SVD Abra Mission a gift to the Philippines: Father General at Mass in Christ the King Seminary

4:00 PM, August 14, 2009
Quezon City, Philippines

"The SVD Abra Mission was the Founder's gift to the Philippines." This was how the ninth superior general of the SVD, Fr. Antonio Pernia, understands the special "love" of St. Arnold Janssen to the Philippine mission. In his homily at the mass which he presided at the chapel of Christ the King Seminary in Quezon City, Fr. Pernia, revealed that the Founder and the first superior general "fought hard for it against his council which was intent on sending missionaries only to non-Christian countries." Please scroll down to read the rest of the homily of the Father Pernia.

Former SVDs Ed de la Torre and Jun Falafox

The Superior General and actress
and SVD friend Chin Chin Gutierrez (who sang the Magnificat at the mass)

Seen at the concelebration were bishops--Arturo Bastes, SVD; Deogracias Iniguez; Isao Kikuchi, SVD (Japan); provincials--Jerome Adriatico (SVD Northern Province), Jojo Magadia (Jesuit provincial), Sebio Manangbao (SVD Kenya), and Nielo Cantilado (SVD Central Province).

Fr. Sebio Manangbao-SVD provincial of Kenya; SVD friend Dhel Ngo, and Fr. Nico Espinosa, SVD (Colombia)

This mass was part of the series of celebrations and gatherings for the 100 years of the SVD presence in the Philippines (1909-2009) which began last night with a prayer concert called "Experience 100" at the San Juan Arena attended by Father Pernia himself and more than 3000 people composed mostly of students and parishioners under the care of the SVDs in Manila and Cavite (Manila District).

Other activities related to the centennial of the SVD will be done in the following places:
August 15, 2009 – Grand Alumni Homecoming, Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City organized by XVDs.
August 16, 2009 – Celebrations at Holy Name University, Tagbilaran City, BoholAugust 18-19,
2009 – Celebrations in Cebu City.
August 18-19, 2009 – Celebrations in Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay City organized by the Divine Word Seminary Students’ Association.
August 20, 2009 - SVD Homecoming in Divine Word Seminary Tagaytay City.

August 21-23, 2009 - Celebrations in Abra

• Aug 21, 7 PM - Welcome program in Penarubbia
• Aug 22, 8 AM - Motorcade around Bangued 9 AM - Mass led by Nuncio at Bangued Cathedral12 noon - Lunch 7 PM - Cultural show at DWCB
• Aug 23, 9 AM - Mass at San Isidro with Fr. General, followed by lunch; departure afterwards

November 13, 2009 SVD Mission Awards at St. Jude Catholic School. please click here for more info.
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In the Heart of Arnold Janssen:
Homily of Fr. Antonio Pernia, SVD Superior General at the Mass in Christ the King Seminary

My dear Confreres and Friends,
My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

The gospel reading today paints a picture of Mary travelling in haste to the hill country, to a town in Judah, to visit her cousin Elizabeth and share with her the good news of the marvelous things God had done for her. Mary experienced the hospitality of Elizabeth's home and she stayed with her about three months.

Today we gather to remember the first two SVD missionaries, travelling in haste, like Mary, over the seas of the Indian ocean, moved by the call to share with the Filipino people the good news of the marvelous things God had done for humanity. Fr. Luis Beckert came from China, where he had been a missionary for six years. Fr. Juan Scheiermann came from Europe, where he had just been ordained a priest. The two met in Hongkong and travelled together by a steamer to the Philippines, arriving in Manila, a hundred years ago, on August 15, 1909.

What they found when they arrived was probably not exactly what Mary found in the house of Elizabeth. Everything must have been strange, for they knew no one personally. They were met at the pier by a CICM father, Fr. Moral, who took them to the residence of the Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop Agius, with whom they lodged. Four days afterwards, they resumed their journey to Vigan, and from Vigan to Abra, on two bamboo rafts. In Abra, from Bangued to Pilar, which is now San Isidro, on horseback, arriving at noon on August 23, 1909, exactly eight days after they set foot on Philippine soil. The history books describe that memorable day in the following words:

Accompanied by Bishop Carroll and dean Bartolome Espiritu, the two newcomers, Fr. Beckert and Fr. Scheiermann, rode into the hinterland along, narrow paths. Toward noon they entered Pilar ... the Capitan and some people had put in their appearance to welcome them. After a short rest, Bishop Carroll took his leave at three in the afternoon. Now the two missionaries were all alone among strangers in a rented bamboo house. The church was in a lamentable condition, nothing but a wretched shed with a grass roof. No doubt it was a rough and hard beginning.

Perhaps not much of a hospitality as Mary found in Elizabeth's house — although, in the course of time, that hospitality became an everyday reality as the two missionaries, and the later generations of missionaries, learned the language and culture of the people and became one with them. Thus began what was known at that time as the "SVD Abra Mission".
But perhaps the real beginning is to be found in the heart of the Founder, St. Arnold Janssen, a few years earlier — in May 1904, when the idea of an SVD mission in the Philippines was first brought to his attention, or in September 1907 when he and the general council finally decided to send missionaries to Abra. This was a mission the Founder loved. He fought for it against his council which was intent on sending missionaries only to non-Christian countries. He carefully organized the sending of the first missionaries. He handpicked the first two missionaries for this new mission. Unfortunately, the fragility of his health overtook the departure of the first missionaries to the Philippines. The Founder died in Steyl exactly seven months before the first two missionaries, different from the ones he had chosen, arrived in Manila.

