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Sem. Rhexelle Andrei C. Abdon The Saint Paul Seminary Foundation joyfully celebrated its 56th Commencement Exercises for Academic Year 2024–2025 on April 26, 2025, at the Tanghalang Timoteo Giaccardo Auditorium. Fourteen students completed their formation, with eleven earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, three a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, and one a Certificate of Philosophical Studies. The day began with a Baccalaureate Mass at the Conversion of Saint Paul Chapel, presided over by Fr. Norman Melchor Peña, Jr., SSP, PhD, with Fr. Jose Aripio, SSP, as homilist. Reflecting on life’s trials and triumphs, Fr. Aripio encouraged graduates to persevere in hope. After the Mass, graduates received their sablay and blessed medals. The graduation ceremony, themed "Sharing Gifts of Hope for a Better World,"  opened with a message from Fr. Peña, who spoke of challenges faced by the seminary but affirmed its mission to form men and women after Jesus the Master. Degrees were conferred by Rev. Fr. Mario Subrejuanite, SSP. Commencement speaker Prof. Ben Carlo Atim, an SPSF alumnus and current head of the faculty, encouraged graduates to be quiet bearers of hope through presence and service. Academic awards were also given: Mr. Velly John Tinco (Most Promising Thesis – Philosophy), Seminarian Ryan Pinzon (Best Thesis – Philosophy), Sister Judith Ma, FSP (Best Thesis Presenter – Communication), Seminarian Kilven Lorezo (Most Promising Thesis – Communication), and Seminarian Richmon Rey Jundis (Best Thesis – Communication). Four graduates received Latin honors: Seminarian Kilven Lorezo, Sister Judith Ma, Sister Laurin Kowal, and Sister Aemy Soo (cum laude), and Seminarian Richmon Rey Jundis (magna cum laude), who also received the Timoteo Giaccardo Award. In his valedictory address, Seminarian Jundis spoke of moving forward through faith and community, transforming brokenness into hope. The ceremony concluded with the loyalty pledge, alumni induction, and a song tribute to mentors and families, followed by a celebratory lunch. The 56th Commencement marked not only an end but a renewed mission: to carry the light of hope into the world.

𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘭 𝘉. 𝘔𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘺𝘰, 𝘚𝘚𝘗   Abuyog, Southern Leyte—Rev. Christian Augustine Lleve Tafalla, SSP, was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Reverend John Du, D.D., Metropolitan Archbishop of Palo, at St. Francis Xavier Parish on March 29, 2025. In his homily, Archbishop Du expressed gratitude to the ordinandus and his family for the gift of his vocation, emphasizing its significance not only for his family and the Pauline Family but also for the entire People of God, especially in Leyte. He shared his profound joy that God had chosen one from Abuyog for the priesthood, saying in the vernacular, “…what a joy that God has chosen from our place one to serve as a priest” (…"nga nagpili ang Ginoo og usa sa atong bungtod sa pagserbisyo sa pagkapari"…).   Archbishop Du encouraged Fr. Christian not to be afraid, drawing inspiration from the prophet Jeremiah, who was called at a young age. He reminded the new priest that the Lord always accompanies those He calls. He also exhorted him to remain faithful to the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience, emphasizing that such commitment can only be sustained through both personal and communal prayer. Just as Jesus’ mission was the fruit of His deep communion with the Father, Fr. Tafalla’s mission must also be nourished by prayer.   During the Mass, Provincial Secretary Fr. Angelo Paolo Asprer, SSP, read a message from the Superior General, Fr. Domenico Soliman, SSP. In his letter, Fr. Soliman greeted the ordinandus with gratitude for his vocation and commitment to the Congregation. He reminded Fr. Tafalla that the journey of vocation is continuous, embracing a life of mission that extends beyond the Pauline Family to the Church and society. He exhorted the new priest to cultivate “an apostolic heart” that walks with people and reminds them, “God is waiting for you.” Following the Mass of Ordination, a festive gathering took place at the gym of Notre Dame of Abuyog, Inc. The celebration featured a warm fellowship meal, colorful presentations of Abuyog’s traditional street dancing and Visayan folk dances, and heartfelt testimonies from the ordinandus’ former teachers from his elementary and high school years. The event was preceded by the customary pictorial and the traditional kissing of the newly ordained priest’s hands.   In the afternoon of the same day, Fr. Tafalla, SSP, celebrated his First Mass at the parish where he was ordained. On the following day, Laetare Sunday (March 30, 2025), he offered his Thanksgiving Mass at The Alliance of the Two Hearts Parish in Balocawehay, Abuyog, Leyte, a sub-parish close to his residence.

