Fr. Ismael Xuruc, OAR, concludes mission visits in Mindanao, inspired by growing faith communities

Fr. Ismael’s visits to Mindanao highlighted the growth of faith and community spirit in these mission areas, and his encounters with the local people left a lasting impression.

Visit to San Nicolas de Tolentino Mission Station

At 5:30 AM on October 13, 2024, Fr. Xuruc, accompanied by Fr. Albert Pellazar, traveled to the San Nicolas de Tolentino Mission Station in Los Arcos, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur for his second visit. This mission, the newest Recollect community on the island of Mindanao, was established just two years ago, on September 10, 2022, during the feast of the Patron Saint. The first priest-in-charge and local prior, Fr. Jerome Virtudazo, OAR, was there to welcome Fr. Xuruc. Though Fr. Jerome’s assisting priest, Fr. Cristopher Gaspar, OAR, and Bro. Teodulo Hayahay, OAR, were away in Manila for mission appeals, the mission community warmly greeted their visitors.

The team arrived at Los Arcos at around 6:30 AM, and after breakfast at the convent, they prepared for the Mass, which began at 8 AM. Fr. Jerome presided over the Mass with Fr. Xuruc, who hails from Guatemala. The people of the parish were overjoyed to welcome Fr. Xuruc, and after the Mass, they held an encounter and dialogue similar to the one in Dugmanon.

Growth in Faith and Community

During the dialogue, Fr. Jerome introduced Fr. Xuruc to the community, which included representatives from the Parish Pastoral Councils and various church organizations, including the youth. The parishioners expressed their gratitude for the presence of the Recollect missionaries, who had made a remarkable impact in just two years.

The community shared how, despite challenges, the missionaries were able to build a new convent, complete with rooms for the priests, guest accommodations, a kitchen, dining area, and other essential facilities. This infrastructure allowed them to provide better services to the parish and its nine chapels, each of which now holds Mass every Sunday.

Fr. Xuruc was deeply moved by the dedication of the Recollect missionaries, who have continued their work despite difficult conditions. He mentioned the harsh realities they face, including rough travel through remote areas by motorcycle, near-death experiences from sickness, and the challenges of operating with limited financial resources. Yet, the missionaries persevere, finding contentment and creative solutions in their ministry.

A Message of Hope and Encouragement

In his address to the community, Fr. Xuruc encouraged the people to continue supporting and praying for the missionaries, emphasizing the importance of their role in the region. He also called on the youth and families to pray for more vocations, particularly for young men to enter the seminary and embrace the call to mission work.

Following the encounter, the community hosted a lunch, featuring local delicacies, in honor of their visitors. Though the visit to San Nicolas de Tolentino was brief, it was filled with gratitude, joy, and inspiration.

A Future Return

Fr. Xuruc concluded his visit by expressing his hope to return to the Philippines in the future. He mentioned that he would like to stay for an extended period, possibly one or two months, to better understand the culture, language, and way of life of the people. He also hoped to visit other OAR mission stations that were not included in his two-week tour. His time in Mindanao not only strengthened the bond between the missionaries and their communities but also reinforced the importance of the Order’s mission work in fostering faith and bringing spiritual growth to the region.