Jun.2007 - Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy in Vienna

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FILIPINO CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY VIENNA, AUSTRIA
(African, Asian and Latin American Catholic Communities, Archdiocese of Vienna)
PASTULAN
EDITORIAL
Volume IV, Issue 1 June 2007
s a young student, this is the time of the year I love most:
Summer time…
It means no more classes, no more assignments, no more books, no more
having to wake up early in the morning, no more staying up late at night
to studying (believe me, I have always been faithful to my studies). It means also
more time for “lakwatsa”, “pasyal” and “gimiks” and more time with friends…
But on the other hand, I also hate it in a way, for it also means I have to be woken
up to buy ‘pandesal’ early in the morning, to fetch water, to do other household
chores. I hate it also because it is the season of the year that I am the poorest -- my
allowance is stopped at summer time. Yes, I also hate it because it is really so difficult to sleep at night with the
hot temperature in my room… I hate it because it makes me sweat so much (though, summer is not just to blame
since I realized lately while here in Austria that I also sweat a lot even during winter… sometimes…).
But I learned something important about this summer time experience that is applicable to life.
I believe it is really true that one can never have the best of everything. As in summer which will always have its
good sides and bad sides, life and the things that go with it will also be like that… there will always be good and
bad sides… after all, one can never have the best of everything…
And whatever we have and receive and choose in life… there will always be
something not perfect and not complete… something lacking… but I believe
that what is important amidst this reality is: we accept and appreciate what
we have… and never ever be discontented and clamor for more…
Inside this issue:
Message from the Chaplaincy
2
Holy Week Diary
3
Happy people are not really those who have everything… they are people
who, although they have less, are contented even with the little that they have
…Yes, they are appreciative and submissive.
Mommy’s Thoughts
5
Culture Shock
6
Helping Unprivileged Children
7
So don’t fret over what you receive in life… be happy… be grateful and have
that accepting and submissive attitude… they all come in a package, the good
and the bad, if we see only the bad, it will spoil everything… but if we see
the good amidst the bad, then there will be contentment.
Newsroom
8
Confirmation: A Retrospective
9
Spotlight: Confirmation 2007
10
Schedule of Parish Activities
and Services
12
Insiders
13
Maka-Pinoy
14
First Communion
17
Pligrim’s Path
18
Calling All Youths !
20
Frische Gedanken
20
Start working this out this summer…
This summertime, I invite you:… enjoy the heat, relax and enjoy the time
that there are still no classes and assignments, enjoy the company of friends
but enjoy also working at home, enjoy the heat and sweat… enjoy
everything. We could never have the best of everything, but one thing is for
sure, we are happy with what we have.
Wishing you all a relaxing summer vacation…
PAGE 2
PASTULAN
Message from the Chaplaincy
As we inch closer toward the end of the Easter Season and resume the Ordinary Time in our
Church calendar, our attention is called to the continuous unfolding of the richness of the Easter
mystery into the everyday happenings of life. Sometimes we fail to sustain the grace of an important
moment, e.g. Easter, Christmas, because we do not translate its message into deeds. We lack
witnessing. The message remains just a message without a personal link to us. In fact, seldom has it
renewed our flagging spirits with the taste of God’s abiding presence.
As we move on in life, we have to live our Christian calling - to be witnesses of our faith. "Each
individual layman," says a document of the Second Vatican Council, "must stand before the world as a
witness to the resurrection and life of the Lord Jesus and a symbol of the living God" (Lumen Gentium,
38). It is not an easy job. To witness nowadays is not only to passively see and hear no evil but to
actively wage war against evil. Sometimes sufferings and defeats are even inevitable. “The secret of
life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times,” says the famous author Paulo Coelho. A
Christian is someone who sees joy and victory amidst sufferings and failures.
Pope Paul VI has famously said that "the world needs witnesses more than it needs teachers."
Yes, it is easy to be a teacher but it is much less easy to be a witness. In fact, the world is full of both
true and false teachers, but has few witnesses. These two roles offer the same difference when we
speak of saying and doing. Because of it, we often say, “actions speak louder than words.
A witness is someone who speaks with his life. And this is a must for all. Parents are the first
teachers of faith because the family is the first school of faith. But fathers and mothers must also be
the first witnesses of faith for their children. A believing mother or father must therefore help
children to know their faith, e.g. review the catechism and basic prayers, explain the meaning of the
church celebrations or maybe encourage them to be altar servers. Such parents are doing a noble
thing. No doubt they are admirable and worth emulating. (It means lesser work for us, priests, too.)
But what would children think if, despite what their parents had taught and done, the latter
themselves never go to Mass on Sundays, never go to confession and seldom pray? That would be short
of the expectation. True, they could be hailed as teachers but never as real witnesses.
The art of witnessing is not taught by books. It is simply living out the contents of the books.
With the way parents correct and forgive their children and forgive each other; with the way we speak
with respect and tact to all; with the way we conduct ourselves before a poor person begging for
alms; with the comments and opinions we make in the presence of children about sex, politics and
religion; through them we can effectively bear witness to our faith everyday.
“The souls of children,” says a preacher, “are like sheets of photographic film: Everything they
see and hear in the years of childhood leaves a trace and one day the "film" will be "developed" and
will bear its fruits -- for good or for bad.”
May we all believe what we teach, and
practice what we preach! (Fr. Ely Dalanon)
"The secret of life is to fall
seven times and to get up
eight times.”
PAGE 3
PASTULAN
Holy Week Diary
31 March, Saturday
I woke up early and prepared my contribution for the
potluck lunch. No, it wasn’t a picnic day. And how
could it be since I went to Church at Stefan Fadinger
Platz? The chaplaincy invited Fr. Mediphyl ‘Dodong’
Billones from Rome to facilitate the Lenten
recollection that would help us prepare ourselves for
the Holy Week and Easter.
The Jesuit-trained priest focused on the gospel passage
about the Prodigal Son and led us to the realization of
the Father’s great love for us and the need for us to go
back to Him.
The recollection ended with a
para-liturgy in which we were blessed, a symbol that
we have been sanctified by the Father.
Thank you Lord; it was truly a day of blessing for me.
In fact, I went to confession today - after a long while.
May I never forget that you are the Father who always
longs for our - your prodigal sons and daughters –
return, and runs to greet us when we do.
In the Church, during the gospel reading, we heard the
account of the passion of the Lord. I tell you, it was
really long. Had it not been Holy Week I would have
easily been irritated. I treated it as my own personal
sacrifice. Luckily though, three priests celebrated the
Mass and the three of them shared the speaking lines
of the account of the passion. It made the gospel a
bit more interesting.
When I come to think of it, as I now lay in my bed, the
sacrifice that I made in church - standing most of the
time during that long celebration - was really nothing
compared to Jesus’ sacrifice!!
Lord, thank you for making me realize this. May I
never lose sight of this reality amidst the trials and
difficulties I encounter in my life.
5 April , Thursday
Ooops!
I didn’t write anything from Monday to
Wednesday.
I guess there was
nothing special to write, except that I
did attend Mass at Mariahilf last
Wednesday and made the Way of the
Cross last Tuesday.
