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Thu, Mar

As the Society of St Paul (SSP) commemorates its 101st foundation anniversary, the SSP Philippines-Macau is blessed with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of religious profession of Bro. Domingo Angelo Vargas and with the launching of the ST PAULS PH app in a Eucharistic Celebration presided by the Fr. Jose Aripio, in the presence of the Superior General, Fr. Valdir Josè de Castro, SSP at the Sanctuary of St Paul, Makati City.

Bro. Vargas is a native of Virac, Catanduanes, Philippines. He was born on 03 October 1943. Entering the Society of St Paul at a young age, Bro. Vargas took his first profession on 20 August 1965. During his formation years, he was sent to Rome and had several encounters with the Blessed Founder, James Alberione. Bro. Angelo was assigned into the different departments in the printing press.

Many of Bro. Vargas’ family and friends in the Pauline Family were present in the said event.

In his homily, Fr. De Castro thanked Bro. Vargas—for his gift of life and service to the Congregation’s mission and apostolate. With that, the former emphasized that the person is the first instrument in announcing the Gospel. Thus, a personal encounter with Jesus, the first and greatest evangelizer, is a must for every Pauline communicator.

Addressing to all SSP priests and brothers present, the Superior General reminded them the necessity of building fraternal charity in communities, and the members must always live in communion and harmony. He briskly exclaimed that: “If you do not have a community life, you are not prepared for mission.” Moreover, Fr. De Castro also reminded everyone, “to live the present with passion.”

Another important part of the celebration is the launching of the ST PAULS PH app, the mobile companion for the Filipino Catholic. The creation of the app, also known as SAMBUHAY app, was spearheaded by Fr. Ludovico Tacdoro, Jr. and Cl. Albert Garong, by partnering with Digital Media PH, the same app developer for the Papal Visit to the Philippines and the forthcoming International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu.

The STPAULS.PH app contains the addresses of ST PAULS bookstores and warehouses, Sambuhay TV Mass weekly webcast, Simbahay podcast, the Sambuhay missalette, reflections from 365 Days of with the Lord, forms for St. Paul Bible Ministry, and an online store.

In this era of a continuing digital progress, the app is truly a valuable contribution in knowing the present culture of communication. In spite of the overwhelming digital development, the Superior General reminded everyone not to lose sight of the content in one’s missionary work, that is, “our mission is to share and announce Christ to others. If Christ does not dwell in you, who and what will be the content of your message?”

After the Eucharistic celebration, a flavorsome buffet was hosted at the Don Zanoni Memorial Gym. (Photos: Fr. R. Hitosis, SSP)