The arrival of a new batch marked the beginning of a six-month journey of formation, discovery, and community life at Mariapolis Peace in Tagaytay. On September 2, 2026, the School of Formation warmly welcomed the young people of Batch 2026–2027, opening a new chapter filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and meaningful encounters.
The School of Formation welcomes young people from different countries, bringing together diverse cultures, stories, and life experiences. It serves as a place where everyone can learn from one another, share their traditions, and build lasting friendships. Through these encounters, participants discover the beauty of diversity by embracing their differences, understanding one another more deeply, and learning to live in unity as one family. Together, they grow toward the realization of universal brotherhood.
Throughout the six-month journey, participants will engage in spiritual, theological, and social formation through various studies, work experiences, and community activities. Beyond classroom lessons and meaningful discussions, the School of Formation offers something much deeper: an opportunity to experience the beauty of living together. It becomes a journey of self-discovery, where participants explore their identities and vocations, build meaningful relationships, strengthen their sense of belonging, and learn the art of dialogue.
These words continue to inspire the mission of the School of Formation today. It is not simply a journey of personal growth but also a preparation to bring the values of unity and solidarity and to love back to one's own communities.
This year, 7 Gen boys, 10 seminarians, and 5 Gen girls from different regions and countries come together for a new journey of learning, sharing, and growing together. With excitement and curiosity, each one brings their own story and hopes for this experience.
A1: Good, Good. So far, I enjoy staying with all the Gen, focolarini, and focolarine, and having new friends like John, Victorino, Cedrick, Ronald, Popo, Kuya Euno, and Kuya Rommel. They help me improve and teach me Bisaya, like "Kaon na Bay" (let's eat), and teach me Filipino songs because I am very welcome. - Regess
A2: When I studied philosophy in the seminary, our 'Contemporary Spirituality' course introduced us to various Catholic movements. During a class presentation, members of the Taiwan Focolare Movement shared their 'Spirituality of Unity,' based on Jesus' prayer, 'May they all be one' (John 17:21). Deeply moved by their vision of breaking barriers and building mutual love—recalling Indonesia's motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika ('Unity in Diversity')—I prayed to experience this movement firsthand. In September, my diocesan bishop assigned me to a one-year exposure program with the Focolare Movement in the Philippines. I am honored to participate in the movement and attend the School of Formation to practice this unity in my life. - Augustine
A3: My expectation of attending the School of Formation is that it will be transformative for me. That I will learn how to live unity—the ideal of the Focolare—in a concrete way, not only learning in class but also in my daily life with other people with different views in life. I also expect to not only attend classes but also to do work or a job that will also help me to open up to the realities of working. I hope to learn to manage my time, improve my communication and social skills, and also reflect on myself as I journey my life in the formation. And I hope that it will be a meaningful and fruitful six months for me so that when I go home, I will bring to my community all the things that I learned in the formation and what it is to be a champion of unity. - Nicole
A4: Actually, I am trying to practice unity in my daily life. It is true that living unity is not easy because we have to encourage many differences and challenges. Therefore, I would like to apply the lessons that I have a chance to learn into my life so as to become a holy one like Jesus, decrease the distance between individuals, and become the best version of myself. - Lao
The Batch 2026–2027 begins their exciting chapter. Each participant carries a story, culture, and a shared dream: to grow together, build unity, and bring the spirit of fraternity wherever life leads them.