New Leadership for Recollect Communities in Negros Oriental

NEGROS ORIENTAL, Philippines – On July 25, 2025, three Recollect communities in Negros Oriental welcomed their new local priors in a series of installation rites officiated by Fray Bernard Amparado, Prior Provincial. The ceremonies, held within the intimate settings of each community’s chapel, marked an important moment for the Order of Augustinian Recollects in the region.

Fray Dominador Mercado was installed as the new local prior of Recoletos de Tambo. This community serves the Our Lady of Lourdes Quasi-Parish, nestled in the mountainous barangay of Tambo, about 30 minutes from the national highway. The community gathered to witness Fray Mercado formally accept his responsibilities, pledging to lead with dedication and spiritual guidance in this remote yet vibrant area.

In Recoletos de Valencia, Fray Rouel Sia officially assumed his role as local prior. This community is at the heart of the town of Valencia, Negros Oriental, and serves the Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned and Colegio de San Pedro-Recoletos. His installation was attended by representatives from the Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity, underscoring the strong bond between the friars and their lay collaborators. Their presence highlighted the collaborative spirit within the Recollect family as Fray Sia embarks on his new leadership journey.

Finally, Fray Christopher Gaspar was installed as the local prior of Recoletos de Caidiocan. This community administers the San Pedro Academy-Recoletos, the St. Ezekiel Moreno Quasi Parish, and the San Vicente Ferrer Quasi Parish in Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental. The community welcomed Fray Gaspar with reverence, as he committed to serving the spiritual and material needs of the brothers and the flock under his care, including those in the unique island setting of Apo Island.

Fray Bernard Amparado, the Prior Provincial, presided over each ceremony, emphasizing the importance of servant leadership and the continued commitment of the Recollects to their mission in Negros Oriental. These installations signify a renewed sense of purpose and direction for these three vibrant Recollect communities as they continue their vital work in their respective parishes, schools, and missions.