Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi? An gladius?

iPaul
Saint Paul Scholasticate Newsletter
Year 8 No. 18

Christmas 2014

CHRISMAST AND THE POOR:

25 Years of Service

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On 5th July, the Feast of the Holy Founder, Anthony Maria Zaccaria, the Barnabite Pro-province celebrated its
25th year of Existence and at the same time recieved one brother, Fr. Isagani Ma. Gabisan to the Sacred Order of
Priesthood.

25 years of Barnabite Existence

in the Philippines!
(Br. Alven Ma. Salada, CRSP)

Barnabite Fathers, Philippine Pro-province, with Father

General Francisco Ma. Da Silva, CRSP
Service is at the heart of every religious vocation. Since the foundation of the Barnabites at the first
quarter of the 16th century in Italy, the formation of religious life has always given the attention of a decisive
and significant importance in the areas of community life
and seminary formation of brothers and fathers alike.
This formation of religious life was founded by our great
protector and founder, St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria, who
had a strong conviction and principle, engaged himself
in the renewal of Christian fervor in the time when there
was an intense adversity and crisis in the phase of faith
and societies.
The person of the holy founder stands as most
valued example in becoming a religious cleric and brother. He deserves to be rediscovered in his appeal to the
fundamental values of Christianity especially to the constant and continuous service in the church. [He] believes
that flourishing the world with the word of God is filled
up by the virtue of the love of service. Moreover, service to the people is the fuel of the holy founder in
reaching the apex of holiness and sanctity, because he
believed that to serve the invisible God is to serve the
visible people, who are in need of his care. That is why

the founder then, encouraged his confreres to be sincere in service, for it was in service that they may become worthy sons and stocks of St. Paul. The holy
founder once said, holiness, then, cannot simply be a
free from responsibility. Rather it is a summon to pure
love, to be the kind of people who can develop good,
deep, loving relationships, both with God and with other
people, relationships which are safe and enriching for all
concerned.
For the barnabites in the Philippines, this year
2014 marks the silver year anniversary of the foundation
of the religious formation that was started back on 1989.
As we celebrate with joy and profound gratitude, the
gift of 25 years in service and in Gods hands become
more fruitful and successful. With the constant help of
the founding fathers of the Philippine mission, the barnabites become the living evidence of the Founders
immense love and joy in helping the people in our society today.

The celebration of the twenty-fifth year anniversary is the celebration of the twenty five years of love,
twenty five years of humble service, and of twenty five
years of peace and joy. This celebration of the silver anniversary of the congregation, witness the living spirit
and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his compassion
sends forth his spirit to our beloved holy founder St.
Anthony Mary, of whom in the founder's strong conviction, example, and faith was able to influence people
time and again. His legacy remains in every heart of his
follower.
As evidence to such service, the 25th celebration was even more blest with the timely ordination to
the order of the priesthood. Rev. Isagani Ma. Gabisan
has added to the numbers of the Filipino barnabites. On
July 5 2014, Rev. Isagani was received to the sacred order of priesthood. Through the laying on of hands of
Bishop Teodoro J. Buhain, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of
Manila, Rev. Isagani had been anointed priest.

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The celebration was colored and attended

by friends, relatives, benefactors, and relgious
communities. As Rev. Isagani fell prostrate, all the
communities joins in prayer. Sorrows and joys
reverberated in all the concerns of the community.
Never has any celebration as joyous and colorful as
that, for in the first place it was a double blessing
for the barnabite community in the Philippines.

The ordination of Fr. Isagani is a witness of

barnabite presenc in the Philippines. In the
simplicity of the double celebration, the life of Fr.
Isagani is itself a witness of the resolve of the
Clerics Regular of St. Paul to proclaim the Gospel
and the renewal of Christian fervour.
Moreover, the presence of the barnabites
in the Philippines is the living testimony of the spirit
of St. Anthony Mary. His spirit continues to flourish
and bears fruit in love and service to the Lord. We,
the Filipino barnabites endure the everlasting love
and service handed onto us by the holy founder, in
continuing the mission and vision of the holy
founder.
It is with the same mission that prompted
our Holy Father to establish Order of the Clerics
Regular of St. Paul. In our contemporary times, this
mission ought to renew and inspire the lives of the
people and of the church so as to form a one community of mercy and compassion. And as the
barnabite Philippine community continues its ministries, the mission and vision of the holy founder
anchors every ministries, aspiration, and life of the
congregation.
To God be the glory!

