KAKATHA leads 22nd Shrine Anniversary, holds Preparatory Meeting

KAKATHA NEWS EVENTS 2013


Dated: October 29, 2013

Nine priests celebrated the Holy Mass during the 22nd anniversary of the Church of St. Anne as a national shrine, six of whom are KAKATHA members. The celebrants are (from left): Rev. Fr. Nicanor Trinidad Victorino (Sta. Monica), the oldest ordained Hagonoeño priest; Rev. Msgr. Luciano C. Balagtas, P.C., NSSA Parish Priest and Rector; Rev. Fr. Bartolome Saguinsin Bernabe (Sto. Rosario), a senior KAKATHA member; Rev. Msgr. Sabino Azurin Vengco, Jr., H.P. (San Jose), KAKATHA Consultant and former president who served as homilist; Rev. Fr. Anacleto Clemente Ignacio (Sta. Monica), KAKATHA Vice President who presided over the mass; Rev. Fr. Gino Carlo B. Herrera, NSSA Parochial Vicar; Rev. Fr. Rolando Reyes Atienza (Sagrada Familia), newly appointed KAKATHA Secretary; Rev. Msgr. Emmanuel Vengco Sunga, H.P., senior KAKATHA member and Rev. Fr. Juvenson C. Alarcon, NSSA attached priest.

HAGONOY, BULACAN - Last October 29, the National Shrine of St. Anne celebrated 22 years of its existence as a national shrine. The Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc. (KAKATHA) hosted the celebration by presiding over the mass of the shrine community at 9:00 am last Tuesday. Rev. Fr. Anacleto Clemente Ignacio (Sta. Monica), KAKATHA Vice President was the main presider and Rev. Msgr. Sabino Azurin Vengco, Jr., H.P. (San Jose), KAKATHA Consultant and former President was the homilist.

   Together with the two are four more Hagonoeño priests: Rev. Fr. Nicanor Trinidad Victorino, the oldest ordained Hagonoeño priest; Rev. Fr. Bartolome Saguinsin Bernabe (Sto. Rosario), a senior KAKATHA member who is already blinded by Glaucoma; Rev. Msgr. Emmanuel Vengco Sunga, H.P. (Sto. Niño), another senior KAKATHA member and Rev. Fr. Rolando Reyes Atienza (Sagrada Familia), a middle KAKATHA member. Among the priests in the parish who joined are Rev. Msgr. Luciano C. Balagtas, P.C., Parish Priest and Rector; Rev. Fr. Gino Carlo B. Herrera, Parochial Vicar and Rev. Fr. Juvenson C. Alarcon, Attached Priest.  

   In his homily, Msgr. Vengco stressed the importance of the devotion of the people that made the shrine was it is today. Further, placing the importance of the many priests from Hagonoy, whose number has deteriorated in years that passed, he said that the people should work for the increase in priestly vocations. In his thanksgiving speech, Msgr. Balagtas gave his great thanks to the Hagonoeño priests who came and attended the celebration. Before the mass ended, Rev. Fr. Vicente Burayag Lina, Jr. (Sto. Niño), former KAKATHA President also attended to be with the celebrants.

   After the celebration, the Hagonoeño priests together with the Shrine Rector had lunch and then had a meeting. Another Hagonoeño priest who attended the meeting was Rev. Fr. Virgilio Mangahas Cruz (San Jose), KAKATHA Treasurer. Because of the absence of the President, Fr. Ignacio presided over the meeting with Sem. Kendrick Ivan B. Panganiban as recording staff. The highlights of the meeting are the following:

• The Libingang Bantayog ng Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc. shall be renovated, with half of the funding from the members and the other from the National Shrine of St. Anne. There shall be a second floor which shall serve as a multi-purpose hall for the shrine and a museum for both the priests and the shrine. 

• There shall be a general assembly of the KAKATHA members to be held on February 18, Tuesday, near February 16, the foundation day of the brotherhood.

• The celebration of the anniversary of the National Shrine of St. Anne done on October 29 every year shall be the annual regular meeting day of the brotherhood instead of the Feast of Sts. Anne and Joachim on July 26 to accommodate time for the members to meet.

