Father Vincent Bunagan, cicm, is a Philippine native who joined Missionhurst-CICM in 1997, and was ordained in 2005. From 2001 to 2007, Fr. Vincent's mission assignments included Kutu, Inongo, and then St. Kizito Parish, Kingabwa, both in the Kinshasa province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He recently returned to the Philippines, where he took part in the celebration of Missionhurst-CICM's 100 years of missionary presence in the country.

The Centennial Celebration of Our Presence in the Philippines

November of 2007 marked the Centennial of the presence of CICM in the Philippines, and those one hundred years of missionary attendance inspired an occasion for the entire congregation to reflect and to celebrate. For one year leading up to the anniversary, "Remembrance and Revitalization" was the ever-present theme for our confreres in the Philippines, and around the world. It was decided early on that this jubilee should focus on the opportunity for spiritual renewal. There were activities focusing on this theme all over the country. Beginning in November of 2006, the Philippine province partnered with St. Paul's Publishing to create a CICM-Philippines Centenary Edition of the best-selling 365 Days with the Lord: a biblical & liturgical guide for 2007 containing special CICM contributions, historical accounts of our presence, reflections, photos, etc. The entire year was conspicuous with preparations that centered on our gratitude for the opportunity to contribute so much for so long in this place, and the renewal of our missionary ideals and commitment for the future.

A brief glance at the CICM history shows that our first Belgian CICM Missionaries arrived in the Philippines in 1907, with the intention of spreading the Gospel of the risen Christ that helps to liberate the poor. They were first stationed and worked in the Cervantes, Ilocos region, focusing on the natives of the Cordillera region (mountainous areas). Later, their reach would spread over the entire archipelago. The hard working missionaries were known as good community leaders, animators, builders, educators, benefactors, etc. Their enormous efforts and sacrifices are visible today through the countless fruits of the CICM parishes, schools, universities (especially the well-known Saint Louis University in Baguio), livelihood projects, Basic Ecclesial Communities, the Justice & Peace Intergrity of Creation organization, and animation and youth programs that have grown according to their excellent standards. With the enormity of their efforts, sometimes the faithful will lovingly joke that our congregation's acronym, CICM, stands for the "Congregation of the Impulsive Cement Mixers!" Nevertheless, now many Filipinos, the poor in particular, are presently benefiting from the tremendous efforts initiated by our early Belgian confreres.

Struggles and Difficulties of the First Missionaries
In the beginning of the Belgians' missionary involvement, they certainly experienced some conflicts, divisiveness and confusion. Their task was Herculean, and the demands and difficulties were plenty. The indigenous definitely enjoyed the infusion of attention to their plight(s), but, as was typical in the early days of evangelization, the people tended to view the efforts as aid rather than a collaborative effort to build a new reality for themselves and their communities. They were reluctant to participate, favoring instead the idea of the missionaries simply doling out support. But of course, mistakes were made. Conversion was the early model, and that left little room for the native people to incorporate their culture and heritage. In spite of this, the persevering and dedicated missionaries made their way, as they continuously discerned God's words and renewed their methods and their mission in order to respond to His call.

Inculturation
After Vatican II, the concept of inculturation became the model for their evangelical efforts. During this adaptation to the way in which we present the Gospel and introduce a native culture to the life of the Church, gigantic adjustments were made; the preservation of the identity and culture of the people became the heart of the CICM efforts. One crucial element in the introduction of faith to a culture is to empower the people to communicate this knowledge amidst themselves, and amongst their communities. Toward that end, the missionaries worked diligently at providing seminaries in Baguio (in the north) and in Bacolod (in the south). This would enable faithful Filipino candidates to train in the teachings of the Church, so that they themselves could begin to evangelize their co-Filipinos. Endless patience, hard work, creativity and faith paid off!

The early missionaries became the formators and professors to those seminaries and theological formation houses. And after long years of hard work and rigid training, they have accomplished great things and produced many Filipino CICM missionary priests, brothers and bishops.

The Fruits of the Seeds Planted
Filipino CICM missionaries are now being sent all over the world to proclaim the message of the risen Christ. And truly, the local people helped, encouraged and inspired the congregation during the past 100 years.

I am, in fact, a living witness to the fruits of these excellent missionary works. My life and experiences through their good initiatives ultimately made me one with them - a CICM religious missionary priest. You could say that I received a good formation from the CICM since the very day I was born. The surgeon (or acting midwife of sorts) during the caesarean delivery of me on November 12, 1974, was a Belgian priest, the late Fr. Marcelo Caers, cicm. Fr. Marcelo was a priest in the Philippines for nearly 50 years before his passing two years ago. He was very knowledgeable and gifted in the field of medicine, and often wrote articles for Missionhurst Magazine about the health care situation and concerns of the people with whom he worked.

After birth, according to my parents, Fr. Marcelo automatically called me by the name of "Vincent," taken from the name of the CICM-built hospital where we lived in Maddela, Quirino - St. Vincent Ferrer. He said this would serve to remind him, for every time that he would later see me, that I was the child from his first Caesarean delivery in that CICM hospital. Our CICM parish and school are also named for the same saint. My journey to the CICM missionary priesthood all began when I encountered a Belgian missionary to the Philippines, in the very beginning.

During this centennial celebration, I have witnessed the fruits of the pioneering CICM missionary works. I've seen the generous CICM affiliates of all types extend their generous hearts and helping hands during the preparations for our centennial celebration. Many of the parishioners, relatives and friends from the different CICM mission stations, schools and parishes have helped too, spending their time, talents and energy so that we would have a successful celebration.

The Culmination
The culminating event to our yearlong celebration of Remembrance & Revitalization came on November 28, 2007, at the Metropolitan Manila Cathedral, Intramuros. A solemn Eucharist was presided over by the Superior General of our congregation, Fr. Edouard Tsimba, cicm, together with his council members, the Bishops, the Superior Provincial of the Philippine province, Fr. Romy Nimez, cicm, his council members, bishops and many confreres.

I believe that the culmination of our centennial celebration is a revelation, just as to Jesus' disciples that, after him, the people could still continue the mission. Above all, it is God's mission. We are the workers in His vineyard.

The enormous efforts of the early Belgian CICM missionaries took root, and the faith implanted and shared by the Lord to his disciples will go on forever! The Belgian-Filipino-trained missionaries, together with the faithful, will surely continue the mission here and abroad. With them and God as our companions, the CICM missionary spirit continues. "Mabuhay ang CICM!" (Long Live the CICM!) As I gaze back on this experience I think: "Oh, what a wonderful and fruitful centennial harvest!"

Fr. Vincent Bunagan, cicm
Manila, Philippines