Fr. Isagani joins Bishop Buhain

and the barnabite fathers

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Starry Nights

The Real Santa

Bro. Jerome Ma. Galon, crsp

Not until ten did I realize that there is Santa

Claus who gives gifts to children on Christmas day.
Before that, he was totally out of my world. I used
received gifts not from Santa but from my parents,
because we had pigs and I took care of them. I was
also told that Santa had a list names for every good
boys and good girls and those who are naughty.
Those included in the list would somehow receive
gifts. Starting that time Santa becomes part of my
world. He captured all my Christmas imaginations.
According to history, and lately I discovered, Santa Claus was really St. Nicholas. As a matter of fact, Santa Clause is a modern upgrade of
Saint Nicholas, who is said to be very generous,
especially to the poor, and the orphan. One famous
account of his generosity tells us that he had saved
young girls from being sold into prostitution. He
also had freed the three unjustly convicted soldiers.
He served as benefactors of the poor, the rejected,
and especially the children.
St. Nicholas acts of charity was heard from
many places, and he became the figure of giver of
gifts to the poor. As a result many people from
different places were imitating the saints generosity. The simple acts of St. Nicholas echoed in the
ears and hearts of many people, and thus perpetuated through the ages.
Today Saint Nicholas seems to be forgotten. Few people know this holy and generous man.
Today what I see is a lot of fake Santa Claus yet behind those red dresses, red shoes and white long
beard, I find it difficult to see the person of St. Nicholas. I find it difficult to see the traces of compassion for the poor. Yes, warm smiles remains painted on their rosy cheeks covered by white long
beard, yet behind those round spectacles, are pictures of advertisements scribed in the corners of
their eyes. I often see him in television, fake Santa

Clauses carrying their sacks full of gifts but at the

same time inviting people to buy products. It is
weird! Santa Claus ought to give gives not to sell
products.
Wherever I went during Christmas, I see
fake Santas pictures all over the billboards. Sometimes hes carrying a laptop, sometimes boxes of
cellphones. One time I saw him with a credit card
on his right hand. Over his head were words written in reed inviting me to avail the promo. The funny part, I realized fake Santas would get a loan to
produce gifts. Again, it is weird!
When I go to the mall, I see them standing
beside large Christmas tree full of colorful lights. As
a fake Santa displayed his sweet smiles, his hands
crawled down to boxes hidden behind the Christmas tree, and as I watched him, he pulled a couple
of perfumes. I thought he wanted it to give to me
as a gift, but I came closer, I see price tags with 70%
discount. Now, Santa becomes a business man. I
would grab that perfume if I had enough money
then.
With these experiences I realized the real
Santa Claus had long been dead. The Santa tradition had long been perished because the spirit died
and murdered by the times consumerist mentality.
The spirit of giving gifts freely and sincerely had
long been buried seven leagues under the earth. I
wonder if real gifts can still be given or received at
Christmas.
I ask myself: Is still possible to revive the
person Saint Nicholas? Are the poor children and
the dispossessed kids still remembered at Christmas? Have we all forgotten the real spirit of Christmas?
My aunts who works abroad told me that it
is more exciting to celebrate Christmas in the Philippines. For some part of the world, Christmas is
only a day celebration. They say that no Christmas
seems sweeter than in the Philippines. I was told
that what they like most is the long holiday and the
long celebrations. In the Philippines, Christmas begins very early, and ends very late.

