February 2012 Highlights

Rogate: Feeling the love of God that sweetens every pain. February is the month of love. In the being of a butterfly, the very young Hannibal perceived the perfect blend between love and suffering. Consider these two stanzas of his poem, To a Little Butterfly:

            My little butterfly, among the flowers

            Slowly, slowly move your wings

            In the brightness of your sincerity

            May I delight eyes and heart

            My pain sweetens in you

            Charming pearl of my flowers

            Always beautiful, always sweet,

            Like a breath of love

Indeed, in God, every pain sweetens. This is the kind of God’s love shown by Jesus. In his painful cross, Jesus won for us the sweetness of eternal life. But this is only one side of the story. Before the cross, Jesus manifested the love of God by empowering people to work for total salvation in ongoing history, penetrating all strata of society (seeEvangeliiNuntiandi #18). Jesus preached that the Kingdom of God is about good news to the poor or justice and liberation, as well as health to the sick (see Lk 4:16-21). And following the tradition of the prophets, Jesus taught that love and justice can never be separated. Love or compassion is essentially about food for the hungry, land to the landless and other works of social justice. 

The love of God, understood holistically, is about social transformation. Following this insight inspired by Jesus and continued by St. Hannibal in his spirituality, SHEC moves on to proclaim Jesus’ and Hannibal’s love that does justice. 

Rogate Youth Ministry and ShaCCch. 12 enjoy Valentine’s Ball. The Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Love, is about rejoicing. Amidst all sort of pain in this world, the Kingdom promises eternal happiness, something we strongly hope for. In a sense, the joy of the Kingdom has been enacted and experienced by the members of the Rogate Youth Ministry and SHaCC Chapter 12 when they conducted a valentine’s ball last February 14, 2012. Also, the event was an occasion for them to strengthen their bond, and to treat the members who will celebrate their 18th birthday this year. The joyous event was held at the St. Hannibal Training Center. It was organized by Fr. Orville Cajigal, RCJ together with some leaders and members of the Rogate Youth Ministry, SHEC Chapter (RYMSC).

Training on Data Management.  Empowerment essentially constitutes being organized, for empowerment is also about the awakening of the creative intellect and consciousness that puts order in a chaotic world of social injustice. Accordingly, an empowered love is that which sweetens the pain caused by greed. This is the background of the training on data management conducted among the Health Committee members of SHEC last February 14-16, 2012.  The leaders who attended the training were NelynBalbalosa, DeniaLisay, Evangeline Agonos, ErlindaSuperable, Gemma Gaceta and Nelia Reyna, and was facilitated by Dr. Ezra Valido.

Swedish students get oriented on SHEC housing project. God’s work is like a light that shines and illumines far and wide. God’s work at SHEC, indeed, could spread as far as Sweden, especially that students of Lund Univerity, Sweden conducted their field trip in order to be acquainted with SHEC’s housing project last February 22, 2012. It is hoped that their rubbing of elbows with flesh-and-blood realities at SHEC will awaken their heart for social concerns. The students were oriented by George Espin.

Free Eye Check Up and Bone Scanning. Health is happiness. Unhealthiness is pain. Often, poor people get sick because of inhumane living conditions. The Kingdom’s program of total salvation addresses not only poverty, but the effects of poverty like sickness. Guided by this conviction, Fr. Orville Cajigal, RCJ organized a free eye check up and bone scanning last February 25, 2012. Among those who availed of the medical service were Nelyn Balbalosa, Racquel Santos, Corazon Trinidad, Mary Ann Merelos, Imelda Gerbano, Evangeline Agonos, Luzviminda Benjamin, Jelie Jagonoy, Erlinda Superable, Nelia Reyna, Cecile Tan, Marilou Tatardillo, Juana Sarmiento, Michelle Dagatan, Edita Baluyot, Anabel Lagaran, Ma. Lanie Atarejos, Irene Borongan, Sharon Banzuela, Judith Tendoy and Josephina Velasco.

