News
Read the news from events, activities and other updates on the different communities here in the Philippines
The workshop was facilitated by Regina, one of the missionary disciples who reminded us of the unique gift to be Verbum Dei, to bring the Word of God to others. First, rekindling this gift of evangelization was through listening and watching a video of our very own founder, Jaime Bonet, during his missionary work and narration of his writings. The highlight of the workshop though was bringing to life the heart of Jaime through the three speakers who were firsthand witnesses who gave their testimonies about him.
Fr. Filipe Vaz Pardal related that what impressed him the most about Jaime is the way he prayed, which he felt connected to the style on how he preached. Preaching was not a formality but about transmitting the vital message and not simply transmitting pre-organized ideas. Fr. Jun Marzan, on the other hand described our founder as not only a man of prayer but a dynamic and very creative preacher, whose holiness comes from transforming so many lives through this charism. Sr Maribel related that as an evangelizer, Jaime was a true follower of the will of God. He believed that every baptized Christian is an apostle and was passionate to let everyone encounter the will of God so all can be saved. All participants definitely felt the spirit of Jaime. Hearts were set ablaze after these very personal insights from the testimonials, rekindling that fire for evangelization. Participants of the 5th National Encounter had an opportunity to share the fruit/s of their prayer and reflection per Verbum Dei family or group. The sharing focused on the Talk given by LCM Gams Gallego of CDO. It centered on the theme of being gifted, and how we are encouraged to give the gifts we have received to others as well.
In our Sharing group (a mixed group from Cebu in the Visayas, CDO in Mindanao, and Tagaytay in Luzon), the disciples expressed their gratitude to God for allowing the NFE activity via Zoom to happen. Even Verbum Dei disciples living abroad, like Dubai and the U.S. have become part of this online blessing. Amazing! The 1st conference talk was given by “Gams” Gallego, a lay consecrated missionary based in Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao. She shared about the gift we have received - “Recall concrete persons who transmitted the gift to you” - and how we have grown as Verbum Dei, in terms of numbers, apostolates and being able to reach out to many. We were challenged to have a heart consumed by the welfare of the people like the Verbum Dei founder, Jaime Bonet. Let us not close up in ourselves!
Like St Paul to become all things to all people, and to win them for Christ (see 1 Cor 9:19-20). As Verbum Dei, we have a fundamental equality from baptism and we share the same contemplative-missionary spirituality. The fruitfulness of the Verbum Dei Missionary Family depends on the sharing of each one. As “each is part of Christ’s body” (1 Cor 12:27), she challenged us to “live as gifted people, share the gift you have… and to be responsible for unfolding the gift we have.” We were left with 3 reflection points:
#vdgiftedtogive #vdnfe2020 The different Verbum Dei communities presented in various ways of how each community has grown in the past 5 years since the last National Family Encounter in 2015.
We learned that different communities around the country gathered in conference meeting to share the National Apostolic project which focused on launching more SOW and SOApostles all over the country. The Manila- Pasig community presented interviews of representatives of the Singles, the Married Couples and Youth and how the charism continues. The Tagaytay community had a video presentation which showcased the different people who have come like the foreigners in their missionary journey. Despite the challenges of the community this year from the Taal volcano eruption, helping the neighboring towns affected by the calamity, the apostolate continues to grow which now has migrated to online School of the Word, formation and retreats. Recently, Tagaytay also is part of a new parish that has helped in opening up into new possibilities. The Verbum Dei Cebu had a wonderful rendition of “Welcome to the Family” highlighting the growing community in Cebu. VDei Cagayan de Oro narrated accomplishments of the community which pride themselves of launching different formations, School of Apostles and most especially producing 3 missionary married couples. VDei Pansol had a most entertaining skit presentation on how the community has expanded their apostolate in the School of Apostles, the Feeding program for the poor and continued SOW. A Zoom of the Word emerged as fruit in this pandemic. The misioneros also established a missionary community in Vietnam 2 years ago and recently, the formation house in Batasan Hills, QC. It is great to see God’s work in action over these last years! #vdgiftedtogive #vdnfe2020 Today, October 24 is the start of a 2-day Verbum Dei National Family Encounter, hosted by Cagayan De Oro Community, this time through Zoom. There are almost 400 people who registered for this event from the different communities of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and even overseas.
