SACS Formation Year 2012-2013 Highlights Kerygma

At the beginning of the term 2012 – 2016, the community of San Agustin Center of

Studies focuses its formation thrust on Kerygma as the heart of commu-nal reflection and action towards the call of Augustinians to be the mes-sengers, promoters and builders of common life in the Church as stated in the Intermediate General Chapter in 2010. The theme for this year’s formation program is Augustin-ians Through the Ages: Proclaim-ing the Word of God in an Au-thentic Witnessing of Christian Life. This is under the inspira-tion of the Intermediate General Chapter in 2010 that highlighted the order’s call to be a prophetic sign which urges every Augustin-ian to be an essential witness for evangelization (Cf. IGC 2010, 19). Localizing the call of the chapter, the SACS community has devised that this call would reso-nate even to the level of formation.

Installation of SACS New House

Prior

Friars Attend Biblico-Theological

Forum on Debt

Last July 10, 2012, the simply-professed friars attended the

Biblico-Theological Forum on Debt held at the Cardinal Sin Center of Loyola School of Theology at Loyola Heights, Quezon City. The forum was spearheaded by the organiza-tion- Faith Based Congress Against Immoral Debts (FCAID), in part-nership with Loyola School of The-ology (LST) and the Inter-Congre-gational Theological Center (ICTC).

On June 16, 2012 Rev. Fr. Jose Rene C. Delariate, OSA was

installed as Prior of San Agustin Center Studies. The installation rite of the new prior was made within the com-munal Evening Prayer at the STVI chapel. Solemnly-professed friars of the community took roles dur-ing the praying of the Liturgy of the Hours. Rev. Fr. Nicolas Echeveria, OSA, Sub-Prior of the community,

Collegium Section

Professorium Section

Collegium Sponsors Talk on Hygiene, Social Etiquette and Aggression9 PA

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SACS Accepts Seven New Postulants4 PA

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SP Friars Attend Workshop on News Writing5 PA

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Professorium Community Welcomes Four New Members5 PA

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INSTALLATION /Page 2

STVI Officers Discuss the DNA of Leadership

Last July 29, 2012, the Collegium held a leadership training with a theme “The DNA of Leadership: What does it take to be an effec-

tive leader?” The participants of the training were the Chairmen of the different committees, the Decanos of each year level, and the Execu-tive Committee. This was conducted by Dr. Reynaldo S. Mariano, Ph.D.

LEADERSHIP /Page 9

DEBT /Page 5

Kerygma /Page 2

One Big Family. The pre-novices (squatting) and post-novices (standing) formandi of SACS pose with their new set of formators (seated in black habit).

What’s inside...

02 COMMON ACTS sacsupdate vol. 13, no.1june to august 2012

Thus, it is right and fitting that the professorium community adds its own means to embody the call to be a witness to each simply-professed friar. By formulating its own set of guiding principles, the simply-professed friars receive the challenge of evangelization in their level of formation. The following is the statement prepared and penned by the Committee on Gov-ernance and Finance to serve as a general guideline for the formation year 2012 - 2013.

Thrust: Kerygma

Theme: Augustinians Through the Ages: Proclaiming the Word of God in an Authentic Witnessing of Christian Life

Vision: A community formed to be proclaimers who share life in commun-ion through its radical witnessing for the service of the Church

Mission: 1. To intensify the love of study of the Sacred Scriptures as an Augustinian

value

2. To be a community of evangelized evangelizers as inspired by the ideals of St. Augustine

3. To serve the Universal Church with Mary as our model of discipleship and apostleship.

Objectives: 1. To inculcate among the brothers the love for studies in our formation in

preparation for the future ministries2. To inspire and be inspired by the people we encounter through our vari-

ous apostolate3. To fortify the commitment of the brothers to serve the Church through

living out the message of the Gospel

All committees and the rest of the simply-professed friars of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Hall – Professorium Community ought to be guided by these principles, which should be the focus in their program and project proposals. The statement was presented, corrected and duly approved and ratified by the community during the part 4 of the first General Assembly on June 9, 2012. Nombrefia, OSA

led the community Vespers. Rev. Fr. Pacifico Nohara, OSA and Rev. Fr. Nelson Zerda, OSA, Masters of Students of the college aspirants and simply-professed respectively, were the antiphonists.

Rev. Fr. Eusebio B. Berdon, OSA, Prior Provincial, graced the occasion and performed the installation rites. The Provincial Secretary, Rev. Fr. Dante O. Juloc, OSA, read the obedience notice before the whole commu-nity. After the Liturgy of the Hours, the brothers proceeded to the college refectory to enjoy the sumptuous dinner prepared for everyone. The friars assigned in SACS for the Formation Year 2012-2016 are as follows:

Prior and STVI Director - Fr. Jose Rene Delariarte, OSAMaster of the Simply-Professed and Treasurer - Fr. Nelson Zerda, OSAMaster of the Postulants - Rev. Fr. Michael Alvin Sequio, OSAMaster of the Aspirants - Rev. Fr. Pacifico Nohara, Jr., OSAProcurator: Fr. Ericson Borre, OSAMembers: Fr. Nicholas Echeveria, OSA Fr. Fernando Cleopas, OSA Fr. Jose Francisco Teves, OSA Rev. Harold Langahin, OSAGuest Friar: Fr. Yojanis Salomon Sedik, OSA

Formation Teams Professorium: Chairman: Fr. Nelson Zerda, OSA Members: Fr. Jose Rene Delariarte, OSA Fr. Fernando Cleopas, OSA

Pre-Novices: Chairman: Fr. Jose Rene Delariarte, OSA Members: Fr. Pacifico Nohara, Jr., OSA Fr. Michael Alvin Sequio, OSA Fr. Jose Francisco Teves, OSA Rev. Harold Langahin, OSA Asor, OSA

Our New Set of Guides. (L - R Front) Frs. Ericson Borre OSA, Jose Teves, OSA, Nicholas Echeveria, OSA, Jose Rene C. Delariate, OSA (House Prior), Rev. Harold Langahin, OSA, Yojanis Salomon Sedik, OSA, (L-R Back) Fernando Cleopas, OSA, Nelson Zerda, OSA, Michael Alvin Sequio, OSA and Pacifico Nohara, OSA.

