On the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul—25 January 2024—the Society of St. Paul, Philippines-Macau Province, received a special grace from the Lord with the ordination to the priesthood of Rev. Buen Andrew Cruz, SSP. The late afternoon Eucharistic celebration in the Sanctuary of St. Paul was presided by the ordaining prelate Msgr. Teodoro Bacani, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Novaliches. With him were many concelebrants from the SSP communities, and included diocesan and religious priests who are friends of Rev. Buen. Also present were the ordinand’s parents and family members, members of the Pauline Family, friends and benefactors.
In his homily Bishop Ted Bacani spoke of the love of Jesus for Rev. Buen which will sustain him in his ministry or priesthood, a love which waits for love in return. The Bishop also stressed to Rev. Buen that he is a member of a religious congregation and so should feel responsible for the Society of St. Paul’s apostolate, community life, and communitarian needs in his life as a priest.
In his message to the new Pauline priest, Superior General Don Domenico Soliman underscored the challenges before him: “Your ministry is a mission that embraces both the Pauline Family and the Church and society as a whole. In this context, Blessed Alberione reminds us to have “a soul of an apostle... who loves men... who would like to get out of the house, go through the streets of the city, seek all the men of the world... and be able to say to everyone: ‘people, God awaits you’” (Vademecum, no. 946). May these words help you live your Pauline priestly vocation by walking together with people and living for them.”
In his words of thanks, Fr. Buen thanked Bishop Ted Bacani, the Superior General and his Council, the SSP communities headed by the Provincial Superior Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, the host community of Makati headed by the Local Superior Fr. Reynaldo Reyes, his family, and all those present in the sanctuary and those who followed the streamlined Mass. He also extended his invitation to his Thanksgiving Mass in his parish church in Parañaque on January 27. Then he gave his first priestly blessing to everyone.
Agapē supper was served at the Don Zanoni Gym.
