“We Will Serve the Lord”: ISF Perpetual Profession

Four members of the Institute of the Holy Family (ISF) made their perpetual profession of the evangelical counsels during a solemn Eucharistic celebration held on October 11, 2025, at the Sanctuary of St. Paul in Makati City. The newly professed members—Herminigildo and Cristina Sanchez (a couple), Susan Gabuya, and Virginia Par—are part of the ISF Manila chapter.

 The Mass was presided over by Fr. Khris Emmanuel Llacer, Provincial Vicar, who represented Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, SSP Provincial Superior, currently attending the SSP Interchapter Assembly in Poland. Concelebrating with him were Fr. Ramil Tapang, Provincial Delegate to the Pauline Aggregated Institutes, and Fr. Raymond Ferraris, ISF Formator, along with numerous priests from the Society of St. Paul (SSP).

Family, friends, and fellow members of the Pauline Family were present at the rite, including the Sisters Disciples of the Divine Master (PDDM) who served as the choir. The celebration was also graced by a large contingent of ISF members from the Manila chapter, joyfully dressed in festive formal attire, along with representatives from the Cebu and Bohol chapters.

In his homily, Fr. Ramil Tapang reflected on the call to holiness lived out in ordinary life, emphasizing the role of ISF members as “leaven of the Gospel” in the world. Their witness emerges through the faithful performance of daily tasks—household duties, family care, and professional work—while striving to make their homes a true “Nazareth” in imitation of the Holy Family, where love for God and one another prevails.

The biblical theme chosen for the celebration, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15), was echoed in the message of Fr. Domenico Soliman, SSP Superior General, addressed to the newly professed. He encouraged them:

“Yes, make your life a complete offering to God. Put Him at the center of your life, and He will always be with you, giving you strength to face the various challenges of life, to be true artisans of communion and bearers of hope.”

Herminigildo Sanchez delivered the thanksgiving speech on behalf of his fellow perpetually professed, expressing gratitude to Fr. Khris Llacer, the SSP communities for their various forms of support, the PDDM choir, their families and friends, the ISF members who came from near and far, and all those who contributed in special ways to the celebration.

Following the Mass and photo sessions, the community proceeded to Alberione Hall for a joyful agape and light entertainment, sharing in the love, fellowship, and joy of this blessed occasion.