• Rev. Fr. Rolando Reyes Atienza has been nominated and appointed by the officers present as the new KAKATHA secretary with Sem. Kendrick Ivan B. Panganiban assisting him in records and filing.

   The KAKATHA shall make preparations between the period of the meeting and the date of the general assembly for the different needs for the renovation of the Libingang Bantayog. KAKATHA News Admin

Hagonoeño Priests in the Diocese of Malolos to be included in Clergy Reshuffle

KAKATHA NEWS EVENTS 2013


Dated: October 21, 2013

GUIGUINTO, BULACAN - In the light of the recently held Second Diocesan Synod of Malolos, the Diocesan Clergy of Malolos has implemented a general shuffle of priests in parishes in Bulacan and Valenzuela City. Among the 25 Hagonoeño Priests in the Diocese of Malolos, 13 shall be transferred to different parishes while two shall retire from the parish ministry. The new appointments have been approved by His Excellency, Most Rev. Jose F. Oliveros, D.D., Bishop of Malolos on October 18, Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist in the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Malolos City. The list of transfers shall be presented in alphabetical order for which the previous and the present appointment shall be mentioned.

   Rev. Fr. Rolando Reyes Atienza (Sagrada Familia), who is Parish Priest of Sto. Cristo Quasi-Parish in Sto. Cristo, Pulilan shall be transferred as the new Parish Priest of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish in Mojon, Malolos City, also in Bulacan.

   Rev. Fr. Lazaro Marasigan Benedictos (San Jose), who is Parish Priest of Virgen delos Flores Parish in Virgen delos Flores, Baliwag, Bulacan shall be transferred as the new Priest-in-charge of a newly established community to be named after Our Lady of Guadalupe in Deca Homes in Muzon, City of San Jose del Monte, also in Bulacan.

   Rev. Fr. Garry Medina Clemente (San Juan) who is Parochial Vicar in the Most Holy Eucharist Quasi-Parish in Gabihan, San Ildefonso, Bulacan shall be transferred as the new Parochial Vicar of Sto. Rosario Parish in Sapang Palay in the City of San Jose del Monte.

   Rev. Fr. Virgilio Mangahas Cruz (San Jose), KAKATHA Treasurer, who is Parish Priest of Sta. Monica Parish in Sta. Cruz (Pob.), Angat, Bulacan shall be transferred as the new Parish Priest of St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Poblacion, San Miguel, Bulacan.

   Rev. Fr. Elmer Roque Ignacio (Tampok), who has just been chosen as Chairman of the Diocesan Commission on Temporalities, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Pulong Buhangin, Sta. Maria, Bulacan shall be transferred as the new Parish Priest of St. James the Apostle Parish in Tabang, Plaridel, Bulacan.

   Rev. Fr. Anacleto Clemente Ignacio (Sta. Monica), KAKATHA Vice President who is Parish Priest of San Pedro Apostol Parish in Tungkong Mangga in the City of San Jose del Monte in Bulacan shall be transferred as the new Parish Priest of Sto. Niño Parish in Parada, Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

   Rev. Fr. Manuel Martin Manicad (San Sebastian) who is the Parish Priest of Risen Lord Parish in Veinte Reales in Marulas, Valenzuela City shall be transferred as the new Parish Priest of Nuestra Señora dela Asuncion Parish in San Jose (Pob.), Bulakan, Bulacan.

   Rev. Msgr. Vicente Amado Bernardo Manlapig, P.C. (Sta. Monica) who is Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish in Maysan in Valenzuela City shall finally retire after 50 active years in the ministry. There is no news yet for his place of transfer or if he shall reside in Maysan as Pastor Emeritus.

   Rev. Fr. Ronald Cruz Ortega (Sta. Monica) who is Parish Priest of San Isidro-San Roque Parish in Malhacan, Meycauayan City shall be transferred as the new Parish Priest of San Isidro Labrador Parish in Malinta, Valenzuela City. Rev. Fr. Edward Cruz Pecson (Sta. Monica) who is Parochial Vicar of Sto. Niño Parish in Sto. Niño, Meycauayan City shall be transferred to be the new Parochial Vicar in Malinta with Fr. Ortega.

