On-Going Formation Accompaniment Program
Under 5 Held in Philippines for Young Friars of Two Provinces
01 June 2026The Provinces of San Antonio de Padua and San Pedro Bautista conducted the yearly program of the On-Going Formation Accompaniment Program – Under 5 from May 11 to 20 in Samar, gathering young friars for a joint formation program held in Calbayog City and Northern Samar under the theme “Inheriting the Bare Earth: Under 5 Journey into the Heart of the Transitus.”
The ten-day program brought together friars in their early years after solemn profession for a shared experience of fraternity, prayer, and ongoing formation.
The program was hosted at Christ the King College (CKC) Friary in Calbayog City and included scheduled sessions of communal prayer, Eucharist celebrations, and individual sharing. The friars reflected on their experiences in religious life, fraternity, and ministry through sharing sessions.
Daily activities followed a set rhythm of Morning and Evening Prayer, the celebration of the Eucharist, group sharing, and time for recreation within the friary.
The second part of the program brought the participants to several areas in Northern Samar, visiting places that form part of the Franciscan mission presence in the region. These included San Isidro, Biri, San Antonio, Catarman, and Mondragon. Activities included parish visits, encounters with local communities, and visits to sites such as the Biri Rock Formations. The brothers also spent time with Poor Clare communities in the area.
The program concluded back in CKC with a synthesis and evaluation session, a closing Mass, and a message from Br. Gregorio Redoblado, OFM, Provincial of the Province of San Pedro Bautista, challenged the brothers to live an authentic Franciscan life beyond appearance and rituals. He calls them to embrace JPIC, fraternity, and obedience, even in difficult missions, so that true Franciscan identity is shown through living the Gospel in concrete service, not just external practice.
