Tungawan, Philippines. The two-day gathering of the Claretians in the southern Philippines officially began on February 24, 2025, in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay, with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by the Provincial Superior, Fr. Amador “Ama” Tumbaga, CMF. Twenty-one missionaries of CMF South were present, including some of the newly elected consultors of the Provincial Government like Fr. Alejandro Gobrin, CMF (Vicar and Prefect of Spirituality and Community Life) and Fr. Julius Jose Coching, CMF (Provincial Econome). The Provincial Secretary, Fr. Wigbert Papa, CMF, was also present.
During the homily, which also served as the Superior’s message to all present, Fr. Ama presented the “Dream of the Province” put together during the XVI Provincial Chapter and now approved by the General Government. “We have to own the dream,” he said. He invited everyone to ask and reflect on the fruits the province received and said it’s about time to reaffirm them: blessing one another, lay partners, and the mission. He also invited everyone to see what could be the hindrances that they have to be aware of in fulfilling the Dream. He reminded everybody that it is a call of God, a call to fulfill, and a culture to create within six years. Lastly, he invited everyone to pray and deepen their spirituality and community life so that the missionaries could be genuinely rooted in Christ and audacious in their mission.
After the Mass, the Tungawan Community prepared a simple and nutritious dinner, and a jamming live band session followed.
The following day, February 25, 2025, the group proceeded to Tubo-Tubo Beach Resort in Tungawan, celebrating the birthday of Bro. Joseph Villarin, CMF, enjoyed the white beach under a non-scorching sun. The local government provided security to the missionaries, and the lay provided the necessary and suitable cars going to the beach area.
After returning from the beach and resting for a while, the missionaries joined the faithful of San Roque Parish in their regular daily Mass, which was presided over by Fr. Alejandro Gobrin, CMF, Provincial Vicar and Prefect of Spirituality and Community Life.
Fr. Alex said that these days of conversations are part of the process to strengthen our mission.
“Kining mga adlawa sa pag storya storya…apil ni sa proceso aron paglig-on sa atuang misyon.”
He exhorted the missionaries and parishioners to follow the teachings of the first reading and the Gospel of the day.
“Pangitaa ang kabubuton sa Dios kon gusto ka mapuno sa kalipay. Ayaw pangitaa ang imong kaugalingon, ayaw pangitaa nga mahimo kang dako.” (Seek the will of God if you want to be happy. Don’t look for your own will and to be great.)
After the Mass, San Roque Parish prepared a salu-salo. Two lechons were served, one from the Knights of Columbus and one donated by the Mayor of Tungawan.
The missionaries returned to their respective houses the day after, February 26, 2025. The gathering, hosted by the Tungawan Community and spearheaded by Fr. Eduardo Apungan, CMF, was perfectly attended and memorable, considering the upcoming reshuffle in the coming months. The next gathering, for sure, will be of a different composition already.
THE CMF SOUTH
The CMF South comprises the Claretians in Tungawan (Frs. Eduardo Apungan, Derick Russel Tapel, CMFF), Guilinan (Frs. Mon Ebdani and Joseph Hung, CMFF), Datal Angas (Frs. Elmer Cantular, Peter Thai, and Rev. Dominick Htay, CMFF), Zamboanga City (Bro. Joseph Roy Villarin, Frs. Larry Miranda, Dante Boringot, Anthony Luoung, Ho Sy Nam, and Sch. Paul Mark Layugan, CMFF), Maluso (Frs. Jo Stephen Cagaanan, Aldrin Castellones, and Jeffrey Rasay, CMFF), and Tumahubong (Frs. Efren Decreto, Ven John Porras, Louie Guades III, and Sch. Joselito Mac Jhon Buendever, CMFF)
The yearly gathering of the CMF South is a way to say, “We are not bored and boring; we are the CMF of the South.” It addresses the old proverb, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” which states that without time off from work, a person becomes bored and boring. It also aligns with what Jesus would occasionally do to his disciples after doing ministry: “The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” It reminds busy missionaries that self-care is essential for discerning leaders and the betterment of the people we serve.
