Overseas Recoletos missionaries meet, share experiences

missionaries-2

Provincial Curia, QUEZON CITY – In a rare opportunity, like the appearance of a Halley’s comet, some Filipino Recoletos friars assigned in foreign mission stations and who were either arriving for or returning from their hometown vacation have crossed their paths at the Provincial Curia towards the end of the second week of March.

Fray Russell Lapidez and Fray Dominador Mercado, Jr. who arrived from Indonesia on March 12 met Fray Giovanni Gil Magbojos and Fray Jose Prudencio Castillo who then were preparing for their return to Taiwan and Sierra Leone, respectively. For these young missionaries, sharing of the way they live their religious life and roll out the program of evangelization in the culture they are inserted just came about spontaneously.

Relevance

The Recoletos go where the Church needs and sends them. With such a charism that is responsive to any kind of human terrain and situation, they will remain always relevant, to which all the four missionaries concurred.

Bringing out the issue on the dearth of native vocations in Taiwan, Fray Magbojos said that the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference (informally known as Bishops’ Conference of Taiwan) is cognizant of its reliance on the pastoral assistance of foreign missionaries. “That’s where our relevance lies,” he pointed out.

He also said that if getting native vocations is the yardstick for the Recollects’ relevance in Taiwan, as this had been the view of some, then we cannot catch up with that because even the dioceses there find it difficult to look for candidates.

In the case of Sierra Leone, Fray Castillo made special reference to the village of Bawbaw in the capital, Freetown, where the third Recollect community in West Africa will soon rise. “In the area of evangelization, we are needed there,” he convincingly noted. “If we want to help the local church, we can work in that area where there are a lot of Catholic Christians who would not mind traveling the distance to the nearest church, which is quite far, just so they could go to mass.”

Although there are Spiritans (Holy Ghost missionaries) who are working on the other side of the boundary, still a vast area where some Catholics are scattered and which will belong to the future pastoral jurisdiction of the Recollects is in need of shepherds and evangelizers.

The Indonesian missionaries who have spent six months in Pontianak to learn Bahasa said they are now assigned by Bishop Agus to the parishes. In this way, they got to polish the new language they are learning and continued to gain mastery of the new culture. The presence of the Recollects in the archdiocese, they said, is a big boost to the personnel needed to serve the very wide coverage of Pontianak.

Fray Mercado also said that when they will return to Indonesia next month, they will already stay in Bengkayang, particularly in Ledo where they will be able to serve in the Sts. Peter and Paul Parish. (This is the parish offered by the archbishop to the Recollects.)

Although the third member of the future community of “Recoletos de Bengkayang” (or whatever name will be more convenient) has already been identified, the appointed time to establish it might still be moved to next year to give ample time for the renovation of the church edifice and the construction of the convent.

L-R: Fray Magbojos, Fray Castillo, Fray Mercado, and Fray Lapidez

Unique “Social Concern”

While they talked about the relevance of the Recollect missionary presence in the local church they are currently assigned, they also highlighted the presence and contributions of some compatriots who comprise a sector of social concerns unique to the Province of St. Ezekiel.

“Sila mismo ang lumalapit sa amin” (“They themselves are the ones approaching us”), observed Fray Magbojos, referring to those Filipino workers who would go to mass in their parishes in Taiwan.

In the Diocese of Kaohsiung, at the south of this Chinese-speaking state, five Filipino Recollect missionaries are administering five parishes and a chapel: St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish and Holy Cross Parish in Daliao; St. Joseph Parish and Our Lady of Victory Parish in Xiaogang; St. Augustine Parish in Linyuan; and the St. Ezekiel Moreno chapel in Fanua.

According to Fray Magbojos, Filipino mass-goers are aplenty in all but in Our Lady of Victory Parish. Some of these OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) are employed in electronics or meat processing companies; others are domestic helpers.

Although the Scalabrinian missionaries are mainly involved in this kind of apostolate with the OFWs, we cannot remain indifferent to it nor be selective in our “social concerns,” said Fray Magbojos who was responding to the question that working with OFWs is not part of the Recoletos’ missionary landscape.

