Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Diocesi di Cubao
Cubao (Agenzia Fides) - "I have just returned from the Philippines, where the Camillians celebrated their 50th anniversary. I myself spent more than 30 years there, and my experience was beautiful and rich in many initiatives that taught me the great value of Providence," Father Luigi Galvani told Fides upon his return to Maumere, on the island of Flores, where he has been working for over 15 years.
March 8, 2025, was a historic day for the Camillians in the Philippines, who celebrated their 50th anniversary in the Asian country. "It began almost by chance, when three young Italian students, missionaries in Taiwan, were temporarily sent to Manila to study theology," writes Father Luigi. "Their presence and the possibility of flourishing vocational development convinced the Superiors to establish a new mission in this country. This decision, surely inspired by Providence, has produced truly encouraging and positive results in just 50 years."
"Since their humble beginnings (1975-2025), a total of 68 priests have been ordained within 50 years, and there are currently nine religious communities, two of which are engaged in formation and the others in hospital pastoral care and in their own health facilities. They have not only grown in number but have also spread the charism of Saint Camillus toward the sick, the elderly, the poor, and the laity by establishing various health facilities of their own, including three hospitals, three outpatient clinics, a nursing home for the elderly, and a pastoral center to promote training courses for chaplains and health personnel."
Father Galvani explains that the missionary dimension is another characteristic that characterizes and inspires the Philippine Camillian mission. "In fact, some of its religious are already serving as missionaries in Australia, Taiwan, South Korea, Italy, Germany, and the USA. Furthermore, the courageous opening of the Camillian mission in Indonesia and Pakistan was another sign of the missionary spirit that inspires them. Due to their numerical growth, they were legally recognized by their Major Superiors as a Philippine religious province a few years ago."
"The values that inspired and sustained them on this historic journey were, above all, goodwill and the courage to take initiatives, faith in Providence, and concrete dedication to the call of social and pastoral service. Their presence was full of challenges, but it was also not lacking in abundant blessings. Today, we are certain that they look to the future with a renewed commitment to bear witness to St. Camillus toward the sick and the poor, to always be 'witnesses of hope' in a world that often experiences despair and suffering," said Father Galvani.
"Here in Indonesia, too, even after years, the enthusiasm remains, with the desire to continue doing good," concludes Father Luigi, who today serves as a Camillian pioneer on the Indonesian island of Flores. The anniversary celebration program began with a solemn thanksgiving presided over by Bishop Elias Lumayog Ayuban (C.M.F.) in the Cathedral of the Diocese of Cubao, followed by a video presentation of the Philippine Mission with testimonies of the pioneers and various greetings from guests, including that of the Superior General of the Camillian Order, Pedro Tramontin, in the theater of the Camillian Seminary in Marikina. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 21/3/2025)
