From January 6–10, 2025 the friars of the Philippine Province of San Pedro Bautista gathered at the Poggio Bustone Renewal Center in Botolan, Zambales, for their annual retreat, dedicating five days to prayer, fraternity, and spiritual renewal. This year’s retreat, centered on the theme, “Journeying Together in Synodality as Pilgrims of Hope for All Creation,” inspired profound reflection on the friars’ mission amidst the challenges of the modern world.
The retreat began on January 6 with the Office of the Readings and a welcome address by Br. Joe Litigio, OFM, local guardian of the renewal center. Br. Cielo Almazan, OFM, Head of On-Going Formation, provided an orientation that introduced the retreat’s theme and objectives. The day culminated in an evening Mass celebrated by Br. Baltazar Obico, OFM, who emphasized the core principles of synodality: collective discernment, participative leadership, and fraternity.
On the second day, the friars gathered for morning prayer and a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Br. RJ Abada, OFM. In his homily, Br. Abada challenged the friars to be compassionate and caring shepherds for one another and the communities they serve. Group reflections and plenary sessions followed, fostering dialogue and deeper understanding of the retreat’s theme. A highlight of the day was a talk by Br. Jason Laguerte, parish priest and Co-Executive Secretary of the CBCP (Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines) Episcopal Commission on New Evangelization. Drawing from the Bangkok Document of the 50th FABC (Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference) General Conference, Br. Laguerte explored the essence of synodality as a journey of shared hope. The day concluded with a Eucharistic Adoration presided over by Br. Keith Manaig, OFM, offering a quiet space for personal reflection.
Day three focused on deepening fraternity and spiritual growth. The Eucharist was celebrated by Br. Esmeraldo Enalpe, OFM, who posed the challenging question: “Are we still brothers?” His homily urged the friars to manifest fraternal love and trust in Christ’s guidance. The day also marked the birthday celebration of Br. Ronald Factor, OFM. Talks delivered by Br. Cristino Pine, OFM, explored the biblical roots of synodality and Franciscan care for creation, highlighting insights from his forthcoming book, Word of Hope for Groaning Earth. The day concluded with a solemn praying of the Stations of the Cross, reflecting on Christ’s redemptive journey.
The fourth day coincided with the inaugural national celebration of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno. The day began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Br. Domingo Resurrección, OFM. In his homily, Br. Resurrección addressed the pressing challenges of 2025, such as political corruption, super typhoons, and the loss of vocations. He encouraged the friars to draw strength from the Nazareno, whose incarnation signifies solidarity with human suffering.
Minister Provincial Br. Lino Gregorio Redoblado, OFM, delivered the day’s keynote address, reflecting on the retreat theme and emphasizing the importance of listening, authority, and inclusivity in the synodal journey. Br. Redoblado also tied these themes to the Franciscan call to care for creation, especially in light of the upcoming 8th centenary of the Canticle of Creatures. The day included small group discussions, a plenary session, and a Penitential Rite with individual confessions, fostering spiritual renewal and deepening fraternal bonds.
The retreat concluded with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Minister Provincial: in his final message, Br. Redoblado urged the friars to embody the retreat’s theme in their ministries, carrying forward the spirit of synodality and hope into their daily lives.
The annual retreat, marked by moments of reflection, prayer, and community, reinforced the friars’ commitment to their vocation and mission, serving as a testament to their unity and faith as Franciscan pilgrims of hope.
Br. Nikko Alfredo Sunga, OFM
