The Chiro National

THE CHIRO NATIONAL (Chiro Philippines )

It was started on 1952 on an experimental basis under the form of youth groups. Gradually, it became evident that these youth groups, if they were to function efficiently should be organized on a parochial basis. Since 1959, Chiro groups existed in the apostolic vicariate of the Mountain Province , in the Archdioceses of Manila and Cebu . Later on, groups were founded in the dioceses of Zambales, Ilo-Ilo, Cotabato, Nueva Vizcaya, Antique, and Imus.

On January 10, 1952, Fr. Francis Gevers, CICM with the help of Fr. Cyril M. Calogne, CICM, initiated the Chiro in the Philippines . Faced with a great number of children in the Mountain Provinces and looking for an alternative of the Scouting Movement, which was operating in the public schools, the Prelature of the Mountain Provinces introduced in almost every parish the Chiro, through its Missionaries, the CICM Fathers and ICM Sisters. They began their missionary work in the Mountain Provinces through the establishment of Schools. Development through Education is one of the main objectives of the CICM Education Apostolate. The Missionaries were not only concerned with the intellectual maturity of their students but also with their spiritual, liturgical and social formation. The Chiro was considered a good answer to this need, since it was more experienced based and non-formal in its approach. Chiro made the youth acquainted with the Parish life, with the liturgical and sacramental celebrations. It was felt that the Chiro was an answer to the need for liturgical, spiritual and social formation of the youth during the pre-Vatican and Second Vatican Council Period. It made the youth acquainted with liturgical celebrations and sacramental life, during their induction as a 9, 12, and 15 year old member. A selected group formed a cell, which was an initial step towards future leadership. Christian values as honesty and commitment were imbibed through the many games they played. All these appealed to the children and gave a formation to young leaders who were put in charge of these activities. The Chiro became an integral part of the Education Apostolate of the CICM Fathers during the 60s. Through a chain of CICM and ICM schools and parishes, the movement spread to other parts of the Philippines as well: It was also during that period that Chiro groups in Baguio and Manila , Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Antique, Cavite , Isabela and even Cebu were established. Students of the Major CICM Seminary at Maryhurst got familiarized with the movement and started their own groups in their respective parishes as it happened in Bicol, Pasig and Paco in Metro Manila. The CICM Maryhurst Seminary in Baguio City was the National Secretariat of the Movement, and young seminarians were trained in the Chiro way. Thousands of young people were given a solid training in Christian Living through dynamic leaders and teachers. Chiro gave them a Christian Inspiration that enlightened them and which they carried their whole life long: Once a Chiro… forever a Chiro.

When Father Gevers died in 1977, the Apostolic Prelature could no longer afford a fulltime Spiritual Director. This changed the situation within the movement. The Parish Priest or any layman would be in charge of the group. The National Secretariat was transferred to Las Piñas, and since the CICM missionaries are moving out of most of their Parishes and Schools, the groups were transferred under the spiritual direction of the Diocesan priests who did not know the Movement. Most of the Chiro groups then, shrinked in number, in interest and enthusiasm, yet the seeds planted in good grounds remained and yielded a good harvest. We are challenged to give an answer to the present needs, just as Chiro gave an answer to the needs of young people years ago. A few good men ca do a lot!