AGORA of the Calabrian Family in the Philippines

Cagayan de Oro City – The Calabrian Family in the Philippines opened a historic gathering in Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro. It was the first AGORÁ of the Calabrian Family in the world. It was held from June 25 to 28, 2026. The event became a journey of communion, listening, memory, and connection to other members of the Calabrian Family. 

Day Zero - The Preparations 

The participants were welcomed on June 25, 2026. They were welcomed by the Lumbia Community, spearheaded by Rev. Fr. Reynaldo B. Olan, PSDP. After the short orientation and house rules, the community gathered for the Eucharistic Celebration which served as the Opening Mass. This Mass officially opened the three-day long celebration. It reminded everyone that the event was rooted in prayer, gratitude, and faith. 

After the Mass and dinner, the Opening Liturgy opened the heart of the celebration. The AGORA Lamp was used to represent the light of the Divine Province. Rev. Fr. Reynaldo B. Olan, PSDP welcomed all the participants with great joy. After the welcoming ceremony, there were activities that made the participants feel at home. After the theatrical performance, balloons were thrown out. These balloons contain some of the spiritual values of St. John Calabria. Everybody got the chance to sing and animate the official AGORA Theme Song of the community. This was composed by Bro. Ardiomer Amabao, PSDP. This was such a memorable opening for the program.

Day One: The Encounter 

Day 1 was called “The Encounter.” The program included morning prayer, a creative roll call, an opening liturgy, welcome remarks, an inspirational talk, and an orientation about the meaning of AGORÁ. Rev. Fr. Marvin Tadena, PSDP, welcomed the participants for the Day 1 of the program.

For the creative roll call, each community showed their creativity by bringing their flaglets and creating their composed cheer. They wore their regional shirts which added more fun to their presentations. One important part of the first day was the speech by Mother Lucia Bressan, PSDP. She recalled the transformative power of the proclamation of Abba - God the Father. She emphasized that God as Father changes history, transforms life, and renews hope. After that, Bro. Lino facilitated an activity that made the participants realize what was the true meaning of Agora. The participants enjoyed the creative and fun game facilitated for them. 

The participants also joined sacred listening circles. They shared meaningful experiences as members of the Calabrian Family. Later in the day, they joined team-building activities, Holy Mass, the rosary, and a cultural night. 

For the cultural night, each community showcased their region’s identity. They wore cultural attires and danced to the music distinct in their region. 

Day One activities remind us that encounter begins with listening. A family grows when people listen to one another. A mission becomes stronger when stories are shared. We meet God not only in prayer. We also meet Him in the stories of people beside us.

Day Two: Moments of Joy 

The most important part of this day was the Calabrian Families’ Reality. Each community presented via video their region’s activities related to the spirituality of the Calabrians. Caburan Region presented their parish and missions in the community near the mountains. Cagayan De Oro showcased the foundation that caters to the needs of the children. In Calbayog, the seminary that shepherds the seminarians was also presented. Lastly, the Taytay-Manila community showed the activities in San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish under the Diocese of Antipolo, Calabrian Formation School, and Bro. Francisco Perez Clinic. Then, a workshop from each region was also conducted. PSDP Sisters led the rosary-making. Bro. Michael Yape, PSDP from Cagayan de Oro, showed how to create a miniature using clay. The seminarians from Nazareth Formation House demonstrated how ‘uling’ was made. Lastly, Caburan representatives showed how their ‘suman’ or rice delicacies were made. It was such a creative way of learning the culture of each region. 

In the afternoon, the highlight was the AGORA Prayer Path. For two hours, the delegates prayed and reflected on the special places in the life of St. John Calabria. There were seven stations. Each station presented the places that made a significant impact to St. John Calabrian’s life. This was such a solemn activity. Despite the Philippine heat, the participants still were able to reflect on St. John Calabria’s journey. 

The day ended with a fun Community Bonding. The representatives from Calbayog, Samar, danced in Kuracha, and raised funds for the victims of the recent earthquakes under the Caburan community. They were able to raise funds by dancing and receiving donations from the audience. But what made this night special was the laughter shared by everyone. 

Day Three: Living as One Family 

It was the final day of AGORÁ. The participants wore the white official AGORÁ shirt. The day began with morning prayer and breakfast. After this, the program continued with the recap of Day 2, opening prayer, creative roll call, and animation. These activities helped the participants remember the joy and grace of the past days.

One of the main highlights of Day 3 was the Calabrian Family’s Testimony. The session included prayer, reflection, and the welcoming of the interviewees. The elders and members of the Calabrian Family shared their memories and experiences. They reflected on questions such as, “What made you stay?” and “How do you see Christ in the Poor?” This part reminded everyone that the Calabrian mission lives through real stories of faith, service, and love.

The participants also joined small group sharing by region. They reflected on how the Calabrian Family can be more active in the mission. They also talked about the needs of their own communities. This sharing was important because it helped each region plan how to continue the spirit of AGORÁ after the gathering.

The final part of the day included big group sharing, synthesis, Mass, the Oath of Commitment, closing message, messages of gratitude, and a group photo. It was a simple but meaningful ending. It showed that AGORÁ was not only an event to attend. It was also a mission to continue.

AGORÁ Spirit Lives On

The first AGORÁ in the Philippines became a beautiful sign of faith, family, and mission. From Day Zero to Day 3, the participants prayed, listened, shared stories, celebrated culture, and renewed their commitment to serve. The gathering reminded everyone that the Calabrian spirit is alive in the Philippines. It also showed that one family, guided by the love of ABBA Father, can carry light, hope, and service to others.