Phil: First Profession of Religious Vows

Phil: MARC Christmas Celebration

MARC, THE EVANGELIZERS CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS

The season of Advent is an opportunity for us to set up for the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a time of festivity, a time of thanksgiving, and a time to share the talents and gifts we receive from God. With this, the Marbel Association of Religious and Clergy (MARC) joyfully celebrated the Christmas Party last November 30, 2017 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Polomolok, South Cotabato, with the theme, “Clergy and Religious: The Key to the New Evangelization.”

The occasion began with a prayer led by Sr. Nelly, OP, followed by a warm, welcome message given by the parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Fr. Romeo. Thereafter was ‘A Talk Show’ which was facilitated by Fr. Ronald; it was participated by some religious and clergy.

A short introduction by Sr. Io, SMSM, ushered in the election of the new set of MARC Officers for 2018. The officers, elected from the different congregations, are Br. Joe, FMS, Sr. Marieta, CP, Fr. Leo, CP, Sr. Lorlie, AR and two diocesan priests, Fr. Eugene and Fr. Reggie.

During the Holy Eucharist, the homilist (a newly ordained diocesan priest) elaborated on the features of an evangelizer, the importance of personal commitment, and becoming one with Jesus. Moreover, he stressed the aspect of the missionary work of evangelization, and sharing our quality time with others. He concluded thus, “Evangelize others through self, capacity, gift and talent." The oath-taking of the new elected officers was led by Bishop Gutierrez at the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration.

Living by the saying, “All work without play makes Jack a dull boy," the religious and clergy gathered in the covered court for the fun games after lunch. Four different teams randomly grouped from the different congregations and the clergy competed in two different games. The outcomes were as follows: the yellow team won the “Volley-Malong-ball” game while the white team won the “Free throws” game.

Topping it all was the exchanging of gifts.

In conclusion, it was a great day for all religious and clergy who were present at the event. From the look of things, it seemed everyone left the place with a big smile on his or her face, bearing the valuable experience of the day, and not forgetting the mission that was entrusted, “Go. Proclaim the Good News to all nations."

GO BACK TO HOME

Phil: Final Vows and Re-Entry

Br. Jong Acosta Makes Final Vows and Br. Raymund Gallardo Re-entry to the Congregation

On September 2, 2017, Br. Dionesio “Jong” Acosta, Jr., FMS made his Perpetual Profession of Vows during a Eucharistic Celebration at the Br. Maurus James Doherty Cultural Center, Notre Dame of Cotabato. At the same time, Br. Raymund Gallardo, FMS, completed his re-entry to the Institute as he made his Profession of Vows for one year.

Br. Robert Teoh, FMS, the Provincial Superior of the Marist East Asia Province, received the Vows. Fr. Patrick Devlin, SM was the main presider with Fr. Amador “Taddy” Castillo, OMI, as co-presider.

The profession of vows is significant as it coincided with 70th founding anniversary of Notre Dame of Cotabato which is the first Marist School here in the Philippines, the 70th year of presence of the Marist Brothers here in the Philippines, and the 10th year of the establishment of the Marist East Asia Province which is composed of the Philippines, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Korea, Singapore, and Japan.

Both Br. Dionesio and Br. Raymund had their first profession of vows at the Immaculate Concepcion Novitiate in Tamontaka last May 2010 together with four other brothers.

GO BACK TO HOME

Jpn: Br. Ramon Celebrates 70 Years!

BR. RAMON CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF RELIGIOUS PROFESSION

Br. Ramon Bereicua celebrated 70 years of religious profession on September 4, 2017 in a simple Liturgy at the Marist Brothers community in Kobe, Japan.

It was a private and quiet affair with just 10 people in attendance: the 4 members of Kobe community (Ramon, Jeff Rhey Antiquisa, John Oh and Joseph Yoshida), the Provincial (Robert Teoh), the Sector Coordinator of Korea-Japan (Domingo Lee), Lindley Sionosa, Nelson Beltran, Ms. Elma Rafil and Fr. Noel Sin who presided the Eucharist.

After the Mass, the brothers and Ms. Elma gathered at the community dining hall for a simple dinner. The occasion was made more meaningful by the stories shared by Br. Ramon who has 58 years of being a missionary in Japan behind him.

Br. Ramon hails from Basque Country. He entered the Bairo Novitiate in 1946 and made his first profession in 1947. In 1951, at the age of 19, Br. Ramon was sent to Sri Lanka where he worked for 8 years. It was also in Sri Lanka where he professed his final vows in 1952. He left Sri Lanka in 1959 and went to Japan where he remained up to this day.

