Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi? An gladius?

Saint Paul Scholasticate Newsletter

Year 6 No. 14 Easter 2011
Easter, from the Old English Eostre, Paskha in 
Greek,  and  Pasakh  (Passover)  in  Hebrew,  is  the 
central feast in the Christian liturgical year (CCC 638). 
It  is  the  “Feast  of  feasts,”  “Solemnity  among 
solemnities”  and  for  St.  Athanasius  “The  Great 
Sunday”(CCC  1169).  This  marks  the  culmination  not 
only of Holy Week but the whole year in the Church 
calendar.  On  this  day,  the  Resurrection  of  Jesus 
Christ  is  celebrated.  It  is  believed  that  Christ  rose 
from the dead on the third day after he died on the 
cross  on  Good  Friday.  Thus,  Easter  Sunday  is  the 
main  reason  why  Christians  keep  Sunday  as  the 
primary  day  of  religious  observance.  Moreover, 
Easter  is  considered  the  most  important  celebration 
in the Church year for such is  the foundation of  the 
Christian faith.  
The  commemoration  of  Christ’s  Paschal 
Mystery  (passion,  death  and  resurrection)  during 
Lenten and Easter season is a reminder to those who 
dedicate themselves in the service of God’s Kingdom 
that the kind of life they are entering is also a life of 
Christ’s  Paschal  Mystery  (passion,  death,  and 
resurrection).  Their  term  of  services  and  the  people 
whom  they  are  going  to  serve  will  come  to  pass 
(passion).  While  doing  the  mission,  they  will 
The Lord is risen! Alleluia! encounter  struggles  (death).  Their  works  will  not  be 
in  vain  for  God  will  reward  them  after  all 
HAPPY EASTER! (resurrection). In addition, it is a paschal mystery for 
MALIGAYANG PASKO NG PAGKABUHAY! they  are  to  serve  God’s  flock  with  much  passion. 
BUONA PASQUA! They are to die to themselves for others. They are to 
FELICES PASCUAS! serve joyously for God’s glory. Thus, ministerial life is 
JOYEUSES PAQUES! also a life of Christ’s Paschal Mystery.  
HAPPY EASTER! 
 No. 3
14 iPaul 2

Three new priests and two new deacons:

God’s answer to His people in prayer
(Bro. Julimar Pulvera, CRSP)

