OSJ Confreres go on retreat

The confreres of the Oblates of St. Joseph Philippine Province gathered together for a five-day retreat from November 7-11 at Marello Retreat House Tagaytay City.

The retreat opened with an Holy Hour led by Rev. Fr. Venancio Silva, OSJ, Chairman of the Commission on Permanent Formation.

On the second day, the bishop of the Diocese of San Pablo, Most Rev. Buenaventura Famadico, DD. Gave his insights about service reflecting from the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta “The fruit of silence is prayer; fruit of prayer is faith; fruit of faith is love; fruit of love is service; fruit of service is peace”. From this saying, he added this line, “and the fruit of peace is joy.”

Most Rev. Reynaldo Evangelista, DD, bishop of Imus, reflected on the attitudes of service on the third day. He also emphasized on the need and importance of pastoral charity. One of the salient points he shared, quoting the good cardinal, Most Rev. Gaudencio Rosales, he said, "The quality of the priest's service is on his configuration with Christ. The priest should serve as Jesus served!"

Focusing on the current situations happening globally and locally, Rev. Fr. Vitaliano “Chito” Dimaranan, SDB, shared his insights on how the priests and religious of today can be of service today. He also emphasized the importance of understanding the new generation, the so-called “millennials.” He even encouraged to further use the social media in evangelization.

The retreat closed with an encounter with the Vicar General Rev. Fr. John Antony Attuli, OSJ. He shared his observations especially on the growth of the province and on the joy of the community life among the Filipino confreres.

After the celebration of the Mass and lunch, the confreres returned to their respective places of apostolate, physically and spiritually renewed.

Four ordained deacons

On the anniversary of St. Joseph Marello's Canonization, November 25, four Oblates of St. Joseph were ordained deacons at the Blessed Sacrament Parish.

They were Rev. Elly Francis O. Capuno, OSJ, Rev. Robert T. Larracas, OSJ, Rev. Ryan M. Mullon, OSJ and Rev. Iric John M. Onceno, OSJ. The sacrament was conferred through the hands of Most Reverend Buenaventura Famadico, DD, bishop of the Diocese of San Pablo.

At present, the four deacons are assigned as follows: Rev. Elly, San Francisco de Asis Parish, Davao City; Rev. Robert, Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Taysan, Batangas; Rev. Ryan, Spousal of Mary and Joseph Parish, Iloilo City; and Rev. Iric, St. Peter the Fisherman Parish, Taguig City.

The period of diaconate is the immediate period of preparation for their ordination to the priesthood.