On the solemnity of Saint Augustine, August 28, 2022, Most Rev. Midyphil B. Billones, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu, presided over the 5:00PM Pontifical Mass held at the Santo Niño Pilgrim Center.

This year’s fiesta centered on the theme, “St. Augustine: Promoter of Communion towards a Synodal Church.”

Bishop Billones reflected on Saint Augustine as a promoter of communion by emphasizing and learning the phenomenon of ‘brother-ing’ or ‘sister-ing’ as an antidote to ‘other-ing.’

‘Other-ing’ as described by Bishop Pablo David, D.D., means, ‘that some people are unable to extend assistance or help to others because there is no personal connection.’

Bishop Billones quoted one of Saint Augustine’s teachings which is an antidote to ‘other-ing.’

He said, “When you find a brother, in your fellow man or woman, then, you find half of your soul.”

“We will never be complete when we lose our other half of our soul… We need to help one another cross that street called life because when we do so, then we find communion, we find participation meaningful.” He added.

To continue the journey as Christians, may everyone be inspired by the teachings of St. Augustine, the promoter of communion towards a synodal church.

The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, also known as San Agustin Church, celebrated the Feast of St. Augustine with the holding of novena masses that started from August 19 to 27, 2022, every 8:00 am. and culminated with the Pontifical mass.

Together with the Prior Provincial, Very Rev. Fr. Andres Rivera Jr., OSA was the friars of the Order of St. Augustine (OSA), the Order of Augustinian Recollects (OAR), and the Order of Augustinian Discalced (OAD).

After the mass, a fraternal meal with the guest priests and friends of the Order Saint Augustine was shared at the Basilica convent.

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WATCH THE FULL VIDEO OF BISHOP BILLONES’ HOMILY: