Franciscan’s Fr. Almazan is new AMRSMP chair

MANILA — A Franciscan missionary was elected as the new chairperson of the Association of Major Religious Superiors Men (AMRSMP) in the Philippines.Fr. Cielito Almazan, Minister Provincial of the Franciscan Province of San Pedro Bautista, will head the 60-year old organization that was established to foster close collaboration among the religious men.He will succeed Fr. Gerard Francisco Timoner, OP, who acted as AMRSMP chair after Fr. Leo Dalmao, CMF, was elected council member of the Claretian general government in Rome in September 2015.The election was held during the convention of men superiors at Maryridge Retreat House in Tagaytay City from June 28 – July 1, 2016.Fr. Dexter Toledo, former AMRSP executive secretary, said Almazan’s election signalled to the country the organization’s commitment to sustainability. It seems that it is a statement that AMRSP men wish to look more deeply into the issues related to the environment since the Franciscans are known for that,” Toledo said.The men religious also elected Claretian Provincial Superior Fr. Eduardo Apungan as their new Vice Chairperson.The new AMRSMP board members includeand Br. Jose Mari Jimenez, FSC Fr. Anthony Paul Bicomong, SDB Fr. Copernicus Perez Jr., CSsR Fr. Joseph Matitu, SSS and Fr. Antonio Moreno, SJ.The 3-day convention reflected on the theme Merciful Like the Fatherand The Challenge to Men Religious Today” and tackled several issues including climate change.Members of the AMRSP women currently chaired by Sr. Cecilia Bayona, AMP, are also set to elect their new set of officers when they convene for their general assembly next week. (CBCPNews)