MagisOfficial Publication of the Magis Deo CommunityMay 2012

StewardshipSimplicity

SharingService

Formation for Mission

“Collision” against corruption

The April 14, 2012 communitycelebration started with the talk of Mr.Apolinar “Polly” C. Dichoso, our guestspeaker from Coalition AgainstCorruption (CAC).

Introduced by Fr. Ruben Tanseco asa crusader of good governance, Mr.Dichoso opened his talk with theoverview of the organizations primarilyinvolved in checking corruption,specifically at the procurement processof our government agencies. Theseorganizations are CAC, Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference for HumanDevelopment (BBC) and SangguniangLaiko ng Pilipinas (SLP). Mr. Dave M.Balangue chairs the CAC. The BBC isheaded by its Co-Chairmen, ArchbishopAntonio J. Ledesma and Mr. Meneleo J.Carlos, Jr. The Sangguniang Laiko ngPilipinas (formerly Council of Laity of thePhilippines) is the implementing arm ofthe Catholic Bishops’ Conference of thePhilippines (CBCP) in promotingnationwide its spiritual and socialinitiatives, and coordinating nationalprograms of the Laity.

Since 1989 Mr. Dichoso, analumnus of Manuel L. QuezonUniversity, has been actively serving ascoordinator of non-governmentorganizations (NGOs) for internationallyfunded development projects like theEvelio Javier Foundation. He is also acoordinator of BBC. He revealed that anestimated P20 billion of governmentfunds are lost every year from corruption.It is in this alarming situation that theGovernment Procurement Reform Act,R.A. 9184, was promulgated on January10, 2003 to establish and implement thefollowing:

1. Transparency in the procurementprocess

2. Competitiveness

3. Streamlined procurement process

4. System of accountability

5. Public monitoring system

In December 2004 the CAC wasformally launched with BBC as the leadingorganization. Its marching orders are tocover and monitor the activities from Pre-procurement Conference to Pre-BidConference to Bid Opening to PostQualification to Awarding and Signing ofContracts. It was observed in the past thatcorruption tends to be present in eachstage. With the CAC actively involved,corruption is expected to be prevented inthe various stages of the procurementprocess.

But the gargantuan task of checkingand monitoring the procurement process

of numerous government agenciestakes a heavy toll on the coalition –there is a lot of much monitoring to bedone with too little warm bodies.

Herein comes the appeal of Fr.Tanseco to the general membership ofMagis Deo Community. The challengeto meet the increasing demand forvolunteer observers prodded thecoalition to recruit reputableorganizations such as the MEFP.Magis Deo is blessed to be chosen tospearhead the recruitment of civic-minded, God-centered men and womenwho are courageous enough to carryout their desire to have a corruption-free society.

Concerns on security and timeavailability were overshadowed by thedeep and sincere sense of patriotism.To check and monitor the procurementsystem of our government agencies islike Don Quixote battling the windmilldragon. But it is our Christian duty todo so. We need to seriously put a stopto corruption. And with corruptioncomes poverty. This is a cycle we stoodagainst during EDSA 1 and 2.

In parting Fr. Tanseco asked all todiscern the challenge posed to eachand every one of us.

Recruitment forms are available atour Magis Office for those who want tomake our society corruption-free anda better place for our children andgrandchildren. Let’s join the CoalitionAgainst Corruption, and, in a bolderterm, let’s make it Collision AgainstCorruption.

Leo Soliman, Corinthians BCGG

Mr. Apolinar Dichoso

May 20122 Magis

11111

Meeting Maryat Ephesus

Joy Uy-Tioco, Sirach BCGG

This summer I took a short trip toTurkey, the land of Abraham’s journey fromUr to Canaan, enticed by a stranger Godwho promised to make him the father ofnations. By the time Abraham arrives atCanaan (now Israel, Jordan and Palestine),he has also made an interior journey froma pagan worshipping his father’s gods tobecome the first person in history whobelieved in one God. Thus making him notonly the father of nations, but also the fatherof the only three monotheistic religions ofthe world – Judaism, Christianity andMohammedanism.

Like Abraham, I made a journey. All mylife, I have known Mary, first as an exemplarof all that a young girl should be, then asthe mother, model of all mothers. AtEphesus I met her again.

How uncomfortable I was with theyoung Mary! She was modest, totallyobedient to God’s will, full of grace. I was achatterbox, not quite breaking rules, butalways pushing to see how far I could go,all elbows and as graceless as eyeglassescould make a teenager feel.

I grew into womanhood and marriedand loved my four children with a passion.Then Fr. Ruben invited us into the ME, andhe said some pretty frightening things.Among them, carry your cross.

I didn’t want to carry my cross, or anycross for that matter. For her total “yes”Mary became the Mother of the mostgrace-filled Son ever, but because of Himshe also received seven swords thrust inher heart. I wanted no swords in my heart.I would not understand this Mary. She wasmuch too above me, I could never reachher meekness and mildness.

And of course time flies and the heartdiscovers swords and crosses are notyour choice. They just happen. I began tocautiously converse with Mary, and on thistrip, I finally met her face to face, and shewas just like me.

Of all the cities mentioned in theepistles and in the Acts of the Apostles,most dear to me was the city of Ephesus– where tradition holds the disciple Johntook his mother Mary to live, keeping hersafe from the persecutions. There shespent the remaining years of her life andthere she died and was laid to rest andaccording to tradition, taken to heavenleaving a tomb empty except for the scentof flowers.

I was careful not to let my excitementrise as we got closer to Ephesus. A friendwho had been there before described thehouse as “small… and we went throughin two minutes, there were so manypilgrims. There was no time to linger….”

And sure enough, the walk throughthe sunlit garden was distracting enough,the guide kept telling us – 15 minutes only,then buy your souvenirs, the money fromthe souvenirs is what takes care of theupkeep of the shrine. The lines were long,our group of 17 got separated, slowly weinched our way to the doorway of thehouse.

I don’t remember much of the house,only my initial disappointment that it wasjust like an ordinary small chapel, maybefive meters by five meters in size, with analtar opposite the front door through whichwe entered. A communion rail separatedus from the altar, there were the familiarcandles, the sacristy lamp, the gold ofMass vessels. I looked around, inhalingthe scent of incense – where did shesleep, cook, eat, in this chapel filling upwith pilgrims?

Then I was talking with her – did yougrind wheat, bake bread, did you sit here?Did you ever weave another seamlessgarment? She smiled, and I thought I sawa young girl John had hired to keep hercompany, a young girl with young eyes whowould thread a needle for her own agingones.

The questions flew fast and furious inmy head – when John came home did youtalk about Jesus, how did that make youfeel? (Really Joy! That is an insensitivequestion!) Did you grieve at the news fromJerusalem? They have stoned Stephen.There is this man Saul. And Peter has beenarrested.

