RFC Coristas renew Vows amidst pandemic

Mira-Nila Homes QUEZON CITY–“Your renewal of your religious consecration tonight, dear brothers, appears irrational to many people who cannot understand the vowed life that you have personally embraced in your lives,” said Fray Ian Anthony R. Espartero, OAR, Vicar of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno, to the ten simply professed friars who renewed their vows last June 25, 2020 at St. Thomas of Villanova Chapel, Recoletos Formation Center.

After almost two weeks of no communal activities, except the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, due to on-doing community quarantine, the community was gathered for the Rite of the Renewal of Vows which took place after the community Rosary and Vespers. Fray Espartero, OAR was delegated by the Prior Provincial to accept the vows of the brothers and with him as witnesses were Fray Lauro V. Larlar, OAR, Seminary Rector and Fray Kenneth Joseph L. Onda, OAR, Master of the professed.

Fray Espartero, OAR explained that evangelical counsels can only be appreciated if they are seen in their transcendental value: “Religious life does not make sense unless God is the first point of reference in our life and apostolate. Unless God and His kingdom are our primary and immediate concerns, we cannot prosper in our religious life.”

The Simply Professed religious who renewed their vows are the following:
•Fray Neil Robert M. Alilain, OAR
•Fray Helfrid D. Palmis, OAR
•Fray Jose Enrico V. Gallego, OAR
•Fray Rey Jay Y. Quevedo, OAR
•Fray Renz Calex C. Soriano, OAR
•Fray Jhoben M. Rodriguez, OAR
•Fray Ricky John A. Austria, OAR
•Fray Ivan C. Cuison, OAR
•Fray Jhyryx Vincent F. Gamulo, OAR
•Fray James Erold P. Gatinao, OAR

The Vicar of the Province challenged the 10 newly renewed friars: “We draw our existence and relevance in the radical witness of our vowed lives. It is the ability to encourage others like the critical yeast during this trying time. We are called in the church to become the agents and prime movers its transformation and renewal, discovering the cutting edges and welcoming new possibilities. We are to inspire and to keep the fire of the Gospel burning brightly in the hearts of men and women with care, commitment and love.”