Father Ewald Dinter (PHC)

October 16, 1937-November 14, 2025

Father Ewald Dinter, SVD, passed away on November 14, 2025, at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, after a prolonged battle with pulmonary complications. He was 88 years old and had dedicated 59 years of his life to the missionary work in the Philippines, particularly in Mindoro, Tagaytay, and Manila.

Born in Steinwitz, Germany, on October 16, 1937, Father Ewald was ordained on December 18, 1965, in St. Augustin, Germany. His mission began shortly after in the Manila Province, where he first set foot at St. Raphael Mission House in Calapan. Throughout his years of service, Father Ewald was a steady presence, revered by his confreres as “Amang” — a father figure, deeply committed to the calling of his faith and the mission that shaped his life.

Father Ewald’s commitment to the Mangyan people, the indigenous communities of Mindoro, was central to his mission. He dedicated much of his life to the promotion of their ancestral land rights, their education, and a culture of dialogue. Father Ewald often reminded his co-workers that evangelization was a continuous process of inculturation — a constant sharing of life and values with the Mangyan people.

His notable achievements include founding the Mangyan Mission as a permanent institution and spearheading the Mangyan Education Center in Mansalay. His efforts in advocating for Indigenous Peoples’ Education (IPEd) led to significant policy changes, including DepEd Order 62 in 2011, which recognized IPEd as a vital component of the Department of Education’s programs.

Father Ewald’s legacy extends beyond the work he did in education. His heart for the Mangyan people led him to establish and nurture schools that emphasized the importance of preserving Mangyan culture. Hundreds of Mangyan graduates have since become professionals, serving their communities with pride.

His contributions were recognized both locally and internationally. In 2010, he received the St. Josef Freinademetz Award for his work in missions, and in 2017, he was awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit by the Federal Republic of Germany for his work with the Mangyans.

Father Ewald Dinter’s missionary journey in the Philippines spanned numerous parishes and administrative roles, marking him as both a pastoral leader and a skilled administrator. His dedication to the mission of the Church was evident not only in his work with the Mangyan communities but also in the various roles he held within the Society of the Divine Word.

Father Ewald served in several key parishes, including St. Joseph Parish in Bongabon, Oriental Mindoro, and St. Catherine Parish in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, where he was known for his pastoral leadership and dedication to the spiritual and educational needs of the community. He also served as Parish Priest of Risen Christ Parish in Calapan, where he continued his work with the Mangyans while overseeing the parish's needs.

In addition to his parish work, Father Ewald held several administrative roles within the SVD. He served as Rector at St. Augustine Major Seminary in Tagaytay. His leadership in this capacity earned him respect as someone deeply committed to the formation of future priests. His roles as Vice-Provincial Superior, Provincial Admonitor, and Provincial Superior further highlighted his administrative acumen, as he managed the complex tasks of overseeing the province’s spiritual and practical operations. His skills as an administrator included roles that demanded not only organizational expertise but also a deep understanding of the SVD mission and vision.

Father Ewald's qualities that made him an effective administrator were rooted in his deep sense of duty, humility, and profound understanding of people. He demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing both the pastoral and educational needs of his community. His ability to maintain dialogue with different groups, including the Mangyan people, seminarians, and confreres, made him an inclusive and forward-thinking leader.

Throughout his life, Father Ewald embodied the spirit of dedication and humility. His role in the Mangyan Mission was never about personal glory, but about responding to a deep and unwavering calling to serve a people in need.

As he neared the end of his life, his confreres remarked that seeing him in a frail state was not a moment of sorrow, but a reflection of admiration for a life fully devoted to mission, as his strength gave way to the final call of the Lord. His mission has touched countless lives, and his example of service, dialogue, and compassion will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

In the words of a Filipino saying, "Ang buhay ng isang misyonaryo ay tulad ng ilaw na patuloy na nagniningning, hindi para sa sarili, kundi para magbigay liwanag sa iba." (The life of a missionary is like a light that continues to shine, not for oneself, but to bring light to others.) Father Ewald’s light will continue to guide and inspire generations to come.