My Yobel and Prologue Classes

Prologue Class (Prologue: used here as a contraction of "Prophetic Dialogue", the SVD way of doing mission nowadays) is the name of the SVD class or batch which I belong upon my re-entry to the seminary. My Prologue classmates coined such class name when they were Postulants; I joined them later in the Novitiate (2007-2008). So the Prologue Class is my adoptive class, yet definitely more than just an adoptive class. I very much belong to it, as my classmates likewise are very much a part of me. In fact in the Novitiate, I had the privilege not only to bond with my adoptive classmates, but have even gained their acceptance, as they chose my entry lyrics for our class song.

My original batch (already priests and one, a perpetualist brother) is the Yobel Class (Postulancy, 2000-2001). Our class agreed upon our batch name also when we were in the Postulancy. As we are the Jubilee 2000 batch, so we chose "Yobel" for our name ("Yobel" is the Hebrew for "ram's horn" used to announce the ancient Jewish year of Jubilee).

After our Postulancy, I took a leave from the seminary; I re-entered six years thereafter. Exactly upon my re-entry, my Yobel Classmates (those who proceeded without interruption) have just taken their perpetual vows and ordination. Although I was not ordained or had professed perpetual vows with them, I am of course still part of the class (I had the privilege to attend their priestly ordination in Tagaytay last 2007!). In fact now, as we are in the process of creating a foundation (proposed Yobel Foundation), I am invited not only as a member but also its legal adviser/consultant.

The Yobel Class members are already doing their mission works in various SVD mission areas around the world; the Prologue Class on the other hand are still studying Theology in Tagaytay City. I am now physically away from both the Yobel Class and the Prologue Class as I am now here in Cebu City as a Junior SVD Brother. I know for sure though that as I was once with them (interestingly, I spent an equally memorable and meaningful one year with each class), I will always belong to them, as they are to me.

Mabuhay at salamat Yobel Class at Prologue Class! Mabuhay at salamat din SVD (especially to our beloved formators: Fr. Ed, Bro. Eugenio, Fr. Gerry, Fr. Titus and Fr. Joseph)!



(Below are the Mission, Vision and Song of our Prologue Class, as well as two of our group pictures. When I can secure some pictures and a copy of the parallel class effort of the Yobel Class, I will also include theirs or "ours" here. Nonetheless, here is a Youtube entry about the Yobel Class posted by my Yobel classmate, Fr. Ferdz: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZttNfMZiak)


PROLOGUE CLASS
















Vision:

We, the Prologue Class - a community with renewed spirit and dedication to the Divine Word, envision ourselves to become modern partners in dialogue, that foster openness to and unity in diversity to let peoples in the crossroads meet at convergence in Christ to the Father.

Mission:

We move on towards the realization in ourselves the sincere appreciation to all cultures and the zest for prayer and mission exemplified by St. Arnold Janssen, our patron Saint; strive our best in building faith-filled communities of service to the underprivileged; and allow ourselves to learn from and grow with the people journeying with us.

Class Song:

Title: Prophets in Dialogue
Lyrics: Bro. Errol Torres, SVD
Music: Frt. Lui Luyun, SVD

I
In the beginning was the Word of God
The Father’s good news to the world
He was revealed as saving love to us
Jesus, our Brother from above.

II
Love was sent to dispel all lies
Blinded eyes now gaze the skies
And we are called to help each other see
Prophets in dialogue are we.

Refrain:
Thus we are here to heed the call
Spread His good news to all:

Chorus:
We are so loved by the Father
Servant or free would not matter
He sent the Spirit and the Son
To gather all as one…
Now we’re one with the Father
One with the Spirit and the Son.

III
Spirit-led let us always strive
St. Arnold’s life our constant guide
Prophetic dialogue our mission
Brave witnesses to all creation.

(Refrain, Chorus, then Chorus 2)

Chorus 2:
And we’re so loved by the Father
Servant or free would not matter
He sent the Spirit and the Son
To gather all as one…
Now we’re one with the Father
One with the Spirit and the Son.
One with the Spirit and the Son.

On The Parable of the Talents

Reflecting on how so far my siblings and I have been doing well in our respective professions, I cannot help but ask what would have we become if we have allowed poverty bury our talents and blessings? Indeed if we have let ourselves be overcome by poverty, we would not have reached this far, instead we would have remained economically insignificant or poor.

Born of farmer parents who can boast only of first year high school as their highest educational attainment, very little hope or worse, nothing would have been expected from us their children on becoming successful studies-wise. No one would have expected us to finish even a four-year college course! Yet God is indeed good and gracious. To compensate our poverty, He has given us the hunger for knowledge and the patience to pursue even our lofty dreams. Thus, almost unbelievably, my poor and inadequately educated parents have produced four (4) professionals in us their four (4) children: a commerce graduate (Manong Tyrone), two (2) medical doctors (Ate Jing and Kuya Tani) and a lawyer (me).

Poverty was a hindrance to us then, yet we managed to overcome the same by making use of our available talents. With our God-given talents and blessings, we were able to finish our respective "high" courses, thus multiplying our initial talents. As we have proven ourselves worthy to realize our respective professions, we are now given the greater responsibility to serve others, especially the sick and the marginalized. And true to Jesus’ invitation, with our greater responsibilities at present, we are also experiencing joy; we are also sharing our Master’s joy.

When I was still haggling with my parents for them to allow me to re-enter the seminary, this “received-talents/blessings” argument surely has helped me a lot. When I pointed out to them that we have already received much blessings, and so we should also offer a sacrifice to God as an expression of our gratitude, they somehow began to understand my calling. A year later, when finally I was formally accepted to the religious life during our first profession of vows, I believe they have already comfortably accepted my decision not only because of their full force attendance but even so by the pride and joy visible on their faces during such profession. Indeed, as they have proven themselves worthy and faithful in certain things, especially in sending us successfully to school despite poverty, now they are given the greater opportunity and responsibility to do greater things – that of sacrificing a child for God’s greater glory. And with that, I believe, just like what Jesus has promised, my parents are now sharing their Master’s joy — our Master’s joy. Amen.


Ate Doc Jing











Kuya Doc Tani

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