Recoletos de Balamban welcomes new Local Prior

BALAMBAN, Cebu – Fray Jay Parilla was officially installed as the new Local Prior of Recoletos de Balamban on July 17, 2025. The installation rite took place at the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Balamban convent chapel, just before the community gathered for Midday Prayers. The Recoletos de Balamban community is dedicated to serving the USJ-R Balamban Campus, providing spiritual and pastoral care to the academic institution.

The solemn ceremony was presided over by Fr. Bernard Amparado, Prior Provincial, who formally installed Fray Parilla into his new leadership role. In his homily, Fray Amparado emphasized the significant responsibilities of a prior, drawing from the OAR Constitutions. He expounded on the prior’s crucial role in fostering community life, guiding spiritual formation, and ensuring the faithful observance of the order’s charism and rules, particularly in the context of their mission at the Balamban Campus.

Following the homily and the reading of the official appointment letter, Fray Parilla formally accepted the role of local prior by the Profession of Faith, publicly affirming his commitment to the Church and the Augustinian Recollect way of life. Witnessing the installation were members of the Recoletos de Balamban community: Fray Raul Buhay and Fray Alexus Mansueto.

The appointment marks a new chapter for the Recoletos de Balamban community under Fray Parilla’s guidance, with a renewed focus on both the principles outlined in the OAR Constitutions and their vital service to the USJ-R Balamban Campus.