THE 2ND NATIONAL CONGRESS OF PHILIPPINE CLERGY, Part 1

The original image of Our Lady of Fatima used during the EDSA People Power Revolution These are the photos taken during the National Congress of Philippine Clergy where 5,542 priests participated.Location: World Trade Center, Roxas Blvd, and Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay City, Philippines I have met former classmates and schoolmates from our theology days in Divine Word College of Theology in Tagaytay City. Like my bestfriend Fr. Albert Poblete, OFMCap and many others. My former parish priests and the present one and almost all those who served in our parish as assistant parish priests. The very presence of huge number of clergy is an spectable to behold.

Fr. Abe, CRS with the historic image of Our Lady of Fatima

The greatest treasure of the Congress however are the spiritual talks of Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFMCap the Pontifical Preacher and former member of the Pontifical Theological Commission. Besides his words of wisdom he looks like an exact-living replica of Padre Pio. He focused his spiritual insight in the Mystery of the Pentecost, the Holy Eucharist and the Celibacy of the Priest.

A portion of the very large venue for the 2nd National Congress for Philippine Clergy

Also, very moving was the Pastoral Challenges of Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle, STD, DD of Imus, Cavite. He is my former professor in Dogmatic Theology and he really touched the core of our hearts with is brilliant insight and inspiring challenges.

The newly ordained Fr. Vince [sitting left] and Fr. Uly, the present Assistant Parish priest in Sto. Rosario Parish in Sapang Palay, Bulacan

The atmosphere was so joyful and fraternal. I could have renamed the event: GRAND JAMBOREE OF PRIESTS! But it was also a very spiritual event. Full of prayer and worship and meditations of the Word of God.

Fr. Uly and Fr. Vince again, this time they are with Fr. Jepoy, formerly an assigned deacon in Sto. Rosario Parish in Sapang Palay, Bulacan

My bestfriend Fr. Albert Poblete, OFMCap with his confreres, those sitting from left: Fr. Monching, Fr. Chito and Fr. Egay... all Capuchins and good friends. Fr. Abe, CRS with his long time friends from the Capuchin Order: Fr. Albert and company.

Fr. Abe facing the improvised Eucharistic Altar of the Congress Fr. Alberto S. Poblete, OFMCap

Cardinal Rosales checking the books in the stores

Moment of Silence during prayers

Fr. Abe, CRS with his former classmate and good friend way back 1987-88 in Somascan College Seminary in Lubao, Pampanga Fr. Dong Caleon of Nueva Ecija

The Lectern design at the Altar

The image of the Pelican giving her children the ultimate sacrifice adorning the front of the Eucharistic Table

The same image of Our Lady of Fatima now enshrined at the Altar as Patroness of the event

The Confession Stole of St. John Marie Baptiste Vianney, patron of priests

The piece of flesh of St. John Marie Vianney and his Breviary

These relics of St. John Vianney provided inspiration for the priests present during the Congress

The priests participants from all parts of the country, with some coming from abroad more than 5,000 strong.

Fr. Albert and Bishop Rolando Tirona of Infanta, Quezon

Fr. Abe, CRS with his ordaining prelate, Bishop Rolando Tirona, formerly Bishop of the Diocese of Malolos

Rev. Fr. Augusto 'Augie' Dingal, CRS

Fr. Augie and Fr. Abe representing the Somascan Community of Aemilianum College

Somascan Priests in Congress: Fr. Abe, CRS from Sorsogon, Fr. Domingo Batac Jr. from St. Jerome Parish in Alabang and Fr. Boyet from Casa Miani, Alabang.

Fr. Augie Dingal, CRS joined the group

The Priests during the Holy Mass

My beloved former classmate in Somascan College Seminary in Lubao from 1986-1990 Fr. William Villaviza of Nueva Ecija. He was the youngest in our group.

Fr. Augie with Fr. Mario de Leon of Pampanga [center]. He is also a former Somascan Seminarian.

Fr. Abe and Fr. Augie with Fr. Mario de Leon

Fr. Abe with a former classmate in Tagaytay

Two former classmates from Tagaytay: Divine Word School of Theology

Fr. Abe, CRS with Fr. Danny

Fr. Abe with a former classmate

Msgr. Rene Mabute [far right] and the Sorsogon Clergy

Fr. Abe and the Sorsogon Clergy

Fr. Abe with another former Classmate

Fr Abe with Fr. Orly of Cavite

The image of St. John Vianney before the procession

Fr. Abe with the Sorsogon Clergy: Msgr. Mabute, Fr. Arwyn Diesta, Fr. Jasper and Fr. Lorilla.

Priests arrranging themselves by Diocese for the Procession

Priests picking their banners for the Procession

The Banner of the SOMASCAN FATHERS in the Philippines

My fellow Somascans led by the Parish Priest of St. Jerome Emiliani of Ayala, Alabang Fr. Grato Germanetto, CRS with his assistants Fr. Jun Batac, Jr. and Fr. Frank Cabrera, CRS

Fr. Augie and Fr. Frank carrying the Somascan Banner

Former Somascan Seminarian and our good friend Fr. Luisito Alambra. Hey Fr. Louie, I finally fulfilled my promise ha! Sorry though for being late in posting it.

Sorsogon Clergy started their procession march with Fr. Tony Pura leading. Fr. Jasper carrying the banner with Fr. Entong Benavides.

Non-stop fun for Sorsogon group

5,500 Catholic priests started marching from World Trade Center in Roxas Boulevard to Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay for the Closing Mass

Along the way the clery were singing and praying the Rosary

Upon reaching the Cuneta Astrodome the Laguna priests started singing the DE COLORES of Cursillo fame. Every body started joining in belting out the song played by the musical band nearby.

The Priests almost singlehandedly filled the Cuneta Astrodome to the brim... the place commonlly used by Basketball fans to watch their fave games has been occupied by the Clergy.

At the center is the choir led by Fr. Manoling Francisco, S.J. himself the composer of Hindi Kita Malilimutan

The Closing Mass celebrated by His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, the Archbishop of Manila with my former philosophy student Rev. Aljim Tuazon of Pampanga serving as the main deacon. That deacon is now the newly ordained Rev. Fr. Aljim Tuazon.

The priests clapping in jubilation after the Holy Mass