   Rev. Msgr. Angelito Juliano Santiago, H.P. (San Sebastian) who is Parish Priest of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Barasoain, Malolos City shall be transferred as the new Parish Priest of  Sta. Monica Parish in Sta. Cruz (Pob.), Angat, Bulacan.

   Rev. Fr. Avelino Gonzales Santos (San Jose) who is Parish Priest of San Jose, Esposo de Maria Parish in San Jose, San Miguel, Bulacan shall be transferred as an attached priest in the Parish of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Marulas, Valenzuela City.

   Rev. Msgr. Enrico Saguinsin Santos, H.P. (San Sebastian) who is Parish Priest of St. Augustine Parish in Poblacion, Baliwag, Bulacan shall retire due to health reasons. He shall stay in his home in San Sebastian, Hagonoy, Bulacan and is believed to give assistance for   his home parish, the National Shrine and Parish of St. Anne.

   Rev. Fr. Josefino Sarmiento Sebastian (San Sebastian) who is Parish Priest and Rector of the Diocesan Shrine of Krus ng Wawa - St. Martin of Tours Parish shall be transferred as the new Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Parish in Poblacion, Pandi, Bulacan.

   Rev. Msgr. Ranilo Santos Trillana, P.C. (Sta. Monica), KAKATHA President and the newly appointed Chairman for the Commission on the Social Security and Welfare of the Clergy, the Parish Priest of Sto. Cristo Parish in Marulas, Valenzuela City shall be transferred as the new Parish Priest of La Purisima Concepcion Parish in Poblacion, Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

   Rev. Msgr. Andres Santos Valera, H.P. (San Jose) who is Rector of the Immaculate Conception Major Seminary in Guiguinto, Bulacan for 12 years shall be transferred as the new Parish Priest of St. Augustine Parish in Poblacion, Baliwag, Bulacan.

   These assignments form part of a huge general reshuffle of the priests of the Diocese of Malolos which is to take its full implementation on Novembe 15, 2013. KAKATHA News Admin

Hagonoeño Priest talks to Seminarians on Stewardship and the Church Today

KAKATHA NEWS EVENTS 2013


Dated: August 20, 2013

Fr. Crisostomo presiding over the mass at the community chapel of the Graduate School of Theology before his symposium on stewarship. Photo Courtesy: ICMAS-GST Educational Affairs Committee.

GUIGUINTO, BULACAN - On August 20, Tuesday, a former seminary formator from Hagonoy, Bulacan returned to the country to talk to seminarians of its Graduate School. Rev. Fr. Enrico Cruz Crisostomo (Sto. Rosario) gave a symposium on stewardship to students of theology at the Immaculate Conception Major Seminary. He began his interaction by presiding the mass of the community at 6:15 in the evening and was followed by his talk at 8:00.

Fr. Crisostomo during his talk on stewardship.Photo Courtesy: ICMAS-GST Educational Affairs Committee.

   During the symposium, he shared his experiences, being the Parish Priest of of San Tommaso in Milan, Italy, a community made up mostly of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) As an OFW himself, he mentioned that in such a secular environment which grows with liberalism and relativism, the Church is being challenged to respond through the new evangelization. He said that this new evangelization should not just be a catchphrase but something to witnessed by Catholics to form an authentic spirituality. This spirituality, he said, should be practiced through prayer and poverty which would allow us to truly be a "community of disciples" and a "Church of the Poor." 

   Fr. Crisostomo in his 13 years of ministry has worked hard as a seminary formator and in his caring for the OFWs in Italy. He returned to Milan on August 25 to once again be able to serve in his parish. KAKATHA News Admin

Hagonoeeño Priest honored in new Catholic Hagonoeño Issue

KAKATHA NEWS EVENTS 2013


Dated: August 9, 2013

This is the cover page of the issue for the Diamond
Sacerdotal Jubilee of Rev. Fr. Nicanor Trinidad
Victorino. See the link for the issue: Link. 

HAGONOY, BULACAN - Last August 9, Catholic Hagonoeño: Looking into the Catholic Heritage of Hagonoy, Bulacan, Philippines published their new online issue on the 60th Sacerdotal Anniversary of Rev. Fr. Nicanor Trinidad Victorino (Sta. Monica). At the age of 89, Fr. Nick as he is called has been a priest then in the Diocese of Antipolo (Rizal) and at present in the Diocese of Imus (Cavite). During his ministry he has been parish priest for communities in Cavite, the last one being in Bacoor where he served for 21 years.

