Asian formators’ retreat held in Davao

The Asian Religious Formators’ Institute (ARFI), the formation arm and ministry of the Southeast Asian Interdisciplinary Development Institute (SAIDI Foundation, Inc.) with its president from Antipolo City, Dr. Rosalina O. Fuentes, conducted last November 2 the entire 10-strong ARFI (Batch 42) for a 30-day Ignatian Retreat capping the six-month training and renewal session which began July 15 this year. Said retreat was held in the Sacred Heart Spirituality and Formation Center in Catalunan Grande, this city.

This batch was composed of 2 religious sisters, 3 religious brothers and 4 diocesan/ 1 religious priests who are currently diocesan, religious and community formators, and soon-to-be-formators from 5 countries in Asia, the Pacific and North America, such as from Indonesia, Fr. Januarius Vaenbes, Diocese of Papua, Fr. Romanus Santoso, Diocese of Jakarta, Fr. Wilfred Angkasa, Diocese of Bndung, Fr. Marcelinus Subi, Diocese of Mndo, Margriet Gunawan, OSU, from Thailand, Br. Nontach Srivilai, OSG, Br. Pitchitpon Buraphan, OSG, from Papua New Guinea, Sr. Philomena Ani’isa, OLSH, from Bangladesh, Br. Topon Serao, BHC, and US, Fr. Duong Nguyen, SVD.

The first outside Metro Manila, this batch is led by Br. Edgardo S. Escuril, SC, resident ARFI Spiritual Director.

Spiritual Directors led by Mr. Antonio Lumactod, a Lay Associate of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart from the Ateneo de Davao University, Sr. Lodivina Cansico, PM, Shela Maedela Cerna Jaso, Sr. Lodivina Cansico, PM, Eugenia Blandina Caballero, and Jed Laurito, MCC accompanied and guided the retreatants.

The retreat ended yesterday, December 3, 2016 with a Mass at the Chapel of the Pierced Heart at the SHFSC. On December 7, the entire Batch will leave Davao City for the SAIDI Formation Center back in Antipolo City. They will finalize requirements prior their graduation set on December 15.

The next ARFI Batch 43 will be held at the ARFI Formation Center in Antipolo City, for Formators in Asia it will start on January 15, 2017. For inquiries, please contact the SAIDFI-ARFI Information Office, at tel. no. (632) 985-5211, email: saidiarfi.ph@gmail.com. (Edgardo Escuril)