Boroko (Port Moresby), PNG, 1 July 2023 -- 26 participants consisting of Salesians (21), Salesian sisters (4) and a sister from the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MHMSC) attended the Spiritual retreat at Emmaus Conference Centre, Boroko from the 25th to the 30th June 2023. The Retreat was preached by Bp Patrick Buzon SDB, Bishop of Bacolod, Philippines.
The much-appreciated talks of Bishop Patrick were filled with sharing from his personal experience, scripture texts and the documents of the church. Consecrated Life, Communion, Prayer, Servants of the Young, Evangelical Counsels, Spirituality of Stewardship were some of the topics taken. ‘The Miracle of Love’ – God's love for us and our love for each other was the underlying theme for the Retreat. It gave every participant the time needed to rest, relax, and pray.
Expressing their gratitude in song and speech, the retreatants thanked Bp Patrick for sharing his precious time with them. Thanks to Fr Clifford Morris for coordinating the different activities as Rector of the Retreat.
Here are some reflections from the participants:
A religious is to be one with Christ. This union with Him happens through prayer which keeps the vocation alive. When I experience his love, I am empowered to bring Him to others, especially the young. I thus, renew my commitment to be faithful to my personal, community prayer and the Eucharistic celebration – Sr Mina Pajarillo FMA.
As religious we are builders and architects of communion – a concrete expression of love. A joyful communion lived in our community attracts vocations. A vibrant congregation, a fruitful mission and a witnessing community will depend on the genuineness of our communion. – Fr Edwin Genovia SDB.
The retreat was from the heart of a Shepherd with a lot of paternal reflections. It touched on the many realities of religious life. It has been a time for renewal and personal enrichment and vacation with the Lord. – Fr Robinson Parappilly SDB.
The challenge to live fully the prophetic dimension of my vocation as counterculture to the world, by illuminating God in all spheres of my life. The need to strengthen and practice Salesian Assistance in order that I may help the young feel God’s love for them. That I must die more and more to my false self and allow my true self to emerge – noverim me, noverim te. – Sr Alice Fulgencio FMA.
The stories of vulnerability and hope have moved me to be more compassionate of myself and of others. Challenging quotations and reminders from the Church and Salesian documents, eminent writers and saints have sated my spiritual appetite to greater solidarity with the poor and radical commitment in my religious and priestly vocation – Fr Ariel Macatangay SDB.
The words of Pope Francis, “I am a sinner’ have struck me as it comes from one in authority. We desire healing as we are weak, frail, and fragile. It reminds me that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is always there for my healing – Dn Bernard Kaiau SDB.
We are blessed to have an ambience to reflect on the year past. Thanks to Bp Patrick for helping us reconnect with God and recharge our spiritual energies. – Fr Joseph Thanh SDB.
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