"Moved by the Spirit" from a historian's perspective

Modesto Sao-noy•December 6, 2019

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Note: This is the complete text of Prof. Modesto Sao-noy’s review about the Album of Religious and Communites “Moved by the Spirit” delivered during the book launch of the said publication on the occasion of the 21st founding anniversary of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno last November 28, 2019.

This is the title of a book that I had the pleasure of reviewing on invitation of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno of the Augustinian Recollects last November 28. The book was launched at the Provincialate of the Order in Quezon City to commemorate the 21^st year of the foundation of the Province. Heretofore, the Recollects in the Philippines belonged to the Province of San Nicolas de Tolentino with houses, parishes, schools, formation institutes, hospitals and many other institutes of apostolic work all over the world.

After the decision in 1588 of the Augustinian Province of Castile, the Augustinian Recollects became a separate province to live a more austere life in 1602. The first Recollect missionaries came to the Philippines in 1606 and to Negros in 1626. They left ten years later after an exchange of mission territory but returned to Negros in 1848 and remained here since then.

The young Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno, however, has centuries of experience and missionary work that even today it has institutions and members in the continents of Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Pacific which includes missions to Guam, Marianas and Indonesia. The Philippines has the largest number of their institutions, understandably because of their long stay in this country.

Sadly, many in Negros today are unaware of the great contributions of the Order in our island. Certainly, their parishes and schools in Negros and those who have passed their doorways keep the Recollect name and spirit alive but for others they are just another of the several other religious congregations in Negros.

The Recollects have a special place in our history not only for their pastoral and missionary work but for several others beyond their convents. Of the 31 cities and towns on Occidental Negros, 29 were created by the Recollects or expanded by them. Even the other two, Salvador Benedicto and Hinoba-an were villages that sprung from the works of the Recollect missionaries.

When they arrived in Negros there were only eight towns – the rest were villages or towns that were obliterated or reduced into sitios due to depopulation resulting from Muslim raids that persisted in this island until 1828. The Recollects reassembled, as it were, some of these towns, like Minuluan (now Talisay), Binalbagan and Tukgagwan (now E.B. Magalona) and created villages from scattered evacuees and settlers.

There were no formal schools then but Recollect convents that taught the Catholic faith included secular subjects as reading, writing, and Spanish. They taught agriculture and handicrafts including carpentry and masonry. They introduced many species and varieties of fruits and vegetables and root crops. Even the lowly root crop we call kamoteng kahoy was introduced. Its name is tapioca which is native to South America where the Recollects would pass by on route from Spain to the Philippines.

Of course, the Spanish government and entrepreneurs had their hand in agricultural development as well. The point is that the Recollects did not keep still in their convents preaching but also initiated economic projects that benefitted their faithful.

The most palpable of their agricultural projects was the expansion of the sugarcane cultivation. When they arrived here in 1848, sugar was produced in small quantities. The records show we produced just about 3,000 bags. When the sinamay trade in Panay collapsed, the investors there turned their eyes to Negros for the cultivation of sugarcane. The Iloilo port that opened to international shipping in 1855 created a large demand for sugar for export to England. Investors mainly from the weakening sinamay industry shifted their money to Negros. This is where the Recollect missionaries came in.

The Spanish government had invited immigrants to Negros to develop the island’s wide swath of fertile lands “without owners”. The investors thus called on the parish priests, mainly Recollects (except for Bacolod and Silay as the Filipino priests refused to vacate) and sought their help to find suitable lands.

Fr. Fernando Cuenca of Minuluan who had traversed the island on a government mission knew where the best lands were. The Recollects’ role in the development of the sugar industry did not only involve siting the best lands but also helping improve production and processing.

Most Recollects left after the revolution but “moved by the Spirit” they never left but instead grew exponentially. Appropriately, the Philippines is now their base of evangelization.

