avviare  la  scuola,  ci  sia  già  alcune  situazioni  in  Congregazione  che  meritano  la 
personale pronto a gestirla.  nostra  attenzione  prima  di  pensare  all’Australia: 
Mentre  l’apertura  di  una  scuola  comporta,  come  perché,  per  esempio,  non  pensare  ad  assicurare 
s’è  visto,  tutta  una  serie  di  problematiche  (che  pure,  personale religioso alla nostra parrocchia di San Diego, 
prima  o  poi,  vanno  affrontate),  una  retreat  house  dove  è già  presente  un confratello filippino?  Potrebbe 
sarebbe  sicuramente  piú  facile  da  avviare.  Per  questo  essere un’idea su cui lavorare nei prossimi anni.  
tipo  di  attività  non  ci  sarebbe  neppure  bisogno  di  Come si vede, le Filippine sono una realtà in piena 
decidere dove: il posto è praticamente obbligato, vale a  effervescenza,  ben  diversa  da  altre  realtà  a  cui  siamo 
dire  a  Tagaytay,  dove  esistono  già  una  trentina  di  ormai abituati soprattutto in Europa. Lí l’obiettivo è il 
centri  di  spiritualità,  ma  tutti  con  il  “tutto  ridimensionamento; qui è l’espansione. È chiaro che lo 
esaurito”  (grazie  alla  bellezza  del  posto,  al  clima  stato  d’animo  di  chi  vive  queste  due  realtà  è 
particolarmente  favorevole  e  alla  vicinanza  a  Manila).  profondamente diverso; ma ciò non significa che aprire 
A  Tagaytay  la  Congregazione  già  possiede  un  terreno;  sia  piú  facile  che  chiudere:  quanti  dubbi,  quante 
si tratta solo di decidere.   incertezze, quante paure di sbagliare! Quando si tratta 
Sempre  a  Tagaytay,  all’interno  del  complesso  del  di  iniziare  non  si  sa  mai  se  si  fa  bene  o  si  fa  male. 
Saint Paul Scholasticate, esiste un enorme edificio, un  Finora  il  Signore  non  ci  ha  mai  fatto  mancare 
tempo adibito a deposito del caffè (la nostra proprietà  l’assistenza  del  suo  Spirito  e  il  sostegno  della  sua 
apparteneva  un  tempo  ai  Verbiti,  che  vi  avevano  Provvidenza. Speriamo che continui ad accompagnarci 
organizzato una cooperativa per i contadini del posto).  con  la  sua  mano  sicura  e  a  indicarci  le  vie  da 
Tale  edificio  ha  la  forma  di  una  chiesa;  la  struttura  è  intraprendere  per  il  bene  della  Chiesa  e  la  gloria  del 
solida;  potrebbe  essere  facilmente  trasformato  in  un  suo nome. 
luogo  di  culto.  Stiamo  già  promovendo  la  devozione 
alla  Madonna  di  Fatima,  attualmente  venerata  in  una 
piccola  cappella  all’aperto.  Il  sogno  sarebbe  quello  di 
lanciare un grande santuario mariano.  St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria Parish, Silangan
È giusto pensare a creare delle opere, per radicare 
la  presenza  dei  Barnabiti  nelle  Filippine;  ma  non 
possiamo  rinchiuderci  in  un  paese  nella  gran 
maggioranza  cattolico,  appartenente  a  un  continente 
tuttora  non  cristiano  nella  quasi  totalità.  I  papi 
continuano  a  ricordare  ai  filippini  che  hanno  una 
grande  responsabilità,  l’evangelizzazione  dell’Asia. 
Anche la nostra fondazione filippina, se ben ricordo, è 
nata con questa prospettiva. In attesa che la Cina apra 
le  porte  a  Cristo,  si  può  già  pensare  a  qualche  altro 
paese.  La  fondazione  indiana,  pur  non  dipendendo 
giuridicamente  dalla  Delegazione  Filippina,  è  in 
qualche  modo  una  sua  “germinazione”.  Ci  sono 
attualmente  nello  Scolasticato  di  Tagaytay  due 
studenti indonesiani al secondo anno di teologia, la cui 
 No. 3 iPaul 11

The diocese of imus

by Roan Cipriano J. Aborque, CRSP

The  Saint  Paul  Scholasticate  is  the  formation 

house for the Barnabite theology students in Ta‐
gaytay.  The  city  of  Tagaytay  belongs  to  the  Dio‐
cese of Imus (in Latin: Diœcesis Imusensis). Allow 
me then to devote this section to the major facts 
about our diocese. 
History tells us that the Catholic faith came to 
Cavite as early as 1571. It was through the effort 
of  the  Franciscans,  Recollects,  Dominicans  and 
the  Jesuits  that  the  Gospel  was  spread  among 
Caviteños. 
The  Diocese  of  Imus  is  a  Suffragan  of  the 
Metropolitan  See  of  Manila.  It  was  created  on 
November 25, 1961 and erected on April 26, 1962  Nuestra Señora del Pilar Cathedral, Imus, Cavite
with  territory  taken  from  the  Archdioceses  of 
Manila (the province of Cavite) and Lipa (the city 
of  Tagaytay).  It  comprises  the  entire  civil  prov‐ cause  of  its  proximity  to  Manila,  Imus  Diocese 
ince  of  Cavite  and  covers  an  area  of  1,287  sq.  benefits  of  the  presence  of  countless  retreat 
kms. The Catholics are 2,168,395 out of the total  houses  (only  in  Tagaytay,  30  or  so),  usually  run 
population of 2,551,053 (Cavite is one of the most  by  religious  (but  there  are  also  structures  man‐
densely  populated  provinces  of  the  Philippines).  aged by lay people). 
The  Patroness  of  the  Diocese  is  Nuestra  Señora  The  first  among  the  bishops  who  were  as‐
del  Pilar,  who  is  also  Titular  of  the  Cathedral  (a  signed  to  the  diocese  was  Most  Reverend  Arte‐
wonderful Spanish church of the 18th century).  mio  G.  Casas,  DD  (1961‐68),  followed  by  Most 
There  are  10  Vicariates  in  the  diocese  Reverend Felix Perez, DD (1969‐92). Still living is 
(distributed among 5 Districts), with 47 Parishes,  Bishop Emeritus Most Reverend Manuel Sobrevi‐
9  Quasi‐Parishes,  4  Pastoral  Centers  and  355  ñas,  DD,  PhB,  STB  (1993‐2001).  The  incumbent 
Chapels. The diocesan clergy exceeds a hundred.  Bishop  is  Most  Reverend  Luis  Antonio  G.  Tagle, 
To  them  the  numerous  religious  priests  DD, STD. Bishop “Chito”—as he is often called—
(belonging  to  20  institutes  or  so)  are  to  be  was  born  on  June  21,  1957  in  Manila,  but  hailing 
added. Around 400 are the Sisters (more than 30  from  Imus  (the  first  Caviteño  Bishop  of  Imus!). 
institutes).  Among  the  religious  organizations  After  studying  theology  at  Ateneo  de  Manila,  he 
are  to  be  mentioned  the  Adoracion  Nocturna,  was ordained priest on February 27, 1982. He con‐
Apostolado  ng  Panalangin  (=  Apostleship  of  tinued his studies in the United States (at Wash‐
prayer), Charismatic Movement, Cursillo, Catholic  ington  Catholic  University).  Back  to  the  Philip‐
Women’s League, Legion of Mary, Knights of Co‐ pines,  he  has  become  one  of  the  main  theologi‐
lumbus,  Mother  Butler,  Neo‐Catechumenal  Way  ans of the country (and of Asia). He was also co‐
and Knights of the Altar. About 30 are the catho‐ opted into the International Theological Commis‐
lic  schools  (both  parochial  and  congregational).  sion.  Appointed  Bishop  of  Imus  on  October  22, 
Many  a  house  of  formation  (diocesan  and  reli‐ 2001, he was ordained and installed on December 
gious)  exists  in  the  territory  of  the  Diocese.  Be‐ 12, 2001. 
 No. 3 iPaul 12

Interview with Bishop Luis Antonio G. Tagle, D.D.