Oh, but surely, surely, when dusk fell,and you were alone, and it was time tolight an oil lamp, other memories wouldslip in. A curly haired boy, playing with curlsof wood shavings falling from his father’splane, the man splashing water on faceand hands as she called him in to eat, theboy, a stripling now, carrying one end of alog, his father the other. The man in bedhis breathing hard, your Son is at his side,but he has eyes only for you. Then the roomturns quiet and now you can hear only yourbreathing.

Top left:Statue of ourLady atEphesus.

Right:Pilgrims lineup outsideMary’shouse.

Continued on page 5

3MagisMay 2012

Easter indarkness

Sunday Homily

08 April 2012

Ruben M. Tanseco, SJ

“On the first day of the week,Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early inthe morning, while it was still dark, and sawthe stone removed from the tomb.” (Fromtoday’s Gospel reading, Jn. 20:1). “While itwas still dark.” The original Easter beganin darkness. As a matter of fact, the humanChrist cried out at the height of hiscrucifixion: “My God, my God, why have youforsaken me?” (Mk. 15:34). Only to befollowed later on by the resurrected Christ,lovingly addressing his disciples: “Peacebe with you.” (Lk.24:36).

This was the way it was with Christ,literally and symbolically. And this is theway it is to be for each of us who follow Hisways. Light begins to come in the midst ofdarkness. The passion and resurrection

in succession and in cycles, during ourmortal life here on earth. This is ourChristian life. Darkness and light. And thecommon denominator is God’s presence,no less. The way we live our life willtransform incredibly if we choose to behumbly and habitually aware of God’spresence in our hearts. Christ is ourconstant companion, in our individualpassions and resurrections.

Giving of the self, symbolically a dyingto the self for the sake of love, is ourpassion as well as the beginning of ourresurrection here on earth, throughout ourlifetime. And our eternal Easter is after ourmortal death.

But our contemporary high-tech culturewhich is pleasure-and-ego orientedstrongly avoids and rejects the passionand cross in human life.

The words of Thomas à Kempis arestill very relevant in today’s world:

“Jesus has now many lovers of Hisheavenly Kingdom, but few bear His cross.

He has many who desire consola-tions,but few who desire tribulation.

He finds many companions at table,but few in abstinence.

All desire to rejoice with Him, few arewilling to suffer something for Him and withHim.

Many follow Jesus to the breaking ofbread, but few follow Him to the drinking ofthe chalice of the passion.

Many venerate His miracles, but fewfollow Him in the ignominy of the cross

Many love Jesus, as long as they donot meet with any adversity.

Many praise Him and bless Him, aslong as they receive consolation from Him.

But if Jesus hides Himself, andabandons them for a little while, they eithercomplain or fall into extreme discour-agement.”

Although the situation described aboveis still widespread, my pastoral experienceas a priest and counselor tells me that moreand more Filipinos are lovingly carryingtheir crosses with courage, humility, andperseverance. In God’s own way and time,this is followed by their personal experienceof Easter.

There was this newly-married couple.After just a year of living together, they wereboth very unhappy. They realized howdifferent their personalities were. The wifewas naturally sociable and communicative,while the husband was just the opposite.(Why they were not fully aware of this beforethe wedding is a puzzle.) The wife felt thather husband was her greatest cross, whilethe husband felt that his wife was hisgreatest cross. But within each one of them,there was still love for each other, so theydecided to go through a process of maritalcounseling. Gradually, each one was ableto reach out to the needs of the other, evenif they were not his/her needs. This is whatis called a realistic compromise, whereeach one gives in a little, and receives alittle. A win-win situation. Each one began

to feel at peace and happy in due time. Theybegan to be intimate friends andpassionate lovers. From darkness to light.From passion to resurrection. But that isnot the end. The cycle will continue, for aslong as they allow the resurrected Christto be their “divine pakialamero.” ThePassion-and-Easter experience in theirlove-triangle: husband, wife, and God.

What about our many families who arematerially poor, especially as a result ofthe social injustice in our socio-economicsystem, where the rich become richer andthe poor become poorer? This is not tojustify the social injustice I just mentioned,and we must not cease in stronglyadvocating and working for social justicein our country. But I am simply amazed athow so many of our poor families are ableto carry their crosses and still experienceEaster joy. Their capacity for resiliency andfaith in God is most inspiring.

Today, for instance, the KabataanMinistry (Youth Group) from St. BenedictChapel in Payatas are having a team-building and sportsfest activity at the RichieFernando Court here in our Ateneocampus. Their aim is to foster greatercommitment in serving the Lord throughtheir youth ministry and communitybuilding. This is how they are celebratingtheir Easter Sunday!

Happy Easter to all. Amen.

May 20124 Magis

EDITORIAL

Renewal

Tony del RosarioJohn BCGG

There is a rhythm in ourlife as Catholics that captures us eachyear as we follow the seasons from Adventto Lent to Easter, to the Ascension andfinally, to Pentecost. It is the rite of renewalin our Church, the time to confront ourhuman weaknesses, to reorder ourdeepest longings, and to resolve to dobetter.

In the weeks that follow, we live asbest we can what it means to be aChristian and members of Magis Deo: tosee the majesty of GOD in all creation, tosee a reflection of GOD and of ourselvesin our fellowmen, to be deeply grateful forthe gift of life, consciousness of self andof GOD’s love, in the many ways it comesto us... sometimes even in pain. We arereminded about the Ignatian way of prayer,to pray every day even for just 15 minutes,in quiet communion with the Lord. Howelse can we be “friends” with Him, if werarely “say hello or chat” even just for awhile? If we find this too presumptuous,why not pray/converse with Jesus, theother manifestation of Him, who took ourform and walked the Holy Land? TinaMossesgeld’s Editorial last monthreminds us “to be in a deeply personalrelationship with HIM in Jesus Christ.”

In time we come to realize that it isjust as important to recognize the GODthat resides in another – our fellow man.We are impelled to BE “OTHER-ORIENTED” instead of “SELF-ORIENTED” – “to rewrite our innerprogram.”

For many of us in Magis Deo, thisbegan with our ME Weekend: ourconfrontation with self, with our spouse,and inevitably with our SENSE OF GOD inthe many ways He has come to us. Wecame to recognize His Love, His Graces,His forgiveness, and His protection thatshielded us from harm – our Epiphany.From our ME we learned to look for theGOD that resides in us, in our spouseand the world outside in all creation. Thejourney was begun then. We have foundcompanions in Magis Deo along the way.It is not yet over because we are stillembarked on the “river of our life.” We arecaught with not a little bit of envy when weconsider the many among us who haveattained a deep personal relationship with

GOD in their prayer life and yearn to be similarlyblessed.

