The final day of the 11th Intermediate Provincial Chapter began, as all our days had begun, in prayer. At 6:30 in the morning, the capitulars gathered for Lauds, entrusting to the Lord the concluding deliberations of the Chapter. Breakfast followed, marked by fraternity and gratitude for the days shared.
At 8:00 AM, the capitulars proceeded with the online voting of the IPC proposals. This moment reflected both the spirit of discernment and the responsibility borne by each friar for the future of the Province. During the snack break, the secretariat and appointed tellers carefully checked and tallied the votes cast, ensuring accuracy and transparency in the process. At 9:45 AM, the friars assembled for a commemorative picture-taking, wearing the official IPC 2026 shirts.
The Closing Ceremonies commenced at 10:00 AM with an Opening Prayer moderated by Fr. Wilson Capellan, Prior of Colegio San Agustin–Bacolod Community. A brief recap of the Chapter proceedings was delivered by Fr. Leonardo Realiza, Parish Priest of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Guipos, who synthesized the spirit and substance of the days of prayer, dialogue, and discernment. The results of the voting were then formally presented by Fr. Basilio Sugata-on, Prior of Saint Augustine Parish – Gubat Community.
The Closing Address was then delivered by Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, Chapter President. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the active, prayerful, and fraternal participation of the capitulars throughout the Chapter. His address centered on three significant themes: community, City of God, and conversions. The IPC, he noted, is itself a transformative moment for the Province, inviting all to journey anew in fidelity to the Augustinian calling—a fidelity that calls us toward the future.
The Reading of the Acts by Fr. Nestor Bandalan Jr., Provincial Secretary, immediately followed. The morning session then concluded by the official announcement of the closing of the Chapter by Fr. Batayola. The capitulars then joined in chanting as closing prayer the “Magne Pater Augustine.”
At 11:30 AM, the Closing Mass was celebrated, presided over by Fr. Eusebio B. Berdon, Prior of the Chapter and of the Santo Niño Spirituality Center Community.
In his homily, he urged the friars to harbor foremost in their minds and hearts a deep spirit of thanksgiving. Reflecting on Chapter 1, no. 3 of the Rule of St. Augustine: “The main purpose… is to live in unity and to be of one mind and heart on the way to God.” He proposed this as the criterion for evaluating the Chapter’s success.
The Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA, and Fr. Floridus Nadja, Vicar Superior of the Vicariate of Christus Totus–Papua.
Before the final blessing, the capitulars solemnly signed the Books of Acts of the Chapter, which will be sent to the Prior General for confirmation—an act signifying both responsibility and communion with the wider Order.
Following the signing, Fr. Jose Rene P. Delariarte, Member of the Provincial Council, expressed words of gratitude. He thanked God for His graciousness and invited reflection: Are our narratives reflective of what is truly happening in our communities? He encouraged the younger friars to speak more freely and urged continued discussion within local communities. The Acts just signed, he reminded all, require ongoing reflection and discernment, so that future Chapters may proceed with clearer vision and broader perspective.
The day concluded with a fraternal lunch at 12:30 PM, sealing in gratitude the 11th Intermediate Provincial Chapter: a moment of grace, communion, and renewed commitment for the Province.