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Besides, Christmas in the Philippines is also

a time for spending for food, new clothes,
drinks, vacation, travels, shopping and wasting
time with the people we love most. Christmas
lights and decorations are seen all over houses,
offices, and even in parks and roads. One might be
tempted to say that every Filipino seem rich during
Christmas.
Looking at the example of Saint Nicholas, I
think he has something to say to all of us. Christmas really is more than spending, eating, drinking,
reunion, receiving gifts we long to received, going
to movies, and parties. Christmas is much more
than giving gifts to children, grandchildren, relatives and friends. More than food and drinks, families and friends, new clothes and gadgets, Christmas celebration points to something deeper. Santa
Claus, in the spirit of St. Nicholas, points other than
himself, but the poor, the oppressed, rejected, and
defenseless. And ultimately, Santa points to the
real cause of Christmas. It is none other than Christ.
Over two thousand years ago, the real Santa had started Christmas with the poor. He came
with surprise and brought the greatest gift to everyone. Though He was rejected, the gift He gave is
something far greater than every person could
wish for. When Jesus was born, he chose to live as
a poor, so as to share the experience of all the
poor. He was born in the least town of Bethlehem,
on a humblest manger, under the protection of
Mary and Joseph. Santa was not wearing red, nor
was carrying a knapsack; no reindeer, no beard, no
list of names. He carried nothing with him; no new
gadgets, no new clothes, no nothing, but himself.
Christ entered history to give us himself, the greatest gift of all.
Before his coming the angel Gabriel announce God's greatest gift to Mary. And the first
Christmas song was sung by Blessed Mother in her
Magnificat. When he visited his people, many rejected him because he carried neither silver nor gold.
The real Santa came poor, lived poor, dies poor and
had celebrated the first Christmas with the poor.
As reflect on the real cause of Christmas,
we ought also to realize that Christmas is the time
for the poor, and a time to become poor before
God. Blessed are the poor for theirs is the king-

dom of heaven, the promise of the real Santa. Jesus teaches us to have solidarity with the poor. It is
the time to give than to receive. It is always better
to give than to receive not only during Christmas.
Indeed, Jesus Christ teaches us to share this Christmas, not only with our family, relatives and friends,
but to the poor as well. They too have all the rights
to celebrate Christmas. Saint Nicholas' example
teaches us to imitate God, who gives gifts freely.
Christmas time is more than what we normally do nowadays. It is more than going to the
church to attend Simbang Gabi, more than praying,
saying Hail Marys and singing Ave Marias. Do you
think Christmas is just decorations, Christmas trees,
mistletoes, Christmas lights and Caroling? For seminarians like me, Christmas is more than serving in
the masses, and singing Christmas songs to benefactors and friends. It is more than saying mass,
hugging one another and saying peace to ones
enemies. Christmas time is the time to bring good
tidings to the poor, to clothe the naked, welcome
the stranger, defend the widow and orphan, give
water to the thirsty, visit the prisoner, heal the sick,
comfort the sorrowing, bury the dead, give bread
to the hungry.
This Christmas season, may the poor never
be forgotten. May we not only give gifts to those
who give us gifts in return, nor greet only those
who greet us. Banish the spirit of mercantile selfcalculations, and let the spirit of the real Santa
Claus live in us. And let us all remember that when
speaking of the poor, we are not only speaking of
all the less fortunate and all the dispossessed. All of
us are poor. All of us deserves Christmas. For in the
eyes of God, no one is rich!

Mayroon akong isang gantang bigas;

Sapat sa marami, kulang sa isa.
(I have a good measure of food; it is
enough for the all, but short for a person.)

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Christmas and the Poor

Bro. Roy Ma. Tabil, crsp

Christmas is to put one's self for the

sake of others, especially those who
seem to abandon all hope. Christmas is
being with the less fortunate not only in
sharing the other's sorrows but altogether owning the other's sadness.

When I was a small kid I used to think about Christmas as a time to receive gifts and parties. I can still remember
how my mother would remind me to become a good boy so
that Santa Claus will be pleased and give me toys I desired
most. I remember of having been given with new toys and
shirts during Christmas from my parents, god-parents, aunties and uncles. I remember that my mother would cook delicious foods such as cakes, salads, fried chicken and many others for the Christmas Eve. I also remember the times we had
Christmas parties, exchanging gifts. I grew up with a mindset that Christmas is a season of receiving gifts and parties.