   The said issue featured the celebration of held last June 7 in the Parish of St. Michael the Archangel in Bacoor attended by his relatives, sponsor, friends and fellow Hagonoeños. As the oldest ordained priest of Hagonoy, Fr. Nick was greeted by several priests and bishops. In the Catholic Hagonoeño Issue, among those who greeted him were the Most. Rev. Deogracias S. Iñiguez, Jr., D.D. (Link), Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Kalookan who attended the event. Others who expressed their gratitude for Fr. Nick's anniversary were priests from the Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc. (KAKATHA) led by then preisdent, Rev. Fr. Vicente Burayag Lina, Jr. (Sto. Niño). The issue also documented the homily given by Rev. Msgr. Sabino Azurin Vengco, Jr., H.P. (San Jose) who represented both KAKATHA and the Kadiwa sa Pagkapari Foundation, Inc. for old and sick priests. These were followed by pictures of the celebration and by the end of the issue, the thanksgiving message of Fr. Nick.

   In tackling on this issue, Sem. Kendrick Ivan B. Panganiban, Research and Publication Director for Catholic Hagonoeño said: "Fr. Nick has reached a moment in his life where he would have seemed “forgotten” by those he served. In God's grace, he has felt the love of the Lord especially during the celebration of his Diamond Golden Jubilee for 60 years of frutiful service. The celebration, done at the Parish of St. Michael the Archangel in Bacoor, Cavite last June 7, 2013 was a sign of continuous love for this priest who has given God's grace for years." Truly this has been a landmark moment for those who have been with Fr. Nick in his lifetime and for which they experienced God in his service for the Church. KAKATHA News Admin.

KAKATHA gathers on Sta. Ana Fiesta; elects New Officers

KAKATHA NEWS EVENTS 2013


Dated: July 26, 2013

Rev. Msgr. Ranilo Santos Trillana, P.C., the newly elected president
of the Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc.

HAGONOY, BULACAN - During the celebration of the feast of St. Anne, Patroness of the town and mother parish of Hagonoy, members of the Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc. once again met for their traditional meeting after the concelebrated mass at the National Shrine of St. Anne. This was one of the most joyous celebrations due to the large number of priests-members who attended for the celebration.

     The meeting was held at the Libingang Bantayog ng KAKATHA found at the back of the shrine. Rev. Fr. Vicente Burayag Lina, Jr. (Sto. Niño), president of the brotherhood called for the election of new officers in order to have new leaders for the priests of Hagonoy. Because of the establishment of a quorum, the fathers have decided to continue with the election. In the election, the following have been elected as the new KAKATHA officers: 

Rev. Msgr. Ranilo Santos Trillana, P.C.

Sta. Monica

President

Rev. Fr. Anacleto Clemente Ignacio

Sta. Monica

Vice President

Rev. Fr. Virgilio Mangahas Cruz

San Jose

Treasurer

   All these officers are serving in the Diocese of Malolos with Msgr. Vengco as professor in different seminaries across Luzon and is presently heading the ministry for old and sick diocesan priests. They shall take over within this year in the hopes of forming new ways in order to gather the priests and do what they can to help in the promotion of priestly vocations in Hagonoy and the maintenance of the Libingang Bantayog. The last election was held last 2000 when Fr. Lina was transferred as parish priest in Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario Parish in Sto. Rosario, Hagonoy. Thus after their duration of about 13 years in office, a new set of officers has been made in order to continue the priests' leadership. This serves as a new chapter in the history of KAKATHA for the betterment of the brotherhood.

   Together with the parish priest of St. Anne, Rev. Msgr. Luciano C. Balagtas, P.C., they have decided for KAKATHA to lead in this year's anniversary celebration of the proclamation of St. Anne's as a national shrine on October 29 this year. Thus this shall be another opportunity for the priests to come together in the spirit of brotherhood. KAKATHA News Admin

Two Hagonoeño Priests nominated and elected to head diocesan commissions

KAKATHA NEWS EVENTS 2013


Dated: July 15, 2013

Si Rdo. Msgr. Ranilo Santos Trillana (Sta. Monica)
kasama ang Lubhang Kgg. Jose F. Oliveros, D.D.,
Obispo ng Malolos.