Last June 30, 2012, Rev. Fr. Martin Nolan, OSA, for-mer Prior General of the

Augustinian Order, visited Co-legio de San Agustin- Biñan. He gave a spiritual talk to the friars of NCR-Luzon Zone at the San Agus-tin Hall, CSA- Biñan at 2:30 pm. Among those who attended from the SACS community are the Sol-emn and Simply-Professed friars. Rev. Fr. Edgardo L. Lazo, OSA, Prior of CSA- Biñan, led the invocation for the fraternal gather-ing. Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA, Coordinator, NCR-Luzon Zone welcomed the participants to the event and introduced Fr. Nolan as the guest speaker. Rev. Fr. Martin Nolan, OSA began his spiritual talk with a funny caricature of a friar who is discouraged in his ministry. He stressed two main points in his talk. First, the Sacred Scriptures is the refuge of a religious, who must listen to it with the ear of the heart and second, the Holy Spirit works and breathes in us and is the princi-ple of communion in communities. An open forum commenced after the talk. Rev. Fr. Eusebio B. Ber-don, OSA, Prior Provincial, and Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Batayola,OSA presented the tokens of gratitude to Father Nolan after the open forum. Rev. Fr. Jose R. Gonzales,OSA, emcee of the event, invited eve-ryone to sing “Freedom Under Grace” to close the gathering. The talk ended around 4:00 pm and snacks were served for the partici-pants. Lingo, OSA

Father Nolan Gives Creative, Funny, but Substantial Spiritual TalkFr. Nolan accepting the Certificate of Ap-preciation given by the Prior Provincial, Fr. Eusebio Berdon, OSA and Fr. Andrew Batay-ola, OSA, President of CSA-Biñan.

Kerygma /from Page 1

INSTALLATION /from Page 1

03COMMON ACTSsacsupdate vol. 13, no. 1june to august 2012

July 1, 2012 marked a special day for Rev. Fr. Patrick Paul de Castro, OSA, for he was ordained to the Order of Presbyter at the

San Agustin Chapel, San Agustin Center of Stud-ies, Quezon City. The ordination started at three in

the afternoon and ended at 5:30 p.m. Most Rev. Socrates B. Villegas, D.D, Archbishop of Lin-gayen-Dagupan in Pangasinan, was the ordaining prelate. Bishop

Villegas, in his homily, told Fr. D e Castro what he needs to be reminded of as a priest. First, when-

ever people see a priest, they must be reminded of Christ our Lord. Second, when the faithful encounter a priest, they

must remember that they have souls. Lastly, upon seeing a minister of God, they must have hope that eternal life

exists. Towards the end of the prelate’s homily, he advised Fr. De Castro that celebrating the Holy Eucharist is very essential in an ordained min-ister’s life. Furthermore, he urged the newly or-dained priest to pray the Liturgy of the Hours daily and never to forget to confess regularly. Among the friars who attended the

celebration were Rev. Fr. Martin No-lan, OSA, former Prior-General of the Order of St. Augustine, and friars from different communities of the Augustinian Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu, Philippines, headed by Rev.

Fr. Eusebio B. Berdon, OSA, Prior Provincial. Cabahug, OSA

In the First Catholic Social Media Summit that was held in the Renais-sance Convention Center, Marikina City from July 14-15, 2012, three seminarians from SACS were sent to represent the community and

the Province as well. The seminarians sent from the professorium community were Frays Genesis Labana, OSA and Alvin John Salgado, OSA and Asp. Keith Lawrence Ermac from the pre-novitiate. They are all members of the SACS-Mass Media Center – the community’s media office. Over 400 participants all over the country participated in this his-torical two-day event. It aimed to deal on social media and how it could participate and be utilized by the Catholic Church for evangelization and mission as stipulated in the program’s rationale. Various speakers from different sectors in society were invited to share their knowledge, experiences and skills pertaining to social me-dia. Among them was Arch. Luis Antonio Tagle, DD, who represented the Church hierarchy. The Manila Archbishop encouraged the young partici-pants to look into social networking, (eg., Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr) not as a ‘social enemy’ but as a ‘means to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to a vaster audience.’ Another informative speaker was Carlo Ople, who is the Online Publishing Business Unit Head of ABC Development Corporation (TV5). He shared with the partici-pants the facts and trends of social media as the new marketing field for the business sectors. He left a chal-lenge for the Church, especially to the delegates present, when he said, “if the business sector were able to find success in promoting their products (through social media), how much more us, Catholics, since we only have one product to promote which is Christ Jesus.” Other speakers were Fr. Stephen Cuyos, MSC and Msgr. Pedro Quitorio. They also gave their insights on different topics regarding social media. The summit ended with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Joel Baylon, Bishop of the Diocese of Legazpi. In his homily, Bish-op Baylon urged parishes, school, institutions and organizations to reiter-ate and re-echo the many wonderful things that transpired in the event by “having smaller and more localized versions of the summit to help preserve the spirit of the event and truly give a hand in the Church’s call for New Evangelization.” The success of the First Catholic Social Media Summit could not have been possible without the support of the following organizations, namely, YouthPinoy, +Big Movement, CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth, CBCP Media Office, CBCP Commission on Missions, Catholic Me-dia Network and Pontifical Missions Societies. Labana, OSA

Mass Media Center in the 1st Catholic Social Media Summit

Priestly Ordination Held in SACS

I will follow you. Bp. Socrates B. Vil-legas, D.D laying his hands over Fr. Patrick De Castro, OSA during his ordination.

The SACS Formation Year 2012-2013 opens its doors to 59 college seminarians, 26 simply-professed friars, and 2 Chinese guest-dioc-esan seminarians.

The first-year aspirants reported last May 1, 2012, while the rest of the college student-seminarians returned to SACS on June 2, 2012 from their vacation. The simply-professed friars arrived in the seminary on June 3, 2012 from their summer pastoral exposure and vacation. The number of seminarians for each year-level is as follows:

Pre-novitiate Formation 1st year Aspirants - 19 2nd year Aspirants - 14 3rd year Aspirants - 19 Postulants - 07

Post-Novitiate Formation 1st year simply-professed friars - 04 2nd year simply-professed friars - 10 3rd year simply-professed friars - 07 4th year simply-professed friars - 05

Guest formands Chinese diocesan seminarians - 02

TOTAL: - 87 Formandi

The three OSA seminarians with one of the speakers of the Social Media Sum-mit, Fr. Stephen Cuyos, MSC.

04 COMMON ACTS sacsupdate vol. 13, no.1june to august 2012

On June 17, 2012, the SACS community welcomed seven young as-pirants of the Province to their last stage of the pre-novitiate forma-

tion, the postulancy. The rite of acceptance to postulancy was solemnly celebrated within the Eucharistic Celebration of the 11th Sunday in the Ordinary Time. The celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Jose Francisco Teves, OSA at the San Agustin Chapel. Rev. Fr. Michael Alvin G. Se-quio, OSA, Master of the Postulants, presented them to Rev. Fr. Jose Rene Delariarte, OSA, SACS House Prior. Two of the postulants are from Mindanao, three from Visayas and two from Luzon. They are:

SACS Accepts Seven New Postulants

A Step Higher. Newly-accepted postulants pose with their Master, Fr. Michael Alvin Sequio,OSA

The induction of the newly elected officers of both the Professorium and the Collegium was held last June 9, 2012 during the 6 a.m. joint Saturday Mass of both communities at the STVI-Public Chapel.

