The noble Cause for the Beatification of Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ is currently pushed by the Order of the Knights of Columbus (K of C) in the Philippines.
Some concrete moves started to fall into place though the Father Provincial cited that it was premature for the Jesuits to promote Fr. Willmann’s Cause in 2001 due to the need to ascertain the existence of a true and widespread “fama sanctitatis” (reputation of sanctity). However, this worthy initiative slowed down and only few major activities were geared to pursue the Cause from 2002 up to present.
And now, year 2011, the big challenge for all the Brother Knights has come. Some of these to unearth additional materials and gather testimonies that will help support the Cause of Fr. Willmann.
Meanwhile, a Resolution No. 25-2011 was approved on 19 May 2011 creating a National Executive Committee For the Cause of Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ. The board decided to create their Working Committee Members and approved during their first meeting on 1 July 2011 at the KCFAPI building 3/F Social Hall, Intramuros, Manila.
With more than four decades of service and compassion for the Filipino people, Fr. Willmann unselfishly devoted his life in the country such that the Brother Knights now wishes to perpetuate his model life and virtues for all Filipino men to emulate.
Men at Work
The National Executive Committee (NEC) is headed by Former Chief Justice and KCFAPI Chairman Hilario Davide, Jr. together with CBCP Media and KoC Spiritual Director Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio as Vice-Chairman of the board. Members are Canon Lawyer Msgr. Joselito Asis; Willmann Charities Chairman Justice Jose Reyes Jr.; KCFAPI President Gellermo Hernandez; Willmann Charities President Alon L.Tan; Luzon State Deputy Arsenio Isidro Yap; Visayas State Deputy Rodrigo Sorongon; Mindanao State Deputy Balbino Fauni; KCFAPI Executive Vice President Ma. Theresa G. Curia; and Willmann Charities Executive Director Roberto “Bobby” Cruz.
With the mission to provide overall, top-level supervision, guidance and coordination and to help establish a deep and widespread national awareness and appreciation of the life and works of Fr. Willmann, the following are the working committees:
One of the major task of the Willmann Charities Working Committee is to consolidate and to finalize the reports submitted to the NEC, this led by Fr. George Willmann Charities Inc. and KC Phil Foundation Inc. Executive Director Roberto “Bobby” Cruz. Composed of this group is Fr. Jeronimo Ma. J, Cruz; Carmelita S. Ruiz; Edwin B. Dawal; and Denise C. Solina.
The Publications Committee which is responsible for the origination, production, organization and continuos dissemination of relevant publication materials related to Fr. Willmann and his cause is headed by KCFAPI Executive Secretary Annie M. Nicholas. Members are Annalyn D. Malong; Juno V. Mancenido; Marrianne M. Malabanan; and Ma. Loreto S. Gregorio.
Chaired by KCFAPI Vice President for Finance Mary Magdalene G. Flores, the Ways and Means Committee on the Cause is responsible for the sourcing of the required funding for the implementation and realization of all activities for the furtherance of the Cause. Members of this group areRowena M. Diapolit; Ma. Kristianne G. Pascual; Christine B. Valencia; and Jocelyn B. Panadero.
In order to promote the Cause of Fr. Willmann through available means of social communication, Promotions Committee was created. KCFAPI Vice President for Fraternal Benefits Group Joseph P. Teodoro led the group and parts of this are Ronald T. Vargas; Rudolf T. Gerard M. Elizaga; Adrian B. Boston; and Michael F. Medina.
The Research and Documentation Committee led by KCFAPI Vice President for Actuarial and Business Development Angelito A. Bala is liable for the planning, organization and complete documentation of relevant interviews and testimonies to support the Cause. Members are Ira J. Tee; Celine B. Tabin; Greg E. Asis; and Gloria O. Alegre.
The Logistics Committee which provides the necessary logistical support to the NEC and to all other Working Committees and Support Groups for the Cause headed by KCFAPI Senior Manager for Corporate Audit Pedro P. Lubenia. The latter’s subordinate are John Enri B. Danganan; Gerard Joseph C. Francisco; Lady Romelie M. Gatdula; and Rowena P. Patricio.
Support Groups were also created which composed of LUZVIMINDA State Working Committee. Headed by their State Secretary, each jurisdiction (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao) is predisposed for the effective implementation for the Cause of Fr. Willmann in their respective areas.
Moreover, the Chairpersons of the different committees are also members of the KCFAPI Working Committee on the Cause headed by devoted KCFAPI Vice President for Information and BC Holders Services Ronulfo Antero G. Infante. This committee cited they will ensure that all things are consistent with the objectives of the NEC.
Serve as the “consolidator,” the KCFAPI Working Committee ensures that a proper attention and monitoring will be given to all designated groups as they seriously, effectively, and efficiently pursue their defined share of responsibilities for the Cause of Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ.
The actions taken by the Working Committees emphasize that the fight for a Cause of “The Gentle Warrior” still continues. Yen Ocampo