Tina Mossesgeld wrote in her Editoriallast month that there is MORE to BEING justGOOD men and women. We can live Magis by“… choosing the greater good, the moreloving, the more life giving …”

In this context, the implications of anintimacy with Jesus to BE MORE, is to DOMORE after a process of loving discernment.This is the root of the 4 S’s of our Magis Deolifestyle: Stewardship, Simplicity, Sharing andService. It was the focus of the January 2012Magis Deo Editorial this year. It is worthrevisiting. It asked us: “What will it take forMagis Deo to realign ourselves, our mindsets,programs, resources so that we can respondwith Magis – to the challenges God ispresenting to us?” But didn’t the Lord say “It isI who will choose you”? If so, how may weearn it? How do we knock at heaven’s door?

In the Sunday Star issue of March 3, 2012,I had a chance to re-read the column of Fr.Jerry M. Orbos, SVD. He wrote about theTransfiguration of Jesus before the very eyesof Peter, James and John. They became awitness to the divinity of Jesus and ittransfigured them. Fr. Orbos wrote:

“A religious experience isGod’s gift to us. It is not so muchthe result of our human effortsas it is the result of God’sgrace. We cannot and shouldnot ‘imprison’ God according toour religion, practices,devotions, rituals or devotions.God is far bigger than all these.While these prepare us forreceiving the divine, let us notlose sight of the spontaneityand gratuity of God’stremendous presence and lovein ways only He knows where,how, or when.”

AMEN.

5MagisMay 2012

COUNCIL CORNER

The business of doing good –from a financial point of view

[ I have implored God to spare me from this futile attempt atjournalistic foray, but to no avail. ]

Miles and I are “balik” Magis members. After our ME Weekendtwo decades ago, we moved residence to the Visayas. Werejoined Magis in 2006 through the relentless efforts of theNarcisos and their auspicious choice of a BCGG for us, Cana.This is our first time to sit in the Council, indeed a great honor andprivilege. We’ve always felt unworthy to aspire for any position inthe Community, much less get elected to the Pastoral Council for2012! It must have been God’s challenging answer to thisvehement sense of “unworthiness” that He chose us to be justwhere we are now – your humble servant leaders, Counciloverseer for the Finance Ministry.

We face a daunting responsibility passed on to us by ourdedicated and capable predecessors, the Bañezes – thestewardship of Magis Deo’s financial resources; ensuring thatthese resources are properly safeguarded; and that utilization isin accordance with Magis Deo’s programs and projects.

From an operational viewpoint, the Finance Ministry is asupport ministry to all the working ministries in Magis Deo: MEM,OM, MFM, SSFM, PM, and CSM. It goes without saying that hand inhand with action; financial resources are a necessary means/tool to enable the ministries to implement the Community’sstrategic thrusts and focus. In a wider perspective, the FinanceMinistry enables us to live out our vision and mission as anapostolic Community at all times.

We sustain our annual operational requirements from thefollowing sources: our membership dues of Php150 per member

or Php300 per couple per month, Mass collections, tithes and/orlove offerings from generous members, and various pocket fundraising. And over the past four years, we have drawn from a specialfund called MAGIS@20, intended solely to fund our two coreprojects – quarterly ME Weekends and our outreach programs. Atthis point in time, the MAGIS@20 special fund needs to bereplenished. 2012 celebrates Magis Deo’s 25th anniversary. Anopportune time to culminate the year’s activities with a major fundraising effort, this time, let us call it MAGIS@25 – to ensure thatMagis Deo’s core programs will continue and be sustainedbeyond 2012.

Four months into the task at hand, I’ve felt at times inspired,humbled, and in awe at all the experiences that I call “smallmiracles”: the outpouring of members’ donations at such shortnotice as what happened late December for the victims of typhoonSendong, the maturity and dedication of our BCGG shepherds/alternates and treasurers who collect and remit members’ dueswithout need of follow ups, the consistent generosity of memberswho remit their tithes and love offerings monthly without fail.

I hardly get to concentrate on the Mass proper during ourcommunity celebrations as I have my hands full issuing officialreceipts for all the collections. Each time though, I never forget tooffer this fervent prayer: “Thank you, Lord for these smallmiracles. You are making my task so light and easy. Keep ‘emcoming! Amen.”

Evelyn San Pedro

Pastoral Council Overseer for Finance

There are other memories; what returns not often but most vividly isthat late afternoon returning from the borrowed tomb, the rush to anempty house to light a fire before the Sabbath sets us. No rest, only coldbread and exhausted sleep. Till the third day, early dawn you openedyour eyes, and joy flew in, is it you, is it really you?

Not unlike your final rest, Lady Mother. When it was your time it wasso peaceful, she is only sleeping, John said. And they laid you out in thishouse and watched by your tomb and of course fell asleep and whenthey woke the next morning and found you gone, why, they were amazedwith joy.

As your Son must have been, by your side again.

I found myself at the left side of the altar beside one of my companionson the tour. Her cheeks were shining with tears. I had never seen her soquiet, her laughter always filled the bus. I knelt beside her awkwardly,my stiff knees complaining. Lady, I said, Lady. I felt my eyes fill, and myinsides yearning to reach her. And for longer than a moment we wereone, maiden and mother and widow.

Meeting Mary... continued from page 2

The Wall of Petitions in Ephesus

May 20126 Magis

I am not a man of words – the fewer the words, thebetter. When asked to make a speech during our wedding, I said,“We in the military are men of action, not words.” This is why I findit difficult to share my experiences, especially the spiritual ones.When asked to share my experience of God through this article,the same old Dennis Plaza stepped up and gave many excuses.However, I guess when God moves you, you just move. As Iattempted to share my God experience, aided by music from myiPhone – Gary Valenciano’s “Lead Me Lord” and “Take Me Out ofthe Dark” – I saw myself writing words, sentences, then finally,paragraphs. Too much for someone who is not a man of words!God gave me words to give witness to Him.

My God experience started when I decided to give up on Him.I was having a deep personal problem that was tearing me apart.Trained in the military, I kept it all to myself. I did everything expectedof me as a Christian and a Catholic. I went to mass. I joinedMagis Deo. I did all these to gain favor from my God but He neverseemed to rescue me from my misery. Then one Friday the 13th

afternoon, I got tired of all the pretenses I put up. I was depressedand desperate. I started cursing God. If He exists, He should havetaken me out of my misery a long time ago. Since I have beendoing what He wants, He should have rewarded me for it. Therewas no God!

As a sign of my protest, I broke the rosary bracelet my wifegave me. I also turned to the devil. I bargained with him and said,“If you give me what I want, I will follow you.” On that Friday the 13th,I was pretty sure the devil was rejoicing. He won another soul tohis side. My wife tried to reason with me but I could no longer bereasoned with. I was in a totally different world, a different plane,and I had made up my mind. Little did I know that she wasdesperately praying silently, “Jesus, do not let my husband go.Pluck him out if you have to. Do not let him go astray.”

