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A retreat appropriation allows you to look back on & relish the fruits of your prayer experiences.  It invites you to be grateful for all the graces received. 

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1. I do understand the challenges within myself regarding my priorities in life. As it will help navigate where I want to be in my life.
2. That patience is the ability to keep calm even there is a strong storm coming my way

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My communication withGod for me is good i always pray and reach help and forgiveness always with God he give me strength everyday to live and fight every problem that i am facing.
Praying for me is essential you need to talk to God always in order to release all the problems you are facing and make you happy and feel more relieved so i suggest praying always will make you more open and stress free
I will improve my praying habits by getting closer to God by reading the words of God and always trust him and open hum all my problems and success in life

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Forgiving someone is difficult, but as I reflect on this, I am reminded that despite all of our wrongdoings and shortcomings, God chose to forgive us and welcome us with open arms, just like what the father did with his prodigal son. However, there are lot of times I wish I could turn back time and correct some of the things I have done to others and even to myself. But life goes on and hopefully, I'll find the forgiveness for myself as well in my own heart.

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1. There's nothing in specific actually, but sometimes I have this self-doubt, that maybe I don't deserve His mercy because there were lots of happenings that made me detached from everything and even from everyone. This has, somehow, made me less of my faith.

2. Yes.

3. Yes, of course.

4. I definitely need to forgive myself at this point. But I really don't have any idea how, where, and when to start. Hopefully soon, I'd be able to. :)

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Present to God whatever is keeping you from going back to Him and Beg for his healing mercy and forgiveness.

- God, I believe you love me. Please forgive me for my sins. Help me to be a better person.

Do you need to forgive anyone at this point your life? Prayerfully remember those who hurt you.

- In order to receive forgiveness for our sins, we need to forgive others. forgiving others allow us to overcome feelings of anger, bitterness and etc... Forgiveness can heal spiritual wounds and bring the peace and love that only God can give.

Do you need to receive forgiveness from anyone at this point in your life?

- Forgiveness bring a kind of peace that helps you go with life.

Do you need to forgive your own self?

- Yes because being able to forgive yourself requires empathy, compassion, and etc... it also requires you to accept that forgiveness is a choice.

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Keep your nose out the sky, keep your Heart to God and keep your face to the raising sun.

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Forgiving someone who hurt you is not an easy thing to do. But we have to remember that even us who have hurt God many times was not hesitant to forgive us repeatedly because of His love for us.

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1. To be honest there is nothing that keeps me from going back to Him. My family has been connected to Him. We've been always attending the mass.

2. Yes.

3. Yes.

4. Yes. I've been pressuring myself.

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Take this moment to reflect upon the loving mercy of God. Be open to the invitation to forgive. Amen. 

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1. I would like to ask God for forgiveness because I have not done my part as His follower to pray and talk to Him. I was not able to talk to him in a daily basis because I sometimes feel like I do not need it, but I know that I truly need need. Sometimes I am just lazy and does not feel like doing it. I would like to bring myself back to God as I know He will accept me for whatever mistake I have done and I hope that He will continue to guide me to my desired and deserved future.

2. At this point in my life, I would like to forgive those people who have wronged me. I believe that you made a mistake and I know that because I make mistakes too.

3. I want to also ask for forgiveness to the people I have wronged. I promise to do better and be a better service for you.

4. Lastly, I wanna forgive myself. For not using my full potential to succeed in life and use it to be of service to others.

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Life is full of exploration. 23 years in my life, I have been surrounded with various people, environments, and cultures. These elements have important impact on my personalities, physical health, career choices, and many personal aspects. Sometimes I look back with nostalgia, but I gain new understandings of myself after the nostalgia. Just like T.S. Eliot describes life in his poem, “We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time”

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Most times, prayers have been my biggest weapon. The battles I won and lose are entwined with every prayer I made. There might be uncertainty in my heart at times, but upon the path He gave me, I learned that believing is just a step on praying but opening my heart is a much bolder way to pray. I may talk and ask way too much in my prayers but I know listening is as important. There is a higher comfort in knowing that I am not alone in the battles that I have been through, and for that, I am always grateful. Other than praying to be essential, it is a passion that enriches my personality and spiritual comfort. To strengthen the relationship we build in our prayers, I strongly believe that being consistent in praying is the key to improving our spiritual well-being. There are times we might forget to pray, but I am trying and will always do my best to not forget praying in the most difficult, in the happiest moments of my life, and in between.

