SSPX News Archive Philippines Photo Album St. Bernard Novitiate, Iloilo August 2003 Of course the Noviciate is not just to form Brothers in the 'Labora' of St. Benedict's motto but also and above all the 'Ora', and to invite others also to join in their prayer. In order to invite our neighbours it was suggested to erect a statue of St. Bernard at the entrance of the Noviciate as of yet there was little visible sign that the institution was a religious one or Catholic. Fr. Couture thought the Sacred Heart would be more appealing to all Catholics and that St. Bernard wouldn't be generally known round about. So the Sacred Heart it was to be and an artisan was found who crafted this image of the Sacred Heart directly in concrete without a mould. It is seven feet high on a four foot pedestal so is quite visible at some distance. The artisan had done other works in the local church of Santa Barbara, as well as the city. This statue seems to be one of his best works. Another view of the statue from another angle. The statue was not finished in time for Fr. Couture's visit in May and so it was planned to have the solemn blessing and enthronement on the Feast of the Ascension on the 29th of May, however the whole week was rain (our first typhoon of the season) that it was not likely that anyone could come. So preparations were made to have the Enthronement on the Feast of the Sacred Heart, 27 June. The Procession up the driveway towards the main entrance from the chapel, with some of the faithful following. Some of the 70 people mostly neighbours who came for the afternoon Enthronement. About ten came as well from the chapel in Jaro, Iloilo City. After Fr. Gerspacher gave a few words of introduction about the ceremony and its importance, before the actual ceremony, Fr. E. Suelo, our resident Ilongo speaking priest gave a sermon in Ilongo for the benefit of the neighbours and the work crew who also took part and time off from the earth moving and road building. July 16th could not pass without the Third Order Carmelites making a special function with its local members. They have been together for some time meeting every month or weekly for prayers and as support to each other in the apostolate of prayer. This meeting took place at St. Bernard Noviciate. Just to change from spiritual subjects to some farm yard news, here is a flock of ducks some 15 altogether, and 2 geese. 4 ducks were sold to the Carmelites Third Order for their function which still left us with a sizeable flock since a couple of the ducks were sitting on eggs. However, our security problems have now switched to the farm animals. It is not uncommon for a Carabao to be rustled, and big money is demanded for its return. I hadn't heard of 'cow-napping' before but there is always something to learn in the Philippines. Thankfully our carabao was left in peace but not so a number of the other animals. So to count it all, there was the turkey in the shed, 4 white ducks, 3 billy goats, 2 honking geese and an old red rooster in a palm tree. The thieves came during the last typhoon and not only us but many other neighbours were also relieved of their chickens etc. In our guard's defense it must be pointed out that the thieves came in a group of ten, and well armed, or so we will assume judging from the last episode with our Brother. It seems we will have to get used to being routinely robbed hoping that it is not of someone's life. We welcome any interested Brother candidates who are looking for a house of formation a little more exciting than inner city life. It is hoped the Brothers here will be well prepared for anything that their Superiors can throw at them. God bless and keep us in your prayers. Our thanks to the past benefactors who have helped us stay alive. There never seems an easy solution to the problems here so we ask you not to forget us in your generosity.   back to Photo Album Contents