New OFM Province in Visayas and Mindanao elects first minister provincial

The newly erected Franciscan Province of San Antonio de Padua – Philippines has elected Fr. Renee Dean as its first minister provincial.

His election came during the Province’s first General Chapter held in Cebu City on April 22.

Born in Calbayog City in 1972, Dean studied Philosophy at the Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Novaliches Quezon City and Theology at the Inter-Congregational Theological Center in Cubao, Quezon City.

He made his first profession vows as a Franciscan in 1995, solemn vows in 1998, and was ordained a priest on October 28, 2000.

The 51-year-old priest also holds a licentiate degree from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, USA.

As priest, he was assigned in various ministries in the Visayas and Mindanao including education and interreligious dialogue.

Prior to his election as minister provincial, he served as Custos for four years before the Autonomous Custody of St. Anthony of Padua was elevated to a Province.

It was on Jan. 19, 2023 when the General Definitory of the Order of Friars Minor (OFM), acceded to the request of the Custody for its elevation to the status of a Province.

While the decree of canonical erection was on March 17, it only took effect on April 22 during a ceremony attended by OFM minister general Fr. Massimo Fusarelli himself.

Aside from Dean, also elected as vicar-provincial was Fr. Neil Badillo. Also elected as “definitors” or counselors to the minister provincial were Fr. Prisco Cajes, Fr. Arturo Daquilanea, Fr. Crisologo Dragon, and Br. Christopher Villianueva.

The Province of San Antonio de Padua currently has around 70 friars in 19 friaries across Visayas and Mindanao regions.

The friars are engaged in pastoral service in at least seven parishes, in education with five schools and a center for dialogue with Islam. (CBCP News)

A version of this article was first published by CBCP News.