Testimonies

I´m Raymun C. Sotto, a deacon from the Archdiocese of Palo. I would like to thank the STF for the unlimited generosity and support extended to us in our studies here in the University of Navarre (Pamplona, Spain). Last June of 2011, I have just finished my four year study of Sacred Theology in the said institution and now I am starting to take another phase in this academic world taking up licenciate in Canon Law. My four years of formation in Spain were full of realizations, deepening and strengthening one´s faith and most especially I learn to be more grateful to the vocation I received. A spanish quotation says :¨Dar gracias a dios por lo que se tiene, allí comienza el arte de vivir.¨

Every Sunday, I go to a Little town of Pamlona, named Stella where I give Catechism classes. It is a parish based Sunday Bible lecture with the youth in the said parish. We also attend Holy Mass as Choir and also during that day we practice the songs that are to be sung in the Eucharistic celebration. The Parish Priest is Don David Galarza and the Parish is San Miguel. During summer vacations I teach english class in Córdoba (Almodovar del río) to some youngsters from different regions and provinces of Spain.

Dear Fr Cardenas,

Greetings of peace to our fellow workers in the Vineyard of the Lord!

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude and sincerest appreciation to the people working behind the Theological Centrum's DOCUMENTATION SERVICE for dedicating the March 2008 issue of your publication on the timely topic on the issue on the morality of human organ donation.

By your work, you have contributed immensely on the vocation of evangelization of the people of God. Your publication will greatly help people in the medical field to realize the ethical and moral stand of our Church on the hotly debated issue.

I commend you to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus that you may be blessed and inspired always in your devout commitment and service to the Church and its mission. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide your efforts of fruitful service and may men of character and vocation join your mission of faith. God bless!

Sincerely,

+JOSE F. OLIVEROS

Bishop - Diocese of Malolos

Dearest Friends,

My warm greetings to all:
Here is a picture of Pope Benedict XVI’s Holy Mass on Pentecost Sunday where I served as one of the servers. It was indeed an unforgettable experience being with the Holy Father. I am very happy to share this with you. Pray for the Holy Father, and pray also for me especially for my coming ordination. Thank you very much. May God bless you.

--Seminarian Manuel Manggao of the diocese of San Pablo, Laguna,
a graduate of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross.

Greetings!

It has been some days since we started the Academic Year. The Grand Chancellor, Bishop Javier Echevarria, opened the year with a formal ceremony we had in the new Aula Giovanni Paolo II. There were the professors in their colorful toga and some dignitaries with us.

I’m now in the licentiate program of Canon Law. Three years in the program seem to be a daunting task in the Faculty. We are about thirty in the class.

I send my warmest regards and prayers to the rest of the benefactors.

--Philippe Gallanosa, of the diocese of Sorsogon,
a student of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross.

Greetings from Rome!

I have been out of Italy on the whole month of September doing my pastoral work with the homeless in London. I have good news to share with you. Finally, with God’s grace, my deaconate ordination will be on October 21, 2006, at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, Rome. I will be ordained with my classmates from Cameroon and Uganda. The bishop who will ordain us is the new president of the Pontifical Academy, Msgr. Justo Mullor. I am assured of your prayers. My retreat that will start today. It is really God’s gift. My greetings to all the benefactors. Thank you very much for all the help and prayers.

--Rev. Expedito Torevillas, of the Archdiocese of Cebu,
a student of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross.