Philippines

When did the first Marist Brothers arrive in your country?   

June 20, 1948

Where did they come? ……… How?

          The come from United States of America. Through the Oblates Of Mary Immaculate ( OMI ) who had been in Mindanao since 1939,who made an appeal for the Marist Brothers for help. Due to the coming of World War 11, the Brothers did not able to respond immediately to the appeal of the OMI and eventually the negotiation was mutually postponed.

After the Japanese invaders had left the country in 1945, the Marist Brothers received a renewed urgent appeal from the oblates Fathers. The appeal was to help them in their apostolic activity especially in the field of education. Bro Louis Omer Duprez, who was the provincial of the American Province, responded to the appeal and flew to Cotabato in 1947 to make a survey of the conditions of the place. Cotabato is a difficult place to live with but the people are good, the provincial and his council decided to approve the mission.

In 1948, a call was issued for volunteers to serve in the diocese of Cotabato. There were four brothers responded and were selected to form and go for this mission. They were Br. Maurus James Doherty fro St. Ann’s High School in New York, Br. Peter Leonard Thommen from Central Catholic High School of Laurence Massachusetts, Br. Humbert Damian Teston, Oslo from St. Ann and Br. Herbert Daniel from St Agnes High School, New York City.

Why did they come? How was their relationship with the people in the early days?

·         To take over from the Oblates Fathers the Notre Dame of Cotabato Boy’s department formerly called Notre Dame Academy in the town Cotabato city.

·         To help in bringing the blessings of Catholic Education to the boys and girls who lived in the diocese of Cotabato.

·         To capture God’s dream for Marist life in this part of our world and bring it to life.

The brothers had a harmonious relationship with the townspeople. The people were glad and happy with their presence.

Name the type of apostolic activities/priorities the Brothers have been involved in over the years. 

From 1948 to 1960, the Brothers effectively took 14 new schools or program. Quality of education was the primary concern of the pioneers and the brothers piloted educational services and extension program which became models for the nation.

·         Summer camps and remedial classes for the disadvantaged youth especially in rural ares.

·         The brothers introduced work-study programs, loans and credits for poor students.

·         Provide Christian Education to poorer students who are not being serve by the schools.

Name the current Marist Brothers projects in your country and the date of establishment.

• Notre Dame of Cotabato Inc., Cotabato City – 1948
• Notre Dame of Marbel University, High School Department – 1950
• Notre Dame of Dadiangas University High School Department Lagao Campus – 1952
• Notre Dame of Kidapawan High School in North Cotabato – 1954
• Notre Dame of Marbel University College Department – 1955
• Notre Dame of Jolo – 1959
• Notre Dame of Dadiangas University College Department – 1959
• Notre Dame of Kidapawan College Department – 1960
• Notre Dame of Dadiangas University Elementary Department – 1960
• Notre Dame of Marbel University Elementary Department – 1961
• Notre Dame of Kidapawan Elementary Department – 1962
• Marist Elementary School in Marikina City – 1964
• Marist High School in Marikina City – 1968
• Marcellin Foundation for Street Children – 1992
• BEC Formation in Buda – 1994
• Palawan Mission –

In 2006, how many professed Brothers from your country? How many missionary Brothers?

         50 Brothers.

Missionaries:

• Palawan – 2
• Buda – 3
• Jolo – 3

by Br. Danny Sevilla, FMS – Philippines