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1. How is my communication line with God going?

-My communication line with God is good because I believe that He is always there for me to guide me through a right path. I feel the presence of God through my heart. I feel loved and enlightened by Him through these moments of life.

2. Is praying essential? What benefits do I get in praying?
-Praying is very important to us because it is our way that we communicate with God. Through our prayer, we develop our relationship with Him and we ask for forgiveness in those moments of life. As a children of God, it brings us closer to Him by showing love and having a strong Faith in Him.

3. How can I improve my praying habits?

- I think I can improve my praying habits by getting closer to God especially when attending the mass daily.

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1. Actually, there is no such thing that keeps me from going back to him. I do really love to go back and fee the prescence of God. Ever since, that I started working I have no time in church. Which is why I think one of the reasons why I suddenly felt sad and confused on what should I do with my life right now. I believe that God will heal me and forgive me. I can now go back to service.

2. Yes, I have.

3. Yes.

4. Yes, I do need to forgive myself for being so hard on myself.

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Share with us your beautiful insights and meaningful reflections. Thank you.

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My communication with God is not as consistent as I did before, maybe it was because of the fact that I feel like I am transitioning to a new season in my life. I also believe that praying is essential in our daily lives, thus the reason why it should become praying should become a habit. I have also realized that in order for me to improve my praying habits, I should develop the mindset that my prayer and quiet time with the Lord must be a non-negotiable for me, as spending time with Him will guide me throughout the day.

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1. I am probably the one who has a lot on my mind.

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1. I am probably the one who has a lot on my mind.

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2. I felt God in a positive way in which he guided me throughout my educational journey from start to finish. I felt it in a negative way in which there are challenges along the way.

3. The time that I felt God's presence that I was relieved was everytime I overcome the challenges he bring.

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How is my communication line with God going?
If I will be honest, I haven't been talking to Him as much lately. I always go about my day or even the week without talking to Him. But even without talking to Him, I always feel His presence and His guidance. I always feel that as though He's always there to guide me in all the paths that I'm taking. Without even asking Him, he always provides me with all the answers and all the things that I need.

This retreat reminded me how important and comforting it is to talk to Him and to turn to Him. From now on, I will make sure that I have the strongest communication line with God.

Is praying essential? What benefits do I get in praying?
Yes, praying is indeed very essential. It's our way to communicate not just with God but also with ourselves. It can help us reflect, heal and be at peace.

How can I improve my praying habits?
I think I can improve my praying habits by working on myself first. Finding ways on what praying habits works best for me. Finding ways on how I can make a stable communication line with God through my praying habits. And always seek guidance from the God above.

"The greatest and best talent that God gives to any man or woman in the world is the talent of prayer" - Alexander White

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1. So far, my communication with God has not been going well. It has not been going well because I am not praying to Him or even attending mass every Sunday. I always say that I will go to mass every Sunday but end up not being able to go. I even planned on praying every time before going to bed, but still I am not able to stick with it. I feel bad about not being able to communicate with Him and I know what I need to do and I just hope that I would have the commitment and courage to do what needs to be done.

2. Praying is essential not only for me but for everyone who wants. It is the time wherein we get to talk with everything without any judgement and feel that we are being heard and cherished.

3. I can improve my praying habits by simply doing what needs to be done. I need to start talking to Him again through my prayers and attend masses regularly. I know its hard because sometimes I am too sleepy or too lazy to pray, but I will try my best and give my best effort to give my time and prayers to God.

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1.  I talked and prayed  to God most of the week especially when when things do not goes well. I can deeply share my thoughts and concerns that I cannot share with others.

2. Yes, praying is very essential. One of the benefits I have get in praying is that I felt really relieved after and I can feel "na hindi ako nag-iisa".

3. Honestly, this is one of my biggest challenge right now. I observe that there instances that I only pray because I am sad which I think is not quite good. I'll try best to get back to him and spare some time with him everyday.