Rev. Fr. Fernando Cleopas, OSA, was the main celebrant during the Eucha-ristic celebration while Rev. Fr. Jose Rene Delariarte, OSA, the Prior of the House, led the oath taking of the newly elected officers. The Collegium had their election of officers last June 8, 2012 dur-ing their first General Assembly with the presence of their Formators: Rev. Fr. Michael Alvin Seqiuo, OSA and Rev. Fr. Pacifico Nohara, Jr., OSA. Thus, the following aspirants and postulants were elected as new officers for the Formation Year 2012-2013:

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEDecano: Hareld OlitaVice- Decano : Mark Louie CañeteSecretary: Christopher Rey Bajamonde

COMMITTEE CHAIRMENCommittee on Vocation: Keith Lawrence ErmacCommittee on Recollection: Jules Van AlmerezCommittee on Environmental Concerns: Wilfredo Generales

Committee on Maintenance: John Melvin FortesCommittee on Computer: James ComonCommittee on Socio-Cultural: Marlito PepitoCommittee on Music: James Carl CainCommittee on Infirmary: Rey Vincent EstayanCommittee on Information and Academic Affairs: Allan Martin Dosdos IICommittee on Apostolate: Roner AnildesCommittee on Sanitation: Nikki John TaylaranCommittee on Food: Jomar AmpatinCommittee on Liturgy: Jesusito Zamudio

BATCH DECANO 1st Year : Karl Vincent Dumalag 2nd Year: John Agustin Bigcas 3rd Year: Jebie Jugarap 4th Year: Patrick Boyoc

Rev. Fr. Nelson Zerda, OSA, the new master of the Professorium, facilitated the election of officers of the Simply-Professed Friars. Fr. Bong, OSA and Fr. Cleopas were also present during the election as tabulators. Through a secret balloting, Fray Jasper Valmores, OSA, in his second term as the over-all Decano of the Simply-Professed, received an absolute major-ity of votes and was re-elected as the Decano. The Decano-elect composed and proposed names for the office of Vice-Decano, Secretary and Batch Decanos. The casting of votes was done in secret balloting also. In summary, the result was:

Vice Decano - Fray Antonio O. Nombrefia, OSASecretary - Fray Julius D. Tubid, OSAFirst Year Decano - Fray Ronelle S. Dogon, OSASecond Year Decano - Fray Christian E. Funtanares, OSA Third Year Decano - Fray Mark Anthony C. Tampos, OSAFourth Year Decano - Fray Imman Noel A. Abellana, OSA

The officers-elect gathered for the appointment of committee chairs and members. The appointed friars as chairmen of each committee are as follows:

Committee on Vocation and Spirituality - Fray Cyril Jeth N. Tagalog, OSACommittee on Liturgy and Music - Fray Peter S. Cantones, Jr., OSA Committee on Food and Infirmary - Fray Ryan P. Pasabilla, OSACommittee on Education and Publication - Fray Reo G. Cabahug, OSA Committee on Sanitation and Maintenance - Fray John Ion C. Miranda, OSACommittee on Sports and Socio-Cultural - Fray Peter John C. Cardos, OSACommittee on Apostolate and Mission - Fray Ian Geoffrey D. Kasilag, OSA Thus, during the oath taking ceremony, Fr. Delariarte, OSA, re-minded the newly elected officers of their tasks and responsibilities to carry them out with greatest care and fidelity, humbly and wholeheartedly in pre-serving the Augustinian community life. Tubid, OSA

2012-2013 Newly Elected Officers

Serviam. STVI seminarians and Simply-Professed friars taking their oath in the presence of the entire SACS community.

Post. Christopher Rey Bajamonde Liloan, CebuPost. Patrick D. Boyoc San Pedro, LagunaPost. Mark Louie J. Cañete Liloan, CebuPost. Eduardo B. Fortuna, Jr. Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Bohol

Post. Junrey B. Melisimo San Isidro, Davao OrientalPost. Phillip Andrew C. Mimay Gubat, SorsogonPost. Hareld B. Olita Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte

05PROFESSORIUMsacsupdate vol. 13, no. 1june to august 2012

“It is im-p o r t a n t to docu-

ment what you are doing. But beyond that, you have to make reactions.” These sentences of Professor Shirley O. Lua encapsulat-ed the content of the workshop giv-en to the simply-professed friars last August 4, 2012. The Seminar Work-shop on News Writing was facili-tated by the De La Salle Universi-ty’s Bienvenido N. Santos Creative Writing Center. The activity was divided into two sessions: morning and afternoon. The morning session was about seminar-workshops on basic news and feature writing and a seminar workshop on opinion writ-ing in the afternoon. Professor Connie J. Maraan, Coordinator for Research Dissemination and Publication at the Social Development Research Center of the College of Liberal Arts of DLSU, was the speaker for the two workshops in the morn-ing. Each of these workshops com-menced with a lecture followed by a series of hands-on exercises. The same pattern was also adopted in the afternoon session. The seminar workshop in the afternoon mainly focused on opinion writing. Nevertheless, the facilitator made first a review on the topics of the morning session and pointed out certain connections of the two sessions. Professor Shirley O. Lua, a member of the Philippine Center of International PEN (Poets, Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists),

SP Friars Attend Workshop on News Writing

an article contributor to Philippine Daily Inquirer and the directress of the DLSU Bienvenido N. Santos Creative Writing Center (to mention a few) gave a very informative and grounded discussion. Her experi-ences on journalism added a “taste” to the workshop. She underscored that “to make SACS Update (the newsletter of SACS) more demo-cratic, and to be able to incur more reactions from the readers, the insti-tution may allot few pages for edi-torial and opinion columns.” More than this, she also gave other salient points to make substantial improve-ments to the newsletter. “The speakers were very good. They gave us good and in-formative talks.” These were the words of Fray Aimark P. Asor, OSA after the whole day workshop. In-deed, the aim of improving the feature, opinion, and news writing skills of the simply-professed broth-ers set by the Committee on Educa-tion and Publication was initially accomplished when this activity was held. This workshop also en-couraged the editorial staff of SACS Update to improve the newsletter. Ocat, OSA

The objectives of the activity were the following: 1. To understand the biblical and theological perspectives on debt. 2. To gather theological reflections and materials on debt and use them in guiding faith-based people into action and performing their duties as people who direct the path of the country towards a sovereign society.

