27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, C

Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR•October 3, 2019

Hab 1:2-3; 2:2-4; 2 Tm 1:6-8, 13-14; Lk 17:5-10

The disciples saw how Jesus demanded from, and praised the faith of, those who asked for healing. When the apostles were now themselves commissioned by Jesus to proclaim the Gospel, they perceived the painful disproportion between the mission they received and the littleness of their own faith. Thus they cried out: “Lord, increase our faith.” They did not doubt that Jesus was the Christ; rather they lacked trust in God who performed miracles; they lacked the faith even “the size of the mustard seed.”

From the prophet Habakkuk we hear that “the just one, because of his faith, shall live.” St. Paul reminds Timothy “to stir into flame the gift of God,” which is “a spirit of power and love and self-control.” Faith is a gift from God and must be constantly stirred into flame by living out all its consequent virtues. This faith first of all is acceptance of everything contained in our Creed. This faith is also trust in God as our loving Father, Creator, Provider, Rock of refuge, Healer, a merciful and forgiving God. This faith is also expressed joyfully and enthusiastically in praise and thanksgiving, and through the charismatic gifts for the building up of the Church. Yes, Lord, increase our faith that it may not be confined only to our personal growth, but may also reach out to our brothers and sisters in the whole community of the universal Church.

The parable on the relationship of master and slave must be looked at in the context of the ancient idea of slavery. Modern ideas of the responsibility of employers to employees should not be read into it or allowed to confuse its understanding. Remember that slaves were bought and, therefore, owned by the master. Slaves had to carry out their duties without expecting that they thereby place their master under obligation of compensating them. For a slave, the performance of duty does not entitle one to a reward. The Pharisees had this mindset, that the performance of good works constituted a claim on God for due reward, a kind of quid pro quo. Among the Pharisees there was the prevailing trend of righteousness by works; they thought that service in the synagogue or the temple entitles them to some reward and that they can be proud of what they have done. The slave could not minister to his master for the sake of receiving a bounty; neither should a faithful Jew obey the Torah in order to claim merit for himself.

Humans cannot put God in their debt. What is wrong is the attitude that seeks reward and thinks that it can lay claim upon God. When disciples have accomplished all that God has commanded them, they have no claim upon him. Jesus had stressed the element of divine grace, that we have nothing that is not a gift, to which the appropriate human response is gratitude. The disciple is not to seek thanks, but to give thanks. We are thankful that we are allowed to be his servants, that we are given the grace to perform works of mercy, corporal and spiritual. The capacity to love and serve our parents and siblings is a grace. That we are able to be faithful to our spouse and preserve our family intact is a grace from God that today is not granted to many families. That we have the talents to succeed in business, or go up the ranks in the corporate world and thus provide more than enough for our families and still have time to serve in our parish or in charitable institutions is a special grace from God to be thankful for. The talent of teaching to prepare the children to be the professionals of the next generation is a grace from God we have to be thankful for. The talents of doctors, nurses and medical technicians who take care of our health and other medical needs are a gift from God our society must be thankful for. We can enumerate so many professions and functions in society that presuppose all the talents given by God and we cannot cover all of them to thank God for all the gifts and the gifted persons in our midst. “Hiram sa Diyos ang ating buhay. Kung buhay man ay hiram, ano pa ang hindi hiram?” Everything is a gift and the correct attitude in our hearts is only gratitude and praise for our great Father and Benefactor in heaven.

Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR

Priest/Religious/Bible Professor of the Order of Augustinian Recollects in the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno.

