As he so often asked, “Pray for me,” we now turn the request back to him: Holy Father, pray for us. Pray for the Church you loved and shepherded with humility and tender strength. Pray for us who remain, now preparing to receive your successor, that we may stay faithful to the Christ-like spirit you modeled.

Thank you, Papa Francesco, for teaching us to walk humbly, to embrace our humanity, and to see Christ in every face. You reminded us that true leadership means service, that true faith means mercy, and that to be Church is to be family.

We do not say goodbye forever — only, “Ci vediamo a presto, Papa Francesco.” With Mary, with our founders, and with grateful hearts, we ask your intercession as we continue our pilgrimage toward the Kingdom you preached with your life.

Rest in peace, beloved shepherd. And continue to walk with us.

– Fr. Ted, CRM

The post A Farewell to Our Beloved Pope Francis appeared first on Adorno Fathers.

The Marian Orchard, with its deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, serves as a sanctuary for spiritual growth and renewal. The Adorno Fathers, guided by their motto “Ad Maiorem Resurgentis Gloriam” – “For the Greater Glory of the Risen Christ,” bring their passionate heart for evangelization and spiritual guidance to this partnership. This collaboration exemplifies a dedication to nurturing a vibrant spiritual community within the Marian Orchard and its affiliated institutions.

The agreement, signed by Rev. Fr. Teodoro Kalaw, CRM, Superior General of the Adorno Fathers, and Ms. Amada J. Javellana, President of MOFFI, marks the continuation of a long-standing collaboration. For several years, the Adorno Fathers have found a home for their college seminary at the Marian Orchard, and their presence has enriched the spiritual life of the community. This influence extends far beyond the seminary walls, as the Adorno Fathers actively contribute to the spiritual life of the Marian Orchard. They participate in the celebration of the Eucharist, administer sacraments, and lead various religious activities. Their presence also extends to FAITH Colleges, where they assist the chaplain in fostering a strong spiritual foundation for staff and students.

The recent signing of the renewed agreement was formalized on August 14, 2024, during a ceremony held at the Marian Orchard in Balete, Batangas. The event was witnessed by key figures from both organizations, including Arnold I. Catapang, Vice President of FAITH Catholic School; Fr. Emiliano Gutierrez Jr., CRM; Lourdes M. Platon, Vice President of FAITH Colleges; and Saturnino G. Belen, Chair of MOFFI.

As this partnership continues to thrive and evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting initiatives that will further enrich the lives of those within the Marian Orchard community, the Adorno Fathers, and those under their care.

The post Marian Orchard and Adorno Fathers Renew Partnership appeared first on Adorno Fathers.

A year later, on April 9, 1589, Augustine Adorno and Francis Caracciolo made their religious profession in the chapel of Confraternity of Mercy known as I Bianchi, in Naples.

At that time, Father Fabrizio Caracciolo was the abbot at Santa Maria Maggiore who  made it sure that the order would have the financial support at the beginning of its foundation.

Santa Maria Maggiore was built in 533 atop the remains of the Roman temple of Diana. The church was consecrated in 535 and was given the title of a minor basilica. 

There are many legends associated with the foundation of the basilica, and it is regarded as one of the four major basilicas of the late ancient period.

In 1591, the basilica was entrusted to the Order of Clerics Regular Minor and was considered the first religious house of the Order.

The entrance as well as the inside of the basilica show traces of the presence of the Clerics Regular Minor. A painting of St. Francis Caracciolo holding his heart by the right hand and the constitution by the left hand. It is located on the left side above the entrance of the basilica.

The Clerics Regular Minor resided there for 200 years before transferring to Santa Maria di Monteverginella, located about 1.4 miles from the basilica.

Above the entrance of the basilica, these words in Latin had been written:

TEMPLV HOC CLERIC REGVL MIN

AD POMPONIO ANTISTITE NEAP

D MARIA MIORI DECATABA DXXXIII

ANDREAS DE PONTE PATRITIVS NEAP

DE NOVO CONSTRAVXIT AD MDCLVII

With the cooperation of the Archdiocese of Naples, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, was recognized as a site of historical and cultural interest. It is now called LAPIS Museum that hosts important exhibitions on the basilica floor and in the crypt where archaeological artifacts are located. (https://www.lapismuseum.com/chi-siamo/)

The post The Founder’s Footprints in Naples: Santa Maria Maggiore appeared first on Adorno Fathers.

In the Clementine Hall, the Pope met with the Minims, Clerics Regular Minor, Augustinian Sisters of Divine Love, Clerics of Saint Viator, Reparatrix Sisters of the Sacred Heart, and Missionary Sisters of Saint Anthony Mary Claret, who are in Rome for General or Provincial Chapters.

Here is an excerpt of the Pope’s message:

Thank you for this meeting.  Here are present: Minims, Clerics Regular Minor, Augustinian Sisters of Divine Love, Clerics of Saint Viator, Reparatrix Sisters of the Sacred Heart and Missionary Sisters of Saint Anthony Mary Claret.

I will ask a question before we begin: How many novices do you have?  How many?… You need to pray.  And how are things going?  Where do your novices come from?  [In response: “From Asia, Africa and Latin America”.]  Indeed, the future is there, yes?  [In response: “We have eight”.]  That’s good.  And you?  [In response: “We have seventeen”.]  And over here, how are you doing?  [In response: “We have twelve”.]  But we have to double these numbers.  Thank you for your visit.  I like to ask this question, because it is a question about the future of your congregation.

You represent different institutes and religious orders of various foundation, whose origins range from the sixteenth to the twentieth century: Minims, Clerics Regular Minor, Augustinian Sisters of Divine Love, Clerics of Saint Viator, Reparatrix Sisters of the Sacred Heart and Missionary Sisters of Saint Anthony Mary Claret.  In this diversity, you are a living image of the mystery of the Church, in which “to each is given the manifestation of the Holy Spirit for the common good” (1 Cor 12:7), so that the beauty of Christ may shine in all its splendour throughout the world.  It was not by chance that the Fathers of the Church defined the spiritual life of consecrated men and women as “philokalía, or love of the divine beauty, which is the reflection of the divine goodness” (SAINT JOHN PAUL II, Apostolic Exhortation Vita Consecrata, 19).  Yet, how often our steps along the journey of the spiritual life are far removed from our internal struggles, far removed from the love that should motivate us.  I would like to take a moment and reflect with you on two aspects of your life that have much to do with precisely this: beauty and simplicity.

Full Text here:

The post CRM Fathers Join Religious Congregations in Audience with the Pope appeared first on Adorno Fathers.

Homily on the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time: The Instruction

Introduction

Today, we gather to celebrate the Thanksgiving Mass, expressing our profound gratitude to God for His guidance and blessings as we reach the end of this chapter. Our hearts are filled with thanksgiving, for He has led us, protected us, and provided for us in countless ways. We thank God for the fruits of this chapter—the growth, the challenges overcome, and the deepened bonds within our community. We also acknowledge the grace of humility, which has allowed us to recognize our dependence on God’s mercy and each other.

As we close this chapter, we embark on a new one—a longer and more demanding chapter that encompasses our community life, apostolate, and mission. We undertake this journey inspired by our core charism, the radical imitation of Christ in the Paschal Mystery.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus provides us with a specific instruction, a roadmap to navigate this new chapter. Let’s ponder three key aspects of this instruction:

1. Called to Communion

Jesus sent His disciples out two by two, emphasizing the importance of community. Similarly, our constitution mandates that we live in community, ideally in groups of at least three. This instruction is not merely about numbers; it is about the essence of our vocation—to live in communion with one another.

Look at this instruction of Christ: He does not want us to journey alone; we must journey together. A journey together is not only more exciting but also more inspiring with others. The Fathers of the Church remind us that community life is the bedrock of our apostolate. St. Augustine once said, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” Our mission work and apostolate must flow from our lived experience of community. This means being attentive to each other’s needs, supporting one another, and striving to embody the love and unity that we preach.

Living in community is a powerful witness to the world. It shows that it is possible to live in harmony, to support and uplift one another, and to work together for a common mission. Let our communal life be a testimony of God’s love and a reflection of the unity we have in Christ.

2. Simple Life

Jesus’ instruction to His disciples to travel light—taking no bread, no bag, no money—calls us to a life of simplicity and dependence on divine providence. This simplicity is not just about material possessions; it is about a mindset and a heart condition. In simple life is the essence of our fourth vow: our dependence on God, which is the dependence on what He has already given us. To enhance, enrich, and maximize what God has already provided is our calling. Look into the deep, “duc in altum,” and you will find the true richness. A life that is simple is a life of novelty, filled with the fresh and profound riches of God’s grace.

To simplify our lives means to trust in God’s provision and to go forth with faith and obedience. We are sent on a mission, and we must go with the conviction that God will provide for our needs. As St. Francis of Assisi taught, “The more we have, the more we are afraid to lose, and the less we have, the less we have to fear.”

Living a simple life frees us from distractions and allows us to focus on our mission. It helps us to live with a sense of purpose and direction, relying on God’s providence rather than our own resources. Let us embrace this call to simplicity, trusting that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.