At that moment when I decided to embrace the enemy, mywife received a text message from her brother. The text said thatFr. Allan called and asked how my wife and I were. He is a priestI went to for spiritual guidance after my wife prodded me to go. Ijust went to him so my wife would stop pestering me about it. Inever really took Fr. Allan’s counsel seriously.

It was weird that Fr. Allan was reaching out to us now. I haven’tspoken to him for a year. My wife and I have changed phonenumbers twice since I last talked to him. My brother-in-law alsochanged his number. This meant Fr. Allan had to dig up his filesjust so he could get in touch with us. He called my brother-in-law’s landline and luckily, his call went through. I kept silent,thinking it was just a coincidence. However, my wife said Fr. Allanwent out of his way to track me down because he kept thinkingabout my family and me the whole day. I put the issue to rest andagreed to pay the good priest a visit to assure him I was okay.

When we saw Fr. Allan the next day, he said he had the time totrack me down because his 3 PM appointment was canceled. Ismiled knowing that it was around 3 PM when I was cursing myGod – closing my door to Him and my wife. I smiled because Irealized my God never stopped reaching out by calling me andtouching my life. I felt something I could not explain. God’smysterious way of touching and helping a man who cursed andblamed Him for everything moved me so much. I broke down –something I never did before.

I realized how much my God loves me despite myunfaithfulness. He knows me well. He knew that if He wanted meback, He had to act right away. He had to show me a miracle in theform of Fr. Allan tracking me down so I can believe in Him again.God did it at just the right time – a few seconds later and myskepticism would have stepped in. Then I would have blamedeverything on coincidence. God knew I needed answers fast. Godknew I was a techie so he reached me the fastest way he could –through a text message.

I was in awe. The logical, unemotional, and strong militaryman in me was silenced. There were no words, just emotions, asI recognized it was God using Fr. Allan and text messaging tosnatch me out of the devil’s embrace, even as I was willinglyembracing the devil already. That is how much my God loves me.

My experience and Fr. Allan’s very enlightening message onGod made me believe in Him again. God reached out and showedme a miracle on the day I rejected Him. This made me experienceHis great love for me in spite of all the things I did to Him. I decidedto love God back and become a new person. Now I have faith thatGOD exists and He is really there for me.

I know my life will not be any easier. I will still be tempted andsin again. There will be times when I will be weak and that thedevil, losing someone he thought was already his, will try to getback at me. The path to God is not easy. I sucked in all my pride asI said my confession, confronted my demons, and made amendswith people. I accepted my faults with all humility. Humility allowedme to know that someone greater is taking care of me. I know myGod is with me though things may not turn out the way I want it tobe nor even the way our society dictates it to be. He has a plan forme. I just have to decide and act to make sure I do what is right. Ibelieve there is a God. I believe He loves me unconditionally. Iaccept God and His will.

My God is a Techie GodDennis Plaza, Easter BCGG

7MagisMay 2012

11111

My Youth Camp experience,

My learning and adventure with natureMalou Tabuzo, ME 105

“If today you hear His voice,harden not your heart.”

This is one of my most rememberedpassages, but for a long time I did not fullygrasp it. Now what it means to me and myhusband Ronnie is very clear. I amresponding to this passage right now inMagis Deo and in the Corporate SocialResponsibility projects in my work. We arecalled to serve in many ways, and weshould answer this call.

Prior to our ME Weekend in June 2011,I bluntly told Ethel Araullo and Tito ClaroSantos (who invited us) that Ronnie and Iwould only attend the Weekend proper, andthat if there were succeeding meetings andactivities, we couldn’t commit to these.Weekends are so precious to us and ourwork schedule is unpredictable At kulangpa nga ang oras with our children. But wemade a 180° turn. I’m eating those wordsnow. We now go places sharing ourexperiences of God’s grace and goodness,and serve God through faith sharing andvolunteerism.

But becoming part of and serving atthe recent Magis Youth Camp wassomething I didn’t expect.

I was excited (and a bit apprehensive)for my daughter Kayle, who was attendingthe camp. It would be her first time to beaway from our family, without any relativeor guardian. A day before the youth camp,Ronnie received a text from Tita Gay Cruzasking if I could be a stay-in volunteer atthe camp. Without any second thoughts Itold Ron to text Tita Gay “okay po” for I knowthis is more for God. I heard His voice, howcan I harden my heart?

But I still had to ask my boss for a 2-day leave since the camp spanned aMonday and Tuesday. I texted him that I wasinvited to a Youth Camp and that Kayle wasone of the participants. He replied: “OkMals, tell Kayle congratulations and enjoy.”I thank God for giving me a boss who is

very supportive of myfaith and advocacy. Itwas a big relief to havehis blessing. This wasGod’s way of telling meto go and serve Himthrough the youth camp.This was also my firsttime to be involved in thiskind of event.

I marveled at andappreciated God’s gifts– the abundance ofnature – as we went tothe Sierra Madrecampsite. It was sobeautiful. Kayle and Iwere amazed that thereis this kind of place notso far from the heart ofManila.

At the start of thecamp sessions theyouth, specially the first timers, felt a bitawkward. As in a party when somebodyneeds to break the ice, Kuya Dave Pestañoplayed a big role in loosening up the teamsand putting them at ease. The HumanBingo activity helped us know who’s who,who wants to be a movie star, likes to sleepmore… eat more… pray more. Lots ofrevelations.

Monday night after the bonfire, as wewere about to sleep, a brownout occurred.Some screamed and ran outside, thenaround 20 to 25 youth converged in oneroom with only 6 beds. I thought thebrownout would ruin their camp experiencebut the kids experienced real bonding inthe middle of the night in a crowded room!God indeed moves in mysterious ways. Weall laughed when Gino said they loved thebrownout experience, and wished for moreof it in next year’s camp. The youth inspiredme – they gave their best in every activityno matter how physical and difficult thechallenges were. I learned so much fromthem.

I also had a personal adventure at thecamp. I slipped when I took a short cutthrough a mountainous route. As I sliddown a steep 15-foot slope, thinking fast(and praying hard!) I went into a lyingposition and grabbed and held on for dearlife to the roots of the grass. I must havelooked so funny! I prayed, “Lord, pleasehelp me get down safe; I promise I willnever again risk taking short cuts in themountain.” We sometimes lose ourconfidence when we slide but we canregain it through prayer and action.

Thank you, Tito Henry & Tita Gay, TitoPaul & Tita Marnette, for the opportunity toserve God through the Magis Youth. Thankyou for the hospitality, the warm welcome,and for making me part of the family.Congratulations, Magis Youth campersand organizers!

To God be the glory.

Clockwise from top: Malou, Marnette, Gayat the campsite.

