From a Missionary Priest to a Military

(Cpt) Fr. Marjeo Delfin, OMI is currently assigned as the base chaplain at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel – Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan since December 15, 2022. He is a member of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines borrowed him from his community.

Fr. Delfin is a missionary priest who had spent six years as a civilian priest before entering the military. He was first assigned in the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo where he came to know the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chaplain Service and met a chaplain who was assigned there. This encounter sparked his interest in exploring the vocation of being a chaplain. He also considers military chaplaincy as part of his missionary life.

Born in the Municipality of Norala, South Cotabato, he grew up bringing his childhood dream of being in the military. Unfortunately, his parents did not allow him to pursue it. He ended up entering the seminary, where he was ordained as a missionary priest. Despite not being able to pursue his dream of being in the military, he found a way to serve as a chaplain and fulfill his calling as a priest.

As an Oblate, he stated that their charism is to “work with the poorest of the poor”, but in the military, he is limited to military families, personnel, and people around the camps with whom he has very minimal contact. Nevertheless, he is working on the Philippine Navy Values Enhancement Program, which focuses on enhancing the soldiers’ values in a holistic way, not just in a spiritual aspect but also in leadership, finances, married life, and many others. Fr. Delfin stated that more than just celebrating the sacraments, he is also working on the Character Enhancement Program, which is a part of the Moral Recovery Program of the Philippine government.

In an interview, Fr. Delfin shared his preparation for the arrival of St. Therese’s relic, the second patroness of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines. Fr. Delfin emphasized the importance of “looking at the many small things in everything” he does. He added that sometimes he celebrates masses alone, washes the dishes, drives for himself, cleans, and does everything that needs to be done.

“Doing small things are [a] concrete expression of my love for my work, for my vocation, and my love for others. And I think the whole spirituality of St. Therese is telling us to consider small things as our expression of God’s love for ourselves and for others – contributing therefore to the creation of God,” he stated.

Fr. Delfin also invited people to the veneration of the relic by opening the chapel to the public, knowing that there is no other place in Panacan and Tibungco for people to visit the relic except there.

His journey as a missionary priest and chaplain in the military is indeed inspiring. He continues to serve others with love and compassion, despite the challenges and limitations. Fr. Delfin’s example teaches us to value the small things in our lives and to put love in everything we do. Through his work, Fr. Delfin helps soldiers and their families to grow in faith, character, and love for God and others. (Eleazar James Manalastas | Intern, Carlos P. Garcia Senior High School)