Carriers of Communal Life

Rev. Fr. Mariano Agruda III, OCD

Local Superior

Edith Stein, in a profound reflection on the nature of community, speaks for those rare members who are the community's "core, from which its character is shaped and which guarantees its enduring being." They are the "carriers of the communal life . . . insofar as their personal being is devoted to the community." They are the community's "lifepower" source of its "mighty impulses" and its vision. They are entirely absorbed' in carrying the communal spirit forward.

Edith's words aptly describe the humanity, self-gift and dedication to which our new Community at St. Joseph the worker calls itself this triennium, and of which th House's 55 year history bears striking example and witness. As the first foundation of the Anglo-Irish Province in the Philippines, the present group of friars look forward to be generative in and for our life solidly rooted in Carmelite tradition yet not afraid of creativity, allowing for a diversity of expressions of our one ideal.

This communal commitment was initially tested just last April and May. Yours truly was left to administer the Parish for three weeks in April while Fr. Dan was in the Unite States and newly ordained Fr. Oskie was celebrating Thanksgiving masses at the Carmels of our Nuns in Luzon. Despite laryngitis, yours truly managed well with the help of guest priests, the office staff and the able support of Bros. Arnel and Herman. April was also made more special with the birthday celebrations for Bros. Arnel and Bosco and Herman (who turned 70!).

The task of preparing for the Parish Fiesta and Installation of the new Parish Priest fell on my shoulders as well. Happily, our dynamic brother Arnel able managed the many fiesta preparations that had to be attended to Bro. Arnel was also chosen "church custodian" for the triennium. As CC, he will be assisted by truly and Bro. Herman in overseeing the maintenance of church and house facilities. It was a privilege to have my predecessor, Fr. Alex ("Fr. A") back for this year's fiesta and installation as well. We cannot be grateful enough for his six years of dedication and hard work.

Two wonderful occasions marked May 1: the annual Parish Fiesta and the Installation of the new Parish Priest. Both memorable occasions were graced by twelve concelebratinig priests and presided over by Archbishop Angel Lagdameo. A sumptuous sit down dinner and program for at least 50 people followed the liturgical rites. Ur unassuming Fr. Dan, our "PP" has since then taken on his duties as pastor with music dedication.

May 7 marked the beginning of the Postulancy Program. This year we are blessed to have John Eric Alim (lucena City), Gregorio Baguio, Jr. (Cagayan de Oro City), Le Van Dong ("Josh", Dong Nai, Vietnam), The postulants have had several formation sessions and visits to the various apostolate areas in the Parish. It is wonderful to experience the new energy and dynamism these young men bring to community life! The indefatigable Fr. Oskie has since then assumed his many responsibilities as postulant director (PD for short) with gusto. With the postulants, the present group of conventuals: Yours truly (Prior), Fr. Dan Lim (PP and 1st Councilor), Fr. Oskie Boongaling (PD & 2nd Councilor), Bros. Arnel Panique (Procurator and CC) and Herman Gaylan (our Prayer Warrior, PW for short) hope to be Edith's words, "carriers of communal life", "entirely absorbed" in carrying this communal spirit froward for the sake of the Church.

From Jaro, we all send our warmest regards and best wishes!