Fr. Roberto Ruben Elago, M.S.P., was installed third pastor of Notre-Dame des-Philippines Catholic Mission of Montreal on Feb. 27, 2022 by Fr. Pierangelo Paternieri, Episcopal Vicar for Ethnic Communities, on behalf of Christian Lepine, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal.
Attendance at the liturgical mass installatIon and reception was limited due to pandemc restrictions, for which Fr. Elago had apolgized and hopes for a larger particiaton in the future , when everything returns to normalcy.
He succeeds Fathers Frank Alvarez, P.M.E., and Carmelo Gosioco ,the latter, who is deservedly acknowledged for his efforts in establishing the first canonically installed Filipino church in Canada in 1987, by the then Paul Cardinal Gregoire.
Fr Ruben's arrival on Dec. 8th was greeted with joy , marking a new chapter in the life of the Filipino Catholic community in Montreal. He is a priest of the Mission Society of the Philippines, M.S.P., who hails from Cagayan de Oro.
As the new pastor, Fr Ruben assumes the overwhelming challenge to continue the 25 years of Fr. Alvarez's legacy, which was rooted in faith, hope and charity. An outstanding pastoral success that prompted Father Pierangelo Paternieri to cite Notre-Dame-des Philippines Catholic Mission as "the best ethnic faith community" in the archdiocese.
The late Jean-Claude Cardinal Turcotte, Archbishop of Montreal, had enjoined the Filipino faithful at the consecration to take care of the church. "It's your church; take care of it". he said. The financial aid extended by the Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal had much to do in the acquisition of St. Thomas the apostle from the French congregation.
Regardless of political, religious strifes and geographical locations, the acquisition of the church building is a testament to the Filipino pride and resilience, deserving community support.
With the distinction as the first and only canonically installed Filipino church in the city, Notre -Dame-des-Philippines has become the seat of spiritual and religious observances; and subsequently empowering the pastor to represent and speak for Filipino catholics in Quebec.
However, for reasons of convenience and demography, the idea does not preclude the rights of individuals to worship in the church of their choice, while keeping allegiance to the Filipino miission.
Fr. Elago's brand of leadership is solidified by his missionary work with Filipino migrants abroad. He brings a wealth of experience, defined by compassion, understanding and leadership. He hopes to build bridges with Filipinos through dialogue, consultation and openness.
Undaunted by the challenges he has inherited, he is buoyed by the support and commitments of the different church ministries. He is additionally impressed by the dedication, quality of work and speed with which volunteers execute their assigned tasks.
Fruan Tabamo, the pastoral assistant, alluded at the salu-salu gathering "that in the 60 days of stewardship" , Fr. Elago has been listening, observing , and checking the pulse of the community, to help him strategize his course of action in navigating his stewardship.
As the pastor of the Catholic mission entrusted to the care of Notre-Dame-des-Philipppines, our Lady's angelic response of "Thy will be done" will serve as his mantra, strenghtened by the promise of our Lord to be with us until the end in spreading the Good News of Salvation.
"Hope moves mountain"and prayer unlocks the power of grace which will be essential to the apostolate of faith, hope and love. "Úbi caritas et amor ,Deus ibi est."Where there is charity and love , God is there!
Vive la Mission Catholique Notre -Dame-des-Philippines ! Viva!
