Celebrating 75 Years of OMI Daring Missionary Presence

February 2014 www.omiphil.org Vol. XIII, No. 8 From the Provincial January Travel Log

consists mostly of patience and disregard catch any fish and the fare of canned for constraints of time.” sardines and packed noodles was The first month of 2014 is the Sailing from Tandubas to South pleasantly shared in Tabawan. Mass scheduled “log in” to the Oblate missions Ubian was another matter for big waves was celebrated the following day with of the south – and Tawi-Tawi not (4 to 5 feet high) slapped against the 19 Catholics, two (2) Oblate priests and through a virtual site but, an actual visit vessel; rocking it violently for two hours one (1) seminarian. Out of 100 enrolled to the remote island schools and chapels. that the boat seemed to capsize at any students at Notre Dame of Tabawan, A record or travel log of the visit starts moment. By standing up the rising only 80 students enrolled the previous with: feeling of nausea was controlled even school year were recognized by the January 10 - arrival in Bongao as bigger waves (now 6 feet in height) Department of Education as Education where a warm welcome was given by the soon buffeted the vessel. Instead of the Service Contracting (ESC) enrollees and church leaders at the airport followed by usual mooring place, the vessel moved the remaining 20 new-to-the-school a delicious lunch. The cynosure among on to Nusa. Samud, the loyal all-around students had to pay their school fees. the dishes served was the tasty “Kamon” school handyman who as a little lad An invitation to the “gunting” and the not to be outdone “lechon” started working with the late Fr. Leopold (scissor) rite (cutting of the hair) (roasted pig). Gregoire, OMI (arrival in the was extended which is equal to the January 11- departure for Tabawan. – 1950) navigated a borrowed and aging Christian baptism; lunch and dinner was The 4 to 5-hour trip was smooth sailing pump boat for the trip to Tabawan. He thereafter shared with two (2) families. from the Chinese pier of Bongao to took the long roundabout route in view Interreligious dialogue is actively Tandubas. A stop was made at the pier of the stormy weather brought about by practiced in terms of sharing and the for a 1-hour cargo transfer from an typhoon Agaton rather than the shortcut sincere welcome of the religious into the interisland vessel. Thus, scheduled to sail against the wind. This brought non-Christian homes. boat rides within the islands are to mind that amidst stormy conditions January 13 - no boat trip from unpredictable. One has to remain patient one must “obey the law of nature.” Tabawan to Bongao; got stranded in for unscheduled stops and weather Consequently, a banca for Fr. Julito dela Tabawan for three (3) days. Not a single conditions. In his apostolic exhortation, Cruz, OMI in Tabawan will be provided vessel put out to sea as the rain fell hard “Evangelii Gaudium” in the next budget appropriation. The for 12 hours and howling winds battered mentioned the fact that “Evangelization rough seas prevented fishermen to the galvanized roofing sheets of houses.

Travelers in the islands of Tawi-Tawi where both Muslim and Christians are used to waiting for long hours to move from one island to another Page 2 OMI Philippines Newsletter February 2014

Providentially, the convent house proved sturdy against the tempest. Hence, the schedule to Sibutu and Sitangkai was disrupted. January 15 - one (1) motorboat (launch) out of three (3) managed to get out of the shallow waters of Tabawan and after 8-1/2 hours, Bongao was once more in sight. The usual windy weather was felt however, the trip to Tongheat for the fiesta celebration was cancelled because Angelito Lampon, OMI could not be accommodated in the fully- booked flights. He had to take the boat from Jolo to Zamboanga and finally arrived at 8 o’clock in the evening on the Both Christians and Muslims come together in the celebration 18th of January, despite the rough sea of the Feast of Sto. Nino in Batu-Batu, Tawi-Tawi. conditions. January 19- fiesta celebration of Batu-Batu with Bishop Angelito Lampon, OMI, Fr. Larry de Guia, OMI, Fr. Gaudencio The whole community contributed to the The influence of Fr. Gaudencio Basada, OMI – Batu-Batu Mission in- affair and the atmosphere of harmony “Denz” in the community affair is to Charge, and Fr. Elmer Boston, OMI – was strongly felt in the involvement of be noted. One can feel the Christian Sibutu Mission in-Charge in attendance. the youth, the dance choreography, the community coming back more alive by The highlight of the celebration in songs of the choir and the animated their participation in all activities as honor of Sto. Niño, the child Jesus, was Mass. inspired by Fr. Denz. On his second year in the Sinulog Festival. Images of the Participants in the Sinulog Batu-Batu, he was able to delegate some child Jesus were raised up mostly by showdown drew in various groups tasks among the church leaders so much Muslims while some others lifted up the namely students, Muslims and municipal so that he did not undergo the previous Koran. The parade which started from employees. The Panel of Judges included year’s total physical exhaustion. the Church’s frontage was therefore a the Provincial Treasurer, Patricia Mar, the At half past four in the afternoon, sight to behold. After the Eucharistic wife of the Governor, Madame Annabel travel by land was made to Sanga- celebration presided by Bishop Lito, Sahali, a Marine Lieutenant and two lay Sanga and in the evening a dinner was lunch was sumptuously served with four Muslims. A raffle was held after the end tendered by the Castillo family. Fr. (4) roasted pigs and varied dishes from of the Sinulog performance with cell Elmer Boston, OMI and Fr. Howard Tatel, two (2) butchered cows were arrayed on phones given away as prizes. This was OMI who showed a limping gait due to the table along with other filling food. sponsored by the local government unit. unavailability of good provisions in the remote islands had a good chat with Bishop Lampon, OMI concerning their missions. Fr. Howard gave a retreat at Notre Dame of Bongao unhampered by the sore feeling in his right foot. January 21 - back to Cotabato City with the ease of having shared the experiences of the personnel in the missions and the knowledge that the missions in Jolo and Tawi-Tawi are alive with the vision of commitment to dialoguing with people of different cultures, faiths and religions; a fitting tribute as true sons of St. Eugene deth Mazenod who are affirming their 75 year of being daring missionaries. Christians and Muslims, young and old, enjoying their meals together Larry de Guia, OMI during the celebration of the Feast of Sto. Niño in Batu-Batu, Tawi-Tawi. February 2014 OMI Philippines Newsletter Page 3 2014 Presbyteral Jubilarians