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< 2023 >

October

S	M	Tu	W	Th	F	S
1 All day October 1, 2023 26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME LAUNCHING OF ROSARY MONTH Note to all Local Priors [for the Book of Masses]: After the feast of the Archangels (Sept. 29), “a Mass is to be offered for the living relatives, friends, and benefactors of the Order” (cf. Add. Code 70d) VISIT OF THE IMAGE OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA SALUD TO MANILA CATHEDRAL Time: 8:00 a.m. Presider & Homilist: Prior Provincial BIRTHDAY Bro. Remigio Villahermosa, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	2 All day October 2, 2023 ARSE ANNUAL RETREAT – BATCH 1 (Friars within ages 29-40 years old) Talavera House of Prayer-Recoletos, Cebu City October 2-6, 2023 BOT MEETINGS 1400H SSC-R Manila & Canlubang 1600H SSC-R Cavite & SHSC-R GROUNDBREAKING OF OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL CHURCH SSC-R Canlubang / 9:00 a.m. BIRTHDAY Fray Leonardo Pauligue Sr. Leah Lachica, AR Bro. Mariano Antenor, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Bro. Gerino Lagrada, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) Sis. Ma. Luisa Cabunag, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Costidella Viente, SAR (Valencia Chapter) Sis. Madilene Bongcayao, SAR (Laray Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (2004-2023) Fray Leo Alaras DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Fray Nemesio Tolentin (2021-2023) +Sis. Marlene Gomez, SAR (Tondo Chapter)	3 All day October 3, 2023 START OF THE NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF THE ABANDONED (Valencia, Neg. Oriental) / OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR (Baguio) VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE HINATUAN CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – MINDANAO Venue: OLMCQP – Dugmanon 14TH PROVINCIAL COUNCIL MEETING SSC-R MANILA BOOK FAIR October 3-5, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Teresita Baco, AR Sr. Elyn Joy Olmedo, AR Sis. Ma. Theresa de Leon, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1987-2023) Fray Bernard Amparado Fray Cristituto Palomar Fray Joseph Granada Fray Jorge Peligro DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ramona Plaza, AR +Sis. Aurelia Cabrera, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	4 All day October 4, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR OAR VOCATION FIRST SESSION of the 16TH ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY of the SYNOD OF BISHOPS Rome / October 4-29, 2023 VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE LOS ARCOS BIRTHDAY Most Rev. Roberto Gaa (Bishop of Novaliches) Br. Remgie Panghari (aspirant) Sr. Manuela Mandia, AR Sis. Fritz Palma, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sis. Ophelia Caytiles, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sis. Teresita Canaya, SAR (Cebu Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Fray Celestino Cachapero, OAR (2003-2023) +Sis. Felicisima Barangan, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	5 All day October 5, 2023 WORLD TEACHER’S DAY 2023 Theme: “The Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers” BIRTHDAY Br. Wilhelm Ashley Parulan (aspirant) Sr. Miguela Obera, AR Sis. Jesusa Escalona, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Carmen Esnaldo, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) +Sis. Fernando Sanico, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	6 All day October 6, 2023 VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE LARAY VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE BALAMBAN BIRTHDAY Sr. Primitiva Berdejo, AR Sr. Rona Alaza, AR Sis. Violeta Benitez, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Virginia Santos, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Milagros Dineros, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Gwendolyn Bolaron, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Imelda de la Chica, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter) Sis. Concordia Apenas, SAR (Valencia Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Abelardo Almeida, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) +Bro. Romeo Cañad, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Erlinda Vergara, SAR (Tondo Chapter) +Sis. Emilia Aves, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	7 All day October 7, 2023 RETURN TO USJ-R VIA TOLEDO BIRTHDAY Sr. Juliet Natinga, AR Fray Mc Airel Capinpin (simply prof.) Sis. Rosario Florendo, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Rosalinda Casimiro, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Michael Centeno (RAY-Urbiztondo) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (2006-2023) Fray Henry Santiago Fray Anthony Irineo Fray Russell Lapidez Fray Virgilio Paredes, Jr. DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Margarita Miranda de Santa Monica, AR
8 All day October 8, 2023 27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SOLEMNITY OF THE OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSAY OF LA NAVAL DE MANILA (Diocese of Cubao only) BIRTHDAY Fray Niel Ryan Jarumay Sis. Conchita Antonio, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Rosario Cordova, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Ms. Nestoria “Inday” Bad-an (Sister General of the Order) Marriel Maligalig (RAY-Urbiztondo) Marinela Maligalig (RAY-Urbiztondo)	9 All day October 9, 2023 6th FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY (2017-2023) OF RECOLETOS DE URBIZTONDO (Pangasinan) VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE BACOLOD CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – NEGROS OCCIDENTAL Venue: UNO-R Bacolod BIRTHDAY Br. John Philip Fuderanan (aspirant) Fray Francis Cabalida (simply prof.) Sis. Milagros Mayor, SAR (Tondo Chapter) John Leonard