From the Desk of the Provincial Superior

August 17, 2016



Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Congregation of the Oblates of St. Joseph in the Philippines is concluding its centennial celebrations on August 26, 2016.

But before such festivities, our province has to bear painfully the unexpected resignation of Rev. Fr. Noel B. Magtaas, OSJ as our Provincial Superior. As per advised by his medical doctors, he needs to take a rest from the demands and stresses caused by his duties and responsibilities. On June 20, 2016, he submitted his letter to our Superior General, Rev. Fr. Michele Piscopo, OSJ, and his Council expressing his request to be discharged from his office. The General Council, during their meeting on July 12, 2016, accepted and approved his letter.

In consequence, the undersigned is appointed as the new Provincial Superior effective July 12, 2016. This is in accordance to our Constitution, Article 180, “If for any reason whatever the Provincial is permanently unable to discharge his functions, the first councilor takes his place and the council shall appoint another Councilor as soon as possible who must be confirmed by the Superior General. A similar procedure shall be used whenever one of the Councilors ceases from office. This Council remains in office till the completion of the three-year term. Resignation requires prior acceptance by the Superior General with the consent of his Council.” Thereby, Rev. Fr. Eduardo Carandang, OSJ is now the vicar provincial superior and first provincial councilor; Rev. Fr. Jorge de Chavez, Jr., OSJ, second provincial councilor; and Rev. Fr. Carlito Argente, OSJ, third provincial councilor. Upon consultation and approval of the General Council, Br. Lorenzo Moneva, OSJ assumes as fourth provincial councilor.

The new provincial council is hoping for your continuous support to whatever endeavor we are going to undertake as we journey together to “serve the interests of Jesus like St. Joseph.”

Most sincerely yours in St. Joseph and St. Joseph Marello,


(Sgd.) Rev. Fr. Jayson DC Endaya, OSJ
Provincial Superior

OSJPP Centennial Concluding Activities: Day 1 August 23, 2016
OSJCS, Lipa City

The first day of the concluding activities for the Oblates of St. Joseph Philippine Province's Centennial celebrations was attended by three-hundred and fifty-four participants comprised of personnel, office staff, various PPC officers and members of different religious organizations and of the Joseph Marello Youth.

The speakers of this day were Rev. Fr. Ferdimagne Pascua, OSJ and Rev. Fr. Nelson Osorio, OSJ. Fr. Ferdimagne shared his reflections as a newly ordained priest inspired by the words of the first topic, "Serving the interests of Jesus like St. Joseph." On the second talk, focusing on the topic, "Salus Nostra in Manu Tua", Fr. Nelson gave a life-testimony on how powerful is the intercession of St. Joseph, especially in his healing ministry and social apostolate.

After the talks, the Holy Mass was celebrated with Most Rev. Marcelino Antonio Maralit, Jr., D.D. as the main celebrant. During his homily, the jolly bishop of Boac, Marinduque reflected on how the first five OSJ missionaries were able to have that strength and courage to accept being sent to the Philippines. He gave four reasons. First, he believed that these five were men of prayer. He was even able to emphasize how the Founder of the OSJ, St. Joseph Marello, valued so much prayer in the life of the Oblates. Second, he said that the pioneers were able to emulate St. Joseph Marello in his silence and humility. He even reiterated the attitude of not taking credit for whatever he has done for the Church and for the Congregation. Third, he also believed that the five had a great devotion to St. Joseph. And fourth, he reflected that the five had a great view of heaven. He said that the five focused intently into heaven that they were able to endure the hardships and trials that were present in carrying out the missions entrusted to them.

Towards the end of his homily, Bishop Junie gave his advise to the OSJ priest and brothers to never forget to go back to their roots and follow the examples of the pioneers.

OSJPP Centennial Concluding Activities: Day 2 August 24, 2016
OSJCS, Lipa City

The second day of the concluding activities for the Oblates of St. Joseph Philippine Province's Centennial celebrations was attended by two-hundred and ninety-eight participants comprised mostly of the different units of the Federation of the OSJ Cooperators (FOSJC) and of Custos. The farthest delegation came from Sta. Maria, Isabela.