These objectives envision the Philippines as a country that can dic-tate its own economy, the kind of development it wants to pursue, where it spends its money (more to the people than debt service), independence from loans and conditions of International Financial Institutions (IFIs). The forum included a series of talks, namely:

“Debt”from page 1

The Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Hall- Professorium Community wel-comes four newly professed friars on May 30, 2012. They had their

first profession of the evangelical vows last May 12, 2012 at Santo Niño Parish, Mohon, Talisay City, Cebu. They are:

1. Fray Ronelle Sarmiento Dogon, OSA (Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur) 2. Fray Jefferson Baculanta Labadan, OSA (Mahinog, Camiguin) 3. Fray Joffrey Mejares Ocat, OSA (Loon, Bohol) 4. Fray Alvin John Villahermosa Salgado, OSA (Doljo-Fatima, Cebu City)

All of them go to Maryhill School of Theology (MST) for their theological studies. Ocat, OSA

Professorium Community Welcomes Four New Members

1. Debt Situation and Analysis by Fr. Ben Moraleda 2. Biblical Perspectives on Debt by Fr. Marlon Lacal, OCarm 3. Theological Perspectives on Debt by Bp. Broderick Pabillo, D.D. 4. Moral and Ethical Perspectives on Debt by Fr. Romeo Intengan, SJ 5. The Christian Response by Fr. Edwin Gadriguez 6. Synthesis by Dr. Belba Maggay

The activity started at 1:00 p.m. and ended with a commitment pledge at 6:30 p.m.

Fray John Ion Miranda, OSA, together with other participants, signs the commit-ment banner as a pledge of protest against the condoning of immoral debt.

Dr. Shirley Lua, (3rd, L-R) with her assistants, accepts the certificate of appreciation.

06 OPINION sacsupdate vol. 13, no.1june to august 2012

The RH Bill has gone into another level last August 7-8, 2012. The issue on the RH Bill has been connected to the calamity caused by the southwest monsoon and peo-ple have even gone further towards offering it with a religious meaning. Many stories and counter-stories have come their way from both the Anti’s and the Pro’s. Every story was aimed at justifying their respective stance over the issue to the extent of ironically resorting to God to demonize the whole event. The bad weather was just part of the global problem on cli-mate change. It is said that “weath-er throws the punches but climate trains the boxer.” The heavy down-pour of rain brought by the southwest monsoon which eventually flooded many places in the National Capital Region was one adverse condition of a more unfavorable change in the climate the world is currently facing. Although nature finds it right place under the purpose of God, it is not prudent enough to attribute its dev-astating effects to God. We learn from the Noah story in the book of Genesis that the flood was not at all a curse. After the flood, God made a covenant with humanity to never again de-stroy nature. The rainbow was the sign that God will permanently pro-tect and care for creation. We may not have one view on the issue of the RH Bill but we can at least have a unified view to the realities of our country. The RH Bill is just one concern of more pressing challenges the Philippines is particularly dealing with. The lack of basic public services is of prime importance. Indeed, the country’s disaster preparedness is far from efficient as it was evident in the re-cent calamities. As a nation, during floods and other natural calamities, we are less expected to flood the social networks with comments but more expected to show a concrete social networking in solidarity with the victims. I believe we can live to-gether peacefully even in rivalry in convictions. We can have a peace-ful rivalry, not on the dogmatic level nor in political maneuvering, but

God said, “No way for RH Bill: Here’s the Habagat for all of you!” True or False?

The task of evangelization is not as easy as it seems. The evangelizer has to be evangelized first by receiving the Good News. He first has to be convinced about it before convincing others. He must experi-ence how God acts as God in his life and how He mysteriously and personally saves him. Just as Mary did during her visit to Eliz-abeth, one must carry Christ first in one’s heart so that He may be brought to others. He must first enter into a relationship with God so that he may influence others to do so. But sadly, few evangelizers seem to have not experienced a mutual relationship with Christ. They may have entered into rela-tionships with Him, yet have forgotten about its intimacy along the way. This is seen in preachers who seemingly know many things about Christ, but not Christ Himself. They live and preach as if their lives are not touched by God. Unprepared and imper-sonal sermons are common, and these are like big pieces of bread that lack substance and are hollow inside. Those who have ex-cellently mastered this craft are like parrots that speak words that arouse admiration from people but still remain encaged. Their words, perhaps, could convert many sinners but not themselves. Their words, like most biblical Pharisees should be listened to, but not their actions (cf. Mt. 23:3). Moreover, evangelization doesn’t need to be done by philosophical explana-

Fray Wendell Allan Marinay, OSA

EDITORIAL

Continue to

“RH Bill”/page 7

tions and logical proofs. Even the apos-tles knew nothing about these, and Jesus never used these. Our faith did spread not because of these but by the lives of each apostle, disciple and martyr that boldly wit-nessed and exclaimed, “Take my life as proof!” As Paul VI puts it, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” Failure to consider this explains why many efforts of evangelization are rendered ineffective. It’s because Christian lives that cannot bear witness to Christ lack power. They are con-sidered as not different from anyone else’s lives. Finally, an evangelized evangelizer knows when to enter and go out from the scene. They carry the good news by mak-ing others encounter Christ and not them-selves. He is always willing to preach Je-sus and knows when to get out of the way so that people may encounter Him, instead of himself. Unfortunately, evangelizers may sometimes forget that they can act only in persona Christi, and not as the Christ. It is also hard to work with the thought that af-ter people had already encountered Jesus in Spirit, the evangelizer’s job is already done and he is no longer needed. But it should be remembered that just like how Jesus preached the Father, the evange-lizer should always stay behind the Good News after having preached to others.(E)

in good deeds. If God would say, “Everybody, the pro-RH Bill and the anti-RH Bill, goes to hell,” it does not make sense. However, we can at least understand that we go to hell when we do not save other people. A merciful God may not be happy from the miseries caused by the merciless downpour of rain. But certainly, God was not delight-ed when people considered the bad weather as the answer to their prayers of the unsuccessful passage of the RH Bill; when they made it as a proof of His favor to their convic-tion; when it became an opportunity to get back at others; when it turned out to be a confirmation and satis-faction of their stance. All the more, God was not happy when they sim-ply spoke their minds and had not even extended a hand to the victims of the flood. Both personally and collec-tively, there should be a change of outlook and attitude on matters like this. On the one hand, the RH Bill issue calls us to discern well of its relevance to our lives. On the other hand, the erratic behavior of nature signals us to get prepared always. Indeed, the truth of the RH Bill and Habagat is geared towards a deeper reflection and greater prepa-ration on our part. And God will do the rest.(E)

