THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE AUGUSTINIAN NOVITIATE AND PRAYER HOUSE

FORMERLY APAN UPDATES I VOLUME VI NO. 1

COMMUNITY FRIARS

THE NOVICES

CANONICAL YEAR 2024-2025

MESSAGES

NOVICE MASTER

REV. FR. DIPI. OSA

Greetings and salutations to all those who read our newsletter,

The Augustinian Novitiate and Prayer House known as ANPH, is a superb place where two great continents converge under the novitiate formation program organized and unified by the Augustinian Major Superiors from Asia and Australia also known as OSAAP (Order of Saint Augustine in the Asia Pacific). Under the gentle care of OSAAP the house is running a program called APAN or Asia Pacific Augustinian Novitiate.

ANPH as a holder of the umbrella of APAN is a beautiful and fitting place where the young novices from Asia and Australia come to meet and to emerge in working for the City of God under the fold of OSAAP. The novices of this canonical year (2024 to 2025), following the vision of our Holy Father Pope Francis to support our ecological systems, our official newsletter called The Kintsuban are publishing it in digital form.

I would like to express my congratulations to our novices, the gifts of God to our Order for the Jubilee year 2025, for your outstanding work. I hope our readers will embrace and support this new change of our newsletter. God bless you and our readers.

Dear readers, please keep all of us in your prayers!

Digitally yours

Fr.Dipi, OSA

Dear Novices,

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you for your inspiring initiative of launching the first newsletter in digital form. This step is not only a creative way to showcase your life and experiences, but also a profound means through which you will be able to spread the fragrance of Christ to all those who read it. It serves as a beautiful reflection of your commitment to share Christ’s love and truth in a world that thirsts for it.

In bringing this newsletter to life, you are also manifesting the rich and profound Augustinian spirituality. As Our Holy Father St. Augustine says, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” Through your words, actions, and reflections, you are echoing this eternal truth—bringing your own restlessness, your search for God, into the light for others to witness and be inspired by. In doing so, you are helping to lead others closer to the heart of God, the only place where true peace can be found.

With blessings and prayers.

REGIONAL VICAR

VICARIATE OF OUR LADY OF GRACE, INDIA

REV. FR. WILSON, OSA

Greetings!

First of all, my sincere congratulations on the publication of the first issue of the digital edition of The Kintsuban. This is indeed a significant milestone in your life as novices. It is a testament to your dedication as you undergo this important stage of your formation into religious life. I have no doubt it will also help you deepen your thoughts and reflections on the meaning and importance of this stage in your formation.

Moreover, aside from offering you a venue to express your thoughts and reflections, this publication also becomes a channel for you to share them with others. As this will reach readers from other circumscriptions, it will be tangible proof that the Asia-Pacific Augustinian Novitiate (APAN) Program, conceived eight years ago, is still flourishing and continues to form novices for the growth of the Order of St. Augustine and the Church in the Asia-Pacific region. This is one way of keeping and spreading the Augustinian legacy in this part of the world.

Keep it up! And once again, congratulations!

PRIOR OF THE HOUSE

REV. FR. ELIAS JEROME, OSA

ARTICLES

Eight Novices Embark on Journey

On July 7, 2024, eight novices officially began their year-long novitiate formation at the Augustinian Novitiate and Prayer House in Mohon, Talisay City, Cebu. The investiture of the Augustinian habit was held during morning prayer (Lauds) at the oratory. This event also marked the installation of Rev. Fr. Elias Jerome P. Mesina, OSA, as house prior of the new APAN community friars, signifying a fresh start for all.

The ceremony, brimming with hope and anticipation, was presided over by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA, Provincial Prior of the Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu-Philippines. He was joined by Fr. Nestor B. Bandalan Jr., OSA Provincial Secretary, and Fr. Albert Benedict B. Soliman, OSA Provincial Liturgist. Fr. Mesina who is also part of the formation team, addressed the novices, urging them to remain steadfast in their commitment to Augustinian religious life.

The eight novices represent a diverse range of provinces: four from the Province of Santo Niño de Cebu-Philippines, three from the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus-Philippines, and one from the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel-Australia. Their formation is guided by Fr. Dipi Katthathara, OSA (Novice Master, Vicariate of Our Lady of Grace), assisted by Fr. Jasper V. Valmores, OSA of the Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu-Philippines.

