SARF Luzon Chapter holds Regional Gathering
URBIZTONDO — Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity (SARF) Luzon Chapter holds 2-day Regional Gathering last October 22-23, 2022 at Our Lady of the Visitation Urbiztondo, Pangasinan, with the theme, “Journeying Together: One Mind, One Heart, One Family.”
The said event is the first face-to-face gathering of the chapter after two years of holding the previous assemblies virtually. The two-day gathering is attended by the different SARF chapters from the island of Luzon.
“May this gathering inspire more young people and old lay people to help us spread the Gospel for the salvation of all souls,” said Rev. Fr. Nestor Raras, OAR, assistant parish priest of the host parish, as he welcomed the 172 delegates in his opening message.
“As we journey together, we may have the courage to embrace the cross of Christ, and always remain faithful to our vows and our vocation, so that we may serve God faithfully,” he added.
The 172 delegates are from the different local chapters of Luzon which are as follows:
- St. Ezekiel Moreno Novitiate Recoletos Chapter from Antipolo City, Rizal
- St. Nicholas de Tolentino Parish Chapter from Quezon City
- Our Lady of Consolation Parish Chapter from Quezon City
- Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Chapter from Manila City
- San Sebastian de Cavite Chapter from Cavite City
- Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish Chapter from Tondo, Manila
- Casiciaco Recoletos Seminary Chapter from Baguio City
- Our Lady of the Visitation Parish from Urbiztondo Pangasinan.
First Day-October 22, 2022
After the registration, the delegates gathered at the Our Lady of the Visitation Parish for the opening program followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with the integrated Vespers.
Rev. Fr. Samson Silloriquez, OAR, parish priest of the host parish is the main celebrant of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, concelebrated by the Recollect priest spiritual directors of the different chapters.
“Bloody martyrdom is not already common,” said Fr. Silloriquez relating to the passion of St. Magdalene of Nagasaki, who died as a martyr.
Fr. Silloriquez said that imitating St. Magdalene does not mean to die like her, rather to take into heart the invitation of Jesus Christ “take up your cross, and follow me.”
“Imitating St. Magdalene of Nagasaki, we need to bear the realities of our daily life, by understanding, forgiving, and loving the people around us.” he added.
The delegates went to the nearby Urbiztondo National Highschool for dinner where they were entertained by the member of the Recollect Augustinian Youth (RAY) Urbiztondo chapter with the different cultural presentations.
Second Day- October 23, 2022
The second day started with a procession in honor of St. Magdalene of Nagasaki, which started from the St. Ezekiel Moreno Chapel towards the parish for the praying of the Lauds.
This year, the SARF Luzon Chapter witnessed the promise of 39 new full-fledged members of the tertiary, who for a year, attended modular classes on the different topics on spirituality of the Order of Augustinian Recollects, Recollects saints, Recollect History, etc. On the same day, 28 new members are received for the pre-trial period, who would undergo the same formation classes in preparation for next year.
Rev. Fr. Bernard C. Amparado, OAR, the prior provincial of the Order of the Augustinian Recollects, celebrated the Holy Eucharist, who in his homily, challenged the new members of the tertiary to continue their struggle while being in the world.
“In whatever context you may find yourselves in exercise charity, render service to the people in the style of St. Augustine,” said Fr. Amparado.
After the sermon, the Provincial blessed the pins and cincture of the newly-promised member of the SARF, Bro. Edwin Ruiz, SAR, the Brother Provincial of the SARF Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno, accepted the new members.
The celebration continued to the nearby National High school for the lunch and closing program.