Philippines. The day started with personal prayer. After breakfast, the whole body gathered for community prayer led by the communities of Zamboanga City, Tungawan and Basilan.
Fr. Elias Ayuban, CMF was the moderator of the day. The chapter secretary read the minutes of the 1st day. Several corrections and clarifications were noted in the minutes after which they were approved. The provincial council responded to the issues raised by the different groups. Fr. Rene Manubag, CMF, the Provincial Superior clarified some matters regarding governance.
Fr. Benedict Dilag, CMF, the Provincial Secretary, clarified some questions regarding statistics. Fr. Santiago Gonzalez, CMF, responded to the questions regarding economy. Fr. Leo Dalmao, CMF, gave some clarifications on the area of formation. Fr. Eduardo Apungan Jr., CMF, responded to some questions affecting the apostolic program of the province. Fr. Victor Sadaya, CMF responded to questions raised regarding spirituality and community animation. The moderator opened the forum for discussion and clarifications.
The General Superior gave some feedback.
He commented on:
1) formation;
2) the meaning of a juridical house;
3) the mission in Myanmar;
4) the Institute for Consecrated Life in Asia (ICLA);
5) economy;
6) a plan of specialization in formation and apostolate;
7) having the spirit of availability depending on the needs of the congregation;
8) many sources to be made available by the General Prefect of Spirituality.
He thanked the province for giving Bro. Arnel Alcober, CMF to serve the General Government and other Filipino Claretians who are serving other provinces of the congregation. Finally, he also thanked the provincial council for their service and for keeping the missionary spirit of the province. The moderator presented and gave a general outline of the pre-capitular document. The body accepted it as the working paper of the chapter. Fr. Efren Limpo, CMF, explained the dynamics for evaluating the document. Then everyone went to their respective groups until the afternoon.
In the second session of the afternoon, Fr. Elias Ayuban, CMF, read the rules and process of the election of the provincial council. The General informed the body that the regular term of the provincial council is six years. It is only when there are sufficient reasons that the General Superior will grant a 3 year term. After listening to some reasons for those pro and against 6 or 3 years term, the General asked for a vote on whether the body wants to ask to reduce the term to 3 years. The “yes” vote won. The General gave permission for the Philippine province to have a 3 year term. Then, the four groups presented their reports. Those who reported were Fr. Mauricio Ulep, CMF, Fr. Dennis Tamayo, CMF, Fr. Gilbert Queñano, CMF and Fr. Restituto Audal, CMF. The moderator asked for additional comments and observations from the body. Community mass was celebrated at 6:30 pm. The main presider was Fr. Maximino Rodriguez, CMF who was assisted by Fathers Gilbert Quenano, CMF and Mauricio Ulep, CMF, who gave the homily.
