PSL Teofilo Torres Cueme: still active at 95!

Sir Cueme, as he is fondly called by everybody, still serves the St. Joseph the Worker Parish since 1985. That means more than 30 years of service to the Lord!

He started serving his parish as Special Minister of Communion in 1983 after he attended a one-day seminar on Special Minister of Communion in Digos upon the invitation of the late Bishop Most Rev. Generoso Camina, D.D.

Sir Cueme decided to serve the Roman Catholic Church in Sta. Cruz and continues to serve his parish even after the PME Fathers left in 1983. Some members of the Filipino clergy used to be his students, Fr. Omblero and Fr. Lato, to name a few.

“Bilang Apostolado sa SMC, gibati nako nga nakatabang ko sa katawhan sa pagpakalawat sa mga tao ug labi na gayod sa mga masakiton,” Sir Cueme shared.

Whenever he is called to serve he is there. He attends mass at 6:00 AM every day. The parish church is just a walking distance from his house.

Sir Cueme is a teacher with a BSE Major in General Science, Minor in Filipino and History. He finished his studies as a working student in the University of Visayas in 1951. He first taught in Cebu and later in Digos when he moved to Mindanao. His close encounters with students developed his ability in molding the youth. He says that “A teacher must be a model. Dako ang katungdanan sa usa ka teacher. A teacher molds a child. He is an example to the community.”

He had taught for 35 years in several high schools from 1950 to 1986 in Cebu and Davao del Sur. Although already retired from teaching, Sir Cueme did not hesitate to teach again when his service was needed in a private institution.

As a government employee, he received awards such as the one from the municipality of Digos for his exemplary contribution to the government in 1989, as NSDB scholar and as Head of Science Department of Sta. Cruz Provincial High School, consultant during the Chemistry Echo Seminar at Digos Provincial High School August 8-10, 1975.

He was also recognized by his diocese during the 61st Anniversary of the Parish (SJWP) in 2002. He was given the Plaque of Recognition for his untiring service and unwavering support for Evangelization Program and Missionary Activities of the Parish through the Apostolate of Special Ministry of Communion. Sister Ma. Margie C. Aguilar, RVM also recognized his valuable and commendable services to Saint Mary’s Academy.

Sir Cueme celebrated his 95th birthday last September 8, 2015. At his age, he would still giggle about having the same birthdate as the Blessed Mother. At his age he is still active. His secret is serving the Lord through the people with joy in his heart. What makes him active, alive and ready to serve?

He emphasizes four important things in prayer: adoration (pagdayeg), contrition (pagpasaylo), thanksgiving (pagpasalamat), and supplication (pagpangayo). Trust is a very important component, too. He shared, thus:

“Gihangyo nako ang Mahal nga Diyos, ‘maka-abot ko’g 70 anyos magserbisyo ko Nimo.’ Gihatag niya nako. Naghangyo na pud ko. ‘Ginoo maka-abot ko’g 80,’ magserbisyo ko gihapon Nimo, gihatag niya nako. ‘Ginoo maka-abot ko’g 90, magserbisyo ko gihapon Nimo. Naka-abot ko’g 90 nagdayeg ko Niya, ‘dalaygon ka gayod Ginoo, salamat.’”

He also reads the Bisaya and English Bibles and writes important chapters and verses in his notes. That has been his daily routine.

During the interview he showed pictures of himself visiting his co-parishioners giving them the Body of Christ.

Wizened by age and faith, he concluded that “one has to pray directly to the Triune God. Don’t adore saints, just respect them. In Jesus name, all our prayers will be answered.” (Joe Marie H. Cordero, MATRE | Sta. Cruz)