The annual Augustinian Initial Formation Congress (AIFC) was held last February 2-4, 2017 at the San Agustin Center of Studies. Now on its ninth year, the Congress focused on the theme: “Intensified Augustinian Formation: Prelude to the Renewal for New Evangelization.” The past formation congresses talked about the internal dynamics of the heart, as restless and wounded, and the pastoral aspects of Augustinian life. However, this formation year’s congress highlighted the renewal of the Augustinian ideal of common life, as well as our concern for the poor.
The first part of the congress was a keynote speech of Rev. Fr. Andres Rivera, OSA, Prior Provincial of the Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu Philippines. Individual talks on the different formation levels followed after. Rev. Fr. Rodolfo Bugna, OSA, the Prior of Asia Pacific Augustinian Novitiate was the speaker for the Saint Thomas of Villanova Hall (STVH) Aspirants. Rev. Fr. Victor Gonzaga, OSA from Colegio del Sto. Niño shared his religious experience to the STVH Postulants. Rev. Fr. Antonio Nombrefia, OSA, from Colegio San Augustin-Mati was the speaker for the Pre-novitiate Young Professionals. Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Donato Ellezar, OSA, of University of San Agustin, Iloilo began her sharing to the novices by discussing the ideals of an Augustinian community. Rev. Fr. Mamerto Alfeche, OSA, of University of San Agustin Sambag Community, pointed out to the simply-professed Friars the importance of the different aspects of Augustinian formation to the renewal of our communities.
The three-day congress also featured team building activities in order to realize this year’s objective. Rev. Fr. Joel Beronque, OSA in his synthesis talk also highlighted the importance of the formands’ vocation stories in our quest for renewal in our Augustinian way of life. The congress ended with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Beronque.
The Augustinian Initial Formation Congress is a program of the Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu’s Commission on Vocation and Initial Formation, headed by Fr. Beronque.