“It is the Lord”

by Cirilo B. Coniendo & Thomas Federick S. Tabada, CRSP

You  have  celebrated  the  25th  anniversary  of  support religious life. The bishop, within the limits 

your priestly ordination last February 27, 2007 and  imposed  by  the  law,  should  be  able  to  show  his 
the 5th  anniversary of Episcopacy last December 12,  concern  and  even  supervision  of  life  of  the  reli‐
2006.  Can  you  share  with  us  the  most  significant  gious.  Secondly,  I  believe  that  the  Church  is  very 
memories of your life as a priest and a bishop?  much  enriched  by  the  presence  of  the  religious. 
Bishop  Tagle:  All  my  memories  are  signifi‐ Religious  life  is,  in  a  way,  a  radical  living  of  the 
cant.  But  I  treasure  most  the  memories  that  have  baptismal promise to belong to God. That is why it 
an  impact  on  my  life:  the  creativity  of  the  people,  is a consecration. All of  us, including myself, need 
ordination,  confirmations,  contact  with  the  poor,  to  draw  inspiration  from  the  religious  communi‐
and  prayer.  Prayer  and  study  are  small  hidden  ties.  Thirdly,  we  are  blessed  by  the  mission  and 
things  that  people  do  not  see.  Even  my  anguish  ministry of the religious. Many religious congrega‐
and my struggle are significant.  tions  work  for  education,  for  the  ministry  of 
  prayer  and  social  action.  And  these  are  all  con‐
Your diocese is blessed by the presence of many  cerns of the diocese too. For me, it is important to 
religious  congregations  especially  in  Tagaytay.  show  people  that  the  Church  is  really  a  commun‐
Some people commented that Tagaytay is the Vati­ ion where diocesan priests, religious communities 
can in the Philippines. What can you say about that  and lay people share the same mission to evangel‐
reality?  How  do  you  relate  with  them?  Which  is  ize  according  to  our  different  charisms  and  states 
their role in your diocese?   of life. 
Bishop Tagle: I already had good contact with   
the  religious  even  before  becoming  a  bishop.  In  The  Philippines  is  known  as  the  only  Catholic 
fact  I studied under the  religious:  elementary  and  country  in  Asia.  Can  you  identify  with  us  the  prob­
high  school  under  the  CICM  and  then  seminary,  lems that the Philippine Church encounters, today? 
philosophy  and  theology  under  the  Jesuits.  So  I  Bishop Tagle: First of all, East Timor is also a 
was  quite  familiar  already  with  the  religious  and  Catholic  country.  So,  we  are  not  the  only  Catholic 
now  even  more  as  a  bishop.  So  my  relationship  country in Asia. But we can say that the majority of 
with the religious became deeper, I think, because  Catholics  in  Asia  is  in  the  Philippines.  Now,  there 
of the ministry of the bishop. First of all, I keep in  are  problems  in  the  Philippines  that  are  found  in 
mind  that  part  of  the  ministry  of  the  bishop  is  to  other countries. The problem of poverty and injus‐
tice  in  our  country  is  one  of  the  concerns  of  the 
Church everywhere. Another question is the mode 
of  evangelization:  how  do  we  evangelize  in  a 
changing  time?  How  do  we  evangelize  our  youth 
who are now very much influenced by technology 
and mass communication that have  changed their 
mentality? However, there is something unique to 
the  Filipino  Church.  First,  because  almost  half  of 
the  Catholics  of  Asia  are  found  in  the  Philippines, 
the Church in the Philippines has a special mission 
to  evangelize  Asia.  As  we  know,  Asia  is  the  most 
populous  continent  but  with  the  least  number  of 
Christians. And half of Christian population in Asia 
is here in the Philippines. All of us should seriously 
assume this responsibility for mission in Asia. Sec‐
 No. 3 iPaul 13
ondly, many Asian governments look to the Philip‐ to this kind of politics. It is for the lay people. The 
pines.  When  they  hear  about  the  news  of  corrup‐ laity are encouraged to participate in partisan poli‐
tion,  killing,  cheating,  etc.  they  will  think  at  the  tics. In the case of Fr. Panlilio in Pampanga, he did 
same time that Christians are also cheaters, killers  not  volunteer  to  run  for  governor;  it  was  the  citi‐
and insensitive to life. Part of our mission in Asia is  zens  of  Pampanga  who  convinced  him.  In  other 
to  show  them  the  difference  that  Christianity  words,  it  was  an  extraordinary  situation.  It  came 
makes.  As  Christians,  we  must  show  to  the  other  to him like a calling. However, he knew the canon 
Asian countries the good values of Christianity. We  law;  he  asked  a  leave  from  his  duties  as  a  priest 
show to other country what the Christian faith can  within his term as a governor. And after his term, 
do  to  make  life  better,  to  make  communities  bet‐ he will go back to his ministry as a priest. It is clear 
ter,  and  to  make  people  respect  life  and  to  make  that  it  is  not  our  domain  to  enter  into  partisan 
people with integrity, not due to mere social activ‐ politics.  But  priests  and  bishops  must  enter  the 
ism, but as an integral part of our faith in the God  moral issue of politics. 
revealed by Jesus Christ.    
  Many  consider  you  as  one  of  the  leading  Asian 
Do you have a good perspective of hope for the  theologians. Can you share with us some character­
Catholic Church in the Philippines?  istics of today’s Asian theology? 
Bishop  Tagle:  O  yes,  of  course,  there  is  much  Bishop Tagle: I do not consider myself as one 
hope.  If  I  look  at  the  mission  plan  of  the  religious  of the leading Asian theologians. Since I became a 
communities and different dioceses, there is much  bishop, there has been a little time that I could give 
hope. Those are the official expression of mission.  to research, but I continue my contact with theol‐
But  I  see  also  a  lot  of  hope  in  the  non‐official.  ogy. In fact, I have been appointed as the chairman 
When I go around the diocese and around the Phil‐ of the Office of Theological Concerns of the Federa‐
ippines, I see the simplicity of faith of the lay faith‐ tion  of  Asian  Bishops’  Conferences.  In  talking 
ful  in  living  out  their  Catholic  faith.  I  see  families  about Asian theology, I prefer to talk of Asian the­
who  in  spite  of  struggles  and  temptations  have  ologies.  There  is  not  one  Asia.  There  are  many 
really  committed  themselves  to  live  their  faith.  faces  of  Asia.  We  need  to  respect  diversity  and 
And sometimes they suffer for it. I see many young  uniqueness. When it comes to theology, there is  a 
people  who  are  very  good  and  dedicated.  I  think  pattern  in  Asia.  First,  it  is  experience‐based.  You 
they would be good leaders if they had the proper  begin by listening to the realities of life and listen‐
training and guidance. Yes, I see a lot of problems  ing  to  Tradition.  Then,  you  foster  a  dialogue  be‐
but I see a lot of potentials.  tween  the  realities  and  Tradition.  The  dialogue 
  will produce a new insight in faith, which is faith‐
Last  May  11  election,  many  bishops  were  very  ful to Tradition but also able to respond to the pre‐
vocal  in  their  involvement  in  politics.  They  gave  sent reality. Those new insights are not just intel‐
their opinion openly. What can say about it?  lectual  insights,  they  are  pastorally  oriented.  This 
Bishop Tagle: Politics is one dimension of hu‐ is  one  character  of  Asian  Theology:  the  pastoral 
man life. Being part of the community is political in  cycle of reflection or the pastoral character of the‐
a sense. When we talk about organization, power,  ology in Asia. It does not mean less study. The pas‐
influence  and  service  in  the  community,  we  are  toral  responses  come  from  serious  study  of  the 
already  in  the  political  arena.  If  we  understand  situation and Christian Tradition. Theology in Asia 
politics in that way, it is an obligation of all citizens  is  more  interdisciplinary.  You  use  a  lot  of  insight 
to  be  involved  in  politics.  A  citizen  that  does  not  from sociology, anthropology, psychology, modern 
participate  in  politics  is  not  a  good  citizen.  So,  I  social theory to understand the situation of people. 
will say from this point of view that all citizens es‐  
pecially Christians, including priests, religious and  Can you confirm with us that you wrote the ap­
bishops,  should  be  concerned  and  should  be  in‐ ostolic exhortation Ecclesia in Asia? 
volved  in  politics.  Now,  other  than  the  general  Bishop Tagle: The draft of Ecclesia in Asia was 
politics,  there  is  also  the  narrow  politics  or  parti‐ drawn up by a committee of 15 bishops and cardi‐
san  politics.  This  is  about  joining  a  particular  nals and four theologians. I am one of those 4 theo‐
party.  Normally,  the  Church  people  should  not  go  logians. We divided the work but towards the end 
 No. 3 iPaul 14
I was the one who put them together. However, it  What  inspired  you  to  choose  “Dominus  est”  (= 
was only a draft. The Holy Father, Pope John Paul  “It is the Lord”) as the motto of your episcopacy?  
II,  was  free  to  use  it  or  not.  So,  what  came  out  in  Bishop  Tagle:  I  chose  “Dominus  est”  as  my 
Ecclesia in Asia is written by Pope John Paul II, not  episcopal  logo  because  I  want  it  to  be  a  reminder 
by me. What we did was only the preliminary stud‐ to  myself.  In  John  21:7  the  beloved  disciple  was 
ies. So, the author was the Pope.  the  first  one  to  recognize  the  Lord.  For  me  it  is  a 
  reminder  that  in  my  ministry  as  bishop,  it  is  not 
You  were  part  of  the  permanent  council  of  the  the  office—symbolized  by  Peter—that  will  make 
Synod in preparing the apostolic exhortation Sacra‐ me see the Lord. So I should not cling to the office 
mentum Caritatis by Pope Benidict XVI. Which was  as a position of pride or honor as though, through 
your role in that council? Are you still member of it?  it, I would automatically lead people to the Lord. I 
Bishop Tagle: Yes, I am still a member of that  should remind myself that my heart should remain 
council. My term is ending in 2008. The role of that  like that of the beloved disciple, not clinging to of‐
council was to prepare a summary of the Synod of  fice,  but  clinging  to  love.  What  will  make  me  see 
Bishops  on  the  Eucharist  held  in  2005.  Based  on  the Lord is LOVE, not the office alone. I know it is 
that summary, we prepared the schema for Sacra­ always a danger to be so attached to the office that 
mentum  Caritatis.  Now,  we  are  preparing  for  the  in  turn  it  blinds.  So,  I  chose  “Dominus  est”  not  so 
next Synod of 2008, which is on the Word of God.  much  for  other  people,  but  for  myself  as  a  re‐
So,  our  council  will  prepare  the  so  called  Linea­ minder of the beloved disciple. 
menta. This is the outline of the consultation docu‐  
ment. All the bishops of the world will submit their  On December 12, 2006, Bishop “Chito” cele­
comment  on  the  Lineamenta.  Then,  we  will  put  brated  the  5th  anniversary  of  Episcopacy;  on 
them  together  and  prepare  the  Instrumentum  la­ February  27,  2007  the  25th  of  Priesthood;  on 
boris,  which  will  be  the  working  document  of  the  June 21, 2007 he turned 50. To him our cordial 
Synod of 2008.  
greeting: AD MULTOS ANNOS! 
 
