GORDON and MACATIGOS FAMILY (Carawisan II, San Remigio, Ant., Phil.)

Fr. Rev. Robert John Mary De la Mennais

FOUNDER(1780-1860)

                               I am, Raphy M. Gordon, from Carawisan II San Remigio, Antique, Philippines 20 years of age, graduated at the Barangbang National High school San Remigio, Antique, a La Mennais Aspirant since 2008-2010. I am a college student at the University of San Augustine, Iloilo City, Philippines.  2nd year college student and taking up Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English. Son of Mr. Claudio Gordon and Mrs.Gemma Gordon, Carawisan II San Remigio, Antique. I came from the poor family and my mother is already gone. I live with my father and my sister. My daughters name Myline Geane Gordon. She’s working, at the little store in antique,selling  relief good and can goodsand many more. She did not finish her studies at high school. My mother died on August 14 2OO6, and I was 2nd year high school. My Father is a farmer and living now at Lagdo Sibalom, Antique.

                                            Before I was here at the Congregation of La Mennais Brother, I am a Catechist of St. Vincent Ferrer San Remigio, Parish. Teaching Catechism to the children’s where I am assign to tech. I handle Grade one to six. After a year I decide to go out as a Catechist and I ask permission to the priest. The parish priest names Rev. Fr. Jose Tubianosa and he allow me to go out. I explain my plan why I am going out. After a day he told me to join at the La Mennais Brother but there is condition. I accept and I am willing to serve God, why? It is the way to find my happiness, to forget my problems, to talk with god asking his help and any which is bothered in my mind especially the death of my mother. Rev. Fr. Jose brought me at the La Mennais Central House, San Jose,

Antique. Bobot Fernandez is a vocation promoter of a La Mennais Brother and he accepts me and I am very happy and to say” Thanks be to God” in silent.  Why? I am very lucky among more than thousands men. Gods calls me and I heard the voice of God. Founders though “Many are called but few are chosen”. I ask God if I have a vocation to become a La Mennais Brother, he can help me to find generous people to answer my need and supports. God answer immediately and I feel that god never forget me as I never to forget him to pray and give thanks for him as my true god, helper, and hope. Today I have benefactor to pay my part, my board and lodging. Thanks to the Father!

                 From the beginning of June 15 2OO9, everything is interesting. Today I am a 2^nd year college student and continue the formation which the brothers offer.

 Perhaps I am now at the La Mennais Brother’s formation House, Avanceña Street, Molo Iloilo city. The La Mennais Brothers have different kinds of formation.

The following stage of formation is:

1.     Aspirancy

2.     Postulancy

3.     Novitiate

4.     Temporary profess: Scolasticated

5.      Perpetually profess

Well I can start for ASPIRANCY- To aspire to become a La Mennais Brother is the meaning of ASPIRANCY. It is a Stringboard to Initial Formation. It may start within the period of regular college studies. Of variable duration, Aspirancy gives the candidate for times prepare him for the first stage of formation: Called Postulancy.

It is the period of orientation to set the space before entering in the formation proper: Postulancy. For this to happen, a formal request must be made by the candidate and needs to be approved by the Vice provincial.

Postulancy- this is the first stage of formation. It has duration one year and requires having first completed undergraduate studies. It is a human and spiritual preparation to the following steps: Novitiate. After a careful assessment with his formator, the postulant may make a request to the congregation to become a Novice; which needs to be approved by the Provincial.

Novitiate- A novice considered a member of the congregation already although he did not make his Vows yet. During a full year of prayer and spiritual he experiences the life as a Brother.

Temporary profess; Scholasticate- if the Novitiate I s completed successfully the Novice can make his first profession on the three Vows: Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience. This is a period of Theological studies as well as exposure to the regular community and apostolic life

Perpetually profess- after a minimum of five years of Temporary profession, the Brother may pronounce his Final Vows, which bind him not only for life, but for eternity.

The Aspirancy Program Activities

1.      Daily Prayer activities

2.      Daily academic study Sessions

3.      daily chores and responsibilities

4.      weekly special classes(computer encoding, English, music art, etc,)

