Adorno Fathers Formation House, Vinzons, Camarines Norte, October 13, 2021—-Thirteen may be a number that many people consider as unlucky, but for the Clerics Regular Minor (CRM) – Adorno Fathers USA- PHILIPPINE Delegation, this date gives us many reasons to celebrate: First, October 13, 1563 marks the commemoration of the 458th birthday of St. Francis Caracciolo, one of the founders of our Order. The Solemn Professions of Religious vows of the first two Coadjutor brothers, and the Blessing of the Caracciolini House of Prayer and Spirituality also adds to the specialness of this date!

We chose the birth anniversary of our founder St. Francis Caracciolo, as the Launching date for the official opening of the 20th Anniversary of the Adorno Fathers’ presence and mission in the Philippines. Our first mission was established in the Diocese of Daet in Camarines Norte. This celebration could have been bigger but it was a bit hindered due to the pandemic.  Nevertheless, this celebration was still quite festive and it was even more beautiful due to the presence of so many guests. Among the attendees were of course our brothers, the Adorno Fathers of Lipa City, Batangas, the Rogationist Fathers, the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation, the Augustinian Missionary Sisters of the Philippines, the Oblate Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Daughters of the Crown Virgin, and the Disciples of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. We were also joined by our very own Delegate Superior, Very Rev. Fr. Jason S. Caganap, CRM, JCL, who travelled all the way from the USA to join us for this momentous occasion. We were also most honored to have the Bishop of Daet, His Excellency, Most Rev. Rex Clement Alarcon, D.D. as our main celebrant.

Our celebration began at 8:30 AM. Bishop Alarcon and Fr. Jason formally inaugurated with the unveiling and blessing of the official logo for the 20th celebration of the Adorno Fathers. This was followed by the Solemn Profession of Bro. Hardey J. Aguilar, CRM from LegazpiCity, and Bro. Everhisto T. Cavite, CRM from Makati City.  Fr. Jason Caganap, CRM was delegated by our Superior General, Very Rev. Teodoro O. Kalaw, CRM to receive their solemn vows. Bro. Hardey and Bro. Everhisto’s pledge for commitment to the Adorno Fathers were witnessed by Rev. Fr. Michael Marotta, CRM, and Rev. Rufino C. Madridejos, CRM.

Bishop Alarcon’s homily focused on the four important key points regarding Consecrated Life (Vita Consecrata)

  • First, Consecrated Life is a Sequela Christi -following Christ. It is a life of making Jesus visible to the world by living a chaste, poor and obedient life.
  • Second, Consecrated Life is a Confessio Trinitatis. It is not simply renunciation and leaving something behind but it is rather an embrace of the mystery of Christ. It is a confession of a relationship to the Blessed Trinity.
  • Third, Consecrated life is a Signum Fraternitatis– a sign of fraternity, a sign that we arebrothers and sisters, a sign of communion in the Church. It is all about the concept of a witnessing fraternity, (e. brotherhood) in the community.   This witnessing is rooted in the charism of the Adorno Fathers and it bears fruit in appreciating the common humanity of others.
  • Fourth, Consecrated life is a Servitium Caritatis -a service of charity. Bishop Alarcon alsopointed out that these two newly professed brothers are called to a genuine service and love of God by living out the words of Christ -”to serve and not to be served.”(Mt. 20:28)

Following the Eucharistic Celebration, His Excellency with all the attendees processed to and blessed the Caracciolini House of Prayer and Spirituality. The Bishop of Daet emphasized the importance of having a sacred place that will serve as an Oasis. “A fertile or green area in an arid region such as a desert for the people.”

The Caracciolini House of Prayer and Spirituality will serve as a sacred and safe space for prayer, solitude, and as a means to better know Jesus.  After the liturgical celebration, BishopAlarcon with the lay faithful enjoyed some refreshments together.  Ad Maiorem Resurgentis Gloriam!