But today was a bit special. I joined
the Way of the Cross organized by the
c hapl ai nc y at Gu t e nst e in in
Niederösterreich. Two buses full of
our parishioners left Stefan Fadinger
at 8 in the morning. The Stations of
the Cross are strung out along a path
on a hillside in the woods and we
trekked almost 3 kilometers to
complete all 14 stations. We were
done just before 11 a.m., and were
back again in Vienna by 12 noon.
Fr. Dodong giving the Lenten Recollection
1 April , Sunday
I was so lucky to have bought palm branches earlier
on; today I heard that the stores ran out of them.
Just before the Mass, we were gathered outside the
church where the Mass also started and where the
blessing of the palm branches took place.
This morning’s travel was not so long,
but I tell you, I was so tired that I had
to force myself to attend the evening
service at 7 p.m. at Stefan Fadinger.
That Mass, as explained by the priest, was the Mass
commemorating the Lord’s institution of the Eucharist
and of the Washing of the Feet. And speaking of the
washing of the feet, would you believe that I was one
among those randomly chosen to act as the twelve
apostles whose feet the priest washed after the homily?
It’s a good thing that I had a pedicure last week, and
that I washed my feet thoroughly when I bathed before
coming to the service! How did I earn this? Imagine:
the priest washing my feet and kissing them! This led
me to my lesson for today: God is full of surprises,
many of which we do not even dream of! We just have
to trust Him.
(Continued on page 4 )
PAGE 4
PASTULAN
Holy Week Diary
(Continued from page 3)
April 6, Friday
Once again, I was on the road. The faithful were ferried
in 4 buses to Linz; and others joined the trip in their
private cars.
Why Linz on a Good Friday? I learned that the Filipino
Community there – for whom the priests from our
chaplaincy also say Mass - invited the faithful in Vienna
to make the Way of the Cross at the basilica that is also
a well-known pilgrimage place. The stations are located
on the side of a steep, paved road, and it was a long
walk to the top where the basilica is located and where
the community ended their Way of the Cross in private
prayer and petition. Then the Linz community invited
us to lunch featuring fish dishes, in keeping with
fasting and abstinence practice. However, it could be
said that if not for the Way of the Cross beforehand, the
lunch could have been described as luxurious eating on
Good Friday.
This time the long trip was truly tiring but once again I
had to be in the church for the Good Friday services. It
was not really a Mass. There were the readings, then
the veneration of the cross, and then communion. I
could really feel the sorrowful character of the day
through the symbolism of the altar which was bare at
the start, and only received the cover cloth during
communion. With that set-up, I felt that something is
missing … and I guess it brought home the feeling that
the Lord is dead… but I hope that He is just there, and
that He will rise again.
7 April, Saturday
It is already almost midnight and I just returned from
the church after attending Easter Vigil (I never came
home from a party this late). The church was
fully-packed, as usual. Actually, I saw many new
people. I guess they were also resurrected with the
Lord!
The celebration was very long. We started outside the
church for the ceremonies of that big candle, called the
Easter Candle, before proceeding back into the church
which had been darkened. It was only after the many
readings and the Gloria was intoned that we enjoyed
again the beauty of the light. Well, I must say, it was
really dramatic and it helped me a lot to appreciate the
celebration. Also, from that time on, we again heard
the alleluia, which had neither been sung nor
mentioned since Ash Wednesday.
What I learned today? I guess, it is about light … in a
darkened church, I felt sad but as soon as there was
light, I felt good. Indeed, I got the message of Easter
in that simple symbolism: the risen Lord is truly the
light that can bring joy to my life. I wish and pray that
I will never forget this.
8 April , Sunday
The Lord is risen and so am I! I rose early and
prepared my donation of food for the church for
lunch.
You see, after the 11 a.m. Mass
celebrated by Fr. Joey, we had the
annual celebration of Community Day.
This year was totally different because,
for the first time, it was warm enough to
hold the Agape in the parish garden. It
was followed by a variety show featuring
the musical talents of many members of
the community.
Now, I really have nothing much more to
write. The whole week has been so
exhausting for me. But no matter, I
don’t complain because I see this week
as special compared to all other weeks. I
may not be in the Philippines to enjoy
the many traditions and melo-dramatic
practices we have back home, but the
activities we had this week are more than
a good substitute! And truly, they are
unique to Vienna.
The Way of the Cross in Linz.
Have to sleep now. Till the next entry.
PAGE 5
MOMMY’S THOUGHTS
PASTULAN
On Vocation and Profession
Dear Anna,
It’s 2:30 in the morning and while most of Europe is sound asleep, here I am looking for things to do to keep me
awake. The last crossword puzzle has just been solved, the sudokus are also finished. My legs have decided to go
to sleep earlier than the rest of me, my back is starting to give in to gravity’s pull, even my eyelids are getting
heavier by the minute. The next cup of coffee is due at 5:30, an extra one now will mean a sleepless ‘schlaftag’.
But don’t get me wrong. Didn’t I tell you, I used to love night duty? I enjoyed the peace and quiet, the absence
of the bosses, and most of all, I loved the extra pay. But having you pushed all of that into the background.
These days, I’d much rather bring you to bed, read your books and watch you sleep. But why can’t I be like other
moms who go to work in the morning and come home in the evening? Why am I a nurse?
Well, I actually know the answer to that. I became a nurse because your Lolo wanted me to. He decided that it
was the right profession for me – there will never be a shortage of hospitals and patients, there was always the
chance to go abroad even if he himself was not too keen on the idea, and the white uniform would surely look
good on me. At 16, graduating from high school, I dreamt of taking up Foreign Service. But as fate would have it,
the course was scrapped from U.S.T.’s list of courses. And for reasons I no longer recall, there was no other
school for me then.
I managed to finish college with flying colors, survived every semester’s threat of getting kicked-out. I will
never forget those countless hours spent in the library, the thrill at imagining Jose Rizal might have leafed
through those old medical books, the sleepless nights spent reviewing for exams, the big sigh of relief for every
passing grade and the excitement to see that cute medical student. Unforgotten too, are the tears shed on my
first night away from home, the sad reluctance to leave home for duty on Christmas Eve, and most of all, the
awful food in the dormitory.
I became a nurse without really wanting to be one.
How about you? Everyone seems to agree that you are an intelligent girl. What direction will you take, which
interest will you pursue? You are good at reasoning, will you be a lawyer? You wanted to measure Daddy’s blood
pressure the other day, will you be a doctor? I saw how concerned you were when Lolo was sick, will you also be a
nurse? But you can also sing and dance real well, and can squeeze a tear at the snap of a finger, are you showbiz
material? You’ve been to many CFC conferences, heard almost all the formation talks, would you be interested in
the religious vocation?
Well, dear child, you have your whole life ahead of you and you could be anything you would want to be. It will be
your decision. Your Daddy and I will be here to support and guide you. The only decision we would make is to pray
for your future, that whatever you’d do, may bring you even closer to God.
My nursing profession brought me closer to Him. I did not have to go very far in search of the least of His
brethren, who was sick and whom I took care of, who was hungry and whom I fed, who was thirsty and whom I
gave something to drink. Because of this, I love my profession.
I am proud to be a nurse.
