“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
On April 30, 2023, I received a private message from Rev. Fr. Jonathan Igos, formerly a deacon, informing me that Bishop Lito Cortes had requested my Curriculum Vitae be sent to his Gmail account. The following day, May 1, I complied with the request and sent my CV, inquiring about its purpose. Fr. Igos kindly responded, assuring me that the Bishop would inform me in due course.
At first, I assumed that the Bishop was considering me for a position at Colegio de Sta. Catalina de Alejandria. However, on May 17, 2024, Bishop Lito reached out to schedule a meeting at the Bishop’s Palace on May 18 at 9 AM, emphasizing that the matter was more significant than the NIR. During this meeting, which was also attended by Bro. Fred Magallano, we were informed that we were to receive a Papal award.
The distinguished honor, the Knight of Saint Sylvester, officially known as the Order of Saint Sylvester, is one of the five Orders of Knighthood directly conferred by the Pope and the Holy See. Named in honor of Pope Sylvester I, this prestigious award recognizes laypersons who have made exceptional contributions to the Roman Catholic Church, particularly through their professional work and apostolic endeavors.
The announcement of this award took me by surprise, and I initially felt unworthy, questioning what I had done to deserve such an honor. Reflecting on my past service to the Church, I considered the following contributions:
My long-standing and dedicated service to the Diocese of Dumaguete, collaborating closely with Bishop Julito Cortes and two former Bishops: the late Archbishop Angel Lagdameo and Archbishop John Du of Palo, Leyte.
My steadfast defense of the Church’s teachings on faith, morals, and anti-life issues, including leading campaigns against the Reproductive Health, Divorce, and Death Penalty Bills, and presenting petitions to the House of Congress and the Senate.
My leadership in advocating for environmental protection, particularly opposing harmful reclamation projects and mining practices.
Other significant contributions to the Church include:
Serving as the first Provincial Area Director of Couples for Christ – Negros Oriental for ten years (1993-2003), and currently participating in the CFC Mission Support Ministry, for a total of 34 years in the community.
Holding the position of longest-serving Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Dumaguete Cathedral Credit Cooperative, a multi-awarded cooperative in the Philippines, for a decade (2010-2020), and currently serving as a board member and Chairperson of the Village and Human Resource Committees.
Being a member of the Circle of Discernment of the Diocese of Dumaguete since its inception.
Serving as President of the Diocesan Council of the Laity for 10 years (2014-present).
Leading the Diocesan Organization of Renewal Movements and Communities for 12 years (2010-2022).
Serving on the Diocesan Administrative Board under Archbishop John Du of Palo, Leyte, for 10 years (2003-2013).
Presiding over the Dumaguete Cathedral Parish Pastoral Council for 15 years (2009-present).
Leading the Pre-Cana Team and speaking at the Dumaguete Cathedral for fourteen years (2008-2022), developing and implementing Pre-Cana modules now used by other parishes.
Coordinating the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting and serving as a member of the Diocesan Electoral Board during the 2010, 2013, and 2016 elections.
As Vice-Mayor of Dumaguete City for six years (2002-2007), I also:
Successfully opposed the use of city budgets for contraceptives and initiated the creation of a Committee on Family Life.
Closed illegal lotto outlets operating without permits and in violation of local ordinances.
Authored various ordinances and resolutions addressing issues such as cockfighting, indecency, divorce, and the Reproductive Health Bill.
In addition to these, my other contributions to the Church and society include:
Strong opposition to the Dumaguete Reclamation Project and leadership in the “No to 174” campaign.
Publishing articles on the Reproductive Health Bill, Divorce, Death Penalty, and SOGIE Bills, and leading signature campaigns on these issues.
Advocating against the construction of an 18-storey Masonic Obelisk in Quezon Park, leading to its disapproval by the National Historical Commission.
Leading campaigns against genetically modified organisms and voicing support for bishops charged with sedition, such as Archbishop Socrates Villegas.
Condemning extra-judicial killings and human rights violations in Negros Oriental.
Serving as a guest homilist on the Church’s pro-life advocacy during a Sunday Mass in 2013.
Engaging in social media evangelization through daily reflections on the Gospel.
Contributing regularly to the Dumaguete Metro Post and Bohol Times as a columnist, defending the interests of the Catholic Church.
As I reflect on all these achievements, I am deeply humbled by the recognition. The Lord’s plans are beyond our comprehension, and His grace sustains us. I walk forward in faith, trusting in His divine purpose for my life, with a heart full of gratitude for the honor bestowed upon me.
Archbishop Charles John Brown, the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, will preside over the Holy Mass and confer the awards on Dec.11 at 5:00 pm in St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral, Dumaguete City. At least nine of us, including a priest and a nun from the Diocese of Dumaguete, will receive the Papal awards:
DAMES OF POPE SAINT SYLVESTER: Atty. Florence Tangente, Mary Magdalene Villegas;
KNIGHTS OF POPE SAINT SYLVESTER: William E. Ablong, Engr. Wilfredo Magallano;
CROCE PRO ECCLESIA ET PONTIFICE: Dr. Victoria Dinopol, Fr. Nathaniel Gomez, Sr. Gloria Ibalio, Dr. Profetiza Sun Lim, Saturnina Malayo.
To Pope Francis and Bishop Cortes, I am deeply honored and grateful for this Papal Award. It is a profound recognition that I cherish immensely. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to the Church and for inspiring us all with your leadership and compassion.
To Dr. Vicente Jurlano, I sincerely thank you for your kind and supportive testimonial regarding this award. Your words mean a great deal to me, and I appreciate your generosity and encouragement as a colleague, a brother in Couples For Christ, and a dear friend.
Lastly, I am profoundly grateful to my wife Yolly and our family for their understanding and support. Their willingness to share me with the service of the Church is a gift I treasure deeply.
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).
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Author’s email: [email protected]