May 20128 Magis

Thirty-four Magis Deo members onMarch 24, 2012 sponsored andparticipated in a Lenten recollection for 180inmates of the Medium Security Camp ofthe New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa. TheMedium Security Camp is one of threeprison compounds in Bilibid and is hometo more than 7,000 male prisoners aged17 to 70 and serving sentences of 10 to 20years. Those who participated in therecollection serve in various ministries ofthe Mary Help of Christians Catholicchurch in the compound.

First, there was an offer from theGatchalians for the Magis Deo Choir tosing at the Bilibid. It would be some kind ofoutreach activity. Unlike the Choir’s annualfundraising Christmas caroling, singing forthe inmates would be a pure gift of musicand love with nothing in return.

Fr. Eli Lumbo, SJ, who is AssistantExecutive Director of the Philippine JesuitPrison Service Foundation, was delightedto hear of the idea and went one stepfurther. Could Magis Deo conduct a Lenten

“For I was in prison andyou visited me” Mt. 25:36

Sally Chua Chiaco, John BCGG

recollection in Tagalog for the inmates ofthe Medium Security Prison Camp? It wouldbe the first in the camp.

The Choir chose Saturday, March 24,2012 as the day. With the help of RickyValencia from Praxis Ministry, I put togetherthe structure for the recollection using twothemes: “My God, my God, why have Youforsaken me?”, and the parable of theprodigal son. We had two sharers fromMagis Deo, Eli Prieto and Mhon Buenaflor,who gave life to the respective themes. Ifacilitated a self-reflection after eachsharing. The Choir sang songs ofcompassion and healing in betweensharings: Huwag Kang Mangamba; Hesusng Aking Buhay; O Hesus, Hilumin Mo; andTanging Yaman. Claro Santos strummedhis guitar during self-reflection time.

We then had an interface of Magis Deomembers with inmates, approximately 2to 3 Magis for every 15 inmates in a sharinggroup.

A Mass followed with Fr. Eli presiding.To allow their Magis guests to experiencetheir Mass, the inmates took charge of theliturgy and the songs except for theCommunion song which the Magis Choirsang. As part of the homily, two inmatesshared their appreciation for therecollection and their gratitude to God forlighting their way back to Him while inprison.

A group of about 20 inmates in theirtwenties known as the “College Guild”provided entertainment by singing anddancing to songs of the 60’s and 70’s. Toadd to the fun, our very own Pachot Abapo

took to the floor as the group’sdancing queen! An inmate latershowed off his talent for belting outcountry songs accompanied bytheir band. Guess who was at thedrums? No less than our very ownManny Gatchalian – he justcouldn’t resist! We were thrilled,but the inmates were more thanthrilled having their guests sharetheir love for music. For their finale,two members of the College Guildacted out “Bilangguang WalangRehas.”

The Magis guests sponsored lunchof rice, fish, chop suey, embotido, and ChocNut for 180 inmates after which they wentaround the camp. They were out of thecamp by 3 p.m.

IIIIIThe Lenten recollection was not an

official Magis activity. It started out as anoutreach activity of the Choir. As the visitors’list was restricted to just about 30 tofacilitate processing of passes, we invitedthose who had a role in organizing theevent, the Council, Ministry Heads, myBCGG, in that order.

IIIIIFor most of the Magis visitors, it was

their first time to enter a Bilibid prison.Anxieties understandably ran high. Frankly,there was a time when I thought therecollection would not push through. Butinteracting with prisoners can be atransformative experience as many lateron shared with me. They were happy theywent; they were happy they shared theirblessings. They saw the sadness of theinmates’ physical conditions. They felt theirloneliness, their brokenness, their longing

9MagisMay 2012

for love of family and friends. They heardthe inmates say that they had found Godand had found peace.

IIIIIThe Spirit makes possible what we

deem impossible. As I am not trained ingiving recollections, I initially found Fr. Eli’srequest daunting. But I was not about to lethim down. I heard the Spirit tell me to relivemy first visit to the Maximum Security Prisonin October 2011 and to be with the inmatesin their sufferings. With that, putting therecollection together came easy. Ricky, Eli,and Mhon took on the challenge with trustin the Lord. In the end, the recollection, eventhe entertainment part which was theinmates’ way of reciprocating ourkindness, were Spirit-filled. We all felt it.

IIIIII had a rare chance to assure a brother

of God’s forgiveness. During the groupsharing, I joined different groups. The lastone with Lito Gonzales ended with oneinmate coming to me and asking, “Talagapo bang sapat na sa Diyos ang magsisi?”I assured him, “Oo, pinatatawad ng Diyosang lahat ng ating mga kasalanan, malakiman o maliit, basta tayo ay nagsisisi.” Isensed though that he was finding itdifficult to reconcile that answer with thereality of his condition where he has tospend 20 or more years in prison. Iventured to explain that society andgovernment are different, that wrongdoingsare meted punishments for the sake ofpeace and order even if the transgressoris contrite.

IIIII

Some touching stories…

I asked one inmate about his family.He said that they had remained in theVisayas, and that his wife had moved onand now has a new family. He seemedresigned to this reality in his life. A fewbenches away, however, was anotherinmate beaming happily because his wifewas there with him. He was the lector atMass. He and his wife have been togetherfor more than 30 years and she faithfullyvisits him every week.

IIIIIThe leader of the College Guild was

articulate in English and explained thepurpose of their group. If there issomething they have so much of in prison,he said, it is time. They banded together tosing and dance, and act, and in the process,discovered that they have talents. The grouphas been allowed temporary pass severaltimes to perform for governmentinstitutions such as Malacañang, theSenate, and Congress. The leaderexpressed hope that when they haveserved their sentences, they will be givena fresh opportunity to reintegrate intomainstream society. He said that while theyhad done wrong, they have proven in prisonthat they are capable of doing good andthat they will do good if given anotherchance.

IIIIIFinally, the play “Bilangguang Walang

Rehas” (Prison Without Bars). A younginmate acts out his struggles accepting hislife in prison. He was supposed to be actingout a role, but it was very clear to us that hemeant every word and emotion. An olderinmate who has spent many years in prison

consoles him and tells him how he foundpeace behind bars. He also tells him aboutthe “prison without bars.” Many people inthe free society actually live in prisonswithout bars… they are imprisoned by theirwealth, power, knowledge, possessions,careers, good life, and fears.

IIIIIPrison service to rebuild the lives of

people in prison and their families outside,in particular their children, is the missionof the Philippine Jesuit Prison ServiceFoundation. It is one of the difficult and littleknown ministries of the Society of Jesus.Started in 1994, it has at present two Jesuitpriests assigned full-time to providepastoral care to more than 20,000 inmatesin the Maximum, Medium, and MinimumSecurity compounds of the New BilibidPrison. One of them is my Spiritual Directorfor my Retreat in Daily Life. He has openedmy eyes and heart to those in prison. Theirsis a life of loneliness and regret. Whilesociety may choose to forget them, the Lorddoes not. And to many, the darkness ofprison has been His way to bring them backto Him. The Lord’s ways are strangeindeed.