The "SVD Abra Mission" was the Founder's gift to the Philippines. It had a small and humble beginning. Two missionaries to start with and a few more in the following years. But over the last one hundred years, the Abra Mission has grown into what we now call the "Philippine SVD", consisting of three provinces with some 460 members, engaged in a variety of apostolates and ministries — parishes and missions, schools and universities, formation houses and retreat centers, the biblical and communication apostolates; ministry with indigenous peoples, street children, trafficked women, the poor and marginalized, and the Filipino-Chinese community. Today we count some 530 Filipino Divine Word missionaries, the fourth largest national group in the whole Society of the Divine Word. About a 160 of them (or close to a third) work as missionaries in other lands, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with people of other nations, cultures, and languages.

If the "SVD Abra Mission" was the Founder's gift to the Philippines, the "Philippine SVD" is the Philippines gift back to the Founder. It is said that when the Founder celebrated his 70th birthday on November 5, 1907, one of the well-wishers was dressed up as a Filipino and was made to deliver a speech to the Founder, welcoming the first two missionaries who had already been appointed for the Philippines. Perhaps the Founder never imagined that that boy was but a prelude to the many Filipino SVD missionaries who now share his vision and follow his charism. Neither did the Founder ever imagine that, a hundred years later, his ninth successor as superior general would be a Filipino. In 1907, the Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop Agius told Fr. Eberhard Limbrock, the SVD Prefect Apostolic of Papua New Guinea, who was on a visit to the country: "I feel that God wants you here. Your mission in the Philippines will be a success and will call down many blessings on your Society".

This exchange of gifts between Arnold Janssen and the Philippines is like the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth in the gospel reading today. Mary visits Elizabeth, and Elizabeth hails Mary as the mother of the Lord. And blessings come upon both, and they erupt in praise of the Lord, for the favor they had found with God. In a similar way, Arnold Janssen sends missionaries to Abra, and the Filipinos give back to the SVD missionaries a hundredfold. And God's blessings come upon both, the SVD and the Philippines. And together, today, we erupt in praise of the Lord.

Our soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; And our spirit rejoices in God our savior. For he has looked upon us, his lowly servants, and has done great things for us and through us. Holy is his name.

Dear confreres and friends, everything is grace. Today, as we look over the hundred years of SVD presence in the country, we do see the great work and self-sacrificing efforts of our pioneer missionaries, on the one hand, and the generous response and ready collaboration of the people, on the other. But always at the horizon was God's grace, making fruitful what sometimes were failed efforts of the missionaries and making joyful what often was a timid response of the people. Today, then, we celebrate not just the self-sacrificing efforts of our pioneer missionaries, not just the generous response of the people, but above all, God's abundant grace and abiding love.

Dear confreres in the SVD, if Fr. Beckert and our pioneer missionaries survived the difficult first years in Abra, it was not only because of their selfless dedication and commitment, but also because of their reliance on the generosity of the people and, above all, their faith in God's unfailing grace and love. These are three attitudes which we need to renew in ourselves today — selfless dedication to mission, reliance on the generosity of the people, and abiding faith in God. And we, who are heirs of the missionary project begun by our pioneer missionaries a hundred years ago, can hope to bring it forward and make it bear even more abundant fruit only if we can match their missionary zeal and spirit.

And so, today, as we gather in thanksgiving to remember and rejoice, let us renew our missionary vocation, our commitment to follow the Divine Word,

to be disciples — chaste, poor, obedient, immersed in the life of the Trinity;
called, like Saint Arnold, to imitate the Word made flesh in self-emptying,
to follow Jesus Christ through cross and resurrection, in suffering and joy.

Only then can we truly make "His life our life and His mission our mission". And only then can we pay true tribute to Arnold Janssen and our pioneer missionaries. Only then can our celebration of the Philippine SVD Centennial find true meaning.

Dear confreres and friends, the Philippine SVD Centennial is an event not just of the SVD Philippine Provinces but of the entire Society of the Divine Word. Today, I stand here to represent not just the SVD general council in Rome, but indeed the whole SVD all over the world. My presence here today is meant to give expression to what the entire family of the Society of the Divine Word wishes to say to you today: "We rejoice with you. We celebrate with you. We give thanks to God with you". Congratulations, and may God bless us all!
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On personal note, I'd like to thank those whom I met at the reception who told me they follow this blog and miss it when not updated. Those remarks keep this little service going.

