Our two-part Advent Recollection, organized by the Teresian Association Family Ministry – Manila, composed of members of the Association, held at the Teresian House in Kalantas, Brgy. Quisao, Pililla, Rizal, gathered almost 50 participants from the Day Care parents and some parents from the neighborhood of Kalantas. The recollection guided participants through a meaningful journey of prayer, reflection, and sharing in preparation for Christmas.
Part 1: Opening our hearts to Christ
Part 1, held on November 29 was facilitated by Mrs. Ana Lisa Pagaragan and myself, focused on opening our hearts to Christ as our hope amid the wounds of the world, drawing inspiration from the Holy Family and St. Pedro Poveda. Participants were divided into four small groups, where they shared personal, family, and social struggles and reflected on how Christ heals and restores.
Part 2: Faith journey with parents
Part 2, held on December 13 was facilitated by Ms. Joyce Laraquel continued the session which became a meaningful space where parents came together to reflect, connect, and strengthen their faith journey. Their profound faith was deeply evident—reminding everyone that when we root our lives in Christ, we are transformed into His vessels of hope. They were encouraged to carry this light not only in their own lives, but also to bring healing and restoration to a broken and wounded world, beginning within their families and communities.
Together, the two recollection sessions affirmed that God is our hope in our daily lives, even in this hurting world. That Advent is not only a time of waiting, but a call to trust in Him and become instruments of hope in our families, communities, and the wider world.
Advent recollection for Kids
In a separate but equally joyful gathering, an Advent Recollection for Kids was facilitated by Mrs. Ana Lisa Pagaragan and attended by 70 children aged 5 to 13 years old. Through simple and engaging storytelling about the Nativity, the children were introduced to the loving and humble birth of Jesus in a way that touched their young hearts. They were then divided into four groups and invited to sing the first part of “Gumising,” (to wake up) with each group creating their own actions and movements. Their presentations were filled with enthusiasm, imagination, and joy—truly reflecting the children’s creativity and showing that even at a young age, they can already become bearers of hope this Advent season.
Jerome Peralta Pagaragan, Philippines
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