When I entered the seminary such mentality gradually changed. I was able to meet a good number of persons
and encountered numerous experiences that taught me the otherside of Christmas. They showed me that Christmas has
another meaning. And that meaning, which I learned from them, is far better than the one I used to keep. Being assigned
to an apostolate where the real poor are, allowed me to redefine my outlook of Christmas. Studying the life of the founder
also helped me change my meaning of Christmas.
It was 2012, four of us were sent to Calaan, Cagayan de Oro, to spend our Christmas apostolate with the typhoon
survivors from the last year. As brothers, we served by giving bible service and organizing the community to enable them
to have some form of spiritual centers. Since all of the people were relocated to bunkhouses, there were no chapels. And so
we improvised multipurpose halls to suite our needs. Overall, we might say that the people were so distraught and unwelcoming. If you can give them something to eat they will approach you, if you have none then expect not to be entertained.
We cannot blame them, their situation forced them to act as such. Nevertheless, we made friends and it was then that we
started to mingle with them, as they slowly accept us.
It was Christmas season when the typhoon Sendong hit Cagayan de Oro. And even after a year, we still see and
felt the trauma they experience. That is why, at first, people seem withdrawn from the brothers. As the we were assigned
to organize the community especially for the Christmas season, people seem to disregard us in most of our effort. For how
can they understand the spirit of Christmas, if they themselves had experienced somewhat a dark Christmas.
It was dark not in a sense that it was sad. No it was more than that! It was dark because the happy and joyful
season of Christmas had been turned upside down for them. It was more than sadness. It was misery! Yes it is true. It was
what they experienced, for the mere fact that what they treasure in their lives had been robed from them. They lost not
only their properties, but most of all, they lost their love ones. And who in his right mind could blame them for that! I say,
no one! No one could say that they deserved such a thing.
It was with these backdrop that the brothers was sent. The simple assignment of organizing communities had
turned for the worst. No one among the brothers knew how to
handle these realities, and worst, all of us had no pastoral experience. We had to swim through dark waters. We needed to take a
plunge and drown even before we learn to swim. Nonetheless, we
had to do what was best, we had to give all our best.
As the Simbang Gabi was almost over, we realized that
people learned to accept us. We became part of them as they became part of us. From few person attending our bible service,
numbers grew and some get involved. People learned to participate in every service. They learned to respond during the celebration. And most of all, they learned to smile. That was it! The
moment we had been waiting, to give them a sense of hope
amidst the darkness they experience. They learn to accept their
fate, not because they could not do anything about it, but that,
they themselves realized that there is a deeper meaning to their
Typhoon Sendong survivor posed for the camera

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Volunteers lend a hand in packing the Christmas package

sufferings. In their misery they smile. In their misery, they

learn to laugh again.
As our assignment was almost over, our apostolate supervisor Rev. Fr. Rosauro (Bogs) Valmores had
conceived and idea. Why not give the people a chance to
be happy? It was not too late for them to be happy indeed.
They just needed a spark! A simple act of kindness that
they would never forget throughout their lives. And that
was it! Unknown to the communities, the brothers, fathers, and the Diocese of Cagayan de Oro had organize a
program for the typhoon survivors of Calaan. The program was dubbed by Fr. Bogs, Operation Noche Buena.
Perhaps, the program we planned was not that
especial. To be true, some religious organizations, religious sects and denominations, and government and nongovernment organization did the same. On the 23rd and
24th day of December, they also gave the Christmas packages to the communities. They even gave money. But the
sad part was that all the things they gave to the communities were consumed even before Christmas eve. For how
can you blame the people if they had nothing to eat for a
meal. All they had was the gift bundles supposedly for
Christmas eve. Before the Christmas Eve itself, the communities had nothing on their tables.
And so, we decided to give the Noche Buena package at exactly ten o'clock of the evening before Christmas.
So that, the communities is sure to have something to eat
and drink when the clock struck twelve. You might say, it
is clever. But the the truth is, the people themselves had
told us beforehand. And so we executed our plan.
Our first problem was finance. How to feed hundreds of families? Even in our convent, we ran out of rice.
Fr. Bogs' answer was simple yet profound, God will provide! And yes, God did so! In the morning of the 22nd of
December, sacks of rice arrives, we never knew from
whom but the Diocese said from a generous benefactors.
Pigs were purchased. Bottles of soft drinks also arrived.
Cans of goods filled the convent. Some people arrived to
volunteer, some cooked while others packed the can
goods. Even the Angelics Sisters of St. Paul lend a hand.
They were there from the beginning. And then we realized that when God took care of his people, be ready for
the surprises. We never expected that such would happen.
And so we thank God with all our hearts.

