(Top row) Rev. Fr. Leovenal Faller (Asst. Parish Priest, Kasibu, Nueva Viscaya), Rev. Fr. Lawrence Adrian A. Rubrico, Rev. Fr. William Phyo Wai (Provincial Superior of Myanmar), Rev. Fr. Jeannot Rakotonindrainy (Provincial Superior of France), Rev. Fr. Antoni Skalba (Vicar General), Rev. Fr. Jojohn Chettiyakunnel Matthew (General Superior), Rev. Fr. Grzegorz Tomasz Zembron (Provincial Superior of Poland), Rev. Fr. Paulo Banga (General Council), Rev. Fr. Manuel Dos Reis Bonfim (General Council), Rev. Fr. Leonir Nunes dos Santos (Provincial Superior of Brazil), Rev. Fr. Avelino Sangameya (Provincial Superior of Angola), Rev. Fr. Mazek Koziello (Translator), Rev. Fr. Gian Mateo Roggio (Provincial Superior of Italy), Rev. Fr. Joseph Christian Pilotin (Provincial Vicar-Ina ng Pag-asa Province). (Bottom row) Rev. Fr. Sergio Ganado (General Treasurer), Rev. Fr. Ian P. Ronquillo (Chaplain, ULS Grade School and High School), Rev. Fr. Antonio Dos Santos (Translator), Rev. Fr. Louis Parfait Rabehajanirina (General Secretary), Rev. Fr. Bertrand Ranaivoarisoa (Provincial Superior of Madagascar), Rev. Fr. Raymond Cadran (General Council), Rev. Fr. Franklin G. Picio, PhD (President, University of La Salette, Inc), Rev. Fr. Eugene Andaya (Provincial Superior of Philippines), Rev. Fr. William Kaliyadan (Provincial Superior of North America-USA), Rev. Fr. Baiju Augustine Avittapaly (Provincial Superior of India), and Rev. Fr. Marcelino P. Mesa, PhD (Provincial Councilor/Treasurer).
SANTIAGO CITY, ISABELA – University of La Salette, Inc. welcomed the 19 members of the Council of Congregation of the Worldwide Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette in celebration of the 173rd Establishment Anniversary of La Salette Missionaries in the Philippines, on May 2, 2025.
The event commemorates nearly two centuries since the founding of the congregation in 1852 by Bishop Philibert de Bruillard in La Salette, France, following the Marian apparition that inspired a global mission of reconciliation and compassion.
This council, recently elected during the 33rd General Chapter held in Madagascar, includes Superior General Fr. Jojhon Chettiyakunnel Matthew and his team, who now lead the global congregation. After a brief rest, the Missionaries gathered in the afternoon for a solemn mass, reflecting the congregation’s deep spiritual heritage and ongoing mission. . The mass was also attended by some ULSEA choir members and SEC officers.
Presided over by Rev. Fr. Stevan Munar, the Mass focused on the important role of the Missionaries of La Salette in accepting Mary’s invitation and spreading her message of reconciliation.
“I want you to be involved in schools because that is the best way to evangelize our students,” said the Director of La Salette of Roxas, giving importance on how this message of Fr. Constant Jurgens inspired the foundation of La Salette education.
The Missionaries of La Salette arrived in the Philippines in 1948 and have since been instrumental in establishing educational and pastoral ministries, with the University of La Salette serving as a flagship institution.
ULS continues to nurture “Reconcilers” – individuals committed to embodying the congregation’s call to be builders of forgiveness and specialists of reconciliation.
The 173rd anniversary celebration coincides with the global Jubilee Year themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” encouraging all members of the La Salette family to deepen their journey of faith, prayer, and reconciliation.
As the Missionaries of La Salette continue their global mission, the event served as a powerful reminder of their roots and their ongoing role in shaping communities through faith, education, and compassionate service.
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