On February 10, Msgr. John Du, bishop of Dumaguete diocese (Negros Oriental) was the main celebrant during the Eucharistic celebration. In his homily he praised the apostolic labour of the Recollects in his diocese and he challenged them to a new wave of reform especially in the area of poverty, wherein he said, "poverty is the true wealth of the Church because it is a declaration of the true worth of things…the world is passing away but the love of God remains forever".
Around 8:30 in the morning at the Chapter hall, after chanting the Veni Creator Spiritus hymn, Fr. Javier Guerra, Prior General and President of the Chapter, officially opened the sessions with his message. After this, a team of tellers were elected: Frs. Leonardo Pauligue and Manuel Lipardo with Bro. Raymund Alcedo. It was followed by the election of Chapter Council with Fr Guerra as president together with Fr. Lauro Larlar as first moderator; Fr. Rene Paglinawan, second moderator, Fr. Regino Bangcaya, secretary and Fr. Emeterio Bunao as counsellor.
In the afternoon session of february 10, Fr. Lauro Larlar reported on the status of the Province underscoring the important matters which he thought were of interest to the body. There were interesting interventions and clarifications from the Chapter fathers. The following day was devoted to the reports of the secretariats of spirituality (Fr. Regino Bangcaya) and of formation (Fr. Leander Barrot).
One meeting of the provincial chapter of St. Ezequiel Moreno. Bishop of Manila
In the morning of February 13, Thursday, Msgr. Teodoro Bacani, bishop emeritus of Novaliches was with the chapter delegates. In his homily he emphasized the importance of prayer and in his two conferences he challenged them to see the signs of the times of the present society and the Church in the Philippines as a kind of kairos for our OAR charism. The Church in the Philippines has a vision for itself, enunciated in the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines, as a Community of Christ's disciples and as a Church for the poor, wherein she aspires to achieve this vision through a renewed integral evangelization. The Recollects, with the contemplative, communitarian and apostolic charism have a very important role in obtaining such vision-mission.
Various reports were made in the afternoon of that same day, February 13. There were the reports on vocation promotion (Fr. Albert Pellazar), the pastoral ministry (Fr. Paul Dacanay), mission ministry (Fr. Raul Buhay), educational apostolate (Fr. Raul Buhay) and the economy (Fr. Leopoldo Estioko).
The information phase ended with one session on Saturday afternoon, February 14. As a continuation, Fr. Larlar explained the proceedings in the commission phase with some elaboration from the Fr. President. Even though there is free time every afternoon to do some sports activities, yet this weekend everybody preferred to rest, make some visits or going back to their ministry for Sunday masses.
The Religious, nuns, Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity are one with the Chapter delegates in their prayers and messages of support sent through fax, email or SMS messages. We thank all of you!