Incidentally, the album "SVD Complines and Vespers"--prayers sung during Saturday nights and Sunday evenings at Divine Word Seminary chapel (composed by Bishop Cinches and Bishop Bastes) is now out in the market. You can now buy your copies of the centennial limited edition (with Jubilate) at Christ the King Seminary Store, Catholic Trade Manila, Divine Word Seminary-Tagaytay; or you can write an email to me rrandy33@yahoo.com or text Fr. Raul Caga 09282756270. Price per album with musical notes (Jubilate)= P500.00.

For sample tracks, click here.

Two SVD Scholastics Renew Vows

Here's the homily of Fr. Jerome Marquez, vice-provincial of SVD Philippine Central Province and director of St. Jude Catholic School. The occasion is the renewal of SVD vows of two chinese seminarians (names and pictures withheld) on the Feast of Transfiguration (6 August 2009).

The homily reinterprets the initial difficulties of foreign student-seminarians as a commitment to the Cross (and "rose" to use Cory's word) in the life of a religious-missionary. Such life demands living the vows in the social context of the country in which one is called to live.

Feast of Transfiguration (Mk 9: 2-10)
Renewal of Vows Homily: Fr. Jerome Marquez, SVD

Cory Aquino: Truly Catholic, Truly Filipino

Yesterday’s event was another defining moment for the late President Cory Aquino and the Filipino people. I was at DZMM Teleradyo for the 9-11AM broadcast of the funeral mass at the Cathedral. I joined the broadcast because it was my little way of thanking Tita Cory. I also wanted our young people to see a model of leadership that can truly be emulated. I believe Cory’s life is a testimony of how one can truly be Catholic and truly be Filipino. Indeed, she made me feel proud again being a Catholic Filipino.

When the mass ended, I rushed my way to the route of the procession and so I went to Osmena hiway in Manila. We parked along the road near a community of informal settlers hidden by the MMDA’s Metro Gwapo. I became one with the multitude of urban settlers, those coming out from their narrow shacks and alleys, enjoyed the downpour of rain and confetti, manifested Laban signs and chanted for the last time the name of our icon…Cory, Cory, Cory! To most of us, we came out beyond curiosity. It was our last glimpse to the woman we all want to pay our respect. But deeply, I was moved by the jubilant spirit of the crowd. I saw and was part of how truly the Filipino people can love and say its “salamat and paalam”.

Yes today, we have renewal of religious vows of two confreres from China. The timing merges with this special historical moment when we are defining what Cory stood for and how this country can move further after being touched by Cory’s magic. And maybe we, as SVD religious and communities, begin to reflect more profoundly - what renewal is needed as a missionary and religious institution in the Philippines, after remembering and rejoicing this gift of 100 years.

Renewal of our Radical Following of Jesus

Virgil Howard and David Peabody, both scriptural scholars, find several traits in the gospel story that are drawn from the Old Testament: six days and the high mountain from Exodus, the dazzling garments from book of Daniel, the figures of Elijah and Moses, and mention of tents as in “booths” in Leviticus. However, through all these images and details, the gospel leads us to its main point: Jesus himself and the revelation of him as God’s Son. “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him”. This message is given secretly to the inner core disciples of Jesus. It is a knowledge that is supposed to define their understanding of Jesus the Messiah who will later meet his passion, death and resurrection.

Profession of Vows as Second "Baptism"
As Jesus is the central image on this transfiguration story, he is the same central person in consecrated life. The very foundation of this calling and this free and total self-donation to God is to seek a closer following and imitation of the chaste, poor, and obedient Christ. Profession of vows is seen therefore like a second baptism. We are more profoundly incorporated into Christ and into the life of the Church. In this renewal of vows, we re-commit to insert ourselves into the paschal mystery of Christ that life of suffering, death, and resurrection. Following the spirit of the 16th General Chapter, “Jesus is our model par excellence of prophetic dialogue”. Thus our SVD identity grows more from this relationship and from the example of the incarnate Divine Word. His identity and mission are discovered in dialogue with the Father; in dialogue with the people he lived with, and in dialogue with the socio-political reality of the people of Galilee (see In Dialogue with the Word No. 7-September 2007, pp 22-23).

To be an SVD implies making incarnate this same practice of Jesus in our religious and evangelizing communities. Far from being absorbed by our theological studies, weekly apostolate and community living, we need to cultivate more the centrality of this dialogue with God in our daily living. It may be one of the good reasons why our Pink Sisters have been attracting local tourists to visit their cloistered chapels. They are branded as a praying community. It is their best witness to the world – their dialogue with God. The same Jesus in dialogue leads us to see the need for real respect on the experiences of people we serve. Such is the attitude of an SVD in true dialogue, which is not just another pastoral activity but an “attitude of solidarity, respect and love” (Gaudium et Spes 3).

One of the things I asked from Saint Jude Catholic School as a Director is to lead students and teachers into a life in solidarity with people. Yes, the school gives donations every year. But more than the power of our purse, I also felt a more transforming need on the power of our students to be in solidarity with the poor. So the Chinese Filipinos will also be less afraid that they are “kidnappable” and to erase a notion that the poor are only interested on what they can get from them materially. So our students and personnel started to share where they are best at: to educate. They started visiting alternative learning system communities in Dasmarinas, Bacoor, and Palawan. They started offering for our weekly Saturday masses only school supplies. They started tutoring out-of-school learners into what they truly have and can truly share: their competence in Math, Science and English. They started exchanging stories, texts, and life. Indeed, education is not just within the corners of the classroom. Education means transforming one’s attitude towards humanity.

