Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental — April 22–24, 2026
The San Agustin Center of Spirituality in Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental, welcomed young friars of the Augustinian Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu–Philippines for the three-day “Agustinitos” Summer Gathering 2026, a formative encounter marked by prayer, reflection, and fraternal communion.
Bringing together twenty friars who had been solemnly professed for five years or less, the gathering served as a privileged moment of renewal and ongoing formation, rooted in the spirit of Augustinian community life.
The event opened with the celebration of the Holy Mass and Integrated Morning Prayer, setting a tone of recollection and thanksgiving. The first day was guided by Rev. Fr. Williener Jack E. Luna, OSA, Chairman of the Provincial Commission on Community Life and Ongoing Formation, who led a reflection on the essential role of intimacy and boundaries in consecrated life. He emphasized that authentic intimacy calls for the courage to be true to oneself, to others, and to God, while healthy boundaries safeguard personal identity and foster genuine relationships. Grounded in a deep spiritual life, these elements enabled the religious to cultivate meaningful friendships within the community and in the apostolate.
The friars engaged in small group sharing, reflecting on their lived experiences of fraternity and mission. In the afternoon, they proceeded to Campuestohan Highland Resort, where a time of recreation strengthened their bonds in a spirit of joy and brotherhood. The day concluded with a fraternal gathering at the Colegio San Agustin–Bacolod community, where they were warmly received by Rev. Fr. Wilson A. Capellan, OSA.
On the second day, the gathering deepened through a two-part conference led by the Prior Provincial, Very Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA. In his first talk, “Newness: Living the Spirituality of the Conversion of St. Augustine of Hippo,” he invited the friars to contemplate conversion as a continual and grace-filled turning toward God. Drawing from the life and journey of St. Augustine, he underscored that conversion is not a singular moment but an ongoing process that engages the whole person—intellect, will, and heart. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a “restless heart,” remaining attentive to the Word of God, and embracing humility as the fruit of self-knowledge.
In the second part of his reflection, “Transition: Religious Life as a Series of Frequent Changes,” Fr. Batayola reflected on the dynamic reality of religious life, marked by constant change and interior transition. He distinguished between external change and the deeper interior process of transition, inviting the friars to embrace moments of uncertainty as occasions of grace. Through the phases of letting go, waiting, and beginning anew, God gently formed the heart, leading the religious toward greater fidelity and maturity in vocation.
He exhorted the friars to approach these transitions with gratitude, peace, and hope, emphasizing the importance of fraternity, personal prayer, and ongoing formation as essential supports in their journey. In the afternoon, the friars proceeded to Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary, where moments of rest and communion with creation further deepened the spirit of unity and reflection.
The gathering culminated on the third day with the celebration of the Holy Mass at the chapel of the San Agustin Center of Spirituality, presided over by Fr. Batayola and concelebrated by the participating friars. In his final exhortation, he reminded them that they were called not only to witness renewal but to embody it in their lives. He encouraged them to courageously embrace ongoing conversion, setting aside the “old self” in order to grow more fully into their vocation.
He likewise expressed gratitude to the local priors and superiors for their guidance and support, affirming that, despite the challenges of the present time, the richness of Augustinian life continued to shine forth in the enduring spirit of friendship and brotherhood.
The “Agustinitos” Summer Gathering stood as a testament to the vitality of the Province, nurturing young friars in their journey toward deeper communion with God and with one another, as they continued to serve the Church in the spirit of St. Augustine.
