SARF de Filipinas online celebration: “Holding on to Faith in the Midst of Suffering”

invitation 1

by Sis. Yolanda V. Zaragoza (SARF de SEMoNoRe Chapter) and Lino Sumbillo Jr. (SARF de UNO-R Chapter)

QUEZON CITY—God is good, all the time. The current pandemic did not hinder the Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity (SARF) from celebrating the feast of St. Magdalene of Nagasaki, Patroness of SARF, last October 20, 2020, with the theme “Holding on to Faith in the Midst of Suffering.” It was done virtually via Zoom meeting, participated by the 17 SARF chapters from the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno.

As early as January this year, the SARF members were already excitedly preparing for what could have been the SARF National Convention in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. Not a few have already purchased their plane tickets and have made reservations for their board and lodging. Some have even made plans to visit their relatives and friends as well, aside from touring nearby tourist spots. However, the sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic compelled the indefinite postponement of the National Convention, hindering such plans.

Notwithstanding the pandemic and the restrictions imposed by the government, the internet has made the conduct of virtual meetings and other SARF activities possible, but within the limits set by the guidelines of the Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases. The celebration of the feast of St. Magdalene of Nagasaki still pushed through, albeit virtually, with 232 participants (comprising 18 priests; 1 deacon; 3 Augustinian Recollect Sisters; 11 candidates from Sierra Leone, Africa; and 199 SARs from various chapters).

The celebration started at 4:00 pm with a Holy Mass streamed live from San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Church in Quezon City. The Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno, Order of Augustinian Recollects (OAR), Fray Dionisio Q. Selma, was the main celebrant while being concelebrated by the friars of the Provincialate. Sis. Rosario Galang, SAR and Sis. Emilie Pandong, SAR from San Nicolas de Tolentino Chapter served as lector and commentator, respectively. In his homily, the Prior Provincial reminded everyone that wherever we are, we are called to follow the Lord to be holy and to be happy. According to him, this is our ultimate goal in life.

Following the Holy Mass was vespers, which was participated by all SARF chapters in the province, after which Fray Miguel Miro Miro, OAR, the Prior General of the OAR, delivered a congratulatory message in Spanish (translated into English by Fray Raul M. Buhay, OAR). He emphasized the importance of prayer, love, and unity in this time of need; prayer and love should be shared in the family. The Prior General further cited the message of His Holiness Pope Francis on unity and peace toward our salvation because we are all children of God.  

The program proper started shortly thereafter, with the singing of a new version of the St. Magdalene of Nagasaki hymn (Lyrics by Dwight J. Ypanto; music and vocals by Bro. Jocabz Cabanes, SAR). The hosts were Bro. Elmar Malvar, SAR of SARF San Sebastian Basilica and Bro. Lino Sumbillo, Jr., SAR of SARF de UNO-R Bacolod Chapter. In between messages delivered by speakers, trivia games with cash prizes were played and pre-recorded presentations from different chapters were showcased.

The opening prayer and the opening remarks were led by Fray Emeterio D. Buñao, OAR (SARF National Assistant Spiritual Adviser). The message immediately resonated as he opened the session with questions like “What made St. Magdalene’s faith so strong?”, and “How did she get it?” Sis. Zenaida R. Lapuz, SAR, the SARF National Vice President for Luzon, enumerated the objectives of the celebration and acknowledged the participants from the different chapters. This was followed by a message from Fray Bernabe M. Dosdos, OAR (SARF National Spiritual Adviser) where he emphasized the spirit of mission and oneness as vital in holding on to faith. 

In his message, the Prior Provincial focused on “identity and mission.” He invited the candidates and members to make a self-examination, asking among others the following questions: Do you know yourself? Do you know what the SARF is? What is your purpose? Why are you consecrating or dedicating yourself, your service to this family following the charism, the spirituality of the Augustinian Recollect? He emphasized that “If you do not know your identity, you will be confused and you will not commit wholeheartedly to your mission in this fraternity.” He encouraged all spiritual advisers and all the religious to accept, accompany and inspire the members of the fraternity and to continue to form them so that “as pilgrims, together we are going towards the same direction on our way to God”.

