18th SARF Visayas Regional Reunion

Sis. Colan Claire Bayona, SAR•November 15, 2019

Talisay City, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL–The Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity (SARF), Talisay Chapter, hosted the 18^th SARF Visayas Regional Annual Reunion last October 19-20, 2019 held at Natures Village Resort, Talisay City. This year’s reunion had a theme “SARF: Empowering the youth of today, in Communion with the church.” There was a record breaking attendance of 144 participants from 6 chapters including the national officers and as well as a perfect attendance of all the spiritual advisers. There were 23 participants from the UNO-R Bacolod Chapter, 32 participants from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cebu Chapter, 14 Participants from SARF Valencia Chapter, 9 participants from Our Lady of Consolacion Laray Chapter, 33 participants from San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Talisay Chapter, 25 participants from SARF-San Carlos Chapter and 8 National Officers.

On the first day of the reunion, Fray Niño Cesar R. Ruiz, Parish Priest of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish, gave a welcome address followed by giving of the overview of Sis. Carmenda S. Leonoras, the Vice President of Sarf Visayas.

The reunion benefitted greatly from the participation of a broad range of distinguished speakers from the OAR priests. During the first day of the reunion the first speaker was Fray Leonardo Pauligue, OAR. He tackled about being the “Beloved of God” and “Love and Divine Choice”.

The 2^nd speaker was Fray Ronel Gealon, OAR. He talked about how we can live in the communal prayer of one soul and one heart, a life directed towards God with Mary our mother.

SARF National President, Bro. Edwin T. Ruiz gave updates and over view on the different projects and activities of SARF National.

In the evening, there was a celebration of the Holy Eucharist with Integrated Vespers. The main celebrant was Fray Emeterio Buñao, OAR, National Vice-Chairman of SARF Executive Committee.

After dinner, there was a fellowship night. Each chapter had a ballroom dance presentation. It was full of fun and laughter. Everyone was dress up in colorful and fancy dresses with makeup and hairdos.

The second day of the reunion started with the rosary and morning prayer. Fray Vicente Ramon, Jr., OAR, gave his inspirational message and announced that he is the new spiritual adviser for Negros.

The speaker for the 3^rd session was Fray Leopoldo Estioko, OAR, who talked about the importance of Lectio Divina.

The Celebration of the Holy Eucharist with Rites of Admittance to the Trial Period and Promise members was held at San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish. The main celebrant was Fray Dionisio Q. Selma, OAR, Prior Provincial. There were 20 candidates for the admittance to the Trial Period: 8 from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cebu Chapter, 4 from Our Lady of Abandoned Parish, Valencia Chapter, 4 from UNO-R, Bacolod Chapter and 4 from San Nicolas de Tolentino Paresh, Talisay Chapter. There were 4 promise candidates. 1 from Our Lady of Consolation Laray, Cebu Chapter, 1 from Colegio Sto. Tomas Recoletos, San Carlos Chapter and 2 from our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Cebu Chapter.

Rose Mary E. Chua, President of SARF Talisay Chapter gave a closing Remarks and Fray Bernabe M. Dosdos, OAR, SARF National Spiritual Adviser gave his closing message.

It was indeed a successful 18^th SARF Visayas Regional Annual Reunion.

Photos by: Sis. Jocelyn Lozano, SAR

Sis. Colan Claire Bayona, SAR