Philippines: Lay Group to Lead Spiritual Formation Program for Military Chaplaincies

A Cebu-based lay charismatic community is set to implement a spiritual and values formation program for chaplains of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines, with plans to extend the initiative to military and uniformed personnel across the country.

The proposed “spiritual reawakening” program was presented by Nonito Limchua, lay leader of the Oasis of Love charismatic community, to Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio, head of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines (MOP), during a meeting on March 19 at the ordinariate’s shrine in Pasay City.

The program aims to provide ongoing spiritual renewal and values formation for chaplains, which will later be cascaded to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, and other uniformed services under the ordinariate.

According to Fr. Carlito Clase, a diocesan priest from Butuan City who facilitated the meeting, Bishop Florencio has approved the proposal and expressed interest in launching the program as soon as possible. However, the rollout is expected to begin in June 2026 due to prior commitments of the lay organizers.

The initiative follows a Lenten recollection conducted on March 18 at St. Peter the Apostle Chapel in Marikina City, in Metro Manila, where Limchua and members of the Oasis of Love community led reflections and shared personal faith experiences with military personnel. The recollection concluded with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Clase.

Church leaders hope the program will deepen the spiritual life of chaplains and strengthen moral and pastoral support for those serving in the country’s uniformed services.