THE STORY OF OUR PROVINCE
The St. Joseph Province is the first mission of the Congregation of the Oblates of St. Joseph outside Italy which started in 1915 and was e stablished as a Province in 1987.
Provisional Art. 1
Provincial Directory
St. Joseph Province
2020
We remember our Filipino confreres who have gone ahead of us.
IN MEMORIAM
Br. Lino Luminate, OSJ
10 Oct 1935 - 12 Aug 1976
He was born in Jaland, Iloilo on October 10, 1935.
Though at first he wished to be a priest, he asked to be an OSJ brother. He entered the Congregation after finishing high school. In 1960, he was sent to Italy for his Novitiate in Armeno. In 1961, he made his first religious profession and returned to the country.
He took up different tasks in the community of San Jose, Batangas. He was the economo of the seminary, taught catechism in public schools, took care of the church and the liturgical services in the Parish. He was also an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist. He was also in-charge of the formation of a group of Brother aspirants. He even managed an agricultural farm near the OSJ school in Padre Garcia.
On August 12, he died suddenly at a very young age of 40, beloved by all.
Rev. Fr. Leo Pernecia, OSJ
16 June 1947 - 25 Aug 1978
He was born in Zarraga, Iloilo on June 16, 1947.
He attended the Minor Seminary in San Jose, Batangas. He went to Italy for his novitiate and theological studies.
After he received his Diaconate, he returned to the Philippines and in 1976 he was ordained in his native town.
He was immediately put in-charge of vocation guidance and formation in the Minor Seminary, San Jose, Batangas. Part of his responsibility as a formator was to drive the seminarians for classes at the Diocesan Seminary in Lipa.
On August 25, 1978, as he was re-entering from Lipa on his motorcycle and was about to turn down the street leading to San Jose, he was knocked down by a heavy six-by-six truck going in the opposite direction. He died on the spot. He was 31 years old, five years as a religious and barely two years as a priest.
Rev. Fr. Felix Celeste, OSJ
22 Aug 1957 - 26 Jan 1993
He was born in Calinog, Iloilo on August 22, 1957.
He made his first religious profession on May 30, 1980 at St. Anthony de Padua Church, Antipolo. He professed the vows perpetually at the OSJ Formation Center (now OSJ College Seminary), Marawoy, Lipa City on May 29, 1983.
He was ordained priest in his hometown of Calinog on July 16, 1984. He left for Italy for a two-year specialization course in Theology. In 1986 he returned to the country and was put in charge of formation. In 1987 he was assigned as spiritual director of the seminarians of the seminarians both in Lipa and in San Jose. He was appointed as Rector and Prefect of the OSJ Minor Seminary (1988). Then in 1989 he was briefly assigned as Economo in Victoria Homes, Muntinlupa.
In 1990 he became the Parish Priest of the Most Holy Rosary Parish, Padre Garcia, Batangas. He was also appointed as first councilor and Provincial Vicar in 1992. However, during this period also that symptoms of a terrible disease started to show in him. This sickness brought him to his death on January 26, 1993, living 13 years as a religious and nine years as a priest.
Rev. Fr. Lucio Aguilar, OSJ
11 Feb 1909 - 18 Aug 1993
He entered the Congregation in August of 1940. He was under the tutelage of the late Fr. Antonio Fanchini, OSJ in Rosario, Batangas. He was then sent to Italy for his formation. He made his first profession of vows on September 30, 1935. Exactly four years after, he professed the vows perpetually. On June 30, 1940 he was ordained priest. He still needed to finish his theology until 1941. He stayed for five more years in Italy serving in the religious houses of Alba, Santa Chiara and Canelli.
At the end of June 1946, he returned to the country. He was first assigned as assistant pastor in San Jose Batangas as well as given responsibility in the seminary. In 1961 he was appointed as Parish Priest of Padre Garcia, but he was named Delegate of the Philippine OSJ Mission in 1962. When his term ended, he was pastor of San Jose and, for some time, also Episcopal Vicar of the Diocese. Abandoning his direct parochial responsibilities, he continued to help in the parish and in hearing the confessions of the seminarians.