Love,
Mommy
P.S. But you know, at such a young age, you’re pretty good at pronouncing difficult words, you can clearly say hippopotamus,
alak-alakan, bukong-bukong, balunbalunan, almdudler, etc. How about a career in public speaking? No, not politics! How about
becoming a newscaster? CNN correspondent! I will dream of the day when I shall hear – ‘Anna Kathrina Magno, reporting
from the White House’. WOW!!!
PAGE 6
PASTULAN
CULTURE SHOCK:
The Filipino Food Culture explained to Austrians
For hospitable, warm and gentle Filipinos, food and home intertwine with families and the joy of bringing people
together. "Food is more of a family thing," says a friend in Vienna when I asked him how the Filipino food culture
compares to that of the Austrians’.
Filipinos bring home-cooked native fares to a meeting, fellowship, or birthday for everyone to share and enjoy, like
the food-galore that Anna’s daughter, Grace, cooked and lugged to a recent lay ministry meeting for her mother’s
birthday.
Close friends are greeted with "Kain na!" (translation: "come and eat") and handed a plate, even before they have
time to think of their cholesterol levels!
They make snacks and share them, bring home-cooked lunch to work; enjoy multi-culture cuisine like the kebaps
at Naschmarkt, Austrian dumplings and leberknoedel.
"A Filipino’s fellowship strengthens around food" left-over party foods are wrapped-up in good cheer to bring home
for the members of his family who were not able to attend. We call it "take-home", "doggie bag", or "baon": the
guests pack homecoming gifts of preserves, delicacies or sweets for their loved ones.
Back home, the cafeteria, canteen and portable eating places are buzzing places where you can enjoy hot food and
fiesta desserts at a moderate price in a friendly-family atmosphere.
Generally, food plays an important part with Filipinos both at home and abroad. It is the glue that keeps families
together.
************
Austrians love fine dining, comfortably seated at a table. Food must be attractive and served in appropriate dishes;
no throw-away plastic plates! They don’t walk around with a plate in their hand, or squeeze themselves among
people seated on a row of chairs and balance food-filled plates on their knees!
Austrians have their coffeehouses, beer and wine culture; schnitzels, dumplings and Sachertorte cakes. They have
snack shop (der Imbiss), a pub (der Beisel) or inn (das Gasthaus), that offer a cozy setting and moderately priced
local cuisine. There are the pastry shops (Konditorei), the wine taverns (Heurigen) serving local vintage and buffet.
And Austrians have their favorite neighborhood restaurant (Lokal) that have tables reserved for regulars
(Stammtisch).
For Austrians, there is a saying, "What the farmer doesn’t know, he won’t eat" ("Was der Bauer nicht kennt, frisst
er nicht.") implying that they are generally conservative in their tastes.
Austrians remain seated long after they are done with their meals, except at sausage stands (der Wuerstelstand)
or snack shops (der Imbiss) where they catch a bite and go. (Ami Starnegg)
Sidebar: Tips on Dining Out in Vienna
• Bring cash. Many restaurants in Vienna do not accept credit cards, so if you plan to use one, call or ask ahead
("Nehmen Sie Kreditkarten?"). Also, you may want to ask which days, if any, the restaurant is closed ("Haben
Sie einen Ruhetag?").
• Seat yourself, unless you have a reservation.
• Don’t expect to find a non-smoking section, there is no such thing, with very few exceptions. Try a corner table
or sit outside.
• Ask for a menu ("Die Speisekarte, bitte"). Then the waiter (Herr Ober) or waitress (Fräulein) will ask what you
want to drink ("Zu trinken?). Keep in mind that all menu prices include tax and service charge.
(Continued on page 19)
PAGE 7
PASTULAN
Helping Unprivileged Children
During the weekend of 24 and 25 March 2007, the
Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy organized a benefit
concert and festival to help underprivileged
children in the Philippines.
FGS choir member Jovanni Rey V. de Pedro
presented a classical piano concert on Saturday
evening 24th March at the YAMAHA Concert Hall,
not far from our parish church. And on Sunday 25th
March, we had this year’s first food festival in the
parish garden after the 11 a.m. Mass. This was
followed by a 2-1/2 hour variety show held in the
upper church with numbers contributed by various
members – both young and not-so-young – of our
parish.
♦ Together with friends from and living in
Japan, Fr. Joey has been able to build a
structure that houses Japanese nationals
visiting Cavite for two-week “exposure
programs”. Under such programs, the
visitors are brought face-to-face with
conditions in depressed areas to help them
understand the extent of deprivation to
which people living in such areas are
exposed. Such visitors can thus speak
convincingly when they return to their home
country to raise funds to help the less
fortunate. The structure can accommodate
up to 20 persons gathered for, say a
seminar, and is also being used as the venue
for giving Nippongo and English lessons.
♦
The FCC’s first “garden party” in 2007 was a win-win situation:
we enjoyed ourselves while raising funds for underprivileged
children!
The three fund-raisers netted a total of €4000 that
will be administered by Fr. Joey for the following
projects:
♦ In Cavite, the Diocese of Imus under Bishop
Luis Antonio G. Tagle runs a shelter that offers
a feeding and formation program for up to 30
street children from Manila and Cavite. The
children are washed, groomed and fed daily;
they are taught Christian values, and receive
education and training to prepare them to lead
normal lives. The house parents are Filipino
citizens trained as social workers and
civically-conscious
individuals
who
are
members of organizations affiliated with the
Society of Jesus. Some funding for this house is
available from the Diocese, but donations are
needed to increase the number of children that
can be cared for, and to meet rising costs.
An education program for deserving
children of poor families underwrites the
school expenses for a four-year secondary
education (approx. Pesos 80,000) while
parents bear the costs of transportation and
food. Currently, the program supports two
youths, and it is hoped that three will be
selected for the coming school year that
starts in June. Jaycel Crisostomo is a
second-year student at Midwest High
School. Her parents Celso and Lilette
provide for their family of 5 children from
income derived from scarce odd jobs or
during the harvest season. Without financial
assistance, Jaycel, a bright and hardworking young lady, would have no means
by which to build a foundation for the
future.
Our Chaplaincy focuses in 2007 on providing
assistance to street and underprivileged children
from Cavite because it is the Diocese of Imus
that has provided a pastor since 1983 for the
Filipinos living and working in Vienna. Each of us
contributes to this cause in his own way: by
sharing God-given musical and dance talents,
through the teamwork called for by the logistics
requirements of organizing these benefit events,
by being an appreciative audience and by
inviting family and friends to share in our efforts.
It all involves hard work that is rendered over
and above the normal call of duty, but is
interesting in the one aspect that marks our
being Filipino: we do everything in good humour
and with a deep understanding for our fellow
man.
Let us pray to God that we will succeed in our
aims, not only to be able to help needy children,
but to do so as part of our commitment to living
our lives as good Christians. (Serva Libera)
PAGE 8
PASTULAN
NEWSROOM
It has been a little over 20 years since
Fr Joey took his vow to dedicate his
life to the priesthood. This special ,
anniversary was celebrated last 30
March with a thanksgiving Mass
followed by a dinner full of surprises.
Fr. Joey gave a very touching sermon
which caused more than just a couple
of tears to drop throughout the
community. He shared his story of
becoming a priest as well as his
dedication to the community. Some
people let more tears drop than
others but all felt genuinely touched
by his words.
Always put on a happy face.