It was a timely celebration as well; for Robert, Lindley, Domingo, Nelson and Ms. Elma were on their way to Medellin, Colombia to participate in the 22nd General Chapter.

[PHOTO. Front: Elma, Ramon, John. Back: Noel, Domingo, Robert, Joseph, Lindley, Jeff. (Photo taken by Nelson)]
 

GO BACK TO HOME

Phil: Superiors' Meeting

Philippine Sector Superiors' Meeting

Aug. 24-25, 2017

On August 24 and 25, the community superiors of the East Asia Province's Philippine Sector gathered at the Marist Province Center in Lagao, Gen. Santos City to share, discuss, and respond to the following issues:

1. The Community Life Plan of each community and the concerns of superiors;

2. The report of the Brother Provincial on Council matters and information about the other sectors' activities;

3. The Vocation Director's report on his activities and expectations from each community to respond to the new way of vocations promotion, accompaniment and animation;

4. The report of the Sector Bursar on financial matters (budgets and expenditures);

5. Lake Sebu Spirituality Center updates; and,

6. On-going Formation of Superiors.

Elected chairman of the group is Br. Manuel de Leon (Kidapawan) while the secretary is Br. Cristino Sta. Ana (Marikina).

Highlighted were the following:

1. Annual "Solidarity Day" on October 7. We take this occasion of commemorating the Bicentenary of our foundation and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of East Asia Province so that all the Marists of Champagnat (Marist Brothers, Lay Marists and Mission Partners), working as one, can keep alive this spirit of the Founder, in helping the poor and the needy of today's society.

2. Our annual retreat for next year will be held in Lake Sebu Spirituality Center. This will consist of 2 groups: the first, held before the annual Brothers' Assembly, will be a silent or directed retreat; and the other, after the assembly will be the usual preached retreat.

3. July 26 (feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne) is now the "Day of our Affiliated Members and Parents of the Brothers". Annual gatherings will be held regionally (2 or 3 communities agreeing as a region to observe the celebration).

4. Brothers Robert Teoh (Provincial), Lindley Sionosa, and Domingo Lee will join the General Chapter as official delegates. Invited are Br. Nelson Beltran (representing the young Brothers) and Ms. Elma Rafil (representing the Lay). On their way to Colombia, they will pass by Kobe, Japan to celebrate Br. Ramon Bereicua's 60th year as a Marist Brother.

5. Br. Dionesio Acosta is making his perpetual profession on September 2 in Cotabato City. Br. Raymund Gallardo will also renew his annual vows.

GO BACK TO HOME

Phil: Gathering of Young Brothers

TPBIAM GATHERING 2017

Last July 28-30, fifteen young brothers of the Philippine Sector arrived in the Province Center in Lagao, General Santos City, to attend the first of the Tri-Annual Gathering of the Temporary Professed Brothers in Active Ministry (TPBIAM) this formation year 2017-2018.

In the morning session of gathering’s first day, the group invited Br. Albert Muñoz, FMS to talk about his experience as the Vocation Animator. He asked them to answer the question: Why? He also reminded the young brothers that they too have the responsibility nurturing a culture of vocation in their respective communities and ministries.

In the afternoon session of the same day, Br. Ted Fernandez, FMS, the TPBIAM Accompagnateur, facilitated the Group Sharing of the six young brothers in their First Year Apostolate. Afterwards, five young brothers shared their experiences about their Preparation for Perpetual Profession of Vows and Renewal Courses for two months in Fiji.

In the second day, Br. Robert Teoh, FMS, East Asia Provincial Superior, talked about the bicentenary celebration of the Marist Institute, the call of religious brothers in today’s world, and some updates and experiences on his work as the Provincial Superior.

Br. Allen Timola, FMS

GO BACK TO HOME

Phil: La Valla 2017 Pilgrimage

49 FILIPINO MARISTS OF CHAMPAGNAT JOIN THE LA VALLA 2017 PILGRIMAGE

Marist East Asia Province

49 Filipino Marists of Champagnat joined the La Valla 2017 Pilgrimage from July 6 to 16, 2017 in the different significant sacred places, historical sites, origins of the Marist Institute and wonders in France and Italy that was spearheaded and well facilitated by Br. Allan De Castro, FMS. The said journey commenced last July 6, 2017 when the pilgrims who were composed of Marist Brothers and Laity from various school and non-school ministries as well as a priest from the Philippines travelled to Rome via Abu Dhabi thru Etihad Airways and gathered together during dinner in Hotel Rome Pisana. In fact, the cited pilgrim's jaunt aimed to visit Rome especially the Vatican and the General House of the Marist Brothers of the Schools, the roots of the Institute-the life of the founder, Saint Marcellin Champagnat, and to pray at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine even in various churches and chapels, religious landmarks of France and Rome.

