Visit by Superior General and Provincial of North America

 We were pleased to welcome Michel Gerard, Superior General of the Eudists, and Raymond Vaillancourt, Provincial of North America, for a visit to our community in Tagaytay. This was Raymond’s first visit to the Philippines. It was the first visit by Michel since we established our community here; he made a previous visit in March 2004 in view of our eventual arrival. They arrived together on January 16, 2007.

 After retrieving them at the airport, we brought them to our home in Tagaytay. This would be their home also for the next eight days. They were quite impressed with our house and spent the rest of the day relaxing and trying to overcome “jet lag.”

 During the time they spent with us, we visited several Good Shepherd convents. Their first Mass celebrated here was with the Contemplatives of the Good Shepherd. It was followed by breakfast and time to become better acquainted.

We also visited Bukid Katabataan, a home for abused children run by the Good Shepherd Sisters.

 We took some time to visit the community of Bahay Pastulan, a work center that provides job and formation for women and men. They make some very popular products which are bought by the weekend tourists in Tagaytay, including ube jam, buko pie, and variety of other local products. We tasted some delicious samples.

 We made several visits to Maryridge for Mass and other events. One such event was the birthday and despedida (send off) for Amadeo.

Likewise, he enjoyed a great send off from the parishioners in Alfonso where he offered weekend ministry for the last 10 months. (see picture) While in Alfonso for the parish anniversary, Michel and Raymond experienced a fiesta and even learned the dance that is typical for such an occasion.

 We spent a day in Manila where we visited the Little Sisters of the Poor. We also stopped at Welcome House, a drop-in crisis center run by the Good Shepherd Sisters. We visited the Provincial House of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Quezon City.

While there, we also picked up our “potential candidate” Edwin Ocho who spent the weekend with us.

Raymond took the opportunity to get to know him.

 In Tagaytay, we had the opportunity to visit some of the many local convents and retreat centers. Our visitors quickly discovered why Tagaytay is called the “little Vatican.” By some estimates, which vary widely, there are more than 70 religious houses here. We also had the opportunity to visit the Focolare community, a lay movement which has a major compound in Tagaytay. (see picture) one of the Focolarinas, Revi, has been our Tagalog teacher.

 We took our visitors to Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol, the major seminary of the diocese of Imus where we minister. While there we had a meeting with Bishop Chito Tagle. Our visitors had a chance to meet many of the seminarians who were eager to share their experiences. The seminarians also celebrated Amadeo’s birthday and despedida. (see picture)

We also visited the SVD School of Theology where the students from the several seminaries in Tagaytay take their classes. We also visited PIME seminary where Ron and Amadeo lived for three months before we bought our house.

 We spent a day visiting Imus where we visited the cathedral and diocesan offices. We also visited Our Lady of the Pillar Seminary, the college seminary of the diocese where we also minister. We met some of the seminarians and the priests who work there.

On their last full day in the Philippines, we took our visitors to St. Brigid’s School in Batangas, the first foundation of the Good Shepherd Sisters in the Philippines. The theatre arts department has produced a play on the life of St. John Eudes. It is a musical production written and directed by the arts director of the school. Our guests were able to see a dress rehearsal. They gave the production high marks. They especially noted the costumes, music, choreography and acting.

The evening finished with a delicious dinner with the Sisters.

Throughout the 8 days they were with us, our visitors enjoyed some of the best weather Tagaytay has to offer – beautiful sun and gentle breezes every day. They clearly enjoyed the spectacular view of Lake Taal and its volcano. We viewed it from Maryridge, various restaurants and People’s Park. They never tired of the natural beauty the area has to offer.

As you can see, we packed a lot into those eight days they were with us. Michel and Raymond were tired when they left but also very pleased to experience the hospitality of the Philippines and see what we have accomplished in the short time we have been here.

We welcome any of our Eudist confreres, our associates and friends to visit us. We would be happy to introduce you to the Philippines and show you the work we are doing here.

Mabuhay sa Pilipinas!

Ron Bagley