5.      Group sports, activities  and community life

6.      Weekly Spiritual Formation sessions

7.      Monthly Mentoring

8.      Periodical Recollection and seminars

                                  In our formation house I have our own schedules, individulas and group schedules. The La Mennais Aspirants follow the following schedules such as “Prayer”. Everyday we go too prayed at the Chapel, morning and evening. You know what time we wake up? We wake up at 4:15 AM for the Morning Prayer and followed by Mass. I attend the mass at the Dominican chapels near in our formation House, about 5O meters away from home. During our morning prayer I feel sleepy and I push my self to never sleep, the same to my co-aspirants. When we are in chapel, there is a time to share the meditations to express our thoughts, deed, and wants. I read the liturgy of the hours, the liturgy of the word, the gospel and the selected prayers. During the evening prayer I recite the rosary followed by the liturgy of the hours. Different meditations to be shared, different expressions, ideas, thoughts, knowledge, and expertise. Every Sunday except last Sunday of every month I attend the mass at the Mill Hill central House and during the last of every month I been there at Dominican Sister to take reading, the prayer of the faithful and etc.. Have time for study making my assignments, project and research, SRA, which to build our English vocabulary and use correct grammar. How to construct sentence in correct manner. For example: I read the story, and then answer the test questions and lastly you read and tell the story all about. Then Br. Eugene tackled about Etiquette. I have a schedule for Guitar lesson. Since I was here at the formation from the beginning I don’t know how to play guitar but from now on I learned Miss Tita Babes is my teacher in guitar lesson, a Mill Hill guitarist. Br. Eugene teaches us how to study. The student could be study in a right place, in a right time, have there own notebooks, pencils, ball pen, papers, books and etc. noise is not allowed when your study, chika-chika, telling some stories, txting, listening the music is not allowed. As a student you can study at table, setting in a chair which is comfortable. Some students study at there rooms, laying in bed and listening to the music. Most students likely to talk while they are studying, watching TV and telling the stories at there neighbors. Noise is cause of destruction.  When we are studying be attentive, with focus what we study all about. I give thanks to Br. André for teaching me to learn how to use computer. Since I am new aspirants I don’t know how to open, what the different parts even how to format. Today I know how to use computer and sometimes I make movie maker and publish in my site. I make a PowerPoint presentation, and Make my own Website. I have my own Google account, friendster, and Yahoo mail, face book, twitter, multiply, scridb and more. All things I learned come from what I discovered especially me thank God for that gift which he given me for my benefit and for others. Everything comes from God no body owned except God. Well, I am talking about chores. Individuals has there chores such as, cleaning the chapel, stair case, CR, tables includes dining room. Some in charge for food, washing and wiping the plates that the every day chores. During Saturday the la Mennais Aspirants clean around the house, inside or outside. Sometimes I clean CR, and then on the next Saturday I clean robbers or mapping floors. Every last of the week we have time for play games such as basketball but I don’t like too. Some my co-aspirants play basketball even in school at the University of San Augustine. Adamje Abiera is one of my co-aspirants like to play basketball and he is a basketball player in our school. I like it to play UNO compared Basketball. Next I am talking about relationship towards my co-aspirants. Some like to joke but a joke which is hurt somebody. Some my co-aspirants lot of respect on compared to others, my best example Lito. Lito is a respectful person but sometimes he is joking but I don’t like him. Some are very helpful to me in my assignment, problems and my chores. As a student know first your abilities, capacity, you values, attitudes and personality. Thanks be to God for all that gifts. All what the Brothers teach is for our good and good of others. According to my teacher in Values Prof. Pinuela at the University of San Agustin

” There is no student better than the teacher, if that student become a better than the teacher, that teacher is a great teacher”

I don’t like attitude which is he looks his own good and for his being a self centered and  he think that he is good than others. Form me look at your self first before you judge others. Are you clean? Are you perfect? No one is perfect except God! Practice constantly makes perfect. Don’t think for your own good but think the good of others. How you intelligent but lack of respect, your knowledge talents, expertise, is useless. Be a responsible and always alert at all times. As an Aspirant known how to take decisions; first……

1. Knowledge of his Vocation
2. Relations with Brothers and others Aspirants
3. Relationship with the other people
4. Capacity of Love
5. A man of Love
6. A life of prayer
7. Spiritual Reading Simplicity

Making Personal Commitment

1. Personal Commitment
2. Prizing the Religious Vocation
3. Apostolic Experience
4. Follow-Up
5. Closeness to the Brothers
6. End of Aspirancy

Study, Discover, research is the key to success!

You know my friends VOCATION  is not always well understood, even by those closest to us.  For a several years now we have been thinking about document on our special vocation, which would be of value not only to our selves but to the church in general. Society today is going through profound changes which are full of promise for humanity.  Still, there are signs waiting for HOPE: For the UNITY and SOLIDARITY is felt everywhere in the world. In the face of these needs and according to our individual’s talents, God calling day and other people as well, just once called to our founders.  We are convinced that our VOCATION is an answer to the need of our world, to which we present ourselves as BOTHERS, at the service of LOVE in the name of Jesus, with all that we are and all that we can do. We are witnesses to the possibility of brotherhood in divided world. The Brothers Prophetic dimension of life: Religious life develops in the kingdom which is “Already among us”, but is always motivated and animated by the ESCHATOLOGICAL, the kingdom which is “still to come”. It therefore belongs to the realm of prophecy, on of the Charism of the Holy Spirit.

1. He Called by God.

2. He is man of God, a bearer of the Spirit

3. He lives in Community

4 He is attentive to the signs of the times

5. He involved in human liberation

6. He shares in a certain type of wisdom

We want to be strength and faithful in our vocation. Hoping to God and be patience to wait our time to become a La Mennais Brother soon.