Cl. Vinz Anthony Aurellano, SSP, Cl. Ronel Delos Reyes, SSP, and Cl. Ronel Soriano, SSP, made their Profession of Faith and Oath of Ordination in preparation for their Diaconate Ordination, while Rev. Christian Tafalla, SSP, and Rev. Anthony John Javier, SSP, did the same in view of their Presbyteral Ordination. The solemn rite took place on March 17, 2025, in the presence of Provincial Superior Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, SSP. Serving as witnesses were Fr. Rey Reyes, SSP, Fr. Jess Gozun, SSP, Fr. Angelo Paolo Asprer, SSP, and Fr. Albert Garong, SSP. In his homily, Fr. Sobrejuanite emphasized the call to a life of service, reminding the ordinandi that the Priesthood is “the love in the heart of Jesus” (St. John Marie Vianney)—a love that is fully realized only when it is generously given in service to others.

Gil A. Alinsangan, SSP   March 25, 2025. “What a gift from the Lord!” was how Superior General Fr. Domenico Soliman described the ordination to the Priesthood and the Diaconate of SSP members on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.   In the morning Eucharistic celebration, Jose Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, ordained to the priesthood REV. ANTHONY JOHN JAVIER and to the diaconate CLERICS VINZ ANTHONY AURELLANO, RONEL DE LOS REYES, and RONEL SORIANO. The St. Paul Sanctuary in Makati saw full attendance from numerous concelebrating SSP priests and other members of the clergy, families of the ordinandi, members of the Pauline Family, friends and benefactors.   In his homily, Cardinal Advincula underscored the salient points of both ministries of service in the light of the Word of God proclaimed in the liturgy: the comforting presence of the Lord who is “Emmanuel” (Isaiah), obedience to God’s will in challenging moments (Letter to the Hebrews), and humility and thankfulness of the Mary (Gospel).   In his message to the new priest and deacons, Fr. Domenico Soliman shared what thankfulness entails: “From the depths of the heart arises the desire to thank God infinitely for this special grace and to place oneself totally and humbly at the service of Jesus and all our brothers and sisters throughout the world. To serve is love in work clothes; it is the very way of life of Jesus. Service is, first and foremost, a way of thinking—a mindset that must lead to concrete gestures of fraternity and sharing.”   Fr. Javier expressed his thanksgiving—also in the name of the three deacons—to those present who have supported and guided them during their long years of formation. Special thanks were given to Cardinal Advincula for presiding over the ordination and for his first visit to the SSP Community. Appreciation was also extended to the St. Paul Manila University Choir for their beautiful accompaniment and to the SSP Silang aspirants who faithfully served as altar servers. After the photo sessions with the ordinandi, the Community gathered as the Don Zanoni Gym for reception.   Fr. Javier hails from Cavite. He is presently assigned as Graphics Manager and New Product Development Asst. Manager of ST PAULS Creative. Rev. Aurellano hails from Marikina City. He works as Liturgy Manager handling the Sambuhay missallettes and Pandasal, as well as Vocation Promoter. Rev. De los Reyes, from Calabanga, Camarines Sur, works at Online Marketing and Provincial Information Office. Rev. Soriano, from San Fernando, La Union, is with the Team of Formation at St. Paul Seminary in Silang, Cavite.

