Province of San Antonio de Padua Holds Its Intermediate Provincial Chapter

From June 22 to 26, 2026, the friars of the Province of San Antonio de Padua – Philippines gathered at the Franciscan Retirement Community in Minglanilla, Cebu, for their Intermediate Provincial Chapter. Friars from the Visayas and Mindanao came together in prayer, discernment, fraternity, and decision-making, guided by the Chapter theme, “Let Us Begin Again: From Transitus to Transformation.”

The five-day Chapter began on June 22 with a solemn opening liturgy led by Br Arturo Daquilanea, OFM. Prof. Dennis Abarrientos presented a National Situationer on the current situation in the Philippines. Br Renee C. Dean, OFM, celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit, followed by a time of prayerful recollection led by Br Joel de Jesus, OFMCap, to encourage discernment.

On June 23, Br. Prisco Cajes, OFM, presided over the Eucharist, reflecting on his 40 years of faithful service. Discussions about the Province’s life and mission continued. On June 24, the friars celebrated Br. Jaime Raul Yakit, OFM's, Golden Jubilee. Afternoon small-group discussions focused on the Province’s future and mission, ending with sports activities and a Franciscan Crown devotion to Mary. On the fourth day, Br. Dante Barcelona, OFM, celebrated his Silver Jubilee with a Requiem Mass for departed friars, honoring their faithful service.

The final day featured Br. Neil Badillo, OFM, presiding over the Misa de Gracias, with a homily by Br. Noniel Pe, OFM, for his 40th priestly anniversary. The Chapter concluded with the approval of resolutions, closing days of prayer and dialogue. In the afternoon, the friars gathered at the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel for the election of the new Provincial Definitory. The Chapter elected Br. Raymond Osok, OFM, as First Definitor; Br. Mark Joy Basallajes, OFM, as Second Definitor; Br. Arturo Daquilanea, OFM, as Third Definitor; and Br. Daniel Borromeo, OFM, as Fourth Definitor.

The Provincial Chapter concluded in the evening with the Solemn Celebration of Vespers, honoring the Province’s jubilarians for their years of faithful service to God and the Church. The Minister Provincial formally concluded the Chapter, marking the end of this significant gathering of prayer, discernment, and fraternity.

Following the conclusion of the Chapter, the community celebrated Jubilarians’ Night—a joyful gathering that honored the jubilarians’ witness of fidelity, perseverance, and dedicated service to the fraternity and the Church.

Anchored on the theme “Let Us Begin Again: From Transitus to Transformation,” the Intermediate Provincial Chapter became a sacred moment of renewal for the Province. Through prayer, dialogue, discernment, and fraternity, the friars reaffirmed their commitment to the Franciscan vocation and embraced a renewed vision for the future of the Province of San Antonio de Padua – Philippines.

By Br. Kent Bryant M. Montes, OFM