Eudist Seminarians
Only five years in the Philippines, the response to God's call to Eudist priesthood seem to be an affirmation of the Congregation's decision to come to Asia.
We now have nine seminarians!
The Eudists in the Philippines now have nine seminarians at various levels in their studies and formation. Three of them have completed the very first Special Time of Eudist Formation conducted in English from July 2010 to March 2011 along with three candidates from San Diego. They have just moved to the new House of Formation in Quezon City, Metro Manila. Five newly accepted seminarians has joined them.
Having nine seminarians after only six years since the foundation of the community in the country is indeed a blessing! Their formation is crucial if the congregation is to take root in the Philippines after the incorporation and ordination of Fr. Serg Kabamalan, our first Filipino and Asian Eudist. Providing for their formation and studies is a financial challenge in a developing country where poverty abounds. We rely on the support of our friends and benefactors across the world. Expenses are high and resources are low as we face the challenge of paying for the seminarians’ tuition fees, board and lodging, and health care. As we embark upon the establishment of our own house of formation, we appeal once again to our friends, associates, and partners. As always, we rely on the prayerful support of our Sisters, associates and many friends. Pray with us for our seminarians and that the Lord of the Harvest may send more workers to our Congregation.
Having nine seminarians after only six years since the foundation of the community in the country is indeed a blessing! Their formation is crucial if the congregation is to take root in the Philippines after the incorporation and ordination of Fr. Serg Kabamalan, our first Filipino and Asian Eudist. Providing for their formation and studies is a financial challenge in a developing country where poverty abounds. We rely on the support of our friends and benefactors across the world. Expenses are high and resources are low as we face the challenge of paying for the seminarians’ tuition fees, board and lodging, and health care. As we embark upon the establishment of our own house of formation, we appeal once again to our friends, associates, and partners. As always, we rely on the prayerful support of our Sisters, associates and many friends. Pray with us for our seminarians and that the Lord of the Harvest may send more workers to our Congregation.
Know Our Seminarians!
Micheal B. Dupo
La Paz, Abra
Micheal (pronounced as Michael or Mykel) is known to his friends as Mike. He hails from the northern part of Luzon Island but has spent most of his life moving from one place to another, mostly with parish priests who financed his studies in exchange for his help in any way he could. He was orphaned when he was only in his second grade in elementary school. He has only one surviving brother, a younger brother, whom he has just met again after so many years of separation.
“I had just left a diocesan seminary when I came to know Congregation of Jesus and Mary last March 2008. I went to visit Ave Cor, the residence of the Eudist priests, to inquire about this new congregation in the Philippines. They welcomed me, and I had chance to talk the Superior, Rector and Vocation Director (rolled-into-one at that time), Fr. Ron Bagley,” Mike narrated. He was introduced to the short history of the Congregation, and the reasons why the Eudists came to the Philippines. Learning that the Bishop of Imus, Msgr. Luis Antonio Tagle, was instrumental in how the Eudists started their foundation here piqued his interest in the congregation further.
Mike also remembered, “He (Fr. Ron) spoke also about the charism and mission of the congregation. He said that the forte of the Congregation is on formation of the clerics, other ministers, and the laity, as well as on evangelization. With the short time of conversation, I felt drawn to become a Eudist. It was clear for me what their mission is.” He believes that the charism is a big help to continue the mission of Christ through the church.
Another thing that Mike observed during his visits was the simplicity of life of the Eudist. It is something that matches his own ideal and preference. “This is one of the criteria that I was looking for in a congregation,” he shared. Without hesitation, he asked Fr. Ron what would be the process and the requirements to enter in the Congregation of Jesus and Mary. He was told to finish his philosophy, so he studied for one year at the University of La Salette. While studying, he kept in touch with the Eudist Fathers and tried to visit them whenever he had the chance. Then, at the beginning of the school year 2009, he was accepted as a seminarian of the CJM. Now, he has completed three years in the probation, including a year of special time of Eudist formation. He will be in his third year of theological studies.
La Paz, Abra
Micheal (pronounced as Michael or Mykel) is known to his friends as Mike. He hails from the northern part of Luzon Island but has spent most of his life moving from one place to another, mostly with parish priests who financed his studies in exchange for his help in any way he could. He was orphaned when he was only in his second grade in elementary school. He has only one surviving brother, a younger brother, whom he has just met again after so many years of separation.
“I had just left a diocesan seminary when I came to know Congregation of Jesus and Mary last March 2008. I went to visit Ave Cor, the residence of the Eudist priests, to inquire about this new congregation in the Philippines. They welcomed me, and I had chance to talk the Superior, Rector and Vocation Director (rolled-into-one at that time), Fr. Ron Bagley,” Mike narrated. He was introduced to the short history of the Congregation, and the reasons why the Eudists came to the Philippines. Learning that the Bishop of Imus, Msgr. Luis Antonio Tagle, was instrumental in how the Eudists started their foundation here piqued his interest in the congregation further.