The celebration was hosted by Bimbo and Cookie, a married couple from CDO. The theme of the event is “Gifted to Give”. There was a video that was shown to highlight the past Verbum Dei National Family Encounter in 2009- up to the present. Sister Amy Hernandez, the Zone Ecclesial Responsible of Verbum Dei Philippines gave the welcome remarks. She shared about the community’s history and the importance of having a National Family Encounter. She emphasized the importance of our bonds as family and relationship with Jesus. Sr Amy explained about the encounter’s theme “Gifted to Give” which was derived from Matthew 10:8. She said that Verbum Dei Family has been gifted in prayer, gifted as a Christian Community like the School of the Word, Revision of Life and many more. “We are Verbum Dei, we are gifted the Word of God, we are gifted to share to other people. We may not be all financially gifted but we can share the Word of God which is really needed by a lot of people”. She reiterated that as a Verbum Dei Missionary Family, we are gifted to give. Fr. Rodrigo Carrizo, the Verbum Dei President sent a greeting for the Verbum Dei Missionary Family of the Philippines. He said that the encounter will be a moment of grace for the individual and for the missionary communities. He said that even though the encounter will be online the Holy Spirit will be very much present and will accompany the participants. Fr. Rodri said that we are also called to share Jesus to others. Bishop Milo Vergara, the Bishop of Pasig, greeted the Verbum Dei community for the 5th National Family Encounter. He wished that it will be memorable for everyone. He hopes that even though it is online, Jesus will still be present to everyone. He reminded the participants that God’s word is the word of hope and love. The celebration just begun, and there will be other surprises as the rest of the activities unfold. Even the pandemic will not stop the Verbum Dei Family to be united. We acknowledge that God gave us and is still giving us a lot. Like the theme announces, Verbum Dei Family is ready for mission and “Gifted to Give.”
10/18/2020
Testimony from a SOWer“Trust in the Lord, now and forever” (Psalm 131:3)The pandemic is like being caught in a storm while in the middle of the sea. It is scary. But the Word of God is the anchor that keeps us from being carried away by the waves of fear, anxiety, and hopelessness. It brings us peace and calm amidst the uncertainty. And the School of the Word’s (SOW) “to be Christ”, reminded me to trust the Lord, and at the same time, extend help and comfort to others in whatever way I can. We have a small SOW group that meets every week where we share stories and ponder the Word of God. I believe that by listening to, encouraging, and praying for each other, we are being Christ to each other in our small way. With thanks to Jenn Balajediong and the WordNews team
10/18/2020
A Series of Talks on Prayer - Part IIThe Verbum Dei-Tagaytay community held a series of online talks about prayer. The first 2 were given by Sr Grace Gonzales. The subsequent sessions were given by Srs Rachel and Rana: Talk 3 (September 18, 2020). How to Pray with the Word of God. This was guided by Sr. Rachel Lumain, FMVD. The 3rd topic on the series was How to Pray with the Word of God. A Church document called, Gaudium et Spes (GS), no.19, says that we are called to establish a relationship with God – from our origin we “already invited to converse with God.” How do we pray and listen with the Word of God? “Prayer should accompany the reading of the Word of God…” (Dei Verbum # 25). The dynamism of the Word: is the essence of the Verbum Dei character, and is the “vital encounter with the Word of God.” When we pray, we use the acronym: LALA, for Listening, Assimilation, Living the Word and Announcing/proclaiming the Word. Sr. Rachel also mentioned the brief history and importance of Lectio Divina. In the document Verbum Domini, no. 87, it says, this prayer opens us to the treasures of God’s Word and leads us to an encounter with Christ, the living Word. It is indeed a transforming prayer, leading us to grow in our relationship and union with God. It leads us to become contemplatives in action. Participants were also taught the steps on how to pray through Lectio Divina. Talk 4 (September 25, 2020). Blueprint of Prayer with Workshop, which was directed by Sr. Rana Elisino, FMVD. The last topic on prayer was The Blueprint of Prayer and Workshop of Prayer. Sr. Rana taught participants that when we pray, there are some preparations we need to do, like: Presence: External preparation (establish a Time, a Place and Position) Internal preparation (there has to be Inner silence and Detachment) Thanksgiving: We recognize the goodness of God in our life Forgiveness: Ask for forgiveness from God, Others and Ourselves Petition: Specific graces needed in prayer, like: Faith Understanding Honesty Willingness to do the will of God Fruit of prayer Holy detachment of petition Session 5 (October 2, 2020). This last part of the Formation series gave participants a brief summary of the Prayer topics which was facilitated by Sr. Grace. It was also an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and to clarify on what they have heard and learned during the month-long Formation. The participants appreciated these talks and helped them to grow more in their relationship with God through a closer dialogue with him prayer. With thanks to Mila Abigan and the WordNews team
10/12/2020
A Series of Talks on Prayer - Part IThe Verbum Dei-Tagaytay community freshly concluded its month-long series of Formation on various topics on Prayer. Those who attended were current missionary disciple of the community as well as newly invited/recruited adult individuals. The prayer topics served both as a refresher and a reminder course to all participants. The Formation was conducted online via Zoom every Friday evening, with attendees coming from different places in NCR, Cebu City and Cavite.
