Fr. Engelbert Van Vilsteren

Engelbert Van Vilsteren was born on April 9, 1935 at Wijhe-Boerhaar, The Netherlands. He joined the Carmelite Order on September 10, 1956 and was ordained to the priesthood on July 9, 1961. He arrived in the Philippines as missionary sometime on April 1964.

Hein was known to the people of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur as “Big Hand” due to his huge strong hands that could easily lift the bumper of cars when it got stuck on the muddy roads of Agusan.

Engelbert is a strong person yet has a soft heart for the poor and the children. He goes around his parish for friendly visits and to comfort the needy. He was deeply concern with the people, especially those suffering from sickness or injustice. He would forget himself when called upon. There would be his hearty laugh, his arm around your shoulder, his kind word, his comforting presence whenever there was trouble and you come to him.

Another striking thing to know about him was a statement issued from the Office of the provincial Board of the Province of Agusan del Sur after his death. Upon his death, the Provincial Board was moved by his witness that they issued Resolution #9 dated January 17 in the year 1973 stating that:

Whereas, Rev. Fr. Engelbert van Vilsteren, besides devoting himself in the propagation of his faith and in the service of his Church, has always gone out of his way to extend a helping hand to those in need;

Whereas, during the entire period of his stay in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, he has done much in educating our young, in molding their character and preparing them to become responsible citizens and future leaders of our country;

Whereas, his love for his fellowmen was so much, that on various occasions he braved inclement weather to help those in distress; he threw aside self-precautions just so he could could save life, and in his dealing with the people around him, he has always been fair and just – living a true Christian life;

Whereas, in his desire to be of service to his fellowmen, on January 16, 1973, he drove the ambulance to fetch a body of one Restituto Dollete who was reported to be murdered in cold blood. And on their way at around 6:00 pm, they were ambushed, and he was one of the innocent victims.

On that tragic January 16, 1973 at around 6:00 pm Fr. Engelbert and three others were ambushed by cult members driven by their lords who wish to pursue the tyranny of the powerful against the poor. They died instantly of massive hemorrhage due to multiple massive hack wounds at head, neck and extremities and a bullet wound at the left lumbar region.