May 201210 Magis

[ 4 ]

Magis Deo Choir OutreachBoy de la Peña, Exodus BCGG

MUSICAL NOTES

February 26, 2012 and March 18, 2012were two memorable dates for themembers of the Magis Deo Choir and

the communities they visited for theiroutreach. The first community was theEmmaus House of Apostolate in MalolosCity. This is the second consecutive year thatthe choir has brought joy to this place whichhouses more than 70 very old andabandoned men and women who areprovided shelter and care by the Diocese ofMalolos. The Choir came early to sing at the9:30 a.m. mass officiated by Fr. RicardoMorada, the Administrator of Emmaus. Afterthe mass the choir rendered love songs,mostly in Filipino, to the wards some of whojoined the singing of old time favorites like“Ikaw ang Mahal Ko” and “Gaano KitaKamahal.” Thereafter the choir membersgave gifts in kind – rice, malagkit, chocolatepowder, food condiments, sugar, disposablediapers, and soap. After sharing their baonof cupcakes and juice, the choir visitedheritage houses in the old section of Malolos.These were the ancestral houses of theReyes and Bautista families through thekindness and hospitality of Dr. Lydia Echauz,FEU President, in behalf of the Reyes Familyand Benjamin “Dez” Bautista, an authorityon Bulacan history, in behalf of the BautistaFamily. The group then did their purchasesof Bulakan tinapang bangus and longganisa,and had a sumptuous Filipino lunch at thehouse of Boy and Kit de la Peña in Bulakantown.

The second community visited was theServants of Charity in Barangay PasongTamo, Tandang Sora, Quezon City. Thecongregation, whose founder is Italian SaintLouis Guanella, serves specially abledpersons as its charism and apostolate. TheMarch 18 event was actually the blessing ofnewly built housing units that will beoccupied by families who care for theirspecial children. The 17 units blessed werebuilt through the generosity of donors led byDMCI and individuals and families, some ofwhom are from Italy, France and Germany.

The choir was invited to sing at the HolyMass. After seeing the services renderedby the community of religious and lay co-operators led by Fr. Luigi de Gianbattista,SC, the choir promised to visit thecommunity on a regular basis. Fr. Luigiwas so impressed with the songs thathe spent a good part of his homily, whichwas delivered in very fluent Filipino,

expounding on the message of the choir’sentrance song, “Buksan ang Aming Puso.”The choir shared lunch with the communityand bonded with the special persons,many of whom are wheel-chair bound ormentally challenged. The choir memberstook home favorite native delicacies ofBarangay Pasong Tamo – very good tastingkutchinta, sapin-sapin and kalamay-ube.

The Magis Deo Choir at Emmaus; with some of the elderly residents.Inset: Fr. Ricardo Morada, Emmaus Administrator.

11MagisMay 2012

NEWSBITS / ANNOUNCEMENTSNEWSBITS / ANNOUNCEMENTS

Beatitudes Outreach

Beatitudes BCGG visited and entertained the elderly atGalilee Homes in Dona Remedios Trinidad, Angat, Bulacan.Galilee is run by Fr. Joshua Panganiban.

Above: Some of the residents of Galilee Homes.

Below: Fr. Joshua.

Birthdays - first 10 days of June

01 Jo Folloso ME Class 102Delsa Sanggalang Psalm 46-SamaritansAngie Tabin Mustard Seed

02 Marlyn Angeles ThessaloniansNessa Santos ME Class 102

03 Chito Babaran MagnificatCora Buenaventura Sirach

04 Cora De Guzman Beatitudes06 Carmen Ancheta ME Class 108

Jhun Coronel MagnificatRoger Relucio ME Class 107

07 Lee Bueno ME Class 106Cheng Castañeda ME Class 99Yvonne Dajac ME Class 104Robert Santiago ME Class 108

08 Vivian Martin Easter09 Ciso Cayabyab Jeremiah-Philippians10 Chito Bayron ME Class 106

Wilson Chua TransfigurationBunching Llana ME Class 102

Anniversaries - first 10 days of June

01 Domeng & Zarah Gagatiga Mt. Olivet04 Bobbit & Precy Cruz Thessalonians06 Jay & Yolly Dikit ME Class 10107 Paolo & Kookhie Mascardo ME Class 103

Ali & Wheng Reyes Good ShepherdRobert & Tes Santiago ME Class 108

10 Atoy & Joyce Dy-Po ME Class 99Pat & Gina Laguio ME Class 107

Interface and Visitation Schedule – May to July 2012

BCGG BCGG Council Visitation

Transfiguration Jeremiah/Philippians Cesar & Marivic ParejaEaster Magnificat Jojo & Jane AldeguerGood Shepherd Mustard Seed Ted & Susan ConcepcionMt. Olivet Corinthians Miles & Evelyn San PedroBeatitudes Sirach Jojo & Jane AldeguerThessalonians Exodus Lito GonzalesCana Archangel Gabriel Miles & Evelyn San PedroTala Genesis of David Ted & Susan ConcepcionPsalm 46-Samaritans Ephesians Leony & Mia ParadaAgnus Dei Emmanuel Cesar & Marivic ParejaJohn Sing to the Lord Lito Gonzales

May 201212 Magis

Ianne Cobico

Last April 22 to 24 the Magis Deo Youthhad their Youth Camp in Sierra MadreResort in Tanay, Rizal. It was my first timeto join the Youth Camp. I had fun, the placewas really beautiful, and everyone wassuper friendly.

On the first day we went to the ReginaRica Shrine. I went to the labyrinth with asign: “Wait. Pray. Observe.” Entering thelabyrinth, I looked around and observed.Upon reaching the center of the maze, I feltpeace within me as I prayed. In that activity,I learned to be patient, to be observant towhat is happening around me, and to putthe Lord God in the center of my life.

The next day we had our encounterwith nature. I saw Daranak Falls and wasquite disappointed to see a crowded andpolluted lake. I have visited many otherwell-maintained lakes. My heart broke uponlearning Daranak falls is owned by thegovernment which was not doing anythingto preserve this beautiful destination. Man,as steward of God’s creation, should takecare of Mother Earth. My favoriteenvironmental principle is, “Everything isconnected to everything else.” Everyonecan do something to save Mother Earth.

We went to Batlag Falls afterwards.Unlike Daranak, Batlag is very clean. Wehad fun in the water and played Ninja.There is nothing like enjoying a good gamewith good company in a dreamlike, cleanenvironment. In the evening, we gatheredaround a bonfire. It was really cold; our

jackets and hot water weren’t enough tokeep us warm. We hugged each other forwarmth then did some stargazing.