GUIGUINTO, BULACAN - Two Hagonoeño priests in the Diocese of Malolos have been recently appointed by the Most Rev. Jose F. Oliveros, D.D., bishop of the Diocese with the nomination of the diocesan clergy to top positions in the diocesan curia. Rev. Msgr. Ranilo Santos Trillana, P.C. (Sta. Monica) and Rev. Fr. Elmer Roque Ignacio (Tampok) have been respectfully nominated and appointed as Chairman of the Commission on the Social Security and Welfare of the Clergy (CSWC) and the Commission on Temporal Goods (CTG). 

     Msgr. Trillana who is serving as the Episcopal Vicar for the Southern District of the Diocese has been a priest of the Diocese of Malolos for about 28 years. He is currently serving as the Parish Priest of Sto. Cristo in Marulas, Valenzuela City and formerly in Risen Lord Parish in Viente Reales also in that same city. He is to replace Rev. Msgr. Jose Antonio Galvez, H.P., Episcopal Vicar of the Eastern District and Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Parish in Sta. Maria, Bulacan. Before Msgr. Galvez, another Hagonoeño priest was in charge of this commission then known as the Commission on Healthcare, Rev. Fr. Josefino Sarmiento Sebastian (San Sebastian) who is currently Parish Priest of St. Martin of Tours Parish in Bocaue, Bulacan. As head of this commission, he shall take care of the financial assistance for retired and semi-retired priests in the Diocese.

     Fr. Ignacio on the other hand has been a priest of the Diocese of Malolos for 23 years. He is currently the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Pulong Buhangin, Sta. Maria, Bulacan. He also serves as the President of the Malolos Bulacan Resources Corporation (MBRC), a corporation under the Diocese that manages the different properties of the Diocese. He is to replace Rev. Msgr. Mario Arenas, P.C. who is currently Parish Priest and Rector of the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Sta. Rosa I, Marilao, Bulacan. As head of this commission, he shall take care of the material goods and assets of the Diocese, including those in auditing, accounting and other related matters.

     Their appointment shall take effect on November 2013 in line with the reshuffle of the priests in the Diocese of Malolos brought about by the conclusion of the Second Synod of Malolos held last April of this year. KAKATHA News Admin

Oldest Ordained Hagonoeño Priest celebrated Diamond Sacerdotal Jubilee

KAKATHA NEWS EVENTS 2013

Dated: June 7, 2013

Fr. Nicanor Trinidad Victorino (center) with the bishops and the priests from Hagonoy: standing (left) Rev. Fr. Marcelino Nicolas Tiongson (Sto. Niño), sitting (left to right) Rev. Fr. Anacleto Clemente Ignacio (Sta. Monica), Rev. Msgr. Vicente Amado Bernardo Manlapig (Sta. Monica), Rev. Msgr. Sabino Azurin Vengco, Jr., H.P. (San Jose), the Most. Rev. Reynaldo G. Evangelista, D.D., Bishop of Imus and the Most. Rev. Deogracias S. Iñiguez, Jr., D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Kalookan.

BACOOR, CAVITE - Today one of Hagonoy's beloved priests, Rev. Fr. Nicanor Trinidad Victorino (Sta. Monica) celebrated his 60th year in the priesthood. The celebration was done at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Bacoor, Cavite, his last assignment within the Diocese of Imus (Cavite) before retirement in 2003. Fr. Victorino was considered one of the oldest priests in his diocese, and among Hagonoy's priests he is the oldest ordained. 