During th the OMI Philippine the Vicariate of Jolo from being Vicar at the age of 41. In 1986, Bishop Quevedo Province’s 75 Jubilee Year (1939- General to President of Notre Dame of was transferred to one of the oldest 2014), we have the following Oblate Jolo College. He became the first Filipino Sees in the Philippines as Archbishop of Priests who are celebrating the jubilee Provincial Superior in 1976. After his Nueva Segovia (Ilocos Region). of their presbyteral ordinations. (In the stint as Provincial Superior, he became Then in the year 1998, Archbishop next issue of the Newsletter we would the President of Notre Dame University Orlando Quevedo was moved back to dedicate an article for those celebrating from 1982 to 1992. Cotabato to succeed Archbishop Philip their jubilee in the religious life.) Smith, OMI. In the Archdiocese, his We have two celebrants for the advocacy for peace and support to the Golden Jubilee Year of their Presbyteral peace process is well known. He is one Ordination - Fr. Jose Ante (February of the few members of the Philippine 22nd) and Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Hierarchy that see the issue of injustice Quevedo (June 5th). Fr. Jun Mercado to the as the root cause of celebrates his 40th year as Presbyter on the Moro Rebellion that has been raging August 25th. Fr. Danny Sergio (February since the early 70’s. 24th) and Fr. Raffy Tianero (December On January 25th, 2014, His 28th) will celebrate their silver jubilee as Holiness Pope Francis announced the priests. names of the 19 new CARDINALS of the during the Sunday Angelus. The Philippines, particularly Mindanao rejoiced to hear that a native Archbishop Orlando Cardinal of Mindanao and an Archbishop of the Quevedo, OMI, DD war-torn Cotabato has been raised to the College of Cardinals. As the Pope - Ordained himself announced, the naming of the Presbyter on June 5, 1964 new cardinals is NOT an entitlement but an assumption of a new role in the Cardinal Quevedo was born in Church. Cardinal Quevedo sees the new Laoag, Ilocos Norte on March 11, 1939. ‘munus’ (responsibility) as a call to serve He was the youngest of four children. the cause of PEACE and Justice. When he was eight years old, his family migrated to Marbel, Koronadal, South Fr. Jose Ante, OMI Cotabato where he entered the fourth grade. He was in high school at the - Ordained Presbyter Marist Brothers administered the Notre on February 22nd, 1964 Dame of Marbel, when he dreamed of following the footsteps of Frs. Joseph Fr. Jose Ante was born in July 13, Quinn, OMI and Peter Moriarty, OMI. 1936 to the late Col. Bibiano Ante and He studied Theology with Fr. Peter Dolores Doroteo. During her ninth Nami, OMI in Washington DC and both childbirth, Fr. Ante’s mother almost died were ordained on February 5th, 1964 and the doctor recommended ligation, by Most Rev. Francis McSorley, Bishop of but, she answered back, “I might have a Jolo. child who would become a priest.” And Upon his return to the Philippines, indeed, this came true! One daughter he was assigned in many places - Fr. Eliseo ‘Jun’ Mercado, OMI (Sr. Imelda Ante, RGS) even became a Cathedral, Notre Dame Seminary at religious. However, Fr. Ante learned of Nuling, Vocation Director and Professor - this anecdote only after his ordination at Notre Dame Colleges. He became the Ordained Presbyter on August 25th, on February 22, 1964. first Filipino President of Notre Dame 1974 He went to Rome, Italy and studied University (1970-1976). While President Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian of NDU at a young age in his early 30’s, If I were to wax personally for a University where he obtained his he received the TOYM Award in 1972. moment, I would express my deepest Licentiate in Sacred Theology in 1964. He was ordained Bishop of desires, not only for myself but for He served in various capacities in Kidapawan Diocese on October 28, 1980 a world peopled by those I deem as Page 4 OMI Philippines Newsletter February 2014

