Dear Claretians, fiesta blessings to everyone!

We are gathered here for the 2023 Gawad Parangal—Pagkilala sa mga Kaagapay sa Misyon. As we recognize the awardees this year, we also acknowledge each other’s presence which brings greater joy in our midst.

But while there is an invitation to celebrate, Fr. Matthew Vattamattam, CMF, our Superior General, reminds us “not to flee from the realities that we face today… as we see more fumes of fury rising to the heavens than the incense of thanksgiving and praise of the Creator.” We have to keep hope alive in our hearts and in our midst. To keep this hope blazing, we are invited to remember with joy the memory of our Father Founder, St. Anthony Mary Claret, whose life and witness direct us all to seek the light of heaven and to be rooted in Christ. His prayers lead us to go beyond the worries and anxieties that beset us.

Hope shines, too, as we keep a fond memory of our Congregation—the Congregation of Missionaries, Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Within this period, we are celebrating the 175 years of our missionary presence in the world. The Claretian family is blessed to have the witness of missionaries whose commitment and self-oblation become for us inspiration to constantly live in mission even when distressed. This year, the Gawad Parangal is made more special as we keep the memory of the Martyrs of Barbastro, Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, and Fr. Santiago Gonzalez and etch their memory in the three distinct award categories. We shall reflect on the Martyrs of Barbastro, with the Gawad Barbastro, who, at a young age, offered their lives in martyrdom. We recall the leadership and sacrifice of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo with the Gawad Gallardo. And with gratitude, we remember the lasting legacy of Fr. Santiago Gonzalez with the Gawad Gonzalez. We all have a reason to hope when we have a memory of all those who have inspired us to embrace the mission.

We continue to take the pilgrimage of hope as we look around us. The awardees in our midst are blessings to us that remind us of the essence of service. Our lives are to be marked with authentic service—service that goes beyond the years, service that offers quality, service that does not complain. 

To all the awardees, congratulations and thank you for sharing your life with us, the Claretian Missionaries, and for being our “kaagapay sa misyon.” Thank you for being an inspiration to all.

As a family gathered moving towards the Jubilee Year 2025, let us be hope to each other so that we can navigate varied situations and experiences without giving up. We are Claretians—we are audacious in mission!

SCIENTIA MAXIME CUM VIRTUTE