The Augustinian Recollect Martín Legarra Tellechea (1910-1985) was a direct witness of several great events of the 20th century. He developed his ministerial service with optimism, sympathy and communication skills. His life as a missionary, educator and bishop could have served as a movie script.
Martín celebrates his priestly silver wedding anniversary (1958) and makes a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He travels to Spain and participates in the Provincial Chapter in Madrid, after which he is named prior of San Carlos (Negros Occidental), where he arrived on July 23.
There a Parish, a College (500 students) and the seminary, with 80 seminarians whom he cares for with special attention. The place gives him calm, a rhythm much less hectic than Cebu. He even takes care of the gardens.
His presence continues to unfold throughout the country in assemblies and conferences. Preach the inauguration sermon of the Cathedral of Puerto Princesa (Palawan) on the 8th of December 1959 and nourishes friendships from the world of politics and culture.
In 1961 he traveled to Madrid to participate in the Provincial Chapter, without knowing that he finished his stage in the Philippines. In the archipelago he left the best of his youth and much of his health. He so exhausted he left those lands that he loved so much, that for years he showed no enthusiasm for returning.
NEXT PAGE: 8. Martin is reunited with Spain
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- 1. An open mind to the unknown
- 2. Martin and religious life
- 3. Philippines, learning and new responsibilities
- 4. Even more open to the world
- 5. Chronicler of the greatest nightmare
- 6. Martin, educator
- 7. Martin, educator of religious
- 8. Martín is reunited with Spain
- 9. Martin in Bocas del Toro
- 10. Martin in Veraguas
- 11. Bishop emeritus, not retired
- 12. A Week of Easter
