SSP Philippines-Australia Province Opens First Provincial Assembly

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Makati City, August 7, 2025 | “In hope we were saved.” Under this succinct yet profound declaration of the Apostle Paul (Romans 8:24), the members of the Philippines–Australia Province of

the Society of St. Paul opened their first Provincial Assembly as a newly established circumscription.

The three-day gathering (August 7–9), held between the annual retreat of two batches of perpetually professed members, brought together confreres from across the Province, including Fr. Nestor Candado and Fr. Mick Goonan from Australia. It also coincided with the canonical visit of two General Councilors from Rome: Fr. Valdecir Uveda and Bro. Lorenzo Vezzani.

The opening day began with the Eucharistic celebration in honor of St. Paul the Apostle at the newly renovated Sanctuary of St. Paul. The main presider was Fr. Jerome Palma, formator of the postulants, while Fr. Tim Melliza, local superior of Davao, delivered the homily. Addressing the perennial question, “What would St. Paul choose to be if he were alive today?” Fr. Tim remarked that Paul would still choose to be a missionary—rather than a blogger or journalist—because his heart was always closest to the people.

After Communion, Fr. Angelo Paolo Asprer, Provincial Councilor and Secretary, read the decree dated May 20, 2025, from the Supreme Moderator, Don Domenico Soliman, which formally suppressed the “Philippines–Macau” Province and erected the “Philippines–Australia” Province. The decree also stated that Provincial Superior Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite and his Council would continue their mandate until its conclusion.

Following this, Fr. Mario announced that, after the passing of the late Provincial Vicar Fr. Celso Godilano, and in consultation with the members, the Provincial Council had chosen Fr. Nestor Candado as a new council member, with Fr. Khris Emmanuel Llacer appointed as Vicar Provincial. He also expressed gratitude to the benefactors present for their support in the sanctuary’s renovation.

The assembly then moved to Alberione Hall for a series of reports. Director of the Apostolate Fr. John Klen Malificiar opened with updates on publishing, highlighting the strong performance of seasonal products, as well as the continued success of audiovisual initiatives such as the Sambuhay Online Mass and other SP productions.

Next, Provincial Bursar Fr. Ludovico Tacdoro, Jr., together with Finance Director Fr. Brian Tayag, presented the Province’s economic status, focusing on the performance of marketing and diffusion centers, particularly St Pauls bookstores. They reiterated the importance of ensuring that receipts are properly issued under Saint Paul Seminary Foundation, Inc. or Society of St. Paul, Inc. for accurate VAT recording.

Fr. Mario, on behalf of the community, also acknowledged and thanked Dr. Ramona Morales, who was present, for her generous donation of land property in Tagbilaran, Bohol.

The afternoon session was devoted to Vocation Promotion and Formation. Fr. Leopoldo Botavara III, Coordinator General of Formation, presented the status of all in formation—aspirants, postulants, novices, temporary professed, and young perpetuals. This was followed by an update from Fr. Norman Melchor Peña, Rector of St. Paul Seminary in Silang, on seminary life, the role of the formators, and the faculty. Discussions arose regarding the seminary’s current academic arrangement, which offers separate degrees in Philosophy and Mass Communication.

The day concluded with Vespers at the sanctuary, supper, and group meetings.