The Province of San Antonio de Padua (Philippines) recently concluded a grace-filled two months marked by meaningful celebrations, ordinations, profession of vows, and ongoing formation activities.
Ordination and Feast of the Titular Saint
On June 12, Br. Jaymar C. Escoltor, OFM was ordained to the priesthood by Most Rev. Marvyn A. Maceda, OFS, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of San Jose de Antique. The ordination was held at San Vicente Ferrer Parish, where family, friends, friars, and parishioners gathered in prayerful support.
The following day, June 13, on the Solemnity of St. Anthony of Padua, the Province celebrated its titular feast at the Provincial House. The Mass was presided over by Br. Jaymar with Br. Mark Anthony Zarate, OFM, delivering the homily. The celebration was graced by friars, benefactors, and friends of the community.
Annual Retreat and Jubilee Celebration
From July 7–11, the friars of the Province gathered for their annual retreat at the Franciscan Retirement Community. This year’s retreat centered on the theme: “The 8th Centenary of the Canticle of Creation of St. Francis of Assisi: Biblical and Theological Reflection.” The facilitators were Br. Cristino R. Pine, OFM and Br. Prisco A. Cajes, OFM.
The retreat concluded with a celebration honoring this year’s Jubilarians:
Initial Formation Gatherings and Vows
In the area of formation, formands from different houses came together at the Novitiate House for their annual summer fraternal gathering. Given the geographical distances between formation houses, this gathering aimed to strengthen fraternity through sessions, mutual sharing, and community-building activities. It concluded with a thanksgiving night for benefactors of the Novitiate Community.
During the gathering, three brothers were officially received into the Novitiate Formation on July 17:
On July 21, four brothers professed their Temporary Vows in the Order of Friars Minor:
Solemn Profession of Vows
Finally, on July 22, Br. Jayfee C. Fraga, OFM and Br. Joseph D. Laparan, OFM made their Solemn Profession of Vows, fully committing themselves to the Gospel way of life in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.
The Province gives thanks to God for these blessings and continues to walk forward in fraternity and mission, inspired by the life of St. Francis and guided by the Holy Spirit.