These are my Prayer.

Prayer:

O God I thank you for the life you have given me, for the faith and the hope and the love. Show me how to make due a return.I offer myself to you to be at your serviceThis is my desire. Show me the special way you want me to fulfill that promise. I know there is pain in answering your call. I accept the pain knowing that you are near at all times and that if I lose my life for your sake I will find it. Holy Mary, pray for me now and always. 

La Mennais Brothers in Iloilo Community  

Br. Eugène –Formator---------Uganda- Africa

Br. André – Assistant -Formator- Canada

La Mennais Aspirants 2009

Adamje Abiera-Dao, Antique….. Is a 3^rd year college at the University of San Agustin, major in MAPEH.

Carlo Sueta- Pandan,  Antique……Is a 2^nd year college at the University of San Agustin, major in English.

Erwin John Mariano- San Remigio, Antique …. Is a 3^rd year college at the University of San Agustin, major in Mathematics.

Edsil Sigue- Hamtic, Antique…. Is a 3^rd year college at the University of San Agustin, major in MAPEH.

Johnny Baleña- San Remigio, Antique…. Is a 1^st year college at the University of San Agustin, major in English.

Rey Iniego- Patnongon , Antique…….. Is a 1^st year college at the University of San Agustin, major in Mathematics.

Raphy Gordon- San Remigio, Antique…… Is a 2^nd year college at the University of San Agustin, major in English.

Jayrie Salmorin- Pandan, Antique….. Is a 1^st year college at the University of San Agustin, major in English.

Joemari Jamco- Patnongon, Antique….Is a 1^st year college at the University of San Agustin, major in English.

Lito Asinas- Hamtic, Antique… Is a 1^st year college at the University of San Agustin, major in History (Social Studies).

What happened at School or in Formation House?

                 The University of San Augustine celebrates the feast of St. Augustine and nine days novena for St. Augustine. Every day we have been there for the moment of serving during the mass. All Augustinian priests celebrate the mass. As my role I am candle holder and next day different again. Some server came form different Department such as Education, HRM, CBAA, CAS and even high school. The mass was start from the morning at 7:00-8:00 AM and afternoon 4:00-5:00PM. Every afternoon I serve the mass. Sometimes we are two La Mennais Aspirants which is to serve during the mass.  August 26 we have many activities would be witness in school. Some aspirants would be there to watch the activities and some are in stayed at home in watching TV, doing assignment and using internet for research and making articles.  In the homily of priest he was talking about the life of St Augustine and the ten values. St Augustine was born on November 13,A.D354,in Tagaste, a small town in situated about fifty mile inland from the port of Hippo ,which is northern coast of Africa. Her mother St. Monica and his father Patricius as consider a wealthy family.The first book what I read since first time in university is “The Confession of St. Augustine”, these book a lot of information about the life of St Augustine. Talking life of people and thing be done by St. Augustine. This day August 28 we have celebration about the feast day of Saint Augustine. There is activities should be to witness and every department have their own activities to be show. Very exciting and it is a day which you enjoyed with your classmate, friends, and teacher who in charge in that activities. Some of my co-aspirants during that nigh they are in school to watch the show and some programs to be show to us. For me I stayed at the formation house because I am tired too. 2 brothers are there and I with them. It’s to boring if you are alone. You know what I do during that night watching TV and make my article for that day.  Everything is interesting in that day like we have salo-salo every year level and there is lechon baboy and any food which is to be eaten during that lunch. That night everybody go there and to watch on going activities. Some have no money and some no ID. On the morning we have the mass at the gym and I am the one who bring the candle during the procession until we reach the place where the mass celebrate. Some student busy for practicing there talents show for the coming day. We are 7 Knights of Saint Agustin and 9 High acolytes. After our mass we picture taking with us and have little snacks and then go home and take a rest. Starting making story about anything what happened during that day. Fr. Jonas the main celebrant of the mass and some Augustinian friars. After our mass I going home and stayed there on whole afternoon. During the night the aspirant go back to school campus to witness the show. There is disco, singing and dancing. At passed of ten in the evening the aspirant going home, tiredly and look sleepy. Every one tired and when the morning comes for wake every body still in bed. The bell rung and some are still sleeping. On august 28, Saturday we have other activities in all college Department and the same, no ROTC, and CWTS. On the morning schedule there is Mr. and Miss. Intramurals USA 2009-2010. There are 8 contestants with pair of. The department which is won for the Mr. and Miss intramurals , the Department of CBAA for Miss Intramurals and for Mr. intramurals the  College of Nursing. Activities followed by MTV live, dance port (Latin, American) singing contest, (classic, pop, duet) declamation (Pilipino, English), oration, Then there is Sports game, the basketball and followed by the Cheering. Everything in school activities is interesting. And it develops our talents in terms in speaking and answering questions to improves our abilities in which we to engage or to participate.

Every Augustinian student happy and the celebration are going on. We are the Augustinian! AGUSTINO AKO!