Fr. Joey with Austrian and Filipino parishioners on the background
When the Mass had finished, most of
during the March 30 celebration.
the crowd proceeded to the parish hall
where there was a salo-salo prepared by the various associations. And then the fun began. There
was a series of surprise numbers performed impromptu including songs by Frs. Ely and Jojo, Rhona
Rectra, Michael Florendo, the Donau City Choir and many more. An impromptu giving of flowers
also filled the room with laughter. All in all, the night was one to remember.
We wish Fr Joey many more faithful and fruitful years in the ministry of shepherding the people of
God! (Marizel Aguirre)
Lieblingskirche? Cardinal Schönborn the second time around in Fadinger on 27 May 2007 during the
Confirmation of Afro-Latin American Communities. 17 candidates received the sacraments, 9 of whom
were Filipinos. Just a month before, he was in the same church for the joint Confirmation of Filipinos and
Austrians last 29 April. 59 Filipinos and 16 Austrians received the sacrament.
PAGE 9
PASTULAN
Confirmation : A Retrospective
The term ‘Confirmation’ first occurred in Gaul in
439 AD in the Acts of the Council of Riez and in
441 AD in the Acts of Council of Orange.
In the early church, the sacrament of Confirmation
was always associated with the sacrament of
Baptism. Thus, it was natural that there has also
been a certain overlapping of ritual. For instance,
the tradition that the one to be confirmed must
have a godparent seems to be derived from the
custom of each child to be baptized having a
godparent. The association of the gifts of the Holy
Spirit with the anointing is also an early tradition
regarding the anointing of Baptism.
According to the Canons of Hippolytus (the usage
of the Church of Rome in 200 AD), the priests,
immediately after baptizing, would anoint the
person on the forehead, mouth and breast with
the oil of thanksgiving. The person to be confirmed
was then clad in a white garment and brought into
the church (the baptistry during that time was
often outside the church) where he would be
confirmed by the bishop. The bishop would lay his
hand on the head of the person to be confirmed
with a prayer of thanksgiving that the Holy Spirit
had been outpoured. This is followed by a prayer
so that the newly-confirmed person might receive
a foretaste of the Kingdom of Heaven. This prayer
is followed by the sign of the cross made on the
forehead.
Until the end of the fourth century, the imposition
of the hand was the principal act in the ceremony
of confirmation. By this time, the anointing of the
forehead had come to be considered an integral
part of the sacrament. Until the reformation era,
infant confirmation was the common practice, just
like infant baptism.
Two ceremonies used to follow the administration
of the sacrament of Confirmation: the kissing of
the candidate with the words ‘ the Lord be with
you’; and the giving of milk and honey to the
candidate. The latter disappeared by the 6th
century, but the kiss of peace is still preserved in
the Roman Rite.
The blow on the cheek, which is no longer
administered, seems to have been copied from the
blow on the face by which knighthood was
conferred. The newly-confirmed is regarded as a
knight of Christ – dedicated to his service. Another
custom that has been discontinued is the placing
of the foot of the person being confirmed on the
foot of the godfather. This seems to smack of
The symbols used in the conferring of the
sacrament today – that of the imposition of
hands and the anointing – have roots that go
back beyond the early church to the religious
origins of the Hebrew people. To impose (i.e.
put hands on someone) was a sign of blessing,
consecration, and also of the handing over of
an office. Jesus ‘imposed’ his hand in curing the
sick (Mt. 9:18) and the same rite is observed
at the ordination of deacons, priests and
bishops.
At the time of Jesus, anointing was a symbol of
cleanliness (Matthew 6:17) and of hospitality
(Luke 7:36-50), but it was also used in the
consecration of kings, priests and prophets.
The Sacrament of Confirmation symbolizes the
aromatic influence of the Holy Spirit who is
Himself anointing and consecrating the
Christian as king, prophet, priest and witness.
The Fathers of the Church linked this anointing
to the spreading of ‘the fragrance of Christ’ (2
Corinthians 2:15-16).
The gift of the Holy Spirit that this Sacrament
imparts is fortitude – giving the newlyconfirmed person strength for spiritual combat.
As in Baptism, the sponsor or godparent
presents the person to be confirmed to the
bishop. Placing his right hand on the
candidate’s shoulder, the godparent gives the
candidate’s name to the bishop. The bishop
then dips his thumb in the oil of chrism and
makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of
the person to be confirmed and says (using the
candidate’s name) ‘be sealed with the gifts of
Holy Spirit’.
The reference to ‘sealing’ is connected with the
idea common in the early church that like
baptism, confirmation imprints an indelible
mark on the soul – a brand as it were – and
thus ‘seals’ the person who receives it as being
forever a Christian. This ‘sealing’ should impel
the adult Catholic, now longer a child living
with an infant’s faith, to participate more
intelligently and actively in the Church’s liturgy
and life.
In the Church’s mind, once a person has been
confirmed, she has the right to expect that
such a person will proclaim the Gospel
fearlessly and courageously by virtue of the
commission received from Jesus through the
‘sealing’ by the Holy Spirit.(Timmy de Mata)
PAGE 10
PASTULAN
SPOTLIGHT
Confirmation 2007
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Church; it is conferred on baptized Catholics from 14 years of
age. This sacrament strengthens one’s bond with the Church, gives special strength of the Holy Spirit and,
especially, unites one more closely with Christ.
This year 68 youths signed up to undergo the preparations for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. 59
candidates received Confirmation on 29 April together with Austrian youths from the Parish of Maria vom Berge
Karmel, while the remaining 9 received the sacrament on 27 May together with other candidates from the AfroAsian Latin American Communities in Vienna.
We prepared ourselves quite well for this special day. Every Saturday for about 3 months, we had Confirmation
Preparation during which we had lessons in the church, talking about the gospels and homilies. We learned about
the sacraments, the Mass and the meaning of a Christian’s life; and we discussed several topics concerning
ourselves and our surroundings.
Then we had a recollection in Franzen, Niederösterreich from 1 to 3 April. We were accompanied by Melanie,
Ralph, Tita Linda, Tita Alice, Tita Flor, Tito Julio and Fr. Joey. We were all excited since we didn’t really know what
to expect.
Everyday we had 2 or 3 sessions during which we tried to get to know each other better through activities and
games. In groups we talked about the values we have in life, prepared a poster showing those values in the order
of importance and presented our respective posters to the other groups.
Our recollection had a special theme: You Count! We learned that each of us counts a lot as a child to our parents,
to our siblings, to our friends, as a Christian and as a person. People also count on us and we bear the
responsibility of not letting them down. On the last evening of the recollection, we had a program at which each
group presented a dance, a song, or a skit based on the theme of the recollection. All in all, everybody was quite
satisfied with this experience.
Confirmation Day! We were a lined up on the sidewalk outside the church to greet Cardinal Schönborn on his
arrival. After a short and warm welcome ceremony, we all filed into the church.
During the Mass, Cardinal Schönborn reminded us of the meaning of Confirmation, and the reasons why we get
confirmed: because Jesus impresses us, because we want to get to know Him, because He’ll always be there no
matter what, because the love He gives is unconditional.
Confirmation is a milestone in our Christian life that takes us further on the road to fulfillment as a Christian being.
