After 26 years of presence in the Philippines, the Missionary Society of Saint Paul gives thanks for a new milestone. This year the Society celebrated the ordination of its first Filipino member, Fr Marco Cabatuando MSSP. He first came into contact with the Society during his chemistry studies at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, where Fr Lonnie Borg was chaplain. Fr Lonnie was one of the two MSSP priests who founded the mission in the Philippines.
With the accompaniment of Fr Lonnie and through vocational encounters with Fr Stephen Mifsud MSSP, Marco became familiar with the Society. He later graduated, began teaching, and eventually discerned joining the formation program.
Fr Marco carried out all his formation in the Philippines. Like the other seminarians, he was sent for pastoral placements in MSSP missions, including in the Philippines itself, Pakistan and later Malta, where he spent a year in pastoral work at the St Paul’s Missionary College in Rabat. Marco’s warm and approachable character made him well-loved by teachers and students alike, and his presence was a great support to the elderly MSSP priests residing at Saint Agatha’s.
His ordination took place on 18 October 2025 in a parish of the Diocese of Malolos, where he spent his early childhood and youth. He was ordained by Bishop Denis Villarojo DD. He celebrated his first solemn Mass in his home parish dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi.
Fr Marco will begin his priestly ministry in the Philippines. His presence is expected to strengthen the community locally as he continues growing in his priestly identity. In the future, his superiors may also assign him to serve in other missions abroad.
On behalf of Fr Marco, sincere thanks are extended to the benefactors whose scholarships supported his journey.