On the Solemnity of Christ the King, at 9:00 AM, His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, D.D., Archbishop of Manila, installed Fr. Cris Robert Cellan, SSP, as the 9th Parish Priest of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Pasay.
In his homily, Fr. Cellan reflected on the providential timing of his Installation, chosen by the Cardinal to coincide with the Solemnity of Christ the King. He highlighted the kingship of Christ as a model of selflessness, sacrifice, and self-emptying love. He also emphasized the Parish motto, “Kasali lahat; lahat kasali” (All are included; everyone belongs), underscoring the call to build an inclusive and welcoming community rooted in the synodal vision and the compassionate shepherding of the universal Church.
Cardinal Advincula, in turn, urged Fr. Cellan to be a loving father and a wise, gentle shepherd, guiding the Parish as a community of dialogue, encounter, worship, and mission. Addressing the lay faithful, he reminded them of God’s enduring love for His people and encouraged them to actively love, support, and guide their new Parish Priest in his mission.
The Cardinal invoked Our Lady of Sorrows as both a model and intercessor, encouraging the Parish Community to embody her spirit of compassion and dedication in serving the poor and needy, whom he referred to as the “true masters” of the Parish.
Among those present in the Installation were Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite, SSP, Provincial Superior of the Philippines-Macau Province; Fr. Restie Dela Peña, SSP, Parochial Vicar; priests from the Society of St. Paul and the Archdiocese of Manila; members of the Pauline Family; Fr. Cellan’s family; Pasay City officials, including Mayor Emmy Calixto-Rubiano and Congressman Tony Calixto; friends, benefactors, and the lay faithful.
May St. Paul the Apostle, builder and pastor of faith communities, and the Pauline Saints intercede for Fr. Cellan, that his ministry may bear abundant fruits of love and service.