Tony Meets the Novices

The ANPH Community welcomed Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Banks, OSA, Assistant General of the Order of Saint Augustine. His three-day visit–on the 24th to 26th of July–was not only a chance to meet the new novices, but also an opportunity to share valuable insights about novitiate life and address concerns within the Church.

Fr. Tony engaged the novices in discussions about the transformative experience of novitiate life. He underscored the importance of the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Delving into the ultimate purpose of each vow, he emphasized how the order shaped the spiritual journey and communal life of every member. Especially the protection of vulnerable individuals, he highlighted the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment within the religious community and the Church. Protecting the dignity of every person is paramount in the life of the Church. The session was engaging and reflective, encouraging novices to reflect on their personal commitment to these vows.

The visit of Fr. Tony served not only as an important milestone for the novices but also as a powerful reminder of the Order of Saint Augustine’s commitment to fostering growth and safeguarding the dignity of every individual. As the new canonical year unfolds, the novices geared up to embrace their calling with a deepened understanding of their responsibilities and a strong sense of community.

ANPH AgustinOlympics

In preparation for the feast of St. Monica and the solemnity of our Holy Father St. Augustine, the ANPH Community organized a vibrant three-day event, the AgustinOlympics, from the 22nd to 24th of August, each day from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. This gathering aimed to foster camaraderie among friars, novices, and seminary workers through a variety of fun-filled games and sports. The festivities kicked off on the first day with a ceremonial lighting of the Olympic cauldron, performed by dedicated Novitiate Staff, Kuya Tisoy and Ate Emma, at the basketball court. Their symbolic act ignited the spirit of the Olympics and set the tone for a day of celebration.

Following this inspiring moment, Rev. Fr. Elias Jerome P. Mesina, OSA, the House Prior, delivered a heartfelt welcome remarks to officially start the event. His words encouraged participation and highlighted the importance of unity and friendship within the community.

The day and the rest of the days continued with an energetic Zumba warm-up, which had everyone dancing and laughing, creating an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and joy. Participants then engaged in a series of games and sports that transformed the basketball court and multipurpose hall into a lively zone, filled with laughter and cheers. The sense of community was palpable as everyone came together to compete in good spirits, forging bonds and memories.

The awarding of the winners for each game and sport took place on the 27th during the community celebration of the feast of St. Monica, held in the community refectory. Everyone shared in a simple yet delicious boodle fight lunch, prepared by the workers and novices, fostering a spirit of fellowship. The AgustinOlympics not only honored the Augustinian legacy but also strengthened the bonds among friars, novices, and seminary workers, reinforcing the values of friendship, teamwork, and joy within the ANPH community.

ANPH Community Joins Provincialate Community's Vespers
on the Feast of St. Monica

On August 27, 2024, the community of Augustinian Novitiate and Prayer House (ANPH) joined the Provincialate Community on the occasion of the feast of St. Monica, mother of St. Augustine. The event started at 6:00 in the evening with a vespers held in Aula Magna of the Sto. Niňo Pilgrim Center.

Also present during the event were the different Augustinian Families within Cebu; representatives of Order of Augustinian Discalced, Augustinian Sisters of Divine Love, Augustinian Recollect Sisters, Augustinian Sisters of our Lady of Consolation, Sisters of our Lady of Sorrows Servants of Mary of Pisa, and the staff of the Provincialate community.

Everyone enjoyed the night with a delightful dinner while each community sang their choice of song. The novices also performed a short interpretative dance. It eloquently depicted Augustine’s struggle with worldly allurements, his eventual turning towards God, and the transformative power of a mother’s persistent intercession.

This joyful fellowship and shared celebration transcended the boundaries of a single community, becoming a vibrant tapestry woven from the diverse threads of Augustinian family in Cebu that mirrors the communal life at the heart of Augustinian spirituality,

The Solemnity of Our Holy Father Saint Augustine

On August 28, 2024, the solemnity of our Holy Father Saint Augustine, the friars and novices of the Augustinian Novitiate and Prayer House Community participated in the annual joint celebration of the Augustinian Communities in Cebu at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu. The mass was presided over by the Prior Provincial of the Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu, Very Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA, under the theme, “Saint Augustine: Lover of the Spiritual Life.”

In his homily, Fr. Batayola emphasized the essential elements of Augustinian life, highlighting non-negotiable acts such as prayer, the Eucharist, and communal meals. He noted that these practices are vital for spiritual growth. To achieve personal and communal holiness, he underscored the importance of prayer in community life, stating, “Common life without common prayer could not be common life,” ( Constitution V.86) which reinforced the necessity of shared spiritual practices. He also addressed the significance of devotional practices, describing them as essential means to nurture one’s spiritual life, provided they adhere to the norms of the Church and the traditions of the Augustinian Order.