Narratively sharing such meaningful travel last July 7, 2017, the Marist pilgrims arrived in the General House of the Institute and were welcomed hospitably by the Superior General, Br. Emili Turu, FMS and some Marist Brothers. They toured around and had a relevant session with him about the priorities, changes, and challenges of the Institute, which was followed by an open forum, mass and lunch together. In the afternoon, there were visits of the Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani) including the Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina), St. Peter’s Basilica, its square, and a dinner at Il Cantico Hotel before going back to hotel.

On the next day, the tour was held at Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona and passed on some historical sites and spots in Rome City like Castel Sant’Angelo, etc.
A day bus transport happened on July 9, 2017 from Rome to Lyon specifically to Chemin de L’Hermitage, Saint Chamond. Brothers and lay welcomed the pilgrims and had a dinner with some US Marists before they had a mass in the chapel where the tomb and relic of St. Marcellin Champagnat and Br. Francois were kept.

A whole day pilgrimage on July 10, 2017, which is mostly walking, supervened in the forest of Mt. Pilat from Marlhes in the Church called Saint Marcellin Champagnat en Pilat as well as in the birthplace of the founder, where a mass was held in Le Rosey/Rozet Chapel, beside his home, Chambre de St. Marcellin Champagnat, in the hills of Le Rosey. Moreover, the pilgrims walked in a distant to see the site of the sparking event of the Montagne story in the hamlet of Les Pallais, Le Bessat and the location of the La Chaperie, quoted as the Memorare House, where Father Marcellin and Br. Stanislus almost losing their lives in the woods with snow when they prayed the Memorare and a local farmer Mr. Donnet helped them. It was rainy afternoon when they reached the Les Maisonettes (known today as Maison Champagnat). Likewise, they were informed about the history of the Marist Institute and prayed around the table at La Valla - Gathered Around The Same Table as one family before they returned to valley of the Hermitage.

Last July 11, 2017, the pilgrims had a mass and renewal of their Fourviere Pledge in the Chapel of the Black Virgin, Our Lady of Fourviere, Lyon; delightfully they met the Filipino community with a lunch picnic together viewing Lyon. They visited churches such as the Cathedral of Saint Jean and some significant places of the city. Afterwhich, some of them joined the visit in the grounds around the house, chapels, the cemetery of the Marist Brothers, the poplars, Fr. Francois garden and top of the hill viewing the La Valla in the other side of the hill. After dinner, they viewed the Space Champagnat like the Exposition Hall, the Community Room / Frescoes Room, and the office and room of Marcellin Champagnat where they prayed together.

After the morning mass in the Notre Dame de L’Hermitage Chapel and breakfast on July 12, 2017, the pilgrimage continued in a long distant travel from Saint Chamond to Lourdes for almost ten hours. Dinner was served at Angelic Restaurant Hotel then they joined the procession of Our Lady of Lourdes while praying the rosary creatively with candles and Marian songs.

On that early rainy morning, a mass was attended in the grotto of Lourdes last July 13, 2017 before a long travel to Paris and searched for an Asian buffet dinner near Suit Case Hotel.

The next day was a tour on some spots, historical sites around Paris and churches such as Notre Dame Cathedral and Sacre-Coeur Basilica for a mass after a one hour Bateaux Parisiens Cruise on the River Seine that embarked at Pont D’iena at the bottom of the Eiffel Tower. They also visited Le Carrousel de Louvre and Pavillon Richelieo before supper at Gladines, Les Halles in Paris last July 14, 2017.

On the following day, there was an amazing view of Versailles Palace in the exhibitions of grand appartements and its garden before the tour in the Arc De Triomphe, malls, shops, and a dinner at Auberge Du Pere Louis last July 15, 2017.

Before the night travel back to home country on July 16, 2017, the La Valla pilgrims joined the mass at Chapelle Notre Dame De La Medaille Miraculeuse witnessing Sainte Catherine Laboure undecomposed body and seen clearly the Eiffel Tower in the Palais de Chaillot and park after lunch. It was almost midnight of July 17, 2017 when they arrived Philippines, yet, countless wonderful memories and learning experiences can’t be forgotten, and faith journey reflections were respectively pondered after all in this Marists new beginning towards a New La Valla.

