FR GLENN - HERO PRIEST

For almost ten years now, Fr. Glenn Giovanni B. Jaron, MSP has rendered an outstanding leadership and incomparable service to the Filipino community in South Korea. His invaluable leadership inspired many Filipinos to volunteer and commit themselves for the service of their fellow migrants. His shining example has been a subject of several recognitions from different institutions both in the Philippines and Korea.

In 1998, Fr. Glenn assumed the responsibility as Chaplain of the Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community (HFCC). He continued the good foundation left by his predecessor, Fr. Resty Galang, MSP, the first Chaplain of the community. Since then, many have openly welcomed the changes he initiated such as the promulgation of the HFCC Constitution and By-laws, the services for the workers and distressed women, the Mass schedules, and the well-organized committees that respond to the different needs of Juan dela Cruz as well as migrants of other nationalities.

For many years, the HFCC has become a "working embassy" for the migrants, especially the victims of abuses by employers and the women who are victims of maltreatment by their Korean husbands. The innumerable Filipino migrants have their own stories to tell regarding how this hero priest touched their lives. His self-sacrifice for the sake of the weak, the helpless, and the victims has been his greatest gift to the community.

Atty. Rodolfo Sabulao, former Labor Attaché of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), said in his farewell speech at the Hyehwadong Church that the Philippine Embassy has been very thankful for what Fr. Glenn and the community have been doing. He stated that the highly commendable church activities and services are fifteen times more than what the usual Labor Attaché does in helping the migrant workers.

However, everything in this world has an end. The beloved priest soon has to leave the community for another assignment, particularly in the United States.

Subsequently, a question confronts many Filipino migrants here today. What would the community become without the “Servant Leader? However, Fr. Glenn, himself, assured SULYAPINOY that he firmly believes that with the new chaplain, Fr. Alvin B. Parantar, MSP and with God's providence, the community will always stand strong together to surmount all the challenges ahead.