beloved and worthy of dignity, respect, in their hearts. You stand to lose much if On his 25th Jubilee celebration as and honour. you allow yourself to be intimidated by Presbyter, he continues to be fascinated As a staunch Catholic, it is his long list of achievements and mighty by the passage from the Prophet Hosea sometimes difficult to believe that within intellect. Pinoyexpats has been privileged serving as the keynote of his jubilee the structure of what appears to be a to spend some quality online time with celebration. It reads: “therefore, traditional and seemingly stiff entity, such a person. (By Svelte Rogue, http:// behold, I will allure her, bring her into there can exist people who embody the pinoyexpats.org/index.php, June 21, the wilderness and speak kindly to dreams and aspirations of people with 2005) her.”(Hosea 2:14) This biblical image different faiths, of people in poverty, of from Hosea captured my sabbatical people who dream of a better tomorrow experience in the desert of New Mexico for their country. in 2007. To hear anew God’s tender voice What can one say to someone who and experience his kindness and mercy was once a member of a socialist activist truly fills my heart with gratefulness. group associated with the left known as And this gratitude continues to color the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (New the ministry He gives to me. And as I Patriotic Alliance)? Ang tao, ang bayan, celebrate 25 years of priestly ministry, ngayon ay lumalaban. To quote from the this biblical image continues to nurture official website of Bayan: and bless me so that I may become What can one say about nurturance and blessing as well to my someone who has been awarded circle of influence. presidential awards under two different administrations and has been lauded for his efforts in promoting peace among the people of Mindanao and clean, honest elections in one of the “hottest spots” in the country? Fr. Danilo Sergio, OMI What can one hope to learn from someone who has been schooled - Ordained extensively in the prestigious universities Presbyter on February 24th, 1989 of Rome and who was once President of Notre Dame University (NDU) in Cotabato Fr Danny was born on the 6th of City and Director of Notre Dame Manila October 1962 to the late Teodolfo and (NDM) in the Philippines? Ramona Sergio in Agos, Polangui, Albay. And to round off my honest waxing, He joined the Oblates in 1979. After I can only say this to that person: “You spending three years in the Juniorate FR. RAFAEL TIANERO, OMI embody the ideals, intellect, and deeds and another three years in the novitiate, of someone I would want to be.” he pursued his theological studies at the - Ordained Eliseo R. Mercado, Jr., known fondly Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. On Presbyter on December 29, 1989 as “Bapa Jun” (bapa is a term of respect his return to the Philippines in 1988, for Muslim elders), is someone whose he served as Deacon in Midsayap, Fr. Raffy was born to Wenceslao and impressive record of achievements has Cotabato. Leticia Capacio Tianero of Malaybalay, marked the lives of the people with Fr. Danilo was ordained Presbyter Bukidnon on February 11, 1963. Being whom he has worked very closely in at Our Lady of Grace Church on February the eldest among the eight siblings his ministry as activist, priest, and 24th, 1989 by Archbishop Orlando molded him to be a responsible son even administrator; whose stature has Quevedo, OMI, DD. at a young age by tending their farm. marked the annals of Philippine history, After ordination he served in Life with his family is a blissful and whose utter simplicity has endeared various capacities in the parishes of one yet still deep within he felt empty him to people across all social strata, Midsayap, Siasi and Masiag. He also and hollow. His life threaded on a religious affiliations (or lack thereof), served as Chaplain of Notre Dame void direction. This was the time he and different ideological platforms. University and Retreat Master both in experienced an identity crisis; everything One has to meet him to fully the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help seemed to begin and end with a question appreciate the beauty of his person. He in Binuligan, Kidapawan City and at mark. is not unlike a chameleon, able to adapt the OMI Missionary Center in Fairview, He was looking for something he to the cultures and sensibilities of the Quezon City. didn’t know. Till one day, he saw an ad: “If people he’s with, learning their languages Presently, Fr. Danny is the Director you say Yes!” from the Panorama Weekly and ways, exploring their strengths and of the Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine and Magazine. The OMI was completely vulnerabilities, and lodging himself firmly Grotto in Tamontaka (Cotabato). unknown to him but it did not deter him February 2014 OMI Philippines Newsletter Page 5

to respond. he came home from Rome and began domain. He is presently in Pangipasan IP He was already on his third year in his apostolate among the Manobos community in North Cotabato. Civil Engineering when he was admitted in Kulaman until his ordination With all the difficulties he continues at the Juniorate at De Mazenod Seminary. on December 29, 1989 in Musuan, to encounter he claims: “I can feel God After two years he was accepted at the Bukidnon. holding me in His two hands, affirming Novitiate in Tamontaka. He took a degree He has chosen to work among the all the things that are happening to in AB Philosophy at NDU for 2 years. Indigenous Peoples (IP) sharing their me. Despite the pain, the trials and the He studied theology at Gregorian pains and sufferings as well as their sufferings, God is there, filling me with University in Roma, Italia. In July 1989, dream to own and retrieve their ancestral His fullness in every way.” The OMI Philippines Celebrates 75th Jubilee

