The 20th SARF Visayas Regional Annual Reunion: Coming Together is the Beginning. Staying Together is Progress. Working Together is Success.

The 20th SARF Visayas Regional Annual Reunion, themed “COMMUNION: OUR MISSION,” took place on October 26-27, 2024, at the Bethel Guest House in Dumaguete City. 115 delegates from the six Visayas chapters and their respective spiritual advisers attended the event.

The opening program on the first day featured welcome greetings from Sis. Fe Violeta B. Taring, SARF Provincial Vice-President for Visayas, and Rev. Fr. Ferdinand V. Fornilos, OAR, Spiritual Adviser for the SARF de OLAP Chapter in Valencia. Rev. Leonardo P. Pauligue, OAR, SARF Negros Regional Spiritual Adviser and Spiritual Adviser for San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish in Talisay, Negros Occidental, presented an overview of the theme “COMMUNION: OUR MISSION.”

Several distinguished guests graced the gathering, including Rev. Fr. Kenneth Joseph L. Onda, OAR, Vicar Provincial of the Order of the Augustinian Recollects, Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno; Rev. Fr. Jose Prudencio G. Castillo, OAR, SARF Provincial Spiritual Adviser; Bro. Edwin T. Ruiz, SAR, Brother General and SARF Provincial President, delivered a special message during the opening program; Sis. Marwin M. Oane, SARF Provincial Secretary; and Sis. Miriam Ruiz, SAR, President of the Antipolo Chapter.

Following the opening program, a Eucharistic Celebration was held, with Rev. Fr. Ferdinand V. Fornilos, OAR, Prior of the Valencia Community, serving as the main celebrant. The provincial spiritual adviser of SARF and the chapter spiritual advisers joined in the concelebration. The CST-R Chapter led the mid-day prayer before the lunch break. The afternoon activities included an “Unfreezing” session to engage participants.

Rev. Fr. Jose Prudencio G. Castillo, OAR, shared insights on “Servant Leadership,” emphasizing the philosophy of serving others rather than seeking power. He highlighted the importance of understanding team members’ strengths and weaknesses, providing real-life examples to illustrate servant leadership principles.

Sister Fe Violeta B. Taring, SARF Provincial Vice-President for Visayas, presented the first talk, “The Leadership Challenge.” She began with an icebreaker and an action song set to “A Kind of Hush,” which the participants thoroughly enjoyed. Sister Taring discussed the five practices of exemplary leaders, the significance of team development, and fostering fraternity synergy. Participants actively engaged with the challenges and shared valuable insights afterward. A fellowship dinner followed the Angelus/Evening Prayer.

The evening social featured the Search for MISS SARF VISAYAS REGIONAL ANNUAL REUNION 2024. Five candidates represented Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Our Lady of Consolation Parish, Colegio de Sto. Tomas-Recoletos, San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish, and Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish. The panel of judges included Rev. Fr. Dennis G. Castillo, OAR; Rev. Fr. Kenneth Joseph L. Onda, OAR; and Sis. Marwin M. Oane, SAR.

Sis. Gwendolyn E. Bolaron, SAR, from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, won Best in Gown, Best in Talent, and Best Speaker. The major awards were as follows:

• 4th Runner-Up: Sis. Leah D. Espacio, San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish, Talisay, Negros Occidental

• 3rd Runner-Up: Sis. Nenita Badanan, Our Lady of Consolation Parish, Laray, Cebu

• 2nd Runner-Up: Sis. Bernarda I. Villa, Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish, Valencia

• 1st Runner-Up: Sis. Janet J. Palencia, Colegio de Sto. Tomas-Recoletos, San Carlos City

MISS SARF VISAYAS REGIONAL ANNUAL REUNION 2024: Sis. Gwendolyn E. Bolaron, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Cebu City

On Sunday, October 27, 2024, the day began with the Prayer-Liturgy of the Hours, followed by breakfast. After announcements and reminders, including a scheduled practice for the Rites of Admittance in the conference hall, some participants checked out to visit the “Chada Valencia Plaza Sunday Market.”

The Holy Eucharist and Rites of Admittance for the Trial Period and Promised Members were celebrated at Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish Church. Rev. Fr. Kenneth Joseph L. Onda, OAR, served as the main celebrant, with chapter spiritual advisers as co-celebrants. Certificates of Appreciation and Participation were awarded to the main celebrant and delegates through their chapter spiritual advisers and chapter presidents. A luncheon at the Colegio de San Pedro-Recoletos Gym concluded the event.

Everything began well and ended well! TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!