St. Francis Xavier Philosophy Community
Pasig City, Philippines — The St. Francis Xavier Philosophy Community commemorated the 1st anniversary of the Beatification of the Blessed Xaverian Martyrs of Fizi and Baraka with a Thanksgiving Mass held on August 18, 2025, at St. Tomas de Villanueva Parish, Pasig City.
The celebration was made possible through the kind invitation of the parish priest, Fr. Reynaldo Reyes, a devotee of the Blessed Xaverian Martyrs, particularly Blessed Albert Joubert.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Patrick Santianez, SX, Delegate Superior of the Xaverian Missionaries in the Philippines, together with Fr. Ryan Masri, SX, Vocation Director and Vice Rector of the Philosophy House, and Fr. Reynaldo Reyes, the parish priest.
In his homily, Fr. Patrick highlighted the profound meaning of martyrdom, saying: “Martyrdom is the love language of the brave—not because they are without fear, but because they fear and revere God more than the grave. True courage is not the absence of fear, but the choice to love and obey God even in the face of death. Martyrdom is a sign of complete faith, a sacrifice that springs from a heart willing to give everything for the sake of the Creator. In this way, the martyr reveals the highest form of love: to offer one’s life for God and for others.”
During the Mass, Fr. Rey Reyes shared with his parishioners a personal testimony of devotion to the Blessed Xaverian Martyrs. He revealed that while he was once confined in the ICU, he made a promise: if he survived, he would dedicate his priestly ministry to spreading devotion to the martyrs. For Fr. Rey, his recovery was nothing short of a living miracle attributed to their intercession.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the faithful were given the opportunity to venerate the first-class relic of the Blessed Martyrs of Fizi and Baraka. The event concluded with a joyful fellowship dinner generously prepared by the parish priest.
The celebration served as both a moment of thanksgiving and a renewal of commitment to live out the spirit of the martyrs, whose witness of faith continues to inspire the Church today.
Blessed Martyrs of Fizi and Baraka, pray for us. (Patrick Santiañez Salazar s.x.)
