Fray Michael Catama, OAR, Installed as New Local Prior of Recoletos de Hinatuan

HINATUAN, SURIGAO DEL SUR — The Recoletos de Hinatuan community officially welcomed its new local prior, Fray Michael Catama, OAR, in an installation rite held on the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

Integrated into the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the solemn rite marked a significant new chapter for the friars administering the Nuestra Señora del Carmen Parish.

Fray Bernard Amparado, OAR, the Prior Provincial, presided over the ceremony and delivered the homily that connected the day’s feast to the installation. He reflected on the Transfiguration, where the Heavenly Father commanded Peter, James, and John to “listen to him,” referring to Jesus. In a parallel message, Fray Amparado invited the religious community and parishioners to “listen to the voice” of the new local prior, Fray Catama, as he takes on his role of leadership and guidance.

The rite included the official reading of the letter of appointment, followed by Fray Catama’s profession of faith and the gesture of welcome from the members of the community. The church was filled with parishioners of Nuestra Señora del Carmen Parish, all of whom were eager to welcome their new leader.

Fray Catama is no stranger to pastoral leadership, and his appointment as local prior gives him the responsibility of overseeing the spiritual and administrative life of the Hinatuan community. He will be working closely with Fray Mark Saludes, OAR, the parish priest, and Fray Virgilio Calalang Jr., OAR, the parochial vicar, to continue the Augustinian Recollect mission. With his new leadership, the friars and people of Hinatuan look forward to a period of continued spiritual growth and a deeper commitment to the mission of sharing Christ’s love with all.