Community of the Scholasticate
The Province of Our Lady of the Assumption, Philippines, joyfully welcomed the General Superior of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, Very Rev. Fr. Philip Benzy Romician, SSS, together with Fr. Roel Dela Cruz, SSS, General Consultor, during their canonical visit from November 2 to 22, 2025. His presence was received with deep gratitude, as this was his first official visit to the Philippine Province since assuming the role of General Superior.
The first week of the visit brought Fr. Benzy to Mindanao, beginning with the Davao Community, where he met with the religious and postulants. He then traveled back to Luzon to spend time with the scholastics and formators at the Eymard Formation Center in Quezon City. His presence offered encouragement to the young men preparing for religious life, reminding them of the beauty and responsibility of their vocation.
The second week began in Cagayan de Oro community where he continued his dialogue with the religious and immersed himself in their pastoral engagements. Later in the week, he visited the Blessed Sacrament Novitiate community in Bulacan, where he was warmly welcomed by the novices and formation team. He also made a short visit to the community of the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament.
In the final week of the visit, a plenary gathering was held for the religious of the communities in Luzon and Visayas. The meeting took place at the Provincial House on November 17, bringing together members from various communities for a day of conversation and fellowship. This animation became a significant moment of fraternity and unity, as the General Superior addressed the wider body of the Province, sharing them a broader reflection on the life of the Congregation worldwide and insights into the General government’s vision for the future.
Community of Davao
Community of Cagayan de Oro
Community of the Novitiate
Animation at the Provincial House
A significant portion of his canonical visit was devoted as well to the Aggregation of the Blessed Sacrament (ABS) and the various lay collaborators of the Congregation. In each community, Fr. Benzy gathered with the members of the ABS, encouraging them to continue deepening their Eucharistic spirituality and to become active partners in the mission of the Congregation. His animation with them emphasized the growing role of lay participation in the Eymardian family.
Aggregation of Cagayan de Oro
Aggregation of Manila-Santa Cruz
Throughout his visit, Fr. Benzy highlighted the purpose of a canonical visitation: to know the life of each community, to inspire fidelity to the charism, and to renew enthusiasm for the mission. Before concluding, he left several key invitations for the Province: to work for vocations; to remain connected with the global Congregation; to deepen love for St. Peter Julian Eymard; to rekindle Eucharistic passion in community and ministry; and to strengthen support for the Aggregation of the Blessed Sacrament.
As the visitation concluded on November 22, the Province of Our Lady of the Assumption expressed gratitude for the time, care, and encouragement offered by the General Superior. His presence breathed renewed hope into the communities and strengthened their commitment to continue proclaiming the mystery of the Eucharist with faith, joy, and dedication.
Father Rudsend Paragas, sss
Provincial Superior