This renewal of vows means a lot to us. It demands our re-commitment to Christ himself and our renewal to the commitments of Christ. In a special way, we SVDs commit ourselves to our preferred dialogue partners: the poor and marginalized those from other faiths and faith seekers, other religions and ideologies, and those from other cultures. Most of the time, I, too, ask myself, “Have I truly loved and followed you, Lord, through the SVD way?” And my most honest response is: NOT AT ALL TIMES, LORD. But, please, still give me a chance to love and follow you in the SVD preferred way. And that is why I emulate Cory. For her life of selflessness and sacrifice are all rooted on God who is her bedrock. In his homily yesterday for the funeral, Fr. Catalino Arevalo says, “Cory’s greatest strength is her faith”. To me, such is an act of true consecration. Total abandonment of one’s life and one’s will to God. Such is the also core of a life of a missionary. When we allow God to lead us to whom we are called to serve, especially to commit our life to whom the SVDs prefer to serve.
Renewal of our Commitment to the Cross
I remember last year, there were discussions on the difficulties of Chinese seminarians here in Tagaytay. Some former OTPers from Taiwan, specifically Fathers Roland Aquino and Ricardo Miranda, had to sit down with the Chinese seminarians on the status of their academic studies and cultural integration into DWST and the Philippines. I remember our SVD-St. Jude community even inviting these young seminarians to dine with us. We went to an excellent Chinese restaurant along Roxas Boulevard and offered them to eat whatever they like, whatever you missed back home. Well, they ordered noodles. They also ordered Mantou. I saw how you relished the Chinese food as we all enjoyed that supper with you. But for us from Saint Jude community, that invitation simply means -we want you to persevere. We want to send the message that we know you are struggling. We cannot take away the struggles from you, but you have fellow SVDs who journey and pray with you.

We know English language is a struggle, even theology students of San Carlos seminary and UST struggle with it; we know learning the Filipino culture is a struggle, even Malacanang had to argue why they chose Carlo Caparas as a national artist. We know your theological studies in Tagaytay is a struggle, well if you do not struggle with your scripture professors (like Father Randy Flores), then I doubt if they truly loved you at all.

The point here is that suffering is integral in following Christ and in doing his mission. If I will say there is no cross, then it will a big lie. Because for sure, not everything will be okay in living and doing mission. For us, the cross is a reality in community living and mission life. Be patient. I think we can learn much from Tita Cory about her attitude on suffering. Fr. Arevalo mentioned that Cory gave her a painting of crosses and roses. Around the 7 crosses, which refer to the 7 months and 7 weeks of Ninoy in incarceration and the 7 coup attempts against her presidency, she also painted many roses around it. For Cory, crosses and roses make her life more meaningful. So she said, ”I can’t complain”.

But by the fruits of your patience, the good signs are coming. I heard the Chinese seminarians talking with more confidence in English. You are smiling more and joking more. You are becoming more involved in apostolate and spending more time being with people. Moreover, your professors passed you from their subjects, not by an act of charity and mercy but by the merits of your performance which makes it just and fair to all. Yes suffering for us mean, just being patient on what God wants us in life. It is not magical. Just take it and trust that God will accompany us.

I wish to end by quoting Canon 607 which tells us about the nature and end of religious life: “As a consecration of the whole person, religious life manifests in the Church a wonderful marriage brought about by God, a sign of the future age. Thus the religious brings to perfection a total self-giving as a sacrifice offered to God, through which his or her whole existence becomes a continuous worship of God in charity.”
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Year for Priests Launched

Earlier (3:00 pm), the Year for Priests was launched in the Diocese of Imus was inauguirated with the mass at the Lourdes Church presided by Bishop Chito Tagle attended by the Imus clergy, members of the Tagaytay Religious Association (TRA), and representatives of the different parishes nearby.
In his homily, Bishop Chito encouraged the priests, in the presence of a huge congregation, to "listen to him" (Jesus), same words used in the today's Gospel (Transiguration): "Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!" (Mark 9:7).

SVD-ALS bid "Salamat at Paalam Tita Cory"

It's 9:00 pm, Wednesday of August 5, 2009. The whole nation has just witnessed the burial of Cory Aquino--wife of Ninoy, restorer of freedom, and woman of "unwavering faith" (words from Pope Benedict XVI). It was a touching moment, after 8 hours of slow and emotion-filled procession from the Manila Cathedral to Manila Memorial Park (in Sucat, Paranaque). The Funeral Mass earlier was equally moving, especially with the homily of Fr. Catalino Arevalo, SJ ("dean" of Filipino theologians, and Cory's spiritual adviser). Without her undeserved sufferings ("crosses and roses" as Cory had called them), "the essential Cory," Fr. Arevalo said, "is not revealed." Indeed, "many are sorrows of the just" (Psalm 34:20). 