   Many priests from the Diocese of Imus came to the celebration which started at 9:00 am. Before that, the jubilarian was seen riding in  processional jeep with ladies dancing the famous Caviteño caracol dance while being welcomed to the parish church. Also with the priests of Imus where priests from Hagonoy who came all the way from Bulacan, and another from Tagaytay City to join in the celebration. Malolos priests Rev. Msgr. Vicente Amado Bernardo Manlapig, P.C. (Sta. Monica) and Rev. Fr. Anacleto Clemente Ignacio (Sta. Monica) were the veteran priests who knew Fr. Nick very well when they were still in Manila. A younger Hagonoeño  priest, Fr. Marcelino Nicolas Tiongson (Sto. Niño ), a Somascan priest-formator in assigned in Tagaytay was also there. Among the main concelebrants were Kalookan Bishop Emeritus Deogracias S. Iñiguez, Jr., Imus Bishop Emeritus Manuel C. Sobreviñas and Rev. Msgr. Sabino Azurin Vengco, Jr., H.P. (San Jose) as preacher or predicador of the celebration. 

   Msgr, Vengco profoundly mentioned in his homily the "abundance of grace" brought about by the life span that Fr. Victorino had. He said that on November of this year, he would be 89 years of age, a miracle for priests in our times. He said the people are very much aware of the need to pray for him especially at this time wherein he has a short number of years left. Yet despite this, his loving care for the people and his following of Christ's example has allowed him to be a great priest of the Church.

   Fr. Victorino gave his thanks to all who attended the celebration saying that he did not know how to thank all who celebrated with him. Most of the Imus clergy and those from his previous assignments came as a sign of their love and respect for their beloved brother priest and father of the people. He wished for all to pray for him especially that he was in his late years in life.

   After his thanksgiving speech, the newly installed Bishop of Imus, Reynaldo G. Evangelista came to join the celebration. Fr. Nick was so happy for his arrival and they gave each other a remarkable sign of peace in front of the congregation. It was the bishop and Msgr. Vengco who then handed Fr. Nick with the "Fr. Mariano Gomez Award," a special award for the priests who served in the parish, especially that he served as Parish Priest of Bacoor in a span of 21 years. Such was the love of the parish under Rev. Fr. Sharkey J. Brown that they spent on Fr. Nick's celebration. After the Holy Eucharist, the guests headed to the reception at Sofia's Place also in Bacoor for early lunch.

   Truly Fr. Nick's ordination 60 years ago on June 7, 1953 was a sign of blessing for the many years of service as a minister. Being 88 years in age, he is able to see the coming and going of characters in his time and that his perseverance and good will has allowed him to live longer with God's blessing. KAKATHA News Admin

Fr. Simplicio Sunpayco, Jesuit uncle of deceased Fr. Leonel Sumpaico gives elegy

KAKATHA News Events 2013

Dated: June 5, 2013

The Sunpayco-Sumpaico Jesuits: (from left to right) Rev. Fr. Leonel Wenceslao Sumpaico, S.J. (deceased), Rev. Fr. Simplicio Sangalang Sunpayco, S.J. and Rev. Fr. Joaquin Jose Mari Casimiro Sumpaico, S.J. This photograph was taken during Fr. Jonjee's diaconal ordination.

Homily of Rev. Fr. Simplicio Sangalang Sunpayco, S.J. (Mercado) at the wake mass for Rev. Fr. Leonel Wenceslao Sumpaico, S.J. presided by the Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Cubao on May 8, 2013.

    Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat.

   Allow me to begin this homily with some clarifications which I hope will not add to the confusion regarding the relations of these Jesuits with family names spelled differently.

   We are three Sumpaico - Sunpayco Jesuits. Here are some introductory data:

   First is Fr. Joaquin Sumpaico III, 41 yrs old, a Jesuit in 1995, ordained priest in 2006. There he is beside our bishop Honesto Ongtioco. Jonjee is at present high school principal at Xavier Univerity, Cagayan de Oro. Jonjee calls me Lolo Pisiong.

   Next is Fr. Leonel Sumpaico, age 65, a Jesuit in 1969, ordained priest in 1980. This is our wake for lenie. Lennie calls me Tio Pisiong.

   Ako naman si Fr. Simplicio Sunpayco, at 84 looking like 94 but feeling like 34, a Jesuit in 1946, ordained in 1960, 52 yrs ago. Known to many as Fr. Sim, as well as by other names, like - ma-asim

   Endless questions: Related ba kayo? Why different spelling? A long time ago Lennie and I accepted this explanation: our clan’s Chinese patriarch was, and as with mga Intsik, carried his name with three sounds or characters: sun was the family name; pay – first name, co – title of the family. when he became christian he was baptized fernando. his three names in chinese were given to him as his family name, fernando s u n payco. It would have been simpler, shorter: Fernando Sun.

