Res Gestae
Send, O Lord, Holy Apostles into your Church
It is a short prayer. But, for the Congregation of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus, this prayer can save the world.
The Congregation of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus was founded by Saint Hannibal Mary Di Francia (1851-1927) who was inspired by the Scripture passage, "The harvest is great but the laborers are few; Pray (Rogate), therefore, to the Lord of the Harvest that He may send workers into His Harvest" (Mt 9:37-38; Lk 10:2)
The Congregation originated in Italy and spread to several other countries in Europe, United States, Brazil, Argentina, Rwanda, India, California, Philippines, etc.
With its mission of praying for priestly and consecrated life in the Church, the Congregation does not only produce many "workers" as priests and religious brothers but also lay people.
In essence, there are Rogationist Engineers, Rogationist Lawyers, Rogationist Medical Representatives, Rogationist Managers, Rogationist Law Enforcers, name it.
I was a Rogationist seminarian. And, until now, I consider myself a Rogationist not because I had underwent the religious formation or I am still suffering from nostalgia of the Rogate's World (the Blessed Hannibal Formation Center – Cebu City) but because I consider the ROGATE as a mission of every Christian.
I am now on my tenth year outside the Rogate's World. I have a beautiful and lovely wife and a daughter who always inspires me. I also have a meaningful career. Yet, I am still a Rogationist.
I thought I was alone with the conviction. Not until I met Jeelrey and Hamilcar, all ex-Rogationist seminarians. They paid a surprise visit in my office at Camp Martin Delgado, Iloilo City a couple of weeks ago.
I knew Hamilcar. He was two-year junior of me. But Jeelrey was a new face and, through Hamilcar, I learned he too is an ex-Rogationist seminarian. Hamilcar and Jeelrey are now medical representatives of different multinational pharmaceutical companies. They are happily married. And, like me, they are still Rogationists by heart and spirituality.
My encounter with these fellows gave me (us) hope. I have wanted to have a Rogationist community outside the Rogate's World. They too have wanted the same.
In that encounter, we have decided on one thing – to start our small community here in Iloilo. We believe we can fully live our Rogationist spirituality though this community. And, we are calling other ex-Rogationists to join us in this endeavor.
June 1 is Rogationists Day – it is the Feast of St. Hannibal Mary Di Francia. On that day, we want to formally open our small community to the world. And, before this happens, we want to meet other ex-Rogationists to discuss the preparation.
You may contact me through the following: Mobile Number – 09193161190; Landline (office) – (033) 3350277; or email me at rogatepnp@yahoo.com.