The Capuchin Annual Retreat was held from July 7–10, 2025 at the peaceful Capuchin Retreat Center in Lipa City. It was a time of grace, a moment to return to the heart of our vocation, and to be renewed in the spirit of prayer and brotherhood.
The retreat opened with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 6:00 p.m. on July 7 at the San Damiano Chapel, presided over by our retreat facilitator, Msgr. Gerry Santos, who is not only a trusted guide in the spiritual life, but also a familiar face to many of the friars, as their former professor in Theology at Divine Word School of Theology (DWST). Having formed many of the brothers during their scholastic years, most of whom are now formators, superiors, and missionaries; he expressed sincere pride and admiration when he said: “You are doing very well, my beloved brothers.”
Throughout the retreat days, the atmosphere was steeped in prayer and silence. The conferences offered by Msgr. Gerry brought both depth and refreshment to our soul, inspiring each friar to remain rooted in the Gospel and renewed in the Capuchin way of life. The daily reflections, prayers, and silent moments were a refreshing reminder of our identity as lesser brothers. Msgr. Gerry’s conferences were filled with depth and wisdom, offering both consolation and challenge, calling each one to deeper faithfulness and interior renewal.
The retreat concluded joyfully with a closing Mass at the chapel of the Capuchin Sisters, on the Feast of St. Veronica Giuliani, a symbolic gesture of communion with our contemplative sisters and a testament to our shared journey in the Franciscan way.
Indeed, this annual retreat is not merely a scheduled gathering, it is a sacred space to pause, to listen anew to the voice of the Lord, and to rekindle the flame of our vocation. As we return to our respective fraternities and ministries, may we carry on the retreat’s grace. Let us continue to uplift one another in prayer and live our calling with joy and simplicity, as true sons of St. Francis. Pax et Bonum!
