It was 10 degrees outside and drizzling, but once we entered the simple structure past a clean but well kept facade, we felt right at home. We were at the Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome.
It’s a two hectare property about four kilometers away from the Vatican. Along the prime strip of Via Aurelia.
It was March 14 2013, a day after cardinals elected the Catholic church’s 266th’s pope.
Argentinian Cardinal Jose Bergoglio, first Latin American pope, a humble inspiring spiritual leader who is seen to shake up some of the rigid walls of the catholic beliefs.
I was there with three other team members assigned to cover the conclave. A few days before his selection, the possibility of an Asian pope — maybe even a Filipino pope was being discussed.
So we decided to give a Collegio a visit. Ask our Filipino priests stationed there how they feel about the new Pope.
We chanced upon Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu Ricardo Cardinal Vidal who was just on his way to the kitchen when I introduced myself. He was gracious enough to grant us an interview that was more like an easy relaxing chat.
We also got to speak with the Collegio Rector Fr. Gregory Gaston. But more than talking about the new pope, we discovered more about the Collegio.
We were given a tour by Fr. Greg. We were briefed of its amazing history and showed photo albums from several decades past including Saint Pope John XXIII inauguration of the structure in 1961.
Not many Filipino Catholics know that the Philippine archdiocese maintains this seminary residence in Rome. The Pontificio Collegio Filippino is the "Home in Rome" of Filipino secular diocesan priests, carefully chosen and formally sent by their respective bishops to pursue further studies in the different ecclesiastical centers in Rome.
The 70-room building is one of the largest Philippine socio-cultural-religious entities abroad. It is a landmark for pilgrims from the Philippines, Europe and America. It also provides a spiritual and physical presence for the Philippine Church in Rome.
They even allow lay people visiting Rome to stay in their rooms for a fraction of the cost of Italian hotels, depending on availability.
More than its practical and cultural significance, the Collegio serves an important role for a Philippine Church that is in constant need of new priests.
The Philippines is the third largest Catholic nation in the world next only to Brazil and Mexico. With over 75 million Catholics in the country today, the Church needs more priests in order to effectively reach out and serve every member of the Faithful. The need for new priests also necessitates that seminaries must be ready and equipped to properly guide seminarians along their spiritual journey.
Ideally, seminaries should have at least two priests who have attained their Licentiate or Doctoral degrees in Theology, Philosophy, Canon Law or in other Ecclesiastical fields. To achieve this, Philippine archdioceses send priests to Rome to pursue further studies in well-renowned Pontifical Universities in Italy. The Collegio houses these priests as they complete their education in Rome, providing them with a family-like atmosphere while away from home.
In the course of over 50 years, the Collegio has seen many of its priests return to their local dioceses as either seminary formators, professors, members of the Diocesan Curia, or in other specialized ministries such as the mass media or school systems. Some 50 alumni have been named bishops, including all four Filipino Papal Nuncios who serve as the Holy Father's Ambassadors worldwide.
According to the Collegio, the Philippines has a ratio of one priest for every 9,500 Catholics. It is not only in the Philippines where the Catholic church feels the need for more priests but all over the world.
The Pontificio Collegio Filippino has kept its doors open for the ecclesiastical formation of the clergy, and would like to do so for years to come.
But it is currently facing financial challenges that threaten its operations. These are mainly due to: Decreasing Scholarship funding from Germany and Italy, Dwindling Donations from European benefactors and the Urgent need to renovate and make conditions liveable and safe once again.
This is an excerpt from the Collegio’s brochure as sent by Fr. Greg to be via email.
"Since its inauguration in 1959, years have taken a toll on the institution that is now in a deteriorating state. According to Fr. Gaston, facilities such as pipelines and heating system need upgrading, and dilapidated walls and cracked floors also need renovation. He added that the high construction cost in Europe is a major concern. For the most part, Collegio gets its subsidy from lodging fees of the residents and donation of guests, only sufficient for its daily operations.
A home, not only to Filipino priests but, to every Catholic Filipino, the institution is in need of love and support. "
Thinking of this homey simple structure housing our friendly scholarly priests in a state of disrepair urged me to write this article. If you ever are in Rome, do look up the Collegio. I urge you to visit it. To meet our friendly priests and the Filipino staff. I remember how happy we were after we had tocino, sunny side up egg and fried rice after days and days of wine and Italian food.
Contributions can be made through the branches and online banking facilities of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Banco de Oro, and Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank).
Mobile subscribers can also contribute through their mobile devices. Smart and Sun subscribers can type PCFAMOUNT and send to 4483 to remit a maximum of P1,000 per donation. Globe and TM subscribers can dial *143#, choose GCash, select “More” in the menu, choose “Donate” and select Pontificio Collegio Filippino Foundation.
Donations through MasterCard and Visa credit cards are also available online. For more information on the Collegio and on details on how you can send your support, please visit the Collegio website at www.pcfroma.org.
Isang Tugon is supported by BPI, BDO, Metrobank, Metrobank Card, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, GMA Network Group, Robinsons Movieworld, Ayala Malls Cinemas, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Malaya Business Insight, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, Investor Relations Global, ADsystems International, and First Metro Investment Corporation.
