The TLF Rome Chapter conducted the Spirit Empowerment Seminar (SES) on June 8, 2025 at Basilica of St. Crisogono in Rome, Italy. As a major activity of the Elder’s outreach, the Manila delegates assisted their beloved Elder Techie “Soar” Rodriquez and Judith Almendrala (Outreach Steward) in the preparation. The activity was warmly welcomed by the Filipinos in Rome.
Spirit Empowerment Seminar
Before the SES activity, the Manila delegates: Dra. Grace Pancho (Pastoral Head Steward), Joy Tadeo (Young Adult Steward), Camille Lee (Young Adult Steward), Theresa Almendrala, and Nathaniel Angeles, and Judith Almendrala (Outreach Steward), joined together to coordinate with parish priests and chapter member: Nympha Banag and Alex Fernandez. They also joined forces in sending SES invitation flyers to the mass goers and to the general public. The invitation was well received and attended by Filipino OFWs working in Rome, religious sisters, former members of TLF, and the first-time attendees. After the activity, a Eucharistic celebration was presided by Fr. Zenkie Manabat, a TLF member Filipino priest.
Visiting Churches
Soar, along with the rest of the team, had a short (quick) fellowship with Fr. Zenki at the Filipino restaurant, “The Neighborhood.” It was a time of reflecting and sharing of the wonderful experiences of the seminar and the summit.
This is a rest and recharge day for the team. It started with a slow morning brunch together at our Airbnb. Sor continued to rest in the afternoon while the Manila delegates had a free time to visit Churches. In the evening, the team visited REV. FR. ARIS MIRANDA, MI at Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena, a couple of minutes’ walk north of the Pantheon. This was the church that we claimed to host our Rome chapter two (2) years ago.
REV. FR. ARIS, a Camillan, told us the story of their founder, St. Camillus de Lellis. The story struck everyone when he had the encounter with Jesus in a moment of near-despair at the heavy burden he was carrying. Camillus heard a voice from the cross: “Why are you afraid? Do you not realize that this is not your work but mine?”.
We, especially Soar, seeing St. Camillus’ incorruptible heart and the cross upon which he prayed, moved us all to persevere in our mission to bring souls to Christ.
During the tour at the church, we also had a chance to meet the priest in charge/rector, Fr. Gianfranco Lunardon, MI, who is also the vicar general of the Order of the Camillans, to whom we initially wrote to express our desire to start a community in this church. We ended the night reminding Fr. Aries our vision of conducting the SYFOF at the Piazza della Maddalena, over dinner at the Pantheon.
Departure of Manila Delegates
It was time for the team to separate — Soar had to go to Madrid, and the Manila delegates spent their last night in Rome. With God’s provision, the Airbnb allowed the team to leave their luggage for free after the check-out and a spacious van was arranged to be rented for Soar’s travel to the airport. The Manila team was surprised by Soar’s generosity by giving a token to each delegate.
Indeed, God is our great provider and sustainer most especially to His servants on mission.
To God be the Glory!
Written by: Dr. Grace Pancho (Pastoral Head Steward)
& Joy Tadeo (Young Adults Steward)
Edited by: Dr. Vera I. Tuplano, Scribes Steward