After being hospitalized a few weeks for heart problems, he died peacefully on August 18, 1993.
Rev. Fr. Sancho Sison, OSJ
5 Jun 1948 - 22 Oct 2001
He was born in Rosario, Batangas on June 5, 1948.
He entered the Congregation as a minor seminarian in San Jose, Batangas. In 1970 he was sent to Rome for his novitiate. He made his first religious profession in Castelnuovo Calcea, Asti on September 30, 1971. Then he returned to the country for his theological studies. He professed the vows perpetually in 1974 at St. Joseph Church, San Jose, Batangas. On March 15, 1976 he was ordained priest in Rosario Parish Church. His first priestly duty was as associate pastor of Santuario de San Jose in Greenhills and at the same time as prefect of the seminarians. In 1979, he was appointed as master of novices in Antipolo. Later, he was named parish priest of San Juan, Batangas. In 1982, he was elected second delegate councilor and was in charge of the OSJ schools. For two years (1984-1986 he went to Pittston, United States of America for reasons of studies and while there was appointed as associate pastor of St. Rock. In 1986, he was named Delegate of the OSJ in the Philippines. During the Twelfth General Chapter in 1987, the Philippine delegation was recognized as a Province. Consequently, he became the first provincial superior. He was confirmed for a second term in 1989. After three years as provincial superior, he was elected as vicar provincial and was named as the first pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Elvinda Village until 1995. Then he returned to Pittston for three years. In 1998, he was again nominated as provincial superior. After his term, he became a resident priest at the OSJ Theologate, South City Homes, Biñan, Laguna.
On October 22, 2001, he was forced to make his morning jogging inside the seminary hall due to a heavy rainfall. While taking a rest, he suffered a brain aneurysm that led to a cerebral hemorrhage causing his death. He was only 53 years old, living 30 years as a religious and 25 years as a priest.
Rev. Fr. Deodoro Dawis, OSJ
6 July 1957 - 10 Mar 2013
He was born on July 6, 1957 in Taal, Batangas.
He entered the Congregation in 1969. He made his first religious profession of vows in 1979. He professed the vows perpetually on May 29, 1983. He was ordained priest on July 6, 1984. He was assigned as Prefect of Discipline at the OSJ Minor Seminary. In 1986, he was named as its rector. From 1989 to 1993, he was appointed as pastor of St. Joseph the Patriarch Parish, San Jose, Batangas. In 1993, he was assigned as pastor of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, South City Homes, Biñan, Laguna. He was elected as Third Provincial Councilor in 1995 and was appointed as director in-charge of the promotion of the devotion to St. Joseph and St. Joseph Marello. Then he was appointed as parish priest of St. James the Greater Parish, Ibaan, Batangas. In 2001, he was appointed as parish priest of the Most Holy Rosary Parish, Padre Garcia, Batangas. Three years after (2004), he was named as rector and pastor of Our Lady of Most Holy Rosary Parish, Rosario, Batangas. He was appointed rector of the junior professed brothers who had just transferred to Tagaytay City. In 2009, he was appointed as parochial vicar of San Juan Nepomuceno Parish, San Juan, Batangas. A year after (2010) he was transferred to St. Anthony de Padua Parish, Antipolo City where he remained until his death.
He passed away from a lingering heart condition on March 10, 2013, living 34 years as a religious and 29 years as a priest.
Rev. Fr. Adriano Sobremisana, OSJ
8 Sep 1932 - 13 Jan 2017
Fr. Ading, or to many, "Lolo Ading", was born on September 8, 1932 to Hermogenes Sobremisana and Socoro Sortido. He hailed from Baclayan, New Lucena, Iloilo.
