austraLasia #2425

Oldest Filipino confrere, Bro Bernard: Golden Jubilee on 25th May

MAKATI: 28th May 2009 -- The Philippine North Province celebrated the 25th May Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians with special significance this year as confreres, collaborators and the young joined in the Eucharistic celebration with Bro. Bernard Fontanilla, thanking the Lord for 50 years of profession as a Salesian. Brother Bernard, who celebrated his 79th birthday on 21st May, is the oldest living Filipino confrere.
    Fr Eli Cruz, Provincial, presided at the Mass and led those present not just in thanking the Lord for the gift of Bro. Bernard, but he also thanked Bro. Bernard himself for his example of fidelity and joy in consecrated life throughout these years, the last of which have been accompanied by physical pain from onset of complications from diabetes, significant loss of eyesight, and confinement to a wheelchair.
    Bro. Bernard's current Rector, Fr Paul Bicomong, was homilist, and used the occasion to demonstrate how Bro. Bernard's life gave cause for proclaiming the greatness of the Lord as Our Lady did in the Gospel of the day.
    Fellow Golden Jubilarian in Salesian Life, Fr Remo Bati, most senior amongst Filipino priest confreres, offered his felicitations on behalf of all present.  He congratulated and thanked Bro. Bernard for his good example and fidelity. Fr Bati then prayed that young candidates seriously consider Salesian life as a Brother, drawing inspiration from Bro. Bernard.

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Title: australasia 2425
Subject and key words: EAO provinces FIN Golden Jubilee Br. Bernard Fonatanilla
Date (year): 2009
ID: 2000-2099|2425