Community pantry: a Eucharistic mark in action
“A community pantry is a service that provides food directly to locals suffering from food insecurity. Some rely purely on local donations. Some coordinate with food banks and organizations for steady supplies of food and essential goods. Some also organize other socio-civic activities for patrons.” [opinion.inquirer.net/139447/ on-community-pantries].
The COVID-19 pandemic is not only a story of human suffering but also a reality of strengthening charity. We turn to one another not only for consolation and reassurances but also for genuine care to make sure no one is left unaided in this most trying moment. In this pandemic comes the triumph of God dwelling in the hearts of many people seeking to offer what they can for the good of the neighbors.
The Sacramentinos, in their own humble ways, have actively engaged into this meaningful movement called “community pantry” which is aimed at contributing relief though temporarily, to residents in particular areas where our religious communities are situated. The joy is not much on the quantity of goods shared, but on the experience of recreating charity in the community. This is where the social aspect of the Eucharist is given expression at its best.
Jubilating Jubilees!
As a province, we recognize the many forms of blessings we receive through the constant love and generosity of God. This year, in a special way, we count the blessing of our Sacramentino Religious celebrating their Jubilee of Priestly Ordination. Two Silver Jubilarians: Rev. Fr. Arnel Martinez, SSS (April 27, 2021) and Rev. Fr. Michael Timbol, SSS (May 2, 2021) and a Ruby Jubilarian: Rev. Fr. Armando Tipones, SSS (May 2, 2021.) Their faithful witnessing to the dignity of ordained ministry is a continued gift our Province will forever cherish. Congratulations dear Fathers Arnel, Mikey and Mandy!!
Growing more and thanking more!
While there is evidently a world-wide crisis in Religious Vocation due to a continued decline in number, our Province is one that is to remain grateful to God for the generous number of young men resolved for self-giving to the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. At least every year, there’s a good number of candidates joining the formation communities, and a good number of temporary professed religious being approved for perpetual profession, diaconate ordination and presbyteral ordination. It is the hope of the province that by this growing blessing of religious vocation, it may help provide other SSS Communities here and abroad that are in need of personnel for ministerial assistance.
SSS SCHOLASTICS ACCOMMODATING REQUIREMENTS OF THE NEW NORMAL
The situation of the pandemic demands new set-ups in order to accommodate adjustments and changes in the area of Seminary Formation. New Academic Year is in and the rule of virtual classes for the scholastics is still the approved requirement. To cope with this, the Eymard Formation Community needed to renovate its existing computer room in order to meet the new requirements of online classes. Not only internet service provider needs to be upgraded, but also the set-up of the whole area requiring modular partitions and increased lightings. The effort to have this is painstaking, and just too timely the project of renovation is completed as classes begins June 14, 2021. Thanks be to God.
On June 12, 2021, 9:30 in the morning at the Parish of St. John Mary Vianney, Brgy. Adorable, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija, Fr. Ian Michael C. Abad, SSS, was ordained to the Sacred Order of Presbyters by His Excellency Most Rev. Sofronio A. Bancud, SSS, D.D., (Bishop of Cabanauan). Fr. Ian will be assigned in the community of Panal, Tabaco Albay as a Local Community Treasurer and as Parochial Vicar of the Holy Family Parish.