For another fresh start, the Lay Dominican Fraternity of St. John the Baptist introduced its brand-new set of officers for years 2017 to 2020 during the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul.
Lay Dominican Secretary Mark Delos Santos, O.P., explained how the Dominican Lay Fraternity differs from other religious organizations. “Itong Lay fraternity, it is not just a religious organization kasi kami we are part of the Dominican family. May vocation kami na sinusunod, ako at ‘yung ibang members naming. Perpetual professed na kami, meaning we made a promise to be a Dominican until we die, forever ‘yan,” he told The LANCE in an interview.
Besides Delos Santos, other new officers elected were Davy Chioa, O.P., as Prior, Prescilia Abardo, O.P. as Sub- Prioress, Phea Regala, O.P., as the treasurer, and Brian Eugene Lim, O.P. as the Public Relations Officer.
Rev. Fr. Victor Calvo, O.P. led the induction ceremony, graced by the National President of the Lay Dominicans of the Philippines, Dr. Belen Tangco, O.P.
Having only 12 members, Delos Santos encourages Letran employees and students who are 18 years old and above to join their organization for them to deepen their Christian vocation by following the path traced by Saint Dominic de Guzman.
“Actually kailangan namin ng increase ng membership namin ngayon, ‘yun ‘yung isa sa mga drives namin na tinututukan. ‘Yung mga gustong sumali pwede din nilang i-check ‘yung Facebook page namin para ma-guide sila,” Delos Santos added.
Aspiring members will have to undergo four stages to be a perpetually professed. The first stage is the Aspirancy stage, next is the Postulancy stage, the third stage is the Noviate stage, the fourth is the Temporary-professed and lastly will be the Perpetual-professed.
An annual gift giving for the employees of the Colegio was also conducted by the said organization. They also helped employees on things that involve processing of their papers for wedding ceremonies and also assist people with their child’s confirmation and baptism.
Introduced by Rev. Fr. Patricio Apa, O.P., during the mid-80’s and formally established as the Letran Chapter on June 24, 2014 by Rev. Fr. Orlando Aceron, O.P., The Lay Dominican Fraternity - St. John the Baptist Chapter is composed mostly of members of the Letran Community, and is under the patronage of St. John the Baptist, for whom the Colegio de San Juan de Letran is named.
(First published on The LANCE's July 2017 Issue)