(From left to right) Rev. Pat Golis, Fr. Thomas Tabada, Fr. Clyd Autentico,
Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle, Fr. Jonathan Ramoso and Rev. Yohanes Koten
The Clerics Regular of Saint Paul in the The families, relatives, friends and
Philippines has been blessed with three newly benefactors of the ordinandi were all present. Most
ordained priests and two deacons. of them came from their home provinces in the
On the second day of April at 3:30 in the Visayas and Mindanao. A good number of religious
afternoon, three Barnabite deacons Clyd Sumayo from different congregations were also present. The
Autentico, Jonathan Galope Ramoso and Thomas Zaccarian family in the Philippines was also in
Federick Salvador Tabada received the sacred attendance: the fathers in the communities of St.
Ordination to the Priesthood and two perpetual Anthony Mary Zaccaria Seminary (Marikina), St.
professed brothers Pat Mandin Golis and Yohanes Anthony Mary Zaccaria Parish (Silangan, San Mateo,
Besi Koten were ordained to the Diaconate. The Rizal), the Barnabite lay affiliates, the Angelic Sisters
rites of Ordination were held at St. Joseph Chapel of of St. Paul and the Sisters Little Workers of the
the Congregation of the Daughters of St. Joseph Sacred Heart—all from Marikina City.
(also known as the Caburlotto Sisters) in Barangay The Filipino Barnabite fathers also
Buho, Amadeo, Cavite. The solemn Mass and the concelebrated at the two-hour Mass. The celebration
Ordination ceremonies were presided by Most Rev. was also graced by the presence of Very Rev. Fr.
Luis Antonio Tagle, Bishop of Imus. Francisco Chagas Da Silva, one of the four assistants
 No. 14 iPaul
of the superior general Fr. Giovanni Villa. Priests
from other religious congregations also
concelebrated including diocesan priests Fr. Alain
Manalo, parish priest of Our Lady of the Way Parish
in Magallanes, Cavite and Fr. Vhon Arellano, parish
priest of St. Joseph Parish in Kaytitinga, Alfonso,
Cavite. The confreres Jonathan and Clyd had served
in the said parishes for some months before their
Ordination.
The Barnabite professed brothers assisted at
the Mass with Bro. Glenn Gaabucayan as master of
ceremonies. The angelic voices of the youth choir of
Kaytitinga added to the beauty and solemnity of the
celebration. Bro. Rey Carmelo Ausejo, a Barnabite
professed brother, sang the Litany of the Saints. The
psalm was sung by duets Flordeliza Afable, a member
of the Kaytitingga Choir and Barnabite scholastic
Bro. Julimar Pulvera. Fr. Jimmy Anastacio, superior of
the Marikina community, proclaimed the Gospel. The
bishop’s inspiring homily was centered on the gospel
message in which the Lord asked the disciples “to
pray for the Lord of the harvests to send more
laborers in His vineyard.” The bishop stressed that
the answer to this prayer was the five newly
ordained ministers who have committed themselves
totally to God as His laborers.
Before the Mass concluded, Mr. Eduardo and
Mrs. Alma Roa, long-time friends of St. Paul
Scholasticate community, were officially enrolled as
lay affiliates of the Barnabite Order. The couple
became the first affiliates of the Barnabite Fathers in
Tagaytay. After the celebration of the Mass, the
traditional kissing of the hands of the newly ordained
followed. Everyone queued to kiss the hands of the
new priests and received their blessing: first, the
bishop and the priests followed by the scholastics;
Deacons Pat and Yohanes before
receiving the book of Gospels
3
Bishop Tagle kisses the hands of the new priests.
then the families of the ordinand and finally, all the
people present. The assembly proceeded to the
school gymnasium of the Caburlotto Sisters for
supper. The bishop also stayed and spent some time
for a chat with the fathers. The affair concluded with
a smile in everyone’s faces especially our new priests
and new deacons.
Prior to this big event, the Barnabite
brothers, the fathers and the seminary personnel of
St. Paul Scholasticate community were very busy in
making preparations. They had their general cleaning
in and outside the house. The Merciful Sisters were
also busy in accommodating the visitors: the families,
relatives, and friends of the newly ordained
confreres. Some of the brothers were also busy in
touring the visitors to beautiful places in Tagaytay.
Thanks to their generosity and service.
The following day, April 3rd, Sunday at 9:00
o’clock in the morning, the three newly ordained
priests offered the thanksgiving Mass in the chapel of
the Sacred Heart of Jesus of St. Paul Scholasticate. It
was well-attended by their relatives and friends and
people who usually come for Sunday Mass in the
seminary chapel. Fathers Francisco Da Silva, Michael
Sandalo and Arvin Dagalea also concelebrated.
Newly ordained deacons Pat and Yohanes also
assisted. The former proclaimed the Gospel while
the latter assisted in preparing the altar. Fr. Jonathan
delivered the homily. Before the conclusion of the
Mass, Fr. Thomas, in behalf of his newly ordained
confreres, expressed his thanks for all the persons
who made the occasion possible. After the Mass, the
assembly lined up for the kissing of the hands of the
newly ordained. Then snacks were served as
everyone enjoyed taking pictures with the priests
and the scholastics.
 No. 3
14 iPaul
Fr. Thomas is the youngest son of Avelino
Tabada and Enriquita Salvador. He was born on
October 19, 1983 in Cebu City but his family is now
based in Poblacion, Trinidad, Bohol Province. Fr.
Jonathan is from Kinoguitan, Misamis Oriental,
Mindanao Island. Born on the 25th of June 1983, he is
the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeanito Ramoso. Fr.
Clyd hails from Talibon, Bohol. He is the sixth child
of Mr. and Mrs. Ernesto Autentico. The three young
priests have concluded their four-year theological
studies at the Divine Word School of Theology.
They finished their studies in Philosophy at St.
Camillus College Seminary, Marikina City. They made
their first profession of Vows on May 13, 2006 and
their Solemn Profession on the 8th of December
2009. Last March 26, they all received their academic
degrees in Theology at the Divine Word School of
Theology, Tagaytay.
Rev. Pat hails from Gingoog City, Misamis
Oriental. Born on May 1st 1982, he is the third son in
the family of four children of Absalon Golis and
Encarnacion Mandin. Rev. Yohanes Koten (fondly
called “John” by his confreres) was born on March
15, 1979. He comes from Hurit, Flores Island,
Indonesia. He is the ninth in the brood of fourteen
4
(14) children of Bernardus Bera Koten and Maria
Lepang Weruin. He is the first Indonesian in the
Barnabite Order. Despite the distance and his
seemingly lonesome journey in the seminary, he was
able to pursue his dream of becoming a “soldier of
Christ” in the sacred ministry. He was one of the six
pioneer Indonesians who entered St. Anthony Mary
Zaccaria Seminary, Marikina in the year 2002. John
and Pat did their Solemn Profession last 8th of
December 2010. Both finished their theological
studies at the Divine Word School of Theology and
Philosophy at St. Camillus College Seminary in
Marikina City.
The community of St. Paul Scholasticate is
very grateful for all those who had made the
occasion a memorable one. It also is very thankful to
the Caburlotto Sisters for accomodating the
occasion in their beautiful church and spacious
school gymnasium.
To the newly ordained ministers, you are an
answer to the prayer of God’s people! Everyone is
looking forward for the ordination to the Priesthood
of Deacons Pat and Yohanes.
To all of you Congratulations!
 No. 3
14 iPaul
Listen to what their hearts tell:
Thoughts and Reflections from the new
Priests and Deacons
A Priest for Forever
Rev. Fr. Jonathan Galope Ramoso,
CRSP
“You are a priest forever,
according to the order of
Melchizedek”
(Heb.7:17)
I remember one time when one of my friends
asked me if we had a “bloodline” of priests, I
reluctantly answered “I’ll check my family tree.” After
inquiring, I found out that there was never a priest in
my kin. My friends and neighbors in the province used
to tell me that there was no priest in our family
especially in the Ramoso side! At this, I am fully
convinced that priesthood is not about a “bloodline”
or like a heirloom as the people in the Old Testament
usually believed. But priestly life is a gift from God
“through the power of an indestructible life” (Heb. 7:
16).
To be a religious and a priest is not about
having a “bloodline” or a “priestly” family but to
respond to the joyful invitation of Jesus Christ to be his
“soldier,” to follow him unreservedly and to be a
“fisher of men”. Reflecting on the letter to the
Hebrews, I was enlightened by what it says that Jesus
Christ is a priest though not belonging to a “Levitic” or
priestly family. Jesus Christ is the High Priest who
offered His very own self as a sacrificial Lamb for the
redemption of all sinners.
As I received the sacred Ordination to the
priesthood, I am so grateful to God for such great gift
which He has given me. To be a priest and a shepherd
of God’s flock is an awe-inspiring gift though it
corresponds a great responsibility.
The indelible mark of my priestly
consecration is truly forever. Wherever I go and do my
apostolic mission and activity that the Congregation
will ask me, I have to bear in mind that I am a priest
and this will be forever. Undeniably, the Lord is calling
me: to talk as a true priest, act as a true priest, and have
a heart like Jesus the Eternal High Priest. I am now a
priest in the line of Melchizedek (Ps. 110:4).
5
The Ordination to the
Priesthood, according to many who
could have experienced this
celebration, is an exciting and joyful
moment to the person who will be
ordained. It is true because this was
what I exactly felt during our
Ordination. I could not imagine
and believe that after the long
period of struggle in the seminary, I would reach this
stage of life. I have experienced a lot of difficulties in
my personal, community and academic life but I have
survived and have overcome all those trials in my life. I
believe that it is the Lord who always guides me in the
way and gives me the grace that sustains me to fight
many hardships and trials in my vocation. Also,
through the prayers of the people who prayed for me
always. Thank you. God bless us all. (Rev. Fr. Clyd
Autentico, CRSP)
MINISTRY OF SERVICE
Rev. Deacon Yohanes Koten,
CRSP
Following Christ radically
needs sacrifice. I should leave
everything, deny myself, take up the
cross and bear it patiently until
Calvary. It is so hard. But with
God’s help and grace, I believe I can do it. In my life
journey as a religious I will encounter “ups” and
“downs” like that of Jesus while carrying the cross to
Calvary. When such occasion happens, I will do my
best because these experiences will lead me to the
glory of being with Jesus. I believe that these “ups” and
“downs” will tell me that life is not about waiting for
the storms to pass. It is rather an opportunity to learn,
to grow, and to become mature. When it is rainy,
people usually exclaim that the weather is bad. But to a
person who is docile and has a creative and positive
mind, he looks at it as a blessing. So he dances under
the rainfall and savors its beauty.
(see next page)
 No. 3
14 iPaul
Following Christ radically entails giving one’s
heart for others. It is about taking risks and making life
worth living. This is the way of being a deacon. As a
deacon, I am a servant of God and His people. For me
DEACON means Dedication, Enabling, Availability,
Commitment, Obedience, and Nameless.
Firstly, those meanings show me that as a
servant, I will dedicate myself tirelessly in the service of
God and others. I will try my best to enable people see
how good God is in His Words and the Sacraments
especially the Holy Eucharist. Hopefully, through my
words and actions, they will acknowledge the presence
of God and say, “It is great to be a Catholic, a follower
of Jesus and a child of God!”
Secondly, I will avail myself for those who are
in need even if they will ask me to dance in the rain
and to sing without knowing all the lyrics and meaning
of a song. I will commit myself to my responsibilities to
God and others by giving my heart in the service of
others’ well being. As a servant, I will show obedience
to my master, God and to those whom I am going
serve without counting the cost. Finally, a deacon has
no name. This means that whatever works and
achievements I do, they are to be acknowledged as
God’s not mine. It is because my service is for His
greater glory alone and for the benefit of His people. I
do not do it for my own glorification. I am just a
servant who will do what the Master will ask me to do.
Furthermore, deacon literally means a
ministry of service. This service has to be done with
JOY. JOY for me stands for – Jesus first; Others next;
You-the servant last. It means that my service is first
and foremost for Jesus Christ. This will lead me to
serve others with His love. In serving others, I serve
Jesus: “What you do to the least of my brethren you
do it also to Me.”
Serving Jesus in others is my joy as a servant. I
can do this because of Jesus. Moreover, I can do this
for I am strengthened by the virtues of faith, hope,
love, humility, compassion, truthfulness and
prayerfulness. These virtues make me serve God and
His people with my undivided heart. I am happy to
serve my brothers and sisters.
May God bring to fulfillment what I have
started.
Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi?
6
REFLECTION
Rev. Deacon Pat Golis, CRSP
As I try to reflect on what
I am going to write and share as a
contribution to the iPaul it
suddenly pop up to my mind my
experiences in the seminary and
in the parish where I have been
assigned. For a long period of
time, I have always been dreaming to become a servant
of God. Before I entered the seminary, my first
ambition in life was to become a lawyer. I wanted to
help the victims of injustices in our society. In our clan,
no one has dared to become a lawyer. Instead, we have
relatives who are priests. Helping and saving the
oppressed was a kind of service that I had in mind
which I would like to offer to God. But as my journey
in life went on, I eventually realized that such kind of
service was not my vocation. I asked God some signs if
that would be the kind of life He intended for me but
no signs were given. But He gave me signs which made
me believe that I am called to the priestly life.
God manifests himself to me in different ways.
He seems to tell me personally these words, “My child,
come to me and be one of my followers.” Yet, many
times I have declined this invitation because of my
unworthiness. I am a sinful man. I have lots of
shortcomings which, for me, are not proper for one
aspiring to become a priest. But in the recesses of my
soul, I can still feel and hear His whisper calling me to
follow Him. Sometimes I asked, “Why is it I, Lord?
There are lots of people who are more prayerful,
righteous, competent, commited in doing Your works,
and much worthy than I am. Why me?” I was once
lost, and stumbled many times in my seminary life. I
am not a good model to others which I think a priest
should be. Oftentimes, I felt guilty every time I was
asked to share my reflection on the gospel of the day
in the pulpit for what I say is contrary to what I do. I
find it easy to speak about the gospel message but
difficult to apply it in my daily life. But what can I do?
I really have to deliver my reflection as part of my
formation and also in preparation for my future
ministry as a proclaimer of the Word of God. I know
and am sure that there will be more challenging tasks
that await me along the way and this is just the
beginning. Hence, preparation is indeed necessary
while I am still in the priestly formation.
I am not yet a priest but while assigned in a
parish, I can already feel the difficulty if one is not
 No. 3
14 iPaul
“The Priestly vocation
is a life-time learning.
Every day should be a learning
experience. If one does not open
himself to learning from
experience and is not docile in
whatever he learns,
he becomes stagnant
and will not become effective
in his ministry.”
ready to embrace this kind of life. In the parish, there
are many things to do, time for socializations and
temptations that if one does not hold firm in his
chosen vocation and in God, he might get lost along
the way. Working in the parish is different from staying
in the seminary. In the seminary, all that we do and
our activities are all structured. There is a specific
schedule to follow and one knows what to do. It is
different in the parish. I have to apply what I have
learnt during my seminary formation years. The
fathers believe that I am already mature in actions,
words and thoughts. They have already done their
part. By this time, it is my turn to do mine. Being
young I have struggles in life but I offer them to God
for without Him I can do nothing. Human as I am,
alone and unaided I cannot do anything without Him.
As He says, “Apart from me, you could do nothing.”I
know He is the only One who can help and guide me
to the right path.
I have learnt a lot in my seminary formation
years and all these are very important to my future
ministry. During my solitary moments, I spend hours
recalling the past—how I entered the seminary, how
God revealed himself to me and captivated my heart to
follow Him. With all the mistakes I did in the past I
cannot but smile and say, “Oh! How crazy I was!” I
even experienced crying in front of my superior asking
him for forgiveness because of the foolishness I did.
From those experiences, I realized that vocation is
indeed a mystery. Those whom I thought would
become priests because of their good character that
makes them worthy of such vocation were the ones
who left the seminary and got married. But those
whom I thought otherwise were the ones got ordained.
Oh how mysterious God is!
7
I am not saying that one must be a “black
sheep” before becoming a priest. What I am stressing
here is the importance of transparency and honesty.
These two values are very important but sometimes
they are hampered by fear. One is afraid to be kicked
out from the seminary and so once he gets ordained to
the priesthood, he starts to reveal his true self. That is
why, a good formator is not only strict but a good and
welcoming father as well. One who understands and is
ready to help his “children”, the seminarians. Just like
Jesus in the parable of the prodigal son, he teaches us
that God welcomes those who want to renew their lives
and return to Him. He neither judges nor rejects them.
Instead he gives them a second chance.
My eleven years of staying in the seminary
have been truly blessed by God. I find it hard to
believe that I am now ordained as a deacon. Without
God’s grace, I cannot be what I am this time. I am very
thankful to Him for this blessing. In every trials and
difficulties, He has strengthened me. I know and am
sure that there will be tons of them in the future and I
must prepare for it while I am still in the priestly
formation. Being a soldier of Christ, I have to be
always prepared and I should not be afraid of the
storms of life. Rather I will welcome them believing
that God is there to still the storms. Moreover, it is
through them that I will be able to know myself better.
For me, to experience a great crisis in life is very
important because it makes life meaningful. As Victor
Frankl puts it, “it is in suffering that one finds meaning
in life.” In its theological sense, it is in suffering that
one participates in the Paschal Mystery of Christ.
The Priestly vocation is a life-time learning.
Every day should be a learning experience. If one does
not open himself to learning from experience and is
not docile in whatever he learns, he becomes stagnant
and will not become effective in his ministry. To
commit mistake is not something to be afraid of but a
moment to learn new things and be able to share it
with others. An old adage that says, “Experience is a
great teacher” affirms the same thought. Indeed, my
experiences with God teach me a lot. They shape me
and re-shape me. I call it, “my conversion.”
Conversion takes time. Hence, I also need to be
patient with myself hoping that God will be with me
and will always be ready to lay his hands when I am in
trouble.
May I truly become a minister of Christ in
words and deeds.
 No. 3
14 iPaul 8

