LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Seven postulants were formally accepted into the Novitiate Program of the Society of St. Paul (SSP) Philippines-Australia Province on May 26, 2026, during the Rite of Acceptance at the Novitiate House in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
The celebration began with Lauds and Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, SSP, Provincial Superior, who also led the Rite of Acceptance.
The new novices are Christian Dave Bergantino, Junie Jalandoni, Kent Jay Naduma, Yenjji Sabal, and the Vietnamese brothers Chu Ba Minh (Joseph), Nguyen Van Diem (John), and Nguyen Minh Hieu (Paul).
In his homily, Fr. Sobrejuanite quoted Pablo Picasso, reflecting that life is marked by two important moments: the day one is born and the day one discovers one’s purpose. He reminded the postulants that they are “gifted to be a gift,” each entrusted with a unique charism to serve the Church and fulfill God’s call.
He emphasized that vocation demands the courage to say “yes” to God’s mission while learning to say “no” to distractions that lead away from one’s purpose.
Citing Blessed James Alberione, founder of the Pauline Family, Fr. Sobrejuanite reflected on how some religious communities lose vitality when members forget the reason for their vocation and drift from their founding mission.
He encouraged the postulants to embrace “creative fidelity” by remaining rooted in the Pauline charism while responding courageously to the realities of the modern world. He urged them to read the “signs of the times,” deepen their relationship with Christ, and allow themselves to be continually transformed in service of the Gospel.
Present during the rite were Fr. Jose Aripio, SSP, Novice Master; Bro. Dennis Figueres, SSP, Assistant Novice Master; Fr. Jerome Palma, SSP, Postulant Master; and members of the SSP Cebu community, including Fr. Paul Yntig, SSP, Local Superior; Fr. Sammy John Torrefranca, SSP; and Rev. Mark Anthony Puyong, SSP.
During the ceremony, the postulants were formally presented by the Postulant Master and responded to the call with the words: “Lord, you have called me. Here I am.”
They were then entrusted with the Holy Bible and the Constitutions and Directory of the Society of St. Paul, symbolizing their entrance into a deeper stage of religious formation. The rite concluded with the signing of official documents.
More than the formal beginning of the novitiate journey, the celebration affirmed the enduring Pauline mission of proclaiming Christ through prayer, formation, and creative fidelity in today’s world.
Comments