The time had come, and so it was almost midnight. We needed to deliver the Noche Buena before the
clock struck twelve. Then, we loaded the packages to the
car. We had only a multicab so we needed to dispose the
packages by batches. Even when the Diocese lend us a car,
it seemed not enough to beat the time. But all fingers
cross, we needed to distribute the package.
Just as expected, the people had been asleep. Not
that they were waiting for the clock to struck midnight,
but that they had nothing prepared for the Christmas Eve,
since they already consumed what they had on the previous morning. When we arrived, the relocation sites were
so dark. All the lights were off. In fact, there was no electricity at all. Each one of us took a handful of packages as
may as one could carry and went from bunkhouses to
bunkhouses, knocking on doors and waking people. It was
not the giving of packages that concerns us most. It was
the reactions of people when they realized that Christmas
was still true for them.
Most of the families, if not all, cried when they
saw us carried gifts. Some were so happy that they also
cried. What they expressed was not cheap feelings you
get, when you see people happy. No! What they gave us in
return was a sincere act of gratitude, one we could never
forget. And their smiles and laughter betrays how they
feel. They were more than happy. They were elated!
Of all the people of the relocation sites that surprise, maybe this one particular experience ought to be
shared separately. There was a young woman seated in
the stairs of her bunkhouse. At far, we could not see her.
And because there was no electricity, she could not see us
too. As we approached her, we heard her sobbing. Then
we realized she was alone. There in the stairs she sits
lonely. As she saw us coming, she chased us to go away
and leave her alone. But when she recognized Fr. Bogs,
she stopped and cried. It was then we realized that she
indeed alone, for the last year's typhoon had also taken her
family. Only she survived. Such was her Christmas Eve.
With all these, my understanding of Christmas
has change. The experience in Calaan, Cagayan de Oro
had taught me something important. My brothers and I

Noche Buena package ready for distribution

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had realized that Christmas does not end in giving gifts. It

is sharing one's self to others. It is to put one's self for the
sake of others, especially those who seem to abandon all
hope. Christmas is being with the less fortunate not only in
sharing the other's sorrows but altogether owning the other's sadness.
Each of us experience Christmas differently. But
our experience in Cagayan de Oro will change our understanding of Christmas. Christmas is a season of giving especially to the least of our brothers the poor, the oppressed,
the brokenhearted, the abused and exploited, and especially
those who are less fortunate. Again, we might be tempted
to say that we are fortunate than those in Calaan, Cagayan
de Oro. But the truth is, we are as less fortunate as they are.
When we speak of the poor, let us not forget that we too
are poor. We have to keep this kind of mindset so as to
enable us to share the joys, sorrows, and misery of our fellow brothers and sisters.
It may be true that Christmas is a time we receive
gifts from our love ones and doing the same to them. Yet I
believe that Christmas is not only a time of giving gifts to
the poor, but to share in their life. Moreover, Christmas is
itself a gift, it is an opportunity for us to give to the less
fortunate, especially in giving ourselves to them, placing
them first instead of ourselves. After all, it was on Christmas day that Jesus came to the world to redeem humanity,
rich and poor alike. It was on Christmas that Jesus was
made flesh and became one with us, poor creatures. Hence,
as his followers we also have to offer our life to the poor