THE SOURCE OF OUR JOY:

Philippians 4:4-13
(Fr. Michael Francis Mancusi, CRSP)

The entire body of Christ has had their faith journey strengthened by the hymns of Charles
Wesley. They have been a source of joy and solace and assurance. However, most of you know little of
the suffering, adversity and difficult circumstances he knew and experienced in life. Charles Wesley
had a source of joy no circumstance could alter. Charles Wesley was raised in a very large family. His
mother gave birth to nineteen children. Only ten of them lived. You can imagine living in a poor
parish rectory with all those persons. His older brother, John, was the more outspoken and famous
Wesley. Charles was a bachelor for the first 39 years of his life. At the age of 39, he fell deeply in love
with a beautiful young lady named Sally, who was only 20 years old. He pleaded with the girl's father
to be allowed to marry her despite the age difference. The father finally consented. He was so proud of
her. Everywhere they went, he delighted in introducing her as his bride. He was pleased to be seen
everywhere with her. After they were married five years, Sally contracted smallpox. This was before
the era of modern medicine. She was covered with smallpox from the crown of her head to the bottom
of her feet. She hung between life and death for three weeks. Slowly, she recovered from this almost
fatal illness. However, the scars of the illness remained. She was disfigured for the rest of her
life. People who did not know them personally thought Charles Wesley had married a much older
woman. Charles and Sally had eight children. However, five of them died before their first
birthday. Three children survived, Samuel, Sarah, and Charles, Jr. However, not one of those three
children in Charles Wesley's lifetime confessed Jesus Christ as Lord. Only after his death did they
accept Christ as their Savior. Yet, he wrote songs of
such hope, joy, praise, and adoration. What was the
source of his joy? His source was Christ! It came
from a source and reservoir far greater than his own
strength. His joy was consistent despite difficult
moments in his journey of faith.
I want to share three insights on how we
maintain the joy of our salvation as well. FIRST,
PAUL KEPT HIS FOCUS ON GOD - AND NOT HIS
CIRCUMSTANCES. The book of Philippians is the
Joy book and the Joy manual of the Word of God. It
was written by the apostle Paul from a prison cell,
not from a plush, hotel suite. In this splendid book,
Paul urges the believers at Philippi twice to rejoice
in the Lord. In a deep, dark prison cell this letter
shines with a radiance which the darkness of the
moment cannot overcome. In Philippians 4:4 he
repeats the words twice in one sentence by writing
"Rejoice, again I say rejoice." Reis is a prefix which
means to go back to the original. The word rejoice
commands us to go back to God's original joy in
creation when the morning stars sang with glory at
the action of God's work. We are to go back to our
day of redemption and salvation. The joy of the
Christian is not a passing quality based on our St. Paul the Apostle, Patron of the Barnabites
emotions but on what God has done for us. (painting by El Greco)
 No. 3
14 iPaul 9
Occasionally, a person will share with me
"Father, I don't feel saved." Your salvation in “… let God's great joy in
Christ is not based on your feelings or emotions -
but on an action and agreement between the Jesus Christ continue to flow
Father and the Son - sealed by the Holy through and not let the 'pipeline of
Spirit. That is why we keep our eyes fixed on
Jesus.
life' get clogged with despair,
SECONDLY, PAUL HAS A SOURCE OF disappointment and desperation.
JOY GREATER THAN THE SOURCE OF HIS Continue to open your life
DESPAIR. Paul testifies that the power of joy can
help transfigure the totality of the human to the healing depth
experience in our journey of faith. Paul is always of God's victory …”
talking about joy. "Rejoice in the Lord, again I
say, rejoice." In the few letters that Paul wrote in
the New Testament, there are twenty-four references to joy. And there are eighteen references or uses
of the word "rejoice." Forty-two times, then, Paul mentions joy. That constitutes a focus and
fixation. Paul says over and over again that the result of seeing what God has done for us in Jesus
Christ is joy. So rejoice. If your life is filled with joy, he says, it'll show. The Apostle Paul does not
discount the reasons for defeat and despair. Remember, he has been bitten by snakes, ridiculed in the
public arenas of government, shipwrecked, and had written letters to help Christians and churches to
keep from self- destructing by fighting among themselves.
There is no way for Paul to deny that life does have disappointments, bruises, and
despair. However, Paul wants us to know that these emotions do not necessarily have the last
word. Paul further writes in another letter that the suffering of the present moment will not compare
to the glory that is yet to be revealed to us. The text really means to let God's great joy in Jesus Christ
continue to flow through and not let the 'pipeline of life' get clogged with despair, disappointment, and
desperation. Continue to open your life to the healing depth of God's victory over sin, evil, and death
in the Christ event. All of this implies however, that we are continuing to cultivate a living, breathing,
vital relationship with God. It is not some vague commitment made years ago that has withered
away. We are not serving God in an 'advisory capacity.' We are straining forward to win the high prize
in Christ Jesus allowed. Paul continues to explain that we are to live out of that joy and because of it.
Joy is the echo of God's life within us according to Blessed Columba Marmion. If we have
confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives, then God has the ability to grant it to us. God's
check of love will never come back stamped "Insufficient Funds." Remember, the joy of the Lord is my
strength. Not the joy of the world. But the joy of our Lord. The Psalmist declares, "Weeping may
tarry for the night - but joy always comes in the morning." (Psalm 30:6) Darkness always gives way to
light for the believer. Crucifixions always give way to the resurrecting power of God. God has this long
history of taking our most trying moments and transforming them into moments of growth and
trust. He delights in transforming moments that Satan meant for our harm - and using them as
moments for our benefit and blessing. The devil might try to shut you off from a sense of joy - but not
from the joy of the Lord. God is interested in all of you gathered here today being people who are full
of joy. Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Let earth receive her king.
LASTLY, JOY IS THE MOST INFALLIBLE PROOF OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD. I do not
know where our ideas and concepts of a joyless religion come from. It is certainly not found in the Old
or New Testaments. In the Old Testament record we find that the Hebrew people are celebrating with
music, dancing, eating, drinking, and joy- filled festivals. It even declares that David danced with joy
before the Lord. From the New Testament we find that our Lord's ministry is filled with a sense of
joy. The people flocked to hear Him because of his joy-filled messages. The children loved Him - and
children don't like killjoys. He even prevented a Jewish wedding from being ruined when the supply of
wine ran out. When He told what many consider the greatest story ever shared of the parable of the
Prodigal Son - what happens at the end of this marvelous story? Would you believe a celebration of
Joy? (turn to next page)
 No. 3
14 iPaul 10
I love the story told of the young boy who
each day entered one of the great museums in
Europe. He would always stop and look at one of
the famous paintings of the Lord Jesus Christ Thoughts & Views
hanging in the museum. This pattern continued
from weeks into months. The guards became
Br. John Paul P. Osip, CRSP
suspicious of his activities. The guards finally
cornered him one day and asked why he came
each day to the museum to see this picture. The
little boy replied, "I just look at Jesus - and Jesus
looks at me - and that makes all the difference in Lent: the Season to Deepen
the world." One’s Love for God
How right the little boy was. In John
20:20 we read the disciples were glad when they
Today,  several  subjective  meanings  are 
saw the Lord. They were not glad when they saw
themselves - but when they saw the Lord. The attached  to  the  season  of  Lent.  For  some,  it  is 
real miracle of life is not that you and I love understood  as  the  time  to  repent  for  one’s  sins. 
Jesus - but that Jesus loves us and looks for Others  consider  it  as  a  period  for  fasting  not  only 
us. That is the source of our joy. “Rejoice in the from food but also from one’s vices. Still others view 
Lord always, again I say, rejoice.” The joy of the Lent  as  a  period  of  silence,  a  break  from  one’s 
Lord is my strength. HAPPY EASTER! “noisy” lifestyle. For some, it means a long vacation, 
a perfect time to go out‐of‐town with friends and/or 
with the whole family. Like them, I also have my own 
view of the said season. For me, Lent is a grace‐filled 
opportunity to deepen our love for God. 
  The season of Lent is a time of preparation to 
commemorate  Christ’s  passion  and  death  and  to 
celebrate Easter, Christ’s resurrection. Such can also 
be considered a commemoration of Christ’s love for 
His  Father  and  for  humanity.  His  obedience  to  the 
Father’s  will  to  embrace  our  human  nature,  to 
undergo  suffering  and  to  die  on  the  cross  for  our 
salvation is the greatest expression of His love for the 
Father and for us all. In the gospel of Matthew 26:36‐
46,  we  see  Jesus  who  is  in  great  fear  because  His 
“hour”  was  about  to  come.  What  sustained  Him, 
what gave him courage in that situation was His love 
for  the  Father.  It  was  this  love  that  enabled  Him  to 
pray, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, 
your will be done.” Moreover, His passion and death 
express His love for humanity. In the  gospel of John 
“...do your best to rejoice in the Lord.  15:12‐13, Jesus called his disciples as His friends and 
Happy are those who rejoice   at  the  same  time  He  told  them  that:  “No  one  has 
greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s 
in mind and hearts!   friends.”  We,  like  the  disciples,  are  also  considered 
And may God grant you   by  Jesus  as  His  friends.  His  love  for  us  lifted  our 
to taste once and for all this inner joy.”   status  from  mere  creatures  to  friends  of  God.  Not 
  only that, He even laid down His life by dying on the 
cross for our salvation. 
‐St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Sermon V 
 No. 3
14 iPaul 11
This  commemoration  of  Jesus’  love  for  the 
Father  and  for  us  entails  a  call,  i.e.,  a  gift  and  an 
invitation.  As  a  gift,  Lenten  season  is  a  grace‐filled 
moment given for us to deepen our love for God. As 
g{x cÉxàËá fÑtvx
an  invitation,  we  are  called  to  respond  to  that  gift  BEING FOR OTHERS
through prayer, fasting and alms‐giving. First, prayer 
is  indicative  of  our  love  for  God.  In  human  Deacon is a ministry of service
relationships,  the  frequency  of  one’s  time  spent  to 
Embodied with prayer and charity
the  other  shows  one’s  love  to  that  other.  Also, 
constant communication is the key for a stronger and  Availability and full dedication
deeper  relationship.  This  is  also  true  in  our  Commitment and an undivided heart
relationship  with  God.  The  frequency  of  our  time  Ought to be being for others
spent in prayer indicates how deep our love for God 
Nothing else I can do
is.  Furthermore,  prayer,  being  our  communication 
with  God,  will  strengthen  and  deepen  our 
relationship  with  Him.  So  Lenten  season  is  an  It is my calling
invitation  to  communicate  with  God  constantly  Service for God in his people
through prayer for it will deepen and strengthen our 
love for Him. 
  Second,  fasting  helps  us  to  deepen  our  love  A calling for and with others
for  God.  Oftentimes,  we  are  attracted  and  pre‐
occupied  with  a  lot  of  things:  food,  hobby,  etc.  Minister of God’s love
Instead of focusing on God, our attention is on other 
In proclaiming the Gospel
things. In this sense, our love for God is divided. We 
consider God as one of all other things that we love.  Nurturing the faith of God’s people
The  practice  of  fasting  will  enable  us  to  re‐channel  In my words and actions
our  attention  to  God.  Thus  during  Lent,  we  are  Showing God’s unending goodness
invited  to  fast,  not  only  from  food  but  also  from 
To the end of the world
those that lead us away from God so that we may be 
able to love God undividedly.   Roaring the merciful love of God
Lastly,  alms‐giving  is  the  expression  of  our  Yelling his powerful deeds
love  for  God.  We  cannot  claim  that  we  love  God 
without loving our neighbor. We express our love for 
On the immensity of love
God by loving our neighbor. As St. Anthony Zaccaria 
said, “Let us rush like madmen not only to God, but  Fly high my spirit of service
also to our neighbor, for he is the one who receives 
what  we  cannot  give  to  God”  (Letter  II).    St.  John  in  Sending only the message of love
his first Letter says, “Anyone who claims that he/she 
Entering into action of service
loves  God  without  loving  his/her  neighbors  is  a  liar. 
For how can one love God who cannot be seen if one  Rendering my whole life
cannot love those who can be seen?”   Victory of being servant
  As  a  conclusion,  all  of  us  are  called  to  live  a  In the vineyard of God
Christ‐like life. Such kind of life is a life of love. In our 
Consecrated for God’s Kingdom
observance  of  Lent,  may  our  commemoration  of 
Jesus  Christ’s  passion  and  death  be  a  means  to  Endless service for his people
deepen our love for God.               
        (Rev. John Koten, CRSP)
 
