A Jubilee of Hope and Unity Launching the Philippines–Australia Province

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In this Jubilee Year of Hope, the Society of Saint Paul renews its evangelical commitment in the spirit of the Apostle Paul—charting new paths of communion, creativity, and apostolic courage. A defining milestone of the year is the establishment of the Philippines–Australia Province, uniting the two former circumscriptions under one Province.

This significant step was formally announced in a letter dated May 21, 2025, addressed to all members of both circumscriptions by Superior General Fr. Domenico Soliman, SSP. The letter outlined the General Council’s decision to merge the Community of Australia—formerly a Region and later a Delegation under the General Government—with the Province of the Philippines. This restructuring responds to the direction set by the 11th General Chapter, whose theme—drawn from Romans 12:2, “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind”—is echoed in Operational Guideline 1.1.5, calling for a “redesign of Pauline geography.”

Yet this move is more than a strategic or administrative reconfiguration. As the Superior General emphasized, it is not about “homogenizing the different cultural and geographical realities, nor the apostolic, economic, or administrative processes.” Rather, it marks “a new synodal journey—a true walking together,” grounded in mutual discernment, fraternal dialogue, and shared mission.

To inaugurate this apostolic journey, a three-day encounter was held from August 4–6, 2025, at Borello Hall in SSP Makati. The gathering brought together representatives from both circumscriptions—Philippines and Australia—alongside General Councilors from Rome: Fr. Valdecir Uveda and Bro. Lorenzo Vezzani.

Among those present were key members involved in administration, formation, and apostolate. From Australia: Fr. Michael Goonan, SSP (Delegate Superior), and Fr. Nestor Candado, SSP. From the Philippines: Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, SSP (Provincial Superior), along with Provincial Councilors—Fr. Cris Robert Cellan, SSP (Apostolate, Finance, and HRMD); Fr. Khris Emmanuel Llacer, SSP (Formation and Healthcare); Fr. Angelo Paolo Asprer, SSP (Provincial Secretary and Creative Director); and Fr. Ludovico Tacdoro Jr., SSP (Provincial Bursar). Also in attendance were Fr. John Klen Malificiar, SSP (Director General for Apostolate); Fr. Leopoldo Botavara III, SSP (Coordinator General for Formation); Fr. Andres Inting, SSP (Diffusion Director); Fr. Brian Tayag, SSP (Finance Director); Fr. Keiv Aires Dimatatac, SSP (Audiovisuals Manager); Fr. Lawrence de Peralta, SSP (Logistics Manager); and Fr. Ramil Tapang, SSP (Delegate to Aggregated Institutes).

More than an exchange of reports or a planning session, the encounter was a profound experience of communion. Guided by the theme “A Common Journey for an Integrated and Prophetic Pauline Apostolate,” the sessions included scriptural meditations, SWOT presentations (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) from each circumscription, as well as group workshops and collaborative activities.

Reflections focused on the virtues and “sins” of the apostle of communication, and on understanding authority as a service of love. Fraternal dialogue also explored potential areas of collaboration in editorial work, diffusion, and administration.

These sessions were marked by candid sharing of the joys and challenges of religious consecration, community life, and apostolic mission—united by a shared hope to journey forward as one Province.

Beyond the plenary sessions, Fr. Uveda and Bro. Vezzani made fraternal visits to several communities: SSP Pampanga, where they met the Postulants; SSP Silang, where they encountered the Aspirants; SSP Pasay, where they visited the parishioners of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish; and SSP Makati, where they shared meals and fellowship with the local community.

In a gesture of remembrance, the General Councilors visited the grave of Fr. Celso Godilano in Lipa, Batangas—honoring a Pauline priest who had served the General Government with deep dedication and who recently returned to the Father after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

They also participated in the 1st General Assembly of the newly formed Philippines–Australia Province, further grounding the merger in synodality, discernment, and fraternity. The Assembly was attended by Paulines from across the Philippines and Macau.

Animated by the words that define the Pauline vocation—“To live and give Jesus Master, Way, Truth, and Life”—this journey continues: missionary disciples expanding not only territories, but hearts, toward greater unity, deeper charity, and renewed apostolic zeal.

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