DBFC Lawaan, Talisay City, Philippines. It has been a tradition in any house of Don Bosco that all its members are provided a time for respite from all the hustle and bustle of daily life and work. These special occasions are always marked with moments with oneself and the Lord.
The Lay Mission Partners of Don Bosco Formation Center-Lawaan, teaching and non-teaching staff, had their annual retreat and fellowship last June 24-26 at the Don Bosco House of Peace in Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu. Fr. Marco Bollozos, SDB, accompanied the LMPs in their retreat with the theme: “In Crisis, Christ Is! In crisis with crosses and at the crossroads, maximizing the gift of the Salesian Spirit along life’s transitions.”
With morning and afternoon sessions, lectio divina, Holy Mass and Rosary, it was an opportune time for the LMPs to recall the times when life was harsh and God was gracious. The recollection of past milestones brought about some tears both of sadness and joy. The revelation of oneself and the vulnerability of each exposed the true gift found within each one of them.
The retreat in Mantalongon will not be complete without the compulsory hiking to Osmeña Peak, Cebu’s highest mountain. For some of the LMPs, it was their first time to conquer the heights where so many Bosconians before them have traversed. It was indeed a moment of personal triumph and victory.
Their last day was spent in Sumilon Island where they had their fellowship and comradery.
The 3 days away from the routine brought about a new perspective in life for the LMPs. It gave them an access to recharge their souls and replenish their hearts. To some of them, it provided a new lease on hope. To others, it offered a sense of peace and serenity in light of their current life situations. To all of them, the retreat left a feeling of thanksgiving for all that has been.
