TOC Philippines

FRATERNAL VISIT TO LAGUNA TOC COMMUNITY
By: Rose T. Molina, TOCarm
Regional coordinator - NCR-SM

On August 06, 2005 amidst an impending storm and intermittent rains, Fr. Toto, Sis. Nimfa and Bro. Joe, National Council Officers came for the annual fraternal visit with the Immaculate Conception TOC Community in Laguna.

The meeting was held at the Adelina Peak Resort, located in San Antonio, Pagsanjan, Laguna courtesy of Mrs. Adelina Fernando who graciously offered the use of her lovely and quiet home overlooking beautiful Panoramic view of Laguna de Bay.

After some snacks of freshly harvested ‘rambutans’ Fr. Toto Jaranilla opened the meeting with a prayer at 10:30 in the morning. Rose Molina, Prioress and Regional Coordinator, welcomed the National officers. Afterwards she gave a status report on their on-going community life and their on going involvement with the four ministries of the TOC namely: YCPF, JPIC, Confraternity of the Brown Scapular and the Vocation Promotion. Mercy Rana, Formation Directress followed by reporting about the status of their formation.

Fr. Toto expounded on the importance of Fraternal Correction as found in the Albertine Rule. He stressed that as members of the Order, we are weak human beings who are prone to commit mistakes; but what is important is that we are willing to learn from those mistakes and be open to fraternal corrections by our brothers and sisters in a loving way.

Sis. Nimfa, touched on the issue of inactive members, Absenteeism and what to do about them. She also explained and clarified the previous guidelines she gave relative to those members leaving for abroad.

The TOC Ministries, Criteria for Discernment of Vocation, TOC forms were also tackled and other areas of concerns were discussed. The open forum encouraged everyone to clarify their doubts and be enlightened.

The visit ended at around 3:30 pm. after a hearty lunch prepared by all TOC members accompanied with lots of fresh and sweet rambutan courtesy of Mrs. Adelina Fernando.