 No. 14 iPaul 12

“Dialogue with Other Religions on

the Sacredness of the Earth”
By Bro. John Paul P. Osip, CRSP

(Editor’s note: This article was written as a reaction paper/theological reflection on the symposium entitled
“The Earth is Sacred” held last February 24 at the DWST Aula Magna with DWST Theology professor Fr.
Edgar Javier, SVD, SThD as resource speaker. The author was one of the three chosen student reactors.)

Introduction

Today, men and women of different nationalities, cultures and religions are becoming more sensitive on
environmental issues. The negative consequences that we experience from the degraded and desecrated earth
trigger and heighten people’s “environmental sensitivity.” In fact, different sectors of the society are now taking
a step to save the Earth. Our Church and other religions too are making a move to protect and restore the earth’s
value. At Castel Gandolfo, Benedict XVI asserted: “The different phenomena of environmental degradation and
natural calamities… remind us of the urgency of the respect owed to nature, recovering and appreciating, in
everyday life, a correct relation with the environment.”
This response is about the sacredness of the earth in the perspective of Christianity and other religions.
This presentation is based on Benedict XVI’s call in his encyclical letter Caritatis in Veritate for a renewed
solidarity in the protection of the environment and the safeguarding of the resources and climate.

The Earth’s Sacredness

What is the Earth’s value? Our speaker answered this question by emphasizing the sacredness of the
earth. He pointed out that the Earth is the embodiment of God’s sacred artistry. In other words, the beauty of
God, the Creator, is reflected by the beauty of creation. This is wonderfully expressed by John Paul II, in his
“Common Declaration on Environmental Ethics,” when he stated: “The Almighty God envisioned a world of
beauty and harmony, and He created it, making every part an expression of His freedom, wisdom and love.”
Other religions also share similar view with us Christians. They also acknowledge the Earth as sacred.
The Hindus, as what our speaker has stated, consider the earth as “God’s Body.” The created is identical with the
Creator. As Patrick Burke says, “whenever a Hindu looks, the devout Hindu sees God.” The natural world is in
reality a part of the divine existence. The Muslims also have the similar view of the earth. In their Qur’an, it is
said that “wherever you turn, there is the face of God” (Surah 2:109). This teaching strongly implies that God is
present in every bit and piece of creation. This is another way of saying: the Earth is sacred.

Humanity and the Earth: Interconnected and Interdependent

Our speaker also emphasized man’s relationship with the Earth. He highlighted the idea that the
relationship between humanity and the Earth is described as interconnectedness and interdependence. For us
Christians and for the Jews, this interconnectedness and interdependence are contained in our understanding of
the term “stewardship.” We are connected to the Earth. We are the earth’s “care-takers.” There is
interdependence. We depend on the Earth for our survival and the Earth depends on us as its steward.
Other religions also speak about humanity’s interconnectedness and interdependence on the Earth. For
Muslims, humanity is part of the Earth, the elements of which are complementary to one another in an integrated
whole. Hindus, moreover, look at the world not outside of their human existence, but an extension of their well-
being. Buddhists, also, have this principle of “pratityasamutpada” or “the-together-rising-up-of things,” that
means, nothing exists in and of itself but only as a “context of relations.” In other words, humanity’s existence is
seen and understood in relation to the existence of the Earth. Taoists and Confucians also express the same view
 No. 14 iPaul 13
with regard to man’s relationship towards the Earth. Both emphasize the necessity of harmony, with others and
with nature. The Taoists emphasize the spontaneity of life by living closely and with respect to nature.
Confucians also stress the need and importance for human action and society to be in harmony with nature’s
rhythm.

Earth’s Degradation and Desecration

The Earth’s value and our relationship with the Earth are often unrecognized. Our aim for progress has
reduced the earth to a mere raw material to be exploited and manipulated. This attitude towards the Earth,
according to our speaker, shows an underlying mentality that we are superior than and separated from the natural
world. The over-emphasis on our humanity disrupts the balance and harmony between man and nature. Our
claims that we are detached from nature and the wrong understanding of God’s command, “to have dominion
over the earth” (Gen. 1:28) are the causes of such imbalance. According to John Paul II, this is “our betrayal of
God’s mandate: to be stewards called to collaborate with God in watching over creation in holiness and
wisdom.” Buddhists affirm this in their claim that humanity’s forgetfulness of their oneness with nature is the
very source of ecological destruction.
Another reason which our speaker brought out is the high regard for technological advances at the
expense of desecrating the Earth. John Paul II acknowledges the same cause when he stated: “ecological
problems are brought about by an economic and technological progress which does not recognize and take into
account its limits.” Taoism and Confucianism also point the same reason for the earth’s destruction. For the
Taoists, ecological destruction is present because of our engagement in political, economic and “scientific”
affairs that take away our closeness from nature. Confucianism also affirms this reason by its claim that nature’s
imbalance is due to human activities that are not attuned to the deeper rhythms of nature. Both imply that human
activities that are not in harmony to nature are the causes of ecological degradation and destruction.

