Fr. Ramel S. Poquita: A Legacy of Love and Service at Sta. Martha

Since the creation of the decree by the Superior General in Rome, Most Rev. Fr. Joachim Rego CP.

The province of the Passion of Christ (PASS) is modified to incorporate into it the community of Sta Martha- Bethany in Israel.

The provincial superior of the Philippine province, Very Rev. Fr. Edwin Flor CP, appointed Rev. Fr. Ramel S. Poquita CP as the local superior of St. Martha Monastery Bethany in Jerusalem, Israel.

Rev. Fr. Ramel S. Poquita, CP, arrived at Santa Martha Monastery in Jerusalem, Israel, on October 1, 2019. He started his passionate mission to the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in Israel when he was assigned as Priest-in-Charge of San Lorenzo Ruiz Community at Ratisbonne Monastery in Jerusalem in November 2019.

During his two years of service to San Lorenzo Community in Jerusalem, the parishioners, especially the officers, remarked him as very friendly and well-loved by the people.

At the same time, he managed the renovation of Sta. Martha Monastery, which began on November 18, 2019, and was completed on July 27, 2020. The renovation was inaugurated and blessed by His Beatitude Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Fr. Ram welcomed everyone with joy and open arms to Santa Martha Monastery, especially the Overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in the Holy Land, he said, "Santa Martha is your HOME AWAY FROM HOME, Ang Bahay ni Marta ay Bahay ng mga Pinoy sa Holy Land.”

Since then, Santa Martha Monastery has become active, with people coming every week. He also opened Santa Martha to both Filipino and non-Filipino pilgrims around the world contributing to the income of the monastery. During this time, the Passionist Volunteers were established to help the upkeep of the monastery and the service to the pilgrims.

Sta. Martha thrived even more when Jesus the Black Nazarene was gifted to the monastery by Mr. Alex Irasga on July 30, 2021. He brought the image from Quiapo Church in Manila, Philippines. The devotion began right after the Enthronement by His Excellency Adolfo Tito Yllana, DD., the Apostolic Nuncio to Israel and the Apostolic Delagate to Jerusalem and Palestine. In honor of Jesus the Black Nazarene, one of the caves within the vicinity of Sta. Martha Monastery was dedicated as a shrine to deepen the devotion of the Filipinos in Israel.

As the months went by, another devotions were developed when Mark Anthony Marfori brought the image of Sto. Niño from the Minor Basilica of Santo Niño in Cebu and the Bicolanoes working Israel gifted the image of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia from the Minor Basilica in Naga. Until today, these devotions continue to thrive.

A significant achievement during Fr. Ram’s tenure was the creation of the Sta. Martha website, an initiative that was his idea. He spearheaded its development between October 2023 and January 2024, and it was also Fr. Ram who sought and successfully gained recognition for the website from the Generalate of the Passionist in Rome.

In an unexpected time, Fr. Ram bade a sad farewell as he announced his return home for good during his Mass at Santa Martha. He shared that the Superior had assigned him as Parish Priest at Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish in General Santos City, Philippines.

At his despedida party on July 5, 2024, staff from the Philippine Embassy and friends from various communities gathered to bid farewell to him. Despite the somber occasion, we tried to make the party joyful for our beloved Fr. Ram. Different communities outside Jerusalem also held farewell parties for him, attesting that he was truly loved by many.

On July 12, 2024, at 8:00 PM, it was time for him to leave for Ben Gurion Airport, and everyone was filled with deep sadness. The airplane took off on July 13, 2024, at 1:00 AM.

To all of us here in the Holy Land, WE LOVE YOU! GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS YOU on your new mission, Fr. Ram. We will always remember your words of advice, your kindness, and especially your captivating smile. Thank you for your tireless efforts to make Sta. Martha a lively and a welcoming place for all of us who miss our homes. Indeed, Santa Martha is truly a HOME AWAY FROM HOME!