Historical and biographical review of some of the main figures of the Province of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine of the Order of Augustinian Recollects from its foundation to the present day.
The Augustinian Recollects have always fostered a profound devotion to Saint Joseph. Thanks to the efforts of Fray Diego de la Anunciación (†1625), who designated him as the patron saint of Manila, and Vicar General Gabriel de la Concepción, who introduced the O Ioseph following the Salve Regina hymn, this devotion flourished. However, it was Fray Casildo Caballero who distinguished himself through his personal commitment and public promotion of this devotion.
Born in Marcilla in 1845, he worked as a farmer in his youth. In 1868, he took his vows and spent four years in Monteagudo before being assigned to the Philippines. After a year in Manila, he was transferred to the convent in Cebu.
As a religious brother, he was deemed trustworthy, intelligent, and clear-headed by the prior provincial, who then sent him to Manila to assist the administrator—a role he fulfilled for eleven years.
In 1885, Fray Casildo was appointed administrator of Muntinglupa, a vast hacienda near Manila. He held this position until 1896 when he was forced to flee due to the Tagalog insurrection. After spending two years in Manila post-Revolution, he resided in Macau, China, for two years before returning to Spain in 1900. He passed away in Marcilla in 1910.
Fray Casildo was zealous in promoting devotion to Saint Joseph. He successfully organized novenas in Manila with a daily preacher, regardless of the costs. These novenas to Saint Joseph eventually reached a peak of splendour and popularity.
He also promoted the 19th of every month as a day of remembrance for the feast of Saint Joseph, celebrated universally on March 19th. He expanded various devotional practices in honour of the saint, including scapulars, promotional books, and lay associations.
Later, the Augustinian Recollects established the Archconfraternity of Saint Joseph, which, according to a preacher, was an effective means to encourage charitable works and obtain numerous blessings from God through Saint Joseph’s intercession.
The novenas had a significant social impact in Manila, with the media providing detailed coverage of these religious events.
To further enhance their importance, Pius IX, Leo XIII, and the Sacred Congregation of Rites bestowed special graces upon participants in these liturgical activities honouring Saint Joseph.
Fray Casildo kindled the flame of devotion to Saint Joseph in Manila, which then spread throughout the Philippines. Upon his return to Spain, he continued his efforts. In 1910, Fr. Pedro Corro, the prior of Marcilla, stated that devotion to Saint Joseph was a hallmark of the Augustinian Recollection. Consequently, Fray Casildo’s obituary highlighted:
The most prominent aspect of Brother Casildo’s spiritual life was his devotion to Saint Joseph. In this regard, Brother Casildo was a true Recollect.