What  about  your  relationship  with  Cardinal 
Ratzinger,  now  Pope  Benedict  XVI?  Can  you  share 
with us your good memory with him? 
Bishop Tagle: When I was a member of the In‐
ternational  Theological  Commission,  from  1997  to 
2002, Cardinal Ratzinger was my “boss” because he 
was the prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine 
of the Faith. He impressed me and continues to do so 
even  up  to  now.  He  is  a  very  private  person,  quite 
shy.  He  is  not  a  person  who  is  inclined  toward  big 
crowds. He is a real scholar and a brilliant man. He 
reflects  and  prays  a  lot  but  in  his  simplicity  too  he 
has  a  personal  touch.  He  knows  how  to  deal  with 
each one in a unique way. He has a sense of humor. 
He knows how to appreciate people. He allows free 
discussions  and  free  exchange  of  ideas.  What  I  will 
not forget is when we were introduced to Pope John 
Paul II in 1997: Cardinal Ratzinger, seeing me, joked 
with the Pope that I was so young that he thought I 
just had received first Holy Communion. Up to now, 
he remembers that event. In fact, in my last audience, 
he  said  the  same  thing.  So,  in  his  mind  I  am  still  a 
young boy! I was surprised because it was an audi‐
ence but he cracked that joke. He is a great intellec‐
tual who can communicate and talk with people.  
 No. 3 iPaul 15
Pages of Barnabite History
The devotion to the sacred heart
by Isfridus Syukur, CRSP

