QUEZON CITY – In a meaningful gathering marked by faith, fellowship, and generosity, the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Foundation, Inc. successfully held its Benefactors’ Night 2026 last April 25, 2026 at the Bulwagang Recoletos Atrium.
The event gathered benefactors, friends, priests, seminarians, and supporters of the Foundation in an evening dedicated to promoting and sustaining priestly formation through the ministries of the Recoletos School of Theology.
The evening began with a praise and worship gathering which reminded the participants that the event was more than a social function. Rather, it was an occasion rooted in the shared mission of supporting future priests and advancing the charitable and formation initiatives of the Foundation.
In his opening remarks, Rev. Fr. Mark Rochelle Renacia, OAR emphasized the importance of seminary formation in preparing future shepherds, teachers, counselors, and servants of the Church. He acknowledged that while priestly formation is a noble undertaking, it also requires significant financial resources for theological studies, accommodation, food, and holistic formation programs. Because of these realities, the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Foundation was established to help provide financial support for seminarians and assist in the mission of theological formation.
The Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Foundation, Inc. envisions itself as an institution dedicated to fostering faith and service by providing financial assistance to seminarians and promoting ecological and social justice through the Recoletos School of Theology.
The program continued with musical performances from Bandalism, the band composed of formands from the Recoletos Formation Center, whose lively repertoire filled the venue with music for ballroom dancing and fellowship. Special performances from friars and seminarians also added warmth and joy to the celebration. The priest-formators likewise participated in the evening’s social dancing, creating an atmosphere of friendship and gratitude among guests and benefactors.
The words of thanks were delivered by Mr. Gilbert Llanto, member of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation. In his message, he reflected that supporting priestly formation is never a one-sided endeavor. While benefactors help form future priests through their generosity, they themselves are likewise formed in charity by responding to Christ’s call to give and serve.
The evening concluded with the Final Blessing imparted by Rev. Fr. Ian Anthony Espartero, OAR.
Apart from the Benefactors’ Night, the Foundation has also initiated various fundraising and outreach activities such as the recently held Easter Food Bazaar and Easter Egg Hunting. Continuing its commitment to ecological stewardship, the Foundation is also set to hold a Tree Planting Program on May 30, 2026, another flagship initiative promoting care for creation through donations and seedling pledges.
The STO. TOMAS DE VILLANUEVA FOUNDATION, INC.
The Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Foundation, Inc. is duly registered with the appropriate government agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and local government offices.
Those who wish to support the mission of the Foundation may do so through the following channels:
BPI Account Name: STO. TOMAS DE VILLANUEVA FOUNDATION INC.
Account Number: 9610-0070-47
For inquiries and updates, visit the Foundation’s Facebook page or contact:
📧 rst.stvfoun
dation@gmail.com
📱 +63 917 328 2156
Through the continued generosity of benefactors and friends, the Foundation hopes to sustain its mission of forming future servants of the Church while promoting faith, charity, and care for creation.
