January 18, 2010 (SSP Makati)—On 16 January, Saturday, the SSP Superior General Don Silvio Sassi arrived at the NAIA Terminal 1 with Fratel Walter Rodriguez after a long flight from Rome via Amsterdam. In the evening, a 6 PM Community Mass was celebrated by the SSP Provincial Superior Fr. Ruben Areño in thanksgiving for the safe trip of the visitors. Assisting the Provincial Superior at the altar was the SSP Makati Community Local Superior Fr. Cris Cellan. The occasion was also deemed as the start of Don Sassi’s fraternal encounter with the members of the Philippine-Macau Province.
Don Sassi gave a short message after the Gospel. He said that he would like to begin his encounter with the confreres by echoing what the Blessed Founder James Alberione would often say whenever he met priests and brothers of the congregation: “Thank you for all the good you have done.”
The Eucharist was followed by a lively welcome agape. Members of the Aggregated Institutes of the Holy Family (ISF), Jesus the Priest (IJS), and Our Lady of the Annunciation (IOLA) who came to join the SSP confreres in welcoming the Superior General, were also invited to the supper. Fr. Armand Tangi and Fr Andres Inting—in the name of the local community of Makati—welcomed Fr. Sassi and Fratel Rodriguez. What followed was a lively “impromptu” greeting session which Don Sassi visibly enjoyed. Among those who shared their good wishes for the Superior General that evening were: Fr Alan Gamutan (Master of Juniors), Bro Domingo Vargas (for the brother-disciples), Fr James Bejer (for the Pasay Community), Fr Jesus Gozun (for the young priests and perpetuals), Cl. JK Malificiar (Coordinator of the Juniors), Sr Rosalie (in the name of the PDDM community in Makati), and Carmela Estrada (for the ISF).
After an early light breakfast and coffee, on 17 January (Sunday), Don Sassi with Fr. Areño and Fratel Rodriguez attended the 9AM televised Mass celebrated by Fr. Sobrejuanite at the SM MegaMall Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord. In the afternoon, beginning at 3PM the Superior General had a meeting with the SSP Juniors and their Father Master
The foloowing day, 18 January, beginning at 8:30AM, Don Sassi and Fratel Rodriguez met with the priests and brothers of the Makati Community. Fr. Gil Alinsangan arrived from Alimodian, Iloilo just in time to help the community by being the translator.