“When confronted with employment problems and these OFWs approach us, we cannot turn a deaf ear. We help them. We facilitate and bring their concerns to the Scalabrinians,” he noted.

A similar situation was confirmed in the Diocese of Makeni in Sierra Leone, West Africa where nine Filipino Recollects are presently assigned. Five friars compose the community of Our Lady of Sierra Leone Parish in Kamabai and four, of St. Paul Parish in Kamalo.

“Those OFWs who work as volunteers for the UN (United Nations) and other NGOs in Sierra Leone, or in big companies such as Toyota, Heineken, etc. are very supportive of our ministry,” shared Fray Castillo.

Since there is no Philippine Embassy or Consulate in Sierra Leone, these “paisanos” have considered the Recollect communities in Sierra Leone as “centers” of their weekend gathering during which they participate in the Sunday liturgy. And they also extend their assistance to the pastoral programs. “Yes, even non Catholics come to us and join the group,” Fray Castillo averred.

When, in turn, asked whether they had already met some OFWs in Pontianak City in Indonesia, Fray Russel said that they hadn’t. “Except for Filipino missionaries working in the archdiocese, I have not met any Filipino worker there yet.” Probably, that part of the world is not a green pasture particularly for income-seeking Filipinos.

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< 2023 >
June
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    1
  • All day
    June 1, 2023

    FEAST OF JESUS CHRIST, ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST

    MOVING UP CEREMONIES – USJ-R (JHS) BIRTHDAY

    Fray Raul Buhay
    Fray Russell Lapidez
    Sis. Susana Batin, SAR (Manila Chapter)
    Sis. Felina Chiong, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Lourdes Dawag, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Estrella Buelo, SAR (Manila Chapter)

2
  • All day
    June 2, 2023

    RST: COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
    Holy Mass: 8:00 a.m. / Mass Presider: Prior Provincial
    Solemn Investiture: 9:30 a.m.

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Constantino Real
    Carl Veloso (RAY-Cavite)

3
  • All day
    June 3, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Roy Baluarte
    Fray Ramon Bitancor III
    Br. Roque James Sabas (postulant)
    Sis. Clothie Canoy, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Olivia Alicante, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Corazon Ranoa, SAR (Miranila Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Bro. Edgar Bond Jr., SAR (Baguio Chapter)

4
  • All day
    June 4, 2023

    HOLY TRINITY SUNDAY

    PRAYER INTENTION: FOR VOCATIONS

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Milagros Lagan, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter)

5
  • All day
    June 5, 2023

    COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SPA-R (CAIDIOCAN)

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Purita Crom, SAR (Tondo Chapter)
    Sis. Herminigilda Claver, SAR (Talisay Chapter)

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION

    (1985-2023)
    Fray Francisco Antonio
    Fray Amadeo Lucero

6
  • All day
    June 6, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Ma. Asuncion Zorilla, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)
    Sis. Jennifer Sibayan, SAR (Urbiztondo Chapter)
    Christine Joy Euraba (RAY-Talisay)

    ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION

    Most Rev. Agustinus Agus (Archdiocese of Pontianak, Indonesia)

7
  • All day
    June 7, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Roberta Legaspi, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

    ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL & EPISCOPAL ORDINATIONS

    Most Rev. Raul Dael, D.D.  (Diocese of Tandag)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Bro. Alejandro Leongas, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

8
  • All day
    June 8, 2023

    61ST FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY (1962-2023) OF RECOLETOS DE BACOLOD COMMUNITY

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Mary Joy Dula, AR
    Sis. Cristina Crosland, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)
    Sis. Yolanda Apacible, SAR (Manila Chapter)

    ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION

    Most Rev. Ryan Jimenez, D.D. (Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, CNMI)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Amparo del Sgdo. Corazon de Jesus, AR
    +Sis. Rosita Climaco, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

9
  • All day
    June 9, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Purificacion Glimada, AR
    Sr. Ma. Lea Eseo, AR
    Sr. Evangeline Pejano, AR

