Shepherd for others and not for oneself. (Jn 10:11-18)

Today, 4th Sunday of Easter, the church celebrates the Good Shepherd Sunday and invites to pray for the vocation. We will like to share with you the Homily of our Formator, Fr. Stan Achi, which is as well a challenge to each one of us to be not only shepherd, but good one. It is entitled, "Shepherd for others and not for oneself."

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Homily: Shepherd for others and not for oneself. (Jn 10:11-18)
A German proverb says, “Straying shepherd, straying sheep.” And another proverb adds, “The good shepherd shears, not flays.”“Beloved: See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are.” Not only that we are children of God, but we also have a shepherd, and a good one. How fortunate we really are!We are celebrating today, 4th Sunday of Easter, known as Good Shepherd Sunday. In this day, we are called to pray in a very special way for vocations.The liturgy of today finds its main theme in the Gospel. Jesus talking about himself insistently says, “I am the good shepherd.” He then carries on listing the qualities of the good shepherd: auto-conscience, concern for his sheep, self-sacrifice for them, knowledge of the sheep. All these qualities and characteristics of the good shepherd are expression of his love. Thus, John can exclaim, “See what love the Father has bestowed on us…” The Lord so loved us that he came to lead us as a shepherd leads his sheep.In our today’s societies, many are those who pass to be shepherds, but very few are the good one. Many are the hired workers, few those who care for the sheep.

The mission of love at the Center of my life. (Jn 3: 14-21)

We will like to share with you the Homily given by Fr. Stan, FDP, Seminary Formator - Montalban, in the Parish Church, Mother of Divine Providence in Payatas and in the Mission Area, Pedro Calungsod, former Nazareno Chapel, on this Sunday, March 11, 2018, ORIONINE MISSION SUNDAY.

A wise man said, "Every man is a missionary, now and forever, for good or for evil, whether he intends or designs it or not."

Today, eleventh of March, fourth Sunday of the Lent, we celebrate the Sunday of joy, Lætare. And we Orionine are also celebrating the "Orionine Mission Sunday", the Mission Day of the children of Don Orione. This, brethren, is for all of us, especially, for you. Because we are the beneficiaries of the Orionine mission. The theme of this day is, "The Mission at the Center of Orionine's life".

You all know who Don Orione is. He was called, "Apostle of Charity", the Apostle of love. For Saint Luigi Orione, charity is the ultimate expression of love. The Love of God as we have heard in the Gospel today is also called Charity. And Saint Luigi Orione believes that, 'Charity, and only Charity will save the world'.

EXPERIENCE OF THE POSTULANTS – Part 2: An Immersion Experience in Payatas - Being in Payatas such a great experience

Two of the Postulants, Post. Rodrigo Dominic D. Clarito and Post. Brian Luzon were assign in Payatas to had their emersion from December 16 to 26 2018. Here is what they say about that stay in Payatas:

            Two of us in the stage of Postulancy were assign in Payatas, Quezon City. The place there is a parish dedicated to Mother of Divine Province. This parish is managed by the congregation of The Sons of the Divine Providence. Mother of the Divine Providence Parish is not just a simple parish but a charitable parish that help the poorest of the poor.

            The community of Payatas is composed of two priests and two temporary profess. The parish priest there is Fr. John Castillo, presently in Italy for some further study. Fr. Anthony De Souza from Brazil is the one who is acting parish priest there with the companionship of Fr. Bernardo Seo Young-Tae from South Korea. The two brothers that was assign there is Bro. Aldrin Magsilang with Bro. Jerick Batas.

            In the first day of our immersion, we were welcomed by Fr. Anthony with short orientation. Fr. Anthony explained to us about the things that we are supposed to do while we will stay there. First day is full excitement, curiosity, and especially pressure because one of the Priest is the local superior of the Philippines. Post. Brian was assign to go always with Bro. Aldrin if he has schedule for house blessing and funeral blessing. And Post. Dominic was assign to Bro. Jerick to do some stuff like house blessing.

EXPERIENCE OF THE POSTULANTS – Part 1: A Gift: An Immersion Experience in Cottolengo Filipino

Four of our Postulants:

·         Post. Kenneth Arteta PINEDA

·         Post. Keven Escalante OPERIANO

·         Post. Jesus Francisco BERDIN                     

·         Post. Jerick Juanites SERANDON

 had our 10 days mission immersion at Cottolengo Filipino during the Christmas break last December 16-26 of the year 2017. Here is what they share of this immersion:

Four of us at the stage of postulancy were called for this extraordinary mission. Cottolengo Filipino is an institution managed by the Congregation of the Sons of Divine Providence, and a home for mentally and physically challenged children. We intend not to call them generally disabled children, for you will be amazed that some of the children in Cottolengo are able to do something that will touch your consciousness and heart.

Maligayang Pasko - Merry Christmas

The Saint Luigi Orione Seminary and the Community of the Sons of Divine Providence here in Montalban will like to extend to you and all your dearest ones, our special greetings of Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year. Thank you for what you never cease to be for us and for the blessings of having you.

May the little guy in the Manger of Bethlehem bring you more joy, peace and love.

Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat.