Rekindling the Gift of Vocation: Scalabrinians Renew Their Mission at RASA 2026

Tagaytay, July 30, 2026

Scalabrinian missionaries representing the various missions across Asia gathered for the Regional Assembly of the Scalabrinians in Asia (RASA 2026) from July 27 - 30, 2026, at the CM Sisters Retreat Center of Spirituality in Tagaytay, Philippines. With the theme “Rekindle the Gift of Vocation: A Biblical and Pastoral Approach,” the assembly brought together Scalabrinian missionaries and brothers in theological formation for several days of prayer, reflection, dialogue, sharing, and fraternity. The gathering provided a meaningful space to reflect on the gift of vocation, deepen the understanding of the Scalabrinian charism, and renew the missionary commitment to serve migrants and refugees with faith, compassion, and hope.

The presence of Rev. Fr. Ignacio Martin Gutierrez, CS, Provincial Superior, and Fr. Tomas Ruiz, CS, Provincial Bursar, enriched the assembly and strengthened the spirit of communion and fraternity within the Province.

The participants were also inspired by the conferences of Fr. Stanislav Orečný, SVD, who offered profound reflections on vocation from both biblical and pastoral perspectives. His conferences invited the participants to rediscover vocation not simply as a personal calling, but as a gift from God that must be continually nurtured, discerned, and generously lived. His reflections also emphasized the importance of faithfully living the evangelical counsels and witnessing to the values of consecrated life within community.

A Witness of Lifelong Commitment

In the midst of RASA 2026, the Scalabrinian family experienced a particularly joyful and grace-filled moment with the perpetual profession of two brothers, Br. Peter Nguyễn Văn Cửu and Br. Peter Nguyễn Mậu Nhật Tân, on July 29, 2026, at the Scalabrini Novitiate House in Alfonso, Cavite.

The Eucharistic Celebration, held at 10:00 a.m., was presided over by the Provincial Superior, Fr. Ignacio Martin Gutierrez, CS. During the sacred celebration, the two brothers made their lifelong commitment to God through the profession of the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience.

Their perpetual profession was a powerful witness of faith, courage, perseverance, and trust in God's call. Their “yes” reminds the entire Scalabrinian family that vocation is a journey of continual surrender—a response to God's love that becomes concrete through faithful service, community life, and mission.

Their commitment also became an occasion for all the participants of RASA to renew their own spirit of consecration and missionary dedication. As Scalabrinians, we are called to follow Christ along the path opened by our Founder, St. John Baptist Scalabrini, and to make God's compassionate presence visible among migrants and refugees.

Communion That Strengthens the Mission

As RASA 2026 came to a close, Fr. Ignacio Martin Gutierrez, CS, Provincial Superior, reminded the participants of the importance of unity and communion within the Province. The sharing of experiences, challenges, and missionary realities throughout the assembly revealed the richness of the Scalabrinian family and the importance of walking together in the spirit of our Founder, St. John Baptist Scalabrini.

He expressed the hope that the insights, experiences, and encounters of RASA would not remain simply memories of an assembly, but would become part of the personal and missionary history of each participant. Returning to their respective communities, missions, and formation houses, the missionaries are invited to carry with them the renewed enthusiasm, wisdom, and fraternity received during these days. RASA 2026 may have come to an end, but its spirit continues to echo in the hearts of those who participated. We depart from Tagaytay, but we do not depart from one another. The bonds of fraternity, communion, and shared mission continue to unite us. The assembly reminds us that vocation is a gift to be rekindled, a commitment to be renewed, and a mission to be shared.

May the gift of vocation continue to burn brightly in our hearts, and may our lives become a living testimony of God's love for those on the journey. Amen.

JB