On June 3, 2013, at the CAP Building, Lipa City, Philippines, the employees of the Oblates of Saint Joseph Schools gathered to prepare for the opening of the school year 2013-2014, at the CAP Building here in this city.

     The attendees were led to a thorough discussion and in-depth reflection on the theme, “Living the spirit of a Josephite-Marellian servant-leader.” They backdrop of the theme reminded them of the first OSJ missionary priests and brothers, namely: Fr. Ernesto Fornaca, OSJ; Fr. Eugene Cherlone, OSJ; Fr. Giuseppe Anfossi, OSJ; Br. Giovanni Battista Camera; and Br. Giuseppe Maccagnio, OSJ.

     The assembly began with the Eucharistic celebration with Rev. Fr. Noel B. Magtaas, OSJ, the Provincial superior of the OSJ-Philippines, as the main celebrant.  It was then followed by the presentation and the oath-taking of the board of trustees, the schools’ directors and treasurers, executive assistants, middle supervisors and new employees.

     After a short break, Fr. Noel, who serves as the OSJS president and the chairman of the board, expanded on the theme.  He noted that the exemplary model of a servant-leader is Jesus, the suffering servant of God and the Good Shepherd. Atty. Jose Antonio O. Casas, the executive assistant for planning and development discussed the new OSJS Organizational Structure. Moreover, Mr. Edgar M. De Chavez, the executive assistant for administration, expounded on the spiritual, moral and human profile of a Josephite Marellian ser-leader and the comparative analysis of the OSJS and the public school’s salaries.

     The day was highlighted with the recognition of the teachers with perfect attendance during the past school year.  The awardees were announced by their respective principals. And the most coveted award, the Josephite Teacher of the Year, was given to Miss Jenny Atienza, from the Holy Family Academy, Padre Garcia, Batangas.

     Fr. Noel led the closing prayer and gave the final blessing to the participants.