The Mass of the Holy Spirit was presided over by Archbishop Rex Andrew Clement Alarcon, DD, Archbishop of Caceres, Naga City, Philippines. He was the former bishop of Daet, where the Adorno Fathers opened their first house in the Philippines in 2002. He came to Rome to receive the Pallium from Pope Francis on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. The Chapter Fathers are grateful for his time and for presiding over the Mass of the Holy Spirit.
At the beginning of the Mass, he encouraged everyone to open their hearts to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He emphasized that dialogue is the path to growth, and the sharing of ideas, thoughts, visions, and the fruits of prayers is a sure way toward growth. He also stressed the importance of faith and perseverance in the midst of difficulties and expressed the hope that charity would prevail.
He added that the General Chapter is a concrete expression of synodality. Like the apostles, the members gather to discuss important matters of the order and resolve them in the light of their spirituality and charism.
He highlighted three gifts to pray for during the chapter:
1. Sensitivity, especially to the Holy Spirit – recognizing God’s presence in our midst, remembering the founders and the history, and focusing on the spiritual renewal of each member.
2. Humility – looking at the world through the lens of humility, serving one another, and demonstrating humility in all actions.
3. Preparation for healing, hope, and wholeness – being called to mission, going to the peripheries to bring healing, praying, and offering penitence to bring about healing, and embracing the responsibilities of each assignment and apostolate.
He also referred to the words in the heart of St. Francis: “Zeal for your house consumes me,” implying that their mission is God’s work, not their own. As John the Baptist testified, “He must increase, I must decrease.”
The archbishop gave his blessing to the Chapter Fathers and reminded them to pray together, discern together, and walk humbly with their God, as stated in the words of Micah.
Today marks the celebration of the order’s foundation. On July 1, 1588, Pope Sixtus V approved the new Order of the Clerics Regular Minor, as outlined by Augustine Adorno, Fabrizio Caracciolo, and Francis Caracciolo. Augustine Adorno and Francis Caracciolo made their religious profession in the chapel of the White Servants of Mercy, “I Bianchi”, in Naples on April 9, 1589. A few days later, on April 17, 1589, they undertook a journey to Spain with the intent of establishing the order there.