The communities woke-up and celebrated Christmas

Bro. Roland Danigoy distributed the package

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First Profession of Vows

Bro. Jomar Ma. Taroy, crsp
Tagaytay St. Paul Scholasticate community welcomes the newly professed brothers; Bro. Jomar Ma.
Taroy, CRSP, and Bro. Jerome Ma. Galon, CRSP, as new
members of St. Paul Scholasticate community. They received their first profession in Marikina Heights, Marikina City. These two brothers are blessings to the community. Being a scholastics, they enter another phase of
their formation program. They will study theology for
four years.
Last May 31, 2014 five barnabite novices professed the evangelical counsels as members and brothers of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul. The profession was
held in St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Seminary. Fr. Joselito
Ma. Ortega, the then delegate superior of the Order,
presided the Eucharistic Celebration together with other
barnabite fathers and several guest priest who are
friends of the newly professed . Family members,
friends, neighboring religious congregations, and our
scholastics brothers from the Tagaytay community took
part of the celebration. The five brothers who professed
the vows were: Bro. Jomar Ma. Taroy (Maly, San Mateo,
Rizal), Bro. Jerome Ma. Galon (Medina, Misamis Oriental), Bro. Pradeep Kumar Ma. Kommu (Kurnool, India),
Bro. Jyothis Maria George (Kothamangalam, India) and
Bro. Shibu Maria Chinappan (Madurai, India).
The same day, the newly professed Filipino
brothers formally moved to the St. Paul Scholasticate
community in Tagaytay City. The three Indian brothers
flew to India for their Theological Studies as well. For all
these graces and the gift of vocation to the religious life,
Grazie a Dio!

Barnabite Novitiate Annual Retreat

The Six New Deacon with Fr, Arvin Dagalea, Rome, Italy

THE NEW SIX DEACON

AND THEIR ASSIGNMENT
Bro. Bryan Paul E. Flororita, crsp
The Clerics Regular of St. Paul of the Philippines
has been blessed with this new six new six deacon last
June 29, 2014 on the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. The
new six deacons are: Rev. Mark Anthony Ma. Pondoc,
Rev. John Paul Ma. Osip, Rev. Benedict Ma. Insigne, Rev.
Luis Alfred Ma. Dolog, Rev. Gerard Ma. Sala, and Rev.
Cunan Ma. Adaro. They were ordained by Cardinal Carlo
Caffarra, Archibishop of Bologna, at the Basilica di San
Paolo Maggiore Bologna Italy.
After the deaconate ordination, Rev. Fr. Francisco Chagas Ma. Da Silva, the superior general of the
Order, assigned each deacons to their respective communities. On July 2, 2014 four of the deacons returned in
the Philippines went to their respective assignments.
They were deacon Mark Anthony, John Paul, Luis Alfred
and Benedict. Rev. Luis Alfred, was assigned at Calaanan, Cagayan de Oro where a new parish of the barnabites was established in the province. Also, Rev. Benedict went to Brgy. Sapang, Pangasinan for his assignment. However, the other two deacons Rev. Mark Anthony and John Paul, prepared for their assignments in
Brasil. Rev. Cunan remained in Italy, while Rev. Gerard
went to Mexico.

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10
Community Outing in Marinduque
Bro. Jesie Q. Maraon

from left to right: Alvin, Roxie, Ar-John,

Raphael, Rey in Rome, Italy

Good-byes and Welcoming

Bro. Benjiemar V. Salvacion
The community bid farewell to the newly graduates; Bro. Roxie Roflo, Bro. Raphael Laotoco, and Bro. Ar
-John Ignalig together with Bro. Alvin Libay and Bro. Rey
Ausejo. They are preparing themselves for a new chapter of their vocation. This time in Rome, Italy. Anxious
and excited at the same time, the five brothers had to
take the quest and brave the new chapter of their religious journey. Anxious, they had to say good-bye. Excited, they had to experience the City of Rome and the
wealth of its culture.
October 24, 2014 on the night of their departure, the brothers seemed sad at the thought of leaving
their junior brothers. Surely, they will be missed especially their companionship and their laughter. And yet, the
community is happy of their success. In fact, they are an
inspiration to all of the junior brothers, encouraging us
to stay firm in one's vocation. Moreover, flying to Rome
is not a matter of taking a vacation to the eternal city.
(Well, one could argue the opposite!). As part of priestly
formation and after theological studies, the scholastics
brothers will continue their formation in Rome in preparation for the solemn profession and for the acceptance
of the sacrament of the Holy Orders, especially the deaconal ordination. And for the five brothers, they have to
face both.
God willing, in the next school year, the fourth
year brothers will also follow the path of the five brothers in Rome. At the same time, the community recieves
another blessing in the person of the two newly professed brothers. They not only add to the number of the
community, they also provide another experience of
brotherhood. For all these, we thank God for the blessings of our brothers. Community life is not a matter of
how many persons there are. It is the experience that
each one shared.