Sis. Carmenda S. Leonoras, SAR (SARF National Vice President for Visayas) presented the newest SARF chapter, the SARF de Kamalo, Sierra Leonne, Africa. This was succeeded by the response of Fray Jose Prudencio G. Castillo, OAR (SARF de Kamalo, spiritual adviser). Fray Castillo gave thanks for the recognition of the new chapter and reiterated that the spirit of the mission work is conquering boundaries beyond countries. The newly-organized SARF de Kamalo in Sierra Leone is an example.

Ceres C. Alcantara, SAR, SARF National 1st councilor for Luzon, introduced the guest speaker, Fray Ian Anthony Espartero, OAR (Vicar of the Province and President of Secretariat of Spirituality and Liturgy), who shared his personal encounter with COVID-19 and how it affected his community. “Be convinced of God’s presence,” he said, “bow down and embrace God, remember that He is God and proclaim it (His will be done)”. These were constantly his thoughts which made him more faithful in such trying times. He also emphasized the importance of taking care of one’s self as he shared the 6Rs in self-care: (1) Recognize, (2) Reconnect, (3) Reflect, (4) Renew, (5) Reframe, and (6) Refrain. He also shared what we as individuals and as a community have to put a stop on, which he called the HALT of life: H-hunger, A-Anger, L-Loneliness, & T-Tiredness. To do this, self-care is a must. Furthermore, he reiterated that the best self-care is “Soul Care.”

Edwin T. Ruiz, SARF national president, shared a short message where he mentioned that in this extraordinary time, we must live right, that is, to live with only the essentials in life. Perhaps this pandemic is really a blessing in disguise as it taught us to live simply and closer to God, to our family, and the church. He also took the opportunity to thank and acknowledge those who, in one way or another, helped in making this celebration (and the activities leading to the celebration) a success. In particular, he thanked the SARF “technical wizards” (Sis Maria Windie “Marwin” Oane, SAR, Bro. John Romeo “Jocabz” Cabanes, SAR and Bro. John Eduard “Jayzl” Nebre, SAR) for making the novenas, septenary, and the Triduum in honor of the saints of the Order and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, prayed by the 16 local chapters regularly. Special thanks, too, to Sis. Ceres Alcantara, SAR of SARF de San Sebastian Basilica for providing the Zoom account used in the virtual celebration.

Fray Vicente L. Ramon Jr., OAR, highlighted suffering in his message. He stated that nobody is exempted from suffering. It can be as simple as suffering from learning new technology or suffering from financial difficulties, or even health concerns. Indeed, suffering in the time of COVID-19 tested our faith, and yet it heralded a time for healing. Not just healing of faith, but the healing of the world and Mother Earth. As SARF members, we pray not to hold on to faith, but rather to live the faith.

Fray Leopoldo V. Estioko, OAR (Regional Spiritual Adviser for Cebu) talked about our fear of suffering. He said that if we can only see suffering in the light of positivity, we may be able to strengthen our faith. Others often complain that they suffer much, but only a few accept suffering as an expression of love (like parents who suffer for the good of the family). As SARF members, we should realize the importance of suffering as a means to our salvation. We must connect deeply with the sacraments as they give meaning to suffering. In summary, he said, “because of Jesus, we can speak that suffering is a call, a vocation”. It is hoped that the real meaning of suffering will be revealed to us in due time. As the celebration wound down, Fray Estioko led the closing prayer. The other St. Magdalene of Nagasaki hymn (music and lyrics by Carmelo Sibug with vocals by Niño Salenga) was played as everybody bade farewell.

In such a short time, so much had been shared to rekindle our camaraderie as brothers and sisters in SARF, and our love with the Lord. It was indeed a memorable celebration.

Happy Fiesta everyone! May Saint Magdalene of Nagasaki continue to intercede for us all. 