Bon Voyage, Fr. Angelo Mezzari and company. Love is indeed a mixture of pain and happiness. Meeting the Father General, Fr. Angelo Mezzari, RCJ brought overwhelming joy to the communities served by SHEC. Accordingly, the pain of parting filled the atmosphere as SHEC staff and representatives bid goodbye to Father Angelo in his despedida party held at Fr. Di FranciaCenter of Studies, Don Jose GreencourtSubd., San Dionisio, Merville Park, Paranaque City last February 23, 2012. The event was attended by Fr. Dexter Prudenciano, RCJ, Fr. Orville R. Cajigal, RCJ, Fr. Arlene Gumangan, RCJ, Ramon Espin, Joyce Dalay, AmelieTegio, AbegailApolong, EmerzonZuzon, Jessa Mae Hagosojos, Elmer Bergonia, Jr., Richie Ordonez, Irene Bedonia, EstrellaBuenaflor and Alma Borongan, RY SHEC Chapter, Pabanal and ShaCC

January 2012 Highlights

Rogate: Emulating the Innocent and Pure Heart of the Child Jesus. January is the month of the Sto. Nino. This celebration reminds us that we have to be like children in order to enter the Kingdom of God. How is it to be like children? St. Hannibal offers excellent ways of being so. One time, he saw a little girl crying because of mosquitoes. He immediately ordered that the mosquito net reserved for him be given to the girl. He saw to it that the orphans ate nutritious food, and had to be treated well because, as orphans, they needed utmost care and understanding. Being like a child is to know how it is to be one. A child is pure and innocent but weak, vulnerable to maltreatment. Only an equally pure, innocent and compassionate heart can understand and is willing to work for the welfare of a powerless child.

            The poor and oppressed are like children. They are weak and are in need of society’s care and affection. To treat them well and to work for their wellbeing may not be that appealing. But to do so is the mission of Jesus (Lk 4:16-21). It is our mission too (Mk 10:11-17). It is one way of being like a child as exemplified by St. Hannibal. It is a way of the Rogate which continues to inspire and empower SHEC as it strives to serve the poor this January, 2012.

Happy Birthday and Priestly Anniversary Father Dex. Blessings of the Kingdom for the poor may come in many ways, one of which is the gift of a Kingdom apostle who is willing to dedicate his whole life for the wellbeing of the least. January is indeed a blessed month. On the 6th of this month, a Kingdom worker was born. On the 11th of this month, same Kingdom worker was consecrated as a priest of the poor. Yes, Father Dexter was given as a gift of God to the poor on the 6th and 11th of January respectively. To celebrate these wonderful events, the leaders of the SHaCC, PABaNAL and ROGATE Youth Ministry organized programs last January 6 and January 11. The event of January 11 was also dedicated to the members of the Fathers' Committee of St. Hannibal Homeowners' Association Phase 2.

Happy Priestly Anniversary, Father Jigs. January is indeed a blessed month for SHEC, for on this month, one of SHEC’s passionate and zealous Kingdom worker has also offered his perpetual commitment to live for deathless love for the poor and the oppressed. Yes, on the 21st of January, Father Orville “Jigs” Cajigal, RCJ remembers the time when he was consecrated as priest of God, priest for the marginalized. The community joyfully celebrated with Father Jigs this joyful event of his life.

January 24 Double Treat. For on this day, the Father General of the Rogationists, Fr. Angelo Mezzari, RCJ made his canonical visit during the foundation day celebration of SHEC, SHaCC and PABaNAL. He was accompanied by Fr. Jessie Martirizar, RCJ and Fr. MatteoSanavio, RCJ. They were pleased to see the growth of the Kingdom mission at Pasay and Baseco.

January 25 Another Double Treat. For on this day, SHEC’s dynamic Kingdom mission has taken a step farther. First, concerned persons, namely: Engr. Bing Natino, Ms. Josephine Resurreccion, Ms. Amy San Juan of NHA, George Espin of SHEC, Ms. Elsie Aradanas of PCUP, HOA 3 (Jean Sarmiento, Lita Lopez, Susan Andaya, Merly Baluyot, among others of HOA3, Joy Mosot and LiezelVillaluz of MIAA and the office of the Congresswoman met to discuss the work plan for the Phase 3 project. Truly, this event, it is hoped, will result in the construction of decent homes for the poor. Second, Ms. Lilet and Amy San Juan of NHA, Mr. Oliver Natividad of the LGU and Ms. Leanne CalixtoRubiano of the office of the congresswoman, together with George Espin and Benchu Zabala of SHEC conducted a training on how to conduct verification/validation of data among HOA 3 officers, SHHOA 4 officers , SHHOA 17 officers. Indeed, this activity can enhance the empowerment of said leaders in guiding their respective communities.

