Fray Ian Anthony Espartero Reappointed as Local Prior of Recoletos de Miranila

QUEZON CITY, Metro Manila – Fray Ian Anthony R. Espartero, OAR, was formally reappointed as the Local Prior of the Recoletos de Miranila community. The “Toma de Posesión” (taking of possession) ceremony was held earlier this evening, July 4, 2025, during the praying of Vespers at the seminary chapel. This event marks a continued period of leadership for the Augustinian Recollects in this important center, which not only includes formation houses but also a vibrant parish.

The reappointment signifies the ongoing trust and confidence placed in Fr. Espartero’s leadership by the Augustinian Recollect Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno. As Local Prior, Fr. Espartero is entrusted with the spiritual and administrative well-being of the entire Recoletos de Miranila complex. This expansive community encompasses the Recoletos Formation Center (RFC), the Recoletos School of Theology (RST), and the Our Lady of Consolation Parish.

The solemn “Toma de Posesión” rite was integrated within the evening prayer of Vespers, lending a deep spiritual dimension to the formal installation. Fray Bernard C. Amparado, OAR, the Prior Provincial, presided over the installation rite.

During the ceremony, Fray Robin Ross Plata, Provincial Secretary, formally presented the official Patente (appointment letter). This document, bearing the signatures of the Prior General and the Provincial Secretary, formally ratified Fr. Espartero’s reappointment.

Following the reading of the Patente, Fray Espartero, before the Prior Provincial and the assembled community of friars, recited the Professio Fidei (Profession of Faith). This act publicly affirmed his unwavering commitment to the doctrines of the Church and the unique charism of the Augustinian Recollect Order. He then formally signed the Profession of Faith. The ceremony concluded with a fraternal embrace, symbolizing the community’s obedience and support for their reappointed prior.

The installation was well-attended, particularly by the formators and formands of the Recoletos Formation Center, highlighting the communal nature of this appointment and its direct impact on the formation program within Miranila.

In his reflection, Fray Amparado reiterated that the role of a Local Prior within the Augustinian Recollects is very important. He is to serve as the “first among equals,” primarily responsible for fostering a vibrant spirit of fraternal life in Christ within the community. This involves organizing and encouraging the religious, ensuring faithful adherence to the Order’s Constitutions, and providing vital guidance in their spiritual and intellectual formation, particularly for the seminarians and students at the Recoletos Formation Center and the Recoletos School of Theology.

Fr. Espartero’s continued leadership is seen as highly beneficial for the Recoletos de Miranila community, given his prior experience in the role and his deep dedication to the Augustinian Recollect way of life.

Notably, he holds the distinction of being the first prior of the RFC Community who is himself a product of the same institution, a testament to his profound connection and understanding of the formation program.

Under Fr. Espartero’s renewed guidance, the Recoletos de Miranila community will continue its vital mission of nurturing vocations and contributing to the comprehensive spiritual and intellectual formation of young Augustinian Recollect friars, while also providing dedicated pastoral care to the parishioners of Our Lady of Consolation, thereby serving the broader Church and society.