The 11th Intermediate Provincial Chapter of the Augustinian Province of Santo Niño de Cebu-Philippines commenced on February 23, 2026, Monday, at the Santo Niño Spirituality Center in Consolacion, Cebu, gathering capitular friars in a spirit of discernment and fraternal communion.
The first day began with Lauds and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. It was presided over by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA, concelebrated by Fr. Jerome Mesina, OSA and Fr. Andres D. Rivera Jr., OSA. In the Mass, Fr. Batayola reflected on the Last Judgment and its difference to the evaluative nature of the Chapter calling the friars to understanding and renewal. The opening Mass also saw the friars entrusting the Chapter to the Lord of the Harvest who calls us continually to conversion.
Right after breakfast, a Holy Hour followed, situating all the deliberations that have to be done within the contemplative gaze of Christ.
A recollection was then held under the theme: “Between the Lion and the Serpent: An Augustinian Reflection on the Woundedness of Consecrated Life,” where the friars were encouraged to examine the present realities confronting religious life with honesty and hope.
The recollection was given by Fr. Romeo Ben Potencio, OAR, Vice President for Academics and Research of University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos. Fr. Williener Jack E. Luna, OSA, Chairman of the Commission on Community Life and Ongoing Formation, introduced the facilitator. The reflections invited the friars to examine more deeply the quality of their consecrated witness and the authenticity of their common life.
The recollection also served as a timely reminder that genuine reform begins not in external adjustments, but in interior conformity to Christ. The session concluded with the presentation and giving of certificate by Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA and Fr. John Ion Miranda, OSA, and a closing prayer.
In the afternoon, the Chapter formally convened its preliminary session.
Fr. Eusebio B. Berdon, OSA, Prior of the Santo Niño Spirituality Center and Prior of the Chapter, extended words of welcome to the capitulars. He also expressed hope for a fruitful Provincial Chapter which aims to evaluate the programs of the Ordinary Provincial Chapter and seek more effective implementation. Drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIV’s message to the 2025 Ordinary General Chapter, he highlighted three key values: Unity, Humility, and Listening. Unity calls the brothers to remain one in mission despite differing views. Humility invites acknowledgment of limitations while building on successes. Listening urges attentiveness to one another, to unfolding events, and to the Holy Spirit’s guidance for the future.
The rationale of the Chapter, grounded in the Constitutions and Statutes of the Order, was presented by Fr. Nestor B. Bandalan, Jr., OSA, Provincial Secretary and Secretary of the Chapter, who also conducted the roll call of participants.
The Opening Address was then delivered by Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA, Prior Provincial and President of the Chapter, who warmly welcomed the brothers and described the gathering as a grace-filled moment of prayerful discernment and fraternity. Rooted in the theme of the last Ordinary Provincial Chapter, “Profoundly Sharing Lives in the Community for the Service of the Church,” he recalled the Province’s priorities and emphasized the responsibility entrusted to the capitulars: to evaluate ongoing programs and to discern together, in humility and charity, the path by which the Province might continue serving the Church faithfully and fruitfully.
The assembly proceeded with the presentation and approval of the Chapter officials, committees, moderators, norms, and schedule, as well as the nomination of tellers. These matters having been settled, the Chapter began its substantive work, first with the Report of the Prior Provincial.
Subsequent reports were presented by the Provincial Treasurer and PADO Director, the Provincial Sacristan, and the Provincial Secretary/Archivist of the Province. These reports provided an honest and comprehensive account of the Province’s spiritual, pastoral, administrative, and financial life. After each report, the capitulars were given the opportunity to ask questions and raise clarifications.
The day concluded with the celebration of Vespers.
The first day of the 11th Intermediate Provincial Chapter has been characterized by prayerful attentiveness and a renewed awareness of our shared vocation. As sons of Saint Augustine, we are reminded that our decisions must always serve communion, and our deliberations must always be rooted in charity.
