Duc in Altum: Journeying Together towards Wholeness

Published by Bro. Francois Leonard P. Ancheta, SMM in Philippines · Tuesday 30 Jul 2019
Tags: NU, PHL, 556

QUEZON CITY, Philippines - Last July 29, 2019, three SMM Scholastic brothers, namely, Francois Leonard P. Ancheta, Ronald B. Baruela and Armel R. Collantes finished their 10-week Clinical Pastoral Education program held at Far Eastern University - Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation. Together with 15 more seminarians from different dioceses and religious congregations and their two supervisors, Fr. Eugene Cagoco, DS and Rev. Dr. Edward Sauro, they had their commencement exercises with a theme Duc in Altum: Journeying Together Towards Wholeness. This CPE program assisted the brothers to discover a deeper relationship with God and others. This also proved to be helpful in their future ministry to joyfully serve the sick and the dying.

The three Scholastic brothers also had their patient visitations and group discussions at De Los Santos Medical Center and FEU-NRMF where they were enriched by their encounter with God through the patients and their family members and fellow brothers as well. They were also able to look into their own issues in life and helped them heal their wounded self that is beneficial to their growth and maturity in their formation.

The event began with the Holy Eucharist at the FEU-NRMF Sacred Heart Chapel and was presided by Fr. Eugene who is the resident Chaplain and two more concelebrating priests also from the Disciples of Hope. In the sharing of Rev. Edward, he talked about the great decision of Mary to listen intently to the Word of Jesus and be present with the Lord, unlike Martha who chose to be burdened with unnecessary concerns. In life, we look at our relationship with God and we must put Him first in our priorities. It reflects on how we relate with our brethren that helps us become good neighbors to them and eventually grow and become better versions of ourselves.

After the Mass, certificates were distributed to all 18 brothers who completed the CPE program. Right after that, the guests and visitors proceeded to the Dr. Alfonso Hall for a short program and shared a sumptuous meal. The SMM scholastics headed by Fr. Benjie Notarte also attended the occasion to show their love and support to their brothers.

It was indeed a grace-filled day for all those who were present in the celebration.

Bro. Francois Leonard P. Ancheta, SMM

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