In a meeting held last 7 January, ministries and life of the martyrs of • Day of Prayer on Missiology involving 2014 by the Preparatory Committee the Philippine Province retreats for Oblates and recollection which is comprised of: Frs. Jun Matas, • Collection of video productions used modules for co-workers, lay workers Taddy Castillo, Jon Domingo, Charlie in the past to be burned into a disc for and school personnel Inzon, Dodoy Daquipil, Pon Vasquez, district use in activities like symposia, • Thematic Monthly District Rodel Lopez, Bert Layson and Jay Virador, forums, and others Recollections for Oblates with the the following activities were drawn for • Production of the 75th jubilee logo Apostolic Exhortation, “Evangelii the deliberation of the provincial districts • Production of a province-wide Gaudium” and talks of former of Manila, Kidapawan and Cotabato, and book on the OMI Missions in the Provincials - Resource Persons as the the Vicariate of Jolo: Philippines materials for the spiritual reflections • Video cuts of the OMI missions for the • Mass media information • Forum for law workers, local promotion of the jubilee celebration dissemination about the Oblates and pilgrimages and symposia which in social media networks such as life of the martyrs of the Philippine integrate Oblate values, various needs FaceBook (FB) and Twitter for public Province through a national magazine, of Indigenous Peoples, Interreligious access and district reproduction media kit, jingle and FB account for Dialogue, New Evangelization and • Comprehensive video production the jubilee celebration Missiology depicting the life of the Pioneers, • Photo exhibit and memorabilia • Concrete Actions for the Poor such as pioneering ministries, present display the granting of land titles to the poor in consultation with the Ordinary Provincial Council • 3-Day culminating activities: Festival of Remembering on 23 September, 2014, Festival of Reliving on 24 September, 2014, and Festival of Hoping on 25 September, 2014

On the whole, the jubilee will be a celebration of thanksgiving for the Divine Creator’s loving grace and guidance. It will commemorate the legacy of the early Oblates, vigorously renew the spirit of evangelization among present co-workers and missionaries, and face the challenges of the future of new evangelization with zeal especially Youth Festival at Notre Dame University among the poor and the abandonedmoss with concrete actions as articulated in the 2013 Congress directions. ( ) Page 6 OMI Philippines Newsletter February 2014 Celebrating the 75th Jubilee Year of the OMI’s arrival in the Philippines

During the January recollection, the Tamontaka Cluster composed of Broce Parish, the Houses of Formation in Tamontaka, North Upi, South Upi, Datu Piang Parish, Spiritual Center and the Grotto came up with a proposal to the Cotabato District on how to give the much ‘SPARK’ in the OMI 75th Jubilee Celebration that would culminate in September 2014. The dates set were February 8th for a Youth Festival for Peace and February 9th for the GRAND Celebration cum pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Oblate Fathers in a light mood at the Grotto fiesta Lourdes in Tamontaka. The Youth Festival caught an immediate spark with the Notre Dame University Campus Ministry assuming Church to join the procession and The 6th Infantry Division Brass the lead role in organizing the Festival. the celebration of the Grotto Fiesta in Band and Soldiers added life, sound The whole cluster and Notre Dame of thanksgiving for the gifts of the OMI’s to and color to the whole procession. The Midsayap College (NDMC)were invited Southern Philippines. Drum and Bugle Corps of the Roxas to send in their youth delegation. Over On February 9th, people from all Elementary School and the Notre Dame 600 youth came and with the NDMC communities and schools nearby with of Cotabato (RVM School) with their Band, the whole gym became alive! their drum and bugle corps, the youth, colorful majorettes added pageantry to The OMI Junior Seminarians and the mandated organizations led by the the whole celebration. novices acted as facilitators and sparks Our Lady of Lourdes Association (OLLA), The Eucharistic celebration was for the youth participants in singing and Marian Movement for Priests, the Lay presided by NDU President, Fr. Eduardo dancing. The Campus ministry prepared Ministers, Daughters of Mary Immaculate Tanudtanud, OMI with Frs. Danny some video presentation on diverse OMI and the Knights of Columbus formed a Sergio, Jun Mercado, Celoi Andamon, Missions for viewing. long line of procession with the image Amador Castillo, Prudencio Alviar, Ross The following day, the youth of Our Lady Lourdes from Tamontaka Kapunan, Ed Santoyo, Jimmy del Rosario, participants trooped to Tamontaka Church to the Grotto. Jong Delfin, Juarambelle Sacil and Robert (from DRC) as concelebratnts. In his homily, Fr. Ed tied the Marian devotion to the gifts of Missionary Oblates to the Church of Cotabato. The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Tamontaka was constructed in 1961 under the inspiration and guidance of the late Fr. Jan Kuilboer,‘imported’ OMI. from With the Mountainfirst Novices Provinces in Tamontaka who were as skilled laborers, in stonethe two work Igorots (

) constructed the stone cave and the first retaining walls. Then Fr. Kuilboer ordered a marble image of Our Lady of Lourdes from Italy. The first Fiesta Celebration at the Grotto to mark and celebrate the 75th Jubilee Pilgrimage to Grotto and Shrine of Our of the arrival of the OMI’s in the Cotabato Missions Lady of Lourdes in the then Prelature of Cotabato was held on December 8th, 1961. February 2014 OMI Philippines Newsletter Page 7 th Celebrating the 75 Jubilee Year The big earthquake of 1976 and the Creation ground to the whole longest procession in Tamontaka with all damaged the retaining walls of the Grotto/Shrine Complex. the pageantry to mark andAd Multos celebrate Annos the Grotto. The reconstruction of the Grotto Fr. Danny Sergio, OMI is the present 75th Jubilee of the arrival of the OMI’s in of the OMI’s arrival in the Philippines took place in 1980 under the leadership Director of the Grotto and Shrine. With the Cotabato Missions. ! of Fr. Richard Pommier, OMI. During his the Tamontaka Cluster, he planned (ERM) stint, Fr. Pommier added the Small World the biggest Fiesta Celebration and the The 18 Pioneers of the OMI Philippine Mission - A Flashback...

