Bionote: Fr. Fidel Ma. Daza Orendain, SDB

Fidel Ma. Daza Orendain was born in Manila on April 24, 1965 to Victor Orendain and Betty Daza. He is the 6th of 7 children - 6 boys and a girl. Betty must have read from a Salesian Calendar and saw that the 24th of the month is dedicated to our Blessed Mother, Help of

Christians, that she gave the boy a second name, Maria. Fidel grew up in Bicol and loved hiking in the farm, swimming in the river, fl ying kites, and collecting knives. As a hobby, he recounts, he picks locks and opens car doors. He studied elementary at La Consolacion School and high school in Don Bosco Juniorate in Pampanga. He proceeded to study college in Don Bosco Seminary in

Canlubang. After going through the Salesian stages of formation, Fidel was fi nally ordained priest on December 8, 1993. Fr. Fidel had further studies in University of

California, Berkeley and Georgetown University, and took certifi cate courses in the American University. Earning a Doctorate in Communication, he graduated summa cum laude from the University of the Philippines Open

University. In St. John Bosco he saw zeal, creativity, perseverance, and resourcefulness, inspiring him to become a Salesian.

His favorite saying from the saint would be “If we are one in heart, we can do ten times as much.” Among his confreres he looks up with admiration to are Fr. Felix

Glowicki and Bro. Bernard Villasanta. He said, “the charm of Don Bosco’s creative love to serve youth, save souls” and Isaiah’s commitment to the Lord “Here I am, send me” inspired him to become a priest. Fr. Fidel received the call from the Rector Major last December 2020, informing him of his appointment as the 6th FIS Provincial. He wanted to haggle with Fr.

Angel knowing the weight of the responsibility and his own shortcomings as a person. After his discernment, he accepted the appointment as a “gratitude and fear of the

Lord.” Fr. Fidel has a rich pastoral experience. As a brother, he was assigned in Don Bosco Boys Town in Cebu. As a student of theology, he ministered in Don Bosco Tondo,

Sta. Clara Parish in Pasay, and Sto. Niño Parish in Taguig.

He spent summer pastoral immersions in Don Bosco Pasil and Don Bosco Borongan. He was appointed as the Social

Communications delegate of the province for 20 years. As a priest, he ministered in the formation house in Don Bosco

Lawaan and served as catechist, and then rector in Don

Bosco Technical College-Cebu.