Fr. Engelbert Hein van Vilsteren, O.Carm.
April 9, 1935 – January 16, 1973
Today, January 16, we remember Fr. Engelbert van Vilsteren, O.Carm., who was martyred in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur at the height of the dictatorship of then Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
He was born on April 9, 1935 at Wijhe-Boerhaar, The Netherlands and entered the Carmelite Order on September 10, 1956.
He was ordained to the priesthood on July 9, 1961 and three years after was assigned to the Philippines as a missionary.
On January 16, 1973, on their way to retrieve the body of a teacher who was killed in the outskirts of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, they were ambushed by cult members and he died trying to defend his companions from the violent mob.
His witness in living the faith, inspired the members of the Provincial Board of the Province of Agusan del Sur to issue Board Resolution No. 9 the day after his murder, Januar 17, 1973, stating:
Whereas, Rev. Fr. Engelbert van Vilsteren, besides devoting himself in the propagation of his faith and in the service of his Church, has always gone out of his way to extend a helping hand to those in need;
Whereas, during the entire period of his stay in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, he has done much in (the) education (of) our young, in molding their character and preparing them to become responsible citizens and future leaders of our country;
Whereas, his love for his fellowmen was so much, that on various occasions he braved inclement weather to help those in distress; he threw aside self-precautions just so he could save life, and in his dealing with the people around him, he has always been fair and just – living a true Christian life;
Whereas, in his desire to be of service to his fellowmen, on January 16, 1973, he drove the ambulance to fetch a body of one Restituto Dollete who was reported to be murdered in cold blood. And on their way at around 6:00 pm, they were ambushed, and he was one of the innocent victims.
Let us remember Fr. Engelbert in our prayers.