07OPINIONsacsupdate vol. 13, no. 1june to august 2012

Though it is divine in origin, Christianity’s survival was never easy for the early be-lievers. They needed to fight for their right to exist as individuals who believed in a living God. The persecutions and unjust treatments they received from the majority of the Roman peo-ple attest to this. In general, the early Christians found the mean-ing of their existence anchored to the faith they professed that Christ is the Lord. Throughout the history of the Church, shedding of blood became common for Christians. For one to be a real Christian, he must be ready to defend his faith, his life. Faith is something that makes them alive. This could be the reason why Tertullian once wrote, “Semen est sanguis chris-tianorum.” Christianity’s fecun-dity lies in the bed of roses, red as it is due to the blood shed for the faith. Indeed, the more Chris-tians were persecuted, the more people got attracted to it. This is the very mystery we must not forget. However, flux is the only constant thing in the world. True enough, as time went by, with the toleration of Christian-

ity and its declaration as the state religion of the Roman Empire, things changed. The persecuted religion became the religion that united the empire. But centuries later, an apparent reality becomes con-spicuous. Many of us, Christians, have changed our considerations and priorities in life. If before it was hard to remain Christian, now Christianity becomes a fad. Many factors have contributed to this diminishing sense of faith and the divine among people to-day. This reality is appar-ently seen in the countries pre-dominantly Christian before. Most people nowadays do not anymore consider religion as an important part of life. How-ever, aside from some practicing Christians, what remains are the beautiful and magnificently built structures that once witnessed the manifestation of people’s faith in God. What is happening in the world has certainly a great im-pact on the whole Church. The dwindling number of believers is so alarming that years ago the Roman Pontiff, Paul VI, called for the urgency of new evange-lization. New evangelization is not about having a new set of teachings to be put forward to the faithful. Rather, it is about

how to go out into the world and evangelize with new fervor in our hearts. There is no new Gos-pel to be preached. We shall still be proclaiming the same Jesus Christ who was born and who died on the cross for our sake and who, on the third day, rose again to show us how much He loves us. Nonetheless, how to preach this will be the primary concern of this call towards new evangelization. While it is true that we concern ourselves on the “how” of evangelization, we also need to consider the faith of those who are to proclaim the message of Christ. Therefore, great atten-tion must be given to those who are already believers of Christ as well. This is the missio ad intra of the Church. We want to renew our faith by re-evangelization. Who said that we, faithful, do not need to be re-evangelized? If we are to preach and be evange-lizers to the world, we first must be re-evangelized. Pope Ben-edict XVI, in his Apostolic Let-ter entitled Porta Fidei, urges us to reflect on our faith in a more intensified manner. Thus, every Christian is invited to recall the precious gift of faith. The growing number of nominal Catholics among re-maining Catholic nations, like the Philippines, is alarming. The local Church, specifically, is called to take actions on this reality. And, I am happy to see that our Church is doing some-thing. Yet, there is much work to be done. We are called to heed the message of the successors of the Apostle Peter and renew once again our faith in Christ Jesus. Let us be re-evangelized and be evangelizers to others. We first must be witnesses to the Truth we are to proclaim through our actions. The best way to evange-lize is still through one’s deeds. We are asked to preach and if necessary through words. (E)

“RH BILL”from page 6 “What has happened?”

EDITORIAL STAFFFray Reo Cabahug, OSA

Editor-in-ChiefAsp. Allan Martin Dosdos, II

Collegium Associate EditorFray Aimark Asor, OSA

Professorium Asssociate Editor

Fray Alvin John Salgado, OSAAsp. Keith Lawrence Ermac

Circulation ManagersFray Genesis Labana, OSA

Lay-out ArtistSACS Mass Media Center Staff

Photographers

Mrs. Carmen NietesEnglish Consultant

Fr. Jose Rene Delariarte, OSAModerator

For your feedbacks and suggestions e-mail us at:

sacsstvi@gmail.com

Fray Aimark Asor, OSA

Dear brothers and sisters!

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the peace and joy of the Lord be with you now and always. We hereby appeal for your sup-port toward the training of our seminarians. The following are the account details:

PESO SAVINGS ACCOUNT: Bank of the Philippine Islands Account Name: San Agustin Center of Studies Library Account Number: 3371-0034-43DOLLAR SAVINGS ACCOUNT: Bank of the Philippine Islands Account Name: San Agustin Center of Studies Library Account Number: 3374-0300-77May the good Lord grant your heart’s desire and fulfill every plan of yours through Christ our Lord. We are looking forward to hearing from you soon. We count on your support.

SACS Friars

08 PROFESSORIUM sacsupdate vol. 13, no.1june to august 2012

On July 12, 2012, Thursday at the Colloquium Patricii, St.

Monica Hall, twenty-six simply-professed friars listened to a Semi-nar on Nutrition, Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Mellitus giv-en by Trinidad P. Trinidad, Ph.D. The speaker first presented data showing graphically chronic diseases in the Philippines that were reported to be the cause of deaths among Filipinos. She continued with a short discussion on Cardio-vascular Disease and Diabetes Mel-litus. She mentioned that diabetes mellitus, often simply referred to as diabetes, is a metabolic disease in which a person has high blood sug-ar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. On the other hand, cardiovascular disease refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascu-lar system, principally cardiac dis-ease, vascular diseases of the brain and kidney, and peripheral arterial disease. These diseases are exam-ples of chronic diseases, which mean that these ailments are devel-oped through time and a person’s lifestyle. After which, a thorough and bubbly lecture on nutrition fol-lowed. Dr. Trinidad reiterated that proper and balanced diet, coupled with exercise and adequate rest, were among the things to be done regularly to avoid the illnesses dis-cussed. An open forum followed the talk. She reminded the brothers to put into practice the good things learned from her talk. Dr. Trinidad is a scientist of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) and also a regular member of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP). She shared her expertise in Nutri-tion Sciences by proposing a new set of menu for the San Agus-tin Center of Studies community. Duran, OSA

Last July 1, 2012, at the San Agustin Chapel during the Eucharistic celebration of the 13th Sunday in

Ordinary Time, eleven friars were instituted as readers and six as acolytes by the Prior Provincial, Rev. Fr. Euse-bio B. Berdon, OSA. The reader (or lector) serves during the Eucha-ristic Celebration by reading the Word of God in the li-turgical assembly. The acolyte’s duty, on the other hand, is to attend to the service of the altar and to assist the deacon and the priest in liturgical celebrations. After reading the Gospel, the rite of institu-tion followed with the Father Master, Rev. Fr. Nelson

Eighteen Friars Received in the Ministries of Lectorate and

Acolytate

On July 7, 2012, the Committee on Mission and Apostolate sponsored an “Orientation on Developing Car-ing Presence in the Midst of Difficult Situations” at the St. Monica Conference Hall, 8:30-11:30 pm. The seminar was held in line with the apostolate of the professed friars with the patients from V. Luna

Hospital and also with our elderly brothers and sisters from the Sisters of Charity in Tayuman, Manila. For the pro-fessed, this activity helped them better understand their brothers and sisters in their respective areas of apostolate. Ms. Beatriz A. Peña, the resource person and speaker of the orientation, imparted and shared her knowl-edge on the situations and concerns of the elderly and also the dying patients. Her talk highlighted the discussion on five salient points every ill and dying individual would undergo. She presented them as: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. She explained each point in order for the participants to understand the suffering these people are experiencing. Towards the end of the activity, Ms. Peña reminded the friars that their mere presence assured our brothers and sisters who suffer and endure immense pain of our being there in the most crucial time of their life. Twenty-six simply-professed friars attended the seminar. Kasilag, OSA

