Despedida and Birthday Celebrations

March 16 2019 — The Recoletos Formation Center held a two-fold celebration: the despedida party for Fray Francisco Javier Monroy, OAR and the advanced birthday celebration of Fray José Enrico Gallego, OAR. This bipartite celebration was held in the seminary refectory at 7:00 in the evening.

The program started with a prayer. Then the brothers enjoyed the special dinner. One of the highlights of the celebration was the blowing of the birthday candle by the birthday celebrant and the giving of his gift.

The second part of the program was dedicated to Fray Monroy. The simple-professed friars sang a song dedicated to him. After which, Fray Julius James Tinapao, the beadle, delivered a gratitude speech in Spanish to Fray Monroy. Fray Leander Barrot, OAR also delivered a gratitude speech in behalf of Fray Lauro Larlar, OAR. As a response, Father Monroy gave his message of thanks to the RFC Community, translated by Fray Hubert Decena, OAR to the community.

To tap the celebration, Fray Monroy was challenged to eat balut in front of the brothers. Surprisingly, he ate it with delight!

Br. Herbert James A. Hantsch, DS