3. Walking Staff

The walking staff symbolizes perseverance and continuous self-improvement. Jesus instructs us to keep moving forward, to never stop on our journey of faith. This means constantly striving to improve ourselves and our community, and not being bogged down by past failures or negative experiences.

We must stop blaming ourselves and others, and instead, help each other to grow and become the best versions of ourselves that God intended. The Apostle Paul encourages us in Philippians 3:13-14, “Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Let us keep our eyes on Christ, our ultimate goal, and not dwell on negative thoughts or hurtful experiences. Every setback is a learning opportunity, and every challenge is a chance to grow stronger in faith and character.

Conclusion

As we move into this new chapter, let us take to heart the instruction Jesus gives us today. Let us live in communion, embracing the richness of community life. Look at this instruction of Christ: He does not want us to journey alone; we must journey together. A journey together is not only more exciting but also more inspiring with others. Let us simplify our lives, trusting in God’s providence and going forth with faith and obedience.

And let us persevere, always striving to improve ourselves and keeping our eyes fixed on Christ. We give thanks for the fruits of this chapter and for the grace of humility that has enabled us to grow and depend on God’s mercy and one another. We carry these fruits to our brothers who are awaiting the news. Proclaim the Gospel and make disciples of Christ. Do not make disciples of our own; it will divide us. But if we make disciples of Christ, truly centered on Him, it will destroy all division and renew our life. This is the only way to walk humbly with the Lord, the only map we must follow.

May our lives and our mission reflect the radical imitation of Christ in the Paschal Mystery, and may we be faithful witnesses to the world of God’s love, unity, and providence. Amen.

The post Thanksgiving Mass at the Conclusion of the 64th General Chapter appeared first on Adorno Fathers.

The 64th General Chapter of the Order of the Clerics Regular Minor was celebrated in Sacrofano, Rome. Fr. Teodoro O. Kalaw, CRM, the 60th Superior General was re-elected Superior General for the next 6 years, on July 13, 2024.

After accepting the mandate and with great humility he said yes and made the profession of faith and the greeting of peace and sign of obedience from the Chapter Fathers followed as prescribed by the Ritual.

After a long and tiring days of the General Chapter, 13 days into the proceedings, the Chapter Fathers likewise elected  the members of the General Consulta:

Fr. Teodoro O. Kalaw, CRM -Superior General

Fr. Fernando Olivieri, CRM -Vicar General

Fr. Biju Thattamparampil, CRM -Procurator General

Fr. Norbert Marayo, CRM -Secretary General

Fr. Boban Madathiparampil – 4th Council Member

Looking back to 6 years ago, in 2018, Fr. Ted was elected the 60th Superior General of the Order. He labored together with his Consulta in ensuring the unity and growth of the Order in all the delegations: Italian Delegation, Santhom Delegation which consists of India and Germany, St. Michael Delegation, the former Delegation of the USA and the Philippines, and African Delegation composed of Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Kenya.

Several religious houses were canonically ereceted across the delegation but the most important milestone the Order has had in the past 6 years was the approval  of important documents within the Curia and the whole Order.

Looking forward to the next 6 years, which is still a mystery to enfold, with the grace of God and intercession of the Holy Founders, may they carry out their mandate all for the greater glory of the Rising Christ.

The post Re-elected Superior General and new Members of the General Council appeared first on Adorno Fathers.

Nine days into the 64th General Chapter at Sacrofano, Rome, the Chapter Fathers took a day of pause and went on a pilgrimage to Naples.

The pilgrimage to Naples aimed to trace the footprints of the founders: Augustine Adorno, St. Francis Caracciolo, and Fabrizio Caracciolo.

The fathers began at the hermitage of Camaldoli. Situated at the highest point in the city of Naples, with a maximum altitude of 457 meters above sea level, it is estimated to be thirty-five thousand years old, molded from volcanic eruptions.

The view from this hill is impressive. The full view of the city of Naples, as well as the exhilarating backdrop of Mt. Vesuvius, renders this hill a panoramic site.

It was here that the hermitage was founded in 1585. Several years later, the founders spent forty days in early 1588 drafting the first constitution of the Clerics Regular Minor.

The backdrop of the founding of the Clerics Regular Minor in the 16th century was significant, as several orders were approved before and after the Council of Trent under the name of the Clerics Regular. It was in this climate that Augustine Adorno, a Genoese, found collaborators in the city of Naples: Fabrizio Caracciolo and Francis Caracciolo.