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< 2023 >
March
SMTuWThFS
   1
  • All day
    March 1, 2023

    CLOSING OF THE MEETING OF THE LOCAL PROCURATORS

    WITH THE PROVINCIAL PROCURATOR

    CELEBRATIONS OF THE 151ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST MASS OF ST. EZEKIEL MORENO IN PUERTO PRINCESA
    Inclusive Dates: March 1-10, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Constancia Buchan, AR
    Sr. Jamaikha Acle, AR
    Sis. Marissa Molina, SAR (Talisay Chapter)
    Khia Queen Taiza (RAY-Calubang)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Ma. Teresa de Jesus, AR
    +Sis. Susan Bermil, SAR (Talisay Chapter)

2
  • All day
    March 2, 2023

    PROVINCE-WIDE VIRTUAL CONFERENCE on “Policies and Procedures on [Cases of] Sexual Abuse Against Minors and Vulnerable Adults” / 9:00 a.m.

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Charina Mae Ogario, AR
    Sis. Merlinda Buada, SAR (Baguio Chapter)
    Karl Canaria (RAY-Talisay)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Bro. Luis Clauor Jr., SAR (Bacolod Chapter)
    +Bro. Gabino Jabutay, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

3
  • All day
    March 3, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Emeterio Buñao
    Fray Andrie Pugate
    Sr. Felisa Ampasin, AR
    Sr. Josephine Facinabao, AR
    Sis. Marina Yang, SAR (Miranila Chapter)
    Sis. Dolores Villas, SAR (Tondo Chapter)
    Sis. Amparo Ortega (Tondo Chapter / Trial)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Teodora de la Natividad, AR
    +Sis. Angelita Quero, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

4
  • All day
    March 4, 2023

    PRAYER INTENTION: FOR VOCATIONS

    CLOSING OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PUERTO PRINCESA
    Mass Presider & Homilist: Fray Bernard Amparado, OAR
    Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Puerto Princesa City

    BIRTHDAY

    Br. Mark Evan Taliquig (aspirant)
    Sis. Rosita Viray, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)
    Sis. Jasmin Reyes, SAR (Manila Chapter)
    Sis. Thelma Geroy, SAR (Tondo Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Ma. Celina Magcauas, AR
    +Sis. Josefina Cedeño, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    +Sis. Esperanza Bacus, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

     

5
  • All day
    March 5, 2023

    SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Nelly Marfil, SAR (Talisay Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Teodorica de Natividad, AR
    +Ma. Alma Limotlimot, AR
    +Sis. Francisca Tamara, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

6
  • All day
    March 6, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Randolph Castulo Castillo, Jr.
    Sr. Rosalia Aparece, AR
    Sr. Ma. Corazon Caberte, AR
    Sr. Ridelia Tinga, AR
    Sis. Marybeth Publico, SAR (Miranila Chapter)
    Sis. Rosalina Toledo, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Josefina Rodriguez, AR
    +Sis. Rosemary Delapaz, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)
    +Mrs. Leonila Dosado (Sister General of the Order)

7
  • All day
    March 7, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Br. Dorin James Igsoc (aspirant)
    Bro. John Eduard Nebre, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)
    Bro. Feliciano Nario Jr., SAR (Baguio Chapter)

8
  • All day
    March 8, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Bro. Marco Quimod, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)
    Sis. Beata Oida, SAR (Miranila Chapter)
    Roceline Bernal (RAY-Cavite)
    Paula Nicole Bautista (RAY-Cavite)
    James Ynnoh Molina (RAY-Miranila

    D
    EATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Ma. Rita de la Cruz, AR
    +Sr. Ma. Guadalupe Siroy, AR
    +Sr. Ma. Natalia Oliver, AR
    +Sr. Alfonsa Canon, AR

9
  • All day
    March 9, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Loreto Manigos, AR
    Sr. Merlyn Pelarion, AR

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Faustina Nirza, AR
    +Sis. Rufa Pepito, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

     

