The Order of Friars Servants of Mary – St. Peregrine Philippine Vicariate held its Seventh Vicarial Elective Chapter on March 10-14, 2025. The chapter commenced through the celebration of the votive Mass of the Holy Spirit and the homage to the Virgin Mary. United in prayer and worship, the friars asked for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the intercession of the Virgin Mary for the chapter to be a means of renewal and progress in the life and mission of the Filipino and Vietnamese Servites.
In the name of charity and fraternal communion, the friars got together in this significant event to elect friars that can administer the vicariate with vigor and enthusiasm together with the newly elected Vicar Provincial, The Very Reverend Father Paul Martin Maria Gapuz, OSM, JCL. The four-day elective chapter came into fruition when majority of the friars elected the following councilors: Fra. Bryan Maria Eala, OSM, Fra. Jumen Maria Arcelo, OSM, Fra. Dominador III Maria Javier, OSM, and Fra. Edgar Maria Benedi-an, OSM.
After the election, the friars came together in various commissions to discuss and deliberate the vital issues and concerns of the vicariate in terms of formation, collaboration, mission, apostolate and other matters. The chapter was an opportune time for the friars to plan and discern about several programs and projects for the betterment of the vicariate and its growing presence in the Philippines and in Vietnam. After doing so, the plenary accommodated the reports of each commission, deliberations and interventions to solicit further ideas of improvement from all the participating friars and their approval of the reports as well.
The Vicarial Chapter culminated in the Holy Mass and the Acceptance, Promise and Confirmation of the newly elected Vicar Provincial and his Council. It was attended by all the friars, the postulants and aspirants as well. The vicariate entrusted all its present and future endeavors to the prayers of Virgin Mary, the Seven Holy Fathers, St. Peregrine, St. Philip and all the Saints and Blesseds of the Servite Order so that God will bless them for the benefit of the Order and the Church.
©Fra Ronel Maria Advincula, OSM