Fr. Jean Rollin Marie “Tuzzi” Flores, SSP marked the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination by presiding at the concelebrated Mass in the Sanctuary of St. Paul in Makati on October 3, 2023. Celebrating with him was Fr. Angel Quitalig who was ordained together with him. Fr. Flores finished his term as Provincial Superior (2019-2023) and was succeeded to office by Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite. Fr. Quitalig had joined the diocese of San Francisco, USA, and is currently the pastor of St. Mark Catholic Church.
The Jubilarians were joined by SSP priests and other priest-friends at Mass. Present were their families and friends from their provenance—San Pablo, Laguna and Tarlac City. Members of the Pauline Family, benefactors, friends, and companions in their seminary formation were also around.
Fr. Joseph Javillo, SSP, their formator as temporary professed, was the homilist. He spoke of the mysterious ways of the Lord which made the two persevere especially in the long years that led to priesthood.
In his message, the Superior General Fr. Domenico Soliman expressed his gratitude to Fr. Flores for his service to the Congregation: “They are 25 years of faithful following, during which you have dedicated yourself in formation work, at the editorial, in the pastoral ministry of our Parish and in the service as Provincial Superior. In this long journey, you have given everything of yourself in the various responsibilities that were entrusted to you at the service of the Congregation. I am grateful for everything you have done.” He also conveyed his best wishes to Fr. Quitalig.
In his words of thanks, Fr. Flores referred to a long list of persons the two of them were most thankful: SSP communities and Pauline Family members, benefactors and friends in different places where they exercised their priestly and apostolic ministries. In his turn, Fr. Quitalig shared his experiences in his Pauline formation and his responsibilities in the diocese he belongs to. He said that he would always remain a “Pauline” in his heart.
After the Mass, due to the number of those who attended Mass, the visitors had their agapē in Alberione Hall, while SSP members had theirs in the Makati refectory.