Though his father wanted him to be a soldier. But because of his stature in height, his father realized that God had another plan for his son--for indeed he became a soldier of Christ. After finishing his third year in high school in, he entered the in seminary of Oblates of St. Joseph, San Jose, Batangas. In 1960, he finished his philosophical studies at the San Jose Seminary which is under the administration of the Society of Jesus, he entered the Novitiate in Armeno, Novara, Italy. A year after he made his first profession of vows. He professed the vows perpetually on October 4, 1964. He completed his theological formation and was finally ordained on March 19, 1965.
He returned to the Philippines in 1965 and was assigned as assistant parish priest of San Jose Church and as a confessor at the Seminary, both in San Jose, Batangas. The following year he was assigned as parish priest of Sto. Rosario Parish, Padre Garcia, Batangas. After eight years he was installed as parish priest of Holy Family Parish, Alupay, Rosario, Batangas. In 1984, he became the pastor of San Juan Nepomuceno Parish, San Juan, Batangas. After 13 years, he was appointed as Rector of the OSJ Theologate in Biñan, Laguna. He became the spiritual director and confessor of OSJ Minor Seminary and OSJ College Seminary.
In 2016, his health began to detoriate. He stayed first with Oblate Sisters of St. Joseph in Padre Garcia, Batangas. Then he was transferred to Casa Marello on June 2016. Here he spent his last days of his life.
Fr. Ading returned to his Creator on January 13, 2017, at 9:30 in the evening. His death truly brought forth a great sorrow in the hearts of his confreres and as well as the multitude he had served throughout the almost-fifty-two years as a priest.
Among the possesions he left was a ledger recording the number of Masses he celebrated spanning the 51 years of his priestly ministry--a total of 51,051. It was a feat proving his dedication and availability. He would be forever remembered for his jovial outlook in life, especially his favorite words, OSJ forever!
. In one interview he was asked what his secret in persevering as a religious and as a priest, he sheepishly replied, My joy in being an Oblate of St. Joseph!
Rev. Fr. Raymundo de la Cruz, OSJ
15 Mar 1930 - 26 Feb 2019
He was born on March 15, 1930 at Sta. Isabel, San Pablo, Laguna to Francisco de la Cruz and Hermogena Gumafelix.
He finished his elementary studies at Sta. Maria Central School in Bulacan in 1948 and his secondary education at the St. Joseph Missionary Institute, San Jose, Batangas in 1952.
In 1960, he earned his philosophical degree at the San Jose Seminary, Quezon City and his Theology at the Studentato Internazionale degli Oblati di San Giuseppe, Rome in 1965. He also had a licentiate in theology earned at the Pontificia Universitas Lateranensis in Rome in 1966 and another in a Spirituality course in 1981 at the Pontificium Insitutu, Spiritualis Teresianum.
He entered the Congregation as a minor seminarian in 1953. He was accepted to the novitiate on September 29, 1960. He made his first profession of vows on September 30, 1961. He professed the vows perpetually on October 4, 1964. He was ordained priest on March 19, 1965 in Rome.
He had served as parochial vicar of Santuario de San Jose, Greenhills (1966-1967), of San Jose, Batangas (1968-1970) and of San Juan, Batangas (1998-2002). He became pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Taysan, Batangas (1970-1981), of the Holy Family Parish, Alupay, Rosario, Batangas (1983-1993); and of San Juan Nepomuceno Parish, San Juan, Batangas (1993-1998).
He was elected Vicar delegate in 1974 and in 1986 (becoming the first vicar provincial). He was also the novice master from 1981 to 1983.
He was also known for his love of books and he himself was a writer and a chronicler.
Fr. Ray, or Lolo Ray to many, is looked up by the Province for his intellect, wisdom and inspiration. He spent his final years with the community of the Oblates of St. Joseph College Seminary in Lipa City, Batangas.
On the night of February 26, 2019, he died peacefully. He was 88 years old, 57 years as a religious and 54 years as a a priest.
