IRON CHEF VIANNISTA - SEASON 3

An exciting and much-awaited ingredient in the integral formation of seminarians at Vianney
is the famous Iron Chef Viannista, now on its 3rd Season. Conceived and hosted by Fr. Rector,
the cookfest provides an opportunity for community building and developing creativity, not to
mention improving skills of future priests not just on the pulpit but in the kitchen! The "secret
ingredients" this year included tilapia (main dish), ampalaya (vegetable dish) and either onion,
tomato or garlic for the soup dish. Ingredients which pose a real challenge to the budding and
veteran cooks among the seminarians. This year's overall champion is the House of Galilee or
the Galileeans (Spir-Hum-Past Formation Year), followed by Lorenzo (Bldg A), Xavier (Bldg B)
and Assisi (Bldg. C). The event indeed proved to be an enjoyable and formative one. Some foto
highlights for you all.

FAREWELL TO MADAME LAUREANA SP ROSALES

She was beloved to all Viannistas and by all priests whom she knew. She was beloved to everyone as a great educator and philanthropist. Above all, she was beloved to everyone as a great mother and a woman of faith. On the night of 24 July 2009, after a period of illness, Madame Laureana Rosales went home to her Creator. For many, it was quite a shock and sad news. For she was always known to us, despite her age, as a vibrant and energetic woman, always into many things, especially helping people. For Vianney, in particular, Madam, was most beloved, not only for her financial assistance to the Seminary, but also for her motherly concern. She was always anxious about the welfare of the Seminary; always concerned that the formation of future priests is not hampered or hindered by lack of financial resources. And so, even if she was also in financial straits at times, having had many projects of her own, she never wavered in her support of the Seminary. And so, as she leaves us (interment is on Wednesday, 29 July), we shall treasure her memory as one of the pillars of the Seminary. Madam, may the Lord be gracious to pardon your shortcomings--for who does not have them?--and grant you eternal rest in the loving arms of the Father. We will surely miss you. Paalam.

Formators' Recollection in Gingoog, Jul 24-25

As part of their own spiritual formation program, the formators spent another day of recollection in a classy and cozy new resort in Magsaysay, Mis. Or. owned by the very talented and hospitable Gaga Chan. We also blessed the new resort. The RVM Sisters c/o Sr. Aida Mariano introduced us to the owner. The blessing was also honored by the presence of the Honorable Ruthie Guingona, Mayor of Gingoog City. A sumptuous lunch was tendered by the RVM Sisters at their school after the recollection. Thank you, Lord!

Fr. Norlan's Birthday Celebration

While in Manila, some of the Vianney fathers took time to treat former Vianney formator, Fr. Norlan, to a dinner. It may sound "sosyal" but we treated him to Saisaki, partly courtesy of Fr. Pops' former classmate who manages the restaurant at the SM Megamall. Our little way of thanking Fr. Norlan for what he had been to Vianney for 4 years.

SJ Fr. General's Visit to Manila

To grace the 150th anniversary of the return of the Jesuits to the Philippines (1859), the
General Superior, Fr. Adolfo Nicolas, S.J., came to Manila and stayed from 11 to 14 July 2009.
He presided over the concelebrated and anticipated high mass for the Feast of St. Ignatius of
Loyola (July 31) on 12 July at the Ateneo High School covered courts. In the evening he attended the special dinner for all Jesuits present at the Richie Fernando covered courts at
the Loyola House of Studies, ADMU. Fr. General also addressed the congress of the JBEC schools and the "uneducated" apostolates (Prison, Apostleship of Prayer, Seminaries, etc.). Fr. General's recurring message and call was for depth and creativity in everything that we do. We
can only say "Amen" to his message.