Last November 15-16, 2008, the Ministers of the Infirm Philippine Province spearheaded by the Secretariat on Formation held its 5th KUMPULAN (KUMustahan at PULong PangkamilyAN) at the St. Camillus College Seminary. KUMPULAN is the annual gathering of all Camillian Formands.  Seventy nine seminarians, 19 scholastics, two novices, and one formand from the Adult Formation Program with two incoming professionals attended the gathering which is a venue for fostering unity and camaraderie among all Camillian formands.

This year’s KUMPULAN was guided by the theme: “Strengthening the bonds of Unity and Quality Formation toward a Greater Service to the Sick.” The activity started with a short prayerful procession in which the image of our patroness Mary, Health of the Sick, was carried to the chapel. Fr. Rolando Fernandez, MI then shared his thoughts and experiences about Camillian ministry and apostolate and gave his suggestions and insights on how can we become more effective ministers to the sick in doing our apostolate in the present time.

Afterwards, the formands together with their formators held their small group sharing about their own apostolate and ministerial experiences, their struggles and challenges, their pains and joys and their suggestions and recommendations for more effective witnessing in serving the sick nowadays.

After a delectable lunch, all gathered in the auditorium for the Formators’ and Formands’ Forum. The forum was done in a “talk show” setting where the formators became the special guests and the formands the audience. Some formands asked questions about the formation process, the difference between formation before and now, and the manifestations of quality formation in the formation process.  Others asked about the personal experiences of the formators in their ministry. And still others asked for clarification regarding some issues besetting the Province, particularly the departure of some religious from the Order and the means to address the situation. The forum was extended due to public demand. Indeed, the formands and formators enjoyed the fruitful and momentous open forum.

Fr. Evan Paul Villanueva, MI, Vicar Provincial of the Philippine Province and the superior of the Scholasticate Community, presided over the mass during the 1st day. He stressed the joy and perseverance of being faithful to one’s vocation by not losing that special something that keeps one going and moving which ultimately leads to Jesus Christ, the one who called us into this life.

After dinner, one of the most awaited activities of the KUMPULAN, the program and socialization, rocked the auditorium because of the superb and breath-taking talents and presentations of the formands and different formation houses and communities. The night was enlivened by the KUMPULAN theme-song composition contest and singing contest “MYX MO”. The song composition of Sch. Dan, MI and Sch. John Paul, MI “From a Family To a Family” topped the theme song making contest which is now the official theme song of KUMPULAN. Sem. Leyo Neil (champion), Sem. Juya (1st runner-up) and Sch. Bernard, MI (2nd runner-up) were the top three performers of the singing contest. Moreover, Sch. John Jay, MI won the Logo-making contest and his design is now the official logo of the KUMPULAN. Many thanks to our judges and guests, Ate Beth, Kuya Rollie, Ms. Catchicho, and Fr. Ruben, MI. We also thank all our visitors and friends whom we know really enjoyed the night with us.

The second day started with “shibashi” which literally means “18 movements” in Chinese. It places emphasis on synchronizing the 18 movements with proper breathing techniques.  It is a gentle, beautiful and flowing Qigong exercise routine that is both a joy to do and a way to deep relaxation.

After breakfast, the sports committee declared “Let the Games begin!” The formands were divided into two teams, the white and black teams. The formands enjoyed playing indigenous games like “kadang-kadang”, tug of war, planting rice, paper relay, sack race and treasure hunting. Of course, ball games like basketball and volleyball will not be missed. The day was really filled with so much energy, fun, joy and of course brotherhood and unity.

Fr. Renante Sentillas, MI, the chairman of the Secretariat on Formation, presided over the Holy Eucharist on the 2nd day. He emphasized the identification and enhancement of the various talents and giftedness that we formands possess and challenged us to use it for the betterment of the community, the Province, the Order and the Church. After the Holy Eucharist, we had the evaluation of the KUMPULAN activity. Then we had a delicious dinner and the awarding of prizes. The white team became the over-all champion. But of course all became the champion because of the meaningful, fruitful and successful KUMPULAN.

Thanks to the formators who supported us through thick and thin. Thanks to the core group and to all of us!  Job well done, brothers! See you all next year!