Another human instrument of Jesus was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priesthood through the assistance of the Knights of Columbus Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc.
On August 23, 2011, San Carlos Bishop Jose F. Advincula ordained Rev. Fr. Stephen P. Bendanillo to the Sacred Order of Priesthood at the San Carlos Borromeo Cathedral Parish in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.
Fr. Bendanillo was a scholar of the Knights of Columbus Fr. George J. Willmann Charities, Inc. during his Theological studies at St. Joseph Regional Seminary in Iloilo City from 2006 to 2011.
On March 28, 2011, only days after he graduated from Theology, Fr. Bendanillo was ordained to the Order of Deacons together with other two seminarians of their Diocese.
The Presbyterial ordination of Fr. Bendanillo was attended by the clergy of the Diocese of San Carlos and St. Joseph Seminary, relatives, friends, benefactors and the faithful of San Carlos, Negros Occidental.
A great deal of the Fr. George J. Willmann Charities programs have been focused on the scholarship of seminarians and priests.
This foundation provides assistance to deserving and qualified students, including but not limited to those in pursuit of religious vocation, formation or development and higher specialized studies. Since beginning of its foundation, the program has already graduated over a hundred priests.
For those who want to avail of the foundation’s scholarship grant, here are the three categories of scholarship: seminarians who are on their last course in theology; priests who wish to earn licentiate or doctorate degrees in ecclesiastical disciplines in local theology schools or seminaries; and priests who wish to earn licentiate or doctorate degrees in ecclesiastical disciplines in Rome.
It may be good to note, that those who have successfully graduated from this scholarship have formed an organization in 1999. They call all themselves, KC-Priests Scholars Association. Yen Ocampo