SARF Luzon Chapter Celebrates Reunion

URBIZTONDO, Pangasinan-After years of lockdowns and virtual gatherings, this year’s Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity (SARF) 25^th Luzon Annual Reunion finally happened face to face last October 22-23, 2022 at Our Lady of the Visitation Parish in Pasibe East, Urbiztondo, Pangasinan. What was so exciting about this event was that it set a very first in SARF’s history. It set to have the greatest number of participants 170, the greatest number of those who made their “promise” 38, it produced the very first batch of SARF of the Recoletos de Pangasinan community 13 and there was the complete attendance of all the Spiritual Directors from Luzon Chapters.

In the afternoon of first day, Fray Samson Silloriquez, OAR, gave a conference to the participants on “The Role of the SARF in the Society” and Fr. Dennis Castillo the Provincial President of SARF gave a message on the Synod. The Holy Mass in honor of St. Magdalene of Nagasaki, the patron saint of the Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity followed after the conference.  The afternoon’s affair went on with a cultural show presented by the Recollect Augustinian Youth (RAY) while a sumptuous dinner was being served at the covered court of Urbiztondo National High School. After the dinner and the cultural show, the participants went to their respective hotels where they spent the night.

In the morning of the second day, the participants gathered at St. Ezekiel Moreno Chapel in Bayoyong, Basista, for the procession with the image of St. Magdalene of Nagsaki to Our Lady of the Visitation Parish church which is more or less a kilometer away. Then, followed the common recitation of the Lauds before the Concelebrated Mass. Fray Bernard Amparado, OAR, the Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno was the main celebrant and homilist. Within the mass was the Rites of Promise of 38 candidates and Acceptance of 23 Aspirants from the different chapters.

After the mass, a delectable lunch was served once again at the covered court of Urbiztondo National High School. There was a musical and variety show which showcased the talents of the different SARF chapters. Some danced, some sing, while some showed their acting prowess. After all have been said and done, the closing remarks was delivered by Bro Edwin Ruiz, SARF Provincial President and the closing prayer by Fray Dionisio Selma, OAR. Everybody enjoyed the reunion and are hoping to have it again next year.