Recoletos Formators undergo Formation

MIRA NILA Homes, Quezon City – On February 23, 2024, the OAR-AR ‘formators of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno gathered for their annual updating, marking the second year of the Formation of Formators program at the Recoletos Formation Center in Quezon City.

A number of religious participants, primarily those assigned to the formation houses, attended the annual updating sponsored by the Secretariat of Vocation and Initial Formation. Also, participants from the Congregation of the Augustinian Recollect Sisters joined the two-day workshop. The initiative was the result of a collaborative effort arising from the Province’s commitment to respond to the invitation of Mother Church to improve the spiritual accompaniment program among formation centers.

The theme of this workshop was “St. Augustine and the Art of Accompaniment.” Fray Fabian Gomez, OAR, the general-head of the Secretariat of Vocation and Initial Formation, delivered a series of presentations and presented pre-recorded videos to the delegates. Fray Rafael Castillo, OAR, served as the translator and moderator of the event. While the concept of accompaniment has gained popularity through the teachings of Pope Francis, the act of walking with or alongside others has long been ingrained in the tradition of the Church.

The two visiting Recoleto friars shared the spirit of St. Augustine and the Recollection with the participants, showcasing the collaborative efforts of various religious friars and experienced formators involved in the formation apostolate. Group sharing and interactions following each presentation were also productive and fostered collaboration among the participants and moderators.

Last year, the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno launched its first Formation of Formators program, spearheaded by Fray Kenneth Joseph Onda, OAR, the vicar general and provincial head of the Secretariat of Vocation and Initial Formation.

The program has now entered its second year.