Quezon City, Philippines. – The Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province of the Congregation of Missionaries, Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Claretian Missionaries), successfully convened its North Regional Assembly at the Claret Retreat House in Quezon City on September 25-26, 2025.
The two-day assembly brought members together to strengthen communion, fraternity, and collaboration, with a core focus on reflecting on their life and mission. Key objectives included revisiting the Solidarity and Mission (SOMI) Guidelines and collaboratively discerning the future Provincial Action Plan.
Day One Focuses on SOMI and Community Updates
The first day, facilitated by Fr. Mon Andrei Ebdani, CMF, was dedicated to the core theme of Solidarity and Mission. The assembly began with Bible enthronement and opening liturgy led by the Curia Community, followed by Opening Remarks from Fr. Amador Tumbaga, CMF, the Provincial Superior, and a message from Fr. Pedro Belderrain, CMF, the General Prefect of Apostolate and Canonical Visitor.
A significant focus of the morning was Conversations on the SOMI Guidelines, continuing the province’s ongoing study. The afternoon shifted entirely to ministry updates, with all local superiors and ministry heads presenting their Community Projects and detailed ministry reports.
Communities and ministries that shared on the first day included:
- Saint Michael Archangel Community
- Inmaculado Corazón de María Community
- Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Community
- Martyrs of Barbastro Community
- Fr. Domingo Moraleda Community
- Fr. Emilio Pablo Community
- Saints Peter and Paul Community
- Blessed Andres Sola Community
The day concluded with the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Angelito Ancla, CMF, with Fr. Salvador Agualada, CMF, giving the homily. A fraternal dinner (agape) and a social session followed, featuring a video summary of the recent canonical visit of Fr. Pedro Belderrain, CMF. The agape served as a despedida for Fr. Pedro.
Discernment and the Provincial Action Plan
The second day, facilitated by Fr. Tran Van Kiem, CMF, focused on planning the province’s path forward. The session opened with the prayer of Lauds by the Ormoc Community and Adrian Rodrigo sharing his experience at the Jubilee of the Youth Claret Way Global + FC in Rome.
The primary agenda item was a comprehensive presentation on the proposed Provincial Action Plan led by the Provincial Government. Then Bro. Joseph Villarin, CMF, was invited to share his experience during the Claretian Brothers’ Gathering in Rome. This was followed by a Plenary Discussion, which allowed members to raise concerns and seek clarifications based on the previous day’s community and ministry sharing. The assembly concluded with the evening’s Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Rowan Luza, CMF, with the installation rite of the Local Superior of Blessed Andres Sola Community.
The successful assembly underscored the province’s commitment to greater solidarity and collaboration in its mission. The remaining Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province members are scheduled to hold a South Regional Assembly in Zamboanga City on October 9-10, 2025.
