Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental — April 24, 2026
The Augustinian Family gathers in solemn joy for the Inauguration of the Augustinian Community and the Blessing of the Friary of the San Agustin Center of Spirituality (SACS) in Don Salvador Benedicto, marking a significant moment in the life of the Province and the wider Augustinian presence in the locality.
The celebration begins at 10:00 AM with an opening prayer and the acknowledgement of guests, followed by the remarks of Rev. Fr. Fernando Cleopas, OSA, who recalls the providential journey from the initial groundbreaking to the realization of the friary. He notes that the inauguration coincides with the commemoration of the 1640th anniversary of the conversion of St. Augustine of Hippo, expressing hope that the new friary becomes a place of prayer, fraternity, and authentic Augustinian life.
A symbolic tree planting rite is led by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA and Rev. Fr. Wilson A. Capellan, OSA, followed by the unveiling of the commemorative marker by Fr. Batayola and Rev. Fr. Jose Seidel Jr., OSA, signifying the establishment of the new community.
During the blessing of the friary, Fr. Batayola highlights the grace of the occasion, drawing inspiration from the early Christian community in the Acts of the Apostles as a model of communion and shared life. He emphasizes the Augustinian ideal of “oneness of mind and heart,” grounded in common prayer and fraternal life, and situates the moment within the 770th anniversary of the Grand Union of the Order. He invites all present to embrace ongoing personal and communal renewal as the image of St. Augustine with Alypius is also blessed.
Messages of gratitude and reflection follow. Fr. Capellan recalls the history of the site since its turnover in 2009, expressing confidence in its continued transformation as a sacred space entrusted to the Order. The project contractor shares his personal gratitude to the friars, noting the spiritual and formative dimension of the construction process. Fr. John Ion Miranda, OSA reflects on the origins of the friary project, expressing hope that the community will inspire conversion, discernment, and deeper reflection, especially among the young.
The formal inauguration of the San Agustin Center of Spirituality as an Augustinian community is marked by the reading of canonical documents from the Diocese of San Carlos and the General Curia in Rome, proclaimed by Rev. Fr. Nestor Bandalan, OSA.
In his closing remarks, Fr. Seidel calls the community to become authentic instruments of God’s love in the world. The celebration concludes with the communal singing of the Hymn of the Province, sealing the occasion in prayer, gratitude, and fraternal joy.