   In rural Philippines before urban sophistication, surnames were considered too formal, so people used apt descriptions: si kulas na musikero, si tecla na duling. Here is the real explanation: Why we, close relatives, spell our family name differently? When asked in school or in Church for their names, our elders did not bother to check how their names were recorded. They all sounded the same to them: Sumpaico, Sunpayco; unaware of the different spellings.

   In Taiwan and Macau I visited the shrines of Dr. Sun-Yat-Sen, looking for connections with the founder of the Republic of China. Lennie aimed higher, around Amoy in Southern China he searched for remnants or descendants of the clans of taipans: Co-juang-co, Tan-jang-co, Sio-pong-co, Sun-tay-co, Sun-pay-co.

   Our clan, must have inherited the Chinese trait of preserving family close relations: our parents, siblings, cousins, grand children stick close to one another enjoying each others company. I happily suggest our menu as prayer, laughter and friendships. During this wake, when we view Lennie’s remains, aware of the coming separations, we are solemn, quiet. tears flow, with deep feelings whispering our prayer and final good-byes.

    Then back to our treasure – humor. With remarks like; one gone, two to go. looking at me, “You are older, yet Kuya Lennie has gone ahead”: masamang damo daw, mala yerba nunca muere. Difficult to get rid of bad weeds! I said: ok lang. Gastado na ang spare parts but umaandar pa!

   Confusion too was in the identity of who actually died. a number of friends came, saw me and said – nakangiti naman: We heard “Fr. Sim is dead!” a cell phone caller could not believe I was alive and answering his call. Bic-bic, family of pixie sinugba bangus, looked into the coffin. “hindi ito si Fr. Sim.” maybe adding “iyong nakaburol ay gwapo.”

    From our Fr. Lucas Infirmary driving his battery operated golf cart, Fr. Vicente Marasigan, 94 yrs old, 78 a Jesuit, 67 a priest came up to bless Lennie. Then in a loud vibrant voice, his request: “Fr. Lennie bata ka pa, iniwan mo na kami sa infirmary, pagdating mo sa langit sabihin mo sa Panginoon, pagod na ako, matagal na akong nagtitiis dito sa lupa.” Reddie, Lennie’s kuya said; “Don’t worry, Fr. Vicente, magdarasal kami na kunin ka na.” Jesuits mark in our graves dates of our three birthdays: on this planet, in the Society of Jesus, and in heaven. So during this wake we recall, remember memories of Lennie’s life. It is not nihil nisi bonum de mortuis. His was like most of ours, a medley: we say “thank you” to the Lord for Lennie’s desire for creativity, to render big service to others, for his leadership qualities. But virtue can also produce undesirable side effects. In Lennie, it was being too sure of his ways.

    In La Ignaciana as head of PJJA, he called some friends to plan a crematory with a bakery on top. There will be a coffee shop, a candle factory, etc. all to augment funds for the formation of young Jesuits. In Maramag, he abolished all mandated and religious organizations, then he called me: “My parish is now ready, Tio Pisiong, for your B.E.C. [Basic Ecclesial Communities]” When I got there, from an old woman: “Padre gusto sa among pari tanan bago. Tigulang na kami!’’ When in Lumbia Fr. Lennie wanted Xavier University to give him rooms in Manresa for a center to buy vegetables from all his barrios; store, and sell them when prices are right. The goal was to direct profits from the middlemen to the growers.

   Also to raise funds for people, Lennie raised dogs, purebred, no less. With a machine manual and a few boys, in his shop he wanted to remodel old cars converting their front engines to run the car from the rear. Such hobbies were questioned for their feasibility. his community resented the noise from them. lennie kept his activities with his good intentions. One Jesuit close to him told me: among the three of you, you are the thesis, :ennie the antithesis, and Jonjee the synthesis.