In the past, when we speak of OMI pioneer missionaries, we referred to the 7 OMI‘s who came in two batches: the first batch landed on September 25th, 1939 and the 2nd batch landed a month after on October 26th. TODAY we speak of OMI PIONEERS referring to the three (3) WAVES of OMI arrivals before the Second World War: 1939, 1940 and 1941. The first Wave of Pioneers came in two batches. The 1st Batch composed of Frs. Gerard Mongeau, OMI (Texas Province), Emile Bolduc, OMI, Egide Beaudoin and George Dion, OMI (Franco- American Province)th landed in Manila on September 25 , 1939. The second batch was composed of Frs. Francis McSorley, OMI, Cuthbert Billman, OMI and Joseph Boyd, OMI (all from the American 1st Province). Fr. Gerard Mongeau, OMI was appointed as the Superior of the Philippine Mission directly under the General Administration and supported by the 4 American Provinces. The second Wave of Pioneers arrived in September of 1940. There were 7 of them and they were the following: Frs. George Baynes, Edward Gordon, Emmeth Laquerre, Joseph Quinn, John Sheehan, and Bernard Clancy. Fr. Edward Gordon from the 2nd Wave would become the first Provincial Superior when the OMI Philippines was established as a Vice Province on become the second Provincial Superior in Catabato and Sulu by the Japanese and September 4th, 1951. of the OMI Philippines. for a while they were kept in different The third Wave of Pioneers came The pioneer OMI Missionaries camps until they were all brought to the in 1941 (few months before the outbreak in the Philippines were 17 Priest and UST Concentration Camp (Manila). There of the war on December 8, 1941). The 1 Brother. Of the 18 Pioneers, 3 (Frs. they were re-united. Though they lived group was composed of four priests and McMahon, Drone and Bro. Braun) joined in want, they continued their ministries a brother. They were the following: Fr. the fleeing US Soldiers to Australia but to the prisoners and the sick. Already James Burke, Fr. McMahon, Fr. Robert they were caught by the Japanese in the while in the Concentration Camp, they Sullivan, Fr. Paul Drone and Bro. Michael Celebes and killed there. The other 15 were planning for the post war Missions Braun. Fr. James Burke, OMI would Pioneers were caught in different places in Cotabato and Sulu. (ERM) Page 8 OMI Philippines Newsletter February 2014 OMI DISASTER RESPONSE TO YOLANDA SURVIVORS

The whole OMI Disaster Response Team travelled by land using four types of vehicles which were borrowed from the different Oblate institutions and benefactors. The Team left Kidapawan City in the morning of December 15, 2013; took the boat in Surigao and arrived in Palo, Leyte in the early morning of December 16, 2013. They attended the first Misa de Gallo at the Cathedral of Palo, Leyte. Sulat, Eastern Samar and selected municipalities of Leyte with special attention to the inmates of the Provincial Jail in Palo, Leyte, Tacloban City Jail and selected parishes served as the areas Volunteers from the Youth for the Beautiful Heart Foundation; other covered by the response team. Christ, Singles for Christ and Couples medicines and medical equipment Fr. Eduardo C. Vasquez, Jr., OMI for Christ took charge of repacking and (wheel chair and 2 oxygen) bought from headed the team with the assistance of loading of all the goods distributed to the drug store (OMI calamity fund); gas Fr. Joe Aduana, OMI. Other members of the Yolanda survivors. The donations stove and 2 LPG tanks; 16 bottles of the team included: Anacleto B. Millendez consisted of about 500 packs of rice (2 Mompo and 100 packs of small hosts, – Medical Doctor, Loren Joy Garcia – kilos), canned goods, noodles, medicines 20 packs of big hosts; 20 pieces of extra Registered Nurse/Treasurer, Cherrylyn and toiletries; 13 sacks of rice from NDBC large hosts for special occasions. Corpuz – Graduate Nurse, Sarah Jane donors, 10 sacks of rice (OMI calamity The above-mentioned donations Tueres – Graduate Nurse, Cherry Anne fund); 15 boxes of canned goods from were received by almost 1,300 Concha – Finance Officer, Amiel Mark NDBC donors; 10 boxes of noodles from individuals and eight (8) parishes. The Cagayan – Photo-Video Documentor, NDBC donors; around 5 boxes of small prison inmates received a total of 1,400 Frederick Lorenzo – Video Documentor, bottled water from NDBC donors; 10 big sleeping mats, 1,000 mosquito nets, Janissa Sumalampong – Singer (i-Watch gallons of mineral water from i-Watch and 1,000 malongs or Muslim blankets, local artist), Harry Constantino – Singer donors; construction materials – 35 G.I. sports items, 5 portable rechargeable PA (i-Watch local artist), Joseph Repolidon sheets, 4 kilos umbrella nails, 20 pieces sound system and 3 solar light kits. Free – Driver of the Isuzu D’max, Gringo Sela vulcaseal, 11 kilos common nails; 10 medical consultation and distribution – Driver of the Isuzu IPV ambulance, solar light kit; 18 DB Multi-Portable PA of medicines were facilitated by Dr. Edgardo Navarro – Driver of the Isuzu System with 18 handheld microphones Anacleto B. Millendez, Founding Head IPV ambulance, Edgardo Navarro – and 14 rechargeable Sony batteries with of the Beautiful Heart Foundation. He Driver of the Mitsubishi 4x4 Fuso Fighter, charger; electronic drum set and foldable was assisted by three i-Watch volunteer Lemuel I Cataluna – Assistant Driver, keyboard; 4 basketball balls; 4 volleyball nurses. Two i-Watch local singing artists Orlan Hinutan – Driver of the Toyota Hi- balls; 2 volleyball net; assorted medicines entertained the inmates while the relief Ace Van (D4D), and Deodatu Fermilon – worth about half a million pesos from distribution was going on. The OMI Official Cook. Disaster Team also initiated a videoke singing and dance contest among the inmates for stress debriefing. Donation of sports items was included to help the inmates cope with their traumas. Visitation and monitoring of the Super-typhoon Yolanda victims were made by the Team to personally see the situation of the families of Fr. Matt Bertis, OMI in Jaro and Fr. Gaudencio Basada, OMI in Sulat, Eastern Samar. The 7-hour travel gave the teammoss the – culledopportunity from the to reportsee the of situation Fr. Eduardo of the C. Vasquez, survivors Jr., in OMI many remote areas. ( ) February 2014 OMI Philippines Newsletter Page 9

