Camillians in the Cities of Mati and Davao

“I feel lucky being in a ‘Camillian Martyrs’ community,” said Fr. Angel.  The name of the community is, of course, not official but it is suggestive of the ideal to aspire for in Camillian religious life.  It also reminds us of the Camillian Martyrs of Charity to whom we look up and whose feast we celebrate on May 25, the birthday of our Founder St. Camillus de Lellis.

The Camillian community in Mati and Davao – officially known as St. Camillus Hospital Mati – is composed of Fr. Bong Pamintuan Jr., Fr. Tex Rico Buntol, Bro. Marcelino Digal, and Fr. Angel V. Crisostomo.

This community, however, is divided – only in terms of space.  Fr. Bong, Fr. Angel and Bro. Mars reside in Mati, Davao Oriental. For them St. Camillus Hospital Mati is the vineyard of Charity where they ‘meet Christ in the poor sick.’  Davao Medical Center (DMC) in Davao City, on the other hand, is the place where Fr. Tex-Rico concretizes our Camillian ministry.  He resides in Ladislawa Village in Davao City.

Fr. Tex believes that God had chosen him to be in Davao and that God had prepared him for this ministry. Aware of the many demands of his pastoral service, he strives hard to face all the challenges in his ministry. It is remarkable how seriously he endeavors to bring the Eucharist to the people and to maintain the solemnity of the celebration.  He has organized the Youth Choir that sings during the Sunday Masses in DMC.  He himself uses his singing ability to enhance the liturgy.  It is observable that the number of Mass goers has increased.  For Fr. Tex, this is a consolation.

To strengthen mutual support, Fr. Bong, the local community superior, stays frequently in the Davao residence with Fr. Tex in order to assist him in his ministry in DMC and in the housekeeping.  Fr. Angel and Bro. Mars, on their part, steadfastly exercise their responsibilities in Mati.

Fr. Bong also serves as the director of St. Camillus Hospital Mati. As hospital administrator, he acknowledges the commendable teamwork among his confreres, the lay administrators and all the hospital personnel in pursuing the vision-mission of the hospital.  He also recognizes that their community life as Camillians boosts their ministry too.

Bro. Mars (who by the way has a talent to charm snakes; if interested, do ask him for further details…) exercises his ministry primarily as Assistant Nursing Director in SCH Mati. He expressed his gratitude to the Province for allowing him to serve in Mati.  “I try my best in doing what I think would be beneficial for the hospital as a whole,” said Bro. Mars.  For him, seeing positive developments taking place in the hospital is a source of joy.  “We are indeed blessed by God and guided by St. Camillus,” he added.

Fr. Angel, being the youngest, enjoys the fraternal love of Bro. Mars and the fatherly care and protection of Fr. Bong.  However, he revealed that his stay in Mati sort of made him feel older. His “honeymoon” ended once he began his ministry hands on as hospital chaplain, purchasing officer and person responsible for maintenance.  In spite of his enthusiastic involvement he felt, at times, inadequate in the face of the huge responsibilities. But given all that, he still feels joy because he finds fulfillment in the very rich, diverse and grace-filled experiences affored to him by his assignments.

The hospital concerns of the Camillians in Mati go beyond the purely administrative.  They also look after the spiritual growth of the hospital community.  Fr. Bong and Fr. Angel conduct recollections for them and take turns in presiding at the daily Masses in the hospital chapel.

An additional element in the ministry of the Davao community is their involvement in diocesan activities, in GKK (Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban) and in the cathedral.  Much of their involvement is in saying Masses even in far flung barrios.  Furthermore, F r. Angel represents the community in the Association of Religious Men and Women in the Diocese of Mati and the community participates as far as possible in the association’s activities.

The promotion of the Camillian charism and spirituality among the lay people is also a part of the community’s activities.  They do this by vigorously supporting the Lay Camillian Family especially in Davao City.  For Fr. Tex, this is a ministry that he is able to do first hand in DMC.

As a community, our four confreres in Davao bridge their ‘division’ by getting together on weekends at the Ladislawa residence in Davao City. Like the early Christians they gather and share their life stories and experiences in their respective ministries.  Together they consider how to overcome challenges and grow in their religious life. Their coming together become like a safe haven where they experience a sense of belonging and being  understood, appreciated and accepted.  Fr. Bong says, with appreciation, that they are really open to each other in expressing their views and sharing their concerns down to the personal level.  

In their sharing, they disclosed that they learn a lot from one another despite the difficulties in religious life; they pray together, eat together and serve the sick together.  Indeed Fr. Patrick Peyton’s famous one liner applies to this community, “The Community that prays together stays together.”

One of the trademarks of this community is hospitality. Their warm hospitality knows no bounds; they welcome their confreres with open hearts. They appreciate the presence of scholastics who go for summer apostolate and exposure. [I stand witness to their hospitality and generosity till the end of time.]

Frs. Angel, Bong, Tex and Bro. Mars! Thanks so much for your trust and openness in sharing your experiences.  Best wishes for your ministry.  It is not success but Faithfulness in religious life that matters most. May God grant us the grace of Faithfulness to our vocations. Mabuhay kayo!!!