Five Young Augustinian Recollects Renew Spirit and Vocation at Formation Program in Italy

“…Lo que hemos compartido me ha abierto los ojos y me ha preparado para regresar a Filipinas como una mejor versión de mí mismo, renovado como Agustino Recoleto,” (“…what we have shared has opened my eyes and prepared me to return to the Philippines as a better version of myself, renewed as an Augustinian Recollect”) reflected Fray Julius James T. Tinapao, OAR, during a sharing session at the Permanent Formation Program held in Morlupo, Italy, from September 22 to October 14, 2025.

The event, organized by the Order of Augustinian Recollects (OAR), gathered young religious from
various countries—including Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Brazil, Venezuela, Nigeria, and the Philippines—representing a wide range of ministries. Fray James Erold Gatinao, OAR expressed that: “This gathering of young OAR religious from various parts of the world is meaningful to me in many ways. One of the most significant aspects is that it allows me to truly connect with the broader Augustinian Recollect community beyond our home country. As a result, my perspective as an Augustinian Recollect has greatly expanded.” Its goal was to deepen their understanding and lived experience of Augustinian Recollect spirituality. The program served as both a spiritual renewal and a platform for personal growth and communal discernment, reflecting the Order’s firm commitment to ongoing formation.

This intensive, three-week formation included a rich variety of workshops and formative experiences designed to foster holistic development—spiritual, psychological, and pastoral. The key components were:

1. Workshop on Human Dynamics – Led by Erika and Oscar of Instituto Newman, Mexico, this session examined anthropological and psychological forces that influence vocational growth.
2. Charismatic Dynamics and Dimensions – Facilitated by Fray Francisco Javier Monroy, OAR, this workshop explored the human, psychological, and spiritual elements that shape religious life.
3. Spiritual Retreat – Provided time for personal reflection, integration, and prayer.
4. Jubilee of Consecrated Life – Celebrated the gift of vocation in unity with the whole Catholic Church.
5. Integration: Shaping My Present – Conducted by Fray Alfonso Lomelí, OAR, this session helped participants reflect on their present reality and vocational journey.
6. Augustinian Pilgrimage – Took participants to significant places tied to Augustinian heritage, fostering deeper communion with the Order’s roots.

Five Participants of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno came from a variety of pastoral assignments:
Fray Ricky John A. Austria, OAR – Formator, Baguio City
Fray Julius James T. Tinapao, OAR – Vice-Prior/ School Administrator, Cavite City
Fray Benjamin Monday Edobor, OAR – School Administrator, San Carlos City
Fray Ivan C. Cuison, OAR – Parish Administrator, Palawan
Fray James Erold P. Gatinao, OAR – Missionary, Vietnam
Fray Jhoben M. Rodriguez, OAR – Missionary/ Parish Priest, Cuba

Their involvement reflects the geographic and ministerial diversity of the Province—spanning educational institutions, parishes, and missionary territories. Also present was Fray Jerik Siozon, OAR.