Redemptorist History

The past fifty years have seen the Redemptorist presence in Davao filled with dynamism and apostolic zeal, constantly attending to the local church while ever mindful of promptings of the Holy Spirit urging them to follow Christ the Redeemer by preaching the Good news to the poor. The members of the missionary congregation for men seek to follow Christ by responding to the pressing pastoral needs of the poor and especially the most abandoned, devoting themselves entirely to evangelization.

1906 — The first Redemptorists came to the Philippines from Ireland and established their first foundation in Opon, Mactan Island, Cebu.

1952 — Bishop Clovis Thibault of Davao requested the Vice-Provincial Superior Father John Ryan to establish a foundation in his prelature. The foundation was canonically accepted by the Superior General Father Buys on June 21, 1952.

1955 — The first community of Redemptorists arrived in Davao. It was composed of Fr. John Scanlan, Fr. Francis Burns, and later, Fr. Patrick Myers and Bro. Gerard Santamaria. They stayed with the PME Fathers until December of the same year.

1956 — They moved to the Assumption rectory and administered the assumption Church. In July, the community procured a two-hectare lot from Dr. Santiago Dacudao in Bajada. Don Ramon Aboitiz was a benefactor while Judge Marcelo Fernan worked on the transfer of title.

1958 — The construction of “temporary” church was begun and community moved into their new home in Bajada.

1959 — In July of this year the conferes set out their first mission in Magugpo (Tagum). This was followed by missions in Mati and Malalag.

1964 — The first Enclosed Retreat was given in the monastery during Holy Week. At the same time missions were being conducted all over the Davao area reaching as far as Cotabato until the early 70s.

1971 — In response to the grave social realities of the country, the missioners decided to adapt a new thrust as a component in their missionary endeavors — the establishment of BECs and community organizing. This was a move away from old method with its focus in sin and conversion, sacraments and Christian living.

1972 — Another challenge was posed by the local bishop — to accept a parish. The offer was accepted and the Redemptorist with their lay collaborators engaged themselves in forming Christian communities (GKK) from bajada to Callawa.

1975 — The Redemptorist Theologate was transferred to Davao. The students were sent to study at Saint Francis Regional Major Seminary (REMASE).

1980 — The foundation for the new church was laid. A year later the new church was blessed and consecrated.

1987 — The St. Alphonsus Theologate opened its own theological program.

Today the Redemptorist presence is felt in the lives of people touched by their ministry. Many people from all over the city frequent the Church for the Wednesday novena and the Sunday Eucharist. Regular masses in the GKK enliven the faith while Christian formation is given through the various seminars and education programs in the parish. It is our hope and desire to continue our commitment to Christ in preaching plentiful redemption especially to the poor.