On October 19-22, 2014, the Barnabite communities held a three days outing in Poctoy White
Beach Resorts in Torrijos, Marinduque. This was an
outing of the three communities; St. Paul Scholasticate - Tagaytay community, St. Alexander Sauli Novitiate community, and St. Anthony Ma. Zaccaria
collegiate formation (formators and deacons)
Marikina community. It was headed by the ProProvincial Superior Fr. Richard Genetiano, CRSP of
the Philippines Barnabite pro-province.
We traveled by land from Manila to Lucena
City, and by sea from Lucena City to Marinduque
on a RO-RO barge. On the second evening of our
stay, the islanders had performed singing and dancing, and follow the enthronement of so called
putong as a cultural way of receiving visitors in
their province. It was an expression of hospitality
of the native residents. The community also visit
the Diocese of Boac's churches, and the Franciscan
Sisters at St. Claire Monastery.
Therefore, we finished our three days community outing with memorable experiences. Marinduque was a nice place for community outing because we found time to relax and a good time to
gather together. The community outing was memorable. It was a very exciting experience for each,
brothers and formators alike. It was unforgettable
and precious, because every experience is something new, and at the same time, every moment of
being together is immeasurable.

Barnabite Fathers and Brothers, Marinduque!

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One with the Poor

Bro. Darwayne Jay Ma. Alfaro, crsp

The good Lord has blessed the Congregation in the person of Fr. Robert Ma. Kosek. The genius of this priest has been proven time and again.
Barnabite Heart to Heart Ministry is one among Fr.
Koseks brainchild. The said foundation has been
aiding the needy, and has reach the Philippine
shore.
After typhoon Haiyan
wreck Tacloban City and its
neighboring towns, the foundation had quickly responded to
lend a hand to the affected
families. The force behind Fr.
Kosek made sure that typhoon
survivors by providing their
basic needs.
On 3 June 2014, the Barnabite Fathers San Mateo community went to Palo, Leyte.
They distributed the school
supplies donated by the Barnabite Heart to Heart Ministry. Fr.
Richard Genetiano spearheaded the distribution.
Recently, on 21 November 2014, the foundation had once again proven the resolve to reach
out to the needy. In partnership with the Diocese
of Imus, Cavite, the foundation distributed vitamin
supplements to the people of Imus. In a way, the
distribution had not been successful without the
blessing of the local bishop, Most Rev. Reynaldo G.
Evangelista, DD.
Also, on 13 December 2014, the children of Tagaytay City had their early Christmas party, thanks again
to the foundation. The children also received gifts and
prizes. With the help of few volunteers and with the cooperation of the barnabite brothers, the children shared

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a simple meal. Because of the kindness of the foundation the kids in Tagaytay experience the joys of
Christmas, especially the less fortunate.
The mission and vision of the Barnabite
Heart to Heart Ministry penetrates to the call of Pope
Francis to care for the poor. Every person has an
obligation to care for the poor. The poor , the oppress and the destitute ought to experience joys of
life, and especially the joys of Christmas. And the
foundation did just that.
Not only that the foundation provided for the basic
needs of the less fortunate,
they also uplift the spirit of
those who seem hopeless. Every effort of the foundation is
felt by those who received assistance; the school children in
Palo, the people of the Diocese
of Imus, and the children of
Tagaytay. All these individuals
are not only happy, they are
indeed thankful and blessed by
being the beneficiary of the
kindness of the foundation.
In behalf of all the people who
experienced the kindness of
the Barnabite Heart to Heart
Ministry foundation, the barnabite brothers and fathers in the Philippine proprovince express their gratitude. May the work of
charity of the foundation inspire others to do the
same. The barnabite Philippine community is very
much thankful for the people behind the foundation. May God bless us all this Christmas!

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No. 18
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What does TMPS School stand for?