From February 25 to March 4, 2025, Rev. Anthony John Javier, SSP, and Rev. Christian Tafalla, SSP, preparing for sacerdotal ordination, along with Cl. Vinz Anthony Aurellano, SSP, Cl. Ronel Delos Reyes, SSP, and Cl. Ronel Soriano, SSP, preparing for diaconal ordination, gathered at the Sanctuary of St. Joseph, Gourmet Farm, Silang, Cavite, for a week-long canonical retreat. This time of prayer and reflection challenged them to examine their readiness for ministry, their identity as future priests and deacons, and their total surrender to God’s call. The retreat opened with a profound rediscovery of the heart of Pauline religious life—the Eucharist. Through moments of silence, meditation, and guided reflections, the ordinandi confronted the realities of suffering in ministry, the sacrifices of celibacy, and the pastoral demands of their vocation. More than just deepening theological understanding, the retreat became a transformative experience that tested their willingness to embrace priesthood and diaconate not just as a role, but as a total self-offering to God and His people. A key realization emerged: being religious does not necessarily mean being spiritual. The ordinandi were invited to reflect on whether they had truly become spiritual men or if they risked becoming like the Pharisees—externally religious but lacking spirit, heart, and authentic connection with God. The challenge was clear: to strengthen their ability to communicate with God directly and live out their vocation with profound interiority and conviction. With hearts rekindled by the Eucharist, they now step forward, ready to embrace the mission entrusted to them.

March 1, 2025. Fr. Joel Baguna, born on February 29, had a special celebration of his 60th birthday on this day. He was joined by his family, relatives, and friends, including his two brothers, Fr. Victor Baguna, head of the team ministry in Hamtic parish in Antique, and Engr. Joel Baguna. Given Fr. Joel’s frail health, his immediate family went to extra length to be with him on this special occasion, as he also joins the rank of senior citizens. The Makati community, headed by Fr. Rey Reyes, organized an evening Eucharistic celebration at the Alberione Hall. Fr. Andres Inting presided at Mass, with Fr. Victor giving the homily. Several SSP priests concelebrated. Fr. Joel joined the celebration while seated on his wheelchair. In his homily, Fr. Victor emphasized humility and patience, and encouraged Fr. Joel to exercise, to be strong, and to be close to the community. He thanked the SSP community for the care given Fr. Joel in his delicate condition. Before the end of the Mass, Fr. Rey led the “pray over” of Fr. Joel and the singing of “Happy Birthday.” The community then sat down for supper at the same venue, Alberione Hall, with dinner courtesy of the Baguna family and the SSP community. With a senior citizen’s card, Fr. Joel can now enjoy the 20% discount for his purchases, including his maintenance medicines.

February 27, 2025. Two Novices of the Institute of St. Gabriel the Archangel (ISGA) professed their religious vows, two temporary professed members of the Institute of Our Lady of the Annunciation (IMSA) made their perpetual vows, and one IMSA member celebrated her Silver Anniversary of Profession on this day in the chapel of San Damiano Spirituality Center, Tagaytay City. The newly professed ISGA members are ALVIN KEITH DE PERIO and ALEX PURA. LUCY DINOLAN and LYDIA PENASO are IMSA perpetual members, while EMELITA TUAZON is the Silver Jubilarian. The professions and renewal of vows took place during the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided by Provincial Superior Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite with the rites guided by Fr. Celso Godilano, Provincial Delegate to the Pauline Aggregated Institutes. Several SSP priests concelebrated, joined by some clergy from Palawan and Macau in whose missions IMSA members are present. Relatives and friends of the celebrants were joined by the IMSA family and delegates from the Pauline Family. The rites of first profession came first, followed by the renewal of vows. The perpetual vows came with the Litany of Saints by IMSA members with Fr. Paul Vincent Octubre leading the choir. In his homily, Fr. Sobrejuanite pointed to the challenges of living the Evangelical vows in the world, without the usual “privileges” often afforded by the people to nuns with religious habits and to the clergy. Here lies the challenge of being “leaven” to the world. He recalled the aphorism dear to the Institutes: Not all flowers (candles) are for the altar.” Daisy Santos, IMSA Coordinator, welcomed Lucy and Lydia as new perpetual members, followed by the rest of the members. Everyone was moved by the mutual embrace. Emy Tuazon and Lucy Dinolan thanked everyone present. The “secrecy” of their vocation in the world was highlighted when Lucy shared the remarks of family members she invited: “Anong okasyon?” Indeed, members of the Institutes witness to the Gospel values and their vocation often in hidden and simple faithfulness. The morning celebration was the highlight of the IMSA-ISGA annual retreat, during which Fr. Godilano delved on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope. In the Footsteps of Blessed James Alberione.” During this time, the retreatants were able to make pilgrimages to the nearby churches in Tagaytay City.