Developing Caring Presence in the Midst of Difficult Situations

Friars Hold Seminar on Nutrition,

Cardiovascular Disease and

Diabetes Mellitus

G. Zerda, OSA presenting the candidates. Frays Reo G. Cabahug, OSA, Peter S. Cantones, OSA, Peter John C. Cardos, OSA, Christian E. Funtanares, OSA, Ian Geof-frey D. Kasilag, OSA, John Ion C. Miranda, OSA, Wen-dell Allan A. Marinay, OSA, Fray Cyril Jeth N. Tagalog, OSA, and Melitito Pocholo C. Visda, OSA were insti-tuted as lectors. This year, two friars applying for broth-erhood were also received as lectors. They were Frays Oswald F. Duran, OSA and Julius D. Tubid, OSA. Frays Edmar Escobar, OSA, Genesis Labana, OSA, Robert Lee Lingo, OSA, Ryan Pasabilla, OSA, Arvin Salceda, OSA, Mark Anthony Tampos, OSA were instituted as acolytes. The Provincial Liturgist, Fr. John Paul S. Mabanta, OSA served as the Master of Ceremo-nies. Duran, OSA

Fray Edmar Esco-bar, OSA, one of the six acolytes, receives the chal-ice from Fr. Euse-bio Berdon, OSA, as a symbol of acceptance to the Ministry of Aco-lytate.

IN MEMORIAM... Fray Enrique “Ricky” Sagum, OSA Birth: July 15, 1960 Died: August 11, 2012 Age: 52Fray Ricky was loved by many, when he was assigned as Procurator of San Agustin Center of Studies from 1994-1996. May his soul rest in peace. We will miss you Fray Ricky!

The 3rd International Congress of Lay Augustin-ians was held in Rome from July 11-17, 2012 at

the Institutum Patristicum Augustinianum with the theme “To Be The Body of Christ In Today’s World.” There were 150 participants in the Congress and they were from Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and North America. Mrs. Myrna S. Garrido and Fr. Vic-tor Gonzaga, OSA were the delegates from the Philip-pines.

The keynote speakers of the Congress were Bishop Giovanni Scanavino,OSA and Dr. Joseph T. Kelley whose talks were drawn richly from the texts of our Holy Father, St. Augustine. There were panel presentations on the different experiences of lay Au-gustinians within a family setting and within their eve-ryday lives. There was also a methodology proposed by various groups in choosing the coordinators for the different regions to be adopted for the next Congress in 2018.

Among those moments that gave memorable experiences to the participants were a mass held at Sant’Anna dei Palafrenieri, an Augustinian Church in the Vatican where St. Monica is enshrined, and where the Prior General Fr. Robert Prevost, OSA, gave a speech addressed to the participants; the trip to the Ba-silica of St. Rita de Cascia; and the visit to the monas-tery where the widowed St. Rita lived as an Augustin-ian contemplative nun until her death. Mrs. Garrido.

SACS -Lay Affiliate Represents Province in a Congress in Rome

Group picture of participants of the 3rd International Congress of Lay Augustinians.

09COLLEGIUMsacsupdate vol. 13, no. 1june to august 2012

John Agustin B. Bigcas and Yurii C. Ramos, sophomore aspirants of the Saint Thom-

as of Villanova Institiute (STVI), accompanied by Rev. Fr. Fernando Cleopas, OSA, attended the Annual Gathering for Building Augustin-ian Youth-Action Networking (AG-BAYAN). This gathering is an annu-al leadership training and workshop for Augustinian youth leaders that started in 2008. This year’s AG-BAYAN 5 was held at the Congre-gation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary – Maryshore, Bukal ng Tipan Retreat House, Talisay City, Negros Occidental on July 27-29, 2012. The theme for this activity was “Augus-tinian Leaders: Partner of the Fam-ily in Creating a Culture of Unity.” The event was attended by over a hundred student leaders of various organizations from four Augustinian schools, viz., Univer-sity of San Agustin (USA), Colegio San Agustin (CSA)-Biñan, Colegio San Agustin (CSA)-Bacolod, and Saint Thomas of Villanova Insti-tute (STVI), SACS, Quezon City. The participants were grouped as follows: yellow group, red group, green group, blue group and pink group. Most of the participants hailed from USA and CSA-Bacolod while four participants came from CSA-Biñan and two from STVI. The first day started with a holy mass presided by Rev. Fr. Pe-derito A. Aparece, OSA, president of CSA-Bacolod. The AGBAYAN proper began in the afternoon with the first topic: “Augustinian Lead-ership, Values and Protocol” by speaker Fray Urminico L. Baronda IV, OSA, Vice-President for Stu-dent Affairs, Colegio San Agustin-

Last June 5, 2012, the Colle-gium of San Agustin Center of Studies attended a talk

on Physical Hygiene, Social Eti-quette, and Aggression held at the STVI Multi-purpose hall. The talk was conducted by a team of person-nel from Colegio de San Agustin – Biñan (Dr. Rey Mariano, Mr. Jerry Jovero, Mrs. Cecilla Delgado, Ms Aleli Copon, Ms. Bonnet Cabal-

Collegium Sponsors Talk on Hygiene, Social Etiquette and Aggression

Two STVI Seminarians Participate in AGBAYAN 5

Bacolod. It was followed by a talk on “Campus Organization’s Secu-rity and Disaster Preparedness” by Reserve Armed Force Sgt. Jun P. Deslate of the Red Cross. The day was capped by fun group dynamics spearheaded by Ms Mona Pico with Mr. Jesner Punsaran. The second day was high-lighted with Mrs. Amabel Tanco – Siason’s talk on “Reliving the Filipino Family Values” and Rev. Fr. Danilo Carido OSA’s talk on “Unity and Sense of Belongingness: An Augustinian Identity.” The af-ternoon’s topics were “Good Gov-ernance in Student Organizations” by speaker Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida followed immediately by “Organi-zational Action Planning and Work-shop” by Dr. Gereon Cabarles of CSA-Bacolod. The night featured cultural presentations from the five mentioned groups and from the con-tingent schools as well. The third day formally closed the entire activity. It started first with a Holy Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Donato E. Ellezar, OSA, USA Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Overall Chairman of AGBAYAN 5 and who on that day celebrated his birthday. It was fol-lowed with a distribution of cer-tificates supervised by Mr. Sunny Lasala. Participants from USA, CSA-Biñan, CSA-Bacolod toured SM Bacolod while the STVI del-egates with Rev. Fr. Fernando Cleopas were driven across the mountainous terrain of Negros Oc-cidental by Fray Eduardo D. Ob-rique, OSA, to visit the CSA-Ba-colod Castel Sant’ Agostino Retreat House in Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental. Asp. Ramos

tera R.N., Ms. Grace Pio-Cruz and Mrs. Karen Montalban-Sitjar) as requested by the new set of college formators. The activity started with a prayer and introduction of speak-ers. Ms. Bonnet Cabaltera R.N. be-gan the first session about physical hygiene. She highlighted how we should take care of our bodies and be properly groomed.

