BRIEF HISTORY
by +Sr. Crescencia Lucero, SFIC
The Early Years: AMRSWP and AMRSMP (50s and 60s)
The Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) is a joint forum of the Association of Major Religious Superiors of Men in the Philippines (AMRSMP) and the Association of Major Religious Superiors of Women in the Philippines (AMRSWP). Therefore, it is necessary to look into the beginnings of AMRSMP and AMRSWP in order to develop a better understanding of the history of the AMRSP.
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Birth of AMRSP and the Turbulent Years Under Martial Law (70s to mid-80s)
The decade of the ‘70s began with the cloud of Martial Law at the neck of every Filipino despite
the holding of the Asian Bishops meeting in 1970 and Pope Paul VI’s visit in 1971. During this period, the two associations came together to discern their orientation towards justice and its option for the poor. This was later spelled out in a joint statement by the AMRSWP and the AMRSMP.
Changing Times, Renewed Challenges (mid 80s to early 90s)
The year 1985 witnessed two of the most celebrated cases involving religious priests. The first was the gruesome murder of Tulunan Parish Priest Fr. Tulio Favali, PIME by group of ICHF members led by the right-wing fanatic, Norberto Manero, on 11 April 1985. A few months in the Visayas, 11 July 1985, Fr. Rudy Romano, CSsR was abducted by the military and was never heard of since. These two cases are concrete examples of the continuing crisis in the mid-80s.
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AMRSP Towards its 25th Year and Beyond: The Challenge of Philippines 2000 and Globalization (1992 to 1997)
Fidel V. Ramos became President in 1992. He paved the way for Philippines 2000, which in turn heightened the adverse effects of globalization, free trade and development aggression. At first, it appears as if Ramos’ program of Philippines 2000 will truly usher in economic progress. But events in latter years in office expose the frailty and failure of this model.
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