Photos and Story By Georgene Quilaton-Tambiga
Augustinian Recollect priests, sisters, members of the Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity (SARF) and Recollect Augustinian Youth – San Carlos (RAY) gathered at the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva-Recoletos Chapel today, December 5, 2024, for the Memorial of the 436th Founding Anniversary of the Order of Augustinian Recollects.
During the celebration, Ms. Beatriz Atienza Gaviola was honored for her outstanding merits in supporting the OAR vocations and the Recoletos de San Carlos community. Ms. Gaviola was conferred the title Sister Provincial of the Order last November 28, 2024 during the Closing Rites of the 25th Anniversary of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora del Carmen La Limpia in Cebu City.
“Like any family, we have a rich history but this should not be an excuse for not moving forward, for falling into rigidity, into immobility or closed hearts.” Rev. Fr. Cristopher C. Maspara, OAR, prior of Recoletos de San Carlos, opened his homily thus. Fr. Maspara further related the history of the Order as a reminder for all Augustinian Recollects of what the Order had been through and of what needs to be done at present to stay relevant.
The prior, who also leads Colegio de Sto. Tomas-Recoletos, Inc. as president, reminded the members of the OAR family in San Carlos that “nonconformity is the essence of the Recollect movement.”
Sr. Teresita Diana, AR together with the AR sisters of Colegio de Sta. Rita de San Carlos, Inc. were in attendance and they joined the priests in reciting the Renewal of Vows.
SARF – San Carlos Chapter were also present and the its new set of officers were inducted. Ms. Marianne Burgos, SAR is now the new Chapter President.
Meanwhile, RAY – San Carlos members also renewed their vows and commitment to the Charism of the Order.