The next session, after a short break, was about some points for social etiquette, proper decorum and right conduct, especially during formal gatherings. These were dis-cussed by another speaker from the team. Lastly, the whole afternoon session was spent discussing mat-ters on aggression. This served as follow-up to last year’s talk on bul-

lying. Moreover, a group of guid-ance counselors, led by Mr. Rey Mariano, discussed group sharing and anger management as part of aggression. A seminar of this sort aims to enrich the student-seminarians’ knowl-edge for their future ministry. They deem this talk essential to help them carry out their different roles as future Augustinian religious. Asp. Taylaran

The speakers on the Talk on Hygiene, Social Etiquette and Aggression pose with STVI formators, Frs. Michael Alvin Sequio, OSA and Jun Nohara, OSA. These talks aim to aid the seminarians in their human aspect of formation.

The training included group dynamics; a sharing of expe-riences and challenges of leading; a short discussion on what lead-ership really is and the necessary skills leaders should possess in or-der to lead the flock; and leadership based on behavioral trust with the emphasis on thinking, feeling, and doing. The activity also featured a ‘touchstone’ activity for the partici-pants. The ‘touchstone’ activity al-lows the participants to realize their strategies in leadership situation and how to deal with each situation. The training is initiated to enhance the management and leadership skills of the participants. Post. Cañete

Last June 12, 2012, the col-lege seminarians of St. Thomas of Villanova Insti-

tute, together with their formators and some simply-professed friars, celebrated Philippine Independence Day. The program proper that started at 8:30 in the morning lasted until 10:30 am. The first year aspir-ants opened the activity with a pres-entation of some significant scenes from El Filibusterismo. The second and third year aspirants and postulants showcased their talents by singing OPM songs. Hence, this activity reminded those who attended the significance of the heroes’ sacrifices for Philippine freedom. Asp. Dosdos, II

“Leadership”from page 1

Independence Day, Meaningfully

Commemorated in STVI

Celebrating our Freedom. College seminarians reenacting the historical events that led to the independence of the Philippines.

10 FEATURE sacsupdate vol. 13, no. 1june to august 2012

June 2012 is the beginning of another historical epoch in SACS. A new set of formators was assigned to the community after the 8th Ordinary Provincial Chapter last April 2012. Nine solemn professed friars were appointed to be assigned in the formation house. Fr. Michael Alvin Sequio, OSA, Fr. Nicholas Echeveria, OSA, Fr. Ericson Borre, OSA, Fr. Pacifico Nohara, OSA and Rev. Harold Langahin, OSA, who were in SACS during

the previous years were retained and two friars were re-assigned, Fr. Jose Rene Delariarte, OSA and Fr. Fernando Cleopas, OSA. Meanwhile, two of the nine solemn friars were assigned for the first time in SACS as formators. They are Fr. Jose Francisco Teves, OSA and Fr. Nelson Zerda, OSA. Let us get to know the new yet familiar faces of the two members of the formation team.

Name: Fr. Nelson Gillo Zerda, OSA Birthdate: April 27, 1967 Age: 45 Home Town: Surigao City, Surigao del Norte

Academic Studies:1984-1989 - University of the Visayas - BS Architecture1994-1995 - Divine Word Mission Seminary - Associate in Philosophy1996-2000 - MaryHill School of Theology - General Theology Program2008-2011 - University of Santo Tomas - MS Architecture

First Profession: May 25, 1997Solemn Profession: November 21, 2000Sacerdotal Ordination: August 21, 2001Years in the Priesthood: 11 years

Previous Assignment: University of San Agustin - Director of General Services and Regent of College of Engineering and Architecture (2008-2012)Current Office/s: SACS - Master of Simply Professed Friars and House TreasurerHobbies/talents: Reading, playing guitar, painting, architectural design

What was your reaction/feeling/comment when you knew that you’ll be assigned in SACS? “Although I did not have any preferences when it comes to new as-signments, still, I was happy to learn about my new assignment. I had been staying in this community when I did my graduate studies in UST. I’m happy to be back.”

Name: Fr. Jose Francisco L. Teves, OSA Birthdate: April 24, 1983 Age: 29 Home Town: Carmen, Cebu

Academic Studies:2000-2004 - St. Thomas of Villanova Institute - AB Philosophy2005-2008 - Instituto Patristico Augustinianum - SThBFirst Profession: May 17, 2005 Solemn Profession: May 3, 2009Sacerdotal Ordination: October 15, 2011Years in the Priesthood: 10 monthsAssignment: (SACS is Fr. Teves’ first assignment as a solemn professed friar.)Current Office/s: SACS - Library Director, MMC Director, Archivist, House-SacristanHobbies/talents: Table tennis, playing musical instrumentsWhat was your reaction/feeling/comment when you knew that you’ll be assigned in SACS? “It did not come as a surprise since it is assumed by many of the friars of the province that those who are sent to study in Rome will have Formation as their first assignment once they return to the country. The same thing happened to many of our brothers that I met in Sta. Monica; they returned as formators in their prov-inces. In fact, having the idea of becoming a formator even as I was new in Rome, I thought of pursuing a line of specialization which would help me as a formator later on - Psychology, which is oriented towards religious/priestly formation, offered in the Gregorian University. Sadly, my request was not granted. Before I left Rome, I had a hint that I will be assigned here in SACS when Fr. Berdon told me to send all my things to SACS. So even before the start of the Provincial Chapter, I was ninety-nine percent sure of the community where I will be assigned.”

“Familiar yet unknown”

Upcoming Augustinian Litrugical Celebrations:

September 10 Saint Nicholas of TolentineSeptember 19 Saint Alonso de OrozcoSeptember 28 The Augustinian Martyrs of JapanOctober 3 Bl. Angelo Scarpetti of San SepolcroOctober 5 Blessed Sante of CoriOctober 9 Bl. Anthony Patrizi and the Bl. of LucettoOctober 10 Saint Thomas of VillanovaOctober 11 Blessed Elias del Socorro NievesOctober 12 Blessed Maria Terese FasceOctober 14 Blessed Gonzalo of LagosOctober 20 St. Magdalene of NagasakiNovember 29 Blessed Frederick of RegensburgDecember 11 Bl. Martin of Saint Nicholas and Melchior of St. AugustineDecember 16 Blessed Cherubin Testa of Avigliana

11FEATUREsacsupdate vol. 13, no. 1june to august 2012

Young seminarians who have just entered the seminary are known for their idealisms and dedication. These things drove them to enter a kind of life which is seldom chosen by most young people today. It may be interesting to know them and what their motivations are.

Azcueta, Angelouise R. June 13, 1995 717b Diamante St., Jackielouville Subd., Sucat, Paranaque City. “To be a servant of the Lord.”

Basaca, Niño Jerry M. November 8, 1994 Brgy. Liberty, Hilongos Leyte “To know myself more and the place where I belong.”

