Dear Confreres,

 

We are writing to share some of the recent news of our community in the Philippines. The first semester ended in the middle of October. Pierre finished his Latin course at La Salette Seminary and his French course at the Rogationist College. Ron finished teaching Pastoral Theology at SVD School of Theology. He also led a seminar on writing project papers in the pastoral ministry program. Serge had a successful first semester as a theology student and has the good grades to prove it.

 

After a two week break, the second semester began on November 5. Once again Pierre will teach French at the Rogationist College. Ron will teach a course on Spiritual Direction as well as supervise students in their practicum in pastoral ministry. Serge will have a lighter load this semester but he is taking on more responsibility in our house. Alirio continues to make good progress in the study of English. He gives the monthly conference in the major seminary. At the end of November he will give an 8-day directed retreat for a Good Shepherd Sister. He has also agreed to preach a weeklong retreat in April for the Daughters of the Virgin Mary Immaculate.

 

We were pleased to have a visit from Raymond Vaillancourt, the provincial of North America, and Ricardo Chincilla, provincial councilor living in San Diego. They arrived late on November 1 and departed early on November 9. Most of their visit focused on the implementation of the motion of the General Assembly regarding our implantation in the Philippines. In addition to community meetings at the beginning and end of the visit, the provincial met with each member of the community individually. He was able to get a good appreciation of the struggles as well as the progress we have lived.

 

Ron - Ricardo - Bishop Chito- Raymond - Serge

Ricardo - Bishop Chito - Raymond

Raymond summed up his impressions by describing challenges we face. He noted the understandable struggles of bringing together four men from different countries (continents), different languages, and different cultures. He highlighted the need for understanding and patience. He spoke of the struggle to begin a new project in a new culture. With time, patience, listening and searching together, the direction for the future will become clearer.

The most significant challenge (in our minds) is the need for personnel. There is much work that can be done here but we need confreres prepared to do it. We emphasized the importance of each province looking for and preparing potential personnel for this mission. We spoke of giving Eudist candidates the opportunity to have some exposure to our mission in the Philippines. We also talked about the need to form Filipino Eudist candidates so that they will eventually be ready to lead our mission in this country.

We also talked about the need to expand. Our residence is currently full. We either need to make an addition to our house or buy an additional house. Ideally, we would like to have one house for the community and another as a house of formation for our candidates. We are currently studying the various options. We will then make a recommendation to the provincial council of North America.

Ricardo and Raymond

Pierre's new friend

As we observe the birthday of St. John Eudes, may God continue to bless the birth of this new Eudist community in Asia. We continue to depend on your help. We invite each confrere to think about how he might contribute to this project. Besides our need for personnel, your prayers and financial contributions are most welcome. Thank you for your support in the past. May God continue to bless us here in the Philippines and in our various missions throughout the world.

The Eudist Community of Ave Cor
Tagaytay, Cavité (Philippines)

Ron Bagley – rmbagley@yahoo.com
Alirio Raigozo – alirioraigozo311@hotmail.com
Pierre Marchand – marchand.pierre@netcourrier.com
Serge Kabamalan – cskabamalan@gmail.com