We were also there, under the rain and more rain-- SVD-ALS were there at Roxas Blvd to say thank you and goodbye to this most beautiful Filipina, beautiful even in death.

The SVD-ALS stands for the Alternative Learning System for 124 out-of-school youth hosted by Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay (started last March 2009).

The ALS is a non-formal education program of the Philippine Government’s Department of Education. It prepares, among others, out-of-school youths or drop-outs/leavers to take the Accreditation and Equivalency test by undergoing the Learning Support Delivery System (LSDS), a learning intervention designed to equip the prospective test takers with the necessary competencies to prepare them for the test. Successful test takers receive certification of learning achievements at two learning levels – Elementary and Secondary – that is comparable to the formal school system.

SVD-ALS is located at the Arnoldus Dispensary building. It is run by one full-time teacher—Ms. Olive Tolentino and two volunteers—Ms. Ritchelle Razon and Ms. Perla Costa. The site coordinator is Fr. Randolf C. Flores, SVD and is assisted by three SVD deacons—Severo Biton, Jr., Dante Barril, and Ferdinand Bajao. SVD-ALS is supervised by Arnold Janssen Catholic Mission Foundation (SEC Registration no. A200116743 approved on 07 Nov. 2001) which runs 7 LSDS centers in the country.

"The Aquino government after the People Power Revolution, enacted Executive Order No. 117 in 1987 to create the Bureau of Nonformal Education. Article 14, section 2(4) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution stated: 'The state shall encourage nonformal, formal, indigenous learning systems, as well as self-learning, independent and out-of-school study programs, particularly those that respond to community needs; and provide adult citizens, the disabled and out-of school youth training in civics, vocational efficiency and other skills.'"

It is for this reason that I brought our our-of-school youth to Roxas Blvd to thank the Lord for President Cory Aquino, the "bearer of freedom" (including freedom from "kamangmangan").

Mass and Rosary for Cory Aquino in Tagaytay City

From: Fr. Randy Flores, SVD (TRA Chairperson)
What: Thursday Mass and Rosary for President Cory in Tagaytay
Mass Presider: Bishop Chito Tagle

To: Members of the Tagaytay Religious Association (TRA) and Consecrated Life Association in Imus (CLAIM); rectors and mother superiors of seminaries and convents in Tagaytay and its environs; seminarians, brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Tagaytay Religious Association and the Divine Word School of Theology Students’ Association (DWSTSA) are organizing a mass and rosary for our beloved Madame Cory Aquino, former President of the Philippines and wife of Ninoy. This mass with rosary is offered to thank God for the gift of Cory, the freedom she helped brought back to our country, and the witness of a Christian life. We also hope that our gathering would remind our leaders—in Tagaytay City—their duty of selfless and honest service to the people, to the poor most especially; and at the same time inspire the youth to emulate Cory’s examples of courage, fear of God, and simplicity.

The details of the day are as follows:
Date: July 30, 2009 – Thursday
Place: Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Silang Crossing, Tagaytay City (for the Mass) and Ninoy Aquino Statue at Rotunda (for the Rosary)
Time: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm.
Mass Celebrant: Bishop Chito Tagle
What to bring: rosary, umbrella, and candle
After the mass, we shall have a procession to the Ninoy Aquino statue at the Rotunda then pray the rosary there. The gathering ends with Salve Regina and blessing.

This is our collective way to thank Cory and the pray for her at the most critical moment of her life. So, please come. Thank you for your presence.

Fr. Randy Flores, SVD - TRA Chairperson

Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines Holds Annual Convention with Leading Biblical Scholar

The Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines (CBAP) will hold its 9th annual convention at PHINMA Convention Center, Tagaytay City from July 17-19 2009. The convention gathers together around 60 biblical scholars, professors, and observers from all over the country.

CBAP is also celebrating its 10th year foundation anniversary and thus chose the theme for this convention: "Return with tenfold zeal" (Baruch 4:28).

The keynote speakers are Prof. James H. Charlesworth of Princeton Theological Seminary and Sr. Miriam Alendrino, OSB, Dean of Studies of the Redemptorist Seminary in Davao City and invited professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Divine Word Seminary Tagaytay City.

Prof. Charlesworth will deliver a paper with the title: "Did the Serpent Deceive Eve?" The Princeton scholar has just published The Good and Evil Serpent: How a Universal Symbol Became Christianized (The Anchor Yale Bible Reference Library, 2009). Charlesworth is, of course, the famous editor of the the two-volume Old Testmanent Pseudepigrapha and an authority of the Dead Sea Scrolls. For further information on him, please click here.

Sr. Miriam's paper is on the Prologue of the Gospel of John. She holds a licentiate in Sacred Scripture (SSL) from the Biblicum in Rome and doctorate (on the Book of Judges) from the Gregorian University (Rome). Besides teaching, she is also very much involved in the biblical apostolate and much sought-after speaker on biblical themes.