10
  • All day
    March 10, 2023

    CLOSING OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY (March 10, 1872) OF THE FIRST MASS OF ST. EZEKIEL MORENO IN PUERTO PRINCESA

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Keneth Pahamutang
    Fray Ifeanyichukwu Maximillian Omem
    Sis. Elenita Atienza, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)
    Sis. Ma. Theresa Aquino, SAR (Baguio Chapter)
    Sis. Ma. Lourdes Espinos, SAR (Talisay Chapter)
    Sis. Lydia Escario, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Choleta Jalandra, SAR (Talisay Chapter)

11
  • All day
    March 11, 2023

    FORSOAR STAR WEEKEND
    March 11-12, 2022 / Talavera House of Prayer-Recoletos, Cebu City

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Briggitte Parba, AR
    Sr. Maria Jasmin Lumanog, AR

12
  • All day
    March 12, 2023

    THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Marisa Bernasor, AR
    Mo. Dionisia Talangapaz (Foundress of the AR Sisters)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Inocencia Beringuel, AR
    +Sis. Fe Zamora, SAR (Manila Chapter)
    +Sis. Valentina Talledo, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

     

13
  • All day
    March 13, 2023

    10TH ANNIVERSARY (2013-2023) OF THE ELECTION OF POPE FRANCIS

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Ma. Digna Araña, AR
    Sr. Ma. Nicelina Rodriguez, AR
    Bro. Romeo Estanislao, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)
    Sis. Adelina Belandres, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Estrella Nuque, SAR (Manila Chapter)
    Sis. Patricia Tario, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Cyrine Julianne Singson (RAY-Cavite)
    Aaron Kristopher Lim (RAY-San Carlos)
    Kiarah Fatima Guillen (RAY-Provincialate)

14
  • All day
    March 14, 2023

    REAP: SHARING OF ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS (NEGROS CLUSTER GENERAL ASSEMBLY)

    BIRTHDAY

    Most Rev. Patricio Buzon, SDB, DD (Diocese of Bacolod)
    Br. Christopher Digal (postulant)
    Sr. Ma. Clara Flores, AR
    Sis. Teotila Torrefiel, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Lucia Ruiz, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    +Sis. Leonila Buhain, SAR (Cavite Chapter)

15
  • All day
    March 15, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Lauro Larlar
    Fray Giovanni Gil Magbojos
    Br. Juan Carlo Macalalag (aspirant)
    Sr. Rosielyn Hijastro, AR
    Sis. Marlyn Opu-an, SAR (Talisay Chapter)
    Sis. Milagros Calipay, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Enrique Jerome Garcia (RAY-Cavite)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Visitacion B. Visitacion, AR
    +Sis. Lourdes Luna, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)
    +Sis. Ma. Carmeta Suiza, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

16
  • All day
    March 16, 2023

    REAP: DISCUSSION AND DELIBERATION OF STRUCTURES, PLANS, AND PROGRAMS

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Maria Carmeta Suiza, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Hernane Francisco, SAR (Manila Chapter)

17
  • All day
    March 17, 2023

    REAP: LENTEN RECOLLECTION

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Ma. Jesus Lastimado, AR
    +Sis. Obdulia Torres, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

18
  • All day
    March 18, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Eduarda Reynes, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

19
  • All day
    March 19, 2023

    FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

    PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK

    10TH ANNIVERSARY (2013-2023) OF THE INSTALLATION OF POPE FRANCIS

    BIRTHDAY

    Archbp. Jose Palma, D.D. (Archbishop of Cebu)
    Sis. Eleanor Almenanza, SAR (Cavite Chapter)
    Sis. Jessica Bacaltos, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter)
    Sis. Beatriz Hermoso, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)
    Marian Sigrid Escobar (RAY-Bacolod)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Trinidad de la Purisima Concepcion, AR
    +Sis. Enriquieta Oamilda, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    +Bro. Gonzalo Pañares, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    +Sis. Anunciacion Mendez, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

