“KNOW THYSELF.” Surely, self-knowledge includes knowing one’s ancestors. And such knowledge is of great value for it could enable us to better realize our potentials and capabilities. It could show us our rich Camillian tradition and heritage and shed light on who we are as Ministers of the Infirm.

As religious of the Philippine Province, we could never go wrong if we reconnect with our past and our founding fathers.  Doing that takes us three decades back.

In May 1974, two young Italian Camillian scholastics were sent from Taiwan to the Philippines to finish their theological studies at Loyola House of Studies (now Loyola School of Theology). They were the seeds sown by the Master which fell on fertile ground and have borne much fruit.  We have come to know them as Fr. Ivo Anselmi and Fr. Pietro Ferri.

While the two scholastics were studying and residing within Jesuit territory, Fr. Ernesto Nidini, who was sent from Thailand, was taking up graduate studies at De La Salle University. The presence and availability of these three Camillians fostered the idea of a Camillian Foundation in the Philippines.

On March 8, 1975 that Camillian Foundation materialized and the first Camillian House came into being in Manila. Fr. Nidini was appointed Superior, with Fr. Alberto Roman and Fr. Ivo Anselmi as members. In the same year the trio became a quintet with the arrival of Fr. Anselmo Zambotti and Fr. Pietro Ferri.

Fr. Ivo and Fr. Pietro went full blast with vocation promotion and formation, while Fr. Alberto and Fr. Anselmo worked hard to nurture a new parish – Our Lady of La Paz in Makati.  Fr. Ernesto, on his part, returned to Thailand after completing his studies.

Much has happened since our founding days.  From the pioneering labor of Fr. Alberto, Fr. Anselmo, Fr. Ivo and Fr. Pietro has emerged the full grown-plant that is now the Philippine Province.

And now, where are they who toiled to nourish the plant?  Fr. Alberto and Fr. Anselmo are back in Italy. Fr. Pietro and Fr. Ernesto have found eternal rest with the Father.  And Father Ivo?  Fortunately, he is still very much around, journeying with us with unwavering dedication as our Provincial Superior.

Undoubtedly, no matter where they are, our founding fathers continue to pass on to us – through their prayers and continuing work and love – the legacy of the Founder who started it all.  To all of them – our deepest gratitude!  

Apropos, the sowing of the seed was not an accident. Neither was the fruit. Everything unfolded according to God’s mysterious plan.

Way back in the sixties, Fr. Mario Vanti had dreamed that the Order would one day be founded in the Philippines.  He entrusted his dream to Fr. Hernando Maceda, SJ, his classmate and friend at the Gregorian University.  When Fr. Maceda was about to return to the Philippines, Fr. Vanti gave him a farewell gift – a relic which is a piece of St. Camillus’ heart – and asked him to pray for the fulfillment of his dream.  (This relic is now enshrined in the Provincialate chapel.  In the seventies, Fr. Maceda passed it on to a Camillian scholastic named Ivo Anselmi.)

Apparently Fr. Maceda did as requested.  Fr. Vanti’s dream has come true.

One thing becomes clear.  St. Camillus preceded the arrival of our founding fathers in the Philippines.  He prepared the way.  His heart was the first pioneer.  To him our endless thanks!