𝘈𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘯 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘊. 𝘔𝘢𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢, 𝘚𝘚𝘗 A joyous occasion unfolded at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish in Lower Bicutan as Fr. Jhon Fred “Lennon” Caranzo, SSP, celebrated his Misa de Gracia (Thanksgiving Mass) following his recent ordination to the priesthood. The celebration began with a heartfelt procession, during which Fr. Lennon was fetched from his family home and escorted to the parish church by family, friends, and parishioners. The Eucharistic celebration was a memorable one, concelebrated by several esteemed clergy members: parish priest Fr. Hokan M. Samson, Vicar Forane and former parish priest Fr. Orlando Ordona, priests from the Diocese of Pasig, and members of the Society of St. Paul (SSP). Joining the assembly were SSP juniors, friends from the Order of Servants of Mary, as well as the newly ordained priest’s family and friends. Fr. John Michael Mallanao, a close contemporary of Fr. Lennon during their years of service in the parish, delivered the homily. He shared three essential tips for the newly ordained priest: to remain happy, healthy, and holy, so that he may serve God’s people to the best of his abilities. Fr. Mallanao also exhorted the congregation to continually pray for priests and their vocations. Fr. Samson expressed gratitude for the gift of Fr. Lennon’s priestly vocation, calling it a blessing for the parish community. He also thanked the Society of St. Paul for their role in forming and nurturing Fr. Lennon’s call to serve. Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, Provincial Superior of the SSP Philippine-Macau Province, also gave a heartfelt message of thanks to the parish community for their role in supporting Fr. Lennon’s vocation. In his emotional thanksgiving speech, Fr. Lennon reflected on his journey from being an altar server at the parish to becoming a priest. He offered his maniturgium—a sacred cloth used during his ordination—to his mother, honoring her maternal sacrifices. He also presented the first stole he used to hear confessions to his elder sisters, acknowledging their support and sacrifices as they took on their late father’s role in the family. The celebration concluded with a reception, where guests shared in the joy of the occasion and expressed their prayers for Fr. Lennon as he embarks on his new ministry.

On the Solemnity of Christ the King, at 9:00 AM, His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula D.D., Archbishop of Manila, installed Fr. Cris Robert Cellan, SSP, as the 9th Parish Priest of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Pasay.   In his homily, Fr. Cellan reflected on the providential timing of his installation, chosen by the Cardinal to coincide with the Solemnity, which highlights the kingship of Christ as selfless, sacrificial, and self-emptying. He also emphasized the parish motto, “Kasali lahat; lahat kasali” (All are included; everyone belongs), as a call to foster an inclusive and welcoming community, rooted in the synodal vision and the compassionate shepherding of the universal Church.   Cardinal Advincula urged Fr. Cellan to be a loving father and a wise, gentle shepherd, cultivating the parish as a community of dialogue, worship, encounter, and missionary outreach. Speaking to the lay faithful, he reminded them of God’s enduring love for His people and encouraged them to love, support, and guide their new parish priest in his mission. He invoked Our Lady of Sorrows as both a model and intercessor, highlighting the poor and needy as the “true masters” of the parish. Among those present in the Installation were Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, SSP, Provincial Superior of the Philippines-Macau Province; Fr. Restie Dela Peña, SSP, Parochial Vicar; priests from the Society of St. Paul and the Archdiocese of Manila; members of the Pauline Family; Fr. Cellan’s family; Pasay City officials, including Mayor Emmy Calixto-Rubiano and Congressman Tony Calixto; friends, benefactors, and the lay faithful.   May St. Paul the Apostle, builder and pastor of faith communities, and the Pauline Saints intercede for Fr. Cellan, that his ministry may bear abundant fruits of love and service.