Grand Supplication! To be one in prayer with the Rogate family and to strengthen their bond,  the SHEC family represented by Fr. Dexter Prudenciano, RCJ, Fr. Orville R. Cajigal, RCJ, Fr. Arlene  Gumangan, RCJ, EmerzonZuzon, Joyce Dalay, AmelieTegio, Irene Bedonia, Jessa Mae Hagosojos, AbegailApolong, Felipe Gerandio, some leaders of SHaCC and some leaders of RYM PABaNAL Chapter joined in the celebration of the grand supplication held at Navotas, Laoag City last January 31, 2012.

December 2011 Highlights

Rogate: Welcoming Jesus into compassionate hearts. The sons of St. Hannibal are called Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus, because like Jesus’ heart, their hearts are fountains of compassion for the poor and the oppressed. This is also the heart of everyone who shares in the Rogationists’ spirituality of compassion which is very evident in the life of SHEC. December 2011 is especially memorable in this regard for it underlines the birth of Jesus into the hearts of the SHEC community (the Rogationists, the staff, the benefactors, the mission partners and the beneficiaries). And certainly, such birth is concretely manifested through liberating and life-giving activities in the life of SHEC.

Housing budget launched. December 21 was a day of blessing for the homeless. George Espin, representing SHEC, attended the groundbreaking activity of Pasay LGU for the launching of the housing budget. Among those present were no less than the president himself, Noynoy Aquino, VP Jejomar Binay, Director Robredo, Rep. Emi Calixto, and Mayors Calixto and Lim. This event was held at Pasay City.

Mass for solidarity and Christmas Party. The Eucharist, so integral in the Rogate, is not only the summit of worship, but the strongest bond of unity or communion among believers. It was fitting and proper then that, last December 22, the SHEC community celebrated the Eucharist in solidarity with each other and with the typhoon victims in Mindanao. This was held at the St. Hannibal Eco-Retreat Center, Bulacan.

In the evening, the SHEC community celebrated their Christmas party. Truly, Jesus’ birth into their hearts, the inspiration behind their hearts of compassion for the poor and the oppressed, was a cause of authentic jubilation.

November 2011 Highlights

Rogate: Praying for Holy Apostles for the Church. St. Hannibal realized most deeply the need to beg the Lord to send laborers because the harvest is rich but the laborers are few. Also, St. Hannibal knew he had to pray not just for laborers. They ought to be holy laborers—pastors who ought to think, feel and act like Jesus; pastors who are sent after God’s own heart (Jer 3:15).

How is it to be sent as pastor in the Philippine Church? How is it to be a Rogationist? How is it to be a priest according to the heart of Jesus?

There could be 101 answers as God’s mystery remains inexhaustible. But there is a distinctive aspect which may be gleaned from the Bible: God’s heart, Jesus’ heart is a heart for the poor and oppressed.

Then the LORD said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings,  and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians… The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them.  So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” (Ex 3:8-10)

In the New Testament, Luke portrays Jesus as having the aforementioned heart of Yahweh. Jesus’ ‘inaugural address’ when he began his public ministry shows him as one who has been sent especially for the poor and oppressed:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

because he has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives

and recovery of sight to the blind,

to let the oppressed go free,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Lk 4:18-19)

The aforementioned biblical texts constitute a solid foundation for the Church’s commitment to serve the marginalized. Accordingly, LG  #13 encourages a life of communion and sharing which succinctly expresses the spirit of preferential option and love for the poor. This is especially relevant in Asia where, as the Federation of Asian Bishop’s Conference recognizes, poverty and oppression constitute a major and exigent problem. This is a reason why in the 90’s, the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (or PCP II) committed the Philippine Church to be a Church of the Poor.

The Rogationist Family rejoiced with the whole Church last November 26, 2011 with the ordination to the priesthood of Rev. Arlene O. Gumangan, RCJ. He was promoted to the sacred order of priests by the Most Rev. Ernesto A. Salgado, DD, STD, Archbishop of Nueva Segovia, Ilocos Sur.

Fr. Arlene’s ordination is an answer to the Rogate Ergo. Fr. Arlene is also a gift to the Philippine Church as she strives to be a Church of the Poor. This is very obvious owing to the fact that Fr. Arlene lives among the poor of Pasay as he journeys with them in their struggle for social justice under the umbrella of the St. Hannibal Empowerment Center. Needless to say, Fr. Arlene’s priesthood is a response to the challenge of being a Church of the Poor: In a Church of the Poor, the shepherds, the priests in particular, are especially called to practice ‘pastoral charity.’ This is a way of life which, according to Blessed John Paul II, is “marked, molded and characterized by the way of thinking and acting proper to Jesus Christ, head and shepherd of the Church…(PDV  #21)” John Paul II continues to explain that the “essential content of pastoral charity is the gift of self, the total gift of self to the Church, following the example of Christ (PDV #23).”

