Sons and Seminarians were renovating the Fr. Jean Emile Anizan Formation House after a long period of time that this house left unimproved amidst the hottest temperature. The construction renovation was done with the help of three skilled workers, Sons professed brothers, and Seminarians. It was a joy for each one of us working in our own formation house. The work was tiring yet very fulfilling and successful when we see the positive results of our labor. Each one too is happy to live in this new renovated formation house especially our seminarians as the new formation and academic school year begun.

It is indeed a very significant moment for us to begin in this renovated house the new step of formation for our seven postulants accompanied by Father Gaby.

Our brother Jhonas K. Enopia was ordained priests by   Bishop Antonio R.  Tobias of Novaliches. It was a moment of joy and of thanksgiving to God. We took that opportunity to get together with Jhonas’ family our benefactors, friends and parishioners to share our joy and thank the Lord for that wonderful gift given to all.

After the ordination in Manila, all the Sons and future Sons went to Jhonas’ province to attend his first mass.  This thanksgiving celebration was marvelous with the family, the parishioners and friends to thank the Lord for the gift of the priesthood. 

The first generations of Filipino Sons of Charity are going along well, followed by a new group of postulants. This year, in 2009, two new scholastics (Richard and Ramil) are beginning their second year of scholasticate, a third one (Jhonas) who is ending his formation years will take his perpetual vows and will be ordained a deacon at the end of April. All of them, each one given his own situation, do pastoral work in Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary parish in the popular “Veterans” neighborhood, together with two other Sons of Charity, Alvin and Gaby.

Four postulants are studying and live in the Laura-Villa Beatriz squatter area, accompanied by Jean-Jacques. Arnel and Daniel also work in that neighborhood.

Daniel writes about some of the activities of the Christian community of Laura:

 “We are going on with our health program, with our neighborhood pharmacy and a little dispensary (about 3000 consultations a year). Some 30 professionals or volunteers help in the center.

 This year, with the food crisis and the rise of the prices of cereals, that seriously affects the poorest families; we have decided to open in our parish a small cooperative that sells at reduced price (about half price) rice imported from Vietnam by the government.”