The fourth day of the 11th IPC commenced in the spirit of prayer 6:30 in the morning with the celebration of Lauds and the Holy Eucharist. The Mass was presided over by Fr. Jose Rene Delariarte, OSA, member of the Provincial Council and President of Colegio San Agustin–Bacolod. He was joined by Fr. Pederito Aparece, OSA, School Director of San Jose Catholic School–Iloilo, and Fr. Antonio Nombrefia, OSA, School Director of Colegio del Santo Niño, as concelebrants.
In his reflection, Fr. Delariarte exhorted the capitulars to place their unwavering trust in Divine Providence. He reminded the body that, even amid the careful evaluation of initiatives and programs of the Province, it is ultimately God who guides and sustains the work entrusted to the brethren. The call to confidence in God’s providential care served as a fitting spiritual foundation for the day’s deliberations.
After breakfast, the morning session formally began at 9:00 AM with an opening prayer led by Fr. Danilo Carido, OSA, Prior of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu and moderator of the day. The recap of the previous day’s proceedings was read by Fr. Nestor Bandalan Jr., OSA, ensuring continuity and clarity in the Chapter’s ongoing work.
Following the reading of the recap, Fr. Jonas Mejares, OSA, informed the assembly of the reception of a letter from the Archdiocese of Jaro approving the Province’s request to elevate the San Agustin Chapel–Sambag Residence into a Community.
The assembly then proceeded with the scheduled reports. The Priors of the USA Community, the SACS-DSB Community, and the Basilica del Santo Niño Community presented updates concerning the life, apostolate, and challenges of their respective communities. Following a brief recess, reporting resumed with presentations from the Prior of the Provincialate Community, the Prior of the Sto. Niño Spirituality Center Community, and the Prior of the ANPH Community. The discussion also included matters concerning the Asia-Pacific Augustinian Novitiate (APAN), highlighting collaborative efforts within the region, as well as the report of the Prior of the Talisay Community. Each presentation was followed by an opportunity for questions and clarifications from the capitulars, fostering transparency and communal discernment. The morning session concluded with a prayer of thanksgiving.
The afternoon session opened at 2:30 PM with a prayer. Reports were then delivered by the Superior of the Greenhills-San Fernando Residence, the Prior of the CSA-Mati Community, and the Superior of the Guipos Residence.
After the afternoon break, the Chapter reconvened for the final set of reports from the Priors of the Socorro and Burgos Communities. Before the presentation and deliberation of proposals, the President of the Chapter, Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA, expressed his gratitude to the capitulars for their active and generous participation since the beginning of the Chapter. He underscored the vital importance of witnessing in the life of the Province and encouraged the body to reflect seriously on sustainable ways to strengthen and support the Province’s communities and residences.
The day’s work culminated in the presentation and deliberation of various proposals brought before the assembly, which are scheduled to be voted upon by the capitulars the following day. As in previous sessions, the capitulars were given the opportunity to raise questions and offer insights, contributing to a spirit of collegial dialogue and shared responsibility.
The day concluded with Vespers at 6:00 in the evening, entrusting the fruits of the discussions and discernment to the Lord, whose providence continues to guide the Province in its mission of service to the Church.