On the third day we trekked, wentthrough obstacle courses, and rappelledby teams. Teamwork and strategy wereimportant in these activities. The day endedwith some sharing.

Magis Deo Youth Camp 2012

An encounter with God, nature, and friends

Among the activities, the mostsignificant was bonding time with fellowcampers. I will never forget our tribe leader,Martin Rodriguez, who taught me how toeat powdered Milo. Kuya David will not beforgotten too – he gave our tribe strengtheven when we were tired. The Cornejoswere really friendly. Anton kept playing Four-in-a-Line with me; Iya always walked withme from one place to another. The nightthere was no electricity was memorable.Ghost stories are fun right?

It was really fun to be with 29 beautifulpeople and our parent facilitators. I’m happyto be part of this youth camp and I lookforward to the next. Stay in touch, Magis DeoYouth, and more for God!

13MagisMay 2012

Anton CornejoI learned the importance of nature, and

of teamwork when we are doing ourmurals and obstacle race.

For me the most significant activity wasthe obstacle race. In that activity we arechallenged to overcome difficulties, and thethrill it provided is what I look for in a camp.It also enhanced our sportsmanship andleadership.

The most unforgettable person for meis Ianne Cobico. Despite not knowing hershe introduced herself to us and it’s fun tohave a conversation with her.

Erika April V. Cruz

This year’s camp has been fun andmeaningful. As Magis Deo Youth, we’vebonded and learned more aboutourselves, the people around us, creation,and God. I enjoyed the experience that eventhough we campers are different in manyways, each of us made a fellow campersmile in our own unique way. :)

Iya CornejoWe held our Magis Deo Youth Camp

last April 22 to 24, 2012. We heard mass atRica Regina Shrine, then had lunch at anearby restaurant. The drinking water therehad a weird taste and smell. We proceededto Sierra Madre Resort and rested aftersome activities. We rode a pick-up to thepool which as very cold and clean sincethe water came directly from the mountain.

We also had our snacks there. At 7 PM wehad dinner at the conference hall. That nightour task was to perform our tribe yells. Wealso had an activity using 8 balloons,arranged from biggest to smallest. Wewrote our reflections on each balloonstating the people or objects we relate with.The bigger the balloon, the more importantthe relationship. We shared our reflectionswith our tribemates and we realized thatGod is more important than anybody oranything because He created us andeverything around us. We went to sleep ataround 10:30.

We went to Daranak and Batlag Fallsthe next day. On the way we played games.When we saw Daranak Falls, its water wasgreenish. Many people have outings thereand the water became dirty. The falls maybe ruined in a few years because of thecarelessness of the people who go there.Unlike Daranak Falls which is governmentowned, Batlag Falls is private property andthe owners were able to maintain itscleanliness.

We had a bonfire that night where wecooked hotdogs, then we laid on the grassto gaze at stars. A brownout occurred aswe were about to sleep so we all wentoutside. My roommates and I returnedshortly to our room while the rest went toone room and shared horror stories. Wemissed the fun.

In our last day, we had our obstaclecourse. This was fun and challenging butwe didn’t have enough time to go through

all the courses. After this activity, the othersswam. Kuya Anton, Erika, Mika and I didnot like to swim so we took a bath instead.

After lunch we gathered at theconference hall to make our mural whichwe presented later. Before going homeeach of us stood in front to say somethingabout the camp, and bade goodbye to ouryouthmates.

My most significant camp activity iswhen we were asked to share about Godand how long we devote our time to Him.

My most unforgettable person is MartinRodriguez. After trekking, my slippers weregone and he gave me his slippers becauseants were biting my feet. He is also a gooddancer and a nice friend. I will also not forgetMika, Jhantal, Meg, Allona, Erika and Iannebecause I had a great bonding with them,and our Titos and Titas for they were sogood to us.

I learned to be friendly in camp throughour bonding. I realized the importance ofactive participation. I became closer to Godin this camp and learned how to take careof His creation.

May 201214 Magis

Rey Mella, Ephesians BCGGSPIRITUAL TIDBITS AND HUMOR

Onordinariness

It does not matter much that I amordinary. It matters that I truly believe thatGod’s love and generosity have allowedand continue to allow me to overcome andmake up for my ordinariness and makeme much more. God’s love empowers me,leads me to find meaning and to makesignificant contribution in this life, lifting meup from my ordinariness. I know I amexpected to make this world a lot “betterthan when I found it.” And, I won’t disappointthe Lord.

____________

I believe in what the scriptures in Mark4:25 say: “For whoever has, to him moreshall be given; and whoever does not have,even what he has shall be taken away fromhim.” God expects us to rise from ourordinariness, from our simple beginningsto contribute and do more, to make moreof our simple selves, to do “small thingswith great love.”

Mediocrity has no place in this world.While we may be allowed to be ordinary,we are also expected to achieve greatthings. Ordinary need not mean commonnor imply average. Great things can beanything that we give and do to the best ofour ability, in the service of people. This, Ibelieve, is God’s desire for me, and for allof us.

____________

Some twenty years ago, I complainedbadly to my boss about how incompetentsome of my colleagues were, which led toour failure to meet some of our targets. Myboss listened but described my colleaguesas ordinary people accomplishingextraordinary things. He taught me how toappreciate the accomplishments andcontributions from people’s ordinariness.

____________

“Do not think that love, in order to begenuine, has to be extraordinary. What we

need is to love without getting tired. Befaithful in small things because it is in themthat your strength lies.”

– Mother Teresa

____________

On being ordinary, being small, beingnot good enough, being inadequate, I findthe words of Marianne Williamson mostprofound. She wrote, “Our deepest fear isnot that we are inadequate. Our deepestfear is that we are powerful beyondmeasure. It is our light, not our darknessthat most frightens us. We ask ourselves,Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented,fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?You are a child of God. Your playing smalldoes not serve the world. There is nothingenlightened about shrinking so that otherpeople won’t feel insecure around you. Weare all meant to shine, as children do. Wewere born to make manifest the glory ofGod that is within us. It’s not just in someof us; it’s in everyone. And as we let ourown light shine, we unconsciously giveother people permission to do the same.As we are liberated from our own fear, ourpresence automatically liberates others.”

____________

A man died and went to TheJudgment. They told him, “Before you meetwith God, we should tell you – we’ve lookedover your life, and to be honest you reallydidn’t do anything particularly good or bad.We’re not really sure what to do with you.Can you tell us anything you did that canhelp us make a decision?”

The newly arrived soul thought for amoment and replied, “Yeah, once I wasdriving along and came upon a person whowas being harassed by a group of thugs.So I pulled over, got out a bat, and went upto the leader of the thugs. He was a big,muscular guy with a ring pierced throughhis lip. Well, I tore the ring out of his lip,and told him he and his gang had betterstop bothering this guy or they would haveto deal with me!”

