From June 24-26, the second group of the Categorized Retreat, consisting of teachers and staff in their 2nd to 4th year of service, attended their character and Christian formation retreat at the Manresa Retreat House in Banawe, Quezon City. The retreat was facilitated by Sr. Felisa Molina, F.I., and supported by Sr. Jeck Silorio, F.I., and Sr. Cecil Sequio, F.I. The retreat focused on the spiritual aspects of life, the inner child of the participants, and a session on synodality.

The retreat began with a very simple yet reflective question, “kamusta ka” describing the current situation of the retreatants’ lives through the four seasons of the year namely; summer, fall, winter, and spring. Teachers and staff who have chosen the similar season were put together for a group sharing. The sharing had been fruitful and insightful. It was then followed by a scrumptious lunch prepared by the kitchen angels of the retreat house.

The three-day retreat has become a sacred space for teachers and staff to pause for a moment and look back to the events in the past year in preparation for the new academic school year. It was also a moment to reminisce about the good and the bad things that happened in their inner child. Reflecting on their inner child brought awareness on how their experiences influenced their current selves. This reflection is a process that requires patience.  In the midst of the overwhelming busy days, it was an opportunity for everyone to have a personal conversation with God through journaling and prayers.

The batch also had an opportunity to ask questions about their beliefs and faith after watching the movie titled “The Shack.” Sr. Felisa Molina F.I  and Sr. Jeck Silorio F.I enthusiastically and patiently tried to provide answers as much as they could. The presence of the Lord through the Holy Spirit was then felt during the conversation.

The retreat ended with a session about synodality, especially about how the Catholic Church calls for  a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation & Mission. To encapsulate the insights of the teachers and staff, they were given the opportunity to share it creatively. Some have sung, danced, told stories, and more. Finally, to give thanks to the Lord for the blessings and graces received during the retreat, the group 1 and 2 retreatants, celebrated the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Arden Dacuma, OP. 

Some photos:

Here are some reflections after the retreat:
“After the retreat, I realized that it is very important for teachers to take time and delve into our own personal and spiritual growth in order to have the capacity to guide the students. The retreat reminded me that I am someone aside from being a teacher, a person; and that it is okay to not be okay for as long as I work on the things that I can, and entrust everything else to God. I treasure every sharing, and activities that we did, and I hope to experience more retreats in the future.” - Ms. Nicole Ann V. Matin-ao

“Last July 24, 2024 we had our annual retreat in Manresa Retreat House. It was a quick escape from the outside world and this was a good time for us to reflect and to be close with God after the vacation. The retreat helped us to be closer to God and to process what we have done. With this retreat, I can say that this has been a wonderful experience with God almighty.” - Ms. Michaela Dela Cruz