The Entrance to Postulancy

In view of religious parlance, discernment is being made from the deepest reflection out of solitary moments and prayerful encounters. Imagining a person in decision crisis, the Holy Bible will say, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "HERE AM I, send me!" (Isaiah 6:8)

The Silver Jubilee in the Servitude of Christ and the Poor

The congregation here in the Philippines is indeed grateful for the visit of the General Council. It becomes an opportunity for many of the priests, religious and aspirants to be with the Superior General, Fr. Tarcisio Gregorio Vieira, fdp – the 8^th Succesor of St. Luigi Orione. Together with his presence is the Vicar General of the Congregation and the Superior Delegate, Fr. Oreste Ferrari, fdp.

Father Anthony @40.

A popular saying goes that “Life begins at 40.” Last November 7, 2016, the Superior of the Sons of Divine Providence in Montalban and Coordinator of the Orionine Mission in the Philippines became a young adult while blowing his 40^th candle. Fr. Anthony Eucinei De Souza can now say with great humour: “I’m not 40, I’m just 18 plus 22 years’ experience in life.”

The feast of the Superior being the feast of the whole Community, the Sons of Divine Providence in Montalban celebrated solemnly with thanksgiving the Birthday of Fr. Anthony. Among the attendants were our brothers from Payatas, Fr. John Castillo the Parish Priest, Fr. Julio Cuesta and Fr. Joseph Van Cu. Many friends, parishioners, workers of the Cottolengo, Friendship of Don Orione and Kabataan ni Don Orione Movement (KDOM) joined also to express they closeness to our birthday celebrant.

The compound of the seminary was resplendent in the colors and sounds of the 40 candles of the Superior and Novice Master. After the holy Eucharist, we all gathered to share a fraternal meal with presentations from the Seminarians, the Novices, the Children from the Cottolengo and the KDOM. To Fr Anthony, we wish once again a blessed 40^th Anniversary of life and many blessings in the years ahead to come.

Like a Rose, Trampled on the Ground.

In the paradigm of philosophy of religion, the process of crucifixion is defined to be the game of vulnerability. Jesus fulfilled the Father’s will and feel that He is so helpless hanging on the wood for criminals. This example outlives the Christian spirit most especially the promise of eternal life, involving a participation concept between God and man.

"I am crucified with Christ" was the theme of the Orionight on the 15th of October 2016. It was taken from the letter of Paul to the Galatian 2:23. The whole celebration made a memorable event that intact in the minds of all brothers and sisters. Though it was raining, it made no hindrance to postpone the event. The friends and youths of Don Orione made an effort to attend the celebration. Likewise, the seminary invited people coming from different chapels of St. Raphael Archangel Parish. They contribute much of the happiness which everyone experienced. They also took this event as an opportunity to gather and share the joy to one another.

FDP Phillipines, Annual Retreat 2016

The Confreres Sons of Divine Providence in the Philippines gathered for their one-week annual retreat from October 17 – 22, 2016 at the Augustinian Contemplative Nuns (OSA) Retreat House in Carmel Farms, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. They have been accompanied during this one-week reflection by Rev. Fr. Fausto Franceschi in mission in India.

Eleven (11) people, composed of six religious priests and five religious brothers from the three houses we count in the Philippines (Lucena, Montalban, Payatas) were the attendants. Fr. Anthony, the coordinator of the Mission and Novice Master was not able to attend due to his responsibility and also the eight other newly profes brothers for academic reasons. Fr. Stefan Bulai as well was not able to join because being in Romania at this moment for the sad news of the sudden departure of his mother Tereza Bulai at the Father’s house. The last day Father Anthony and the Novices joined for the closing Eucharistic celebration.

During these six days, we have been taken by Fr. Fausto to journey the road of the Father’s Mercy. The main topic was the Year of Mercy with a particular insistence on the work of mercy analyzed at the light of the Holy Scriptures, the Magisterium of the Church and the Orionine Magisterium.

Kapayapaan, Aming Dasal!

    

Change is indeed inevitable. It takes a good courage to let go of the familiar and embrace a new one. In this 16^th of September, our community here in Montalban celebrated again another night of celebrating and reminiscing the spirit of our founder, St. Luigi Orione. 

Faithfulness to the Pope, closeness to the Bishop: Bishop Francisco De Leon, D.D.

For us Sons of Divine Providence, the special faithfulness to the Pope gets its concrete expression in the love that we express to the local Church with the Bishop as representative of the Vicar of the Christ. Our Community here in Montalban, Rizal always seizes the opportunities to express this love by closeness and service.

In this connection, we are always where the local Church of Antipolo, with the Bishop as head invites us to be. So last September 10, 2016, we have been invited to witness the Rite of Liturgical Reception and the Eucharistic Celebration of the Canonical Possession of the Most Rev. Francisco Mendoza De Leon, D.D. as the fourth Diocesan Bishop of Antipolo.