The workshop speakers are (1) Pastor Noli Mendoza, faculty member of Asian Theological Seminary, who will talk on the Prophet Jeremiah; (2) Fr. Freddie Billanes (SSL Rome) of St. Pius X Seminary (Capiz) -- on the penitent criminal in Luke; and (3) Mr. Mike Lapid, a banker from Pampanga and graduate student of Divine Word Seminary (Tagaytay)--on Paul's Letter to the Philippians.

At the opening mass, Ms. Chin Chin Gutierrez (actress) will sing "Whispers of the New World" composed by Fr. Nicolas Sengson, SVD and lyrics written by well-loved former member of CBAP, the late Fr. Anthony Ceresko, OSFS.

The Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, will be the main celebrant and homilist at the concluding mass on Sunday (19 July) at 11:00 am.

CBAP executive director is Fr. Herb Schneider, SJ; head of organizing committee is Fr. Leander Barrot, OAR; and the current president is Fr. Randy Flores, SVD.

SVD MISSION AWARDS PRESS STATEMENT

SVD MISSION AWARDS PRESS STATEMENT
JULY 13, 2009
Launching of the
Nationwide SEARCH FOR SVD MISSION AWARDEES

As a part of the SVD Philippines’ 100 year celebration this year, a number of Centennial Awards called the “SVD MISSIONS AWARD” will be given. The SVD Philippine Central Province and St. Jude Catholic School are currently working on a “nationwide search” giving special awards the SVD Mission Awards, to individuals, groups or institutions who have shared our SVD mission in the country in the last 100 years, directly or indirectly.

These awards are meant to recognize, honor and thank those who, over the past century, have most embodied the tremendous spirit of the "Christian Mission Commitment" to what the SVDs call "prophetic dialogue" spelled out as: "dialogue with the poor and marginalized, faith seekers or no faith community, other religious traditions or secular ideologies, and local culture." The SVD MISSION AWARDS was created to highlight and perpetuate shining examples of exceptional commitment, dedication and contributed extraordinary living witness to the Divine Word of God.

The Awardees will be honored in St. Jude Catholic School with a banquet on Wednesday Nov 13, 2009 and be presented with a framed certificate of recognition, an SVD Missions Awards Plaque, and a P50,00.00 cash reward.
SVD Mission Awards are given in six categories:

1. The Divine Word Award is presented to an individual who has made an exemplary mission contribution.
2. The Communio Award is presented to a group, institution or community which made an outstanding mission contribution.
3. The Abra Mission Award is presented to an individual, group or institution that made a significant contribution for the Province of Abra where the SVD began its mission 100 years ago.
4. The Father Peter Yang Award is presented to an individual, group or institution that has significantly contributed to the mission for the Chinese community in the Philippines.
5. The Vivat Cor Iesu Award is presented to an SVD-initiated, led or administered group, community or institution that has made a significant contribution for mission.
6. The Saint Arnold Janssen Award is presented to an SVD missionary priest or brother who has made a significant contribution for mission.

For a copy of the Nomination Form and more information on the Nomination Process, please visit www.svd-awards.org

Submission Deadline of SVD MISSION AWARDS Nomination is on August 30, 2009.

SVD Mission Awards

Former classmates in the SVD, Fathers Jerome Marquez and Joey Sepe; SVD confreres Fathers Bobby Ebisa and Aris Martin; and I (Fr. Randy Flores, SVD) are currently working on giving special awards--the SVD Mission Awards--to individuals, groups or institutions who have shared our SVD mission in the country in the last 100 years, directly or indirectly. In the name of the SVD Philippine Central Province and St. Jude Catholic School (near Malacanang), we would like to thank these people or groups who have shown exemplary "mission commitment" to what we call "prophetic dialogue" spelled out as: "dialogue with the poor and marginalized, faith seekers or no faith community, other religious traditions or secular ideologies, and local culture."

The awardees will be honored in St. Jude Catholic School with a banquet on Nov 13, 2009 and be presented with a framed certificate of recognition, an SVD Missions Awards Plaque, and a P50,00.00 cash reward.

SVD Mission Awards Categories are the following:

1. The Divine Word Award is presented to an individual who has made an exemplary mission contribution.
2. The Communio Award is presented to a group, institution or community which made an outstanding mission contribution.
3. The Abra Mission Award is presented to an individual, group or institution that made a significant contribution for the Province of Abra where SVD began its misson 100 years ago.
4. The Father Peter Yang Award is presented to an individual, group or institution that has significantly contributed to the mission for the Chinese in the Philippines.
5. The Vivat Cor Iesu Award is presented to an SVD-initiated, led or administered group, community or institution that has made a significant contribution for mission.
6. The Saint Arnold Janssen Award is presented to an SVD missionary priest or brother who has made a significant contribution for mission.