At first I had been assigned to write for iPaul

something about Venerable Karl Schilling, a
Barnabite from Norway (whose death’s centenary
falls this year), but later I was asked to say some-
thing about the devotion to the Sacred Heart in our
Congregation, since our third issue is published
right after the end of June, the month traditionally
dedicated to the Sacred Heart. Moreover, the
chapel of our Scholasticate has the Sagrado Corazon
as its Titular. Finally, the devotion to the Sacred
Heart is part of the Barnabite spirituality. So I
stopped reading about Venerable Schilling’s life
and began reading about the said devotion in our
Congregation. In my reading, I found some great
Barnabite figures who worked untiringly to spread
this devotion. They spent their time and exerted
much effort in making the devotion to the Sacred
Heart known. It is worth mentioning Frs. Antonio
Maresca, CRSP and Giovanni Percoto, CRSP. I
am not going to give a reflection on the virtues they
possessed, but simply to retell what they did espe-
cially with regard to the devotion to the Sacred
Heart. The purpose of this is, according to the
words of Fr. Frank Papa, “to keep the young
Barnabites informed and inflamed.”
The apparition of the Sacred Heart took place
in Paray-le-Monial to St. Margaret Mary Alocoque
in 1675. Then, the devotion to the Sacred Heart
started and spread to almost the whole of Western
Europe and particularly to Italy. Among those who The statue of the Sacred Heart in our chapel (Photo: R. Kosek)
first accepted and promoted the devotion was the
philosophy student Giovanni Percoto. His purpose The devotion was like a genuine gold that has
was to create a worldwide society of devotees from been tested by fire. It did not spread smoothly,
every walk of life, who would dedicate themselves without any controversies. A bitter controversy
to honor the Sacred Heart, especially in the Most came from the Jansenists, who opposed such devo-
Blessed Sacrament. With his ardent desire to tion. They were against it, because it was a devo-
spread the devotion, he wrote a book entitled, De- tion towards a “material physiological muscle of
votion to the Heart of Jesus, which contained motives, the body”. They maintained that the object of the
methods, and devotional practices in honor to the devotion was the love of Jesus, overlooking com-
Sacred Heart. His effort was wholeheartedly wel- pletely the material heart of Christ. The Council of
comed by his confreres, fellow students as well as Pistoia supported the claim. However, a clarifica-
fathers in the community. In fact, they had private tion on the matter was made through the Bull Auc-
celebration in honor of the Sacred Heart in the torem Fidei by Pius VI. The Bull was composed by a
seminary of St. Alexander in Milan. Later it spread great Barnabite, Card. Sigismond Gerdil, who was
also to other communities in Milan, Monza, Bolo- the theologian of the Pope at that time. The docu-
gna, and Macerata. (Continued on page 16)
 No. 3 iPaul 16
(Continued from page 15) ours to face. But just like them, as St. Paul says, we
ment of February 6, 1765 in approving the devo- have to fight the good fight and run the good race
tion affirmed that “with the heart it is symbolically until the end. And so, following the example of
remembered the divine love with which the only Frs. Percoto and Maresca and other Barnabites
begotten Son of God assumed the human nature.” before us, let us, with great enthusiasm, be promot-
The controversy lasted for a long time, but the de- ers of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the
votion continued growing. fountain of love and our salvation. As we celebrate
In the late 19th century, aside from the Jesuits, the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, may we
another Barnabite, Fr. Antonio Maresca, worked become instruments of love and peace to others
untiringly for the propagation of the devotion to and may our hearts be like the heart of Jesus, hum-
the Sacred Heart. After obtaining permission from ble and meek. For this we pray, “Lord make our
Fr. Ramière SJ, Fr. Maresca published the Italian hearts like your own”.
edition of The Messenger of the Sacred Heart, becom-
ing he himself its director. He also petitioned the Source: Frank Papa, A Short History and Important Events
Holy See to consecrate Italy to the Sacred Heart, of the Congregation (Clerics Regular of St. Paul: Marikina,
but to no avail. However, following the petition of 2002), App. 5, 209-212.
Fr. Ramière SJ on April 1875, the whole world
was consecrated to the Sacred Heart. In his exhor-
tation of June 16, 1875 Pope Pius IX urged the
faithful to consecrate themselves on their own ei-
ther in private or in public, granting also a plenary De aparri hasta jolo
indulgence. Fr. Maresca used the Messenger to
On the First Friday of the month the scholastics
spread the practice, giving also practical sugges-
are used to singing a traditional Filipino hymn in
tions. honor of the Sacred Heart: No Mas Amor Que El
Moreover, one of the great ideas of Fr. Mare- Tuyo. The lyrics were written by Manuel Bernabé
sca was to build a shrine in Rome in honor of the and the music composed by Simeón Resurrección
Sacred Heart. He presented the idea in the Messen- for the country’s first National Eucharistic Congress
ger edition of 1877. The following year he ap- in 1929:
proached the Cardinal Vicar, who gave full sup-
port, and on August 17, 1879 he himself laid the ¡No mas amor que el tuyo,
cornerstone. Unfortunately the construction was o Corazón Divino!
halted because the offerings faded away. But Leo El pueblo Filipino
XIII came to the rescue as he called Don Bosco to te da su corazón.
bring the work into completion. When Leo XIII En templos y en hogares
celebrated his 50th anniversary of ordination to the te invoque nuestra lengua.
priesthood, the Barnabites published a leaflet called Tu reinarás sin mengua
The Devout of the Sacred Heart with the purpose of de Aparri hasta Jolo.
giving information on the various initiatives and
institutions promoting the glory of the Sacred Ha tiempo que esperamos
Heart. tu imperio en el Oriente.
There are still so many great ideas and works La fe de Filipinas
of Fr. Maresca that would deserve to be men- es como el sol ardiente,
tioned, but if I put them all here, this article would como la roca firme,
occupy the most of the space of this issue of iPaul. inmensa como el mar.
What matters most is that Fr. Maresca and other La iniquidad no puede ser
Barnabites continue to live in our memory. They de estas islas dueña
did their share; now it is our turn. Our forefathers que izada en nuestros montes
tu celestial enseña
have shown us the way by their dedication and
las puertas del infierno
hardworking in serving the Congregation and the
no prevalecerán.
whole Church. They had their trials and difficulties
in their own times. We too have and will still have
 No. 3
Mission accomplished:
Well done, father frank!
by Jonathan G. Ramoso, CRSP
“Some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a
hundred or sixty or thirty fold” (Mt 13:8)
Whes I was asked by my Superior to write
an article as a tribute to Fr. Frank Papa, the
former Philippine Delegate General, I thought
that the space provided for this article would
not be enough to contain the precious works
that Fr. Papa has left behind in the Philippines.
Like a gardener, Fr. Papa planted good seeds
on the Philippine soil. These seeds have be-
come one of the most hopeful realities in the
Congregation.
The first contact of the Barnabite Order
with the Philippines was in 1988 through the
person of Right Rev. Fr. Joseph Bassotti, then
Superior General. He came to the Philippines
for the inauguration of the new building of the
school and convent of the Angelic Sisters in
Marikina. On this fortunate occasion, Fr. Bas-
sotti met some Camillian Fathers who encour-
aged and convinced him to plant some seed in
A rare picture of the beginnings: Fr. Frank in Tagaytay with (from left) Frs. Hennings, Bianco and Bassotti
iPaul 17
this “promising and fertile land”. With such
invitation, Fr. Bassotti wasted no time and im-
mediately invited the English-speaking con-
freres of the North American Province. Fr.
Papa, who was at that time the director of for-
mation in the big, wonderful and comfortable
Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima , enthusiastically
accepted the challenge to take care of the
planting and watering the seed. Fr. Frank or
Tatay (the Filipino equivalent for “father” in a
family), as we fondly called him, formally
started the foundation and mission in the
Philippines on May 11, 1989.
As Tatay took the mission, he carried
upon his shoulders a lot of “seeds” to be
planted and to be taken care of. Among the
seeds were: seminary formation, parish col-
laboration, human formation, and missionary
vigor. He loved so well the seeds and cared for
them through “sweat and blood”.
The seminary formation was the first seed
that Fr. Papa went on to plant. To begin with
 No. 3 iPaul
the formation, he rented a small house for
him and the first five young Filipino who will-
ingly joined him. These young aspirants at-
tended St. Camillus College Seminary for their
philosophical studies. Fr. Frank never let the
time pass without attending to their needs
such as intellectual, human and spiritual for-
mation. He tried to get along with the semi-
narians but at the same time he was strict and
prudent in making judgment and decision. In
this regard, Fr. Papa was known to his semi-
narians with his famous expression: “Blessed
Guy!” With him in the formation were subse-
quently Fr. Erich Hennings, Fr. Vincent Posil-
lico and Fr. Aldo Rizzi.
Realizing the need for a bigger place for
the formation of the future candidates, the St.
Anthony Ma. Zaccaria Seminary was con-
structed and later inaugurated on July 5,
1992. Few years later, in 1996, the novitiate
house dedicated to St. Alexander Sauli was
started and completed a year after. Fr. Frank
had these structures built with the idea in
mind that the Vatican II considered seminary
as the foundation of priesthood. His effort
was well repaid with the yearly growth of the
number of seminarians. And eight years later,
Fr. Jesus Allado, one of the first five seminari-
ans, was ordained as the first Filipino
Barnabite priest.
As the Founder urged his confreres to be-
come parish collaborators, Fr. Papa served in
the St. Paul of the Cross Parish in SSS Village.
He offered his time and effort to the parish in
particular and to the Diocese of Antipolo as a
whole. This was a big step towards the promo-
tion of the name of the Barnabites not only in
the Diocese but all throughout the archipel-
ago. Specifically, he worked with the small but
rich chapel of Filinvest Subdivision in Anti-
18
polo City where he used to celebrate mass for
more than seventeen years. Fr. Papa was well
loved by people as if he were the parish priest.
However, in his heart he desired to put up a
parish run by the Barnabites so as to fully
serve the Diocese and become full-time col-
laborators of the Bishop. Through his effort
and with the help of other confreres, the Par-
ish of St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria in Silangan,
San Mateo, Rizal came into being. It was
erected and entrusted to the Barnabites on
July 5, 2003. The small chapel of the place
was reconstructed and transformed into a par-
ish church.
Fr. Frank Papa was a person with good
public relations. He knew well how to deal
with people at different level. In the seminary,
he always assessed the seminarians not only
in terms of religious and intellectual forma-
tion, but also of human formation. With his
positive aura, people would get in touch with
him without any hesitation. In other words, he
was approachable and easy to deal with. His
smile would catch many people’s eyes! With
this good relationship that he had to any one
else, he could rock one’s world and could
make a difference in them.
Nevertheless, Tatay’s missionary spirit is
beyond imagination. When he accepted the
Philippines mission he embraced it without
any indecision and uncertainty. After having
taken care of the seeds, which have now
grown tall, Fr. Papa thought that the Philip-
pine Delegation should be independent and
stand by itself. Indeed, this is the present real-
ity of the Delegation. We owe this to Fr. Papa’s
untiring efforts that are a priceless treasure
and would be always remembered by all who
experienced his fatherly care and love. For
over 17 years of being a missionary here in
the Philippines, he accomplished his job very
well. Before leaving the Delegation, he has
seen the growing and still growing seeds. As
Fr. Frank relinquishes the post and undergoes
his second missionary journey in India, the
whole of the Philippine Delegation wishes and
prays for all the best, that he may succeed in
everything he does. May he spread once and
again in another field the seed of God’s love,
mission and evangelization for another abun-
dant harvest in the vineyard of God.
Fr. Papa today in Bangalore with the first four candidates
 No. 3
The Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy
A neighbor
by Jose Nazareno S. Gabato, CRSP
Whenever someone asks me “Do you know the Hos-
pitaler Sisters of Mercy?” my usual answer is “Yes! They
are a neighbor!” Truly the Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy
are not only one of our neighbors, but they are a
neighbor.
Once a scribe asked Jesus: “…who is my neighbor?”
Jesus answered him through the parable of the Good Sa-
maritan (Lk 10:25-37). At the end of the parable Jesus
asked in return: “Which of these three (the priest, the
Levite and the Samaritan), do you think was a neighbor to
the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” Here,
Jesus’ concern is not on knowing who our neighbor is,
but on becoming a neighbor to others. We basically know
who our neighbor is, yet the question is: “Are we a
neighbor to them?” It is not enough recognizing who are
our neighbors without first becoming a neighbor to
them.
The Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy is our neighbor.
Their house of formation is a stone throw away from us.
We recognize their presence not because they are near to
us, but rather because of their being a neighbor to us.
Like the Good Samaritan, they are “hospitable”, “full of
compassion” and willing to help others without counting
the cost. Aside from us, the people of our neighborhood
also highly esteem them for they are truly a neighbor to
everyone.
Teresa Orsini Doria Phampili, considered the pro-
moter and the foundress of this institute, was a princess
in Rome. She was a loving wife of prince Luigi Gian An-
drea Doria Phamphili Landi and a beloved mother of four
children. She was motivated to establish the institute
because of her experience with the staff of the Sancta
Sanctorum Hospital (now “Ospedale San Giovanni”),
who treated their patients mercilessly due to unprepared-
ness and lack of experience. She formed a group of
women who were willing to devote their lives in the ser-
vice of the suffering and the sick “without the prospect of
profit but only in the spirit of faith and charity,” just as
what the Good Samaritan did. She believed that it was
Jesus himself who was suffering in the person of the sick
people. Thus, in her rule she wrote: “To be sick with the
sick in order to comfort Jesus suffering in his members.”
On May 16, 1821 the group received the approval of
Pope Pius VII. With its first four members, they joyfully
introduced and named themselves as “Hospitalers of
Charity.” On September 29, 1831 Pope Gregory XVI,
having witnessed to their charitable deeds and uncondi-
tional love for the sick and suffering, approved and con-
firmed the “Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy” and
their rules entitled “Constitutions for the Congregation
of the Hospitalers called Sisters of Mercy”.
iPaul 19
Moved by the invitation of the Lord “to go to the
whole world by proclaiming the Good News,” the Hospi-
taler Sisters set out to one nation after another. They are
present in the US, India, Madagascar, Nigeria, Switzer-
land, Cape Verde (Africa), Poland, Argentina, Chile and
in the Philippines.
Their presence in our country constitutes a beautiful
page in the history of the Institute. Who could imagine
that by just a cup of coffee their presence in the Philip-
pines has been made possible? Fr. Albaro of the Oblates
of St. Joseph visited the sisters (Sr. Elizabeth Longi and
Sr. Paola Iacovone) in India and discussed about the bal-
looning of religious vocation in the Philippines while hav-
ing a cup of coffee. Having no idea where such country
was situated, Sr. Elizabeth got a map and located the little
country. They talked, thought, reflected about opening a
new mission. Sister Elizabeth Longhi, moved by the
Spirit, determined to go there and start a new mission. In
the year 1981 the first Hospitaler missionary set foot in
the Philippines. Sister Elizabeth went to different prov-
inces to recruit women who wanted to follow Christ
through ministering the sick and the suffering. Having no
house of formation yet, the first group of aspirants was
hosted by the Congregation of the Oblates of St. Joseph in
Greenhills, San Juan. On March 1984 they were able to
construct a formation house in Muntinlupa that served as
a home for the aspirants, postulants, novices and pro-
fessed sisters. Since then the Hospitalers grew in number.
They also went to other provinces and made themselves
available by serving the sick, suffering and the dying.
Now, they are present in Ermita, Manila; in Tagaytay and
Indang, Cavite; in Iloilo and in Bataan, working as the
Good Samaritan. Their presence is a blessing indeed!
Thanks God, we have a neighbor like them!
 No. 3 iPaul 20