Iloilo relief operation

the Parish Social Action Coordinator fortunately gave the assurance that the packages shall reach the two barangays scheduled for distribution. After the distribution of Noche Buena packs in Ajuy, Iloilo, the team proceeded to Estancia, Iloilo which took the group 45 minutes of travel from Ajuy. The team was met by the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary parish priest, Fr. Macario Sortido. He provided 10 volunteers to assist the group in the distribution. The Oblate Missionary Foundation and Oblate Media Team In the barangays of Poblacion, San Roque and Gugo, about 1,500 Noche Buena packages were distributed. The recipients expressed their gratitude to The Oblate Missionary Foundation In Ajuy, Iloilo, the coastal barangays the OMF-NDBC team for the relief goods and the Oblate Media distributed a total of Barrido, Malayuan and Mangorocoro, that they received. The beneficiaries of three thousand three hundred sixty- and two mountain barangays, namely were even more appreciative that they three (3,363) Noche Buena food packs for Agbobolo, and Badingan were received “Noche Buena” packs instead of the victims of typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) beneficiaries of one thousand eight the usual canned goods and noodles. For in the towns of Ajuy and Estancia in hundred sixty three (1,863) food packs. them, sprits were uplifted for they had Iloilo City. The food packs consisted of With the help of the JASAC Coordinator a simple meal to prepare for the special Spaghetti and Macaroni salad, rice, can and Ajuy town Mayor Juan Alvarez, occasion of Christmas. When asked for goods and toiletries purchased from distribution of the goods were done their wishes for Christmas, they replied SM City Iloilo worth almost 1.5 million in an efficient and orderly manner. that they wished for the normal life pesos. Residents of these barangays received that they enjoyed and treasured before The 7-man team distributed the and evidently appreciated the efforts in the strongest typhoon in history took Noche Buena Food Packs on December reaching out to them. They noticeably it from them and in order to achieve it, 20, 2013. One hundred thousand were grateful considering the distance they pray for boats or “Bangka” to let pesos (PhP100,000.00) in the form of the group travelled from Mindanao them fish, owing to the title of Estancia a check was also turned over to the to their humble towns. Although the as the Fishing Capital of Iloilo. The team Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center team was not able to penetrate the two left Estancia at around 7 o’ clock in the (JASAC) as donation from OMF/Oblate mountain barangays which at that time evening and reached Iloilo City past 9 Media. The team headed by Agnes was not accessible by land transportation, o’clock. Myra Pinol, had earlier coordinated the Local Government Unit of Ajuy and with JASAC Director Msgr. Militon Oso for the determination and assessment of the area to be distributed with the “Noche Buena Package”. In order to avoid duplication and maintain equal distribution of goods to the victims, prior coordination and area assessment was required. After coordinating with the JASAC Director, Mgsr. Oso who identified the areas for relief distribution, then assigned teams to work together with the NDBC (Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation) team. Around 5 o’clock in the morning of December 20, 2013, the team boarded a passenger van and 2 truck vans; travelling approximately a distance of 76 kilometers from Iloilo City Noche Buena food packs distribution in Barangay Barrido to the Municipality of Ajuy, the first area to receive the goods. Page 10 OMI Philippines Newsletter February 2014 The Three Martyrs of the Vicariate of Jolo

Bishop Benjamin D. de Jesus, OMI Fr. Benjamin C. Inocencio, OMI Fr. Jesus Reynaldo A. Roda, OMI

The usual understanding of Martyrs by ideology and abstract theological vows’. During the 50th Jubilee of OMI in the history of the Church is what debate, the three Martyrs of the Vicariate presence in Jolo, he shared, “Thanks be is captured in a Latin phrase, ODIUM represent an utterly different path: a life to God I persevered in His service! If FIDEI or literally translated as ‘Hate of lived as a “guest in the house of Islam,” God gave me the grace to be faithful for the Faith’. Martyrs were the people who not blind to the challenges and never the past 27 years as a religious and 21 died because of their faith. They endured fuzzy about their Christian identity, years as a priest, I hope and pray that pain, persecution and death, because of but relentless in their commitment to by the grace of our OMI Golden Jubilee their faith in Jesus, the lord. friendship. celebration, I will be able to persevere In many ways, Bishop Benjamin de The greatest discovery of their unto the end, singing praises to God for Jesus, OMI (Bishop of Jolo), Fr. Benjamin lives as Missionaries in the Vicariate of the good things He has done in me and Inocencio, OMI and Fr. Jesus Reynaldo Jolo , was to see the Muslims as their through me to the people that I serve. Roda, OMI - who were all killed in the “neighbors.” Oblate vocation is truly a gratuitous gift Vicariate of Jolo in 1997, 2000, and Bishop Benjamin D. de Jesus, OMI - of God to me. I am an ordinary human 2009, respectively, and whose Cause Martyr being, weak, vulnerable, but God used for Martyrdom, we want to open during me to proclaim his love and compassion the 75th Jubilee Celebration of the to others.” arrival of the Missionary Oblates to the Bishop Ben was kindness and Philippines. In Sulu, Tawi-Tawi missions, Bishop friendship personified. When he was Bishop Ben, Fr. Benjie and Fr. Rey Ben got used to riding on boats to visit shot in front of the Jolo Cathedral in at their funerals in 1996, 2000, and the different islands to administer the the morning of February 4th, 1997, 2009 Muslim mourners were described sacraments or visit the school. He was shock waves reverberated in the by him as “the bishop and fathers of exposed to dealing with top government entire Congregation of the Missionary the Muslims, too.” Hence the peoples of officials of the province/municipality and Oblates of Mary Immaculate and to goodwill - Christians and Muslims alike, military officials. This was particularly the Philippine Church. He was the first also stake a claim to their memory, as a true in Sulu. Bishop Ben spoke in several Bishop brutally killed a few months after sort of spiritual antipode to Islamophobia occasions when his life was endangered the Final Peace Agreement between the and the “war on terrorism.” and trembling with fear he carried on Philippine Government and the Moro In a time when discussion of the work. He would share ‘the times of National Liberation Front was signed on Christian/Muslim relations is dominated difficulties in trying to be faithful to the September 2, 1996. February 2014 OMI Philippines Newsletter Page 11

FR. BENJAMIN C. INOCENCIO, OMI - Martyr touch of his heart heals us through an perspective of the Garden of Olives where undeniably painful transformation ‘as our Lord received the strength and the through fire.’ But it is a blessed pain, in grace to drink the chalice reserved for Fr. Inocencio, 42, was martyred on which the holy power of his love sears him with courage and joy. (ERM) Thursday, December 28, 2009. He was through us like a flame, enabling us to ordained to the priesthood at Grace Park, become totally ourselves and thus totally Announcement Caloocan City, Metro Manila on April 25, of God.” Fr. Rey’s life, according to Bishop 1992. He was first assigned to Timanan 2014 Annual Retreats in June 1992. Three months later he was Lampon, was “fire that sears through.” assigned to Cagayan de Mapun in Tawi- “They lost a father. The people of Tawi, where he became the Parochial Tabawan want to go with him all the Oct. 14-18... 1st batch Vicar of Mapun Parish and at the same way. All the way,” he said. “Can we count time the Director of Notre Dame of with our fingers how many will die for Oct. 19...... Jubilarians Day Mapun. He spent more than eight years us because we’ve entered their lives?” of humble and faithful service to the the bishop asked. Oct. 20-22... Assembly? people of the island. Fr. Rey’s sister, Pet, told those who In June 2000, he was assigned attended the mass that her brother was Oct. 23-27... 2nd batch Chancellor of the Apostolic Vicariate of the middle child. “As our brother, he was Jolo with Bishop Angelito R. Lampon, our friend and confidante; as an uncle, he OMI, DD. At the same time, he served was an inspiration to his nephews and (The Vicariate Oblates are highly as Chaplain of the Notre Dame of Jolo nieces; as cousins, he would tell them to recommended to take the 2nd batch, College. love one another and as a person, he was because Frs. Warren Brown, OMI Beside the Cathedral of Jolo, Fr. simple, humble, caring and loving.” Inocencio was shot on the head that Fr. Rey had a quite personal and Clement Waidyasekara, OMI caused his sudden death on the feast of understanding of interreligious dialogue. will come for consultation on the last the Holy Innocents, December 28, 2000. He was not involved in the big events week of October.) The Martyrdom of Fr. Benjamin that took place after Vatican II, the great Inocencio, OMI fondly called as Fr. Benjie, Muslim/Christian conferences in Manila is a second brutal murder of the servant or Hong Kong or Bali. His interreligious Fr. Larry of the Catholic Church which took place dialogue was building partnership and in Jolo. The first was the senseless killing friendship so that the least would have of Bishop Benjamin de Jesus, OMI, DD on access to quality education, basic health Fr.February Jesus 4, R 1997.eynaldo A. Roda, OMI - services, and good governance from FR. LAURO D. DE GUIA, OMI Martyr their leaders. Publisher Do you believe that Bishop Ben, Fr. Benjie and Fr. Rey were killed in odium Fr. Eliseo R. Mercado, Jr., OMI fidei? Editor When his killers arrived at his The brutal assassinations of Bishop Ms. MarIA Ofelia S. Silva house, Fr. Rey was praying in the chapel. de Jesus, Fr. Inocencio and Fr. Roda Researcher Some of the students were working at the can only be understood as part of the computers since they put the generators increasing extremism, a template for Modesto T. Pagco Layout Artist only in the evening. They looked for radical Islamic movements in Southern him and they wanted to kidnap him. Philippines and elsewhere. In that He refused to go with them. So they context, the killing of the three Martyrs ‘manhandled’ him and they brutally of the Vicariate is a symbol for the “With Renewed Heart, Renewed killed him in the evening of the 15th of ‘Paradigm of Clash of Civilizations’ at the January 2009 in the Island of Tabawan. hands of extremists and fanatics. The Spirit, Renewed Mission: “How can people harm such a real Missionaries and ordinary Christians in nice person?” Bishop Lampon asked the Vicariate of Jolo are, after all, fully Revitalizing our Oblate during his 25-minute homily, interrupted aware of the peril that stalked them, first by a 35-minute silence then another who refused to walk away, saying, “WE Identity and Mission in the 10-minute silence as tears clouded his ABANDON THE ARCHIPELAGO OF SULU eyes. TO THE RADICALS.” OMI Philippine Province.” Bishop Lampon quoted from On the other hand, Bishop Ben, the encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI to Fr. Benjie and Fr. Rey were also men of describe the life of Fr. Rey. dialogue down to their bones. Their The Pope wrote, “His gaze, the deaths can only be understood from the OMI Philippines Newsletter February 2014 A simple missionary touches hearts and lives on

