A Timeline of the Casante’s Visit in Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City – Last March 12-19, 2025, the Calabrian Family in Cagayan de Oro City was greatly blessed with the presence of the Casante of the Congregation of the Poor Servants of Divine Providence (PSDP), Rev. Fr. Massimilliano Parrella, PSDP. Fr. Max, as he is fondly called by his confreres, is an Italian Calabrian priest who rose to the rank of the Casante in 2022.

The term, Casante, which literally means ‘housekeeper’ or ‘guardian of the house,’ is a term employed by St. John Calabria to refer to the ‘superior general’ of the congregation. For him, this is not just a canonical function, but a special ministry in in the ‘House of God’ that is to be performed with humility, kindness, and trust to the Divine Providence.

For the Calabrian religious, the Casante is to be looked upon with special reverence. They consider him as a “father” whom they confide and submit themselves for advices, instructions, and commands (cf. Constitutions and Directory no. 25). St. John Calabria, who was greatly aware as well of the Casante’s limitations, encouraged his co-religious to look at him, ‘three fingers above his head.’ This means that despite his fragilities, he is God’s anointed to spearhead the life and mission of the congregation.

Before his election, Fr. Max previously worked as parish priest of Parrocchia S. Maria Assunta e S. Giuseppe in Rome, Italy and served as delegation councilor of San Giovanni Calabria Delegation (Italy). He came to the Philippines last 2022 for his canonical and pastoral visit, and this year, he is back again for such purposes.

            His travel itinerary is as follows:

12th of March 2025 – Fr. Max and Fr. Marvin Tadena, PSDP arrived at Laguindingan International Airport.

13th of March 2025 – He visited the communities of Kauswagan and Bayabas, and had meeting with the religious community of Bayabas.

14th of March 2025 – He visited the PSDP Sisters in Carmen and went to St. John Vianney Theological Seminary where the religious brothers are now doing their theology.

15th of March 2025 – He had meeting with the religious community of Lumbia. Then, he visited Archbishop Jose Cabantan, DD in his house.

16th of March 2025 – He celebrated mass with the children and staff of Calabrian Children’s Foundation in the morning and went to Divine Mercy Shrine in the afternoon.

17th and 18th of March 2025 – He went for an outing in Camiguin with the religious communities of Bayabas and Lumbia.

19th of March 2025 – He and Fr. Marvin travelled going to Caburan, Jose Abad Santos for his visit to the PSDP religious working in the Diocese of Digos.

            Even in his short stay in Cagayan de Oro City, Fr. Max felt the warmth and hospitality of the Calabrian communities. The kindness and joy that he experienced were forever etched into his heart as he moved along to his new destination. He will surely cherish and will bring those good and beautiful memories wherever he goes. He truly finds a “a home away from home!” As he bids adieu, he looks forward to being back again in this beautiful soil where the seeds of Calabrian spirituality are planted, are growing, and hopefully, are bearing good fruits.