Rev. Fr. Joel Villanueva gave his insights on the first topic, "Serve the interests of Jesus like St. Joseph" while Rev. Fr. Ronald Medrano, OSJ shared on the second topic, "Salus Nostra in Manu Tua".

The celebration of the Eucharist was presided by Most Reverend Broderick Pabillo, DD, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Manila. In his homily, he focused first on the nature of the church being one, holy and apostolic Church. He also reflected on the life of St. Bartholomew. Making a conection from the apostle's obedience to the call of Jesus, the bishop then focused on St. Joseph being a man who truly obeyed God. But he clarified that his was not just a blind obedience. It was an obedience that was just and thoroughly discerned. He then challanged the Cooperators and the Custos to spread furthermore the devotion to St. Joseph so that many would emulate him in his obedience. Lastly, he left a message for the Oblates of St. Joseph. He congratulated the Province for reaching one-hundred years and recognized their efforts in helping in the growth of the Church and in instilling a deep devotion to St. Joseph.

The FOSJC and Custos are groups of lay men and women that were organized by the Province to help primarily in the spread of the Josephite-Marellian spirituality and secondily, to assist the Province in the temporal needs especially of the OSJ formation houses.

OSJPP Centennial Concluding Activities: Day 3 August 25, 2016
OSJCS, Lipa City

The third day of the three-day preparation was attended by teachers, school personnel and seminarians, both of the minor and college seminaries.

The talk on ”Salus Nostra Manu Tua“ was given by Rev. Fr. Edmerson Faiq Quinto, OSJ while Rev. Fr. Regie Piad, OSJ expounded on ”Serve the interests of Jesus“. The Eucharistic Celebration was led by Rev. Fr. Vitaliano "Chito" de Maranan, SDB who was one of the professors when the OSJ students of theology were studying at the Don Bosco Center of Studies, Parañaque. Fr. Chito in his homily shared why there is a close affinity between his congregation, the Salesians of Don Bosco, and the OSJ. He said that this is rooted in their respective Founders, St. John Bosco and St. Joseph Marello who had known each other being both were from Piedmont, Italy. Both saints had a great concern for the welfare of the youth during that social turmoil in Italy which made them to found these congregations. And second, both had a great and deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. Continuing on the same line of thought, the Salesian priest urged the OSJ priests and brothers to follow the examples of these venerable saints.

OSJPP Centennial Concluding Activities: Main Event August 26, 2016
OSJCS, Lipa City

The day had finally arrived to conclude the year-long celebration of the centennial presence of the Oblates of St. Joseph in the Philippines.

It began with the final games of the Centennial Cup with the Maroon Team led by Rev. Fr. Carlito Argente, OSJ emerging as the champions. After lunch, parents and relatives of the OSJ confreres and seminarians arrived for an afternoon of fun games organized by the junior professed brothers. Prizes sponsored by the different OSJ communities were given away during a raffle in between games.

At around 4:30 in the afternoon, the closing Eucharist celebration began with His Eminence, Most Reverend Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, DD, as the main celebrant. The arcbishop emeritus of Manila was also assisted by Most Rev. Marcelino Antonio Maralit, Jr., DD, bishop of Boac, Marinduque, and by Most Rev. Buenaventura Famadico, DD, bishop of San Pablo. A number of OSJ priests and from other congregations concelebrated in the Mass.

During his homily, Cardinal Rosales recounted the history of the OSJ from a personal perspective. He reiterated the importance of tracing back the history of the province. Before the final blessing, the OSJ Coffee Table Book depicting the history of the province was formally launched.

After a sumptuous feast, a show featuring the talents of selected students from various OSJ schools was held.

The presence of about one-thousand and four-hundred comprised of relatives, friends, parishioners and benefactors is truly appreciated by the Province.