Fr. Monimar F. Panizales, OMI - Presbyter

FR. MONIMAR F. PANIZALES was born in Dao, Capiz to Marino F. Panizales and Monica E. Fasinag. He grew up in a devoutly religious family and during his early childhood, he was attracted to the vestment of the priest and the raising of the host. As a youngster, he used to imitate the consecration of the host with the use of a piece of Marie” biscuit in a regular role-play with his younger sister.When he was in high school, Fr. Monimar planned to enter the Agustinian seminary but his mother claimed that they had no money for his vocation. He wondered about this because he knew that seminarians were considered scholars and therefore had tuition benefits. He soon realized that the reason laid in his delicate health as a child which drew the concern of his mother.Later on, with a degree in Accountancy, Fr. Monimar was employed with Copylandia Systems Corporation. In one corporate exhibit at the Bohol Beach Club of the Philippine Association of Religious Treasurers in November 11, 2004, he met Fr. Dennis Gui, OMI then Oblate Provincial Treasurer. He was given an Oblate vocation flyer in exchange for his distributed corporate brochures.Fr. Monimar had a prior curiosity about his friends from Mindanao for a number of them were graduates of Notre Dame Schools. In the ensuing conversation with Fr. Dennis, he became attracted to the missions in Jolo, Sulu, the Oblates working with the Muslims, and the martyrdom of Bishop Benjamin de Jesus, OMI, and Fr. Benjamin Inocencio, OMI.Despite holding an accomplished managerial position, Fr. Monimar declared his intention to enter the seminary and it caused tension in his family who were against his decision. Nonetheless, he was prompted to search for the need for life’s inner peace. On May 27, 2007, he finally took the determined step to enter the seminary and his mother lovingly held out an envelope to him which contained money for his needs. His determination won his mother’s heart towards his decision.His vocation was made real in the assignment that he asked for namely, Tabawan. He wanted to see for himself what made Tabawan special. He then affirmed that missionary presence is needed especially among minorities whose voices are not heard and are abandoned by society.He learned that the Oblate ministry in education was not exclusive for Christians and it becomes a medium for interreligious dialogue. In the small outlying islands of Tawi-Tawi, like Tabawan, large and ambitious programs are not needed. Simple presence, walking, listening, and living with the people prove that God is with them. Fr. Monimar expressed, that compassion may be a simple gesture of concern and care for the people but it can bring valuable meaning to their lives once they experienced the authenticity of our intention to help.He concluded that Fr. Rey Roda, OMI went to the extent of offering his life because of his love for the mission and people. Thus, for Fr. Monimar, mission is not a self-centered act. The focus is service for God through the people being served a genuine Oblation.Fr. Monimar was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Rev. Angelito Lampon, OMI, DD – the Apostolic Vicar of Jolo on the 4th of December 2015 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace in Grace Park, Caloocan City. (MOSS)