Italian Priest's Lifelong Mission: Building a Sanctuary for Deaf Children in Cebu
Fr. Savino Castiglione was preparing to return to Italy when he paused to reflect on the profound mission he built in the Philippines. With a spirited demeanor and the charming cadence of an Italian accent, he spoke with fervor about the dual vocations that have shaped his existence: the priesthood and the calling to teach. For Fr. Savino, these were never distinct paths but a unified purpose to serve individuals living in a world of silence.
The Calling: A Spiritual Journey from Childhood
His journey commenced at the tender age of 10 in a quaint Italian town. While relatives in Rome encouraged him to seek the prestige and opportunities of the capital, Savino felt a deep spiritual pull. He recalls that the priesthood was an unequivocal, steadfast calling from the outset, offering him a clarity that has directed his entire life. However, before embracing the clerical life, he first responded to the call of the classroom, inspired by his own elementary school teacher who dedicated herself to hearing-impaired children.
"The priesthood was a clear calling for me and I’ve never been so sure in my life," he shared, underscoring the certainty that has anchored his decades of service.
The Mission: Establishing a Haven in Cebu
This early inspiration propelled him across continents to the East. Under the guidance of his superiors in Italy, Fr. Savino was entrusted with founding the Gualandi Effata Catholic School for the Hearing Impaired in Cebu. Since 1993, this institution has stood as a sanctuary, educating and nurturing children whose experiences often remain unfathomable to the hearing world. Through his determination and contagious joy, he navigated the intricacies of a new culture, rallying support from local government and inspiring donors to join a cause aimed at granting these children a genuine sense of normalcy.
For 12 years, Fr. Savino remained in the Philippines, serving as a devoted shepherd to his "flock" of students, teachers, and religious sisters. He labored tirelessly to expand the legacy of the Little Mission for the Deaf, an organization originally established by the Italian priest Venerable Giuseppe Gualandi. Under his leadership, the school evolved beyond a mere educational facility; it became a community where the "invisible disability" of deafness was addressed with specialized communication, vocational training, and spiritual formation.
"Everything was new to me but I took on the challenge," he said, highlighting his resilience in adapting to unfamiliar surroundings.
The Stories: Bridging the Gap in a Silent World
Fr. Savino was deeply attuned to the narratives of those whose lives are enveloped in perpetual silence. He recounted a poignant story about a young child who was once trapped after a structure collapsed above them. The child was profoundly traumatized by the tragedy because, in the darkness, they felt utterly helpless; unable to even call for assistance.
"It is stories like this that make work challenging and meaningful," he said, emphasizing the emotional weight of his mission.
Reflecting on his tenure, Fr. Savino noted that his greatest obstacle was never administrative duties, but rather the general public's lack of awareness. He stressed that because deafness is not a visible struggle, it is frequently misunderstood or overlooked by society.
As both a teacher and an advocate, he has dedicated decades to bridging the divide between those who hear and those for whom silence is a constant companion. Though he has since transitioned to other missions, the foundation he laid in Cebu continues to provide a voice and a future for the hearing-impaired youth of the region, ensuring his legacy endures through the lives he touched.
