In a momentous event, the Augustinian Province of Santo Niño de Cebu- Philippines welcomed its new Prior Provincial, Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Batayola, OSA.
On the opening Mass of the 11th Ordinary Provincial Chapter presided over by Most Rev. Alejandro Moral Anton, OSA, Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, Fr. Batayola was formally installed as the new superior of the Province today, February 19, 2024 at the Santo Niño Spirituality Center, Consolacion, Cebu.
In his homily, Father General emphasized on the importance of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
“The Holy Spirit is the immense love of God that dwells in our hearts and it is faith that leads us to feel that presence,” he said.
On the same occasion, the new members of the Provincial council were also formally welcomed by the Augustinian community.
In his inaugural speech, Fr. Batayola expressed his gratitude to his fellow brothers for the support they have given to him where he shared, “I am truly inspired by the prayers and support you have shown, and for that, I am grateful. Yet, today is not really about me and the council. Today is a celebration of our Province– the Augustinian Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu. We gather together as brothers and friends to reaffirm our charism and identity, our vision and mission, to remember and appreciate our past accomplishments, to plan and prepare for our thrust and direction for the next four years, and to look forward after 40 years of existence with vigor and hope to a brighter future.”
Moreover, the new Prior Provincial also shared his key priorities for his term which are: “Promotion of Augustinian Values and Spirituality; Continuation and Cultivation of Augustinian Vocation-Formation; Strengthening of Our Communities; and Intensifying (Revitalizing) Our Various Apostolates.”
Gracing the event were the Augustinian friars and priests from the different communities of the Province.
As the Province of Santo Niño de Cebu- Philippines opens a new chapter, may the Holy Spirit continue to guide its leaders and members as they profoundly share lives in community for the service of the Church.
