Going Forth Hope

Day 3 – August 9, 2025 | Makati City — The third and final day of the 1st Provincial Assembly of the SSP Philippines–Australia Province centered on the Australia community, the Provincial Superior’s Report, and an encounter with General Councilor Fr. Valdecir Uveda. As the assembly concluded, the Province moves forward, renewed with a deeper sense of purpose and hope.

Fr. Michael “Mick” Goonan reported on the Australia delegation, now formally part of the new Province. The community, based in Sydney, is multicultural—two Australians, two from India, and two from the Philippines—serving a diverse local Church and society.

Its main apostolic work is publishing, especially the seasonal Bible Diary God’s Word, along with the distribution of religious books imported from other countries through two bookstores. With the arrival of Fr. Anthony Capirayan from the Philippines, the community is opening a digital apostolate. Fr. Mick noted that future missionaries to Australia should be open to different cultures and capable of multitasking in both apostolic and community responsibilities.

In his State of the Province Report, Provincial Superior Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite referred to the Programmatic Document of the IX Provincial Chapter (20 June 2023), which outlines the tasks of the Provincial Superior and Council. Addressing the priorities and guidelines for Pauline Identity, Integral Formation for Mission, and Artisan of Communication, he noted that many of these were already presented in earlier reports on Apostolate, Vocation Promotion and Formation, and Provincial Administration. On Pauline Spirituality, he thanked Fr. Mick for facilitating the annual retreats of two batches in 2024.

Two developments—the closure of the Cabanatuan and Macau communities—prompted questions and discussions. While some expressed concerns about the decision-making process, Fr. Mario explained that these decisions followed a series of consultations and verifications, including with the General Government. Members also suggested exercising prudence in communicating matters about the Congregation.

In the afternoon, the assembly listened to Fr. Valdecir Uveda, whose Italian presentation was translated by Fr. Norman Melchor Peña Jr. Using a balloon “workshop” as an illustration, Fr. Valdecir discussed principles of an “apostolic symphony,” emphasizing interdependence and mutual respect, clarity of roles and regular communication, coordination oriented toward mission rather than control, and flexible organization that keeps moving forward. He then answered questions in an open forum.

Before the end of the session, moderator Fr. Cris Robert Cellan presented a list of suggestions and insights gathered over the three days. These will be studied by the Provincial Government and teams to ensure that future assemblies will focus not only on reports but also on the “fruits” of the gathering.

The community then gathered at the Sanctuary of St. Paul for the solemn closing Mass in honor of Jesus the Divine Master. Seminarians from Silang and Postulants from Pampanga joined in the celebration. Fr. Valdecir presided — his first Mass ever in English — with Fr. Mick delivering the homily on the importance of “listening with the heart” as a way of following the Divine Master.

Fr. Mario thanked the Preparatory Committee of the Provincial Assembly, headed by Fr. Angelo Paolo Asprer and Fr. Anthony John Javier. In turn, on behalf of the General Government, Fr. Valdecir expressed gratitude for the generous hospitality extended to him and Bro. Lorenzo Vezzani during their canonical visit. Fr. Mario then officially declared the Provincial Assembly closed.

The day ended with a community supper at Alberione Hall. With the event concluded, the visitors prepared to return to Rome and Australia, while the second batch of participants will proceed to their retreat at the St. Paul Renewal Center in Alfonso, Cavite.