December 24, 2025
The Young Solemnly Professed Friars of the Philippine Custody gathered for a meaningful and enriching ongoing formation program held from December 9–13, 2025, at the Potter’s Formation Center in Santa Maria, Isabela. Eleven friars participated in this year’s gathering, which focused on strengthening the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of young religious in their early years of ministry.
The sessions were facilitated by Rev. Fr. Ramon De Guzman of the Diocese of Ilagan, director of the Potter’s Formation Center. With his extensive background in human formation and pastoral care, Fr. De Guzman guided the friars through a series of conferences and sharing centered on the realities of ministry today.
A major emphasis of the gathering was the identification of stressors, sources of anxiety, burnout, and fatigue that young friars often encounter in active pastoral ministry. Through open sharing and guided exercises, the friars were encouraged to recognize early warning signs and develop healthier patterns of self-care, fraternity, and spiritual grounding.
Deepening their self-awareness, the friars also underwent some psychological and personality assessment tests, designed to help them better understand their emotional tendencies and stress responses.
The peaceful environment of the Potter’s Formation Center offered the friars a space for rest, prayer, and renewal. Alongside the conferences, the gathering included communal prayer, recreation, and fraternal bonding.
The friars are grateful to the Philippine Custody, for its guidance and constant support for the ongoing formation of the friars.
This formation gathering reflects the Custody’s commitment to the holistic growth of its young friars—ensuring that they will remain grounded, healthy, and spiritually vibrant as they continue to serve God and His people.
Author
Fra Uriel Santos, OFMConv.
