Archbishop Villegas Ordains Three Pauline Priests

8 November 2025. The Lord blessed the Philippines-Australia Province of the Society of St. Paul with the ordination of three deacons to the priesthood by Msgr. Socrates Villegas, DD, Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan. The ceremony was held at 9:00 AM at the Sanctuary of St. Paul in Makati, with 45 concelebrants joining the archbishop, including members of the Society of St. Paul, other religious congregations, and diocesan clergy.

The newly ordained priests are Fr. Vinz Anthony Francesco Aurellano, 30, from San Mateo, Rizal; Fr. Ronel Louis Marie De los Reyes, 35, from Cabalanga, Camarines Sur; and Fr. Ronel Anthony Soriano, 33, from San Fernando City, La Union. The ceremony was attended by numerous faithful, including the ordinandi’s families, SSP communities with aspirants and postulants, members of the Pauline Family, friends, and benefactors.

In his homily, Archbishop Villegas reflected on the words of Jesus at the Last Supper: “Do this in memory of me.” He reminded the faithful that when priests pronounce these words over the bread and wine, they truly become the Body and Blood of Christ—a privilege not even given to angels. Yet, priests remain human and must be ready to conform to Christ, even in His suffering. Before giving the final blessing, he urged the faithful to allow priests to carry the burdens and challenges of their ministry, as this is also a path to their own salvation.

In his message to the newly ordained, Superior General Fr. Domenico Soliman said: “Your priestly ministry is a mission that embraces the Pauline Family, the Church, and society as a whole. As the Founder reminds us: ‘to have an apostolic soul… that loves people… that would like to go out, walk through the streets of the city, seek all the people of the world… and be able to say to everyone: “God loves you.”’ May these words inspire you to live your Pauline priestly vocation by journeying with the people of today, living with and for them, with a heart open to all.”

Fr. Soriano, speaking on behalf of his companions, expressed gratitude to all who attended, especially Archbishop Villegas, the concelebrating priests, and those who helped prepare and coordinate the ceremony.

On behalf of the SSP Province, Provincial Superior Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite thanked the archbishop for presiding over the ordination, presenting him with a Certificate of Appreciation and a statue of Mary, Queen of Apostles.

After the Mass, the faithful proceeded to the Don Zanoni Gym for lunch, while the priests dined at the community refectory.

Fr. Aurellano currently serves as Managing Editor of Sambuhay Missalettes and as Assistant Vocation Promoter. Fr. De los Reyes is St Pauls Online Manager and also serves as a Graphic Artist for the Provincial Information Office. Fr. Ronel Soriano is assigned to St. Paul Seminary in Silang, Cavite, and concurrently serves as the St Pauls Bookstore Manage