With hearts attuned to the spirit of Lent, brothers and sisters from the different branches of the Franciscan Family gathered on March 21, 2026, at the Our Lady of Lourdes Seminary Gymnasium in Lipa City for the Inter-Franciscan Lenten Hermitage Experience, organized by the Inter-Franciscan Ministers’ Conference.
The day began with registration followed by an opening liturgy in order to dispose our hearts toward inner silence and recollection for the entire gathering. In his opening remarks, Fr. Edgar Martinez, OFMCAP, warmly welcomed the participants and invited everyone to enter deeply into the spirit of contemplation and fraternity during this sacred season.
A significant highlight of the morning was a series of reflections delivered by speakers representing the various branches of the Franciscan Family, the First, Second and Third Orders including the Order of Franciscan Seculars. These inputs revolved around the theme, “Strengthening the Contemplative Dimension of the Franciscan Life.” Each speaker offered a perspective shaped by their particular vocation, yet all converged on the essential call to cultivate a life of prayer, simplicity, and ongoing conversion. This was followed by a simple yet joyful lunch, observed in a spirit of quiet, allowing space for personal prayer and recollection.
The afternoon was marked by extended quiet time, including a Holy Hour for Peace, in which the participants prayed the Prayer for Peace of Pope Leo XIV for the 8th Centenary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi. Another notable moment was the launching of the Book of Psalms in Tagalog, facilitated by Fr. Mark Anthony Zarate, OFM. This was written to further promote prayer in the local language which aims to nurture the spiritual life of the faithful.
The celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Benny Baisas, OFM, became the summit of the day. The event concluded with words of gratitude from Fr. Lino Gregorio Redoblado, OFM, who acknowledged the presence and participation of all the Franciscan communities.
Indeed, the Inter-Franciscan Lenten Hermitage Experience was a spiritually enriching gathering, inviting us to return to the roots of our Franciscan calling: prayer, penance, and fraternity. As participants journey back to their respective communities, they carry with them renewed hearts, strengthened in contemplation, and inspired to live more deeply the Gospel life in the spirit of St. Francis.
