PROVINCE OF ST. EZEKIEL MORENO
ORDER OF AUGUSTINIAN RECOLLECTS


Prot. No. 214 /08


TO THE AUGUSTINIAN RECOLLECT FAMILY



Dear Brothers and Sisters:


Every Eucharist is uniquely celebrated and actual needs of those who participate in the celebration are addressed by the WORD proclaimed, turned into Bread and Wine. So too must the celebration of the Birth of our Lord and Mary, the Mother of God be so.

I join the brethren in re-focusing our attention this Christmas Season on Christ, the true basis of all celebrations. And “fresh from Christ” this December 2008, may we start the year 2009 with the attitude of Mary and in the mood proffered to us by recent events.

In response to the call of the recently concluded synod of bishops on the “Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church” – let us, as in the womb of Mary, “make our heart a nest of the Word” (Cf. Augustine, Sermon 343) by knowing more of our Lord as He is presented in the Scriptures and explained by the Church. Then love Him more in the people He was born to.

Confirmed by the celebration of the centenary of the 1908 general chapter held at the Monastery of San Millan de la Cogolla, Spain, on November 28 (the 10th anniversary of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno) – let us deepen our intimacy with Christ through prayer and penitential exercises, for such intimacy with assimilation of His sufferings shall bring about our “apostolic life which is manifested in teaching and especially in the missions” (1908 Chapter Determination, 28). The 1908 Chapter defined our actual purpose and ushered the Recollection into maturity, growth, and autonomy (1912).

We fused into one celebration our 10th anniversary as a Province (Nov. 28), the Birth of the Order (Dec. 5), and the conclusion of the Augustinian Recollect Vocation Year (ARVY ‘08). May this united an endeavor evoke our call and mission to make of our communities centers where the faithful can find “true teachers of prayer and ministers of communion and peace in the Church and in the world” (Const. 283). May we be one in praying and preparing for the IV Provincial Chapter. Let us ask the Spirit to make us wise and prudent in proposing changes by putting our sight at all times and under all circumstances in Christ and His Church.

With and for you I pray: may we be like Mary, virgin and mother… virgin in our total giving of self to God, mother in our giving birth to those who have not known or have gone away from the Son of God!



A BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND A GRACE-FILLED NEW YEAR!

Quezon City, December 2008


Fr. Lauro V. Larlar, OAR
Prior Provincial


Fr. Jose Fortunato J. Garces, OAR
Provincial Secretary

December 12, Bo. Luzviminda, Puerto Princesa, Palawan – Today is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The bishop, Most Rev. Pedro Arigo, D.D., together with priests from the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa, spearheaded the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. He pointed out the “motherly” qualities of the Virgin Mary that our society needs today. We do sometimes forget that our Mother Mary is always there.

(Chronicles of the Assembly of Recollect Bishops and the Governors of the Order and the Provinces by Fr. Lauro V. Larlar, OAR)


The 4-hour trip back to Madrid seemed short. It was drizzling all the way from San Millan to the capital of Spain. In the car were three provincials (Frs. Rafael, Charles, and Lauro) and two general councilors (Frs. Miro and Bernardo). While my companions were busy talking about the assembly that culminated with the celebration of the birth of the Order, that is yesterday, December 5, I reflected on the meaning of the experiences we shared.

What insights can I share with my brothers back home? What has this reunion to do with the young province of St. Ezekiel Moreno? What’s in store for us in the future? I prayed and asked for guidance while the confreres were occupied with details of the talks and the documentation. The driver (Rafael) did well; he maintained the conversation while speeding at more than a hundred on a wet road. The highways in Spain are good and are provided with safety precautions. Of course, we prayed before we took the ride!

(Chronicles of the Assembly of Recollect Bishops and the Governors of the Order and the Provinces by Fr. Lauro V. Larlar, OAR)


The morning was dedicated to the religious who find themselves in the irregular or special situation. There is a long list. It is sad that many cases of 10 or more years ago remain unresolved because of lack of proper documentation.

Fr. Samson Silloriquez of the Province of St. Ezekiel prepared a handbook which priors can use in helping religious in irregular or special situations.

In the same morning it was confirmed that we shall work the whole day and end in the evening of Friday. The birth of the Order will be celebrated with a Holy Mass and Renewal of Vows. I suppose a special evening meal will follow.