Kudos, Fr. Arlene! May the Lord of the harvest send more laborers like you!

October Highlights

Rogate: Being in God’s Presence—A Melodious Life of Service Attuned to the Divine Music. St. Hannibal was once asked: Why do people go wrong? The pious “man of God” (a title given to St. Hannibal by those who knew him personally) answered, “because they are not accustomed to being in God’s presence.” Being in God’s presence was second nature to St. Hannibal. Even as a child, he was already aware of this precious treasure in his life. Of this, St. Hannibal claimed: “The Lord has granted me no supernatural gifts, except spirit of faith and the awareness of His divine presence. Since I was a child when I was with the Cistercian fathers, He visited me with gentle emotions—interior joy. When he excited me to love Him, I knew that it was God’s will for me to stay in His presence.” St. Hannibal’s spirituality of being in God’s presence resulted in dedicating his life in serving the poor. He was then very much like Jesus, who, as a result of his connectivity or oneness with his Father, was poured out in mission for total salvation (salvation of humanity and creation), most especially the poor. Being in God’s presence may be likened to a musical piece. When one is attuned to God, one’s life will exude harmonious notes, constituting sounds that form a very pleasant divine melody echoing in the lives of the poor in the form of decent homes, sustainable livelihood and solidarity with victims of calamities such as typhoons. Both metaphorically and literally, the aforementioned spirituality of being in God’s presence as expressed in divine melodies happened in SHEC when, last October 22, 2011, the Essentials Choir staged a concert entitled, Sing Praise, Build Homes. The proceeds went to SHEC’s Phase 3 housing project and to the victims of recent typhoons. The following lines from the concert show a glimpse of the spirituality of being in God’s presence that results in the proclamation of good news to the poor: Yes, God will be all in all! God will fully reign! His Kingdom will prevail! We will then go to a better place. We keep this vision anchored firmly in our hearts despite seemingly hopeless situations, for we believe in a faithful God whose love endures forever. This is a cause for rejoicing. With jubilant hearts, we glorify and praise God for making humanity’s and creation’s dream of salvation as his unwavering vision. We exult in his will that the homeless of Phase 3 be given decent homes. How is it to be saved? Jesus has a simple tip as written in Mt 25, 31-46: Any good done to Jesus merits salvation. In this context, Jesus says, “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do it unto me.” Who are the least? They are the poorest of the poor, the hungry, the oppressed, the homeless like the families residing at Phase 3. Jesus’ passion is to shower the poor with compassion—that kind of mercy which is intimately wedded with justice and love. It is not only about prayers and sympathies. More important, it takes concrete forms like food and decent homes. Jesus invites us to imbibe his compassion and share our blessings with the poor. This is an inevitable way to salvation. The concrete way presented now to us is to be compassionate to the homeless of phase 3. In doing so, as one family, as children of God, we can wholeheartedly affirm and proclaim, “HOW LOVELY IS YOUR DWELLING PLACE”. Yes, how lovely indeed is God’s dwelling place, which is also our dwelling place, especially if we work for God’s Kingdom of love, peace, justice, truth and prosperity for all—for humans and the rest of creation. Doing so will not be that easy. Conflicts abound. Even Jesus was not spared of the cross. But the story never ends there. God’s vindication will have its last say. Jesus resurrected. He emerged as a victor because he held on to God’s vision for a better world. It is worthwhile indeed to keep on holding to God’s vision for SHEC’s Phase 3 project. With generous people like you who cheerfully share in Jesus’ compassionate heart, the poor are ever assured that God’s love will last forever. This, needless to say, is an indispensable way of fulfilling the commandments: love of God which is done through love of the neighbor.  Yes, being in love with God is necessarily being in love with the neighbor, especially the least. If you take on the compassion of Jesus, doing the commandments will be second nature. You’d love doing it even if you can’t fully understand why.

September Highlights

Rogate: Unfailing Faith and Trust in God Amidst Trials. In empowering the poor of his time, St. Hannibal went through many challenges. He felt frustrations. There were moments when his spirit was dampened. Of these, he wrote: “Often I have knocked on iron doors in vain, atrocity has been my verdict, get out of here, you person insane, suffer the pain for doing your bit.” 

These were but normal and ordinary about being human. Even Jesus experienced deep anguish (see Mk) But, like in the case of Jesus, ordinary pains became extraordinary religious experiences for St. Hannibal because he lived in God’s embrace. He never failed to trust in God, no matter how uncertain things seemed. This is likewise the kind of faith we find in St. Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, whose feast we celebrate in the month of September. It is also the kind of faith embraced by the SHEC community as they struggle for a more humane world in their daily existence.

Phase 2 General Assembly. In a general assembly held at the phase 2 housing site last Sept. 4, 2011, the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), through Ms Jane Duque, discussed the restructuring and condonation program with the HOA2 officers, George Espin and the Phase 2 beneficiaries. Also, questions and concerns pertinent to the program were addressed. To work for decent homes for the poor has been one of the greatest struggles in promoting justice in the Philippines. Nonetheless, with ongoing dialogue and cooperation, the dream of homes for the poor continues to be much closer to realization. 

Welcome, Beneficiaries! Last  Sept. 9, 2011, George Espin and the HOA 2 officers conducted an orientation/meeting with the second batch of newly accepted beneficiaries. The progress of the housing project is a cause of rejoicing. For indeed it is a manifestation that justice continues to flow on the land! 

All for Mother Creation. To acquire/enhance knowledge and skills in proper waste disposal, SHEC, through the initiative of Fr. Orville Cajigal, RCJ, conducted a solid waste management training last Sept. 11, 2011 at the St. Hannibal Training Center, Malibay, Pasay City. This was attended by 47 participants, with Josie Satajo, Nelyn Balbalosa, Anabella Lagaran, Emmanuel Henon, Marilyn Pogoy as facilitators. Truly, activities for the care and integrity of creation is an essential aspect of Jesus’ and the Church’s mission. This should be more sharply realized especially with the recent ecological calamities.

Attitude Check. A kingdom worker ought to be Christ-like in terms of commitment, character and dedication. As part of fraternal camaraderie among SHEC employees, and to constantly remind themselves of being configured to Christ always, the employees underwent a work attitude evaluation last Sept. 21, 2011 at the SHEC office.  Self-improvement is an on-going process, which is why evaluations are opportunities for growth, for the betterment of the self and, consequently, of the services rendered for the Kingdom of God.

August Highlights

ROGATE: Trusting in God’s Providence. It is August. In the 19th century, this month witnessed to the strong faith of St. Hannibal. He trusted in the Lord even in seemingly hopeless situations. He struggled. It was not easy. He hoped against hope. In the end, he never doubted God’s providence, and his little failures turned into little pieces of light that empowered the poor to go on. The gospels counsel us to “seek first the Kingdom of God, and all will be given… (see Mt 6:33)” Seeking the kingdom requires a solid trust in God’s providence. This entails struggles, but God assures the faithful that those who trust him will never be disappointed (see Rom 10:11).

Trusting in God’s providence—this is the way of Jesus…the way that St. Hannibal followed…the way that SHEC continues to live by as it accompanies the poor in their struggle to hope against hope.

General Assembly with New Beneficiaries.
Welcoming new beneficiaries is indeed heartwarming as it is a manifestation that God’s Kingdom of justice continues to spread. This has been the spirit that filled the respective general assemblies last August 7 and 12, 2011. The first day was allotted for a general orientation. In the second day, the following were discussed: condonation/restructuring program of SHFC, arrears of individuals who were removed or who backed out, details of monthly amortization and signing of agreements. The activities were held at the SHEC office.

Meeting on Basic Health Education.
Last August 12, 2011, __________________ presided a meeting which was attended by ___________________. Among other things, the meeting was called for the turn-over of the module and visual aids for the Basic Health Education. Also, the two week experience of the medical students was recapitulated. The meeting was held at the St. Hannibal Training Center, Malibay, Pasay.

Meeting with Fr. Herman Abcede, RCJ.

August 15, 2011 was a very opportune moment for SHEC Staff and some leaders of SHaCC. They had the occasion to celebrate the mass, meet and dialogue with Fr. Herman Abcede, RCJ, the Rogationist Major Superior of the Philippine Delegation and his council. Through the meeting, the superior general was informed of the programs of SHaCC. The meeting was held at the St. Hannibal Training Center, Malibay, Pasay.

General Assembly at PAL Gate 1.
For the signing of an initial master list, and to witness its posting and discuss the issue, a general assembly with the concerned people of PAL Gate 1 was held last August 17, 2011. Also, the event was attended by the following: SHEC, NHA, HOA3, MIAA, Housing Board, UPAO, Barangay officials and PCUP.