Philippines: AVSJ Celebrates SVD’s 150th Anniversary, Honors Missionaries in Occidental Mindoro

 The Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose (AVSJ) in San Jose, Southern Luzon, Philippines, joined the global celebration of the 150th founding anniversary of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) with a thanksgiving program honoring the enduring service of SVD and Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) missionaries in Occidental Mindoro.

Held on the evening of January 7, 2026, at the Divine Word College (DWC) Gymnasium, the program gathered clergy, religious, and lay faithful for a night of gratitude and recognition under the theme: “Witnessing to the Light: From Everywhere for Everyone.”

Plaques of recognition from the AVSJ were conferred by Bishop Pablito M. Tagura, SVD, DD, together with Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Teaño, SVD, Vicar General of AVSJ, and Rev. Fr. Giovanni Gatdula, JCL, to Rev. Fr. Michael Layugan, SVD, Provincial Superior of the Philippine Central Province, representing the SVD missionaries, and Sr. Rosario Tayson, SSpS, Provincial Superior of the Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit.

The missionaries were also honored by the provincial and municipal governments through Plaques of Appreciation and resolutions from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and Sangguniang Bayan, personally handed over by Governor Eduardo B. Gadiano, Vice Governor Diana A. Tayag, members of the provincial board, Mayor Rey C. Ladaga, Vice Mayor Santiago Javier Jr., and municipal council members. Congressman Leody F. Tarriela and representatives of various religious organizations also attended the celebration.

Church leaders highlighted the vital role of SVD and SSpS missionaries in building and nurturing faith communities in Occidental Mindoro through pastoral ministry, education, and social service, particularly in far-flung and underserved areas.

As part of the ongoing anniversary celebrations, the Parokya ng Mabuting Pastol in the municipality of Magsaysay was officially declared an SVD Perpetual Parish on January 8, 2026, marked by a Pontifical Mass attended by SVD missionaries and clergy of the Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose.

Earlier in the day, hundreds of Catholic faithful gathered at St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Parish in San Jose as Rev. Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD presided over a healing Mass, drawing devotees seeking spiritual and physical renewal. Fr. Orbos was joined by priests of the AVSJ and visiting SVD missionaries, reflecting strong unity among the clergy and the local Church.

The AVSJ noted that these twin celebrations serve not only as a remembrance of the missionaries’ past sacrifices but also as a renewal of commitment to continue proclaiming the Word of God with compassion, faithfulness, and service to all.