Pauline Family Charismatic Encounter

“Sia lodato Gesù Cristo!”

The members of the Pauline Family met July 12 and 13, 2025 at the Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Pasay City, Manila, Philippines.  The objective is to deepen their knowledge and understanding of each Congregation and Institute charism, their apostolate, presence in the different parts of the Philippines and update on the members of each Congregation, Institute and group.  Present were representatives from the Society of St. Paul (SSP), Daughters of St. Paul (FSP), Pious Disciples of the Divine Master (PDDM), Sisters of Jesus Good Shepherd “Pastorelle” (SJBP), Institute of Our Lady of the Annunciation (IMSA), Institute of St. Gabriel the Archangel (ISGA), and Association of the Pauline Cooperators (APC).

On the first day, participants engaged in dyad/triad sharing in response to the questions:  1. What impressed you the most from what you have heard? and 2. How do you see your Congregation/Institute or group in the whole Pauline Family?

In the responses, it was notable that many have shared and appreciated the family spirit and deeper sense of belonging to a big PAULINE FAMILY.

On the second day, everyone was delighted and inspired by the charismatic sharing of Fr. Pete Barisoro, SSP; Sr. Purisima Tañedo, SJBP; Sr. Vangie Canag, FSP; and Sr. Mercedes Pineda, PDDM. Those who had met our Founder, Blessed James Alberione, shared their personal encounters with him. From these testimonies, participants noted how visionary he was—far ahead of his time—how prayerful, and how “stubborn” he could be once he was certain of God's will for him and for the Pauline Family. He was never discouraged by the challenges he faced, and from the very beginning, he envisioned a FAMILY whose bond would be stronger than blood ties. Each congregation was to be unique and independent, with the Society of St. Paul as the altrice, meaning "one who nourishes," especially in the spiritual aspect of our consecration. Through their sharing, everyone expressed gratitude for the clarification and felt accepted and appreciated—as individuals and as a Congregation, Institute, or group.

Our session started with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rev. Leopoldo Botavara, III, ssp and culminated also with the Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, SSP. Towards the end of the Mass, he took the opportunity to introduce the members of the Pauline Family to the parishioners.

The participants also thanked Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, SSP and Sr. Purisima Tañedo, sjbp – Provincial Superiors of the two Congregation during the two-day encounter. Their presence and their impromptu sharing deepened the participants’ appreciation and love for our common Founder, Blessed Jamae Alberione.  Everybody was clamoring for more similar encounters as a FAMILY.  All glory and honor to God who called us to the Pauline Family. Our mission is to make known Jesus Master, Way, Truth and Life to the world.  Remember, “the world is our parish”.

Sr. Lucia C. Olalia, sjbp