Cabling (RAY-Canlubang) Glorie Lynn Sorgon (RAY-Bacolod) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Aurea Rigonan, SAR (Manila Chapter)	10 All day October 10, 2023 S THOMAS OF VILLANOVA Bishop and Patron of Studies CMSP-SPONSORED WORKSHOP ON SOCIAL COMMUNICATION (Live-out) Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino de Cebu, Cebu City October 10-12, 2023 VISIT TO THE OAR MONASTERY – TANGUB VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE TALISAY BIRTHDAY Most Rev. Raul Dael, DD (Bishop of Tandag) Sr. Ofelia Laspobres, AR Bro. Ulysses Peral, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	11 All day October 11, 2023 ST. POPE JOHN XIII VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE SAN CARLOS (& AR SISTERS – Sta. Rita College, San Carlos) VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE TAMBO REAP STRATEGIC PLANNING Villa San Ezekiel, Pansol, Calamba City October 11-14, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Samuel Eyas Bro. Niño Salenga, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Bro. Elmer Gernan Garcia, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Jhoan Beran, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Flavia Jacobson, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Emalyn del Mundo, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Emelita Cadague (Miranila Chapter / Trial) Kyla Mei Mendoza (RAY-Urbiztondo)	12 All day October 12, 2023 SOLEMNITY OF OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR TOMA DE HÁBITO Time: 9:00 a.m. / CARES, Baguio City Presider & Homilist: Prior Provincial PATRONAL FIESTA: PARISH OF OUR LADY OF THE ABANDONED Valencia, Negros Oriental Time: 10:00 a.m. Fiesta Mass Presider: Most Rev. Julito Cortes, D.D. VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE CAIDIOCAN BIRTHDAY Sr. Marilyn Gustilo, AR Sr. Bernarditha Barnido, AR Bro. Eduardo Batongbakal, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) Bro. William Villacorta, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Lagrimas Gadayan, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter) Sis. Aparicion de la Victoria, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Mo. Dionisia Mitas de Santa Maria Talangpaz +Sis. Corazon Vosotros, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	13 All day October 13, 2023 COMMEMORATION OF THE DECEASED BENEFACTORS OF THE OAR VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE VALENCIA CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – NEGROS ORIENTAL Venue: POLA, Valencia BIRTHDAY Sis. Gloria Cabahag, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Teresita Fernandez, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	14 All day October 14, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Laura Cabanacan, AR Sr. Rhena Sherra Caranzo, AR Sis. Amelita Yara, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) Sis. Jovelyn Gamban, SAR (Manila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Rosa Silinduran, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Belma Agrava, SAR (Manila Chapter)
15 All day October 15, 2023 28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME BIRTHDAY Sis. Luzviminda Olvina, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Allysha Shin Ferrer (RAY-Urbiztondo) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (2005-2023) Fray Vincent Cadeliña DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Monica de Espiritu Santo, AR +Sr. Herminia B. Limotlimot, AR	16 All day October 16, 2023 WORLD FOOD DAY 2023 As far back as 1945 the United Nations recognized food as not a privilege, but a right, and that’s why they created World Food Day, observed annually on October 16, in 1979. It’s a day of observance to draw attention to the plight of the hungry. So, today, join us in eradicating hunger. 45th ANNIVERSARY (1978-2023) OF THE ELECTION OF POPE JOHN PAUL II CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – PALAWAN Venue: SEMSDC, Puerto Princesa BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Pia Pineda, AR Sr. Ma. Linda Peña, AR Sis. Micole Gwen Barnatchea (Antipolo Chapter / Trial) Jhon Paul Dag-um (RAY-Provincialate) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1988-2023) Fray Domingo Saladaga, Jr. Fray William Emilito Villaflor DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Margarita de Sgdo. Corazon de Jesus, AR +Sis. Andrea Savella, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	17 All day October 17, 2023 CEAP NATIONAL CONVENTION 2023 Theme: “Pilgrims of Hope: Exploring Pathways to Synodality” Waterfront Cebu City Hotel October 17-20, 2023 VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE CASIAN (Sandoval Mission Station, Casian Island) BIRTHDAY Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, D.D. (Bishop of Cubao) Sr. Ma. Cirila Uy, AR Sis. Margarita Membrillos, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Shiela Mae Labadia (RAY-Caidiocan) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Visitacion de San Miguel, AR +Sr. Gabriela Garcines, AR +Sr. Jacinta Mandia Robin, AR +Sis. Norma Discutido, SAR (Talisay Chapter) +Sis. Gerarda Cañet, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	18 All day October 18, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Arnel Diaz Jonel Mendoza (RAY-Miranila) Sis. Luzviminda Suatil, SAR (Inagawan Chapter) Sis. Rosario Hechanova, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Fray Rafael Cabarles (2021-2023) +Sis. Amada San Gabriel, SAR (Tondo Chapter) +Sis. Concorcia Calliza, SAR (Cebu Chapter	19 All day October 19, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK Morning: VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE INAGAWAN Afternoon: VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE PLARIDEL RETURN TO SEMSDC VIA AR-NARRA BIRTHDAY Sr. Arlyn Sarmiento, AR Sis. Margarita Ramos, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Mo. Lourdes Eizaguirre, OAR (2021-2023) +Sr. Ma. Virginia Acha, AR +Sis. Lamberta Bustamante, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	20 All day October 20, 2023 ST. MAGDALENE OF NAGASAKI Patroness of the Secular Augustinian Recollects VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE CAVITE BIRTHDAY Fray Ken Oliver Lao Sis. Elnora Palaganas, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Alemira Awid, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	21 All day October 21, 2023 VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE ANTIPOLO CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – RIZAL Venue: SEMONORE, Antipolo BIRTHDAY Sr. Melanie Baytan, AR Sr. Ma. Lutgarda Cañete, AR Sis. Nilda Jamili, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sis. Rizalina Ricaña, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