Bro. Roland Danigoy, crsp

T-ahanan means a home. TMPS school (Nursery and

Kindergarten) is a home for the less fortunate who cannot afford to study. It is a home for learning where the
basic Christian principles and moral values are taught. It
is a home where the children encounter Christ at young
age. It is a home where the good conscience starts.
M-apag-aruga stands for caring. TMPS care the little
ones to soar high in their life. Children are not only form
intellectually, but also they are formed holistically especially in the knowledge of basic Christian values. The
vision of the institution is to raise well-formed Christian
individuals.
P-adre is a Filipino word, which means Father. A father
is a role and a function. The barnabite brothers and
priest serves as the facilitator and formators of the
school. They are teachers, friends, and formators of the
students.

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We also need the solidarity and collaboration from the

people who are one with us to continue this mission,
through the financial and spiritual support. Their involvement and simple acts of charity sustain the life of the
institution and bring it to fulfillment.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! SUPPORT US IN OUR
MISSION! PLEASE CONTACT THE PHILIPPINE PROPROVINCIAL SUPERIOR.

TMPS Staff
Bro. Darwayne Jay Alfaro

As of writing the present administrator of

the institution is Bro. Roland Danigoy, crsp. He
stands both as school principal and head coordinator. His office consists of updating the barnabite
Tagaytay community of all activities of the institution. He also organizes the parents of the students
by giving seminars.

S-emeria is the surname of the patron of the institution.

He is Rev. Fr. Giovanni Semeria, CRSP (1867-1931). He
spent his life with the young children in Genoa and became the director of St. Alexander Sauli's Club. He had
also established an orphanage for the children of those
who perished in the first World War. In this backdrop,
the institution continues to express the aspiration of Fr.
Semeria, especially the care of the little ones.

Also, the two first year brothers, Bros.

Jomar Taroy and Jerome Galon, are the institutions teachers. Bro. Jomar teaches the kindergarten students, while Bro. Jerome teaches the nursery students. The fact is, every first year brothers
teaches in the institution as part of their apostolate.

The institution was founded by Rev. Fr. Robert

Kosek, CRSP here in Tagaytay, Philippines. As its founder, Fr. Kosek continues to support and coordinates the
effort of the institution. The institution was continued by
the barnabite priest and brothers in line with the mission
and vision of Fr. Kosek.

Parents are also encourage to participate in

school activities. Each parents contribute to the
operation of the institution. Every once in a while
they, holds meeting for school activities.

No. 18

iPaul

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SAINT PAUL SCHOLASTICATE COMMUNITY

Formation Year 2014-2015
(First row, from left to right) Fr. Jesus Allado(rector), Fr. Richard Genetiano(superior|proprovincial), Fr. Rudyson Nulo(treasurer)
(second row, from left to right) Rey Carmelo Ausejo, Ar-john Ignalig, Roy Tabil, Roland Danigoy,
Roxie Roflo, Raphael Laotoco, Jerome Galon
(third row, from left to right) Benjiemar Salvacion, Alvin Libay, Darwayne Jay Alfaro, Jomar Taroy,
Jessie Maraon, Alven Salada, Bryan Flororita

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No. 18
3

14

iPaul
Saint Paul Scholasticate Newsletter
THE CLERICS REGULAR OF SAINT PAUL
BARNABITES

Saint Paul Scholasticate

Purok 163, San Jose
Tagaytay City, Cavite, the Philippines
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 32,
4120 Tagaytay City, Philippines
Tel. & Fax: +63 46 413-2837
Email: saintpaulscholasticate@gmail.com
Director: Fr. Richard Ma. Gentiano, crsp
Staff Writers: Darwayne Jay Ma. Alfaro,
crsp; Roy Ma. Tabil, crsp; Benjiemar Ma.
Salvacion, crsp; Roland Ma. Danigoy,
crsp; Alven Ma. Salada, crsp; Jessie Ma.
Maraon, crsp; Bryan Ma. Flororita, crsp;
Jomar Ma. Taroy, crsp; Jerome Ma.
Galon, crsp

Among our task as

witnesses to the love of
Christ is that of giving a
voice to the cry of the
poor.
Pope Francis
(Address to the
Archbishop of Canterbury,
June, 14 2013)

Typeset in the Philippines by the

Saint Paul Scholasticate, December 2014

Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi?

An gladius?