Palayan City, Philippines. Lay leaders and Claretian Missionaries (CMF) from Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province’s different institutions and mission posts, representatives from the Religious of Mary Immaculate (RMI), Missionary Sisters of St. Anthony Mary Claret (MC), Kapatiran Claretiano Incorporated (KCI), and the members of Fraternidade Ecclesial Claretiana (FEC) are gathered in Palayan City for the Claretian Mission Encounter, which started on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, and will run until the 10th.
The Claretian Mission Encounter aims to provide a brief but substantial and realistic update about the missions in the Province over the last six years. It also aims to listen to the voices of the missionaries, members of the Claretian family, and collaborators regarding the path the Province is taking as it closes toward the 16th Provincial Chapter in January 2025.
On the first day of the Encounter, May 7, 2024, the participants gathered first at the Ako ang Saklay Foundation Inc. in San Antonio, Nueva Ecija, for lunch before proceeding to the venue. After a tour of the institution’s compound led by Frs. Arnold Abelardo and Angel Angeles II, CMFF, missionaries in charge of Saklay, all proceeded to the Sierra Madre Suites in Palayan City.
After everyone had settled down, registered, and found their rooms, Fr. Arnold Abelardo, CMF, welcomed the participants and gave an orientation and guidelines on using the venue. Then, Fr. Larry Miranda, CMF, Provincial Prefect of Apostolate, introduced the participants and facilitators of the Encounter. He also gave the rationale behind the gathering.
“Our formation should be geared towards mission, particularly the mission in the peripheries,” says Fr. Larry. He further said that the one who does not love the mission, is not a Claretian at all.
Then Fr. Elias Ayuban Jr., CMF, gave the first talk centered on a shared mission based on the “dream” of God, of our Father Founder, St. Anthony Mary Claret, and the church.
“We are called to mission. Our life is a mission, and mission is our life.” – Fr. Elias.
He also emphasized the role of the laity in the mission and focused on shared mission.
“Shared mission is something more than working together. It is transversal. We have to listen to the Word, pray, and work with others. A shared mission is not only working for but working with others. Every mission is an experience of shared availability.”
He then invited the participants to share about their experience of shared mission in the Province.
The day ended with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Elias Ayuban, CMF, with special intention for Fr. Angel Angeles II, CMF’s ordination anniversary. Fr. Victor Sadaya, CMF, also celebrating his anniversary of religious profession, delivered the homily centering on compassionate companionship and shared mission. It was then followed by dinner and the Holy Rosary led by the Missionary Sisters of St. Anthony Mary Claret.
“How I wish that all of us might cherish in mind and heart this lovely vision of the Church! A Church that is intent on mission, where all join forces and walk together to proclaim the Gospel. A Church in which what binds us together is our being baptized Christians, our belonging to Jesus. A Church marked by fraternity between laity and pastors, as all work side-by-side each day in every sphere of pastoral life, for they are all baptized.”
– Pope Francis, Address to the participants of the International Conference for the Presidents and Referents of Episcopal Commissions for the Laity, 16 to 18 February 2023.