A Meditation
DISCIPLESHIP: SELF-DENIAL AND CROSS
by Yohanes Besi Koten, CRSP

Human  beings  cherish  many  wishes.  ings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed 

Wishes can be fulfilled either by a hard or an  you may also rejoice exultantly” (1 Pet 4:12‐13). 
easy  way.  Both  ways,  however,  entail  pain  Saint  Peter  assures  us  that  just  as  we  share 
and effort. Yet, it is very fulfilling when peo‐ the  sufferings  of  Christ  we  likewise  will 
ple attain their wish and dreams. The happi‐ share his glory.    
ness  we  experience  is  the  reward  for  the  Jesus  is  always  with  us  in  our  journey 
pains we suffered along the way.   toward  our  eternal  home.  He  assures  us  by 
As  Christians,  we  basically  wish  to  be‐ saying, “…Behold, I am with you always, until 
come true disciples of Jesus. It is our wish to  the  end  of  the  age”  (Mt  28:20).    Accordingly, 
follow  him,  to  imitate  him.  As  we  go  on  in  we walk with Jesus, and he with us. We fol‐
following  him,  we  go  through  many  tests  low  him  because  we  are  his  disciples  and 
and  challenges.  Just  as  our  goal  is  tested  to  we believe and trust in him. It is because we 
prove  its  genuineness,  our  wish  has  to  be  are  assured  that  everything  is  possible  for 
tested likewise in order to confirm our faith‐ him.  
fulness.  We  are  tried  by  the  invitation  to  Thus, if we really do wish to follow him, 
bear  the  cross  and  to  follow  Christ.  Jesus’  we have to accept his invitation to deny our‐
invitation  to  his  would‐be  followers,  selves  and  bear  the  cross  daily  and  follow 
“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come  him.  This,  indeed,  is  a  difficult  task,  but  if 
after  me  cannot  be  my  disciple”  (Lk  14:27),  is  we put our trust in Jesus, our Master, we can 
also  to  be  fulfilled  by  us,  if  we  want  to  be‐ do  it.  Let  us  only  remember  that  he  always 
come his true disciples.  stretches out his hand to help us. He says to 
True  discipleship  finds  its  fulfillment  in  us, “Come to me, all you who labor and are bur‐
our  total  self‐surrender.  It  is  an  uncondi‐ dened,  and  I  will  give  you  rest.  Take  my  yoke 
tional discipleship that makes us fully Jesus’.  upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and 
We  are  his  true  disciples  if  we  follow  him  humble of heart; and you will find rest for your‐
without  counting  the  cost  and  even  to  the  selves...  my  yoke  is  easy,  and  my  burden 
point  of  shedding  our  blood.  Discipleship  light”  (Mt  11:28‐30).  We  maybe  are  bur‐
finds  its  fulfillment  in  our  self‐denial  and  is  dened, but our burden is light and the yoke, 
the endpoint of the cross that we bear for the  though may seem hard, is easy because Jesus 
love  of  him.  By  carrying  our  cross,  we  gain  carries  the  rest  and  the  greater  part  of  the 
our  glory  with  Jesus.  Saint  Peter  tells  us  in  weight  with  us.  Therefore,  “…  If  anyone 
his  first  letter,  “Beloved,  do  not  be  surprised  wishes  to  come  after  me,  he  must  deny  himself 
that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if  and  take  up  his  cross  daily  and  follow  me”  (Lk 
something  strange  were  happening  to  you.  But  9:23).  Come,  then,  and  be  a  true  disciple  of 
rejoice to the extent that you share in the suffer‐ Jesus!  
No. 3 iPaul 21

