Last April 7, the course of renewal in Asia started with 39 participants. There are other 25 religious who attended the first week for their annual retreat and 5 simple professed religious who are preparing for their solemn profession.
At the opening, the Eucharistic celebration was presided by the Salesian bishop of Kabangkalan (Island of Negros Occidental), Msgr. Patricio Buzon. Cardinal Vidal of Cebu could not be present due to an urgent trip to Rome.
God is love
The central theme of the renewal course is DEUS CARITAS EST, a challenge for each Augustinian Recollect, inspired by the Encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI. All the speakers of the course are Augustinian Recollects except for Father Michael McGuire (MSSC), Father Eusebio Berdon (OSA) and Father James Kroeger (MM).
In the evening, the retreat has started under the direction of Father James Ferry, MM, vicar for religious of the Archdiocese of Manila.