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Porferia Georpe, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

10
  • All day
    June 10, 2023

    PRIOR GENERAL’S FRATERNAL VISIT TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
    (June 10-17, 2023)

    MOVING UP CEREMONIES – CST-R (JHS)

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Joel Villaruel
    Bro. Arturo Catindig, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)
    Bro. John Kamara, SAR (Kamalo Chapter / Trial)
    Sis. Violeta Villamin, SAR (Manila Chapter)
    Sis. Cossete Villanueva, SAR (Talisay Chapter)

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION

    (1984-2023)
    Fray Raul Buhay
    Fray Domingo Saladaga
    Fray William Emilito Villaflor

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Carmela Garcia, AR
    +Sr. Soledad Cañete, AR
    +Sis. Estela Taburada, SAR (Manila Chapter)
    +Sis. Daisy Soguilon, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)
    +Bro. Rodolfo Mijares, SAR (Talisay Chapter)

11
  • All day
    June 11, 2023

    SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI

    COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – CST-R (SHS)

    BIRTHDAY

    Most Rev. Francisco de Leon, D.D. (Diocese of Antipolo)
    Fray Bernabe Dosdos
    Br. Kenneth Quitaleg (postulant)
    Sr. Ma. Divina Caabay, AR
    Sis. Rosalinda Rios, SAR (Talisay Chapter)

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION

    (1983-2023 / 40TH Anniversary)
    Fray Bernard Amparado
    Fray Joseph Granada
    Fray Cristituto Palomar
    Fray Jorge Peligro

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Bro. Abraham Caballes, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

12
  • All day
    June 12, 2023

    [Philippine’s 125th Independence Day]
    Theme: “Freedom, Future, History”

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Lucita Anareta, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)
    Sis. Adelaida Tanchico, SAR (Miranila Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Micaela de la Virgen del Carmen, AR
    +Sis. Felicidad Delalamon, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

13
  • All day
    June 13, 2023

    COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R MANILA (SHS)
    Time: 10:00 a.m.

    BIRTHDAY

    Br. Mark Anthony Zion Madrona (aspirant)
    Mo. Lucena Antipala, AR (General Superior of the CARS)
    Sr. Antonia Pono, AR
    Sis. Herminia Ishii, SAR (Baguio Chapter)
    Sis. Antonieta Lorna Cepe, SAR (Valencia Chapter)
    Sis. Antonia Lauron, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

    ANNIVERSARY OF SOLEMN PROFESSION (Religious Brother)

    (1998-2023 / 25th)
    Fray Jaazeal Jakosalem

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Fe de la Sgda. Familia, AR
    +Sr. Ma. Amparo Serra, AR
    +Sis. Victoria Caturay, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)

14
  • All day
    June 14, 2023

    COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SHC-R, ALFONSO, CAVITE
    Time: 3:30 p.m.

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Natividad Remitera, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION

    (1972-2023)
    Fray Federico Gregorio
    Fray Lauro Larlar
    Fray Ceferino Añez

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Michaela de la Virgen del Carmen, AR
    +Mo. Maria Josefa Borces, AR
    +Sis. Angelina Yap, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)

15
  • All day
    June 15, 2023

    PRIESTLY ORDINATION- FRAY DANILO DE SOUZA SANTOS
    (Province of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva)

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Nelson Plohimon
    Sr. Adoracion Pagsisihan, AR
    Sr. Isis Vita Villagonzalo, AR
    Sis. Hilda Socrates, SAR (Inagawan Chapter)
    Sis. Rosario Mamon, SAR (Talisay Chapter)
    Bro. Leo Calimutan, SAR (Tondo Chapter)
    Bro. Leonardo Erojo (Cebu Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Manuela de San Agustin, AR
    +Sis. Amalia Gatuslao, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)

16
  • All day
    June 16, 2023

    SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS

    DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE SANCTIFICATION OF PRIESTS

    MOVING  UP  CEREMONIES  –  SSC-R  CAVITE (KINDERGARTEN)
    Time: 9:30 a.m.

    COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R CAVITE (GRADE SCHOOL)
    Time: 3:30 p.m.

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Aurelia Pastidio, AR
    Sis. Miriam Ruiz, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)
    Sis. Rosalina Mangaoil, SAR (Tondo Chapter)
    Sis. Mary Jane Eranista, SAR (Bacolod Chapter)
    Sis. Salvacion Rubia, SAR (Laray Chapter)
    Sis. Roselyn Ubag, SAR (Valencia Chapter)

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION

    (1974-2023)
    Fray Enrico Peter Silab

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Encarnacion Hynson, AR

17
  • All day
    June 17, 2023

    IMMACULATE HEART OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

    PRIOR GENERAL’S FRATERNAL VISIT TO COSTA RICA
    (June 17-30, 2023)

    RAY REGIONAL SUMMIT (LUZON)
    Inclusive Dates: June 17-18, 2023
    Venue: SSC-R Manila

    MOVING UP CEREMONIES – SSC-R CAVITE (JHS)
    Time: 10:00 a.m.

    COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – UNO-R (COLLEGE)

18
  • All day
    June 18, 2023

    11TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Ma. Corazon Barroca, AR
    Sis. Lourdes Florendo, SAR (Manila Chapter)
    Sis. Aida Tambis, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION

    (1978-2023 / 45th Anniversary)
    Fray Joseph Philip Trayvilla

    ANNIVERSARY OF EPISCOPAL ORDINATION

    Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, D.D. (Diocese of Cubao)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Fray Victor Jose Lluch (2004-2023)
    +Sis. Erlinda Dacalos, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    +Sis. Ma. Celia Setias, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter)

19
  • All day
    June 19, 2023

    PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK

    COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R CAVITE (SHS)
    Time: 9:30 a.m.

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Teresita Panares, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION

    (1977-2023)
    Fray René Paglinawan
    Fray Leonardo Pauligue
    Fray Samson Silloriquez

    ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION

    Most Rev. Reynaldo Evangelista, D.D. (Diocese of Imus)

    (2010-2023)
    Fray Leo Alaras
    Fray Michael Catama
    Fray Kenneth Joseph Onda
    Fray James Dexter Tanquis

    ANNIVERSARY OF EPISCOPAL ORDINATION

    Most Rev. Buenaventura Famadico, DD (Diocese of San Pablo)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Rosa de Padua, AR

20
  • All day
    June 20, 2023

    4TH CENTENARY (1623-2023) OF THE ARRIVAL IN JAPAN
    (of Bld. Vicente de San Antonio and Francisco de Jesus)

    COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R CAVITE (COLLEGE)
    Time: 9:00 a.m.

    175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RECOLETOS’ SPIRITUAL ADMINISTRATION OF NEGROS
    (granted by Bishop Romualdo Jimeno of Cebu and the Spanish government)

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Renier Alviola
    Fray Enrico Nacorda
    Sis. Fe Enilog, SAR (Cavite Chapter)
    Sis. Macaria Salgado, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Reyson Valerio (RAY-Urbiztondo)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Leilani Alejandro, SAR (Bacolod Chapter)
    +Sis. Carina Juan, SAR (Manila Chapter)

21
  • All day
    June 21, 2023

    MOVING UP CEREMONIES – SSC-R MANILA (KINDERGARTEN)
    Time: 10:15 a.m.

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Ma. Luisa Borces, AR
    Sis. Angelita de Guzman, SAR (Miranila Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    (2005-2023)
    +Jaime Cardinal Sin (Brother General of the Order)

22
  • All day
    June 22, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Paulino Dacanay

     

23
  • All day
    June 23, 2023

    MOVING UP CEREMONIES – SSC-R MANILA (JHS)
    Time: 10:00 a.m.

