The Missionary Congress 2024, organized by the Secretariat of Missions and Ministerial Apostolate of the Province of St. Nicholas of Tolentine, brought together local and international missionaries at the Talavera House of Prayer in Cebu City (Philippines). With the theme Embracing the Recollect Missions in the Light of SynodalityThe purpose of the meeting, held on October 14-17, 2024, was to deepen Augustinian Recollect spirituality and strengthen missionary work in community.
With the participation of delegates from Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Saipan and various Recollect educational institutions in the Philippines, the congress focused on synodality as the way to revitalize the missions in a globalized context.
Day 1: Welcome and introduction
The opening day began with a solemn Eucharist presided over by Friar Edgar Tubio, setting the spiritual tone of the event. During the opening ceremony, Friar Anthony Morillo, President of the Secretariat, encouraged the attendees to share their experiences and build a more united and supportive missionary community.
Day 2: Missionary Charism in depth
The second day was dedicated to exploring the Recollect missionary charism. The Prior Provincial, Friar Bernard Amparado, celebrated the morning Mass. 
Ismael Xuruc, General Councilor and President of the General Secretariat for the Missionary Apostolate, gave a keynote address on the missionary mandate of the Order. Fr. Emil Quilatan complemented the theme with a historical analysis of the Order’s missionary efforts, highlighting their impact and legacy.
In the afternoon, moving testimonies of missionaries from different parts of the world highlighted the resilience and commitment required to overcome challenges in the mission field.
Day 3: Strengthening community and pastoral care
The third day focused on community ministry. Edgar Javier, SVD, began the day with a Mass and presented a talk on creativity and humility in missionary work in a globalized world. The group dynamics allowed the participants to reflect and design strategies to revitalize the missionary spirit, emphasizing inclusion and pastoral relevance.
Day 4: Social responsibility and sustainability
The final day focused on the Order’s commitment to social justice and care for the environment. 
Fr. Jaazeal Jakosalem gave an inspiring presentation on the Church’s environmental responsibility, while Fr. Renie Villalino shared practical tools for sustainable fundraising.
A strategic planning workshop, led by Fr. Albert Pellazar, provided participants with resources to foster parish growth and ensure the self-sufficiency of their missions.
Closing with gratitude and fraternity
The congress concluded with a farewell dinner filled with camaraderie, live music and expressions of gratitude. The organizers, led by Fr. Anthony Morillo, received special recognition for their dedication.
The Missionary Congress 2024 not only reinforced the missionary charism of the Order, but also renewed the commitment to Augustinian Recollect values. Inspired and with new tools, the participants returned to their respective missions with a renewed faith and a common purpose to continue their missionary work under the spirit of synodality.
