Wilfredo Sabarillo, Jr., cicm
Missionary in the Philippines
In today's world, reaching the age of 70 is considered a fortunate milestone. Biblically, however, the number 70 carries a rich symbolic meaning. According to information from the website informationofbiblestudy.org, "seventy has a sacred meaning in Scripture, comprised of two perfect numbers: seven (which represents perfection) and ten (which symbolizes completeness and God's law). Therefore, it signifies a perfect spiritual order carried out with all power." The anniversary celebration highlighted themes of faith, service, and love. Undoubtedly, the number 70 holds great significance.
As CICM-Maryhurst Mission Seminary celebrates its 70th anniversary, we honor a remarkable milestone that has touched countless lives through its transformative formation programs. This institution has been a beacon of hope for communities, embodying its core values with unwavering dedication. Maryhurst stands tall, thriving amid the challenges of our times, fueled by a relentless pursuit of excellence.
In recognition of this significant occasion, the CICM-Maryhurst Mission Seminary gathered at the covered court above the cemetery of the CICM confreres. This sacred space symbolizes that even in eternal rest, the departed inspire us, reminding us of their enduring presence as we celebrate this extraordinary journey together.
We were joined by representatives from various apostolate areas, particularly from the communities of Happy Hollow and Lucnab. Also present were the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, including Sr. Emma, our former procurator, as well as friends who took part in the celebration. These groups and individuals played a pivotal role in Maryhurst's achievement of 70 years.
Our main speaker for the celebration was Dr. Jeofrey Almazan, who shared inspiring lessons that enlightened our hearts, not only for our seminarians but also for the broader Maryhurst community. He emphasized three main points that resonated deeply with us: first, "it takes a village to raise a priest"; second, "the uniqueness of CICM missionaries"; and third, "the character of CICM missionaries."
The phrase "it takes a village to raise a priest" highlights the importance of community in fostering a good and holy priest. The community surrounding the formation house of aspirants is essential for cultivating and supporting vocations. Our aspirants need support for their value formation, which requires financial contributions. This truth is undeniable. Here is where the support of the community comes into play. The community surrounding the seminary supports us in every way they can, such as donating food to ensure we are well-fed, providing flowers to decorate our altars during Eucharistic celebrations, and finding small ways to show their care, making us feel loved and giving us a sense of belonging.
The small gifts we received have given us even more reason to persevere in our vocation. However, when viewed from a different perspective, this seemingly simple phrase reveals a more profound meaning worth contemplating. While support communities are essential in shaping a good priest, even more crucial is the importance of building a strong village. What does it take to create and raise a good village?
For over 70 years, Maryhurst has dedicated itself to establishing a robust community, further solidifying its foundation. Today, this remains both a gift and a constant challenge to nurture and exemplify communal life where everyone participates. We must equip ourselves with the necessary tools not only to envision but also to realize a better village. This reflects the uniqueness of the CICM Missionaries.
During the celebration, we were joined by Fr. Jenali Kanisius, who showcased his youthful spirit by participating in the intermission dance with the Happy Hollow community. Fr. Wilfredo "Papz" Sabarillo, Jr. was also there, energizing everyone and making the celebration even more lively. Additionally, Fr. Fransiskus Gella displayed his remarkable talent for balancing the seriousness of our formation with a great sense of humor.
These priests share a unique quality that is characteristic of every CICM member: their deep connection to the community, treating it as if it were their own family. They view everyone as genuine brothers and sisters, which has become a fundamental value of a CICM missionary. The same occurs to us, as they establish themselves not just as our formators, but as an older brother in our community. In a younger brother and older brother relationship, the younger brother becomes inspired by his older brother and looks up to him as a role model, someone they aspire to be as they grow up. "Character of CICM-Missionaries". Hearing the phrase that emphasizes the character of CICM-Missionaries melts our hearts. The character of CICM-Missionaries, Dr. Jeofrey said, is that "they went to us, they lived with us, they never left us.". It emphasizes the selfless character of our CICM confreres who went to their missions and dedicated their whole lives to the mission of Christ.
This reflection pays tribute to the pioneering Belgian and Dutch missionaries in the Philippines who truly immersed themselves in our communities. They did not just come to serve; they became part of our lives and continue to work alongside us, fostering a sense of unity with the people they were sent to serve. Their goal was not to manipulate or monopolize, but to contribute positively to the mission of evangelization and community development.
We view this commitment as a core value that we aspire to uphold. Regardless of our roles—whether as religious missionaries or otherwise—we should strive to be empathetic and put ourselves in the shoes of our less fortunate brothers and sisters.
The hours-long celebration was a simple yet heartfelt way for the Maryhurst community to express gratitude to everyone who has been the foundation and guiding light of the institution. This is indeed a significant achievement worth celebrating, marking a transition toward even more fruitful years ahead. It is truly humbling to reflect on this milestone of 70 years. With a CICM heart, we thank God above all for this journey and for the love we share, which transcends our differences, disparities, and challenges. This love enables us to come together with ONE HEART AND ONE SOUL.
