It was the last day of the Visitors’ meeting and the morning schedule was observed as free time. After lunch the group left Manresa Retreat House and proceeded to St. Vincent Seminary Complex located in Tandang Sora Avenue, Quezon City.
After their arrival they were divided into small language groups and assisted by the following confreres: Fr.Manuel Ginete, CM,- 1st Spanish Group, Fr. Renato Ruelos, CM – 2nd Spanish Group, Fr. Serafin Peralta, CM – 3rd Spanish Group, Fr. Peter Solis, CM – 1st English Group, Fr. Geowen Porcincula, CM – 2nd English Group, Fr. John Era, CM – 3rd English Group, Fr. Marcelo Manimtim, CM – French Group, Fr. Victoriano Torres, CM – Italian Group.
They visited the Santuario de San Vicente de Paul Church, venue for the culminating mass, St. Vincent Seminary (Philosophy Dept. for CM and Diocesan seminarians and Pre-Internal Seminary), Vincentian Missionary House, (Retirement home and Infirmary), Provincialate, De Paul House (Theology Dept. for CM and Diocesan Seminarians), St. Vincent School of Theology and St. Justin Library. Refreshing snacks were served at the basement of the church after the tour.
Before the celebration of the Eucharist the artwork at the apse in the church depicting in abstract form the Father and the Spirit of the Holy Trinity was blessed by Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, CM, Superior General. His predecessor, Fr. Gregory Gay, CM was the one who blessed the bronze image of Christ which was already in place. The new art piece was done through the artistic hands of Mr. Edwin Coscolluela, an accomplished artist known for his kinetic abstractionism.
The concluding mass, the “Misa ng Sambayanang Pilipino” characterized by Filipino culture and values was celebrated in Tagalog by Fr. Ruelos, CM as presider with the CM Visitors among the concelebrants. Fr. Edprim Gaza, CM delivered a trilingual homily in Tagalog, Spanish and English.
After the Liturgical celebration aperitifs were served before dinner while the Adamson University String Ensemble serenaded the assembly.
In his final message, Fr. Mavrič, CM, was all gratitude for the wonderful organization of the meeting. He thanked the confreres for the deep friendship and brotherhood that pervaded the whole encounter.
In the end Fr. Gregorio Bañaga, CM expressed his appreciation for all those who have contributed for the success of the 2-week event.
Fr. Raymundo A. Regua, CM
Chronicler. Philippine Province
July 7, 2019