The Need for a New and Unified Vision and a New World View

With the aforementioned reality regarding the

Earth, we are challenged to develop a new vision and
worldview. Our speaker expressed the need for “a new
vision of life that must be founded on the conviction that
humans are embedded in nature and nature is embedded
in human beings.” In other words, there is a need to look
at ourselves not apart from the Earth but as part of the
Earth and the Earth as part of us. Moreover, our speaker
also talked about the need for this vision in this age of
science and technology to acknowledge that God is in
control of the Earth. In the same vein, John Paul II
asserted that this new vision will only be possible
through “an act of repentance on our part and a renewed
attempt to view ourselves, one another, and the world
around us within the perspective of the divine design for
creation.”
Lastly, in the context of religious diversity, this
vision and worldview presented by our speaker—a vision
and worldview that emphasize the integrity of creation—
are possible if all religions, including Christianity, will
work together and learn from each other. All religions “...there is a need to look at ourselves
have a global responsibility. To save the Earth is every not apart from the Earth but
religion’s responsibility. Küng argues that an ethic of as part of the Earth and
responsibility is needed today—a responsibility for the Earth. the Earth as part of us.”
 No. 14 iPaul 14
Conclusion

All of us, whether Jew or Christian, Muslim or Hindu, Buddhist or Taoist or Confucian, belong to the
same humanity. We share common concerns. We share common views. We share the same responsibility. As
one family, let us work together to promote and preserve the Earth’s dignity – the Earth’s sacredness. As
Benedict XVI says, “the human race is a single family working together in true communion, not simply as a
group of subjects who happen to live side by side.”

Endnotes

1
See Benedict XVI, On Development that Respects the Environment (26 August 2009) http://
www.zenit.org/article-26693?l=english, (accessed February 9, 2011).
2
See Benedict XVI, Encyclical Letter on Integral Human Development in Charity and Truth Caritatis in
Veritate (29 June 2009), no. 50.
3
John Paul II, Common Declaration on Environmental Ethics (10 June 2002). http://www.vatican.va/
holy father/john_paul_ii/speeches/2002/june/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_20020610_venice-declaration_en.html,
(accessed on February 10, 2011).
4
See T. Patrick Burke, Major Religions: An Introduction with Texts (Oxford: Blackwell, 1996), 15.
5
See Basmal Elshayyal, A Muslim Perspective on Care of the Earth (29 December 2008), 1. http://
www.afan.uk.net/book/topic-material/muslim-perspective-care-earth, (accessed on February 10, 2011).
6
See Mary Evelyn Tucker and John A. Grim, eds. Worldviews and Ecology: Religion, Philosophy and
the Environment (Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books 1997), 116.
7
Ibid., 125.
8
Ibid., 154.
9
Ibid., 152.
10
John Paul II, Common Declaration on Environmental Ethics.
11
See Amaranatho, A Buddhist Perspective on Care of the Earth (29 December 2008), 1. http://
www.afan .uk.net/book/topic-material/buddhist-perspective-care-earth, (accessed on February 10, 2011).
12
John Paul II, Common Declaration on Environmental Ethics.
13
See Tucker and Grim, eds., Worldviews and Ecology, 154.
14
Ibid., 152.
15
John Paul II, Common Declaration on Environmental Ethics.
16
See Hans Küng, Global Responsibility: In Search of a New World Ethic (New York: Crossroad, 1991),
29 – 30, cited by Edgar Javier in Ecumenism: The Quest for Reconciled Diversities (Lectures, Divine Word
School of Theology, Tagaytay City, 2011), 90.
17
Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate, no. 53.

 
 No. 14 iPaul 15
feel important. If there would be no volunteers, what
will become of these abandoned elderly? Would not

I See Christ tell and urge us to take care of them? “Anyone

who does works of charity to the least of my brethren
he/she does it to me” (Matthew 25:40).
Bro. Rey Carmelo Ausejo, CRSP A person or a certain situation can only be
understood if one puts himself or herself in the shoes
of that person or in that same situation. Rightly so,
Little Way Counts … one cannot feel and understand the needs of these
elderly people and of the area if he/she does not
happen to be there. A very painful experience of mine
When our apostolate began in Bahay Kalinga in my apostolate was when I heard some of the
ni San Jose Home for the Aged in Carasuchi, Indang, stories of the lolas. I cannot imagine how their
Cavite, I never saw its value and importance at first children abandoned them and let them work for their
instance. It seemed that the kind of apostolate there own survival. Oh poor lolas and lolo! They were
did not make sense at all. I found it unhelpful to my deserted by their own children whom they have raised
preparation for the priesthood. It did not satisfy my up and loved much. Should not these grown up
expectations. I presumed that I would take good care children have taken their parents into their homes to
of the abandoned elderly in my assigned apostolate take care of them as a sign of gratitude? Why can’t
area. I assumed that I would attend to their personal they visit their elderly parents? How fortunate are the
necessities like the way I did eight years ago in aged who stay with their children for they really feel
Luwalhati ng Maynila Home for the Aged in Marikina, loved by their own biological family. No wonder why
Metro Manila. At that time, we assisted the elders in these abandoned elderly will be happy to see people
doing their personal necessities like their personal spending time with them and care for them. From the
hygiene, listening to their stories and animation deepest recesses of their hearts, you can see how
activities to make them smile. When I was assigned in glad they are if someone, though not related to them,
Bahay Kalinga, I thought I would do the same. would visit and make them feel loved and valued.
However, that expectation turned out quite differently.
My apostolate is quite unique by this time. My
confreres and I do not attend much on the personal
necessities or personal hygiene of the elderly. Rather,
we attend more to the needs of the apostolate area.
The apostolate area needs volunteers who can do
basic household chores: cleaning the quarters of the
elderly and the surroundings, gathering firewood and
whatever things needed to be done in the area. At
first, I never found its usefulness to my future ministry.
I did not see such kind of activities catering to my
needs in my years of preparation for the priesthood.
But God made me realize that this apostolate, which I
considered as nonsense and a mere waste of time,
mattered much in His eyes and in the eyes of the
elderly. If lolos and lolas (grandparents) could
express their gratitude for having volunteers assisting
them, persons who supplement the needs in the area
by their humble and simple service, they would surely
do so. Their warmth and welcoming smile seem to tell
us, “We are very glad, brothers, to have you with us!”
A lola told me many times, “Uy! Minsan nga lang kayo
pumupunta dito, mag-aabsent pa!” (You just come
here once in a while yet you take absences). This
statement of lola caught my attention. She seemed to
tell us how she wished and longed to have us always.
They are really in need to have someone spending “Can you be a part of God’s hands so that
time with them, attend to their needs, and make them He may reach out to these people
who are very dear to Him through you?”
 No. 14
Whenever I am in my apostolate area, I
cannot but feel the need to love the lolo and lolas. I
say silently, “if I were rich, I would take them home or
do something more than I used to do for them. I will
provide everything that they need. If I only have the
gift of healing, I would heal them of their infirmities!”
However, I have to face the reality that I am only what
I am. I am just one of the small pieces of God’s art, a
person who has nothing but has everything, God. I
am just a person whom God wants to be an
instrument of His love for these people, a person who
can only do in my own little way to extend the hands
of God and His love for them. Would this be God’s
invitation to us all to take care of His brethren
especially those in need? Can you be a part of God’s
hands so that He may reach out to these people who
are very dear to Him through you? Is it not good that,
at least, before they take their final rest they would
experience being loved and cared of?
God has a reason why He made me like this,
a poor creature. Had I been born rich my experience
would have been different and I would not have such
an awe-inspiring experience with the lolo and lolas. I
thank God for this. Indeed, it has been a blessing and
a great opportunity He has given me. Such is an
opportunity to love and to serve, to learn and to grow,
and most of all, to experience God in the midst of
these abandoned lolo and lolas.
All that I do in my apostolate is just a
diminutive work. I consider them little. But I am
convinced that they all matter to God and to the
elderly. All works, little though they are, when done
out of charity are the greatest among all other works.
What matters to God is the love that one puts in that
work. Truly, our “little ways” in doing things if done out
of love counts the most in His eyes. He does not
expect much from us for He knows very well that we
cannot give much.
Can you do your “little way” for these
abandoned elderly? Make a try and experience God
in these lolo and lolas.
“It is the task of a truly
magnanimous person to want
to serve without reward and to
fight without provisions or
stipend.”
-St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria,
Constitutions XII, 182
iPaul 16
NEWS, EVENTS
AT IBA PA …
Birthday of Fr. Frank Papa
 
  The  first  day  of  January  is  one  of  the 
biggest  celebrations  people  usually  celebrate.  It 
marks  the  beginning  of  the  new  year  of  the  civil 
calendar.  People  make  noise  in  any  forms. 
Different foods are served at tables.  
Last  New  Year’s  eve,  the  Barnabite 
community  celebrated  not  only  the  New  Year’s 
Day  but  also  the  70th  birthday  of  Fr.  Frank  Papa, 
superior of St. Paul Scholasticate community. That 
special  moment  was  so  memorable  for  the 
community.  The  brothers  prepared  a  short 
program  for  the  birthday  celebrant.  Different 
kinds  of  games  were  played.  There  were  gift‐
giving,  videoke  challenge  and  the  brothers 
rendered  him  songs  and  dance  by  year  level.  The 
fathers and the professed brothers all enjoyed the 
party  especially  the  birthday  celebrant.  Fr.  Frank 
is  already  in  his  70’s  yet  still  strong  and  very 
passionate  to  do  his  missionary  work  as  a 
Barnabite.  Happy  birthday  “Tatay”  Fr.  Frank!  We 
wish you more good health and blessings! 
 