We are all grateful to have received this Sacrament.
Thank you to all the adults who took care of and assisted us, and especially to Fr. Joey. We thank you for your
patience and assistance. We count on you and YOU COUNT !!! (April Faustino)
I COUNT ON YOU !
PAGE 11
PASTULAN
CONFIRMATION 2007:Recollection 1-3 April 2007
PAGE 12
PASTULAN
SCHEDULE OF PARISH ACTIVITIES
Date
Time
Place
What
Remarks
Vormittag
Pfarrcafé
Fischer Pfarrkaffee
Alles rund ums Aquarium
“Alay kay Tatay”
10 June
Fund-raiser to replace carpets
in upper church
12:00 h
Garten
17 June
Ab Vormittag
Pfarrgarten
Pfarrfest
24 June
12:00 h
Church
Election of the new set of
Parish Pastoral Council
22 July
Vormittag
Pfarrcafé
Fischer Pfarrkaffee
Alles rund ums Aquarium
Parish outing
Whole-day bus excursion to
places of interest within
Austria; for parishioners and
Lay Ministers
18 Aug
Whole Day
Food Festival followed by
variety show
To be advised
23 Sept
Erntedank
7 Oct
10:00 h
Patrozinium
70. Jubiläumsfeier Maria v.
Berge Karmel
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
MASSES
Anticipated Mass
Saturday, 19:00h
Stephansdom
Sunday Masses
11:00h
17:00h
Pfarre Maria vom Berge Karmel *
Christus, Hoffnung der Welt (Donaucity Kirche) **
Wednesday Masses and Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
12:30h
Christus, Hoffnung der Welt (Donaucity Kirche)
18:30h
Pfarre Mariahilf ***
Other Masses:
First Friday & Novena to the Divine Mercy
Last Friday & Novena to Our Lady of Peňafrancia
18:30h
18:30h
CONFESSION Every Sunday, 10:30-11:15
Pfarre Maria vom Berge Karmel
BIBLE STUDY Every Friday, 7:30-8:30
Pfarre Maria vom Berge Karmel
*Pfarre Maria vom Berge Karmel, Stefan Fadinger Platz 1, 1100 Vienna
**Christus, Hoffnung der Welt (Donaucity Kirche), Donaucitystrasse 2, 1220 Vienna
***Pfarre Mariahilf, Barnabittengasse 14, 1060 Vienna
Pfarre Maria vom Berge Karmel
Pfarre Maria vom Berge Karmel
PAGE 13
PASTULAN
INSIDERS
LEGION OF MARY
Lenten Recollection
As preparation for the start of Lenten Season, the Legion of Mary held a one-day recollection last 24 February at
the convent of the Parish of Maria vom Berge Karmel. The 3 talks given by Frs. Joey, Ely and Jojo focused on the
meaning and demands of Lent, on the need for reconciliation and conversion and on the lay faithful’s call to
holiness. One-hour prayer then followed at the house chapel and it finally ended with a Mass and the apostolate of
giving medals and tecera to churchgoers at the Stephansdom.
Acies
Several Legionaries from different praesidia gathered together last 18 March at 14:30h at the Salesianer Kirche in
Rennweg, Vienna, for a Mass for the venerable Edel Mary Quinn, an Irish lay missionary. There was also a solemn
renewal of the Legionary’s promise and at the same time, consecration of all legionaries to our Lady. This annual
activity is called Acies and was well attended by 5 members from our Filipino Catholic chaplaincy’s praesidium,
Mary Mediatrix of All Graces. A simple agape followed after the Mass.
“Flores de Mayo” festivities
Choosing to be a part of the Filipino tradition of celebrating Flores de Mayo, the Legion of Mary sponsored flowers
to be offered by children to the Blessed Virgin Mary during the Mass. This floral offering has already been a long
practice of our chaplaincy and it is done on every Sunday of May. The Legionaries added a feature to their
apostolate on the 13th of May – Mothers’ Day - they also offered flowers to all the mothers who attended the
Mass. There was also a short presentation about the Blessed Mother and distribution of Miraculous Medals and
flyers about the Legion. (Jess Lessinio & Dina Godts)
COUPLES FOR CHRIST
Christian Life Program (CLP)
Just very recently the Couples for Christ – Vienna concluded its 28th Christian Life Program at the Maria vom Berge
Karmel Parish Hall. After ten (10) weeks, five (5) couples namely Jojo / Weng Dungca, Rod / Ester Dagan, Garry /
Mitzi Luna, Nel / Gee Dimailig, and Jun / Vicky Calma signified their intention to continue their walk with the
Lord in the covenanted community of Couples for Christ (CFC).
CFC is a movement intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life.
The 28th Christian Life Program (CLP) paved the way also for Charlotte Sarmiento to exit from Youth for Christ
(YFC) to enter the Singles for Christ (SFC), another ministry of CFC whose aim is to provide a Christian support
environment for single men and women who are at the crossroads of their state of life, choosing between marriage, religious life or single blessedness.
In the same CLP, seven (7) ever young at heart ladies decided to join the Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD), one of
the most vibrant & empowered ministry of CFC. HOLD provides a Christian support environment for single mature
women, widows, separated or divorced, single parents, wives of overseas workers, and those whose husbands are
incapacitated or in prison or whose husbands simply would not want to join the CFC. Mie Dioso, Thess Maza , Loy
Vidallon , Anne Cabar , Alice Domingodo , Sally Arceo & Mely Quiballo will join their support group that would
meet weekly in prayer meetings.
Couples for Christ – Vienna Cluster together with its Family Ministries are looking forward to welcome again
everyone to its 29th CLP on September 16, 2007 at the St. Rafael Center, Siemenstrasse 26, 1210 Vienna. (Jorge V.
Villanueva, Jr.)
Bayani Na, Sikat Pa!
GK Batang Bayani’s Bayani Na, Sikat Pa! Solo singing challenge finals took place on the 22nd April 2007 at the Haus
der Begegnung - Donaustadt. Throughout the whole singing challenge, which started mid October 2006,the kids
(Continued on page 15)
PAGE 14
PASTULAN
MAKA-PINOY
Vienna
ni Elena Bustonera
Vienna! Ika’y Venus ng kagandahan! Tunay kang larawan ng
makabagong kabihasnan at isa kang munting siyudad sa malawak na
Europa. Kay tataas ng iyong mga gusaling halos niluma na ng panahon!
Ang modernong pamamaraan mo sa buhay ay inilalarawan ng mga
makabagong kagamitang pinatatakbo ng elektrisidad. Ah! Ang
karangyaan ng buhay ay tunay na taglay mo.
Kahalin-halina ang angkin mong ganda!
Di ba’t halos lahat ay
naghahangad sa kagandahan mo? Gusto nilang marating at mamalas
ang tunay mong larawan. Ngunit ilan na nga ba ang nagtagumpay?
Teka… di ba’t marami na sila. Mula sila sa iba’t-ibang panig ng daigdig.
Kung gayon ikaw ang pugad ng kanilang mga pangarap.
Tukso! Ayon sa iba, tukso raw na maituturing ang iyong ganda. Ops!!!