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1. How is my communication line with God going?
-. I can say that my communication line with Him is not that strong now, because I might have distanced myself when it comes to my Sunday masses, as I was not able to regularly attend it. Although I do say my prayers every so often whenever I can and whenever I have problems or thoughts that bother me, I go to Him.

2. Is praying essential? What do I get in praying?
- Yes, praying is essential, especially to everyone who has strong faith in Him. I get the sense of comfort, of not being judged for the things I have done. I can be who I really am whenever I talk to Him in silence and in prayer. As praying is one of our personal ways of communicating to Him, and being with Him.

3. How can I improve my praying habits?
- I think I can improve my praying habits by starting to go back to Him, especially when it comes to attending masses so I can receive Him as well. Also, I will always pray before I go to bed and after I wake up in the morning. As well as when receiving gifts or food in the table.

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1. My communication with God is somewhat okay. I usually don't pray alot. I don't know why and its sad. But I know God, he is always there guiding my journey.

2. Yes, indeed. Praying makes my heart feel rest like you'll actually feel that its okay to cry and let it out for God is there  for you. That he is bigger than your problems, he won't let you harm.

3. Right now, I don't know the answer on how can I improve my praying habits. It is hard.

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Take this chance of silence to reflect on the message of God for you through this retreat. You may use this guide for contemplation. 

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1. I am most likely the girl sitting on the floor, i am the type of person who loves my self time and probably would just lay down in bed all day if i get the time to do it, for me it's my own way of reflecting and finding some answers to my problems because i do believe that if i create the ripple, then i know where it started.

2. so for positive, my best experience of course is the blessings that my family received in our business, its my best experience because it is also the best experience for our family. i do believe that a family must share the accomplishments of each member.

for negative, i dont see no experience of negativity because we do not allow it to prosper inside our household. but i felt god's love everytime i am zoning out and feeling the sense of being anxious arousing and that's the time i pray the hardest.

3. I felt the presence of God during this pandemic, i believe he used me and my family to help our community. i believe that he made his way of help through the use of us giving back to our community by providing food and supplies to all families in our community specially in this trying times such as the pandemic.

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1. Who are you in the pool image?
- I am probably the one who's doing a lot of things in mind.

2. One of my best experience when I felt God's love is when I pray to God. God is always there to guide us and love us through hard times.

3. I felt rested and relieved in God's presence when I am with my family. My family always support me when I was feeling down.

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(1) In the given Image, I consider myself the one who has his feet up above the water.
I've always believed that I am the "life of the party" because I am not shy to talk to new people.
I also like cracking jokes that lighten up the room.

(2) One of the moments when I felt God's love in both negative and positive ways is during my darkest times.
I questioned God's existence, and I felt that being that way would make me a "cooler" person, but when
God gave me a challenge that I could not handle. I have lost my way. And with the help of my family, friends, and
my church community, I could find my way back to the lord.

(3) I felt the most rest and contentment when I was with my nephew; we prayed so hard for my sister's son
because the doctors said it was tough for her to be pregnant. When I first saw my nephew, I felt
the ultimate blessing was at my hand. I thank God every day for giving us a gift that definitely wipes our sadness away

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1. In the pool image, similarly I am like the drowning man. I feel helpless always drowning in thoughts. I wanted to ask for help but cannot do so. I can't stay in deeper water though I still choose to swim, that's why I drown. I have a desire to swim that can risk my life but I still do it because I desire to do it.
2. Best experience with God is when I pray. Every time I overthink or feel anxious, God seem to provide ways for me to get out of my mind.
3. I felt rested and relieved whenever I am with my family. I know they make sure to show me their love and know how to handle my moments. I feel it when I eat and find happiness. I feel it also because God's blessing is felt even more.

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Looking at the pool image, I realized that I am closely similar to the one who's trying to dip his foot on the water. For me, it seems like he is afraid to fully immerse himself in being in the presence of still waters or simply to take time to rest.

While I feel like I am similar to that person in the pool image, generally, my best experience wherein I experienced God's love is when everything around me reminds me to be still and listen to him.

And it was during one of my lowest points in my life, wherein I felt everything was in chaos and so out of my control where I felt rested and relieved in God's presence, because it was at that moment I have read in my devotion the beauty of staying still and trusting in His plans.

