13th SARF National Biennial Convention

The Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity (SARF) Philis. held its 13^th Biennial National Convention recently (May 12-14, 2017) at the Bulwagan Recoleto, Miranila Subd., Quezon City. Two hundred eleven (211) delegates and accompanying persons from 10 chapters in Luzon and 6 chapters from the Visayas  attended the event. Out-of-towners were billeted at the San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish dormitories in Quezon City and at the Bahay Sta. Monica in Miranila Subd.

Each day  of the convention was started with the Holy Mass. Main celebrants were Rev. Fr. Emmanuel A. Bolilia, OAR (Provincial Councilor, In-charge of Spirituality), Rev. Fr. Emilio L. Larlar, OAR (National Spiritual Director of SARF, Phils) and Rev. Fr. Dionisio Q. Selma, OAR (Prior Provincial). Lauds, Mid-day prayers and vespers were properly incorporated in the activities.

The following talks were delivered:

1. The OAR  Year of Holiness 2017                            Rev. Fr. Lauro V. Larlar, OAR

“Called to be Saints”

1. The SARF PHils. LAMP 2017-2020                          Rev. Fr. Emilio L. Larlar, OAR
2. Ways of Expressing Holiness                                  Rev. Fr. Ian D. Espartero, OAR
3. Stewardship: A Way of Life, A Spirituality          Rev. Fr. Emmanuel A. Bolilia, OAR

Election of the new officers of the National Council was also held. The 2017-2020  National Council Officers include the following:

Position	Name	Chapter Affiliated
National President	Edwin T. Ruiz	SEMNOV – Antipolo
Vice President –Luzon	Zenaida Lapuz	Recoletos Provincialate
Vice President – Visayas	Carmenda Leonoras	UNO-Bacolod City
1st Councilor – Luzon	Ceres C. Alcantara	SSBP –Quiapo, Manila
2nd Councilor – Luzon	Yolanda V. Zaragoza	SEMNOV – Antipolo
Councilor – Negros	Fe Violeta B. Taring	OLAP- Valencia
Councilor – Cebu	Evangeline E. Gubatao	OLMCP – Cebu
National Secretary	Ma. Windle M. Oane	SEMNOV – Antipolo
National Treasurer	Corazon A. Padua	RFC – Miranila, Q. C.

 

Spiritual Directors	Name	Chapter Affiliated
National SD	Rev. Fr. Emilio Larlar, OAR
Regional SD – Palawan	Rev. Fr. Rex Bangcaya, OAR	OLMCP – P. Princesa SHJHS- Brooke’s Point
Regional SD – Negros	Rev. Fr. William Villaflor, OAR	UNO-Bacolod City
Regional SD – Cebu	Rev. Fr. Vicente Ramon, Jr. OAR	OLMCP – Cebu

The fellowships were happy and memorable (if not a bit roaring on the second night!) The Himig Consolacion, RFC Seminarians and OLCP Dance Troupe provided formal entertainment. But, the excitable presentations of Cavite, Carmel, Cebu, San Carlos Chapters and the impromptu community singing and zumba goaded by naturally fun-loving delegates delicious peppered the concoction.

Since the 13^th was the Centenary of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima a rosary procession and flower offering to our Lady was celebrated  by the non-voting delegates. Also, since the 14^th was Mothers Day, remembrance of mothers was paid in songs and speeches, particularly the “Sulat ni Nanay sa Atin” read by Prior Provincial Selma. Surely, some delegates were teary-eyed singing “Mama”.

SARF RFC, the host chapter, thanked the Triune God for moving our hearts and minds to make the convention a success, and everyone: the OAR, the National Council, the delegates and RAYs for their generous help and participation. The event was formally closed with the song “People”.