In response to the Congregational Encounter on Claretian Spirituality, the Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province gathered for its Claretian Spirituality Encounters, hosting local communities from the South from July 16 to 18, 2026 in Zamboanga City, and the North from July 21 to 24, 2026 in Quezon City. Organized by the Prefecture of Spirituality and Community Life under Fr. Alejandro Gobrin, CMF, the gathering integrated spiritual renewal, institutional safeguarding, and fraternal leadership under the theme “Keep the Fire Burning” (Lk 12:49) and guided by the document Mystical Missionaries.
The spiritual itinerary opened with a recollection titled “Remember the Fire.” Drawing from the Road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13–35) and St. Anthony Mary Claret’s cell in Vic, the reflection reminded participants that authentic zeal springs from intimacy with Christ rather than administrative busyness. Grounded in the parable of the Wheat and the Weeds (Mt 13:24–30), participants were invited to name their personal fatigue and return to the “Five Tables” of the Word, Eucharist, Mission, Community, and the Heart of Mary, placing silent adoration at the center of apostolic life.
Transitioning to pastoral responsibility, the sessions addressed the safeguarding of minors and vulnerable adults. Guided by Fr. Ralden Mercadejas, CMF, of the Commission on Safeguarding, the encounter framed protection not as a legal burden, but as a pastoral conversion centering the vulnerable. Unpacking the Universal Guidelines Framework (UGF) and the Vademecum on Chastity and Safeguarding, the talk emphasized zero-tolerance leadership, physical and digital security, survivor care, civil cooperation, and healthy fraternal boundaries. Concurrently, other CMFs attended the Safeguarding Seminar organized by the Diocese of Cubao at Manresa Retreat House on July 21–24.
Addressing community governance, Fr. Kevin Mark Rendor, CMF, highlighted Christ the Good Shepherd as the true soul of leadership. While Canon Law (Canons 608–609) and Congregational Constitutions (102–105) offer essential structural frameworks, Fr. Kevin drew from Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor to emphasize that a superior serves as a living symbol of unity, transforming a simple residence into a home where fraternal love and mission flourish.
At the closing Mass, Fr. Mauricio Ulep, CMF, Prefect of Formation, delivered a homily on genuine fruitfulness. Reminding the assembly that impact cannot be measured by task volume, he noted, “Fruitfulness is not actually measured by the many things that we do… It is measured on the roots.” To bear lasting fruit, Fr. Mau outlined a threefold path: returning daily to God’s love, humbly seeking spiritual guidance, and walking shoulder-to-shoulder with lay partners and parish communities.
Towards the end of the encounter, Provincial Superior Fr. Amador Tumbaga, CMF, congratulated all the active participants and organizers for their dedication. He reminded everyone to remain deeply rooted in the Good Shepherd and to continually keep the missionary fire burning. Re-energized by these days of communion, the Claretians returned to their local ministries committed to building a culture of safeguarding and embodying self-giving leadership across all their apostolates.
By: Fr. Wigbert M. Papa, CMF
