We pray for our Novice Jay Vee Ventura, OSA as he journey with 7 other novices for a year of novitiate formation in Cebu, the Philippines
Published: 08 July 2024
On July 7, 2024, eight novices received the habit of the Order in an investiture rite during morning prayers (Lauds) at the oratory of the Augustinian Novitiate and Prayer House in Mohon, Talisay City, Cebu. This ceremony marked their formal entry into the religious formation at the Asia-Pacific Augustinian Novitiate (APAN), an inter-circumscription project of the Order of Saint Augustine.
Novice Jay Vee Ventura, OSA (Australasia Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel) 3rd from the right
Following the investiture, Fr. Jerome P. Mesina, OSA, was installed as the Prior of the House by the Prior Provincial, Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA. In his address to the community, Fr. Mesina emphasized that the role of the prior is not one of fame or prestige, but rather one of service to the community and the Church. He reminded the brothers that the success of the formation does not solely depend on his role as superior, but on the collaboration, support, and prayers of each member of the community. He called them into unity, highlighting that harmony and strength are drawn from such a bond.
Fr. Mesina then encouraged the eight novices to remain committed to the Augustinian religious life to which they have been called. Among the eight novices of the APAN, four are from the Province of Santo Nino de Cebu-Philippines, three from Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus-Philippines and one from the Province of our Mother of Good Counsel-Australasia. The current Novice Master of the formation team is Fr. Dipi Katthathara Peter, OSA of the Vicariate of Our Lady of Grace. He is assisted by Fr.
Jasper V. Valmores, OSA.