 
… and his new assignment …
  Last  March  2nd,  Fr.  Frank  Papa  left  the 
Philippines for the United States. Father General in 
Rome  asked  him  to  go  to  the  Barnabite  parish  in 
San  Diego,  California  in  the  Barnabite  North 
American  Province.  He  will  stay  there  for  three 
months to assist Fr. Joseph Tabigue who had been 
working  alone  in  the  parish  since  January.  When 
Father General gave Fr. Frank his new assignment, 
he  wholeheartedly  and  willingly  accepted  it. 
Indeed,  he  has  been  to  many  places  for  mission 
sake.  In  fact,  he  has  been  in  the  Philippines  for 
almost  22  years.  His  remarkable  words  are  “my 
baggage  is  always  ready.”  This  means  that  Fr. 
Frank  is  always  willing  to  go  anywhere  and 
anytime,  as  best  as  he  could  whatever  God  wants 
him  to  do.  We  wish  you  all  the  best  Fr.  Frank  for 
your new assignment!   (Bro. Raphael Laotoco) 
 No. 3
14 iPaul 17
Italian Bishop visits
St. Paul Scholasticate community

Last  13th  of  January,  the  St.  Paul 

Scholasticate  community  in  Tagaytay  was  blessed 
to  have  His  Excellency  Most  Reverend  Gianfranco 
Todisco,  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Melfi‐Rapolla 
Venosa,  in  Italy.  Together  with  him  were  two 
Italian  priests  namely,  Fr.  Carlo  Donisotti,  a 
missionary in Mozambique in Africa and Fr. Felice, 
the  parish  priest  of  Annunziata  Rionero,  Potenza, 
Italy.  Bishop  Gianfranco  and  the  fathers  came  to  Bishop Gianfranco Todisco (extreme left)
the  Philippines  to  attend  the  25th  anniversary  shares some light moments with the scholastics.
foundation  of  the  Merciful  Sisters  in  the 
Philippines  and  the  Perpetual  Profession  of  four 
sisters. Their convent is just a block away from the  Fr. Michael attends Formators’ Meeting
seminary building.  
  Bishop Gianfranco presided at the 6:00 pm    Fr.  Michael  Sandalo,  rector  of  St.  Paul 
celebration  of  the  Vespers  and  Holy  Eucharist  Scholasticate, was in Rome last February 11‐21 to 
together  with  the  two  aforementioned  priests,  Fr.  take  part  in  the  formators’  meeting.  The  said 
Frank  Papa  and  the  fathers  of  St.  Paul  gathering  of  all  the  seminary  formators  of  the 
Scholasticate.  The  celebration  was  also  attended  Barnabite  Congregation  happens  every  two  years 
by  the  Mother  Superior  general  of  the  Merciful  as  part  of  aggiornamento  (updating).  They  also 
Sisters, some members of the general council  and  dealt  with  issues  that  concern  the  formation  of 
the sisters of the Tagaytay community of the same  young  Barnabite  seminarians  and  professed 
congregation.  In  his  homily,  Bishop  Gianfranco,  scholastics. The aforementioned meeting was held 
with a fatherly tone, encouraged the brothers and  on  February  13‐15  in  the  Curia  Generalizia  of  the 
the religious to persevere in their chosen vocation.  Barnabites  in  Rome.  Fr.  Jimmy  George  Anastacio, 
  After  the  Mass,  the  Scholasticate  the  novice  master  of  St.  Alexander  Sauli  Novitiate 
community,  together  with  the  guests  shared  at  in Marikina also joined.  
table  the  fruits  and  blessings  of  the  Lord.  Filipino    The first day of the meeting was devoted to        
and  Italian  food  and  desserts  were  served  which  open  discussions  on  the  problems  and  proposals 
added  to  the  sweetness  of  having  a  bishop  from  that affect the Barnabite formation program. Both 
Italy visiting the Barnabite community. The bishop  Frs. Michael and Jimmy presented a report on the 
and the  guests enjoyed savoring the  good taste of  current  status  of  the  formation  program  in  the 
Filipino  cuisine.  Philippine  fruits  were  served  at  three  Barnabite  formation  houses  in  the 
table  that  truly  pleased  the  guests.  After  supper,   Philippines. In the next two days, three speakers—
Bishop    Todisco  also  spent  some  time  for  a  chat  one  a  Comboni  missionary  and  two  Claretian 
with the brothers. He spoke perfect English.   fathers—gave  a  talk  on  religious  life,  priestly 
Bishop Todisco was particularly impressed  formation and the importance of psychology in the 
by  the  abundance  of  priestly  and  religious  formation  of  priests  and  religious.  These  sessions 
vocations  in  the  Philippines.  It  was,  indeed,  a  gave  a  boost  to  the  fathers  to  work  hard  to 
blessing  and  a  memorable  event  to  have  a  good  improving  the  program  for  future  priests  and 
bishop  to  celebrate  Mass  and  share  some  light  Barnabites. 
moments  with  the  brothers  of  St.  Paul    After the meetings, Frs. Michael and Jimmy 
Scholasticate  community.  (Br.  Mark  Anthony  spent  some  days  visiting  the  religious 
Pondoc)  communities  in  Cremona  and  Naples  (Istituto 
  Bianchi)  where  they  met  their  former  formators: 
   Fr. Aldo Rizzi (Cremona) and Fr. Giovanni Scalese.  
 No. 14 iPaul 18
The  two‐day  recollection  began  in  the  evening  of 
March  27  with  a  solemn  exposition  and 
benediction  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament.  The  next 
morning,  the  facilitator  gave  two  sessions.  The 
first  started  at  8:30  in  the  morning  followed  by  a 
thirty‐minute  break  then  the  second  session.  At 
3:00  o’clock  in  the  afternoon,  two  priests  made 
themselves  available  for  the  confession:  the 
facilitator himself and Fr. Cesare Bertoni, RCJ. The 
celebration  of  the  Holy  Eucharist  followed  as  the 
culmination  and  concluding  part  of  the  activities. 
(Br. Roxie Roflo)  
 
Fr. Michael Mancusi in the hospital
Superior General of the Barnabites Most Rev. Fr. Giovanni
Villa, the General Council, the provincial superiors and
 
the formators of the Barnabite formation houses   Barnabite Fr. Michael Francis Mancusi has 
been  in  St.  Luke’s  Medical  Center  in  Taguig  City, 
Community days of Recollection Metro  Manila  due  to  stroke.  In  the  morning  of 
March  6,  he  was  rushed  to  Tagaytay  City  Medical 
The  professed  brothers  of  St.  Paul  Hospital  and  was  given  first  aid  by  the  resident 
Scholasticate  community  spent  some  days  of  doctor  and  nurses.  Then  he  was  moved  to  De  La 
silence  and  reflection.  Last  25‐26  of  February  the  Salle  University  Medical  Center  in  Dasmarinas, 
community had a recollection in the seminary. The  Cavite  and  was  immediately  admitted  to  the 
recollection  facilitator  was  Monsignor  Gerry  intesive  care  unit  (ICU).  After  almost  two  weeks, 
Santos,  a  diocesan  priest  of  the  Archdiocese  of  Fr. Joselito Ortega decided to transfer Fr. Mancusi 
Manila,  professor  of  Theology  and  supervisor  of  to  St.  Luke’s  Medical  Center.  The  state‐of‐the‐art 
parochial schools association in the Archdiocese of  facilities and the expert doctors and nurses of the 
Manila.  He  is  one  of  the  favorite  professors  of  the  said  hospital  paved  the  way  for  Fr.  Mancusi’s  fast 
brothers  in  Divine  Word  School  of  Theology.  recovery.  Physical therapists have been attending 
Confessions  were  held  at  9:00  o’clock  in  the  him  as  well.  Fr.  Mancusi’s  sister  and  a  nephew 
morning.  The  first  session  started  at  11:30  a.m.  from  the  US  also  came  to  check  at  his  situation. 
and  the  second  session  was  at  2:30  in  the  They  left  after  ten  days.  Since  Fr.  Mancusi’s 
afternoon.  Monsignor  Santos  talked  about  the  hospitalization, the brothers took turns in going to 
celibate  life  of  priests.  He  explained  well  the hospital to look after him.  
theologically the meaning of celibacy and how it is 
lived. This, in turn, made the brothers reflect well 
on  the  subject  matter  in  relation  to  their  chosen 
vocation. The said activity was concluded with the 
celebration  of  the  Holy  Eucharist  presided  by  the 
recollection master himself. 
The  community  Lenten  recollection  took 
place on 27‐28  March. It was held at the La Sallete 
Retreat House in Silang, Cavite. The facilitator was 
Fr.  Dominic  Lim,  a  member  of  the  Order  of  Friars 
Minor‐Conventuals.  His  talk  centered  on  the  Holy 
Eucharist  in  relation  to  the  religious  vocation.  He 
made  a  profound  theological  and  biblical 
discussion  on  the  subject  matter.  He  pointed  out 
how important the Holy Eucharist is in the lives of 
Christians  particularly  the  religious  and   priests.   A pose with Msgr. Gerry Santos (in blue polo)
 No. 3
14 iPaul 19
Fr. Silva visits the Barnabite Confreres
in the Philippines
 
