The Claretian missionary returned to Spain after 51 years of working in the convulsed southern Philippines at the service of those most in need and for peace between communities of different religions. From Basilan to Zamboanga, he challenged Islamic terrorism by creating rallying opportunities.
Manila () – After a long service, Fr. Ángel Calvo, a Claretian missionary and a figure well known for his commitment to reconciliation in Mindanao, left the Philippines on January 20 to return to Spain, his native country. The priest spent 51 of his 78 years serving the latter in a majority-Islamic region of the country, mired in longstanding conflict for many years.
In recent weeks various government organizations, civil society realities and religious leaders have publicly expressed their appreciation to Fr. Calvo for his tireless work in Mindanao, pledging to keep alive the legacy of peace and service to the poor that he promoted in his apostolate. Starting with the Katilingban sa Kalambuan, the “development society” he founded to help the poorest and most marginalized communities in Zamboanga.
His missionary work had begun in Basilan, where he arrived in 1972, just five months before the proclamation of martial law in the Philippines. In the twenty years he spent in Basilan (where he was a border priest and director of the local radio) and later in his ministry in Zamboanga, he had to face traumatic situations such as the kidnapping of religious leaders by Islamist terrorists, the harsh reality homeless people, the terrible scourge of child and adolescent trafficking or the nights spent with street children. “In each of these dramatic experiences I discovered God’s call to follow him,” said Fr. Bald.
His missionary focus was learning how to turn hate into love and be an instrument of peace in the midst of violent extremism and terrorism, in collaboration with everyone: the government, civil society organizations, Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths. In these days all of them have recognized their commitment to promote mutual respect, trust and love between Christians and Muslims and cooperation in the search for harmony, solidarity and peace.
“We thank you for having dedicated your life, your love and your service to Mindanao and Zamboanga – María Venus Bonifacio Girón, a laywoman who collaborated with her works, told . We hope you find good health, peace and happiness in Spain.”