Modesto Sao-noy

Historian & Contributor, RecoletosFilipinas.org

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< 2023 >

October

S	M	Tu	W	Th	F	S
1 All day October 1, 2023 26TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME LAUNCHING OF ROSARY MONTH Note to all Local Priors [for the Book of Masses]: After the feast of the Archangels (Sept. 29), “a Mass is to be offered for the living relatives, friends, and benefactors of the Order” (cf. Add. Code 70d) VISIT OF THE IMAGE OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA SALUD TO MANILA CATHEDRAL Time: 8:00 a.m. Presider & Homilist: Prior Provincial BIRTHDAY Bro. Remigio Villahermosa, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	2 All day October 2, 2023 ARSE ANNUAL RETREAT – BATCH 1 (Friars within ages 29-40 years old) Talavera House of Prayer-Recoletos, Cebu City October 2-6, 2023 BOT MEETINGS 1400H SSC-R Manila & Canlubang 1600H SSC-R Cavite & SHSC-R GROUNDBREAKING OF OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL CHURCH SSC-R Canlubang / 9:00 a.m. BIRTHDAY Fray Leonardo Pauligue Sr. Leah Lachica, AR Bro. Mariano Antenor, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Bro. Gerino Lagrada, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) Sis. Ma. Luisa Cabunag, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Costidella Viente, SAR (Valencia Chapter) Sis. Madilene Bongcayao, SAR (Laray Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (2004-2023) Fray Leo Alaras DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Fray Nemesio Tolentin (2021-2023) +Sis. Marlene Gomez, SAR (Tondo Chapter)	3 All day October 3, 2023 START OF THE NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF THE ABANDONED (Valencia, Neg. Oriental) / OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR (Baguio) VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE HINATUAN CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – MINDANAO Venue: OLMCQP – Dugmanon 14TH PROVINCIAL COUNCIL MEETING SSC-R MANILA BOOK FAIR October 3-5, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Teresita Baco, AR Sr. Elyn Joy Olmedo, AR Sis. Ma. Theresa de Leon, SAR (Antipolo Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1987-2023) Fray Bernard Amparado Fray Cristituto Palomar Fray Joseph Granada Fray Jorge Peligro DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Ramona Plaza, AR +Sis. Aurelia Cabrera, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	4 All day October 4, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR OAR VOCATION FIRST SESSION of the 16TH ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY of the SYNOD OF BISHOPS Rome / October 4-29, 2023 VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE LOS ARCOS BIRTHDAY Most Rev. Roberto Gaa (Bishop of Novaliches) Br. Remgie Panghari (aspirant) Sr. Manuela Mandia, AR Sis. Fritz Palma, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sis. Ophelia Caytiles, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sis. Teresita Canaya, SAR (Cebu Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Fray Celestino Cachapero, OAR (2003-2023) +Sis. Felicisima Barangan, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	5 All day October 5, 2023 WORLD TEACHER’S DAY 2023 Theme: “The Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers” BIRTHDAY Br. Wilhelm Ashley Parulan (aspirant) Sr. Miguela Obera, AR Sis. Jesusa Escalona, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Carmen Esnaldo, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) +Sis. Fernando Sanico, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	6 All day October 6, 2023 VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE LARAY VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE BALAMBAN BIRTHDAY Sr. Primitiva Berdejo, AR Sr. Rona Alaza, AR Sis. Violeta Benitez, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Virginia Santos, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Milagros Dineros, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Sis. Gwendolyn Bolaron, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Imelda de la Chica, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter) Sis. Concordia Apenas, SAR (Valencia Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Abelardo Almeida, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) +Bro. Romeo