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Joan Marie Ubag, AR
    Sis. Elenora Tubiona, SAR (Valencia Chapter)
    Sis. Remegia Lopez, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Marilyn Semense, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Rosalinda Pablico, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter / Trial)

24
  • All day
    June 24, 2023

    NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

    START OF THE 5-DAY SPIRITUAL RETREAT OF THE CANDIDATES FOR NOVITIATE
    (cf. Add. Code 222)

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Jesusa Pedrez, AR Sr. Juanita Payawal, AR
    Sis. Juanita Payawal, SAR (Tondo Chapter)
    Sis. Lourdes Calderon, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)
    Baby Rich Pajares (RAY-Caidiocan)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Ma. Presentacion Ramirez, AR

25
  • All day
    June 25, 2023

    12TH SUNDAY IN ORINDARY TIME

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray William Emilito Villaflor
    Sis. Asuncion Magalona, SAR (Manila Chapter)
    Sis. Prosfera Jabagat, SAR (Laray Chapter)
    Sis. Vivien Oquindo, SAR (Bacolod Chapter)
    Sean Feauna Narvasa (RAY-Balamban)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Ma. Luisa Padilla, AR

26
  • All day
    June 26, 2023

    COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R MANILA (GRADE SCHOOL)
    Time: 3:00 p.m.

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Julius Marcos
    Fray Virgilio Calalang, Jr.
    Fray Mark Joseph Quirante (simply prof.)
    Sis. Melinda Camero, SAR (Baguio Chapter)
    Sis. Whagie Saronillo, SAR (Bacolod Chapter)
    Sis. Winifreda Pahilanga, SAR (Talisay Chapter)
    Jamaicha Lapinid (RAY-Miranila)

27
  • All day
    June 27, 2023

    MEETING – COMMISSION ON SOCIAL APOSTOLATE
    (Rome)

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Elvira Vergara, AR
    Bro. Manuel Martinez, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)
    Bro. David de la Torre, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter)
    Sis. Lucita Dimaano, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION

    (2020-2023)
    Fray Joseph Neil Baygan
    Fray James Esplanada
    Fray Judd Galinato
    Fray Mc Ariel Capinpin
    Fray Mark Joseph Quirante

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Ma. Catalina del Amor Misericordioso, AR
    +Sr. Crisanta Lerio, AR

28
  • All day
    June 28, 2023

    PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE MISSION

    COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R MANILA (COLLEGE)
    Time: 2:30 p.m.

    ARCORES GENERAL ASSEMBLY (June 28-29, 2023 / Rome)

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Enrico Peter Silab
    Fray Samson Silloriquez
    Sis. Sonia Ramos, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION

    (1990-2023)
    Fray Bernabe Dosdos

    ANNIVERSARY OF EPISCOPAL ORDINATION

    Most Rev. Francisco de Leon, D.D.  (Diocese of Antipolo)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Margarita de Lumbania, AR

29
  • All day
    June 29, 2023

    SOLEMNITY OF STS. PETER & PAUL, APOSTLES

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Pablicita Palatino, SAR (Inagawan Chapter)
    Bro. Peter Sesay, SAR (Kamalo Chapter / Trial)

    ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION

    (1967-2023)
    Most Rev. Patricio Buzon, SDB, D.D. (Diocese of Bacolod)

    (2019-2023)
    Fray Neil Robert Alilain

    (2018-2023)
    Fray Helfrid Palmis
    Fray Rey Jay Quevedo
    Fray Jhoben Rodriguez

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Neriza Hernandez, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)
    +Sis. Aleja Abellar, SAR (Cavite Chapter)
    +Sis. Remedios Vitangcol, SAR (Cavite Chapter)

30
  • All day
    June 30, 2023

    COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES – SSC-R CANLUBANG (ALL LEVELS)
    Time: 10:00 a.m.

    BIRTHDAY

    Bro. Aquilino Cariño Jr., SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter)
    Sis. Leticia Tayao, SAR (Miranila Chapter)
    Sis. Ma. Teresa Bilbao, SAR (Manila Chapter)
    Sis. Liberty Batayola, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Adelina Sacapano, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter)
    +Sis. Laureana Quijano, SAR (Talisay Chapter)
    +Sis. Amancia Gagui, SAR (Miranila Chapter)

 

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