QUEZON CITY, THE PHILIPPINES

A little more than a year after construction first began, the Spiritan Formation Residence in Manila is getting nearer to completion.

Fr. Dan Sormani, C.S.Sp., rector of the Spiritan Formation Community in Manila, is overseeing the project after years of planning and fundraising,  and a blessing service and celebration was held in early December for the Spiritans, students, benefactors and friends of the local congregation.

Superiors from the Asia Province of the Spiritans gather at the entrance to the new facility.

Conveniently, due to two back-to-back meetings that brought together the superiors of the Spiritan missions in Taiwan, Vietnam, India, Australia, Papua New Guinea, The Philippines, as well as the superior general from Rome and the general counselor, Fr. Dan and the local Spiritans took the opportunity to gather with friends and thank the Lord for so many blessings in the building of the new home for the local Spiritans.

“What a joyful day!” said Fr. Dan. “It will still be a couple of months before the building is fully completed, and then, of course, we will have to furnish it as well. But one day at a time, each blessing something to celebrate!”

Fr. Dan pointed out that early in the morning of the blessing service and celebration festivities, Fr. John Fogarty, C.S.Sp., the superior general of the Spiritans, visited the house for a quiet look. Fr. John later presided at the blessing service along with his brother Spiritans.

Work on the project began in October, 2015, with the demolition of an old wooden structure at the site, after all salvageable items were removed and retained.

The finished project will cost more than $1 million, and fundraising for the new formation house is continuing, as furnishing and other expenses are still needing to be met. The Spiritan Formation Community House will be home to present and future Spiritan seminarians and members of the congregation.

“Please continue to keep us in your prayers,” asked Fr. Dan.

Fr. John Fogarty, C.S.Sp., superior general, blesses the new facility.