Fr. Lino Razon, OMIand Simple man who always desires to serve the poor

Fr. Carmelino Razon, or Fr. Lino to many, was born to Antonio Razon and Beatris Sambile in Bamban, Tarlac on November 24th, 1948.His parents belonged to the early Kapangpangan’” settlers that found home in Isulan. He grew up in Isulan and there he discovered his vocation to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.He entered the Juniorate in June 1966. He professed his first vows in Tamontaka on June 24th, 1973 and he made his final profession on June 24th, 1976 in Quezon City. He was ordained to the priesthood in San Carlos Parish, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on March 31, 1977.His first assignment was Pikit as Parish Priest where he served as deacon before his ordination. Promoting and working cclosely with lay leaders marked his early ministries. This required giving a lot of seminars and on-going formation for lay leaders as well as for the community, in parish programs.After three years in Pikit, he was transferred to Midsayap. He stayed there for five years as parish priest. The Parish Mission-Vision Statement guided us in planning different activities, especially our Family Life and Lay Leadership Programs.However, after working for five years in Midsayap, he felt burn-out” so he requested for a renewal program and it was granted.The renewal course at NEMI in Rome gave him time for sharing and reflection and it was a wonderful experience. After having finished the course, he was revitalized to work for the people of God. He was assigned in President Roxas, covering the Antipas Mission.His travel through bad roads and mountainous barrios in Antipas made him feel as real missionary. After two years, Antipas under the patronage of San Vicente Ferrer became a separate parish in April 1988. He was the pioneering parish priest in Antipas.In the newly established parish,he was covering 25 Christian communities separated by hills and mountains. The only means of transportation was a horse. The horse could bring him even to the top of the mountain in order to celebrate Mass, conduct seminars and visit the Christian communities. It was tiresome but enjoyable and rewarding endeavor, because the people were kind, generous and responsive. There was always joy in serving the poor.While in Antipas, hegot involved in cooperative that was established to meet the basic needs of the parishioners especially the farmers and lower-income groups. It likewise served to organize the community and enable them to share with one another.He had several parish assignmentsand in North Cotabato – 3 stints in Midsayap, 2 stints in Pikit, then one stint in each Municipality of President Roxas, Antipas and Carmen in Maguindanao Province, he was assigned in Parang, Nuro, Upi and in Datu Piang and in the Province of Sultan Kudarat, he was assigned in Masiag both in school and in the parish. He spent also almost two years in Sibutu Mission in the Province of Tawi Tawi.At the time of his death, he was assigned as Chaplain to Notre Dame Hospital and a resident of the Provincial House.People would remember Fr. Razon as kind and understanding Pastor and Chaplain. He was a simple man and he had always desire to serve the poor.Fr. Lino was discovered dead in his room early morning of the 20th December caused by a massive heart attack. Lino go in peace and go with the Lord! (ERM)