Abuyog, Southern Leyte—Rev. Christian Augustine Lleve Tafalla, SSP, was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Reverend John Du, D.D., Metropolitan Archbishop of Palo, at St. Francis Xavier Parish on March 29, 2025.
In his homily, Archbishop Du expressed gratitude to the ordinandus and his family for the gift of his vocation, emphasizing its significance not only for his family and the Pauline Family but also for the entire People of God, especially in Leyte. He shared his profound joy that God had chosen one from Abuyog for the priesthood, saying in the vernacular, “…what a joy that God has chosen from our place one to serve as a priest” (…"nga nagpili ang Ginoo og usa sa atong bungtod sa pagserbisyo sa pagkapari"…).
Archbishop Du encouraged Fr. Christian not to be afraid, drawing inspiration from the prophet Jeremiah, who was called at a young age. He reminded the new priest that the Lord always accompanies those He calls. He also exhorted him to remain faithful to the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience, emphasizing that such commitment can only be sustained through both personal and communal prayer. Just as Jesus’ mission was the fruit of His deep communion with the Father, Fr. Tafalla’s mission must also be nourished by prayer.
During the Mass, Provincial Secretary Fr. Angelo Paolo Asprer, SSP, read a message from the Superior General, Fr. Domenico Soliman, SSP. In his letter, Fr. Soliman greeted the ordinandus with gratitude for his vocation and commitment to the Congregation. He reminded Fr. Tafalla that the journey of vocation is continuous, embracing a life of mission that extends beyond the Pauline Family to the Church and society. He exhorted the new priest to cultivate “an apostolic heart” that walks with people and reminds them, “God is waiting for you.”
Following the Mass of Ordination, a festive gathering took place at the gym of Notre Dame of Abuyog, Inc. The celebration featured a warm fellowship meal, colorful presentations of Abuyog’s traditional street dancing and Visayan folk dances, and heartfelt testimonies from the ordinandus’ former teachers from his elementary and high school years. The event was preceded by the customary pictorial and the traditional kissing of the newly ordained priest’s hands.
In the afternoon of the same day, Fr. Tafalla, SSP, celebrated his First Mass at the parish where he was ordained. On the following day, Laetare Sunday (March 30, 2025), he offered his Thanksgiving Mass at The Alliance of the Two Hearts Parish in Balocawehay, Abuyog, Leyte, a sub-parish close to his residence.
