FORMANDS’ ENCOUNTER Day 1 and 2: Starting a Renewed Hope Together

BAGUIO CITY — Since 1997, the Order of Augustinian Recollects in the Philippines, particularly where the seat of the Province of Saint Ezekiel Moreno is located, has given importance to the presence of its formands—not primarily because of their number, but because of the vital role they play as the future ministers of the Province. Thus, the Formands’ Encounter came to life.

15th OAR FORMANDS’ ENCOUNTER
January 8, 2026 (Thursday), “The Arrival” marked the exciting opening of the event. It was a moment for the seminarians to reunite with familiar faces—co-formands from different communities and various stages of formation. The event formally opened with a presentation by the CaReS RecoDance Group together with RAY Baguio.

Fr. Lauro V. Larlar, OAR, Prior of the CaReS community, formally welcomed the formands, emphasizing the importance of rest—“not sleeping throughout the entire event”—in the spirit of St. Augustine’s time in Casiciacum with his family and friends.

The Chairman of this year’s Formands’ Encounter, Fray Francis Cabalida, OAR, officially opened the program with a brief sharing on how the encounter began from the simple appreciation of the pioneers, despite uncertainties regarding its success. On the same evening, the “Ten Commandments” or house rules were introduced and implemented, remaining in effect throughout the event.

In total, 93 formands from the aspirancy, postulancy, pre-novitiate, novitiate, and theologate registered on this day.

On the following day, January 9, the praying of the Office of Readings and Lauds set the disposition of everyone. This was held at the seminary’s mini-theatre.

Fr. Lauro V. Larlar, OAR, presided over the first Mass of this year’s encounter in honor of the Feast of the Black Nazarene. “Trusting God in suffering” served as the central theme of his homily, as he reminded the formands of their shared journey—encountering one another and the Lord amid the challenges of today’s world.

He added that such trust “should not remain within oneself, but must lead to love—a love that is obliged to bear fruit, just as the Cross of Christ did.” This emphasized the importance of examining and purifying the formands’ motives as they continue walking toward religious life.

The first talk, facilitated by the Vicar Provincial, Fr. Kenneth Onda, OAR, primarily centered on the state of formation across the different stages. He emphasized the proposed formation manual entitled REDI AD COR ET INDE AD DEUM, a recent fruit of the collective labor of the Augustinian Recollect Fathers—particularly the formators—which is still undergoing revision and experimentation.

He pointed out that “Formation is the primary apostolate of the Order,” emphasizing that it is through formation that religious are shaped and strengthened throughout their vocational journey. He further stated that “Augustinian Recollect formation is primarily directed toward forming a religious; the priesthood, by all means, is secondary.”

The Convivencia, or small-group sharing, was held in the afternoon, during which participants reflected together on the insights shared by the Vicar Provincial. The entire community also gathered for a Holy Hour for Augustinian Recollect vocations, praying that more faithful may be inspired and called to this way of life.

The day concluded with a fraternal bonding activity held at the seminary façade, where each community presented a short and creative introduction. This fostered deeper relationships among the co-formands and strengthened their sense of fraternity.