On June 30, the SSP–Silang Community joyfully celebrated the Solemnity of St. Paul the Apostle.
The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Norman Melchor Peña, Jr., SSP, Rector and Dean of Studies of Saint Paul Seminary Foundation (SPSF). Concelebrating with him were Rev. Fr. Jerome Palma, SSP, Pampanga Local Superior and Postulant Master; Rev. Fr. Leopoldo “Nonong” Botavarra III, SSP, Silang Local Superior; Rev. Fr. Ledio Peter “Pete” Barisoro, SSP; Rev. Fr. Micha Miguel Competente, SSP; and Rev. Fr. Ronel Soriano, SSP.
Joining the celebration were the postulants of SSP–Pampanga, the Sisters of the Daughters of Divine Zeal, members of the SPSF faculty, and guests.
In his homily, Fr. Norman began by reflecting on the words of Jesus: “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22). Drawing inspiration from the life and witness of St. Paul, he emphasized the importance of formation in becoming the persons God calls us to be. “Recognize that you are created to love God,” he added. He also reminded the faithful that formation extends beyond academic and spiritual growth; it is likewise shaped by the people and communities with whom we journey.
As members of one community, we become part of one another’s history, and it is “through our individuality that we discover how unique each of us truly is.” Concluding his homily, Fr. Norman left the gathered community with a meaningful challenge: “The Lord always invites us to stand for what He has stood for.”
Following the Eucharistic Celebration was a simple community fellowship lunch at the seminary refectory. The SPSF seminarians concluded the celebration with a heartfelt rendition of Omnia Omnibus, a fitting musical offering that echoed the Pauline spirit of becoming “all things to all people” in the service of the Gospel.
Indeed, whether in religious formation or beyond it, the trials and challenges of life become our true formation. In our own journeys, the people we meet and the community to which we belong shape who we are, shape our history, and shape who we are becoming.
By Rhexelle Andrei Abdon
Rhexelle Andrei Abdon is a third-year AB Philosophy student at Saint Paul Seminary Foundation, discerning his vocation with the Society of St. Paul.