The formators and vocation promoters of the Order of Saint Augustine in the Asia Pacific Region successfully convened at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo from May 27 to 31, 2024. They gathered for an international formation course organized by the International Commission for Vocations and Initial Formation. This collective effort marked a significant milestone in the Order’s shared journey of learning and growth.
The five-day international formation course is the last of five in-person workshops of the course. Since October 2023, other workshops have been held in Spain, United States of America, Colombia, and Abuja, Nigeria.
This comprehensive program, available both in-person and virtually, is specifically designed to equip those involved in vocation promotion and formation. It focuses on providing practical skills and knowledge to apply Augustinian formative criteria in their daily ministry.
Fr. Gary McCloskey, OSA from the Province of Villanova, and Fr. Andrew Batayola, OSA from the Province of Santo Niño de Cebu – Philippines, led the presentation of the workshops with their invaluable insights and expertise.
Fr. McCloskey spoke on Augustinian Pedagogy Skills for Formators, while Fr. Batayola focused on Augustinian Leadership Skills.
He also shared on Facebook that his encounter with the young friars in the region was a blessing, especially in assisting and training them in vocation promotion and formation.
The 19 friar-participants from the host circumscription, Province of Santo Niño de Cebu – Philippines, including the Province of the Most Holy of Jesus in the Philippines, Province of Australasia, Vicariate of India, Vicariate of Indonesia, Delegation of South Kore and Province of California were able to share their thoughts and experiences in exploring the formation programs and vocation promotion for the Asia-Pacific region.
The Assistant Generals of the Order were also present at the Conference Rev. Fr. Alex Lam, OSA, Fr. Joseph Farrell, OSA, and Fr. Anthony Banks, OSA (Assistant General to Asia and the Pacific).
- Father Alejandro encourages formators and vocation promoters: “How we form today will determine the religious life of the future”
- The meeting of formators and vocation promoters in Colombia was quite a surprise
A virtual graduation ceremony will be held on 17 July 2024 to culminate the formation course. The General Council will fully support this major initiative in the Order’s life with their presence in the culmination. (GPL)
