Blessed calling

Following the ordination of Rev. Fr. Anthony Pobar, another Caragueño, Rev. Charles P. Bantayan, CSCh, received the Holy Order of Presbyters on May 4, 2024, making him the 11th Caragueño priest, at San Salvador del Mundo Parish, Caraga, Davao Oriental.

A member of the Congregation of Schools of Charity (Cavanis Fathers) in Dili, East Timor, Rev. Charles P. Bantayan, CSCh, was born on February 20, 1987, in Manorigao, Caraga, Davao Oriental. He is the fifth child among the six offspring of Vicente G. Bantayan and Zenaida P. Bantayan.

He finished his elementary education at Manorigao Elementary School (2000) and had his secondary education at Erico T. Nograles National High School in Davao City (2005). Rev. Bantayan pursued his college degree at Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), where he took Bachelor of Arts in English (2016). During his first year at HCDC in 2010, an invitation from the Cavanis brothers urged him to join a vocation search at the Cavanis Seminary. It took two searches before he was accepted and started his journey as a Cavanis seminarian.

In 2012, he was accepted into the second stage of his formation — Postulancy, and a year later, he was accepted into the Novitiate, the third stage of formation. Apart from that, he was a unit earner at the University of Immaculate Conception with a degree in Philosophy. After completing his studies, Rev. Bantayan entered Saint Alphonsus Theological and Mission Institute in Davao City for his theological studies, where he pursued a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (2021). As a sign of his temporary membership in the congregation, he received the habit of the congregation on January 5, 2014. In 2021, he marked his permanent membership in the congregation and received his Perpetual Profession.

On October 7, 2022, by the grace of God, he was ordained as a deacon at San Jose Parish, Dujali, Davao Del Norte, through the imposition of hands by His Excellency Most Rev. Medil Aseo, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Tagum.

As part of the Philippine-East Timor delegates, Rev. Bantayan became one of the Cavanis missionary congregation, whose charism is education for children and youth. In Dili, East Timor, they provided informal education to neighborhood children, educating their minds and hearts, especially about the propagation of faith. The Cavanis are currently in a mission stage with the help of the Diocese of Dili.

In the Philippines, Cavanis is located in Tibungco, Davao City, with a seminary and elementary school. In Tagum City, Cavanis administers the Diocesan school by the name of Letran de Davao Inc. and the parish of San Jose, Dujali, Davao del Norte. By being part of the Cavanis fathers, Caraga will have one of its few religious priests under San Salvador del Mundo’s wing, hopefully making it an inspiration to young aspirants, both Caragueños or not, to listen, discern, and pursue the call for priestly vocation. (Nicole Palmera – Mati SoCCom)