November 28, 2024 marked the official closing of the 25th Anniversary of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno at the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – La Limpia. The celebration concluded with a solemn Mass and a vibrant call for spiritual and community renewal.
The ceremony began with a Eucharist presided by the Archbishop of 
Lingayen-Dagupan, Msgr. Socrates Villegas, accompanied by the Prior Provincial Fr. Bernard C. Amparado and the General Councilor Fr. Javier Francisco Monroy, together with other religious, sisters, priests and laity of the Augustinian Recollect family.
During his homily, Bishop Villegas reflected on the current challenges facing religious and the wider community. He spoke about the impact of the digital world, urging the Recollects to “be an authentic and tangible presence in an increasingly virtual environment.” 
He also stressed the importance of living love and family according to God’s example, “in a time when these notions are constantly being redefined.” In addition, he warned about the dangers of populism that prioritizes the popular over the transcendental, recalling that “true community life can only flourish when God is at the center.” He invited those present to be “truly human, alive and glorifying God” in their daily walk.
Acknowledgements and closing of the anniversary
Following the Mass, awards were presented to outstanding lay people who have shown extraordinary support and dedication to Recollect community projects. Among the awardees were Jerry R. Benavidez, Dahlia Virginia E. Benavidez, Oliver L. Tabin and Judge Ma. Clarita C. Tabin, and other benefactors of various Recollect communities. During this same celebration, Bishop Socrates Villegas, received the appointment as Brother General of the Order.
The event culminated with a “Barrio Fiesta” style lunch at the University of San Jose – Recoletos, celebrating the unity and shared mission of the Augustinian Recollect family.
The 25th anniversary celebration was not only a reminder of the legacy of St. Ezekiel Moreno, but also a call to renew commitment to faith, service and provincial community in times of change and with many challenges ahead.
