In the service for continuous improvement and operational excellence, the Board of Trustees of the Domus Pastorum Foundation Incorporated recently conducted a benchmarking last July 19. Led by Archbishop Florentino Lavarias and key members of the foundation, including Vicar General Fr. Francis Dizon and Domus’ Director Fr. Marvin Sinlao, and joined by the Secretary to the Archbishop Fr. Cenon Tulio, the group visited two notable institutions: the Divine Mercy Spiritual Center in the Diocese of Kalookan and the Saint Joseph Seniorate in the Archdiocese of Lipa.
The The Divine Mercy Spiritual Renewal Center in the Diocese of Kalookan serves as a retreat and formation center for schools and mission stations, offering a space for silent retreats, recollections, and spiritual exercises. It also serves as a respite for the diocese’s retired priests, providing them with the best possible care and support.
The Divine Mercy Spiritual Center has a remarkable infrastructure, including 22 well-appointed beds, two of which are hospital-equipped. This ensures that the retired priests receive the appropriate medical attention, establishing a healing and well-being environment.
The Saint Joseph Seniorate, located within the St. Francis de Sales Theological Seminary campus in Lipa, Batangas, was the second institution visited during the benchmarking project. This seniorate cares for the Archdiocese of Lipa’s aged and sick priests.
The group was warmly welcomed by His Eminence Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales, D.D., who himself resides at the seniorate, and Rev. Fr. Miguel Samaniego, the Archdiocesan Oeconome. Fr. Samaniego introduced the benchmarking group to the comprehensive policies implemented by the Archdiocese to provide support and care for sick and aging priests.
The benchmarking initiative was a significant step forward towards its vision of being a leading institution in priests’ welfare. By learning from these institutions, the foundation aims to adopt best practices in operations and foster a nurturing environment for the priests under its care.
For the past 28 years, the Domus Pastorum Foundation Incorporated has served the Archdiocese of San Fernando as a residence for priests, particularly those who are sick or retired. With a renewed commitment to expand its mission and cater to all priests in the coming years, the foundation continuously seeks to enhance its operational efficiency and service delivery.
