‘While these appointments may not have immediate economic or political ramifications… its significance lies in a far more profound realm.’
A PIECE of calming news from the Vatican offered a much-needed moment of solace and pride this week. This was the appointment of another Filipino to a key Vatican position.
Pope Leo XIV has named former education secretary Bro. Armin Luistro a member of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
Luistro, a Lasallian leader, joins other world bishops and clergy in the Vatican dicastery. This significant assignment underscores the growing recognition of Filipino wisdom and leadership within the Church.
As the first Asian to serve as superior general of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, Luistro’s extensive experience in both education and religious life makes him an invaluable addition to this crucial dicastery.
His journey, from a religion teacher at De La Salle Lipa to leading the entire Philippine district of the De La Salle Brothers, and even co-founding a Lasallian university in Indonesia, demonstrates a deep commitment to education.
His service as education secretary under the late President Benigno Aquino III further highlights his administrative acumen and dedication to public service.
Luistro is the second Lasallian brother to head the education department following Bro. Andrew Gonzales who served during the Estrada presidency.
The Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life is a historically significant body among the dicasteries within the Roman Curia. Tracing its roots back to the 16th century under Pope Sixtus V who founded it as the Sacred Congregation for Consultations About Regulars, its responsibilities are immense.
It is tasked with promoting, encouraging, and regulating the practice of evangelical counsels, overseeing the establishment of new religious orders, and even managing the complex processes of order mergers and members leaving religious life.
The dicastery was changed to Congregation for Religious under Pope Pius X and again renamed to the Congregation for Religious and Secular Institutes in 1967 during the reign of Pope Paul VI.
It became the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life when Pope Francis was running the Vatican.
Brother Luistro will follow in the footsteps of theological giants like the late Pope Benedict XVI who, as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, headed the dicastery and significantly shaped the Vatican’s articulation of faith and addressed challenging issues within the Church like sexual abuse.
Bro. Luistro also joins a distinguished roster of Filipinos who have answered the call to serve in the Vatican, showcasing the rich spiritual depth and unwavering faith of Filipinos.
Sebastian “Baste” Eviota was the first one to open the Vatican doors for Filipinos when he was conscripted to the prestigious Swiss Guard corps despite being a full-bloodied Filipino.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle also held significant positions in the Vatican, including his current role as prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
Other Filipino priests and brothers have also been appointed to various Vatican roles like Msgr. Erwin Jose Balagapo who served as undersecretary for the Dicastery for Evangelization.
While these appointments may not have immediate economic or political ramifications that would tilt the balance of power, its significance lies in a far more profound realm.
It sends a powerful message of hope and reassurance in a world seemingly dominated by conflict and aggression.
Amidst the shameful display of sophisticated weapons wielded by arrogant leaders, the Vatican, a tiny city-state, steadfastly continues its mission, which is to offer humanity a pathway to peace and evangelization.
