PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY
The 15th Provincial Assembly commenced last February 3 with the Provincial Superior welcoming the members. It was followed by his Initial Report and then by report of the Central Administration. Mass was later celebrated with Integrated Vespers at the Sanctuary of St. Paul.
The Assembly had a series of meetings and reporting from the different communities and sectors. It concluded with a symbolic paragon from Fr. Raymond Ferraris in his homily during the Mass of conclusion: “Assemblies are moments of grace, our burning bushes where God speaks, where God directs, where God creates for us our Holy Ground. We come back to touch the ground with God and with one another as a way to recall the gifts: to rekindle, to give thanks, to redirect, to recharge, and to renew ties.” Fellowship for the professed members followed after the Mass.
PROVINCIAL CHAPTER
The Provincial Chapter in preparation for the 9th General Chapter in Rome in April-May 2010 followed the Assembly. Twenty delegates from the seven houses of the Society of St. Paul Philippine-Macau Province participated. It began on the afternoon of February 5 with the president and Provincial Superior, Fr. Ruben Areňo, calling the names of the delegates and officially opening the Chapter. The primary aim of the Chapter is the election of two delegates for the General Chapter and the presentation and approval of motions and recommendations from the Philippine-Macau Province.
Elected as officers for the Provincial Chapter were: Fr. Dominador Guzman as Chapter Secretary, Fr. Gil Alinsangan as Moderator, Bro. Hansel Mapayo and Fr. Cris Cellan as Actuaries and Fr. Tim Melliza as Information Officer.
Fr. Areño read the report of the Provincial Government. It was approved after some minor comments and suggestion. A summary report will be made and presented during the General Chapter. Elected as delegates to the 9th General Chapter with their respective substitutes were: Br. Hansel Mapayo (substitute Fr Rollin Flores ) and Fr. Alan Gamutan (substitute Bro. Dennis Figuerres).
The capitulars were encouraged to reflect upon the documents given by the General Government for possible motions that could be presented in the General Chapter. Purpose of the motions is to make the local voice resound in the General Chapter.
The Provincial Chapter concluded with a Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Gil Alinsangan who took John the Baptist as a model missionary who gave his life for the mission.
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