USJ-R Center for Religious Education

13/08/2026

The faculty of the Center for Religious Education (CRE) had the privilege of posing with Most Rev. Dennis Villarojo, D.D., presider of the Holy Spirit Mass. His presence and sermon reminded us of our shared mission as an Augustinian Recollect community.

In his homily, Bishop Dennis reflected on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and what it means to be truly human. While technology can expand our capabilities, it cannot replace the authentic relationships, communion, and love that bind us together, values at the heart of our Augustinian Recollect identity.

His message also invited us to embrace transcendence: to go beyond what technology can offer and continually seek God, the source of truth, wisdom, and meaning. As Augustinian Recollect educators, may we use technology wisely while keeping our hearts rooted in faith, community, and the search for God.

06/08/2026

RECAP | LMS Retooling

On August 4, 2026, the CRE Faculty participated in an LMS Retooling session focused on navigating the essential features of Canvas to strengthen digital instruction and enrich the teaching and learning experience.

Rooted in our commitment to Caritas et Scientia, we continue to grow together in excellence, service, and the Augustinian mission of educating minds and forming hearts.

04/08/2026

The Center for Religious Education extends its warmest birthday greetings to our beloved University President, Rev. Fr. Eduardo S. Celiz Jr., OAR. May God continue to bless you with good health, wisdom, strength, and abundant grace as you lead and serve our university community.

Happy Birthday, Father! God bless you always!

02/08/2026

Preparing Hearts, Shaping Minds

On August 1, 2026, the faculty of the Center for Religious Education (CRE) came together in preparation for the School Year 2026–2027 to develop instructional materials, refine learning modules, and align teaching plans to provide meaningful and engaging learning experiences for our students.

Guided by the Augustinian values of unity, truth, and love, the faculty remains committed to nurturing the faith and holistic formation of every learner.

With one mind and one heart, we look forward to a blessed and fruitful school year ahead.

30/07/2026

RECAP | Augustinian Hearts in Action

Students from the University of San Jose–Recoletos Center for Religious Education (RE II, III, and IV) transformed faith into loving service by sharing school supplies and snacks with 70 children from Arellano Boulevard at the Stella Maris Seafarers' Center.

In response to the recent fire that affected their community, this outreach served as the students' culminating performance task, an invitation to live the Augustinian values of caritas, solidarity, and communion. Inspired by the call to be one heart and one soul on the way to God, they discovered that authentic learning finds its fullest meaning when shared in compassionate service to others.

"One heart and one soul on the way to God." — St. Augustine

28/07/2026

28/07/2026

RECAP | Continuing Formation for CLF and RE Teachers

Learning never stops for educators committed to forming both minds and hearts. On July 18, 2026, faculty members teaching Christian Living Formation (CLF) and Religious Education (RE) from the Basic Education and Tertiary Departments of the University of San Jose–Recoletos came together for a formation forum on "Readings on Pope Leo XIV's Encyclical Magnifica Humanitas: Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of AI."

The forum was led by Rev. Fr. Abel Villarojo, SThD, PhD, who invited participants to reflect on the Church's response to the opportunities and challenges brought about by artificial intelligence. Through engaging discussions and theological insights, the session encouraged teachers to think more deeply about how emerging technologies can be embraced while always upholding the dignity of every human person.

As education continues to evolve in a digital world, USJR remains committed to the ongoing formation of its CLF and Religious Education teachers, equipping them not only with knowledge, but also with the wisdom, faith, and compassion needed to accompany learners in today's rapidly changing world.

28/07/2026

RECAP | Welcoming Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje

With grateful hearts, the Center for Religious Education (CRE), together with the Supreme Student Council (SSC), had the privilege of welcoming the pilgrim image of Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje upon its arrival at Pier 1, Cebu City, on July 18, 2026.

Her visit to Cebu from July 17–20, 2026 became a beautiful opportunity for the faithful to come together in prayer and devotion. More than welcoming an image, we welcomed a reminder of Mary's loving presence in our lives, a mother who journeys with us, comforts us in our struggles, and gently leads us closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.

May this encounter inspire all of us in the Josenian community to continue our own journey with deeper faith, renewed hope, and hearts always open to God's call.

Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje, pray for us and guide us always.

12/07/2026

08 July 2026 | Strengthening Partnerships for Migrant Ministry

The Center for Religious Education (CRE) of the University of San Jose–Recoletos recently participated in a productive and hope-filled meeting with the Chaplain of Stella Maris Cebu and the Archdiocesan Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People, Rev. Fr. John Mission, to explore future collaborative initiatives for the welfare, pastoral care, and, most especially, the values formation of the sons and daughters of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Rev. Fr. Vicente Ramon, OAR, Vice President for Identity, Formation, and Mission, together with the CRE faculty, warmly welcomed Fr. John and learned more about the mission and programs of Stella Maris Cebu. The meeting fostered meaningful dialogue on possible collaborative initiatives that promote compassionate service, faith formation, and community engagement in responding to the realities and needs of migrants and their families.

Inspired by the Augustinian-Recollect charism of interiority, community, and service, may this partnership become a living expression of our shared mission to accompany families with compassion, form hearts grounded in Gospel values, and nurture communities where every person experiences God's love.

Together, may we continue to build a civilization of love by forming persons who, with restless hearts seeking God, become instruments of hope, communion, and transformative service wherever they are called.