Ardent Hearts Unite: SARF Palawan’s Second Regional Annual Reunion celebrates “Communion: Our Mission”

OCTOBER 12, 2024 – The halls of St. Ezekiel Moreno Spirituality and Development Center in Puerto Princesa City were furnished with fellowship and faith, as 84 active members gathered for the 2nd SARF Palawan Regional Annual Reunion. Four chapters from across the region—Sacred Heart of Jesus High School (Brooke’s Point), Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish (Inagawan), St. Ezekiel Moreno Spirituality Development Center (Puerto Princesa), and San Isidro Parish (Casian, Taytay)—joined together in this 1-day culminating celebration of this year’s theme, “Communion: Our Mission.”

The day was marked by several significant moments, including the admission of 13 new aspirants to their trial period. Fray Kenneth Joseph L. Onda, OAR, Vicar Provincial of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno, presided over a concelebrated Eucharistic Mass, along with several spiritual advisers from each chapter and other OAR priests.

The presence of the SARF provincial council, Bro. Edwin T. Ruiz, SAR (SARF provincial president), Sis Marwin M. Oane, SAR (SARF provincial secretary), and Sis Miriam S. Ruiz, SAR (president of SARF de SEMoNoRe Chapter, Antipolo), was gratefully acknowledged for not only overseeing the activity but actively participating throughout the day.

With the guidance and the initiatives of the SARF Palawan Regional Spiritual Adviser Fray Paulino Dacanay, OAR, the clusters took an innovative approach to fostering unity and embracing synodality. Sis. Estelita de la Cruz from the City Planning Office also helped facilitate team-building activities that divided participants into six groups, each engaging in interactive games designed to strengthen bonds, develop collective problem-solving skills, and enhance familiarity between members.

The day’s activities went beyond mere socializing, becoming a true celebration of diversity. Members from various backgrounds shared their talents and physical prowess, developing a deeper sense of belonging through collaborative challenges. As participants left the activity hall with smiles, it was clear that God’s love had touched their hearts through this shared experience.

The gathering not only achieved its goal of promoting camaraderie but also reinforced the power of communion in carrying out God’s work. Through shared activities, prayer, and fellowship, participants experienced firsthand how unity in faith strengthens both individual spirituality and collective mission. As written in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ” Two are better than one… If the one falls, the other will help the fallen one.” This scripture passage came to life as the SARF community demonstrated that successful teamwork stems from many hands working with one mind focused on God. The reunion reinforced a fundamental truth: when pursued with one heart, one mind, one soul, and great love, our mission to serve God becomes purposeful, love-bound, and fruitful. Amen.

written by: Bro. Jun Cariño, SAR