From April 22 to 26, 2025, the Franciscan Province of San Pedro Bautista in the Philippines celebrated its 14th Provincial Chapter at Rosary Hills Conference Center, Brgy. Hoyo, Silang, Cavite.
In a spirit of fraternity and renewal, friars from communities across Luzon, as well as friars from St. Joseph Vaz Foundation - Sri Lanka and St. Francis Foundation - Myanmar, gathered for this important event of discernment and governance.
The Chapter opened with a solemn liturgy, followed by the approval of the Ordo Capituli and the election of additional Steering Committee members. The friars were also privileged to listen to Former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio, who delivered a thought-provoking talk on the Philippines’ national territory.
Over the following days, the friars engaged in profound reflections on their missionary vocation, formation programs, financial stewardship, and the current socio-political realities in the Philippines, particularly the situation in the West Philippine Sea. A formal statement addressing these national concerns was discerned and approved, affirming the Province’s commitment to truth, justice, and pastoral action.
One of the highlights of the Chapter was the election of the new Vicar Provincial and four Definitors, conducted in a spirit of prayer, fraternity and mission: Br. Judee Mar Maquinad was elected Vicar Provincial, while Br. Mark Adame Bakari, Br. Dominador Valdez, Br. Pedro Roberto Manansala and Edwin Peter Dionisio were elected Provincial Definitors. They will lead the Province until 2028 together with the Minister Provincial, Br. Lino Gregorio Redoblado.
Special moments of prayer -including the reading of The Testament of St. Francis, the Franciscan Crown, and the Renewal of Vows - enriched the Chapter, grounding the friars’ deliberations in the Franciscan charism.
The Chapter concluded with a Commissioning Mass, during which Br. Jose Fababair was sent forth for mission to Hungary.
As the friars return to their communities, they do so renewed in their commitment to live as prophetic pilgrims of hope, embodying the Gospel of peace and fraternity in today’s world.
Br. Nikko Sunga