Cañad, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Erlinda Vergara, SAR (Tondo Chapter) +Sis. Emilia Aves, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	7 All day October 7, 2023 RETURN TO USJ-R VIA TOLEDO BIRTHDAY Sr. Juliet Natinga, AR Fray Mc Airel Capinpin (simply prof.) Sis. Rosario Florendo, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Rosalinda Casimiro, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Michael Centeno (RAY-Urbiztondo) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (2006-2023) Fray Henry Santiago Fray Anthony Irineo Fray Russell Lapidez Fray Virgilio Paredes, Jr. DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Margarita Miranda de Santa Monica, AR
8 All day October 8, 2023 27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SOLEMNITY OF THE OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSAY OF LA NAVAL DE MANILA (Diocese of Cubao only) BIRTHDAY Fray Niel Ryan Jarumay Sis. Conchita Antonio, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Rosario Cordova, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Ms. Nestoria “Inday” Bad-an (Sister General of the Order) Marriel Maligalig (RAY-Urbiztondo) Marinela Maligalig (RAY-Urbiztondo)	9 All day October 9, 2023 6th FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY (2017-2023) OF RECOLETOS DE URBIZTONDO (Pangasinan) VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE BACOLOD CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – NEGROS OCCIDENTAL Venue: UNO-R Bacolod BIRTHDAY Br. John Philip Fuderanan (aspirant) Fray Francis Cabalida (simply prof.) Sis. Milagros Mayor, SAR (Tondo Chapter) John Leonard Cabling (RAY-Canlubang) Glorie Lynn Sorgon (RAY-Bacolod) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Aurea Rigonan, SAR (Manila Chapter)	10 All day October 10, 2023 S THOMAS OF VILLANOVA Bishop and Patron of Studies CMSP-SPONSORED WORKSHOP ON SOCIAL COMMUNICATION (Live-out) Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino de Cebu, Cebu City October 10-12, 2023 VISIT TO THE OAR MONASTERY – TANGUB VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE TALISAY BIRTHDAY Most Rev. Raul Dael, DD (Bishop of Tandag) Sr. Ofelia Laspobres, AR Bro. Ulysses Peral, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	11 All day October 11, 2023 ST. POPE JOHN XIII VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE SAN CARLOS (& AR SISTERS – Sta. Rita College, San Carlos) VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE TAMBO REAP STRATEGIC PLANNING Villa San Ezekiel, Pansol, Calamba City October 11-14, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Samuel Eyas Bro. Niño Salenga, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Bro. Elmer Gernan Garcia, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Jhoan Beran, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Flavia Jacobson, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Emalyn del Mundo, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Sis. Emelita Cadague (Miranila Chapter / Trial) Kyla Mei Mendoza (RAY-Urbiztondo)	12 All day October 12, 2023 SOLEMNITY OF OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR TOMA DE HÁBITO Time: 9:00 a.m. / CARES, Baguio City Presider & Homilist: Prior Provincial PATRONAL FIESTA: PARISH OF OUR LADY OF THE ABANDONED Valencia, Negros Oriental Time: 10:00 a.m. Fiesta Mass Presider: Most Rev. Julito Cortes, D.D. VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE CAIDIOCAN BIRTHDAY Sr. Marilyn Gustilo, AR Sr. Bernarditha Barnido, AR Bro. Eduardo Batongbakal, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) Bro. William Villacorta, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Lagrimas Gadayan, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter) Sis. Aparicion de la Victoria, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Mo. Dionisia Mitas de Santa Maria Talangpaz +Sis. Corazon Vosotros, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	13 All day October 13, 2023 COMMEMORATION OF THE DECEASED BENEFACTORS OF THE OAR VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE VALENCIA CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – NEGROS ORIENTAL Venue: POLA, Valencia BIRTHDAY Sis. Gloria Cabahag, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Teresita Fernandez, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	14 All day October 14, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Laura Cabanacan, AR Sr. Rhena Sherra Caranzo, AR Sis. Amelita Yara, SAR (Puerto Princesa Chapter) Sis. Jovelyn Gamban, SAR (Manila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Rosa Silinduran, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Belma Agrava, SAR (Manila Chapter)