Rev. Fr. Ray Sales, OSJ
01 Aug 1967 - 6 Jan 2020
Fr. Ray was born on August 1, 1967 in T’Boli, South Cotabato.
He entered the seminary in Lipa City in 1986. He made the first religious profession on May 16, 1992. He made his perpetual profession of vows to the
Congregation on January 23, 1997. He was ordained priest on
April 13, 1998 at the Shrine of St. Joseph the Patriarch in San Jose,
Batangas. From 1998 to 2001, he was assistant parish priest and
economo of Santuario de San Jose, Mandaluyong City. Then in
2001 he was assigned as priest-in-charge of the proposed parish
of the Spousal of Mary and Joseph in Buntatala, Iloilo City. He
expedited the organization of the parish by uniting and giving
formation to the people as a future community of God. He also
worked hard for the construction of the parish edifice. When
the parish was erected in 2003, he became its parish priest until
2007. Then he became rector and parish priest of St. Anthony of
Padua Parish and assistant school director of Don Antonio de
Zuzuarregui Memorial Academy in Antipolo City, from 2007 to
2010. He was parish priest of the Holy Family Parish and assistant
school director of Santo Rosario Academy in Alupay, Rosario,
Batangas from 2010 to 2013. He was assigned as rector and
priest-in charge of the OSJ mission territory in Cabayugan, Puerto
Princesa City from 2013-2014. In 2016, he was sent to the newlyopened Oblate mission in Karangan, West Kalimantan, Indonesia
and was assigned as the parish priest of the newly erected St.
Joseph Parish. As one of the pioneers of the Indonesian mission,
he endured the difficulty of working with people of different
context and culture, learning Bahasa language, and responding
to the pastoral demands of the area.
On the morning of January 1, 2020, Fr. Ray felt severely ill and
asked to be brought to the nearby clinic. As his condition
worsened, he was rushed to St. Anthony Hospital in Pontianak.
He was diagnosed with hemorrhagic stroke due to aneurysm. He
immediately underwent a brain surgery at 3 o‘clock of the same
day. For five days under critical condition, he received the last
sacrament and was surrounded by the presence of the confreres,
the priests and religious, and the faithful of Pontianak. At 4:45
o‘clock in the morning of January 6, he breathed his last. His
remains were transported back to the Philippines on January 10.
He lived 27 years of his life as a religious and
21 years as a priest.
Rev. Fr. Mario Cueto, OSJ
06 Dec 1955 - 14 Feb 2020
Fr. Mario was born on December 6, 1955 in Salao, Rosario, Batangas.
He enter the seminary in 1975. He was accepted to the novitiate on May 30, 1979. He was ordained as priest on June 15, 1984 at the Holy Family Parish, Alupay, Rosario, Batangas. He was in fact the first priest who came from this parish.
From 1984 to 1985, he was assigned at the Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Rosario, Batangas. Then was transferred to the Most Holy Rosary Parish, Padre Garcia, Batangas where he stay until 1990. In 1990, he went to Lagos, Nigeria to open the mission. After six years, he returned to the Philippines. However, he decided to leave the community.
While outside the Institute, he served in the Dioceses of Parañaque and Kalookan. But due to his prevailing diabetes, he was forced to retire to his family's home in Salao, Rosario, Batangas.
On February 14, 2020, he returned to his Creator a priest for 35 years.
Rev. Fr. Jose Vidal Apin, OSJ
27 Apr 1947 - 12 Mar 2020
Fr. Joey was born on April 27, 1947 in Sara, Iloilo.
He entered as an aspirant at the St. Joseph Mission Institute (Minor Seminary of today) in San Jose, Batangas in 1969 at the age of 22. He took up his philosophical studies at the University of Santo at St. Joseph Mission Institute
Tomas in Manila from 1971 to 1974. Then he spent the novitiate at the
OSJ Generalate in Rome in 1974. He made the first profession of the
vows on September 30, 1975. He studied theology at the Angelicum
in Rome from 1975 to 1978. He made the perpetual profession of the
vows on October 5, 1978 after which he returned to the Philippines. On
December 9, 1978, he was ordained to the priesthood at St. Joseph the
Patriarch Parish in San Jose, Batangas.