Mike also remembered, “He (Fr. Ron) spoke also about the charism and mission of the congregation. He said that the forte of the Congregation is on formation of the clerics, other ministers, and the laity, as well as on evangelization. With the short time of conversation, I felt drawn to become a Eudist. It was clear for me what their mission is.” He believes that the charism is a big help to continue the mission of Christ through the church.
Another thing that Mike observed during his visits was the simplicity of life of the Eudist. It is something that matches his own ideal and preference. “This is one of the criteria that I was looking for in a congregation,” he shared. Without hesitation, he asked Fr. Ron what would be the process and the requirements to enter in the Congregation of Jesus and Mary. He was told to finish his philosophy, so he studied for one year at the University of La Salette. While studying, he kept in touch with the Eudist Fathers and tried to visit them whenever he had the chance. Then, at the beginning of the school year 2009, he was accepted as a seminarian of the CJM. Now, he has completed three years in the probation, including a year of special time of Eudist formation. He will be in his third year of theological studies.
Renato Layco Ligeralde
Antipolo City, Rizal
“I am very happy and thankful to be in the Eudist formation house because it helps me to develop the spiritual, emotional, social, and intellectual aspects of my life. It is a formation house for those who are aspiring to become a true disciple of Christ,” averred Ren, as he is called by his family and friends. Ren joined the Eudists as a seminarian in November 2009 and entered into probation on February 8, 2010.
He is a licensed Chemical Engineer, but is a man of many interests and talents. Prior to joining the Eudists, he worked as chemist/chemical engineer, dance instructor, and professor at the Institute of Formation for Religious Studies where he also obtained his MA in Religious Studies major in Theology. He is now in the first year of studies that will lead to the ecclesiastical degree in theology.
He is the musician/organist in the community. He dabbles in water color painting when he has the time. He is a good baker, too, earning the approval of the community for his cakes and oat meal cookies.
For weekend apostolate, he conducts seminars, workshops, recollections, retreats and catechetical instructions for various organizations both in and outside the diocese. But when he goes to Annunciation Parish, his actual apostolate assignment, he also conducts canonical interviews for couples to be married and leads bible services in various chapels around the parish.
He believes that “the Church in the Philippines is actively answering the call of the times such as in re-evangelization of the faithful, renewal of commitment as baptized Catholic Christians, and the eagerness of the people to have a real and intimate relationship with God Christ. The Church is also willing to help in the initial and on-going formation of priests and lay people.” Hence, the coming of the Eudist in the country is an opportune time.
Antipolo City, Rizal
“I am very happy and thankful to be in the Eudist formation house because it helps me to develop the spiritual, emotional, social, and intellectual aspects of my life. It is a formation house for those who are aspiring to become a true disciple of Christ,” averred Ren, as he is called by his family and friends. Ren joined the Eudists as a seminarian in November 2009 and entered into probation on February 8, 2010.
He is a licensed Chemical Engineer, but is a man of many interests and talents. Prior to joining the Eudists, he worked as chemist/chemical engineer, dance instructor, and professor at the Institute of Formation for Religious Studies where he also obtained his MA in Religious Studies major in Theology. He is now in the first year of studies that will lead to the ecclesiastical degree in theology.
He is the musician/organist in the community. He dabbles in water color painting when he has the time. He is a good baker, too, earning the approval of the community for his cakes and oat meal cookies.
For weekend apostolate, he conducts seminars, workshops, recollections, retreats and catechetical instructions for various organizations both in and outside the diocese. But when he goes to Annunciation Parish, his actual apostolate assignment, he also conducts canonical interviews for couples to be married and leads bible services in various chapels around the parish.
He believes that “the Church in the Philippines is actively answering the call of the times such as in re-evangelization of the faithful, renewal of commitment as baptized Catholic Christians, and the eagerness of the people to have a real and intimate relationship with God Christ. The Church is also willing to help in the initial and on-going formation of priests and lay people.” Hence, the coming of the Eudist in the country is an opportune time.
Robert P. Leus
Tanauan City, Province of Batangas
Robert was born on February 17, 1973. He worked at the Philippine National Bank as a bank teller for nine years, having finished his BS in Commerce major in Accounting. He entered the probation in June 24, 2010 in time for the Special Time of Eudist Formation held that same year. He is now in his first year of studies in theology. But he shares his expertise in accounting to assist the community bursar in the bookkeeping and preparation of financial reports for the community.
On weekends, he is assigned in St. Gregory Parish, Indang, Cavite, which covers two (2) barangays (villages). Working together with seminarians from other formation houses, he provides catechesis for children, helps in organizing a choir, and in conducting Bible service where the parish priest cannot go to celebrate the Holy Eucharist due to the huge number of parishioners within the jurisdiction. Last summer, he was assigned in another parish helping revive Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) in various places and helping them to see the goodness of sharing and living in a community.
