RCAP Clergy Ongoing Formation 2026: Briefer

Dearest Fathers,

The Clergy of Palo will have our Permanent Formation (formerly called On-going formation) this coming April 13-16, 2026. As the Archbishop ordered, the event will be held here in Region 8 in solidarity with our suffragan dioceses. (The Diocese of Naval just had their activity in our Sentro Santiago in Palo.) Among the available places, the only one that could accommodate the largest number is the Kuting Reef Resort in Macrohon, Leyte.

ATTENDANCE CONFIRMATION FORM

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NB: Those who have already filled out the form may disregard this message, as your responses have already been recorded.

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127 Priests Showed up in the Venue, details in the “Clergy Attendance Turnout” below.

CLERGY ATTENDANCE TURNOUT

WHAT TO EXPECT

Since space is limited, many priests will share a room. Most of the rooms are dorm-type.

Each Vicariate will arrange its own transportation to the venue.

There will be no provision for drivers’ rooms.

Bring swimming apparels, medicines, and toiletries (towels will be provided).

In the spirit of this “walking together,” please be advised that our venue features shared room accommodations. While we all value our private space, this year we are intentionally embracing a simpler, communal living arrangement. We see this as a practical exercise in the very synodality we are discussing—a chance to:

Strengthen the bonds of fraternal charity.
Listen more deeply to one another’s stories and struggles.
Practice the patience and humility required for true life in common.

CONSIDERATIONS

For priests who will be using their facilities, especially the rooms, it may be inconvenient for many (especially seniors and those who snore) to be sharing rooms with others whom they are not very close to.
The place, although it can accommodate over a hundred persons, is designed for young families (very close groups) and young people who would not be so meticulous with accommodations and other amenities.
They have a place where clients may pitch their tents; but still, the rest rooms for their use is a big consideration.
⁠The resort located by the sea has a swimming pool which, I think, is not designed to accommodate fifty persons using it together at the same time. Since it is located by the sea, it has boating facilities but, according to locals, the beach is not so friendly to those who are not good swimmers (due to the “cantilado” underwater terrain; in fact locals go to beaches toward the town proper of Macrohon
The resort has modest accommodations; but considering its age, we cannot expect top notch and very good physical plan in terms of rooms, including rest rooms, beds and beddings, etc.
Considering the current weather we are experiencing the area by the sea is rather very hot and even staying outdoors during the day may be inconvenient for many.
Although they provide a package rate for large groups (our rate for accommodations and food), food in their restaurant (a small place which can conveniently accommodate only around 30 to 50 persons), is rather pricey.
The place, although located in Macrohon is nearer Padre Burgos. It is rather isolated.
For those who may need other provisions and for emergency situations, they have to drive a considerable distance, it is suggested that you bring what you need especially maintenance medicines and health kit.
RETIRED PRIESTS and those WITH SPECIAL NEEDS should NEVER PARTICIPATE (there is no hospital nearby).

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

Day 1 (13 April 2026): The Human Pillar – “The Priest as a Person”
Focus: Well-being, emotional health, and fraternity.

02:00 PM – Arrival and Check-in (Welcoming and settling in)
05:00 PM – Opening Session (Introduction: The Healthy Shepherd by FR. ENGELBERT A. TIU, SThL.)
06:00 PM – Evening Prayer (Vespers in common and Holy Mass by the VICAR GENERAL)
07:00 PM – Welcome Dinner (A festive meal to build “Presbyteral Fraternity”)
08:30 PM – Socials and Socialization with Brother Priests (Headed by the JUNIOR CLERGY BROTHERS.)

Day 2 (14 April 2026): The Spiritual Pillar – “Configuration to Christ”
Focus: Interior life, prayer, and the Synodality on “The Lights and Shadows on the Present State of Catholic Christianity in the Philippines Toward Becoming a Synodal Church.”

07:30 AM – Morning Prayer (Lauds followed by personal meditation)
08:00 AM – Spiritual Conference (Pilgrims of Hope: Deepening the priest’s personal relationship with the Trinity MSGR. ERLITO A. MARAYA)
09:30 AM – INPUT (Commission on Clergy: Fr. Romel M. Apurillo)
11:00 AM – Holy Mass (Concelebrated Mass with the JUBILARIANS [Fr. Opong, Canaleja, Solidor, Manawatao, and Caintoy])
12:00 PM – Lunch (Lunch/Siesta)
02:30 PM – Afternoon of Silence (Opportunity for Confession, Spiritual Direction, or a “Desert Hour”/PERSONAL TIME [rosaries and meditations])
03:30 PM – GAMES (Headed by the YOUNG CLERGY BROTHERS)
06:00 PM – Evening Prayer (Vespers in common; followed by DINNER and SOCIALS [headed by JUNIOR CLERGY])

Day 3 (15 April 2026): The Intellectual Pillar – “Teacher of the Faith”
Focus: Theology, Church documents, and contemporary issues.

06:30 AM – BREAKFAST
08:00 AM – Morning Prayer/Mass (Daily liturgy; Concelebrated Mass with the GOLDEN JUBILARIANS [Msgr. Villanueva and Msgr. Alejan])
09:00 AM – SPECIAL TALKS (The Digital Pulpit: Effectively using AI and Media for Evangelization in 2026 by Fr. Chris Militante; updates on Temporalities or Scriptures and CLERGY)
12:00 PM – Lunch LUNCH/SIESTA
03:30 PM – GAMES Headed by the YOUNG CLERGY BROTHERS.
07:00 PM – Socials and Socialization with Brother Priests Headed by the JUNIOR CLERGY BROTHERS.

Day 4 (16 April 2026): The Pastoral Pillar – “The Good Shepherd”
Focus: Leadership, parish renewal, and mission.

06:30 AM – BREAKFAST
08:00 AM – Morning Prayer and Closing Mass (Presided by the Archbishop and blessing of the priests)
09:30 AM – Departure and return to parish assignments