   His papa, Dr. Joaquin, my first cousin organized the S-W Kalinga Foundation: [Sumpaico and Wenceslao (wife’s family name)] to support seminarians. San Carlos Seminary was the first beneficiary. But upon my appointment as formator at San Jose Seminary, Josefinos shared its funds. Joaquin would tax all in the family with income for priesthood candidates. Service for others is ingrained in the family but Lennie’s style was different from his siblings.

   In our infirmaries, with diminished ability and mobility we pray to accept God’s plan for our later years: not to live with the past, no moaning as if left behind, but to rejoice that younger capable Jesuits are taking over our jobs. I doubt whether this was a problem with Lennie: diagnosed with blood cancer some five or six years ago, he was in his jesuit residence room or getting medical treatment, chemotherapy and injections only when doctors ordered. Otherwise carrying his medications that once included all of 80 fern vitamin c in a day, he would drive where he could do some pastoral ministry, to Baguio or even abroad, most of the time with Ateneo co-graduates.

   A real God’s blessing for Lennie and for many others are these generous co-graduates, 1961 in grade school, 1965 in high school, and 1969 in college. Every first friday of the month Lennie celebrates mass for them and their wives, then they plan other activities. Many of them are here, part of the mystery that is Lennie; how he could be a source of conflict and also inspire and evoke such loyalty.

   Finally Lennie, with all your sins of ommission and commission, which also are similar to ours, what else is lacking if in god’s mercy you have made it to the Father’s Kingdom! So lennie, my nephew, here is your “bring house” my pabaon as you go!

A Story: St. Peter has brought in all the sheep and the goats in their place in heaven, including a smiling fr. lennie who has miraculously mellowed. He almost could not believe how merciful the lord has been to him, until he watch in wonder that the gate keeper is about to close the gates with somebody still outside. Looking closely Peter was surprised to see it was Jesus. “Master, what are you doing there. I am about to close the gates.” “Just a minute Simon Peter, I am still waiting for Judas.”

KAKATHA President gives statement on Fr. Leonel Sumpaico's demise

KAKATHA News Events 2013

Dated: May 22, 2013

HAGONOY, BULACAN - Here is the message given by Rev. Fr. Vicente Burayag Lina, Jr. (Sto. Niño, President of the Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc. on the demise of Rev. Fr. Leonel Wenceslao Sumpaico, S.J. (Mercado):

Filipino

Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc.

Pambansang Dambana at Parokya ni Sta. Ana

Sto. Niño, Hagonoy 3002 Bulakan

  Bilang isang kapwa pari at kapatid na paring taga-Hagonoy, nalulungkot ako na nabawasan kami. Naging isang mabuting pari si P. Leonel "Lenny" Wenceslao Sumpaico  at maraming tao ang naakay niya upang maging mabuting tao at mapalapit sa ating Panginoon. Marami siyang nahubog na kalalakihan para maging mabuting pari. 

  May kasabihan tayo na "Kakaunti ang mga pari at mahirap din magpakapari." Pero parehas na naisabuhay ito ng kapatid nating paring ito at siya'y naging ulirang pari para sa kanyang kapwa pari at sa mga taong kanyang pinaglingkuran. Kaya natitiyak kong ikinalulungkot ng mga paring Heswita ang kanyang pag-alis. 

   Nawa sa pamamagitan ng Panginoon ay marami pa ang maging paring Heswita na tag-Hagonoy tulad niya na ating kababayan.

Rdo. P. Vicente Burayag Lina, Jr.

Pangulo

Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc.

English

Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc.

National Shrine and Parish of St. Anne

Sto. Niño, Hagonoy 3002 Bulacan

   As a fellow priest at brother priest from Hagonoy, I am saddened by our loss. Fr. Leonel "Lenny" Wenceslao Sumpaico, S.J. was a good priest and he brought many in order to be good people and in order for them to come closer to our Lord. He formed many young men in order for them to be good priests. 

  There is a saying that goes like this, "There are few priests and it is also hard to be a priest." However this brother priest of ours has been able to live as both of these. He has been an example for his fellow priests and to the people he has served. I am certain that the Jesuit priests are also saddened by his demise.

   I hope that through our Lord, many more Jesuit priests from Hagonoy may come just like our kababayan.

Rdo. P. Vicente Burayag Lina, Jr.

President

Kapatiran ng Kapariang Taga-Hagonoy, Inc.