De Asis, Jao A. April 25, 1995 Sagay City, Negros Occidental “To form myself and serve the people when I become a priest.”

Despi, Lloyd Roy July 5,1994 San Isidro, Talisay City, Cebu “I want to fulfill my dream of becoming a priest. I also want to know more about myself and especially God.”

Dolera, Van Harold L. August 8, 1995 Brgy. 2 General Luna, Surigao Del Norte “To serve the people of God and to become a priest someday.”

Dumalag, Karl Vincent C. June 18, 1989 Brgy. Pontod, Hilongos Leyte “To gain more discipline in all aspects of life and to be more fit-ting for religious life. I’m also inspired by the life of St. Augustine.”

Fortaleza, Jerome Y. July 15, 1995 Brgy. 8 Yulo St., Isabela, Negros Occidental “To be a religious person someday and finish my studies.”

Garcia, Ronnel Ian M. December 6, 1995 Paco, Gubat, Sorsogon “I want to be a priest.”

Jadraque, Daryl P. July 15, 1996 Sto. Tomas, Davao Del Norte “To know who I truly am and to serve Jesus Christ.”

NEW FACES; NEW ASPIRANTS

Lequin, Reden S. July 3, 1993 Bogo City, Cebu “I want to finish my studies and become a servant of God.”

Malaya, Zyrloyd P. August 26, 1995 Sto. Tomas, Davao Del Norte “To finish my studies and become a priest someday.”

Mondejar, James Bryan A. May 21, 1996 Kapalong, Davao Del Norte “To follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ and to be an Augustinian Priest.”

Mulay, Harvey A. March 5, 1996 Pamosaingan, Socorro, Surigao Del Norte “I want to serve God and His people.”

Osarez, Junbert D. June 5, 1994 Burgos, Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte “I want to become a servant of God. To accomplish my goal, that is, to become an Augustinian Priest.”

Perciano, Reneirville H. October 17, 1994 Cawit Extension, Magallanes, Sorsogon “To be a proclaimer of the Word of the Lord and to be a priest.”

Placido, John Mark A. February 1, 1995 Sto. Tomas, Davao Del Norte “To establish my faith and spread the Good News of the Lord.”

Santosidad, Arjie V. February 2, 1996 Kinatarcan, Sta. Fe, Cebu “To serve God. To become a Priest.”

Tejero, Joel Jay December 23, 1994 Brgy. San Juan, Hilongos Leyte “The life of St. Augustine inspired me to follow his footsteps so I decided to enter the Augustinian life.”

Vialu, John Vincent De L. April 4, 1996 Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley “To help the poor, not only in material things but also spiritually.”

12 SOCIAL ACTIONS sacsupdate vol. 13, no.1june to august 2012

For this formation year 2012-2013, the Committee on Apostolate and Mission

has four arranged and coordinated apostolate areas for the professed brothers. These areas will be ex-posing the friars to the needs of the Church to extend her hands to her needy sons and daughters. Further-more, for the Augustinians, aposto-late is considered an integral part of religious life. The four apostolate areas for this year can be classified in two, in relation to the Church and to the sick and needy. The Parish of Mt. Carmel, in cooperation with the different zone areas in the parish, collabo-rated with the seminary to assist in the Basic Ecclesial Community program. The friars are assigned to work in zones 5,7,10,11 and 12. Moreover, SACS community still maintains its apostolic service in San Agustin Compound. The brothers assigned there engage themselves in Bible sharing with the people in the

compound. They also assist during morning Sunday Masses in the same area. The second part is in rela-tion to the sick and the needy at the AFP Medical Center (V. Luna) and Missionaries of Charity in Tayuman. Friars assigned in the hospital apos-tolate deal with patients undergoing chemotherapy and different cancer treatments in the Oncology Depart-ment. The presence of the brothers in this area is very much appreciated due to the conditions of the patients as expressed by the Hospital Chap-lain, Rev. Fr. Levy Lagueño. Friars who go to the house for the elderly of the Missionaries of Charity in Tayuman encounter old destitute brothers and sisters of ours. They interact with them and help the sisters attend their needs. In the same way the friars’ presence also plays a big role in this aposto-late. Below is the list of the fri-ars assigned in the different aposto-late areas:

AFP Medical CenterFray Mark Tampos, OSAFray Ryan Pasabilla, OSAFray Genesis Labana, OSAFray Edmar Escobar, OSAFray Robert Lee Lingo, OSA

Missionaries of Charity’s House for the ElderlyFray Wendell Allan Marinay, OSAFray Christian Funtanares, OSAFray Reo Cabahug, OSAFray Oswald Duran, OSAFray Cyril Jeth Tagalog, OSAFray John Ion Miranda, OSA

BEC – ParishFray Antonio Nombrefia, OSAFray Peter Cantones, OSAFray Ian Geoffrey Kasilag, OSAFray Aimark Asor, OSAFray Peter John Cardos, OSA

San Agustin CompoundFray Imman Noel AbellanaFray Melitito PocholoVisda, OSAFray Arvin Salceda, OSAFray Jasper Valmores, OSA

Kasilag, OSA

SP Friars Getting Ready for their Apotolate

“In times of disaster and de-pressing situations, the Fili-

pinos’ bayanihan spirit shines the most.” Last August 9, 2012, the Committee on Apostolate and Mis-sion together with the community initiated a relief operation for the victims of flood brought by the tor-rential rainfall. It had been raining cats and dogs for three days straight (according to reports) because of the “habagat” (southwest monsoon) and some residents in the vicinity had to evacuate because of the flood. Mr. Noel Angelito B. San-tos, lead servant of Social Services and Development Ministry of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Church conveyed a message asking for as-sistance throughout the parish. The seminary endeavored to offer help to the evacuees in whatever means they could provide. The simply professed friars worked together in packing donated clothes and relief goods to be given to the victims of the flood. They operated collectively like a machine as they moved syn-chronically in preparing the clothes and food for the victims. Fifty bun-dles of relief goods and six sacks of donated clothes were prepared in a short period of time and delivered to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish at 8:15 pm for distribution to the af-fected families. Lingo, OSA

The third year aspirants and the postulants of San Agustin Center of Studies were assigned to the different chapels of Baseco, Manila for their apostolate. Such apostolate encourages the seminarians to go

to the apostolate area every first Sunday of the month to give catechism for both the youth and adults. The chapels were under the Augustinian friars of the Vicariate of the Orient, Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus of the Philippines in San Agustin Church, Intramuros, Manila. This joint apostolate with the formandi of the Vicariate of the Orient serves as a response to the Order’s call for collaboration during the Intermediate General Chapter 2010 which was held here in the Philippines. Post. Olita

Shared Apostolate Areas as Response to the Call for Collaboration

SACS Extends a Helping Hand

Friars pack the relief goods for ready dis-tribution to the affected families under the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish.