The Secular Augustinian Recollect Augustinian Recollect Fraternity (FSAR, or SARF in English) of the Luzon Region (Philippines) held its 16th annual regional meeting this weekend at the Recollect Formation Center in Mira Nila Homes, Quezon City. The meeting brought together 248 delegates from eight fraternities of Luzon, who, together with their spiritual directors, shared an experience full of prayer, celebration and, above all, fraternity.
The day began with morning prayer and a Mass in honor of St. Magdalene of Nagasaki, patroness and spiritual sister of the Fraternity. In fact, the annual meeting of the FSAR Luzon is traditionally held around the date of her feast, October 20, as a reminder of her example of dedication and commitment.
Renewal of pledges and welcoming new members
In addition to strengthening fraternal bonds, this annual event allowed the fraternity to welcome new members: 29 pre-probation candidates, who will begin a year of formation, and 41 new members who made the formal promise to live the spirituality of the FSAR. The Mass was presided by the Prior Provincial, Fr. Bernard C. AmparadoThe ceremony was attended by the Bishop, who, together with other priests and representatives, accompanied the signing of promises at the altar.
“Communion is our mission.”
This year, the meeting focused on the theme “Communion is our mission”, in tune with the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno. The president of the fraternity, Marielou Aventajado, stressed the importance of unity in the mission of the FSAR and invited those present to renew their commitment to witness the love of Christ in the world: We are one in Christ. We belong to Him because we belong to each other.
Fraternal celebration and integration activities
There was also time to participate in various team activities, games and presentations. The host fraternity gave a retro touch to the afternoon with a performance to the rhythm of ‘September’. The event concluded with a prayer of thanksgiving and, as the organizers expressed, with the joy of having gathered in communion and under the inspiration of the Augustinian Recollect charism.