22 All day October 22, 2023 29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME WORLD MISSION SUNDAY Theme: “Hearts on fire, feet on the move” (cf. Lk. 24:13-35) VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE PILILLA BIRTHDAY Abp. Agustinus Agus, DD (Archdiocese of Pontianak, Indonesia) Fray Edgar Tubio Sr. Teresita Diana, AR Sis. Lourdes Diesta, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Teresita Mapas, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	23 All day October 23, 2023 CMSP-SPONSORED ONLINE WEBINAR ON A CHURCH SAFE FOR ALL AND CARE OF OUR COMMON HOME October 23-25, 2023 VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE PROVINCIALATE BIRTHDAY Fray Hernando Coja Sr. Herminia Catindig, AR Sis. Milagros Quinaging, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Soledad Felisilda, SAR (Cebu Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1967-2023) Fray Dunstan Huberto Decena DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Aquilina Dacalos, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Azela Kilayko, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	24 All day October 24, 2023 VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE MIRANILA CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – QUEZON CITY Venue: RFC, Miranila SOLEMN PROFESSION OF VOWS OF FRAY JHYRYX VINCENT GAMULO, OAR OLCP Miranila, Q.C. / 6:00 p.m. Officiating Minister: Prior General BIRTHDAY Fray Jose Prudencio Castillo Sis. Maria Fe Bauso, SAR (Cebu Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1996-2023) Fray Glynn Ortega ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Julito Cortes, D.D. (Diocese of Dumaguete)	25 All day October 25, 2023 S JOHN STONE, Priest & Martyr VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE MANILA October 25-26, 2023 CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – MANILA CITY Venue: SSC-R Manila BIRTHDAY Sr. Veronica Purto, AR Sis. Evelyn Ortega, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Natividad Pielago, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Emilie Pandong, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Simon Kurt Casupanan (RAY-Cavite) Nestor Tala (RAY-Miranila) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1995-2023) Fray Joel Dequilla PRESBYTERAL ANNIVERSARY (1983-2023) Most Rev. Buenaventura Famadico, DD (Diocese of San Pablo) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Rosalinda Lontok, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Iluminada Coronado, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	26 All day October 26, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Dionisio Selma Fray Renie Villalino Sr. Rosalie Ubo, AR Sis. Felicisima Quizon, SAR (Baguio Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Leonora Mercado, AR +Sr. Catalina Ruiz, AR	27 All day October 27, 2023 SARF 14th PROVINCIAL CONVENTION October 27-29, 2023 Host: SARF-BACOLOD CHAPTER Theme: “Our Sacred Journey” Venues: Palmas del Mar Resort and UNO-R VISIT TO RECOLE TOS DE CANLUBANG BIRTHDAY Fray Antonio Limchaypo Sis. Cristina Pascua, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Ida Acbang (Provincialate Chapter / Trial) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Mo. Presentacion de San Jose, AR +Sr. Martina Labao, AR +Bro. Bibiano Apenas, SAR (Valencia Chapter) +Sis. Nelly Marfil, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	28 All day October 28, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR OAR MISSION VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE VIETNAM October 28-30, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Jeana Abejuela, AR Sis. Purisima Bayna, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Josefina Tampus, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Julita Requillo, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Rosita Lacao, SAR (Inagawan Chapter)
29 All day October 29, 2023 30TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME BIRTHDAY Sis. Rosario Rosales, SAR (Valencia Chapter) Sis. Ermelinda Jayme, SAR (Valencia Chapter) Sis. Amparao Jiao, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Catherine Ildefonso (RAY-Urbiztondo) Kristine Ruelo (RAY-Provincialate)	30 All day October 30, 2023 BIRTHDAY Most Rev. Ruperto Santos, D.D. (Bishop of Antipolo) Fray Cristituto Palomar Fray Dominador Mercado Jr. Sr. Lorlie Decir, AR ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1999-2023) Fray Joel Alve DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Rogelio Cepe, SAR (Valencia Chapter) +Bro. Reynaldo Cruz, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)	31 All day October 31, 2023 PRIOR GENERAL’S ARRIVAL FROM VIETNAM BIRTHDAY Sis. Luisita Zuela, SAR (Manila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Albina de la Virgen de Soledad, AR

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, C

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Fray Hubert Dunstan Decena, OAR

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