On the Feast of St. Matthias, May 14, 2026, the Augustinian Family, together with the faithful devotees of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, joyfully celebrated the 50th Sacerdotal Anniversary of Rev. Fr. Eusebio “Boy” Berdon, OSA during the 5:30 PM Eucharistic Celebration.

The Holy Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Raul Marchan, OSA, Prior of the San Jose Parish Community, Rev. Fr. Danilo Carido, OSA, Prior of the Basilica Community, and other Augustinian friars and clergy.

In his homily, Fr. Marchan reflected on the Gospel of John’s call to “love one another,” relating it to the enduring and abiding love of God manifested in the life and vocation of Fr. Berdon. Having known the jubilarian for more than half a century, Fr. Marchan described Fr. Berdon’s 50 years of priesthood as “a living Gospel,” a witness of perseverance and fidelity in remaining in the love of Christ.

Drawing inspiration from St. Matthias, he emphasized that vocation begins with God’s divine choice and invitation. He further noted that the true essence of priesthood is not measured merely by years, but by steadfastness in love and service. Fr. Berdon, he added, continues to embody the spirit of a true son of Augustine, whose leadership is rooted not in control, but in charity and communion. He likewise reminded the faithful that the fruits of priestly ministry are often quiet and hidden, yet eternal in God’s sight.

Following the homily, Fr. Berdon solemnly renewed his priestly commitment, which was received by Fr. Carido.
Before the final blessing, Fr. Berdon delivered his thanksgiving message, expressing profound gratitude to the Lord for fifty fruitful years in the priesthood. He acknowledged the invaluable support and inspiration of his parents, family, relatives, brother Augustinians, and the wider Augustinian family throughout his vocation journey. He likewise humbly asked the faithful to continue praying for him, that he may persevere in living his priesthood in the spirit of “anima una et cor unum in Deum” — one mind and one heart intent upon God.

After the Eucharistic Celebration, Fr. Berdon was joined by his confreres, friends, family members, and loved ones at the Aula Magna for an agape meal. During the gathering, heartfelt messages and tributes were shared by those closest to the jubilarians, celebrating not only his years of ministry, but also his life of faithful and humble service to God and the Church.

Fr. Berdon was ordained to the priesthood on May 15, 1976, at the Collegio Internazionale Santa Monica in Rome, Italy, through the laying on of hands of Archbishop Ernesto Civardi, DD, then Secretary to the Dicastery for Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. Among his notable assignments were being Provincial for four terms (1984-1988, 1988-1992, 2008-2012, 2012-2016) and Assistant General of the Order (1995-2001, 2001-2007), with the privilege of working alongside the then Prior General Robert Francis Prevost (now Pope Leo XIV). He currently serves as Community Prior of the Santo Niño Spirituality Center in Brgy. Tolo-tolo, Consolacion, Cebu.

Ad multos annos, Father Boy!