We have gone back to school!

3 of our members undergoing formation to become full time missionaries have recently enrolled in theological classes at the Divine Word Seminary. On 26 June, they trooped back to class to gain further knowledge regarding the faith, taking up modules in Christology and Christian Spirituality and Pastoral Introduction to the Old Testament.

Caroline from Korea

I am happy to study again! It’s exciting to study and learn more about the Bible and to understand Jesus more. I hope that the knowledge gained will help me in my pastoral work later in my life. Perhaps one day the Biblical characters could be a model and inspiration for the people with whom I will have the chance to share with!

Denzil from India

I’ve always wanted to learn more about the faith, Christ and God. Some time ago, an acquaintance told me that I could study theology easily from any book and hence no need for classes or formation. But I feel that studying theology during my formation years would enable me not only to gain knowledge but to put all that I have learned into practice in the ministries that I am involved in. I am enjoying my classes tremendously. Looking forward to more!

Domisiano from Korea

Attending these classes give me the opportunity to refresh my knowledge. I am also eager to meet people with the same zeal and passion. I feel that learning is a continuous process and I’m happy to continue studying. Through these classes, I hope to grow in knowledge and to identify what is still lacking in my growth as a missionary.

Start up Pack for A New Academic Year!

As the academic year began for the children in the Philippines, 105 children from elementary to high school who regularly attend our Children Ministry in Montalban, were assisted with a start up pack for school. For a miniscule amount of Php20, each child received a school bag filled with stationery and other basic needs to begin school. As the children queued excitedly for their packs, we saw the joy in their faces especially for those who were entering the elementary school for the first time. Look at my new bag!!" exclaimed a proud Arnold Ryan, age 6 who was entering the elementary school in Grade 1 that Monday. We saw him cling onto his new red bag and show it to his happy mother who accompanied him.

We would like to thank our generous sponsors who helped a child start another school year with their school stationery and supplies! God bless you for your support and generosity!

Back to School Mass

On 12 June 2010, we had a special Eucharistic celebration for the children in Montalban as they begin their new academic year the following Monday. Held in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, the children turned out in full force for the celebrations.

Dressed in their school uniform, they served as altar boys, lectors and mass commentator. It was a joy to see them growing in confidence as they served during Mass and came up with the gifts for Offertory and read the prayers of the faithful.


It was also a proud moment as we awarded 9 children under our Children Educational Sponsorshop ministry for the marked improvements in their academic grades in the last academic year.

We thank Fr Alvin Dagalea, CRSP, who presided and Deacon Jonathan whoassisted at the Mass. It was a beautiful time of blessing as the children were sent off to be witnesses in their schools and to live to their fullest potential as students!

Triple joys on Pentecost!

Celebrating Pentecost, 25th Anniversary of the ICPE Mission and our House Blessing!

“Give us life with you on high, Give us joys that never end.”
While singing the Sequence at the Pentecost Mass, it felt like a joy that never seemed to end and triple the celebration as we celebrated Pentecost, commemorated the 25th anniversary of the ICPE Mission AND blessed our new house in Tagaytay, Philippines!

We started the day bright and early with mass, presided by His Excellency, Most Rev Luis Antonio G. Tagle, D.D. STB, Bishop of the Diocese of Imus, where we are currently located. Four of our priest friends joined the Bishop in concelebrating the Eucharist. Together with us were around 70 guests, comprising the neighbouring religious congregations, friends and benefactors of our mission centre in the Philippines. Gathering together with people from various nationalities and cultures, Bishop Tagle commented that it was indeed a glimpse of Pentecost where the disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit transcended language barriers and spoke in languages that were comprehensible to the different people there. Likewise, we were called to transcend closed doors of language and cultural differences to proclaim the Good News with the power of the Holy Spirit.

During the Mass, Bishop Tagle blessed the house and officially welcomed us to the Diocese of Imus. For us the celebration was even more joyfilled with the installation of the Blessed Sacrament in our chapel for adoration. Andrina and Carol then performed a beautiful sign language to the song “To the Ends of the Earth”, a reminder for us, that filled with the Holy Spirit, we are able to bring Jesus to the ends of the earth.

After our Eucharistic celebration ended, we tucked in to a buffet brunch and had a beautiful time getting to know our neighbours and guests. We continue to praise God for the gif t of life with Him on high that we are privileged to taste a little of this day!

new beginnings...

We welcome Esther Fong, our new mission centre director!

The past week was a special time for our community in the Philippines as we welcomed the new director of our mission centre, Esther Fong. We had a beautiful and simple ceremony to pray for Esther as she signed the letter of appointment by our ICPE mission international director Mario Capello. Esther is also currently serving as one of the members of the Executive Council of the ICPE Mission.

We also thanked our outgoing director, Jitka Svozilova, for her tireless service as centre director for the past 5 years in the Philippines. She led the community in the vision of empowering the poor through her faithfulness and dedication to respond to the Lord with her yes.

As the change of leadership took place, we as a community truly thank God for the gift of leadership, especially in laying down of lives of our leaders in the service of the community!

My Holy Week in Tagaytay!

by Therese Choong
“Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.”

Holy Week in the Philippines is a Holy week like no other.

As a community, we adjourned to our parish, 'Our Lady of Lourdes' here in Tagaytay, Philippines for the Holy week celebrations.

Right from Maundy Thursday's liturgy to Easter Sunday, the parish was filled to the brim with people. In fact many were left standing for the entire duration of the mass/service.

The altar had already been prepared with 12 empty chairs for 12 men representing the apostles to allow their feet to be washed. Who are the people who will fill these vacant chairs left by the apostles? As I pondered, I felt we are all called to lead exemplary lives, called to be quality disciples, and to go boldly, just as we are, limited in understanding, sinners, to take up our positions and allow God to love us and send us forth like the early disciples.

Good Friday service was a very reverent experience. Every parishioner stood throughout the long readings and participated fully. In the Philippines, there is also a procession after the mass to commemorate the death of Jesus. This procession, call

ed the Mater Dolorosa (the Sorrowful Mother), took place on the main street of Tagaytay, where the normal peak hour traffic went alongside the procession.

The Easter Vigil was very well attended and in fact many parishioners stood throughout the 3 hour mass because there just wasn't enough room. As the church dimmed its lights, there was a hush, an awaiting. The 'Hallelujah's have not been sung in a long while. 40 days to be exact. And now, each one lighting their candle, each little light being passed on, the church now, once again lit with hope. And all the different versions of Hallelujahs are now sung,

And Finally on Easter Sunday. As the priest preached, Easter is like God's Valentine's day for us, showing us His immense love on that cross and letting us rise with him.

Though the masses were in Tagalog, we intensely felt the unity of the church as it worships together- many languages, many countries, many people, but one holy and apostolic church.