Saint Justin Russolillo in the Philippines

Saint Justin Russolillo as an Apostle of Vocations, came to the Philippines. In 1993, the Vocationist Sisters arrived in the Philippines through the invitation of Bishop Vicente Ataviado, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Maasin, in the Province of Southern Leyte. They opened the Holy Family Convent in Ichon, Macrohon, Southern Leyte and it became a center of Religious Formation for Filipinos aspiring to become a Vocationist Sister.

With the Charism of working for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious life, in 1995, the Society of Divine Vocations arrived in the Philippines through the invitation of Bishop Patricio H. Alo, D.D., the first Bishop of the Diocese of Mati in the Province of Davao Oriental. Following the Constitutions no. 14 that says, “In a spirit of service to the Local Church, whenever requested by the Ordinary, the Vocationary may function as a Seminary.” They accepted the invitation to administer the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Pre-College Seminary of the Diocese.

In 1999, due to the increasing number of Vocationist students, a new community was built in Davao City, the Holy Trinity Formation House in Monte Maria Village, Phase II, Catalunan Grande to cater the students who are studying in Philosophy (XACOSE) and in Theology (REMASE). The Vocationist Sisters in 2004, opened a school, the Fr. Justin Russolillo School of Davao located in front of the SDV House, serving the students of Catalunan Grande and the nearby areas.

In 2007, a new community was built in the Diocese of Maasin, Maasin City, Southern Leyte, the Divine Union Novitiate House where a novice undergoes a one year formation and eventually at the end of the formation year, will become a Professed Religious Brother of the Society of Divine Vocations.

In 2016, the Congregation accepted the Pastoral Work of administering the Mary Help of Christians Parish offered by the Diocese of Maasin, located in the highlands of Malapoc, Norte, Maasin City, Southern Leyte. This parish is the first parish in the Philippines administered by the Fathers of the Society of Divine Vocations.

May we, Vocationists continue to grow in our fidelity to our calling as being CALLED TO CALL and that we may continue to be a living witness of Saint Justin Russolillo’s charism and spirituality to all Filipinos. (Rev. Fr. Lexter Maria Caras, SDV)