ST PAULS Creative’s Sambuhay TV received the Best Station ID and a Special Citation for Best TV Special at the 46th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. The Best Station ID award was given to “Sa Belen Tayo Uuwi” (“We Go Home to the Manger”), composed by Cl. Russel Matthew Patolot, SSP, which triumphed over entries from two major television networks in the same category. Meanwhile, “Visita Iglesia: Lord, Teach Us How to Pray” received a Special Citation for the second consecutive year in the Best TV Special category. The production was led by Cl. Earlson Jay Reyes, SSP. Also present to receive the awards were Fr. Angelo Paolo Asprer, SSP, Director of ST PAULS Creative, and Fr. Keiv Aires Dimatatac, SSP, Manager of ST PAULS Audiovisuals (SPAV). The awards were presented by His Eminence Jose Cardinal Advincula, D.D., Archbishop of Manila and Honorary Chairman of the CMMA, along with Dr. Edgard A. Cabangon, CMMA Chairman. Other Pauline productions that were shortlisted as finalists for Best TV Special included “7 Last Words: A Lenten Recollection through Real Conversations” and “Stations of the Cross: Journeying to the Heart of the Lord’s Prayer.” Additionally, ST PAULS had two entries in the Print Media category: Halo and The Youngster. The CMMA, founded by the late Jaime Cardinal Sin, carried the theme for this year, "Artificial Intelligence and Wisdom of the Heart: For a Fully Human Communication." Organized by the Archdiocese of Manila, the awards recognize student and professional media practitioners who uphold and present Gospel values in their work.

The St. Paul National Bible Quiz (SPNBQ) managed by the St. Paul Bible Ministry (SPBM) reached its height in terms of number of participating schools in its 10th edition in 2019. But the COVID-19 Pandemic made it impossible to hold the contest nationwide. Nonetheless, the Bible Quiz continued to reach out to young Bible enthusiasts through streamlined programs likes the Shabbat edition and Faith or Fake contests. In September 2023, it held its limited edition participated by Youngster Magazine subscribers during the Manila International Bookfair. The SPNBQ is resuming its national coverage through streamlined contests using the online program developed by Asia Pacific College (APC) under the leadership of Mr. Jojo Castillo. In the morning of August 22, 2024, the SPBM Team launched the Elimination Round of the 11th edition at the nerve center of APC. There were 212 schools that participated, comprising 318 teams. The contest with 70 questions was in the form of Multiple Choice, with one point for each correct answer. Winners with the highest scores qualified to enter the Regional Round, following the form of the Elimination Round, but with 40 questions, some in form of True or False. This took place on August 29, with the qualifiers joining the Youngster subscribers school. At the close of the contest, 14 schools with the highest scores, including one from Youngster subscribers, were declared finalists. These schools will vie for the Championship Round to be held on September 14, 2024 at SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, during the Manila International Bookfair. This time, it will be a face-to-face contest. The traditional rounds with 10 questions each will be followed: Easy (1 point), Average (2 points), and Difficult (3 points). Prizes in cash and kind also await the winners.

The Memorial of Blessed Timothy Giaccardo on October 19, 2024 was a special event for the Paulines in the Philippines as Fr. Joel Baguna SSP celebrated his 25th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination. Flanked on the altar by his older brother Fr. Victor Baguna of the Diocese of Antique, and by Provincial Superior Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite SSP, Fr. Baguna presided at the Mass at 9:30 in the morning at the Sanctuary of St. Paul in Makati. Concelebrating with him were SSP priest-concelebrants. Family members, numerous relatives and friends in Manila and from Antique, and members of the Pauline Family came to offer him their best wishes. Because of ailment, Fr. Baguna said only portions of the rites with Fr. Victor taking his place as presider in the latter part of the Mass. The Provincial Superior gave the homily, presenting Blessed Timothy Giaccardo, the first Pauline priest, as a faithful disciple of the Founder, Blessed James Alberione. Giaccardo offered his life for the Pontifical approval of the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master. Known for his intelligence, humility, and fidelity, the Founder could even say that he trusted Giaccardo more than himself. Coming from Antique, Fr. Baguna entered the Congregation on June 5, 1987, made his First Religious Profession on June 10, 1990 and was ordained priest by Msgr. Gabriel Reyes on October 22, 1999. His priestly ministry found him assigned to the different SSP communities taking various responsibilities. This is referred to by the Superior General Fr. Domenico Soliman SSP in his Message, read by Fr. Khris Emmanuel Llacer SSP before the end of the Mass: “Your Pauline ministry has been marked by your work in the Bookstore, in Distribution, in Formation as Novice and Postulants Master, as Community Superior, Apostolate Director, and more. I am grateful for the tasks you have carried out and continue to perform with generosity. I remember you in my prayers and accompany you in spirit, especially during these recent times when you are going through difficulties with your health.” Fr. Baguna, with a firm and affectionate voice, thanked everyone present and gave the final blessing. In the reception that followed at the Alberione Hall, he moved around to greet and pose for photo-ops with visitors.