Dear Claretians, fiesta blessings to everyone! 

This is the 2024 Gawad Parangal—Pagkilala sa mga Kaagapay sa Misyon. There is so much to celebrate and be grateful for that would make us smile amidst the storm. The awardees and each of us gathered in Thanksgiving carry with us memories and experiences that weave the story of Claret School of Quezon City as it continues to stand on the ground of mission 57 years and beyond.

Our Superior General, Fr. Matthew Vattamattam, CMF, in his message on this year’s feast of St. Anthony Mary Claret, reminds us to meditate, especially on how Claret lived his vocation in community and surrounded himself with committed companions. Fr. Matthew’s reminder is a replica of how we envision our school community as a community of disciples—each one in this community, in an act of genuine service, is to live with others and share with others’ burdens.

Committed companions surround us, especially as we recognize those who have served this Institution for a significant milestone. They are witnesses of the interweaving of persons to build a community. We cannot thank our awardees enough, but we are certain that St. Anthony Mary Claret remembers them very well in his prayers.

This year’s Gawad Parangal continues to honor the memory of our Claretian missionaries whose commitment and self-oblation inspire us to embrace the mission—the Martyrs of Barbastro, Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, and Fr. Santiago Gonzalez. As we remember them, let us also find in them the inspiration to remain joyful witnesses of the Gospel.

The martyrs of Barbastro were in the prime of their youth when they were called to martyrdom. In the face of challenges, they never doubted God's grace, and instead of shouting their complaints, they shouted their “Vivas” to offer their sacrifices to the Lord, to the Blessed Mother, to the Church, and to the Congregation. Their shouts of joy came amidst fears and pains.

Fr. Rhoel Gallardo remained a leader to his companions by sharing comfort, strength, and consolation during their captivity in the mountains of Basilan. His presence became a source of joy during those dark moments.

Fr. Santiago Gonzalez, during his last years at Claret School of Quezon City, was a witness of joyful commitment to serve tirelessly for the mission even in his advanced age.

Dear friends, as we remember our brothers, the Martyrs of Barbastro, Fr. Rhoel, and Fr. Santiago, we also behold the awardees whose contributions have led us to where we are now as Claret School of Quezon City. Moving forward beyond 57 years, we continue to take the pilgrimage of hope during the Jubilee Year 2025 and never waver in sharing the joy of the Gospel. Could there be joy amidst martyrdom, pains, troubles, and advanced age? The Gospel Joy remains if only we know how to see beyond and hold on to the promise of God in hope.

Hindi tayo nawawalan ng problema pero hindi rin tayo nawawalan ng pag-asa sa Panginoon na magbibigay sa atin ng galak sa kaibuturan ng ating mga puso.

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. On behalf of the Claretian Missionaries, I will never stop saying “maraming, maraming salamat.” 

As a community gathered in celebration, let the joy that springs from our hearts be the joy of the Gospel. It is the joy that we encounter in Jesus Christ. It is different from the joy that we would want to discover according to our standards and benchmarks.

Beyond 57 years, Claret School of Quezon City will continue to be inspired by St. Anthony Mary Claret and supported by this community's shared commitment.

SCIENTIA MAXIME CUM VIRTUTE