Fray Dacanay Installed as Local Prior of Recoletos de Laray

Laray, Talisay City, Cebu – In a familiar yet significant ceremony held in the morning of July 15, 2025, Fray Paulino Dacanay, OAR, was officially installed as the Local Prior of Recoletos de Laray. The installation, presided over by the Prior Provincial, Fray Bernard Amparado, OAR, took place in the community chapel just before the praying of the Midday Prayer.

This appointment marks a return to leadership for Fray Dacanay within the Laray community. He previously served in the same capacity during the triennium of 2015-2018, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the community’s needs and aspirations to his renewed role.

The installation ceremony, while simple, carried a deep meaning for the Recoletos de Laray community. Fray Amparado, in his homily, emphasized the importance of servant leadership and the responsibilities entrusted to Fray Dacanay in guiding the friars and fostering the spiritual growth of the community.

The Recoletos de Laray community holds a significant pastoral responsibility in the Archdiocese of Cebu, administering two distinct parish communities: the Our Lady of Consolation Parish-Recoletos and the St. Augustine of Hippo Quasi-Parish. Fray Dacanay, together with the members of the community, namely, Fray Urbano Galanino Jr, Fray Cirilo Andan, Fray Francisco Antonio, and Fray Sir Michael Dineros, plays an imporant role in overseeing the spiritual and administrative needs of these vibrant communities, ensuring the continued delivery of pastoral care and evangelization efforts.

Following the installation rites, the community proceeded with the Midday Prayer, a fitting conclusion to a ceremony that reaffirmed their spiritual foundation and welcomed their returning leader.

Fray Dacanay’s re-appointment as Local Prior is anticipated to bring stability and continuity to Recoletos de Laray. His prior experience in the position, coupled with his ongoing dedication to the Augustinian Recollect charism, will undoubtedly contribute to the flourishing of the community and its ongoing service to the wider Church. The friars of Recoletos de Laray look forward to journeying with Fray Dacanay as he once again leads them in their communal life and apostolate.