SARF Luzon holds Regional Annual Reunion

MANILA–The members of the ten chapters of the Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity (SARF) belonging to the Luzon region held their annual reunion last October 26, 2019 at the historic Intramuros, Manila more specially at the equally historic Colegio de Santa Rosa, a tertiary school established on August 30, 1750 and presently administered by the Augustinian Recollect sisters. Also present were Fr. Bernabe Dosdos, OAR, SARF National Spiritual Adviser, the Spiritual Advisers of the local chapters, other religious, friends and observers. 

Registration began at 6am.  After registering, most of the delegates headed to the 1^st floor lobby to have breakfast. Since not a few had left their homes very early in preparation for the notorious Saturday traffic, breakfast was most appreciated. After breakfast everyone proceeded to the auditorium for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 8am with Rites of Admittance to the Trial period and Promises with integrated lauds. The mass presider was Fr. Ian Anthony Espartero, OAR, President, Secretariat of Spirituality and Formation, and Vicar of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno. Fourteen (14) candidates from the different chapters made their Promises before the superior and the members of the OAR community. Fr. Ian Anthony Espartero, OAR, accepted their Promises as a Secular Augustinian Recollect, declared them members of the SARF and children of the Augustinian Recollect family in the name and place of OAR Prior General, Very Rev. Fr. Miguel Miro, OAR.  On the other hand, twenty (20) candidates transitioned from Pre-trial to the Trial period. They were admitted by Bro. Edwin T. Ruiz, SARF National President.  

The two hundred sixty-four (264) delegates were welcomed by Sr. Damie Tafalla, AR, Superior of Colegio de Santa Rosa.  A welcome message was given by Rev. Fr. Rene Paglinawan, OAR, the (very supportive) Spiritual Adviser of SARF OLPGV, the host chapter. The guest speaker was Rev. Jovy Gallego, OAR. He gave a talk on the reunion’s theme “SARF kalakbay ng Birheng Maria sa Paglalakbay ng Kabataan”.   Fray Jovy enjoined everyone to share in solving suicide among the youth by journeying with them, giving them time and listening to them.

The participating chapters were requested to prepare a presentation based on a Marian song. Judging from the quality of the presentations (including the costumes), I think most will agree with me that the presentations this year have improved a lot.  

Congratulations everyone!  SARF Philippines is indeed very much alive and growing.  See you all in San Carlos City next year for the National Convention.

Photos by: Bro. Jessie Bonete, SAR