Three Postulants Begin Novitiate in the Society of St. Paul – Philippine-Australia Province

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𝘕𝘰𝘷. 𝘑𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘱𝘦

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Three postulants were formally accepted into the Novitiate program of the Society of St Paul (SSP) Philippine-Australia Province on May 28, in a solemn rite held at the Novitiate House in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

The new novices are Resty Aballe, Jr., Klyde Chelsor Eucacion, and Jude Lope.

The rite of acceptance was presided over by Rev. Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, SSP, Provincial Superior of the Philippine-Australia Province, following the community's celebration of Vespers and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Earlier that day, Fr. Mario also delivered a message to the postulants during the morning Mass, marking the beginning of their new stage in religious formation.

In his homily, Fr. Mario emphasized the importance of cultivating the distinct identity of the Pauline charism. “We must always reflect the Pauline-ness that defines our mission and identity in the Church,” he said. "You should recognize who you are following—and that is Christ," he added. During the acceptance rites, Fr. Mario reflected on the meaning of vocation: “Every call requires a response—and that is what you did.

You responded to the call of God.” He highlighted a key moment in the ceremony when each candidate declares, "Lord, you have called me, here I am," as a personal and public affirmation of their response.“You do not only respond, but you respond beautifully,” he said.

Also present at the rite were Rev. Fr. Jose Aripio, SSP, Novice Master; Bro. Dennis Figueres, SSP, Assistant Novice Master; Rev. Fr. Jerome Palma, SSP, Postulant Master; as well as members of the SSP-Cebu community including Rev. Fr. Paul Yntig, SSP, Local Superior, and Rev. Fr. Sammy John Torrefranca, SSP. The rite included the presentation of candidates by the Postulant Master.

As each name was called, the postulants responded with a prayer of commitment. One part of the prayer reads: “We ask you to teach us how to follow Christ the Divine Master, to live in poverty, obedience, and chastity; to be devoted to prayer, and to embrace penance...”The newly accepted novices were then entrusted with the Holy Bible, along with the Constitution and Directory of the Society of St Paul, signifying their entrance into a deeper stage of religious life and formation.

The celebration concluded with a short photo opportunity and a community dinner.