〽 MARIST LA VALLA PILGRIMAGE ( Reflections / Realizations )

> M-arists of Champagnat @ Faith Journey
> A-wareness of Marist History and Origins
> R-ealization of Marcellin Champagnat's life, history and vocation
> I-nnovation of mission, communion and its integration in reality
> S-imple way of life journey such a contemplative experience of silence and prayer
> T-ravel from one place and another requires time management and sensitivity

• L-a Valla reflection like the birth of Marist Institute signifies being in one family as brothers and sisters in one faith
• A-ction taken in response to the call of time to go to the peripheries but not in luxury

• V-alor in heart of service to the least favored but not of one's vanity and physical enhancement...yet, for the glory of God.
• A-miable to be in communion with one another as to active involvement in the actualization of making Jesus and Mary known and loved
• L-ife journey is meaningful if lived with a good purpose as Marista.
• L-ike Jesus and Mary, we go on pathways towards the reign of God.
• A-ttitude in every word, value and action count in this world.

~ P-raised be Jesus and Mary for everything that happened!
~ I-nterestingly explored the wonders of nature, history, culture and people while learning in every experience and step on the way.
~ L-ove of God is wonderful in His wonders of life and creations; value everything.
~ G-reat and grateful is such feeling and response to the call.
~ R-espect to God and one another is essential in this voyage.
~ I-ntuition on one's life and commitment relies on one's choices in living out.
~ M-arvelous is life if one journeyed in mission and communion to each other for the Montagnes of today.
~ A-live and awaken we are in this pilgrimage with God and His manifestations.
~ G-od is love ; love is God. This matter and a lot of moral / lesson then I realized and reflected in the silence and contemplation.
~ E-xemplifying SMC's dream can be a reality in doing the best that one can be as Marcellin of today.
😊 Let's jump! Go in haste.

Ivy Bulawan Yecyec

Marist Pilgrim

〽️Sincerest thanks for everything to all Marist Companions,
my fellow La Valla Pilgrims for such a wonderful faith journey
and to our brother guide / facilitator, Br. Allan de Castro, FMS.
In a special, thank you to my beloved parents and sisters
who really supported me and the brothers and laity
who sincerely show care and support in various ways
and above all to God. To God be the glory!
May God bless our journey...

 GO BACK TO HOME

Phil: NDMU Launches Marist Bicentenary

Festive, colorful and hearts filled with unity and thanksgiving!

This is how Marists in Notre Dame of Marbel University describe the recently concluded launching of the institutional staging of the Marist Bicentenary Celebration last July 7, 2017 at the university campus.

Essentially, this festivity was just an initial event of the University in the year-round celebration after the 3-year preparation for this huge and remarkable milestone in the Marist family.

The said launching of the institutional celebration of the 200 years of the Marist presence in the world was made meaningful and significant by the NDMU community through its unique and colorful festivity. It started with a Eucharistic celebration at the university gym. A short program followed in which the rationale of the celebration was presented. Bro. Emili Turu, FMS, the Superior General of the Marist Brothers also extended his greetings and message to the community through a video presentation.

In order to make the celebration more fun and colorful while sustaining its essence, a cheering competition was conducted, participated by both students and personnel coming from the different departments in the university- the Elementary and Junior High School department, Senior High School department, the four Colleges, and the Non-teaching Personnel. The competition ended up with the College of Education students and personnel cheering team as the champion.

Making the launching more remarkable and momentous, the Marist Hope Center, NDMU’s new project was blessed. The blessing of the new statute of the Blessed Virgin Mary located at the façade of the Bro. Renato Cruz, FMS Building (new building) and the blessing of the Marist Bicentenary Landmark followed. Thereafter, a symbolic tree planting activity was also done.

What then a feast could be without something to share as a community? Thus, a campus picnic was re-launched (after it was done during the 70th foundation of the school last year) in the university grounds. Showing the family and community spirit with each other, students, personnel, alumni, guests and friends of NDMU had their lunch together.

Shortly after the lunch, selected student leaders from the basic education and the college departments with some chosen faculty and administrators went to Sitio Paglaum, Brgy. Maibu, Tantangan South Cotabato for the community visit and extension activity. The student leaders conducted leadership and team building activities for the graders in the school while the faculty and administrators had their enrichment session with the parents and the teachers in the community.

-Dr. Wilter C. Friales-

GO BACK TO HOME

Phil: Marist Joint Formation

REVITALIZING SHARED CHARISM AND MISSION

Gathered for the purpose of reflecting together our distinct gifts of vocation and discerning creative expressions of our Marist mission, nineteen (19) participants, brothers and lay, gathered for a Joint Formation experience on May 18-21, 2017 at St. Joseph Retreat House, Tamontaka, D.O.S, Maguindanao. This activity is part of the East Asia Province Marist Bicentennial Celebration.