15 All day October 15, 2023 28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME BIRTHDAY Sis. Luzviminda Olvina, SAR (Tondo Chapter) Allysha Shin Ferrer (RAY-Urbiztondo) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (2005-2023) Fray Vincent Cadeliña DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Monica de Espiritu Santo, AR +Sr. Herminia B. Limotlimot, AR	16 All day October 16, 2023 WORLD FOOD DAY 2023 As far back as 1945 the United Nations recognized food as not a privilege, but a right, and that’s why they created World Food Day, observed annually on October 16, in 1979. It’s a day of observance to draw attention to the plight of the hungry. So, today, join us in eradicating hunger. 45th ANNIVERSARY (1978-2023) OF THE ELECTION OF POPE JOHN PAUL II CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – PALAWAN Venue: SEMSDC, Puerto Princesa BIRTHDAY Sr. Ma. Pia Pineda, AR Sr. Ma. Linda Peña, AR Sis. Micole Gwen Barnatchea (Antipolo Chapter / Trial) Jhon Paul Dag-um (RAY-Provincialate) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1988-2023) Fray Domingo Saladaga, Jr. Fray William Emilito Villaflor DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Margarita de Sgdo. Corazon de Jesus, AR +Sis. Andrea Savella, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	17 All day October 17, 2023 CEAP NATIONAL CONVENTION 2023 Theme: “Pilgrims of Hope: Exploring Pathways to Synodality” Waterfront Cebu City Hotel October 17-20, 2023 VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE CASIAN (Sandoval Mission Station, Casian Island) BIRTHDAY Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, D.D. (Bishop of Cubao) Sr. Ma. Cirila Uy, AR Sis. Margarita Membrillos, SAR (San Carlos Chapter) Shiela Mae Labadia (RAY-Caidiocan) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Visitacion de San Miguel, AR +Sr. Gabriela Garcines, AR +Sr. Jacinta Mandia Robin, AR +Sis. Norma Discutido, SAR (Talisay Chapter) +Sis. Gerarda Cañet, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	18 All day October 18, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Arnel Diaz Jonel Mendoza (RAY-Miranila) Sis. Luzviminda Suatil, SAR (Inagawan Chapter) Sis. Rosario Hechanova, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Fray Rafael Cabarles (2021-2023) +Sis. Amada San Gabriel, SAR (Tondo Chapter) +Sis. Concorcia Calliza, SAR (Cebu Chapter	19 All day October 19, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR THE SICK Morning: VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE INAGAWAN Afternoon: VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE PLARIDEL RETURN TO SEMSDC VIA AR-NARRA BIRTHDAY Sr. Arlyn Sarmiento, AR Sis. Margarita Ramos, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Mo. Lourdes Eizaguirre, OAR (2021-2023) +Sr. Ma. Virginia Acha, AR +Sis. Lamberta Bustamante, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	20 All day October 20, 2023 ST. MAGDALENE OF NAGASAKI Patroness of the Secular Augustinian Recollects VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE CAVITE BIRTHDAY Fray Ken Oliver Lao Sis. Elnora Palaganas, SAR (Miranila Chapter) Sis. Alemira Awid, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	21 All day October 21, 2023 VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE ANTIPOLO CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – RIZAL Venue: SEMONORE, Antipolo BIRTHDAY Sr. Melanie Baytan, AR Sr. Ma. Lutgarda Cañete, AR Sis. Nilda Jamili, SAR (Bacolod Chapter) Sis. Rizalina Ricaña, SAR (Cebu Chapter)