  Very  Rev.  Fr.  Francisco  Chagas  Da  Silva, 
one  of  the  four  assistants  superior  general,  came 
to  the  Philippines  for  a  fourteen‐day  visit  and  to 
represent  the  superior  general  Fr.  Giovanni  Villa 
for the Ordinations. Fr. Silva arrived last March 31 
and  stayed  at  St.  Paul  Scholasticate.  He  was  the 
first Brazilian Barnabite to visit the Philippines. 
During  his  stay,  he  had  the  chance  to  visit 
the city of Tagaytay and trekked Taal volcano with 
Fr. Arvin Dagalea and the confreres. He also visited 
the  Barnabite  communities  of  Marikina  and 
Silangan.  The  fathers  also  toured  him  to 
Intramuros,  the  Manila  cathedral  and  San  Agustin 
Church.  After  his  week‐long  stay  in  Tagaytay,  he  Fr. Francisco da Silva (2nd from left), assistant superior
general of the Barnabite Order poses with the scholastics.
moved  to  St.  Anthony  Mary  Zaccaria  Seminary  in 
Marikina.  The  fathers  of  the  said  community  The  brothers  also  serenaded  Fr.  Francisco  with 
toured  him  to  various  places  of  interest  in  English  and  Filipino  songs.  They  all  sang 
Marikina,  introduced  him  to  the  Angelic  Sisters,  “Pagkakaibigan” (Friendship), a song adaptation of 
the  Sisters  of  the  Little  Workers  of  the  Sacred  John  13.  Fr.  Francisco  expressed  his  gratitude  for 
Heart  and  to  the  lay  affiliates.  Moreover,  together  the brothers’ hospitality and kindness, encouraged 
with  Fr.  Jimmy  Anastacio  and  his  novices,  Frs.  them  in  their  vocation  and  invited  them  to  Brazil 
Cirilo  Coniendo,  Arvin  Dagalea  and  Thomas  for  pastoral  experience  in  the  Barnabite  shrine  of 
Tabada,    Fr.    Francisco  went  to  Baguio  City  for  a  Our Lady of Belem. Despite  his limited English, he 
two‐day  excursion.  The  city  is  considered  as  “the  tried  to  express  himself  and  talked  with  the 
summer  capital  of  the  Philippines”  because  of  its  brothers.  
cool and relaxing climate and surroundings.  Fr.  Francisco  conveyed  to  the  new  priests 
Before Fr. Francisco left the Scholastice on  and deacons Fr. Villa’s message. He recognized the 
April  4,  the  brothers  organized  the  “community  Congregation’s joy in having three new priests and 
night”.  Through  the  initiative  of  Br.  Roxie  Roflo,  two  new  deacons:  “la  nostra  famiglia  religiosa 
the  brothers  enjoyed  the  parlor  games  and  song  eleva la sua lode di ringraziamento a Dio per il dono 
presentations.  Food  and  drinks were also served.  ricevuto.  Dono  che  vediamo  nei  vostri  volti”  (Our 
religious family raises its praise of thanksgiving to 
God  for  the  gift  received.  A  gift  that  we  see  and 
contemplate  in  your  faces).    He  reminded  the 
newly ordained of their new titles: padre (father), 
sacerdote  (priest),  diaconi  (deacons)—”per  il 
nostro Dio, per la sua Chiesa” (for our God and for 
His  Church).  He  wished  the  new  ministers  all  the 
best for their ministry.  
Fr.  Francisco  left  the  Philippines  on  April 
12. On his departure, he received a Tshirt with the 
printed  image  of  the  Founder.  It  was  a  shirt 
especially made for St. Paul Scholasticate.  
To  Fr.  Francisco,  grazie  caro  padre!    We 
hope your first visit would not be the last.  
Fr. Francisco (third from left) poses with Fr. Joselito,  
Bishop Tagle and Fr. Vhon Arellano.
 No. 14 iPaul 20
Barnabite scholastics graduate
with “flying colors”

The  Divine  Word  School  of  Theology 

(DWST)  in  Tagaytay,  where  the  Barnabite 
professed  brothers  take  their  theological  studies, 
culminated  the  school  year  2010‐2011  with  the 
Commencement  Exercises  or  graduation  rites  last 
26th  of  March.    On  that  special  day,  fourteen  (14) 
Barnabite  scholastics  received  the  academic  titles 
namely  the  two‐year  Philippine  government 
recognized degree Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) major in 
Theology  and  the  four‐year  Ecclesiastical  studies 
in Theology.  
The  celebration  started  at  8:30  in  the 
morning  with  a  solemn  baccalaureate  Mass  Fr. Michael Sandalo (left) assists in placing the hood
presided  by  His  Excellency  Most  Reverend  Joel  on Scholastic John Koten.
Baylon,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Legazpi   The  Barnabite  brothers  who  obtained  the 
together  with  the  rectors,  priest‐professors  and  degree A.B. in Theology include Cunan Adaro, Rey 
formators  of  the  different  communities  and  Carmelo  Ausejo,  Alfredo  Dolog,  Jr.,  Benedict 
religious houses. After the celebration of the Holy  Insigne,  Glenn  Gaabucayan,  Alvin  Libay,  Mark 
Eucharist, the graduation ceremony followed. The  Anthony  Pondoc,  Gerard  Sala  and  John  Paul  Osip. 
guest  speaker  was  the  former  ambassador  of  the  Aside  from  their  academic  degrees,  the  same 
Philippines to the Holy See Honorable Henrietta T.  scholastics  were  also  honored  by  the  DWST  for 
De  Villa,  who  is  at  present  the  president  of  the  their  excellent  academic  performance.  Four  of 
Mother  Butler  Guild.    The  graduation  was  held  in  them  graduated  as  Magna  cum  laude:  Cunan 
the  seminary  chapel  of  DWST.  The  ceremony  was  Adaro, Rey Carmelo Ausejo, Glenn Gaabucayan and 
quite  long  that  it  ended  at  around  2:00  o’clock  in  John Paul Osip. Three were honored as Cum laude: 
the  afternoon.  The  whole  community  of  St.  Paul  Alvin  Libay,  Mark  Anthony  Pondoc  and  Gerard 
Scholasticate  was  present.  Unfortunately,  not  all  Sala.  Moreover,  the  three  deacons  Clyd  Autentico, 
the  families  of  the  Barnabite  graduates  attended  Jonathan  Ramoso  and  Thomas  Federick  Tabada, 
though  some  had  their  relatives  and  immediate  who  all  finished  the  four‐year  Ecclesiastical 
family  members  present  particularly  those  program, also received their A.B. Theology degree. 
residing near Tagaytay.   Their  hard‐work  and  academic  excellence  were 
also recognized: Deacon Jonathan was honored as 
Cum  laude  while  Thomas  Tabada  distinguished 
himself with two awards as a magna cum laude in 
A.B.  Theology  and  a  cum  laude  graduate  in 
Ecclesiastical  studies.  Scholastic  Yohanes  Koten 
also received his degree in Ecclesiastical studies as 
well as Bro. Pat Golis who opted not to attend the 
graduation rites due to his advanced commitment 
in the parish. 
After the graduation, the whole community 
celebrated  with  a  sumptuous  lunch  in  the 
seminary refectory. After lunch, Sr. Daisy Maciado, 
the  superior  of  the  community  of  the  Hospitaler 
Sisters  in  Tagaytay  and  a  good  friend  of  the 
community,  invited  the  brothers  and  the  fathers 
The “cream of the crop” of the Barnabites and DWST for    a    celebration    at   Starbucks    coffee    shop.   
 No. 14 iPaul 21
skills  to  the  same  seminarians.  Most  of  all,  both 
have  always  encouraged  and  provided  moral  and 
spiritual support to the confreres in their vocation 
and  in  the  pastoral  activities  of  the  fathers  of  St. 
Paul Scholasticate community.  
  On  the  day  of  their  inclusion  as  Affiliate 
members,  the  couple  was  called  to  the  altar  and 
the  Delegate  superior  of  the  Barnabites  in  the 
Philippines,  Fr.  Joselito  Ortega,  read  the  official 
decree  of  affiliation  from  Rome.  Fr.  Francisco  Da 
Silva, assistant superior general of the Barnabites, 
gave  them  the  tokens:  an  image  of  Our  Mother  of 
Divine  Providence  and  a  medallion  with  the 
inscription  of  the  Holy  Founder.  The  laminated 
Celebrating the day’s triumph! certificate  of  affiliation  was  also  given  to  them.  It 
The  fathers  and  the  brothers,  Sr.  Daisy  and  her  was, indeed, a surprise for them to be honored and 
postulants  all  enjoyed  the  whole  afternoon  recognized  for  their  generosity  and  collaboration 
celebrating the success of the Barnabite graduates.   through the years of the Barnabite presence in the 
The  occasion  had  been,  indeed,  a  blessing  Diocese of Imus.  
to the community as the scholastics received their    Mr.  and  Mrs.  Roa  have  two  grown‐up 
academic  degrees  and  distinguished  themselves  children,  both  already  married  and  professionals. 
for their academic excellence. Their labor had not  The  Roa  residence  is  just  in  front  of  St.  Paul 
been  in  vain  for  by  the  sweat  of  their  brows,  the  Scholaticate  building.  For  this  reason,  the  couple 
harvest was abundant. Keep up the good work for  has  always  been  present  in  the  Masses  and  other 
the  glory  of  God!  The  community  of  St.  Paul  spiritual activities of the community.  
Scholasticate  is  very  proud  of  you!  (Br.  Gerard    At  present,  the  Barnabites  in  the 
Sala)  Philippines have six (6) affiliate members all based 
  in Marikina City. With the addition of Mr. and Mrs. 
  Roa,  the  Filipino  affiliates  now  reach  eight  (8)  in 
First Affiliates in Tagaytay number.  Congratulations  to  sir  Ed  and  ma’am 
  Alma!  
The  Barnabites  in  the  Philippines  have 
new  lay  collaborators  in  the  persons  of  Mr. 
Eduardo  and  Mrs.  Alma  Roa.  They  were  officially 
admitted as affiliate members of the Congregation 
during  the  Ordination  rites  last  April  2nd.  The 
couple  has  been  good  friends  of  the  St.  Paul 
Scholasticate community since its foundation in its 
present  site  in  2005.    Because  of  this,  they  have 
become  especially  connected  to  the  Barnabite 
Fathers.  Now  as  affiliate  members,  they  have 
become united with the Order in a special bond of 
friendship and share in its spiritual benefits.  
Mrs.  Alma  Roa  has  always  been 
particularly  involved  in  the  activities  of  Tahanan 
Mapag­aruga  ni  Padre  Semeria,  the  pre‐school 
attached  to  St.  Paul  Scholasticate.  While  Mr. 
Eduardo  Roa  has  been  teaching  English  grammar  Eduardo and Alma Roa, the first affiliates
and composition to the First year scholastics. Mrs.  of the Barnabite Congregation in Tagaytay
Roa  has  also  taught  English  oral communication  
 No. 3
14 iPaul 22
Barnabites in Indonesia
for “exploratory visit”

