OAD PHILIPPINES
When the last OAD Missionary Fr. Adeodatus of St Augustine, driven out from China died in Manila on the 29 th of January 1821, it seemed to be the end of the OAD Mission in Asia.
But in the Order a very meaningful lapida is kept: “Sub umbra Crucis Erem. Augustinienses Discalceati, in unum congregati sunt: “Quasi morientes et ecce vivimus” (2nd Cor.)
The Disclced Augustinians, gathered under
the shadow of the cross, were almost to die, but behold, they are alive!
Yes, 1994 the OAD are back to ASIA through the Philippines, with Fr. General
himself, Fr. Eugene Cavallari, carrying a symbolic corner stone blessed by St.
John Paul II.
The start was on August 2. But behind that Mother Helena, a contemplative Augustinian nun had sent some candidates to the OAD, from Cebu
to Italy. When 1993 the professed brothers Fra Cris Suan and Fra Libby Daňos,
together wit Fr. Pietro Scalia, the General Definitor in charge of the missions,
visited Cardinal Vidal, the Order received the official invitation with the blessing
of the Archbishop of Cebu.
The mission grew fast: Cebu, Butuan, Leyte, Manila…