You can download here the nomination form. Deadline of submission is on August 30, 2009.
For more information on the nomination process. please visit www,svd-awards.org

CD Album - SVD Night Prayers and Vespers

Soon to come out from Divine Word Seminary, - on the occasion of the 100 years of SVD Philippines. Limited copies, please place your order to Fr. Raul 09282756270 / raulsvd@yahoo.com. The following are sample tracks:
Track 04 - Day is Done
Track 09 - Nunc Dimittis
Track 12 - Hail, Holy Queen
Track 37 - O Loving Mother
Track 40 - Blest be the Lord
Choir includes the Provincial (Fr. Nielo), the Rector of DWST (Fr. Fred), and other SVDs. Recorded at ARCOM Tagaytay, executive producer--Fr. Raul under Logos Publications, musical director--Nez Marcelo.
Click here SVD Night Prayers and Vespers

Professor James H. Charlesworth lectures at Divine Word Seminary

Should the Gospel of John be used in Reconstructing Jesus’ Life and Thought?
A Theological Symposium with Professor James H. Charlesworth

Venue: Divine Word Seminary
SVD Road, Tagaytay City, Philippines
Date: July 17, 2009 (Friday)
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am Tel. no: 046-4131253 // Text: 09273909863
Email: rrandy33@yahoo.com

Professor James H. Charlesworth is Princeton Theological Seminary’s George L. Collord Professor of New Testament Language and Literature and director and editor of the Seminary’s Dead Sea Scrolls Project. He holds a B.D. from Duke Divinity School, a Ph.D. from Duke University Graduate School, and an E.T. (Elève Titulaire) from the Ecole Biblique de Jerusalem. He is a Fellow of the Norwegian Royal Academy. An ordained Methodist minister, Charlesworth is active in the United Methodist Church Greek Orthodox and Methodist Symposia and directs the Syrus Sinaiticus Project at St. Catherine’s Monastery in the Sinai. His academic interests include the Dead Sea Scrolls, apocryphal works, the historical Jesus, the Gospel of John, and the Revelation of John. He teaches courses on the relationship between the Jesus traditions in the gospels and the theologies of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the life and thought of Jesus of Nazareth, the Old Testament in the New, the Gospel and Epistles of John, and the Hebrew and Theology of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Major Publications

The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, 2 vols. (1984–1985)
Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls (Doubleday, 1992, 1995)
The Beloved Disciple (Trinity Press International, 1995)
The Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls, 3 vols. (Baylor University Press, 2006)
The Serpent: A Symbol of Life or Death? (Anchor Bible Reference Library, 2006)
The Historical Jesus (Abingdon Press Essential Guides, 2008)
The Good and Evil Serpent: How a Universal Symbol Became Christianized (Yale University, 2009)

The symposium is hosted by Divine Word Seminary-Tagaytay City in honor of the 100 years of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) in the Philippines and sponsored by the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines (CBAP) which is celebrating its 10th foundation anniversary.

Fr. Randolf C. Flores, SVD
President, Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines

CD Album - SVD Night Prayers and Vespers

Soon to come out from Divine Word Seminary, - on the occasion of the 100 years of SVD Philippines. Limited copies, please place your order to Fr. Raul 09282756270 / raulsvd@yahoo.com. The following are sample tracks:
Track 04 - Day is Done
Track 09 - Nunc Dimittis
Track 12 - Hail, Holy Queen
Track 37 - O Loving Mother
Track 40 - Blest be the Lord
Choir includes the Provincial (Fr. Nielo), the Rector of DWST (Fr. Fred), and other SVDs. Recorded at ARCOM Tagaytay, executive producer--Fr. Raul under Logos Publications, musical director--Nez Marcelo.
Click here SVD Night Prayers and Vespers

Certificate in Theological Studies at DZMM 630 TeleRadyo

A group of fresh/first graduates of Certificate in Theological Studies was interviewed last May 31 over radio DZMM (ABS-CBN's Tele-Radyo) at the program Salitang Buhay (Word Alive) aired every Sunday from 8:30 to 10:00 in the evening hosted by SVDs Fr. Bel San Luis and Fr. Jerome Marquez, and Miss Ilsa Reyes.

CTS is a Saturday program of the Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay city for religious, leaders of charismatic communities, catechists, religious education teachers, BBS facilitators, Liturgical Lectors and Animators, BEC lay workers, ex and future seminarians, and faith seekers.

CTS classes begin on 13 June 2009 (Saturday). Enrollment is going on, please text Bing at 0915-788411 or email ctstagaytay.yahoo.com.

More on CTS at DZMM, click here

For CTS website, click here

To down load the brochure, click here

Report on Arnoldus Library

by Fr. Randolf C. Flores, SVD
OIC - Arnoldus Library
01 June 2009

“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need”—Cicero. We have both, even more gardens.

Founded thirty-six years ago (in 1973) and designed by Architect Jesus M. Bondoc, then the dean of the Institute of Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts at the Far Eastern University, the Arnoldus Library, with a tower and a roof garden, stands today as one of the most artistic, ingenious and well-crafted library edifices in the country.

At one point it had housed a huge collection in philosophy, social sciences, and theology— 76,000 volumes and a multi-purpose hall (Arnoldus Hall). Most of the non-theology books are now relocated to Christ the King Seminary—SVD’s school of philosophy in Quezon City. The Arnoldus Hall, where the Reference Section is currently located, is also now a reading hall for the students. The Library—still with 36,277 books; around 15,000 bound periodicals/journals (615 titles); 2,164 duplicates; and 462 textbooks—is one of the best Catholic theological libraries in the country.

