Remembering the Feast of St. Jerome 2006

The Somascan Community of Aemilianum College way back 2006, from left: Fr. Abe, CRS, Fr. Richard Germanetto, CRS the Superior then and still is, Fr. Romeo 'Bobby' Sabayton, CRS former guidance counsellor but now assigned in Casa Miani in Dumaguete City, Fr. Augusto Dingal, CRS and Fr. Frank Cabrera, CRS.

After the Holy Mass Fr. Frank Cabrera, CRS distributes the 'blessed bread' of St. Jerome Emiliani. This is a special custom among Somascans to disbritute blessed bread as St. Jerome did during his lifetime. This bread, however, is not a Holy Eucharist. It is an ordinary bread prayed over by the Somascan Fathers to provide physical blessings to the recipients especially the sick.

Looking at the picture above gives me joy and pain at the same time. Joy because these boys receiving the bread were previously under my care when I was still in Casa Miani, Sorsogon from 1999-2005. The small boys at the side are now bigger but still in Elementary level. The one in front has grown much -- he is Ryan. The one holding the bread is Richard Tuazon and is now graduating college student. The next is Junjun Bueno, now first year college and my student in theology subjects. The one wearing black with white design is Emmanuel Mondragon. He has graduated in College and has returned to his grandmother [since both his parents are gone to the Father's House] and he is already working outside.

As a father to these boys it is painful to see them depart but I know... we know that we are mere stewards and at the proper time they have to go in order to establish their own life.

Before leaving the Altar after the Mass, the priests prayed over and bless the bread cooked by the Somascan Sisters before distributing them to the people. Shown here is Fr. Abe, CRS, Fr. Arwyn Diesta, the celebrant that day, Fr. Bobby, Fr. Richard and Fr. Frank on the far right. Fr. Arwyn Diesta, the liturgical master of ceremonies in Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral and now parish priest of San Ramon Nonato in Guinlajon, Sorsogon City, was the first one to take the 'blessed' bread. Although popularity of this blessed bread didn't reach astronomical proportions it has become popular here in Sorsogon and many reports of miracle had been shared to us personally by those who were healed. One of them is own guitarist for Sunday Masses -- Mr. Ramon Topular.

In another Mass way back 2006, Fr. Augie was leading his Elementary students in serving as choir, he himself played the guitar while a Casa Miani boy -- Arzie Alama heads the projector for the songs' texts.

Two of my Knights of the Altar serving like Angels guarding the door into Paradise. Indeed, the Altar of the Mass is for us 'Heaven on Earth'. These two boys are already much taller but still serving as Knights in the High School department.