The exposure enables him to appreciate the importance of the on-going formation in the life of the priests and seminarians, especially in the Diocese of Imus, and how community life moves him to be a better person. On the other hand, living with the Eudist community, he now recognizes how the charism of the Congregation can be applied in the day-to-day activities in the parishes. He says, “I see the relevance of the Congregation’s presence especially in forming good workers in the vineyard of God. But it entails investing personnel, time, money, and effort to realize a stronger foundation in the Philippines.”
Tanauan City, Province of Batangas
Robert was born on February 17, 1973. He worked at the Philippine National Bank as a bank teller for nine years, having finished his BS in Commerce major in Accounting. He entered the probation in June 24, 2010 in time for the Special Time of Eudist Formation held that same year. He is now in his first year of studies in theology. But he shares his expertise in accounting to assist the community bursar in the bookkeeping and preparation of financial reports for the community.
On weekends, he is assigned in St. Gregory Parish, Indang, Cavite, which covers two (2) barangays (villages). Working together with seminarians from other formation houses, he provides catechesis for children, helps in organizing a choir, and in conducting Bible service where the parish priest cannot go to celebrate the Holy Eucharist due to the huge number of parishioners within the jurisdiction. Last summer, he was assigned in another parish helping revive Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) in various places and helping them to see the goodness of sharing and living in a community.
The exposure enables him to appreciate the importance of the on-going formation in the life of the priests and seminarians, especially in the Diocese of Imus, and how community life moves him to be a better person. On the other hand, living with the Eudist community, he now recognizes how the charism of the Congregation can be applied in the day-to-day activities in the parishes. He says, “I see the relevance of the Congregation’s presence especially in forming good workers in the vineyard of God. But it entails investing personnel, time, money, and effort to realize a stronger foundation in the Philippines.”
Dennis Mercurio
Legazpi City, Albay
“Serving the church at the grassroots on weekends is not just a joy to relish but an avenue for me to meet Christ face to face in the lives of the common folks who gather together weekly to hear and share the Word of God in a communal devotion that has existed for almost ten years in a low-cost housing site called, Carisa in Tanza, Cavite,” shares Dennis. He is one of the Eudist seminarians in first year of theological studies at the Divine Word Seminary. He joined the community last June 2011 after almost a year of getting to know the community and discerning. He entered into probation period last January 2012. He is a Bachelor of Arts graduate Major in English and previously taught Humanities in a Catholic university and briefly as a call center agent in Makati City.
He is quite enthusiastic with his apostolate in the community where he is currently assigned. He handles nine groups in the neighbourhood around a pastoral center that is in the process of becoming a parish. He declares, “My eyes were opened to the work of the Holy Spirit in the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs). It is just so amazing to witness how alive the faith is in these little and often neglected assemblies that actually sustain the prayer life and devotion of the lay faithful apart from the Sunday Mass. And all these I only got to explore and encounter when I joined the Eudists.”
He sees a renaissance in the Church of the Philppines through the grassroots participation made possible by the Basic Ecclesial Community. He believes the Eudists can effectively share its “heart” charism through lay formation, adult catechesis and pastoral care of the laity.
At 40, he calls himself “a newbie Eudist formand,” and he professes that his life in the One Heart of Jesus and Mary has just begun.
Legazpi City, Albay
“Serving the church at the grassroots on weekends is not just a joy to relish but an avenue for me to meet Christ face to face in the lives of the common folks who gather together weekly to hear and share the Word of God in a communal devotion that has existed for almost ten years in a low-cost housing site called, Carisa in Tanza, Cavite,” shares Dennis. He is one of the Eudist seminarians in first year of theological studies at the Divine Word Seminary. He joined the community last June 2011 after almost a year of getting to know the community and discerning. He entered into probation period last January 2012. He is a Bachelor of Arts graduate Major in English and previously taught Humanities in a Catholic university and briefly as a call center agent in Makati City.
He is quite enthusiastic with his apostolate in the community where he is currently assigned. He handles nine groups in the neighbourhood around a pastoral center that is in the process of becoming a parish. He declares, “My eyes were opened to the work of the Holy Spirit in the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs). It is just so amazing to witness how alive the faith is in these little and often neglected assemblies that actually sustain the prayer life and devotion of the lay faithful apart from the Sunday Mass. And all these I only got to explore and encounter when I joined the Eudists.”
He sees a renaissance in the Church of the Philppines through the grassroots participation made possible by the Basic Ecclesial Community. He believes the Eudists can effectively share its “heart” charism through lay formation, adult catechesis and pastoral care of the laity.
At 40, he calls himself “a newbie Eudist formand,” and he professes that his life in the One Heart of Jesus and Mary has just begun.
NOTA BENE:
This SECTION shall be updated soon!
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