I first came to know Fr. Joseph was financially burdened or whenever I Navaratnam, OMI when I started working encountered problems, he would always in the parish of Our Lady of Grace in reminded me that I should not worry 1989. He was a very kind and thoughtful because God will take care of me. person. He was good at remembering When he was about to be birthdays and did not forget to share transferred to the Oblate Missionary something. Fr. Joseph was very much Center (OMC) in May 2004, Fr. Peding loved by the parishioners, lay leaders, Labaglay, OMI had a hard time convincing staff and the vendors around the parish. Lolo Joseph. It was also difficult for me Every morning, he used to take a to be separated from him. At that time, walk, asked for wilting flowers from the he was already having memory lapses Fr. Francis Joseph Navaratnam, OMI flower vendors, visit the sick and homes and was becoming sickly. Although he that he then experienced being chased often said, “Evelyn I’m still able and I am and bitten by dogs, and getting bumped strong. I can hear confessions, do the by a tricycle. Lolo (Filipino term for baptism.” It must have been difficult for Grandfather) Joseph is always on call surprised when Father Joseph read the him to adjust but later on he was able to for confessions, sick calls, and masses liturgy for the deceased. The sermon accept his retirement at OMC. He would for the dead. He could be approached was about souls and it turned out that call me up often and ask, “When are any time for the administration of the the homily he brought was that of the you coming?” He would say, “You have sacraments. He was also eager to learn Mass for the dead. forgotten Fr. Joseph,” when actually, I had Tagalog (a major local language) and Lolo Joseph is very generous. He just visited him a few weeks back. That often he would ask me to read the gospel would help people buy their medicines, is why I tried my best to visit him more and would listen intently but, most of pay for their children’s tuition fees, often because he was happy when visited. the time he would fall asleep while doing hospital bills, transportation fares and Somebody told me, you visit Fr. Joseph so. However, when I asked him to read pocket money. I witnessed how he was often but, he does not remember that. it, he could do it although quite slowly able to help in his own little way. He For me, it was not important whether and I in turn would be the one to fall shared the gifts he received from his he remembered me. What matters most asleep. We had prepared homilies for friends to others. He was the one who was at the time of my visit, he felt that he him for weddings, baptisms, and the taught me to love the poor. He always was remembered and I was able to make dead in Tagalog. Once, he celebrated told me, “Love the poor, the poorest of him happy. In my frequent visits to Lolo, the Mass of the Holy Spirit in one school the poor.” It was also Lolo who prompted as I entered his room, I could see how and the catechists and the teachers were me that, “God will provide.” Every time I his face looked gloomy and he would say, “Oh Evelyn! Number one in my heart.” I would ask, “Who is number one in your heart Lolo?” He would reply, “Of course Evelyn!” Despite his memory lapse, he has not forgotten me. Last January 1st, when I visited him he asked me, “Are you still in Grace Park?” I answered, “Yes, Lolo!” He said, “Continue to serve Evelyn. God will bless you abundantly!” Really, Fr. Joseph is my inspiration to love my neighbours in whatever state they are in; to serve wholeheartedly and with love. Thank you Lolo. I love you very much. Thank you for makingEvelyn a difference Tipones - Secretary, in my life Ourand Lady for touching of Grace myParish, life Caloocan in your ownCity, Fr. Francis Joseph and Ms. Evelyn Tipones Metrospecial Manila way. (

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