The Poets’ Corner

Behold, I come to do your will

by Yohanes Besi Koten, CRSP

In following your path “My Lord, I am really not worthy…

I felt unworthy of treading it. Let me choose another way of life.
So, in the gloom of my heart Please, Lord, I beg you…
I asked you, my Lord: I am not worthy of this vocation.”

“Am I worthy of this vocation? But the more I complained

Is this my fate? The more I heard the gentle voice
Is it the life I have to live Sympathetically whispering…
Until the end of my days?” Softly and smoothly:

In the loneliness of my heart, “My darling son…

In his loving kindness, Your unworthiness is purified.
One night, he came to me Nobody is worthy of my call;
Through a gentle wind and said: I make them worthy of it.

“Yes… my precious son… And you are among them.

Humanly speaking, you are not worthy; I make you worthy of this vocation.
But I make you worthy of my call. Come and follow me…
This is the life I chose for you . Do not hesitate… my dearly beloved one.

And I need you I am sending you…

To be the messenger of my love, I will be with you always,
Preaching the Good News, Until the end of your life.
Saving the souls of my people…” You are mine… Go, you are sent…”

Again, I complained to the Lord, Then, in the silence of my heart,

Because I know myself, With peaceful mind, I said:
Unworthy and unreliable servant. “Lord, I am ready…
So, I said to him: Behold, I come to do your will.”
 No. 3 iPaul 22

