ENCOUNTERING CHRIST IN PRAYER, REFLECTION AND OTHERS: AA Philippines Annual Retreat

Ethiel Roxas, AA, Adveniat, Manila, Philippines

As the overall situation in the country is slowly returning to normal, still many challenges are making the people clamor for change and hope. The recent pandemic, the result of presidential elections, and the uncontrollable soaring of prices of fuels and basic food and commodities continuously batting the Filipinos at this time. Our Assumptionist communities here in the Philippines are becoming avenues of prayer and welcoming people who need solace and renewal through our community prayer activities and other ministries.

And yet in the midst of the busy schedules of ministries and activities of the brothers in the territory, the need to pray and recollect must be given priority so strengthen our bodies and spirit. This year, a different Retreat was done in the beautiful city of Digos, where our new parish- the Divine Mercy was located. The recollection started last June 1 until 7, 2022, at the Retreat House of the Benedictine Monastery in Cogon, Digos City. Fr. Jay Hector, Lituañas, AA, our Territory Superior served as our Retreat facilitator. Each day was filled with discovery on the Letter number 11 of the Superior General on the Kingdom of God, Rule of Life, and the Gospel. The Holy Eucharist capped each day with sharing from the brothers how they experience and encounter Jesus in their lives as religions. Another special activity in this retreat is our participation in the activities and Masses of the chapels of the parish called GKKs. Encounters with the people in the parish added meaning to our reflections, prayers, and resolve for a life of service. The Bishop of Digos, Msgr. Guillermo Afable, DD, also graced our retreat last June 6, 2022, by sharing in the simple dinner and sharing of reflection about the light and challenges of the diocese, and hope that more Assumptionists will minister in this hallowed City. The motto of the Diocese is also like ours, “Thy Kingdom Come!”, that is why Bishop Jimmy (as he is fondly called) became inspired in discovering more about our charism and our way of encounter.