Tila ika’y balatkayo lamang. Ba’t kaya ganoon? Mayroon daw ibang
dumarating ngunit halos hindi pa nagtatagal sa iyo ay nagiging marupok
na. Nawawalan ng sariling paninindigan. At ang hinhin nilang taglay ay
biglang napaparam.
Tanda mo pa ba nang dumating ang isa sa kanila? Mula siya sa malayong lugar. Taglay niya ang lahat ng magagandang katangian ng
kanyang sinilangan. Ngunit... ba’t kaya siya nagkaganoon? Makaraan
ang ilang panahon ay napansin mong tila isa na siyang tunay na
katutubo sa banyagang bansa.
Tagumpay... Tama ka. Nagtagumpay siya. Sa pakiwari mo ba ay malayo na ang kanyang naabot? Sa kanyang kilos, pananamit at
pananalita ay isa na siyang likas na banyaga. Nakamit na niya ang mga
adhikaing kanyang hinahangad. Ngunit kaalinsabay ng kanyang tagumpay ay ang pagkalimot sa magagandang kaugaliang taglay mula sa
sariling bayan.
Napapansin mo ba kung paano siya nakikipag-usap sa mga taong sugo
ng kanilang pamahalaan? Tila ba wala na ang tatak ng pagkamagalang
na sa kanya ay nabansag. Sayang… Sayang ang binuong bantayog na
iginupo ng karangyaan.
Ngiti… iyon ang pambati upang makuha niya ang simpatiya ng bawat
isa. Ngunit ba’t ganoon? Pati ba naman ngiti na hindi nagkakahalaga
ng sangkusing ay ipinagdadamot niya. Dati naman ay palabati siya.
Komo ba at nasa estado na siya ay hindi na niya tatapunan ng kahit ngiti
man lamang ang mga taong minsan ay nakasalamuha niya?
Talagang malaki na ang kanyang ipinagbago. Pati wikang sarili na
kinagisnan ay parang ayaw na niyang bigyang pansin. Di ba’t minsan ay
naitanong mo sa kanya kung ba’t di niya malimit gamitin ang kanyang
wika? Ano ba ang naging sagot niya? Teka... Teka... di ba’t sabi niya
ay nahihirapan na siya sa kanyang wika. Nabubulol na raw siya.
Isa lamang siya sa mga taong nang dumating sa iyo ay mayroon ng
matayog na ambisyon sa buhay. Tila ba nakikipagtaasan siya sa mga
gusali mo na naging moog na ng mahabang panahon. Lahat ng bagay
ay may hangganan. Sana ay maalaala niya na siya ay hindi likas na
mamamayan. Na kahit anong gawing pagbabalatkayo ay lumilitaw pa
rin ang tunay niyang lipi. At ang dugong nananalaytay sa kanyang mga
ugat ay dugo ng kanyang mga ninuno.
Vienna -- Tunay bang ang ganda mo ay mapanghalina? Madaling
makalupig ng marurupok na damdamin? Ilan pa kayang banyaga ang
sa iyo ay pasasakop?
Maalaala Mo Kaya
ni Bro. Jun Rico
Binagtas ko yaong bundok, nilakbay ko yaong dagat
Upang doon ay humabi ng tulaing malalamyos
Tulaing ibinaon sa puntod ng paglimot
Ngayo’y aking huhukayin upang sa inyo ay ihandog
Bituin ang naging tanglaw sa paghabi ng tulain
Awit ng panggabing ibon ang nagbigay aliw sa akin
Awitan ng mga angel ang nagbigay inspirasyon
At sa gitna nitong dilim, ikaw “oh Lord ang siyang tanglaw”
Tulang handog ko sa inyo’y paggunita sa kahapon
Ala-alang pumupukaw sa kahapong nakalibing
Sa puntod ng gintong limot binabakas ng panindim
Ala-ala ng lumipas na ka’y daling nangulimlim
Maalala mo pa kaya ang kahapong nakalipas
Ang tatak ng kahirapa’y sa mukha mo’y mamamalas
Pero kahit ang ulam mo araw-araw ay sardinas
Bakas pa rin ang ligaya sa puso mo’y umaawas
Ang kulturang nilakhan mo’y kailan ma’y di malimutan
Naron din ang kapamilyang sa iyo ay nagmamahal
Kapit-bahay sa paligid laging handa sa pagdamay
Kahit ika’y walang pera meron sa’yong aagapay
Maalaala mo rin kaya ang sa iyo ay nagbigay
Ng magandang kapalaran pati na ng iyong buhay
Minsan ba ay nasambit mo na salamat sa Maykapal
At ang lahat ng tagumpay balik sa iyong iaalay
Dapat huwag mong kalimutang mukha nati’y hiram lamang
Huwag nating ipagyabang itong ating katanyagan
Baka kinang nitong araw, paglibog ay malimutan
Saka tayo mananangis, buhay pala’y hiram lamang
Huwag din sanang masisilaw sa luningning ng tagumpay
Marami ang mahihirap sa atin ay naghihintay
Ang kasimot mong barya kung ito ay ibibigay
Sanlaksa na ang katumbas sa taong walang hanap-buhay
Kaya maging sino ka man huwag ka sanang magdaramdam
Paalala lamang ito, kapamilyang nagmamahal
At lahat ng tatalina, sa Diyos aking idadasal
Bigyan ka ng gantimpala at higit pang magtagumpay
PAGE 15
PASTULAN
INSIDERS
(Continued from page 13)
staged a variety of production numbers. They sang their solo numbers, in duets and in groups, and sang ballads
and up-beat songs. Three elimination rounds and one semi-final led to the main event in April 2007. After an
exhilarating two-hour show, the board of judges took another half hour to come to an agreement on who should
be named the overall winners of the contest, after which the scoring matrix revealed too-close-to-call results.
Finally the following results were announced:
Junior Division (Ages 4-8)
Winner - Alyssa Rosales; First runner-up - Sabrina Jimenez; Second runner-up - Casey Argao
Senior Division (Ages 9-12)
Winner - Philip Pineda; First runner-up - Bryan Macalindong; Second runner-up - Louise Denciv Auman
Winners or not, all contestants proved themselves as true heroes. During this whole experience, the kids came to
realize that their talents can be used for greater causes, such as Gawad Kalinga’s movement for nation building.
Through GK-Batang Bayani, an arm of Gawad Kalinga, the kids’ heroism is encouraged to answer the cry of the
world’s poor. The kids are reminded of the importance of family values, friendship and love of God through others
especially the poor. In their purity & innocence, our kids have proven that they can take to heart the maxim “less
for self, more for others, enough for all” even better than the adults.
Everyone is looking forward to next year’s Bayani na, Sikat pa! events which will undoubtedly be as impressive, as
we press on to raise heroes that will rebuild the motherland. A Philippines rebuilt through faith & patriotism will
certainly achieve her prophetic role as “light to Asia & the world”. (Mehru de la Cruz)
FOLLOWERS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
FGS Labor Day Excursion
1 May 2007-- the Followers of the Good Shepherd hit
the road again… this time to the Imperial Festival
Palace Hof in the Marchfeld, Austria’s largest
countryside palace estate.
On the way, our group side-tripped the famous
Schloss Esterhazy in Eisenstadt. As the gothic
castle was closed when we arrived, the group went
to the nearby Haydn Kirche also known as
Kalvarienberg Kirche. The church was built by Fuerst
Paul Esterhazy as a giant pilgrimage chapel. After
saying our own prayers, we moved on to the front of
Esterhazy castle for some photo shots and just a
peek ot the building and its grounds.
