July 1, 2024, the Rogate Family communally commemorated the Feast of July the 1st at Rogationist College - Silang. As part of the Triennium of Preparation for the 50th Year of Presence in the Philippines, the communal commemoration also marked the conclusion of the 50 hours Province-wide Eucharistic Adoration that began on June 29. Eucharistic Adoration, Holy Mass, and Fraternal Recreation highlighted the gathering.

The Eucharistic Adoration began at 8:00 in the morning held at the Auditorium of the Rogationist College – Silang to cater the number of people who gathered and prayed. Fr’s Ed Fernandez, John Francis Aberion and Joel Ricafranca shared their reflections during the three moments of the Adoration each according to given topics.

The celebration of the Holy Mass followed at 11:00 and was presided by Rev. Fr. Ronaldo Paulino.  In his homily he highlighted the importance of encounter, remaining and sending forth. As echoes of the Rogationist Spirituality, we are called to be sent forth in the mission and we must serve as a living witness to the Rogate, most especially in remaining in faithful and joyful observance amidst the many hardships of life. Thus, Christ ought to be the driving force of the Rogationist mission and in Him, be steadfast and joyful.

A simple agape was held at the canteen after the liturgical gathering. Time was also spent in the afternoon for Fraternal Recreation, fostering a sense of brotherhood among religious.

It is safe to say that at the core, the Rogationist presence in the Philippines and as well as in the different communities of the St. Matthew Province can be traced to its roots in the Feast of July the 1st celebrated by Fr. Hannibal Mary in the Avignone Quarters, in as much as the Eucharistic Jesus is the “the true and real Founder of the Daughters of Divine Zeal and Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus.”

Send, O Lord, Holy Apostles into Your Church!