Arnoldus Library has a budget of 1 million pesos a year —acquiring an average of 300 books and 61 periodicals (43 foreign and 18 local) per annum with the latest in Theology and Exegesis ordered the fastest way possible; maintains a computer section (10 units working) with internet connection (broadband and wireless); and houses at its basement the Nicasio Preacher’s Collection (NPC)—books and other materials on preaching from the collection of Fr. Linus Nicasio, SVD, and the Arnoldus Communications Center (ARCOM)—a high-tech recording studio run by Fr. Raul Caga, SVD. Soon to be added are the Old Testament collection of the late Fr. Anthony Ceresko, OSFS and the New Testament collection of Fr. Carlito Reyes.

Last summer (May 2009), the outer wall of the library was repainted— green, to go with the ecological color of the seminary’s surroundings, thanks to Miss Angelita Gabuna and her friend Sir Romy and Kemwerke, Inc. who donated around 70 gallons of paint (they also donated a similar volume for the repainting of the Heinemann building); cost of labor was PhP 120,000. Roof leaks were also repaired including repainting the roof.

After five years, the Library will now have a professional librarian. Miss Veronica Jimenez Lepalam, a native of Zamboanga City, a library science graduate of Universidad de Zamboanga (2005) where she is an MA candidate, and a licensed librarian will join the staff on 05 June 2009. Frater Franlou Bardon, SVD scholastic who has taken units in Library Science at the University of San Carlos (Cebu City), has also joined the team composed of Mrs. Cecille Badillo (circulation), Fr. Randolf C. Flores, SVD (acquisition), Mr. Ace Malabanan (maintenance), and Fr. Antolin Uy, SVD (Director).

Three things are foreseen to be accomplished before the end of this school year 2009-2010, Philippine SVD centennial year:

(1) Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) where users around the world can search our library catalogue to locate books, periodicals, audio/visual materials or other items under control of the Arnoldus library.

(2) Covered walkway from the carport of the Heinemann Building to the main entrance of the Arnoldus Library.

(3) An intensive campaign to attract more library users. Based on the logbook, an average of only 20 students everyday used the library in last school year. Frequent users include Franlou Bardon, John Paul Marquez, and Abraham Borja of the SVD; Willy Alibagon of the OSJ (although most OSJ students frequent the library); Serge Kabamalan of the Eudists; and among the faculty members—Fr. Randolf Flores, SVD and Fr. Ronnie Crisostomo, SVD.

Prayer: “May our students enter Arnoldus Library and relish the ever delicious nutrimentum spiritus (‘food for the soul,’—from the inscription at the Berlin Royal Library), now na.

Divine Word Seminary: Fr. Henry Schenk, SVD - 50 years in the priesthood

video 1 Fr. Henry Schenk, SVD - 50 years in the priesthood

video 2 Fr. Henry Schenk, SVD - 50 years in the priesthood

Pictures

Holy Week at SVD Tagaytay City 2009

To order the English translation,
text Marie at 0919-3575916
or e-mail at mariecrisologo@yahoo.com.ph

HOLY WEEK 2009 SCHEDULE

Holy Spirit Chapel
Divine Word Seminary
4120 Tagaytay City, Philippines

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion
05 April 2009 at 8:00 AM
Presider and Preacher: Fr. Ronnie Crisostomo, SVD

Fr. Ronnie is the liturgist of our Holy Week celebrations. He has done missionary work in Argentina. He is an expert in liturgy, holds a licentiate in Sacred Liturgy (or SLL) from the Pontifical Liturgical Institute (San Anselmo, Rome), abd teaches Liturgy, Sacramental Theology and Spanish at Divine Word Seminary and Rogationist College (Lalaan, Silang, Cavite).

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Holy Thursday
09 April 2009
Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confessions
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Mass of the Lord's Supper (including Washing of the Feet) 5:30 PM
Presider: Fr. Alex Muana, SVD
Homilist: Fr. Raul Caga, SVD

Reposition follows with the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions
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Good Friday
10 April 2009

Office of the Readings Seven Last Words of the Lord
9:00 AM
Preachers:
1. Frater Jong Biton, Jr., SVD
2. Fr. Alex Muana, SVD
3. Frater Dante Barril, SVD
4. Frater Ferdie Bajao, SVD
5. Fr. Gerome Hernandez, MSP
6. Fr. Emmanuel Menguito, SVD
7. Fr. Randy Flores, SVD
Stations of the Cross follow

Good Friday of the Lord's Passion
3:00 PM
Presider: Fr. Ronnie Crisostomo, SVD
Homilist: Fr. Randy Flores, SVD
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Holy Saturday
11 April 2009

Easter Vigil Mass
8:00 PM
Presider: Fr. Raul Caga, SVD
Homilist: Fr. Alex Muana, SVD
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Easter Sunday
12 April 2009

"Salubong" and Easter Sunday Mass
5:00 AM
Presider and Homilist: Fr. Ronnie Crisostomo, SVD