The Society of St. Paul joined other members of the Pauline Family in celebrating the 100th Year of Foundation of the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master. The main celebration in the Philippines took place in the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo. Similar celebrations were also held in the PDDM houses in Cebu and Davao, as well as in Rome and in other countries.
The morning Eucharistic celebration on February 10, 2024 was presided by Msgr. Ruperto Santos, Bishop of Antipolo. Joining him was the Bishop-emeritus of the same diocese, Msgr. Francisco De Leon. Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite and Fr. Gil Alinsangan represented the Paulines on the main altar. Numerous priests—religious and diocesan—concelebrated.
The Cathedral of Antipolo was declared an international shrine on January 26, 2024 during a solemn Mass celebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles Brown. It is the first international Catholic shrine in Southeast Asia. The beautiful church was filled to overflowing during the Jubilee Mass, not only because of the presence of the Pauline Family and friends of the Pious Disciples, but also of pilgrims coming from different places in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
In his homily Bishop “Stud” Santos underlined three things: that God is alive, that God loves the Pious Disciples, and God has been and will always be with the Sisters in their life and mission. The Bishop took the opportunity to thank the Sisters for their services in the diocese and in places where they are present.
The thanksgiving message of the PDDM Provincial Superior Sr. Mary Magdalene Magallanes was read by the Provincial Councilor Sr. Ma. Kristine Legaspi. Sr. Mary Magdalene thanked all those present and those who prepared for the celebration in various capacities. She had words of appreciation for those who support the PDDM Philippines-Taiwan-Hong Province through the years.
Agapē lunch was served at the Divine Master Convent. Traffic and security were arranged by the Philippine National Police. The attendees enjoyed the table fellowship and the program that followed.
At five in the afternoon, the Sisters attended the blessing of the infirmary officiated by Fr. Gil Alinsangan. The sick and the elderly now have a more spacious, comfortable, well-equipped place for them.
