On January 5-9, 2026, the solemnly professed friars of the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception and Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza in the Philippines held their annual Custodial retreat. The event took place at the Mirador Jesuit Villa and Retreat House, which is managed by the Jesuits and located on Mirador Hill in Baguio City, the Philippines.
The retreat was led by Father Renato DE GUZMAN, a priest of the Diocese of Ilagan in the Philippines. He focused on the theme, “Returning to Interiority and Spirituality in the Transitions of Life,” and invited the friars to deepen their interior life and revisit, in prayer, their personal journey of conversion. Through guided conferences, times of silence, and moments of reflection, the participants were assisted in recognizing and naming God’s transforming action in their lives.
This year’s retreat also served as a time of significant spiritual preparation for the next Custodial Chapter, scheduled for February 3, 2026. During the retreat, moments of authentic fraternal encounter were fostered by the celebration of Mass, shared meals, and group discussions, strengthening the bonds of fraternity among the friars.
The twenty-four participants also enjoyed the serene beauty and cool climate of Baguio City, which is also known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines.” It was a setting that proved particularly conducive to prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
Text and photos: Friar John Nathan MAAGMA
