The Franciscan Order
Francis of Assisi was born in Assisi (Italy) in 1181/1182. After a carefree youth, he had a conversion experience and founded the Order of Friars Minor, commonly known as the Franciscans. Soon a young woman, Clare of Assisi, wanted to share his way of life and, during her lifetime, her little community of sisters developed into the Order of the Poor Sisters, later called the Poor Clares.
The Franciscan Third Order, known today as the Secular Franciscan Order, also sees St. Francis as its founder. In 1219/1220 Francis went to Egypt, where he met the Sultan; this meeting was the inspiration behind the origin of the Custody of the Holy Land, which is the name for the community of friars who maintain the ancient Franciscan presence in Jerusalem, and help keep alive the memory of Jesus’ presence in the holy places.
DiscoverHistory of the Custody
The Custody of St. Anthony of Padua, Philippines (CSAPP) is replete with surprises of all levels, successes as well as failures, though from our Christian point of view are preludes and first step to success. Though historically the CSAPP came into existence only in 2007, the roots of its presence in the global Franciscan history goes back almost 450 years.
Briefly, it started with the coming of the first friars in 1578. They were Discalced Franciscans, followers of the reform introduced in 1553 by St. Peter of Alcantara (1499-1562), which was approved by the Pope. It was a reform that aimed to return to the origins of the Franciscan charism and life, founded on prayer, particularly contemplation; strict living of poverty expressed in the simplicity of life; penance, care for the sick and the poor, and dedication to missions. It was not simply a return to the origins of Franciscan life, but to the very roots of Christianity lived in the early Christian communities, ultimately a return to the Gospel.
DiscoverA joyful fraternity in Mission and Dialogue, relying on God's providence, with a witnessing lifestyle as brothers to creation, promoting justice and peace, in solidarity with the excluded.
We the friars of the custody of St. Anthony of Padua in the Philippines see that our lives become parables of God's reign:
a.) Our joyful reliance in God's providence inspires us to pursue daring goals, so that the Franciscan presence is an instrument of our Order and the Church to reach all God's people especially in the "Visayas and Mindanao".
b.) Not only those whom we serve are cared for sacramentally, but the hungry are fed, the thirsty given drink, and the sick visited.
c.) Our joyful way of life touches the way other people live, hence, love and forgiveness, justice and peace, and respect for God's creation prevail. God's word is preached by the everyday life and values of our parishioners, students, and every person we serve.
Inspired by the life and example of St. Francis of Assisi,
a.) We serve God's people in Visayas and Mindanao, primarily the poor, the sick and the excluded as well as peoples throughout the world.
b.) Our primary means of evangelization is our joyful witnessing, as seen in our simple lifestyle, our immersion in the communities that we serve and work with, our fraternal love for one another, our respect for God's creation, and our overwhelming reliance on God's providence.
c.) Our involvement in institutionalized ministries is determined not by our ownership or control, but by our sense of stewardship and the impact of our evangelization efforts in such ministries. Our friar's communities are to be abodes of fraternal love and prayer because this is our way of witnessing and also our means of supporting and spiritually sustaining one another.
Secretary for Formation and Studies
RANDY G. RENDORA, OFM
Formator
of Franciscan Intensification Year
Francis C. Moneda, OFM
Post-Novitiate Director
Neil J. Badillo, OFM
Master of Novices
Gilbert G. Bagaloyos, OFM
Master of Postulants
Alberto L. Dano, OFM
Master of Aspirants
AJaime Raul M. Yakit, OFM
Ministerial Formation Coordinator
Randy G. Rendora, OFM
Moderator
Alberto M. Sekito, OFM
Lay Brothers Specialization Coordinator
Dennis T. Tayo, OFM
Secretary for Missions and Evangelization/FDP Coordinator
Dennis T. Tayo, OFM
Animator for Missions
Prescilo A. Salomon, OFM
School Pastoral Ministry Coordinator
Jovito M. Malinao, OFM
Parish Ministry Coordinator
Royce G. Trinidad, OFM
Health Care Ministry Coordinator
Hernan Emmanuel A. Senador, OFM
Mass Media Ministry Coordinator
Mark Joy G. Basallajes, OFM
Spiritual Ministry Coordinator
Noniel R. Pe, OFM
Youth Ministry Coordinator
Dante L. Barcelona, OFM
New Forms of Evangelization and Mission Coordinator
Christopher B. Villanueva, OFM
Custodial Secretary
Errol R. Ortiz, OFM
Custodial Bursar
Seth F. Monet, OFM
Custodial Communications Director
Mark Joy G. Basallajes, OFM
FDO Director
Renee C. Dean, OFM
Vocation Animator
Dante L. Barcelona, OFM
JPIC Coordinator
Allan Jose L. Arcebuche, OFM
Service for Dialogue Coordinator
Christopher B. Villanueva, OFM
Office of Custodial Archives Coordinator
Salvador D. Cerbito, OFM
Custodial Financial Board Chairperson
Neil J. Badillo, OFM