At this very moment, I feel anxious on what the future may bring but I am slowly learning to stay still and be unafraid to dip my feet in still waters, fully immersing myself in God's loving presence.

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In life, we should always be patient. like they always say, great things come to those who patiently wait. I felt God presence during those tough times that I feel like theres no other way and theres no hope. Whenever there are moments like this, God alwasy find a way to give solution and give hope.

We just need Patience and trust in Him and just let yourself do your thing, God will provide

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1. Who are you in the pool image?
- I can say that I am the girl wearing blue who is already in the pool. If the pool is the love of God, I can say that I already experienced His love, but at some point, I myself might have sometimes been out of His love. To the point where I might have distanced myself from Him. But I know in myself that I am already doing things to go back to Him and embrace Him once more.

2. When was your best experience when you felt God's love? In BOTH positive & negative moments.
- The positive or best experience I had with HIs love is whenever I serve in our church, I have that feeling of genuine happiness as I serve Him. It was in those moments that I feel like everything will be alright. Also whenever I have my time with my family, I feel that I am able to be with them and with God Himself. The negative experience might be the time that I was not able to serve Him, due to my schedule in school because I am from a province, so I was not able to go home every week. And when I have problems, I might have doubted Him, but I was always reminded to go back to Him.

3. Cite significant moments when you felt so rested and relieved in God's presence.
- I always feel rested and relieved whenever I can go back to our church and be able to serve Him once more. Because I can't really explain the exact feeling, but I know I am happy and safe whenever I do so. And also, whenever I am able to attend mass and be able to receive Him. One more thing is when during times when me and my family, as well as our relative got sick, the times when we felt better, that is some time that I always had faith in Him.

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I'm probably the one who is still testing the waters. Scared to take a whole dip, the one that lacks courage to know how deep the pool is because of all the uncertainties.

One of the best moments that I felt God's love was my whole journey in college, He never failed to show me that I'm worthy, that He created a woman that would know her strength and weaknesses. God made me meet a lot of people that will show bring out the best in me.

I always feel God's presence at night because those moments are the crucial ones for me.

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I am the one one trying to dip my toe on the water. Like what I always do is I make an assessment to whatever things before I submerge myself.

I always felt God's love every time I struggle as I see it that obstacles are the ways he makes me more stronger
At the same time I feel rested whenever I overcome those struggles as I learned a new lesson

“Life can only be understood by looking backward; but it must be lived looking forward” — Soren Kierkegaard

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1. I think in the picture I am the person who would like to observe the things going around. And learn how to find way to figured out things with guidance of God

2. One of my best experiences when I felt God's Love was when I was able to finish my first year college. I study here in Letran and I'm away from my parents as they lived in the province. My first year was very challenging as everything was new to me, but with God's Grace and love, he guide through out the way and now here I am a graduating student.

3. I really felt rested and relieved in God's presence whenever I visit the chapel in the colegio every morning before entering our classroom. Its a different kind of feeling that I was able to share silently with him my thoughts and problems.

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When I started doing the things that I love I sometimes lose a lot and that's when I know God is with me. I always have this relationship with GOD that is so strong that I am confident that He will be there for me especially if that path that I took is the right one. A lot of challenges may rise but that's the exciting part. GOD is with us and he will remain.

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1. I am the one distracted with other things. As I often easily overwhelmed with feeling anxious especially with what’s currently happening in the world. I often forget that God is with me and to trust him.

2. During the first year of pandemic, my father was laid off for a year thus we are extremely struggling, but the positive during that moment was that we are able to find other way to earn an extra income, although we are still financially constraint, I feel that God was guiding my family.

3. I felt relived and rested when my father was able to safely arrive here in the Philippines last Feb since that was the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine

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Often times, we think that we already figured out everything. We assume that life is as easy as it can be. However, we also forgot that thoughts are not something that only come from ourselves. To live means to listen to others, to their sentiments and experiences, and not only to hear their journey. At this way, we learn that we can be of help, that we can also sacrifice not only for ourself but also for the welfare of those that surround us.

