REMEMBERING MADAME LAUREANA SP ROSALES

A year ago today, 24 July 2009, while we formators had our recollection in Gingoog, we received news of the demise of our beloved Madame Rosales. We in the Seminary remember dearly how she was a real mother to us, ever mindful of our needs especially in difficult times. As much as possible, she would attend our benefactors' masses, always extending any kind of support she could as she listened to our regular litany of woes and cries for help. Perhaps, no one has ever shown a similar concern and to such a degree towards the Seminary. She may not be anymore with us but she is always present especially through her family who is equally concerned with the Seminary. Madam lived her life to the full: may we be inspired to imitate her example. And may the Good Lord grant her eternal repose and bliss. We love you, Madame!

Ministry by the French Riviera!

For about 3 weeks, we found ourselves by the French Riviera ministering to our Filipinos who work there. This was courtesy of Fr. Joe Q. who arranged it. A Filipino chaplain was supposed to go home to the Philippines so he needed a substitute. But as it turned out, he had not left but we still proceeded with the plan. I was based in Nice, France, but saying masses on Sundays also in Cannes (the famous site of the Cannes Film Fest) and in Monaco Montecarlo. The Pinoys warmly welcomed me in these places. I thank all of them for their hospitality, especially Fr. Gerry Guerrero and the Ventanilla Family (Nestor, Linda and Neriss) and also my kababayan from Pagadian, Erning and Winnie. I'll let the pics speak for themselves. Salut!

A Surprise Visitor - A Viannista in Rome!

Who says that one can only aspire for "Rome no. 5" or "Rom(e)blon" and not Rome itself? Well, one of my former companions in the House of Angels (a.k.a. Bldg. D) and our former contestant to the once famous Doble Kara competition, found us in the Eternal City: Fr. Ruben de los Reyes! Since he was free this afternoon, I fetched him at the Vatican area and brought him to some places downtown which he did not see yet, like the Church of the Gesu, the Rooms of St. Ignatius, the Church of St. Ignatius, the Pantheon, Collegio di S. Roberto Bellarmino, the Gregorian and, of course, the Biblicum! After the "ikot" I brought him up the terrazza of the Biblicum where one can see the Gregorian face to face! So, Fr. Cacards, then, Fr. Ruben! So, there's hope for everyone, esp. from the House of Angels (which is under renovation, hehe)!

Reunited with Beato Pedro Calungsod Group, Rome

It was like the old times when we started in this new venue, the Sta. Marcella Parish just opposite the SVD Generalate. The members of the Beato Pedro Calungsod invited us to preside over the mass of the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Again, a joyful reunion of this dedicated group whose dedication to the Blessed and to their community is extraordinary! Meet the beauties and the be(a)sts!