SVD Friends Abra District

15/08/2026

THE CRADLE OF THE SVD MISSION IN THE PHILIPPINES

On August 15, 1909, the first missionaries of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) arrived in Manila, sent to the Philippines shortly before the death of the founder, St. Arnold Janssen. From Manila, they journeyed north to Pilar and Bangued, Abra, responding to the urgent need for priests following the departure of many Spanish clergy.

The pioneering missionaries, Fr. Ludwig Beckert, SVD, a former missionary to China, and Fr. Johannes (John/Juan) Scheiermann, SVD, brought with them a spirit of courage and missionary zeal. On August 23, 1909, the SVD mission was formally established in Cagutongan, San Isidro, Abra, making Abra the historical cradle of the SVD mission in the Philippines.

The beginnings were far from easy. The missionaries endured difficult terrain, illness, exhaustion, and the challenges of proclaiming the Gospel among local communities. Fr. Scheiermann and other early missionaries eventually gave their lives in the service of the mission.

Yet their sacrifice became the seed of a growing missionary presence. From Abra, the SVD expanded to Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, and other parts of Luzon, eventually establishing parishes, schools, seminaries, and other ministries—including Christ the King Mission Seminary in 1934.

More than a century later, we remember with gratitude the pioneers who first brought the Word of God to Philippine soil.

11/06/2026

The Society of the Divine Word issues a statement categorically rejecting the allegations against Fr. Flaviano Antonio Villanueva, arguing that the claims collapse under basic factual scrutiny, lack supporting evidence, and amount to malicious defamation. The SVD asserts that Fr. Villanueva is a victim of fabricated accusations that seek to tarnish a lifetime of ministry serving the poor, victims of EJKs, and the marginalized.

Here is SVD's complete statement:

STATEMENT TO THE ALLEGATIONS RAISED BY THE 18 BODYGUARDS DURING THE SENATE BLUE RIBBON COMMITTEE HEARING | JUNE 4, 2026

We issue this statement in response to allegations made during a Senate committee hearing today in which Rev. Fr. Flaviano Antonio L. Villanueva, SVD, was specifically accused of receiving money through an envelope allegedly delivered near a church on Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City, and through a suitcase allegedly delivered to an address identified as “33 Clemente.”

We categorically deny these allegations. They are false.

The witness publicly attributed to Fr. Villanueva acts and transactions that never occurred.

The allegation involving a supposed delivery near a church on Mindanao Avenue collapses on its own facts. No specific church was identified, and no SVD parish, church, or ministry center exists along Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City that matches the witness’s description.

The allegation involving the supposed delivery of a suitcase at “33 Clemente” is unsupported by any evidence and is nothing more than a fabricated accusation.

These allegations are not merely false. They are malicious, defamatory, and a grave injustice against a priest who has devoted his life to serving the poor, accompanying EJK victims and their families, and defending the dignity of those whose voices are often unheard.

We strongly condemn the reckless public airing of serious accusations unsupported by evidence and contradicted by readily verifiable facts. No person’s reputation should be placed on trial on the basis of allegations that cannot withstand the most basic scrutiny.

Fr. Villanueva has long endured attacks because he chose to stand beside victims of violence and to give voice to those who could not speak for themselves. We will not allow decades of faithful ministry to be tarnished by fabricated stories and reckless accusations.

Legal action has already been initiated. We intend to hold accountable those who have chosen to bear false witness.

Fr. Villanueva will continue his ministry undeterred and will continue to stand with the poor, with victims, and with those who seek truth and justice.

Truth deserves protection.

And those who deliberately defame others in the guise of testimony must likewise be held accountable.

03/05/2026

Welcome to Abra, beloved SVD confreres. May the Lord abundantly bless your ministry and sustain you in His constant presence as you serve His people with faith and dedication.

26/04/2026

25/04/2026

With deep sorrow and in Christian hope in the Resurrection, we announce the passing of Rev. Fr. Manolito Baroña, SVD who was called to eternal rest today.

Fr. Manolito faithfully served God and His people with dedication, humility, and love. His priestly ministry touched many lives through his compassionate heart, inspiring words, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel. We are grateful to the Lord for the gift of his life and vocation, and for the countless blessings he shared with the communities entrusted to his care.

Let us unite in prayer, commending his soul to the loving mercy of God. May the Lord whom he served so faithfully welcome him into His eternal Kingdom and grant him the reward of a good and faithful servant.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.

Details of the wake and funeral arrangements will be announced soon.

We ask everyone to please pray for the eternal repose of Fr. Manolito Baroña, SVD and for comfort and strength for his family, brother priests, and all who mourn his passing.

27/01/2026

CONGRATULATIONS, FR. EGAY, SVD and FR. ROBY, SVD!

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

With gratitude to God and in the spirit of service and mission, we joyfully announce the Official Confirmation of the new SVD-PHN Provincial Council for the term 2026–2029.

New Provincial Leadership Team

Fr. Eusebio Manangbao, SVD– Provincial Superior
Fr. Edgar Calunod, SVD– Vice Provincial Superior
Fr. Edwin Fernandez, SVD– Admonitor
Fr. Gregorius Robinus Darman Dosom, SVD– Councillor
Fr. Gerardo Gudmalin, SVD– Councillor

We entrust this new leadership team through the intercession of St. Arnold Janssen and St. Joseph Freinademetz and guidance of the Holy Spirit as they lead with wisdom, humility, and dedication in service to the mission and the people entrusted to their care.

Please keep them in your prayers as they begin this important ministry.