FOUR-DAY RETREAT
by Pat M. Golis, CRSP

For three years now, annual retreat has become one  person believe that Christ is their one only wealth. All fol‐
of  our  activities  listed  on  our  agenda.  The  retreat  serves  lowers  of  Christ  should  put  their  dependence  on  him 
for our spiritual nourishment and preparation for another  alone as the source of grace and compassion.  
challenging  yet  promising  formation  year.  It  is  the  time  Then,  on  the  fourth  and  last  day,  he  talked  about 
for  us  to  experience  the  Lord  in  an  intensive  prayer.  It  is  obedience.  For  him  obedience  means  the  willingness  to 
just like being on “vacation with the Lord” because at this  translate a command into action. This means that a per‐
moment we, being free from the disturbance of academic  son  obeys  the  command  according  to  their  own  volition 
burdens  and  responsibilities  in  the  seminary,  can  totally  and not because they are forced. Otherwise, it will lead to 
communicate with God. In particular, for us theologians, it  subservience.  A  religious  must  follow  their  superior  not 
especially serves as the moment for us to reflect upon our  because  of  fear  but  because  of  love.  The  love  that  binds 
vocation before renewing our vows.    God  and  his  people  should  be  the  very  same  love  that 
We had the same experience during our four‐day re‐ binds the superior and a religious for the sake of the com‐
treat  last  May  7‐10  at  the  St.  Charles  Borromeo  retreat  munity. Consequently, “Subjects should be brought to the 
house. Fr. Dominic Lim, OFMConv guided us throughout.  point where they will cooperate with an active and responsi‐
On  the  first  day,  he  began  his  talk  by  quoting  Matthew  ble  obedience  in  undertaking  new  tasks  and  in  carrying 
19:16‐30,  the  passage  about  the  rich  young  man.  The  those  already  undertaken.  And  so  superiors  should  gladly 
message was that in order to attain perfection, one must  listen to their subjects and foster harmony among them for 
surrender  everything  they  have  and  give  it  to  the  poor  the  good  of  the  community  and  the  Church,  provided  that 
and, then, follow Jesus Christ. Then, the speaker made a  thereby  their  own  authority  to  decide  and  command  what 
correlation  from  this  passage  to  the  three  evangelical  has to be done is not harmed.” (Vatican II, Perfectæ Carita‐
counsels  namely:  poverty,  chastity  and  obedience.  He  tis, #14).  
said  that  being  a  religious  means  to  imitate  Jesus  Christ  After the meditation on obedience, the speaker con‐
who  was  poor,  chaste  and  obedient.  Likewise,  he  added  tinued  talking  about  chastity  by  quoting  a  statement 
that religious life demands union, cooperation and love —  coming  from  Optatam  Totius  #10.  The  document  insists 
union  refers  to  our  relationship  to  God;  cooperation  that  seminarians/religious  ought  to  ponder  on  the  sur‐
means  our  total  response  to  the  call  of  God;  then,  love  passing  excellence  of  virginity  consecrated  to  God.  He 
summarizes the whole commandment of God.  further explained that the meaning of chastity and its full 
The  speaker  also  added  the  importance  of  self‐ sacredness  must  be  centered  on  the  life  and  teaching  of 
emptiness  for  religious.  He  said  that  a  religious  must  be  Jesus Christ. Perfect chastity does not mean being incapa‐
totally dependent on God and must acknowledge him as  ble of loving. It means having Christ within oneself, to be 
the sole source of everything. One must always rely only  concerned  about  him.  It  is  our  very  love  for  Christ.  St. 
upon  the  grace  of  God  rather  than  on  material  posses‐ Gregory of Nyssa beautifully said that chastity is the radi‐
sions.  Mary  is  a  good  example  for  this.  Just  like  Mary,  ance  of  divine  beauty.  For  every  religious  it  should  be  a 
every religious is called to humbly obey God’s will and to  way toward holiness and the Divine. 
have faith in him always.  All  in  all,  the  four‐day  retreat  gave  us  inputs  and 
In the following day, the speaker focused on the pas‐ thoughts  to  ponder  all  throughout  this  year.  Moreover, 
sage  from  Luke  2:15‐20,  when  the  shepherds  visited  the  the moments of silence and sharing of thoughts and ideas 
newly  born  Jesus  on  a  manger.  He  associated  such  story  brought us the realization of the importance of such mo‐
to the word “responsibility.” Just like the shepherds, every  ments  for  us  all  as  one  family  of  religious.  In  those  four 
Christian has the responsibility to respond to what God is  days,  we  were  able  to  share  our  experiences,  jokes,  and 
telling  their  hearts.  Each  religious  has  the  duty  in  an‐ laughter  towards  our  confreres.  Indeed,  such  experience 
nouncing and proclaiming the word of God to others.   became  one  of  our  list  of  unforgettable  moments  for  it 
On  the  next  day,  Fr.  Dominic  talked  about  poverty.  gave us the chance to gather ourselves and to experience 
Poverty,  he  mentioned,  means  the  limitation  in  possess‐ the presence of God. With this experience resounded the 
ing  things  necessary  for  life.  It  is  not  just  mere  detach‐ words  of  Jesus,  “Where  two  or  three  of  you  gather  in  my 
ment but it is something which converts and makes every  name there am I in their midst.”  
 No. 3 iPaul
NEWS, EVENTS, AT IBA PA…
by Marlon B. Ramirez, CRSP & Co.
Delegation Meeting
On May 11, right after the end of our annual
retreat, all the solemnly professed of the Delegation
gathered together for a meeting, as they are used to
doing now and again. This time the meeting had a
special meaning, because during it Fr. Frank Papa
handed over to Fr. Giovanni Scalese. At the begin-
ning of the meeting, in fact, the letter of Father
General was read, with which our Superior was ap-
pointed as new Delegate General for the Philippines.
Besides, Father General in his letter asked the con-
freres to express themselves about the hypothesis of
opening a school, which was fully done by all those
present. Other points on the agenda were: the ar-
rangement of the Delegation financial administra-
tion, future prospects and formation issues. In view
of a possible elevation of the Delegation to the
status of pro-province, during the meeting the fa-
thers also elected two counselors of the Delegate,
Frs. Aldo Rizzi e Richard Genetiano.
Our Lady of Fatima
Last 2005, a small chapel was dedicated to Our
Lady of Fatima in our compound. This year, on the
12th of May, the chapel was officially opened as a
23
shrine to the public as we organized a procession in
honor to Our Lady. The procession started at 8:30
p.m. and set out from the barangay chapel dedi-
cated to St. Joseph, Mary’s faithful husband, up to
the small Shrine of Fatima. The procession was at-
tended by a vast crowd carrying a lighted candle
while reciting altogether the Holy Rosary. At the
small chapel, Marian songs were performed and
afterwards our Superior gave a short homily and a
summary of the history of the devotion to the Our
Lady of Fatima. Fr. Scalese mentioned that the
Barnabites hope to transform the small Shrine into a
bigger one, which will be soon constructed, if God
wills so. Then before the final blessing, the song
entitled “In Fatima’s Cove” (the so called “Fatima’s
Ave Maria”) was sung. Everybody, then, went
home with a special blessing from God through the
intercession of the Virgin Mary.
Since this year is the 90th anniversary of the
apparition at Fatima, we have decided to com-
memorate them each month, from May to October,
on the 13th of the month, with the recitation of the
Holy Rosary.
Moreover, on June 10, we started to recite the
Rosary on Sundays afternoon, at 3:30 pm, hoping
that, little by little, the devotion to Our Lady of
Fatima spread among our neighbors and people
around.
 No. 3 iPaul
A Visit to Bataan
It was surprising that the invitation of the Hos-
pitaler Sisters for the first profession of their four
novices would become the door to our visit of
Bataan.
On May 15, the travel from Tagaytay to Bataan
took us six hours. We reached the place at around
12:30 pm. We went directly to “La Vista Balanga
Inland Resort” to have our lunch there. At the re-
sort we spent the rest of the day roaming around
the place to admire its beauty and to savor the air
that refreshed our tired bodies. The resort had a
pool where we all swam. Though we were tired, we
had a great fun being together in such a great mo-
ment. The experience strengthened the bonding and
camaraderie among us.
Then, at exactly 6 pm we left for Abucay, the
place of Fr. Michael Sandalo, CRSP, at his grand-
mother’s house. We were received warmly and with
a great hospitality. Upon our arrival, the family of
Fr. Mike served us a dinner typical of the place. Af-
terwards, we were given rooms where we could rest
for the night. We went to sleep with a memory of
the place that will remain in our hearts.
The following day, after taking our breakfast, we
bade goodbye to our host and proceeded to the
new convent of the Hospitaler Sisters of Mercy in
Sitio Mathay, Brgy. Tuyo, Balanga City, to witness
the first profession of Srs. Amelia, Maritess and
Kristine. The nice Bishop Socrates Villegas of the
Diocese of Bataan celebrated the mass. In his hom-
ily the Bishop emphasized the words “Yes” and
“No”. He said that minus the wonderful songs,
decorations, and the preparations, everything can be
summarized into “Yes” and “No” — the sisters’
“Yes” to the calling of God, and “No” to the
worldly allurements.
SAMZ’s Day 2007
HAPPY FIESTA
To everybody
24
Outing to Bataan
Other invitations
During these last months we were invited here
and there. After all, we were still on vacation...
On May 17, we participated in the wedding of
Serafin and Zenaida, our neighbors, at Our Lady of
Lourdes Parish. A wonderful reception followed at
Josephine’s Restaurant.
Another wedding on May 24. This time it was
the marriage of Necie, the sister of our cook Ma-
merta, with Jhun. Even in this case, the ceremony
took place at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, while the
reception was at their home, in Mag-asawang Ilat.
After two weddings, two professions. The first
is the perpetual profession of Sr. Amalia Ma. Escri-
bano, ASP. It was celebrated in Marikina, at St.
Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrow Parish, on May 31.
After the Mass a very formal reception at “El Patio”
Restaurant.
The other profession was the first profession of
Yosephina and Maria Yasinta, two Indonesian nov-
ices of the Little Workers of the Sacred Heart. The
rite took place in the chapel of the Sisters in Parang,
Marikina, on the feast of the Sacred Heart, June 15.
On May 29 we celebrated the liturgical feast of
St. Ursula Ledochowska with the Ursulines of the
Agonizing Heart of Jesus, at their house in barrio
Maitim II. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop
Chito.
 No. 3 iPaul 25

