August 4, 2025
On July 17, 2025, eight junior friars of the Conventual Franciscans Philippine Custody gathered for their annual Chapter of Mats to mark the start of the Academic Year 2025–2026. In the spirit of St. Francis, who often retreated to the mountains for prayer and reflection, they journeyed to a serene mountain retreat in Baguio, generously offered by a benefactor at Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges.
Amid the cold air, soft rain, and the mystical fog that blanketed the mountain, the friars found an atmosphere deeply conducive to contemplation. They reflected on God’s enduring fidelity and their response through their Franciscan vocation.
With Fr. Dominic, their rector, they reviewed the past year—its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges—and were reorganized into new committees with fresh appointments and apostolate assignments. Each committee then presented a year-long plan focused on their core mission.
Their plans aim to deepen fraternal life and strengthen their communal response to the faithfulness of God in the spirit of St. Francis.
Photos by: Fra Dominic
Author
Fra Martin Gabito, OFMConv.
