Founding Members and Jubilarians of the Province Honored

11.13.2024 - Founding Members of the Province 02

Right after the unveiling of the historical marker for the pioneering members of the Augustinian Province of Santo Niño de Cebu-Philippines on November 13, 2024, a thanksgiving mass was also offered for them and the jubilarians at the public chapel of San Agustin Center of Studies. The mass was presided over by the Prior Provincial, Very Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA.

In his homily, the Provincial shared that the rationale for the existence of the Province was primarily to integrate and enculturate the Augustinian way of life in an Asian context: “For 40 years, with the initiative of the founding members of our Province, we wanted the Church be close to us Filipinos—to our Filipino tradition and culture. … This has been the discussion of the past 40 years of the Province.”

On the other hand, he also thanked the seven jubilarians for their works of love in their respective pastoral assignments where they are bringing the face of a loving and merciful God, faithful to how St. Augustine emphasized and taught his brethren to love love or amor amoris.

Looking at the vocation of the jubilarians, Fr. Batayola urged those present in the mass that as the Order celebrates the day of vocations, “our individual vocations in life be an opportunity to exercise love; be an opportunity to express love for others.”

After the Mass, a Thanksgiving program for the Jubilarians and Founding Members of the Province followed at the Multi-purpose hall of SACS.

The activity began with the opening remarks by Rev. Fr. Rommel Par, OSA, Prior of the San Agustin Center of Studies.

A toast to the members of the Province was then led by Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA, one of the Provincial Counselors.

During dinner, special tokens of appreciation were presented to the Jubilarians and Founding Members, recognizing their lifelong dedication to the Augustinian mission.

The celebration continued with performances from the Collegium, Professorium, and Rev. Fr. Jonas Mejares, OSA.

Messages were shared by two distinguished individuals: Rev. Fr. Medardo A. Durmiendo, OSA, a Jubilarian, who spoke on the grace of vocation and the gifts of community life.

“Despite our weaknesses, shortcomings, faults and even sins, He has allowed us to celebrate our anniversaries and jubilees. God has showered us with the gifts of life, vocation, good health of mind and body, successes in our ministries and endeavors. Yes, indeed, all is grace from the Lord,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Eusebio B. Berdon, OSA, the Founding Member and first Prior Provincial, reflected on the beginnings of the Province and the faith that sustained its growth.

The evening concluded with closing remarks from Very Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA, Prior Provincial, expressing gratitude for the enduring legacy of the Province and its members.

The Hymn of the Province, “Freedom Under Grace,” was sung in unison, as a final act of praise and unity, invoking the spirit of the Augustinian charism and the ongoing journey of faith within the Province.

For this year, the Province has 7 jubilarians which include Fr. Medardo Durmiendo, OSA (60 years as religious), Fray Efren Obja-an, OSA (50 years as religious), Fr. Pacifico Nohara Jr., OSA, Fr. Michael Belonio, OSA, Fr. Danilo Carido, OSA, Fr. Jesus Daño, OSA, and Fr. Dante Juloc, OSA (all celebrating their 25 years as religious).

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