Salesians in Contemplation: Annual Retreat 2022
June 11, 2022, Don Bosco Retreat House – 42 Salesians participated in the first batch of annual spiritual retreat here in the retreat house in Lawaan. The retreat focused on the person and spirituality of St. Francis of Sales whose 400th death anniversary will be celebrated coming December 28 this year. Fr. Adrian Mendoza, SDB, a Salesianity expert, gave the conferences.
Each year, the Salesians would hold their spiritual exercises for a week to replenish their zeal for the ministry and revisit their relationship with the Lord.
The retreat focused on St. Francis de Sales to strengthen the knowledge and devotion to this Doctor of Divine Love as the titular patron of the Congregation. St. John Bosco chose the former as his paradigm of approaching youth ministry as the former is known for his gentleness and loving kindness.
Fr. Adrian deepened the understanding of St. Francis’ life, spiritual life, and thoughts. He unpacked the intricacies of the spiritual crisis of the saint and how it led to his thought and teaching on the love of God.
Aside from the conferences, the retreat gives time for personal meditation, Lectio Divina, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and group sharing among Salesians. Members of the Provincial Council took daily turns in facilitating the Lectio Divina.
At the end of the retreat, the Salesians renewed their Salesian consecration during the Mass presided over by the Provincial, Fr. Fidel Ma. Orendain, SDB.