Even though these three men came from different geographical, social, and religious backgrounds, they brought together a common desire to reform their lives. They shared a vision to renew the Church in the aftermath of the Reformation.

By this time, twenty-five years had already passed since the Council of Trent officially closed, and more than half a century had passed since the establishment of the Theatines, the Jesuits, and a number of other institutes. The three founders drafted the Constitutions and Rules based on what they had seen and what they felt would bring deeper renewal to the Church. After the first constitution was written, they presented it to Pope Sixtus V, who approved it with a bull on July 1, 1588.

Now, the Hermitage of the Camaldolese has been run by the Brigidine nuns since 1998. After spending time at the hermitage and enjoying the hospitality of the sisters, the Chapter Fathers proceeded to the next site: the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in the city of Naples.

The post The Founders’ Footprints in Naples: Camaldoli appeared first on Adorno Fathers.

The post Mass of the Holy Sprit: General Chapter 2024 appeared first on Adorno Fathers.

The Guardian Angels Parish church, built between 1924 and 1925 based on Gustavo Giovannoni’s design and funded partly by Pope Pius XI, serves as a parish seat established on October 2, 1925. Since 1965, it has held the cardinal title of the Holy Guardian Angels in Città Giardino and was visited by Pope John Paul II on April 6, 1986.

The church’s exterior features classical monumental architecture with a dome, a divided façade with the inscription “Angelis custodiabus” (To the guardian angels), a rose window, and a portal adorned with columns, canopy, and architrave. The richly decorated interior includes notable frescoes by Aronne Del Vecchio from 1962, depicting adoring angels, Archangels Michael and Raphael, the Holy Trinity, and the Paradise of angels. (cf. http://www.santiangelicustodi.org/parrocchia/?storia)

Many Caracciolini pastors have worked hard and sacrificed many things for the parish. The current pastor, Fr. Mario Aceto, CRM, welcomed the chapter fathers to celebrate the anniversary Mass on Sunday, June 30, 2024. The Mass was presided over by Fr. Ted Kalaw, CRM, the superior general of the Clerics Regular Minor. It was also an anticipated celebration to begin the 64th General Chapter.

As we celebrate this milestone, we think about the many blessings and strong faith that have shaped this parish community. The last 100 years show the lasting dedication, sacrifice, and devotion of its parishioners led by many holy and dedicated priests.

May God continue to bless the Parish of the Guardian Angels, and may the spirituality and charism of the Clerics Regular Minor always live in the hearts of the community for the greater glory of the Risen Christ. We look forward to many more years of faith, service, and community, always guided by the protective presence of our Guardian Angels.

The post Divine Providence: Celebrating the Centennial of Guardian Angels Parish appeared first on Adorno Fathers.

The 3rd Delegation Chapter has wrapped up, marking the end of a fruitful week for the Chapter Fathers as they prayed and made important decisions for the Order.

Across various locations in the United States and the Philippines, the delegation is represented by houses in Ramsey NJ, Lodi NJ, Goose Creek SC, Spartanburg SC, Sumter SC, Garner NC, Saipan CNMI, Vinzons Cam Norte, Tierra Maria Lipa, Maria Orchard Balete, and Silang Cavite. Within these houses, there are a total of 31 priests, 4 transitional deacons, 12 temporary professed brothers, and 20 seminarians undergoing formation.

While the delegation has been blessed with vocations, the work of prayer and encouragement for vocations continues unabated. Reflecting on the words of Jesus, who said, “the harvest is abundant but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37), the Chapter Fathers recognize the ongoing need to promote vocations to serve the Church.

During the final day of the chapter, more than 20 proposals were deliberated upon, with many receiving acceptance and approval. Some of these proposals will be presented at the upcoming General Chapter in July 2024 for further consideration.

Fr. Jason Caganap, CRM serving as the delegation superior, expressed his satisfaction at the conclusion of the chapter. As his final term in this role comes to an end, he takes pride in witnessing the growth of the delegation and expresses optimism for its future.

Fr. Rafael Padron, CRM shared that participating in the chapter has been enlightening for him as a new member. Through this experience, he has gained a deeper understanding of the decision-making processes within the Order.

In his closing homily, Fr. Ted emphasized the importance of not obstructing the movement of the Holy Spirit. He underscored the need for collective discernment and action guided by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. He led the singing of the Te Deum to end the Chapter.

Four delegates from the US-Philippines delegation will represent their community at the upcoming General Chapter in Rome, where they will present the proposals for ratification. Any changes within the delegation, such as commissions and assignments, will be announced and implemented following the delegation retreat scheduled for August.

The post Te Deum Laudamus appeared first on Adorno Fathers.