20
  • All day
    March 20, 2023

    FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH, PATRON OF THE ORDER

    USJ-R (Cebu & Balamban) PATRONAL FIESTA OF ST. JOSEPH

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Roweno Eugenio Hamo
    Sis. Josefina Guevarra, SAR (Cavite Chapter)
    Sis. Salvacion Manalon, SAR (Inagawan Chapter)
    Sis. Nenita Ursais, SAR (Baguio Chapter)
    Earl Vincent Blaza (RAY-Miranila)

21
  • All day
    March 21, 2023

    START OF GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING (Rome)
    Inclusive Dates: March 21-25

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Mark Rochelle Renacia
    Sis. Corazon Yanga, SAR (Tondo Chapter)

22
  • All day
    March 22, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Grace Katada, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter)
    Sis. Rose Mary Chua, SAR (Talisay Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Felicitas Aquino, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    +Sis. Lina Ferrer, SAR

     

23
  • All day
    March 23, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Teodulo Hayahay
    Sis. Milagros Renes, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)
    Sis. Fe Josefa Asuncion, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)
    Sis. Ma. Luisa Salvador (San Carlos Chapter / Trial)
    Nichole Cabamo (RAY-Laray)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Ma. Cecilia Salgado, AR
    +Sr. Concepcion Reston, AR

24
  • All day
    March 24, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Fray Christopher Gaspar
    Sis. Clemencia Luces, SAR (Tondo Chapter)
    Sis. Elpidia Abasolo, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Nelida Mendoza (Miranila Chapter / Trial)
    Sis. Hedelita Diaz, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Lydia Rivera, SAR (Tondo Chapter)
    +Sis. Adela Jaca, SAR (Cebu Chapter)

25
  • All day
    March 25, 2023

    EARTH HOUR: 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Anunciacion Yballe, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Ann Marjorie Ricarte, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Lourdes Serrano, SAR (Manila Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Purificacion del Espiritu Santo, AR
    +Sr. Magdalena Salgado, AR

26
  • All day
    March 26, 2023

    FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

    BIRTHDAY

    Sis. Gloria Mempin, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Felicitas Calopez, SAR (Talisay Chapter)
    +Sis. Alice Banares, SAR (Tondo Chapter)

27
  • All day
    March 27, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Bro. Edward de Silva, SAR (Baguio Chapter)
    Sis. Josefina Magalit, SAR (Miranila Chapter)
    Sis. Alberta Lastimado, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Bro. Samuel Celerino Favila (Puerto Princesa Chapter / Trial)
    Aira Joy Legaspi (RAY-Talisay)

28
  • All day
    March 28, 2023

    PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE MISSIONS

    BIRTHDAY

    Sr. Agustina Santos, AR Sr. Dorothy Aguila, AR
    Sis. Virginia Lazaro, SAR (Tondo Chapter)
    Bro. Reynaldo Aparicio, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
    Sis. Lilibeth Fuertes, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)
    Sis. Brenda Villafuerte, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sr. Gregoria de San Jose, AR
    + Sis. Rufina Jadraque, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

29
  • All day
    March 29, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Ma. Katrina Rodriguez (RAY-Miranila)

    PRESBYTERAL ANNIVERSARY

    (2008-2023)

    Fray William Cordero, Jr.
    Fray Roderick Deguit

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Bro. Crispin Balingit, SAR (Antipolo Chapter)

30
  • All day
    March 30, 2023

    GENERALATE: ONLINE MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON THE PROTECTION OF MINORS & VULNERABLE ADULTS

    BIRTHDAY

    Mo. Maxima Pelaez, AR
    Sis. Juanita Pajarillaga, SAR (Miranila Chapter)
    Sis. Jelly Masongsong, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)

    DEATH ANNIVERSARY

    +Sis. Roberta Panoncillo, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)

31
  • All day
    March 31, 2023

    BIRTHDAY

    Br. John Reynan Rosie (aspirant)
    Sr. Anastacia Fangon, AR

 

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