Jerry Orbos

Jerry Orbos
Personal life
Born
Agerico Muñoz Orbos

(1953-10-07) October 7, 1953
Notable work(s)Treasured Moments, Simple Moments
Alma materDivine Word Seminary
Religious life
ReligionRoman Catholicism
InstituteSociety of the Divine Word
Ordination25 October 1980

Agerico Muñoz Orbos (born 7 October 1953), is a Filipino Roman Catholic priest, missionary, and author affiliated with the Society of the Divine Word (SVD).[1] He is known for his missionary work, inspirational writing, and public speaking, as well as for advocating cancer awareness following his recovery from lung cancer.[2]

Early life and education

Orbos was born in San Carlos, Pangasinan, Philippines. He entered the Society of the Divine Word and studied for the priesthood at the Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay. He was ordained a priest on 25 October 1980.[3]

Ministry and missionary work

After ordination, Orbos served in the Tingguian Missions in La Paz, Abra. He later worked at the Divine Word College in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, where he became director of the Junior College, Seminary, and Associate Program.[4]

In 1984, he was assigned as a missionary in South Korea. Upon returning to the Philippines in 1989, he was appointed as Vocation Director and Mission Promoter.[5] He later became Director of the SVD Mission Office (1990–2013), where he coordinated mission promotion and support activities.[3]

Media presence and publications

Orbos has written several inspirational books, including Treasured Moments, Simple Moments, and Meaningful Moments.[6] He contributes regularly to a Sunday column in a national newspaper. His televised Sunday Masses have also reached a broad Filipino audience.[4]

Health and advocacy

In 2018, Orbos was diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer following a CT scan prompted by a minor car accident.[6] He underwent chemotherapy and immunotherapy and was declared cancer-free in January 2019.[7] He has since become an advocate for cancer awareness, supporting initiatives such as "Voices of Hope" for survivors.[8]

Community engagement

Orbos has led scholarship programs and organized disaster response activities. His charitable efforts extend to outreach programs for marginalized communities.[9]

Recent activities

In 2024, he celebrated his birthday with a Mass at the New Bilibid Prison, delivering messages of hope and rehabilitation.[10] He also addressed the Rotary Club of Manila during Lent, sharing reflections on spiritual renewal.[11]

Legacy

Orbos is widely regarded for his service as a missionary priest and communicator of faith. His resilience in the face of illness and his continued outreach have made him a prominent figure in Filipino Catholic life.[12]

See also

References

  1. ^ Montelibano, Teddy (1 April 2024). "Fr. Orbos to Rotarians: 'Don't identify with your money, you're bigger than it'". Daily Tribune. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  2. ^ "Cancer survivor Fr. Jerry Orbos shares journey to healing". CBCPNews. 9 September 2019. Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  3. ^ a b Sage (30 May 2024). "Fr. Jerry Orbos Biography". AESplora. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  4. ^ a b "Fr. Jerry Orbos Biography". Biography Central. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  5. ^ "Let go and let God in this pandemic, says Fr. Jerry Orbos". Manila Bulletin. 26 October 2020. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  6. ^ a b "Columnist priest Jerry Orbos is battling cancer —brother Tim". GMA News Online. 13 July 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  7. ^ "Cancer made me realize how beautiful life is—Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD". Manila Bulletin. 9 September 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  8. ^ "Filipino priest puts cancer patients on path to healing". UCA News. 18 March 2020. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  9. ^ "Fr. Jerry Orbos Latest News". Tom Dunn Academy. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  10. ^ "Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD, Celebrates Birthday with a Special Mass in New Bilibid Prison". Bureau of Corrections. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  11. ^ "Fr. Jerry Orbos inspires RCM members with Lent message". BusinessMirror. 22 March 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  12. ^ Reyes, Lai S. "Fr. Jerry Orbos on battling lung cancer: 'Focus on the humor, not the tumor'". Philstar.com. Retrieved 5 May 2025.