A NEW INTERPROVINCIAL PROJECT IS BORN

At the behest of the Good Shepherds Sisters living and working in the Diocese of Imus, Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle invited the Eudists to come and work in his diocese in the Philippines. While in Rome for a visit, Bishop Tagle (or “Chito” as he is more commonly known) paid a visit to our General House. Michel Gerard, our Superior General, accepted the invitation to “come and see.” Father Michel had a first hand look at the great need that exists in the Diocese of Imus.*

 Subsequently, he shared his observations and impressions with the General Council. The members of the council decided that it would be good to pursue an interprovincial project of the Eudists in the Philippines. It was further suggested that the North American Province become the “lead agent” in this new endeavor. Therefore, this becomes a fine example of the interprovinciality that was encouraged at the General Assembly in Quito.

THE INITIAL TEAM AND THE FIRST OFFICIAL MEETING

 The provincials of the three largest provinces invited one priest from each province to be a part of the initial team that will go to the Philippines. Designated to begin this new work in the Diocese of Imus are: Ron Bagley, CJM from the United States who will serve as superior of the community and contact person with the Diocese of Imus; Pierre Marchand, CJM from the Province of France; and Amadeo Pedroza, CJM from the Province of Colombia.

 A first official meeting of the project was held at our General House in Rome on September 30 and October 1, 2005. Besides the three confreres who will be working in the Diocese of Imus, also present for this meeting was Raymond Vaillancourt, CJM, Provincial of North America; and Bishop Tagle who was in Rome for the Synod of Bishops.

Amadeo Pedroza - Bishop Tagle - Pierre Marchand - Ron Bagley

BISHOP TAGLE INTRODUCES THE TEAM TO THE DIOCESE OF IMUS

Bishop Tagle Introduces the Team to the Dioces of Imus

 Each of the confreres had an opportunity to introduce himself and share his background, education and expertise. Bishop Chito likewise introduced the team to the Diocese of Imus. The Diocese was created in 1961; it had previously been a part of the Archdiocese of Manila. Bishop Tagle is its fourth bishop. It has 60 parishes and about 2.1 million Catholics. There are 90 diocesan priests serving the diocese. The diocese also has a large number of women religious although many of them are in houses of formation for their communities.

 The diocese has changed a great deal in recent years. It had been a rural area with a great deal of agriculture. The province of Cavite (the physical territory of the diocese) has become much more industrialized. He described the rapid influx of people from other areas of the Philippines who have come looking for work. The resulting growth has put a strain on the diocese, particularly in the area of concern for and ministry to the poor.

 The bishop described the various social/economic areas of the Diocese of Imus. The northern area which borders on the Archdiocese of Manila is actually very much like Manila: crowded and busy, having all of the characteristics of a large urban setting. The western coast of the diocese supports a fishing industry that is increasingly challenged by the encroachment of fishing fleets from other countries. This makes it difficult for Filipino fishermen to make a living. The mid section of the diocese has become an industrial development zone. Many multinational corporations have established factories there to take advantage of the (relatively) inexpensive labor. The minimum wage in the Philippines is quite low and, even by Philippines standards, not enough for a family to live on. The southern area of the diocese remains more rural. This is the area around Tagaytay where the diocesan major seminary is located. It is also where the Good Shepherd Sisters operate a spiritual renewal center. This area is also home to many religious orders and their houses of formation.

 Bishop Tagle explained the diocesan planning process that began in 1999. It has been a grassroots project from the beginning, involving all the parishes and many people across the diocese. The first step was to refine the vision of the diocese. As a result, that understanding of mission in the diocese focuses on five areas of concern: God, neighbor, life, society and creation. As the plan has progressed, the diocese has identified twenty-two ministries necessary to address the need for evangelization in these areas. Now there is a great need to train lay people for these ministries.

AREAS IN WHICH THE EUDISTS COULD BECOME INVOLVED

 Bishop Tagle then spoke of three specific areas in which the Eudists could become involved:

 1)                  Collaborating in the work of the already existing seminaries

There are two diocesan seminaries. One is for seminarians in philosophy and is located in Imus. These students take classes at the university in Manila. The component provided by the diocese focuses on human and spiritual formation. The other seminary is located in Tagaytay (near Lake Taal and the spirituality center of the Good Shepherd Sisters). The seminarians in theology take classes at the School of Theology operated by the Divine Word Fathers. Prior to beginning theology, the diocese offers a year of spiritual formation. After the second year of theology, students have a pastoral year in which they are immersed in ministry. Prior to diaconate, students go through a special preparation process.

 2)                  Continuing formation of priests

Given the challenges of ministry in a diocese so large and with the new priorities that have been identified in the pastoral plan, the diocese is placing special emphasis on the continuing formation of priests. There is a hope that priests would experience a month of ongoing formation each year. It would focus on the human, intellectual and spiritual aspects of formation.

 3)                  Formation of lay leaders

With the emphasis on lay leadership in the twenty-two ministries that have been identified in the pastoral plan, there is an increasing need for formation for lay ministry.

 Bishop Tagle mentioned that the first two areas are the likely places for the Eudists to begin. Perhaps after some time of acculturation and language training, lay ministry formation could become part of the Eudist mission in the diocese as well.

 Discussion at the meeting also focused on many financial and other practical questions. Many of these need to be worked out as the project evolves. The most immediate need is to establish a memorandum of agreement between the Eudists and the Diocese of Imus.

ARRIVAL OF THE MEMBERS OF THE TEAM

 Ron Bagley will make an on-site visit to the Diocese of Imus in December 2005. He will be able to better assess the situation during his three week stay there. He will also be able to participate in the 30^th anniversary of the diocesan seminary in Tagaytay.

 The members of the team will begin arriving in the Diocese of Imus in the spring of 2006. The first to arrive will be Amadeo Pedroza in March. Ron Bagley will go at the end of April. Pierre Marchand plans to arrive in September.

 This new project presents the Eudists with a challenge and an opportunity. It will be challenging to begin a new work in a new country on a new continent. Adapting to a new country with a different culture and new language is always a challenge. The poverty of this area will also present unique challenges.

 St. John Eudes tried to send priests to Asia but never succeeded. Now the Eudists have the opportunity to fulfill his dream. This is a country where the Catholic faith is alive and vibrant. Approximately 75% of the Catholics practice their faith by celebrating the Eucharist every Sunday. The country continues to foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life. This bodes well for the future growth of the Eudists in this region. The mission entrusted to the Eudists by Bishop Chito is clearly in the line of “the formation of good workers for the gospel.” The bishop has shown a great openness to the charism and spirituality that the Eudists would bring. He has displayed a high degree of collaboration and collegiality. The team was impressed with his hospitality, his concern for the poor, and his simple and cordial manner.

 May St. John Eudes, great missionary priest, lead and guide the team of this new project. May Blessed Mary, the Mother of the Lord, enfold them in her loving and protective Heart.

See more pictures of the first meeting in Rome