22 All day October 22, 2023 29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME WORLD MISSION SUNDAY Theme: “Hearts on fire, feet on the move” (cf. Lk. 24:13-35) VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE PILILLA BIRTHDAY Abp. Agustinus Agus, DD (Archdiocese of Pontianak, Indonesia) Fray Edgar Tubio Sr. Teresita Diana, AR Sis. Lourdes Diesta, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Teresita Mapas, SAR (San Carlos Chapter)	23 All day October 23, 2023 CMSP-SPONSORED ONLINE WEBINAR ON A CHURCH SAFE FOR ALL AND CARE OF OUR COMMON HOME October 23-25, 2023 VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE PROVINCIALATE BIRTHDAY Fray Hernando Coja Sr. Herminia Catindig, AR Sis. Milagros Quinaging, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Soledad Felisilda, SAR (Cebu Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1967-2023) Fray Dunstan Huberto Decena DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Aquilina Dacalos, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Azela Kilayko, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	24 All day October 24, 2023 VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE MIRANILA CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – QUEZON CITY Venue: RFC, Miranila SOLEMN PROFESSION OF VOWS OF FRAY JHYRYX VINCENT GAMULO, OAR OLCP Miranila, Q.C. / 6:00 p.m. Officiating Minister: Prior General BIRTHDAY Fray Jose Prudencio Castillo Sis. Maria Fe Bauso, SAR (Cebu Chapter) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1996-2023) Fray Glynn Ortega ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION Most Rev. Julito Cortes, D.D. (Diocese of Dumaguete)	25 All day October 25, 2023 S JOHN STONE, Priest & Martyr VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE MANILA October 25-26, 2023 CLUSTER ASSEMBLY – MANILA CITY Venue: SSC-R Manila BIRTHDAY Sr. Veronica Purto, AR Sis. Evelyn Ortega, SAR (Manila Chapter) Sis. Natividad Pielago, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Emilie Pandong, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Simon Kurt Casupanan (RAY-Cavite) Nestor Tala (RAY-Miranila) ANNIVERSARY OF SIMPLE PROFESSION (1995-2023) Fray Joel Dequilla PRESBYTERAL ANNIVERSARY (1983-2023) Most Rev. Buenaventura Famadico, DD (Diocese of San Pablo) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Rosalinda Lontok, SAR (Manila Chapter) +Sis. Iluminada Coronado, SAR (Cebu Chapter)	26 All day October 26, 2023 BIRTHDAY Fray Dionisio Selma Fray Renie Villalino Sr. Rosalie Ubo, AR Sis. Felicisima Quizon, SAR (Baguio Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Leonora Mercado, AR +Sr. Catalina Ruiz, AR	27 All day October 27, 2023 SARF 14th PROVINCIAL CONVENTION October 27-29, 2023 Host: SARF-BACOLOD CHAPTER Theme: “Our Sacred Journey” Venues: Palmas del Mar Resort and UNO-R VISIT TO RECOLE TOS DE CANLUBANG BIRTHDAY Fray Antonio Limchaypo Sis. Cristina Pascua, SAR (Cebu Chapter) Sis. Ida Acbang (Provincialate Chapter / Trial) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Mo. Presentacion de San Jose, AR +Sr. Martina Labao, AR +Bro. Bibiano Apenas, SAR (Valencia Chapter) +Sis. Nelly Marfil, SAR (Talisay Chapter)	28 All day October 28, 2023 PRAYER INTENTION: FOR OAR MISSION VISIT TO RECOLETOS DE VIETNAM October 28-30, 2023 BIRTHDAY Sr. Jeana Abejuela, AR Sis. Purisima Bayna, SAR (Brooke’s Point Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sis. Josefina Tampus, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Julita Requillo, SAR (Cebu Chapter) +Sis. Rosita Lacao, SAR (Inagawan Chapter)
29 All day October 29, 2023 30TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME BIRTHDAY Sis. Rosario Rosales, SAR (Valencia Chapter) Sis. Ermelinda Jayme, SAR (Valencia Chapter) Sis. Amparao Jiao, SAR (Provincialate Chapter) Catherine Ildefonso (RAY-Urbiztondo) Kristine Ruelo (RAY-Provincialate)	30 All day October 30, 2023 BIRTHDAY Most Rev. Ruperto Santos, D.D. (Bishop of Antipolo) Fray Cristituto Palomar Fray Dominador Mercado Jr. Sr. Lorlie Decir, AR ANNIVERSARY OF PRESBYTERAL ORDINATION (1999-2023) Fray Joel Alve DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Bro. Rogelio Cepe, SAR (Valencia Chapter) +Bro. Reynaldo Cruz, SAR (Provincialate Chapter)	31 All day October 31, 2023 PRIOR GENERAL’S ARRIVAL FROM VIETNAM BIRTHDAY Sis. Luisita Zuela, SAR (Manila Chapter) DEATH ANNIVERSARY +Sr. Albina de la Virgen de Soledad, AR

"Moved by the Spirit" from a historian's perspective

More posts about: Communications, OAR History, Provincial Curia

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Modesto Sao-noy

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