From the 20th of October until the 11th of November, 2023, Fr. Orville Cajigal, RCJ, the Provincial Superior, was in the US primarily to do the Canonical Visit to the St. Donatus Parish in Blue Island, Illinois, where Fr. Mariano Rondael, Jr., RCJ, Fr. RG Cagbabanua, RCJ and Fr. Jose Gasta, RCJ serve. This trip was providential, since he also had the opportunity to accompany Fr. Elmer Dula, RCJ and Fr. Tommy Latina, RCJ to Indianapolis, where they are set to start a missionary presence. Apart from meeting the Archbishop of Chicago, His Eminence Blaise Cardinal Cupich, DD, he also paid a courtesy visit to the Archbishop of Indianapolis, Most Rev. Charles Thompson, DD and the Bishop of Joliet, Most Rev. Ronald Hicks, DD. Fr. Noel Reyes, a former novice and now a Rogationist Associate, who has been instrumental in the processing of the Circumscription’s opening of presences in the US and who has received a couple of confreres (Fr. Ronaldo Paulino, RCJ, Fr. Joel Ricafranca, RCJ and Fr. Jessel Bangoy, RCJ) to serve as his Associate Pastor in different times while doing their specialization, offered the visitors accommodation while in Chicago. The visitors were also fortunate to participate in the 4th Assembly of the National Association of Filipino Priests - USA, held in Newark, during which, Fr. Orville had the chance to talk to the Bishop of Salt Lake City, Most Rev. Oscar Solis, DD - who has been waiting for the arrival of Fr. Carlos Guzman, RCJ and Fr. Ryan Jimenez, RCJ, who will be serving in his diocese. Bro. Christian Allan De Sagun, RCJ, the Provincial Secretary accompanied Fr. Orville to document this Canonical Visit, and to check on the Archives of the Religious Community and of the Parish.
Thanks to the warm welcome and generous accommodation of the confreres and friends in the US. May the Lord always bless and guide these missionary works and everyone under their care!
