Recoletos Formation Center

01/06/2026

The Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno of the Order of Augustinian Recollects joyfully celebrates the renewal of the vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience by its simply professed friars, a profound expression of their continued fidelity to God's call and their commitment to live the evangelical counsels according to the charism of the Augustinian Recollect family.

The renewal of vows was received by Rev. Fr. Kenneth Joseph Onda, OAR, Vicar of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno, in the name of Rev. Fr. Bernard C. Amparado, OAR, Prior Provincial.

Renewing their religious profession were:

• Fray Roldan Benemerito, OAR
• Fray James Francis Bago, OAR
• Fray Leonardo Queaño II, OAR
• Fray Francis Cabalida, OAR
• Fray Reymar Macadagdag, OAR
• Fray June Clark Solas, OAR
• Fray Jesse Meer Alipes, OAR
• Fray Christian Peralta, OAR
• Fray Nestor Lloren, Jr., OAR
• Fray Justine Luis Zafra, OAR
• Fray Norman Salolog, OAR
• Fray Jayson Solmayor, OAR
• Fray Kline Kysser Asentista, OAR
• Fray Joshua Miguel Salmon, OAR

Presently undergoing formation at the Recoletos Formation Center, these friars continue to be formed in community life, prayer, study, and apostolic service as they prepare for future ministry in the Church and the Order.

Serving as witnesses to the renewal were Fray Ian Anthony Espartero, OAR, Prior of the Recoletos Formation Center, and Fray James Castelo, OAR, Master of the Professed, whose presence underscored the communal and ecclesial dimension of religious commitment.

Likewise, Fray Joseph Pham Duc Quoc, OAR renewed his religious profession in Vietnam, where his vows were received by Fray Alan Jacinto, OAR, Prior of Recoletos de Vietnam.

The Province gives thanks to God for the gift of these young religious who continue to persevere in their vocation. Their renewed "yes" to the Lord is a sign of hope for the Church and a testament to the enduring vitality of the Augustinian Recollect charism. May they continue to grow in fidelity, fraternity, and service as they journey toward the fullness of their religious consecration.

26/05/2026

Last May 23, 2026, the Recoletos Formation Center (RFC) extended its mission of compassionate service through an outreach program held at BALAI Housing, Brgy. San Isidro, Cainta, Rizal. The initiative reached 34 families affected by the fire that struck the community last April 21, 2026, through the distribution of essential goods aimed at supporting their immediate needs and recovery.

In a gesture of pastoral care and solidarity, Rev. Fr. James Castelo, OAR and Rev. Fr. Kenneth Joseph Onda, OAR also blessed 100 houses in the area together with the acolytes of RFC, invoking God’s protection and peace upon the community as they rebuild their homes and lives.

This outreach was made possible in collaboration with Sr. Angie Abrea, SSA, together with her classmates from the Social Work Program, embodying a shared commitment to service, healing, and hope for the affected families.

26/05/2026

The Recoletos Formation Center (RFC) community gathered in thanksgiving as it marked the 40th Anniversary of the Simple Profession of Vows of Fray Emilio Edgardo Quilatan, OAR and Fray Eduardo Celiz, OAR.

The celebration was highlighted by the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, with Fray Emilio Edgardo Quilatan, OAR as the main presider, and concelebrated by Fray Eduardo Celiz, OAR together with the Recollect priests of the community. The solemn occasion was graced by the presence of Fray Emeterio Buñao, OAR, Novice Master of the jubilarians who also received the symbolic renewal of Vows of the two celebrants.

The thanksgiving celebration continued in fraternal joy at the Bulwagang Recoletos Atrium with a dinner shared by the community, marking four decades of faithful religious life and service in the Order.

22/05/2026

The Recoletos Formation Center joyfully congratulates three of its intern seminarians on the successful defense of their respective theses at the Recoletos School of Theology.

Congratulations to:

• Sem. Mc Jansen T. Cadag of the Diocese of Urdaneta
• Sem. Peter Gold Dominguez of the Diocese of Parañaque
• Sem. Paul Mikael Lorenzo of the Diocese of Laoag

Through hard work, perseverance, prayer, and dedication to theological formation, these seminarians have reached an important milestone in their academic and vocational journey. Their successful thesis defenses reflect not only scholarly achievement, but also their continued commitment to serve the Church with wisdom, faith, and pastoral zeal.

The RFC community shares in their joy and takes pride in this meaningful accomplishment as they continue their preparation for future ministry in the service of God and His people.

17/05/2026

The Recoletos Formation Center joyfully greets Most Rev. Pedro Arigo, DD, Apostolic Vicar Emeritus of Puerto Princesa, on the celebration of his Episcopal Anniversary.

We thank God for your faithful and dedicated ministry as shepherd of God’s people, marked by humility, zeal, and loving service to the Church. Your witness of pastoral charity and commitment to the mission continue to inspire many in religious life and priestly formation.

May the Lord continue to bless you with good health, strength, peace, and abundant grace as you continue your vocation of service to the Church.

Happy Episcopal Anniversary, Bishop Pedro!

16/05/2026

"Umakyat sa langit, pero hindi ka iniwan!" ☁️

Masakit ba kapag may umaalis? 'Yung pakiramdam na naiwan ka sa ere? 🥀

Ngayong Kapistahan ng Pag-akyat sa Langit ng Panginoon (Ascension), ipapaalala sa atin na ang pag-alis ni Jesus ay hindi "goodbye"—ito ay simula ng bagong misyon! 🛡️✨Huwag nang tumingala lang sa ulap. Oras na para kumilos! Tayo ay magnilay kasama si Sem. Segundino Bautista, Jr. ng Diocese of Urdaneta.

16/05/2026

Monthly Recollection | Month of May

The seminarians of the Recoletos Formation Center were blessed to be guided by Fray Rommel Rubia, OAR, Prior of the St. Ezekiel Moreno Novitiate-Recoletos, in this month’s recollection centered on the theme of Love and Relationship.

Fray Rommel reminded the formands that, as human beings, we often forget—hence the need to pause, recollect, and return to oneself in order to remember our first love: Jesus Christ, the One who calls. In deepening one’s relationship with God, who Himself is relational, life is placed in its proper order and meaning. ✨

The recollection concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and moments of shared reflection among the seminarians.

12/05/2026

12/05/2026

Today, the Recoletos Formation Center community gathered in the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in thanksgiving for the 19th Anniversary of Simple Profession of Rev. Fr. James Castelo, OAR, Master of the Professed Friars.

The Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Fr. James as the main celebrant and concelebrated by the other members of the community. In his homily, Father reflected on the value of detachment, emphasizing the importance of learning to let go of worldly attachments in order to live more faithfully and freely the call to priestly and religious life.

The celebration also coincided with the 420th Anniversary of the arrival of the Order of Augustinian Recollects in the Philippines, a providential reminder of the rich legacy of missionary zeal, community life, and service that continues to inspire the Recollect family today.

United in prayer and fraternity, the community gave thanks for Father James’ faithful witness and for the enduring presence and mission of the Order in the country throughout the centuries.

Happy 19th Anniversary of Simple Profession, Father James! 🙏✨

09/05/2026

"Makalimutin ka ba? May Advocate na naka-alalay sa'yo!"

📱🕊️Sa dami ng notifications sa phone natin, nakakalimutan na natin ang pinaka-importante: ang ating identity bilang anak ng Diyos. 🥀

Ngayong linggo, ipapaalala sa atin ni Fray Kline Kysser Asentista, OAR na hindi tayo "ulila" sa ating paglalakbay. May kasama tayong Advocate na bumubulong ng katotohanan sa ating puso. 🛡️✨