Recoletos Formation Center

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. 🛡️✨

07/05/2026

This morning, the Recoletos Formation Center community gathered in the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Leopoldo “Popoy” Estioko, OAR, Spiritual Director of RFC, in thanksgiving for his 74th Birthday.

In his homily, Father Popoy shared a meaningful reflection on life, vocation, and perseverance in religious life and priesthood, leaving the community with the profound question: “In the end, the question is, did we remain in Christ?”

As he reflects on his years as a religious and priest of the Order of Augustinian Recollects, the community gives thanks for his faithful witness, spiritual guidance, and enduring dedication to the Church and the Order.

The celebration also became more joyful as the community greeted Sem. Jerald Tello of the Diocese of Tandag on the occasion of his 32nd Birthday.

May the Lord continue to bless Father Popoy and Sem. Jerald with grace, strength, and joy as they continue to respond faithfully to God’s call.

07/05/2026

The Recoletos Formation Center joyfully greets Rev. Fr. Leopoldo “Popoy” Estioko, OAR, Spiritual Director of the Recoletos School of Theology, on the occasion of his 74th Birthday.

We thank God for the gift of your life, your vocation, and your years of faithful service to the Church and the Order of Augustinian Recollects. Through your spiritual guidance, wisdom, and fatherly presence, you continue to inspire and strengthen the RFC community in faith and perseverance.

May the Lord continue to bless you with good health, peace, joy, and abundant grace as you continue your mission of guiding souls closer to God.

Happy 74th Birthday, Father Popoy!

02/05/2026

"Pagasa o Paasa?

Isang letra lang ang pinagkaiba!" ✍️✨

Relate ka ba sa pakiramdam na "pinaasa" ng mundo? 'Yung akala mo okay na, pero biglang gumuho? 🥀

Ngayong Linggo, ipapaalala sa atin ni Br. Jeros na sa buhay, kailangan natin ng "G" para maging tunay ang ating pag-asa. 🛡️🕊️

Huwag hayaang mabalisa ang iyong puso. Hawak-kamay tayong maglakad kasama ang Susi ng ating buhay.

02/05/2026

Formation life at the Recoletos Formation Center is not only about books, lectures, and prayer inside the chapel—it is also found in brooms, garden tools, laundry baskets, flower arrangements, and even neatly prepared vestments.

In the spirit of integral and holistic formation, our seminarians learn that no task is ever “small” when done with love and for the community. From sweeping pathways and mowing the lawn to caring for plants, cleaning rooms, preparing liturgical vestments, and arranging flowers for the altar, every responsibility becomes part of the journey of becoming true servants of God and His people.

Following the footsteps of our holy father St. Augustine, the formands are taught to remain open and available to the needs of the Church wherever they may be called. Because in religious life, one does not simply study to become a priest or brother—one learns how to serve with humility, joy, discipline, and fraternity.

After all, the “crown” of the Augustinian vocation is not something worn with pride, but carried with humble hearts through daily acts of service. And sometimes, holiness begins with a broom in one hand and a watering hose in the other.