Packing ourselves back into the bus, we then drove on to the Basilica of Our Lady of Loretto. This famous
pilgrimage place is located in the Leithagebirge mountain range, in the middle of Europe’s largest natural green
village.
Finally arriving at our intended destination, we had a guided tour of the Palace Hof which made us understand
better the history and significance of the palace. Another enjoyable moment of the trip was our picnic at the
Schlosshof football field, where we shared our potluck lunch, undisturbed by the cold winds. Nourished with loads
of energy, we were back on the road again to Vienna with more stopovers.
First, we dropped by at the Schloss Marchegg. It is just an old dilapidated building which used to be a castle but is
now used as a private residence. But its vast grounds is being enjoyed by nature lovers for hiking.
The second was to Hainburg, a mountain peak where we were greeted with an overwhelming view of Vienna,
Bratislava and Burgenland. This mountain peak has a rich history by itself. Unfortunately we have to learn it on
our own.
(Continued on page 16)
PAGE 16
PASTULAN
INSIDERS
(Continued from page 15)
Tired but with a smile of enjoyment and satisfaction, we headed home… back to our busy city life in Vienna.
Austria is indeed a wonderful land, rich in history and sights. We, FGS members took a break from our hectic life
to discover and enjoy these places even for just a day.
Looking forward to the next Labor Day excursion! (MP)
LAY MINISTERS
Erntedankfest und
Adventrekollektion
A New Force of Lay
Servants for the Filipino Catholic Community in Vienna
A group of willing servants attended a recollection led by Fr. Joey Demoy in a yearly retreat to prepare the lay
ministers for their service to the Filipino Catholic Community in Vienna. The recollection was held 4-5 May 2007 at
the Missionhaus St. Gabriel, Mödling.
Fr. Joey in this year’s retreat gave examples from the lives of people in the bible that relate to self-examination
of one’s responsibilities in the service as lay ministers of the chaplaincy. This includes obedience to the calling
and opening of oneself to the call of service as told in the story of Jonah. Significantly, the story of Martha led to
the examination of one’s ability to learn to focus on the needy and to avoid resentments and blaming others. The
sessions were intended to lead the new set of lay ministers in the realization of their role as well as purifying their
intentions as lay servants of the church. Sessions for a half-day formation are to be scheduled for newcomers and
bi-monthly meetings are being held to facilitate additional formation activities.
The new force, nine of whom are couples, will be organized to assist in the regular celebration of the Holy Mass
during Saturday evenings (1900h) at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the 1st district and on Sunday afternoons (1700h)
Christus Hoffnung der Welt church in the 22nd district, as well as during Sunday mornings (1100h) at Maria vom
Berge Karmel Parish in the 10th district where the chaplaincy mainly gathers for the community-church affairs and
activities. The lay ministry also assists the chaplaincy in organizing socio-cultural activities that encourage the
community spirit among Filipino Catholics living in Vienna. It gave a new hope for the current batch when two
young members of the community willingly committed themselves to join the lay ministry.
On Pentecost Sunday on 27th of May 2007during the community Mass at Maria vom Berge Karmel Church, the lay
ministers were installed in their function, i.e., for the newcomers, they promised to serve in the ministry of the
church while the old-timers also formally renewed their promise.
Our call is still on, as is our never-ending invitation to our fellow faithful Filipinos, especially the young ones, to
consider joining the lay ministry. (Bong Segura)
EL SHADDAI
Araw ng mga Ina
Ang kapatirang El Shaddai ay naghandog ng isang makabagbag-damdaming sorpresa para sa mga nanay noong
nakaraang 13 May. Isa-isang binigyan ng pagkakataong makabahagi ng kani-kanilang karanasan ang bawat inang
naroon sa lingguhang pagtitipon ng El Shaddai. Mga luha naman ng pagmamahal ang nalaglag sa kanilang mga mata
habang nagsasaad sila ng karanasan ng hirap at saya sa pagiging ina. Bilang pagtatapos sa sorpresang handog ng
mga choir members, ang mga anak, apo, pamangkin at asawa ng mga inang naroroon ay nagdatingan at nagbigay
ng mga bulaklak at nagpakita ng kanilang pagmamahal sa mga ina. Tunay nga namang naging kakaiba at espesyal
ang araw na iyon sa mga ina, kung kaya’t natapos na rin ang pagtitipong iyon ng higit pa sa karaniwang 3-oras-natapos ang pagdiriwang na iyon ng halos alas-5 na ng hapon.
Bilang parangal sa mga nanay nagbibigay pugay ang kapatirang El Shaddai DWXI-PPFI para sa inyo mga nanay.
(Tom)
PAGE 17
PASTULAN
FIRST COMMUNION
Seven children took part in this year's First
Communion preparations and celebration.
The classes began in February, led by Lito
Ramos and assisted by myself. The children
were taught prayers and parts of the Mass.
They were given weekly homework
including retelling stories out of the Bible to
the rest of the class. The last week before
the First Communion, the children had their
first confession with Fr. Jojo. All were very
nervous about it but managed very well.
First Communion is traditionally an
important occasion for Catholic families.
The three girls all got new white dresses,
symbolizing purity, especially sown for the
occasion.
After several weeks of early morning classes,
Pentecost Sunday was the big day for the
children. As they joined the procession
towards the altar, I could not help but feel
proud of the group. I myself, learned a lot out
from teaching the children. For one, it is not
easy to be teaching children in that age group
as they are full of questions, sometimes not
easy to answer.
On behalf of the community, Tito Lito and I would like to congratulate the seven First Communicants
and hope that they have learned enough from us to be able to participate in the sacramental life of the
Catholic Church.
First Communicants of 2007:
Joana Marie Acenas
Marie Louise Segura
Gilyn Agbon
Patrick Agbon
Vincent Agbon
Jonas Oca
Marvin Domingo
(Marizel Aguirre)
PAGE 18
PASTULAN
PILGRIMS’ PATH
Assisi et al . . .
Several weeks after the celebration of Lent and Easter, Fr. Joey sent a group of 45 parishioners led by Fr. Jojo on
a journey to a sacred place as an act of religious devotion (i.e., a pilgrimage), choosing as the main destination
the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, in the region of Umbria in Italy.
St. Francis was born in 1181 to a family of rich merchants but throughout his childhood was interested in
non-material matters, and sympathetic to the plight of the diseased and less fortunate. He went on to establish
the Order of Friars Minor that, unlike older monastic orders, does not bind its members to a cloistered life within
the confines of a monastery. The Franciscans – like the Dominicans – quickly became popular because they
provided pastoral care that existing ecclesiastical structures could not provide in cities that were growing so
rapidly at the time. The order is based on a rule that was first submitted to the pope in 1209 but disappeared in
history. It is the rule that was written by St. Francis in 1223 that is still in use today and starts, “The rule and the
life of the lesser brothers is this: To observe the holy gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, living in obedience without
anything of our own, and in chastity.”
