By Mavic Mercene, Communications Team Member
In February of this year, Regional Director Fr. Leo Distor, Mission Promotion Coordinator Fr. Rolly Aniscal, Mission Promotion Animator Evelyn Sabate, and I had the privilege of being warmly welcomed by Fr. Roque C. Villanueva, the parish priest of St. Joseph Parish in Olongapo City, Zambales.
As we made our way to the convento’s dining area, where he graciously offered us coffee, we noticed a Columban calendar hanging proudly on the wall. Though the dates matched this year, the photo was from last year. When we expressed surprise and admired the effort he put into updating the calendar, he smiled and said that he would keep the Columban calendar until he found—or was given—a new and updated version.
Another Columban reminder in the convento was an Irish Toast poster. When I asked Father Roque about it, he said that it reminds him of the Irish humor and shared that it was one of the things he specifically requested from Fr. Donal O’Dea and Fr. Fintan Murtagh before they returned to Ireland. He smiled and said that he brings it with him wherever he is assigned—a simple way of keeping the Columban spirit alive in his ministry.
But Father Roque’s tribute to the Columbans goes beyond remembrance or souvenir items. He honors their legacy by continuing the programs they started, one of which is the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) program founded by Fr. Fintan Murtagh.
When Fr. Fintan Murtagh returned to Ireland, he left sufficient funds to sustain the program. Known for his deep commitment to social justice and care for the vulnerable, Father Fintan personally nominated Father Roque to take over as director, believing that his compassion and experience in social action would greatly benefit those in need. Having been diagnosed and lived with multiple sclerosis himself, Father Fintan understood the challenges of living with a disability. His firsthand experience fueled him to ensure that individuals with disabilities received support.
Today, the CBR program serves 300 individuals—from birth to college—offering medical care and therapy, education, spiritual guidance, and livelihood support for families. It offers hope, empowering individuals with disabilities and their loved ones to live with dignity.
Through his stewardship, Father Roque ensures that the mission of the Columbans lives on—not just in framed words on a wall, but in the lives of the people they dedicated themselves to serving. His dedication to the CBR program honors a legacy of love, service, and faith that continues to bring healing and hope.
We are deeply grateful to Father Roque for his warm hospitality, generosity, and unwavering dedication to the CBR program and the people it serves. His work is a reminder that mission is not just about remembering the past but also continuing the journey.
Note: Fr. Fintan Murtagh died on December 23, 2016, and Fr. Donal O’Dea on July 26, 2019.
