The Triple “S” of being APC-Friends of the Divine Master

The APC-FDM must have the triple “S” in her apostolate. First “S” for “Sarili” or Self, the second “S” is for “Sakripisyo” or Sacrifice and the third “S” for “Saya” – joy.

The Triple S was used as acronym by Fr. Ramil Tapang, SSP our retreat master of the Association of Pauline Cooperators-Friends of the Divine Master (APC-FDM) for its 2018 annual retreat. He shared it to the participants during the Sunday’s Holy Mass to formally close the three (3) days retreat that started on September 21-23 at Bamboo Crest Dasag, Samal IGACOS. He reiterated that as APC we must remember our “Mark” that describes us and enables easy identification with other lay people organizations or associations. Giving of self to the apostolate requires not just ten (10) twenty five (25) or fifty (50) percentage of our self; it requires the whooping One Hundred (100) percentages. It means giving everything of you. In the process of giving self comes along “sacrifices”. Doing God’s will of serving our brothers and sisters does not make us immune to problems in life – the truth are the problems are too many than the average BUT the best thing is with God’s grace all problems was overcome with deep trust in God, in all His provisions and with that happiness comes. Serve with gladness to the Lord through what you have done to the least of our brothers and sisters.

It has been a practice of the APC’s to have annual retreats in “silence” but this year is different. FDM Sister Formator Sr. Eunice Montera, Pddm had allowed Fr. Ramil (fresh from attending a liturgy convention) to take the group into another experience. The usual lauds and vespers are present but the inputs on the presentations are interactive, the ways of exacting all members experience are subtle. We watched movies then group reactions was heard and shared together with Fr. Ramil’s insight of our output. He succeeded in not making us fall to sleep while the inputs are going on, what with the playing and singing of meaningful songs to emphasize the message, repeat the words he wants us to speak for emphasis, varying pitch – pang “FAMAS” acting. As a result the retreat becomes enjoyable, enriching experience and an evaluation tool of what we have done since the inception of the group. It was surprising to learn that there are members for twenty two (22) years already! We were challenged to intensify our documentation of works done to our various parishes, to have a plan for action on increasing our activities aligning it with what is stated in our statutes. By the way APC-FDM is the lay collaborator of the Pious Disciples of the Divine Masters-(PDDM) founded by Blessed James Alberione, SSP also that of Society of St. Paul, The Daughters of St. Paul, The Sisters of Jesus the Good Shepherd, The Sisters of Mary Queen of the Apostles, and other religious institutes which form the PAULINE FAMILY.

I loved the quiz portion regarding “Liturgy” of which majority of the members passed. It challenged us to listen more as Fr. Ramil discussed thoroughly on the topic “Liturgy and the Friends of the Divine Master”. He discussed on the basics of Liturgy, that Liturgy is not all about external ceremonies and rubrics. I remember asking myself “did I not hear these words in the various teachings that were given to us? Or maybe I have forgotten already! Nevertheless it is profitable to share the various “nuances” in liturgy. First nuance – “liturgy is the work of the people”; second nuance – “liturgy is the work of Christ done on behalf of the people.” third nuance – “liturgy is the work of God in which the people participate.” Detailed discussion followed on the backgrounds and history.

Feeling refreshed and better informed once again we were challenged by our retreat Master Fr. Ramil Tapang SSP to hold on to the inspirations of doing the duties required as lay collaborators of PDDM to perform with love our Eucharistic, Liturgy and Priestly apostolates. Furthermore, he challenged us to recruit younger members and also male members.

For all the blessings received and the generosity of our co-member Dr. Luisa Bisnar who offered Bamboo Crest as our venue for the retreat, the full support and presence of other PDDM sisters and Sr. Eunice Montera, FDM Sister Formator who challenged our council of leaders to reach out to those members who are absent during the retreat due to health reasons, conflict of schedules and work, and our retreat master Fr. Ramil Tapang, SSP who prioritized our group over other scheduled commitments in Manila, to the twelve (12) APC-FDM and aspirant (headed by Bing Micayabas and its council members-Lucila Quindoy, Angie Caga-anan, Elsa Batistil) who had given their TRIPLE S – we are one in saying “Thank You Very Much Lord! Alleluia!” (Marietta Comighud, OMPH SoCCom | Photos by Lucila Quindoy, Ruby Murga, Aurea Atinen)