Don Bosco Philippines South Province

by: Soccom correspondence

April 24, 2025 marks a special day for the Philippines South Province as it celebrates its Provincial Assembly Days (PADs). The day began with a Holy Mass celebrated at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. In line with the Jubilee of Hope, the event centered on the theme of pilgrimage, as participants walked to four Jubilee churches in Cebu City amidst the scorching summer heat: the Cathedral, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, and the San Nicholas de Tolentino Shrine. A total of 160 representatives from the different Salesian Houses joined the occasion.

The pilgrimage concluded at Don Bosco Pasil with a lunch program filled with joy, thanksgiving, and an unwanted—but necessary—farewell. PADs 2025 also coincided with the 60th birthday of the Provincial Superior, Fr. Fidel Ma. Orendain, SDB. It was a time of gratitude as the province remembered his four years of service as head of the Philippines South Province. He has now been called to greater service as the new General Counselor for Social Communication.

PADs 2025 was a bittersweet moment for the entire FIS Salesian Family as it bid farewell to its beloved Provincial Superior. Feelings of nostalgia and the pain of parting replaced the earlier jubilant atmosphere as heartfelt messages and presentations were offered for the celebrant. To close the day, Fr. Fidel delivered a speech that was, providentially, also centered on the event’s theme—pilgrimage and hope. He encouraged the Salesian Family to keep moving forward together and to always remain in a disposition of hope as it continues to serve the young.

Bringing with him the love and prayers of the FIS Salesian Family, Fr. Fidel now embarks on a new mission for the congregation.