“Wow that’s impressive, “When didthis happen?”

“About three minutes ago,” came thereply.

____________

My wife is an ordinary person. Butshe’s special. Her simplicity andfaithfulness, her fear of God and her lovefor and caring of the family makes her veryspecial to me and to our children.

____________

In the movie Moneyball, a sportsdrama based on a true story about theOakland Athletics 2002 baseball team, thegeneral manager, Billy Beane (played byBrad Pitt), pursues an unconventionalapproach of recruiting players – that ofgetting seemingly ordinary andundervalued players but with far morepotential than the team’s low budget wouldotherwise allow. The team of “ordinary”players eventually went on to win 20consecutive games, an American Leaguerecord. An inspiring movie about valuingpeople who appear to be average, but havemuch to offer upon closer look, if we careenough to appreciate.

____________

Good News and Bad News for aPastor

Good News: You baptized sevenpeople today in the river. Bad News: Youlost two of them in the swift current.

Good News: The Elder Board acceptedyour job description the way you wrote it.Bad News: They were so inspired by it; theyalso formed a search committee to findsomebody capable of filling the position.

Good News: You finally found a choirdirector who approaches things exactly thesame way you do. Bad News: The choirmutinied.

Good News: Your women’s softballteam finally won a game. Bad News: Theybeat your men’s softball team.

Good News: Church attendance rosedramatically the last three weeks. BadNews: You were on vacation.

Good News: Your deacons want tosend you to the Holy Land. Bad News: Theyare stalling until the next war.

____________

“I don’t work at being ordinary.”

– Paul McCartney

____________

“Not all of us can do great things.But we can do small things with great love.”

– Mother Teresa

15MagisMay 2012

May 201216 Magis

Calendar of Activities: May - July 2012

May Venue Contacts / Sponsors

05 Sat Community Celebration San Carlos Lay Formation Center South Sector, Youth MinistryMagis Youth

05-06 Shepherding Seminar (5th batch) Wk-4 Institute of Social Order (I.S.O.) Ateneo MEFP 426-420617 Council Meeting Magis Office, 2/F Annex, CeFam Bldg. Magis Deo 426-7191

June

02 Sat Community Celebration San Carlos Lay Formation Center North Sector, Outreach MinistryMagnificat, Sirach, Good Shepherd

15-17 MEW (ME Class 109) BLD Covenant House, Dasmariñas, Ike & Josie Llamas 821-0639P3, 400/couple Cavite

21 Council Meeting Magis Office, 2/F Annex, CeFam Bldg. Magis Deo 426-719123-24 Shepherding Seminar (6th batch) Wk-1 CeFam MEFP 426-4206

July

07 Sat Community Celebration San Carlos Lay Formation Center Central Sector, SSFMMustard Seed, Thessalonians, John

07-08 Shepherding Seminar (6th batch) Wk-2 CeFam MEFP 426-420619 Council Meeting Magis Office, 2/F Annex, CeFam Bldg. Magis Deo 426-719128-29 Shepherding Seminar (6th batch) Wk-3 CeFam MEFP 426-4206

30 Bebot Hurna Mustard Seed31 Rey Mella Ephesians

Etoy Pili EmmanuelMimi Santos Psalm 46-Samaritans

May Wedding Anniversaries

01 Gene & Eve Bañez Agnus DeiRollie & Fe Garcia Sing to the LordBong & Emma Punzalan Sirach

02 Leo & Marilyn Soliman CorinthiansRobert & Julie Torres Jeremiah-Philippians

03 Arnel & Bernie Isip Corinthians05 Chito & Evie Bayron ME Class 106

Boy & Merl Cruz ME Class 10607 Lito & Anne Naldo Psalm 46-Samaritans10 Corics & Lorns Merioles ME Class 10811 Fil & Anne Alfonso John12 Chris & Yang Albuna ME Class 104

Atoy & Malou Apo Exodus12 Rico & Terry Lim Easter15 Gary & Marivic Canoso Magnificat17 Regie & Ces Regis ME Class 10618 Mon & Alice Go Beatitudes

Dennis & Peaches Plaza Easter20 Manny & Nancy Martin ME Class 103

Jonnie & Arlyn Tabilog ME Class 10621 Eric & Joanna Balinghasay ME Class 10422 Ben & TinTin Regulacion ME Class 10024 Celso & Siony Martinez Magnificat26 Caloy+ & Hilda Del Rosario Beatitudes

May Birthday Celebrants01 Mon Go Beatitudes

Mia Parada Psalm 46-Samaritans02 Helen Nabong ME Class 107

Fely Redual Jeremiah-Philippians03 Vic Hurna Mustard Seed

Steph Martinez ME Class 10504 Maricel Suarez Cana05 Edwin Biola ME Class 106

Lito Naldo Psalm 46-Samaritans06 Pachot Abapo Jeremiah-Philippians

Cora Ona Archangel Gabriel08 Vina Dimanalata Good Shepherd

Pat Laguio ME Class 10709 Jonnie Tabilog ME Class 10610 Ronnie Ambe Kapatiran kay Kristo

Jon Cobico ThessaloniansRicky Sun Archangel Gabriel

11 Art Santos ThessaloniansSaddie Tabin Mustard Seed

13 Elsa Kapunan Mustard SeedNette Puthenpurekal Easter

14 Jane Aldeguer Mustard Seed16 Gene Escosia Emmanuel

Meg Fajardo ME Class 106Becky Ledesma ME Class 102

17 Berlin Juanzon Good ShepherdRaul Martinez Good ShepherdIrma Puno ME Class 108Rjay Santos Ephesians

19 Caloy Ang ME Class 10320 May Colcol ME Class 108

Precy Cruz ThessaloniansDanny Dimayuga SirachGlo Umali Magnificat

21 Jacqui Buenaflor Genesis of DavidTerry Lim EasterLilian Manila ME Class 98

25 Uriel Castillo Archangel Gabriel27 Anchit Chua Chiaco John

Benz Dimanalata Good ShepherdClaro Santos Agnus Dei

28 Gladys De Veyra ME Class 98Boboy Serrano Genesis of David

29 Leo Moselina Mustard Seed

Magis Official Publication of the Magis Deo Community2/F Spiritual-Pastoral Center, ADMU Campus, Q.C.

Council ChaircoupleTed & Susan Concepcion

Editorial BoardSally Chua ChiacoTina MossesgeldTony del Rosario

Joy Uy-Tioco

Editor-in-ChiefRufo Dacanay

Contributors Rey Mella

Clyde AbapoZarah Gagatiga

PhotographersFerdie Cruz

Anchit Chua ChiacoOjay ReantasoCarlos PizarroPublication

Ramie & Mimi Santos

Please send articles, reactions, feedback to newsletter@magisdeo.org