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For a while, I felt that I am where I needed to be. I heard myself after a long time even though the place was so silent. I loved the sceneries, the people, the moments, the peaceful sleeps for two nights, and the food we ate everyday. Everything was so simple and plain, yet I appreciated all of it. There were no enough words to describe my experiences. I am just simply thankful for Letran for bringing us in that place. For being with God even for a while. Feeling his love and care. For not letting me feel any negative energy and vibes.

To my fellow Letranites, I hope you felt the same way I feel during our stay in Caleruega. Congratulations in advance for our graduation and may you achieve all the things and dreams you wanted soon.

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Be grateful in every point of your life.
Blessings came when you least expect them.
Blessings cams unannounced, but the experiences with it was truly worthwhile and satisfying.
I may not be aware of every blessings that was given to me,
I sometimes might forget them, sometimes might question them, and even sometimes might not notice them at all.
I am grateful for every chances given to me, showing up even if I am a bit of clumsy on taking hints with it.
Not giving an attitude, getting what you not have prayed for; getting what you think you not need, getting less on what you have wanted.
Every grace do have reason and that is our duty to search for that, contemplates on the consequences and realizes that it was a gratifying feeling in the end.

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This Retreat gave me hope, peace of mind and make my connection and relationship with God, stronger! To be in this beautiful and peaceful place is really a proof of God’s beautiful creation and How Great He is. I will continue to Serve Him, Praise Him, and Worship Him and be Still and know that He is my God. I would also like to share my Favorite Don Moen song – “No Greater Love”. Every time I’m listening and singing this song, I'm getting emotional because I can really feel all His presence and His love to me and I know that he is there for me always.

You chose me,
When I was so unworthy
You cleansed me
With Your own blood;
You clothed me
With righteousness and mercy,
And You crowned me
With Your steadfast love.

There's no greater love than this,
There's no greater love than this,
That a man would give his life for a friend;
There's no higher sacrifice
Than a man would give his life,
You have paid a precious price for me.

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We are too focused on building ourselves that we forgot to build our relationships with the Lord. We are afraid to run out of time the best we can do is center on the teachings of Christ and the Church.

We are scared of the things that we haven’t tried yet and then regret them for the rest of our lives. With that, the chances of living another life scare us because our present is being declined by our fear. We must constantly remember that fear is temporary but regret is permanent that will stay with us forever.

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You are all God's gift to us. The world is made bright by your lovely presences.

Love & prayers,

Fr. La Ja, Ms. Z, & Kuys Ted

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Being thankful to God, despite the hardships, shortcomings, and disappointments in life

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Being thankful to God, despite the hardships, shortcomings, and disappointments in life

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This is my best takeaway of my retreat experience in Letran, because for me, it is really difficult to be grateful if we experienced hardships, shortcomings, and failures. I want also to be honest in this post, because I have this feeling that boggles my mind during my 3-day stay in Caleruega. I am always thinking of my Market Research subject, and I am in the verge of not to be included in the graduation list, because my groupmates and I are not done yet with the revisions of our paper. During my free time, I am instructing my groupmates to revise the paper and show it to the panelists for the signature of the approval sheet to pass the subject, but unfortunately they are not following my instructions, and they have no sense of urgency as they not revising the paper as soon as possible. I am irritated, but instead of getting mad at them, I just put my this on my prayer to God in my prayer time, especially when I talked to Him in my prayer and sleeping time. I am hoping that if He answered my prayer by letting me pass and graduate, I will be thankful to Him, but if He says "No", this will be difficult because I don't really know what I will say to my parents, but I will still be grateful to the Lord, for not answering my prayer, because He thinks that this will be good for me, and my group. Arriba!! Amen.

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This beautiful sanctuary of God is indeed a wonderful place for someone who loves to reflect and contemplate. As for my experience, my heart is full and overwhelmed with love and gratitude because of this retreat. Most importantly, I was able to have a stronger connection and relationship with our loving Father. Thanks to all beautiful people behind this successful gathering with the Lord. 😇💗

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Challenges are inevitable. It is essential in surviving. It teaches us different perspective in life. People tend to get anxious with decision making because it will give a huge impact in your life. This retreat has made me realize how important the importance of praying as it serves as our communication to God. It reminds us that God will never forsake us nor give us unuseful learnings in life. We just have to acquire strength to God and always trust in His plans.

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Choose to love anyway. Let us be channels of God's love to others.