Around 30 Divine Word Missionaries (SVD) from Metro Manila and nearby provinces, collectively known as the SVD Manila District, gathered at the Sacred Heart Parish-Shrine for their annual pre-Advent recollection and pre-Christmas fellowship.
The event began with a Holy Hour, which included the praying of the Divine Office and the sacrament of reconciliation. The spiritual highlight of the day was a reflection delivered by Fr. Raymun Festin, SVD, a philosopher, former Provincial Superior of the Philippine Central Province, and a former General Councilor of the SVD congregation.
Fr. Festin’s talk centered on the theme of alterity (otherness) and its relevance in faith and mission. He reflected on Mark 9:19, where Jesus’ struggle with misunderstanding highlights the challenges of difference. He explained that the Incarnation embodies the synthesis of sameness and difference, bridging humanity and divinity. Fr. Festin encouraged participants to:
Embrace reality as it unfolds.
Freely express their uniqueness while accepting the otherness of others.
Recognize that diversity enriches life and relationships.
Celebrate difference as a vital aspect of human existence.
The recollection concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Vhen Yator, SVD, with Fr. Randy Flores, SVD, the District Superior, as the preacher. Both priests marked a significant milestone during the celebration, commemorating their 30th anniversary of priestly ministry as members of the Society of the Divine Word.
After lunch, the group exchanged gifts in a lively activity where each member described the qualities of their monito before presenting their gift. The joyful exchange fostered camaraderie and deepened the bonds of fraternity among the missionaries.
The day’s activities offered a meaningful spiritual preparation for the Advent season while strengthening the sense of mission and fellowship within the SVD Manila District.
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