Furthermore, Fr. Batayola challenged the community, as servants of the Church, to reflect on how they are responding to the call to perform both corporal and spiritual works of mercy. He asserted, “A spiritual person is seen not only in the prayer rooms or places of worship but also seen in the ground, in the peripheries, doing the work of evangelist, fulfilling their ministry, or laying down their life for the sheep.” He encouraged everyone to attend to the needs of the homeless, the hungry, the vulnerable, and the strangers, stating that these acts are integral to nurturing and advancing our spiritual lives and holiness. He concluded by reminding the community that not only do our brothers and sisters in the community and the Church help us grow spiritually, but also those who are marginalized and neglected in society. Engaging with these individuals can transform us into more compassionate human beings and spiritual beings, following the example of Saint Augustine.

Following the mass, the community gathered for a festive lunch at the Basilica Convent. This gathering provided an opportunity for novices to meet some Augustinian friars. It was a chance for fellowship, sharing experiences, and deepening bonds within the Augustinian family, reinforcing the communal aspect of their spiritual journey. The celebration not only honored Saint Augustine but also served as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to live out his teachings in everyday life.

New Mohon Parish Priest Installed

The Sto. Niño de Cebu Parish in Lower Mohon, City of Talisay, celebrated a significant milestone on September 3, 2024, with the installation of Rev. Fr. Roy D. Aspera, OSA, as its new parish priest. The ceremony was presided over by the Cebu Archbishop, Most. Rev. Jose S. Palma, D.D. at 10:00 in the morning. The event was attended by the Augustinian Friars of the Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu, several Diocesan priests, and local parishioners and devotees.

During his homily, Archbishop Palma emphasized the importance of unity and service within the Church. He encouraged the congregation by stating that each of us can provide our part and share to contribute to the growth of our parish community. His message resonated with the attendees, highlighting the role of every individual in fostering a supportive and active parish community.

The installation of Fr. Aspera marks an important chapter for the Sto. Niño de Cebu Parish, uniquely administered by the Order of Saint Augustine of the Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu-Philippines. Fr. Aspera’s commitment to serving the community inspires both the local parishioners and the novices present at the event. Their involvement in such a significant event reflects the ongoing commitment of the Order to serve whenever and whatever Church needs us.

Novices Deepen Their Spiritual Journey Through Recollections

The Augustinian novices have embarked on a transformative spiritual journey, participating in two significant recollections focused on the themes of freedom and love. These events, held under the guidance of esteemed recollection masters, were pivotal in shaping their understanding of Augustine’s teachings.

On August 13, 2024, the novices gathered with Rev. Fr. Dipi, their novice master, for their first recollection since entering the novitiate. Led by Fr. Anacleto Morales III, OSA, the session centered on the theme “Augustine on Freedom.” Fr. Morales elucidated the concepts of freedom, free will, and grace, offering the novices a profound comprehension of Augustine’s philosophy.

Rev. Fr. Morales explained that, according to Augustine, true freedom is the ability to choose what is good. He distinguished between free will, which is essential for exercising freedom, and the corrupted state of human will due to sin, which necessitates divine grace for achieving genuine freedom. The session concluded with the sacrament of Confession, allowing the novices to reflect on their spiritual growth and seek reconciliation.

Building on the insights gained in August, the novices reconvened on September 16, 2024, for a recollection led by Fr. Keith Lawrence Ermac, OSA, focusing on the theme “Augustine on Love.” Rev. Fr. Ermac emphasized the vital role of love in daily life, drawing from Augustine’s exploration of this fundamental virtue.

During the session, Fr. Ermac highlighted that love is the driving force of the soul and essential for life. He introduced the four objects of love that individuals should aspire to: God, our neighbors, ourselves, and our bodies. The primacy of loving God was underscored, as this love naturally extends to the love of our neighbors, demonstrating that love must be realized through action.

These recollections have provided the novices with invaluable insights into Augustinian values, deepening their understanding of freedom and love as essential components of their spiritual formation. As they reflect on these teachings, the novices are better equipped to embody the principles of their faith in their daily lives and future ministry.

The Order has been supporting these young men on their path to becoming dedicated servants of God, fostering an environment of growth, reflection, and spiritual enrichment especially in the doctrine of our spiritual founder and guide.