Welcome to Philippine Mission
By Mila Glodava
In February 2009 Father Andrew, Phil and Irene Lindemer and I went to the Philippines to attend a conference for stewardship practitioners in the Philippines. We were all amazed at how stewardship is spreading throughout the Philippine Church since we began teaching it in 2002. In fact, the Philippine Church hierarchy has fully supported its embrace and implementation.
Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, Archbishop of Jaro, Philippines, and CBCP president, speaking to all executive secretaries of the Episcopal Commissions at the same conference, said , "'The Church through the initiative of the CBCP should develop a comprehensive theology of Stewardship…' (Art. 31, sec. 1). It has never been done. Will it be done this year? Through you? That is the challenge I am putting to you. It will not, it cannot, be done today. But it will be a reason for your group or commission to come together again and again with a vision of articulating for the CBCP, whose secretaries you are, a comprehensive theology of stewardship."
Neither Father Andrew and I expected this incredible positive response of the Philippine Church. In fact, the Philippines is now leading the way towards bringing stewardship to Asian countries. How did it happen? Please read the article, "How stewardship began in the Philippines."
Recent Posts
How stewardship began in the Philippines
When I left the Philippines in 1972, I knew I would return from time to time, to visit, to become what our people call a “balikbayan,” an expatriate returnee. Never in my wildest dream, however, did I think that I would go back to my native land as a missionary – one who is sent to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ. In fact, that’s what I was these last few years – a missionary for St. Thomas More Parish promoting stewardship as a way of life – a life of thanksgiving for all of God’s blessings. I never planned to become a missionary.
St. Joachim and St. Anne in General Nakar: Model Parish
St. Joachim and St. Anne Parish St. Joachim and St. Anne Parish, of General Nakar in the Prelature of Infanta, was among the first to embrace stewardship as a way of life. Until 2003, when a bridge was finally built between the town and Infanta, its mother town, this parish was isolated from the rest of mainland Luzon because of a wide and often treacherous river. Due to this isolation, its people have often felt inferior to those in Infanta. In fact some might consider them as “lethargic and without ambition.”
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