After his ordination, Fr. Joey was assigned as assistant parish priest of
Santuario de San Jose in Greenhills. In 1980 he was assistant parish
priest of St. James the Greater Parish in Ibaan, Batangas. From 1981
to 1984 he was assigned in the College Seminary in Lipa City as
vocation director. In 1984, he was rector and prefect in the College
Seminary. In 1985, he was the postulant director. From 1986 to 1989,
he was appointed as Novice Master. In 1989 to 1991 he was assigned
as assistant parish priest of San Juan Nepomuceno Parish in San
Juan, Batangas. From 1991 to 2000 he was appointed as the priestadministrator of St. Anthony of Padua quasi-Parish in Antipolo City and
the rector of the religious community there. In 1994 he was elected as
one of the Councilors of the Province. In 1998 he was elected as the
Vicar Provincial. From 2000 to 2004, he was appointed as rector and
parish priest of St. Joseph the Patriarch Parish in San Jose, Batangas.
From 2004 to 2007, he was the parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima
Parish in San Pedro, Laguna. In March 2007 he willingly rendered his
service in Asti, Italy and was assigned as in-charge of the Cappellania
di San Giuseppe Marello. Then from 2007 to 2010 he was assigned in
Imperia as assistant parish priest and administrator of the parish of
Monte Grazie and in-charge of the pastoral center of St. Joseph Parish.
In 2010 he returned to the Philippines and was assigned at the College
Seminary in Lipa City as postulant director. From 2010 to 2013, he was
rector and parish priest of San Juan Nepomuceno Parish in San Juan,
Batangas. From 2013 to 2016, he was rector and parish priest of the
Spousal of Mary and Joseph Parish in Iloilo City. From 2016 to 2018,
he was the parish priest of San Jose Parish in Dinalupihan, Bataan.
From 2018 to 2019, he was a resident priest at OSJ House of the Junior
Professed in Amadeo, Cavite. In 2019, he was appointed as confessor
of the seminarians of the OSJ College Seminary in Lipa City.
On March 12, 2020, at around 8 o‘clock in the evening, the confreres checked
on him and he was found lifeless in his room, serenely lying on his bed.
Rev. Fr. Napoleon Jinon, OSJ
04 Sep 1952 - 18 Sep 2020
Fr. Pol entered the seminary in San Jose in 1969. He took up philosophy at the University of Sto. Tomas from 1971 to 1974. He entered the novitiate in 1974 at the OSJ Generalate in Rome. He had his first profession of vows on September 30, 1975. He took up theology at the Angelicum in Rome from 1975 to 1978. After finishing his studies, he returned to the Philippines and had his perpetual profession on October 7, 1978. He was ordained priest on December 9, 1978.
He was assigned as prefect of the seminarians of the newly opened OSJ Formation Center (College Seminary) in Lipa City from 1978 to 1982 and was the rector there from 1982 to 1984. He was appointed as Novice Master from 1984 to 1986 at Marello Novitiate House in Muntinlupa City. He became the first parish priest of L‘Annunziata Parish in Muntinlupa City from 1985 to 1989. Then he served as rector and parish priest of St. James the Greater Parish in Ibaan from 1989 to 1993. He was appointed as Provincial Superior from 1992 to 1995 and was reappointed for a second term, from 1995 to 1998. As Provincial Superior, he headed the Philippine delegation during the beatification of the Founder in Italy in 1993. He was also one of the capitulars during the 13th General Chapter of the Congregation in 1994. He was in-charge of the Cooperators from 1995 to 1998. After his term as Provincial Superior, he served as rector and parish priest of Santuario de San Jose in Greenhills from 1998 to 2004. He was once again appointed as rector and parish priest of L‘Annunziata Parish from 2004 to 2007; parochial vicar and economo of Santuario de San Jose in Greenhills from 2007 to 2010; parochial vicar of St. Joseph the Patriarch Parish in San Jose from 2010 to 2013; rector and parish priest of St. James the Greater Parish in Ibaan from 2013 to 2016; and resident priest of St. Joseph the Patriarch Parish in San Jose from 2016.
