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Path of Life Retreat Held in Baguio City, Philippines
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On January 31, 2010, we, the members of Cabrini Companions (16 single ladies and a gentleman) gave a resounding “YES, LORD!” to this much more extraordinarily different call -- The Path of Life retreat held at the ICM Formation House. It was a day of prayer and listening to God, communing with nature, discussion and sharing. And, in a figurative sense, we had time for “picture taking” of the various roads and crossroads in life which have led us to become what we are today. Our facilitators – Mrs. Cynthia Reoma, Miss Rebecca Costales, and Sister Bernadette Anello, MSC, shared some guiding words and messages about discernment of vocation with us. With their help, we were able to look into the different paths that lead to a lifelong commitment – single blessedness, married life, and religious life. Once again, we came to encounter those big questions that have affected us over the years: WHO AM I? WHERE AM I? DO I KNOW WHERE I’M GOING? WHAT’S NEXT? For sure, everyone went home with an answer, perhaps a glimpse of that spark of the truth within each of us. Confronted with the mystery of life itself, we need to embrace it as we enjoy every step of our journey. We came to understand that in life, there is always an interplay of realities such as: God’s will, God’s design, God’s purposes, our own choices, our heart’s desires, our goals, present situations inside us and outside us, and our personal relationship with God. In this regard, we have learned that knowing God’s will is a process. God is dealing with us in a very personal way, and in the process, we really need to interact with Him intimately and wholeheartedly. All these we gained from the retreat and truly, we went home with smiles and gratitude for this spiritual food which shall sustain us and enable us to make courageous choices towards a new stage of growth. Whichever path we follow, our direction has to be love… a commitment to love. For our destination is no less than God Who is Love. ~ submitted by: Maria Florencia C. Broñola A Personal Reflection by a Path of Life Retreatant From the Heart By: Deborah R. Muena “What desires and values show in the kinds of roads I have taken?” This question is most striking to me among all the other questions given to us for our reflection in our Path of Life Retreat on January 31, 2010. In my own crossroad, I was faced with the pressure of getting married because of the conservative view that a woman should be married before the age of 30. Likewise by then, she should have a successful career. Now, I am in my 30th year here on earth. As I look around me, most friends and acquaintances are already married and have children. Lucky for them, for they now have a family of their own, and their good careers. I compared what I have with what they have, and I pitied myself for not having what they have now. Yes, this vicious cycle of depression overwhelms me time and again. So, as I reflect on my journey, I told myself, “Stop there and listen, Debbs. God has been patient and understanding. Along your way, He always magnificently shows the path, and you know it.” Then I realized the choices and sacrifices I have made for my family and the values that spring from my experiences made me who I AM NOW. Going back to the road I have traversed, and the twists and turns of my life, I regained a grace of gratitude… that truly, God had guided me all throughout, and I believe He is continuously supporting me to go on with my heart’s desires. |
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