The clergy of the Archdiocese of Cebu held its monthly recollection and gathering on March 23, 2026, at the Galilee Center of St. John XXIII Seminary.

Highlighting the gathering was the presence of Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA, who served as the resource speaker. As Prior Provincial, Fr. Batayola offered insights drawn from his leadership within the Augustinian Order, emphasizing the importance of servant leadership in the life and ministry of priests.

Guided by the theme “Authority as Service: Healing the Wounds of Clericalism,” Fr. Batayola challenged the clergy to reexamine their understanding of authority, not as a position of privilege, but as a call to self-giving service patterned after Christ.

He underscored that clericalism, when left unchecked, can distance pastors from the people they are called to serve, and invited priests to embrace humility as a primary virtue.