Erntedankfest und
Adventrekollektion
Standing in front of the Basilica and the complex that surrounds it, and calling the beginning of that rule to mind,
one can only wonder at the faith and zeal that have since widened the Franciscan order’s area of influence and
the efforts that are being undertaken to perpetuate St. Francis’ message. The sense of wonder deepens when
one is made to realize that animals, merchants, Italy, Meycauayan, Philippines, Catholic Action and the
environment (a topical issue!) have been placed under the patronage of St. Francis. In the town of Assisi there
are manybuildings, small and large, that house one or another
convent, each one representing pastoral work
being done elsewhere in the world. It is mind-boggling!
During the Mass that was said in the Chapel of Peace (located in the basement), Fr. Jojo reminded us of the
purpose of our journey and encouraged us to continue praying for the Lord’s guidance to be positive in our dayto-day lives.
In all truth, after hearing the Mass and visiting the Basilica and the treasures it houses (including the tomb of St.
Francis himself) one had the feeling of having received so many impulses for further reflection from the spiritual,
cultural, social and historical points of view that the return journey home at that point would not have seemed
unreasonable.
However, Fr. Joey had planned a program for an extended weekend, so we followed the schedule to discover –
in turn – the sights and delights of Perugia, Siena, Pisa and Florence before returning to our dear Stefan Fadinger
Platz on Sunday morning 20th May. (Serva Libera)
PAGE 19
PASTULAN
NEWSROOM
Flores de Mayo is a Catholic
festival introduced by the
Spaniards. During the whole
month of May, flowers are
offered to the Virgin Mary at
the altar in the church. Young
children, girls, dressed in
white, will visit the church with
cut flowers and baskets of
petals in their hands. While
walking to the altar, they
sprinkle the petals in
honour
of Mama Mary. At the altar
they leave the bouquet of
flowers.
Such tradition still lives on
among
Filipinos in Vienna.
The chaplaincy holds this
festival every Sunday on the
month of May after the Mass.
A glimpse of Flores de Mayo celebration in Maria vom Berge Karmel…
The chaplaincy wishes to thank
all the individuals and families
who sponsored and donated
flowers to be offered.
The Filipino Food Culture explained to Austrians
(Continued from Page 6)
• If you want tap water, ask for it ("Leitungswasser, bitte") or order mineral water (Mineralwasser, bitte").
Water isn’t part of the regular service here.
• Keep your voice down. Like many people, Austrians appreciate quiet conversation inside restaurants and,
especially outdoors in neighborhood eateries (Schanigarten). Also if you are speaking a language other
than German, you’re likely to call attention to yourself.
• If you need a doggie bag, say, "Konnen Sie mir das, bitte, einpacken?". Austrians don’t normally take
leftovers home, but if you ask in German, the waiter will oblige.
• Ask for the check ("Zahlen, bitte"). Your waiter may ask if the check will be paid by one person
("Zusammen?") or separately ("Getrennt?"), then will calculate the bill. (You will also be charged for each
piece of bread eaten.) You give a sum that usually includes a 7-10 percent tip (e.g., he/she says, "20."
You give the exact amount plus tip and say, "Das stimmt schon" or "Danke." Or, say "22" and wait for
your change. It’s impolite to leave the tip on the table, unless you paid directly to the cashier.
• To eat in or to take out? If you are at a fast-food place, tell the cashier whether you want your order to
go (“Zu Mitnehmen") or to eat in ("Zum Hier Essen"). (Adapted from "Living in Vienna, a Practical
Guide for the English Speaking Community by Ami Starnegg).
PAGE 20
PASTULAN
CALLING ALL YOUTHS !!!
Summer is approaching
The school year is fast drawing to a close: after the merry month of May
with its number of religious holidays (and therefore school-free days)
the month of June and final exams is upon us! In the parish, youth
activities have been scaled back in respect of the youths’ more pressing
commitments. But in this case, out of sight is certainly NOT out of mind
because Fr. Cyril has been busy planning the biggest youth event of the
year: SUMMER CAMP!!
This year, it will take place 2-6 July, i.e., during the week directly after
schools close, in the hope that families have not yet escaped to their
respective holiday retreats. Because of last year’s all-around good
experience, this year’s camp will also be held at Jugendhaus
Schacherhof, a short distance from the Benedictine abbey at
Seitenstetten in Lower Austria. As is the custom, our youths will leave
by bus from Stefan Fadinger Platz at 9 a.m. on Monday 2 July, and
return on Friday afternoon 6 July.
Already at this point the allotted time seems rather short, what with
the list of workshops being included in the program. Consider: painting,
taize prayer, lady salsa, swing, hip-hop, theatre, thematic writing. Of
course there will be sessions on applying religious theory in daily life,
sports, games and one afternoon will be spent at the Erlebnisbad in
Haag. This should give potential participants an idea of what they need
to pack in their suitcases, in addition to slippers, sleeping bags,
bedsheets and pillow cases.
PA S T U L A N
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE
FILIPINO CATHOLIC CHAPLAINCY
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
(African, Asian and Latin American Catholic
Communities, Archdiocese of Vienna)
Pfarre Maria vom Berge Karmel
Stefan Fadinger Platz 1
A-1100 Vienna
Tel: +43 1 6172346, Fax : +43 1 5267316
Email address: fccpastulan@yahoo.com
Fr. Jose Demoy
Chaplain
Fr. Ely Dalanon
Assistant Chaplain
Fr. Cyril Villareal
Assistant Chaplain
*******************************
PASTULAN STAFF
Marizel Aguirre
Angie Castor
Rhona Rectra
Completed registration forms (available after the 11 a.m. Mass on Sundays) and a €50,-- downpayment are due
by 15 June, and the balance of €20 (for a total of €70,-- participation fee) on 30 June. The number of places is
limited, so it’s going to be first-come-first served. Please note that proper decorum will be expected during
camp, and parents will be notified if anyone is found lacking.
As with other activities, there is a heavy reliance on the generosity of parish members for donations in the form
of cash or goods because the advertised participation fee will only cover bus and lodging expenses. Fr Cyril
eagerly awaits the receipt of pledges in this connection.
Calling all youth: those who came last year and had a wonderful time (religion and fun fit) and others who are
interested in meeting new friends (you count): join us for a week of fellowship for a great start of summer 2007!
FRISCHE GEDANKEN
Vergangenen März durfte die Youth Group bei einem Konzert ganz besonderer Klasse zu
zuschauen. Father Jojo erteilte uns die Aufgabe die Rolle von Ushers und Usherettes zu
übernehmen. Das Ereignis fand in den wunderschönen Räumlichkeiten der Concert Hall der
Yamaha Academy of Music statt. Für Liebhaber der klassischen Musik war das Konzert wahrlich
ein Ohrenschmaus. Es war eine abwechslungsreiche Darbietung von Stücken berühmter
Komponisten auf Klavier und Violine. Die Youth Group genoss es sichtlich den Gästen behilflich
sein zu können. Außerdem hat man nicht so oft die Möglichkeit bei einer so eleganten
Veranstaltung beizutragen. Was mich persönlich am Meisten beeindruckt hat, war der
überwältigende Anblick des großen schwarzen Flügels auf dem der Pianist sein Publikum mit
seinen Musikstücken in den Bann zog. Es war für alle Beteiligten ein unvergessliches Ereignis.
(Melanie Santiago)