The Prayer topics included the following: Talk 1 (September 4, 2020): An introduction on What is Prayer? It was conducted by Sr. Grace Gonzales, FMVD. Briefly, Prayer is described as both a relationship and a dialogue with God; and that human beings are unique because they are able to connect and relate with other humans. Communion is possible through prayer, where there is a conversation, a sharing and a dialogue with one another. Prayer becomes possible because God allows it and a relationship begins. Sr. Grace tells us that there could be three (3) kinds of relationships when we pray: (1) A relationship between father and child; (2) A relationship between friends and; (3) A spousal relationship, i.e., between husband and wife. Talk 2 (September 11, 2020). Praying with the Word of God and was also facilitated by Sr. Grace. On Praying with the Word of God, one method of prayer being practiced by the Verbum Dei family is ‘praying with the Word of God’ which is very similar to Lectio Divina (Latin for Divine Reading), an ancient practice that teaches people how to read, meditate and live the Word of God. Three points about prayer were highlighted, (1) The Church insistence on the reading of Scriptures guided by several Church documents; (2) Relevance of the Word of God in our life and; (3) The Word of God is a gift and a treasure. A summary of talks 3-5 will appear in a subsequent article. Stay tuned …
10/12/2020
Accept who you are; and revel in itReflection on a movie That day (31 August 2020) when Verbum Dei Missionary Family had a film showing of “Tuesdays with Morrie” was a special moment for me to recognize what has been going on in my life and to reflect on these. The movie was a treasure trove of insights on self-awareness and on relationships. I was particularly moved with scenes where Morrie and Mitch would have intimate conversations. There was just loving kindness and sincerity whenever they engaged in discussions about their lives. I was deeply moved with how God allowed them to spend precious moments together just when they needed each other. I was also touched with how Morrie and Mitch responded to God’s invitation for openness and acceptance. The movie made me more grateful and more understanding of the ups and downs of my life and where I am now. Their story also made me more hopeful for the beautiful surprises that God has in store for me. Finally, of all the beautiful lines from the movie, this was the one I found most challenging and inspiring: “Accept who you are; and revel in it.” Someday, I also would like to be able to say what Morrie said, “The truth is, part of me is every age. I’m a three-year-old, I’m a five-year-old, I’m a thirty-seven-year-old, I’m a fifty-year-old. I’ve been through all of them, and I know what it’s like… I am every age, up to my own.” With thanks to Imee and the WordNews team
10/11/2020
Be Fruitful!A course to Novices on Spirituality and Sexuality There is much joy in bearing fruit in our lives. This is the desire of our Lord who said, “Remain united to me and you will bear much fruit” (see John 15:4-5).
This week, James McTavish, a Verbum Dei missionary based in Manila, gave an on-line Zoom course titled “Be fruitful!” The course was for 15 hours (3 hours per day) on Spirituality and Sexuality. The course was given to the Exodus group. Exodus is an inter-congregational formation program for young religious men and women (novices). The international group was composed of 60 novices (from Philippines, Vietnam, Malawi, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Congo and other countries) from 18 different Congregations. The content of the course looked at foundational elements of human sexuality (it is a gift and the complementarity of the sexes), consecrated chastity (intimacy with God, boundaries etc.) as well as apostolic concerns including the dangers of internet pornography, gender (gender dysphoria, gender roles and gender identity confusion) and same sex attraction. Cecilia Teo, a Verbum Dei misionera, was also invited to give an input on consecrated chastity. Sr Ceci covered aspects such as the meaning of chastity, loneliness and how to deal with it, as well as growing in healthy friendships. The novices said they were enriched also listening to her feminine perspective! It was great to see so many young religious, at the beginning of their vocation, taking the call of God seriously. Writing to the youth, Pope Francis underlined “we need to remember that God created us as sexual beings. He himself ‘created sexuality, which is a marvelous gift to his creatures’” (Christus vivit, n. 261). St James wrote that “all good gifts come from God above” (James 1:17). We too can give thanks to God for our sexuality, as a wonderful gift of being able to share life and love to the world of today. Let us ask the Holy Spirit that we can all live to the maximum the gift of life and love to the fullest, and to be fruitful in the world of today! |
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May 2023
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