  By  the  urging  of  the  General  Council  in 

Rome, Fr. Joselito Ortega, delegate superior of the 
Filipino  Barnabites,  Fr.  Michael  Sandalo,  rector  of 
St.  Paul  Scholasticate  and  Rev.  Yohanes  Koten  left 
last  April  6  for  a  weeklong  “exploratory  visit”  in 
Indonesia.  The  said  visit  was  intended  to  see  and 
and  evaluate  the  possibility  of  establishing  the 
Barnabite presence in Indonesia.  
  The  fathers  arrived  in  Maumere,  Flores 
Island  after  a  12‐hour  flight.  Their  travel  was  so 
exhausting  and  long  because  they  left  Manila  at  9 
pm  of  April  6th  and  arrived  in  Jakarta  at  12  (From left) Angelic Sr. Lilia, Rev. Yohanes,
Bishop Franciskus Kopong Kung (Bishop of Larantuka),
midnight.  Then  they  had  to  wait  for  a  flight  to 
Fr. Joselito and Fr. Michael
Kupang  at  6  am  and  took  another  plane  to 
Maumere at 10 am. They were accomodated by the  the  socio‐economic  situation  of  the  faithful,  the 
Sisters  of  Our  Lady  of  the  Angels  whose  convent  parishes and the clergy, vocations and the possible 
was  half  a  kilometer  away  from  the  Maumere  future ministry the Congregation could offer to the 
domestic  airport.  The  mother  superior  Sr.  Ma  faithful.  
Cecilia  Tano,  SdA  and  the  postulants  attended  to    Accompanied  by  Sr.  Vilma,  the  fathers 
their needs. The Angelic sisters Lilia Domingo and  started  their  mission  on  April  8.  From  Maumere, 
Vilma Tado accompanied them in their travels and  they  travelled  to  Larantuka  to  meet  the  Vicar 
meetings  with  the  bishops.  Both  sisters  spoke  General  of  the  Diocese  of  Larantuka,  Fr.  Romo 
fluent Bahasa, the official language of Indonesia.   Gabriel  in  the  Bishop’s  residence.  Fr.  Gabriel 
  The  fathers  intended  to  know  the  present  shared  with  the  fathers  his  personal  insights  on 
situation  of  the  dioceses  of  Larantuka,  Maumere  the  current  situation  of  Larantuka  diocese.  The 
and Ende—all in Flores Island. The island is said to  following day, April 9, the fathers headed to Ende, 
be  home  to  1.6  million  Indonesians,  the  majority  east  of  Flores  Island.  They  met  the  Archbishop  of 
are  Catholics.  The  fathers  inquired  about  the  Ende,  Most  Rev.  Vincentius  Sensi  Potokota  in  the 
apostolate of the religious in the said  dioceses,   archbishop’s  palace  in  Ndoma.  The  said  bishop 
expressed his openness to accept the Barnabites in 
his  diocese.  He  explained  that  the  diocese  needs 
school  administrators  because  most  educational 
institutions  are  either  mismanaged  or  lack 
schoolheads. At the end of the meeting, he happily 
exclaimed  “I  shall  expect  good  news  from  you!” 
which  appeared  to  be  a  statement  of  high 
expectations. He also invited the fathers for lunch.  
  In the morning of April 10, the fathers had 
an  audience  with  the  Bishop  of  Maumere,  Most 
Rev.  Kherubim  Pareira,  SVD.  Though  already 
advanced  in  his  age,  he  spoke  with  much 
enthusiasm  and  vigor.  He  and  Fr.  Joselito  talked 
about the health care ministry of many religious in 
his  diocese.  He  also  expressed  his  willingness  to 
receive  the  Barnabites  in  his  diocese.  After  the 
(from left) Rev. Yohanes, Bishop Kherubim Pareira, SVD
meeting,  the  fathers  decided  to  visit  the  school  of 
(Bishop of Maumere), Fr. Joselito and Fr. Michael during
the meeting at the Maumere Bishop’s residence, April 10.
Theology   and   Philosophy   of  the  Society  of  the 
 No. 3
14 iPaul 23

iPaul
Saint Paul Scholasticate Newsletter

THE CLERICS REGULAR OF SAINT PAUL

— BARNABITES —
Saint Paul Scholasticate
(From left) Sr. Lilia, Rev. Yohanes, Fr. Joselito, Purok 163, San Jose
Archbishop Vincentius, and Fr. Michael Tagaytay City, Cavite, the Philippines
Divine  Word  in  Ledalero,  the  town  next  to 
Maumere. They met Fr. Andreas Mua, SVD, a good  Mailing Address: P. O. Box 32,
friend of the Angelic Sisters and Rev. Yohanes. He  4120 Tagaytay City, Philippines
shared with the fathers his experiences of helping  Tel. & Fax: +63 46 413-2837
religious  institutes  establish  themselves  in  Flores.  Email: saintpaulscholasticate@gmail.com
He  also  offered  his  availability  to  assist  the 
Director: Fr. Michael Sandalo, CRSP
Barnabites.  
Editor-in-Chief: Br. Rey Carmelo A.
  The  afternoon  of  the  same  day  was 
Ausejo, CRSP
dedicated  for  a  meeting  with  the  Bishop  of 
Associate Editor: Br. Mark Anthony
Larantuka, Most Rev. Franciskus Kopong Kung. He 
Pondoc, CRSP
decided  to  meet  the  fathers  in  the  convent  of  the 
Staff Writers: Rev. Jonathan G. Ramoso,
Angelic  Sisters  in  Maumere.  Like  the  other  two 
Rev. Thomas Federick S. Tabada, Br.
bishops,  he  would  likewise  be  happy  to  have  the 
Gerard Sala, Br. John Paul Osip, Br.
Barnabites in his diocese. He also offered to ordain 
Raphael Laotoco, Br. Julimar Pulvera, Br.
Rev. Yohanes, who belonged to his diocese, to the 
Cunan Adaro
priesthood if it would take place in Indonesia.  
Contributors: Fr. Michael Francis
  As  they  went  from  one  place  to  another, 
Mancusi, Fr. Clyd Autentico, Rev. John
the  fathers  were  all  amazed  by  the  breathtaking 
Koten, Rev. Pat Golis
beauty of the virgin forests and blue sea of Flores 
Island.  They  had  the  chance  to  visit  Kelimutu 
National  Park  and  trekked  Mt.  Kelimutu  which  is  Typeset in the Philippines by the
famous  for  its  three  craters  with  different  colors.  Saint Paul Scholasticate, April 2011
Moreover, they also met one of the sisters of Rev. 
Yohanes and stopped at her house for snacks.  
  On  April  11,  the  fathers  left  Maumere  and 
flew  to  Denpasar,  Bali.  They  stayed  at  the  newly 
constructed transient house of the Sisters of Mary 
Immaculate.  They  had  the  chance  to  tour  around 
Bali. They flew to Manila via Jakarta at midnight of 
April  12.  Rev.  Yohanes  went  back  to  his  family’s 
house in Larantuka for vacation.  
  The  fathers’  encounter  with  the  Local 
Ordinaries  had  been  very  positive.  With  the 
blessing  of  Divine  Providence,  Indonesia  could 
become the next mission of the Barnabites.  
Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi?