SEPTEMBER 2012 HIGHLIGHTS

Rogate: Preferential Option for the Poor in St. Hannibal and Mary’s Way. September is the month of Mary’s birth. And Mary is very close to St. Hannibal’s heart. In God’s own ways, Mary has certainly shaped St. Hannibal’s “preferential option for the poor.” In fact, when he faced problems which seemed impossible to overcome, he wrote the following to Mary: 

“Most holy serene empress Immaculate “bambina” Mary! Kneeling to kiss your very wonderful, pure feet, full of loving trust in your immense power and kindness, I ask you for a favor of mercy because we are in the worst way. Save us.”

Indeed, Mary intercedes for us, especially for the poor, as she did for the poor couple at Cana who, because of poverty, did not have enough wine for their wedding feast. In like manner, God has always aided St. Hannibal through Mary’s intercession. In connection, let us not lose sight of the fact that God helps the poor by touching generous people. Because of them, Mary’s and St. Hannibal’s work for the poor through SHEC would certainly materialize. 

Rogationist Mission Day Launched by the Philippine Quasi-Province. Last September 8, 2012, the Philippine Quasi-Province (PQP) launched its Rogationist Mission Day on a very timely occasion: the birthday of the Virgin Mary, to whom St. Hannibal and the Rogationist family are devoted, and who, as clearly stated in her magnificat (see Lk 1: 46-55), has a very distinct mission for the poor. The celebration started at 4:00 PM with a Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Herman Abcede, RCJ. Fittingly, as the mission day was launched, some Rogationist religious brothers also renewed their vows. After the mass, at around 6:00 PM, a very meaningful program delighted the participants. The Rogate Youth, SHEC chapter presented a cultural show about Africa, which was followed by a video presentation on the Kigali Project. To inspire their fellow missionaries, Fr. King Cena (Vietnam), Fr. John Yuon (South Korea) and Bro. Christian De Sagun (Papua New Guinea) shared their testimonies to their lives in their respective mission areas. The program ended with an appeal for support for the missions. The event was held at the Fr. Di Francia Center of Studies, Don Jose Greencourt, San Dionisio, Sucat, Paranaque City. It was attended by Rogationists from Metro Manila and Pangasinan, the Daughters of the Divine Zeal, members of the Union of Prayer for Vocations, youth form Pasay and Baseco and delegates from the poor areas of Pasay and Baseco.

Evaluation conducted. Working with and for the poor needs constant reflection because of changing circumstances and the dynamism of the Spirit who blows where she wills. Accordingly, the SHaCC and PABaNAL leaders evaluated their activities. The participants, to wit: Fr. Dexter Prudenciano, RCJ, Fr. Orville R. Cajigal, RCJ, Fr. Arlene Gumangan, RCJ, Benchu Zabala and the ShaCC and PABaNAL leaders conducted their evaluation at the Lazo Farm, Cabuyao, Laguna last September 9, 2012. 

Music Training cum Evaluation. Last September 16, 2012, leaders and members of the Rogate Youth Ministry, SHEC Chapter, (RYMSC) participated in the skills development on music which was facilitated by the students of music from the St. Scholastica’s College, Manila, after which the youth evaluated the launching of the RCJ Mission Day. The events were held at the St, Hannibal Training Center, Malibay, Pasay City.