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Even though it is physically separated by many miles from other SAR fraternities in California, the St. Magdalena Chapter of the Secular Augustinian Recollects in Milpitas has made steady progress in recruiting new members, thanks to the continuing enthusiasm of the AR Sisters (Philippines), the members of the Council, and the chapter members themselves. The chapter has also benefited from the support of Fr. Norman Segovia and the staff at St. John the Baptist Parish in Milpitas where the Sisters have worked for many years. Fr. Norman has called our SARs “the pillars of the parish.” Currently, there are 55 active members of the chapter.

On August 20, six SAR novices made their promises at a 6:30 PM Mass celebrated at St. John the Baptist Church. Fr. John Gruben, OAR, who has worked with the chapter for a number of years, was main celebrant at the Mass and received the promises of the new SAR members. At the same time he officially welcomed, along with chapter president Dem Nitafan, three aspirants to the novitiate for 2007-08. The Sisters led the music for the liturgy. After the Mass a reception was held for the entire fraternity at Natori Restaurant in Milpitas where everyone enjoyed an Asian buffet.

Congratulations to our new SAR members!

Fr. John Gruben, OAR