On Sept. 22 through Oct.1, I had the privilege of traveling to the Philippines for a visit to the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) community. As many of you know, the SOLT community exists as a diocesan rite under the ordinary of the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

I was accompanied Father Peter Marsalek, SOLT, the society’s new General Priest Servant, Sister Megan Mary Thibodeau, SOLT, their new General Sister Servant, and others. It provided me an opportunity to acquaint myself with the community in Asia and visit their seminary.

My visit was very successful. I came away very impressed with the dedication and zeal of the priests, seminarians and sisters who serve in such difficult situations in the Philippines and beyond. I was able to ordain three priests and three deacons on Saturday, Sept. 28, in the St. Gregory the Great Cathedral in Legazpi, Philippines.