A Journey of Grace: Jubilee of Priests and Brothers in the PHC Province
The annual PHC jubilee celebration this year was marked by special significance as it was held in the context of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Society of the Divine Word. This milestone event honored the jubilarians who were celebrating significant anniversaries—25, 50, and 60 years of religious profession and priestly ordination. Held at Christ the King Seminary in Quezon City, the celebration drew a large gathering of SVD priests and brothers, members of the Arnoldus Family, friends, and benefactors.
Commemorating Years of Service
The event commenced with the jubilarians receiving a heartfelt reception. As Provincial Superior Father Mike Layugan announced each name, the jubilarians made their way across the front arcade of the Buttenbruch Building named “The Arch of Graces”, greeted by a brass band and the enthusiastic applause of fellow SVDs and seminarians. The arch they passed through symbolized the many graces and blessings that had accompanied their years of ministry and vowed life, marking the sacredness of their shared journey. The procession continued with the statue of Our Lady of Banneux, also known as the Virgin of the Poor, and the relics of St. Arnold Janssen and St. Joseph Freinademetz being carried to the Shrine of the Divine Word, followed by the Eucharistic Mass. Father Glenn Gomez, Rector of Christ the King Seminary, offered a warm and welcoming message to all in attendance. Father Louie Punzalan, presiding over the Mass, beautifully tied the jubilee celebration to the overarching significance of the 150th anniversary of the Society of the Divine Word.
A Shared Journey of Growth, Humility, and Mutual Support
Father Freddie Sabado, from the Catholic Trade Community, delivered a heartfelt homily that resonated deeply with all present. Reflecting on his own journey as a young seminarian, Father Freddie spoke of the meaning behind the jubilee celebration, not only as a moment of honoring years of service but as a time of spiritual renewal. Freddie beautifully captured the essence of the vocation, echoing the words: "Let me continue and finish what You have begun in me." This sentiment, simple yet profound, encapsulated the shared mission of the jubilarians and all those present, reinforcing the idea that this is a journey of growth, humility, and mutual support. It's a journey we all share, a testament to our unity and shared mission.
A Joyful Renewal: The Heart of the Celebration
Father Freddie's homily wasn't without a touch of humor. In a light-hearted moment, the search for the responsorial psalm in the lectionary became a source of laughter. As the psalm remained elusive, Father Freddie jokingly addressed the choir, "The problem with you is that you're inventing a responsorial psalm... and singing it!" The congregation chuckled, and the brief break in solemnity reminded everyone that joy and humor, even in the most sacred moments, can enhance the shared experience. The most poignant moment of the celebration occurred during the renewal of priestly ordinations and professions of vows. As the jubilarians renewed their vows in front of the Provincial Superior, the act served not only as a public reaffirmation of their lifelong commitment to God and the mission of the SVD but also as a personal reflection on the people they have served and the ministries they have built over the years.
Unity in Service: Embracing the SVD Legacy
The Eucharistic celebration was enhanced by a carefully planned liturgy, with the seminarians' choir providing a deeply moving musical backdrop. The celebration was meticulously organized by Father Ronnie Crisostomo, the liturgist, and Father Ferdie Bajao, the overall chair, ensuring that every detail reflected the reverence and significance of the moment. The liturgy underscored the centrality of the jubilarians' ministry, tying it into the 150-year legacy of the Society of the Divine Word, which spans across the globe and has touched countless lives. The celebration culminated in a dinner where the jubilarians were honored one by one. Each jubilant priest and brother was celebrated with a profile slideshow that showcased their years of dedication. The guests, including members of the Arnoldus Family, friends, and seminarians, applauded each of them, adding to the festive atmosphere. The evening was enriched with songs, dances, and a warm welcome from Father Eric Lacandula, Prefect of the seminarians, who expressed gratitude for the steadfast dedication of the jubilarians.
A Reflection of Our Shared Journey: Songs, Visions, and Dreams for the Next 150 Years
This jubilee celebration, dedicated to the priests and brothers who have given so much of their lives to service and ministry, was not merely a reflection on the past; it was also a celebration of the present and a look to the future. It was a joyful reminder of the shared journey of faith that binds the SVD community, as well as a look toward the future. The event was a clear affirmation that the light of Christ continues to shine through every priest and brother in their respective missions, filling us all with hope and optimism for the future. In the context of the 150th anniversary of the Society of the Divine Word, this celebration also marked a new understanding of what the acronym "SVD" truly stands for: Songs, Visions, and Dreams. The 150 years of the SVD are woven together by songs that tell of our shared journey, visions that continue to guide us, and dreams—both realized and yet to be fulfilled—that sustain the mission. As we look toward the next 150 years, we do so with renewed faith, knowing that the same light that guided our predecessors will continue to illuminate the path for future generations, a path that each one of us, as part of the SVD community, plays a crucial role in shaping.
PHC News Editor
