On April 11, 2018, we opened the new and historic chapter for our Delegation. It was indeed a grace that our Order has gone this far to reevaluate our situation and to respond to the growing needs of our religious family. Let us celebrate this strength: The openness and unity among ourselves. This is the wealth and treasure uniquely of our delegation. In the name of our good Lord, who always wishes our salvation, may our minds be inspired, and our heart be opened to the promptings of the Spirit throughout the coming days. Let the Spirit stir us so no one will be left behind and we accompany each other in this walk of life. May this new effort of the Delegation Chapter empower us in the leadership and serve our brothers in carrying out our duties and obligations we have for one another. I wish to convey to you my gratitude for trusting me for serving you for six years as your delegation superior. Truly, it is a humbling ministry and a great privilege to accompany you and the brothers in their needs and successes. Just like all of us, often times we fall short, so I reach out to you and I apologize for the unmet needs and other weaknesses I may have shown. If I may have challenged you in many ways, may it not be a source of discouragement, but rather may it open both of us in the spirit of obedience through dialogue. May it be an occasion to celebrate our act of mercy, humility and act of forgiveness. All I ask is your forgiveness, understanding, and prayers.
Thank you for the many support you have given me through our projects. I would also like to congratulate you for the success of the US-Philippines Delegation. Your undying support helped our delegation to thrive. Truly my tenure of service played an important role in my personal growth, maturity, and for me to fall and receive the mercy and grace of God.
I am humbled and privileged to serve you the best way I could. I never did this out of pride, but rather out of humility for I know you brothers deserve a better leader than me. All that has transformed these past three years are all the blessings I inherited from my predecessors who have toiled and work for the good of the Order. We remember our dear founding Fathers who came to the USA to start this great delegation and their faithfulness to follow the will of God.
I salute you for the fruitful delegation chapter and I commend your wonderful presence during the chapter and those who have kept us in their prayers so that we could enjoy the greater gift of brotherhood in our Delegation, for the benefit of the Order and for the greater glory of the rising Christ.
Fr. Ted Kalaw, CRM
Superior of the USA-Philippines Delegation