QUEZON CITY, Philippines — On July 16, 2026, the Claretian Missionaries—joined by some members of the Claretian Family, clergy, religious, family members and relatives, and lay collaborators—gathered as one community to mark the 177th Founding Anniversary of the Congregation. The celebration was a profound testament to God’s faithfulness, highlighted by the profession of vows of 21 young Claretians. Among them, 10 pronounced their lifelong “yes” to God through perpetual profession, while 11 renewed their temporary vows. Additionally, six other scholastics renewed their vows at their respective pastoral year exposure assignments in Ormoc (Leyte), Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Sibugay (2), and Vietnam (2), while one is set to renew his vows this coming Sunday, July 19, in Sarangani. The celebration centered on the prophetic theme: “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3).
The Solemn Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Elias L. Ayuban, Jr., CMF, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Cubao, in an atmosphere filled with deep gratitude. Receiving the vows was the Provincial Superior, Fr. Amador C. Tumbaga, CMF, who in his homily reflected on the quiet, steady grace of vocations flourishing across the Province—from the acceptance of postulants and philosophy seminarians to priestly ordinations and first professions. He reminded the assembly that God’s voice remains active and resonant today. Looking back at the Congregation’s humble beginnings in 1849, when St. Anthony Mary Claret gathered with five companions in a small room in Vic, Spain, Fr. Ama echoed a fundamental question from the Superior General’s anniversary message: “Are we still breathing the same spirit?” He reminded the scholastics that being an authentic Claretian is defined neither by the habit nor the assignment, but by a heart modeled after Mary’s—always listening to, discerning, and choosing the Father’s will.
The Provincial emphasized that true missionary work begins from within, noting that “only hearts formed by Christ can become hearts that proclaim Christ.” This interior growth manifests as a constant readiness to serve—a willingness to go wherever God calls, regardless of the circumstances. Addressing the brothers renewing their vows and those making their lifetime commitment, the Provincial stressed that these professions are far more than formal rituals. Instead, they are invitations to rediscover the joy and generosity of their original call. Offering a practical reminder on the nature of a lifelong commitment, he noted that a forever “yes” is not an abstract concept; rather, it is lived out in the quiet, daily details of life—in faithful prayer, community living, facing the demanding realities of the mission, and trusting God through every season.
With resolute hearts, the ten scholastics stepped forward to offer their perpetual “yes” to God. Scholastics Randy D. Grano, Vrent S. Kiblasen, Nguyen Van Bang, Nguyen Van Hau, Nguyen Huu Loc, Nguyen Minh Quan, Nguyen Xuan Viet, Pham Van Ky, Harold R. Tan, and Tran Vinh all pronounced their lifetime commitment.
On behalf of the perpetually professed, Sch. Pham Van Ky, CMF, expressed their collective gratitude to God, the Congregation and the Province, to the formation teams, and the families and friends who have supported their vocational journey. The liturgy concluded not merely as the end of a ceremony, but as a sending forth. Empowered by the grace of the Holy Spirit and the maternal care of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, these young missionaries returned to the world, carrying the timeless prayer that has fueled Claretians for nearly two centuries: “Lord, renew in us the spirit that animated Saint Anthony Mary Claret.”
by: Fr. Wigbert M. Papa, CMF, Provincial Secretary