For inquiries, please contact:
MARIE TUPRIO
c/o First Metro Investment Corporation
Tel: +63.2.8587951
http://asianjournalusa.com/the-pontificio-p3670-144.htm
It’s a two hectare property about four kilometers away from the Vatican. Along the prime strip of Via Aurelia.
It was March 14 2013, a day after cardinals elected the Catholic church’s 266th’s pope.
Argentinian Cardinal Jose Bergoglio, first Latin American pope, a humble inspiring spiritual leader who is seen to shake up some of the rigid walls of the catholic beliefs.
I was there with three other team members assigned to cover the conclave. A few days before his selection, the possibility of an Asian pope — maybe even a Filipino pope was being discussed.
So we decided to give a Collegio a visit. Ask our Filipino priests stationed there how they feel about the new Pope.We chanced upon Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu Ricardo Cardinal Vidal who was just on his way to the kitchen when I introduced myself. He was gracious enough to grant us an interview that was more like an easy relaxing chat.
We also got to speak with the Collegio Rector Fr. Gregory Gaston. But more than talking about the new pope, we discovered more about the Collegio.
We were given a tour by Fr. Greg. We were briefed of its amazing history and showed photo albums from several decades past including Saint Pope John XXIII inauguration of the structure in 1961.
Not many Filipino Catholics know that the Philippine archdiocese maintains this seminary residence in Rome. The Pontificio Collegio Filippino is the "Home in Rome" of Filipino secular diocesan priests, carefully chosen and formally sent by their respective bishops to pursue further studies in the different ecclesiastical centers in Rome.
The 70-room building is one of the largest Philippine socio-cultural-religious entities abroad. It is a landmark for pilgrims from the Philippines, Europe and America. It also provides a spiritual and physical presence for the Philippine Church in Rome.
They even allow lay people visiting Rome to stay in their rooms for a fraction of the cost of Italian hotels, depending on availability.
More than its practical and cultural significance, the Collegio serves an important role for a Philippine Church that is in constant need of new priests.
The Philippines is the third largest Catholic nation in the world next only to Brazil and Mexico. With over 75 million Catholics in the country today, the Church needs more priests in order to effectively reach out and serve every member of the Faithful. The need for new priests also necessitates that seminaries must be ready and equipped to properly guide seminarians along their spiritual journey.
Ideally, seminaries should have at least two priests who have attained their Licentiate or Doctoral degrees in Theology, Philosophy, Canon Law or in other Ecclesiastical fields. To achieve this, Philippine archdioceses send priests to Rome to pursue further studies in well-renowned Pontifical Universities in Italy. The Collegio houses these priests as they complete their education in Rome, providing them with a family-like atmosphere while away from home.
In the course of over 50 years, the Collegio has seen many of its priests return to their local dioceses as either seminary formators, professors, members of the Diocesan Curia, or in other specialized ministries such as the mass media or school systems. Some 50 alumni have been named bishops, including all four Filipino Papal Nuncios who serve as the Holy Father's Ambassadors worldwide.According to the Collegio, the Philippines has a ratio of one priest for every 9,500 Catholics. It is not only in the Philippines where the Catholic church feels the need for more priests but all over the world.
The Pontificio Collegio Filippino has kept its doors open for the ecclesiastical formation of the clergy, and would like to do so for years to come.
But it is currently facing financial challenges that threaten its operations. These are mainly due to: Decreasing Scholarship funding from Germany and Italy, Dwindling Donations from European benefactors and the Urgent need to renovate and make conditions liveable and safe once again.
This is an excerpt from the Collegio’s brochure as sent by Fr. Greg to be via email."Since its inauguration in 1959, years have taken a toll on the institution that is now in a deteriorating state. According to Fr. Gaston, facilities such as pipelines and heating system need upgrading, and dilapidated walls and cracked floors also need renovation. He added that the high construction cost in Europe is a major concern. For the most part, Collegio gets its subsidy from lodging fees of the residents and donation of guests, only sufficient for its daily operations.
A home, not only to Filipino priests but, to every Catholic Filipino, the institution is in need of love and support. "
Thinking of this homey simple structure housing our friendly scholarly priests in a state of disrepair urged me to write this article. If you ever are in Rome, do look up the Collegio. I urge you to visit it. To meet our friendly priests and the Filipino staff. I remember how happy we were after we had tocino, sunny side up egg and fried rice after days and days of wine and Italian food.
Contributions can be made through the branches and online banking facilities of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Banco de Oro, and Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank).
Mobile subscribers can also contribute through their mobile devices. Smart and Sun subscribers can type PCF
Donations through MasterCard and Visa credit cards are also available online. For more information on the Collegio and on details on how you can send your support, please visit the Collegio website at www.pcfroma.org.
Isang Tugon is supported by BPI, BDO, Metrobank, Metrobank Card, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, GMA Network Group, Robinsons Movieworld, Ayala Malls Cinemas, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Malaya Business Insight, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, Investor Relations Global, ADsystems International, and First Metro Investment Corporation.
For inquiries, please contact:
MARIE TUPRIO
c/o First Metro Investment Corporation
Tel: +63.2.8587951
http://asianjournalusa.com/the-pontificio-p3670-144.htm
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