DEC 2004

JVP-CDO Undergoes Advent Retreat

“Every sunset holds a promise of a new tomorrow…like the promise that Christ will come again in Glory for mankind.”

The JVP-CDO set out for the beautiful, secluded and mesmerizing beach of Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental, for their Advent Retreat. We arrived at the venue around 5 o’clock in the afternoon of November 27, 2004, in time to witness the magnificence of the setting sun. Its warm glow disposed us to what we came for – a retreat into our deepest selves in preparation for the coming of Christ.

In the evening, after we had prepared and eaten our dinner, we settled down, and got ready for our evening activity. Ingrid, our Retreat Master, opened the session for us, inviting us to still ourselves and leave our hectic schedules behind for the two days that we would be together. It was a short session for us because most of us articulated our need to rest and relax.

We were able to have our fellowship afterwards – the usual TSP (talking, sharing and praying). The moon was full. Its splendor reflected itself on the sea, sprinkling diamond glitters on its placid surface, enhancing the mood for communion with God. We shared our lives with each other, the JVP way, and after a few hours, we retired happy and content in a tent we pitched at the seaside.

When morning came, we did our routines and convened for the first prayer session. We reflected upon the Trinity looking down at the world, their gazes fixed upon a woman in Nazareth. Ingrid then asked us to reflect upon the life of this woman when the angel appeared to her and announced to her that she would be the mother of God. What preparations did she make after she said, “Be it done to me according to your will”? We went our separate ways to our chosen spots to continue to be still and listen to our own individual movements and the movement of the spirit within us. We convened again, and spent time to share what transpired during our prayer periods. After the sharing, the second prayer matter was given, then we took our lunch and siesta. Some of us took the opportunity to swim in the calm sea. In the afternoon, we had a ritual of crib-making. We were directed to ask: “As a JVP Community, how are you preparing yourselves for the coming of the savior?” “What is your mission after your JVP year?” “How will we bring back to our respective worlds the crib that we prepared?” We combed the beach and gathered palm leaves, coconut shells, some twigs and sticks, and some more leaves. In silence, we created the crib that symbolized our preparation for his coming. We worked in quiet harmony until the crib was done. We shared our prayers. Ingrid synthesized the entire retreat and closed it with the beautiful song “Emmanuel”.

The retreat was very energizing and reassuring. God continues to manifest himself to the community in millions of mysterious ways. In the middle of nature, God has revealed himself once more to JVP-CDO, telling us that He continues to embrace us and envelop us in his eternal love. The greatest grace we received in this retreat was the affirmation that despite our little-ness, despite our pitfalls, He loves us. He continues to strengthen our community and so that we will constantly move towards the fulfillment of His will for us. We went back to Cagayan de Oro on November 28, 2004 with this assurance in our hearts. We are likewise assuring you, that God continues to hold JVP lovingly in His hands.

Acknowledgements: Thanks to Peter Unabia (Batch 4) for the use of his place.

Photos