In 2015 he started undergoing dialysis due to kidney failure and had a kidney transplant in 2018. In 2020 he was admitted several times in the hospital due to his unstable health condition. He peacefully passed away due to cardiac arrest on September 18 at 3:45 in the morning in San Jose, Batangas.
”Fr. Pol is known to everyone as a father truly with a big heart and generous hand. He never fails to consider always the greater concern for the Congregation. His life attests to abandoning everything and giving all for the Congregation and for the growth of the Province. Admirable indeed is how he nurtured fraternal life and celebrated communion with everyone.“
Fr. Alfredo Rivas Piad, OSJ
24 August 1936 - 2 October 2020
Born in Zarraga, Iloilo, Philippines
on August 24, 1936
57 years in the religious life
53 years in the priesthood
Fr. Fred or Lolo P entered the St. Joseph Mission Institute (Minor Seminary) in San Jose in 1955. Then he took up his philosophical studies at the Jesuits’ San Jose Seminary in Quezon City from 1958 to 1962. He entered the novitiate in Armeno, Novara, Italy in 1962. He had his first religious profession on September 30, 1963. He took up theology at the OSJ Studentato Internazionale in Rome, Italy from 1963 to 1967. He had his perpetual profession of the vows on October 2, 1966. He was ordained priest on March 18, 1967.
He returned to the Philippines after his ordination and was assigned as assistant parish priest of Santuario de San Jose in Greenhills and prefect of discipline of the college seminarians from 1967 to 1968. Then he was assigned as assistant parish priest of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Rosario from 1968 to 1970. He became the parish priest of San Isidro Labrador Parish in Cuenca from 1970 to 1974.
Fr. Fred (far left) with Fr. Severino Dalmaso, OSJ and Fr. Ray Dela Cruz, OSJ
He was appointed as Superior Delegate from 1974 to 1977, and was reappointed for a second term, from 1977-1979. As Superior Delegate, he participated in the 10th General Chapter of the Congregation in Rome in 1975. He also served as the rector of St. Joseph Mission Institute from 1974 to 1978.
Then he became parish priest of San Juan Nepomuceno Parish in San Juan from 1979 to 1981. He became parish priest of St. James the Greater Parish in Ibaan from 1981 to 1989. During this time, he became active in the Cursillo Movement and was appointed as the Episcopal Delegate of the Cursillos of the Archdiocese of Lipa in 1989. He was elected as a delegate to the 11th General Chapter of the Congregation in 1981. He was elected as Vice-Delegate Superior from 1982 to 1986. He then served as rector of the OSJ Formation Center (College Seminary) from 1989 to 1992; rector and prefect of the theology students in Biñan from 1992 to 1993; and parish priest of Christ the King Parish in San Pedro, Laguna from 1993 to 1998.
When the Province opened its mission in Jaro, Iloilo, he was sent there from 1998 to 2001 to form the people in the area into a community and prepare them in the establishment of the future parish. Then he was assigned as assistant parish priest of St. Joseph the Patriarch Parish and spiritual director of the OSJ Minor Seminary in San Jose from 2001 to 2002; assistant parish priest of Christ the King Parish in San Pedro from 2002-2003; assistant parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in San Pedro from 2003-2007; and spiritual director and confessor of the College Seminary in Lipa from 2007 and there he retired.
He suffered some inevitable ailments due to aging and was taken care of by the confreres. He weakened gradually and, on October 2, 2020, at eight o’clock in the morning he peacefully returned to the Creator.