From other communities

by Clyd S. Autentico, CRSP

In this issue of iPaul we would like to include  an  Assistant  Parish  Priest  of  our  parish  in  San 
some  news  coming  from  other  Barnabite  com‐ Mateo, Rizal. 
munities  in  the  Philippines,  such  as  the  St.  An‐ This  year,  the  community  in  the  parish  has 
thony Ma. Zaccaria Seminary, including the novi‐ officially  become  a  “religious  house”,  which 
tiate,  located  at  360  Apitong  Street,  Marikina  means it is already an independent and autono‐
Heights, Marikina City, and the St. Anthony Ma.  mous  community.  Fr.  Richard  Genetiano,  who 
Zaccaria  Parish,  located  at  Silangan,  San  Mateo  has been elected as a Parish Priest since the be‐
Rizal.  The  news  of  the  said  communities  some‐ ginning of the establishment of St. Anthony Ma. 
how will give information about them and at the  Zaccaria  Parish  on  July  5,  2003,  heads  the  com‐
same  time  introduce  them.  However,  the  focus  munity. With Fr. Genetiano are other two priests, 
is the recent events that have happened.  namely Fr. Joselito Santos, the new Assistant Par‐
As  for  the  St.  Anthony  Ma.  Zaccaria  Semi‐ ish Priest, and Fr. Crisendo Dela Rosa, the Treas‐
nary, Fr. Joselito Ortega has been appointed Su‐ urer of the community. Fr. Santos was the former 
perior of the Community and Rector of the Semi‐ Vicar  and  Treasurer  of  St.  Paul  Scholasticate  in 
nary  to  replace  Fr.  Frank  Papa,  who  after  17  Tagaytay  City.  Fr.  Dela  Rosa  was  a  disciplinarian 
years of service in the Seminary, has left for his  of the students of SAMZS. On May 13, in the par‐
new  mission  in  India.  Fr.  Ortega  will  start  the  ish  church,  three  novices  (Joseph  M.  Bernales, 
year  with  51  students  of  which  16  of  them  are  Rosauro  A.  Valmores  and  Jay  L.  Patulin)  made 
new  ones,  the  so  called  “pre‐collegians.”  To‐ their first profession, and two students from Ta‐
gether  with  Fr.  Ortega  are  other  three  fathers  gaytay  (Ferdinand  S.  Dagcota  and  Roan  Cipriano 
who  are  occupied  in  different  aspects  of  the  J. Aborque) made their solemn profession in the 
seminary  formation.  They  are  Fr.  Michael  San‐ hands of Fr. Papa, on the eve of his departure for 
dalo, the prefect of the pre‐collegians, Fr. Rudy‐ India. On Sunday, July 1 the parish celebrated its 
son  Nulo,  the  vocation  director,  and  Fr.  Verano  fiesta (that is  its  patronal  festival  of  St.  Anthony 
Ladra, the treasurer.  Mary): at 9:30 the Holy Mass was presided by the 
Last  May  31,  the  newly  installed  Delegate  Delegate General Fr. Scalese. 
General,  the  Very  Rev.  Fr.  Giovanni  Scalese,  re‐
ceived  Albino  Vecina  from  the  province  of 
Southern  Leyte,  Henry  Pabualan  from  the  prov‐
ince  of  Misamis  Oriental,  and  Isagani  Gabisan 
from Talisay City, Cebu to the novitiate after the 
traditional  ceremony  of  the  Carrying  of  the 
Cross.  The  Carrying  of  the  Cross  has  been  a 
Barnabite  practice  since  it  was  first  done  by  fa‐
mous Alexander Sauli, who is one of our canon‐
ized saints. The three novices will undergo a year 
of a rigid spiritual formation under the guidance 
of the wise Novice Master for 16 years, Fr. Aldo 
Rizzi.  This  year  Fr.  Rizzi  will  have  Fr.  Jimmy 
George Anastacio as his assistant, who served as  A group of Marikina seminarians
 No. 3 iPaul
LETTERS
Leggo con grande piacere anche il secondo
numero di iPaul. Apprezzo l’idea di stabilire un
contatto piú diretto con i lettori, attraverso la
rubrica delle lettere ricevute. Come anche
l’idea di ricordare i benefattori nominatim.
Fr. Giuseppe Cagnetta, CRSP
Roma, Italy
giuseppe.cagnetta@gmail.com
Vivissime congratulazioni per il notiziario
informatico. Mi ha particolarmente colpito il
richiamo alla figura di Padre Giovanni Semeria,
un emblema di barnabita impegnativo!
Fr. Giovanni Rizzi, CRSP
Roma, Italy
giovanni.rizzi@tin.it
Dear Fr. Giovanni and Brothers, I wish to thank
you for sending me a personal copy of the iPaul
#2. I felt blessed to have been shown such a
beautiful gesture of thoughtfulness. May God
bless you. I actually browsed the first issue of
iPaul in the Barnabite website. Congratulations
for this wonderful work. May you continue to
touch lives through the sharing of your
everyday commitments and personal
reflections.
Sr. Rorivic P. Israel, ASP
Easton, Pennsylvania, USA
rorivic_israel@yahoo.com
Dear Confreres and scholastics, Greetings of
grace! Such a wonderful dedication! Thank you
for reminding me of the preciousness of the
vocation to the priesthood. This issue made me
reflect once again how and where am I now in
the priesthood journey. Thanks a lot to the
newly ordained inspiration. Thank you for the
26
encouraging life experiences that you shared.
May you continue to touch lives in the I-world
through the spirit of St. Paul. I am trying my
best to spread the goodness as Jesus
commanded us to go and announce into the
whole world.
Fr. Joseph P. Tabigue, CRSP
San Diego, California, USA
josephcrsp@yahoo.com
Very, very nice and beautiful the second iPaul.
We want to know the news from SAMZ
Seminary and SASauli Novitiate too. Is it
possible?
Fr. Luiz Antônio & Brazilian Novices
Samambaia, Brasília, Brazil
novizacc@uol.com.br
Grazie di cuore per aver mantenuto la Sua
promessa di pregare per il mio amico Mario e
per la mia Parrocchia. L’ho letto sulla vostra
Saint Paul Scholasticate Newsletter e mi ha
riempito di gioia. Continuate, per piacere! Per
Mario il Signore sembra voler ascoltare le
nostre preghiere: il tumore pare essersi
arrestato. Ma soprattutto Mario è totalmente
abbandonato alla volontà di Dio. Non riesce a
parlare, se non con l’alfabeto muto, ma rimane
lucidissimo e mi ha detto: “Io combatto, ma se
il Signore mi vuole io sono pronto.” E con la
mano malferma mi ha tracciato sulla fronte (lui
a me, capisce!?) un segno di croce. La stessa
serenità hanno la sua sposa ed i figli. Ecco
questo è il miracolo più grande. Io non desisto
dal chiederGli la guarigione, ma questo
abbandono del cuore è già miracolo. Vede come
il Signore è presente in mezzo a noi, come
cambia le nostre sorti? Mario ed io a scuola
 No. 3 iPaul 27

eravamo tra i piú turbolenti della classe.

iPaul
Frequentavamo una scuola privata, tenuta da
sacerdoti diocesani. La riconoscenza verso di
loro è immensa. Ci hanno insegnato tutto, a
pensare, a studiare, ad amare, a vivere, mentre
noi con l’incoscienza degli adolescenti li
sbeffeggiavamo. Ma loro non mollavano, non Saint Paul Scholasticate Newsletter
arretravano, non ci compiacevano. Esigevano
da noi almeno che diventassimo uomini e mai THE CLERICS REGULAR OF SAINT PAUL
— BARNABITES —
ci hanno imposto di essere cattolici. Ma che
Saint Paul Scholasticate
esempio! Ed eccoci qui, malgrado anche noi Purok 163, San Jose
fossimo affetti da bullismo e giovanile Tagaytay City, Cavite, the Philippines
arroganza. Vede quant’è importante il
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 32,
sacerdote, anche al di là sacrificio eucaristico? 4120 Tagaytay City, Philippines
Senza il loro severo amore, chissà dove Tel. & Fax: +63 46 413-2837
saremmo adesso. Lo dica ai suoi seminaristi: Email: stpaul@catholic.org
seminate, seminate senza posa, perché voi non
Director: Fr. Giovanni Scalese, CRSP
sapete quanto in profondità è capace di Editor: Fr. Jecker R. Luego, CRSP
penetrare il Signore e dopo quanto tempo farà Editorial Staff: Fr. Cirilo B. Coniendo,
germogliare il suo seme e quanto cambia il Ferdinand S. Dagcota, Roan Cipriano J.
cuore degli uomini, quanto rovescia le sorti di Aborque, Jose Nazareno S. Gabato, Arvin
A. Dagalea, Marlon B. Ramirez, Yohanes
ciascuno. Ringraziatelo e grazie a Voi che avete Besi Koten, Clyd S. Autentico, Pat M.
donato a Lui la Vostra vita anche per noi. Golis, Jonathan G. Ramoso, Thomas
Mr. Domenico Savino Federick S. Tabada, Isfridus Syukur,
Reggio Emilia, Italy Rosauro A. Valmores, Joseph M.
Bernales, Jay L. Patulin
dome.savino@libero.it
Typeset in the Philippines by Saint Paul
I received the last number of your magazine Scholasticate, July 2007
and I thank you very much. It was rich and
I read it with joy. Congratulations. Be sure that
you aren’t missing in my poor prayers. Siate
forti e andate sempre avanti, puntate sempre le
mette piú alte come ci direbbe il nostro Padre.
Statemi bene e buona continuazione.
Fr. Toussaint Bulambo, CRSP
Birava, Kivu, Dem. Rep. of Congo
barcks2001@yahoo.fr
Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi?
An gladius?