27th SARF LUZON REGIONAL REUNION

The Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity (SARF), Recoletos de Provincialate of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish (SNDTP), hosted the 27th SARF Mainland Luzon Annual Regional Reunion last October 24, 2025. The theme of the reunion was Pilgrims of Hope, Journeying Together. More than two hundred fifty (250+) SARF members, together with their Spiritual Advisers, participated.

The morning activities were highlighted by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist in which the main celebrant and homilist was Rev. Fr. Bernard C. Amparado, OAR, Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno.

The Rites of Promise of eighteen (18) new SARF members and the Rites of Admittance to the Trial Period of nineteen (19) candidates, which made the Eucharistic celebration more significant, were performed by Rev. Fr. Amparado, OAR. The new SARF members received their SARF cinctures, pins, and the book, “The Rule of Life “ by St. Augustine, and offered their signed Certificates for New Promised Members at the altar. Then, the OAR priests and the SARF officers welcomed them to the SARF. The candidates admitted to the Trial Period received “The Rule of Life “ and were admonished to remain faithful and steadfast. The morning activities ended with the recitation of the Midday Prayer followed by picture taking.

The nine (9) Spiritual Advisers led their chapters during the Parade of Chapters to the SNDTP covered court, each chapter identified by its banner. As each chapter entered the venue for the afternoon activities, the Masters of Ceremonies, Bro. Jonathan Casino and Sis. Nanette Casino, read a laudatory description specific to the chapter.

While having lunch, the participants were entertained by Sis. Emelie Pandong, SAR with her melodious rendition of popular songs.

Rev. Fr. Ronel P. Gealon, OAR, SARF Provincial Spiritual Adviser, led the Opening Prayer followed by his Welcome Address. Then, he delivered a very inspiring message which centered on “SARF: Pilgrims of Hope. “His message focused on the opportunities and challenges SARF members may encounter as Pilgrims of Hope, Journeying Together.

Bro. Edwin T. Ruiz, SAR, SARF Provincial President, guided the audience to go down the memory lane, cherish the present, and hopefully anticipate the future with his presentation on “SARF through the Years, Living the Present, and Embracing the Future. “He also shared some of the important decisions agreed upon during the meeting he attended in Rome. He informed the participants that there are revisions to improve the Statutes of the SAR which will be disseminated for comments and recommendations of the members.

To set in motion the fellowship activities, an audio-visual presentation of random photos from previous SARF activities was presented. The fellowship consisted of team-building games which encouraged the participation of all team members. The teams consisted of members from the different chapters who were pre-grouped using stratified (based on age group and gender) random sampling. Sis. Ruth Dela Pierre Olino, SAR, the game master, explained the mechanics of each game. The Marshmallow Challenge, Team Writer, Ball Overlay, and Pictorial Challenge were all very challenging games that required teamwork.

It was evident that the players enjoyed and learned from the games.  To eliminate partiality, the SARF de Provincialate members participated only in the last game. In between the games, raffles were conducted and prizes were immediately awarded to the winners.

Certificates of Appreciation and tokens were presented to Rev. Fr. Bernard C. Amparado, OAR; Rev. Fr. Ronel P. Gealon, OAR; Rev. Fr. Leopoldo V. Estioko, OAR; and Bro. Edwin T. Ruiz, SAR in grateful appreciation of their unwavering support to the SARF.

The reunion activities ended with the Closing Remarks delivered by Sis. Zenaida R. Lapuz, SAR, President, SARF de Provincialate Chapter, and the Thanksgiving Prayer led by Rev. Fr. Leopoldo V. Estioko, OAR, Spiritual Adviser for Mainland Luzon.

The success of the event would have not been possible without the cooperation of all SARF de Provincialate officers and members who contributed their talents, resources, efforts, and time. Special appreciation and recognition to Sis. Rosario G. Loza, SAR, the overall Coordinator of the Event, for her relentless efforts to ensure that the celebration was well-organized and executed.

In all of these, to God be the glory.