In Memoriam: +Fr. Celso C. Godilano, SSP (1956–2025)

Fr. Celso Celeste Godilano was born on April 1, 1956, in Calinog, Iloilo, Philippines. He was the third of nine children—five sons and four daughters—born to Luz and Eulogio. He entered the Society of St. Paul in Makati in June 1969, began his novitiate in 1977, made his first religious profession on June 11, 1978, and his perpetual profession on January 9, 1983. He was ordained to the priesthood on March 24, 1983, by Bishop Protacio Gungon, D.D., of Antipolo.

After completing his theological studies at San Carlos School of Theology, he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the Philippine Women’s University (1982–1985), followed by a masteral program at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome (1989–1992).

Fr. Celso’s life was marked by his dedication to formation and mentorship. He served as a formator for aspirants at St. Paul Seminary in Makati (1985–1987) and became the pioneering rector of the St. Paul Seminary Foundation in Silang, Cavite (1992–1997). He also accompanied various secular institutes of the Pauline Family: the Institute of Our Lady of the Annunciation, the Institute of St. Gabriel the Archangel, the Institute of the Holy Family, and the Association of Pauline Cooperators. Many of his former formands remember him as a man of deep integrity, honesty, and fatherly compassion—meticulous in his personal discipline and attentive to order in administration.

He served the Province in various leadership roles: as Provincial Secretary, Provincial Councilor, and eventually as Provincial Superior for two consecutive terms (1998–2002; 2002–2006). He was then sent on mission to England (2006–2009) as Regional Superior. His service there was interrupted when he was elected to the General Government in Rome as General Councilor and Vicar General (2010–2016). Following the unexpected death of Superior General Fr. Silvio Sassi, he assumed interim leadership until a new Superior General was elected. He continued in the General Government as Councilor for a second term (2015–2021).

Upon his return to the Philippines-Macau Province, he was elected Provincial Vicar and Councilor and also appointed Delegate to the Aggregated Institutes, while residing in the Iloilo apostolic community to be near his ailing mother.

Throughout his ministry, Fr. Celso zealously promoted devotion to Jesus the Divine Master, especially among the members of the Pauline Family. This devotion was the focus of his masteral thesis and a recurring theme in his talks, lectures, online homilies, and writings. He believed it to be the core of Pauline spirituality and the point of convergence for unity and harmony among members.

Even in his final illness, burdened with pancreatic cancer, Fr. Celso remained prayerful—continually whispering prayers to the Divine Master and interceding for the Pauline Family, many of whom visited him frequently. His suffering was marked by faith, serenity, and a deep communion with God and the community he loved and served with unwavering dedication.

On the day of the Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, the humble Doctor of the Church who sought wisdom of God, and on the eve of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, our gentle Mother and Protector, Fr. Celso was peacefully called home to his Creator.

Though we grieve the loss of a faithful priest and religious, we take comfort in knowing that heaven has gained another Pauline intercessor.

“I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)