The Joint Formation was aimed at enriching our respective vocations as brothers and lay through personal faith encounter, exploring the new relationship of Brothers and Lay in communion and determining new ways of collaborating in the Marist mission.

The four-day formation experience developed a sense of community among brothers and lay where there was in-depth sharing of faith and vocation stories, fears, hopes and gifts in living one’s distinct vocation. And considering the trends and challenges of the Church in Asia, the Joint Formation experience provided the participants an opportunity to explore mission priorities where brothers and lay can work together with new vitality.

Some participants voiced out their meaningful experience:

• “Meaningful experience for me were the reflective prayers, information and sharing of insights and communion between brothers and lay.”

• “Each day is full of symbolism which brings more meaning to the topics being discussed.”

• “It opened my heart to better understand lay Marists working with the brothers. I admired their honesty to express their fears, hopes and gifts in relating with me as a brother.”

• “This formation serves as a bridge of understanding between brothers and lay Marists…”

The formation experience ended with participants hoping for the replication of the same process of formation to as many brothers and lay in the sector and the province.

Phil: Marist Community Experience

Summer Vocation Gathering 2017

The Vocation Team headed by Br. Albert Munoz, Vocation Director, organized the gathering of young men called the “Marist Community Living Experience” held at the Sacred Heart Formation Center in Lagao, General Santos City on April 28 to May 1, 2017. The purpose of this gathering was to give these young men a chance to become more aware of the Marist vocation and the Marist Brothers’ way of life.

The Vocation Team is composed of Brothers Albert Munoz, Romy Porras, John Emil Alada, Cian Marco Tabuada and Ms. Ivy Yecyec, a faculty member of NDKC.

There were 20 participants coming from Cotabato City, General Santos City, Notre Dame of Kidapawan College, and Notre Dame of Marbel University . Of these, 8 were young professionals (5 fresh college graduates, 1 teacher and 2 company employees), 10 college students going into 3rd year level, and 2 high school graduates but with working experience, ages 23 and 30 years old.

The participants had an experience of community prayers, working together in cleaning the house and its surroundings, indoor and outdoor recreation, visits to Marcellin Homes, Fourviere and Dadiangas communities and a mini-tour of NDDU main campus. The culmination of the activities was an overnight outing at Marian Beach Resort in Glan, Sarangani Province.

Among the inputs given were Religious and Community life by Br. Romy, Marist Life by Br. Ted, Marist in the World by Br. Allan, and St. Marcellin and his Charism by Ms. Ivy Yecyec and Br. Albert. Those who helped out in the interviews were Brothers Ernie, Ted, Danny and Roy.

GO BACK TO HOME

Phil: Philippine Sector Annual Retreat

ANNUAL RETREAT 2017: SPIRITUALITY OF ST. MARCELLIN

Last April 9 to 16, 2017, Holy Week, 51 Brothers gathered at the Jesuit Retreat House in Impalambong, Malaybalay City for their annual retreat. The theme of this year’s retreat was on the Spirituality of St. Marcellin Champagnat. In line with the celebration of the Bicentenary of our Foundation, this retreat was meant to revisit Fr. Champagnat’s spiritual journey as well as to rekindle the same spirituality among the Brothers of today.

This year’s retreat master was Br. Michael Green, an Australian Marist Brother, who did a lot of study of Fr. Champagnat’s life and his spirit. Br. Michael’s approach was to examine and to glean from the early brothers how they imbibed Marcellin’s spirituality through their encounters with him. Many of these Brothers were simple men; but the Founder was able to get them into the rigors of academic study and spiritual development. Some of them almost became little Champagnat’s in their own right.

On the last day of the retreat, the Brothers engaged in 2 important things: the Pre-Chapter Process Stage III called the Gathering of the Fruits and the Sector Assembly. In the first part, they gave the delegates some key themes for them to take to the 22nd General Chapter in Colombia. During the Sector Assembly, business concerns were tackled and other things with regard to the progress and development of the Philippine Sector since the last Provincial Assembly in 2016.

Fr. Nilo Labra, SJ and Fr.Neo Saicon Jr., SJ, resident chaplains of the Retreat House, took turns presiding the different Holy Week liturgies. During the Easter Vigil Mass, 14 young Brothers renewed their vows, while the rest of the Brothers had the devotional renewal of their perpetual commitment. On Easter Sunday, all the Brothers left Malaybalay to go back to their respective communities and missions.

BR. MANUEL P. ULUAN, FMS
April 18, 2017
NDDU, General Santos City

GO BACK TO HOME